The Roar Vol. 16 Issue 3

the

Roar

A&M Consolidated High School

nthis ssue

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

Spreading the Word: Missionary families travel abroad to share their faith.

Page 4.

Viewpoints

Zombies? College?: Senior Alejandra Oliva writes about her experiences in the braineating world of college apps.

Page 5.

People

Mentoring: Consol students volunteer their time to help elementary children.

Page 14.

Sports

Season Highlights: The Roar reviews standout athletes and games of the fall season. Pages 20-21.

Entertainment Holiday Calendar: The Roar provides a dayby-day list of holiday activities in and around College Station. Page 23.

Vol. 16 No. 3

cranium crash

by kendra spaw assistant editor

The player removes his helmet, squinting his eyes as the piercing stadium lights cause a throbbing pain in his head. The noise of the stands penetrates his ears and dizziness overwhelms him.

Suddenly, everything goes black, and he wakes up surrounded by trainers asking him his name and today's date in order to confirm that he has what has become an all-too-often injury in sports, a concussion.

personal experiences A recent study found that 47 percent of high school football players suffer a concussion each season, according to statistics gathered by the National Center for Injury Prevention.

After being hit badly on the football field his freshman year, senior Jacob Garcia managed to walk off the field holding his head in his hands where he then passed out and was put in the hospital for a day and a half.

“I could hardly remember anyone’s name right after my concussion,” Garcia said.

Not only do football players get affected by concussions, but girls soccer follows in a close second.

Last year, after being punched in the head by a goal keeper and landing sharply on her head, junior Katy Turner woke up on the field with trainers and coaches surrounding her as she tried to unsuccessfully gather her thoughts.

tolook

where Viewpoints Snapshots

pages 2-4

pages 5-10 page 11

Student Life

pages 12-13

People

pages 14-17

Health and Rec

page 18

Sports

pages 19-21

Entertainment

pages 22-23

Etc.

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

Athletes face long-term recuperation from head injuries

News

News

Tag along with elementary school mentors on page 11

page 24

art by alejandra oliva

“I could answer the doctor's questions about the date and what not, but I laid on the field for ten minutes because I couldn’t get up,” Turner said.

After unknowingly receiving his first concussion earlier in the month of October, sophomore Ben Kennedy continued to play football as a linebacker on varsity, which resulted in one or two more concussions. He realized he had a concussion when after fourth-period football practice, he threw up in the locker room and passed out on the floor where he was awakened later by one of the football coaches and sent to the hospital.

“I couldn’t concentrate on anything, and I didn’t know where I was,” Kennedy said.

All three athletes were affected in different ways and had been hurt in different circumstances, but they all had the same diagnosis of a concussion.

effects

Effects of concussions include loss of long or short term memory, severe headaches, loss of concentration, poor decision-making, slowed thought process, loss of balance, increased sensitivity and mood swings.

Concussions are assumed to be serious when a person suffers temporary and brief loss of consciousness, persistent confusion and vomiting, local neurologist Jonathan Friedman said.

“I couldn’t get around by myself,” Garcia said “Someone always had to help me get from place to place because my balance was so off."

Because of the complex structure of the brain, the placement of the blow can vary the effect of the concussion although, because the brain moves somewhat within the skull, the damage to the brain can often be opposite the site of contact to the head, Friedman said.

For Turner sleeping came easy, she said.

However, for Kennedy, sleeping was a struggle since every time he closed his eyes, he would get intensely dizzy, he said.

Turner struggled with being around others when she was so affected by her concussion.

“When I first came back to school, lots of people didn’t know, so they thought I was acting so weird and almost being rude when actually I didn’t know what was going on, and my sensitivity to light and sound made me irritable,” Turner said.

Although people have different symptoms, Turner, Garcia and Kennedy all claimed to have some amnesia and brutal headaches.

“It's agonizing to go through the headaches, because I have to sit and wait patiently in silence since watching TV and listening to music hurt my head even more,” Kennedy said.

challenges

A concussion’s symptoms may be aided by medicine, but time is what truly heals the injury.

Coping with a concussion can last for months,

see 'concussions' on page 2

2 | news | the roar

friday, dec.10, 2010

in the news

Musicians selected for All-State orchestra Seven Orchestra students were selected to perform with the 2010-2011 Texas All-State Orchestras.

Students who received this honor are junior Serena Wang, violin; sophomore Tiffany Wu, violin; freshman Thomas Yum, violin; junior Nicholas Smith, viola; senior Zachary Wu, cello; sophomore Joshua Ho, cello; and senior Katherine Park, bass.

Tiger Forensics team qualifies for international competition Tiger Forensics team has qualified to compete in the 10th annual International Public Policy Forum making them one of the top 32 schools in the international competition. The competition had more than 330 schools, from 36 countries and 42 states, registered to compete in this year’s competition. Students who qualified are seniors Andrea Cohen, Katie Ray, Maui ArreolaGarcia, Tafadzwa Gwaze, junior Heather Brewer and sophomore Mei Tan.

FFA students place in national agriscience fair Several students recently earned awards at the National FFAAgriscience Fair held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Students placing were sophomores Calli McIntyre and Jordan Brown, second place team winners for Botany and Gold pin earners; senior Colton Hanson, second place and Gold pin earner for Botany; junior David Rooney, Gold pin earner; and junior Kristin Kasper and senior Victoria Pilger, Silver pin earners.

‘Concussions’ continued from page 1

Athletes cope with long- term impacts of concussions which can cause much frustration.

“The depression factor and not knowing when it’s going to be over is my biggest challenge,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy is still suffering from his concussion and requires a tutor since he is unable to attend school. It is frustrating to feel like he is wasting his life waiting for his concussion to end when he just wants everything back to normal, he said.

Like Kennedy, there was a point when Turner found it hard to see herself ever being normal again.

“School was really hard to deal with. Normally I’m a pretty studious person, but at the time my thought process was so slow that I didn’t feel smart any more, and I was unable to do any homework,” Turner said Although his friends were very supportive, Garcia had understanding what he was facing.

“People would play around with me saying my name was a different name, and it frustrated me, because I really did not know what was going on,” Garcia said “Although they were being funny, there was no need to joke around at the time.”

after her concussion.

Players are not allowed to play a sport again until a doctor clears them. Doctors run tests, take CAT scans and evaluate the patient for a series of weeks before they are allowed back on the field, Kennedy said.

“It is important to note that an athlete will not return to the game setting until they can finish an entire full-contact practice,” Frashure said.

After the headaches stop, the doctor works the patient out more and more on ellipticals, bikes or treadmills. They progress the time of their workouts until the athlete feels back to normal, Turner said.

All three athletes have learned from this rough experience and agree that the best thing to have with a concussion is perseverance.

“Even if you have to go through [a concussion], with time, everything is going to be okay,” Turner said.

long term effects

For Kennedy, a concussion seems to last a life time, he said. After being diagnosed over a month ago, he is currently Students at the school who suffer a concussion must in Pittsburgh, home of the top concussion institute in America, complete series of tests and trials before they are permitted to recuperating. participate in sports again.

“The doctor said it’ll take two “Until the athlete is asymptomatic or three more months at the least [to Number of ER visits for teens (free of symptoms) he or she will recover],” said Kennedy, “But if I with concussions complete cognitive testing on our didn’t come here it could have taken 25000 IMPACT Concussion Software that six months.” tests memory acquisition and delayed Multiple concussions can often 20000 recognition of both verbal and visual times lead to long term effects. cues among other tests,” athletic “In general, a single concussion 15000 trainer, Chelsea Frashure said. “Once does not cause permanent effects. an athlete has shown improvements However, repeated concussions or 10000 on their IMPACT testing, we begin to more serious head injuries can cause progress them back into workouts.” permanent impairment, and we are 5000 Protective headgear is also worn still learning about this,” Friedman to prevent impacts. Kennedy plans to said. “The effects can range from 0 get a new helmet, and Turner wore mild diminished intelligence to 1997 2007 headgear during soccer a short time dementia later in life.”

tests and recovery

source: http://www.silive.com/sports

Please help save the

Queen Theatre Your donation can help the

Downtown Bryan Association

and our communities purchase and restore the long neglected Queen Theatre.

“Save the Queen” Downtown Bryan Association 213-B South Main Bryan, TX 77803 979-822-4920 The Downtown Bryan Association is a 501-c3 corporation and your contribution will be tax deductable according to IRS rules.

the roar | news | 3

friday, dec. 10, 2010

New sidewalk allows for safer walking, biking to school

BY EMILY NELSON

senior editor

Almost two years after a group of Consol students petitioned the city for a sidewalk on Harvey Mitchell Parkway, the multi-use pathway should be complete by February 2011. The project was initially proposed in the 2002 College Station Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan and was identified as a high priority project in 2004 by a Hike and Bike Task Force, but it was highlighted as a need by students.

“The connection from home to school and back again is too often accomplished with a combustion engine, like a car, truck or bus,” said former Consol student Hanna White, who was part of the group who presented the petition.

“Walking or biking is by far the easiest solution and most convenient, especially for students who live beyond five miles from school.”

The lack of a sidewalk along Harvey Mitchell Parkway created a safety concern from students.

“The absence of a sidewalk from Texas Avenue to

The new sidewalk spans along the northwest side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway from Welsh Avenue to Longmire Drive and Texas Avenue. It will be completed in February 2011. PHOTO BY EMILY NELSON

Consol was not encouraging on mornings that I did feel inclined to bike,” White said. “I would find myself pedaling like a professional speed cyclist on the half-foot shoulder along the road just to avoid any conflict with traffic.”

White began noticing other students taking the same route to school, mainly on foot and in the ditches along Harvey Mitchell, she said.

“My incentive did not come from personal interest, but almost entirely from the hope that other students and community members would value it and that it would encourage others who were not already, to walk or bike,” White said.

Concerned with the lack of sidewalk availability, White, along with other Consol students, encouraged others to walk to school on April 24, 2009 during “Walk-to-school Day.” “I didn’t actually get to walk that morning, but I made posters for [the event], because it was an Environmental Club project,” senior Hallie Shafer said. “We made quirky little sayings about walking to school or riding your bike to school because ultimately it is part of sustainable living, which is what Environmental Club supports.”

Following a few months of protesting, students delivered a petition signed by approximately one-third of the Consol student body to the City Council on May 18, 2010 to voice their concerns.

“After hearing the concerns of students at A&M Consolidated High School at the May City Council meeting, the staff saw an opportunity at this stage in the project to reevaluate priorities,” Greenways Program manager Vanessa Garza said.

The demonstration and petition were key first steps in getting the issue recognized city-wide, White said. The budget for the sidewalk will cost $1000.

“I received response on the issue immediately from community members and city government officials,” White said. “Without the undeniable support of the student body and members of the faculty, my personal opinion would not have held so strongly, so the succession of events occurred quite perfectly.”

Since the demonstrated need from the students and

the initial planning stages of the project both occurred at the same time, it created an opportunity for staff to accommodate the needs of the students, Garza said.

“It is an incredible feeling to make a tangible difference,” White said. “The success of the project has made it clear how possible it is to make community changes [occur].”

The completion of this multi-use path will connect key destinations including A&M Consolidated High School, Bee Creek Park and commercial properties along Harvey Mitchell Parkway.

“I believe in everyone’s potential to better their community,” White said. “It is only a matter of finding what you believe in and doing it.”

Walking the Walk The multi-use path will follow along the northwest side of Harvey Mitchell Pkwy from Welsh Avenue to Longmire Drive and possibly to Texas Avenue.

Project Schedule

Design: Finished February 2011 Construction: Began July 2010 through February 2011 (extension to Texas Avenue)

Background $1 million was allocated through the November 2008 bond for the implementation of projects identified by the Hike and Bike Task Force and adopted by the City Council on Nov. 23, 2004. compiled by Emily Nelson

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4 | news | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Missionaries travel the world to spread faith, adapt to new countries

BY KATY MASSEY

U

assistant opinions editor

nfamiliar voices carry through the air, the sounds forming a bizarre array of words, an alien language to him before his arrival in the foreign country. He looked at the way they dressed, how they acted and spoke and was utterly confused at the new culture he was now required to adapt to. Everything was different and strange, yet he knew that the United States of America was his actual home, a place so unlike the familiarity and comfort of Turkey. Such is the story of junior Nathan Robinson, who accompanied his parents on their mission work to Turkey when he was only four years old.

During the early years of Robinson’s life, his parents felt compelled to travel to the Middle East in order to lend aid to the people in whatever ways possible, whether through religious or medical assistance. For the first year of Robinson’s life along with his sisters in Turkey, life was anything but easy.

“I didn’t know the language,” Robinson said. “As for day-to-day life, it was pretty much the same as [America], but the culture is where it’s different. The people in Turkey are a lot more laid back and hospitable. You didn’t have to have a car. You could just walk everywhere.”

After his parents completed their mission work and returned to America during his eighth grade year, Robinson said that the differences between the Middle Eastern culture he had grown up in, compared to the new American culture he had to become accustomed to, were astounding.

“That was pretty much the worst year of my life,” Robinson said. “My mom was scared of public schools

Junior Nathan Robinson poses with his family in 2010. The Robinson family lived in Turkey for 10 years before returning in 2007.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NATHAN ROBINSON

since I hadn’t ever been to one before, so I had to go to a private school. People [in America] seemed more shallow and busy [than in Turkey], and [that made it] harder to establish friendships with people.”

Dane Robinson, Nathan Robinson’s father, is able to sympathize with and understand his children’s trouble in adjusting to American culture and traditions.

“My children are what I call ‘invisible foreigners’ here in America,” Mr. Robinson said. “Here, they have a passport, they speak English, and they look American, but they don’t feel American. They feel like foreigners a lot of the time. Although they’re born here and look like they’re from here, they actually grew up and gained a lot of their values abroad.”

Similar to Robinson, Katie Gibson, a recent Consol graduate and freshman at the University of Missouri, lived in Thailand for 12 years, where her parents served as medical missionaries.

Gibson’s parents had known from an early age that they wanted to perform missionary work. Their original goal was to work in India, but due to the assassination of a prominent political figure, her parents were no longer able to work there, Gibson said. “[My parents] went back to the International Mission Board for which they worked and simply said, ‘send us where there is need’,” Gibson said. “Looking back, God closed the door to India, but he opened an entire new world of dreams and possibilities in Thailand. Everything worked out according to His plans.”

Having been born in Thailand, Gibson did not experience any other culture until she moved to the United States with her sister and parents during her middle school years.

“I was the most unattractive, awkward, ill-dressed preteen you would have seen,” Gibson said. “I couldn’t tell you who the Backstreet Boys were or what Green Day was. But I made new friends and found a new home.”

Despite their own hardships, both Gibson and Robinson have experienced the long-lasting benefits of being part of a missionary family.

“I’m able to relate better with people who come from other countries who haven’t been fully ‘Americanized’ yet,” Robinson said. “Diversity among people doesn’t bother me that much, and I’ve learned to accept it.”

Gibson, who has also experienced her own obstacles, values the opportunity of being in a missionary family, even though this aspect of her life does not fully encompass who she is as a person.

“I am sometimes hesitant to tell people that I am a missionary kid,” Gibson said. “But once people get to know me, they realize that it’s not all of who I am. Being a missionary kid is a huge part of who I am, but it shouldn’t wholly define me. I mess up, I make mistakes. I’m not a ‘super Christian’. But I do know that God is real and that he changes lives.”

Culture Connection

“Thailand isn’t my home any-

more, but neither is America. So, where do I belong? Should I stay here? Should I go back to Thailand? It can be really heartbreaking to choose between the two. In the end, you have to realize that you have to make your own home.”

-Katie Gibson, Class of 2010 graduate

“Being exposed to a different culture [in Turkey], helped me develop a greater appreciation for the world and everything that different cultures have to offer.”

-Nathan Robinson, junior

“[Missionary work in Turkey] taught us to depend on God. [People] talk about trying not to lay too many expectations on what’s going to happen in your life, but it’s easy to start thinking that you are going to be able to control it. You really do learn to hold your plans lightly in your hand, and not close your fists around those plans, because things don’t always turn out the way you think they will.”

-Dane Robinson, father of Nathan Robinson

compiled by Katy Massey Want to advertise with The Roar

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Contact us at the.roar@ymail. com

the roar | viewpoints | 5

firiday, dec. 10, 2010

Senior offers tips to help students deal with college applications, dream zombies

I am seriously worried about myself: I recently had a dream in which zombies dressed up as college admissions officers chased me around the hallways of Consol, except no one was running. It was more like the walking competition at the Olympics. They were moaning like zombies do, except instead of “BRAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIINS,” they wanted my “GRAAAAAAAAADES,” and I was definitely worried that they wouldn’t like mine. I kept saying things like “Um, Consol’s a really hard school, so really, my grades are quite good!?!” and “I have a lot of good extracurriculars!?!” but still, they came. “GRAAAAAAAADDDESS!” This went on for quite some time.

“I have demonstrated passion!”

“GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAADESS” “But I’m a leader… a very diverse leader!?”

“GRAAAAAAAADESSSS” The dream ended in a bloody standoff in my old Pre-Calculus room, where the zombies got me and I woke up. Given that I already established the similarity between applying t o

Artwork by Maurice Vellas

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 Editors: Elena Edwards, Abigayle English, Kendra Spaw Staff Reporters: Kimmie Cessna, Anne Finch Artists: Morgan Murphy, Maurice Vellas 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.

Common cheating practices hold hurtful long-term consequences In high school, it is not uncommon for students to look for the “easy way” out of assignments. Whether such forms of “cheating” consist of copying history homework from the closest neighbor or looking up chapter summaries on Sparknotes rather than reading the actual text of a book, some students have a tendency to obtain the same results as students who legitimately completed their assignments.

According to U.S. News and World Report, 80% of “highachieving” high school students admit to cheating. While such acts of academic dishonesty may seem to bring benefits in the short-term, students should not resort to such methods to get through school.

With homework—and even test—answers floating around daily, forms of academic dishonesty have become a social norm. Because many students only wish to “make the grade,” education often gets shunted to the side. Why should the act of learning be valued so little in a society where being “smart” is becoming more important by the day? Such acts of deceit only corrupt the student’s actions, as cheating does nothing to increase someone’s educational prowess.

In college, cheating on anything can lead to more severe consequences, with the termination of a student’s education being a possible result. In fact, many colleges hold fast to strict academic policies that enforce expulsion or failing the class as a reasonable consequence of cheating. While cheating now may seem like an easy way to get through class, doing so later will bring harsher consequences than reprimands and referrals.

Through depriving themselves of an excellent novel, or not learning the required material as it is taught, students are only creating lazy habits for the future. It must be realized that academic dishonesty is one of the biggest problems that a high school can have—and little is being done to stop it, with students continuing to cheat on a regular basis. Next time, help out the cause—do your own homework and read your own book. You’ll feel better about yourself in the long run.

CONTACT US

alejandraoliva

college and being chased by bloodthirsty zombies, I will now give you Alejandra Oliva’s Rules for Survival in Applicationland: 1.Double Check your grammar. I recently reviewed an application I did for a summer program- I was literally cringing at how many typos there were. The sad part is I got farther into the process than most people who applied. Anyway, it’s really embarrassing, so be sure to cut these out.

2.Stay Limber- This one is for everyone, even you underclassmen: keep your writing skills sharp. I’m not telling you to keep a diary or anything girly like that, but just write about yourself a lot. The cool, tech-savvy way to do this is to blog. Chicks and dudes dig it.

3.Write Light- College admissions experts care, but not for 8 pages. In fact, I doubt they even care 3 pages. Keep it to 2 or 3, and save the novels for NaNoWriMo. 4. Beware of Facebook- Once you go in, you might not come out. If your family is cool with it, turn off your Internet and build a brick wall around your computer. You’ll either get done really quickly or figure out a way to entertain yourself that doesn’t involve writing essays. That’s okay.

5. Get a BootieKicking Partner who will edit your things for you. Or who will personally kick your… butt until you finish writing. Either one is good.

6. Wear Seatbelts. It would be really tragic if you get in, but then you diedright before going to college.

Alejandra is the Managing Editor for the Roar. If you would like to discuss your own rules for survival in applicationland, contact her at the.roar. oliva@gmail.com

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, dec. 10, 2010

Helping athletes increases mental maturity

W hat’s your favorite holi memory? day “Every Christmas Eve, I go to my grandparents’ house with my family, and we shoot fireworks!”

-Meredith Lightsey, freshman “I had to crawl out of my uncle’s garage window while I was in Canada because the snow was piled up so high.”

-Amanda Yang, sophomore th “Watching my cats play wi on ip tn ca d wrapping paper an Christmas morning.”

-Susie Barr, junior “On Christmas morning, I gave my brother The Dark Knight and some Peeps. I found out he gave me the Dark Knight too...but no Peeps.”

-Andrew Williams, senior “My husband and I did a scavenger hunt with my kids for their presents. I don’t know if they liked it, but we sure did!”

-Dianne Rister, technology teacher

the docs. Meeting Doc Mann and Doc Frashure was more intimidating than the football players. The docs were in all different directions, trying to help the players onto the field as fast as possible and instructing me and the other trainers at the same time was seemingly impossible, but the docs made it work. I soon got onto the field to assume my position as trainer. The whistles were blowing at all different times, and the players were moving from one end zone to the other in such a hurry. I was trying to anxiously find out which group I was supposed to be at next. I ended up learning what to expect this season from the older trainers about injuries and situations I could “Hey water girl, can I get some water?” While on a encounter as a trainer. I knew after football field or in a different sport, I get these types of my first long day of practice, I remarks towards me and the other trainers. Most of the time could only learn more about I just let those deathly words go, but a ‘please’ every this crazy thing called athletic once in a while is satisfying to hear. However, as training. a student athletic trainer, it is my responsibility After completing my first to give players water, keep them from being year, I look back to the first day and injured, and help them if they do get injured. think how comforting everything Overall, applying all of these skills was a turned out to be. In the past year process I had to experience for myself. of training, I have built many lasting After seeing my older sister go friendships, gained knowledge about through high school as a student sports medicine and had many laughs along trainer and being around sports my the way. Some tough times surface when whole life, I thought training would I have to deal with situations overlapping be something sports-related for me to and conflicts with one of the other trainers or a attempt. After gathering the courage, player, but I am glad to call the trainers a family.

I had filled out an application and was I end up spending a lot of time accepted into the program. The first day I Artwork by Morgan Murphy together with the trainers, and I started, I was nervous to see what was going to will always be there for one of happen. I did not know many of the other trainers them whenever they need extra help or a person to listen. and was not sure how well we would get along.

Each trainer has his or her individual personality that makes I found my way into the training room and stood each one of them special. I am always thankful God gave out of the way to see what was happening around me.

Football players were coming in to be taped, hooked to a me this opportunity to do something that honors Him and machine and getting geared up. Some of the football players the people around me. I would not take anything back if I asked me to tape their wrist. I wanted to scream at them, could, and I have cherished every moment given to me.

Kimmie is a Staff Reporter for The Roar. If you’d like “Do I look like one of the older trainers who actually knows how to tape? I just showed up a few minutes ago!” Instead, the inside scoop on a certain athlete, email her at the.roar.

I quietly told them I was new and referred the players to cessna@gmail.com.

kimmiecessna

word on the street

By Morgan Murphy

Addictions

Will you be using the new sidewalk?

4.8%

Yes! Sometimes.

12.2%

Rarely.

31.3%

Never.

51.7% 1 person = 10 students

764 students surveyed

the roar | viewpoints | 7

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Caring for robotic baby brings burdens, lessons to senior

fariaakram Taking care of a baby was not on the list of my senior year plans. But I found myself placed in the Child Development class. Not wanting to go through the hassle of schedule changing for a simple semester course, I decided to stay in the class and complete the assignment for which the class is famous: taking care of a simulated baby doll.

After all, how bad could it be?

The first day, the baby brought a variety of responses from my classmates. From the fake amazement at how I had gotten “knocked up” to light-hearted questions as to whom the baby’s father was, I was the brunt of all the jokes that day. I was also surprised at the large number of people who asked me if they could kick the baby (and the Robotics member who wanted to drill a hole in its head). My advocate class, however, had the best responses. Two of my friends were extremely against the baby, strongly voicing that it was a dumb assignment that took time away from my other schoolwork. Another couple of friends decided to literally become a couple and “adopt” my baby, holding it throughout class and snapping “family photos” with it. Yet for some reason, I had this naïve belief that the baby would not affect my life at all. I could go on with my life normally, with the baby on the side, like a supermom.

Then came the reality check.

I did not enjoy the creepy giggling sounds the baby began to make as I carried the car seat through Wal-Mart after school one day. I also did not like the first experience I had with the baby crying, which occurred in the Wal-

Mart parking lot. I was trying to transfer my items from the But after that time frame, it cried every hour, nights shopping cart to the trunk of my car when, all at once, m y included. Sometimes it just needed a quick diaper change, bags ripped, my shopping cart began to roll away, which I was able to do in seconds. More often though, it and the baby began crying furiously. After kind wanted to be rocked, burped or fed, which took up to thirty onlookers helped me gather my items, I scooped minutes each time. Ignoring it, I found out, just led to louder up the baby and hid inside my car, where I sat screams. helplessly for half an hour as the baby I was definitely not the perfect mother cried nonstop.

I had envisioned myself to be. But the That day only got worse, as experience of having to care for a baby, I had to drive back to school even if it was only a simulated doll, that night and stay a few taught me quite a bit. Though the hours to work on the baby was “broken” that first day, newspaper. That night I I learned that real babies can developed a pattern that actually cry that much when occurred every hour, on they’re sick or just feeling the dot: hear baby fussy. And while caring for cry, grab baby and the makeup baby, I realized diaper bag, run up just how much caring for a the stairs (where baby affects a parent’s life. I the staff wouldn’t couldn’t follow through with hear it) and spend all my plans to hang out thirty minutes trying with friends or go places to make the baby stop when I had the baby or, screaming. When my if I did, the baby would advisor came to check on have to come as well. I me halfway through found that not only was the night, she found I responsible for myself, me pacing the but for another as well, stairs with tired making sure that they arms and tired were fed and clean eyes. My tunes and cared for aroundof “rock –a-bye the-clock. But most Artwork by Morgan Murphy baby” had changed to “shutup-pleaseimportantly, this baby,” and I was ready to cry myself. experience simply reiterated one strong belief of mine: It turned out that baby was mechanically defective and that I will not be having children for a very, very long time.

I received a different baby a week later to make up the rest Faria is the Features Editor for The Roar. If you’d like of the assignment. This baby was set to not cry from eight to map out a plan for avoiding crying babies with her, email to four, so that my classes would not be seriously disturbed. her at the.roar.fakram@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 What do you think about the new academic policies?

Camille Aucoin, sophomore If anything else, it’s really confusing. When quizzes count as Academic Achievement grades, [students] freak out because they think they’re tests, even though they’re not.

Tom Li, junior The change was completely unnecessary. While standards are nice, having standards just for the sake of having standards is an unneeded change.

Serena Wang, junior [Having 12 grades] per six weeks is actually rather useful, since it guarantees us opportunities to bring up grades, especially in those classes that previously didn’t have too many grades.

Add your opinion and see more responses: Friend Roar Newspaper on Facebook.

[insert creativity]

by Maurice Vellas

Sick Days

8| viewpoints | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Senior struggles with never-ending war between reason, emotion

dinisusanto “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Or not.

I vaguely remember what it’s like to be rational. To be logical. Brain first, heart second—if I even factored the latter at all. Nowadays, my heart pounds so loudly that the little voice of reason that once dominated my actions has dimmed to a faint whisper, so quiet that I’ve forgotten about its existence, so muffled that it’s now no more than mere background noise that I’ve stopped listening to.

As portrayed in virtually every piece of literature that exists, age elicits loss of innocence. For me, it seems, the older I grow, the more naïve I become.

In addition to acne, my teenage years also brought me a tidal wave of emotions.

Even since the beginning of my tween years, I easily had my fair share of occasional crushes and temporary friendships. But nevertheless, I wasn’t one to get attached. I quit most of what I started, spent about four months in a meaningless relationship and

experienced a friend’s betrayal. Nothing I had my whole life laid out in a mental ever quite worked out the way I wanted, scrapbook, and I liked to play out the but that was fine with me, because I tried. scenes in my head when I daydreamed. But E for effort, right? Every failure was just when things didn’t go the way I another fall to recover from. planned, Then, I actually learned something in high school. I’ve seen it in inspirational movies with cliché happy endings.

I’ve seen it in a dictionary, clearly defined, hard to misunderstand.

Fifteen years too late, I finally grasped it: I felt passion. It was lifechanging.

For the first time in my life, I truly loved in every aspect of my life. I loved what I did. I loved the people I was with. I tore down the barriers blockading a decade and a half of passion, and I truly loved. I saw the world for what it was. I saw people for who they were. I saw myself for what Artwork by Maurice Vellas I could be. And I wanted nothing more than to make the most of everything surrounding me. I knew what and where I could see the I wanted to be in the next five, ten, fifteen pages of my scrapbook years. I put forth everything I had, and I disintegrating to ashes, the fought for what I loved. I held nothing back. pretty pictures melting under the flames of I believed that my passion would give me failure, and I felt the burning feeling of an the drive to always try my best, and it did. irreversible mistake.

But what I didn’t realize is that sometimes, Among the many things I’ve given no matter how hard I push, no matter how away the past couple of years, logic was one close I come, I may not reach the finish line of them, and that was a fatal mistake. In the just inches away from me. When I entirely madness of my passion-driven actions, I lost invest my life and my heart into one thing, my ability to reason. I forgot about safety— and I lose that one thing, I’m left with something only the brain would remember, nothing. for the heart does not rationalize. I gave a And no pain compares to that of loss. little here and a little there and didn’t set

aside an emergency box with a little bit of myself in it. As a result, I’ve lost myself.

I have no reserve, nothing to build on.

I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions brewing inside of me, and I want to shut them down, but I can’t. It’s not like my brain, which I can tune to my liking. I can distract unwelcome thoughts with pointless television shows or Dane Cook jokes, but I’m as likely to stop myself from feeling as I am to stop my heart from beating at will.

I never know things anymore. I just think. I guess.

I feel. And I’m tired of not understanding. I want to solve things. I want to ask myself questions to which the answers can actually be found. Nothing makes sense anymore.

Now, wherever I go, I try my best.

I rationalize every action I make and calculate every step I take. Love is beautiful and passion is the root of all strength, but too much of either will lead me nowhere.

It’s like driving without a map. Most people have a good sense of direction, but when they’re somewhere they’ve never been before, are they really going to rely on their hearts to help them find their way home?

Dini Susanto is the Editor-In-Chief for The Roar. If you would like to share your own experiences involving your own war between logic and love, e-mail her at the. roar.susanto@gmail.com.

Economic depression reveals importance of constant aspect of family, home

annahuff My whole life has been as consistent and non-changing as a metronome. I have grown up in the same house and been in the same school district, with my parents having the same job, all seventeen years of my life. Because of this, I never had any worries about the economy affecting me. I carelessly thought, or did not think at all, about the possibilities of the nationwide problem touching me, until my parents said those three deadly words-“we need to talk.”

My mom explained to me that after I leave for college, they will be moving to Conroe because of a job transfer.

The economy affected my mom’s position. Although circumstances could be much worse, like not having a job at all, that did not cross my mind the first month. I found my unchanging world on the fringe of turning upside down. Instead of understanding, I saw myself angry at my parents and unwilling to accept the challenge of moving

out of College Station. I selfishly I would spend with my grandparents. Even thought my parents had though it was still in College Station, I done this on purpose, felt it was so far away from my home when they were just and I had so much fun. Also leaving adjusting to the hard behind the house that my parents economic times our built once I was born will be hard. country is going It fits our family perfectly, and it through. is what comes to mind when I decided to the word home is said. These ignore my problem, and memories and this town will live succeeded until the early with me all throughout my life. college applications With the help from deadline was my friends and my family, approaching. All the I became aware that colleges I applied everything is going to work to were out of state, out. What I did not understand with the exception before is that while my parent’s of one. I had to face the job will change, and my house scary fact that I was not and city will change , my going to be living in College Station family will not. Family and Artwork by Morgan Murphy anymore. Not only was I not going to, but my friends are what I value the whole family wasn’t either. Coming to this understanding most, and if they remain was difficult, as I’ve never dealt with moving, and this is safe and happy, then I will too. where my childhood has been. Experiences from losing Anna Huff is the Sports Editor for The Roar. If you my first tooth in day care to getting in my first wreck right would like to talk to her about how the recent economic outside of school resonate through the town I have called depression has affected you, e-mail her at the.roar.huff@ home ever since I was able to talk. I remember the summers gmail.com.

the roar | viewpoints | 9

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Recreational reading places second to technology, demanding school life

annefinch I sit at my desk, struggling with a difficult decision. On one hand is a textbook, the kind with the chapters that use unnecessarily long explanations that take an hour to read. On the other hand is a required reading assignment for English.

On the middle hand is my true love, a battered Harry Potter novel that presents no obvious academic benefit. While before the middle choice would have been the obvious one, in the past year we’ve had what you would call a rocky relationship. With homework and other reading assignments, we just haven’t had time to hang out lately.

Finally, I heave an overly large sigh, push Harry Potter away and prepare myself for a mind-numbing Geography lesson followed by three chapters of whatever the English department has deemed worthy of my literature consumption. As I struggle with three pages describing the diffusion of different house types in North America, I sigh once again and think to myself, “If only the librarians could see me now.”

When I was in sixth grade, I built a reputation for myself as the

girl who loved books so much that the two school librarians saw me more often than the teachers did, and the school principal would greet me every morning by saying, “Hi, Anne!” while handing me a library pass. In seventh and eighth grade, I carried my faithful book everywhere, even lunch, and if anyone complained about being low on reading material, I would reach into my backpack and say, “Here, you can borrow my spare.” I may not have had many friends, but I got

speak out

great English grades.

High school, however, has squelched my habit of constant reading. Fictional characters no longer join me at the lunch table. I have actual people to sit with, unless I’m finishing an assignment in the Learning Lab. Instead of reading in class, I’m listening, or else I’ll receive a detention and an F on the next test. I used to be able to walk and read at the same time. Now, if I try to walk down the hallway with an open book in my hand, I’ll take out some innocent bystander with my 30-pound backpack.

Such an incident would not be looked too kindly upon by the school authorities, no matter how hilarious it would be.

Artwork by Maurice Vellas

Another catalyst in my strained relationship with “free reading” books is my iPod touch. Let’s face it, schoolwork takes a lot of brainpower, and the mindless fun that applications offer seems like a great respite from being smart. After a long day, I’d rather play Cookie Dozer than take the effort to get out one of my favorite books and take the time to actually enjoy it. That’s right: schoolwork is making me lazier when it comes to reading.

I have to wonder, though: is it schoolwork that’s making me ignore my former favorite pastime in favor of sleep and app games, or is it simply that the challenge of high school work is making me channel my laziness towards unscholastic activities, because I can no longer get away with directing that laziness towards school itself?

Or is it possible that because technology offers much quicker gratification that I prefer that to chilling with a book? Either way, the problem seems to lie with my personal flaws, and dealing with that is much messier and less emotionally satisfying than simply blaming school for all my problems. I put any chance for self-growth out of my mind and promise myself that this weekend, I’ll finally crack open the critically acclaimed historical fiction novel that’s been gathering dust on my bookshelf…unless I’m too busy playing Doodle Jump, in which case, reading will just have to wait.

Anne Finch is a Staff Reporter for The Roar. If you would like to share your thoughts with her, email her at the.roar. finch@gmail.com.

Seemingly unhealthy habit promotes academic excellence, creates confidence

alexhall Sticky notes are overrated. Constantly falling from their surfaces, the so called ‘daily reminders’ are a more of a hassle than help. My planner has had far too many bad days. Scratch marks, asterisks, and highlighter ink bleeds through the pages. The squares of each week day are unable to hold my to-do lists. So to save my oasis themed planner from my schedule I neglect it and turn to my skin. Spelling out my to-do list across my hand, I set up my list of daily goals, and in a sense become my own personal tattoo artist.

Fearing for my well-being and health, my parents have begun to discourage my new found occupation, calling it a bad and unhealthy habit. My parents warn me that disapproval from peers may ensue, fingers are subject to falling off, and discoloring of skin is possible if I continue my habit. I hear their concerns and wishes but, for some reason, I cannot stop. Writing on my hand is a daily ritual for me, but for my parents it is a daily nuisance. I argue that this habit

is what keeps me from falling off the face of the earth, for without this ‘habit from hell’ I would be lost. Reminders of homework assignments, newspaper tasks to-be done, and conversations to-be had with friends are ‘inked’ on my skin with pride.

I enjoy being busy and almost even appreciate a little stress every now and then. Having a schedule that ranges from no prior commitments to a multitude of commitments makes me feel important. In fact, panic often ensues when I discover there are not reminders on my hands at the end of the day. If this ever does happen I find myself drawing different styles of mustaches on the insides of my fingers to fill the empty space.

Not in any way am I intentionally rebelling against my parent’s wishes to end this habit, but in actuality I am reminding myself why I participate in extracurricular activities. As a student I have promised myself to excel, and if that means that I must write on my hands to remind me then so be it. Ink that is on the top of skin can be removed and forgotten, however mistakes due to the fact that I forgot to do something cannot be. If red, blue, black, green or purple ink looks ‘silly’ or ‘unprofessional’ then I will wash it off, but if it helps me

remember things then I will wear it with confidence.

Alex Hall is the Executive Editor for The Roar. If you would like to talk to her about your own possibly destructive habits, e-mail her at the.roar.hall@gmail. com.

Artwork by Morgan Murphy

{opposing viewpoints} Should finals be after winter break?

10| viewpoints | the roar

YES

friday, dec. 10, 2010

NO

by Faria Akram, Features Editor

by Alina Dattagupta, News Editor Finals should continue to be given before

Final exams should be scheduled to take place after winter break. Finals are two-hour assessments of what students have learned over the course of an entire semester. Allowing these finals to take place after winter break would allow students to have more time to study, instead of having to cram for seven different subjects the weekend before “finals week” (when students are cramming during the school year they are more likely to take “sick days” to finish all their work; the additional time of winter break would be similar to several “sick days.”)

Though most teenagers protest to having to study during their break, it can actually turn out to be beneficial for those who are able to practice effective time management, a skill that they will eventually need to learn in life. Studying during the break will be better for students than studying before, because they will have more time to study all their different subjects, as well as more time to explore different studying options, such as study groups, which are difficult to pursue when classes and extracurricular activities are still in session.

Scheduling finals after the winter break would also even out the time periods of both semesters, as well as add more off days in September and January. Though having finals after winter break does not seem appealing to most students, it can ultimately benefit students in several ways.

Christmas break. Even though having finals after the break would allow for a longer holiday, the downside to this potential new policy would overpower the positives. Finals are an assessment of what students have learned during one semester, so it would make no sense to give them after the break when a new semester has started. Furthermore, rather than enjoying a stress-free break, a majority of students would spend it worrying and studying for finals.

Since finals account for 20 percent of the semester grade, it can either make or break a student’s GPA. Also, if finals continue to be held before the break, students would be more likely to study for them and therefore make higher grades because they would be in the school mindset rather than a vacation mindset. Furthermore, starting a semester with major tests could cause students to feel limited to go into the new semester unenthusiastically. Having finals before the break allows the teachers to appropriately assess the lessons that they taught and the lessons that students understood because the grades will be a proper reflection of those aspects. Finals should continue to be given before Christmas break because of its many benefits.

student responses. The Roar surveys students to find out their opinions on the possible scheduling change for finals.

On average, how many hours of Would you prefer finals to be Student Quotes: studying do you put in for final exams? before or after the winter break?

“

10+ hours none

after 5-10 hours

ful time to recuperate from the stress of school, not to freak out about upcoming tests.

Peter Lambert, junior

1-5 hours

before

I see winter break as a peace-

When would you study if finals were after the break? before finals

“

”

The point of finals is to review what has been learned during that semester. Differentiating the exams from material

after the break but before finals

during the break

learned is pointless.

”

Marie Guermond, junior

146 students surveyed

the roar | snapshots | 11

friday, dec. 10, 2010

trained to heal:

Junior Rachel Sicilio pulls a water cart back to the field house after athletics practices finish on Nov. 15. Sicilio has been a trainer for two years. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Senior Sara Karner assists senior Rami Mooti on the sidelines of the Belton game on Nov. 5. Karner hopes to pursue a medical career in the future. PHOTO BY AMY ZHANG

Dealing with injuries, staying calm under pressure and working closely with athletes are only a few aspects that the job of athletic training encompasses.

“Athletic trainers have many jobs,” junior Ashley Weir said, who has been training since her freshman year. “We set up water, tape athletes, and we are the first responders for injuries. We also rehab athletes back to activity.”

Head athletic trainer Jeff Mann, who holds a master’s degree in athletic training, concurs.

“We are responsible for the care and prevention of athletic injuries,” he said. “We also collect physical forms, collect required UIL documents for all athletes, have treatment sessions before and during athletic periods and after school, and we are present until the end of every practice each and every day.”

At first, Weir did not intend on being an athletic trainer until she spoke with her father.

“My dad inspired me to apply because he is the athletic trainer for the A&M football team,” Weir said. “He told me it never hurts to try something new, so I did, and I fell in love with it. I definitely want to do this as a career and be a student trainer under him at A&M. Eventually, I would like to end up training at a

student athletic trainers devote time for safety of athletes

by Alina Dattagupta, News Editor

high school.”

Senior Sara Karner, who is now in her fourth year of athletic training, felt that training would prepare her for the future.

“I wanted to do something in the medical field, and athletic training was an option in high school, so I decided to apply,” she said.

She feels that the best part about athletic training is its unpredictability.

“At one point you can have someone bleeding on the benches, and at another point you can have someone injured on the field,” she said. “Being able to deal with that is a privilege.”

Mann feels that the best part about training is assisting students to recovery. “[My favorite part is] helping students understand what is going on with their body when they become injured and watching them return to sports after an injury,” he said.

Weir feels that she has benefited greatly from being an athletic trainer.

“I have learned that you can’t always know what to do in every situation,” she said. “You just have to use common sense and keep in mind what’s best for the athlete.”

Junior Ciara Saunders places eye drops into senior football player Chris Ceazer on Nov. 5 at the Belton game.

Saunders has been an athletic trainer since her sophomore year. PHOTO BY AMY ZHANG

Junior Ciara Saunders and Doc Frashure wrap sophomore Ben Kennedy’s wrist at the Crosstown Showdown against Bryan High on Oct. 9.

This is Frashure’s fourth year as assistant athletic trainer. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Senior Tanner Henry empties and cleans water bottles used by afternoon athletics classes on Nov. 15. Henry has been an athletic trainer for five years. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

12 | student

life | the roar

[ LIVE in CST

young musicians divulge inner thoughts on stage

boone flynn bassist

friday, dec. 10

by dini susanto & alejandra oliva | editor-in-chief & managing editor OFFSTAGE

The waiter, brown bag in one hand and Styrofoam cup in another, rolls on his skates and sets the food on the table. Senior Nick Barber, Patchwork’s lead guitarist, takes a bite into his chicken sandwich on a Wednesday afternoon. Through his mouthful of hot chicken and soft bun, he manages to choke out his passion for composing and playing music with his friends.

“Music’s the best,” Barber said. “It blows my mind that [a musician] could have so much control over his instrument and know it so well.”

Patchwork currently consists of seniors Dylan Townes (lead vocalist), JD McGraw (drummer), Barber (lead guitarist), junior Zach Reeves (piano) and sophomore Boone Flynn (bassist).

So far, Patchwork has performed at the 2010 Consolapalooza and at the Frame Gallery during First Friday in Downtown Bryan on Aug. 6. This summer also brought them their first regular paying gig at a sandwich shop, where the band played two-hour slots twice a week and received free food for their performances.

Although specific members of the band plan to pursue a career in music, Patchwork, as a group, does not.

“The amount of work put into getting that much material and making sure that it’s recorded in [high] quality is overwhelming,” Barber said.

Reeves said that the few times the guys have met to write music, the process has taken a majority of the day, and pursuing a professional career would transition them from fulfilling a hobby into a timeconsuming task.

Senior Tayler Slocum made a foray into professional music when she auditioned for American Idol this summer.

Slocum made it into the final round of the Texas/Oklahoma/Arkansas region, but was glad she did not make it any farther.

“I learned that the quick road to fame isn’t really the path I wanted to take,” Slocum said. “I would absolutely love to pursue a career in music and performing, but I’d rather work hard towards my goals on my own than going on a reality show.”

“I listen to a lot of stuff, but mostly alternative rock. If I hear something that I like and could fit into whatever we play, I’ll try to put it in there.”

nick barber guitarist

ONSTAGE

Slocum’s musical performances began with encouragement from her family.

“My grandma [took] me to the mall and had me sing Broadway hits to all the store girls,” Slocum said. “I thought I was the coolest thing ever.”

According to McGraw, negative criticism should not hinder a musician’s willingness or desire to perform.

“If [people] don’t like [what I play], I’m not going to make them like it, because I know that for every person that doesn’t like it, there’s going to be five others that do,” McGraw said.

Barber feels that music can be deemed two different ways: an outlet for artistic self-expression or a competitive need to please others.

“There’s a fine line between [the two], and you cross over the line all the time,” Barber said. “When you’re performing, you do have to worry about what people think [and] make sure that you nail everything.”

Despite this, Barber’s passion for music keeps him grounded.

“It’s very rigid, but at the same time you need to remember that it’s not the only reason you’re doing it,” Barber said.

“You’re playing the music because you want to. You’re playing music because you love it. You’re a musician and it makes you feel in a way that nothing else can.”

COMPOSITION

The cooperation required to execute a smooth performance is also reflected during the writing and composition processes.

“It’s really strange, actually; it’s like clockwork—you just kind of have this feel for everything when somebody starts an idea,” Reeves said. “You have this intuition [of] what’s good for you and what’s good for everyone else, and a lot of the times, it works out pretty well.”

For a musical group to reach maximum productivity, all members must contribute.

“We have an exceptional guitarist and bassist, and providing a foundation for song lyrics along with good stage presence [allows] me pull my own weight in the band,” Townes said.

As with other art forms, musical

composition is highly influenced by the arist’s emotional state.

“It takes just one person being a little bit flustered to turn an idea that you come up with into something completely [new],” Reeves said.

Townes said that he finds lyrical inspiration among his surroundings and encompasses his personal observations of social or political events as well as his own everyday experiences into his songs. “[Usually], we’re on auto-pilot with nothing really human required of us,” Townes said. “When a person recognizes the significance of a moment in time and what it means is something to write about.”

Junior Alexa Cepeda, a budding singer and songwriter, relies on her instinct.

“I close my eyes and just sing,” Cepeda said. “I let the words come out without thinking, and those have been my best songs.”

No matter the method, an artist’s words will flow naturally with proper inspiration.

“There is no island of good lyrics or secret vault of musical ideas,” Townes said. “You have to be observant. In my experience, [if] you are ready to receive ideas by really observing and thinking about the world around you, the ideas will come rapidly.”

McGraw adds that occasionally, the informal setting of the writing sessions leads to new musical discoveries.

“A lot of your best ideas come from your mistakes,” McGraw said. “You have these hopes and expectations and have things planned out, but it ends up crashing and burning. Then you take that, tweak it and end up with a completely new thing.”

P

MASSIVE IMPACT

Reeves believes that music has an emotional influence both for the performer and the audience.

“As scary as it is to put [your work] out there, it’s also great to see the way people take it,” Reeves said. “You get to see somebody else’s reflections. Just as it’s a healing process for you, it’s also a healing process for somebody else. You get this great feeling of helping somebody. It’s phenomenal.”

“[I’m into] instrumental guitar playing. I’m astounded that somebody could play an entire song with no vocals whatsoever and still catch you. To me, it’s so satisfying that music doesn’t have to be your standard bass guitar, vocals,and a drum set. It could be one guy playing a guitar by himself.”

j.d. mcgraw drummer

“I try and bring i Lately, it’s been m tried to draw influ a lot to be learned

the roar | student

0, 2010

PATCHWORK&ALEXA PHOTOS BY DINI SUSANTO

TX ]

MEET THE MUSICIANS

patchwork

this blues/alternative rock band consists, respectively, of bassist boone flynn, lead guitarist nick barber, drummer j.d. mcgraw, pianist zach reeves and lead vocalist dylan townes (not pictured).

alexa cepeda

currently a junior, cepeda has performed in consolapalooza for two consecutive years, making her debut in 2009. keeping up with technology, cepeda publicizes her work on the world wide web via youtube and facebook.

tayler slocum

ALEXA CEPEDA TAYLER PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLER SLOCUM

PATCHWORK

n as many different influences as possible. more alternative stuff like Radiohead. I’ve also uence from hip hop, because I think there’s d from hip hop that’s really well-produced.”

life | 13

TAYLER SLOCUM

in addition to singing, the solo artist’s most recent performance was playing a leading role as fairy godmother in the cinderella musical.

dylan townes vocalist

“I prefer folk and traditional music. They’re more about what the [lyrics] say and not how [the music] sounds, which i think is awesome. Right now i have been looking up to the folk artist “The Tallest Man On Earth.”

tayler slocum soloist

“I listen to a lot of country music, so I guess my favorite bands to cover would be people like Reba McIntyre.”

14| people | the roar

he

ext

eneration

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Volunteer participants of mentoring program break barrier between age groups

BY KATE WILLIAMS entertainment editor It is 7:20 on an early school morning, and many Consol student mentors are parking their cars at a local elementary school. They are greeted at the door with a welcoming smile, grab their nametag and take a seat at one of the miniature lunch tables in the cafeteria, waiting anxiously for their student to arrive.

These high school mentors visit elementary campuses to talk to their mentees about different aspects or events happening in their lives.

“My mentee and I talk about what’s going on in her family and how she is doing in school,” mentor and junior Celina Malavé said. “I also try to help her with her friends and give her advice.”

The “Tigers Mentoring Next Tigers” was an idea sparked last year when Pebble Creek Elementary Counselor Valarie Reed proposed a positive and duly beneficial program for high school students and young elementary students.

“The program was designed with the goal of impacting positive change,” principal and TMNT Sponsor Gwen Elder said. “We wanted to take the baby steps before we went full fledge.”

This year the program has become very successful

with an increase of mentors participating and the number of campuses involved.

“I opened [the program] up to the entire student body to get a feel for the people who want to be a part of shaping the lives of young students,” Elder said. “[The program] has become bigger than I had ever imagined, which is great.”

With TMNT being in its infancy, the mentors meet regularly to discuss positive feedback and improvements to be made.

“The mentors, along with myself, try to meet on a monthly basis during fourth period just to see where we are all at and straighten out any problems in order to make the program the most successful it can be,” Elder said.

As well as emotional support, the mentors help the future Tigers academically by reading together and completing one-on-one tutoring.

“I am a big advocate for reading,” Elder said. “So, having the mentor read with their child is very important, as well as teaching them how to develop good study habits.”

Special relationships form between both the mentor and the mentee that makes a difference in both lives.

“I can relate to my mentee, because I know what its like to be a minority,” Malave said. “I try to tell my mentee that no matter what race or ethnicity you are, you can always succeed and work towards your goals.”

Over time, positive results have been noticed by the

mentors.

“In the beginning, the kids normally have difficulties opening up,” mentor and junior Victoria Adeyemi said.

“Towards the end, they talk so much about their life, and you can really tell that you’ve helped them.”

Mentoring requires a dedicated individual who is willing to put the time and effort into truly impacting the child’s life.

“Sometimes it’s a challenge to wake up early, but it definitely puts a positive spin on my day,” Adeyemi said.

Students mentor for their own personal reasons.

“I really love working with kids,” Malave said. “That’s what I want to do when I’m older, so mentoring kids is a perfect way to practice and enjoy my passion for little kids.”

Along with weekly visits, mentors regularly take a field trip to their elementary school during their fourth period class to visit their child during the school day.

“Once a month, the mentors eat lunch with their mentee at their elementary campus,” Elder said. “They spend time talking and are given the opportunity to play games, run around and have fun.”

Encouragement to the younger students and impacting positive change has become the center and goal for the program.

“It’s important to tell students to let their light shine, and let that light filter through others,” Elder said.

Senior Markeevin Williams plays with his mentees at Pebble Creek Elementary.

Mentors work with students to form friendships. PHOTO BY KATE WILLIAMS

A Pebble Creek student slides down the playground pole at at Pebble Creek Elementary as onlookers encourage her. Both mentors and students socialize during recess or schoool functions. PHOTO BY KATE WILLIAMS Junior Victoria Adeyami talks with a student at South Knoll Elementary. Mentores travel to elementary schools on Wednesday mornings. PHOTO BY KATE WILLIAMS

the roar | people| 15

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Passionate Local authors pursue writing passion in hope of achieving future goals Some students may feel that writing is a tedious task concerned solely with scholastic activities, such as English and history essays; However, for others, writing is a method of self-expression that takes many different forms such as poetry, stories, blogging, fanfiction and more.

Senior Zach Wu, who has a blog on tumblr, considers writing more of a throwaway hobby than anything.

“I blog to procrastinate,” he said. “[However], it’s nice to write sometimes. Even when you post pictures, you still need words to describe them.”

However, for other students, writing is more serious business that constitutes not only a hobby, but a passion that could potentially fuel a career in years to come.

“Writing is very important to me,” senior Racquel Cable said. “[My love of writing] began in fourth grade when we all had to write an essay, and I got the best grade.”

Cable writes stories, screenplays and poetry, but says she holds some kinds of her writing in higher regards than others.

“Poetry doesn’t hold as much merit as my other literary work,” Cable said. “Poetry is more of a feeling than telling of a feeling. It’s more of a stream of consciousness [for me].”

Junior Melissa Quiroz started penning manga-based fanfiction at the beginning of her sophomore year and progressed from there to original fiction, which compromises the majority of her writing today.

“I was reading [manga], and I noticed this minor character that was really cool, but didn’t have any story time, and it went from there,” Quiroz said. “Fanfiction was a good doorway until I got tired of writing other people’s characters.”

Quiroz said her creative process is quite simple: She carries a small package of note cards where she can quickly write an idea when it comes to her.

“Sometimes [I get ideas] when I’m bored,” she said, “or when people say things that interest me or when aliens invade my brain.”

Become a Blogger If you are interested in photography, The Roar recommends: http://www.flickr.com/

If you are interested in informational blogging, The Roar recommends: http://www.tumblr.com/

If you are interested in personal journaling, The Roar recommends: http://www.livejournal.com/

Penning

By Anne Finch, Staff Reporter Cable, however, finds ideas for stories and screenplays by watching other people’s conversations and actions from a distance.

“I would go someplace, sit and watch people,” Cable said. “I would write what they were doing and imagine conversations they might be having and then go home and finish it.”

This summer, Cable took writing classes at Columbia University and worked with three different writers. Cable does not have trouble finding time to write.

“I write every day,” Cable said. “It really doesn’t need balancing.

It’s a part of life. I just sit down and write.”

Cable admitted that it was harder to find time to write longer pieces, confining her writing to short works.

“My biggest short story was 8,000 words,” Cable said. “It was my best one, and I spent the most time on it [compared to previous work]. I started it at about ten at night, and finished at five in the morning. If I’m going to do a long piece, I’m going to do it all together.”

Cable said that she generally tried to keep the length of her writing around the average length of a short story, confessing that she had no interest in writing longer pieces.

“I’m not into the novel thing,” she said.

Quiroz, however, recently participated in National Novel Writing Month, a month in which aspiring writers try to write 50,000 words and send their writing in for a proofed copy of their novel. She described it as a constant headache, but also as a way to fulfill the goal often set by writers. “[National Novel Writing Month] is a celebration of novel writing,” Quiroz said. “There’s no prizes, no plaque, no meetings with the president. For once, it’s quantity over quality. [National Novel Writing Month] is really for the self satisfaction.”

Although the program presents no obvious benefits, Quiroz specified one of the most important aspects of the program.

“It’s to defeat the ‘One day I will write this novel,’” she said.

“One day after graduating, retiring, what? One day is today. I’m not going to wait 20 years.”

16 | people | the roar

Born to Ride edi- tor-

friday, dec. 10, 2010

i n -

Local teens form club to embrace muscle car passion

BY FARIA AKRAM

features editor

For most teenagers, obtaining a car is a highly-anticipated privilege, but for others it is all about the power found in a “muscle car”, a car with the ability to generate massive amounts of torque and horsepower.

Senior Ariq Rahman is a member and one of the three founders of a local muscle car club, known as “Public Display of Power.”

“It’s basically a car with a lot of power,” Rahman said, “usually an older model vehicle.”

Senior Johnny Phan was the first founder of the club. He and and his brother became friends with Rahman and discovered that they all shared the same interest in muscle cars. Phan brought up the idea of a muscle car club to them and they agreed.

After planning for a couple of years, Phan began the club this year.

“The purpose of the club is to inspire others to restore old vehicles, give each other ideas and admire the older generation [of cars],” Rahman said.

The club is not limited to high school teens but open to adults as well. Rahman’s father, Shaik Rahman, is also credited as a member of the club and their current sponsor.

“I want to help bring up this new organization that has a lot of potential,” Shaik Rahman said.

With twelve members, the club meets every morning at 7:15 a.m. to discuss vehicle progress, damages and car statuses.

“It’s great because you have people to

talk to if you need information on your car, people to bounce ideas off of and so forth,” Rahman said. “I’ve gotten great opinions from other members and cheaper prices on car parts.”

The club is open to anyone who meets the criteria.

“You have to be at least 17, and it depends on how much work you’ve done on your car,” Phan said.

Rahman also mentioned some restrictions on club membership and also reiterated the importance of having put work into a car. “[To be in the club] you have to have a vehicle originally made in America, preferably an older vehicle before or during the 1990’s,” Rahman said. “And you have to have put some work into it. It’s not just that you own a muscle car and then you’re a member.”

Currently the founders are looking to expand the club and make it more professional. Phan has been venturing into different cities recently looking for more members and sponsors.

“Our goal is to have 20 members by the end of the year and have a racing team,” Phan said. “There is a professional racing team that we look up to and admire, and we want to model our team after them.”

Both Phan and Rahman agree that the club and muscle cars themselves hold great importance in their lives.

“It’s about the power and performance,” Rahman said. “It’s an unexplainable thrill.”

Makes & Models 1980 Make: Chevrolet

Camaro Z28 Owner: Ariq Rahman

1994 Make: Chevrolet

Camaro Z28 Owner: Nephi Barrios

2000 Make: Chevrolet

Camaro Z28 Owner: J.T. Norman Photos by Faria Akram

Public Display of Power members (from left to right) sophomore J.T. Norman, junior Nephi Barrios, senior Johnny Phan, senior Ariq Rahman, senior Dylan Blackman and college student Justin Reyes stand by their cars. Phan thought of the club two years ago before formally beginning it this year. PHOTO BY FARIA AKRAM

the roar | health

friday, dec. 10, 2010

and rec | 17

Student resource officer provides safety on campus

BY BECCA GAMACHE

surprises me anymore, but I can’t,” he said. “Human nature surprises me. In this job, I’ve seen the best of human nature and the worst.”

Birdwell constantly gathers these past experiences from any students at Consol view their school days as a monotonous students and uses them to help other students who may be going routine. However, circumstances could be different if Student through a similar situation.

Resource Officers, SROs, were not available to protect student safety.

“A lot of times, what happens at home affects what happens “Safety is of paramount importance at this campus,” Principal Earnest at school,” he said. “It’s challenging trying to help the student Reed said. “It is imperative that [the school] provides a safe environment. to where they can go home, feel safe, feel like they belong and Student Resource Officers are a part of that.” succeed in school.”

Officer Garrett Birdwell has provided such safety at Consol for years.

Birdwell’s understanding of the challenges students face is He, along with Officer Patrick Massey, patrol the halls of the school, what pushes him to create relationships with the students. creating relationships with the students and offering a sense of security.

“I try to befriend a lot of the kids here, because I “I’ve always related well to [teenagers],” Birdwell said. “It’s easier know they are not bad people, but good people who for me to understand them and what they go through.” sometimes make bad decisions,” Birdwell said.

Growing up in a small “The criminal town, Birdwell knew from a element is young age that he wanted to very small be a police officer as an adult. at this “I worked a job after school, school and got to know a lot and we are of the local police officers fortunate.” there,” Birdwell said. “One of Reed them invited me for a ride and concurs. after seeing all the fun they “We’ve had and got paid for, I knew never had a OFFICER GARRETT BIRDWELL that was what I wanted to do.” real serious However, getting to altercation on where he is now wasn’t simple. For 13 months, Birdwell attended Central this campus,” Reed said. “Just the presence [of Texas Police Academy at Texas A&M University while simultaneously the SROs] I think is important to the student working a full-time job. body.”

“It was Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, every week from 6-10 p.m.,” Birdwell and Massey make their presence Birdwell said. “I was trained in penal and traffic law, health and safety well known within the school by staying active code, family and government code; all the laws in the book.” within students’ lives. From this, Birdwell has This schooling prepared Birdwell for a career in law enforcement, taken many lessons to heart. specifically at a high school campus.

“I try to put myself in the students’ shoes “SROs have a great expertise in regard to things that we need to do and see how [they] look at things,” Birdwell said. when an incident occurs,” Reed said. “They are always prompt, and they “This is a part of the department that not a lot of are always there.” people get to experience, and being stationed here To Birdwell, being an SRO is a task of uncertainty. will make me a better, well-rounded officer for the “Each day is different, and [when it comes to fights and altercations], future.” we can go a week or two without anything,” Birdwell said. “But it’s Birdwell has plans to obtain a supervisory like a pressure cooker. When the cap blows, everybody wants to start position within the department, but until then will something.” continue to hold the title of a Student Resource At other times, the job can be quite tedious.

Officer.

“It’s good for everyone else when nothing is going on, but it gives “We have a job to do, but we hurt like everyone me a lot of down time,” Birdwell said. “If nothing comes up, I work else hurts, we cry like everyone else cries and we on different projects for the College Station Police Department. I help laugh like everyone else laughs,” Birdwell said. detectives with some cases that may involve some students at our school.” “It is a great and rewarding job, especially when Nevertheless, when altercations arise, Birdwell is always quick to I’m standing up for the little guy who can’t stand respond and help the students deal with whatever problems they may face. up for himself.”

“I would like to say that I’ve been around long enough that nothing

photography editor

M

“I try to befriend a lot of the kids here, because I know they are not bad people but good people who sometimes make bad decisions .”

Officer Birdwell’s Favorite...

• color is gray

• school subject is english

• movie is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

• book is Lord of the Flies

• music is country and old rock

• food is everything

compiled by Becca Gamache

photo by Becca Gamache

18 | health

& rec | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Striking Students

New bowling club offers student activity outside of school

BY ELENA EDWARDS

assistant editor

The hum of the ball rolling down the mirrored lane and the crack of falling pins is what lures certain students to Grand Station every Monday night for Consol’s bowling team, whether they’ve been playing for years or merely for weeks.

“I think it’s awesome that Consol offers the opportunity to be on a bowling team, because it’s not something that’s well known or something that people just jump into,” senior Kelsey Haney said of the team.

Other members also share the same enthusiasm.

“It’s exciting because we’re really the first people to get it started, and there’s not all that many people who really do it so it’s kind of a rare thing,” sophomore Cameron Beeson said.

Harold Beeson and John Malkey are both coaches for the newfound team.

“Bowling is just like any other sport in that it requires practice and it isn’t always easy, so as a coach I strive to be patient, understanding, and I try to show the kids that I can relate,” Beeson said.

Students on the team have their own reasons for joining. For senior Erin Briers, joining the team was a way of following in her parents footsteps.

“My parents› and Kelsey Haney’s parents are in a bowling league together, so that’s kind of why we decided to [join the bowling team],” Briers said.

For freshman Mitch Scarmardo, his first step was not to join the team, but rather to first get the bowling team started for the school.

“It was Cameron, our friend Courtney, Courtney’s parents, and I who pretty much started [the bowling team] for the highschool. We’d been talking about it for a while, and when we talked to Mr. Reed about it he allowed it,” Scarmardo said.

Bowling requires both practice and technique.

“Really, [my technique] is anything that focuses on following through, and just keeping my arm going on all the way through like if I have to scratch my back, because it helps with aiming,” Scarmardo said.

Already, Briers has learned a technique of her own from the bowling practices that she has attended.

“The coaches say that whenever you bowl, try to make

Senior Erin Briers focuses before swinging on Monday, Nov. 15. Briers said she loves bowling with her friends and family. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

it look like you’re shaking someone’s hand,” Briers said.

Members of the bowling team vary from those who have been bowling for years to those who are just beginning.

“The great thing about our team is that on one side, we have bowlers who have experience and bowl outside of the Consolidated bowling team, and then we have the other side of the team who are the beginners and who are so excited and enthusiastic to learn,” Malkey said. “Many of the advanced bowlers on the team are boys, but I’m also incredibly impressed with the girls on the team; they all have such strong character and are having lots of fun.”

The team’s first competition will be in March, which will give the players time to master the artistry of bowling so that they will be ready when the time approaches.

“I’m nervous because I’ve never been in one before, but I’m excited to see what happens. Plus we have tons of practices before then which is great,” Haney said.

Although individual score is often an incentive in bowling, teamwork is needed in order for a team to succeed.

“I see teamwork in bowling through encouragement,” Haney said. “After we bowl, we all just give each other high-fives whether we did bad or good and just give positive feedback to help everyone stay positive instead of getting frustrated.”

Bowling is not all about the competition, but also bonding with the team and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

“In bowling, it’s kind of like, ‘if I’ve got your back, then you’ve got my back.’ If one person does horrible, then everything is down the drain,” Beeson said.

Many members of the team are armed with their own personal goals and hope to improve their skills in bowling throughout the year.

“My goal [this year] is to have a 300-point game. To get it I really have to stop thinking about it so hard and just do it. If I keep my mind on it too much, then I’m just going to choke,” Beeson said.

Haney has goals of her own but is mainly focused on the goals of the team as a whole.

“I hope to improve my consistency in my bowling, and as a team in general. I hope that we can all continue to encourage each other, grow to be closer teammates and better bowlers, and always do our best,” she said. “That’s what’s going to make us a bowling team worth talking about.”

Bowling Terms Balsa- a powerless hit on the headpin Blowout- downing all the pins but one Splasher- strike where the pins are knocked down quickly

Chicken wing- when a bowler’s elbow

gets away from his body during a swing

Crawler- a strike made by missing the head pin

Turkey- three strikes in a row Yank shot- when a bowler hangs onto the ball too long

Grandma’s teeth- an array of pins left standing

Puddle- a gutter ball Double wood- when one pin is directly behind the other

Source: http://helpwithbowling.com/bowling-termslingo-words.php

Senior Drew Geick practices his armswing on Monday, Nov. 15. Geick recently joined the club and said he enjoys bowling in his spare time. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

the roar | sports | 19

friday, dec. 10, 2010

New head basketball coaches bring different strategies, techniques COACH RICK GERMAN

By Kimmie Cessna Staff Reporter

New head coach Rick German joined the Tiger basketball program this summer.

“I automatically wanted to come to this job because an opportunity to [the job] was giving me something I always have wanted,” head coach Rick German said.

As a coach, winning is a major part of the sport, but not every team can win and dealing with losses is something coaches and players have to deal with.

“If we lose it is our fault, but if we get beat because they are superior, I know we did the best we could and move on to try and do better,” German said.

Creating long term goals can help a team strive victories. for “Having the satisfaction of a job well done each season is a goal I like to have,” German said.

German believes that coaching is a position that helps kids to succeed on and off the court.

“Through basketball and the classroom, I want to give my kids an opportunity to be successful in life,” German said.

Adjusting to having a new coach took a slight amount of time for senior Truman Sweed.

“I took the news a little badly because I had been working for three years to prove myself to the coach we had to show him I had what it took and with the new coach, I was taken back,” Sweed said.

After spending time with German, Sweed has become to know him, he said.

“Coach German has taught me to never give up and to fight through the 32 minutes,” Sweed said. “He is a great man who is very dedicated to his basketball team.”

Head Coach Rick German points towards his team during the basketball game against Waller on Tuedsday, Nov. 22. German has been coaching for 26 years. PHOTO BY KIMMIE CESSNA During a home game against Waller on Tuesday, Nov. 22, new head coach Rick German discusses plays with the team. PHOTO BY KIMMIE CESSNA

Varsity Boys

The Lady Tigers basketball team is welcoming their new head coach, Karen Heintz.

“I am so happy to be here,” Heintz said.

Heintz has coached numerous sports throughout her career, but loves basketball, she said.

“I have been coaching for 33 years and have coached softball, golf, tennis and much more,” Heintz said.

Coaching can create tough situations for a team. Having to help the players stay focused and driven can be a challenge, she said.

“What gets tough is motivating kids to work hard to be very fast and work hard every minute,” Heintz said.

Heintz believes that while long term goals are good in order to reach each player’s potential, preparing for each upcoming game is just as important.

“I want the kids to hustle every game, hold the teams we play to less than 45 points and make sure all of the kids are academically eligible,” Heintz said.

After three seasons under a different coach, a few of the seniors are adjusting to the new style of coach Heintz and the assistant coaches.

“I was so used to having the old coach around that it got hard to transition between the two at times,” senior Mindy Davis said.

However, Davis has found a similar trait between herself and Heintz.

“One thing coach Heintz and I have in common is out love for the game,” Davis said.

Getting to know the coach helps to develop the relationship and can help the player adjust to the coach easier.

“Outside of basketball, she is a friend, but during the games and practices, she is a great coach to all of us,” Davis said.

New head coach Karen Heintz instructs her players to run a specific play during the game against Magnolia on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Heintz has been a coach for 33 years. PHOTO BY KIMMIE CESSNA

varsity boys and girls basketball

Team Record: 1-3 pre-game season

COACH KAREN HEINTZ

New head coach Karen Heintz strategizes with the varsity girls basketball team during their game on Nov. 23 against Magnolia. PHOTO

BY KIMMIE CESSNA

Varsity Girls

Team Record: 9-4 pre-game season

Upcoming Game: Tuesday, Dec. 14 at home against Bryan High at 7:00 p.m.

Top Scorers: Junior Alex Caruso Junior Xavier Crouch

Upcoming Game: Today at Bryan High against the Vikings at 7:00 p.m.

Top Scorers: Junior Taylor Tucker Freshman Blair Schaefer

Saturday, Dec. 18 at home against the Australian National Team at 11:30 a.m.

Junior Alex Caruso: “My favorite part about basketball games is winning and playing with teammates.”

Tuesday, Dec. 14 in Temple at 7:00 p.m.

Senior Leah Gonzalez: “As a team we like to sing and dance in order to have fun or we make jokes.”

compiled by Anna Huff and Amy Zhang

11

Alec Kenerley PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF

This season, Consol’s swim team is starting off with only 11 senior swimmers, but all are very promising to lead their team to district.

“The commitment level is very high this year,” Coach Ryan Goodwyn said when comparing how many more students are doing club and high school swimming.

The goal this season is to get every swimmer to step up with the specifically designed practices each week.

“Team unity and trying to get everyone on the same page,” Goodwyn said.

Mauricio Zambrano PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF

2010 A recap on this year’s first semester of athletics in numbers

Swimming

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Boys Cross Country

50

Running 50 miles a week, the varsity boys cross country team has had a decent season, but has had to hurdle many obstacles along the PHOTO BY KENDRA SPAW way.

“The season was kind of disappointing, because we expected to come out better,” junior Brent Winemiller said. “However, due to many injuries, we did not do as well as we wanted.”

Coach Michael Skinner had high hopes for the season, but intends to improve the team next year.

“We didn’t have the depth we had in previous years, even though we were set up to have a good season,” Skinner said. “We don’t like being second, and it’s tough to swallow.”

Girls Cross Country

5

The varsity girls cross country had an outstanding season resulting in one of the top runners placing fifth in state on Nov. 13.

Sophomore Karis Jochen placed in state and then competed in both the Foot Locker South Regional in North Carolina on Nov. 27 and the Nike National cross country meet in Oregon on Dec. 4. Jochen has also been nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year for cross country.

“Karis has had an outstanding year, and she has definitely shone this year,” Coach Rodney Wellmann said.

With only seven girls on the varsity roster, they have all improved.

“It’s kind of had its ups and downs—some good performances, but some injuries as well,” Wellmann said. “The year has been a rebuilding one, since our team is pretty young this year.”

Karis Jochen PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN JOCHEN

Fall Sports Review

20 | sports | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Coach Jim Slaughter coached his 200th win this season, and the team advanced to the regional 5A Divison 1 in playoffs.

“Going into the season we felt like we had the chance for a good team because we had speed, a returning back and good athletic abilities,” Slaughter said.

Slaughter said that overall, each position had an understanding of what to do.

“The players have gained a lot of experience from this year because of the depth of teams we have played against,” Slaughter said.

35

19

Neely Edwards PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Winning 35 games this season, the Lady Tigers emerged as the District 12-5A champions for 2010.

“I love the traditions we have and it helped me bond with all the girls,” senior Emily Nixon said.

Throughout the season, the girls worked together to become a closer team and exceeded their own expectations.

“For being such a ‘young’ team, we’ve come a really long way,” senior Neely Edwards said. “[We’ve] become really close this year—we’re like family.”

PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

With 19 matches per tournament, the varsity tennis team this fall has been one for gaining experience.

“For the most part, it was a learning fall, but it ended well,” Coach Stephen Mercer said.

“We improved throughout the season, and even beat Georgetown.”

With many underclassmen added this year, the team has had an opportunity to bond together and improve.

“Team tennis really brings us together, so even though it’s sad that our last team season [as seniors] is over, we’ve still got individual play in the spring to look forward to,” senior Sarah Solcher said.

Golf

2 1,629

The only 2 seniors on varsity this year are Kameron Kitchens and Ben Hughes.

Kameron Kitchens, Ben Hughes PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF

Kameron Kitchens PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF

Volleyball

Ashten Landry PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

Quinton White PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO

This was the football team’s 6th time to beat Bryan in the Crosstown Showdown.

Madison Hanson PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF

6

200

Tennis

Kristina Raphael PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE

PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO

Chris Nutall PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO

Football

21 | sports | the roar

Averaging approximately 1,629 swings per practice, boy’s golf is looking forward to a new year with a great season.

“The best characteristic about this year is that we have competition within our team and that is what is going to make us better,” Coach Justin McKown said.

Having the competition pushes the other players to do their best.

“Our team knows that for us to be successful, we have to be very good in that phase of the game,” McKown said. “We have to manage our emotions, manage the course and have great short games.”

For the girls golf, Coach Mike Terral explains they are in a rebuilding mode this year.

“We have improved; we still have a long way to go in all phases,” Terral said.

They are focusing most of their time on chipping and putting.

“The team is a great blessing, and I absolutely love the girls,” Terral said.

22 | entertainment | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

The Roar Reviews

Senses Bone Chilling Mystery Novels Seasonal for the month of December “Death on the Nile” Deception takes on a whole new meaning with famed mystery author Agatha Christie’s renowned novel, “Death on the Nile”. When Simon Doyle breaks off his engagement to Jacqueline De Bellefort in order to be with her best friend and heiress, Linnet Ridgeway, Jacqueline becomes jealous and begins to stalk the couple. As a final attempt to dodge Jacqueline, the couple books tickets for a Nile River cruise.

Hercule Poirot, Christie’s trademark detective, is on the cruise as well as Jacqueline, much to the couple’s dismay.

Smell fresh cut Christmas trees at local tree farms while searching for the perfect tree. Trees after Christmas Day can be recycled at Central Park in early January. The Christmas Tree Recyling Program is hosted by Brazos County 4-H Equestrian Club, The Eagle Newspaper and the Texas Forest Service.

By Katy Massey with each discovery that Madison makes, the haze and mystery surrounding her death is lifted and readers are able to experience Madison’s emotional journey to discover not only the true cause of her death, but a discovery of what kind of person she was as well. The singular drawback of the novel is an initially confusing plot; however, this is quickly remedied by the fast-paced turn of events in later chapters, in addition to Madison’s overwhelming character development.

Overall, “The Everafter” is a wonderful mixture of suspense, romance and supernatural mystery, bound together by a strong-willed character who embarks on a journey of selfdiscovery even after her death.

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” With a cup of hot chocolate in my hand, I grabbed a cozy blanket and a copy of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” a true classic that has lived in the minds of many for more than a hundred years. The collection, which includes twelve of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s best short stories, was a perfect read for the mysteriously cold “winter” day. The variety of subjects in the story, ranging from red-heads and orange pips, to stolen jewels and crowns, provides a mystery for everyone, whether the reader wants a story

the Christmas Light Display at Central Park. The trip experience begins with a hayride through thousands of twinkling lights in every color and design and ends with hot chocolate.

When Linnet is murdered, and Jacqueline has an alibi, it is revealed that there is a true dangerous murderer on the ship. Poirot and his great wit are once again put on the case to solve this deadly mystery. Poirot’s cunning tactics and perception keep the reader entrenched in the novel. The writing style of Christie, does not fail to impress, and it is difficult to put this book down. Filled with suspense, thrills, and surprises, this novel keeps the reader guessing until the end, and it is truly worth the read.

“The Everafter” While the genres of romance and mystery are not always easily blended together, Amy Huntley tastefully accomplishes this task in her novel “The Everafter”. The story revolves around a seventeen-year-old girl, named Madison, who discovers that she is dead after waking up in complete darkness, surrounded only by trivial objects that were important to her during certain times in her life.

Through these objects, Madison attempts to discover the cause of her death and the shocking truth of her demise.

The novel begins slowly at first; the confusion felt by the main character is transferred to the mind of the reader as soon as his or her eyes scan the first few pages. However,

See

By Alina Dattagupta

Hear yourself singing in the Tiny Tim Caroling ensemble tonight. Hosted by Student Council, Tiny Tim is a caroling event that fundraises money for the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center. All participants will be meeting in the cafeteria at six o’clock.

Taste homemade Peppermint Bark. Recipe

By Amy Zhang

with misconceptions and hilarity or murder and darkness.

Doyle’s distinctive mannerism of using intertwined plot twists made reading the book an engaging mental exercise.

I tried my hardest to figure out the villain before Holmes revealed his astonishingly basic solutions, but sadly, I was pretty unsuccessful. Despite the intellectual workout that the book presented, I found it to be a refreshing break from school, and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good mystery. It’s elementary, my dear reader!

includes ingredients of 1 (12 ounce) package Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels and 24 hard peppermint candies.

Touch glue, confetti and glitter while making handmade Christmas ornaments. Craft material can be purchased from local craft stores including Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. compiled by Alex Hall

2010 FALL SCHEDULE 2010 FALLFINAL FINAL EXAM EXAM SCHEDULE Wednesday,Dec. 15 8:20-10:15 7th Period Final 10:20-12:15 1st Period Final 12:15-1:45 Open Campus Lunch 1:50-3:45 5th Period Final

Bead Fountain Receive a FREE Bracelet

with the purchase of a decorative clasp

Home of the SmartClip Technolgy

1804-D Brothers Blvd • College Station (Behind the CS Walmart) 979-694-2323 • www.MyBeadShop.net

Add to your Trollbeads story today!

Thursday, Dec. 16 8:20-10:15 2nd Period Final 10:20-12:15 4th Period Final 12:15-1:45 Open Campus Lunch 1:50-3:45 6th Period Final Friday, Dec. 17 8:20-10:15 3rd Period Final Early Release

the roar | entertainment| 23

friday, dec. 10, 2010

Holiday Happenings The Roar compiles festive holiday activties for winter break Dec. 10 “Tiny Tim” caroling presented by Student Council. Meet in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 U-Paint-It half price studio fees for $4.

Open until 10:00 p.m.

Dec. 20 Visit Sonic and try the new Snickerdoodle Blast or a Holiday Spice Sugar Cookie Blast.

Dec.25

Merry Christmas Spend time with family and friends by a fire.

Dec.30 Have a movie marathon with friends.

Dec. 11 Holiday Brass & Organ Spectacular at 5:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church

Dec. 16 Enjoy the beautiful lights at Christmas in the Park at Central Park from 6:30-11:00 p.m.

Dec. 21 Tiger boys basketball game at 2:00 p.m. against Lufkin at Consol. Tickets for students are $3.

Dec.26 Watch the Houston Texans take on the Denver Broncos at 4:00 p.m. on CBS.

Dec.31 Watch the ball drop in New York on NBC.

Dec. 12 Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at 2:00 p.m. at Rudder auditorium

Dec. 17 Go see Tron: Legacy in Real 3D at 8:30 p.m. at Cinemark Theater.

Dec.22 Watch the Food Network for fun holiday dishes to make during the holidays.

Dec.27 Make a scrapbook for all of your holiday memories.

Jan . 1 Clean out your closet or make a New Year’s resolution to start off 2011. Try a free 7 day trial membership at Gold’s Gym.

Dec. 13 “Bring your pet to the Park” night at Central Park at 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Dec. 18 The Theatre Company presents “White Christmas” at 2:00 p.m & 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 or $12

Dec.23 Make a gingerbread house with a kit from Bed Bath and Beyond for $9.99.

Dec.28 Catch up on your favorite T.V. shows online at Hulu.com.

Jan .2 Take your Christmas tree to be recycled at Central Park.

Dec. 14 Tiger boys basketball game against Bryan at 7p.m. at Consol. Tickets for students are $3.

Dec. 19 Skate With Santa at Artic Wolf Ice Skating Rink at 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10

Dec.24 “The Holiday” plays on TNT at 7:00 p.m

Dec.29 Curl up on the couch and read “The Polar Express.”

Jan .3 Texas A&M Men’s Basketball game against Wagner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.

24 | etcetera | the roar

friday, dec. 10, 2010

displays creativity

daring

by alex hall, executive editor

Junior Amanda Calkins keeps her long locks from tangling and describes her hairstyle by the nickname she has earned due to her style, Rapunzel.

Senior Walker Thompson spikes his mohawk and describes his hair as a combination of suave and cutting edge. Thompson feels that his style is all about the wax and taming his hair.

“I didn’t get permission to cut my hair until freshman year but I liked it so much so I decided to keep it just because I wouldn’t feel like me if I didn’t have it.”

“Choose a hairstyle that fits your face and you.

Don’t fight it. Let it be the way it should be.”

Senior Graham Carter rocks out guy curls and said his hairstyle can be described as gross and knotty. Carter keeps his hair in this style by not washing it very often or cutting it.

“When people see my hair, some say ‘get a haircut’ or that girls would kill for my hair. I just say ‘I know.’”

Senior Ashley Petrus struts the fashion bob and said that her hairstyle can be described as creative and stylish.

“Before, my hair was really long and curly, and it just began to be a hassle, and it was hot, so I just cut it. I was very scared at first because I used to have so much hair, but I really like it short and playful.”

photos by alex hall, photo illustrations by alejandra oliva

Senior Sage Johnston sports brilliant red colored hair and describes her hairstyle as simply awesome. Johnston said she does not use conditioner, lets her hair air dry after the shower, then uses a blow dryer to style.

“I really like the red, and I wanted to do something different. I like to branch out and be unique.”

English teacher Chauncey Lindner remembers his former hairstyle of the man ponytail, which he describes as hippie. Linder keeps current style in check by washing, drying and then running a small amount of Axe “Whatever” through his hair and then brushes it into place.

“Pick something that’s easy and comfortable. If you’re spending more than a couple minutes on your hair in the morning, your fellow men are laughing at you behind your back. Most women probably are, too.”