The Warrior Post - May 2019

the warrior post at martin high school The Ten

MOST

Intriguing seniors! pages 13 - 16

volume 37 issue 4

Deaf can do it • PG. 16/17

Mr mhs page two

WARPO

. . . and all that jazz

Chicago, The High School Edition storms the stage May 16 at 7p.m.

Photo courtesy of Martin Theater House and Publicity Crew

Olivia Dague • Copy Editor

M

urder.Debauchery. Jazz. All of these aspects and more are represented in Chicago, a production by choir, theater, band and orchestra.

Chicago will run May 16 through 18 at 7 p.m. in the newly-renovated Martin auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online at martintheatre. weebly.com: $20 for reserved seating, $15 at the door for general admission and $10 for faculty and students with a student ID. “Chicago is a title that will draw an audience for sure,” theater director Jordan Chambers said. “More so than Pippin or Godspell, even though they were amazing shows. It’s going to be an incredible musical and I think people will be blown away by the talent by the ensemble and leads’ performances. It will be fun and exciting, and I think everyone will really enjoy it.”

Chicago is known for its adult

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content because the subject matter pertains to murder and adultery, and is presented in a sensual way. Some may be concerned about how the classical musical that has so much mature material would be accepted in a high school environment, but in 2018, a high-school version was released that has edited out some of the material that is not suitable for a high school production.

“A lot of the material has been cut already, and there is nothing too risqué about the show, especially in this society today when we see murder in the news everyday,” Chambers said. “The material is presented more fantastical, and attacking thetherimchoreography with force, isjunior more montreal stylized and lessscores risqué pena as the revival company has done north crowley on it inagainst the past.” feb. 1. pena plays center and The newly-renovated auditorium allows senior Logan power forward on the varsity Roscoe, head lighting designer, team and averages five dunks to implement specific lighting per game. many colleges, styles for the show. including have offered “It’s very TCU, intricate, and the lights on and off,” Roscoe penaclick scholarships since his said. “It’s supersophomore sharp and flashy. year.

Photo by Trevor Evinger

For ‘Cell Block Tango’, each one of the merry murderesses will have their own cue.”

As lighting designer, Roscoe sketches her designs first, and then tests and tweaks her design in rehearsals.

“I am most excited about learning the technical side of lighting rather than just the design,” Roscoe said. “Then I piece together my design and pair it with instruments and try it out on stage.”

Chicago is set in the roaring 20s and is centered on jazz and burlesque performance. The choreography is specific to the choreographer and the show.

“Bob Fosse is an iconic performer, dancer, and choreographer,” senior Maddie Cendrick said. “His style is very definite, and anything he choreographs needs to stay true to the Fosse style because everything he choreographed was very intentional and helps further the plot.”

Cendrick is both the choreographer and has a supporting role in the cast,

which is both challenging and rewarding.

“It is difficult not just because of the time commitment, but also because I am responsible for balancing a leadership role and being able to step back and be directed,” Cendrick said. “It is also the greatest blessing because anything I want to choreograph I also want to perform, but if I am performing, the choreographer side of myself wants to alter the moves. I will most likely never get the opportunity to do both again, so the fact that I can do both is such an amazing opportunity.”

The actor and crew start on a blank stage, a blank canvas, but come together as artists to tell a story with singing, dancing, lights, set and costumes.

“I always love watching the progress and seeing where we start and where we finish,” Cendrick said. “I love that we start out not knowing the choreography and not knowing the notes to a full-blown production.”

Theater dances their way to State A closer look into to the process of pulling off a One Act play Caroline Demby • Reporter

T

he beeping of the stopwatches echoes throughout the auditorium as a group of students set the stage for the show.

This is Martin’s first year since 2013 to have made it to UIL One-Act Play State competition, and it’s the first time with teachers Kelly Groves and Jordan Chambers as the directors. The 2019 play, “Dancing at Lughnasa,” also earned several acting awards.

The UIL One-Act play is a competition where correspondingly-sized Texas high schools present an 18- to 40-minute play that may be adjudicated by a panel of three judges or a single judge.

There are six possible levels of the competition: Zone, District, Bi-District, Area, Region and State.

After the awards are announced, a judge gives a critique to each of the schools.

Because of the wide participation and diversity of plays produced, certain rules and guidelines have been adopted by the State One-Act Play Office. The rules ensure safety, allow for equity, satisfy legal standards, and make the running of the contest practical.

Each year, the theater directors choose a play that they think they will use their talent of their actors well.

“I’ve always loved the show and we considered doing it during the season, but we didn’t find a place for it to fit,” Chambers said. “Then through the fall semester we were looking through all the students and talent we had and we really wanted to try to find a play that really spoke to the highlight of that talent and also

One-act play members perform the first and last scene of Dancing at Lughnasa. The company made its way to state this spring. Photo courtesty of martin theater for a play that works well in a competitive atmosphere, and ‹Dancing at Lughnasa’ just so happened to be that play that we chose.”

Most of the students the directors choose for crew usually audition for the show.

“We had selected our lights person, Logan Roscoe, because she’s the most seasoned lights operator we have and we want to use our best for our competition show. We chose Annabeth because she’s the most seasoned stage manager we have. They are all incredibly talented students who we knew we could depend on, and we knew could work really hard and do a beautiful job.”

Competiton days are full of a lot of different emotions as the company prepares to perform.

“There’s so much anxiety and uncertainty and excitement and fear and joy,” Chambers

said. “It’s like a maelstrom of emotions. Every space we go to is different so we have to learn how to work in that space, and see how our set looks in that space and how our light looks in that space and we only have an hour to do all of that work, which is very stressful. And then you get done performing and then you have to wait...so long, so you’re just built with all this anxiety and happiness too because you’re proud of how the students have done. You’re nervous about how a judge will perceive your work and it’s like a rollercoaster of emotions.”

The rewards of the play are shared among the cast and crew.

“One for me as a director is us watching the show,” Chambers said. “We enjoy it and we love every second of it. There’s a time constraint so there’s always that small fear inside of me that is wondering if they are

gonna go overtime. But then it’s the waiting before awards, because I mean that is so nerve racking. The most rewarding part is seeing these guys go up there and perform their hearts out and just do such a lovely job and such advanced work with such grace and skill and determination. Seeing them perform is the highlight of the whole contest. Whether we win or lose, we never know. But seeing them perform and having fun is the most rewarding.”

Junior Annabeth Rohack shares what she cherishes the most about One Act. “I feel really lucky to have been able to do One Act two years in a row and that I get to be a part of such an amazing company,” she said. “I just feel proud of all the work we get done. It’s so stressful every single day but it’s worth it.”

News • 3 opinions

Just

Dance

story by Meridith Moore • Features Editor Photos by Aivrey zaiger and meridith moore

Students host sensory sensitive prom May 10

As strobe lights flash and glisten, students filled with glee dance to the beat of the pulsating music. While for some, this may be seen as a necessity for a good dance, for others this may be overwhelming.

The Sensory Sensitive dance May 10 gave more than 50 students a comfortable environment while simultaneously giving them wonderous memories. The cancelation of the Starry Night Prom – a dance for the special education students in AISD – made a need for the inception of this dance.

“I think the main goal of the dance as well as the Partners and P.E. class is inclusion,” English teacher and dance organizer Molly Haney said. “We’re helping special education students learn how

to make social interaction, make friends and feel more comfortable and open.”

“It was open to all students at Martin but it was geared towards our special needs students,” senior Hannah Robinson said. “It helps the kids and it gives them a chance to be more a part of the school. I love them. They’re just the sweetest kids on the planet.”

“I loved just seeing all the kids have fun and dance,” senior Harrison Moore said. “Just getting to be themselves unapologetically.”

“We’re giving our kids with special needs a chance to interact with the rest of the school,” senior Grace Derman said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the kids get all excited when we talk about the dance with them. Seeing their faces light up absolutely makes my day.”

1. Entering the sensory prom, freshman Emily Watson is greeted by friends. The cafeteria was all decked out with lights and balloons to welcome everyone who came.

2. Twirling his streamer in the air, junior Morris Nasibi lifts his streamer in the air while being the life of the party. The smiles only got bigger as the night commenced.

3. Jumping to the beat of the drums, freshman freshman Logan Lee dances as his peers cheer him on. Everyone clapped in unison as students turned to dance stars for the night.

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4. Throwing up peace signs while dancing to “Gangnam style”

by PSY, sophomore Ryan Young jumps excitedly around the dance floor. Everyone at the dance formed a dance circle and lived in the moment together.

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4 • news

This now concludes AP testing...

AP teachers fill class time once tests are over Katie Kohutek • Features Editor Pencils clatter against a table as an alarm sounds from the front of the large testing room.

Arms stretch and students let out sighs of relief. That’s it. The final AP test is done. No more last-minute cram sessions, and no more driving across town to the PDC. But one question remains: now what?

As ten days of testing come to a close, AP classes are left with two weeks to fill before the school year ends. This presents a challenge to AP teachers to come up with some final lessons to impart upon students to keep them engaged while they must remain in the classroom.

Preparing for senior year

“I feel like any students that are still in school need to be learning,” AP English III teacher Tonji Lewis said. “I think teachers should teach something in their subject, but specifically things that would be beneficial to kids in a wide range.”

AP English III classes have taken on the task of preparing students for AP English IV once their exam concludes.

Students are asked to read The Great Gatsby, which is strikingly different from many of the books that are studied in junior year.

“Junior year is so much a departure from traditional English,” Lewis said. “I want to give them a foundation so that it leads more into their senior year. I feel that it’s important that they feel more prepared going into English IV.”

Not only does the content of the book differ, but also the way that the study is approached differs from all other readings throughout the year.

“It’s probably one of the easier tests we take throughout the year,” Lewis said. “It’s over an entire book, whereas most of the year we break them into chapters. And so the kids find that easier.”

On top of the simpler testing, the English department also tries to add fun to the study of The Great Gatsby. Students participate in a scavenger hunt that takes place all over the school, watch the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and have a Roaring 20s themed party with food and the chance to dress up. Students tend to enjoy this approach to studying a book much more than the standard testing that is done.

“The pace at which it was covered was different,” senior Alexa Burchak said. “It was a little bit more relaxed, and it wasn’t quite pushing to get to anything. You had a little bit more time to read and digest before taking a test, so that was nice. It was easier to keep an A in that class after the AP Test.”

Burchak said she appreciated the slower tempo at which The Great Gatsby was covered, and believes that other classes should attempt to do the same after the conclusion of AP tests.

“I think it’s a good thing to keep teaching after the AP test,” Burchak said. “But I think it’s better to slow down and talk about something that’s a little bit more fun, like The Great Gatsby. Or just something a little more contemporary.”

Branching out

Lydia Berry’s AP Chemistry classes take a completely different approach to learning after the AP test. What she does in her classes varies from year to year. Last year, she decided to educate students about personal finance and give them advice for handling money in their college years and beyond.

“I’d never done the personal finances thing before last year,” Berry said. “I change it up depending upon what the students are wanting or needing. I don’t feel right just saying, ‘Oh we’re not gonna do anything.’”

One thing that Berry has done consistently since she started teaching AP Chemistry seven years ago is to have her husband, a criminal prosecutor, come in and speak to the students. Students say that he isn’t just an average guest speaker, however.

“There is always some murder trial that he’s working on,” Berry said. “I’ll have him come and talk to them about whatever his latest one is. He’s done that every year. The students love it.”

While the English III classes stay within their subject postAP testing, Berry’s classes experience a complete change in the subject. Many of her students find this helpful and a relief after a long year of difficult studies and believe that other teachers should expand what they teach after AP exams.

“Not everyone wants to continue in chemistry, so I think the finance stuff was really helpful,” junior Suvi Birch said.

“I think that branching out is

better because the whole class is structured for the AP Exam.

But if you aren’t continuing with that subject then it would be cool for the teachers to branch out.”

In the home stretch

With it already being difficult to maintain students’ attention after AP exams, seniors, on the other hand, present a different problem. Many seniors say they mentally checked out of high school the second they got their college acceptance letter, and after AP tests “senioritis” seems to mutate uncontrollably.

“In my head after AP tests, I’m like, ‘Why am I here?’”

Burchak said. “And I know for this year, I just feel done. I just have senior breakfast and fun things to be here for. I do feel it shouldn’t just be like a free period, but definitely more relaxed than before the AP test.”

Berry said she believes that the weeks following AP tests should not be a source of stress for students or for teachers. The students have been studying hard for weeks, and the teachers have been working just as hard to fit all of the material in before the exam.

“At that point, I’m ready to quit and I’m beat down too,” Berry said. “I’ve been pushing, pushing, pushing, so I’m ready to kick back too. You don’t really have the students’ attention too much. So whatever I do I make it something they can finish in class so they have some down time. It’s beneficial for them and beneficial for me.”

news • 5

Risk it biscuit for the

Students are forced to choose between activities Colton Morrow • reporter

T

he best that life has to offer is only obtained through hardship and sacrifice.

While it seems like a lesson from the Elizabethan Era, it can be applied to every person today.

Many of the most talented students would not be where they are without their own sacrifices.

Freshman Tatum Woolsey decided that she wanted to part ways with Colorguard after this season in order to focus on theater.

“All my friends were in it and it made me really sad cause I knew I was gonna miss them,” Woolsey said.

The whole transition is a step that can be seen as forward or backward depending on where you are in the process.

Regret is arguably one of the biggest obstacles in making the decision.

Sacrifice is predominant in today’s society, and to say it is easy is problematic.

Regret often follows both those who go through with sacrifice and those who do not.

Martin’s own Geometry teacher Silas Robinson had to endure many sacrifices in order to get to where he is today.

“After a certain amount of injuries I just felt God was

6 • features

telling me to find something new, and that’s what I did. I love teaching others and I wouldn’t trade the life God has given me for anything else.”

Robinson had to choose between giving up college sports and his career in education, but due to his leg injury, he chose education.

“The regret I have after quitting sports is the hardest part of my sacrifice because of the, ‘Oh, what if I had done this?’ mentality,” Robinson said.

For the longest time Robinson said he did want to get back into sports, but due to his success as a influential teacher he decided to stay.

“I just had to transition on my own and it helped me become more independent as a person,” Robinson said.

Peers however, can often be looked to for wisdom in the decision-making process.

Sophomore Max Ferguson was encouraged by those around him to pursue engineering instead of choir.

He had been in choir since seventh grade and leaving took a lot of encouragement.

“When it came to me finally quitting choir, the biggest influences were my friends and family because they knew me and wanted what was best for me,” he said.

Seniors discuss their regrets humberto rodriguez • reporter

As some of the most memorable moments like graduation are getting closer, seniors reflect on their time in high school and on some of their regrets “I regret not staying on the football team my senior year because I quit football for the wrong reasons at the time.”

• senior Peter Bui “Spending more time with teachers, it’s important to build relationships with teachers in order to better your success.”

• senior Chase Lundt “Taking more summer school, I could’ve easily graduated in three years or even have left after the first semester.”

• senior Rajesh Murti “I regret not joining more clubs and meeting more people to expand my horizon.”

• senior Veda Mize “Not getting involved with other organizations, I didn’t get a chance to take full advantage of everything because I always thought I was too busy.”

• senior Alfonso Mathiesen “I think me being so wrapped up in football and working out I guess I forgot how to actually go out and hang out with my friends especially freshman and sophomore year I didn’t really talk to anybody or put myself out there.”

• senior Jayce Godley “I regret my sophomore year a bit. I did a lot of growing as a person that year, but I didn’t do much in my life. I feel like I wasted some valuable time by not doing much. I think it is important to live up your years in high school before it’s time to grow up.”

• senior Sawyer Evans “Doing more for Key Club because I did it freshman year and sophomore year, but then I gave it up because I was Sundancer junior lieutenant last year which was super time consuming and I got the job.”

• senior Avery Rohan “I feel as if I was so focused on trying to please the people around me with school, sports, and work that I forgot to try and enjoy high school. I didn’t realize that I should try to live life and have fun.”

• senior Alayna Zabriskie

Flying

high

A man of many talents, photo teacher Ian McVea proves to be more than just a label of any profession, but making life a calling card for loving what you do.

Michael Sandoval • Opinions editor Brandon Chrabasz • staffer

I would say follow your dreams, but make yourself versatile in order to protect your dreams from failure.

Never forget that nothing worth achieving is easy, and nothing easy is worth achieving.

Ian Mcvea interview To find out who Ian Mcvea really is, scan the left QR code. features • 7

e s r t

Thinking outside of the box

s

s

Astronomy teacher Dr. Roy Miller talks about helping students with stress from school

advice

Erika Karaganis • reporter photo by aivrey zaiger • photo editor

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eadaches and late nights lead up to big tests and projects. Chewed pens and pencils sharpened down to the eraser-filled backpacks throughout the building.

The stress of school is something that many students have said they relate to. While stress may be difficult to deal with, some people have certain tips and tricks to help get through the testing anxiety or class stress that students say they face on a day to day basis.

Astronomy teacher Dr. Roy Miller is one teacher known for his help with stress and anxiety. His dimly-lit classroom and motivational discussions in class have helped countless students to get out some emotions and face their day with a sense of purpose and self worth.

Every day he takes note of how everyone is feeling and works to help by giving advice.

“I have experienced many times biting off more than I can chew, and when there’s no backing out of it you just do whatever it takes,” Miller said.

“So, biting off more than you can chew can be a great teaching moment too, because again

if there’s no getting out of the situation then you just have to change your priorities.”

As well as giving his students talks about their worth and trying to validate them, Miller also said he believes that students can help others to handle stress if they can see it.

“If they’re not looking at each other, they can’t recognize it,” Miller said. “If they are immersed in something else, the phone or something else, they can’t recognize when somebody has got that cloud over them.

So I think the first thing is just having awareness that somebody is having stress. You can see it in their body language and you can see it in their face.”

Not only do students have this responsibility to be aware of how students are feeling, but Miller also says that teachers have a responsibility to their students to be understanding and work to their needs.

“You’ve got to meet them where they are,” Miller said.“If they want to tell you why they’re struggling with something, then students can teach teachers too and help them set appropriate time tables for get-

ting stuff done. Just because you’ve always done it the same way doesn’t mean that’s the best way. I ask them for feedback and that would be my recommendation to teachers, to seek feedback from your clients.”

Teachers can sometimes help a lot with stress. However, some students say that fellow students can help even more.

Senior Ryley Wilson said she gives her advice on dealing with stress to anyone who asks for it.

“Slow down and take things one step at a time,” Wilson said.

“Junior year I was about to quit something, like band or my job, or anything just to take stress off, but I still made it through that year.”

Wilson’s advice is something that she not only gives out, but strives to live by. She works to keep a positive mood, as well as encouraging others.

“If we were all just a little more polite and a little more understanding and just a little less angry,” Wilson said. “I feel like that would just take away a lot of the anxiety about coming to school.”

Dealing with anxiety and stress in school is something

that many students have claimed to struggle with.

Senior Megan Bishop has a blog of how she deals with the anxiety and stress that comes with overwhelming classes.

“Just take a deep breath and put it in perspective,” Bishop said. “It’s just a homework assignment. It’s just a test, it doesn’t define who you are as a person. Just start when you get home and take it in chunks.

Don’t be afraid to take little study breaks. Just take a deep breath and come back to it. If you have a test, study ten minutes a day instead of an hour the night before of studying.”

Her advice is very helpful to those in difficult classes. But mostly, Bishop urges other students to work to remember what is most important.

“It is better to devote your energy into a few things that you’re really passionate about than trying to do something surface level all over the board,” Bishop said. “Your family is important, your friends are important, the things that you care about are important.

You’re important, your mental health is really important. Your schoolwork is important, but it isn’t everything and it doesn’t define you as a person. Focus more on what you really like and what you are really passionate about.”

features • 9

‘What keeps our friendship going is the unknown’ Seniors, best friends for 13 years reflect on what makes them unique Wendi Rivera • reporter

A

bout 70 percent of a senior’s life has been spent in school, whether it be in elementary, middle or high school. And through it all, some of them have a special best friend that they have spent all that time with.

Best friends, also known as a “human diary,” “other half,” or “soul mate,” can help through pretty rough times, especially in our high school years.

Seniors Darcy Gray and Ben Frazier have been best friends for 13 years, and they plan on making even more memories.

“There was a period from fourth to sixth grade we weren’t always the closest, so I never expected we would stay close this long,” Gray said.

They met in Kindergarten and from the first sight, they just connected.

“I thought he was like a little cute guy and I thought he was sweet,” Gray said.

10 • features

Frazier, on the other side, had a different impression.

“My first impression of Darcy was that she was kind of crazy, but I eventually got over it because we became good friends,” Frazier said.

Since the beginning, they have been making memories.

“The one that always comes back to me is in Kindergarten,” Gray said. “We were both standing outside under the Time Out tree, but we weren’t in Time Out. I gave him a kiss and he didn’t know what was happening.”

From elementary to high school, they have been inseparable.

“My favorite memory with Darcy is going to San Antonio for TMEA in San Antonio,” Frazier said. “Darcy and I spent pretty much the whole trip together. We got so close on that trip and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Having a best friend means having that someone who will always push you to do better

and to be better.

“In middle school, he’s always inspired me to work on my instrument like he does, and compete with him,” Gray said.

“We both wanted to see each other succeed.”

Even though we wish all days are happy, even best friends can have rough days.

“Sometimes I say things I don’t mean, things that are meant to be a joke but are taken seriously,” Gray said. “But we always find ways to forgive each other afterwards.”

Gray and Frazier said they know how to have fun with each other to strengthen their relationship.

“We love talking to each other during band rehearsal and roasting people together,” Gray said. “We like to banter when we are supposed to be quiet.”

Through all the bumps, ups and downs of high school, Gray and Frazier said they have always been there for each other.

“I’m happy we are as close as

we are now, because during fourth and fifth grade, we weren’t and I always wished we were better friends,” Gray said.

This year, both will graduate and continue their education at UTA. “Darcy and I are planning on going to the same school so we will stay best friends and see each other all the time,” Frazier said.

They say that college will be a fun time for both of them.

“He is going to move into a new apartment freshman year and we plan on having Rupaul Drag Race watch parties,” Gray said.

Friendship is so important and Frazier and Gray said they really love having their friendship to hold onto now and in the future.

“What keeps our friendship going is the unknown,” Frazier said. “I never know what she is going to say or do and it keeps the friendship interesting.”

“Should I stay or should I go?”

Seniors weigh whether they made the right decision staying in state or moving away for college Isabella Lozano • Reporter In September of senior year, people are starting to send in college applications. Many people know exactly where they want to go.

Flash forward to May of senior year. Doubt has crept in and started wearing away at everyone’s thoughts. Students wonder if they made the right decision for the future. Will these students really be happy there?

The college selection process can be one of the most stressful times in a high school student’s life. Sometimes it can feel as if all the pressure in the world is on their shoulders to pick the perfect place.

After all, this is where they will spend the next chapter of their lives and the gateway into the career they have been dreaming of for years.

Picking a school isn’t the only hurdle, though. As the first day

of what’s affectionately called “13th grade” looms closer, many students question whether or not they should reconsider their decision to stay close to home or leave the state for fear that they would enjoy something more.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports that over a third of college students transfer to another university at least once during their college years, so doubt is nothing uncommon.

Trinity Stalins is one of the Martin seniors who has chosen to leave Texas in favor of Boston, Massachusetts. For her, the decision to leave was easy.

“I only applied to out-ofstate schools: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is where I’m going next year, and Colorado School of Mines because it’ll give me a new perspective and a fresh start,”

Stalins said.

Despite going to a school 1,882 miles away from Arlington, Stalins said she has no doubt plaguing her mind about going to study at MIT. “I definitely made the right choice,” Stalins said. “I’m very elated about it and ready for something different.”

While Stalins’ confidence in her out-of-state choice is not uncommon, a large portion of people going far from home do not share her steadfastness.

“The students who change their minds about where they want to go are usually the ones who are going out of state and want a lot of independence,” counselor Edwina Thompson said. “And then they realize that none of their friends are going so a lot of anxiety sets in.”

Senior Trinity Deatherage chose to stay in state to go to Sam Houston State University to study criminal justice.

“I’m excited to go explore my new home and get a taste of my new life.”

According to her, the college choice between in and out of state schools was not an easy one, and doubt about what to do came early.

“I applied to all out-ofstate schools, except for Sam Houston State University, because I wanted to move out of Texas,” Detherage said.

Despite wanting to go out of state, quality of education and price ended up helping Deatherage make her decision. While remaining in-state after getting her degree is not ideal for her, researching about Sam Houston State and touring the school in person has helped her get rid of the initial doubt.

“Most students end up being very happy with their decision, but you just don’t know until you get there,” Thompson said.

For some people, living without family in college for the first time is a daunting task. Despite this challenge, most students end up embracing their new school and focusing on the good things about it.

“I love the welcoming environment and it is also one of the best schools in the nation for its criminal justice program,” Detherage said, “I think made the right decision because I’m close to home without being too close, and I like how small my new school is without being suffocating.”

While Stalins and Deatherage approached their college selections from different angles, they share the feeling of joy that comes with the new beginning.

“I’m excited to go explore my new home and get a taste of my new life. Most people probably are,” Stalins said.

NEWS • 11

-30-

Before computers, reporters used to write -30- to signify the end of their stories. As our Warrior Post seniors end their high school journalism careers, they leave words of wisdom.

The most courage comes with being vulnerable after being hurt. Be open, be brave. Be kind and full of love. The universe will repay you.

- Brooklin Bruno If you change who you are to please others, you’re only getting them to like an idea of who you can be, but really aren’t. Be true to yourself and you will attract people who are actually important.

- Brandon Chrabasz No one looks stupid when they’re having fun.

- Chloe Christenson Something I’ve had to learn is to look inward and see how much I have personally grown, rather than comparing my success to others.

Everyone’s success looks different.

Also, caring about the environment is really important, so stop buying plastic water bottles and using single-use plastic.

- Olivia Dague Don’t let ten seconds of bad ruin your entire day, because it simply isn’t worth it.

- Alyssa Deluna Dave Grohl said, “I never took lessons to learn how to play the drums, and I never took lessons to learn how to play guitar, I just sort of figured it out. I think that if you’re passionate about something and you’re driven and focused, that you can pretty much do anything that you want to do in life.”

- Tristan Flores Hold on to your friends and family. When life tries to knock you down, they are the ones who keep you standing tall.

- Erika Karaganis

12 • opinions

Hannah Montana was right. Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They can be life’s greatest teachers.

- Katie Kohutek “And if you feel that you can’t go on, and your will’s sinkin’ low just believe and you can’t go wrong. In the light you will find the road.” -Led Zeppelin - Saber Lamb

WP

the warrior post

4501 W. Pleasant Ridge Dr. Arlington, TX 76016 Elena Regalado Editor-in-Chief Olivia Dague Copy Editor Shelby Simmel News Editor

Katie Kohutek & Meridith Moore Features Editors Chloe Christenson Sports Editor Alyssa Deluna Entertainment Editor

Try really hard to not talk badly about other people. Even if the other person is in the wrong it makes you look really rude and bad mannered for going behind people’s backs. Nobody trusts someone who talks badly about other people.

-Isabella Lozano

Michael Sandoval Opinions Editor

The world has so much beauty ready to be discovered. Just take a moment and take the environment in. I suggest a nice drive on a sunny day with the windows down and Kacey Musgraves on the radio.”

- Caleb Martin

Tricia Regalado Adviser

It’s cool to work hard and strive to be your best. It’s doesn’t look cool to cheat and slack off. Your hard work will always pay off and honesty is the only thing that’ll make that happen.

- Elena Regalado Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.

- Marleigh Richey If you’ve ever tried and failed, try again and thank God for the journey. What is meant for you won’t pass by you.

- Michael Sandoval

Brooklin Bruno Design Editor Aivrey Zaiger Photo Editor

Marlene Roddy Principal

Staffers: Collin Adams, Aisha Al-Refai, Sara Blasingame, Caroline Brown, Brandon Chrabasz, Hanna Clausen, Caroline Demby, Tristan Flores, Leslie Gomez, Erika Karaganis, Saber Lamb, Isabella Lozano, Caleb Martin, Colton Morrow, Rylee Richardson, Marleigh Richey, Wendi Rivera, Humberto Rodriguez, Leila Schwitter The Warrior Post is the official publication of Martin High School. Opinion columns don’t necessarily represent the opinion of The Warrior Post or of Martin High School.

Most Intriguing Seniors

Every year, to celebrate another graduating class and the final issue, the newspaper staff asks teachers to nominate students to represent the class of 2019’s Most Intriguing Seniors. These ten seniors best embody the word intriguing through their talents, interests, how they live their lives and who they want to become.

Don’t know them? Turn the page and find out what makes them so special. photos by aivrey zaiger • photo editor reporting by warrior post staffers and editors features • 13

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Clara Winguth

Who’s a stranger you’ll always remember?

“When I was around three, I was in Germany with my grandparents. We were on a train and had just pulled into the station. There’s a ledge between where you get out of the train and the actual train, and since I was so small, I fell into the gap. Everyone was saying, ‘Hold up the train, hold up the train!’ and then this guy came and jumped down and pulled me out.”

If you could hang out with anyone, dead or alive, who would you chose?

“Will Smith. We have the same birthday (Sept. 25) and that just automatically makes me like him. And he’s just always doing some crazy stuff and that seems so fun to me.

I would go hiking with him but I’d really like to go skydiving with him.”

Who’s a stranger you’ll always remember?

“I remember this adult I didn’t know when I was seven in third grade. I heard her say that my parents were pushing me to skip grades and that I was biting off more than I could chew. I remember making sure that I wasn’t skipping grades for anyone else except for me. People thought I was following what my parents wanting me to do, rather than me making my own decisions.

My parents didn’t push me, they supported me.”

What makes you intriguing?

“I think the first thing that people think about me is my age (I’m 15.). But when they get to know me, they realize that I do air patrol and karate. I also do theater. I started theater my sophomore year when I first came here, and my junior year I was in The Crucible. Theater is really time-consuming, so I don’t always do shows, but I am in the class and try to help out the most that I can. I am also in the musical.”

What makes you intriguing?

“I’m fluent in German. I have that advantage of being in two different cultures. A lot of our holiday traditions are different from American traditions.”

If you had to get any tattoo, what would you get and where?

“I would get mountains on my ribcage. My family goes camping and we hike a lot and some of the best days that I’ve had are hiking to the top of a good 14,000-foot mountain.

There’s a group of fourteeners, or over 14,000-foot mountains, that we pick one and go hike up every year.”

What song do you think best describes you? “‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin.

It applies to me a lot because I feel like people don’t respect me as their peer because of my age. Or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen. It’s confusing but it all comes together in the end. Some stories are really structured, but it took a lot of time for me to find my path.”

If you could hang out with anyone, dead or alive, who would you chose?

“I would want to eat broccoli with Oprah. She has a huge garden, and I love veggies, but she is also super inspirational in the fact that she is a selfmade woman.”

What’s the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

“I ate dried out worms. They were seasoned. They were fine.”

Fifehanmi Bodunrin

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James Villa What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

“In eighth grade, I started sneaking out and being a teenager. I snuck out and my friends and I were just completely bored. We had a brilliant idea: to prove our brotherhood, we were going to shave our heads bald. After, I came back home and went to sleep. The next morning I walked out of my room and my grandma is there, my grandpa is there and they are all just staring at me astonished. They had all spent the night and woke up saying, ‘What the heck happened to your hair?!’ To me it’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, which is I guess what makes it funny.”

Trevor Evinger What is the weirdest food that you’ve ever eaten?

“Being Vietnamese, my grandmother cooks a lot of weird food. The weirdest was an octopus that I saw alive that my grandmother then killed and cooked in front of me.”

If you had to get any tattoo, what would you get and where?

“I have this scar on my hand from when I slammed it in a door. I think it would be funny if I got tattooed stitches over it because the scar isn’t going anywhere.”

What’s something you’re leaving behind in this next chapter of your life?

“My dog. He sleeps with me every night. I love him so much.

He’s always so excited to see me every day. I’ll miss him.”

Villanueva

nniest thing ned to you? ade, I started being a teennd my friends t completely brilliant idea: brotherhood, to shave our I came back to sleep. The walked out of my grandma is ndpa is there all just staring hed. They had ght and woke hat the heck your hair?!’ To upidest thing hich is I guess nny.”

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

“I’ve always had a big passion for psychology and I also like writing a lot. I like to jot down random things that I think about because my thoughts are very articulate, so I write them down to express them. I’d like to be a psychologist because I would love to know how the human mind works – how people have little quirks about themselves and how everyone is different no matter what. I think it is really cool how there are sicknesses in heads like its so intriguing how some people can see everything bad as good.”

What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you?

“As I was baking a cake, I spilled icing on the floor. As I was moving a cake, I slipped on the icing, fell on my bottom, and the cake went straight on my face. I had to get back up, clean myself off, and bake a new cake to sell.”

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

“I want to own my own bakery where I’ll sell cupcakes, big cakes and cookies.”

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

“My dad is bald with tattoos, and if we go somewhere together and I lose him I’ll accidentally go up to a bald guy and call him Dad and they will turn around and be like, ‘You’re not my kid.’ ” What’s the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

“Straight up raw octopus.

They had it as samples at this Korean store that I go to and I like trying everything. I wouldn’t eat it again.”

What’s your spirit animal?

“There’s this French Bulldog that lives in Japan on Instagram her name is Anzu. She just chills and travels Japan and that’s so nice. She just looks cute. She’s my spirit animal because she just goes around minding her own business looking good.”

If you could hang out with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

“Jeffree Star, because he’s bound to give you free expensive stuff. He would be like, ‘Here’s this free new Gucci bag. Thanks for hanging out with me today. I love you.

Here is this sample of my new makeup line.’ I would totally sell it, I don’t carry purses, so I can get the money.”

What makes you intriguing? What is your favorite thing about yourself?

“I feel that people know me, but I don’t know them. I think that my colored hair and tattoos make me seem intriguing to others. My friends tell me people ask them if they know ‘the girl with colored hair.’ I love all the things I’ve added to my body, especially my ‘Be kind’ tattoo.”

Hannah Polkey Wyatt Randall What makes you intriguing?

“I build scale models of airplanes, cars, tanks and trucks. I love the pride of seeing something that takes weeks to build and having to make sure everything is perfect. I make art and I like that there’s always room for improvement. I like using watercolor because it shows all mistakes so you’re careful and focus on details.”

What do you like about sailing?

“After going sailing not too long ago, I really wanted to get one for myself. Just getting to learn how to sail and getting to go sail for the first time by myself was really exciting.”

How long have you been in Boy Scouts? How did you feel when you got your Eagle Scout?

“Forever pretty much. Now I’m a Eagle Scout. I felt really accomplished and seeing all my hard work pay off – finally adding up to something like that.”

If you could hang out with anyone dead or alive who would you chose?

“My grandfather on my dad’s side. He was an engineer in World War 2. My family says I’m a lot like him.

He’s one of the reasons why I want to pursue the career pathway.”

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Natalie Bertrand What do you see yourself doing in the future?

“A mortician, mainly because when I’ve witnessed deaths in my family they never looked their best and I want to make them look their best, like how you’d want to remember your loved ones.”

If you had to get any tattoo, what would you get?

“I already have some – a Starry Night replica on my forearm, the word ‘queen’ in Mandarin by my ear, and a moon on my abdomen, but I want to add a memorial tattoo for my uncle.”

If you could hang out with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

“My Uncle Jim. I did get to know him before he had a heart attack, but he taught me how to fish and genuinely enjoy it. In the mornings we would fire up the propane tank and grill the best catfish I’d ever had.”

What’s your spirit animal?

“A snake because I get drained pretty easily, but I can handle people in groups. I’ve definitely devastated some people who tried to mess with me.”

What makes you intriguing?

“I have a ‘mystery’ factor and I try to be nice and honest with people. My favorite thing about myself is my tattoos. They’re meaningful memories of good times and moments in my life I always want to carry with me.”

What’s the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

“Candy crickets and I’ve eaten bison.”

What will you leave behind?

“Fear. I don’t want to be fearful of anything.”

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What makes you intriguing?

“I was adopted and then I moved to America from Africa. I’ve been wrestling since I was a freshman. I was on JV and then moved to varsity.

I got third at regionals two times, second in district, and I went to the state tournament two times, but never placed. I didn’t wrestle as a kid until I got to high school.”

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

“Moving to America. It is very different here especially in the schools and the buildings. I’ve gotten to travel to Philadelphia, Nevada, Oklahoma and California while I’ve been here.”

What’s the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

“Sweet foods like Sour Patch Kids. In Africa we didn’t have foods like that.”

Mitchel Kashiwa

Sophia Biggs What do you see yourself doing in the future?

“I want to be an Agriculture teacher because I grew so much as a person through FFA and all of our competitions and conventions. I want to be able to give other people the same opportunities I had.”

John Holland

What’s your spirit animal?

“I’d want to be a lion because lions are courageous.”

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

“Graphic design and visual communications. It’s like problem-solving that’s fun. I’ve taking graphic design courses and animation courses here and hopefully UT Austin for a degree in Media Production.”

What’s the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

“I tried whale blubber while I was at a grill in Japan. All of the food was delicious there, but that whale blubber was not so good. They served little slivers at a time and it all tasted like blood.”

What’s something you’re leaving behind?

“Leaving behind my friends, family, and favorite teachers.

I’m going to miss Mr. Darr a lot. He is everything you need in a teacher and I’ll be sad not to see him next year.”

What’s your spirit animal?

“A koala. They just wanna live and do their thing even though they’re bad at living.

They have so many digestive problems and yet all they do is sit around and eat bamboo all day. They’re silly.”

If you had to get a tattoo, what would you get?

“I would get a wrap around my arm, and I would design it myself.”

Best of both worlds (TC)College bound Bridging cultures requires strength

Leslie Gomez • Reporter

A

s the dozens of children ran around, booming Mexican music filled my ears with joy and I began to reminisce about the culture that brought me up to be the person that I am today which I so strongly represent – the life I used to be so afraid to show off to the people around me.

In the summer of 2016, my parents decided to move me from Fort Worth to Arlington in hopes of giving me a better education. I was the new girl in town and I was so afraid of what people would think of me, especially since I was one of the only Hispanic students at my new school.

Moving was a huge cultural shock. My whole life, I went to predominately Hispanic schools and all of the students there had so much in common and we were all like a huge family. But at my new school, I felt as if I was an outcast, so I did everything I could to fit in with the students around me.

I would look up “trendy” outfits and shoes people would wear, desperately looking for answers to make me less noticeable amongst my peers. I even spent hours frying my curly hair straight just so that I wouldn’t stand out as much.

I didn’t know who I was anymore, but at least I finally reached my goal in fitting in with the people around me.

When I would go back to Fort Worth to visit my family, they

all noticed the drastic changes I went through. I felt as if I needed to start back the cycle of trying to be the person I used to be just to feel like I fit in with my family again.

For two years, I struggled juggling two different lives going back and forth trying to fit in with the people around me. I lived a double life and the more I pretended, the more I felt myself sinking deeper into a hole I thought I’d never get out of. I became a reprint of what the different societies so desperately beg people to be.

But I finally had enough of all of the pretending and I was ready to be the real me.

The summer going into my sophomore year I decided that I was ready to show the world who I really was. I hated having to mask my true identity. I felt like a fraud lying to everyone about who I really was. So I stopped looking up different outfits online, started wearing my natural hair again, and for the first time in years, I was proud to talk about my life before I moved to Arlington.

I even met one of my best friends by sharing things our cultures had in common. I finally met someone who felt and went through all of the things I went through and knowing that made my life so much better.

On the weekends I still go over to my relatives’ homes and I can be who I truly am. They’ve accepted that I’m not the girl that grew up around them anymore, but I’m a new person who learned to love and accept my new life.

Despite the years, I felt lost and confused, and as cliché, as it sounds, I finally got to be the person I was always meant to be and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Choosing community college

aivrey zaiger • photo editor I’m told that junior year is the most critical year for college. Everyone around me is college obsessed, and all they can talk about is their dream school, or how stressed they are for the SAT. Frankly, I do not care about where I go to college because wherever I go, I’ll get a degree and saving money is more important to me than where I go to school.

I have a T-shirt from my dream school, and I wear it loud and proud. Splayed across my chest are the words “Community College.”

Right now instead of taking a bunch of AP classes and stressing about testing, I am in all the dual credit classes I can take so that I can hopefully continue at TCC as a sophomore after high school.

Because I am already taking dual credit, I don’t see why I wouldn’t just continue my courses there and then transfer later. It would save a bunch of money, and I could get my basics out of the way.

I also can’t afford out-ofstate tuition, so I’m going to stay in-state and most instate colleges will take my community college credit. By switching to a university in what would theoretically be my junior year, I would only have to pay for two years.

Then I can have more savings

after college to use on things that I will need when I’m out in the world trying to adult.

I’m not going to say that I don’t care about school, but I am not the person that connects their self-worth with their grades. I know people whose self-worth is tied to their report card. They give their all for their education, and that’s great because it’s what they want, but for me, it’s not as important.

High school is hard. As teenagers we juggle our schoolwork, our social life, jobs, and at the end of the day nobody has time to sleep.

I would rather have a life outside of school than my life revolve around school.

I’m only going to be 17 once, so I would rather spend my teenage years making memories than sitting in my room over a book all day.

Junior year is when the pressure is really on students to get the best grades so that they can get noticed by colleges. Many students let this academic pressure take control of their lives and I don’t think that’s healthy. We shouldn’t have to feel so much pressure to go to a prestigious university if it’s not something that’s important to them.

Although it seems like you’re expected to know where you’re going and what you want to do, it’s okay to not know.

It’s okay to not be obsessed with the future because the universe has a plan and everything will turn out fine in the end, even if you aren’t taking a traditional path.

opinions • 17

Jumping into new waters A Journey Into a New Beginning

Sara Blasingame • Reporter

S

ome of the best experiences come when life falls apart.

When our life doesn’t go as we want it to, it creates an opportunity for something better than we could have ever imagined happening to us.

New opportunities allow us to better ourselves and grow into more well-rounded people.

I have had to branch out and try something new within the past few years. My freshman year I thought I would play volleyball all four years and even possibly play in college.

That year I only hung around my friends and my teammates.

If I didn’t know anyone in one of my classes, I wouldn’t socialize at all. I would go to class, do my work and that was it. I would pop in my

18 • opinions

headphones and listen to my music when we weren’t listening to a lesson or having a lecture.

I didn’t make the volleyball team my sophomore year and so I had two class periods open for electives that I needed to fill.

I decided to take Photography and Journalism my sophomore year. I didn’t know anyone in those classes and so I had to make new friends, which was difficult at first, but I soon befriended some amazing people.

This was far from my original plan. When I came to Future Fish night in eighth grade, my dad drug me to the Journalism session and as we left I told him that I would never take the class or join a production staff.

However, even though it was a rocky start, I discovered my passion for photography and my love for writing. I enjoy writing for the Warrior Post, because I get to have a voice that I’m able to share with people.

I have an opinion and people listen to it. I also get the opportunity to showcase the amazing people that go to Martin who normally wouldn’t

get the recognition.

In both my Photography and Journalism classes, I have made some great friends. As a senior, I’ll be an editor for the Warrior Post as well. I have been able to better my social skills and become a more well-rounded person. I recently earned my Photoshop certification through my photography class.

Best of all, I have also conquered some of my social anxiety through writing for the Warrior Post. I am able to speak my mind in class discussions without the room feeling like the walls are closing in. I own my opinions and let people hear them. I have confidence in who I am when I meet people.

By trying something new, you may find a new passion or hobby for yourself that you may invest in for the rest of your life. Trying something new stimulates creativity, which overflows into all areas of life.

Maybe one afternoon go do a ropes course, or go take a painting class or go to a Martin sports game that you wouldn’t normally go to.

Changing things up from your daily norm will keep you

motivated and inspired. That inspiration and motivation will then ooze over into other areas of your life.

By overcoming fear, you are able to control your life, rather than letting fear restrict your life.

When fear controls your life, you are left stressed, worn out and left with regrets that you will never be able to undo.

Trying something new also allows you to learn more about yourself.

You could learn that you like cooking, working with children or building things.

My advice to underclassmen would be to take some fun classes that are fun and interesting.

Taking classes because friends or companions are members of the class will lead to putting yourself in a bubble that will limit you to a few friends and limit your ability to investigate all that life has to offer.

Don’t feel discouraged when your plan A falls apart.

Breaking out from the status quo will overall make you a better person, and high school is the perfect place to do that.

Food for thought FORK (Food out-reach for kids) launches this spring

Principal Marlene Roddy cuts the ribbon on a fully-stocked refrigerator donated

by Texas Appliance for the newly-established food pantry for Martin students. In addition to a Share Table where students can donate unwanted food, kids in need can go to tinyurl.com/MHSFORK. photo by isabella lozano

meaningful to fast-paced and jivey, these songs are guaranteed to make you take your foot.

Listen to it Caroline Brown • Reporter

Xanny- Billie Eilish

As the end of the school year is dawning on us, we’re turning up our music more and more.

So here are a few new and old tunes that will be sure to make these last few weeks bearable. From slow and

Read it

This single is off of Eilish’s new album, “When we fall asleep, where do we go?” As this song starts off, it has a slow and melancholic sound to it. However, like most of Eilish’s songs, it becomes accompanied by a beat that dictates the song.

Dead to Me- Kali Uchis

Throughout high school, you’re bound to lose a friend or boyfriend at least once. Instead of getting down about it, just listen to this song by Kali Uchis. This catchy tune

holds lyrics about cutting someone off and being perfectly fine about it.

Lemonade- Gucci Mane

With the approach of summer, it’s a must to make a new playlist that you can bop to for the next couple of months. This song by Gucci Mane might’ve been made in 2009, but it is easy to dance to and definitely deserves a spot on that playlist.

Lost- Frank Ocean

If you’re looking for a chill song to listen to at any time of the day, then look no further.

Frank Ocean’s, “Lost,” depends mainly on his subtle, yet demanding voice and features a beat that gives me major summer feelings.

Aisha Al-Refai • Reporter

With the school year coming to a close and boredom quickly approaching, here’s something to get you through the quieter moments of summer. Get your summer reading started now with this great read.

After by Anna Todd Freshly starting college, Tessa Young begins her journey out into the world.

She’s got it all – determination, supportive parents, and a boyfriend, but she just had to start falling for the guy who could easily bring that all down. Hardin Scott is, in one word, complicated while Tessa

is thoughtful, so of course, she has no idea what to do with herself when someone like Hardin comes into her life.

Tessa’s boyfriend, Noah, was the flattest character in that whole book, so honestly, go her for finally having some excitement in her life.

The epic romance is euphoric at times, but at other points, it’s just repetitive and a little tacky.

Overall, I will be exploring more of Anna Todd’s work and I’d give this book a 6/10.

next entry in this long-running fighting series developed

by NetherRealm Studios came out Apr. 23 and features a massive roster of both familiar and fresh faces to choose from in addition to the return of the franchise’s iconic and brutal finishers.

2. Days Gone- This came out Apr. 26 and is a new IP from

Bend Studio about a biker named Deacon St. John trying to find his way in a sort of zombie apocalypse.

The twist is that it has been confirmed that over 500 zombies, or ‘freakers’ as they are called in this game, are able to be on screen and attack you at once which is a scale never before seen in any game.

Play it Saber Lamb • Reporter

As the temperature outside begins to heat up and school starts to wind down this month, many of us will be looking for some great games to help us pass the time. Here are a few of the new titles.

1.Mortal Kombat 11- The

20 • entertainment

3. Rage 2- This game came out May 14 and is the sequel to the underrated cult classic from 2011 from ID Software and Avalanche Studios.

It’s a post-apocalyptic first-person shooter with a sense of humor, bright colors, crazy characters and tons of abilities and weapons.

Wear it

Alyssa Deluna • Entertainment Editor the past, but now emSummer is upon us and so broidered crop tops are these trends. As tempera- are taking the fashion tures get higher and days get world by storm by givlonger, these items will not ing a simple crop top a brand new look. fail to Just finished swimmake you look incredibly hot ming at a pool party this summer season.

Translucent shoes have been and heading to a nice dinner? popping up a lot this season Button-up mini dresses are a from chunky heels to plat- must this summer.

They’re so easy to throw on form sandals. Translucent and even easier to take off when shoes will make your newly-pedi- you’re ready for a splash in the cured toes look extra cute this pool.

Fringe is back and better than season.

Embroidery was a thing of ever, so go ahead and take out

Eat it

Hanna Clausen • Reporter Ever get tired of the same old mix of Tex-Mex and greasy fast food? Well, there are many delicious places hidden around the metroplex where you can find a variety of authentic cuisine.

Thai Texas is my personal favorite place to eat … like ever.

I have been eating there since fith grade and you could say I am a regular. It is the cutest little hole-in-the-wall, sit-down restaurant with huts over the booths and a beautiful faux

Drink it Rylee Richardson • Reporter

river with miniature versions of traditional fishing boats from Thailand. With every meal you order you can choose a level of spiciness from one to five. I always get the number two. It has the perfect amount of flavorful kick while still not setting your mouth on fire. Thai Texas has a great menu with tasty choices and you have the option of take-out delivery, or dine in.

New York’s Eats is a popular Mediterranean restaurant with a location in downtown Arlington and one in Dallas. It first started out as a food cart on Halal Street in New York, it started to grow and has been As the end of the schoolday comes and the pile of the homework begins to seem overwhelming, coffee shops seem to be the answer whether it’s for energy or motivation.

I present Ampersand: a coffee shop and bar that provides two different moods when stepping inside. The environment of the outside allows more natural lighting for those who are getting coffee and studying, but those who venture inside enter a more moody side of the store better for chatting

your mini skirt with fringe from 2007, because it’s time to Twist and Shout again.

Your feet will be dressed in sandals and flip-flops this season.

Summer is ankle season, so what better way to dress up your ankles then with an anklet?

Anklets are super cheap and

they have so many different varieties to choose from, the options are endless.

From Square to Hearts to rectangle to oval, different shaped sunglasses are making a big statement this summer where no one can take their eyes off you.

in the DFW area since 2014.

You don’t have to travel all the way to the Big Apple to get authentic food. When eating here, you will get a little taste of New

York in every bit you take. They are most famous for their “magical sauce,” which is a tangy, creamy, white sauce paired with most of the meals they serve.

Coffee: 8, I had a vanilla iced coffee and it was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Chatting Environment: 8, When you venture inside the building, it turns into a bar which is open to underage people during the day. It’s a very nice environment for catching up with people.

Distance: 5, The store is located in Fort Worth, which can be a hassle at times to drive out that far for coffee.

Cost: 8, Everything is mostly under $5, which is pretty good.

Study Environment: 8 It has a lot of windows and natural light which makes studying susceptible.

Music: 5, The music was just played from the radio and wasn’t super impressive.

People: 7, The service is always super nice and helpful.

entertainment • 21

Average Collin’s

two Cents

M

oney. Whether you think it’s the most important thing in life, or the root of all evil, it doesn’t really matter. You’re going to need it and you need to understand it.

Unfortunately, I feel the public education system has failed at teaching us even the basics.

I surveyed 50 students and 74 percent of them did not know what a 401k was, 30 percent did not know the difference in a debit and credit card, 84 percent had no knowledge on credit or how bank loans work, and only 6 percent understood what the terms assets and liabilities mean.

I hope some of the very basic information I provide can be found helpful. This is not me advising you to do anything; I couldn’t care less what you do with your money. But as someone who cares a lot about their money, these are common fundamentals I use and have learned.

For a start, a man who plans on becoming rich is going to do different things from a man who just wants financial freedom. But people who are successful at both seem to adhere

22 • features

Collin Adams • Reporter to the same concepts or “rules,” which I plan on showing you a few I have learned and used in my lifetime.

In 2016 I invested all of my money ($3,000) and now I own two houses in Fort Worth.

I have started my real-estate portfolio and plan on getting my LLC when I turn 18 this summer to continue the growth of my real-estate company.

How Banks Work Banks are very different and deciding where you want to keep your money is crucial. But don’t overthink it – it’s not as hard as people make it sound.

This isn’t the 19th century, so don’t keep your money buried in your backyard.

Banks essentially will hold your money for free, then lend it out to investors or businesses. The reason they will hold your money for free is to use that money to lend, charge interest, and make a profit off the interest. That is why you will see fines or penalties for actions such as your account being too low or inactive.

A lot of people pick banks

by how much the interest rate is. What I mean by that is how much your bank pays you for keeping your money there in a savings account. (For most people this will be around 1 percent to 5 percent).

Don’t worry about it. Almost always the interest rates you are offered will never match the inflation rate. If you keep $2,000 in an account and they charge you $100 in fees (5 percent) but return you $20 (one percent) in interest, you lost 4 percent of your money. That’s not including the annual inflation rate which makes your money worth about 2 percent less on average.

That’s why all I would worry about looking at would be the fines and penalties along with what a minimum balance needs to be, etc. If you plan on making money by keeping it in the bank, you’re losing. How to Invest $50-$5,000 by Nancy Dunnan is a great book for small fundamentals for people who are unsure.

Credit VS Debit Credit cards and debit cards are not as confusing as people

like to make them sound. Think of a debit card as like a Visa gift card – you put a certain amount of money on it. Then, when there’s no money left, it gets declined. This is what I always recommend as young people seem to be the biggest spenders, and debit cards will not allow us to go into debt.

With credit cards you are also able to charge a set amount on, but when you overspend on a credit card it will go negative.

When it goes negative, you have to pay interest on the amount that you overspent if it’s not paid in time by your due date.

The reason credit cards allow you to go negative is because a lot of business will use them for business expenses and then you can pay it all off at the end of the month. Be honest with yourself and look at your situation. If you’re a big spender and love to spend your money (which is almost everyone), get a debit card.

If you are in a unique situation where a credit card will help you more and you can afford it, go for it. But also remember it’s not a rare story to hear of 20-year-olds who have over $100,000 in credit card debt. So be honest with yourself before getting a credit card.

Student Loans This is where I’m going to offend or upset a lot of people.

If you are going to college, I strongly recommend going to a junior college for your first two years. You will take the exact same classes and save tens of thousands of dollars.

And if you have no clue what you want to major in or are unsure if you will follow through with it, DO NOT pull out a student loan or go to a big name university. Go get your basics done and have two more years to figure it out. You have two years in school to work and save money for a university.

Most junior colleges offer online classes and would allow you a lot of time to save up money. Along with this, apply to as many scholarships as you can. There are scholarships for almost everything and most are never used.

I heard Dave Ramsey challenge a high school kid to apply for 1,000 scholarships in two years before he went to a big name school. If you know what you want to do and will be able to afford the student loans with your job after, go for it. (And look into any scholarships for that field).

If you’re going to a big name university, are not really sure what you want to do, or don’t have a full plan on how to pay it back quickly, be careful. I know some people in their 40s still paying off student loans. (Dave Ramsey has some awesome YouTube videos on the subject)

How To Pay Debt Google Dave Ramsey Snowball Strategy for an easy and widely accepted very effective way to pay debt.

Stocks, Cryptocurrencies and other Investments Stocks are very tricky to understand and teach. I personally do not and have never invested in stocks, but have invested in cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Etc). All I’m about to say should apply to both. The key to stocks is doing your homework. You are tossing your money and risking it, so it’s your responsibility to understand and study where it’s going. I know people who have made a lot of money in stocks, and I also know people that have lost as much as $40,000 in one day in stocks.

Research is what is a big factor in those outcomes. Stocks are buying ownership(s) to a public company. The reasons companies do this is because it is a quick way to raise a lot of capital with public money.

Sometimes it’s dumb luck, or very unfortunate what happens and you can’t predict the future.

Do your homework.

I would almost compare stocks to gambling. Some people can make a living off it. But you don’t hear about the millions that fail.

If this area does interest you though, look into companies like Bridgewater Associates to learn and help your understanding. I strongly recommend Ray Dalio’s book Principles.

Asset VS Liabilty (When to get loans)

There are two things in this world: assets and liabilities.

Whatever you were told about both does not matter. Simply put: assets make you money, li-

abilities cost you money.

What I mean by that is, for example, with a car – you buy it, drive it off the lot, and it’s already worth thousands less.

It’s going down in value. Other examples are jewelry, vacations, smart devices, clothes, etc…

(Stop spending so much money on stuff like clothes and shoes!)

Never borrow money or pull a mortgage for a liability. A lot of people think that their house is an asset. If you are paying a mortgage on it, it isn’t. You are losing money from that and paying more than the house is worth.

Assets are stuff like your job, real-estate, investments, etc.

Robert Kiyosaki has a very simple rule: Buy assets. When your assets can afford to pay for your toys (liabilities), buy them in cash. (Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki goes into more detail about this.

Insurance Warren Buffett said it best.

Insurance is just transferring risk. You are taking something and then passing the risk into someone else’s hands for a sum of money. To keep it simple, if you can afford whatever risk it is, don’t get insurance.

People forget insurance is a business and a very good one.

They play the numbers to make money off you, so dont spend money on insurance unless it is in your best interest.

While i’m here, let me just say, insurance should never be an investment. If someone tells you it’s an investment or you’re gonna make money with a certain policy, run away!

I Don’t Care At the end of the day, your money is your responsibility – neither your friends, parents, nor luck has to do with how you turn out one day.

Money is something you will have to deal with the rest of your life, like it or not. It’s your job to understand and learn about it. You are in full control of your situation and how it looks the rest of your lifetime.

There are several amazing books to help you understand.

Just walk into a book store and start looking, or go online listen to the Dave Ramsey show or “The Rich Dad Poor Dad” podcast. Watch Shark Tank and start seeing how investments work. Look at Ray Dalio’s video on how the economy works and why it crashes and goes up.

YouTube is a great resource for questions you have.

There is no excuse for you to not be able to learn and understand. How much you learn and put into this will determine how much financial freedom you have. If you want to be an average house, have a tiny three-inch core/foundation. If you want to be a skyscraper, you need to first dig yourself a very deep foundation.

As Bill Gates said, “If you’re born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake.”

Fun Fact: The Hundred Dollar bill is the most circulated bill in the world.

features • 23

Saying goodbye

Seniors reflect on where high school has brought them

Brooklin Bruno •Designer & Alyssa Deluna • Entertainment editor

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aying hello to new adventures and experiences is always the easy part when you’re filled with excitement, nerves, ambition. And what once was a brand new chapter in our book of life, is coming to an end: high school.

As two high school seniors, we’ve decided to take some time and properly reminisce what high school has done for us.

We’ve gained skills, dealt with stress and built relationships with friends and teachers that will impact us for the rest of our lives.

But now, it’s time to turn the page to a chapter outside of our school’s brick walls, feet first into the real world.

Whether that be going to college or jumping into a new career, graduation means leaving behind everything we’ve known for the last four years.

Maybe we get lost on the way to finding who we are and what we’re supposed to be, but high school will always be the foundation of our new lives, and we’re thankful for that. We encourage the opportunity to take advantage of what school has to offer.

It was not like the movies.

There was no whimsical

24 • opinions

romance, no perfect dance and definitely no life-changing makeover that will make you instantly popular. But we definitely had fun cheering on the football team from the overcrowded bleachers, screaming at the shirtless boys on stage at Mr. MHS, and supporting our (very talented) friends as they take on Martin Idol.

And these are traditions that made our school experience memorable.

I’ll always remember drenching myself in silver glitter for all the football games and having it stuck on my face for days after.

I’ll always remember the countless nights I stayed up working on projects and studying for tests. I’ll always remember the lunches spent with friends when we had nothing better to do than laugh about the little stuff.

Things that seem insignificant at the time, but when you’re leaving, looking back in them, they suddenly become unforgettable adolescent memories.

Four years ago, we walked into high school with baby faces and middle school states of mind.

We never thought about how important high school would be to us, and how much our classes would shape who we are.

We especially didn’t think about the good-byes that we would have to make. For us, we discovered that the publications, newspaper and yearbook, have molded us into the people we are today.

We have met some of the most extraordinary people and befriended them, and we have been mentored by some of the most amazing women. Being in these publications, we’ve had the great honor of traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the Newseum, Austin for the ILPC journalism conference, and New York City to attend the CSPA convention at Columbia University.

We have learned so much and experienced so many different things that we probably never would have experienced without the publications. Our teachers have heavily influenced us to be our true selves and showcase our talents.

So, now we say goodbye to our routine. Goodbye to shuffling through the halls at 7:30 a.m. (sharp) every morning.

Life might feel slightly less warm than walking into classrooms of familiar, mostly smiling, faces.

Goodbye to the friends and teachers that we’ve been growing and laughing with for years.

Goodbye to the space that we’ve spent 720 days boiling down to about 3,600 (and them some) hours growing up in, and hello to the world.

Calling the shots Student coach Rajesh Murti leaves a legacy as he goes off to college Chloe Christenson • Sports Editor

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ouchdowns are not only made on the field and games are not won by only the players in the starting lineup. They are also won from the sidelines, where plays are being called before every snap of the ball. Coaches contribute just as much to the games as the players do, and in this case, the assistant coach.

Some students dream of suiting up for game day, but many obstacles stand in their way of doing so. Senior Rajesh Murti doesn’t let anything stop him from putting points up on the scoreboard.

“I realized I could make a greater contribution to the team in this position,” Murti said. “I’m the director of football operations for Martin High School.”

With jobs ranging from being an offensive assistant and signaling in plays to managing equipment and the filming of practice, Murti does not go unappreciated.

“I allowed him to be my righthand guy and be an extension of the coaching staff,” offensive coordinator Coach Chad Rives said. “He got to sit in on meet-

ings, ask me questions, etc, kind of just mirror what we as a staff were doing on a daily basis.”

His help did not end with the coaches. The countless hours of effort Murti put in made the team run that much smoother.

“Every game day when we came back from walkthroughs to our lockers there would be our pants, jerseys, socks, under shirts, and travel bags thanks to Raj,” junior Ryan Wallace said. “One time Coach Cagle was sick and couldn’t make it to practice so Raj filled in as the receiver coach for the day and took charge very well which helped the receivers have a normal productive practice despite the absence of our coach.”

Every practice led up to the big moment – the one where he got to put his knowledge of the game to work.

“The first time I got to signal in a play was my junior year against Paschal. A lot of preparation goes into calling a play, watching film all week to find tendencies and weaknesses in the defense,” Murti said.

“When I got to put on the headset, Coach Rives would read the defense, tell me what

play we’re running through the headset. Then I’d signal in the play to the offense.”

Murti got what he came for – a chance to be as much part of team as everybody else.

“I wanted to coach when I first got into Martin,” Murti said. “After talking to Coach Rives a couple of times and showing him some plays I had drawn up, I got my schedule changed into football second semester of my freshman year.”

For many, high school football is the end of their athletic career. Those last moments experiencing Friday night lights are a total beat down, especially as a senior. Murti is not allowing his passion for football to die out in the final quarter.

“I will be attending the University of Houston,” Murti said. “I’ll be doing student coaching with the football team while pursuing a finance degree.”

With his love for the sport evident, Murti got in touch with recruiters and the director of football operations. He expressed interest in joining their program,, which ultimately landed him in Houston.

“I see Raj coaching somewhere

in the future because he is very passionate about the game and is a great student of the game as well,” Wallace said. “He understands the strategy of football well so one day I could see him being a offensive coordinator.”

What Murti did was something the Martin Football program has never seen before – he hovered over the line between being a coach, and ultimately a teammate.

“I hope that kids will realize you can do whatever you want in life as long as you put your heart and soul into your work,” Murti said. “I think I’ve left a lasting impact on Martin football, because I did something no one else had ever done before, and I hope someday someone will follow in my footsteps.”

As he leaves Martin, his coaches and mentors are forced to say goodbye to their personal extension of the coaching staff.

“I am grateful for his time and help, and our working relationship over the last four years,” Rives said. “I know whatever he does, he will be very, very successful. That’s just the person he is.”

sports • 25

Freshman Tyler Isgrig commits to TCU soccer

Goal power shelby Simmel • news editor

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s she kicks the ball into the goal, college scouts and lifelong teammates cheer her on.

Her pain, sweat, and tears have all contributed to this decision: Texas Christian University. Freshman Tyler Isgrig has verbally committed to TCU for Women’s Soccer.

“I’m a forward for Solar Soccer Club,” Isgrig said. “The club I play for helped TCU recruit me at an early age and watch me as a player. I have been playing since I was five, but I started playing for club when I was seven.”

Since Isgrig is part of a top tier selection of young soccer players, she isn’t permitted to play for high school despite being enrolled as a student at Martin.

“Since I play for club, there’s the higher level which is called Developmental Academy,” Isgrig said. “DA doesn’t let us play for our high schools in case of injuries. And because we

26 • sports

Freshman Tyler Isgrig plays on Solar Soccer Club, has played for Olympic Developmental Academy, and recently committed to playing soccer for TCU in the fall of 2022. practice three to four times on weekdays, it wouldn’t work out anyways. It would be fun to get to get to play for the school and have that experience.”

Despite offers from other Division 1 schools, such as Duke, Tyler has remained confident in her decision to stay closer to home as a Horned Frog.

“TCU was the best option because the location was really close to home,” Isgrig said. “I have already visited the school and the coaches seem to really like me. I have talked to them and kept in touch for a really long time since they have been watching me for awhile.”

According to the NCAA, only about 7.1 percent of high school athletes go on to play in college. Only about two percent of those student athletes are granted scholarships.

“It gives my wife and I some relief knowing that Tyler will not have to worry about any financial responsibility in the

future,” Tyler's father, Matthew Isgrig said. “TCU is a great school and has an awesome soccer program.

Her final list of schools consisted of TCU, Duke, Florida State, Pepperdine and UCLA.” Tyler, along with many other college athletes, has plans besides sports after school.

“I will probably major in Sports Journalism,” Isgrig said.

“Some people start to quit or they lose passion after awhile But maybe, after college, I’ll play for the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League).”

As well as gaining experience,

Tyler had also built bonds with teammates in her club team.

“Just being on a team shows people have your back, and just having your teammates there for you, it builds bonds,” Isgrig said. “I have friendships I made when I was seven and it just teaches you life lessons in general.”

Photos by Macy Clift