VARSITY BASEBALL'S SOPHOMORE PITCHER
Aussie Lura launches their own Etsy Shop, selling art stickers @AussieTaylorArts
Cole Miller is the only sophomore as varsity season begins
pg. 10
pg.5
THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
OVERFILLING AUSTIN ANIMAL SHELTERS
Animal shelters are full after a decrease in pandemic adoptions
PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
PHOTO BY Nick Wood
ART COURTESY OF Aussie Lura
D
SENIOR SHOWCASES THEIR ARTWORK
pg.16
coming UP
February 21 Student Holiday March 11 End of the Third Nine Weeks March 14-18 Spring Break April 1 Student Holiday
Vol. 34, Issue 4 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX, 78749
Pride in Publishing
OMICRON OUTBREAK CONTINUES New Omicron COVID-19 variant creates a surge in case numbers in Travis County Arushi Sharma Editor-in-Chief
Cases were rising. The classrooms were basically empty. Several teachers and staff members were absent from school. After winter break, students and staff expected to return to their normal school schedule, with COVID restrictions, but quickly learned that the new semester had not followed their assumptions. As the number of Omicron cases skyrockets, with over 3,000 cases in Austin per day, disruption of 'normality' continues to occur. “My classes have been depleted because of Omicron,” English teacher Judd Pfeiffer said. “Most infected students are missing at least a full week. Trying to get so many students caught up is extremely challenging. Teachers are spending a great deal of time communicating with absent students and providing them with as many resources as possible.” Senior Lizzie Jensen started her first day of the second semester scared for her health. She had never experienced anything like this before. Although she was fully vaccinated, boosted, and had been wearing her mask in public, Jensen tested positive for COVID-19’s Omicron variant a few days after New Year’s Day. “A week before I got COVID-19, I found out that my lung capacity was below 60%, meaning that my lungs aren’t growing,” Jensen said. “My doctor had told me that if I were to catch an infectious disease like COVID-19 it would be a lot harder to deal with. Thankfully, because of the vaccine, my symptoms weren’t as bad as I had expected and I was able to come back to school after a week.” In an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting sick with COVID-19 can offer some protection from future illness, or “natural immunity,” but the level of protection people get from having COVID-19 may vary depending on how mild or severe their illness was, the time since their infection, and their age. “I’m not vaccinated, and I don’t plan on getting the vaccine in the foreseeable future,” senior Kaelie Douglass said. “I already have significant natural immunity from early August and I hold intervention treatments, or supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc and fostering an overall healthy lifestyle as more effective methods in aiding my body's ability to fight infection.” Aside from several missing students, Bowie and other schools in the Austin Independent School
District (AISD) have been facing substitute teacher, bus driver, and custodian shortages. With the absence of staff, it has been difficult for the administration to keep the school running smoothly this semester, causing students to miss out on learning and working. “We’ve been fortunate that not many teachers have needed to be out because of COVID compared to other schools in the district,” assistant principal Whitney Black said. “Ms. Brett has constantly been working to get people to cover classes because AISD doesn’t have enough substitute teachers to cover the whole district at the moment.” In addition to AISD’s COVID-19 protocols, such as sanitizing the classrooms each day, screening and temperature checks, and mask mandates, AISD has created a ‘Contact Tracing’ system. The system works with assigned seating in each classroom to send out a notification to students and staff members when an individual who notifies the school tests positive for COVID-19. “Contact tracing doesn’t assist in preventing the spread, because if someone tests positive, that means they might have already spread it to people because they were around people and carrying the virus before getting tested,” senior Austin Dalbey said. “They don’t need a school-issued notification that someone else is sick to know that they are sick.” According to AISD, fully COVID-19-vaccinated people (two weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson) per CDC guidelines will not need to quarantine if they come in close contact with someone who tests positive. “I think that contact tracing is intended to be effective, but it’s very difficult to moderate tracing for so many students in such a big school,” math teacher Sophie Lloyd said. “I believe that Bowie’s trying its best to enforce as many rules to protect students and staff members, but maybe there could be something more effective.” Despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order regarding masks in schools, AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde has continued to require masks in all AISD buildings. While other school districts have made the mask policy optional as the school year continued, Elizalde has remained firm in her stance on masks. READ MORE “COVID-19 Cases Surge” pg. 2
ART BY Isabella del Nido
Anticipating low temperatures and a potential freeze Amilia Velez Dispatch Reporter
THREE TIPS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FROM A WINTER
Last winter, Texas was devastated by an unexpected winter storm. Record low temperatures and severe snowfall swept the state and left many citizens unprepared and stripped of resources. February 11, 2021 through February 20, 2021 was a difficult time for many Texans. According to the Texas Tribune, over 10 million people lost electricity and water, including sophomore Emma Munsinger. “The winter storm was hard on my family; we lost electricity and water for a few days,” Munsinger said. “My house was really cold and I wasn't able to shower. Going to the grocery store was a challenge and we ran out of many essentials such as dog food.” A snowstorm of this magnitude had never occurred in Texas and the pipes were not prepared for the freeze. According to ABC, the power outages along with freezing temperatures caused pipes all around the state to burst, plummeting pressure and draining reserves. Losing water was devastating for many people including senior Kyla Ferrante. “For my family, our power went out originally and then was sporadic, '' Ferrante said. “It came on every five hours and then turned off, kind of like rolling blackouts. We also lost water for around a week and not being able to shower or cook was difficult. Our only source of heat was the fireplace so we cuddled up by the fireplace playing board games because that's all we could do.” The Texas winter storm was costly due to infrastructure damage and power loss. According to the National Weather Service,
INDEX:
News 1, 2 Politics 3 Features 4 , 5
STORM
COVER YOUR PLANTS
KEEP YOURSELF INFORMED
DRIP YOUR FAUCETS ART BY Amilia Velez
this was potentially the most costly weather disaster for the state of Texas in history, surpassing even Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Texas can not afford to lose this much money again and being prepared in case of another storm is essential. “Since winter storms are so unpredictable, I think Texas should be prepared for anything,” Munsinger said. “Having salt available for roads and maybe even snowplows would ensure safety while driving.” On a local level, another winter storm would be disastrous for Bowie. Last year's storm has had lasting effects on the pipes and plumbing. With these issues revealing months after the storm, there's no telling what damage another storm could cause.
In-Depth 7, 8-9 Sports 10, 11 Entertainment 12
Reviews 13 Opinions 14, 15 Photo Essay 6, 16
“I don't think Bowie is prepared for another winter storm,” Ferrante said. “We have really bad plumbing so if it happened again, I think all their pipes would freeze and they would break again.” Climate change has caused unusual weather patterns all around the world. According to the Texas Tribune, the winter of 2021 was both the coldest and warmest winter in Texas. Many people are noticing the unusual changes including Bowie science teacher Dane Smith. “Climate change seems to have made winter weather in the South and Southeast more variable,” Smith said. “Whenever I talk to the older members of my family, they note the strangeness of going from the upper 70's one day to below freezing the next.” With Texas weather changing constantly it is unclear whether we will experience another storm of this capacity. This dilemma has caused much speculation from Bowie students as they attempt prepare for any uncertainties that can occur. “I do think there might be another winter storm around mid-February, but hopefully Texas is more prepared,” Ferrante said. In case Texas does have another winter storm, being prepared is important for everyone's safety. A CNN news report recommends tips such as stocking up on food and fresh water, letting your faucets drip to avoid freezing, and staying informed on the latest news. “My family bought more covers to put over your outside water sources and more tarps for our plants so they don't freeze,'' Ferrante said.
FIND US AT @jbhs_dispatch
2 NEWS
THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
'The Betsy' enters its final stages
New Fine Arts Auditorium is named after theater director Betsy Cornwell Arushi Sharma Editor-in-Chief
Saturday night. The curtains have gone down. The audience loudly claps. The cast members bow. And then, the projector displaying an image of Dolly Parton disappears. A video starts. “I’m honored to announce that the new theater will be named after the Betsey Cornwell, long-time theater director for the Bowie Starlight Theater Company,” Cornwell’s son exclaims. The cast members jump and scream. The audience cheers. It’s a good day in the theater. “When my son announced that the new facility would be in my name and my legacy would continue, the audience just roared and I just went ‘Oh my god!’ Cornwell said. “I’m in total shock at this honor and distinction and they definitely pulled off this big surprise.” Theater teacher Marco Bazan, Cornwell’s son, several Bowie alumni, and current Bowie students have been working on naming the theater after Cornwell since March 2021. The theater student leadership decided on Opening Night for the big reveal because they wanted to get Cornwell’s reaction on film for the musical archives and have a special way to honor her. “Cornwell has a heart of gold and truly cares about the well-being of students at the end of a long rehearsal day,” senior and president of the Starlight Theatre Company Arianna Ritzie said. “I was ecstatic to find out that the new theater was being named after her, due to the sheer amount of influence that she has had on the lives of every student that has performed on stage and behind the scenes.” Cornwell has been working with the Starlight Theatre Company since the day that it was opened in 1988, spanning nearly 34 years. She has directed several famous musicals including Big Fish, Mamma Mia, and Pippen. “Mrs. Cornwell has been teaching theater for a crazy amount of time, and I think she totally deserves the theater being named after her due to how much she has done for the Starlight Theater Company,” sophomore Jadon Demetri said. Under the 2017 Austin Independent
NOW INTRODUCING "THE BETSY" CORNWELL THEATER Opening Date: June 2022
School District (AISD) Bond, the project included a new 24,000 square foot Fine Arts Auditorium and a renovation of the existing Fine Arts building. The new Fine Arts Auditorium is scheduled to be completed by June 2022, ready for the 2022-23 school year. “Over the years, I have seen the influence that Cornwell has had on students,” Ritzie said. “It is truly inspiring to see that a teacher like Cornwell can create a professional environment, while still nurturing a student's love of theater.” Cornwell is the Instructional Chair for the Fine Arts Department and said she is proud to be a member of the five person Theater Department team. Each year, Cornwell works to produce twenty to thirty separate productions, including
musicals, fall productions, and contest plays. “I can still remember my very first time in the new theater, which is now all patched up and replastered, watching a production of the contest play,” Cornwell said. “I remember being up in the booth, watching the contest play, and having this feeling of satisfaction watching the play in a brand new theater.” Outside of Bowie, Cornwell contributes to the greater Austin theater community as well. As a member of the AISD Curriculum Task Force to help write a curriculum that follows the standards set by the Texas Education Agency. She is also the Past President of the Texas Educational Theatre Association, has served as Convention Director
What is your dream musical to direct? PHOTO BY Austin Ikard
Q&A
Westside Story
Betsy Cornwell
What has been your favorite part about directing the musical, 9-5?
Getting to know Dolly Parton’s music a lot more. What do you enjoy most about directing in the theater?
I love being able to see the product come together with all its moving parts. If you had an extra hour every day, what would you do?
Read for pleasure. What is your favorite song of all time?
“If ever I would leave you” from the musical Camelot.
Theater Director at Bowie for 34 years
What is your favorite musical that you have directed?
Pippen.
INTERVIEW BY Carey Wooley
ART BY Alex Edwards for the organization three times, and has presented curriculum workshops all over the state for school districts and regional service centers. “It was a no-brainer for everyone to have the honor for her because of her impact on her students’ lives,” Bazan said. “She has been a part of so many students' experience at Bowie, and she continues to remain involved in their lives when they leave and support them once they go off into the real world.” On Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, the Austin ISD School Board and the Bowie Campus Advisory Committee formally approved the proposal to name the new facilities in her honor, based on a grassroots effort from her former students. The proposal gathered over 200 powerful testimonials of support from Bowie alumni. “Cornwell encourages you to make choices in both acting and tech and give you the base for what they want and allow you to make decisions for yourself, in terms of blocking or a certain type of design for tech,” junior Nadia Petru said. “We’re given creative liberty to add in our own input and ideas that I enjoy a lot from having Ms. Cornwell as a director.” With over 30 years of dedicated work at Bowie, leading one of the largest and most prolific theater programs in the state, Cornwell has, according to Ritzie, has impacted each and every one student in a unique way. “Cornwell doesn’t deserve this, she has earned it,” Ritzie said. “Cornwell has directed and inspired so many students that came before me. She has been at Bowie for so many years, enriching students who have a passion for theater, and drawing out that passion in students who may not be your typical “theater kid.”
COVID 19 cases still surging CONTINUED from pg. 1 “Bowie is going along with AISD’s illegal and useless mask mandate under the perception that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 when there are multiple studies and just everyday observations that prove that all masks except a KN95 or N95 are essentially useless against Omicron,” Dalbey said. “People want mask mandates to stop the spread when treating this virus like the cold would give everyone natural immunity, and let the virus get weaker as it evolves and mutates. People supporting mask mandates either want people to be isolated and don’t want to go back to normal or are out of touch with the real statistics and numbers of COVID, especially Omicron.” An article published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed data from 10 previous studies that conclude mask-wearing substantially reduces spread. The article stated that wearing a cloth mask can reduce transmission of exhaled droplets from infected wearers into the air by 50 to 70 percent. “The mask mandate is really important at school because while you may be a perfectly healthy person and not care at all about catching COVID-19, there are people at this school that really do care,” Jensen said. “You never know if someone else has an underlying condition or if they are living with someone who has underlying conditions, so wearing this piece of cloth over your face correctly while you’re in school, especially indoors, is the bare minimum. We're all responsible for one another in being safe during this time.” Recently, AISD, partnering with Concentric by Ginkgo, has created COVID-19 testing hubs all around Austin. All students and staff members have access to a free rapid antigen testing program with access to access rapid antigen or PCR tests. There are 11 testing sites around Austin and they're open every Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. “I think that the number of positive COVID-19 cases will decrease because I think it will start to slow down the number of positives though because I think everybody's going to get it at some point,” Black said. “It just spreads too easily, so eventually everyone’s going to have it and become immune eventually.” With the continuous rise in cases and the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings, Pfeiffer emphasizes a call to action for all individuals to follow. “We are all in this together, and we are all responsible for one another,” Pfeiffer said. “Help keep those around you safe. If you're tired of living through COVID-19, help stop it. Get vaccinated. Get your boosters. Wear a mask.”
Healthy Heart Week brings several moments of reflection Mazzy Warren Dispatch Reporter
Each year, more than 870,000 Americans are diagnosed with heart failure, making heart disease the number one leading cause of death in America. In the face of this heart health crisis, organizations worldwide host annual Healthy Heart week to spread awareness. This year, Austin Independent School District (AISD) has been participating in this for over a decade, using Healthy Heart week as an initiative to encourage staff and students to take better care of their hearts. From January 31 to February 4, schools all around the district partook in various projects and activities related to keeping your heart and body healthy. “The emphasis for this year is mostly on managing stress, because stress has a very negative impact on the heart,” coach Vickie Benson said. “There's a lot of stress right now in our climate, so that's the point we wanted to prioritize this year.” This initiative aims to impact both staff and students in the district by providing educational resources about heart disease prevention. Many coordinators and students alike believe the entire community of AISD could benefit from improving heart health. “The idea of celebrating Healthy Heart Week is great because it’s really important to think about your heart,” sophomore Nicole Magnus said. “Everyone’s learning about their hearts, and we’ll know what’s
good for us and what isn’t. It’s helping people achieve their [health] goals.” According to the American Journal of Cardiology, , nearly 80% of heart attacks are never diagnosed, leading many to believe that not enough attention is paid to taking care of their hearts, even though it has an impact on other factors of well-being. Each day of Healthy Heart Week,the Bowie announcements shared a new tip to keep your heart healthy and active in a simple way. Monday’s advice was to get active, and on Tuesday the announcements suggested eating well to promote healthy living. “Healthy foods fuel our bodies and provide energy for us to live well,” Principal Mark Robinson said in the announcements Tuesday. “When eating healthy, think of a rainbow. The more colorful the food, the more vitamins and nutrients your body receives. We encourage students and staff to make and enjoy a colorful, heart-healthy meal for lunch today.” The Wednesday announcements informed listeners about the importance of being kind to yourself, and had school not been canceled Thursday, students would have heard to be kind to others as well. “Many of you have felt overwhelmed by the pandemic and all the changes it has brought to [our] lives,” Robinson said Wednesday morning. “When you start to have those feelings, we want you to do a loving-kindness meditation, to practice compassion. Sit quietly and direct kindness to yourself. Repeat thoughts like, ‘May I be
happy,’ and ‘May I be healthy and strong.’ Try it to see if loving-kindness meditation can bring more happiness to you.” Since the first Friday is designated as National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease and to encourage healthy habits, had school not been canceled, student and staff would have been encouraged to wear a red shirt to school. The holiday is hosted by the organization Go Red for Women. “From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke,” a Go Red for Women spokesperson said on their website. “Wear red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives.” A survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic revealed that, though 68% of Americans worry about contracting heart diseases, many of these people don’t make efforts to maintain healthy habits. Healthy Heart week leaders want to remind people that it’s important to take care of these muscles. They suggest beginning with physical activity, according to Benson, as it is the best way to promote heart healthiness. “Take care of your hearts, exercise them and train them,” Benson said. “I encourage students to know what they're putting in their bodies and what they're allowing into their sphere of influence, because so many things can impact the heart negatively. We don’t always think about the things that can affect our hearts, but we need to.”
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
GET AND EAT A HEALTHY REMAIN ACTIVE DIET
Recommended Sleep Time: six to eight hours of sleep a night
Healthy Diet: Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
Recommended Active Time: 30 minutes of physical activity a day
ART BY Arushi Sharma
POLITICS 3
FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
ONE YEAR OF BIDEN Biden's economic, climate and COVID-19 policies call for reflection As the United States looks at 2021 in the rearview mirror, citizens find themselves reminiscing on the year that was and the official end of Joe Biden's first year in office. The year seemingly had multiple events that required the Biden administration to make decisions. During Biden’s presidential inauguration, he described that the country has much to heal and build on, specifically in regards to the pandemic, jobs, the economy, and climate change. In this speech, he discussed these specific items and explained how he would strive to address them. “I remember watching the whole week of the election and just remembering how exciting it was to have Biden as president because I was nervous for another four years of Trump,” junior Holly Cummings said. One of Biden's first goals when he entered the presidential office was to control the Coronavirus. He addressed this by continuing the vaccine roll-out and introducing other policies that received a mixed response; many individuals had a negative reaction to these executive orders. “His attempted vaccine mandate was a gross overreach of federal power because he’s had
mixed messages on masking, he encourages masking kids, as well as mask and vaccine mandates, which have proven to not do much, so overall it hasn’t been great,” senior Austin Dalbey said. In recent months, Biden has been pushing for kids and younger generations to get vaccinated. He has tried to connect with these generations by inviting popular individuals among Generation Z to the White House. Over the summer, he spoke with Olivia Rodrigo to encourage the public to get vaccinated, later he spoke with the Jonas Brothers, and then just this month he met with Billie Eilish. "I'm so glad Biden connected with kids the way he did and tried to encourage younger people to get the vaccine," junior Nadia Petru said. "I am so glad that not only I can get the vaccine now, but also my younger brother who is in elementary school can be vaccinated too." Another major goal for Biden was to create and pass his major infrastructure plan. The US Senate is divided by a 50/50 margin, which makes it difficult to know what bills will make it into law. After much back and forth from both sides of the aisle, the infrastructure bill was passed with changes from both parties. “I think that often, we as Americans, believe that the President can or should deliver,” AP US history teacher Carlen Floyd said. “We live in a Constitutional system of checks and balances that is sometimes a very challenging reality.” Biden has discussed ways he wants to get America back on its feet by improving unem-
Biden's Accomplishments
-Passed $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill
-Over 200 million Americans vaccinated
-Five million Americans gained health insurance
-Many jobs were added and the unemployment rate dropped several points
ployment and getting a handle on the current pandemic. During his first year the unemployment rate dropped from 6.2% to 3.9%. “I think unemployment rates have been pretty good, especially considering COVID,” Cummings said. “I think because of COVID and many people losing their jobs the unemployment rates right now are a good sign. I think COVID affects everybody in the workplace so Biden helping to get jobs back has been a pretty good sign.” Inflation has risen over the past year and currently sits at 7.5%, which is the highest it's been since 1982. Consumer prices have risen throughout the country and can most prominently be seen in gas prices. "Inflation has been overwhelming and I hope Biden has builds a plan that can help combat it," Petru said. "I've seen gas prices and prices at regular stores rise which has been overwhelming, especially for people who've just started driving and getting their own gas like me, but I am hopeful for the future." From the very beginning Biden made it clear he wanted to introduce plans and actions to try and combat climate change. He introduced his plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 2030 and very soon after Biden entered office the US rejoined the Paris Climate Accords. “I realize Biden had a lot of ambitions regarding climate change and plans to address it, but not all of them were successful,” Petru said. “We aren't making as much progress as I think we should, but I think he's had a better plan and has actually tried to address this crisis compared to some of our previous presidents.” Biden's next goal is to get his Supreme Court nominee passed, but with the 50/50 Senate split, it is undecided what the outcome might be and if Biden can even get his nominee approved. Floyd adheres to Biden's concerns with the anticipation for getting the nomination passed, and believes that although not perfect, his job is definitely difficult. “If I take myself out of this place in time, I can also be grateful for checks and balances,” Floyd said. “So I can only imagine the frustration at feeling like you're elected to do something and then not being able to get the support sometimes within people from your own party." ART BY Carey Wooley
Carey Wooley Politics Editor
Democrat Beto O'Rourke runs for Texas governor What do Texans need in a Governor? How do they know that they’re voting for someone who will help them, not hurt them? How do they know who they should vote for? Although there’s no definitive answer to any of these questions, Democrat Beto O’Rourke hopes to earn voters’ permission to take charge in the upcoming election as Governor of Texas. According to O’Rourke, his campaign aims to build up a state in which people “work together on the truly big things [they] want to achieve for one another.” As Governor, he said he would aim to make changes to the impact left by current Governor, Greg Abbott. "I'm running to help bring the state together to do some of the really big things that we need to be focused on,” O'Rourke said in an interview conducted by the USA Today Network. “[I want to] get us past the very small
“He’s known for his charismatic divisive politics and policies that Greg campaign style,” Pool said. “He gained Abbott has been pursuing for my a lot of attention state-wide and nafellow Texans." tionally when he ran for Senate against O’Rourke was born and raised in Ted Cruz, making El Paso, Texas, him very popular where he has actamong Democrats ed as a member and very unpopular of the City counamong Republicans.” cil and has also As Governor of been a Congress Texas, the winner representative. must handle many According to responsibilities– AP government such as implementteacher Dalton ing state laws and Pool, O’Rooverseeing the state urke’s views are executive branch. socially liberal, Beto O' Rourke Governors must also but economically develop policies and he’s more of a Governor Candidate programs for their moderate. He’s respective states. most known for “To be Governor his 2018 run for you have to wear a lot of hats,” Pool Senate against Ted Cruz and his 2020 said. “You must carry out current Democratic presidential campaign– he laws, work with the State Legislature lost both of these efforts, but that’s in crafting new laws, work with the not deterring him from running for federal government, especially on Texas governor.
”
Mazzy Warren Dispatch Reporter
I'm running to help bring the state together to do some of the really big things that need to be focused on.
”
fiscal matters, and respond to crises across the state. Being an experienced representative and politician, I do believe O'Rourke could handle those responsibilities.” The primary elections are scheduled for March 1, the primary runoffs following nearly three months later, on May 24. Voters will make their final decisions on November 8. O’Rourke is competing in the Democratic primaries against four other candidates: Inocencio Barrientez, Michael Cooper, Joy Diaz, and Rich Wakeland. “[O’Rourke] is well supported in big cities,” junior Jack Doss said. “His name is already out there, and he's going to have a lot more attention than some of the smaller candidates. I don't think he'll do terrible, but he might not win easily.” O’Rourke founded and currently runs Powered by People. According to their website, Powered by People is an organization that arranges opportunities for volunteers to do the “tough, necessary work” needed in Texas. He
has stated he would like to use this organization to get more Texans registered for voting. “Texas Republicans have made it even tougher for the people of Texas to vote,” O’Rourke said in a video uploaded to his Facebook account. “That’s why we’ve got to work even harder to [register eligible voters], and ensure they can make a difference. Pitch in now so we have the resources to reach them, so that they can make a difference in 2022.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT: thedispatchonline.net
BULLDAWG SPEAK OUT How do you feel about Beto O'Rourke? INTERVIEWS BY Mazzy Warren PHOTOS BY Mazzy Warren
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I don’t know much about him, but I do know that he’s democratic and he ran for [senate] back in 2018. I think he’s okay, I know he got COVID vaccine rates up, which is a good thing.
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There’s just so many big decisions with politics right now, especially with the Texas State Governor. I need to research more because he is our potential governor and lawmaker, and his choices will affect my life.
Elizabeth Alonzi Sophomore
Ryan Seeland Junior
I don’t think about politics a lot, but Beto seems very Democratic to me, especially for Texas. I think he’s chill.
”
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Charlotte Hill Sophomore
Fedir Ensary Junior
I don’t have anything against him, however I do hope we get new political figures in office, concerning Texas in general.
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4 FEATURE
THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
Junior aims big in his journey to Hollywood
DAY IN THE LIFE:
ANDY INTERVIEW BY Sammie Thompson PHOTO BY Cyrus Mitchell
When did you start working here and why? “I started here the first year it opened and basically to be with my family. I used to manage a 7-11 and I was working what seemed like seven days a week. I had already missed a year and a half of my son’s first things, so I decided I’m not going to do that again. An opportunity arose and I fell in love with this school.” What kinds of daily responsibilities do you have on campus? “I’m the enforcer of parking and I have all the other responsibilities that the inside monitors have as well in terms of having to help them pull students out of class. For the most part, most of my work is out here with the cars trying to keep them safe.” What is your favorite part about working at Bowie? “You are the reason I am here. You are the reason I stay. I’m here to help you guys out. Most of you think I’m after you and chasing you down or that I’m bad. The ‘one percenters,’ they make me chase them down because of their actions. Those good students that I’ve only seen faces of and don’t even know names of, are the ones that keep me here.”
GETTING INTO CHARACTER: Junior Kyan Blacklock practices filming monologue scenes with a friend in California. Blacklock started pursuing professional acting and modeling in seventh grade, and often travels to California to participate in photo-shoots and film sessions. PHOTO COURTESY OF Kyan Blacklock
Kyan Blacklock balances the hectic schedule of a high schooler with a professional modeling and acting career Sammie Thompson Managing Editor Not again. Junior Kyan Blacklock reaches into the outer pocket of his backpack and switches his ringing phone to silent as he feels a stinging glare coming from his teacher. The call isn’t coming from a random spam number, however. It’s coming from an agent offering Blacklock an opportunity he doesn’t want to pass up: an audition for a new movie. As well as being a full-time high school student, Blacklock is a professional model and actor. In the past, he has worked on commercials, TV shows, movies, and short films. “I like doing auditions a lot,” Blacklock said. “One of my favorites was called “The Fabelmans.” It was a Steven Spielberg movie that’s currently in production right now. That was a crazy fun audition that I did a few callbacks for.” Blacklock has also participated in auditions for Netflix’s “That ‘90s Show,” a spin-off of “That ‘70s show,” and Disney’s “Amy and Amarillo,” which will come out in a couple of years. “Disney auditions are fun, but not really,” Blacklock said. “The conditions aren’t that fun because they’re very specific in
what they want, but they don’t give you everything they want. Netflix ones are also great. I did one a while ago for a new Netflix show coming out but I didn’t get the part I don’t think; they haven’t cast it yet.” While Blacklock has been involved in the modeling and acting worlds for several years, he took his career to the next level a year ago after gaining attention from managers and agents at a youth talent program. “I started doing low-key modeling and acting stuff in seventh grade,” Blacklock said. “I joined an app called Backstage and from there I got picked up by a small company and we just did photos and stuff for a while. Then last year was when I officially went to this place called CGTV in Los Angeles, and from there I signed with my manager.” Blacklock was never involved in theater classes or clubs, like many young people in the acting and modeling industries are. He started working on his career after observing others’ passion for it. “I think I just kind of got into it because I liked the lifestyle,” Blacklock said. “I saw that people loved it and I wanted to do the same thing, which kind of drew me to it.”
Many believe that involvement in the entertainment industry takes a lot of work and preparation in order to be successful. Blacklock felt ready for the pressure because of the support from his family, especially his mother. “I was excited because I know his skill levels and because he was so excited to try,” Blacklock’s mother, Kalyn Blacklock, said. “I was anxious, because who hasn’t heard all the rumors about Hollywood, and I was nervous for him, but mainly I was just excited to see him tackle his dreams.” COVID-19 has changed how casting calls and auditions operate. Many casting calls are required to be in a certain region, and Blacklock often travels to California to do certain roles. “I like the spread-outness of the job during COVID,” Kyan said. “Usually in a month, I’ll have two weeks in the month where I’ll either get one audition or randomly they’ll say I have three that I have to get done. I can deny them, of course, but that’s no fun. It’s a lot of practice and a lot of highpaced moving when you’re not ready for it.” In addition to school, acting, and modeling, Blacklock works part-time at Starbucks. His busy schedule often requires
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS: Junior Kyan Blacklock participates in several photo shoots and film auditions. As well as being a high school student and part-time Starbucks employee, Blacklock has been professionally acting and modeling for a year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF Kyan Blacklock
sacrifices to get everything done. “It’s always weird because in my head I put acting over school,” Kyan said. “I always tell my Dad that I have to do an audition first and he tells me I have to do my homework.” As Kyan has become more involved in the industry, his support system has grown. “He’s got a great manager and agents that believe in him, so he’s got a good team,” Kalyn said. “His friends keep him grounded and humble. Being able to watch your child’s dreams come true and watch them be successful and grow, it’s all a parent can ask for. Kyan has sacrificed a lot in his personal life for this career, and you have to be ok with that.” Part of Kyan’s support system is his peers at school. Junior Roman Davis has known Blacklock since they were in sixth grade together. “He practices auditions when we hang out sometimes and I’ve helped him film one during the summer,” Davis said. “He visits Galveston a lot to do photo-shoots and has invited me before but I wasn’t able to go.” Other students have felt motivated by Kyan’s career aspirations and the success that he has had in the last year. “Kyan has inspired me in many ways but I think one of his best qualities is his drive to achieve his goals,” junior James Pont said. “He has wanted to act and model forever and seeing his dreams come true has been awesome to see.” Similarly, Kyan has been inspired by other actors since he was young. He has been coached by well-known figures such as Hutch Dano, who plays Luther from “Zeke and Luther,” and Adrian R’Mante, who plays Esteban in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” “I would love to do it full time,” Kyan said. “Acting is not a set career. You could be sitting there minding your own business and boom there’s a movie audition you have to get done. Schedule changes are prominent.” Kyan’s mother holds an optimistic view for his future and the future of any aspiring actors and models. “It takes 100 “nos” before you get that “yes,” but it only takes one “yes,” Kalyn said. “You have to keep your grades up and stay out of trouble. It takes dedication, passion, and thick skin. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the process. Every “no” is a learning experience.”
What is one thing you want the Bowie community to know about you or your job? “That I am a human being. I am not a mean guy. Yes, I have a mean position. You want to do things wrong; I’m the person that has to either stop you from doing things wrong or report it to the appropriate officials.”
Students march in Rose Bowl parade Claire Scott Dispatch Reporter Crowds of people cheer as they are surrounded by the cold California air. The annual Rose Bowl parade has just started, and decorative floats covered with flowers flow through the streets. People have traveled from all across the states to celebrate the parade and watch the Rose Bowl football game, both of which were held on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California. The parade also features marching bands with members from all over the country. To participate, students in band programs can submit an audition by going to the Tournament of Roses website. Junior Preston Hatem, senior Manny Cruz, senior Corey Chrudimsky, and senior Brandon McNamara traveled to Pasadena to march in the parade. “During my freshman year in marching season we were at [Bands of America] San Antonio during a retreat and they announced this amazing opportunity to be a part of an honor band with bands across the country,” Hatem said. “I decided to give it a shot and try the audition out. About three months later I got an email back with the good news.” Students from all different grades have the opportunity to audition, but only a few are selected each year. “I applied when I was a sophomore and I had to submit a video audition and get some recommendations.” McNamara said. “We were picked from I think like 41 states that all those students came from so it was really cool just getting such a diverse group of people together to do something really special and make music together.” Regular marching band students, leadership members, and drum majors can audition for the parade because the requirements aren’t as selective of the status, but rather the ability to play. “The event is important to bands across the United States as it shows what any other musician, dancer or anyone can do and be a part of if they try it out and put their mind to it,” Hatem said. While the spotlight is on the students who physical-
HITTING THE NOTES: Senior Corey Chrudimsky plays the saxophone in a Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble performance. Chrudimsky is one of four students selected to participate in the Rose Bowl parade band. PHOTO BY Nick Wood
ly went to the parade, they emphasize the support of their directors and teachers who helped them get there. “This is an opportunity provided to students every year,” band director Jennifer Hanford said. “The Bowie band students love marching band, so any event involved they are usually interested in.” The trip to Pasadena was about a week long and ended with a day at Disneyland. There were plenty of opportunities for the students to make memories, from marching in the parade to meeting new people. “It was really fun on the last day of the trip when we all went to Disney together and Corey and I dressed up in Hooters outfits and went down Splash Mountain,” McNamara said. “Of course as it got dark it got really, really cold but it was a lot of fun.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT: thedispatchonline.net
FEATURES 5
FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
Aspiring artist launches Etsy business ”
Dylan Ebs Features Editor
‘Just keep practicing’ Aussie Lura hated hearing this motto as a young artist, and still “kind of hates it”, but Lura has a new appreciation for it. For Lura, the motto is what motivated them to keep going even when they were frustrated with their art. “I know that’s been used a million times,” Lura said. “And I absolutely despised it when I was in the very beginning. I hated everything I made but I did keep going and my art is a lot better for it. When you don’t like how your art appears, you have to keep in mind that every single time you do it you get better.” Art is more than just a hobby for Lura. They plan to major in Interactive Media at UT Arlington and recently launched an Etsy shop where they sell stickers of their art. “I do want my career to be centered around art,” Lura said. “So I plan to become either a visual artist or a concept artist for a video game or an animator or something in that realm. But on the side I also want to keep making my own art as a hobby and start up an Etsy business by myself and also put my own art out into the world on the side.” Lura can be found on Instagram at @AussieTaylorArt, which they use to promote their art, but also to connect with other artists and find inspiration for new pieces. “I follow 700 other artists for the most part,” Lura said. “And anytime I want inspiration or I’m feeling unmotivated, I’ll go on there and I’ll just scroll through my feed and I’ll see a bunch of other really talented artists.” Most of Lura’s work is digital art, but their creative process starts from pencil and paper. When they develop an idea, they draw it out in their sketchbook, and take a picture of the sketch to send to their iPad. This allows them to trace the art from their sketch using Procreate, an illustration app for iPads. “I would describe my style of art as very colorful,” Lura said. “It’s kind of hard to put it into words but I have really strong line art. A lot of my art relies on line art because there are some artists who don’t have liner at all or are really realistic or are really cartoony. I think I fall somewhere in between in the middle. And it’s just
This is another artist’s character, named Valentine, who I drew for an art challenge!
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I was inspired by sunsets and nature. I want her hair to read like swirly cupcakefrosting.
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DRAW IT OUT: Senior Aussie Lura uses Procreate to work on their next art piece during Drawing I. Lura has made art since elementary school, but they rekindled their passion amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO BY Dylan Ebs
very colorful and has a lot of creative characters.” Lura’s creative passions don’t stop at art; they have acted and directed for the Starlight Theatre Company since their freshman year. “I feel like art and theater are kind of intertwined in the creative light, but I feel like they’re very different mediums and I feel like they have sparked my creativity for one another, but I feel like they don’t intermingle a lot,” Lura said. There’s a debate in the art community about artists who call themselves “self-taught.” Lura sees it as no one is truly self-taught, rather artists develop
their art based on what they’ve already seen. “One thing that I believe is everybody says self-taught in their bio, but I really think that everybody develops an art style that comes from bits and pieces of the art that you consume,” Lura said. “And you kind of develop it based on that. It’s just because of what we consume, manifesting and our minds are like what we create.”
thedispatchonline.net
Connor Zhang, known affectionately as Z-Man, helps Bulldawgs feel welcome through kind interactions
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CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: Senior Connor Zhang jumps for joy after his musical chairs win at Wayback Winter. Zhang can be found around the school giving high-fives and taking selfies with students. PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
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ART BY Dylan Ebs PHOTO BY Sage Epstein
INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY Dylan Ebs
Emily Loewe Dispatch Reporter Walking through the halls, senior Connor Zhang visits the sweets sale during lunch. On the way, he stops to talk to people, wishing them a merry Christmas, and spreads joy to students around him. From asking how people are or just doing kind favors, Zhang has become well known around the school as Z-Man. “Nothing really inspired me,” Zhang said. “It’s just I really want to get to know a lot of people.” Junior Hannah Schiller was at the Homecoming dance with her friends when she noticed Zhang approaching her group. With a smile on his face, Zhang complimented Schiller and her friends on their outfits. “I liked feeling like someone noticed and wanted to make me happy,” Schiller said. “He gave us all high fives and told us that we looked gorgeous and then walked away. I liked that there was someone out there doing that and that in itself made me feel happy.” Zhang’s kind interactions with others have not only made him feel appreciated, but also made the people around him feel appreciated. His actions and interactions have allowed him to make new friendships and bonds. “There was this one time when this guy said to me, ‘Z-Man, you’re not realizing it, but you’re making everybody happy,’” Zhang said. “He told me that I was a blessing in this world.” As a senior at Bowie this year, Zhang has seen a lot of changes in the school, and most of all the difficulties of being in school last year online. He tried to contradict these difficulties by talking to new people and lifting people’s moods. “We’re living in pandemic times,” Zhang said. “I mean, we’re dealing with some rough stuff right now with COVID-19 and other things. And I just thought like you know, everybody needs their friend in their lifetime once in a while.” Zhang’s generous nature has allowed him to get to know a lot of different people throughout his high school years. His appreciation for those around him is abundant and Zhang will continue to spread love and kindness here at Bowie. “I mean some people can be rude, some people can be hateful and that makes me sad, but you can always be kind to someone,” Zhang said.
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I always wanted to draw mermaids as a child but never had the skill. This is sort of a gift to my younger self.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT
Senior spreads smiles to students
Z-Man’s superpowers...
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Staffing shortages and rising COVID cases have led to increased requests for substitute teachers. The Dispatch interviewed substitute teacher Ricardo Salazar to discuss how the Omicron variant is impacting his job.
Substitute teacher Ricardo Salazar
Q How has the Omicron variant affected your job? A Omicron affected the subbing part because a lot of people my age are retired teachers and so that alone makes us older. And when you’re older, you’re more likely to get the virus. And so a lot of people that were subbing are worried about catching the virus so they’re not coming back to sub.
Q How do you think AISD is handling the teacher shortages? A It’s very difficult for Austin ISD right now. I think in general for the whole state with a shortage of teachers and the shortage of subs that they’re trying to really do their best.
Q What’s been the hardest part of subbing during Omicron? A Just worrying about getting sick. The school itself is great to be with and we got great support from our staff. The student body is one of the best in the city, if not the best in the city. But it’s just the point of being worried about catching something.
Q Have you had more stress because of Omicron? A It’s more stressful because we’re trying to engage with students and we’re trying to hit as many core classes as we can. And it becomes stressful when we don’t have time to really concentrate in one class. We’re having to move from class to class.
Q How has student behavior changed since the start of COVID? A I think it seems like they’re more engaged now in person versus when we had them at home. But now that they’re back, they seem to be more engaged and more back to normal. And kids like to be around other students.
6 PHOTO ESSAY THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: During a dress rehearsal run, senior Colette Waid reviews the lighting design before the actors begin performing on stage. Waid was cast as the lighting designer for this year’s musical and has worked in tech lighting roles since their freshman year. “I feel like, in lights, you get the most creative freedom,” Waid said. “I’m sure a lot of people think that you just sit there, you design it, and then it’s done, but it’s a lot of waiting and communicating with others. It’s a lot more than designing, it’s a lot of pre-planning.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
Go behind the curtains Technicians reveal the hidden roles of the musical’s production
Anna Bea Heise Photo Essay Editor You walk into the dimly-lit theater as you search for open seats. You sit down, feeling the excitement in the room as everyone waits in anticipation for this year’s musical to begin. You flip through the playbook, make sure your phone is on silent, and hear surrounding conversations about who is performing which role tonight. The show begins as the curtains pull back to reveal the detailed set. As you watch the performers recite their lines and sing their songs, ask yourself; Who put the set pieces, lighting design, sound levels, and costumes together? The tech theater company spends most of their time backstage or behind the scenes. The crew builds the set and prop designs, program lighting and sound setting, and creates the designated looks for each role. Because of the nature of the crews’ roles, not as many audience members get exposed to what they do to help put on each show. “I mainly manage everyone else during rehearsal, like checking in on the different departments to make sure everybody was on the same page,” Assistant Tech Director Nadia Petru said. “I like being able to go between everyone’s different groups because normally you get really close with the one department you are with, but since I’m there to help everybody I get to make a ton of friends.” Petru has done a variety of tech theater roles since her freshman year as she used to only act. She began with doing costumes for the musical Big Fish. She then ventured into
stage managing during UIL shows her sophomore year, where she realized she enjoyed the organizational leadership
roles. “I think tech goes really unnoticed because you’re not necessarily supposed to see technicians or what we do,” Petru said. “No one is supposed to see us half the time, but our work is supposed to still be there and show up. I think we get an okay amount of recognition, but I always still think we deserve more because we work really hard.” Being a part of the tech crew offers a wide variety of roles, from putting together prop pieces to designing images to be projected onto a screen. Some roles are even only needed for certain shows, like the musical. “I actually didn’t know that this role existed,” Sound Liaison Manager Sloane Duignan said. “I was given it by my director so I didn’t know anything about it, but once my director explained it to me and who I would be working with I was I fine with it.” The Sound Liaison Manager is a leadership role that primarily revolves around actors’ microphones and recordings of the ensemble. This role requires less time at rehearsal, as it is not needed as much until mics are included in the rehearsals. “My favorite memory so far has been the actual performances,” Petru said. “Since all of our departments have been working together, especially in the last few weeks, we’ve all become a really close friend group. During the shows we all get to hangout and do our jobs, but we also get to watch the show and sing
KNOW THE DRILL: Gripping the drill, senior Colette Waid drills into wood as they build the front stage decor. Regardless of their roles, all technicians contribute to the building of the stage and set design. “I just don’t think tech theater is advertised enough,” Waid said. “You would have to start pretty early in order to start building resume to eventually get the higher up positions where you get more freedom.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
SOUND OFF: Senior Matthew Cluchey toggles with the sound board as the production crew prepares to run a dress rehearsal of the show. Cluchey got involved in sound-related tech roles beginning his freshman year and is co-sound lead for this year’s musical. “I have to be a leader among the other technicians and be a good problem solver when it comes to the many issues we’ve had so far in sound,” Cluchey said. “A typical day of rehearsal for me includes getting all the leads into mics, checking sound levels, and making adjustments to the mic placement inside actors’ masks.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
BY DESIGN: Junior Jake Johnson edits the light designs for both the stage lights and the stair lights. Johnson was assistant to the head lighting designer, Colette Waid, for the musical. “I really liked having a lot of freedom,” Johnson said. “I was not very restricted on the lighting design for the stairs. I was almost completely left to my own devices so I was able to just do whatever I wanted.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
FOR GOOD MEASURE: Tape measure in hand, senior Lindsay Dahl measures the glass tiles used to build the set’s floor. While Dahl has explored both the acting and tech aspects of theater, she has always worked tech for the annual musical. “I help with projections, spotlights, and with building,” Dahl said. “I feel like that’s a really important part of it because with the musical being our biggest spectacle, the tech works really hard on making it really nice to look at with all the lighting, the sound, and everything going into it.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
EYES GLUED: Senior Eimear Harriman hot glues office decor onto the desks being used as set pieces. With the position of prop master, Harriman finds items to use for both stationary scene props and props aiding in actors’ performance. “What drew me to props is that you get to create whatever you want,” Harriman said. “I read through the script and create a list of the more obvious props needed and prop ideas that I think would look cool in each scene. It’s one of the most relaxing jobs since you get to have free control of what you create.” PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
CARE S BOWIE
IN-DEPTH 7
FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
FOR STUDENT HUNGER
Counselors fight student food insecurity with packaged snacks to enable easier learning Corinne Piorkowski Editor-in-Chief
Senior Mia Brelsford’s stomach growled. Her teacher droned on in AP macroeconomics class about supply and demand graphs, and all she could keep her mind on was her persistent hunger. She forgot to eat breakfast this morning. “It is hard to focus when you are hungry, as your mind wanders to food instead of what the teacher is lecturing,” Brelsford said. “Many students are able to bring their own snacks to have during classes to curb their hunger but, for some, snacks are not as accessible.” Learning on an empty stomach at any time of the school day can be detrimental to students’ performance in class, according to the National Education Association’s (NEA) nutrition programs. In a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pediatrics displayed the negative effects of student food insecurity, which is the state of not having consistent access to nutritious food, on their learning ability. “Hungry children have lower math scores, are more likely to repeat a grade, come to school late, or miss school entirely,” NEA said in the article. To act as a source for snacks to hold students over and keep them focused in class, the counseling department, specifically counselor Hunter Ruffin, pushed forward a program titled ‘Bowie Cares’ to package snacks free for teachers to keep in their classrooms for student utilization. “Our goal was to make food resources and feminine hygiene products more available to students in the academic wing,” Ruffin said. “You know, the counselors always have snacks and meals in our offices, but a lot of students don’t know about that or they don’t want to come all the way down here because it’s kind of far away, so we just wanted to get enough snacks packaged to place them in every classroom.” Located in C102, there are around 100 snack bags that are available for students to take or for teachers to pick up for their classrooms that students can access during class time. By giving the teachers the ability to openly give students snacks when needed, Ruffin believes they will combat distraction in learning and lead kids to better grades. “I think the ones in the classrooms are best used as an instructional tool for teachers if they notice a kid is super distracted,” Ruffin said. “If they find out that they missed lunch or breakfast, they now have something to offer, a snack break, to help recharge a little bit, and that way, can get back to learning; certainly, anytime a kid misses a meal, it’s going to be a lot harder to focus and we just want that to not be a barrier.” In an article from Better Mind by Dr. Julie Schwartzbard, she claims that certain factors affect students’ ability to focus in class, hunger and fatigue being two of them, as well as a poor diet to go along with not eating enough. “Hunger is tied dido rectly to low blood Ni l sugar which de la l quickly leads be to fatigue Isa Y TB R A
and low energy levels, which all wreak havoc on your ability to focus,” Schwartzbard said in the article. “Processed foods lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes that destroy focus, and if you don’t get essential vitamins, your ability to concentrate will suffer and it will worsen over time.” According to Brelsford, these effects of persistent hunger can be present in her day-to-day life, especially as she navigates through a confusing school year coming off of the pandemic's online schooling. “The mornings in which I sleep through my alarm, I rush to get out the door in time to make it to class and I skip breakfast, ending up going to school on an empty stomach,” Brelsford said. “My stomach begins to growl and it becomes hard to focus because I’m already thinking about when I’ll be able to get lunch by first period and this all just adds to the stress and difficulty in focusing.”
In addition, for senior Vanessa Nguyen, snacks provided by the school in a program like Bowie Cares is extremely beneficial to the quality of her learning when she misses time to eat. “I know as a student having an empty stomach or being dehydrated has decreased my performance in school, because I would fixate on my hunger,” Nguyen said. “Sometimes I get fatigue or have headaches when I don’t get snacks throughout the day, so having access to snacks through Bowie benefits my health and how I perform in school.” The National Education Association claims that providing school meals benefit both the students and the success of the school, as students utilizing school snacks and meals cost less than if they’re paying for year-long a school meal plan. They include that this statistic can be very important for schools in need of saving money, which Austin Independent School District (AISD) has proved this year through po-
STUDENT FOOD
C E UR S I TY N I Severely insecure
31%
Need lots of support with food in school
Moderately insecure
Need some support with food in school
8%
tential schedule changes that they are discussing. “Since parents and counselors provided for the program, it’s a great opportunity for students to eat in school without the district having to fund for and provide meals,” Nguyen said. “I think most of the community is aware of the issues the district has with funding sometimes, so having a program like this definitely will help them combat those issues.” In Nguyen's opinion, the program not only gives her the chance to succeed better in class, but also opens a door to aiding low income students especially during the pandemic. “I think this program is a great resource for students and staff because there isn’t always accessibility for snacks throughout the day for a lot of the Bowie community,” Nguyen said. “Bowie Cares shows that the school really cares about our health and well-being during difficult times such as this pandemic, especially for students who struggle with getting food on the table; having this resource will inevitably take a burden off of their shoulders when coming to school, and I think a lot can come from this program.” From an adult perspective, eating throughout the day gives students a chance to fully comprehend the information given to them in class without focusing on their persistent hunger, which is what Ruffin had in mind when leading the Cares project this semester. “I’m just hoping that students are more engaged throughout the school day,” Ruffin said. “I certainly don’t want hunger to be a barrier to accessing the material, and if we want to meet that need, then I think providing some sort of food can be something to help them get through the day.” For increasing student health in school, the Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) emphasizes the positive impact school-provided food resources can have on students’ learning, serving as a direct correlation to the origin of the Bowie Cares project and the purposes behind it. “A vast body of research shows that improved nutrition in schools leads to increased focus and attention, improved test scores, and better classroom behavior,” HSC said in an article. “School food can also increase school connectedness and reinforce to children, families, and the community that students’ health and well-being are valued.” A project like Bowie Cares ultimately gives the school power to emphasize the importance of eating to further kick-start students’ ability to learn, while battling the ongoing issue of student hunger diminishing student performance, according to Brelsford. “I think that no matter if you already have access to the resources that Bowie Cares provides or if you are in need of these resources, we can all benefit from equal opportunities to food resources,” Brelsford said. “When we lift others up and help them reach their highest potential, we too can be benefited.”
61% Secure
Students that feel safe in their ability to have meals daily
Source: https://educationvotes. nea.org/2017/08/21/student-hunger-hits-shameful-levels/
IN-DEPTH 9
8 IN-DEPTH
What’s W
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Anna Holme Editor-in-Chief
e a Holm BY Ann PHOTOS
BOWIE STUDENT OPINION Common mispronunciation: Al-ee
Hello
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my name is
Alisophomore Rizvi
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How it’s ACTUALLY pronounced: All-e Rizz-vee
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every single time
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like your name?
How it’s ACTUALLY pronounced: An-uh-stay-juh Kraz-nor-ia-ts-ev
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Hello
my name is
Anastasia Krasnoriadtsev senior
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Common mispronunciation: Shi-lee 1
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I am planning on changing it.
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I have the best name ever!
my name is
ShaeLi Fielding
On a scale of 1-10, how important do you think people’s names are to their identity?
How it’s ACTUALLY pronounced: Shay-lee Field-ing
sophomore
Common mispronunciations: Tar-roo, Ter-roo
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ART BY Anna Holme
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How it’s ACTUALLY pronounced: Tuh-roo Mis-rah
Sophomore ShaeLi Fielding knew what was about to happen. There was choa substitute teacher in her class, and sen by they had just begun taking attendance her parents for that period. The sub starts listing specifically for its off names one by one, with an audible uniqueness. Mishra “here” being able to be heard shortly says that her name creates after each name is called. Suddenly, important ties to her Indian the sub goes quiet, looking down at identity. their roster. “I’ve kind of grown into “I can just tell when they’re at my [my name],” senior Taru Mishname because they take a pause,” ra said. “When I was younger, Fielding said. “They get it pretty close I didn’t like it because it was most of the time, they just have to so different. Even in India, it’d sound it out. So I just know it’s me. be considered a pretty unique Sometimes they just go ‘someone by name. I sometimes felt like it last name Fielding.’ They won’t even wasn’t aligned with my Amertry to pronounce it.” ican identity as a kid. I wanted Fielding’s experience is not the to be very American when I first of its kind. Many students find was a kid. So I didn’t like it a themselves victim to their names lot when I was younger, and I being mispronounced or misspelled, had plans to change my name. both in and out of the classroom. SeBut I think I like it now.” nior Anastasia Krasnoriadtsev has had Many individuals with experiences with people struggling to unique or foreign names have pronounce and spell her Russian last had experiences with their name. names being labeled as “hard“The first time I really remember to-pronounce.” A poll conductsomebody making a big deal out of ed by Race Equality Matters my name was in first grade. We were found that 73% of respondents all taking a quiz and out of nowhere, have had their names mispromy teacher yelled and got really exnounced. These experiences cited. When we asked what happened can be seen as volatile, as she said ‘I finally was able to spell Andeliberate name mispronunciastasia’s last name correctly.’ That’s ation has become an issue as like the first time that I was like, ‘oh well. For example, at a Trump my gosh, is [my name] that weird?’” rally in 2020, Senator David The first known record of a human Perdue faced intense backname can date back to Sumeria lash after intentionally misaround the year 3200 BCE. Since pronouncing now-Vice President then, names have developed greatly Kamala Harris’s name. based on one’s regional location and “Ka-MAL-a (sic), Ka-MAL-a or Kadialect. Moreover, names often act as mala, Kamala, Ka-mala, -mala, -mala, a reflection of one’s culture, especially I don’t know, whatever,” Perdue said in the United States which, as reportat the rally, according ed by the U.S. to CNN. Census Bureau, is Willful misprohome to over 350 I like my name a lot nunciation of a name languages. has been labeled by because it really is “I like my to be a “microname a lot reflective of my culture many aggression.” Merribecause it really am-Webster defines and heritage. It is a is reflective of my culture and very Russian name. I’m aasmicroaggression “a comment or my heritage,” action that subtly and proud of that identity. Krasnoriadtsev often unconsciously said. “It’s a very or unintentionally Russian name. Anastasia expresses a prejudiced I’m proud of that attitude toward a Krasnoriadtsev identity. So to member of a marginme, my name is Senior alized group.” Since important. I used Harris is a biracial to not like my woman, many saw name, especially Perdue’s comment as antagonistic. my last name, because it did make me “When someone doesn’t take kind of stand out. But now I like it.” the time to learn the proper way to For Fielding, her first name is depronounce another person’s name, rived from the name her birth mother or worse – intentionally mocks it for gave her after she was adopted. Her being ‘too difficult’ to pronounce, or mother changed her birth name to tries to ascribe another name to make her current name, ShaeLi. themselves feel comfortable – it can “My name connects me to the come across as malicious,” TV celebsmall part of the Chinese heritage rity Yewande Biala wrote in an article that I have because I was basically for The Independent. raised here in Austin,” Fielding said. Biala’s experience with name “So that’s like, the one little aspect mispronunciation within pop culture I get because I don’t know my birth isn’t uncommon. Indian-American parents. I didn’t know anything about comedian Hasan Minhaj has repeatedmyself before I was adopted.” ly made comments about the proper Senior Taru Mishra’s name was way to pronounce his name (Ha-sun
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On a scale of 1-10, how often do you CORRECT people when they mispronounce your name? 80
NAME?
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In one word, how does it make you feel when someone mispronounces your name? Top 5 most common responses are shown.
Hello my name is Taru Mishra senior
FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
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“Weird”
207 STUDENTS POLLED 1/ 31- 2/14 /2022; Polled via Google Forms 96 Females, 86 Males, 16 Non-binary/Other, 9 prefer not to say 35 Seniors, 39 Juniors, 86 Sophomores, 47 Freshmen
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resembles their own. This reflects the concept of “implicit egotism,” a phenomenon wherein a person is more likely to be drawn to things that Minremind them of themselves. haj), “Our names are how people adand the dress us and how people think of us,” struggles he sophomore Ali Rizvi said. “If they faces with others think of your name, then they think pronouncing it. of you. So you’re automatically asso“When I first started ciated with that name. I also think the doing comedy, people were meaning behind your name also kind like ‘you should change your of influences the way you act and name,’” Minhaj said during how you carry yourself. If your name an interview on the Ellen Demeans something important, you Generes Show. “I’m not going might not want to do something that to change my name. If you would bring dishonor to the name.” can pronounce Ansel Elgort, Some scientists argue that the you can pronounce Hasan relationship between our names and Minhaj.” personality is correlation rather than While many prominent causation. University of Pennsylvania figures in mainstream media professor Uri Simonsohn refers to have spoken about their most implicit egotism analyses as major experiences with their “fun coincidences.” However, other name’s pronunciation, a large studies have shown possible connecportion of name pronuntions between our names and aspects ciation and spelling errors of our identity like the way we look, simply occur in day-to-day our career choices, and even who we life. Even small interactions marry. where one’s name would be “Even our name, which is chosen used, like going to get coffee, for us by others and is not biologican become a challenge. cal, can influence the way we look “When I would go to through our interactions with sociStarbucks I would try to use [the name] ShaeLi,” Fielding ety,” Hebrew University (Jerusalem, Israel) researcher Dr. Zonat Zwebner said. “I now use Elizabeth said in an interview with HuffPost. just because it’s easier. But One of the most prominent places when I did use ShaeLi, [the students interact with each other is in baristas] would butcher it the classroom. Being in school eight pretty bad. I correct people a hours a day means students hear lot with spelling. It’s all over their names a lot. Some teachers, like my Instagram and I write it English teacher Kimberly Wiedmeyer, out a lot in front of people. have attempted to make accommodaSometimes they just don’t rections for the wide array of names she ognize that, and they just spell it the encounters. way they think it’s spelled and that’s “I care so much about kids feeling sometimes frustrating.” comfortable in my classroom,” WiedWhile for some, like Fielding, meyer said. “I even correcting name asked if, when we spelling and prodo those beginningnunciation errors is of-the-year surveys, common, the same there is an audio acts can be chalclip feature where lenging for others. kids can add that Mishra has had difthe way that they ficulties correcting say their name bepeople when they cause I do think it’s mispronounce her really important. I name. know I’ve gotten “I’m just too kids’ names wrong embarrassed, espein the past, and that ShaeLi Fielding cially when teachers hurts me because mispronounce my Sophomore my goal is to make name,” Mishra said. them feel comfort“I don’t want to able. I can only make it seem like imagine if that was I’m criticizing them, a meaningful thing even though I know it’s probably the to you so oftentimes I will ask kids to right thing to do. I have friends who remind me of the pronunciation.” I’ve been friends with for a long time There are easy ways to treat who still mispronounce my name. I’m other people’s names with respect, kind of too shy to correct them. I feel according to Rizvi, who provided like they might view me differently some advice when people encounter or something because they have a a name that they do not know how to different pronunciation of my name. pronounce of spell. It’s a bad habit.” “Just try your best to pronounce it People’s names have been shown the right way,” Rizvi said. “You can to possibly influence various charalso just ask the person who has the acteristics of a person. For example, name. Normally like, like 99% of the researchers Brett Pelham, Matthew time, the person who holds the name Mirenberg, and John Jones from the knows how to pronounce it. So if you State University of New York found just ask that person respectfully, you that an individual is more likely should be fine.” to live in a city with a name that
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THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
When I would go to Starbucks I would try to use [the name] ShaeLi. I now use Elizabeth just because it’s easier.
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10 SPORTS
THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
Senior captains take on district
ATHLETES ASSERT Girls soccer aims to qualify for playoffs while battling new COVID-19 rules Format change part Sam Vane Dispatch Reporter Questions? Concerns? Email: bowie.journalism@gmail.com
The Pinnacle of NBA awards: the All-Star game, a prized possession for any player in a season. But while the All-star picks are important, they don’t come without controversy. The biggest controversy this year was Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins being named an All-Star starter. This was met with intense criticism from fans as some called for abolishment of fan voting, as it gives the fans too much power to vote in players undeserving of the all-star game. Controversy also arose over the picks of Draymond Green over star players like the Celtics Jaylen Brown and the Thunders guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Some surprises were also the pick of Toronto Raptors guard Fred Vanfleet who was picked for the All-star game after a solid year. Another surprise was third-year guard Darius Garland who has quietly turned from one of the worst NBA players to a top-15 guard in the NBA. Shying away from the controversy of player picks and to the addition of new events for AllStar weekend, the rising stars game has modified its structure to better suit fans. It now consists of four teams who will play three games each, two of which will go to who scores 50 points first, and the 3rd going to who scores 25 points first. The teams will consist of the star rookies and second-year players who will compete to win the rising stars trophy. Another change that has happened is the Skills Challenge, which will now consist of three teams all competing in a timed, skills-based challenge. The two teams with the top “challenge points” will move on and face each other in the final. The teams for this event go as follows. Team Antetokounmpo will consist of the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thannis, and Alex). Team rookies will consist of star rookies Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey, and Scottie Barnes. Finally, team Cleveland which consists of the best three players for the city that is hosting the all-star game will have Jarett Allen, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. Arguably the best event of All-star weekend, the AT&T dunk contest did not change its format. The dunk contest consists of four players who each get two dunks to best impress the judges and the people with the best score move onto the next round. This year’s dunk contest will consist of young phenoms like the Rockets Jalen Green along with sophomore phenoms Obi Toppin and Cole Anthony with Juan Tuscano-Anderson also competing. Another crazy moment occurred in the All-Star draft when team captain Kevin Durant was forced to decide whether or not to pick his recently traded teammate James Harden who caused controversy with his decision to ask for a trade to another team. The other Team captain Lebron James, the pick before, decided against picking Harden with the intention to cause an awkward moment between Durant and Harden. With all the new changes and young players competing, this year’s NBA All-Star game is looking to be one of the best in its history.
Ben Tillisch Sports Editor
Rocketing across the pitch, girls soccer senior captain Lily Erb darts in and out of defenders, gliding nearer to the opponent’s fiercely defended goal. Deaf to surrounding noise, Erb locks her eyes in on the target and strikes through the ball methodically, watching as the ball bends through the air, cracking against the woodwork and slams against the netting. Prior to kicking off her senior season of soccer, Erb was elected to be a captain for the girls soccer team by her teammates. In her final year of high school soccer, Erb is determined to lead a successful season both individually and in terms of the team. “One team goal I have is to make it to the playoffs again this year,” Erb said. “We have a tough district this year and we lost a lot of seniors last year so it will be a challenge, but I believe we can do it. A personal goal I made for this year is to tie or beat the number of goals and assists I had last year. I was the district’s leading goal scorer last year so it would be super awesome if I was able to do that two years in a row.” Along with Erb, seniors Julia Everett and Emma Swartz were also chosen to captain their fellow teammates. Everett reminisces about her time as a member of the Lady Dawgs and hopes to make her senior season indelible. “Throughout the years, I have made a ton of friendships and memories that I will keep with me forever, so it’s a bittersweet feeling being in my last year of high school soccer,” Everett said. “In order to make my senior season a memorable one, I’m just really trying to cherish the moments of playing alongside some of my best friends and making as many memories with them as possible before it’s over.” Unfortunately, in advance to the start of the season, Swartz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. Despite this setback, Swartz continues to marshal the team, which has not gone unnoticed by her peers and girls soccer Coach Carrie Hoffman-Howell. “All three of them display that leadership quality: strong work ethics and doing the right thing,” Hoffman-Howell said. “Even when no one’s looking. Always smiling, always showing positive energy. And that definitely is what people look
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior Lily Erb reaches out to control the ball in practice. Erb committed to Texas State University to continue her soccer career in college. PHOTO BY Nick Wood
“On this team, being a leadfor in a leader. They’re always er is working hard and showing giving 100% and they became others that you care,” Swartz natural leaders because everysaid. “When you show people body just turns to them and that you expects truly care it from about the them.” game and Swartz what you believes are doing, mainthey tend to taining a follow you. positive I try to lead vibe and by motia strong vating and work encouraging ethic is a the team, necesand I try to sity for bring more effectively positivity capLily Erb and a better taining Senior Captain attitude to a team the team to the than past best of captains may have.” their ability. Restricted to the An aspect of the girls soccer sidelines, Swartz puts extra program for 25 years, Erb effort in being a constructive was aware of the potential to presence.
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of big NBA All-Star weekend activities
Being a leader for the rest of the team means not only directing my team but also leading by example.
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become a captain ever since she joined the Lady Dawgs. Erb echoes Swartz’s principles and practices, understanding the importance of her role on the team. “Being a leader for the rest of the teams means not only directing my team but also leading by example,” Erb said. “On the soccer field, I encourage my teammates by putting in full effort into everything I do whether it’s in practice or at a game. My older sister was a soccer captain so it was something I wanted to pursue as well.” Handpicked by their peers, the senior captains are viewed as role models by the rest of the team. Expected to confidently pilot the rest of the girls, Coach Hoffman-Howell advises Erb, Everett, and Swartz to take advantage of this leadership opportunity. “They became natural
leaders because everybody just turns to them and expects it from them,” Hoffman-Howell said. “And so they’re good role models. Take that strong work ethic and everything that they gave me for four years and apply it to the world.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin ISD has issued updated rules pertaining to canceled games in response to the virus. Unlike last year where games were rescheduled to a later date, games are now forfeited if they cannot be played, rewarding and promoting health and safety across the district. “Obviously, [the rule] heightened it back to the mindset of cleaning and staying safe, because we’re not going to forfeit a varsity game,” Hoffman-Howell said. “In case we have too many cases, we’re gonna be moving girls up. I think it’s a good experience for the underclassmen if it happens, but at the same time, I wish we could reschedule just to take that pressure off.” With the introduction of stricter rules, there is an escalated pressure for student-athletes like Erb to stay healthy. Acknowledging her senior games could be forfeited as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak, Erb describes the importance of maintaining cleanliness. “Luckily, we haven’t run into the new rule thus far into the season, but it is scary knowing we could have a game taken away from us that easily,” Erb said. “We try to play every game like it is our last because the team saw how not having a chance to play again affected the seniors two years ago. Being a captain, I have to advise my teammates to make the right decisions to avoid getting themselves and our team sick.” Erb has limited time as a Bowie soccer player, so she wants to ensure that she makes an impact on her peers that will be a part of the program in the coming years. Preaching hard work and positivity, Erb plans to depart as a captain that aided her teammates in achieving prosperity. “I want the underclassmen to know that their attitude and work ethic will take them very far in life,” Erb said. “You don’t have to be the most technical player or score the most goals to have an impact on the field. If you work hard and put your heart into everything you do for the full amount of time you are on the field, you will be helping your teammates.”
Cole Miller takes mound for varsity baseball Dimitri Silva Sports Editor
Stepping to the rubber on the mound, Cole Miller eyes his opponent and receives the sign from his catcher to throw a fastball. His favorite, throwing an 80 mph fastball isn’t easy and he has gotten that speed even faster since joining the team. Although he hasn’t played in any games this year, making varsity baseball as a sophomore was always a dream of his and throwing his first pitch of his Bowie varsity career excites him. Miller started playing baseball when he was six-years old and learned a lot from his old coaches and teammates. He learned everything about baseball and instantly fell in love with pitching. “Pitching has always been something I’ve felt more comfortable doing,” Miller said. “I have always been better at it than batting and really like perfecting every pitch, especially my fastball.” During his freshman year, Miller continued perfecting his pitches. Practicing almost every day with the team and getting to know the coaches really helped his performance for his sophomore year. “Cole has always worked really hard on and off the field,” teammate junior Mason Cuchia said. “He really wants to be there and always puts in effort which as his teammate is always reassuring knowing that your teammate has your back and is putting in as much effort as me.” Miller said he was excited to make the team and looks forward to working with the other pitchers and hopes to
find a spot in the rotation. He worked hard over the summer attending multiple camps to improve his game. “He’s young, he’s still got to mature but he’s been playing summer ball for a while now and I hope he gets going right off the bat,” varsity baseball coach Samuel Degelia said. “But if he doesn’t, that’s fine because we play so many games and there’s so many opportunities for him to play amazing. His teammates are really supportive of him and the other pitchers are helping him get to where he needs to be.” Since joining the team, Miller has been stepping up, exceeding coaches expectations. However, there is much concern for injuries as that could cause Miller’s progress to ‘reset’ and fall behind the other pitchers. “If he has success this year, then he’ll bump his way up into the rotation for next year,” Degelia said. “His success for this year necessarily won’t make him successful next year. He’s gonna have to do it on and off the field, making sure he properly stretches because injuries are probably my biggest concern for Cole.” Miller’s success on the team could fall short if he doesn’t perform well during his first game with the team. He has tried to work his way into the starting pitching rotation, and coaches expect him to play during the game. “I really want to prove to the coaches I can perform well in the game,” Miller said. “I know playing in a game is the best way to tell if a player is good or not and I think I’m ready to show my
ON THE MOUND: Sophomore Cole Miller practices pitching in a intramural practice scrimmage. Varsity Baseball begins district play March 14. PHOTO BY Nick Wood
teammates and coaches that I can be an important part to the team.” During the season, the baseball team plays around 25 district games. Prior to that, the team is included in many tournaments and scrimmages that begin soon. During these tournaments and scrimmages the coaches expect Miller to prove his pitching ability, which will determine his in-season playing team. “He’s going to learn from some of
the other pitchers who have played district games before and hopefully he’s learning the right things from them.” Degelia said. “I have no problem with where he’s at right now, that could change depending on how he performs. Especially at the district games, if he doesn’t have very good outings in these tournaments, It’s gonna drop him down significantly. I have faith he will perform.”
coming UP in SPORTS February 19 Varsity boys soccer vs. Austin High @Burger February 26 Varsity boys baseball vs. Weiss @Weiss February 26 Varsity girls soccer vs Akins @Burger
March 5 Varsity track meet @Round Rock HS
March 6 Varsity boys lacrosse vs Cedar Ridge @Bowie March 14 Varsity girls softball vs Westlake @Westlake
SPORTS 11
FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
Rookie athlete dominating basketball Freshman Nyla Anderson makes the girls varsity basketball team with college potential
PHOTO BY Kate Davis
Q&A
PHOTO BY Nick Wood
Breathing heavily, Nyla Anderson glances up at the scoreboard midgame. 45 to 43. Bowie is behind two points with 35 seconds left in the game. Refocusing on the game, Anderson runs up the court and passes it to her teammate, hoping she’ll make a game winning basket. Following the ball into the hoop, listening to the end game buzzer, Anderson exhales a breath of relief, realizing they just won the game. A freshman, Anderson is experiencing the glory, and the pressure, of being a varsity girls basketball player, a year or two earlier than most athletes. “It was kind of scary at first,” Anderson said. “But I got used to it and sometimes I have to remember that I’m a lot smaller and less experienced but I don’t let that stop me.” Being the young rookie player on a varsity team can be difficult, and Anderson has had her share of these challenges and setbacks. “It was really scary,” Anderson said. “I was really nervous and I didn’t know what the other girls would think of a freshman playing with them.” Despite the pressures of being a newcomer onto the team, Anderson’s coaches believe that she has become a huge asset to the team and will improve in future seasons. “I think she’s done pretty well. The team trusts her as a freshman,” varsity girls basketball head coach Vickie Benson said. “That’s the hardest thing to do, to be a point guard on a varsity team of older kids and she’s earned that trust and respect from them.” Anderson’s teammates also attest to her success on the team, which has aided the team’s notable performance throughout the season thus far.
Nyla is working hard, practicing every day to develop the skills she needs to play college ball post-graduation, when she hopes to potentially play for the University of Texas, where her dad went to school. “She’s athletic and quick and fast but needs to get more physical to play at the level she’s going to play at,” Benson said. “And then for her future beyond Bowie obviously I want to help her be well-rounded and have a chance to play at the next level.” Though the road to such high level basketball is difficult, Nyla has reason to believe she’s capable of achieving success at Bowie and on a college level. “I won’t quit,” Nyla said. “I push through. I try to push through things as best as I can.” Nyla’s coaches, teammates, and parents also trust that she will continue to work hard to achieve her goals of playing college ball, expressing their excitement for her future. “Nyla has a passion for life and everything she puts her mind and heart into. As a kid she used to get so mad at me when I would tease her about beating her,” Roderick said. “That’s when I knew she was passionate about winning at everything in life. I have no concerns about Nyla playing basketball. She has a tremendous work ethic and is extremely coach-able. I can only hope that she stays healthy and plays the game of basketball the way she was taught.” During Bowie’s basketball season, the team has won 15 games and lost 17. With playoffs coming soon, Nyla hopes to help her team in any way she can and practices often to do so. “I practice a lot after school and during the weekend so I don’t really have time to hang out with my friends as much as I used to,” Anderson said. “I stay up pretty late to get homework done.” Throughout her years of playing basketball, Nyla has developed a
“Coming in as a freshman is hard as is, but she stepped into a huge role for the team and really gave it her all,” Anderson’s teammate Emma McCarthy said. “Nyla is very athletic and has great communication skills both on and off the court she’s definitely had her share of clutch moments and I love being her teammate to see it all.” Anderson has been interested in basketball since she was young, following in the footsteps of her parents, both of which have largely inspired and motivated her love for the game. “I let her know as much as possible that if she cleans the streets you make sure you’re the best at cleaning the streets,” Anderson’s dad Roderick Anderson said. “I tell her she should always have passion and pride in what she loves to do. She hates to lose and I love that about her, but when she does lose the first thing she has to tell me is what she learned from losing. Some people feel like they fail when they lose. We don’t fail over here we learn.” Her ability to learn from mistakes is vital to Nyla’s basketball performance, significantly helping her improve as a player, working to strengthen her shortcomings after each game, practice, and scrimmage. “She was hungry to learn,” Benson said. “She’s always asking questions and really, really wants to get better.” A struggle for Nyla during this rookie season has been becoming a leader on and off the court according to Benson, which is essential to be able to play at the next level, especially in college. “Nyla has an old soul and a strong will. She’s becoming more of a leader everyday,” Roderick Anderson said. “She’s been leading by example for years. The next step for her is to become a vocal leader, uplifting peers positively as well as herself.”
Celeste Dauterive
strong mindset to help manage the pressure that comes with being on a varsity team, and advises others to acquire the same unwavering mentality.
“Don’t be scared; don’t get in your head,” Anderson said. “Just do what you know how to do best and just communicate.”
After arriving at the hotel, the team continued to practice together outside on the roof. Freshman Bailey Stehling conveyed that these Shaking her poms, sophomore moments brought the team closer Tatum Wilson performs the school together. fight song at the UIL State Spirit “We warmed up and we had a Championships alongside her team. few pep talks,” Stehling said. “We On January 15 the Bowie cheer said a prayer as a team and some team alongside other squads from motivational speeches.” Texas competed in the UIL State About 80 teams competed in Game day Championships. “So [the competition] is a whole their division at the competition, not to mention the other divisions, bunch of schools competing, all making for a bustling environment over the state,” Wilson said. “You inside the building. have a routine that you compete “Walking into the building it in; that’s like sideline cheers and was very chaotic at first,” senior tumbling and jumps. There are also Aine Flaherty said. “There were a different divisions of teams combunch of cheerleaders getting ready peting, so you can compete against to warm up and people constantly other teams. Then you qualify, and giving us directions on where to if you qualify in the top-20 then you get to compete a second time.” go. Shortly after, we entered the warm-up area and it was so fast The team had countless pracpaced I didn’t really have time to tices throughout the months of the process it. However, once we got school year, receiving their chorebackstage and were ography in the next to hit the mat, fall. the nerves kicked “To prepare in. The second they we had a lot introduced us the of practice nerves went away in and out of and the adrenaline school,” senior took over and I was Ava Webber able to use muscle said. “We also memory to do the had to learn routine.” to be really Finally, after flexible during months of practice, these practices it was the team’s because we had a few girls out Celeste Dauterive turn to perform their routine on with COVID Cheer Captain the neon green mat and had to put made to imitate a alternates in football field. their place, “I love competing so I always who were so awesome. As a whole have a good time while performwe really just wanted to focus on ing,” Webber said. “There were a having fun and doing our best, few moments of worry on the mat especially considering the circumthough. Specifically, we had our stances.” Sophia Sanchez Dispatch Reporter
Cheer Captain
What does cheer mean to you? Cheer has given me resilience, and taught me how to be determined and a team player. What is your favorite cheer memory? My favorite cheer memory is my sophomore year. Our team was really close and we just had so much fun together. What is your favorite part about cheer? My favorite part of cheer season is football games. I love being able to cheer on the sidelines and just have fun, it’s definitely the thing I will miss most. Looking back, what advice would you give younger you? I would tell my younger self to not stress so much about the future and realize the little things in life because everything is going to play out how it is supposed to. INTERVIEW BY Sophia Sanchez
Cheer has allowed me to learn how to lead by example and just to always stay motivated. With the team I’m able to be myself and have fun.
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band dance music turn off mid-performance and had to keep going through it and count it out.” The music malfunction barely affected the team, they continued to perform despite the music setback. “During the performance I had a lot of adrenaline,” Flaherty said. “A few seconds after our music started, the music stopped and I was shocked because the whole team was able to go on without missing a beat. It was more exciting competing without the music because we came together as a team. We were all so proud of the energy we put into the competition and how we went on without having music.” According to Webber, the team performance to marching band music ended up placing high in the band dances category. They also performed to the school’s fight song, as well as doing their own cheers.
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“[After the routine] I felt good,” Wilson said. “Our coaches were really proud of us and our teammates too. Everyone felt like we did really good. We made the first qualification but not the second one. I was still really proud of ourselves because it was really hard to make the second qualification and I think we did the best we could.” As the competition ended, the cheer team reflected on ways to improve for next years performance despite the setbacks they experienced during the competition. “From this experience, I think it showed the team as a whole how we can all collectively work together and get through setbacks in a short period of time,” Flaherty said. “It showed us that no matter how behind we seem, through determination and everyone putting all their effort in we can accomplish what we put our minds to.”
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SMILES FOR MILES: Bowie’s Varsity and JV Cheer team performing during the homecoming prep rally. During the UIL competition the team placed 23rd out of 80 teams competing overall. PHOTO BY Natalie Cullen
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CALLING THE SHOTS: Anderson attempts to block her opponents lay-up after a lost rebound. The Bulldogs kept a steady lead all game and won a close match-up against Hays with a final score of 47-44. PHOTO BY Nick Wood
Cheer stunts on competition at UIL event
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Kate Davis Dispatch Reporter
12 ENTERTAINMENT THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
Students in choir win TMEA All-State
Bowie students create music
Bowie choir members share their journey preparing and experiencing the 2022 AllState competition Sydney Crum Dispatch Reporter
STRUMMING A TUNE: Sophomore Sharon Carson plays music on her guitar outside. Carson decided to pursue her interest in music, and that hobby has developed into a passion. PHOTO BY Audrey Hagan
PRACTICING AT THE PARK: freshman Besa Carney plucks notes on her acoustic guitar. Carney has been playing guitar for over 11 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF Besa Carney
Sharon Carson plays guitar and finds her Besa Carney performs her art through creative passion through a new hobby multiple musical outlets and programs Sophomore Sharon Carson opens YouTube to learn more about things such as guitar chords and how to create a melody. Carson has gone through many methods to figure out what works best for her. She creates music herself and is self-taught. For any musician there will be ups and downs, but because Carson didn’t have any previous training there have been more challenges when creating her music which has caused her to find many different resources. “Youtube taught a few chords and songs,” Carson said. “When I first started learning guitar I had no idea how to play so when I went to YouTube. I started with easy songs and I just learned from there.” There are many struggles that musicians face while creating music. Having to learn everything on her own is just one problem that Carson has faced and has helped he find ways to overcome challenges when making music. “Finding an original melody. Writing decent lyrics that actually flow with the song,” Carson said. Although there are struggles in creating music, it has many perks for Carson as she has been able to learn new things and unlock new experiences. “What I enjoy most about being able to create my own music is being able to express what I’m feeling whether recently or not,” Carson said. “I’m able to say things I can’t just come out and say to people.” To Carson, making music is more than just strumming a guitar and singing. Carson uses it as an escape to release feelings and express herself. “My music comes from my heart. It puts my feelings into words,” Carson said. “So I start to think about how I’m feeling, then I make a title and it all comes all at once. I try my best to get all on my notes app and I use voice memos to get down the melody and it all comes together.” Creating music has allowed Carson to grow creatively. From her first-ever song to her most recent songs, Carson expressed how she has grown over the years. “The first song I wrote was called ‘He’s a shopper.’ It was just a silly little piece I wrote because of how much my father would buy things when I was a child,” Carson said. “That song was solely just piano and random patterns I put together. The latest song I’ve done is ‘13’. I worked on that one for a few months because it was hard putting my feelings into words even though it was so simple in the end. That one I actually published and I’m excited to share more work.” Along Carson’s journey with music, there have been a few things that inspire her and support her most. “My family and close friends have been a huge part whenever it comes to my covers or my original music, but especially my father,” Carson said. “My father is actually the one who introduced me to a singer named “Birdy”. Although I’ve been singing ever since I could remember I knew once I heard her sing That’s what I wanted to do with my
life. I was around eight years old at the time.” Making music has allowed Carson to gain new experiences that only come with making music. Carson is collaborating with other students to make music as well and her independent pieces. “Her most recent song releases are all her, but lately we have been working on some stuff together so look out for that when the time comes,” sophomore Zain Bukhari said, “She is good at making melodies and I’m good at writing lyrics. It’s a match made in heaven.” Because Carson has been involved with music ever since she was young, she has a strong passion for it and takes it very seriously. “I was so surprised, but proud of how she greets her music, she is very serious about music, learning the software that helps her record, learning instruments and her abilities, from remembering the words and being able to get up in front of the crowd and perform,” Sharon’s dad Chuck Carson said. “She follows her path, regardless of any obstacles that might try to slow her down.” Many believe that Sharon has a natural talent with music, and she has decided to use this to her advantage in the future. “I plan on continuing this to my best abilities,” Sharon said. “I do want to go to college and become an entertainment lawyer so I can still be in that field whether it be signing my own contracts or taking care of other artists.” Creating music is a big part of Sharon’s life and she gets a lot of happiness out of it. Even since she was younger she has always loved it, creating a passion for her music. “It brings me joy to see her start living the life she always wanted, but this is just the beginning,” Bukhari said. Sharon happened to discover her interest for making music when she was young and always had a very supportive family. “In closing I would like to say that when she started singing for us and making us sit in the living room while she created her little skits we had thought at the time that we hope she never loses that drive,” Chuck said. “As each year passes she just dedicated herself more for her music and we could be more proud of the woman she has become and we look forward to seeing her on the big stage someday soon.” del Nido
Nicole Rooney Entertainment Editor
ART BY Isabe lla
Sophomore Ashira Fronk and Finn Alexander felt their hands clamming up. They had been preparing for months. It was finally time to step on the stage and preform. Twenty minutes later, results were out. They had both received fourth chair for the TMEA All-State choir. TMEA All-State choir is a yearly event in which choir students around the city go through three rounds of audition. Then, the students found out if they were given a spot in the exclusive All-State choir. “I’ve been preparing for this competition since the beginning of the school year, and I’m relieved it’s finally over,” Fronk said. “I was really proud of myself afterwards.” Bowie choir teacher Aaron Bourgeois has prepared students for this competition since the very beginning of the school year. He has also encouraged his pupils to private vocal lessons outside of their normal class period, to increase their chances of doing well in the future. “We met for about two to five hours a week to rehearse the audition songs,” Bourgeois said. “As we progressed I also organized individual lesson times with my students to work on the next round of audition music in a one-on-one setting.” The All-State competition tests choir students’ skills in singing and sight-reading which eventually reveals whether they made it into the official All-State choir. Fronk describes her adrenaline filled experience during the process of auditioning. “The day of the audition was crazy—I spilled hot tea from the concession stand all over myself right before I auditioned,” Fronk said. “But thankfully, the audition went really well. I didn’t make any mistakes while singing in the first portion, and in the second portion, I only made one rhythm mistake.” Auditioning is a nerve wracking experience for everyone, and Alexander agrees that there is stress and anticipation leading up to the audition. “I had some great friends with me, so it was less of a burden, but it was still very intimidating,” Alexander said. “Somehow the auditions themselves felt like less of a task than the waiting between them.” After multiple rounds of auditions, the students who made it into All-State choir were finally announced. Fronk recalls the joy she felt after hearing the results. “When my name was called out on the loudspeaker, I was filled with happiness and shock,” Fronk said. “It was probably one of the best moments of my life.” Because there hasn’t been a Bowie student who has made it onto the All-State during Bourgeois’ time teaching here, this was an incredibly exciting and proud moment for him. “In all honesty, learning that two of my choir students made All-State was a very emotional moment for me. I hadn’t had an all-stater before and these were my first ones,” Bourgeois said. “I started crying because I knew in that moment that the right things were done to prepare them for this.” After many hours of preparation for the competition, Fronk feels that this experience has taught her a lot about her singing abilities. “This experience showed me what I am capable of,” Fronk said. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do this, but it’s amazing knowing that I can.”
Isabella Del Nido Arts & Graphics Editor As she peers into the crowd, freshman Besa Carney ponders the next strum of her guitar. On stage, she prepares herself as she perfectly places each finger feeling the strings, blinded by the spotlights, and the crowd anticipates her acoustic performance. For over 11 years, Carney has trained for this exact moment. Working with private music instructor Graham Reynolds for the past three years, Carney believes her skills have expanded and she has since become a more experienced performer. “I’ve been making music before I knew I could actually make music,” Carney said. “Working with Graham Reynolds has helped me to expand my music knowledge; Graham is a Grammy Award nominee and he has written for movies and soundtracks like the ‘Last Flag Flying,’ starring Steve Carell and ‘Where’d You Go Bernadette.’” Along with Reynolds, Carney facilitates her skills by practicing with multiple different advisors. Although she participates in the Bowie music programs, Carney leans towards more independent instruction. Pianist Roger Chenu, one of her instructors, owns his own piano studio dedicated to helping people of all ages hone their skills. “I have studied piano, theory, harmony, composition, choir and orchestra conducting and have been performer, composer, conductor, teacher and director of a National Music Conservatory near Paris, France,” Chenu said. “When we came to the states, I decided to open a piano studio; I have been doing group music classes for toddlers; young children, and private lessons for students and adults, and I teach music because I love it.” When it comes to teaching Carney, her instructors believe that having a positive relationship with students is as important as how often you practice with them. Chenu works with Carney just once a week but has been teaching her for the past 11 years. “The teaching changes with
the age and the evolution of the student,” Chenu said. “Besa is a wonderful student, very gifted. She has music in her and I simply help her to discover it, through music scores, which are like road maps which help you discover the beauty of the world, and you have to learn how to read them to discover the feelings and soul of the composer who has written this music, and that will help you to understand yourself and others.” Taking part in multi-disciplinary instructions, Carney is also a part of the ACG Youth Orchestra. But when it comes to what she does outside of practice, Carney gives insight to what it really looks like to be a musician. “In my free time I always write something that’s in my mind,” Carney said. “I found out soon enough that it’s hard to balance school and music, so I decided to take piano and guitar here at Bowie and it’s been super fun.” As a freshman, Carney participated in school state competitions to showcase her music skills. “I competed for UIL city/state in Piano and I did regions in Austin,” Carney said. ‘I won first in both city/state competitions, and I got sixth chair in the state for the TMEA State competition.” According to Carney’s mother, Aida Likaj-Swierk, competitions are no easy feat. One of Carney’s first competitions was for Bowie, but while she was in an honorable position, her mother believes she was surrounded by those who were top performers. “I’ve been to many competitions and they’re all very nerve wracking but fun and very humbling,” Carney said. “I know to expect that there will always be people there that are better and worse than me. Growing up with music helped Carney to cultivate her love as well as her skills at home, according to Likaj-Swierk. “Until a few years ago I was the nagger to remind her to practice, but not anymore,’’ Likaj-Swierk said. “Not only is she grown up and mature now, but she loves it and I don’t have to budge on what and how she does it when it comes to music.” Music can be a form of expression for many students, according to Carney, who claims she goes the extra mile. She believes her love for music is a form of communication, especially when she creates her own music that speaks to her. “It came naturally to her and she wanted to express her feelings.” Likaj-Swierk said. “She just wanted to have fun with testing different ideas in piano and/or software that she uses. I think Besa speaks better in notes than in words.” With support from her family, friends, and mentors, Chenu believes that Carney will have the opportunity to reach her full potential. “I am just a guide to help Besa in her musical travels,” Chenu said. “Besa loves music, loves to practice, and I think that practicing for her is a joy. She follows directions and we communicate through our mutual love of music. I know that music will always be part of her life, in a way or other. She will find it.”
coming UP in ENTERTAINMENT Feb. 18 Orchestra Pre-UIL Concert Feb. 18 Band Solo and Ensemble UIL
Feb.19 Silver Star and Star Dancers Competition Mar. 2-3 Culinary Cupcake Wars
Mar. 8 Culinary Arts Spring Bakery Mar. 25 Bridgerton Season 2 Release
REVIEWS 13
Tr pical Smoothie afe FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
Austin Adventures with Angela Angela explores different activities to do during spring break in Austin
Beloved chain restaurant blends it up at a new location near Bowie Lucille Price Reviews Editor
Angela Le Dispatch Reporter
It’s the moment everyone has been waiting for, spring break. A week of fun, excitement, and a break from school, of course. What better way to spend it than in good ol’ Texas. Believe it or not, there are many hidden treasures around here that are worth the drive and I’m here to prove it. The first is a no brainer, South Padre, the most iconic place you could go for spring break in Texas. They have great food with restaurants right on the beach. With Texas weather during spring break, on the beach, what could go wrong? To top it off, go on a golf cart around town or ride jet skis on the coast, an activity for day and night. This is the perfect place to spend a weekend trip with family and, or friends. Known as “Port A” by locals, Port Aransas is next on the list. This coastal city may not be as popular as South Padre but it still has much to offer. Mustang beach is the place you want to be for building sandcastles, fishing, boogie boarding, sunbathing, and everything else you need to complete your outdoor activities spring break itinerary. With numerous activities to do on the beach itself, you’re sure to have an enjoyable time. This next one, popularly known for Schlitterbahn, is New Braunfels. Of course, a weekend trip to Schlitterbahn Water-park and resort is the way to go for families. You get the best of both worlds, from relaxing in the heated pool to riding the water-park rides. They also have private cabanas you can rent out for the day. If Schlitterbahn is not your crowd, don’t fret, you can spend the day tubing down the Comal River instead. New Braunfels is also home to Gruene, a lively dance hall with live music that occurs almost daily. Another prime option to explore in Austin is the Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake. The rowing dock offers water sports including hourly paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. This is a great activity for families and a group of friends to do during spring break. Not to mention the beautiful view during sunset while on Lady Bird Lake. For the thrill seekers over spring break, I recommend Lake Travis Zip-line Adventures. With a guided hiking tour in Austin Hill County and a three hour zip-line tour throughout Lake Travis, this is the perfect adventurous activity for Spring Break. Home to the longest zip-line in Texas, reaching up to 2,800 feet, the Lake Travis Zip-line Adventures would be a guaranteed adrenaline rush. Plus, you will be able to see the beautiful above view of all of the Hill Country and Lake Austin. Another interesting attraction is Enchanted Rock. Located in Texas Hill Country, this large granite hill makes for an enchanting hike. Hiking the Summit Trail would be an amazing way to get physical activity, take photos, and explore outdoor Austin. With friends or family, Hiking Enchanted Rock would be a great activity to enjoy Austin’s spring time weather. With park rangers offering a night time walk, Enchanted rock is also an optimal stargazing spot. As Austin quickly heats up as students get out for Spring Break, locations such as Barton Springs Pool opt as a nice place to cool off with friends. The natural Spring is 68 degrees and is located right across from the Iconic Zilker Park. So whether you want to take a quick swim and enjoy a picnic across the street, or spend a day relaxing and cooling off, Barton Springs Pool has you covered. The large grassy area surrounding the pool is perfect for lying and soaking up Austin’s Spring Weather. Whether you’d like to be with friends, outside, or with family, Texas and Austin especially have many intriguing attractions to spend your break at.
After weeks of waiting, Circle C has it’s very own Tropical Smoothie Cafe location. With all the hype around it at Bowie, I visited it myself. Whether you’re in the mood for wraps, sandwiches, salads, health smoothies, treat
As I stepped up to the counter to order, I was faced by an incredibly large menu and despite being a smoothie place, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has a great food selection as well. They offer quesadillas, flat breads, sandwiches, salads, breakfast options, and seven different types of wraps. Included with most food items,
there’s sides to choose from as well. Even with their plentiful amount of smoothie choices, Tropical Smoothie Cafe also offers “add-ons” such as oats or peanut butter and supplements such as whey protein or vitamin C. I appreciated that they allow customers to customize their drink based on their personal health needs.
FOOD ITEMS BUFFALO GRILLED CHICKEN WRAP
The Buffalo Grilled Chicken wrap has grilled chicken, tomatoes, romaine, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, and lite ranch. I liked this wrap, the buffalo sauce and ranch were delicious and I loved the added crunch from the lettuce and the mozzarella. If you like buffalo wings, you’d enjoy this Tropical Smoothie Cafe spin on them. I’d recommend this and definitely order it again. I would rate this a four out of five stars.
AVOCADO GRILLED CHEESE
The Avocado Grilled Cheese was another sandwich I tried. It’s one of their new additions to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe menu with white American cheese, bacon, smoked tomato spread and avocado. I loved the smooth texture the avocado added. The avocado complimented the cheese well and I enjoyed the sharp, rich flavor of the cheese. The bread was perfectly grilled and I definitely would order this sandwich again. I would rate this a five out of five stars.
PHOTOS BY Lucille Price
Questions? Concerns? Email:
bowie.journalism@gmail.com
smoothies, and much more, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe has it all. The overall vibe of the location was comforting and the staff was very friendly. I think adding more seating options would be a good idea, however I still loved the environment and had a really great experience with my drink being ready relatively fast.
CHICKEN CAPRESE SANDWICH
SOUTHWEST BREAKFAST WRAP
I ordered the Chicken Caprese Sandwich, which is definitely a must-try. I loved the chicken and mozzarella on it, however, the tomatoes weren’t my favorite part but if you don’t mind tomatoes, I would recommend this one. This sandwich was on a ciabatta bread which had a great texture and paired well with the pesto and balsamic glaze. It was a little sweet, but the flavor was amazing overall. I’d rate this sandwich a four out of five stars.
Additionally, I tried the Southwest Breakfast Wrap. Made of eggs, grilled chicken, pepper jack, tomatoes, spinach, and chipotle mayo, it was delicious. The eggs were very fluffy and I loved how they paired with the spinach and pepper jack. I would definitely recommend this wrap for anyone looking for a filling breakfast. Overall, this wrap reminded me a lot of an omelet or breakfast burrito and it was really flavorful. I would rate this order a four out of five stars.
SMOOTHIES AVOCOLADA I tried the Avocolada, a “fan fave”, made of avocado, pineapple, spinach, kale, coconut, and lime. I was worried that it would taste too much like vegetables, however it was sweet and delicious. I think this smoothie would be a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet if you don’t like their taste, because their flavor isn’t very noticeable in the Avocolada. I loved the pineapple and coconut and how it was a little sour but sweet. I’d rate it a four out of five stars.
MOCHA MADNESS
SUNRISE SUNSET The Sunrise Sunset smoothie, a “fan fave” according to their menu, is made of Strawberries, pineapple, mango and orange juice. The pineapple had the most noticeable flavor, however it balanced out everything else in the drink. It tasted similar to a Pina Colada but with strawberries and made me think of a tropical vacation. It was sweet, yet just enough sour. The texture was smooth and not too thick. I would order it again and it gets five star rating from me.
The Mocha Madness smoothie and this was by far my favorite. Made up of chocolate, coffee, cappuccino, and yogurt, it tasted similar to a chocolate milkshake. It was incredibly creamy and sweet and if you like chocolate ice cream, this smoothie is for you. I didn’t taste the coffee flavor a lot, but it definitely had hints of coffee behind the rich chocolate flavor. I’d order this smoothie again, but next time I’d add in peanut butter for a more flavor and I’d rate it five out of five stars.
Starlight’s ‘9 to 5’ shines and wows crowds Donna Kim Dispatch Reporter
James Bowie High School’s Starlight Theatre Company most recent musical, 9-5, tells the story of three hardworking women who make a difference in their sexist work environment. I watched the Saturday show, and it is safe to say that Bowie Theater did an amazing job with conveying this musical. Set in the late 1970s where misogyny was alive and booming, these three women end up accidentally kidnapping their boss, and start making a difference for the women in their office. While battling sexism and uncovering secrets, these women also go through a journey of self-discovery in a world where women are looked down upon. Before watching this musical, it is important to note that there are moments of sexual assault and use of marijuana. Bowie musicals never disappoint, and this one in particular was very exciting to watch. The music, the acting, the practical effects, everything was amazing. 9-5 is considered a triggering musical with themes of mild sexual assault, so it was nice to see Bowie cover a musical over these themes that show how unfair it used
to be for women in the 1970s, especially working women who were disrespected. The acting didn’t disappoint me, and the singing certainly blew me away. Every major character had at least one solo, and everyone sang so beautifully. The songs in this musical were also so catchy and fun to listen to, with songs ranging from funny and goofy, to romantic and calm. This musical got a lot of laughs out of me and the audience. Watching the story of three, strong women take revenge on their bigot and sexist boss was so satisfying and entertaining. Despite this musical portraying the sexism in the work environment for women in the 1970s, this musical also showed the journey of three women finding out what they want for themselves in a world where gender equality is not a reality. I felt so empowered watching three “crazy” women take revenge on their boss, and change things in the office to make things fair. Every actor did such an incredible job portraying these women and making me think that the sexist boss was actually sexist, or making me think that I was actually in the 1970s watching how women were so
PUTTING ON A SHOW: Actors Milo McKinney and Olivia Watt put on a show as part of the acting ensemble. Starlight Theatre Company presented shows from Thursday, January 27, 2022 until Sunday, February 6, 2022. PHOTO BY Anna Bea Heise
mistreated back then. Everyone in the musical conveyed the mistreatment of women so well that I actually started to get mad.
Something that stood out to me while watching this musical was the acting. In today’s world where the topic of gender equality is much better than
that of the 1970s, it is hard to convey the sexism that women received back in those days, or even believe how badly women were treated. Everyone in the musical conveyed the mistreatment of women so well that I actually started to get mad. It is no secret that the Bowie theater is pretty small, thus the construction of the new theater. Despite these setbacks, the set design for this musical did not disappoint. This shows the true dedication and teamwork that the Starlight Theatre Company encompasses. Although there were limited props to use as furniture, the acting and the singing outweighed the limited amount of furniture that was used to display the setting. Overall, the Starlight Theater company outdid themselves with this musical. It was entertaining to watch, while also conveying heavy topics that raise awareness of sexism, and showing girls that their gender should never be a factor on why a person mistreats them. I would recommend anyone looking for an uplifting, inspiring performance to come watch the Starlight Theatre Company perform their 9 to 5 musical.
14 COMMENTARY THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
Calendar changes hurt student interests The new addition of two mental health days for students stirs up important conversations EDITORIAL
Lorem ipsum MEANWHILE AT HOME...
ART BY Isabella del Nido
It’s a Friday in May after a long week. You’re mentally and physically exhausted from multiple tests and countless hours of studying this week. You wish that you could get out of school a few hours early today, but don’t want to get an unexcused absence that could jeopardize your incentives. AISD decided in January that they were going to give everyone “mental health” days in February and March, so there’s nothing you can do now. It’s just grinding through the end even if it means feeling awful. Due to an update to the AISD calendar, this is an issue many students will face in a few months. On January 27, AISD released an update to the 2022 school calendar, giving students and teachers two days off on February 11 and March 4. This choice was between either two full days off or Friday early releases throughout the semester. After hearing from over 20,000 responses on an AISD-led survey, the board came to the conclusion that the option for two full days would serve a better purpose. For students who can’t drive to school, the board decided, two full days off were more beneficial than the early releases because parents didn’t need to get off of work to pick them up. However, for high school students, this decision is counterproductive regarding the actual mental health help they need to succeed in their classes. The Dispatch leadership team hears these complaints, and is concerned about the effectiveness of this decision. We believe that more early releases from school would allow for more efficient break times than two full days off. The two days off allow more time to sleep in, but do not reflect the wants of the students to have more frequent, although shorter, breaks. According to an article by KXAN, 90% of survey respondents favored the early releases. Furthermore, nearly 40% of respondents that answered this survey were students in AISD, which is
more engagement in a survey than AISD has ever gotten. It’s clear that students feel passionately about the outcome of this decision. As the Dispatch leadership team is all seniors, we are aware that the need for mental health days sometimes comes up spontaneously. We believe that it is difficult for the district to claim that they know which days we will need a mental health day months in advance. AP tests, STAAR tests, and other final exams occur throughout May and towards the end of the school year. For this reason, it would make more sense to schedule days off in the months of
April and May to allow students to prepare and relax during this hectic time. The current days, February 11 and March 4, are at times when students likely will not be facing as many burdens. Just two weeks before a week-long spring break, the March 4 date is especially futile. Although the early releases are more beneficial to students, the two paid days off for teachers allows them to have a deserved day off without worrying about not being able to support their family by missing days of school. There are other ways to effectively give students and staff mental health days. The option
for early releases was proven through the survey to be the option students value more. In the future, administrators should make a conscious effort to speak to specific students to get their input on potential mental health days. In addition to surveys, AISD could hold a meeting specifically for students to voice their opinions and concerns before they make an informed decision. The Dispatch Leadership team stands by the desires of the student body to have more efficient mental health breaks, which we believe nine early release days would have achieved.
Kyle Rittenhouse case exposes inequitable legal system Ava Wong Commentary Editor Questions? Concerns? Email:
bowie.journalism@gmail.com
Six. Six times Kyle Rittenhouse consciously moved his finger back and pulled the metal trigger of his AR 15style rifle, while someone was at the other end of it. I don’t know about you, but that’s six more times than I would want to ever hear the sound of a gun going off. Six more people that could have been killed from a gun. Six more mothers, fathers, children, friends, dying for no reason other than the easy access to a gun in America. Six more loved ones gone, with no goodbye. This became reality on August 25, 2020. The shootings occurred in Kenosha, Wisconsin during the protests, riots and civil unrest that followed the shooting of a black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police officer that left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. Rittenhouse, 17 at the time, attended with gun in hand. Rittenhouse got into a quarrel with Joseph Rosenbaum, a 36-year old, unarmed Kenosha man. Rosenbaum ended up chasing Rittenhouse into a parking lot, where he was fatally shot four times at close range. Rittenhouse then fled being pursued by a crowd aiming to attack him. Anthony Hurber, 26, struck Rittenhouse with his skateboard, and was returned with a fatal shot to the chest from Rittenhouse. In an attempt to end the bloodshed and stop a rifle-toting Rittenhouse, Gaige Grosskreutz, then 26, confronted him with a handgun of his own. Rittenhouse then shot Grosskreutz in the arm, which he survived. Hands in the air, Rittenhouse walked towards the police. Yet, he was not arrested on scene.
The truth is, six was only the amount of bullets that hit someone. Rittenhouse pulled his trigger an uncounted number of times otherwise. Rittenhouse faced numerous charges including first-degree intentional homicide, first degree reckless homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. At trial, Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges. This case has brought a new layer of fire to the controversial 2nd Amendment debate alluding to the fearful usage of firearms in America. The amendment, ratified in 1789, was rooted in the popular desire to form state militias to frustrate any perceived overreach by the powerful federal government. Though, that was the 18th century. It is now the 21st century, where we are arguably a more developed society and in no need for every citizen to have a great deal of guns. But somewhere in that time, the intent of keeping a single slow loading musket in your closet in case a militia is needed, to permit a 17-year old with a rifle slung around his neck to trudge around a riot and shoot those he perceives as a threat. I understand the need for safety, but a rifle, or any gun for that matter, does not bring safety. This case proves again that guns bring nothing but horror. In a letter to the editor for the Los Angeles Time, Graham Martin wrote he feels “many in this country are so obsessed with guns and the 2nd Amendment that they cannot step back and see the mayhem they are causing.” There is a great truth to this statement. We as a country must step back and re-evaluate an amendment made over 200+ years ago. Going extreme, the law dubbed “Kyle’s Law” has been proposed by a
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As of January 28, 2022, Kyle RittenThough Rittenhouse’s jury, made Tennessee lawmaker. The law, named up of 20 jurors, 19 white and one Lati- house walks free after murdering two in “honor” of Kyle Rittenhouse, repeople and injuring another. Oh, and quires the state to reimburse legal fees no, was a unanimous verdict, the nation outside of the courthouse remains he gets to keep nearly $1 million of his and lost wages, if the person acquitted crowd-funded bail. He gets to grow divided on broader cultural issues that of murder charges based on self-deup, go back to college, even pursue a overshadowed the case highlighting fense. In writing, this law sounds gun rights, vigilantism and racial ineq- “possible legal career,” his attorney, justified, but evaluating the manner of Mark Richards, says. uities in the justice system. modern legal teams, played out it will Justice, right? Not for the families Though half of the world sees him protect people who should be found and loved ones of Joseph Rosenbaum, as a hero, Kyle Rittenhouse was just guilty like Kyle Rittenhouse. Anthony Huber and Gaige GrossIt's more than the 2nd Amendment, an angry, armed white man, and that kreutz, the three men fatally shot and is the reason he was met with great it is also the idea of white privilege. wounded by Rittenhouse. legal and social deference in the court. Though many are quick to disagree, this case would be completely different if Rittenhouse was black. Time and time again we’ve seen black people, who have done a lot less or nothing at all, lose their lives or get 20,000 deaths an unjust hearing. 18,000 But white people do worse and walk free. 15,000 Proof of this is clear in cases such 10,000 as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery and 5,000 many more that go back hundreds of years. 0 Rittenhouse’s case brings up 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 a great deal of SOURCE: Gun Violence Archive controversial but necessary conversaART BY Ava Wong tions.
GUN DEATHS RISE IN 2021
PRIDE IN PUBLISHING Friday, February 18, 2022 Vol. 34, Issue 4 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin TX, 78749
THE DISPATCH STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Anna Holme Corinne Piorkowski Arushi Sharma MANAGING EDITORS Sammie Thompson Reagan Zuniga NEWS EDITOR Dylan Zellner POLITICS EDITOR Carey Wooley FEATURE EDITOR Dylan Ebs ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Nicole Rooney REVIEW EDITOR Lucille Price COMMENTARY EDITORS Grace Harris Ava Wong
SPORTS EDITORS Ben Tillisch Dimitri Silva PHOTO ESSAY EDITOR Anna Bea Heise ARTS/GRAPHICS EDITOR Isabella del Nido DIGITAL EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Cullen Izzy Rejino DISPATCH STAFF Julia Arriaga Colin Barnes Lauren Bogard Lily Bourgeois Oscar Campbell Mars Canepa Sydney Crum Kate Davis Alex Edwards Alli Ekrot Audrey Hagen Lillian Hoover Austin Ikard
Donna Kim Angela Le Emily Loewe Rachel Maddox Cyrus Mitchell Riley Payne Sophia Sanchez Claire Scott Sam Vane Amilia Velez Mazzy Warren Nick Wood Lauren Wright ADVISER Michael Reeves, MJE
PATRON SPONSORS The Holme Family The Hensley Family The Cullen Family The Vane Family The Thompson Family The Tillisch Family The Gonsalves Family
COMMENTARY 15 FRIDAY, FEB.18, 2022 THE DISPATCH
Online school swamps students’ minds
ART BY Grace Harris
Locked in our houses, locked away from our peers, students nationally spent a year in isolation. Confined to Zoom calls and Blend modules, Bowie students struggled through their academics. Though this was a difficult time for all, returning to in-person school has sparked debates over returning online. The Omicron variant drastically spiked in the first weeks of 2022. In 2022 alone, AISD has reported as high as 14,000 positive student cases in a single week, and as high as 400 positive staff cases in one week. Rising cases have caused rising tension amongst students. Some who feel unsafe at school, others who are reminiscing of sleeping through Zoom calls. According to Chalkbeat.org, in-person education has contributed at least 43,000 additional cases to the state of Texas, and 12% of Texas cases are made up by teachers and students. Overall, the reopening of schools has increased the rapid spread of COVID-19 and has proved to make schools an unsafe environment. We should revert to a hybrid option, where students who feel most successful attending school in-person can choose to go to school, while those who feel safer and more successful at home can attend online school. This would reduce the risk of in person school by lessening the amount of students as well as allowing students to make the decision based on their personal health and well being.
By October 21, 2020, Austin ISD reported a 70% increase in students failing throughout the district during quarantine after starting the 2020-2021 school year completely virtually. (KVUE)
provide the option to revert to online. The pandemic not only affected students, but teachers as well. KXAN reports 140 teacher vacancies entering the 2021-2022 school year. Many teachers had a negative experience during online education, and had personal safety concerns of their own. With the lack of teachers, it unfortunately may not be realistic to employ both online and in-person school. During our time in online learning last year, teachers had to get used to Zoom’ing and learn alongside us while navigating a new situation. However if we provided an online option again, it would be far more organized and familiar to teachers. Online school left many feeling socially isolated and academically lost. During quarantine Cathryn Mitchell, Gorzycki Middle School principal reported 25% of students were failing at least one class. This concern was shared throughout the district, 11,700 students in all of AISD were failing at least one class, a 70% increase from previous years (Texas Tribune). Remote learning resulted in personal, academic and social struggle amongst students district wide. By returning completely online, many of these factors could be repeated. By offering a hybrid model, schools can avoid the massive struggle brought by strictly remote learning as well as the struggle with COVID-19 brought by in-person education. Furthermore, some students feel more comfortable learning in a home environment. Aside from COVID-19 risk, many preferred online education in general. If
Through January 2-4 2022, Austin ISD tested a total of 2,639 students and staff and resulted a 15% COVID positivity rate. (KXAN)
Reflection on a year of Biden’s policies Questions? Concerns? Email:
bowie.journalism@gmail.com
Following in the wake of Former President Donald Trump’s presidency and the January 6th insurrection, President Joe Biden’s inauguration could have been considered a breath of fresh air. However, the legislative branch that he must work with remains a sharply divided Congress, reflecting the overall polarization of the country itself. President Biden’s first year of presidency should also be viewed through this lens, that of a divided Congress and divided country. There are several areas to evaluate when considering Biden’s first year in office including foreign relations and policy, immigration, pandemic response and voting rights. I would say that this new presidency has been a mix of satisfaction and destruction, not only across the US but also around the world. While he has kept many of the promises he made at the beginning of his presidency, this doesn’t mean Biden hasn’t created any problems or fixed all of our current ones. Upon entering office, President Biden pledged to re-engage the US as a leader within the global community, while also responding appropriately to acts by China and Russia. In the case of Russia, the world will be paying attention to its actions with respect to Ukraine. He also vowed to put an end to the war in Afghanistan and began talks again with Iran in hopes of limiting the country’s nuclear advancements. Soon after entering office, Biden did act to rejoin the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization and reset the US relationship with the United Nations. While symbolic, they were critical first steps to repair relationships with other countries and allies. Unfortunately, the administration and military advisors completely underestimated how quickly the Taliban would seize control of the country from the fragile US-backed Afghan government. While 124,000 Afghans were brought to safety, thousands more who were loyal to the US remain trapped in the country. One of the first problems staring President Biden in the face upon entering office was the COVID-19 pandemic. If one is to measure his success based on approval ratings for his first year, they have been in steady decline. Though, I would argue President Biden’s lack of success is due to factors outside of his control, not to his lack of trying.
Recently, the US Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration’s OSHA business vaccine mandate. This was seen as a huge blow to enforcing COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace, as it would have effectively required millions of US workers to get vaccinated. Biden also faces vaccine hesitancy and new COVID-19 variants reducing the effectiveness of existing vaccines, also factors outside of his control. However, within Biden’s control is the public health messaging surrounding COVID-19, and the availability of testing kits and materials. Biden’s messaging has been criticized for faulting those who have not received the vaccine, creating an “us-versusthem” dynamic in the world of public health. To combat the issue of test availability, the Biden administration is purchasing 1 billion rapid tests to give to Americans for free. The first half-billion tests were available to ordered beginning January 19. Regarding immigration policy, the Biden administration has tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to take the lead. The administration has had to deal with a record surge in border crossings, while also being pressured to take a more humane immigration policy approach than the previous administration. Biden’s continued application of the Title 42 health rule has sent many migrants and asylum seekers home. In addition, the Biden administration was forced to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy by a federal court. It is the hope of the administration to work with Latin American countries to identify and solve the underlying causes of the migration, notably from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it will be working with the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation to do just that. Biden’s presidency has been far from perfect however. I would argue that the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan has been the greatest mistake thus far. In addition, we’ve been faced with tremendous inflation and labor shortages, in part fueled by $1.9 trillion in government spending. Still, we face shortages of vaccine test kits and high quality masks. Finally, despite climate change being a high priority, he pushed for Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline into Germany, while stopping the Keystone XL pipeline, helping Russia and harming the US and Canada. While Biden’s entire first year cannot be considered a massive success, we must remember to look at how long it has taken our country to end up in this position, and how the pandemic has unexpectedly changed all of our lives. We did not end up in this position overnight, and I just hope that Biden’s four-year term continues to progress and push forward to face these important issues facing our country.
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ART BY Lillian Hoover
Biden
Do you prefer online school or in-person school and why? INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY Donna Kim and Colin Barnes
Gabriella del Nido Freshman
I would rather have in-person school because I can see my friends. It’s also much easier to learn in person as opposed to from a computer screen.
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Let Us In
BULLDAWGS SPEAK OUT
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Lillian Hoover Dispatch Reporter
AISD reintroduced online learning, students who opt for this option can receive both the learning style they are most comfortable with as well as the benefits that come with public school. Despite being online, students could still participate in school sports, clubs, electives and activities that are not offered at online school institutions. Going completely online in response to COVID-19 would ignite struggle amongst those who prefer in-person. Although this would be the safest option in response to our current situation, everyone should make the choice regarding their own safety. In a diverse district and school, it is important to provide options that cater to the needs and safety of everyone. Offering online school would be beneficial to many students and families, and those who attend Bowie deserve a choice.
Baylen Centeno Sophomore
I would rather have virtual school because testing in person is annoying, and you get assigned too much homework when you’re at school.
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Questions? Concerns? Email:
bowie.journalism@gmail.com
Everyone has different concerns regarding COVID-19, some students are more aware due to either themselves or a loved one being high risk. Others feel safe and more successful in person. It is important to provide learning environments where all students can choose what makes them the most comfortable during an event like this. Although it can be argued that schools are unsafe with the case numbers and the uprising of Omicron, it should be up to families to determine what is best for them. For many, school provides needed meals or a safe place for students while their parents are at work. Others feel more academically successful attending in person. And some students benefit from the social aspect of school. There are so many situations within our district and it is important to keep schools open for those who may want or need to go to school. The Texas Tribune says that many districts have said that they are feeding less students during the 2020-2021 school year. These districts were feeding nearly 125,000 kids the previous year, and just 10,000 during the pandemic. Online school prevented many students from getting the meals they needed from schools. So many suffered through quarantine, advancing the importance of in-person school. It is vital that we keep schools at least partially open during these difficult times. However, there is an opposite equivalent regarding in-person schools. Many who are high risk themselves feel safer at home. Others want to protect members of their family who are at high risk. Over 140,000 students nationally lost a loved one due to COVID-19, 14,000 of whom live in Texas (NIH.gov). Attending school is not the best option for everybody during these dangerous times and AISD should
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Grace Harris Commentary Editor
Halle Whittington Teacher
Kian Yates Junior
I would rather have virtual school because the classes get cut shorter, which gives me more time to do my work at home.
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I prefer in-person classes because I really enjoy being able to get to know my students and become close with them.
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16 PHOTO ESSAY THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, FEB. 18, 2022
Shelters filling as pandemic-related adoptions fall Students offer a temporary home for kittens to help overflowing pet shelters Reagan Zuniga Managing Editor
INTERACTING WITH A POTENTIAL ADOPTER: Senior Sonny Dedmon plays with an affectionate three month old kitten that is up for adoption. Dedmon adopted his first cat at the start of the pandemic in 2020. "Some of my favorite parts of fostering is seeing their personalities come out as they get more comfortable with us," freshman Adele Mattea said. "The new environment is super scary for them at first and they are all at least a little skittish. The best is when they fall asleep in your lap and start to purr." PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
At the beginning of the pandemic, many people rushed to the animal shelters to adopt pets to the point that they almost emptied. However, adoption rates have slowed and many animals are left in shelters waiting to be adopted, and there are less forever homes for these animals. Austin Pets Alive says they’re trying to get the animals adopted, transferred to rescue partners, or fostered but they just keep pouring in. This is partly because owners surrender the animals due to evictions, financial challenges, and hardships brought on by the pandemic. Walking into the animal shelter surrounded by the soft meows of kittens, sophomore Charlotte Koellner knew she wanted to do something to help them find a home. “My family started fostering in April 2020 kind of as a project during quarantine since we didn’t really have anything to do, but we really liked fostering and have continued to do so since," Koellner said. "It’s very common for the shelter to get a litter of kittens and say they have ringworm or something, which isn’t a serious condition but it is contagious so they can’t go into a shelter with it, so we’ll go and get as many of the kittens that we have
room for.” Austin Pets Alive had about 1,600 more adoptions in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2018, but continues to have the same amount of intakes. Fostering plays an important role in helping the overflow of shelters because many cats and dogs cannot go directly to a shelter, so the only way to save those animals is with the help of foster parents temporarily taking them in. “Since we spend all of our time with these cats and we get a behavioral profile on them, we sometimes notice that some, especially the special needs cats or the older senior cats really need a quiet environment," Austin Pets Alive volunteer Victoria Gonzalez said. "So not only does it help us save more cats and move them in, it helps us save the cats that we have and put them in a more comfortable setting so that they aren't having a bad experience.” Shelters like Austin Pets Alive welcome many new foster parents and make the process simple with an online application. “We encourage everyone, but definitely people that know that they can take on the responsibility,” Gonzalez said. “We have people that come in and they are college students, they work full time and they know that they can help house a cat but maybe not a special needs cat. We still encourage them to foster." Austin Pets Alive offers
an online source which takes input from a foster or adoption applicant and matches them with animals that would best fit them based on what the applicant is looking for in a pet. "We always love when someone comes in and they have a big enough heart and commitment to know that they can work with the special needs babies or the seniors that have a bunch of medication or shots," Gonzalez said. "But everyone that has the space and the free time and the willingness to know that they can care for another life form, we always encourage it as long as they are 18 or over, or they have a parent that is willing to come and vouch for them to sign and the parent is the one doing the foster paperwork.” By being part of the foster program, foster parents like Koellner and Adele Mattea play key roles in saving the lives of kittens and helping them find their future families. “Fostering is such a learning experience," Mattea said. “You have to have lots of patience and remind yourself that they’re just kittens, especially when they use your leg as a scratching post while waiting for food. Another thing that I’ve learned is that all animals are different and have unique personalities. It’s so fun to see how crazy or calm they are in different situations and with different people”
READY TO BE ADOPTED: A dog plays with his toys in his cage at the Austin Pets Alive animal shelter. Austin Pets Alive welcomes anyone who wants to help house an animal to foster so that they can provide a temporary home without the commitment of adoption. "What first made me want to foster kittens was after one of my cats ran away and didn’t return home," freshman Adele Mattea said. "We were devastated but eventually we wanted to add another member to our family and at the time my mom was volunteering for Austin animal center. She saw how overcrowded the shelter was getting so she had the great idea to foster." PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
Steps to Fostering
GIVING SUPPORT: Austin Pets Alive volunteer Victoria Gonzalez comforts a shy cat in it's cage. Gonzalez is a foster parent for a special needs dog that is paralyzed from the middle of it's back. "When we foster we usually try to pick the healthier kittens because we have another cat at home and we don't want to get sick and also already have the responsibility of taking care of her," freshman Adele Mattea said. PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/APA/Cat
Foster Application Enter your email address
Submit
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Enter your email on the Austin Pets Alive website for them to receive and fill out the online application to receive foster parents.
3
Take care of your foster animals by providing a caring and safe environment, food, water, socialization and transportation to vet appointments and adoption events, and more.
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Receive your foster pets after your application is reviewed and approved, and get all the necessary supplies to care for your foster pet.
Discover your foster pet’s personality and prepare for it's adoption by marking their personality and photos of them.
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Your foster pet finds their forever home.
ART AND PHOTOS BY Reagan Zuniga
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RECEIVING CUDDLES: A cat up for adoption rests in his cage. Some foster parents such as Charlotte Koellner end up adopting their foster pets. “I have three dogs, and three cats,” Koellner said. “Two of those cats were adopted fosters, so we fostered them and we just fell in love with them and we couldn't give them away so we kept them.” PHOTO BY Reagan Zuniga
