Feb 2014 Warrior Post by Tricia Regalado

the

Warrior Post Fresh off the farm

Senior raises and showcases farm animals for FFA

Martin High School 4501 W. Pleasant Ridge Dr. Arlington, TX 76016 Volume 32, Issue 3 February 13, 2014

What’s Inside? Music Man Senior Kimberly Norris takes care of her animals that she keeps in her backyard. She shows her heifer Tatum about twice a month and has won awards for its appearance and breeding potential. Photos by Jaycee Allen

Pg. 3

Teen Dad Pg. 12

Signing Day Pg. 19

Jaycee Allen • Reporter Lizzie Kirkham • Photo Editor

howcasing farm animals isn’t just for the rural parts of Texas. “You can find a place to board them. There is a place called Clover off of Bowen,” senior Kimberly Norris said. “It’s $100 a year and at the end of the year you get your money back. You can’t just leave them there, you need to go everyday and take care of them.” With the bond being proposed, AISD will plan for a new facility that will house animals and other agricultural material in future years. Norris is a senior who is a part of FFA (Future Farmers of America). She joined her sophomore year because of her love for animals and wanted to show them in competitions. “Anyone can show their animal at competitions as long as you have papers showing that your animal is a purebred, and of course you need some form of identification on them,” Norris said. “You need to be

passing your classes, and it is $25 per animal to enter. But if you work hard enough, you might win some awards.” Competitions are held almost every weekend. They are held in different towns, usually hosted by local FFA alumni. Upcoming competitions can be found online. “Our big competitions are held in Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Austin,” Norris said. Competitions might sound easy, but are actually complicated. Depending on the animal, they have to be in shape, groomed and most of all, fed properly. Goats are judged on their muscle, so the proper amount of food and exercise is very important. Cows need to be as pretty as possible. “You want to work cows so they get used to people,” Norris said. “You also have to bathe them every other day and need to shave them a certain way. You want them fluffy, but cows are mainly judged on their breeding potential.” Norris spends about two to three hours a day and all day on Saturdays taking care of her animals. She spends $150 every

two weeks for food and has spent around $300 on supplies. Norris said she receives the help from her family, but also works at Gully Animal Hospital to pay for these expenses. All this work will be a benefit to Norris’ future, though. Being part of FFA can get Norris scholarships and a head start on how to manage future responsibilities. She plans on going to Tarleton State University to major in Animal Science and also wants to join the FFA Alumni team so she can become a judge at competitions. “Her parents are very supportive of her ambitions and they motivate her to succeed,” agriculture teacher Kristin Clark said. “For Kimberly, the sky is the limit, it’s like she has no fear and jumps in feet first, not even thinking about if she can’t do it because she has programmed her mind to be positive.” “Competitions aren’t just about showing animals,” Norris said. “There is a wide variety of things to do and be a part of. There are judging teams, Vet Tech, public speaking, skills teams, leadership development teams, and career development teams that you can get involved in.”

A look back at some of the events and happenings here at MHS s

Sundancer captain senior Sadie Scott-Martinson performs at the MHS Step Show Feb. 1. The show featured step teams from around the state.

catch it

Don’t

#THROWBACK

The flu is often misenterpreted as the common cold. Here are some ways to recognize the difference.

Morgan McKsymick • Features Editor

Sundancer seniors Kristi Dillon and Gabby Vasquez perform at the show. Photos by Kaitlyn Whetstine

Around this time every year, germs start spreading everywhere and before we know it, the flu becomes a big deal. Some people don’t realize how serious the flu really is until they hear about it on the news or they get it. As of early February, Dallas county has reported 40 flu-related deaths, Tarrant county has reported six flu deaths, five in Denton, and four in Hunt and Collin counties. Some people have also been getting the flu and the common cold mixed up, because they’re very much alike. Here are some ways you can tell the differences between the flu and a cold.

Bowling for soup

Ceramics classes raise money to combat hunger s

Flu: Symptoms are felt at a greater intensity Fever Mild or bad headache Extreme exhaustion (feels like you were hit by a train) Don’t really get a sore throat Muscle aches/chills and sweats

Ceramics classes taught by Stacy Kouba made bowls for the first “Empty Bowls” event Jan. 30. Each bowl was $20 filled with soup. The project raised more than $2,000 for the North Texas Food Bank. Right: Biology teacher Tanya Dowdey and principal Marlene Roddy choose their bowl. Bottom: Junior ceramics student Nicole Glasgow works at the event. Photos by Brenda Chavez-Mayo

Cold: Lesser intensity of symptoms Rare to get a fever Rare to get a headache Exhaustion isn’t extremely intense Sore throat and sneezing Senior Alisha Flaherty found out firsthand how this season’s flu felt. “I was at school one day, and I started feeling really sick,” she said. “I got home and started throwing up and had a 100 degree fever. I had a really bad headache that lasted five days, and a cough, too. I went to the doctor and they diagnosed me and gave me the Tamiflu prescription. It took me about five days to feel better. I still have a cough right now, but all of my symptoms other than that are gone.” Prevent the flu: -Get plenty of rest. -Stay hydrated -Stay sanitized -Don’t excessively hang around those who have been or are sick. -Don’t drink after people or share food.

AISD plans $663 million updates

District plans to build magnet centers, specialty schools

Alec De Lon • Reporter

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After five months of consideration, planning, and tactical forethought, Arlington ISD is ready to move forward with a 663 million dollar plan to improve the education system district-wide. The Capital Needs Steering committee that proposed improvements to the board suggested a May bond election to allow voters to approve the expenditures. The landmark changes include: • a district-wide Career and Technical Center which can serve up to 1,400 students and will serve as an expansion on cosmetology, marketing, and engineering; • an Agricultural Science Facility for storing animals, as well as training horticultural and veterinary specialists; • a Fine Arts Center that can house up to

2500 students, provide a space for art galleries, dance practices, theater productions and instrument repairs; • an Athletics complex that will include a competition-sized swimming pool and wrestling and gymnastics arenas. • Also, each school will receive an indoor athletic facility for cheerleading, football, baseball, basketball, weight lifting and track and field. Each school will also receive technology and building upgrades. Two elementary schools – Corey and Roquemore, will be repurposed as fine arts and language magnet schools. “I think it’s very needed for us to be able to compete fairly with the other school districts,” assistant principal Greg McQuitty said. “I know it is a lot of money, but it will be very good for us as a district.”

Cracking the code Senior proves he’s among the world’s best programmers weeks to accomplish the tasks and get ahead of other participants. 2,113 tasks, 337 teenagers, 46 countries “I did over a dozen different types of and only 20 grand prizewinners. That is tasks – stuff like investigating and fixing what the Google Code-in consists of. bugs, each of which required a couple of It’s a competition that encourages stu- hours of research to figure out what was dents to work on various tasks that require wrong, to writing some Wiki articles,” research and previous knowledge in com- Ramirez said. puter programming. On average Ramirez spent a total of 236 Google selects 20 students who complete hours during the Code-in, placing him at the most tasks under different categories the top with 59 tasks. over a span of seven weeks as the winners. “I’m competing with kids from all over One of those students is senior Daniel the world, so competition is pretty inRamirez. tense,” Ramirez said. “Although I always “Daniel was chosen as one of two grand had a clear lead in my RTEMS project prize winners for the project because of overall, I wanted to stay on top of everyhis outstanding work ethic, performance, one else as a whole.” and willingness to help fellow students,” Computer science teacher Aaron Cadle Google mentor Joel Sherrill said. suggested the Google Code-in during Every project is assigned two specialized class. Ramirez decided to try it out his mentors that the students can contact for junior year and although he didn’t win, it help or feedback. Ramirez was constantly gave him experience for senior year. flooded with emails that discussed how “I really loved competing in the Google to solve certain tasks. He had only seven Code-in,” Ramirez said. “It’s far more

Brenda Chavez-Mayo • Photo Editor

than just a worldwide competition, it’s a wonderful learning experience. With any interest or career, you discover that what you read in books or learn in the classroom is entirely different than what gets applied in the real world. The Code-in introduced me to that real world. For the first time in my life I was writing real code for real projects with real users instead of just class projects. Being able to see the differences and improvements I was making was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.” As a reward for his victory in the Codein, Ramirez will be visiting the main Google headquarters located in California alongside the other 19 winners from all around the world in April. They will have the opportunity to talk to the Google engineers and attend an awards ceremony. Ramirez said he plans on pursuing computer programming in college and hopes to receive the $10,000 Google scholarship for his studies.

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Senior Daniel Ramirez is one of only 20 teenagers worldwide to be a finalist in the Google Code-In contest. Ramirez will visit Google headquarters in April. Photo by Brenda Chavez-Mayo

We’re about that YB life Secret life of a photog

Rewriting the book

Hannah-Beth Floyd • Designer

lip through last year’s yearbook and you’ll find a sports section, then an academics, and of course a clubs section. But when you’re flipping through the latest edition of the Phoenix yearbook later this spring, you’ll be seeing something totally different. “For our new format, our emphasis is on a scholastic journalism and getting the story,” yearbook adviser Erin Adwell said. “The new structure gives our journalists a chance to getting the story.” The book will group different organizations together based on four categories: wise, fierce, eternal, and above. Furthermore, each page will have what is called a unifier – something that brings everything on the page together. A unifier could be “above and beyond” in the “above” category. From there, a page could have stories about Homecoming court, student elections, a band all-stater, and even a math wiz who tutors for free at lunch. “Up until this year it’s always been categorized as sports then broken down to football or other sports,” senior design edi-

tor Jessie King said. “But this year a football story could go on the same page next to a story or photo on a photography class or an English class.” The idea is “organic coverage,” a term coined by the business director junior Rachel Gan, during an early executive meeting. “Our yearbook was so classic and old school,” King said. “There was really no way for us to get better and improve unless we added some newer designs and ways of looking at your yearbook differently.” On the pages with everyone’s head shots, you won’t see people talking about their first kiss or their ideas on cheating. Instead, you’ll find profiles of outstanding students in your grade like senior Catey Benson who spends every afternoon in the gym or Nicole Finder who joined the varsity tennis team as a freshman. “We’re a student-run publication,” Adwell said. “So the book may look different every year depending on our staff. We’re not afraid to change the way we’ve been doing things for years.”

Kaitlyn Whetstine • Photographer

ou see them on the sidelines of football games, trying to not get run over by the numerous players. You might catch one peering out from behind the curtains on stage at orchestra concerts or hauling equipment down the hall during passing periods. They sneak around, trying to not be seen, but here are some things previously unknown about the secret life of the yearbook photographers.

$20,500 Total average cost of yearbook photo equipment

72.8 miles

“The earliest a photog has had to wake up for a varsity swimming shoot.” (senior Kaitlyn Whetstine)

5 What’s the worst weather conditions you’ve shot in?

The farthest place a photog has traveled to for an assignment (senior Brenda Chavez-Mayo traveled to West, Texas.)

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you on assignment?

“I stayed to shoot photos of a play-off game for football in Odessa in 30-degree weather for three hours straight. (sophomore Annie Tran)

“We were once blessed by a Wiccan after finishing the assignment.” (seniors Alex Ramm and Kaitlyn Whetstine) A sample spread in the 2014 Phoenix features Quidditch, JV cheerleaders and a student pilot under the unifier “Physically Above.” Spread design by Katelyn Needham

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art by Rachel Tyler 4

Freshman sensation

Brooks Knapton finds his niche on stage and proves he’s a rising star Abby Bishop • Editor-In-Chief Madeline Maxwell • Sports Editor

reshman Brooks Knapton is already making his mark on the Martin stage. He competed and placed in Martin Idol, made the chorus for the annual musical, and will be competing in Mr. MHS Feb. 27. Apart from school, Knapton is also in a teen talent agency. With the performing experience Knapton has had, the stage is now a comfortable place for him. “I was kind of nervous, but not as much as most people,” Knapton said. “I was nervous, though, about how other people did compared to me. I just wanted to place.” Knapton said he had to practice a lot for Martin Idol, but most of his preparation was listening. Knapton’s first song in Martin Idol was “Beneath Your Beautiful,” and his second song was “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He learned “Bohemian Rhapsody” as five minutes initially, but was told that he needed to cut it down to three minutes. “I was definitely more nervous the first round, because I didn’t really know what to expect,” Knapton said. “But I was just happy that I had advanced to the second round and I just wanted to perform well.” Knapton placed third in Martin Idol, which means he has the opportunity to audition and perform again next year.

Freshman Brooks Knapton performs “Beneath Your Beautiful“ at Martin Idol. Photo by Lizzie Kirkham • Knapton is one of two freshmen in Mr. MHS Feb. 27 Photo by Mikalah O’Riley

Knapton auditioned for Martin Idol with “Counting Stars” by One Republic, a song he has recorded on his YouTube channel. He has two channels, one for his music and one for more funny projects. Recently he recorded “Say Something” with freshman Elise Hall. “He’s hilarious and so much fun to hang out and sing with,” Hall said. “He is really into his music and he’s spectacular at playing piano and singing.” Knapton auditioned for the annual musical and made it into the chorus of “Bye, Bye Birdie.” He started to love the Martin productions when he saw his cousin Rachel Engle perform as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2007. “I’ve always liked them and I’ve always known that I wanted to be in them,” Knapton said. “I’m not in theater, so I was just happy to make it into the show.” Performing has become natural for him because he has a strong foundation. He was in show choir at Boles, he is currently in the Martin choir and show choir, he has been playing piano for ten years, and has performed at various talent shows. “He is extremely talented and has a good work ethic, which is unusual at his age,” assistant choir director Betsy Clark said. “He is one of the most focused freshman boys

I’ve ever known.” Knapton is represented in a teen talent agency called AMTC (Applied Media Technologies Corporation). AMTC is training Knapton and other teens on vocal technique, acting and other aspects of the entertainment industry. In the summer, he will perform in Florida for different scouts at a convention called Shine. The agency will open opportunities for Knapton, and it will be beneficial for him to have the background. “The possibilities are endless with what he can accomplish,” head choir director Kay Owens said. Knapton is also one of the two freshman candidates for Mr. MHS. He received a slip of paper notifying him about his selection as a Mr. MHS candidate in his Journalism class. “I didn’t really know what the slip was at first,” Knapton said. “I got it the day after Martin Idol auditions, so I thought it was for that.” Knapton has been busy rehearsing with the other Mr. MHS candidates for the show. He will rehearse three times a week until show time. “No matter what he’s doing, he’s doing it 100 percent,” Owens said.

“The possibilites are endless with what he can accomplish. No matter what he’s doing, he’s doing it 100 percent.”

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You’ve got a friend in me

Natalie Buongiorno • Features Editor

lay-Doh and building blocks, Crayola and recess, being the line leader to the lunch room. Book Fair days and backto-school supply lists, juice boxes and Elmer’s glue, kickball during PE. Show and Tell and playing games inside during recess because it’s raining outside. Passing notes without being noticed and playing with the class pet. Martin students are going to elementary school all over again. Through the new Peer Assistance and Leadership class (PALS), started by Ready, Set, Teach and Interior Design teacher Carla Parks, juniors and seniors are able to become a friend and mentor to elementary students. “PALS is Peer Assistance and Leadership and it’s a mentoring program for kids who are at-risk,” Parks said. “The counselors identify them and team up the students one-on-one with the same Martin student for the whole year so they can actually build a relationship with them and be a role model to the child. I’m impressed with what the class is about and what the opportunities are with mentoring at-risk kids.” “PALS has been a great learning experience for Martin students and the elementary students,” Parks said. “To the Martin students, this class has probably been eyeopening. A lot of needs are out there that sometimes we don’t realize are there, and somebody can have a lot of influence when it’s one-on-one and you give a person undivided attention. Hopefully the kids are

benefiting from the influence that the mentors have on them.” A typical day during PALS may include working on math or science homework, listening to the children read, playing with crafts, and talking about any problems that the child has been having at school or at home. “I joined PALS because I love kids and I saw it as a really good opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life,” senior Megan Grimes said. “The class has taught me a lot about kids. I see a more intellectual side to them now. My pal has a great imagination and she is really smart, so I’ve learned to appreciate that more. The class has also taught me great techniques for decision making.” When the PAL mentors walk into the elementary classrooms, they said the children’s faces light up with excitement. They are thrilled to spend time with their new friend, and the mentors feel the same way about seeing their pals. “I was a little bit nervous on my first day going to see my pal,” Grimes said. “I was really anxious to see her because we had written letters earlier in the year. I was just really excited to start working on my activities with her and getting to know her.” Aside from talking and working on schoolwork, PAL mentors also come up with their own activities. These activities, whether they are games, crafts, or parties, create a bond between the two students. “The mentors go out to see their pal twice a week,” Parks said. “We have had a Christmas party and we’ll probably do something

PALS class gives students an opportunity to be a role model to at-risk elementary students

like that for Valentine’s day and maybe for Easter there will be an egg hunt. Other than that, we plan activities every week that you can do with your pal.” “We come up with fun crafts and activities to do with our pals during class,” Grimes said. “Around Christmas, my pal and I wrote cards with candy canes for her classmates. We also talk about shortterm goals and long-term goals. Around Thanksgiving we talked about what we were thankful for.” Being a PAL mentor can sometimes be a bumpy road. It can be difficult to resolve your own problems, let alone someone else’s. Mentors have helped their pals with bullying, anger issues, family problems and more. Through one-on-one communication, the mentors are able to help their pal along the way. “I was at lunch with my pal recently, and she started telling me about her family,” Grimes said. “It really meant a lot to me that she wanted to share all of that with me. I feel like I’m starting to actually do my job by making her comfortable with talking to me about these things and gaining her trust. I like to help her through any problems that she has.” The PAL mentor’s goal is to make a positive impression in a child’s life. Along the way there will be countless games of Go Fish, many drawings from children, funny talks and serious talks, and an all-around great time. “My favorite part about PALS is the PAL mentors because I feel like they are a re-

s t h g i n d o o w y l l o H

Presented by Martin Orchestra

Junior Krista Rude reads to her PAL. PALS visit elementary schools and mentor at-risk children. Photo by Brenda Chavez-Mayo

ally good group of high school students whose hearts are wanting to help others,” Parks said. “I also like watching the kids in action with the little kids. It’s an inspiring atmosphere.” “It’s really important to me to do good things for people, so I like to share that with my pal,” Grimes said. “It’s important to give back to other people, and I think that’s when I feel like I’m doing the most good. Since joining PALS, I’ve taught my pal that people can be reliable, and she needs that because she hasn’t really had that in her life. Being there whenever I tell her I’m going to be there has taught her that people will be there for her and people care about her.” Along with PALS, Parks is also planning on starting PALS II next year. To join PALS, talk to your counselor and learn how to apply. “If you’re interested in PALS, talk to anyone who’s in it this year,” Parks said. “Learn what it’s like to be a PAL and get some first-hand experience from someone who’s doing it to see if it’s something you’d like to do.”

ion nd auct dinner a

April 12th 6-9 in the MHS Cafeteria

Judge Fite Co.

Mark McConachie 682-429-8642 markmcconachie@judgefite.com

Tickets $30, contact Torie Deremo at torie.deremo@sbcglobal.net

features

The world is waiting Martin teachers offer international travel for students

The Italian Exchange • October & March

Martin hosts a group of 20 students from Udine, Italy. The Italian students come to visit Arlington for two weeks, and learn about our culture. Then, in March the students from Martin who hosted Italian students go visit Italy. The trip’s price runs around $2,800. The time to start signing up for the 2014/2015 exchange is this March. For more information, you can contact English teachers Bennett Mitchell (room 118A) or Geneice Mayeaux (room 103), or government teacher Rhonda Pugh (room 209) by stopping by their rooms to talk to them or by e-mailing them.

If you think about travel and crossing destinations off your bucket list, you need to know that you’re the perfect age to see the world right now. Luckily, our school offers multiple international trips every year providing you with amazing travel opportunities. • • • •

Paris, Lucerne, Cinque Terre, Niece, & Barcelona • Mid June 2014

This trip is only for students who will be chaperoned by a parent. This vacation will focus on seeing historical and typical touring sites in all of the locations. The price is about $4,000 for a parent and a little less for students. Sign ups have already started, but it is not too late to sign up now. Stop by or email government teacher Rhonda Pugh in room 209 for more information.

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Michaelann Durden • Reporter

Germany & Switzerland • June 20 - 29, 2015

Students will be able to visit Berlin, Bad Königshofen (Arlington’s sister city), Munich, Dachau, Germany and Davos, Switzerland. During the trip, students will attend the Global Leader Summit Conference where students from all over the world will speak about education. Students from other AISD schools are also invited on the this trip. The cost of this trip will run around $4,500. The time to start signing up is at the end of this February through History teacher Juli Warner (room 216). You may also stop by her room or email her for more information.

The Britannia Trip • June 16 - 27, 2014

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Students get to visit Ireland, Scotland and London where they’ll see historical and typical tourist sites. On this trip, students are usually with a tour guide for about three to four hours every day, then they are given free time to go and explore in small groups. It is never too late to sign up as long as the full price ($3,680) is paid by June 8. For more information, you can stop by to grab a packet and talk to English teacher Genice Mayeaux in room 103.

Warriors embark on international trips to share their faith

Erin Hibbs • News Editor

senior Caleb Shannon: “I’m going to Southeast Asia during this spring break for

senior Trevor White: “I’m going to Ecuador for eight days with 13 other juniors

and seniors from Fielder Road Baptist Church. I prayed a lot about it and felt that I could be of use serving overseas. We are selling t-shirts and taking donations to raise money, as well as Ultimate Frisbee tournaments this spring. We have to raise around $1800.” “We will be working at a youth camp on a mountain but I am most excited to get to know the kids. My biggest fear is not being able to communicate with the kids because I can’t speak Spanish. To prepare, I am praying constantly about it for God to give me peace. I am attending a Systematic Theology class to learn as much as I can about what the Bible has to say so I can better equip myself.”

nine days with juniors and seniors form Lake Arlington Baptist Church. As my relationship with Jesus has grown, the desire to share his love with others has grown also. Jesus says, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ and also says, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ We are all called to missions, whether it is across the country or across the street.” “The trip costs $3,000. I have been doing yard work and close friends and family have also given me money and donated items for a garage sale. We will be visiting colleges to talk with students who want to practice their English. I will also be speaking to some of the college classes about what it is like to be an American teenager.” “My biggest fear is safety because we are going to a place where the gospel is not accepted in the government.”

junior Alyssa Hayslip: “I’m going to Mombasa, Kenya from June 11 through

the 23. I’ll be going with a group working with R. E. A. L. 4 Christ Ministries (Reaching East African Lives for Christ.) Since I was young, I’d always wanted to go on an international mission trip, and when God placed the opportunity in front of me, I took advantage of it.” “The current cost is $3,600. To raise that, I am sending out support letters to friends and family. The group and I will be working at two different schools in Mombasa. We will be working with children, running medical clinics, and going hut-to-hut evangelizing to people in the villages.” “My biggest fear for the trip is probably my health and safety, but I am fully confident that the Lord is going to be watching over me and keeping me safe.”

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Sleuth out the schedule Before you make your schedule, take these classes into consideration Unique classes: Ariel Hernandez • Opinions Editor •Small Animal Management-

Wouldn’t it be cool to have a class centered around petting bunnies? Well you’re in luck. Small Animal Management allows the students to hands-on interact with caged pets and learn about each animal’s behavior. It is only one semester and counts as half an elective credit.

art by Rachel Tyler

•Outdoor Adventures-

You’re not athletic, let’s face it. P.E. can be the class you dread every other day. Running track isn’t exactly your forte, but who cares? It’s all the same, regardless of which class you take for your P.E. credit. However, there is somewhat of a loophole. Outdoor Adventures is not your average P.E. class. Learn how to potentially live in the forest by tying knots, fishing in the football field, and roasting hot dogs over a fire in the courtyard. It’s a semester-long class, counts as one P.E. credit, and it beats walking around the track four times.

Beat the system: Estefany Mendoza • Reporter It’s a prerequisite class. No matter what that class is, it will have to be taken. But there is a solution. Nope, you’ll still have to take the class but either not all year or not on school grounds. The only thing is that you’ll have to pay for them, unless you are wanting to take dual credit classes which are free if you are on reduced or free lunch. If interested in any of the following go talk to your counselor.

•Photography-

If the idea of putting your Photoshop skills to the test, operating a camera, learning how old-fashioned film works, or just getting lost in the park with your camera hanging securely around your neck appeals to you, maybe you should take photography. The first year requires no application or experience; however, it’s only for juniors and seniors. Advanced Photography requires an application and acceptance. You do not need to purchase your own digital or traditional camera, or your own film and printing paper. It’s a year-long class and it counts as a technology credit. Another perk is that it can count towards your National Technical Honor’s Society chord to wear at graduation.

•Online Physical Education-

In order to take this class you have to go to your counselor and they will give you a link to a website where you have to sign up to. After you sign up, pay around $100, and order your book you can begin the six-month course. You will be taking online quizzes and at the end you will have to take a test at school grounds or at an assigned location.

•Dual Credit Classes- These classes can be taken only if you are a junior

or senior, count for college credit without examination, and are GPA exempt. The classes range from culinary classes to government and economics. Some of these classes maybe taken during the summer.

•Fashion Merchandising-

You’re not exactly going to make your own clothes, but you are going to get to go to the mall during school hours. You’ll get to research famous fashion designers from the past, and get to experience the “business side” of fashion. Through this class you will be able to join the Student Business Organization also known as DECA. You will get to create a project plan to promote a store in the mall and take it to a competition. You also get to go on field trips such as Stars games and to the AT&T Cowboys stadium. It’s a year-long class and counts as an elective.

•Health- May be taken during the summer •Speech- May be taken during the summer •Off Campus P.E- You can take it at any facility that is AISD approved •Technology- May be taken during the summer •Texas Tech ISD- You may take online classes through Texas Tech’s school

•Ceramics-

Maybe you can’t draw, but you are still capable of making works of art. Ceramics may be the perfect class to put your skills to the test. It may be a bit messy, but you’ll get to put on a smock. You get to take on projects and participate in fundraisers for the school based off the sale of your creations. This is a year long class and counts as an art credit.

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district. These classes are GPA exempt but count as credits towards your graduation plan. Go onto Tech’s website and ask for a free brochure for more information.

Food Breakfast

Yes, your mother was right all along: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides the body with an energy boost to zap fatigue, improve cognitive ability, and prevent overeating later in the day. Some nutritional experts cite studies that find that people who skip breakfast are likely to have problems with concentration, irritability, metabolism, weight and cardiac health compared to people who even just eat a small breakfast, such as a banana or yogurt. Unfortunately, many American teenagers, specifically females, in their earlymorning rush, skip breakfast in favor of Starbucks on-the-go, a Pop-Tart, or nothing at all. Still others, with school start times before sunrise, simply don’t feel like eating that early in the morning. However, what they don’t realize is that this is just setting them up for nutritional deficiencies later in the day. Cravings are controlled by a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which has low levels in the morning, causing that lack of hunger. However, these levels tend to fluctuate as the day goes on, sparking cravings such as chocolate, cookies and salty snacks. Kids who don’t eat breakfast are far more likely to hit the vending machine for a 10 a.m. snack of potato chips or a honey bun than someone who had a smoothie for breakfast. Europeans, on the other hand, place much more emphasis on having a leisurely and nutritious breakfast before starting the day. Many European teenagers enjoy a later start time for school (often between 8 and 9 a.m.) and are able to take the opportunity to sit down at least for a few minutes and drink a fresh juice and eat a pastry or yogurt. By kick-starting their day with a nutritious breakfast, European teenagers are better able to see the benefits from their filling morning meal throughout the day.

Dinner Olivia Viscuso • Reporter Art by Rachel Tyler

culture

Americans are losing sight of the true value of food

Lunch

American high school cafeterias can seem more like factories and assembly lines than establishments for serving food. Kids flow through the lines, which often are long and backed up, and are then forced to quickly choose, pay for, and wolf down their lunch. When lunch is served in this mechanical manner, kids do not take the time to choose the healthiest variety of food items for their meal. Much of the food served is colorless and nutritionally insufficient, and very little is actually prepared from scratch at the school. Schools try to remedy the time crunch by opening more lines or making some lines smaller for people who want just one thing, but many don’t acknowledge that the problem isn’t just the organization: it’s the food. Studies show that even making small changes, such as putting fruit in pretty baskets, concealing dessert items with closed lids, or even just asking, “Do you want a salad with that?” can encourage kids to eat a healthier lunch. Many European countries either allow kids to return home for an extended period of time to eat their midday meal with their families, or offer an hour during school to eat the fresh, multi-course meal prepared there. Kids are encouraged to eat

what is served, sit through each course calmly and respectfully, and to stop eating when they feel full. In many countries, lunch is the largest meal of the day, so often shops will close for a few hours in the middle of the day to give people the opportunity to return home to eat. Emphasis is placed on eating smaller servings of a variety of different foods, and on taking the time to truly enjoy the meal. Taking the time to eat a healthy and nutritious lunch can have a monumental impact on overall health: most European countries have an obesity rate about 20 percent lower than that of the United States.

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According to clinical psychologist Edward Abramson, Ph.D., “chaotic eating,” or eating without any sort of consistency in time, place, circumstance, etc., can lead to the development of poor eating habits and may contribute to the materialization of an eating disorder. Especially in his clinical trials with bulimic patients, he discovered that many had a history of this sort of behavior. Nowadays, the reality is that many American families are far too busy to all sit and eat dinner together, especially on weekdays. When asked how often they eat out per week, the average American teenager might answer anywhere between three and five times a week. But the question is, do they truly understand what they’re putting into their bodies? Fast food (and even food from sit-down restaurants) has vast amounts of hidden sugar, sodium and calories. Even something as seemingly innocent as a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A has 1,390 mg of sodium, which gobbles up almost all of the recommended daily sodium intake (1,500 mg). If more American families made the time to sit down together and eat a homemade meal, where the ingredients could be easily controlled, kids would benefit psychologically as well as nutritionally. Eating together helps the young develop healthy eating habits which will carry over into their own lives once they leave home. In many other cultures, the preparing of food and eating together continues to be a major social aspect of life. In such places, the thought of a drive-thru, eating standing up, or of watching TV while eating would be almost absurd. These people place more emphasis on interacting with their family and friends over food. This is food culture. This is the culture which Americans are beginning to throw out alongside the once-popular casserole and strawberry Quick. We are rapidly circling the drain, almost too sucked in to that world of cheap, fast, and convenient food to escape. And that’s not to say that every French family eats at the table every night, or that every Italian family never eats fast food, or that every Finnish family never watches TV during dinner. But Europeans do make a much better effort in preserving that culture of bonding over food which has existed since the beginning of man. As a result, their lifestyles tend to be healthier, families stronger, and appreciation of the deliciousness of food much, much greater.

movement

features

in all different forms. “Everyone does it” is the phrase that has become our problem and can become our solution. Why are we so concerned with what everyone else does and why are we afraid to stand alone? Why will we go to any extent to feel accepted? Our actions are affecting everything from people’s feelings, to setting the example of how we’re supposed to act for the next generation to come. As an individual, we should want to be kind people. Close your eyes. Place yourself in the mind of someone you’ve personally victimized, or someone you’ve witnessed being victimized by others. Can you even fathom the extent bullying can be brought to that

it pushed thoughts of taking their own precious life away? Life should be treasured. What if you woke up one morning and someone had taken their own life because of your destructive words that tore them apart inside? What if you woke up and you know you could’ve helped prevent someone from feeling this way? All forms of bullying should be addressed, mild or extreme. These little thoughts make reality set in a bit more. I can’t change the game of “follow the leader” with a couple of words. I’ve decided if it can’t be changed, we have to give people an option to follow and be a part of something positive – an act of constant kindness and a challenge for the entire student body to do this together. Make a promise to yourself and everyone at your school that you’re strong enough to do this on your own. This is our movement and our chance to fix what we are all guilty of. What step will you choose?

Cut out this vow and put it in your binder as a reminder to commit to kindness. Then sign and turn in the one below to rm. 260B to be a part of the Kindness Movement

• • • • • •

day I will...

I will not talk about anyone or anything negatively on any social media. I will stick up for someone if I hear others bullying or talking badly about them. I’m going to apologize to someone I’ve caused pain to due to my actions or words. I will leave any harsh feelings towards people who have done me wrong in the past. I will give positive and uplifting compliments to strangers I’ve never spoken to. I will try to better all of my actions and words. I want to leave my mark here on earth as kindness.

Sign and turn in the one below to rm. 260B by Feb. 21 to be a part of the Kindness Movement. Your form will be turned into art.

I commit

kindness

you are an individual. What you wear, what you say and how you dress are reflections of your individual personality. You have your own voice, your own opinion and an ability to state your own opinion. Influence is just that – it is what is being imposed on you, but not what is always right. Though we can twist morality in our favor to excuse any inhumane action to seem right, when head hits the pillow Everyone your at night, you know what’s is human, right and wrong. It wasn’t until I had a everybody has firsthand personal experiflaws, everyone ence with being bullied that started to open my eyes makes mistakes, Ia little Everyone is just trying more. I had endless to feel part of something. and everyone has a groups of people who had Whether it be what’s trendno idea who I really was or ing on Twitter, or the new different opinion. what I was going through clothing brand, it seems our in life bully me through focus is fitting in somewhere. Our gen- social media. I thought to myself, “This eration is an ongoing game of “follow the wasn’t supposed to happen to me. I didn’t leader.” Whether it’s wrong or right, we feel intentionally do anything to deserve this.” the need to participate in any new trend, The more intense the bullying became, the just as long that it keeps us feeling a part more contempt I had towards people. I of something. started to tweet bitter things about people, Many of us are completely oblivious to I’d speak unkind words to just about anyour everyday actions and words, but these one because my depression started to take are what define us. Words are what people a hold of me and made my eyes strip the and strangers judge us on. beauty and light out of everything. The Over 3.2 million students are victims of more I fought back in hopes of defendbullying each year. Suicide is the third lead- ing myself, the further I was pulling myself ing cause of death among young people, into their turmoil. resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, It wasn’t until I realized a chain reacaccording to the CDC. For every suicide tion happening with all of the people who among young people, there are at least 100 were doing this to me. It became a game as suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high many people “favorited” their clever tweets school students have considered suicide, that would pull me down. More and more and seven percent have attempted it. people joined in because they started to beI stared long and hard at these facts un- come a part of something. No one really til my eyes started to dry out. It made me noticed my emotions, or the effect it had second guess every tweet, every action, and on me. What mattered is they were becomevery word I had spoke to someone else. ing a part of something and received the We as teenagers are responsible for some satisfaction of acceptance. of this. To make matters worse, most of us I see the same scenario with many stubully others in cliques or with our friends. dents everyday. Whether it is face to face, We play “follow the leader” and join in with in a classroom, or on social media, it’s altalking badly about someone or tweeting ways happening. Everyone is human, evabout them. We’re mentally abusing some- erybody has flaws, everyone makes misone’s mind. takes and everyone has a different opinion Here’s a question for you: What can you we may not agree with. It is not our place do to be a better leader than those who’ve to publicly point them out. This is not the led you? only scenario where I see a chain of “follow Out of the 7 billion people in this world, the leader” happening. It happens everyday

Maddy Cope • Entertainment Editor

Kindness matters more than you think

For

kindness The

Kindness hallways in the

By Kaitlyn Rosenbaum, Jenna Rowe & Cam Skanes • Reporters

“Somebody helped me with my work that I didn’t understand in class.” • senior Lizbeth Esquivel

“I found $200 and I turned it in.” • sophomore Anton Hernandez

“I dropped a book and somebody picked it up for me.” • sophomore Sara Khan

“I found a girl’s phone two days ago and I turned it into the office.” • sophomore Daykwon Higgins

e av sh es dn kin at Wh

“I’d make a better environment for people that makes people feel accepted for who they are, not who they think they have to be.” • senior Noelle Turner

n? ee us yo

“I would have more dances or opportunities for people to mingle, like how it is at First Event. Just have more teen friendly events.” • senior Dalton Lewis

“I helped my elderly neighbors move things from their house.” • freshman Kameron Henry

“When a teacher dropped a bunch of her papers, a student stopped to pick them up for her.” • sophomore Makenzie Woodruff

“The kindest thing I have seen is when the whole school came together and donated money for the Cancer Foundation.” • junior Bailey Graham

“I try to help people with issues they’re having. I try to talk them through it and get them to stop doing some bad things.” • junior Dalton Horton

“Mrs. Haney shows kindness by watching my class and helps in making GSA club decisions.” • English teacher Geneice Mayeaux

“Somebody tripped and I helped him up.” • freshman Patrick Grady

What could you do to make Martin better?

What would you do to make Martin a kinder place?

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“A girl had fallen down in the hall. A guy stopped, helped her up, then walked her to class.” • sophomore John Wilke

Baby, I’m

here to stay

Senior Bobby Pratt discusses his reasons for staying after having a son Jennifer Forsberg • Copy Editor “I just think about where I’d be and what I might not be able to do if I didn’t have a dad,” senior Bobby Pratt said. Last year, when Pratt’s girlfriend of two years, former Martin student Chellenn Aldrich, informed him they were going to be parents, he immediately panicked at the thought of what their parent’s would think. “They were really mad and freaked out at first,” Aldrich said. “After a while they accepted it and started helping us figure out what we were going to do.” Despite his initial fear about becoming a

dad so young, Pratt, who was at the hospital to witness the birth, fell in love with his son Ryan Caleb Pratt right away. “He has the same initials as me,” Pratt said. “The actual names were names of two of my friends who passed away.” Pratt currently does not live with his son, but he makes sure to see him everyday. After he gets done with school and working out he goes to spend time with Ryan. He does all the normal dad things like feeding him, playing with him, and even changing around ten diapers a day. Pratt said he feels that he is just like any other dad except he has to go to school.

“My favorite baby chore is changing him because he laughs a lot,” Pratt said. “My least favorite is burping him, because recently he’s started throwing up on me.” Despite the belief that young couples split up when faced with hard life decisions, Pratt and Aldrich are still together. “We have more arguments about dumb stuff, but other than that we’re better than we were before,” Aldrich said. Next year, Pratt plans on going into the Navy in order to support his family. Aldrich is currently attending Venture High School with plans to graduate in December. Senior Bobby Pratt takes care of his baby after school. His child Ryan Caleb Pratt was born Oct. 30. Photos by Jake Justice

Fatherless footfalls

v One out of every 15 American males will father a child while in his teens.

v According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America – one out of three – live in biological father-absent homes. vA study using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study revealed that in many cases, the absence of a biological father contributes to increased risk of child mistreatment. vHalf of all children with highly involved fathers in two-parent families reported getting mostly A’s through 12th grade, compared to 35.2 percent of children of absent father families. vFatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. vAdolescents, particularly boys, in singleparent families were at higher risk of status, property and person delinquencies. Source: US Census Bureau

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You think you’re busy? English teacher juggles work, family, exercise

Emily Gray • Reporter A normal day in English teacher Rhonda Dunn’s life consists of waking up before the sun is out and going to bed with student papers in hand. Dunn and her husband, wrestling coach Patrick Dunn, have two boys who are 10 and two, and two girls who are eight and four. Here’s a typical day in the life of Mrs. Dunn:

5 a.m.- Wakes up and goes for a run 6 a.m.- Arrives home to get her four kids

backpacks packed and breakfast ready. Makes herself coffee and gets ready.

gathers all the papers she needs to grade.

4 to 6 p.m.-

Helps kids with their homework. None of them can watch TV, play video games, or play outside until all of their work is finished.

things you didn’t know about Mr. Darr

6 p.m.-

Mr. Dunn comes home and they eat dinner. Dinner is normally a crock-pot meal so it’s ready when they get home.

8 to 9 p.m.- The kids are put to bed. 9 to 10:30 p.m.- Grades papers Saturdays- In the morning the family

cleans and spends the rest of the afternoon playing sports. If there is a wrestling match, they will go to support Mr. Dunn.

6:45 a.m.- Wakes the kids up 7 a.m.- Leaves for work. If the girls aren’t Sundays- They go to church in the mornup by then, Mr. Dunn has to do their hair.

7:35 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. - Teaches regular and Pre-AP English II

3 p.m. - Picks up kids from daycare and

ing. The kids have naps and play in the afternoon. In the evening the kids go up to church while Mr. and Mrs. Dunn grade more papers and get ready for the next week of school.

Above: Art teacher Dan Darr works on sketches and paintings in his studio at his house. Darr works as an artist for commission and plays drums in a band. Right: His favorite piece, “The Smithson Brothers,” was inspired by an old photo he found. Photos by Brenda Chavez-Mayo.

See more of art teacher Dan Darr’s work at dannydarr.com

Keely May • Reporter

s part of the Warrior Post Kindness Movement (see pages 10 and 11) we asked students, “Who is the kindest teacher at Martin?” Art teacher Dan Darr received the most mentions. But there is more to him than you might think. 1. In his free-time Darr creates various pieces of artwork. “My favorite piece of artwork that I’ve created is ‘The Smithson Brothers.” 2. Not only is he a visual artist, but he is also a musical artist. “I play the drums in a band and come up with my own tunes and rhythms.”

4. Darr is a man of multiple voices. “I love impersonating cartoon characters, especially to my kids to make them laugh.”

5. It may seem as though Darr has been an artist and teacher his whole life, but there is another side to that. “I used to be an architect and it was okay at the time, but I didn’t like 3. “If I wasn’t an art teacher, I’d prob- the feeling of working somewhere ably be an artist, a musician or a where I felt limited.” voice actor.”

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‘You just want to

escape the pain’

See a student talk about his battle with depression:

Students open up about their personal experiences and helping others with depression and suicide

Bailey Lewis & Tupelo Witte • Reporters Art by Rachel Tyler

he expressions “I’m going to kill myself ” or “I’m depressed” have been desensitized by the joking way teens use them, but for some students these phrases aren’t a joke. They’re reality. Students and their friends struggle to deal with depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts. “I was shocked,” sophomore Connor Franklin said. “I didn’t know how to react.” Franklin is one of many students struggling to help friends who have been diagnosed with depression or are suicidal. “I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Do I tell their parents? Do I keep it to myself ? I asked for advice to try to help, but never specifically went to a parent.” Franklin was attempting to help someone who had both depression and was also suicidal. “Even when I tried to give him advice, he wouldn’t take it,” Franklin said. “He told me not to talk to him, and ignored me more than listened to me.” According to Harvard Health Publications, nearly ten percent of teenagers are diagnosed with depression. “I hated seeing him like this,” Franklin said. “It made me more conscious. I tried to help him realize what a great life he has and bring him up as much as possible.” ••• Sophomore James* is currently being treated for clinical depression. “Depression makes me lose motivation to do school work,” James said. “I feel insecure

almost all the time.” James said he was suicidal around this time last year, but after one of his friends told his mother, he went to therapy for a few weeks, which helped immensely. “It’s not as bad now. The medicine I take has been helping,” James said. “Music also helps drain out the pain.” James said he prefers handling depression on his own now, trying to lessen the embarrassment he feels. ••• “At first it was hard to deal with. I didn’t know what to do,” senior *Maddie said. “I thought it would just go away but it didn’t.” Many times Maddie’s friend blamed his issues on her. “He would say things like if I truly loved him that I would be there and stop him, give up and leave everything to be there with him,” Maddie said. “He would say he’s doing it for me.” Coping with her friend’s condition soon started taking a toll on Maddie herself. “It made me think that everything was my fault and it made me feel like a terrible person,” Maddie said. “I couldn’t get over it. It was really hard and I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. It made me very distant with everyone in my life, including my family.” Maddie had to deal with several threats of suicide and her friend telling her things that would scar her, but one night things got scary. “I was at home doing homework in my room and he sent me a video,” Maddie said. “It was a video of him trying to kill himself. He had a rope wrapped around his neck and was choking himself.” Maddie was in shock. “The video went on and he started not to breathe and his face went blank and I couldn’t watch it anymore,” Maddie said. “It was very traumatizing seeing the person

I loved doing that to themselves and thinking it was my fault.” Maddie didn’t know what to do and felt helpless. “I was thinking that it was my fault and I was an emotional wreck, I couldn’t stop crying but I couldn’t leave to see him, and he didn’t understand that,” Maddie said. “I honestly didn’t know what to do.” Maddie said she realized that this was a big problem and that she couldn’t handle it on her own. “It was getting so bad that he was texting me everyday saying he wanted to end his life,” Maddie said. “I realized it wouldn’t stop unless I made a stand and told someone. I was scared that next time he attempted that it would be the last day of his life, and I couldn’t let that happen. I would never forgive myself.” Maddie went to a friends mom and told her everything. After confronting an adult about it, her friend soon got the help he needed. ••• According to teenhelp.com, about 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. ••• “It feels like you have to support a lot more weight than anyone else,” junior Alec De Lon said. “You see the world as transparent. It’s not the right lens. It’s scarier than what other people see the world as.” De Lon has also been diagnosed with clinical depression, and has researched about the subject, taking his own view on how it feels, and the way he copes with it. “It makes you desire not to feel, because when you feel, it hurts,” De Lon said. “You just want to escape the pain.” De Lon’s sister, Jordan, died two years ago. “She had many psychological issues,” De Lon said. “What some people don’t understand is when someone dies, the problems

Tarrant County 24Hour Crisis Line: 817.335.3022 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 don’t go away, they simply get passed on.” After the death of such a loved one, De Lon began to take notice of his symptoms of depression. “When Jordan passed away, my depression got worse,” he said. “Even now, a small tragedy is amplified to seem much worse. Before, I was too busy to recognize my condition.” De Lon’s research has consisted of finding the facts of depression, including the chemical imbalances in someone with depression’s brain. “Depression is numbers,” De Lon said. “It’s science and it’s answerable.” De Lon has reached an understanding about depression, and knows it has helped him with his struggles and experiences. “I know I will never be as happy as everyone, and I’ve learned not to dwell on it,” De Lon said. “It makes you see and realize everything. It’s a curse that you can either let kill you or strengthen you. The biggest part is acceptance.” ••• According to Save.org an average of one person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes. When dealing with a friend that is depressed or suicidal always talk to an adult. School counselors are always available to talk to or any other trusted adult. There are several suicide hotlines such as the Tarrant County 24-Hour Crisis Line at 817-335-3022 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. *Names have been changed

“He would say things like if I truly loved him that I would be there and stop him, give up and leave everything to be there with him.” 15

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The Warrior Post Martin High School ∙ Arlington, Texas Abby Bishop Editor-In-Chief Ashleigh Jones Managing Editor Jennifer Forsberg Copy Editor Erin Hibbs News Editor Natalie Buongiorno & Morgan McKsymick Features Editors Ariel Hernandez Opinions Editor Madeline Maxwell Sports Editor Maddy Cope Entertainment Editor Brenda Chavez-Mayo & Lizzie Kirkham Photo Editors

A new way of voting needs to be introduced

If you’ve taken the time to download any voting app at Martin, kudos to you. Voting for Stu-co elections, Homecoming, etc. is online and often students will vote for the first ten names on the list. Why? Because they don’t want to take the time to scroll through each name. Chances are they don’t even know all of them anyway. In previous years, we were given a slip of paper and wrote down a few names. But that method wasn’t easy on the people who have to go through the papers and count each vote. We need new ways to vote. In the recent Mr. MHS election, approximately one-third of the elligible voters actually voted. It’s hard to tell if the results are representative of the student body when that few people choose to vote. The problem seems to be the app itself. Maybe the school could set it up so texts count as votes instead. That way, the voting wouldn’t be only limited to kids with smart

staffeditorial

BYOT policy lacks benefits and results

Tucker Coble Video Editor Jarred Osterman & Hannah-Beth Floyd Designers Rachel Tyler Staff Artist Tricia Regalado Adviser Marlene Roddy Principal

Staffers: Jaycee Allen, Cailynd Barnes, Monica Boyles, Rosa Castaneda, Jazmyn Davis, Alec Delon, Kyle Desrosiers, Michaelann Durden, Garrett Elliott, Roberta Flores, Tyler Forde, Emily Gray, Lauren House, Jake Justice, Bailey Lewis, Keely May, Estefany Mendoza, Aysha Moneer, Sherilyn Morales, Kaitlyn Rosenbaum, Jenna Rowe, Madeline Rusin, Cameron Skanes, Caleb Smith, Desy Thompson, Rayan Toliver, Olivia Viscuso, Kaitlyn Whetstine, Megan Wilson, Tupelo Witte 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.

phones. Take Mr. MHS, for example. We could use a scantron to vote. First, knock out writing down two names. Make a list of each boy in a club, just like they do for Homecoming court. It doesn’t have to be a senior though, obviously. Then in our English classes, we receive the scantron and all vote at the same time. The whole school can get in on it, not just the people who make an effort to vote. We could even make a page on Martin’s website. Down where it has the student/parent self-serve, Avid etc., we could have a voting button. And that’s where the limited list of names will be, as well as where all the voting is. Overall, the voting system needs to be changed. We can’t exactly base our school’s decision on just a few people who actually took the time to download and vote on the app. Maybe one of these options could be the next solution.

Sherilyn Morales • Reporter “NO BYOT USAGE.” Oh, the irony. It seems that we see this sign hanging in classrooms all too often, even after the Bring Your Own Technology policy was implemented at Martin last March. BYOT introduced more of a “modern” approach to integrating technology into our schools in an educational way. Students would be able to participate in class by downloading interactive apps and practice exercises on their phones. As a student, I have not noticed much change in the enforcement of our technology or phone policy since BYOT came along. I have basically never participated in an interactive “technology-oriented learning activity” in class. As my experience goes, the most technology I’ve used in a classroom setting has not gone much further than pulling my phone out after finishing an assignment, or using it to look up an unfamiliar word. Before BYOT, some teachers would let

opinions

us use our phones to research or play on after we’ve turned our work in. The same teachers who let us do that before BYOT still let us do that now. The teachers who wouldn’t let us have our phones out before BYOT, still don’t let us have them out now. It feels like nothing has changed. One of the positive sides, however, is that we can use our phones during passing periods and at lunch without worrying about a teacher or security guard confiscating it. This doesn’t affect upperclassmen who can go off campus during lunch, but it is a huge benefit for underclassmen. So, how beneficial has the BYOT policy been? It depends. As an upperclassman, I say it has not changed my classroom education or interaction at all compared to last year. But if you ask a sophomore, they might respond differently. While BYOT seemed like an excellent idea, the way in which it was introduced was pretty weak. I don’t think there is one specific solution to completely utilize technology as a learning tool instead of a distraction, and if there is, I certainly don’t know the answer. But if teachers would be more lenient and would find ways to make lessons and learning techniques using it, we would be much closer to using technology into the classroom for the students’ benefit.

Don’t just depend on your counselor

Jazmyn Davis • Reporter

We’ve always been taught to trust our instincts. We’ve also been taught to listen to others’ opinions when it comes to our decisions. In junior high we met the counselors. We had one in elementary, but we never actually went to their offices. As we entered high school as “fresh meat,” not really having a clue what to do or where to go, the counselors were considered our saviors. The irony in being referred to the counselor is that we’re being sent to someone who only sees us once or twice a year, unless you want to mention the “credit requirement” lesson they teach twice a year. Don’t get me wrong, counselors are a great asset to high schoolers or kids in general, but in the end you have to know yourself and your options rather than depending on someone else to know what’s best for you. There are so many great benefits to having the counselors around. Sometimes, our parents and teachers don’t have answers that the counselors may have. There have been many instances where I’ve asked my mom or dad a question and they’d look at me with confusion. I’d go to my counselor with the same question and she’d have the answer. Kids like to complain about how counselors would insist their students stay in a class, even if it was bringing their grade point average (GPA) down. “Oh I think you can push it out!” is the most common thing said. Why do they insist on doing that? Is it because it makes Martin look better if all of their kids are in AP classes? Or maybe they really do care whether we as students really push ourselves. It’s a little hard to get that vibe more times than others. Whether it’s the media or our school staff, we teenagers need to learn how to figure things out on our own. Going somewhere else besides the mirror for an opinion is great, but knowing and researching on your own is even better. Just in case we decide to take advice from someone about something that person doesn’t have a clue about, we can still walk away with an answer.

Don’t let social media take over your life

Singles appreciation day

You don’t have to be in a relationship to have fun on Valentine’s Day. If you and your friends are looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day, here are a few ideas.

Monica Boyles & Megan Wilson• Reporters Dallas World Aquarium

Rayan Toliver • Reporter

How many teenagers don’t know what is going around them, but know what’s the latest trend on Twitter? Social media sites like Twitter have caused us to forget about things that are globally going on. It’s also causing us to glorify negative things that others are participating in. Social media has taken over our lives whether we want to admit or realize it. Remember when you would go to a concert and actually enjoy what’s going on in front of you instead of wanting to Vine, Instagram, tweet or Facebook it? Or the last time you went on vacation and didn’t tweet every single thing you were doing. Social media has brainwashed our generation to also believe that they have to do everything they see in pop culture. Several social media users also begin to believe what ever someone’s opinion of us is the correct opinion. Instead of thinking on our own we just trust whichever celebrity we’re worshiping for the week for all of the answers. It’s an exciting time to be meeting other people with different interests as yourself and noticing and reading on all of the innovative things happening. Years from now, you don’t want to have an identity crisis and not know who you are at all as a person because most of your teenage years were spent tweeting and pretending to be someone else considering several social media users do spend their time living double lives online. There are several ways to slow down your tweeting or more proactive things will on social media sites like Twitter. For those wanting to follow more reliable news outlets and or informative accounts like CNN, Forbes, Huffington Post or the New York Times accounts. If you need to cut back on tweeting try going to the library and checking out a book on something that’s interesting to you.

Tickets are $20.95 plus tax. The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the building in the rainforest exhibit. In the rainforest exhibit you will see exotic birds such as many species of toucans. Lounging around are two-toed and even three-toed sloths. The next story is the aquarium and there you will see different marine life such as crabs, jellyfish, and even sea dragons. The final part of your visit will end at the reptiles and amphibians.

Reata

The Reata Restaurant is a great restaurant located in Sundance Square, Fort Worth. It

is an elegant restaurant on a rooftop overlooking the city. Their most popular food items are Tenderloin Tamales, Blackened Buffalo Ribeye, Chicken Fried Steak, Stacked Chicken Enchiladas, and the number one favorite, Pan Seared Pepper Crushed Tenderloin.

Kimball Art Museum

The Kimball Art Museum is opened from noon to eight on Friday and the cost is only $16 for students who present their ID and $18 for students without an ID. The admission price also includes the audio tour. If you have a membership then your entry is free and the audio tour is only $3.

Parks Mall Ice Skating

Ice skating at the Parks Mall is an enter-

taining idea for you and your friends. Admission is only $8 and the skate rental fee is $3. The rinks operating hours are: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Coyote Drive-In

The Coyote Drive-In theater in Fort Worth is a unique way to see a good movie with your besties. They have awesome food for affordable prices. The theater is in Fort Worth on 223 NE 4th Street. You can visit their website at coyotedrive-in.com to see movies and showings.

Studio Movie Grill

The Studio Movie Grill has a great movie watching environment with amazing cuisine. The Studio Movie grill in the Highlands is a great place to go if you want dinner and a movie at the same time.

Respect all our Olympic athletes Lauren House • Reporter A heated topic going around town right now is gay athletes participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics. There are many views and opinions on this topic. The man walking down the street may say, “Do what makes you happy, man!” while the local preacher from the church may say, “What are you doing with your life?” My view personally is, why does it matter? If a straight man or woman can do it, then why can’t a homosexual man or woman do it? Is it because the other athletes who aren’t homosexual are scared they are being looked at in a way they don’t like, talked about, or even thought about?

Fox news reported on Feb. 6 that, “Many will be watching to see whether Russia will enforce its law banning gay propaganda to minors if athletes, fans or activists wave rainbow flags or speak out in protest.” Supposedly, no demonstration of racial, religious or political propaganda can be shown during these games. How do you even know someone is gay in the Olypmics unless someone points it out? Does it make them any less of an athlete or a person? They are the ones being successful, living their dreams, in great health and performing on a world stage, while the hateful onlookers put shame on them because of their own self-pity. Cause and effect: How in the heck does someone who’s attracted to the same gender affect the Olympics? Maybe one out of 20 people will be offended by a lesbian figure skater, or a gay snowboarder, for who knows why. They will miss out and that’s their own problem. The Olympics may lose views from hundreds or thousands of Russians, but they will still be surrounded by it 24/7. Russia

opinions

won’t be the only country to view this. Millions of people will be viewing and the people who are offended by the six homosexual athletes will be the only ones affected. I grew up in a Christian home with a Christian view on life, but also learned how sticks and stones can break bones, but words can hurt too. It may be a sin to love the same gender, but it also a sin to hate, use words in the way of hatred, and put others down. The homosexual rate of athletes has risen over 10 percent in the past five years, along with homosexual suicide rising over 29 percent. Bullying has increased dramatically and parents and adults around the world are taking charge to try and stop it, but they are actually the ones contributing. The only comments I have seen about this have tried to force their views on others. If I could meet these people, I would strongly encourage them to walk in these athletes’ shoes for one day. They would then realize what they have been outputting from their mouth and realize the psychological damage it can do to one person.

Game management Sophomore Dakota White has passion and skill for managing football and baseball teams Aysha Moneer• Reporter

s sports seasons move from one game to the next, sophomore Dakota White steps into the Manager position on both the football and baseball teams, allowing him to pursue his passion of managing. The idea to be a multi-sport manager came from his prior experience of managing the football team – something he had been doing since his freshman year. “I enjoyed managing for the football team, so I thought, ‘Why not the baseball team too?’” White said. The close-knit environment White appreciated with the football players was soon duplicated with the baseball team. All it took was talking to baseball coach Curt Culbertson so the position could be created. While managing both the baseball and football teams, White said he soon realized all aspects of the job he genuinely enjoyed – supporting the teams, performing significant tasks and most importantly, the feeling of warmth he received when surrounded by the players who, at the end of the day, supported him as well. Managing led to being close to the players of both

teams. “I still keep in touch with the football players who graduated last year,” White said. Between supporting the players and managing the team, White has become a key player in contributing to the performance and spirit of both teams. Managing the baseball and football teams goes beyond the involvement directly related to school. White said he plans on continuing to use his skills throughout his life. He wants to major in sports management and hopefully do something managementrelated with his career after college. “I actually like managing a lot, which is why I’m planning on majoring in sports management in college,” White said. His passion of managing comes from being directly involved with the sports teams. From retrieving the ball to being the teams’ main supporter, the experience has brought White closer to the players. Growing up, White played baseball and football, but his eagerness was not towards becoming the next MLB or NFL star. He was drawn to the behind-the-scenes action instead. “Managing the football and baseball team is fun and something I’m really into,” White said.

Sophomore football and baseball manager Dakota White gets instruction from football and baseball coach Kellen Monreal. White is manager of both teams and is the only student who has held the position on both fall and spring sports teams. Photos by Kaitlyn Whetstine

White said he not only enjoys the work that is put into managing the teams, but relishes in the impact his role has. “I put in the bases for baseball practice,” White said.

White said he will continue to manage because of the welcoming environments of the teams, the involvement with sports through a different perspective and the interest he has in managing in the future.

817-478-6610 4884 Little Rd. Arlington, TX 76016

nutrition-nation@att.net www.nutrition-nation.com

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Pick me!

Senior JR Omigie signs to play football for Southwestern Oklahoma University on National Signing Day Feb. 5 at the PDC. Martin Football had five athletes sign with universities. Photo by Rayan Toliver

We talk to a few student athletes who signed to play sports in college

Tyler Forde • Reporter Jordyn James- Softball at Southeastern Oklahoma State Why did you choose your school?

“They have a winning program and it is a small college with a good teacher-to-student ratio. I like how it is in a small town where everyone is geared toward the college.”

How long have you played softball?

“Since I was eight. I play catcher in team TFS, out of Grapevine, as well as the Martin team.”

Alexis Wright- Volleyball at University of North Texas

Turner Larkins Baseball at Texas A&M

Why did you choose your school?

How long have you played volleyball?

How long have you played baseball?

“They are good at volleyball and it is pretty close to home. Also, I liked the team and campus.”

“It was the very first place I had visited and when I went down there I fell in love with the atmosphere and the school.” “I’ve played baseball for 13 years. I’m a pitcher as well as first baseman, but I’m going to school mainly for my pitching.”

“Since seventh grade. I play right side for my club ACE as well as outside for the school.”

Was it a tough decision to choose beWas it a tough decision between the Was it a tough decision to choose between colleges? tween colleges? “It was tough. I was geared toward Abilene colleges? Christian at first. Then when I visited Southeastern, the coach was awesome and all of the girls got along. They treated me like I was already on the team, not just coming in as a new person.”

“At first it was hard, but after I visited North Texas it was not.”

“When I first started playing at eight years old, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

“Colleges are not allowed to contact you until your junior year, and North Texas saw me at a qualifier last year. They then talked to my coach and emailed me, so I took a visit. After that, they offered me a place and I signed on National Signing Day.”

“Yes, actually. A&M, LSU and Texas were the big ones. They are all great schools, so the decision wouldn’t be bad either way, but A&M caught my eye.”

When did you decide you wanted to play in college? When did you decide you wanted to “During my eighth grade year.” play in college? When did you decide you wanted to “It has always been a dream of mine and I play in college? Explain the recruiting process. realized it could become a reality my sophExplain the recruiting process.

“It was terrible, torturous, and something I wish upon no one. But you have to get through it to go where you want.”

Did you commit early? Why?

“I did commit early, mainly because my scholarship could have been taken away and given to another girl.”

How has committing early impacted your family? “It has relieved a great weight and stress off of my family’s shoulders knowing that I have two sisters that my parents need to get through college.”

Did you commit early? Why?

“Yes. I wanted to be committed before my senior season started.”

How has committing early impacted your family?

“It paid for my college and there is not stress anymore. I only had to take my SAT once and I know my roommates and where I am going. Everything is pretty set for college.”

omore year.”

Explain the recruiting process.

“There is a recruiting coordinator who will email or call you. If you’re interested, you can talk to them and eventually go visit and see how things are at the school.”

Did you commit early? Why?

“There is no deadline, but I committed because I knew A&M was the college I wanted to go to.”

How has committing early impacted your family? “It has relieved a lot of stress and my parents don’t have to pay for college.”

sports

‘It’s the most unpredictable aspect of this job’ UIL realignment moves Martin to 6A but keeps us with district rivals

Garrett Elliott • Reporter It’s that time of year again – Texas UIL district re-alignment. The catch is that this year, UIL has added a whole new conference of districts – the widely promoted and anticipated 6A conference. The new 6A conference isn’t as crazy as it sounds, and it isn’t a “superconference” with all the biggest schools in the state, as originally rumored. In short, what was 5A is now 6A, 4A is 5A, 3A is 4A, 2A is 3A, 1A is 2A and sixman football is 1A. For Martin, though, not much will change. “It gives us our district competitors for the next three years,” head football coach Bob Wager said. “Our district remained the same in the last realignment in 2012. This will also determine our playoff path.” Martin will remain in a district with the teams they have been in districts with the past two years for the 2014-2016 seasons: Sam Houston, Bowie, Lamar, Arlington High, Weatherford, Paschal and North Crowley. Wager said that being in a district with all the Arlington schools is one thing that can always be counted on. The only change this made this year is that Martin, which is now 4-6A, will now head west to play the Odessa and Midland teams in District 3-6A in the bi-district playoff round. “UIL bi-annual realignment is the most unpredictable aspect of this job,” Wager said. “Nobody knows what will happen. It’s the best kept secret.”

#THROWBACK Wrestling dominates region Kyle Desrosiers • Reporter The Martin Wrestling Team has won its second consectutive title at the Regional Championship, and six wrestlers are on their way to the State Tournament Feb. 14-15. Seniors Bryson Douglas and Ade Randle, junior Nick Shamshoum and sophomores Tanner Kuketz, Wyatt Alvis and Jose Taylor are participating in the State Tournament.

What you may have missed in the world of sports

“It feels good to work for it all year and finally get there,” Douglas said. Coah Patrick Dunn was named the Region Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. “Coach Dunn is the best coach I’ve ever had,” Alvis said. “He really takes time to know us wrestlers.” The team members say they are confident and after a lot of work, are prepared to take home a title. “If key guys win the matches we need to win, we could win the whole thing,” Alvis said.

sSenior Myles Garrett blocks a point guard from scoring during the MartinBowie game Friday, Jan. 24. The Warriors, along with rival Bowie HS, lead the district and will enter playoffs. Photo by Kaitlyn Whetstine s

Senior Miklos Eger does the butterfly at the District Meet at Mansfield Natatorium Jan. 25. The mens swim team placed fourth at regionals and the women placed third in the regional swim meet Feb. 7 and 8. Photo by Kaitlyn Whetstine

Midforward junior Sean Henggeler heads a ball at a Warrior tournament at Lamar the weekend of Jan. 17 and 18. The next varsity game will be Friday, Feb. 14 at Sam Houston. Photo by Cameron Skanes

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