The Wilcatter

Issue 1

Wildcatter The

Volume 70

4001 Wildcat Drive Corpus Christi Tx 361-242-5649 www.wildcatnews.org

Going Green Earth Club promotes recycling on campus.

By: Amy Liu Pg.4

Key Adjustments Old Players, New Positions By: Austin Revels Pg.10

Budding Leadership

Varsity Volleyball Players Make Big Changes By: Dillon Vaughan Pg.9

News

Editor: Amy Liu

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CHAIN REACTION

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Israeli policemen detain a Palestinian protester during a demonstration against the controversial film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ in front of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Friday, September 14, 2012. (Mahfouz Abu Turk/APA Images/ Zuma Press/MCT)

utrage over the infamous antiIslam YouTube film “Innocence of Muslims” is sweeping the world, causing violent protests in some areas and calling the extents of freedom of speech into question.

“I believe that the film is bad because it is offensive to Muslims,” junior Trace Meadors said.

The film is thought to be written and directed by Nakalou Basseley Nakalou, an Egyptianborn Christian, under the alias of Sam Bacile.

“If you’re going to offend an entire religion at least be a man about it,” senior David Garcia said.

On September 8, part of the film was broadcast on an Egyptian Islamist television station, sparking violent protests in Egypt and in Libya, where US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 other Americans, along with up to 10 Libyans, we’re killed during a raid on the US Embassy.

“Chris Stevens was loved by the people,” junior Dylan Kostroun said. “An entire country shouldn’t be judged because of the actions of a few radicals.”

Continued on pg. 3

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October 1, 2012 News

Wildcatter

Continued from pg. 3 Other violent reactions to the film encompass a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and violent attacks on US establishments in Khartoum and Tunis. The total number of deaths attributed to outrage over the film is over 28.

“I think it’s a shame that so many innocent people have been killed because of one spiteful man,” freshman Ty Murchison said.

The film has called into question the extent of Nakalou’s and others’ freedom of speech.

“It is not right that this man has done something so rude,” junior Victoria Pestova said.

“He should not be free to do something this terrible.”

Following the riots in

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he Calallen Earth Club hopes to reduce the amount of waste thrown in the high school with their recycling program as well as encourage a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

“The school is mandated by the state to recycle,” Earth Club sponsor Mrs. Mix said. “I have

Egypt, the Obama administration requested that YouTube investigate whether Nakalou was violating the website’s user agreement. YouTube defended Nakalou, stating that the content was within the bounds of the agreement.

“Even though Nakalou did nothing illegal, YouTube has the final say.” sophomore Justine Borchard said. “Nakalou’s actions were morally wrong, and the video should be removed.”

In Germany, a populist group by the name of Pro Deutschland plans to screen the film. German authorities are debating whether the screening could or should be prevented, denying the group its freedom of speech.

“I can see how this is a tough decision for a government to make,”

Going Green

“We are trying to encouraging as many people as we can to use the recycling bins in the cafeteria rather than the trash cans,” junior Michelle Veronin said. “Basically letting people know that it really does not take a lot of effort to toss something into the recycling bin than it does to toss it in the trash

observed that out campus is very negligent on any type of recycling.

There are many recyclables that are thrown away on a daily basis.”

The recycling program started at the beginning of the school year and the results are progressing.

“The students and teachers are doing a great job recycling paper and plastic bottles in the classrooms,” junior Alex Rodriguez said. “But students are still negligent in the cafeteria. They are throwing away trash in the recycling bins.”

The members of Earth Club do all they can to promote recycling.

can. There is much more things people can do for the environment every day that they realize.”

Earth Club hopes to improve the environment through the students.

“I hope that the students will learn how to take care of their future by not polluting,” Mrs. Mix said. “I hope they put the recyclable materials to good use to make products for their future and the future of their children.”

Recycling had economical as well as environmental advantages.

Earth Club Promotes Recycling on Campus

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junior Kade Young said. “But this needs to be prevented.”

France has banned protesting against the film.

“There’s no reason for us to let a conflict that doesn’t concern France come into our country,” France’s Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said.

“This is a wise decision that will prevent uproar,” junior Jonathan Jiminez said.

There have been varied responses to “Innocence of Muslims,” but the general consensus is that Nakalou should be punished.

“On the one hand, Nakalou was only expressing his opinion,” senior Alex Wheeler said. “But action should be taken against him for this slander.”

-Jacob Reinhard

A Small Price to Pay. Many students do not realize that a little effort can lead to a big difference for the health of the environment. Photo by Samantha Douty (‘14)

“The ultimate goal is to recycle more than what is trashed,” Mrs. Mix said.

“This will save some of the district’s money that is spent on garbage collection. Hopefully that will add up to thousands of dollars.”

Earth Club hopes to spread their project to encourage younger kids to recycle.

“In the future, we would like to expand to the middle school and the elementary,” Mrs. Mix said. “I would be really exciting for our whole district to be green.”

-Amy Liu

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Feature

Editor: Tate Kirby

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Tense Testing. Sophomore Ezra Moreno battles test anxiety.

Photo by Brittny Merkich (‘14)

Test Stress

he definition of Test Anxiety is a nervous disorder that occurs when someone is taking a test. It is a surge of adrenaline that gets in the way of the student taking the test.

“When I take a test I feel nervous,” senior Tabitha Castillo said.

“I go blank for the first five minutes and I don’t remember anything until I take some deep breaths.”

Test anxiety is most common in students who are considered overachievers and perfectionists.

“I have a really hard time accepting failure,” junior Grace Ann Polasek said. “The second I see a test my stomach and head swirls and I just get really nervous.”

The effects of test anxiety can even be physical.

“I get shaky,” sophomore Ezra Moreno said. “Even if I study for a test I go more slowly than I would on work, it’s like my brain moves more slowly when I take a test.”

Not every student gets test anxiety.

“Even if I didn’t study tests don’t bother me,” junior Cade Boyd said. “I know that I can probably make a passing grade using my knowledge of past tests and my common sense.”

Some students are even confident about tests.

“I look at every test with the mindset that I will destroy it,” senior Steven Gralinski said. “Whether I studied or not I always feel confident.”

Test anxiety is a serious problem for some students

“I honestly think that if I didn’t get freaked out by tests I would have much better grades,” junior Bailey Seward said. “I know the material, I just can’t put it on paper because I get so nervous; my grades really suffer because of it.”

-Tate Kirby

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Sports

Editor: DIllon Vaughan

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Exceeding Expectations

t was quite a shocker to most Calallen volleyball fans that this season would be played without senior leadership. However, even though these girls are young, they have not missed a beat when it has come to game time.

This team is lead by co-captains junior Saige Thomas and sophomore Jordan Roberts. Both are veteran varsity players.

“It’s been a difficult start for the team this year,” Thomas said. “Being the oldest on the team, I must set an example for the other girls, staying calm in times of struggle, and focused each set of each match.”

The varsity girls’ experience varies from freshman beginners to returning juniors, and with such variety one would think intimidation by older teams would be a given.

“We may be inexperienced and not as talented as other teams, but one thing we are not, is intimidated,” Roberts said.

New Leadership. Varsity Volleyball girls go forth with no senior leadership. Photo by

Brittny Merkich (‘14)

Continued on pg. 10

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October 1, 2012 Sports

“We go into each game with confidence in our abilities and leave it all out on the court.”

Their statistics speak for themselves. Taking second place in the CCISD Spikefest tournament and starting off the district season right with a win over Victoria East, these girls are stepping up their game and exceeding expectations.

“My goal on the court is to keep the energy high, play the best defense I can, and encourage my teammates throughout the game,” sophomore Camille Moller said. “I always yell and get really excited when we win a point to get the team pumped for the next play.”

This year’s team is being coached by Ms. Adaora Bilse, a faculty member new to the district, with background experiences in college volleyball and club-volleyball coaching.

“Our primary goal this year is to become a unified, disciplined team,” Bilse said. “Once we touch up on those aspects of the game, consistency will follow.”

The team hopes to accomplish much this year, not simply wins and losses, but to become a unit working for a common goal. Coach Bilse is faced with the challenge of young leadership.

“I strive to help the girls develop

Wildcatter

Key Adjustments

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Old Players, New Positions

McCurley, and juniors Austin Revels, Kade Young, Creyton he Calallen Wildcats had to McDermett, and Sheldon Bammert to make a lot of changes on the the offensive side of the ball. offensive side of the ball in last

“Having to adjust quickly isn’t week’s 41 to 0 win against the Carroll something new for me.” McCurley Tigers. By moving certain defensive said. “Last year, I had to prepare for players to offense, the football team the semi-finals in three days.” strived to redeem themselves from

Although it was easy for the previous week’s upset against McCurley to make the transition Flour Bluff. from defense to offense, it was a

The Calallen Wildcats more challenging task for Creyton moved seniors Dylan Duff, Andrew McDermett who was put into a position he had never practiced.

“I haven’t ever played z-back.” junior Creyton McDermitt said. “I told them that I would do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

The hardest part of transitioning to a new position on the opposite side of the ball is learning the plays and being able to execute them.

“Holding the opposing team’s offense to a 3-and-out, and then having to stay on the field for offensive drive is pretty demanding physically, “ Young said. “Endurance makes all the difference when you’re Pushing Through. Quarterback Derek Scheible (‘14) gains ground on a running playing both sides of the ball.” play against Flour Bluff. Photo by Carter

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Hunt (‘13)

-Austin Revels

leadership skills that they can use on and off the court,” Bilse said.

“They’ve really stepped up their game and I am very proud of their accomplishments so far.”

This team is dealing with multiple changes in their positions and rotations, which brings forth obvious strengths and weaknesses to the court.

“The most evident weakness we have is our youth. We aren’t as experienced as other teams,” Bilse said. “However, our young age gives us time to better ourselves and mature as a team. Also, we have a giant front row.”

-Dillon Vaughan Question and Answer Jake Baca: Question: What do you think it’ll take for the team to improve?

Answer: It all starts at the offensive line. If we improve as a whole, the rest of the offense will perform better.

Creyton McDermett: Question: How does it feel to be a defensive starter for two years?

Answer: Well its nice having the experience of being a varsity starter two years in a row,. I am used to the big games so nerves don’t get to me anymore and I love the rush I acquire when I take the field to play defense.

Coach Danaher: Question: What are the predictions for the season?

Answer: If the team stays healthy this season we shall be fine. We don’t have fresh legs but if we work I think our backups can step it up.”

Question: How do you feel about the inexperienced players?

“The more games that we play, the more experienced and the better they will get. All of the receivers are new.

We have experience in the backfield, but other than that on offense the only other experience we have is on the line. We have a lack of depth on the offensive line, and the defensive line.

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Wildcatter

The daily rush to local outdoor stores, fresh hunting licenses, new shotgun shells and small feathery bodies falling from the sky; what does all this mean?

Dove season is here. For most this means the weekends for September and October will be taken up.

“The opening day of dove season gives me more opportunities to spend with my family and friends in a great outdoor environment,” local business owner Chris Duff said.

Men and women with this mindset don’t care about the amount of birds they shoot but more about the amount of time they spend with their families, even though a good number of birds makes the day that much better.

October 1, 2012

Borchard shows the mentality and never gives up.” that every coach hopes to see in Borchard’s attitude on an athlete. the court fires up the rest of “I’ve known her since the team. my sophomore year,” junior “Seeing her struggle Colton Gimler said. “She is very Sophomore Asthmatic Succeeds through a match and not intelligent, a great athlete, and on Varsity Tennis Team give up gives the whole team very nice.” inspiration,” junior Kendyl Borchard has already very teenage athlete Kaufmann said. “She makes influenced an entire team her has obstacles they must me want to try harder.” first year on varsity. overcome, from a broken leg, to a Even off the court “It is an honor to make permanent physical restriction. the varsity team,” Justine Borchard has asthma and sophomore Justine is an active member of the tennis Borchard inspires not team. only the team but the “I knew Justine had coach as well. asthma,” junior Trace Meadors “Her heart said. “She never let that stand in spreads like wild fire her way.” throughout the team,” Borchard has made an coach Radford said. impact not only on the courts but “She doesn’t even on her teammates as well. know what she does to “Justine’s heart can only be us.” described as golden,” senior Alex Breath of Success. Justine Borchard (‘15) balances her asthma with competitive tennis. Photo by Samantha -Samantha Douty Wheeler said. “She is always kind Douty(‘14)

News

Beating the Odds

Lock and Load

“I get enjoyment from shooting dove because of the challenge the birds present,” senior Patrick Fowler said. “The hefty barbecue afterwards is just as good.”

Some say that hunting these small, agile birds is slaughter, but others disagree.

“The daily bag limits and seasons that we have in the Unit-

Fresh Meat. An example of the elusive prey awaits its fate. Photo by Dylan Duff (‘13)

Here Come the Birds ed States is a way to protect the birds,” freshman Ryder Duff said.

“If you want to see doves slaughtered, go to Argentina. They have no daily bag limits and season is year round.”

If you have ever been hunting or just tagged along with your dad to watch or be the bird dog at the annual bird hunt at your uncle’s ranch, you understand that not every shot hits a bird; actually only about half of the shots fired off will hit anything.

“I’d say that I only hit about 70% of the birds I shoot at,” senior Alex Tanguma said. “And that’s on a good day.”

-Dylan Duff

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Op/Ed

Editors: Britton Simpson & Alexandra Taylor

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Reality Check W

e live in a day in time where reality stars like Snooki, JWOW, and the Kardashians get more news time than actual issues that people need to know about. No one other than Snooki cares that she had a baby, and no one cares about catching a glimpse of Jennifer Anniston’s baby bump.

On September 19, 2012 the story on Jennifer Anniston’s baby bump was the 4th story on Yahoo News, obviously front page worthy stuff, and the story on Al-Qaida’s threat to attack a U.S. diplomat for an antiIslam video posted by an American citizen, is the 60th story. Apparently the movement of a terrorist group who has threatened the safety of American citizens for a number of years is less important that two stars who are pregnant.

When the citizens of this country are more concerned with which starlet was spotted where over the political election this year there is a major problem with society. If people would change their channel from E! or MTV than maybe they would understand the gravity of the recession we are in, or they would get the facts they need to vote for the proper candidate for President of the United States of America.

It is not a bad habit to watch reality TV, some of it might be helpful to your life. But it is only good in moderation. Change the channel every now and again, know the latest blunder that Mitt Romney has made, and be a little less concerned What’s News? Students ignore current events in favor of pop culture.with Snooki.

-Britt Simpson Photo by Britton Simpson (13)

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Editorial

October 1, 2012

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plethora of opportunities for student volunteering are available throughout the community. Yet few students take advantage of the organizations offering a commodity they all desperately need. National Honor Societies, accredited universities and scholarship organizations all require volunteer hours from potential admittees.

But a majority of students can be found scrambling the week before deadlines to scrape together a minimum of volunteer hours. This inconsistency is detrimental to both these students and the organizations which they ignore.

The coastal bend is home to the salvation army, food bank, homeless shelter, nursing homes, animal shelter,

and more worthy charities. All of these places welcome volunteers and benefit from their help. In the current economic climate, several are understaffed and underfunded. Time contributed by volunteers is often the only way they are able to stay afloat.

The common application, Apply Texas, and most other college applications have quite a lengthy space reserved for

Volunteerism

Wildcatter

A Dying Tradition?

volunteerism. Mrs. Crum requires volunteer hours each semester for NHS. Thousands of dollars every year are scholarshipped to students who have contributed to their communities. Students are well aware of this, for it is a common source of distress when

Wildcatter The

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they fill out their resumes. But when looking to add quantity to their volunteer experience few consider quality. Many last-minute hours are collected through labor that is either tedious, insignificant, or both.

The incompatibility between volunteer opportunities and volunteer necessities is unacceptable. Volunteering is a vital part of youths’ growth and education ; in turn, youth are a vital part of volunteering’s strength and success.

Conscientious teens must make the effort to unite the two spectrums of volunteerism in a mutually beneficial manner. If not, both students and charities will continue to suffer from the disjointed system.

-Alexandra Taylor

Editors-In-ChiefBritton Simpson Alexandra Taylor Managing EditorLayton Hart Online Editor-InChief: Sarah Vance Sports EditorDillon Vaughan News EditorAmy Liu Feature EditorTate Kirby Photo EditorCarter Hunt

AdvisorJanet Simpson PrincipalYvonne Marquez-Neth Vice PrincipalsJoy Beverly William Ball Superintendent: Arturo Almendarez

Editorial Policy: The Calallen High School Wildcatter invites opinions to be expressed in letters to the editor and special contributions to the publication staff. Anonymous letters or special contributions will not be considered for publication. The editors also reserve the right to edit any letter or special contribution for the length and/or content. all material in each issue of the Wildcatter may not be reprinted or in anyway reproduced without the prior written permissino from the editor

ReportersMichelle Alvarez Xavier Amador Samantha Douty Dylan Duff Storm Garcia Jared Garcia Kiah Hinojosa Landon Horton Trevor Hurst Matthew Leiva Jacob Reinhardt Austin Revels Brendan Strop Amanda VanZandt

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STUDENT LIFE:

Texas Tech University has numerous opportunities for students to get involved. The Texas Tech Red Raiders sports teams compete in the NCAA Big 12 Conference. Tech is particularly competitive in football and baseball.

Greek life is very prominent on campus with over 50 fraternities and sororities. There are over 450 student organizations offered at Texas Tech. Over 20% of students live on campus. Students are required to live there until they achieve 30 hours of academic credit. Specific dorms and communities exist for graduate students, athletes, and students with specific interests or academic disciplines.

The university maintains two student radio stations, a Public Broadcasting Service television station, a yearbook, and a daily newspaper.

-Layton Hart

Wildcatter

FINANCIAL AID: Average tuition cost at Texas Tech University is $20,753. 46% of the students in the Texas Tech system have received a scholarship or grant.

Incoming freshman are assured a scholarship if they are in the top 25% of their class and get at least a 27 on their ACT or a 1200 on their SAT (only the math and critical reading are included).

Texas Tech offers many opportunities for school scholarships, grants, and loans to cover all the costs of attending the university.

CITY LIFE:

Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas.

Lubbock is located in North West Texas and home to many attractions. Lubbock is located within 60 miles of Lake Allen Henry and a little over 200 miles from recreational ski slopes in New Mexico. Lubbock is well known as being the “Hub City” with many attractions such as many museums, several wineries, Prairie Dog Town, several golf courses, cornfield mazes, and an International Airport.

Lubbock’s weather is semi arid. In the summer, the average temperature reaches over ninety degrees. In the winter, the average temperature is below freezing.

Lubbock averages over 10 inches of snow every year. While there is plenty to do in the city, Texas Tech is central to life in Lubbock.

October 1, 2012

GETTING IN:

Texas Tech University attracts students from all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries.

Tech requires either ACT or SAT test scores for admission.

66% of applicants are admitted to the university with automatic admission for the top 10%. For students not in the top 10% of their class, applications are reviewed with regard to high school course work, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, affiliation with Texas Tech, and special talents and awards.

WHAT THEY OFFER: Texas Tech University is the 6th largest university in Texas with the 2011 enrollment of 32,327.

55% of the students attending Tech are male and 45% are female. Texas Tech has an 81% retention rate among first year students. Texas Tech offers thirteen colleges within the university and over 150 courses of study including study abroad, agriculture, architecture, business, communication, language, engineering, health science, environmental studies, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.

Tech has over 60 different research centers and institutes.

Texas Tech is the only university in Texas that has an undergraduate institution, law school, and medical school at the same location.

College

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

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Teacher Feature

She Lights Up Our Day

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unior year is a year full of expectations.

Most upcoming juniors start to worry about college, SAT’s, and passing Mrs. Day’s class.

“Mrs. Day has a reputation as a hard teacher,” junior Hannah McNeese said.

“However, she is also a favorite teacher for a lot of people.”

Most students hear stories about how tough English three AP is, and some are shocked when they walk into Mrs. Day’s class to find a funny teacher waiting for them.

“You walk in and sarcasm slaps you in the face,” junior Michelle Alvarez said.

“But it’s a good slap in the face.

You enjoy it.”

Mrs. Day’s witty attitude has gained a sort of fame amongst her students.

“I like her teaching method because while she is teaching she likes to tell us jokes and stories,” junior Itzel Spicak said. “She is always

cracking funny jokes and helped lots of kids make making us laugh.” great scores on the AP test.”

However, whenever Just in the first six Mrs. Day finally stops jok- weeks, many students have ing, learning becomes all already noticed improvebusiness. ment in the technical as“Mrs. Day’s class is pects of English. sometimes hard,” Spicak “My writing and unsaid. “It’s also a very chal- derstanding of the English lenging class because she language are getting better,” really makes you think.”

Trevino said. “That’s saying Mrs. Day likes to keep something.” her grading a fair playing Others have noticed field. For many, her class be- certain issues that preventcomes the first to challenge ed them from doing well their straight A’s streak. start to disappear.

“You will get a B,” “I think her class will Mc Neese ultimately help said.

“Don’t me,” junior Jackie take Day if Vela said. “Someyou can’t live times I get writwith a B on er’s block, but your report she helps clear it card.” up.”

E v e n Mrs. Day’s though her personality and grading style teaching style is a challenge tends to grow on to beat, Mrs. her students.

Day’s tough “Mrs. Day class has Literary Expert. Mrs. doesn’t pick faproven to help vorites and she’s raise English SusanDay steadily really cool,” Vela teaches her class.

AP scores. said. “It’s a fun “ S h e Photo by Samantha class and I can’t does have a Douty (’14) wait to continue reputation the year in it.” as a good teacher,” junior -Sarah Vance Carlos Trevino said. “She’s

Sudoku

Things All Educated People Should Know There are Muslim protests all around the globe about a controversial video about Mohammed. How widespread is this dilemma?

There is an election approaching between Obama and Romney. Who should you vote for?

There is a new iphone out.

What new things are you paying for?

Where can I see stats on sports events y? Check out the wildcatnews.org

*Recommended QR code reader, AT&TCodeScanner

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