The Lone Star Dispatch 2015_16 Issue #4

James Bowie High School

the

Lone Star Dispatch Vol. 30

Issue 4

4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin TX 78749

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

SL Parade on March 10 Lauren Blevins Editor-in-Chief

Coach Vickie Benson’s student leadership class is planning a parade on March 10 as their No Place for Hate project. The parade will take place during an extended FIT that will be 45 minutes. The parade will start in the courtyard and end up going around the whole campus.

The class has been planning since September and hopes they have done enough planning to get the entire school involved.

“This event could be really neat if Bowie students embrace it,” junior Aleka Neptune said. “I’m hoping this will be a positive influence.”

The goal is to bring awareness to a serious topic that occurs at the school on a regular basis.

“The leadership class is trying to bring awareness to bullying issues,” Neptune said. “We want to promote and celebrate differences and to fight discrimination.”

Before the parade, there will be a rally to get students pumped up to march.

“The class is trying to unite our students and bring awareness to our campus that we have students who are isolated,” Benson said. “By participating in the parade, the idea is to keep that from continuing to happen.”

Other organizations, like the drumline, Silver

www.thelonestaronline.com

A new policy for transfers takes effect Fuaad Ajaz News Editor

Paper chains: Junior Miguel Gomez cuts colorful sheets of construction paper that will have a pledge about discrimination on it. The signed pledge stripes of paper will hang from the float made by the student leadership students. Photo by Granger Coats

Stars, and cheerleaders are going to march in the parade, but first the leadership class had to get the parade plan approved by principal Stephen Kane.

“I helped present our plan to Mr. Kane to get our idea approved and I’ve been contacting a few Bowie organizations to see if they want to march in the parade,” Neptune said.

Students of all grade levels will create a banner about a certain topic that has to do with discrimination in their social studies classes. The winning banner for each teacher will be given the opportunity to march in the parade.

“I think the competition is a great way for my classes to bond,” social studies teacher Patricia Maney

said.

Even though some planning issues occurred, the class is determined to make this new tradition a success.

“I love being able to put together something that hasn’t been done before,” Benson said. “I really love a challenge, and this project definitely has its challenges.”

Starting the school year of 2016-2017, AISD will be implementing a new transfer policy that will impact many high schools in the area, including Bowie.

Interim Director of Student Services and Discipline of AISD Andri Lyons sent out an email on Monday, November 23 informing staff that a new policy will be taking effect.

“Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, in an effort to relieve overcrowding, majority to minority transfers will only be accepted at campuses where space is available,” Lyons said in the email. “Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, in a continuing effort to relieve overcrowding, in addition to the majority minority priority transfers, sibling, and tracking transfers will also only be accepted at campuses with space available.”

There are three different ways of transferring to a school: sibling transfer, tracking transfer, and a majority to minority transfer.

“If a school has a population with an ethnicity rate 50 percent or more, some students have the option of moving over to a school where the ethnicity rate is less; students will be placed on a waiting list so they can be transferred,” said assistant executive to Kathy Ryan, Jessica Torrez. “Sibling transfers are where if one sibling gets into a school, all the siblings can got to that school, they just have to be on the same campus. Lastly, the last transfer option is tracking where if the student has two unbroken years of attendance, the student has to option to go to another school for the two latest years offered at that school.”

On campus there are just over 400 students on transfers from other schools in the district. Senior Michaela Gero and sophomore Yelenna James are one of the few people on transfers.

“I’m on a sibling transfer here with my brother; we got the transfer from my brother who was able to come to Bowie for the special needs department,” Gero said.

“If we had not gotten the transfer, we are zoned to Akins, so if this new policy takes effect, my brothers junior year might be at Akins.”

Bowie and Akins are two frozen schools in the south which means no one can transfer into either of these schools if the new policy is enforced, which is something that will remain to be seen.

Rewards created for good attendance raises questions Casey Shrout Entertainment Editor After a change in Texas law stated that all schools must require attendance of at least 90 percent of class days to earn credit for the course, all absences still must be documented by either doctor note or parent written note, Bowie administrators came up with a strategy to boost overall campus attendance.

Incentives will now be offered to students if certain attendance requirements are met each semester. The incentives include minor privileges like off periods and selected exam exemption, but the most talked about of the three is the option, strictly for seniors, to have a designated and personalized parking spot.

“The reactions I saw to the new policies at first were a bit shocked and confused,” freshman Grace Little said. “But now that we’re all used to it I don’t think anyone even thinks much of it.”

Beginning the second semester the administrators set up a video presentation to explain the new policies and incentives to

incentives

but...

Z

A+

Z

Open

Reserved

Off Periods art by Kamryn Bryce

all students simultaneously during a mandatory FIT session, creating a build up of mixed emotions campus-wide.

“When my older brother Andrew went to Bowie they started and ended school at different times, had longer passing periods and lunches, and FIT didn’t exist,” senior Madi Little said. “He thinks some of the changes have been good but there have definitely been a lot just in the past few years, by the time Grace graduates who knows what it will be like.”

According to austinisd. org, every day a student is absent from class costs

AISD $45 in revenue from the state. If that was to improve by just one percent district-wide, it would result in $5.9 million per year in increased state revenue.

“I think the school’s decision [for the incentives] was definitely influenced by money,” junior Mason Kendrick said. “But that doesn’t mean our school doesn’t have a problem with attendance.”

There were multiple pushes for this change all throughout AISD to create an overall healthier educational environment, however, the administration added a little intrigue for the students.

These incentive ideas are attempting to appeal to all students. Whether it be the painted parking spot pulling at one’s natural drive for creativity or the opportunity for exam exemption shining before one ambitious scholar striving for straight A’s.

“I hope that people take the incentives seriously and really take advantage of the opportunities being handed to them,” Madi Little said. “I mean, having your own personal parking spot would be pretty cool and so would a diploma.”

According to austinisd. org, a diploma has an economic value. High school

Athletics

The dangerous and risky sport, Parkour, takes a new spin on getting fit and healthy.

INSIDE

Z

graduates earn 38 percent more than those without a diploma, and college graduates earn 140 percent more.

“The craziest thing is, and it happens year after year,” US History teacher Ruth Widner said. “When students become seniors they just decide that school is optional, that class is optional, but it isn’t. Not if you want to graduate.”

In retrospect, it’s not impossible to survive without a standard high school diploma but the case of not graduating due to attendance is extreme and not common.

“It is true, I think, that

school just isn’t for some people but there’s definitely a difference in that and just being lazy,” senior Lauryn Kendrick said. “I know someone who dropped out of high school, got her GED, and directly went into the film business. But I also know people that have dropped out of high school with no ambition and no concrete support that waste away all their unused potential.”

According to austinisd. org the five main reasons students drop out of school or fail to graduate are: the classes weren’t interesting, the student misses too many classes to catch up, the student spent time with people not enrolled in school, the student was given too much freedom, or the student was continuously failing.

“We are simply trying to help students want to come to school,” Widner said.

The incentives will be offered fully to the classes following 2016.

“I mean, you can ask anybody and I’m sure they’ll tell you high school is far from exciting but just showing up can get you so far,” Mason Kendrick said.

In-Depth

The Disney musical, Tarzan, is brought to life on stage

An exclusive Q & A with junior Jackson Walker reveals facts about his first, unique experience as the lead in a STC musical.

See page A4 and A5 for more details

Commentary

Freshman Seth Leifheit spends his time training and testing his endurance to pursue his true passion.

The Netflix documentary was filmed over a ten-year period about the story of Avery and his sentence behind bars after being accused of a murder.

See page B2 for more details

See page A7 for more details

“Making a Murder” creates controversy about the verdict.

News A2-3 In-Depth A4-5 Commentary A6-7 Photo Essay A8, B8 Athletics B1-2 Student Life B3-6 Entertainment B7

News

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page A2

Vibes for Vohl comes back The annual Head for a Cure 5k takes place at Camp Mabry on, Saturday, April 2, at 8 am This race is very special for AP environmental science teacher Nikki Vohl, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014.

Vohl has been participating in the race ever since she was diagnosed.

“The 5k is something I like doing because it’s a time where family and friends all hang out and we all enjoy walking together,” Vohl said. “The weather is always nice around that time of the year and we always have a big group of family, friends, faculty, and students who take part in the race and help raise awareness with my team which is named, “Vibes for Vohl,” .”

One of Vohl’s best friends and AP biology teacher Jessica Davis has been running in the 5k since the team started.

“I’ve been Mrs.Vohl’s friend for so many years that I can’t even count and when she was diagnosed I was the substitute teacher that took place for her when she was gone,” Davis said. “Ever since we started, “Vibes for Vohl,” which has been three years I have gone to the race to raise awareness for brain cancer.”

In the past two years, “Vibes for Vohl,” has won the awards for largest team and second largest team in the 5k.

“Hopefully this year we win again so everyone knows about the team,” Vohl said.

Vohl got approved for a second round of radiation on January 4 and is out until the middle of February. With help from teachers Vohl continues to raise awareness for brain cancer with, “Vibes story by for Vohl.”

Fuaad Ajaz

Mr.Bulldog to be held People watch Mr. Bulldog, boys want to be Mr. Bulldog, but only one can be Mr. Bulldog.

Every year, Bowie holds a competition for juniors and seniors to compete among each other for the title of Mr. Bulldog.

There are two sections of Mr. Bulldog, the talent section and tuxedo walk.

Generally, students do a small act for the talent section and try to win it with the tuxedo walk. Senior Drake Touve wants to switch it up and do a funny performance instead.

“Most people train and exercise, but I take a different approach and exercise my brain, that’s where the real magic comes from,” Touve said.

Touve has been the longest running member of Comedy Club, and is currently the president.

The last two years, Comedy Club presidents have won the competition, so there is some

pressure to keep that running.

“There’s a little pressure to win,” Touve said.

“I try to be optimistic, and if I don’t win, I hope someone else that I know will.”

Other than the performers, there are also others that help put on the show. Student leadership is the team that makes this happen.

“You have two groups, one group, student leadership, puts it on, and then you have the people that sign up to be in it, everybody has their own responsibilities,” Contemporary issues teacher James Ellerbrock said. “You’re essentially putting on a three hour show and there’s a lot of work that goes into it.”

The annual Mr.Bulldog competition is going to be held on Saturday, February 13, in the theatre. Admission to the story by event is $5.

Evan Owen

Celebrating history with the multi-cultural club lack b r o f l er. ot cal “Do n r green pow o r.” power brain powe r Call fo Jordan ra -Barb

“Cha n for so ge will no t m other e other p come if w e wai erson time. t been We a or so w r me chan aiting for e the one ge th s we’ . We a ve a - Pre siden t we seek. re the ” t Bar ack O bama

ut nnot drive o “Darkness ca o d n ly light ca darkness; on t u o nnot drive that. Hate ca .” at th ve can do hate; only lo .

Jr er King, - Martin Luth

“Freed om is n ev given; it is wo er n .”

- A. Ph ilip Ra ndolph

e rned over th “I have lea when one’s years that de up, this mind is ma fear.” diminishes s - Rosa Park

“Lov e soul makes y c it’s h rawl ou our t i – Zo ding pla from ra N eale ce.”

Hurs ton

art by Fu aad Ajaz

News Brief

Students and staff observe African -American culture Fuaad Ajaz News Editor

During the entire month of February, people use this time to recognize African Americans who made the United States a better place for people to live.

Recognizing people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks is just some of the stuff Bowie does during ‘Black history month’.

Multicultural club sponsor Joyce Brisco helps her students plan an annual event at Bowie where throughout, the month students will have different events going on each day to recognize all of the people who made the month special.

“Sharing the enthusiasm of Black History month throughout the whole school makes me very happy,” Brisco said.

“We will be having morning announcements every single morning over the P.A., have notable African Americans on the t.v.’s on the halls, power points that will be sent to teachers in specific classes, a soul food day in the cafeteria and southwest room, and Barbara Jordan essay writing U.I.L. competition where

the winner can receive a $1500 scholarship.”

On January 18, Austin holds a march for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in which sophomore Kyndall Johnson participates in every year with her family.

“The march for MLK is just an amazing thing i like to participate in because he is such a great man who did so much to help our community,” Johnson said. “The march starts at the statue of MLK at U.T. and ends at the south steps of the capital where they have like vendors and other things set up.”

The events taking place on campus are all student driven with some help from Brisco to help top it all off.

“All the events that will be taking place are all student driven and all are things that the students want to do and participate in,” Brisco said. “Without the help from the club I wouldn’t be able to plan and do all this.”

For senior Corie Hall this month is special time where her family all get together and do some family bonding.

“During black history month my family and I take the time to bond and get closer,” Hall said.

“My grandparents come over sometimes and my grandmother will tell stories about when she was younger and she would tell me that she remembers seeing signs that said colored and specific water fountains and bathrooms she could use.”

The Multicultural awareness co-president senior Ana Treuter has been helping Brisco during this process with the other co-president senior Ariana Edwards.

“Mrs.Brisco, Ana, and I come up with ideas for the event and the we pitch them to the club,” Edwards said. “I just like to recognize all of the many great things African Americans contributed to our country.

We do not get much recognition of the many things we’ve invented and overcame and I enjoy seeing all generations become aware of these things.”

The main goal for Brisco is to inform the students and staff about historical African Americans but in an entertaining way.

“We are not going to be just informing students about African American like MLK to every class, we are going to be giving specific department powerpoints about their section,”

Brisco said. “For example the culinary will be getting a powerpoint about famous African American chefs and the science department will be getting a powerpoint about notable African American scientists.

The other thing that we hope gets noticed this year is the soul food day we will be doing in the cafeteria and in the southwest room where the club members will all help and we will have a soul food tasting for everyone on campus to try.”

Hall celebrates her culture through the music she listens to.

“I love to listen to music by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Dreamgirls,” Hall said. “My grandma will bring out her old cd’s and records and we sit around on the couches listening to the music, singing, and just having tons of fun. It’s just a time where I feel like I make an even more special bone with my grandmother. ” Black history month began to be celebrated 90 years ago in 1926 and has expanded from a week of celebration to a whole month dedicated to the event.

Freshman Katelyn Dill takes home grand champion award Alicia Molina Staff Writer On Thursday, January 14, Bowie students were getting involved with science fair, students were getting their projects judged, while other students were judging elementary school science fair projects.

Mills elementary recently held a science fair, they needed volunteers to help with the judging so they reached out to Bowie. 36 students went to judge the science fair. There were rules that were set so that the students are able to participate in the student judging.

“If you take at least two sciences here at Bowie you can judge at the elementary schools,” aquatic science teacher Alonna Beatty said.

They are judging kids in elementary school, seeing high school students critiquing their project can inspire them to

Finishing up: Freshman Aurora Rochin shakes hands with her judge. Rochin’s project was about cave water. Photo by Carissa Duran

dig deeper into science.

“If you want to inspire that student, then judging at the elementary schools is also a good idea. Just judging can give them the inspiration to grow in not only science but in school and in life,” Beatty said.

Not every student at Mills participated in the science fair, but there was a great amount of students who did.

“I judged 12 projects throughout the morning and there were 50-60 projects tops in the whole science fair at Mills,” Cardenas said.

Bowie students going to elementary schools to judge their science fair is a newer tradition for students, but it is one that will hopefully continue to carry on.

“The science fair judging is a Bowie tradition that has been going on for about four years and hopefully will continue for years to come,” Beatty said.

Since these elementary schools are feeder schools to Bowie the students that go have most likely been a student there.

“If I was not a senior this year, I would most likely do it again, but this is not my first time judging an elementary school at their science fair,” Cardenas said.

Bowie was the only high school to have students show up to judge.

“These schools have students that will most likely come to Bowie so they invite us to come and judge,” Beatty said.

Another science fair that happened on January 13 was held at Bowie, which proceeded with an awards ceremony for the science fair that was also held at Bowie on January 14.

“The science fair happens every year, after Bowie’s science fair then the students advance into the regional fair and then after that they then advance onto the international level,” Beatty said.

By winning the science fair last year, and also being a senior this year, there was

Explaining the Board: Sophomore Alyssah Lugo explains her project about nitrates.

Lugo’s project took about one month to complete. Photo by Carissa Duran

some pressure to participate in the science fair for his last year in high school for Gause.

“There was pressure to continue doing it since I did it from my freshman year to my junior year. It’s my last year here so that was also some pressure as well,” Gause said. “I made 5th place in the regional fair my freshman year, didn’t place my sophomore year, and went to state my junior year.“ In regards to choosing the winners for the different categories the judges had a lot of decisions to make and even stayed after a few hours. The judges were people who volunteered their time. They were made up of teachers, parents, and anybody else who was willing to participate.

“The judges had a tough choice. The

best of judges stayed at the school until 9:30 p.m. making the final decision.

“There were 221 projects and 70 judges from the Bowie community, ” Beatty said.

The winning project was from freshman Katelyn Dill in Jill Harding’s biology class. She is not only new to Bowie, but she is also new to Austin, she moved here during the summer.

“My science fair project this year was the effect of the distance of fertilizer on the height of triticum aestivum (wheat) Dill said. The only other science fair I have participated in was my 4th grade science fair at hidden lakes elementary in Keller Texas. They picked three winners and everybody else got a participation ribbon, I did not place in that science fair.”

News

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page A3

FFA takes T.C.Y.S. by a storm

Mia Barbosa Online Editor

The annual FFA Travis County Youth Show was on January 14-16 and many Bowie students won not only some placement ribbons but also some valuable life lessons.

Sophomore Kylee Rhorer won over the judges hearts and impressed them when she showed at TCYS this year.

“I got first with my spot in his breed and reserve breed with my cross.

And I won grand champi-

on showmanship,”Rhorer said.

Winning such a big title this year made Rhorer realize how now she can keep improving for next year.

“Winning will make me work harder and believe in myself. It shows all the hard work pays off,” Rhorer said.

Everyone going into the show had a lot of preparation to make sure they would have a successful animal.

“Every day after school I worked with them and would feed them. You have

Ears up: Senior Ashley Franco listens to the judge while showing. Franco took home the grand champion award. Photo by Fuaad Ajaz

to wash them at least twice a week and also feed them in the morning,” sophomore Kylee Rhorer said.

The time involvement even affected the choice of some people’s animals.

“I chose rabbits because I’m also involved with the musical and the musical is going on the same time as TCYS. The rabbits have a smaller time commitment,” sophomore Jamie Muras said.

For Rhorer the time she invested into her pig was very intense.

“On average I spend 27 hours a week on my pig,” Rhorer said.

The animals are well treated before the show because their health is the primary key to placing.

“Prepping wasn’t too bad besides making feed in the mornings because we were having to change it often” sophomore Brandon Parker said.

A fatal sickness called bacterial and mucoid enteritis was making the rabbits get sick on the, a large number of rabbits were lost and severly affected.

“Rabbits stopped eating and drinking and they lost a ton of weight. People in charge at the farm noticed something wasn’t right so we started on medicated water,” Muras said.

Rhorer, who intends to

John Graff wins teacher of the year

Fun while teaching: 2015-2016 teacher of the year winner and math teacher John Graff explains the lesson of the day. “When I got the news that I won it was just a really fun time,” Graff said. “ Being recognized by the staff meant a lot because they were the ones who voted for me. Working at this school is just such an honor.” Faculty and staff on campus vote for the teachers who have been nominated for teacher of they year, the PTA counts the votes and then the winner is announced. Photo by Violet Glenewinkel

Walking out: Junior Kate Buning guides her pig,”Blue,” through the pen. Buning took third place with her other pig named, “Dude.” Photo by Fuaad Ajaz

be a veterinarian in the future sees tragedies like this or losing her animals in an optimistic way.

“It will help me not get attached as easily and realize some animals aren’t all pets, but at the same time I understand how it feels to lose an animal,” Rhorer said.

One of the highlights of TCYS is getting to show the spectators and judges your animal.

“The scores are all different based off of different breeds. For rabbits 40% is

past.

“I showed goats and lambs at TCYS, my highest goat got second and my lamb got grand champion of his breed,” Parker said.

Buning also won with some other pigs in her category.

“I got third with my gilt.

10th with my dark cross and first with my light cross. It means so much to me because I was so proud of myself and all I accomplished,” Buning said.

TCYS was a win for the FFA this year.

Band to compete in nationals Caitlin Devlin Student Life Editor

In November 2016, the JBHSOPE will be competing in the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis against some of the best marching bands in the nation.

“When I first found out we were going to Grand Nats I was really excited because I knew that all the upperclassmen were talking about how amazing Grand Nats was as an experience,” sophomore Caroline Garcia said.

The band is partnering with Music Travel Consultants, a travel company that works with orchestras and bands to coordinate trips.

“From a travel standpoint, you have to think about how many hotel rooms, how many chaperones, how many kids, how many meals, and what do they pay for and what do they not pay for,” head director Kim Shuttlesworth said. “From a planning standpoint, you have to

& WINTER CLOT L L HE FA

For Less

off of their pelt quality and 60% is based off of meat amounts,” Muras said The primary goal for students who participated in TCYS was to do better and improve.

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted last year I told myself at the beginning of this year that I was going to work harder and put more into my animals this year,” junior Kate Buning said.

For some students their dreams came true when they succeeded furthermore than they had in the

make sure that you pick a good show. That makes all the difference.”

The band has gone to Grand Nats a total of three times. In 2006, 2009, and 2012 when the class of 2016 were freshmen, with the show ‘Stellae Errantes’.

“It’s such a beautiful thing to be part of this production,” freshman Allison Yetter said. “I saw the show that last went to Grand Nats, and it was moving; it brought tears to my eyes.”

As members grow used to working in the program, their goals grow as well. Before the season starts, students plan to become a part of the band’s leadership or play harder music than they had the previous year.

“Next year, I really want to be on a marimba,” freshman Maya Webb said. “I was on a vibraphone, which has not as hard music, and the percussion director is limiting the amount of players in pit to make it a really strong section, and since marimba is the hardest I

want to be on that.”

The band will learn about the theme of their show and get some of their music in the spring.

“We practice longer but the amount of detail that has to get done will be a lot more so we’ll dive in a lot quicker than we’re used to,” Shuttlesworth said.

Even though Grand Nats is a big competition, the band will still go to other competitions, including UIL State Competition.

“I think this season will be different because now we’ll have more of a drive and more of a motivation,” freshman Adam Dinkins said.

Performing in Grand Nats will be different in 2016 than in 2012 because the bands will be much more competitive, and no one will have ever competed in the Lucas Oil Stadium before.

“It’s kind of intimidating that it’s in a new environment; it’s a stadium that none of us have ever played on before,” Webb said.

$5 OFF

any $25 purchase*

S *Not valid with other offers. Expires 0 4 / 1 1 / 1 6 CPNHS0116 01/16/16.

  3005 Lamar Blvd in Austin

I n-Depth

I n-Depth

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page A4

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page A5

Tarzan brings STC to new heights

Disney’s Tarzan was brought to life as nearly 70 thespians from the Starlight Theatre Company (STC) charged the stage as a massive troop of apes, decked out in braided wigs and black fringe.

The company’s rendition of the musical, based on a book written by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912, brought more than 4,000 audience members over eight nights to the Bowie stage. With the looming eyes of the Greater Austin High School Musical Awards (GAHSMTA) watching along with the community, the company put together a show that called for the choreography, as well as the stunts, to be done and designed by students.

Senior STC officer, Eryn Northcutt and junior STC officer, Emma Hashcke were chosen based on their previous dance experience and roles in the company to become the main choreographers for the production.

“I was selected to become a student choreographer because I have been dancing since I was three years old and I’ve always had a passion for dance and I think that really shined through in previous years,” Northcutt said. “As a student choreographer we had to work on choreography at home and teach the dancers every dance, as well as assist them along the way.”

The two worked countless hours on days that the rest of the cast had off, such as Wednesday nights and all day Saturdays in order to fill a tw0hour show with dance.

“Tarzan has definitely been the most dance and movement heavy musical that we’ve done in the four years that I’ve been at Bowie,” Northcutt said. “It’s also very different from the musicals that we tend to do because it’s a Disney musical.

Disney musical’s are very safe and can be bland, so we tried our best to add our own touch to it.”

Looking into the future, the duo faces the opportunity to receive a scholarship from the GAHSMTA program for student design and choreography. The award show will be filmed live by a local news network and will occur on April 13 of this year.

“In the beginning it was very shocking, neither of us expected it and while it was stressful at first, seeing it come together was so worth it,” Haschke said. “It would be a huge honor to see our work win an award on such a high level and it may encourage me to take my dance in college as well.”

For Northcutt, the scholarship also means a incentive for her future career and involvement in theatre beyond high school.

“I want to be a teacher and this experience has taught me that even though I have an ideal vision, I have to be willing to adapt to the resources I have and turn it into something that is fitting for everyone, yet still look how I envisioned,” Northcutt said. “I also want to study theatre studies in college, which means becoming a theatre teacher.

No matter what, theatre will somehow be an aspect of my life.”

While the band of apes followed Northcutt and Haschke’s direction throughout the dances, the leads of the production ‘harnessed’ a new skill to the STC. Tarzan welcomed a crew of technicians, both current and alumni members of the company, to run the rigged fly system that enabled Tarzan to hang upside down 15 feet in the air and even whisked Jane off her feet. Although, before it could go smoothly on stage both the actors and technicians had to undergo strenuously long rehearsals in order to ensure not only their safety, but the intended effect for the show.

“When we were learning the harnesses and how to fly we would be there until 10:30 pm, so I was just a little dead inside,” junior Jackson Walker said.

One of the first times the audience really sees Tarzan, played by senior Austin Hyde and Walker, he swung across the stage in a loin cloth, and it was clear by the audience’s reaction that there left quite an impression.

“I was not prepared at all for the screaming; when I went backstage I fought tears,” Walker said. “This show has really showed me what hard work is, and I have worked so hard. It’s amazing to see the rewards of this. I have been going to gym every day and I have taken voice lessons every Wednesday for two years.”

According to Hyde, a three time lead in an STC musical, he doesn’t seem to notice the audience at all.

“I really don’t notice the audience when I perform, so it could be girls or guys screaming I wouldn’t know,” Hyde said. “I usually am very involved in my performances, but I am sure it is thrilling to watch, because it is thrilling to perform it on stage.”

Taking on a well-known role that is arguably a part of many childhood memories, it also came with a taste of fame for Walker.

“I was in H.E.B. and a guy came over and asked me if I was Tarzan,” Walker said. “He complimented my performance and showed a picture of me after a performance that he had received from one of the girls in theatre.”

However Walker, a first time lead in an STC musical, attributed most of the success of the show to the chorus.

“The chorus is so important and the orchestra as well. Tarzan is so much of an ensemble show and it wouldn’t be anything without the ape family,” Walker said.

While Walker underwent a nine and a half hour dreadlock procedure, as well as three spray tans, senior Paige Bradbury and sophomore Maddy Sparks, who played Jane, took on a British accent.

Senior Juliana Davis, who played the role of Tarzan’s mother Kala along with junior Chloe Byars, experienced her first lead in an STC musical and according to Davis, it was a dream come true.

“I was stuck in the longest traffic line of my life on the day of that terrible rain storm waiting to see the cast list. I was getting all these messages on my phone, but I just ignored it and when I finally got to school it was so rewarding.” Davis said. “This is the first time I have set a long-term goal and achieved it, so it really makes me more confident for the future since Disney has also been a long time goal. If you work really hard for something and if you really want it, sometimes the universe conspires for you.”

Compared to previous STC musicals, not only did the company sell out more shows, but according to director Betsy Cornwell, the actors seem to enjoy the entire process of being a part of Tarzan more than previous productions.

“I haven’t seen kids enjoy themselves as much on stage since I did Pippin’ years ago, or even Hairspray, and that comes from a lighter subject matter,” Cornwell said. “There is more student involvement in this show than previous ones and the more involved the students can be in a production then the more opportunities there are further down the road when creating a design portfolio. Colleges just eat that up.”

With the help of the STC booster club, run by president Christina Haschke and vice president Paula Northcutt, the company is moving towards the goal of updating their light board, which is currently using floppy disks. The booster club moms worked each night of the performance selling concessions, merchandise, and photos of the cast and crew in order to raise money. Throughout the year they organize fundraisers for the company and even give out scholarships to the senior members of the program at the end of the year banquet.

“It is great to see the show sold out every night since we are working up to that new light board,” Cornwell said. “It all comes out about even, whatever we spent in past productions on costuming we spent on the rigging for this show, so if there is any left over we might be able to get the new board.”

On the eighth and final night of the performance during curtain call, Hyde and Bradbury stood backstage and looked across at each other before making their final bows, as seniors in the company Tarzan was their last musical with the company. Although according to both Hyde and Bradbury, they plan to continue their theatre careers into college and keep theatre a part of their lives indefinitely.

After just under three months of preparation and rehearsing, Tarzan came and went in but two weeks. However, according to Davis, the experience has been unlike any other.

“As a whole I am so proud of this show, on the nights I didn’t perform I would watched it. I think the whole family could enjoy this production,” Davis said. “I couldn’t have wished for a better last musical, because it taught me to believe in myself and it’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

art by Kamryn Bryce

Exclusive Q & A with the ape man Q: Were there any other roles that you wanted to play other than tarzan?

A: “I honestly would’ve been fine with any role. I was hoping for Tarzan, but if I had gotten Terk or any part of the dance chorus that would’ve been great too.”

Q: Have you ever had the lead role in a STC Production before?

Q: How is playing tarzan different from past roles?

A: “I’ve been the lead in plays, but not the musical. This is the biggest part I have ever had by far and it’s the first one that I’ve had in a musical.”

A: “It was a lot harder, because the singing aspect was there in addition to changing my physical appearance more than I ever had to before with other characters.”

photo by Kamryn Bryce

Q: How did you feel before your first performance?

A: “It was surreal, I was standing backstage and I had to climb a ladder before my “Son of Man” entrance. I was pumped.”

9 1/2 hour dreadlock

procedure and three spray tans to become the Ape Man

Q: How did you feel after your final performance?

He’s not one of us: Senior Noah Steele, Kerchak, and junior Chloe Byars, Kala, hold baby Tarzan at the start of the show.

Two worlds: Junior and Tarzan student choreographer, Emma Haschke stands front and center of the specialty dancers.

Revenge: Junior Jackson Walker, playing the role of Tarzan, takes revenge on the leopard Welcome to the jungle: Senior Paige Bradbury enters the jungle and explores the plant that killed his human parents. life.

nkel

lenewi

iolet G os by V

phot

King of the jungle: Junior Michael Jefferson, playing the role of Tarzan’s best friend Terk, wails his heart out during “Trash n’ the Camp”.

art

b

y

mr

a yK

e

yc

r nB

In review: STC’s annual musical production Granger Coats Photo Editor The hush of chattering students and families in the crowded theater immediately create a sense of taught anticipation and excitement. The light rises and falls signaling the start of the show and for people to get to their seats. Silence. Darkness.

The beautiful and bombastic song “Two worlds one family” starts Tarzan off powerful and strong.

Kala, played by junior Chloe Byars, leads the song with passion and poise.

The cast joins in and the auditorium is alive. Tarzan begins on a energetic and powerful note, and so continues, to reach that level of excellence throughout the remainder of the musical.

We watch as Tarzan grows. From a baby whose mother and father are killed, he is taken in by the monkeys of the jungle and learns the ways of the jungle.

Kerchak the monkeys leader and adoptive father to Tarzan is weary of the human as he has witnessed the destruction they can cause.

Although Kerchak is apprehensive to Tarzan, Terk (played with heart and

soul by the multitalented DJ Fortner) proves to be an honorable and helpful friend guiding Tarzan throughout his journey.

Kala takes on the role of the mother and raises Tarzan with love and moralilty.

Tarzan, however, finds himself conflicted as he falls in love with Jane Porter, the daughter of professor Porter who is in the region studying the monkeys.

Does he leave and live with Jane and his own race, or stay in the jungle, the only thing he has ever known with his family who raised him?

Tarzan questions all of this; who is he and where does he belong?

Tarzan’s character is fully embodied and put on display for all to enjoy by the confident and captivating Austin Hyde. Hyde plays the character with tenacity, leaving nothing behind as he shines in the spotlight.

Kerchak and Kala are played wonderfully by Noah Steele and Byars who convey the opposing yet loving parents of Tarzan.

Steele demonstrates leadership and portrays the layers and complexities of his character.

Byars demands attention with her performance and is nothing short of

excellent.

Paige Bradbury melts our hearts with her voice, deserving a standing ovation in its own, and plays Jane perfectly with a proper and pomp demeanor.

Fortner gives the performance his all, and brings energy and heart to the musical like no other.

The actors truly portrayed their characters as complex, real, and believable individuals.

As can be attested to the statements above, the musical’s highlight was the enchanting performances of the actors.

The set was additionally well done, visually taking the viewer to the world of the musical.

However, the makeup was badly done on numerous cast members, particularly on Byars who played the role of Kala and had black smear all across her face. Although it wasn’t a huge issue it stuck out and slightly diminished her character’s connection with the audience.

Another thing that I didn’t particularly like was some of the unneeded and awkward rope choreography.

Actors would clip in and go up a few feet while singing and then come right back down, it looked a little

strange and unnecessary, especially the time Hyde swung upside down as he sang suspended in the air. But, there was also great use of the ropes and they added to the production when used effectively.

All in all I would recommend this to the entire bowie student body as it is a great chance to see the wonderful performances of their peers in a fun accessible musical.

Additionally any fan of the Disney film or the original Tarzan musical by Phil Collin and David Henry Hwang would be impressed by the Bowie Starlight Theatre’s adaptation of the work. Finally, I was highly impressed with this musical and enjoyed the care and effort that was evident throughout.

“Two worlds” closes the play with the power of the opening, as the lights go black the atmosphere stands.

Waiting. Holding. Then, applause. It ruptures through the theater, louder and louder until it dissipates back into the clammering of seats and feet as they slowly leave.

The lights go black and the final door is shut. The theater waits.

Waiting for the next time to come alive. Waiting for the next story to be brought to life like Tarzan.

A: “It was so sad, but it was also really happy at the same mtime. After the curtain call I was so emotional.”

photo by Kamryn Bryce

For the first time: Senior Austin Hyde, portraying the role of Tarzan, and senior Paige Bradbury, Jane Porter, touch for the first time.

Ape city: Chorus members from the cast of Tarzan portray apes on stage during the performance. The actors covered the stage and an area called “ape city” created out of wood platforms built by technical theatre classes.

Stay with me: Tarzan and Jane, Austin Hyde and Paige Bradbury, embrace as Jane decides to stay with the apes.

photos by Violet Glenewinkel

Kamryn Bryce Editor-In-Chief

C ommentary The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Page A6

Drawbacks of the ‘Incentives’

New attendance incentives are more irrelevant than beneficial for students Editorial absences in a single class period during the 2016 Spring semester Students also have to pay $20 for their spot, plus the additional cost of getting a permit to park in the Bowie parking lot, and the cost of paint. Students find the fact that they must pay so much money for a simple parking spot isn’t worth the trouble.

Parking at Bowie is already difficult enough and it’s going to make it even more difficult for students to find a spot if people are reserving spots even if they aren’t using them.

Bowie is too large of a school for this to work out without having major problems. Such as people arguing over spots, students having to park in the church or in the neighborhoods because they can’t take other people’s “territory”.

Another incentive, the semester exam incentive, also brings controversy.

Students are given the advantage of having the opportunity to change their grade for their final if their semester average is higher and if they have no more than three absences, to get higher than a 90, two absences to get higher than an 80, and only one absence

art by Eliana Lynch

It’s always important to teachers and staff that students arrive to school and classes on time and avoid being absent. Recently, starting in the spring semester of the 2016 - 2017 school year, certain incentives have been given to students in order to get them more motivation to not skip class and avoid tardies.

Though these incentives might appeal to some, many students aren’t quite sure how they feel about it.

The major incentives are the availability of painting personal parking spots for seniors, exemptions on finals, and more off period opportunities.

Many current senior students feel that these incentives are unfair or don’t matter because they won’t get much of a chance to take advantage of them.

Other students feel that the drawbacks, such as all the effort of getting these incentives, outweigh the benefits.

As far as the parking spots go, in order for one to achieve the title of “owning” a parking spot they must have at least 15 credits, have no more than 12 class period absences in the whole Spring 2016 semester and no more than four

to get higher than a 70.

The idea of being allowed to change a grade that counts as a whole six weeks is a wonderful idea, but so many people have been absent for three days already so the incentive doesn’t affect them at all.

Also, students still have to take the final even If they plan to change their grade, which seems to be a waste of time. And, some

We want to hear from you

Angry?

Confused?

Have a story idea?

Like what you read?

The Lone Star Dispatch welcomes your letters to the editor. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie.journalism@gmail.com 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.

DISPATCH STAFF Editorial Board Editor-in-Chiefs Kamryn Bryce Lauren Blevins News Editor Fuaad Ajaz Commentary Editors Eliana Lynch Carissa Duran Gavin Farner Student Life Editors Caitlin Devlin Violet Glenewinkel Victoria Newell Entertainment Editor Casey Shrout

Athletics Editors Isabel Rosales Priscilla Diaz Photo Editor Granger Coats Online Editors Michelle McDonagh Mia Barbosa Assistant Editors: Online Alicia Molina

Dispatch Staff: Avy Friedman Greyson Hughes Shelby Kelly Samantha Knapp Emma Kunkel Alissa Lopez Amaya Marquez Nya Martin Nate Miller Kathleen Nguyen Evan Owen Ashley Ramirez Kelsie Stella

Adviser Michael Reeves

EDITORIAL POLICY

Also, if a student has poor attendance, off periods can be revoked; this incentive is a shallow idea because students already skip classes even with or without an off period.

Even though off periods don’t count as an actual class students enjoy them and shouldn’t be forced into taking a class that they don’t need or wouldn’t enjoy.

Though these incentives have a lot of benefits and motivate a lot of students, that does not conceal the fact that these incentives are slightly unrealistic and take away and threaten more than they provide.

These so called “incentives” don’t have much purpose and shouldn’t continue in the future of this school.

No vote no voice, kids

Kamyrn Bryce Editor-in-Chief

In Barack Obama’s most recent, and final, State of the Union address he discussed many of the hot topic issues facing the country, however he failed to focus on an issue that is directly affecting how the nation’s political system is run and more importantly by who.

If you are still reading this and you’re under the age of 25 then you are probably more interested in how your nation is run than most citizens in your age group.

Which brings me to the critical issue mentioned above, voter turnout for ages between 18 and 25 is the lowest it has ever been since the United States Census Bureau (U.S.C.B.) started tracking the turnout in 1978. Of course that is just the statistics for the citizens in that eight year age group that are even registered as voters.

According to the U.S.C.B., the congressional election turnout was 41.9 percent in 2014. This is to say less than half of registered voters are practicing their right to vote, which in comparison to the entire population of citizens in the eight year age group that are not registered this is even more concerning.

But then again most of you will have either stopped reading at this point or simply turned the words into “blah blah blah” in your mind until you have altogether decided you are bored and begin to investigate the graphics that cover this page.

Which of course, is exactly my point. Politics is boring, it’s boring and it doesn’t even seem to affect us. Except, oh yeah it does.

In an article titled, “10 Reasons Why College Students Should Vote”, it is explained that not only does voting exercise that unalienable right you have as a citizen (pretty much the only power you have anyway), it also shapes the policy agenda.

What’s a policy agenda? Well, if you haven’t taken U.S. Government by now the policy agenda is essentially the issues that people (you and me) bring up and go on the handy dandy laundry list the government needs to address. Another incentive the article includes for participating in the political system that essentially shapes your entire life, if that isn’t one enough, is that politicians will not address student needs if there aren’t any student voters.

Simple as that. No vote, no say.

Why Should I care?

Meh. er! atev h W

Still not convinced? Ok, neither was I honestly as our nation contains more than 322,762,018 people, according to an article simply titled “The Size Of The U.S. And The World As Of 2016” in the U.S. News. So why should I vote, why does my one vote matter in the grand scheme of things? Well, this situation can be compared to something as common as bullying in schools in the sense that why should I stand up for the kid and get involved when somebody else could easily step up and do it instead? Why do I have to be the hero?

If every person views themselves as the bystander, than that kid will go on being bullied without the slightest hope that people care enough to stand up for him. In the same regard, how is that same apathy applied to politics any different? Although it may be a stretch, but isn’t the refusal to vote just indirectly agreeing with the idea of a dictatorship or an oligarchy. Isn’t that just saying, “Uh you want to raise my taxes? Sure. Oh and you also want to ban fast food. Well, ok I can live without Whataburger I guess.”? If nobody cares then how long will it be until the system just falls apart.

I realize dooms day in the political sense is hopefully a little farther off and more difficult to obtain than just by the lack of voting in America. But the bottom line is, if you don’t vote then you are just handing over your right to have a say in what you have to pay for and what laws you have to abide by. Do yourself a favor and take the two and a half minutes it takes to fill out the voter registration form, better yet even go the extra mile and prove your grandparents wrong and do something a little crazy and unexpected. Vote.

Sure!

Yea, Ok.

Wh

o ca

Party?

res?

I love

parties

I don’t matter.

!

art by Kamryn Bryce

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

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

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

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

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

The Lone Star Dispatch welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie.journalism@gmail.com or mail them to 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 or drop them off in room F-203 with 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.

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

semester classes or AP classes don’t count which takes out a big chunk of this incentive.

The last incentive is the opportunities for off periods. Now, this incentive isn’t really about the benefits. This incentive is much more of a threat. In order for a student to be eligible for an off period, students must demonstrate acceptable attendance.

C ommentary

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page A7

New attendance policy causes confusion

Incentives for perfect attendance are worth it Painted parking spots aren’t going to persuade

Avy Friedman Staff Writer

Samantha Knapp Staff Writer

With the new attendance policy being enforced for the first time this spring, it has potential to bring positive change and benefits to everyone on the campus despite negative opinions towards it.

Although it will negatively affect a few, benefits will exist for the majority of the school. Attendance rates should rise and students will be rewarded for good attendance.

Many students look forward to senior year as they can now paint their parking spots. This will allow more creativity on campus, motivation to come to school more often, and will make parking easier.

Although it costs money, it should be worth it because it will be fun for many to have the freedom personalize their school life.

Distribution of the limited spots are done in a fair way involving number of absences. If a student has zero absences, then they would get first pick. Students with one absence will get second pick and so on.

All students, no matter the age, agree that finals are one of the most stressful times in high school. But with the new incentive, it provides a cushion of support to students with good attendance and grades.

All these benefits require a good attendance therefore, students will succeed will result better attendance rates as a school.

With these changes, students will be rewarded for good attendance and efforts.

In the past, they were expected to work hard but treated the same as students who showed little motivation and care.

In general, attendance for students are not priorities for colleges when determining acceptances so for high schools to put a lot of pressure on it if it is not as relevant

The recent change to AISD’s absence policy sounds like a good way to keep students coming to class, but the incentives are not worth it for everyone.

Seniors for example, won’t get any of the incentives other than depending on what grade they get in the class they still have to show up for the final, but their final grade will not effect them.

They won’t get to participate in the other incentives like painting a personalized parking spot or getting an off period because they will be graduating and the other incentives won’t be going into effect until next school year.

Juniors, sophomores, and seniors will get to participate, but freshman will not be able to because they aren’t old enough to get their driver’s license and won’t have a car and I don’t think it will really work as well as they want it to.

I think there will be a lot of issues with personalized parking spots and students could potentially fight over parking spots and park in someone else’s spot.

I don’t think the school has really taken into consideration what consequences will look like and how they will be carried think that they should do something else as an incentive like maybe having food trucks come to the school for lunch or possibly letting students who have good attendance pick what lunch they have as a reward for good attendance.

I think that getting an off period could be an incentive although grades and attendance go hand and hand I think grades would be a better motivator.

But, if a student is failing one of their classes or barely passing I don’t think they should be allowed to have an off period because a lot of the time if the off period is sixth period they have both lunches and they go home and sleep or go to eat and they don’t do anything productive that could help their grades.

I think that is a waste of time that could be better spent improving their high school career.

The biggest incentive for me is the one that has to do with the final exam because not taking the final exam based on your grade and your attendance is an awesome incentive and every class can participate in it.

I think that other students may not feel the same way and they might need the final exam grade to help them pass the class, but they don’t want to take the exam.

Only wanting one of the incentives isn’t worth it, they should benefit all of the students in every class and they should be willing to fix it so that it benefits every student, in every situation.

The tiniest of details are shown, examined up close and really thought through to give possible clues as to claim if this man was framed or not.

Interviews, opinions, and thoughts are shared from the police, judicial system, family members, witnesses, acquaintances, and people who worked on this cas.

The evidence all goes very in-depth, getting closer to finding out what really happened with this murder “Making a Murderer” is also getting great reviews. Rotten Tomatoes named

it a whopping 97% on its tomato-meter, which is extremely high for a documentary. IMDB rated it 9.1 out of 10 stars and Meta critic gave it an 84%.

Overall, it’s a haunting true-crime show that will leave you thinking over every detail and piece of evidence involving this case. It immerses the viewer, captivating them and pulling them through ten years of investigation and research. In the end, it leaves the viewer with an opinion to the question that the country is buzzing over.

Is Steven Avery a murderer?

PR OS

VS

in the future seems odd.

However, there are negative changes that will come with it. The most disliked change is the idea that being sick will now be considered as an unexcused absence. Students do not control when they get sick and it is advised to not come to school so when their education is penalized, it is unfair. A student’s education should not be influenced based on sicknesses and attendance issues. It is insensitive to disregard student’s struggles and conflicts because sometimes, it is inevitable and a student may not be able to avoid it. The only excuse that is allowed is school field trips.

Luckily, there are exceptions to this new policy.

If a student is gone for a long period of time due to a serious injury, sickness or an emergency, a student can still earn credit for the classes despite the fact that they missed 90 percent of it.

There are negative aspects to the new incentive policy but there are more favorable impacts involved.

CO NS

Questions arise as Avery is charged for murder Violet Glenewinkel Student Life Editor

Netflix holds plenty of intriguing shows, but this past month it’s introduced a new documentary. The ten-hour series, “Making a Murderer,” has been taking the country and its viewers by storm. As one of the most watched shows on Netflix, reviewers are highly recommending it and it’s the first thing anyone should check out the next time they browse the selections.

It begins with a man named Steven Avery who was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for an assault. Later on he is found innocent by a blood test. Years later after release, he is charged with a mysterious murder. The ten-hour series goes through every detail of the trials and court hearings involved with the murder case.

Before the DNA test, Manitowoc police department and sheriff department displayed instances of ignoring anyone else who could possibly be a suspect other than Avery, as if they were trying to prove him guilty at all costs.

“Murderer” was casted across Avery’s image. The body of a woman was found on his property including items linked to the murder. But suspicions have risen. From here on out, the show includes exclusive interviews of people linked or involved with the victim, examining evidence, and the possible flaws in our judicial system.

This show is unlike any crime documentary or program I’ve seen. It was filmed over a ten-year period, through the

Story of Avery and his sentence behind bars after being, possibly, accused wrongly of a murder.

It’s not just the show’s contents and points it makes, but how it is filmed that really pulled me in at first. Every episode keeps the viewer enthralled, which is what I like most about it. Constant twists and turns, new evidence and discoveries surfacing in each episode. It makes the viewer want to keep watching to see if nonnegotiable discoveries have been uncovered to, possibly, get Avery out of jail.

The viewer gets to really know the Avery’s, their stories and relationships between one another, and if had anything to do with this possible framing of Avery.

Exclusive interviews are revealed and concluded by the directors. They don’t leave out much of anything when it comes to giving hard evidence from suspects and people associated with the victim and Avery.

art by Mia Barbosa

Bulldawg Speak Out What would you do if you won the powerball?

Teacher

9th

10th

11th

12th

Israel Ramirez

Jenna Eveleth

Ben Wheeler

Jordan McKenna

Kimberly Wiedmeyer

“I would definitely buy a lot of candy. I would buy my own restaurant.”

“Buy a house, pay for collage, give to charity, buy some cats, and I would totally travel the world and buy a company.”

“I would stay in school, but after I graduate I would explore the world.”

“I would buy a house in every country in Europe.”

“I would absolutely keep my teaching job, but I would take five years off to travel the world.”

P hoto Essay

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, February 12, 2016

Page B8

Bowie welcomes incoming freshman

Leadership through service: Senior Henry Cardenas talks with an incoming freshman about what JROTC has to offer. Cardenas has been apart of JROTC for four years and feels passionate about what the program can do. “Its telling you information, and how it can help inside and outside of school,” Cardenas said. Photo by Granger Coats

Future farmers of America: The FFA stand catches the eye with the dissected cat as Ana Trueter welcomes the incoming freshman. The stand conveyed what FFA offers to students. “We set up some trifold posters that had pictures of what goes on in FFA,” senior Ashley Franco said. Photo by Granger Coats

Culinary treats: Students from Bowie’s culinary class talk food, hard work, and the real world experience it offers. Seniors Emily Ritchie and Simon Thomas volunteered Monday to explain to the rising high schoolers their passion for culinary and why they should join. “I would explain to parents and students what culinary was about and try to entice them into joining,” Thomas said. Photo by Granger Coats

Eighth grade orientation showcases what the school has to offer students Casey Shrout Entertainment Editor Fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters walked quickly across the parking lot. Slamming car doors and side conversations filled the evening air as younger brothers and sisters were filled with anticipation to look at the different clubs and organizations.

Eighth grade orientation is a time to welcome future generations. On the night of Feb. 1 the rising freshman of the class of 2020 gathered on campus to experience a glimpse of their upcoming years in high school. Clubs and organizations annually set up booths lining the fine arts hallway, this year extending into both the cafeteria and the gym, to expose themselves to the newcomers.

“I spent the whole night handing out flyers for the dance program,” senior Elyssa Sanders said. “I just searched for girls interested in joining and helped answer any questions they had about being or becoming a Silver Star.”

Various different types of students came together to promote their personal interests, showing off the campus’ diverse and unique atmosphere.

“We even set up dissected cats and piglets,” senior Ashley Franco said. “Although it’s kind of gross, it’s definitely an eye catcher.”

Teachers and advisors from all around campus advertised their passions and talents, hoping to further excite these young, inexperienced eighth grade students.

“The purpose of eighth grade orientation is to give students a sort of feeling for Bowie,” assistant principal Susan Leos said.”

According to austinisd.org, AISD is the fifth largest school district in Texas. There are over 700 students in this year’s freshman class and each year the numbers rise.

“There are a lot of students to reach out to and not a lot of administrators to do it,” parent of senior Mary Moore, Susan Moore said. “That’s why they do things like this so we can bring our community together.”

Ultimately, the goal is to display the academic and extracurricular opportunities that will soon be widely acces-

sible to these students if they know how to use them.

“Most of the kids I talked to didn’t even know about our kitchen, they’re all expecting little miniature ovens and microwaves from home-ec or something,” senior Emily Ritchie said. “Last year we showed them through all the culinary classrooms [the kitchens] and they’re jaws literally dropped.”

With the abundance of potential, passion, and resources this campus has to offer most students were easily enticed by the array of options.

“We made little brochures to give out that had all the classes and prerequisites needed in order to be a part of FFA,” Franco said. “We also passed out some animal crackers as a small treat.”

Students from surrounding middle schools all around the area gathered in the dim hallways and experienced their first taste of high school.

“Over ninety percent of our students graduate and go onto college,” Leos said. “We just want to pride ourselves on our academics and we are going to take care of our students wherever their needs are.”

Becoming a Bowie Bulldog (Above): Excited and eager parents look through the bowie bulldog apparel. Eighth grade orientation brought swarms of families to Bowie, exposing them to all Bowie has to offer. “Are main purpose is to give the parents and students a sort of feeling for Bowie,” assistant principle Susan Leos said. Photo

by Ashley Ramirez Getting involved (Left): Assistant principal Susan Leos explains the academic side of Bowie to the in coming freshman’s parents. Eighth grade orientation allows parents to get involved in the Bowie community, and gets the incoming freshman excited for next year. “One of my purposes for being there was letting parents know how awesome are academic classes are, and that we are going to take care of the students wherever there needs are,” Leos said. Photo by Granger Coats

The Lone Star Dispatch

A thletics

Friday, Feb. 12, 2015

Page B1

Ray is an All-American nominee Isabel Rosales Athletics Editor

Jump and block: Senior Kianna Ray guards number 35 closely as she tries to make the shot. Ray is quick to block the ball from going in. The lady dawgs were up against the Hays Rebels, losing by 12 points for the second time with a score of 54-44. Photo

by Ashley Ramirez

Surrounded by teammates eating dinner, laughing and playing games senior Kianna Ray is temporarily able to forget about the pressure of the upcoming game.

The game is finally here and the four-year starting varsity player has a million eyes on her. On Jan. 6 Ray was named one of the Ronald McDonalds All American Athlete.

“It was really cool and a great honor to be among the names of so many girls basketball players in my grade,” Ray said.

As she is scouted out by thousands of coaches, watched by classmates, and criticized by coaches Ray does not lose sight of who she is and her overall goal.

“If I could describe Kianna in one word it would be genuine,” former bowie basketball player Alyssa Kuykendall said. “No matter how much pressure is put on her, she remains humble and kind. She will do whatever it takes to accomplish her ambitions and goals, all the while staying true to herself.”

Throughout the years of Ray’s basketball career she

has accomplished making elite teams and was close to being a USA basketball player.

“My greatest accomplishments have been going to the final selection of USA tryouts and 1st team All Centex,” Ray said.

Ray was one of the few girls who was nominated for All American Athlete.

“She deserves that spot, she is a dominant player on the court and is very versatile,” Foradory said. “Not only does she take care of business in basketball, but she’s just as dedicated in school.”

As Ray prepares to leave high school she continues to put everything out on the court leading the team as captain.

“She knows how much we look up to her and she is a great role model as a our captain,” Foradory said.

Having played for close to 14 years now Ray had been put in the spotlight plenty of times.

“She’s a great team player,” Foradory said.

“She knows she’s good but she doesn’t take advantage of it,” Foradory said.

Ray didn’t just magically become the player she is today without hard work and dedication to the game.

“Kianna is a great play-

er for a lot of reasons,” Kuykendall said. “She has major talent, and she puts so much time and effort into cultivating that talent to reach its highest potential. She knows what she needs to go in order to get her job done.”

Much like Ray, the other girl’s love for the game of basketball drives them to continue their career as an athlete.

“I enjoy playing and competing in the sport I love,” Foradory said. “I want to continue into college and I’m working towards that goals with every game and practice.”

One thing Ray loves about basketball is the team aspect.

“I love the fact that it’s a team sport but when I go out on to the court my favorite part is blocking people,” Ray said.

As the season progresses the team has faced challenges they didn’t expect but have also had huge victories.

“Although we have lost to Hays, our biggest competitor has been Westlake,” Foradory said. “We scouted them and we successfully executed on offense and defense and we were able to beat them three times in a row this season.”

Boys basketball shoots to The Bensons inspire others be the best in the district

Nate Miller Staff writer

During this season the basketball team has gone from a collection of a bunch of ‘new to varsity’ players to one of the best teams in the district. They just started their second round of district and are currently second at 12-9.

Most of the team is pretty new to varsity, but they have made it work. They went from a bottom tier team to one of the top performing teams.

“You’ve got a bunch of JV guys who’ve moved up from different spots, and they’re just doing an outstanding job,” coach Celester Collier said.

Collier and the team have moved through the ranks this season, going from the bottom all the way to being one of the best teams in the district.

The team is playing well with each other now that the season has progressed.

“We fought our way all the way from the bottom to second place in the district. We’ve won seven out of eight of our last games.

At this point in the season, we’re really starting to click,” Collier said.

The team recently played and beat Austin High 68-59 and Hays 5339, cementing their status as a driving force of the district.

“My favorite game of the season so far was our win at Austin High. It is always good to beat Austin High, but this one was especially sweet, since it is the last time we will play them as a district opponent because they are dropping down to 5A next year,” coach Brad Ingram said.

There were only four returning varsity players this year and only one returning varsity starter. One of the varsity starters this year came to the basketball team from the football team. Senior Josh Wainwright plays both sports as well as handling his academic career.

“It was very busy, but dealing with school, basketball, and football was honestly more of a reward than anything because it helped me learn to use time wisely,” Wainwright said.

Wainwright has been

playing sports for most of his life and decided he wanted to play basketball for the bowie team.

“I’ve been playing football since second grade and basketball all my life. I figured playing ball for the school would be cool. Plus, I’m playing in front of all my friends,” Wainwright said.

Wainwright is going on to college next year to play football. The college search was a big responsibility to deal with along with sports and high school.

“Josh’s future will be playing college football.

He is being recruited by several schools. It has been a challenge for him to balance the recruiting process and stay focused on basketball, but he has been able to do both,” Ingram said Wainwright has lived up to the coaches’ expectations both as a student and as an athlete.

“Josh is a tremendous athlete. He is becoming a great basketball player. He gives us great effort and leadership and has made a big difference for us since coming over from football.” Ingram said The team has used this season to bond and learn to play well together. They

have also made this into a successful season by playing together with a good dynamic.

“We’re playing with a lot of energy and we’re playing hard. I think we’re starting to click. They play for each other, not a whole bunch of selfish players,” Collier said, “I like the way we’re developing and getting better at the right time.”

Andrew Miller is another player for the varsity team alongside Josh. As the members of the team continue to bond on and off the court they have begun to work well together.

“My favorite part of being on the team would definitely have to be when we are celebrating together in the locker room and goofing off after games,” Miller said.

The team is in a great place right now and they are hoping to go all they way to playoffs and do well.

“Our goals include making it to playoffs and advancing in the playoffs, right now we are in position to do that. I expect this team to continue to play well and accomplish their goals,” Ingram said.

Jump shot: Senior Josh Wainwright goes up for the shot as he is guarded by two Hays player. Wainwright is a returning starting varsity player. Photo by Nya Martin.

Pep talks: Girls varsity coach Vickie Benson calls a timeout to talk to the girls planning their next play. The girls were up against the Akins Eagles who they beat with a score of 72-56. Photo by Isabel Rosales.

Speaking from the heart and experience Samantha Knapp Staff writer

Kacy Benson stands up in front of thousands of teens to tell them about his tragic childhood and stories collected about other students, using humor as a kind of buffer.

Kacy and his wife Vickie Benson, connect with everyone they meet through their laid back attitudes and uplifting advice, hoping they could change someone’s life and inspire them to do something greater.

“He’s really taught me to stay focused on what’s right and just to make good choices overall,” senior basketball player Amber Lotz said.

When Kacy speaks he focuses on how one choice can drastically affect someone’s life.

“Kacy Benson is an excellent speaker, and really knows how to make people open up their eyes to what reality can be,” senior basketball player Kianna Ray said.

Vicki Benson coaches girls basketball and accepts them as part of her family.

“They have had a huge positive impact on my life and I have always looked up to the both of them and I’ve learned so many life lessons from them that I’m so grateful for,” Lotz said.

Together, the Bensons have inspired not only students, but other adults as well.

“He inspires people to evaluate their life and make change,” assistant girls basketball player Jaime Lankes said. “Ultimately, he reminds people they are responsible for the decisions they make. As a teacher and coach, it is easy to get caught up in the day

to day logistics of lessons, assignments and practices.

It is good to be reminded to take a step back. We are all in this together.”

Kacy grew up with a father who was a drug addict and an alcoholic and Kacy struggled as many high school students do as well to get through the difficult time.

“I was fortunate to have a ‘normal’ childhood with caring parents and generally good influences around me,” Lankes said. “Mr. Benson’s stories about his childhood remind me that not everyone’s that lucky.

I have to be sympathetic and understanding with my students but also hold them accountable for their learning and the decisions they make. It is tricky, and I think Kacy and Vickie do an amazing job of that balancing act with the students and athletes they work with.”

Kacy tells his listeners his first hand experience with high school students and the decisions that have ended badly.

“The things that are happening in this world motivated me, too many teenagers are passing away and just this week, a few teenagers at Hays passed away and I knew one of those kids and one of his friends said that it will never happen to him and that’s famous last words and it motivated me because maybe somebody is going to get it and it will change their life,” Kacy said.

Before becoming a motivational speaker, Kacy was a boy’s basketball coach for thirteen years.

“I’m a lot louder now since I was a coach,when coaching you have to motivate players and coaching for thirteen years helped

me become a better motivational speaker I think because you have to be able to communicate what you need to get across,” Kacy said.

Kacy isn’t the only one who motivates and inspires students his wife Vickie Benson does as well.

“When I first met Kacy we were working at a basketball camp and I remember watching him interact with the campers and they flocked to him and I remember watching in awe that someone could draw in so many kids and I had never seen that before and I remember watching him and wanting to do that and it drew me to him and the connection that he had,” Vickie said.

When Kacy speaks there is always something different it’s never the same thing.

“I hear something different every time he speaks and all of the time there is something that he will say that will grab my attention,” Vickie said.

“Reflecting on his past I always have snacks in my office because of a story he tells about when he was in middle school and he didn’t have any food at home.”

Kacy hopes to inspire others with his childhood experience giving high school students hope and helping them through it.

“I hope that in the end i able to make a change and motivate them to do better and work harder and to choose the right path,” Kacy said. “Because of what I went through I know that there are teenagers that are going through the same things and I want people to be able to look at my life and be like wow he made it out.”

A thletics The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Feb. 12, 2015

Page B2

Swiftly overcoming obstacles Priscilla Diaz Athletics Editor

As infants, we crawl, then we move on to walking and soon enough we’re running. When we reach certain ages, we get asked if there is any sport we want to join; baseball, volleyball, and basketball are some of the common choices. Two students at Bowie have chosen the wild sport of parkour.

Parkour is a training discipline that developed from military obstacle course training. Practitioners focus on discipline, efficiency, and challenging themselves for growth.

“Parkour is the art of movement,” freshman Joseph Killeen said.

Parkour takes nothing more than fitness and your willingness to take risks.

Freshmen Seth Leifheit and Joseph Killeen, are amongst the few people who take part in this sport and they are proud Bowie students.

“I’ve only been taking lessons for a few months,” said Killeen. “I’ve been practicing the art of parkour since I was young by doing things like climbing trees.”

Through church and a youth group, Leifheit and Killeen were able to form a friendship with the owner of the Parkour facilities in the Austin area, Matthew Willis.

“They are quick studies and I put them in my advanced parkour class,” Willis said. “I have worked with them directly as well as my coaches to give them the best learning experience at a safe rate, but also

Jump to improvement: Freshman Joseph Killeen springs onto the block to prepare for a jump. Killeen has been practicing this jump for months and has seen improvement with each practice. Freshman friend Seth Leifheit, who has been training longer, helps Killeen improve and perfect his technique. Photo by Priscilla Diaz

learning some very impressive skills.”

More often than not, individuals who participate in parkour began with something else. It takes

some previous skill and agility in order to excel at this sport.

“I also love biking and longboarding with my friends,” Leifheit said.

Killeen and Leifheit have many other activities they like to take part in.

From music to athletics, they are both very well rounded students.

“This year I’m on the track team and I did cross country in the fall,” Killeen said.

Not only are they athletic, but Leifheit and Killeen are well involved with their religious community and also have a respectable reputation. They are seen as kind leaders by anyone they come across.

“They are very ambitious and kind gentleman, I respect them so much for their ability to stay strong and honorable,” said Willis. “They are the exact type of friend that I would want in high school, they keep friends from making mistakes, are trustworthy and have a fun sense of humor.”

These two agile students and athletes are lucky enough to have come in contact with someone so closely related with the parkour facilities in Austin.

The bond they have with Willis and with each other helps motivate them to become better.

“As a part of becoming good friends with Seth and Joey they have taken a strong interest in Parkour,” said Willis.

Parkour doesn’t necessarily have to be an organized sport. Truly, it can be practiced anywhere but it is safest to do it with trained people in a gym.

“I practice at BAM Academy, I go there and they teach me everything I need to know,” Leifheit said.

Leifheit and Killeen have gotten the unique opportunity to obtain licences to BAM Academy which comes with a full membership.

“Once I jumped off a 20-foot wall and tried to do a front flip and land it,” Leifheit said. “But I ended up crashing and almost twisting my ankle.”

Parkour is often dangerous. When you go out and do it freely, without the proper equipment is when the risk factor comes in the most.

“My parents are okay with me doing parkour, they just don’t like it when I do things outside of the gym,” Killeen said.

Every move contains different amounts of intricacy perfected only with a lot of practice. Being able to have coaches and access to a gym is a huge privilege that Leifheit and Killeen have the opportunity to experience.

“My favorite move is called the full where you do an entire 360 degree flip but you twist at the same time,” said Leifheit.

Part of practicing parkour is acknowledging the risk that comes with it and being cautious enough to not get hurt. However, the sport itself involves a lot of complex movement which is enjoyable with training.

“They have an amazing ability to keep each other accountable and on the straight and narrow path,” said Willis These athletes have a lot of practice ahead of them but see improvement each and every time they show up at the gym to practice.

Killeen and Leifheit are dedicated to practicing in order to become the best that they can be. Being well rounded in the art of parkour which has created a part of their persona.

Sophomore black belt fights her way to a top ranking Shelby Kelly Staff Writer Sophomore Lily Ang tightens her belt before she picks up her staff to practice her bow fighting.

She moves the hair from her eyes and her coach yells, they begin their first drill, the wooden rods click together.

Ang grips her sword tightly as she begins fight, “Drill 8” her instructor yells”, and everyone begins to swipe around. At the end of drill one she places the sword back in her sheath and waits as it rests on her black belt, sweat littering her forehead.

Ang practices every week to better herself as a person and as a confident self protecting woman. Ang has achieved one of the highest and sought after ranks at only age 15. She has been training at the Kuk Sool Won martial arts association since she was five.

“I am a first degree black belt in the World Kuk Sool Won Association, which is a Traditional South Korean martial arts system, and the only martial art South Korea recognizes as a traditional martial art,” Ang said.

“We learn kicking and punching, takedowns, joint locks, pressure points, traditional forms, weapons, meditation, and formal etiquette. This can be taken as a PE class/credit as well.”

Black belt is one of the hardest levels to pass, instructor and co-owner of the studio Barbara King says that being a black belt is more than just the fabric.

“For the first few years of a student’s training, one line that is repeated over and over again the student’s goal is ‘black belt and beyond’,” King said. “Once you achieve that rank, it really represents more than just the belt you are wearing. It represents the years of training, endurance, stamina, fear, accomplishments, disappointments, perseverance, sweat, friendships, respect, self awareness, but most of all, it’s a goal that you have set for yourself and attained.”

Lily’s passion for KWS is ever strong and she continues to love it everytime she goes.

“My favorite things to study are weapons, like sword and

Listening to the coach: Sophomore Lily Ang spins the staff in class as she practices and listens closley to what her coach has to say. Ang was a rank one black belt by the age of 15. Photo by Shelby Kelly

staff. My favorite thing to compete in his takedown techniques,” Ang said.

Riley Murphy, a sophomore, also does KSW and is close to ranking up to black belt.

“KSW has taught me the importance of testing my limits and trying to push past them, bettering myself in body and spirit,”Murphy said. “It has taught me self respect and discipline, as well as a better understanding of the respect for others,” To be a black belt a person has to be both physically and emotionallyready, Lily’s mom explains.

“A black belt is really just a person who doesn’t give up or quit. Anyone can become a black belt, if they have the determination to keep going when things get tough,” Alicia said.

Bella Cumminato is one of Lily’s closest friends and knows her passion, determination, and sentiment for martial arts.

“Lily’s involvement in martial arts is only one of the things in her life that drives her. Considering all of the time that it took for her to just get one black belt, along with the other activities that she does.,” Cumminato said.

Everyone around Lily realizes her determination to everything she does.

“I know Lily is very driven with academics and her sporting life too. She gives 150% to whatever she does and sets higher goals for herself in the martial arts,” King said.

Murphy is not surprised, considering Lily’s drive and passion, that she has already made it up to rank black belt.

“I’m not that surprised, because she is the type of person to start something with the intention of finishing it. I’m sure from the day she joined, she had planned on advancing as much as she possibly could,” Murphy said.

Lily has and plans to conquer many things in her life as her mom recognizes, even when it is difficult.

“She’s a very hard worker, I once saw her take a second degree test that required her to do over 400 push-ups,” Alicia said.

The Kuk Sool Won program is much more than just a work-out.

“Martial arts is very important to me. It has taught me patience and has made me stronger, both mentally and physically. Kuk Sool Won has been like a second family to me, and I have made many friends throughout the year,” Lily said.

Lily is in many activities, including volleyball, modeling, and choir (silver bells and NV2),

and she still manages martial arts, it is special to her and important to continue.

“KWS is a big part of my life now. It helps me stay in shape, make friends, and have fun. I like to compete and win at tournaments, and hope to someday win grand champion in my age group,” Lily said.

Being involved in Kuk Sool is very important for the whole family, Alicia explains.

“Being in Kuk Sool together has brought our family closer. It’s fun to be in an activity that we can learn together. We encourage each other to keep going, even when it gets really hard,” Alicia said.

Having family involved in the same activity only drives Lily more to be better and to continue in her journey to become better.

“My parents and brother are all second degree black belts, and my parents are both instructors.

Sometimes during demos, I get to demonstrate self-defense against my dad which can be really fun,” Lily said.

To many Lily just seems like a nice, humble, and harmless girl, but when you get to know her you learn that she can go through a lot, even through the toughest times, her instructor of 12 years explained.

“Lily is a lot tougher than you would think,” King said. “I’ve seen her get kicked to the ground repeatedly, then keep getting up to eventually win. She’s a great role model for our little students.

They love her because she is sweet to them, but tough at the same time.”

Even though Lily doesn’t own up to it, to many she is an inspiration and role model. She has taught others through her drive and determination, friend Murphy explains.

“Lily has taught me that martial arts isn’t just about the physical training, but also the mentality and the friendships you make within. She was one of the first people that I came to know at KSW and we’ve been working together since,” Murphy said.

Even though it is rare at Lily’s age to become a black belt her instructor explains that considering the qualities of one, she has definitely earned it.

“It takes someone who is driven, motivated, and willing to put in the time and energy to reach a goal that takes many years to accomplish. A black belt is not just about the belt you wear around your waist, it’s the attitude and spirit you carry with you once you reach that goal, ” King said.

S tudent Life The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Page B3

Walking more than the hallways

Miss Hill Country Teen: Posing in front of the downtown Austin skyline, senior Jasmine Correa flashes a red-lipsticked smile. Correa took home four awards from the Teen Texas Belleza Pageant: Miss Teen Photogenic, Best in Fashion, Eleganicia, and Best Interview. Photo by Granger Coats

Senior Jasmine Correa creates a name for herself in pageants across Texas Kathleen Nguyen Staff Writer With her emotions flying high and the insane adrenaline running through her body, senior Jasmine Correa, feels the undeniable pressure in the air. As the cameras flash and the audience claps for the runner up, all the hard work and missing school days flash across her mind… will this be the moment?

In April 2015, Jasmine Correa won the title of Miss Teen Texas Belleza Latina in the Texas Belleza Latina Pageant.

“I started pageants about 3 years ago and the first one I did was just for fun with my friend. I placed 2nd runner up and I

Strike a pose: Senior Jasmine Correa flashes a smile to the camera during a shoot. Correa has been competing in pageants for three years. Photo by Granger Coats

liked the rush of adrenaline you get from being on stage,” Correa said.

Along with earning the title, Correa not only gained the responsibility that comes with being crowned, she gained a family.

Her two sister queens Gianna Castillo and Juleanty Esquivel have helped guide her in her journey to become Miss Teen Texas Belleza Latina 2015.

Castillo has seen Correa grow upon winning the title and supports everything she does.

“It’s undeniable that she loves what she does. I admire the fact that she stays focused on school and that’s her priority.

I think she manages both perfect considering how demanding they are,” Castillo said.

Esquivel commended Correa for her passion and dedication towards modeling.

“I’ve done modeling and school at the same time myself and I know how hard it can be. Jasmine never ceases to impress me with her scholastic and modeling awards,” Esquivel said.

With missing school for a long time to the amount of make-up work to complete, having another full time commitment along with school can be challenging.

“I stay very organized and on top of all of my work to make sure that wherever I’m going for modeling, I’ll get my work that I’ll be missing so I don’t get behind,” Correa said.

Along with being a model and competing in pageants, Correa is also in the school’s choir and is a photographer.

“What truly got my interest in modeling is that I knew what the photographer was dealing with or trying to do. I love to be both in front and behind the camera,” Correa said.

Gazing out: Senior Jasmine Correa poses for a shoot. Correa is wearing an Austin Teen Texas Latina sash, another pageant she competed in. Photo by Granger Coats

Every expert starts off as a beginner, but through hard work the time pays off.

“I first started super simple photo shoots with just casual stuff downtown with an Austin photographer named Vaughn Luciano and now I’ve moved up to being featured in SEEN magazine,” Correa said.

Since winning the title, Correa’s interacts more with her local community.

“I’ve learned more about myself and my pageant family, gained more knowledge of my Latin culture, improved my Spanish, and I’ve gotten better at public speaking from speaking at schools and other public events.” Correa said.

On top of all this, Correa also gives back to her community.

“My favorite memory would have to

be when we went to a community service event. We helped throw a party for a pageant friend that is currently battling cancer.”

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, but for Correa this is just the beginning of a whole new adventure.

“I’ve been able to meet so many people along the way and I’m thankful to have met each and everyone of them along this journey that is sadly coming to an end this February 21st when I crown my successor for 2016,” Correa said. “I am looking to return to nationals this August to give it another shot as my last year as a Teen. In the future, I also plan to compete for Miss Universe, it has been my dream to compete for that title.”

Red Cross Club presidents raise awareness about medical and health issues to make a difference Winn and Newton share their passion for the medical field with others Kathleen Nguyen Staff Writer The hallways are bare and chilly this early Tuesday morning. Room C103 is being reserved for students that have chosen to make a difference in their local community. They have open discussions regarding threatening diseases and helping to prevent them, this is the daily life of a member of the Red Cross Club at James Bowie High School.

Co-presidents of the club, juniors Madison Winn and Caleb Newton, along with their teach-

er sponsor science teacher Erin Kowalik, and some other members of the club, juniors Jolie Francis and Yasmine Ben-Brahim, each enjoy going to and participating in the club every week.

As a high school representation of Red Cross of Austin, they have constant communication with the organization.

“We actually have a contact in the Red Cross who works closely with all the clubs in Austin and we try to align ourselves with other schools and do activities at the same time,” Newton said.

“Also, Madison and I are apart of a student leadership committee

for Red Cross Clubs in Austin where we are able to not only learn more about how to make our club better for the community, but also about all the opportunities that Red Cross can offer for the members of our club.”

The club’s involvement with the Red Cross of Austin reaps many benefits, including having an insight on future plans.

“The Bowie Red Cross Club works with Red Cross of Austin and carries out some of their similar projects they have going for that month,” Winn said. “Some of the officers attend Austin Red Cross meetings downtown to get

Red Cross response: Junior Madison Winn reads out the following week’s plans to the Red Cross Club during the club’s meeting. The club was planning to make Valentine’s Day cards and candies for hospital patients in Austin. Photo by Caitlin Devlin

feedback on what each month is raising awareness for or working on.”

The club is participating in a competition against local schools, like Westwood and Vandergrift. They are fundraising money for measles and rubella because they don’t have vaccinations in Africa. For every dollar the club gets, a child in Africa receives a vaccination.

Promoting the club around the school with flyers has helped it grow in size.

“We have 30 members as we just built the club from scratch since all of the previous members graduated,” Winn said.

Similarly to many organizations involved at Bowie, the club is reliant on the weather in order to occur.

“A bunch of our work is seasonal or is sudden due to weather disasters,” Newton said.

Red Cross Club is mostly student run, with a few influences from the club sponsor.

“As the sponsor, I allow my co-presidents to run the club as they see fit,” Kowalik said. “I provide some paper and markers for posting signs but I let them take the reins as far as how much or little they want to promote it and what service projects they choose to take on.”

There are different reasons to why students join Red Cross Club such as providing a helping hand towards the community.

“I joined it because I always

knew what Red Cross was but all the different causes they work for or how far of a reach they had,” Newton said. “I was very interested in Red Cross because you always see them as responders to natural disasters or helping immunize children in Africa and overall they are a great organization that I would be foolish not to work in collaboration with.”

The ability to create a difference in a person’s life has provided a sense of accomplishment for some club members.

“Being in the club makes me feel involved in my community,” Newton said. “Rarely do we see a large number of high schoolers going out of their way to help people in other countries, let alone half way around the world.”

The club can broaden a student’s outlook on aspects of life and how they take things for granted daily.

“The Red Cross, and more specifically our club, is unique in the fact that it not only makes me feel like I’m actually making a difference in this world, but also that the entire club can make an impact on a person in need’s life who we haven’t even met,” Newton said. “It’s impossible to comprehend all of the hardships that people in this world have to go through, but for those of us privileged enough to not have to worry about it on a regular basis should do our best to ensure that everyone can live carefree.”

S tudent Life

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Page B4

Hip-hop dancer excels with passion Dance shapes the life of a senior through leadership and hard work Victoria Newell Student Life Editor

Going to a school of roughly 3000 people, it’s nearly impossible to not find unique students. From performers to athletes, Bowie’s student body covers a large spectrum of talent. Of these people is senior Yulissa Reyes, a skilled hip-hop dancer.

Reyes is a performer on the hip-hop team at Balance Dance Studio. When Reyes discovered her passion for dance a few years ago, she began practicing and advancing. Along with the help of other girls, a teacher, and her own diligence, she has become a fantastic dancer among her peers.

“She’s always had natural talent, and through talent and training she’s advanced and become an excellent dancer,” Yulissa’s father Pedro Reyes said.

Yulissa is one of the oldest girls on the team and is also the team’s captain.

This past year she has really stepped up and become a role model among the other dancers.

“She’s a really good leader, and a great dancer” sophomore and dancer Olivia Warren said.

She has also gained a high respect for responsibility through dance, and has applied that in other areas in her life.

“Her responsibility has reflected in her actual lifelike in school- it has made her focus on wheres she’s going to go after senior year,” Reyes dance instructor, Crystal De La Rosa said.

On top of her amazing leadership skills, Yulissa has become a standout dancer. In a short amount

of time, she has discovered something she’s truly passionate about, and is recognized by her friends as a fantastic performer.

“I love how it feels to be dancing, I can just be myself and not have to worry about anything,” Yulissa said.

She has trained and worked hard to be at the high level she’s at, and has improved her skills a lot over the past years.

“From where I started to where I am right now, I truly do think that I have progressed a lot,” Yulissa said.

She’s not the only one who thinks that she has progressed, De La Rosa has also seen her grow.

“I think she’s progressed more than she knows, and I’ve seen her really become a leader- she strives for perfection,” De La Rosa said.

She has also gone far enough to impact and impress people she doesn’t dance with. And her friends go out of their way to watch her perform.

“Yulissa is an amazing dancer, she is so good at what she does,” junior Sierra Webb said.

Reyes and her team competed for the first time this season on Sunday, November 22. They had some great beginning success at their first competition.

“We got first out of three on our large group dance, and second out of five for our small group dance,” Warren said.

Yulissa has also grown and matured through her leadership role and dancing ability.

“She looks more comfortable with herself since dancing, and when she’s dancing she looks more lively, she looks happy,” Webb said.

To the Beat: With a smile, senior Yulissa Reyes dances a hip hop routine. She plans on being a back up dancer or part-time instructor when she’s out of high school. Photo by Granger Coats

Yulissa also has big dreams for her future in dance as well, and where her talent can take her.

“I want to grow up and possibly be a back up dancer for someone or just be a part-time instructor,” Yulissa said.

Her family is also supportive of her dancing

dreams as well, and are very encouraging.

“I believe that with a fine arts degree, Yulissa can possibly go far with her dancing abilities,” Pedro said.

De La Rosa has helped and mentored her through the process. They’ve talked out her goals for her future

career and she has been encouraged to go to many dance conventions.

“She’s looking for the best options for her and her family.” De La Rosa said.

In the eyes of her peers, Reyes had grown tremendously as a dancer, and has really stepped up into her leadership role. She has

great potential to do great things with her talent. And most importantly, she has found something she is genuinely passionate about “I love how it feels to be dancing, I can just be myself and not have to worry about anything,” Yulissa said.

Advancing with independence towards a teaching career Emma Kunkel Staff Writer

For many students deciding on a career can be a difficult decision, but junior Ally Bienvenu already has experience for her future. Bienvenu plans on becoming a teacher and is getting hands-on experience at Mills Elementary helping teachers and students.

Being a teacher has become something that Bienvenu has had to create for herself and make her own opportunities to prepare for her future career.

“I got this opportunity all on my own because there’s no teaching program at Bowie, so I made my own,” Bienvenu said.

Bienvenu’s day starts out waking up very early to finish homework and get ready for her day. She goes to Mills every morning to help out two different teachers and show students how to cooperate with each other.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m in a first grade room helping out 3 specific students with things like social skills, making friends, and completing their work. Then on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I work with second graders and learn about the difficulties of controlling an entire room of 8 year-olds,” Bienvenu said.

Learning the difficulties of teaching small children has been something that Bienvenu has had to work on, but it will help her a lot in the future to become a teacher.

“I feel like going into college and into the future I’m going to have at least one year of knowledge ahead of anybody else which will help me really start to deepen my skills,” Bienvenu said. “I also feel like in the future I’ll be able to connect to kids more because I’m learning a lot this year and my second graders are a handful to control.”

The teachers that Bienvenu works with everyday really think that she can become a great

art by Alicia Molina

teacher in the future with the skills that she already shows.

“Ally has what it takes to not only be a teacher, but a Master Teacher. I’ve had many student teachers from UT and Texas State over the years, and Ally ranks among the best I’ve seen, despite her age and level of experience,” second grade teacher Ron Toran said.

Since a young age, Beinvenu has shown a strength in leading others and working hard.

“She would be a wonderful teacher, I knew it when she was in my class when she was in first grade because she has always a helper to others,” first grade teacher Debbie Portillo said.

Having to work with two different teachers has given Bienvenu two different perspectives on teaching and how to handle certain situations.

“Mrs. Portillo is much more strict or structured with her kids because she wants them to get every ounce of knowledge they can while Mr. Toran gives his kids a little more freedom to have creative ideas together,” Bienvenu said. “Bounce ideas off each other to enhance their work, and strengthen their social skills by constantly doing group projects and simply blow off steam so that they’re not dying to run around and be crazy.”

Connecting with the children she works with is very important to Bienvenu and has influenced the way that she teaches the kids to make her become a better teacher.

“The kids that she works with love her and respect her and they know she is there to help but not do their work for them,” Portillo said. “The other kids ask her for help too because they are jealous of the few she concentrates on and the whole class says goodbye to her when she leaves and they also ask about her when she isn’t there.”

In the classroom, Bienvenu helps the teachers do everyday

things and work with the students that may need some extra help outside of what their teachers can do.

“She helps build the kids’ confidence and help them feel successful and she may make a copy, staple booklets or grade papers, but mostly I want her to help the kids,” Portillo said. “I don’t know what I would do without her with the students I have this year because she is making a huge difference.”

By teaching her students the necessary skills to be successful in school, Bienvenu is able to give them something that most students don’t get the opportunity to have.

“Ally helps students that are struggling with lessons,” Toran said. “She’ll sit near them, ask them questions, demonstrate skills, guide them through their classroom assignments and also helps students organize their desks, and prioritize their work.”

Bienvenu has not only been learning how to teach young children, but how to handle the different ways that they interact with their peers in the classroom.

“I’m learning different teaching techniques, like suggesting ideas instead of making them change things,” Beinvenu said.

Remember to buy your 2015-16 yearbook!

$70

*

for 410 pages of JBHS memories Order forms available in F206 or order online @ jostensyearbooks.com Expires: 4/11/15

S tudent Life The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Page B5

Leading theatre performers to stardom Samantha Knapp Staff Writer Senior Miguel Lozano is a senior director, the president of the Starlight Theatre company and Bowie interp, as well as the director of “The Transition of Doodle Pequeno”, a children’s play created specifically for bilingual children of all ages.

“It’s quite an experience,” Lozano said. “The position I hold is one I’ve wanted since I first came in as a freshman.

Seeing all the underclassmen look up to me and have the company members respect me is great,” Lozano has had a great experience in the Starlight Theatre company, but that is not all that he wants to accomplish.

“I’m really striving to pursue my studies in acting and attempt to make an impact in the film world,” Lozano said. “I think that there’s a lack of Hispanic actors in both film and theatre, and I’d like to push for the change in diversity in both areas of acting.”

The Starlight Theatre company and Lozano came together to create something that kids can really connect to and enjoy, “The Transition of Doodle Pequeno”, a bilingual children’s play.

“I really enjoyed performing at the elementary schools,” Lozano said. “The kids were so fascinated and humored by the characters that the actors had developed.

It was great to grasp their attention and get across a super important message about LGBT acceptance and bullying.”

Creating this play came with its struggles however, such as time constraint and a lot of stress on the director to get everything choreographed and put together to create a flawless show.

“It was a lot of work trying to prepare everything and direct a show Lozano said. From costumes, to set pieces, to blocking, it was quite stressful. The time restriction that was out on us definitely did not help either, but it was all worth it in the end.”

Although doing so many things outside of school can be very stressful, Lozano has a support system behind him that includes his girlfriend, senior Pauge Bradbury and friend, senior Tanner Berg that makes it all worth while.

“I always make it to his shows because it’s very important to me that he knows I support him in everything that he does,” Bradbury said.

This support system improves their friendship and brings them closer together in the end.

“Miguel is my best friend, regardless of what he does I’m gonna support him,” Berg said. “He’s a great guy and a great leader, and there’s never been a problem between us because he’s the president of the Starlight Theatre Company. Bottom line is that we respect each other too much to let something that minor get between us. I’m proud of him and I listen to him, that’s what friends do.”

Miguel’s theatre teacher Betsy Cornwell is also very supportive of what he has achieved and what he might achieve in the years after high school.

“Miguel has always been an enthusiastic participant in academic theatre classes and productions,” Cornwell said. “I have often teased him about how slow he is to learn lines, but he always comes through eventually. He is a recognized leader of the department and a senior director to whom I can entrust younger students.”

Lozano has been a bright light in the Starlight Theatre company, making unforgettable memories and inspiring

Learning the ropes: Senior Miguel Lozano reads a script to his Theatre II students. The students are working on emotional recall projects during class. “I love teaching them because there’s always something new I learn from my students,” Lozano said. Photo by Nate Miller

many people.

“Miguel is a great, outgoing person who cultivates friendships and positive working relationships with everyone,” theatre teacher Marco Bazan said. “It’s been a great experience for me just to be a part of his process these last four years. He’s not just a great actor, but a great human being. Since his freshman year, he’s always struck me as an amazing individual, and he loves Star Wars as much as I do, so that definitely has been a connection we have had”.

Lozano, Bradbury, and senior Jamie Godwin went to New York this year to audition for theatre programs at Fordham University and NYU. “It’s definitely been a lot of work,” Godwin said.

“There’s a level of stress that comes with the auditions.

You have the standard application process with an audition one as well. A lot of the time there are extra essays,

you have to prepare two monologues and travel across the country to audition with them, you also need head shots and a resume, it’s a good amount of extra stuff added onto schoolwork and extracurriculars.”

Lozano’s love for theatre and entertainment was started in an unexpected way.

“In 7th grade, some of my friends pushed me to take theatre because it was a super easy class, little middle school me thought that sounded great and I ended up falling in love with performing on stage,” Lozano said.

Being president and director in the Starlight Theatre company is a big step in Lozano’s theatre career and future, but has also been a difficult experience.

“My advice would be to enjoy the experience. It is a lot of hard work, but if you choose a show you’re passionate about, you’ll find yourself enjoying all the labor the show requires,” Lozano said.

Lyles brings laughs with her Vines about teenager problems Michelle McDonagh Online Editor Whenever someone slips in the hallway because of the water fountain leaks, most students try and make sure that person is not hurt. Junior Mikaela Lyles sees this seemingly small moment as an inspiration for one of her Vines.

“I’ll walk down the hall, or I’ll see something, or something that is just relatable to everyone,” Lyles said. “Like running out of toilet paper, or something like that.”

Lyles has filled people up with joy for a long time.

“Ever since I was young, all my friends thought I was funny,” Lyles said.

“My friends showed me what Vine was, and then I got into it.”

While there are many categories on Vine, Lyles focuses her attention on just one.

“I just do comedy videos, I don’t do anything else,” Lyles said.

Unlike some duo groups popular on Vine, Lyles is a solo act.

“I don’t have any of my friends in my videos mostly because they live in Florida,” Lyles said.

“Sometimes my brothers are in it, but that’s about it.”

Lyles is just one of many students on campus signing onto the bandwagon of Vine.

“Vine is funny and entertaining,” senior Bryan-

TOP VINES 1. “This Dude Is Killing It” 2. “Don’t Be Afraid Of Love!”

3. “I Think It’s Obvious What You Are, Harry” 4. “WOAH, AWKWARD” 5. “HowTo Acne Treatment” 6. “Ryan Gosling Won’t Eat His Cereal” 7. “This FBI Agent Did Not Have To Climb That Fence” 8. “I Will Always Love You” 9. “Drop It Like It’s Hot” 10. “Spongebob, Is That You?” art by Lauren Blevins

www.buzzfeed.com

na Feamster said. “When you’re bored, you can watch six second videos and still be entertained for a while.”

While some like Lyles use Vine to express themselves, others use different social media sites, like Snapchat or Instagram.

“I use Snapchat to talk to other people,” Feamster said. “Through Snapchat, I can express how I’m feeling to others.”

According to expandedrambligs.com, with over 100 million people watching Vine videos a month, Vine is quickly growing and becoming nearly as popular as Instagram and Snapchat among teenagers.

“I like Vine depending on what category I watch, but I think most of Vine is funny and comedy. Most of the recent slang is typically created on Vine,” Feamster said.

Social media in general is becoming a way to communicate with others more than text messages or phone calls.

“I like it, it’s a good way to connect with others and see what new things are happening around you,” junior Sahaj Mann said.

But while some see social media as a way to communicate, and others see it as a distraction, senior Samanta Jimenez sees social media as somewhere in between.

“Yes, we can connect with people more globally, but it leads to a disconnect from the people around us and it can lead to a lack of interest in reality,” senior Samantha Jimenez said.

Facts about

Vine was developed by Dom Hofmann, Rus Yusupov, and Colin Kroll in The hour of the day June 2012. Twitter Every second, when Vines are sent acquired the vidfive Vines are the most is between eo-sharing starttweeted.

10am – 11am. up in October 2012 and debuted On April 15, 2013, the day of the the service on Boston Marathon bombing, a reJanuary 24, 2013 cord-breaking 19,667 Vines were as a free iOS app. created.

Three of the five most retweeted Vines ever made were created by musicians.

art by Lauren Blevins

English teacher Vicki Hebert felt similarly.

“It has its purpose, and it has its abuses,” Hebert said. “Bullying on social media is a big problem now.”

Mann sees social media as not at fault for bullying online.

“Social media isn’t meant for such things,” Mann said. “Social media has even tried to prevent this from happening by adding block options to make sure users can’t contact you again or see things that relate to you.”

Mann finds fault with

https://www.searchenginejournal.com the people behind the profiles.

“It’s the people themselves who use social media as a weapon to harm others, usually emotionally,” Mann said.

For Lyles, social media has a more special role beyond her Vines.

“I’m not from Texas, I’m from Florida,” Lyles said. “It’s easier to keep in contact with them because through social media I can text them, see their photos on Instagram, see what they tweet on Twitter, and I just feel like people know stuff faster as compared to back

in the day when you didn’t have cell phones, and you had to call and meet up at the mall and they would be at a different place. It’s just easier now. ” Lyles has a message for anyone who is not interested in trying out social media or see social media as a burden.

“Live a little,” Lyles said. “Try it out, and you’ll love it like I do.”

With social media use growing at astounding rates, the triumphs and tribulations of all social media does not seem to be going away anytime soon.

S tudent Life

The Lone Star Dispatch

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Page B6

Reaching the perfect balance

Shelby Kelly Staff Writer

The number of teenagers who have some sort of job while in school has dropped from nearly 40 percent in 1990 to just 20 percent today. Bryana Johnson, a Bowie senior, is one of the few students in that small group.

Johnson keeps her grades up, has college in the near future, works two jobs and carves out time for friends and family. She works very hard to pay for college applications/tuition as well as to have some extra spending money. Balancing her life is difficult but working hard is important to her; she believes that working gives her an advantage.

“Working gives you a new sense of independence and it puts me ahead because a lot of people find their first jobs in college and they won’t know how to save or budget or anything like that and I’ve already started doing that for already two or three years now,” Johnson said.

For Johnson, having money gives her a sense of responsibility, her mom, Annalisa Gonzalez, explains that it enhances her self-reliance.

“Working makes her feel empowered and independent. I believe she has a sense of pride and comfort knowing that she doesn’t have to come to us for all her wants, her job enables her to get all those “extras” on her own,” Gonzales said.

Senior Taylor Beltz, Johnson’s friend, has a lot of respect for Johnson and her decision to work.

“Working builds character. It helps a high schooler learn what it’s going to be like when we get into the

Behind the Counter: Senior Bryana Johnson pours ice cream into a bowl at D’Lites Austin. That job is one of the two jobs she manages to balance into her busy schedule. Photo by Violet Glenewinkel

real world and how to balance things so we get everything done that we need to,” Beltz said.

Teacher Vicki Vohl recognizes Johnson as a hard worker and believes she has a head start in the career world.

“Having to work is tough but it will teach her invaluable skills as an adult that her non-working peers won’t have. I think Bryana will do well in college because of her good work ethic,” Vohl said.

Johnson explains that working has never been easy, there have been challenges.

“The hardest problem with working is probably getting there, if I had to be honest most of the time I dread going to work but it’s not bad once I am there, it’s hard to just stay motivated and continue to want to work,” Johnson said.

Over the years with all

of Johnson’s responsibilities contributing to her hectic schedule she has figured out how to balance her life.

“I have been managing my life and keeping up with a schedule for so long that I couldn’t tell you if it has put a strain on my life, I have been doing it for two years so I got used to it, it’s just the normal, I am sure if I got a new job I would see more strain,” Johnson said.

Having a job can be hard for some people, Johnson advises to keep in mind, that education and your own happiness are always a priority when deciding whether or not to work.

“Unless your job is 100 percent need base obviously you have to make time for it and have to manage but if you can’t and there’s no way around, school always comes first, education is always more important and your job should never take the spot of your own

happiness and your own well-being and your own education,” Johnson said.

Collage is an important step in continuing an education, Gonzales clarifies its importance.

“College not only enhances you intellectually and prepares you for success, it teaches independence, self-discipline and keeps you striving for the next chapter in life,” Gonzalez said.

Continuing their education is very crucial to her friends, who also want to go to college, friend and fellow senior, Amy Lopez explains.

“I think college is necessary because you have to get a good education in order for you to get a good paying job in the future,” Lopez said.

Johnson can only see her future including college which makes her work hard in every part of her

life.

“College is very important to me because in this day and age everybody is super overqualified and it’s a different thing compared to about 50 years ago when no one went to college but now college is what you need in order to get ahead in life and to gain exposure and experience and jobs and opportunities,” Johnson said.

Bryana wants to go to a major university in Texas and pursue a big career.

“I want to go to A&M and be a marketing manager of a big corporation, preferable fashion, but a job is a job,” Johnson said.

Lopez says that even though Johnson works very hard and is always busy Johnson keeps her social life in balance and makes time for her friends.

“I don’t notice her more tired or different than any of my other friends because

some work as well and she knows how to use her free time wisely,” Lopez said Beltz also agrees that Johnson never lets work interfere with anything else.

“The amount of time she works doesn’t affect her as a person. It sometimes affects how much time we spend with her but we try to visit her at work as much as we can so it doesn’t affect us too much” Beltz said.

Johnson tries to not let the stress of her demanding activities affect her.

“I don’t notice anything with Bryana compared to our other friends. She is always up beat and never lets anything bother her,” Beltz said.

Students who work are sometimes considered inspirations because they spend their time not always leisuring but working, although this could be true Johnson, believes she is also just an average teenager.

“I don’t think I am an inspiration, I think that it all depends on what you can handle and I am just a calm easy going person and school, in a way, school just comes easy to me, it has never been something I have really had to try hard on and I think that has enabled me to work two jobs,” Johnson said.

Bryana Johnson works very hard in every aspect of her life, enhancing her quality as a person, Gonzalez and many others notice.

“I do see a difference.

Bryana doesn’t take things for granted. She isn’t lazy and doesn’t define her happiness by personal possessions. I find Bryana to be grounded and appreciative and I attribute that to her work and school successes,” Gonzales said.

Austin leader sets an example for his daughter, her friends

Carly Ott takes dad’s high profile position in stride as a hard working stuAs interesting as high school already is, having a dad who happens to play a big part in the community of Austin can contribute to these prime four years in an influential way.

Junior Carly Ott tends to stand out when it comes to being a high school student at Bowie because

in addition to being a well-rounded student; she plays basketball, volleyball and track, and her dad is the Austin City Manager.

Marc Ott, Carly’s dad, is very well known and has been successful in his work since he was elected as city manager in 2008. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization of approximately 12,000 and a budget of $1.4 billion. City

operations range from animal services, to zoning, to the electric and water utilities. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is also a part of City of Austin operations.

“He’s extremely hard working and always feels like he could be better,” Carly said.

Not only does he play an important role in the community, but he makes a significant impact in Car-

Just Part of the Job: Carly Ott (top left) gets ready to pour ice water on her nervous father, Marc Ott (bottom left) for the ALS ice bucket challenge. They are accompanied by past Mayor of Austin, Lee Leffingwell (bottom right) with his wife, Julie Leffingwell (top right) on August 21, 2014. Photo courtesy of Carly Ott

ly’s life, acting as a role model and is an active supporter to her academics and athletics.

“He usually comes to all my tournaments on the weekends because he doesn’t work, or sometimes he’ll leave his council meeting early so he can come to my game,” Carly said.

Despite his busy work schedule and important obligations, Marc always

“

her father had at her age, makes her dad’s expectations for her future high and filled with hope.

“I’m trying to demonstrate to my kids that anything is possible no matter what obstacles they may face,” Marc said.

As high school is already pressing and stressful, being held to extremely high standards or being pampered can hold you back from reaching the lev-

things that her dad does,” AP English teacher Candida Garrison said.

Being treated like a normal kid is important to Carly because that’s what she is. She doesn’t think her dad’s position in the community should determine her worth over other students, it should depend on how hard she works should.

“In everything Carly does, she puts her best foot

I’m trying to demonstrate to my kids that anything is possible no matter what obstacles they may face. -Marc Ott

makes time to cheer on his daughter competing on the court, successfully juggling the tasks in his workplace with his duty as a family man.

“Seeing Carly’s dad come out to her games warms my heart because it shows that he’s just a regular dad and doesn’t act Hollywood, or too important to do regular dad-like things,” Sabrina Bianco said.

Watching her father work so hard at everything he does has really motivated Carly to put her best foot forward in everything she does.

“Considering what he came from, it makes me want to become just as successful if not more successful in my later life,” Carly said.

Carly is growing up with more resources than

“

Nya Martin Staff Writer

el of knowledge and learning you want.

“Some teachers tend to hold me to higher standards when they find out who my dad is, expecting me to be perfect and never get in trouble, Carly said. “But there are other teachers who are super nice to me because they know who my dad is, so they grade easily and are especially nice to me, which benefits me in no way.”

Being as high up as Marc is in the community, comes with advantages that some teachers could find intimidating when they end up having his daughter as a student in their class, or find it an interesting conversation topic.

“I was excited to know Carly. I am very proactive politically so I like knowing and hearing about

forward and I admire that,” Bianco said.

Support systems are a substantial part in growing and learning, whether it be a teacher or family member. Having someone to help them push for the very best and be there in times of failure can help one reach their maximum potential.

“I give credit to my parents for their support, especially my mother, because she always believed in me and knew I was destined for something,” Marc said.

Because of the parental encouragement Marc received that pushed him to go forward, he continues to make his kids understand that education should be a number one priority.

“I plan on making my family proud and I can’t wait to see where I go,” Carly said.

E ntertainment Sweet sounds of the steel drums

The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, February 12, 2016 Page B7

Kelsie Stella Staff Writer

The tropical and vibrant sound of steel drums can make a person feel like they’re on an island vacation. Most people outside of Bowie’s award-winning band may not be aware of the steel drum performing group. The steel drum organization is not a team, it’s an ensemble, and a very successful one at that established 18 years ago.

Even though the performing ensemble isn’t extraordinarily well known, the team was invited to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, or PASIC. “I’ve been the ensemble director for the last four years.

Over those four years, the steel ensembles have tripled in size,” director Amy Suggs said. “We now have an audition-only advanced band, as well as two non-auditioned bands.”

Peeking between the drums: Listening to the tempo O’tello Garrard keeps the beat alive and going with the steel drum ensemble. The ensemble produced a tropical and upbeat melody that bounced throughout the halls of the school. Photo by Caitlin Devlin

The steel drum organization at Bowie was established

by C.J. Menge. Due to his connections in the steel drum community, he was able to extend an invitation to Bowie for the PASIC convention. The invitation included the ensemble being able to participate in a clinic and perform in a concert.

“It is a huge honor to be asked to come perform at this international convention,” Suggs said. “Especially alongside professional steel band musicians.”

This was an amazing opportunity for any ensemble members who were able to take part in this convention.

“It’s super cool that they got to go and work with all of the professionals,” sophomore Crosby LaGrone said.

The ensemble members were required to learn and memorize 13 different pieces of music. Jake Wohleb, president of the Bowie band as well as a member of the steel drum ensemble, participated in the convention alongside his sister.

“It has been exceptionally hard this year for all of us,” Wohleb said. “We usually don’t do as much in steel drums due to marching band taking up everyone’s time, but we made it work.”

Juggling the music of different band organizations is definitely a tasking activity but all of the members of the steel drum ensemble were able to get it together and the ensemble performed very well at PASIC. “It is amazing. I love music, and I try to do as much of it as I can,” Wohleb said. “You only get the opportunity to be in high school once, so why not make the most of it?”

There were 22 students in the audition-based advanced steel band that got to travel to San Antonio. However, there is a grand total of 90 students in the steel ensembles here at Bowie.

“The students did incredibly well,” Suggs said. “I am very proud of all of their hard work and dedication to the music. I was very impressed and humbled by their dedication and hard work.”

Many students go into the steel program with no musical background at all and by the end of their first year they are able to play multiple pieces of a great variety.

Lines of steel: Junior McKenna Jolet, sophomore Isaac Santos, and senior John Achilles stand patiently in position practicing familiar beats. Focused on nothing but their harmonic music they create a beautiful sound.

Photo by Caitlin Devlin

“It is a very rewarding ensemble to teach,” Suggs said.

“And because of the dance background associated with this music, we always have a great time in Bluebonnet Portable.”

They got to watch AISD’s McCallum High School’s percussion ensemble perform, explore the exhibit hall and meet steel drum artists from across North America including Canada.

“The steel drums are really awesome,” LaGrone said.

“They make everything feel cool and tropical. I always listen in on them when they’re rehearsing pieces outside during their classes.”

This was a very rare and special experience for every member of the ensemble that traveled to San Antonio and got to participate in PASIC. “They’re really lucky that they were given such a great opportunity,” LaGrone said. “Being able to perform with professionals isn’t something that most band members get the chance to do. I’m totally jealous.”

Silver stars continue to practice throughout the year

Avy Friedman Staff Writer

For the Silver Stars, the beginning of the spring semester means many early mornings of practice, costume fittings and performances. Their determination to succeed is paid off at the annual marching auxiliary competition early on in the year.

The marching auxiliary competition is a pageant-based company in Dallas. The event takes place at Bowie and starts on Feb. 6 and continues through that weekend as the Silver stars compete against many other schools.

With variations of many dances, the dancers are allowed creativity and freedom to add their own unique touch.

“There are numerous divisions within each contest. The Team competes in the Super Team Division, the category for teams larger than 50 members. We have 3 different Ensemble Companies - Jazz Co, ContempEns, and SeniorCo,” director Courtney Allison said.

Each division involves different energy and character.

“Our Team Jazz is upbeat and fun, our Team Kick is intense and precise, and our Team Open is an exploration of technology and the way it affects our daily lives.

Some girls dance up to 8 different pieces in a day. That’s a lot of physical stamina, as well as mental and emotional stamina,” Allison said.

Dedication and hard work are big factors of the practice schedule.

“We practice every morning from 7:30 to 9:30 at both Bowie and Burger, and the time you go in for practice depends

on what dances you are in. We also don’t get late starts. We still come in at 7:30 so while everyone else is sleeping and enjoying their extra time off school, we are practicing,” sophomore Kendall Franz said.

This unique opportunity helps the team grow and bond together.

“Since we do the same dances at multiple competitions, we really learn how to work together and communicate with each other to get what we need to make the dance better for the next competition,” sophomore Lynsey Gagner said.

Although there are numerous awards, the team is really competing against themselves to improve.

“We are trying to bring a unique idea to the floor when we dance and do it to the best of the team’s ability. Being innovative and creating pieces that require an audience to reflect on more than the choreography we are presenting, is where we want to be,” Allison said.

In order to succeed in this contest, lots of practice time must be devoted to improving the routines as a team.

“We have to utilize every single minute of practice, which means being extremely focused and quiet throughout so that we can make the most out of the short amount of time we are given to ensure we look our best come competition day,” Franz said.

Because Bowie is hosting the event, extra help and support from groups outside of the dancers are involved.

The team is rewarded with the feeling of knowing they achieved something great.

“My favorite part about it is getting to perform to an audience and really commit

Reaching for the Sky: Junior Katelyn McKinney dances her solo in front of a couple hundred people sitting in the stands. The dance competition took place on February 6 in the Bowie gymnasium from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Photo by Carissa Duran

to the story behind our dances. It is also refreshing to see our team’s hard work show out on the floor at contest,” sophomore Morgan Andrews said.

“The majority of the silver star’s parents volunteer at this one and the freshman Silver Stars who will become rookies next year are also required to help out so they show other teams to their dressing rooms, are judge’s assistants and what not,” Franz said.

With different dance styles, the students learn to appreciate them because of their variety and creativity.

“It gives me a growing admiration for some of the pieces, especially jazz, because I can feel us improving as a team and also as ourselves and I’m really excited to watch the finished products back on video after we’ve performed,” Franz said.

Not only does it benefit the group but individuals learn from the experience also.

“It teaches us individual work ethic because we have to all work hard within ourselves or else the dance won’t look good as a whole,” Gagner said.

When the competition was nearing, the team began to focus more on perfecting the small details rather than learning the basics to the drill.

“We are currently in the process of polishing and perfecting our pieces, which means we take them section by section and our directors and officers specify pretty much every single movement and count like this arm is in a 45 degree angle, you’re back has to be flat when bent over in whatever way in this specific count,” Franz said. “Your head snaps up on this count.”

In Review: Star Wars Victoria Newell Staff Writer On December 16, thousands of “Star Wars” fans of all ages attended the premiere of the long-awaited “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. But did the film transport us back to a “galaxy far far away?” The answer is overwhelming yes, as almost a month later, theaters still don’t have any empty seats for “Star Wars” movie goers, people are coming back for the third, fourth, and fifth times, and in less than a month, the film has become the fourth highest grossing film of all time- with numbers still rising.

If you or your family is not connected to the force, and therefore have not yet been exposed to the “Star Wars” universe, the biggest news of 2016 so far for many fans everywhere, is that J.J. Abrams with Lucasfilm has created a seventh “Star Wars” film-

“The Force Awakens”.

And it’s about time since it’s been 39 years after the first “Star Wars” film- “A New Hope”, and 11 years since the last release of “Episode 3- Revenge of the Sith”. Following “A New Hope” came two sequels, then three prequels, and finally our generation has been generously given our own follow up.

The film does an excellent job of balancing the old characters with the new, and while familiar faces like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and a fleeting Luke Skywalker make an appearance, the film primarily follows, Rey and Finn- a scavenger and a stormtrooper, with sub-characters such as a new droid, BB8, and rebel pilot, Poe, as well as a new villain, Kylo Ren. Rey and Finn are definitely a topic of conversation, as Rey is a woman, and Finn is African-American. It’s been a long stand-

ing issue in Hollywood that most lead roles are given to white men, and a mentality that movies with female and non-white leads don’t sell.

“Star Wars” had proved them wrong with Daisy Ridley’s (Rey) and John Boyega (Finn) become super stars almost over night and new Hollywood sweethearts.

Abrams has also confirmed that one of the characters in the Force Awakens is gay, but the identity of such character remains a mystery.

The film also keeps the feel of the original three movies, and their 70’s technology, while updating the tech but keeping things such as transitions between scenes, the yellow-printed story with a star board backdrop, and a soundtrack that still keeps familiar motifs apparent throughout the film.

The greatest fear of “Star Wars” fans for “The Force

Awakens”, that the movie would be too modern and would cease to feel like a “Star Wars” film, has not been realized.

The movie however, does not bring an entirely new story line, but instead acts as a good transition between the original characters and the new and echoes themes from “A New Hope”.

It’s not hard to pull out parallels, such as BB-8 and R2D2, the Death Star and the Sunsucker (as Abrams calls it, it is never named in the film), Han Solo and Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda and

Luke, Kylo Ren and Darth Vader, the list goes on. But the new main characters stand out on their own, and it’s apparent that we have already fallen in love with Rey, Finn, and the new heart-throb pilot, Poe. My only complaint is the death of our beloved Han Solo, his tragic fate has ripped out the hearts of thousands of fans and thrown it in the blender.

Also the intense stare of Luke Skywalker, his character having no dialogue whatsoever. And last, but not least, Leia, who had already lost her family and

her planet, but now her lover, son, and her brother- it seems that the original trio got handed a rough patch by Abrams.

At the end of the day, “Star Wars” is everything we hoped it would be. We got to meet new characters, reminiscence with old, discuss the cuteness of BB8, and debate on whether or not Kylo Ren is attractive.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has connected the geeks of the past and the geeks of today and we are all in great anticipation for Episode 8.

P hoto Essay The Lone Star Dispatch Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Page B8

Photography business takes off Dorsey creates special moments with new company

Emma Kunkel Staff Writer Photography has been a way for senior Jamie Dorsey to capture moments and show people the events happening around the school and city.

She takes pictures of different school events, performances, and people, to sell them on her small business on Facebook.

Dorsey’s photos didn’t start out as a business, but more of a way to share her pictures with parents and students.

“Facebook has gotten my name out which is really exciting. I love to hear people I don’t even know asking if I’m the ‘Facebook’ photographer,” Dorsey said.

When Dorsey was learning about photography she found it really helpful to get advice from her father, who has been a photographer for thirty years.

“For my first shoot, I kind of just went out and figured it out on my own and then for the first year of shooting I would always call or text my dad asking questions and he would always have the best answers,” Dorsey said.

Jamie’s dad, Ron Dorsey, has worked for publishing companies and individual clients as a photographer, providing Jamie with an excellent resource to go to with any questions and concerns that she has.

“When Jamie first started I would be up in stands at football games and she would be on the sidelines and when she would come across something that wasn’t working for her, she would give me a call and we would solve the problem,” Ron said.

Jamie’s dad tries to provide her with as much information and encouragement as possible to give the best content that she can.

“I encourage her to get out of her comfort zone, try shots that she’s not familiar with and to be different and stand out among the crowd,” Ron

said.

With her photos Jamie tries to capture the intensity and emotion of the people in the events.

“I also really just love to get ‘that’ photo that you just know is great and it makes you feel really good,” Jamie said. “You know that if all the other photos suck at least you have that one dynamite shot.”

By promoting her Facebook account, Jamie was able to get more and more people to see her photos.

“I’m also always telling people to go look at my pictures and then from there they can contact me to order photos or schedule me to shoot for them,” Jamie said.

In the future she would like to continue her business into something greater, but there are many challenges that come with that type of job.

“I’m not sure I’m good enough to actually make it out in the real world because I may be good here at Bowie and people may know me for that but once you get out of high school it’s like you’re starting over and you have to make a new name for yourself,” Jamie said.

Although the photography business is very competitive, Jamie’s commercial photography teacher Chanel Henry thinks that she could really make it out in the real world and be successful in the future.

“Being a professional working photographer is very hard and she’s really going to have to put herself out there and take as many photos for as many people as she can but I think she could absolutely do it,” Henry said.

Pictures mean a lot to a majority of people, and many people want to have their pictures taken by a professional during special occasions and the holidays. Photographers have to interact with their clients in order for them and other people to keep coming back.

“I think her personality for one makes her a fun photographer to be around and the clients are going to

want to have someone that they want to be around and she’s very likable in that aspect,” Henry said.

Having the ability to get good work done on time and creating a result that people will enjoy can be very important to the success of a business. If people don’t have a good experience with a photographer, they aren’t going to want to come back to them again.

“The main thing that Jamie needs to learn is how to produce a good product, and know that customer service is extremely important,” Ron said.

Providing content that people enjoy is something that has become a big part of Jamie’s life, and she shows that with her pictures.

“She has a real eye for good pictures and she takes good quality pictures and she’s very diligent about making sure that her photos are well thought out, planned, and edited. She never turns in anything that she’s not proud of,” Henry said.

Behind the camera Jamie uses not only her skill, but her passion for photography to end up with an amazing result.

“My favorite photos to shoot are sports, but mainly football because of the constant action and the challenge to capture the perfect shot,” Jamie said.

Once Jamie mastered the basics like the proper shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, she was able to move forward and advance her skills as a photographer.

“If Jamie continues her love for photography like she does now and turns it into a business, then she could be one of the lucky few that truly enjoys her job and does it because she loves it,” Ron said.

To see Jamie’s photography account, you can visit https://www. facebook.com/JamieDorseyPhotgraphy/ To check out her website go to http://jamiedphotography.wix.com/ jamiedorsey

Looking into the Camera: Senior Jamie Dorsey glances at her photos during intermission of the production of Tarzan the musical. Dorsey captured the last showing of the musical. Photo by Ashley Ramirez

Adjusting the Camera: Dorsey aligns the camera before capturing the moment. Dorsey is taking a photo of a Bowie student with an interesting pet. Photo by Granger Coats

Sugar Glider: Senior Jamie Dorsey captures a Bowie student with an unique pet, a Sugar Glider, during sixth period.

Photography allows Dorsey to interact with new people and experience new opportunities. Photo by Granger Coats

Photo Fun: Dorsey interacts with her yearbook peers during her yearbook class. Dorsey’s involvement in yearbook is creating new skills. Photo by Granger Coats

Happy to Shoot: Dorsey happily takes photos of the cast from The Starlight Theatre production of Tarzan the Musical. Theatre students gather around and celebrate after their last performance of Tarzan the musical and Dorsey captures the moment. Photo by Ashley Ramirez

Back to Business: Dorsey organizes equipment used by other students from yearbook. Besides being a business owner Dorsey is also Photo Editor for yearbook meaning she is in charge of equipment. Photo by Granger Coats