thewarriorpost Most Intriguing Seniors
ISSUE FIVE MAY 19, 2011 MARTIN HS ARLINGTON,TX
2011
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Martin High the Science Guys UIL Science conquers Regionals, goes to State
page 3… Ellie Hozhabri • Editor-in-Chief IL Academics is taken very seriously at this school and apparently with good reason, as our competitors made their way to Regionals in Lubbock Apr. 15. UIL thrives on devoted students willing to study their material for dozens of hours in order to master the UIL test. Science, in particular, made it to state competition May 7, winning third place as a team. The preparation put in by the UIL Science Regionals and State senior competitors Matt Lau, Connor Barnhill, Michael Lau and Abraham Lam came a long way. They won the “wild card” at Regionals, a term used for any team having the highest second place score among the regions. “The best part of the Lubbock trip was the last 20 minutes,” UIL Science sponsor Jay Atman said. “That was when senior Farhana Ganchi was trying to get her brother to find out other schools’ scores and she told us them, which showed we were 99.999 percent the wild card. The other four and a half hours just stunk.” In Austin, State competition raised the difficulty bar dramatically, and it took more than elephant luck. Students must choose between close choices over any specific topic of science in a timely manner. The heated testing environment sometimes leads to indecisiveness about which response is the right answer. “I felt like I had prepared myself well for it,” Barnhill said. “The hardest part was the test itself. Every question was a battle to determine which answers could be eliminated to narrow down my choice of possible correct answers.” Results included winning third place as a team, with individual awards as well. Michael Lau won second on the physics
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section, while Barnhill won second in biology. Barnhill also won fourth as an individual. “I was disappointed in myself for changing my answer and missing out on eight points that could have earned me a first place medal,” Barnhill said. “I’m also disappointed for not outscoring [Paschal rival] Dominic Yurk, who is four years younger than me. Those were my immediate feelings. Now, though, I have come to be proud of giving Martin a good name.” In order to fend off bad luck, the UIL Science team members never forget to perform their testing rituals. “We have this blue elephant,” Matt Lau said. “We always bring it to every meet and toss it around. We let every single team member touch it at least once in the testing room for good luck.” As any other state competition, not only do the questions get more challenging but the competition is extremely high, since all contestants are essentially winners of their region already. “I was shocked to see that the top four scores were so close to each other,” Barnhill said. “I feel like there were really four first place winners at the meet. At least that’s how I cope.” Lam has a different take on the State results. To him, Regionals was more intriguing, and he felt more optimistic about that test. “It was less depressing, and there were more people to actively talk there,” Lam said. “It was less stressful. I managed to pull through that time when the team needed me but didn’t at the state meet.” If anything, these four have developed a supportive relationship with each other, being happy for one another no matter their own score. “Personally, I did not actually place in anything individually,” Matt Lau said. “But I am truly proud of Connor, Michael and Abraham on getting the team so
far. They all worked extremely hard and studied numerous hours. I remember on TAKS week, when all the other seniors had late arrival almost every day, they dedicated their mornings to taking practice UIL state tests. On the bus rides to competitions, they would be studying. In the hotels, they would be studying. True dedication.” With these high self-expections and so much commitment, the team members said they initially were disappointed they didn’t win first. With time, however, their view changed. “Although it would have been nice to be second or first, what’s passed is the past,” Matt Lau said. “Third is still an extremely good placing, and I am very thankful to have had the chance to work with these amazing people and Mr. Atman this past year.” As the school year wraps up, seniors must reflect on the fact that they will no longer be a part of UIL next year. “I’m going to miss the intellectual rigor that has prepared me for an altitude of knowledge,” Michael Lau said. As upperclassmen, many contestants have gone to several cities to compete in the past four years. “I’m going to miss traveling to other places for contests,” Matt Lau said. “We went to Lubbock, San Antonio, Aledo and Austin this year. According to Matt Lau, senior UIL members graduating have left big shoes to fill. “I’m leaving behind a high standard,” Matt Lau said. “That’s their motivation right there.” First place or not, the work that UIL Academics competitors put in is not ignored, especially by their sponsors. “I am incredibly proud of the work they’ve done, what they learned, their commitment to excellence and their unswerving dedication to not stop until the end,” Atman said.
Warriors rally around freshman Taylor Helland during her battle with cancer Victoria Powers • Staffer ears slowly run down her cheek. The twisting in her stomach feels worse, now that she knows what’s happening. Taylor Helland’s been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Being a freshman caught in the blindside of a surprisingly rare case of cancer is virtually unbelievable for a 14 year-old. This rare case of cancer is only found in one out of a million children in the United States every year. Even then the cases are no where close to having the same symptoms or situations. Some patients may have other illnesses along with the cancer while others, like Taylor, get it when they are completely healthy. Helland started school normally a few days after spring break, even though she knew something was wrong. “I was vomiting all day,” Taylor said. “Then the pain got sharp in my side.” After leaving school with stomach pains, Taylor and her family headed to the doctor, where they told her it was only acid in her stomach. A stomach bug. Later, they went back and were sent to the ER. It was something much more. “We went to Arlington Memorial Hospital where we spent five and half hours,” Taylor Helland’s mom, Julia Helland said. “They did a CAT scan, which showed blockage in her colon. After that, they sent us in an ambulance to Cook’s Children ER.” At Cook’s, the doctor did tests and blood work. Taylor was admitted early the next morning. “When we were at the ER, I knew it was serious,” Taylor said. “The pain was unbearable then.” After several more tests, the doctors decided to go through with surgery. In the surgery they took six inches of Taylor’s colon and a tumor out, along with nine lymph nodes. They performed a biopsy of the tumor. It was cancer. “After a week in the hospital they told me it was cancer,” Taylor said. “Before, they said cancer was extremely unlikely so when they told me, I automatically started crying.” Having such a rare cancer at such a young age is not easy for anyone to take
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in. Especially for the ones who love you the most. “I was sitting on the fourth floor with her surgeon. It blew me away. Life as I know it will never be the same,” Julia Helland said. “I felt like throwing up. I almost hyperventilated and then I started crying. I went into denial. I went through all the stages.” Hearing the news has different effects on people. Everyone reacts differently. “When I heard the news I was in shock,” freshman Ashli Fox said. “I thought it was a joke. I was so angry because I heard before they ruled out cancer. I was so upset.” A series of tests and two surgeries kept Taylor in the hospital for 16 days. Because it hurt her to eat, she was only allowed clear liquids and an IV. Taylor lost 14 pounds. In the same week as the first surgery, Taylor had another. Like the first, they went through her belly button. This time, they removed more than half of her colon. “I was sore after the surgeries for a few days.” Taylor said. “I’m still sore, but they say walking and eating makes it better.” In the second surgery, along with half of Taylor’s colon, the surgeons removed more than 30 lymph nodes. They were cancer free. “It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” Julia Helland said. “The feelings come and go. In one minute I’m fine, the next I’m like, wow, my daughter has cancer. It’s so scary.” Even though the results of the last operation were negative and the cancer hasn’t spread to any other organs, there are still chances that the microsopic cancer cells could spread through the blood. “I started chemo Friday, April 23,” Taylor said.”It’ll be every Friday through Sunday every other week, for six months.” For so many weeks, Taylor has dealt with the pain of cancer, but it has yet to stop her emotionally. Sometimes, people drift away from what they believe in. Her views on life and beliefs have not changed. “Physically, I’m a lot better. Emotionally I’m staying really positive,” Taylor said. “I feel really great about chemo because they said it won’t make me nauseated or make me lose my hair. I think everyone who has cancer is scared about it, but I’ve been
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‘Pray for Tay’ Freshman Taylor Helland spent 16 days in the hospital after surgery for colon cancer. She is currently going through chemo treatment. Photo by Meyer Wallace
trying to be really positive so that I will survive. I’ve left a lot of things up to God.” Many times people struggle when they love someone and they can’t help them. The battle seems too hard to sit back and just watch. “This has definitely strengthened my faith,” Julia Helland said. “I believe it just happened, and I believe that through prayers, God will help us. I believe in miracles.” Friends and family, even teachers, have gone to great lengths to support Taylor.
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Her friends have made t-shirts, scrapbooks, bracelets, cards, posters, donations and so much more. Taylor said that she is grateful that her friends and family have supported her the whole way. “I’d really like to thank everyone for all their prayers and everything they’ve done,” Taylor said. “It really means a lot.” Taylor came back to school April 20 with high spirits. To follow her progress or make donations, you can go to www. caringbridge.org/visit/taylorhelland.
up
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...Rachel’s Challenge? ...the VIP breakfast?
Friends of Rachel members stretched the chain of kindness outside the school May 5. The Martin chain was joined with other area schools’ chains at a rally in Frisco. Photo by Susie Machi
The breakfast was held May 11 to honor Very Improved Performers. Photo by Emma Cuppett
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Making dreams a reality
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Past graduates pursue their goals to make aspirations come true Krissy Woodward • Sports Editor Emily Zerr • Staffer What are you doing now?
Enzo DeVincenzo Class of 1987
I’m a junior at TCU in the Graphic Design program. TCU was my first choice and graphic design was also my first choice and I’ve loved it. However I’ve learned that art majors are really time consuming. It’s brutal. I’m a part-time web designer for Dentists4kids.com. On top of all that I have an independent film/video group called Infused Films my friend and I started. We’ve been producing films for the web for about a year or two. We just finished a 13 episode zombie web series and are working on a short film right now that we plan to take to some film festivals.
What are you doing now? I own 377 Management. We reperesent country artists such as Lee Ann Womack, Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, Lee Brice and two band new artists Dani Flowers and Tyler Farr.
How did you get where you are now?
long nights learning HTML, CSS and Photoshop so I could design sites. I ended up being on the web team at Martin when Mrs. Hudspeth was there. I was on the web team my junior and senior years and helped design the Martin website. I was also in the Film Club at Martin, which was what led me into making movies.
Favorite teacher at Martin? I’d have to say my favorite was Mrs. Hudspeth because if it weren’t for her I surely wouldn’t be where I am right now. Mrs. Williams was also a great supporter of what we did and was a fantastic person to go to for questions about anything, even though I never had her as a teacher.
Lots of time. I started designing as a freshman, took an Intro to Graphics course Favorite class at Martin? and was really into Photoshop. I spent many The Technology classes and Photography with Mr. Reg.
How did you get to where you are now? I started at KPLX radio, which is now the WOLF. From there, I became friends with some record label people and they thought I would be good at working for a record label. I started with a few small labels, and made my way to Decca records, and then MCA records.
How did high school help you to get to where you are? The teachers. They made it fun to learn, and keep our attention.
Brett Yanoski Class of 2008
Brian Fite Class of 2006
Who was your favorite teacher?
How did you turn pro?
Played, played, played, played, played, ed, played, played and played some more ore Coach Culbertson nd until I was turning a decent profit and tin got noticed by some top pros in Austin Any regrets from high in 2008. I was then invited to move in school? ere and learn to play for a living. I was there I lived a much different lifestyle back then for four months and quickly started my and would change a lot about it. I also ran own training house when I left. I haven’t en’t around with some people that I probably looked back since. shouldn’t have, but it all helped get me to where I am so I can’t call them regrets.
Did anything in high school help you to get to where you are today?
What else are you up to o now?
Where did you go to college?
Who was your favorite teacher?
I graduated from the University of Colorado in May 2010 with a degree in marketing.
I had a lot of great teachers at Martin. Jeff Plemons was my favorite, of course. Lezlee Williams and Carolyn Powers are teachers whose classes I thoroughly enjoyed.
How did you become a professional basketball Anything you would go player? I became a professional basketball back and change from player because it’s what I wanted to be high school? since I was a kid. When I completed my collegiate basketball career I was courted by basketball agents to continue my professional basketball career in either in the United States or in Europe. Unfortunately, the NBA did not come calling, so the next step was getting a contract to play in Europe.
I coach poker and run a poker-training ing om house in Las Vegas. It’s an eight-bedroom estate that houses anywhere from four to Playing baseball on the Martin team eight poker players at any given time. during my high school years taught me so much about teamwork, hard work, competitiveness, sacrifice, and also how to be humble whether we won or lost.
The only thing I would have done different in high school would be to win the Mr. MHS competition. I still don’t know why I lost.
Dwight Thorne II Class of 2006
What other graduates are up to: Todd van Poppel 2006 Retired professional baseball player
Keigh-Ann Wagner 1998 - Started a rehabilitation certer called Project Walk
Tiya Sicar 2000 - Actress
Randi Miller 2001 -
Ben Grieves 2006 -
Mike Irwin 1996 - Actor
Bronze Medalist in Wrestling at the Bejing Olympics
Retired professional baseball player
Blake Mycoskie 1995 -
Paige Mycoskie 1998 -
Jacob Poe 2009 -
Owner of Aviator Nation clothing company
Hockey player for the Topeka RoadRunners
Owner of TOMS shoe company
Past vs. Present
Seniors reflect on how they have changed since they were freshmen Ashley Cunningham & Lauren Peel • Staffer
Casey Runyeon
Zac Hartgrove
Victoria Chowdhury
What are three major ways you have changed since you were in 9th grade? I used to have a lot more free time. I don’t have as much time for my friends anymore because I am busy doing things that will help me succeed in the future. I have more responsibilities than I did when I was a freshman. Back then I was more carefree, but now I have to focus on things like having a job and being editorin-chief of the yearbook. I used to get ready for school and try to look cute every morning. I used to put a lot of effort into my appearance.
What are three major ways you have changed since you were in 9th grade? I was very shy. I watched a lot of TV. Now I’m choir president, and I don’t have time to watch TV anymore. I’ve grown a lot as a person, and I’ve grown into me. I’ve grown spiritually, and I’ve grown from being shy to how I am now.
What are three major ways you have changed since you were in 9th grade? My appearance has changed the most since my freshman year. People are surprised to see pictures of me freshman year and think I am two different people. Freshman year I had extremely short, spiky hair, and I would wear bandanas in my hair. As a freshman, I tried really hard to be “different” and unique. As a senior, I have grown tremendously, and now I do not try hard to be so-called “different.” I am just myself. I’m way more comfortable and confident with myself now than I ever have been before.
If you met your freshman self, what would you say to you? I would tell myself to care about my grades and my future a lot sooner. I’d also say “ewww” because I looked like a scene kid.
If you met your freshman self, what would you say to you? I would tell myself never run that stop sign at that street corner, because it cost me $420.
If you met your freshman self, what would you say to you? Girl, what were you thinking when you cut off your long hair? Be true to yourself and everything else will fall into place. Think twice, even three or four times if you have to before making decisions.
Baylor Brock
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What are three major ways you have changed since you were in 9th grade? I used to have long colored hair. I was loud, outgoing and obnoxious. I was a lost soul at that time. I was into metal. I loved Bring Me the Horizon. I’ve gotten better in school. I’m into science and chemistry now.
If you met your freshman self, what would you say to you? I would tell myself to keep your grades up, don’t waste time. Just do what’s best for yourself.
becoming an Army officer has always been my dream since I was a kid, so now they are 100 percent supporting me and helping me out in every way.” a lot of paperwork.” Brooke Smith • Copy Editor Attending a military academy will give Besides just how long the application hile many leave high school takes, Chen also had to realize in Chen a much different college experience excited about their newfound advance so that he could begin preparing than those who choose a typical university. freedom, senior Frank Chen will credentials years ago. “What is the most different about West be sacrificing certain liberties for his college “Being interested early on determined Point is the discipline,” Chen said. “They career of choice. He will be attending the some of my involvement in organizations control what you wear (uniforms must be United States Military Academy at West in high school,” Chen said. “I knew what worn to class and throughout the day), Point, the number one college according West Point looked for in a cadet candidate how you talk, walk, eat, sleep and just to Forbes magazine. so I took many rigorous Pre-AP and AP about any other aspect of your life. They “West Point has been my dream since classes, sought leadership positions in also control when you wake up and when I was in elementary school,” Chen said. clubs, made NHS and enrolled in various you go to bed. You have no leisure time “I knew that the academy was very hard athletic classes.” and will literally be busy from the second to get into. Only 1,200 cadets are in each Like any student, encouragement from you wake up to the second you go to bed.” class, and around 30,000 apply Even meals are different at West every year. I was worried that my Point, where they are all served grades were not good enough to family-style, and cadets are only be accepted, but I knew that I given 15 minutes per meal and had a chance so I applied and it only allowed five chews per bite. all went from there.” Moreover, the grading system is also As can be imagined, the out of the ordinary. The valedictorian application process to such a isn’t determined solely by academic prestigious institution can be achievement, but also military and exhausting. The whole process physical. for applying to a service academy “The academics are equal to that of takes about a year and a half, the Ivy League schools,” Chen said. “And longest of any university, and if that isn’t hard enough already, daily the academy seeks out “SAL” — physical and military training are also students, athletes and leaders. part of the schedule. Students are “I had to open a pre-candidate rated by their ‘superiors’ — meaning questionnaire during my other cadets — based on ambiguous Chen interviewed with Congressman Barton and junior year to show interest,” his academy board of retired army officers at Lock- standards. During the academic year, Chen said. “Then during my heed Martin for his West Point nomination. you can receive a ‘C’ as the grade based senior year I had to open a file on reasons like, ‘did not respond to with Congressman Joe Barton, Senator parents makes the college process more emails in haste’ or ‘did not greet superiors Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senator John bearable. with enough enthusiasm.’” Cornyn seeking a required nomination. Among the mandatory classes that a cadet “At first my parents actually didn’t want I had to write multiple essays for each me to apply to West Point,” Chen said. has to take outside of his or her major are person and had to interview with “They would have liked me to pursue martial arts, boxing and another sport. Congressman Barton. I had to also write a career in a more technical field, but Cadets must also memorize hundreds of multiple essays for West Point and fill out they knew that going to West Point and vocabulary words, dates, songs and facts
Senior Frank Chen admitted to West Point
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Checking out
Adding up the cost of senior year Brooke Smith • Copy Editor
Kate Black • Online Editor
Senior year is anticipated from the first day of freshman year, but all the purchases that make senior year special add up quickly. We’ve broken down all the costs of senior year in order to expose how much people can really spend so that you can watch your cash more carefully and choose what you think is important rather than everything offered. So here’s a sample of how much the typical senior can spend. Host: Martin
Date: 6/4/11
Accessories 1 Parking spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 2 gallons paint & supplies . . . . . . . . . . .$70 1 Pair of coveralls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150 1 1/4 page yearbook senior ad . . . . . . . $120 1 Class ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 50 Graduation announcements . . . . . . .$80 1 Senior pictures session & prints . . . . .$800 1 Yearbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65 1 Prom (dress, hair, limo & ticket) . . . . .$500 1 Bahama Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 1 Banquet (dress and ticket) . . . . . . . . . $100 1 NHS stole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22 1 Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 Necessities 1 Cap & gown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35 15 Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45 8 SAT & ACT score reports . . . . . . . . . . .$80 5 Application fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 1 Parking sticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45* 3 AP tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39 Balance Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,716 Mastercard #*********2011 Authorizing… Sorry, credit card denied. Maxed out. *likely to go up next year
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such as how many light bulbs there are at the academy or how many gallons of water are in a specific lake. But despite this unusual atmosphere, Chen said he has no regrets about choosing West Point. “There is absolutely nothing that I think I will miss out on by going to West Point,” Chen said. “Many people suggest that I will miss out on the social aspect of a regular college and how college is supposed to be when you have your freedom to do whatever you want. Although West Point is very strict and there are numerous rules that one must abide by, that does not mean I cannot have fun, since having a good time does not just have to include partying and blowing time off with friends.” Another unique aspect about West Point is that moving up in grade level gives you some of your basic freedoms back, like a TV, refrigerator, carpet and permission to call each other by first names. All of this aside, Chen is excited about attending such a one-of-a-kind institution. “The leadership training that I will receive at West Point is what I am most excited about,” Chen said. “West Point is very structured and there is a chain of command that one has to follow. As freshmen, cadets must take orders from sophomores, sophomores from juniors and juniors from seniors. The leadership training that cadets receive is crucial because after they graduate and become lieutenants, they will be given the lives of 40 soldiers to take care of.” Chen’s tuition, room, board, medical and dental care are provided by the U.S. Army. “It’s a good deal financially,” Chen said. “But what people don’t realize are the sacrifices that we have to make in school and after we graduate. We pay our debt with potentially our lives on the battlefield.”
Allie Weagraff
What was your favorite class at Martin? Mrs. Hamilton’s AP English IV class. Even though it is a really difficult class, Mrs. Hamilton is really interesting, and I’ve learned so much.
Skylar Waltman
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What was your favorite class at Martin? Wildlife Management
If you could be born in any decade, what would you choose? 1940’s. Frank Sinatra is one of my idols in the music world, and I would love to have sung with him at least once.
If you could be born in any decade, what would you choose? The 70s, because of all the good classic rock.
What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and change? I wish I would have taken opportunities to be more patient with people.
What is one thing you want to do during your lifetime? Why? I want to kill a red stag in New Zealand. It’s my dream place to hunt.
Why are you intriguing? I’m involved in a lot of activities that typically don’t go together. I sing, play soccer, love to read and do artwork. God has given me a passion for the arts and athletics. I might seem like a normal girl, but I have the most fun when I’m with really weird people.
What would you bring with you to an island if you were in a Robinson Crusoe situation and could only bring one important item? A knife.
Intrig
Each year the Warrior P 10 Most Intrig We look for students who are flashy, o cessful but have yet to have had the kids who make school fun and wh
Photos by Rachel Fior
Why are you intriguing? I am the biggest redneck in school. “Ramya is just a neat girl. She is wellrounded. She was also in Lip-Dub!”
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What would be the theme song of your senior year? “Waiting on Hank” by Dry Country
Ramya Ramachandran
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“Allie is an All-State Singer, Soccer Player, “Skylar is an entrepeneur. He wants to be Chorus member of the Musical and a Ju- an Alaskan guide. He is an avid hunter. nior World Affairs Council Member.” (Beware if you are a duck, rabbit or deer.)”
“Tanisha a bright and multi-faceted student and loyal friend. She graciously but persistently moves away from her crowd to shine in her tasks. She doesn’t let anyone cause her to lose her focus!”
“Shanna has wonderful wit. She is very unique and wears crazy outfits.”
Shanna Hutcherson What do you think your life will be like in 5 to 10 years after high school? I’d like to be married with a steady job. What do you think your life will be like As of now I want to be a biomedical engineer. They design medical equipment. in 5 to 10 years after high school? I will be a traveling teacher in third-world I also want to minor in business. countries as a missionary. I have wanted What would be the theme song of your to do this for three years. I just can’t see senior year? myself sitting still in one area. I Want You Back” by N’Sync. I rediscovered my love for N’Sync this year. What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and change? What is one thing you want to do I wish I would have embraced traveling during your lifetime? Why? when I had the chance, but I hated it If I could do anything, I would want to because I didn’t want to leave my friends. teach Indian dance classes. Dance has I have been enrolled in five high schools always been my biggest passion, and I because my dad is in the army. I have want to spread that and keep it in my life. been in New York State, New York City, Virginia, Georgia, and now Texas. Why are you intriguing?
Tanisha Collaro
I am intriguing because I’ve stopped worrying about what other people think and I do what I want to do. I hope that people see my carefree attitude and are intrigued.
Why are you intriguing? My ability to accept everything is what makes me intriguing. Through traveling, I’ve realized that everyone is the same underneath the surface.
What do you think your life will be like in 5 to 10 years after high school? I want to have a Bachelor’s degree in something, and I will own and operate my own maid’s cafe. If you could be born in any decade, what would you choose? The future, because I’d want to build giant robot people. What is one thing you want to do during your lifetime? Why? I would like to help rebuild Japan because they could really use some help. What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and change? I wish I could’ve told a really good friend of mine that even though things are hard right now, everything would be all right. Why are you intriguing? I actually don’t think I’m intriguing. I’m just myself, whatever it is.
Graham Walker
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Seniors
Post compiles a list of the guing Seniors. outgoing, interesting, talented and sucir turn in the spotlight. These are the ho will make headlines in 10 years.
rella and Doug Murray
What was your favorite class at Martin? Oh I have a bunch actually. Art, history, biology. I like to learn most outside of school. I feel like it’s universal. What do you think your life will be like in 5 to 10 years after high school? I’m going to get a Ph.D. in history at St. Edwards and become a college professor. If you could be born in any decade, what would you chose? The 40s so that I could live the 60s in San Francisco. What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and change? I would stop a bunch of wars from happening, just to save a lot of innocent lives. I would also change my freshman year work ethic. Why are you intriguing? I think I’m intriguing because of my passions. Art incorporated with my habits of wanting to learn.
What would be the theme song of your senior year? “Rocket Man” by Elton John because I moved to this school halfway through senior year and it made me feel like I was out in space. What is one thing you want to do during your lifetime? Why? I want to create my own video game without limitation. No demographics. Usually the company gives you a subject to base the game around. I want to do it to show my older brother my success. Why are you intriguing? I’m a really recognizable person. I’m the guy with the briefcase. People see me and automatically have an impression of me, whether it’s negative or positive. My name is Muslim. It means “successor.”
Jheron Thompson What do you think your life will be like in 5 to 10 years after high school? I’ll be out of college (Texas Tech), looking for a job as an engineer. I plan to stay in Texas and live around here. If you could be born in any decade, which would you choose? My favorite time period is the 90s. I like our generation. What is one thing you want to do during your lifetime? My dream is to open a winery. Why are you intriguing? Because you picked me as one of the intriguing seniors. I am on the golf team here at school. Also, I am mechanically apt. I like to fix things, engineering in general. Also, here’s a fun fact: I can name all of the 194 countries in the world. Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria... “Hoda is friendly, witty, artistic and her willingness to talk to adults as if she really respected our knowledge and authority is delightful. She is a special young lady, and she intrigues many people.”
Hoda Mahmoud
What do you think your life will be like in 5-10 years after high school? I’ll probably be modeling or doing something with art. Maybe changing the streets with a boutique. I’ll live in a box under a bridge in third-world country with sand all around me. What would be the theme song of your senior year? “Baptism” by Crystal Castles because religion is such a big thing, but I find it useless and it is just crazy. Why are you intriguing? I’m a sore thumb. I am awkward, nerdy and weird. I mean, how can you not look at my animated goofy face? If I catch someone looking at me I will pull a face. My art is amazing and I make my visual painting seem like a diary.
What do you think your life will be like in 5 to 10 years after high school? After college I would love to be in the acting business of some sort, especially were I can entertain people. If you could pick one song to be the theme song of your senior year, what would it be? “I Feel Good” by James Brown. What is one thing you want to do during your lifetime? Why? I would love to meet President Obama because he represents leadership skills that I would love to have. Also, I would love to travel and meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures. Why are you intriguing? I make things happen that people say cannot ever happen. Right now I am trying to bring back the Warrior Radio Station. I love seeing people work together and make things happen.
2011
“Khalif brings his briefcase every day and wears a sports coat many days. He is quite the artist and wants to go to an art institute. He works two jobs. He walks to school. He is a mature, sophisticated, resolute and personable intriguing senior.”
Khalif Stolden
Joseph Huber
“Joseph is a brilliant, quirky boy who reads Hunter Thompson. He is one of a kind!”
“Jheron is great with children and works at Cliff Nelson Recreation Center. He is starting the MHS Radio Station.”
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features
“Graham is quiet but a good student and persistent worker. He is a young man who will persistently handle a task, measuring carefully and making sure that everything fits just right!”
opinions
10 thewarriorpost James Martin High School 4501 W. Pleasant Ridge Dr. Arlington, TX 76016
Ellie Hozhabri Editor-in-Chief
Kate Black Online Editor-in-Chief
Alaina O’Daniel Brooke Smith Copy Editors
Victoria Chowdhury Connor Gillaspia News Editors
Lauren Florence Jacie Lewis Opinions Editors
Tamlin Jennings Entertainment Editor
Courtney Reil Becca Ryan Features Editors
Addie Trammell Krissy Woodward Sports Editors
Rachel Fiorella Photo Editor
Susie Chung Alyson Smedley Designers
Laurel Gregory Staff Artist
Color
Teacher training should focus on improving achievement of all students
Although we live in the 21st century, it’s sometimes astounding to see how little society has come in practicing true colorblindness, despite our widely-varied population. A bias will never disappear if we cannot evolve our thinking beyond such closed thoughts as stereotyping. During a recent Site-Based DecisionMaking Committee meeting, a suggestion arose that since certain demographics of students have shown different and varied achievement levels in TAKS testing, the district should consider creating a program for teachers designed specifically to help them teach African-American males. As well meaning as that plan may be – obviously it’s designed to benefit the very group that is falling behind on test scores – the problem is not one of race. It’s not even necessarily one of background or poverty. You can’t assume that all people of a certain race are poor or that all poor people are of a certain race. As honorable as your intentions may be, if you single someone out because of their skin color, that is wrong. To think that a student needs special teaching techniques based solely on his or her ethnicity is disappointing and absurd. There are so many variables that affect student achievement other than race. Clearly, something needs to be done about closing the achievement gap, but singling
staffeditorial
Pressure for points
Taking classes solely for GPA points inhibits actual learning
Tricia Regalado Adviser
Melinda Reeves Principal Staffers: Lauren Aguirre, Savannah Anderson, Oscar Araujo, Kendra Brown, Emma Bruce, Katy Burley, Meghan Cabra, Kaitlyn Caprio, Kate Clemens, Kim Clower, John Crowley, Ashley Cunningham, Emma Cuppett, Emily Dalton, Brittany Daniels, Kelley Duff, Cristiani Fernandez, Katy Fitzgerald, Lauren Florence, Samone Franklin, Susie Gibson, Taylor Gillum, Jamie Gisburne, Larissa Gonzales, Jessyca Hernandez, Rachel Hodnett, Kyandra Irick, Taryn Jacobson, Kaylyn Lefan, Calvin Lemley, Faith Lewis, Susie Machi, Sara Mancha, Brooke Marquis, Doug Murray, Jordan Pasayan, Paige Patterson, Lauren Peel, Victoria Powers, Rowan Sharp, Maddy Smith, Sara Syed, Meyer Wallace, 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 products or services not legally available to students. The Warrior Post is a member of ILPC, TAJE and Quill and Scroll and a recipient of both the Silver and Bronze Star Awards.
out a particular group misses the point. Do teachers need some instruction and practice about targeting their lessons to better reach today’s students? Of course. But that applies to all students, not just the ones the district is targeting. Tell a student that he needs unique methods and more effort to teach him than his peers, and he will begin believing that he is more of a challenge to teach than them. Yes, some students do need some extra help to pass their classes and understand material, but no one has the place to prejudge this need based on physical appearance alone. We have standardized tests to score and rank students along with others their age, so for teachers to take their own time to differentiate between certain students is unnecessary and fruitless. A school has the responsibility to educate all the students it serves and to educate them equally. And students have the responsibility to work up to their full potential, no matter what. No, we don’t all learn the same way, but our strengths and weaknesses do not fall neatly along color lines. We’ve been taught since elementary school that we can’t stereotype or generalize. Teachers and school district leaders should be the people students feel accepted and encouraged by, not the ones who hold biases against them.
Lauren Aguirre • Staffer “Hey man, I need a blow-off class. Got one?” “My friend’s taking Home Ec. She says it’s easy.” “Really? Okay. Good, because I need an easy 100 to bring up my GPA. These AP classes are killing me.” From class schedules to college applications, a lot of the decisions students make are based on their GPA. Should I take AP English or Regulars? What should I GPA exempt? The influence of GPA on a high schooler’s life is too much. The pressure is immense. To get automatic acceptance to state schools, you have to be in the top ten percent of your class. (For UT, you now have to be at the top eight percent.) At Martin, you almost have to take at least one AP class to have a shot at the magic ten, and even then it isn’t guaranteed. Since GPA compares a single student to every classmate in their graduation class, class percentile all depends on who drops, who stays and who goes. Class size is also a factor. If you had reached the lower half of the top ten by the end of your junior year, you risk losing your spot to incoming students (moves, transfers etc.) whose GPAs outrank yours.
While these outside factors may also help class rank, it proves that class rank and GPA don’t really reflect intelligence. Your GPA is the mass average of your semester averages, which is then transferred onto a 12-point or a four-point scale. Of course, the better grades you get in class, the higher your GPA will rise. While this may seem to reflect a person’s intelligence in AP or core classes, students can still take blow-off classes that suggest they will receive a 100 average no matter how much work they actually do. Unfortunately, GPAs are one of the major deciding factors in college acceptance. Even without the magic ten, colleges generally will pick an A student over a B student, regardless of their general intelligence. Many regular classes, with a smattering of AP classes, are based on memorization of key terms and various concepts. Just a few hours of studying and reciting the answers on the test and anyone can ace it. But if memorization is used as a technique of learning, much of the information is lost by the time a grade is received. How does this determine intelligence? Instead of picking easy blow-off classes or simple memorization courses, students should sign up for classes with the sole intention of learning. Public high school is free education, so why not take all the classes you can? Learn something new that you enjoy, something that will stick with you for the rest of your life. A tactical education is not the answer.
Dear Martin
please stop!
Annoying things that everyone thinks about but could never admit Brooke Marquis • Staffer Savannah Anderson • Staffer Dear couple in front of me, Find a different makeout spot. Sincerely, innocent passerby Dear girl wearing a medium, You know you’re a large. Sincerely, person looking at your muffin top Dear future baldy, Save the rainbow for the Skittles. Sincerely, why is every strand a different color? Dear swagger, Only Ke$ha wants to see your Hanes. Sincerely, grossed out Dear pantsless, In case you didn’t hear, you’re lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground. Sincerely, buy a belt Dear barefoot, Someone vomited there once. Sincerely, hope you step in gum Dear texter, What’s so interesting in your purse? Sincerely, not-so-stupid teachers Dear temporary IDs, Apparently without you no one would know who I was. Sincerely, I think I owe the school $100 Dear security guards, I spent more money trying to get my phone back from the school than I spent buying it. Sincerely, my phone cost $200 Dear kid next to me, I can see you trying to copy off of my test. Joke’s on you! Sincerely, I didn’t study either Dear Picasso, Express yourself somewhere other than the back of the bathroom door. Sincerely, I really don’t want your phone number Dear classrooms, You’re hot then you’re cold. We had to find some way to dress for your temperature mood swings. Sincerely, the Uggs and shorts fad Dear kids passing in the hallways, Do I have something on my face? Because you sure are staring hard. Sincerely, nothing cool is happening in our classroom Dear pimples on picture day, You couldn’t have scheduled me in a little later? Sincerely, just call me Rudolph
scandals
opinions
Student Don’t rely on rumors Students experience a week disconnected from technology 10 hours of sleep. -Larissa Fell asleep without the TV on for the first time in months. Got 9 1/2 hours of sleep. -Emma
Day 2:
Emma Bruce & Larissa Gonzales • Staffers
Day 1:
My alarm is usually my phone. So my mom had to wake me up. She doesn’t have a snooze button. -Emma Texted until the last minute at 7:28, anxious because I couldn’t look at the reply. -Larissa Had to actually get out of the car to get the girls in my carpool instead of just calling them from my car. -Emma Actually paid attention in my classes I usually text in. -Larissa Got locked out of my band practice for 30 minutes because I couldn’t call anyone to come unlock the door for me. -Emma Went to sleep without the brightness of a computer screen or a TV to interfere. Got
I spent the day outside. It made me forget I didn’t have my phone right there with me, to constantly interrupt my focus so I can answer a text. -Larissa I arranged all my rides for today and tomorrow ahead of time, which made me set exact times for everything I needed to do this weekend. -Emma
Day 3:
I finished the novel I had to read for English class and started my homework two hours earlier. -Larissa I forgot to take a Bible to church because a lot of times I just use the iPhone Bible app. -Emma
Day 4:
Today I didn’t have to try as hard to distract myself from the fact that I didn’t have my phone. - Larissa I actually went to a real library to do a research assignment for English. -Emma
Cleaned out my room and terribly messy closet. -Larissa Napped for four hours, started my homework earlier and finished it faster than usual. -Emma I realized I don’t really need or miss Facebook. -Larissa
Day 5:
I set aside time to study for a test instead of cramming right before I take it. -Emma Finished reading a book just for fun. -Larissa
Day 6:
Did my Spanish homework without the help of an online translator. -Emma Had difficulty coordinating my ride home from church. I had to keep going outside to check if she was there. -Larissa
Day 7:
Turned our phones back on to return to the real world. We noticed our grades improving on homework and quizzes. We were definitely more productive, relaxed and focused. We fell asleep faster, slept harder, and were in better moods. Our phones and Facebooks were hardly missed.
Thi ngs I ’ll remember Reflecting on what I’ll take with me from high school
Courtney Reil • Features Editor I’ll remember the feeling I had walking into school the first day of freshman year, being so nervous of what everyone was going to think of me, walking around the halls and getting lost probably a hundred times just in the first day.
When I was an underclassmen, meeting all my friends at the same spot for lunch and laughing so hard until I cried, every single day. I’ll remember all the random people I became friends with in my classes and all the weird conversations we would have. And how I still say hi every time I see them walking in the halls. I’ll remember going to Mrs. Reg’s class and hearing crazy stories about twins eating their babies or people bringing turkey legs to class. I’ll never forget all the car rides back to school from lunch and the stupid songs my friends and I would listen to on the way there. I’ll remember how fun all the snow days were and how I never wanted them to end..and how I never thought they were going to end. I’ll remember going to
Homecoming with all my best friends and having way more fun with just girls than we ever would with dates. I won’t forget all the trips I took to Austin every summer and how excited it made me to graduate and live my life there. I’ll remember how getting ready for prom my junior year was actually a lot more fun than actually going. I’ll remember how there were always two really weird kids in my P.E. classes. I’ll remember how sophomore year I was one of those two really weird kids. I’ll remember how excited I would get for pep rallies. I’ll always remember dancing to our senior class song on prom night. And I’ll never forget all the memories I made in the last four years and how they were the best years of my life.
We’re so much
cooler online
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Sara Syed • Staffer “Hey, did you hear that someone is going to shoot up the school?” “They found this guy’s plan to bring a gun to class. The police are involved.” “So who did you hear it from?” High school is a breeding ground for vicious rumors. Teenagers seem to be especially skilled at taking any situation and twisting it around until it is deliciously scandalous. It’s a power bestowed especially to the great minds at Martin High School. Who else could turn a story about seeing your math teacher at the mall into a story about punching your math teacher at the mall? When an interesting story is being whispered throughout the student body, its end product will never be credible. Call it creativity or pure fabrication, but almost nothing that comes out of a teenager’s mouth can be trusted, and it’s time the students at Martin realize that. I get it. School is boring. Rumors are interesting. But every jaw-dropping rumor has a victim attached. Much too often, the innocent have their good name butchered by us for our love of juicy gossip. Possibly one of the most interesting rumors this year was the “gunman on 4/20” fiasco. The story spread through the student body like a wildfire and before faculty had a chance to assure us it was a false rumor, we had already terrified ourselves. The talk of this supposed gunman reached almost every classroom. Some kids proudly declared their planned absence on the day of the supposed incident, while others exchanged different versions of the story they had been hearing around school and it wasn’t long until names were dropped. Any student deemed “weird” was placed under suspicion of being involved in the incident by the rest of the worried students. “Oh he’s so quiet and weird, it’s probably him.” Rumors and reputations are a combo. When we spread around the latest gossip we underestimate the effect they will have on the students involved. Ironically, our inconsiderate name dropping is the type of behavior that may lead a student to do something as horrifying as the event we anticipated on 4/20. It seems it is simply in our nature to exaggerate a story until its gossip value is high and its truth value is low. When you hear five versions of one story you should be suspicious of its authenticity instead of creating more versions yourself. High school rumors are an epidemic. Our words are powerful and our rumors leave a mark on those involved. Next time you hear students in your class talking about the latest gossip, refrain from immediately pulling out your phone to text your friends the news and question the truth in the story.
Outgoing to incoming
opinions
12
S
Advice from current senior to next yearʼs top dogs of your procrastination doesn’t help if you still wait until the last few minutes to lie about how you are such a good student who always turns everything in on time. Schedule a half-hour to work on longterm assignments every day, so your tall tales seem at least mildly believable.
John Crowley • Staffer
enior year is simultaneously the best and worst year of high school. The sense of freedom that comes with your 18th birthday is almost perfectly balanced out by the impending terror of being an adult with no qualifications beyond being of the right age. Between getting into college and getting out of precalculus with a passing grade, there’s not much time to think about what’s going on around you. Here are some tips to prevent your last year of free education from overwhelming you.
Stay on top of your schedule.
Time gets funny in your senior year. A month goes by in one week, or drags on for a couple of years. It is very easy to pick up an application and then forget about it until three seconds before it is due, and if you turn in an official form written entirely in green and yellow markers, odds are that you won’t get the scholarship. Keep a calendar of when things are due and when you’re going to work on them. Being aware
Plan for an off period or an easy class.
While you’re in high school you don’t have to pay through the nose to get college credit hours, which is really nice. Try to take as many classes as you can handle, especially advanced placement and dual credit. But everyone needs a break once in a while, and if you have four AP classes in one day, you’ll get overwhelmed fast. Plan to get an off period, or even better, a class that doesn’t require much mental effort, like being an office or library aide. By being an aide, you’re required to be at school, so you’re more likely to work on the projects bearing down on you than to sleep in or take a three-hour lunch break at Chick-fil-a.
Get a job.
Poverty is one of the most pressing issues for teenagers in America. The worst thing you can say when your friends ask to go to the movies or on vacation to Jamaica for the weekend is, “Sorry, I’m broke.” However, you can prevent destitution (or at least decrease the frequency of being destitute) by getting a part-time job.
Sacrificing a few hours a day to Pizza Hut or Kroger can provide you with enough funds to buy two tickets and half a bucket of popcorn at AMC on the weekend. The most important thing about getting a job is remembering to save some money out of every paycheck. Set aside the largest portion you can from your first paycheck because after that it will just chip away until you’re only saving .005 percent of your wages. Then, when you find yourself in a financial bind with no savings to draw on, it’s back to Plan A: asking for cash from the folks.
Establish a positive legacy.
Try to engender love and acceptance among your younger friends and acquaintances. It is all too easy to grow shuttered and cynical during your senior year, but by making yourself approachable and friendly, you can use your influence as a senior to help create an atmosphere of love and generosity that will run down throughout the years. Or maybe not, but none of your peers really want to deal with you when you’re at your most arrogant and entitled. So nice it up, for all our sakes.
Fight senioritis.
An overwhelming wave of apathy will inevitably crash down upon you right around the semester mark. The majority of seniors will embrace the wave and ride it out until graduation, watching their grades atrophy to the very brink of failure while
doing just enough to remain academically eligible for UIL activities. If you want to be the best you can be, fight senioritis with all your might. Keeping up your studies during the last months of high school will make you better prepared for college, when nothing matters any more than you make it matter, and slacking off is easier than breathing. Also, by being the only person who is on top of everything, you can hold the power of pass or fail over your friends, and it’s fun to play Superman.
Maintain a sense of perspective.
While you may be “king of the hill” for a scant few months that you’re a senior in high school, in the context of your whole life, senior year doesn’t matter any more than freshman year or kindergarten. Unless you completely demolish your future with a series of increasingly self-destructive actions in this 12-month period, senior year is not as important as you think. Next fall you will be right back on bottom as a freshman in college, or a trainee at a full-time job, and it’s like senior year never happened. So keep it loose, but stay in control of your life as much as possible, and remember no matter hard it might seem you fall, you’ll bounce right back up in a couple of weeks. Hang in there, seniors. We’re all in it together.
Seniors share what they want to accomplish in their lives Jessyca Hernandez & Katy Fitzgerald • Staffers
“Ride on a lion’s back.” senior Tanisha Collaro
“Go to the moon.” senior Brandon Alonzo
“Live in a shark’s stomach.” senior Mark Waldon
“Date Angelina Jolie.” senior Beau Wyse
“Having a national televised police chase.” senior Clayton Brewster
“Own my own island.” senior Bryan Sheffer
“Rob a bank.” senior Cameron Brown
“Own a house on every single continent.” senior Sam Ravenscroft
“Go skydiving without a parachute.” senior Jacob Guidry “Chasing and videoing a tornado.” senior Jordan Moore
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features
Kickin’ the bucket
features
14
‘This is the Time to Remember’ Senior Songs
Senior Advice @SeniorAdvice
Martin High School
Teachers remember their class songs
Alaina O’Daniel •Copy Editor Susie Gibson • Staffer
+ Follow
Rachel Hodnett • staffer
Timeline Favorites Following Followers Lists @AllieDragoo Don’t goof off ‘cuz you’re a freshman. It still counts. #incomingfreshman
@MitchGrassi Treat everyone with the utmost respect, even if you don’t get it back. #lifelessons
@DanielRamirez Don’t get a job. #futureseniors
@SiennaRiehle Keep your head up and leave the haters in the dust. #lifelessons
@CameronBrown Don’t be nervous about the size of some students. We’re all still young at heart. #incomingfreshman
@AllieDragoo Watch for the stupid drivers in the parking lot. #lifelessons
@MitchGrassi Do your work and take advantage of your sick days! They don’t start to count until sophomore year. #incomingfreshman
Class act
Students ponder on what they would say if appointed valedictorian Katy Burley • Staffer When you’re valedictorian for your senior class, it’s a pretty big deal. It’s your chance to remind everyone about their wonderful years in high school. “We finally did it guys,” senior Chara Norman said. “After four long years of hard work, we finally made it to the end of high school.” Many people had different ideas of what they would say, some inspirational, and others gave advice. “Don’t be afraid of doing what you love to do and let no one stop you from achieving your goals after high school,” senior Emilio Vailpando said. “Go after your goals to the best of your ability.” High school graduation is going to be hard for some people, but others it will be the greatest thing that’s ever happened to them. “I would say how much our class has succeeded in the past four years and how we’ve grown so much because of each other,” senior Brooke Winter said. “It’s a cliche to say the time flies by so quickly,
but it’s the absolute truth.” Graduating is one thing everyone looks forward to in the end, and starting their new lives as adults. “How in the world did I get this honor?” senior Tyler Sherman said. “because my grades are terrible, but I’d like to thank my mom, God, and Joseph McVey.” Some speeches are very humorous. Many people love high school, they just want to make the best of it, before leaving all the good ol’ days behind. “Thank God I graduated,” senior Josh Beckham said. “It was tough, but I lasted through all the drama and all the homework. Now I’m going to live my life to the fullest and I want y’all to do the same.” Knowing that their last year of being a carefree student is over, many people are upset, but most are excited to get their new lives started. “Thank you so much, to all my family, friends, and of course all my great teachers that have helped me through high school,” senior Andy Becker said. “I can’t wait to start my future in the fall.”
correction&clarification
Photo credits were left off of pages 22 and 23 in the sports section of the April issue. Both photos were shot by Doug Murray. The Warrior Post staff apologizes for the inconvenience.
Senior songs are the beginning of the end. The voting begins just as the year ends, and then the celebration begins. Although you may vote for the funniest song, the worst song, or the song that means the most to you, you will remember it forever, as many teachers at Martin have. The song itself usually is uplifting, has meaning or provides an outlook on the future, and those songs are the most memorable. • “We actually had two songs, the first was ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon,” reading teacher Sherry McCrary said. “And the second was ‘You’ve Only Just Begun’ by the Carpenters.” • “‘We are the Champions’ because we were the football champions that year,” English teacher Wendy Sexton said. • “‘It’s the End of the World as We Know It’ was our song,” psychology teacher Rachael Peterson said. “We all loved it.” • “The song was ‘Wind Beneath My Wings,’” chemistry teacher Kathy Meyer said. “It was okay, I was just ready to leave.” • “I don’t really remember my song,” chemistry teacher Lydia Berry said. “I know it was by Queen. It was either ‘We are the Champions’ or ‘We Will Rock You.’”
Spring cleaning Seniors clean out papers, Facebook pictures, friends
Paige Patterson, Emily Dalton, & Kelley Duff • Staffers Deleted. Think back to your freshman year. All those papers, assignments, powerpoints, essays and juvenile high school pictures taking up all your computer’s memory. Seniors every year cleanse their computers and laptops, leaving them almost completely blank. “I’m deleting a bunch of pictures off Facebook for sororities,” senior Haylie Jackson said. “It’s not like I have anything bad on there, but I want to have nice pictures for college when sororities look at them.” Facebook has become the place to gossip, the place where you find things out without watching it happen. Also, it has become a place of drama and online bullying. So deleting and ‘cleaning’ Facebooks profiles is common among seniors. “I’m deleting all the negative people out of my life,” senior Iman Session-Brown said. “I want to surround myself with positive people. I already know who will be the first to go.” Many seniors are in all AP classes or dual credit and have had many essays and online assignments. Teachers and professors assign outrageous homework, which is all on the students’ computers occupying precious memory. “I’m going to burn all my Latin papers,
especially all the dictionaries,” senior Kayleigh Miranda said. “Then I’ll delete all my essays, reviews and worksheets off my computer, and that will probably give me like, half my memory back.” For students in athletic programs or fine arts departments, the majority of their things from high school are from their extracurricular activities. Because it takes up majority of their time, they have a lot of “baggage” from that sport or club. “My mom is making a quilt out of all my marching band shirts and Martin shirts,” senior Mallory Melton said. “I’m going to sell my flute, my tuner, all my music and pretty much everything bandrelated.” For the seniors that aren’t involved in AP and extra-curriculars, they simply want to “cleanse” their lives – and the people in them. All the insecurities and high school foolishness are forgotten after graduation. “I want to get rid of all the high school insecurities,” senior Ben Asgari said. “I hope to gain wealth, intellect and new relationships.” Drama is overrated to many seniors, and they cannot wait to get away from it all. All the fights, all the nonsense and all the stupid immature rumors. “I’m going to get rid of all the stupid high school drama,” senior Dylan Reyes said. “I will gain stronger friendships and a healthier lifestyle.”
“I will gain stronger friendships and a healthier lifestyle.”
Addie Trammell • Sports Editor
Kendra Brown • Staffer
Michael h l Feeney y Ryan y Pollard University of Texas at Arlington Air Force Academy
What is your favorite memory? The people I met through it. I had more fun with them than the actual sport.
What is your favorite memory? My favorite memory is getting the interception against Trinity in the playoffs.
What is your least favorite memory? When I nearly broke my back. I was doing the bars one day and I fell on my neck and went to the ER.
What is your advice to the younger players? I would say, don’t be afraid of competition and never give up.
What is your advice to the younger players? Give it time before you hate it.
How do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered as a guy who is determined, works hard, and is a great leader and mentor.
What changed the most from your freshman to senior year? How crazy I got. It’s really a dangerous sport and you just have to go for it. What makes your sport so special to you that you want to keep playing in college? The history I have with it. I started when I was nine or ten and two years later I almost broke my back. I gave up and started back when I was a junior. Do you have a coach that was most influential in your sport? Coach Jensen. It’s not really the coaching, it’s more of the advice he gives. He references it to gymnastics, which makes it a little easier.
What changed the most from your freshmen to senior year? I got a lot stronger and faster. I also know more about the game and my position. What makes your sport so special to you that you want to keep playing in college? It’s the best game in the world and I’ve been playing it since first grade. I would love to play for the rest of my life. What will you do this summer to prepare for college? When do you report? I will spend time working out, while gaining 20 pounds. I report for basic training on June 25. What are you most worried about in terms of starting college while playing a full time sport? Balancing school and military activities with practice and games.
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sports
Future stars
Seniors that have committed to playing sports in college pass advice on to younger players
Meghan gh Irwin Oklahoma City University
What is your favorite memory? My favorite memory would have to be completely busting in the Lamar game my sophomore year. I was just sitting in the middle of the court laughing and we still got the point. What is your advice to the younger players? I would tell the younger players that hard work definitely pays off. Most improved five years in a row! What changed the most from your freshmen to senior year? My confidence changed the most from my freshman to senior year. I went from a quiet awkward girl to an outspoken confident lady. What makes your sport so special to you that you want to keep playing in college? I love volleyball with all my heart. I love going to practice, even on 13-minute Miserable Mondays.
Fashion
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photo•essay
classy The girls in Fashion Design Exploration class show off their outfits inspired by their favorite patterns, princesses and time periods. Interviews by Madeline Maxwell • Photos by Doug Murray “I went through the patterns at the store and I really liked this one.”
“I saw it in a store and I liked it.” -sophomore Camryn Sulak
-junior Teresa Baptista
“It took 16 weeks to make the the blue Cinderella dress, and it’s not completely finished yet.”
“I just really like sewing, and dresses.” -junior Stephanie Vasquez
-junior Audrey Westlauer
“I just wanted a simple, fun shirt.” -junior India Mitchell
“I rushed and didn’t know what to do, so I went with PJs.” -senior Emily Blakely
“I liked the pattern.” -sophomore Madison Coyle
“I knew I wanted to make a dress, but I pretty much winged it.” -sophomore Brittany Daniels
“The 60s inspired me.” -sophomore Cailyn Culp
“This dress is for Homecoming next year.” -junior Kayla SanAngelo