the
Roar
A&M Consolidated High School
Meet your new pet at the Animal Shelter on page 13.
1801 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S., College Station, Texas 77840
Friday, Feb. 11, 2011
Vol. 16 No. 4
nthis ssue news
Censorship: Banning books has negative effect on character development, English teachers say. Page 5.
viewpoints
Racing Stripes: Junior Elena Edwards finds connection with male family members through racing cars. Page 5.
people
Teacher Couples: Teachers share stories about their significant others. Page 16.
sports
Boys Soccer: The captains of the boys soccer team help maintain team cooperation. Page 22.
School safety prompts new measures, enhanced vigilance by alejandra oliva managing editor Over winter break, an additional entryway was installed at the front of the school, leading directly into the office. Now the only entry into the school from 8:20 to 3:45, the door forces visitors and students alike to pass through the front office, where they are logged into the RAPTOR system, designed to do a background check on a driver’s license or name plugged into the system. “[The new door] will help us monitor everyone who comes in and out of the school, make sure they are supposed to be
entertainment Evolution of Dance: Dance styles change through time. Page 27.
tolook
where News Viewpoints Snapshots
pages 2-5
pages 6-12 page 13
Student Life
pages 14-15
People
pages 16-19
Sports
pages 20-23
Health & Rec Entertainment Etc.
page 24 page 25-27 page 28
art by alejandra oliva
there,” assistant principal Chris Diem said. Over the summer, a group of principals decided to test the school’s RAPTOR system. They pulled a name off of Texas’s Most Wanted List and plugged it into the computer. Within 30 seconds, they received a call from the company that monitored the system, asking if the school principals needed assistance with the convicted felon on the campus. The doors, along with the new parking lot gates, have been two measures in the last year that have restricted outsider access to campus. Both Diem and principal Buddy Reed stated that the school’s size dictates that security risks exist. “We have to put up an invisible fence around campus,” Reed said. “It’s paramount that we provide a safety net for our school.” In addition to the locked doors, parking lot gates and RAPTOR, a tri-yearly safety audit by an outside organization will be
conducted this semseter. The agency will look for various things, including secure entrances, ID awareness from faculty and staff, and overall safety, deputy superintendent Clark Ealy said. The district goes through this audit in order to ensure that every school in the district is as safe as possible, considering the student population and actual physical size of campus, Dr. Ealy said. Consol remains one of the most challenging schools to protect, again given its size and the number of entrances. In addition, Ealy said that it is particularly difficult to ensure the safety of those students who have to leave campus to go to the portables or to athletics classes across the street. Teachers at Consol have begun to be prepared for the audit, running ID check drills and being reminded of what to look for on their hall patrol periods, Diem said.
see 'security' on page 3
2 | news | the roar
n the news
All-State musicians set to perform Seven students who were selected to perform in the All-State concert will perform on Saturday, Feb. 12 in San Antonio. The musicians who will perform are juniors Serena Wang and Nicholas Smith, sophomores Tiffany Wu and Thomas Yum and seniors Zachary Wu and Katie Park.
Scholarship information Seniors who need financial assistance should apply for scholarships. The link for scholarships is https://mail.csisd. org/~kburns/ or you can get to the information by going to the school website and clicking on scholarships.
Calendar for 2011 to 2012 school year approved The calendar for the next school year has been approved by the school board. The link is http://www.csisd.org/Calendar11-12. pdf or you can go to the district’s website for the link.
friday, feb. 11, 2011
A qu ck view Senior Zachary Wu has been named a semifinalist in the national Intel Science Talent Search. Zachary’s research project is “Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen with Ru(phen)2DPPZ and Its Di-Cyano Analogs.”
Campus recognized as high performing The National Center for Educational Accountability (NCEA) recently announced their high performing campuses for the 2010 year and A&M Consolidated High School was recognized for Science and Math. The Austin-based NCEA evaluates schools differently than the Texas Education Agency. NCEA identifies Higher Performing Schools based on two measures: growth of students at the school and absolute achievement of students at the school. The measures identify schools that outperform their peers that serve similar student populations.
Musicians named finalists for concerto competition On Sunday, Feb. 6, students participated in the Youth Concerto Competition at Peace Lutheran Church. Junior Franco Bettati placed first. Sophomore Joshua Ho finished second; sophomore Tiffany Wu, third; sophomore Michael Bettati, fourth; and sophomore Yongin Choi, fifth.
PHOTO BY AMY ZHANG
Com ng up Feb. 12: The Belles “A&M Classic” Competition at Consol Feb. 12: Sadie Hawkins Dance: 8:00pm at Expo Center
Feb. 21: Student Holiday
Feb. 26: Practice UIL academic meet at Consol March 5: Band pancake breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. March 7-11: CARE Week March 12: SAT at Consol
March 25: Consolapalooza March 26: District UIL academic meet at Consol
the roar | news | 3
friday, feb. 11, 2011
‘Security’ continued from page 1
New security measures implemented for safer learning environment id cards
One of the most unpopular measures for students in the last four years are school-issued student ID’s around the neck by all students, teachers, administrators and staff. Diem again cited the large size of the school as the reason behind the ID’s and their constant reinforcement. “There are 2,800 kids at the school right now, and we have about a three percent growth each year,” Diem said. “[The principals] recognize most of [the students], know whether or not [they’re] supposed to be here, but most teachers don’t. We need something quick, something visible, to be able to identify whether you’re supposed to be here.”
in case of emergency
While most of the safety measures implemented are preventative measures intended to keep emergencies for occurring, Dr. Ealy said that the district also keeps an emergency handbook, which lists hundreds of safety threats to the schools and the standard operating procedure for staff in each case. “We have a plan to deal with something like the
threatening letters in Bay City,” he said. “We have a plan to deal with a train derailment releasing toxic fumes, we have a plan to deal with tornadoes, with an active shooter on campus.” Part of the semester’s security audit includes updating this manual, he said. In addition, the district is required by state law to do a set number of drills each year, including fire drills, bus evacuation drills, tornado drills and shelter-in-place drills.
student resource officers
Other security measures, however, are intended less to control wrongdoers than to scare them into submission, Diem said. The presence of two Student Resource Officers (SROs), as well as security cameras, is intended to deter students from misbehaving in the first place. However, based on certain laws regarding student’s oncampus rights, SRO’s may not initiate a search of student belongings, Diem said. However, once something is found to elicit suspicion, SRO’s may step in. “The SRO’s are used mainly in extreme situations,” Diem said. “However, it is nice to know that if something
Securing the Facts less than about about
5%
of public schools require their students to wear IDs
happens, they are right across the hall.” The necessity of maintaining a safe learning environment at Consol is seen as a responsibility by both Diem and Reed. “Out in public, you’re there of your own free will,” Diem said. “Parents send their kids here, and we need to make sure the safety net is there. It’s our responsibility to let parents know their kids are safe from harm.” Reed agrees. “It’s important to provide a safe environment,” he said. “Parents expect it. The community expects it. It is the initiative of the school district to provide safety to all campuses.”
Percentage of students who report having been threatened or injured with a weapon at school 1993-2007
55% of public schools use security cameras 40% of public schools require their teachers wear IDs
Source: nces.ed.gov
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4 | news | the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Learning to manage autism disorder helps students succeed in academic goals BY EMILY NELSON AND RACHEL KAGLE
senior editor and staff reporter
A
shocking 20 percent of children in America are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year. For some, this disorder is an intellectual battle, and for others it is just a battle with social instincts. “Since it’s a spectrum, it goes all the way across,” special education teacher Lucinda Thelen said. “We have some that are profoundly intellectually disabled and then some that have to learn how to speak. They have to learn to share words. They have to be taught how to have a conversation, how to read body language, how to look someone in the eye.” For others it is a different kind of battle. “Then you have the whole other side [of the spectrum]. You’ve got people in your class that you don’t even know have autism,” Thelen said. “They’re just a little different. Intellectually they’re fine, but socially they don’t fit in.” The counselors assist these students with social and academic issues.They help with any questions or problems a student may have. “It may be just a minor problem, but sometimes to them it may be a big problem,” counselor Jamie Boyd said. Some students move on to college after high school. One in particular is Sam Houston State University graduate and Thelen’s son, Chris Thelen. He was diagnosed with a form of ASD known as Asperger’s syndrome. He does not have an intellectual disability, but he has a lot of social issues, Thelen said. “I didn’t really participate in all that many activities [in college and high school],” Chris Thelen said. “I tended to try and avoid the places that had a lot of people, which meant that large assemblies and other gatherings were
avoided when I could.” The students higher on the Autism spectrum may be in Life Skills classes. These classes are offered at the high school for students who have severe disabilities. “In life skills, we work on exactly what it says,” Thelen said. “What they need to succeed in life.” Although not all of the life skill students will attend college, the teachers work with them on social skills, work skills, academics and cooking. Other programs are also offered at the high school to help the students on either side of the autistic spectrum with any questions difficulties. “We have a structured room for students with Autistic tendencies, and we also have a social skills group, not a class, a group, where we put students who have similar needs that are typical for students with Autistic needs,” special education teacher Dawn Galloway said. The life skills programs and social skills groups help make life easier for the students with disabilities because they are around others with the same situations. However life is still difficult and different for them in numerous ways. Daily tasks such as communication or social activities may pose as a problem. “Things that we totally take for granted are really hard for [them],” Thelen said. “[Some student’s] favorite times of the day, like going down to the cafeteria and talking with friends, can be a nightmare [for the students with Autism]. It’s just a difference.” For Chris Thelen, his disability is not a hindrance, but rather another way of life. “People like me see the world through different lenses,” Chris Thelen said. “Having a disability is not the end of the world. You eventually learn how to deal with any disadvantages.”
Looking Deeper Autism spectrum 1. Autistic disorder (also called classic autism) 2. Asperger syndrome 3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder ( or atypical autism)
Autism symptoms 1. Communication - both verbal and nonverbal such as pointing, eye contact and smiling 2. Social - such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel and holding a conversation 3. Routines or repetitive behaviors (also called stereotyped behaviors) - such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules and playing in repetitive ways Source: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm
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the roar | news| 5
firiday, feb 11, 2011
Censorship banning of books creates controversy across nation BY KATY MASSEY assistant opinions editor From science fiction and romance to autobiographies and encyclopedias, halftattered pages and fading black ink make up the substance of hundreds of books around the world. Despite the overwhelming possibilities literature presents to further education and present new ideas to the general public, some people wish to diminish the accessibility of certain books in schools, public libraries, and in many cases, whole nations. “In one sense, I think people ban books because the values of some communities are so unaligned with the values they perceive in the books that they just don’t want their children to read those books,” English III AP teacher Chauncey Lindner said. “They don’t want to deal with having their children exposed to whatever is in these books.” In recent years, popular reasons for banning books have included racism, offensive language, religious viewpoints or conflicting religious subjects, the mention of drugs, suicide, or alcohol, sexually explicit scenes or the mention of homosexuality. A much larger list of reasons exists, however, and people continue to express their distaste for anything they find misleading or inappropriate. “Being so afraid of a book that you just ban it, rather than think about it and think about why you don’t believe it, and then just move on with your life, indicates a lack of strength in your own beliefs,” Lindner said. “If you believe what you believe strongly enough, the book you read that said other-
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wise shouldn’t shake you.” Consol librarians have not experienced problems with any of the literature placed on shelves in at least ten years. However, to ensure that students have access to suitable, age-appropriate material, librarians read each and every book that is in the process of being considered to be placed on the shelves to determine which ones are deemed acceptable for high school students. “We have to read the books before we ever put them on the shelves,” librarian Kendra Lundy said. “There’s a lot of books that we buy that we end up not putting [in the library]. In that instance, it’s better for the public library to [allow] those books, instead of the school to have them.” However, despite the numerous restrictions Consol librarians have to consider, the library is a place to view a wide spectrum of all ideas, Lundy said.
“A library has to present all ideas, not just a specific idea,” Lundy said. “For example, if you have the Bible in your library, you have to have the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon. You can’t just say, ‘This library will only have the Bible in it’. You have to [present] every idea. If you don’t like what the book tells you, just don’t read it.” But banning books is not the only way to eliminate their influence or diminish their credibility. Recently a revised edition of Mark Twain’s, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was published by Twain’s scholar Alan Gribben and NewSouth books, replacing a singularly offensive racist word with the word “slave.” English III AP teacher Michael Williams expresses his disdain for the edited version of the work. “It has always been my opinion that
the N-word is placed there deliberately to make [readers] uncomfortable,” Williams said. “Twain wanted to make it difficult for us. Most of his writing is about making us uncomfortable with who we are and recognizing that there’s a lot of hypocrisy in this world, and there’s a lot of ugliness in this world, and we need to face it.” Despite the changing times, and with it, changing literature, teachers and librarians alike hope to retain a sense of passion and desire to further their knowledge through literature, despite popular opinion that says otherwise. “Education at times needs to be uncomfortable,” Williams said. “We do need to have ideas questioned. We’re not here just to reaffirm what we already know. We grow and we learn by being introduced to things that we’re not familiar with.”
Top 6 Most Challenged Titles of 2010 “TTYL” series by Lauren Myracle “And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger Source: http://www.guardian.com
Sadie Hawkins Dance
Tomorrow from 8 p.m. to midnight Don’t forget: •Students must bring their IDs to enter. •Non-Consol students must enter with a Consol student carrying an ID. •All students must arrive by 10 p.m. and must be picked up by 12:30 p.m. •If a student is not picked up by 12:30 p.m., they will not be allowed to attend future dances. •Dress code will be enforced, and inappropriate danc ing will not be tolerated.
“The Perks of Being A Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee “Twilight” (series) by Stephenie Meyer
6 | viewpoints |the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Young girl finds true love in heavenly bridegroom
Book censorship harms student education This month, a group of scholars announced that they would be releasing a revised version of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” This edition would cut out each instance of the word “nigger” and replace it with the far less inflammatory word “slave.” The argument behind this change is that the censorship will allow more school children to read the book in English class, without offending anyone. However, this change begins a slippery slope toward all that could be considered taboo in literature. If Huck is no longer allowed to call Jim by the epithet set by culture and class, why should we discuss slavery at all? Why is Huck’s recognition of Jim’s humanity so stirring when it finally comes? The use of the n-word in Twain’s prose was intended to shock readers, was intended to make them sit up and pay attention to their own prejudices, as seen through the eyes of an impressionable child. Part of the value of “Huck,” especially in the English classroom, is its ability to foster frank racial discussion among students. Part of what makes English classes so important is their open environment for discussion of ideas. If not even the English classroom is a place for open dialogue, then there remain few places where teenagers can engage in the type of frank, honest discourse that characterizes any discussion about a controversial work. Yes, there will be tittering, there will be students that are offended, but the overall result will be students more confident of their own beliefs, more able to express their own values, more
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able to accept the views of others without prejudice. 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
when reaching toward her prince has been confused with the sensational appetite for approval, the desire for young men’s attention. She wishes to be admired and envied, subconsciously putting herself in the dangerous role of the damsel in distress. Playing her part she builds dreams of enticing and daring images. Picturing herself as the helpless young princess being captured by the villain and locked away in a tower, she waits for her knight in shining armor. Staring blankly out the tower window, she suddenly envisions a strong and handsome man riding towards her on a white stallion, the one who has come to rescue her. With weak knees she falls into his arms, but once embraced, her A little princess stands in front of her mirror wearing knight begins to fade into the crevices of her mind. He is a pretty pink gown and her mother’s red high heels. replaced by the image of a boy who captured her heart Adjusting the shiny tiara sitting atop her head, she and tied it into woven knots of admiration and flattery, gazes at her reflection and her imagination begins the temporary hero who did not stay. to grow. In her mind, she pictures a place where the Who is this Prince Charming and Knight hills are a lush green and the flowers dance around for whom her heart is longing, the one who her bare feet. Swaying in the wind, her dress will not vanish but sweep her in his arms for grazes over the blades of grass, as she glances a fairytale ending? The answer is not in man, at the scenery around her. With young eyes but in God. He is the one who seeks and sweeping across a fairytale land, her pursues and woos the heart. He is the gaze suddenly falls on a tall figure rescuer, the one who has come to standing off in the distance. take us away with Him, constantly As if by magic, the shadow pursuing us, His bride, with a pure begins to glide forward and love—a love that is patient and kind. she soon realizes that it is the Scripture reveals that the bridegroom outline of a boy. Driven by a will one day return for His bride and purposefully designed force will be united. Just as Christ watches over within her, the little girl begins us, he watches over the young woman running towards him. It is as if time and promises never to leave her has suddenly slowed, and they are or forsake her. What more could running in unison, dreamlike. a young woman ask for? It is Upon reaching each other, every girl’s dream to be loved they extended their arms in an for her heart; to be pursued with attempt to touch, but as soon love, patience and gentleness; to as their fingers draw near, he be treasured, honored and vanishes. Startled, she awakens favored; to be the apple of and stares back at her His eye and know that she reflection. Instead of a will be forever with Him little girl looking back in His heavenly kingdom. at her from the other When she accepts His pursuit, side of the mirror, she then there truly is a happily ever after. sees a teenage girl, her childhood For who is such a prince? He is the King Artwork by Morgan Murphy Prince Charming disappearing with of Kings and Lord of Lords, her groom her youth. Jesus Christ. Through the years of adolescence, the Emily is the Senior Editor for the Roar. If you would once little princess grows into a larger version of herself. Her clothes bear the essence of growth and newness and her like to discuss your search for your perfect groom with her, face is dressed with powder and gloss. The innocent longing contact her at the.roar.enelson@gmail.com.
emilynelson
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, Kimmie Cessna, Anne Finch Staff Reporters: Kirsten Bevan, Dana Branham, Preksha Chowdhary, Isabel Drukker, Laura Everett, Kelsey Gaines, Rachel Kagle 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.
the roar | viewpoints | 7
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Common love of racing leads to family bonding
elenaedwards Growing up, I never had much in common with the two main men in my life. It became abundantly clear around my teenage years that my interests (dancing, shopping, watching romantic comedies and having indepth conversations about my feelings) were nothing even remotely similar to those of my dad and brother. Granted, I made my attempts to connect with them both. However, I quickly learned that I am no hunter, I am not interested in video games, I do not like to watch gory war movies or lift weights, and I would rather do all of those things than try and instantaneously forget how to load,
Artwork by Maurice Vellas
disassemble and clean a gun. I was my mother’s daughter, and it never ceased to amaze me just how completely and utterly opposite I could be from my own kin. God must have sensed my distress, because during the summer of my sophomore year, when I can honestly say that I had given up all hope of ever connecting with those two, my dad, owner of two embarrassingly ancient Mercedes, impulsively bought a fancy 2010 super car, which turned out to be the start of something great. That pretty super car of his gave us all the opportunity to do something together that we found out we loved to do: race. I soon found that racing cars at Texas World Speedway is something so incredibly exhilarating and a hobby that we are all crazy for, and it has become a bonding experience that the three of us participate in once a month. When we’re out at the track, we spend seven hours a day for two days straight, hanging out with each other and talking about our last runs on the race track. We help each other out by giving pointers on what we can do to improve, we talk for hours about all of the cool new things we experience each time we go out, and best of all we laugh together and get to grow closer as a family. I’ve grown to love this time that I get to spend with my dad and brother. Finally, we all have a common interest that allows us to get to know each other so much better. Thanks to racing, I am no longer an outcast amongst these men I love so much- I’m actually one of the guys now. For one weekend a month the three of us get to experience each other’s company while learning, excelling, and driving hard. What could be better than that? Elena is an Assistant Editor for The Roar. If you’d like to get some racing tips, contact her at the. roar.edwards@gmail.com.
word on the street
“It’s just nice to be asked. The bucket is insignificant in comparison.”
-Kenley Pang, freshman “A bucket about three feet high, filled with chocolate. It should be able to fit a grown man inside.”
-Andrew Hansen, sophomore ies, a “A bunch of dif ferent cand ” nerf gun and Thin Mints.
-Hannah Conrad, junior
By Morgan Murphy
Heart Attacks
W hat makes perfect Sadie the bucket?
Should governments and schools be allowed to censor or ban books?
-Nicole Colunga, senior
3.4% 15.4%
Key Yes Sometimes
81.2%
“Honestly, with the amount of time I spend making one, I really don’t like giving it away. I’m going to ask my date to make me a bucket.”
“A steak sammich, because women make the best sammiches!”
No
1142 students surveyed
-Jason Pratt, history teacher
8 | viewpoints |the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Popular video game masks true horrors of warfare the recent winter break, I couldn’t stand being around my cousins for more than a few minutes because it seemed as if all they talked about was their desire to possess
katymassey Resisting the urge to throw the shiny new XBOX controller to the floor, I instead began to yell at the television screen, blaming it for my failure to correctly aim a machine gun. Not two feet from me, I could hear the stifled laughter of my older cousin as he watched the screen fade to black—signaling the millionth time I had died in attempting to conquer the horrible creation that is Call of Duty: Black Ops online multiplayer. Shooting my cousin a venomous glare, I furiously mashed at the buttons on the controller, struggling to stay alive. My struggles were in vain, however, seeing as I only lasted about a minute before I was killed by a grenade. After this final attempt, I halfthrew the controller at my cousin who eagerly snatched it up, a glazed look in his eyes as he joined a new online session and then proceeded to play with such accuracy that I felt the tiniest bit jealous. Despite the odd longing I felt at the time to show off my non-existent gaming skills to my cousin through playing Black Ops (and failing), I despise the game, and the entire series itself, more so than any other object I have come into contact with in my life. Maybe it’s because I can’t last for 30 seconds during multiplayer. Or maybe it’s because I hate the red specks that cloud the side of the screen whenever you’re about to die. These are all perfectly valid reasons, small details that fuel my overwhelming hatred for this franchise. During
Artwork by Morgan Murphy
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’s your opinion on filesharing and illegal downloading? Taylor Bounds, sophomore Filesharing and illegally downloading music is essentially stealing. Although filesharing is easy and cheap, it is cheating the artist, production company, writers and all others involved. Kelsey Smith, junior Filesharing is changing the profit curves by killing the income of the third parties who have been leeching off of artists for decades. In the music industry, live sales (concerts) have gone up significantly-why? Because filesharing is helping them generate more publicity and a larger fanbase. Samantha Wang, sophomore Music companies and celebrities are already rich. Most of them just throw their money around anyways. They could do the public a favor and just give us their music for free. Add your opinion and see more responses: Friend Roar Newspaper on Facebook.
Black Ops and relish in the beauty that they believe this video game possesses. All joking aside, however, there is a larger reason as to why I hate Call of Duty so much. To me, it glorifies the act of war. Yes, I know: there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other shooter games that are similar, if not the exact same, as Call of Duty. So, why do I have to pick on just this one series? It’s because I’ve never seen more men (or women) aspiring to own this video game than any other shooter game in the history of time. And when some of them play, it’s absolutely infuriating to me. When they get killed on screen, they throw minor temper tantrums, but then quickly laugh it off, saying, “Oh, it’s no big deal! I can just respawn at the last checkpoint.” But for real soldiers, in the real world, there is no respawning. Checkpoints do not exist. When soldiers die, they die. If they get an arm or a leg blown off, there is no first aid kit they can run to and pretend that everything’s fine again. War is a terrifying, horrible experience and should not be promoted or glorified in any way, shape or form. This isn’t to say that I’ll never play Call of Duty again. And I’m definitely not saying that the game shouldn’t be purchased. But next time I pick up that XBOX controller and prepare myself for the storm of imaginary bullets ahead, I’ll make sure to think about the men and women thousands of miles away, fighting for my life and constantly struggling to safeguard their own. Katy is the Assistant Opinions Editor for The Roar. If you’d like to angrily defend Call of Duty, email her at the.roar. massey@gmail.com.
[insert creativity] by Maurice Vellas
Educational Exhaustion
the roar | viewpoints | 9
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Healthy choices allow personal growth, confidence in making smart decisions I have never really worried about what I ate until now, but I am starting to see the benefits. I have begun to make smarter choices about my food intake rather than stuffing anything and everything into my mouth. I don’t look at it as a diet, but a better way of living. I feel better about myself when I don’t load up on Layne’s Chicken or Whataburger, but go home and actually cook my meal. Now
katewilliams “I’m going to have the chicken fried steak with fries and a Dr Pepper, please,” I said, grinning at the menu. Then slowly but surely my conscience kicked in, and I hesitantly changed my order. “Actually, can I have the house salad with a water?”I slowly began to smile confidently knowing that I had just defeated my stomach. Eating healthy is hard when going out to eat is a large part of how we socialize. Whether with friends or family, I feel like I’m at a different restaurant at least four times a week. Whether it’s a quick coffee run, or a stop at Sonic, calories start to add up. What teens don’t realize is that these social hangouts aren’t the best things for us. We think that just because we are in high school, and we are young and active, that what we eat and drink doesn’t matter. The truth is, it’s everything. I have done my homework and found that the more water I drink the more energy I have, and clearly water is vital to every cell in my body. So, before you order your next carbonated beverage, take the road for a more hydrated body and go for some H2O instead. Ordering water will also save you money. I stopped drinking soda a year ago, and I noticed a significant difference on my receipts when I wouldn’t buy a fountain drink.
Artwork by Morgan Murphy
instead of feeling over stuffed and gross, I feel healthy and fit. Smaller portions are also the key to success. Portion sizes have become a little outrageous in restaurants and even in our own cafeteria. I have started packing a lunch instead of hitting up the pizza line. After a couple of trips to the grocery store, I have trained myself to look at the back of whatever I buy to see its nutritional value. It also doesn’t hurt to get creative. I don’t really like salads, so I try to eat alternative healthy foods, like fruits, because of the antioxidants and vitamins that are naturally loaded in an apple. The famous saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has some truth to it. Try finding that in a Twinkie. Also, remember that colorful foods are supposedly better for you. Red apples, blueberries and other colorful foods taste great, and keep me feeling healthy. For me, taking the high road to a healthier way of life is one of the best decisions I have e v e r made. It challenges me to think before I eat and makes me happier knowing I’m helping my body rather than hurting it. My body does so much for me every day that it’s about time I return the favor. So, Consol, think twice before eating that next unhealthy meal, and walk the halls a little healthier than yesterday. Kate is the Entertainment Editor for The Roar. If you would like to share your thoughts with her, email her at the.roar. williams@gmail.com.
Drivers should abide by laws, dismiss phones for good while driving
kendraspaw Some car accidents that occur because of texting do not always lead to death but instead life-changing injuries. My grandmother was a victim of this kind of accident, and as an elderly woman who was youthful at heart, she had to accept that she would never get to partake in her passion of riding horses again. Now, her rage against those who simultaneously text and drive has spread to me. As teenagers, one of our biggest concerns is the amount of freedom we have with our cell phones. Laws have been popping up in the past couple of years preventing phone use while driving, and although I am as attached as any other teenager to my phone, I agree with what these laws are trying to enforce. Last November, a Texas A&M student
was fined up to $22 million for causing a wreck while texting and driving that resulted in the death of a Baylor niversity student. Tragedies like this have been increasing daily, and the government’s plan is to enforce more laws preventing them. Our own school zones have become phonefree areas to prevent this growing number of fatalities. People get so consumed with the phone conversations they are carrying out on the road that they hardly notice if they are drifting into a lane of opposite traffic, or not stopping when traffic ahead suddenly screeches to a halt. Laws against cell phone use aggravate people, but I find it irresponsible to risk having the last thing a person ever sees be a text from a friend that says “k.” I understand that hundreds of people get away with texting and driving safely every day, but there is always a chance and a risk not worth taking. Sure, it will be tempting to read that new text received, but to risk your life or the life of others is not worth it. My once independent grandmother now lives life in a wheel chair and needs assistance with most things due
to a young man’s persistence to text and drive. It is heart-rending to see fatalities happen more often because of lack of attention to the road, so I urge the students to follow the restrictions and drivers to be more cautious and aware on the road, because no death is worth a text message. Kendra is an Assistant Editor for The Roar. If you would like to share your thoughts with her, email her at the. roar.spaw@ gmail.com.
Artwork by Maurice Vellas
10| viewpoints | the roar
friday, feb.11, 2011
Animated movie reminds student of childhood friendships
amyzhang Last summer, while at University of Texas for a journalism workshop, I went with a group to watch Toy Story 3. Already knowing the magic of Pixar Animations, I entered the IMAX theater (outrageously large 3-D glasses on) expecting to be blown out of my seat by the epic movie. I hoped the 1 hour, 42 minute feature would come full of laughter and excitement, adventure and suspense, and of course, that tint of sadness that always comes with the end of a fantastic movie series. I unashamedly admit: I sat there sobbing uncontrollably for a good majority of the movie. For crying out loud (ugh, no pun intended), little children sitting around me shed less tears than I did. Without
spoiling the ending for any poor soul who has not seen the movie, I will say that Toy Story 3 was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen for a number of reasons. Part of the movie’s lasting impact was due to how important Andy’s toys were to him, even as he was heading off to college. Every time that I rewatch the movie now, I make sure to surround myself with a few of my old (and new) stuffed animals. I try not to get them wet with my tears, but that’s definitely hard. But the major impact that Toy Story 3 contains has to be the countless lessons of friendship it imparted. Throughout the trilogy, the audience followed Woody, Buzz and the many other toys throughout their lives as they learned to cope with new friends, being left behind, and growing up—all life lessons that must be learned, as grudgingly as some of them may come. Toy Story 3 is set 12 years after Toy Story 2, as the owner of the toys, Andy, is about to head to college. With one and a half short years until I graduate, this idea hits closer to home than I’d like, especially since many
of my friends w i l l graduate this year. Even as I prepare to say goodbye to all these close friends that I’ve gained these past three years, I can’t help but remember all the arguments and fights that I’ve had with many seniors (and other friends as well). With the burdens of everyday life and school, it is sometimes difficult to remember to cherish the importance of friendship and Artwork by Maurice Vellas
sticking together, even if times are hard. Thanks to this movie, I am reminded of how I need to be a better friend. It may seem incredible that a G-rated Pixar Animation could affect me this much, but it certainly does. Especially in the closing moments, every word that the characters speak merely reminds me of how I should be grateful for what I have, and cherish every moment I can spend with my friends. After all, once we all separate, spending time together will be infinitely more difficult. Even today, as I remember arguments and hateful words, awkward silences and disdainful looks, Toy Story 3 forces me to stop in my tracks, and think about what’s important to me. This Christmas, one of my amazing friends (whom I really should apologize to more often) gave me a copy of Toy Story 3 for my own, to watch whenever I would like. I still cry every time I watch it, and for what it means to me, I doubt I’ll ever stop. Amy is the Opinions Editor for The Roar. If you would like to get her a muchneeded box of Kleenex, email her at the. roar.zhang@gmail.com.
Project Sunshine allows for greater appreciation of material posesssions
alinadattagupta When I was little, all I ever wanted for Christmas was a Techno Dog. I pleaded and begged my parents for days until Christmas when I unwrapped one of my presents and found my Techno Dog waiting for me. At that time I was so happy and excited, but as time went on the toy became less important and soon I forgot about it. I did not realize that this toy, which soon became insignificant to me, could be a long awaited treasure for someone else until I participated in Project Sunshine. During Project Sunshine, my fourth period class adopted a four-year-old boy who came from a family of 11 children. The family was going through economic troubles, and we were hoping to fulfill his wish list for Christmas. When looking over it, we saw items such as a coat, pants, socks and shirts. I was shocked to find that this little boy did not ask for any toys or video games. I could not believe it. Whereas I take for granted the clothes I wear and the socks on my feet, here was a little boy who barely had any. After realizing this, my class decided to make this the best Christmas the boy would ever have. We each donated money, and then we went shopping and bought clothing items we thought he would like. With the money left over, we bought him games and some gift
cards. We also decided to make blankets for the family.When putting together these items for the little boy, I began to see everything in another light. Until this event I have always taken everything for granted. I have never thought twice before asking for something, and I have never had to worry about not having clothes to wear. To find out that many children are deprived of such a carefree feeling made me rethink my own actions and ways. To find out that children must strive to receive even just the bare necessities of life altered my perspective. From now on, I will think twice before I ask for something that I really do not need. From now on, I will see the true value of every seemingly insignificant item. From now on, I will appreciate even the smallest of things. After Project Sunshine I went to my chest of drawers and pulled out my Techno Dog. It was worn with age, and its ears had fallen off. I did not care. I pulled Techno Dog close and silently promised to treasure it forever. Alina is the News Editor for The Roar. If you would like to find out how to contribute to the cause, e-mail her at the.roar.dattagupta@gmail. com. Artwork by Maurice Vellas
the roar | viewpoints | 11
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Staying positive creates better outlook on life Artw
ork
kimmiecessna Getting up and starting a new day can be a hassle for some people. Trying to stay positive and not complain throughout the day can be extremely hard to attempt, but it can be a success if you try hard enough. When I am around my friends and classmates I try my best to be friendly and try encouraging them to have a good day. One way I strive to brighten people’s day is to tell a joke, say something completely random, or just bust out with a song. When I talk to someone who is having a terrible day, I want to leave them knowing they are better than before I talked to them. I enjoy seeing the smiles and laughs that come alongside with what I happen to say. For me, seeing people more upbeat makes me keep trying to stay positive. When I catch myself being negative, I remember when a group of my friends at a retreat called me a “cool breeze.” Like a hot summer day, you wish for a breeze to come and lift your spirits. To them this meant someone who can come in when they are not having the best day and make it better. When they said me, I finally noticed how much a
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difference I or anyone can make, and knowing this makes me want to keep motivating myself to stay positive. For some people, outside of school is not a place where they are continuously being negative. A few might find it hard to stay positive and not argue around their parents or siblings. Trying to stay positive around my siblings can get tough when they will not stop irritating me. It seems that no matter what I do, they seem to always find a way to annoy me and I end up arguing with one of them. When I am overwhelmed by them, I remember a bible verse I was taught, “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” Philippians 2:14. When I recall the verse it makes me stop and evaluate my actions. No matter how much my brother and sister annoy me, I love them and care about each of them. When I argue with them I should find a way to reason with them and find a way to compromise. Others might also find it difficult to be constantly positive towards their family. If you show your positive actions, others can see thatand start trying to be just as positive. Being positive in your attitude and actions is something worth working at every day. It might not always be the easiest thing to accomplish, but once people recognize a person as being positive, it is one of the greatest compliments received. Every time I begin a new day, I remember how fortunate I am to be able to attend school and have a loving family and friends who are always there. To me, that is more than enough reason to be positive as much as I possibly can. Kimmie is an Assistant Editor for The Roar. To discuss outlook with her, email her at the.roar.cessna@gmail.com.
Grandmother’s disease adds barriers to relationship
annefinch My dad’s mother is just the way anyone would imagine a typical southern grandma. She’s a little old lady with poofy hair who calls everybody sweetie and rarely leaves home without donning makeup and earrings, and she constantly tells me and my siblings how much she loves us. The only problem is she isn’t entirely sure who we are. My grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease, and while she understands that we’re her family and not random hooligans who visit her every day, she probably couldn’t tell us our names. She can, however, tell us that she loves us, and that we’re all very “good to tell ya, honey” (her automatic description for just about everything). Some days I, her first granddaughter, am the best one out of the whole bunch, and other days this title goes to my brother or my sister. When my ‘mamaw’ is in a good mood, she dances around and sings her own songs consisting of the three or four phrases she uses constantly. When my mamaw is in a bad mood, we’re the reason her legs hurt and that she doesn’t know what’s going on, and the conspirators
behind her moving here in the first place and making her leave her beloved Alabama (the fact that she asked to move here in the first place has been completely forgotten). Even with this unpredictable relationship (“ups and downs”, as my grandma would say), seeing my grandmother at least once a week sure bests the once a year visits that used to take place. Instead of having a grandma a couple of states away, I have one down the street from my house. In some ways, seeing my grandma a few times a week instead of a couple of times each year is a blessing. Her home is now a short walk or a shorter drive away. Last year it was in another state, and every time we saw her, the same question would run through my mind: is she worse? Now that a decline is absolutely inevitable, the question is a moot point. The only real problem with the new living arrangement is that it makes me wonder if all I’ll remember when she’s gone is unintelligible sentences instead of the strong, smart English teacher who gave birth to my dad, the one I never really got to know. I never knew my grandma was a neat freak until she started cleaning off the table after dinner with us and a bottle of mustard ended up in the pantry. I didn’t know she liked college football until she started cussing at our television. I wasn’t even sure she still remembered my name until we drove past the hospital where I was born and she said, “Look, Anne! It’s you!” and
told me about how the nurse wouldn’t let her into my mother’s hospital room right before I was born. Of course, nothing’s definite. Something my grandma
remembered a couple of months ago might be gone now, or tomorrow. But I always try to remember that even if my grandma can’t recall the story about the goat that my dad loves to tell at dinner, or our names, she still recognizes us. Above all, she still loves us, and I’ll hold onto that for as long as it
lasts. Anne is an Assitant Editor for the Roar. If you want to discuss Alzhemier’s with her, email her at the.roar.finch@gmail.com.
Artwork by Morgan Murphy
{opposing viewpoints} 12| viewpoints | the roar
YES
friday, feb.11, 2010
Are the new school security measures an invasion of privacy?
NO
by Alex Hall, Executive Editor
by Becca Gamache, Photography Editor
I understand that some of the new security precautions established this year, as well as those from previous years, may seem a bit over-the-top and restricting. However, these rules and policies of wearing IDs, carrying hall passes, locker searches, cameras in the hallways, etc. keep our school safe and running smoothly. Wearing an ID at all times during the school day has been a requirement for four years now. It is not a big deal, and to me, putting on my ID is part of my morning routine. Placing a lanyard around my neck is not a hard task and lets administration know I am a student of Consol. Why complain? There is no reason to be worried or agitated with school security so long as I do what I am supposed to be doing. Sure, it slows me down when multiple teachers ask to see my hall pass when making a trip to my locker, but those teachers are just doing their job in making sure I am not skipping class or am truant. If for some reason my locker is being searched without my permission, I should have no concern, because there should only be things appropriate for a school inside it. Besides, a locker is school property, and I am only borrowing it. Cameras in the hallways give me assurance that in the chance something is stolen from my backpack or if a random person punches me in the face and runs away before I can see him, administration will be able to discover who the culprit is. Again, I understand that if you are the one stealing things from lockers or skipping class how you would dislike school security. However, if you do what you are told and follow the rules, school security will become an ordinary element of your day.
Security is a word that has a much greater number of consequences than most assume. To have school security, there must be a great deal of patience and loss of privacy from teachers, police officers, principals, parking lot monitors and especially the student body. Admitting to my own lack of patience at times with the school district, I have noticed that along with the feeling of anxiety in school, a feeling of unnecessary exposure of my personal life has surfaced. Identification cards, also known as ID’s, locked gates, cameras stuck to ceiling tiles, teachers passing out test grades down the rows of students in classrooms and early-release slips are wearing down my patience and have begun to steal moments of my privacy. IDs invade my privacy by being plastic cards that share my grade level and full name with any person of a certain distance from me. It is unnecessary and a nuisance for parking lot monitors to check my early-release slip and my purpose for leaving the school. Cameras above my head record my every move, and whle sound is not recorded, actions are. As teenagers, who exist on hormones that have the highs and lows of a roller coaster, the student body at any school to say the least, is not a patient or respecting group in most situations. Sacrificing the privacy of students and staff in the name of security is not the proper approach in solving illegal activity that happens on school campuses. Deciding whether or not a school should be free or secure takes a great amount of input from teachers and students. If the district desires for this school to be safer, then they should trust the student’s ideas, rather than lock them out of consideration.
student responses. The Roar surveys students to find out their opinions on the new school security measures. Do you think the new security measures for the school are effective?
NO YES 54% 46%
Do you feel safe at AMCHS?
NO 2%
student quotes: what security measure would you change?
“
YES 98%
35% 39% IDs Parking Lots 9% 17%
rity measure, I would change the complex system for door alarms and locks. The band needs easy access...to the band hall, instead of having
Which security measure do you believe is the most effective? office other doors
If I could change any secu-
to walk all the way around the school.
“
”
Hayley Rogers, senior
I would make the IDs bigger so that they’re easier for teachers to see.
”
Chris Hong, senior
the roar | snapshots | 13
friday, feb. 11, 2011
In the arms of a volunteer
Local animal shelter receives support from others by Laura Everett and Kelsey Gaines, staff reporters
helping hands
The Brazos Animal Shelter, located in Bryan, provides a safe home for abandoned and neglected pets. However, due to a lack of financial stability, the non-profit shelter constantly needs volunteers. Students find that volunteering has not only benefited the animal’s lives, but also their own. “[Volunteering at the Brazos Animal Shelter] makes [me] feel good,” freshman Rebecca McDonald said when reflecting on her past volunteering experiences at the shelter. McDonald began volunteering with her friend, freshman Brittany Naumann, two years ago when she needed community service hours for Girl Scouts. McDonald and Naumann spent multiple Saturdays at the shelter, cleaning cages and feeding the animals. During their second year of volunteer work, they received pledges for each hour that they worked, which ultimately lead to the donation of a new dryer to the shelter. “I am glad that we helped them, because they desperately needed [a new dryer],” McDonald said. Even though the volunteer work generally leaves a warm feeling, there are still unpleasant tasks that need to be accomplished. “The animal shelter isn’t the most glamorous place to volunteer, but it is nice to know that [I’m] helping animals who don’t have anyone to love them,” McDonald said, while reflecting on the experience. Junior Cole Glidewell enjoys “doing [his] part to make a difference in animals lives.” Glidewell has participated in multiple animal rescues and has found shelter for numerous stray animals. Despite this, Glidewell has not yet gotten the opportunity to volunteer at the shelter, but is inspired by what the shelter is doing and plans to use his interest to benefit this organization in the future. “Sometimes, when people think about volunteering, they think about volunteering to help people,” McDonald said. “We learned that animals also need care, and you can’t just think, ‘oh, they’re animals. They don’t have feelings or they don’t have needs,’ but they do. And it was nice to know that we were helping them.”
DONATE blankets, shoe boxes, dog and cat toys, Walmart gift cards, stainless steel feeding dishes, rubbing alcohol, puppy shampoo, Oster hair clippers, small litter boxes, large towels, etc. ADOPT a pet! In order to do so, present a $95 adoption fee (includes cost of spay and neuter, first vaccination, Avid microchip, and more) and an approved application. After being adopted on Jan. 14, animal shelter rescue Cora cuddles up with freshman Rebecca McDonald. McDonald has volunteered at the Brazos Animal Shelter for the past two years and once assisted in raising funds for the shelter to purchase a new dryer. PHOTOS BY LAURA EVERETT
VOLUNTEER! If you are 18 years or older, you may volunteer without consent. If 16-17, you need parental consent as well as a parent present at orientation. If 15 or under, a parent must be present at the shelter as you volunteer. Source: www.brazosanimalshelter.org
PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE
14 | student
life | the roar
friday, feb. 11
visual artists realize that talent is money >> by BECCA GAMACHE and DANA BRANHAM PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR and STAFF REPORTER
N’T t. And DO and shoo arn to practicec setting]. Le d an h “Researc [an automati ing].” tt HERT shoot on [a manual se OR ALI >> SENI shoot on
“It takes time and a lot of criticism. You want to hear everyone’s opinion, even if it’s harsh. And get your photos out there!” >> SENIOR J.R. LACANDOLA
new things, and “Don’t be afraid to try have fun with it!” >> SENIOR KATY WALLACE
“Try so what pe mething di ff ople ex pect yoerent, and don’t u to do do .” >> SENI OR ANGI E VANE GAS
The shutter clicks, the sound so similar to the combination of a cash register’s familiar “ka-ching” and the photographer’s heart skipping a beat. The joy the photographers feel is immeasurable, because what they possess is something many dream of possessing – the ability to cash in on their passion. Seniors Angie Vanegas, Ali Hert, Katy Wallace and JR Lacandola know this joy as part of their everyday lives. “Photos are a good expression of people’s artistic intuition,” said Vanegas, when asked why she believes people should buy her photos. “They’re pretty and fun to look at and to be able to see a story behind a photo.” Vanegas picked up photography as a hobby at 12 years old, but only recently started charging for photo sessions. She now posts her pictures on her Facebook page in order for interested buyers to “simply send her a message or call her to buy a print or schedule a session,” she said. Wallace began photography as a hobby as well. “A year and a half ago, I was bored, grabbed my mom’s camera, went outside and started taking pictures of random things,” Wallace said. Since then, her photography has blossomed into something she can use as a business opportunity. Now, Wallace takes senior pictures for her fellow peers and friends. Like Vanegas, she posts her photos on Facebook so potential buyers can message her to ask for prints. Lacandola stumbled upon his talents in photography after selling one of his photos to a member of his church. Since then, he has produced multiple photo shoots, both for leisure, as well as for a commission, and also participated in an internship this past summer in New York. “Seeing the professional photographer [in New York] from an amateur’s point of view really shows what can be learned and achieved,” he said. “By learning and perfecting the basics now, it will make me a better photographer in the future. The whole summer was a big learning experience.” Hert, who gained interest in photography four years ago after taking photos for her sister’s high school graduation, realizes photography is not as easy as simply pressing the shutter button of her camera. “I see photography as an intimate thing,” “[I’m] making something forever out of a second, and that’s really cool to share with someone. But if [my clients] don’t like my shots, it’s kind of embarrassing.”
Though these photographers have various plans that may or may not include photography after completing high school, Lacandola, Hert, Wallace and Vanegas have drawn many lessons from their interests in the art. “I’ve discovered a new talent that I did not know lived in me,” Wallace said. After much practice and research, Lacandola understands how photography has affected his business expertise. “I’ve learned people skills,” he said. “[During a photo shoot], I have to stay talking, and I also have to be somewhat assertive in order to give [my clients] direction.”
“it’s whatever i
imagine.
i just lay it out in a script and film it.
It’s whatever I want to do.” >> senior atakan berkmen <<
Aside from the business aspect, photography has influenced Lacandola’s view on everyday life. “I see things from a whole new perspective,” Lacandola said. “I’m at that point, at that moment, and I’m seeing it from a different view, and I want to capture it.” Hert relates. “Everything is more beautiful behind a camera lens. I get to pick what [the viewer] sees and what is to be expressed,” she said. “I know that I can make something beautiful with photography, and that’s just really inspiring to me.” While these four students have found their passion and business opportunities to come in the form of photography, seniors Jeremy Brumley and Atakan Berkmen have found similar opportunities in the field of film.
many doors. Ther senior Jeremy Bru Since his beg (now Audio/Vid whatever creative “A lot of the from how I feel,” and artistic and b film.” Brumley’s in His work has gain has encouraged hi peers such, as sho Along with B has benefited fro discovering a pos “It’s always Berkmen said. “[M do either. They’re After taking during his eighth realize his interes “I had done from video gam I figured learnin [actually filming Berkmen said. “It imagination.” Like Brum expanded his kno school and into v making a highligh Station Raiders P Both Berkm their careers and and have learned experiences in film “I use my im whatever I imagi script and film it. Brumley has ideas and has ac when it comes to “I’ve learned said. “I definitely
y, feb. 11, 2011
PENFOR BU$INESS
“Filming opens so rs. There are so many jobs you can do,” emy Brumley said. his beginnings in the Media Tech program dio/Video Production), Brumley films creative ideas pop into his head. t of the ideas that I get for a film, come I feel,” Brumley said. “I try to be creative c and because I love [creativity], I love
the roar | student
Seniors Alyssa Gregg and TJ Bayer play in the sand. Senior JR Lacandola took this candid photo last year. PHOTO BY JR LACANDOLA
<<<
<<<
ley’s inspiration has paid off for the better. has gained him recognition in contests and raged him to take on jobs requested by his , as showcase videos and weddings. g with Brumley, senior Atakan Berkmen fited from the Media Tech program in g a possible career choice. always been film or computers for me,” said. “[Media Tech] further inspires me to They’re both great.” taking a tour of the Media Tech studio s eighth grade year, Berkmen began to interest in film. ad done film before with clips eo games and montages, but Senior Odessa Appel learning how to work with poses for her senior porfilming] would be better,” trait. Senior Katy Wallace, who is also a memsaid. “It’s harder, but I use more ber of the Bengal Belles, on.” has worked in freelance Brumley, Berkmen has photoshoots with fellow his knowledge of film beyond Belles. PHOTO BY KATY d into various odd jobs, such as WALLACE highlight video for the College iders Pee Wee Football team. Berkmen and Brumley plan to further ers and interests in film after high school learned valuable life skills from their es in film. e my imagination,” Berkmen said. “It’s I imagine, and I just lay it out there in a film it. It’s whatever I want to do.” ley has learned to dream up all sorts of has acquired many valuable attributes mes to film as well. learned lots of leadership qualities,” he efinitely started out quiet in Media Tech
life | 15
<<< Senior Michelle Kim takes a splash. Senior Ali Hert experimented with a disposable waterproof camera in an underwater photoshoot. PHOTO BY ALI HERT Cassidy Contreras volunteers to model for se<<< Senior nior Angie Vanegas. Vanegas has been taking photos since she was twelve years old. PHOTO BY ANGIE VANEGAS
16| people | the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Lessons on Love
[Compiled by Alina Dattagupta & Preksha Chowdhary, News Editor & Staff Reporter]
Educators share their personal stories on lasting love, give advice on continuing relationships
[Jessica & Chris Diem]
[Chelsea & Gregg Frashure]
Married for: One year and nine months Where they met: Tiger baseball field during the Tiger Football Clinic What is your favorite quirk about your spouse? “He tells the same stories all the time (always to different people). I just pretend it is the first time I have ever heard it,” athletic trainer Chelsea Frashure said. How many children do you or your spouse want to have? “We want to have 11 so we can have a football team. Just kidding, we would like to have 2 or 3,” history teacher Gregg Frashure said.
[Bobbi & Roy Rodriguez]
Married for: One year Where they met: High school debate camp What first attracted you to each other? “At first, we couldn’t stand each other (we’d seen one another competing at debate tournaments)—but then, working on debate turned into laughing at one another’s jokes, and the rest is history,” history teacher Bobbi Rodriguez said. What is your most memorable date? “On our first dating anniversary, [he] took me to all of my favorite places—ending with a picnic with my favorites from five different restaurants at the university where we met,” Bobbi Rodriguez said.
[Courtney & Rodney Wellmann] Married for: Fifteen and six months Where they met: at the high school
How do you get over disagreements? “I say you are right,” history teacher and coach Rodney Wellmann said. “No, I say you are right,” English teacher Courtney Wellmann said. What is your most memorable date? “Too many to count,” Rodney Wellmann said. “When Rodney took me to Christopher’s for the 10year anniversary of our first date and then told me we were flying to Boston in 12 hours to continue the celebration,” Courtney Wellmann said. What first attracted you to each other? “Her smile,” Rodney Wellmann said. “His sense of humor and the fact that he also graduated from TCU,” Courtney Wellmann said.
Married for: One and six years Where they met: Texas Capitol Building What is the most embarrassing thing your spouse has done around you? “Root for the Longhorns,” assistant principal Chris Diem said. What is one thing that your spouse owns that you will throw out the first chance you get? “The world’s oldest recliner known to man,” history teacher Jessica Diem said.
[Kelly & Chris Kovacs]
Married for: Six years and six months Where they met: “We met in Fall of 1999 when Chris was student teaching and I was an athletic trainer at Consol,” assistant principle Kelly Kovacs said. “Chris had broken his finger and went to the trainer [Kelly.]”
What advice would you give to other couples? “Don’t let something go for too long,” Coach Chris Kovacs said. “If there is a problem, talk about it.” What is your favorite characteristic about your spouse? “Everything,” Chris Kovacs said. “I love her laugh. She has a GREAT laugh, and she is one of the most patient people I know, which works out well because I’m rather impatient.”
the roar | people| 17
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Soccer player scores views on popular website, discovers new hobby but he has also had to purchase his own equipment to make his videos more successful and of higher quality, he said. Some of the gear Nick has purchased includes a Sony HDX XR 150 camera, the Final Cut Express video editing software, a new Mac computer and an external hard drive Most teenagers don’t video tape themselves doing used to hold his large amounts of footage. Many of these tricks after soccer practice. Most students don’t have a amenities are pricey, but with his parent’s support, he is able job as a freshman in high school. Most students don’t get to obtain them, Boardman said. monthly checks from Google, yet most students aren’t Nick “We try to make sure he has what he needs to keep Boardman. learning and getting better at what he really enjoys,” Mr. In March 2009 freshman Nick Boardman created a Boardman said. YouTube account under the username Nickdabeast95, Nick’s family is not only amazed at the drive Nick has where he would post videos of himself playing soccer or for his hobbies, but they do their best to show their full just messing around with the soccer ball. support. “It wasn’t Everyone in the until I posted [my family is supportive, own] videos that I Mr. Boardman said. saw other peoples’, His older brother and it made me will help him out want to go further,” with any problems, Boardman said. or he will be a goalie His views for him when he continued to needs it, and his increase in older sister is very the following impressed by what months and by he has done. Thanksgiving Although break of 2009, he support comes received an e-mail whole heartedly from Google from his family, not asking if he would all viewers enjoy like to make money Nick’s work. from his videos by “ S o m e allowing Google to comments lift me place their ads on up, but I don’t his work. pay attention to “At first I was the ones aimed as skeptical and told Freshman Nick Boardman prepares to strike at a local soccer field for a video for hate comments,” [Nick] to print out YouTube. Boardman practiced two to three times a week to videotape his skill to Boardman said. the contract, so we share on the web. FREEZEFRAME TAKEN BY NICK BOARDMAN “There are some could read it and great people on YouTube with great skill, and when they go from there,” Nick’s dad Marty Boardman said. comment on my videos, it increases the want to make more.” After a long process of analyzing the contract, Nick “All Nick’s work is self motivated,” Mr. Boardman agreed to the request and has been in business with Google said. “There have been frustrations and he could have quit, ever since, he said. Not only have his earnings increased, but he clears the hurdle and has this drive to figure it out and but after a long process of applications and video reviews, make it work all on his own.” he has become a partner with Google, causing him to receive Nick has found a way to balance all his activities, make more money and have more audio benefits. a small income and remain pleased with what he does. In the beginning, the money was slow, averaging one He has learned that patience and perseverance are key to cent a day, Boardman said. But since becoming a partner, he retrieving a goal, and he encourages others to give their best makes up to $155 a month, he said. for something they truly care about, he said. “I’m proud of how Nick has taken something he really “I remember for about the first four months when I was enjoys and has followed up on making it a money making making my videos I only had one subscriber,” Boardman thing,” Mr. Boardman said. said. “Sometimes it takes awhile for your videos to get Google gives Nick the opportunity to use certain music noticed, but if you keep with it, you will get noticed.” to enhance his videos without dealing with copyright issues,
By Kendra Spaw Assistant Editor
Boardman Breakdown Username: nickdabeast95 Channel views: 60,050 Total Upload Views: 539,813 Subscribers: 4,254 Joined: March17, 2009 Age:15
Upcoming Videos How to Drive a Soccer Ball: coming early February T90 Laser Free Kicks: coming in March T90 Laser v. Pred Powerswerve : coming in March Amazing Soccer Snipes: TBA Source: YouTube. com
18 | people | the roar
Brilliant Boutiques
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Local boutique owners find success in catering to customers BY ALEX HALL
executive editor
Digging through endless rows of dresses, stacks of jeans, drawers of ties, home décor and plastic flower arrangements, shoppers can often be discouraged by the corporate and cheap products of today’s strip malls and dollar stores. Local boutiques can save the average shopper from undergoing unsatisfying and frustrating shopping trips. Stories of how owners came into the business of owning their boutique range in variety. “It was a dream that I had for many years, of owning my own shop,” owner of Jim.n.i Earlene Butcher said. “I sold real estate for 23 years and wanted to do something different. My husband is an Aggie, and when we came here, I asked him ‘where’s the heart of the town?’ and he said ‘well there’s Bryan.’” While some owners began on spontaneity, others made plans to own a boutique after realizing the potential their ideas had. “We grew up together and are from the same hometown,” said owners Dini Kana and Kara Miloer of Merge boutique. “We always joked around our whole lives of how one day we would own our own store, and after college we just sat down and started our business plan.” By owning their own boutiques, owners also have control over what merchandise their shop sells and what type of shop they own. “I like to carry as many local and Texas pieces that I can from artists that present their work to me,” Butcher said. “I like to carry something that is made in the United States, and I don’t carry anything I don’t like. If I don’t think I can sell it, then I don’t carry it.” Comparing corporately-owned shop-
ping centers and boutiques, a notable difference of crafted detail exists in the products. “With hand crafted, you are going to get one of a kind,” Butcher said. “You are not going to have something from a mass production where it’s just stamped and ready to go.” Closet Door owner Melinda Lasell and employee Hatley Cripe agree. “Crafting is more of an art aspect, whereas manufacturing is solely putting out a product,” Cripe said. “Shopping at boutiques, teenagers are exposed to more things. They may be able to find something on the shelf that expresses their personality, and being able to express your individuality Earlene Butcher of Jim.n.i presents a selection of handcrafted jewelry from her shop. Butcher feels the difference between hand crafted and hand manufactured is the uniqueness in the product. PHOTO BY ALEX HALL
through clothing and being comfortable in your skin is really important.” While providing the customer with one-of-a kind merchandise may be a main goal of boutiques, serving the customer with respect is often another. “One thing I like to harp on between boutiques and the corporate chain shops is the service,” marketing teacher Christopher Fox said. “Before I started teaching I did two years in sales, and what I teach my kids is how to market and sell. When you see a
Leather and hand-dyed belts rest on display in Closet Door boutique. Belts are one of the many types of accessories sold in the shop. PHOTO BY ALEX HALL
customer in your store, you want to build a relationship first. There is a fine line between mild assistance and being sold to.” Some boutique owners have even learned to buy merchandise for their shops that fits their common customers. “We see our customers so regularly they are like our friends, and we know most of them on a first name bases,” Kana and Miloer said. “When we go to market, we can pin down items we think they would like.” While boutiques sell handmade and
unique merchandise, they also have the reputation of being a surprisingly beneficial job opportunity. “One of the things that I learned that is the most interesting thing about this retail business is that there are so many different professions that are involved in retail,” Butcher said. “If you’ve got a niche on something you can do that no one else can, you’re going to be able to make a living the rest of your life.”
Check out these local stores on your next shopping trip!
Merge
Location: 1100 Harvey Rd. Owners: Dini Kana and partner Kara Milow Sells women’s accessories, clothes, gifts, jewelry
Jim.n.i
Location: Downtown Bryan Owners: Earlene & Jim Butcher Sells women’s accessories, clothes, gifts, home decorations, jewelry, candles
Closet Door
Location: 907 Harvey Road # B Owner: Melinda Lasell Sells women’s accessories, clothes, gifts, jewelry compiled by Alex Hall
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Destructive Disorders
the roar | people| 19
Unhealthy eating habits bind students’ stomachs BY ELENA EDWARDS AND ISABEL DRUKKER
assistant editor and staff reporter Food is life. Food feeds our bodies, our brain, our souls, and without it, humans would not be able to function efficiently or survive. However, the connection between life sustaining nutrients and societal implications can easily become blurred. In some cases, people choose not to eat in order to meet unrealistic fashion standards, to exert control over overwhelming situations or to punish themselves and because of this, eating disorders emerge. Junior Samantha Lopez’s eating disorders developed when she was in middle school, she said. “I had both anorexia and bulimia,” Lopez said. “I think it was seventh or eighth grade [when it started,] and it was on and off for a long time. It was embarrassing having to hide that from people and not tell anyone and think that you’re not attractive.” The root cause of many eating disorders can be traced back to emotional insecurities or the obsession with one’s appearance. “I thought I was fat,” Lopez said. “Honestly, [my eating disorders started because] I thought all of my good friends were really skinny, and I didn’t look at myself like that, especially because my best friend wanted to be a model. She was the prettiest person to me, and I didn’t think I was
Bare Facts • Eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental illness • Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment • 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders compiled by Alejandra Oliva
anything like her. I was just jealous the whole time.” These same emotional behaviors can be found in others struggling with eating disorders. “Most [people who suffer from eating disorders] are competitive and a little obsessive,” Nurse Elizabeth Amdor said. “They’re more emotionally unstable and irritable. They don’t want to face what they’re doing to themselves.” Without food, the body cannot function properly, and often times people who struggle with eating disorders face physical ailments. “You get really sleepy and tired, and you never have any energy,” Lopez said. “I had to play softball so I would get really lightheaded because I had no energy. I was making myself throw up, and I always wanted food so bad. I knew it was bad, but I would do it anyway. I didn’t really think it was dangerous.” Physical effects from eating disorders should not be ignored, as they can be extremely dangerous. In some serious cases, the victim of an eating disorder may experience amenia, fractures, dehydration, a weak immune system or death, Amdor said. It is not just the body that is affected by lack of food. A student suffering from an eating disorder can also fall behind in both academics, as well as in relationships with friends and family, due to the constant distraction of hunger. “I thought about [my disorders] all the time because I would always have that hungry feeling in my stomach, so it pretty much just consumed my thoughts,” Lopez said. Although only one in ten people with eating disorders are properly treated, there are still many ways to overcome any dangerous obsessions with weight or body image. “Sometimes I still struggle with what I eat, but I definitely don’t throw up anymore,” Lopez said. “Instead of [depending on an eating disorder to lose weight], I try to eat healthier and work out. [Because of anorexia and bulimia], I had no energy, which never really got me very far.” Amdor agrees and encourages students to live healthy and talk to those who they trust about any struggles they
may be dealing with. “Don’t obsess, have counseling and go to a dietician so you can understand how many calories you should take in per day,” Amdor said. “Your body is still changing, even inside, and it’s still maturing to an adult person. Ignore miniscule amounts of calories. High school students have enough to deal with as it is.”
photo by Emily Nelson
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20 | sports | the roar
Court is
now in session
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Boys basketball captains lead team by example BY ANNA HUFF
sports editor
Basketball Breakdown
Junior Alex Caruso plays defense during Friday’s home game on Jan. 21 against Killeen Ellison. The Tigers defeated the Eagles 56-49. PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF
Varsity Overall Record: 16-13
District Record: 7-5
Freshman Maroon Record: 16-9
Upcoming Games: Feb. 11- 7:00 p.m. at Home Feb. 15- 7:00 p.m. at Ellison
Recent Results: Jan. 18 vs. Temple 39-30 W Jan. 21 vs. Ellison 56-49 W Jan. 25 vs. Bryan 43-58 L
With 32 minutes in the game, basketball is a sport of stamina, coordination and hustle. Junior Alex Caruso and senior Truman Sweed lead the varsity basketball team in these skills as captain. “I appreciate being chosen as captain this year because it shows the respect that my team and my coach have for Truman and I,” Caruso said, “It also shows the respect that we give back to them.” Along with the name, Sweed said being the captain entails much more than just leading the team “I motivate my players by encouraging them and to practice every day like it is my last,” Sweed said. “You stand out in basketball if you’re hustling. It shows you’re giving 100 percent.” While Sweed uses verbal support for his players, Caruso said he leads in a similar way. “I try to set an example for my teammates and always put forth as much energy as I came into practice that day with,” Caruso said. Both started playing basketball at young ages, Caruso said he started in first grade to try a new sport while Sweed said he began in fifth grade. “I always watched my brothers and cousins play and decided to try it one day,” Sweed said. Each has similar goals for their basketball careers such as playing in college and going to state this year, which helps them to work together well. “I believe it is good having two captains because we are all unified, and it is not just one person representing the team,” Caruso said. “It goes along with our motto ‘all for one and one for all’.” Basketball is the only sport that each captain focuses on throughout the whole year. “They are probably the two hardest workers I have ever coached,” Coach Richard German said. The key to Caruso and Sweed’s success is the love they have for their team. “We build such a great relationships and chemistry over the course of the season,” Caruso said. “We all become friends by the end of year.” Sweed said he has learned and gained many skills from basketball. “Basketball is a lot like life sometimes, some games are going to be bad,” Sweed said. “It just reminds me about life, some days are going to be bad, but some will be great.” As the team prays one minute under the basket before the game, Sweed said he knows his favorite part is about to come. “I love the tip off because I have so much energy, and I am just ready to play my game,” Sweed said. The most nerve racking part is 30 minutes before the game according to Caruso. “I always try to think of what the game is going to be like and what I am going to do,” Caruso said. Rap and hip-hop fill the halls of the locker room as the team prepares for the game that is about to happen. “I just use music to calm my nerves and put my mind in a different place,” Sweed said. Basketball has made Caruso learn important life lessons. “I have learned to always strive to be the best I can be
and to be the patient with everything I do because if you go in overly cautious, it will hurt you,” Caruso said. “ If you go into any situation patient it will benefit you in the long run.” Each has gained the respect of the team by how they act on and off of the court. “They are always on top of their game,” senior Tim Lott said. These feelings are mutual with all team mates. “In any situation they are the type of players you can look up to and rely on,” senior Nathan Shultz said. Coach German feels the same way as well. “These guys are leading by what they do, not by what they say,” German said.
Senior Truman Sweed runs through drills at practice on Wednesday, Feb. 2. He believes communication is key with being a captain, he said. PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF
Queen of the Court
friday, feb. 11, 2011
the roar | sports | 21
Senior leads team through final high school season before college basketball BY KIMMIE CESSNA
Senior Taylor Tucker shoots a layup to score two points for Consol at the home game against Bryan on Jan. 25. Tucker plans to play for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette next year. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE
assistant editor
Motivated from a young age, senior Taylor Tucker has been working hard in basketball to strive for success in the sport she loves. “What motivated me to play basketball were my parents, because they were both coaches,” Tucker said. “I especially looked up to my mom.” After practicing hard over the years and proving she had what it took, Tucker was chosen as team captain for the season. Head coach Karen Heintz was looking for qualities she thought could lead a team to a successful season. “The reason I chose Taylor as captain was because of her hard work ethic and how she showed her leadership,” Heintz said. During the many days of practice, one way to try and keep a team motivated is by being encouraging and showing tremendous effort in all the drills, Tucker said. “I tried to show leadership and effort everyday during practice,” Tucker said. After moving from Rudder to Consol for her senior year, Tucker has had to make some adjustments to the team as well as the other teammates. “What I like about Taylor is how she came to a new school for her senior year of high school to play basketball, and she fit right in,” senior Leah Gonzalez said. Tucker said she wants the team to accomplish a few goals they set in the beginning of the season. “Our goals for the season were to get first in district, win a tournament and work on our individual averages,” Tucker said. Tucker’s work has paid off and she signed to play with University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “I am excited to play in college because of the
Varsity Overall Record: 24-9
Varsity District Record: 10-4
Upcoming Games: Playoff Feb. 15 Place and time TBA
Recent Results: Jan. 31 vs. Copperas Cove 72-65 W Feb. 5 vs. Harker Heights 59-51 W Feb. 8 vs. Belton 60-41 W Junior Tierra Tucker avoids Bryan player while shooting a layup at the home game against Bryan on Jan. 25. Tucker has been on the girls varsity team since her freshman year. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE
Basketball Breakdown
Freshman Blair Schaefer preps to shoot a free throw after being fouled at the home game against Bryan on Jan. 25. Schaefer is the only freshman on this year’s girls varsity team. PHOTO BY BECCA GAMACHE
higher level, and I am excited to play with the girls from the college as well,” Tucker said. Tucker had to overcome a knee injury and a shoulder injury throughout high school. “Helping her team with each game, Taylor has improved and it showed in the season by her willingness to win,” Heintz said. According to Heintz, Tucker is a good player at rebounding for the team and using her natural talent to help the score. “Taylor has given us instant offense, she helps us score, takes care of the inside, and has passion,” Heintz said. Tucker has accomplished many things along the way and will keep going forward in college to achieve better goals. “I am proud of her for signing to play in college and coming in new and not knowing who anyone was and putting her nose down and going to work,” Heintz said. “In the end it showed.” Being able to lead a team on the court and outside of basketball is a task some of Tucker’s teammates have come to respect her for. “Taylor is a good vocal leader on and off the court, she contributes personality, and she has your back no matter what,” Gonzalez said. In the end, the game of basketball is something Tucker loves, she said. She sticks with it even when her team is winning or losing. “My saying I use to keep myself going is, ‘Two tears in a bucket,’” Tucker said. “It reminds me to not worry about anything outside of the game and to stay focused.”
22 | sports | the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Boys soccer team finds success through leadership of captains BY DINI SUSANTO
editor-and-chief
Seniority is not a factor in varsity soccer. Despite the departure of 12 seniors at the end of last school year, the team stands strong with five returning starters. “We’re not rebuilding, we’re reloading,” Kovacs tells the team. “I don’t think it’s the end of the world. I just think [the younger guys] have to step up.” This year, the role of team leadership falls into the hands of senior captains Nicos Georghiades, Tyler Eidson and Bin Her. “As captains, our most important job is to assure that all the players are good representatives of the team both on and off the field and, of course, to play well,” Eidson said. The captains take an encouraging approach to increase team productivity. “The juniors and sophomores aren’t as confident on the field as the seniors, so [as seniors], it’s our job to give them confidence, praise and constructive criticism to make sure that they play to the best of their ability,” Georghiades said. “No one is on varsity that doesn’t deserve to be, so we have to try to help incorporate the younger players more.” After kicking off the season with three losses during preseason tournaments, Eidson feels that the team has yet to unleash its full aptitude. “I feel like we have a lot of potential, but we need to learn to really hone our skills,” Eidson said. “We need to play more fluidly, but I believe that we’re going to do a lot better once we get our rhythm down from these tournaments. When district comes around, we’ll be ready to go.” Eidson adds that further improvements in defense, on top of the team’s already strong offense, will help the team reach its highest performance ability. “We need to be more aware of what’s going on and to keep our heads up during games,” Eidson said. Georghiades agrees, stating that the team is “still a work in progress,” especially when it comes to bonding among the players. “At first, the team chemistry was a little sketchy, but after a few games, we’re starting to click more and more,” Georghiades said. “We’re all really good friends off the field, and its starting to show on the field now too.” For Georghiades, team bonding goes a little deeper than friendship, as his younger brother junior Yanni Georghiades also plays for the varsity team. “I love playing soccer with my brother,” Georghiades said. “We play well together. Most of our goals this season have come from [the two of us working] together to score. There’s no sibling rivalry or jealousy between us, so it’s all good.” According to Kovacs, the Georghiades brothers “are different types of players.” “Yanni’s kind of a work horse—not to say that Nicos doesn’t work hard,” Kovacs said, “Oftentimes, he’s the best player on the field. You may think he’s not trying, but he is. He just may not have to work as hard, because he’s put himself in a good position. He doesn’t have to sprint 20
Senior Jordan Jeter(right) prevents freshman Nick Boardman(left) from possessing the ball during a weekly practice. Jeter has played soccer all four years of high school. PHOTO BY DINI SUSANTO
yards. Instead, he finds five-yard windows and puts himself in a good spot. He thinks the game very well.” Tonight, the varsity team will play an away game against Shoemaker at 8 p.m., and according to Eidson, the boys “should have possession at least 90 percent of the game.” “Traditionally, they have not been one of the stronger teams in the district,” Kovacs said. “Hopefully, by that point, we’re at 3-0 rolling into that game and make it a 4-0, and we’ll be good for district play.” For some, soccer extends beyond the high school team. In addition to playing for the school, Georghiades also participates in club soccer as a member of the U18 Texans Soccer Academy, one of the top 12 teams nationwide. This requires him to travel to Houston three nights a week to practice from 8-9:30 p.m., in addition to attending multiple tournaments across the country and overseas. “It gets really stressful having to manage all these things [on top of schoolwork], he said. According to Georghiades, juggling his commitment to soccer and academics has taken a toll on his social life. “Soccer is my life,” said Georghiades, who has been playing since age four. “After putting 14 years of my life into something, it basically consumes me. I have lost a lot of friends. I can hardly ever hang out, because I have to tell
Junior Varsity Next Game: JV-B Today, Feb.11 against Shoemaker at 5:00 p.m. at Shoemaker
Varsity and Junior Varsity soccer
Team Results: 3-0
them time after time, ‘sorry, I have soccer.’” Consequently, even though Kovacs was contacted by two coaches after the very first tournament of the season regarding Georghiades’s recruitment, Georghiades has decided not to pursue college soccer and to instead attend Texas A&M and play for its club team. Georghiades has declined soccer scholarships from over 20 schools, including Dartmouth. “Nicos is a very talented player,” Kovacs said. “He has numerous options if he wanted to play next year. I don’t think he has lost his love for the game. He’s a pretty smart kid, and I think he’s focusing on the future academically instead of picking his school based on the sport that he plays.” However, Georghiades, Eidson and other soccer veterans have not been dedicating their lives to this sport for no reason. “I’m confident that everyone on the team can agree that soccer helps us develop great work ethics and time management skills,” Georghiades said. “For me, personally, it [also] motivates me to stay as physically fit as possible at all times.” Eidson agrees. “Soccer has trained me to go the extra mile in everything I do,” Eidson said.
Varsity JV-A Today, Feb. 11 against Shoemaker at 6:30 p.m. at Shoemaker Team Results: 2-0
Next Game: Today, Feb. 11 against Shoemaker at 8:00 p.m. at Shoemaker
Team Results: 6-6 District Results: 2-1
Senior Jordan Jeter: “We had a rough start this season, but we are doing pretty good now, and I think we are going to kill at the game today.”
the roar | sports | 23
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Senior Strikes Back
Varsity soccer player faces challenges, overcomes injuries
BY ABIGAYLE ENGLISH AND KIRSTEN BEVAN assistant editor and staff reporter
After rupturing her appendix, losing 35 pounds, and spending four weeks in the hospital, senior Morgan Leigh was worried about when she could start playing soccer again, while the doctors worried about her artery clotting. Leigh was an active player on the soccer team in 2010 her Junior year when the doctors ordered her to stop playing for three months due to her medical conditions. “She was doing well and was in a position where I thought she could contend for a spot on varsity,” head coach Stoney Pryor said. While Leigh was in the hospital, her friends came to visit her nearly every day for moral support. “I brought her Christmas present [to her], which was tennis shoes, and I like painting people’s nails, so I painted her nails for her; we watched TV and I brought her a lot of magazines,” senior and friend Morgan Anderson said. After returning to school, Leigh was not able to play, so she became the team’s manager and support player.
Lady Tiger Varsity Starters Goalkeeper – junior Christina Salas Defenders – senior Morgan Leigh, juniors Blake Martin and Sofia Rojo del Busto and sophomore Charis Brantley Stopper – freshman Ashlynn Ford Midfielders – seniors Vicky Wilhelm, Morgan Anderson and Katie Berlund and freshman Mycah Miller
“It was hard to just sit on the bench, but I was still happy to be there,” Leigh said. The team had to adjust for the season without Leigh able to play. Not only were their numbers down, but they were missing a strong player on the defensive side, Pryor said. “She’s pretty speedy, and she has good foot skills,” Pryor said, “She’s a hard worker and she’s tenacious.” Other teammates also remark about Leigh’s finesse on the field. “Morgan Leigh is a truck, she will go and get the ball no matter what and she’s really good at slide-tackling,” Anderson said. She’s fast, she’s aggressive. She’ll win the ball and take down anyone to win the ball.” After recovering, Leigh was shy on the field when she first began to play again, she said. “I was scared and timid,” Leigh said. “I would not go for anything,” describing her first few weeks back. After the summer and offseason workouts, Leigh has recovered the things that the coaches remember her doing before the illness. “She’s done a great job and the things we recalled that were her strengths 13 months ago are still her strengths now,” Pryor said.
Forward – senior Avery Burns
Leigh said. The tears that were once shed in fear for Leigh’s health were quickly turned into laughs from the instant she came back, Pryor said. Coach Pryor shared a funny story that started when Leigh “was standing a good two yards away from the line judge but she didn’t realize it, so when she turned around to clear the ball out, she hit him badly,” Pryor said. “The ref dropped to the ground. The team rewound the tape over and over again because she rocketed the ball right into his mid section.” Pryor likes the chemistry that has developed on his team. “I have a good group of seniors, which Morgan is one of them, but the rest of the group is great and should be a great core for the rest of the season and hopefully another playoff season,” Pryor said.
Senior Morgan Leigh prepares to shoot during practice on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Leigh has been on varsity since her freshman year and is positioned on defense. Leigh spent most of her junior year as a manager due to her injury. PHOTO BY ABIGAYLE ENGLISH
information provided by Stoney Pryor
Varsity Upcoming Games: Today at 7:00 p.m. against Shoemaker at home
varsity and junior varsity girls soccer
Now that Leigh is back and playing, she said that she knows that injuries should never slow down an athlete. Her injury was a difficult trial that she had to endure, but looking back, it only made her stronger. “If it’s something you love, keep trying. Keep fighting,”
Junior Varsity Team Record: 3-0 district 5-3-3 overall
Upcoming Games: Today at 5:00 p.m. against Shoemaker at home
Tuesday Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. against Copperas Cove at Copperas Cove
Tuesday Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. against Copperas Cove at Copperas Cove
Friday Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m. against Harker Heights at home
Friday Feb.18 at 5:00 p.m. against Harker Heights at home
Team Record: 2-0 district 2-0 overall
24 | health
& rec | the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Longboarding becomes popular hobby, provides student relaxation BY KATE WILLIAMS
entertainment editor
A long, polished piece of maple with soft, rubber wheels and a committed rider is the perfect recipe for the fresh, fun sport of longboarding. The sport is not necessarily a new one, but it is still taking College Station by storm and is all the rage around campus, MooseGus employee Seth Fry said. “Longboarding has been around since the 70’s,” Ross Tisdale said. “It’s just now starting to catch on in Texas.” Easily mistaken with skateboarding, each sport is surprisingly different in several areas. “Skateboarding is more geared towards tricks,” junior and longboard contester Mia Franceschi said. “Longboarding is more about speed and agility.” Longboarding is relatively easy to learn and can be taught with time and practice. “You can go into a garage and spend just thirty minutes teaching someone to longboard,” Fry said. “They’ll be able to pick it up faster. It’s not like that with skateboarding” Longboarding is even simpler for those who are used to the feel of boards under their feet, Fry said. “If you are involved in any board sport, it should help you,” Tisdale said, “mainly because balance is such a big factor in longboarding.” The sport also doesn’t require a certain kind of individual to participate in it. “You’re not stereotyped when you longboard,” Tisdale said. “Anyone can longboard and be considered ‘cool’.” Longboarding is a relaxing recreational sport to some who enjoy it as a hobby, senior Ron Moretz said. “Sometimes I take my dog with me and longboard over by Kyle Field,” Moretz said. “I like to just cruze and carve around.” Longboarding can even have a therapeutic effect on students. “It’s kind of like a stress relief,” senior Morgan Murphy said. “I don’t have to think about anything else when I longboard. There is just something about going down a hill with the wind in your hair; it’s so freeing.” Competitions can get intense, and it takes a seasoned longboarder to participate. “It can get pretty dirty,” Franceschi said. “I pulled my hamstring and twisted my ankle in my last competition.” Longboarding is full of adventure but, danger goes hand and hand.
Longboarding Tricks Power Slide
Samir Saqib
Senior Morgan Murphy cruises down pavement on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Pebble Creek. Murphy first started longboarding around three years ago. PHOTO BY ANNA HUFF
“With longboarding, you take the risk of meeting cars,” Tisdale said. “You need a hill [to longboard] and you have to be very careful because the car will win every time.” Serious injuries have occurred when precaution wasn’t the top priority. “I was bombing a hill in Pebble Creek when I lost control going around 20 miles an hour,” Murphy said. “I ended up tearing my ACL and meniscus.” Murphy said he is now more cautious when he longboards. “After hurting my knee, psychologically, I was scared to try anything risky,” Murphy said. “I went down the hills super slow, carving the whole way down.” When learning to longboard specifics should be addressed. “It’s really important to learn how to fall correctly,” Tisdale said. “Ride within your experience, and wearing a helmet can also prevent injury.” There are endless options when it comes to choosing
a longboard. “Everything can be changed on a longboard,” Tisdale said. “The trucks, wheels, the shape of the board, even what kind of wood it’s made out of can all be changed all depending on personal preference.” A longboarding club meets on the Texas A&M campus for some late night rides on Thursday at the West Campus Garage around midnight. The sport is a great way to spend time with peers actively involved with something positive, Murphy said. “It’s a lot of fun to do it as an all day thing with your friends,” Moretz said. “We try to hit up different spots trying to find the perfect hill.” The essence of the sport is an experience in its self, Franceschi said. “It’s like dancing on asphalt,” she said. “I feel so at peace.”
Photos by Kate Williams and Anna Huff
Swallowing
David Bryant
Coasting
Morgan Murphy
Ron Mortez
Maria Quiros
friday, feb. 11, 2011
the roar | entertainment | 25
Sweet Deals for Your Sweetheart
Compiled by Anne Finch, Assistant Editor
The inexpensive
The gift that gives back
$
Long stemmed chocolate starting at $1 at Dollar Tree.
rose,
Valentine’s day stuffed animals in a mug and gift baskets starting at $5 at Wal-Mart. Personalized 7 oz bag of m & ms: Starting at $7 at mymms.com. You can choose colors and write messages on the candy. Two red heart mugs, starting at $7.99at terrysvillage.com. Giant gummy bear on a stick, $9.99 at amazon.com
Starting at around $10 at store.causecast.org, buy your loved one a gift that gives back, like supplying students with calculators or giving people clean water. The website will send the recipient a card with a personalized note letting him or her know about the donation. Lord and Taylor makes Guatemala FEED bags, at either $45 or $19 each. The larger bag will supply food to 3 children in Guatemala every day for a year, while a smaller bag will feed one child for a year. For more information, visit lordandtaylor.com. With their program One Sweet Gesture, Edward Marc chocolates will donate 20% of your order to your charity of choice. For more information, visit www.edwardmarc.com/onesweet-gesture.
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Have a movie night and rent the movie Valentine’s Day for $3.50 from Blockbuster.
Purchase a Stuffed bear with a personalized t-shirt (up to 8 characters): $5.99 at orientaltrading.com.
A more personal alternative to buying someone a present is to make them one. A popular homemade gift to give to someone is a mix CD, a CD made of that person’s favorite songs.
Another personal gift is a scrapbook complete with pictures of your time together or a personalized gift basket.
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26 | entertainment | the roar
friday, feb. 11, 2011
The Roar Reviews:
Ear-catching albums to listen to alone, with a friend or with more than a friend ALONE: Where the Light is: Live in Los Angeles by John Mayer To those of us without a significant other, Single Awareness Day, the 14th day of February, marks the lowest point of our passionless lives—usually. But not this year, thanks to worldwide phenomenon John Mayer. Where the Light Is: Live in Los Angeles will steal the hearts of all Mayer fans and convert nonbelievers to Mayerism. In the album, Johnny captures the essence of a true artist with his songwriting and guitar-playing, all on top of his already charming voice and sense of humor (as demonstrated in his gorilla suit video on YouTube). In this live concert album, Mayer exhibits the wide spectrum of his abilities to a screaming L.A. audience. The album opens with a five-song acoustic set, in which he performs hits such as the mainstreamed “Daughters” and the chart-topping cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’.” The greatest, most mind-blowing part, however, is the eight-song Trio Set. In this section, the Trio brings back the blues
WITH A FRIEND: The King is Dead by The Decemberists While Valentine’s Day is typically a day intended to celebrate romantic love, it is equally important, if not more so, in high school, to celebrate friend-love. I’m lucky in that most of my friends share equally nerdy tastes: British literature and lit-rock top the list of favorites. When The King is Dead, indie folk-rock band The Decemberists’ latest effort was released on Jan. 18, we were the first in line to buy the album. The King is Dead is an album to tell secrets to. An album to listen to intently and discuss, or to put on in the background of your own conversations, The King is Dead is at turns subdued or rousing, but always melancholy and nostalgic. Colin Meloy’s old-fashioned
WITH MORE THAN FRIEND: Crash by Dave Matthew’s Band Every now and then, when my ‘more than friend’ and I are not playfully bickering over bands and concerts, we agree to listen to an album together. In honor of Valentine’s Day we choose to have a musical session with the most romantic of romantics, Dave Matthews. Released in 1996, the album Crash is not in any way just a collection of singles written by the members of Dave Matthews Band. With a variety of musical instruments such as the saxophone, violin, flute, guitar, bass and drums, the album is well rounded. Similar to the acoustic and rhythmic songs of Hootie and the Blowfish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, DMB presents a collection
By Dini Susanto
with Mayer’s lacerating guitar solos accompanied by the soulful rhythms of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, taking listeners back to the days of Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The overall pace of the album picks up instantly yet smoothly and one can literally feel the piercing power of Mayer’s words and music. The final third of the album is the Band Set segment, which nicely wraps up the experience with the lyrically powerful “Waiting on the World to Change” and the infamous feel-good songs “Gravity” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” to name a few. “I don’t need to hear ‘I love you,’” Mayer says before a stupefying guitar solo, “You guys love me, I love you…So I’m gonna experiment with this love thing. Giving love, feeling love. I know it sounds really corny, but it’s the last thing I got to check out before I check out.” John Mayer can, indeed, make any skeptic fall in and feel love.
By Alejandra Oliva voice and older-fashioned lyrics lead the band through four seasons of Celtic-and-Americana-inspired folk music, backing up The Decemberists’ particular brand of storytelling balladeering. We start at the “Change of Season,” and while an avid listener might find the need for a dictionary, or Wikipedia (what is a panoply? who is Hetty Green?), The King is Dead is The Decemberists most accessible album to date, with easy bluegrassy guitars, the occasional accordion and the comfortable sense that you’ve heard all of these songs before, but you can’t ever get tired of them. The Decemberists’ The King is Dead is an album for all seasons and for any conversation.
By Alex Hall of music that is fitting in any situation. Starting with a lyrically well written “So Much to Say” and ending with the slow and soothing jazz number “Proudest Monkey,” the album strongly presents itself. The album Crash is a remarkable collection of music that is fun to listen to with a partner, and much like a relationship it gets better and better the more time you spend time with it. My partner and I both agree we found new and different things about each song with each listen, whether they were lyrics we understood, or certain instrumental solos we recognized. Sharing music with a significant other is a bonding experience, and DMB on this Valentine’s Day will help lovers crash deeper into each other’s arms.
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Texas Music festivals
Old Settler’s Music Festival April 14th – 17th, 2011 Austin, Texas
Central Texas’ signature music event featuring Grammy winning Americana, arts & crafts, camping, food & libations. Acoustic jazz & blues, bluegrass, oldtime local faves & award-winning artists from around the world. + www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org
Kerville Folk Festival May 26-June 12, 2011 Kerrville, Texas
Established in 1972, an 18-day folk music festival that places strong emphasis on songwriting. + www.kerrville-music.com
Austin City Limits Sept. 16-18 Zilker Park Austin, Texas
A three-day, eightstage music extravaganza with 130 bands performing and much more. + www.aclfestival.com
the roar | entertainment| 27
friday, feb. 11, 2011
Evolution of Dance Dancing styles diversify over time, continue to entertain many With the annual Sadie Hawkins dance a day away, students have been busy these past few weeks finding dates and designing Sadie shirts. However, the most important aspect of the night is one that is often least thought about: the dance itself. Dancing is a common form of entertainment and exercise that has been practiced all over the world for several centuries. However, dance has never remained the same. It has constantly changed throughout the decades, largely because of music entertainment, Bengal Belle director Jana Joerns said. “Dance follows trends and changes with popular culture,” Joerns said. “Ballet is a very popular dance, but, as the music entertainment called for something different, the style of dance slowly turned to jazz, faster jazz and then hip-hop.” Senior Belle Captain Maria Lyuksyutova credits a great deal of the change in dance styles to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. “In that time period, [the American people’s] perspective on equality changed,” Lyuksyutova said. “Since then, people have become more open to different and urban styles,” During the 1960s, former Geometry teacher Jamie Bassett and a graduate of Consol, said he remembers the dance styles popular during the time. “There was the Herky Jerky, which consisted of standing apart and a lot of jerky motions,” Bassett said. “There was also the Twist, where you twisted your foot back and forth like you were putting out a cigarette.” Bassett also explained that the high school dances in the 60s were different than dances Consol holds today. “The dances were held in the cafeteria, with prom being held in the gym, and there were a lot of
local bands,” Bassett said. “ZZ Top even played at one of our dances in the early 1970s. The dances were a lot more fun back then.” Bassett said that, though there are not many, there is one difference between the dances when he was in high school and the dances now. “Back then you danced with one person,” Bassett said. “Now there is a lot more group dancing.” Dancing with one person, though less common, is not entirely extinct today. Dr. Susan Quiring, owner of Susan’s Ballroom, teaches many styles of partner dancing that have been popular for decades, including ballroom, Latin, swing and country. Partner dancing, Quiring said, offers many benefits for people. “It’s very social, a good exercise and a wonderful opportunity for enjoyment,” Quiring said. Quiring said that partner dance styles do not have to be limited to old fashioned music, but can be danced to modern music as well. “I have a lot of high school students who take my classes, and we foxtrot and ballroom to anything from the Glee soundtrack to rock music,” Quiring said. One such student is junior Peter Lambert, who has been dancing at Susan’s Ballroom for five years. “It’s fun because it’s something different,” Lambert said. “Not everyone knows these dance styles.” While Quiring realizes that the styles of dance she teaches are not immensely popular today, she does see them making a quick comeback into today’s dance styles. “There are going to be different dance styles for every generation,” Quiring said. “Ballroom dancing lost popularity in the seventies and the eighties, but now it’s coming back because of shows like Dancing with the Stars.” Joerns also agrees that partner dancing styles such as ballroom dancing are making a comeback and, while not personally familiar with it, she still sees it as a significant type of dance. “It’s a completely different art form,” Joerns said. “It takes just as much focus to learn as any other style of dance.” Many dance styles exist and their popularity tends to rise and fall, but all dance styles hold one thing in common. “Dance is a form of expression,” Lyuksyutova said.
Dancing Through the Decades Jitterbug- popular “swing” dance move with multiple swings, turns and lifts, often with a partner.
Twist-
popular dance move of the 1960’s; involves twsitng one’s foot on the floor, while twisting the upper body from side to side.
Disco- popular dance move of the 1970’s; involves stepping to each side, revolving arms and pointing index finger upwareds and towards the hip.
Fist Pump- modern dance move
recently popularized by television show Jersey Shore; involves pumping of the fist.
Dougie- modern dance move that involes rocking from side to side, moving fists inward and then move the hands over the head.
source: buzzle.com
v
cons ol s et cr
cons ol
tines day en se al
v
your secret admirer
friday, feb. 11, 2011
tines day en se al
s et cr
love,
28 | etcetera | the roar
compiled by amy zhang, opinions editor
the roar collects consol’s secrets for valentine’s day
While everyone else is staring at their loved ones on Valentine’s Day,
I’ll be staring at a map, trying to see past the miles. for more of consol’s secrets, visit: consolpostsecret.tumblr.com