Warrior Post October 2014 by Tricia Regalado

The Warrior Post Martin High School /4501 W. Pleasant Ridge Dr. Arlington, TX 76016 /Volume 33, Issue 1 October 24, 2014

The student section throws baby powder into the air at the Martin vs Lamar game on Sept. 26. Martin won with the final score of 67-20. Photo by Caelan McCulley

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside Cheater, Cheater

Sticks & Stones

Putting away the bird

Ramadan Runner

Students and teachers talk about their experience with cheating

Senior opens up about dealing with an abusive relationship

Why a break from Twtitter can be seriously beneficial

Cross country athlete explains how he handles religion and sports

Welcome to

REGALEGOLAND Homecoming 2014’s theme will be based on Photography teacher Dan Regalado’s passion for Lego He made a difference,” Mrs. Regalado said. “It’s been very heartwarming.» “He was a phenomenal teacher,” Powers said. “Whenever you’ve got a big school like this there are always going to be about 10 percent of teachers who do way more than they ever need to do. He’s one.” One of the many above and beyond things that Mr. Regalado did was help organize Martin’s Lip Dub videos in 2010 and 2012 that united the school and made Martin internationally famous. His sense of humor, practical jokes, Converse shoes, crazy shirts and his heart for service are missed by his family, friends and students. “Every day was fun with him,” Regalado said. “It was happy. Even the bad days,

Michaelann Durden • Entertainment Editor

here were so many days when we would walk out of this building and think, ‘We have not made a difference at all today,’” Journalism teacher Tricia Regalado said. “It has been a huge eye-opener over the last few months to know that he did make a difference.” This year’s Homecoming theme is Rega-Legoland in honor of the loss of Photography teacher Dan Regalado. He passed away June 13 due to a brain aneurysm. “After his death, we met with all of the student council kids before Warrior Welcome,” Leadership teacher Carolyn Powers said. “They were the ones that proposed the RegaLegoland idea.” The Rega-Legoland theme comes from Mr. Regalado’s hobby and love for Lego. Mr. Regalado’s passion for Lego extended out to his kids as a way for them to spend time together. Even the Regalado dining table is a mosaic pattern made of Lego bricks. “We will be selling Legos to go into a statue that will commemorate him,” Student Council President senior Carson Parks said. “The engineering club is working on the details of the statue.” Students and faculty will be able to buy Lego bricks up until Homecoming day that they can put their names on, and those Lego bricks are what the statue

will be made of. “One of the fundraiser organizations that Mr. Regalado was really involved with was the Special Olympics,” Powers said. “All of the money that we raise from selling Legos will be donated to Special Olympics.” Since the whole pep rally is Lego version of Dan themed around Rega-Legoland, Regalado that he built his whole family plans to be a of himself. part of it. “Daniel’s brother and sisterin-law are flying in from Maryland to be at the pep rally and game,” Mrs. Regalado said. even the days that most people “And Daniel’s mom would also would say were terrible days, really like to be there.” there was still so much joy The Regalado’s �� children, Elethat he brought to them. He na and Mark, will be attending didn’t have a dark side. What the Homecoming pep rally and everybody here at Martin saw game. was what we got to go home to. As a way to also involve the We were so lucky.” childrem, the publications staff decided to make the Regalado kids a mum and a garter to wear to the pep rally and game in honor of their father, who was selected Teacher of the Year in 2013. “Even kids who failed his class, kids who slept through his Student Council members paint the senior banner for the class have come Homecoming pep rally Oct. 24. The theme Rega-Legoland was up to me and chosen to honor Photography teacher Daniel Regalado who said, ‘He was my passed away in June. Photo by Michaelann Durden favorite teacher.’

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Stemming Martin from

MHS to offer technology academy Emily Hale • Reporter

artin will open a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) academy next year which will allow students to graduate with 60 hours of college credit, saving them an average of $15,000 in college tuition. The academy is available to incoming freshmen all over the district, and will add a grade level each additional year. “We have not replaced our STEM workforce like we should have,” Pre AP Algebra II and future STEM teacher, Marianne Varner said. “There has to be a push in the United States to get that population back up.” This has become such a problem that the National Labor Force has issued a STEM Workforce Challenge in 2007 to encourage students to pursue careers in the math, science and engineering fields. “We don’t have enough students in our country who are being groomed to be taking the place of those who are retiring,” Principal Marlene Roddy said. “The Baby Boomer generation is moving out of positions, and we’re having to hire a lot of students from other countries to come in and take those positions.” The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is funding the program and providing opportunities for students to take college courses on and off campus. The schedule for these incoming STEM students is still unclear. Schedule and course requirements “It is a possibility that the STEM academy will have

a different bell schedule for different things and a longer day, but we don’t know,” physics teacher Jay Atman said. “A longer day requires all kinds of different bus schedules and everything else. Or they come back at night. That’s what we still have to plan.” But Martin is not al�� one in trying to find the right mix for this confusing and daunting task. “We have looked at models of top-ranking STEM academies from across the United States,” Varner said. “The state of Texas has a STEM blueprint, so we are taking components from a lot of areas to help design ours.” Being part of the STEM academy will not only affect students’ science and math classes, but also their other courses. For academy students, their other core classes like English and Social Studies will also have STEM components to them. “The idea is that there would be some STEM processes in place in all of their classes,” Atman said. “For example, in English, they would have an English project, but it would use some of the learning strategies that are used in the STEM to do that curriculum for those students.” Although these rigorous courses will focus on technological studies of the future, STEM academy students will still be part of Martin student life. “We are planning for students to be Martin Warriors,” Varner said. “They will have elective opportunities. When students from other schools join the STEM academy, they will not

Sophomore Soobin Lee writes physics equation. Martin will host a STEM Academy starting next year. Photo by Emily Hale

be affiliated with their home schools. They will become Martin Warriors and have all the extracurricular opportunities, and things like that.” But in order to maximize their future career, STEM students will be encouraged to pursue electives that relate to their fields of study. “A lot of students’ electives will draw from STEM, including engineering classes, additional science classes, computer sciences and biomedical sciences,” Atman said.

Application process STEM teachers are still formulating an application process and criteria for potential students. “We are looking for the bright mind that wants a STEM career; that’s the main component,” Varner said. UTA has expressed interest in recruiting these students who they’ve invested in, but the college credits earned are transferrable. “Going to UTA is not a requirement, and so any student who would be getting college credit would carry into any university system,” Roddy said. Over the past year, several teachers have dedicated their time to maximize the potential of this academy. Marketing teacher Ami Motsenbocker,

engineering teacher Kelly McCullough, Varner, electronics and animation teacher Greg Patton, computer science teacher Aaron Cadle and Biomedical Science teacher Michele Davda have been involved since last school year. But, like students, they have to apply to be a teacher for the STEM academy. “I’m not sure how we’re going to do the application process for teachers,” Roddy said. “I know that the initial work on the STEM Program has been by Martin teachers because we wanted them to have a definite role in what that academy will look like.” Valuable resource “This is an extremely valuable resource not only for the students, but for the community and society as a whole to improve from this by this increase of knowledge of students,” sophomore Jonathan Wong said. “As a nation, we are recognizing a need,” Varner said. “Nationally, we have fallen down and allowed ourselves to be illiterate in math and science. It is considered okay to be illiterate in math. No one would ever say they couldn’t read, but it’s okay to say, ‘I’m not good at math.’ We’ve accepted that, and it’s not acceptable.”

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Scrambling for State Choir students prepare for All-State auditions “Out of all of Texas, over 15,000 students tried out for round one, and in the end, only 350 students will be in the Texas All-State choir.”

Junior Kate McGuire practices the cuts for Round 2 of All-State choir auditions in the choir room. Martin sent 84 students through teh audition process. Photo by Luke Bishop

dos, staccatos and sforzandos.” Rehearsals for the All-State auditions are held by the choir directors every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and many students will go to all three during the week. On top of rehearsals and private voice lessons, students will practice on their own for 15 minutes to an hour every day. “The kids that I see do really well and advance are those who practice a lot, who are taking voice lessons and are coming to the after-school rehearsals,” Choir director Betsy Clark said. “A lot of it is just the time and effort they put into it.” At the auditions, each student is ranked. First chair means a first place ranking in that room. However, the rank is very dependent on some things that a student cannot control, such as who the judges behind the curtain are and how many other students they have heard already. “It’s not really about chairs because it’s that music at that time with those judges on

Parker Poulos • Reporter

ophomore Jillian Moore needed the calming effects of her Throat Coat Tea… and fast. She was about to audition for the first round of All-State for choir. This tea was only a drop in the glass for sore throats, shaky nerves and 100 pages of music involved in the All-State Process. Martin Choir is sending 84 singers through the All-State audition process. A record of 54 students from Martin made it through round one on Saturday, Sept. 20. “There are a lot of talented schools in our region,” Choir director Kay Owens said. “It takes a lot of practice, starting in the summer,” said junior Ashlie Whitworth, who took 22nd chair for Alto II in the first round. “Lots of camps, and dedication.” Students can attend summer camps in order to learn the AllState music. Baylor University, Texas Christian University, The University of Texas at Arlington, and Bass Hall in

Fort Worth offer long days filled with complex music. “Learning the music is not the most fun part,” junior Austin Crawford said. “But they have really fun things at the camps. Like the dance at TCU camp was really fun.” Students this year have learned songs in Farsi, German and Latin as well as English. Most camps last three to four days, and students are expected to learn up to eight pieces of music in order to be prepared for the four rounds of auditions. Students also prepare for auditions by using private voice teachers and special afterschool rehearsals at school. The directors and voice teachers can give more specific feedback on each student’s trouble spots when practicing. “My voice teacher has helped me the most when I’ve been preparing for this,”sophomore Jillian Moore, who took fifth chair in Soprano I Room 2, said. “We usually work on dynamics, like crescendos and decrescen-

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that day,” said junior Julian Duncan, who placed eighth chair in Bass I room I. Junior Austin Crawford made All-State last year as a sophomore and took second chair in the Tenor II room. “Being an All-Stater means that not only are you a very good musician, but it means that the stars aligned during all of your auditions,” Crawford said. “The auditions are what each of the five judges thought of your three-minute audition on that certain day.” “All-Staters have confidence, and they want to be in the top of the top,” freshman Kyla Clift, who took third chair in Soprano II Room 2, said. “You know they are serious about singing.” Sophomore Rachel Rankey, who was chosen for All-State choir last year, placed first chair in Soprano II Room 1 this year. “To me, being an All-Stater shows how hard someone works to get something and that they really have a passion for what they’re doing,” Rankey said. “I know firsthand how hard it is and how much time goes into it.” Out of all of Texas, over 15,ooo students tried out for round one, and in the end only 350 students will be in the Texas All-State Choir. “You don’t necessarily hear everyone else, so you can come out of the room feeling like you did well, but there are always going to be people who are gonna be better than you,” senior Shelby Peters, who took 12th chair in Soprano I room I, said. “I look up to the All-�� Staters because they are very very good,” freshman Alex Fratto said. “I want to be one of them.”

10 things you didn’t know about Quidditch Gabby Benavides • Reporter

1. Quidditch is based on Harry Potter. In the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling, Harry and his friends play the game Quidditch for their school, much like our own Quidditch club. Unfortunately, our Quidditch club doesn’t have the ability to fly or cast spells, but real-life Quidditch is just as exciting. “I like to play it because I love being active, I love sports, and I love running, and I love Harry Potter,” Co-Vice President sophomore Ali Alirezaieyan said. “So when you combine my two favorite things – sports and Harry Potter – I’m gonna love it.”

Quidditch very seriously. “We’re called a club because we had to be, but we’re really a intramural sport,” Quidditch sponsor English teacher Molly Haney said.

4. Quidditch players are athletes. In order to play the game, players need pure determination, high stamina, hand-eye coordination, and it helps to be pretty fast (especially if you’re the Snitch). “An average game can range from 30 minutes to an hour... it just depends,” Quidditch president sophomore Jaylee Holland said.

Martin students practice for the next Quidditch match. The club was started two years ago. Photo by Caelan McCulley

2. The game of Quidditch is very com- 5. Practice, Practice, Practice Martin’s Quidditch team pracplex. Quidditch isn’t just about running around with a broom between your legs, it’s an actual game. There are five positions: Seeker, Keeper, Beater, Chaser and the Golden Snitch. The Chasers run balls down the field to throw into the hoops. Keepers defend the hoops to keep the other team from scoring. Beaters throw balls at the other team in order to defend their own players. And the Seeker runs to catch the Golden Snitch (a person dressed in gold holding a ball) in order to end the game. Each player has his or her own job and set of rules, so playing or even watching the game will keep you on your toes.

3. The Quidditch club is only two years old. It was started at Martin in 2012 by graduate Hannah-Beth Floyd, who graduated in June. Even though the club is fairly new, the team takes the game of

tices every other Thursday after school. Just like any other sport, practice is necessary in order to work on skills, game plans and technique. “We’re a team,” Holland said. “Commitment is a big deal and it’s important for players to be involved.”

6. Quidditch can cause injuries.

coach is really mad about it.”

Scrapes, bruises, twisted ankles and pulled hamstrings are only some of the injuries involved. In order to ensure the team’s safety, all players are required to wear safety goggles because of one particularly unfortunate incident involving a broom in the eye. However, like any other sport, accidents are inevitable. “No one has died yet,” Haney said.

9. Even teachers play Quidditch.

7. “It’s actually a lot cooler than you think,” Alirezaieyan said. “Quidditch is unique, interesting, intense, and a whole lot of fun.” His response to the haters? “Why don’t you try it?”

8. They compete against other schools.

Sophomore Rania Abukhanfar reaches to defend the goal at Quidditch practice. Photo by Caelan McCulley

Martin is not the only school with a Quidditch club. Keller and Arlington High also have teams of their own and we compete against Keller yearly. “Keller is our biggest rival,” Haney said. “They crushed us the first year because we were brand new, but then we crushed them the second year and their

The Quidditch team organizes an annual Teacher vs. Student game, where various teachers and even our own principal compete against students. This event usually happens in the spring but the Quidditch club officers and sponsor hope to have a teacher game in the fall as well. This game is a treat for all students, faculty, and parents to see. “You get to treat the teachers as equivalent to the students,” Holland said. “You can knock them down and we like to play dirty.”

10. Quidditch is for everyone It’s not just for die-hard Harry Potter fans, it’s for anybody who enjoys being active and being a part of something different and unique. Even though it is sometimes classified as nerdy or lame, you’ll never really know what it’s like until you give it a shot. In the words of Co-Vice President sophomore Maverick Culp, “When else do you get to run with a broom in between your legs?”

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The Warrior Post Martin High School • Arlington, TX Jarred Osterman Editor-In-Chief Kyle Desrosiers News Editor Bailey Lewis & Tupelo Witte Features Editors Sherilyn Morales Opinions Editor Garrett Elliott Sports Editor Cameron Skanes Photo Editor

Out of bounds

Be sure t-shirt messages reflect school pride

“We take what we want.” This phrase has represented Martin’s football program to demonstrate the passion and work ethic of our athletes. Enthusiastic fans gather around our sports teams to support and cheer with the spirit of the Warrior. Recently, a new football shirt sporting the phrase, “Shh... just let it happen” and “Martin Football: We take what we want�� ,” was designed by senior varsity football players and sponsored by the Football Booster Club, according to head coach Bob Wager. Concerns have been raised about the meaning of the shirt. We take what we want … though this slogan is meant to show the

[staff editorial] football team’s emphasis on taking the opponent’s ball away, it can raise some eyebrows. Add the, “�� Shh...just let it happen,” and you’ve got yourself some more questions. The shirt’s main message is to state the players’ idea that there is no need for the opponent to put up a fight in letting our team take the ball away from them. But can this saying be easily misunderstood? Yes. Though it certainly was not the goal of the shirt, its slogan connotes rape culture. This is not what we want to display as a slogan for our Varsity football program, sporting it to people from other

schools who don’t understand the true meaning of “We take what we want.” As far as our community is concerned, any shirt that has the words “Martin High School” on it represents our school and our values, regardless of whether MHS officially approved it or not. We understand the importance of team unity by such a thing as making matching shirts for all the players, and misinterpretations are always possible when coming up with slogans. But all clubs and sports teams need to have more oversight and consideration before they allow questionable slogans to represent our school.

Try a social media detox

Tucker Coble Video Editor Tricia Regalado Adviser Marlene Roddy Principal Staffers: Cailynd Barnes, Allison Beatty, Gabby Benavides, Luke Bishop, Rosa Castaneda, Jireh Davis, Alec Delon, Roberta Flores, Madison Grisham, Emily Hale, Bayan Hammad, PJ Inthanousay, Aisha Iqbal, Binh Le, Kamryn Lefan, Emma Marshall, Kayla Mattox, Gavin McGowan, Josh Parker, Parker Poulos, Kaitlyn Rosenbaum, Jenna Rowe, Caleb Smith, Desy Thompson, Julie Vest, Lexy Walters, Haley Wiley, Christina Williams, McKenzie Woodruff The Warrior Post is the official monthly publication of Martin High School. Opinion columns don’t represent the opinion of The Warrior Post or of Martin High School. The Warrior Post will not accept advertisements for products not legally available to students.

Tupelo Witte • Features Editor Social Media. It destroys us. It has glorified disorders and real world issues like depression, suicide and anorexia and has let them be viewed in a seemingly positive way. It has also produced amounts of prejudiced opinions throughout the many different sites and apps, for example: Twitter and Instagram. These sites have caused our society to become a huge circle of judgment. We have all become so confident in our internet persona, yet look in the mirror and perceive ourselves as a completely different person. I have seen it almost every day of my high school career:

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girls being open across social media and being confident with everything they are saying, yet walking into Martin unsure of who they are and feeling uncomfortable. We drown ourselves in the depths of favorites, retweets, likes and reposts, when we should be enjoying the moments we have with friends and family. Our thoughts of happiness have slowly become thoughts of, “I wonder how many favorites this will get,” and, “Dang, she got over 100 likes. I’m jealous.” I, for one, am tired of sinking. I challenged myself to going 21 days without Twitter, and I’m surprised to find how much free time I have. I have replaced my hours of scrolls and favorites with re-finding my faith and pursuing the hobbies that I love. Throughout the 21 days, I have realized that I haven’t missed much of the so-called “tweefs” or drama. I never noticed how much time I truly spent on Twit-

ter until I opened my eyes and watched others scroll whenever there is a chance. Without Twitter weighing me down, I have taken advantage of all the excess time I have. If we were completely content with life, social media wouldn’t matter. The only way to destroy the toll social media takes on us is to find contentment in the reality outside of our devices. I found my satisfaction with not only my friends and family, but with music. The less time I spend on social media, the more I can spend with my piano, letting the sounds of the keys surround me with relaxation and beauty. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that I am gaining back the love for music that I lost, due to the lack of practice and focus I once had. Saying good-bye to Twitter was a heavy burden lifted off of my shoulders. With slowly letting go of the social media side of me, I am realizing who I really am, and who I strive to be.

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What is popularity?

Hollywood paints an unrealistic picture of what it means to be well-liked

Roberta Flores•Reporter How is the word “popularity” used today? When I watch television, I see teens acting like they rule the school since people think they have a lot of money and everyone seems to know them. Today, when I see the teens around school, I see a difference and unique personalities in everyone I see everyday. What we see on television and movies is the opposite of how we should

view popularity. When people see somebody holding a Gucci bag or wearing designer clothes, they tend to think she must be rich, or that they want to be like her. The idea of materialism is a huge contributor to how people view popularity. But these assumptions are not always correct. She might have received those items as gifts, and therefore doesn’t have as much money as others think she does. Throughout my high school career, I have seen people driving new cars, and I notice how people judge them like they are different from everyone else. Large-scale material things attract a lot of attention. People find ways to talk about others,

good or bad, based only on the accessories they have or their stylish appearances. On television and in movies, “popular teenagers” seem to always walk around together in their own group. It is easy to see how they seem superior to everyone else. When they talk to a nonpopular kid or student, they have a negative attitude. They speak rudely about somebody just to bring them down, and by doing this, they make themselves appear more favorable to the people around them. However, this is not necessarily what it means to be popular in the real world. The truly popular people are those who are well-liked and wellknown by a lot of people. They

You have no idea

have admirers and people who support and care for them. When you walk throughout the school, you may notice some groups or cliques of people hanging and talking with each other. For example, there are small and large groups of people with same interests who are with each other everyday at lunch. Also, there are schoolsponsored clubs and organizations that offer opportunities and interests that appeal to the students. The various types of groups and organizations exemplify the various types of popularity that exist. This doesn’t mean just one person or individual can be popular. A group of people can be acknowledged and well-liked together.

Special ed kids are not stupid, not less than anyone else

Rosa Castaned and Josh Parker • Reporters In today’s society, people are often misinformed about learning disabilities such as ADHD. A good majority of the people you walk by in the hall every day have learning disabilities. ADD and ADHD are essentially the same thing. ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, and ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I was in the ninth grade in one

matter what people say. We should have never been ashamed of having ADHD or other disabilities, because it is nothing we can control. We believe that being in a program such as Special Ed doesn’t mean that we are “stupid” or any less than anyone else. To us, it’s normal and we accept that we think differently than others. Being in this program, we’re sometimes given fewer choices in how we can achieve after graduation. We are not encouraged to enroll into a four-year college or university. We have been told that we should go to a community college to take our basics first before we can transfer to a college we would like to go to.

of my classes and my teacher asked me to go to MAC to take a quiz, and the student behind me made a remark that the only reason I was in Special Ed classes was because I’m lazy. I felt extremely embarrassed. Looking back on it, it’s not that embarrassing because I know I am in it for a reason. That’s just the way my brain functions. Another time in seventh grade, I asked my teacher for help on a Social Studies assignment. After she helped me, the student next to me laughed and told me I needed to go to Special Ed classes because I was stupid and didn’t think like regular people. At the time, I was humiliated and didn’t know what to say or do. I realized that it doesn’t

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Learning from our own experiences, it’s extremely different and difficult. We feel like the school system never gave us the same opportunity to be on the same Recommended Graduation plan as they give to everyone else. We were placed on the Minimum Graduation plan when we came in as freshmen. This can prevent things, such as the ability to receive scholarships to four-year universities. The program should give the incoming freshmen a chance to be on same graduation plans as everybody else, because there are some who excel in other areas but are not always able to with opportunities they are given.

I wanted to be better for myself Jenna Rowe • Reporter To this day, I’m not too sure why I did it but I know that it changed me for the better. I started smoking marijuana my freshman year for all the wrong reasons. There isn’t any good reason to start, but doing it to fit in with others is not the answer. Using it to forget or feel better should not be a justifiable reason either. Though it is understandable that some people feel this way, better, positive options exist to make yourself feel better with no regret or remorse. Freshman year was hard for me, and I’m positive I wasn’t the only one. I had a difficult time figuring out who I was and who I wanted to be. Honestly, I still don’t know exactly who I am, but I know that who I was, was not who I’m supposed

to be. For the rest of my life, I will remember the mistakes I made, but I will look back at it and realize how much I have changed. This is my story. Near the end of second semester of my freshman year, I got involved with smoking marijuana. I didn’t smoke a lot, but I began to act the same whether I was high or not. I was shut off and was almost always angry for no reason. I don’t know how, but my parents never noticed my shift in behavior. My grades began to slip, and so did the friends who actually mattered to me. As I felt more and more alone, I started to cling to my other “friends.” Even with them, I still couldn’t get over the lonely and empty feeling I always had. I started finding other negative alternatives. I began cutting myself to feel some sort of release. I would feel so numb some days that I thought I had to hurt to feel anything at all, just something. After a couple weeks of smoking, I was arrested for possession. I was in jail for a

few hours. It was absolutely humiliating knowing that other people would now know that I had gone to jail and that they would know what I went in for. When I got out, I could see the hurt in my parents’ faces. That was when I had the epiphany. I needed to change. I wanted to not only be better for them, but for myself. So I did. I needed to find people who were forgiving and nonjudgmental, people who saw past my flaws. I truly found those people. There was a girl in my life that truly helped me change for the better. My friend Julia was a huge help with figuring out that I wasn’t alone physically or mentally. She was here for me and so was God. God helped me feel so together when I felt so broken and alone. He helped me get my life back on track in school, extracurricular activities and with friendships. Everything I could have let destroy me has only built me up to be a better person for the future. I now have not smoked marijuana in almost two years. My grades are higher than they have been in my whole high

school career. I’m in the Martin Student Athletic Training Program and that has helped me with responsibility and priorities so much. I’m a writer for the Newspaper here and I am proud of all of my stories. One of my biggest supporters was my uncle. He was so proud to see my efforts in changing after having been through so much with drug abuse and change in his own life. He spoke nationwide about his journey, and how God had helped him change his path onto the one God had set for him. That was a huge source help in my life. God and Godfilled people helped me realize that I am not alone in anything I do. There is something terribly wrong if a person feels so empty that they want to hurt themselves to feel something more. I have felt that way. I will always have the scars. But they don’t have to be looked at negatively, even though they were put there negatively. They can be looked at in a positive way, to see the change.

Keep focus during a divorce Christina Williams • Reporter I have noticed in society today that more and more parents are getting divorced and that more children are having a hard time adjusting to that environment. Sometimes as teenagers, we feel like we are in a tight situation and can’t get out because we’re trying to

manage school, extracurricular activities and tasks at home. For those of you going through that, focus and try not to make the biggest deal out of your parents’ divorce. You have to stay strong and keep moving. My parents were not happy at all. There were points where I started crying because of their constant fighting. It gets hard dealing with it all, but try to focus on one thing at a time. If not, you can get overwhelmed, so the most important thing is to keep your head up and be positive. Parents need to know they have your support even if they

do not. Your happiness is their life. They work to feed, clothe and shelter you, so knowing they have your support helps. You might not want to give them support, but you need to. I think when parents get a �� divorce, they tend to force you to choose a side. Some kids like it, some do not, but personally I hate how my parents did it. I enjoyed a double Christmas, but the fighting was not enjoyable. I was put in the middle of the situation to where I had to pick a side. When you’re in a situation where you have to choose, you need to tell both of your parents

that you will not choose a side. I had to choose and I chose my dad because he was the best choice for me. When I was going through it with my mom and dad, they would try and bribe me with material things. Then i realized that they were bribing me and wanting me to choose. The way you deal with your parents’ divorce is up to you, but there are ways to avoid being in the middle of it. When I was �� going through my parents’ divorce I didn’t know these things. But there are ways that can help others in a similar situation.

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The way of the Warrior Stories of our spirit

1. Seniors Alfredo Tamayo and Jireh Davis share a laugh after Tamayo boldly asked Davis to Homecoming at the Sept. 26 Pep Rally. (Photo by Bailey Lewis • Features Editor) 2. Senior Kenneth Ball asks junior Lyndi Walters to Homecoming during the Sept. 26 pep rally. (Photo by Bailey Lewis • Features Editor) 3. Upperclassmen show their Warrior spirit at the Martin vs. Skyline game at

Photos by Cammi Skanes • Photo Editor

the AT&T Stadium Sept. 5.4 4. Senior Nic Smith dives in for a touchdown against Skyline Sept. 5. 5. Senior Bailey Graham enthusiastically dances along with cadences while drumming. 6. Martin Sundancers are all smiles at the end of their halftime performance at AT&T Stadium Sept. 5. 7. Martin Varsity Football runs onto the field as they prepare to take on Skyline on Sept. 5. 8. Senior Travis Murray stands alongside his fellow football players before the Martin vs. DeSoto game Sept 29. Show your spirit as we take on Arlington High at UTA Stadium Oct. 31.

4. 5.

8. 11

photo essay

Reunited Deaf senior Joel Machogu rejoins his family, finds his way in America, and impresses with his desire to learn Haley Wiley • Reporter

wenty-year-old Joel Machogu stepped off the airplane last year from Kenya into a new world. After 17 years of being apart, Machogu finally reunited with his family in a busy Dallas airport terminal. Machogu is profoundly deaf and is from Kenya, a country in East Africa. When Machogu was two years old, his parents and three siblings moved to the United States and left him behind so he could learn how to communicate through a mix of Kenyan Sign Language, Swahili and English. “When I was growing up, my uncle had to tell me what was going on with my family in America or else I wouldn’t know,” Machogu said. While living in Kenya, he went to school that his parents paid for, and lived in a dorm. During vacation periods, he lived with his aunt and uncle. “If you did not pay for school in Kenya, you would be stuck at home,” Machogu said. In October 2013, when Machogu was 19, he was approved to move to Texas. Texas has the second largest deaf and hard-of-hearing population in the United States with almost 16 million people. “My mom and grandma hugged me over and over when I got to America,” Machogu said. “And my dad shook my hand and told me he missed me. I felt so excited and happy.” Machogu is the only one in

his family who is deaf. Although his parents knows how to sign the alphabet, he is the only Senior Joel Machogu communicates with American Sign Language one fluent in sign lan- in his government class. Machogu was reunited with his family after guage, so he commu- moving to Arlington from Kenya last year. Photo By Daryn Taylor nicates with his family through writing on paclasses required for all grade naturally, when he left, he left per. levels and also classes he be- some things behind. Machogu “Communicating with my lieves will benefit him in the had several close friends and a family is difficult,” Machogu future, such as Money and Me. girlfriend. said. “I just have to be patient.” He plans to go to college and be “I was kind of sad to leave,” Machogu lives in Arlington, an accountant. Machogu said. “But my famand last October he enrolled in “He is really good at math and ily is in America and I missed Martin as a junior. Although he numbers,” Cobble said. them.” “It feels good to live in lives within the Sam Houston When Machogu moved to America and I like it better than High School area, Martin is the America, his life changed in Africa because I can be with only high school in the district many simple ways that he did my family again. I didn’t see with a deaf education program, not expect. them for a long time.” so Machogu is able to attend “In America, people have Machogu said he likes to be Martin without a transfer fee. things like stoves, refrigerators alone when he is at home with “Joel picked up on American and washing machines,” family. He likes to read, work Sign Language very quickly Machogu said through Cobble. on math, or watch educational because Kenyan Sign Language “In Kenya, if you wanted to ASL videos on the computer. is based on England’s Sign wash something, you had to do He also likes to watch soccer, Language,” Deaf education it by hand.” race car driving and bicycle teacher Jennifer Cobble Technology in Kenya was also racing on TV. said. “It was a little difficult very different than American “I would love to be on a communicating at first, but I technology for Machogu. bicycling team someday,” was impressed with how fast he “I didn’t watch TV a lot in Machogu said. learned ASL.” Kenya because it was boring When Machogu �� came to Mar Machogu hears sound, but and you had to pay for Closed tin, he met many new people, very little. He can recognize Captioning and my family was and made several new friends. when someone is speaking, but broke,” Machogu said. Senior Kathleen Standifer �� bewords aren’t clear. When Machogu moved to friended Machogu her junior “When I am in class, and the America, he received a free year. Standifer is in ASL 4 this teacher is calling out names, I a video relay system from the year. They met through a mucan see my teacher say my name state in order to communicate tual friend, and remain friends by reading lips,” Machogu said. with his deaf friends. He also by communicating through “I get words like ‘what.’ Short uses Skype. ASL. words. But if someone starts “I think it’s cool how many “Joel is always happy, and asking me questions, I don’t different ways there are for always in the mood to talk,” understand.” deaf people to communicate in Standifer said. “He’s cool. We Machogu’s school schedule America,” Machogu said. talk in the hallways and I enjoy is very diverse as it includes Machogu grew up in Kenya, so talking with him a lot.”

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PasPassion for Fashion Senior Cydnie Jordan has designs on NYC Senior Cydnie Jordan poses infront of Mercedez- Benz building. Jordan said she enjoyed Isabella Taylor’s runaway show. Photo courtesy of Cydnie Jordan

Bayan Hammad • Reporter

ydnie Jordan, only a 17-year-old senior, is already chasing after her dreams as she goes on summer trips to Europe learning different cultures and trends, is invited to New York for Fashion Week, and even sketches her own designs. Jordan explains how she met a 13-year-old fashion designer from Fashion Camp in New York. Jordan attended Fashion Camp over the summer to help benefit her future career. She said it was a great opportunity if interested in the fashion industry. “It was a group of girls just like me, some older, some younger,” Jordan said. “We got to go around and meet different professionals in the industry.” A professional that they got to meet was 13-year-old fashion designer Isabella Taylor. “She’s like a fashion prodigy,

it’s ridiculous,” Jordan said. Taylor invited Jordan and the other girls from her camp to the show. Jordan accepted the invitation, and described it as a great experience. Jordan said she wants to continue her life in New York. The schools she has applied to are Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, and LIM College. “Moving to New York will obviously be different and challenging, just because Arlington and New York are two different things, but I’m up for a challenge and I know I can do it,” Jordan said. New York for college and her career will not be easy. However, Jordan said she knows that is where she needs to be if she wants to pursue her career in fashion design. “Designing clothes is hard to find time for, it’s more of

a hobby right now, I’m just doing it on my own to keep improving,” Jordan said. “I try to develop my creative side. I’m in AP Art, Graphic Design, and Photography 2 this year. And I’m taking classes in the Creative Arts Center in Dallas, so small things like that keep me motivated.” Jordan works in and out of school to achieve her goal, and said she will do anything that’ll help with her future career. “Cydnie is so organized and works very hard,” AP Art teacher Stacy Kouba said. “With these two things together I know she is going to do well. She’s always interested in knowing what she can do more.” Kouba described Jordan as very industrious, determined in her work, and is one of those few students who always wants to do better. “Artistically I can tell she is very good with color, which will help her with a career in

fashion,” �� Kouba said. “I definitely think she will make it. If that’s what she wants to do and has the desire for it, she shows that she is not afraid of hard work, and isn’t scared of pushing herself to things she hasn’t done.” Jordan said she hopes the fearlessness she displays will help her conquer many things with her future career in the fashion industry. “Everyone in New York is someone, so it’s hard to find your place,” Jordan said. “It’s going to take awhile. It’s not like I’m gonna go to New York and become a fashion designer right away.” Jordan said that obstacles will not be holding her back and she said she will keep fighting for her passion. She also has advice for others who are passionate about their dream. “Find your passion and don’t push something you don’t really like,” Jordan said.

“Do something that you love, because if you have the passion to back it up then you will be successful.” 13

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Try something new Ideas for new clubs at Martin

Aisha Iqbal• Reporter

Say my name Students show off unique names

rt Club, Key Club, MSA, SOAR, Quidditch Club…there’s something for almost everyone. But unfortunately, we don’t have these clubs here at Martin yet.

“If I could invent a club it would probably a skateboarding club. We would talk about what kind of tricks we have done on our skateboards and which park we skate at, as well as comparing skateboard brands.” - sophomore Mirza Zuko “I would probably invent a spaghetti club. We would eat and make different kinds of spaghetti. It would make a great club for students who love spaghetti. I didn’t choose the spaghetti life, it chose me, so I would have to have a club for that.” - sophomore Brandon O’Bryant “In a Persian/Iranian club we would talk about the culture, ethnic groups, history, geography, current events of Iran or any Persian-speaking country and do cool Persian/Iranian activities or traditions.”- sophomore Ali Alirezaieyan “If I had to invent a club it would be a movie/video club. We would discuss video techniques as well as video ideas. Every six weeks we would plan to shoot a short film, have a screening and then upload it on YouTube.”- sophomore Marshall Brandt “I would most likely come up with a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) club. Get people who like Import Cars throughout the school and talk about fixing cars, as well as talking about new cars.”- junior Cameron Price “I would probably invent an American Muscle Car club. We would talk about different kinds of muscle cars. We’d discuss what modifications we have on the car, what quarter mile times we get on the drag strip and what exhausts set up we have on the car – the horsepower, engines – all sorts of car-related things. We’d have a meeting every month.”- junior Fahad Ahmed “If I were to come up with a club I’d say an entertainment business club. We would teach children the spectrum of contract negotiations, marketing, finance, economy and how to keep up with the economy.”- senior Kameron Thomas “Probably a theater and choir club. We would work on choir songs and theater plays and help out anyone who wants to be in it. We would talk about upcoming events and plays in schools and colleges that we could go see.” - freshman Alex Fratto “An Astronomy club where you learn about stars, galaxies, and everything else we barely talk about at school. We would maybe even go out at night at look at the stars and some constellations.” - freshman Ahmed Selod

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Photos by Bailey Lewis• Features Editor and Cammi Skanes • Photo Editor

Caleb Smith • Reporter

hen naming a newborn child, parents go through a long process. Embarrassing initials, family ties, important references, and legacy names are all important factors they consider. Everybody who is brought into this world is made uniquely and different from everybody else. Having a unique name is one component of being a diamond in the rough. Most families have legacy names and name their kids after them. “Well my dad’s name is Jacob and in the Bible, Jacob had a bunch of different names throughout the stages of his life and one of his names was Eleven,” junior Eleven Mcnally said. “So he named me Eleven, kind of like naming me after him, but in a better manner.” Having a unique name can be both a blessing and a curse and can have many advantages as well as some definite disadvantages. “Something good about having a unique name is it makes people remember your name and won’t forget it,”

McNally said. “In elementary school I thought that it was bad because it was different, but since I’ve gotten older I’ve began to embrace it more.” “�� Something bad is that teachers always tell me I need to write my last name and then I tell them I’m the only Amberstar in the school and they just shrug their shoulders,” freshmen Amberstar Fisher said. As weird as it may sound, some parents encounter disputes and arguments about the perfect name for their child. “My mom always wanted my name to be Star and apparently when my mom married my dad he wanted to name me Amber and they were having a big debate about it, so they came together and named me �� Amberstar,” Fisher said. Furthermore, parents and friends have nicknames for them to make it easier to recognize them or call on them. “I have a lot of nicknames,” Fisher said. “I have �� Ambercole, Amber, Stich (because of my blue hair) and I like having them because it’s more familiar to me and people don’t look so appalled when they figure out that Amberstar is just my first name.”

A helping heart Senior Kylah Allison shares her story on how she juggles being in Girl Scouts and playing Varsity Volleyball Kamryn LeFan • Reporter

n Girl Scouts, on the varsity volleyball team, and volunteering for the community may not be the perfect combination of activities for everyone, but for senior Kylah Allison, that’s what makes her life entertaining. While juggling many activities, Allison looks for solutions to make her life easier and as stress free as possible. “It’s all about time management and using the calendar,” Allison said. “If I have to stay up late at night to get it all finished, I will do it. Sometimes I have to give up some sleep, or spending time with friends because I’m so busy.” Allison has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten, and said she enjoys it as much today as she did the day she joined. “My favorite thing about Girl Scouts is that I get to travel around the world,” she said.

“We went all over Europe this summer.” In Girl Scouts, the highest award one can receive is the Gold Award, requiring scouts to have 80 hours of community service. “I’m working towards my Gold Award right now,” Allison said. “This award is something that colleges look for when giving out scholarships, and it also will help when I’m trying to find a job.” Volleyball has been a part of Allison’s life for ten years. She plays on Martin’s varsity team and also played club volleyball at Texas Advantage Volleyball. “I play volleyball for school about 20 hours a week, so it’s like a full time job,” Allison said. “But when club starts, its only about four hours a week, plus tournaments.” During this busy time in Allison’s life, her biggest

Senior Kylah Allison makes a dig against Lamar High School. Allison volunteers for her Girl Scouts Gold Award while maintaining a varsity position. Photo courtesy of Kylah Allison

supporter is her mother. “She helped me raise money for Europe and is also helping me receive my Gold Award,” Allison said. Also being the troop leader, Kristin Brecheen helps her reach her goal. “We try to be available for any help she needs,” Brecheen said. Allison participates in volunteering opportunities at many places, especially Mission Arlington. Over the months, she has developed a good relationship with the people at Mission Arlington.

All write all ready Emma Marshall • Reporter

A Ready Writing meet may not look very interesting from the outside, but there is a tense quality in the air as the contestants direct their energies towards pouring out their opinions in ink and paper. “There is no reason to get nervous,” senior Austin Hughes said. “Usually, I just think about the topic and how I feel. I think about my opinion and try to present it in a non biased way so it doesn’t offend anyone.” Ready Writing is a UIL activity where students can showcase their expository writing skills.

The student is given two hours to write a paper on one of two prompts, then it’s submitted to a judge who will score it. “I read a whole bunch of quotes and I start recalling all the books that I’ve read,” Hughes said. “I usually write, or try to write a practice essay beforehand and do the actual time limit so I’m not... rough.” It helps to go over examples and think about the judge as you’re writing. You don’t want to offend or bore them, but you have to use evidence to support your opinion, and you don’t want to

Ready Writing team prepares for meets

be too avant-garde. “I’ve done quite well in all the meets I’ve participated in, and except one which is irrelevant, I’ve placed in the top three,” Hughes said. I was fourth in the region, so I almost got to state. Hopefully that will happen this year.” If the judge likes essay, then the writer will move on to the next level. However, only a limited number of people can compete. Hughes competes at every meet and he has a lot of experience.He is also in leadership in the group. “I am the captain,” Hughes

“Kylah has painted the food pantry at Mission Arlington,” Brecheen said. “She is working on the last half of the project now by collecting iPhones. She is putting audio books on the iPhones so kids in the waiting room will have something to do while their parents wait to be assisted. She has been working on this project for about a year now.” Working towards her goal, Allison has completed about 60 hours of community service so far.

said. “I coordinate things, come up with meeting topics and whatnot and also compete in most of the meets. I’m the captain. That’s what I do.” Hughes said he works to keep the team in check with his leadership. “Well I’d like to think that I keep things pretty positive,” Hughes said. “I try to defuse situations that occur and I just try to keep everyone positive and be supportive of them when we’re actually at meets so no one’s sitting in a corner crying about what happened, which has not happened.”

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“You’re not

Art by Audrey Dao

property, you’re a person”

Senior Karen Kendall talks about life during and after an abusive relationship Madison Grisham • Reporter It began as just a normal friendship that later blossomed into something more, but little did senior Karen Kendall know, she had just blindly let her abuser in. Kendall met Simon* in eighth grade history class. She was a new student at Boles Junior High and Simon was one of the first of many friends she would later make. They hit it right off and eventually the two developed feelings for each other. Kendall recalls past conversation of the future they so badly wanted, days of kicking back, watching TV and causally hanging out. Before moving to Arlington, Kendall lived in Arcata, California with a tired mother and an abusive father. Daily Kendall and her mother would be abused emotionally and sometimes physically, until one day her mother had enough. They packed their bags and they escaped the abuse by moving hundreds of miles away to Arlington, Texas. Kendall saw the move as a

fresh start. She would have never guessed the cute, friendly boy she had befriended would become her worst nightmare. “You can’t keep your mask on forever,” Kendall said as she reminisces over the past. After a year of dating, Simon did something bizarre: while arguing with Kendall, he hit her. “He won’t do it again,” she said to herself. “But he did.” Simon quickly became obsessive, always wanting to know where Kendall was, who she was with, and why she wasn’t with him. Her mother warned her to stay away from him, that he was bad for her, but Kendall insisted that Simon would change. “You can’t hide from who you are,” Kendall said. Unfortunately, Simon was just another abusive man in her life. To Kendall, the worst thing about dating Simon was the emotional toll he took on her. “I was betrayed, stressed out, I didn’t want to come to school,” she said. Over the ext two years, things would only get worse – physi-

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cally and mentally. “He would lead me on to believe things, like we’d be together,” Kendall said. “He’d even steal money from me.” When he was angry, Simon would violently grab her, sometimes leaving bruises for the world to see. Her friends insisted that Karen should get away and that he was not a guy she should be with. “Finally one day I had enough,” she said. “I dropped out of school because of the stress and the abuse.” In January of 2014 Kendall withdrew from Martin to avoid ever seeing Simon again. “I was at my friend’s house and I just had a flashback of all the lying,” she said. “He’s not going to change. I was just done.” Kendall said the breakup was “very brutal. He would just yell at me. I finally opened up to his parents. I told them I was standing up for myself and trying to protect other women, and that they needed to watch their son.” Simon and Kendall haven’t interacted since.

“There’s no trust,” Kendall says about life after abuse. “Certain things would bring me back to the good times I had with him, certain activities or sights. Then I’d get sad and think why did he do this to me?” Kendall said she finds it extremely difficult to trust any man, and to open up to love again. She said she never wants to repeat the past, and it seems as if any guy could become abusive. “Know the red flags,” she said. “Get out, even if it hurts you, even if you love him. Get out. I was with him for three years. I kept going back and back. It’s brainwash.” Kendall also pointed out the warning signs she missed. “Know those red flags. First off, if he ever lays a hand on you, leave him. If he really cares about you he’s not going to lead you on, call you names, or make you feel compromised. If your parents or friends notice something, listen to them. Being obsessive is a red flag. You are not property, you’re a person.” *Name has been changed

MIND GAMES Woulda been easier to just study

A look at academic cheating

Teachers share the craziest ways they’ve seen students cheat. “Once, a girl had a skirt on and wrote the answers on her leg and kept pulling up her skirt to look at her answers.” • Spanish teacher Hugo Avila

Art by Audrey Dao

Define cheating? Students and teachers discuss. Cailynd Barnes• Reporter

“I’ve had a student pull out someone else’s lab report and change the name on it to theirs.” • chemistry teacher Lydia Berry

We gathered students and teachers to discuss cheating, which is a hard topic to define, but produces heated opinions when it is brought up. We posed questions to the group and let them discuss.

“I used to let students listen to music and once I had a student record the answers and listen to it during the test. Also I had a student write the answers on the inside of a water bottle and read them.” • English teacher Jennifer Rothwell

What would you call cheating?

- compiled by Bailey Lewis • Features Editor

English teacher Jennifer Rothwell: I think it depends on the objective of the assignment. If the objective of the assignment is to assess your individual knowledge so the teacher can get feedback on how he or she can assist you to help you increase that knowledge, then they aren’t getting good feedback if you are getting answer elsewhere.

Sophomore Nicole Carroll: If you are working with other people, exchanging answers can be beneficial if you are discussing how you got those answers, but straight up copying isn’t beneficial to anyone. English teacher Tonji Lewis: I think the teacher’s instructions have to be considered, because if there’s an understanding that it is okay to collaborate, then that’s one thing. But if it’s not the norm of the class, then collaborating and working with each other is probably not acceptable.

Is copying homework worse than cheating on a test? Rothwell: I don’t gauge cheating like that. It’s personal integ-

rity. Either you’re honest about what you’re doing or you’re dishonest.

What is the main reason for cheating? Sophomore Josie King: I think people are too lazy to do their homework most of the time, or they forget about it, or get distracted by other things so they just use someone else’s homework to copy. Junior Leslie Nunez: I don’t think it’s just laziness. I think you’re also put under that pressure, either by parents or yourself and other students, because you want that good grade, you want to succeed, but maybe you’re too worried about that moment you’re not thinking about the future.

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Cheaters never win,

Crunching the numbers • Statistics show that cheating among high school students has risen dramatically in the past 50 years. • 73 percent of all test takers agree that most students do cheat at some point. 86 percent of high school students agreed. • While about 20 percent of college students admitted to cheating in high school during the 1940s, today between 75 and 98 percent of college students surveyed each year report having cheated in high school. • In a survey of middle schoolers, 66 percent of respondents reported cheating on exams, while 90 percent reported copying another’s homework. • Fewer college officials (35 percent) said they believe that cheating is a problem, in this country than do members of the public (41 percent).

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except for when it comes to class rank

Why are students so motivated to cheat? What’s in it for them? Sherilyn Morales • Opinions Editor

yes glance around the room, whispers fill the classroom silence and cellphones hide in students’ laps until suddenly a stern teacher’s voice is heard as she scolds a student. “Cheating.” Concerns about classroom cheating have changed recently due to the increase of available media for it to occur. Technology has become more common at Martin as AISD adopted the Bring Your Own Technology policy two years ago to integrate the classroom into a more productive learning environment in the modern world. However, technology provides many uncontrollable opportunities for students to share information they are not supposed to. “Cheating has increasingly become a problem,” assistant principal Shari Price said. “With technology all around, teachers have to go to greater lengths to prevent it from happening. Some, for example, take up phones on test days.” But why do students cheat? “It’s an easy way out,” junior Jackie Montez said. “Cheaters want the end result faster, with as little effort on their part as possible.” Many students acknowledge that academic dishonesty has become a common trend among classmates, and that it has almost become accepted, or at least tolerated, due to the difficulty of eliminating it. “I think all students feel, in a way, that they are inadequate in the classroom compared to others,” senior Rachel Mozingo said. “It could be why it is so common. They have the mindset that they are not good enough, and they have to find a way to do well.” The competitive pressure to achieving good grades in order to receive a high GPA and class rank can push students to violate the standard of academic integrity. “People obviously want a good grade rather than a bad one,” Mozingo said. “But some people let laziness affect how they go about getting it.” Cheating is not limited to only looking at other students’ papers. It includes copying answers, taking and sending pictures of tests and quizzes, and doing others’ work. “People think they don’t have time to do their own work,” senior Caroline Reilly said. “They think the easiest way is to let someone else do it for them.” Sometimes confusion occurs when the line between helping and copying becomes blurred. Many teachers encourage students to work together on projects, but to not copy and therefore pass off another’s work as their own. Where is the line drawn? “Helping is when a student is confused on a topic, and another one explains how to tackle the problem,” Precalculus teacher Linda Somerhalder said. “Cheating is when someone gives another student their finished paper and allows them to completely copy all of their work. And that’s when it crosses the line.”

Think cheaters only hurts themselves?

Think again.

An insight to the world of high school cheating and how it affects the student body as a whole . Jireh Davis • Reporter

riting on the inside of water bottles. Sending photos of tests in group messages. Or just glancing over at someone else’s test. Cheating. We’re all familiar with it. Whether we cheat, or whether we know people who cheat, we’ve all come into contact with cheating in some shape or form. Cheating affects us all without us even knowing it sometimes. “Cheating starts when you get to a quiz or test,” senior Benedict Anuwkah said. “Cheating is anything that you said or did that wasn’t done by you,” sophomore David Baumgardner said. No matter where the line is drawn, cheating is taking work that isn’t yours and claiming you’ve done it. One thing that is not considered is how cheating affects all students. Once someone cheats, that puts every other person in that class or category at a major disadvantage. “It just irritates me when I know I did all the work and someone who cheated gets a better grade,” senior Hayden �� Benyshek said. If just one student does well on an assignment as opposed to the rest of the class, that cancels out any curve everyone else could have gotten, simply because the teacher then thinks that everyone could have done as well as that one student. The teacher would never know that they might have done something wrong, just that the kids didn’t do their part. A perception of cheating is that the person who has cheated is lazy, but this is not always the case. “I’ve found myself on both the lazy and desperate sides, but I have had some truly desperate times,” senior Dakari Hill said. “Some kids just care about the grade more so than learning the material,” junior Jessie Miller said. How to prevent cheating is a problem that teachers wrestle with. “Keeping your eyes and ears open, it’s amazing what you can pick up on that goes on inside and outside of the classroom,” AP English teacher �� Tonji Lewis said. “It’s amazing the things you hear when they think you’re not listening.” Some students said they just simply cannot handle the pressure that teachers put on them. “If teachers took the pressure off worrying about the grade with more focus about learning, then it wouldn’t happen so often,” Miller said. “We have a curriculum we must get through and have a test to prepare for,” Lewis said. “To add to that, these test scores are published. We would be doing students a disservice if we don’t teach them what we’ve promised to teach them.” Anwukah proposed students police themselves in regard to cheating. “We could have student watchers to try to monitor and spot cheating because a student would know better than a teacher,” Anwukah said. “Teachers also need to change the assignments every year.” Another problem is that sometimes there is a very blurred line on cheating. When we get a math take home test we are told to do it together and to compare answers, but isn’t that considered cheating as well? “They’re not good at creating a line between unified group work and cheating,” Anwukah said. “Cheating is unfair to other peers,” senior Alfredo Tamayo said. “It’s dishonest and just not okay.”

features

The patriot

Senior Brandon Trevino wears an authentic Patriotic Divine shirts. Trevino designs and markets his shirts. Photo courtesy of Brandon Trevino

Senior Brandon Trevino runs Patriotic Divine t-shirt business Kenzie Woodruff • Reporter Senior entrepreneur, Brandon Treviño is making big impressions with his clothing line, Patriotic Divine. He created the brand after he saw the potential of a bald eagle with a bow tie to be intriguing to his American citizens. Treviño then came up with the name “Patriotic Divine” from the Supreme Being of a Patriotic God. “The idea came to me when I was sitting in math class when I noticed there was a poster of an eagle and it wasn’t classy enough, so I had to put a bow tie on it.” At the end of his junior year, Treviño said he decided to set goals for a clothing line and

three months later got his first t-shirt sale. The first shirt was a design of the 50 United States with each flag in the state. “It felt really great to see my first shirt,” Trevino said. “It was very exciting and made me feel really accomplished.” Treviño said he puts in 30 hours a week to make his line a success. The main way Treviño gets Patriotic Divine known is through the company Twitter

account, @PatrioticDivine. He has successfully designed all 32 shirts solely by himself, including this year’s Martin senior class shirts. �� Treviño said he plans on con-

tinuing to build his line through college. “I wanna continue working on it until I see if there is a positive action in pursuing it into a career.”

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Race to Eagle Scout Brothers compete to win top scouting award first Kayla Mattox•Reporter Sophomore Chandler Jackson is approaching Eagle Scout status, and is looking over his shoulder the entire time. His brother Ethan, a seventh grader at Boles Junior High School, is catching up at a lightning pace. Though lacking in years of work, Ethan is making up for it in speed. Chandler joined troop number 369 in 2009 after he quit sports

in the sixth grade. However, his brother joined the troop only last year. “He’s one rank behind me,” Chandler said. “That’s bad.” Chandler said he has made it his personal mission to beat his brother to Eagle Scout status. “The biggest thing that everyone is worried about with me is whether or not my brother will beat me to Eagle Scout,” Chandler said. “I really need to get this before

Class jump

my brother does,” Jackson said. However, this goal has not stopped the siblings from helping each other advance. In order to become an Eagle Scout, scouts must earn 21 badges. Ethan and Chandler worked together to get the citizenship in the community badge. �� Chandler must complete a project and earn four more merit badges and Ethan. He is planning to build a community garden at a local church with help from his

Martin students take upper level classes to get ahead in school

“I was so prepared for this test, but I was so intimidated at the same time,” Haseen said. “I was expecting it to be multiple choice, but it was all short answer instead. It took me seven hours to complete.” Testing out of core classes to get ahead is not unheard of. But how exactly does a student jump grade level classes in the first place? “I tested out of seventh grade math so I could take Algebra I,” sophomore Marshall Brandt said. “That way, I could get a higher GPA, because seventh grade Sophomore Shazib Haseen conducts a math doesn’t count towards lab in his AP Biology class. Haseen taught himself Physics to get ahead in his classes. your GPA, but eighth grade Photo by Luke Bishop math does.” Others take advanced Allison Beatty•Reporter classes to push themselves ophomore Shazib Haseen and exceed personal academic is sweating. It’s summer expectations. Haseen is in AP in Texas, and he is about Physics III, AP Biology, and to walk into one of the longest Pre-AP Precalculus – most of tests of his life. which are comprised solely of He has been studying all sum- seniors. mer for the Physics I and II Haseen said that he taught credit by exam, but is still quite himself Physics I and II over nervous after hearing rumors the summer in order to better that not many people are able prepare for UIL science contest to pass it. this spring.

“I don’t really care too much about the points or class rank,” Haseen said. “I took Biology in eighth grade, so I started off in a higher science class than the other freshmen and did pretty well. And I thought, ‘Hey, I’m doing pretty good, and I like this.’ I’d always been good at science, but I didn’t particularly have a passion for it until after I started competing. I realized then that my physics section wasn’t very good, so I’d have to start working on my physics.” Sophomore Leah Benn is currently enrolled in Pre-AP Biology, a class of all freshmen, and AP Statistics, a class of all seniors. Benn is a new student to Martin after moving to Arlington from Washington State this summer, and things worked a little differently at her old school district as opposed to AISD. “In Washington, there’s something called MAP testing that everyone had to take, and it measured your abilities,” Benn said. “It’s basically just to place you in honors and advanced classes as you go into middle school. I took Algebra I in sixth grade because my test scores

troop. Ethan, on the other hand, is still one level behind Chandler and is working to get up to his brother’s rank. Although the siblings are determined to win the race, they haven’t lost what it means to be a part of the Boy Scouts Of America. They are both great followers of the Scout Law: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

proved that I could get in there, and that just put me really ahead when I moved here and got me on the right track.” Being on the right track can considerably add to a person’s workload at home, but Benn says her family is very supportive of her academic advancements. “My parents have always pushed me to excel academically because they know I’m capable of it and they don’t want me to settle for less than I can do,” Benn said. “They wanted me to work ahead as much as possible.” Haseen said that anyone could do what he did. “The way I skipped it was not because I’m innately smart or anything like that,” Has�� een said. “It’s mainly because I worked hard in my summer instead of just relaxing, going to the pool, or anything else like that. I was at home, doing physics. I started off not knowing anything. I was at the same level as any other freshman. And I said, ‘Time to teach myself this,’ and I did, and I think anyone else who has that kind of motivation can do it.”

features

‘One red dot’

Senior Krista Garza and freshman Brittney Snodgrass sacrifice their time to be members of both drill team and band Julie Vest • Reporter If you’ve been to a Martin football game, you’ve probably noticed the scent of hot dogs being grilled, the cheers of the crowd, the bright lights and the feel of the crisp night air. You also may have noticed two sparkly, red dots performing with a sea of gray band members during half time. “I love the shock,” senior Krista Garza said. “At my first football game, all the dance parents were like, ‘Why is one of our girls going back on the field?! Can somebody get her off?!’ and then they’d realize and be like, ‘Ohhh.’” Garza is the first student in Martin history to be a member of both drill team and band. “I was always going to do band because I really loved it,” Garza said. “When I was at Future Fish Night, I saw the Sundancer uniforms. I would always dance around my house to Shakira and MTV, so it just kind of intrigued me.” Freshman Brittney Snodgrass followed in Garza’s footsteps as a fellow band/drill team member. “I started dancing when I was about three years old and I loved to dance,” Snodgrass said. “I was at a charter school, Arlington Classics Academy, and I left just to do band. ACA didn’t support band, so I left to go to Ditto to play clarinet in sixth grade.” Snodgrass said she has a strong passion for both dance and band and is extremely content being in both. But the thrill comes with a price. “I had to sacrifice a little bit of grades and my family time,” Snodgrass said.

Every weekday, Snodgrass is at Martin from 5 a.m. to as late as 9 p.m. “Martin’s practically my second home,” she said. Garza and Snodgrass said they give up countless hours of sleep to pursue their double lives. “The first week of school I was really sick because my body was saying, ‘Oh, my gosh, go to bed,’” Snodgrass said. “I went to my doctor and he said, ‘You need to sleep. Your body is shutting down on you,’ and I’m like, ‘It can’t shut Freshman Brittney Snodgrass and Senior Krista Garza perform with down. This is just the be- the band during halftime at Cravens Field. Both students are memginning. I have four years bers of both the band and Sundancers drill team. Photos by Bailey Lewis to go.” to share. In Garza and Snodgrass’s “I’ve had to give up time and a lot of relationships,” “My advice to Brittney is to eyes, their hard work is well stick with it,” Garza said. “I’m made up for by their favorite Garza said. Garza said she finds time in really proud of myself that I experiences from both sides. her busy schedule to be social did it all four years. Whenever “My best experiences so far you’re down at your hardest, have been football games,” and live her life. “I socialize after practice,” know that you have a team of Snodgrass said. “At First Garza said. “Being a senior, I up to 60 girls behind you who Event, you have no idea how don’t have as much homework love you and a band full of 210 petrified I was. I was so scared as I did freshman year. people, who I’m sure, at least that I would mess up because Freshman year I had band 20 of them love you. Anything I’m one red dot and if I mess up practice every day until 9 p.m. is possible. I didn’t think I’d be one time, everyone will see it. I don’t know how Brittney does a band section leader. I didn’t It was really scary, but I think I think I’d be a good dancer, but I did okay.” it, but she makes it work.” “I love going to Nationals Garza and Snodgrass were think I’m good.” first introduced by Sundancer Freshman flautist Darci for drill team,” Garza said. director Ashley Gaither at ori- Fulcher sees Garza as a strong “Coming off the field at Bands section leader. “She’s pretty Of America competition in San entation night. “Krista came over to me and strict,” Fulcher said, “but it Antonio last year with the band my family and explained about keeps us in line and it helps just really felt good.” Garza and Snodgrass’s hard being in band and Sundancers make our section stronger.” and that, ‘Oh, you can do that, Garza’s and Snodgrass’s work and effort inspire the that’s what I do,’” Snodgrass unique mentor-friendship has people around them every day. “They inspire me because they said. “She was really under- made a strong impression on work with their schedules,” standing and helpful. We’re the people around them. best friends. We’re with each “Krista’s kind of taken Brittney Fulcher said. “You never know who you’re other all the time. I don’t know under her wing,” Gaither said. “She helps her prioritize her going to inspire,” Garza said. what I’d do without her.” always inspiring Garza’s years of experience time commitments and helps “You’re prior to Snodgrass’s freshman her with her music and her someone, even if you don’t know it.” year provide her with wisdom dances.”

features

Express yourself

Senior Brianna Hicks describes how art is a source of self expression

Senior embraces her hard-won spirituality

Kaitlyn Rosenbaum • Reporter Senior Brianna Hicks holds one of her favorite pieces. This piece is a charcoal drawing that was based off of a mannequin. Photo by Kaitlyn

“Art is symbolic. It shows what you’re going through and the progression of how you have grown,” senior Brianna Hicks says about what art means to her. “Inspiration for a piece usually comes to me when I’m feeling a strong emotion, and you can usually tell what I was feeling when you look at my art.” When it comes to inspiration for a piece, the inspiration can come from many different sources, such as feelings, past events or everyday situations. They come in waves and sometimes depend on if it is for a project or just boredom. “When an assignment is given, I try to leave it openended so that the student has freedom to choose what they want to create,” art teacher Dan Darr said. “They usually have a good idea of what they want to do. But if they are having trouble, I tell them to think of something that matters or something that they enjoy, and an inspiration will typically come from that.” Hicks has always been into art. She owes her early introduction to art to her father and

one of her older brothers, Austin. Her father was selftaught and her brother took classes in school. “My dad and brother are both good at art,” Hicks said. “That really pushed me to become a better artist, because I wanted to be better than them. Without that drive, I don’t think I would be where I am now with my artwork.” Brianna likes working with charcoal best. “I like charcoal because it’s just black and white, and that really adds to the depth of your piece,” Hicks said. “Plus I’m not good at coloring.” Hicks said that art has helped her through trying times, and it has been a source of happiness. She said she uses art as a way of getting her emotions out of her system. “Art in any form is a main outlet for self expression,” Darr said. “It allows you to show how you feel in a way that words can’t.” Hicks’s hard work paid off in her junior year, when two of her pieces were selected for the city’s art museum’s Youth Art Month. Once at the show, the museum chooses pieces they want to display due to space. Still, both of her works were chosen. “I was very proud of myself when I learned that they were picked for the show,” Hicks said. “It shows that if you work hard enough at something, it will give you a positive outcome.”

Senior Kaley Ivy had her spiritual awakening almost three years ago. I wanted to find that deeper place in my head so badly, I didn’t care what it took,” Ivy said. Photo by Madison Grisham Alec De Lon • Reporter Dec. 4, 2011 was many things to many people, but for Junior Kaley Ivy, that day would be her new beginning. A snow day was filled with carefree visits from the snowing skies, singing of a redemption for Ivy. The snow cleansed and baptized the poisoned Ivy, planting the seeds for a new person. Ivy faced many challenges prior to her new beginning, the same sort of demons many typically face at one time or another: substance abuse, self harm, waves of insignificance, painful break ups, cyberbullying, struggles with identity and most of all, depression – the kind of depression that incapacitates us and can only be felt when we have truly lost something. Tip-toeing the edges of life and death regret-free has empowered her spiritually, and now her hope is to lend a hand to anyone who needs it and to spread her happiness. “There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed without an anxiety attack,” Ivy said. Ivy was at a crucial point in her life. Depressed and anxious, she ventured to Potjie, a South African festival known for its cultural exploits and spiritual

expeditions, to escape the pain of her breakup. “After a hard night,I looked at my friend and said, ‘I’m not waking up tomorrow’” Somewhat ironically, it was then that Ivy truly woke up. “I never was someone who wanted to use a substance to keep me happy,” she said. “I contemplated everything that was going on at that time. I feel like I left a part of myself and my consciousness there.” When Ivy left her house that night, she said her spiritual awakening had begun. “In the beginning, I just wanted to meditate and figure out who I am, through introspection. I did research on how to get deeper into myself through meditation. It was there that I found out about the pineal gland and its role in releasing melatonin for sleep, serotonin as a mood stabilizer and DMT for euphoria.” As spiritual as Ivy is, there is also a deeply scientific component to her life. Ivy has researched the sciences of the pineal gland, its role in our brain, and how it can be manipulated. A severe change in diet brought down the barriers blocking her from finding her true self. continued on page 26...

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Spirituality...continued from page 25 “I decalcified my pineal gland,” she said. “I cut out sugar, carbohydrates, fluoride, aluminum and gluten. Honestly, it wasn’t hard. I wanted to find that deeper place in my head so badly, I didn’t care what it took.” After years of self discovery and practices of inner peace, Ivy said she began to feel complete and empowered. However, her largest test of character was in the form of a chance encounter with boyfriend 2014 graduate Duncan Allen. “He and I, together, are expanding our spiritual awakening,” Ivy said. “He enlightens me just the same as I enlighten him.” The first time Ivy laid eyes on Allen it was while he was trying to forget his own problems. Allen was struggling in his life, facing rehabilitation, addiction and at a breaking point until Ivy intervened. Ivy gave him

with his own spiritual awakening and brought him away from all the negativity in his life. Ivy and Allen’s hearts tessellated and have completed each other for almost a year now. Allen has been sober for nine months. “Duncan has truly been one of the best things for my spirituality,” Ivy said. “He and I have grown so much together because he is my latest step in spirirutality. He has shown me that people can always change no matter how rough their past. He and I connect on a completely authentic, spiritual level.” You will never see Ivy with anything but a smile. Her selfactualization and acceptance of her settings have put her in a place where she is so at peace with her life and all those around her that she inspires and assists others. Ivy’s heart, as well as her head, has forever changed.

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Congratulations to the MHS Orchestra for placing 2nd in the State Honor Orchestra Competition. We are so proud of you!

features

The SHOW goes on... with a little help A behind the curtain look at the not-so-glamorous side of Theater

Left: Sophomore Jonas Hayes waits for his cue to trigger a sound effect during rehearsals for Superior Donuts. Photos by Luke Bishop

Gavin McGowan • Reporter

t’s a typical Saturday. Most people would’ve been out with friends or at home sleeping. But they got up at 9 a.m. and went to school. They drilled, cut, stapled, nailed and measured their way through enough wood to make a house. They painted whole walls, detail and everything. They even threw in some working doors and a window. The next day, they woke up, and their muscles ached from the eight hours of work they did the day before. But despite the hard work and the lack of sleep, smiles are across their faces. Who are these people? The Martin Players. Most people think of theater as acting on a stage, but it’s so much more than that. There are a total of seven crews for each production: House and Publicity, Costumes, Props, Sound, Paint, Lights and Set. Each of these crews is an important part of the theatrical process. Without the crews and the

roles they perform, the actors couldn’t do their jobs. To play a role so important, crew members and crew heads must put in hours of difficult work and sacrifice much of their time. “I put in about 30 hours a week as a Stage Manager and Set Crew head,” senior Toby Griffin said. “And generally double that on the week before the show starts.” Griffin is the head of the Set Crew and Stage Manager of Superior Donuts, which ran Oct. 16 through 20. He said he works hard every day to make sure that his own crew, along with all of the other crews, are working smoothly and diligently. “Sure, the hours are tough, but I love it,” Griffin said. “It’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do.” Gabe Crowley, a senior, is a member of Set Crew. He has been on Set Crew for most of his high school career. “It’s kept me busy,” Crowley

Above: Sophomore Jonas Hayes and junior Michael Bennet check light and sound cues during a preshow rehearsal in the Little Theater.

said. “It takes up most of your afternoon and doesn’t leave much time for homework.” One of the hardest parts of Set Crew though, is time conflicts. “Your parents want you to be in one place, but theater wants you to be in another,” Crowley said. Even though crew is the heart, bone, and brain of theater, actors are the skin. Much like the crews, actors put in many hours of work each week to make sure that the audience is pleased by the time opening night rolls around. Many actors said they feel that the hardest part of acting is finding a way to balance their work and social lives. “But if you do it long enough, theater eventually becomes your social life,” junior Luke Lowrance said. Lowrance played Arthur Przybyszewski, the lead in Superior Donuts. Students aren’t the only ones who make up the department. Teachers and directors Larry Cure and Sharon Miller are the adult side of the Martin Players. And they work harder and

longer than any other person in the department. They teach from 7:30 a.m. until 2:45 in the afternoon, then go to rehearsal to work with their actors and crew members until 6. They come in on Saturdays with the crew and work from 9 to 5, and they even come in on some Sundays and work from 10 to 2. But the work doesn’t stop there. Even after rehearsals, they head home and work on ideas for what they can do to make the production look better. “I’ve been doing it for 38 years, so I’m pretty used to the hours,” Cure said. “It’s more mentally tiring than anything else.” Despite the long hours and hard work, despite the lack of recognition, despite the loss of social life, the Martin Players keep playing. And they don’t show any signs of stopping soon. The next Martin Players production Almost, Maine will be a dinner theater in the art courtyard Nov. 13 through 18.

features

Stepping off the court

Changing the line

Football team undergoes defensive changes

A few things you didn’t know about volleyball

Nudohn Inthanousay • Reporter Since the end of the 2013 Martin Football season, head football coach Bob Wager has made major changes to the team, especially to the defense. “We were primarily a fourman front defensively last year,” Wager said. “This year we’re predominantly a three-man front and you have to tweak things year to year depending on who your personnel is.” Senior O’Shea Jackson’s position has changed due to the change of their defensive line. “In a four-man front, the two interior lineman stay in their gap and the outside lineman have to contain the outside,” Jackson said. “Now in a threeman front, there’s only one player in the center and one player on each end, forcing them to choose to contain the inside or play the gap.” Junior Daquaylyn Thomas also has had to adapt to this new three-man front, but not drastically. “I went from an inside linebacker to an outside linebacker, it’s different but nothings really changed,” Thomas said. Jackson said he likes both formations, but finds the three man front slightly harder to

play. “I like both fronts, but the three-man front is slightly harder to play in, because it’s five offensive lineman against three defensive lineman,” Jackson said. Wager said his expectations of the team are very serious and straightforward. “I expect them number one, to compete in the classroom the same as they do on the field,” Wager said. “Number two, no matter where they go and what they do, when people see them I want them to say, ‘That must be a Martin football player. I can tell by the way he carries himself,’ and number three, I expect them to train and play like their hair’s on fire.” This year the team lost a key player, 2014 graduate Myles Garrett who now plays for Texas A&M. Garrett was the key to our defense last year and now the spot must be filled. “I don’t know that you can replace Myles Garrett,” Wager said. “Myles brought things to the table, I think more than anything, you know. You have 11 players on the field at one time, so I think from a defensive perspective, collectively we’ve all taken bits and pieces of the loss of a great player like that.”

Binh Le • Reporter

Varsity Volleyball cheers each other on before the game Oct. 7. The team beat Lamar in four games. Photo by Daryn Taylor

Martin Volleyball is tied in second place with Lamar. The rivalry was settled Oct. 7 as Martin won the game 3-1 at Lamar High School. But besides the score, what is there to know about volleyball? Who is the player with the different colored jersey? The volleyball libero is a defensive position in volleyball. “The libero has many special rules, such as sitting out a rally,” Varsity volleyball Coach Tracy Perez-Peterson said. “They can only replace one player, cannot jump and hit ball over the net, and cannot play in the front row.” Why do volleyball players wear spandex when they play? “They’re flexible, stretchy, and comfortable,” senior Bridgett Jebson said. How important is the manager and what do they do? “It’s not easy,” sophomore Bailey Woodard said. “Coach Peterson relies on us a lot.”

Senior Brandon Dillard makes a tackle during the varsity game Sept 12. Martin defeated South Grand Prairie 47-27. Photo by Caelan McCulley

sports

What has been the hardest game for Martin this year? “The hardest game was against Lamar,” freshman volleyball Coach Tuel said. “It was a home game and the score messed up. We should have won at three

but instead lost at five.” What makes volleyball different from other sports? “The competition is fun,” junior Claire Schwettmann said. “You can be aggressive without actual contact.” When is volleyball season, and when does club volleyball start? “Volleyball is year-round, while club starts in November and ends in June,” Peterson said. How are all the volleyball players so close? “All of the Varsity volleyball girls are close,” senior Sierra Hendry said. “We often have many bonding events and field trips.” What injuries are associated with volleyball? “The most common injuries are knees and wrists due to overuse, while the most feared ones are knees and shoulders,” Peterson said. What is the time commitment for volleyball? “Volleyball takes commitment,” Tuel said. “They need to come to school two weeks early for try outs. They usually are in the gym for six hours and stay three hours after school.”

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Making the grade

Coach Bob Wager and the Warrior football team are transcending the football player sterotype Garrett Elliott • Sports Editor

hen you think of high school football players, what do you think of? The kids who act up in class? Or that they’re the “dumb jock”? Head football coach Bob Wager and the Warrior football team refuse to let that be the case at Martin. Good grades in classroom and a great attitude on and off the field are what is required to be a Martin Football player. Wager is much more than a football coach to many players. He uses football to teach life lessons and encourage players to do well in the classroom. “My motivation is to help guide them so they can do what they want for the rest of their lives,” Wager said. Grades are stressed for all Martin Football players. Any student athlete who has below an 80 average (70 in PAP/AP classes) after progress reports has a punishment of their position coach’s choosing. Anything from bear crawls (crawling like a bear on allfours) for however long the coach requires to running gassers (sprinting from sideline to sideline as fast as you can.) “I want them to use this school as a platform to set themselves up for the next phase of life,” Wager said. “The more successful they are academically, the more doors and opportunities will open for them at the next level, regardless of whether it is

The Warrior field goal team blocks during a field goal attempt against DeSoto Aug. 29. “It’s an ongoing effort to teach life lessons,” head coach Bob Wager said. Photo by Cammi Skanes • Photo Editor college, the military or trade school. The more successful they are now, the fewer hurdles they will have to face later in life.” Wager said he doesn’t just stress grades. A great attitude in the classroom is also required. “It’s an ongoing effort to teach life lessons,” he said. “There is not a day that we don’t talk about academics, not a day we don’t talk about training and playing like your hair is on fire. Regardless of whether it’s the day report cards or progress reports come out, it’s an ongoing daily effort to try to make sure our players understand what an unbelievable opportunity they have as a part of this school and they can be anything they want if they take advantage of the opportunities they have here.” The players all have committed and bought into the system Wager has implemented and

have succeeded as a result of it. “It will help us be more responsible in life and take ownership of things,” junior linebacker Daquaylyn Thomas said. “If you don’t keep up with your grades, how are you going to keep up with waking up in the morning for a job later in life or in college you have to wake up early, you’re going to have lots of things you don’t want to do but Wager’s system will prepare you for life after football.” The players have a choice in how they behave in the classroom and in the hallways, but unlike the football player stereotype of bad behavior, Warrior football players are trying to transcend that perception. “I just make good grades, act right and compete in the classroom just like I do on the field,” senior defensive back Nick Albus said.

All Texas high school football players are put under an extreme amount of pressure. The players are not only watched by fans, but everyone in the school is interested in how they handle the spotlight. “I think our team has an opportunity to make our school better,” Wager said. “We’re either going to make it better or make it better or make it worse depending on the way we carry ourselves. We happen to live in a community and go to a school where football means a great deal – to the ladies who work in the cafeteria, our security staff, our custodial staff. So we’re going to respect those people for the job they do and at the same time carry ourselves in such a way that no matter where we go and what we do, people will say, ‘That must be a Martin football player. I can tell by the way he carries himself.’”

“There is not a day that we don’t talk about academics, not a day we don’t talk about training and playing like your hair is on fire.”

sports

You think you know fast? Junior Mohammed Taha fasts during summer cross-country practices and workouts

Kyle Desrosiers • News Editor

ith your heart pounding, legs burning and the sun beating down on you, running long distance in the summer can be tough enough by itself. Imagine going to summer cross-country practices and workouts in the Texas heat – all while going from sunrise to sunset without food or water. Junior Mohammed Taha, who is a member of the Martin Cross Country Team, went all day at summer practices without food or water during the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan (this year June 28 through July 28). “I went to summer practices led by the athletic coordinators while I was fasting,” Taha said. “We practiced every week Monday through Thursday. It could be very tiring and exhausting.” Taha runs long distance, and workouts typically alternated every day between long and short runs. “Mondays, for example, were long workouts, eight to 11 miles or more, including a warmup of one mile,” Taha said. “Every day would be different depending on what the coaches thought would be a good training opportunity.” As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is a requirement for all adult Muslims in good health. For a Muslim, it is a time of prayer, helping the poor, reading the Holy Qur’an and growing closer to your family and faith.

“Ramadan to me is a very sacred and holy part of the year,” Taha said. “It is when the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad by God.” Muslims all around the world fast during the month of Ramadan, from dawn to dusk (about 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Texas this summer). “It’s pretty tough, because we can’t eat or drink anything – and it’s not just fasting from food and water,” Taha said. “We also fast from activities like listening to music and watching T.V., depending on how strict the household is.” Working out in the Texas heat while having no water or protein after 5 a.m and running 11-plus miles a day can be very difficult, even for those in good physical shape. “It’s not as bad as people might think,” Taha said. “But, for the first few weeks it’s really hard. Your body is not used to all the stress of not drinking, which is especially difficult since I’m running.” There can be negative effects on your body while doing athletic activity when fasting. Runners can get cramps due to lack of water, become dehydrated, or get heatstroke in the 100-degree heat. Taha said that he has never passed out, but has gotten close. “I got dizzy a few times, and also had really bad cramps because of the lack of water,” Taha said. “It feels like you’re getting stabbed right in the side of your body, but it’s tolerable.” Taha, who is on varsity, usu-

Junior Mohammed Taha runs at the Mansfield Invitational Meet Oct. 10. Taha has been running varsity cross country since sophomore year. Photo by Tran Le ally places tenth or better in his division and couldn’t afford to miss these summer practices, but sometimes had to skip certain extra exercises. “The coaches would let me do the 10-mile runs and didn’t make me do the extra workouts,” Taha said. “I didn’t do these since I had to fast.” The devotion that drives an athelete to push his limits is similar to the mental strength required to fast for 12 hours. “Mohammed is a good rummer with lots of potential,” cross-country Coach Ken Rose said. “He’s the kind of guy who works hard and doesn’t complain or ask you to make exceptions. He knows his limits and I appluad him for fasting.” Daily workouts also included speed work, including one called “Temple Run,” where you run at race pace from one place to another, and back. “‘Temple Runs’ are the toughest workout when you’re not drinking water,” Taha said. “They are a lot of cardio, which

increases your heart rate, burns a lot of calories, and makes you sweat more. That and longdistance runs are probably the toughest to do when fasting. You lose so much sweat.” Putting your faith before your sport takes major devotion, and Taha said he finds it very rewarding. “I just want to get closer to my religion and understand it better,” Taha said. “I don’t normally go to the mosque every week, but during Ramadan, we go every day. We also pray more often than normally. It is a time when we grow closer to God.” For the whole month, Taha and other Muslims put their faith first above their daily lives and take time out to grow stronger in it, grow closer to their families, and help those in need. “It was awesome when it was sundown and I could finally eat,” Taha said. “If you’ve never fasted, I highly suggest that you try it for a day.”

“It feels like you’re getting stabbed right in the side of your body, but it’s tolerable.” 33

sports

Come enjoy Martin Choir and Orchestra in their combined winter concerts: JV Winter concert on Monday, December 15, from 6:30-10:00 in the auditorium. (choir begins at 8:30) Varsity Winter concert on Tuesday, December 16, from 7:00-10:00 at Fielder Church. (2011 S Fielder Rd, Arlington, TX, United States)

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MHS Choral Department 4501 West Pleasant Ridge Arlington, Texas 76016 682-867-8717

You think one sport is hard? Try two. Athletes explain how they juggle school and two varsity sports

Lexy Walters • Reporter back for the football team

t is hard enough to balance school and one varsity sport. Imagine two. Five athletes at Martin not only take on the challenge of playing two varsity sports, but also excel in both and in the classroom. Balancing baseball, football and school can be very complicated, but these boys make it look easy. “I don’t really have a social life,” sophomore Tristen Lutz said. Lutz is an outfielder and pitcher in baseball, and during football season he plays linebacker. “I just focus on one thing at a time,” Lutz said. Lutz has received several baseball awards including eighth grade Athlete of the Year, ninth grade Freshman of the Year for district, Newcomer of the Area, and Underclassmen All-American. Having an older brother go through Martin has had an impact on sophomore athlete Kenneth Waller. Waller plays pitcher in baseball and linebacker during football season. “His work ethic is mainly what I try to follow,” Waller said. Waller has received the Dedication and Determination award for baseball, as well as Most Improved in football. Waller said he is very efficient at managing his time. “I take it one thing at a time and just focus on what I am doing,” Waller said. Committed to LSU for baseball, junior Eric Walker has a bright future ahead of him. Walker is the varsity quarter-

and plays shortstop and pitcher in baseball. “I like both when they’re in season,” Walker said. Walker has received many awards including Sophomore of the Year for baseball and second team All-District for football. “In the fall I focus on football, and in the spring I focus on baseball,” Walker said. Senior Trip White plays safety for the football team and second base and outfield during baseball season. White said he has worked extremely hard the past few years and felt honored to be selected as captain for the football team. He received an award Sophomore Tristan Lutz, seniors Aaron his junior year, first team Fanning, Rhett Enterline and sophomore All-District for football. Kenneth Waller play dual sports. Photo “It is a great honor to be by Cailynd Barnes selected by your peers as admires how versatile his team- athletes,” Wager said. captain,” White said. “Of course school always comes mates are and how that makes Wager said he isn’t concerned first, I like to take the approach them outstanding leaders and about his players getting hurt at the task at hand,” White said. great assets to the football team. in another season. As long as “I think it’s cool how they they’re competing, he believes During his freshman, sophomore and junior years, represent Martin so well in two it will benefit them when they senior Josh Watson received different sports because they’re come back to football. “One of the things I am trying first team All-District honors in good at both,” Enterline said. baseball. Watson’s junior year Senior first baseman and to teach is using football as a he received Honorable Mention pitcher Aaron Fanning, said he vehicle as time management is amazed that they can tran- and that’s a life lesson we all All-State in football. Watson plays linebacker in sition and play two different need to know for the rest of our lives,” Wager said. football and outfield or catcher sports at such an intense level. in baseball and has committed “It’s impressive because it is Junior varsity baseball coach hard to balance school, sports Kellen Monreal has a lot of to TCU for baseball. positive things to say about “It is a great honor,” Watson and social life,” Fanning said. said. “It just means I have to Head football coach Bob these multitaskers. come out everyday with a great Wager said he is very proud of “One sport makes you better attitude and lots of effort to lead the athletes who juggle multiple for the other sport,” Monreal sports. said. “It’s like a job. You got to by example.” “We make accommodation we be prepared every day and be Senior Offensive Lineman senior Rhett Enterline said he can to encourage multiple sport willing to give and take.”

sports

Varsity Cross county members prove the siblings who run together, win together

A true family sport

As the sun rises over Martin, senior Nic Smith, his brother, sophomore Matt Smith, junior Krystian Ruiz, and his brother senior Esteban Ruiz finish their run shortly before 7 a.m. “It’s cool to be able to compete all your life as a brother,” Esteban Ruiz said. Photo by Luke Bishop

Luke Bishop • Reporter

s both the boys’ and the girls’ Varsity cross country seasons progress, the bonds the teammates share grow even tighter and unite the team like a family. As a matter of fact, some of the team members actually are family. Three sets of siblings rock the Varsity cross country trail – senior Nic Smith and sophomore Matt Smith, senior Ashley Jacobs and sophomore Erin Jacobs, and senior Esteban Ruiz and junior Krystian Ruiz. “It’s cool being on varsity together,” Nic said. “The team becomes more like an actual family.” Running alongside family members impacts the siblings’ relationship, and it forms bonds that weren’t there before. “We are definitely closer because of cross country,” Erin said. “We get to see each other at our best and worst, both as competitors and as sisters.”

Family members help motivate runners to do their best. “Both older brothers have stepped up and really taken a leadership role on the team,” cross country coach Ken Rose said. Nic, Ashley, and Esteban had more of an influence on their sibling joining cross country than they ever could have thought. These three all had their reasons for taking up long-distance running, but they did not realize that their journey made their siblings really look up to them and want to take after them. Matt, who has the best time this season with 16:46, followed by Krystian with 16:57, said he couldn’t have done it without the influence and motivation their brothers gave them. “It’s interesting to see how hard he works and it inspired me to work harder,” Matt said. “The first time we practiced

sports

together I couldn’t breathe. I was coughing the rest of the day and it was the worst experience of my life.” Sometimes, the sport is turned into sibling rivalry as well. At their first varsity race together, Krystian and Esteban made a bet on who would finish first. With $50 at stake, Krystian crossed the finish line with his brother trailing not too far behind. “I was closely behind for about the first two miles,” Krystian said. “But once the hilly part came, I passed him and kept the lead.” Krystian specifically trained for the hilly parts and was able to come out with a win. “It’s cool to see how you go after a race,” Ashley said, “I like running together because we push each other.” Even though running together can be competitive, it also brings good memories to mind. For Ashley it was her sophmore year at the South Regional meet

in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Even though Erin had a bad run, she was still there for me and was supportive, even when she did poorly,” Ashley said. Ashley, who has a stress fracture in her femur, is unable to run this season. Erin described it as “heartbreaking” because she too was injured and could not run. “The injuries set you back a lot, but it gives you more motivation because you get to see how the others have improved,” Ashley said. Cross country is unique in the aspect that all runners do the exact same thing as their competitors. There are no positions to differentiate between the runners, and so the siblings are all held to the same standards which levels the playing field for everyone on the team. “It’s cool to be able to compete all your life as a brother and now through UIL competitions,” Esteban said.

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Fall TV reviews

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and UGG boots. This is one of the biggest times for TV, right after the summer season, I reviewed four of my most anticipated shows that came out in the past couple of Jarred Osterman • Editor in chief months.

Red Band Society

A show about kids with diseases doesn’t sound like something most people would curl up with a blanket to watch, but Red Band Society, which premiered Sept. 17 is definitely one to watch this fall. It is about a group of kids who all have one thing in common – they are under the constant care of a hospital staff. The narrator of the series is Charlie, a 12-year-old who’s in a coma. The show follows six kids with various diseases. This is a can’t-miss series this fall. Be sure to check it out on the Fox network at 8 on Wednesdays.

entertainment

How to Get Away with Murder

With the title of How to Get Away with Murder, I was interested as soon as I heard about it. The show premiered Sept. 25 on ABC. The show starts off with the crime it will center around, then flashes back three months. There is potential to lose viewers, but if it is executed well, it will have a big pay off. The show centers on Annalise Keating, a Criminal Law Professor and practicing lawyer, along with four of her students. This show is full of twists, turns, lies and immoral choices that make you question what is right and wrong to win a court case. Add it to your DVR’s list of fall shows. This is going to be one everyone is talking about. It is on the ABC network on Thursdays at 9.

American Horror Story: Freakshow

The fourth season in the series, American Horror Story has been notoriously known for pushing the limits when it comes to the term horror. This season is “Freak show: Wir sind alle freaks” and is set in the 1950s in Jupiter, Florida. It surrounds a group of so-called “freaks” that have unique attributes surrounding their appearance. That includes an illustrated man, a bearded woman, the tiniest girl in the world, lobster boy, tallest woman in the world and the new headliner that is going to save the show, Siamese twins. The anticipation the show builds is incomparable to anything else on TV. The first 10 minutes, my heart was already pounding to the beat of the fear inducing background music. The acting is some of the best on the airwaves. Twenty minutes in we’re introduced into the first clown, Twisty, a serial killer who is guaranteed to make you check under your bed and in your closet before you go to sleep. He is one straight out of the darkest depths of a nightmare, in his appearance alone, not to mention he doesn’t speak, only stares you down and give you bone chills. Elsa, the circus ringleader who gives the misfits of Jupiter a home and a family atmosphere, is desperate for the recognition of being a famous celebrity, yet the realism of bills being due and a failing circus show are coming down on her. This show is more than just a circus gone bad that is meant to give you second thoughts on your Halloween clown costume, it has grown into a franchise that grows bigger each season. This seasons pilot episode broke records for the show and got the series signed for another season. Tune into FX on Wednesdays at 9 to see Elsa’s plan of saving the show unfold while you cling to your blanket for safety.

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