The Roar Vol. 16 Issue 1

the

Roar

A&M Consolidated High School

Ride away with biker boys on page 7

1801 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S., College Station, Texas 77840

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

Vol. 16 No. 1

nthis ssue News Cell Upgrade: New policy allows electronics at lunch. Page

by Dini Susanto and Alejandra Oliva

Viewpoints Problematic PSAT: Junior Amy Zhang strives for personal best on National Achievement test.

Page 5.

People Double Trouble: Twins share a unique perspective on life. Page 14.

Sports Football: The Roar features players to watch this season.

Page 16.

Entertainment Homecoming Traditions: The Roar provides a guide to next week's Homecoming happenings.

Page 19.

tolook

where News Viewpoints Snapshots

pages 2-4

pages 5-8 page 9

Student Life

pages 10-11

People

pages 12-14

Health and Rec Sports Entertainment Etc.

pages 15 pages 16-17 page 18-19 page 20

College Station K2 ban strives to cut down teen exposure to marijuana-like substance

T

he College Station City created by marijuana.

Council voted to outlaw According to a seventeenthe drug known as K2, year-old senior at Consol, who will an artificial marijuana- remain anonymous, K2 also creates like substance, by a 5-1 a high, but unlike marijuana, it lasts vote at their meeting on Aug. 26. for a shorter period of time and has The substance, which remains additional side effects of increased legal on the national and state paranoia and jitters. levels, will now earn a Class C “It wasn’t like any high I’ve Misdemeanor charge for College ever had before,” Station residents caught in possaid the anonysession of it, along with Salvia, mous source. “I a similar substance that creates was so anxious hallucinogenic effects. The the whole misdemeanor charge comes with a $500 fine.

According to Officer Scott McCollum, K2, which is also referred to as spice, is created by spraying a manmade cannabinoid cocktail on various herbs to create an effect similar to that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient found in marijuana. McCollum was responsible for presenting the ordinance draft banning spice to the City Council at their meeting.

Fox News reports that although K2 causes a high, it has side effects that are opposite of those art by alejandra oliva

time, so paranoid, I could barely even enjoy it.”

Emergency room physician Frank Colunga, M.D., says that the substance was developed so recently that not much is known about its effects.

Along with

that, few labs have successfully developed a test to screen for the presence of K2 in the bloodstream.

“When [my friends and I] smoked after the party, one of the guys couldn’t smoke weed because he was getting drug tested,” the anonymous student said. “We smoked spice instead [because] it doesn’t show up on drug tests.”

According to McCollum, spice is uncontrollable because it is an unregulated substance created with inconsistent doses and combinations of chemicals, which results in varying effects among users.

The lack of scientific information and research about K2 served as one of several defense statements made by those opposing the ban.

“The fact is that if you, any of you, research K2 online, the most common phrase you’ll see is ‘lack of research,’” said Philip King, local protest leader of the bans in College Station and Bryan.

City Council member Jesse Fields,

See "Spice" on page 2

2 | news | the roar

in the news Nine seniors named as National Merit semifinalists Nine seniors were named semifinalists in the 2010 National Merit Scholar Program: Mauricio Arreola-Garcia, Lulu Chang, Divya Chowdhary, Dipika Gawande, Daniel Hsieh, Po-Ju Huang, Jennings Kennady, Lauren Porter and Zachary Wu. The nine CSISD students are in a pool of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide and are competing for 8,400 National Merit Scholarships worth up to $2,500 each. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to be named finalists and of those, around half will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the prestigious title.

Forensics team excels at first tournament The Forensics Team competed for the first time this year at a speech, drama and debate tournament at The Woodlands High School on Sept. 17 and 18. Of 14 students competing, 12 broke into semi-final or final rounds and 6 students placed in the top 5 in their event.

Placing in their event are Mauricio ArreolaGarcia, first in Novice Prose and third in Student Congress; Mei Tan, second in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking; Andrea Cohen and Katie Ray, second in Public Forum Debate; Sara Krusekopf, third in Novice Poetry; and Tafadzwa Gwaze, fourth in Student Congress.

friday, sept. 24, 2010

“Spice” continued from page 1

Council member speaks on K2 drug controversy place two, was the sole vote against the ban, with his main argument being a fear of unintentionally promoting illicit sales of K2 on the black market and distribution of the substance among minors.

“If we ban a substance and that’s all we do, then we end up with a situation where we have to fight criminals,” Fields said. “Also, the criminals profit significantly off drugs

sold in the black marketplace. That’s a situation we should try to avoid by seeking better alternatives where we can.”

Fields voted against the ban as a way to protest a “bad solution to a horrible problem,” and adds that while he hates drugs, he nevertheless feels that the government should retain control of them.

“I don’t want us to encourage

crime inadvertently by doing something like that, and we certainly don’t intend to do that by banning K2,” Fields said. “The reason for the ban was very good intentioned, but we all know a road paved with good intentions, and good intentions alone cannot carry a policy. ”

How Spice and Marijuana compare and contrast Spice

Marijuana

Both

Legal in the U.S

Natural

Has very little scientific data

Cannot be mixed with each other

Does not show up on standard drug tests

Smoked

Sprayed with potent psychotropic drugs that serve as synthetic HC

Used for medical purposes Only addictive at high quantities

Manufactured in labs

Shows up on drug tests Illegal at the federal level except for states which allow it for medicinal purposes Generally costs more than Spice

Reduces blood pressure source: www. foxnews.com

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friday, sept. 24, 2010

Administration revises new school-wide electronics policy Diem also agreed that the policy has been met with a positive response so far. features editor and staff reporter “There hasn’t been any negative feedback from anyone,” Diem said. “People aren’t abusing it so far. I think cell Texting in the lunch lines. Playing games on DSI’s and PSP’s at the cafeteria tables. Blaring iPods near the musical phone violations are actually going down.”

However greater freedom of electronic use has not been trash cans. Though by now considered one of the norms of the sole benefit of the new policy. Conducting the RSVP lunch, more was involved in the new electronics policy than program has had a big impact on many students. most students realize.

“Last year my English IV Regular class started talking The new electronics policy states that in addition to before and after school, students may use electronic devices [about RSVP], and I never realized that a large portion of during their designated lunch periods as well, without the school population felt disconnected,” Rutherford said. consequences. This policy is extremely unique for two “These kids went four years in this high school and didn’t feel reasons; one, it is the first time in the history of the school like they were a part of the school. With the RSVP program that such a policy has been enacted and two, it was suggested and the new electronics policy, the school is showing these by students through Student Council’s RSVP program in kids that [they] are a part of the Consol family and that [the school] values their opinions.” the spring. Student Council However, Rutherford also members visited each advocate stresses that the policy is a class so that all students had privilege, not a right, and can an opportunity to share ideas be taken away if not properly about the school. used.

“It gives students a way “If [the students] can’t to know their voice is being handle being given that much heard,” Student Body President access, then why would the Taylor Whittlesey said, “and STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT TAYLOR WHITTLESEY administration ever open up it shows the administration the policy [to begin with]?” where students’ interests lie.”

Rutherford said. “If the The use of cell phones was consistently mentioned by policy eventually gets revoked because [the students] are students, so Student Council members prepared to present abusing the privilege, then they’re n o t the idea to the administration. taking advantage of t h e “We looked at Bryan’s [cellphone] policy and modeled gift being given o f ours after that,” Whittlesey said. being able t o Assistant Principal Chris Diem remembers when Student Council executive members proposed the idea to him and access [their electronics] the rest of the administration last year.

“There was an initial hesitation from myself and much during lunch.”

Whittlesey of the administration, but Student Council made a very also emphasized compelling argument,” Diem said.

Next, the idea was presented to the high school’s the importance of leadership team. Composed of several teachers, department the privilege.

“It’s a test for heads and principals, the approval of the leadership team the administration was necessary for the policy to go into effect. “[The leadership team] talked about it, met a week to see how we follow Whittlesey later, presented and talked about it again, and finally they rules,” said.

“If we break it, approved it,” Diem said. administration] The leadership team’s approval allowed the electronics [the policy to go into effect for the 2010-2011 school year. As won’t want any other the first few weeks of school have passed, the feedback on new rules.”

Whittlesey said there the policy from students and teachers alike has been largely is only one aspect of the positive.

“I’ve seen fewer phones out this year [during class time] new policy that she wants and less mp3 players,” English IV teacher and Student students to keep in mind.

“Don’t abuse it, because we Council sponsor Tiffany Rutherford said. “I think it’s very cut and dry whether they can use the privilege at some point, like to use it!” Whittlesey said. so they don’t need to use their players during class.”

BY FARIA AKRAM AND ANNE FINCH

“[The policy] gives students a way to know their voice is being heard.”

Discipline and Safety Changes to Consol Bathroom access is denied during first and last ten minutes of class “Without students in the hallway the first 10 minutes, it allows us to sweep up the students that are actually tardy, and it helps the teachers to take accurate attendance because all students should be in their class. I also think that being in the classroom is where students need to be and that students should do their best to take care of their business during passing periods,” Assistant Principal Shaye Murphy said.

Students face cumulative disciplines for tardies, dress code and PDA violations “We wanted to give everything a common discipline, a common system, which we didn’t have last year,” Assistant Principal Chris Diem said.

Saturday detentions have been replaced with detentions on Thursday evenings instead “We eliminated Saturday detentions because they did not seem to be effective.

By looking at the number of students assigned to Saturday D-hall each week, it was obvious that this consequence did not deter the behaviors that warranted receiving a Saturday Detention,” Assistant Principal Shaye Murphy said.

Compiled by Faria Akram and Anne Finch Want to advertise with The Roar

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4 | news | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Poverty simulation raises faculty’s awareness of student struggles

BY EMILY NELSON

Each faculty member was assigned a role in a family of low income and was required to go through four weeks with what they were given. Some families had a car, some did not. Some children’s parents were together, some were

senior editor Every student has a story; the story does not choose the child, nor does the child choose the story. However, given the circumstance, students must learn to adapt and decide how a given life should be lived. Walking through the hallways without their stories ever being told, teachers don’t have a true understanding of their student’s background.

Before school started, faculty from each campus in the district took part in a poverty simulation that required them to experience the life of a family living on a low income.

“You think you know what these families go through,” Director of Student Services, Chrissy Hester said, “but you truly don’t have a clue.”

Hester, along with deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction, Greg McIntyre and director of instruction Donna Adams, participated in a poverty simulation program at Bryan High School before pitching the idea to College Station.

“I had been invited to the program three to five years ago,” Hester said “and after hearing so many good things about it from BISD, I knew I wanted to participate and see if this was something our school district should do.”

After going through the simulation, Hester arranged for superintendent Eddie Coulson, along with the principals, assistant principals and five other members from each campus, to participate in the process.

“It was then that the principals of each school said, ‘we want all of our staff to partake in this experience’,” Hester said.

“My advice to students living with similar cicumstances would be to keep your head up and not get discouraged about whatever is going on because it can always get better.”

RECENT CONSOL GRADUATE CHARLES FRANKLIN not. Some parents had a job, some did not. The possible scenarios were endless, Hester said.

“It was eye opening for me to be the adult because I played the role of a wife who had a husband that was unemployed as well as a mother of six and seven year old sons and a teenage daughter who was seven months pregnant,” said freshman learning lab assistant Julie Middleton. “It was difficult trying to juggle what all had to be done and trying not to drop anything.”

Free and Reduced Meal Program Statistics School CONSOL

Enrolled Grade Students

9-12 COLLEGE STATION 7-8

A&M MIDDLE 7-8

OAKWOOD 5-6

CYPRESS GROVE 5-6

2684 801

Free Lunch

Reduced Lunch

487

187

670

174

202

833

196

658

Source: Director of Student Services Chrissy Hester

Total

Percentage

145

52

632

23.55%

239

29.84%

36

39

210

31.91%

241

35.97%

58

254

30.49%

The poverty simulation enabled student workers and school faculty alike to gain a personal perception of what their friends and students may be going through in their daily lives.

“The poverty simulation brought something out in me, and I realized now what I couldn’t understand a few years ago,” AVID teacher Tami Dudo said. “It didn’t dawn on me that in some scenarios, if a parent has to take off of work to come pick up their child from school when sick, the parent could lose their job and then money is not being brought in.”

Witnessing his aunt’s murder at a young age, having to give up his love of track and being told he wasn’t worth anything by his father, recent Consol graduate and AVID participant, Charles Franklin, shared his background with the teachers at the poverty simulation.

“My advice to students living with similar circumstances would be to keep your head up and not get discouraged about whatever is going on because it can always get better,” Franklin said.

Franklin is now attending college at Huston Tillotson University with the help of financial aid due to his income status.

The administrative staff at Central Office plan to keep the issue of poverty ever present by continuing to ask questions at principal meetings to see how their campus faculties are addressing the poverty simulation.

“I just hope that this makes us all think about our kids out there,” Hester said. Not just to teach and worry about the curriculum, but to build relationships with all students, those living in poverty and those who are not.”

Poverty Percentages at Consol 13.5

2000

14.2

2001

14.9

2002

16.7

2003

15.8

2004

18.1

2005

Percent

21.2

2006 2007

21.8

2008

22.2

2009

23.6

2010

23.6 0

7.5

15

22.5

30

Source: Director of Student Services Chrissy Hester

Read the next issue of The Roar Oct. 29!

the roar | viewpoints | 5

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Teen endeavors to excel at national exam

I stared at the three two-digit numbers that blazed at me from the top of the score report, and then shifted my gaze to the simple, three digit number on the right.

At that moment, my entire brain focused only on that tiny, seemingly insignificant asterisk that innocently dotted the side of the three-digit number. One of the most gut-wrenching days ever? Definitely. Worse (or better, depending on how you look at it)—I was only a sophomore.

On the day PSAT scores are returned, many students face either anticipation or dread.

For some students, making a reasonable score guarantees them a commendation from their parents, who reward them with some small gift for doing so well. Others may not care at all, and merely stuff their score results though there into their is nothing backpacks, wrong with not leaving being deemed a t h e m National Merit scholar, untouched it is an achievement that for months. Some parents shouldn’t be taken lightly. don’t even realize these This driving force is the one that has score reports have gone out until me guiltily taking a practice test much later. However, for a certain percentage of Art by Morgan Murphy in the secret, early hours of the the school, this day brings an ultimatum, the day morning after a lecture, or quietly when they go home, and the first word their parent says closing Facebook to go dig up a test prep book. is “Well?”

So, this year, on Oct.13, I’m going to try and wipe Guess which category I fall into? out that asterisk. I’ll do it not for my parents, not for my Trying to embody the “Asian” racial stereotype is future—I’ll do it for me, to show myself that I can really not my goal, but I definitely realize that my parents care do this, that I can prove to myself that I can achieve my about my achieving a score of at least 215, the usual cut- wishes. Wish me luck on testing day—and make sure I’m off for National Merit recognition in the state of Texas. not asleep.

Being deemed a National Merit scholar means that your Amy is the Opinions Editor for the Roar. If you score is among the top 3% of all the PSAT scores in the would like to compare the number of times you’ve fallen nation, and guarantees acknowledgement, possibly in the asleep on your PSAT test prep book, contact her at the. form of scholarships. If your score report comes back to roar.zhang@gmail.com.

The Roar 2010-2011 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Dini Susanto Managing Editor: Alejandra Oliva Executive Editor: Alex Hall Senior Editor: Emily Nelson Photography Editor: Becca Gamache Opinions Editor: Amy Zhang News Editor: Alina Dattagupta Features Editor: Faria Akram Sports Editor: Anna Huff Entertainment Editor: Kate Williams Assistant Opinions Editor: Katy Massey Assistant Editor: Abigayle English Staff Reporters: Kimmie Cessna, Elena Edwards, Anne Finch, Kendra Spaw Graphic Artist: Morgan Murphy Faculty Adviser: Courtney Wellmann Assistant Adviser: Mike Williams

The Roar Editorial Board Dini Susanto- Editor in Chief Alejandra Oliva- Managing Editor Amy Zhang- Opinions Editor

The Advanced Journalism class at A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, 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 editorin-chief, managing editor and opinions editor.

The Roar is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), the National Scholatsic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). The Roar is a winner of the CSPA Gold Crown, the ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit in 1997, 1998 and 2000-2010, the CSPA Gold Medal Award in 2003-2010, the NSPA All-American distinction and the ILPC Bronze Star in 2005 and the Silver Star in 2007-2010.

College Station Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services.

Glynn Walker, 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. Catherine George, 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.

Students should not abuse new cellphone, electronics privilege In the spring, Student Council members visited advocate classes for Raise Student Voice and Participation (RSVP) program and asked us to share our input on changes we would like to see at Consol. After concluding that the our biggest concern involves cell phone usage, Student Council executives and the administration developed the new policy allowing students to use cell phones and other electronic devices during lunch. We all need to remember that this benefit is a privilege and not a right, so we should keep our electronic devices in our bags while classes are in session.

As high school students, we want to be perceived as adults. We want our opinions to matter. We want our thoughts to be ideas that can change something— anything—and a couple of thousand students is a great place to start. The administration has proven to us that what we say does matter, and we don’t want them to stop here.

According to assistant principal Scott Martindale, a noticeable decline in the amount of confiscated cell phones is a possible positive effect of the newly adapted policy. Whether or not these factors are actually correlated or mere coincidence, Martindale said that as long as students comply with the regulation, the administration plans to keep the policy and will most likely agree to allow Student Council to continue its RSVP program and make future changes that fit students’ needs. He added that the administration is interested in student feedback and is open to reasonable proposals.

The fact that the administration has agreed to truly listen to our voice and take action in accordance with our gathered opinions is remarkable in itself. In addition to that, we have earned an opportunity that thousands of other schools do not have. With great liberty comes great responsibility, and we should appreciate and respect the efforts that our Student Council and administration have made to listen to us by refraining from using electronic devices at any time during school hours aside from lunch.

CONTACT US

amyzhang

you with an asterisk adorning the side of it, it merely means that you didn’t meet the requirements for the National Merit program. Since only juniors are able to qualify for the program, my score as a sophomore would have had an asterisk adorning it no matter what (since I was a sophomore), but the fact that I hadn’t achieved that priceless 215 worried my parents greatly. When the anxiety reaches its peak, a sternly given lecture explodes out in my home, where points such as “This can mean a lot for your future” and “Do you realize that this is your last chance? There’s no retake!” are loudly discussed.

I know that my parents are only apprehensive about what I could be doing to my future, but sadly, I’m a lazy high school student who does not enjoy poring over tomes of SAT practice exams until dark bags have been amply stocked under my eyes.

However, there’s that small, but burning part of me that wants to study, that wants to do well—not only for my parents to obtain Asian-parent-bragging-rights, but for my own benefit. I know that if I can qualify to be a National Merit scholar, I will be able to apply for scholarships that will save my parents money in the long-run, and also add the esteemed label onto college applications.

Even

If you would like for your opinions to be read, contact the editorial board by sending your letter to the editor. Review our policy for letters before submitting.

E-MAIL the.roar@ymail.com

6 | viewpoints | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Senior shares personal parking lot woes

W hat specia do you want l song at the Home to hear Dance next wcoming eek?

“Billionaire, by Travie McCoy, because it motivates me to work hard in school.”

-Brian Hong, freshman “Your Love is My Drug, by Ke$ha , because it’s the first song I danced to with my brother at my quinceañera!”

-Isabel Drukker, sophomore e we’re “2012, by Jay Sean, becaus best the 1220 s gonna party like it’ graduating class ever!”

-Eboni Daniels, junior “Castles Made of Sand, by Jimmy Hendrix, because I wish I was Jimmy Hendrix! ...No, I don’t. He’s dead.”

-Kayla Allison, senior “Stairway to Heaven, by Led Zeppelin, because it was the song my boyfriend played to me on the guitar when I was 16.”

-Kristen Jones, Chemistry teacher

not too sure about it is effectiveness other than endangering the students and cars of the school. I understand it helps to prevent truancy during the school day as well as ensuring the safety of students during the school day, but only having two gates open in the morning with hundreds of cars rushing into them is a bit crazy. Imagine water pouring into a funnel.

Increase the amount of water and rate the water enters the funnel. Instead of funneling the water, the water overflows creating a mess. Replace the funnel with our gates, and the water with the cars of the student body. That is our school parking lot.

My morning starts at 6:45 a.m. I prepare for the day, Turning the tennis court parking lot into staff parking pack my lunch and then leave my house in Pebble Creek only doesn’t make things any easier. I parked there everyday around 7:30 a.m. My morning drive to the school is a last year and enjoyed the warm feeling of relaxing but groggy 20 minutes of knowing that my car was perfectly safe and repetitive streetlights, a constant away from the rest of the student body. flow of traffic and listening to My warm feeling evaporated the second Coldplay or Civil Twilight. day of school when I received a note That is, until I drive into on my windshield claiming I would be the vicinity of the school ticketed the next time I parked there. parking lots.

Now my car is lost in the sea of That’s when all students who just received their chaos hits, and I’m license a few days previously forced to wake up and students who think they faster than I would and their cars are invincible. like. Pedestrians cross That warm feeling is definitely the street on their gone. imaginary crosswalks, Maybe I’m over tagging them as exaggerating a bit. Maybe I jaywalkers or roadget to school at the busiest kill. Pressing the time in the morning, or gas pedal on my car maybe I am perfectly is a death wish. The right. Something needs to slightest acceleration could Art by Morgan Murphy change, whether it be opening all result in rear-ending someone. However, using the of the gates, or people paying a little more attention brakes isn’t the safest idea either. Upon pressing them, I risk when driving around the school. I want that warm feeling a rear-ending by the half-asleep student who impatiently of security back. waits close behind me to get into the same parking lot as Becca is the Photography Editor for the Roar. If you well. would like to fume about your own parking predicaments, The gate system put into effect this year… well… I’m contact her at the.roar.gamache@gmail.com.

beccagamache

word on the street

By Morgan Murphy

Death Sentence

How much did you spend on back-toschool clothing this year?

$0 - $25 $25 - $50 $50 - $75 $75+

751 students surveyed

the roar | viewpoints | 7

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Technology creates barriers in personal relations katewilliams I sat silently, looking down at a bright blue screen with my fingers moving faster and faster as they touched small buttons on my keyboard. For a second, I looked up, only to find every person around me doing the exact same thing. We were all guilty of texting at the same time, while we were together in a group. It was like everyone was wishing they were with someone else, doing something else. Whether it was the cliché “what’s up,” or a conversation about nothing important that had been continued through out several days, everyone’s fingers were moving ever so gently along small electronic devices like their life depended upon them.

It is so easy to communicate with people now electronically through texting, through Facebook and twitter. Now-a -days it’s unheard of to lack a cell phone or Facebook. It has become the way we socialize with people. Our society as teens is through technology. When before all of these things existed, quality time with others was how people got to know one another or spent what people their free time doing. Texting is a quick and easy way to communicate, but I see more and more relationships and friendships that revolve around texting take a turn for the worst than ones that consist of spending quality time together. Texting has become a much too vital ingredient to

our society.

I wonder how hangouts would be different if everyone turned off his or her phone for an hour and gave their thumbs a break.

Relationships can dramatically change among friends or couples through a single text message.

Several disagreements and fights could be averted, and simple and sweet text messages would mean so much more if said face-to-face. I feel like the most important issues should be handled through a conversation in person rather than a text message.

I am just as guilty as the next high school student of this social crime, but I have commenced to stop texting while I’m with other people and started to enjoy the company around me. Spending a couple of hours with someone and having a deep and personal

Art by Morgan Murphy

conversation is hard to come by when you’re constantly texting. Instead of texting a friend for three hours straight, I offer to hang out in person and go do something together. Quality time is the key to a good friendship, not a string of several short meaningless messages.

It’s much more difficult to show feeling to someone through a keyboard, when it could be said to the other persons face or even through natural facial expressions. I have realized how much happier I am when I am laughing with someone in person, instead of texting “lol.”

Yes, texting is time filling and fun, but I believe it’s quality time that makes a relationship prosper and grow. I have started setting my phone down when I am with a friend, so they too don’t feel the pressure to text.

We make our memories in person instead of through a cell phone. We talk more, we laugh more and enjoy ourselves without needing our phones in hand.

Kate is the Entertainment Editor for the Roar. If you would like to tell her how much better your fingers feel after taking a break from texting, contact her at the.roar.williams@gmail.com.

speak out Discussion Board Each issue, students can submit responses to The Roar’s Speak Out forum. These questions will be posted on Facebook.

Question Question What do you think about the new school policies?

Nathan Smith, sophomore I like the cellphones/electronics, but the gates, tardy policy, infractions policy and new names for daily and major grades are all unnecessary.

Shadman Iqbal, junior I understand being strict about policies and enforcing them, but the infractions policy just seems too strict. It seems as if it only makes it easier for people who are clueless, rather than wanting to do a bad deed, to get into trouble.

Katie Hirsch, senior The restroom policy where you can only go during the last 10 minutes of class is ridiculous. If you gotta go, you gotta go!

Zach Wu, senior The new school policies are entirely too rigid. From “sweeping” hallways to not being able to hug, enforced restrictions have definitely changed my attitude towards school. It might be because I’m a senior, but school isn’t the open learning environment it used to be.

Add your opinion: Friend Roar Newspaper on Facebook.

8| viewpoints | the roar

{

friday, sept. 24, 2010

}

opposing viewpoints Should spice be banned at the state level?

YES

NO

by Emily Nelson, Senior Editor

by Alejandra Oliva, Managing Editor

While it’s too late for Bryan-College Station, the state still has the opportunity to keep K2, an artificial cannabinoid, legal. While the legalization of marijuana is coming to ballot boxes in many states, most notably California, Texas seems to be one of the states taking steps backwards, striving to control “soft drugs”. The “war on drugs” already consumes countless resources, from jail cells to law enforcement officers and dollars, but the addition of new drugs under the umbrella of illegality will only grow that number, even as Americans collectively partake in other forms of recreational drug use, from alcohol to Aderall.

The basic realization each of these states is coming to is not only that the federal, or even the state government, has no right to intrude into what adult indivudual citizens choose to do in the privacy of their own homes, but that their respective states have more control over the substances they want to regulate if they keep them legalized. Not only that, but in times of such financial distress, even a small sin tax could raise state budgets, while saving police forces and prison systems money.

In the end, though, what it comes down to is not a fiscal, or even a constitutional matter, but the reason the governments purport banning these substances: to control them. By illegalizing K2, the state would not magically rid the state of Texas of all traces of false cannabinoids. Instead, it would drive the market for it underground. Instead of regulating who buys the drugs, the unintended consequence of the K2 ban would be to put the drug (and the funds from its sales) into the hands of criminals with no scruples as to who buys it. This means that its sale would not be restricted to adults, but like other illegal drugs, including marijuana, it would be even more readily available to underage consumers. So unless the Texas State Senate wants to work against their own objectives, they should take a long, hard look at the consequences of any drug ban.

The drug K2, better known as Spice, was created

by Clemson University researchers to develop synthetic cannabinoids in an effort to create therapeutic drugs.

However, the mixture has been proven to have effects similar to THC, the key ingredient in marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. This new synthetic drug has recently been banned in College Station, as well as in other Texas cities; however, it has not been made illegal at the state level. In cities where it is not banned, students have easy access to Spice at convenience stores, so police officers have had a harder time keeping it out of the possession of minors. When smoked or inhaled, the drug can be hazardous, causing hallucinations, delusions and minor blackouts. Side effects also include pale skin, vomiting, tremors, seizures and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Containing the same chemicals as marijuana and carrying an even more dangerous effect, K2 should not remain legal. The fact that it is legal while marijuana is not reveals the absurdity of the legislators in regards to this matter.

Students should not be taking in harmful chemicals that lessen their chances of excelling in academics and diminish any sliver of a chance they may have at a higher education.

It is a failure on the government’s part to still have Spice as a legal substance in some cities, but it is an even greater disappointment to have fellow students fall prey to this idiocy.

Banning the drug at the state level would prove beneficial to students and would help to promote a healthier lifestyle and would help stop the temptation of this substance.

The Roar conducted a survey on Spice. Here are the results.

If it were banned at the state level, would you still use Spice?

YES (72%) According to the Roar survey of 110 students, approximately 1 out of 10 people have tried Spice.

Legal Option (55%)

NO (28%)

Friends (45%)

Do you still use Spice even though it has been banned in Bryan/College Station?

YES (55%)

What was your reason for trying Spice?

NO (45%)

“

There’s also a big stigma with smoking spice, like a lot of weed-smokers would say that it’s the [wussy] thing to do, I guess since it’s lighter and the high doesn’t last as long.

”

-ANONYMOUS

110 students surveyed

the roar | snapshots | 9

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Biker Boys Sophomores weave past driving age with two wheels story by elena edwards photography by becca gamache 1)

4)

2)

3)

1)Sophomore motorcyclist Wesley Remschel waits on his bike to meet sophomore motorcyclist Alex Becker after school. Remschel started riding his motorcycle in August 2010.

2)Becker exits the student parking lot after school. He selected his bike because it is “blue and awesome,” he said. 3)Remschel said it is extremely important to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle. Both Becker and Remshchel have been in one wreck.

4) Becker waits for after-school traffic to clear the parking lot before preparing to leave for home. By receiving his motorcycle license, Becker is able to drive to and from school as a 15-yearold, one year earlier than most drivers.

H

igh school students look forward to getting their driver’s licenses, but not every student winds up driving a car. Some choose to get a motorcycle instead for the low fuel cost, the convenience and low maintenance, or the fun and freedom.

“The best thing [about having a motorcycle] is that I can go wherever I want to go, and I get about 60-70 miles a gallon,” sophomore Wesley Remschel said, “I also get to drive before my friends. It feels great, [because] I can rub it in their faces…which I do all the time.”

Both Remschel and sophomore Alex Becker, who also owns a motorcycle, like the idea of being on the road before their friends.

It is possible to get a motorcycle license at the age of 15 in Texas, which is a year earlier than the age to earn a driver’s license. This alone attracts many who want the freedom of self transportation.

According to Remschel, who recently received his motorcycle license, the test consists of various maneuvers and obstacles.

“At one point they laid down a wooden plank, and I had to stand on my bike and ride over it,” Remschel said.

This freedom also worries their parents.

“I’m excited that he can share this interest with his dad and older brother but I worry about

other drivers not paying attention,” said Becker’s mom Chrystal Becker.

While motorcycles offer great financial and transportation freedom, they can be dangerous.

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety study, nearly 75% of motorcycle accidents involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, while the remaining 25% are single motorcycle accidents. Becker has already had his first mishap.

“I wasn’t paying attention. I was going like 40 mph and the road turned but I didn’t. I didn’t get hurt, [but] my bike did.”

The boys themselves agree that driving motorcycles can have their downfalls as well.

“I have to really think about what I’m doing while I’m driving,” Remschel said, “[Sometimes] I’d rather just drive a car and not have to worry about everything and all of the controls.”

Becker agrees.

“The worst is when it’s raining. It’s scary, and [one time] I thought I was going to crash over and over again. I also learned to put my helmet cover down, because I got a bug in my face once.”

However, even with a few downfalls, these sophomore boys both love cruising on their bikes, a unique choice of transportation.

ROgrow M

10 | student

life | the roar

to

BY KATY MASSEY assistant opinions editor

F

friday, sept. 24

T w in

““[That poster] is a collect and quotes made by form means a lot because it [says

luorescent lights shine overhead and the clock ticks away monotonously, the minutes drifting endlessly by as students fidget in their desks. With its standard white walls and harsh lighting, classrooms are often viewed as dismal and negative places. Clash-

ing décor and inconsistent elements of design often make these rooms an uncomfortable place to spend fifty minutes in. However, some teachers have learned to contribute their own decorative style to their classrooms, creating an inviting and enjoyable place of learning and growth.

English teacher a

“It’s simple. It’s dogs pla a velvet canvas. It was a Mexico, which I find really

economics and U.S

ROOM G1280 JASON PRATT

W

hile most teachers conform to the schoolissued classroom design featuring four walls and fluorescent lighting, economics and U.S. history teacher Jason Pratt takes the concept of the classroom to new heights. Miscellaneous objects line Pratt’s desk, each contributing its own purpose to the room. Some may view this

setup as unconventional and distracting, but Pratt views it as breaking away from the norm.

“A classroom doesn’t have to be this oppressive and boring [environment],” Pratt said. “I make it look like what I want to be in.”

A distict feature of Pratt’s classroom is the “riser,” or the portion of the classroom that appears like

desks resting on top of a stage. He admits that the riser is his favorite part of the classroom because he is “able to spy on students in the back row.”

The unexpected decorative scheme not only breaks away from the expected, it creates an inviting space that students are willing to spend their class time in.

“It leaves a lasting imp

showcases [the students’]

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Teachers reflect personal styles while inspiring sense of comfort in learning environments

r] is a collection of poems made by former students. It ecause it [says] ‘thank you.’”

Ryan Goodwyn glish teacher and swim coach

ROOM E2144 RYAN GOODWYN

F

rom its dim lighting to the couch nestled in the corner, coach Ryan Goodwyn’s room looks and feels more like a living room than a place of learning. However, the desks are lined up neatly--faithful to a traditional classroom layout--facing the white board positioned behind a podium covered with a red, white and black Native

American blanket. Posters of musicians and athletes along with pieces of artwork cover the walls.

The lamps placed in almost every corner create a relaxing atmosphere, as if enticing students to feel at home. In fact, the “at home” feeling is exactly what Goodwyn hopes to replicate.

“I’ve tried to make this be a room that I’d want

to spend time in,” Goodwyn said. “I think it helps the [students] feel like they know me and my personality. When they walk in, they are able to get a sense of who I am and what my interests are.”

The combination of classroom elements and decorative features creates a semblance of the familiarity of home.

takes the form of Bevans’s artistic domain, showcasing former students’ artwork and allowing current art students to freely express themselves in the large, airy classroom.

“There is nothing more intimidating than a blank, white sheet of paper,” Bevans said. “So, it’s my job to give them a [starting point]. I want them

to feel comfortable [in the classroom]. I don’t want them to feel scared to make a mark on the paper.”

Once a forgotten space, Bevans’ classroom has drastically defied the definition of a normal classroom. Vast, yet comfortable, it combines the most contrasting elements to weave them together into one unified center of creativity.

It’s dogs playing pool on vas. It was also bought in h I find really funny.”

Jason Pratt omics and U.S. history teacher

ROOM G1308 JAMI BEVANS

lasting impression and

he students’] artwork.”

Jami Bevans art teacher

I

ndustrial qualities combined with rugged and artistic elements is only one phrase that adequately describes Jami Bevans’s classroom.

The AP Art IV teacher inherited the classroom, which has transformed over the past 25 years.: from the welding shop to the first Venture Center and lastly, the Special Education room. Now, it

12 | people | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Falling Into Fashion

Economize during the fall fashion season without emptying the piggy bank

By Alex Hall Executive Editor

Girl’s Outfit

Boy’s Outfit

“Before I worked at a resale shop, I always went to the mall to buy my clothes. Now I shop at every resale shop instead.”

- Kelsey Christensen Resale&More Manager

“I don’t think of myself a fashionista.

I look for the basics, wear solid colors and don’t look to advertise by my clothes.”

- junior Kent Juliff

“Avoid instant gratification. It is worth the wait if you can just take a deep breath and wait for it to go on sale.”

-English I PreAP and Reading Teacher, Freda Carraway

“Stick to the classics. Fashion styles go in and out all the time and often brand names aren’t even important. I have a shirt that I bought for $8 from Walmart, and people say it looks like it cost $50. ” -German Teacher Joey Schoener

“Go as green as possible and make your dollars really stretch as far as possible.”

-Plato’s Closet Owner Dawn Fedora

“I try to be comfortable, without looking like a slob.”

-sophomore Ty Thomas

“Belts are great statement pieces and they can pull any outfit together.”

-sophomore Victoria Fazzino

“I find a lot of flannel at Goodwill and vintage tees for only a dollar at Twin City Mission. You just have to look around.”

-senior Ron Moretz

“I ask myself, how will I wear it? How ofter will I wear it? Do I have anything like it already? Is it appropiate?

And, does it look good on me?”

-junior Ali Hert

Girls’ Accesories

Girls Cardigan $15.50 WetSeal, Skinny Jean $29.50 Charlotte Russe, Grey belt $9.50 Charlotte Russe, Slouchy Suede Flat Boots $20.00 Charlotte Russe

Fringe Shoulder Bag $18.00 Walmart, Loop Scarf 15.00 Walmart, Eternity Cuff Bracelet $3.80 Forever 21, Rainbow Hat $8.00 Forever 21

Men’s V-Neck Sweaters $12.99 Target, Streaky Wash Boot Jeans $24.99 Rue 21, Brown Leather Belt $15.00 Old Navy, George Marcus Dress Shoes $20.00 Walmart

“You don’t need a lot of money to have nice clothes.”

-senior Ariq Rahman

Boys’Accesories

Wife Beater Tanks, $10.00 Walmart, Graphic Cadet Hat $10.00 Old Navy, Walmart, Suit Ties $7.00 Walmart, Retro Sunglasses $5.99 Rue 21

the roar | people| 13

friday, sept. 24, 2010

New citizens share experiences of gaining U.S. citizenship we had to wait five years before applying for citizenship.

Within a few months, we began the process of becoming citizens.”

On a December day at the Bryan news Courthouse, editorjunior After receiving her citizenship, Robert’s friends orgaJoanne Koola severed ties with her beloved country in order nized a surprise party for her. to call herself an American citizen.

“Life Skills teacher Mrs. [Lucinda] Thelen and her “It was one of my happiest moments, standing proudly team made my day unforgettable,” Robert said. “The stunext to my family as a U.S. citizen,” she said. dents made cute cards, and the teachers took pictures with Koola, who was born in India, feels that her family’s me and made an album for me. I got so many hugs and move to America, though poignant, benefited them. smiles. I cried tears of happiness to see all the teachers and “The idea of equality and equal opportunity for women students who celebrated my new birth. This was love, great was one of the main reasons my parents decided to move love indeed.” to America with two little Senior and native girls,” Koola said. “Though Canadian Nick Gratton, many people back in India who plans on becoming thought it was a crazy idea, “People who are born in America some- a citizen soon, feels that my parents believed they becoming an American were doing what was best times forget how privileged they are. citizen would be much for our futures, and for that However, people who move to Ameri- less complicated.

I cannot thank them enough.

“It makes getting I know my life today would ca and create a future here realize the a job and leaving the not be the same if I were still huge step it is to become a citizen.” country easier,” he said. living in India.”

“Plus, since I’m a temFor Life- Skills Aide JUNIOR JOANNE KOOLA porary visitor, I have Esther Robert, who was to renew my drivers originally a Kenyan citizen, license twice a year, so becoming an American was a life-long ambition. However, I basically never get my actual card. I almost always have in order to fulfill this dream, she had to complete a long the paper one because by the time the actual one comes in, I process and study in preparation for the required 100-ques- have to go renew it again.” tion test.

Koola feels the most important part of the citizenship “Getting a permanent residency card involves lots of process is the oath. applications, finger printing and payments,” Robert said.

“The oath confirms that during a time of war, the Unit“But when I became eligible to apply for citizenship, it took ed States will be your first priority over all countries, even about three months. After applying, I got an appointment one’s former home country,” she said. “Also, if a draft is isletter for finger printing, after that another letter came with sued, one must be willing to fight for the United States. The an interview date, and after I passed my interview I got an- also oath states that one must follow all United States laws other letter telling me where to go for naturalization, what to and uphold the constitution as well.” wear and how many people to take with me.”

Though she does not feel like a changed woman, Koola Koola, however, went through a different process. feels like she is now truly a part of the country that she has “Since I was only fifteen years old at the time, I was called home for 12 years. still considered a minor and did not have to take the citizen“Becoming a citizen was a huge honor for me,” she ship test, but instead became a citizen through my parents’ said. “People who are born in America sometimes forget naturalization,” she said. “After receiving our Green Card, how privileged they are and take citizenship and freedom in

BY ALINA DATTAGUPTA

news editor

Life Skills Aide Esther Robert receives a magnet during school. Special Education teacher Lucinda Thelen and others threw Robert a party to celebrate her becoming a U.S. citizen. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ESTHER ROBERT

general for granted, because they get it at no cost. However, people who move to America and create a future here realize the huge step it is to become a citizen.”

Studying for Citizenship

Test your knowledge of U.S. government and history with these questions from the citizenship test!

A. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

E. How many United States Senators are there?

B. What is the name of the current Speaker of the House of Representatives?

F.We elect a United States Senator for how many years?

G. Name your state’s two U.S. Senators.

C. What is the supreme law of the land?

D. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

Answers: a.9, b.Nancy Pelosi, c.the Constitution, d. 27, e. 100, f. 6, g. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and John Cornyn, h.435, i.2

s ource:http://uscitizennow.com/q76to100.

H. How many voting members does the House of Representatives have?

14 | people | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Seeing Double Twins reveal inner characteristics of other half

BY AMY ZHANG

opinions editor

A teacher stares intently at one of her students, mouth pursed in confusion. Finally, she gives up, asking “Okay, which one are you?” While it may be irritable for a person to be consistently misidentified, twins in society learn to view this as one of the few negative sides of sharing a birthday with a sibling.

“When you have a twin, you always have someone there,” junior Nick Hoganson said.

“You never feel lonely.”

H o g a n s o n ’s twin, junior Alex Hoganson, though self-described as “shy” and “thoughtful” compared to Nick’s “impulsiveness” and “outgoing personality,” agreed on these sentiments.

“In being a twin, you actually have a sibling who understands you,” Alex Hoganson said. “He won’t give you a hard time because he’s older, or not understand you because he’s younger; you’re the same age, and it works out.”

Juniors Zach and Alex Carstens differentiate from most twins in the fact that they actually don’t know who was born first.

“Whenever we were little, our parents knew who was older,” Zach Carstens said. “However, when we were toddlers, whoever the older one was always bossed the little one around, so they decided not to tell us.”

For Alex, this lack of knowledge doesn’t bother him as much as it used to.

“We’ve never seen our birth certificates, since our parents are the only ones who know,” Alex Carstens said. “It

It It Takes Takes Two Two Photos by Becca Gamache

“Twins make the world go round.”

-sophomore Vilja Jarvi, left

used to be the sole focus of my life to find out, but now I don’t care. It’d only be nice to know because people always ask.”

English teacher Caleb Phillips, a twin amongst three sets of twins in his immediate family (as his older brothers are twins, as well as his dad), thinks that being born second created more of a “follower” instinct in him.

“My sister was born a minute ahead of me and she’s definitely the more dominant personality,” Phillips said.

“I’m more laid-back and reserved compared to her “go-get’em” attitude.”

However, according to sophomores Viivi and Vilja Jarvi, age is not a factor in the dominance of their relationship.

“While I guess I’m more of a leader (and I was born first), we’re so similar that it doesn’t really matter,” Viivi Jarvi said. “We’re both nice to people, yet extremely introverted.”

Vilja agreed, remarking on how music has brought them together.

“Since I play viola, and Viivi plays piano, we duet often,” Vilja Jarvi said. “While I think Viivi’s more musically oriented, music’s a huge part of both our lives, and being twins affects that.”

Commonly, twins can feel a lack of individualism throughout their daily school lives due to the commonness of being known as ‘one of the twins,’ despite many of them not even being identical. While this feeling can become a natural part of life, some twins tend to resent it.

“When we were little, our mother used to dress us alike,” junior Paige Littlefield said. “It got to the point where if Brooke and I came downstairs wearing the same clothes, Brooke would run back upstairs to throw on something different.”

Paige’s twin, junior Brooke Littlefield, clearly wanted to be her own person from a young age.

“Even though we’re similar in many aspects, we’re still our own people,” Brooke Littlefield said.

Alex Hoganson believes most people eventually realize how twins are two individually distinct personas.

“Usually, if teachers try to compare us, they mess up,” Alex Hoganson said. “I haven’t been able to figure out why yet, but they do for some reason.”

Nick agreed, adding that a competitive spirit is naturally ingrained in them anyway.

“We’re competitive basically in life in general,” Nick Hoganson said. “It’s an undertone in our life that’s always

“It’s nice having a tutor on call 24/7. It’s why my class rank is so high.”

-junior Nick Hoganson, left

there, and it makes us strive to be better—the better I do, the better he does.”

However, sharing your life with another person is not always easy. According to most twins, birthdays can become annoying with the arrival of presents.

“Having a twin is kind of like having a Christmas birthday; many people only get you one present,” Phillips said. “While it’s understandable, it was very irritating at times.”

Nick Hoganson agreed vehemently.

“While I get it if people get us one extravagant present, some people get us cheap presents meant for one person. We’re just like, ‘uh, thanks, I’ll cut this in half?’ ” Nick Hoganson said.

Despite this slight downside, being a twin is certainly something that all these pairs cherish. Cara Phillips, fraternal twin of Caleb Phillips, particularly emphasized the deepness of a twin relationship, saying that having a twin is such a blessing.

“I’m so lucky to have him--he’s the most nonjudgmental, honest person I have had the privilege with which to be associated,” Cara Phillips said.

The innate bond between twins can be seen as one of the most special relationships on Earth, one that not many people have the chance to experience.

“You have someone who will always remember and be there for you, and that connection goes deeper than just having a sibling.” Paige Littlefield said.

Brooke agreed, adding on what easily summarizes a twin relationship.

“You have a built-in best friend and someone always there to talk to. What more could you want?”

“Sharing experiences with Cara has been my saving grace.”

-English teacher Caleb Phillips, right

“It’s amazing to have a friend who is there for you 24/7.”

-junior Paige Littlefield, left

the roar | health

friday, sept. 24, 2010

and rec | 15

Lunch-time choices determine nutritutional values

BY KENDRA SPAW

T

staff reporter

he food students eat is vital to their everyday health. The nutrition and protein from lunch can determine the stamina and energy they will have to last them the rest of the day.

“Lunch is unbelievably important,” said Foods 101 teacher Erin Stutts. “A part of it is that it keeps off the afternoon hunger, and if you skip lunch, then all bets are off, and you’re eating whatever with no self control.”

Regulating hunger is a key way to control weight. Students who starve themselves and don’t eat lunch are actually not befitting as much as those who eat more. Studies show that having five small meals a day will help people lose more weight than starving or skipping meals.

“Too many people just pass by the fruit, but if they’d just stick it in their backpack, it would make a great afternoon snack,” Stutts said about stabilizing hunger with healthy snacks throughout the day.

Both Stutts, and Diane Dahm, the director of the Child Nutrition Services, emphasize that students should be getting five to nine servings of fruits and vegetable each day. A small banana or apple during the day can provide the protein and vitamins the body needs. Some sort of vegetable with every meal is good and also easy to do, they said.

When it comes to every meal, Dahm suggests that “an apple can complement breakfast, celery sticks or carrots can be added for lunch, and broccoli or a small salad can go with dinner.”

Also she commented on the amount of bad foods students consume.

“Eating foods that contain empty calories and are high in fat and sugar such as doughnuts, sodas, chips and candies are bad for bodily health, yet people usually eat or drink at least one of these each day,” she said.

Variety helps students make good choices.

“We have a total of ten lines and eating pizza every day is bad for you and just silly. Try eating pizza one day, a sub sandwich the next, maybe a salad the next day, to avoid eating the same unhealthy food each day,” Dahm said.

According to the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy, “no food item can exceed 28 grams of fat at any time,” so even the pizza the cafeteria provides get from Pizza Hut fits these requirements.

Those who bring their lunches also need variety, “when bringing a lunch to school, it is wise to have a whole grain sandwich or wrap containing a lean meat, low fat cheese or peanut butter, with a protein source such as almonds or a banana, some sort of vegetable or fruit and preferably an unsweetened beverage,” she said.

Overall, creating a good lunch is all about the choices.

“Any line can be healthy,” Dahm said.

Packing your lunch?

A

Here are some helpful guidelines:

Make sure to have whole wheat bread.

B

Always keep hydrated to keep your muscles from cramping and to make up for the water lost throughout the day.

B.

C

Fruit is an easy and healthy snack packed with antioxidants.

D

Crackers are a good source of carbohydrates that provide needed energy.

D.

E.

E

Pack a wholesome granola bar for a snack late in the day.

A.

C.

Photos by Becca Gamache

What do you normally eat for lunch?

Diane Dahm

Director of Child Nutrition

“I usually eat school lunches. I skip from school to school for lunch, visiting the high school one third of the time. The hummus plate is one of my favorite meals.”

Sonia Moore

Cafeteria Manager

“I eat here every day for lunch.

I eat different things each day because there are so many lines.

I really like the chicken fried steak and chicken nuggets.”

Erin Stutts

Foods 101 teacher

“I usually bring my lunch. Today I have left over fish tacos I cooked last night topped with garlic and black beans and peppers. ”

16 | sports | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Football position highlights

Roar features key football players to watch on the field

BY KIMMIE CESSNA

T

staff reporter

he Tigers have 72 players on their varsity team. The Roar is highlighting seven key players identified by the coaches.

“Key players are really difference makers on the team,” Head coach Jim Slaughter said.

Slaughter adds that difference makers exhibit leadership qualities on the team.

“To keep [the team] on their game, they work hard, try to keep injury free and stay in shape to play well,” Slaughter said.

#37 QUINTON WHITE

Position:Defensive Line Grade:12 What is a personal goal for you as a football player?

Play in college and turn pro.

What is one of your best achievements in football?

Making varsity my sophomore year.

What is one challenge you have faced and overcome?

I had an injury to my shoulder, which involved rehabilitation during my junior year.

Position:Running Back Grade: 11 What are some pre-game rituals you have?

Listening to my IPod and getting in the zone.

At what age did you start playing football?

I was in the seventh grade. All of my friends were doing it, so I gave it a try.

What advice would you give to younger kids who want to pursue football and excel?

Listen to your coaches, don’t have an attitude and always say “yes, sir.”

#1 JACOB BROWNOWSKI

#61 DALTON DOWNEY

#5 CHRIS CAEZAR Position:Defensive Line Grade:12 What is your favorite part about football games?

My favorite part is being with the team on the field, fans and hitting people.

What do you like best about your position?

You have to be skilled when covering a receiver, not letting them catch the ball.

What is one challenge you have faced and overcame?

I had two knee surgeries during my sophomore and junior years.

Position:Offensive Line Grade:12 What is one quality you think it takes to play your position?

Toughness. You must be big, tough, as well as mentally tough. You must be able to read defenses.

What is a personal goal for you as a football player?

Go deep in the playoffs, winning at least a couple of rounds.

What is one thing you have learned from a coach while playing football and who?

“Tough people win close games,” from Head Coach Jim Slaughter.

Position: Quarterback Grade:11 What do you like best about your position? I have to take the football, lead the team and execute what the coaches tell us to do to get the job done.

What are some qualities you think it takes to play your position? Being positive, staying healthy and never accepting defeat.

Who is/was your role model for football and why? My role model is Drew Brees. He is a hard worker andcares about other people more than himself.

#44 CLINTON BANKS #99 JJ BYNUM

Position:Running Back Grade:12 What is a challenge you have faced and overcome?

My junior year I hurt my knee and thought it was going to be a season-ending injury, but I came back by the start of the season.

Who is your role model for football?

My role model for football is Mark Ingram because “he doesn’t like to be tackled, and I don’t like to be tackled.”

#35 CARSON KIESCHNICK

a QUICK

Position:Defensive Line Grade:11 What is on quality you think it takes to play your position?

Have to be fat.

What do you think makes a good football player like yourself, and how do you try to stay on top?

It takes determination, hard work and the desire to win.

Is there anything else you have gotten from football?

Football is important. I have had many coaches help me along the way. “I appreciate Frash (Coach Frashure) for making me become faster and stronger.”

look at the season: VARSITY

Upcoming Games:

Top Scorers:

Sept. 24- Temple

Chris Nutall

Oct. 1- Killeen Ellison

Clinton Banks

Oct. 8- Bryan

Quinton White

Oct.15-Copperas Cove

Interceptions:

Oct. 22-Harker Heights Marcel Mickens Oct. 29-Belton

Carson Kieschnick

JUNIOR VARSITY Silver (1-2) Maroon (1-2)

Photos by Becca Gamache and Dini Susanto

the roar | sports | 17

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Serving the Ball

Varsity Volleyball

Volleyball players utilize team chemistry

BY KATE WILLIAMS

entertainment editor

Sweat drips, the ball is tipped, silence falls, the other team crawls, and it is “point tigers” for the A&M Consolidated Volleyball team. The varsity volleyball team works together for every win.

Coach McMillan believes the players need to stay focused on and off the court.

“Our motto this year is ‘Protect this house’,” McMillan said, “that means [take care of] the court, our bodies, our families, teammates, everything.”

Coach McMillian believes there is nothing in volleyball that can be done individually.

“Each player is kind of like a puzzle piece,” McMillan said.

“It’s a matter of building on our strengths and working on our weaknesses, to make the puzzle fit together. I like to see players grow, whether it’s emotionally, spiritually or academically.”

Junior Casey Shomaker prepares to serve the ball to Bryan High on Sept. 14. She has been on varsity since freshman year. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Next Game: Friday, Sep. 24, against Temple at 6:30 p.m.

Team Results: 4-0 district record 45 straight district wins Top Scorers: Senior Erika Arthur Senior Julie Westerbur Junior Jaclyn Robby Junior Casey Shomaker: “It’s great playing with teammates that are friends on and off the court. We have great team chemistry and have a lot of fun together.”

Senior Erika Arthur: I like being a senior and being able to lead the team.”

Senior Julie Westerbur spikes the ball over the net to score a point against Bryan High during Tuesday’s game on Sept. 14.

Consol won the game 25-22. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Junior Varsity Next Game: Friday, Sept. 24, against Temple at 5:30 p.m.

junior varsity and freshman volleyball

Junior captain Casey Shomaker feels that the team gets along exceptionally well.

“I like the fact that competing on the court goes along with great friendships,” Shomaker said. “We get to be competitive when we’re on the court, but at the end of the day we all respect each other for the hard work we put into becoming a better team.”

Playing volleyball for six years, Casey has watched relationships grow through volleyball.

“We have great team chemistry, mainly because we have grown up playing volleyball together,” Shomaker said.

Before games, the players enjoy dancing to music to get pumped up for the match.

“We like to make our own versions of the Cupid Shuffle,” Shomaker said, “like the cowboys cupid shuffle.”

The girls have experienced more than just games together this season.

“We went to Schlitterbahn for half a day once, and were even taken on a ‘secret trip’ with Coach Mac to a ropes course,” Shoemaker said. “It was great hearing everyone cheer each other on and support each other in something completely different than volleyball.”

The Varsity also has team dinners every week.

“We normally go to a different house every week, to eat a great home cooked meal made by the parent,” Shomaker said. “We tell jokes and just have fun.”

Varsity teams’ morale boosting win was during the tournament in New Braunfels, Texas during the pre-season “In the tournament, we took second against Austin Westlake, who is currently ranked the number one 5A school in the state,” Shomaker said, “We have never placed that well in that tournament before, so it was definitely exciting to see our team in synch and playing so well.”

Although the fall is the high school volleyball season, several of the girls play together all year to keep improving their skills and building their relationships as a team.

“For volleyball we have a club season, which is a year round commitment,” varsity captain Erika Arthur said. “Almost everyone on the varsity team is involved in club volleyball, making us very committed.”

As captain, Arthur takes on the responsibility of being the leader of the team, making sure everyone is on the same page she said.

“I have to update [the team] to keep them informed,” Arthur said, “and keep the team together when were down and get them back to the level we can play.”

As the team continues to play throughout the season, the players feel they need to be more consistent with each other on the court.

“We need to work on not going up and down like a rollercoaster when it comes to playing,” Arthur said. “We need to stay on the up and go from there.”

Shomaker believes that the team has a great season ahead of them.

“Our team works so well together,” said Shomaker. “we work harder and harder everyday in practice so that we can reach our full potential.”

Freshman Team Results: 4-0 in district

Junior Kendall Pye: “We have a really fun team, get along great and really clicked this year.”

Next Game: Tuesday, Sept. 21, against Temple at 5:30 p.m.

Team Results: 4-0 in district

Freshman Hannah Friedman: “We love the character and personality of our team and how we work together to achieve our goals.”

the roar | entertainment | 18

friday, sept. 24, 2010

The Roar Reviews:

Upcoming fall season of shows depict teenage lifestyles Glee Review by Faria Akram, Features Editor Honestly, this show did not catch my eye when it first appeared in the early summer of 2009, but as I began watching, from the pilot to “Hairography” to “Ballad”, I found myself in a rush of excitement. With its witty, fresh humor and diverse range of well-developed characters, Glee was an exceptional diversion from the standard slapstick humor of most

comedy shows. Also, possibly the best part of the show, the characters sing. And they are not a copy of High School Musical either; “New Directions”, as they are called, are unique with their own songs and personal styles of singing. Additionally, Glee is set in a high school setting and includes issues that teens have to deal with today from sexual

insecurity to teen pregnancy to the desires of overachievement. For those of you who have been sadly deprived of this excellent show so far, there is no need to worry. The second season of Glee began on September 21st and will be continuing every Tuesday on Fox at 7:00 p.m.

Source: www.shockya.com

Friday Night Lights Review by Anna Huff, Sports Editor The hit television show Friday Night Lights is based on a book and movie by the same name. It airs weeknights at 5 p.m. on ABC Family. Set in the small town of Dillon, Texas, the Panthers Football team is everything. The show does a good job of letting viewers see how stressful coaching can be by the character Eric Taylor, who is

played by Kyle Chandler. Many episodes center on the difficulties Eric faces, such as uniting an indifferent team. All the drama and problems that are thrown at the students make the show suspenseful, like Lance and Vince both liking Jess. I loved being able to relate to some of the situations but found it almost too dramatic at times, like when

Luke and Lance are bickering. The story is so realistic it makes the characters in them seem like actual people and not just actors.

It is also calming to have a nice resolution to the problems by the end of the episode.

This show is a good way to show real life problems that students face.

Source: www.impawrds.com

Pretty Little Liars Review by Alina Dattaguppta, News Editor Secrets take on a whole new meaning on the latest summer hit show Pretty Little Liars. Centered on the murder of the town’s “It Girl” named Allison, the show follows her four friends, who each have hidden secrets, and the threats they receive from a mysterious person claiming

to be “A.” As “A” constantly threatens to reveal each of the girls’ secrets, still the girls stand together to find the murderer of their beloved friend as well as the identity of “A”. Additionally they must face their own pressures in their lives while being constantly interrogated for the murder.

Along the way the girls begin to reform formerly mangled relationships and begin to unfold the dark truths of what was once an innocent town. Filled with suspense, romance, heartbreak and gut-wrenching surprises, this show is a must see on Tuesday nights on ABC family at 7:00 p.m.

Source: watchprettylittleliarsstream.blogspot.com

Seasonal Senses For The Month of October Taste pumpkin seeds

Rinse pumpkin seeds with cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet.

Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 until toasted, for 25 minutes. Let seeds cool and store in an air-tight container.

Dunk for apples

All you need is a tub to hold the water, a couple of apples and a strong pair of teeth. Players can also match up specific prizes for different “teeth marks.”

Hear music at ACL

The Austin City Limits Music Festival, Oct. 8-10 at Zilker Park in Austin, includes The Eagles, Muse, The Strokes, The Flaming Lips, Vampire Weekend,and Pete Yorn.

See actors at Ren Fest

The Texas Renaissance Festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 9 thru Nov. 28 in Plantersville.

The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at dusk. Tickets are $23.00.

Smell popcorn

Wright’s Amuesement park is clean, modern and has several rides that will hang you upside down. The carnival is set up in the Post Oak Mall parking lot and dates for events are to be announced.

Compiled by Alex Hall, Executive Editor

19 | entertainment | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Get the scoop on Tiger spirit Consol Homecoming traditions

Spirit Night

By Anna Huff, Sports Editor

Directly following the carnival, students are led by the band into Tiger Stadium.

“The Belles perform an elite kick routine called Tiger line every year,” social officer Tayler Slocum said.

At the end of spirit night, the seniors race to the field for the lighting of the torch.

A

long with the usual traditions, Homecoming takes the school to a new spiritual level. From the hometown triumphs in football, to the announcement of the King and Queen at the dance, homecoming is a major event of the fall semester.

The Dance Seniors Hallie Shafer, Elena Urbina, Leah Villareal and Cameron Lovas dress 80’s to support the Tigers. The students strut their class chant during a pep rally to get ready for the big game on Sept. 3. PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO

The morning that follows is the day of the dance. Couples and groups meet up before the dance for pictures and dinner. The dance starts at eight and ends at twelve. The Homecoming King is crowned at the dance where he has the chance to share a dance with his date.

The dance is the end to the week long schedule of spirit and togetherness that makes Homecoming significant.

The Pep Rally All home games are special to the football team because of the support they get from the students at the pep rally. The homecoming pep rally is more unique than the others.

“The girls learn a routine that is very in depth and has a lot more steps than the usual one,” Ferris said.

Many football players get the motivation to try their best from the spirit of the pep rally.

“My favorite part about pep rallies is getting to run through the tunnel when everyone is cheering and the team is the center of attention,” football Senior flag runner Peyton Austin holds the leading Tiger flag. To show his spirit during the first home game, he painted himself player Marcell Mickens said.

in maroon and white for the game against Cy-Woods on Sept. 3.

PHOTO BY EMILY NELSON

How to make a mum Varsity cheerleaders catch the spirt by catching the flyers at the Klein Oak football game on Aug. 27. The girls practice everyday after school to master their skills for game days and pep rallies. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

The Big Game

When kick off comes at 7:30 p.m, all players are suited and ready to play their best.

“My favorite part is Friday night football because I love seeing students get crazy in the stands,” Co-Cheer Captain Ashley Peters said.

At Halftime, the Belles perform. Escorted by their fathers, the duchesses of each class are introduced followed by the crowning of the Queen among one of the five duchesses.

Junior Paxton Hunter makes a personalized mum for her date for a homecoming unit in Floral Design. She uses several techniques for her design on Sept. 16. PHOTO

BY KATE WILLIAMS

1.

Have all ribbons precut to desired length.

2.

Start by first gluing the top piece with a loop at the back, so it can act as a handle.

3.

Continue by gluing the top of the ribbon to the back. If there are some ribbons that you like more save them for last so it can be easily seen.

4.

Draw or attach stickers that spell out your name along with your date’s name. if you or your date plays a sport, a number can go there also.

5.

Now you can personalize the mum with stickers and anything else with activities that you and your date participate in.

Compiled by Anna Huff

Inside the Suit...

20 | etcetera | the roar

friday, sept. 24, 2010

Freshman brings energy to mascot role at football games

BY BECCA GAMACHE

photography editor

It is the first pep rally of the year. The roar of thousands of students waiting for entertainment echoes around the gym. The pressure of a perfect performance is no doubt bearing down upon those about to present themselves in front of the entire student body. Freshman mascot Clint Hollis is flipping out… literally.

“I can do the basics [in the suit]. Back handsprings, back-flips,” Hollis said. “It’s hard to keep the head on though, even with the chinstrap.”

Flipping is only one of the ways Hollis attempts to keep the crowd’s attention. He also dances, walks the bleachers and occasionally hops on the shoulders of one of the Maroon Men. “A mascot has to get the crowd involved,” cheerleading co-captain Ashley Peters said. “Clint definitely does that.”

Already, Hollis has brought something new to the table. For the first time in a few years, this year’s mascot is male.

“Normally, it’s just all girls. This is different, it’s cooler,” cheerleading co-captain Kayla Bednarski said. “He takes on the character.”

Aside from being male, until this year, the mascot could only be an upperclassman. Hollis sought to change that rule.

“We’re proud he even questioned that freshmen and sophomores couldn’t try out,” Hollis’ mother Allison Hollis said. “He went outside the norm, and that is hard to do in high school.”

In middle school, Hollis quit football in order to be the mascot.

At first dogged by his friends and teammates, he learned the values of straying from the standard.

“Before [being the mascot], I was kind of worried about what people were thinking of me, how I looked,” Hollis said. “Now I’m able to be myself, and I realize people like me for who I am, and not who I had wanted them to see me as.”

...Literally.

Hollis’ personality undeniably shines through the Tiger suit.

“He’s really outgoing and definitely not shy,” Bednarski said. “He wants to be involved in all the performances.”

Hollis constantly remembers that open mindedness is key to a top mascot performance.

“I can’t be afraid to embarrass myself,” Hollis said. “ I have to go outside my comfort zone and make sure the crowd is happy whether the game is going good or going bad.”

However, near embarrassment has occurred on multiple occasions.

“I was taking pictures with the little girls at Little Belle Camp when the Belles asked me to flip,” Hollis said. “I did a round-off back handspring and my head flew off. I was able to catch it mid-flip. No one noticed, I hope.”

Hollis enjoys working to accommodate the crowd.

“I want to entertain, to make sure everyone is having a good time,” Hollis said.

His mother concurs.

“He really makes a name for himself,” she said. “And we’re proud of him for that.”

Hollis plans to continue being the Tiger mascot his entire high school career but also has hopes of taking what he has learned to college. “[Hollis] sees this as a potential outcome for maybe working at mascot camps after high school,” Mrs. Hollis said. “To him, this is long term in that he could get a job while he attends college.”

Yet, Hollis still has his entire high school career to look forward to and learn from.

“So far, [being the mascot] has been a really good experience because I have gotten to see who I actually am,” Hollis said.

“I can be myself and have fun with it all.”

Clint Hollis’ sneak peek in the mascot suit

Head

“The head has a chinstrap so it doesn’t completely fly off when tumbling. It smells like a sweater that just got out of the washing machine.”

Hands

“Surprisingly, the suit doesn’t get that sweaty or stinky. However, the hands do feel damp on the outside after I finish a game.”

Feet

“I have to over exaggerate my movements when flipping so I can get my feet all the way around. The feet are so big I sometimes jam my toes into the ground.”

Body “It is practically still

summer time so it gets extremely hot in there. I wear a camelback to stay hydrated when wearing the suit.” compiled by Becca Gamache

PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO

PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE