Central High School 9450 Ray White Rd. Keller, TX 76244
November 19, 2010
Centraljournalism.com
Volume 8 Issue 3
Central is not immune to the wrath of discrimination Students share their stories and opinions on heartbreaking topics that destroy some, break others and dishearten all page 6
Central High School Zone Newspaper
News
Homeless for a night Ashtyn Gillie Managing Editor
Every night in the U.S, around 3.5 million people have no bed of their own to sleep in. More than 300,000 of them are children. But on November 12, Keller ISD high schools did their part to give back to these unfortunate individuals by raising money, blankets, and awareness by spending a night in the homeless’ shoes as a part of Homeless Awareness Night. On Homeless Awareness Night, students from each of the four high schools come together to spend a night outside at the Keller ISD Stadium in order to experience what those who are without a place to go experience every night. “It shows you how it feels to sleep outside with no home,” said Anna Parsons, senior. This event is designed to give you a small taste of the struggles these people face on a nightly basis. Students are allowed one box and some blankets to protect them against the
frigid temperatures. “It was pretty cold, and it’s sad to think this is what homeless people actually experience,” said Shannon Lee, senior. Students were required to bring four blankets, two sleeping bags, or $30 to donate to Phillip’s Wish, a charity started by a Keller ISD student and his mother to help combat homeless and substance abuse by passing out blankets and setting up events such as Homeless Awareness Night. At the event, students listened to guest speakers who spoke out against substance abuse, as well as a woman who was homeless for more than two years. The rest of the time was left for the students, who played games while enjoying soup and unlimited hot chocolate. At 6, everyone helped clean up, enjoyed some donuts, and left with a broader perspective than they had come with. “This made me more thankful for what I have,” said Tracie Lee, sophomore.
Christ’s Haven for Children Ashley Walker Staff Writer
“Christ’s Haven for Children provides a warm, loving, christian environment in which children in need of basic care can grow physically, emotionally and spiritually to become productive citizens in society,” according to the Christ Haven Website. Christ’s Haven started in 1954 when founder Homer and Lillian Steadman bought a house in Fort Worth to provide a home for disavantaged children. They soon bought more land, along with other interested families, in Keller. Christ’s Haven has helped over 5,000 childeren. Today, they have seven cottages, a Community Enrichment Center, a transistion house, a gymnasium, chapel and a ranch program. Through Christ’s Haven, children receive medical and dental care, counseling and tutoring. They care for forty children on the campus and also put
Volume 8 Issue 1 Page 2
kids in foster homes in the metroplex. Christ’s Haven has 6 major events every year: Open House, Home for the Holidays, Spring Work Day, Spring Golf Tournament and Saturday Spectacular. Christ’s Haven also has The Life Path Program. The Life Path Program provides a platform that ensures a successful life launch of young adults. Through this program kids learn eleven life skills: Health, General Safety and Fire Safety, Money Mangagement, Transportation, Community Access, Basic Life Mangagement Skills, Employment, Spirituality, Emothional Well-Being, Dreams and Destiny and College/Vocational Training. The program is broken into two phases. High School, where you are taught the life skills. Phase two is when the students move to the Life Path Transition Duplex for up to 5 years, while they practice the life skills they have learned.
Students enjoy themselves while learning the importance of homeless education.
New honor club forms Sam Meadows Staff Writer
Starting junior year we begin to hear about National Honor Society. The elite and prestigious club that only certain students are able to qualify for, even less who are able to pass the process to get in. A new honor society with less rigorous requirements, Beta Club, is now available. “Beta Club is a prestigious honors club that is not as exclusive as National Honor Society,” said Ashleigh Roberts. Ashleigh Roberts transferred to Central in her junior year and she instantly began looking for someone to sponsor Beta Club. After a two year long search Mrs. Beverly Figueroa volunteered to become the long searched for sponsor. “We are going slow to go fast. We are getting organized first,” said Figueroa. The requirements for Beta Club are a minimum of an 85 GPA with no Discipline Referrals and very few absences or tardies. Make no mistake and in thinking that Beta Club does not compare to NHS in any way. The two clubs are very similar but with some slight differences. “You have to qualify for both Beta Club and NHS, but the qualifications for Beta Club are not as
high. Another difference is that the criteria for NHS is determined on a National level while we decide the criteria for Beta Club here at Central,” said Figueroa. Like NHS, Beta Club has an induction ceremony for new members. But contrasting from NHS, Beta Club only kicks its members out after you get suspended for having too low of a GPA. Right now Ms. Figueroa and Ashleigh Roberts are working together to organize all of the members for Beta Club. “Currently we are not taking freshman even though Beta Club is open to any 9th through 12th grader who meets the requirements for entry,” said Roberts. Since Beta Club is a new organization to Central many students have not heard a lot about the club. When told about the club and asked if she would consider joining, Danielle Walker said, “I would consider Beta Club. I do not qualify for NHS and Beta Club would look good on my college admissions.” Beta Club is not a club that should be cast aside. If you do not qualify for National Honor Society, then you should definitely consider joining Beta Club.
Central High School Zone Newspaper
News
Volume 8 Issue 1 Page 3
New robotics club Animal rescue club forms Shelby Yancey Staff Writer
A Robotics club has recently started up at Central High School. “Basically we build robots however you choose, and then we use computers to program them,” said club member Forest Toche, freshman. The first competition according to club sponsor Tonya Hutchins is December 4. Furthermore, there are two different types of competitions, an invention and arena challenge. The inventions challenge gives the team six minutes to present a robot perform, while the arena is like an obstacle course for the robots. “I joined because I have always had a fascination with robots and the mechanics of
them. They are just so interesting and building them is just as fascinating,” said Connor McClain, member. According to McClain, the requirements for robot building are, “an interest in math and physics, patience, a kit, and common sense.” After building the base of the robot, “We have to plan the exterior which includes the weapons, some sort of defense barrier that can take a blow, but won’t slow it down, and maybe even polish it up so it looks nice,” said McClain. “I kind of like inventing, and I’m looking into engineering,” said Toche, on his reason for joining the club.
Esteban Reyes Staff Writer
If you haven't already heard of Animal Rescue club - the volunteer group at Central High School - then you must be sleeping for most of your school day, because this new club is making some pretty big waves! Founded by president Peyton Frank, the club was created during the summer of 2010 via Facebook group. After a massive response, the club had its first meeting in September. They meet bi-monthly, with meetings on every other Tuesday. The Animal Rescue Club has piqued the interest of many students at Central, but there are a few misconceptions about what exactly this group does. First of all, Animal Rescue Club does not rescue animals. A.R.C
members volunteer with local rescue groups, such as Classy Cats and Little Orphan Angels, and help care for the rescued animals. Every day, members tend to the cats up for adoption at the PetSmart in the Alliance Town Center. Adoption days are on weekends, and members volunteer to go and care for the animals. As well as caring for these orphaned animals, A.R.C is constantly fundraising. For example, they are currently holding a pet food/supplies drive during the month of November. As well as accepting donations in the library, members are also carrying around donation containers throughout the school day, as well as lunch, and accepting any monetary donations that students are willing to give. "I've always had an affinity for animals," said founder/president Peyton Frank, senior. "It started with going
to petting zoos and hanging out around pet adoptions to 'ooo' and 'awe' at all of the adorable animals. But pretty soon I realized that these animals were often kept in awful conditions: cramped cages, no food, unsanitary spaces. I started volunteering at adoption days and such, and I really enjoyed making a difference in those animals lives." Frank decided to start the club over summer, and created a Facebook group as a preliminary measure to see who would want to join such a group. Within one week, the group had over 70 members. The club has had a very prosperous year so far, and has many big plans for the future. "We're gonna have multiple events in the next coming months, and we're planning something huge for later on in the year,” said Frank.
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Central High School Zone Newspaper
Opinion
Harsh realities of senior year Elba Orellana Staff Writer
Whoever said senior year was easy, could never have been more wrong. I jumped into this year thinking that it would be a piece of cake, thinking that I could just sit back, relax and let it fly by. Since it began, I have been overwhelmed with the pressure to apply for college, keep my grades up at an all time high and get an above average grade on my ACT. It has only been 4 or so months into senior year and I already feel like I’m about to fall apart. I know it can only go up from here, although at
the current moment, I feel like I am at my breaking point, and sometimes I would like the thoughts of an easy senior year to become reality. I know that this difficult year will actually help me in the long run. My friends and I all agree with the current thoughts of this crucial year, and we all seem to help each other out. That is very uplifting and helpful, and I am super grateful I at least have them, along with my family to give me the will power to keep going and triumph through this year. I think everything just falls back to applying for college, and the comments your
parents have pounded in your head since pretty much the day you were born. You need to keep your grades up, to get into college. You need to get a good grade on the ACT/SAT, to get into college. You need to apply for scholarships fast, to get money for a good college. Which all make sense. College is the outlet to being successful, but man, has it ruined my senior year. Since high school began, I never thought I would still be stressing over everything I was stressing over three years ago, and plus some. But this is life, and I along with many other seniors are beginning to realize what life is really about.
This year just has it’s highs and it’s lows, and you don’t really understand it all until you are actually in this position. I have already experienced my last and final high school football season and my last first day of school, but on the contrary I can still look forward to my senior prom, and graduation. This year is just a combination of everything and anything, bittersweet you could say. I wanted this year to be fun, laid back, and full of adventure. Although my year has started off that way, I am already prepared to have to include stress, and hardships, and late nights studying, to all of this adventure.
Don’t tell me there’s no Santa Claus Aliza Etkind Editor-in-Chief
I was sitting in the car, my head hanging out the window, trying to catch the first glimpse of the wonder store that I had heard so much about. I remember being young and full excitement. For the past month or so I had heard nothing but raves about the super accessory soon to open in the Alliance Town Center. On the radio, on TV, on the lips of my mom and sister, Sam Moon was there, shouting its exploits and making it clear that this was the best store in the world. Needless to say, I was extremely excited. From my house to the new Sam Moon, it was a five minute drive, but it felt like forever. After all, I was
about to enter a store only rivaled by heaven. Finally, we reached the parking lot, screeched to a halt in the first space we came across and ran towards the entrance. My heart was pumping fast as I approached the door. What kinds of things would I find inside? Did I bring nearly enough money to make all the purchases I would want to make? As I walked over the threshold, one word answered all my questions: disappointment. It was just a store. Yes, there was some cute stuff there, but nothing I couldn’t find somewhere else. Yes, the jewelry was really shiny, but nothing I would wear. The purses were too big for my taste and I didn’t need a new set of luggage. Sam Moon just couldn’t
live up to all the hype. For the next half an hour, I stood passively beside my mom and sister as they checked out all the store had to offer. Eventually, we left, but the store left a bad after taste in my mouth. For a while, the disappointment remained with me, but I couldn’t figure out exactly why. Then, it dawned on me. Like the Sam Moon store, many things in life are over romanticized. Extra terrestrials, volcano eruptions, even some things like swine flu are blown out of proportion and exploited into an action packed movie complete with a sound track and an academy award. I guess what I’m trying to say is that anything in life can seem really awesome
and really cool, but really isn’t. As scientists unlock some of the mysteries of life, the romanticized stories are lost. We know there aren’t really Martians, the moon isn’t made of cheese and we can’t dig a hole from the US to China. My point is that in some instances, I would rather not know. Right now, I would rather think that the eighth wonder of the world lived a few miles down the road from my house than a tacky accessory store. If I had never entered the store, then that’s what I would be thinking right now. So scientists, I challenge you, find out that aliens don’t exist. Tell me that the stars are only bits of burning hydrogen. I won’t care. I’m not listening.
Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 4
Show some respect for teachers Shelby Yancy Staff Writer
As the students to the left ignore a lecture and the students to the right make less than witty, yet inappropriate comments to the teacher, a single word pops into the brain: disrespect. Teachers are subjected to it every day, with little power to change it. One would assume that by the time students reach the high school level they understand to respect authority, however this is often not the case. One teacher Mr. Hayward used a metaphor comparing students to athletes; that no athlete competes without practice. If athletes must practice their sport day after day to properly compete, then likewise students must practice respect in high school to teachers if they plan to do so in college or employers in the work place. The question arises whether or not students know when they are disrespecting a teacher. Just as a reminder, the following are considered to be disrespectful. 1) Talking when a teacher is speaking, especially when teaching. Honestly, it’s just plain rude. Naturally if there is something important to say regarding the lesson, raising a hand is not difficult. 2) Sleeping in class. You may be tired, and possibly bored, but doing so is still incredibly rude. Imagine falling asleep during a conversation, the other person would be offended. 3) Ignoring a lecture is like writing a strongly worded letter saying their job is not worth anyone else’s time. 4) Using a cell phone or mp3 during class sends the message that the student has no interest whatsoever. This list could continue for pages, in fact there could be an encyclopedia on ways students have found to disrespect their teachers. While the act is not only unethical, disrespecting a teacher is a sign of serious immaturity. The one member of society considered an authority that can show no act of discipline for disrespect is a teacher. Consider the following; disrespecting a boss would likely terminate your position as their employee. However, a disrespected teacher cannot remove a student from their learning environment, despite the fact that these student may be disrupting peers as well. Although there are not always reinforcements discouraging students from disrespecting teachers, that doesn’t make it acceptable. For instance, chances are no one will punish an older student for taking candy from a younger student, (like taking candy from a baby). Does that make it cool? Just because teachers cannot retaliate on the same level of disrespect doesn’t mean that it is right.
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Opinion
Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 5
Failure always an option; life still goes on Aliza Etkind Editor-in-chief
I stood in the kitchen, proudly beaming over a try of unbaked cookies. As soon as the oven gave that tell tale beep that meant it was preheated, I’d slide the metal cookie tray in and watch as the little lumps of dough transformed into a delectable dessert. I had just spent a good hour sifting flour, measuring sugar, producing tiny tablespoons of vanilla, mixing dough until my arm felt sore and stiff. And now, somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes, middle rack, 350 degrees, my hard work would pay off. I heard that long, monotone syllable, and my heart gave a little jolt of excitement. I opened the oven, welcoming that warm burst of air as I slid in the tray. After setting the egg timer, I turned the oven light on, grabbed a stool
and settled myself in front of the oven, excited to see the metamorphoses happen right before my eyes. For the first few minutes, nothing happened, save for a dull sheen on the lumpy dough’s surface. Then, with baited breath, I watched as the cookies began to expand. Now they were starting to actually look like cookies. I checked my timer; only five more minutes left to go. Now they were getting even bigger! But, hey, something was sort of... well, off. Even though they continued to grow, they weren’t getting any taller, fluffier; they lacked volume. Before I could rescue them from their heated chamber, the cookies had melted together, becoming, thin, flat, slightly burnt ghosts of what they could have been. Well, maybe they still tasted all right?
I took my spatula and began to ease the giant cookie off, but it wouldn’t budge. I put a little more pressure on, only to witness my cookie crumble into tiny, minuscule pieces, perhaps suited for a mouse rather than a human. What remained on the tray was a giant, baked on mess. My kitchen sink would have a feast and all I had was... a mixing bowl that needed cleaning, a floor filled with stray bits of flour, gritty sugar mixed with raw eggs on counter. With a heavy sigh, I got to work. NASA, they have it all wrong. Failure is an option. Whether it is baking cookies or taking a math test, sending a satellite into orbit or driving a NASCAR, failure is an avenue you can always find yourself on. Sometimes, it’s not anything you can help. You can measure all the variables, anticipate the
Personal images affected by media Author reveals body image concerns Cecilia Reyes Photographer
“I wish I looked like Miley Cyrus!” My nine-going-on-fifteen year old cousin exclaimed as she stared devastatingly into the deceiving mirror. With a tear about to fall from her innocent face, my heart shattered like fragile glass in the hands of a beast. She is just your average nine year old girl who still plays with Barbies, and it hurt to realize how impacted she was by how thin Hannah Montana is. Skylar’s attitude made me so upset, I had to explain to her what real women look like. She should be proud of who she is, regardless of how skinny she is. Because Hannah Montana may be skinny, but she is not realistic. The media is like the oxygen we breathe nowadays, it is constantly around us and always influencing our society as a whole. The media’s definition of beauty provokes self-esteem issues in
many men and women at younger ages all around the universe. When do you ever see real women on TV or in advertisements? By real women, I mean women who like to eat, women who don’t fit in double-zero sized jeans, or women with bodacious curves that they‘re not afraid to hide. It’s not uncommon to see a half naked women with an “ideal” body on television anymore and it desensitizes our generation by making us believe that what we see on television is true beauty. It’s rare to see an average sized woman in a music video or in a Victoria’s secret catalog because they’re deemed less desirable by the media’s definition of beauty. The average American woman is five feet and four inches and weighs about one hundred and forty pounds, whereas the average American model is five feet and eleven inches and weighs about one hundred and seventeen pounds.
The accuracy of the advertisements deceive our society and take a overwhelming role in selfesteem issues and eating disorders. I have witnessed a plethora of dietary cases gone completely haywire because of one’s own self esteem issues due to the fact that they are not as tall as Heidi Klum, or as skinny as Jennifer Aniston, but what they do not realize is that maybe a tenth of our society looks like those women! So what is real beauty? Real beauty is confidence, real beauty comes from within one’s heart and soul, through their actions and good will towards the less fortunate. Real beauty is loving oneself for exactly what she is and what she will hopefully become. We should influence our future generations to become respectable young men and women, to love themselves and to walk hold their selves with an unmistakable confidence and ambition to better the world rather than worry
about what the next fad MTV will put out. Maybe then, instead of crying over middle school relationships, girls and boys can learn how to be more influential in society. We can change the next generation by simply being better to ourselves. If we show kids how to be beautiful without being ultra slim but still being healthy, we can easily foster a better society. To be unhappy with oneself, is one of the greatest downfalls of a person’s existence. To be unsatisfied with one’s physical appearance according to the media is truly a negative affect on our society. However, We do have our own free will to think as we please, and women should take pride in their curves, not hide them! Confidence in your own skin is a key to happiness, and the best way to earn that confidence is having inner beauty, not only outer beauty.
outcomes and still have something go drastically wrong. An unexpected spring shower can ruin a picnic while forgetting a simple ingredient in a recipe (like, baking soda, for example) can have devastating consequences on your final product. Sometimes, we can help it while other times, we can’t. So what do we do? Just give up? Throw in the towel? Wave that white flag of surrender? No. We continue on. We realize that bad things can happen. We’re cautious, but we still charge into new experiences with a light heart and a love for life and learning. Failure isn’t an option? Ha, that’s a joke!
Central Zone 9450 Ray White Rd. Keller, Texas 76244 Phone: 817-744-2100
The student newspaper of Central High School is published by the students in the Newspaper class of the Journalism department. The ideas expressed in this publication and on its opinion pages are soley those of the individuals providing them, and do not reflect the opinion of the advisor, faculty, administration, or the KISD board. Letters to the editor are welcome. Students recieve one copy free. The Zone is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Corps (ILPC) and ASNE/KRT Campus Newspaper Service.
Advisor
Editor-in-Cheif
Managing Editor
News/Opinion Editor
Natalie Brown
Ale Valeriano Aliza Etkind
Ashtyn Gillie
Hayley Bupp
Sports Editor
Graphic Designer
Jackson Wallace
Brandon Nowell
Online Director Creative Director Christine Mounce
Cecillia Reyes
Photographers Staff Writers Cecillia Reyes Esteban Reyes
Feature/ Entertainment Editor Elba Orellana
Katie Homans Amara Thomas Alex McCauley Ashley Walker Kelli Cook Sam Meadows Katrina Rodriguez Shelby Yancey
Feature
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Tough times for LGBT students Students share personal stories Hayley Bupp News/opinion editor
One eventful evening eleven months ago, Austin Davis sits on his couch next to his father. His hands quakes with nervousness. His mind whirls for two straight hours with ways to bring up the conversation. Fear of a destruction of a relationship, fear of condemnation, fear of everything changing; this is what Davis experienced. "I was the most nervous I have ever been," Davis said. "Ever." Austin Davis, senior, was sitting on the precipice of a difficult journey, a journey that could possibly quake the very core of the relationship with everyone he knew. This is the journey of coming out. Standing in the crowded hall, with people swarming by left and right, a myriad of students are seen. Calling it "cliques," "style," or your own "originality," does not matter. And what matters is what is immediately apparent; that not a single one of us is the same. Individuality is specific to every person, and sometimes a person's individuality involves homosexuality. A huge obstacle faced with the decision to come out, and to tell peers and family members, is the prosecution and prejudice that may be forced to face. "I told [my closest friend] first," Davis said. "It was more to see the reaction." Having a relatively "nice" reaction from his friend, Davis went on to tell his family, starting with his dad, and then with mom and brother. Davis was "lucky," as his family, for the most part, took the news well. Davis' father told his son, "I love you all the same," which was a very "nice" relief for the scared young man. However, a family's reaction is not always positive. With an unplanned confrontation, Eric Hugo, junior, came out to his mother. This was "a way different story" from the "trusting" response from friends. Hugo's parents, still six months later, "haven't accepted" Hugo's sexual preference. Still a problem, Hugo even recently had an "argument about it" with his parents. "My dad, he doesn't believe that I'm gay," Hugo said. "And he says that I'm too young to know that I'm gay." Coming out to his parents, Hugo said, "has been difficult. It has made things kind of awkward." The journey of coming out, "it's just another trial, really," Hugo said.
This trial extends past friends and family to the whole of peers at school. "There [are] sill a lot of people who are radically anti-gay," Hugo said. Unfortunately, Hugo isn't the only one who has felt the wrath from those who believe being gay is wrong or morally incorrect. "There were two people specifically, that didn't take [my coming out] too well," Davis said. "They are really strong Christians and they believe that it [is wrong to be gay.]" These are people that were Davis' friends and now they are not understanding. Austin said that "[these two people] still don't accept [him]." The negative attitude some people hold over LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) community is extended past just basic discrimination from peers, and reaches into all of society. Although, this prejudice may not be immediately apparent, it often lies in the shadows. This bullying, or taunting, is not said face to face in the case of Eric Hugo. The things people say can be heard through friends, Hugo said. "I think there is a lot more hidden prejudice that we don't see," said counselor, Mike Belew. "People making fun of other people, that type of thing. [Bullies] may not come out and say it in large groups and with their friends. "It's very underlying," Belew said. The problem in our school of bullying against the LGBT community is not "a major problem," said Mr. Belew. "However, we don't want to take away from the one person who has been made fun of and fears [exclusion]." But just because this is not a major issue in our own hallways, it is still a problem everywhere. "I think [prejudice] is a big problem in the whole of our society." Eric Hugo agrees. "[The students at Central] are a more tolerant generation," Hugo said. This could possible be why the students are more accepting than society as a whole. "I think [fixing the discrimination problem] starts with gay-straight Alliances." Hugo said. And this theory can be brought into our own campus. "As a school we have to keep teaching [students] about other groups, we have to teach them the effects of bullying," Mr. Belew said. Also, "this has to be taught and reinforced at home."
Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 6
Cliques: a high school reality Ashtyn Gille & Amara Thomas Managing Editor and Staff Writer
Cliques, according to dictionary.com, is “a small, exclusive group of people.” People, but especially teens, often sort people into different molds based on superficial criteria, and Central High School is not immune to this practice. “How you dress and what type of music you listen to all factor into what clique you are accepted into,” said Jayd Mendoza, sophmore. Ask anyone you know, and they will most likely be able to rattle off a long list of narrow, sometimes offensive, groups that they believe exist here. “There are many cliques at Central,” said Anthony Reynolds, junior. “You have the outcasts, volleyball players, nerds, and ROTC kids. They are everywhere.” “You also have your jocks, stoners, gangsters, geeks, gays, and your Asians,” said Kat Reynolds, junior. Even though cliques at Central seemed to be separated by common interests, such as sports and other activities, many cliques have seem to have formed around race. “They feel comfortable with a certain group of people [of that race]. They feel like they can act and relate better,” said Emily Hoke, sophomore. Just like the cliques who share a similar interest, those of the same race share a common culture. While some people try to step pass the racial boundaries, other stay isolated together, and see nothing wrong with it. “Yeah, we’re the Asians. There is about eighteen of us, all together,”
said Jermey Casey, sophomore. Although cliques can give someone a feeling of belonging, cliques also exclude students, especially ones new to our school. “ People who have lived in Texas all their lives don’t really understand what it is like to be a new student and know no one at a school this big,” said Beth Duncan, teacher. “Students should be more welcoming to new students.” Cliques often come with stereotypes, or assigning characteristics and a label to a person. But why do people feel the need to stereotype? “It’s maybe a little instinctual,” said Madeleine Atwood, senior. “And I think it makes people feel more comfortable. If you can stereotype a person as ‘popular,’ then you feel like you know everything about them.” Freshman Daniel Guadelupe thinks it’s more an issue of not wanting to put in the effort. “People usually want to know you in a minute, they don’t really want to get to know you,” said Guadelupe. “They want to classify you to understand you without asking any questions.” But people often end up identifying themselves with one clique or another. Judging others seems to be a habit tough to break, although people try to fight it. “If [someone is] cool, I might classify them as that,” said Josh DeLeon, freshman. “But I don’t really know until I meet somebody.” “I’m sure I have [judged people], but I try my best not to. I don’t do it often,” said Hayden Alderink, freshman. “But people judge people all the time.”
Feature
It’s all about the food Aliza Etkind Editor-in-chief
We're about to embark on a one week break from school, a reprieve from the mundane, a breath of fresh air in the midst of homework and exams, projects and essays. There'll be food to eat, of course, as well as plenty of family and friends to bring cheer to the dreary November weather. Isn't there a holiday sometime next week? What's it called... Turkey Day? No, that can't be right. Ah, right! Thanksgiving, that wonderful little holiday that gives us a major break from school, that turns what could be one of the worst months of the year into a festive prelude to Christmas. This description of Thanksgiving, an all-American holiday that falls into the realm of baseball and fourth of July, is pretty apt. Thanksgiving revolves around food, fun, football and some halfway forgotten story about pilgrims and Native Americans. Thanksgiving has all but lost its organic meaning throughout the years. It has remained important enough to receive a whole week off from school. But what is Thanksgiving really about? It's about pie. Yes, you heard. Who cares about pilgrims and Native Americans and celebrating the bond between two cultures? The settlers ended up giving the indigenous people small pox anyway. It seems kind of pretentious to celebrate an event that ended in such disaster. Every year, nonetheless, we put on nice clothes and sit around a table filled with symbolic food. And, of course, you're father makes a speech about all the wonderful things in his life and all he has to be thankful for. You know you should feel some sort of pride when he claps you on the shoulder and says his little sport is the sunshine of his life. But you don't feel anything but that clawing hunger in your belly. The turkey is just about begging you to eat him. And the sweet potatoes with those marshmallows baked on the top-- just completely irresistible. Oh, yeah... you can't forget about that pie. No, Thanksgiving isn't a holiday to remember and harp on our lives. It has absolutely nothing to do with giving thanks. It's all about the food. And the pie.
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 7
Immigrants share the importance of Thanksgiving, new traditions Aliza Etkind Editor-in-chief
Hundreds of years ago, explorers, pilgrims, fur trappers and other various peoples came into this country from their homelands to seek new opportunities. We celebrate the beginnings of our country every year in November with Thanksgiving. For some Central students, though, this holiday has a deeper meaning. Immigrants, or people who come from other countries, can empathize with the pilgrims. "I'm from Brazil, Rio De Janeiro," said Rafael Lima, senior. His family came into the United States with Lima was about four years old in 1997. "My dad had come over the year before and then he brought over us all over," said Lima. "It was my dad's job, mostly, and we just wanted to try something new." After being here most of his life, Lima and his family are considered permanent residents and are currently in the process of becoming citizens. Although Manal Abdulhadi, senior, was born in the United Sates, her parents are from Qatar, a country in the Persian Gulf. "Daddy was a pilot," said Abdulhadi. "And after the Gulf War, it just wasn't safe for [my parents] to continue to live in Qatar, so my parents [came] here. He's not a pilot anymore, but he came here for a better life. He wanted an education for his children." Senior Shaddy Zayour's parent's can be considered modern day pilgrims. "My dad is from Lebanon and my mom is from Loas," said Zayour. "My mom was about 17
when she came [to the United States]. My dad was about the same age, 17, was well." Zayour's mother immigrated to the United States after communists began to take over Loas. She found the safety and freedom she needed in her new home country. Basia Karnkowska, senior, remembers very vividly what it felt like to live in another country. Born in Poland, she spent her first 10 years of life living in her native land before moving with her family to South Korea. "I lived in South Korea for three years before coming to the United States," said Karnkowska. "[I went to] an American school on an American base... That's where I learned English." Karnkowska started an English speaking school with very little knowledge of the language. She learned English quickly, though. "I would say, after three months, I could carry a conversation," said Karnkowska. "Of course [there were] grammatical errors." Her father's job and her brother's want to receive a degree from an American university brought the Karnkowska family to the United States. Her father has worked with Bell Helicopter throughout his career as an aerospace engineer while her brother is a graduate of University of Texas at Arlington. "Receiving a degree in the United States overall has some sort of merit verses receiving a degree in Poland," said Karnkowska. "You can actually utilize that degree everywhere in the world, but if you were to receive a Polish degree, it's a little bit questionable." Karnkowska considers her
dad "one of the lucky ones." Only after investing many years into his profession and becoming well known in the aerospace association did he have the opportunity to move his family to the United States. The Karnkowska family just recently celebrate their fifth year living in the United States, and, according to the youngest member, there aren't very many qualms about that fact. "Honestly, I would not change a single thing about what happened," said Karnkowska. "Because I was born in Poland, I had the opportunity to view the kind of culture and that kind of lifestyle." All of these young men and women have direct ties leading back to foreign countries, and as immigrants, holidays like Thanksgiving have special meaning to them. "We do the turkey and the casserole," said Abdulhadi. "We do everything all out on Thanksgiving. It's a celebration of everything. You get together with you're family, so we're celebrating that. And you do give thanks... Thanksgiving's not a holiday that's really about religion. It's about the story of how the [United States] came to be. "As immigrants, I think we have a right as anybody else to celebrate it." For Lima and his family, Thanksgiving isn't only about celebrating their new lives in the United States. "We like to assimilate as much as we can," said Lima. "We do Thanksgiving. We do the whole turkey thing and everything. We invite some family, some friends over. It feels pretty American to me." Among the American cui-
sine, the Lima family has also thrown in some Brazilian dishes. Although many have found a new life in the United States, many native born Americans can have unsettling thoughts about newcomers to the country. "[If immigrants are] not paying taxes... hogging social welfare and that kind of stuff, that can be a problem, " said Lima. "But immigration, I don't think it's bad. It's just the process of the country growing. "The [United States] is founded on immigrants." Zayour feels strongly about the importance of immigrants coming into the country. "[Immigrants] bring a lot of wealth into the country and we're bringing a lot of diversity," said Zayour. "They do call America the melting pot of the world. I think we prove that fact. We come in and we bring cultural diffusion and a lot of different customs. And that's basically what the country is. You have Chinese Buffet, you have Taco Bell." For Karnkowska, though, she feels as if everyone should defend immigration and what these foreigners bring into the country. "Not all [immigrants] are necessarily bad," said Karnkowska. "Most importantly, I would like everyone to remember that we're all immigrants in a way. Some came earlier. Some came later. In the end, we're all immigrants. "I guess the word immigrant has a negative connotation, but I suggest they should probably go back and readdress that."
Feature
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Ricks Picks Bothered Rick Astley Contributing writer
Film - “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps,” directed by Oliver Stone I’ve had a strange fear of Oliver Stone for as long as I can remember. The man was in Vietnam and he wrote “Scarface.” Basically, he’s a psychopath. So when I walked in to the theater to watch “Wall Street 2,” my expectations were set fairly high. Having said that, those expectations were met, and exceeded! I watched the first Wall Street film a few weeks beforehand and it was pretty good: Michael Douglas was conniving and intimidating, Martin Sheen was a sympathetic dad, and Charlie Sheen wasn’t a scumbag. But “Wall Street 2” was so much better than its predecessor. Shia Labouf was way more convincing as the protagonist than Charlie Sheen was, and he had a lot more emotion and gaul as well. Michael Douglas had just as much cunning as he did in the first film, but it was a lot more covert than in the second film, which is what I loved so much about this “Wall Street 2”: it tricked me. I honestly thought that Douglas’ character had turned a new leaf, but *SPOILER ALERT!* he didn’t. The film’s soundtrack was produced by David Byrne and Brian Eno, which gave the film a modern feel. And although the film was filled with economic jargon and wall street vernacular, I was able to hold my own and understand the crux of the economic crisis that was taking place. Stone did a magnificent job of updating his classic Wall Street story. Music - “This Is Happening” by LCD Soundsystem DJ James Murphy had no intention of ever releasing an album, which is surprising, because his latest release, “This Is Happening,” is nothing short of a phenomenal success. This album is so damn funky, it could make the Pope want to get up and dance. It is literally that good. It would be a challenge to keep from bobbing your head while listening to jams like “Drunk Girls,” a song about the debauchery of party-life, or “Home,” a surprisingly profound song about appreciating what one is given. Murphy says that after he’s done touring, he will mostly go back to DJing, which I really hope doesn’t happen, because I would just miss his music too much.
Volume 8 Issue 1 Page 8
Alejandra Valeriano & Ashtyn Gillie Editor-in-Chief & Managing Editor
Saturday Night Live bothers us. Um, excuse us, but we thought this show was supposed to be funny. Instead, we sit there for an hour and half listening to people being awkward. If we wanted to watch people be awkward, we’d go to a Star Wars convention. Also, the show’s IQ has drastically dropped. Dear SNL writers, your show is supposed to be for smart people. Write skits accordingly. BOTHERED. People who ask personal questions bother us. If you know nothing about my daily life then that means I’m not friends with you and probably have no intention on being so. Stop asking questions like “How are you and so and so” or “I heard this about you”. Guess what, if we personally didn’t come up and tell you that information before, it means you don’t need to know. Long story short, if you never talked to me before, why start now. BOTHERED. Zoos bother us. Yeah, it’s nice to wander around the zoo seeing animals that are not native to this area, but think about the horrible condition they’re in. They live in fairly small sized enclosures and act completely different than how they would in the wild. Plus, it’s like you’re walking around a big bathroom the entire day. BOTHERED. Senioritis bothers us. We have finally reached the point where we don’t care about anything at all. Our days consist of listening in class, finishing the little homework we have and watching the new episodes of whatever shows come on between seven and ten o’clock. In exactly six months and a few weeks we’ll be done with high school, forever. Yet, this whole blah stage we’re going through is really bringing down our mood. We feel so unproductive and lazy. BOTHERED. Black Ops bothers us. Is that the only thing on teenage boys’ mind? Every male conversation we enter always touches the topic of this video game. I mean, yeah who wouldn’t want to kill zombies while being President Kennedy or playing with your friends on online multiplayer, but is that the only pressing matter? We know, the answer is yes, but we’re still BOTHERED.
Fashion trends to fall for Kelli Cook & Amara Thomas
courtesy of www.copenhagenstreetstyle.com
Staff Writers There are many new fashion trends this fall. Seventeen Magazine had a full 10-page article on what is new this year. It included “Bright Prep, Sporty, Watercolor, Leather, Cadet, Navajo, Sweet Romance, Equestrian, Gold and Glam Grunge.” These pages included many items that are in style this fall. For the Bright Prep page there are many colorful items listed. Colorful watches are a big seller this year as well as big, colorful bags. Accessories are a big deal on this page. Something else if you are going to go with this style, is you need a lot of bright primary and secondary colors. Though to some people all the colors are a little over the top. “I really don’t like colored, skin tight skinny jeans,” says Jacey Sheets, sophomore. The Watercolor page is a lot more colorful than Bright Prep but just as cute. Basically everything in this section is very colorful. But a major accessory is big thick bracelet. This is just about the easiest look to put together because it is made of colorful practical types of clothes. One of the most common styles this fall is leather. Leather pants, leather jackets, leather Television - “Louie,” on FX, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. This fall, television has been littered with successful family- purses and shoes. Leather is just about everywhere right now. “Tall leather boots, those are my thing right now,” says Sheets. Celebrities are all sucked based programs like “Modern Family,” “Parenthood” and even the into this massive style that is sweeping the closets of girls all over America. However some slightly-dumb-but-still-charming “No Ordinary Family.” But none people feel differently about leather pants. of them really exemplify the truth about parenting - that it’s kind of “The most outrageous trends this year have got to be leather pants and slippers, because depressing at times - more than FX’s “Louie,” a show that follows the people pare them with clothes that definitely do not go together,” says Marissa Bratun, sopholife of comedian Louie C.K, and all of the challenges he’s presented as a parent. Being that it’s Louie C.K behind the project, the show is hilari- more. Sweet Romance is another style in this article. This is all just really light colors with a vinous, with a somewhat Seinfeld format, in which Louie opens up the tage style to it. “My favorite style this year is kind of like the classic vintage stuff,” says Sheets. show telling a few jokes pertaining to the episode that’s about to ensue. Stuff to wear for this style would be skirts, sweaters, big necklaces, flats, and big earrings and Louie C.K is such an overweight and depressing mess that he makes it rings. incredibly funny. Even when the show hits its really sad lows, like the “My favorite style article this year are sweaters, because I can wear them with anything,” episode where Louie is forced to say goodbye to his daughters while says Bratun. they stay with their mother for a week (Louie is a divorced parent) The last style mentioned in this article is Glam Grunge. This style basically includes dark and Louie decides to make a change in his life while his daughters are colors and many layers. Accessories for this style are easy to find because all you really need is a dark purse or thick dark jewelry. A absent. “I’m not gonna be a piece of s**t like I always am, I’m gonna new piece for this style is jeggings, many people feel differently about this article but everyone can certainly form their own opinion. do something productive.” but unfortunately, Louie takes a turn for the “Jeggings, those are definitely crazy, I can not believe people wear those,” says Faith Hill, sophomore. worse and gets loaded on ice cream, gets high with his pothead neighNo matter what your style is this year you can always save money by buying them at certain places. Even though your outfits bor, and adopts an older dog that ends up dying as soon as he gets home might be high in style doesn’t mean they have to be high in price. Some people actually only look for cheaper cute clothes.There are with it. You can’t help but laugh (and cry) when you watch “Louie.” definitely many trends to look forward to this fall.
Entertainment
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 1 Page 9
Films to watch before you die Listening to your Amara Thomas Staff Writer 1. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless mind, 2004 Charlie Kaufam (Being John Malkovich, Adaption) again has taken us on a marvelous adventure into the human mind. Jim Carrey amazingly changes roles from his humorous characters to Joel, a down to earth guy who is nothing out of the ordinary. With him and the spectacular acting of Kate Winslet, the on screen performance is whimsical. The divine cast and directing of Michel Gondry just seems to naturally flow together. Throughout the film you race with Joel through his mind trying to save lost memories of him and his once love, Clementine( played by Kate Winslet) 2. The Royal Tenebatumns , 2000 Wes Anderson has done an amazingly artistic job with the Royal Tenebatumns. He has capture the attention of a wide audience, by showcasing the story of dysfunctional family and pitiful father, Royal Tenebatumns (played by Gene Hackman), who tries to rescue his family from total destruction. This powerful cast the including Anjelica Houston and Ben Stiller trick the audience into believing that this is really a dysfunctional family in need of a savior. As story plays out with the unique narration of Alec Baldwin, Royal Tenebatumn comes to figure out that when he abandoned his now adult three children (played by Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow) it had a much deeper impact on them then he assumed. Throughout the film he tries to get to know them the best way as possible, by lying. 3. Little Miss Sunshine, 2006 Wonderful directors, John Dayton and Valerie Faris bring Michael Arndt’s Oscar Winning Screen Play to life. This dark comedy tells the story of a dysfunctional family’s road trip across California in a 1970’s volkswanagan bus. They race the clock to get Olive, their daughter,( played by Abigial Breslin) to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. With a suicidal uncle (played by Steve Carrel) , a silent son( played by Paul Dano), a drug addicted grandfather ( Alan Arkin), a hopeless father ( played by Greg Kinear) and a unappreciated mother ( Toni Collect) this road trip soon becomes an unordinary adventure. This cast’s acting is exceptional is draws you in. 4. Fight Club, 1999 As in Chuck Palahniuk’s 1996 novel, the film follows an underground fight club. The fight club is run by unnamed main character (played by Edward Norton) and his “partner” Tyler (played by Brad Pitt). Together they work up schemes and develop an army, but when the fight club gets out of control and Tyler disappears this unnamed protagonist is left confused and lost in his mistakes. The on screen performance by Norton and Pitt is incredible. With the directing of David Fincher and outstanding cast the novel by Palahniuk was transformed into a four star film. 5. Leon: The Professional , 1994 When Mathilda (played by Natalie Portman) comes home one afternoon she finds her whole family dead, including her two year brother. She soon becomes dependent on her mysterious neighbor, Leon (played by Jean Reno), who is a hit man. He soon becomes a father figure as he teachers her the world of being a hit man, so she can revenge her little brother’s death. The film is filled with action, love, and corruption. This power cast plays their roles to perfection and the directing of Luis Benson is phenomenal.
feelings Esteban Reyes Staff writer
Happy: “I Cut Like A Buffalo” by The Dead Weather – This is an incredibly funky jam from Jack White and his band of misfits. The lyrics bear no significance for me personally, but I am submerged in the bass line and Jack White’s jazzy drums each and every time I listen to it. I might look like an idiot when I try to air-drum this song, but I just can’t fight the urge. “Heroes” by TV On The Radio - Despite my usual disdain for covers of classics like the original “Heroes” by David Bowie, this band really pulls it off well by throwing in a catchy synthesized drum beat (not sarcasm) and putting in some background baritone vocals (a trait synonymous with TV On The Radio). Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s angelic vocals really do justice to the original as well. This tune will make the most un-hip person wanna get up and dance (or at least bob your head slightly to maintain your cool). Sad: “Trouble” by Cat Stevens - Although this song features liberating lyrics like “Trouble/ Oh trouble move from me/ I have paid my debt/ Now won’t you leave me in my misery,” the tone of it is still incredibly melancholy, which is pretty uncharacteristic of Cat Stevens’ music. This song always gets me down when I listen to it, but I always enjoy it when I do. Kind of like tonguing a sore on the roof of your mouth: it hurts, but you just can’t stop for some reason. “Boyfriend” by Best Coast - Don’t let this incredibly catchy new band fool you: most of their music is about that guy who left you for another girl, and how you just wish he’d recognize your feelings for him, as is this song off of their new hit album, “Crazy For You.” Frontwoman Bethany Cosentino’s sassy vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Tegan and Sara, but this band is a little more on the punk side, even though they do complain most of the time. Calm: “Acid Tongue” by Jenny Lewis - This is the title track off of Jenny Lewis’ first solo album, and it is an acoustic delight. The song’s slow tempo and simple acoustic cords set it up to be relaxing, but Lewis’ soothing voice and powerful lyrics are what really drive it home. The backup choir during the chorus adds to this effect perfectly. I think of a despaired Jenny Lewis singing all alone on the stage in some half-empty bar when I listen to this song. “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed - Lou Reed possesses one of the most pleasant voices I’ve ever heard, and that is very evident in this song. It starts off nice and slow with a little bit of piano, but it peaks in the chorus, with beautiful violins and much stronger piano. Reed’s voice sounds somewhat melancholy at times, but if you really listen, the song is actually just about spending a great, carefree day with someone you enjoy. Energetic: “Teddy Picker” by Arctic Monkeys - You could scatter all the Arctic Monkeys songs on the floor, toss a dart in the air, and it would not land on a boring song. Each and every one of their songs is fast-paced, has catchy riffs, and makes your heart beat like a rabbit’s. Song topics range from women who are more interested in money than a good relationship and annoying scumbags. This song is about the latter, and will definitely quicken your heartbeat. “White Unicorn” by Wolf Mother - This rocking triumvirate is reminiscent of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Rush in that they have such a loud and awesome sound. “White Unicorn” sneaks up on you and unleashes a furious chorus, with thick guitar riffs and stunning drums. The song crests and falls into a psychedelic trip, then peaks once again, leaving you full of adrenaline and incredibly satisfied.
Central HighSchool School Zone Zone Newspaper Central High Newspaper
Sports
Injury doesn’t stop Central runner Aliza Etkind and Christine Mounce Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer
Justin Paul, senior, has wowed coaches and fellowed teammates with his speed and endurance. This season, however, his competition season has been deterred by a knee and claf injury. "My calf injury is just one of those things that happen because we [as runners] put our bodies through such strain that no other sport does," said Paul Although Paul hoped to place third at the regional meet, he placed 11, missing the requirements to advance to the state cross country meet. "He has the potential to make it to state,” said Megan Berry, senior and friend to Paul. “He would've made it to state [if he hadn’t sustained an injury]." Nike is sponsoring a meet in Portland Oregon called Nike Cross. Paul
hopes to recover before this event and he plans to run in the preliminary meet. "The qualifiers [are] in Woodlands [outside Austin], and I’m [going to] try to go," said Paul. Throughout the country, qualifiers are being held. The top 20 from a span of four different states compete for the top stops. If a runner finds himself in one of these competitive spots, then he has the opportunity to run in the Nike Cross. "He's a hard worker,” said Berry. “He loves to run, all he does is run.” For Justin, running is his life, it's all he does and ever wants to do. His injury has not stopped him, nor does he think it will. "I told my parents the day I stop running is the day I stop walking," said Paul
Cowboy Blues Jackson Wallace Sports Collumnist
America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, NFC East champions two years running. This year: a record 1-7 to start the season, an injured Tony Romo as well as a defense that is falling apart, all hope for a playoff berth is very grim to say the least for the Cowboys this season. Last year the Boys’ won 11 out of 16 regular season games, this year an embarrassing “uno” so far. With a record of 1-7 so far in the season, the Cowboys have been anything but spectacular in their 50th NFL season. To begin the season, the cowboys were a team of penalties. Every time they made a big play, a flash of yellow was seen flying across the field. That flash of yellow being a penalty flag. In the first five weeks of the NFL season,
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they were the highest peanilized team in the league averaging right about eight penalties per game. Fast forward a couple weeks, to the New York Giants game, finally a good start for America’s team. They start the first half up on the Giants by a score of 20 to 7. And can you believe it only one penalty committed by the offense in the entire first half. The Cowboys come out of the gate in the second half on a possible scoring drive, and what happens except Romo goes down and so does the Cowboy morale. It was all downhill from there, Romo was replaced by veteran Jon Kitna, who has not taken a snap in nearly two full years. In his starting debut for the Cowboys against the Jaguars, Kitna threw three
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Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 10
interceptions and nearly fumbled a snap from the center. I hate to do this, I’ve been a Cowboy fan all my life and always will be, but I’m sticking a fork in the Cowboys season. It is over. There will be no playoffs, there will be no winning season and there will be no host superbowl game for the Cowboys, at least not this season. With this season’s hope all but gone, Jerry Jones decided to make an executive descision by giving Wade the pink slip and a get the heck outta here from the orginization. Garret now holds the reigns of the remaining season as interim head coach for a team with a 38-year old quarterback, multiple injuries, and a 1-7 record. What a way to start a head coaching job in the NFL. All I have to say is good luck Garrett you’re gonna need it.
Sports
Central HighSchool School Zone Zone Newspaper Central High Newspaper
Spotlight: Jayma Mickler Hayley Bupp News Editor
Jayma Mickler, senior, stands on the wooden gym floor, about to play the game of her life. She’s dressed in the usual CHS volleyball uniform; a translucent glean of sweat already appears above her brow. Her forehead furrows in concentration, as the whistle blows and the game begins. “Becoming engaged in the game,” and playing in the game is “really exciting,” Mickler said. “We just want to keep the season going.” Mickler’s support begins with the team. “[All the girls on the team] are best of friends, on and off the court.” Mickler enjoys the time spent between her family away from home. “We always work really well together.” Mickler’s support does not end with her volleyball family; it extends through her peers and family. “My family and friends are the best in the world,” said Jayma Mickler, senior. Although Mickler’s involvement in volleyball began at a young age, and is something she enjoys, Mickler is unsure “if [she] will continue to play out of high school.” However, Mickler knows that her friend and family will “support [her] with every decision [she] makes.” Team member of the Lady Charger volleyball team, Mickler is a wellsupportive and important member of
Volleyball Serves Historic Season
Jackson Wallace Sports Columnist
the team. Mickler’s volleyball career began far before high school. At the age of 12, Mickler began a member of the Texas Advantage Volleyball Club. This involvement led to her joining the Lady Charger team when she was just a freshman, where she has been since. As a team member of the Lady Charger volleyball team, Mickler is a well-supportive and important member of the team. “I play the Libero position,” Mickler said. This position means that Mickler is a very, if not most, important defense player on the team. This “defensive specialist” is able to “sub for anyone on the back row at any point of the game.” This season was especially important, not just for Mickler, but for the whole team as well. “We set our goals high this year, Mickler said, “I think we accomplished a lot.” The team did not just get undefeated in the regular season, the team was able to win two postseason playoff games. “The biggest thing we accomplished was making it to the third round of playoffs,” Mickler said, which was “the farthest we have ever gotten.”
The season may be over, and the hope of a state championship may be gone, but the girls will always have each other and they will always be the varsity Lady Charger volleyball squad. Off to a great start in the regular season, the Chargers were a force to be reckoned with and were a favorite in nearly every game. As the season went on they continued their dominance by taking the district championship and clenching a playoff berth. In the past Central has reached the playoffs but have never walked off that court with a victory, it was a completely different story 2 weeks ago on a chilly Tuesday night in early November. Central took on Alan for a chance at their first playoff win in school history. Central showed their powerfull tenacity by taking the game in three matches, sweeping the eagles and finally walking with their heads held high and a victory ride home. “ It felt like a bunch of barriers have been broken,” said Jayma Mickler, senior. The following Thursday Central looked to take the court by storm and continue to knock down those barriers against Colleyville Heritage. Again and again the Lady Chargers attacked the panthers with blow after blow, kill after kill until Heritage was no more and again they walked off the court with a high head. “ They were very proud and happy as they should be, we have a lot of leaders in uniform and they showed that tonight.” said Head Volleyball Coach Christina Rudiger. Could it be that the Central could bring home a championship and a ring? Could it be that finally after so many successful seasons they could walk out of the playoffs a Champion? “ We always feel like we have a chance.” said Marysa Townsley, senior. Indeed they did have a chance going into the Tuesday night game against Hebron at Coppell High School. “ We just want to end it on a good note.” said Whitney Llittle, senior. Going into the game the Chargers were the favorite to end on the good note, but failed to close it out in the end. Unfortunately the Lady Chargers did not walk off the court with a victory, but they are still a family and will always remember the 2010 season. Images courtesy of Mickey Isambert
Bowlers suit up for season Ashley Walker Staff Writer Central High School’s Bowling Team is preparing for another season, just ending tryouts and starting competition. Starting the year with new bowlers, they hope to be just as strong as previous seasons. “It’s more of a rebuilding year,” said Renee Walker, coach. “We have many (students) who haven’t bowled before.” One of the newcomers is freshman Aaron Johnson, who’s brother has previously been on the team. “I tried out because I want to
play for Central,” said Johnson. “I just want to do my best.” Many students who tried out have been bowling before. “I thought it might be fun,” said Kayley Schaffner, freshman. “I wanted to try something other than softball,” Teamwork and sportsmanship is part of any team, but is very important to bowling, according to team members. Teammates are encouraged to cheer each other on, but still know when to focus. “(Bowling) is more of a mental sport than anything else,” said senior Danielle Walker, senior veteran on the team. “Concentrating is just as impor-
Volume 8 Issue 3 Page 11
tant as being physically fit.” If a student wants to try out, they would come to Brunswick, pay $15 and bowl six games. Their average would determine if they are one of the five starters. Central’s team includes girls varsity and boys varsity. Practice is on Tuesdays and competition on Wednesdays. “[Practice] is the day before [competition] so the bowlers can use what they learned and won’t forget,” said Renee Walker. For competition, the home team picks out their lineup, going from lowest average to highest average. Then the opposing team does the same. They bowl two head-to-head individual games, each winning
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“It felt like a bunch of barriers have been broken.” Jayma Mickler
series (sum of games) gaining the team one point. There is a possibility of seven points after adding up five members series. Baker games come next. Bakers are where the first person would bowl the first and sixth frame, the second person next and seventh frame, etc. They bowl a whole game as a team. Bowling three bakers, with two points for each winning game and two points for series, there would be a possibility of eight points. So even if a team loses head to head matches, they can still gain victory through baker games. The team bowls against Keller, Carroll, and Birdville ISD, a total of six other teams. The top half of the
girls teams and the top half of boys teams go to Regionals, where they compete against other high schools in the entire state of Texas. From there, they take one-third of Regionals to State, where they have the opportunity to win the championship. “I’ve really seen an improvement with our returning bowlers,” said Renee Walker, who has been the coach for the past three years. “I’m looking forward to the new (bowlers) stepping up.”
EXCLUSIVE: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Review Brandon Nowell Graphic Designer
“These are dark times, there’s no denying,” says the minister of magic as the movie begins. The audience begins to applaud and cameras on screen flash. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has begun. Everyone falls silent as they eagerly wait to see how director, David Yates, and screenwriter, Steve Kloves, have portrayed the final installment of the smash hit book series. From the acting to the scenery and the computer generated graphics viewers will be amazed. Age has clearly improved the trio’s acting ability. Daniel Radcliffe did a good job portraying the despair that would accompany such an insurmountable task as the one faced by Harry Potter, while Rupert Grint was able to bring gravity to his performance of Ronald Weasley without loosing the comedic relief fans have come to know and love. As always, Emma Watson shines in her portrayal of Hermione Granger. Fans of the books can look forward to far greater detail than in previous
installments. However, such detail also leads the movie to a hefty length of two and a half hours despite the fact that it is only half of the final book. Yet the
One of the main questions leading up to the release has been where the movie will be cut, since it is only half of the Deathly Hallows novel. While I do not wish to reveal that big a spoiler, I will say that it is well-placed and gives the movie a finished feel, while leaving you wanting more. Overall,
length was not a problem. While some two and a half hour movies can seem like a chore to sit thorough, the depth of immersion into the world of Harry Potter that is gained from the details makes the length well worth it. Careful readers will notice details such as the storyline within the Ministry of Magic regarding Mr. and the movie Mrs. Cattermole and Ron’s splinching was fantastic. upon leaving the Ministry are not forgot- I had my doubts as to whether or ten. What changes Yates and Kloves did not Warner Brothers could live up make were appropriate to help set the to the hype accompanying what has mood. For example, keep an eye out for been billed as the cinematic event of a Harry’s parting words to Dolores Umgeneration, but the film lived up to all bridge (Imelda Staunton), which recall a that could be expected and more. It is by scene in Order of the Phoenix. Addition- far my favorite Potter film to date, and ally, the film escapes the confines of left me anxiously waiting for the next Harry’s point of view to allow greater and final installment. I wholeheartedly understanding of the emotion behind recommend this film. It is well worth the scenes not present in the book such as ticket price to see it on the big screen. Hermione’s interaction with her parents. Photos courtesy of the Zone and www.google.com/images