The Lone Star Dispatch 2015_16 issue 1

James Bowie High School

the

Lone Star Dispatch Vol. 28

Issue 1 4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin, TX 78749

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BOTH

1960

2015

E T O

EQUAL PAY

DR E JU SS DG W EM ITH E N OU T T

V

Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

Equal opportunity in work and education

MORE REPRESENTATION IN POLITICS

TO BE SEEN AS MORE THAN 2ND CLASS CITIZENS

WE WANT RIGHTS

Age old battle still on going Kamryn Bryce Editor-In-Chief

Life isn’t fair, something all people learn sooner or later, but when unfair becomes double standard there are those who will speak out against the injustice.

On September 4, 2015, senior Parker Smith felt as though she were speaking out for just that, standing up for her body and against rape culture. Smith had been dress coded for a shirt that was deemed out of code, but to her it was part of larger issue.

“Your body isn’t something you can control and for the administration to act as if they were offended by it was so demeaning,” Smith said. “There should be something done, and I’m not saying the whole dress code should be changed, but it’s the way it’s enforced and how it makes girls feel.”

Smith is not the first person to be dress coded in the 27 years the school has been open, and she admitted to having been dress coded several times throughout her high school career. However, her experience sticks out due to how the situation was handled, but she is by no means alone.

“I was wearing shorts that were too short and while walking up the stairs to B hall I was pulled down by the collar of my shirt and demanded to change,” junior Marley Neth said. “It made me feel horrible about myself. I wasn’t a person at the time who felt very comfortable with

their body and I thought wearing shorts was a step up for me, but it just made me feel immoral.”

Smith later posted her story to Twitter, after being pulled out of each class she attended that day by administration, sharing the full force of her outrage and discontentment.

In response to Smith’s posts on Twitter, the administrative staff reacted in what they deemed to be the standard way of handling such situations.

“From what I understood about it was she was out of dress code and we handled it like we handle everyone,” principal Stephen Kane said. “I think it was no different than what we’ve done with everyone, I’m not saying everyone who is in violation gets caught but when we do notice it we deal with it the same way each time.”

Smith reported that the administration asked for her to take down the posts, but she refused to do so.

“That’s her freedom to do that,” Kane said. “There is nothing we can do, except ask her to do so.”

It took less than 16 hours for Smith’s story to become a hot topic on Twitter, and with that came a variety of response.

“I did get hate from it, but I also got a lot of support from people I didn’t even know,” Smith said. “One guy messaged me and told me that I had total support from his family. Yet, there were people calling me out for making a big deal out of nothing, but this is all part of a larger issue.”

When the situation became more than handling a dress code violation, Smith’s parents became involved and at-

tended a follow up meeting held September 17.

“I was blindsided and had no warning that they pulled Parker into the office,” Parker’s mother Jennifer Smith said. “He had me on speaker phone with multiple people in the room and I didn’t have time to gather my thoughts.

I was put on the spot which I thought was totally inappropriate.”

The administrative staff declined to comment on the meeting as it was a personal matter. However, Brandon Smith, Parker’s father, did comment on the larger issue at hand.

“I was hopeful that Kane would use this as an opportunity to address unfair policies within the school. Policies that are unfair to women in the school,” Brandon said.

“It’s still a work in progress.”

While it is easy to focus on the largely debated issue of whether dress code is handled fairly or not, the true problem at hand is one that dates back beyond the women’s rights protests of the 1960’s.

“I was watching a documentary about women in the 60’s. In one scene they showed a protest for women’s rights and many of the problems they were talking about are still applicable today, which is just mind blowing,” Smith said. “But change is happening, I mean we can wear athletic shorts now.”

While the long-debated dress code for now remains the same, it is clear that there are those on campus who will act to induce change in its enforcement.

Building a better education thanks to AISD bond

Evan Owens Staff Writer

There are big changes around campus this year. Two of the biggest things being the new trainer room and kitchen.

This was accomplished with the bond package passed by the voters two years ago..

The trainer room will help prevent injuries in the athletics department. Students can stretch and do therapy with the extra space being added. This is mainly beneficial for students, because less injuries means less time out of school and practice.

“More space means more room for rehab,” athletic trainer Pablo Riera said. “To keep students from getting injured.”

This will hopefully reduce the amount of injuries on the field, and even help speed up the recovery process .

The previous trainer room didn’t have space for stretching and exercises. The whole new building is being dedicated to training in order to fix this.

As to when it will be finished, specific dates have yet to be released, but it is predicted to be completed by the Spring semester.

“We’ve heard sometime in December,” trainer Brittani Thibodeaux said.

This will most likely not be ready in time to be utilized by the football department, but Basketball and Baseball will be able to use this room to help the players stay in good condition throughout the season.

The new kitchen for Culinary Arts and Nutrition is already finished being built, the equipment and set up is currently underway.

“The new kitchen has been designed from the ground up,” chef Richard Winemiller said. “We used to have to separate the kitchen between baking and savory foods.”

This means that they can’t use the single kitchen to its full potential. This is why the new kitchen was built, making it easier for students to learn how a real kitchen works. Also, they can cook and learn more efficiently.

“Now we have a more realistic kitchen environment, with two separate areas for cooking and baking,” Winemiller said.

This new kitchen with updated equipment and features is expected to help students learn the skills of cooking and possibly create a career out of it.

“The new kitchen has steam injected ovens,” senior Janelle Seay said, “so we can make bread and pastries.”

On the other hand, there are some smaller things added around campus. They have replaced some of the old analog clocks with newer digital clocks. It think that this is so students can read the time easier while in a rush to class.

Also, there are new tables in the hallways for students to eat at, so that not everyone is eating on the ground.

Finally, officer Andy Padgett built a stand in front of the parking lot. It was made to watch for students leaving campus, so he can stop those who are not seniors.

In the end, all of the changes around campus have been made to help students have a better experience at school.

Athletics

Hard at work: Construction workers finish the installation of the new culinary kitchen appliances. The project began over the Summer and is expected to be complete by late September. Photo by Hazel Rodriguez

Entertainment

Silver Stars welcome new Actors audition in hopes of work beyond high school director Courtney Allison Company members of the Starlight Theatre Company on campus prepare for Jennifer Dawson left the door wide open for a new director who finds her roots in modern and improvisational dance.

See page 11 for more details

INSIDE

pre-professional programs working with ZACH Scott Theatre.

See page 3 for more details

In-Depth

Recent same sex marriage law affects lives on campus

The passing of the same sex marriage law made history in late June, now students on campus are affected by this revolutionary law.

See page 8 for more details

Entertainment 2-3 News 4 Student Life 5 & 9 Commentary 6-7 In-Depth 8 Athletics 10-11 Photo Essay 12

E ntertainment The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 2

Choir kicks off with Cabaret

Jasmine Correa Entertainment Editor

Every year the choir holds their biggest fundraiser at the beginning of the year by producing Cabaret. The students are in complete control of the whole production. From lights, who gets cut, to who gets the solo’s, outfits, what the show will be about, and what songs will be featured. The directors this year were Seniors Juliana Davis and DJ Fortner.

“Cabaret has always been my favorite part of choir and show choir,” Davis said. “I fell in love with the show my freshman year, and had always longed to have the opportunity to direct it myself. Being able to co-direct with DJ this year has truly been a dream come true.”

Davis and Fortner started working on the show months in advance.

“We started preparing for the show in June by selecting the songs and putting in ideas for the show,” Fortner said.

This year Cabaret had a different point of view then the shows before. In the past years Cabaret has been known for the love story between a man and woman, but this year it was about loving yourself for who you are.

“My side of the story was all about accepting yourself on the inside,”

You are enough: Senior directors for this years Cabaret show Juliana Davis and DJ Fortner singing a duet solo.

During her performance, Davis took her make up off to show the crowd that everyone is beautiful on the inside. “I wanted to switch it up and create a self love story,” Davis said. Photo by Granger Coats

Fortner said. “No matter what your orientation, identity, or anything about yourself that makes you different, that you are worth being on this earth and your life is one worth being lived, and you can never be replaced.”

Davis gives her side of her contribution to this years production.

“My story is about the perils of self-image, symbolizing a teenage girl’s

journey to self acceptance,” Davis said.

Davis and Fortner not only directed the whole show, but they were also soloist.

“I sang ‘Still Got Tonight’ by Matthew Morrison because, it’s message is how no matter what happens in our lives, we always will have the very next moment to live with the people we love and to be happy,” Fortner said.

Davis took her make-up off during her solo “Who You Are” by Jessie J. “I decided to take my makeup off as I sang the solo. Swiping the makeup wipe down my cheek as I looked at friends, family, and cast all around me was so meaningful and emotional for me,” Davis said. “I will always regard that memory as one of the most special moments of my life.”

Cabaret was a way for Davis and Fortner to share with others the importance of self love.

“It breaks my heart to see people who are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside hurting, struggling to reach this level of perfection that is impossible to attain,” Davis said. “Because of this I wanted my Cabaret story to celebrate inner beauty and loving yourself

unconditionally- because that’s the truest love story there is.”

Fortner was inspired by a quote from Sierra Boggess which helped him understand that everyone is enough. This quote was also on the fliers for the show.

“A quote from Sierra Boggess says, ‘You are enough. You are so enough, it is unbelievable how enough you are.’ And this years show will showcase no matter where you come from, what you’re into, whatever it is that you are enough,” Fortner said.

New choir director Randall Cantu was impressed by what students were capable of producing.

“I was initially impressed by Cabaret being a fully student produced show. From set list to rehearsal schedule this production was student inspired and materialized.

I’ve been apart of several different cabaret-style shows, and I’m most impressed by the product when students take ownership of a production,” Cantu said.

Cantu was able to relate to the overall message.

“It’s inspiring to see a message of self-acceptance and inclusively , I think everyone can relate to these concepts. My life has been series of these kinds of lessons, I totally relate,” Cantu said.

STC reveals Tarzan musical New school year with new directors on campus

Victoria Newell Assistant Ent. Editor

For the last few years, the Starlight Theater Company (STC) has done very dramatic musicals, including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Miss Saigon, and the most recent one, Evita.

But this year the change will be evident as theater members will have to learn how to dance like monkeys and swing on vines in the Broadway adaption of Tarzan.

“We did serious musicals for the last three or four years, and we thought it would be fun to do something lighter, it would be something the kids would have more fun with,” theater director Betsy Cornwell said.

Many things went into consideration when choosing this year’s musical, including audience appeal, budget, number of roles, level of fun, and music.

Tarzan fits all those aspects, while projected to be an expensive production, it has a very large audience appeal and is expected to make a lot of revenue as well.

“Tarzan has a more family-friendly appeal,” tech director Rachael Gomez said. “It will be something that will get a lot of people to go see a show that typically don’t go see shows, and they can see how great our program is.”

However, there are concerns regarding the show. One of which being the failure on Broadway.

Nick Rodriguez, a former Bowie student, was an understudy to Tarzan on Broadway and played him in many regional theaters.

Rodriguez informed the directors that after Broadway the script went into rewrites and was retested in regional theaters. The results came back very positive, and the script STC plans to use is the re-written version.

“I’m really excited about the flying, I don’t personally get to fly but I think it will be neat,” Cornwell said. “We have a parent who is a robotics engineer and Nick Rodriguez have offered to come in and work with some of the kids who might have to do rope tricks.”

One of the things many people in STC are excited about is the set and the transformation of the Bowie stage into a jungle.

“I’m really looking forward to how the set is gonna look; making the whole bamboo forest; it’s gonna be really cool,” senior Andy Moe said.

The task of building the set has primarily been instructed to tech theater teachers, Roberto and Rachael Gomez. Gomez, or the Gomii as they are known in STC, are up to the challenge of constructing a very complex set a week early.

“It’s very challenging because we’re trying to build the show a week earlier this year, and I know that for the last two shows, we’ve really been coming down to the wire and hoping that the paint

was dry for the first performance, and so having to do it a week earlier is kind of scary, but it’s such a fun set to build, because it’s very natural and organic looking,” Rachael said.

Many of the students have begun prepping for the show in advance as well.

“The main thing is listening to the recordings and becoming familiar with the musical, but also knowing that, for costuming traditionally, this show is gonna be very minimal, so it’s gonna be a lot of exposed body parts, so everyone’s hitting the gym,” senior Austin Hyde said.

The performers must get in shape to pull this off.

“I’m going to the gym to get fit for Tarzan, as is everyone else,” Moe said.

However, the directors assure that they don’t expect the students to get in shape for the musical.

“We just want them to be healthy for any musical kids just have to be as healthy as possible,” director Marco Bazan said.

Nevertheless, Tarzan has been received very well and STC is a buzz with excitement. No one can seem to wait long enough for auditions to roll around on October 19.

“We know that Tarzan is gonna be a lot of movement, which is cool, we’re hoping that there’s going to be a lot of swinging on vines and were all excited,” Hyde said. “Auditions need to fly by really quick so that we can go to rehearsals because I’m ready to start the show.”

Top 5 Musicals in high school 3. Grease 1. Beauty and the Beast

4. Into the Woods

2. Seussical

5. The Wizard of Oz

art by Fuaad Ajaz Source: http://www.playbill.com

Hazel Rodriguez News Editor Choir and Orchestra started a new school year with new directors and are hoping to learn new things from them.

“As a new member of the choral department, I’m looking forward to learning about Bowie tradition and sharing in the ongoing successes of our program. We’re investing a lot of energy in this year’s AllState process and I’m excited to see how our student’s hard work pays off,” choir director Randall Cantu said. “The spring UIL contests are on my mind and I look forward to the great moments out choir will create. I especially look forward to the spring musical and collaborating with the starlight theatre company, and the oth-

“Mr. Cantu is absolutely wonderful.

Everybody I’ve talked to in choir has had nothing but good things to say about him.

He’s always in a good mood and makes everybody happy to be in class,” said Horton. “He has been such a good mentor to me personally already and has encouraged me so much and I can’t wait for the rest of the year with him as one of my directors.”

Horton noticed different personalities between Cantu and the old choir director Ben May. “Both Mr. Cantu and Mr. May are wonderful directors but their personalities are completely opposite. They have different ways of teaching music as well but I think the obvious difference is their personalities,” said Horton.

Chisumt is excited about the first or-

Learning the scales: New choir director, Randall Cantu, teaches one of his classes with the help of an electric piano. Cantu will be one of the many directors working on the Starlight Theatre Company musical, Tarzan, in late November. Photo by Ashley Ramirez

er strands of our fine arts department.”

These first six weeks of teaching as the new orchestra director have been just as interesting for orchestra director David Chisumt, he has faith in his students.

“I see a lot of potential in them,” Chisumt said.

Cantu has a lot on his plate teaching four classes, but is happy because it’s related to his favorite subject, music.

“I teach the varsity and junior varsity women’s choirs, piano 1, and AP music theory, all which I love teaching. Though it’s always been a favorite subject of mine, this is the first year I teach AP music theory; it is a special subject and I’m ecstatic about getting to front this class,” said Cantu.

Students in the choral classes seem to like the new choir director according to the choir president senior Haley Horton.

chestra concert coming up.

“We have our fall concert on Thursday a week from today on Oct 8,” said Chisumt Having an opportunity open on staff made Cantu take a leap into considering it because he had been interested in the fine arts department on campus since he moved to Austin.

“I have followed and appreciated the Bowie programs since I moved to Austin in 2007, and always jumped at opportunities to work with the students on this campus. Before joining the faculty at Bowie, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Mr. Bazan and his musical theatre classes for showcase performances, as an accompanist and vocal coach,” said Cantu. “When the opportunity to apply for a position on staff presented itself, I expressed interest.

I feel lucky to join this team; it is the best place to be.”

E ntertainment

The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 3

Bowie dares to act downtown

Students of the Starlight Theatre company go to audition at ZACH Theatre

Avila Dye Staff Writer Austin’s best and brightest youth musical theatre performers gathered on Saturday, September 12 to audition for ZACH Theater’s Pre-Professional

Company, or PPC. PPC is a program designed to prepare young and aspiring actors, singers, and dancers for college and the professional world.

“ZACH Theatre’s Pre-Professional Company consists of some of Aus-

tin’s most dedicated young performers from all areas of the city,” PPC assistant director Josh Weschler said. “Company members meet weekly for training for voice, dance, and acting, as well as preparing and performing in exciting

citywide events.”

Almost 160 high school students auditioned this year, however, only 40 students we are accepted.

All four of the Bowie students who auditioned with earned a spot in the company.

Preparing for performing: Junior Chloe Byars pushes her hair away from her face at ZACH theater auditions.

Throughout the year, all performers practiced vigorously for the fine arts program in different events. Photo by Carissa Duran

“I decided to join because I know it’s a great opportunity not only for experience but for college and the professional world of theatre as well,” junior Chloe Byars said. “I want to learn how to better myself as a performer and watch my friends grow as well.”

While Bowie (as well as several other high schools in the greater Austin area) is well-known for quality fine arts programs, PPC also enriches the education of students who wish to pursue theatre in college and beyond with lessons on technique and workshops with individual focus lead by professionals.

“It has definitely given me the technique that I need to be a competitive performer,” senior Leonela Hernandez said. “My wonderful teachers and friends have made me a better dancer, singer, and actress by challenging myself and trying always to be better.”

Not only do students in PPC get professional training, they also get opportunities to perform in a

professional setting, something they might not get the chance to do with their high school.

“During the year of training we get to perform in Red Hot and Soul Gala, the Boys and Girls Gala, the Dell’s Children Hospital Gala, the Chuy’s Parade, and we also have our own showcase at the end of the year,” said Hernandez.

PPC unites students from all around the Austin area who may, without the program, have seen each other as rivals due to the often competitive nature of auditioning and performing. Instead, it encourages them to work as an ensemble and to support their friends as they grow as people and performers.

“It’s really like finding a family, a group of people who all are doing what they love and accepting one another,” junior Elizabeth Delgado-Savage said.

“Everyone is so supportive of each other and it’s so fun to be with people that understand each other so well.”

Theater’s annual fall shows take on Shakespeare classics In the beginning of the school year, the students at James Bowie High School are slowly settling into their schedules, understanding teachers, and getting acquainted with their fellow students. The theater, however, starts the new year with a bang: the fall shows.

Every year, the theater company warms up the new year with four different one-act plays for everyone to enjoy. The four shows for this year are Shakespeare’s: The Tempest, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It. Every theater student has been assigned to work on one of the four shows.

“I’m so excited to see these kids tackle Shakespeare,” said theater teacher Kalyn Holloway. “Not only is it something they’re all familiar with, but it allows them to connect their academic life with their passions on campus.”

All of the shows have specific stories and plot lines that theater students must wrap their minds around thoroughly and prepare rigorously for in order to really get into the roles. .

“I’m in Much Ado About Nothing, and in it my character is a man named Claudio, who is a romantic man who thinks his fiancée is being unfaithful to him, and the whole time in reality she’s not, but evil people want the two of them to break up and make it appear that way,” David Garza said. “I’ve been preparing for two weeks and I’ve had to, not only memorize the lines, but really become the character himself. You have to be able to think the way your character thinks because that really affects the acting and gives the lines intentions.”

Even though acting is hard and demanding work, to theater students it’s enjoyable and a passion.

“I love rehearsing on stage and being able to act it all out,” Garza said. “You almost lose yourself when you start to act and nothing else really matters, it’s just you

and your fellow actors.”

Working as a team is always important in the theater in order to have a successful production, which means relationships between actors are essential.

“I’ve known most of the people I’m working with for a long time and I really love working with them,” Garza said. “What I love about working with them is that we have fun around set but we still work hard to get the play right.”

The directors, though they may be more reluctant to admit it, enjoy the fall shows just as much as the students do.

“Fall shows are always interesting” said Holloway.

“

I mean, who doesn’t love a little bit of Shakespeare?

-Kayln Holloway

“

Eliana Lynch Staff Writer

“Every director’s personality comes out through their work, but the fall shows give small glimpses of each of our directors all at once.”

Overall, in the end, the fall shows are always a huge success and the theater company and actors get a huge round of applause before saying “goodnight.”

“My favorite part of the shows is that you get to be someone you’re not when you act,” Garza said. “I know it sounds cliché, but you truly become that character and you can recreate yourself. Once you get on the stage, there’s nothing else in the world but you and the stage.”

Top 10 Shakespeare characters 1. Viola Twelfth Night 2. Beatrice Much Ado About Nothing 3. The Nurse Romeo and Juliet 4. Lady Macbeth Macbeth 5. Titania/Hippolyta A Midsummer Night’s Dream 6. Falstaff Henry IV, Parts I and II The merry Wives of Winsdor 7. Iago Othello 8. Prospero The Tempest 9. Lear King Lear 10. The Bear The Winter’s Tale

Source: www.theguardian.com

art by Fuaad Ajaz

Eric Calderon Staff Writer Inside Out, a fantasy drama directed

by Pete Doctor and Ronnie Del Carmen, I think is one of the best movies released this summer of 2015.

This summer welcomed many notable releases in movies, books, and music.

Inside Out is one the most memorable works of the summer. It was rated among the highest released movies, beating hits like Straight Outta Compton and Jurassic World.

Inside Out is a movie telling the life of a girl, Riley, through the physical form

of her emotions. Slowly things turn from the best to the worst for Riley as all the emotions have a problem taking care of all the memories, leaving sadness and joy attempting to fix everything before it all comes to an end.

The movie was most definitely a movie for all ages. I went into the movie theater not knowing what it would be like.

I thought it would be like any other kids movie with a lot of sing alongs and bright colors. It did have its childish moments like any other kids movie, but some parts were pretty deep and dark which kept me going.

A mentionable aspect of this movie is the way in which it was played out and se-

Staff Rating: Rating: PG Directors: Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen Genre(s): Animation, Comedy Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Bill Hader

art by Lauren Blevins

In Review: Inside Out

quenced, how everything seemed too perfect, but quickly fell apart.

Before the beginning of the movie, Pixar made a short film, “Lava,” that was about a volcano waiting for his love,

which was another volcano but female.

Time went on and he started to die as she came to the top of the ocean but then he didn’t give up and pushed himself to be alive and stay with her. It had nothing to do with the actual movie, but it was still very good. The short film, to me, was pretty emotional, being happy then sad as heck then happy and finally rejoiceful.

I feel like it was a good fit; it was like foreshadowing that your emotions will be up and down while watching Inside Out. Inside Out may not be the unforgettable childhood movie that other Pixar movies are, such as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo, but it was certainly worth the time and money.

Remember to buy your 2015-16 yearbook!

$70

*

for 396 pages of JBHS memories Order forms available in F206 or order online @ jostensyearbooks.com Expires: 11/6/15

*Personalize your yearbook for $6 extra and $4 for each icon added.

N ews The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 4

SAT and ACT will change in March Jasmine Correa Entertainment Editor

According to Judd Pfieffer, one of the English and SAT prep teachers, this March 2016 the SAT and ACT will be different than they have been in the past years.

“If you take the SAT or ACT before March it’s going to be the old version, but if you take it after March it will be the new one,” Pfieffer said.

Just by reading for 30 minutes a day the score on these exams will go up.

“Everyone is interested in something,” Pfieffer said. “Nobody has a hobby of staring at a wall and sleeping all day. If you like to cook, read a cookbook with recipes, or if you like games read over.”

Pfieffer shares some tips for preparing for these tests.

“My best tip is to take an outside class if they are able to, if students can’t do that then as they read each paragraph on the reading portion they should write the main ideas and tone of

each paragraph,” Pfiffer said.

Just by getting a good score on either of these tests students are eligible to receive a scholarship of some type.

“Lots of students think they can only get the National Merit Scholarship which is the top one percent. It’s a great scholarship but it’s not the only one there is. There are so many more for getting a good score on the test,” Pfiffer said. “Student’s get nervous for the test because they know how important it is- I’m glad they take it seriously.”

Senior Isabela Doberenz took the SAT this past June and stressed over the test before taking it.

“It was sort of stressful, because it’s like the rest of your life as to where you get accepted into college depends on this test and what you score,” Doberenz said.

Doberenz says if she could change the way she prepared for the test she would have done things differently.

“I don’t normally study

for things but I wish I would have prepared myself months before with taking an SAT prep class and actually reviewing the SAT book because it basically walks you through the whole test,” Doberenz said.

Junior Ricky Ramirez is nervous for the test because where you get accepted is all depending on what you score.

“Students stress out over the test because the SAT and ACT plays a big role when applying to colleges because we all want to get into a good school,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez heard about the changes going on from his English teacher and is waiting on taking the PSAT this year to see the changes there to determine when he will take his SAT. “I want to see the changes made with the PSAT then decide if I want to take the SAT before or after March,” Ramirez said.

The two tests share similarities between each other.

“On the writing and language sections, it’s basically grammar and stu-

dents just need to practice grammar,” Pfiffer said.

“The new SAT and therefore the new PSAT grammar section is more like the old ACT than it is the old SAT test, so if they are

looking for extra help on the grammar section, they might want to look at old, released ACT tests that are online.”

The last piece of advice is to take a deep breath.

“I don’t know if they should be nervous, but it’s defintely the most important test they will take,” Pfieffer said.

Hitting the books: The new test prep books are stacked in math teacher and More Than a Teacher test prep teacher Jeff Henson’s classroom for the session that will be held in the evening. All of the books contain practice tests, and outline of the new test, and several lessons to get students prepared. Photo by Jasmine Correa

Fit bell schedule remains the same after proposals last year

Michelle McDonagh Online Editor

The bell schedule was supposed to be one way, but it ended up going in a completely different direction.

Instead of Mondays and Wednesdays being A days and Tuesday and Thursday being B days, with Friday’s alternating, the campus is now alternating between A’s and B’s, with the schedule being pushed back 10 minutes to sync up with other campuses.

The schedule that was almost in place did not sit well with students.

“It would have been bad, considering all of the other changes that happened with the schedule, like the 10 minutes and the passing periods,” junior Emily Heim said. “It would have been so confusing with all of that.”

Other students saw the new schedule in perspective of weeks, not days.

“It would have been ridiculous,” senior Nicole Moore said. “There would be weeks where we wouldn’t see our B day or A day teachers for four to five days at a time, and for my current schedule, which has three AP classes in one day, that would have been awful.”

But while some students thought of the schedule as harmful, others saw it in a more positive, easier way.

“I don’t think it would have made that much of a deal,” junior Kalia Aquino said.

“It would be the same thing. We already alternate days, it would just be that now we have designated days.”

Teachers knew about these changes before the students did.

“Although the intent is to allow student sharing between campuses, which I think is an wonderful idea, the original schedule that we would have to follow would have one period longer than any other as well as that ridiculous rotating friday,” English teacher Patricia Conroy said.

Conroy feels that there would have been no consistency if the campus had gone to the previous schedule.

“Kids would never know what day it is,” Conroy said. “We were so incredibly pleased that we were allowed to do what we know is best for kids and retain our wonderful schedule.”

9th grade guidance counselor Matt Saucier came from a school in San Antonio, where there were almost the same amount of students as here on campus.

“I think in one way, it would be good because there would be no confusion from Monday through Thursday,” Saucier said.

“But Fridays would be kind of nuts because one Friday would be an A, and another would be a B, and what would happen if a Friday was a holiday? What would happen to the next Friday?”

Just like the A and B days, FIT stayed the same on the same days as last year, despite rumors that it was going to be every day.

“FIT is nice when you need it,” Moore said. “But it seems like too much pressure is being put on by administrators to have FIT, and I don’t think it’s worth the pressure they’re putting on it.”

While some feel like fit is a mix of positive and negative, others feel that it’s a pretty positive experience.

“During FIT, I get to do test corrections and study, and I use that time wisely,” se-

AISD gives school bond for campus renovations Gavin Farner Staff Writer

In 2013, Bowie was given a 16.5 million dollar bond from AISD to make renovations to the school.

This year, the renovations are evident and the school is slowly but surely becoming better for both teachers and students.

Hearing about the bond was exciting for staff and students. Bowie had been on the lower part of the funding list for quite a while, but now that the school been around for a fairly long amount of time, the district issued a bond to help renovate the campus.

“It’s about time. It’s nice though to be in a school old enough to not go to the bottom of receiving things,” English teacher Vicki Hebert said.

With it being the end of summer, people are all but ready to get out of the heat and stay in the A.C. The staff at Bowie are no

exception.

“This is the first time in the first three weeks of school the air conditioning hasn’t gone out,” Hebert said.

Teachers aren’t the only people that are noticing the changes. For sophomore Tanner Howell the new changes and renovations were very noticeable.

“There are new clocks, and then the T.V.’s are kind of new, there are new Macbooks and a 3D printer as well,” Howell said.

Many things on campus have been renovated, however some fine arts classes were not.

“A new light board, a new moving light board, moving lights, and new headsets are needed for tech theatre,” Howell said.

Some teachers have been at this school for many years and have seen many changes to the campus. Many things, from aesthetics to hygiene, have changed for the better.

“They are doing the ath-

letics hall over there, they painted the poles, put up all the info T.V.s, and renovated the bathrooms by the band hall,” algebra teacher Robert Rasmus said.

Most of what was listed was done in a brief period of time, considering that most of these projects were going on simultaneously.

“Some bathrooms and paintings were renovated I think last year,” Rasmus said.

However, even with all these projects underway there are still classroom issues, and teachers have to give work orders to let staff know that things still need to be done in their classrooms.

“I usually give 1-2 work orders almost all in the beginning of the year, but almost none at the end,” Rasmus said.

While the bond has improved both the look and function of campus there are still numerous improvements to be made.

nior Lili Benitez said.

Saucier believes FIT is a good time for students to fill in gaps in their understanding of subjects.

“If studnents aren’t required by someone to appear at a certain place at a certain time, then they can make the decision on their own to go where they need to go,” Saucier said.

But, unlike last year, the entire schedule was pushed back 10 minutes, and passing periods were pushed back from seven to six minutes.

“The 10 minute push back I don’t mind because hey, it’s 10 minutes,” junior Sahaj Mann said. “But the six minutes is way too short because what if I have to go to the bathroom or something? How can I make

it?”

Some students see the push as a negative schedule change.

“I came from a school where classes started at 7:30 and ended at 2:30,” Aquino said. “I would much rather get into school early than get out at 4:20.”

Although she was not a fan of the push, she feels the passing periods are reasonable.

“Bowie is big, but not that big,” Aquino said. “You should be able to get to class in five minutes.”

Most of the schools on the Student Sharing schedule are schools in north Austin, where more students showed interest.

FIT Schedule (Tuesday & Wednesday- 84 minutes)

First Lunch

1st/5th-9:00-10:24

Second Lunch 1st/5th-9:00-10:24

FIT-10:30-11:03

FIT-10:30-11:03

Lunch-11:09-11:50

2nd/6th-11:09-12:33

2nd/6th-11:56-1:20

Lunch-12:39-1:20

3rd/7th-1:26-2:50

3rd/7th-1:26-2:50

4th/8th-2:56-4:20

4th/8th-2:56-4:20

Color guard sets the bar for new season

S tudent Life

The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Oct. 9, 2015

Foreign exchange students from all over the globe come to Bowie

Kathleen Nguyen Staff Writer

Reaching Out: Junior Tori Lewis ends her performance by flashing a smile and waving towards the audience. This year, the color guard team’s theme is under water where they dress up like divers and “dive into the ocean.” Photo by Violet Glenwinkle

Freshmen class becomes part of a world class color guard as marching band competition season starts

Caitlin Devlin Student Life Editor

In April, the Bowie open class color guard got fourth place in the world at the Winter Guard International competition in Dayton with their show, World of Fools, and became a world class guard.

This year, the guard has the bar set high, and with talented freshmen joining the guard expects their show to be very award-winning this year.

“Because I was a part of the color guard last year, the pressure to continue the legacy that they left can be hard sometimes,” junior color guard captain Jessica Stachew said. “Everyday myself and my team are being put to the test in hopes to be even greater than before.”

In August, a new competition season started for the marching band and color guard and incoming freshmen became a part of the color guard.

“Our class is very small;

there’s five of us, and we have one girl who joined recently, and we’ve been doing really well,” freshman Caroline Doege said.

“I think all of us have been picking up really well.”

The freshmen were introduced to color guard in April during spring band camp. There, they learned basic flag and guard skills.

“I wanted to join color guard because I loved the idea of getting to dance with flags and weapons,” freshman Aria Sherman-Weiner said.

Summer guard camp began in July, when the guard began to learn the choreography of their new show and learned some more advanced technique, and they began to put the show together with the band in August during summer band camp.

“I thought it was going to be really easy but it turned out to be really hard and complicated, but it’s still really fun,” freshman Maria Demopoulos said.

In May, Bailey Mid-

dle School started a color guard club so that middle schoolers could learn more about color guard techniques before they joined a high school color guard.

This year, there are about 30 7th and 8th graders in the guard club.

“I heard so many fun things about color guard in middle school that I really wanted to try it out,” Weiner said.

This year’s marching band show, “Deep,” is about a journey down to the bottom of the ocean and back up. The color guard will be dressed as divers.

“The show is really good; I like the music and how our choreography goes with the music and how whenever the band plays something our choreography really goes into it and flows into it,” freshman Cecilia Ortiz said.

This year’s current show is one of the hardest that the guard has done and they have to work hard to get the choreography right.

“The most difficult part is probably getting all the checkpoints with the choreography, and making sure all of our feet are in time with each other,” Sherman-Weiner said.

The first competition for the band was Saturday, September 26 and there was a lot of pressure on the band to live up to the success that the JBHSOPE has gotten in competitions the past couple of years.

“It’s a lot of pressure to be what everyone says is ‘next Carolina’, the upperclassmen talk about last year’s seniors a lot,” Doege said.

The success of the guard in the past years has influenced the guard to improve their talents and work hard to live up to and exceed that success.

“The freshmen are getting better and better every year, and every year they keep improving more and more,” Stachew said.

“They work hard and I couldn’t be happier.”

Bowie FFA member takes part in the Texas State Fair with her steer Fuaad Ajaz Graphics Editor

The Texas State Fair is both the longest running and the largest fair in the United States, and junior Alyssa Barnett is going to this fair with the help of her best friend and FFA officer, Kate Buning and her mother, Heather Barnett.

Barnett will be showing a steer which she got at the start of the summer and has been taking care of since.

“This year I will be taking my steer at the state fair,” Barnett said. “I only show pigs and steers and I normally take my pigs to prospect shows and major shows but I take steers wherever I can and we are going to try the state fair this year.”

Since steers involve so much care Barnett got help from Buning with washing, feeding, and much more work that is involved with her steer.

“I went to Alyssa’s house a couple times and helped her feed and we also work steers together a lot,” Buning said. “Alyssa has to reign her steers to get them halter broken and once they are halter broken she has to set them up which means their head has to be really high and their feet have to be a certain way, and she also just needs to make sure they get exercise and the right type of food.”

Since Barnett keeps her steer at home her mother is there to help her and be by her side through the process.

“I help Alyssa by driving her to her shows and I’m always in the stands cheering her on and watching her show Winnie,” Heather Barnett said. “Alyssa has improved so much over the years she has been showing steers. Hopefully Alyssa will place at the state fair and win something because she has worked so hard with Winnie and spent many hours caring for him if its from feeding to washing she does a lot with this cow.”

In the past Buning has thought about going to the state fair to show her pigs.

“I have thought about showing at the State Fair, it’s just I don’t know if I’m ready for such a big show yet just because there is so much work involved into doing this show but hopefully next year I can go to the state fair but this time I’ll be in the crowd cheering Alyssa on,” Buning said.

Having a steer involves many hours of work, patience, and financial investment.

“My steer does take a lot of time and money, I would say I go through five bags of feed a week and then you have to buy: shampoo, trimmers, water bowls, show sticks, bedding, gates, fans, food bowls, hay, hoses, and more, so there is a lot of stuff that you need for one steer and you also have to have something for transportation,” Barnett said.

In the past Barnett has participated in and won many

Farm champion: Senior Shaye Elliott and junior Kaila Carrillo tend to a goat. Like Barnett, many FFA members will compete this year. Photo by Granger Coats

shows.

“Alyssa won the county show last year and got a huge chunk of money and we all thought that was a huge deal, but if she wins the state fair she would be like famous in the FFA because if she wins the State Fair she is going to get a lot of money like when I say a lot of money I mean it I don’t know a set amount since it changes every year,” Buning said.

The state fair does give out money, but not everyone who places gets money.

“I at least hope to place and get a ribbon, trophy, or some award, getting money depends on how many people are in your class and how ever many people place only the top five people will get a cash prize out of it,” Barnett said.

Barnett’s family goes to every show she goes to and are there to cheer her on and support her through the journey.

“We go to every show Alyssa has. Days I can’t go, her dad goes, days he can’t go, I go, but there is someone at each and every one of her shows if it’s a pig or steer, prospect show or county show I’m not going to miss one of my daughter’s shows. I always look forward to watching her out in that ring with her pig or steer, while Alyssa shows her best,” Heather Barnett said.

The Texas State Fair started on September 25 and ends on October 18. The fair has fun games, rides, and food, but also has one of the biggest livestock shows in Texas that has almost 5,200 participants competing each year.

Page 5

Coming to a foreign country and experiencing life in a very different way by speaking a new language and meeting new people can be difficult.

This is the life of a foreign exchange student.

This year, many foreign exchange students came to Bowie to experience what it was like to live in America and meet new people and travel.

Seven-hour school days are practically unheard of in Germany for foreign exchange student junior Neele Riemer.

“Our longest school days are 7:30-1:00, but normally they end at noon,” Riemer said.

Riemer has never traveled to America before, so she didn’t know what to think of Americans until she moved.

“The only thing I knew about America was from the media,” Riemer said.

“I thought everyone was obese.”

Foreign exchange students embrace the benefits of living in America.

“I get to become a better English speaker and go to a high school and have an American experience,” Riemer said.

While living in America there are many positives, but also many negatives that the foreign exchange students must face day by day.

“School’s way longer and I don’t get to see my family,” Riemer said.

Riemer’s host sister, sophomore Linnea O’Donnell, has said it’s both interesting and difficult to live with a foreign exchange student.

“I can tell that she’s an only child, she’s used to being worried about herself only and now she has to consider others when making a decision,” O’Donnell said.

Having to transition from being taken care of to now taking care of a person is a difficult experience for O’Donnell.

“I feel like an older sister,” O’Donnell said. “I’m used to being the baby of the family.”

Deciding to host a foreign exchange student must consist of the whole family being on board.

“It was a family decision to host a foreign exchange student,” O’Donnell said. “We originally had a preference towards a French foreign exchange student, but my family is really big on hard working people and we found out that she worked at a restaurant to save money and that sealed the deal.”

US History and Contemporary Issues teacher James Ellerbrock further stated his opinion on how the foreign exchange students are adjusting to high

school.

“It’s hard for them at first, but they catch on as they go,” Ellerbrock said.

Recently the number of foreign exchange students have been dwindling according to Ellerbrock.

“There are usually 10 total foreign exchange students each year, but the number has been decreasing,” Ellerbrock said.

For a student, adjusting to a different state is hard, adding to that, moving to a different country and having to learn new subjects and cultures must be even harder.

“Adjusting was not difficult for me, but not easy either.” junior Daiana Khaidargaliyeva said.

“The education system compared to my country is completely different. The biggest difference are the classes themselves. We do not choose subjects, we have fixed systems and fixed groups of people like about 40 students who go with you to the same classes every day.”

Khaidargaliyeva’s old school in Kazakhstan had a completely different curriculum than American schools and was much smaller.

“At Bowie almost every period has new people; first days were crazy,” Khaidargaliyeva said. “So many new faces, but I love meeting new people.”

With being a foreign exchange student comes its pros and cons.

“I love everything about being a foreign exchange student,” Khaidargaliyeva said. “I learned to be independent. I’m in a completely new environment where nobody knows me, so I have to introduce myself and make an impression.

The obvious negatives are missing my family and friends but honestly now with all this social media and technology I do not feel the distance.”

Choosing to do a foreign exchange program requires time and effort.

“In my country there is a huge competition called FLEX, Future Leaders Exchange Program, that takes place throughout the whole year.” Khaidargaliyeva said. “It is based on 3 rounds of physiological essays, interviews, games, tests, and questionnaires.

The prize was a foreign exchange trip to America for free. From my city there were about 1,000 people competing, and only 10 get chosen to go to America. I was so happy and I couldn’t believe I got picked.”

Being a foreign exchange student is an experience where you’re traveling and meeting new people constantly.

“Maybe I will come to the U.S. for university, who knows,” Khaidargaliyeva said. “I love traveling and will always be happy to try new things.”

Foreign Environment: Exchange student junior Neele Riemer works on a poster in a group in her street law class. Riemer is from Germany and is always excited to meet new people. Photo by Violet Glenwinkel

C ommentary The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 6

Student sharing, too much change or great opportunity?

Editorial

for regular classes.

Giving students lunch detention for being late to FIT and not regular class is essentially saying that FIT is more important than class, which couldn’t be further from the truth. While I think we should have FIT everyday, I don’t think that FIT is more valuable than actual class time.

Teachers voting against FIT everyday may have done so because they don’t think it’s worth cutting class time by ten minutes to make time for FIT. While that’s valid because, again, class time is more valuable than FIT, I think that shorter class times are worth the extra 30 minutes of study time.

Critics of FIT may say that it’s a waste of time, in some cases they’d be right. For the most part students are busy and likely to benefit from extra time to get school work done. And why should some time wasters ruin it for everybody else?

This vote done only by the teachers illustrates a larger problem at our school: students not being taken seriously and given the right to have a say about the schedule.

If administration really wants to prepare its students for the future, start by giving them a voice now. While some students are good about getting their voice out, most students on campus are not.

Due to the possible implementation of AISD’s student sharing, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the schedule for this school year. Last spring when changes to the schedule were being decided, having Flexible Instructional Time (FIT) everyday was a possibility. It was put to a vote.

Ultimately the teachers, who actually voted, decided to keep FIT two days a week. Keep in mind, this was decided completely independent of the student body. No student opinions were asked for in the decision.

Had students been asked to vote on FIT the same way the teachers did, the result may have been the same, FIT twice a week. I think it more likely would have gone the other way, with most students favoring the everyday FIT schedule.

This is because there’s really only one good reason for students to dislike FIT- the ridiculous way it’s enforced.

Administrators standing in the hallways and giving tardy students lunch detention for being even a few seconds late. That is unfair for the following two reasons: passing periods were just shortened and they don’t do this

STUDENT SHARING

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art by Kamryn Bryce

The office welcomes the dawn of the technology age

V.O.E. and parking permits now available online

ents. Now it’s no longer necessary to go to the office to get your V.O.E. forms or get a parking space, you can do it on your phone.

Every upperclassmen with a car knows what the “big red book” is. The big red book is a binder full of applications that students with cars must fill out in order to get a parking space on or near campus. What the upperclassmen might not know, however, is that the big red book has changed into a big red website. In order to apply for a parking space now, students must fill out an application online and then submit it. This new system is already proving to be more efficient and definitely more organized.

Another thing that has changed when it comes to new

Kelsie Stella Staff Writer This year the office on campus has changed more than just the arrangement of their furniture. They’ve gone virtual. The office staff has been making more resources available online to the convenience of students and par-

DISPATCH STAFF Editorial Board

Co-Editor-in-Chief’s Kamryn Bryce Lauren Blevins News Editor Hazel Rodriguez

Editorial Staff

Photo Editor Granger Coats

Online Alicia Molina

Graphics Editor Fuaad Ajaz

Dispatch Staff:

Commentary Editor Annika Holm

Online Editors Michelle McDonagh Mia Barbosa

Student Life Editors Caitlin Devlin Avila Dye Violet Glenwinkle

Assistant Editors: Entertainment Victoria Newell Eliana Lynch

Entertainment Editors Jasmine Correa Casey Shrout

Student Life Samantha Knapp

Athletics Editors Isabel Rosales Priscilla Diaz

Photo Essay Alyssa Martinez Ashley Ramirez

Eric Calderon Carissa Duran Gavin Farner Avy Friedman Shelby Kelly Emma Kunkel Alissa Lopez Amaya Marquez Nya Martin Nate Miller Kathleen Nguyen Evan Owen Kelsie Stella Melissa Weprin Advisor Michael Reeves

EDITORIAL POLICY The Lone Star Dispatch is the official student newspaper of James Bowie High School. It is published six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Lone Star Dispatch is an open forum for student expression. The Lone Star Dispatch is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the advisor will not act as a censor. Content represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.

The Lone Star Dispatch will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely and interesting to our readers. Our articles will reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph without indicating that the photographer is an illustration.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lone Star Dispatch staff or administration as a whole.

The Lone Star Dispatch welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie.journalism@gmail.com or mail them to 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 or drop them off in room F-203 with advisor Michael Reeves or any editor. Letters must be signed, and emailed letters will require verification before publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

The Lone Star Dispatch does not necessarily endorse the products or services of advertising.

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art by Kamryn Bryce

office procedures is that you can get your Verification of Enrollment form (VOE) authorized online. A VOE is something every student needs to have on their record in order to get their driver’s permit or driver’s license. No matter what time of year it is, it’s a hassle trying to get a VOE authorized when you go to a school with over three thousand students. The goal of moving this paper online is to provide easy access to people who are in need of their VOE for driving purposes.

Although moving everything online may seem like a great idea, there are people who are unable to access Internet at home. What are those people supposed to do if they want to apply for a parking spot? What are they supposed to do if they need their VOE? The front office will still carry hard copies of both of these things or they will advise you to go to the library and access the documents from one of their computers.

Since these two procedures are new, most students don’t know that they exist and there has been some confusion among students on how to get these documents.

It’s understandable why the office staff is pushing for more online resources. It makes their jobs easier and saves students and parents the time that would otherwise be used for making a phone call or physically going to

The goal... is to provide easy access to people who are in need of their V.O.E. for driving purposes.

the office.

I think that moving toward a more technology-based system for these two documents, especially at a school like this, is going to prove to be extremely successful.

I scream, you scream...

Nya Martin Staff Writer I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, but some people died for ice cream.

As of April 20, 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of ten people infected with Listeria monocytogenes, a form of food poisoning.

All of them were hospitalized and three deaths were reported. The cause for the sickness was found in products manufactured at the Blue Bell Creameries.

After the investigation, Blue Bell announced that they removed the affected

products. The company also shut down the production line that the products were made in. But, after finding more traces of the deadly bacteria, Blue Bell shut down all of its plants and recalled all of its ice cream. For Blue Bell lovers, this was a catastrophe.

This whole situation should have never gotten this far. Because of Blue Bell not having clean equipment like they should’ve had, lives were lost.

This company will forever be responsible for this scary mishap and I believe the victims should press charges. As a food company, they are required to insure that the products offered for sale or introduced into interstate commerce are produced under safe and sanitary conditions.

Blue Bell announced it’s return to select markets August 21, 2015. Not only did they make too quick of

a return, they also upped the prices for all their products in a way to take advantage of the situation in its entirety. If anything they should’ve lowered the prices as a way of apologizing for being the cause of three lives being taken.

Their return was way too soon and I believe people are still at risk. They can’t be sure that every store that sells Blue Bell made sure that they only have ice cream that was produced after the recall.

What’s not to say someone else didn’t do their job?

I understand that everyone makes mistakes, but if a mistake that could’ve been avoided by doing your job drastically affects other people’s lives, you should be held accountable and punished.

I will not be consuming any of Blue Bell’s products. I would prefer my money going to a more humbled creamery.

art by Lauren Blevins

The Lone Star Dispatch

C ommentary Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 7

The problem with pep rallies Annika Holm Commentary Editor Forced chants, indecipherable remixed dance music, an overcrowded gym, and a hero’s welcome for the football teamwondering where to find such things? Attend a pep rally or two.

Despite being a perfect opportunity to laugh at the expense of the school and make some references to any John Hughes movie ever made, while also missing the last twenty minutes of class, the way pep rallies aren’t doing anyone any good.

The problem with pep rallies is that they don’t inspire pep, nor do they rally support for the school.

Luckily though, pep rallies aren’t a lost cause. The first easily fixable problem with pep rallies is to move them back a day, make them on Fridays.

Though this is a problem to be discussed later, we all know that the main purpose of a pep rally is to get people to go to the varsity football games, held on Fridays. It seems like a lofty goal to, in twenty minutes, pump students up so much that they’ll be thinking about the game for the

next twenty-four hours.

It would make much more sense to hold pep rallies the same day as the games; this would present a problem for weeks with an away game.

The solution to that is to either only have pep rallies for home games, or to have pep rallies in the morning. Only holding pep rallies before or after school hours would ensure only those who really want to be there would go, which would cut down on the mocking.

The second problem with pep rallies is the limited representation of sports.

Though the general idea of a pep rally may be to encourage student support for all sports, it just comes off as a hard sell for football, and nothing else.

To balance this out, all sports operating during the fall should be represented in pep rallies. This should be done by having team captains of all Fall sports walk in the line across the gym at the beginning, instead of having the entire football team parade around for a minute or two, only to remain motionless for the duration of the pep rally.

As the captains walk in, each team could be given a chance to speak for thirty seconds about when their next game is and why people should come.

Including other sports in the pep rally would go a long way to show that they’re equally supported.

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Athletic teams represent bulldog pride but are not represented on campus

Amaya Marquez Staff Writer We have our basic school sports; basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, Soccer, and so on. Those sports represent our bulldog pride, they have their classes and everyone is happy, right? Wrong.

Our campus features other sports that as well represent our school, why is it that those sports get more attention than the others. Some of those sports are represented as “clubs”, those sports team should be able to have classes just like the others.

The girl’s lacrosse team made it all the way to state last season, yet there is

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Teams from other schools like Georgetown, Austin High, and Vandergrift represent their school as a regular sport, not a club.

Why aren’t we doing that? Especially for the boy’s lacrosse team, I bet it is hard for the boys to get better without having a field to practice on. The girls lacrosse team has to go to Bailey Middle School to practice instead of practicing at their own school.

I am aware that cross country as well does not have a class, now what is written down on most students schedules for that sport is known mostly as a P.E credit.

So they are not technically represented as much as our common school sports.

The boy’s practices were at Gorzycki middle school, it would probably be a whole lot easier for everyone if we had practice at our own school, instead of having to deal with the terrible traffic after school is released. The boys team is also

I definitely feel like we should get just as much attention just like the other sports.

-Amaya Marquez

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no class for them to get better, and win a higher title.

These girls work very hard to get better and better not only for themselves but for their school.

As I am a member of the girls’ lacrosse team, I definitely feel like we should get just as much attention just like the other sports. That would mean getting a class, being able to use the weight room, and not being recognized as a “club” sport.

represented as a club sport; since the boys and girls are not getting as much attention, they’re joining other teams like elite, or travel teams.

I tried out for a travel team so I can get recognized by college coaches, trying to get a scholarship.

So basically the point of this is that, all we need is a lacrosse field, and a class.

Which would make things so much more easier, as well as making it better for lacrosse players.

Melissa Weprin Staff Writer Although they may not be fully aware of it, students on campus are taught Social Emotional Learning skills (S.E.L.) in their world geography classes freshman year. I believe the way the skills are being taught makes them ultimately unmemorable and unhelpful.

S.E.L. skills are tools for students to strategize coping and study skills to their benefit, in order to allow them to do the best they can with school work as well as adjust to the high school workload and environment.

While the skills can be helpful, the students aren’t

even fully aware of the benefit of the skills they’re being taught. So for the most part it’s relatively ineffective.

The majority of the sophomores, the first group of students introduced to S.E.L. last year, didn’t realize these skills would be important for their entire high school experience, or even remember they were taught said skills.

The plan seemed to be to sneak S.E.L. lessons in with the world geography lessons, but when I explained the type of things they learned many didn’t remember, but thought S.E.L. skills would’ve been helpful to learn.

The idea behind S.E.L. is brilliant, and it has a lot of potential to be helpful to students, but it’s seems to not be working in the way teachers and administrators hoped.

One thing that might help would be to take a poll of the resources, related to S.E.L., the students feel they’re in need of would help make it more effective.

If there was an introduction to S.E.L. as well as an explanation as to what it is, it could potentially stick better with the student by letting them know it’s important and not just a way to fill time in the hour and a half class.

I believe it would be more effective because the students are then able to separate the skills from the world geography lessons and recognize the importance they hold.

S.E.L. is important for students to learn, but a few tweaks to the way it’s taught could really make a difference in every world history student’s high school career.

BULLDOG SPEAK OUT

12th

10th Taylor Folliard

9th

Garret McDonagh

Kylie Stuenkel

9th Question

1

What is the best aspect of Bowie?

Question

2

How does Bowie differ from other schools?

Question

3

What is your impression of the people on campus?

11th 10th 11th 12th Nick Anagnos

“Our sports “All the differprogram beent sports offered here. That cause we have gives everyone lots of team spirit.” a chance.”

“There is a “Being able to lot of diverse people who go home.” go here, lots of different backgrounds.”

“They prepare you really well “The school for tests and prepares you they make sure really well for you’re doing the state tests.” really well in all your classes.”

“Concrete, lots of concrete.”

“You’ve just got to get with the right group, make sure you’re with the right people.”

“The campus is made up of a diverse group of people.”

“We have a good group of people.”

“People care to much about “They’re very accepting.” what other people think here.”

I n-Depth

The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 Page 8

Sparks fly for same sex couples

Fuaad Ajaz Graphics Editor

kids were going to think about me I just didn’t want them to think of me like the evil stepmother from Cinderella, but luckily the kids treated me like their own mother and made me feel like a parent since I have never had kids.”

Julie wanted to take her kids to New York with her so they could see her get married but since New York was so far and so expensive that idea was out of the picture for them.

“It was just so stupid that I had to go to New York to get married and that my children couldn’t be there with me because I didn’t have enough money to take them with me,” Julie said. “When I said, ‘I do,’ it was bittersweet because I looked out and I didn’t get to see my kids, but right

How the times have changed...

Vermont becomes the Homosexuality is removed Wisconsin outlaws discrimi- first state to legally from American Psychiatric nation on the basis of sexual recognize relationships between same-sex Association’s list of mental orientation. couples. disorders.

after I left the courtroom I called them and told them that we got married and our relationship was official. Throughout my trip in New York I was thinking about them and how

the kids would like this food, this toy, this souvenir, but now that I can get re-married in Austin. I will have my kids there so they can see me say those two words again.”

By Age Group

80

By Gender

70%

70 60

Women (3.6%) are slightly more likely to identify themselves as being LBGT than men (3.3%).

53%

50

46%

40

41%

30 20 10 0

18 to 29

The California Supreme Court rules that samesex couples have a constitutinal right to marry.

30 to 49

50 to 64

65+

Source: http://www.care2.com

mom tons of courage to come out to me and I think that was just mostly because I would have been the one who knew the most about the word, ‘gay,’” Gero said. “I think my mom thought that I would hate her, or I wouldn’t talk to her because she was gay, but honestly I didn’t care what she did, all I wanted was for her to be happy, if she wanted to be gay, let her be gay.”

Other mom, Julie Kimbrel, takes care of Gero’s special needs brother Elijah, who has autism.

“I met Norma because Elijah was one of my clients and I would go to there home to help Elijah with physical therapy,” Julie said. “I was really hesitant to see what the

art by: Lauren Blevins and Fuaad Ajaz

Same sex marriage was legalized around all of the United States on June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Before same sex marriage was legalized in Texas, senior Michela Gero’s same-sex parents had to go to New York to get married, and were not able to take their children with them since it was such an expensive trip.

“My mom went to New York to get married to my mom, Julie,” Gero said. “It was just annoying since I couldn’t attend my parents wedding. It was something my mom wanted us to be there to witness since no one else in our family has

had a same sex marriage.”

Gero’s biological mother, Norma Kimbrel is married to Julie Kimbrel and have been married for three years.

“Julie was my son Elijah’s therapist and that’s how we met,” Kimbrel said.

“When I told my daughter that I was gay she didn’t care about what I did, she didn’t question me about my sexuality like some kids do, she let me be who I wanted to be. When I told her she was going to have another mom, she said do what makes you happy, which made me feel better about my situation.”

It takes a lot of courage to come out of the closet but even more courage to explain that concept to children.

“It definitely took my

Jason Collins becomes the first active U.S. professional athlete to come out.

Same-sex marriage is legal in all states of the U.S.

2000

1982

1973

1993

1978

The U.S. military adopts its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts.

Interesting facts about gay marriage:

J

1. 11 Native American tribes recognize gay marriage 2. Support for gay marriage doubled from 27% to 55% between 1996 and 2014 3. Lesbians account for 60% of gay marriages 4. 20 countries around the world allow gay marriage 5. Twice as many people in the south oppose gay marriage

U

N

E

2 6 th

2 0 1 5

Love Is Love Source: http://interesting-facts.com

art by Kamryn Bryce and Lauren Blevins

2011

2014

New York becomes the largest state (at the time) to allow same-sex Michael Sam becomes the first marriage. openly gay player drafted into the NFL.

Source: http://infographicworld.com art by: Lauren Blevins

Harvey Milk is sworn in as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; his first act as a member of the board is sponsoring a bill outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

2004

2015

2013

2008

Equal rights for everyone Commentary

Mia Barbosa Online Editor For many years the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community in America has been made fun of, ignored, and denied of their rights as US citizens. However as of June 26, 2015 it is now official that all across America same-sex marriage is legalized.

It is debatable whether the law should have been passed or not, but freshmen English teacher John Flickinger made a good point about the law being passed.

“It was a necessary decision for a country that promotes itself as one of equality and acceptance,” Flickinger said.

A lot of people can agree that whether they support gay marriage or not, it is a basic right for a citizen to be able to marry whomever they want.

“It’s unlawful and unjust to not pass the law,” sophomore Oliver Gorrie said.

Since the law has been passed students have noticed that more people in the LGBT community are open about their sexuality and gender identity because a lot of students have come

out recently.

“It is affecting friendships in either a positive way or negative way depending on that person’s beliefs,” Sibley said.

The law being passed has even caused some friendships to end if one of the friends is part of the LGBT community and the other one does not support it.

“One of my friends was saying how she has gay friends, but she doesn’t believe in it, “Perez said. “She would make ugly comments like ‘Adam and Eve’ not ‘Adam and Steve’ and I haven’t spoken to her since.”

However, for some friends having a support system has brought them closer together.

“I have friends who were together for a very long time and they never thought they would see the day where they could finally get married and now I get to see my friends gain equal citizenship,” Flickinger said.

The law has solved many problems in America.

“It still doesn’t change people’s thoughts and views on LGBT, so they could still have problems,” Perez said.

The new law has definitely been the next big step in the movement towards equality.

Sophomore Alex Wilson grew up with his two moms knowing most families were usually made of a mom and a dad but he didn’t think it was weird.

“I knew the difference

but since I was so little I grew up thinking that it was normal,” Wilson said.

For senior Tanner Berg, he didn’t feel different about his parents in comparison to other kids parents until he was in the fourth grade.

“I was very confused at first, and I started asking kids why they have fathers and why I have two moms and it sparked bullying incidents from a few kids,” Berg said.

However, for senior Casey Grove he wasn’t treated the way Berg was for having two moms.

“I don’t necessarily get treated different by anyone, I get a lot of questions by people but that’s about it,” Grove said.

To those who do have same sex parents they find that once in high school many peers are very welcoming to their friends having gay parents.

“People at Bowie are very accepting and I’m comfortable talking with anyone about my situation,” Berg said.

For the kids of same sex parents the law being passed was a big deal, even if it didn’t directly affect their family, because they are supportive of gay rights.

“Having two moms has taught me to look at the world through more accepting eyes,” Berg explained.

“It’s taught me how to treat others with respect and compassion.”

Student Life

The Lone Star Dispatch Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 9

Special education teachers help new students adjust to Bowie SPED freshmen begin their ninth grade year prepared with help from teachers Olivia Glenewinkel Student Life Editor With the 2015-2016 school year kicking into gear, students have been getting accustomed to new classes and faces.

But there are students who deal with a unique set of bumps in the road that cause school to be a completely different challenge.

Special needs freshmen are slowly getting accustomed to the big school and vast changes.

“I’m getting to know all the students,” said freshman transfer Nathan Beames. “I’m getting used to all their names.”

Before the start of the semester, former eighth graders were invited to a life-skills orientation day called Passport to Bowie which helped them get to know the buildings and staff.

“I created faux Passports,” said special education teacher Wayne Johnson. “Each page had a picture of a certain place on the campus… When [the freshmen] would go to a particular location, they would get their passports stamped. This helped make the new students familiar.”

Special Education teacher Alyssa Werley described how the students meet with their new instructors.

“We go to their [middle] school and meet them in their current classroom so they have the opportunity to get familiar with their new teachers and invite them to tour the high school (Passport to Bow-

Calendar Time: Setting the date, freshman Veronica Ochoa sets up the calendar during the SPED morning meeting.

The students and teachers work together to set up their schedule for the day. Photo by Eric Calderon

ie),” said Werley.

Each freshmen reacts to high school in their own way, but it’s very much like how the rest of the freshmen class deals with the changes.

“Some students had no trouble jumping right in,” said Johnson. “There were shier [students] and required a little more time to get into a comfortable routine. It’s really no different than the general education

freshmen.”

Even though things were different, Beames got used to the new setting after transferring from Maryland.

“I moved here over summer,” said Beames.

“When I first arrived at Bowie I was a little nervous because I saw a lot of cars and a lot of students.”

Overall, the students fell into the new routine well with the help from the

Summer vacation takes students around the world

Garcia’ s history class travels over seas Samantha Knapp Staff Writer

As Summer vacation commenced students around campus began traveling around the country, even around the world.

A handful of Mr. Garcia’s students got to have a particularly special trip in which they traveled to three countries this summer, Spain, France, and Italy, getting an experience they will never forget.

The trip was optional, but it was open to anyone who wanted to go with their teacher and classmates.

“We went to Spain, France, and Italy and the cities were Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Florence, and Rome,” senior Andy Moe said.

The trip was for ten days traveling around Europe, giving the travelers an opportunity of a lifetime.

“I did it because my brother introduced me to

Art by Fuaad Ajaz

it and I was like ‘I might not ever be able to go to Europe’ and I wanted to take the opportunity”, Moe said.

Students had free time and could bring back souvenirs if they wanted to.

“I almost brought back bed bugs and a tiny key chain, but I really didn’t buy anything,” Moe said.

Some students took in the scenery and brought back something meaningful to the states.

“I brought a rock from the Mediterranean Sea, because me and my friends pick up rocks whenever we go on hikes and I brought back some pretty expensive cologne and perfume, I brought back some rosaries too,” senior Cameron Mata said.

Students got to spend time on their own in some of the most famous cities in the world.

“In Spain we visited Madrid and saw all of its sights like the palace,” senior Jessica Peterson said.

“We stopped in Pisa and saw the tower, then we went to Florence and got to see all the sights like the cathedral and the Goldsmith’s bridge, we even got to see how leather is made.

We saw the Colosseum and the other sights of Rome, and then we flew home.”

Among all the adventure, some students learned valuable lessons that they took with them after the trip ended.

“The trip taught me a new appreciation of the world around me. It’s great to be able to see a different country and a different culture,” Peterson said. “I made a lot of new friends and I still keep in touch with them today” All in all the students had a memorable trip that they’ll never forget.

“Each city was very different and unlike America and the whole thing was very interesting and I would love to go back some day” Moe said.

other staff and teachers.

“Like any other student, the arrival at a new, bigger school with new teachers and classmates can be very overwhelming, but our students all seem to acclimate well by the first few weeks,” said Werley.

Freshmen, along with the other students, switch back and forth to different periods and lessons.

“Between first and second [period] we switch

between two classes and when it’s lunch time we have lunch,” said Beames.

Each individual student has a unique day according to the classes they take- just like the general population of the school- and requires lots of hard work.

“There are a few students that need breaks/ down-time for emotional or physical reasons,” said Johnson. “However, the majority of our students

actually have a very, very busy day.”

Assistance from instructors is vital to help guide the students through the week days- especially freshmen, until they get used to their own schedule.

“We have eight teachers to our nineteen students,” said Werley. “This is wonderful for our students who may need more direct attention during lessons throughout the school day.”

Students also are involved with the freshmen and other special needs students through Bowie Buddies.

“The Bowie Buddies have ‘adopted’ each one our students and throw them parties, bring them gifts and letters, and socialize with them on campus in the cafeteria and our classroom,” said Johnson.

The special education students have more than generic academic periods though- classes that help them in other aspects of life besides education.

“Their schedules consist of academic learning time, functional life skills such as recreational and social skills, health and hygiene, daily life skills, and nutrition, and vocational skills,” said Werley.

At the end of the week, the entire special education department gets together and rewards the hard work done.

“Our students work so hard during the week, that on Fridays, they get to enjoy bowling and socializing at Westgate Lanes,” said Wirley.

Science fair winner strives for first place Carissa Duran Staff Writer

Providing all of the students participating in the 2015-2016 science fair a challenge, the overall first place state winner from last year, senior Jeremiah Gause, is once again participating in this year’s science fair.

Gause’s high level of confidence from the results of last year’s science fair is helping him to be prepared and ready to put as much effort and dedication towards the science fair as he did last year.

The fact that Gause took home the science fair last year causes his teachers and friends to ask the same question: What could Gause possibly do to top what he did last year?

“I’m going to be continuing my research from my project from last year,” Gause said. “I will be expanding my experiment to go into more detail about the filtration process of the water in downtown Austin.”

Gause has stated that he has no nerves at all for the science fair this year. Even if there will be a strong competitive atmosphere amongst the students participating it won’t affect Gause at all. Gause doesn’t let himself get caught up in the intense competitiveness of the science fair.

“I have participated in science fair for three years straight, so the nerves don’t exactly get to me”, Gause said. “I don’t really feel any pressure to make sure that I win state again.

It would be nice to place

Judge Presentation: Senior Jeremiah Gause explains his award-winning project to a judge. He took home first place at last year’s science fair. Photo by Fuaad Ajaz

in state or win one of the special awards. Overall, I just really want to make sure I put in as much time and commitment into this year’s science project as I did last year.”

The big win and participation of the science fair last year has granted him advantages for this year.

“I feel like the only advantage I have is I do have a high boost of confidence for this year’s science fair due to the results of last year’s. For this year I understand how much effort I have to put towards my project if I want to win again.”

There is no question about winning the science fair once again according to Gause’s AP Biology teacher, Jessica Davis.

“There is no doubt about it”, Davis said. “Jeremiah is an outstanding student, he is always trying to beat his best. He is a very passionate student and he is always dedicat-

ed to any task that is put in front of him.”

Although Gause is researching and working hard everyday, he has adjusted a schedule that allows him not just to have a successful school life, but a social one as well.

“Jeremiah is actually really good at making sure he has time to relax and hang out with his friends,” said Gause’s friend, sophomore, Hayley Cortinas.

“Right when he gets home he starts his homework so he has some free time later in the day to hang out with his friends.”

Gause has a high level of confidence from not only his teachers, close friends, but also within himself.

“I know he will win again”, said Cortinas. “It isn’t going to be any kind of shock when he does.

He did great last year and I know he is just going to improve since last year.”

A thletics The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, Oct. 9 , 2015

Tennis team takes over the court

Lauren Blevins Co-Editor-In-Chief

The varsity tennis team has a record so far this fall season of 3-3 while the junior varsity (JV) team has a record of 3-1.

So far both teams have played Lehman, Hays, Anderson, Lake Travis, Westlake, and Austin. Both teams practice 4th period where they run drills and play matches.

Varsity lost a close 8-10 to Anderson, but they fought hard for every point and even got support from football players out at practice.

“The most intense match this year was mine and Jamie Dammann’s doubles match against Anderson,” senior Ksenia Vlassova said. “We were first barely up 4-3, 1540 and the match got rained out so when we resumed we won 6-4. Then the girls started coming back and hitting winners and won the second set 6-4, after we were up 4-1. Finally in the tie break, these football players came and started yelling every time Anderson missed the ball.

Jamie and I were laughing so hard that we ended up winning 10-3 in the tie break.”

Varsity played Lake Travis on September 22 and Westlake on October 1. The JV match against Westlake got rained out and there is no plan of rescheduling it. Their final match was on September 28 against Akins.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Lake Travis and Westlake this season,” senior Mariya Shkolnaya said.

“They are both really good schools and it’s always fun to compete against them.”

This fall, the teams play schools in the district. Each match won is a point for the team. The fall consists of more team tennis, while the spring is more individual tournaments.

“My favorite part about being on the team is that it brings a whole new dynamic to tennis,” senior Jackson Cobb said. “Tennis is mainly an individual sport, but this is more about teamwork and picking each other up.”

Later in the season, Varsity goes to playoffs to compete for the state title.

“It’s been a long season, but I am confident that we will advance out of district playoffs to the area round,” coach James Dammann said.

During the Spring semester, the teams travel around the Austin area and play all-day tournaments at different schools, like Pflugerville, Westwood, and Round Rock.

“I’m looking forward to the spring season where we have our independent tournaments,” Vlassova said. “I’m especially excited for the Hendrickson tournament because Bowie always kills in that tournament and everyone places first, second, or third. It’s always fun to go to team dinner if we all have something to celebrate.”

Traveling and going to tournaments allows the players to get to know each other very well and make long-lasting memories.

“My favorite part about being on the tennis team is hanging out with my teammates,” Shkolnaya said. “We’re all really good friends and have really bonded over the years. Everyone of them is special in their own way and never fails to brighten up my day.”

After matches and tournaments, the teams go to team dinners and have grown with each other throughout the years.

“They are basically my second family that I can trust with anything,” Vlassova said. “We go to dinners together, tell each other almost everything, and I can do anything crazy and won’t be judged.”

Rallying the ball: Sophomore Tyler David hits be ball passing it over to his partner. Davids is on junior varsity and plays tennis outside of Bowie as well for the Bowie team. Photo by Granger Coats

Page 10

Dawgs sprint their way to regionals

St. Andrews Invitational: Flournoy turns the corner as she finishes her 5k. Flournoy placed third at this meet with a time of 18:20. Flournoy has been the top girl’s varsity runner on the team all season. Photo by Carissa Duran

As number one runner, Marissa Flournoy becomes a leader and helps the team as district approaches Isabel Rosales Athletics Editor Up at the crack of dawn, anxiously waiting at the start line in a crowd of 200+ girls for the gunman to shoot the gun and be able to start the race.

BOOM!! The gun goes off and everyone is fighting for a position trying to lead the pack, elbows being thrown, girls falling and being trampled.

Senior Marissa Flournoy is the number one girl runner in both cross country and distance track running a 18:12 5k.

Flournoy has had multiple offers to D1 colleges to continue her career in track and cross country. She will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2016.

“Committing to the University of Texas has been something I have wanted and dreamed about for so long,” Flournoy said.

Head coach Rita Gonzales described Flournoy in three words: passionate, driven, and competitive.

“Marissa has developed into a very competitive and passionate runner throughout the years I remember her coming in as a freshman and now a senior enjoying the sport just as much if not more,” Gonzales said.

Flournoy has been asked multiple times as to why she joined cross country a sport where most people believe that all you do is run in circles but she begs to differ.

“Freshman year I participated in many different sports but nothing was as rewarding as suffering through a race alone and then winning and qualifying for the next level,” Flournoy said.

Although Marissa will continue her career as a student athlete she has encountered many obstacles throughout the way and will continue to be met with obstacles.

“I have overcome many physical obstacles throughout my four years of running at Bowie, but most importantly have overcome my lack of con-

fidence in my running and my metal fear of not being good enough,” Flournoy said.

Flournoy’s favorite part about cross country is being able to be strong enough to overcome obstacles against all odds.

“My favorite part about cross country is competing and fishing to be the best I can be, I love testing my mental strength and having other great competitors that push my to my limits and farther than I thought I was capable of,” Flournoy said.

From freshman year to senior year Flournoy has always been on varsity slowing climbing to the top as top runner.

“The desire to compete at one of the top distance universities in the country fueled my desire to work harder and make the dream a reality,” FLournoy said.

Throughout her journey Flournoy has come to the realization that dreams have the ability to become reality through hard work.

“It means everything to me to be able to commit

there because it has made me realize that hard work pays off and no dream is unattainable,” Flournoy said.

Flournoy is not the only runner who has benefited from cross country.

“Being in cross country throughout high school is something I wouldn’t ever trade, even though it’s a painful sport, it has made me much stronger physically and mentally, “ Senior Harper Hahn said.

For many cross country is more than just a sport it a family.

“My favorite experience ever in cross country is having a family outside of home. Our team is so close and inseparable, much more than other sports in my opinion,” Hahn said.

Winning the last four meets consecutively Gonzalez believes that this is one of the best years.

“They will be leaving us with an unforgettable year that will be that one that is going to be very hard to match in the future,” Gonzales said.

The wins keep reeling in as Dawgs are 5-0 in district

Amaya Marquez Staff Writer

The fans were screaming, the cheerleaders were stunting, and the players were pumped. The football team has started off the season undefeated and faced the Westlake Chaparrals October 2 at Burger at 7:30.

Last season, quarterback Preston Wheeler lead the team 7-1 in district and since he graduated with the class of 2015, junior Wade Smith took over as first string quarterback and has lead the team 2-0 in district so far.

“I think I’ve done pretty well so far, being the starting quarterback is definitely a privilege and it’s very fun because you get to think a lot about the game plan, which is my favorite part,” Smith said.

Being the starting quarterback is a big responsibility because it requires leadership skills to be able to lead the team and accord-

ing to Smith, he is going do everything he can to fulfill that role.

“This season is going to be great, I’m most excited to be able to play a game that I love with all of my good friends, and it sucks I can’t be with them out there but I can’t wait to see them do really awesome things in the games,“ Smith said.

While it was Smith’s first year as quarterback, he stumbled across a obstacle while playing at the week two game against San Antonio Madison. Smith tore his ACL in his left knee on an juke attempt and is out for the rest of the season.

“This injury is tough because it ends my junior season of football and my recovery will range from 6-9 months, all depending on how well surgery and physical therapy goes,” Smith said.

While the Dawgs wish Smith a speedy recovery, junior Brandon Ramos and Sophomore Matthew Wheeler, brother of Pres-

ton, are going to be sharing the role of starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

“When I had found out that I was going to be start-

ing I was nervous, I really have to step up now and do the best that I can to keep the team going,” Ramos said.

Week three game

Touchdown: Senior runs down the field to make a touch down against the Anderson Trojans. This is his fourth year in the football program here at bowie and i not laying first string. Photo by Violet Glenwinkle

against Lehman was the first game Ramos and Wheeler got to show their skills out on the field and overall, they played good, according to Ramos.

“I personally think I played well and efficiently, I just kept the momentum strong and positive,” Ramos said.

The ‘Dawgs have four scheduled games left of the season, after Westlake, and senior Josh Wainwright plans on playing hard and leaving a big impact on the team as a captain.

“It’s fun lifting the guys up and being a vocal leader and one that leads out on the field, I’m trying to leave the team with the same mentality that we had last year, which is to work hard and be confident in our play,” Wainwright said.

Wainwright is one of the five senior captains of the team and he recently committed to Northern Arizona University this summer to play on a football scholarship.

“I had thought about

NAU previously but it all became real once they had offered me a scholarship and shortly committed afterwards,” Wainwright said.

The senior boys are prepping for the most anticipated game of the year, which is the game against Westlake and they are ready to play this , according to Wainwright.

“We’re all excited for the Westlake game. We’ve gone back to back with those guys and will be more than happy to three peat on them this year,” Wainwright said.

Despite the injuries that occurred to multiple players this season, the boys are going strong and are looking forward to playoffs, according to coach Charles Holmes.

“The boys have worked their butts off this season and it has definitely paid off,” Holmes said.

Editor’s Note: The ‘Dawgs lost 24-9 to Westlake. Up next is Akins on Oct. 16 at Burger Center (visitors).

A thletics The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, Oct. 9, 2015

Page 11

Swinging into the future of golfing

Zabloski aspires to continue his golf career through college and then go pro Granger Coats Athletics Writer

New Accomplishments: Dawson Zabloski watches as his golf ball flies across the bright green field. Zabloski had just finished swinging the ball at a range that he had a very hard time perfecting. Photo by Granger Coats

The white clouds shine and gently float overhead.

Lush green grass perfectly manicured, splits with a crisp swing of the Taylor Made R15 driver. Senior Dawson Zabloski gazes as his ball lands onto the fairway.

“When it comes to dedication there is nothing above it except God and grades,” Zabloski said.

Zabloski is a committed member of the Bowie golf team as well as a talented golfer outside of school.

Dawson has played tournaments in both the Texas Junior Golf Tour, or TJGT and, The American Junior Golf Association, or AJGA which is a competitive tour for highly skilled golfers.

“I’ve had a lot of first place finishes this last year, and these last 18 months have been my pickup in maturity for golf, and that’s what gives me all the fire, because I know what first place tastes like and I want to get that every single day,“ Zabloski said.

Accomplishments and goals fuel Zabloski’s drive and motivation to compete

and do better in golf both for Bowie and outside of school.

“What I like the most is our competition we play against some really great 6A schools like Westlake and Lake Travis who have both won state so it’s fun to play against really good people,” Zabloski said.

The golf team has their work cut out for them as they face fierce competition in their division.

“I think we are in the most difficult district in the state for golf, because Westlake has won state up to five or six times, and Lake Travis has won state,” golf coach Brad Ingram said. “There were several years where Lake Travis was 4A and we were 5A, and Lake Travis would win 4A state, and Westlake would win 5A state, now, we are in the same district.

It’s a tough district but I really think Dawson has a chance to advance out of district to the regional meet.”

The team faces difficult opposition but Zabloski’s leadership and dedication brings a crucial component to the golf team.

“For Dawson golf is a year round event, it’s not

just during school,it’s not just the days that we practice, he goes out and practices on his own, he plays in tournaments all summer long, he’s really dedicated to making himself the best golfer he can be,” Ingram said.

Zabloski is constantly working on improving his game and brings leadership to the team.

Matt Worthington is a close friend of Zabloski’s who supports and pushes Zabloski.

“Matt always gives me good luck, he’s supported me throughout the whole thing,” Zabloski said.

Although high school comes to an end this spring for Zabloski his golf game won’t, as he plans on playing college golf.

“I haven’t committed anywhere yet, I have had offers from a couple of different colleges,” Zabloski said. “I’m going to Vegas this winter for a big college camp, so I won’t commit until after that.”

As Zabloski tees off, he stands and looks at the sun, which like his future shines bright and warm ahead of him.

New Silver Star director Volleyball spikes into brings about change to team change and new customs Violet Glenewinkle Athletics Writer

While farewell from previous dance director, Jennifer Dawson, was saddening a door had opened on campus and in walked Courtney Allison, the new head of the dance department.

“Bowie is amazing,” said Allison. “I’ve had a really, really great time with not only getting to know the students but also the faculty and the administration. They really bring everybody in and support you.”

The experience she brings to the dance department has come all over the world, including several different countries and cultures.

“I have choreographed in 46 states and done different countries. I traveled all through my twenties and choreographed clinics and did all sorts of clinics and dance workshops.”

Allison traveled all through her twenties to get

Priscilla Diaz Athletics Editor

New Routine: Courtney Allison advises Silver Stars on their thoroughness with their dance. The team has been rehearsing a new routine and needed some corrections.

Photo by Priscilla Diaz

a personal experience with dance which eventually led her here.

“The traveling involved a lot of meeting new people and networking and it was definitely the best thing I could ever have done,” said Allison.

Recently the director has been incorporating her knowledge into the Silver Star and dance classes.

“She has added a lot of new technical and structural ideas to the team, which adds new ways for us to better ourselves,” sophomore Silver star Sydney Pattison said.

Silver star officer Hannah Rodriguez expected change but her point of view on Allison’s change is positive.

“Mrs. Allison has made a lot of improvements and changes for the betterment of the dance department and Silver Stars,” said Rodriguez.

“Sometimes change is hard to adjust to, but it’s crucial to become better.”

Allison’s policy is firm when it comes to working as a team in dance classes and Silver Stars.

The volleyball team is piled high in new things to adjust to this year. With a new volleyball coach and a junior captain, the team is still going strong on the court. The new coach, Miguel Saenz, has made an astounding impression on the team.

“He has brought a lot of new skills to the team, and tries to get us well rounded so we’re good in every aspect,” junior Stefanie Necak said.

Saenz has led the team into an abundance of victories and has shown the team a new form of bonding and getting along with one another.

“He’s brought a new perspective to the team, his drills are focused on getting us to work as a whole.

His different approach has made our weaknesses our strengths,” senior captain Alicia Morales said.

The captains also make a huge impact on

the team’s performance, this year’s captains, junior Ellie Crosley and senior Alicia Morales are helping the team be successful. It is not often a junior captain is elected so Crosley was honored when she was chosen.

“The team voted Alicia and I based on characteristics they would like to see in a captain so it was great to see that they think highly of both me and Alicia,” Crosley said.

The team was extremely satisfied with their decision, having voted on who

their captains were. Both Crosley and Morales take pride in the responsibility that was given to them, they love to encourage and support the team.

“Ellie and Alicia are probably some of the best people I know,” junior Alex McLennan said. “They’re awesome role models, they have super good integrity, and carry great qualities.”

With the help of Coach Saenz and the countless hours put in by the girls, the volleyball team sets itself up in the season with a record of 6-2.

Warm-Up: Coach Miguel Saenz gathers volleyballs as the team runs warm-up laps. Morning practice had just begun and the girls had to get their blood flowing before working out. Photo by Priscilla Diaz

Dawg Records Football:

Record: 5-1 Upcoming games: 0ct. 16. @ Akins, Oct. 23 (Homecoming) against Hays, Oct. 30 @ Lake Travis, and Nov. 5 against Del Valle

Tennis:

Record: 3-4 Upcoming matches: Last match was on Oct. 1 against Westlake

Volleyball:

Record: 6-2 Upcoming games: Oct. 23 against Hays and Oct. 27 against Austin

Cross Country:

Girl’s Varsity: placed 1st at Cedar Park Invitaional Boy’s Varsity: placed 18th at Cedar Park Invitaional Upcoming meets: Westlake’s Chapparel Invitational on Oct. 9

PROUD TO SUPPORT BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL

Exclusive offer for Bowie H.S. students:

BUY ONE SANDWICH, GET ONE FREE

Offer valid only at William Cannon location, and not with other offers. Expires: 12/31/14.

P hoto Essay

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 Page 12

Work day brings FFA students together The early morning sun rises, casting shadows and light onto the students.

Wheelbarrows filled with sand and lumber cross paths with students leading goats and other farm animals to their pens. The tractor rumbles with a start as scents of burnt gasoline and early morning hay fill the air. It’s a work day for the FFA students of Bowie.

“We dig out the back of the pens to get rid of the sand and hay from last years pigs,” sophomore Shane Lockhoof said. “We then move in new sand and set up the walls and gates to all the pens.”

Lockhoof details the work students do on the pen set up work day.

“Students learn how much work went into making their pens and what a good healthy pen for a pig should look like,” Lockhoof said.

Setting up the pens is an important part of FFA as they house their animals for

the entire year in the pens they built.

“The students learn about work ethics, responsibility, and most importantly team-work,” agriculture teacher Brad Pierce said.

The work day instills important knowledge and lessons for the students.

Whether it be lifting heavy pieces of gate for the pins, or starting and working the Kubota tractor, FFA students learn valuable lessons on working together as an effective group.

“Its an exciting day for the students because they know once the pens are set up then comes the show pigs,” Pierce said.

The work day is an exciting time as it’s the first step in raising the pigs and different animals for competition.

“It allows people to come together, everybody is so nice, and friendly, and just happy to share information,” junior Shaye Elliot said.

The work day enables the students to get together and be with their friends while also getting crucial work done for FFA. “The work day benefits the students by getting them into the swing of things and gets them used to putting in time and work for their animals,” Lockhoof said.

“I like seeing the dedication and excitement of the students on the work day,” Pierce said.

As the FFA students set up their pens it allows an exciting part of their year to begin; A year full of dedication and responsibility that comes along with raising an animal.

The sun shines brighter and hotter as the work day comes to a close. Dust is patted off boots and shirts.

Students laugh and talk in groups around bottled water and snacks. They say their goodbyes and leave in their cars, vacating the barn which patiently awaits the work of next time.

Gathering hay (Top Left): Sophmore Lane Reinach collects the leftover hay from last years pen. Removing the hay is the first step in preparing the pens. “It allows the animals to have someplace to stay,” Reinarch said.

Clearing the pen (Left): Freshman Cade Oldham works the soil of the pen. Oldham works patiently and systematically to remove the hay and dirt from last years pen.

“Its lots of hard work,” Oldham said of the work day.

Barnhouse cleaning: Sophmore Colin Pope and junior Coleman Price wire up the barn for electricity. After finishing up in the barn the two students gathered up with friends and ate snacks and water for their break.”You learn how to tie things together and make things work,” Pope said.

Goat wrangling: Senior Shaye Elliot walks her goat to its pen. Elliot worked numerous tasks on the work day.

“You mow, you clean up, you get hair out, move out dirt, and just make sure everything is in order,” Elliot said.

Dirty work (Middle Left): Sophmore Brandon Parker, Kyle Parker, Sophomore Colin Pope, and Mr. Parker ready the pens for set up. The students took turns scooping out large amounts of dirt from the pen.“I like FFA because I like working with larger animals and doing manual labor,” Pope said.

Tractor fix up: Juniors Joseph Duarte and Garrett Baschnagel work on the tractor. After the tractor is ready Duarte uses it to move large amounts of dirt.”I enjoy the work, it gives me something to do after school,” Duarte said.

Story and Photos by Granger Coats