1801 HARVEY MITCHELL PKWY. S., COLLEGE STATION, TX 77840 | FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 2020 | VOL. 26 NO. 2 | THEROARNEWS.COM
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teachable moments Teachers must adjust to new normal amidst pandemic, accomodate students’ needs alex roeder and ellie hague editor-in-chief & section editor Nationwide, students have been forced to adapt to strenuous circumstances for the sake of public health. Parents have had to learn how to parent, teach, and make a living all at once. Now, as CSISD has offered in-person learning for students, teachers have been left to pick up the pieces, take on significant new burdens, and dedicate a good portion of their life to their work. Not only does this nearly double their normal workload, but teachers are also enforcing dozens of new policies to give students a safe learning environment. Student Safety Getting students to continually wear their masks has proven to be a challenge for many teachers, including health teacher Kimberly Decker. “Keeping the mask has been a constant battle,” Decker said. “Everybody’s tired of it right now. You would think being in a health class, everybody would be on board with
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it. But I’ve had to write referrals for students that don’t wear their mask. It’s frustrating, and I know [students are] frustrated.” Principal Gwen Elder has been impressed by the commitment of the support staff and faculty to sanitization, rearranging furniture, and all other minor policies that have played a role in keeping students safe. “It has just been an effort our campus has embraced like, what are some other ways that we haven’t thought of that we can make sure we’re not sitting on top of each other?” Elder said. “Making sure people are spaced apart so we can kind of prevent the spread.” ‘Mask policing,’ as assistant principal Jason Pratt called it, has become part of teaching this year, and that has put him in an awkward spot with students, he says. He has, however, been surprised at how well students have adapted to the changing policies. “Most kids are compliant,” Pratt said. “[We have] the same [students] that don’t respond, and we have to keep getting
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on them, [but] most kids are doing great. There’s no reason on earth that a 14 year old has to mess with COVID. But they do and so they do their best.” For some virtual students, noncompliance from some on campus students is the very reason they can’t attend in person. Varying health issues among family members, close friends, or themselves require them to be more careful than others. “Knowing that you never know when you might be exposed to things [is scary],” English teacher Becky Slovak said. “I know there are kids who want to come back and have a social life again. But they or their parents, or both, are just not comfortable with that. So I think there are pressures on some of the virtual kids that we’re not even completely aware of.” In her in-person classes, Slovak has to be extra careful in order to prevent spreading the virus to her vulnerable husband--a struggle, she realizes, she shares with many of her virtual students. “I’ve got a husband at home, who has
“teachers” continued on page 3 sports page 12-13
reviews pages 14-15
brief | the roar
UPCOMING
2 | in
NEWS friday, nov. 6, 2020
Nov. 6 Homecoming vs Montgomery Lake Creek Nov. 7 OCOH Nov. 10 Volleyball vs Magnolia (Senior Night) Nov. 20 Football vs Lamar Fulshear Nov. 23-27 Thanksgiving Break Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Dec. 4 Swim vs Austin
IN THE
OCOH celebration to be held Saturday night
In place of the homecoming dance, Student Council is holding, OCOH, a movie night on the football field. Concessions will be held, along with some music. Tickets can be purchased online for five dollars.
Swimming sweeps Katy on the road, faces Austin next
Competing against class 6A opponent Katy, the Tigers won 10 of 11 races. Five swimmers were vitorious in multiple events, including seniors Kaitlyn Owens and Daniel Wilson along with reshmen Sam Poole and Ian Lindberg. Their next home meet in December 4 against Austin.
CSISD offers free breakfast, lunch for remainder of year
Assistant principal Ke-Ke Johnson dances with the Bengal Belles in their “Decades Dance” at the first pep rally of the year. PHOTO BY CLAIRE GRACE FRANKLIN
Beginning on Monday November 2, breakfast and lunch will be served free of charge to all CSISD students throughout the remainder of the school year. The district recieved a waiver from the Texas Department of Agriculture to offer this program. Meals will also be provided to any individual ages 1-18, regardless of whether or not they attend a CSISD campus. To participate, email the child nutrition manager at the campus at which you intend to pick up the meal. A list of avaliable campuses can be found on the CSISD website.
Debate performs well at Spartan Ram Fall Classic
The varsity volleyball team comes together to celebrate scoring a point during their game against CSHS. PHOTO BY PIPER HITCHCOCK
Sophomore Paxson Berkey runs the flag after a touchdown at a football game. PHOTO BY ALEX ROEDER
Senior Allen Zhang won the congressional debate and domestic extemporaneous speaking divisions of the competition. Sophomores Melinda Li and Claire Wang also won the varsity public forum competition. Senior Srikar Satish placed third in domestic extemporaneous speaking, while sophomore Hannah Baetge and senior Lars Deutz were names semifinalists in the same event. The Tigers face McNeil on November 6 and 7 in their next competition.
theroarnews.com
the roar | news | 3
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Teachers, administration face difficulties teaching during pandemic, recognize successes “Teachers” continued from page 1 “I’ve got a husband at home, who has heart issues, and he’s in all the high risk categories,” Slovak said. “I am trying to be so careful about a lot of things, I’m a stickler for masks. Even when I go home I don’t even see him until I’ve had a chance to change clothes, take a shower, the whole bit. I feel like the nurses going home from the hospitals.” Though the online option is safer, there have been some negative effects on the learning environment for some students. Slovak says she has observed a lack in motivation and a decrease in work ethic in her virtual learners. “Some of my students have had to come back, simply because they’re just not doing well in a virtual kind of world,” Slovak said. “They [either] don’t have enough information or enough drive, or combination, but they’re just not making it. So they’re coming back.” Schoology One of the battles teachers have faced this year is using Schoology more frequently, especially for online students. For English teacher Freda Carraway, this idea was exciting. “Schoology is something that I had implemented a little and had a few things here and there that I had the students do on Schoology,” Carraway said. “But I hadn’t ever really had the motivation to make that a priority and learn to use that platform to its fullest potential. I like to learn new things. And so at first, I was really [excited] to do things in a new way. And then the frustration started.” Despite the challenges of learning a new system, Slovak has hope that Schoology will become a part of students’ and teachers’ everyday routines as use continues. “I know that as we go through the year and do more of [online learning], that I’ll get better at it,” Slovak said. “And so will [the students]. And it won’t be such a learning curve for both of us.” Schedule conflicts between teachers and online students are another hurdle teachers face. Daily attendance, doing work within school hours, and communication between students and teachers have all been an adjustment for online students. “[Some students] don’t even start looking at stuff until noon,” Slovak said. “I see their stuff coming late at night, and they want to be able to ask me questions, and I’m like, no, I need sleep in there somewhere. I’ve had to remind them of and get them to think about questions they might have early enough to be able to ask me
and get an answer from that.” In all of this chaos, Pratt says these circumstances have pushed the teachers and administrators out of their comfort zones and helped them find solutions to problems that have long been on the back burner, like alternate learning methods and different ways to execute pep rallies. “If you heard the phrase moving their cheese, [that’s what happened],” Pratt said. “Their cheese has been moved, and now they’re adjusting, and it was good for them.” Curriculum Changes Technology has proven to be an issue for many departments as well. For Carraway, the yearbook adviser, battling technology has driven her to make some sacrifices with her virtual yearbook program. “There is very specific, very expensive software that our students have to have in order to design pages, that I can’t ask them to design,” Carraway said. “[Yearbook] has had to be modified considerably, and turned into more of a photography class. I have been partnering [virtual] students with on-site students for pages so that the students could get some semblance of the same experience as my yearbook students do.” In Decker’s class, the usual clinicals her students attend have been cancelled for the fall semester. This means she has had to face some significant curriculum changes as well. “Hopefully in the spring, depending on how the clinical sites feel, and how the school feels, we’ll be able to go do clinical rotations,” Decker said. “We do have clinical agreements, or affiliation agreements with [different hospitals], but as of right now, the hospital systems don’t want student observers, or students doing clinicals at this time.” These changes, Decker recognizes, are not a permanent solution for the cancelled clinicals. Ideally, the students will be able to have a more hands-on approach as the year progresses. “I can show them videos, and I can talk about patients, and we can try to simulate things the best we can,” Decker said. “But it doesn’t replace the experience of seeing and hearing a real patient, seeing someone’s non verbals, their facial expression, their body language, how they’re holding themselves, their tone of voice.” Even core subjects have had to give up some of their normal curriculum in the name of efficiency. Slovak says taking away a few of the classic English I assignments has helped her manage her workload. “One of the pieces I left out this year was
Martin Luther King’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” Slovak said. “And sure, it adds extra background, but I realized it’s not that direct connection to To Kill a Mockingbird. That one piece just takes me forever to grade. It’s long enough and complicated enough that I’m just like ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t do that this year.” Time spent on teaching Each kind of class a teacher instructs counts as one “prep” in the system, meaning they prepare material for that one class. So Slovak, who teaches English I Pre-AP as well as English I Honors, has two preps. By adding virtual students in the mix, every teacher’s preps automatically double, so Slovak now has four preps. This means increased workloads across the board. “It’s a double everything,” Pratt said. “And it’s a challenge. How do I test and how do I make sure it’s fair? It’s not just more work. It’s more stressful, trying to figure out things. We teachers don’t like to enter something not knowing what to do.” Although these circumstances have proven just how adaptable the faculty is, Elder recognizes that this solution is not long term, especially for the sake of teachers’ workload. “I don’t think it’s something that down the road we’re gonna expect teachers to do,” Elder said. “We know teacher burnout is just impossible-- to keep up with the demands of the job and do a good job [is hard]. You can do it, but do you want to? Or do you want to do it well?” As the semester comes to a close, Slovak says she is facing burnout unlike any other year. The most disappointing part, she says, is that it has had an effect on her students. “It’s difficult as a teacher, to know that you’re not doing your best,” Slovak said. “And I think that’s what it comes down to, is that I think all of us know that, while we may be making it through, we’re not necessarily giving every class and every student the best that we’ve got to give. And that’s a really hard thing for me to adjust to. I mean, I was never an eight to four kind of teacher. I always did extra hours, but now, it’s just like... when I go home, and there’s nothing left.” The administration is sympathetic to the staff’s struggles, and praises their devotion. “I just want to applaud the work of our teachers,” Elder said. “Parents have been supportive during this whole process. Our students have worked really hard. Nurse De Sol has worked really hard, as well as the counselors. It’s been a family approach.”
4 | news | the roar
friday, nov. 6 2020
Getting In
Counselors, directors discuss changes in applications, provide tips for senior students emmeline duhon | feature editor This year has proven to be an even more stressful and difficult year for seniors applying to college. With changes made to testing, requirements and the application process due to COVID-19, counselors and faculty are present more than ever. Counselor Kelli Macafee believes that the many changes being made this year to applications are proving to be beneficial to students. “The good thing is universities are also being very flexible,” Macafee said. “They’ve changed their deadlines, changed when their applications open, every single university that I know of is now test optional.” Although most colleges are no longer asking for testing scores, submitting a score is still an option, and has it’s advantages. “They said that if you turn in a score it can only help you,” Macafee said. “It can’t hurt your application process.” Changes made to the application processes are in some ways creating better opportunities for students. By not being looked at by test scores, it leaves more room for students to show themselves. “The colleges are now looking at the student holistically to determine placement,” Macafee said. Without the added pressure of testing, students are able to focus more heavily on other parts of their application. Scholarship coordinator Diane Walter believes that this will help prepare for scholarships. “That opens up the opportunity for a lot of students. And it’s not just your high GPA students,” Walter said. “It’s not the top person, it’s a lot about your essay. The essay is so important when it comes to scholarships” Counselors at A&M Consolidated attend a conference every year, where they are taught tactics for writing essays, and standing out amongst the crowd. “They always say to write from the heart. Don’t try to be fake and make something up,” Macafee said. When writing an essay the main goal is
to stand out from others, and show yourself holistically as a person. “Grab their attention, and make them want to read it, so they’re really going to want to pay attention,” Macafee said. “What did you struggle through? How did you overcome it? What kind of person are you? and how does that affect you now?” Not only is standing out beneficial for colleges, it also aids in scholarships, the scholarship application should highlight the exact reasons a student is qualified for that said scholarship. “Your essay is your kicker. That’s what you need to focus on,” Walter said. “When I look at the list of who’s won, it’s a wide variety of people. It’s not just the top [GPA] people.” Along with essays, letters of recommendation are crucial in the scholarship and college application process. Walter advises students to stay on the lookout for teachers throughout the year, and to assist in making the writing process easier. “Teachers need as much about you, add anything extra about yourself and your extracurriculars,” Walter said. “Provide as much information as you can supply them, it makes it a lot easier for the people writing the admissions.” When getting letters of recommendation it’s agreed across the board to get them early, and to try and meet every deadline. Kelli Macafee believes that deadlines are one of the most crucial parts in applying, and meeting a deadline early could have benefits. “If there is a priority deadline, I would try and get it in by the priority deadline,” Macafee said. “They say there’s not an advantage, but my personal opinion is that there is.” In addition to the overall application, scholarship deadlines are also important. Walter believes that scholarships are attainable to each and every student, and partaking in applying could do good. “We’ve had students walk out with $25,000 worth of scholarships, just from small ones,” Walter said. When looking for scholarships, Walter is
ccappex.com bigfuture.collegeboard.org. commomapp.org
always available for students to come and seek advice and help. “I encourage people who are interested in scholarships to come see me,” Walter said. “I keep their information and the schools they’re interested in, and keep them updated with scholarship opportunities.” Although the school is a great place to start seeking out scholarship opportunities, it isn’t the only route. “You also need to go to the college’s site and see what they offer in terms of scholarships,” Walter said. “Set up an appointment with the college, and see what they have to offer.” Walter advises students to look at every personal place of involvement outside of the school environment. “We’ve had a number come from local churches,” Walter said. “Definitely look into other avenues, as well as other organizations and groups that you or your family is a part of.” In the midst of applications, whether it be scholarships or college, it’s important to take time away from the chaos. Kelli Macafee explains how crucial it is to take personal time. “Being able to talk to your friends about that stress, just to vent or whatever it looks like, I think that is going to be your number one helper,” Macafee said. “Just finding time for self care, whatever that looks like.” To aid in the admissions process, and take away some of the stress, staff members are always available to offer assistance. “I’ve done a few zoom meetings with virtual students to kind of go over the college process,” Macafee said. “I’d say if you need help or guidance, just sign up to see your counselor.” Most importantly, amid applications and college, Macafee says it’s important to remember highschool is still in place. Senior year holds a significant value, and should be appreciated. “It’s your last year of high school, enjoy it, you’re never going to get that back,” Macafee said.
photo by allison segers
the roar | opinions | 5
friday, nov. 6, 2020
thrills from skills
ian curtis section editor
sophomore reflects on quarantine opportunities Another surge of inspiration. Another indecisive stressfest of shopping online. Another package in the mail. Another new interest. When the world stopped, I found myself with a once-in-the-near-future opportunity: months and months of almost total freedom, with a return to school far enough away to completely put the stress of tests and homework out of my mind. A responsible person could have used this time wisely. Perhaps they would have gotten ahead on their driver’s ed that they’ve long been neglecting. They could try to become fluent in a second language. Maybe they could have learned the basics of a musical instrument, or some other skill that might come in handy. I am not a responsible person, so I had only one goal in mind: learn as many useless skills as I could before summer’s end. To my credit, I accomplished this in spades. I can now boast that I am mediocre-to-bordering-on-average in such noble pursuits as magnet fishing, throwing playing cards, and whip cracking, among several others. Why? Simply put: Why not? It’s that mentality that was the true beauty of this endeavor. There was no rhyme nor reason to choose any of them other than the fact I thought they were cool. Magnet fishing started because I went down a rabbithole of YouTube videos. Whip cracking? None other than Indiana Jones. In every single one of these cases, I just allowed myself to explore the things I’ve always thought were interesting. There were some I looked into that I decided,just
weren’t for me. Card tricks? I have the fine motor skills of a one-armed T. Rex, so that wasn’t going to work out. And it turns out archery is actually rather expensive, so I didn’t end up as an off-brand Robin Hood. But I figured if I at least made an effort to look into every little thing that came to mind, eventually I would find a few goals that I would actually be able to achieve. Lo and behold, I turned out to be right for once. All of them were fun to learn (if a bit frustrating at times). But unlike a doting grandparent, I do play favorites. It turns out the most satisfying sound in the world is the “THWACK” of a knifepoint sticking in a wooden target. And the tale of David and Goliath becomes much more impressive when you realize how difficult it is to consistently stay on target with a shepherd’s sling. Am I ever going to need to use a shepherd’s sling or throw knives? Nope! All of this was strictly for the fun of it. And that’s exactly why I was able to continue it: Whenever a skill was no longer fun to practice, I simply stopped. Sure, I won’t become a world-champion knife thrower by “quitting” so easily, but that was never the goal. I’ve got my hobbies that I am able to rely on; I just needed something to do in the downtime. These things don’t just fall into your lap. If you’ve got something you’ve always wanted to try, scope it out and see if you can try it. Maybe you’re able, maybe you’re not.You won’t know until you see for yourself. Want to talk about your quarantine hobbies? Email Ian at ian. curtis.the.roar@gmail.com.
In my third period, I am currently being thoroughly educated on exponential laws. In fourth, it’s gas laws. In fifth, it’s Newton’s laws. I do not plan on enrolling in a mathematical field, becoming a chemist or physicist, yet I take these challenging classes that diminish my confidence in my own abilities because they are necessary to graduate. But what is more evident in teenagers’ lives that we should be equipped to handle? Sex. Only thirteen out of fifty states require sexual education. The thirteen states’ school populations only account for 14% of the approximately 72 million people engaging in sexual activity before the age of nineteen. Another shocking percentage is the 16% of these teenagers who become pregnant, while only 10% of the babies survive to full term. Essentially, that is seven thousand children dying every year due to the failure or lack of protection. Our public education system is partly to blame for this atrocity. The Texas Association of School Boards in 2009 discussed whether teenagers should be educated on sexual orientation and gender identity. Republicans argued that children ages 11-18 should acquire this knowledge from outside sources, claiming it would be reckless to teach as a course. However, this allows for preventable liabilities, since students might gain this information from unreliable sources or remain ignorant instead of engaging in an awkward conversation with their parents. Republicans also stressed the necessary encouragement of abstinence in unmarried individuals, and their ideals have lived on in our state without any real possibility of
talking the talk
student questions deprioritization of health classes
change. If the state believes that abstinence is so significant in maintaining health, why do they not provide adequate information on the subject? If the two are inversely related, how are we preaching abstinence without acknowledging sex? This lack of education has developed such a stigma around one of the most natural activities for humans to take part in, for the very reason of discouraging it amongst our children. Despite this intent, educated on the matter or not, teenagers will continue having sex! With that in mind, how is informing teenagers on how to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and infections not a more effective solution? Not only does sex ed formally teach about sex from the reliable perspective of a medical professional, but it also covers development, relationships, and decision-making. Is our state really going to allow a thirty minute presentation on consent during academic success, but not bring up sexual activity? Our state endangers the health of thousands of students by leaving them ignorant on one of the most pressing subjects in their lives. We are letting the negative opinions of parents affect the formal education the children are receiving. Well, you know what? I don’t want my kids learning exponential laws, or gas laws, or Newton’s laws. Let’s cancel those next. Visit https://txcampaign.org/ sex-ed-texas/ to learn more about this issue.
piper hitchcock sports editor
6 | viewpoints | the roar
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Is the Supreme Court Too Partisan?
On October 26, 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court with a 52-48 Senate vote. This confirmation has followed a month of debates over whether this nomination should take place so close to the presidential election, especially when President Obama’s attempt to confirm a Supreme Court justice in early 2016 was blocked by Senate Republicans for similar reasons. Significantly, Justice Barrett is the first Supreme Court justice in over 150 years to be confirmed with no support from the minority party in the Senate. In the leadup to Election Day, many wonder how important of a role the Supreme Court may play in potential election disputes or issues. Does the recent confirmation vote’s division along party lines suggest that the Supreme Court, in the political climate of 2020, is too partisan? The Supreme Court itself has repeatedly claimed to be nonpartisan, and when examining their 2020 rulings, this seems somewhat accurate. Several major 2020 court decisions on a variety of issues such as Trump v. Vance, Bostock v. Clayton County, and June Medical Services v. Russo were not drawn on party lines. In these cases, judges nominated by presidents with different views agreed or at least concurred in rulings. When examining American history, it is also evident that partisanship in the Supreme Court is not a new concept. Presidents during the 19th century tried and failed to nominate justices due to disagreements between the executive and legislative branch, and the Supreme Court’s size has been changed or debated over several times. However, a return to this partisanship in the present could cause significant issues in the judicial branch. Topics such as healthcare or anti-discrimination laws-- even, in
the event of a dispute over results, the declared winner of the 2020 presidential election-- are now more subject to the judicial branch than before, an idea that politicians seem to increasingly promote as part of their campaigns. For instance, one quote from the first debate between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump provides a strikingly clear message amid the chaotic jabs and messiness of that night:“Most important, by the end of the first term I’ll have approximately 300 Federal judges and Court of Appeals judges…. and hopefully three great Supreme Court judges. That is a record.” This quote, from President Trump, was a response to the question of why he should be re-elected as president. Although he gave many other examples, he notably referred to his nominations as the most important actions he has taken during his presidency. The blatant plans for court rulings that will enact partisan agendas present in this remark, as well as in proposals from some Democrats related to changes or even expansions in the judicial branch, indicate a potentially concerning future of the judicial branch. Although there are arguments to be made about how the Supreme Court could or should be changed, attempting to frame the court as an entity that should be within party lines in today’s climate could be problematic. The prioritization of judges that will be able to better serve a party’s stances for a long amount of time over judges that are more experienced and willing to consider other rulings or information when voting, if not the prioritizations of reforms that could damage the overall confidence in and process of the Supreme Court.
THE ROAR ASKS: “How do you feel about the Supreme Court in 2020?” “The Supreme Court as of right now is very corrupt and biased. The initial meaning of the Supreme Court was supposed to an unbiased, lawful take on the law of the land, but right now, with Trump appointing three Supreme Court justices that are clearly in favor of his policies, that system is being withered away, and I feel like it should be fixed as soon as possible.” -sophomore Patrick Winking “I believe the Supreme Court is there to make decisions that should be best for the people and should help them push towards justice and equality. Right now the court system’s good. They just put a new person in, [and] it really depends on but what you believe on the topic if that’s good or bad. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with the new justices.” -freshman Paris Pavlas
The Roar 2020-2021 Staff
Alex Roeder Ruby Perry-Mize Allen Zhang Claire Grace Franklin Saanya Patel Elise Sawyer Emmeline Duhon Allison Segers Piper Hitchcock Ellie Hague Medha Sarin Ian Curtis Myla Cathey Faculty Adviser Michael Williams Assistant Adviser Chauncey Lindner The Roar Editorial Board Alex Roeder • Elise Sawyer • Ruby Perry-Mize Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Senior Editor Online Editor Opinions Editor Feature Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Section Editors
The Roar is produced by the Advanced Journalism class at A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station, Texas, 77840. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District. Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor and opinions editor. The Roar is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). The Roar is a winner of the CSPA Gold Crown, the 1997, 1998, 2000-2016 ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit, the CSPA Gold Medal Award, the NSPA All-American distinction and 2005, 2014,2016 ILPC Bronze Star and 2007-2013, 2015, and 2018 Silver Star. College Station Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services. Monica Jones, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Executive Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
the roar | snapshots | 7
friday, nov. 6, 2020
second star to the right theatre program overcomes hurdles for fall show, braves new location allison segers & elise sawyer entertainment editor & opinions editor In Wendy and Peter Pan, the plot of the classic fairy and pirate-filled bedtime story is reworked with modern ideas and themes. Tiger Theatre’s production of the show, scheduled for November fourteenth and fifteenth, will adapt much more than just the story of Peter Pan to fit with the current day. To follow social distancing guidelines and stay safe during the pandemic, the performance will be outdoors. “It’s coming together well,” co-stage manager junior Laurel Brumbelow said. “We are having to be more cautious about absences and sicknesses with COVID and stuff, so it’s moving a bit slower than it normally would be. But we’re lucky to be able to do the play in the first place, and like I said, we’re having to take precautions.” One of the biggest challenges for the production was the search for a space to perform. Their first option was to perform outside at the school, but they eventually decided to perform at the Wolf Pen amphitheater. “We’re really lucky to be able to get that location,” Brumbelow said. “It’s outside and spacious for both the cast and the audience.” Although the amphitheater can allow for social distancing, the cast has needed to make other adjustments to the new space. “The biggest disadvantage is that the theater part is so far away from the people,” senior Allison Mendoza said. “Even if [people] sit close to the performance, we’re all a little bit worried that no one is going to be able to hear us. We did find some mics available that we are probably going to use, but it’s a limited amount-only six-- and we have a big cast.” Another difficulty in preparing for the amphitheater
performance is that the rehearsals will have to be held on the indoor stage at Consol. The cast, however, has come up with some creative solutions. “We had to build ourselves a mini stage to create something consistent between our stage and the amphitheater,” junior Lauren Youngblood, who plays John Darling, said. “Working on such a small platform is difficult, but we’re making it work.” Mendoza claims such a platform will help the cast be better prepared for the day of the performance despite the changes in location. “The only time we’ll actually perform at [Wolf Pen] is the day of the show,” Mendoza said. “Having the little platform helps us to be comfortable and know what you’re doing.” With the play beginning to come together, the performers hope for a successful performance. “We hope to have a large turnout for the show this year, as it will be held at Wolf Pen Creek and attendance is free,” Youngblood said. “But our main goal is to successfully tell a fun and interesting story.” Mendoza hopes that this performance, as part of her last year in high school theatre, will go well despite the setbacks of the pandemic. “I’m excited about doing it outside even [with all] the disadvantages,” Mendoza said. “The set looks really pretty. Once you put on the make-up and the outfits, [and] once the set is all finished, it all really comes together. It’s really nice to see.” Through a shift to an outdoor performance, Brumbelow hopes that theatre will still be able to provide a source of happiness for others in her community. “I think we’re hoping to spread the influence of theater even with everything going on,” Brumbelow said. “I think we’re all just hoping to have this tiny bit of normality.” left: Theater program builds a stage to mimic the Wolfpen Ampitheater. PHOTO BY ELISE SAWYER right: Senior Allison Mendoza rehearses one of her scenes. Mendoza will play ‘Wendy’, the lead in the show. PHOTO BY ELISE SAWYER
below: Senior Daniel Beck moves his wing as ‘Tinkerbell’ to guide ‘Tootles’. Beck been in theater all four years. PHOTO BY ELISE SAWYER
8 | centerspread | the roar
the roar | centerspread| 9
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Right before Consol’s opening in 1920, some students at Texas A&M University had to undergo a month-long quarantine due to an outbreak of the 1918 Spanish flu.
1920
1961 The same day President Truman finally declared the end of World War II, Consol had won a softball championship in Centerville. Consol had dominated the softball tournament the weekend before, thanks in part to the stellar pitching of Horace Schaffer, who would later return to coach Tiger football.
In 1961, students from Lincoln High filed a lawsuit which led to the integration of Lincoln High students and staff with Consol in 1965. The Lincoln Recreation Center, is named and dedicated to Lincoln High and located where the school once stood. On May 11, 1937, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited College Station via train and gave a speech, which would later inspire George Herbert Walker Bush to enlist in World War 2. Later, on December 6, 2018, the body of George H.W Bush would be carried by train from Houston to its final destination in College Station.
1942
1937/2018
centennial celebration Staff connects local events to national headlines
1920
claire grace franklin & ellie hague senior editor & section editor
2020 The 1941 Tiger football team had earned its first district title in school history, and eagerly awaited the bi-district match-up against Wortham High School in Mexia. Consol ultimately lost the bi-district game, and, a day later, Pearl Harbor would be attacked, launching the United States into World War 2.
1941
Graphic from Newsbreak
In the 1920s, the great depression and the economic crisis devastated the United States. Men congregate outside the Grove amphitheater, which was near both Texas A&M and Consol.
The COVID-19 pandemic was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus eventually spread to College Station, and Mayor Karl Money declared a state of emergency for the city on March 17, 2020. The global pandemic caused Consol to close its doors over spring break and switch to online schooling for the rest of the semester.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY: The A&M Consolidated Centennial Committee: Randy Bond, Brad Corrier, Marc Parrish, Shelly Peters, Julie Schultz, Katy Scott, Heather Simmen and Kelly Waguespack
10 | feature | the roar
Game of Life
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Dungeons and Dragons club provides bonding experience, teaches real life skills claire grace franklin senior editor Riding dragons, freeing captives, and discovering magical treasures might seem like the main attractions of playing Dungeons & Dragons. However, there is more to the game than meets the eye. Dungeons and Dragons co-sponsor Stephanie Sword says D&D teaches valuable lessons that are applicable not just in the game but also in real life. “It allows students and players to develop all these various skill sets, in addition to just building strong friendships while playing this game,” Sword said. One skill set acquired while following the role playing game is communication. Co-sponsor Micheal Howard believes D&D helps to build confidence for public speaking. “For somebody like me in high school when public speaking was not my greatest thing, it helped me get out of [my fear] when I started playing with adults,” Howard said. “And it was easy to be myself with my group of friends. But then when I had to make new friends, the public speaking really helped.” Players find the gaming experience helpful in other aspects of school and life. “The descriptions, being able to pick something up that you remember from two weeks ago,” freshman Orion Jarrell said. “It helps with social skills, basic math, [and] even advanced math.”
Serving the role of the Dungeon Master, senior Travis Ray initiates the second game of the players’ campaign.
Aside from math, D&D also provides a new perspective for problem solving. “Having that creative problem solving mindset can really help in a job,” Howard said. “Even just public speaking can actually help them break out of that a little bit.” The sponsors explained how the fantasy world may seem unrealistic at a glance, but it actually presents real life situations students can adapt to daily life. “Anything that we experience in the real world you absolutely see played out in D&D, just often in these fantastical environments,” Sword said. Much like real life, the game showcases flaws and imperfections which become part of the game’s challenges. “It’s fun to have the balance of both, pretend to be a fun character, roll the dice,” Howard said. “And if you do well, [or] if you do bad, then, really [you have to] play into that bad roll, because, you can’t always be perfect, you know, life has imperfections.” Some students like senior Daniel Beck have developed life and game skills specifically for the game, and his joy and investment into Dungeons and Dragon has transferred to those in his campaign. “The position that [Daniel is] in allows him to develop so many skill sets,” Sword said. “I’ve noticed that he actually spends quite a bit of time creating his own map sets and literally develops these very detailed worlds, it’s just phenomenal and then seeing his teammates’ reactions to these worlds and to the obstacles that they face.” For Beck, being a dungeon master allows for further creativity and imagination. “Every character the players meet, every inn they walk into, every terrifying dragon, the dungeon master is in charge of it all,” Beck said. “I personally spend hours drawing maps, writing out locations, and thinking up new ideas for my players to experience.” D&D has opened many doors to form strong connections and build lasting relationships for those in the club. “I always consider it just a place where we can all just hang out and talk about this fun thing,” Jarrell said. “And it makes it so much easier to make friends when we already know that there’s a common interest.”
Sword adds that the game presents a complex system of rules and difficult in-game challenges that may be intimidating to people interested in playing.
To start a game, Ray organizes the dice, which will determine the stats for his fellow players’ characters. “I find it so unfortunate, but that has been a long standing stigma with the game itself,” Sword said. “I think it’s partly because a lot of people are intimidated by the game. When deep down, I think it’s more rooted in insecurities of gamers who have maybe looked into it but felt intimidated by it, because on the surface it is. It’s a complicated game. I think that that has been a way for other gamers to protect themselves.” For both Jarrell and Beck D&D helps people connect. “In general, you can play D&D with just about anyone who knows how or wants to learn and create that sense of community from the ground up,” Beck said. Beck, who is also a member of Tiger Theater, often plays the game with fellow theater students which allows them to form an even stronger bond. “[The theater D&D group] truly love each other,” Sword said. “They’re very connected. And they’re all very gifted, talented individuals. I think it gives them a chance to be a little more free with the theatrical [side of the game],since it’s in a safe setting. But it’s been just wonderful to see that strong bond get even stronger. I tip my hat to D&D because I really don’t think there are many games that do that.” PHOTOS BY CLAIRE GRACE FRANKLIN MAP PROVIDED BY DANIEL BECK
friday, nov 6, 2020
being the change
the roar | feature | 11
Volunteering provides valuable life experiences, brings joy to community myla cathey | section editor A young child’s face lit up after sophomore Trinity Pitman handed him a pumpkin to decorate at the annual Pumpkin Palooza event. Pitman would later see that same little boy sharing his pumpkin with another child who also had been pumpkinless. This is the nature of volunteering: making an impact in someone’s life to inspire them to do likewise. Many dedicated students have immersed themselves in the world of volunteering. Pitman is grateful to have encountered and helped diverse people from many walks of life while volunteering. “I’ve learned that there are a lot of different types of people,” Pitman said. “The personality types that you meet whenever you are volunteering are just so unique, and it teaches you a lot about life because you kind of see into each person’s life and think about the experiences that they’ve had.” Pitman, who has been volunteering for organizations like student council and NJHS since the fifth grade, has made some of her best memories while volunteering. “Volunteering gives me an awesome way to meet friends at the same time as giving back to my community,” Pitman said. “It just makes me feel good.” Freshman Paris Pavlas has done it all when it comes to volunteering. She has volunteered in a variety of places from school events to animal shelters, to food banks and retirement homes. “Opportunity is the largest thing and not being scared of reaching out and talking with [organizations] and getting some friends together to go and volunteer,” Pavlas said. In addition to student council, junior Mary Maltsberger volunteers for Brazos Valley Immigration Network, a nonprofit organization that helps with issues involving immigration in the United States. “It is an incredible organization, and I’ve met so many powerful women role models while volunteering,” Maltsberger said. “I’ve learned beneficial skills about the inner workings of a nonprofit that will hopefully transfer into the future well being of the United States immigration system”. Pavlas favorite part of volunteering is seeing the outcome of the work she does for people, because she feels satisfied knowing that she put other people’s needs first. “At the end of the day, a person’s going home with things that they need and they want,” Pavlas said. “Their needs are as important as yours.” Maltsberger agrees that all her endless service
truly pays off when she sees the happiness of the people she helped. “The most rewarding part is seeing my students at their citizenship ceremony and how happy they are to finally be citizens after all their hard work,” Maltsberger said. Pavlas feels that volunteering has guided her to be a better listener and to have better character. “[I have learned to] be more caring, because sometimes you can be pretty prideful and selfish,” Pavlas said. “[It’s] just opening your heart to seeing what they need and what you can put aside for them to have.” The biggest thing Pitman has learned through volunteering is people skills. She has become more outgoing from interacting with so many people in her work, and she recommends that everyone try volunteering. “It might be some tough work, but you will have so many good memories, so many lifelong friends that you’ll get from it, and just a lot of life skills,” Pitman said. “There’s been so many things that school has not taught me that volunteering has, and I’m so much better for it.”
Freshman Paris Pavlas finds unique ways to contribute to the community. PHOTO BY LORI SULLIVAN
For information about participation, visit uwbv.org to discover more volunteer opportunities in the Brazos Valley.
Junior Mary Maltsberger teaches a class about different kinds of insects and bugs. Here she helps her friend Theo identify his bug. PHOTO BY ROBERT C. IRWIN
Maltsberger helps animals find their new homes. She often enjoys spending time with life’s furry creatures. PHOTO BY ROBERT C. IRWIN
12 | sports | the roar
friday, nov. 6, 2020
new kids on the block Team faces challenges with young starters, COVID, expectations from student body piper hitchcock & ian curtis sports editor & staff reporter
After an undefeated regular season, a district championship, and several players signing with Division I colleges, last year’s football team was all set for a run to state. But a heartbreaking loss in the Bi-District round of the playoffs ended that team’s journey. This year, the Tigers are back and ready to compete. “There are a lot of shoes that are going to be very hard to fill, but so far we have been really impressed,” junior Carson Seiber said. “Our most motivating factor is that a lot of people are doubting what we’re capable of just because last year we graduated a really strong senior class. A lot of teams are thinking that we’re not as good as we are. We’re using that as fuel and just getting the job done.” The team’s setbacks began in March with the effects of the pandemic. But perhaps the biggest difficulty was losing a large percentage of last year’s starters to graduation. “Last year we had so many seniors who had been playing together for life, our whole starting team was mostly seniors,” junior Austin Comte said. “We’re very widespread this year; we have sophomores, juniors, and seniors all starting. I wouldn’t say [our problem] is a lack of a bond, it’s just that we haven’t been working together as a team for as long as other teams. Some of the teams we play, the whole offense is seniors, so that offense has been working together for three years. It gives teams an advantage.” On top of losing a loaded senior class, there were also adversities regarding COVID-19. Many players describe the difficulties surrounding this year’s changes; however, junior Tyler Wright has been able to view them through a positive lens. “I would say we try not to look at [quarantine] as an obstacle, we tried to kind of take it and
just go with it,” Wright said. “Every other team is facing the same problem, it’s not just us. It has levelled the playing field for all of us, and we know that we just have to overcome it.” Seiber agrees with Comte that the new challenges bring out the best of the team. “I would say that Consol’s heart has really shown throughout the circumstances,” Seiber said. “I’ve been really impressed to see how much we’ve changed and created a better influence given the circumstances, even with all the negativity and all of the masks and mandates and guidelines.” The Tigers have taken these hardships and found a way to work past them. According to junior Jaden Thomas, success has come through constant practice and by improving the relationship between coaches and players. “The coach and player dynamic is going really well,” Thomas said. “[Head coach Lee Fedora] is very vocal, and he tells us what we need to do to be successful. He [gives us] great game plans every week, we just have to go out and execute the game plans.” Fedora stresses the necessity of a 1-0 mindset, which means the players stay focused on the week’s upcoming game instead of looking ahead to the future, Comte says. “You have to focus on this week in order to get the job done so that you don’t get distracted, and that you’re focused on the task at hand. Because otherwise, if you start looking ahead, you can get distracted. And that’s when mistakes start to happen,” he said. “The biggest [part of this] is how we respond to coaching. A bunch of the younger guys on the freshman and JV team, they don’t respond to coaching very well. But how we respond to it sets a precedent for how all the other younger players should.” This strategy has proven to be extremely effective this season. Through five games, the Tigers are 5-1 and outscoring opponents 23590. Such a dominant performance has even
upcoming Nov. 6 Montgomery Lake Creek Home games
Nov. 13
Montgomery Away
led to a top five ranking in the state, but they’re not letting it go to their heads. “We’re not going to ever look ahead,” senior quarterback Kyle Willis said. “We got our first goal of being undefeated in [non district play]. Now [district games are the] most important part of the season. We hope to take it week by week and be able to win district.” Several upperclassmen such as seniors Sutton Lake and Kyle Willis are seeking to make an impression on the younger members of the team by stepping into leadership roles this season. “I want to influence [the players] on and off the field,” Lake said. “I want to be a positive guy on the team; [I want to be] a positive influence on the football field, and in their lives. [I’d like to be] a light if I can.” In addition to providing encouragement, the team’s leaders have also lead by example when it comes to their work ethic. “[Willis] doesn’t give up on things, he doesn’t just throw in the towel,” Seiber said. “There were several times over the past couple weeks where he’s made mistakes, but he’s been moldable and coachable.” For Lake, his role has brought a new sense of responsibility towards his teammates. But the change has not come without difficulty. “I have been feeling a lot of pressure the past couple of weeks, but that comes with [the position],” Lake said. “It’s made me start thinking about how I hold myself accountable. It’s made me think about how I walk on the field and around [the players] because there’s going to be a lot of people looking up to me, and I’m able to be that influence.” Willis is clearly passionate about the game, but he aims to make an impact in the minds of his teammates off of the field as well. “Life is bigger than football,” he said. “Football will be over for most of us in the next few years. Hopefully, we take what we learned and can apply it to the real world.”
Nov. 20
Lamar Fulshear Home
Nov. 27 Rudder Away
the roar | feature | 13
friday, nov. 6, 2020
PLAYING THE ODDS
eSports team works to become recognized as official UIL team ruby perry-mize & allen zhang | managing editor & executive editor When it comes to high school sports, most people immediately think of cheering crowds and Friday night lights, but a new organization on campus is expanding the boundaries of what a sport can be. eSports, or electronic sports, is a competitive platform for video gaming. The first instance of eSports started with the original CounterStrike, coach Trey Bevan says. Now, eSports hosts tournaments with audiences in the millions. But on the high school level, the competitive eSports scene is still relatively new. “So far, Texas only offers 2 divisions: the state league and the recreational league,” Bevans said. “We’re trying to push UIL to recognize it.” The organization has to be deemed a sport to adopt competitive features. And eSports is gaining traction to becoming categorized one, senior Zachary Beavers says. “Colleges are starting to give out scholarships, and you’re able to make a lot of money now playing eSports,” Beavers said. “I feel like it would be an actual sport at this point. We’re moving on in the 21st century.” eSports is more than just competition, Bevans says. It involves all the teamwork and pressure of traditional sports. “It’s not just about playing games, but also sportsmanship and communication,”
Bevans said. “To play competitively, it’s a lot like any other sport. It has UIL rules: you don’t pass, you don’t play. But we go beyond that: you don’t pass, you don’t practice.” Beavers takes the comparison a step farther, saying that in his experience, the pressure is greater in eSports than in traditional sports. “When I played football, I didn’t feel as pressured as I do in my competitive games now in Rocket League,” Beavers said. “There is more pressure on our team in Rocket League because there’s less of us. We can’t really pick up slack. We have to be individually skilled in our own respect.” Senior Lloyd Kolar emphasizes the complexity of his game, League of Legends, saying players must learn an enormous amount of material to be successful. “It’s kind of like learning a new subject,” Kolar said. “You have to learn all the items, you have to learn all the champions, you have to learn when to do it. It’s kind of like soccer as well-- you have to know what move is a good idea.” In addition to having some important similarities to traditional sports, eSports comes with some logistical advantages that are especially useful during the pandemic. “eSports is so great because it also offers virtual students an option to
To learn more about the club, contact: cbevans@csisd.org
compete,” Bevans said. “We encourage teams to practice on their own time. They can also work together and choose their own team members.” Having a stable community through the eSports club is one major advantage eSports offers over playing games with strangers online, Beavers says. “Being able to see each other and be like, ‘Hey, good play last night’ or ‘Are we on for practice today’ just brings that social aspect that regular sports are able to bring,” Beavers said. Another benefit of playing organized eSports is that players are held accountable for their actions, and order can be enforced, senior Lloyd Kolar says. “Playing video games online can be pretty chaotic sometimes,” Kolar said. “It can be pretty toxic. So getting in a set team can be pretty nice. Because if someone starts throwing racial slurs at you, then they can be banned from the club, and you don’t have to deal with that anymore.” Outside of competition, the eSports club offers an amazing community atmosphere, Beavers says. “The intensity, the adrenaline pumping, being able to have that high five from the teammates that you’ve been playing with for hours on end,” Beavers said. “That’s just that feeling of achievement.”
14 | reviews | the roar
friday, nov. 6, 2020
it’s a scream the roar reviews: cheesy halloween movies ellie hague | section editor My Babysitter’s a Vampire may look like a stereotypical, cheesy, teen movie. But hidden on the inside, My Babysitter’s a Vampire is creative, funny, and different. The movie stars Matthew Knight as Ethan Morgan whose parents must hire a babysitter for his little sister, after deciding Ethan is irresponsible. After an incident, Ethans parents accidentally hire a vampire, Sarah, played by Vanessa Morgan, as Ethans sister’s babysitter. It plays on the line of being overly serious and dramatic, while also being over the top and lighthearted. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which actually makes it a good movie, considering it’s somewhat idiotic premise. Most of the jokes are cheesy, but funny, and the characters are stereotypical, but interesting. The plot is excellent, and doesn’t really go where you might expect it too. Besides, the not-so-subtle digs at the movie twilight were much appreciated. On the surface, My Babysitter’s a Vampire may seem like a throwaway movie made just for the filmmakers to earn a cheap buck. However, My Babysitter’s a Vampire does what many great films strive to do, walk the fine line between taking itself too seriously or not seriously enough.
piper hitchcock | sports editor I first saw the trailer of Hubie Halloween as a Tik Tok ad one late evening, and was immediately intrigued by their star studded cast list. The movie immediately caught rave on social media, and I feel that America held their expectations for the Adam Sandler produced film too high. I watched the movie three times the weekend it was released on Netflix, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert on all things Hubie. The movie was quite funny and I especially found humor in the irony of an villainous old woman; however, the plot was rather extended. So overall, I would rate the film a three out of five stars, but would not watch it again unless it was a last resort.
the roar | reviews | 15
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Gorging on gourds the roar reviews: fall treats
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
claire grace franklin | senior editor I made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, which is a simple and sweet fall desert. I used a recipe from Delish.com and it was easy to follow as well as clear and straight to the point. The ingredients were similar to regular chocolate chip cookies, except with pumpkin spice pie, and pumpkin purée. I was able to find both of these items at Walmart, and they are probably available at H-E-B and Target. I changed the chocolate chips from regular semi-sweet chocolate chips to cinnamon chips to add to the overall fall aesthetic of the desert. I did end up baking the cookies for 15 minutes, instead of the recommended time limit, but I think it depends on the oven and whether or not it is convection. The final result was super delicious. It was crunchy on the outside and the cinnamon chips added a fun seasonal twist.
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 21 1/4 all-purpose tsp.c.baking soda flour 1 1tsp. soda tsp.baking pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 tsp.tsp. pumpkin kosherpie saltspice 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted 1 butter, c. (2 sticks) unsalted softened butter, softened 3/4 c. brown sugar 3/4 sugarsugar 1/2c.c.brown granulated 1/2 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. pumpkin purée 3/4 c. pumpkin 1 large egg purée 1 2large egg tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pumpkin Pie Brownies 1 box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 2 large eggs 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice kosher salt 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips 3/4 c. heavy cream
saanya patel | online editor How can one go wrong with chocolate and pumpkin? When fall met my love for chocolate, it was amazing. I followed a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Brownies from Delish.com and now I don’t think I can recover. It’s a fun seasonal twist on one of my family’s favorite desserts. The recipe requires very few ingredients that can be found at any grocery store and can be made with boxed brownie mix as well. The process was quite simple and the instructions were easy to follow. I made one adjustment by reducing the amount of the pumpkin layer and swirling the pumpkin into the chocolate instead of having a separate layer. I really liked the outcome. All in all this was a hassle free experience and I plan on making these brownies again. If you are looking for a simple but delicious fall treat I strongly recommend these brownies.
16 | etc. | the roar
Poppin' Off
friday, nov. 6, 2020
Students explore Korean pop music, grapple with cultural implications, linguistic divide medha sarin | section editor The group formed in 2010. They released their first album in 2013. Now, they’re one of the most famous bands in the world. BTS, a seven member boy band from Korea, has been smashing record after record. They reached 100 million Tik Tok followers faster than any other account, they earned three number one albums on Billboard faster than anyone since the Beatles, and they’re not done dazzling the world with the Asian nation’s music and culture. But BTS’s achievements are only a part of the vast, unique, and multifaceted music style that is K-pop. K-pop, short for Korean pop music, is an umbrella term for songs originating from South Korea. Containing all kinds of genres and rooted in Korean culture, K-pop continues to soar in popularity around the globe, captivating both Korean and Western fans alike. Sophomore Samantha Kaspar was initially biased against K-pop since it strayed so much from American cultural norms, but now, she’s now come to love and appreciate it. “K-pop really opened my mind up to liking different cultures and really wanting to understand them,” Kaspar said. Although Senior Veronica Packard also disliked K-pop at first, she found the songs catchy. She listened on repeat intending to get the music
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA LIVINGSTON
out of her head, but instead, it grew on her. From there, she discovered and was introduced to a couple modern K-pop groups. “Blackpink was the first K-pop group that I listened to because they were on Just Dance so their songs got stuck in my head,” Packard said. “Then, through liking Blackpink, my friends were like, ‘Well, you should listen to BTS’...Once you listen to stuff like that, you just hear about more groups from it. Then, I heard about Stray Kids and NCT and I liked them a lot too.” Contrary to Kaspar and Packard, junior Jiweon Lee grew up listening to K-pop music. “I actually was into K-pop because my family is Korean,” Lee said. “My parents [listened] to a lot of the old groups, like Girls Generation, Wondergirls [and Big Bang]. It’s part of my culture in a way, and it has been making my culture popular, so I’m really happy about that.” Lee finds that Korean pop and Western music are essentially the same, besides the language and some structural differences between the two industries. Additionally, the K-pop industry puts a stronger emphasis on artists’ appearances than the West does. “[K-pop culture focuses] a lot on visuals and personality more than music,” Lee said. “They focus on all aspects, and Korean idols are more pressured into looking better, in a way.” Although English lyrics are often present in K-pop, fans who aren’t fluent in Korean can still face a language barrier. While some fans
love K-pop without understanding it, others, like Kaspar, look to English translations. For Kaspar, there’s sometimes a profoundness in Korean lyrics that doesn’t translate well to English, requiring extensive research into the song’s meaning. “You kind of have to do some digging to find those specific things because they’re really emotional, and you can’t experience the emotion if you don’t know what they’re talking about,” said Kaspar. As with all types of music, there are biases against K-pop and Korean culture as a whole. Lee finds that people assume Korean music and television are fully representative of Korea, leading to a flawed perception of Korean culture. “I hate it when people that just get into K-pop [think] they know Korean culture...because K-drama and K-pop isn’t the only thing that is in Korea,” Lee said. “I think [new K-pop fans] fail to see our culture differently other than connecting it with that.” However, in spite of the false stereotype, K-pop continues to increase in popularity across the globe, setting high standards for other music groups. “[K-pop is] catching people’s attention because of how much BTS, Blackpink [and] other groups have raised the bar,” sophomore Caylin Darnell said. “They’re literally showing y’all that anything’s possible and that no matter who you are, people can notice you no matter where you are.”