Vol. 18 No. 1

the

Roar

A&M Consolidated High School

Relive Friday nights on page 10

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

Friday, Sept. 28, 2012

Vol. 18 No. 1

HIGH SCHOOL life after

Consol provides multiple options for further education, careers

by Michelle Liu, features editor Freshmen attempting to navigate new hallways plastered with signs like “Literature Lane.” Sophomores not-so-secretly celebrating that they don’t have to wear orange IDs. Juniors, caught between SAT classes, community service and football games, trying to cram a few more hours of sleep in every night.

And, of course, seniors, panicking over resumés and application essays.

The new school year has set in at Consol, and the school aims high. As students from all grade levels attempt to settle back into the fall semester, faculty and staff are working to create an atmosphere that fosters growth and achievement. Namely, Consol strives to help students succeed--especially in terms of college.

“We never close doors. We always want to keep all doors open for the kids. We do our best to never say, ‘Oh, sweetie, you can’t do that,’” dean of students Christi Cheshire said. “Our goal is, ‘Here’s what you need to do to get there.’” “college” continued on page 3

tolook

PHOTO BY LAURA EVERETT

where News Viewpoints Snapshots Student Life

pages 2-4 People

pages 12-15

pages 5-8 Sports

page 16-17

page 9 Entertainment pages 10-11 Etc.

pages 18-19 page 20

nthis ssue

Consol's freshmen volleyball team captain discusses the current season.

PAGE 17

In addition to the weekly theme days during the fall, students create their own dress up days.

PAGE 19

n the news

2 | news | the roar

friday, sept. 28, 2012

A qu ck view

Fifteen seniors selected as National Merit semifinalists

Homecoming court to be honored this week

Fifteen seniors were named semifinalists in the 58th annual National Merit Scholar Program.

The semifinalists are seniors William Bonds, Kaley Brauer, Brooke Cohen, David Deng, Emma Ford, Viivi Jarvi, Vilja Jarvi, Alec Lindner, Jeana Nam, Janet Ni, Megan Nicholson, Kensen Shi, Tiffany Wu, Amanda Yang and Kelly Zhou. The Consol students are in a pool of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide and are competing for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth up to $2,500 each. About 90% of the semifinalists are expected to be named finalists and, of those, around half will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the prestigious Merit Scholar title. Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in May.

This year’s senior Homecoming Queen nominees include Charis Brantley, soccer player; Lauren Carstens, cheerleader; Emily Hall, student body president; Janet Ni, public relations officer for Invisible Children; and Jordyn Slocum, volleyball player. The King nominees are Kyle Chism, Jimmie Gilbert, Ben Kennedy, and Dillon Moore, football players; and Jamarcus Ransom, drum major. The junior duchesses are Celeste Brantley and Kathleen Dill; sophomore duchesses are Jacy Gray and Paris Jones; and the freshman duchesses are Kenedi Kruger and Haley Slocum. The king will be announced at today’s pep rally, and the queen will be crowned at halftime of tonight’s football game, after the presentation of the court.

Forensics team excels at tournament

Yearbook wins multiple awards

The A&M Consolidated Speech and Debate team competed in the Woodlands on the weekend of September 14-15. Eleven out of twenty-five students reached at least the finals in their events. Ian Ray, Taylor Zhang and Marley Hays placed first in Poetry, Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, and Novice Humorous Interpretation, respectively. Ray and Zhang, along with Brett Marburger, Anne Finch, Alex Coopersmith, Patrick Lynch, Jeffrey Kettle, Paul Morgan, Shankar Srinivasan and Karna Venkatraj, placed or advanced to the finals in other speech and debate events.

The Consol yearbook for the 2011-12 school year, published in May, has garnered numerous awards and recognition for its design. The cover design was chosen for the Yearbook Yearbook, which honors the best designs in different areas of a yearbook, and the book as a whole was chosen as a Balfour Representative Sample--one of the exemplary books that the company’s yearbook representatives will carry with them when they visit schools across the country.

The yearbook will be entered in further competitions and evaluations in the fall.

A group of juniors hugs during B lunch on Hug a Junior Day, September 19. This was part of Howdy Week, an annual event to welcome students back to school.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAHITI ENJETI

Com ng up Sept. 28:

Homecoming football game against Lufkin; 7:30 pm

Sept. 29:

Homecoming dance; 8 pm to 12 am, Expo Center

Oct. 1:

Orchestra concert; 7 pm

Oct. 1:

College Night; 6 to 8 pm, Brazos Center

Oct. 4:

Mock presidential election

Oct. 8:

Staff Development/Student Holiday

Oct. 12:

Black Out Bryan; 7:30 pm, Kyle Field

Oct. 17:

Senior Skate Day

Oct. 17:

PSAT for sophomores and juniors

Oct. 31:

Early release

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the roar | news | 3

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Faculty, staff cultivate enriching environment for students to succeed in college

Classes and Rigor For senior Austin Beltrand, his career classes–namely, Basic Medical Practice– have helped to prepare him for college.

“We get two types of [nursing assistant] certifications [in Basic Medical Practice].

How Consol Stacks Up: the numbers

60

advanced classes offered

26

credits reccommended to graduate

15

National Merit semifinalists

sibilities,” Pedraza said.

Standardized Test Prep In the fall, the school also offers a practice PSAT to sophomores. A College Board study found that students who took the PSAT in 2007 as sophomores and 2008 as juniors had an average score increase in all three sections, for example.

Versaw has noticed the preparation for standardized testing in her classes--from English classes providing SAT and PSAT information to math classes preparing students through SAT-style problems.

The benefits of this added preparation can be seen in through Consol’s stats: along with having 15 National Merit semifinalists (students who met a score cut-off in the PSAT and are now eligible for National Merit scholarships) this year, Consol also maintains SAT and ACT scores consistently above state and national averages.

Overall Atmosphere Of course, faculty and staff strive to create an atmosphere that allows students to ask questions, process mistakes and make corrections, and, ultimately, succeed on their paths to college. “[I encourage students by] celebrating their successes, whether they think they’re big or small,” Hogan said.

Versaw has found that her teachers and counselors are open to answering questions and giving advice, especially regarding testing schedules and financial aid and college admissions.

“They’re usually willing to help,” Versaw said. “The counselors [have] a fresh view. They deal with these things every day. [They’re] one of those resources we’re pretty lucky to have.”

Both Cheshire and Hogan attribute part of Consol’s success at sending students to college to the support of the community.

“Our students and parents and community know the value of education here, and they hold that in higher esteem than a lot of other places might,” Hogan said.

Overall, Consol truly aims to ensure that students succeed in goals after high school.

“I just see so much potential in all of these students,” Cheshire said. “I just want them to all do their best.”

2012 graduation info: 1% 4% tech/voc. work

3% military 42% 2-year college

50% 4-year college

take our quiz: navigate your way to college (sort of)!

Are you a... freshman? junior? senior? sophomore? thinking about college yet?

are you forgetting something?

yes. probably. nope. okay, we trust you. remember: you re taking the PSAT in October, keeping up your grades, relaxing. got it? are you panicking? yes. why?

nope.

great! don t get senioritis, and keep financial aid in mind. see Mrs. Burns for scholarship info.

PSAT, SAT, ACT, alphabet soup. work hard, talk to nope. your counselor!

awesome! stay calm. do your homework, but don t slack.

MY GRADES! I don t know MY GPA! MY what I m LIFE! doing. ask a teacher or relax! don t forget clubs and an upperclassman! read the volunteering, rest of this but have fun. infographic! after high school plans are important, no matter what you re planning on doing!

Hope that helped!

Love, the roar

2012 College Entrance Exam averages CONSOL 533 568

517

state national

CONSOL

474

496

critical reading

499

514

math

461

488

writing

ACT COMPOSITES

Counseling and College Admissions Even minute changes are aimed at promoting the success of students. For example, the counselors now have lunch duty this year.

“We find ourselves counseling kids in the cafeteria. It’s been interesting,” Cheshire said. “One of our goals is to get out there and be able to talk to the students. We try to [put] as much information out there as we can.”

Cheshire notes that Consol does hold class meetings each year, enabling students to interact with their counselors. In these meetings, students go to the lecture hall during their English class, and the counselors discuss the steps students take each year to graduate high school and apply to college.

“We do it that way because we feel like a big open meeting at night isn’t personal enough, and people don’t have the opportunity to ask questions, whereas the smaller meetings give us a chance to just meet and talk with the students,” Cheshire said.

Additionally, several college representatives visit the school each year. Cheshire said that a Texas A&M representative visits the school every other Monday and a Rice representative visits at least twice a year, talking to potential applicants. Cheshire also said that the school invites various colleges to its annual Life After High School presentation.

“It’s kind of like College Night at the Brazos Center, but we bring them here on campus,” Cheshire said. “Most of the ones that come to us aren’t like the Harvards and the Yales and the Stanfords and the MITs, they’re more of the Blinn Colleges and TSTCs, and a little more of the average student. We try to cater to everyone. We obviously promote whatever anybody wants. We just try to present everything that’s there.”

Those look really good on college applications,” Beltrand said.

Beltrand also feels that AP classes are beneficial to students who are aiming to attend college.

“In AP classes, you’re not babied.

There’s not as much busy work. You’re allowed to do the work on your own and teach yourself to a degree,” he said. “That definitely helps you prepare.”

English department head Aaron Hogan agrees, stating that AP classes provide a rigorous environment for students who go on to succeed in college. Indeed, studies conducted by both the College Board and the University of Texas at Austin have found that taking rigorous AP classes correlate to better performance in college, even if the student scores only a 2 or above on the AP test.

Hogan tries to challenge all his students, no matter what level class they are taking.

“The goal should be for us to challenge each student, with the carrot out there a bit farther. If I’m challenging every student, then I’m preparing them, pushing them towards the standards we’re supposed to go to,” Hogan said. “They’re getting closer to that college readiness part.”

Junior Brooke Versaw feels that, when being challenged, students should be willing to ask their teachers for help. She also maintains that the school has a variety of options, all of which can “prepare you for college, or give [you] a pretty good idea of what college is like.”

“You take out of school what you put into it, so there are a lot of opportunities at Consolidated,” she said. “You just have to reach out to them and try. With what I’ve done, I would say that I have a pretty decent idea of what to expect for college [from] the AP classes, the amount that we’re expected to do.”

Sophomore Grace Pedraza, who is enrolled in AVID, finds her classes beneficial to after high school as well. She said that her AVID teachers help her manage her schedule and as guide her college plans; the class involves college visits as well. “[The teachers] help me know which colleges are suitable for what I want to get into; they’re opening up my eyes to the pos-

SAT BREAKDOWN

“college” continued from page 1

23.3

state national

20.8

21.1

source: counseling office

4 | news | the roar

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Club prepares for competition, highlights members’ myriad of talents dana branham

managing editor

If you’ve ever pictured robotics as an exclusive group where only the school’s smartest aspiring engineers and mathematicians can go to collaborate ideas and spend grueling hours tightening screws on a robot, wipe that mental image out of your mind.

Instead, picture a club where each person’s unique talents are put to work--whether that work is designing and building a robot, writing, giving speeches, or creating video advertisements for the robot-to finally create the thorough product that is a marketed, fully functional robot that is designed specifically to fulfill a task.

“Robotics is an extracurricular activity [where we] compete in a contest called BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) to promote students’ passion in the sciences and engineering-whatever technology they can do,” Tiger Robotics sponsor Bart Taylor said. “We want to help [our students] grow.”

At the beginning of each BEST competition, robotics students attend a kickoff meeting where their task is revealed. Following the reveal, the students have six weeks

to design, build, and market a robot that can complete the given task.

“The task this year is that we have to carry cargo down from the ground level, then carry it up a metal pole, which represents a ‘space elevator.’

The robot has to be able to climb up and drop off ‘cargo’ and ‘fuel’,” Robotics president Wanda Lipps said. “Since we have to climb up, this is completely new for us.”

While the team may be unfamiliar with a task like this one, they remain optimistic about their upcoming performance at the Regional BEST Competition on October 13th.

“I think everybody’s excited. I’ve heard more brainstorming ideas and more out-of-the box thinking than ever before this year, so it’s pretty wonderful,” Taylor said.

However, vice president Sarah Ann Porter said that the start of this competition doesn’t mean that the robotics team isn’t looking for new members with new ideas to supplement their robot.

“We’re always looking for new people to join--we love new people,” Porter said. “Everyone can find a place here. No matter what they like to do, we’ll find a place for them to do it.”

Juniors Jiwhan Son and Andrew Browning, senior Frank Ashley and sophomore Spencer Fredericks work after school in Mr. Taylor’s classroom.

After the kickoff, the team has six weeks to create and market a robot. PHOTO PROVIDED BY WANDA LIPPS

Skills USA animators win national contest eva araujo

staff reporter

Perfect harmony is achieved through the combination of contrasted elements. Last year at Skills USA the harmonious union of science and design resulted in a recipe for success for two animation students.

Junior Mark Ebbole and Consol Alumni Hunter Rhodes, now a Texas A&M freshman, not only had the brains for precise calculation, but the aptitude for ingenious creativity. Ebbole and Rhodes justified their true talent to animate by competing in Skills USA at the national level.

“The competition throws you into a realistic future work environment, emulating the stress and challenges you might face,”

Rhodes said. “We received an unknown prompt for an animation to create and eight hours to create everything from scratch. Working as a team we had to produce a full animation, and turn it in before time expired.”

Although the quality of an animation is very important, Ebbole explains that the story should be the main focus.

“The story is the most important part,” Ebbole said.

“And our story was very understandable. I think that really set us apart from every other team.”

Having been not only partnered animators, but also close friends in drumline, when Ebbole and Rhodes were given the prompt to portray how they got to where they are now, they

knew exactly what they were going to do.

“We depicted a scene from our time in band since that is where we first met,” Rhodes said.

“It began with me drumming by myself. Colorful music notes pop out and start dancing. Then, Mark comes along playing on his drums and the black notes pop out and crash to the ground.

After receiving my help, he starts jamming out, having a good time, and I join in too. Together, colorful music notes pop out and form a giant piece of beautiful art!”

Ebbole and Rhodes took first place with their animation, but came home with much more than an award, and hope to continue using animation as a medium of expression.

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the roar | viewpoints | 5

friday, sept. 28, 2012

College-bound sister inspires reflection on friendship

The Roar 2012-2013 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Laura Everett Managing Editor: Dana Branham Senior Editor: Devin Dakota Executive Editor: Rachel Kagle Photography Editor: Janet Ni Opinions Editor: Isabel Drukker Features Editor: Michelle Liu Sports Editor: Nicole Farrell News Editor: Shilpa Saravanan Assistant Editor: Anne Finch Staff Reporter: Eva Araujo Faculty Adviser: Michael Williams Assistant Adviser: Teresa Laffin

The Roar Editorial The Roar Editorial BoardBoard Laura Everett, Editor-in-Chief Dana Branham, Managing Editor Isabel Drukker, 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 editor-in-chief, managing editor and opinions editor.

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

The Roar is a winner of the CSPA Gold Crown, the 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit, the CSPA Gold Medal Award, the NSPA All-American distinction and 2005 ILPC Bronze Star and 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Silver Star.

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

Change in Consol’s cell phone policy has different implications This August, many Consol students were delighted to hear that the school’s cell phone policy had changed: cell phones could be used at any time during the school day, with the exception of explicit probition from a teacher. This is a huge change from the previous policy that cell phones were to be out of sight during school hours, with the exception of lunch.

While an initial clamor of excitement from the student body is to be expected, the consequences must be taken into account: students’ eyes glued to their phones may be construed as inattentive to the lesson and teachers will need to make extra precautions to ensure that phones are away during testing situations.

However, each teacher is still at liberty to revoke this privilege and place restrictions.

Regardless, how many kids have gotten their phone held hostage for a $15 ransom over a text from their mom? Many kids might not always have $15 on them to retrieve their phone at the end of the day. Doesn’t it inhibit learning further by sneaking a few characters of a text at a time under the desk than quickly replying before resuming attentive listening?

During these four years of preparation for “the real world,” students should be allowed to decipher when it is or is not appropriate to use their phones. Besides, there will still be ample ideal students who choose not to. And for those who chose to, now’s as good a time as any to figure out if a “what’s up?” is worth missing a few seconds of a lesson on dimensional analysis.

CONTACT US

most together: talking and eating. We share our fears, aspirations, daily life stories, and jokes that we know no one else will really “get.” She continues to encourage me and provide comfort when I need it, but knows when to be janet ni brutally honest. We don’t always agree; there are certainly still times when we engage in some verbal jousting (Kelsey photography editor still wins every time), but I don’t look at it in a negative way.

Kelsey Ni has filled many different roles in my life.

Kelsey recently left for college. She is now in her own Perhaps most importantly, she is my older sister by apartment in Austin, majoring in business at the University two years. We have spent sixteen years under the same of Texas. I am thrilled that she is pursuing her career at her roof, sharing the same bathroom. I suppose one could say dream college, meeting new people, and experiencing the we know each other quite well. life away from home that nearly every American adolescent As siblings, Kelsey and I love each other, but we don’t dreams of. Yet, the selfish part of me wishes she could always like each other. In our earlier years, Kelsey was have stayed home, and we could have argued or watched quite the bully. She was the source of some mild trepidation chick flicks or exchanged stupid jokes forever. It’s different in my life that has yet to completely wear off. We argued coming home and walking past her empty room. It’s strange constantly; Kelsey always won of course because she was not having her waltz in my room and say “I’m going to stubborn and quite aggressive. Needless to say, borrow this shirt,” and me not being able to object because Kelsey was always straightforward frankly she terrifies me. with me, and rarely sugarcoated It’s odd not hearing her anything. It wasn’t until a few yell “Janet, you always years ago that I realized her make me change out tough love was what I needed. the bathroom trash can!

Luckily, my older sister also You do it this time!” has a pleasant side, and has been I think it’s the little a valuable teacher and role model memories that make in my life. Anything my parents me miss her most, and didn’t teach me, Kelsey did. regret the times she While Mom and Dad taught asked me to hang out me how to work a laundry and I complained machine, I have my sister that I was tired. to thank for my rad dance I miss her in more moves (she insisted on ways than I can describe. holding “dance lessons” Yet, under all my selfperiodically). She showed centered sadness, I me the fun little details in know that this is just a life that no one else really new, exciting stage in our thought to mention. As lives. While Kelsey learns we grew older, it was Kelsey how to be more independent and who constantly fed a stream of how to excel in the business field, advice to me so that I could learn from I’ll be at home learning to stand on my her experiences and grow up. Whether she own two feet without my Kelseyknows this or not, she also taught me simply by Artwork by Joy Cope crutch. By going off to college, To listen to the writer read his editorial, being herself. Kelsey seemed to always know the tyrant, teacher, and role model go to http://www.theroarnewspaper. what to say or do, never failed to be kind and that is my older sister completed the blogspot.com for the podcast last task she could to help me fully considerate to others, and always had her chin up. As a kid, I always strove to be more like her, and mature: to leave. I have a feeling that this still do. year will be a big year of growth for the both of us. In the Kelsey is my best friend and closest companion, meantime, I also have a feeling that this year will be a big and I believe she will be for the rest of my life. After our year of growth for the minutes on our family phone bill. bickering stage in elementary and middle school passed, Janet is a photography editor for The Roar. You can a real friendship began to develop. Since then, we have share your sibling experiences with her at the.roar.ni@ spent many a night staying up late doing what we love gmail.com.

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

E-MAIL the.roar@ymail.com

6 | viewpoints | the roar

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Past experience returns in form of advice date to a dance, go with friends .If you are having troubles, find a friend that will lend you a shoulder to cry on. And never burn bridges. Friendships can last forever as long as rachel kagle you don’t let small issues get in the way. Keep your friends because when you hit a rough patch in your life, you will executive editor want them around.

Get involved.

Involvement in school not only helps you build up extracurriculars for college, it also helps you gain strength as an Here’s an ode to you, underclassmen. Throughout my individual. My participation in various clubs at Consol has four years at Consol, I have learned quite a few things. made me a better person; these clubs have enriched To enlighten you and hopefully make your my time here, have given me opportunities four years a bit easier, here you go. to build amazing friendships. Involvement Your grades always matter. in school is not at all a waste of time; it isn’t Even as a freshman, never lame to help out. If you work with friends, it blow off a class. That grade will isn’t even work anymore. So go out and find stick with you for the rest of your a club that suits you. If you can’t find one, high school career. You might you haven’t looked hard enough. There is sothink that a simple 75 your fresmething out there for you, just search around. hman year won’t hurt you a bit, Befriend an upperclassman. you’re wrong. That 75 gets facUpperclassmen aren’t all jerks. Not everyone tored into your GPA and there is no will send you to the third floor. Make friends with changing that. I know you have heard it a some people older than you. Maybe my tips aren’t hundred times, but it is absolutely, 100% at all helpful, but theirs could be. There are plenty true. Your GPA determines your eligibility of people at Consol that will want to help you for NHS, acceptance to college, clubs, and rather than hurt you, so make friends with those even more. Your future is pretty dependent outside of your typical social circle. There are great on that small little number. Don’t slack off people out there that I never would have met had already, you will certainly feel the pain I not stepped out of my immediate circle of friends. later.

Don’t be shy, it helps a lot.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Most of all, have fun and make the best of what It’s such a common, oveyou have. Whatever situation you encounter, make rused cliché, but it’s true. In the best of it. Find the bright side. There’s no use in high school, you have more artw ork sitting around crying over your problems. If you’re to worry about than drama.

by M upset, take your anger out by running or exercierri You need to work on what is tt N olte sing.

Be productive. And always have fun. really important, not fighting with your -Ro th High school will eventually be nothing but a friends over something ridiculous. Girls, don’t memory; make it a good one! cry about boys. Boys, don’t stress over girls. You have Welcome, fish! Rachel Kagle is the Executive Editor so much more time ahead of you. There is more to life than for the Roar. If you would like to thank her for the advice, freshman homecoming. I promise. So if you do not get a email her at the.roar.kagle@gmail.com.

rants&raves { { If you could take anyone to homecoming, who would it be?

“Keira Knightley, because she’s way out of my league.”

-Simon Kapler, freshman

-Betz Mayer, sophomore

“David Tennant because he is Doctor Who and we could explore other galaxies when we’re bored.”

“Captain America because he’s awesome and a gentleman.”

sketchy.

-Karleigh Adams, junior

by merritt nolte-roth

“Ryan Gosling, I’ll be the Ali to his Noah.”

[name it some other time] Why do you go to football games?

36% “I don’t go.”

- Makell Garlick, senior “Lolo Jones. She seems interesting.”

29% “To socialize.”

18% “To watch the game.”

17%

“I have to go.”

555 students surveyed

-Mr. Young, aquatic science teacher

{opposing viewpoints}

the roar | viewpoints | 7

friday, sept. 28, 2012

YES

Does social media help connect people?

NO

by Shilpa Saravanan, news editor

Our generation is more connected than ever. Most of this is due to the fast and furious rise of social media, like Facebook, Twitter, and various blogging services, that make it easier for us to be completely informed about each other’s lives, all day, every day.

Some say that this makes us less connected than ever: apparently, the often bite-sized online interaction is no substitute for lengthy face-to-face conversations in real life.

I agree, to an extent. Perhaps “ahahaha” is no substitute for actually hearing my best friend’s idiosyncratic laugh, but conversing online can serve as a passable replacement for real-life interaction; it’s more than passable when it enables me to stay in touch with my friends even when they’re hundreds or thousands of miles away. A little Facebook status can say so much about the state of a person and his or her life.

Of course social media distracts us from school. So did phone calls, back when Facebook and Twitter didn’t exist.

Thoughts, not things, distract people. If you have something to say, it’s going to keep you from doing your work until you say—in a tweet, a blog post, or simply a message on chat, whatever it takes to get that out there.

And as more and more teachers embrace social media as a learning tool, it has become a useful way of keeping up with due dates and obtaining help on assignments. Facebook pages and groups have popped up for nearly all of my classes; some are official, some are student-run. These have their occasional drawbacks, but for the most part, I know I can get nearly instantaneous input from several different people all at once should I need assistance or opinions on anything.

Social media has definitely had an impact on my life and the lives of most, if not all, of my peers. Though, like most other things, social media has its problems, the good outweighs the bad; it is overall a positive development, for both our personal and school lives.

student responses.

Do you partake in Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or any other social networking site?

Social media has become ultra-convenient and accessible, as well as nearly inescapable. With apps on our phones and wi-fi almost everywhere, we never really have to say goodbye. For some situations, that’s great, but for others it’s not necessarily a good thing.

For the record, I’m not a social media hater. I use Facebook from time to time, and while I don’t use Twitter, I get what it’s all about. Social media is all about keeping us in touch and in the know, every second of every day. These websites claim to help us connect to our friends and families, perhaps even to make us more “social” people. But really, social media keeps us about as social as fantasy football keeps us in shape. (Side note: Fantasy football is not a form of exercise.)

Rather than encouraging real communication, with real people and real conversations, social media encourages us to, in essence, step away from reality and step into a different world where we can converse with one another behind our shield of a computer screen or a phone. Are those with the most friends or followers truly the most connected, or perhaps the most disconnected?

Furthermore, social media has us so “connected” that when we go to carry on in-person conversations with friends, everyone has their phone out, tweeting away, rather than actually talking.

When we are so immersed in this world of social media, we lose some of the value in real friendships and the conversations and exchanges that go along with them. If we can’t go a lunch period or even a conversation without letting our mind jump to the alternate “connected” world, we are disconnected from reality.

The Roar surveyed 96 students to learn their opinions on social media.

“

I am able to see what my long-distance friends are up to without awkwardly texting them after 2-3 years without seeing them.

”

Diana Vaught, senior

“ Yes

No

by Dana Branham, managing editor

Yes 34%

No 66%

Do you feel that your use of social networking affects your schoolwork?

How do you communicate the most?

[Social media sites and devices] allow us to communicate, but negate from faceto-face interaction.

Kyle Painter, junior

”

46% Texting

42% speaking in person

7% social net- 5% speaking on the phone working sites

8 | viewpoints | the roar

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Sister shares wisdom for upcoming high school career dana branham managing editor

When my family and I moved here six years ago, our family casually tossed around the idea (rather, the reality) that my sister and I wouldn’t end up in school with each other until, well, now.

Even last year, the idea of getting to this place in time seemed a far-off future. Now that we’re here, starting school together, everything feels strange. I know that I’m going to have to watch her grow up in the next four years, and by then, we’ll have a good idea of what we’re doing with our lives. But how can we really be here already? She’s my little sister. If my little sister is starting high school, then surely I’m old and decrepit.

So that’s that, Erica. We’re getting old, way too old, and way too fast. I won’t be surprised if we find gray hairs soon. (Not really, I would definitely be surprised.) I know you won’t want my advice (as you wouldn’t even let me help pick out school supplies), but I just want to impart what little wisdom I have to you: First of all, never leave anything of importance in your back pocket. Signed report cards, English papers, your schedule--nothing, because they will almost surely fall out and be left on an unsuspecting bus seat or classroom chair.

When you’re walking in between classes, about half of the school population will, in fact, find you invisible.

When they push through you or bump you down the stairs, don’t worry--it’s not that they have terrible manners and are extremely rude, it’s that they simply can’t see you. Kidding, Erica. People are just rude. So when they push you out of the way, don’t yell mean words at them. Instead, yell stuff like “Flamingoes!” or just gibberish.

Confusion is the best attack.

I’m relatively sure that teachers have lives outside of school (although there are some that I’m pretty sure like to sleep in the cabinets and such), but if you need

help, they’ll help you.

Fact: going to tutorials doesn’t make you dumb.

That is all the information that I’ve gathered during my first two years of high school, Erica. Growing up with you and seeing you change and become the lovely person you are has been a pleasure. Here’s to a few more years of school together, too much homework, dying your hair redder and redder, occasionally arguing, orthodontia (maybe one day we’ll get our braces off!), lots of coffee, and all the joy it brings me to simply be your big sister.

I have the utmost faith in you, Erica, and I hope high school is all that you want it to be. Don’t grow up too fast, because then I’ll feel like I have to grow up too, and I surely don’t want to do that.

But no matter what, I’ll be with you every step of the way.

Dana Branham is the Managing Editor for the Roar. If you have any comments on Dana and Erica’s growing old, send an email to the.roar. branham@gmail.com. She will happily respond.

artwork by Joy Cope

LAURA EVERETT will you go to homecoming with me?

-Jacob

Paper Clips by joy cope

“Monster @ Night”

the roar | snapshots | 9

friday, sept. 28, 2012

by Eva Araujo, staff reporter Fabricated patterns, modge podge, fabri-tak, jump rings, crimping beads, grommets, metal mesh, and project talkers: these crazy tools may sound like a strange language derived from another planet, but in the crafters’ world they are common place.

Seniors Jocelyn Volkmar and Kensey Boykin, and freshmen Erica Branham and Ester Araujo have taken their creativity off the shelves and started to mold their artistic abilities into wonderful yet practical use.

However, it is not the first time for these artsy kiddos to dive into the world of crafting. No, not for kids like Boykin, whose creative mind was probably crafted itself from scraps of fabric and tacky glue.

“I first started crafting when I was really young,” Boykin said. “It started off with craft days at my grandma’s house while we sat and watched HGTV. We would always copy whatever project they were doing like pop-up books and just kids’ stuff in general.”

As for crafters like Branham who like to think outside of the box (or in this case,

students harness creative abilities for practical uses

Senior Jocelyn Volkmar enjoys creating objects from household items to save money. She said gets her inspiration from her mother. PHOTO BY EVA ARAUJO

However, these artists had to get their creative outlook from somewhere, and in Volkmar’s case the inspiration came from a person close to heart.

“My mom is really the one who inspires me,” Volkmar said. “She has always been a super crafty person too, and always has new ideas of things to do. My mom is always the one that says, why would you need to buy that when you can make it?”

The question is not whether these artists will continue to explore the art of crafting, but whether they will be able to widen the creative horizon of the crafters’ world.

Freshman Erica Branham’s home-decorated heels portray her love for both art and Marvel comics. She made the shoes over the course of a couple days. PHOTO BY JANET NI

shoebox) they find that their art is most importantly used as an outlet for expression.

“There aren’t any real rules to art, so that appeals to me,” Branham said. “I made a pair of comic book shoes, for instance, and I’m extremely proud of them. I hope I never grow out of these shoes, because I just love them so much. I adore anything Marvel, and I feel like my shoes represent my personality.”

Araujo says art is her passion, and can’t see herself doing much of anything else besides crafting, or drawing.

“Crafting is what I want to do because its where I feel most in control and focused,” Araujo said. “Its fun and takes your mind off of things. Its also kind of peaceful for instance when you’re knitting or sewing it’s just one repetitive motion that calms everything down, and when you’re done there is a sense of accomplishment.”

Freshman Ester Araujo expresses her creativity through drawing and knitting. She began her crafting in the sixth grade. PHOTO BY EVA ARAUJO

10 | student

life | the roar

1

Begin with two pumped-up mascots, ready to make the crowd laugh.

It is a typical Friday afternoon pep rally—the first of the year. Coach Raffield, the head football coach, excites the crowd as he exclaims into the microphone an introduction to Ty the Tiger. The mascot leaps to the center of the gym.

Student body president Emily Hall quickly acquires the microphone to announce the arrival of a new tiger—a girl tiger in an AMCHS cheer uniform. Beneath the suit is sophomore Shelby Bilingsley, a junior varsity cheerleader.

The additional tiger is not the only major change in this year’s mascot line up, though. Unbeknownst to the student body, senior Daricia Henson has taken up residence inside the furry costume, in the place of the former suit-wearer, senior Ty Thomas, the mascot’s namesake.

Henson was granted the role after a discussion with Mrs. Warhol, the cheerleading coach.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Henson said. “At the first pep rally, I was a little nervous, with no given directions. I didn’t really know what to expect.”

After her pep rally debut, Henson has quickly adjusted into the role of the charismatic, energetic, soaking-in-sweat tiger, handing out high fives to little kids and constantly dancing along with the cheerleaders.

“It’s all you,” Henson said. “You go out, be crazy, get the crowd pumpin’, and have fun, which is my normal personality, so it’s simple. I love my duty. It’s a great year to be a tiger.”

friday, sept. 2

stirring up spir Student groups combine talent to create unique flavor of school pride

Varsity cheerleaders Thao Huynh, Mary Curtis and Alli Elbert cheer on the crowd with smiles on their faces. The cheerleaders started the season o

2

Mix in a dash of dashing young men, sprinting along the sidelines.

The crowd roars, the Fight Song begins, and another six points are added to the score board. Amongst the ecstatic heavily-padded football team’s celebrations, a handful of guys run past with flags spelling C-H-S. “I like just being around the football spirit—on the field and in the pep rallies and with the student section right there—just the intensity of it all,” captain senior Kyle Lovas said.

Following Lovas’ lead flag run seniors Jacob Ayres, Wesley Remschel, Yanni Georghiades, Curtis Grice and Chris Paulus.

“We do a lot of running, and it is tricky with a flag,” Lovas said.

“It’s heavy and the wind’s blowing your way. You’ve got to take some time to stretch it out, make sure you’re limbered up before every run.

Breathing exercises are good for us. We pull through.”

When the boys aren’t sprinting down the sidelines, they are interested in the game and make commentary on how the football team performs, Maroon Men Sponsor Chauncey Lindner said.

“We do have a little pre-game and half time traditions,” Remschel said. “But, we can’t say anything about that.”

Not all Maroon Men rituals are so secretive, though, as Consol has had a small gang of guys carrying the flags at games for years. However, this particular group broke the tradition of exclusively twelfth-grade Maroon Men. Their lack of seniority last year caused the cheerleaders to christen them “the Maroon Boys,” Remschel said.

The Maroon Men have confirmed that they plan to resume the solely seniors tradition as they evaluate various hopeful junior candidates.

Future Maroon Men are expected to possess “passion, integrity, love in their heart, determination, and a love for all things school related,” Lovas said.

“From what I can tell, everybody likes us and appreciates what we do,” Lovas said. “All four of us have been going to this high school all four years, and we’ve been tied together since 8th grade, so we’ve always been a part of this class. Now that we’re Maroon Men, it just kind of like reinforces that, you know, throughout the school population.”

Senior Kyle Lovas runs along the sideline, carrying a spirit flag. Lovas broke the tradition of an exclusively senior team of Maroon Men last year. PHOTO BY LAURA EVERETT

3

Add a team talented, e cheerlead

Friday night football games would n energetic cries of Consol’s cheerleading tea “We’re there to get the crowd involved Callie Craigen said. “If we slack off on our as much support, and then they get mad, down. Win or lose, it’s a football game. Th all that matters.”

The cheerleaders’ primary goal may b sitting down due to boredom, Craigen said, the football team.

“I know that sounds cliché, but I li team,” senior Caroline Waller said. “I do th what they’re doing, so it is fun to watch the their thing.”

It isn’t just the football team driving th “The seniors that line the fence help Craigen said. “If they weren’t there I don’t the whole game. It is really tiring. You wou over and over again would be exhausting around and having to get involved with all effortless, it is exhausting.”

Their job is far from effortless, but response from the student body.

“I know they are some people who d I feel like the majority of the school resp performances,” Craigen said. “When we as cheer, they respond, for the most part, with Yes, we are a big part of the school, but I t things the school gets excited about, and I t

the roar | student

friday, sept. 28, 2012

pirit

by laura everett, editor-in-chief

rted the season off right and kept the crowd involved on Friday, August 31, 2012--the first football game of the school year. PHOTO BY JANET NI

d a team of nted, enthusiastic erleaders.

mes would not be complete without the eerleading team. owd involved in the game,” senior captain ack off on our job, then the boys don’t have hey get mad, and then the team could die tball game. The boys play hard, and that’s

ry goal may be to prevent the crowd from Craigen said, but they also heavily support

iché, but I like cheering on the football r said. “I do think those boys work hard at n to watch them be out on the field and do

eam driving the cheerleaders’ energy. e fence help us and give us our energy,” t there I don’t think we’d make it through ring. You wouldn’t think that calling words be exhausting, but when you’re bouncing olved with all that energy to make it look

effortless, but usually evokes a positive dy. people who don’t really care for us, but e school responds to our energy and our “When we ask them to say something in a most part, with the right words and colors. school, but I think there are so many other about, and I think that’s a good thing too.”

4

Sprinkle in a sequinhatted dance line.

As the football team jogs to the locker room for presumably fiery speeches on game tactics, the Sweethearts of College Station strut to the field to perform their weekly halftime routine. Concealing nerves with ear-to-ear smiles, the Bengal Belles take the turf, led by their captain, senior Katie Cannon.

“It is nerve-wracking,” Cannon said. “There’s always that one game where [the band] plays [the song] a lot faster than we’ve practiced it, or vice versa, but that’s just part of being a Belle.”

The Belles’ fleeting field performance, executed to appear effortless, is a result of practicing every morning and two afternoons a week, which equates to just under the amount of time that the football team practices, Cannon said.

“We’re not necessarily lifting weights, but we are doing a lot that will strengthen their core and arms,” Bengal Belle coach of four years Jana Joerns said. “It’s not just flexibility. If you can do the splits, that doesn’t mean you can leave the ground while doing it.”

Joerns’ ample experience as a Kilgore Rangerette and dancing at the University of Texas has transformed the Bengal Belles into a heavily dance-based, not-so traditional drill team.

“It is more of a dance team because we’ll do jazzes and moderns and contemporaries and such, instead of just the basic really sharp stuff,” Cannon said. “We don’t even compete a pom [routine] at competition, while a lot of drill teams would.”

The unorthodox drill team style is apparent at pep rallies, as the Belles primarily perform hip hop routines, as opposed to the traditional drill team routines.

“A lot of people are shocked,” Joerns said. “Belles used to do kind of more jazzes at the pep rallies, but when they added in the hip hop we saw a huge change in enthusiasm. It was very energetic.”

Despite the attention the team receives, the Belles see beyond their performance on a Friday night.

“When we’re dancing, we’re doing it for our friends and families,” first lieutenant senior Reagan Reynolds said. “But, when we’re in the stands, we’re cheering [the football players] on; we’re really paying attention to the game and being supportive of our team.”

5

life | 11

Stir in the sounds of the Mighty Band from Tigerland.

As the Bengal Belles exit the field, the Mighty Band from Tigerland marches toward the first set of their eight minute half-time show. These performances are vital during the band›s last year to compete in the 5A State marching competition, before becoming a 4A school to compensate for the new school.

Off the field, the band is responsible for playing various “stand tunes” to engage the spectators and distract the other team during pivotal moments. One of the key facets in the band’s role of exciting the crowds at football games and pep rallies is the highly acclaimed drumline.

“I looked out into the crowd at our first pep rally,” junior center stick Lizzy Simon said. “I felt a little upset because the football team just seemed uninterested and bored. But the student body is different. I think they definitely enjoy drumline. They always holler and whoop at the games, which makes me enjoy playing for them.”

Traditionally, these percussionists join the cheerleaders to play cadences in front of the student section during third quarter.

“I think when it is [the cheerleaders] and drumline, drumline definitely wins,” senior cheerleader Caroline Waller said. “They do an awesome job of keeping the crowd pumped up.”

Another subset of the band is the color guard, who add a visual element to the band›s performance through their use of flags, rifles and other items.

The guard performs during the band’s eight minute halftime routine and then devotes much of the rest of the game to cheering and supporting the football team with the rest of the band.

“The kids in the guard take a very serious interest in the spirit of the game; they yell, cheer, and dance with the band’s music at the games,” color guard director Nanette Zeig said.

Overall, the band has an optimistic outlook for the year.

“This year’s group is a very fine playing group,” head band director Van Henry said. “We have very few weaknesses. All in all, this year’s band plays at a very high level.”

Bengal Belles Miranda Canatella, Meagan Gimbert and Chelsea Fails perform their routine in the halftime show on August 31, 2012. Traditionally, the Belles perform a pom routine at least once a year. PHOTO BY JANET NI

12 | people | the roar

the

sibling

friday, sept. 28, 2012

SPLIT

New high school creates separation for families

by Rachel Kagle, executive editor

Katie & Josh Brice

Sisters senior Jocelyn and sophomore Jillian Volkmar pose outside of their house. Although the two sisters go to separate schools, their bond remains intact. PHOTO BY RACHEL KAGLE

Katie Brice looked forward to her senior year during which she could help her little brother, Josh, as a freshman. However, the addition of College Station High School, caused the family’s plan to change.

Katie, a senior at AMCHS, does not get the chance to take her little brother to school, but she tries to do as much as she can.

“I still get to go to the football games and cheer him on,” she said.

“I think I have the best of both worlds.”

Josh, a freshman at CSHS, could not turn down the chance to go to the new school.

“Not everyone can go to a school that is completely brand new,” he said. “At first I wanted to go to the old high school, but when I went on the first tour of the new one, I quickly changed my mind.”

Due to his decision, the only difficulty that has arisen thus far is their involvement in school activities and sports. Josh plays football for the Cougars and Katie is a member of the Mighty Band from Tigerland.

“He’s in football and I’m in band,” Katie said. “So my mom has to split up what football games she goes to.”

Making several trips to the same city each weekend has added stress to her parents’ lives. However, because Josh and Katie went to separate schools before, not much has changed. Yet, the new school has opened up a window for sibling rivalry.

“We each think our school is better,” Katie said. “The new high school? Not better.”

Jocelyn & Jillian Volkmar Jocelyn and Jillian Volkmar share a sibling bond stronger than many others. After going to school together for a year, transitioning to going to separate schools was very different.

“It does feel weird,” Jillian, sophomore at CSHS, said. “I appreciated that we could periodically see eachother during the day.”

Jocelyn, senior at AMCHS, agrees although they only went to the same school for a year.

Kami & Kourtney Harris For sisters Kami and Kourtney Harris, the change is exciting. Both heavily involved in their own schools, the addition of College Station High School has only added to their busy lives.

“One main change is that I barely ever see her,” Kami, senior at AMCHS, said. “That’s the main weird thing.”

Kourtney, sophomore at CSHS, somewhat agrees, however it is not abnormal to her to be separated from her sister.

“I feel like I never see Kam anymore because of our different schedules,” she said. “But it doesn’t really feel weird going to different schools. It felt more weird going to the same school!”

The sisters agree that it is odd to have their family spread out across the town. Nevertheless, it is not unusual for the family to be busy, Kami said.

Although everyone is across College Station, independency has relieved chances

of overwhelming the family. “[Kourtney] has her license and a her own car,” Kami said. “She’s kind of self reliant.”

Regardless of any difficulties, College Station High School has made life in the Harris household more exciting.

“My father enjoys competition,” Kami said. “He’s loving getting to cheer for both teams.

It’s just more team spirit and paraphernalia to go around.”

“It hasn’t changed my life very much,” she said. “I know it’s changed hers because she got really, really used to me being around.”

The addition of the new school has made only a minimal impact on their family’s life.

“My mother is stretched a bit more thin,” Jocelyn said.

Her sister agrees, adding that coordinating schedules has created stress throughout the family.

Additionally, both agree

that another negative is their heavy involvement in the rival theatre departments.

However, despite the smaller inconveniences, the decision to split between the two schools has been a positive change.

“It is positive. Jocelyn will be going away to college next year so this is a little taste of her being away from me,” Jillian said. “But I miss my sister every day at school.”

Ian & Brendan Ray

Siblings Ian and Brendan Ray are hardly affected by the addition of College Station High School. If they felt change, it was for the better.

“It’s almost easier for me because I don’t have to take him to school since he rides his bike,” Ian, senior at AMCHS, said. “It could be more difficult in certain situations, though.”

In case of a storm or other extreme circumstances, he may be required to pick up his brother, Brendan, sophomore at College Station High School, Ian said.

If faced with competition between the two schools, Ian states that he would stick to his own school.

“I would support my school over his,” he said. “I’d want us to win and I’d laugh at him.”

Overall, Brendan made the decision to go to the new school and it seems to be a good decision.

“He was really excited to be the first kid to graduate from the new school with all the new stuff and being on the varsity sports teams,” Ian said. “He was really determined to go to the new school.”

the roar | people

friday, sept. 28, 2012

| 13

fresh faces

New teachers share hobbies, insights into career isabel drukker ● opinions editor

You’d be suprised to learn...

A

RYAN COTE, PHYSICS TEACHER

C

oming from the Houston area, physics teacher Ryan Cote finds that College Station offers him the ideal environment, not only for teaching, but for living as well.

“The [last] school I taught at was a great school,” Cote said. “But it wasn’t the same. A lot of it has to do with the community.”

In his spare time, Cote enjoys playing basketball for fun, spending time with his wife on their shared property in Carson, and watching football, making College Station the ideal community. “[My wife and I] love College Station,” Cote said.

After teaching in a large high school in the Houston area, Cote welcomes the changes that come with working in a smaller school.

“It’s neat to see teachers who have been here for a long time,” Cote said. “They have relationships with the students because they’ve had their brothers or sisters before them. It’s a blessing to work in a community that’s so tight knit.”

A

s French teacher Vanessa Mitchell assisted a student in translating a rap about social networking, a large quilt made of past French Club t-shirts swayed slightly above her desk.

“Do what you love, that’s what I’m doing.”

-French teacher Vanessa Mitchell “We’re going to have a marriage between the French Club and the French Competition Team.

Instead of having them as two separate groups, it’s going to be called ‘La Comunid de Frances,’ the French Community,” Mitchell said.

fter graduating from Consol in 2004, English teacher Jodie Smith returns as a first year teacher and expectant mother to a high school not quite the same as she left it.

“There weren’t any portables when I was here, [there are] different things that they offer so far as extracurricular activities go, and of course there’s only a couple of teachers that I recognize from before, most of the staff is all new,” Smith said.

As Smith welcomes the changes at the beginning of the year, she has hopeful expectations for both her baby (whom she plans to have attend Consol) and the relationship between Consol and the newly opened College Station High School.

“It’s crazy, I can’t believe that there’s actually two schools now. I think it’s going to be really interesting to watch how we work together, especially once all the classes are split,” Smith said.

ROBERT HOUCHINS, ART TEACHER

A

s a sculptor, a former UIL VASE juror, and a definite Keira Knightley fan, Robert Houchins has made a notable contribution to the Art Department in Consol.

After sixteen years of teaching, Mitchell discovered that among all her different hobbies-karate, boxing, acting as an ordained minister for her church, blogging, and writing a handful of books--teaching French is her passion.

“I came to Consol because I wanted all French, all day,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell additionally speaks Spanish, teaches boxing “with a spiritual spin” through her church, and has two step daughters at home.

“Do what you love, that’s what I’m doing,” Mitchell said. “There’s no place I’d rather be. This is year sixteen of my teaching because I like to be in the classroom.”

JODIE SMITH, ENGLISH TEACHER In his AP Art History class, students approach to the subject with projects such as making sarcophagi or mock cave paintings.

“If it’s something they’ve put their hands on and created, I think it helps with understanding,” Houchins said.

He also said that requiring Art I to enroll in the course helps students better comprehend the works included on the AP test.

“They get to understand both sides of creating the art, and then critiquing the art,” Houchins said.

“And I don’t think in a regular art classroom they have time to do that.”

Despite the Art History exam approaching at a galloping speed, Houchins feels assured that his students will succeed come testing time in the spring.

“The AP [Art History] kids digest a painting and understand and come up with questions,” Houchins said. “There’s not much to worry about.”

The weirdest thing I’ve said to a student was “how modems sound like dying cats in a washing machine.”

–Patrick Powell, tech teacher

An interesting hobby I have is “extreme mountain biking in the desert.”

–Robert Enckhausen, law teacher

My strangest classroom encounter was when “someone was yelling, “There’s a baby!” and a three year old walked into the room.”

–Yvette Mora, chemistry teacher

VANESSA MITCHELL, FRENCH TEACHER

compiled by Michelle Liu

14 | people | the roar

friday, sept. 28, 2012

scholastic summer breaks

Students attend career oriented camps over summer vacation

by Shilpa Saravanan news editor Most people attend summer camps to have fun, to sit around fires and to make new friends. Some students, however, attend camps to aid their pursuit of their chosen career—and learn much more in the process. “ I learned so much about who I am at camp, who I want to be and I brought that knowledge back to College Station,” j u n i o r Marianne Muyia said.

Muyia attended the National S t u d e n t Leadership Conference, a camp that offers its attendees several different choices of subjects to focus on for the duration of the camp. She chose theater, as she said she has been “really into it” since her freshman year, performing in choir and school theater productions.

“I wanted to learn more about theater, beyond just school,” Muyia said. “So, this was a great

opportunity.”

Fordham University in New York hosted the conference. In addition to taking acting and music classes at the university, Muyia attended Broadway shows and listened to guest speakers talk about

life as an actor in New York City.

“I learned about both life as a college student and life as an actress,” Muyia said. “It prepared me so much for theater—while it’s not my main career plan, if the opportunity to break into the field arose, I would take it immediately.”

Additionally, Muyia said that the camp helped her discover herself, and she w o u l d t a k e what she learned t h e r e with her for the rest of her life.

Senior Eugene Ryoo also plans to pursue a career in the arts. Ideally, he would like to be a music professor.

He attended band camp at the University of Texas at Austin for one week over the summer.

Campers were sorted into bands based on ability and attended rehearsals and sectionals every day in preparation for a concert at the end of camp.

“That group had the best people,” Ryoo said. “I liked it, because if you’re with better people, you’ll excel more than you normally do.”

Senior Shankara Anand attended a program at UT as well.

A n a n d participated in a chemistrybased program funded by the Welch Foundation. The foundation pays for residence and five weeks of research with a professor and a graduate student. Anand’s research

concentrated on organic synthesis, and at the end of his time at UT, he had produced a research paper on porous coordination polymers.

“It was great to get some hands-on experience in that field,” Anand said. “It was fantastic, really fulfilling.”

In addition to the sciencebased part of the program, Anand enjoyed forming good relationships with his fellow campers and the grad students he worked with.

Anand hopes to pursue chemical or biomedical engineering in college and says that Welch helped him in deciding that.

“I was initially concerned about the time investment and whether it would be worth it, but it was a great place to figure out whether I like the subject or not,” Anand said.

S e n i o r Kelly Zhou attended an all-female computer science c a m p whose goal was to convince high school girls that there is a place for them in the traditionally male-dominated field of computer science.

The camp offered programming classes and field trips to real-world companies that use computer science, such as VMware. Several female guest speakers also came to talk to the campers, discussing the benefits of being a girl in computer science.

“It was very interesting,” Zhou said. “This camp showed me how practical and useful computer science is.”

Where did they go?

National Student Leadership Conference • What: several different career-

oriented programs including business, engineering, journalism, and theater • Where: various college campuses across the United States • How: teacher nomination, talent survey or merit-based application

UT Music Camp

• What: One-week camp for band students, offering additional classes in areas like improvisation, music theory, and conducting • Where: UT Austin • How: First come, first serve audition for band placement

Welch Summer Scholar Program

• What: five-week research program focused on chemistry

• Where: Texas campuses including UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UH, and Texas Tech • How: competitive application process based on academic strength and recommendations

First Bytes

• What: one-week camp for girls interested in computer science • Where: UT Austin • How: completion of online application

compiled by Shilpa Saravanan

the roar | people |15

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Fantasy football allows for greater involvement in NFL season PHOTO BY RACHEL KAGLE

anne finch

assistant editor

For Texans of all ages, watching professional football is a fun pastime. However, some students and faculty at Consol have actually found a way to get involved with the NFL through participation in fantasy football leagues.

“Fantasy football is a game in which the players draft imaginary teams of real football players,” English teacher Chauncey Lindner said. “The players a fantasy football manager drafts on his or her team don’t have to be on the same team in the NFL. You can collect any collection of players you like and then from week to week you monitor the stats of those players, the number of yards they’ve gained, if they score touchdowns, and they lose points if they fumble or throw interceptions, and you total them up. The point totals that go with those stats each week determine the winner of your fantasy football game.”

Lindner is responsible for introducing faculty-wide fantasy football leagues containing staff members from several different departments to Consol. Coach and geography teacher Mike Skinner, member of the original league, noted the popularity of Lindner’s idea among Consol faculty. “[Lindner] basically just shot out an email to some of the guys and said ‘Would y’all be interested in doing a fantasy football league?’” he said. “The response was overwhelmingly positive, so we did one, and there were so many guys that were interested in doing it a year or two later that they actually started another league.”

Lindner stated that fantasy football adds another level to watching NFL football, as before joining he was less involved in watching NFL games because of lack of interest in certain teams.

“Mostly the draw of fantasy football to me is that I like to watch football anyway, but for a lot of years, most games that were on TV I didn’t have anything invested in whatsoever,” he said.

scoring guide for

fantasy football

Scott Faulk, member of the first Consol faculty fantasy football league and Media Tech teacher, agreed, saying that fantasy football gives him an incentive to invest in more games due to fantasy football players’ dependence on the actual statistics of football players on various NFL teams.

her friends and family, agreed.

She said she appreciated the fun of the competition, and that playing virtual football gives her opportunities that she normally could not have.

“It’s something different to do, and it’s kind of competitive just to see who chooses the best players and who doesn’t,” she

“It’s something different to do, and it’s kind of competitive just to see who chooses the best players and who doesn’t.” senior AMANDA NESS “It definitely helps you to get interested in teams you might not normally be interested in because you might have players on that team,” he said. “That makes you root for that team because you’re interested in watching them, and how their players affect your fantasy team.”

Senior Amanda Ness, a football fan who participates in a fantasy football league with

said. “It’s like playing football for girls, even when you can’t play.

Ness was also involved in fantasy football last year through Consol’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing class, taught by Dennis Rhodes. Rhodes said he serves as a commissioner over the classroom league, and students divide themselves into teams and participate for a grade.

“It’s like a classroom

simulation,” he said. “The kids get involved and they’re active with it. It gives them something fun to do in class, it allows them to be engaged, and we only visit fantasy football once a week.

They compete, all the NFL games happen on the weekends and on Monday they come in and they check their results.”

Those at Consol who play fantasy football, especially those in the faculty leagues, agree that the competitiveness of the game also inspires closeness among its players.

“I’ve definitely gotten to know those guys a lot better,” Faulk said. “It gives us something to talk about and since we see each other every day we can always compare notes on how we’re doing, and it’s something competitive for us to do together, so we’ve definitely strengthened our friendships.”

Skinner, however, remains focused on the main objective of the game.

“I just hope I’ll win it this year,” he said.

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? ●

Touchdowns: Six points for scoring player, and four

●

●

Field goals: Three points for the kicker (some leagues

yards receiving, and one point for every 25 yards

●

Extra point: Kicker receives point

points to the quarterback if passing play

increase point values with increase of yardage) ●

Two point conversions: Player receives two points

Receiving, passing and rushing: Usually one point

for every ten yards rushing, one point for every ten passing. ● ●

Interceptions: Minus one point Fumbles: Minus two points

16 | sports | the roar

friday, sept 28, 2012

summer recap

Varsity baseball team loses state, gains valuable perspectives by nicole farrell, sports editor This summer was truly one of sweat and tears for the varsity baseball team at Consol. Although the opportunity to play for state was pulled just out of reach, the team still has great memories and an even greater accomplishment under their collective (polyester) belt.

“There is such thrill and adrenaline stepping out on the field and seeing the whole community come out,” Coach Chase Mann said.

The team traveled to the Dell Diamond in Round Rock after defeating Bryan High in the district championships. There they battled Tiger versus Tiger against Caroll, a game in which the multitude of Consol fans made known which Tigers they were there for. After straggling behind the previous six innings, the boys

brought it home at the top of the seventh with senior Kyle Nelson and sophomore Ryan Johnson scoring a run each, keeping them ahead to win by one against Carroll.

From there they proceeded to the finals against Houston Cypress Ranch. Unfortunately, Cy Ranch sealed the deal after an A&M Consolidated running error and won 4-1.

“We were upset obviously,” senior Gabe Sager said, “but we came back, and knew how special it was.”

Mann agrees the experience was worth it and realizes the success of his team. Both the coach and team expressed gratitude for the vast support of fans, with Mann adding the community’s prescence was “great for [the team] to use to their advantage.” He accepted the loss with a positive attitude.

“Good teams get beat out early,” he said, “and sometimes it’s luck along the way. We had a great group of guys.”

Senior Connor Fink explained the overall sentiment of the team. “We understood our accomplishments,” he said.

The Consol baseball team definitely has set the bar high and can still claim a victory, despite an official defeat.

Mann expressed confidence about the new year and new team, both with fresh faces and veterans.

Sager attributes this summer’s state experience as teamshaping: “[State] is not something to shoot for necessarily, but more work towards it, one game at a time,” he said, “It’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.”

Graduates Seth Holbert, Colby Turton and Cody Halmiton embrace team dads after their state loss. The game was played on June 9th against Cy Ranch. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIE KENNEDY

Senior Ben Kennedy prepares to bat. Kennedy played catcher in the tournament as well. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIE KENNEDY

season PREVIEW oct 4

vs. The Woodlands @ Woodforest

oct 2

vs. Conroe @ Conroe

oct 12

vs. Bryan @ Kyle Field

oct 5

vs. Clear Lake @ The Woodlands

oct 18

vs. College Park @ Woodforest

0ct 12

District 14-5A Team Tournament @ The Woodlands

Oct 13

Coke Classic Invitational @ Lufkin

Oct 25

District 14-5A Championship @ Lufkin

varsity

boys/girls

boys/girls

football

tennis

cross country

friday, sept. 28, 2012

setting UP FOR VICTORY the roar | people

| 17

Freshman volleyball captain accepts extra responsibility janet ni

photography editor

Freshman team captain Peyton James waits at the net, tense and ready for the ball to come soaring in her direction at any second. The red, white, and blue sphere bounces strategically amongst her teammates, finally flying in her direction. After hours of training, her body knows what to do. She sets the ball at just the right time for her teammate to quickly follow a perfect spike and a point for the Tigers.

“As setter, [my] job on the court is basically to be the quarterback,” James said.

“The girls respect [James] and she knows the game,” freshman volleyball coach Kimmie Daily said. “She communicates well.”

This year, James and freshman Madison McCorkle were elected by their teammates as freshman volleyball team captains.

James and McCorkle have more authority as well as extra duties as team captains.

“If Coach Daily isn’t [at the gym] yet, we start practice and warm-ups,” James said. “We also make sure the nets are set up for Varsity and for our gym.”

On top of fulfilling her role as team captain, James attends all

the regular practices and games as well.

For school volleyball, James is in practices for about two and a half to three hours a day and misses school on Tuesdays and Fridays for games, she said. “[High school volleyball] is a lot more time consuming [than middle school volleyball],” James said. “You have to keep up with your work because you miss so much more school.”

James said that her favorite thing about volleyball is the bonds she forms with her teammates. “[My favorite part of volleyball is] the relationships I build with my teammates while we just play the game that we love,” she said. “We look out for each other, and we’re definitely like a family.”

James also commented on the role Daily plays in their “family.”

“She looks out for us just like a mom would. We come to her for anything for school or relationship problems or anything like that,” James said. “She’s always there for us.”

James said if she had to choose, she definitely would choose high school volleyball over middle school volleyball.

“It may be more time consuming but you get to play more, and it makes you so much better,” she said.

1.

digging the game TEAM RECORDS Varsity: Overall: 28-6

District: 4-1 Junior Varsity:

Overall: 18-4

District: 3-2 Freshman:

Overall: 11-8

District: 2-3

UPCOMING GAMES at Lufkin-October 2 Woodlands-October 5 Freshman Madison McCorkle: “I like working together as a team.

We all get along.”

2.

1. Freshman Peyton James sets the ball to a teammate during their game on Sept. 7. James has been playing volleyball since fifth grade. PHOTO BY JANET NI 2. The freshman volleyball team groups up for a team huddle during their game on Sept. 7. James calls their team a family. PHOTO BY DEVIN DAKOTA

18 | people | the roar

friday, sept 8, 2012

what we’re roarin’ about:

the chicken strip

Chicken establishments offer surprising variety We asked Anne Finch, assistant editor, for her two cents on three of CStat’s finest:

Layne’s, Cane’s, & Fowl Digits.

THE MEAT

When comparing chicken, we could not help but notice that Layne’s, although one of the more popular chicken restaurants in the Brazos Valley, had easily the least tasty chicken. Our chicken tenders were firm and had a strange aftertaste.

Cane’s chicken was the softest and had the lightest breading of the three. We also agreed that it was easily the tastiest.

The Fowl Digits tenders, which took by far the longest to be served, were crunchy, wellseasoned with various spices, and slightly but not glaringly overcooked. We found it tastier than Layne’s funky chicken, but not as tasty as Cane’s tenders.

winner:

Cane’s

“easily

the tastiest

”

THE FRIES & BREAD THE ATMOSPHERE Layne’s crinkle fries were tasteless, slightly soggy, and reminiscent of cardboard.

Not unlike Layne’s, our Cane’s meal featured unspectacular crinkle-cut fries, which proved the lowest point of that meal.

The bread was much better.

Fowl Digit’s jalapeno cornbread was amazing, and their heavily seasoned fries, in sharp contrast to Layne’s and Cane’s crinklecut fries, were easily the best of the three.

Fowl Digits also has an abundance of other sides and sauces for those who appreciate more variety in their fast food.

winner:

Fowl Digits

“more

winner:

”

variety

WHO’S THE OVERALL WINNER OF THIS CHICKEN DINNER? Anne determined that Raising Cane’s is the best choice, taking taste and environment into account.

We made our first visit at Layne’s, where we noticed that the inside of the small (and relatively busy) restaurant was covered in notes and photos and also smelled a little weird. My assistant and I got our food almost immediately.

A second purchase was made at Cane’s, where it took considerably longer to get our food than at Lane’s.

However, the inside of the restaurant is nicely lit and decorated with cute movie memorabilia featuring Cane, the owner’s dog and the restaurant’s namesake.

Fowl Digits was huge, poorly lit and completely empty.

Cane’s

lit “andnicely decorated”

CANE’S!

@ CONSOL

the roar | @consol | 19

friday, sept. 28, 2012

swaggin’

COMPILED BY THE ROAR STAFF

volkswagen chacos?

“

Despite the obvious remains of at least five different paintjobs, the inefficient radio, and all the troubles that come along with any used standard car, senior Maggie Ford enjoys driving her 1965 Volkswagen Beetle.

“It’s a lot more fun to drive than a regular car, and I like that whenever I drive places, people always smile at my car,” Ford said. “Or they point or laugh.”

With help from her parents, Ford has fixed the car so that she may continue driving the recognizable vehicle.

“I love driving it,” Ford said. “It’s like bringing joy to people in the form of a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle.

“

PHOTOS BY RACHEL KAGLE

The Roar surveyed 95 students and found Consol’s opinion on the rubber sandal sensation.

55.8%

LOVE ‘EM!

“They are comfortable, versatile, practical, and incredibly awesome. I think they are cute, and work perfectly for my life style.”

- senior Emily Hall

% ‘EM! 44.2HATE “The sole purpose of wearing Chacos is to let others know just how laid-back and ‘chill’ you are... but when you spend $80 on a pair of rubber sandals, you obviously care a whole lot!”

- senior Lauren Hodges

monday Since freshman year, senior Hello, Tyler my Rego has name dressed is extra casually on Mondays. Dan “I dress Hadown on Monvens. days because it Every is my extended weekend,” MonRego said.

“When day, I everyone else dresses up, dress I like to keep it upcool and casual.”like a To combat the general hawoman. tred towards Mondays, RegoI keeps think it modest with his PJ women wear, he said.

tuesday Starting his ninth grade year, senior Dan Havens has taken advantage of the wellknown “Frat Boy Tuesdays.”

“I look forward to Tuesdays because I get to dress fratty.”

Havens said.

“High school students need to prepare themselves for college.”

wednesday E v e r y We d n s e d a y since sophomore year, seniors Mareya Stearns and Maddie Hirsch have dressed to impress.

“Wednesdays are my least favorite days of the week,” Stearns said. “So when I dress up, it pumps me up and gets me through the day.”

thursday

Each Thursday, juniors Audrey Harris and Channing

Yo u n g deck out in ratchet gear to celebrate the approaching weekend.

“I dress lazy and comfortable,” Harris said. “I don’t care what I look like.”

friday Throwing on a Tiger jersey on Friday has become normal for history teacher Sarah Manning.

“I just wonder how they fit all of those pads under those jerseys,” Manning said.

“But I do love supporting our Tiger football team.”

20 | etcetera | the roar

curious clubs

BY DEVIN DAKOTA, SENIOR EDITOR

at consol environmental club

young democrats & young republicans Where? Mr. Slovak’s room When? Thursdays after school Sponsor? Mr. Slovak We interviewed: Bobby Slovak What happens during a meeting?

We talk about why they’re here, to get everybody to understand why everybody [attended], to see if we can find out anything about whatever party it is, history of the party, and what they party’s core values are. We talk about what the party stands for, and the contacts for getting involved.

My philosophy on clubs is that we don’t just have meetings to decide we’re going to have another meeting. That every meeting ought to be, ‘Okay, we’re going do this by the next meeting date,’ so I expect the kids to be active. If they’re going to be in the club, they need to be out campaigning.

How do the members get involved in the community?

This semester, what we’re going to do is hook them up with the Brazos County Parties. Both Democratic and Republican parties have headquarters locally, and they kind of facilitate all the campaigns for the parties locally, so we’ll be in contact with them.

Where? Outside Mr. T’s room When? Friday 4-5:30 Sponsor? Mr. Dowdle We interviewed: Victor Leon

When? Tuesdays & Thursdays after

school Sponsor? Mrs. Rodriguez We interviewed: Alex Arreola-Garcia

When? Thursday 4-5 Sponsor? Mr. Hogan We interviewed: Mareya Stearns

When? Tuesdays 4-4:30

What do you do during a meeting?

Play Ping-Pong and Chess.

When did you join?

I joined freshman year, I’m actually the President now. It’s a lot of fun.

Why should other people join?

It’s a lot of fun if you like to play PingPong and Chess.

How did it start?

It started for people who wanted to learn [how to Beat Box.] We would teach them.

What is the best part?

The best part is probably collaborating with everybody there, and doing something we can all do.

What do you talk about during a meeting?

We talk about events, our camping trip, and charity events coming up.

Why do you like being a member?

I think it’s a great way to help the environment while having fun. I’ve been in it for three years.

Why did you decide to be president?

It’s a great way to gain leadership skills in a club that I love.

Why should other people join?

It’s easy, fun, and you’ll have a good time.

And you help the environment!

interfaith Where? Mr. Williams’s room

beat box club Where? Cafeteria

Where? Mr. Hogan’s room

How are the Young Democrats/ Young Republicans different from other clubs?

We’ve got a lot of clubs here that do social outreach work. Political groups like these aren’t like that, they’re political, and so I think that’s the main difference. [We’re] approaching something from the public policy.

ping pong/chess club

friday, sept. 28, 2012

Sponsor? Mr. Williams We interviewed: Mike Williams What do you do there?

Typically, we center around group discussions, philosophical questions, and faith based ideas. We talk about how different faiths view different philosophies.

What can students expect?

It’s a scattershot of students, a nice representative of people from different faiths.

Why do you sponsor it?

I’ve always enjoyed learning about different faiths. I think understanding different faiths is important.

What makes it different from every other club at Consol?

[Interfaith]’s purpose is thoughtful. It encourages a free exchange of ideas, which is important.

math club Where? Ms. Swann’s room When? Tuesdays after school Sponsor? Mr. Bassett We interviewed: Kensen Shi

Why did you decide to start it?

I was originally inspired by Paul Lockhart.

A lot of people find math boring because we do the same problems over and over again. But math is really about finding patterns and techniques, and when you look at it that way, it doesn’t get old.

What can you expect at a meeting?

I usually give a presentation with practice problems, all different problems, and then the next week we’ll go over them.