The Roar Vol 28, Iss 6

to-do!!!-

U N D E R PRESSURE

Students report on stress of academic performance, discuss ways of decompressing

debkonya banerjee & dhriti kolar online editors

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 43% of teens reported a rise in stress levels because of the pressure to achieve satisfactory grades at school.

From college admissions to grade point averages to class ranks, academic achievement is deemed vital and is actively pursued by students — but the line between positive stress and unhealthy academic pressure is a fine one.

“The [way] that school [is] set up [is that] you learn information, test [on that information] and you get your grades,” senior Preston Green said. “So [for] some classes,

[all] you [do is] memorize stuff and there's a lot of pressure to try to do well on the test.”

The push to excel at school often stems from an early stage in one’s schooling.

“I feel my academics has definitely become more prominent ever since intermediate school,” freshman Alicia Gu said. “I feel very burned out periodically, which has an effect on my ability [and] efficiency [to perform well at school].”

May 20 Band Spring Camp & Freshman

Registration

May 22 Senior Sunset

May 24 4th/5th, 3rd, 2nd Period Finals

May 25 6th, 7th, 8th Period Finals

May 26 1st Period Final

May 26 Graduation

Eleven BPA members participate at nationals

Eleven students participated in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California from Apr. 26 to Apr. 29. Six students placed in the top 10 contestants in six different events.

UIL academic team wins region championship

The UIL academics team won the team championship. Sophmores Noah Kim and Justin Palazzolo, juniors Andrew Li, Sammy Shankar, Kayley Sze, Abby Yao, and seniors Hannah Baetge, Ian Curtis, Kyler Larsen, Kenny Lin, Will Wang, Kevin Yang competed at the UIL Academic State meet on May 17.

AVP gathers for a photo after the successful 24th annual Film Fest PHOTO PROVIDED BY AVP

Seniors Emily Moore, Jaycee Mearns, Miracle Sanchez, Hannah Viergutz, Sam Kasper, Julie Morgan, and Maria Marcantonio (left to right) sing “I Can Go The Distance” as the closing song at Coffee House 2023

PHOTO BY ELENA ALANIZ

Academic pressure affects student relationships, mental health

continued from page 1

The stress from school varies largely by the student’s grade. Lee expressed that the additional workload that comes with demanding courses also seems overburdening at times.

“I definitely value studying more than I did [my] sophomore year [because] junior year is [the] year that defines most of your grades for college,” junior Hayoung Lee said. “[And] I’m taking so many more classes that are rigorous.”

Moreover, many juniors and seniors often take up parttime jobs for various reasons from saving up for college to covering personal expenditures. More often than not, these jobs require students to dedicate a significant amount of their time to working a minimum number of hours or shifts, making it difficult to strike a balance between work, school, and other social commitments.

“In the first semester, I had a job and it was extremely hard to balance [school and work],” Lee said. “Even at work, [during] any spare time that I had, I

[would] try my best to dedicate it to studying. [When] I quit [my job] and focused more [on studying], it [was] definitely a lot easier.”

Furthermore, social factors play a significant role in academic stress as comparison between peers can unintentionally make the learning environment competitive.

“I feel like I’m always comparing myself [to] other people in my classes,” Green said. “[So] there’s always a competition [and] it does add some pressure [to do well].”

THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIPS

But having positive social interactions with friends who can empathize has helped Lee and many other students de-stress and elevate their motivation.

“When there’s such a large workload, you often feel really confused or lost on where to even begin, [making the deadlines] very pressuring and scary,” Lee said. “But because you have so many people around you that are going through the same thing [and] taking so many of

the [same] classes, it’s easy to talk it out [and] get help.”

Additionally, having support from her family and being able to confide in them has provided Lee a sense of reassurance and self-confidence, while also reducing the stress she faces due to academics.

“My parents are very uplifting [and] easygoing; my dad always makes it abundantly clear that he does not care what grades I get and that it does not define what he thinks about me,” Lee said. “ It’s really hard to feel down in an environment like that.”

COPING WITH STRESS

From taking power naps to scrolling on social media to simply hanging out with friends, there are multiple ways of decompressing.

“I usually leave the house by reading a book or watching shows. It takes [my] mind off of all these other things in the real world [and gives] me a break,” Gu said.

While different people destress in different ways, Green’s passion for mountain biking helps him relax and disconnect

from stressors.

“I like to go [mountain] biking,” Green said. “There’s not really mountains here, but there [are] some extra cool trails [to bike at] whenever I [am trying] to relieve stress.”

Green also noted that staying organized while trying to meet deadlines can help reduce stress.

“I use the Notes app on my phone [to make a list of] the things that are [my] top priority, and then these longterm projects that I’m working on,” Green said. “[Staying] organized helps me keep track of what I need to do and what needs to get done first.”

Lee and many others further expressed that managing academic stress is possible when students are intrinsically motivated and learn to strike a balance between school, social life and extracurriculars.

“It builds character in a sense [that] I have to be responsible for whatever I do because there’s not someone that’s keeping me accountable for these things,” Lee said. “I have to depend on myself and my drive to get better scores.”

summer scholars

Students discuss summer school experiences

Summer school can seem like a dreaded task for students. Many of them believe summer school is just for making up credits after failing a class. Though for some students, these courses can help them get ahead in their academic career or take more electives.

Sophomore Natalie Green took world history over the summer so she could have room in her schedule for more electives during the school year.

“It’s not like in the movies where you sit in a hot, sweaty school,” Green said. “My [summer school] experience was pretty chill. [We] kind of just get stuff done when we can.”

CSISD summer school only offers 4.0 classes, which may be a drawback for students who are pursuing advanced credits. The fact that students can only sign up for one semester course at a time can also hinder some of their goals.

“We only let students sign up for half credit at a time,” counselor Paul Hord said. “Since our students are paying and they only have a four-week window to complete the credit, we don’t want them paying for credits that they may not be able to complete.”

Summer curriculum is taught online through the educational platform, Edgenuity, and all courses are self-paced. Students can complete it at College View High School, but many students opt to do it online.

“I procrastinated a lot,” senior Holden McBerty said. “My goal was to finish it in two weeks because I had a trip coming up. It was stressful, but I was very glad to be done with it.”

Green did eight hours of school a day, but she notes that if she didn’t wait until the last minute to start, she could have easily done an hour a day for the allotted two weeks.

“[The website] had a meter that showed overall progress,” Green said. “It mapped out how [many] hours were [recommended] to do in a day, [and] how many days you’re behind.”

Hord says he has seen some students do three half-credits — or 1.5 credits — but it’s rare and

they have to be really motivated. Every once in a while a student won’t finish their course, but a vast majority of them do.

“It’s kind of hard to fail [summer school] because [students] can retake tests, quizzes, reviews, etc,” Hord said. “But if they don’t complete a course, then there’s no record of it ever happening — it doesn’t go on their transcript at all.”

While Green and McBerty did summer school to have extra time during the school year, Hord notes that it is generally evenly split every year between students who failed and students who are just taking it to get ahead.

“Even if the course is taken online, [students] still have to go to the school to have tests physically proctored to them,” Hord said. “Then, when they are ready to take a test, they can communicate with their teacher and let him know what time they’re going to the school.”

McBerty took English IV in order to have two off-periods during her senior year. She noted her surprise with the coursework.

“I didn’t have any reading assignments,” McBerty said. “People I know who took [English] during the school year did more than I had to. It feels like they just took three units and crammed it all into one.”

For students who are unable to attend summer school, Consol offers night school from September to May, utilizing the same program, Edgenuity, that the summer program uses.

“During the school year, we have night school every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday,” Hord said. “The hours vary each year, but in the past, it has been from 4 to 6 p.m.”

Going into something students are not familiar with can be daunting; however, the new experience may just be something they enjoy.

“[I was hesitant] because I didn’t really know what it would be like,” Green said. “But once I completed a semester, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m doing that again.’”

evy hairell & masie johnson section editors

“What do you think will happen after high school?” I ask my best friend during our art period.

We are both only sophomores, but the year is coming to a close and I feel as though it all happened too fast. Who’s to say the next two years won’t happen even quicker?

“You’ll be lonely for a long time,” she responds after a moment, looking down at her artwork.

That’s not what I want her to say, but I nod because she’s right. I’m a dreamer, and something in me wants her to tell me that we’ll stay like this even after our high school years.

Reality, though, tells me that adulthood will hit us hard after graduation. Reality tells me that she’ll come on us like the biggest wave at high tide, dissolving the remnants of the sand castle we spent the day building. Reality tells me that life will tear some dreams of my youth apart and let me have the rest. I have no idea which dreams she’ll let me have,

including the ones where my friends and I never lose touch.

I often wonder what it is about growing up that frightens me. Is it the change? Is the feeling of losing innocence? Is it having to mature yet still feeling like a child inside?

It’s all of that for sure, but it’s also the feeling that the older I get, the lonelier life becomes.

Soon, I’ll have to think like this: What career will I pursue? How will I make a living?

I, I, I… the older I get, the more my life depends solely on me.

It’s a thing of freedom, because with freedom comes more responsibility over my own life, and with that comes loneliness.

I think I’m scared of being completely alone in life and having to face everything on my own. It’s an unrealistic fear, but it’s a fear that haunts me more and more as I grow up.

never alone

Student reflects on the complexity in growing

aliza jacob section editor

I hate College Station.

I grew up in College Station. I’d play with my action figures or play board games with my parents. I mostly stayed at home all the time. At the time I didn’t mind living here, but now that I’m a teenager, it’s hell. It’s just a stupid college town where the only thing to do is go out to eat or go drink alcohol, which as a 17-year-old I can’t do.

I spend most of my time either playing on my Xbox or going outside and hanging out with my friends. But by the time I get out of school and finish my homework, it’s already too dark to go outside, so when it’s too dark out, my friends and I try going somewhere but we never know where to go. We decide to

am than I’ve ever been. Consequently, there’s been a small trail of loneliness following my growth.

There are times when I feel like I have to figure things out on my own, and times when I just want to talk to someone.

I ask my best friend about loneliness, and we talk about how it seems to be an artist’s curse. I think that’s true, but I also think it’s a human thing.

We’ll never be rid of loneliness.

But loneliness would never matter so much if love wasn’t there as well.

There’s no guarantee that my best friend will be my best friend in ten years. Yet, there are certain things I won’t be able to look at without thinking of her – sunflowers, roses, the sun, and the moon.

Without my parents, my family, or my friends, who am I? I think that as I grow, I develop a firmer position on who I am as an individual. I figure that’s why growing up is lonely in a way because we learn to be who we are on our own.

Even this year, I’ve felt like I’ve grown a lot. My priorities, my focus, the things that I love – they’ve gotten more clear. I’m more sure of who I

go drive around for 30 minutes burning gas, and then we end up going somewhere to eat just to spend more money. When we get bored of doing absolutely nothing, we all go back home and I just sit there — still doing nothing. Most of the time, I don’t even want to get on my Xbox because I’m so burnt out from playing it too much. I try to find other things to do but nothing ever really interests me. I often spend my time at the park throwing a football or playing Wiffle ball, but that just gets boring after a while. Then I just try to find something else to do that you know you’ll be over in a week or two but there are only so many things you can do until you have to go back to other activities you’ve already done.

I still can’t go very long away from home without missing my mom. My family will never be too far away to come back to. I see my cousins once every couple of months, and every time, they remind me that I’m not at all alone. It makes me think of my past moments of loneliness and how they have passed.

People will always surround our lives. That’s why we feel a sense of blue loneliness so heavily when we feel like we’re on our own, even if we’re really not.

We will always be lonely, and we will always have love. They go hand in hand, flanking each side as we grow up.

College Station just makes me feel like I’m stuck in a cycle, repeating the same thing over and over. Each day is the same with minor differences within.

I’m ready to leave — to go anywhere else. I just need to do something different, go somewhere interesting.

atticus johnson section editor

hometown blues

Junior contemplates the value of his town

The Roar is produced by the Advanced Journalism class at A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station, Texas, 77840. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.

Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor and opinions editor.

The Roar is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

The Roar is a winner of the CSPA Gold Crown, the 1997, 1998, 2000-2016 ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit, the CSPA Gold Medal Award, the NSPA AllAmerican distinction and 2005, 2014,2016, 2021, and 2022 ILPC Bronze Star and 2007-2013, 2015, and 2018 Silver Star.

College Station Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services. Monica Jones, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Executive Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The Roar 2022-2023 Staff

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor

Editor

Editors

Editors

Reporters

Adviser

Myla Cathey

May Sarin

Ian Curtis

Emily Chen

Debkonya Banerjee

Dhriti Kolar

Elena Alaniz

Aliza Jacob

Atticus Johnson

Evy Hairell

Masie Johnson

Trinity Craig

Ainsley Guzman

Michael Williams

Chauncey Lindner

The Roar Editorial Board

Myla Cathey • May Sarin

Ian Curtis • Emily Chen

Should TikTok be Banned in the U.S.?

As the popularity of the social media app TikTok continues to rise, some individuals and organizations in the United States are calling for a ban on the platform due to concerns about data privacy and national security. However, we firmly believe that a ban on TikTok is not the best course of action for the U.S. government.

First and foremost, a ban on TikTok would be a significant violation of freedom of speech and expression. The app has become an essential platform for individuals to share their creativity, connect with others, and express themselves in unique ways. Banning the app would deprive these individuals of a vital outlet for self-expression and creativity, which is not something that should be taken lightly.

And while there are legitimate concerns about data privacy, there is no evidence that TikTok has misused or mishandled user data. TikTok has already taken significant steps to address these concerns by implementing new privacy policies, increasing transparency, and establishing a U.S.-based data center. The platform has also undergone numerous independent security audits to ensure the safety and privacy of its users' data.

Furthermore, a ban on TikTok could have significant economic consequences, particularly for the many small businesses that rely on the platform for advertising and marketing. The app has become an essential tool for businesses looking to reach a younger demographic and has helped many small businesses grow and thrive. A ban could severely impact these businesses — particularly those that rely heavily on the app.

In conclusion, a ban on TikTok would not only infringe on the freedom of speech and expression but it could also have significant economic consequences for small businesses. While concerns about data privacy and national security should not be ignored, it is important to recognize the steps that TikTok has taken to address these concerns. Rather than a ban, a collaborative approach between TikTok and the U.S. government could ensure that user data is protected while allowing individuals and businesses to continue to benefit from the platform's innovative features and opportunities. As a society, we must strike a balance between data privacy and innovation, and a ban on TikTok would fail to achieve that.

“I think it’s necessary because TikTok’s format has destroyed the attention spans of the entire generation. I also believe social media access for younger generations in the future is a terrible idea due to the effects it had on this one.”

- Sophomore Justin Palazzolo

“The app is home to multiple different home front stores and businesses. There are also hundreds of people that use the app as their form of seeing the news.”

- Sophomore John Collins

Student

Flipping The Field

dhriti kolar & elena alaniz online editor & section editor

Junior and senior girls compete in annual powderpuff game, reverse gender roles

PHOTOS BY MYLA CATHEY & ELENA ALANIZ

Senior Haley Bean celebrates one of the first touchdowns of the game with fellow senior teammates Addy Kieschnick, Holden McBerty, Lesley Munoz and Zoe Rich.

Senior Haley Bean runs toward the endzone blocked by juniors Reagan Johnson and Molli Larson. Bean scored the touchdown with ease.

cheerleaders junior George Bickham and senior Paxson Berkey cheer for their respective teams along on the sidelines.

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Most students apply to three to eight colleges. It’s important to have a balanced, reasonable list of potential colleges.

Safety: This is your “backup plan”you have a higher than likely chance of acceptance here.

Match: This is your “perfect fit” - you meet all the applicant criteria, but admission is not 100% guaranteed.

Reach: This is your “long shot”they admit very few students and are typically highly selective.

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Admissions essays are all about showcasing what makes you a worthy applicant.

Essay prompts can typically be found on university websites. Make sure to revise your essay and get feedback before submitting it. There are two types of college essays:

Personal Statement is a generalized essay that can be sent to nearly every school in the US.

Supplemental Essay is an essay prompt specific to a single school. These are generally only required for highly selective schools.

The college application process is notoriously stressful. There seems to be a million steps to complete, so it’s easy to fall behind without proper planning. START

Here are ten basic steps to ensure you have what you need to crush those deadlines

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There are two main admission plans:

Regular Decision: Most students submit their applications through regular decision. This deadline is typically December or January of senior year.

Early Action: These applications are usually submitted 2-3 months before regular admissions. You can expect to get your decision back sooner this way.

4

Most universities require a recommendation letter. Give your teacher/employer/coach at least a four week notice to write one, unless they say otherwise.

one step at a time

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Many colleges and universities use online application portals, which allow you to submit your application and track its progress. Be sure to keep track of your login credentials so you can easily access your application status and any updates from the schools you’ve applied to.

Common App is an application portal to over 900 schools worldwide. Apply TX is an application portal to over 100 public, private, and community colleges in Texas.

“There are a lot of random scholarships that you have to look out for. They might be small amounts of money, but if you get enough, it adds up.”

- senior Leah Miller

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Transcripts provide a record of your academic achievements, including your grades, GPA and class rank. You can ask your school counselor to forward your transcript to the college you’re applying to.

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans and work-study programs. To apply, you’ll need to provide information about your parents’ income and assets. The application can be completed online and should be submitted as soon as possible after it becomes available on Oct. 1. Be sure to also check with the colleges you are applying to for any additional financial aid applications or requirements they may have.

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Send your enrollment deposit after committing to a collegethis deposit goes toward your first year’s tuition.

Out of courtesy, decline colleges you choose not to attend by sending an email to their admissions office. Technically, you’re not required to reach out, but this might free up financial aid that was previously reserved for you.

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When it comes to managing the expenses of college, obtaining scholarships are crucial. There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities, the most popular being merit-based, need-based, and essay-based. Many scholarship deadlines are as early as junior year, so it’s important to be consistently checking for available ones. Popular scholarship websites include Chegg, Niche, College Board, and Unigo

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Even after you’ve been accepted, continue to maintain your grades. Colleges reserve the right to withdraw your

“Once you find a teacher who you feel understands you and you feel comfortable with them, it’s easier to ask them for a recommendation letter.”

- senior Haley Bean

“I started the college process knowing [the] general field I wanted to apply to, which really helped [me] narrow down which colleges [I] spent [my] time applying to.”

- senior Ally Duan

emily chen & masie johnson opinions editor & section editor

the natural remedy

Students reflect on importance of eating clean, healthier foods

debkonya banerjee & elena alaniz online editor & section editor

In a nation dominated by fast-paced lifestyles and fast food, convenience and indulgence often take precedence over nutrition. Such a way of living and the prevalence of highly processed food have contributed to rising rates of chronic illnesses like obesity and diabetes. Many who suffer from these illnesses have raised awareness around ingredients and processed foods, opening people’s eyes and causing nationwide changes in diets.

Senior Calli Thompson is one of the many advocates for healthy eating and its benefits.

“[Eating clean] definitely makes you feel better,” Thompson said. “The life expectancy [in the U.S.] has gone down in the last couple of years and obesity is a big cause of health problems in the U.S. I think that it would be beneficial for more people to eat [healthy].”

Diet change isn’t always a decision made out of choice. For senior Alexa Howard, the change stemmed from a diagnosis.

“When I was six years old, I was diagnosed with celiac disease,” Howard said. “Whenever I would eat gluten and stuff like that, I would have constant back pain [and] stomach pain. I was [once] hospitalized for six days [as a result].”

Similar to Howard, Thompson also changed her diet due to health-related issues.

“I have a lot of food allergies and sensitivities to different things. [Because of] that, I started eating healthier,” Thompson said. “Then I just enjoyed eating healthier because of the way it made me feel.”

After switching from mostly processed meals to a healthier diet, Howard noticed changes in her health almost immediately.

“I used to have really bad headaches,” Howard said. “It’s way better [now]. [The changes in diet resulted in] a better mood [and] sleep.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70% of the food Americans consume comes from packaged, processed, storebought and restaurant foods.

“All fast food is processed, and there’s usually not [many] healthy options,” Thompson said. “Even the salads have lots of dressing, and it’s not good for you.”

In addition to Thompson’s perspective on fast food, Howard emphasizes the importance of consistency and self-control when starting a change in eating habits.

“[Staying] consistent is a struggle,” Howard said. “Once you fall off, it’s hard to get back on. It is okay to have a cheat day, but you have [to have] self-control.”

At first the struggles of maintaining a healthy diet may seem greater than the outcomes, but there are various ways of overcoming these temptations and maintaining consistency in one’s diet.

“[An easy way to eat healthier is to] cook at home more,” Thompson said. “It’s easier [to buy] frozen foods [and it’s] not that expensive, [but] buying produce that’s fresh [is more healthy], and it takes like two seconds [to prepare.]”

Howard cautions that there is no onesize-fits-all approach to eating nutritious meals, and the contents of the meals can be modified to fit everyone.

“There’s just different diets for different people; there’s not really one [type of way to eat healthy],” Howard said. “Eating clean fits every single person.”

a different tune

aliza jacob & atticus johnson section editors

Performing in front of a crowd typically brings feelings of high pressure and tension. The bright lights might incite a sweat, the nerves creating butterflies. But for jazz students, where the music is fun and loose and the stakes are low, performing with each other becomes a relaxing, carefree time when everyone can simply let go.

Starting next year, the jazz club organized by band director Steve Fry will be offered as a class that will offer the same credits as band, including an honors credit for upperclassmen.

While this may seem like a major change, it simply means more time for the students to practice their music and more opportunities for them to go beyond what they do as a club, including more performances and events.

“We’re basically taking the jazz band that meets after school [and] trying to get them to enroll in the class,” Fry said. “There’s really not a change other than we’re meeting every day, rather than meeting once a week after school.”

With the addition of jazz band as a class, students get to be more involved than they were in the past. Junior Kendall McKinney has been a part of the jazz band since her freshman year. The club would work on and practice for a yearly concert during their meetings.

“[Jazz] will not be a side venture [with the development of the class],” McKinney said. “They’re finally starting to take it more seriously.”

The style of jazz music warrants a more distinctive, free style of music that may be more loose and liberating for some students. And while performances might come off as effortless, it takes the jazz

band about four to six weeks to prepare for concerts and events.

“A lot of people think we just play music, [but] it does take a lot of time for the students to learn music, get comfortable [with it], and then be able to actually perform,” Fry said.

Since the jazz class isn’t limited to certain instruments, students can be experimental with their music if and when they want to.

“We will accept all instruments,” Fry said. “Some kids like to learn a new instrument. If they play [the] clarinet, maybe they want to learn sax. If they play euphonium, maybe they [want to] learn trombone.”

Even though the class is mainly for existing club members and band students, any student can audition to join to take part in the class.

“We’ve had orchestra people [as well as] people outside of the organization that join,” McKinney said.

Previously as a club, jazz band has done concerts with the CSHS and middle school jazz. For the upcoming years, the plan is to grow and perform more of these concerts and events at middle and elementary schools.

“We’ll have a jazz band concert [and] be able to play at different events,” Fry said. “We’ll be able to put together a lot more music than we do right now.”

The students themselves are a big reason why the jazz class is possible. Their love for it is brought on by the safe haven it provides for them.

“They’re very committed to playing their instrument,” Fry said. “It’s a release for them; it’s an opportunity for them to get away from the stress of the rest of the school classes.”

Jazz band club becomes class, expands music community

The jazz band performs their spring concert in 2021.

The band poses together before they perfom at the Jazz Fest performance. This performance was in collaboration with the CSHS jazz band.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KENDALL MCKINNEY

The jazz band performs at their Christmas performance. They wore Santa hats and played holiday music.

Riding the Waves Athletes share

passion for watersports

The flow of the water underneath the board is freeing, and the boat leading the way is a guide to victory, but the tricks are what make wakesurfing magical.

Wakesurfing is a freshwater sport in which the surfer rides the wake of a boat and surfs while performing tricks. Sophomore Zoey Montgomery learned the art of wakesurfing from her brother at the age of five.

“I’ve been doing it for 10 or 11 years,” Montgomery said. “It’s definitely a very competitive sport, but it’s [also] very interesting [and] different.”

Ever since a young age, Montgomery has

Similarly, junior Connor Riley’s love for the beach inspired him and his family to pursue surfing and skimboarding as a hobby.

“Back when I lived in Hawaii, I [surfed with] my family whenever we went to the beach,” Riley said. “The way that you glide on top of the waves [and] just being in control is really fun. It’s like skateboarding but instead, you’re on the water.”

Additionally Riley also skimboards, which is a shallow water activity in which surfers skim the waves while performing different moves.

“Ever since I moved [here], I haven’t [surfed], but I’ve been skimboarding [during] the summer [at] Lake Bryan with my friends,” Riley said. “It’s not the same [as surfing], but it’s similar and it’s still fun.”

Water sports competitions are often intense and require a variety of moves and tricks with different levels of complexity.

“It’s pretty difficult to run and throw your tricks in front of judges,” Montgomery said. “You definitely have to have balance [and] when you fall, [you have to think if] you [want to] get back up and try to do the same trick over again, or risk not doing it.”

been competing in wakesurfing competitions

“There [are] five different divisions [for] all ages. I’m in [the] professional [division], [which is] the highest,” Montgomery said. “There [are] four to five judges on the boat and they judge you [based] on difficulty, intensity, variety and [execution of tricks] .”

Montgomery further expressed that wakesurfing has provided her an opportunity to bond with friends and family, as well as interact with like-minded people who enjoy the sport.

“It’s just like a different family [of] people from all over,” Montgomery said. “My surfing friends really help me with staying motivated and I’d rather train with another surfing friend so we can help each other.”

Even though water sports come with their own set of benefits, they can also be timeconsuming to practice regularly.

“I’m in three other varsity sports, so it’s very hard to practice,” Montgomery said. “But [the season] starts during the summer, and the world wakesurfing competition is in September, [and] ends in winter.”

Although these activities require surfers to take significant time out of their schedules, the thrill of gliding waves and the opportunity to compete in competitions around the world brings Montgomery and other surfers back to the water.

“I love traveling and competing in the U.S. [and] around the world during the summer,” Montgomery said. “I like going to contests and winning, it’s really fun.”

dhriti kolar & trinity craig online editor & section editor

Montgomery placed second overall at a wakesurfing event in Minnesota.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ZOEY MONTGOMERY

Montgomery performs a trick called “3 Shuv.”

PUMPING IRON

Gym goers share perspectives on working out, maintaining fitness

emily chen & ainsley guzman opinions editor & section editor

For many people, the term “gym rat” brings to mind a certain image: a person who is obsessed with their appearance, spends countless hours in the gym, sticks to a strict diet plan, and makes the gym their personality.

However, for individuals like senior Leah Miller, the gym is a space to explore different types of movement and celebrate the capabilities of the human body.

“There are so [many] negative connotations about gym rats,” Miller said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a gym rat. I would say [I’m] more a lover of movement and activity, and I get to celebrate the amazing things our bodies can do.”

While physical fitness is certainly a priority for those who frequent the gym, it’s not the only factor at play. Miller’s focus on strength and endurance speaks to a broader appreciation for what our bodies can accomplish beyond what they look like.

“It’s so cool to have space to explore different kinds of movement,” Miller said. “Physically, I’m much stronger and have more endurance, but visual appearance isn’t necessarily my goal.”

A commitment to healthy eating is certainly part of the gym experience, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Miller’s approach to nutrition is grounded in listening to her body and providing it with what it needs rather than adhering to a strict diet plan.

“I did a lot of work with a dietitian [to] learn how to intuitively eat,” Miller said.

“I definitely try [to] prioritize protein just because my muscles go through so much breakdown they need that to rebuild. So I am more strict about what I eat, but I wouldn’t say I have a diet plan.”

Despite the physical and mental benefits of going to the gym, body image concerns are still a common experience for many. There are broader societal pressures to look a certain way, even when engaging in activities that prioritize physical health.

“I think everybody who [works out] struggles with how they look no matter how much progress they see,” senior Breyton Dixon said.

For some, the gym can be a source of empowerment and newfound confidence. The journey of working on oneself, both physically and mentally, can lead to a positive transformation and a newfound appreciation for the body.

“In the beginning, I’d wear baggy clothes so I couldn’t see myself [in the mirror],” freshman Nam Vu said. “[But after] I started seeing progress, I’d take my clothes off and see the new me and get better confidence with that.”

For many individuals, the satisfaction of going to the gym comes from seeing tangible progress in their strengths and abilities.

“[Seeing my progress] makes me happy,” sophomore Ethan Walton said. “[It] shows me dedication, and showing up every day has a positive effect.”

In the end, the gym is a space for personal growth and discovery, where individuals can find what works best for their unique bodies and interests. The gym is not a one-size-fits-all experience. The most important thing is to find joy and fulfillment in one’s movement and activity.

“My advice to other people who work out is to honor your body and what it wants. Some people love to lift, and some people love to run,” Miller said. “We all have different genetic makeups, and you just have to do what works best for you.”

SCAN FOR ANSWERS!

entertainment station

dhriti kolar online editor

Down

1. football game between girls from junior and senior classes

3. popular social media app that might be banned

4. consol baseball beat this team in their opening round playoff series

6. this band club will be a class next year

Across

2. the number of summer school courses students can sign up for at one time

5. AVP’s end of year screening that features students’ projects

7. website used for applying to colleges, can be used for colle ges outside texas too

8. this class period is the last final of the year for non-seni ors

the good, the bad, and the real deal

the roar reviews: real versus dupes

elena alaniz | section editor

When I had first seen the hype train for Hydro Flask water bottles, I remember wondering what was so special about them. I figured any old water bottle could do the same thing that the Hydro Flask could, if not better. Now having bought one, I see that this isn’t true. The pros that come with a Hydro Flask definitely outweigh the cons. It retains a constant temperature better than an average Target water bottle can and can I count on the ice not melting for at least a day. There are so many different customizations that one can choose from when ordering a Hydro Flask. Customization ranges from things like the bottle color, cap color, and boot color to what kind of cap and how much water the bottle will hold, making your bottle feel very unique to you. However, there are also cons to the Hydro Flask. Because it is more of a namebrand, Hydro Flasks are on the pricier side. A 40 oz. bottle costs around $50, while a competing company’s 40 oz. bottle costs around $25. Overall, I think Hydro Flask bottles are definitely worth the hype if you’re willing to spend more money than you would on the average bottle.

trinity craig | section editor

Dr. Pepper has always been my favorite soda. But when I first compared it to Mr. Pibb, I genuinely could not tell the difference between the two. Primarily, Dr. Pepper has a complex blend of flavors. Each sip of Dr. Pepper is different from the sip before — taking you on a journey each time you drink a bottle. Sarsaparilla and ginger flavors give the soda a nice kick of spice that pairs well with the underlying notes of cherry and cola. From the first sip to the last, Dr. Pepper is an overall refreshing experience. Mr. Pibb is like a twin to Dr. Pepper. While drinking the soda, I could taste the cinnamon, which gave it a unique and pleasant spice. Sadly, Mr. Pibb is just a spicy cherry soda with an underlying chemical taste that I could not get off my tongue, which made it hard to enjoy. It does not have the flavor waves that Dr. Pepper does, making Mr. Pibb slightly underwhelming. Besides these factors, the two drinks are almost identical, but in the end, I would suggest drinking Dr. Pepper over Mr. Pibb anytime.