The Lone Star Dispatch 2015_16 issue 2

James Bowie High School

the

Lone Star Dispatch Vol. 28

4103 W. Slaughter Lane Austin TX 78749

Issue 2

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

www.thelonestaronline.com

Filmraiser reaches out to STC With cooperation of Fandango, a film fund-raiser aids the theatre company

Kamryn Bryce Editor-In-Chief

namic of the fund raiser and sold the idea to studios that getting schools involved is a viable way to boost sales for new films.

“It was his first time running this fund raiser, but he seemed very excited about it,” STC vice president and senior Riana Moreno said. “I think there’ll be very many fund raisers like this to come.”

As one of the guinea pig schools for the program, the STC received a whopping 50 percent profit of those who purchased tickets for the company. Schools who may participate in the future, however, would only receive 10 percent.

“We spread the word and it just took off,” Moreno said. “I believe we had up to 800 people in the Facebook group we made for the event and we were even able to reach alumni and families from other cities.”

On the other hand, students in the company also worked to promote the event using other outlets in addition to Facebook.

“We had our flyers posted around campus and we also advertised on social medias like Facebook and Twitter,” Riana said.

While the theatre department did manage to raise over $550, the limit on the amount of earnings a school could raise was $2,000.

Chosen as one of two programs in the country that received the opportunity to work with Filmraiser, the Starlight Theatre Company banded together support on campus and sent them to the movies in order to raise funds.

Filmraiser, a company that helps schools profit by selling tickets to opening weekends of popular movies, chose one school from California and one 27-yearold school from Austin, Texas to participate in a beta program.

“We were chosen not only because we have tons of theaters nearby, but also for being a big school with a prominent theatre department,” treasurer of the STC parent booster club Veronica Moreno said.

Starlight Theatre Company director Marco Bazan, received an email from Filmraiser and forwarded it to Moreno.

Although she went on-line and applied for the fund raiser shortly after hearing about the opportunity, there was no reply for more than a year.

Jacob Medjuck, a representative from Filmraiser, attempted to change the dy-

“While we could’ve raised more, any money for the STC is appreciated,” Riana said. “I would say it was more than the average spirit night.”

Yet, the fund raiser was available to anyone and any theatre in the state of Texas. Therefore, the goal was possible, but advertising and short notice stood in the way of the STC’s jackpot.

“We think if we had had more time to promote it and if hadn’t been such a new thing it could’ve been bigger,” Veronica said. “I mean, it’s scary to do something that’s never been done before.

With the fund raiser aside, the opening weekend of the movie that STC chose to promote was an instant hit. Ridley Scott’s new film, The Martian, starring Matt Damon, rose $98.8 million in its opening.

The film was later named the second best opening in October, according to deadline. com.

“It was very intense and engaging the whole time; they even explained all the scientific aspects of it,” STC treasurer and junior Emma Haschke said. “Matt Damon made the best out of his situation, he had been isolated from people for about seven months and when he met back up with society it was interesting to see the change

in him.”

Haschke reported to taking several non company members with her to see the film, further promoting the fund raiser. Veronica Moreno had a similarly positive reaction to Scott’s newest science fiction film.

“I loved it. I told Jacob I probably wouldn’t have gone if it wasn’t for the program,” Veronica said. “It was geared towards people of all ages. There was a guy to my left that was literally on the edge of his seat and there was a little boy in front of me that would whisper ‘yes’ every time something good would happen.”

As the film grossed a sizable fund from audiences all over the world, Filmraiser also found The Martian to be a profitable choice in their program.

“The studios were just amazed after the opening weekend,” Veronica said. “They ran a poll and found that 37 percent of the people who went only went to support Bowie and probably wouldn’t have gone otherwise. They found it was a land mine for ticket sales.”

With the help of Filmraiser, as well as other fund raisers held around Austin, the theatre department works to provide for over 150 students who participate in their after school programs.

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TAJE conference led to journalism success for ‘Dawgs Samantha Knapp News Editor The newspaper and yearbook staff went to the TAJE conference in San Antonio on Oct. 18 through 20, and took home sweepstakes for the second year in a row.

The journalism department joined over 800 students and advisors at the convention from schools across Texas.

Students at the convention attended with newspaper adviser Michael Reeves and yearbook leader Deanna Dellana. All students were entered in competitions like photography, writing, or design, and their over all scores contributed to who won sweepstakes and this contributed to the overall win at the convention.

“I felt like winning a second sweepstakes in a row was pretty amazing, we have so many talented journalists at Bowie and it showed in the results,” Dellana said.

Each student that entered in contests on the behalf of their school, had the opportunity to learn something they can improve on to enhance their publication and hopefully win an award to help their school win sweepstakes.

“I won superior in pairs photography, excellence in culture and inspiration, honorable mention in natural world and best in show in photography, it was really exciting and I was really proud of myself, it felt good to win,” senior Julie Faulkner said.

The journalists also attended sessions at the convention that included helpful tips about how to improve photography, to how to improve the functionality of the on-

line version of their publication.

“Some of the sessions I went to were really cool and some sessions did things that we don’t normally do and that was cool to see,” senior Jamie Dorsey said.

At the end of the convention each day, journalism students and advisers had free time to explore San Antonio and have fun with their peers without a chaperon or their parents.

“We had a lot of fun, we played red neck life, I lost but it was fun anyway. I bonded hardcore with my room and we had a group chat for everyone in yearbook that went to the convention,” Dorsey said.

Some students got together with their fellow staff members and played games like truth or dare or board games and bonded together in their free time, when they were not at the convention.

“We looked up truth or dare questions and we just played truth about our perfect guy, he has to be at least decent looking and I don’t want to be looking at a gross face,” Dorsey said.

Students got the chance to talk to students from other schools and journalism programs and learn tips and skills from the convention that they can take back to their school to improve their publications in the future.

“I went to a lot of photo sessions and opened up my mind to a lot more ways of editing and taking pictures, which I’m excited about,” sophomore Shelby Kelly said.

“I understand why I didn’t win an award because it was only my first year, and I could’ve been more creative, but

Athletics

Varsity ‘Dawgs on route to playoffs after numerous wins against district teams The varsity team battles through various games as the season continues, all with anticipation leading to the playoffs See page 10 for more details

INSIDE

Sweeping the competition: Newspaper and yearbook staff alike compete at the San Antonio conference for journalism. The two staff’s combined to bring home their second straight sweepstakes award as the top program at the convention. Photo by Michael Reeves

I’m hoping the sessions will help me improve my skills for next year.”

Teachers and advisors could also send editors and other staff members to specific sessions to get tips on how to fix problems with their publications.

“Some editors went to sessions and brought back things we could use like writing profiles or went to writing workshops,” Dellana said.

Entertainment

ACL fest hosts art, music, and food over two weekends

Austin City Limits, Oct. 2-4 and 9-11, bring about tales of crowded concerts, inspiriational art exhibits, and great food for over 75,000 people.

See page 8 for more details

Commentary

Mascot writes a letter to the editor discussing pep rallies

In conflict with previously written and published story, “The problem with pep rallies,” the school mascot takes a stand and speaks her own opinion.

See page 6 for more details

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

I n-Depth

The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Page 2

Halloween festivities celebrate the spookiness in everyone

Lauren Blevins Co-Editor-in-Chief

The average pillow case can hold of candy

1,690 pieces

41%

of adults admit ot eating their own candy

90% admit to sneaking from their kids’ stash

Top pet costumes: 1. pumpkin 2. hot dog 3. devil 4. bee 5. cat

October 28 is the highest day for candy sales

68% of people plan to celebrate Halloween

Trick or Treat holiday this year, but I was very excited nonetheless,” freshman Reagan Wallace said.

“I celebrated Halloween this year with a lot of my

90 million pounds of chocolate is bought yearly

20 million pounds of candy corn is bought yearly

friends though, and we are all so close it seems like we are practically family,” Garcia said. “My experience with the band on Halloween was great,

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe Ingredients: - 1 9-inch pie shell, baked - 3/4 cup peanut butter - 2 1/4 cups cold milk - 1 5.9-ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix - Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to sprinkle on top of finished pie Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes Directions: 1. In a medium mixing bowl with mixer on low speed, cream peanut butter until soft. Gradually add milk while continuing to mix. (It is important to add milk slowly; if added too fast, the peanut butter will harden.)

2. When all of the milk in incoporated with the peanut butter, add pudding mix and continue to blend all ingredients are smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 and a half minutes.

3. Pour mixture into baked pastry shell. Chill at least 4 hours before serving. Once the pie is chilled, sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on the top.

even though we had to be serious and focused because it was one of our biggest competitions of the year, everyone had a great time. The whole band was

source www.nrf.com

Carved pumpkins line people’s doorsteps, creepy witches and spiders are in the lawns, and bags are filled with sweets; all this means one thing: Halloween is here.

The holiday is a time for students to go out and have fun with their friends while wearing funny costumes, even if they are put together last minute.

“I prefer going out on holidays,” freshman Luke Evans said. “I really like spending time with large groups of people. I went as a lifeguard because I couldn’t find a costume and my siblings are lifeguards, so I just stole their stuff.”

However, for sophomore Caroline Garcia, she was at a band competition for Bands of America (BOA) in San Antonio for the super regional.

Some students prepare months in advance for their costume, but others get them last minute.

“I didn›t take very many preparations for the

Analyze the holiday

art by Lauren Blevins

Olivia Glenwinkle Student Life Editor

playing jokes and everyone brought Halloween candy.

And people wore Halloween makeup and we got to watch some movies on the way to the competition.”

Even though the band is at a competition the day of the holiday, they still celebrate by having a tradition of trunk or treating.

“It›s a way our parents and supporters of the band want to give back to the kids in the organization to give us a Halloween because we never get one of our own,” Garcia said. “What they do is they set up booths and stations that they decorate almost as if we have mini haunted houses and they pass out all different candy and treats. We also have Halloween photo booths and games to play. It’s as if we get our own little Halloween celebration.”

Unfortunately, as students grow older, they tend to not go trick or treating anymore according to Wallace.

“When it comes to Halloween, I think parties are becoming more preferable rather than the traditional Trickor-Treating,” Wallace said. “This might be because people, especially ones my age, would rather just buy candy from the store and dress in ridiculous clothing and hang out with their pals.”

Baked Pumpkin Seeds Recipe Ingredients: - 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, or to taste - 1/4 cup vegtable oil - 1 1-ounce package ranch dressing mix Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F 2. Mix pumpkin seeds, oil, and ranch dressing mix together in a bowl until seeds are evenly coated; spread onto a baking sheet.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until seeds are lightly browned, about 10 minutes

Photos by Lauren Blevins recipes from www.allrecipes.com

The Punniest Halloween Puns and Jokes 1. You have a bat attitude 2. You’re gobblin’ a lot of food 3. #relationshipghouls 4. Knock! Knock !Who’s there? Interupting ghost. Interuppting ghos- BOO! 5. I have a lot of Twix up my sleeves 6. Vampires keep their money in a blood bank 7. Ghosts use elevators to raise their spirits 8. What’s a vampire’s favorite fruit? A necktarine 9. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road? He didn’t have the guts 10. What did the skeleton say to the vampire? You suck 11. Why can’t a skeleton lift weights? He’s all bone and no muscle 12. Why does the cemetary have to keep a fence around it? Becasue people are dying to get in source: www.pun.me art by Lauren Blevins

1995

The 20 Best 1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 2. Twix 3. Snickers 4. Butterfinger 5. Kit Kat 6. Crunch 7. Mr. Goodbar 8. Reese’s Pieces 9. Heath 10. Hershey’s

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Candies

11. Starbursts 12. Twizzlers 13. M&M’s 14. Nerds 15. Skittles 16. Almond Joy 17. Mounds 18. Laffy Taffy 19. Milky Way 20. Flavored Tootsie Rolls R

Woody and Buzzlight Year R

2000

Costumes restricted by code Commentary

Austin Powers Mia Barbosa Onlime Editor

2005

Darth Vader and Princess Leia

2010

Page 3

Halloween is the holiday of creativity and fun, and people constantly try to enhance their experience through an awesome costume. I think that these above and beyond, jawdropping costumes should be proudly displayed to peers.

School is the perfect place to show others your costume because then all of your friends and teachers can see your cool originality. Even though the district has restrictions for what should be allowed at school for costumes for safety purposes, I think that the dress code could be more lenient to give students the freedom to celebrate their uniqueness and creativity.

The Halloween dress code goes as follows; for safety reasons face paint, masks, fake weapons and hoods are not allowed.

You must wear shoes, and the costume cannot be too

revealing or distracting to the learning environment.

The costume cannot display foul language or any sort of sign and it may not be inappropriate. Lastly, the normal AISD dress code still applies.

Looking at this dress code, many students get disappointed because there isn’t a lot of awesome costumes that can be successfully done within these limits.

I feel like every year we can expect the same costumes to be seen at school and even the simplest of costumes are left out due to the dress code.

According to the code, students can’t even dress as Katniss Everdeen because of the weaponry, Batman because of his mask, or even an animal such as a deer because of face paint.

I think that it isn’t fair that some organizations at the school, such as color guard and theatre, can use face paint for their shows, yet if a student wears face paint for Halloween they will be dress coded and told to wash it off.

The reason why people are not allowed to have

art by Lauren Blevins Source: www.thrillist.com

Halloween Costumes throughout the years....

The Lone Star Dispatch

I n-Depth

The dress code for Halloween

face paint is because it makes it harder to identify students, which is a safety hazard.

But, even so, I believe that students should be allowed to put paint on the areas of the face that do not include the mouth, eyes, and nose or even be allowed to paint half of their face. Therefore the identity of the student isn’t hidden and also the student gets to convey the message of their costume more clearly.

Other things in the dress code like no weaponry make sense, but I would also have to disagree with that. If it is obvious that a student’s fake weapon is a potential danger then the office should have the ability to confiscate it, but if it is just a little plastic pitchfork to be the devil, I think it should be allowed because nobody will be harmed.

While some things in the Halloween dress code are understandable, I think that there is most definitely a place for more compromise in the dress code so that students can have more fun with the holiday and celebrate.

- The normal district dress code still applies - For safety reasons there is no full face masks or face paint (including half face) - No weapons - Students must wear shoes - Costume cannot be too revealing or distracting so it doesn’t disrupt the educational environment - No hoods - No language, signs, or inappropriate costumes

?!

Trick or no treats?

Are you going Trick-or-Treating this year?

Rapunzel from Tangled

2015

NO

YES

48%

41% MAYBE

11%

Donald Trump

art by Avila Dye compiled by Lauren Blevins

We polled 100 students asking them if they are going trick-or-treating. The poll consisted of 44 males and 56 females. There were 18 freshmen, 34 sophomores, 22 juniors, and 26 seniors that participated.

art by Lauren Blevins

News

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 Page 4

Campus wide ‘pink out’ stands out

Avy Friedman Staff Writer Shelby Kelly Staff Writer

Once every year in October, Bowie students and staff dress up and wear pink to support breast cancer because the month is famous for the awareness of this issue. The seventeenth of October has the common name of Pink Out in the community.

In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime. It is the most common form of cancer seen worldwide among females today.

However, deaths have decreased recently because of increasing awareness through events such as Pink Out. Former leader of the project, Wendy Uzzle, ex-

plained how it all started.

“Pink Out started in 2012 as a way of raising awareness of breast cancer among high school students. The cheerleaders sponsor the event,” Uzzle said.

English teacher Amanda Pfeiffer thinks that it is imperative to support and bring awareness to problems such as breast cancer. ”It is a very important cause and we should all work in solidarity with those that are working toward finding a cure,” Pfeiffer said.

This project is beneficial for both the cheerleaders and the awareness of breast cancer among teens.

“The money we make from the pink out shirts goes towards the cheer leading group as a fund raiser which is great because the whole reason for the t-shirts is to remind the

Pink down the line: Students sitting in the courtyard during lunch sport their pink attire. Scenes like this could be seen all over campus on pink out spirit day. Photo by Caitlin Devlin

school’s community of the problems brought by breast cancer,” sophomore Caitlin Lee said.

Many students appreciate this act of care because they have loved ones affected by the battle of breast cancer.

“I have a family member who survived breast cancer and the only way she mentally endured through it was with our support,” sophomore Maggie Diaz said.

Although it may not seem like to some people, being there for someone who is in need of comfort can be one of the best ways to help someone.

“People with breast cancer often suffer from depression and loss of hope so when friends, family or even strangers support them through the hardships, it helps immensely,” Diaz said.

This festive school project is lead by the cheerleaders who promote this colorful day.

“We make posters at school, post about it on Twitter and Snapchat and tell our friends to spread the word,” Lee said.

The adults on the campus have been very proud of the students for promoting this important awareness.

“I think it is important when the students take the lead on those things students are passionate about and the teachers can support the cause,” Pfeiffer said.

This impactful school holiday has inspired many to grow upon the experience.

Jumpsuit and tie: Freshman Kaedon Solana came to school dressed up as a pink rabbit and was walking towards his friends to show his festive school spirit. The pink out day had teachers and students participating in the day. Photo by Caitlin Devlin

“It has a great amount of potential to make a difference if people dressed up because they were thinking about awareness compared to wearing pink for fun,” sophomore Justine Lockhart said.

Overall, the pink project has made a big difference and the turnout over the past years have been very positive.

“I am thrilled with how it has grown since. The cheerleaders now incorporate service projects to support breast cancer survivors and patients,” Uzzle said.

The cheerleaders can look forward to this day that occurs every year.

“My favorite part about the pink out is getting to wear pink with my team.

We love the color and what we are honoring in October,” Lee said.

Not only is it fun for cheerleaders, but for students as well.

“I love the experience because it is always a good feeling to be doing something for others,” sophomore Aleah Iglesias said.

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cell phones,” according to Psych Central. “While male students spend nearly eight hours.”

Though these three senior boys statistically fall on the lower end of this spectrum, they took that aspect of their day to day lives and, with a little drama, threw it into a short film on an easy way to avoid cyber bullying on campus.

“I think it’s so awesome that they localized this huge problem back to Bowie,” advanced theater tech teacher Kalyn Holloway said. “They realized that outright cyber bullying isn’t as much of an issue around here as say the retaken pictures of selfies and snap chats that get posted and sent around.”

According to bullyingstatistics.org, one chance in ten that an adolescent or teen has had embarrassing or damaging pictures taken of themselves without their permission, often using cell phone cameras.

“Cyber bullying around schools has been a problem all over the country,” Holloway said. “It’s an incredibly tricky subject.”

http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/

art by Lauren Blevins

12:15 pm

Repetitive thumb taps on a sapphire phone screen signal the video’s start.

Both laughs of joy and cries of pain fill the air as the clip continues on frame by frame. Topping it all off with the comical yet somehow symbolic launching of potatoes down familiar, concrete halls, slicing the thick, unconditioned air in every direction. This video is about bullying.

In a mere afternoon seniors Miguel Lozano, Tanner Berg, and JJ Moore tackled not only a universally touchy but a widely controversial topic: cyber bullying. the boys managed to narrow their focus to a problem more relevant on campus.

In this generation cell phones and social media go hand in hand. Both are strong dictators of personal thoughts, feelings, and more than anything, time.

People have adapted to this technological way of day to day life in ways the average person doesn’t even recognize.

“No one really thinks about how many of people’s insecurities get exposed through things like screen shots,” senior Lauryn Kendrick said. “Even if it’s just of a school yearbook picture or a conversation from years ago.”

It’s no secret that students on campus are wired into Snapchat and Twitter, there are plenty of Bowie geotags and Fan Stand tweets to prove it.

“A new study from researchers at Baylor University has found that female students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their

a rld is wo

ho do ev il, se w b ho u t be ft cau

November 7th, 2015

Casey Shrout Entertainment Editor

o se au

The heating and air conditiong has broke down or worked too hard and students and staff are wanting the situation to be dealt with.

“It sucks because half of my classes are as hot as the Sahara desert and I get sweaty,” senior Angela Gustafson said.

“But the other half of my classes are freezing cold so I always have to lug around a jacket which can get really annoying.”

In the past two months the upstairs classrooms in B hall have had their air conditioners go out three times. Each time the air conditioning goes out, temperatures can get to be over 80 degrees.

“I have to bring perfume and deodorant to school every day that the weather is over 70 degrees so I can re-apply it between passing periods,” sophomore Justine Voglmeyer said. “I bring my whole wardrobe to school in my backpack just in case my sweat stains are ever too noticeable. I always have to have some type of backup.”

Students find it hard to focus on their work when they’re too busy worrying if their armpit sweat stains are showing or not.

“I can’t even focus in some of my classes because I’m either freezing to death or burning alive,” Voglmeyer said. “All I can think about when it’s cold is who I can steal a jacket from. When it’s hot I focus on fanning myself so that my makeup doesn’t melt off of my face.”

Insufficient heating and air conditioning doesn’t only affect students, it affects the teachers as well.

“My 20 year old AC system goes out at least once a month,” world history teacher Melanie Hirschfeld said. “You can’t learn if you’re hot, agitated, or just uncomfortable.”

Even teachers agree that students

should not be expected to produce their best work given the conditions they are having to learn in.

“I’ve been at Bowie for five years and it’s always been a problem. I was in A hall before this and the AC wasn’t much better. It’s a distraction that I would rather not have,” Hirschfeld said. “It would be ideal if our systems worked.”

According to head custodian Theresa Bachman, the air conditioning unit has shut off three or four times this year.

“The AC system is connected directly to computers and computer servers,” Bachman said. “Sometimes, the servers miscommunicate and it shuts the AC off.

When that happens, we have to go and manually turn it back on which takes time.”

The air conditioning units are obviously very problematic considering the amount of times they have malfunctioned already this year.

“The gentleman that runs the AC department and operates all of the AC controls, is working directly with the district and the other people in his department to correct the server issue,” Bachman said.

“To be honest, something has to crash before anyone actually fixes it. If it acts up, they’ll do repairs but if it crashes, the unit as a whole needs to be replaced.”

The price of air conditioning/heating for a school this size would be very expensive.

“The cost of that is just really expensive in general but actually running the AC/ heat throughout all of the hallways, would double or triple our expenses,” Bachman said. “Rather than spending so much money on heating and air conditioning, they’re going to spend it on the student’s’ extracurricular activities.”

By next year, there will be adjustment to Bowie’s AC/heat systems that will hopefully give students a more comfortable environment to learn in. These changes may occur in the schools potential future.

s tho of se

Kelsie Stella Staff Writer

“T he

Tech creates a humourous Frustration on campus spurs from bi-polar ac unit anti-bullying video with a serious underlying message

art by Kamryn Bryce

Awareness is an abstract concept, making its possibilities various and infinite.

Spreading awareness in all directions is typically the first step to solving any controversial problem and Bowie has achieved just that, however, there is no definite finish line.

Over the past few years there have been huge pushes to not merely say no to bullying but to stand up against it.

Casey Edmondson, a local guest speaker familiar to a huge majority of the students on campus, visited last fall and introduced the Stand Up Bowie movement specifically for that push on this campus.

“Student Leadership did this cute thing promoting Stand Up Bowie after the video project was assigned where any student could get a leaf, sign it’s back, turn it over, then stick it to a tree,” Holloway said.

“It was a pledge to not be a bully yourself that symbolized the ‘turning of a new leaf’. It’d be nice for something like that to go strong and stay steady on campus.”

S tudent Life The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Page 5

Art club presidents take charge Violet Glenewinkel Student Life Editor

Clubs offer something for every student, a place to get involved and meet people with similar interests.

However, a club would not be able to grow and become popular without the people who run and plan meetings.

The co-presidents of art club, seniors Zoey Franz and Alexis Williams, have made their club one of the most popular clubs on campus. “They do everything they can do to help the club run smoothly,” art teacher and art club advisor Mindy LeJeune said.

The year before, LeJeune had the decision of nominating a president as the art club advisor.

“Last year my teacher, Mrs. LeJeune, nominated me. This year I just said I would continue doing it,” Franz said.

Williams, on the other hand, took on the position out of interest.

“Alexis volunteered to be co-president,” LeJeune said.

Before the numbers of people joined, the presidents had to get the word out about their club.

“Big advertising at club day helped,” Franz said.

Around the school, they’ve pinned flyers to

attract people to the meetings.

“We try to make them eye-catching,” Franz said.

Flyers and posters work well but require a good amount of time from the presidents.

“It takes a lot of time to plan, make posters and flyers, and get supplies,” Williams said.

As far as preparation goes, it’s not just between the two of them, but also other influences that help shape the meeting activities.

“We ask the members for suggestions for activities, we then choose ideas from the suggested list,” LeJeune said.

The two presidents have incorporated more than just art to the meetings.

“Usually art club involves free food, cool people, and rad music,” Williams said.

And things are never predictable, Williams and Franz make sure of that.

“Every time we do something different.” Williams said.

Time spent working and planning paid off.

Sooner than later the club was growing with regular members, such as sophomore Jordan Frank.

“I heard about art club all the time last year from flyers or conversations

with friends. It’s something that’s just always held my interest since I love doing art projects so when the club started this year I was so excited to join,” Frank said.

Working together, the two presidents create a lively but controlled environment despite the numbers of attendees.

“The presidents of art club are very good at managing a large group of high school students in one place and do well at clearly explaining the projects enough for us to understand, but still giving us the freedom to explore and be creative,” Frank said.

To help keep members and other students updated, the presidents created social media pages for the club.

“The members of the art club committee have a page on Facebook,” Williams said.

Most of the outside work involves preparation and advertising for the every two-week meetings.

“They come in during FIT to make posters, talk to other co-vice presidents, plan for supplies, and set up who will bring food.”

LeJeune said.

Specific skills and arrangements should be in hand when taking on the leadership role of presi-

dent. “You just have to be willing to put in the work and be passionate,” Franz said.

Williams uses a technique to deal with the work of a senior and being president all at once.

“Effective time management is a skill I mastered as a freshman,” Williams said.

Before the club began, the two presidents found a personal interest in art through different experiences.

“I’ve loved drawing and painting as a form of expression since before I can remember,” Williams said.

When it comes to leaving art club and high school all together, Williams does not see herself in the arts as a career despite her love of it.

“I think art will always be my form of expression but I don’t plan on advancing career-wise,” Williams said.

So far, the two presidents have around sixty members attending each meeting making art club one of the most popular organizations on campus, and their hard work does not go noticed.

“I feel like they are doing a fantastic job with running the club,” said LeJeune. “I couldn’t ask for two better presidents.”

Trashy: Art club president and senior Zoey Franz works to create wearable works of art made of tape, trash bags, and black balloons on various students. Franz and other co-president, Alexis Williams plan out each activity the club participates in. Photo by Alissa Lopez

Low options for Reilly Campbell becomes a leader vegetarians and in Little Helping Hands foundation vegans on campus Priscilla Diaz Athletics Editor

Nya Martin Staff Writer Buying a cafeteria lunch at Bowie is a struggle for vegetarian and vegan students. There is a lack of options of meat-free meals, and sometimes a vegetarian will have to pay extra money to get food that fits their diet.

Freshman Alex Thomason has had frustrations buying his lunch because the cafeteria doesn’t offer many vegetarian or vegan options.

“Most of the food options in the cafe have meat so I usually have limited options to pick from,” Thomason said.

An AISD lunch consists of student’s choice of entree, bread, fruit, and milk.

Alex is a vegetarian but doesn’t drink dairy products, so he usually buys water in addition to his meal, making him have to pay more for the same meal but different drink.

“The best option is to pack your own lunch,” sophomore Emma Roche said.

However, buying a cafeteria lunch is some student’s only option.

“The fact that there are barely any vegetarian or vegan options in the cafeteria is so messed up. I bring my own lunch, but I

would suggest getting the taco salad without meat, or cheese pizza,” sophomore Saylor Hinthorn said.

According to the AISD nutrition and food services department, menu changes in the cafeteria are only provided for kids with special needs or a disease that is life threatening, or a food allergy that requires immediate medical attention such as an EpiPen to treat anaphylactic shock.

“We have baked potatoes at least once a week and we have pasta and sauce which a lot of the vegetarians eat,” cafeteria manager Stephen Hendrickson said.

These meals still don’t seem to please these vegetarian students.

“It would help if we had more options,” Thomason said.

The likelihood of AISD deciding to provide more vegan and vegetarian meal plans seems low considering that in most cases, being a vegetarian is not a life threatening circumstance as much as it is a chosen lifestyle.

“The cafeteria isn’t a 5-star restaurant, what should we expect? The only real solution is to bring your own lunch, and if you can’t do that then you’ll just have to settle for whatever the cafeteria has to offer,” Hinthorn said.

Meat-free: Sophomore Rose Eichelmann eats an orange that she packed for her lunch. Eichelmann is a vegetarian, and often packs her own lunch so that she doesn’t have to buy a cafeteria lunch. Photo by Carissa Duran

Sports, extracurriculars, studying, and volunteering are the things that take up junior Reilly Campbell’s time. One of the main things she’s involved with is the volunteering program, Little Helping Hands.

Little Helping Hands, founded by Marissa Vogel in 2009, is a non-profit organization that provides volunteering opportunities for people of the Austin community. Campbell has been a part of the community since it began, six years ago.

“I involved my family in volunteering because I wanted them to learn core values and appreciate their community more,” mother Shannon Campbell said.

Reilly prides herself in

Chipping in: Junior Reilly Campbell works at a Helping Hands event with her mother and sister, distributing goods. The Campbells have been a part of the program for several years. Photo courtesy of Shannon Campbell

trying encouraging people to accomplish their goals.

“Volunteering not only teaches a person basic values, it also helps a person find themselves,” child development teacher Laura Barnes said, This year, the organiza-

tion had a ‘team pilot’ program where volunteers can train to become leads.

“That’s where I became an activity lead, I help coordinate activities and make sure that events run smoothly,” Reilly said.

Reilly plans an activity

each month for participants to volunteer in. Families sign up with the program with their children, as young as three years old, to volunteer around Austin and Reilly and other leaders plan volunteering events so that they function well.

Reilly loves seeing the children develop into more appreciative characters.

Usually, the kids start off hesitantly, but when they begin to see how their community work affects the people of Austin positively, they become more enthusiastic, something Reilly feels proud to be a part of.

Volunteering at Little Helping Hands has helped Reilly develop her character, whether it’s in a simple conversation with someone or in the effort she applies to sports and academics.

Princess in training rises from hardship

Caitlin Devlin Student Life Editor

Becoming a princess is the dream of many young girls, but for senior Juliana Davis, that dream is a reality. Davis is able to put on a gown and surprise children by bringing their favorite Disney princess to life. Davis owns her own business called Enchanted Ever After, in which she takes on the job of a Disney face character and attends children’s parties in Austin, bringing happiness to both kids and adults.

When Davis was much younger, and her father was recovering from cancer, she had watched a video of a little girl meeting a Rapunzel face character in Disney World.

Ever since she watched that video she wanted to work for Disney.

“The beginning of my life was filled with a lot of sadness and hardship, but then I realized that I can have a job that could make me happy and make other people happy, it was something that I could really look forward to,” Davis said.

Davis, along with other Bowie students, then created Enchanted Ever After. She bought many Disney princess costumes, such as Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Elsa from ‘Frozen’.

“I get so happy, I do it a lot because I love the kid’s reactions,” senior Chloe Brooks said.

Enchanted Ever After is usually used for birthday parties or other children events. Davis created different packages that cost about $150, and include games and pictures.

“Sometimes, kids will play with your hair, and that’s how they know if you’re real or not,” junior Bekah Harmon said.

Unfortunately, Enchanted Ever After is going to have to come to a close after Davis graduates, when she goes to Orlando to try out for a job at Walt Disney World.

“It’s bittersweet in a way, I know it has time limit, and

Dreams do come true: Junior Bekah Harmon and seniors Eryn Northcutt and Juliana Davis play the part of their Enchanted Ever After costumes. The group worked at the children’s consignment event, Fairytale Threads, meeting and greeting shoppers. Photo by Caitlin Devlin

this time next year I won’t be doing my own parties,” Davis said.

Even though Enchanted Ever After will have to come to its happily ever after, Davis’ once upon a time will just be beginning.

“I’ll always take the things that the kids of Austin have said to me and all the amazing experiences with me, but I want to move on, and my main goal is to work at Disney.

I’ll say goodbye to one part of my life, and hopefully start another one,” Davis said.

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

Page 6

Traditional holiday not for high school Halloween is a time for going door-to-door for candy but there is an age limit Editorial

The season has come for monsters, vampires, scary movies, but most of all: candy. Sugar-crazed teenagers will do anything to get their hands on some M&M’s and other goodies. However, it comes at the expense of not allowing young children to get their candy.

High schoolers are too old to be going trick-or-treating.

Some families and neighborhoods get this and frown upon older kids visiting.

Students are just doing it to get free candy when they should save it for young kids and buy their own. Candy is not that expensive.

Most teenagers have a job, so they should be able to afford their own candy instead of depriving young children of it.

Not only do they take candy, but teenagers also go out and scare little kids, which makes the experience even less fun for a young child’s first Halloween.

Some teenagers don’t even dress up when they go out, they just demand free candy. If you are “too cool” to dress up, you definitely shouldn’t be trick or treating. At least have the guts to dress up if

Trick or Treat!

art by Lauren Blevins

you are going to be begging people for candy. The whole point of the holiday is to dress up in ridiculous, comical costumes.

Teenagers also pull pranks like TPing, doorbell ditching, and egging people’s houses the evening of the holiday.

Teenagers should be at friends’ houses with candy (they purchased) and watching scary movies or spending time with groups of friends at haunted houses.

Teenagers who want to go trick-ortreating may say that you are never too old to get free candy, but if it’s only about the candy, go get your own. Don’t ruin a child’s holiday just because you don’t want to go buy some candy.

Adolescents also wear more vulger costumes when they are out running around. This can make things very awkward for people who are answering the door and passing out candy. No one wants to answer the door to find an older kid wearing next to nothing at their door.

Halloween is a holiday that everyone can enjoy, but its main purpose is for little kids.

Trick-or-Treating is some teenagers’ favorite part of halloween and they don’t want to give it up, but eventually everyone grows up and that’s a part of life.

Strict FIT debate: helping or harassing students Eliana Lynch Commentary Editor FIT has been a constant advisory class for the past three years at James Bowie High school. What is FIT? Flexible Instructional Time. This means that students spend thirty minutes every Tuesday and Wednesday in a specific teacher’s class working on schoolwork or getting tutored. The idea itself is smart, students get time to catch up on classes and have some breathing time before continuing on with their day.

However, the staff at Bowie have taken the strictness of FIT to the next level. Students must sign up for a FIT on the FIT portal (that constantly glitches) or else they have to sit in dismay in room D 108 and then must starve in lunch detention for at least two times.

My freshman year was the first official year of FIT. I carefully signed up for a specific FIT because I was not about to get detention the very first time. Sadly, the portal completely crashed due to the fact that it was brand new and when I got to my FIT they said that it was full and that I could not come into the room.

I wandered the halls floundering like a fish out of water, my heart racing, and then the ear splitting ring of the bell made my heart stop. I stood completely still but I saw a teacher walking towards me out of the corner of my eye.

DISPATCH STAFF Editorial Board

Editorial Staff

News Editor Fuaad Ajaz

Online Editors Michelle McDonagh Mia Barbosa

Editor-in-Chiefs Kamryn Bryce Lauren Blevins

Photo Editor Granger Coats

Commentary Editors Eliana Lynch Carissa Duran Gavin Farner

Assistant Editors:

Student Life Editors Caitlin Devlin Violet Glenewinkel

Online Alicia Molina

Entertainment Editor Jasmine Correa Athletics Editors Isabel Rosales Priscilla Diaz

Entertainment Victoria Newell

Advisor Michael Reeves

Dispatch Staff: Eric Calderon Avila Dye Avy Friedman Annika Holm Greyson Hughes Shelby Kelly Samantha Knapp Emma Kunkel Alissa Lopez Amaya Marquez Nya Martin Nate Miller Kathleen Nguyen Evan Owen Ashley Ramirez Casey Shrout Kelsie Stella Casey Shrout Melissa Weprin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

art by Eliana Lynch

She had a smile on her face but it didn’t calm me down in the slightest. “You’ll have to come with me.” She told me, and I saw a slight look of pity flash through her kind eyes. I followed her with my eyes to the ground to D-108.

I felt like a criminal as I stepped into the room and looked up. I frowned and got a boost of confidence because I realized that I had done nothing wrong and that I did not belong there. All of the staff members were acting like drill sergeants, constantly telling people to face forward and shut up. This infuriated me, there was no reason to be rude.

Eventually it was my turn to explain to the AP why I was late to FIT, and I explained as best I could my situation. Even though I had a valid excuse, I still had to serve two lunch detentions and the teachers made me sign up for a FIT for the next session, as if I’d forget.

I spent the rest of the FIT time in D-108 trying not to roll my eyes whenever a teacher snarled at me to be quiet.

I thought it was quite degrading and so did the students around me.

I served my two lunch detentions and signed up for FIT. I was still upset that I had to go through all of that even though none of it was my fault.

The FIT portal has fixed some of their glitches but the way that the staff members treat students that don’t make it to FIT on time is just disgusting. I understand that staff members probably get frustrated after having students not attend their sessions, but there is no excuse for rudeness.

It’s important for students to use their FIT time in ways that benefit them, and to be respectful of teachers when they sign students up for their FIT. However, just like teachers should be respected, so should students. FIT

does not need to be a dreaded class of the day, it shouldn’t be something shoved down students throats. I believe that the idea of FIT is great, but there needs to be a change in how strict it is. Once this happens, I believe FIT time will be enjoyed and taken seriously.

Letter to the Editor School mascot, Hannah Willard, writes in response to the story, “the problem with pep rallies” Dear Lone Star Dispatch, Regarding your article, “The Problem with Pep Rallies,” I found several items that troubled me.

As a mascot and a spirit coordinator, I am very closely involved with the pep rally process and center a lot of my time around coordinating and organizing these events. As a result, these pep rallies mean a lot to me. So I have decided to take this opportunity to shed some light on pep rallies and the problems you have with them.

Firstly, I’d like to correct the fact that we actually do only have pep rallies on weeks when we play at home, and that it has always been that way.

Secondly, we cannot have pep rallies on game days as the coaches want the football squad focused for the entire day leading up to the game, ergo, not my rule to make.

Additionally, you suggested making pep rallies longer, which simply cannot be done as teachers cannot afford to lose any more class time. Yes, there is the idea that we move pep rallies to happen before or after school so that anybody who genuinely wants to go can go, however, not everyone controls their transportation situations. Those students who enjoy pep rallies but rely on the bus to get to school and back home would never be able to make pep rallies.

You also seemed particularly offended by a lack of sport representation. I’d like to point out that while, yes, the foot-

ball team tends to be honored by the pep rallies that are geared towards rallying the school for football games, you seem to be ignoring two major sports in the school that actually make an appearance at every pep rally; the cheer program and the Silver Stars.

Additionally, track and volleyball also get to speak at pep rallies and ask for support for their programs. I would say we do a fairly decent job of supporting other fall sports at Bowie.

Finally, I would like to propose that “the problem with pep rallies” doesn’t actually have anything to do with timing, representation, or even crowding. I think the true problem with pep rallies lies in the student body’s lack of enthusiasm and energy about these events.

Despite the hours I spend putting together “indecipherable remixed dance music,” the hours cheerleaders spend practicing their stunts and “forced chants,” hours my co-spirit coordinator and I have spent coming up with games and trying to make pep rallies at Bowie more interactive, some still claim that they “don’t inspire pep, nor do they rally support for the school.”

In the end, pep rallies will only get better if the students would just play along and enjoy the show. If we all just gave them a chance, I think Bowie would be a lot more lit.

Sincerely, Hannah Willard, class of 2016

C ommentary

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 Page 7

Nate Miller Staff Writer It’s been a long day at school. Students are tired and just want to go home.

The bus is the only way for a lot of the student body to get home after school. But, is it worth it?

The bus can be a very inefficient way to get home. Some buses are almost always late and when they finally get to school it can take more than an hour for some of the students to get home.

The bus ride can be very uncomfortable for students. The buses have no air conditioning, and even if they did, they still sit in the sun all day.

So more often than not, the students are more tired from the actual bus

ride than they were from school. The bus ride can be very bumpy.

The buses have a system in place where the driver doesn’t feel all of the bumps. But, what about the kids, they feel all of the bumps and that doesn’t make a for a very enjoyable bus ride.

Bowie gets about 15 buses in the afternoon to pick kids up. Bowie has a student body of about 3000. Most of the juniors and seniors probably drive themselves, and more than likely a good amount of sophomores and freshmen that have a ride home other than the bus.

But, that still leaves many students to ride the bus, and the buses may not have enough space to carry all of those students, resulting in students being put on buses that don’t get to their stop in a timely manner.

There is at least one route that passes by a street more than once. This is

art by Eric Calderon

Hey bus, enough is enough

because the people that design the bus routes want to minimize the left turns that the bus takes. There is probably some reason for this such as gas savings or trying to keep the bus parts in good condition. But, students on that bus have been unhappy with the bus route so far this year.

Many of the students

at Bowie that ride the bus have extra-curricular activities. They have to get to practices and classes on time, but they can’t get home in time on the bus.

So the only options left are to get a parent to come pick them up from school, or to quit their extra-curricular activity altogether.

It can be hard for par-

ents to pick up their kids at school with the traffic in front of Bowie when the school day ends. Lots of students have had to sacrifice some sort of after school activity because their only option for getting home is the bus. This can be fixed by changing the bus routes to be more friendly to students.

The fact that some buses are often late to school can probably be fixed by coordinating bus routes better between schools. AISD is the fifth largest school district in Texas and there are over 370 bus routes being traveled each and every day. Major changes need to be made to the bus situation at this school.

Post-football game cleanup AP classes worth the stress?

art by Fuaad Ajaz

Football games are a place for fun, and showing school spirit. As a Texas tradition, Bowie’s Friday night lights are packed with people looking to have a good time, but occasionally they can get a little out of hand with amount of trash left over after the game.

Before the game Burger Stadium is relatively clean, free of trash and unnecessary items, and people are preparing for the upcoming event.

During the game students, friends, family and alumni purchase food and drinks from the concessions and enjoy the performances of the football team, band and silver stars. The problem arises after the game when everyone makes his or her

Avy Friedman Staff Writer Every student is very familiar with the stressful decision of choosing the right class for AP and academic class. To add to the fear of making the wrong choice, students and their parents are not given enough information to help them make the right choice which then makes them not confidwith their decision.

AP, or advanced placement, classes are harder because there is a larger workload outside of the hour and half within school.

These classes are also quicker paced as the students learn new concepts and topics. AP classes are developed at a national level and are taught with the same rigor expected from college kids.

Because AP classes and tests are standardized, it is easy for colleges to compare students for things like intelligence, potential and ability to learn at a high level. Doing well on an AP test could potentially earn a student college credits.

Academic, or regular, classes are easier classes that are a little slower at learning, which results in a student getting more time

art by Avy Firedman

Emma Kunkel Staff Writer

way out of the stadium.

Trash cans line the exits of the stadiums yet trash litters the stadium seats and not a lot is getting thrown away. Empty bottles and wrappers litter the ground and remain there until an employee or custodian comes by to pick it up.

People rush out of stadium to get to the safety of their cars and try to avoid the traffic that surrounds the parking lot and forget about the things that they had left behind.

Some people may say that it isn’t their job to clean up after other people and that’s what the custodians are for, but it’s easy to just pick up what is yours and be responsible.

Another thing is that it’s a part of life for trash to be left behind, everywhere you go someone leaves trash behind, but we don’t have to be a part of that. We can make a difference in the community too.

In order for the stadium to be kept clean, picking up our trash makes a big difference in the way the stadium looks and holds up for future students. A cleanup is necessary and the solution is simple.

The best solution to this problem is to just have people pick up their own trash and maybe a few items around them that were left behind. If everyone picked up his or her own trash, hours would be taken off the custodian’s job and make it a lot easier for everyone else.

The employees spend hours after games picking up all of the trash and other items left behind, hours that they could be spending time with their families and going home at a decent hour. By picking up after ourselves, we make the process of cleaning up a lot quicker.

The student section is crowded with screaming students, which isn’t a problem because that’s how all football games work, but plenty of people just leave their trash behind and if too many people do that it gets out of hand. By picking up after ourselves we are not only benefiting the school, but the people around us in our community also.

to learn and understand the new concepts. These classes are developed and taught at an intellectual level of a typical high school student.

These types of classes have curriculum developed at the state and district level. Therefore, colleges don’t have an consistent way to compare student’s abilities.

However AP classes can become very stressful and the question of knowing whether or not it is all worth it comes into mind for a lot of students.

Teens are told that they should take lots of advanced classes within the four years, which is very overwhelming with multiple AP classes.

Yet they are also told to not feel anxiety and worry and still have time for fun things with friends and

family which is almost impossible with such high level classes.

It is all about finding harmony with your schedule. You want to have a good balance of being challenged and not being overly worked.

This ideal balance for school that a student should strive for will vary for everyone depending on motivation, interests, time and flexibility. Some can handle more work while others wish for a little less.

Students do not need to feel pressured to take AP classes When that time of year comes for when choice sheets need to be filled out and the future for the next year should be decided, it is important that everyone should go with what they believe is the right decision.

Bulldawg Speak Out Do you think that LOTE classes should be required, why or why not?

9th

10th

11th

12th

Reece Edwards

Francis Lasta

Christian Garcia

Kevin Kirkham

“I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s too much work and it’s not like we learn anything in those classes anyways.”

“It’s a great class to be required. When we go into the real world it is important to have the knowledge.”

“It helps students have a more diverse background.”

“It’s a helpful class. It will help us in the future.”

Teacher

Rachael Tennen “It helps gives students the oppurtunity to explore different cultures that they normally wouldn’t be exposed to.”

E ntertainment The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 Page 8

Aspiring chefs meet culinary star

Culinary Q and A: Chef Emeril Lagasse speaks to one of the directors of the event. Lagasse was named the 2013 ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ for his efforts furthering culinary arts. Photo courtesy of Lina Barakat

Greens on the farm: At Springdale Farm where the event was held, you’ll find many vegtables growing. Every plant has a tag to identify the vegetable. Photo courtesy of Lina Barakat

Where do I get a copy?: Senior Angel Reyes recieves a signed copy of chef’s book. Students from other schools wait in line as well to get their copies. Photo courtesy of Lina Barakat

Emeril Lagasse, an American TV star and celebrity chef, speaks with culinary students

Amaya Marquez Staff Writer

Bowie Culinary students, Lina Barakat and Angel Reyes had the opportunity to meet chef Emeril Lagasse. He is an American celebrity chef and restaurateur who has one of the most famous personalities on TV. He is well known for his catchphrase on Food Network, “BAM!” “Chef always gets these sorts of things, and brings it to us.” Barakat said. “He brought that and opened it up to all of us, even the second years saying that anyone could enter.”

Celebrity chef Lagasse is known for ‘Emeril Live’ on the Food Network. Since his first job in a bakery, Lagasse has hosted TV shows, opened up restaurants, and has become one of the most recognizable chefs of all time. In 2013, Emeril was honored as James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year.

Chef Lagasse received his first experience in the culinary arts from his mother, Hilda Lagasse. Growing up, Lagasse

worked at a Portuguese bakery, where he mastered the art of bread and pastry baking. Lagasse traveled to Paris to perfect his skills and learned the beautiful art of Classic French cuisine.

Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands in 2008, which skyrocketed Lagasse’s media and merchandising business. Lagasse’s restaurant company and home base is located in New Orleans.

“My mom and I would watch Food Network before anyone woke up,” Reyes said. “On ‘Emeril Live,’ he had a live studio audience, and that was what inspired me to get a cute little toy kitchen play set.”

Barakat also had a toy kitchen growing up and would put on shows for her family.

“I would put it in front of my parents and would do the show kind of like how he would do it, so yes, I am a fan,” Barakat said.

While Barakat is a true fan of Chef Lagasse, and has been since the beginning of her childhood growing up, Reyes didn’t really know of him through culinary, but through his foundation, The Emeril La-

gasse Foundation, also known as ELF, which was established in 2002.

ELF is an organization and educational initiative that creates new opportunities for children, mostly pointed towards children that have disadvantaged circumstances, just so these kids may realize the true potential they have. It is for creative individuals to make a lasting impact on their lives.

ELF has distributed $6 million into children’s charities and is also involved in teaching special needs students at Edible Schoolyard New Orleans on how to properly handle their projects in their outdoor classroom and garden, which were all funded by ELF. As the students met with the famous chef, they asked him several questions about his career and success.

“We got to tour the Springdale farm, where we had the meet up and toured with him,” Barakat said. “Afterwards, he had a little Q&A for each of the people who had won. Then he did a little book signing for us before he left. It was a bit short but it

was very fun.”

Barakat believes that Lagasse and her share the same drive and the belief that if you are going to do something, you have to give it your all. The students asked the chef about the lessons he has learned along his journey to fame.

“Putting your all into whatever you really want to do in order to be successful is necessary,” Lagasse said. “The best way to succeed is to listen to the people around you, who will help you learn and grow as a person.”

Reyes learned from Lagasse about how to be successful and how to enjoy the journey there.

These culinary students met with a famous celebrity chef that gave them advice on their future careers and their lives.

“I would have to say my favorite part about meeting Emeril was actually getting to see him in person,” Barakat said. “For years I watched him on TV, but there’s something about seeing him in the flesh.”

Austin City Limits brings together music, art, and food

Students and teachers alike enjoy the diverse festival, ACl, in mid October Alissa Lopez Staff Writer Austin is home to one of the most popular music festivals in the country.

Austin City Limits (ACL) is a festival where music lovers from all over, come together to experience the two weekend long event.

Austin City Limits takes place in Austin’s Zilker Park. This event features an array of artists from all over the world. Normally, the festival takes place the first two weeks of October, from Friday until Sunday and brings in roughly 70,000 people per day.

With a mixed bag of acts, the festival brings music lovers from all over the country. This year, the headlining artists were Foo Fighters on Friday, Drake on Saturday, and The Strokes on Sunday.

Each year, the lineup changes slightly with the different styles of per-

formers. While there are big headliners coming to town, they also try to focus on newer and up and coming artists like Halsey and Vance Joy, old school country like Dwight Yoakam, and local talent like Shakey Graves. No matter what age, there’s something for everyone.

Thousands of fans will brave the crowd to wait it out for their favorite artists.

“I am a huge Twenty One Pilots fan and I waited it out because they’re worth it,” sophomore Andrea Bodine said.

Throughout the day fans flock to the park eager to hear their favorite bands. With eight stages located within the large venue, no matter which one is choosen a show will be going on. Fan favorites such as the cherished Foo Fighters, put on an exciting and stimulating set, despite lead singer, Dave Grohl, being in a full leg cast from an accident a few months

Outdoor Festival Hacks:

-Hide emergency money in your phone case -Dry deodrant doubles as mosquito repellent -Use a rain poncho as a blanket on the ground

cosmopolitan.com back.

All the action isn’t reserved for the end of the night. Alternative hip hop band, Twenty One Pilots, amazed everyone with their two-man-band. Lead singer, Tyler Joseph, further surprised fans by climbing on top of the Samsung Galaxy stage.

Historically, the weath-

art by Fuaad Ajaz

er for Austin City Limits is a hit or miss, with the first weekend being the most predictable. Past year festivals have experienced uncertain weather from extreme heat to heavy rains.

Two years ago the rain was so curtial that the events for Saturday of weekend two were cancelled. This year, festival goers were

lucky to be blessed with comfortable temperatures and no rain. In other words, no treking through the muddy grass swamps of Zilker Park.

It’s not all about music at Austin City Limits music festival. Local artists set up shop and showcase their best work. Art lovers meander through numerous booths admiring the eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, paintings and sculptures. Food lovers were able to enjoy the huge array of tasty options with over 30 local vendors setting up shop. Eating at ACL is nothing like any other festival. With many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, no one is left hungry.

Perfectly positioned next to ACL Eats, is the popular Art Market, with roughly 25 shops and artists ready to sell their beautiful handmade treasures.

“Vendors put their best foot forward during ACL,”

sophomore James Counihan said. “They bring all their best stuff.”

With Austin known as the Music Capital of the World, it’s certain that Austin City Limits will only get better. Each year, fans eagerly await the announcement of the lineup and make plans to attend.

Some fans have traditions around purchasing tickets.

“Every year, a couple friends and myself have made the arrangement of buying each other’s ticketart teacher,” Mindy LeJeune said. “One year, one person buys everyone’s ticket and we rotate each year.”

Early bird tickets for next year’s festival are sold out. Regular passes will be released during the summer of 2016 following the announcement of the lineup. If you intend to experience ACL for yourself, plan early. Tickets are red hot and sell out fast.

In Review: Bridge of Spies Victoria Newell Assitant Entertainment Editor A symmetrical shot of one person seen three different ways- Abel painting a self portrait while looking in the mirror. This shot sets the tone for “Bridge of Spies”, directed by Steven Spielberg, a story about a soviet spy, and the man who defended him. Earning a 92% from rotten tomatoes, and estimated to make $17.5 million in American weekend sales, “Bridge of Spies” is definitely a hit.

Inspired by a true event that took place in 1952, the film follows James Donovan (Tom Hanks), as he sets out to defend Soviet Spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), in his trial for treason against the United States. But the tables turn when American Spy, Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) is captured in the Soviet Union, as well as an American college student studying in Berlin. Donovan is then asked to trade Abel for Powers, but he, even though he

wasn’t supposed to, decided to attempt to trade Abel for Powers and the American student.

The acting of everyone in “Bridge of Spies” is phenomenal, especially the performance of Mark Rylance (Abel). He portrayed Abel in such a way that makes the audience very sympathetic of him. The beginning shot, as mentioned before, foreshadows the many different sides one sees of Abel. Abel as a spy, Abel as an artist, Abel as a husband and father, Abel as a soldier, and Abel as a friend. The audience finds themselves rooting for Abel, and not the American Justice System.

The film tackles many different moral issues as well. Including; does an illegal immigrant gets the same rights as an American? Is one a traitor to one country, if they are loyal to another? Should we treat criminals and traitors differently? All of these are answered in the way Donovan conducts himself while carrying out Abel’s court case and negotiating with the Soviet Union.

Both Donovan’s and Abel’s moral values stand tall and apparent throughout the film. When Donovan and his family is threatened because he is helping a Soviet Spy, he stays firm in his moral beliefs, often saying that “every person matters.”

Abel stands out in his calmness and trust.

He never panics, never cracks, never relays any information, and when asked if he is worried or frightened he simply replies “would it help?”.

The only problems surrounding “Bridge of Spies” is its length, and a few moments when it gets a bit static. However, these problems are hardly noticeable, considering it is already getting Oscar Buzz; Tom Hanks for Best Actor, and the film for Best Picture.

The music for “Bridge of Spies” is also very notable. Composed by Thomas Newman; who is known for his work in Saving Mr. Banks, Cinderella Man, and Finding Nemo. The music is absent for much of the film, so when it appears it hits the audience, casting the scene in the spotlight,

telling them to pay attention- this is important. The music is very beautiful, sometimes nostalgic, other times military-like, and plays a very crucial role.

Another thing that deserves to be noted is the outstanding cinematography. The cinematography plays a huge role in symbolism and plot. The set, the costumes, even what colors were chosen for a specific scene as well as what angle the camera is at- is all present for a specific purpose.

From Soviet war footage being on in the judge’s house, to repeated symmetrical shots of Donovan negotiating- the cinematography is one of the things that make “Bridge of Spies” so interesting to watch.

“Bridge of Spies” is a very impressive and a cinematically beautiful film, which takes on hard moral questions, portrayed a complicated true story with accuracy, and is charmingly funny. It is definitely a film to put at the top of your to do list. art by Fuaad Ajaz

The Lone Star Dispatch

S tudent Life

Monday Nov. 9, 2015

Page 9

FFA uses hotdogs and scares to raise money The club works with one of the world’s scariest haunted houses The FFA’s usual Christmas tree fundraiser and turkey legs during Bulldogs and Hotdogs are a big hit with the community.

But for the first time ever the FFA teamed up with the House of Torment and were able to have a fundraiser at one of the world’s scariest haunted houses.

Sophomore Kylee Rhorer participated in the fundraiser and helped sell food and water at the house.

“At the House of Torment we were selling hot dogs and water to people that were visiting the house that night,” Rhorer said. It was such a great bonding experience with the FFA we were all having fun, and messing around. It was a fun and easy fundraiser which helped the FFA a lot.”

Junior Peyton Howe was not able to make it to volunteer with the FFA, but was there to support the FFA.

art by Alicia Molina

Fuaad Ajaz News Editor

“I went to go through the house but I hated it just because I have never been to a haunted house and I get scared easily so the experience was horrible for me,” Howe said. “After going through the house my friend and I ran over to the FFA booth and bought some stuff to help out in any way I could.”

After her shift of volunteering, Rhorer went through the house with her

friends to experience what the house was like.

“After I was done volunteering a couple of the volunteers and I went through the house and it was absolutely terrifying,” Rhorer said. “I absolutely hate clowns and having them pop out of little corners and crevices just made me even more scared of them.”

FFA sponsor Tiffany Black helped with all of

the paperwork, planning, and volunteer sign up.

“I helped the students with the planning process,” Black said. “The chapter officers and I determined and set up how many volunteers we needed to help and what supplies needed to be purchased or borrowed.”

The money that the fundraiser gathered is going to help the FFA purchase new things for the

program.

“With this fundraiser the money we raise is going to help our chapter purchase a new sound system,” Black said. “The students work hard and they deserve to treat themselves.”

Junior FFA officer Kate Buning helped by selling food at the house.

“I was at the house helping by selling hot dogs, sausage wraps, and drinks to people who were

visiting the haunted house that night,” Buning said.

“The experience for me was interesting because I had lots of fun selling food at the haunted house but it was just unusual because I would sell something or take an order and a freaking monster would show up and scare me and the customer.”

Not only did the fundraiser help the students raise money for their program but it also made a bonding experience.

“We had several people to help with set up and tear down,” Black said. “Of course the students came to help sell but I enjoyed seeing the students start with an idea, and work together and carry that idea out.”

The FFA had their House of Torment fundraiser on Saturday, October 17th and the Bowie-Austin chapter raised over $1000 to help them with their club. After all of the hard work and dedicated time, the funds will go straight to the chapter and recreational uses for the students.

Students and staff fall into Autumn fashion around campus Scarves, long coats, and patchwork make the season’s popular trends Samantha Knapp News Editor

With warm weather coming to an end, students and teachers begin to wear warmer outfits and show off their fall style. Students also get to modify their style from the summer and make it better suited for the fall months.

“I really like scarves just because I think they add emphasis to the upper half of the body and frame the face where as many other pieces of clothes can’t,” sophomore Jimmy Counihan said.

Every student has something that they like in particular in the fall whether it’s boots, coats or black leggings.

“I really like long coats for this season because it makes you look taller and slimmer in addition I think it is a fun exaggerated look that is unified to the fall and winter look,” Counihan said.

Both boys and girls get to show off their style in unique ways and express their personality through the clothing choices they make in the fall and winter seasons.

“I have too many lengthy coats because they’re so cute,” junior Elizabeth Carreon said.

Other students get the chance to wear staple clothing items that they look forward to wearing every year.

“My staple fall clothes probably include army jackets or sweaters,” sophomore Eliza Lopez said.

Students often take on fashion inspiration from popular

magazines like Vogue or Cosmopolitan, and then choose which trends they like enough to recreate and wear.

“I’ve heard that big coats, fur, pantsuits, and patchwork are really in this fall,” senior Angela Gustafson said. “They aren’t my style, but I think it looks amazing when someone is able to pull it off.”

A lot of times in the fall, students and teachers also change the colors of their wardrobe from the bright colors of summer to the darker colors of fall and winter.

“Well, with fall comes naturally cooler weathers so my go to fashion staple is the sweater, which I nearly am always wearing year round,” Counihan said. “I think the best colors for fall are warm colors like yellow, orange, and reds, especially burgundy just because it is really the last time to wear them until Valentine’s Day.” Students also get to take a break from the sun dresses, shorts, and sandals of summer weather and revamp their wardrobe with much warmer clothes for a few months to accommodate for the cooler temperatures.

“I really like getting to wear boots instead of sandals in the fall,” Lopez said.

Students buy the clothes and accessories for the fall occasionally from thrift stores or, more commonly, stores like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters that are really popular and keep up with the latest trends.

“I go shopping at Banana Republic, J-Crew and a couple other places on South Congress,” Counihan said.

Music Style: Wearing a warm scarf and pencil skirt, choir and guitar teacher Caitlin Gasco plays along with her guitar class. She dressed in a fall flannel and pencil skirt, trends of the season. Photo by Jasmine Correa

Anonymous owner of online Bulldogs Instagram revealed Evan Owens Staff Writer

BOWIEBULLDOGS

150 1295 1928 posts

followers

following

following

art by Lauren Blevins

This guy who runs the account is a SENIOR!!! www.jbhs.org

The Bowie Bulldogs Instagram page (@ bowiebulldogs) is run by a student who has been anonymous until now.

Senior Isaias Moreno started an Instagram page to keep his fellow students informed, in a way that would be noticed.

Most students don’t check their email regularly, but most students go on social media regularly, so Moreno had an idea to keep students up to date.

“The students can see what’s happening at school and keep everyone updated,” Moreno said. “I also, post videos, and information.”

Many students don’t have the time to constantly check the school website and newspaper to keep up with events and schedules so Moreno made it easy for everyone to stay updated in an effective way.

Students check social media regularly, so Moreno thought the school would benefit from having a social media page.

“I saw culinary and yearbook Instagram pages,” Moreno said, “so I thought it would be cool to start one for the whole school.”

Unlike most school pages, Moreno runs this account completely by himself.

Among all the school work, he manages to post consistently and keep his fellow students updated.

“I am the only one that runs it,” Moreno said.

He started the page a while ago, but once he graduates, what will happen to the account? “I started it last year,” Moreno said, “September 17th was the first day I posted on it.”

Some student opinions on the Bulldogs’ Instagram were positive.

“It’s great for quick reminders and upcoming events,” sophomore Madison Horner said.

On the other hand, some students have different feelings about the page.

“It’s okay,” sophomore Craig Johnson said. “But I think there are more efficient, reliable ways to get school information.”

Johnson believes some changes could make the page appealing to more students.

“I think they should include more photos,” Johnson said, “And maybe simpler, organized information.”

From the other side of the argument, Horner thinks Moreno is doing everything right.

“They post consistently,” Horner said, “and they don’t go overboard with updates.”

Senior Summer Hawkins believes the account is a helpful tool for getting news out.

“It is a good source of communication for the Bowie community,” Hawkins said.

Among other things, Moreno puts forth information about when to dress up for football weeks.

“I like how it announces the spirit days,” Hawkins said.

The content the posts provide focus on announcements going on within the week, holidays coming up, final sports scores like football, and events around campus.

Remember to buy your 2015-16 yearbook!

$70

*

for 396 pages of JBHS memories Order forms available in F206 or order online @ jostensyearbooks.com Expires: 12/20/15

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

A thletics

The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Page 10

Friday, football, and fan stand Dawgs tackle down every obstacle in their way in order to make it to playoffs Isabel Rosales Athletics Editor Greyson Hughes Staff Writer

Varsity Football After school practices going till the sun sets preparing for the following game and then the thrill that comes late Friday nights at football games as the crowd goes crazy.

Varsity had their 7th game on Oct. 29 against Lake Travis losing by a score of 44-27. However they won their homecoming game the week before against Hays winning with a score of 38-17 and their first loss was against Westlake by a score of 24-9.

“It wasn’t a bad loss but Westlake has a good team and they just have to keep striving and they will get to playoffs,” freshman Domingo Cervantes said.

With playoffs approaching quickly the team has been preparing a great amount.

“With the way they are playing, I think they will be making it to playoffs, they have a great coach,” Cervantes said.

With a record of 5-2 in district the team has only lost to Lake Travis who remains undefeated and Westlake who has a record of 6-1, after losing to Lake Travis. The Dawgs are still fighting for a spot in playoffs.

“The loss against Westlake didn’t affect our playoff chances so we still

Getting away: Senior Desmond Young breaks away as he is targeted by the Anderson team. Youngs plays two roles on the team as a running back and fullback. Photo by Violet Glenewinkel

have an opportunity to win district championships,” coach Glen Lewis said.

As the season has progressed the team has make many corrections but they will continue to perfect their plays and learn from previous mistakes game to game.

“I thought we played well but some things didn’t allow us to succeed,” Lewis said.

Winning the game against Hays put the team in a very good position to move on into the playoffs.

The team has two more

Fan stand coverage: Junior Maggie Murray films plays for the fan stand youtube channel. Murray was filming the homecoming game against Hays. Photo by Violet Glenewinkel

game against Del Valle and Round Rock, which are both home games. Del Valle will be a Thursday game.

“A chemistry between a team in any sport is important, it can severely affect the outcome of any game, it’s important that varsity has a good one,” sophomore John McKenna said.

According to coach Lewis as the seniors approach the end of the season they have been playing very strong and it has a lot to do with the chemistry that they have between each other.

“They absolutely have a great chemistry, they are a bunch of good guys and they all get along very well,” Lewis said.

The team has had several injuries that have taken the player out for the whole season hindering the way they have played.

“We have lost great guys who have helped the team a lot but I don’t think it will greatly affect the overall outcome. Every player on he team has the athletic ability to perform and for that very reason they are on varsity,” McKenna said.

Fan stand Out on the field every Friday night reporting the football games is junior Maggie Murray.

“I became a ire-porter after Kate Buffler was last year, and I knew that talking to the guys and getting involved with the team, doing the social media between the scores and all that stuff just seemed very fun,” Murray said.

Running around the field filming plays and the players’ thoughts before after and during the game Murray uploads those video to Fan stands very own youtube.

“I love football and I love getting the guys excitement and catching their thoughts and their feelings right after the game,” Murray said.

Filming the players Murray has gotten to know every football player out on the field creating a personal relationship with them.

“Being a Fan stand reporter gets you more on the inside I have made so many friends, that’s also a big reason as to why I wanted

to become an ire-porter,” Murray said.

Every school has their own ire-porter therefore Murray only reports Bowie footballs games but has had the chance to meet other ire-porters throughout central Texas.

“Throughout it all I have meet other Fan stand reporters from other schools and we are all like family and in general it’s just been a great experience,” Murray said.

Fan stand had its own talk show that is on air, Fridays 6:30-11 pm on 1370 AM and is updated regularly through their twitter, which is @FridayFanstand.

“We are all in a group message, and Snoop Daniels sends out a message telling us what time we have to be at the game and to interview these kinds of people. It’s all through messaging that is later moved onto twitter and the radio,” Murray said.

The Fan stand motto is “Covering Austin & CenTex HS football like no one else.”

“My favorite part is when the guys get really involved and the guys have

fun with me even when they are having a bad game they will run by and throw up the fan stand sign that just makes me appreciated and just shows their sportsmanship. We truly cover football like no one else,” Murray said.

While working her way up to taking over the Bowie football Fan stand coverage she has been around the team for quite awhile.

“I started at the beginning of 7-on-7 season last year getting familiar with everything and everyone and I think it was the beginning of May when I really took over,” Murray said.

Doing this for more than two years Murray sees her self continuing this career to the end of high school but does not see a future career of reporting after that.

“Next year I will for sure do it, but I’m not sure if I’m interested in interview a college football player, I just don’t know if I could go into that profession. But after my senior year I will have to get a little pee wee to take over the next year,” Murray said.

Successive concussions have high school athletes concerned Kelsie Stella Staff Writer The synchronized gasp of the crowd, the blur of the trainers on the field. Looks of worry and panic are exchanged in the stands.

These types of encounters can be found at nearly every sporting event. Concussions make up of 10% of all high school athletic injuries.

Every year, more than 60,000 U.S. high school athletes sustain a concussion. Bowie very own students are included in these statistics.

“They can be pretty serious,” sophomore JV football player Caleb Bohm said. “Even if the concussion is mild, it’s nothing to mess around with. When you play football, concussions aren’t really anything out of the ordinary so it’s not that shocking to anyone when someone takes a nasty hit then gets diagnosed with one.”

The amount of teenagers ages 14-19 that have had to go to the ER for concussions has gone up 200 percent in the last decade alone.

“When I got my concussion after I got hit, my vision was blurry, and I had a throbbing headache,” Bohm said. “The trainers from the other team’s side-

line came up to me and performed a bunch of tests that were supposed to determine if I had the symptoms of someone who obtained a concussion would have.”

High school football is very dangerous when it comes to head injuries nearly 37 percent of sports related concussions come from football, but football is not the only sport that poses as a threat for concussions. Soccer makes up about 14 percent of concussions.

Heading the ball, falling down, head on head collision and getting kicked in the head by cleats are all ways soccer players obtain concussions.

“I got kicked in head during a game when I was playing goalie,” sophomore soccer player Kesiah Sulzbach said. “Doc T the trainer diagnosed me with one [a concussion] at the game and the AXON test verified it. Doc T had me count back from 100 by threes and I had to follow her finger with my eyes.”

Last year, during the spring season on the Bowie girl’s soccer team, there were over five concussions.

“I was told to lay off of all sports for two months,” Sulzbach said. “Once I was cleared by my doctor, I had to go through the AISD physical therapy protocol.

That meant I had to complete a series of exercises in a certain amount of time without getting a headache.

If I got a headache, I would have to come back the next day and try the same exercises again and repeat it until I didn’t get pains anymore.”

Even though concussions have the most effect on the person who physically gets the concussion when involved in a team sport the outcome includes teams as a whole.

“As a team, you depend on your fellow teammates,” varsity soccer coach Hoffman-Howell said. “So when you have a player out, everyone has to adjust to the loss accordingly.”

Because concussions in high school sports are getting progressively worse the goal of the new AISD concussion regulation is to reduce the amount of student getting concussions.

It is already proving to be more beneficial as the concussion rates for high school athletes has stopped escalating.

“I had to work my butt off to get to where I am at this point and I am definitely more cautious after having a personal experience with a head injury.

Safety is now my top priority when I hear the game whistle,” Sulzbach said.

The facts behind concussions and head injuries: -A concussion is a brain injury that affects how your brain works. A concussions is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. The injuries can be serious if not treated correctly or quickly.

-Common symptoms include: *Headaches *Confusion *Dizziness/Nausea *Lost consciousness -Football is the highest concussion related sport with 37%. In second is basketball with 16% and in third is soccer with 14%.

-75 percent of football players get a in their athletic career.

-Once a concussion is attained the athlete should be pulled out of the game till they get the “OK” from a medical professional. art by Fuaad Ajaz

source: www.cdc.gov

A thletics The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Page 11

Basketball team fosters talent Priscilla Diaz Athletics Editor

Bowie is filled with many talented students, whether they participate in sports, theatre, band, orchestra or any other extra curricular. Kianna Ray is one of the talented students, she devotes most of her time to the sport she loves in order to be the best.

Ray is a senior at Bowie on varsity basketball. She has been playing the sport for thirteen years now, so it is no surprise that she is so good at what she does.

“I have been playing since I was four,” Ray said.

Ray started at such a young age that the sport was able to influence her life easily and positively, making her the strong athlete she is today.

Ray’s interest in basketball was sparked by her mother. Her mom is an important figure who inspires her to do better each day.

“My mom and I are the only ones that have played basketball in my family,” Ray said, one of the reasons she continues to play.

Not only does Ray have a basketball influence from her mom, her step sister, Gwen Johnson, also plays on varsity, a push to be better.

“I have known her since elementary school, she has always been athletic and helped me become a better athlete,” Johnson said.

Ray and Johnson push each other to do their best. They continue to motivate each other on and off the court and maintain a good relationship throughout.

“Kianna is very dedicated and determined so I know she will get far,” Johnson said.

Having a good relationship with the people around you during basketball practice and games is important, most importantly your coach. “ I had seen Kianna play a couple times before on her summer team and I was able to see how skilled she was, she has become an asset to the team,” coach Vickie Benson said.

Ray is so talented, she was placed into varsity upon her first year at Bowie. Usually, underclassmen who make it onto varsity teams don’t get a lot of playing time, but that wasn’t the case with Ray because she starts every game.

“She is a four year starter; Kianna has been starter on varsity since she was a freshman,” Benson said.

Sometimes people are really motivated and determined to stick to what they are doing. Ray aspires to make

it as far as possible in basketball and make a career out of it, if she can.

“I think that Kianna will stay in basketball. She is committed to Texas Christian University and is very motivated,” Benson said.

Each player has their record averaged at the end of the season and at the end of their career. It can be hits, runs, points, strikes, yards, and etc. depending on the sport.

“Last year Kianna averaged twenty one points but this year I definitely think that she will improve.” Benson said.

Aspire, a beverage company, has program called “athlete of the week.”

Any athlete can be nominated by a coach and voting is left to anyone with access to the poll, which can be easily found through links on social media.

Last month Kianna Ray was amongst the top two, but the title was given to a cross country runner from Cedar Creek High School.

Ray is a strong, dedicated, well rounded athlete who puts forth her maximum effort into being the best she can possibly be. She waits for the whistle and welcomes her last season of high school basketball.

Ready for a layup: Kianna Ray gets into position for her final free throw of the game. This game was tough but Bowie ended up beating Leander. Photo by Isabel Rosales

With playoffs within sight, State meet welcomes XC team volleyball sets up to win Granger Coats Photo Editor

Priscilla Diaz Athletics Editor

Volleyballs were flying and crowds were chanting as the Bowie volleyball team played their last game before playoffs. The team competed against strong teams and had a tough season but nothing could come between them and success.

Volleyball is now preparing for difficult games to come, as they will face the best teams in the surrounding Austin area.

“I feel good about playoffs, we’ve been practicing a lot to be prepared for any situation,” said sophomore Sabrina Bianco.

Coach Miguel Saenz has been training the girls to play well in any position so that if worst comes to worst, they’ll be able to fill spots.

“It’s good to get the different skills because not only helps us improve our individual skills, but also brings us closer as a team,” said senior captain Alicia Morales.

The only thing the Lady Dawgs can do to get as far as they can in competition is trust each other and improve upon their weaknesses. Coach Saenz has made it a point to establish

Playoff game: With a resounding effort jujior Alex McLennan spikes the ball over an opponent. Bowie lost to Hays that night, but qualified for the playoffs. Photo

by Priscilla Diaz

trust within the team .

“We have to work hard together and as a team to make it far,” said junior Skylar James.

So far the team has been working on defense and getting familiar with other positions in order to excel during games.

“We work well together which is something that has helped us be a success-

ful team,” said senior Taylor Beltz.

The team is pushing it’s way forward into playoffs and is trying hard to do their best in upcoming competition.

The courts are polished, volleyballs are clean, and teams are prepared to face one another during playoffs.

The setting moon casts a small glimpse of light through the cracks of closed blinds and windows. Birds chirp signifying the day has begun while the morning wind rustles the trees. As the sun begins to bring forth its light, the rested Bowie cross country runners slap their alarm clocks and greet the day.

With practice starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, together the runners are the perfect example of dedication.

“It takes full commitment. You have to be willing to wake up every morning to better yourself,” senior cross country runner Steven Demerson said. “Even when you don’t feel like doing that.”

Hard work and dedication paid off though, as Demerson not only advanced to the regional meet but advanced to the state meet while the varsity girls won the district championship.

“Individually, my goal for the season was to qualify for regionals,” Demerson said.

This goal was met as Demerson ran with complete motivation and drive throughout the season despite countless new obstacles.

“Sophomore year, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Running with the fear of having a seizure every day after that was detrimental to me mentally, but overcoming it this year was a huge step in the right direction,” Demerson said.

Demerson’s challenges helped create the runner he is today.

This past week Demerson along with senior Marrissa Flournoy, junior Carolyn Evans, and freshman Claire Meyer qualified for the state meet.

“My goal for the season was to qualify for state and place in the top 10 and move on to compete at the footlocker national

Dawg Records Football:

Volleyball:

Tennis:

Cross Country:

Record: 7-2 Upcoming Games: Nov. 05 @ Burger against Del Valle, then playoffs Record: 4-7 Upcoming Games: Season over

Record: 12-4 Upcoming Games: Nov. 03 @ Delco against Westwood

Upcoming Meets: Marissa Flournoy & Stephen Demerson made it to states

12/20/15

meet,” Flournoy said.

For Flournoy half that goal is already accomplished, but that doesn’t mean it came without sacrifice.

“To run cross country you have to be willing to sacrifice everything for the sport,” Flournoy said. “The hardest part is staying mentally strong when training is hard.”

Flournoy’s extreme dedication to the sport has rewarded her not only with awards and wins but with a family of teammates and friends.

“My teammates have always been there when I needed an extra push,” Flournoy said. “They have been a huge part of my life for the past four years and I couldn’t have done it without their loving support.”

The runners have formed a camaraderie of support and strength for one another.

“Seeing the transformation of the kids throughout the season and the years is really special,”cross country coach Mathew Flick said.

Although the season comes to an end after nationals, in the runners must still train and stay in shape year round. Constantly improving on their bodies is a full time job for the students but it all comes with reward.

“Cross country has given me friends, family, connections, and a hard work ethic,” Demerson said.

“It has given me a group of people that I will consider my family for the rest of my life,” Flournoy said.

Through wins and loses, successes and failures, strides and falls, the cross country team has been there for one another creating a bond like no other.

As Demerson passes the finish line, the sidelines erupt with cheers and triumph.

Teammates stand tall and proud, lifting each other’s spirits with support and love as they embrace victory like a family would.

P hoto Essay

The Lone Star Dispatch

Monday, November 9, 2015

Page 12

Nearly 2,000 students attend ‘hoco’

Playing the jams: Staring at his computer as he prepares the next song, senior Miguel Lozano Dj’s the homecoming dance.

Lozano took student requests from Twitter. “It was a great experience and definitely an unforgettable night,” Lozano said. Photo

by Violet Glenewinkel

Friends and fun: Senior Paige Bradbury dances with friends. After dressing up students spent hours at the dance singing and dancing with one another.”My favorite part was getting to dress up and be with my favorite people having fun,” Bradbury said. Photo

by Violet Glenewinkel

School spirit explodes at homecoming Kathleen Nygun Staff Writer

Feeling the music: Working up the crowd of students by crowd surfing, senior Cole Brooks sits atop a friend. The DJ played songs like, “Hit the Quan,” “Tequila,” and a dub-step remix of the Spongebob Squarepants theme song. “Homecoming brings people that don’t usually hangout together closer with each other,” Brooks said. Photo

by Violet Glenewinkel

Homecoming week arrived, the halls were buzzing with excitement. Everyone was talking about who’s getting asked to homecoming and the cute homecoming proposals.

Class presidents for 2017, Lauren Noe, Carlyn Crow, cheer captain Hadley Kopser, and student council advisor James Ellerbrock describe their experiences with homecoming elections, spirit days, and elections at James Bowie High School this 20152016 school year.

“The senior officers on the cheer team come up with the spirit days, as they do each year, so that means it was both captains, the spirit coordinator, and the social coordinator,” Kosper said.

Deciding on what dress up days get chosen for the school is a process that is very critical.

“The senior officers on the cheer team come up with the spirit days, as they do each year,” Kosper said.

“We create a list of sample spirit days when we apply for an officer position and then once that group is chosen we all share our

ideas and pick our favorites.”

Crow believed that spirit days provide a positive atmosphere within the school.

“I went all out for Smarty Pants day and for Disney Day I dressed up as Cruella DeVille and people loved it. I have so much fun on spirit days because I’m not afraid to be bold and have fun,” Crow said.

Noe explained how the homecoming elections at Bowie take place.

“The nominees get picked by the student body.

The class officers’ programs for each grade send out ballots to each of the English classrooms,” Noe said. “Once we, the officers receive a consensus, we send out another set of ballots with the top three candidates, find the winners, and then announce the prince and princess at the pep rally.”

Tiny aspects such as mums play an important role during homecoming.

“They’re a Texas tradition. A lot of people don’t realize only Texas and maybe a few other southern states do mums for homecoming,” Crow said. ”And it’s always cool to find out which guys actu-

ally made them for their dates and which made their mom do it.”

Setting up and preparing the location has to happen before the dance.

“The PTSA and StuCo set up and decorate the cafeteria to help transform it into an exciting dance,” Ellerbrock said.

Creating and putting up the decorations took the team significant time to complete.

“I know the StuCo and the PTSA work super hard on the dance so I want to make sure they get credit for doing an awesome job,” Crow said.

Wrapping up homecoming week ends with a school wide dance.

“We get to dress up during spirit days, go to a great pep rally, and have a ball at the homecoming dance. It is a really great time of year that brings the school together as a whole,” Noe said.

Homecoming is an important event that promotes school wide pride for students and staff.

“When almost two thirds of the student body come, you’re at a good school and doing something right,” Ellerbrock said.

Crowd surf: Surfing the crowd sophomore Zack Walton laughs happily while enjoying himself at homecoming. Walton spent time with friends and danced in the cafeteria. “What made it special was seeing all of my friends having a good time,” Walton said. Photo by Violet Glenewinklel Party Lights: Senior Jacob Lucas dances to the music during homecoming. Lucas spent his time with his friends and enjoying the music. “My favorite part was when they played “Hotline Bling,” Lucas said. Photo

by Violet Glenewinkel Dance the night away: Students dancing under party lights at homecoming. Homecoming allows students to dress up nice and brings a sense of school spirit to the campus. “My favorite thing about homecoming was seeing everyone dapper up,” sophomore Zack Walton said. Photo by Violet Glenewinkel