The Lone Star Dispatch, Issue #5 by The Dispatch

Commentary pages 2 & 3 News page 4 In-Depth page 5 Student Life page 6 & 7 Entertainment pages 8 Trends/Culinary page 9 Sports pages 10 & 11 Photo Essay page 12

Currently being ranked 11th in state, the varsity boys baseball team has found that their hard work on and off the more on page 10.

Instructional Coach Nikki Vohl discovered a “glowing golfball” in her head in, or as scientists would call it, an Astrocytoma, in (MONTH) and her entire life changed instantly. Vohl got an MRI after noticing some odd symptoms she had been having and it showed an abnormal thing in her brain. She had more tests done and it was diagnosed as a brain-stem tumor by a radiologist. Her neurologist had her go see a neurooncologist who looked at it and said she needed a biopsy, where they stick a needle in the back of her head and use imaging technology to get a sample of it. A pathologist looked at the sample of it and made the call that it was an Astrocytoma. “My symptoms were my face getting numb, and I had rapid

breathing and heart rate,” Vohl said. “The tumor was in the pons and the pons is a part of the brain that literally means bridge and it’s what does involuntary actions like breathing, heart rate, sleep, temperature, and things like that. So my symptoms were pretty minor.” Before she was diagnosed, she taught four sections of biology and two sections of AP Environmental Science, but once she learned she had to have a biopsy, she became an Instructional Coach. “As soon as they diagnosed it, I was put on radiation for thirty days,” Vohl said. “It was at 2 o’clock. So I had to leave at 1:30 every day because it was Monday through Friday for six weeks. So it was just a huge change in work.” Vohl is married to ex-swim

tells the body to produce abnormally thick

and District Champions. “The team came in third overall behind Lake Travis and Westlake, but we continue to close the gap each year,” Theater Director Marco Bazan said. District Champion (Accounting Team) Anastacia Stacher, Michael Brown and Jordan Forrest. Second place team awards included Team in Science, Number Sense, Calculator Applications and Literary Criticism. Accounting - Anastasia Stacher, District Champion in Literary Criticism - Riana Moreno and District Champion in Social Studies - Anna Bowers.

to success on page 6.

Local 5k fundraiser brings good “Vibes for Vohl”

Saving Sophie is foundation to give Sophia Wilson the hope that she could have a normal life besides the fact that she was diagnosed

The Bowie UIL Academic team competed (and hosted) the District Tournament March 22 and came out with the best overall results

Being a pilot at age 17 isn’t very common so for Senior Josh Flowers it was a huge accomplishment. See more

Fundraiser fun Friends, family gathered at Camp Mabry, March 31 for The Head for the Cure 5K to support Vohl. The “Vibes for Vohl” group won the award for the Largest Team with over 170 team members. “Bowie students are truly amazing,” Nikki Vohl said. “Thank you to all of the wonderful teachers out there that came out and ran to support me and brain cancer research. I really felt the love yesterday.” Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud.

Teens come together to support

in 2007, by Erin Green and now many Bowie students are members of this organization. “We are raising money that will help save the life of someone who will never know who I am, giving anonymously makes it all the more satisfying,” Duran said. Saving Sophie Auctions have annual “Love at First Bid” date auctions. This is an event in which volunteers from the school auction themselves off to the student body. “Auctionees and their dates are provided with a gift card for their date courtesy of local restaurants that generously donate them to us,” Duran said. “We also have performers and door prizes, it’s an awesome night.” The original date of the Saving Sophie auction has changes due to the original venue burning down. They are now shooting for a mid-May date.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane...

Taking it one step at a time

News Briefs

passages of the lungs and the pancreas) as a young girl. The group raises money for people who are

Student Life

Sports

James Bowie High School, Vol. 2013-14, Issue 5, 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749, April 7, 2014, www.thelonestaronline.com

Dispatch

one Star L The

Table of Contents

Dawgs rank 11th in state

Mission accomplished After the Head for the Cure 5K, Aaron and Nikki Vohl discuss the successful turnout. Student leaders in charge included Clayton Nguyen, Natalie Necak and Tino Phillips. Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

team coach Aaron Vohl and has two children, an eight year-old girl Annabelle and a four yearold boy named Gavin. Since she has been diagnosed, the Vohl family has grown closer. “I took Annabelle out to eat, and I explained exactly what was going on,” Vohl said. “I told her that there were cells in mommy’s brain that weren’t doing what they were supposed to and they were copying each other and growing and putting pressure and making mommy not feel good. And then I have to take medicine that makes mommy not look right.” Students and teachers ran for Vohl’s team “Vibes for Vohl” at the Head for the Cure on March 30 at Camp Mabry. Several teachers and students have taken it upon themselves to get as many people to support Vohl as possible. “Breast cancer and other cancers have a lot of support and money raised for research and brain cancer doesn’t, so it is to try to bring awareness and to raise money for research and clinical trials and stuff like that,” Vohl said. Science teacher Hope Lozano was the team captain of the “Vibes for Vohl” team, and senior Clayton Ngyuen was in charge of the student side. “It is tought to see something friend,” Lozano said. “There’s a lot of ‘why’ questions – Why her? Why now? Why is this hap-

pening to someone who takes good care of her body? Early on I wanted to be a positive force in her life. She’s taken on a great attitude that says ‘I’ve got a lot more life to live and cancer will not beat me.” Ngyuen and a few of his friends organized the tent for her team with food for the runners. “When Mrs. Vohl got diagnosed with brain cancer, I asked her if she needed anything to erable,” Ngyuen said. “She told me about how there was this race called Head for the Cure and that it raises money for brain cancer research. I decided to make this my student leadership project and move forward with her wish.” Ngyuen has done countless other things for Vohl including redoing her cubicle and creating a countdown calendar for radiation. “It was really sad, especially because Mrs. Vohl is one of the nicest teachers here at Bowie,” Nyguen said. “I wanted to help her as much as possible. Not only is it affecting her and her health but her family as well.” Regardless of the hard times, she is staying positive, knowing that she has a support group to help her with anything. “I just didn’t know so many people would be so supportive and so loving,” Vohl said. “It’s completely amazing how much love I have felt.” by Editorin-Chief Rachael Crawford

Former ‘Dawg takes own path to success People leave high school and go onto life after with high hopes of reaching their dreams, Miranda Dawn was successful in this. She is now a performer with her boyfriend, Chris Hawkes on NBC hit television show “The Voice”. “I was 26 when I decided to take that leap of faith and pursue music full time.I land wherever they would take me. That can really feel like jumping blindly, but I had the security of already knowing my professional strengths,” Dawn said. “I really feel that having several years of professional and educational experience before pursuing music better prepared me for the business side of being a musician.” Dawn attended Bowie between 1999-

ally.” Dawn met Hawkes at TC’s lounge where they talked about music and song writing. “I was out listening to a blues band on the East Side of Austin at TC’s Lounge and this sweet red headed guy came up and asked me to dance. I said yes. Then, while we were dancing, he asked me what I did. I told him I was a singer-songwriter. He laughed, as if I told an inside joke, and said that he was also a singer-songwriter,” Dawn said. “I couldn’t imagine that our voices would harmonize so well together, or that we

Dawn and Hawkes preformed ‘I’ve Just performance on “The Voice”.

including former principal Kent Ewing, forDynamic Duo mer choir director Shirley Jones, and then (Right to Left) Chris Hawkes and Miranda Dawn pose in a meadow for their album cover newspaper advisor Scott Dennis. “I don’t remember a whole lot of her photo known as Golden Heart. The album, titled Golden Heart, was released on June 11, with music but it wouldn’t surprise me that 2012. Photo courtsey of Miranda Dawn she went that way,” Dennis said. “I’m glad to hear that she is, I knew she had potential would fall in love, or that audiences would “We chose ‘I’ve Just Seen A Face’ for a regardless of what she set her mind unto she actually enjoy that we’re a couple that plays would get it done.” together. It all just sort of happened, like it by the music of the Beatles and value LenDawn preformed in a talent show her ju- was already written and we were just turn- non-McCartney as a writing duo,” Dawn nior year where she played her own music. ing the pages of a story.” said. “The song also tells our story of how Dawn and Hawkes did move onto the we met and were drawn to each other inof a lot of people,” Dawn Said. “I wrote next chapter of their life auditioned for “The stantly. We were really able to put our own songs in my bedroom and didn’t really perstyle on this song and relate several aspects form them for anyone other than my fam“We felt connected to the show because of what our original material sounds like.” it’s produced with a lot of integrity and they Dawn and Hawkes have moved onto the write songs and sing them for fun, I had no value the authenticity and growth of the art- 12th episode of “The Voice”. by Photo idea it would be what I pursued profession- ists,” Dawn said. Editor Ashley Stroud

ommentary

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 2

Boundaries between staff and students E

ditorial

Just as students have to be cautious on what they post online, administrators and staff should maintain the same caution and a use a sense of professionalism when deciding to contact students using social media. There should be a higher standard on social media interaction between AISD district administrators and staff than teachers and staff at an individual campus and the students that go to that school. AISD administrators and staff should be held accountable of what they post online and it raises questions about the appropriateness and professionalism levels within the school guidelines. When a member of the AISD district team uses a social media site, there is direct link to the student’s and parents. Many times there is no connection between those individuals, unlike in the classroom with a teacher. In order for an AISD employee to maintain the sense of professionalism through interaction with students there needs to be a boundary directing them the right way. These interactions can be deemed as appropriate as long as the staff member is engaging in conversation at a professional level that is open to public transparency. We applaud AISD for making an effort to make interactions between students and administra-

tor’s on social media appropriate, but there also needs to be a careful oversight of maintaining the same professionalism seen at the school level. AISD employees are on social media as we speak, engaging in the problems and issues of student’s across the district. But, the problem with the social media format is that it creates a masked reality of what is happening because there is a real person behind the social media tag who may or may not have a professional motivation. We believe that the district should revisit their policies regarding social media usage. There should be a difference between district level communication directly with students and students interacting with teachers on their own campuses. Social media interactions between students and AISD district employees should be held to a higher standard because they have to assume all conversations are permanent and there should be a standard guideline to follow for AISD social media administrators. We do not see many reasons why a district level employee should interact directly with students, short of answering a direct question that is being asked by other individuals. Students who are communicating with teachers and staff at their own campus should be afforded a broader interpretation. There still needs to be a high level of pro-

art by Klara Baker

fessionalism, but the fact that the parties involved know each other, meaning teachers with their own students, means there is already a relationship between them. AISD may not have a large

number of staff using social media at this time, but there is potential in the future for it to become a bigger trend which leads to a standard for staff interacting with students and maintaining their professional re-

sponsibilities. there needs to always be a guideline in the future for AISD administrator’s and staff to follow in order to maintain professionalism.

Debate over college credit

D Co-Editor-in-Chief | Rachael Crawford Co-Editor-in-Chief | Meagan Prehn Commentary Editor | Ashlee Thomason

AP course credit argument rages on Should students take the challenge?

E ditorial Policy 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 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 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. 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 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 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.

It is that time of year again, stress is weaving its way through each student’s mind as they envision themselves gaining acceptance into college, heading to college, umph. The wave of colorful course selection sheets are being passed around, creating looks of concern written all over the students faces.Advanced Placement (AP) course takers are gearing up for their launch into studying and taking the test for college credit. AP classes provide the most thought provoking, college preparedness level than any other course or dual credit class offered at Bowie. AP classes give students an opportunity to excel at their academic area, become prepared on a college level, and save money for future college tuition payments. Gifted and talented students or even students with a spark of interest in a particular subject can excel to their fullest potential in AP classes. AP classes give students direct feedback on the positive and negative aspects of their work ethic, which in return allows the student to improve in areas they need help in before college. Some students desire a challenge to test the uncharted waters in front of them with their big toe in the lead while others simply

watch from a distance on the beach. When someone has a talent they must show it off to the world just as a pearl shimmers alone under the protection of the oyster. AP can allow those pearls to truly shine and polish themselves for the rest of their life. The AP students going into the treacherous deep end are giving themselves the opportunity to become prepared on a college academic level. The academic rigor of AP is not your average ABC’s and 123’s, but what comes from within oneself in order to test the limits. deepest when hungry to grasp more knowledge. In the future, AP courses will save students money because with a solid score on the course ending test the will earn credit for the class on a college level. Most of the time this requires at least a three on the exam, but some schools have on that test. Some schools have completely different requirements for AP students. AP classes can provide a great way to save money in college if the results of the student’s AP test(s) are acceptable towards the selected college/university. There is a solution to this scary situation of not getting credit for an AP course that a student spent time and effort working on. The solution lies within the direct results of the actual class. For example; the student makes all A’s in their AP Chemistry class then that could be factored into the overall scoring of whether or not a student should get college credit for the course. A hybrid of the AP test and the AP class grade would be the perfect combination to allow colleges to gain an understanding of whether or not the student deserved course credit. AP classes are a perfect opportunity for a student to get a real feel of a college environment and allow students to prepare themselves to boldly go where no man has gone before. by Commentary Editor Ashlee Thomason art by Abby Black

C The Lone Star Dispatch

ommentary

Monday, April 7, 2014

Page 3

Five days a week of FIT is a bad proposition tutoring.

There may be a change in the Flexible Instructional Time (FIT) next year. Rumors of

come to school early or stay after for an hour because I am in some sort of tutoring.

FIT sessions on those

time.

of the class to something reasonable like -

sion between the last two more time in my classes with my teachers in

tant.

RE EXTRA FIT DA O M

more time to get their

home before the afternoon FIT.

art by Ashlee Thomason

by Staff Writer Fuuad Ajaz

Is our school secure? ritating to those of us who are too lazy to by staff. tance in our society. I believe that being school.

The measures taken to ensure safety -

have become essential.

gerous.

effect to ensure safety can be seen in our -

maintaining a safe environment for stu-

es to check in electronically. If it were a requirement to show your

tion.

by Co-Entertainment Editor Blaine MacMorran

by Co-Entertainment Editor Kamryn Bryce

story.

Look at all the sites blocked by the Great Firewall of AISD they go over their limit. taking away the only logical reaeas.

watch one. This leaves our school -

of before. track.

when they are taken away from -

means of acquiring information.

screen. Is it really necessary to block

on school Internet to get school-

Levens

Rebecca Duran 12th

Cameron Henderson 11th

g speak oUt

Vanessa Salem 10th

Brendan Ross 9th

BULLD

by Staff Writer Elyas

Should teacherS be able to communicate with StudentS via Social media? why? “I don’t think teachers should be able to communicate with students via social media because students shouldn’t have to worry about their teachers seeing what they’re posting. If teachers want to say something to a student, they can email them or talk to them privately. Sites like edmodo are good to communicate with students but teachers shouldn’t be communicating with students on twitter and sites like that.”

“Yes! I think it is a good idea for students to be able to receive info from their teachers through social media since it’s easier for teachers to give out information to a whole bunch of students than personally. And plus students are always on social media so it will be easy for us to see things.”

“It many cases communicating via social media would be very convenient and easy but due to the enormous amount of uncontrollable factors such as students an teachers having hidden online relationships I don’t think teachers and students should communicate via social media.”

“The more I think about it, the more I don’t think it’s a very good idea for teachers to be communicating with students through social media. I believe it’s important for us to be able to post thoughts and create our proteachers are going to use these things to judge our character. We need to be able to separate our social lives from our educational lives.”

by Editor-in-Chief Meagan Prehn Photos by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

EWS

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 4

Artists create pieces for VASE contest It was quite the surprise to several of the Bowie art students to have their artwork advance from the regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) to the state competition. tered in VASE and it was cool that it went to

expecting it to do that well.” The judging at the regional VASE competition involved an interview process between a few judges and the student. “They ask you various questions,” junior Eric Moe said. “Some of them were like

‘What was the reasoning behind making this detailed explanation for every piece that you bring with you to VASE.” All of the judges have different artistic backgrounds and teach different levels of art. have a large amount of judges from different levels in the schooling system at every single level of judging,” Moe said. “So you have a lot of different opinions and once your art is put through tis soup strainer of judging and pretty extraordinary pieces.” Different pieces do well depending on the quality of technique and the meaning behind the artwork. VASE so all the pieces are very different,” Brittain said. “All the pieces are pretty difSenior Julia Lund recently won a district art competition and got the opportunity to have her art displayed on a billboard off of Montopolis Road. “It was super awesome, if I do say so myself,” Lund said. “It was honestly really surreal because advertising is something that

Hard at work time that Brittain had entered a piece into the Visual Arts Scholastic Event. Photo by Trends and Culinary Editor Marisa Marquez

lege and decided to do advertising and get a degree in it.”

Julia was brought up to her billboard to sign it. Part of that day involved her being interviewed by television reporters as well. They asked me general questions about the billboard and the creative process,” of stressful doing it because the whole time to make a fool of yourself. contest and the third year in a row a Bowie student has won this event. “To not only be given the opportunity to have my work up sophomore year but also senior year was really rewarding,” Lund said. Her artwork depicts her peers in her art class drawn in their favorite art styles from various time periods. “She was able to draw me from multiple pictures and get a feeling for my face and do it out of her head, which is really awesome,” senior Daniela Diaz said. “I chose Gustav very playful.”

complishment of winning the billboard contest and having the opportunity to start her advertising career while in high school. serves it,” senior Victor Hernandez said. by Trends and Culinary Editor Marisa Marquez

@AISD_Alex uses twitter to get teenagers involved Photos of students across AISD posing with Alex Sanchez known as AISD_Alex blew up twitter in February as Sanchez made his rounds to each area high school. tive Director of Communications posted a snow day tweet back in January announcing school closing for bad weather on twitter Sanchez rapidly became “twitter famous” across the district. “I believe that student empowerment is very important in a K-12 organization and I believe that the conversations and optimistic that this encounter with bad weather days, could become something new and that we can take a crisis, which is school closures and cancellations, and turn that into an opportunity to really start to get more student voice,” Sanchez said. Sanchez has the responsibility of ensuring that all district information is reaching to all key audiences. He does not have the responsibility to give “#heatersforbowie,” change the toilet paper, or change the food as his tweets make it seem like he might be able to. “I do not, for example, I do not even close schools,” Sanonly person who can cancel school for the school district. Same thing with toilet paper, same thing with food. My job becomes providing and giving advice on the perceptions and opinions I am collecting through various forums to other administrators who do make decisions.” Although the IT department, not Sanchez, makes the decisions regarding social media on school WiFi, he believes

that there should be a change in policies because they are outdated. “I do believe as a professional that they are outdated and outlets that are available,” Sanchez said. He believes that students and teachers could use the resources to teach and learn instead of using it for things that are inappropriate for school. “I tend to agree with you all and I think the trends and I think the research and I think the practices will tell you that there is a lot of content, you as young people, should not be expose to and I think all of you understand that is the spirit of why we eventually have rules around social media,” Sanchez said. While Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of social media might help teachers and students in the classroom, there are also rules regarding it. According to the AISD Board Policy Manual “all communications with students via electronic media must be appropriate in content and must provide a “So what I believe is that I use twitter as a communication tool only,” Sanchez said. “It is to disseminate information broken down in nuggets that are relevant to the audience. Principal Stephen Kane strongly suggests that teachers and staff be careful when communicating with students via social media. cause you never know what can happen on the other side,” Kane said. “Then it becomes your word against my word, my message against your message. Or what did I mean by

News Briefs AISD Superintendent accepts job leading Atlanta Public Schools perintendent Meria Carstarphen was recently Public Schools in Georgia. Carstarphen has led Austin Schools for the school year to help rebuild the Atlanta Public Schools. The formal vote by the Atlanta school board is on April 14. “As a daughter of the Deep South, I have

experience in civil rights , having been born and raise in Selma, Alabama,” Carstarphen said in a district press release. The AISD Board of Trustees will be working during the next few weeks to develop a good transition plan. AISD will also provide year as they search for a new superintendent. “I will always strive to be part of the solution for urban public education in our great

rooted in my own upbringing and personal

Administration makes Thursday a “FIT day” Because of STAAR/EOC testing, the school will be adding Thursday to the Tuesday and Wednesday rotation. The future dates to be added include, according to the JBHS website, April 17 and April 24.

In addition to adding Thursdays, the entire week of April 28 will be FIT-inclusive. Just like every week, students are required to check the portal to see if they have

Like a celebrity Students crowded around Alex Sanchez to take pictures with him. Sanchez visited different schools in February to talk to journalism classes. Photo courtesy of Michael Reeves that message or what did you not mean by that message? In

start of every year I caution the staff on doing that, but I do know that there is an educational place for it.” by EditorsIn-Chief Rachael Crawford and Meagan Prehn

Scientists go forth to state comp The state science fair competition was from Friday, March 23 to Sunday March 25 in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. “At the state science fair competition I observed projects that I was marveled by, and was truly humbled,” freshman Sabastian Badart said. Students competed in the regional science fair on Thursday, Feb. 20 before they could move on to the state science fair. “There were around 60 participants. Seven students placed well enough to move on to the state science fair in March,” chemistry teacher Hope Lozano said. “No students placed high enough to go to the international science fair, but students can still make it to international from state science fair, although usually students go from regional to international, skipping state.” According to students, completing a science fair project took a lot of time and en-

ergy. “The strenuous processes followed in my experiment took hours to complete and it took days to compile my data,” Badart said. Freshman Amy Cox competed in the state science fair with a project about the effects “I tested boys and girls, all age fourteen, some who played sports and some who Cox said she started out with a more general experiment, until she noticed differences in the data, until she noticed differences in the data, and then chose to make the project Although Cox worked hard on her projin the competition as she did. “When I walked in to the Palmer Events center for regional [science fair] and saw three huge columns of projects, I a little intimidated, but I end-

a class.

in my category, and moving on to best of fair judging,” Cox

Culinary plans to sell Spring treats Spring Bakery on Friday, April 11. The culinary students plan to bake all week before the bake sale and will sell their treats in the Southwest Room.

They will be open during both lunches and will stay open until everything has been sold. The chefs-in-training hope that many students will go buy their baked goods.

my project was going to get anywhere near that.” Cox attributes her success with her project to her personal interest with the topic.

Fine Arts clubs bring home several awards The Bowie Color Guards competed in the 2014 Texas Color Guard Circuit State in late March. The Varsity and Junior Varsity teams both brought home the gold. Two orchestra students represented the school in the National Honor Orchestra and the Honor Band of America. They were in Indianapolis for a week performing with world renowned composers

and conductors. Junior Jordan Dinkins was 3rd Chair in the National Orchestra and performed in the Indianapolis Symphony and was also in the National Honor Band as well as junior Rebecca Ortiz. Choir traveled to Hays Performing Arts Center to participate in the Region 18 Concert and Sightreading Contest. All four choirs that competed came home with Sweepstakes.

With hopes for state Sophomore Madison Felux shows off her science fair project to a judge. Students have worked hard on their projects, some starting in the summer. Photo by Staff Writer Fuaad Ajaz

showed a more personal side with my project,” Cox said. “I tried to show how I created the project myself.” by Staff Writer Annika Holm

I The Lone Star Dispatch

N-DEPTH

Monday, April 7, 2014

Page 5

Seniors plan to obtain dream careers Having over 1,150 hours, nearly three years worth, of laboratory experience on cancer research at the University of Texas in Austin, be-

of the Journal of Young Investiga-

Discovering Novel Therapeutic Cancer Agents” research paper are

though she was in tears when the -

bit of research contributes to col-

that I want to pursue a career as a -

es” as the #1 university of the na-

lab precariously, silently hoping -

Search for colon cancer treatment Senior Vanna Hovanky performs MTT assay to measure whether yeast cells are alive or dead after a particular type of treatment. Hovanky has developed a potential treatment strategy for colon cancer using particular elements of bacterial gene therapy. Yeast cells were used due to the similarities to human cells and their practical and cost-effective nature. Photo courtesy of Vanna Hovanky

However, I was fortunate in hav-

states she is happy to see Hov-

by In-depth Editor Nancy Tran

that was sitting on the shelf just waiting -

there, with lots of opportunities for trying -

Many people use their passion for a phy as a business because it is a passion of

Dunne photographs other people along -

Behind the lens Senior Audrey Dunne poses with her camera. Dunne shows her personality through photos with her unique photographing style. Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

cause she is passionate about her photog-

Clean teeth for all Senior Erika Suessmith removes large pieces of tartar from the dog’s teeth before deep cleaning. Veterinarians recommend a yearly dental procedure for pets to ensure good overall health. Photo courtesy of Erika Suessmith

by In-depth Editor Nancy Tran

by Staff Writer Fuuad Ajaz

TUDENT LIFE

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014

Page 6

Student is always ready for take off The sky is the limit for senior Josh Flowers. Literally. That still didn’t stop this kid from becoming one of the youngest pilots in the city of Austin. “The average pilot ranges anywhere from ages 21 to 24, not many students in high school get their pilots license,” said Flowers. At the age of fourteen, Flowers sat behind time ever. Only two years later, he received his pri-

Captain Flowers

clear weather conditions. Flowers has a massive fascination with aviation. It all started with his dad, who is currently a licensed pilot and continues to do ers has vague memories of when his father owned a plane, which got him intrigued and curious. The process of obtaining a pilots license is just as easy as getting your drivers licenses, while the cost differs vastly. “The overall cost for a pilots license runs to do, cost doesn’t matter,” Flowers said.

from four different perspectives with his GOPRO camera equipment. He wants othanytime, anyplace. Flowers has created a YouTube account a massive hit and took off. Flowers has reached 22,500 subscribers in the three years that he’s had his channel. His channel is an amazing resource to get like and to see how Flowers goes about controlling the plane. “It takes a great deal of concentration and calm and collected in the air because if an emergency were to happen, the worst thing you can do it panic and scare your passengers,” Flowers said. Not only does Flowers enjoy making vidset up a contract with Google+ for having advertisements displayed on his videos. Bob Flowers, Josh’s dad has helped Josh Josh and Bob together put in a substantial

to 17. Many of Flowers friends claim he is an dents on campus have been on his plane, including senior Ian McEntee. McEntee has had the opportunity to ride on Flower’s plane. McEntee has known with riding along in his plane with him. “I was hyped during it,” McEntee said. “The second time I went, it was just he and I so I steered once. He also showed me a lot of about G. forces and stuff.” Josh continues to take friends, family and classmates up into the sky to give them all the aviation experience. He hopes that evA Birds eye view

nearly impossible to afford it all himself. 172M Skyhawk II, it costs about $40 per the annual inspection which can vary from $500 to $5000 depending on what needs to be done, and insurance which for this airplane at the San Marcos Airport and for now there is no monthly parking fee,” Bob Flowers said. college and soon move onto obtaining his inin foggy weather conditions and worst-case scenarios. “I won’t stop until I am physically unburns deep inside of me and only grows by Student Life Editor Sandra Cuadros

Skyhawk II

There is always more than meets the eye A tweet that read “Finally built up some courage to spread my story. #suicideawareness” with an attachment telling the story of a young teens struggle with depression was posted Feb. 21. Dealing with depression on and off since freshman year, senior Anna Orlowski decided to share her story in hopes of helping others. “I wanted to reach out and show others that living is worth it and you will get through it,” Orlowski said. “I think it helps people who are going through depression to see others who’ve gone through the same thing.” After surviving several suicide attempts, to help resolve her problem. “I stopped being so negative and closing people out. I found that the more people I told the more I knew I had support,” Orlowski said. Orlowski wanted to send a message to not only teens with depression but to the bystanders that know of someone who’s hurting. “Outsiders need to step in and do something. Standing around doesn’t help. If you see someone suffering just talk to them and let them know there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Orlowski said. Guidance counselor, Kyle Haenisch en-

couraged teens who are going through A close friend, Senior Lexie depression to seek help because it’s not Ramirez, explained her friendship something to go through alone. with Orlowski during her hard“Everyone goes through hills and ship. valleys, so depression is kind of a “I didn’t know that Anna was normal thing,” Haenisch said. “But if in that emotional state until you’re having trouble bouncing back she told me that she had cut from some sort of disappointment, herself numerous times,” or if you’re consistently sad for Ramirez said. “It made little or no reason, seek help. me realize that even the Go to your parents, a counpeople that know her selor, teacher you trust, youth best still didn’t know minister, or family friend. Seexactly what was hapvere depression/suicidal idepening. That goes for a ation is not something you “just lot of depressed or suiget over” by yourself.” cidal people. Coming Although it’s normal to turn to from experience, they can your friends, sometimes that may be really happy and outnot be enough to help. going when they are with “Lots of times, kids start by friends, but when they are talking with their friends,” Haealone it could be completenisch said. “This is sometimes ly different.” Ramirez was shocked member that your friends don’t Your average senior have any training in this area. ing out about Orlowski’s They may tell you you’re over redepression but was able acting or to just snap out of it. Seto help Orlowski turn a vere depression/suicidal thoughts negative into a positive. are not things you “just snap out “I didn’t know what of.” Seek the help of a trusted to say or do except hug adult.” her,” Ramirez said. “Af-

ter that, I supported her decision to open up about it and post it publicly because maybe her words could affect someone going through the same thing. People can think or say all they want about her but she has an amazing group of friends that are by her side every step of the way. So if you notice a friend is acting differently, just ask them about how they are. Hopefully they will open up and get help instead of hurting themselves or trying to end their life.” Senior Bo Briggs thought Orlowski’s tweet sent a positive message that everyone can learn from. “I was so glad that her suicides hadn’t worked and realized that I, like she said in her tweet, needed to reach out to people and be kinder in general,” Briggs said. “I think she is very brave to have posted that on twitter. Her peers could’ve judged her harshly and ruined her reputation. But she posted it anyway. I think that her tweet sends a very powerful message to those considering suicide, so it’s a good thing she posted it.” For tips on how to help, trainings and other additional resources visit www.texassuicideprevention.org. For crisis/counseling services call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). by Editorin-Chief Meagan Prehn

S The Lone Star Dispatch

Tudent LIFE

Monday, Arpil 7, 2014

Page 7

SXSW brought popular bands to play McCarthy said. sessions happened from March March 7-15 and the music concerts The music concerts of the festi-

certs.

many others.

of my life,” sophomore Josephine McCarthy said.

Turn up the music

the car crash that happened on the -

by Staff Writer Shannon Weidemeyer

order to enter the concert.

lot of place cards.”

consisted of sessions from infor-

death penalty. A $3 million dollar

by Staff Writer Lauren Blevins

Miller shows her academic ability in physics, chemistry, and biology tests The class of 2014’s Saphysics, chemistry, and tied

time in 2013. The Science Contest is a 60-question multiple-choice -

neither pets, nor has a Net-

defeat and spent hours study-

career as in her free time she

ence UIL district on this past March 22. -

Intro to Computer Science also one of her fortes, aside

directly to the source of the -

The tests offer the most petition the nation, constructed in hopes of direct-

such as AP BC Calculus, AP position, AP Physics, Cre-

Olson said.

a feat. As a teacher, some-

Hard at work Senior Samantha Miller is hard at work on her computer in

Prakash Luu

a life in a science related

realm, continued the document continued. -

principles, philosophy and

pursue science as a career.

money. Because sadly that’s around,” Miller said. “Computer Science sets up pos-

This year’s team con-

Doctorate in Philosophy in chemistry, it’s as if Miller

it,” Garcia said. school.

clients,” Garcia said. Later on clients started to call

clients said. -

by Staff Writer Selma Sanchez

pany.

and I still plan to use him later on,” -

formation. “I didn’t complain, actually I -

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NTERTAINMENT

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014

Page 8

STC’s UIL cast runs against the ‘clock’

Temple, Texas welcomes Starlight Theatre Company for Area competition 40 minutes, a hundredth of a second over The challenges brought about by the and walk off stage empty handed. March UIL regulations affect more than just the welcomed UIL season to campus and the actors. Starlight Theatre Company introduced “The “This will be my second time stage American Clock” to the competition. “In the midst of the musical Mr. Bazan gon.” UIL stage manager and junior Catie and I are reading a new script almost every Tijerina said. “There’s a lot more pressure night in order to come to a consensus about for UIL because of the time restrictions one that will work for the company,” STC and that there’s less room for error.” director Betsy Cornwell said. After the Zone and District levels of the While theatre spring shows are still in competition the cast won various awards the works the UIL cast and crew work quickfrom ‘Best Actress’ to ‘Outstanding Techly to bring together a contest worthy show nical Crew’. within weeks. “Up until about a week before Zone I “Hearing what the judge has to say, rather didn’t think we were going to advance, than not knowing what the audience really but during the week we really stepped it thought about the performance, is a huge difference with UIL productions,” senior and deserved the award,” Catie Tijerina said. STC president Dane Ralph said. This year marks the 26th year that the During usual productions the directors Starlight Theatre Company has participatcan go backstage and help out if there’s ever ed in the UIL competition. The production, a problem, but with UIL it’s a different story. “The American Clock”, was written by Ar“Our stomachs are turning because thur Miller who also wrote the “Crucible”. Does anyone have a hair tie? the stress is not knowing,” Cornwell said. The play shows the lives of one family “You’ve done your best and that’s all you Theatre Arts teacher and STC director Kayln Holloway (top left) helps get the cast ready during the Great Depression and the varican do, but it’s nerve racking and if some- for their big performance. The cast does each other’s hair and makeup while listening to ous people around them that are affected thing major happens the kids have to deal 30’s music in order to prepare for the time period show. Photo by Co-Entertainment Editor during the decade. Kamryn Bryce with it.” The company will perform, along with On Thursday, March 20 the UIL cast adall other spring shows, April 10 and 11 “Advancing out of Zone was rewarding, but it’s not the vanced from the Zone to District level in the after school in the auditorium. Attending competition and again on Saturday, March 29 the cast ad- luck of the draw as much as it is that judge like what they audience members can purchase tickets in the lobby. by vanced out of District and will be headed to Temple for Area saw,” Cornwell said. “I mean our students are good and they Entertainment Editor Kamryn Bryce deserve that recognition.” in just over a week.

“Anatomy of a Single Girl”, new and upcoming book for young adults Daria Snadowsky’s, “Anatomy of a Single Girl”, nique, a high school graduate who is in the middle of an in-between stage in her life. She’s in-between romantically, with her future and living arrangements, and even her seemingly stable friendships. At this point, the only constant in her life is her internship at a hospital, which will inevitably add to the list of complications. Aimed at an older-teen audience (as it contains some relatively explicit sexual content), this novel is likely relatable to many young adult females. Dom is faced with many changes

accompanied with the transition between high school and break makes her hesitant in the relationship world, and unexpected drama strains once stable aspects of her life.

“

express concern when necessary, and has control over her mind and body. Being a teen, romanceoriented piece, I didn’t expect much when I started reading. It was a pleasant surprise when brooding vampires or weepy, female leads did not immediately

her personal endeavors; not exclusively concerning romance. This can be a bit painful at times. Due to the roller coaster likeness of Dom and her multiple complex relationships with her parents, best friend, additional college friends, and new boy-

greet me. The character development is admirable, and Dom ends up learning something that will help her through

friend, things do become slightly obsessive from her. For example: since sex is such an important part of this novel, her hesitance and

fear concerning it become slightly overused. Though it is the second book in the Anatomy series of Snadowsky’s, I found that culty reading or understanding the content as a standalone piece. With this said, “Anatomy of a Boyfriend” is likely something to read prior to Single Girl, as it provides back-story information about Dom and her previous relationships, though it isn’t completely necessary. by Staff Writer Michaela Norton

novel is likely relatable to many T hisyoung adult females”-Norton said

Summary aside, I enjoyed this book. The main character is developed as a strong individual, who isn’t scared to

Read up Daria Snadowsky’s novel, “Anatomy of a Single Girl”, paperback book cover.

Advanced musical theatre students create original piece, due to perform in the upcoming school year Students in Musical Theater II, III, and IV have been working to writing their own musical for the past few months. Although the musical had originally been planned to be completed and performed this semester, the students are putting the musical on hold until next year. “We decided as a class that we aren’t going to be able to complete it. We didn’t have enough time to mash the songs up and develop the characters,” sophomore Mary LaRue said. Students are now deciding which musical they will perform, in place of the original musical.

“We’re considering ‘Back to the 80’s’, which has a lot of popular music like ‘Eye of the Tiger’, ‘Mickey’, and ‘Girls just want to

“

character development and thinking about a story,” musical theatre teacher Marco Bazan said. Each student was asked

their problems or struggles, acter’s emotions.” Songs for the musical

said. “We just take 30 seconds of different songs and then mash it all up, kind of like the movie Moulin Rouge,”

e’re incorporating the songs by tying them together and giving them new meaning,”-Bazan said.

have fun,” LaRue said. Before they could begin to write their own musical, students in the musical theater class had to study playwriting. “We started by studying playwriting, and that process. Then we moved on to

to create his or her own character while working on the production. “What has to happen before we all come together and create a story is to come up with our own character,” LaRue said. “We have to come up with their past and

are made by mixing various songs together to create something new.” “We’re taking songs already written and mixing them together, we’re incorporating the songs by tying them together and giving them new meaning,” Bazan

LaRue said. According to LaRue, the key to creating an original musical is communication between everyone working on the production. “I think the main thing is making sure we all communicate,” LaRue said.

The classes have been working on the musical since the fall semester. “We’ve been working on the musical for the past six or seven months,” Bazan said. The four musical theatre classes will perform for the musical review at the end of the year. “All the musical theatre classes come together and perform musical review. Everyone does a song, and you have to audition for the spring musical review, unlike the fall musical review where there were no auditions,” freshman Karis Ellsworth said. by Staff Writer Annika Holm

Music Review Consisting of humor and raw talent, CHON is a fourpiece band that is quickly rising up in the music scene. On March 4, 2014, their album “Woohoo!” was released, this album has a track listing of only six songs. These six songs do a good job of showing off CHON’s talent as a young band. The album starts off with a soft, but strong intro, “Super Potion,” this acoustic song sets up for the rest of the album. Track two “Knot,” incorporates some classical guitar elements using high-speed picking and hybrid picking, but the most impressing as-

pect of this track is guitarist Mario Camerena’s lead at 1:27 in the song. “Ecco,” the third song on the album, held a huge surprise for fans; this being the band’s their discography. The vocals done by bassist Drew

Pelisek have an impressive quality in their uniqueness. This group has made a name for themselves at such a young age, the youngest member, drummer Nathan Camerena is only 17 years old and he proves his skill in every track. What is unique about this drummer is that he incorporates math rock type beats over the rhythm of the guitars. Like the album started, it is ended with a soft acoustic type song, “Suda,” which is a perfect way to end such an easy listen. by Entertainment Editor Blaine MacMorran

In the past year Foster the People have created a widely acclaimed name for themselves in the pop world. Singles such as “Pumped Up Kicks” had people of all ages bobbing their heads. Although the heartthrobs have a claim to fame, they didn’t feel the need to create an album like the extremely successful album, Torches. Their new album, Supermodel, decided to break a few rules in pop music. The boy band decided to branch out and explore different genres. ”Pseudologia new album, is very distinct-

are quite different from one another. Normally it would be considered a problem to have an album with eleven diverse tunes, but somehow Foster the People pulled it off. While they may be try-

ic sounds of the seventies. While track nine, “Ghost in the Trees,” resembles a modern folk song. Although all the songs still contain the smooth falsetto voice of the lead singer, Mark Foster, the songs

they will always have their own unique pop content within every song. This is the binding quality that Supermodel dropped March 14 and is now available to stream on Spotify and to buy on Itunes. by Staff Writer Shannon Wiedemeyer

rends & Culinary

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 9

A bite from culinary Gourmet Night

Mouth-watering treats Writer Paulina Conroy

The 13th annual Gourmet Night was quite the bite on Saturday, March 22. Parents and previous students gathered at the end of downstairs F hall for a night of “Austinspired.” Gourmet night is the biggest event of

start planning during the middle of the 2nd six weeks. The amount of time, effort and planning required is massive. “We started planning for gourmet night way back in September,” senior Taylor

meal is prepared and served to 96 custom ers, which includes parents, previous stu dents and faculty members of the culinary department. Tickets are priced at $35 each, which cov ers the cost of food. Total food price ranges around $3,000 total. Chef Winemiller does his job teaching culinary students how to prepare the food and handle it. “My favorite thing is that Chef creates a real world environment in the fact that we cook for paying customers, not ourselves.” senior Alex Grimsley said. “Also we create so many different things and try new things that it makes you get out of your comfort zone.” Grimsley has been on the culinary team for two years. Grimsley helps contribute to the event by prepping food, creating recipes, acquiring donations, and creating the dining room. As one of the biggest fundraiser events of the year for the Bowie Culinary department, lots of planning in advance goes into it. They

to choose a theme, so meetings were held with the entire club and we voted for a cer tain theme.” Each year, culinary picks a theme for the night. A theme is selected for the function every year, which allows the department to base room decorations and recipes off of. This year’s theme was “Austinspired.” Culinary has prepared many dishes from Second Bar & Kitchen and many other Aus tin restaurants and put their own spin on them. President of Culinary club, senior Taylor Shutter managed the operation and helped prepare food during Gourmet night. Shutter claims lots of dedication and time go into culinary but it’s a great organization to be apart of. “This class is such a diverse group of people and it’s so much fun to develop friendships with people I wouldn’t normally have known,” Shutter said. “We are like a huge family.” by Student Life Editor Sandra Cuadros

Adult seniors use tattoo art as a way to remember As many of the Bowie senior class turns eighteen, they do what anyone who enjoys the freedom of now being le gally an adult: get a tattoo. “I think you are emancipated at that point, you can do whatever you want to and in the end the consequences are your own,” senior Rebecca Duran said. tattoo to discover there’s meaning or a story behind it. ing,” senior Derek Thomas said. “I think it has to because it should mean something to you when you have to look at it everyday.” However, in contrast to popular belief that a tattoo must have an underlying meaning, some students feel that a tat too can just be a piece of art. “A lot of people say tattoos are stupid unless they have a super abstract, convoluted story behind them,” Duran said. “I think it’s great to have symbolic tattoos, but I also respect people who get tattoos just because they think they’re beau tiful. There’s certain pieces that I’ve seen and I’m just like ‘that’s gorgeous and I would love that to be on my body’ not because there’s a story behind it.” Part of the fun of getting a tattoo is deciding where it will be placed. “Placing is one of the fun parts. You get to pick what im age you want or what words you want and then you get to pick where you want it on your body,” Duran said. I think Digits and directions

Something to consider when determining placement is the level of pain. “Its all about what you’re getting and your pain tolerance because it hurts varying where you get it,” Thomas said. Another concern for those wanting to get a tattoo is how

it will affect a person getting their future jobs and careers. “I’ve tried to use discretion and put them in tasteful spots because I realize that once you get into the real world most careers aren’t very accepting of very prominent, very bold visible tattoos,” Duran said. “I’m keeping that in mind and I think that’s a big part of what plays into the choice of where you’re going to get a tattoo.” Although it’s not encouraged for a student to get a tattoo against their parents’ wishes, there are some students who hide their tattoos. “I think it’s a little silly, I think I should be able to show my parents but they’re from a different time period where tattoos had different connotations than what they do now,” Duran said. “I don’t think it’s this inherently unresponsibly thing to hide your tattoos. It’s your body; it’s your life.” For those who like tattoos, but don’t want to be com mitted to one can try a henna tattoos, a form of temporary body art. Seeing pictures of girls showing off their henna is inevi table when logging on to Instagram and other various social medias. “Henna is really fun for those of us who love tattoos but run from commitment like the plague,” senior Lindsey Sag eser said. Originating from Indian culture for ceremonies, henna has been adopted into Austin culture for those who love body art with the luxury of knowing it’ll be gone in a few weeks. “Contrary to popular belief, the main purpose of henna isn’t just to make teenagers at festivals look cool,” Sageser minded, but it’s also important to appreciate the art culture that we sort of steal this art form from.” by Culinary Editor Marisa Marquez

Seniors create many memorable “promposal” ideas

As April begins, more and more “Prom?” questions pop up on campus As seniors are moving closer to their last days at Bowie High School, they are starting to pre pare for their end of the year prom. Senior students will be join ing together on May 17, at the Palmer Event Center to experi ence their last sentimental event of their high school career before their graduation day. “A couple of days ago Ster ling [Whitten] asked me if I wanted to go to the Randy Rog ers Band concert along with backstage passes to meet him,” senior Catherine Lee said. “He had been pushing me to listen to the song ‘Kiss Me in the Dark’ but I never got the hint.” Searching for ways to make a special event even more unique, the Randy Rogers’ Band was a good opportunity to purpose the question. “My mom and I were think ing of ways that we could make it as memorable promposal,” Austin High senior Sterling Whitten said. With the song ‘Kiss Me in the Dark’ being one of Randy Rog for the occasion. “I called the printing com pany and asked them to print a sign saying ‘Kiss Me in the Dark at prom,’” Whitten said. “When

she turned the corner she looked around aimlessly until someone told her to read the sign.” As the event is moving closer, students are getting more ex cited, anxious and are ready to celebrate the special night. “I’m really looking forward to dressing up, having dinner, and getting to spend this time with Sterling,” Lee said. “He’s my high school sweetheart.” With prom being such a mo mentous and touching night, some students work hard to come up with ideas of affec tionate ways to ask their date to make a good memory. prom so I wanted to do some thing that Catherine could look back on and I think this was a good way to do it,” Whitten said. Though prom is still a few months away and some have al ready been asked to the event, others are in the stage of plan ning promposals and looking forward to what the night will bring. “I’m honestly pretty nervous but also excited to see how my prom goes down,” senior Demi tri Rodriguez said. “What I’m looking forward to is having a great time with my friends and have a memorable night.” by Staff Writer Paige Rife

“Kiss Me in the Dark?” Photo Courtsey of Catherine Lee

PORTS

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, april 7, 2014 Page 10

Varsity assists JV through new season

Hit it Keeping her eyes on the ball, a junior varsity player hits the ball against Akins on April 2. The team won and kept their undefeated record. Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

Softball teams help each other out to make it to and through playoffs With just about a month left until playoffs, the softball team is putting their all into practice and games to reach their goals. “Our goal is to win district and to make it to state and to win state,” Coach Cathie Johnson-Landers said. “I think we’ll do better than we did last year. We went to the second round of playoffs last year and I think we can get further than that this year.” But not everyone has their expectations as high as the coaches. Team captain junior McKenzie Cain thinks it’ll take a lot of extra effort to beat the standards they set for themselves last year. “I don’t know if we’ll be as successful as last year, I mean I guess we could be if we try hard enough I think it just really depends on if we work as hard as we need to,” Cain said. The team plans practices very tactfully. “We kind of plan practice off of what we need to work on, personally need to work

on as a team, and then go and put in what they’ve done against us,” Johnson-Landers said. “So we’ll like go through their lineup if we have all that. Everyone has created their own techniques to motivate themselves and play their best at the games. While Cain likes to catch a quick nap before games, other players have some more hyper methods. “I listen to music and sing really loud on the bus to pump myself up for games,” junior Tatiana Ochoa said. Despite all the singing and slumber the team has lost a few games. “When we lose I just kind of go home and sulk and just think about it all night,” Cain said. But the coaches prefer to turn every moment, good or bad, into a learning experience for the team. “Win or lose, after games we go over

stats, how we did in the game, and we kind of talk about the positives, the negatives and we talk about what we need to do for the next game,” Johnson-Landers said. With 15 wins and 8 losses so far, the team has experienced some really memorable games. Being the ‘upperclassmen’ of the teams, varsity girls enjoy witnessing all the “My favorite moment this season was Karina’s grand slam,” Ochoa said. “Basically this girl on JV like hit a grand slam and citing.” With the varsity girls enjoying the progress of their junior teammates, the coaches also enjoy seeing players do well. For coach, the Lotts sisters really stand out this season. “Amber Lotts is leading us in hitting,” Johnson-Landers said. “Defensively we’re doing pretty much the same all around. So

Amber Lotts, batting average wise.” Being successful comes with its challenges but the girls perform a little ritual before games to keep themselves away from bad luck. “The biggest challenge is being mentally positive, like mentally strong,” Cain said. “So before games we like line up and we touch feet and me and Birttany Patton we mean its just superstition.” With all the superstitions and hard work, the team continues to work their way toward play offs. “I think the season has had its ups and downs but I think its going up now and I think they’re starting to play as a team and they’re going to start reaching their full potential pretty quickly,” Johnson-Landers said. by Sports Editor Maryam Hussain

Ranked 11th in state doesnt stop team from improving

Pitch perfect Junior Kyle gray throws a change-up at the game against Westlake on April 2. Bowie soundly beat the Chaps 7-0. Photo by Editor-in-chief Rachael Crawford

Spotlight player Graham Case

Why did you start playing baseball? “I started playing baseball because it was the only sport my parents would let me play when I was younger, thank the Lord. And once I was introduced to it I fell in love.” What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball? “My favorite thing about baseball is that you can always get better. You can always improve your game in some way.” Why is baseball important to you? “Baseball is important to me because it is something that I have put so much time in to so far in my life and I love the game and what you learn from the game.” What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while playing baseball? “My most memorable baseball moment of my life was when I got three outs in one inning. I popped out, then got back picked at third base and then I came up again and popped out again.”

Photos by Editor-In-Chief Rachael Crawford

The varsity baseball team is ranked 11th in the state. As of now, the team has a record of 11-5. Junior varsity (JV) 1 is 8-5 and the JV 2 team is 13-3-1. The head coach of the varsity team is Sam Degelia and the assistant coach is Rudy Alvarez. Spike Fogle is in charge of the JV 1 team and David Cuellar coaches the JV 2 team. Players believe they have started playing more aggressively. “We have been playing competitively lately and hitting the ball well,” senior varsity player Justin Shack-

elford said. The teams are working “I feel the team is doing well because we have a talented team and we play well together as well as get along with one another,” sophomore JV 1 player Nick Choate said. On April 2, JV 2 played a tournament where they faced Westlake. The game consisted of tough plays by the teammates. “Our second baseman, Gabe Hernandez, had a rough collision with a guy at second base, then shortly after made an amazing diving

play,” Choate said. In the upcoming weeks, the teams will play Akins, Anderson and Del Valle. They are also looking forward to going to the playoffs. Baseball summer camps for grades 1-5 are from June 16-20 this year. For grades 6-9, the camp occurs on June 23-27. Both weeks the camps go from 9:00 am to noon. Players work on runing, throwing, and playing be found on bowiedawgs. org. by Staff writer Lauren Blevins

Sports Briefs Track team is sprinting into Regionals Starting off with a boom the track team meets, including one that was hosted by the Bowie track team at Burger stadium. “The last few meets have all been amazing,” Sophomore Courtney Simonetti said. “We are such a close team and always encourage each other.” For the past few years Bowie boys and girls tracks team has won the South Austin Relays and continued that domination again this year in late March. “The whole team has practice so hard and it really wasn’t surprising that we swept Relays,” Junior Mia Richardson said. level to prepare the athletes for district. more serious as district is coming up. We are really paying attention to times, and cleaning up starts, form, etc,” Simonetti said. The South Austin Relays hosted by the

Bulldogs, is the last meet before the intense district meet at Del Valle High School. “I really can’t believe this is our last meet before district,” Simonetti said. “It’s been the best season so far and went by so quickly, but I think everyone is ready for district so I’m excited.” In order to continue to regionals the member must be in the top three places. After area if eligible the team member can advance to “At the beginning the meets were relatively easy, but as we got into the season, my legs wanted to fall off after the meet, it only get harder as we progress through the season,” Sophomore Stephen Demerson said. District will be on April 9th and 10th. Area Championships will be held on April 16th at Burger Stadium, Regionals is April 25th and 26th at the Hart-Patterson Tack Complex in Waco, Texas and for those who continue to state it will take place at the UT stadium on May 9th and 10th. by Staff writer Isabel Rosales

Senior wins 4th place at UIL swim Senior Zachary Cootes swam the 500 yard freestyle event at the UIL state swim on Feb. 21 and 22 at the University of Texas Swim Center in Austin. His times for the event were 4:35.16 during the preliminary “It felt so amazing to go to state because of all the people who have gone before me and all the people I was representing,” Cootes said. “To know that people like Michael Kleuh and past swimming legends had gone to this meet representing the same school was great and it made me so happy to be the next one to follow in their footsteps.”

Many of Cootes’s friends and family showed up to watch him swim the day of the meet. Some of his teammates even surprised him a few days before the meet to get him excited. “A few days before the meet I woke up for morning practice and my house was decorated with ‘Good Luck at State’ signs and my car was painted with the words ‘State Bound’ across the rear windshield,” Cootes said. “It just made me feel like I wasn’t the only athlete going and like I had people there every step of the way.” by Editor-in-chief Rachael Crawford

ports

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, april 7, 2014 Page 11

Best of the best Silver Stars in Honolulu Tough practices lead dancers to competitons at the University of Hawaii Among many other successes, Bowie Silver Stars are at it again winning Best of the Best at both McNeil and Stoney Point High School. Practicing for this year proved to have many challenges for the stars because of weather conditions. “We had a lot of obstacles going into our contests from all of the bad weather days,” Senior Cassidy Blalack said. “We really had to buckle down and work smarter, not harder.” Though Stars have had to face challenges, they stuck it out and worked the best they could.

“Even though with each delay and day off we lost valuable practice time, we were only motivated to work that much harder,” Sophomore Megan Hauck said. After long days of practice and hard work, it seems to being posted. nerve wrecking dancing in front of the entire competition, and allowed me to truly enjoy performing,” Hauck said.

Stars were rewarded with technique and precision awards, multiple choreography awards, and were even presented highest scored routine of the day along with a 500 dollar check. “Pushing ourselves to our greatest potential is always something we strive for,” Sophomore Erin Ellis said. “We’re given the responsibility to hold, cherish, and succeed the legacy of this organization.” Working together and pushing through the competition as a team turned out to be a success once again. “It was nerve wrecking considering we had good competition but I knew we could pull through as a team,” Junior Micaela Jimenez said. What’s a better way to spend your Spring Break than relaxing on the sweet islands of Hawaii? Silver Stars were given the opportunity to take their skills states away. “We are competing our three team dances at a competition held at the University of Hawaii, which is the main reason why we get the privilege to go on such a cool trip,” Junior Caroline Turnage said. In order to attend this trip, you do not just have to have the moves and the motive. A lot of fundraising including sellmoney. “We did so many fundraisers to raise all of the money Jimenez said. Stars were not only excited to be competing in Hawaii, but to be spending quality time with team members as well. “I was really excited to be spending time with my teammates outside of school,” Turnage said. “We truly get to see each other in a different light outside of Bowie.” by Staff writer Paige Rife

A spring break to remember All the “Best of the Best” silver stars lined up at The Secret Island. They made a trip to Hawaii for competition, and for a break from their regular routine. They visited multiple tourist attractions and natural landscapes over their spring break. Photo courtesy of parent Terri Ware

Blondies beat down competition and place at state Those kids with bleached hair in the hallway don’t just do it for fun, they’re part of the Bowie wrestling team, a diverse hearty bunch of people, which are the best in the state. “Every year our kids die their hair blonde,” Wrestling coach Spike Fogle said “It’s been a tradition since 2003 every time we go to state the bleach comes out.” Wrestling isn’t just the showboating and table breaking you see on TV; it’s one of the most rigorous, and demanding sports out there. “I want people to know wrestling isn’t just a sport,” Fogle said “It’s a lifestyle, you’ve got to keep your eye on everything.” Wrestlers constantly have to watch their weight, keeping a tighter eye on the scale than fashion models. “You don’t just take a couple hours for wrestling,” Fogle said “It’s all day every day, you have to watch your weight under a microscope, watch what you eat, even your water intake counts.” passion for wrestling. “Wrestling is the best sport hands down,” Martin said “I play football too and wrestling pays off more for me and means a lot more as well.” To train for wrestling, like other sports you have to go through hours of intensive activities repeating and mastering that one single technique that could get you the win the championships. “Just like basketball or football we have to train the same holds and positions over and over again,” Fogle said ”It’s a very physical sport and takes a lot of stamina and patience.” Junior Stefan Moreno, one of the best wrestlers in the

placed twice in recent years, taking 3rd this year and holding a 40-4 record. “Stefan is one of our best wrestlers,” Fogle said “We’ve got 14 guys and 10 girls, and he is one of the most talented I’ve trained.” Martin, who is in the 182lbs weight class, says he trains and focuses harder on wrestling than his other sports, and it pays off. “I love wrestling, it does make you have to watch your weight and what you eat and drink,” Martin said “But you get super strong and in great physical condition.” Martin also has great respect to Moreno, even admitting that Moreno is a better wrestler. “Stefan is the best wrestler I know,” Martin said “He is Fogle has been coaching for the past four years and earns more respect from his students every day. “Coach Fogle is super cool,” Martin said “He’s one of my favorite coaches and I respect him a lot for putting up with us.” Fogle, who has been coaching here at Bowie for four years, actually started out in these same halls. “I wrestled here at Bowie when I went here,” Fogle said “It’s a great place and I’m glad to be teaching these kids what I know.” Martin had a 21-5 record, Alex Curtis a 36-10 record, and The annual wrestling banquet was held on March 30th and featured food, laughs, and a roast-style comedy club. by Staff writer Elyes Levins

Head lock Junior Kimberly Gill has her teammate in a head lock during an after school practice. The wrestling team practices after school every day to perfect their skills. Photo by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

Football players tackle the weight room to powerlift

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BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL

Being on the football team comes with its fair share of requirements. Players need to take three sports: football, track, and either powerlifting or wrestling. Many of the football players challenge themselves by taking powerlifting. “Powerlifting is a sport that I use to maximize my abilities in football to get stronger with power and explosion and stuff like that,” junior Zach Velasquez said. “You compete against guys in your weight division.” Many of the lifters have noticed that powerlifting is skills. “I’m a center so my position in football requires me to be pretty strong, and powerlifting really helps me out with that,” junior Antonio Tovar said. The guys start lifting during their football period at the end of the day and carry on until after school. All that practice tends to get very tiring to some of the football

playing lifters. “It puts quite a bit of strain on the body. For one week I was just so tired because we always practice and we lift pretty heavy,” Tovar said. But all that practice is necessary for all the competitions and meets they participate in. “We usually go to tournaments where there’ll be like 10 different schools and sometimes we go to competitions with just us against another school,” Velasquez said. “The one meet that we go to every year is Vista Ridge and it’s pretty competitive.” In January the team won the Vista Ridge competition by one point. Velasquez followed up in second place. Despite the victory, Tovar be the toughest meet. “The Dell Valley meet is pretty hard; I think that’s probably the toughest one

from UT judge,” Tovar said Being on the powerlifting team helps the guys set and achieve goals. “My goal was to reach the 1000 club and I reached it,” Velasquez said. “Powerlifting has made me stronger and faster.” The chemistry built among the teammates through all the practices and meets also helps the team with what their main sport: football. “The meets usually last so we get a good amount of time to hang out with each other,” Tovar said. “We all play football so we already know each other so we kind of just tease each other if we don’t get a lift or something.” The lifters enjoy doing what they do despite the price they have to pay. “It’s a whole new experience,” Tovar said. “It’s actually pretty fun even though it hurts.” by Sports Editor Maryam Hussain

hoto Essay

The Lone Star Dispatch Monday, April 7, 2014

Page 12

Niner-niner, you are clear for takeoff Getting a drivers license can be a stressful time, but imagine the craziness of try-

from four to six months to earn this license -

this ranges from basic Visual Flight Rules you get that you do solos and then cross-

Not just teenagers, but they are early 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

sic instrument training comes after so you

by Photo Editor Ashley Stroud

Night Flight

Fuel Up -

Plane Check

Picture Perfect

Map It Out