VOL. 47 NO. 2 by Southern Accent

Southern Accent

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 FEATURES

Answering phones as an art form

ROBERT E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL, TYLER, TX

VOLUME 47, NUMBER 2

VIDEOS THAT

“When people leave my office or my window, I want them to feel valued.” -receptionist Coreen Renshaw

PACK A PUNCH

STORY PAGE 4

SPORTS

Extreme sacrifice leads to Auburn

“I’ve wanted to quit a lot of times, and just have a normal life, but then I remember that God gave me this talent for a reason so I can’t really abuse that.” -sophomore Drew Watson

STORY PAGE 7

FEATURES

Top chef shares his love for food

“My number one goal is that when [the students] leave here that they’ll have some confidence in their ability to go home and cook themselves a meal.” -Culinary Arts Dir. Joseph Gazzetta

STORY PAGE 5

ENTERTAINMENT

The best of 2014

Take a look at some of the best songs and movies the year had to offer.

STORY PAGE 4

inside

2 OPINIONS 4 FEATURES 6 SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT 8

BY VICTORIA SUNDIN STAFF WRITER

The perils of posting fights on social media Fights at school will catch the attention of anyone who sees them, regardless of what they think of them. Amidst the heat of battle, some run away; some call a person of authority; some even try to break it up; and some encircle the action with their cellphones, recording it to show their friends -- or the world. The shrine of Lee fights can be found on Instagram. The page called @relfights has more than 1,400 followers and consists of videos of students fighting and a comment section for its followers. To follow the account, one must promote it on their own account and use the hashtag #RELFights. The account doesn’t mention those who are in the fight, but anyone who follows the account may comment and say whatever they want. “I guess people who follow the account watch the videos to entertain themselves,” senior Carlos Salazar said. “They think that it’s like watching a street performance.” Unlike a street performance, however, watching fights on social media can have negative effects. The Journal of Adolescent Health published a study that found media violence contributes to higher levels of antisocial behavior. It also makes the viewer less sympathetic of the fight, and more empathetic towards the fighters. “I don’t think it’s right to post videos of

people fighting,” senior Rachel Cargile said. “It’s very uncomfortable to watch people fight. It shows [people who watch fights] that it’s cool to fight, and that it is a way to become famous.” Junior Noah Reeves said that he watches videos of fights because they’re funny and exciting. He said that they don’t promote violence and that only ignorant people will watch fights and then go out and do the same. “I think it’s completely fine to post videos of fights,” sophomore JJ VanDeventer said, “because what if the fight or the people fighting went to court? Then you could use the video as evidence.” Principal Gary Brown said that the act of fighting at school itself is a violation, punishable by three days in ISS. But the posting of videos of fights isn’t. Brown said that the only time it starts to bleed into the school’s policy’s procedure is if it transcends into the school day and disrupts it. “There isn’t anything, legally, that I would say is wrong about posting fights,” Brown said, “but I would believe that there is something moral and ethical about posting something about someone without their permission.” A recent Southern Accent survey showed that a majority of students feel students who post videos of fights on social media

should not be punished. Junior Kelli Kissinger agrees. “It’s not very smart to [post fights], but it’s not breaking any laws,” Kissinger said. “I don’t think people will directly watch fights and then go out and do it. It’s like watching UFC.” What do you think?

WHAT THINK Should studentsYOU who record fights on campusstudents and post who them on Should record fightsbe atpunished? school and the internet

post them on the internet be punished?

NO 58% YES 42%

What should the punishment for fighting at school be?

3 days ISS.........53% 1 week ISS........25% 1 week Plyler....15% 30 days Plyler.....7% 203 random REL students polled

School store to offer new line of spirit wear beginning Feb. 3 BY VICTORIA SUNDIN STAFF WRITER

students running it.” Barns said that having Life Skill students run the store gives them an opportunity to be trained in The school store will have a grand opening of new spirit wear several aspects of retail. “They’re going to learn things Feb. 3. Shirts and other spirit wear items from previous football like stocking, merchandising, social skills, how to handle games will be for sale as well money,” Barns said, “just lots of as brand new shirts, scarves and skills that they will need for the fleece headbands. future.” The store is already stocked Barns also said that selling and with free school supplies donated from Walmart, and every student buying spirit wear will promote school spirit. She said that with is able to acquire one free item the store’s location and windows, per week, first come, first serve. the new shirts will easily be on The shirts, however, will not be display to show them off and free, but still reasonably priced. to let students know where the “We had a lot of extra space, school store is. so [the PTA] decided to fill it “The more the kids wear spirit by adding school spirit wear,” wear, the more they identify with administrative assistant Lori the school,” Barns said, “and the Barns said. “Now that we’re not more that the community sees selling spirit wear at football them out in Tyler and identifies games, we can now start selling them as a Red Raider.” it at school, with the Life Skills

WWW.RELSOUTHERNACCENT.COM

Lori Barns/SOUTHERN ACCENT In the Spirit Junior Keaton Cunningham models one of the new t-shirts in the school store that is set to go on sale Feb. 3.

411 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

OPINIONS

Bailie Holcomb/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Why America Needs

MLK

More Than Ever

BY KIARA HAWKINS STAFF WRITER

artin Luther King Jr. has made an impact on so many people’s lives, despite the color of their skin. If you are Black, White, Hispanic, or Asian, the speech that MLK gave on August 28, 1963 changed history. He spoke on equality for everyone, not just African Americans. His teachings were not for violence, but against it, informing Americans that if you fight fire with fire, everyone is just going to get burned. As time passed, we have slowly strayed further and further from his teachings. Stories like Trayvon Martin vs. George Zimmerman and Michael Brown vs. Darren Wilson have brought chaos to America. In today’s society, America needs Martin Luther King Jr. now more than ever. MLK wanted everyone to rise above hate

and fight in the appropriate way. Boycotting was something that he was strong at, but only within the lines of the law. In today’s world, Americans misunderstand the purpose and true meaning of protesting and are confusing it with rioting. In a part of MLK’s “I Have A Dream Speech” it says, “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.” MLK believed that violence was never the answer. He fought strongly to inform all Americans of his beliefs. Other leaders of the 1960’s did not have the same ideas as him, such as Malcolm X however King, never said that he could not voice his opinions, he just believed in a better way. Americans have forgotten about this way of living because people from that era have left today’s society clueless of the right way to live.

In the “Letter from a Birmingham jail”, Dr. King wrote to his fellow clergymen while he was jailed for participating in a non-violent protest. Instead of making a scene while getting arrested, he did something much bigger. He did not resist, but went freely. He voiced his opinion to people who he thought were his “Christian Brothers” about how African Americans were being treated. Fifty plus years later Americans are still reading his letter. Dr. King had an effect on everyone in America. Forgetting some of the most important qualities is the reason why violence is so bad in today’s society. If King was here today I think he would restate some words from his “I Have a Dream Speech”, he would say, “One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”

Southern Accent

411 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 VOL. 47 NO. 2

Southern Accent is printed by Champion Printing. Southern Accent is a free publication distributed every six weeks during the school year. The opinions expressed in Southern Accent are those of Southern Accent staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TISD administration or staff. Southern Accent is funded in part by advertising sales sold by newspaper students. For more information on ad prices, contact Southern Accent adviser Kevin Berns at (903) 262-2686, or email at kevin.berns@tylerisd.org.

STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Chris French Caroline Frost Kiara Hawkins Madison McCarty Jamie Mills Claire Newberry Emily Shackelford Morgan Smith Victoria Sundin Kevin Berns - Adviser

Azeem Ali Rachel Anderson Miranda Bennett Alex Bice Shante Butler Maggie Ensey Savannah Gilbert Maria Gomez Skylar Herbison

Bailie Holcomb Sam Hollis Sam Leguizamo Jeremy McLean Elizabeth Pierce Whitney Renshaw Laila Sherif Myriah Sloan Claire Stratton

OPINIONS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Home schooling isn’t what you think it is

BY RACHAEL ANDERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Home schooling isn’t what people think it is. People normally think home schooling is all about sleeping in, wearing pajamas all day, drinking hot cocoa, sitting by the fire during the winter. No, that’s not what you do. Yes, home schooling has its advantages: going on random vacations, graduating earlier, no dress code, and finishing earlier in the day rather than spending eight hours a day in a regular school, but you have to do your work and be extremely selfdisciplined. People also normally think since people are home schooled you automatically have no friends and you’re anti-social. Being home schooled, there is a thing called co-ops, a co-op is a cooperative society, business, or enterprise. There are many co-ops across Tyler, including Cottage Garden, Venture, Kings Academy, and Kingdom Life Academy (KLA). Many of these organizations take place in Tyler churches or Christian organizations such as Pine Cove. If you are interested in being home schooled or you’re a parent and you’re thinking about putting a child in home school, you have to make sure it is the right choice for you or your child. People might believe at the moment it is the right choice, but it may only ruin their own future. It is a very important decision to make, if you are going to be disciplined and actually do school work or if you are going to be lazy and slack off. I suggest if you are a parent deciding whether or not to place your child in the home schooling program start at an early age. Starting at an early age is probably the best choice for your child, because if you start at a later age, say their freshman year of high school they’re not going to care as much. So, starting at an earlier age your child(ren) would be more familiar with how home schooling works and won’t affect their high school years as much. If you take kids out of public or private school and pull them into home schooling, it will take some time for them to adjust to the new environment of being home all the time. Just because they may seem lonely at first doesn’t necessarily mean you have to join a co-op. Or, if you want to pull your student/child out of home schooling and put them into public/private school, you (and your spouse) need to make this decision very carefully. Putting your child/ student in public/private school after being home schooled over a period of time can be a stressful matter for you child. They could be afraid of being bullied, making friends, coming to a new school, and having no one that you know makes it even worse. Now that they are at new school and know no one, They have to be outspoken and try to get people to notice them so that they can get some friend quick, on their first day of school it can also be a little nerve racking, because at lunch they know no one so their only option is to sit by themselves So if you see a student that has been home schooled, don’t assume they are antisocial or don’t like people, make them feel welcome and give them a hand on their first day, and get to know them.

Bailie Holcomb/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Don’t pile on work for seniors BY AZEEM ALI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Core classes. Electives. Extra curricular activities. Jobs. Homework. Free time? Now in my senior year of high school, I think it’s safe to say it has taken up quite a bit of time from my life to prepare me for college and the future. After a lot of hard work, you would think some breathing room could be found somewhere where students can enjoy some more time off for activities they want to do but do not have time for. With seniors being given the option of two off periods, or the duty of office aide to replace one, I am beginning to question if thats really enough. Personally, I have all but three core

class credits needed to graduate. I took two sciences in my junior year by choice and have steadily filled all the rest of the required credits to graduate throughout high school. But yet, I am still required to take even more electives to “fill up” my schedule, along with yet another science credit. With the pressure from college being right around the corner and AP classes still piling on work, students deserve the help that the school promises by being given a little more freedom. If a senior has all the required credits and is taking AP classes, they should have the option to not take anymore unnecessary classes that will just pile on more work. If a student isn’t interested in something, it won’t be

A ‘Super’ show worth watching BY MORGAN SMITH STAFF WRITER

Thoughts on Ferguson Wilson was right

BY AMY NGUYEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From the very beginning, I thought that the Ferguson case was not at all racist. Based on the evidence given, Officer Wilson did what was necessary. Although I don’t believe that killing a person was correct, in his circumstances it was acceptable. People who protest had every right to express their beliefs, but that doesn’t mean to hurt others. Because of the modern technologies invented, skilled people who worked to determine the truth, and the grand jury that said they would promise to be fair and take all evidence into consideration, Officer Wilson should not be charged. Based on my emotions, I think that Wilson should be respected because he risks his life everyday going out to places and not knowing how people are. It’s not a job that everyone can do. In the end, the officer did resign, and I think that represents his guilt and apology towards Michael Brown. I’m deeply apologetic towards Michael Brown’s death and hopefully things could remain positive and we all can move on from this experience.

Rioting is crossing the line BY MELISSA TISCARENO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I think the protest, riots, and violence was something that was made into a bigger deal than it should have been. Officer Wilson did kill Brown. I do think he should have been charged with something, but not to the point where he would have gotten his police license taken away. Yes, I believe Officer Wilson was just doing his job, he did not overdo the problem. I think he tried to handle it in the best way he could. I can support my evidence by the way Officer Wilson composed himself in front of the jury. Then again if it were someone in my family that he would have shot at more that 10 times, and killed them, I would want something to be charged on Officer Wilson. It was a family member to someone who was killed, and I think they would like some kind of charge pressed on the officer, not just letting him get off.

Letters to the editor The editorial board of the Southern Accent encourages you to submit a letter. It should be no more than 300 words. Include your full name and email or phone number (email and phone number will not be published). We reserve the right to edit for space, spelling, grammar and libelous statements. Send your letters by email to relnewspaper@ gmail.com or mail them to Southern Accent, 411 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701

benefiting them to the point where a positive impact will be made. So why add more stress? Having this option will also increase the much needed attention on the other classes, as well as create free time to pick up hobbies and maybe work on those college essays everyones been procrastinating on. For those so willing, a study hall can be created and monitored for students who need the time to sharpen their sword and better prepare them by giving them isolated guidance on things, whether it be a subject or advice about their future. Grades will be higher. Stress levels will be lowered. Students will be happier. The freedom could also create self discipline.

The CW

thousands of fans? The beginning pilot episode of Supernatural begins with Sam and What does unexplainable Dean’s mother being murdered by phenomenon, 1967 Chevy Impala’s, a “yellow eyed demon” while they monster hunting, and flannel have in were children. From that point common? forward, their father, John, begins a They are all part of the hit tv show long and dangerous quest to kill the Supernatural from the TV station demon that killed his wife. Along the CW. Supernatural has been running way with the help of a few friends for almost 10 complete seasons now he begins to find out about all things and features two brothers named paranormal, and how to kill them, Sam and Dean, accompanied by an while during all that time, teaching angel named Castiel, and multiple his sons, Sam and Dean, how to hunt other friends in their quest to purge these creatures just like him. all things paranormal from the face Then finally after many years Sam of the earth. and Dean have grown up and come Supernatural premiered in the fall to realize that their father has gone of 2005, and ever since then their fan missing, and that they are the only base has been growing unbelievably ones who can find and save him. fast, from devoted fans joining Supernatural is an astonishing and online “fandoms” to the average TV fast paced TV show that will have viewer that makes sure to stay caught you laughing and crying throughout up with each episode, more and more its many seasons, and I believe fans seem to accumulate each day, that if anyone is going to start a which starts to make one wonder, new show, that show should be why is Supernatural so adored by its Supernatural.

What show are you watching?

“Breaking bad, because I am really into science and I like to do experiments on my own time for fun.” -Pedro Sanchez 9th grade

“Any of the Animal Planet shows because I am really interested in being a veterinarian one day.” -Keashun Davis 10th grade

“ESPN, because what guy doesn’t like sports? I could watch it all day.”

“Pretty Little Liars, because it is so intense and it keeps me on my toes every time I watch it.”

-Keonta Jhonson 11th grade

-Savannah Brown 12th grade

Why thrift shops should be your best friend BY MARIA GOMEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

do, it’s expensive. The cool thing pretty cool vintage coats and shirts. about it is that you don’t bring a lot One of the cool items I’ve bought at of money because you won’t spend a thrift shop was an antique doll it You walk into the mall and into a lot, also, there is a lot to choose was only $3, which was super great your favorite store. You look around from. If you’re into a different time to me. Savannah has also found some and something catches your eye. period type of clothing you will most pretty cool things, “ I have found You grab it and scan the item with likely find clothing polaroids and “I can find unique your eyes, but then you check the like that there. It’s I’ve found zippo things, from other price of the item and notice it’s quite like every item in lighters from the expensive. Moments like that break there has a story, 90’s and 80’s and people’s closets. It’s your heart, I know mine does. You they are all unique. a war helmet as interesting how many think to yourself and know you could All i’ve heard Some people antique old school items well.” get the same item somewhere for from people were might not like the and clothing that you cheaper, like thrift shops. Thrift shops good experiences idea of shopping can find for cheap.” hold treasures and are inexpensive at a thrift shop. at a place where like coats, flannels, hats, antiques, Sophomore everything has Savannah Walker and sometimes even shoes. You can Savannah Walker been used but it’s 10th grade find sweaters for $3 that would be enjoys thrift a great place to over $30 in Zumiez or Pacsun. I’ve shopping and her shop if you want to found a The North Face shirt for experiences sound great. Savannah create something unique. Overall, it’s $4 at a thrift shop and the regular said, “I can find unique things, from cheap and has variety. People should price is $25. It’s a great way to find other peoples closets. It’s interesting go to thrift shops and look for great clothing that you could experiment how many antique old school items stuff, I know they will not regret with and not worry about the price. and clothing that you can find it. You don’t need to spend a lot on You can find a pair of shoes that any for cheap.” I’ve had some great clothes. Go to thrift shops, you just store near you don’t have, and if they experiences as well, I’ve found some never know what gem you’ll find.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Helping hands

FEATURE

Construction class steps up to build ramp for soccer player in wheelchair BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER

“I didn’t physically get anything. It just made me feel really good,” Munoz said. “It was an amazing feeling, and my feelings towards Jacob changed a lot The gift that every construction class by doing this project. I didn’t really get student and teacher was responsible for to know him that well but through this giving senior Jacob Spiller was simply just a ramp. However, this slanted piece project I felt like I knew him by helping of wood to assist Jacob in getting inside him and his family out so much through donations.” his house after a recent osteosarcoma Although they were motivated to get surgery was nothing compared to the gift that Jacob really received that day: love, the project done, there was initially no rush to complete the ramp with the pride, and eternal gratefulness. knowledge that they had two weeks As Jacob was a member of Robert E. Lee’s varsity soccer team, Coach Martin before Jacob would be coming home. However, there was no time to blink Germany found himself producing an when they received the news that Jacob idea that would ultimately change the would be arriving home that week. life of one of his players. After a phone Everyone was kicked into high gear, still call with Jacob’s parents informing cautious of balancing precision with the them of their potential plans to build new time crunch, and fortunately for Jacob a ramp and confirming these Woods and Richardson, they were given plans with Construction Class teachers the day off to begin the installation along David Woods and Bobby Richardson, a with Coach Germany’s wife and former remarkable act of generosity began to Head Soccer Coach Chastain. take place. “It happened so fast,” Richardson said. “Our students fell in, and they were “We had students and people in the interested in helping somebody,” community wanting to help out but there Richardson said. “And it’s not always just wasn’t enough time to get everyone about just learning math or English out there. People from the church wanted or history, but its also having real life to help us, too. We cut it pretty close activities where you see a need and you getting it done but he did not have to help somebody that’s less fortunate or walk up the steps that night to get into has a situation that’s kind of putting his house.” them down and they need help.” Because of the last minute concrete Seeing the good behind the project, a being poured so close to his arrival Whitehouse wood supply store sold the as Richardson, Woods and the others materials to Woods and Richardson at gave it their all to get the ramp done in cost, and Sherwin Williams paint store time, Jacob’s first trip up the ramp left donated nearly $300 dollars worth of slight wheelchair tracks in the moist paint. Every single construction class pavement. Those traces will be their student followed the skillful lead of forever, not only to remind Jacob of his Woods during class to cut, measure and first late night trip up his new ramp, but shape the materials needed to make this of the sacrifice and love behind every ramp happen. With a strong passion for construction class student that helped the school’s soccer team and an even Jacob realize he was not in this alone. stronger passion to help others in need, “What I got most from all of this was Senior Eric Muñoz took it upon himself to get the soccer team involved and even knowing that even though most of the people working on the ramp didn’t sold wristbands with Jacob’s favorite bible verse, Isaiah 53:3, on them to assist actually even know me,” Jacob said, “they still worked just as hard.” Jacob’s family on medical expenses.

Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Drill Team Advanced Construction teacher Bobby Richardson attaches a plank to the ramp built at senior Jacob Spillers’ house Nov. 12. The entire construction class took part in helping build the ramp.

All Hands On Deck (left) Senior Michael Dorsey and sophomore Gino Cedillo attach a baluster to the railing. Most of the construction was done on campus prior to assembly on site. (center) Juniors Coleman Baker and Jorge Salgado paint various pieces of the ramp. (right) Seniors Matthew Jones and Jonathan Miller paint the floor boards in preparation for transport to Jacob Spillers’ house for installation. All photos by Whitney Renshaw

Radiant Receptionist

Taking notes Receptionist Coreen Renshaw answers the phone with her patented smile. Renshaw said she recieves around 150 calls a day.

Chris French/SOUTHERN ACCENT

The cheery voice that floats through the campus speakers is ready to take your call BY SHANTE BUTLER Contributing Writer Anyone have Animal Control on speed dial? School Receptionist Coreen Renshaw didn’t when a substitute teacher dropped off a fluttering bat in a Walmart sack right on top of her desk. “He sat the Walmart thing on my deal with the thing just fluttering and I say ‘Well sir can that get out of the bag?’ and he said ‘Well the claws might be able to dig through the sack,’ and then he left it with me so I found a little flower pot thing in my closet

and I put [it] over the bats ‘cause they like dark stuff and set it down” Renshaw said. “Well ain’t that funny? I never had to babysit a bat before.” Babysitting bats may not be Renshaw’s specialty, but her primary goal as school receptionist is to make everyone feel welcomed with a warm smile and a positive attitude. “I feel like in this world, and is part of my personality, you are up all the time because you want everyone to feel valued,” Renshaw said. “That’s my goal. When people leave my office or my window, I want them to feel valued.” As Renshaw went to Abilene Christian University,

she wanted to become a flight attendant so that she could fly the friendly skies. “I never heard from Delta or American Airlines,” Renshaw said. “But I did think that a communications degree would be fun, but I’m using it now anyways, just in a different capacity. I don’t pass out tea and peanuts.” Through balancing 150 phone calls and over 100 visitors a day, she still maintains a compassionate heart and an encouraging spirit. “You never know what is ever going to happen,” Renshaw said. “People may think it’s crazy but I love it.”

FEATURES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Committed cook

New head chef shares love for food, family BY CLAIRE NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER

is heart is hooked on helping. Whether he is helping children with special needs like his three year-old daughter who has Down syndrome, or teenagers who cannot cook, new culinary arts director Joseph Guzzetta clearly has a passion for kids. Guzzetta’s career interests have always pointed him toward cooking. But after becoming head of the prepared foods area at Fresh by Brookshire’s and having dreams of owning his own restaurant, Guzzetta caught an eerie glimpse at how his priorities lay. “ My [five year old] son was playing YMCA soccer over the summer and I went to one of his games,” Guzzetta said. “All the other dads were standing there in shorts and t-shirts and I was in my Fresh uniform because I was on my lunch break to go watch a soccer game, but I had to leave early to get back to work. So with them being school age while I was working normal food service hours and retail hours it was kind of rough. My wife was home alone and my daughter has a lot of doctors appointments, and there were a lot of different things going on with my son after school. So I was kind of looking for something different than working in retail where I was working until ten or eleven o’clock at night sometimes.” From the time he was little, Guzzetta had been raised in an Italian family who valued the food they ate and the hands who prepared it. Feeling the pressure of spending too little time with his family, he decided to take on the REL culinary program. This decision allowed Guzzetta to focus more on family as well as express his love for food to students and teach them the values of cooking. “My number one goal is that when [the students] leave here that they’ll have some confidence in their ability to go home and cook themselves a meal,” Guzzetta said. “The biggest issue is that here, in class, students ask to go to Chick-fil-a and stuff. There’s too much dependence on fast food. So my goal is to get these kids confident enough so they can prepare a meal and have some basic skills.” Guzzetta is also channelling his attention to his daughter and her Down syndrome. He and his wife desire to create an awareness center in Tyler that aids and informs parents of the possibilities of their child having Down’s. “The majority of the people that have kids with Down syndrome just need support and just need to know that they’re not the only ones out there and that it’s not an awful thing. It really isn’t,” Guzzetta said. “I wouldn’t change anything right now. If I could do it all over again I’d have the same kid.” In alignment with all of the changes and goals that Guzzetta has made for his family and the community, he has remained consistent in his ambitions to help others. “It’s a process of encouragement. I just say ‘keep going, keep going, keep going.’”

Lighting the fire Culinary Arts Director Joshep Guzzetta sparks a flame with high heat, oil, and some onions.

Chris French /SOUTHERN ACCENT

Yellow Pepper and Fennel Soup

A soup recipe by Chef Guzzetta which he enjoys making in the spring. 12 med yellow bell peppers 1 med Vidalia onion ½ cup shallots 3 med fennel bulbs 2 Tbsp olive oil tt S & P 8 oz Ricard 2 qt heavy cream Rough chop all vegetables. In a heavy bottom pot over med heat, heat oil. Add vegetables and sweat until translucent. DO NOT BROWN. Add water to cover and raise the heat to medium high. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer. Add S&P and simmer until vegetables are soft and water has reduced by half. Add Ricard and simmer 5 minutes more. Add heavy cream and remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes! Using a blender puree the cooled soup in batches. Pass the soup through a small holed china cap (not a fine chinoise). Cool completely and serve with smoke shrimp and roasted fennel battonets and chive crème fraîche.

Movie Review

‘Annie’ remake doesn’t live up to original BY KIARA HAWKINS STAFF WRITER

Quvenzhane Wallis had a great voice, but her acting was not the best. Bobby Cannavale did an amazing job with his very 20 or 30 years Hollywood character. He played the part well and tries to spice things up by definitely did his research. Cameron remaking movies. Such as Diaz as Miss Hannigan did a fantastic “Hairspray”, “The Parent job playing the part as the villain. Trap”, or “Charlie and the My favorite part of the movie is Chocolate Factory”. These movies can when Annie and Stacks meet and their either succeed or fail. Will Gluck’s take chemistry that they had throughout their on “Annie” did no succeed. time on screen together. An all-around Based on the comic strip “Little Orphan crowd favorite that I got was when Annie” by Harold Gray, “Annie” takes Miss Hannigan and Guy got on screen place in Harlem, New York. Annie lives together and they really connected with in foster care with her foster sisters each other. My least favorite part of the Isabella, Tessie, Mia, and Pepper and movie was with the orphans because the her foster mother Colleen Hannigan. In actresses were way too young and they search for her birth parents Annie has a all really didn’t know what they were hard time fitting in with everyone around doing. her. On the other side of town lives Carol Sobieski’s screenplay of the William Stacks, a wealthy politician who 1982 version of Annie was much better is running for Senate and is willing to than Will Gluck’s take on the story. The do anything to win the election. With the original movie had the right portion of help of his adviser guy and his assistant singing, but the new one was exhausting Grace, Stacks and Annie meet. and every five minutes there was a song. Jaime Foxx in his portrayal of William People who might enjoy this movie Stacks did good playing the part of rich would be much younger and not familiar man who doesn’t need anyone, but also with the original. Overall this movie was got in touch with the side of his character tolerable, but it could have been a lot who was supposed to be a father figure. better.

Columbia Pictures

Best movies based on comic strips

Annie 1982

Dick Tracy 1990

Popeye 1980

Over The Hedge 2006

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SPORTS

In with the new

New girls coach keeps it ‘real’ while making memories

Boys coach brings tough love, strong work ethic to Lee

BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER

New staff member Nigel Boyles took on two positions when she arrived on campus: Girls Athletics Coordinator and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. After playing collegiately at Stephen F. Austin University where she won two conference championships and made it to the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament, Boyles coached at Lufkin Hudson High School and then took on a new opportunity to coach at Lee. “I truly care about all sports,” Boyles said, “and I want to help make every athlete’s experience here special, unique, and successful.” Boyles’ new position was as she expected, with daily hard work from her players who share the mutual goal of making a good run into the playoffs. She believes most of her players would describe her as “real”, because she’s not one to sugar coat things. However, her players know that she would go out of her way to help them, and although she likes to have a good time, there’s no mistaking when she is all business. Boyles main goal as a new coach here is to make a difference to her kids, and give them an experience they can look back on after high school and smile about. “I want them to have memories that will last a lifetime,” Boyles said, “and use the tools they have learned here to help them deal with real life issues they face as adults.”

Robert E. Lee welcomed a new Men’s basketball Coach this year, Jeffrey Coleman. Born and raised in Shreveport Louisiana, Coleman won all district honors while playing basketball in high school and earned a scholarship to play college ball at East Central University in Oklahoma. Coleman coached high school basketball in Oklahoma for more than 20 years, then moved to Kilgore where he coached 4 years. Seeking change, he found himself at a school with nearly 2000 more students than anywhere he’d ever worked, Robert E. Lee. “I’ve had a lot of success in my career at every school I’ve ever been to,” Coleman said, “and I guess I was just seeking challenge. It was a challenge for me to see if I could come in to the biggest school in our class and still be successful.” Coleman has come in with the strong perspective of teaching his players more than just how to play basketball. Being the tough coach his players would describe him as, he strives everyday to teach his players not only how to achieve excellence on the court, but also to send his players off with the mindset of being successful no matter what further things they choose to endeavor after high school. “Whether they go to college or the work force or whatever adventure they want to pursue after high school, we want them to be productive people in our society and doing well with their lives.”

Photos by Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Swim team raising funds for new aquatic center BY EMILY SHACKELFORD STAFF WRITER

in funds thanks to the elementary schools being under budget,” Tyler Lee Coach Matt Franks said, “this combined with private donations will make the pool If you take a short trip down the road possible.” from Lee you’ll find the TISD aquatics The school board passed this grant in center. This is where three swim teams July. The room was packed with current train and olympic trials qualifiers have swimmers, past swimmers, and families been produced. While the swim center holds lots of opportunities for many kids, from many different places who came out to show support. After their case was it is in disrepair and falling apart. Boys team captain David Hudson can tell you presented, all the board members agreed about how he isn’t able to use two of the to appropriate funds, with the agreement that the rest of the funds must be raised. blocks because if he does, then the base Everyone clapped and cheered in will detach from the block, and he’ll celebration that after almost three and a possibly have a major injury. half decades, the new pool will be built. However, there is hope in sight. This The new pool will be built on the same summer at a school board meeting a grounds as the new CTE center. This will decision was passed to give $5 million put the pool centrally located between dollars towards a new pool. both high schools. “The funds were given from an excess

“This central location will give a new option for John Tyler to house their own team within three years of the opening of the new center,” Franks said. The new pool will be able to house other local teams, such as the two middle school programs currently run through Moore and Hubbard. Also, the current metroplex aquatics will be housed there, a competitive swim team that serves kids from as young as five to adult competitive programs. Franks would also like to implement a district wide elementary PE water safety program and expand upon the programs already in place. “There are far too many TISD students who don’t know how to swim,” Franks said. “Implementing a water safety program at the elementary

schools will help us give the greatest number of kids access to the start they need to become proficient swimmers. We can also expand our current learn to swim program which will give more members of the community access to the swimming world. ” Franks said there are two plans currently drawn up at this point, and depending on how much money is raised will determine the plan that is used, but this will be more concrete later this year, however the goal is to have the pool open for the 2016-2017 season. “The pool has outlived its usage,” Franks said, “[the completion of the new pool] in the long run will make our competitive programs better able to compete with our district and regional competition in the Dallas area.”

SPORTS CALENDAR

JANUARY 30

Tennis at Rockwall Tourney Boys basketball vs. Garland Girl’s basketball at Garland Girls soccer vs. Rowlett at Rose Boys soccer vs. Rowlett at REL

FEBRUARY 2

Football Banquet at Green Acres

Boys basketball at N. Garland Girls basketball vs. N. Garland Boys soccer vs. Lakeview at Rose Girls soccer vs. Lakeview at REL

Boys basketball vs. Rockwall Girls basketball at Rockwall Boys soccer at Naaman Forest Regional swim meet at Rockwall

Girls soccer at Naaman Forest Regional swim meet at Rockwall

FEBRUARY 10

Girls basketball vs. Naaman Forest Boys basketball at Naaman Forest Boys soccer vs. N. Garland at REL Girls soccer vs. N. Garland at Rose

Boys basketball at Sachse Boys soccer at Rockwall Girls soccer at Rockwall

Boys basketball vs. Rowlett Boys soccer vs. Naaman Forest at Rose Girls soccer vs. Naaman Forest at REL Softball vs. Jacksonville at Faulkner

Softball at Forney Tourney

Softball at Forney Tourney State swim meet Boys soccer vs. Sachse at Rose Girls soccer vs. Sachse at REL Tennis at REL Tourney

Softball at Forney Tourney State swim meet Tennis at REL Tourney

FEBRUARY 24 Softball at Whitehouse Girls soccer at Rowlett

Boys soccer at Rowlett

Softball at Allen Tourney

Softball at Allen Tourney Girls Regional Powerlifting at Crandal Girls soccer at Lakeview

Softball at Allen Tourney Boys soccer at Lakeview

MARCH 3

Girls soccer vs. Garland at Rose Boys soccer vs. Garland at REL

Girls soccer at N. Garland Softball at Rockwall Heath

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Got the tiger by the tail Sophomore turns hard work into scholarship to Auburn BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER

where she wanted to be,” Drew’s dad said. “We were just blown away at the entire experience. The campus was just electric. They treated us amazSacrifice. ingly.” A term remarkably familiar to Although Drew’s dad may have sophomore Drew Watson. Her family is split between two cit- been sold immediately during their ies, she commutes over 15 hours ev- second visit, Drew took a little longer to process her thoughts. The visit ery week, and she spends four hours each day in the gym until her muscles ended with Drew finalizing her choice to attend Auburn, which included an can go no longer. ecstatic celebration with the Auburn All for one thing: An undeniable, coaches and team. burning passion to be the best gymAs far as Drew had come, she still nast she can be. has a lot of work to do in the gym The early days of toddling 2-yearfrom now until she graduates high olds grinning from ear to ear after accomplishing a summersault became school. To her advantage, she has the experienced, well-known coaches of more than just a light-hearted gymnastics class for Drew. It was the start Texas East to help her continue to train, including Coach Stacy Parsley. of a lifestyle, leading to the realiza“She was definitely blessed by God tion that she wanted to do gymnastics with just raw talent,” Parsley said, in college, which is just where she’s “and she then took that talent and had headed. the perseverance to work with it and “Auburn first started watching me when I was in 7th grade,” Drew said. add to it, so that she accomplished “They said they recognized that I was some pretty big things.” Drew finds herself accommodating a natural athlete.” her entire life to the need of her gymWhat Drew and her mom, Ashley nastics progress, which starts every Watson, thought would be one of day at 5 a.m. with the familiar sound many innocent, friendly campus of her alarm. visits, resulted in a trip of a lifetime. After the usual protein shake for An 8th grader at the time, Drew and her mom made the trip up to the home breakfast and a solid workout courtesy of APEC, Drew heads to school of the Tigers and found themselves where she is released at 1:30 to begin in astonishment when Head Auburn Gymnastics Coach Jeff Graba offered a four hour gymnastics practice at Texas East. Not only is Texas East a Drew a spot on his 2017 team. “Neither one of us knew what to say local gym, but also the sole reason Drew and her mom are currently livso naturally all we could think of to say was ‘we need some time to think ing in a Tyler apartment while her dad about this,’” Drew’s mom said. “They and sister still live in Nacogdoches. “I feel grateful and also kind of basically had to give away a potential guilty that my family is split up scholarship to hold out for Drew to because of me,” Drew said. ”The make her decision which was a big sacrifice means a lot because they’re deal for a school to do.” giving up a lot so that I can do what A big deal such as that isn’t availI love.” able for just anyone, and lucky for Reaching level 10, the highest level Drew, she was able to bargain a before the olympics, is one of the few months out of a two-time SEC many accomplishments Drew has her coach of the year. Without any time coaches of Texas East to thank for. to waste, Drew and her family spent those few months on the hunt of their She has attended Nationals for two lives. After visiting OU, Georgia, Ar- years, Junior Olympic Nationals for one year, and the Nastia Liukin Cup. kansas, and several Arizona schools, Through all the long hours of tears, they found themselves right back to where they started: Auburn Universi- sweat, and endless dedication, Drew ty. The second time Drew returned to has finally paved the path leading Auburn was with her dad, and as only to the bright orange gymnasium of a freshmen in high school, Drew was Auburn University. “I’ve wanted to quit a lot of times, expected to verbalize her decision on and just have a normal life,” Drew her fate as a college athlete. said, “but then I remember that God “Somewhere along the drive up (to gave me this talent for a reason so I Auburn), I think she kind of came can’t really abuse that.” at peace with it and decided this is

& QA

Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Beaming with pride Sophomore Drew Watson spends four hours a day in the gym preparing for her future at Auburn.

College football got it right... sort of BY EMILY SHACKELFORD STAFF WRITER

Eric Munoz

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

Soccer

When did you begin to play soccer? “I began playing soccer when I was three years old. My dad coached, so just went to his games and kicked around. [I] started playing on an actual team when I was in sixth grade.” How does it make you feel getting to be captain your senior year? “It feels great to lead your team and encourage your team while you’re down or you’re up, it doesn’t matter.” Is there a game that stands out to you in all of your years of playing? “Probably playoffs against Rowlett because it was really intense and we took it all the way to PKs (penalty kicks)” What are your goals for your last high school season? “My goals are to win district and attend a regional tournament, at least.”

College bound Makenna Aycock Hill College Softball

“I just felt like that was where I should be because it’s pretty much in the perfect location and I like the coaches a lot and the players that are already there are really cool. I think it will be very good for me to get off and do my thing.”

Sam Leguizamo/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Go to www.relsouthernaccent.com for full coverage of National Signing Day

The game changed in college football this year. With the emergence of the new bracket system, Ohio State earned itself a chance at the title, and won. In the first ever college football playoff they took down number two-ranked Oregon 42-20. Within the first half they had outscored Oregon by 11 points and didn’t stop there. In the final quarter the Buckeyes had two touchdowns to Oregon’s none. How was all of this possible? With a monumental defense, old school smash mouth strength in the offensive line and players such as Zeke Elliot, Tyvis Powell, and Cardell Jones, it makes it easy to understand. As incredible as this win was, it leaves many to question the playoff committee. If Ohio state, who went into the playoff games ranked 4th and proved themselves, why weren’t they ranked higher? The selection committee consisted of people who are currently athletic directors, former college players, previous world leaders such as Condoleezza Rice, past MVP’s and conference commissioners. So, while decisions were made based on multiple opinions from multiple sources, it can be said by fans that maybe they didn’t get it correct. While Ohio State’s win showed that the BCS system does not work well, and brackets should be in place, it leaves the question of their number 4 ranking. The reason why they were ranked number four is not only the rough start to their season, but also because of the poor skill level of the conference they play in. They were ranked low for most of the season due to powerhouses like the SEC West, who were mostly ranked teams, constantly playing each other due to conference rules. Also, because OSU had to put in their third-string quarterback (Cardell Jones) in the Big 10 championship, which, while that game went well, was his first time to play that season. Due to these factors, our beloved Texas teams were discounted their shot at a title. Ohio State’s lower ranking meant that TCU and Baylor, both who had a real shot at the playoffs, were out. Any real chance these Texas teams had was lost due to a bye week before the brackets were announced, and Ohio state had a huge win that week, so they were in. So, while the playoff committee may have proved the new bracket system is a solid step towards improvement, it didn’t get everything right. A possible improvement of this system is requiring a conference championship. This would have given TCU and Baylor a chance to play again and prove who truly needed to be there, rather than being so close in margin that Ohio State became the easier pick. This compromise would keep from having to change to a uniform conference ruling on ranked teams and add an extra game to change the margin of stats. However, this would have meant that Ohio State was out completely. So, if that was the case, what other teams missed their shot at playoffs that could have possibly received the title? This leaves the nation to question whether brackets should be added to the games. Instead of playing four teams, make eight play and have more than two playoff games to determine who plays for the title. This would solve the TCU or Baylor question, as well as keep Ohio state in the brackets. This year in college football things have seen major changes. Powerhouses have fallen, and unexpected teams have stepped up to new levels of competition. In review of this season, it can be said that more questions have been left on our minds. Will Ohio States underclassmen from this year continue to dominate the field? Will Alabama and Nick Saban have their revenge? Will the SEC return to its glory seen for the last few years? All questions that lead to an exciting season next year.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Entertainment

Entertainment of 2014 Best songs of 2014

BY CAROLINE FROST STAFF WRITER

Dara Munnis/Island

“Take Me to Church” - Hozier

Irish singer and songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne broke out with this song that lyrically serves as a metaphor comparing a lover to religion. “In a death-and-rebirth sense,” he told The Irish Times. It’s not exactly religious though either. According to Hozier, it’s a bit of a losing your religion song. “The song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming humanity through an act of love,” he told The Cut.

Big Machine Records

Asylum Records/ Atlantic Records

Big Machine Records

“Blank Space” - Taylor Swift

“Do I Wanna Know” - Arctic Monkeys

Capitol Records

Sam Smith was able to create a gospel-like masterpiece depicting a plot anyone can relate to. His heavenly falsetto tells the story of someone trying to fill an empty, lonely void with someone yet still acknowledging the fact that “This ain’t love it’s clear to see,” still begging them to, “Stay with me.”

Domino Recording Company

“Shake it Off” - Taylor Swift

“Stay With Me”- Sam Smith

“Thinking Out Loud” - Ed Sheeran

Taylor Swift broke out with another hit but this time with a new message. The single teaches us a valuable lesson to disregard what people may say or think and too keep going on in life having fun.

Arctic Monkeys released their newest album this year titled AM. From AM came on of their biggest hit yet, “Do I Wanna Know.” Alex Turner uses his smooth, deep voice to depict the story of someone who’s still hung up on an ex-lover and struggles with hoping the feeling is mutual.

Swift reappears with yet another song from her newest album “1989.” Contrary to her usual theme of song writing, this one depicts a relatable scenario of going against the rumors and portraying how her life and relationships are really like rather than what people say.

Ed Sheeran hits the top of the charts with yet another love ballad. Sheeran expresses his thoughts on the comfort of falling in love with someone brings in a smooth, casual and hearthrobbing way.

Nonesuch Records

Singer and songwriter Sia returns with her first single in four years. Her raspy, wailing vocals detail the struggles she overcame as an alcoholic. Though the reggae-inspired pop song is easy to sing along to, the deeper meaning shows a girl fighting alcoholism and crying for help.

The American rock duo dropped their most recent album this year. This song and the album itself reflects this past year and more specifically, band member Dan Auerbach’s divorce. The song tells a story of a boy’s desire to get out of town in order to cure heartbreak and does so with an upbeat tempo that makes you want to sing along on the road.

Grand Budapest Hotel

Sony

“Chandelier” - Sia

“Gotta Get Away” - The Black Keys

Colombia/Sony Music Entertainment

“Riptide” - Vance Joy

James Keogh, a singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia, broke out with this single which rose to the top of the charts. “..it wasn’t even a general story line like I was referring to an experience or anything. It is more like a stream of consciousness.” Keogh told pigeonsandplanes.com

British producer Mark Ronson hits the top of the charts with this funky song that seems to have gone all the way retro. It takes you back to the early 80s and the days of electro-funk. Though it’s easy to dance and sing to, the lyrics tons of allusions to various R&B hits of the 80s.

Best movies of 2014

Atlantic Records

“Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Boyhood

Directed by Wes Anderson, Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of a legendary concierge at the hotel through the eyes of lobby boy and companion. Their exploits center around the theft of a prized renaissance painting and a conflict for an enormous family fortune.

IFC Productions

Babelsberg entertainment/TSG Entertainment

Lego Movie

Warner Bros.

Imitation Game

Black Bear Pictures

Lucy

TF1 Group/Europacorp

Interstellar

Lynda Obst Productions

Gone Girl

Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel Studios

Regency Enterprises

Night Crawler

Bold Films

Bird Man

Fox Searchlight Pictures