The Warrior Post - November 2019

the warrior post at martin high school

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Issue one

Keeping it together

WP

Protect our student info privacy

Have you wondered how safe your information is lately? In a world of technology, we’ve grown accustomed to being leery of our safety using our phones.

To help this, we cover our cameras on our latptops, make our settings private on our phone, install safety programs (that are hopefully trustworthy) and pretend to whisper secrets so our phones won’t hear.

Once we have finished doing that, it feels like we have completely cleaned out anything that could steal our information.

But, have you thought about your technology safety at school?

Recently, there have been conversations about students’

[staffeditorial ]

personal information like birthdates and ID numbers being used.

What was even worse was realizing that our ID numbers, full schedules, and birthdays are not as safe as we have believed.

With an ID number, you can buy school lunches or check out a library book. With a schedule, you can find phone numbers or addresses.

Many classes and clubs at Martin give access to students’ schedules to trustworthy students. But, once this information gets in the wrong hands and starts spreading, it can become dangerous.

An easy solution may be to

just take schedules out of students’ hands, but this would open up more problems. Assistant principals and attendance clerks would be bothered more often for little requests and it would become tedious.

Instead, we could make it harder for students to use the information from a schedule.

For voting in schools, we can add more steps to enter.

For lunch, we can ask for our student IDs to be scanned.

Also, when schedules are available, we could take off the addresses and phone numbers.

Of course, these problems won’t be solved in a day.

But as long as it leads to privacy amongst our student body, precautions should be considered.

A perfect storm Band has most successful year in Martin program’s history Mansfield

Class Rating Finals

4A-1st

Class Rating Finals

4A-2nd

Midland

Waco

Class Rating Finals

5th

3rd 4A-3rd 4th

TheMartinBanddirectors,BradMcCann,TravisWhaley,KatrinaBenecasa,andMoisesCarmona,leadthebandtofinals inaBandsOfAmericacompetitionforthefirsttime.Thebandmedaledinclassandfinished4thoverallatthecompetition in waco. photo courtesy of martin band

2 • Opinions

The Warrior Post

4501 W.Pleasant Ridge Dr. Meridith Moore Arlington,TX 76016 Editor-in-Chief Meridith Moore Editor-in-Chief Shelby Simmel Copy Editor Sara Blasingame News Editor Rylee Richardson & Caroline Brown Features Editors Humberto Rodriguez Sports Editor Wendi Rivera Opinions Editor Aisha Al-Refai Design Editor Aivrey Zaiger Photo Editor Tricia Regalado Adviser Marlene Roddy Principal Staffers: Collin Adams, Ethan Baggett, Brooke Betters, Sara Blasingame, Jade Bostick, Jordan Clark, Mica Coulter, Grace Dean, Caroline Demby, Alysse Ellerbrook, Elle Forsythe, Makenzie Gaines, Leslie Gomez, Allison Greenwood, Lilly Griffiths, Payton Harris, Emma Henderson, Claire Loyd, Mallory Mendard, Grace Mihills, Colton Morrow, Rylee Richardson, Jessica Saling, Haley Trussell, Daniel White 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.

martin starter packs

The beginning of the school year is when people find out where they belong, so we took it upon ourselves to help y’all out. These are the most identifiable students.

aysha mirza & Alysse Ellerbrook • reporters

Aisha al-refai • Designer

features • 3

Visit it Alysse Ellerbrook•REPORTER Cutting Edge Rate 8/10

Listen to it Caroline Brown• Features Editor

house itself takes about an hour to walk through the whole thing and includes realistic props and even a bubble room at the end of the tour.

It is located in Fort Worth so it can take

From his new album, Hollywood’s Bleeding, Allergic is another Post Malone song about his complicated relationship with a girl.

fame.

The life he lived before is what made him into the man he is today and he explains how it affects Aisha al-Refai•Designer him now that he’s famous.

High school is one of It’s extremely inspiring the most pivotal parts of to know someone like a person’s life, so here are him came from so little. some books to make finding yourself a little easier.

Cinnamon Girl- Lana Del Rey This dreamy song is a recent release by Del Rey that is a perfect song for driving around at night with friends.

Running Out of Time Tyler the Creator This song features many different tempos and pitches that come together to make a tune that is great to listen to during school.

Hollywood’s Bleeding Post Malone

Floating- Schoolboy Q (featuring 21 Savage) This song is something that anyone can jam out to and vibe with. Highly recommend listening to this with some friends on a night out.

Coffee: This was my goto place after an Italy trip when I crave Italian coffee.

Their cappuccinos almost 2019 has delivered RyleeEarly Richardon• some great new games so far, tasted like the real thing.

Features Editor and whether you’re looking for Distance: The nice thing a good role playing game, an about Savor is that it acSavor Coffee,type, a cute little tually isn’t in Fort Worth, action adventure or you’re more of a horror fan, there are coffee shop at Collins and which makes the drive already plenty of new options Bardin brings lots to the more enjoyable. to get the year started off the table.

Cost: The cost is normally 4 • entertainment

Drink it

around 20 to 30 minutes to get there depending on the location.

Typical hours of the house range from 8 to 10:30 pm and tickets are around $35 for general admission.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get into the Halloween spirit, Cutting Edge is the place to go. This spooky haunted house is the perfect place to go with friends on a Saturday night. The haunted

Read it

Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Trevor Noah dives into the deep details of his childhood living in South Africa during the worst and better times of its history. Growing up mixed during the Aparthied was a challenge for Noah.

From a young age, he had to learn how to fit in when he was considered socially unacceptable. He explores more of his life before just a max of $5 tions, but you are still able Snacks: Their crepes are to talk to others. hands-down amazing.

Study Environment: Sometimes it can be a little loud, but for the most part, it is not distracting for studiers.

Chatting Environment: It may be a little quiet in there for loud conversa-

Play it Colton MORROW•REPORTER 2019 has seen a lot in the world of gaming. Here are some of the latest and most popular releases.

Borderlands 3 This is the third game in the highly-acclaimed

Eat it Jessica Sailing•Reporter

First Watch Driving down Cooper Street you can get lost in the hundreds of storefronts that assault your eyes with advertisements, but there’s one small spot you should be paying more attention to: First

Watch it Payton Harris•Reporter “The Goldfinch”-A movie adapted from a visually-mesmerizing book about the struggles of mortality, righteousness, and the unrelenting inner conflict of identity.

“That maybe even if we’re not always so glad to be here, it’s our task to immerse ourselves anyway: wade straight through it, right through the cesspool, while keeping eyes

Borderlands franchise. For fans of the franchise who enjoy the old-fashioned loot shooter type of game, this will be a familiar interface, while newcomers can look forward to a thrilling and entertaining story about the mysterious planet of Pandora and vault hunters that seek the planet’s fabled riches.

Watch Cafe. Open seven days a week, it’s any classic hipster’s dream spot, with completely Instagrammable, healthy, fresh, and most importantly, delicious, brunch food.

Their thick-cut brioche toast (commonly found covered in avocados) and fresh-squeezed orange juice makes First Watch the perfect place for a Sunday Brunch with the pals.

The diverse menu includes both healthy and and hearts open. And in the midst of our dying, as we rise from the organic and sink back ignominiously into the organic, it is a glory and a privilege to love what Death doesn’t touch.” — The Goldfinch, Chapter 12 – “The Rendezvous Point,” Section viii: page 771 Too often, movies push the boundaries of reality in order to provide us with a sense of escapism the moment we enter the theater.

While this may not always be a bad thing, sometimes it’s best to confront reality

The improvements to the Borderlands 3 was reway progression is orga- leased Sept. 13 and renized in order to not feel ceived a 9/10 by Imagine too overwhelmed with Games Network. different levels and skill trees.

The fans are loving it, me included, and as a Borderlands fanatic I’d say that Borderlands 3 is shaping out to be one of the best in the series so far. hearty farmers meals as well as a light acai fruit bowl that’s appealing to any appetite.

My personal favorite aspect of this First Watch is their fresh squeezed and original juice recipes.

The juices are rotated out seasonally. Currently on the menu you can find a “Morning Meditation” juice made of fresh orange, lemon, turmeric, ginger, beet, and agave, but when winter begins the menu rather than hide from it.

The Goldfinch, directed

by John Crowlye (Brooklyn) and adapted by Peter Straughan, confronts harsh topics, such as the loss of a loved one, physical and mental abuse, drug addiction, and morality, head on without missing a beat.

Throughout the film, we watch as the main character, Theodore Decker played by Oakes Fegley, struggles with the loss of his mother at a young age after a horrific incident at the MET in New York

will rotate again. Overall with a distinct and aesthetic vibe First Watch is a 10/10 hang out.

5001 S Cooper St #101, Arlington, TX 76017 7a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day

City. The movie continues to follow Theodore throughout the rest of his childhood and into adulthood, connecting the past with the present through a series of flashbacks and narration.

ENTERTAINMENT • 5

Obsesse with me

TikTok has taken over teen screens, becoming one of the most popular apps of 2019 Claire Loyd- Reporter “Why you so obsessed with me?” is the question our generation is being asked. The TikTok app, formerly called Musical.ly, has swept over this teen generation with more than 500 million downloads worldwide.

The short videos often feature a lip sync, complicated dance, or a funny comedy skit. The app has become a hobby to many children and young adults sparking creativity and imagination, but has the app engulfed too much time out of teens’ lives?

Senior Brianna Sepulveda is an avid TikToker with 300 followers on the app.

“I think of it as Vine 2.0,” Sep-

ulveda said. “People can make funny, creative content that isn't anywhere else. Some of it is truly entertaining.”

Just like many other teens, Sepulveda downloaded the app as a joke and now finds it addicting, spending up to two to three hours on the app each day.

“The videos are short and you crave more content, so you can spend hours on the app without realizing it,” Sepulveda said.

Sophomore Avery Neal said she agrees that TikTok is addicting, spending up to an hour a day on the app.

“It just makes me laugh 24/7,” Neal said.

Neal said she thinks that although TikTok is so popular now, the fad will end soon.

“The trend will probably die soon...but I hope it doesn't,” Neal said.

Junior Riley Woodard said she agrees the app trend will only last a couple of years.

“Honestly, it'll probably be a thing for the next few years until it dies like Vine,” Woodard said.

She also admits she downloaded the app as a joke.

“I rarely post, and it's always with friends, or when I'm

bored,” Woodard said.

The app has a range of seriousness. Some people downloaded the app as a joke, while some people dedicate hours to perfecting the perfect, post-worthy TikTok. The TikTok app has brought together all ages of this generation to a single platform where everyone can express their creativity in a new way.

It is no secret that the TikTok app has mesmerized children, teens, and adults of all ages, and although the trend will most likely die soon, it has become an iconic symbol of our generation.

Eddie’s Bike Fit Providing rider comfort and performance since 2005 Phone: (817) 791-5809 6 • ENTERTAINMENT

Get wrecked Life lessons from a victim of rollover car crash

Grace Mihills • Reporter

F

our weeks into this school year, my vision of my senior year changed.

Years of my elementary self dreaming of a High School Musical-esque senior year were ruined in a matter of seconds.

• • • • I had big plans for the end of my high school career and the beginning of my college one, but because of one person, those opportunities were stolen from me. I now have limitations and I realize how I took for granted the freedom in my life, body, and mind before my accident. My memories of senior year from now on will not be as amazing as they could have been, and I could go into college in recovery from surgery.

However, I recently learned that, because of how others’ actions can affect our lives, sometimes change really is out of your control and all you can do is just adapt and learn to live with it.

A turn for the worse

On Sept. 7, my friend Brandon and I decided to reconnect over ice cream. We debated over Snapchat for a little while about where to go and eventually settled on Melt in Fort Worth,

Three hours later, we were each in an ambulance headed right back to a Fort Worth trauma center because of the extremity of our injuries.

Thinking back, there are so many minuscule things that we could have done differently that very well could have reshaped the course of our lives from what it has become. We could have been in the far right lane.

We could have left five minutes later. We could have left five minutes earlier. If Brandon hadn’t forgotten his wallet in the car, it might not have happened. If I had paid attention when he took a wrong turn, we would both be okay. Thoughts like these were all I could think of when there is nothing else to do but watch HGTV in an emergency trauma room.

• • • • Brandon and I were on the highway going 70 mph when we were hit by what we were told was a drunk driver going about 30 mph more than us.

This caused the small Toyota Corolla we were in to fly towards a guardrail, then flip four times across the highway before landing right-side-up.

After the dust settled, Brandon and I assessed our surroundings

us. Being in a car wreck is bad, but it’s worse when it’s not your fault because you still have to deal with consequences of another person’s irresponsibility.

Although I’m not fully on the other side of this trauma yet, I already know how blessed Brandon and I were.

We were fortunate to land right-side-up, to have as many people pull over to help as they did, to have rather minor injuries in contrast to the condition of the car, that we are young and healthy, that the person who hit us has insurance, to have amazing nurses and doctors, that our brains weren’t severely damaged, and that although the airbags didn’t go off, we remained protected.

Many times in life, when situations get overwhelming, it’s much easier to focus on all that is going wrong, but I am well aware that in my case, much more went right than wrong.

I can thank God now that we are both okay and able to return to our families in mostly one piece.

Live, Love

The saying “Life is short” is often used to spur people into action or to comment on what we forget to appreciate as we get wrapped up in daily life. I used to brush people off when told that, thinking it’s annoying and cliche, but once you come close to actual death, you really appreciate the value of each and every day.

Every “goodnight” or “I love you” to my family before bed could be the last one I say to them – so much can go wrong in each night. It’s important that we value the time that we’ve been given, not only to be more productive but also to be a more grateful person.

Now that I appreciate the true value of each day I live, I’ve become less worried about superficial issues and more invested in the relationships around me, what I can control, who I can help and who I can show love to. Life is a gift that continues to give and it’s something we should be thankful for every day.

and it took me a while before I realized that I was missing a chunk of my leg.

Life after

At that point, I knew I was just forced into a long road of insurance battles, possible physical therapy and surgeries, scans, needles, and questions.

The accident I was in gave me an intense awakening and appreciation for just how much our actions affect those around

moments after the rollover crash, i realized how lucky we were. opinions • 7

SpOOky season

During the time of year when the veil between our world and the paranormal world is thinnest, reporters visit DFW’s most haunted locations.

Payton Harris & Colton Morrow • Reporters

The Screaming Rundown Bridge The car shudders to a stop in the middle of the secluded road. The dim lights breach the darkness before us, lighting up a rusty old gate that clearly states going any further would be a mistake.

“This is our stop,” Colton unenthusiastically reminds me.

It’s all a little unsettling, but the curiosity drives us to continue on towards the infamous Goatman’s Bridge.

The question always lingers about whether or not there is something real behind ghost stories that send chills down our spines.

On our hunt to discover what really lurks in the darkness, Colton and I went to the top five most haunted spots in the Metroplex.

Spooky Rating 5 Ghosts = maximum spooky level

Location

River Legacy Park, Arlington, Texas.

Backstory

Located in River Legacy Park, the (now hard to reach) Screaming Bridge was used in the 1950s and 60s by people who wanted to cross to another part of the city.

The legend of the bridge tells of one fateful night where a car of six kids was driving across the bridge, and the driver did not see a car coming right towards them. By the time they noticed, it was too late. Three out of six occupants were killed. The three survivors were left badly injured.

It is said that if you visit the bridge on the anniversary of the crash at night, you can still hear the sounds of two cars screeching before the blood curdling noise of the crash.

Rating

We gave it a 3 out of 5 due to its secluded nature and the dark past of the location. The bridge has graffiti all over it. This made the bridge a lot less spooky and more of a forgotten bridge with a dark past.

8 • features

The Dungeon Location

Right here at Martin (Bet you didn’t know we had one of those, unless you’re a fine arts kid)

Backstory

Rumor is that at one point in time, Martin had planned to create an underground parking lot below the school. The plan fell through and now we have the Martin dungeon.

The dungeon is essentially a big storage closet that houses, among other things, desks, props, old pay phones, shelves and closets.

The place doesn’t have any installed lighting and besides the light coming from one floodlight is almost completely dark in some parts. The dungeon is plagued by rats and other small creatures. Whether anything supernatural or otherworldly is also housed in the dungeon is yet to be seen.

Rating

We gave it a 1/5. It was extremely dusty and dark, and apart from the cobwebs covering every corner and the threat of rats nibbling on our toes, there isn’t much to be feared. In our opinion, the Dungeon is overrated and is better off left alone.

The Lost Old Heron Goatman's Bridge Cemetery of Castle Infants Location

Doug Russell Park, right in the middle of the University of Texas at Arlington campus.

Location Lake Worth

Location

Backstory

Backstory

The castle has many names: Whiting Castle, Lake Worth Castle, Inverness, In 1894, the Berachah Industrial and Old Heron Castle.

Home served as a shelter for homeBefore it became the rundown less, drug abusing and unwed pregnant castle it is today, Old Heron started women in the local area. The shelter as a humble farmhouse in 1860. The spread 40 acres in an area now known farmer who lived there decided to as Doug Russell Park in UTA. get married on the property. But on During its operating period, there the morning of their wedding day, the were multiple reports of children be- bride mysteriously went missing and ing abused, or complications during was found floating dead in the water birth which resulted in children dying. of nearby Lake Worth. Since then, The shelter ran until 1935. people who visit the castle claim to The cemetery holds 80 graves, most see a woman in a white dress runof them infant graves or mothers who ning near the water’s edge, along with died giving birth. One of the most sounds of a woman weeping. sobering aspects of the cemetery is A farmer who lived in the adjacent that it holds unnamed graves that are farmhouse also hung himself. The marked only by numbers. Some of farmer has been spotted in the winthe infant graves have old toys placed dows of the castle and the farmhouse. on them that appear to be from the The dark wooded surroundings and 1900s. Even though the surrounding the absence of any cars or reassuring campus gives off a sense of normality sounds give this place a creepy vibe and liveliness, make no mistake, this without even taking into account its place is eerie. back story. Years later in the 1930s, a fire swept through the old castle and not too long after, a young man comWe gave the cemetery a 2 out of mitted suicide.

5 due to its stark contrast from the Although we did not catch a glimpse surrounding lively campus. Overall, of the apparitions ourselves, the Old the cemetery was a desolate place Heron Castle’s dark past and spooky that definitely doesn’t house the tornature will give anyone chills down tured or evil souls that it’s rumored their spine. to hold. Overall, our visit to the cemetery was one of respect for the dead that lay there.

This spot was definitely a 4 out of 5. Considering that it’s the only house on that street and the unwelcoming nature of the gate, this spot was by far one of the creepier place on this list.

Backstory

Rating

Rating

Denton

One of the most well-known locations on this list, the Old Alton Bridge has even been covered by many journalists, the most popular being “Buzzfeed Unsolved.”

The bridge itself was constructed in 1884 to connect the (now destroyed) town of Alton to Denton. Since then, the bridge has seen multiple Satanic rituals that have allegedly opened a gateway at the bridge, leading to some of the sounds and faces that have been reported.

One of the most common sightings at the bridge is the goat-man spirit who stalks the woods around the bridge. The origin story of the Goat-man involved a African-American goat farmer who was hung by the Klu Klux Klan over the side of the bridge.This offers a reason to why the spirit is allegedly so hostile towards any visitors it has come into contact with. These sightings add to the bizarre nature of the already spooky bridge.

Rating

We decided to give this spot a 4 out of 5. When we arrived a the bridge, it was dark and unsettling. The smell of the old bridge was one of the things that hit us first, despite the surrounding woods and nearby road.

The bridge leads directly into the woods surrounding the bridge, adding onto its secluded nature. One strange thing we noticed was a small orange light deep within the woods that swayed ominously the whole time we were there.

features • 9

Screen time pros Kids use social media to show who they are and what they stand for

by Jade Bostick, Jacob Mayes & Brooke Betters • reporters

I

n 2019, people are very aware of the detriments to social media. Bullying, hate groups, and racism are often brought to the conversation. Many older generations believe that social media is harmful to our emotional and psychological well-being.

However, does social media only do harm? Is all social media out to poison and destroy this generation?

In many ways, the world has become a kinder, more accepting place when compared to just 20 years ago. Many discriminated groups of the past have found more light being shed on them. When social media entered the picture, LGBTQ+ members had a platform to discover themselves and feel validated in their being.

Junior Daniel White, an LGBTQ+ student, told his story of growing up with the help of social media.

“Life has been so much easier than it would have been,” he said. “People know more about gender, sexuality and more.”

10 • features

Another major but under-recognized group would be those with disabilities. Special Education Teacher Vanessa Gadbois recognizes the differences in her personal interaction while growing up and now.

“Almost everything has changed,” Gadbois said.

“When I was a kid, people never knew that these kind of kids existed. They were pushed to the side when I was in high school, and now they have the opportunity to be a typical high school kid. Even compared to the 1950s, when parents were encouraged to institutionalize.

More people see those with disabilities as people, not burdens.

Social media has brought more awareness, definitely.”

With social media giving ways for people of all abilities to speak out, organizations have formed to give a greater platform. The general public can see that everyone is a person, and everyone deserves to be treated no better or worse.

• • • While looking at the improvement in the way people treat each other on social media, it is impossible to ignore

the way social media has made everyone a lot more comfortable on their platforms through activism. Activism no longer requires you go and protest at the steps of the capitol.

Now, with the help of social media, activism can be as simple as a hashtag that spreads awareness for a cause you deeply care about. Some see this as lazy or as fake activism, but simply spreading awareness can make a very big difference in the big picture.

“Social media makes it a lot easier to find and share causes you care about,” junior Dazani Price said. “Before social media, it was more difficult to widely share what’s important to you.”

• • • Despite how many followers or friends you have on social media, you still have a platform to talk about the causes that burden you. It’s easy to share what you believe in and people will inevitably see it. And now, with the overall attitude toward each other at an exponential high, people are as open to what you have to say as they are open to what any celebrity has to say.

New and varying voices that might not be able to get a platform in real life are now amplified because of the platform given to every user on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook.

But beyond just being given a platform to speak about worthy causes, social media offers many different ways to make your voice heard.

“On social media you aren’t restricted to one way to share your thoughts because there are many outlets for someone to make their voice heard,” junior Reese Karo said.

The developments of easy ways for people to connect has also greatly boosted the ways certain groups of people are

represented.

One of the strongest issues for people is the representation or lack thereof. Seeing someone that looks or identifies the way that you do really helps our youth feel comfortable in how they see themselves. So many students can recall a time in their life where they would only see a specific standard of beauty, and it wasn’t them.

Over time, social media has evolved to become almost a safe place where people can finally start the conversation of how they’re being treated and take a stand to change that.

When we get on social media and see so many people are finally taking a stand and protesting not only for their rights and representation as people it inspires us, but if you don’t see the people that represent you is it worth it?

• • • “I feel like I’m earning representation while simultaneously trying to be stripped of it by people with conflicting views,” junior Earl Wright said.

The topic of representation has ultimately reached so many people and changed the way they view themselves and what they let influence them.

“The way these topics are represented have definitely changed over time to become more inclusive and welcoming,” Wright said. “People are finally moving away from the ’one size fits all’ concept of identity.”

Whether it’s black people, women, the LGBTQ+ or all of the above community, people are proud to see that they’re finally getting some positivity in their feeds.

After all the turmoil and effort people around the world have put into finally recognizing how people are treated, we start protests to fix it and choosing the right people to represent them.

What’s ’ the story?

Social media accounts paint pictures of students’ lives

W

emma henderson • reporter

hether they are just trying to show their followers a glimpse of their life or trying to give an inspirational message, students try to portray different stories to their followers using their Instagram page.

“I try to portray my Instagram as stylish and sporty,” junior Autumn Smith said. “I enjoy taking pictures with friends and of me when I’m not having my bum school days. I try to express myself as a fun, joyful, and goofy person.”

Some people just try to demonstrate their life in an artistic way.

“My Instagram tells a story of an irreverent leader that’s cultivated many talents,” senior Matt Franco said. “My profile would most definitely describe my life because it is composed of meaningful people and exciting pursuits.”

Deciding what to share on social media is also a big factor because it could offend others or even make them feel unworthy.

“I wouldn’t post anything inappropriate by making sure all my posts are mature,” Smith said. “Some of my audience is young and it needs to give off a

good image.”

Positivity on Instagram can be a problem because a lot of the time, instagram can promote a lifestyle that is considered perfect.

“Social media is a good way to share happiness and love with everyone but it should also be a real glimpse into your life and not be too fake,” junior Brandon Parker said.

Since social media can be so negative, it is important to think about positivity and whether the post is authentic.

“Factors that go into choosing what I post are if either it’s truly meaningful to me or it contributes value to my community,” Franco said.

“One factor for me is authenticity,” senior Cole Dodson said. “I want to put out an image of myself that isn’t self-glorifying or seeking attention, but an image that lets people see more about who I am as a person.”

Even though it is expected for social media users to be real and show their real life, people don’t think it is necessary to show every single part.

“It is difficult to post real glimpses of my life because while life is partially composed

of pain, I’m not going to take a picture of myself crying,” Franco said. “I’m going to focus on crying and the problem at hand and I don’t even think about posting on Instagram during those times.”

High schoolers do not tend to post what happens in their day to day life.

This makes the followers feel as if their life is not as “perfect” as the person posting, and can lead to insecurities.

“Instagram should be both inspiring and a glimpse of what your daily life looks like,” Smith said. “I want to start creating more of a platform to suggest creative ideas for my followers, but also give them a look into my daily life and the certain

ideas I have. I enjoy interacting with people, and letting them have a look into my sporty and girly life”.

“My Instagram page does describe me. It tells a story of my personal growth throughout life,” Parker said. “You can see my change of passion in certain things and certain people.’’

For some people, posting on Instagram can cause a feeling that they will be judged by their followers.

“No one has ever said they felt like they knew me from my Instagram, but for a period of time I had pictures with captions that if you lined them up, it would outline an entire poem,” Franco said. “Many people told me they noticed and liked it.”

features • 11

n i l l o C e g a Aver tries to buy a gun Taking a look into the process of buying a gun and the gun show loophole collin adams • reporter

*This is just a pellet gun. photo by aivrey zaiger

H

oow hard is it to buy a gun? This is a question I have been wrestling for a while. I wanted to explore and see how easy it would be for myself to go out and buy a gun, and see if I can learn about the process during this.

The commercial process

I started off by heading to Point Blank, the indoor shooting range off Cooper. I entered with no agenda except, “Let’s see where this goes.”

I was looking at this nice

Glock handgun for about $500 and that’s all the information I got on it because the salesman quickly informed me I could not buy this gun. Even at the age of 18, I can not buy a handgun but I was legally allowed to buy any long barrel gun. The definition of that law is any gun that is 16 inches or longer. This includes shotguns, assault rifles, and hunting rifles.1 He also informed me that if I have a friend or parent over 21, I could have them make the purchase and gift it to me, or I could buy one off a private seller legally. He also informed

1. AR15 does not actually stand for Assault Rifle. It stands for ArmaLite Rifle, the company that first developed it in the 1950s.

12 • features

me the background check takes roughly 15 minutes. The threeday mandatory background check you hear of doesn’t exist anymore. With technology today, these companies can background check you through FBI and ATF databases in minutes.

When I told the seller that I’d be okay with buying a shotgun instead and asked to start looking, he asked my experience level. I told him that I have never shot a shotgun, but I have shot a few pistols and rifles.

He told me he would not be comfortable with me buying a gun until I shot it. Then he rec-

ommended I get a friend who knows how to shoot a shotgun to come with me to the range before I go guns blazing. He even offered for me to come to their free gun safety classes on Saturday mornings.

There was not much after that as I said thank you and went about my day. I was surprised at how hesitant the seller was when I told him my shooting experience.

A further breakdown of the laws

2. President Kennedy was killed in 1963. Though the conversation had come up about gun control, it wasn’t until after the killings of Dr. Martin King and Senator Robert Kennedy in 1968 that laws officially passed.

I wanted to dive a little deeper into this 16-inch law and why a handgun is considered too much for an 18-year-old, but a semi-automatic rifle isn’t. Here’s what I found: The Gun Control Act was passed in 1968 with a series of laws under Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. This was encouraged after the assassination of JFK, due the rifle bought by Lee Harvey Oswald was bought through American Rifleman Magazine. Due to how easy it was for Oswald to purchase this rifle they wanted to make it harder.2 The 16-inch law was passed as it was seen as an 18 year would use the rifles for sport, while a handgun was intended for self-defense. This was the main reasoning I found for this law. This act also included laws about mental illness, selling to anyone who has been dishonorably discharged, containing a criminal record, illegal aliens, etc.

These red flags, though, are based on the seller’s evaluation of the buyer and the application. Though this sounds good, it was criticized as the true definition of the law, knowledge or reasonable doubt to these suspicions It was essentially based on the seller’s feelings and assumptions of the buyer.

Mandatory background checks were not mandatory until the Clinton administration passed the Brady Act in 1993. 3

Exploring the Gun Show Loophole

But that was a gun store, what about a gun show? That was my main interest in this question. I have no doubt that the majority of commercial companies follow more stringent laws and procedures. Gun shows are for anyone and everyone. All you need is a Federal Firearms license (FFL) to sell products at a gun show. The list of requirements to apply for one is a lot similar to the laws passed in 1968, but this time there is a background check involved in obtaining the license.

Only eight states require that gun shows only sell to those with a license or permit, which can only be obtained through a background check. Texas is not one of those states. Now it should be noted that some venues of these gun shows do require a background check as policy, but that is not mandatory by law in most states.4 So that would mean case closed, right? The gun show loophole is real?

Not exactly. I wanted to go myself and see if I could successfully buy a gun at a gun show with no background check. On Sept. 28 I drove out to Fort Worth for the Lone Star Gun Show.

When I arrived at the gun show to buy my ticket I did notice that if you are bringing a gun in that it needs to be inspected and unloaded by a Fort Worth Police Officer.

After getting in the first booth, I was greeted with an eye-opening sight: It was mostly books for sale. The books were not typical and were unlike any I

3. The bill was first proposed in 1987, but The NRA heavily opposed it and spent millions of dollars to defeat the proposal. This would delay its passing until 1993. The final version of the legislation in 1998 abolished the mandatory five-day waiting period in exchange for computerized background checks.

4. Six states require a background check for handguns only. Texas is still not on that list.

had seen before. These books ranged from a variety to how to build your own suppressor, to how to make your gun fully automatic, how to create your own chemical bombs, or how to be your own successful private contractor AKA a hit-man.

One of the books for sale was Hit Man by Rex Feral, published in 1983 by Paladin Press.

This book was the subject of many lawsuits from families of victims who had been killed by hit men supposedly using this book. Though this book is protected under the First Amendment as freedom of speech, it has been very controversial on if books like this (and ones previously listed) should be legal.

Should we allow instruction manuals on doing illegal activities and acts of war against humanity to be legal? That’s a topic for another time.5 I was surprised at how many booths were not actually private sellers but actually commercial companies. Commercial companies have to perform background checks and still apply to the same laws, even at a gun show.

I was rejected my first three times trying to buy a handgun and pushed away when my age was discovered, all by commercial companies.

I did find an unnamed private seller towards the back, and I was showing interest in an assault rifle explaining it was a gift for my father.

I asked what I can do to leave with the gun in my hands today.

“Have $850, than you're all

set.”

“Do you have a background check?”

“No background check, no Texas ID, nothing. Just a payment and you would be the owner of an assault rifle.”

He did not mention I would need to fill out paperwork of any kind. I told him I’d consider it and went about my day.

That answered my question.

The gun show loophole is real. I am fully able to purchase a rifle with no background check.

But I wanted to try one last thing. Could I buy a pistol now?

I came very close, with a seller was willing to offer me one with no background check. He was unfamiliar with the law for selling handguns to anyone under 21. He was ready to sell me this gun until I brought this to his attention. He proceeded to check the law and then told me he couldn’t sell me it now, but that he would love to sell me this AR15. Simply put, the seller was also unaware of current gun laws.

Note:

My goal was to make this article as unbiased as possible and only provide facts.

Everything here is my personal experience mixed with my understanding of the laws listed above. I encourage everyone to research themselves before making a conclusion.

If you feel any of my information was inaccurate, or if your experience was different, I encourage you to email me at collinwarriorpost@gmail.com.

5. After a lawsuit in 1999, Paladin Press forfeited rights to produce or publish Hit Man. They destroyed all 700 copies they had left and would not produce any more. Though it was described as “banned” there are a belived 13,000 copies still. I was able to find this book for sale on Amazon and Etsy,

features • 13 features • 13

Running into new waters

New coach revamps Martin’s track and cross country program allison greenwood & Lilly Griffiths • Reporters

N

ew coaches are expected to bring out the best in athletes, but especially in a program that needs rebuilding, they might feel pressure from everyone around them.

Coach Sa’Donna Thornton is the new track coach this year, coming from Sam Houston and her goals were very clear. She has already coached both boys and girls cross country teams to first-place district titles.

“My main goal is to increase participation on the girl’s side of the program, and just to make well-rounded student-athletes,” Thornton said.

Having experience in college and professional track, Thornton has learned to apply what she witnessed in the real track world.

“Being a professional athlete was really hard because there were so many different playing fields,” she said. “Everyone has different coaches and you don’t know their overall coaching style. It was one of those situations that helped me figure out my role in this environment.”

Thornton’s approach has impacted the dynamics of the

14 • sports

growing program, which has motivated sophomore Latavia Lawson to get better.

“She’ll give some words that motivate you like, ‘If you put your mind to it you can achieve it,’” Lawson said.

Every coach has a different strategy of how they lead, and sophomore Thai Ngyuen said he appreciates Thorton’s focus on discipline.

“I think disciplining us is very good because then we follow the exercises better,” Nguyen said. “We have done more exercises than last year. We have made more progress.”

These student athletes, with motivation from Thornton said they have big ambitions for this track season.

“I hope to get first in every single event I’m in and gold medal in everything,” sophomore sprinter John Pokrifcsak said.

With determination and hard work, Thornton and the athletes hope to build up a stronger and more reliable track team to represent Martin. Last year the team took only a couple members to regionals, but this year coach plans on doing the same but for more members.

“I’m hoping to push the ath-

Track Coach Sa’Donna Thorton instructs the track team during their morning practice on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Thorton has added new drills and workouts to strengthen the team. Photo by Davionna Johnson letes from previous years to go said. “My dad is the same way, even further and make it to the but he wants us to become real higher level meets.” stars out here. They told me I Despite pressure from fellow can really do some things out coaches and students, Thorton here. Dream big.” said that she feels the most presThrough this push, athletes sure comes from herself. have a reason to stay on top of “I put the most pressure on their game and endure trainmyself, it’s not from anyone ing with a clear vision for their else,” she said. “I’m a perfection- goals. ist. With that being said, I put “I try to let everyone know pressure on my kids because of what my objectives are,” Thorthe pressure I put on myself. It ton said. “I’ve also discussed comes from the fact that I was with the team about what their a higher level athlete, I went to goals are for this school year, college, I ran professional track and incorporate their goals into as well, and I do think because my views in order to come up of that, people will think that with the end product.”

I’m supposed to sprinkle some A dedicated and inspiring kind of fairy dust and every- coach is necessary for the sucbody’s supposed to miraculous- cess of athletes and their team. ly be an elite athlete.”

Coaches are the core and main On the other hand, the ath- motivation of a program, and letes are supported and driven Thornton said she is just beby others around them. Lawson ginning her long journey as the said that she is motivated to leader of the track team’s sucwork hard because of her par- cess. ents.

“Coach is like, if you need “My family grew up in a anything, she is always there,” rough place and my mom just Lawson said. “And if you need wants us to do better than they that tough love, she’ll give it to did in high school,” Lawson you.”

A teacher’s new giftand challenge Photo by aivrey zaiger

Technology has benefitted teachers, but also has created new obstacles

Sara blasingame•NEws Editor

A

s a student begins their homework for the night, they fall into their normal routine of logging into Canvas.

It is no mystery to society today, that the use of social media and technology has become heavily used in the way education is taught, which has been a sudden change within the past ten years.

“The past was definitely more dependent on teacher-generated materials or company generated materials,” English teacher Tonji Lewis said. “There were a lot fewer options for us to be creative and address all the learning styles out there.”

Social Media and technology has not only changed the way teachers conduct their classroom, but how administrators communicate and deal with situations.

“Prior to now, I think collaboration was more localized,” assistant principal Steve Smith said. “I think within the school, the district, within the community you lived in, you were able to collaborate, but now to be able to collaborate globally. It’s a real benefit I think to administrators today,” Social media and technology have challenged teaching methods, but they have proven to have benefitted a student’s ability to learn. ¨It enhances their ability to

learn,” Lewis said. “But it can also be a hindrance, a crutch sometimes, but more than not gives them an opportunity in a lot of different ways to interact.

Those that have different learning styles are able to use different strategies that have helped with their success.”

Social media and technology have also created more ways for students to collaborate on their work.

“I think it helps because I can talk to my friends about what I’m doing in my classes,” junior Liam Rossing said.

Social media and technology have created easier avenues to learn and obtain information, which sounds like a great thing, but also brings its drawbacks. ¨It has created a lot of dependance for students, they are dependent upon things, rather than relying on their own brains to think through things,” Lewis said. “Sometimes things have come too easy to them, instead of having to struggle through things, so when they get the challenge, they really struggle when they don’t have their technology.”

The drawbacks of social media for administrators is cyberbullying and cyber crimes.

“A lot of people say that there’s just more of this going on these days, and I don’t believe that at all,” Smith said. “I think it’s always taken place, but it’s more readily available for our con-

sumption. Our number one job is to take care of kids and keep you guys safe.”

Another drawback of social media and technology that administrators and teachers alike are having to combat is the increase in cheating. ¨It has also increased the cheating,” Lewis said. “Which is a definite negative, because we’re creating a society of people that have cheated their way through school, and therefore, you’re going to have doctors in surgery who don’t know what they’re doing.”

Social media and technology have made the job of a teacher easier in some ways. ¨It really helps me to be more of a facilitator of knowledge, than a sage.” Lewis said. “I’m there more as a resource and I can facilitate them learning, versus having to be their only source or main source of knowledge.”

Although there are negatives to the use of technology and social media in education, there are positives and even with the positive effects, teachers are resistant to utilizing social media and technology. ¨I would bet that less than 10 percent of our teachers have truly embraced technology the way it needs to be embraced to accomodate the needs of the students,” Smith said.

This hesitation, however, creates a divide in the classroom

of how the students operate and how the teacher desires the students to operate in the classroom.

“I think as educators,” Smith said. “If we don’t find a way to embrace the technology that the kids are using today and incorporate that somehow into the curriculum, we are going to fall behind to the point where the kids lose interest in what we’re trying to accomplish.”

This divide has created an argument between students and teachers about the use of personal technology in the classroom as well.

“As adults we’re sitting in faculty or professional development meetings, and I guarantee you 90 percent of the teachers there are on their phone in some way, shape or form,” Smith said.

“But that same teacher that is on their phone during a faculty meeting will then chastise a student for being on their phone while they’re lecturing. It has just become who we are.”

As time goes on, social media and technology will become more and more heavily used in the classroom.

“A great teacher of the future, to me, is going to be more of a facilitator,” Smith said. “Because the information is out there, I can’t tell you anything you can’t find on your own, but I can motivate you and encourage you to dig deeper or want to know more.” features •

15

Ready to win Passion, commitment, loyalty on display in winning season

humberto rodriguez • sports editor

F

orget the struggles of last season, with a previous record of 5-6. This team has made bigger improvements, and spent countless hours working on their fundamentals and becoming the best athletes they can be throughout the season then realized.

“We set very high standards for each other because we believe in each other and have trust for one another,” junior

16 • sports

Cal Robinson said.

When playing on a team that has more media attention than others, sometimes the expectations are set high because of the capability of the team.

“I think on this team there is a high level of maturity,” Head coach Bob Wager said.

“Our players have a high level of maturity and the expectation is sky-high for our players. I think expectations are the same

for both players and coaches. I think where coaches come in is where a player may not feel like getting out of their comfort zone and getting better that is our job and our role to maintain that high standard whether we are feeling it or not.”

With a football program as big as Martin when are people going to realize it is more than playing football.

“The football program focuses on building character instead of just football players,” senior Captain Ryan Wallace said.

With a new opponent every week and only having limited time to focus and prepare,

practices are when you flip the switch.

“Every game week is not hard, you just have to focus a lot, it’s a lot of attention to detail.” Johnson said. “It’s a lot of preparation – prepare your body and prepare your mind.

It has to be done quickly. You can’t just think, ‘Because I play on Friday, I can just prepare on Thursday.’ You need to start as soon as the week starts.”

After playing six games, the Martin Warriors have a record of 5-1. One of the most bitter defeats is the one against Rockwall, then the huge victories was against the Lamar Vikings.

Tik Tok on the clock Senior describes what it’s like to be an internet sensation

Rylee Richardson • features editor The first thing you do when you get to work is clock into your job, but what if instead, you clock into your phone?

Every day for multiple hours at your job, thousands of people have their eyes on you.

Tik Tok, the app that replaced music.ly, is a place to broadcast videos up to 60 seconds that range in categories of comedy, singing and dancing. The influencers throughout the app that have a larger following can accept “gifts” from their followers that can transfer to money.

Senior Maddie Martin now has more than 180,000 followers on Tik Tok after a video of her doing a popular dance in a nail salon went viral.

“I used music.ly when I was in seventh grade,” Martin said.

“When I found out that Tik Tok became a thing, I randomly downloaded it one day and just started posting out of nowhere and it blew up.”

In a short amount of time, Martin can create content in a creative way that comes easy to her and appeals to her audience.

“It only takes five minutes to plan a video,” Martin said. “I will be watching other people’s content and come up with an idea and then I'll make it.”

Martin spends a lot of time on Tik Tok, averaging about 28 hours per week on the app alone.

She said she manages to balance school life and cheerleading successfully while taking on the roles of an influencer.

“It isn’t too hard to balance

senior Maddie Martin’s tik tok account has more than 180,000 followers. she said she spends around 28 hours per week creating content for the app. “To be honest, yes, my life is consumed on tik tok.” photo by payton harris

everyday life and Tik Tok,” Martin said. “But I will literally sit and scroll through Tik Tok all day. To be honest, yes, my life is consumed on Tik Tok. I am on it a lot and I’ll lose track of time just watching other people's videos. I make them on my own when I get bored and have free time.”

Not only does she have a big following, but she also makes money through the app.

“People have given me gifts which transfer into money, and I’ve also had a brand message me about doing influencing for them,” she said. “I’ve only made about $100 off of that right now but it will grow. I also started selling merch once I hit 100,000 followers.”

Even though Martin has a large following, social media is not her career plan.

“I want to be a nurse,” Martin said. “If I blew up more, I could maybe go the social media influencer route, but right now I want to pursue nursing.”

As fun as the attention can be, there have been some negative affects the popularity of the app has brought into Martin's life.

“A lot of people make fun of me,” Martin said. “People will slide up on my Snapchat and say ‘you're not cool, stop thinking you're cool.’”

On the other hand, Martin has been able to bring light into younger girls' lives.

“I get DMs and Messages from young girls saying ‘I look up to you and I love you so much,’” Martin said. “And it’s really cool to know I’m a role model for these kids.”

features • 17

Which Makeup?

EUPHORIA NATURAL

63%

37%

My first poll of the day was whether I should do Euphoria-inspired makeup or natural makeup. For those of you who haven’t seen the show Euphoria, the characters sport all different kinds of eyeshadow looks that either feature heavy glitter, rhinestones, or geometric shapes. My hypothesis was that my followers would pick the more intense makeup, and I was correct. The next morning I had to wake up extra early, which killed me, to execute the proper look. The final look featured pink glittery eyeshadow and rhinestones below my eyebrows. Throughout my day, I could tell my classmates were wondering why I looked like I was heading to the club, but only a few people actually acknowledged my look. Overall, the makeup look definitely made my day more interesting and fun than my usual getup does.

What Should I Wear?

COMFY

46%

EXTRA

54%

The next question I presented to my followers was if I should dress comfortable or extra. Since it was a Monday, I was really hoping that I would be able to throw on some leggings and a big t-shirt and call it a day, but the internet chose otherwise. The final verdict was that I was going to have to put in more effort than I was planning, and actually look good. I ended up choosing to wear a white long-sleeved crop top and some high-waisted black jeans. My outfit elicited some compliments from different people which made a positive effect on my day. However, keeping the uncomfortable look on all day proved to be a challenge for me when I was trying to relax and take a nap after school.

Breakfast?

BUY

41%

COOK

59%

One of my biggest regrets every morning is not eating breakfast. So I decided to treat myself and ask my followers if I should cook or go out and buy myself a morning snack. I was surprised and honestly disappointed that the internet chose for me to actually cook, but hey, I saved myself some money. As much as I tried to muster the energy to go all out and make eggs and bacon, I ended up eating a granola bar and some almonds instead. Even though it wasn’t a luxurious meal, I felt more energetic in my morning classes and was able to not think about food throughout each period.

Influenc

Features Editor • Caroline

It’s no secret that Instagram has an effect o my own. I wanted to put this to the test an influence my day. Instagram has a feature w polls you make, so I put my followers up to for a day. Roughly 90 people shared their From choosing what to eat throughout my my hair, I let the internet decide. Throug pushed out of my everyday routine and g

ence me

s Editor • Caroline Brown

has an effect on many people’s lives, including to the test and see how Instagram really could has a feature where your followers can vote on ollowers up to the task of choosing how I live shared their opinions on the different polls. roughout my day, to what color I should dye ecide. Through doing this, I’m hoping to be routine and go outside of my comfort zone.

Lunch?

SALADS

50%

PIZZA

50%

When I eat lunch, it’s usually a microwave meal from my house or unhealthy fast food. In an attempt to change up my usual lunch plans, I made my next poll over if I should eat a salad for lunch or pizza. This poll definitely was down to the wire, with the final vote being a tie. I then took it upon myself to choose to be healthy, or at least try to be, and get a salad from Chick Fil A. Now I’ve never tried Chick Fil A salads before today, but let me tell you, it was life-changing. I don’t know if their salads are actually good for you, but at least in my mind it was.

After School?

GYM

63%

NETFLIX

37%

If you know me, you know that I’m a procrastinator and tend to be a little lazy. As much as I try to go to the gym three times a week, I tend to spend some of those days in bed watching Netflix. So, I made the next poll over if I should go work out or stay home and watch The Office. The results actually surprised me, with going to the gym winning by a landslide. I was a little reluctant to go at first, but I was actually glad Instagram chose for me to go out and do something good for myself.

Hair Color?

AUBURN

58%

BROWN

42%

The final and most daunting poll I had set up was a very impulsive decision on my part. I get pretty bored with my hair color after keeping it the same for over four months, so I decided to let Instagram choose what color I would dye it. The two options were either auburn or dark brown, and I definitely was stressing about it. The final results indicated that my hair would be auburn by the next day. So I drove down to the store and bought box dye and some gloves and prayed that all would go smoothly. For the next hour I was in the bathroom smearing hair dye onto my head and feeling instant regret. After rinsing and repeating several times the process was finally complete. Honestly, I absolutely love it and really owe it to Instagram for choosing this color for me because I definitely would not have chosen it myself.

The girls that carried the conch Theatre’s all female stage crew heads reflects on their experience in ‘Lord of the Flies’ Caroline Demby • Reporter

“I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far superior and always have been.” -William Golding, author of Lord of the Flies As the sound of playbills flip throughout the crowd, female names outline the credits. Balancing the first Martin High production of the year which features a leading male cast, Martin theater has a full crew management of women.

“I feel like the females we have who were in charge were very responsible, and I can trust them personally.

The girls in the department are already super close, so it’s just perfect that we can come to each other when we need help.”

Senior Annabeth Rohack (Stage Manager)

Senior Jessica Saling (Props Crew Head)

“When I’m a part of it, it humbles me because my passion is mainly acting, so being a part of the behindthe-scenes shows me how much work is being done on stage and off stage.”

“I worked really hard in my last show to achieve the title I have now. I love it. I really liked that we did an outdoor show. We literally poured our blood, sweat, and tears into this show. I love to lead, and to just pour my heart out into this set is just really fun.”

Senior Maddy Anderson Senior Rylie Rawlinson (Assistant Director) (Makeup Crew Head)

Sophomore Natalie Nohinek (Set Crew Head)

Senior Caroline Demby (Costumes Crew Head)

“I really like to be able to create things and see what I have done on stage. My least favorite thing about being crew head is that I had to yell at the boys (actors) all the time about not touching the props, losing things or breaking things.

Things go wrong all the time but it’s my responsibility to take care of it.”

“It felt great because the department has never had a makeup crew head before. I did my best to learn from the mistakes I made and teach the stuff that I learned from YouTube videos. The most rewarding thing about being crew head is seeing your crew members excited when they learn something new.”

“I loved being able to work with a great group of girls. It was easy to communicate and help each other.

Being crew head is stressful, but with the help of others, it’s worth it.”

features • 21

The making of MSN The daily routine of how the crew of Martin Student News brings the news to you ethan baggett • reporter

Y

ou’ve been watching Martin Student News for what seems like forever, but we’ll go behind the scenes to show you how it’s made each day.

The Martin Student News started with Video Production teacher Adam Powell, who created the news in 2017 when he had a new idea to be a replacement for getting out the news.

“I hated the old way of doing the announcements,” Powell said. “It was really annoying and I like that the news now gives the teachers a way of control as far as whether they will show it or not.”

Every day in class, all of the students on the news team are hard at work to get the newest episode out on time and this includes Powell as well.

“I try to do as little as possible, but that also means I do a lot,” Powell said, “For example, last year we bought eight laptops for the students to use to do the editing at home. In a perfect world, I would only be overseeing things and helping make sure things get done, but I end up doing a fair amount.”

Martin Student News has attracted people who have wanted to appear on the news, and some who have wanted to help edit or record.

“Last year I took people from my A/V Production Class who wanted to do it because I knew they were trained in how to

22 • features

shoot, how to operate the cameras, and the basics of editing,” Powell said. “We also did an open call for people who just wanted to be on camera and we had over 20 people, so they sent in videos of themselves reading an announcement we gave them, and from that, we sent in a few people to come in for actual screen tests and then we chose two. In total, we have 14 people working on the news currently.”

After all of the recruiting is done, Powell and his team of editors, hosts, directors, and camera operators get to work on the news.

“The directors make a script for the people who are reading the news, the camera people go through that and edit it as needed for clarity,” Powell said. “When we actually film the news, we usually have two people on camera and someone operating the camera. And while we are doing that, we’ll usually have requests from Mrs. Roddy or from different teachers, so the students not doing anything on that day will work on that. Depending on how many announcements we have, we finish early or late and then have a rotation of people who edit the news that day and then they get all the videos we shot that day and they add it all together so they can edit.”

Each student has his or her own role to fill. The directors write the scripts for the news, the camera crew operates the cameras and make sure every-

Martin Student News reporters senior Caroline Conkle and junior Leighton Gammage record an episode of the news during 4th period in The two girls were practicing their skits and lines for the MSN. photo by payton harris thing is perfect when filming, and the editors go through the videos, combine them, and give it a glossy finish. One editor, junior David Lee, is one of the newest editors for Martin Student News.

“We switch off each editor every week,” Lee said. “We have an A Day team and a B Day team. The B Day team will edit the video that premieres on A Day, and the A Day team edits the video for B Day.” The Martin Student News has kept up its trend of airing almost every school day.

“We can finish usually in a day, but sometimes we can finish in class if we are fast enough,” Lee said. “We walk in, set up all the lights and cameras, and we review what happened last in the news, talk about what needs to change and be focused on, and then we film.”

Being the one who oversees the Martin Student News, Powell said there are some rewarding moments when doing the Martin Student News.

“The most rewarding thing is getting good feedback from teachers and other students,” Powell said. “A lot of people get excited about it, so that’s good to hear.”

Powell said he has some frus-

trating moments, along with his rewarding ones.

“It can be hard hard keeping track of all the requests,” Powell said. “Also, the pressure of getting it done every day can be stressful.”

Lee said he feels pressure, too.

“There hasn’t been anything terrible so far or anything, but it can get kind of stressful trying to finish the part I’m editing that day,” he said.

Every once in a while in the newsroom, they get to do segments or skits that aren’t news-related and are just there for comic relief. The students and Powell said they enjoy these days of filming the news the best.

“Just the other day, we were trying to do this Office segment,” Powell said. “We’re always trying to think of things we can do that are not the news because the segments are usually what people tend to remember.”

Two years in, Powell continues to advise the Martin Student News, and is still the one who oversees the whole development process.

“I enjoy it and the kids come and they’re excited about it so that makes it fun for me,” he said.

Hi, my name is GenZ.. .

. .and I might be a phone addict

How do daily screen time and phone addiction affect teen lives?

Journey Winkle Senior Screen-time = 30 minutes

Xiomyra Diaz Senior Screen-time = 1.5 hours

What do you primarily use your phone for?

“Practical stuff like asking someone when something is due or to organize meeting someone in person.”

“I use it for music.”

How does social media affect your daily life?

“I do have an Instagram on my laptop, but I don’t usually use it. I’ll use it for DMs if I need to talk to someone faster than my flip phone can provide.”

“For me, it doesn’t really affect it- I’m not a big social media person- but I use it for school and to drown out noise when I can’t concentrate.”

How is the way you use your phone beneficial or damaging?

In your opinion, does our generation have a “phone addiction”? Do you believe you do?

“It’s beneficial in that I’m more productive because I don’t have a phone that I’m constantly on. It’s harmful in that I feel like I’m missing out on some of the other connections that people have, but meeting with people in person is a lot more gratifying.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s hard science.”

Were you surprised by your average screen time? Why or why not?

“Yes, I get surprised sometimes thinking about how much time I spend just by myself working on things or in my room, but I get results.”

Would you change the way and amount of time you use your phone and why?

“I’d probably talk more with friends if I had more time and texting on my flip phone was easier but how difficult it is to text on it is usually a deterrent to starting conversations.”

24 • features

“It’s damaging because I can get distracted easily. Like when someone is talking to me and I’m on my phone, I won’t fully listen.”

“I think it has a big phone addiction, because if you really look in the hallways, everyone is on their phone bumping into each other or on their phones while talking.”

“No, because it’s usually that low.”

“I’d try to make it less just to slowly get off of it and see what’s really going on in the actual world.”

It is common to hear that our generation has a dangerous phone addiction and that social media has too big of an influence in our lives. While these statements are often heard from parents, teachers, and news reports, it is rare to hear input from someone who is actually part of this “addicted” generation. Here’s what students with varying amounts of screen time had to say about the impact of smart phones and media on their daily lives.

Catie Wilkerson Sophomore Screen-time = 2 hours “Mostly for Instagram and texting.”

“I use it a lot mostly to connect and see what people are up to. I feel like it’s a way to plug in and keep up with my friends.”

“I would definitely say I’m probably on it too much, but I’m a super social person so it helps me with that. I also do music so it helps me have a platform. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily distracting but I could be more productive.”

Tysen Wair Freshman Screen-time = 4 hours

Matt Franco Senior Screen-time = 7 hours

“It depends but mainly homework, social media, and contacts.”

“Definitely text messaging, Safari, and Instagram. I use it to stay connected and run various clubs on Instagram.”

“It can start situations, but it can also inform me on stuff I didn’t know.”

“It can be both, because sometimes if I’m in different places it can help me work on homework or get stuff done.”

“I don’t think we necessarily have an addiction but we’re so accustomed to having it.

Other generations didn’t have it, but if they had, I’m sure they’d be ‘addicted’ too.”

“Yes. It depends sometimes, but we could do more things besides just phones.”

“I was a little surprised. I thought it was going to be higher.”

“No, because I checked it yesterday and it was the same.”

“I would change to where I’m not on it as much and am more focused on other people rather than just posting myself.”

“Yes, because it can be a distraction but it’s also useful sometimes.”

“It’s enjoyable, if not abused. They make it extremely easy to continuously be on social media. It definitely wastes a lot of time and you don’t even know it.”

“It’s definitely been beneficial in staying connected and reaching out to people. It’s damaging in the fact that sometimes I’ll get on my phone without thinking about it. It’s like a reflex, and it just takes up time.”

“Yes! I tried quitting and it was pretty useless because it didn’t have a long-term effect.”

“Yes. I thought it would be two or maybe three hours throughout the entire day, but no, half my day is on my phone. It was shocking.”

“I’d definitely lower it to maybe three or four hours a day. At times it’s supposed to be enjoyable, but you need to stop when you’re there.”

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Mascots and tribe members from the past • courtesy of phoenix yearbook

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Photos by Macy Clift

The ongoing changes and traditions of the Warrior mascot from the past to now Meridith Moore• Editor-in-Chief

B

ravery, strength, dedication, camaraderie: all symbols bestowed upon the school mascot, the Warrior. A mascot intertwined in student culture and traditions, with far reaches from the tribe, to the dreamcatcher seen hanging in the front of the school, and everything in between.

As time beats on, the perception of the Warrior is ever changing and with it, the mascot itself.

With the spirit and excitement that the Warrior brings comes a whirlwind of possible controversy. According to Head Counselor and long-time faculty member Susan Kingen, about 10 to 15 years ago, the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU, attempted to get the mascot removed.

“From my knowledge, there was a time that we had students wear a traditional headdress of Native Americans and that was fine, until it wasn’t,” Varsity Cheer Coach Kristen Session-Brown said. “There were people who found it insensitive and derogatory and asked that it would be removed. We didn’t have a mascot of long years because of that.”

One percent of the current student body is Native American, meaning 18 students.

Originally the mascot wore traditional Native American garb.

However, as time progressed, the acceptance of interpretation of the mascot has changed.

“From one Native American to another, the person who is the mascot should be a native,

not white,” senior Beth Gleason said. “I know a lot of people have the same mindset as me on that, so I am hoping that eventually, they will change it.”

When the decision was made to bring the mascot back, Session-Brown contacted the local Native American reserve in order to see how to make the mascot as respectful as possible.

“I found out what was perceived as the most offensive was a white male who was pretending to be a Native American,” Session-Brown said. “So I thought if there was no face whatsoever, no one could personalize it and make it about a race. Even though it is a Native American headdress sentiment with the word ‘Warrior’ on it, it becomes more about symbolizing the warriors and not so much about Native American history.”

The modern mascot, Maxamillion, wasn’t the first reincarnation.

In the early 2000’s, a contest was held to design a new mascot with the only parameters of it not being related to Native American heritage. The winning design, which was designed to help the cheerleaders hype up the student section, being a koosh-ball, a rubber ball with strands all around it.

“Every other school in the school district had a mascot. I didn't want to have a competition where we had cheerleaders and not have a mascot so I had to figure out how we could do it without offending anyone,” Session-Brown said. “A mas-

cot is to be utilized to hype up the crowd. They do things in disguise that cheerleaders may not be willing to do. They are willing to make light of things and be the butt of jokes and do crazy, zany kind of things, but behind a mask. It allows them the freedom to be foolish.”

“The Tribe” is a group of senior boys who historically wore Native American garb to help the mascot and the cheerleaders fuel the excited energy at pep rallies and games.

“We connect the student section to the football team and the cheerleaders, it’s about bringing everyone together in

a community,” Tribe leader senior Trey Watson said. “I don’t know what the future is going to bring, probably a different mascot. But I think the warrior mascot will stay the same for many years to come, it won’t change for a while.”

The necessity of changing the mascot trumps the need for one Gleason said.

“We’ll show up with school spirit, either way,” Gleason said. “We’re proud to be the Martin Warriors and we don’t really need a mascot to prove that. Whether or not we have one, we’ll still be there for our teams.”

Photo of proposed mascot idea, the koosh ball.

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McCann:The Band Director

The Race Car Driver

McCann conducts the Alma Mater at a football game before the football team starts to play. Photo courtesy of Martin Band

McCann drives his race car, watching for the cones carefully.

Photo courtesy of Brad McCann

Head Band Director by day, race car driver by night Wendi Rivera • Opinions Editor

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ou may know him as the band director. You may even know him as the one yelling at you to not park on the band grid. And on Fridays, you can find him on the field making sure the marching band is doing its job.

But on some weekends, head band director, Brad McCann can be seen racing cars down a track.

“I started race car driving towards the end of my first year of teaching,” McCann said. “I remember I had just gotten a Saturn Sky convertible red car.”

McCann said he found his interest in racing through his theater teacher in high school.

“I started learning how to

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race car drive by just setting up different courses with cones,” McCann said. “You could do it in the parking lot, just not the Martin parking lot.”

McCann said he had an interest in cars anyway, so race car driving came naturally to him.

“My favorite car, if money was not a question, is the McClaren Senna,” he said. “It’s the fastest production car. I just recently bought a new car. It’s a red Civic SI.” Although racing is his hobby on the side, McCann said he makes sure the mechanics in his car are in tip top shape.

“I make sure to change the tires to racing tires and wipe off the windshield,” McCann said.

“Some get really intense before a race, but I just like to relax.”

McCann races at Lone Star Park, Texas Motor Speedway, as well as the Blytheville. McCann has also traveled to Arkansas, Nebraska, and California to race.

“I’ve actually won at local events,” he said. “One of the national events, I was able to get fourth place. My best race was Mineral Wells, where I got third place.”

As sidelines are familiar to McCann, his wife, Jessica McCann is always on the track sidelines, cheering him on.

“One of our first dates actually was her riding shotgun,” McCann said. “After, she said, ‘That was the coolest thing ever.’”

Though it may seem odd that a teacher can spends his spare time on the race track, but McCann said the racing community is more diverse than it seems.

“There are teachers, people who are retired, mechanics and lawyers,” McCann said. “I love it, because literally anyone can do it.”

McCann said his favorite saying is, “No Cones.”

“I say ‘No Cones’ because with every cone you hit, two seconds are added,” McCann said. “And no cone is worth it.”

McCann gets very excited when talking about his race car driving adventures.

“I’m open to teaching anyone if they want to learn,” McCann said. “Just don’t practice on the Martin parking lot.”

Athletes navigate social media to help their careers

S

ocial media can be the last touchdown with 10 seconds left in a game.

Or it can be the torn ACL that wrecks an entire season. For student athletes, one video or one tweet can make or break a career.

Here at Martin, most student athletes dream is about going to college for sports and becoming a pro. Some are going all in for gold.

Senior Julian Johnson plays as a middle linebacker for the varsity football team. Although his athletic career may be going in all the right directions for him, his social media plays a huge aspect of how well his future turns out for him.

“Nowadays, social media is really important,” Johnson said.

“It’s about what you post on it, and really for being recruited.

On Twitter, coaches don’t have time to go out and meet the players. They text you on your phone only if they really want you. But most of the time, if they do really want you, they can contact you from your Twitter. If a lot of people know

you, it’s easier for you to get your name out there because more coaches can be aware of you.”

Johnson said social media affects athletes helps express his public image.

“Public image, to me, is very important because when you’re out and about not really everyone knows you,” he said.

“Not everyone even knows of you, but what they see of you and your personality is how they perceive your character.”

As some student athletes shed light on the social media subject, head volleyball coach Tracy Perez coach shared what she has seen happen with student athletes and social media.

“If the student athletes have a positive social media out there, then people are going to go look at it and see, like coaches to recruit or people in their community,” Perez said. “They’ll see the kind of character they have.”

But when it comes to social media do’s and don’ts, Perez has some advice that she believes

all student athletes should take into consideration.

“If there’s a question in your mind if you should do it, don’t do it,” she said. “So if it’s questionable, don’t put it out there. People have different views and can interpret things differently and so you kind of have to open your head like, ‘Oh, someone might interpret it that way, or someone might interpret it this way.’ So if you word it in a different way, or maybe not add in that last little thing that you want to dig on, just think. And if you’re not sure, let someone else read it. People do look at that, and people lose jobs or they won’t recruit you.”

Student athletes always need to watch what they put out on the internet, and as most of them have learned this.

Some professional athletes haven’t. In 2012, University of Miami football player Ray Ray Armstrong sent out a disrespectful tweet that almost cost him his entire career.

Miami suspended him, and

later dismissed him from the team.

Committed or uncommitted, high school student athletes should always be walking with caution around the threats of social media.

Senior Elijah Nunez is one of the few Martin athletes committed to TCU to play Division 1 baseball. His stance is a little different when it comes to social media. He said he knows what to do to get to the next step of collegiate athletics – being aware that every game, practice, or post counts.

“What helped me was putting myself in the right position at the right time in front of the right eyes,” Nunez said.

“Hustling every time I’m doing something.”

Nunez gave other aspiring athletes a piece of advice for their futures.

“Don’t let someone tell you you can’t do something,” he said. “Work hard in everything you do. Watch what you say and try to stay away from drama on social media.”

“If they do really want you, they can contact you from your Twitter. If a lot of people know you, it’s easier for you to get your name out there.”

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Go Martin High School Warriors!

Insta-employed

Employers judge students’ social media profiles Leslie Gomez • Reporter

Students post photos and videos on social media. Most of the time, they don’t consider what their future employers would think about them if they were to see their account.

To see whether their content would affect their ability to get a job, I asked Jose Gomez, the Quality Director at Fagron Sterile Services, to review four seniors’ Instagram profiles to see if he would hire them.

“If they apply, I can always have access to see their profile.

As long as you have the ambition and the quality to learn something quick, then you’ll be just fine.”

••• What is your first impression of this person?

“The amount of red does make it seem like he is a very outgoing person, and it looks like he maintains his car and his physical appearance very well, so it looks like he would have the maturity level that is needed in the chemistry, microbiology, and the compliance departments.”

•••

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•••

Right off the bat, what is your first impression of this person?

“He looks like a team player and stays active, which indicates that he knows how to cooperate well with others.”

What qualities does this person have that makes them hireable?

“I think she would definitely be someone who can work with other departments like operations, finance, marketing, sales, working with other employers or customers .”

Parent trap Students and teachers navigate life at home and school Elle Forsythe and Jordan Clark • reporters

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e all know who they are. They are some of the most well-known kids in school.

There’s no doubt that teachers’ kids have their own reputations and platforms at this school, but has anyone ever considered how this could affect their school performance, relationships, or life in general?

There seems to be a general rule that these kids have good grades and relationships with teachers, but there is always a different side to every story.

“It’s a lot of pressure to try and live up to my mom,” junior Andrew Reddic, son of English teacher Perinza Reddic said.

“Especially in English.”

This same sentiment is shared by many of the teachers’ kids on campus, the urge and unspoken rule to live up to their parent's name and reputation.

“There are definitely expectations that you can't disappoint them,” sophomore Autumn Haney, daughter of English teacher Molly Haney said.

“Because then they'll be disappointed in your parent, so you have to live up to the expectation of how your parent talks about you.”

Although these students face different challenges, they all in some way push themselves to

be better.

“I feel like I'm pressured more to have better grades,” sophomore Mark Regalado, son of Journalism teacher Tricia Regalado said. “To always pass because it's like a hawk looking down on you.”

There are rumors from peers who see having a teacher as a parent as a way of cheating into groups or boosting up their grade, when in actuality it is the complete opposite for these students.

“It hasn’t really affected the relationship between me and my mom,” senior Michael Varner, son of math teacher Marianne Varner said. “But I think that other students sometimes think that I got into STEM just because of my mom.”

These students' parents said they are also aware of the challenges their children face, but choose to turn it around and use it as a positive way to impact their curriculum.

“When I looked at some of the things I was asking and the use of their time, it actually helped me to make some changes in how I did some things,” Marianne Varner said.

“It helped me to see at home what my expectations were and the reality of my expectations.

sophomore Mark Regalado throws a pie in the face of his mother, Journalism teacher Tricia Regalado, at the homecoming parking lot party Oct. 21. Photo by Jessica Saling

It actually did have me change some things that I still have in my classes to this day.”

These teachers have a balance between their relationships with their children in their home life and their relationship between them as students at school.

“I probably tend to be harder on students now because I know what I expect from my daughter,” World Geography teacher Jason Forsythe said.

“And now since she’s here, it changes what I expect out of kids and I probably hold them to a higher standard than before.”

The classes that these students take are also somewhat determined by their parents, some as a way to relate to them, whether it be the class their parent teaches, something that both parent and student share an interest in, or as a way to honor and remember their parent.

“My dad taught photography which is why I got into it,” Mark Regalado said. “I probably wouldn't have taken photography or photojournalism otherwise. I would have had a part of my life missing” Football coach Bob Wager’s son, Gage Wager, is a freshman on the JV 1 football team and said he feels a similar inspiration.

“It helped with football because I got to train younger

than everyone else,” Gage Wager said. “I have a half coach, half father, but at the same time have a full-time father and a full-time coach.”

Football is definitely a passion for the Wager family and although some may think it’s difficult to balance being a coach and a father, or even a son and a player, they say that both roles have been equally significant factors.

“Football and sports, in general, has been so intertwined in our lives from day one that I think we are very comfortable with both roles all the time,” Coach Wager said. “Being a father has had a profound impact on the way I coach, but I don’t think having him here now has been that significant. I think that happened fourteen years ago.”

Despite the rumors of classroom advantages and special treatment, many of these teachers see the main advantage of having their children here as a way of seeing and connecting with them more often.

“It’s a dream come true,” Coach Wager said. “I’ve waited for this my whole life, to be with Gage every day and my daughter in two years. I’ve got one shot at this and I want to make sure I do it well."

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@humansofmartin

Shelby Simmel • Copy Editor

A popular page on Instagram (@humansofNY) is run by a journalist Martin Domingo (senior)who uses his impeccable interviewing skills to get down and dirty with “The biggest struggle I have faced today is wakthe everyday folks of society. On a much smaller scale, I went around ing up this morning knowing that I have to go to Martin to find the humans that make up our student body/faculty. work tonight. But it’s not just for me, it’s for me and my mom. It’s not like I don’t have a father, but him not being there is why I work so much.

Tabby Kendrick (freshman)My mom works a lot, too. And I hate seeing her “The best part of my day was probably arwork for everything. She definitely works more chery. I accidentally shot through the handle of than 40 hours a week. the target. I’ve been in archery since the beginLast Saturday alone, she worked from 5 in the ning of (freshman) year. I really love it, shooting morning to 11 at night, you know, just to put the bows is really fun. I did archery when I was food on the table. She’s a Med-Tech. I just hate little, I had a wooden bow and I always shot seeing it. But I would do that for my family any arrows at a box. day of the week.

Also, I’m thankful that I'm about to have been I was taught when I was younger, to be a beton Instagram for one year and I have almost ter father than mine. I don’t know exactly what 1,000 followers. That’s pretty good, to be honI want to do, but what I do know is that I want est. I post art I make, I started making it in Febmy mom to stop working as much. One day, I’m ruary. paying for her rent, her car, and she won’t have I love using art. It’s childish, and it can show to worry about anything. I have seen her work how my childish side and my adult side can colevery day for 10 years since my dad left. lide into one. I would say I freestyle art, I can I just have to work hard all the time. You might put quotes on my art, or I can put stuff to help have some stuff handed to you, but not everysomeone cheer up, if they are having a bad day. thing. Even if stuff is just granted to me, I’m still I love to make everyone happy. I feed off of gonna work hard like it wasn’t.” happiness and aura and what people give off.”

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