The Dispatch, Vol. 31, Issue #3, 12.14.18

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TOURING THEATRICS Senior theater directors put on children shows and travel to elementary schools

THE POLITICAL DIVIDE Students give their feedback about where they stand on various issues that split the country

INSIDE THE KITCHEN Culinary students work year round to put on school-wide bake sales, teacher luncheons, and learn the craft of food

Dec. 17-20 Final Exams Dec. 21-Jan. 6 Winter Break Jan. 14 AP Exam Registration Opens Jan. 15 New FAFSA Deadline

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pg. 8, 9

pg. 6

coming UP

Pride in Publishing

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

Vol. 31, Issue 3 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin TX, 78749

We Dine

TOGETHER

Student leaders host parties during lunch to promote inclusiveness throughout campus Cianna Chairez Editor-in-Chief

New bonds impact students Kateri Jaquette Reporter

18 years and recognizes how necessary improvements are in response to the growing population.

As polls closed and ballots were count“Improving Austin’s infrastructure is very ed, residents of Austin waited for the re- important,” Stampley said. “Especially besults that could decide the fate of their city. cause our population is rapidly increasing.”

During the November elections, nine city Lifelong Austin resident and Bowie High improvement bonds were School junior Bevin passed that are set to cost Flaherty believes that This isn't the same city it was 10 the city $925 million dolthe city needs to make lars. Building affordable years ago and I think these bonds are changes in response housing, improving Emer- just what we need to help us adapt. to population growth gency Medical Services and these bonds could facilities and water protecBevin Flaherty significantly help with tion quality are just a few Junior that. of the projects that have “I’ve lived in Ausbeen approved in an attempt to improve the tin most of my life and I’ve seen how much quality of living in Austin. it has grown,” Flaherty said “This isn’t the There is no doubt that Austin’s popula- same city it was 10 years ago and I think tion has grown significantly over the past these bonds are just what we need to help few years. AP Human Geography teacher us adapt.”

Charles Stampley has resided in Austin for READ MORE “Bonds” pg. 2

”

INDEX

News 1 , 2, 3 Reviews 13

Feature 4, 5 In-Depth 6, 8, 9

However, the initiative doesn’t come without its challenges.

“Some challenges are just initiating contact,” Werchan said. “It can be hard to go talk to someone you’ve never met before and prove your trust, but once you get past that, everybody enjoys it.”

For Flickinger, the conflicts lie mainly in the logistics.

“The most challenging part has been trying to set up a process that actually works for students to actually know when they're coming, it's just the mechanics,” Flickinger said. “Thank goodness it's not the relationship piece. It's like the students are taking care of that part.”

Acknowledging that some students don’t want to be approached is an essential part of the initiative. However, according to Flickinger, the goal is to make sure everyone feels they have a place.

“Obviously we want to give them their space to be able to work and study and stuff like that,” Flickinger said. “But this idea of nobody is by themselves. Everybody has a place. Students never get lost in the sea. I just don’t want that to ever happen. I want it to be this constant change of culture and community.”

For Yetter, the most gratifying part revolves around starting conversations with people she otherwise wouldn’t know.

“The most rewarding aspect is probably getting to meet new people,” Yetter said. “There are so many people at Bowie that I never would have met if I hadn’t decided to do We Dine Together. I think this will help the students because we are shaping their high school experience. We are sharing memories that they will be able to remember and cherish.”

Flickinger teaches advanced math classes such as AQR and AB Calculus, classes specific to seniors. To her, We Dine Together is a way to expand her reach to other students.

“The most rewarding is hearing the student stories,” Flickinger said. “Especially for me and teaching all seniors, so from a teacher perspective I'm getting to talk to the freshmen and hear the things that they're struggling with right and all levels. To hear the students connect with each other and to see those relationships foster and grow from both the students perspective and from what I get to hear and see it's just awesome for sure.”

In the future, Werchan hopes to see We Dine Together expand and relationships continue to build.

“I can see the future as being much larger, with many people bringing food and more people coming,” Werchan said. “This is a great opportunity to build relationships with new people, and it can grow as big as we want it to. We just need people to believe in what we’re doing and we can have a lot of fun and a lot of success.”

ART BY Sumin Kim

ART BY Sumin Kim

Someone sits alone in the hallway. He hasn’t said one word to anybody at school all day, and no one has noticed. Or so he thinks. Now, that is all changing.

National Honor Society (NHS) sponsor Kelly Flickinger aims to change the culture at James Bowie High School, with her initiative known as We Dine Together.

“It's really important to me for students to really feel connected with our community and just with each other,” Flickinger said. “We were just trying to come up with ways to try to change the culture of this gigantic school of almost 3000 students to really just make people feel like they wouldn't make it throughout the day without at least talking to somebody. There should never be a day that a student goes through the day without talking to somebody in a personal way on a personal level.”

To NHS officer, senior Allison Yetter, We Dine Together works to benefit all students.

“The definition of We Dine Together is just a group of people looking to make a positive impact at Bowie,” Yetter said. “We are making sure that no student feels excluded or like they don’t belong, and not because we are forced to, but because I genuinely want to get to know these kids. We want to change the culture of Bowie for the better.”

The goal of the initiative is to shift the culture of campus, and inspire a more welcoming atmosphere.

The NHS students’ role is to walk the hallways and invite everyone they see sitting alone to Flickinger’s classroom for pizza, cookies, and snacks.

“We Dine Together is bringing people together for food and fun,” senior Seth Werchan said. “It’s a ‘welcome’ sign above the door, that it doesn’t matter who you are, everybody is welcome to come and talk and enjoy their lunch.”

The reach of We Dine Together has extended to organizations outside of just NHS. These organizations include PALS, Silver Stars, and the softball team.

“Those have been the main organizations that have come to me and said, ‘hey we want to be a part of this,’” Flickinger said. “We're trying to make sure that we have a community of people. That when people walk into Bowie, they just feel this culture change. That there's this idea of family and just connectedness at some point and sometime.”

For Werchan, the motivation behind being involved is to push for inclusiveness on campus.

“I participate because I want Bowie to have an inclusive feel, that no matter who you are, somebody cares about you and is willing to hear what you’re thinking,” Werchan said. “With a school as big as Bowie, some kids may feel left out, and we’re trying to help with that problem.”

Counselors now available for FIT

Stress relieving sessions give students an escape from the chaos of finals, social life, and extracurriculars

The counseling department has started FIT sessions on Fridays, where students can come to take their mind off their platter of schoolwork and enjoy fun activities the counselors have planned for them. “[The FIT sessions] are to provide students the opportunity to come and do group sessions together so that we could have opportunities to help students figure out what they need and support them,” freshmen counselor Clare Smith said.

“They generally start with a mindfulness exercise because

Photo Essay 7, 16 Sports 10, 11

that’s something we could all use in any class; it’s a tool we give all kids. Sessions are really to help kids know each other and get more comfortable about being at Bowie.”

Some fun activities they plan include making slime, creating a human knot, and bringing in puppies to play with.

“We did a mindfulness activity to calm down and get in the zone but in mine we didn’t have a super specific activity; we made slime,” freshmen counselor Laura Loza said.

“We did it to do something

Entertainment 12 Commentary 14, 15

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@jbhs_dispatch

different and not do academic work for a little bit which was fun and relaxing. It was something that they didn’t have to think about.”

Overall, the goal is that the kids that come to the FIT sessions leave with a relaxed mind and new friends.

“I feel like the kids that have come have made friends with each other too so they’ve gotten to know one another and they continue to come back; they enjoy seeing those people because their people they wouldn’t necessarily hang out with,” Loza said.

STORY BY Jadon Alvarez

2 NEWS

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

Howe shines as Top 'Dawg teacher Faith Lawrence Reporter

Special Education teacher Patrick Howe was surprised when he learned he was named Bowie Top Dawg Teacher for the month of October.

Howe, who’s been teaching at Bowie for three years, was in his classroom when the announcement was made.

“I like to try to keep kind of a low profile here in school,” Howe said. “So I was kind of laughing when I got [Top Dawg Teacher] and they called my name over the loudspeaker. It’s a nice thing to be recognized by your peers and it’s been fun having the bulldog outside my door.”

The Top Dawg Teacher award is given out every month to teachers who work above and beyond. The award is decided based off of nominations that teachers submit every month. “[Mr. Robinson] gets all of the nominations and any time somebody gets nominated for Top Dawg for the very first time, there’s a certificate we create and it has a description of what the people said about them in the nomination,” School Improvement Facilitator Ruth Ann Widner said.

In addition to the recognition from teachers, Howe’s students think he is helpful and appreciate his assistance in classes.

“He comes around to each individual student and

WHAT IS THE TOP 'DAWG CRITERIA?

Believes in education and is a leader in his or her discipline

Dedicates him or her self to students and student growth

Collaborates with staff members within all departments, and with other professionals in our larger community

Is willing to take on challenges and strive for student success

Exemplifies pride in performance and bulldog pride

OCTOBER'S TOP DAWG TEACHER

PATRICK HOWE BASIC STUDY SKILLS TEACHER helps you as much as he can with whatever you're doing,” junior Eric Larson said. “He always makes sure that you're getting your work done, you're on top of everything, [and] he checks your

grades. I just think he’s a great teacher. He deserves this award because he knows what he’s doing and I really appreciate him as a teacher.”

Several of Howe’s students said they enjoy how he

jokes around in class, is a fun teacher, and how open and friendly he is toward them.

“I like to keep my environment fairly light,” Howe said. “I like to joke around with students. I definitely

PHOTO BY Chase Westfall

don't think I’m characterized as a disciplinarian. That being said I think everybody who comes into my room respects everybody, they can kind of be themselves there.

I like to think the kids are

comfortable just being themselves in there.”

Howe teaches classes like Basic Study Skills, where students can work on assignments from any class.

“My class is very different than most typical classes,” Howe said. “I have students working on all different subjects at all times in my class.

I can go from helping someone with Algebra at one second to someone who is doing AP Economics in another second. That alone is a little different, just being flexible.”

Senior Bailey Potter believes Howe pushes students to do their best work.

“He tells us about how when he was younger he would turn in things late and wasn’t the best students so he wants to give to other students and make sure they do as much as they can to excel in high school,” Potter said.

Some of the criteria for the award is the teacher should be dedicated to students, be willing to take on challenges, and strive for student success.

“Very few know him,” an anonymous teacher wrote on Howe’s nomination form.

“Very few work with him.

Very few even know what he does. He should be known because he is a valuable member of our Bowie faculty. Patrick Howe provides so many services to the students, helps the teachers help the students, and is the ultimate example of an educator: does a phenomenal job without seeking a reward.”

Previous Top 'Dawg Teachers of the Month

Ruth Ann Widner January 2017

Ruth Narvaiz October 2017

Amanda Pfeiffer February 2018

Bree Rolfe March 2018

Alejandro Garcia August 2018

Whitney Shumate September 2018

PHOTOS BY Chase Westfall

AISD's decreasing enrollment causes new budget cuts Avery Shelton Reporter

2019 Budget Plan with Recapture KEY: : Total Budget $1,444,828,248 : Recapture Payments (46%) $669,599,162 : Salary Related (46%) $668,374,967

: Professional and Contracted Services (5%) $67,478,376 : Supplies and Materials (2%) $26,572,393 : Other operating Costs (1%) $11,925,746 *Debt Service (0%) $478,147 *Capital Outlay (0%) $399,457

For more information, scan the QR code: ART BY Jadon Alvarez

https://www.austinisd.org/budget/recapture

The AISD 2019 Preliminary budget plan states the district aims to “stay away from” budget cuts, however due to declining enrollment, raised property taxes, and raised recapture, it may be unavoidable."

On November 26, the AISD Board of Trustees meet to discuss proposals on how to handle the expected nearly $30 million deficit.

“Budget reductions are always difficult,” Principal Mark Robinson said. “What do we cut?”

The proposed cuts include; potential school closures, taking away a planning period from teachers, adjusting school boundaries, increasing class sizes, and getting rid of school organizations that may be too costly.

“87% of AISD's budget is payroll, the real issue is the way that the state funds schools,” Robinson said.

Based on state funding, the amount of recapture, redistribution of tax dollars from property-rich districts to poorer ones, is only going to continue to increase and will total about $3.7 billion paid to the state since 2002.

“Austin ISD is required to send $670 million to the state in recapture,” Robinson said. “The district wouldn't have a budget deficit if it had those funds.”

Despite, the recent approval of a multi-million dollar bond aimed towards improving campuses in Austin, the district is still struggling with financing.

“I honestly haven’t paid as much of attention as I have been wanting to, to the bond, but I am a little confused about why there would be budget cuts,” sophomore Tiffany Ard said. “I thought the bond was supposed to add financial support for AISD and Bowie but I don’t know enough information to have a strong feeling about

it.”

Despite the possibility of potential budget cuts, students hope changes made provide a positive impact for the remainder of their time at Bowie.

“I hope they take into consideration what we want as well as what makes sense for the schools because we are the students and spend a lot of time here,” sophomore Katie Puperi said.

Overall, the decisions will be made at the district offices. Between the Superintendent, who has some decision powers, the Board of Trustees, and the Budget Stabilization Task Force has their many decisions to make to balance the budget.

“Principals have been involved in reviewing and providing feedback on a comprehensive list of proposed cuts,” Robinson said. “I believe the district has been very comprehensive in the approach to solving the budget deficit."

New bonds start projects that will impact Austin life CONTINUED from pg. 1

As the population has increased, the cost of living in Austin increased with it. The current unaffordability of living has prompted many residents to leave.

“Many people can’t afford to live in Austin because the taxes are so high.” Stampley said “This is why the AISD student population is dropping.”

While Austin has become notoriously unaffordable, it’s residents hope to address that issue through the $250 million dollar affordable housing bond.

“I think overall Austin is a more liberal city and try to take into account people who don't make as much money.” Stampley said “An example of that is the homeless shelter

downtown, not many cities have that.”

“For example, the construction on SlaughWhile many believe that these bonds will ter Lane is the bane of my existence when it be a solution to issues within the city in the comes to driving to school and whilst these long run, they also have concerns in regards improvements are needed, people are unwillto how these ing to cooperate projects will the construc“Many people can’t afford to live in Austin with disrupt their tion that is necesdaily lives because the taxes are so high. This is why sary.” while they are Although 73% the AISD student population is dropping.” in progress. of citizens voted “Despite in favor of these how necesbonds in an atCharles Stampley sary these tempt to improve AP Human Geography Teacher projects are, the city, some bepeople want lieve that there these infrastructure improvements without are other factors to be taken into considerthe construction,” senior Alyssa Poole said. ation when it comes to the overarching well

”

being of this city. Poole, a first time voter in the November election, believes these bonds are necessary but has her doubts about how accurately they represent the wants of Austin’s residents .

“Hypothetically, the improvement of infrastructure should be beneficial to citizen.”

Poole said. “However due to low voter turnout of people voting straight ticket it may not be fully representative of what constituents want.” find related topics

ONLINE: AISD bond approval brings positive reactions Read about how the bond Austin citizens voted for has its benefits thedispatchonline.net

FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

NEWS 3 THE DISPATCH

Focusing more attention on attendance

Bowie makes changes to cut number of school trips so students avoid missing classes Cade Spencer Assistant Editor

District attendance and scheduling policies are limiting the amount of field trip absences a student involved in a Fine Arts is allowed. The orchestra program’s skiing trip to Colorado this upcoming March was recently declined due to the policy changes.

When a student misses an extended amount of class time, they are required to complete any missed work by themselves. As elective programs grow more involved, students struggle to find a balance between school and maintaining the required attendance.

“Field trips, like the orchestra trip for example, there wasn’t necessarily any performance there, or contest where we would be participating,” Principal Robinson said. “So in this case the district has pushed back on some events [that could be] on weekends or breaks.”

The district has a general policy to limit trips to miss only one or two class days.

“The thing about scheduling trips like that is you have to have the right part of the year to plan it,” Robinson said. “For example, the Silver Stars were just recently in the Macy’s Day parade, and [since it was over break] they did not miss any school.”

The skiing trip, scheduled in March, would occur during important review time for end of course exams or STAAR. “When we know we have things like AP or EOC exams, we don’t want students to miss school right before the exams,” Robinson said.

“That is the other reason [scheduling] is difficult,[for] it is really never a good time to miss school.”

In consideration to scheduling, attendance was set to be 96.5% for the school as a

ART BY Shruti Patel

whole.

“Trips come across my desk, then they go to the high school office,” Robinson said. “Once they are approved by the high school office, they go all the way to the Chief Academic Officer who makes the final decision.”

Students are required to attend 90% of a class’ available periods in order to earn credit.

“First and foremost, we want students to be in class everyday,” Robinson said.

“So we typically choose trips that don’t pull students away

from class time.”

One student affected is sophomore Mickenna Haynes, who is involved in both orchestra and school volleyball.

“The district said the trip was too long, but I would miss the same amount of time of class I usually do for volleyball tournaments,” Haynes said. “If I know I’m going to miss I’ll get ahead, but I’ll [still] miss some quizzes, maybe a test.”

An extra block period is generally given to students to complete work assigned during an absence.

“I usually have around three hours of make-up work,” Haynes said. “It’s hard for math mostly because lectures are not posted online.”

Robinson believes that make-up work can never really teach a student as successfully as class would.

“So much of what you learn is connected to prior learning,” Robinson said. “If you miss that or learn something in a different way, it can be hard for you to make those connections.”

Another scheduling issue exists in the need for a possi-

ble substitute during extended trips.

“There is a little bit of an expense the campus [must pay] for a substitute teacher if classes need to be covered,” Robinson said. “Typically, I am more than happy to [pay] because I know the trip is a good experience for our students.”

Despite scheduling difficulties, Robinson believes group trips can be a beneficial addition to a school program.

“Trips like that are good for a number of reasons,” Robinson said. “There is a

little bit of a reward after a hard contest season, and team building that comes along with groups getting to do something special like that and share an experience.”

Senior Sophie Bega, a member of the Bowie Orchestra for three years, attended a group trip to New Orleans two years ago.

“Playing in an orchestra is about playing as a team,” Bega said. “The trip promoted teamwork and unity, [leading] to an increase in a sense of playing as a whole instead of playing as an individual.”

The Bowie orchestra currently has around thirty members that must learn to work as a united group to succeed.

“Group trips are an important part of a program because they teach students to be closer and create a better environment,” Bega said.

“You become better friends and ultimately a better program."

Junior Emma Davis is an orchestra member who also feels the trips are a great bonding and learning experience.

“When we were in New Orleans, we were going to perform at the World War II Museum, and when we went to Disney we had the opportunity to [record] music for a movie,” Davis said. “These trips encouraged a lot of bonding as we [talked] about things other than orchestra and school.”

Though field trips are an important aspect to a program, new policies encourage a trip to include both performance and entertainment aspects.

“The district is saying that when at all possible, they want students to be in class,” Robinson said. “We approve [these trips] whenever we can, but usually it is just about scheduling.”

NHS community service programs provide for peers Rachel Baschnagel Copy Editor

From painting walls, to editing essays, to distributing teacher badges, National Honor Society (NHS) members are directly offering assistance to the community in any way they can. Bowie has a working team of students willing to give their time to others.

This year the NHS is working to expand two of its biggest programs: Peer Tutoring and Helping Hands.

As the acting Vice Presidents of NHS, seniors Will Pajak and Emily Leeke are in charge of both of these programs.

“We want to promote a very positive, friendly environment throughout the school where teachers aren’t afraid to ask for help,” Leeke said. “And [where] students aren’t afraid to jump in and help teachers, staff members, and other students when they see the chance to.”

As far as Leeke has seen, the expansion efforts are not in vain.

According to her, more students and teachers have been signing up to receive assistance than they did previously.

“At the beginning of the year, some of our programs were going but they didn’t have a lot of new people coming in,” Leeke said. “As the year’s been going on, a lot more teachers have been finding out about [the programs] and students are starting to sign up and not be afraid to ask for help. It’s a cool thing to see.”

Through the Peer Tutoring program, senior Rasheek Huq has helped a couple freshmen and several seniors in their math courses.

In his opinion, tutoring can be enjoyable as well as beneficial.

“I have a good amount of experience tutoring people in math and I just kind of like it, so I thought it’d be fun to help other people,”

LENDING SOME LOVE: Senior Lin Tran helps Cindi Carroll hang badges on teachers' doors after school. Tran helps out Carroll often as part of Helping Hands. PHOTO BY Shelby Papst

Huq said. “It’s kind of like a sense of satisfaction, being able to convey an idea to someone and help them understand a concept. It’s been more fun than I expected, actually.”

The program also provides tutors to assist large groups of students. English teacher Kimberly Wiedmeyer enlisted the help of NHS tutors to stay after school and help OnRamps Rhetoric students on the days of their college deadlines.

“The students are used to hearing me nag on them for hours, so it’s nice to get peer feedback,” Wiedmeyer said. “The kids who have stayed after school on submission days have really benefited, especially when we’ve been able to partner them one-on-one. And so I think it’s been a real positive and I hope they’ll keep doing it next semester.”

As well as offering a new perspective on students’ essays, NHS members can provide useful information due to their personal experiences in the OnRamps Rhetoric course, according to senior Nyah Bernucho.

“It was the Friday right before Thanksgiving and the kids had a deadline that night, so a lot of them were panicking,” Bernucho said.

“The girl I helped shared her essay with me and I went over it, edited it, added suggestions, and gave her hints and tips that got me the grades that I wanted in Rhetoric last year. We worked one-on-one with the kids to get their essays revised and turned in, and their essays were completely transformed by the end of the night.”

For junior Andre Sanchez, having someone with experience look over his essay saved him valuable

points on his grade.

“Someone line-read my paper and saw the grammar mistakes, [which was] very beneficial because 10% of the grade is on grammar,” Sanchez said. “They also helped me on concepts like organization, which is another 10 points on the paper, which really helped because my paragraphs were said to be out of order. So that was a good 20 points right there.”

In addition to Peer Tutoring, NHS members also volunteer for the organization Helping Hands, where a group of students assist teachers in their everyday tasks.

School Improvement Facilitator Ruth Ann Widner has taken advantage of this program multiple times, for help mostly with Bowie Badges for faculty members.

“Last year I did not have their help; I spent hours and hours and hours making badges and delivering them,” Widner said. “It was really, really challenging, so it saves me a lot of time. I have a professional degree and should be spending my time doing professional activities and not necessarily cutting and pasting.”

For the volunteers, there’s more to Helping Hands than the volunteer hours, according to senior Jack Fishbaugh.

“Helping Hands is important for teachers because teachers have a lot of work to do,” Fishbaugh said.

“So they get students to lend a hand every once in a while with little tasks and it makes things more efficient. I really like the teachers at Bowie, so I want to help as much as I can with anything they need.”

This year, the Spanish Honor Society and the French Honor Society teamed up with Helping Hands members to create a Custodian Committee, which plans an event or gives the custodians small gifts once monthly.

“We started a Custodian Com-

mittee so the teachers and students can give back to our custodial staff, because that’s something that we haven’t really done in the past,” Leeke said. “That’s branching out from our Helping Hands and we do that with Spanish Honor Society.”

The committee’s purpose is to show the custodial staff that students appreciate all of their hard work, according to senior Carolina Govea, co-president of the Spanish Honor Society and NHS member.

“We started in October, so for Halloween we made goody bags with personalized notes and placed them in the workroom as a surprise for [the custodians],” Govea said.

“Ms. Theis had stuff planned for November, so we didn’t do that month, and for December we’re planning on having our annual Chocolatada with a small breakfast and gift cards or small gifts for them. I know the students really like giving back to them since not many organizations on campus do that.”

NEED HELP? To sign up for Peer Tutoring, students can scan the bar-code posted on Peer Tutoring flyers around the school, or on the front page of the NHS website: www.jbowienhs.weebly.com.

PEER TUTORING

HELPING HANDS

4 FEATURE

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

Family brings effects to Mamma Mia!

Behind the scenes on how the Dahls light up the stage of this year’s spring musical

LIGHTS, MORE LIGHTS, ACTION: Teaching junior James Heckler the ropes, Allen Dahl weaves string lights through a wooden fixture in order to build lighting for the set. This year’s production of Mamma Mia! uses the most intense lighting the STC has used in a show since 2016’s production of Tommy. PHOTO BY Maddy Rice

cial lighting effects,” Morales said.

Morales, along with the Dahl sisters, are a few of the people who are extremely grateful for the resources and materials Allen is providing the company.

“He’s providing all the materials needed to make this happen, along with all the software needed and support, so we’re all really grateful,” Morales said. “His help is incredibly beneficial to us because the equipment he has is thousands upon thousands of dollars. The fact that he’s letting us use

it for free is not only saving us time and money, but also allowing us to put on a better show.”

Along with more special effects, the STC wants the audience to play a bigger role in the show than ever before.

“Mr. Dahl is providing us with specialty lights for effects, like the disco floor and some rain effects,” Morales said. “We’re also going to go ahead and try to make the audience part of the sea at one point in the show to try to immerse the audience for a new experience.”

While the effects are

meant to expand the show and add depth, they aren’t the full purpose of the show.

“I hope people notice all the special effects, but only in support of the cast and crew,” Allen said. “They shouldn’t be there to overshadow the kids, they are there to help support the story and add detail.”

As the cast and crew continue to work on the show, Allen expresses what makes this whole thing worthwhile.

“My favorite part about helping out with the show is doing the construction,” Allen said.“Watching how the

Sophomore programs like a pro Maddy Rice Managing Editor

TECHtalk A Day in the Life of District IT Technician Andrew Jones

”

W se ha C

a ll estf

In the summer of 2007, the iPhone was introduced to the world, taking it by storm with its shiny new app store that featured captivating games and useful tools. Now, 11 years later, the world has advanced in ways never imagined before. With new technology careers emerging across the globe, kids today are becoming more driven and technologically savvy than their older counterparts.

These kids are much like sophomore Ethan Meder, a 16-year-old who has dedicated his life to learning about the vast world of computer science. From helping students learn how to program to studying how to imitate neural pathways in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Meder is obsessed with everything technology.

“What I like most about programming is probably the challenge,” Meder said.

“Not only do you have to know complex algorithms, but you must stay current with the newest discoveries, creations, and trends.”

In order to jump-start his tech career, Meder takes AP Computer Science and Computer Science Swift Coding classes, and is even considering repeating classes if Bowie doesn’t add more CTE options to their curriculum.

“I would like to get a degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science first,” Meder said. “After that, I would like to work at a secure place like Google, Amazon, or other big name, safe companies.

I would like to become the senior programmer on a team and then I would like to experience another field/company.”

The curriculum for Meder’s computer science classes involve applications of Python, one of the fastest growing programming languages, along with other languages like Swift and Java. According to computer science teacher Mr. Bowman Brannon, Java is one of the most challenging languages to pick up as far as syntax is concerned due to rigorous content and fast pace. “[Ethan] and I have talked a lot individually about [his future], and his current

goal is to learn as much about as many lan- workers at big-name companies like Amguages and their applications as possible,” azon and Google, and innovators or entreBrannon said. “He truly has that ‘life-long preneurs.” learner’ mentality. I honestly wouldn’t be Of the three different sections, elesurprised if he ends up in a role where he mentary, middle, and high-school, Meder educates, menprimarily tors, or manages deals with groups of peoelemenHis intrinsic motivation to succeed is ple.” tary.

He At the mowas even very impressive compared to most of the ment, Meder’s students I have taught over the last decade a student attention is himself in captured by AI Gorzycand the world ki Middle Bowman Brannon surrounding it.

School’s afComputer Science Teacher This specifically ter-school includes neural program. networks, much “ A l l like the DeepDream computer vision pro- three sections have brilliant kids,” Meder gram created by Google engineers to find said. “To put in perspective, almost all of patterns in images and create a dream-like the 4th-5th graders I have encountered rendition of the picture. have taken or are taking Algebra 1. Most “They are basically algorithms that are of them can type better than I can too.” modeled after the human brain and can Meder and his friends actually helped learn tasks very efficiently with little guid- found Bowie’s first robotics club with the ance,” Meder said. “It’s very diffi- help of sponsor Laura Mixon. cult and I have a tough time wrap“We had all done robotics in middle ping my head around it a lot of school and were disappointed to hear that PH Bowie didn’t have much anything to offer,” OT the time.”

O Although Meder is club president sophomore Bradley MixBY captivated by the pro- on said. “We compete in the nationwide gramming world, FIRST Tech Challenge where we design it does not mean and build a robot to accomplish a series of the rest of his tasks and challenges. Last year we finished family follows 18th out of around 50 teams in Austin and suit. Meder said surrounding area. This year, we’re on track no one else in to do even better and hope to advance to his family pro- the state-level competition.” grams and the Brannon has watched Meder continumost exposure ously grow in his classes, naming Meder to program- one of his top computer science students. ming software “His intrinsic motivation to succeed is that they have is very impressive compared to most of the Google Sheets. students I have taught over the last de“I took a class cade,” Brannon said. “He goes above and in Computer Sci- beyond on most projects and is extremeence way back in 3rd ly creative. Ethan is highly focused and grade and fell in love with knows what he wants to do this as a caprogramming,” Meder said. reer— I am confident his contributions are “However, the support from my going to be very impactful in whichever family has been tremendous as they pro- area he chooses to focus it.” vide me ways to learn.”

Having only spent 16 years on the planOne of these ways includes teach- et, Meder is already making a name for ing kids programming in an enrichment himself in the tech community. Meder course for kids modeled after college-lev- turned his fun loving hobby into a serious el computer science courses. Meder gets career choice. to work under software engineers as an “After looking stuff up, I came to realize Assignment Teacher, helping kids solve [computer science] is a well-paying field, errors and providing one-on-one explana- it’s in dire need of more people, and it tions. will be needed for a very, very long time,” “Through Hello World, I have built my Meder said. “I think the combination of network and met some amazing people,” enjoying programming and thinking of the Meder said. “The people hired to teach future inspires me greatly to work with at Hello World are Company Founders, technology.”

entire show comes together to create something really cool.”

As part of the group chorus, Ashlyn encourages everyone who loves ABBA, cool special effects, and even just having fun, to come check out Mamma Mia! next semester.

“I think everyone will react really positively to seeing our spin on this musical and all the special effects my dad’s helping with, and the show as a whole because it’s a big crowd favorite,” Ashlyn said. “And, everyone knows and loves Mamma Mia!”

7:00 a.m. arrive at Bowie

“ My typical

day always starts here; most of my customers are here.

11:34 a.m. fix a broken printer

“ My office is

basically my car, I usually leave [Bowie] about 12:30 to 1, I grab something to eat on the road and then go to my next school.

12:47 p.m.

[Teachers] either can’t print anymore or they have a laptop that has a failure, or they try to do something new.

grab lunch on the road

1:30 p.m. arrive at Bailey

3:30 p.m. head home

ART BY Maddy Rice

I only do 7 ½ to 8 hours each day. If I do overtime, it’s once in a blue moon because as a district we’re trying to catch up on our tickets.

“

Mamma Mia! here we go again; the spring musical is underway. This year, the Starlight Theatre Company (STC) will be putting on the classic ABBA-filled musical “Mamma Mia!” While the show will have its fair share of dancing queens and super troupers, the real show stoppers are hidden backstage. Mamma Mia!’s special effects are being provided by sisters junior Ashlyn and freshman Lindsay Dahl’s dad, Allen Dahl. “[The special effects] blend the talented kids and technical crew and add one more dimension to the story,” Allen said. “The effects can also really help set the mood.”

When it comes to helping out with school shows and volunteering, Allen is not a newcomer.

“My dad has helped with basically every show I’ve done here at Bowie since my freshman year,” Ashlyn said.

“He likes being hands-on and working with the tech directors to help make sets and lighting.”

This year, the STC is incorporating more special effects than ever before to make this the best production they’ve ever put on.

“There’s gonna be a light up dance board, really cool choreography, a rotating house for the cast to add to the special effects, a turntable, and lots more,” Ashlyn said.

Year after year, Allen proves himself to be an extremely helpful hand to the STC.

“He’s really dependable, like when we did “Tommy,” there were some last minute changes to the set and he jumped in and helped any way he could,” Ashlyn said.

The new effects introduced this year are all to enhance both the show’s quality and the show as a whole.

“These effects really help the show look super clean, modern, and put together,” Ashlyn said.

According to the tech crew, their role involves building the physical foundation of the musical and without them, most special effects aren’t possible.

“My dad’s really putting a lot of effort into all these projects for Mamma Mia!; he’s been going to the work days and everything to help out,” Lindsay said.

Tech’ing shows is a father-daughter effort, and Lindsay loves to participate.

“For the show I’m tech’ing, which I love, I get to work with my dad a lot, so that’s super fun,” Lindsay said.

With the set being so different this year, everyone in the cast and crew is really optimistic for the outcome of the show.

“The set is gonna be so different from past years, so I feel like people will really appreciate that,” Lindsay said.

“It’s gonna be much more of a party for the audience, which will be really fun to see.”

One of the people who works closest to Allen in the tech department is senior Joe Morales.

“For the musical, I’m in charge of running the light up disco floor, and any spe-

“

Miranda Cardenas Reporter

FEATURE 5

FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

Student takes tech skills to the real world Matthew Bosnyak uses tech theater abilities at Midnight Lighting Production Company What Does Marisa Salazar Feature Editor

It’s the first weekend of the Austin City Limits music festival. You are setting up lights in one of the VIP sections when you turn, and standing only a mere two hundred feet away is none other than former member of The Beatles, Paul McCartney. While this may only be a fever dream for many, senior Matthew Bosnyak experienced it in real life by applying the skills he has learned in tech theater to the Midnight Lighting company. “Sophomore year, I met the owner of Midnight Lighting and the designers when they came to set up for the Silver Stars’ spring show,�

Bosnyak said. “That year, my friend Ben got hired to work with them, and the next year they came back and asked if I wanted to come work with them as well.�

Midnight Lighting company creates and installs lighting designs at concerts, festivals, weddings, and parties to enhance the visual experience of the event. While working with the company, Bosnyak has been able to take part in some of the most high profile events in Austin. “My first day on the job was the first weekend of ACL. I helped hang up the emergency exit lights and festoons, which are the long Christmas lights with the bulbs,�

Bosnyak said. “Since then I’ve been doing other festivals and at the end of December I’m going to help take down the Trail of Lights.�

Despite the job occasionally calling for long hours, Bosnyak believes it has given him the opportunity to meet more people who have common interests as him, and work with a team on the major lighting projects done by the company. “It takes up a bunch of time, but I meet a lot of people,� Bosnyak said. “I met 20 new people on my first day who I see regularly. I talk

to them and have a good time, and that way I have more friends than before I started.�

Even though it may seem like there are limited real world applications for the concepts taught in the class, tech theater teacher Colton Perry relayed the wide range of career options that reach far beyond just the theater. “It’s crazy how many jobs you can get—the skills don’t just apply to theater,� Perry said. “You can work on cruise ships, at dance shows, in Vegas, for parties, for events, conferences; there’s so many things these skill sets could be applied to.�

By working at Midnight Lighting, Bosnyak has transformed his hobby into a part-time job and exposed him to a field that he may potentially pursue a career in.

However, Bosnyak has the most interest in pursuing a job as a tech theater teacher. “I enjoy doing the lighting and different aspects of theater, so I might do lighting as a job in college and possibly after college,� Bosnyak said. “I’ve had a lot of theater teachers that have had a profound impact on me, so I want to see if I can have that effect on kids.�

Bosnyak has been strongly impacted by many of his theater teachers throughout the years, and Perry shared that seeing his students enjoy and succeed in tech theater is the best part of his job. “My best skill set is getting people ready for the real world, going out there and knowing what it’s going to be like,� Perry said. “That’s what fills my heart with joy and that’s why I became a teacher: I want people to succeed and make cool stuff.�

While many of the concepts in the tech theater industry involve manual installation and creation, there are also numerous critical skills that are attributed to the

SETTING THE STAGE: Matthew Bosnyak (far right) puts together the dance floor which will be featured in the upcoming Mamma Mia! play. Bosnyak is one of the two head technicians within the Starlight Theater Company. PHOTO BY Marisa Salazar

MIDNIGHT

Production Services

• Set up the lights at large venues and festivals. • Have worked popular events including SXSW and ACL. • Designs and installs lighting for private parties and weddings. • Occasionally sells high-end lighting equipment. • Hired to do lighting for the Silver Stars’ Spring Show. • Works with high profile clients such as Disney, YouTube, and Google.

ART BY Marisa Salazar

team environment of the field.

Sophomore Kellen Watts said he has learned different skills while being involved in tech theater. “Tech theater teaches important skills such as working with other people and collaboration,�

Watts said. “Every student works together to make one big piece, so it’s cool to be able to work on your own design aspect and see how it fits with everything else.�

According to Perry, being able to work with other people without causing problems is a very important part of the job, as many companies involved in tech theater production services are commonly interconnected. “You know the saying in Hollywood that there’s a six degree of separation between everybody?�

Perry said. “In the tech field there’s only two, so you have to be able to work with people. If word that you’re bad at working with people spreads, the person it gets to probably knows someone that could offer you your next job.�

Bosnyak relies on a skill that he developed during his involvement in tech theater that has stuck with him the most, helping him in his new job and the real world. “My favorite aspect of tech theater is problem-solving, because stuff always goes wrong,� Bos-

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nyak said. “It’s ever-changing; stuff breaks and sometimes doesn’t work out how you want. If you can problem-solve, then everything’s fine, and you get to have a fun time doing it.�

Along with the critical thinking and social skills utilized in aspects of tech theater, Perry added that being able to handle different tools when making things is an ability that sets people apart in a modern world where there is less of a need for crafting skills. “It’s good to always know how to work with your hands, and it gives you an appreciation for how things are made,� Perry said. “When someone looks at a table, it’s just a table, but someone who knows how to build realizes the effort it takes to put into that table and honors it a little bit more.�

For those with a similar interest in pursuing a job for a production company, like Bosnyak, Perry expressed the basic assets necessary to be successful in the tech theater world outside of school. “Make sure that you’re pleasant, you know what you’re doing, and it’s okay to mess up, but it’s not okay to not realize you messed up,�

Perry said. “You need to ask questions when you don’t know things, and be willing to collaborate and work with other people without

causing drama or problems.�

While Bosnyak extends his talents to Midnight Lighting, the impact he has had on the Bowie theater department is prominent.

Watts gave his appreciation for Bosnyak, who he praises for being able to manage his roles both in and out school. “Matthew is definitely a big role model within the technical program here, and he has done a great job at balancing the different things he does,� Watts said. “Matthew is a leading figure in the theater company, so he holds a lot of positions of power. He does a good job of managing people below him and that’s something I look up to.�

Bosnyak has the chance to accomplish things beyond what other teenagers can at this point. He is able to use his knowledge from tech theater in his job at Midnight Lighting, making a clear connection to how some of the lessons taught in school can relate to real world jobs. “Working for the company has expanded my creativity with things I never thought I could do,� Bosnyak said. “Almost all of what I learned in the school theater company, I’ve applied to the job. I don’t think I would have been able to do the job if I didn’t have the knowledge from tech theater.�

6 IN-DEPTH

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC.14, 2018

A

TASTE OF CULINARY

“I am planning on applying the schedule is running smoothly with the other officers. These my culinary skills after I gradcooperation and teamwork skills uate because by then, I would Famous for the bake sale are often essential in the organi- have learned how to cook many lines wrapping around F hall, zation of the kitchen. items for myself so I wouldn’t the Bowie culinary department’s “For roles in each class, we have to go out and eat,” Nguypopularity is no secret. Year- decide first who is Sous Chef en said. “This is also the reason round, culinary students work for the week,” Brual said. “They I joined—so I can learn how to to prepare recipes that reflect simply make sure each group is cook for me and my family in the the quality of service required of on schedule and fill in any gaps future.” them.

Preparation for events usuneeded. The rest of the class is With the help of Chef Richard split into groups and each group ally takes three to five days in Wi n e m i l l tackles specific advance depending on the size er, aspiring recipes given of the event, reaching up to hunWe're all stressed, but to them. They dreds of people. chefs are given the “Being around everyone in knowing that we're all could have one, opportunity they could have class really makes me calmer to learn the working together...is nice to four.” for and during events because workings of know.

Select stu- we’re all stressed, but knowing a kitchen in dents also that we’re all working together order to unparticipate in and helping one another for the Jessica Nguyen derstand the Culinary Arts same reason—of pleasing our components M a n a g e m e n t , customers—is nice to know,” Senior of their craft. a class open to Nguyen said.

“While I feel that there are second-year students who want While events are planned in very artistic elements to culinary to learn managing skills of a detail to make sure things run and love the fact that as cooks kitchen. smoothly, occasional accidents we get to interact with all five “There’s only seven of us in cause the students to improvise human senses, I would have to the class, so it isn’t exactly easy,” and revise the menu. say that culinary is more a craft Brual said. “We have different “For the very first lunthan an art,” Winemiller said. rotations for each event we plan. cheon last year, someone “I’m perfectly fine with that, as ‘Master Planner’ decides groups left the freezer door open I have a deep respect for crafts- and the prep week, ‘Costed’ fig- and all of our homemade people of all types and feel that ures out the price per plate we ice cream melted,” senior high quality work in any field, serve, ‘Inventory’ checks if we Bonner Brazziel said. including the arts, is to be ad- have the ingredients in stock “So we did what every mired and respected.” and—if not—sets up a SYSCO other person did and However, Winemiller didn't order, and ‘SlideShow’ sets up a got Blue Bell.” intend to pursue a career in culi- presentation for the rest of the However, accordnary initially. program so they understand ing to junior Emily “I actually started in culinary what the event is and what we Yoder, the stress as a way to pay college expenses, are serving. We simply rotate of the kitchen but quickly became fascinated by through these positions but also is worth seeing the workings of the profession- must work together to decide others enjoy al kitchen, ultimately leaving specific positions and decisions.” the food she college to train as a chef,” WinBefore enrolling in Culinary prepared. emiller said. “After a number of Arts or Culinary Arts Manage“I feel years working in the culinary ment, students must take Life- p r e t t y field, I decided to return to col- time Nutrition and Wellness, great belege to finish the degree. I didn’t where they learn an Introduction cause it really have any particular major to Culinary unit that directly fo- is a lot of work [and] I feel peoin mind and decided to pursue cuses on preparing students for ple don’t really take into coneducation, inspired by my wife, working in a commercial kitch- sideration how much our class a long-time elementary school en. goes through to present these teacher, [and] attained my teach“A typical class period starts menus,” Yoder said. “I feel great ing certification in history.” off with Chef telling us what we when they enjoy our hard work.”

Since being hired, Winemiller need to get done and us working Furthermore, the work stuhas continued a set of core events the rest of the period,” senior dents contribute to the program run by culinary students. Each Jessica Nguyen said. “Or Chef often extends past the culinary year, students participate in two would teach program bake sales, Gourmet Night, En- us into their about glish Tea with the Literary Soci- c e r t a i n The underlying skills used in p e r s o n a l ety, frequent luncheon services, techniques and culinary...will help my students lives Valentine’s Day sales, Dinner and the futures how and a Movie, Sauce Week, Pasta to lay make find success wherever they end that Week, and Cafe 2637, where cu- c e r t a i n ahead of up. linary blocks serve lunch to each stuff, like them. other. “ M y last week, “I joined for the dumbest rea- he taught Richard Winemiller primary son,” senior Phil Brual said. “I us how to goal is to Culinary Teacher wanted to join a new program make varre-creand I found Hospitality and Culi- ious stocks for half the period ate as much as possible what nary. However, I wasn’t allowed and then we went back to plan- the real world workplace is like to take both because of sched- ning our gingerbread houses.” and to prepare my students uling. I applied for both, thinkIn addition, each student is with the flexible thinking and ing I would lose one, but I got required to become ServSafe cer- problem-solving skills needed both. After a week of thinking, tified by the National Restaurant to thrive in any environment,” the Hospitality [teacher] said Association Education Foun- Winemiller said. “While we I needed to cut my long hair to dation, undergoing weeks of study specific skills and work join. At that moment, I walked preparation for a two hour exam with specific equipment and recto Chef [Winemiller] and said, where they must earn a 75% or ipes, the underlying skills used ‘I’m in.’” higher to be approved for food in culinary can be transferred to As Culinary Club President, safety and sanitation services. any field of study or work and, Brual’s duties consist of plan- As it is valid for five years, many if applied, will help my students ning meetings, delegating jobs students may continue culinary find success wherever they end to other students, and ensuring after graduation. up.”

Jocelyn Brooks Managing Editor

”

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Students prepared desserts and assorted holiday foods for the fall bake sale and Thanksgiving potluck.

PHOTOS BY Preston Rolls

DISHING

DETAILS Culinary students reveal their favorite foods to prepare ART BY Joe Morales

”

Bao Joseph Mao, 12

Snickerdoodles Emily Yoder, 11

Blackberry Cobbler Jack Ingram, 12

Pumpkin Bread Juliana Miller, 12

Green Bean Casserole Brooks Nelson, 12

Many kitchens have a "flow" pattern to stay efficient. The organization of Bowie's kitchen is flexible to accommodate their varying menu.

Walk-in Freezer

Freezer Sink

Shelf-Storage

Ware Wash

Ice Machine

Mixer

Table

ART BY Sumin Kim

SERVING FACTS

Oven

Table

Entry

Table

Deck Oven

Slicer

Range

Fryer

Shelf

Table

Shelf

ART BY Dalton Spruce

Exit

Sink

Hot Box

Steam Kettle

Shelf

Bake Shop Table

Fridge

Culinary-catered events require specific presentation details. The template for placesetting is often based on the one below.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Julia Comer, 12

Ice Cream

Sink

Shelf

Table

Mixer

Storage

PHOTO ESSAY 7

FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

Culinary gives back for Thanksgiving

Students give up time over their holiday break to feed the homeless at the public library Rey Gray Photo Essay Editor

Over Thanksgiving break instead of staying at home in their PJ’s and watching Netflix, the Bowie Culinary team baked a total of 30 pies to serve at the Austin Public Library’s Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless. The A.P.L. reached out to culinary teams in Austin and both Bowie and Austin High replied saying that they would gladly make pies for their event.

Senior Grace Mansen was the main force driving the organization for this event on Bowie’s side, she worked with the library executives and her fellow culinary members to make sure that the evening went smoothly.

“I was basically the liaison for Rachel, the communications director at the Austin Public Library, and the Bowie culinary program,” Mansen said. “We texted, emailed, and set up a meeting to put everything in place to decide the logistics of the event.

The days over Thanksgiving break I was a sous chef, so I wrote down a plan to show the volunteers what needed to get done.”

The culinary team does a lot of different catering events around the school, but what made this one so alluring and special was the chance to serve their community while doing something that they love. Senior Asia Vo moved to Austin before high school.

“My family moved to Aus-

DIGGING IN: Seniors Asia Vo, Joseph Mao, and Grace Mansen dig in to make the oatmeal crumble for their apple pies. They spent the bulk of the day running the dough over the grates to make enough for all their pies.

“The apple pie was my favorite, the crumble was especially fun to make,” Mao said. PHOTO BY Rey Gray

tin to find a better opportunity for us and when I heard about Bowie’s Culinary Program I knew that that was what I wanted to do,” Vo said. “By volunteering with Bowie Culinary Arts at the

Austin Public Library I felt like I was giving back to the city and program that gave so much to me.”

For senior Phil Braul serving this community with his culinary gifts means that he

gets to prove that a person is never too young to make a difference in their community.

“As a kid, it always sucked not being able to make a difference in this world

since I was looked at as ‘too young’,” Brual said. “This library event, like many others, gave me an opportunity to to break the dumb idea of being to young to help out.

I try to do as much as I can

just so I can leave my dent in this world.”

While getting to serve the community, the culinary team also gained valuable, real world experience for a future in the food service industry.

“There was no worry for money or speed, but customer interaction and service was definitely present and important,” Brual said.

The Culinary class can be stressful at times, but for students like Phil Brual they look forward to the challenge it brings.

“I plan to do culinary as a side job through college but it’s possible that I would want to pursue it as a career,” Brual said. “Even a stressful day in Bowie’s kitchen still can’t ruin my day. And if the culinary world is the same, I’m ready for it.”

Even if they don’t choose to go into a professional culinary career the skills that they have learned in Chef Winemiller’s class will benefit them in their adult lives.

Senior Joseph Mao doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in the food service industry, but he still values what he has learned in Chef’s class.

“I’ll keep up with culinary as a hobby, but I don’t plan on pursuing a career in it,” Mao said. “What I really enjoy is the atmosphere of the class, and especially what we do. It’s not an ordinary class and we get to serve people who just enjoy what we make, the satisfaction of serving someone is amazing.”

SERVING WITH SPIRIT: Seniors Joseph Mao and Grace Henderson serve their apple crumble pie to the homeless families that showed up to the Austin Public Library. Culinary participates in many catering events, but this event was special. “Community service is important to me because I like knowing that I did my best and helped someone or a group with their cause,” Henderson said. PHOTO BY Rey Gray

A GRACEFUL LANDING: Senior Grace Henderson carefully takes her chocolate chess pie out of the oven while wearing an excited smile. She was working on gracefully being able to take out the pies with the peel. “We had to make 27 pies and get them out of the oven,” Henderson said. PHOTO

BY Rey Gray

ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Senior Grace Henderson works on perfecting the whip cream dollop on her pie. Chef Winemiller gave her pointers on her presentation. “I feel I’ve learned a lot from Chef, especially techniques that I would not have thought of,” Henderson said. PHOTO BY Rey Gray

AFTER HOURS FUN: Seniors Asia Vo and Joseph Mao slap whip cream on each others faces while cleaning up.

They made a gallon of whip cream for the pies, and there was plenty left over after serving the people that came to the library. “The culinary team usually tries to appear professional, but this was a special case,” Mao said. PHOTO BY Rey

FILLING IN: Senior Grace Mansen steps in to the main serving line to hand out roasted ham to the hungry people.

She offered to fill in while one of the library volunteers got more plates for their booth. “I took her place on the serving line and started serving the food,” Mansen said. PHOTO BY

Gray

Rey Gray

8 IN-DEPTH

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

IN-DEPTH 9

FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

POLARIZATION

Where do Bowie students stand on political policies?

Radical division in government creates tension between different belief systems Abby Ong Editor-in-Chief

Headline after headline grows more and more bizarre, provoking heated arguments between both sides as people jump to defend their beliefs and the decisions made. Others stay silent, choosing to ignore the seemingly chaotic world of politics.

The continuing polarization of politics is a cause of fright, as people begin to question why the two parties have become so divided ideologically.

“There used to be a lot more of a middle ground and now it’s just very radical on both sides,” senior Rylee Holder said. “It’s not that everyone is radical on both sides, it’s just that the news that you see and everything on social media makes the extremes so much more extreme.”

Junior Ashlyn Dahl believes that the association of beliefs to a specific party encourages further polarization. “[A] lot of people hold their political beliefs very personally,” Dahl said. “I believe you can align with a party but still have beliefs that might fall in or out of the range of a party and [that] there’s a lot discourse that can be had even within one party itself—just because you align with Democrats or Republicans doesn’t mean you have to have a certain belief.”

According to AP Government teacher Dalton Pool, divisive stances on political issues makes policymaking difficult, as it creates a lack of willingness to compromise. “[Polarization makes it] seem like the only way that things can get

through Congress is if one party controls both houses and the presidency, since the president has the power to veto,” Pool said.

“It makes it hard to pass meaningful legislation because most meaningful legislation is passed with some sort of compromise.”

Freshman Chris Thompson chooses not to align with either party, believing that both sides have become too extreme.

“In general I think [polarization of politics] just causes more division between people,” Thompson said. “If I think that this is right and you don’t, you’re instantly my enemy. It just creates an us and them.”

This kind of behavior has become evident across the country, with people taking hostile stances at rallies, marches, on social media, and in everyday conversation. Dahl notes that political discussion at Bowie can be difficult.

“I’m personally in debate and so we have a mix of political beliefs,” Dahl said. “We talk about politics a lot so we become really good about being able to discuss it respectfully.

However, there are groups of people at Bowie who are very

one-sided and aren’t interested in hearing other types of opinions.”

The endless information available to the public through the Internet should make staying informed easier, however often times it has the opposite effect as people seek out news that supports their bias.

“It’s not that there isn’t quality journalism out there, it’s that people have the option of selecting where they get their news from a lot more than they used to,” Pool said. “It seems like people tend to search for the sources that agree with them. That’s where these bubbles are created, people can kind of shelter themselves from the news that they don’t want to hear and hear a lot of the news that they want to hear.”

One cause of polarization is gerrymandering, which is the manipulation of district voting lines to favor one party or the other, making elections less competitive.

“It’s vital that elections are competitive because then you have to appeal to both sides,” Pool said. “Now, with all these gerrymandered districts, usually the Republicans are always going to win or the Democrats are always going to win. Then the real competition is in the primaries and you’re appealing more to the base of parties, and that usually leads to a bigger divide between the two parties.”

With the two parties growing apart, Thompson believes m o d eration

could be found in a competitive third party.

“One of the things that I’ve thought about before is having more than just two parties, because that’s what a lot of democratic countries have so that it’s not just two parties that hate each other, you have multiple options,” Thompson said. “We do kind of have that here with the Green Party and the Libertarian party, but they can’t do anything, they’re way too small.”

Pool believes that the voting trends show that people are pushing for a more moderate government. He points to a backlash against corporate money swaying politics and the candidates running proudly without such funding.

“Whenever you take that out of the game, elected officials start actually listening to people, [and] I think that creates a government that’s at least responding to what the people want,” Pool said. “Now I don’t know if that’s going to solve the split in ideology between what the people want, but when government does stuff for the people, usually that brings together both sides and aligns the ideology.”

Many social media sites have become a battleground over political issues, and while this can be useful for fostering discussion, oftentimes it quickly sways from staying civil. “[Social media is] where everyone gets into these big fights, instead of taking it up with their congressmen, who they could call to actually have action taken on it,” Holder said.

“It’s just grown adults having fights about it on Twitter for the world to see.”

Although seeing such behavior and keeping up with the news can become mentally exhausting, it’s important to stay informed.

“If we don’t like it, it’s our responsibility within a democracy to stand up and say we don’t like it and demand more or better from our representatives,” Pool said. “If you’re going to live in a functioning democracy, you have to be informed and you have to participate. If you aren’t either of those things, as discouraged as you might be, you don’t have a right to complain.”

I believe abortion should be accessible and legal.

I believe that current regulation standards need to be changed or updated.

ABORTION

80.3%

19.7%

I believe that abortion should be illegal.

(429)

(105)

BIRTH RIGHT CITIZENSHIP

I believe that citizenship should

17.6% not be granted to children born (94)

to illegal immigrants in the US.

69.9%

I believe that police unfairly racially profile.

11.8%

I think that healthcare should be privately funded.

37.3%

I would rather have lower taxes and less government support programs.

POLICE BRUTALITY

I believe that police are doing their job to the best of their ability.

30.1% (161)

(373)

HEALTHCARE

I think all citizens should have the right to affordable healthcare.

88.2% (471)

I would rather pay more taxes in return for more government support programs.

I believe that the military budget is being used wisely.

I believe that the minimum wage is sufficient.

(63)

GOV’T SUPPORT/WELFARE 62.7% (335)

(199)

MILITARY SPENDING

35.4% (189)

MINIMUM WAGE

23.8%

76.2%

(127)

(407)

LGBT RIGHTS

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

57.5%

Recreational marijuana should be legalized.

I believe that the military budget needs to have more regulation.

64.6% (345)

I think that businesses should have the right to refuse service 18.7% (100) to whoever they like.

ONLINE: Why did students vote the way they did?

74.7% (339)

I believe that citizenship should be granted to children born to 82.4% (440) illegal immigrants in the US.

find related topics

ART BY Joe Morales

GUN RIGHTS & REGULATION

I believe that current regulation standards are as the Second 25.3% (135) Amendment intended.

(307)

I believe minimum wage should be increased.

81.3% (434)

I think that refusing service based on gender or sexual identification is discriminatory.

7.5%

Marijuana should be illegal.

(40)

35% Marijuana should only be

Students explain their stances on various issues

(187)

used medically.

thedispatchonline.net

The Federalist Party, led by Alexander Hamilton, emerged.

They believed in a strong national government with centralized authority.

The National Republican Party, led by John Quincy Adams, was formed.

Supporters favored strong economic nationalism, much like the former Federalists.

1800

1790

The Whigs and The Republican Party Free-Soilers joined to to split into three form the Republican factions: Party, which strongly The Conservatives, supported the the Radicals, & the abolition of slavery.

Moderates.

Economic growth and territorial expansion caused the Republican faction to change from Jefferson’s agrarian ideal. Many Republicans began to adhere to Federalist principles.

1828

The Republican faction split into two parties, and the Democratic Republican Party was formed. Supporters favored a limited national gov’t and were opposed to an economic aristocracy.

1834

As the National Republican Party dissolved, the Whig Party emerged. The Whigs supported an expanded national gov’t, increased commercial development, and cautious westward expansion.

1890

1890

1860

The Democratic Party was firmly entrenched in American politics.

The party consisted of many Catholics, immigrants, and poor workers.

The Democratic Party split into two factions: The Southern Democrats & the Northern Democrats.

Development of the modern day Democratic Party.

Development of the modern day Republican Party.

The Republican Party was firmly entrenched in American politics. The party consisted of many northern Protestants who wanted to restrict immigration and who supported the temperance movement.

1865

1854

1828 1820

1790

The Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emerged. They believed in a modest central gov’t, limited commercial activity, and strong farming communities.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODERN DAY POLITICAL PARTIES

SOURCE www.edgate.com GRAPHICS BY Abby Ong

1900 1932

Democrat Franklin Roosevelt became president and helped lift the country out of the Great Depression with

his New Deal programs. His Democratic supporters became known as social liberals.

His Republican opponents

became known as social conservatives, beliefs that shaped the parties as we know them today.

ART BY Joe Morales

Professional newspapers

No

I pay attention to major events that people are discussing

I keep up with issues important to me

Republican

23.6% (126)

19.3% (103)

41.4% (221)

18.5% (99)

1.1% (6)

OFTEN

POLITICAL PARTY

do you keep up with ISSUES in THE NEWS?

do you align with?

I try to keep up with most things Other

20.4% (109)

4.3% (23)

POLITICAL VIEWS PARENTS?

How

What

0.7% (4)

Other

Do your

align with your...

60.3% (322)

Professional news apps/websites 26.6% (142)

Twitter

9.6% (51)

Where do you

Not really

Other Social Media

21.7% (116)

9.9% (53)

Yes; at least one

FRIENDS?

81.5% (435)

GET most of your NEWS?

Snapchat

12.2% (65)

35% (187)

Democratic

Facebook

78.3% (418)

Mostly

Friends & Family 16.1% (86)

Professional TV Channels 19.5% (104)

534 STUDENTS POLLED 11/16-12/03; Polled through Google form 140 Seniors, 94 Juniors, 132 Sophomores, 168 Freshmen 341 Females, 173 Males, 20 Non-binary/other

10 SPORTS

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

SAM SAYS What is Kareem Hunt’s future in the NFL? Sam Blas Sports Editor

Controversy has struck the football field once again.

Kansas City Chiefs star running back, Kareem Hunt, faces assault charges that have forced him off of the Chiefs and onto the streets.

A surveillance video surfaced on Nov. 30, which features Hunt shoving a woman to the ground and proceeding to kick her once. One day later, Hunt was released by the Chiefs.

Hunt was stupid to do this. He was a very talented running back in the NFL. But since he attacked a woman he will be out of the league for a while. He loses valuable years he could’ve used to get better.

The reason Hunt attacked this lady is because she supposedly called him a racial slur. Now this does not excuse what he did, I believe what Hunt did was horrible.

But, she instigated the altercation and Hunt took it too far when he resorted to violence.

I do not endorse Hunt’s actions. I am appalled by them. Hunt should be suspended from any NFL event because of this. He was filmed assaulting a woman.

But, I do believe Hunt will make a return to football in the near future. Although they are similar, this is not another Ray Rice case. What Hunt did was horrible, don’t get me wrong. But, there are players who have committed worse crimes and stayed in the NFL. Ray Lewis was a middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders to ever play the sport. But, his career take almost ended. On Jan. 20th, 2000, Ray Lewis got into a fight and killed two men.

He was tried for murder.

But despite heavy evidence against him, the charges were dropped. He then led a very prosperous and award filled career. So, since Lewis was able to get back to the NFL even though he murdered two people. Because of this, I do believe it won’t be long until we see the return of Hunt.

Now, I hate to beat a dead horse. But, a guy hits woman and is probably going to be back in the league. A man kills two other people and becomes one of the best players ever. And when a guy, Colin Kaepernick takes a knee, he’s out of the league for life. I have to question where the NFL places their morals. If I were running the league and a player commits a felony, they should be banned from playing in the NFL. But thats none of my business. At least they got it right once with Rice.

Hunt was a star on the Chiefs. He and Patrick Mahomes were supposed to be the future of the NFL. But, because of Hunt’s egregious actions, we may never see the full potential of this young, talented duo. But, despite his actions, I do believe that Hunt will be in the NFL before long.

Questions?

Concerns?

Want to share your opinion?

Contact: Email: Samblas @thedispatch online.net Room: F203

‘Dawgs set dreams for demolition Wrestlers walk away from tournament with goals set for the season Naya Tillisch Reporter

Alone on the mat, contenders get in their stance and tap hands, the whistle blows. They face-off and figure out the quickest way to pin down their opponent, eager to score as many points as possible for their team.

The wrestling team competed at the Capital Classic tournament from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. Several wrestlers placed at the tournament, including senior captains Aylen Vivar and Cory Silguero.

“Aylen Vivar won her weight class, she was the tournament champion,” Lewis said. “Cory Silguero got third in a pretty tough weight class, and Elysian Calderon got third in a really tough girls weight class.

We’ve got to work hard.”

The tournament helped Silguero identify his strengths, along with what he needs to improve in order to achieve his goal of winning state.

“My strengths consist of a strong and determined will, an eager mindset, and quick, powerful bursts when points are needed,” Silguero said.

“I realized after my loss in the semifinals that I need to focus on staying loose and advancing, but not on advancing before I have won a match.”

Vivar, who has been wrestling since eighth grade, took away an important lesson from the tournament as well.

“I learned that I need to have trust in myself,” Vivar said. “I need to have confidence in my moves when I wrestle.”

Vivar has high hopes for the team this season, but she has set the bar even higher for herself.

“My goals this year are to hopefully be undefeated, become district champ, region-

COUNT TO THREE: Senior Cory Silguero puts his opponent from Westlake High School in an arm bar. Silguero wrestles in the 170 pound division. PHOTO BY Austyn Keelty

al champ, and state champ,” Vivar said. “I hope I can work hard enough to achieve my goals.”

Being so early in the season, the Capital Classic tournament serves as a good preseason tournament to evaluate the team.

“I’d say the tournament was a success in the manner of seeing where we are as a team and what we need to do to improve ourselves,” Silguero said.

Outside of the select individuals who did well, Lewis thinks the team definitely has improvements to make.

“We underperformed a little bit this last tournament,” Lewis said. “We had some pretty tough draws in a couple of weight classes, but we’re going to work on it and continue to grow.”

This year’s team is relatively inexperienced compared to past years, which can be a disadvantage against more difficult competition, but the team makes up for it in other aspects of the sport.

“Everyone’s working really hard in the weight room and the mat room,” Lewis said. “Our conditioning is better than it has ever been.”

Many wrestlers feel as if Lewis is always there for them and pushing them to be the best version of themselves.

“I like how much and how hard our coaches train us because when it comes to us wrestling at a tournament, we’re in better shape than our other opponents,” Vivar said. “We can definitely come together [and feel like] a family at times.”

Senior Marisol Moreno has been wrestling since she was a freshman, and she sees a lot of potential in this year’s team.

“I have a good feeling about our team this year. I know last year a bunch of our wrestlers placed in district and went to state,” Moreno said. “I believe we can do the same thing as last year and possibly have more people place and go to state.”

Moreno has loved wrestling from the very beginning, but the closeness of the team is what made it even more fun.

“What I like about Bowie wrestling is the bond that’s been created with our team,” Moreno said. “We push each other to our limits and help each other when there’s [any] moves we’re confused

about.”

Lewis is close with every wrestler on the team, and he makes sure to establish positive relationships with all of the wrestlers.

“It becomes like a second family to you. I call them all my kids,” Lewis said. “I call and check on them to see how everything is going, to make sure they’re doing okay.”

With lots of determination, hard working athletes, and a bond that resembles one of a family, the whole team is looking forward to the rest of the season according to the wrestlers.

“Bowie wrestling is a family,” Silguero said. “We sweat, struggle, bleed, cry, fail, and succeed together.

That’s what I love about the team.”

Girls basketball welcomes team from down under Naya Tillisch Reporter

tually the first time we’ve played as a team,” Mierisch said. “It’s more popular here and the atmosphere’s a lot Australian accents fill the hallbetter, I reckon.” ways, for an Australian basketball With just 16 days in the United team has come to Bowie to get a tour States and so much to do, Mierisch of the school, shadow select varsiand the rest of the team have a ty players for a few days, and have packed schedule to get through while a chance to take on some American also reflecting on such a unique exhigh school teams on the court. perience.

“Well [the Australians] do a tour “We’re here for the basketball every year for about 16 days, I think tour, so we’re always playing, watchis the total tour, and they go to three ing college games, and NBA games” different places in America,” girls Mierisch said. “Just the experience basketball coach Vickie Benson said. of playing the basketball over here is “This year they’re in Austin, Dallas, really fun, to be honest, and meeting they’re going to Phoenix, and then you guys.” they’re going to California.”

The Bowie team has extended a The Australian players requested warm bulldog welcome to their new to be allowed in classes in previous visiting foreign friends. years, and this year Bowie was finally “Last year we had an Australian able to make team come that happen. and it was “They ’re a fun game going to I mean talk about being well and it’s good, classrooms rounded, not just as athletes, but we have an with stuoff District dents and as students and people and getting game, so it’s hanging to share cultural experiences with just nice to out,” Benanother group of students that do have time to son said. play them” “When they the same thing that they do. senior Katewere here lyn Dill said.

Vicki Benson last year...

E v e n Girls Basketball Coach they wanted though these to play, but teams live they were so enthralled by the stuon completely different sides of the dents that they just wanted to hang world from each other, both teams out and be with American students.” have bonded over jokes, laughs, and Australian player, Alana Mierisch, getting to know one another. has noticed the difference between “Last year they made jokes about basketball in the two countries. how they all had kangaroos in their “We have clubs outside of school backyard and kind of made fun of us, that we all play for, so we’re all from but it was all in good fun and they’re different clubs and different levels really cool” Dill said. and all that kind of stuff. This is ac-

”

TIP OFF: Junior Chynell Mitchell tips the ball off against Ivanhoe Grammar sophomore Alana Mierisch. The Australian tour is on a 16 day tour of the United States. PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

Coming UP in SPORTS

Dec. 21 Boys basketball vs. Austin @ Bowie

Jan. 15 Boys basketball vs. Hays @ Bowie

J a n . 8 G i r l s b a s k e t b a l l v s . L a k e Tr a v i s @ B o w i e

Jan. 25-26 Swim District 12-6A Champs @ UT Jamail Swim Center

J a n . 8 B o y s S o c c e r v s . S t o n y Po i n t @ B u r g e r A n n e x

J a n . 1 8 B o y s S o c c e r v s . D e l V a l l e @ B u r g e r A n n e x

SPORTS 11

Players split life between school and sports FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

Student athletes learn to balance extracurricular athletics with academic schedules

”

Because of football, I missed a lot of student council. But, I was able to figure out a few things and I overcame that challenge.

Ethan Dougherty

My days are long and hectic, but both programs give me so many opportunities to grow as a person and leader.

Madison Wilson

PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

Being involved in a high school sports team comes with lots of benefits and new opportunities. However, student athletes often face a handful of challenges that come along with being a part of the team.

As players begin their season, they start to miss out on important classes due to games, resulting in difficulty maintaining academic success. Junior Carlos Canepa is on the Bowie tennis team and finds his success in the classroom to be just as important as his accomplishments in tennis.

“Tennis is a year round sport, so I find that Bowie tennis affects my academics a lot,” Canepa said. “During the fall season, I missed a whole week of school. In the spring season, I missed every Friday for a month. I have to work a lot harder to fix my grades.”

The amount of school missed varies between the different sports teams at Bowie, and some sports schedules and game times have changed compared to last year. Girls soccer coach Carrie Hoffman-Howell detailed the changes in scheduling.

“This season, since our district is so large, there will be less tournaments,” Hoffman-Howell said. “Players will be missing less school [this year].”

Senior Ethan Dougherty plays for varsity football and he is also a student council vice president. He learned his own way to adapt to his schedule “We practice everyday. We wake up at 6:45 and go to the weight-room everyday, and we love it. We live, breath, and eat football,” Dougherty said.

“But that commitment takes a toll on your academics.”

Dougherty needed to learn to be able to balance his duties as a football player and Vice President. He did just that and adapted to do

so.

“With all the games, practices and meetings we have to go to, I barely have any time to work on student council stuff. Because of football, I lose those first three months of student council,” Dougherty said. “But I’ve learned to balance the two since then.”

Managing academics as well as athletics has proven to be a difficult, but coaches have figured out a way to overcome that problem.

“I know there are sometimes where it can become a little stressful, but the good thing is this year soccer is double blocked,” Hoffman-Howell said. “The girls get study hall to do school work in, I think it helps keep their stress level down.”

Athletes are in charge of finding their own ways of balancing their academic classes with extracurricular activities.

“I’ve been balancing school with sports for a really long time,” George said. “I’ve managed to be able to still study hard during the season. It’s all about finding time to do your schoolwork after practice.”

Sophomore Abbey Smith has been on the varsity softball team since her freshman year, as well as on the Bowie track team. Smith has experienced a variety of challenges through her high school sports career, causing academic setbacks.

“It requires me a lot of time out of my day,” Smith said. “I have to come in either before school, after school or signing up for FIT sessions or even coming in during lunches to make up work.”

Academics aren’t the only things affected by her rigorous athletic schedule. There have been numerous physical problems Smith has had so go through.

“Usually I play through a lot of injuries, except for if I go to the doctor and they tell me to avoid playing,” Smith said. “I choose not to play with an injury if there is a chance that I can get seriously injured.”

Smith has experienced some serious or minor injuries that impacted her capability to participate in softball and track. Throughout her athletic career, she has experienced an abundance of obstacles that affected her ability to play.

“This year, I tore my labrum in my shoulder, which had me out for 2 months, and I am still not back to normal because I still don’t have my strength back,” Smith said. “Last year, I had mono and I couldn’t play, because if you play with mono your spleen can burst. I also had many sprained ankles, a bone bruise on my knee, and I tore my hamstring that caused me to be out for a couple of weeks.”

”

Amelie Hayne Staff Reporter

George is a dedicated athlete that has faced serious injuries that have prevented her from playing during last season. As the new season is approaching she is finally prepared to begin playing to her full potential.

“I had surgery on my right ankle about 7 months ago, as a result of two of my ligament came off of the bone,” George said. “I had to be out of practice for about 6 months and I’m now just getting started on training really hard again.”

Although players can face serious injuries, the majority of athletes will continue to play with minor injuries, but most avoid playing when there is a risk of serious injury. Canepa details what he does to avoid injuries.

“I do my best to stay healthy so thankfully I have not have had much injuries and I avoid playing when I’m worried I could get really hurt,” Canepa said.

“So I haven’t had any injuries that would prevent me from playing tennis.”

George focuses on her well being and decides for herself if she should play or not with a minor injury. She will make efforts to help to heal her injury by stretching and making trips to the trainer to prevent further damage to the injury.

“It’s hard in the beginning because you really have to pay attention to what your body is telling you,” George said. “Playing with an injury for me is more of how much I can do now rather than how good I am compared to everyone else.”

Through all of the challenges that students face being a part of sports team at Bowie they reflect on it as being a rewarding experience.

“To be a successful student athlete it takes a lot of determination and dedication to be successful and requires a lot of time out of school for both academic and sports,” Smith said. “In the end I feel that the overall experience is worth all the effort put in.”

PHOTO BY Rey Gray

a

DAYin the life of

ATHLETE

an with ETHAN DOUGHERTY

6:45AM Wake up

7:30AM

Get to school and work out in the weight room

11:00AM Go to sleep

8:15AM

Leave the weight room, take a shower, and get ready for school

7:30PM-10:00PM

Arrive home from practice, eat dinner, do homework

9:00AM3:45 PM

N

DO

UG

HER

TY

Attend classes and study hall

PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

PHO

TH FE TO COURTESY O

A

3:45PM-6:35 PM Football practices and workouts

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12 ENTERTAINMENT THE DISPATCH TUESDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

Macy’s Parade embraces a few Stars The seven Silver Star officers represent the Spirit of America production in New York Abbie Brien Reporter

As the cold New York air whips at their faces, the seven Silver Star officers persevere through penetratingly chilly weather and perform live in front of the whole country. They performed their routine alongside other dance organizations from all around the nation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Silver Star Officers travel to New York to per-

BEST BEHAVIOR : The girls rehearse for their performance. The officers represented Spirit of America, so they had to be very well behaved.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Jade Fattouh

form every other year.

“It was something that I’ll never forget,” Hauck said. “It was really cool to represent Bowie and the Silver Stars organization.”

Their routine included many different high school drill teams from across the United States.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the officers to meet other dancers from across the country and participate in a long-standing holiday tradition,” co-director Leanne Bilnoski said.

The officers learned their dance from a video a few weeks beforehand. “[The experience] was very stressful because there were many changes we had to learn in the dance,” Hauck said. “It was also stressful because we were on national television and they definitely emphasized that a lot.”

The seven girls spent all of their time together during the week.

“The trip made all of the officers closer as we got to spend countless hours together practicing and exploring the city,” D’Angelo said.

When the officers weren’t preparing for the Macy’s

parade, they explored New York’s tourist attractions.

“We did sightseeing and tourist activities such as going to the Statue of Liberty, going to the 9/11 memorial, and stuff like that,” Hauck said.

This Thanksgiving was the coldest one New York has had for 117 years, reaching 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I would change the weather if I could because it was freezing,” Hauck said.

“It did affect our experience a little bit, but the adrenaline kind of pushed out the cold while we were performing.”

Even though it was very cold, the officers had to remember that they were there to represent the organization Spirit of America, which sends dancers and cheerleaders to perform in the parade.

“We were there to represent the organization so we had to be on our best behavior at all times,” Hauck said.

The officers participated for the duration of the parade, even when they weren’t dancing. “[The experience was] unforgettable because it was really fun, not only dancing at Macy’s, but also walking

we knew that there would be interest and that people would be excited about this new opportunity. “ With over 100 clubs and organizations at our school, this is another way for students to determine what interests them.

“The JV team is allowing students to be more in-

also in another dance class within the dance department.”

Alongside the directors, Silver Stars Alyssa Magallanez and Olivia Hanna assist the program by volunteering as line sergeants.

“I decided to try out because I heard about the new JV team and they were ask-

GRATEFUL GIRLS: The Silver Star officers and their co-directors gather for a picture before the parade. The girls performed on live television in front of the whole country. PHOTO COURTESY OF Kristin Hauck

around the entire parade and getting to wave to all the people watching,” Hauck said.

Their performance occurred during the finale of the parade.

“What made the dance stand out was that this year

we got to open for Santa Claus, which was a big deal, and the whole entire routine was on TV and sometimes they only air parts of it,” Hauck said.

Many of the officers would not be able to have this opportunity if it wasn’t for this

organization.

“This experience was so amazing and made me so grateful to be apart of the Silver Star organization,” D’Angelo said. “I have loved New York since I can remember and getting to dance there was a dream come true.”

New JV Star Dancer team is created for underclassmen Abbey Repka Reporter

After 30 years of Silver Star success, co-directors Leanne Bilnoski and Emily Davis decided to create a new dance team called the JV Star Dancers to allow the freshmen the chance to dance on a team.

Creating this team gives the underclassmen a chance to dance and compete with a team and allows the upperclassmen the opportunity to be a part of a less time consuming team.

“Ms. Bilnoski and I decided to create this team because we felt that there was a need and a desire to have an intermediate dance team at Bowie,” Davis said. “Because Bowie has such a large and involved student body,

”

The JV team is allowing students to be more involved not only in the dance department, but also in the school at large.

Emily Davis Dance Director

volved not only in the Dance Department, but also in the school at large,” Davis said.

“Many of our JV Dancers are

ing if some Silver Stars were interested in helping and leading the class and I wanted to be apart of the new

team,” Magallanez said.

The JV team Line Sergeants look forward to giving freshmen their first ever opportunity to be on a dance team.

“I wanted the chance to be able to help younger girls grow as dancers and potentially help them make silver stars if they wish, which was the best three years of my life,” Hanna said.

JV Star Dancers teaches the students new dance techniques and is meant to ready them for future dance opportunities.

“It prepares you a lot and you get to learn a lot of new skills and how they want you to do things like Silver Stars and how to represent yourself and your schools,” freshman JV Star Dancer Denice Monroe said.

SETTING THE STAGE: The JV team performs for their family and friends in the theatre. The girls danced to the song “We came here for love” by Sigala and Ella Eyere. PHOTO BY Abbey Repka

With the addition of the new team, there was some concern from the other dance classes that the shows will be changed so that only the two teams perform.

“Star Dancers will have two dances in the Fall Dance

Showcase and the Silver Stars Spring Show,” Davis said. “There will still definitely be room for all of the dance classes to perform. We are always excited to get as many students involved in our shows as possible.”

coming UP in ENTERTAINMENT Jan. 16-19 Mamma Mia Musical Premiere

Jan. 27 Cheerleading Competition @ Westlake Jan. 23-26 Mamma Mia Musical

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Jan. 31 Silver Star Contest Show-off

REVIEWS 13

FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

The menus change as the seasons do Restaurants around town getting ready for the holiday season and updating their options Elizabeth Shymkiw Reporter

The holiday season in Austin brings in many things besides cooler weather, including my personal favorite, the holiday menus.

The local menus appeal to families, offering a wide variety of types for every family member to enjoy.

Especially in local businesses, Austin holds the standard high for good food, no matter what the season is.

I went around town and ate at some of Austin’s most popular cafes and restaurants to see what they have to offer for the holiday season.

I went to some classic places, like Starbucks and Coffee Bean, as well as some restaurants unique to Austin, like Kerbey Lane and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters.

To start off, I drink a lot of coffee, which probably explains why I was most excited about the seasonal drinks at Starbucks and Coffee Bean.

When talking about options, Starbucks offers more variety than any other place, having hot chocolate and coffee for the holidays, and even seasonal cups.

I am a complete Starbucks fan, and their winter drinks are one of the things I look most forward to during the holidays.

My personal favorites would be either the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha or Caramel Brulee lattes.

If I’m going to look at lights around town or walk the Bastrop River of Lights, one of my go-to drinks is the Snicker-doodle Hot Chocolate.

This drink tastes like Christmas in a cup, but if you don’t have a sweet tooth then you would probably not like this one.

Although I go to Starbucks at least three times a week, one of my favorite drinks of all time is the classic hot chocolate from Coffee Bean. It is cheap, quick and is perfect to warm you up in the cold weather.

Another sweet option would be the Speculoos Cookie Butter latte, but this coffee was a little too sweet for my taste, and I normally like sweet drinks.

Although they may not all be holiday related, Coffee Bean also offers really good warm muffins

‘Round Town

1

Starbucks’ Toasted White Chocolate Mocha: $4.25 (size tall)

2

Kerbey Lane’s Chicken and Pancakes: $11.50

3

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Decadent Dessert Cup: $6.75 and pastries to eat along with your hot drink.

Comparing the two, Starbucks did end up having cheaper pricing

ART BY Joe Morales

options with more seasonal drinks.

However, the classic drinks from Coffee Bean are still a great go-to while seeing lights in cold(ish)

weather.

For locally owned options, I tried two different Austin-inspired cafes.

Kerbey Lane is a staple in my fam-

ily’s traditions, and we were very excited to try their new fall menu available now.

Kerbey had a pumpkin-themed menu, offering to change most breakfast items to feature some aspect of pumpkin in the meal, such as pumpkin French toast or pumpkin pancakes.

Kerbey is famous for their pancakes, so for the holiday season they added a twist on a classic: Chicken and pancakes. This honestly sounded pretty gross at first, but after trying it, it was actually pretty good.

Overall, Kerbey has great comfort food options that would be great for sitting down with friends for breakfast or a late night hangout.

For the final place I went to, this one was definitely the place to go to get the whole package of the holiday spirit.

As a tradition that many families participate in around Austin, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters offers hot cocoa, coffee, pastries, and a light show with music for entertainment, not to mention that it’s located right next to part of the Colorado river for a really pretty view.

Mozart’s for me has a homey-vibe with homemade hot cocoa and some pretty good coffee.

Although, in my opinion, they do not have the best food, the experience itself is completely worth it.

The one downside that’s pretty hard to avoid is how busy it can get, and parking can be a problem.

However, carpooling with friends would save space.

Mozart’s is also kind of pricey, accounting for prime location and the light show available. If you are on a tight budget, Mozart’s may not be the place for you.

If pastries and sweets aren’t your thing, Mozart’s also happens to be located right next to Hula Hut if you were wanting dinner after your show.

Austin offers countless options to celebrate the holidays, but food will always be my favorite go to.

Whether it’s for Instagram or just to enjoy with your family, all these places mentioned will surely be a good option to try out this winter.

Has the wizarding world forever lost its magic?

Muggles take over the stage ?

What has EVERYONE been saying about POTTED POTTER

The magic of the Harry Potter series has continually reached generation after generation. The wizarding world has captivated children and adults alike since 1997, when JK Rowling published the U.K. version of her first novel, The Philosopher’s Stone.

The Harry potter franchise has grossed billions of dollars, with the books and movies themselves collecting well over $15 billion. Merchandise such as toys and spin-off products earning billions more. Between the Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios, and all other earnings, the Harry Potter brand is worth $25 billion.

The question is, when will the money stop? When will Harry Potter fans quit buying what the brand puts out?

I think the answer is never. I have every single book and movie, I have posters, socks, and pajama pants. November 14, I went to a performance at Paramount theatre called Potted Potter.

The performance presented November 13-18 was advertised with the tag line “All seven Harry potter books in seventy hilarious minutes!”

The showing consisted of two white men inaccurately acting out all seven books with cheap props. It followed two friends as they try and navigate the plot of Harry Potter, both men playing all roles.

The props just added to the humor of the performance, one of the men had the lone responsibility of buying props for the show and not doing a very good job.

The show had concessions, including popcorn and butter beer, which they called butter brew. The concessions were a little over-priced as expected.

My least favorite part about Potted Potter was that they completely left out most characters in the story, only naming a few that they felt fit the most important plot.

This removed all of the details of the story, leaving behind character development and the connectedness and weave of the plot that Rowling is known for. The performance solely focused on wizards flying around on broomsticks striving to defeat an evil, unstoppable guy without a nose.

All the jokes were well-thought out, carefully considering the audience demographic. So all of the humor in the seventy minutes was directed to either young children, or adults bringing their children, or just full-grown adults who have followed Harry Potter for 21 years.

As a 16-year old, I found the old couple behind me laughing hysterically more entertaining than the actual performance. I love Harry Potter, it is one of my favorite things in the entire world.

ART BY Cianna Chairez

Gracie Angeli Reviews Editor

funny, a “Blissfully winner in every

way. This show is a crowd-pleaser.

”

THE LONDON GUARDIAN

“

Cleverly appeals to both ardent fans and parents.

”

THE LONDON TIMES

irreverant. “ Gloriously A very lovable romp through Rowling’s back catalogue.

TIME OUT LONDON CRITICS’ CHOICE

“

A fabulously funny parody.

Will tickle the funny bone of every age group.

”

“

Even the purest of Potter fans would find it hard to object. My Potter experts loved it.

“Its infectious pandemonium is sure to please. Truly magical. ” the EVOLUTION of POTTED POTTER

2005

2007 2009

A PROMISING PREMIERE: Potted Potter is born as a street show. It premieres August 4 at the Edinburgh Zoo.

2006

TOURING THEATRICS: The show, with director Richard Hurst, tours the U.K. a few days after the release of the seventh book.

HANDING IT OVER: Turner and Clarkson hand over the show to a new cast, and they take it around the world.

2008

CATCHY COMEDY: The show continues to tour the U.K. while creators Turner and Clarkson launch their new show Potted Pirates.

SOURCE http://www.pottedpotter.com/

2011 2013 2015 GRAND REOPENING: Potted Potter comes back full swing as they tour the U.K. once again.

2010

A SLEEPING GIANT: Potted Potter goes to rest as Turner and Clarkson focus on their new show Potted Pantos.

I have read through each book multiple times. The show was entertaining, and it was fun to be in the Harry Potter atmosphere. It was fun to get together with other fans, seeing some dress up and get excited for the performance.

Some jokes were even funny, and the performance was carefully crafted, but I just do not think it was worth the expense.

”

LONDON FINANCIAL TIMES

THE PUBLIC REVIEWS

MIDNIGHT MAGIC: Creators Jefferson Turner and Daniel Clarkson are asked to perform for five minutes during the midnight release of the sixth book.

”

THE LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH

ACROSS THE POND: The show continues its tour throughout North America, including a second season offBroadway.

2012

NUMEROUS NOMINATIONS: The show gets nominated for two awards at the Whatsonstage Awards. It also premiers in Toronto.

RENEWED TOURS: Potted Potter makes a second debut in the U.S. with Christmas shows in Chicago and San Francisco.

2014

KEEP IT GOING: It premieres in Mexico, Ireland, and makes a second round in Toronto.

Meanwhile, Turner and Clarkson premiere Potted Sherlock.

2016

VARIOUS VENTURES: Potted Potter continues their tour with locations varying from Dubai to Vancouver.

The show was a little odd, a little confusing and disappointing, but I do not think that the magic of Harry Potter could ever be diminished.

The performance itself milked the profit they knew they could make from Harry Potter fans a little extra than they needed to, but it brings people happiness, so all hail the chosen one.

14 COMMENTARY THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

Nationalism is no substitute for pride The line between patriotism and fascism is one that this country can't afford to ignore EDITORIAL Soldiers saluting, national anthems, and flags all have one common goal: to promote national pride in a cause of country. This is called nationalism. Many confuse nationalism as something positive, like waving the American flag on the Fourth of July, or singing the national anthem at a football game.

According to Merriam Webster, nationalism is so much more, and takes on many different forms. For example, nationalism is defined as loyalty or devotion to a nation, but more importantly, it’s the belief that a single country or culture is superior than another.

One of the most famous examples of this type of nationalism is the reign of the Nazi party during World War II. Hitler stressed the importance of the “purification” of the German race and discriminated against and murdered hundreds of thousands of people unfit to the German ideal.

This idea of superiority then feeds into the idea of White Supremacy, which can be seen anywhere from racial slurs to the activities of the Ku Klux Klan.

Because of scandals in the national media, there is a clear belief that unacceptable nationalistic ideals have become a chaotic movement in our country. These concepts of discrimination are outdated and immature; it’s 2018, not the 1800’s. We need to rise above those beliefs.

It’s great to be an American, but inequality, sexism, racism, and fascism should not be tolerated in our melting pot of people. We should not be afraid or confused by those who are different from us, nor should we

act on evil urges. We should stand with those who advocate for equality and diversity; after all, we are all humans.

At the national level, the "face" of our country has intensified the rise of racial supremacy, and has silenced many voices.

Donald Trump hasn’t set America on fire, but socially, he is tearing this country apart.

Prior to Trump’s presidency, his campaign focused on two statements including “Make America Great Again” and “build the wall,” both are “dog whistles,” a term used to describe coded messages familiar to a specific group of people with a specific meaning.

“Make America Great Again” is one of these slogans that symbolizes Trump’s party, but reaches further into a white supremacist or a nativist community. Trump has emboldened a community of a larger than expected group of discriminatory people who have participated in several traumatic events and movements.

Through his encouragement, there has been a revival of the KKK, anti-Semitic violence, and a rise in police brutality. These radical groups have taken root in our country.

We shouldn’t put total blame on our president. But as our leader, Trump should take

A R T BY

Dalton Spruce

all Americans into account and influence the people to respect everyone, whether they are black, Muslim, white, or gay.

As some Americans become more influenced by these ideals, their influence reaches our youth and eventually enters schools. A huge controversy which recently appeared in

Senioritis is not an excuse to slack off Madisen Johnson Feature Editor

Y ART B

Ia

Senior year. The peak of high school and some would even say the peak of our lives. Seniors get to go to prom, have more academic freedom, and experience the excitement of thinking about college. It almost seems too good to be true. And it is, in fact, too good to be true. Between applications, classes that only seem to get harder, and figuring out the rest of our lives, senior year is even more stressful and time consuming than any other year. While it is more difficult, sometimes it feels easier because seniors are consumed by a kind of apathy that changes them, for better or for worse.

The apathy the senior class begins to suffer from when winter break comes around is famously known as “senioritis,” a fictional disease that causes its victims to decrease in work ethic and motivation. This disease hits most seniors differently but it comes quickly and with horrible consequences.

As students’ attendance begins to suffer, along with their grades and their motivation to do anything at all school related, many will be the first to blame senioritis. This is simply because it is senior year, and all of us are stuck in an awkward transition between high school and college, a switch to a pre-adulthood stage that, well, certain groups of people are just not ready for.

Stuck between savoring their last bit of high school and worrying

about the unforeseeable future, senioritis fills most seniors with an intense feeling of nervousness and excitement, which places them in this complacent state where they feel like nothing really matters, where they are okay with what they have done for the past three years and questioning why they even need to be here anymore, especially after college acceptance letters pour in.

This state students are put in called senioritis is completely justified in my opinion.

Teachers and parents have different mindsets about the issue, but are they the ones in the seniors’ position?

It’s senior year; stunM dents have taken the SAT ille r several times, some have been accepted to a college, a few may even have a dorm room already, so of course seniors are going to feel like attending their statistics or AP government class isn’t going to matter, yet they still do matter.

While senioritis is a justified feeling, that doesn’t make it a viable excuse to fail classes and let one’s attendance slowly decline. Seniors still have to graduate, or else they can kiss their college acceptance goodbye.

Colleges know about senioritis.

Most, if not all, of those people in charge of handling college applica-

EDITORIAL POLICY • The Dispatch is the official student newspaper of James Bowie High School. 3500 copies are published and distributed for free six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.

• The Dispatch is an open forum for student expression. The 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 Dispatch works to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely, and interesting to our readers. Our articles reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality.

• We 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 avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph without indicating that the photograph 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 Dispatch staff or administration as a whole.

• The Dispatch welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie.journalism@gmail.com, call (512) 841-7825, mail them to 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 or drop them off in room F-203 with adviser 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.

CURRENT STAFF AWARDS • CSPA Silver Crown, Gold Medal, 3/3 All-Columbian, 2017-18 • JEA 2nd Place Best in Show, San Francisco Spring Convention, 2017-18 Dispatch Issue #5

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Letter to the Editor

tions, have felt it before, and, surprise, it can affect one’s acceptance.

Many people believe that their first acceptance letter from a college is the end all be all, but colleges can actually revoke one’s acceptance.

While it doesn’t happen often, it's not impossible. And if they did revoke one’s acceptance, it would most commonly be due to their failing grades and declining attendance caused by the feelings of apathy senioritis brings.

Being realistic, senioritis is going to happen. Seniors have been at high school for three years and worked like crazy to accomplish one single goal; getting into college.

And once that has already been checked off the list, what else is there, six more months of senior year?

So, be kind and careful around seniors, this year and every year, because you are either going to experience senioritis in full force, or you may have already have experienced it, and believe me when I say that it isn’t a pleasant feeling.

Questions? Concerns?

Want to share your opinion? Contact: Email: madisenjohnson@ thedispatchonline.net Room: F203

PRIDE IN PUBLISHING Friday, December 14, 2018 Vol. 30, Issue 3 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin TX, 78749

the media was a prom photo of some students at Baraboo High School in Wisconsin, Ohio, performing what appears to be the Nazi Salute.

Events like this have definitely been more prevalent in students’ lives, yet there are not many who intend to do anything to stop it.

We may think this is such a foreign concept to Bowie, but this scandal doesn’t hit too far from home. What about the smaller things, like swastikas on desks, or racial and offensive “jokes” that are often tossed around during school? These little things that happen every day on campus contribute to a larger, more serious cause, even if it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.

We can all agree that discriminatory ideals are a problem that has no doubt backtracked societal progression, perhaps decades. In order to move forward, we must educate our youth, vote for figures who will not tolerate this behavior, and, most importantly, to find it in ourselves to accept differences and stand up for those who are being attacked by people who continue to be ignorant. After all, we are citizens of a diverse, accepting country that is tailored to the people. Let’s continue and improve that legacy.

Principal warns about dangers of vaping Bowie, I think we have a problem. Vaping is out of control!

You see everyone doing it.

People post about it on social media. You think, let me just try it once. They are really small and easy to hide. It looks cool to blow out a bunch of smoke and they say it tastes like candy.

I get it. When I was in high school Motley Crue released “Smoking in the Boys Room” and R.J. Reynold created “Joe Camel” as a mascot for their cigarettes.

But let’s stop and think about this. That little liquid pod in the Juul has as much nicotine as is in 20 cigarettes. And who knows what else? We all know that there are all kinds of toxic chemicals in cigarettes, and JUULs are marketed to adult smokers as a “safer” alternative to smoking. Well everything is safer than smoking cigarettes! So now at least Juul has added a warning that shows their product contains nicotine.

What about the flavors? Who do we think they are marketing to with flavors like s’mores, fruit loops, and cotton candy? Over 7,000 flavors! Why? No adult smoker needs that many flavors and packaging that looks like candy to switch over. So while we are waiting to see if these products actually help smokers quit smoking, we are actually addicting another generation to nicotine. If that is supposed to help adults switch in a com-

petitive market of tobacco products, is it really helping kids start smoking? This is a HUGE step back.

It is more than just the chemicals that we expect to inhale something burning. They have to use some chemical to create the flavor. Those chemicals have been proven to cause a disease called popcorn lung. What is worse, metals leach out of the heating coil so that you are actually inhaling more heavy metals like lead, nickel, chromium, and arsenic (a well-known poison.)

Maybe that is why Juul announced this month that they are eliminating some of their social media accounts and halting most retail sales of flavor products.

Juul is taking action to show that they are restricting access to minors in response to the US Food and Drug Administration’s announcement they were investigating Juul’s sales and marketing practices. They are also looking at ways to ensure that online sales and retailers comply with the age 21-year old age requirement, in addition to restricting flavors to just vape shops and not convenience stores.

What are they trying to tell you? That using this stuff isn’t good for you. In other words, just DON’T do it.

Mark Robinson Principal

THE DISPATCH STAFF

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Cianna Chairez Abby Ong

MANAGING EDITORS Jocelyn Brooks Maddy Rice NEWS EDITORS Jadon Alvarez Shelby Papst FEATURE EDITORS Marisa Salazar SPORTS EDITORS Sam Blas Peter Dang REVIEW EDITOR Gracie Angeli ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Mikayla Zellner ARTS/GRAPHICS EDITOR Joe Morales

PHOTO ESSAY EDITORS Rey Gray Preston Rolls Cade Spencer

Elizabeth Shymkiw Dalton Spruce Naya Tillisch Caitlin Worthington

COMMENTARY EDITORS Jake Brien Ian Miller

PHOTOGRAPHERS Abbey Repka Chase Westfall

COPY EDITOR Rachel Baschnagel

THE DISPATCH ONLINE

ASSISTANT EDITORS Miranda Cardenas Katie Holme REPORTERS Natalie Aman Abbie Brien Gigi Francis William Grossenbacher Amelie Hayne Kateri Jaquette Sumin Kim Faith Lawrence Carter Scruggs Avery Shelton

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mo Orr MANAGING EDITORS Ellie Coulston Kaitlyn Zellner STAFF Maya Amador Austin Civatte Shruti Patel Shikha Patel Amara Robertson Amanda Zinni ADVISER: Michael Reeves

COMMENTARY 15 FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018 THE DISPATCH

The guilty Crimes of J.K. Rowling Shelby Papst Review Editor

J. K. keeps saying “JK!” When I heard a prequel series to the wizarding world was coming out, I could barely contain my excitement. However, J.K. Rowling’s “Crimes of Grindelwald” is an ideal example of how the author has subtly continued to queerbait her audience by leading people to believe characters are on the LGBTQ+ spectrum only for it to be untrue or regarded very weakly.

This is a terribly unfair thing to do to one of the franchise's most iconic characters who people like me have grown up attached to.

People shouldn’t rally behind an author who barely glosses over relationships which many high schoolers and young fans are proud to be apart of.

After the original Harry Potter series had ended, Rowling revealed that Albus Dumbledore was gay and was once in a romantic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald. Having read the original series, I wasn’t looking forward to the new movie, as I knew Rowling would not appropriately contribute to the LGBTQ+ community.

This led fans, myself included, to rally behind a highly anticipated coming out for Dumbledore and Grindelwald in the new movie. Rowling hasn’t been known to have a diverse cast in her books, and it seemed to me that the author decided to suddenly make Dumbledore gay just to get a greater audience, specifically the

LGBTQ+ community.

However as I expected, I did not get this big reveal of the two mens’ relationship that Rowling alluded to. Dumbledore’s sexuality itself was barely grazed over with only a couple of minor scenes no more than a minute or two.

With how brief the allusions were, they could easily be missed by audiences.

It seemed as if they had a strong platonic bond rather than that of lovers.

Dumbledore didn’t have to flaunt around wearing a rainbow shirt, but a highly-recognized novelist could have made a greater effort to make the romance clearer in the film.

Authors aren't obligated to put their characters on the LGBTQ+ spectrum; however, there comes a point where a line is crossed when it comes to making a relationship a little too unclear to the point where audiences are left feeling cheated.

It’s not impossible for a world-famous author to give audiences healthy portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships.

Renowned author Rick Riordan has had notable main characters who were gay and genderfluid. He has impacted generations of kids as Rowling has, but never glossed over important factors such as sexuality and gender just to get a greater audience.

Future generations, including those in this era, may eventually have individuals who find themselves identifying with the LGBTQ+ culture.

It’s important for teenagers in the midst of discovery to have access to healthy

Students shouldn't feel pressured to go to college.

Natalie Aman Columnist

ART BY Dalton Spruce

portrayal of trans, gay, and other individuals in the franchises they love and carry with them through life. By getting the hopes up of gay teens and allies, Rowling’s work will only further feelings of insecurity in people's sexuality and their identity.

The fact that Rowling, who influenced and still in-

fluences many people’s lives, is giving minuscule representation of an expanding culture in today’s society should be recognized by the younger generation so they don’t grow up hidden from a community that Rowling repeatedly seems keen on suppressing, nor follow in her narrow-minded footsteps.

Questions?

Concerns?

Want to share your opinion?

Contact: Email: shelbypapst @thedispatch online.net Room: F203

Let's tear the band-aid off and fix the STAAR Jake Brien Commentary Editor

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test. Rolls right off the tongue. The STAAR test is one example of what many states require for students to pass in order to move from one grade to the next.

The problem is that actually taking the test is a test of patience in and of itself.

The fact of the matter is that the state of Texas deserves better than the STAAR test. Our state is ranked 43rd when it comes to all the other states in the union, and this test is a perfect example of why. The test is a waste of time, money, and energy from the state of Texas and ends up hurting everyone involved. This is not just an annoying test; this test is a band-aid to a larger problem.

Rather than act like a quota for a passing rate, the STAAR should act as a comparative test so students can feel more motivated and improve.

There’s a reason why no private school would ever touch the STAAR. I was homeschooled for a number of years, and ended up taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (or ITBS). It’s a

CHAT with NAT

much better test -- one that focuses be you should stop spending $90 on acting more like an assessment million each year administering the rather than a quota for test STAAR. I recall walking into Pretakers.

AP Biology my freshman The state of Texas year and seeing a quarshould use a test ter of the students that compares missing because students’ their scores were scores on a lost and they state level had to miss as well as part of class a national to retake it. level. My This test scores is a burden w e r e on the peocompared ple who fail. to other The only students thing stuin a fashdents care ion much about when like the taking the SAT, and I STAAR is getfelt like I was ting a passing taking a test grade. Anything that actually testabove that grade is ART BY Dalton Spruce ed my knowledge bragging rights. Anyof things like reading, thing below that grade writing, and math. is a burden on those who are Regardless, the STAAR has a ri- held back a grade. The only thing the diculous price point, and we should test does effectively is put immense use the extra money to improve in- pressure on schools to have high frastructure in schools that need the passing rates. Let’s have a test that money. Here’s an idea: Texas, may- encourages more open review cours-

es for students who feel nervous about possibly failing the test. We could have more FIT courses before the STAAR and even a review book from the state of Texas. A $90 million test deserves a readily-available review book for students.

Texas should establish an alliance of states built upon working together to compare and contrast the way they create their tests. The current version of the STAAR is more like a band-aid than a real remedy to address our rank of 43rd when compared to other states, so let’s fix the problem.

This test is not beyond fixing, but it requires each of us to push for legislation on improving it for the future. Let’s spend less time groaning about it and use our vote to make a difference.

Questions?

Concerns?

Want to share your opinion?

Contact: Email: jakebrien @thedispatch online.net Room: F203

Raise your hand if you’ve been asked where you’re going to college at least once today. Alright, I’m picturing almost every senior raising their hand. Now keep that hand up if your college plan is set in stone. I bet most hands have sunken down.

College has been the hot topic of our lives for months, and that’s stressful and awkward for those who choose not to go. We’ve been conditioned to think a four-year degree is the only path into the world of success in America; however, the norm in our society has been shifting, and the education system has to get on board.

We can’t ostracize those who choose different paths.

A “typical college experience” isn’t on the list of desires for many kids, so we shouldn’t expect every student to have the same post high school plan.

If someone doesn’t go to college, that opens a world of opportunity, not the assumed pathway to being unsuccessful and unhappy.

Alternative options may be a gap year in order to travel or do mission work, getting a job right away, or attending vocational school.

Not to mention, the competition for “name brand” college admission is intense. It’s an expensive and long process to apply, and the hoops people jump through to get into some schools are absurd.

Pushing students towards the four year college ideal can cause excessive stress. Once they’re in, they feel like failures because they were pressured into a future they weren't suited for in the first place.

This may seem extreme, but it happens. We’re told to follow our dreams, but if our dream doesn’t involve getting a certain degree, we may be left in the dust. It’s time to nix the standard of getting into prestigious schools and to start helping kids prepare for their future whether it’s skipping college to get a job or attending Princeton.

Questions?

Concerns?

Want to share your opinion?

Contact: Email: natalieaman @thedispatch online.net Room: F203

BULLDAWG SPEAK OUT

9th

Connor Tuttle

"I haven't noticed much change except in graphic design. The air conditioning in there was fixed."

What changes have you noticed since the bond to renovate Bowie was passed?

10th

11th

12th

TEACHER

Megan Miller

Brady McKnight

Claire Mirran

Howard Thompson

"I haven't noticed any changes."

"There's more online work because of widespread chromebooks, and I'm not sure if I prefer that."

"I have noticed a few new things around school, but I haven't seen a whole lot of change."

"I've seen plans and discussions. All of it sounds good. I welcome improvements to the Bowie community."

PHOTOs BY Chase Westfall and Jake Brien

16 PHOTO ESSAY

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2018

These students aren’t kidding around Starlight Theatre Company travels to elementary schools to perform children shows Preston Rolls Photo Essay Editor

Muffled laughter echoes from behind the rustling curtains as hurried actors rush into their places backstage. The lights dim and with a hush of the audience, the shows begin.

Every year, the Bowie Starlight Theatre Company’s senior directors brainstorm and cast their children show.

“Brainstorming an idea for my children show didn’t take too long since I knew I wanted to do a show as loud and eccentric as I am,” senior director Morgan Sanders said.

“This show was perfect because it had a lot of opportunity to be funny and big and extra over the top.”

Sanders directed “Ms. Electricity,” which is a story about a girl who gets struck by lightning. This was Sanders’ first time directing a show as a senior director instead of a regular cast member.

“The hardest thing about directing my show was learning that my initial vision most likely wasn’t going to happen and that’s okay,” Sanders said. “I had to adjust to my actors perceptions of their characters even if they were a little different from mine and that was a little hard at times, but it paid off in the end and they all had a really fun time with the freedom they had to explore their characters.”

Each children show cast rehearsed every day of the week except Wednesday for about two hours. Rehearsals lasted for two weeks before opening night.

“Rehearsing with my cast was a lot of fun and we definitely bonded a lot over the two weeks we rehearsed,” senior Jacob Hively said.

“I was lucky enough to be a part of a smaller cast, so working together as a cast was so much easier.”

Finally, after rehearsing their shows, the children show actors performed their shows at Bowie before going on tours to perform at elementary schools around Austin.

“My favorite part about touring with my cast was the thrill on the

RUNNING ON STAGE: Sophomores Camryn Gonzales and Jaden Davis perform their Children Show “Ms. Electricity” to the students of Oak Springs Elementary School. Even though this show only ran for about 10 minutes, setting up took about 15-20 minutes. “My favorite part about touring had to be the looks on the children’s faces,” Davis said. “Going to less fortunate school areas and giving them entertainment for the day is such a good feeling.” PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

kids faces when something funny would happen,” sophomore Camryn Gonzales said. “During the show the kids would just yell out random things and it would always make the audience laugh.”

Each children show performance may only last around 10 to 15 minutes, but each show brought lots of joy and laughs to each school they visited.

“I truly believe that our children show was really successful,” senior Taina Gomez-Reyes said. “Seeing all the kids we performed for and making them laugh is such a good

feeling, and the Bowie students we performed for also seemed to like it a lot.”

As for the senior directors, this was their last children show for the Starlight Theatre Company. After four years of performing, this was their final time touring with a cast.

“I’m sad since this was the last time touring for children shows,” Sanders said. “Children Shows have always been my favorite show block because of the touring because I love getting to travel all around Austin to these different elementary schools.”

SCREAMING AND RUNNING: Sophomore Jaden Davis and Camryn Gonzales end their final children show performance as they yell and run off stage. The cast traveled to three different schools all around Austin to perform their show. “My cast members were actually amazing,” Davis said. “My director [Morgan Sanders] did a wonderful job and she was a huge inspiration to me.” PHOTO BY Preston

BOOM BOX IN HAND: Senior Jacob Hively enters the stage as he plays the part of one of the bullies in the children show. Hively’s character was meant to taunt the main protagonists as they learn that she gained ‘electric powers.’ “I think the show was really successful,” Hively said. “The children we visited at their schools thought it was really funny, especially when my character came out.” PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

Ms.

ELECTRICITY 12 Total Shows 26 Elementary School Visited 10-15 Minute Shows

Senior Director: Morgan Sanders

IN SHOCK: Senior Catarina Chavanne takes on the role of the mother in the children show “Ms. Electricity.” In the show the mother learns that her daughter had been struck by lightning.

“I think I played my character as a mom well,” Chavanne said. “However it was rather hard because I don’t have any experience being a mother that would help me play the role.”

PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

ADJUSTING THE LIGHTING: Senior tech Joe Morales looks at the controls for the lighting at one of the elementary school’s theater.

Typically the techs have more equipment to use during a show, but for Children Shows, equipment was limited due to traveling. “Traveling with the actors was really fun and I enjoyed interacting with all the children and the cast,” Morales said. “However, it was hard working with the elementary school’s lighting equipment because I’m used to working with a lot more equipment in the Bowie theater. PHOTO BY Preston Rolls

Assitant Director: Chris Lamm