The Warrior Post - May 2016

THE WARRIOR POST Martin High School / 4501 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76016 / Volume 34 Issue 4 May 19, 2016 Each year the Warrior Post compiles a list of the 10 Most Intriguing Seniors nominated by their teachers. We look for students who are flashy, outgoing, talented, and successful, but haven’t had their turn in the spotlight yet. These are kids who make Martin interesting. pages 11-13

What’s Inside

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Beyond Bahama Bash

Football isn’t just a game

Passing it on

Seniors on staff share advice learned during high school

A look behind the scenes of after prom

Life lessons learned beyond touchdowns

Senior advice to freshman students

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A look into the cost of senior year

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$2,042

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Daryn Taylor & Zane Stewart

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As I continue to dump all of my money in to the last year of high school I look back and think about when it just used to be $10 here for a field trip and $20 there for school supplies. Now everything is $200 here for class fees and a grand for prom. I feel like this trend is only going to get more expensive in college.

Recent

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Dual Credit The equivalent cost of ONLY tuition to take the classes offered by dual credit would cost more than $1,800 at TCC. This does not include books and fees.

$

650

Gas

Assuming you spend $26 per week

$

222

Standardized Testing Cost of two SATs and two ACTs

$

180

College Apps Cost of three college applications

$ Photo by: Daryn Taylor

1065

Prom

Average cost of prom for one couple

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150

Graduation

Cost of cap & gown and announcements.

I’ll•be•there•for•you Kai Bruntmyer • Reporter

As the last days of school approach and the doors begin to close on the class of 2016, seniors reminisce and give credit to the teachers who have supported them, pushed them, and been a positive influence in their lives.

Emily Floyd and Richard Ellis “Mr. Ellis has been my inspiration since sophomore year. I’ve known him for three years. I had him for history sophomore year and he recommended me to the AVID program, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ He taught me to never give up and to always try my best. I would say that we have a father-daughter like relationship. We get so mad at each other, but at the end of the day I know he’ll always be here for me.”

Daqualyn Thomas and Brady Cagle “Coach Cagle has encouraged me to be a better man everyday and to not let me give up on myself. He’s been a father figure for me when my dad wasn’t able to be here for me. He helped me to be the positive leader that I am today and I can’t thank him enough.”

Nick Skeffington and Michelle Fratto “Everyday that I would walk into Mrs. Fratto’s class, she would have a huge smile on her face. She is so positive and cares so much about her students, and that separates her from every other teacher. Even outside the classroom, she and her husband would travel to support us at our games or be sure to send me a happy birthday text. She is by far the most influential teacher I’ve ever had, and I feel bad for students who never get the chance to have her.”

Cassidy Fulfor and Lori Craig “Mrs. Craig has helped me through high school by consoling me during some problems I have had. In the long run, she taught me how to handle a situation correctly and how to fix it on my own. A lot of teachers aren’t as understanding, but she works with me and helps me.”

Adam Dailey and Kay Owens “I’ve had Mrs. Owens as my choir teacher for all four years of high school. We go to the same church, so she knows my family and I, and holds me accountable for the things I do. She’s easy to talk to, and always ready to listen to what I have to say or need to vent about. She’s supportive of me in my struggles and in my victories.”

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RICHTERANIMALHOSPITAL.COM

817-478-8000 4601 W. Sublett Arlington, TX 76017

going grSSk

The first thing that come to mind when Greek life is brought up is partying, but there’s more going on in the chapters.

Bailey Lewis • Editor-In-Chief

Every U.S. President and Vice President, except two in each office, have been members of a fraternity.

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Less than 2 percent of an average college students’ expenses go toward Greek life.

Only 25 percent of college students report doing poorly on a project or test as a result of alcohol, but it skyrockets to 50 percent along with Greek involvement.

Belonging to a fraternity or sorority increases the likely hood of completing a degree, with 71 percent of Greeks graduating versus 50 percent of non-Greeks.

64 percent of gay fraternity members report high degrees of satisfaction with their experiences.

85 percent of executives at Fortune 500 companies were involved in Greek life.

Undergraduate members give an annual average of $7 million and 850,000 hours toward charitable causes.

Outside the Greek system, 40.9 percent of college females admit to abusing alcohol, whereas sorority girls report drinking at a rate of 62.4 percent.

Sources: https://www5.njit.edu/greek life/directory/facts.php http://elitedaily.com/news/world/15-revealing-stats-current-state-greek-life/ features 7

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THE

WARRIOR POST Martin High School • Arlington, TX Bailey Lewis Editor-In-Chief Kyle Desrosiers & Tupelo Witte Copy Editors Emily Hale News Editor Gabby Benavides & Kamryn LeFan Features Editors Garrett Elliott Sports Editor Gavin McGowan Entertainment Editor Allison Beatty Opinions Editor Cammi Skanes Photo Chief Cailynd Barnes Design Editor Binh Le Staff Artist Tricia Regalado Adviser Marlene Roddy Principal

Staffers:

Ezra Averill, Emma Beard, Spencer Brewer, Kai Bruntmyer, Breanna Cochran, Rosie Cook, Serena Corwin, Morgan Evans, Darci Fulcher, Megan Garland, Kare Gray, Bayan Hammad, Cameron Hayes, Kendall Hendrix, Nikkolas Hernandez, Dean Kelly, Curt Leland, Kayla Mattox, Cameron Mayes, Madi McLean, Morgan McPeek, Kareema Nadurath, Elizabeth Prickett, Faith Smith, Zane Stewart, Daryn Taylor, Haleigh Trevino, Daisy Vasquez, Emily Wadley, Josephine Wei, Brady White, Michael White, Haley Wiley, Hope Zuckerbrow The Warrior Post is the official publication of Martin High School. Opinion columns don’t necessarily represent the opinion of The Warrior Post or of Martin High School.

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

Live for you. The choices you make now have a lasting impact and shape who you will be later in life.

• Cailynd Barnes Life is too short, so love the one ya got, ‘cause you might get run over, or you might get shot.

• Spencer Brewer Don’t worry when things change. You can’t hold onto “the way things used to be” forever. Your friends will change, your likes and dislikes will change, and that’s okay.

• Kai Bruntmyer In Turkish, there’s a proverb: Herkes kendi yıldızının demircisi. It means that each person is the creator of their own fate. Be open to change. No idea, philosophy, or value will always stay the same. The only constant is change, through which growth is achieved.

Celebrate the trials in in your life. Embrace other belief systems and lifestyles. I may be a senior, but I stay fresh, man.

• Kyle Desrosiers You can’t twerk away your problems.

• Garrett Elliott It’s really important to prioritize things when you get busy. Make sure you spend the most time on the most important things at first and do fun things later. Procrastinating will hurt you so much and it’s an awful habit.

• Morgan Evans Be quick to give the benefit of the doubt in all situations. Always take the opportunity to extend kindness to others, especially those closest to you. Don’t be afraid to look at the bright side when life gets hard.

• Megan Garland No matter how many mistakes you make, it’s doesn’t define your character. What defines your character is your reaction.

• Kare Gray

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High school is temporary. Don’t let it define you. Keep true to yourself and stay focused on the big picture. We’re here to prepare ourselves for college, so keep that as your number-one priority.

• Bailey Lewis Live in the moment, but look forward to the future. Senior year should be one of the best times in your life, but you can never be too prepared for the year ahead.

• Morgan McPeek Don’t let the curriculum define you. Have your own thoughts, and learn in the way that you learn best. You’re not defined by your grades, so don’t let them control your life.

Also don’t do anything in your yearbook picture that you might regret in 20 years.

• Cammi Skanes Learn how to swallow your pride and don’t talk back to your superiors.

• Daryn Taylor

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High school is a big part of your life, so spend it trying new things, talking to new people, and being spontaneous. I’ve always done the things I love, but being adventurous is what made my junior and senior year some of the best years of my life.

• Michael White Don’t waste it. Every moment, good or bad, choose joy. Every day you regret is a day you won’t get back, so make the best out of them all. Laugh daily, surround yourself with happiness, and NEVER tell yourself you are not worth it, because you SO are.

• Tupelo Witte

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Learn to fall in love with life. Senior year is full of changes, and some will be really hard.

Learning to take anything negative and changing it into a positive experience will benefit you more than you know. Learn to take deep breaths and enjoy the ride.

• Hope Zuckerbrow

opinions

It’s just me, myself, and I Is “alone time” really that important?

Morgan McPeek • Reporter “Table for two?”

“No ma’am, it’ll be just me for the night.”

As I sit down and look at the menu, I think about how if I had gone and sat at a restaurant by myself a couple of years ago, just like I was right then, I’d feel way out of my social norm, like everyone was making fun of

me for being alone.

A lot has changed over my past four years in high school, including feeling comfortable with who I am and not worrying about what others thought of me.

In 2013, I was just a freshman roaming the halls, trying to find myself and fit in all at the same time. I thought that meant going to all to social events and hanging out with my friends 24/7.

I remember feeling like if I wasn’t able to go to so-andso’s birthday party, I’d feel left out and get scared that people would forget about me and not invite me to anything else again. Pathetic, right? That’s honestly how

I felt, but over time, my attitude has changed tremendously and for the better.

Instead of freaking out about fitting every social event into my schedule, I take more time for myself and do things that “������ Freshman year Morgan” wouldn’t think about doing alone. I find sitting in a restaurant, alone, with a book or even taking two hours of my day to go shopping after school to be really relaxing and honestly, very important.

Seniors, we only have a few short months left until we are out on our own, so now is a better time than ever to find out who you really are, without all the friends and

the parties and even parents.

I’m not writing this to tell you that if you aren’t going to restaurants by yourself then you are doing it wrong; that’s just an example. I’m saying, take time for yourself, reflect on your life and the kind of person you want to become because that’s the kind of person you are taking off to college and meeting new people with.

The only person who can help you find you is you.

As cliché as that sounds, it really works.

I’ve stopped worrying what others thought of me and am confident saying that I am ready to be on my own.

Of course I have the great support of my parents, but there are some things only you can do for yourself, so feel comfortable with whom you are. Know that you are loved.

BYO(T)empation

Giving up my phone in class made all the difference

Haley Wiley • Reporter

When BYOT was created, it was intended that we would use our phones strictly for education purposes. But slowly, it has turned into everything except what its original purpose intended.

In most classrooms you walk into, you will see the majority of students on their phones, and I, sadly, am one of them. I am addicted to my phone, and it’s a slightly scary thing to admit.

Without my phone being constantly in reach, I am not myself, or, at least, I don’t feel like myself. But, over the past few months, fortunately, I have gone through a very eye-opening experience.

I was caught using my phone when I ����������� wasn’t supposed to be, and my Physics teacher decided that it would be in my best interest to take my phone every day before class starts.

So every day, as I walk into the room for class, I hand her my phone with no arguments and no questions asked, and I don’t get it back until the class is over.

In the beginning, I had a hard time with this. I was constantly worried that I was missing out on something –

opinions

a tweet, a text, a Snapchat, or anything of that nature, and I wasn’t focused on the class, so I thought to myself, “Is this even helping me or just making my ability to focus worse?”

But then I sat back and thought, if I had my phone, I wouldn’t be focused anyway.

So I stopped worrying about whatever notifications I may or may not receive in that hour and a half.

I threw myself into the subject of Physics, which is not an easy class. If your focus is on other things, it is even harder.

I paid attention to what my teacher was teaching us, and I discovered that it’s actually an interesting subject, and not as hard to understand as I had originally thought

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when my junior year began.

When my focus improved, so did my grades. I started understanding how to do classwork and homework much better, and I finished them with ease.

My lack of motivation, or the occasional dread, to do my work in Physics slowly dwindled away, and I became okay, and sometimes even excited about the fact that I had to come to Physics each week.

I had no idea that my phone was causing so many problems for me until I was forced to give it up, even if it just for a small amount of time.

If you are struggling in a class, try putting your phone on the teacher’s desk for the class period, or putting it in your backpack. Out of sight is out of mind.

10 Most Intriguing Seniors Bolaji Olagbegi

Anton Hernandez

What are your plans after graduating?

I plan to go to Boston University and I am double majoring in finance and international relations.

What is your biggest aspiration in life? What kind of lasting impact do you want to leave?

“I want to be a foreign service office, so like a diplomat, so I would like to be remembered as someone who really cared about people and who wanted to help them,”

What’s the most recent dream you had?

I don’t really know. I don’t really remember. I know whenever I forget to pray I have kind of scary dreams and they happen over and over again. I have a weird one. It’s about me being trapped somewhere.

If you could make a movie about your life, what would you name it who would play you?

I’d name it The Fast Life. Jeff Gordon would play me because he’s been my favorite racecar driver since I was little.

If you could free one animal from the zoo, what would it be and why?

Rhino, because they’re endangered and they are the most beautiful species. They’re really strong and they don’t need to be in such a confined space. They need to have a lot more room.

What inanimate object describes you to a T? Gold, because I want to live the rich life.

If you were the principal of Martin what’s the first thing you’d change and why?

If you got a tattoo, what would it be and why?

I’d change the amount of tests we have, because tests do not define how smart you are.”

If you could free one animal from the zoo, what would you free and why?

I’d free all of because I feel animals need their like I wouldn’t want standing all of my

When

I’d get a clock with my exact birth time, with roses for my parents and grandparents, their names and the date they pass away when that time comes.

life gives you lemons, what do you do with them? them, like space to be life.

I’d talk to Obama on a cool Wednesday night, discussing the importance of lemons and how they can change the world.

Isis Carver What are your plans after graduating? If you are going to college, what do you want to major in?

I’m going to the North Texas Center Swedish Massage to become a therapist. It’s a five-month training program.

If you made a movie about

your life, what would you name it, and who would play you?

Trash. I would be played by Jackie Chan, because he’s pretty cool and likes to make people laugh. Plus, you haven’t seen my ninja moves yet.

If you were the principal of Martin what’s the first thing you’d change and why?

The bell because it’s obnoxious. The old bell was better. It sounds like I’m on a flight and I’m not okay with that.

What is in the trunk of your car right now?

A trophy that I got my sophomore year. It was for second place at the Colorguards Championship.

If you got a tattoo what would i t b e and why?

A single dot on my leg, because I don’t like needles and that would be short and sweet. Also, who doesn’t like polka dots?

Torren Calhoun

Kyra Belgica

Connor Franklin

Jada Turner

What is one of the coolest things you’ve done?

What is your biggest aspiration in life?

What are your plans after graduating? If going to college, what do you want to major in?

If you could only c one song to play time you walked a room for the r your life, what wo be?

I’ve mentored for Steve Harvey’s mentoring camp. Essentially, he picks 100 boys from all over the country who grow up in fatherless households and takes them to his ranch. He has different types of workshops with lessons such as fishing, how to tie a tie, networking, and does this thing called “How to be a Millionaire” and teaches you how to forgive your father.

What are your plans after graduating?

To play football at Texas Lutheran University and major in philosophy or business.

If you could make a movie about your life, what would you name it who would play you?

A n d r e 3000. I’d called it Untitled, because I do a little bit of everything.

It’s nothing specific, that way it’s open to interpretation.

If you could free one animal from the zoo, what animal it be and why?

To serve my country. After college I want to be an officer i n the Air Force to help make the world

better than when

I came

into it.

If you made a movie about y o u r life, what

would you name i t , and who would play you?

The Transformation from Small Baby to Big Baby starring Scarlett Johansson as myself.

What’s the most recent dream you’ve had?

I was at school and Mrs.Roddy called everyone to the gym.

While there, she told us Abe Lincoln was coming to sword fight Dr. Buckley. Eventually, Dr. Buckley had Lincoln on the ground and before he could give the killing blow he held out his hand and said, “Good work, Mr.President.”

would

A dolphin because they’re social animals.

What inanimate object describes you to a T? A record player. You have different tempos. You can speed it up, slow it down. Some times I’m slow-paced; sometimes I’m fast-paced.

most intriguing seniors

If you could free one animal from the zoo, what would you free and why?

A giraffe because I could ride it to school and avoid traffic.

What inanimate object describes you to a T?

A permanent marker because I seem to have an effect on everyone and they say I brighten their day. I’m sociable like that. Plus, sometimes it is hard to get permanent marker off. I’m clingy like that.

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I’ve decided to stay home for a year and attend TCC and then go into the University of Arkansas Architecture for five years and the sixth year I plan to study abroad in Venice or Europe.

If you were the principal of Martin, what is the first thing you’d change and why?

How some teachers approach students, how some students don’t want to be there, and that the teachers need to be a little bit more comforting.

o f right

My disc at least frisbees.

What inobject you to a

What is the trunk your car now? golf bag and 12 disc golf

animate describes T?

I’d say a toolbox, I have a good expertise and every situation I’ve ever come across there’s something I could benefit everyone from.

What’s the most recent dream you’ve had?

A zombie apocalypse. It was actually this week. People were running away and trying to get out. Too much Walking Dead probably, I’m sure everyone can relate to that.

“Formation” by Beyon

What is your bigg piration in life? kind of lasting i would you like to

I want to live a life fin stable enough to no about money. I don money to be somet stress about. My last pact is to help women be more independent have to rely on a man.

If you made a about your life, would you name i who would play Why?

Jada Pinkett Smith my parents named m her and I think she’s be I would title it What’d Y because I’m legally dea

If you were the p pal of Martin, w the first thing you’d change and why?

I would change the dress code on shorts because my wingspan is 6’2” and the fingertip measuring rule is not fair.

What is in the trunk of your car right now?

Pool buoy, kickboard, an extra

a Turner

u could only choose ong to play every you walked into m for the rest of life, what would it

ation” by Beyonce

is your biggest ason in life? What of lasting impact d you like to leave?

to live a life financially enough to not worry money. I don’t want to be something to about. My lasting imto help women and to re independent and not rely on a man.

u made a movie t your life, what d you name it, and would play you? ?

Pinkett Smith because rents named me after d I think she’s beautiful. d title it What’d You Say e I’m legally deaf.

u were the princiof Martin, what’s first thing change why?

d change ss code shorts e my span ” and gertip uring s not

Sam Bourland

Trevor Shaffer

What are your plans after graduating? If you’re going to college, what do you want to major in?

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

What is your biggest aspiration in life?

I am going to Ohio State University, and majoring in Computer Science and Engineering.

The Programmer. Steve Jobs would play me because he had a lasting impression on the evolution of technology.

What was the most recent dream you’ve had?

I was walking York and all of den, someone running at me with a Sharpie. I fell d o w n the subway staircase, a n d t h e n

in New a sudstarted

What inanimate object describes y o u to a T? A computer processor, because there’s a formula for everything. fins, a n d jacket.

I would choose “Starman” by David Bowie.

I ’ v e always loved space and I really love David Bowie.

If you made a movie about your life, what would you name it and who would play you?

w o k e up.

is in runk your right

buoy, oard, extra

Kesi Maduka

If you got a tattoo, what would it be and why?

I would pick the letters “KZ,” because it symbolizes myself and it would look cool.

In a movie of your life, what would

it be c a l l e d and who w o u l d play you?

Disillusion, because it shows that there are a lot of things that people figure out along the way. I would want Scarlett Johansson because I can really relate to the roles she’s played.

If you were the principal of Martin, what’s the first thing you’d change and why?

I don’t know if this would be doable but, I would put more of an emphasis on fine arts education – not only the music programs, but theatre and art too. I would give them more funding and give more emphasis to their accomplishments.

“My biggest aspiration in life is to never fail my family.”

If you were the principal of Martin, what’s the first thing you’d change and why?

“I would change the I.D. rules because I hate them and I always forget mine.”

What is in the trunk of your car right now?

“My computer, my keyboard, my mouse, mousepad, two monitors, and a back up mouse just in case.”

What inanimate object describes you to a T?

“A tree, because a tree goes many different ways. I have all these different sides to me.

I have my funny side, my chill side, my gaming side. A tree has all these different limbs and I have all these different limbs of me.”

If you got a tattoo what would it be and why?

“Family on my forearm, and I’m going t o have differ

ent numbers

represent

ing different peoples names, like my mom, my dad, my sister, and my brother.”

What inanimate object describes you to a T?

I identify with the artist’s palette with dried paint all over.

It’s just a mish mash.

If you got a tattoo, what would it be and why?

I would get a tattoo dealing with my Celtic ancestry because it’s really important to me.

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most intriguing seniors

From the eyes of a first-generation American

Living for me

Kareema Nadurath • Reporter Imagine your entire life is being uprooted and there’s only enough time to get a few personal items that are entirely necessary. If you have a second, you might even wonder why you have to leave.

There could be many reasons for leaving the place you call home whether it’s escaping poverty, corruption, or violence.

It’s no secret that America is filled with an endless amount of opportunities, especially for people who are migrating from smaller or less developed countries.

Any parent you talk to will tell you they just want their kids to have a better life than they had.

Being a first-generation American and the daughter of a refugee and an immigrant, I have had exposure to Afghan, Mexican and American cultures.

This has allowed me to view the world in all its beautiful diversity, rather than just in black and white. So when people have a bad attitude towards immigrants, rather than argue I try to get them to see things from a different perspective.

Recently, Melania Trump criticized illegal immigrants and said she entered this country “the right way” by applying for a visa and following the procedures.

What Melania and others of her economic status don’t seem to understand is that not everyone can afford to

Cailynd Barnes • Design Editor The most important thing I learned in high school wasn’t something taught in a classroom, it was learned by experience. I learned to live for myself.

Before my freshman year, I found myself caring what people thought about me a little too much. I wanted to have the newest phone, and I wanted to take classes I had no interest in just because my friends were in them.

As I grew older I saw that I didn’t need the newest things and I should be taking classes I want and need. I think as I matured this was something that became more important to me. I learned that, at some point, I had to do something for me, rather than everyone else.

Since learning how������� important it is to live for myself, I have noticed my quality of life improve. I am happier, nicer to others and most of all comfortable in every choice I make.

In eighth grade I found that I would like to become a teacher, but would never express that because I didn’t want to be told I couldn’t or that teachers don’t make good money.

I never cared about that, but I eventually realized it didn’t deserve attention.

It’s best to live life to the fullest rather than ignoring what you want or what the others around you are saying.

wait months and/or years for a visa. People also don’t realize that it’s not free and it’s definitely not pocket change for people whose main reason for moving is probably due to poverty.

In an ideal world, anyone would be able to apply for a visa and come into this nation without complications.

Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world and it’s becoming more common for people to leave their countries because they want to escape from violence. For example, Syrian refugees are trying to get away from their war-torn country because, believe it or not, they want to live and they want their children to live.

When quality of life for an entire country is threatened, it’s logical to want to migrate somewhere new and that “somewhere new” is usually America.

My dad was born and raised in Afghanistan and had to leave when he was 17 – my age – because of the Russian invasion that began in 1979.

When he and his family left, one of my dad’s sisters was lost and never found and his dad didn’t live very long after reaching America because the stress of life was too overwhelming.

Once they reach the United States, refugees and immigrants face intense criticism from Americans.

They’re accused of being terrorists, drug dealers, and rapists who want to take jobs away from people who need them.

In reality, all they want is to live another day and because they value life so much, they take the criticism even though it’s not their fault.

Criticism is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also

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learning a new language, adopting new culture and fitting into a different society. It doesn’t help that English is one of the hardest languages to learn for people who aren’t of European descent.

In my mom’s case, she had to leave her family in Mexico for job opportunities and ended up getting her citizenship and staying.

Weirdly enough, she and my dad first met each other in Fort Worth where he taught her how to speak English, since he could already speak it fluently.

Even today I look at them and wonder how in the world someone from Afghanistan and someone from Mexico met in Fort Worth of all places and ended up starting a life together.

For people who have lived in the United States all their lives, it’s hard to imagine it, but there is so much pain and loss involved in leaving home and some people are never the same again.

It’s weird to think that I have an aunt out there somewhere that I’ll never get to know, if she’s not already gone. I know for a fact my family isn’t the only migrating family to suffer while moving.

If Americans were put in the same situation, they would do the same thing as immigrants and refugees and flee as fast as they could, especially if their life depended on it. Think aout your own family. Your ancestors probably migrated to the United States and may or may not have suffered the same treatment.

So my question is this: What makes your life more valuable than someone else’s?

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It’s okay to lose friends in high school

Hope Zuckerbrow • Reporter As an incoming freshman, you have all these ideas of what high school is supposed to be like. You think of prom queens, football games and popularity – you want it all. Or at least you think you do.

When I came to Martin my freshman year, I expected it to be just like the movies.

During my freshman year, I was so caught up in how many friends I had, how many boys liked me and what I’d do on the weekends.

You start high school out with your big group of friends, and everyone likes everyone else.

But as you go through your high school years, you either grow together with your friends, or you grow apart.

Honestly, I didn’t grow together with any of my friends, and I often felt lonely going through my last year as a high school student.

Looking back on it all, if I was given one piece of advice by someone who has done it,

I wish somebody would have told me that it was okay to end up alone towards the end of senior year.

I don’t think I separated from my friends for a certain reason, but I just think that people grow apart and have different interests.

It took me a long time to realize that even though you don’t have as many friends as you used to, it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with you.

The thing about senior year is that if you’re not working, then you’re filling out applications for college. If you’re not filling out applications, then you are applying for scholarships.

If you’re not doing that, then you’re trying to squeeze in

some time for your family.

Maintaining relationships with people becomes difficult.

Everyone is very busy, and sometimes when relationships end, it is not anyone’s fault.

Losing friends forced me to branch out and start exploring things that I truly cared about.

I found new hobbies and developed better relationships with my family members.

The truth is, high school is not supposed to be your golden years. You are more likely to find your place in college.

Long story short, don’t even sweat the small stuff.

When you don’t put too much emphasis on how many friends you have, and focus on what’s more imortant to you, life gets better.

Our teeth and ambitions are bared... be prepared!

AISD should help students prepare for college earlier

Allison Beatty • Opinions Editor Nowadays, it seems that students are beginning to plan their futures earlier each year. Things such as college admissions, majors of choice and entry-level jobs stop becoming far-off dreams and start becoming harsh realities.

In this day and age of career-

oriented school systems, it is important that students have the necessary resources to succeed in life, something that the AISD strives to accomplish.

Success after high school, in the eyes of the school board, is defined as “100 percent of AISD students will graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship.”

But being prepared for college means so much more than simply being admitted.

It also involves the individual choosing the right school. In order to do that, we must explore the options by taking college visit days, but not enough are given to the students.

Juniors and seniors are given two college visit days per year.

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The process to redeem the privilege of those days used to be much more complicated and harrowing than it is now.

Changes to the policy like that are good things, and progress forward.

However, that doesn’t mean we should stop reforming.

Students need to explore as many options as possible in order to discover the college that is the best fit for them.

Two college visit days are not enough for that.

Students have the option of visiting campuses at times that don’t interfere with the school day, such as Spring Break, and yes, they are encouraged to do that as well.

But the current policy allowing two college visit

days simply is not enough to fully accommodate students’ college inquiries Each year, the college application process becomes increasingly more competitive.

Top and mid-range colleges heighten their requirements.

Standardized tests become more and more important.

Students feel more pressure to apply to many, and even more selective and prestigous universities each year.

As the college application and selection process becomes increasingly more competitive, in order to better prepare its students for college and the world beyond, juniors and seniors should be allowed more than two college campus visit days per year.

opinions

Football isn’t just a game grew together as a family after four years, and we

Life lessons beyond touchdowns

Garrett Elliott• Sports Editor High School football in Texas is basically a religion. You’ve got movies like Friday Night Lights and Varsity Blues, each showing the “typical” star high school football player going through the struggles of their senior year, but what happens to those guys who aren’t the star players or don’t plan on playing football in college? What kind of impact did high school football make on them?

Garrett Elliott, #58 Deep Snapper. I’m the guy who snaps the ball to the punter on punts and the holder on field goals. I’m not going to college to continue my athletic career because there’s really not much market for a 5’8” deep snapper who has messed up knees.

High school football has made an unbelievable impact on me, and I will forever thank Coach Wager and the other coaches I’ve had throughout the past four years for the life lessons they’ve taught me.

The Martin football program has left a different impact on each one of us seniors who are graduating and headed off to our various next steps in life.

Freshman year, more than 100 kids showed up for the first day of football practice. Only 34 of us remained

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through the good and the bad times. No matter how far we go, that’s a bond that will never be broken.

All the coaches obviously had a passion to win, but the coaching staff cares about each player off the field too, not just on the field. They cared about us, and they did what they could to help each player grow into a man.

Coach had three rules that I won’t ever forget: First, compete in the classroom the same way you would on the field. Second, when people see you, they should say, “That must be a Martin Warrior football player. I can tell by the way he carries himself!” And third, play and train everyday like your hair is on fire.

I’d be lying if I said the past four years as a Martin football player were easy, fun, and I loved my coaches 24/7. But that’s what puts Martin athlet-

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ics above many of the other high school programs in this state. It is hard, but I’ve learned and grown so much in these past four years.

Some kids turn to drinking, drugs or other things to relieve the stresses of high school, but for me it was grinding in the weight room.

Not only has football prepared me for the future, it saved my high school life.

As the clock reaches the final minute on my high school career, I’m not throwing up a desperate Hail Mary, hoping something goes right entering my next stage in life.

Because of the impact high school sports and the Martin High School football coaches have made on me, It’s looking like the Paschal game (87-20) and I’m sittin’ pretty as I prepare to whoop everybody in intramurals next year as a business major (with a preference for sports business) at Texas Tech.

Bahama Bash is huge afterprom party funded and run by the PTA parent volunteers.

Thousands of hours every year are poured into making the event become reality. Here’s a look at all that goes on behind the scenes of Bahama Bash.

•

The budget for Bahama Bash is

$100,000.

$20,000 goes towards the scholarships given away, and $28,000 goes towards prizes, $30,000 goes towards Chick-fil-a biscuits, $16,000 goes towards games, and

Fundraising and preparation for each Bahama Bash

begins the week after the last prom was thrown.

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With 130 volunteers, a combined total of

1,170

hours was spent setting up for Bahama Bash.

• •

Senior parents donated a total of

Kendall Hendrix • Reporter

•

Bahama Bash raises most of its money through selling

Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits, lunch concessions, holding car washes, having a silent auction, and many other events.

•

692 total students and 512 seniors attended

Bahama Bash.

$6,000 goes towards other expenses.

•

Beyond Bahama Bash

$11,000.

2 PODS storage containers and an 18-wheeler

trailer are used to store all of the supplies and decora-

•

breakfast tacos, and 200 sausage biscuits were purchased for Bahama Bash.

•

The most popular events were Caricatures, the Ca-

sino, and the Obstacle Course.

•

Junior parents started cleaning up after Bahama Bash

6 a.m. on Sunday morning.

1. Volunteer Bobby Richardson unloads supplies and decorations for set-up. 2. Volunteer James Bexley carries equipment to the gym to prepare a booth. 3. Senior Seth Reine and volunteers Lynda and Kevin Pas work together to set up a game for Bahama Bash. Photos by Haley Riley

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800 chicken tenders,

100 pizzas, 10 quarts of queso, 300 chicken wings, 204

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tions over the summer.

75 cupcakes, 100 sandwiches,

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Doggone shame Taking away Martin’s therapy dog has had a bigger impact than expected Kare Gray • Reporter Marcus is a seven-year-old golden retriever who, up until a few weeks ago, resided in the nurse’s office.

Marcus is a champion retired show dog and a therapy dog.

A therapy dog is a dog that alleviates feelings of stress, emotional discomfort and provides affection. Therapy dogs are widely used in hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

But according to AISD policy, Marcus could no longer stay at Martin.

The district policy states that any dog on campus must be a service dog and serve an individual’s needs not a population.

Marcus’s departure has deeply affected many people faculty and students and has spurred a campaign to get him back.

Nurse Victoria Ray said she hopes that using research findings from universities will aid in her plea to bringing Marcus back. Students have signed a book made for Marcus detailing how much they miss and love him.

There are talks of t-shirts being made and a petition of over 896 signatures.

One of those being deeply affected was sophomore Daniela Piñeda. She explained her dismay over his absence.

“Losing him is devastating,” Piñeda said. “It was really nice going to the nurse’s office and having something to look forward to. For someone who personally loves dogs, it was great to have a dog here readily available

whenever you’re feeling stressed. Having a therapy dog really set us apart from other high schools,” Piñeda said.

Ray, who owns Marcus, explained her sadness over Marcus’s departure as well.

“On a personal level it makes me really sad because seeing the joy he brought so many people made my heart happy,” Ray said.

The idea of getting Marcus came to nurse Ray when she encountered a student who had been newly diagnosed with mental health issues.

“She wanted different ways of helping her and some medications were working and not working,” Ray said.

“She mentioned that she loves dogs, and there is a national disability act that lets dogs be therapy dogs. Unfortunately for her, having a therapy dog costs thousands of dollars and they’re hard to find.”

This is when the light bulb in Ray’s head came on. She remembered that Marcus was affiliated with Pet Partners, an organization for therapy dogs.

“After that, I appealed to Mrs. Roddy and said that I’ve been seeing students with a lot of anxiety, anger issues, and just a lot of stress from school,” Ray said. “I said that my heart breaks for this girl who can’t bring her own dog to school, so is there a way we can bring a dog for everybody.”

Having a therapy dog is not an easy process. Ray explained in full detail the process getting Marcus.

“There was a long process,” she said. “Most of it

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ensured that we had him properly trained. He had to be a gentle dog, not lick, and not jump. We had to get him registered through the state as an emotional support dog and then clear him through the vet making sure that he was healthy and had all his shots.”

Ray also explained how

the idea of how to benefit the school population came about.

“We had to think if we’re going to have him here in the clinic how is he going to benefit the entire school population. That’s when the idea of buying an air filter to air out allergies came about,” Ray said.

1. Marcus the therapy dog.

2. Senior Lauren Brown petting Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Jerrie-Lynn Atman

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Passing it on

Seniors share advice to freshman students Morgan Evans & Emma Beard • Reporters

Walking across the stage, seniors have prepared for what will come next after high school.

Meanwhile, freshmen open doors leading to the next four years of their life.

“If you are passionate about something and you could make it into a career, then make sure to make it your priority.”

-senior Najee Wright “When you come in as a freshman, it will not only fly by more than you think, but also the friend group that you have is going to get even

smaller over the years.

By your senior year, it’s just gonna become a really small circle. When you come into high school, don’t branch out to everyone. Keep a small circle through the years and just stick with them.”

-senior Ally Healy “The friends you have at the start of high school won’t always be the ones you keep forever so it’s okay to let them go. Be careful who you trust because people change a lot over the four years and it’s not always a good change.”

-senior Margeaux

Lavaduor “Coming into high school as a freshman can be scary because there are so many people, but also there are so many people who share the same interests as you.

Remember that there are hundreds of people at school in the same situation as you so never feel alone.”

-senior Kayla English “Don’t wish away high school. I made the mistake of wishing time would pass by fast so I could get to senior year.

This time is so precious and you are going to wish you would’ve lived more in the moment.”

-senior Lyndi Walters “Don’t get sucked into doing drugs or things you shouldn’t do just because your friends do it. After high school, a lot of the people you’re friends with now won’t really care for you later.

It’s more important to stay on top your grades across all four years because one year could screw everything up.”

-senior Lane Baldillez “Get out of your comfort zone by taking risks and putting yourself out there. High school flies by so take advantage of any opportunities that come by.”

-senior Jonathan Wei

Sophomores, don’t neglect your junior year

Serena Corwin • Reporter

Going from sophomore year to junior year, many things change.

You go from being an underclassman to an upperclassman.

You get to go off campus for lunch, and life is great.

Here are some tips to make junior year easier.

1. Don’t take AP if you are not ready to work hard. My sophomore year, I took AP World History. I didn’t work as hard as I should’ve, but still got passing grades.

I thought I could do that this year with AP Language and Composition and AP U.S. History but I got overwhelmed. So be prepared to work hard.

AP is definitely worth the time and effort but I didn’t realize it until the middle of this year.

2. Take the SAT/ACT. Don’t wait to take the SAT or ACT your senior year. Taking it junior year gives you enough time to

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really prepare and retake if necessary. The good thing about these tests is you can take them multiple times to get the best score you can get.

3. Stay on top of your grades. I know this is a given, but colleges look at junior year. It has the most recent grades and gives colleges the best insight on the type of student you are. Every grade counts this year.

Don’t wait until the last second to turn things in.

4. Start looking at colleges. You don’t have to narrow your choices, but it gives you the opportu-

nity to check out what majors/minors you may be thinking about. AISD gives juniors and seniors two college visit days.

Take advantage of them.

Apply to schools you know you will get into.

5. Your friend group may change. This doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you or them. Everyone gets more mature, emotionally and mentally.

Opinions change and people change, and as a result, your friends will change. If you don’t fit in with your friends, it means you are growing and they are not.

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Take it from me

Martin Alumni give advice to graduating class of 2016

Binh Le • Staff Artist & Michael White • Reporter Every senior needs someone to help them prepare for the real world after high school. Seniors are scared to question where they’ll stand, whether it’s going to college, a university or jumping right into work. No one has to go through this scary and unforgiving process alone. Here are some Martin Alumni and their advice to the graduating senior class.

Drew Chapa Graduated in 2007

“Most people aren’t ready for what college is going to bring, but that doesn’t mean you should give up.

Spend your time wisely.”

Chris Proctor Graduated in 2001

“Be prepared to work harder than the other guy, whoever that might be. You determine the kind of person you want to be, and it’s up to you to make it happen.

Kaylyn LeFan Graduated in 2013

“College is very different from high school. Step out of your comfort zone and take a leap.

Get involved and find your niche of people, because those people will be by your side the next four years.”

Jessie Myers Graduated in 2015

“Stop stressing about the big change, and relax and have fun. Because you’re young and have so many adventures ahead, you’ll look back and realize how minor those worries are.”

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Catherine Anderson Graduated in 2011

Betsy Clark Graduated in 2005

“Don’t worry about everything so much, and get plugged in right away. College is a great place to try the many diffrerent clubs and organizations. It’ll be fun, and make you friends.”

“Use your new freedom, wisely. Whether you are going to college or getting a job, you are going to have more freedom. Enjoy yourself but be an adult while you do it.”

Jantzen Witte Graduated in 2008

Bennett Mitchell Graduated in 2000

“College is the most fun you’ll ever have. Don’t go to a college just because you have a lot of friends there.

You’ll have new experiences and learn more about yourself than you’d ever think.”

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“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Travel as much as you can, look into study abroad programs, and learn a new language.”

ANNIE’S FREEZE

Bring your Martin ID for $1.00 off a small, medium, large, or jumbo shaved ice!

2382 W Park Row Dr Pantego, TX 76013 • (817) 233-5277

JOIN US

Buy a yearbook! $75 - limited quantities Give your kids the chance to look back at all of your bad hairstyles and fashion trends in 30 years.

SEEKERS Tuesdays during lunch in Gym B

Pick up in Gym B on May 20 or in room 260B afterwards.

Running to success Track all-star Keshun Reed explains his road to the top Garrett Elliott • Sports Editor & Nikk Hernandez • Reporter As a state champion high school athlete, senior ���� Keshun Reed continues to live up to his high expectations on the track. Running has been part of Reed’s life since the beginning, and now he is leaving a legacy at Martin.

“I like to run,” Reed said.

“At first, I started playing football, and then the coach suggested I try out for the track team and things just progressed from there.”

Reed has run track all four years at Martin, and has excelled in all of his races, but winning was just a perk of running track at Martin for Reed. Although setting a new U.S. track record of a 45.75 second 400m race is an amazing achievement to have, the more important thing for him has been enjoying the friends he has made along the way. Not only did he win a state title and multiple medals, Reed also won the friendships he has gained.

“I loved making friends these past four years,” Reed said. “I’ve made a bunch of friends and some really close friends.”

Running track isn’t just a sport for Reed, it’s a lifestyle. He uses his competitive nature to help him succeed on the track. He runs with a purpose, striving for greatness because of not only his physical ability, but also the mindset he brings with him.

“I tell myself every time that I can’t let up this race because I worked harder than them this week,” he said. “I just go in with that

mindset, and things take care of themselves.”

As in all sports, some things can’t be controlled.

The Martin relay team, despite great expectations, didn’t make it to the state finals this year due to injuries.

“We had a lot of setbacks due to injury this year,” Reed said. “And they just happened at the wrong time.”

Having a phenomenal athlete such as Reed on a track team is what schools desire, but Reed also does things that help impact the team as a whole.

“People can see his work ethic and obviously his ability,” Head track coach Tim Mays said. “But also how he carries himself and how he works and how he maximizes his ability and that rubs off on other people. He’s a great leader and so it not only helps the events he’s in, but it helps everybody on our team.”

Reed gave his all every day at practice, and it paid off for him. Setting all new records for high school track and taking home medals can show just how great of a runner he is. But he wasn’t always a winner.

“He didn’t make it to state or win district as a freshman,” Mays said. “He worked every day whether it was at track practice, after school, or in track class and he got better and better each year.”

For every high school senior athlete, leaving Martin athletics is bittersweet, but

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1. Reed races toward the finish line of the 400m at the IAAF World Youth Championships. Reed finshed the race in third with a time of 45.96 seconds.

Photo provided by milesplit.com 2. Reed lunges toward the finsh line in the 4X100 run at the 6A UIL State Track meet at the University of Texas May 16.

Photo provided

by Thao Nguyen.

2 Reed continues to move forward with a positive attitude.

“Knowing that my career at Martin is ending is a bittersweet feeling because I’ve made memories and friends I’ll never forget,” Reed said. “But it’s exciting to me knowing on I’ll be moving on to the next stage.”

After starting from raw talent, Reed has matured into an elite runner. Doing this not only gave him a sense of pride and self-

accomplishment, he also received multiple college scholarship offers for his talents and the ability to compete in the Junior Olympics.

Making the decision was hard, but Reed decided to take his talents to Louisiana State University.

Reed continues to live up to his legacy by striving each day to conquer the junior Olympics, so that he can soon compete in the world Olympics among the best of athletes.

sports

Hollywood High School

The high school on TV looks nothing like the high school we live in Dean Kelly • Reporter

As kids, we all had expectations about what High School would be like, and more often than not they were the embellished ideas and hypothetical situations, spoon-fed to us by all the movies and shows we watched. Now that we are nearly adults, self aware and living through what real high school is like, a need arises to separate the truths from the myths.

For instance, the idea that the football team and the cheerleading squad rule the school, and for some odd reason bully everyone else while walking around still wearing their uniforms is bonkers. I don’t think our football team has anything even close to a stranglehold on the affairs of all our students business, and probably know only about as much of what goes on outside their respective social circles as the rest of us do.

Also, cliques are not what we made them out to be in our lil’ baby heads. It’s not just Personally, I don’t think any of us have black and white closed-minded ideologies. randomly broken into song in the hallway, There’s no such thing as a goth-and-onlydespite that happening surprisingly often goth or a jock-and-only-jock type of perwhen we watch more or less anything. son. The archetypes defined and set out The movies never really show the iconic by what we watch are all so clearly cut out real-world phenomenon in which two to and accepted, yet rarely apply to real life. three minutes (sometimes more) before the We are all mixtures of everything we’ve bell dismisses class, kids line up at the door, learned and accepted and are all unique aching to leave the existential nightmare and individual. they believe they reside in.

One other bundle of untruth is the High schools always look so pretty when cafeteria. That’s it, just the cafeteria. On they aren’t real. Honestly, I would love to go the big screen our eyes were constantly to one of them, because they’re so grandiose assaulted with images of hordes of grown and gorgeous, and it blows my feeble mind up children scarfing down their food in an with its majesty. It’s not really ever the elaborately decorated and beautiful plaza. decor either, it’s just how clean they are.

Whereas we here in the real world either go Everything is always so wishy-washy and off campus to Chick-fil-a or some other fast polished, with lots of windows and hardfood joint or just sit in the hall to eat. Our wood floors, giving it this sort of dreamy cafeteria is barely big enough to breathe in, glow, much like everything else with it. let alone house the entire school at once.

Despite all the exaggerated imagery and clear differences between the high schools on the screen and the ones we live through today, it’s almost impossible to really blame them for expectations we had, because really what the writers and directors are trying to do is portray the “idea” of high school, not necessarily any actual high school scenarios. It just goes to show you that maybe it’s better this way, that people really shouldn’t have an idea of what high school is going to be like, and should experience and discover it for themselves.

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