March 2012 Warrior Post

The

Warrior Post

Issue No. 4

30 March 2012

down What went

BURNING

How did the fire start?

Each student in the class has a binder, and on Feb. 23, students put the box of binders near the stove. The burner accidentally got hit and it was turned on.

Eventually, the binders caught Photo by Emma Cuppett on fire and the smoke and fire rose to the vents.

down the

HOUSE

Stove fire at school totals up to about $35,000 in damages

How much will the damages cost?

About $35,000 will be used to replace everything and clean up the room.

What will be replaced?

The oven and microwave have to be replaced. Smoke can penetrate plastic very easily, so all the food had to be thrown away, because it was ruined by the smoke.

Is there going to be a change in fire policy?

No, there were already precautions in place for the room specifically, but since there was a substitute, things were not handled the same way. The police and firefighters commended the students’ ability to responsibly and safely leave the school.

S

tudents evacuated the school. For all they knew, it was just another drill. Smoke exited out of Room 240 and filled the hallways.

This was real.

Feb. 23, Room 240 caught fire thanks in part to materials left on a warm stove burner.

“I smelled burning plastic in the hallway,” Leadership teacher Carolyn Powers said. “Greg McQuitty, an Assistant Principal, and security guards opened up the door and black smoke started pouring out.”

Near the fire, a major vent was able to distribute the smoke across the campus.

“We smelled smoke in the cafeteria,” freshman Alyssa Jessb said. “The officers were yelling at everybody to leave. Everyone was pretty calm about the situation.”

With smoke now in sight, the rest of the school was alerted. Both Security Sergeant Geoff Coffey and Assistant Principal Scott Johnston pulled fire alarms in the school.

“I was working in the yearbook room when we smelled smoke, but we just thought that it was some of the food we had,” junior Taylor Julian said. “You can’t hear the fire alarms back there, so we didn’t think much of it until it got smokier. Then, we got really quiet, finally heard it and left.”

Now, it was time to deal with the fire itself.

Fortunately, no student or teacher was inside the classroom when the room went ablaze. McQuitty, Johnston, technology teacher Craig Coyle and other officers did their best to put it out. They tried using

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fire extinguishers to no avail. However, they were able to contain it until the local fire department arrived. While all this was happening, students were escorted out of the building.

“I was in my class with a student,” English teacher Wendy Sexton said. “We heard the bell and I thought it was a student pulling the alarm before going off to lunch. I could tell it was serious when I smelled the smoke. I was waiting outside for 30 to 40 minutes and we couldn’t go back into the building.”

Students and faculty, mostly confused, stood outside the building under the sun in an unseasonably warm day. Fire trucks and police cars alike pulled into the parking lot as students tried to make some fun out of the situation.

“People were tailgating in the West lot,” junior Melody Asgari said. “Everyone was dancing and blaring music.”

As people waited, juniors and seniors pulled into campus from lunch, few of them knowing what was happening.

“I came back from going off campus and I thought kids were protesting, so I wanted to protest myself,” senior Megan English said. “But then the firefighter told me it was actually a fire.”

Without much hassle, everyone continued to wait and did as they were asked until school was officially dismissed and the situation was taken care of.

“I was really impressed by how the students handled themselves,” English teacher Molly Haney said. “Luckily, it was good weather, and we were able to get our things and got home by 2:30.”

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Some students were concerned for the safety of their backpacks and purses, which were abandoned in hallways and classrooms during the evacuation.

“I was sitting in the choir room when the alarm went off,” junior Michael Bailey said. “I left everything in the room and couldn’t get it back.”

Backpacks and purses in the hallways were delivered to the front office while anything left inside classrooms remained there. All students were able to get their belongings the next day.

Principal Marlene Roddy took time to praise the students and teachers for their maturity and cooperation in the entire situation the next morning.

“I thought the announcement was a great way to acknowledge the event, share some facts, thank everyone involved in all levels of staff and students, as well as express feedback from the fire department regarding how Martin staff and students handled an expected occurrence,” substitute teacher Karen Ellen Anderson said.

Although it came as a surprise, the fire in Room 240 was a showcase to how well students and faculty handle crises. However, changes for this class will likely be made.

“We probably won’t be able to cook as much or use the microwaves,” senior Erin Shoemaker said. “The class will be different because the teacher probably won’t be as lenient. We won’t be able to use the cooking supplies for personal reasons anymore, and people won’t be as childish. They will be more serious when we’re cooking.”

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news

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rocks hard 2

4 3 • For more pictures of the reception, visit martin30th.minus.com Photos by Daniel Regalado

Three decades of Martin faculty, PTSA reconnect at reception Calvin Lemley • News Editor

Photography

Choir

Band

“Memories evermore shall guide, through laughter and through tears.”

These two lines of Martin’s alma mater rang out from the chamber choir while former members of the Martin faculty and PTSA reconnected with friends and colleagues from their past and reminisced of their days in service to the school.

For the faculty’s celebration of the 30th year of Martin, Martin’s first PTSA president, Velma Bogart, organized the Mar. 5 reception as a way for former and current faculty and community members to reconnect.

Four former principals showed up, as well as numerous assistant principals, charter staff and retired teachers. The event, which took place in the library, featured a photography studio set up by photo teacher Daniel Regalado, brass and woodwind ensembles playing in the front hallway, a string ensemble in the library, food, drink, and the chamber choir doing a performance of the school’s alma mater.

“This is awesome!” assistant principal from 1986-1993 James Adams said. “It’s almost like my high school reunion.”

While every few years the school has gone through construction for some addition to the original building, former faculty members comment that the school is remarkably the same.

“There has been a big turnover in staff,” cross-country head coach from 1992-2001

Joe Batzel said. “I remember coaching [current cross country coach] Tim Mays.”

“The kids are pretty much the same,” charter teacher Beverly Beazley said. “The school is full of great dedicated teachers and students alike.”

Among the former school staff to make a showing were principals Rick Berry (1982-85), Doug Shouse (1985-88), Bob Windham (1994-1997), Steve Jacoby (1988-1993, 1997-2000) and Laura Jones (AP 1989-2001, principal 2001-08), German teacher Helen Ogden, and first Martin PTA president Velma Bogart.

Over the years, the school has not only undergone a revolution in the way it looks, but in a few of its sports departments, especially football. Jones was the principal to hire head football coach Bob Wager.

“Before Wager was hired, we used to joke that the Warrior hand sign stood for zero wins and three losses,” Ogden said. “Now we’re so proud of the team!”

It became increasingly hard to speak to attendees, as they stuck together in groups, catching up, reminiscing, and laughing about past days in the hallways and offices of the school. Principals representing three different decades of education in Arlington, nearly every single one of which had worked with each of the others at some point in their careers.

“I would have had to have been in another country to miss this,” Jones said.

1. Charter teacher Cathy Hollis leafs through a past PTA scrapbook. The reception featured scrapbooks chronicling each year of the school.

2. Martin’s present administrative faculty.

From left to right: Kelly Hastings, Juan Villarreal, Tunya Redvine, Tommy Scott, Marlene Roddy, Greg McQuitty, Luann Kennedy and Scott Johnston.

3. Wayne Anderson and Willie Evans, retired and current faculty members, respectively, reunite. Photography teacher Dan Regalado set up a studio to shoot portraits of attendees.

4. Past and present principals of the school gather for a portrait. From left to right: Doug Shouse, Rick Berry, Laura Jones, Marlene Roddy, Steve Jacoby and Bob Windham.

Battle Royale

Dancers

Sirens blare and hearts pound. Cop cars arrive and students scatter in every direction.

Fights have never been uncommon in high school. They have always been a way students try resolve issues.

Lately, though, they’ve seemingly become more of a source of entertainment to students on the weekend rather than just a quick and painful way to work things out.

“I go to fights because I want to see the resolution,” Steve*, a senior, said. “Everyone sees all of the trash talk before, but I want to see how it ends.”

Recently, fights have been instigated through social networking sites such as Twitter.

“People start talking bad about each other on Twitter, someone mentions a fight, and suddenly one is scheduled to happen,” senior Matthew* said. “People start posting the time, place and who’s going to fight so everyone knows.”

Generally, large audiences come out to witness the violence.

But even if you can’t attend, you’re bound to hear about it, or even see it, the next day.

“I’ve only been to three fights this year, but I’ve probably seen close to ten videos of them,” David*, a junior, said. “People take videos at the fights and send them to their friends or show them at school.”

People gather at a park, or occasionally somewhere a bit more private and anxiously await the arrival of both opponents.

When both have arrived and begin

to fight, the crowd immediately starts screaming and chanting for whomever they want to win.

“The crowd fuels me and I love having everyone there, especially close friends,” Chuck*, a junior, said.

“Once the fight starts, though, the crowd is the last thing on your mind. In the middle of the fight you don’t think much. It’s all basically reaction. You just do it without thinking. When you take time to think, you don’t let your reactions take place.”

Even after being thrown to the ground and hit all over, the fights don’t end quickly.

S o m e h o w, they manage to keep going.

“Getting hit isn’t a big deal,” Chuck said.

“Your adrenaline is pumping so hard you don’t feel anything for awhile.

You have to accept that if you want to win you have to get hit.”

Although the fight begins with animosity between the two opponents, it fades after the fight is over, no matter the winner.

“You learn to respect someone more after a fight,” Chuck said. “It takes a lot of guts

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of students

to get out in front of all your peers not knowing what’s going to happen.”

For many students, the biggest scare isn’t getting hit, though.

It’s the fear of police showing up to break up the fight and hand out tickets.

“Cops are definitely the biggest scare to me,” Chuck said. “You win some and you lose some, but when it comes down to it, I’d rather lose and not get caught than win and get caught.”

Being caught participating in a fight, or even just being present at one, can be a pretty serious offense.

“Since students who are fighting are usually minors, it’s up to the court to decide their punishment,” Officer Norman Nillpraphan of the Arlington Police South Patrol said. “It generally ranges from a $100 to a $400 fine.

But the officer who is there can decide whether he wants to take them straight to jail. Not only can it lead to a hefty fine for you and your parents, though, it also teaches you to have less self-control, and that’s something that people need to learn early on.”

If you are looking towards this direction for entertainment, be advised that fines or even jail time are the forms of punishment for having any involvment in fights, whether as a spectator or as a participant.

Katy Burley • Staffer

The Martin Sundancing squad once again had success this year in competition.

Sundancer Danceline competed at Weatherford High School Saturday, Feb. 25. Three officers and ten team members did solos including the captain, senior Christy Tran and two officers, senior Alyssa Bullock and junior Ashton Rush.

The whole team won the State Grand Champion, Ring of Champions, sweepstakes award for a 90 or higher on all dances, Danceline Gold Award for a 95 or higher on all dances, judges award for their team military and best in category for their team novelty as well as second place overall team novelty. Most everyone knows what the dance team is all about and that is their famous high kicks, which the girls won, at Danceline.

Baker, senior Tami Cook, and Tran were three of the finalists. Tran was also in the top five.

The Sundancers participated in their last competition of the year March 3 at Showtime Competition at DeSoto High School.

The whole team won Grand Champion, Sweepstakes, Judges awards and best in military and kick routines for their many talents.

The officers won Sweepstakes and best in category in Officer Lyrical. Kick master finalists were Baker and Cook.

The following solos won division one rating: Clark and Cronkrite; sophomore Sadie Scott-Martinson and Baker, Dotson, and Liles; and seniors Kendall Broussard, Bullock, Cook and Tran.

‘ R o u n d the clock Electronic check in systems to start at schools

Karsen Cinquepalmi • Staffer When you go into a public school in Arlington, instead of signing into a binder and getting a sticker, you must present your license and go through a new process.

This new system in the district is the Raptor Program which does an instant background check on a person before they are allowed to enter and visit the campus of any school.

“This is a good way to manage visitors on our campus,” Leadership Adviser Carolyn Powers said. “It protects the kids and assures that there are no wandering strangers.”

Arlington is not the first district to receive this new system. Ft. Worth, Mansfield, and H.E.B school districts have been using it for several years.

“The world we live in is becoming more of a security zone,” Powers said. “It has taught my Leadership kids about safety and the society we now live in. I really wouldn’t be surprised if this next generation of kids will be data chipped and scanned everywhere they go.”

Students involved with Ready, Set, Teach! as well as Varsity Leadership are affected by the new program.

“If you have an unpaid ticket, the system might deny you,” junior Katelyn Smith said. “I recently received a speeding ticket and had no idea what the system would mark me as at the school I mentor at for Varsity Leadership. Luckily, I wasn’t denied.”

Though the whole district is participating in this new program, it has been more beneficial to smaller schools with smaller populations.

“This is going to work better in other schools because they keep all but one door locked,” Powers said. “Martin is such a big school with so many activities going on that an intruder could walk through any door at any time.”

Once approved, the system prints out a sticker with the visitor’s name and drivers license picture.

“If we have our Martin ID’s, then they don’t have to print us a sticker,” Smith said. “The whole process takes away from our mentoring time, but I understand that it is for the safety of the school.”

For anyone 18 or older, the system will show the person’s whole record.

“It might be embarrassing for some parents,” junior Emily Dragoo said. “They might have something bad on their record from when they were younger. How are parents with little mess-ups supposed to get involved with the school if they are being denied?”

No matter the size of the school or the type of security breeches that may have occurred in the past, all schools in AISD are participating and hoping to create safer schools.

“It’s a great idea but it should also have some leeway,” Dragoo said. “It’s new so hopefully the kinks will be worked out.”

news

Susie Gibson • Staffer

3

win it big

Students resort to fighting for a source of entertainment

Hey Julia,

You have been a pretty sweet girlfriend, and I was wondering if you would go to prom with me?

-Love Nolan

4

news

struck

Everything you wanted to know about STAAR … except for the test answers Connor Gillaspia • Editor-in-Chief & Sara Syed • Opinions Editor

Out with the old, in with the new. There have been no shortage of rumors about the STAAR test’s introduction into this year and what it will entail, but what do we really know?

What is the STAAR?

The STAAR stands for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. This new test takes the place of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS, starting this spring.

Abby • Staffer The STAARBishop test is supposed to provide a clearer measurement of students’ skills compared to the TAKS test. It tests what you know and what you can do in a deeper and more thorough manner. For example, you have one essay to write for a TAKS test. For STAAR, you write three essays.

Why switch? What was wrong with TAKS?

The STAAR was created to increase the academic standards for students throughout Texas. This new test will address subjects taught in school in a more in-depth way. The STAAR test is expected to better prepare students for higher education and future careers. It is also predicted to improve grades for students in the courses the STAAR test covers.

What will the STAAR cover?

The high school STAAR will test over subjects such as Algebra, Geometry, English 1 through English 3, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Geography, World History and U.S. History.

Students can look forward to harder questions than what they are used to. The STAAR will emphasize skills with math, science, and social studies while also placing a large importance on critical thinking and reading. It will also feature a larger number of open ended questions in the math and science sections than the TAKS test did.

How will the STAAR test differ from the TAKS test?

The STAAR test will have a four-hour testing limit instead of an unlimited testing time. Also, the test will have more test items per subject than the TAKS test.

The student’s performances on the

STAAR will be measured by levels. Level 3: advanced academic performance, Level 2: satisfactory academic performance and Level 1: unsatisfactory academic performance.

One of the biggest differences in the STAAR and TAKS test is that the STAAR test will be a course-based assessment instead of a grade-based assessment, like the TAKS was. This means that if a student was a sophomore in Algebra II, he or she would take the STAAR test for this course rather than the same test that all sophomores take. The STAAR test will be better able to measure a student’s skill and possible achievement level.

Who has to take the test this year?

Freshmen. This year, all sophomores, juniors and seniors lucked out. Still, tenth and eleventh graders are responsible for TAKS. The freshman of this year, as well as the next incoming class, will take the STAAR next year, and all freshman, sophomores and juniors will have the test the

year after that. Basically, if you are not a freshman this year, you don’t have to worry about it.

How much will the STAAR be worth on a student’s final grade?

This year? Not at all, but freshmen, don’t get too excited. For the first year of the STAAR test’s existence, no grade will be counted on any ninth grader’s final average within Texas. However, students will still have to take the exam. This is only for the 2011-2012 school year. In the future, the plan is to make it worth 15 percent of students’ averages through all of Texas. Students are still expected to do well enough on the test to reach graduation requirements whether it affects their grades or not.

When are the next STAAR test dates?

Tuesday, April 24 through Thursday, April 27.

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features

6 Cast and crew for musical discuss their different roles Jennifer Forsberg • Staffer

The lights go out, the music starts, you see the curtain move from people running around getting ready for the show, then finally, an actor walks on stage to begin the show. It’s no question that actor has been to countless rehearsals and spent hours going over lines, but have you ever wondered what everyone else involved must do to prepare for the show?

Catherine Beck senior Violinist

What is your rehearsal schedule?

“We have to rehearse everyday for about a week with strings alone, then we rehearse with the theater people a few days before the actual performance.”

What is your worst nightmare?

“That I will play a solo, or a part that stands out, out of tune or wrong. Sometimes our parts get very hard to count so knowing when to come in can be challenging.”

What is your favorite part about playing?

“My favorite part is the actual performance.

I love playing the music with the cast and watching them perform. I pretty much enjoy everything about the musical.”

What do you do as Costume Crew Head?

“We really try to get to know our actors since we’re the members who they work with most. We have to measure them for the costumes, then we figure out whether we have what we need or if we have to order one. We also design the actor’s makeup and hair style. We have trial periods where we try out different hairstyles and makeup on each other so we can test everything.”

What is your rehearsal schedule like?

“We have to go to all the rehearsals during the week and on Saturday. Also, since I’m a crew head, I spend time mending the costumes or researching different costumes.”

How did you become crew head?

“I had to work really hard to prove to the directors that I really wanted it.”

What is your worst nightmare?

“The costumes falling apart on stage. That

Maddie Metzger senior Actress

What is your role in the musical?

“I play Rona Lisa Peretti, the announcer for the spelling bee. She won the third annual spelling bee, so she’s just obsessed with spelling.”

What is your rehearsal schedule?

“Rehearsals started right after spring break, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 and Saturdays from 9 to 5. They will be like that until tech week, or Hell Week, the week before opening night when we

Cailyn Culp junior Costume Crew Head

would be just awful.”

What is you favorite part?

“I like all the traditions that we have. On show nights all the costumers wear red lipstick. I also love the responsibility that goes with it. I really like how my position requires me to teach other crew members how to do things with the costumes. It’s also cool to see how everybody fits into the crew system.” put all the technical things together like costumes, lights, and sound. That’s also when we run the show without stopping.”

What did you have to do to audition?

“You have to attend a parent meeting, get a costume together and know the show well. I’d say that most of the kids show up with a majority of the songs memorized from working their butts off during winter break.

The actual audition process starts out with everyone on the first day reading a scene and singing a cut from one of the songs. Basically, if they can hear you and you look like you have potential, you get a callback. From there, they start to put you where they might want you in the company. They have second callbacks and that’s where they really put the cast together.”

What is yours worst nightmare?

“I have this recurring nightmare whenever I’m about to open a show that I’m standing backstage about to make my entrance and I realize that I don’t know any of my lines.”

What is your favorite part?

“Being able to transport the audience to another place for two hours. Musicals are so interesting in the fact that they show an exaggerated version of life that you never see but want to experience. I’m sure almost everyone has wished that they had a life soundtrack or could randomly burst into song. In a musical, you can.”

• photos by Chandler Harrell

Pressure is on for One-Act Emma Bruce • Staffer Senior Alex Grant is writing furiously.

With rehearsals as hectic as the one that had just passed, the directors had many notes for the ensemble, and Grant was there to write every single one down.

“It’s important for me to pay close attention to the notes the directors give,” Grant said. “Everybody needs to pay attention to their errors and be sure to correct them.”

Grant is the stage manager for this year’s One Act play, “August: Osage County.”

One Act is a UIL competition for theater departments across the state. Martin’s theater department has advanced to regional competition in Lubbock in April.

“A lot of what I do is just delegating,” Grant said. “I can’t do everything for everyone.”

As stage manager, Grant is not only responsible for taking notes, but for keeping the entire performance running.

“The most work I do is before the show even starts, and after the actors leave the stage,” Grant said. “I have to make sure all the props are in place before the show.

The chairs, the liquor bottles, the dishes.

Everything. It all has to be perfect. Then afterwords I have to take it all down.”

Grant and the other four members of the crew have seven minutes to set up and seven minutes to take down the entire set.

If anything at all is left onstage, or even backstage, they could be disqualified from the contest. For this reason, Grant has to make sure everything the crew is responsible for is running smoothly. This includes prop placement, sound and lighting. On the night of this particular rehearsal, the lighting was acting up.

“The lights have been surging for the past week,” theater teacher Larry Cure said. “Something is wrong with the module. Right now we have two crew members working on it. But it needs to be fixed soon. We can’t keep rehearsing with the auditorium randomly blacking out.”

With the uncooperative lights already holding up the rehearsal’s progress, the last thing that was needed was an injured actor.

But as sophomore Jake Oderberg was taken off to the hospital with a torn muscle, Grant had to keep everyone on task.

“It’s all about keeping everybody moving,” Grant said.

This isn’t the first injury to be suffered by an actor or a crew member during rehearsal, however. The play has a few fight scenes, people getting slapped across the face, and even broken glass.

“In one of the last scenes of the play some one throws a plate,” Grant said. “The glass shatters everywhere, so of course people are prone to being cut. The crew has to clean up the glass after every rehearsal and we’ve got plenty of scratches.”

As far as during the play, Grant spends the whole time hidden backstage.

“I’m definitely not one to yell at people, but if somebody is being loud backstage I have no problem with shutting them up,” Grant said. “We have had a few ‘disciplinary’ issues, but I’ve taken care of it.”

In addition to being the stage manager for this production, Grant will be managing the spring musical.

“This is my first experience with being a stage manager, but I have really enjoyed getting to see the play through a directors eyes.”

Teach more, reach more Erin Hibbs • Staffer

Between the crazy songs and ridiculous games, YoungLife is filling the social divisions at Martin by teaching the Word of God to the Warrior students in an environment that leaders strive to make completely judgment-free. It is built on relationships and having an insane amount of fun.

The first YoungLife Club was established in 1941, right here, deep in the heart of Texas. But the mission of the leaders’ hearts stays the same: to introduce teens to Jesus Christ and to help them grow in their faith.

“I got involved in YoungLife to reach out to high schoolers outside of the church setting,” YoungLife leader Jared Benson said.

YoungLife specializes in high school and college and WyldLife in junior high. There are now YoungLife organizations in more than 70 countries. There are more than 30 camps in the nation that hold hundreds of kids for ski and summer getaways. These trips are guaranteed to be the best week of your life, or your money back.

“YoungLife camp is the most amazing thing I have experienced,” Benson said.

Every Monday night at 7:47 a hodge podge of Martin students gather at another student’s house to let go of the Monday blues and hang out with seven young adults, who YoungLife attendees would say are Arlington’s finest – the Martin YoungLife leaders.

YoungLife Club consists of breaking down walls while playing games and singing with each other.

“I’ve been able to make friends outside of my grade and I feel much more comfort-

able with other Martin students,” freshman Victoria Malone said.

Although YoungLife includes acting like a fool, the heart and reason for it is to bring kids who don’t regularly attend church to Christ. At the end of every club meeting, a leader gives a five-minute talk about a story from the Bible and how it relates to students’ lives. Although these talks are brief, they do plant a seed in each heart there.

“YoungLife changed my perspective on Christianity,” sophomore Catey Benson said. “Now I see it as a relationship, rather than a religion.”

To further their relationships, they also have a weekly Bible study on Thursday nights where students get to learn how to thoroughly dive into the Bible. Hundreds of thousands of students across the nation have been able to meet and develop an intimate relationship with their Savior. At Martin many have been affected by God’s love that is been revealed through their leaders.

“YoungLife keeps me accountable to live how God wants me to,” junior Marshall Strawn said.

The leader’s servant hearts make YoungLife possible. They plan hours upon hours for Monday night’s Club meetings, Thursday night’s Campaigners, and other YoungLife events. But they still spend time with the students they have grown so close to at Martin.

“When I was in high school my YoungLife leader pursued me and showed me the love of Christ, and I want to do the same for high school girls,” YoungLife leader Annalise Corwin said.

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YoungLife uses games and devotion to reach out students

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New beginnings

Student’s house burns down and is forced to start from scratch

features

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B

Victoria Powers • Features Editor

lack waves of smoke fill the sky.

Fire engines roar and rush towards the burning house. As freshman Lizzie Wickman approaches her street, she spots her house. Engulfed in flames.

Starting from the back of the house, then trailing to the front, the house is destroyed.

“We went out to eat the day of the fire,” Wickman said. “I left my phone and other things at home because I thought we’d be back, so I didn’t worry about all my stuff.”

Coming home from Steak n’ Shake, the family started receiving calls from neighbors that their house had caught fire. Not knowing the seriousness of the situation, they rushed home.

“At first, we thought the fire was small and that it wasn’t that bad,” Wickman said. “Once we got closer we could see all the black smoke.”

When she got to the house everything was on fire. Smoke and flames had destroyed everything inside and the windows were busted from the heat of the fire.

The main concern was their dog Lola, who was still inside the burning house.

“My heart sank,” Wickman said. “The first thing I thought about was my dog and my sister was crying.”

Lola was trapped in the house. She wasn’t able to escape because the fire blocked her doggie door.

Later during the cleanup, the firemen found the remains of the golden retriever, and told the Wickmans they would take

care of everything for them.

The fire was mainly in the back of the house, where Wickman and her sister’s bedroom was located.

Her sister, whose room was the worst, had lost everything. Only a few things were saved from the house. Family photos and some clothes from her parents room were all that was salvaged.

“Not having anything was the worst part of it all,” Wickman said. “You know how some people have a teddy bear or something to keep them safe at night? Well, we lost everything. We had nothing to keep us safe.”

All of Wickmans’ family live out of state and they had to stay in an extended stay hotel 30 minutes away from the school.

Some students heard about Wickmans’ situation and decided to help out. Students in band collected money, food and clothes for her family, while her English class raised $308.

“We also got money from Red Cross so we could buy things,” Wickman said.

“Even though we were thankful for everything, it was hard to get in the mood for shopping.”

After a week of staying in the extended stay hotel, the Wickmans moved into another house.

“Now we live in a house that we’re renting out for the rest of the school year,” Wickman said. “Our grandmother came from North Carolina to help us settle in.”

Wickman’s old house has been purchased

Relaxing after maxing

by a neighbor and is under contract to be rebuilt. The fire started in the back of the house, but they still don’t know what caused it to start in the beginning.

The fire happened Nov. 12, and even though it has been five months, the fallout from the tragedy can still be hard to handle.

“My sister is having the hardest time,” Wickman said. “She’s gotten sort of scared to stay over at peoples’ houses.”

Now, things have settled down and are getting better.

“We try to joke around about it and stuff because humor is the best cure,” Wickman said. “Sometimes when I joke around about it with people they sort of feel bad, but I know that humor heals.”

The front of freshman Lizzie Wickmans’ house is still damaged a few months after the accident. Photo by Oscar Araujo

Students establish traditions to relax after school

W

Natalie Buongiorno • Staffer

ith all of the stresses of school, work, and extra-curricular activities, it’s difficult to find time to relax. These students find time during their busy lives to spend time with friends and establish traditions to get their minds off of stress.

Parkour Monday

“On Mondays, my friends and I go to Cliff Nelson park and do parkour,” senior Kyle Baggett said. “Someone always has to get hurt. One day, someone went head first into the ground after jumping over a pole. Then we go to Walgreens and buy a lot of soda and sometimes chocolate and cookies. It’s great because I’m with my friends and we talk and enjoy the day.”

Boba Tea Tuesday

“My friends and I get together and drink boba tea at the Lotus Cafe,” sophomore Gabriel Kenworthy said. “We either get mango or milk tea flavor. Milk tea is a very common flavor in Taiwan, and there are restaurants there that specialize in milk tea. It’s been a tradition in my family for a while, so it’s always been around me.

Getting boba tea with my friends is really relaxing. It allows you to set aside homework and any stressful things. It’s just really soothing. I really enjoy it because the Lotus Cafe has a nice atmosphere to hang out with friends.”

Wing Wednesday

“Every Wednesday me and my friends go to get wings,” junior Jordan Justice said.

“We go to Wingstreet inside of Pizza Hut. We’re children when it comes to spicy. We get the boneless mild wings. We love it a lot because it’s cheap and the wings are great.”

Mini-Churro Thursday

“One Thursday my friends and I decided to go to Jack in the Box,” junior Danielle Loya said. “We bought some mini churros and we found them delicious so we decided to start going every week. We wait until everybody is together, then we start walking. We joke around the whole way and talk about our stories of the day. When we get there, the manager always asks us how many mini churros we want this time. We love it because we’re all together and we’re like a family. Also the mini churros are so good.”

Cook-out Friday

“On Fridays we all go to Veterans park and hang out and cook food,” sophomore Iain Norris said. “My friends and I needed somewhere we could hang out, and Veterans was a central area. We make smores, beans, hot dogs and random food. Have you ever been to a family reunion and everyone is happy to see each other? That’s what the cook-out feels like.”

Is your trunk bumping?

System shaking your trunk?

Swagon Enterprises Call 817-937-4011 For all your sound proofing needs

Poetry club members share experiences and opinions of The Coffee House Ariel Hernandez & Tyler Vanskiver • Staffers

Alliteration and phonics, along with acceptance and the occasional shocking word are the characteristics of Martin’s Poetry Club.

The sanctuary in room 296, has a plethora of poem reading and expression.

To its club members, it offers a sense of escape and relaxation when they read their emotional literature.

“It helps us brainstorm and it’s a way of figuring out life,” Poetry Club vice president junior Amber Johnson said.

“Everything about it is so helpful and wonderful, I can’t put one favorite thing about the club before another.”

Students sporadically write their poems whenever the mood strikes them.

They’re free to say anything they please, without Senior Rachel Stucker stands and reads her feeling judgement from poem during Poetry Club. The club meets the other club members. Wednesdays during lunch. Photo by Chan“I write rather meta- dler Harrell physical poems; they all change with my mood,” Johnson said.

Other than reading and writing poems, “Right now they’re dark, but they’ll the Unleashed Poetry Club also runs the soon change to a more limerick nature.” Coffee House on Fridays during lunch.

Hand motions and movements of “The Coffee House is a fundraiser for the the eyebrows are used when they pres- Poetry Club,” Poetry Club sponsor Stacy ent. They speak with poise and volume Campbell said. “We use half of the money when they’re called up to read their art. we earn for a charitable cause and the oth“Normally people will tell me that I’m er half on a field trip for our members.” talented after reading my poems,” presiThe Coffee House isn’t just a place where dent senior Nick Messer said. “Sometimes you go get coffee and finish your homeI’ll just get a blank stare out of some of the work due next class. The Coffee House people when I read my dark ones. Other is a place where you can get some coftimes people laugh when I read my upbeat fee and listen to these talented students ones. I usually just get what I’m going for.” read their poems or perform live music.

Writers enter the club with their own “I’ve never been here before, it’s a reideas and no restricted format to write ally cool atmosphere and I really like in. They work with the skills they already it,” sophomore Miles Gomez said. have, and later evolve into better writOn Wednesdays, the Poetry Club has ers with each others’ help and advice. their meetings and read their poetry. On “You can learn skills by hearing other Fridays, the Coffee House members and people’s poetry, and that way you can get guests can read their poetry and enjoy deliinspired,” sophomore Chris Taylor said. cious coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts.

Sushi buffet for every occasion!

Senior uses her black belt to teach others alongside her father

Paige Patterson • News Editor Nervously standing on the mat, ready to take her test after five long years of hard work, then-12-year-old Jennifer Schultz prepared to get her black belt.

“I started training at Cliff Nelson, and pretty soon my dad and I started training at the American Black Belt Academy,” Schultz, a senior, said. “I trained for four days a week for five years and did tournaments whenever I could.”

At 12, Schultz was a young black belt.

The day of the test was nerve racking as well as exciting. All of her hard work came down to this one day.

“Black belt tests are a huge deal,” Schultz said. “They’re very intense and you’re so exhausted by the end. I was so nervous before hand, but by the time it was over I was so tired I could hardly stand anymore. But it was really rewarding and I felt very accomplished.”

Usually a quiet girl, Schultz isn’t the person that you would expect to have a black belt. At first look, she doesn’t seem like a girl who could actually beat you up or harm others.

“People never believe me when I tell them,” Schultz said. “They either ask if I could beat them up, or if I have ever had to use it, and thankfully I haven’t. It’s not something I try to bring up a lot though.”

The American Black Belt Academy is now owned by the Schultz family. Jennifer teaches other kids taekwondo and helps her dad run the academy. She said she feels its made her life more rewarding.

“It’s a lot of hard work owning a business, but it has its rewards,” Schultz said.

“When you see a kid get a new belt or see that they love that they’re doing taekwondo, it’s great. I love that I get to teach the younger ones, because it’s a lot of fun getting to know them.”

Being able to defend yourself in any dangerous situation can be very relieving and can make anyone feel more safe.

Schultz is one of the many people who has worked hard enough to be able to defend herself.

Although she hasn’t used her skills on anyone, she likes the feeling of knowing she could.

“I like having the secure feeling that I can defend myself if necessary,” Schultz said. “You also learn a lot about how to prevent those dangerous situations.”

9

features

Java and jive TaeKwon teacher

Photo by Chandler Harrell

• Schultz spends about four hours a week teaching • She used • Taekwondo for her P.E. credit • • High School and • junior high students can get P.E. credit from • American Black Belt Academy • Her dad owns the academy • Located on • Michigan Avenue near Arkansas and Bowen • (817) 460- KICK • Follow on Twitter @AmerABBAcademy

1827 Southwest Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 76017 Right by Kroger and Blockbuster Photo by Chandler Harrell

• Visit • usablackbelt.net/

news

10

Check your list and check it twice.

Taryn Jacobson • Staffer Samone Franklin • Staffer

Maddy Smith • Staffer Faith Lewis • Staffer

Princesses:

Prince Charmings:

☐ One prom ticket ☐ One Bahama Bash ticket ☐ The dress of your dreams. Every Cinderella needs her gown. ☐ Shoes to match - Make sure they’re comfortable but cute since you’ll be on your feet all night. ☐ Perfume - Just a squirt here and there.

Maybe bring a little extra. ☐ Deodorant - It’s gonna get hot on that dance floor. ☐ One Red Bull - You’re gonna need lots of energy for a day like this. ☐ A clutch - For all the little things you’ll need like: emergency cash, your cell phone, gum and anything you might need for makeup touch-ups. ☐ A creative costume for Bahama Bash.

Let’s keep it original. ☐ If you’re getting your hair and nails professionally done, be sure to make your appointments at least a week in advance.

If you call the day of prom, the salons will most likely be booked.

☐ One prom ticket ☐ One Bahama Bash ticket ☐ A tux - maybe even get a crazy color to match your dates dress. Color coordination is key for prom pictures. ☐ Snazzy shoes - Some guys wear dress shoes. Others even get colored sneakers that match their bow tie or tie. ☐ A tie or bow tie - totally optional.

Most guys are wearing bow ties these days, but ties are always a classic look. ☐ Cologne - Not Axe. Cologne. If you don’t have your own, borrow your dad’s. ☐ Deodorant - You’re going to be dancing in a hot, crowded room. It’s a must.

(Pun intended.) ☐ Your wallet - Just in case. You never know what last-minute things you might need before or after prom. ☐ Your change of clothes for Bahama Bash - You don’t want to be stuck in that tux all night. ☐ Leave the rest up to the girls, they’re better at it anyway.

A list of needs for everyone’s proms desire, be sure to keep these things in mind.

WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH ME?

[and dance and dance and dance....]

Taylor Gillum • Features Editor & Laurel Gregory • Staff Artist “I went to Papa John’s and had them write ‘Prom’ on a pizza with pepperoni and

delivered it myself to my girlfriend. It only cost $11.99. I had to go to more than one place to find a place that would do it for me. My girlfriend, Savannah Alford, was pretty surprised because I told her I was at school making up a test.”

• senior Sufian Shaikh “I asked my date, Gracy Harmon, to prom on the Jumbotron at the Dallas Stars game, because the Stars are her favorite sports team. I came up with that idea in the Miller Elementary cafeteria from her friend Megan English. I spent $50 to get the message on the Jumbotron which played during one of the intermissions of the game. My date was extremely delighted and let out a gasp of excitement saying, ‘Yes!’ and there you go, I had a prom date.”

• senior Syed Ahmed

Palms shaking, a senior boy takes a deep breath and prepares to utter the single word that will either leave him relieved or frantically searching: “Prom?” Much time and effort is put into creating ways to ask a date to prom, and the ways seem to be increasingly more elaborate as the years go on. Here are a few of the most creative ways seniors are asking their dates to prom this year.

“I wanted to do a scavenger hunt for my girlfriend, Katie Donaldson, because it would be like collecting clues and building up anticipation. I wanted to give her P, R, O on each rose but not the M so that when she came to get it, I would be there with flowers, balloons and little sign with the word ‘Me?’ to say that she seemed to be missing an important letter and a person to officially go with. I made the clues and the sign beforehand and bought the flowers and balloons the day I asked her.”

• senior Fraz Haseen

“The way I asked my girlfriend, Mackenzie Harrington, to prom came me as an epiphany. The idea came to me all at once. I got three of my friends in tech theater to dress up. Two were pirates, one was a dragon. We went to Mrs. Clanton’s room and they grabbed her. I ‘slayed’ them and pulled out

the dragon’s fake heart with ‘Prom?’ on it.

It didn’t cost any money but I figured it was creative enough to not have to be expensive. It took a couple days to coordinate.”

• senior Kevin Bain

“I wanted the way I asked my boyfriend, Connor Loupe, to be different. It was unique to us because I asked him on our one-year anniversary, March 28. I made a big banner that says Happy One Year and hide in his closet. I jumped out wearing a shirt that says ‘Prom?’. It took a week to get together and cost about $40. I asked him because he’s a junior.”

• senior Whitney Stapp

“I asked my date, Libby Croager, at the All-Region Younglife game. They had loud speakers for the game so I asked her over the loud speakers. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Her friends helped me come up with the idea. It was funny because she thought she was in trouble at first, but then she got excited.”

• senior Kameran Miller

o N D w K

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features

Bahama

BR E

A

All year you see cookie sales and hear of fundraisers for Bahama Bash, but the immense amount of behind-the-scenes work that parents put into our after-prom party can be overlooked. What actually goes into Bahama Bash every year?

Jacie Lewis • Designer

12,000 cookies are sold in the Upper Gym Lobby each year.

It takes 11 months to plan and assemble everything needed for one night.

The Bahama Bash Board has 29 serving with several committees under those positions.

There are four boxes of Bahama Bucks that almost equal to one million bucks.

The Friday before prom, over 250 volunteers gather to set up Bash.

All the decorations are stored in a semitrailer and two storage pods.

In the past three years, more than $80,000 has been raised and spent on Bahama Bash 7800 Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits are sold in the morning every year.

At Bash there are 100 cases of water and 90 to 100 pizzas provided.

PERFECTpairs

Unique Bahama Bash costume ideas are spotlighted Kendra Brown • Sports Editor

Bahama Bash is the after prom party that most seniors look forward to all year. It’s the time that you get to dress up, win prizes and just have fun. Whether you go with a date or go with a group, here are some ideas.

Peanuts

The timeless newspaper comics, show and movies have one of the most memorable pairs. Although they despise each other and Lucy tries to sabotage everything that Charlie Brown does, they are a perfect pair. This is not too hard of a costume to put together. Lucy wears a blue dress and Charlie brown wears a yellow shirt with black zig-zags and black shorts.

Shampoo and Conditioner

We all hopefully use this elusive pair almost everyday to keep our hair smelling fresh and staying clean. It’s a funny and clever costume for a couple. One is shiny and one is dull, the costume shouldn’t be too difficult to come up with. Maybe add some top hats for the caps of the bottles. Be creative.

Alice and Mad Hatter

Peanut Butter and Jelly

We all love the sandwich, so why not dress up like it?

One wear brown and one wear purple. It’s a simple, yet clever, idea for a quick and easy costume.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

With the four different volumes of the story, they all connect in which the TMNT join together as brothers and fight crime.

This is an easy, yet fun costume for a group of friends or maybe even a double date. There are four ninja turtles: Leonardoblue, Raphael- red, Michaelangelo- orange, Donatello- purple.

Many shirts have the shells front and back and are often found at the mall.

In the most recent version of Alice in Wonderland, director Tim Burton puts a seemingly dark twist on the story. In the movie, Alice falls down a rabbit hole at the age of seven and finds a friend in the Mad Hatter but returns home to fall down it again at 19. She doesn’t remember him, but he helps her escape the wrath of the Red Queen. It’s always enjoyable when you get to dress in all different colors and crazy makeup. Make this a fun night for you and your date.

Apple and Orange

We have all heard the infamous quote from our parents, “Boys and girls are apples and oranges.”

Use your date to establish the perfect pair.

Mr.MHS 2012

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news

Men of Martin show their stuff March 1 Photos by Emma Cuppett

2.

Senior Austin Durham poses for the swim suit portion of the competition.

Junior Mason Hicks sings in the Beauty and the Beast skit, dressed as Belle.

Senior Brandon Turner, the winner of Mr. MHS, dances in the senior skit.

The

Warrior Post

Lauren Florence Online Editor-in-Chief Ashley Cunningham Lauren Peel Copy Editors Calvin Lemley Paige Patterson News Editors Sara Syed Rowan Sharp Opinions Editors Lauren Aguirre Entertainment Editor Taylor Gillum Victoria Powers Features Editors Kendra Brown Sports Editor Laurel Gregory Staff Artist Emma Cuppett Photo Editor Jacie Lewis Designer Jordan Pasayan Video Editor Tricia Regalado Adviser Marlene Roddy Principal Staffers:

Aide Alvarado, Oscar Araujo, Abigail Bishop, Emma Bruce, Natalie Buongiorno, Katelyn Burley, Meghan Cabra, Brenda Chavez-Mayo, Karsen Cinquepalmi, Morganne Clay, Kim Clower, Maddy Cope, Brittany Daniels, Danielle Daulton, Cristiani Fernandez, Katy Fitzgerald, Tyler Forde, Jennifer Forsberg, Samone Franklin, Susie Gibson, Jamie Gisburne, Larissa Gonzales, Chandler Harrell, Lathan Henderson, Ariel Hernandez, Erin Hibbs, Lily Hill, Rachel Hodnett, Trevor Ingram, Nupohn Inthanousay, Taryn Jacobson, Ashleigh Jones, Elizabeth Kirkham, Nida Laheji, Kaylyn Lefan, Faith Lewis, Amber Lim, Sara Mancha, Madeline Maxwell, Kristen McNaughton, Sarah Meo, Jordan Pasayan, Madison Smith, Rachel Storm, Madison Terry, Tyler Vanskiver, Emily Zerr

The Warrior Post is the official monthly publication of Martin High School. As a public forum, we will publish letters to the editor as space allows. Letters must be signed, but names may be withheld. Opinion columns don’t represent the opinion of The Warrior Post or of Martin High School. The Warrior Post will not accept advertisments for produsts or services not legally available to students. The Warrior Post is a member of ILPC and Quill and Scroll and a recipient of both the Silver and Bronze Star Awards.

Notice the

change

Students need to open their eyes to the world Do you understand the issues of the world? There are still 27 million men, women and children still trapped in slavery. There are still three billion people in the world who don’t have access to safe drinking water. There are still people dying as they protest for their rights from their tyrannical government.

Or were you too busy keeping up with the Kardashians?

Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, MTV, gossip magazines and Jersey Shore, all consume the minds of the average American teenager today. The materialistic aspect of a teenager’s life is slowly becoming the most valued aspect. Our minds are flooded with social media and materialistic goals.

Just because we don’t keep up with world issues doesn’t mean there aren’t world issues. If we were to contribute a portion of the time we commit to unimportant things, we could see a change in our world.

As cliche as it sounds, we are the future and as we watch problems arise in the world around us we have to be the solution. The first step to solving a problem is making the problem known. It is in our human nature to want to help one another, but we can only help if we know what the issue is.

We are a self-proclaimed generation of

social media; we have the power to spread our ideas today in a way that was unheard of 10 years ago.

News has caught up to the internet.

It is this generation that hasn’t caught up with the news. With a simple click of a button all the joys and problems of the world can be found. People are trying to get the knowledge out there, but they can’t force feed it down your throat.

Kony 2012 is a video that has gone viral internationally.

After the video was released, Twitter, Facebook and almost every other kind of social network was filled with people spreading awareness for a world issue that needs attention.

Once people began to know about the Kony 2012 campaign, they were determined to help. This is a perfect example of the power we have.

Educate yourself. We have a misconception that because we are young we are powerless, but that is false.

If we can make time to tune into our favorite reality shows and post every moment of our day on Twitter, we can make the time to learn about what is happening in the world.

It’s so important to realize there is a bigger world outside of Arlington.

Martin’s challenge We cannot forget what Rachel left behind

13

opinions

James Martin High School 4501 W. Pleasant Ridge Dr. Arlington, TX 76016 Connor Gillaspia Editor-in-chief

Staffeditorial

Here are a few programs and organizations that you can get involved in...

• Kony 2012 - Martin’s Invisible Children • Salvation Army - Contact your local branch • Mission Arlington

• 72 Days of Freedom - Helping end slavery • The Water Project - Bring drinking water to people across the world

Cheering saved my life

A Cheerleader speaks out about what happens behind the scenes on the squad

Maddy Cope • Staffer To the school we are known as the “drama queens.” Often we are told, “cheerleading is not a sport,” but cheerleading is what has kept me out of every trouble possible.

You might say it saved my life.

High school is full of many bad situations, and it’s hard to decide how to handle them. That’s why most parents say being involved in an extracurricular activity at school can keep you out of trouble, and that’s exactly what cheerleading has done for me.

I know what it may look like to the school: girls prancing around in little uniforms, with a perfect bow in their hair, smiling and yelling chants at the crowd.

But cheerleading isn’t all what it looks like.

Cheerleading has pushed me to find potential in my heart to be absolutely

everything I can be. It taught me to find strength in myself and to push even harder every time I manage to fall, which happens during every practice. I have learned that in cheerleading perfection exsists, or that’s what we have to make it look like. Even when your whole body aches and you are in the most uncomfortable position in your life, you still have to fake the smile to the crowd. It’s all about precise timing and learning to move your body with perfection.

Not only has it made me a better cheerleader, but cheerleading has taught me life lessons and taught me to be a better person.

When you put 20 girls in one room do you expect us to be best friends? I wish I could say yes to that question.

Cheerleading has taught me teamwork and how even though you don’t get along with everyone, coming to a civil conclusion it makes everything work better.

I have learned the difference between what kind of people to trust and the usual mean girls. It’s taught me to be a real person and it has kept me out of all possible trouble.

I can truly say I don’t know where I would be in life if I didn’t chose to cheer.

Getting involved in an extracurricular activity can make a positive impact on your life.

Trevor Ingram • Staffer Rachel’s Challenge came to Martin last year and changed how students here look at life. We all showed more compassion, more kindness and a lot more appreciation for our lives.

Sadly, this was only temporary and one by one, we slowly forgot what it meant to think like Rachel. When the morals of one person decay, they soon spread it to people around them, and a chain reaction of bad emotions ensues.

It’s easy to see that being mean is wrong and being nice is right, but actually doing this can be difficult. It might seem like it’s not a big deal that people don’t think about Rachel’s Challenge anymore, but we all remember what it felt like after Rachel’s Challenge when we saw our friends and family with a new perspective. When we realize how temporary everything in life is, and the fact that nothing will last forever, we appreciate what we have more.

Everything around us will eventually disappear and something else will replace it. We can’t treat the people in our lives as if they are here for us and last forever.

What Rachel discovered was very true, and applies to all of us no matter what culture or religion we are from. Nothing matters if we can’t be happy with what we have, and being kind is more important than making ourselves happy.

The key to being kind to someone is to put yourself in their position. When we treat people like we want to be treated, we watch what we say more. Be kind and expect nothing in return, because not everyone knows how to be aware of their actions. Some of us have a negative view of the world, and it takes someone else to show us kindness.

When negativity builds up and people are mean to each other constantly is when crisis strikes. When someone feels helpless and trapped, they lose control and hurt someone. A lot of suicides and murders could have been stopped, because the people who do this are lost and need someone’s help, but don’t know how to ask.

If we all work together to spread kindness, we will see a difference.

Rachel found this out by herself and wrote about it in a school essay. “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same,” she wrote.

Don’t look at everyone as a stranger, and don’t treat people like they are not as good as you. Be kind and respectful more often and make more random acts of kindness.

Do for others instead of yourself sometimes. You’ll see a difference in yourself and everyone around you.

opinions

14

Actions should be quieter than words

Teenage attraction to fights is childish

Lauren Florence • Online editor

Risking the possibility of jail time, tickets or a broken nose, students play a stupidly dangerous game by getting into fights, whether on or off campus. Beating up that kid who called you out via Twitter is not worth getting the police involved and paying a fine for fighting in public. Nor is it worth the chance of receiving stitches or black eye and having to show your blood-

ied and bruised face in school the next day.

Our generation, as a blueprint for those to come, has been cultivated on violence through over-abundance of it in the media. Brutality to others doesn’t shock us as much as it shook young people in the past and some teenagers even view and use violence as a source of entertainment.

The number of YouTube videos uploaded that are concentrated on high school fights is appalling.

The fact that teenagers would record the violence on their iPhones rather than help to discourage the fight is one of the most troubling problems my generation has developed.

Access to social networking websites, like Twitter and Facebook, via cell phone allow students to instantly share every irrational, inconclusive and/or private thought that comes to mind. As a generation, we have a false sense of uniqueness and an incor-

rect presumption that people find every 140-character thing we say interesting or entertaining.

The appeal for posting online a video, or pictures, of a fight that you attended is purely for popularity and personal gain, but in exchange, you sacrifice the reputations of the students who conducted the fight.

Students who have never been in a fight before may see the attention the videos or pictures gain and be drawn to rash actions purely for the sake of being recognized.

It’s barbaric that students deal with their problems by resorting to violence, but it’s also just as primitive for students to spend time obsessing over every little detail of a fight or to watch the video over and over.

By putting so much emphasis on fighting, students are fueling the egos of the participants as well as the possibilities for an increase of fights in the future.

The subway Subs should be held up to a high standard Rowan Sharp • Opinions editor & Rachel Storm • Staffer You walk into class, crossing your fingers that the teacher will not be here today. It’s your lucky day, or so you think. You can never quite predict how the substitute will act or how this behavior will affect the entire class.

Maybe the substitute will be so strict it makes your teacher seem easy, or you will be so behind in your class that it will take multiple classes to catch up.

Every student hopes for at least one day of having a sub so they can have a break, but sometimes that break can lead to days of trying to catch up to the lesson.

If the sub is uneducated in the subject of the class they are substituting for or they don’t care what they are doing, the students’ learning could be severely interrupted.

For example, in a math course, the teacher will give new notes and if the students can’t get proper instruction on what the notes mean, they could learn the lesson the wrong way.

When the teacher comes back, the teacher will have to go back and explain the lesson or will have to move on, not being able to afford the time required to repeated lesson.

In other cases, the substitute gets off track from the scheduled lesson and thus wastes time that the class needs for their assignments. The teacher then comes back bewildered as to why the students didn’t get done the work or assignment they were supposed to.

Hiring subs shouldn’t be too hard of a selection process.

All that is really needed is assurance that the sub is not going to hurt the students and will be able to help the students with the work that they are given. This help doesn’t need to be above-and-beyond, though a little knowledge about the subject they are teaching could help the students.

Separating the subs who have experience teaching from those who do not would help in the choosing of subs.

Many classes would benefit from this, such as foreign languages, math or any teacher on a strict schedule.

If the dividing system would work, then separating by what major the sub had in college or what they taught previously could further help the students.

When the sub is called last minute, there is nothing that can be done and it is just

important that someone is placed in the class.

The only thing that could help at that point is something that should have been done beforehand: the screening.

Substitute teachers should be graded just as our teachers are. Have people come in and observe the class.

The evaluations could be how the classroom is run or how the sub helps the students.

Basically, it is just a way to prove that they are working to help the students and the teacher. The observation could be done once a year, to not take too much time from the observers.

We are not trying to say that the subs are doing a bad job, it is just that a lot of classes are on schedules and can’t afford too much of a bump in the time line.

With our fast-paced agendas, the best way not get behind would be that all teachers become robots and never fall to human illnesses or have information programmed straight to their brains, but that will never happen.

Teachers get sick or have to learn more about something for school and they can’t help it, so there needs to be a better way of insuring that everything runs smoothly.

The benefit of these changes to how subs at Martin are chosen would help students get more out of their schooling and would keep classes on schedule so that they can be prepared for tests and other assignments.

The teachers would be satisfied with the pace of their classes and the students would be able to optimize their time spent in school.

Small changes can lead to big ones, so think about what could happen if the substituting system changes.

Material

Martin

Students don’t appreciate what they have

Brenda Chavez-Mayo • Staffer

Other AISD school students think that our students are rich, spoiled brats who don’t appreciate what they have.

But maybe they’re not so wrong after all. At least for some. Everyone has seen those certain, lucky kids who walk down the halls wearing the nicest clothes, driving luxurious brand cars and have houses that are beautiful and gigantic.

I’m not generalizing everyone at Martin or saying that every wealthy kid is rude or unappreciative, but a lot of them are fortunate in that way.

All their lives, they have received everything they’ve desired without a question.

And after 16 years of having everything you want, people start to lose the value of things – not only in materials, but also in relationships.

I’ve been around some people and I’ve heard the way they speak to their parents and it’s horrid. The most minimal things make them explode.

Let’s not even mention how they react if their parents say “no” to them. The sad thing about it is that their parents are trying their hardest to please their children. What these parents don’t realize is that in a way that’s the problem and not the solution.

Another thing is how some people don’t value friendships. They think that a best friend is someone they can just talk trash to about other people, but after about two or three weeks their so-called-bestfriends are no longer their friends at all.

Some people can’t respect anyone or anything at all because of their lack of appreciation. And it’s extremely sad to see someone who you know has potential to be so much more than the shallow and bratty human being they have become.

It’s not really their fault. They have been raised into this, and just like the not-so-wealthy, they had no choice of their lifestyle.

In a sense, it’s not their parents’ faults either, because their idea of good parenting is giving everything they possibly can to their kids.

So when you have everything handed into your hands all your life and you’ve never actually had to work for something, what value can you give it if it didn’t cost you anything?

To fix this, you have to acknowledge who you really are. And then ask yourself if this is the kind of person you want to be.

If you are one of these bratty, rude, selfish and unappreciative kids, then I suggest you attempt to make a difference. You are only harming yourself. The importance of everything will be nothing and you will only grow to be alone without any satisfactions.

Do this for yourself. Let it be the first thing you work hard for. I promise that the feeling you’ll receive will be far more amazing than a brand-new pair of shoes.

served

Tennis gets ready for upcoming playoffs Jamie Gisburne • Staffer At the beginning of the school year, tennis Coach Derek Moore told all of his senior tennis students, “If you really want to be good at something, you need to put the time and money into it and you will get better.”

This advice helped many seniors become more dedicated to their final year of tennis.

Tennis is staying strong this year as they get ready for upcoming playoffs in the spring.

“We got second place in district this fall,” Moore said. “Some of our key players became ineligible, but there was no lack of effort.”

Along with being physical, tennis is also a big mental game that can either make or break a play on the court.

“I try to play point by point, and try not to get angry from previous shots,” senior Colton Hunter said.

Tennis has two major captains, Hunter for the guys and senior Audra Bell for the girls.

“I’m not a strict guy, I joke around a lot, and try to set a good example for my other teammates,” Hunter said.

The team practices every day from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Outside of school practices,

many of the tennis players take private lessons to help improve their skills and their game.

“The coaches have taught me a lot of things that I never knew before, like how to serve better,” freshman Richard Hosey said.

Besides tough practices, the players must also use their physical and mental skills to compete in tournaments against tough competitors.

“When I meet my opponent, the first thing that goes into mind is that they are going down,” senior Olivia Maxwell said.

“I’m really nice on the court just to annoy the opponent.”

Leadership is a big role in tennis. The coaches try to persuade each player to be the best that they can possibly be through conditioning and doing work outside of class.

“Coach Moore has really helped me realize that if you put in the time and effort you become a more dedicated player and see better results,” senior Monica MacDonald said.

Through hard work and dedication, the tennis team hopes to be successful in the upcoming district tournament Apr. 4.

“In our locker room, we have a poem up that basically means no matter what, you never ever give up,” Moore said.

The

rundown

The Martin track and football fields are being completely reconstructed Tyler Forde • Staffer Picture a student sprinting down the final meters of a race, just about to break the school record, and they step in a hole. Members of track will not have to worry because the track and all football fields are getting renovated.

The vote was passed on Feb. 2 to reconstruct the tracks of four schools in the AISD. The money is coming from a 1995 bond election, which contains 12 million dollars. The AISD will only be using six and a half million to reconstruct the fields. The money was origionally going to be used to build a new elementary school.

“The money is only for construction, it can’t be used for teacher use,” Principal Marlene Roddy said.

In the design process, placements of the jumping and pole vaulting pits are being added, grass is being replaced with turf, and the track is getting new asphalt and rubber.

“It is a complete reconstruction, we are tearing it all out and starting completely new,” athletic coordinator Bob Wager

said. “But it should still have a similar layout.”

Along with the new track, Martin will also be having the practice fields and competition field turfed. Even with the renovations, we will not use this as a football home field. Games will continue to be played on Cravens Field at Lamar High School, but plans to host major track meets at Martin are underway.

“We just have a big enough facility for all of our fans,” Wager said. “We can get up to 8,000 people just at one game.”

The renovations have many benefits for athletes of all sports. If it rains, the football team has to travel to Lamar just to practice because if they stay here, it tears up the field so badly the soccer players can’t use it. If the field is bad, games have to be cancelled so the field doesn’t get trashed.

“We don’t only need this, our kids deserve it and earned it,” Wager said.

The construction is planned to start after this soccer season and scheduled to be finished on Aug. 1. Even with the construction, there will be a strength and conditioning camp this summer.

“We don’t only need this, our kids deserve it and earned it.”

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To the field

Track is more than just running. We take a look at field events.

Each year the track team practices to get ready for the meets in the spring. With things like shot put, discus, long jump, triple jump and pole vault there sure are many interesting things for spectators to watch.

by Morganne Clay & Sara Mancha • Staffers How Martin Stacks up: The Bronco Relay: March 25 Boys Pole Vault: Watson, Grayson Finals: 12-00.00 Boys Long Jump: Blanton, Ladarius Finals: 19-11.50 Boys Triple Jump: Stewart, Trevor Finals: 37-00.25

1. Senior Mustafa Habout thrusts the shot put into the field at practice. Photo by Karsen Cinquepalmi 2. Junior Trevor Stewart triple jumps into the sand pit.

Photo by Karsen Cinquepalmi

Shot Put:

Boys Shot Put: Haboul, Mustafa Finals: 41-10.75 Boys Discus Throw: Rogers, Austin Finals: 146-03

The Coppel Relay: 3/3/2012

1 Long Jump:

In long jump the contestants take a running start and leap forward into a pit of dirt. Sophomore Madison Weiss says: Why did you decide to do long jump?

I was in cheerleading at my old school and did jumps all the time What is your favorite experience involving long jump?

It was at the “championship” and there was like 200 people just sitting, watching me and I ended up beating everyone.

Discus: The discus is an event that requires a disc to be thrown out Everyone cheered for me and it felt so cool.

What is something about long jump that into a field and is marked for distance. most people don’t know?

Senior Austin Rogers says: It’s more than just running and jumping. There is technique Is there a special technique to it? to it. You have to get your steps just right.

You have to have a really strong and quick hip rotation.

You also need to keep your head up, swing with your arm straight, turn and switch your feet without leaving the circle. Triple Jump: Similar to long jump, the triple jump consists of a running Were there any situations during a meet or start but there are three footsteps that are key to getting a practice that was memorable? good score. Junior Trevor Stewart says: During my first meet in Texas this guy and I were battling Is there a special technique to it? for first place in order to earn the team 10 points. He threw 137 and I threw 146, so I ended up taking first place. You have to keep your run consistent so you don’t lose your mark.

How do you practice?

How do you practice?

We run a fast lap, stretch, and then split up according to We warm up, practice each jump out of the three and then events. Once I’m with the discus group we partner up, put it together. warm-up, and start throwing The shot put event consists of a small metal ball thrown for a long distance. Senior Steven Baggett says: What do you like about shot put?

I like that it’s kind of hard to be good at it and it actually gives you something to do.

What is something about shot put that most people don’t know?

It’s basically more skill than strength.

Boys Discus Throw: Rogers, Austin Finals: 141-11

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junior Katie Bonefas

“I’m really liking ‘Glad You Came’ by The Wanted.”

junior Bria Benjamin

“I love the song ‘Fireflies’ by Ron Pope.”

senior Jessica Stewart

“My favorite song right now would have to be ‘Headlines’ by Drake.” junior Corbin McNutt

“I like a lot of William Fitzsimmons songs right now. He’s a great artist.”

senior Stephen Shrout

“‘One and Only’ by Adele is definitely on repeat for me.”

Hit record

“I enjoyed the song ‘Here We Go Again’ by White Snake.”

Laurel Gregory • Staff Artist

Teachers reflect on their favorite musical artists in high school, compared with student favorites today

Assitant Principal Juan Villarreal

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“‘Favorite Color’ by Tokyo Police Club is a cool song.”

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“In high school I loved the album Rumors by Fleetwood Mac. They were one of my favorite artists.”

Art teacher Stacy Kouba

“I loved listening to U2 in high From 8-tracks to iPods, it’s clear that school. They have always been musical taste has changed along with exceptional artists.” the technology. But no matter if you’re

Art teacher Dan Darr blasting music from a boom-box or listening to your favorite mixed CD, “I remember listening to Matchbox there’s always that song or entire Twenty constantly in high school.” album you can’t help playing over and Science teacher Anna Baggatt over again. For teachers and students, a certain song can bring back a wave “‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles of nostalgia for the high school years. was my song in high school.”

English teacher Annette Jones

senior Taylor Lewis

Constants in the creative arts

Dissecting modern entertainment into its literary roots In the entertainment industry, originality is highly regarded. Paradoxically, even the most unique idea is taken from something that came before. Tron, a Disney picture that amazed audiences back in 1982, is simply a fish-out-of-water story.

Both Twilight and Harry Potter can be boiled down to a romance and a quest for revenge, respectively. From historical influence to social commentary, every story has deep-rooted thought planted inside.

The Lion King follows Hamlet Although it isn’t an exact replica, The Lion King shadows many of Hamlet’s major plot points. Simba and Hamlet are both princes of their respective kingdoms.

Also, both Simba’s and Hamlet’s fathers are killed by their uncles trying to overtake the throne.

After his father’s death, Simba runs away from his kingdom and grows to maturity with his fun-loving friends, Timone and Pumba. They reflect Hamlet’s friend Horatio. They are loyal to Simba, just as Horatio is loyal to Hamlet.

Horatio also studied at the same university as Hamlet. In The Lion King, Timone and Pumba teach Simba all there is to know about living the “hakuna matata” lifestyle. In a way, Timone, Pumba and Simba have earned the same education.

Both princes see the ghosts of their deceased fathers before finally confronting their uncles. The Ghost in Hamlet tells him to kill his uncle in revenge. Hamlet ignores the Ghost at first, believing it is a demon sent to provoke him.

Simba recieves Mufasa’s ghost more easily. The apparition is used to make up for the time Simba lost with his father. Simba listens to every word and takes his father’s advice: reclaim his kingdom.

Although he is successful in killing his uncle, the final battle doesn’t turn out well for Hamlet. In fact, the only character that is alive at the end of the play is Horatio.

However, inThe Lion King, only Scar dies in the battle. Simba lives to rule over Pride Rock.

Star Trek shadows the classic western Star Trek is, at its base, a western. In space. The western frontier was the end of modern civilization. Cowboys, lone rangers and the like traveled into the west for adventure. In Star Trek, the Enterprise crew has many exciting experiences from their quests into the unknown universe.

While western characters meet new Native American tribes in their travels, Kirk and Spock meet many new alien species.

Some are friendly (like Tommy Bright Hawk in Walker, Texas Ranger), while others are completely hostile. Yet, while diplomacy is important in the 23rd century, many westerns focus on actions first and words second.

Westerns that are identified as classics usually have deep character development.

However, one of the most famous episodes of Star Trek, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield,” is soaked in social commentary. In this episode, the Enterprise encounters a pair of duo-chromatic aliens. Each is exactly half-black and half-white; the division is clearly cut down the middle of their faces. Their planet is plagued by civil war, but their hatred is entirely racial. They are each half-black and half-white, but the placement of the colors on Lokai is the exact opposite on Commissioner Bele.

The Enterprise crew is dumbfounded that this tiny distinction could cause so much hate between them. After all, the two look exactly the same to the humans aboard.

This is a powerful statement about racism on planet Earth. What’s the point of quibbling over small details when every human has the same basic biology? Time should be spent working together toward a common goal rather than fighting endless hate wars.

This common goal is exemplified in the Star Trek universe. During a rough period of racial tension, Gene Roddenberry (the creator, producer and head writer of the show) released a television program that showcased the human race working together as a cohesive whole. Factors of race, sex and even species were irrelevant. This is

Lauren Aguirre • Entertainment Editor

where Star Trek completely breaks off from the western platform and goes boldly into the unknown.

The Lorax discusses being“green” Stories we read as children are hardly ever forgotten, but some carry more literary weight than others. Dr. Seuss’ stories are a prime example. From Green Eggs And Ham to Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss is remembered for his eccentric characters, settings and his capacity to rhyme. Unknown to children, many of Seuss’ works are also famous for satire and allegory.

One of his more famous books is The Lorax. Its basic message is to preserve the environment. In the book, the Once-ler finds a field of Truffula Trees, and decides to build a shop that knits Thneeds from the silk of the trees.

The Once-ler’s business takes off, but as it grows, the Once-ler ends up destroying the ecosystem. The smoke from his factory smogs the air and the Swomee-Swans can’t stay there. Waste that the factory produces is thrown into the lakes, pushing the Humming-Fish off to find a better place.

And, of course, at the rate the Once-ler chops down the trees, the organisms that survive on the fruit these tress produce, Brown Bar-ba-loots, abandon the ecosystem as well.

Dr. Seuss is using the Once-ler’s story as a cautionary tale for society. He is warning us that our planet will end up just like the ecosystem described in The Lorax, “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

This statement is aimed at the younger generation to change, stop and reverse the damage being done.

By including this lesson, Dr. Seuss is essentially writing a fable. As in his other works, he is writing to teach a lesson to children in the hopes that they will follow his advice. Written in 1971, The Lorax’s message has made a splash in 2012.

The Lorax is used by activists to promote a greener lifestyle and is also made into an animated movie.

The Hunger Games provides historical insight The most recent example of historical influence on pop culture is The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. The novel is set sometime in the future in a country called Panem. Within Panem, there are 12 districts and a capitol. Each year, children from ages 12 to 18 have their names put into a national lottery.

The children drawn from the 12 districts are pitted against each other in a fight to the death. This battle is broadcasted all over Panem as a source of entertainment.

This reflects ancient Roman custom. The Coliseum was a battleground where the rich and powerful watched people fight to the death. Also, it is very significant that the country is called Panem. The word panem originates from the Latin phrase panem et circenses, which literally means “bread and circuses.” This phrase is known to be coined by Juvenal, a Roman poet, and refers to the Roman emperors method of keeping their citizens content by giving them ample food and entertainment.

Panem is founded on this principle. The President keeps the citizens of the Capitol content by feeding them and providing them with the entertainment of the Hunger Games. However, the President couldn’t care less about the people living under his rule. They are just pawns in his toolbox to him. Within their districts, they create products to be consumed by the Capitol’s citizens and are drawn upon for annual entertainment.

By including these details, Suzanne Collins is supporting the statement: “history is doomed to repeat itself.” Her vision of the future shadows that of ancient history, and is therefore heavily influenced by it.

Just living creates influences upon a person, so it is logical to assume that authors, screenwriters, directors and producers have their own influences. As society develops, the context of stories will become more and more creative, while the plot of these stories will become richer as influences and history pile up behind their creators.

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10 YouTube videos you need to see

You’ve probably seen the dog tease video, the bed intruder story and of course the “Friday” music video, but if you haven’t seen these videos, you definitely need to. Between side splitting laughter and overwhelming cuteness, these videos will be sure to put a smile on your face. by Erin Hibbs & Emily Zerr • Staffers

1. Marcel the Shell with Shoes on

This video depicts the life of a little shell named Marcel and his struggles with being a little shell in a big people world. He tells you all about himself, including what he does for fun, how he talks on the phone and his biggest regret in life. If this little insight we get into this shell’s world wasn’t enough for you, be sure to check out the sequel: Marcel the Shell with Shoes on, Part Two.

2. Guy on a Buffalo: Episode 2

Based on the movie Buffalo Rider, these videos tell us the story of the guy on a buffalo.

Showing different scenes from the real movie, the creator of these videos narrates these scenes through song. Although it may sound odd, and maybe even dumb, it’s inexplicably funny to see a full grown man ride around on a buffalo while songs are being sung about what he’s doing. Give it a chance, and if you enjoy it watch episodes 1, 3 and 4.

3. Kid History: Episode 5

In the Kid History videos, adults video tape their kids retelling stories that the parents have told them many times. While the kids are retelling the stories to us, we hear their voices, but see the parents acting it all out. In Episode 5, the kids tell us about people who went to a boys and girls camp and all the crazy things they do while they are there.

If you think this is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, then you should definitely check out all the other Kid Histories.

4. Julian Smith - Malk

Don’t you just hate those people that can never pronounce words correctly? So does Julian Smith. In this video, he and his friends show us just how much it really bothers them. With funny phrases, dramatic reactions and a twist ending, you and your friends will be laughing and quoting all night long. And if you want more Julian Smith, he has plenty of other hilarious videos on his YouTube channel.

5. Brian’s surprise Justin Bieber wedding dance for Emily

We’ve all grown to have a love/hate relationship with the Justin Bieber song, “Baby.”

Hopefully, the lucky lady in this video loves it more than she hates it. This video shows a groom’s dance to this song for his new wife at their reception. His groomsmen and him-

self have a fully choreographed routine which they proudly present to her. Their dance is hysterical and very ridiculous.

6. Rusty the narcoleptic dog

Narcolepsy is a psychological disorder where you don’t have control over when you fall asleep. During any activity or conversation, or anything you’re doing, you could fall over and pass out into a deep sleep. Not only does this condition affect people, it affects animals as well. Rusty, the little wiener dog in this video, has narcolepsy and while running and playing, he passes out. It’s possibly the most adorable, funny and heart wrenching thing you could ever witness.

7. The Turtleman

If you’ve ever seen Swamp People, this video is a less glamorous, more laughable version. Ernie Brown Jr., otherwise known as Turtleman, shows and tells us about his turtle-catching passion. Learning his remarkable skill from his dad, the Turtleman is a product of genius. You may not know whether to laugh or question it, but this video is undoubtedly astonishing.

8. More great dance dares

Admit it, we all have a secret desire to be on The Ellen Show. A lot of people have accomplished that by being famous. Others accomplish it by being ridiculous. Ellen’s “dance dares” have given plenty of people reasons to be just that. The idea is that you go up to someone and dance behind their back, but as soon as they turn around you act natural. This video in particular had some funny moments and crazy dances.

9. Stealthy Cat

Cat videos are generally all the same, but that’s no reason to ignore this one. Using its cat-like instincts and reflexes, this cat adorably stalks the cameraman. While the cameraman looks away, the cat comes closer and closer. It’s cute and terrifying all at once.

10. Emery’s mom’s nose is scary

Who doesn’t love babies? They’re so cute and they do the funniest things without even trying. In this video, the baby, Emery, is minding her own business when out of nowhere her mom sneezes. Emery’s reaction is priceless. When her mom sneezes again and again, Emery’s reaction gets cuter each time.

Every note counts Students create a unique style of music to impact their listeners Abby Bishop • Staffer

photo by Chandler Harrell

C

ountless hours of rehearsals come together as they look out into the captivated crowd.

They make every word, every note, every beat work together to affect the crowd in a way that no band has before.

With senior Josiah Hunter as lead vocals and rhythm guitar, senior Collin Wilson as lead guitarist and back up vocals, and senior Alex Whitcomb as drummer and occasional guitar, Everyday Phantom is a band of students with a unique style influenced by Radiohead and Explosions in the Sky. The band originally started as a solo project in the summer of 2009. Hunter was playing some demos that he made for Wilson, and Wilson was inspired. After a couple months Wilson joined Hunter and Whitcomb jumped on board later.

They have grown to play shows at coffee shops, fundraisers and other locations.

“We’ve been making some kind of noise ever since,” Hunter said.

The band tries to write music about things that really make an impression on their listeners.

They bring emotional lyrics to their music and also make sure that the lyrics and music correspond.

“We tend to play sad music with a depressing topic,” Hunter said. “The music hits all of us and we are all impacted by it.”

Everyday Phantom also tries to tie their music in politically but by referring to concepts rather than specific events. They believe that people should understand the harsh world and are not turned away by the word “politics.”

“Our mission is that we want a group of people to gather in a room and cry because

they have listened to our music and realized the horrible truths of the universe,” Hunter said. “And then we want them to get up and go fix it.”

Everyday Phantom is an outlet where band members can fully express what they are feeling on the inside, despite what other people might think.

“Everyday Phantom is just an immense release of my inside, an emotional mirror to existence if you will,” Whitcomb said.

Despite the serious topics of their music, they still cut up, laugh and act like any average student at their rehearsals.

“We’ll be playing something, and in the next moment Collin and I will be getting our sides split at some crude joke while Josiah’s got his palm at his face,” Whitcomb said.

When the rehearsals are over and they

have had enough laughs for the day, the group hopes that they have made progress in the midst of the chaos. They like to have fun, but they still want to make sure that their audiences enjoy what they hear.

“By the time we’re done with rehearsals, we pray that our music is solid enough for a show,” Wilson said. “I’d say the best performance was our Iris Bagel show. We singlehandedly brought in about 50 people. I didn’t know 50 people even knew who we were.”

With their busy lives, Everyday Phantom members still try to rehearse as much as they can. As expected, rehearsal time varies with school, homework and everyday chores.

“If we all have a free moment, we make music,” Hunter said.

Everyday Phantom also has other stu-

dents come in and play with them from time to time.

They’ve filtered through several people, but sometimes other people like senior Christian Rommer playing bass add a little more to the band.

With such a distinctive name as Everyday Phantom, people would think that there is an interesting story behind it, but it is a lot simpler than it sounds.

Hunter was using a band generator website. He didn’t like any of the names that initially came up, but he saw one name that used the word “Phantom” in it and another using the word “Everyday.”

He put the two together and now the band’s name, “Everyday Phantom,” accompanies their individual style of music that they hope changes and impacts their listeners.

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The best boba tea for your buck

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Sara Syed & Taylor Gillum • Opinions Editor & Features Editor

oba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a beverage containing tapioca balls, originating in Taiwan that is gaining great popularity. We searched through the metroplex to find the best spots to get this interesting and sweet drink. Here are a few of the places you can get your boba tea for the best prices.

Bethany

Bethany is that quintessential hole-inthe-wall restaurant, a restaurant in a somewhat obscure location with incredible food. Their boba tea and smoothies are no exception.

They have a wonderful variety in boba tea, carrying the usual flavors such as honeydew, almond, taro, etc. But they also have their own creations such as the incredibly tasty Almond Honey Black Tea Latte.

While some boba teas can be overly sweet, Bethany’s tea is more mild and places a greater emphasis on the flavor than simply on how sweet they can make their drink.

If boba smoothies are what you crave, Bethany doesn’t lack in an amazing variety of these frozen drinks as well. Their smoothies are wonderfully sweet and creative. They also have frappes with flavors such as cheesecake, Reese’s and Oreo.

Their teas are only $2.50 and their smoothies only $2.75 making them the cheapest.

Bethany is located on 705 W Park Row Dr., directly across from Arlington High School. Overall, the price is fantastic and the quality is superb. The only minor problem is the distance, but it is definitely worth the drive.

Sprouts Springroll and Pho

Sprouts is a restaurant good enough to be featured on TV and in fact, it was featured in an episode of Man v. Food. Not only is their food fantastic, but their boba tea and smoothies are also great.

They carry the usual flavors as well as wa-

termelon and pineapple, lychee and many more that are not found in tea form at the other restaurants.

Sprouts boba tea is sweeter than Bethany’s, but not as sweet as Lotus’s tea. You can also order smoothie fusions, with flavors such as Pina-Colada, Strawberry Blonde and Mango Tango.

They also have specialty drinks. These drinks are less fruity and more sweet and include flavors such as Oreo Snow, French Vanilla Shake, Raspberry White Chocolate and Cappuccino Dream.

Sprouts is located 780 East Road to Six Flags Suite 238 in Lincoln Square. Boba teas are $3.50, smoothies are $3.99 and specialty drinks are $4.25.

The location is the farthest and the prices are the highest, but the unique drinks are worth trying and the quality of the drinks are top notch.

The Lotus Cafe

The Lotus Cafe is a Vietnamese restaurant that has become a local favorite for Martin students. Lotus Cafe’s food is not the only delicious thing on the menu – they also are known for their great selection of boba tea.

Lotus Cafe carries a variety of coffees, slushies, tea and smoothies to which boba can be added for 35 cents. Lotus Cafe’s boba menu features many unique flavors such as green apple, green tea, passion fruit, avocado and cookies ‘n cream.

Their boba drinks have a generally sweeter taste than the boba drinks at Bethany and Sprouts.

Lotus Cafe’s boba tea flavor variety and delicious food have made it a popular choice for many students. And their close proximity to Martin makes it possible for students to have lunch without being late for class.

Lotus Cafe is located on 4261 W. Green Oaks, only minutes away from Martin.

Boba coffees are $3.50, teas are $3.25, slushies are $3.25 and smoothies are $3.75. Lotus Cafe’s delectable drinks and food make it a restaurant worth visiting.

Luscious Lush

Lush products smell great, and are good for the environment Larissa Gonzales • Staffer Arriving at the tiny store, you can easily become overwhelmed by the rush of people eagerly looking for their favorite scents. The crazy cheese wheel-sized soap hunks are a little disturbing at first, but after getting used to the mixture of the extremely potent smells it’s easy to see why people come back to restock their most treasured must-haves.

Dry shampoo, solid shampoo, bath bombs, solid lotion bars and body butters are just a few of the large variety of products that are offered at Lush.

All of the products are made of 100 percent natural, vegan ingredients and are also all handmade.

In some stores, they put stickers on the products to show exactly who made that particular one.

Fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables and oils go into these products and are delivered on a daily basis to the factories where the cosmetics are made.

Ingredients that cannot be grown locally are instead, grown in poor regions of the world, for example, tropical countries where there is an optimum climate for growing certain fruits.

However, they do not exploit the people, but instead offer them fair profit for their labor.

They aim to help the communities in hopes of increasing jobs in that area.

One mission the Lush franchise has is to do away with unnecessary packaging. It’s a known but often ignored fact that empty plastic containers aren’t the nicest to our environment so, the head honchos at Lush set out to minimize their negative impact. Lush’s push for a more “green”

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packaging system led to the slogan “There’s no greener packaging than no packaging at all!”

Solid shampoo and lotion bars were the outcomes of this new system. They require very little packaging and are favorites to those who travel often.

Lush is also very active in the campaign for animal rights.

They have one of the strictest policies when it comes to animal testing. Lush has a zero-tolerance policy, in which they refuse to do business with all companies who test on animals including the suppliers of their ingredients.

They also campaign against the mass killing of sharks for their valuable fins in Asiatic countries. The Tar Sands of Canada are also not accepted because of their mistreatment of baby seals.

A few more unique products they make would include the bath bombs and bubble bars. The bath bombs are true to their name; when added to warm bathwater they don’t necessarily explode, but fizz up. Little surprises such as rose petals are often hidden inside of them.

Bubble bars are meant to be used by crumbling the bar under the bath water and waiting until they are completely dissolved.

Once that has happened, the water will have transformed its color and texture.

The closest stores are in the Galleria Mall and North Park Mall, but their products can be found on their website.