Photo by Leslie Sandigo
Destination Education
(Above) Seniors Clay Hartzoge, Haley Johnson, Silja Ahonen, Marissa Miller, and Brandon Bell hang out together before band practice. “We all became friends when band camp started,” Silja said. (Right) Ahonen is recognized during Senior Night at the Nov. 4 football game. Host family members with Mr. and Mrs. Poulin accompanied her.
By Leslie Sandigo
Being able to travel to a new country is an adventure. Traveling usually meaning learning new things about culture and the different ways people live. Traveling usually means spending time with family and getting to create new, unforgettable memories. But senior Silja Ahonen is traveling solo. As an exchange student from Finland, she’s here to stay for the year. “The idea of coming to a new place, to a new town, to a new country, without knowing anyone, to not even have your family with you and having to sit in a crowded band hall on Monday... it is kind of scary, isn’t it?” Silja said. “At least for me it was. But that’s how my experience started.” Silja said that everyday in a new country is a new adventure. “There are so many different, interesting things and events here that I really didn’t
know what to expect from this year,” Silja said. “I still don’t know”. Silja said that she tried to come here without any expectations and just see how things went. But things are quite different than she’s accustomed to at home. “My own high school has around 150 students, so the size of the school is the biggest difference,” she said. “Resulting from that, my previous experiences in high school have been quite different.” Before Silja heard she was coming to Texas, she had no clue what marching band was. In Finland the school systems are completely different. Silja said that band is not even offered as a class. Now Silja enjoys band practices the most. She said seeing other band kids cheer and dance makes her she feels happy. That sense of fun and happiness extends into Silja’s home life since band director Mr.
“There will always be a place in my heart for Arlington, Seguin, and marching band.” --Silja Ahonen Robert Poulin and his family took are Silja’s host family while she’s in America. Poulin said Silja became part of the family instantly. “She participates in all the family activities,” Poulin said. “She makes the best of her time with us.” These family activities range from watching movies to playing the Xbox Kinect. Silja said that every day she wakes up to a new day because she only has this one year to experience American life. “There will always be a place in my heart for Arlington, Seguin, and marching band.”
Photo by Holly McCleary
Deanna’s Story: Junior speaks out about tragic consequences of drinking and driving
Junior Deanna Metcalf lost her mother after a drunk driving accidnet.
By Holly McCleary and Leslie Sandigo The phone rang three times that night. She picked it up once, only to tell her mother not to call again. It rang. She didn’t answer. Her mother always said hateful things when she drank. The last call was different. 2 a.m. The police. Her mother. Accident. Deanna Metcalf had to make a choice. “I lived with my mom and stepdad, and they were both into drugs,” Metcalf said. “My mom was an alcoholic, but it wasn’t that bad then. But when we got taken away, she got
Sports pgs. 2 and 3
Arkansas Bound
worse. She would call and tell me that she was upset or stuff was going on in her life because of my stepdad.” After hearing of the accident, Deanna learned that her mother was in critical condition at the hospital, and she had to choose: forgive or forget? Deanna spent the next two weeks waiting for her mother to come of a coma. “She was talking just fine,” Metcalf said, “But she couldn’t get out of bed.” While her mom was recovering, the two talked often and spent a lot of time together. “One day, she and I were talking and she told me she didn’t feel well. She said didn’t feel ‘right,’” Deanna said. “My mom said, ‘I think something bad is going to happen.’ I told her that she was probably just tired and to go to sleep.” That day her mom told Deanna again that she loved her, that she hoped Deanna did really well in life, and that, if something happened, Deanna was going to be a great person one day. “I was holding her hand, and she went to sleep,” Deanna said. “A few minutes later, the heart monitor just flatlined.” Her first reaction was shock. “At the moment, I didn’t know what was going on,” Deanna said. “I just hadn’t realized.” And that quickly, Deanna became the
Features pgs. 4 and 5 Tanya Suber: The Next Chelsea Lately
grown-up. Preparations for her mother’s funeral began overnight, before Deanna’s shock could even wear off. Part of the ceremony included Deanna singing Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On a Prayer,’ which was one of her mother’s favortie songs. “Going to my mom’s funeral was one of the hardest things I have ever done,” Deanna said. One of the other hardest things she’s done? Worry as her brother grows up. Metcalf and her younger brother were placed in separate homes before their mom died, but they still keep in touch, and she visits him when possible. Deanna says she tries to stay active in her brother’s life. That includes talking to him about the hardships they’ve endured and the loss they’ve suffered. Last year Deanna spoke to her brother’s school once about their tragic understanding of the harm caused by drinking and driving. “When I talk about it, I feel good, like I’m releasing some of the pain,” Deanna said. “Instead of holding it in as pain, I release it as something positive.” Deanna said she plans to become a social worker. “I don’t want to forget about what happened,” she said. “I want my experience to help other people.”
Education and Opinion pg. 6 and 7
Be College-Ready
Entertainment pg. 8
What Leslie’s Listening To
Varsity Orchestra & Choir Annual Holiday Concert
Dec. 13 - 15
One Act Play Auditions
Dec. 14
Choir Performance at Women of Rotary
Dec. 15
Band Holiday Concert
Dec. 16 - 17
Choir Coffee Haus
Dec. 19 - 20 Final Exams**
Note: Regardless of exemptions, all students must be present during 2nd and 6th period.
Dec. 21 - Jan. 4 Winter Break
Jan. 5
Classes resume
Arkansas Bound
Senior Signs with 1-A By Daniel Erakovich Senior Kelvin Downs signed a letter of commitment to Arkansas State Nov. 9, becoming the second basketball player Seguin has sent to a Division I-A school. Q: How did you get started playing basketball? A: My uncle was a coach when I was young, so I played for him. Then I played for a few more teams before coming to Seguin. Q: What other colleges were looking at you, and how did they appeal to you?
A: Louisiana Tech and Tulane. My mom is a fan of Louisiana Tech, and liked their coaches. Tulane plays in a really good conference. Q: Aside from the scholarship, what made Arkansas State stand out from all the others? A: I visited their campus, and met the players. I really like their coaching staff. Q: What advice do you have for other athletes who are looking to play in college on a scholarship? A: Take as many visits as you can, and be sure to pass your classes.
Photo by Holly McCleary
Photo by Daniel Erakovich. Senior Kelvin Downs celebrates his signing with Arkansas State University Nov. 9, 2011.
Photo by Lauren Hampton
Photo by Rachel Goodman
YOU May have MISSED
Dec. 19: 5th period 7:35 - 8:30 6th period 8:36 - 9:31 7th period 9:37 - 10:32 8th period 10:40 - 11:35 Dec. 20: 1st period 7:35 - 8:30 2nd period 8:36 - 9:31 3rd period 9:37 - 10:32 4th period 10:40 - 11:35
This year’s senior class seems to be just as talented, and just as large. Some of the bigger names that will be leaving this year are Steven Aikens, Will Martin, Devante Richardson, and Brad Hinze. With such talent being lost to graduation, Seguin looks to be in rebuilding mode for the foreseeable future. “You have losses every year, that’s where off-season and summer work outs come in,” Coach Lynn said. “One of our biggest weaknesses is that we don’t have that much experience.” The season is now over for Seguin. They beat Cleburne, but Crowley’s loss to Burleson negated the Cougars playoff chances. With this season now behind them, the Cougars will look to improve in the off-season, and will try to fill the key roles that are graduating in the spring. With some promising young talent, like Kelton Moore, Jordan Hicks, and Ashon Mayze, next year will be a very interesting year for Seguin football.
NOVEMBER CLUSTER
Dec. 12
consistent this year is penalties that end up killing drives. A holding here, a false start there, and before you know it, three drives have been wasted. “Most of our penalties are due to our lack of experience,” Coach Lynn said. Another thing that is evident is how heavily the Cougars rely on the running game. Even from a spread offense, which is very pass friendly, most plays call for a run. “It’s been our philosophy to run more,” he said. “We’ve had success running the ball in the past, which then helps set up the pass and we try to change the tempo of the game.” It’s understandable that most high school teams go through hardships during the year. There are plenty of variables that can turn a state champion team into a cellar dweller. In Seguin’s case last year’s senior class was large, and carried many of the team’s core players. The JV and freshman teams couldn’t match up to those expectations.
ORCHESTRA:
Holiday Dance Clinic
By Daniel Erakovich Four years ago, Carlos Lynn became the head coach of the Seguin football team. He took over a team that had gone 1-8 the previous season, and made a playoff contender out of it. In his first two years as head coach, the Cougars made two trips to the playoffs with a 4-6 record twice. However, Seguin made early exits both years, and didn’t even make the playoffs in Lynn’s third year. “Overall I’d give myself a C on the field, based on how high I set my expectations,” Coach Lynn said. “Off the field I’d give myself an A, based on the character that these kids have developed.” This season has been a rollercoaster ride for Seguin. They’ve looked promising at times, and not so great at others. There have been games where one team is in control the whole game, and others that come down to the final seconds. “We’ve been a Jekyll and Hyde this year,” Coach Lynn said. “We need more consistency.” One thing that has been
PEP RALLY: BOWIE STEP TEAM
Dec. 10
12-09-2011
Through the Looking Glass
Non-Varsity Orchestra & Choir Concert
SPORTS }
DAY
Dec. 8
SPIRIT WEEK: NERD
Calendar Events
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12-09-2011
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Pom-Poms Junior Lily Knowles continues the family tradition of being a cheerleader.
Quick Hits Dec. 8 - 10 Cougar Wrestling Slammin’ Invitational @Seguin Dec. 13 Girls BB vs Summit @ Seguin Boys BB @ Desoto
Photo by Holly McCleary
Dec. 16 Girls BB @ Cleburne Boys BB @ Mansfield Dec. 20 Boys/Girls BB @ Joshua
Junior Lily Knowles, unlike her mother and older sister, loves both math and school spirit. Her older sister, Lilah Knowles, said that the three of them are completely different, but she is glad that they share a common experience. From left to right: Lily Knowles, Mrs. Donna Marshall-Knowles, Lilah Knowles smile together Nov. 11, 2011.
By Holly McCleary Three sets of pom-poms lie on the gymnasium floor. Each pair is different, yet they all share a common purpose. Those pom-poms complete the uniform each Knowles lady wore for their high school cheerleading days. Varsity cheerleader Lily Knowles picked up her own pair of pom-poms her junior year and took on the responsibility of being a cheerleader, just as her mother and older sister had. “It is both nice and weird to share a familiar experience with my sister and my mom,” Lily said. “It is nice because we can always talk about something, but it’s very weird to have something common between us. We’re [usually] nothing alike.” Lily said that being a cheerleader is harder than most people think. “It takes dedication and discipline to make a great team,” Knowles said. “You must be respectful to everyone and twice as nice to overcome the ‘mean girl’ stereotype placed on us.” Lily’s mother, Mrs. Donna Marshall-Knowles was a cheerleader when she was in high school, and she talks about her memories often.
“Now that both Lilah and I are or have been cheerleaders, she talks about her days as a cheerleader more,” she said. “It is interesting to hear how [the sport] has evolved since she was in high school.” Though Lily likes to cheer, for her school, she isn’t sure if the sport will be in her future.
“It takes dedication and discipline to make a great team.”
-Lily Knowles “I love being involved by promoting school spirit, but I am more focused on academics,” Lily said. “I want to go to a prestigious university and get a PhD in culinary anthropology.” Though cheerleaders are known for not being the sharpest tools in the shed, Lily has other ideas. “The only truly annoying part of cheerleading is that people assume that I am stupid,” she said. “If you know me, you know that is
far from true.” Lily’s older sister, Lilah Knowles, was a cheerleader her senior year, and said that she is glad her little sister joined the team. “When I see Lily out at the pep rallies and football games, I’m both envious and proud at the same time,” she said. “I’m proud because she’s following in my footsteps, but envious because this cheerleading team is awesome and that makes me miss being a cheerleader.” Lilah said she is happy that Lily enjoys cheering as much as she did. “We always told each other that we would never have the same interests or hobbies,” Lilah said. “Lily’s coming to cheer activities with me made her look into trying out.” Like Lilah, Mrs. Knowles is proud of Lily for taking on the responsibility of being a cheerleader and balancing that with her academics. “The role of a cheerleader is to serve as a role model to their peers, as well as a ‘good will ambassador’ for their school,” Knowles said. “With that said, it is wonderful having my daughters choose to follow in my footsteps.”
Lady Cougars Varsity Basketball Team win Border Bash Championship Seguin, The Lady Cougar basketball team won 6 games last weekend in McAllen, TX, and won the Border Bash Championship. “The girls represented [our] school well, and received several compliments on there sportsmanship, attitude, hard work, and behavior,” Coach Courtney Phillips said in an email released to faculty. “They have made us very proud.” Aundra Stovall, sophomore, was named tournament MVP. Paige Criss, senior, and Alarie Mayze, freshman, were named to the All Tournament Team. Attention, sophomores and juniors: do you have a 7.0 GPA? Have you thought about earning college credit now? If so come by the counselors office and sign up to attend the Dual Credit Information meeting!! Don’t miss your opportunity to find out about which courses are offered and how to sign up. HURRY, QUICK! MEETING SIGN UPS END JAN. 20, 2012!
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Holly McCleary Editor-In-Chief
Facing Facebook
Staff
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Senior Rachel Goodman faces the facebook homepage Nov. 15.
Rachel Goodman Reporter
Delbreisha Paige Reporter
Leslie Sandigo Reporter
Harry Nguyen Reporter
Jordan Berg Reporter
Lauren Hampton Reporter
Ms. Erin Adwell Adviser
Mr. Michael Hill Principal
By Angelica Perez Whether it’s friending Lady Gaga, tweeting Justin Bieber, or “hearting” pictures on Tumblr, social media captivates the lives of the majority of Seguin High School students according to a recent Cougar Times survey that showed 87% of students have social media accounts. “[Social media] takes a lot of my time that I could use to study or do other things,” sophomore
Andrea Torres said. “But I know that if I am far from my family and friends I could use social media to talk to them.” According to the MTV’s “A Thin Line” project, the majority of youth believe that digital abuse is a serious problem. 68% of students surveyed had been bullied or harassed online. Tasneem Salem, Sophomore, said she has been bullied online “because of who [she is or
‘The Cougar Times’ is the student produced newspaper for Seguin High School students, faculty and the community. The primary purpose of the paper is educational, but it also serves to inform and entertain readers. The student newspaper acts as a forum for student expression and the discussion of issues concerning its audience. Newspaper content is determined by the staff. Editorials reflect the opinion of the board. Columns and commentaries reflect the writers’ views and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper staff or school administration. The Cougar Times reserves the right to accept or reject ‘Letters to the Editor’ and to edit for length, style, punctuation, and readability, but not content. ‘Letters to the Editor’ must be signed to be considered for publication. The staff adviser can be reached by email at eadwell@aisd.net or send snail mail to Seguin High c/o Erin Adwell, 7001 Silo Rd., Arlington, TX 76002.
Hannah’s Socks accepts donations of new clothing essentials including socks and undergarments (T-shirts, briefs, pajamas, etc.) in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes. Donations can be made to room B135.
Daniel Erakovich Reporter
12-09-2011
her] religion.” Young adults are beginning to notice more how people can act differently sitting behind a computer than they would in person as MTV’s digital abuse survey has shown an increased from 68% of young adults in 2009 to 75% of young adults in 2011 have thought about this topic a lot. “I act differently online than I do in person because I can continue a conversation better than face to face,” sophomore, Adrian Salas said. “It doesn’t seem as awkward because you have more time to respond.” The Internet is beginning to affect the lives and self esteems of many teenagers as social networks are leading to offline problems
and negative effects according to a study done by Robert Tokunaga from the University of Arizona. Junior Habbon Dirir said, “When everybody posts stuff that’s extravagant and great, it makes me temporarily depressed, but not for long.” 45% of high school students surveyed said that social media has no affect on their selfesteem. “My esteem is perfectly normal I don’t need a web site to feel confident or feel selfworth,” senior Holly McCleary said. “I use my online social networks to communicate with relatives and friends as well as check in on close, loved ones lives.”
Choir Students Make All-State History By Lauren Hampton
This school year marks the tenth anniversary of the Seguin Choir, and the program is larger than it has ever been. Students in the Seguin Choir program have advanced to round two in the All-State Choir Competition, already breaking any other year’s record in the past for Seguin. “[Choir students] have been practicing their music since last May,” Assistant Choir director Mrs. Katherine Zrust said. “The fourth round is in January, and then the actual concert is in February.” But first, they had to get
into choir. “[To get into Choir], you just have to have a will,” Zrust said. “That’s it.” Senior Keyundi Brown is among those who advanced. “Round one music is easier,” Brown said. “You know what you’re going to sing days before you do. Round two, you get the music the day of.” Although round one is easier music overall, males have a more difficult time. “Generally, the difficulty level is about the same year to year, but this year in the packet, the men actually present more foreign language than the women,” Zrust said.
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Tanya Suber: The Next Chelsea Lately
Photo by Delbreisha Paige
By Delbriesha R. Paige
Senior Tanya Suber sat during study hall, talking to friends Friday, Nov. 11.
The cameras start rolling, an audience claps in the bleachers, and the stage overlooks the midnight Texan skyline. Everyone’s ready to watch the next episode of a late night show. In a male dominated industry led by Jay Leno, Senior Tanya Davis Suber said she knows what it takes to break through and compete with the big boys, just like her role model late night television star Chelsea Handler had. “I have always wanted to be in front of the camera,” Suber said. “I enjoy talking in front of people, and I’m extremely funny.” Like Chelsea Handler’s show “Chelsea Lately”, Tanya wants to host an after-dark television show where she’d interview new talents, celebrities, and underground musicians. “Chelsea [Handler] has influenced me a lot,” Suber said. “She says what she wants and
doesn’t care what others think. I aspire to do the same.” Suber said the person who encouraged her to think so big was her aunt Tabrina. “My aunt has always inspired me to follow the path that makes me happy,” she said. “I want to repeat the success that my aunt has made in her career.” Tanya said that she wants her dream to come true in the next seven years, before she reaches twenty-five. She also said that she knows that achieving those dreams must begin with her actions today. “I’m looking to apply to colleges that have broadcast journalism as a subject,” Suber said. “I have already been accepted to Barbizon, an acting and modeling school in Dallas.” Tanya Suber said she is focused on her chosen career path, and has the determination to get far in her heart. Suber’s passion is led by the desire to show her
overwhelming Texan pride. “I would love to reach my dream so that I can put the triple D on the map as the next New York,” Tanya said. “I never really thought about the money. It’s all about following my dreams, and the money will come.” Suber’s friends said they fully support her dream of becoming a late night TV star. “Her fun-loving and energetic spirit will keep her audience watching,” Senior Sade Walker. Senior Jaquese Hearon agreed with Walker. “I know that Tanya will make her dreams a reality,” Hearon said. “When she puts her mind to something, she gets it done.”
the photoshoot and like it ask if I can take pictures of them now. I like to take pictures of people and putting them into photoshop to manipulate Q: What do you like to take them. [To me] it is art to make a person brighter and soften photos of? Why? A: I take photos of people. I like the faces a little. to see the emotion in the eyes of the people I photograph. Q: What is your dream The story of each person’s life is photoshoot? in the pigments. Photographs A: I want to take a runway are like fingerprints, they are fashion photoshoot. I like completely different from each fashion a lot. I tie art and other. photography into one thing with fashion. Q: Who inspires you? A: David Cortez. He makes Q: What is your favorite mode regular things look like art. He of fashion? inspires me to make everyday A: Vintage, definitely. It looks aged, and it’s timeless. You can’t objects look like art. specify what era you wore it in. Q: Have you done a Vintage can be used now, used back then, and in the future, photoshoot before? A: I took one, and it was too. successful. People who see to be able to look back at those photos and see the expression on their faces and think to myself, “I took that picture”.
Photo by Yaddi Lopez
Underground Artist: Monserrat Lopez
12-09-2011
Monserrat Lopez, senior, practices manipulating her photographs on her laptop at home. Among other hobbies, Monserrat enjoys taking photographs, drawing, and reading fashion magazines for inspiration. Her walls are decorated with cut-outs.
began taking artistic photos By Holly McCleary Photography is a form of art recently, and has been hooked on which enables artists to capture a moment, manipulate objects and expressions, and even serve as a way of making a living. Senior Monserrat Lopez
photography since.
Q: Why do you take photos? A: I like to capture important moments. When I get older, I want
Spreading pride with spray paint
Photo by Jackie Garcia
By Ms. Erin Adwell & Jackie Garcia
AP art students Austin Campbell and Dylan Bartlett painted the pillars in the front of the school Nov. 17.
Usually it’s Sgt. Ellis’ job to catch kids who spray paint the campus, but she’s helping to direct the paint this time. In an effort to promote school spirit and discourage graffiti, Sgt. Ellis oversaw Ms. Lennie Roberson’s AP art students who volunteered to paint pillars outside the front of the school Nov. 17. The idea was to do a community service project that would somehow improve the school. “The project was intended to build school pride,” Sgt. Ellis said.
“Hopefully, painting the pillars will make students feel welcome here, like they belong. It helps promote a healthy environment at the school.” -- Sgt. Ellis “This makes the kids take ownership of the school. Hopefully, painting the pillars will make students feel welcome here, like they belong. It helps promote a healthy environment at the school.” Among those who volunteered to turn the pillars into art were AP art students Dylan Bartlett, Chance Lacy and Austin Campbell. Campbell, junior, said he has enjoyed working on the project.
“Painting the pillars was a different way to get involved and help Seguin,” Campbell said. Bartlett, senior, agrees that the project was different than past assignments. “This project is different than anything we’ve ever made before,” Bartlett said. Bartlett also said he has one request of his peers. “Stop vandalizing stuff,” he said.
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12-02-2011
Who’s On First?
Photo by Rachel Goodman
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Assisstant Orchestra director Andrew Waldon stands at the front of fourth period orchestra to instruct them on a piece.
By Rachel Goodman
Orchestra hosts concerts year-round to present to everyone the talent its players hold. For every concert, though, there are “chair tests” that determine who will be placed where, and the best hold the title “first chair”. Unfortunately, the fact hat the player received first chair for a concert for a concert does not mean that they will remain in the spot for the next. The placement of the players varies. Sometimes, players move chairs weekly, and whoever is considered the first chair before a concert receives the spot. “First chairs have to be able to play their part and they must be prepared everyday,” Head Orchestra Director Melina Shaffer said. “First chairs are held very accountable for getting their pieces right because if they get something wrong, they can lead others astray. It’s leading by example.”
SAT Blues
To place in first chair, students must practice heavily and consistently. “Hard work means good grades in Orchestra and better chair placement,” Shaffer said. “It also makes rehearsal more enjoyable and productive because you’re doing your part which leads to a better product!” For the November Cluster Concert, held for both seventh and eighth graders to play with Seguin’s orchestra, one of the first chairs was Veronica Whiddon. Junior Veronica Whiddon said she practices whenever she has the time, but often touches up on pieces for approximately an hour and a half a day. “I always feel a sense of relief when I make first chair. Chair tests are just a big headache. But it’s not about the chair, it’s about your accomplishments,” Whiddon said. “Though my family doesn’t share the same feelings regarding orchestra as I do, they’ve always been support-
AVID tutors offer tips for college By Jordan Berg & Harry Nguyen
By Lauren Hampton Three words, Scholastic Assessment Test; one acronym, SAT. This is the absolute worst part about high school. Spending nearly four hours locked in a room with a bunch of strangers that are all after the same thing: an acceptable score. And the question is… have you taken it? If not, here is a compiled list of tasks you should take to be prepared for the test and your future. One, go to www.collegeboard.com and find a date that works perfectly for you to take the SAT. Fill out the necessary information and print out your receipt. Two, practice, practice, and practice until you can’t practice anymore and then practice some more. Studying for the SAT is the best way you can improve your scores. Collegeboard offers daily practice questions that it sends to your email, and the questions really help. The site also offers a (free!) practice test that gives you a taste of what is coming. Now that you have set up a date and have studied your heart out, you should go to the study plan that Collegeboard created for everyone. It’s easy to access, and it helps you know what you should do to get that 2400 that everyone across the nation covets. Another thing you can do to get that ideal score is go to the Go! Center. Just ask about the SAT and you’re set. With this all said, there is one last question. Are you ready?
ive.” Whiddon was introduced to music when she began to play the piano at eight years old. She took lessons for nearly a year and a half. The violin came into her life in fifth grade, and she’s been playing it ever since. “Music has definitely made a huge impact on my life,” Veronica said. “It’s my safe place where no one else can hurt me. [Music] is a shield, a provider, and a friend, something to cherish with all your heart.” For instrumentalists who strive to reach first chair, Whiddon said that they must practice and love what they do. “Music is a craft that has to be honed,” Veronica said. “The saying ‘hard work beats talent when talent isn’t working hard’ applies. Just because someone is ‘better’ than you, it doesn’t mean you aren’t a better musician.”
Photo by Jordan Berg
for the test.” But the AVID tutors agree that responsibility shifts on to the student Whether it’s where and the student alone in to go, how to act, or college. even the change of difficulty in homework, “There’s much more freedom and many students face the privileges in college,” challenge of college Danny Rubio said. “But after high school. once you’re out on your David Butler, own there is a lot more an AVID tutor, responsibility you face.” says college is much So what can more challenging than potential college high school. He says students do to prepare it’s more work, more for college? Mrs. responsibility, and Gorman, librarian, said requires a lot more students should take the concentration. SAT, the ACT, and other In college, it’s very assessment tests. They important to study should also discuss the for every upcoming cost of college. “College test or the occasional is not cheap,” Gorman pop quiz. AVID tutor says. Brittni Johnson, who Students can sign has graduated from up for the SAT and college, reiterates the importance of studying. ACT at the Go Center. “Determination and “There aren’t tests perseverance are very everyday,” she said. important. It’s crucial to “Studying for them explore other opportuis more difficult. For every hour you spend in nities and pick a career class, you should spend that interests you,” said Mrs. Gorman. another hour studying
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Editorial-Opinion }
12-02-2011
Internet Consequences: The Secrets You Don’t Want Out By Rachel Goodman Social networking sites allow users to create profiles to generate lists of friends, as well as connect with other people. Released in 1993, Six Degrees set the bar for online social websites, and became a worldwide fad. Users from around the world check their messages, post photos and videos online, and chat with people that they may or may not know in real life every day. These social networking sites make it easier to find people we know and help us find information that we wouldn’t have found otherwise. These sites make life interesting and give people something to do. However, with your information out there for others to find, do the pros outweigh the cons? My opinion is no, they do not. While these sites do have their ups, there are risks that should be considered. Giving away your information to join these networks is
a master’s degree in social work, Melinda Smith, with a master’s degree of arts, Lawrence Robinson, and Jeanne Segal, a certified doctor, wrote an article concerning the online obsession. They claim that you are at a greater risk of addiction if you suffer from anxiety, are depressed, have any addictions as is, if you lack social support, if you are unhappy and a teenager, whether your socially active compared to the past, and/or if you are stressed. While these social networking sites seem to bring users together, they are really isolating them more and more from reality. Those who stay at home nearly all day using the computer to mingle with strangers are also at risk of meeting online Junior Brandi Hall poses at the computer. predators. Despite the dangers of online dangerous because you are allowing number, your home address, your networking, it is here to stay. The your own private information to email, and your passwords. best anyone can do is to be cautious leak and be found by some random Internet addiction is a serious of what they put online because once stranger that not only knows your matter. it’s out there, it will never come off. name now, but also your phone Authors Joanna Saisan, with
A Swift Experience By Holly McCleary
The lights beamed down on her, creating an illusion that appeared almost like a fairytale in itself. She would prance around the stage, never stopping. The sparks were definitely flying at this Taylor Swift concert. After sitting through almost an entire hour in traffic, Jordan and I arrived at the Cowboys stadium, and man is it big. The ginormous thing made me feel like an ant. Mom left me and Jordan in the parking lot and took off. I kind of wished that she would have pulled in closer, because that walk was exhausting in itself (Add to that another hour of finding the impossibly high seats). I’m not exactly sure if it looks bigger on the outside than the inside. Well, actually, it’s pretty big- like, kill-me-now-my-feet-aresore big. When we actually went into the place and started looking for our seats, I realized just how many people were there. I couldn’t walk one step without running into someone or ending up behind some group of girls in dresses singing Taylor Swift songs or screaming out how they were so happy. Finally, after searching, and searching... and some more searching, Jordan and I found where we were supposed to sit. And boy was I freaked. One look down and I told Jordan that I was going to die. Actually, what I said was a little bit
more graphic (hey, you would too if you looked down and the people on the floor looked like polka dots). Two hours of performers that were not Taylor Swift sung the evening away. Jordan and I consumed nearly all of our six-bucksa-pop sodas in that time frame. I was a little heartbroken when I had to hand over the cash. A t last, Taylor Swift came on stage through a platformwhatever and totally blew me away with envy because of her totally amazing gold dress. However, it wasn’t all peaches and roses taking pictures. She’s really, really, really fast. The poor camera died after two songs from all the snapshots I took. Overall, the concert was amazing. I would totally go again, but with closer seats. That was ridiculous how high I had to sit. I don’t think I will ever look at the Superman ride at Six Flags ever again. Basically what I am saying is: the girl’s got talent, and she’s totally awesome live.
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Yearbooks... They’ll last way longer than Facebook.
By Jordan Berg
The Taylor Swift concert was pretty cool. It was my first time being inside the UFO, and I’ll admit that I was pretty impressed. Holly and I got a little lost in the huge stadium
and ended up walking in a complete circle until we finally found our seats. Unfortunately, it was in the nosebleed section. While we were waiting for Taylor to come out and sing, there was an opportunity to text any message to the screen for it to pop up. I desperately tried to get “I LOVE CHICKEN!! :D” message to show up, but it never did. We kept waiting and waiting for our messages to come up until suddenly we see the final message that reads, “Taylor Swift is in the house!!!!” All of the lights went out and
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there was Taylor Swift, coming out of a trap door, dressed in a short golden dress and her curly hair flowing down her back. Her opening song was “Sparks Fly” from her new album “Speak Now.” She brought a lot of energy to the stadium and seemed in awe the entire performance. When Taylor left the stage to change, a funny tap dancer appeared and swept the floor. Taylor Swift sang a lot of her new songs from her new album “Speak Now.” My favorite song of hers has to be “Our Song” because I know all of the words. She covered a few songs from other artists, such as “Apologize” by One Republic and “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley. As a surprise to her audience, she sang a duet with B.O.B. with the hit song “Airplanes.” I liked how Taylor Swift had actors portraying her songs in the background. That was a nice detail that was added to her concert. Her entrances were also really cool. As a grand finale, Swift Sang “Love Story” in a long gown on top of a moving balcony accompanied by fireworks. Sadly, Holly and I had to leave early so we missed that spectacular ending. Overall, I’d say the concert was amazing and I wouldn’t mind seeing another.
Looking for a class to help you prepare day for college? Wanna learn about r togreat o l e thinkers? Interested insknowing why n oucompare for c p r people sometimes Socrates u u o n y g si for 1st period ee Gotkantoopening toSJesus? s a & next semester? Wanna know how pop culture is related to philosophy? Do you ask as many questions as you just read?
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What Leslie’s Listening To Staff Reporter Leslie Sandigo put together a list of songs from artists we like and found songs that are similar to those of the ones we listed.
We love Yellow by Coldplay
We love Cage the Elephant
If you do, too, you may also like:
If you do, too, you may also like:
Run by Snow Patrol
If you do, too, you may also like:
The Naked and Famous
Under the Iron Sea by Keane
Manchester Orchestra
Stormy Weather by The Kooks
Vampire Weekend
Good Life by OneRepublic
Pheonix
Sawdust by The Killers
and/or
and/or
and/or
Set Fire To The Rain by
We love Wasting Light by the Foo Fighters
Adele
I’m With You by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Matt and Kim
Oops!-o-rama Everyone has one of those horrifying moments where they want to melt into the floor and disappear after embarrasing themselves.
“I was with Crossroads church and they rented out Hawaiian Falls, so we were doing whatever we wanted. This little boy wanted to go down a slide head-first, but he was scared, so I told him I would go first to show him it’s not scary. As I dove down the slide, though, I completely lost my bathing suit... in front of the entire church.” -Victoria Havey | Junior
“When I was ten, I went to a Guitar Hero charity event hosted by C.J. Wilson, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers. I went to play a game with him and he had asked if I wanted to say anything. So, I took the microphone and said, ‘How about if I win you give me your number.’ I won, but he never gave me his number.” -Aubrey Stambaugh | Sophomore
“This one time, I went to a comic convention thinking I was the biggest comic book fan of all, but when people started asking questions about superheroes and villains, I had no idea what they were talking about. It was a total bummer, and it taught me that I needed to step up my game. Ask me a question now, I dare you.” -Tony Johnnidis | Senior
By Alina Bousary