Southern Accent
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015 STUDENT LIFE
ROBERT E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL, TYLER, TX
VOLUME 47, NUMBER 3
HIGHtech
New CTE center set to open doors to students this fall
Best of Tyler
The staff weighs in on everything from burgers to breakfast to barbecue.
STORY PAGE 8
SPORTS
New VB coach brings new hype
“This is another journey for me and they have always ended in big success. I think it’s going to be the same thing here.” -head volleyball coach Ronda Shirley
ENTERTAINMENT
Cinderella unable to recapture magic The director and editing team had a great opportunity to make this a heartwarming film that retells the traditional story, but in the end, they made it hyperrealistic, foolish and child-like.
STORY PAGE 4
TISD has decided to transform their makeshift kitchen classrooms and crowded cosmetology rooms into hopping cafes and stylish salons with the addition of a brand new CTE center opening before the 2015-2016 school year. Almost every 11th and 12th grade Career and Technology Education course will now be offered at a new location for both John Tyler and Robert E. Lee students. For some aspiring high schoolers, it’s a passion in the making. “It’s a connection between high school and what our community needs,” CTE Center Director Misti Rasure said. “It’s kind of that bridge between looking at what it is the Smith County needs in the work force and looking to see what we can provide in high school to start preparing students for those steps.” In the eyes of TISD, a “pathway” entails much more than just an extracurricular interest of some students. It is a career choice that unleashes an endless amount of opportunities offered through a wide variety of Career and Technology Education courses available to prepare students for the future. With brand new, advanced technology, the new center will include classes that many students didn’t even know existed. Animation, architecture, culinary arts, marketing, graphic design, cosmetology and auto collision repair are just a handful of the numerous pathway based classes being offered at the new center. “I think it’s about really having opportunity and options,” Rasure said. “Students who want to sort of have an idea about what they want to do can kind of test the waters with it and see if that is something they really like. It may open up someone’s opportunities that they never even knew that was a job that existed.” In these advanced CTE classes, students will receive constructive and insightful criticism from local professionals in the actual business of the class pathway. In addition to quality one-on-one interaction, students will be exposed to a whole new level of technology. For Culinary Arts, the “classroom” at the new center will include a commercial style cafe similar to something one might see at a Starbucks. There will be a counter where locals can literally come in and have their order taken by students who will then process the ticket with restaurant software, cook the food, and serve it to their customers. Robert E. Lee Culinary Arts Teacher Joseph Guzzetta looks forward to the new, realistic experiences he’ll be able to expose to his new students at the CTE center. “Once my students graduate or even before they graduate they can go get a job in a restaurant and they can say ‘we already do this at school, I know how that system works,’” Guzzetta said. “Or one of my students that wants to be a manager will get familiar with the software we use because
Sneak Peak (above) The entrance to the new CTE Center on Earl Campbell Parkway. Photo by Kevin Berns (left) The entrance hall of the main building features the word ‘technology’ etched into the wall. Photo by Misti Rasure (bottom) The entrance to the new state-of-the-art restaurant quality culinary arts center. Photo by Misti Rasure
SSW Loop 323
STORY PAGE 7
BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER
Sam’s Club
TJC West Sudden link
TISD CTE Center
Earl Campbell Parkway
we’re going to get a whole restaurant POS system which is going to give them actual experience working with restaurant technology. It’s real world experience.” Each CTE classroom will be equipped with two 60” flat screen monitors placed so that students can see them from whatever vantage point they may be sitting or task they are performing. It may be this type of brand new, abundant technology or the intriguing variety of interest sparking courses available at the new center, but for one reason or another TISD’s percentage of CTE students has grown from 20% to nearly 90% of freshmen and over 80% of next year’s junior class with this exciting new addition that will begin with student
and community wide open houses this upcoming August. Students can have complete access to the new center next year for double block classes. A bus shuttle will run throughout the day, so students don’t have to provide their own transportation unless their day begins or ends with the center, in which case they can drive their own vehicles to and from if they choose to do so. “I want to open my own beauty salon when I’m older,” sophomore Sulem Chavez said. “I think the new center is going to give me an advantage because I’ll be starting early and getting real experience at the same time I’m getting college credits.”
Shattered Dreams
Students experience dangers of drinking, driving through crash simulation BY CAROLINE FROST STAFF WRITER
OPINIONS
Outsmart the test
Seniors give insight into how to make the SAT/ACT a lot less formidable.
STORY PAGE 2
inside
2 OPINIONS ENTERTAINMENT4 5 FEATURES 6 SPORTS STUDENT LIFE 8
Take away the cameras, the makeup, the drama, the plot line, peel back the mask of Hollywood to display the very real blood bath and horrors of impaired and distracted driving that happens every day. Student Council worked with the first responders of Tyler to create a mock accident presented to the junior and senior class on April 16 and a short presentation the next day. “The overall level of collaboration and planning that existed between the REL students, staff members, parents, and emergency responders, in support of such an important issue as raising awareness of impaired/distracted driving was phenomenal,” principal Gary Brown said. “I could not be any prouder of our students.” The gruesome scene was set in the horseshoe, outlined by crime scene tape, empty beer cans, and lots of blood. Two totaled vehicles took center stage, collided into each other with multiple wounded passengers.
WWW.RELSOUTHERNACCENT.COM
Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Deadly Decisions Senior Hailey Hurst reacts to seeing senior Josh Bice’s fatal injury during the “Shattered Dreams” program April 16. The simulation was meant to show teens the consequences of drinking and driving.
“It was a really emotional thing to watch and really put into perspective the effects of drinking and driving,” senior Jacob Kuehn said. The mock accident went through the steps that take place in a real emergency. This included a 911 call, sobriety tests with arrests following, ambulance and funeral services to take the wounded and killed,
even a helicopter came to transport a seriously injured victim. “Even though I was acting out there, I was actually sad because of the thought that these guys that are apart of my daily life could die in an accident any day,” senior participant Hailey Hurst said. “I’m so proud of how it all turned out though and like to think that the crash and
assemblies and obituaries made a difference to at least one kid here at Lee.” Many students were chosen to be taken out at the beginning of each class to have their face painted like a skeleton to indicate death, carrying out the rest of the day without speaking. These students symbolized victims of these reckless accidents. “Shattered Dreams really put the severity of drunk driving into a perspective that hits home for everybody,” junior “dead” student Carter Blackstone said. “It showed that the consequences of drunk driving is more than just trouble with the law.” On Friday juniors and seniors gathered in the theatre to view a short film put together by Shattered Dreams participants and the video/audio team. The video went through the events of the night leading to the accident and the steps taken afterwards to save the lives of victims. “I wasn’t expecting the emotional impact the traumatic situation had on me,” junior Kelli Kissinger said. “It was very eye opening.” Please see SHATTERED pg 5
411 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015
OPINIONS
How to outsmart the SAT/ACT
Jeremy McLean/SOUTHERN ACCENT
BY VICTORIA SUNDIN STAFF WRITER
You’ve heard of them; you’ve thought of them; suddenly, they’re here. The tests students dread during their high school career: the SAT and ACT. These rigorous yet imperative exams are a student’s key into a good university. “Some students walk into the test room overconfident, and so don’t study enough;” English teacher and Student Council co-sponsor Allison Rogers said, “other students walk in and feel like it’s the scariest experience of their lives, and don’t feel like they’ve studied enough and think that they’ll never do well.” Although college isn’t the first choice for everybody, for those who do wish to further their studies, with proper training, studying and relaxation, the ACT and SAT are easy to overcome. Rogers said that each student, before taking the test, should study vocabulary to understand the questions and answers of the reading portion, practice writing an argument essay under the time limit, and study current events for their essay. “Before the essay, take a couple of minutes to plan out your argument,” senior Evelyn Huerta (1720 SAT, 24 ACT) said, “but still have enough time to thoroughly write your essay.” One issue that students face with the SAT and ACT is time, and how a student manages it can be the difference between a good score and an excellent score. However, if you’re running out of time and your last resort is guessing, the
TESTING DEADLINES
ACT { SAT {
Registration May 18
Testing June 13
Registration May 8
Testing June 6
strategy isn’t favored in the SAT; each wrong answer counts off 1/4 of a point. “Try to answer all the questions you can first, and skip the ones you don’t know,” senior Joseph Spellman (2240 SAT, 35 ACT) said. “On the ACT, if you don’t know a question, try to guess the answer as best as you can.” Another essential notion to remember is to prep and practice before test day. Senior Lexus Bell-Boyd (1890 SAT, 28 ACT) said to use SAT and ACT prep apps and books to study beforehand, and to use every resource you can. “It’s always helpful to first take the PSAT,” senior Daisy
Martinez (1560 SAT) said. “You shouldn’t ever miss the opportunity to take it for free at school.” Though many students buckle down and study for the test weeks, maybe months before, many don’t do as well as they wanted to because of anxiety and pressure, which makes their hard work and studying go to waste. Senior Azeem Ali (1790 SAT, 24 ACT) said that if you don’t think you did well the first time, you can always take it as many times as you want until you get a score you’re comfortable with. Also, many colleges now superscore, which is taking the best score of multiple tests and adding them up to one SAT or ACT score. With superscoring, you can focus more on a certain section each time you take the test. “Whenever you take a big test, if you treat it any different from a normal school day, you’ll get anxious,” senior Kali Dodez (2010 SAT, 33 ACT) said, “so it’s best to treat [the SAT or ACT] like any other test you’d take at school.” Senior Trent Gitchuway said that it’s important to get a lot of rest the night before the test. He also said that it isn’t a good idea to cram for the test the night before, and to not drink any energy drinks to make up the lack of sleep before test day. With established and appropriate studying, and by staying cool, calm and collected, anybody can face the tests with determination and assurance. “I felt more or less confident when I took the test; I felt as if I had prepared properly for it,” Gitchuway said. “It’s a stressful time, but once you get into the room, it seems as if all the stress just goes away and you just reflect what you know and do the best you can.”
Importance of buying a yearbook “[A yearbook] tells one complete version of your life and the life of your school better than anyone or anything has ever done before or will ever do again.” -Pat Conroy BY MADISON MCCARTY STAFF WRITER
will not be all that clear. With the possession of a yearbook one can refer to it many years later to look at the old styles, the once high school crush, or maybe even to laugh at that awkward class portrait. A yearbook is created to capture the memories that “One day when I am older and decide to look back are made throughout a school year. It is a collection on the past it will instantly bring back all the good of pictures that include the quiet kids, the popular times that happened,” senior Alyson kids, teachers and even the janitors. Johnson said, “which will be awesome Although some people don’t find the How do I because it’s right there in front of me in need for a yearbook and think $55 is too much to pay for it, they are not purchase my own a book.” After graduation everyone goes realizing it is not just a normal book REL yearbook? their separate ways, different schools, to throw on the shelf to never be different cities, and even different looked at again. A yearbook will not Go to either states. Each person will take memories only have pictures on every page, from their high school with them, but instead will capture the history the yearbook room good or bad. You have one shot at high of the people. This history book will at H106 school to make the most memories you be the only source of what your high OR can and each and every memory you school years were by telling a story and your friends have made can simply from front cover to back cover. Visit the website at: “A yearbook is important because legend.rel.tylerisd.org be captured within one picture in the best story book you’ll ever own. it’s something that you can look back “Your world will expand when you on when you’re older,” yearbook graduate from high school,” Dean of adviser Carol Countryman said, Student Life Brian Pendleton said. “However, you “and primarily you have a tendency to pull out your get one high school experience, and this is it, and that yearbook when someone in your class has died.” will never change no matter where you go or what A memory of a person or maybe even an event can you do, so they are great memories to capture for this fade very easily over time. When you think of high moment in time.” school 20 or 35 years from now the memories of it
Southern Accent
411 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 VOL. 47 NO. 3
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 Geroham Gonzalez Madison McCarty Jamie Mills Claire Newberry Emily Shackelford Morgan Smith Victoria Sundin Kevin Berns - Adviser
Miranda Bennett Kali Dodez Savannah Gilbert Josh Johnston Sam Leguizamo
Jeremy McLean Emily Mimms Alex Ruben Marc Schwartz Michael Sheppard
OPINIONS
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015
How to boost attendance
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BY MARC SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER School administrators are puzzled on ways to get kids in school. The average rate of attendance is below the mark that the administrators want. They have tried to implement policies to motivate the students to show up to class on a regular basis, but are still coming up short. The administrative staff should provide the students with several different incentives to go to class. The school should offer the students exemptions from major test or exams for showing up and passing their classes. If you make it worth the students while to show up to class they will, but if students can get away with not showing up to class then they won’t. We live in an era where students want to do the least amount of work possible. Therefore, if he or she can get out of a major test or exam by showing up to class they will, because it makes their lives easier. The trick is to find things that the students are interested in, not what the principals think the students are interested in. The school could offer a day where students could get out of school early. The students who miss class just need a break from school. So, if you could offer them the ability to leave school a class period or two early, students would jump at that idea. If the student has perfect attendance for the whole six weeks they deserve a day where they can leave early. All a student needs is a little motivation to come to school and they will be here. You have to provide the student with something they can’t already get. Off campus lunch isn’t a great motivator to students because many students can’t drive off campus or afford a meal out. Also for the ones that can afford it and have the ability to drive, they can just have their parents call them out for the lunch period. It is understandable that getting these incentives approved won’t be easy but it should be worth the effort to get kids in school. If the school administrators want to fix the rising attendance problems they are facing, they need to give students the incentives they are interested in. If you can put incentives in place that the students actually want and enjoy then you will see a rise in attendance to the standards you want.
Students grading teachers BY JOSH JOHNSTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER In recent years numerous schools and colleges have implemented programs that allow the students to grade or evaluate their teachers. Some oppose these programs on the grounds that teacher evaluation accuracy would not improve, and that the programs are too costly. Students should be able to grade their teachers anonymously by rating them in different categories and giving feedback on what they could improve on. It would alert administrators to problems happening within the classroom. Often when administrators come into teacher’s classrooms to give them their annual check-up, teachers make sure to have a good lesson plan, or to behave extra nice. Therefore, what the administrators are grading is not always the typical class period. Students, on the other hand, are in the classes on a regular basis and have first-hand experience with the educators teaching abilities and attitude towards the class. That being said, students would be better equipped to evaluate their teachers than a school administrator. That coupled with the students anonymity, would give the best possible evaluation available. It would give the teachers feedback on areas in which they could improve. Many times teachers who are strong in many areas of teaching can be weak in other areas, but may not be aware because students don’t want to be too blunt or rude. With this option at schools, students could anonymously make suggestions to their teachers without feeling as though they hurt their feelings or put themselves on bad terms. Those opposed would argue that some students would give teachers they don’t like negative feedback, regardless of the teacher’s instruction ability, and would thus affect their career, but that is not the case. Even though few students might act immaturely and give such a rating, those few outliers combined with the teacher’s overall rating data would not affect the instructor’s evaluation. If a competent teacher with a majority of positive reviews received a few negative ones, it is extremely likely the administration would take notice. More schools should adopt these types of programs to increase the accuracy of their teacher evaluations. The funding needed to accomplish this, albeit possibly slightly expensive, would be well-spent.
Jeremy McLean/SOUTHERN ACCENT
Technology in classrooms BY CAROLINE FROST STAFF WRITER
tends to be ignored, is teachers are able to use this to their, and students’ grades, benefit by using various programs to keep students captivated. Interactive programs, such as As the world of technology continues Edmodo, Socrative, Google Drive, and my to advance, the topic of cell phones in Homework Student Planner, give students and classrooms has become more debatable teachers an orderly site to locate assignments, amongst teachers. It seems that more are documents, tests, and essays. There’s no such against the idea than for it, despite the doors thing as, “my dog ate my homework,” when of connections it opens for their students. Technology is one of the most relevant things the virtual copy is efficient to obtain. Not only does it make everyone’s life a lot easier, it in our world, we could not properly function poses the opportunity to discover fun ways to without it. Something so crucial to our collaborate in class. world should not be excluded from students’ In a world moving so fast, America should education. not lag behind especially in a field as crucial Teachers should begin taking advantage of to the nation as our future’s education. students’ attraction to cell phones in order to Countless times during class, a student will create a modern learning environment and to present a question that not even the textbook better engage students in their education. can totally satisfy. Luckily, nowadays there’s Using cell phones for educational purposes a world of information at our fingertips. appeals to students interests and keeps them captivated in the lesson. It’s no secret that kids We should not neglect that. It is critical that an appropriate atmosphere mimicking the in the 21st century tend to naturally gravitate towards technology, such as cell phones. What world that students will grow up to operate
in is set up. Although the factor of students abusing their privilege is adamant, there are various ways to prevent this. Setting clear and concise regulations will give students a straightforward idea of what to expect when they violate their privileges. Setting certain days their phone will be needed and having students place unnecessary materials at the front of the classroom will ensure students are not distracted. Stating evident guidelines and logical reasons following them will help students to understand why it is vital to follow them. Students should also be made aware of the consequences to take place if these rules are broken. In order to be certain that students receive the best education, teachers should reflect our modern world in the classroom by actively using interactive programs on cell phones in the classroom. Teachers, look for more ways to involve your students by using cell phones in order to adapt to the world they are growing up in.
Recycling school resources
BY SAVANNAH GILBERT There should be more recycling “From trash thrown away at lunch to the bins placed in areas that are CONTRIBUTING WRITER convenient for the students and staff. worksheets that are used on a daily basis, the
Recycling is a huge responsibility for humans to do. Without recycling the planet will run out of resources. So, with all the students who take up a massive amount of resources on the way to school and at school, there should be a better way to reuse the waste that the whole school creates. From trash thrown away at lunch to the worksheets that are used on a daily basis, the school wastes a lot of materials that could be used later but instead is thrown away. The school should obtain more recycling bins and put them around the school along with a club of students who collect the recyclables regularly.
The bins should be in places like the lunch room, courtyards, and out near the portables so that those students and teachers won’t have to walk far out to recycle. With more bins around the campus it will lead to the papers, bottles, plastic packages, etc. that the school uses so much being recycled and put to good use. Also, all of the classrooms should have little recycling bins to put the recyclables that were used that day in class. To help maintain the bins there should be a recycling club that students could join in order to help the school carry bins from classes and deliver them to a place
school wastes a lot of materials that could be used later but instead is thrown away.” where they can be taken away for recycling. This club could help students get into colleges because this club promotes school involvement and environmental awareness. This club would take the pressure off of the teachers and other students and all they would be responsible for is putting the recyclables in the bin. Some people would say that the school shouldn’t be responsible for the trash that is wasted, but without the schools’ help there is tons of
paper, plastic, and many other things being put to waste every year. With the help of the school it would hopefully promote students to recycle at school and at home. So, in order to save our planet it is important that we reuse and recycle many of the supplies that are wasted every day at school. So having more recycling bins placed around campus and students to recycle them, the school can help influence students and make a difference in the world.
From the Grounds Up Local coffee shop beloved for its homey atmosphere
BY KALI DODEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When you first walk into Brady’s Coffee, you are greeted by a delightful string of bells on the door and then usually by Brady himself. The shop smells gently of the dozens of different types of coffee lining the walls beneath varied canvases of local artwork. Music – generally soft and classical – dances over the mismatched furniture. You are struck at once by a sense of culture, of pause, often void in the rushed day-to-day. Brady’s Coffee, located on 309 West Rusk Street, is a great place to spend a blustering Saturday studying in its relaxed
atmosphere. Its alternative selections and low prices attract a plethora of different people. Another defining feature is the man of the house: James Edward Brady, who has owned the shop for 18 consecutive years this past February 6. “This [shop] is the old house shoe with the toes out that you like to put on because it’s comfortable,” Brady said laughing. “And that’s what I wanted. It’s like the perfect fit for me: nothing matches.” Brady said that he enjoys the homey energy of his shop – demands it, even. “It’s not clean – it’s messy. And that’s pretty much how it stays,” he said. “I hate to walk into a shop and it’s just immaculate, perfect – it’s like I don’t feel at home.” So, what drives his passion and quality?
Kali Dodez/SOUTHERN ACCENT Grinding it up Brady’s Coffee offers a wide assortment of blends from around the world.
“The beauty of the coffee is in the black,” Brady said, and that’s why his motley of coffee grounds is roasted to maximum perfection. It is a sentiment you can taste, here, beneath the watchful eyes of artists like Dace Lucia Kidd,
who often replaces her work on Brady’s walls. Brady is obviously comfortable in his shop, surrounded by color and pursuing his own form of art. “All I’ve ever wanted [is]...to do coffee.” And, thank goodness, he does.
What is your favorite place to go after school?
“We go to the movies and it’s usually with a big group of people and we all just have a really fun time.” -Makayla Johnson 9th grade
“I go to the mall with my friends and we usually spend a lot of money and sometimes we like to hang out at each other’s houses too.” -Raney Mitchell 10th grade
“Green Acres, my friends and I usually go up there to play basketball games and shoot some hoops.” -Kadarrian Johnson 11th grade
“DBAT, which is an indoor batting cage, I go there to improve my skills for the upcoming baseball season.” -Stephen MacPherson 12th grade
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Bibbity bobbity nope Cinderella remake falls short of lofty expectations BY VICTORIA SUNDIN STAFF WRITER Most people growing up remember the timeless, captivating tale of “Cinderella”, the young servant girl who, with song, dance, and magic, lived happily ever after. It was recently remade by Walt Disney Pictures and directed by Kenneth Branagh into a live-action interpretation of the animated film made 65 years ago. It debuted in the United States on March 13 and many believe that it lived up to, if not surpassed, the original. However, because of its childish and unrealistic nature, I found it to be a humanized hyperbole of the traditional fairy tale and hard to be instantly likeable. The story opens with a young girl named Ella (Lily James) enjoying her seemingly perfect life with her mother (Hayley Attwell) and father (Ben Chaplin). After her mother passes away from illness, her father remarries Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), who moves in along with her two daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera). When Ella’s father too passes away from illness while on a business trip, Lady Tremaine portrays the stereotypical “evil stepmother” and she and her daughters treat Ella like a servant, nicknaming her “Cinderella” from the soot left on her face after sleeping near the fireplace. She one day runs away to the woods and meets her Prince Charming, Kit (Richard Madden), and they instantly fall in love. When the king announces a ball to all the young maidens of the land, Lady Tremaine and her daughters don’t permit Cinderella to attend it, but with the help of her Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), Cinderella gets the chance to be a princess for one night, and the mysterious romance between Kit and Cinderella unravels. James did a nice job of depicting a prancy, flimsy young girl who dreamed of fantasy and happily ever afters, which is who the character of Cinderella is. Blanchett playing Lady Tremaine did a good job of showing the character’s development, acting exceedingly nice in the beginning to aggressively grabbing Cinderella’s arm in the end. Bonham Carter did an exceptional job of portraying the extravagant, profligate Fairy Godmother, that with the flick of her wand, can give Cinderella more than enough for her to feel like a true princess. Overall, there weren’t any bad actors in the film; they were just doing their job. The movie added a quite a bit of pleasant changes to the original movie’s plot line to give it some depth, including Cinderella’s becoming Ella, how she met briefly with the prince in the woods and not for the first time at the ball, the development of the relationship between the prince and his father, and also a couple of characters that added to the story as well, such as the Duke and the Captain. However, what made the movie
DISNEY
a total blow was the unnecessary amount of CGI and cheesiness. For about two seconds, the prince smiles at Cinderella; a smile that is too stark and white to be real. For an unnecessary amount of time, Cinderella twirls in a mist of blue that later turns into her ball gown. The director and editing team had a great opportunity to make this a heart-warming film that retells the traditional story, but in the end, they made it hyperrealistic, foolish and child-like.
This film is rated PG and is best for young children and pre-teenagers, but can also be liked by older adults watching the movie with their children as well as senior citizens. As to all older siblings and young adults who are forced to watch this movie because of young children, they might not enjoy it as much. Overall, “Cinderella” deserves a 3 out of 5 stars for its captivating charm, yet sophomoric prodigality; overall, it’s an OK movie.
Wu-Tang Clan’s latest album is ‘better’ but still not great BY MICHAEL SHEPPARD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“From the slums of Shaolin” arose the Wu-Tang clan; young, talented, and hungry. Scrapping, fighting, and smoking, these men grew to be one of the most influential hip-hop groups of our generation. Whether it is the camaraderie and brotherhood that radiates between all 9 members, or purely their music, something keeps fans coming back for more. “A Better Tomorrow”, their latest studio album, was released December 2, 2014, their first album in seven years. Numerous rumors surrounded the album prior to the release, between questioning the creative direction it was heading, to some of the Wu-Tang’s top artists not appearing on the album whatsoever. Fortunately, the album released with all of the members featured, and frankly that’s all that matters. Composed of Raekwon, RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Masta Killa, U-God and Cappadonna, the Wu-Tang Clan was founded largely in Brooklyn and Staten Island, NY. They were catapulted into the New York rap scene when their first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”, hit the stores in 1994, to critical acclaim. It solidified them as greats in the hip-hop genre due to its lyricism, cunning, stellar production, and unusual concepts. It is, without a doubt, the greatest album they’ve released. Knowing that “36 Chambers” can never be recreated, an open-minded perspective is required to understand and enjoy their newer albums. “8 diagrams”, their
WARNER BROS. RECORDS
2007 release, was a complete change of production from RZA. Many critics and fans have criticized RZA, the producer, for straying too far from the style and instrumentals that got them where they are today. Growth like this is commonplace in music, especially on the production side of things. However, this growth was sonically flawed and lacking serious substance. When I first heard that a new album was on the rise I was excited, due to “8 diagrams”. This album is a major improvement. It is great to hear Method Man, Raekwon and others rapping as proficiently and potently as they did in
1994. The album starts off with “Ruckus in B Minor”, an ode to their opening track from “36 Chambers”, “Bring Da Ruckus”. This track showcases their hard-hitting lyrics that fans have grown accustomed to. Produced by RZA, the instrumental is reminiscent of their first album, featuring a looped guitar riff and the repetition of “We’re still number one!”, a mantra of sorts. Every member gets their chance to rap on this track and through this, you hear the chemistry that these men have, feeding off one another’s verse. Towards the end of the track, the beat switches up and Raekwon comes in with a gritty and distinct flow, a perfect crescendo to this opening track.
After that, the album goes into sort of a lull until “Crushed Egos”, which features Raekwon on a solo track with RZA doing the producing; a fitting pair, considering the outspoken criticisms Raekwon had with RZA and this album. But that aside, this is one of the better songs on this album. Its minimal sounding production pairs well with Raekwon’s methodical and calculated flow. High hats and drums peppered with guitar riffs help Raekwon demolish this track. In the not so entertaining parts, Method Man is the glue that holds these lackluster artists together. Boring and uninteresting verses are an unfortunate and unremitting theme in this album. On the second track, “Felt”, Cappadonna practically puts you to sleep with a basic rhyme scheme and a flow that is seriously lacking energy. However, as soon as Method Man comes in, he breathes life into the track with an upbeat and fast flow that grabs your attention. Whenever the album seems to be getting repetitive, more than likely a Method Man verse is coming up. “Miracle” hits your ears in a very, uh, interesting way. The intro sounds like it came straight out of Disney’s Frozen. I feel If this song was redone without this cheesy and almost sappy hook, it would be perfect. The instrumental after the chorus is intense, juxtaposing the nectarous chorus with a somber mood. It has a very dramatic introduction with piano and strings, which changes into a dark, ominous, foreboding beat that is complete with crashing high hats and deep bass. The
lyrics are meaningful, intelligent, and self-aware. Inspectah Deck retells his money-hungry and dilapidated lifestyle through the line “He’s the young Capone, he grew up in a drug home.” This hard-knock life of all the members becomes apparent through this song, with each member painting a personal picture about the adversities they faced growing up that makes for interesting listening. This album comes to an end with the song “Wu-Tang Reunion”. This sums up the change that this group has taken. It’s almost frightening how unlike the Wu this song sounds. But it is the last track, and therefore it has significance to it. By having such an important track with this type of production, it signifies that the Wu-Tang has changed for good. It does have a great nostalgic feel, and you can’t help but envision their kids (the average age of the Wu is 45) laughing and playing while the adults grill on the barbecue and reminisce over old Kung-Fu movies with heavy smoke wafting into the air. “A Better Tomorrow” is a good album. Unfortunately, unimpressive lyrics trump the interesting and innovative production that RZA puts together. The majority of the tracks are forgettable and seem to mesh together, but not in a good way. The flaws lie not in the production, but in the lyrics. For an album of this gravity, I wasn’t satiated. There are some gems nestled in this album, but not enough to rescue it. I would rate it a 6/10. I hate to say it but if the Wu-Tang ends their career this way, they’ve deteriorated since the “slums of Shaolin”.
Space Engineers great for building, blowing stuff up BY MORGAN SMITH STAFF WRITER
KEEN SOFTWARE HOUSE
Imagine, you’ve finally collected enough resources for that new gravity generator you’ve always wanted. You make your way back to your ship, finally install it, and then BOOM; the entire forward hull of your friends ship is suddenly slicing your ship in half! The game I am describing is of course Space Engineers, a computer and console game, which has more than definitely proven its worth so far. Space Engineers was released as a pre-release alpha build on October 23, 2013 on a software distribution program known as “Steam” by indie game developer Keen Software House. Since its initial release as a single player open world sandbox game, Space Engineers has grown exponentially over the past year, from adding millions of realistic tweaks and implementing multiplayer to adding on new game modes, like survival and a missions mode. Beyond all the tweaks and add-ons implemented
by the developers, the Space Engineers community itself plays quite a role in the shaping of the game. For example, due to it still being an early access game, players themselves can give input on the game as it is being developed, thereby influencing changes that they themselves would like to see. However, if something you’d like to be added on isn’t implemented, players playing on computers are able to utilize modifications made by players, from their own space faring vessels for you to utilize, to weapon add-ons for your ship by simply going onto steam, searching Space Engineers under the store tab and then clicking on “Browse Workshop” on the games main page, which will then take you to the main hub where all the games player supported mods are displayed. In my own opinion, for any person interested in building games, or even anyone that just enjoys blowing things up and playing around with your friends, this game is an absolute must get, and for just $20 dollars it is more than definitely worth it.
FEATURES
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015
In the spotlight
5
BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER
A panel of solid windows looking out over the hustling New York life makes up one of the four walls encompassing a compact room with tense air thick enough to touch. The natural, mellow light flooding from the windows is hardly enough to counteract the nerves from the burning presence of the two sets of eyes critiquing every aspect of the human being in front of them. Faster than the speed of the sweat beads falling profusely across his forehead, it could be over. The slightest of voice cracks. The smallest of trembles. The tiniest ounce of nerves coming to surface could be enough to end it. One flaw, and you’re out. Simply with the mark of a pen drawing yet another harsh, sharp x across yet another faceless, meaningless name. Not only did Senior Austin Davis avoid finding his name among the many rejected auditioners, he was astonished to discover it listed with only 30 other ecstatic souls out of 300 to receive a call back to the Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious art programs in the world. “As soon as the list was posted, everyone swarmed to it,” Davis said, “and I didn’t see my name initially, but I scanned it again, and as soon as I saw it I literally just felt numb I was so shocked.” After applying to even get the opportunity to audition at Juilliard, Davis was invited to New York City to proceed with an audition. Four months prior, Davis was asked to prepare two modern monologues and two classical ones. A monologue in the world of talented people like Davis is a process that includes searching for the perfect speech to recite, and then with just the right amount of animation and a mimicking demeanor of the character giving the speech, it requires the skill to completely become that character as you present their speech in front of intimidating judges to critique you to no end. “You just act it out,” Davis said. “One of my monologues was this character that’s like a gangster, super terrible person that just killed a little girl and so he’s trying to explain to everyone why he’s not a bad person and how he grew up that way so that’s just who he is. So you just have to go in there and become this person.” Although Davis had prior preparation, he had to show up
to Juilliard that day with the readiness to pull whatever he was asked to out of his hat of raw talents and impressive skills. “They may ask you to sing a certain piece or do something,” Davis said, “and it was really strange because in mine I did this monologue from Othello, a Shakespeare play, and his wife dies so he’s really sad, and then they asked me to sing so I sang ‘Moon River’ from Breakfast at Tiffanys, and the lady was like ‘okay now I want you to kind of cradle your wife and sing Moon River to her as if she’s dead in your arms.’” Put completely on the spot with these peculiar and difficult instructions given to him by one of the judges, Davis replied with a simple ‘okay’ and began beautifully and flawlessly doing just as he was told. After a complex yet spine chilling audition performance, Davis and the other 300 waited with anxiety and sheer hope for the names of only 30 people to be posted on a piece of paper following the audition. Ultimately, it was a piece of paper holding much more than just a list of various names called back to perform an additional time that day, but also this aspiring young man’s future. And lucky for him, his future was now one callback further to where he’s always dreamt of being with the unbelievable discovery that his name lie upon that life-changing list. “I was just beyond incredibly happy,” Davis said. “I was so excited that I was just like ‘Oh my god’, because you do acting and stuff but you don’t really know if you’re good enough because a lot of people are doing it.” Although he didn’t receive a final callback initiating an official acceptance into Juilliard, Davis has accomplished something very few people have enough talent to do by receiving this first call back. Davis now plans on either attending NYU, Emerson or Marymount Manhattan. In addition to an unforgettable experience, this accomplishment has given Davis something to share with other schools that will no doubt catch their attention. “To even get that first callback,” Davis said, “was really just solidifying that I was doing the right thing with my life.”
Emily Mimms/SOUTHERN ACCENT
Senior receives national attention for acting ability
CTE teacher uses personal loss to inspire, motivate students BY CLAIRE NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER
Chris French/SOUTHERN ACCENT Shirley Chandler, husband Keith, and daughter Cristi.
have, but you have to look at what you do have.” Chandler had to apply this way of thinking After watching her sons and nephews carry when December 2013 brought, yet another her 9 year-old daughter’s casket to the grave, car accident into her life. Her 36 year-old son nearly lost his life due to the wreck Shirley Chandler gave up teaching for six which broke his body so badly that he had years. to begin a slow recovery process for over Chandler lost her daughter Cristi in 1994 a year. He has now been able to return to when she was hit by a car while crossing a work. street in their neighborhood. “When something bad happens you “One of my fondest memories of Cristi can either let it define you, destroy you,” was her personality, her smile and her Chandler said, “or you can let it strengthen singing in her hair brush as if it was a you.” microphone,” Chandler said. “You never This same principle of strength and expect to lose a child. It isn’t the natural endurance that Chandler has developed, order of things. It’s something you learn to with the help of her husband Keith and the live with; you don’t get over it.” rest of her children and grandchildren, is Eighteen years after dealing with the passing of her daughter, Chandler’s 32 year- encouraged in her classroom. She stresses that everyone will face hardships and make old son was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He is now two and a half years in poor choices in their lives at some point, but being thankful and focusing on the blessings remission. through tough times will refine a reputation. “That was a long, hard battle of which “It’s not the mistakes you make, because we nearly lost,” Chandler said. “It’s all an you will make mistakes,” Chandler said. “It attitude; you can’t look at what you don’t
is what you do after your mistakes that will determine who you are and what you are made of on the inside, your character.” As an experienced mother and teacher, Chandler has learned that every moment in life counts. Through these types experiences, she said she has realized there comes a time when someone will want to give up because of tough circumstances in life. She challenges her students to not quit though. “I want my students to want to want more for themselves,” Chandler said, “and to get their dreams and make them reality.” Chandler has been teaching 18 years for TISD, coaching cheerleading and golf for several of those years, all while dealing with family crises. REL’s support for her and her family has lit an enthusiasm in her to teach students how to fulfill their dreams in spite of discouragements in life. “I want to be here [REL] and I am passionate about my work and my students,” Chandler said. “I set high expectations for my students and even higher ones for myself.”
SHATTERED continued from page 1
Along with the video, MADD representative David Dorman spoke as well as an inmate sentenced to 6 years in prison with three DUIs, a woman widowed by a drunk driving accident resulting in the death of her husband, and several “dead” students reading their obituaries. “Taking part in the program and knowing the victims first hand really made me realize how fast a fun night can turn into a tragedy based on the decisions we made,” Senior participant Regan Phillips said. “Reading my obituary made me sad for my family and friends who would have to read that and hear of my passing. According to Dean of Student Life Brian Pendleton, it is worth doing the drama of it than for students to experience this trauma in real life and he hopes it was powerful enough to show students the dangerous effects of impaired and distracted driving. “Shattered Dreams 2015 was successful because of the efforts put forth by our students at Robert E. Lee and their ability to bring together a community of volunteers who put everything they had into this event,” Pendleton said. “I am very proud of our Robert E. Lee students and team.”
Sam Leguizamo/SOUTHERN ACCENT Final Ride Members of the Stewart Family Funeral Home demonstrate how they would transport a deceased victim if senior Josh Bice had actually died in a drunk driving accident.
Chris French/SOUTHERN ACCENT Heartbreaking Tale Laura Martinez recounts at the Friday assembly the story of losing her husband in a drunk driving accident.
Sam Leguizamo/SOUTHERN ACCENT Air Check ETMC paramedics check the vital signs of senior Will Arnold before putting him on board the helicopter to fly him to the hospital to simulate an emergency air evacuation.
Chris Friench/SOUTHERN ACCENT Emotional Confession “Justin” pauses to regain his composure while recounting the drunk driving incident that landed him in jail.
Miranda Bennett/SOUTHERN ACCENT Walking the Line A police officer has senior Trevor Carr perform a field sobriety test. Carr was handcuffed and arrested to show what would happen as a result of drinking and driving.
6
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015
SPORTS
For the books Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Head above water Senior David Hudson swims the butterfly stroke during practice. Hudson represented Lee in the 6A State Swimming Championships swimming the 200 IM, while also setting a school record in the back stroke.
Senior swims record race while also earning trip to state BY EMILY SHACKELFORD STAFF WRITER
state. The senior has had his eyes on the state meet since regionals last year, and now that dream has come true for him. “I feel like I pushed myself really hard to He stepped up on the blocks and took get to where I did,” Hudson said. “Coach a deep breath. The crowd was roaring gave me some really hard sets, and when different names but the water was still. I felt like my heart was about to explode, “Take your mark” blared through the that’s when I kept going.” speakers and the cheering fell to a hush. Two weeks before state at the regional Then the small beep buzzed,signifying the start of the race and a realized dream, as he competition Hudson broke a four-yearold school record for the 100 backstroke, dove into the swim of a lifetime. which was previously set by Sam Lewis, After a record breaking performance who currently swims with the top ranked in the 100 backstroke two weeks earlier University of Texas mens swim team. at regionals, senior David Hudson “It was a really big accomplishment represented the swim team at the 6A state meet swimming the 200 individual medley. because Sam is a nationally ranked swimmer now,” Hudson said. “It was Hudson was undefeated in regular season really exciting to get to break his record.” dual meets leading to his 11th place at
That enthusiasm, however, was short lived when he discovered his time wasn’t good enough to make it to state. Hudson’s only other option for state was his 200 individual medley, where he finished fifth in the region. The winner of each of the eight regions advances to state, as do the next eight fastest times in the state. Hudson had to hope his time was good enough. “After I had finished 5th in the region I was a little upset, I figured I’d be a top two time,” Hudson said. “It wasn’t until about an hour or two later we figured out we were in the fastest region in the state and that even though I was fifth in the region, I could still go to state.” State was a new experience for Hudson.
The meet, located in Austin, is held in the Jamail Swim Center at the University of Texas, and is the fastest competition in the state at the high school level. “This was something like I’ve never felt before,” Hudson said. “It was intense to be in a high school meet that is so high up in ranks, and makes me excited to continue to swim throughout college.” Hudson plans to continue his swimming success at Nova Southeastern University in Florida next fall. “I’m very excited for the change in pool and to have much better facilities,” Hudson said. “Although I’m sad to leave my team here, I’m excited to see what I can do with new surroundings and under a different team.”
SOCCER
Girls mark playoff return with winning season BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER
Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Clearing Shot Senior Daniel Abarca pushes the ball up field on a goal kick against Rockwall March 17. Abarca earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors for the district.
After a tough loss in this year’s bidistrict playoff game against Waco Midway, the girls’s varsity soccer season has come to an end. The Lady Raiders finished with a record of 13-9 for the season and 9-5 during district and also placed 2nd in the Longview Tournament. All District awards went to Alex Bice, Jazmine Navarro, and Priscilla Rincon (1st Team All-District), Marlen Esparza, Adai Urieta, and Lauren Nichols (2nd Team AllDistrict), and Hailey Hurst and Adrianna Perez (Honorable Mention).
Freshmen Kourtney Hitchcock was named Utility Player of the Year for the district. 14 out of 22 members of the team received Academic AllDistrict with Hailey Hurst getting Academic All-State. In the past, the Lady Raider soccer team placed 1st in their district for 16 consecutive years, and placed 2nd for two years after that. This year’s playoff berth was the first for the Lady Raiders in three years. “I thought we had some great moments this season and some not so great moments,” head coach Chris Woodard said, “but we definitely made a step in the right direction from the past couple of years.”
Big honors for district-champion boys BY JAMIE MILLS STAFF WRITER
The Red Raiders soccer team took the title of District Champs this year with an impressive record of 19-9-1 for the season and 13-1 for district. Their run in the playoffs took a tough end with their 0-1 loss against North Mesquite in the second round. 1st Team All District awards went to Eric Munoz, Hayden Smith, Luis Carrillo, and Alex Ruben, 2nd team All District awards went to Will Arnold, Collin Berry, Christian Vasquez, and Edgar Sanchez, and Andres Ledesma and Sergio Saucedo received Honorable Mention. Daniel Abarca was named Goalkeeper of the Year, and after leading his team to a district championship,
Coach Marty Germany was named Coach of the Year. “We knew going into this year that we would have a chance of being a pretty good team,” Germany said. “Winning 13 of our district games in a row was big and we really felt like we were going to make a pretty good push into the playoffs, but we lost to North Mesquite who went on to the state tournament. It was still a very successful season and we felt like if we’d just been able to beat North Mesquite we could have gone a couple more rounds in the playoffs at least.” The Men’s Soccer Team has gone to the playoffs all but 3 years since it was founded in 1982, and has finished 1st place 17 out of those 30 years. This year, however, was the first time for the team to win district since 2009.
Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT Offensive Charge Sophomore Alex Bice looks to move the ball up field against Rockwall March 17 while sophomore Jazmine Navarro trails the play. Both Bice and Navarro earned 1st Team All-District honors.
SPORTS CALENDAR
MAY 1 Softball playoffs vs. Waco Midway
MAY 13 Tennis State Tournament in Austin
Baseball vs. Naaman Forest at Mike Carter
MAY 19 Baseball Banquet at Rose Heights Church
at Faulkner Park 5pm & 7pm Game 3 May 2 at Waco Midway if necessary
MAY 7 SBDT Banquet at 1st Baptist Church MAY 12 Tennis State Tournament in Austin Softball Banquet at Tyler Primitive Baptist Church
MAY 21 Tennis State Tournament in Austin Spring Red/White Football game at REL
SPORTS
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015
All in the family
7
New volleyball coach chooses high school over college with her six children in mind
BY CLAIRE NEWBERRY bring to the court,” Shirley said. “I just want to bring a sense of STAFF WRITER pride and accountability. I think
Chris French/SOUTHERN ACCENT Wise Words New coach Ronda Shirley speaks to the volleyball team at a recent practice.
& QA
“I think she’s really nice and she’s going to do a lot for this volleyball program,” Family takes priority. those are going to translate into junior volleyball player Natalie Ronda Shirley coached wins but those are the first things Goodspeed said. “I think that volleyball at Tyler Junior College that I really want to kind of we’re going to be able to go far for five seasons before deciding instill.” next year. I hope that she gives us to take the head coaching position Shirley met the REL volleyball the courage that we can do better at REL. After three years of team on March 6 after her and give me the motivation to go going to the national tournament, introduction as the new head to college and play.” finishing second in the nation, coach. She has since been After coaching at Brown and going undefeated in their working with the team twice a Mackie College, Shirley headed conference for the past three week. One of those times she out to Hutchinson Community seasons, Shirley took this position brings over her TJC team in College to turn a broken down with a goal of being able to spend hopes of familiarizing the Lady program around by having more time with her six children. Raiders with her style of coaching back-to-back-to-back undefeated “I have a big family, and college and her expectations on the court. Jayhawk West and Region recruiting requires a lot of time “I’ve had [Shirley] for a few VI championship seasons being on the road recruiting,” clinics and I know she’s like (according to the Hutchinson Shirley said. “I just felt like I was really tough which for me is website). After the turn around, spending more time recruiting something that I need,” junior Shirley moved to Tyler where than I was watching my kids do volleyball player Savannah she coached for TJC and is now their own activities.” Saczek said. “I need somebody transitioning to REL. According to the TJC web site structured and I think it’s going to “I always have believed that Shirley was busy compiling be really good for our program.” ‘success is a journey, not a a 143-46 record (since 2010). Every Thursday REL returns destination’ and I think that’s Shirley hopes to bring this the favor by visiting TJC for a true,” Shirley said. “This is winning percentage to REL, but spring league tournament. There, another journey for me and in understands that success does not Shirley has the opportunity to the ends of all my journeys at the always mean wins on the board. watch game situations without different colleges I’ve coached, “I think a lot of times it’s on instruction and evaluate her they have always ended in big how we present ourselves, our future team on her own stomping success, and I think it’s going to work ethic, and the presence we grounds. be the same thing here.”
& QA Makenna Aycock
Garrett Hudson
Q: A: Q: A:
“I began playing around the age of 5 in Little League.”
“I play 3rd base and pitcher. As a third baseman my job is to field the balls and throw them to first base. As a pitcher my job is to get as many hitters as I can out.” What are your plans after high school? “I plan to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level and get a degree as well.”
own
What position do you play? What’s your job in that position?
Q: A:
G ick Mc by Patr Photo
Q: A:
Q: When did you begin to play softball? A: “I started playing around the age of 5.”
When did you begin to play baseball?
Photo by Ed MacPherson
Q: A:
Softball
Baseball
“I started playing because my sister did and I really looked up to her a lot and still do.”
Q: What are your plans after high school? “My plan after high school is to A: attend/play for Hill College.” many no hitters have you had/stats Q: How for the season?
What has been your most memorable game you’ve played in high school? “My freshman year when I was on JV we won against Grace’s Varsity, who thought they could beat us.”
Why did you start playing softball?
A:
“This season I’ve pitched 3 no hitters, 1 perfect game, and around a .420 batting average.”
THE GREAT DEBATE
Who is the better player: Messi or Ronaldo? BY ALEX RUBEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Lionel Messi Argentina AGE: 27
Career Goals 445 International Goals 45 Ballon d’Or 4 (Player of the year award)
three times, including the last two years consecutively. On top of his tremendous feats he has now surpassed soccer legend Raúl in becoming the Champions League Messi .. Ronaldo. The debate is endless all time leading scorer. This season alone as to who’s the best player in the world. Ronaldo is on pace to set records with yet Critics assess both players careers to prove who is better, but the cold hard truth another 60 goal season in sight, already at 50, being the only person in history with is Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel five plus 60 goal seasons. Messi. Ronaldo’s buyout clause is $1 billion Among his phenomenal goal scoring feat of scoring more goals than games played, Euros ($1.51 billion US), while Messi’s Ronaldo has stacks of personal accolades. is only $250 million Euros, meaning Ronaldo is more valuable and desirable Messi has played for FC Barcelona, one by nearly triple. Ronaldo’s blistering pace of the most recognized, dominant, and and skill mixed with his height and size prestigious clubs his entire career unlike make him the perfect player Ronalado. for modern soccer. Ronaldo has shown his Ronaldo’s Messi lovers would talents outside of Spain for other big clubs like world blistering pace argue that he has more Player of the Year renowned Manchester and skill mixed World achievements than Ronaldo United, where he won a Player of the Year award, with his height and Messi took his team in the World Cup. Champions League Title and size make further Yes that is all true but and two league titles. He also played for one of the him the perfect Ronaldo has more goals for his national team and biggest clubs in Portugal, player for more personal awards than Sporting Lisbon, where he first came on to the world modern soccer. Messi. Messi also has better players on his national team stage. than Ronaldo, meaning he Before Ronaldo even has less work to do and more contribution moved to Spain, he broke club and is given than with Ronaldo. Messi may be league scoring records with Manchester, more of a team player but when it comes and two league player of the year down to it, goals are what wins games and accomplishments. Since moving to Ronaldo provides them at a much better Real Madrid, which made him the most rate. expensive player at the time, he has I strongly advise anyone who disagrees broken countless records, including most to watch a Real Madrid or Portugal game hat tricks in a season with seven, and to see what great influence Ronaldo has in fastest player to score 100 and 200 goals every single match. His presence on the in La Liga. He also captains Portugal’s national team field is sensational and you better believe any mistake the opposition makes will end where he is the all time leading scorer. up in the back of the net. He has won World Player of the Year
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal AGE: 30
Career Goals 477 International Goals 52 Ballon d’Or 3 (Player of the year award)
FRIDAY, May 1, 2015
Student Life
BEST SANDWICH
BEST BBQ
Stanley’s
Little Italy
Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue is recognized as one of the Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas and rightly so. The authentic BBQ combined with the easygoing atmosphere and live music always makes for a good time.
Little Italy provides Tyler with a slice of true Italian food, offering delicious pizza to fulfill your apetite.
Newks
Newks specially makes their sandwiches with toasted bread and a delicious sauce to top it off. The casual cafe setting makes a good place to grab lunch with family or friends and not to mention free wifi! Jersey Mike’s McAlister’s Honorable Jimmy Johns Mention Schlotzky’s
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Honorable Mention
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STAFF PICKS
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Blue Store Smashburger Steak ‘n Shake Whataburger
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El Lugar is a local favorite due to it’s fresh and authentic mexican food served at an affordable price and various locations around Tyler.
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PICKS BEST ASIAN
Shogun
Shogun’s food is freshly prepared and even offers a hibachi bar which is a great place to interact with chefs and friends while enjoying a delicious meal.
BEST BREAKFAST
Egg & I
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Don Juan Fuzzy’s Rowdy Mi Mexico Lindo
Honorable Mention
BEST FROZEN TREAT
Andy’s
Andy’s is a great place to relieve your sweet tooth and a place to socialize while enjoying a terrific treat.
There’s no better place to go when in search of a delicious breakfast with plenty of healthy options.
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iHop Einstein Bagels Chick-fil-A The Diner
Honorable Mention
BEST CHICKEN
Cane’s
Raising Canes has been in demand since it opened almost two years ago. The fried chicken taste is true and southern, and their famous original Cane’s Sauce is to die for.
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Honorable Mention
Jucy’s has been in Tyler for a while and is the go-to place when you’re craving a burger and greasy fries with a side of quick n’ easy service.
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Jucy’s
Don Juan is a local favorite due to it’s true Mexican cuisine and unique, comfortable atmosphere. Dollar Taco Night every Wednesday is a hit and a great way to socialize with friends. Chuy’s Mercado’s Honorable El Mejicano Mention Taqueria El Lugar
Honorable Mention
STAFF
BEST BURGER
Don Juan
It’s the most popular coffee chain in the world for a reason. Starbucks seems to be the go-to place for coffee, pastries and treats, studying and homework or just to hangout with friends. The welcoming and friendly atmosphere makes it easy to relax.
Papa Murphy Rounders Pizza Hut Bruno’s
Honorable Mention
BEST MEXICAN
Starbucks
Brady’s Kickerz
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Bodacious Wright’s Rudy’s Spring Creek
Honorable Mention
BEST COFFEE
Bhojana Java Foundry
BEST PIZZA
FF
8
Marble Slab TCBY Braum’s Orange Leaf
BEST SEAFOOD
Breakers Breakers’ laid-back atmosphere comes with an always courteous staff and even live music on the weekends. Their shrimp and grits are a specialty and the easy-breezy setting makes it seem like you’re actually eating a meal as an islander.
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Honorable Mention
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Wasabi Ming’s Juls China Cafe
Honorable Mention
Chick-fil-A Whataburger KFC Wing Stop
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Honorable Mention
Bernard’s Happy’s Villa Montez Fish City Grill