December 2012 Warrior Post

the

Warrior Post

What’s inside?

DO DA DUB

The Aftermath

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Student has royal heritage

Winter under $100

No Shave November Battle of the Beards is crowned

Bring Your Own Technology

Cell phones, laptops, and iPads allowed in class

LD12 Stats

News Coverage: • The Huffington Post • The Dallas Observer • Reddit • NBC Sports • Fox News Greta Van Susteren’s blog • London Daily mail

African princess

A winter you’ll remember on the cheap

Issue No. 2 7 December 2012 Martin High School

“I was in my AP Spanish 5 class, and since there are only nine people, we went all out in everything stereotypically Mexican,” senior Bria Benjamin said. “Sombreros, Frida Kahlo unibrows … the whole shebang.” Photo by Karsen Cinquepalmi

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Abby Bishop • News Editor

wo years ago, Martin came together for what was at the time the largest lip dub ever recorded. The school danced, silly-stringed and made an entertaining mess as the students displayed that “We are Martin.”

This year the Nov. 19 Lip Dub was more than just a unifying 40 minutes of lip-syncing. Yes, students did crazy stunts – everything from boogie-boarding down the stairs to dancing with goats – but this time it was for a cause. Now, students are playing the YouTube video as much as possible because money is behind each and every one of those views.

But it isn’t for Martin. One hundred percent of the money collected is going to MD Anderson Cancer Research in honor of junior Taylor Helland.

After hours of planning and practicing, the day of Lip Dub finally arrived. For 40 minutes, students simply had fun.

Staff and crew made sure everybody was in place so that the video could run smoothly and the school could show the world who it is.

By that evening, the video was up and anyone could watch Martin dancing together.

Shortly after being uploaded, people were sharing Lip Dub with anyone who would watch. It even received international news coverage (see sidebar) and the views are steadily climbing past 50,000.

Staff and crew are now able to collect the pledges for Lip Dub. Over $12,000 was raised and several donations have been made directly from the link on YouTube.

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Over 50,000 views in one week Over $12,000 raised in donations so far

See it all play out here

Bring Your Own Technology approved by board

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Trey Wise & Justin Reichardt • Staffers

The BYOT program would put students ith a 6 to 1 vote on Nov. 1, the school board approved a policy that imple- in a position to understand the modernday working environment. ments technology into schools.

“We have got to get mature and we have The BYOT (Bring your own technology) program is expected to be implemented got to get high-interest learning,” English next semester. BYOT will allow students teacher Rynthia Clements said.

Many students question if it will make it to have laptops, cell phones, tablets, iPads, through the first year. and any other approved devices dur“Grades are going to plummet,” ing lunch periods, passing periods, ”You’re gosenior Amanda Byers said. and in class at the teachers’ discretion, ing to turn “You’re going to turn around and meaning teachers will be capable of around see someone playing angry birds on taking up any misused device during class. They are expected to adapt their and see their iPad during class,” freshman Eli Justice said. classes to utilize the modern technolWeb Mastering, Animation, and ogy students bring to improve class someone playing Computer Science are technologyand student participation.

Not everyone thinks it’s a good idea. angry birds based classes that use computers as a learning device. YouTube is used “It would allow students to cheat during by teachers all over the school and during class instead of using their class.” some teachers use a computer to heads,” senior Lara Kunkel said. text students reminders of homeTeachers can decide when students work, tests, and projects. are allowed to have their devices out and “Students are comfortable with their own what they are allowed to access. A teacher technology and they would be much more will still be able to take up phones or decareful with their own technology,” math vices if students have them out when they teacher Jennifer Payne said were not given permission.

Districts such as Huntsville, WeatherMoreover, students would have access to information on the web, giving students ford, and Mansfield have already successfully started similar programs. the ability to search for answers.

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It’s about time AISD parents and teachers push

What you may have

missed...

for a later start time for schools RING! RING! RING! The sound of many obnoxious alarm clocks, phones and other electronic devices startle students as they unhappily and drowsily drag themselves out of bed while the stars still sparkle outside.

Starting school at a later time has been on the tongues and minds of AISD students and administrators for quite some time now. Several Martin parents have started a petition to try to persuade the AISD administration that students need more time to sleep.

“The Superintendent has indicated that as part of the survey process in the Strategic Plan, start times for all schools will be explored,” Principal Marlene Roddy said.

Many students complain about being really tired in their first and fifth period classes. In fact, studies show from psychologytoday.com that 20 percent of students who start school between 7:15 and 7:45 sleep through their first two periods.

“I don’t like starting school so early,” sophomore Colin Watson said. “I can’t focus as well as I could when I was in junior high and school started at 9.”

Proponents of a later start time argue

Events and happenings from around the school

that not only would starting school later improve students’ grades, it might also improve their attitudes toward school and learning.

“Some of us don’t want to come to school anyway,” sophomore Tyler Williams said.

“If we start school later, our minds will be more refreshed, and we will probably pay attention more which will improve our grades.”

“Improved student performance is always important to me,” Principal Roddy said.

Some people, however, refute the idea of going to school later and would rather get it over with earlier.

“I’d rather not start school earlier because I like getting out earlier and it gives me more time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day,” sophomore Andres Pedraza said.

The decision to change or keep the school start time isn’t on the school board’s agenda for the near future.

“There are other issues that need to be investigated before the actual start time of high school could be changed,” Roddy said. “Transportation issues, student afterschool employment and practices conducted by sports teams and fine arts programs would need to be involved in that evaluation.”

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Caleb Smith • Staffer

Seniors Colton George and Adrian Guevara, juniors Tyler Forde and Grayson Birka and senior Cameron Villarreal are recognized at the pep rally Oct. 26. The cross country team placed ninth regionally. Villarreal competed in a national race Dec. 1. Photo by Jarred Osterman

Quidditch team approved Hannah-Beth Floyd • Staffer This year is the inaugural for the Martin Muggle Quidditch club, sponsored by English teacher Molly Haney and founded by junior Hannah-Beth Floyd.

Although not completely unknown, a Muggle Quidditch program is very rare in high schools. There are a total of 813 teams in the United States and 42 teams in Texas.

Most programs are collegiate, including Baylor, Texas Tech, The University of Arkansas and Texas State University.

The club hopes to bring literature to life by playing the non-wizard rendition of J.K. Rowling’s magical game, and also to create a community of literature-loving people in a fun way.

“The club will bring something more to Martin students,” Haney said. “It’ll give them the chance to have fun with the things they experience in literature.”

Muggle Quidditch can be a hard concept to grasp. After all, we don’t have access to the Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt of Harry’s world, so how will this work?

Each team will have the seven players and each of them must have a broom between their legs at all times, just as in the magical version of the game portrayed in Harry Potter books and movies.

Players use dodge balls to score points through makeshift goalposts composed of PVC pipe and a hula-hoop.

The snitch, instead of being a small golden ball with wings will be a person dressed in all yellow with a tennis ball in a tube sock tucked into their waistband.

Once the “snitch” is captured, the game is over, and the team with the most points wins.

The first Martin Muggle Quidditch game is planned for December. Club meetings will be Wednesdays in room 126.

sMembers of The Void, juniors Chris Huber, McLane Ballenger, Hayden

Hale, Christian Kenworthy and Wade Girton play a free concert in the Art Courtyard Oct. 31 The concert was sponsored by the Unleashed Poetry Club. Photo by Brenda Chavez-Mayo

Exempt? You still must attend final exam days

Juniors and seniors who are exempt from semesters exams will now have to stay on campus for all four hours Dec. 20 and 21. No longer will they be able to check in and leave class. This ruling comes from the Texas Education Agency.

Exempt students will remain in the

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classroom where they are enrolled every period class.

Teachers may allow students who are exempt to study for other tests, read library books, magazines, newspapers, and/or use internet during each class period where they are exempt.

Hidden faith

Uncommon objects Classrooms hold a treasure of weird things Trying to keep student’s attention, teachers have come up with ways to make keep class interesting.

Kaitlyn Rosenbaum • Staffer & Susie Gibson • Editor in Chief

Junior Jacob Oderberg struggles with living out his faith after converting to Christianity

History teacher Teresa Jarrett

By Susie Gibson • Editor-in-Chief

J

unior Jacob Oderberg sits down for the Jewish Shabbat dinner like he does every other Friday night of the year. This time is different, though.

This time the words being repeated, the prayers being said, no longer held the same meaning.

“The summer going into my sophomore year was life-changing,” Oderberg said. “I visit my mom’s side of the family, who are Christian, every summer for about a month. We were going on a retreat, which, unbeknownst to me, turned out to be a church retreat. I went into it with a mindset of, ‘This isn’t my religion, but I’ll be respectful.’ At that time, I had no idea how much it would affect me. I started listening to everything the pastor was saying, and it all started to click in my mind. Things that never made sense to me before suddenly did. I had question after question about Judaism and no one would ever answer them. At the retreat, if I had a question...boom, it was answered immediately. That was when I knew.”

Finding the right words to tell his family about his change of heart did not come easily.

Born and raised into an entirely Jewish family and participating in Jewish practices his entire life, Oderberg decided the only way to go about breaking the news was to just come right out and say it.

“I thought my dad would be accepting,” Oderberg said. “He wasn’t.”

Oderberg said he thought his dad viewed it as a betrayal towards Judaism, especially since he had already taken part in the traditional bar mitzvah at 13.

“He was mad at first,

Photo by Chandler Harrell

but then he just began to act like I never said anything in the first place,” Oderberg said. “It’s like we never had that conversation. In his eyes, I’m not Christian, I’m still Jewish.”

With his family not being accepting of his desire to convert religions, he struggles to find a way to live out his faith.

“Some nights I wait up until my parents fall asleep so I can read my Bible,” Oderberg said. “Finding a way to church is difficult. I have to wait for a Sunday where I don’t have Jewish Sunday School, and I have to spend the night at a friend’s house the night before so they’ll take me. I don’t get to go often, but I really love when I can.”

Despite his desire to branch away from Judaism as a religion, Oderberg said he still holds his culture close to his heart.

“Regardless of the fact that I consider myself religiously a Christian now, I will always be Jewish by ethnicity,” Oderberg said. “It’s in my blood, I’ll never get away from that.”

“It all started to click in my mind.

Things that never made sense to me before suddenly did.” features

“I used to teach English, and I really loved Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven,’ so it’s my own tribute to it. Some of the kids get really freaked out. I had one student who said it even scared her so badly she started crying.”

“They usually just hang around the room, but sometimes I like to scare the students with them. A couple years ago, a former student even took Edward Cullen to prom with her.”

Art teacher Dan Darr

Agriculture teacher Kristin Phillips

“Since I’ve started teaching here, I’ll play my accordion on Fridays in the hallway just for fun. It’s something different than what students are used to, and it keeps things lively in the hallways.”

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Photography teacher Daniel Regalado

“It feels like a zoo in here sometimes. The students always bring in a different array of animals, and I’m like their personal vet.

There’s constantly something interesting going on.”

Life changing Teacher nominated for Fox News award Emily Zerr • Staffer Everybody wants to feel like they’ve made an impact in someone else’s life, like they’ve done something to make a difference. A lot of people go unrecognized for their contribution, but sometimes people get what they really deserve, which is appreciation and recognition.

Animation teacher Greg Patton was nominated by Principal Marlene Roddy and the administration to win the Life Changer of the Year Award.

Patton said he wants to help guide the students not only with the classwork, but also with their social skills and real-life experiences.

“He’s really patient and works well with whoever is enrolled in his class,” Principal Roddy said. “He doesn’t let his students skirt around what makes them successful, and because of his former military

training he has very high expectations for them.”

Fox News puts on this competition, and there are teachers nominated all across the U.S. Right now there are 100 nominees, 10 in the DFW area alone. Roddy called Patton one day to let him know that he had been nominated. A reception was held in his honor Dec. 4. Fox News came to Martin to interview him in October.

“Nobody told me when I was going to be on TV,” Patton said. “A student told me one day when he came into class that he had seen me on the news that weekend.”

Patton teaches animation, graphics and digital electronics.

Students say his teaching environment is never threatening and he keeps high standards for his students. Patton has a good relationship with his students and pushes them to work hard.

“I like coming to class because he’s re-

Animation teacher Greg Patton was nominated for the Fox News Life Changer of the Year award. Patton is in a select group of only 100 nominees nationwide. Photo by

Lizzie Kirkham

laxed, there’s a mutual respect and work gets done,” junior Ben Ross said. “When he pushes me it makes me respect him more.”

There’s more than just bragging rights for the winner of this competition.

The first place prize is $10,000 dollars. $5,000 goes to the winner and $5,000 to the school.

“I was surprised at being noticed by my peers and students,” Patton said. “It’s been inspiring in the sense that people recognize

me. I kept saying, ‘Why me?’”

There is no voting to determine a winner.

The administration writes a statement to send in on his behalf. Patton is surprised and happy to have even been nominated for this award. Even if he doesn’t win first place, Patton said he doesn’t need the title to continue to make a difference.

“The way I see it, I’ve already been paid,” Patton said. “The money isn’t what matters to me.”

“He’s really patient and works well with whoever is enrolled in his class. He doesn’t let his students skirt around what makes them successful, and he has very high expectations for them.”

Princess status

Sophomore Nigerian princess has royal blood running in her veins Alicia Naranjo • Staffer

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oyalty is unknown between the walls of Martin High School.

But blending in with the rest of the student body, a princess walks down the hallways.

Sophomore Biola Olagbegi was born with royal blood running through her veins. Her grandfather, Olateru Olagbegi, was the king of Owo, an ancient city which was once the capital of a city state in Nigeria.

“My parents told me I was a princess when I was in first grade,” Olagbegi said.

She said she never thought it was a big deal and only mentioned it to a Sophomore Biola Olagbegi is an African few close friends. Olagbegi said she princess. “My parents told me I was a prinis afraid people would see her differcess when I was in first grade,” Olagbegi ently and think she was bragging. said. “In Nigeria people recognize me Her father is one of the many sons and know my name.”

Olateru Olagbegi had, making him a Photo by Alicia Naranjo

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candidate for the throne.

“Back when my grandfather was alive, it was usual for a king to marry multiple women,” Olagbegi said.

Olagbegi’s father would have never been able to take the role of king, since he had several older brothers that would have acquired the throne before him, so he moved to the United States, making his chances of becoming a king even less likely.

“If we were closer to power, we wouldn’t be in America,” Olagbegi said.

Even though Olagbegi is still part of a royal family, she has no chance of becoming queen, because the throne would be passed down to the sons of her uncles. She said she does not wish to ever become a queen or ruler, anyway.

“Living over there is too hard since they do not have as much technology as we do,” Olagbegi said.

She likes to visit there for periods of time, but she has never considered living and

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starting a new life there.

Olagbegi’s family has expanded throughout Africa and Europe, increasing the members of their family.

Since Olagbegi lives in America, she hasn’t met many of them. She only has the opportunity to see a few of her cousins and other family members once every few years.

“I have an enormous family and I don’t think I would ever get the chance to meet every single one of them,” Olagbegi said.

The times she has gone to Nigeria, Olagbegi doesn’t get treated differently. She doesn’t receive any security or special treatment. Neither is she allowed to treat people as inferior because she has no power.

“People recognize my name and they know who I am,” Olagbegi said.

Olagbegi said she wants to meet more of her family members and get to know them.

Although most of her family has expanded throughout Europe and Africa, Olagbegi wants to explore more of her culture.

What is normal?

Students challenge Martin’s perception of what is ordinary Photo by Britney Henneman

“I’m able to do the same things...just in a different way.”

Mandi Woods • Staffer What is normal? Who’s to say? Me, you, or society? Can we, as humans, truly label

“Aspergers is a higher form of autism, basically a social disorder,” Robbie said. “It’s different for everyone who has it.”

This year it was estimated that one in every 88 children born in the United States have a form of autism. All together, that’s 1.5 million individuals in the United States alone.

A common misconception of those with this social disorder is that the individual is mentally disabled, when in fact, they have at least normal intelligence, if not above average, and often have quite high IQs. They are also just as likely to have a learning disability as those without a form of autism.

However, their requirements for learning may differ from others.

“I’m able to do the same things that everyone else does,” Robbie said. “Just in a different way.”

Society has taught us to treat people who aren’t “normal” differently from those who are.

what normal is?

Junior Robbie Landrey and his parents have faced this question since he was little.

“We knew something was different because he would talk to anyone and everyone,” Robbie’s mother, Karen Landrey said.

Growing up, Robbie never had a problem making a friend. In fact, he got into trouble at school for being too social.

It wasn’t until eighth grade that Robbie was diagnosed with Aspergers, which came as a relief to his parents.

“We knew something was different for a really long time, but we didn’t know what it was or how to help,” Mrs. Landrey said.

“I’m always nice to people, but I can never tell if they really are my friend or not,” Robbie said. “Some are afraid to talk to me, and on the outside they put on a smile, but on the inside they really don’t even like me.”

A difficulty that comes with Aspergers is not knowing any social cues, like if they are bothering others or saying too much, unless told directly.

It is also difficult to distinguish the difference between a best friend, friend or acquaintance. Robbie said he has always struggled with this.

“I know I’ve had problems in the past with girls and now I’m trying to change by giving them their space and sometimes I still struggle, but I try to not let Aspergers get in the way.”

“Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality.

Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something.”

-Tara Kelly, author of Amplified.

“The only reason I survived was because I was young and healthy.”

Michaelann Durden • Staffer

L

unch had just ended and sophomore Cassidy Duncum was in panic mode. Paramedics did an EKG (Electrocardiograph) last October in the school nurse’s office, and they rushed her out of the school and into an ambulance.

“I was having 260 heart beats per minute,” Duncum said. “The average heart rate for an adult to have a heart attack is 180 heart beats per minute.

Normally, paramedics put IV’s in people before the ambulance starts moving, but the paramedics couldn’t wait. It was such an emergency that they just had to take off and put my IV’s in while we were on the way.”

In October of 2011, Duncum was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia.

(SVT). This means that she has three electrical wires in her heart instead of two that regulate her heart beats.

“If a heartbeat gets stuck in that extra wire, it makes my heart rate shoot up to 200 or 300 heartbeats per minute,” she said.

The condition is something she is born with and Duncum is the only one in her

family to have it.

“The paramedics said this medicine would be the most painful thing I’d ever feel in my life,” Duncum said. “I started crying and I squeezed the paramedic’s hand because it was so scary. It was just us in the ambulance. They flushed the medicine through my IV, and it felt like two big hands pressing down on my heart. My heart stopped beating for about three seconds and then started back up.”

Adenosine is a medicine used for SVT. When people have a flare up or their heart rate goes crazy, the only way to stop it is to take the medicine. The pain of the medicine is the equivalent of being hit by a bus.

“After the medicine, I had a lot of chest pain,” Duncum said. “I stayed the night at Cooks Children’s Hospital and they ran a ton of tests. I wanted to get out of there because the next day was Homecoming, so I basically made them discharge me.”

The doctors told Duncum that the only reason she survived this attack was because she was young and healthy.

“In January, I went back to Cooks because I was still having chest pain,” Duncum said.

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“I stayed for six days. The doctors think I may have torn a muscle in my chest wall or bruised it.”

Back in October, Duncum’s heart rate was so fast that her heart wasn’t beating, it was just shaking.

“I see two different pediatric cardiologists, a heart electrophysiologist (an electrician for the heart), lung doctor, stomach doctor and basically any doctor you can think of,” Duncum said.

“I don’t have any restrictions from doctors, but there are things on a day-to-day basis that are affected,” Duncum said.

“SVT makes me really tired. My average heart rate is around 110 heart beats per minute and a normal teenager is between 55 and 85 heart beats per minute. My heart rate is up even when I am sitting down. I used to be on two competitive cheerleading teams and Martin Cheerleading. I am only able to do Martin Cheerleading now and even that is a lot for my body to handle.”

In order for Duncum to function normally, she has to get as much rest as possible, even if that means taking two naps a day.

Photo by Michaelann Durden “Three months after everything happened, I was at the DMV when a girl passed out,” Duncum said. “The same paramedics that helped me showed up to help that girl. I became really good friends with the paramedics and they still check up on me and stuff.”

King

The No-Shave November Every November guys from all over have been participating in No-Shave November, and this year we held a contest to see who could be crowned King. The verdict: senior Zak Blinn.

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Meghan Cabra & Morganne Clay • Staffers

or years, guys have been participating in the popular event: No-Shave November. To properly participate in NoShave November, one must not shave his facial hair for the entire month of November, no matter what.

This year, a contest was held to determine the “No-Shave November King.” The winner was chosen by the fullness and amount of facial hair that the guy ended up having by the end of the month.

Every other Friday, after the start of the contest Nov. 2, the participants showed the judges the progress on their hair growing, and made sure that they were not shaving at all.

Though there was only one king, the top three guys with the most substantial amount of facial hair were accounted for.

There was no question in whether or not junior Bradley Hamel was participating in this year’s competition.

“I was already going to do it,” he said. “I grow a lot of hair. I usually don’t shave anyway, it takes too long. Besides, it only takes about a week and a half to grow a substantial amount of hair for me.”

Senior Zak Blinn said he wanted to prove something of himself through this contest.

“I came to win this contest, prove how manly I am, and to bring out the beast within.”

Blinn has experience with this annual event. He explained that he’s been participating in it for a while now. He’s been doing NoShave November for about two years now.

Blinn said his friends are supportive in his decision to not shave his facial hair for a whole month, but his family thinks of it a bit differently.

“My mom doesn’t want to be seen in public with me, my dad

doesn’t like it at all, but my friends think that it’s great,” he said.

Senior Justin Mizell said his reason for participating in No-Shave November this year is for a good cause.

“I’m doing this for prostate cancer.” Mizell said. “That’s the reason why No-Shave November started in the first place – for awareness of the cancer.”

Mizell’ said his friends and family have varied views on the contest.

“My mom hates the idea of me not shaving for a month.” Mizell said. “My dad’s okay with it, but my grandmother thinks that it’s ugly. My friends are cool with it, though.”

Mizell is used to not shaving for long periods of time, but has never taken it as far as not shaving for a whole month.

“Laziness is usually the reason why I don’t shave much, but this time it’ll give me an actual reason not to,” Mizell said. “I’ve never had it grown longer than it is now, so I don’t know what will happen by the end of the month.”

Ever since Senior Cody Canady could grow facial hair, he has been participating in No-Shave November.

“Girls don’t like it, but the guys think that it’s pretty cool,” Canady said. “My parents think that I should shave it, but my dad’s just jealous because he can’t grow this much facial hair.”

Being in a contest motivates Canady more because of the competition of wanting to win.

In the end, Blinn was crowned the “No-Shave November King” for having the most substantial amount of facial hair growth, and fullness in the face. He truly was, the king of beards.

“I came to win this contest, prove how manly I am, and to bring out the beast within.”

Before

junior Brad Hamel

After

Before

senior Cody Canady

After

Before

senior Justin Mizell

After

senior Zak Blinn

After

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Photos by Chandler Harrell & Lizzie Kirkham

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Mind your own buisness

Senior refinishes, re-sells furniture

Change artist

“I am reaching out to a difficult audience of buyers. Sales might be tough at the start of the business. I would like to do this for as long as I can and get as far as I can.”

Senior Brie Smith shows off the dresser she refinished. Smith’s goal is to change up old furniture to make it usable and hip again. Photo by Karsen Cinquepalmi the possibilities, and inspiration struck.

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“I bought the dresser that was an ugly green, so I decided to paint it,” Smith said. “After I painted it I got the idea to add splatter paint to it. Then I just started thinking of other cool things I could have done to it.”

In order to have a business, you need to have a business name, a structure and place.

“I don’t have a business name yet,” Smith said. “I want it to be perfect and meaningful because this process actually means a lot to me.”

Smith said she has a plan for the future of her business and has an eye for people seeking out artistic items for their homes

Kimberly Clower • Sports Editor & Kaylyn LeFan • Features Editor

ho buys old beat up and cheap furniture and refurnishes it?

Yup, that’d be senior Brie

Smith.

“I am going to be buying old cheap furniture at about $60 and I’m going to paint and decorate it and sell it for about triple the price,” Smith said.

Two years ago Smith got in a serious car accident. Little did she know that the settlement check she would get from it would

be helping her start a business.

Now that she is 18 and can receive the settlement check, she will take about $500 out of it to start her business within the next two months.

“It’s more of a hobby than an actual business,” Smith said. “I’m aiming towards abstract and colorful furniture.”

The idea came to Smith’s mind when she bought an old vanity dresser that was a color she didn’t like. She started to consider

Courtyard sits unused

or offices.

“I am reaching out to a difficult audience of buyers,” Smith said. “Sales might be tough at the start of the business. I would like to do this for as long as I can and get as far as I can.”

Smith plans to sell her items on a website that her grandmother will help her set up.

“My Mimi is a graphic designer, so she will be running the website while I will be making the furniture, as well as photographing the items that will be posted into categories on the website,” Smith said.

Within the next two months, when she gets the money, she plans to transition into her new business.

Main courtyard was closed for lunch six years ago after bad behavior Dale Rives & Madeline Rusin • Staffers Imagine the sway of trees, the warmth of the autumn sunshine and the breeze blowing around Martin students as they eat lunch in fresh air outside in our central courtyard.

While the courtyard used to be open to students at lunch time, it has been closed for several year, much to the frustration of some students.

“I’d spend every day out there,” sophomore Keshana Bailey said. “It’s beautiful,

selves and the sunshine.

Then, like all good things, it came to an end over five years ago, after agroup of students trashed and vandalized the courtyard.

“A small group of students started to break windows and throw milk, so we had to put our foot down,” assistant principal Tommy Scott said.

Now, for the past six years, underclassmen and upperclassmen who don’t go off campus have been limited to the hallways and overcrowded cafeteria.

and for the most part, unused.”

The central courtyard consists of 10 picnic tables, 13 benches, a large wooden deck and numerous shaded pathways. But this area is rarely available for use to the student body.

While many walk past the glass windows and sigh longingly, at one time students could be out there enjoying the fresh air.

Past yearbooks show pictures of students outside in the courtyard enjoying them-

The possibility of going to the courtyard for lunch is not very high, but the decision rests with Martin administrators.

Small groups of students who are in clubs or organizations are allowed in the courtyard only if they are with a sponsor or coach. Outdoor Education classes frequent the courtyard.

“Kids are kind of messy, but I think we could rise up to the challenge, and keep the courtyard clean,” sophomore Nathan Soroka said.

“I’d spend every day out there. It’s beautiful, and for the most part, unused.” features

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dollar The challenge hundred 100 Finding winter fashion for less than

bucks

Madeline Maxwell•Staffer Erin Hibbs•Features Editor

Trying to stay fashion forward this winter season without breaking the bank? Check out what we found at these everyday stores.

a

a

Urban Outfitters BDG Cable Knit Scarf -$24.99 Thrift Town Forest Green Sweater- $4 Vintage Swirl Watch - $3 Target Moss Keilani Boot- Bark -$34.99 American Eagle Skinny Jean- $29.99 Total: $96.97

American Eagle Embroidered Mesh Corset dress- $39.99 Payless Chelsea Flat Lower East Side- $16.99 Wal Mart Miley Cyrus Chambray Shirt- $6 Aerie Floral Long Scarf- $11 Total: $73.98

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Target Kamischel Suede Lug Boots Grey - $39.99 Rounded V-neck tee - $10 Floral Print Bamboo Scarf- Red/Purple - $10.48 Black Leather Jacket- Juniors PU Jacket w/ Knit Trim - $30 Total: $90.47

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The Culp in the hat

Old Navy Polka Dot Chambray Shirt - $24.97 Red Jeans - $20 Scrunchy Faux-Snakeskin Flats - $24.94 Total: $69.91

Senior Cailyn Culp expresses herself through making her own clothes Story and photo by Natalie Buongiorno•Staffer

W

ith the sound of the sewing machine gliding along fabric, senior Cailyn Culp finishes making her own dress. Her creations are one of a kind, and can’t be found in stores or being worn by anyone else, allowing Culp to have her own unique style.

“My mom taught me how to sew when I was eight, so that’s always been something cool that I really enjoy,” Culp said. “I like designing my own clothes because it allows me to have my own sense of style and it allows me to be different.”

One year ago, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram had a competition for making hats.

Culp worked hard on designing her hat, and her hard work paid off.

“When Prince William and Kate got married, there was a competition for designing hats and I won,” Culp said. “I got to be in the newspaper. Basically for the

competition you had to design a hat, and then you had to submit pictures of it and describe how you made it. They called me about two weeks later and told me that I had won. It was really cool because I had found out about the competition from my mom and my grandmother, but I had to leave the next day for camp so I had to make the hat all in one day.”

Hours upon hours, or even days, may be dedicated to one project.

“To make a hat, it takes somewhere between four and 16 hours, and that’s just making it,” Culp said. “That doesn’t include getting the material and getting everything set up. To make a dress or a garment, it could take a couple days. You have to get the pattern, measure it, fit it and cut everything out and then finally sew it.”

Culp said she plans on going to a college that specializes in her passion for design.

9

Pratt Institute in New York is one of the top three colleges in design.

“Pratt has a couple campuses, and the one I want to go to is in Brooklyn,” Culp said.

“It’s a really big art and design school, and it’s around the same size as Martin so I’ll be used to the amount of people.”

Culp has made about 15 hats and 10 to 15 garments. She also practices her skills at Martin. She enjoys designing costumes for the theater productions.

“I’m one of the costume designers for theater,” Culp said. “At the end of my freshman year, I joined the costume crew for theater, and that was very special and fun. If I count clothes made for theater, I’ve made somewhere around 30 garments.”

You can’t just jump right into making your own clothes though. There’s a process to be followed to yield the best results.

“First I sketch it out,” Culp said. “If I’m getting a pattern, I pick out the pattern and I have to measure myself to figure out

features

what size I have to make. Then I have to figure out how much fabric I need. I go to a fabric store, buy fabric, then go home and lay out my pattern or I’ll have to make my pattern pieces. Then I cut it out, start to piece parts together, and begin to sew it. Sometimes it’s difficult because some patterns are very vague on how to do things, but after a while you just kind of figure it out. It’s one of those things that you have to learn to do yourself, you can’t just be told how.”

Christmas

The 8 days of WarPo Morganne Clay & Maddy Cope • Staffers

As the holidays draw near, The Warrior Post has brought to you eight amazing days of activities, crafts, shows and ideas for you to get into the holiday spirit.

On the first day of Christmas...

On the third day of Christmas...

Bath and Body Works gave to me their most affordable seasonal candles to make my home feel like Christmas. Prices range from $3.50 to $6.00.

•Twisted Peppermint •Vanilla Bean Noel •Frosted Gingerbread

Interlochen gave to me their annual Christmas lights starting Friday Dec. 17, 6 to 11 p.m. Enter at Interlochen neighborhood from West Wood Drive at Randol Mill Road.

On the second day of Christmas...

Sixflags Holiday in the Park gave to me their Frosty Snow Hill and Fa-La-La-La light show starting Nov. 28 through Jan. 4th. Tickets start at 34.99

On the fifth day of Christmas...

The Warrior Post gave to me the most amazing Christmas shows coming to the DFW area this coming winter season.

• Annie Nov. 30 through Dec. 16 (Theater Arlington) $16 •The Nutcracker Dec. 7 through Dec. 23 (Bass Hall) $30 to $110 •The Nutty Nutcracker Dec. 21 (Bass Hall) $25 to $100 •The Rockettes national tour Nov. 23 through Dec. 8 (Verizon Theater) $19.95 through $125 •Christmas choir concert Dec.18 Martin High School

On the fourth day of Christmas...

Pinterest gave to me their most creative and fun holiday crafts for my friends and family to celebrate the holidays in my home with: •red and white ribbon lights •snow man Christmas tree •hot chocolate bar •photo wrapping paper

On the sixth day of Christmas...

The Gaylord Texan gave to me six amazing weeks of their annual ice sculptures for the whole family to enjoy. Prices range from $15.99 to 29.99.

Now through Jan. 3 1501 Gaylord trail, Grapevine Texas

On the seventh day of Christmas...

Starbucks gave to me their favorite mouth-watering winter flavored drinks. Prices range from $1.05 to 5.

•Peppermint Mocha •Pumpkin Spice Latte •Caramel Apple Spice •Gingerbread Latte •Toffee Mocha •Eggnog Latte •Caramel Machiatto

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On the eighth day of Christmas...

WarPo brought to me the best holiday movies for you to enjoy •Christmas Vacation (1989) •Elf (2003) •White Christmas (1954) •A Christmas story (1983) •Miracle on 34th street (1947) •It’s a Wonderful Life (1947) •The Polar Express (2004) •The Santa Clause (1994)

A DIY holiday Top 10 Elf quotes Emma Bruce • Designer Larissa Gonzales • Copy Editor

Nobody likes doing their holiday shopping in a crowded and stressful mall, and trying to find some deals on Black Friday could get you trampled to death. We all want to give gifts to our friends and family, but it can be a bit costly and stressful. Here are a few gifts you can make at home that won’t hurt your wallet.

Hot Chocolate in a jar

What you’ll need: -A Mason jar (you can find one at Hobby Lobby or Walmart) -Hot chocolate mix -Mini marshmallows -Curling ribbon How to: -Scoop hot chocolate mix into the jar until it’s about halfway full -Scoop mini marshmallows into the jar until it’s full -Tie a ribbon around the jar for presentation.

Mix CD paper case

What you’ll need: -One sheet of 8 1/2” by 11” paper -CD How to: -Place CD in the center of the top of the paper -Fold in the sides of the paper to the sides of the CD -Center the CD at the middle of the paper -Fold the bottom of the paper up -Fold two horizontal creases at the top to be even with the folded sides in step two -Fold flap down to make a square -Put CD in front pocket and fold down the top half of the paper -Put the top half of the paper into the pocket -Decorate paper to give it a personal touch

Sharpie monogrammed mug

What you’ll need: -White mug (you can find one for a really cheap price at Goodwill or Walmart) -Sharpie marker -Letter stencil (if desired) How to: -Use stencil to trace letter onto the mug with a pencil -Retrace the letter with Sharpie -Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees

...from our favoirte giant elf, Buddy

Emma Bruce • Designer

10. Oh, I forgot to give you a hug!

9. I just like to smile, smiling is my favorite.

8. SON of a NUTcracker!

It’s just nice to meet another human that 7. shares my affinity for elf culture.

6. Can I listen to your necklace?

5. Buddy the elf, what’s your favorite color?

You smell like beef and cheese, you 4. don’t smell like Santa. place reminds me of Santa’s workshop. Ex3. This cept it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks 2.

1.

like they want to hurt me.

Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?

I’m sorry I ruined your lives, and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR.

Christmas cinema Bri Roney • Staffer

Ah, Christmas. The presents, the food, the family, and don’t forget the movies! Here’s a list of five Christmas movies you should check out this holiday season.

“My favorite Christmas movie is Elf,” junior Katelyn Harbert said. “It has Will Ferrell in it, and I think he’s really funny. It’s a good way for my family to spend time together. My favorite quote from the movie is ‘Son of a nutcracker!’”

“I like It’s a Wonderful Life,” senior Cailyn Culp said. “It’s my favorite Christmas movie because I like how it shows what would have happened if George had killed himself instead of changing his mind. The guardian angel is pretty funny, too. It’s a cute movie.”

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the first Christmas movie I ever saw,” sophomore Janaye Custard said. “It’s a cute movie and a classic.”

“I love The Nightmare Before Christmas,” senior Cheyenne Talkington said. “It’s really animated and different. I like how it shows the dark side of Christmas.”

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features

All tatted up Match the teacher....

You see your teacher’s tattoo and you are completely weirded out. Teachers are just like every other person with memories and stories behind those memories. Maybe even tattoos.

Photos and interviews by Jarred Osterman • Staffer

...with the tattoo “I debated getting my whole back covered in a fairy garden, but I just ended up getting this because I had turned 18 and I could get a tattoo. It also represents my independence and my free spirit.”

A

“It was something that my friends and I got while we were in Mexico. It was a very impulsive, quick decision but it has so much meaning from a part of my life that I really enjoyed. Very few of my students know about it since its on my hip. I always think you should get them in a place where you can cover them up.”

1.

Spanish teacher Hugo Avila

B

2. English teacher Geneice Mayeaux

3.

AP Shari Price

“I wanted something with meaning and I pondered getting a couple of different things for a several of weeks. I ended up with this because I wanted something that let people know something about me before they met me. The tattoo means to me what strength and how much faith I have.”

C

“I had them done in July of 2009. I had to get them for cancer radiation because you have to be lined up in a specific way every time. They have so much more meaning to me rather than just what they are. They show me how lucky and blessed I am that I live in a time and a place where I can get treatment. It makes me feel very grateful.”

D

4.

Spanish teacher Michelle Torres

5. Journalism teacher Tricia Regalado

E

features

Getting to know the guards

Security opens up about their experiences

Jennifer Forsberg•Entertainment Editor

Sgt. Yolanda Dunlap What’s your favorite part about being a guard?

“I like to interact with the kids and be able to help them do what they need to get through school.”

How long have you been a security guard?

“For about 18 years.”

Why did you choose to be a guard?

“It just happened. I didn’t think I would be doing it this long. If I can help just one kid get through school then I’ll be happy.”

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen since becoming a security guard?

“Although I’m new to Martin, I’ve been working in the AISD for a while. I deal with kids and I know they’re going to do things, so I just deal with it. I’ve dealt with gang fights, girl fights, bomb threats, but the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with was suicide.”

What is the thing you have had to deal with most since being at Martin?

“Mainly making sure the security staff is where they need to be, doing what they need to do to keep everyone safe. I make sure we’re keeping the principals happy by enforcing the rules.”

Officer Julius Solis

What is the best thing about being a security guard?

“I like doing the patrolling. There are a lot of surprises that come with it. You find a lot of interesting things.”

How long have you been a security guard?

“I used to be a police officer in the Philippines. I started being a security guard in America last February.”

Why did you choose to be a security guard?

“It just sort of happened. I just got hired. This job was offered to me so I took it.”

What is the hardest thing you deal with at Martin?

“It is hard to get kids out of their classes when I’m sent to remove them. They usually will not go. And students with bad attitudes.”

“People always thought my other tattoo which is a colorful skull with different designs in it had to deal with the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead so I went along with that theme. I got the idea from a t-shirt but I changed it up with the old microphone as the head to add a musical theme.”

12

Key: 1E, 2C, 3B, 4A, 5D

The Warrior Post

Martin High School • Arlington, Texas

Susie Gibson Editor-in-Chief Oscar Araujo Online Editor-in-Chief Larissa Gonzales Copy Editor Abby Bishop • Rachel Hodnett News Editors Kimberly Clower • Jamie Gisburne Sports Editors Karsen Cinquepalmi • Chandler Harrell Photo Editors

Jennifer Forsberg Entertainment Editor Ariel Hernandez Opinions Editor Erin Hibbs • Kayln LeFan Features Editors

Runnin’

outta time

Proposed later starting time could cause problems

What could be more grueling than having to juggle a social life, AP classes, club meetings, sports tournaments, a job to clock in to, along with hours of homework waiting for you at home? A typical high school student just doesn’t have enough time in the day. But if the AISD board considers later starting times due to parental complaints, students will have even less time to manage their conventional workday.

Our day starting at 7:35 a.m. allows us to be dismissed at a reasonable time in order to maintain our grades and jobs. With the proposed later starting time, we’ll be leaving at 3:30. It may not seem like much of

Sarah Baggett, Natalie Buongiorno, Meghan Cabra, Rosa Castaneda, Morganne Clay, Madeline Cope, Emily Cox, Michaelann Durden, Katy Fitzgerald, Hannah-Beth Floyd, Tyler Forde, Rachel Hanson, Britney Henneman, Caitlyn Hopkins, Lauren House, Lizzie Kirkham, Madeline Maxwell, Brenda Mayo, Morgan McKsymick, Sarah Meo, Sherilyn Morales, Alicia Naranjo, Maggie O’Brian, Jarred Osterman, Justin Reichardt, Dale Rives, Sharee Rodgers, Bri Roney, Kaitlyn Rosenbaum, Thomas Rowe, Madeline Rusin, Caleb Smith, Trey Wise, Amanda Woods, Emily Zerr 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 or services not legally available to students.

to require someone else to pick up their younger children because they can’t leave work.

And with after-school meetings beginning at 3:30, you’ll be getting home to do homework around 5 p.m. at the earli-

Spirit days have fewer participants than usual due to low motivation and harder dress up days

Sara Mancha Staff Artist

Staffers:

Staffeditorial

est. Not to mention sports practice going far into the evening as it is, getting home much later means you have to cram in more chores in less time.

We’re the ones who complete this daily routine. We’re the ones that should have a say in our dismissal times.

We understand that our parents our concerned about our lethargic welfare, but if we’re willing to accept these current constraints, we should be able to keep our status quo. Sleep deprivation will always be relevant in high schools, regardless of starting time. Give us the time we’ve adjusted our lives to.

We’ve got spirit?

Emma Bruce • Ashleigh Jones Designers

Tricia Regalado • Marlene Roddy Adviser • Principal

a difference, but take into consideration the cutback on hours you’ll get at your job.

Consider bus schedules colliding with junior high and elementary schools, and high school kids having to pick up their siblings.

With these later times, parents will have

Rachel Hodnett • News Editor Spirit days are one of the primary traditions designed to bring our school together.

However, every year, fewer and fewer kids dress up. This is in part due to a lack of school spirit within the student body, and is also due to spirit days becoming harder and harder to dress up for. Let’s rethink spirit days and go back to the classic dress up days.

As students prepare to dress up, many abandon their plans because it is difficult to do them well. Days like “fake injury day” become a hassle to dress up for unless you have been injured in the past. It also becomes difficult to tell who is faking their injury and who is actually injured, which can lead to very awkward situations. But “fake injury day” isn’t the only difficult day.

Last year, the “red, white and blue day” that represented whether or not you had a

Homecoming date caused a major uproar.

Many students did not want to advertise whether or not they had a date. It became awkward and singled people out.

But it isn’t just about the day. Overall, students have not been participating as much in the recent years. Although some of the new ideas are kinda crazy, dressing up usually isn’t as hard as it seems. Go to your closet, your parents’ closet, anywhere in which you could piece together an outfit. Just because some people go all out, it doesn’t mean that you have to. Just adding a hot pink bow to your hair shows some spirit on Pink Out day, and tying a sweater or jacket around your waist prepares you for 90’s day. Small things to add to your regular clothes help to show school spirit, which is the entire purpose of having spirit days. While the more creative days make it a little more difficult, they can still have student support if they would show a little spirit.

Revisiting the classic spirit days would allow for more students to participate and would encourage more students to participate. Days like “Pink Out day” and “USA day” that occurred this year had the greatest number of students dressed up out of all of the spirit days this year. This major turn-

13

opinions

out suggests that students will participate if the spirit day can be accomplished with the clothes that they already have. Other spirit days, like “tacky tourist day” and “superhero day” also had a large number of participants as they could be completed easily, by piecing together students’ clothes as well as some of their parent’s clothes.

The easier it is to create a spirit-filled outfit, the more likely students are to dress up.

The classic spirit days such as “twin day” and “pajama day” are very easy to participate in because students can join in on the school spirit without having to find the time or money to buy an outfit.

While the newer spirit days are very creative and it’s cool to see how some students go all out to be spirited, they don’t provide enough students with the opportunity to get involved. This results in a decrease of school-wide participation, which directly contradicts the purpose of spirit days.

While some spirit days are great at bringing our school together, the more classic, more simplistic approach to spirit days have a greater support by the students and have a more successful turnout. Therefore, returning to the traditional spirit days is a way to increase student participation in this unifying activity.

Make the grade

The Courts of Bedford Apartment Homes

Differences in teacher’s grading can be unfair

1501 Tennis Dr. Bedford, Tx 76022

Ariel Hernandez • Opinions Editor

A

single additional point could mean the difference between passing and failing. But which teachers are willing to give you that one point? Does it depend on how hard you worked toward that grade? Which teachers allow notes on tests? If you know the dynamics of your teacher, you know how to pass that class.

For example, if a student fails a major test, some teachers allow you to correct it for a 70. Some students are even able to make above a 70. But there are also teachers who don’t allow corrections at all.

There are teachers who allow students to work with a partner on a quiz. The students who don’t have such teacher must take the quiz alone. How is it fair that one student can use a resource, while other students can’t? It’s not fair that it’s strictly the teacher’s call on how they want to teach, and our grades are affected by it.

My grade should not be dependent on which teacher I get. I should have equal opportunities toward my grade as the next

person. Granted, it’s my responsibility to do the work, but myself and many other students would be willing to do extra credit work toward a better grade if a teacher offered. What happens to the students who don’t have these opportunities? Of course we’re going to run to our counselors, knowing that if we had a different teacher, our grade wouldn’t suffer. Our averages greatly reflect our test and quiz grades, and the chance to redeem ourselves is a big break.

I’m not accusing the school’s system of giving us too much work, nor am I saying that the work given to us is unreasonably challenging. I’m completely for the advantages of our grade. My point is that not everyone has these privileges. These subjects’ “loopholes” are solely determined by the teachers and their own preferences. My suggestion to the solution is to pick one or the other. Either all students are able to take advantage of these chances, or we simply as a whole don’t have the ability to correct our mistakes.

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YouTube school Online videos offer lessons beyond the classroom for students Emily Cox • Staffer YouTube isn’t just for fun. It can also be used as a tool for school. Some YouTubers, like Crashcourse’s John and Hank Green, explain subjects that may seem difficult to students.

“The videos (on minutephysics) are fun and fast and might be useful as a refresher while studying for a quiz,” Physics teacher Jay Atman said.

Despite being in Physics class for 90 minutes, some kids might not understand the material when they get home.

“I am sure that for some students, it might make a final connection better because not all students learn the same way I teach,” Atman said.

Here are some of the top videos for each subject:

Minute Physics

Physics- Minute Physics • Aside from the cheesy, and semi annoying, background music, the man explains psychics in small snippets that make sense.

Algebra- Khan Academy • Gives some dull examples, but explains very well.

Khan Academy

PreCal- Khan Academy • The monotone man gives super boring explanations, but goes into great detail.

Biology- Crash Course • These long videos explain the most important parts of Biology quite well and are speckled with funny quips.

Crash Course

World History- Crash Course • If you can get over the fast talking, poofy haired maniac that is John Green, his videos are quite useful when trying to cram all those dates from WAY back then into your head right before a major test.

Chemistry- Khan Academy • The semi-monotone voice kind of bores, but makes up with a huge amount of information that is extremely useful. Gives examples that you can actually understand

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They offer the typical diner experience After your meal you can pick from a vawith burger, fries and shakes and also of- riety of desserts such as the typical shake fer other varieties of foods such as wraps, and malt, or a scoop of ice cream with your salads, and sandwiches. choice of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, However, the new diner does stand out peach or very berry. If you wanted to switch with their choice of meat. Maidit up, you could get either a root beer Rite uses almost a taco meat type The newest or Pepsi float. beef that really is more of an ac- additon to The newest addition to our local quired taste. It’s interesting and a restaurant community offers good our local food and a good time. I greatly recdifferent choice that you’ll either restaurant ommend going to Maid-Rite Diner enjoy or dislike.

The burgers are dressed just like community to anyone that wishes to try somea typical burger with your choice thing new and different. of cheese and served on a hot offers good Although their burgers may be an bun. Not many people liked their food and a acquired taste, you can be sure to find choice of meat, but in my opinleast one item on their menu that good time. at ion I really enjoyed their different will satisfy your taste buds.

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entertainment

Kicking off a career

Senior Ben Grogan gives team an edge with his flawless footwork

T

Jamie Gisburne • Sports Editor

he lights shine down onto a crowded stadium as everyone is on their feet, cheering as the Martin Warrior football team scores a touchdown. As everyone is cheering, senior Ben Grogan is getting ready to make another kick to give the Warriors an extra point for the lead.

As Grogan steps up to the ball and kicks it high and straight, his simple mindset has put him above others.

“I try not to think whenever I’m about to kick the ball,” Grogan said. “I focus on making it, and I don’t want to overthink.”

Every game, Grogan has the same process on how he steps up to the ball and kicks it.

“He has the same exact process in practice and at the game,” Head football coach Bob Wager said. “He’s mastered muscle memory and he has great tunnel vision.”

Over the course of his senior year, he has contributed 66 points total and 39 points after a touchdown. He is also being recruited by major colleges including Kansas and Memphis and is receiving interest from OSU and Texas Tech.

Grogan’s greatest strength is his humility.

He hasn’t accepted his greatness and is very humble about all of the things that he has achieved.

“People would be wise to get his autograph right now, because he is spectacular,” Wager said.

While his on-field performance is remarkable, Grogan has had to deal with many family challenges. His mother, father

and younger brother have all dealt with cancer in the past few years. His younger brother, who was diagnosed five years ago, has had the hardest and longest struggle.

“My brother’s cancer was an ongoing process, but my parents were optimistic about it,” Grogan said. “I was more happy than depressed, I didn’t worry about it because I knew everything was going to be okay.”

Along with his brother, his dad had cancer two years ago and his mom had breast cancer this year.

“My mom and dad just had one treatment and then it was done,” Grogan said. “Nothing has been life threatening. They’ve been fine so it’s easier to deal with the pain.”

His family has been his number-one support system. Even in sickness, they have gone to all of the games and cheered him on. When his mom had surgery to remove her cancer, Coach Wager let her sit in the pressbox so she could still cheer him on.

“After she had surgery, the fact that she was able to get out of her house to go to the game was remarkable,” Wager said. “It was the least I could do to make her feel more comfortable.”

After all that Grogan has been through, he has mastered mental toughness, and being able to block out all the struggles and doubt that people have given to him.

“At such a young age, he has a remarkable mentalization,” Wager said. “Every day at practice and at games, he has a mindset completely dedicated to football and

Shooting with the stars: Tyler Forde • Staffer

Nick Babb

blocks out the rest of the world.”

During the Homecoming game Oct. 5, the team decided to make a tribute to the game of football by letting Grogan do a drop kick.

“We did it for those who came to the game who were true football fans,” Wager said. “It was a common thing that they did in the 50s and we wanted to pay tribute to that since it’s not as common.”

Aside from accuracy, Grogan’s range Senior Ben Grogan contributed 66 points this for kicking is higher year to the Warriors. He is being recruited by than most. He can several colleges. Photo by Karsen Cinquepalmi kick 50 yards for a field goal. The averer have helped me achieved everything,” age length made by an NFL kicker is 34.4 Grogan said. “My parents have also been yards. a huge support, and in the games I have a “I have the range from 50 yards or out good bender and snapper that help get me and my maximum right now is 60,” Grogan the ball.” said. “They can put me in certain situations Grogan has always put his team first and if they need to.” they have become a huge family.

In the North Crowley game, Grogan “He cares about his family and teambecame an all-time Texas record holder in mates,” Wager said. “He truly loves footfield goals by kicking six in a game. ball. He’s the same on and off the field, and A lot of people have helped him along the he’s someone you can trust. I want the best way to greatness. opportunity for him, there is no doubt in “All of my coaches and my kicking train- mind that he can become a pro.”

Sophomore Andrew Dotson, junior Nick Babb, and senior Shawn Hammler plan to guide the Warriors basketball team to a winning season

Shawn Hammler

Andrew Dotson

What’s your biggest achievement in basketball?

“When I could dunk at the beginning of freshman year.”

What are your personal goals this season?

“I don’t want my emotions to get in the way of the game.”

What are your expectations and how will you help them achieve this?

“High hopes to win district. I plan to play to my best ability and prove my spot on varsity.”

What is your best quality to help the team?

“My ability to see the floor and find the open man makes me a key part to the passing game.”

What’s your best moment in basketball?

“I hit a game-winning three pointer against Paschal last season to win by one point.”

What’s your best accomplishment in basketball?

“I’m one of the top 100 sophomores in the country and top 10 in the state.”

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A day in the life of a trainer Maggie O’Brian•Staffer Photos by Maggie O’Brian and Brenda Chavez-Mayo

When you think about Friday night football, you think about going to see the game, the action, and the players, but you never really think about what goes on behind the scenes.

11 to 12 - Clean up

6:15a.m. - Wake up “I wake up to get ready at 6:15 everyday, but on game days, it doesn’t feel as early because I’m excited and pumped for the game,” senior Lauren Latour said. “I always wear my coveralls for good luck.”

12:19 to 3:30 - Rest

“Trainers are supposed to go home and rest after lunch so we won’t be tired during the game,” Latour said. “But with all of the homework and school things we have to do, usually we only have time to run home, get our stuff, and come back to the school.”

7:35 to 12:19 - School

“Trainers who are working the games, whether they be working Junior Varsity or Varsity, are allowed to leave campus rather than go to our fourth period training class.” Latour said.

4:30 to 7:30 - Arrive

“We usually arrive at the fields at about 4:30 and spend all of our time before the game preparing everything that needs to be used.” Latour said. “We have to get all the water ready, set up all the medicines, and tape up the players who need to be taped before they can play.”

3:30 - Prepare

“At 3:30, we get ready to leave,” Latour said. “We have to make sure to prep all of our gear and make sure we have everything before we go. Then, we get on the bus and leave to go to wherever we’re playing that night.”

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“After the game is all over, we have to pack up all of our gear and get it back to the school,” Latour said.

“We have to clean everything and put it away before we are allowed to leave.”

• “The cleaning is my least favorite part. I hate the cleaning,” O’Brian said. “It’s nasty and sweaty and gross and I just hate it.”

7:30 to 11 - Game time

“From the time the game starts until the time the game is completely over, we are super busy getting water for the players, filling up the bottles, and making sure everyone has medical attention that needs it,” Latour said. “There is a lot of adrenaline and excitement when you’re right next to the field. It’s like being in the game, you feel like one of the players. You feel all the excitement that they’re feeling.”

• “Games are pretty stressful,” sophomore Torrey O’Brian said.

“It’s fun and exciting but it’s so busy and crazy – especially playoffs. The training program is a great experience, you get to meet so many people, but you also have loads of new responsibilities.

That’s one thing that people don’t know about the trainers. They don’t know how hard we actually work.”

1:30 a.m. Finally, it’s time to go home.

“After everything,” Latour said. “I just want to sleep.”

12 to 1:30 a.m. Dinner time

“I usually go out with the trainers after the game so we can all hang out, eat and have a good time, but we usually don’t get home until about 1:30,” Latour said.

“When it comes to football season, I never get to spend time with my friends. Friday nights and Saturday morning are dedicated for football and after it’s all over I just want to sleep. My mom is supportive, but she gets upset sometimes because it’s my senior year and I’m never around to hang out with her.”