10 - 11 PEREGRINE4 by ThePeregrineOnline

the

PEREGRINE

Volume 39 Issue 4

Jersey Village High School

7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040

February â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11

warning:

may cause serious adverse side effects

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8-9

For some teenagers, acne and Attention Deficit disorders are worsened with the pressures brought about by school, work, and home life. These students turn to extreme medications to relieve symptoms. However, with these medications, come adverse side effects.

Assistant principal makes weight loss a challenge among school staff with a competition.

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Administrators work to break the student-teacher boundary by creating new lines of communication.

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Geometry teacher adds Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Coach to title, hopes to bring wins to team.

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Storming

the competition

photo courtesy of Marcel mattern

Posing Balancing on a bike, Jessica Martinez, junior, waits for Marcel Mattern, senior, to snap her photo.

JoeyBethGILBERT

>> staff writer

In the back yard working on a photo assignment, Marcel Mattern, senior, snaps a quirky photo of her friend in a storm trooper mask. Mattern always strives to take a different approach to her photography.

Creative imagination wins recognition in scholastic photography contest

“I wanted to go for a different angle when I took my picture, because most people just think of photography as landscapes and buildings, so I wanted to do something different,” Mattern, senior said. Marcel had not even thought about entering her photo into a competition, until her photo teacher suggested she do so. “I encourage all of my students to enter, and I thought her photo would do well,” Ms. Alana Jordan, photography teacher, said. Mattern thought about it and decided it was a good decision. Although she was not sure what photo she would enter into the competition at the time, after much thought she decided to use her storm trooper photograph. “Originally, I was not going to send that picture in, I was just going to send a self portrait, but then I decided, why not?” Mattern said. Mattern thinks that photography is a unique form of art, where she can express herself freely. So she finds it very interesting when people can relate to her photos, or find the strangeness appealing, as she does. “Because this picture was so different, I didn’t think it would win. I thought it was more my style, so it is really cool to see that people understand and appreciate the uniqueness of the photo,” Mattern said. In the Scholastic competition the student, or competitor, is required to submit the art form via the internet by the regional deadline, mail in the submission form and processing fees. The art work is judged on three criteria; originality, tech-

Photo G Art subject Almost

obscured by a computer screen, it appears as though Marcel Mattern, senior, has snuck up on Jessica Martinez, junior. Martinez often finds herself the object of her friend’s photographs.

nical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. “I really like her imagination. She is a very creative and talented photographer,” Meghan Gallagher, senior, said. So after all of the submitting and judging, all Marcel had to do was wait. After about two weeks of anticipation, Marcel received word that she had in fact won. And not just any award, a silver key award. “I won a gold key for my scholastic portfolio when I was a senior at CyFalls high school, so it is cool to have a student win something as well,” Jordan said. T h i s m e a n s Mattern had work worthy of recognition on the regional level. And she looks forward to take more photos and continue expressing her creativity through her favorite art form. “Looking back at it, I am so happy that photo won. Knowing that people appreciate some of the things I do, means a lot,” Mattern said.

“I wanted to go for a different angle when I took my picture, because most people just think of photography as landscapes and buildings.”

a l l e r y

spotlight Gazing at the cloudy skies outside through a fogged

up window, Marcel Mattern, senior, models in her own self-portrait. She likes to look for natural lighting to give her art an elegant feel, so many of her indoor photographs involve windows.

photo courtesy of Marcel mattern

Eye catching

Staring, Jessica Martinez, junior, looks directly into Marcel Mattern, senior’s, lens as the water makes a double image of her intense expression. Mattern put a twist on an assignment to use a water element in a photo. The water could easily belong to a huge, still lake rather than the pool Mattern used for the shot.

photo courtesy of Marcel mattern photo courtesy of Marcel mattern

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three WORLDS unite

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The Process:

Departments come together to build anchor desk OrfaPALACIOS

>> staff writer

Sitting in his drafting class after finishing an assignment, Manjot Jawa, junior, began to come up with the idea of constructing an anchor desk for JVTV. “It was random, but then I just got to think about it as one of my crazy projects,” Jawa said. The idea arose two years ago, but Jawa decided to make the idea a reality. Jawa, who initiated the project, overlooked the entire process with the advantage of being in both the computer drafting and JVTV class. The inspiration came to him from hours of watching the local news and looking up designs for desks. Through the multi view drawing program, Jawa began the basic layout for the desk. Along with Jawa, Cynthia Stoker, Video Technology teacher, and Richard Hight, Engineer Design and Presentation teacher, worked together on the basic design and look of the desk. Then both Jason Epps, Advanced Engineering Design and Presentation teacher, and Hight helped improved the designs. “This project really was a great way to get kids involved that are in different classes to come together for a common goal,” Stoker said. After the design was set, Austin Thayer, junior, built the desk, which took six weeks, in his Advanced Engineering Design and Presentation class. “Being in woodshop, I was the one who constructed it. First I made the rounded top. Second I put on the plywood frame. Third I trimmed most of the desk with mahogany. Finally I put some stain on certain parts to darken it and put on polyurethane (it makes it shiny and protects it, which required several layers),” Thayer said.

The JVTV cast also gave their input on the final design of the desk. They were presented with Jawa’s sketches and discussed their opinions. Wayne Beaumier, senior, felt proud that his fellow cast member partook in such a project that would benefit the cast. “I feel that our new anchor desk is amazing. When I first heard about the idea I was impressed that our president, Manjot Jawa, came up with an idea that would benefit us so much. I was very impressed with how he applied something he learned in his drafting class to a project outside of class,” Beaumier said. Stacie Wicke, Associate Principal, believes that this project demonstrated how great students can be in working off each others’ strengths and weaknesses and reating what she feels is a magnificent and fully functional piece of furniture. “One of the primary goals of education is to prepare students for the real world and this project could not have been more relevant. Part of a good team is surrounding yourself with people that compliment each other, and that is exactly what I believe happened here. Groups of students that may never have known one another were able to come together and create something that will be here for a long time,” Wicke said. The new anchor desk, which cost them $350 for the entire construction project, was specially designed for JVTV with a modern green screen compartment. The computer drafting, JVTV and wood shop departments came together to construct a new anchor desk, in what they called a learning adventure. “Cooperating with people in different departments and working together to make one finished product was amazing. It felt like being in the real world,” Jawa said.

photo by Orfa Palacios

“This project really was a great way to get kids involved that are in different classes.”

photo by Orfa Palacios

photo courtesy of Manjot Jawa

Planning Creating the basic design of the anchor desk, Manjot Jawa, junior, hoped that Austin Thayer, junior would make his plans come to live.

photo courtesy of Richard Hight

Building After weeks of constructing and painting, Austin Thayer, junior, moved the new anchor desk into the JVTV room where the cast anxiously awaited it.

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SCALINGdown

Teachers, staff join together to reach weight goals TannerSTOGSDILL

photo by Joey beth gilbert

>> staff writer

To most, spring break is still a far way off. However, for Shannon Fisch, S house assistant principal, spring break is just around the corner. To prepare for the swimsuit season that is ever so close for her, Fisch has put together a biggest loser competition. The competition received lots of buzz early on, and by the time that it began, 85 members of the administration had joined in. To join in the festivities, each member had to pay a small entry fee of $10. All of the entry fees are going to weekly prizes for each week’s biggest loser and to the prize money for the winners. First place in this competition yields $300. With a large cash prize, and the motivation to look great for swimsuit season, teachers feel the pressure to work and win. Fisch started the Biggest Looser Competition for of two reasons. The first is

because she heard that Cy Fair High School did it last year, and it was a success. She decided that after the holiday season there needed to be a big push to look great for the next holiday. Another reason is because she was a dance teacher before her current job, and since she became an assistant principal, there has been a void of exercise in her life. Fisch wanted to work out with motivation that she could not shake. When 85 people stood behind her idea with an entry fee paid, it was hard to back out. Along with the weight loss, the competition will also bring a connection to staff members, and it will help the staff understand certain benefits in the school, like using the weight room for free, any time they want to use the weight room. One of the reasons I made it a competition instead of just working out myself, was because I would feel more motivated if I was a competing,” Fisch said. The competition is helping motivate staff members, and make staff parties calm down a bit and stray away from unhealthy food. The final weigh in will be midway through the Spring semester.

photo by Joey beth gilbert

CHECKING in Being weighed in by Sally Syer, nurse, Cheryl Simon, teacher, anticipates a showing of weight loss.

photo by Joey beth gilbert

Thinking thin Showing Joanell Jones, teacher, how to work the medical scale Sally Syer, nurse, makes an adjustment.

new Semester new Stuff

No more Tardy sweep: - Due to the fact that the school does not want to pay someone to watch students stand for a teacher’s salary, therefore, there is no person to run it.

New Fiction Friday: - Amy Mitton, librarian, brings books down to the commons for students to check out every other Friday.

New Staff book club: - Amy Mitton, librarian, decided to create a book club for the teachers. They meet once a month and there is about 12-15 members.

Fall Semester change: -Next year for the first semester, students will receive a whole week off for Thanksgiving, and two less days for Christmas Break.

FCA is now on Fridays: -Fellowship of Christian Athletes was normally held on Tuesday mornings, and it is now held Friday afternoons.

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Behind the Words

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Teenager expresses underlying emotions through slam poetry TaylorESPINOSa

>> staff writer

Nervous, as her heart filled with a wild passion, that readied her to yell out as she heard her queue to perform she awaited the spot light. As that spotlight hit her skin, that passion let loose. It projects from her heart and moves the audience, listening in awe. Her strong voice, her clear, concise words resounded breaking an eerie silence in the dark auditorium. Battle of the Falcons, was just one of the many performances Malaysia Jackson, junior, has taken part in. Jackson, an experienced poet and speaker, writes, performs, and competes her own poetry for an audience. “[It] was actually my first time sharing my self-written poetry with JV, which I thought was really exciting. I wanted [students] to receive the message from the words of my work more so than having people pat me on the back for my performance,” Jackson said. Her poem, called “This Too Shall Pass,” a powerful poetry performance, contains serious issues such as bullying, suicide, and the way teachers choose to educate in the classroom. “My poem addressed the school board, and students who commit the act of verbal or physical bullying. I felt the need to speak on behalf of the victims of suicide who struggled with acceptance from their peers. The poem also reveals the truth how much some teachers could care less about the students they educate,” Jackson said. Taking second place at Battle of the Falcons, Jackson collaborated her spoken poetry with one of her fellow peers at Battle of the Falcons who played guitar as a musical “back up” for her performance. “Working with Malaysia was like Simon working with Garfunkel, Bobby working with Whitney or Lilo and Stitch. We just understood what the other was looking for and never tried to change the other person.” Brandt Henley, senior, said. Other than working one on one with performers, Jackson is an active member of the Meta-Four Houston slam team which is a youth development organization that uses performance poetry to help teenagers identify issues that matter to them and to address them effectively as a form of communication. “Slamming is basically competing with others with original poetry. Meta-Four is my slam team, and my second family,” Jackson said.

This unique way of art is a way of expression, communication, and a passion for Jackson. Slam poetry exposes teens to a type of “literary expression” that increases self-confidence, as well as literacy. “I’ve always been the type to write my feelings in a little diary. I enjoy writing and expressing poetry to the public,” Jackson said. Other than poetry, Jackson is an all around performer who does a little bit of everything, including music. She combines her poetry performance with her singing. “I love performing in plays, playing the piano, and giving a little vocal performance every now and then. It’s a joy when confusing music with poetry,” Jackson said. Apart from her outside performances, in school, Jackson keeps herself busy in the JV Players club and maintains a tight bond with her drama teacher, who she is currently working with to direct the Black History Show for the month of February. “Malaysia is above average, beautiful, compassionate, and mature. I love her ability to take the initiative when she wants to do something. She doesn’t wait around for others to hold her hand,” Elizabeth Crocker, drama teacher, said. As a talented performer, Jackson’s performances never fail to leave any audience, or fellow friend, in awe. “Malaysia is an amazing speaker and even more talented as a poet. [Her] words move me, but when she starts reading them there’s a whole different element of her lyrical passion. She moves with the poem, and it seems more like she’s talking to you rather than her just reading a piece. Be looking out for Malaysia after she’s out of high school, because she’s probably going to have Alicia Keys opening for her someday,” Henley said. Expanding her poetry and artistic growth, Jackson plans to compete with her slam team July 2011 at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam Festival in San Francisco, California. “I enjoy performing for others. Poetry is art, expression, healing, love, and anything you want it to be,” Jackson said. “I love what I do and would perform for anyone.”

“Working with Malaysia was like Simon working with Garfunkel, Bobby working with Whitney or Lilo with Stitch. We just understood what the other was looking for and never tried to change the other person.”

photo by KaTIE caRVaLHO

insPiring (left) During Battle of the falcons, Malaysia Jackson, junior, recites slam poetry concerning the troubles of school. The performance by Jackson received second place.

collAborAting (right) Before performing in Battle of the falcons, Malaysia Jackson, junior, and Brandt Henley, senior, practice their piece. Henley plays the guitar while Jackson practices her slam poetry. photo by KaTIE caRVaLHO

photo by REBEcca MOScOSO

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StudentsSpeak Administration bridges gap TannerSTOGSDILL

>> feature editor

photo by TANNER STOGSDILL

Speaking out Problem solving, Christian Paz, senior, consults with other students to find out what problems plague the school.

A student is excused from class to go to the LGI room for a meeting. He walks through the quiet halls until he reaches the room. The other side of the door holds a few tables pushed together in a circle, filled with welcoming people and warm food. The student sits down and writes his name on a name tag provided. He is now ready to discuss issues in the school, and propose solutions. Students with a Voice is a program to help bridge the gap between the student body and the administration. The program is headed by Stacie Wicke, Associate Principal, and Greg Brock, Director of Instruction. To help students with a voice run smoothly, the students picked come from all different grade levels, races, genders, and many other factors to ensure that the batch of students is diverse. The reason behind the diversity is to make sure that all student groups are represented in the program. From there, the students will meet 5 times this semester

to key in on problems in the school, and start to generate ideas to fix them. “We are looking to make it a school where students say, ‘that’s my school,’ not just because they go there, but because they are proud,” Brock said. The idea began because meetings with staff and administrators often led to questions about what students would think. Staff members were urged to talk to students, but it never got done. To solve the problem, Wicke started Students with a Voice to bridge the gap between the two and meet in a way where problems can be solved. “I want to create a common understanding,” Wicke said. Some signed up through teachers to be considered, others were just invited to go, but most of the members were proud to be invited. The students were picked very specifically to make sure all students’ voices could be heard. People where called from all different races, ages, GPA’s, and school involvement. The council of students sitting around the table in the meeting showed the true diversity of the school. This was done so that all students can find an ambassador in many places, to have them help make the school a better place. “It’s just nice to know that I have a voice,” Gabrielle Ybarra, junior, said. One January 14, 2011 Students with a Voice first got together to discuss the problems that need to be solved in the school. The meeting started with an activity to try to find words that accurately describe the school. By the end of the activity, the students chose that two words that adequately describe the school were social, and un-spirited. Throughout the

meeting, one key idea that was discussed was the lack of school spirit. “The first meeting was good because a lot of problems that needed to be [addressed] were put out there and talked about,” Nymph Gill, sophomore, said. The students in the meeting addressed many topics about issues that they felt were important. Some topics were approached with caution due to the fact that they were complaints about different things such as administration, but in the end the group formed a strong council that is trusting, and eager to make a change. The excitement was easily seen by the students who were voicing their opinion to make the school a better place, and a school to be proud of. “You can’t gripe if you don’t take action. I applaud those who stepped up to this task,” Wicke said.

photo by TANNER STOGSDILL

fixing issues Discussing problems in the school, Zach Abeyta and Molly Matzdorff, seniors, try to solve issues that face the student body.

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New House Shirt

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Two young creative artists’ passions lead to creation of J House logo

SarahCHO

>> staff writer

Two sophomores, Julian Mateo and Joel Silva, apply their talent and love of drawing to create a T-shirt design for the students of J house. Even in the short amount of time given, both students were able to come up with a design to please the staff. “It took me about 45 to 60 minutes,” Silva said. “We didn’t have a lot of time because we were making a portfolio in web mastering.” For Mateo, the design took him about three or four days. The two students spent their time in order to create a masterpiece for their peers. Silva had focused on working without a selfish mind; he did not even know that there was a prize. “I entered the contest because I like graphic design, not

“Every time I see someone wearing the shirt with the design on it, I can say, ‘Hey I worked on that.’”

because of a prize,” Silva said. In fact, winning the contest surprised him. “I thought I was going to get in trouble, because I got a pass to the AP office. But after that, I felt accomplished,” Silva said. “I feel really good; I honestly never thought I could win. I feel proud because someone actually thought my design was good and is wearing it in a shirt.” Similarly, Mateo had no idea that he had won the contest or that there was a prize. “I thought I was in trouble because I got called into the AP’s office.” Mateo said. “But when I found out I won, I couldn’t help but smile.” Mateo has been drawing for as long as he can remember. He used this talent to create a design for others. “I can still see myself drawing this blue dinosaur back before first grade. I draw as a hobby.” Mateo said. The sophomore is pleased with the results of the contest. “I usually don’t win in anything. I feel kind of proud of myself. The feeling where I look in the mirror and give myself a double thumbs-up,” Mateo said. “I feel that other students

DRAWING During freetime Julian Mateo, sophomore, sketches a design for the J House T-shirt logo. wearing the shirt I designed as an honor. Every time I see someone wearing the shirt with the design on it, I can say, ‘Hey I worked on that.’” The two students had used their talent for drawing for others, and look forward to the days where their peers will be wearing the shirts that they designed.

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february ‘11

antastic itzgerald

Math teacher dedicates 32 years

LeandraLEE

>> staff writer

On her first day of school Debbie Fitzgerald walked into a classroom full of occupied desks, textbooks on the shelf, and a class full of loud and unfamiliar faces. She began her first day, of her last year with a simple greeting, then went on and talked a little bit about her self. Her class listened and learned that she has been teaching at Jersey Village High School for 32 years, and has been head of the math department for 14 years. Fitzgerald went into teaching because two of her grandparents were teachers in a rural area. She used to going to school with her grandmother and worked with her students. Also, in high school Fitzgerald was a member of FTA, Future Teachers of America. The club members would get to go into elementary schools and middle schools and help teach the students in various grade levels.

“I decided to retire because of some health issues. I am a diabetic and that has taken its toll on me in the last couple of years. I still feel that I am an effective teacher in the classroom and I want to leave on a positive note. Being a teacher is how I define myself,” Fitzgerald said. In the past years Fitzgerald only taught Algebra II K, and Precalculus, and as of the beginning of this year, she began teaching SAT prep, co-teaching with Shannon Thomas, and head of the Advanced Academic Strategy, also known as AAS. Also, Fitzgerald once co-sponsored Texas Association of Future Educators, TAFE, with Juli Wade. Various students of Fitzgerald would describe her teaching styles as traditional, effective, and helpful. “Mrs. Fitz’s teaching style is the best around, you can tell that she is a veteran teacher and knows math really well. I would say that her teaching style is more traditional, than a lot of other teachers,” Peter Paul Wong, senior, said.

Teaching for a long period of time, Fitzgerald connected with many students, as well as faculty members. Being head of the math department she worked with many teachers and did all possible to help other teachers become more effective in their teaching skills. “I will remember the many years that we were cheerleader sponsors together and the good friendships we formed. I will also remember all the laughing,” Karen Miller, Algebra II teacher, said. Being a teacher for a long period of time, Fitzgerald wants to leave a memorable experience behind, for students, and the faculty to remember her by. “I want the faculty to remember me as someone who was always willing to help out when asked. I want my students to remember me as a teacher with expectation that cared about them. Overall I want to be remembered as someone that was positive and fun to be around,” Fitzgerald said. photo by LEaNDRa LEE

the

Not So Easy Athletes juggle school with football earning Academic All State Award SarahcHO

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>> staff writer

smart,” Smith said. Working hard, however, has paid off in the long run. “I was pretty excited about receiving this reward,” Ebeweber said. “My parents are super proud.” Jatzlau is also congratulated for his efforts. “I felt accomplished because all the time and effort I put into football and school showed in that award. I also felt achieved because I know this experience and the education will help me in the long run,” Jatzlau said. “My mom is proud because she pushed me to get all my homework done, and she forced me to go work out in order to get stronger.” Le is also proud of his hard-earned accomplishments. “I feel very accomplished and proud to be recognized by my work and efforts,” Le said. “My family is proud; they are always there to support me through everything.” David Snokhous, head football coach and atheletic director, praises these students for their efforts. “I would describe these students as dedicated, disciplined, and intellectual,” Snokhous said. “That’s just their personality, hardworking and dedicated student athletes.”

He starts his day by rising bright and early to finish up on any undone homework. He then endures through challenging AP/K courses for a seven hour day. Afterwards, he might get a quick snack before heading off to football practice, lasting for about two hours every day. The fatigued student will then head home to study, staying up late to memorize vocabulary and write essays. He wakes up early the next day, able to go on with a bright smile on his face, repeating his daily routine. Four students struggle through this demanding schedule daily in order to excel in both sports and academics. Victor Le, Travis Jatzlau, Avery Smith, and Matthew Ebeweber, seniors, were recognized with the 2010 Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State Team Award for their effort to succeed. Ebeweber made the first All-state team, Le and Smith made the second Allstate team, and Jatzalu made district. With a game every week and enrollment in challenging courses, making an A is not an easy task. These four students, however, used their time wisely in order to make the best grades possible. “Academics and football basically controlled my life,” Jatzlau said. “I gave both 110% on and off the field because I wanted to accomplish all my goals.” Le agrees on the extent of time spent on both academics and football. “It takes up a lot of time and energy to excel on a day to day basis. I was always so tired,” Le said. “With practice lasting until later hours of the day, there was not much time for schoolwork.” With a demanding schedule dominating their lives, some of these students sought motivation. “Rich people motivate me because I strive to live in a life of luxury,” Jatzlau said. For others, motivation just came naturally. “I just love playing football and I want to be successful in school,” Le said. Proud Matthew Ebeweber, senior and 2010 Texas High School Coaches Smith, similarly, had natural Assocation All State Team Award winner, stands with his fellow teammate motivation. and award winner Victor Lee, senior, minus two other falcon award winners, “I am just hard working and Travis Jatzlau and Avery Smith, seniors.

Brother Camp

11 >>

Football teams await perfect day of training

alissaGUERRa

>> staff writer Sweat drips from out of the boys pores, and with every movement comes the reminder of their aching muscles. The football players strive to reach the goal of a “perfect day”, in boot camp. A perfect day consists of no mess ups, and everyone exhAusted lIifting his last set of weights Edwin Cardenas, junior gets tries their hardest support from his teamates Connor Chapin, junior. and finishes. When much as we can move up,” Jordan Traythey achieve the goal lor, junior, said. of a perfect day boot camp will end. Boot camp can take a toll on the In boot camp if the perfect day is not majority of the boys’ bodies, so much reached there will still be a deadline. “Boot camp usually goes on hopefully to where they must maintain a healthy until the perfect day is met, but if that’s diet. “I try to eat very healthy and drink not fulfilled than it will end in around water and Gatorade to keep myself very two weeks,” Coach Robert Walker said. Boot camp is divided into groups. hydrated and in a good condition. My The best group for the foot ball players diet consists of around 2800 calories to be in Falcon, the second is purple, the and I get at least an eight hour sleep evthird is white and at the bottom of the ery night,” Traylor said. The boy’s exercises in boot camp are chain there is the improvemade up of mats, jump ropes, and in ment group. “To be in the im- the gym the boys do curl ups with a 45 provement group you pound bar. Unless they are in improvehave to be either hurt or ment group the boys will be outside if our coaches hear from working out. “On the mats it is very exhaustone of our teachers that you do ing. We start off with one forward roll, not have good which leads to two forward rolls, one behavior. The backwards roll, than two backwards point of the rolls. Then when that is all completed groups is we do what call a wild out. Wild out to try to means we can do whatever we want, but i m p r o v e it must be in a form of aerobics,” Edwin from your Cardenas, junior, said. Overall boot camp is meant to bring group to the higher the team together as one. To not leave rank, until the “team” out in football team. “Boot camp is very good for the team you reach F a l c o n . because it instills discipline, trust, great However you work ethic, and builds their brother can still move bond. It is also a character test for the down from athletes,” David Snokhous, head coach, photos by aLISSa GUERRa our group as said.

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Teaching more than Academics

Geometry, Biology teachers team up to coach varsity girl soccer SaraZaTOPEK

>> staff writer

In the fast, action filled soccer game the audience focuses on the girls passing the ball across the field, but the girls’ concentration remains on the instructions of their coaches. Those same coaches, who train them, get them into shape and help hone their talents, watch from the side of the field and wait for the training to pay off. Corey Waller, coach and biology teacher, took on the challenge of training the girls’ soccer team during his first year at the school. His small high school did not have a soccer team, and he played soccer in college just in intramural competitions. In spite of his lack of experience playing the game, he knows the secrets of training a team. “We train like practice is a game so that the games are easy. Seeing development in a player [is the most rewarding part of coaching the team],” Waller said. Christie Mestayer, head coach and geometry teacher, loves the outdoors and played soccer throughout high school and college. “Soccer was the sport that I succeeded in at an early age, and I put all of my time and effort into it. No other sport compared to soccer,” Mestayer said. She worked with the junior varsity team for two years before becoming head coach.

In that time she found coaching soccer as much of a learning experience as playing it. “There is a big difference in being able to play the game and being able to coach the game. It’s challenging to tell what 17 girls are doing wrong as a team when I am used to just noticing what I was doing wrong on the field,” Mestayer said. The coaches find creative ways to challenge the team and teach them to think and act fast.

“Thestudents treat you differently when you are a coach. Some kids in the hall say “Hi coach” and I don’t even know who they are.”

“We do a lot of possession drills to learn how to keep control of the momentum of

the game. I also put regulations on the girls, like a 3 touch limit. This makes them play quicker and forces them to think a step ahead,” Mestayer said. The coaches have a kind of celebrity status around the school. Students respect and look up to them for their work and accomplishments with the team. “The students treat you differently when you are a coach. Some kids in the hall say ‘Hi Coach,’ and I don’t even know who they are,” Mestayer said. Engaging in team sports has more benefits than just giving players a workout; it also builds character and people skills by teaching students how to respect one another and work together to accomplish a common goal. “Trying to get 17 girls to be best friends is nearly impossible, and as a coach I don’t expect them to be [best friends],” Mestayer said. “I do, however, expect them to learn how to get along with each other on the field and be team players. They have to learn how to communicate with each other in a way that does not demean their teammates. A team sport also helps a person build trust in others because you need to depend on your teammates to do their job on the field so you are able to do yours, ” Mestayer said.

vArsity girls soccer schedule TIME

DATE

WHERE AGAINST