Issue 5 2012

Kony 2012

Question one: Do you even know what it is?

Joseph Kony is the head of a Ugandan guerrilla group called the “Lord’s Resistance Army” which abducts children and uses them as either soldiers or sex slaves, according the group Inivisible Children. Kony has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

A 29-minute documentary about Kony went viral last month, with everyone posting the link on Facebook. Since then, enthusiasm has died down, especially in light of questions about the group’s fundraising.

“It was a scam,” said junior Caleb Smith. “They took money from innocent people.”

Question 2: Do you care anymore?

Probably not. The latest Konyrelated event, “Cover the Night,” fizzled when activitists failed to cover cities with posters of Kony to draw attention to his criminal activities.We aren’t saying you shouldn’t care, but if you want to make a difference, “pledging” on a website and liking Facebook pages won’t change a thing.

Just ask us

In the past few months, areas in Oklahoma and Texas have been hit by tornadoes, including the April 3 storms that hit Dallas and areas closer to home. Across the country, there have been over 300 confirmed tornadoes so far this year.

The last time a tornado killed someone in Texarkana was 1999, but we still wonder how prepared you’d be if a tornado actually hit Texarkana.

You know the drill--take shelter in a small center room of your house, away from windows--but do you take real precautions every time you hear the sirens?

“

56% said yes

I’m so scared of tornadoes that when I hear the sirens I run and take cover.”

-annaashby, 11

“

44% said no

My mom starts freaking out, but I think it would be cool to see one because my dad’s always talking about it. But to actually see one would probably get me running for cover.”

-tayloreverett, 11

on the edge

The next big thing It’s not enough that you have to prep for the ACT and SAT. Now you’re going to have to prove your identity before you can take the college entrance exam.

After a cheating scandal involving 20 teenagers in New York who took the test for others for pay, the testing companies will now require students to provide a photograph when they sign up for the exams. Test administrators will check student identification against the provided photograph at the test sites.

“We’ve had a lot of questions from students recently about getting identification cards,” said Lisa Smith, counselors’ secretary.

“The new rules are pretty strict.”

Check the ACT website, www. actstudent.org, for more info.

pleasant grove high school 5406 mcknight road | texarkana, tx | 75503 check us out @ www.pgedgeonline.com April 27, 2012 | vol. 27 #5

edge

Budget Cuts Could Threaten Programs

A

s a middle schooler, Landry Guyton sat in the bleachers almost every Friday night and watched her cousin strut across the field during halftime in her sparkly black and gold collar. Landry knew that she wanted to be out there one day—smiling, dancing, and wearing those sacred “whites.” It was Landry’s dream to be a Showstopper.

At the end of her eighth grade year, Landry tried out and made the team. She knew that she would now be learning two dances a week, stressing about tryouts, and going to Galveston for competition. What she didn’t know was everything that went on behind the scenes—how much money it took to be able to do all of that, and where the money came from.

“I never realized how much money drill team actually needed or how much work it took to raise all that money,” Landry said.

“I spent at least 10 hours selling cookie dough, and about five hours working at the rummage sale to raise money for things like costumes and travel to competition.”

But it’s not just drill team.

It’s Art. Band. Theater. Athletics. Debate. Journalism. Just about everything.

Pleasant Grove has many award winning programs, consistently scores in the 90s on TAKS, and passes on 90 percent of graduating students to college.

However, with the state budget cuts and a reduced amount for funding for all activities, the problem will be maintaining these programs that make PG, PG. Principal Bill Harp said he knows that programs are being threatened because of the loss of money, but if teachers and sponsors stay smart about spending money, things will continue to go well.

“Most students don’t notice effects of the budget cuts because it all goes on behind the scenes,” Harp said. “But if we continue to lose state funding, things like having fewer or no field trips and

increasing class sizes will become more obvious.”

Harp said that PG spends about the same amount of money as other schools do, just in different places. The school’s budget can be compared to a pie, with various programs taking different size slices. About 65 percent of the pie goes to regular education.

Out of the co-curricular programs, band and football take the most money because of the cost of equipment, Harp said.

“We just have to stay smart about our money, kind of like a household budget,” Harp said. “Sometimes you want the top of the line car but have to get the Buick— it still works.”

In order to continue winning awards even though less money is supplied, theater director Debby Sutton gets creative when it comes to money and how it’s spent.

The theater department now chooses less expensive shows, use less materials in class and misses out on field trips—but the actual program hasn’t been affected. Students are just missing out on the perks.

“We may be struggling a bit, but on the outside it still looks like we haven’t missed a beat,” Sutton said. “That’s just the magic of theater.”

More budget cuts will be issued in the fall, but Harp says the school plans to deal with them wisely.

“People just see how good our programs are but they don’t see how hard we work,” Landry said. “We make it look easy.”

Kenzie Floyd

news editor

The

price

of being

PG

uniforms $20,000

travel to out-of-town games $2,000 All groups

dance camp $3,400

Putting the ‘U’ in UIL

Academic competition lacks competitors despite past successes Mark Northam reporter

Sophomore Adam Northam looked down at the silver and gold medals in his hand and congratulated himself on a job well done.

“I had just finished second individually in the Current Issues and Events competition at district,” Adam said. “With fourth and seventh place going to my teammates, winning the team competition was almost guaranteed.”

Adam and his teammates had been competing at the 3A District 15 UIL Academic Meet, one of hundreds of meets across the state that week. Pleasant Grove enjoyed similar success across the board by placing in the top six in every event they entered.

Had students been competing in more than five of the 20 events hosted that day, the school could have shown

its academic might.

“Getting students to participate in UIL has always been a challenge,” English teacher Ellen Campbell said. “I ask students if they want to compete in an event and nobody volunteers.”

Pleasant Grove won the district meet in 2006, 2007, and 2008. In 2006, 27 students advanced to the regional competition, along with 20 in 2007 and 31 the next year. Each year Pleasant Grove won the district title, at least one student advanced to state.

“After we got those district titles everyone thought participation would shoot up,” Campbell said. “but the problem was that students wouldn’t come in before or after school for the practices. We used to have a study period, but the number of studnts participating in UIL wasn’t high enough.”

Since then, not only has the school not won a district title, but fewer and fewer students participate each year.

“It’s just another thing that takes up time,” sohomore Matt Day said. “I spend a lot of time at the track, and then also with cross country and soccer, but if other people did it, that would probably make me consider joining a team.”

Time constraints have kept students from participating in these events, but teachers also suffer from the same problem.

“It’s the same with teachers. Many have kids or some other event they need to attend,” Harp said.

“UIL can be a major drain on time.”

Like Pleasant Grove, other schools give UIL coaches stipends for going to meets, with some getting as much as $1500 for coaching events and at-

tending two or three practice meets.

“Schools like Mt. Vernon and Atlanta are really involved,” said history teacher Tim Baldwin, who coached Current Issues in the past. “They use the stipends to encourage participation.”

In comparison, districts like Mt. Vernon and Atlanta have emphasized UIL competition for many years and consistently send full teams to state.

Many teachers think the district took the axe to UIL funding to save other programs in the wake of budget cuts, but Harp explained that wasn’t the case.

“Money is set aside in the budget for UIL programs, and teachers get paid stipends if they go to a meet,” Harp said. “If no one goes, the money stays where it is.”

Students can compete in any of 22 individual events, including Accounting, Mathematics, Science, Literary Criticism and Spelling.

While there are scholarships available for competitors who qualify for state, often students don’t see the benefits of UIL competition. “If you do well you get to go to Austin, while there you basically get a free school holiday,” Harp said. “Since these competitions are more about individual performance, you get to see the fruit of your hard work.”

Harp added that even if they don’t advance, students can use the experience to better themselves academically.

“The competition has forced me to study the news and determine what events are important for the quiz,” Adam said. “I’ve seen the study habits I developed for CI&E bleed into my regular classes.”

page2

thebottomline

events, activities, and news briefly

may

1

compiled by Alex Kauai, Kendall Lindsey, Kenzie Floyd

Finally

Testing, banquet and award season is underway.

First class to get Kindles before end of school year

Tips for finishing the end of the school year.

On display Study for exams (May 22-24) “Use the reviews the teachers give you.”

English teacher Shawn Edmonds

The PGHS permanent art collection will be exhibited at the Texas A&M-Texarkana Library April 30-June 22.

These are student art pieces that have been purchased by the district and school groups over the past years and that currently hang in the hallways, foyers and library.

“We are very lucky to have such a great space to show the art,” teacher Nina Cork said. “It is so beautiful and showcases our students’ work.”

The rumors started last semester: everybody was getting a Kindle.

No, just the sophomores. Then, just one class of sophomores.

And now, finally, maybe that’s going to happen.

Earlier this year, the school received a grant from the Educational Foundation to purchase Kindle Fires for academic use as electronic textbooks. Now as the year comes to a close, the purchase is taking shape and 30 Kindles have arrived.

“We’re still setting up the Kindles to work with the school’s hardware,” principal Bill Harp said, “but the plan is to give out a classroom set of Kindles to work out the bugs and disadvantages of the system.”

However, due to the fact that the school year is ending, the school board is still trying for another grant, and the Kindles that are already here are still being field tested; no more Kindles will be ordered for the rest of this school year.

“It’s going to be a long time before everyone gets a Kindle, maybe even years,” Harp said, “but I’m happy to take advantage of new technology now.”

Student artists win at state contest

Sign up for summer school “I’m taking it in order to graduate early.”

Shelby Raney (11)

gimme5

Art students took more medals than any other school at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) in Bryan last month.

The 27 PG students who advanced to state won 26 Gold Medals and seven Gold Seals, the top award given to high school artists.

STUCO officers elected Four new officers will take over STUCO duties starting this sum-

mer after being elected earler this month. Junior Naveed Haque will serve as president for the upcoming school year, and sophomore Jorge Rodriguez is vice-president.

Secretary-treasurer is Nick Cockerell.

Kendall Lindsey is Historian.

Student of the month April: William Higgins

All we do is win, win, win Hawk, Edge staffs take top national awards at Seattle convention

Find a summer job.

“I’m getting a job at McAllisters.”

Landon Young (11)

Journalism staffs at the JEA Convention. Front row: Kyle Green, Curtis Zachry, Mark Northam, Josh Whit. Back row: Kenzie Floyd, Michaela James, Kendall Lindsey, Emily Stouffer, Elizabeth Stark.

A little rivalry can be a good thing, and in the case of the yearbook and newspaper staffs, the result was awards for both staffs at the Journalism Education Association (JEA) National Convention April 11-15 in Seattle.

The Hawk yearbook won its fifth Pacemaker Award for the 2011 edition. The Pacemaker, which is often called “the Pulitzer of high school journalism,” is given to the top publications in the nation each year.

The Edge newspaper was named “Best in Show” by the JEA judges at the convention. The Edge earlier won both a Pacemaker and a Crown Award from Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Athletic Awards

Okay, it’s for athletes but it’s in the PAC, not the gym. Go figure.

Starts at 6 p.m.

3

Spring Band Concert

There won’t be any Monkey Beat, just some great music. The band’s last performance of the year starts at 7 p.m. in the PAC.

5

Prom

After all the drama of dresses and dates, it’s finally here. At the Texarkana Country Club, starting at 8 p.m., then at the school for Casino Night.

7-18 AP Tests

Remind yourself again why you took all those AP classes. One test a day for the next two weeks :(

Letter jacket fittings

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Yay if you earned one.

The order-fitting people will be here from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take orders and get sizes. See your coach or Mrs. Cook for more information.

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Powerpuff football game

Juniors take on the seniors in one of the most heated rivalries in football. The game starts at 6 p.m. at Hawk Field.

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Senior banquet

4849 Texas Blvd. • Texarkana

One last chance for the senior class to get together and reminisce about 12 glorious years of school. At Williams Memorial Methodist Church 6:30 p.m.

page3 The local band Jawbone will perform at the prom May 17: Sean Womack, Meko Radomski, Lisa Childress, Paul Whitt and Randy Lee.

Prom Parent

Local rock band member takes parental involvement to a whole new level

Elizabeth Stark reporter

Your Pleasant Grove jewelers

It takes so much preparation; the best date, the perfect dress, the most creative invite. Prom takes at least a month to prepare for, but when it comes down to it it’s about one night and making memories.

For the My great grandfather was a juniors, it’s a sergeant. He was very tall and rite of pasloud and his nickname was sage but for Jawbone. I brought it up as a the seniors suggestion and we played around with it for a few weeks. The name it’s a celebrayou pick sticks with you either tion and a good or bad. We wanted to be chance to get sure the name was something everyone towe wouldn’t regret later gether before they graduate. It has to be a level above any other high school dance. To fulfill this legacy, parents bring in dinner, decorations, casino night, and maybe most importantly a live band.

In the past few years Robert St. John has played but this year Jawbone, a local band with ties to Pleasant Grove will take over. Jawbone consists of six members. Lisa Childress (vocals), Meko Radomski (drums and vocals), Paul Whitt (keyboards and vocals), Randy Lee (bass and

vocals), Sean Womack (guitar and vocals), and Bret Craytor (sound and light engineer).

Jawbone has been voted a favorite by Four States Living magazines for the last five years and entertains the community at events like Jump Jive and Jam fest and the Quadrangle Festival. Over the years they have acquired fans of all ages and musical styles because of their diverse portfolio. When Jawbone started ten years ago, they played mainly classic rock but soon realized people wanted more dance music.

They now play anything from Elton John and Aerosmith to Maroon 5 and Flo Rida.

“We try to incorporate music a dj would play in a live setting,” said Dr. Whitt. “It makes it more interesting.”

Jawbone has played at Pleasant Grove’s prom once before and Whitt said they were excited to return again.

“We definitely look forward to playing at prom because everyone is excited to be there.

The dance is the main attraction and we always have a really good time. I played at my oldest son’s senior prom six years ago, and it went well,” Dr. Whitt said. “I’m looking forward to also playing at my youngest son’s (Junior Josh Whitt) junior prom this year.”

Dr. Whitt is one of the two band members

that has been there from the beginning of Jawbone ten years ago. He started playing the piano at age 7. By 13 he was playing in church, by 16 school choir, and by 20 professionally around the country.

Today he is a local ENT doctor. He hunts, paints, and plays music in his free time.

“When I played music full time it was work.

I couldn’t enjoy it as much,” said Dr. Whitt.

“Now that I get to play on the side it’s not stressful, it’s fun.”

A typical teenager would be mortified at their parent’s chance to embarrass them by entertaining their friends for the night, but Josh sees things differently. He is excited and knows his dad is talented. He has been a help to the band from the start. He helps out a lot by moving equipment and often sports his jawbone road crew shirt. Josh has also turned his friends into hardcore Jawbone fans.

“I like watching my dad play, he’s really good at what he does,” Josh said. “I don’t remember him playing at my brother’s prom. I was only 11 so I guess I was preoccupied with my baseball tournament that day, but I’m really excited for him to play at mine.”

Fun & Games Spring Fling gives students sunshine, fresh air and plenty of chances to get wet From pie in the face to arm wrestling, Spring Fling wasn’t only a chance to break away from the normal routine, it was a chance to get a workout. The third annual outdoor event was a fundraiser for theater, art, journalism and drill team.

2812 Richmond Road Richmond Park Center Texarkana, TX

3

1

Making Life EZR 4 U!

Proudly supporting Hawk Nation Five Pleasant Grove Locations 2802 Richmond Road 670 N. Kings Hwy. 6424 Richmond Road 5602 Summerhill Road 5121 Summerhill Road

1. Sophomore Renee Walker throws a pie in the direction of math teacher Michelle McInnis. 2.

Sophomores Clint Ryther and Evan Young arm wrestle at the theater table. 3. Theater teacher Greg Schwartz prepares to be plunged into the water at the dunking booth. 4. Sophomore Kempson shoots a Nerff gun in the direction of sophomore Parker Wright. -nthigpenphotos

UIL Sweepstakes!

Congratulations from the Band Boosters The Pride in Motion Band won yet another Sweepstakes trophy at the UIL Regional Contest.

Check us out on FACEBOOK: PG Band Boosters

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How much do you know?

how

smart is

our generation?

Mark Northam reporter

Think you’re pretty smart? Today’s high school students get a bad rap when it comes to cultural literacy, that is, knowledge of current events, history, literature, etc.

We quizzed students to see how much they knew, and here’s how they performed. If you want to take the quiz yourself, use the Microsoft Tag app and scan the tag, or log onto Get the free mobile app at http:/ / gettag.mobi www.pgedgeonline.com.

Reporter Mark Northam compiled the test from questions on literacy tests online. Thirty students took the test.

Average score: 56% Student and faculty response to learning the average score was 56%: “I’m disappointed. Most of the questions could be answered with general knowledge in history and current events” - junior Brett Eakin “It shows a lack of interest in current affairs. We need to find a way to relate events directly to students and show how it affects them.”

- Tim Baldwin, history teacher

A majority of students, 67%, didn’t know how the common microwave oven works.

38% of students thought that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, was the Prime minister of Great Britain.

page4

Only 58% of students knew the population of the U.S. The most disappointing answer?

30 billion people living in the states.

Most students, 71%, knew that Germany, Italy, and Japan were the members of the Axis Coalition during WWII.

Students did much better, with only 33% submitiing wrong answers, on questions dealing with current events and the countries involved in them.

?

Few students surveyed, 37%, knew that the capital of our northern neighbor, Canada, was Ottowa.

46% of students didn’t know the cause of the Watergate Scandal (which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.)

Only 27% of students knew that the Kremlin, an infamous building used by the Russian government, was located in Moscow.

?

54% of students surveyed didn’t know that Mohandas Ghandhi is famous for resisting British rule in India.

page5

Calling The Shots For diabetics, living with a chronic disease doesn’t mean it controls their lives

S

Ashlyn Hurst reporter

unday morning, 2002.

One hour into church. As nursery begins, so does the pain. All he can think about is liquid. Anything to relieve the dry pain in his throat. Sick to his stomach, he can feel the color draining from his face.

Sunday night.

“Wake up, Colton. We’re going to the hospital.”

His mother shakes him out of a deep sleep and hurries him to their Chrysler van. Within minutes, they reach the emergency room. As a nurse sweeps him off to an empty room, he catches the faint voice of his mother, a registered nurse.

“I think it’s diabetes.”

The door closes. The room’s silence is filled with the sound of awakening machines as IVs are stuck into his body.

“Diabetes?”

Junior Colton Watson administers his insulin shot after lunch in hte nurses’ office. -aborrellphoto

Up Close & Personal Health Tech students get lesson in diabetes Last month, Pathology students had the opportunity to learn about diabetes–how people get it, the different types, and how to treat a diabetic if their sugar gets too high or too low.

“The students practiced putting insulin into a mannequin at an access point in the mannequin’s arm and leg,” Health Science teacher Caty Burks said.

Sophomore Sarah Adams not only gained a knowledge of diabetes, but also a new perspective.

“I have a lot of respect for people with diabetes and their daily struggle.

Learning about it has definitely made me more appreciative of my health.”

Sarah said.

As the number of diabetics increases, knowledge of this disease has become more important.

“I feel like even for the students who don’t go into health care, it’s important to know what to do in such a situation,” Mrs. Burks said. “Diabetes is a serious disease. I admire those who have it and will have to deal with it every day for the rest of their lives.”

Gauging the amount of insulin she needs for her plastic patient, Pathology teacher Caty Burks helps prepare an insulin shot for junior Kennedy Dowd to administer to the dummy patient.

“I wanted to give students a real-life scenario, so if they ever had to, they would know what to do for a diabetic patient,” Mrs. Burks said.

Placing the needle on the patient’s upper arm, sophomore Aloys Wilson, looks for the best access point with the help of Mrs. Burks. “After seeing the Powerpoint slides and how common it was, I realized how serious it is and how important it is to be aware of diabetes,” Aloys said.

-aborrellphotos

2012.

8:00 AM. Monday morning.

Junior Colton Watson pulls out a pen. Not an ink pen. An insulin pen. He takes the cap off the small tube and twisting the small knob at its end, gauges how much he will need for the toast and protein shake he has just eaten. He watches the blue liquid squeeze into his arm. Pulling his backpack onto his shoulder, he grabs his keys and throws away the pen. This has been his regular routine since he was diagnosed with type one diabetes.

In the United States, there are more than 200,000 children and teenagers with diabetes.

“I always thought nothing like this would ever happen to me, but it did,” Colton said. “It [diabetes] has caused me to look at my own life and accept that anything can happen.”

Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood-sugar levels which result from the pancreas’ inability to produce and/or use the insulin the body needs.

There are two common types of diabetes: type one and type two. Diagnosed with type two diabetes at 12 years old, cheer coach Jennifer Veal explains the difference between the two varieties.

“People with type one don’t produce enough insulin, but my body doesn’t produce insulin at all,” Veal said. “I always have to be conscious of what I eat, my insulin levels, and the amount of insulin I take. When I go on vacation, I not only have to remember to pack my clothes and other essentials, but I also have to plan ahead and pack my insulin pump and all of my medical supplies.”

Diabetics must constantly monitor their sugar levels and administer insulin through the use of an insulin pump or individual insulin shots.

“The dangers of diabetes and hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, and hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Both are very dangerous and life- threatening,” school nurse, Becky Riles, said.

Symptoms of high blood sugar includes extreme thirst, dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, and frequent urination. Low blood sugar symptoms are shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, anxiousness, dizziness, hunger, impaired vision, weakness, fatigue, headaches, and an irritable attitude.

As obesity in the United States increases, the number of children and adults with type one diabetes grows tremendously.

“When I was growing up, I only knew one girl in my entire school with diabetes, and she inherited it. We didn’t worry about juvenile diabetes,” Mrs. Riles said. “Nowadays, more and more students are being diagnosed some as early as Kindergarten.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates by the year 2050, diabetes will affect every one in three adults, nearly double the number of diabetics today.

“Obesity is the reason for this increase of type one, especially in children. They are eating, and instead of moving around and exercising, playing on phones and other electronics.” Mrs. Riles said.

But the inconvenience of medical supplies and procedures is not the only challenge Colton and Mrs. Veal face.

“As a kid, I was afraid of shots and needles. Before I was diagnosed, I had a friend with diabetes.

I watched him take shots and take his blood sugar, and it scared me,” Colton said. “When I found out I had diabetes, I was devastated. Eventually, I got used to needles through the regular allergy shots I had to take and over being scared. I started taking my own shots when I was about nine.”

At a young age, Colton struggled to follow a sugar-free diet.

“I loved candy and sweets. It was hard to watch my brothers eat it knowing I couldn’t have it.”

Colton said.

During pregnancy, Mrs. Veal also struggled to follow a rigorous diet to keep herself and her children healthy.

“Diabetes is not only hard on the mother, but also the baby. The baby gains extra sugar from the mother because during pregnancy, her level of sugar is especially high,” Mrs. Veal said. “As a mom, I had to stay on top of the amount of sugar in my body so my children weren’t born with birth defects or complications. I was lucky to have two healthy babies.”

With any disease, there are specific hardships that have to be endured and overcome. Diabetes is no exception.

“When I was diagnosed, I knew I was very sick and I was glad to finally find out what was causing my health problems,” Veal said. “But at the time, I don’t think I realized the effect diabetes would have on my future.”

11:25 AM. Monday afternoon.

Saved by the bell. Colton grabs his book, and walks down the hall to the cafeteria. Before he opens his lunch, he reaches into his backpack and takes out another insulin pen. Uncap. Twist. Stick.

He grabs the protein bar out of his brown lunch bag and looks up to join the conversation around him.

“Having diabetes has definitely made me more responsible,” Colton said. “I’m also in better shape.

When I was younger, I was bigger, but because of my diet, I’m a lot healthier and more fit.”

At an early age, Mrs. Veal and Colton had to be conscious of their insulin levels, what they ate, their stress levels, and the amount of sleep they got.

With four diabetic students on campus, it is everyone’s responsibility to recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and know how to treat them, Mrs. Riles said.

“If you know someone you know exhibits symptoms, take the time to walk them to the nurse’s office or to ask them if they are okay.” Mrs. Riles said.

Colton has taken many precautions to ensure he would be safe if he were to faint or collapse. “I’ve explained what it [diabetes] is and how to treat me if my glucose levels are irregular to all of my friends, and at the beginning of every school year, my mom explain the same to all of my teachers,” Colton said. “If I was at a party or in class, there is usually one person there who would know what to do.”

Trained to look at a victim’s arm, it is often difficult for a paramedic to recognize a person is suffering from low blood sugar because their symptoms are so similar to someone who is drunk.

“I got my tattoo so that if I were to lose consciousness, paramedics would be able to treat me for low blood sugar,” Colton said.

Knowing a victim has diabetes can mean the difference between life and death.

“People who don’t have diabetes or know someone with it, should know what it is and how it affects people so that, if an accident happens, they can help,” Colton said.

Insulin pumps, shots, and rigorous diets control the lives of diabetics around the world and can be a constant burden. But for Mrs. Veal, it has become a part of who she is.

“Having diabetes has definitely made me stronger,” Veal said. “When I was younger, one of my doctors in Plano would tell my mom, ‘Don’t let her use this as a crutch’. His words reassured me that I could be whatever I wanted to be and I had control over my disease.”

page6

A Life Split In Half

I’ll never forget the day I found out.

I can play it in my head like a movie.

Rewind... back to sixth grade.

I think it was winter, because it was cold outside.

Now press play. I’m sitting in my bed kenziefloyd, news editor eating Sonic.

A junior cheeseburger with fries and a Coke. I just got out of cheer practice, so I’m still wearing my practice uniform-- green cotton shorts and a black racer back top that says TCAS in green.

I’m watching My Sweet Sixteen on MTV. My mom walks in my room and asks if I’m done eating yet. I say no, with an attitude. Why does it matter if I’m done eating? She tells me that when I finish, come to the living room because we need to talk.

Pause. Talk? What do we need to talk about? Is something wrong? Is Grandmother Lucy okay?

Am I in trouble?

Play. I don’t want to finish eating, I just want to see what’s going on. I pick my plate up off my lap

and sit it on the bed. I stand up and walk straight to the living room, taking deep breaths on my way. I stop when I get to the kitchen and rest my head against the door frame.

Pause. It’s going to be okay. I don’t know what’s going on but it’s going to be okay.

Play. I finally get to the living room and sit down on the tile where the fireplace is. Dad is in the leather chair with my brother, Yates, in his lap. Mom is standing up.

The rest is a blur. All I know is that my parents are splitting up.

The next few months were everything but easy.

Mom and Dad had to see lawyers all the time, divide the furniture, decide who got the house, and settle on custody.

Custody. My brother and I were told that we had to stay at our mom’s house during the week and go to our dad’s every Thursday and every other weekend.

It sounded so simple-- but that definitely wasn’t the case. Nothing about splitting your life in half is simple. Spending the night at a different house might sound like no big deal, but it tore my brother and I to pieces.

Then there was the competition. Mom or dad?

Which one was a better parent, which one was more fun, which one let Yates and me do whatever we wanted, which one let us stay up the latest or go to the movies on Sundays.

With parents who don’t even speak to each other and have two completely different lifestyles, it

was almost impossible to not pick sides.

For me, it was my mom’s side. My dad made the hard situation even worse. He took almost every piece of furniture from my mom’s house and left us with empty rooms and bare floors. He constantly complained about how he never got to see Yates and me. He was relentless at letting us know how much money he was “giving away” to our mom in child support, and he made me pay for anything I wanted with my own money when I was with him-- even things like school supplies and face wash. I still don’t have any idea how many times I heard him say “Well it’s not my fault-- the divorce wasn’t MY idea.” According to him, everything was my mom’s fault. I had always been closer to her than my dad, and in this time of need, my mom was the one I wanted, the one I needed.

Five years later, things are extremely different. Dad is remarried, Mom has a boyfriend, Yates and I have two new siblings. My parents still don’t speak much, unless they have to. Mom totally remodeled the house, and Dad got rid of all our old furniture when his new wife moved in.

It’s not that bad anymore–I guess I’m used to it. All I have to do is pack a bag every Thursday and every other weekend.

A lot of people’s parents split up and it may seem like no big deal, but it is. You never know what someone is going through. And even though it may be completely different, life always goes on.

staff editorial Summer school should be an option for every student, regardless of cost Science. Math. Upper level core courses that have that reputation, you know those classes you just want to avoid. If you could make the least favorite class on your schedule disappear, would you?

As the year comes to an end, students are already planning to do just that, but not by magic. They’re planning out their summer school schedule.

While it doesn’t seem like great way to spend summer vacation, students won’t have to worry about missing out on their summer plans because many classes can be completed in a couple of weeks or less.

Summer school classes are set up as a “work at your own pace” course, which allows some students to complete classes like physics or Spanish in a shortened summer session, as opposed to taking the class for two semesters the next year, or in a senior’s case, not graduate.

But there’s a catch: $125 per semester (making two semester classes cost $250).

This begs the question, is summer school fair? It lets students make up for missing credits, but at a price.

Put the widely accepted, stereotypical image of a rich Pleasant Grove student aside. The reality is that not all students can shell out $250 to take a class they may not just want to finish early, but one they may need to graduate on time.

That leaves only the students with the funds available to pay for summer school being enrolled in the first place.

At some point summer school stops being used as a tool to help “at-risk” students, and starts becoming an unfair advantage to students with parents willing and able to pay for an easier path to graduation.

According to junior and senior counselor

Louanne Smith, future summer school students will have a new, more challenging curriculum to work through this summer.

However, for those students who simply need to make up credits so they can graduate, or even those who would like to get the classes out of the way so they can take more electives, the ease isn’t as important as the funding.

While the district isn’t exactly over-run with extra funds, perhaps something could be set aside to assist those in need. The Educational Foundation could provide a grant to pay summer school tuition for students who apply.

Summer school isn’t right or a requirement, but it should be available for everyone who really wants (or needs) to do it.

And if a student is serious about giving up summer vacation to go to school, then maybe we should make that happen.

Head to Head What is your favorite saying?

“Be good or be good at it.”

What are your thoughts on Kony 2012?

“I’ve heard about it but I don’t know anything about it.”

If you had one tweet left, what would you say?

If you could have any band at prom, who would it be?

“Dunlap Nation, Baby.”

“Reckless Kelly.”

-reesedunlap, 11

“Git ‘er done.”

“I don’t know enough about it to answer properly.”

“Keep it classy.”

“Coldplay.”

-lukebultemeier, 11

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

- jo-deelott, faculty

“It has been going on for so long. Why right now?”

“I love my girls.”

“Not a band, D.J. The music should be fun for everyone.”

edge

pleasant grove high school

5406 mcknight rd . texarkana, tx . 75503 phone: (903) 832-8005 . fax (903) 832-5381

Kenzie Floyd Naveed Haque Nathan Taylor Josh Whitt Editors Avery Borrell Collin Craytor Natalie Thigpen Peyton Trippe Landon Young Photographers Kyle Green Ashlyn Hurst Mark Northam Joel Webb Curtis Zachry Reporters Michaela James Kendall Lindsey Elizabeth Stark Contributors Charla Harris Adviser William Harp Principal

Editorial policy Edge is produced by the newspaper students in the publications department of Pleasant Grove High School and are responsible for its production and content. The newspaper serves as an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to students.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the student staffers and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. Signed columns and reviews reflect the opinion of the author only.

Edge encourages and accepts letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and will be edited to eliminate obscenity and inappropriate content.

Letters may be submitted to the editor in room 603.

Edge is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

page7

Slip-Up On The Slopes ‘Look at me’ kid recounts memorable spring break ski trip and lack of lessons learned

kylegreen, reporter

There is always that one person in school that won’t stop announcing where they are going on vacation during spring break. I call this the “look at me” kid.

Generally this kid won’t stop rambling about how “awesome” the trip is going to be. Which makes all of the other kids that have to stay home and practice resent the “look at me” kid.

Eighth grade year, the annoying “look at me” kid was me, and the destination of my vacation was Park City, Utah. The classic week-long ski trip.

Although the “look at me” kid usually comes back with incredible stories of their vacation, they usually don’t tell you the stories that weren’t so incredible. That eighth grade year I probably had more not-so-incredible stories than anything, which is why it is a spring break I will never forget.

So this not-so-incredible spring break started out with an extremely awkward airplane ride that lasted a good six hours. It was one of the airplane rides that my brother and I were sitting next to an older man, trying not to make perverted jokes.

So instead, we just sat in silence until after about three hours the man started a conversation, which of course, was pretty awkward. Finally, we got off of the plane and went to the hotel, surprisingly enough, nothing bad happened in that span of time.

Day two: I like to call it the day of never-ending pain. I looked outside the window, a beautifully snowy Utah morning, it was time to get on the slopes. After hours of preparation and paying for equipment and lift tickets, we were ready. But what they didn’t know was that this guy would only be going on one lift all day-- the bunny slope.

As I hopped off the lift my snowboard got caught in the snow, and I face planted. There we go-- a good start. I got up, straightened up, and

look down at what I thought was the steepest slope on the planet. My heart began to race and I screamed, “It’s go time!” only to ride three feet, veer off to the right and eat a mouthful of snow.

Fifteen minutes later, this was still going on.

Except by this time, I was beyond mad, and everyone on the bunny slope knew it. I was whispering profanities and pretty much having a seizure every single time I would hit the ground. Finally my mom, embarrassed from me making a scene, grabbed me and attempted to take me down the slope. Surprisingly enough, I didn’t fall this time, instead, I broke free from my mom’s grip and headed straight down the slope, going what I thought was 60 mph. I couldn’t stop this time, and as I panicked, I continued to veer closer and closer towards the giant lift pole.

Day two result: Kyle ends up with bruises all on his butt, chest and face.

Day three: I was more than done with the snowboard. It was time to give the skis a try, and boy was I a stud. I was only on the bunny slope for three minutes until I was confident enough to hit the real slopes. The first slope I saw on top of the mountain was a double blue slope, a challenge, but not too tough. I immediately started stabbing the ground with my poles, pushing off in the direct of the slope, my family followed.

My eyes grew bigger and bigger as the slope neared, as the not so steep mountain at the time became a straight down 90 degree angle. Although my mind was telling me no, my arms were telling me yes, as they continued pushing until I was headed down. I closed my eyes, and then everything stopped. I looked around to see the rest of my family stuck in powdery snow up to their waists, the same was for me. Right when I thought things were getting better, they turned out worse, and this would continue all day.

Two hours. It took us two whole hours to pry our ways out of the powdery snow. Finally things started to lighten up as we found some decent slopes to ride on. As we zig-zagged down towards the bottom of the mountain, I dozed off and started thinking of the relief I was finally feeling.

This trip was slowly but surely getting better. At the exact moment I was thinking this, I took a big looping turn on to a small path.

My eyes turned big. For some odd reason, some moron was sitting in the middle of the path while talking on his cell phone. I was going to literally truck this guy whether I liked it or not. As I neared closer, time seemed to stop, and I saw a way out of destroying this Once I avoided the total guy. The path idiot of a man, my leg got was extended caught on the tree, spiralling off to the side, me into a front flip and then but there was face planting. For the remaina big tree that der of the day, I sat around followed. If I bailed, the tree the hotel and relaxed, not just would destroy my body, but my bruised and chapped face. me. I bailed.

Once I avoided the total idiot of a man, my leg got caught on the tree, spiralling me into a front flip and then face planting. For the remainder of the day, I sat around the hotel and relaxed, not just my body, but my bruised and chapped face.

The next day I went home–and that was the trip. I wish I could say that I came away with some lesson that I can apply to the rest of my life, but I can’t. It was just one of those trips where nothing went right. And although that the “look at me” kid didn’t come back with any cool stories that year, he came back with a bunch of funny stories that will last him a lifetime.

I Ask Hot Celebs To Prom Lol

naveedhaque,online editor

When it comes to dances I am said to be a bit picky, but I usually am with everything I do.

I usually look for a really good friend I could ask but lately, I don’t exactly have a great female friend I could ask. I always sell myself short compared to the competition, but I blame that usually on my low self-image.

But above all, it’s mostly because I don’t want to go with someone I’m just simply acquainted with but rather good friends with.

The reason for this is because I have to go through an extra amount of arguing with my parents just so I can get the green card to even attend which somewhat is a long process of convincing them.

The next dance that is up is my junior prom which is coming up on May 5, and I have yet

to decide on who to ask seeing that no one meets my “picky” standards.

After some deliberation, I decided to ask my future-wife to prom, Kate Upton, who just happens to be a Victoria’s Secret Model, As she is only two years older than me, I don’t see the odds too harsh against me.

In my attempt to get her attention, I simply tweeted at her once a week for a month asking her to prom as well as writing on her Facebook wall. Even though she has yet to reply because of her busy schedule of being a model and always being on the runway, I completely understand her lack of ability to reply.

As prom day approaches faster and faster, and still remain without a date I really hope Katy Perry or Kate Upton can pull through for me.

face to face

What’s your stance on funding for birth control?

More than one-quarter of Texas women are uninsured, and women in Texas have the third-highest rate of cervical cancer in the U.S. Texas Governor Rick Perry has proposed changing the Medicaid Women’s Health Program (WHP), which would limit payment for screenings for breast and cervical cancer, birth control, screenings for diabetes and hypertension, well-woman exams and more.

“No. You want to know what’s free?

Abstinence.”

- timbaldwin, teacher

“No, because if it’s there, more girls will want to have sex.”

- mariaguirre, 10

“If people choose to be sexually active, then they should pay for their own birth control.”

-hayleyallen, 11

“No, I don’t think insurance should pay for that. It’s not a necessity to live, its just a want.”

- katybrolo, 11

before I

buy a bearded dragon visit friends in guatemala buy my own car pay off my house drive route 66 go to a drive in movie watch the ball drop live in times square on new years eve call indian be the best woman at my brother in law’s wedding get my own apartment scuba dive in a corral reef brush a lion’s mane own a cactus and venus flytrap Kenzie Floyd go to egypt to see the pyramids visit denmark and meet claus myer learn to have lucid dreams hold a koala bear bucket list- noun; a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. originates from the phrase ‘kick the bucket.’ example: A trip to Guatemala is the first thing on my bucket list. send a message in a bottle attend a distant world’s concert plant a tree give blood regularly write on the bucketwall try escargot. corral reef brush a lion’s mane own a cactus and venus flytrap go to egypt to see hte pyramids visit denmark and meet claus myer hold a koala bear send a message in

I want to...

✔cross it off the list

news editor

Sky dive. Visit a foreign country. See all 50 states.

Things like these can be found on bucket lists all across the country. At Pleasant Grove, students have a few different things in mind.

When asked to make a list of things to do before they graduate, things ranged from going alligator hunting to beating the push-up record in Mr. Kirk’s class.

“One of the top things on my bucket list is to host the an-

nouncements on PGTV for one day,” junior Naveed Haque said. “Just one day. If I don’t get to do it before I graduate, my heart will be broken.”

For Naveed, his bucket list isn’t just for fun–he has already accomplished a few things on the list, such as visiting Europe, getting a date to prom, and winning a dance contest.

“On my first day of high school, I watched the announcements and decided that it was my access to stardom,” Naveed said. “After that, I signed up for journalism and was put on the newspaper staff. I haven’t been on the announcements yet, but I better get the chance to do it before graduation.”

For Spanish teacher Angela McCorkle, one of the things on

67% of students have made a bucket list.

48%

of students have made a list of things to do before they graduate.

her bucket list has changed her whole lifestyle.

Mrs. McCorkle has been to Spain twice so far and plans to go back. The first time, she went while she was in college to study the language and culture of the country. The second time she went simply to see it all over again.

“While I was there, I learned a lot of things that I never could’ve learned from a text book or professor,” Mrs. McCorkle said. “The trip was enlightening in many ways.”

The second time Mrs. McCorkle went to Spain was different. She went all by herself with nothing but a backpack full of clothes. It was hard at first, but she learned to love it and ended up not wanting to leave.

“I was just a kid that grew up in Hope–most people there don’t even leave the Ark-La-Tex,” Mrs. McCorkle said. “By going to Spain, I learned that I could survive in a big city and that I could actually succeed at speaking Spanish.”

When Mrs. McCorkle left Spain, she took part of it with her. Mrs. McCorkle ended up marrying a man from Honduras, and everything she learned in Spain has made a big effect on her life.

“The reason I love everything Spanish is because it’s so different than what we’re used to. The culture, food, architecture, the way people act-- everything,” Mrs. McCorkle said. “I’d go back as many times as I could.”

For some people, bucket lists are just for fun–but for others they are life-changing.

“Sometimes it’s nice to get lost and think you’ll never find your way back,” Mrs. McCorkle said.

page10

g n i n r Lera fo A L L ages

e’s

g e l l o C a n a k k out Texar

Chec

s! n e e t r o f s gram o r p r e m m su

E A R LY C O L L E G E P R E P AC A D E M Y | 7th-9th grades Mom and Dad getting on your nerves this summer? Get out of the house and enroll in Texarkana College’s new classes for 7th-9th graders. There’s something for everyone – whether you’re into food, science, drawing or poetry. Check out our Early College Prep Academy course offerings online at texarkanacollege.edu!

S U M M E R D UA L C R E D I T P RO G R A M | 11th-12th grades Want to get a head start on your college career? Earn both high school and college credit during the summer! At a fraction of the normal cost of college tuition, these credits will transfer to many institutions and will save you cash in the long run.

Watch our website or speak to your high school counselor for more information.

Classes will be offered on the Texarkana College main campus, as well as at TC on Main in Atlanta, Texas and TC @TexAmericas Center at Red River Army Depot.

C A R E E R & T E C H N O LO G Y D I S C OV E RY | 10th Grade and Older Explore Texarkana College’s workforce programs with our new Career & Technology Search! Are you interested in sampling an assortment of our programs to see which you’d like to pursue? For $60, you can choose up to four programs to explore. Available programs include welding, cosmetology, construction technology, auto body, air conditioning and refrigeration, and culinary arts. Visit texarkanacollege.edu for more information!

TEXARKANA COLLEGE A great place to start... Or start over.

texarkanacollege.edu | 903-832-5565 | 2500 N. Robison Rd. | Texarkana, TX

page11 1.The cast preforms a scene at the beginning of Epic Proportions. -nthigpen photo 2. Senior Sydney Jacobsen and Junior Austin Reynolds strike their best royal pose.

-nthigpen photo 3.

Senior Jarrod Myers and Junior Taylor Everett have a standoff. -nthigpen photo 4. Senior Justin Mann and Sophomore Nick McDowell wrestle Junior Austin Reynolds to the ground.

-nthigpen photo

An Epic Success

Theater makes history with over-the-top comedy at UIL competition They still had a job to do. The cast felt ten foot tall and bullet proof, but they still had to strike the set. The pent up energy that had been stored while they lugged set pieces off the stage and put costumes and props back in their places exploded as they entered the cast room. The cast nervously predicted the results, knowing it could go either way. They hoped it went their way.

“We have to stay in business mode during the strike,” junior Rebecca Puente said. “But when we get into the room, we freak out.”

And they did freak out after they learned that they advanced through the district level. One of the two plays in the competition to move on to area. Assistant theatre director Greg Schwartz was ecstatic. “ I was really pumped,” Mr. Schwartz said. “Mainly because no one in the current cast had advanced past district. They had never experienced the excitement.”

At area they did just as well, pulling off another victory.

Although they got alternate at region, the cast of Epic Proportions was satisfied with their success. Making it farther than any comedy in Pleasant Grove history, they were given the confidence

of knowing they were one of the top twelve one act plays in the state.

“I had never made it to region when I was in One Act,” Mr. Schwartz said. “To take such an amazing cast to region has been the highlight of my career so far.”

District Awards: Sydney Jacobsen: Honorable Mention, All Star Cast Kim Spink: All Star Cast Jarrod Myers: All Star Cast Austin Reynolds: Best Actor Region Awards: Jarrod: Honorable Mention, All Star Cast Kim/Austin: All Star Cast Area Awards: Steven Smith: Honorable Mention Austin/Kim: All Star Cast Jarrod: Best Actor

edge knows best Staff picks-- the television shows we think are on the cutting edge. reality tv:

The Voice.

House Hunters International The Voice is different than any What’s better than houses, other singing show. It is a series that people and places? That’s right. lasts over a number of weeks, eliminat- Cool houses. Cool people. And ing singers week by week until the cool places. HH and HHI is winner is announced. The show’s the show for you if you want to innovative format features three stages become a future house owner. of competition: the blind audition, Every day I make sure to get at a battle phase, and finally, the solo least thirty minutes of HHI in. performances. During the blind audiWith those thirty minutes, I plan tions, the decisions from the musimy future house. I plan to have cian coaches-- Adam Levine, Blake the most amazing house in the Shelton, Cee Lo Green, and Christina world, and it WILL be featured in Aguilera-- are based solely on the artevery single HGTV show. (Except ist’s voice, not looks. The coaches hear of course the renovating show) the artists perform, but they don’t get My house won’t need renovato see the artist because their chairs tions on account of me watching are facing the audience. If a coach is HHI so much. Do you have a impressed by the artist’s voice, he or goal of owning the home of your she pushes a button to select the artist dreams at an extremely low cost? for their team. Then, the coach’s chair If so, watch HH and HHI. It’s will turn around to face the stage so the perfect show for parents and that he or she can face the artist they children alike. just selected. If more than one coach turns around, the performer will get to Staffer: Josh Whitt choose which coach’s team she wants Channel: HGTV to be on. There are many unique When: Basically every day voices on the show and it is definitely worth an hour of your time.

Staffer: Kenzie Floyd Channel: NBC When: Mondays at 7 p.m.

drama:

So You Think You Can Dance.

It’s the show dancers obsess over but anyone can appreciate. With cutting edge guest choreographers including Tyce Diorio and Sonya Tayeh talent from all over the country is showcased until one competitor comes out on top. Each performance has a diverse set list including anything from intense tango to musical theatre. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. With an exciting new season starting in May a new group of dancers will fight to become members of Mary Murphy’s “Hot Tamolly Train,” hold a pair of Lady GaGa’s huge heels, and ultimately win the judges and America’s votes.

Staffer: Elizabeth Stark Channel: FOX When: Season 9 premier May 24

The Walking Dead.

Yes, it’s a show about zombies, but no it is not your typical zombie show. The Walking Dead starts off will a guy named Rick Grymes who is trying to find his family in a world full of zombies. But it isn’t one of the shows where he finds his family at the end of the season, he finds them at the very beginning of the first season. For the rest of the seasons, the entire group is faced with the challenge of surviving. This show is full of loops and suprises that take the audience off guard completely. As the group loses tons of important people and useful refugee camps every episode to the zombies, it gets harder and harder to survive. This show will have you talking to your friends about last night’s mind boggling episode every Monday.

Staffer: Kyle Green Channel: AMC When: Sundays at 9 p.m.

Psych.

Murder mystery meets comedy in this one-of-a-kind detective series. Shawn Spencer, a fake psychic detective, and his partner Burton “Gus” Guster, a pharmaceutical salesmen, work as consultants for the Santa Barbara Police Department. Using his keen sense of observation and quick-witted attitude, Shawn solves crimes getting himself into trouble along the way.

From digging up dinosaurs to starring on a Spanish soap opera, there is no limit to the adventures Shawn and Gus get into. Filled with obscure references and random oneliners, Psych is sure to keep you laughing at this dynamic duo.

Staffer: Ashlyn Hurst Channel: USA Network When: Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

page12

01

How long have you played soccer?

02

What’s your favorite song?

03

Define POTUS.

04

Explain how to change out camber plates on a Ferrari.

05

Is there a wocket in your pocket?

06

Do you plan to get a major in music?

“Piano Man” - Billy Joel

President of the U. S.

questions

with

07

21

About seven or eight years, and my dad played so it seemed like a fun thing to do.

First you smash them with a baseball bat then use a magnet to get out all of the other parts and then put the new ones in.

Tyler Goldsmith

No, my wocket is in the light socket.

Just a sophomore, Tyler Goldsmith is already at the top of the charts in everything he does, from soccer to band.

He works in the community through activities such as HOSA, Interact, and Scouting. He spends much of his time outdoors soaking up the sun, but not too much–he always saves enough time to finish his schoolwork.

No, because I enjoy band, but that’s not what I want to do the rest of my life.

What is your middle name?

Tyler, my actual first name is Aaron.

08

Where is Valparaiso located?

09

Have you ever owned a Berga masco?

No, but my uncle had one once. masco?

13

It’s somewhere in Italy.

If you could switch places with a movie star, who would it be?

15

Describe your dream house.

16

When you hear the words “Epic Fail” what comes to mind?

Liam Neeson because he’s the new Chuck Norris.

Bergemasco

10

If the sky is the limit then what is space?

11

Why did the chicken cross the road?

The Final Frontier.

Because he escaped from the processing plant.

14

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

12

After finishing the journey of high school, Tyler plans to attend Vanderbilt in Nashville, or Duke University in North Carolina.

It will be a three story mansion with an indoor pool, elevaors, a courtyard in the middle, and a helipad.

Someone who can’t speak English very well because fail is a verb, not a noun.

17

If you could be a foreign exchange student in any country, where would you go?

18

What is your favorite movie?

19 What do you plan to do after high school?

New Zealand because the landscape is amazing.

20

Germany, because I have family in Germany and I would like to see the culture and where I’m from.

Anchor Man, the Legend of Ron Burgandy.

Why did the cow jump over the moon?

Because Mars was too far away.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Of course, I’m like six grades above.

“I hope to major in medical or biocemical engineering.”

Tyler said. “Then hopefully I’ll get a good job at a research facility somewhere.”

Tyler is not smarter than a fifth grader–he’s only five grades above.

elevators that have annoying/ awkward music playing all the time, and it will have a helipad on top to park my private Black Hawk helicopter.”

After the purchase of his dream house, he plans to to lay back on his retirement fund, and proceed forward to retire at millionare estates.

They’re called techtonic plates, but we’ll let that one slide, and there’s eleven.

next issue:

21questions with

Tyler gets a bite of a donut from sophomore Matt Day during a GT field trip to Donut Cafe.

Immediately after he gets his job, he plans to find the perfect wife, have a couple of perfect kids of his own, and get a big dog.

“Then I plan to buy and build my dream house. It will be a three story mansion with an indoor pool in the middle of the courtyard, it will have

21

How many plate tectonics are there on the Earth?

mystery guest

page13

A New Age Cowboy

Freshman Mark Johnson chose a sport not many would consider.

He has been in bull riding competitions since he was 12 and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Kyle Green reporter

--Freshman Mark Johnson

It’s an hour before showtime.

Freshman Mark Johnson begins to stretch and put on his vest and helmet as his cousin gives him a pep talk and pumps him up.

Twenty minutes to showtime.

Mark and his cousin round up the team and pray in a circle. Afterwards, Mark puts the Rosin on the rope to make it sticky.

One minute to showtime.

Mark gets on the bull and waits patiently in the chute until his name is announced and the doors fly open. Then he does what he does best, hangs on tight.

“When I’m in the chute I’m kind of nervous but when they call my name I get pumped,” he said. “I pray a little and just hope that I win a little money.”

Mark isn’t one of those people who has grown up all around bull riding. It all started when he was 12. And his cousin, the one who introduced Mark to bull riding, turned out to have a bigger role than being just a trainer.

“As a kid my dad was gone all the time, and so my cousin kind of took the title of being my head figure,” Mark said.

“So whenever I would hang out with my cousin I would see him riding the bulls. Fi-

nally one day he told me to try it out, and its been a passion of mine ever since.”

Although Mark has only been riding bulls for three years, there is no doubt that he is fully committed. And fully committed doesn’t just mean he practices a lot, it means he is looking to pursue his dream of being a professional, which means he takes every opportunity he gets to ride and train.

“I practice almost every weekend in either Forman, DeKalb or Hooks. A lot of bull riding is muscle memory training, so you have to train a lot,” Mark said.

“Not to mention, I compete in high school rodeo competitions in Arkansas and been a part of the Southwest High School Arkansas Rodeo Association for two years.”

Practice makes perfect, even Mark knows this. Even though he has been riding for three years now, Mark has had some mistakes. And with bull riding, people who participate don’t just get away with mistakes, they have to pay the price.

“It was my third time to ride, I was with my cousin in Forman, Texas. My cousin told me to get on the bull so I did. I only rode him for a couple of seconds until he bucked me,” Mark said. “Somehow I ended up underneath the bull, so my cousin ran over and grabbed the bull by the horn to get its attention. As soon as I got up I began to walk off until the bull came back, hooked me, and threw me six feet in the air. I had a hip and ankle fracture.”

After telling his friends a story like this, Mark says that some of his friends are a bit hesitant to try bull riding out. But every once in a while he says he gets a friend

that is really interested.

“Most of my friends say I’m crazy for bull riding. But there are some that do it with me,” Mark said. “And the ones who haven’t tried it out yet, I usually bring to one of my competitions. If they still want to ride after seeing my competition, I put them on a bull. That usually changes their mind.”

As his friends watch him risk his life over and over again, they tend to think that Mark has been brought up in bull riding all of his life, but he hasn’t. Instead of following the tradition, he is looking to create it. And although bull riding has many ups and downs, he is still determined to bring the tradition to his future family.

“When I grow up I want my kids to ride like I do,” Mark said. “Although it’s kind of dangerous, and I might be a little hesitant at first, I’m still going to want them to ride if they are up for it.”

Even as Mark looks to get the tradition going, he still has a lot of dreams he wishes to fulfill. Those dreams include teaching the world, or at least Texas, what bull riding is all about.

“When I grow up and retire I really want to open up my own practice pen or bull riding school for the kids who are just starting out. And even though I plan on teaching others as I get older, I still fully expect to ride for the rest of my life,” Mark said. “I plan on being ‘that crazy cowboy who rides bulls’ for the rest of my life.”

Andy Doss prepares for his 200 freestyle relay.

-1991 yearbook Coming up for air, Mandy Thompson takes part in the 200 medley that qualified for regionals. -1990 yearbook

Swimming With The Hawks The Seahawks may be a thing of the past, but former coach Karen Hargis remembers those times like it was yesterday

Josh Whitt

sports editor

I

t’s 6:30 a.m. All the lights are off and air is filled with the smell of chlorine.

The sleepy students and lone teacher squint their eyes as they walk to the bright indoor pool area. The Seahawks make their way to the dressing rooms to prepare for one of the many swimming practices.

Now Mrs. Karen Hargis is a teacher at the middle school, but for two years she was the official head coach of the short lived Pleasant Grove swim team. From 1990-1992 Hargis was in charge of every practice, every meet, bus rides and everything in between.

“It was awful having to be at the college at 6:30 every morning from August to March,” Hargis said. “It was dark and the water was cold. But 99% of them(the swimmers) had a good attitude about it.”

Hargis had never been a swimmer, or anything near a swimming coach. But during the summer of 1990, the school was having a hard time of getting anyone to coach the swim team.

Until they found Hargis.

Hargis was the last faculty member hired that summer so naturally she was offered the job of swim coach. Hargis never was good with saying no. She took the job offer in stride.

“I came here as the eighth grade girls’ coach and I was assigned the swim team,” Hargis said, “so I did it.”

Hargis had never coached anyone in swimming, so everything she did was based off what Ron Holley, the original swim coach, had done. Luckily for her, a swim coach does not necessarily have to know a lot about swimming. As long as Hargis could get the kids in the pool and swimming, she was doing something right.

“They would do sprints back and forth, or take it easy one way then sprint back. I liked to mix it up,” she said. “Occasionally before a meet, I would time their races they would be competing in. They were basically in the water the entire time.”

The students schedule during the season was long and grueling. Every morning the students would get in the pool at 6:45 a.m. and would not get out again until 8:00 a.m. From there they would have 30 minutes to get ready and make sure they were in school for the remainder of the day.

For the swimmers, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. was their first period.

“It was hard getting up, swimming, changing and then going back to school every morning.” Hargis said. “The kids had to go to class and I would go coach the 8th grade girls. It was the same thing week after week.”

For all of that work the swimmers did not have many meets to actually go to.

Usually the team would four meets every year. These four do not include district, regionals and state.

The meets were not easy activities for the swim team. Every meet consisted of

two days of swimming, normally Friday and Saturday.

On Friday it was just like a track meet.

Except that in was inside and they were in water.

Every Friday the teams would take part in multiple heats. Each heat would range from events such as the 100 meter breaststroke and the 400 meter relay. The most swimmers allowed in one event were eight swimmers.

The Seahawks rarely had more than one or two in any heat. On Saturday, the fastest swimmers of Friday went back to the pool for one more chance at glory.

“We had a few big achievements for our team. We took a few people to regionals those years, in individual and team,” Hargis said. “Ryan Collins was really good and one of the relay teams was pretty good.”

Pleasant Grove’s few big moments in swimming could be contributed to the fact that not many swimmers ever signed up for the team. This is also the reason the board eventually quit the program.

A few teachers had students on the team which kept the team alive. Once these teachers and students moved there was only one girl left for the entire team.

Hargis was the last Pleasant Grove swim coach. And as the last coach she gets to decide what’s true or not.

“There’s a button in the gym,” Hargis said. “When you press it the floor folds back and there is a pool. We practiced there occasionally.”

Taking his mark, Ryan Collins stretches before his 100 meter breaststroke. He finished second in the race. -1992 yearbook

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The sport of dance?

The Showstoppers have been performing at PG for 27 years straight. They perform everything from halftime shows to nationals in Florida.

The team of course considers themselves athletes. But for the non-dancers of our school, what do you think about dance?

Lady Hawks Make History With a second year head coach at the helm, the Lady Hawks softball team advance to playoffs for only second time in school history

Do you think dance is a sport?

Yes- 71% No- 29%

How many calories does a person burn in 2 1/2 hours of dance?

1,072- 32% 324- 18%

911- 44% 697- 6%

*answer- 911 calories

50 students surveyed

Q&A with

Elizabeth Stark

What is your role on the drill team?

I’m a junior lieutenant and I like to try and keep the other team members from being so stressed.

How long have you been on drill team and when did you start dancing?

I’ve been on drill team since freshman year and I started dancing when I was four.

How did you think the team did this year?

We were really good, but we definitely had to work for it. The TAKS days were pretty hard. I think we were all pleased with our performances.

What are your hopes for next year?

I want to get a good group of freshmen so we can have a big team and we will have two-a-days so I think we should be pretty intense.

Face time

Do you think your future kids will participate in dance?

“

on the edge

No. I will pass on the no dancing gene. And I definitely do not want other boys looking at my daughter like that.”

- michaelfischer, sophomore

“

I would fully support my daughter for it, but if my son asked to do dance I would make sure it was for the girls.”

- carsonrice, senior

Senior Sara Kate Martindale throws the ball to second in a warmup against Paris.-ccraytorphoto

Curtis Zachry reporter

It didn’t take coach Blake Worley long to figure out the differences between baseball and softball. Shorter field. The ball is bigger. The pitching is underhanded.

“There is a really big difference between coaching softball and baseball,” Worley said.

“Softball is a lot more of a short game and you don’t have to really have to have a pitching rotation.”

Figuring out the difference between coaching girls and boys was even more difficult.

“There is a definite difference in how you have to coach girls and guys. It took me a little bit to become use to the role but now I have gotten the hang of it,” Worley said. “I yell at guys a little more not because I have to but they respond better, where girls tend to give more when you talk to them.”

After becoming the head softball coach last year, Worley’s team is stepping up their play and really turning heads this season. Worley served

as assistant softball coach five years ago and transitions from coaching guys (football) every year but this isn’t a problem for him, at least not anymore.

After a testing first year as head coach of the team, Worley has finally whipped the team into shape and re-focused the girls.

“It was rough at first because we were new to him and he had to get use to coaching us girls, but now we know what coach expects from us,” senior Sara Kate Martindale said. “This year we have been working a lot harder this in practice, plus we have a lot of experience on the team so we should be alright.”

The team has a lot of experience and this season has started off well for the team.

“We have won a lot of games already so we know we can be good we just have to keep working,” Brolo said. “It can be easy to get distracted when you start winning but I think all the experience we have is going to help us stay focused.”

After a rough March the Lady Hawks found their playoff dreams in danger.

“It was tough just thinking that we might not playoffs but then everything worked out perfectly so that we had three way tie for the last playoff spot,” senior Sara Kate Martindale said. “I am a senior and I was so happy to have a few extra games of softball to play.”

After beating L.E. the Hawks only had Mt. Vernon left before the made playoffs.

The Hawks blew a six run lead in the last inning of the game and had to go into extras.

However after fighting back, the girls claimed victory in the 10th inning.

“After the last out I ran to meet up with the rest of the team and celebrate,” Martindale said. “All the other girls on the team were crying but I was able to hold it together, until coach started talking. He was teary eyed as he told us how proud he was.”

The Lady Hawks’ playoff berth marks only second time the team has made the playoffs in the history of the school.

With the big win the Lady Hawks are ready to carry all the emotional momentum into the playoffs which start this Friday.

Keeping The Routine It’s just one of their many rituals as the varsity baseball team prepares for a fourth straight run to Austin

Curtis Zachry reporter

Drive to the field, take right field drills with the team, then stand in the same place and say the Lord’s Prayer.

This has been the same pre-game baseball routine for senior Roman Brown for the last four years.

“We try to do the same thing before every game, it is all about keeping a routine that way you can get focused on the game and calm your nerves,” Brown said. “It is what we have done since I have been in baseball and I couldn’t imagine a game day without this routine.”

This routine has also included making it to state for the last 4 years and the seniors are working hard to make sure their routine isn’t messed up.

“If we make it to state one more year then we will set a record in the state of Texas for most consecutive trips,” Brown said. “We are returning a lot of talent on the team this year so state is definitely our goal. Plus I do not want my senior year to

be the year our state streak ends.”

The team is returning seven starters from the team last year.

“We have a lot of guys coming back so we have a real good chance of being able to make it back to state,” senior Melvin Gray said. “The team just has to stay focused during games, we have the talent we just have to keep up the intensity during the games.”

The baseball team is returning seven starters from the team last year and realize they can do great things this season.

“We have the ability to win state, and we have more experience than any team we are going to face this year,” Brown said. “The team just has to stay focused, we are the only ones who can stop us.”

The Hawks clinched the district title with a win over Paris.

“The team has been playing very well and it I am super pumped about winning district,” Gray said. “I think that has really got everyone on the team in the winning mind-set.”

The Hawks start their playoff run on May 12 with the first round.

Assistant coach Cody Deal goes over a play with senior Lucas Wacha.-ccraytorphoto

On

radar

the

Sophomore John Robert Beck

Golf

Tennis

Track

Head coach: Steve Wren What’s next: “The team was really young this season so we are going to be a much improved next season,” Wren Said Top Players: “Jacob Rochelle and Nick Quinn were top guys for us all Junior Riley O’Dell year,” Wren said.

Best Moment: “Was when we made it to regionals. This was a down year for us so being able to still make it to regionals was big,” Wren said.

Head coach: Katie Whitecotton What’s next: “There are a lot of returning players and a lot of freshmen who are coming out for the team so we have a lot to work with.”

Story of the season: “We had a lot of youth this year, but that just means we have Sophomore Kayin Cooks a lot of potential coming back,” Whitecotton said.

Top players: “Bryan Zach and Travis Alkire have really stood out, they have definitely been the most consistent all year,” Whitecotton said.

Head coach: Steve Morris What’s next: We had a really good season this year we finished in the top five in every tournament this season.

Story of the season: We are a young team and we have a lot of guys coming back so next year we are going to have a lot of potential.

page15

Wonder Woman

After ten years, she’s still the first and only female powerlifter at PG Kyle Green reporter

Go back all the way to 2001.

It’s coach Lindsey Thompson’s, or as students at PG know as, coach Kurtz’s senior year at Pleasant Grove High School.

It’s a scalding hot summer afternoon, probably around 95 degrees, but to Thompson it’s more like 110. She is wearing a trash bag suit and sweating bullets as she continues to max out on her three lifts, bench, squat and deadlift. She has to make weight for her next powerlifting meet, and fast pace lifting with a homemade sauna is the only way to do it.

“I had to drop a weight class to compete in the region,” Thompson said. “The only way to do it was to was to work in trash bag suits two times a day, six days a week.

And while I lost weight I had to maintain the same strength.”

Thompson is competitive. But the thing is, girls’ powerlifting at PG isn’t. Thompson is the only girl at PG who has ever

been in girls powerlifting. This meant that she not only didn’t know anything about her competition, but it also meant that she had to work out with guys everyday.

“The guys were very supportive, they always wanted to help make me better with form and everything,” Thompson said. “I also had my best friend come with me to meets to tape me up and to scream in my ear when I wasn’t doing a lift right.”

In the high school world, students aren’t typically supportive of the kid that does something out of the ordinary, but in this case they were. At least more than Thompson thought they would be.

“Not only were the powerlifting boys supportive, but my whole entire class was, especially my friends. They felt that they needed to support me because it was so different,” Thompson said. “The students motivated me a lot since my parents thought it was more funny than anything, at least until they found out what I was capable of.”

Although people might think that

powerlifting is all about a bunch of buff meatheads lifting a ton of weight, it’s much more than that. Amazing, or in Thompson’s case, even funny memories are made, just like any other sport.

“I was at a meet in Detroit and I had just sprained my wrist at a powderpuff game the week before,” Thompson said. “So when I went to unrack the weight for my bench lift and the spotters weren’t paying attention, things didn’t go as planned. I dropped the bench on my forehead and busted up my hands pretty bad.”

Fortunately, for Thompson, she recovered from her injuries. And not only that, she was a top contender in Texas.

“My senior year was a very successful year,” Thompson said. “I won almost all of my area meets in both specific and combined lifts and I also got fourth in state all together.”

A burning passion for a high school sport tends to end after high school, but for Thompson it hasn’t. She still continues to workout on a regular basis.

And as she works out, she not only aims to stay in shape, but hopes to motivate other PG girls.

“I would love to see the girls at PG compete in powerlifting, I know for a fact the girls are athletic enough,” Thompson said. “All it takes to find a true passion is one girl trying something a little out of the ordinary.”

Powerlifting Finishes Strong After a short season which consisted of only five invitational meets, in which they placed in the top five in all of them, the powerlifting team made their way over to Rusk, Texas to compete in the Regional Powerlifting meet. The team came away with an impressive three qualifiers (Juniors Brandon Nettles, Collin Craytor and Tyler Wellborn) and three alternates for the meet to finish the season.

Junior Brandon Nettles 123 lbs weight class: Squat-315 lbs Bench-185 lbs Deadlift-300 lbs

Junior Collin Craytor

198 lbs weight class: Squat-520 lbs Bench-290 lbs Deadlift-500 lbs

Junior Tyler Wellborn 220 lbs weight class: Squat-520 lbs Bench-295 lbs Deadlift-475 lbs

The 2001 powerlifting team, with Lindsey Kurtz front row, center. The team was coached by former coaches Rick Barker and others. Today, Thompson coaches middle school volleyball and is the assistant high school volleyball coach. Senior Bailey Booker choose Thompson as her most influential teacher for the Educational Foundation Banquet this week. -nthigpenphoto

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