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volume 54 • no. 2 • nov. 6, 2014 • 4001 summerhill rd • texarkana, tx 75503 • www.tigertimesonline.com
LET’S HEAR IT... We’ve been on Fox Sports for our famous Texas vs. Arkansas rivalry. KTAL came to our school to film a 6 a.m. pep rally. We were even on a NFL commercial during the Super Bowl. Other people think our school spirit is worthy enough to be on television. So what defines our school spirit? Is it how the student body acts at pep rallies? Is it how crazy the student section gets at football games?
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INSIDE
news 2-4 • viewpoint 6-8 • feature 9-15 • sports 16-19 • entertainment 20-22
news
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tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
by ANNA CANNON staff writer Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, yet over 42 million Americans still smoke. In order to battle the deadly addiction, the American Cancer Society has marked the third Thursday of November as the Great American Smokeout, an event that encourages smokers to give up cigarettes for a single day. The event was started in San Francisco in 1977, and since then smoking prevalence among American adults has been reduced by about 50 percent. Even though the event is only
TOP TWEETS: @THSStudentMedia
@baileygravitt: “I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE TUBA SONG IS LOL” @rjacooks “#Namethemascot T’rone @Tyeshelton23” @molly_ann16 “I would fail high school if I didn’t have remind 101 tbh”
for one day, the benefits of quitting smoking begin as soon as someone stops. Twenty minutes after quitting, the heart rate and blood pressure drop. In 12 hours the carbon monoxide levels in a smoker’s bloodstream return to normal. If the smoker sticks with his decision to quit, his circulation and lung function improve. In one month, coughing, shortness of breath, and risk of infection decrease, and in one year, the risk of coronary disease is half of that of a continuing smoker’s risk. By having people quit for a day, the event can start the process of quitting and help smokers return to a healthy and smoke-free lifestyle. Quitting is hard, but with the right support and the right mindset, anyone can.
THE HOT SPOT sports series Last issue, readers got a chance to hear a little about senior volleyball athlete Jalissa Trotter. Now, continuing the tigertimesonline.com series “Faces of the Game,” senior Lauren Gibbert shares her experience as a varsity cross country runner.
what’s happening You Can’t Take It With YouNov. 6-9, Nov. 14-16 Don’t miss the Tiger Theatre Company’s production of this witty comedy in the PAC. Tickets are sold at the door.
Rosebuds Bake Sale-Nov. 21 The girls of Rosebuds will be holding a bake sale for the faculty. Baked goods will be sold in the teachers’ lounge.
Basketball ScrimmageNov.8 Texas High freshman, JV, and varsity will be scrimmaging against Pleasant Grove and New Boston at PG.
Mistletoe Fair-Nov. 21-23 Four Sates Fair will be hosting the annual Mistletoe Fair to get ready for the holiday season.
College Night-Nov. 10 Colleges from surrounding states will be coming to talk to students about their schoools. Colleges will be displayed in the cafeteria. Playoff Bonfire -Nov.13 The bonfire pep rally will be held behind the multi-purpose building. All students are encouraged to attend.
in this issue bond capacity
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Overcapacity has turned into an issue that cannot be ignored. Texarkana Independent School District has called a bond election. by Madeline Hunley
binge watching
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STAAR Retesting-Dec. 1-Dec. 5 English 1, Algebra, English 2, Biology and U.S. History STAAR retests will be held at Texas High school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Not only deos staying in bed all day affect your health, but it leaves no time to get anything else done. by Caroline May
ACT Dates December 13
volleyball playoffs
Page 17 The volleyball team is setting up for a successful rally in the playoffs. by Molly Crouch
photo by a. olalde
tigertimes Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 794-3891 Fax (903) 792-8971
The Tiger Times is a student-run publication. The contents and view are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of directors.
Print Editors in Chief Madeline Hunley and Robert Hoover Online Editor in Chief Caroline Purtle Managing Editor Amanda Hackleman Co-News Editors Tyler Snell & Anna Graves Viewpoint Editor Kristin McCasland
Feature Editor Molly Crouch Sports Editor Jessica Emerson Co-Entertainment Editors Conor Diggs & Brianna O’Shaughnessy Design Editor Caroline May In-Depth/Copy Editor Maggie Coleman
Public Relations Abby Hill Calendar Editor Daniela Correa Advertising Manager Hannah Williams Business Manager Rachel Stuart Photo Editor Savannah Pritchard Staff Writer Anna Cannon
Jillian Cheney Ahja Cherry Leah Crenshaw Katherine Doan Bethany Dowd Matthew Francis Alex Heo Grace Hickey Hannah Higgins Anneliese Hounsel Raga Justin Naveen Malik Lauren Maynard Alex O’Gorman
Karlee Post Lauren Potter Cailey Roberson Ashlyn Sander Luke Smith Photographers Kelsi Brinkmeyer Savannah Pritchard Faith Rhone Sara Rogers Lauren Gibbert Paige Huddleston Alyssa Olade-Glavin
Carli Sharp Ashley Tyson Israel Arias Rachel Lewis Jordan Rowe Michaela Stiger Augusta Welcher Daylan O’Neal Brianna O’Shaughnessy Sara Vaughn Kristin McCasland
Israel Arias Augusta Welcher Daylan O’Neal Sara Vaughn
Videographers Ashley Tyson
Members NSPA, CSPA, ILPC
Advisers Rebecca Potter & Clint Smith Principal Brad Bailey
take a
TISD implements new co-teaching program
byte out of
AP computer science
by ROBERT HOOVER co-editor in chief
New class aims to reboot college prep curriculum by ALEX HEO staff writer Since the first graduating class of Texas High School in 1889, Texas High has been striving to prepare its students for success in college. It looks to continue to achieve this goal with a new AP computer science class this year. The idea of having the class was first stimulated by alumni Michael Stanley. “Computer science courses are needed, at least for engineers,” Stanley said. “I thought I would be entering my Introduction to Computing Class on an equal playing field.” However, Stanley’s fellow peers at the University of Texas at Austin had a different background of learning. “Who learns computer coding in high school, right? Well, apparently a lot of people,” Stanley said. “While my professor assured me that I could earn an A with zero previous knowledge in this matter, I was at a disadvantage.” After hearing the plea from Stanley, Texas High created the class. The course is taught by Julie McBay, during third period on A days. Even if students aren’t interested in majoring in engineering, there are many potential skills that can be gained from taking the class. “Students who are not planning to major in STEMrelated fields can still benefit as well,” McBay said. “The course is about problem solving. It teaches
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tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
COMPUTING SOLUTIONS New AP Computer Science teacher Julie McBay explains to her class how she got the correct answer. photo by k. brinkmeyer
valuable critical thinking skills, and you might find out that you have a real love for programming, and decide to look at it as a potential degree or career choice.” Computer Science has been growing in importance lately. In 2012 Forbes dubbed the area of study as the third most valuable college major. However, there is a shortage of students studying this field across the country. “There is a lack of computer knowledge in the nation, and it is a national issue. For the administration that is skeptical of this, tell them to do some research,” Stanley said. “If this class is added to Texas High, it will immediately become a more elite school.” Along with having more classes to help students better prepare for college, Stanley also believes in altering the way teachers teach their curriculum. In order to
better prepare for college, students must also go through a learning curve. “First off, teachers must stop teaching memorization. All of my professors have addressed the fact that this is what hurts students the most,” Stanley said. “Instead, they should be teaching how to use skills learned as an application.” This learning curve can be gained by taking the Computer Science AP class. In addition to this, students must also challenge themselves to have success in further education. “As Stanley stated, we must ensure that our students are preparing for the higher level of expectations at the collegiate level,” Mark Schroeder, Director of College and Career Readiness said. “Students must understand that pushing themselves in high school will get them in the programs they desire.”
TISD has adopted a fairly new method of teaching, known as co-teaching or collaborative teaching, to better prepare both regular level and special needs students for the various state required tests. As Texas pushes more and more on harder testing guidelines for special needs students, the district has decided to give this system of teaching a try. “Collaborative teaching is something that has been done nationally for many years but is kind of new to the state of Texas,” outside consultant Dr. Tracy Knickerbocker said. “In 2012, Texas came out with co-teaching guidelines, encouraging districts to adopt collaborative teaching because it helps students acquire content, and ultimately it can help students prepare for testing situations.” The collaborative teaching method isn’t restrictive, but can be set up in numerous combinations to best fit the course being taught. “Districts can set up collaborative teaching in a number of ways,” Knickerbocker said. “The two teachers might be general education teachers both certified in the same content such as English. It might be a special ed certified teacher in a certain content with a general educator. It might be a general educator with another licensed
professional such as a speech and language teacher or an ESL teacher.” Teachers Tere McGonagill and Andrew Jones are just one of many partnerships that have been formed due to this program. “For the most part I think co-teaching has been a great asset to a lot of our students,” Jones said. “I feel like students are more engaged, and I really feel like they’re getting a better, more rounded education.” Both teachers underwent special training to teach together under the new Texas guidelines, and to discover new ways to connect with students of all learning degrees. “We have been through several trainings together with the district consultant, Dr. Knickerbocker,” McGonagill said. “Regardless of what type of student, they all have different styles of learning and when you can have two teachers in there presenting the same materials in different ways, I think you're going to have a bigger impact.” This system is still new to TISD, but there are already positive outlooks for its potential and future results. “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful,” principal Brad Bailey said. “This is something we've put a lot of effort, training, planning and organization into. I think the future is going to be brighter.”
Texas High
Horticulture Department Poinsettias ~ Live Christmas ~ Wreaths Pansies ~ Houseplants ~ Garden Plants Mums ~ Homecoming Arrangements Please contact: Kim Spaulding (903) 794-3891 @ext. 2241/2254, email: spauldingk@txkisd.net or Kaye Ramirez (903) 794-3891@ext. 2241, email: ramirezk@txkisd.net
TEAMWORK Teachers Andrew Jones and Tere McGonagill put their efforts together to teach their chemistry class. photo by e. tullis
news
4 Bailey initiates round-table discussion to address school-related issues
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
by AMANDA HACKLEMAN managing editor
of communication with members of our campus in a positive way so each person’s voice is heard.” There is no such thing as a perfect In the first meeting, held Oct. 15, several school. No matter location, administration, issues were brought to light. Concerns disciplinary policy, or any other issue, about the dress code, testing locations, and there will always be problems with the a possible new disciplinary policy were educational experience. At Texas High, openly discussed. however, head principal Brad Bailey has While there were many discussions, taken the initiative to begin addressing these attendance was low. The purpose of this problems. His is to help the Meetings will be method: round administration held in the library table discussions. become aware the third Wednesday Held monthly, of every month, of issues that these meetings are beginning at 4 directly affect p.m. Dates are as designed to help the students, follows: teachers, office teachers, and staff staff, maintenance within the school. November 19 workers, and Bailey encourages December 17 students voice anyone with a January 14 February 18 their concerns. problem to come. March 18 Bailey is hopeful “I would April 15 they inspire like to see more May 20 people to speak people attend JOTTING NOTES Principal Brad Bailey takes notes during the first up and improve the round-table round-table discussion. photo by A. Olalde the school. discussions “The purpose of the roundtable is to because I think it could be a very good provide an opportunity for anyone on our thing for our school as a whole,” Spanish campus to discuss issues that directly affect teacher Roxanne Higginbotham said. Texas High,” principal Brad Bailey said. “Mr. Bailey comes very prepared for any “This includes things we are doing great questions we might have for him. He and brainstorming ideas to help make THS is willing to listen to our concerns and even better. Above all, this helps open a line hopefully can fix anything that we need.”
photo by I. Arias
by RAGA JUSTIN staff writer
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Money
The focus of the holiday season seems to have gone from peace on earth and frosty nights with hot chocolate and blazing fires to Santa’s midnight joyride. American consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the quantity and nature of presents and gifts, often straying from the essence of any major holiday. “The origins of Christmas are about the birth of Jesus,” sophomore Matthew Wells said. “But we tend to make it ‘buy everyone in your family a present or they won’t like you.’” Every year stores seem to be putting out festive decorations months in advance, leading to elves and red-nosed Rudolphs before Halloween. While some students view this as a manifestation of overwhelming consumerism in America,
others could care less. “It’s just how society works,” senior Jonathan Asher said. “Everything’s about money. It’s normal, so why should we fight it?” This fixation on ‘stuff’ has infiltrated popular culture through social media, where kids have taken to posting pictures of everything they unwrapped Christmas morning. “I see girls who post pictures of everything they got, and I just don’t think it’s appropriate,” sophomore Ali Richter said. “I think it’s just a way for kids to brag about stuff they got, and that’s something I’d never do.” Still, the happiness of holidays is a hard thing to bog down with any form of negativity. “Nothing affects my view of holidays,” Richter said. “I love Christmas, and I love decorating and being with family. Nothing else matters.”
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
community
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tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
EDITORIAL
Stay true to yourself
TISD faces challenges due to overcrowding Pushing, shoving and virtually being elbow-to-elbow is an experience that most students in TISD schools encounter. Overcapacity has turned into an issue that cannot be ignored, and because of this, TISD called a bond election to address enrollment increases that have averaged about 146 students per year over the last 12 years. On Tuesday, voters headed to the polls to sound off on a $29.9 million bond that would provide funds to build a new elementary school and sixth grade center at Texas Middle School. At press time, the results of this election were not available. Even if the bond passed, TISD will have to eventually address the growing population at Texas High, especially as growth within the next five years is anticipated to remain stable. The enrollment capacity at the high school is already projected at 112 percent. The greatest area of concern is the freshman class that continues to grow. Even though the ninth grade building was remodeled, it did not include the addition of classrooms. More classroom space and more teachers will be needed so that a freshman high school student won’t be sitting in the back of a classroom with well over 30 students. Parking is another area of concern. As enrollment increases so will the number of student drivers. Eventually, we are going to run out of spaces. Every spring, due to the small amount of open parking spaces, students have to transfer to the DECA parking lot instead of the student parking lot. This can cause many students to be tardy because of the amount of time taken to drive to the overflow parking lot; a venture that was unexpected.
Cartoon by Alex O’Gorman
Seating at the graduation ceremony is already a primary concern. Since each senior is given only five tickets, it’s difficult for many families to accommodate relatives for this special day. Thoughts of relocating the ceremony have been brought up, but First Baptist Church is the best location. The Performing Arts Center can only hold around 1,000 people; this is less than the amount of students at Texas High. Texas High is known for its quality education and opportunities that are not only available for academics but extend to extracurricular activities. If the district is not able to address the expansion of the population, we may lose our place as a frontrunner in educational opportunities. These factors determine Texas High and its outlook for the next generation of students.
SPEAK OUT
How do you think Texas High should deal with overcrowding? “Some kids from other districts come in like maybe the PG district, the Arkansas district. We can not let as many of them in, and that will obviously reduce the population of the school.” Wesley Smith, 10 “All that green grass out there in front of the parking lot, well all that green grass needs to be made concrete and extra parking spots.” Kallie Phillips, 12
“We should have an assigned spot for our car so that we don’t have to rush to school, just to make ourselves late. We should just have a spot.” Nancy Do, 12
“You know that area over there by the baseball fields where it’s all gravel? Make that student parking. All that room back there and it’s Alex Hart, 11 just there.” “Build another school. I mean that’s the easiest solution. It may be a little expensive, but expanding it would be kind of hard and would shut down stuff.” Sid Sandefur, 10
“You’ve got so much potential, Grace.” “You would truly succeed in this job, Grace.” “Why are you so set on wasting your life, Grace?” A chorus of Graces bounce off the walls that are plastered with nameless people and posed, smiling faces telling me to “plan for my future now.” The only problem is that every time I attempt to compose a blueprint for the landscape of my life, it ends up becoming a GRACE HICKEY cookie-cutter staff writer portrait of everyone else’s ideal Grace and her perfect future as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, and... the list goes on. But there never seems to be an option that suits what I want to do, so I always just end up picking the same choice: none of the above. All of my life, I have pushed myself in academics. I was told to do my best and be proud of the work I put forth. I was not aware, however, that if you succeed, you’ve already been fitted to a certain job description. I thought the way the world worked was that you get to choose your career, not have someone choose it for you. Personally, I have no interest in becoming a rocket scientist or a heart surgeon. I want to pursue something in the arts, like acting, and work at a job that I actually love. But apparently, that is not an option. According to the people who “actually know what they are talking about,” it would be a waste if I didn’t pursue a field that utilizes 100 percent of my “untapped potential.” My only question is: Who gets to decide what exactly my potential is? Who gets to say what career is the only way for me to attain true success? Being the people-pleaser that I am, I have tried again and again to fit into everyone else’s little box with a neat black and white label on the outside. I have only recently discovered that if you let other people dictate your life, then it really isn’t your life anymore. With that being said, even though it’s still a continual struggle with the adults and other voices of “reason” in my life, I’m going to continue pursuing my passion instead of just allowing myself to be a conglomeration of others’ choices.
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tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
The girl that dreads deadlines Junior laments on how difficult her grade level can be Wake up at 6:30 a.m. to work with a teacher before class. First period, 78 on a quiz. For someone in the top ten of their class, not bad. Second period, cramming to read everything there wasn’t time for last night, only left one out of five questions blank, pretty good. Lunch, working a few problems left from the homework before next period and leaving your food for later on, routine. Third period, test over a concept you learned earlier that week, was certain on about 60 percent of the questions, okay. Fourth period, quiz over chapter 19 to the end, new book assigned, exhaustion. Fifth period, get out at 4:45 p.m. for practice, privilege. After school, 4 hours of homework, club meeting, in bed at midnight, accomplishment. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat... Junior year are the two words that singe the ears of lower classmen and weaken the bodies of eleventh grade students. It is notorious for being the year that “OMG I wish I could have cancer so I could fall in love with someone as hot as Augustus Waters!” I know that most people who read this will probably not believe me, but I actually heard this come from a 10-year-old girl’s mouth. At first, I was shocked that anyone would ever wish cancer upon themselves, but then her reasoning began to (vaguely) make sense. Recently, a great deal of new movies, books and TV shows marketed to teens have focused on cancer. These various forms of media portray cancer as almost glamorous instead of the horrible killer it actually is. When “The Fault in our Stars” fad began, I had no problem with it. I read the book and found it decent. Also, I saw the movie and it too wasn’t that bad. I wasn’t a fan, but I didn’t hate the story either. However, after months of listening to people rave about the movie, I began to question the concept of the “The Fault in Our Stars.”
Caroline May
design editor
will ruin you mentally, physically, and emotionally, all in a matter of one day. At 16 or 17 years old, stress can take a toll on students’ health. Lack of sleep can cause anxiety or even depression. Some have stomach ulcers, muscle spasms or panic attacks. In other cases, a few students turn to drinking or similar outlets that can be harmful to them in order to cope. Those behaviors are not normal and shouldn’t be accepted as situations to take lightly. This excruciating work has
become something that people have turned a blind eye to rather than recognized as an issue. The amount of stress placed on students has not always been so great. We are expected to take classes my mom took a year or two into college. The competitiveness to get into college has increased dramatically through the years, which is the reason students are forced to take a schedule full of hard classes. The work is non-stop, and most of the teachers aren’t sympathetic toward students, which makes the
Without cancer, the book Stars” treats cancer as almost would be the same as any love an afterthought. The book and story found in the teen section movie rarely mention any side at Books-A-Million. The book effects of the illness unless they is not deep; it further the plot of does not teach the story in some any valuable way. Because of this, lessons. A boy young audiences and a girl fall in can inadvertently be love and then led to believe that one of them dies having cancer is only a tragic death a little worse than and everyone’s having the flu. heart is broken. Kristin McCasland “The Fault in Our viewpoint editor Stars,” however, isn’t Typical. But MOVIES, BOOKS & TV from the the only deceptive FEATURING CANCER moment media portrayal of “The Fault in Our Stars” that cancer cancer. The Red “Before I Die” is introduced Band Society, a “The Probability of Miracles” to the plot, new comedy drama “50/50” it becomes a TV show, follows “Red Band Society” best-selling book several teenagers “Now is Good” and blockbuster with various diseases, movie. This shouldn’t be the including cancer, during case. their stay at a hospital. The I get it, cancer is relatable. characters on this show don’t Almost everyone has been seem sick, and they definitely affected in some way by the don’t look to be the least bit disease, which makes it a worried about their conditions. valid topic of media focus. In fact, the show seems to However, “The Fault in Our be more focused on comedic
year even tougher. The reason why 11 grade is much harder compared to the other high school years is because it’s when colleges begin to look at resumes. They judge what classes students took, how they did in those classes, and how involved they are with extracurriculars. The concepts and subjects expected to take this year are also extremely hard to grasp: Physics, Pre-Calculus, English III, US History. Almost all of these classes are offered in either Advanced Placement or Dual Credit, which challenges students to do college work at a young age. In order to outshine the person in the seat next to you, you must take the higher weighted classes and make better grades and be more involved. After all, the toughness of junior year all depends on how hard a person decides to make it, but, because the race for class rank is extreme, a difficult year is strongly encouraged. Expectations for these students are set at the top of a shelf, 10 feet higher than them. It is
one-liners than the patients’ actual problems. Although humor is a great way to deal with the stress that accompanies cancer, the characters on “The Red Band Society” could become unrelatable if the show completely omits the gravity of their situations. The recent media portrayal of cancer is almost crass. It appears that these authors, producers and directors don’t care in the slightest about how the disease affects ordinary people everyday. To them, cancer is a synonym for money, and the more of it they can include in their works, the more profit they will gain in the end. However, the fault cannot totally be placed on the media. Their monetary gains are fueled by raging fangirls everywhere. So I urge you to not become fans of a popular book or movie just because everyone else is. Form your own opinions about what the media has to offer and be aware of what’s really going on in the world.
almost impossible for them to meet standards without stretching themselves to their absolute ends, and even then they might not make it. Being told that every grade you make on a test or quiz reflects on the rest of your future can drive anyone insane. Adults always claim that high school will be the best four years of your life. The irony of that claim is that adults are the ones tearing kids apart with the pressure of their schoolwork during these years. While working hard should be encouraged, there should still be time to enjoy these years while they last. Though the year is demanding, the light at the end of the tunnel will come eventually. A year is a long time to deal with that amount of work day after day, but time will eventually run out. “Junior year is like a river,” AP US History teacher Chuck Zach said. “It just keeps going and going and going. Some patches will be smoother and some will be rougher than others, but it will never stop moving until the end.”
Hollywood’s portrayal of cancer “To them, cancer is a synonym for money and the more of it they can include in their works, the more profit they will gain in the end.”
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT National and state standards Again, on paper this makes perfect have been in place, regarding school sense. All of these products, when nutrition, for a long time. After years of misused, can cause excessive weight. changes and reform, the meal plan had However, like everything else in the become affordable, high in nutrition world of public education, there is no and satisfying for students. However, we “one size fits all” method to taking are now facing a dilemma regarding too care of child nutrition in schools. For many food restrictions, mainly because instance, in Texas, the allowed amount of attempts at reducing childhood of fats in food items doesn’t change from obesity. elementary school all the way Lawmakers tend to high school. to do anything they If you want to have think will make a healthy diet for your them look good. It’s students, than it should meet just politics. Getting the nutritional needs of all re-elected is always a your students. The 6’1 senior big concern, so they football player should be able look for issues they to get a larger portion than can “fix” to please the 5’2 freshman cheerleader. the public. When If they both get the exact ROBERT HOOVER people start getting same portion, then there is co-editor in chief upset that children a guarantee that one, if not are, on average, larger than they used both, of them are not getting the correct to be, it’s an easy fix on paper. All you amount of food. This is where the “one have to do is cut calories at the schools. size fits all” ideology fails. Politicians on both the national and Many students that have to use the state level jumped on the train and set free lunch system only receive food at this low calorie plan into action. school, which means that many don’t Further steps were taken, and the get enough food to meet their needs for door to school nutrition was flung the day. In several other cases, they use wide open. School districts were told to junk food to supplement for the lack of have less fat, less carbs, less sugar and nutritional food given by their school. It anything that could contribute to the seems like quite a hassle to malnutrition obesity problem in America. half of your student body, while driving
Nutrition guidelines cause harm
the other half towards obesity, the very thing that this was supposed to be preventing. What’s even more insane is that if a school district chooses to not follow these guidelines, their funding gets cut. The lunch room employes have to constantly break their backs to meet the standards or face losing their money. While it would be far too difficult to distribute food proportionally correct on the serving line, there are options that the government should seriously consider allowing. First, the war on calories needs to end. Calorie intake is necessary to stay healthy, and getting enough calories is just as important as not getting an excessive amount. Second, breakfast and lunch options should vary by type and quantity so students can get the nutrition they specifically require. Also, schools should receive funding that allows them to send home packed dinners for students from lower income families. If you are going to take on the task of managing child nutrition, you need make sure you plan out the needs for all of the students. Sending children home hungry is not the answer to the obesity problem. If malnourishment is how we want to solve it rather than actually providing healthy alternatives, then we are right on track.
Yes, I know I am a girl Whenever I mention being in Boy Scouts, the same comment always presents itself, “But you’re a girl.” Yes, I am indeed a girl. And yes, I am in Boy Scouts. BSA has a co-ed branch called Venturing that allows anyone to join when they are 14. With a highly involved scouting family, of course, my dad signed me up. I can’t say that being a girl in an organization that is primarily boys is even somewhat normal. I mean most of them sit around and trade Yu-Gi-Oh cards and probably haven’t ever spoken to a girl. However, I can say it has taught me several lessons. Girls are tough too. The summer before my freshman year I attended a high adventure camp in New Mexico that specializes in backpacking. On this trip, my crew and I were in the mountains for 10 days. This trip involved a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and of course, body odor. Hiking for 63 miles with 30 pounds on your back and not showering for 10 days isn’t really the ideal activity for a girl. Girls are considered weak compared to guys, but
that trip has not only showed me that I can do anything that a boy can do, but I can even do some things better. Always wear bug spray. Mosquitoes and chiggers can leave scars. Not only can bugs be nasty and carry diseases, their bites make your legs look gross. While working at a Boy Scout camp this past summer, I continuously made the mistake of not putting on bug spray. My legs were covered in scabs. Needless to say, I learned the value of Off. Boys are gross. Boy Scouts has really made me praise the inventor of deodorant. Working with boys for six consecutive weeks, I began to underestimate how bad they could smell. I don’t know if they all chose not to shower or just didn’t use soap, but gah, it’s like you needed a hazmat suit to stand next to them. Whoever came up with “boys have cooties” was probably referring to the excess amounts of bacteria that covers the male species. Don’t let material things consume you. Today, everyone is infatuated with electronics, social media and their appearance. Working at camp and
LAUREN POTTER/staff writer
going backpacking showed me that it is possible to have fun without your phone or Netflix. Boy Scouts is kind of like school, no phones. They force you to make connections with people without texting. I discovered a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and my friends without using all the electronics that consumes everyone today. Although, being in Boy Scouts has been hectic and often disturbing, I can say that I have enjoyed every second of it. I have made many memories and friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world. So, thanks Dad for trying to make me as boyish as possible and introducing me to this organization.
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
It’s more than just a statement You know the warm feeling you get when you find an old photograph covered with dust that brings back the fondest memories? Or the feeling of relief when you slowly crawl into your cozy bed after a long day? Or maybe the smile that appears across a child’s face after he is surprised with the stuffed bear he saw in the window just a few hours ago, and the mother feeling a sense of love when her son says ‘Thanks Mom!’ in the voice as sweet as an angel? These things are what make the world around me seem worth it. The 11 months that lead up to the most wonderful time of the year have come and gone, and now the wait is over. Colors of auburn and burnt orange fall from the tall limbs and drown the dry ground until there MADELINE HUNLEY is nothing left but co-editor in chief piles of leaves to leap into— a fall fanatic’s dream. Students are transitioning from sandals and shorts to wool jackets and leather boots in order to fit in with the always changing fall trends. Many would say their favorite part of the season is the clothing and colors that seem to draw the attention of bypassers. The brand, style and stitching matter to these people who find the best in every piece of clothing. It is known that the fashion industry becomes more popular once fall rolls around, but there is so much more to look forward to during this season. Dressing yourself in warmer tones, throwing on a scarf, and walking out the door may seem like the ultimate autumn look, but is that really what it is all about? The opinions differ depending on the particular person who is expressing their thoughts. I feel that the month of October is more than just a 31 day fashion show to flaunt the latest fall trends. Sitting around a fire that gives off the warmth needed to protect from the chill outside or watching a classic Halloween movie is what the season should revolve around. Rummaging through the pantry and making warm, melt-inyour-mouth, chocolate chip cookies after a day full of tests and quizzes is what makes me feel alive inside. The season of boots, scarves, and sweaters is long gone in my view. Watching the warmcolored, paper-thin leaves spin to the ground and lay, wondering when it will be their time to have a child run through them is what I think of whenever this time of the year creeps up. It is what I look forward to and once it is over, I continue to count down the days until I can genuinely feel happy and thankful for a month or two during the most wonderful time of the year.
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health
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
How am I supposed to breathe Sophomore learns to cope with condition by JILLIAN CHENEY staff writer Tight lungs. Complete loss of control. The panic can be compared to drowning, stuck and unable to breathe. Sophomore Robin Cooper discovered her lung disease when she was two years old. “My mom was at work one day, training at a different pharmacy out of town, and I was there with her taking a nebulizer treatment because I was sick,” Cooper said. “She met this woman who asked what was wrong with me and said I sounded like I had something her daughter had. Her daughter died when she was twelve. That’s obviously not something anyone wants to hear.” She has a rare condition called bronchiolitis obliterans which is when the body rejects natural lungs and they
slowly deteriorate. This causes asthma-like symptoms but can be much more serious in the long run. “We were set up with the girl’s doctor she had while she was alive, and thankfully they caught it early enough to treat me in the best way possible,” Cooper said. “For a disease that there isn’t much information about, it’s a pretty big deal.” This has led to a fair share of problems and near death scares for Robin and her family. “I was running to the Christmas tree one year like any other kid would, and my lungs failed- I stopped breathing. They took me to the hospital and put me on an iron lung, which forces you to breathe, and I somehow survived,” Cooper said. “It was really big on my parents. It’s something we’ve never forgotten.” With only 30 percent of functioning lung capacity, a transplant may be necessary in the future. For now she has
with no air
BREATHING MADE EASIER Robin Cooper demonstrates how her nebulizer has helped her live a normal life. photo by b. o’shaughnessy
a variety of other treatments to keep the deterioration at bay. “I take nebulizer treatments, which involves the mask and albuterol, antibiotics to help immune deficiency, and anything else that could protect from something that could hurt my body,” Cooper said. Cooper does the opposite of letting her disease affect the way she lives her life.
She’s an active participant in band, color guard, debate, and a number of other clubs at school , and she’s an excellent baker when she has the time. “Even now, I count how many years it’s been, and I realize I’m really lucky,” Cooper said. “It’s just one of the things I’ve learned to live with, but it really helps me live each day to the fullest.”
It’s just a prick on the finger Freshman tackles type 1 diabetes, finds bright side to her daily routine by ABIGAIL HILL public relations editor
DROP OF BLOOD Freshman Celeste Anderson checks her blood sugar during soccer practice. Anderson has learned to cope with the daily blood sugar checks while not letting the process slow her down. photo by f. rhone
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES There is a lot of misunderstanding about Type 1 Diabetes, or T1D Hopefully, these three facts will clear up any misconceptions.
as a trigger for Type 2 Diabetes but scientist are uncertain why T1D occurs.
Type 1 Diabetes is not 1Obesity caused by obesity. has been identified
the opposite is the case. Regular exercise can actually help lower blood
While some believe 2participate people with T1D can’t in athletics,
Information from by JDRF, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes
sugar levels. T1D was once referred 3diabetes to as “juvenile onset” because of its prevalence in youth. However, people of any age can develop Type 1 Diabetes.
Cracker crumbs and needles fill her bag. Endless amounts of insulin and worry fill her body. Waking up means a simple splash of water in the face for other kids, but it means a prick in the finger for freshman Celeste Anderson. Anderson heard news four years ago that turned her life upside down. It was the start of new routines and responsibilities she would have to carry on for the rest of her life. “Finding out I had diabetes totally changed everything I did,” Anderson said. “I had to learn how to test my blood sugar and take insulin when most kids didn’t even know what it was.” Because of her diabetes, testing her blood sugar levels is necessary and happens 8-10 times a day. “In order to stay healthy, I have to test my blood sugar before I eat anything, or whenever I don’t feel well,” Anderson said. “I have to count the carbohydrates in everything I eat, [and] take insulin through my pump or syringes for the food I eat or when my blood sugar is too high.” Not only does Celeste have to worry about
her health, it also affects her education. “Type 1 diabetes can affect me at school because I have to test my blood sugar before every test,” Anderson said. “If I’m too high or low, I have to wait to take the test when I’m in a normal range.” Along with her struggles to keep up in school, Celeste feels guilty when her disease falls in the way of performing well in sports. “When I’m at soccer, I have to check my blood sugar every time I play,” Anderson said. “Sometimes I get sick when I run, and I don’t play as well if I’m out of range.” Celeste’s symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, dehydration and blurry vision. Being too low or high on blood sugar levels is a medical emergency and has to be treated immediately. “Anytime I leave the house, I have to make sure I bring my testing kit and a sugar of some sort,” Anderson said. It may not seem difficult to some people but, Celeste has learned that it’s way more than the medical issue she suspected. “The hardest thing I have to deal with is that I have to watch myself whenever I do anything,” Anderson said. “I don’t want to have to worry about all the extra responsibilities that go with being a Type 1 diabetic.”
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feature
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
WoW
Junior finds new fascination with World of Warcraft by CONOR DIGGS co-entertainment editor He awakens at five in the morning and wobbles over to his computer. Clicking the power button on his PC, the monitor begins to illuminate as he places himself upon his chair. The adventurer sits there and stares at his screen, moving the mouse cursor to the game’s icon. He begins his quest for everlasting glory and for his name to be known throughout the World of Warcraft. This hero’s name is Alexander Iveroth. World of Warcraft, or abbreviated to WoW, was released in 2004. Iveroth has been a devout subscriber ever since he became interested in the game. “I started playing WoW in a small community called Munsö
which is in Sweden,” Iveroth said. “My uncles, Axel and Eric, played it, and I would constantly watch them until my mom finally got me my own copy of the game.” Iveroth didn’t know that he would be sucked into the massive world full of different factions and races for him to choose from. “I play as an Undead Priest named Clavicle who is part of the Horde faction on the server Area 52,” Iveroth said. “As a priest, my main role is to keep party members alive by healing them and for that reason it gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I’m the most important person in the group.” Without playing WoW, Iveroth truly believes he would not be the same person he is today and not have become acquainted with one of his closest friends. “I’ve grown up with this
game in Sweden and Texarkana,” Iveroth said. “It has brought me real life relationships which forged into powerful friendships in reality. I feel that if it wasn’t for WoW, Jacob Shaw and I wouldn’t be best friends.” Even though World of Warcraft has been out for ten years, Iveroth doesn’t dream of ever stopping the game. “The constant content that Blizzard gives out is truly amazing,” Iveroth said. “I can never get enough of it. It’s a rough estimate, but I think I have played close to a year in hours.” While some say Iveroth wastes his time playing a video game, he thinks otherwise because he is not ready to give this part of his life up. “I feel as if my time has never been wasted,” Iveroth said. “It’s a hobby just like everything else.”
EXTREME GAMER Junior Alexander Iveroth is an avid World of Warcraft player. photo by s. pritchard
WORKING YOUR BUNS OFF Senior receives opportunity to discuss issues with Whataburger executives by ASHLYN SANDER staff writer
THANKFUL HER FOR JOB Jacoya Anderson is thankful for the experiences and lessons learned. photo by k. mccasland
Nerves filled her body as she prepared herself to walk on stage. She took a deep breath as she began her speech, all with a smile on her face. Senior Jacoya Anderson spoke to Whataburger executives about the pros of the DECA program in Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 9. “I had to do a speech over how DECA is helping me and how I’m balancing school, work and DECA at the same time,” Anderson said. “Also how it benefits me and how can I improve and help them with it.” Anderson has worked at Whataburger since August. “I help with everything, like take orders, cook, wash dishes, take care of the money and make sure it goes to get its deposits,” Anderson said. Although Anderson has only worked at Whataburger for a short amount of time, she has already had a positive influence on other employees. “When I first started working there, they nicknamed me “Joy” because all I did was smile all the time,” Anderson said. “They said I had
this very distinct smile that just brightens your day when you see it.” Anderson gained a lot from this opportunity and learned what the working environment will be like once she has completed her years as a high school student. “I think getting to speak is a great experience for Jacoya,” DECA teacher Pam Hamilton said. “It is an eye opening experience to see how management meetings are conducted and not many young people get the chance to speak and experience such a professional setting.” There were some bizarre occurrences during Anderson’s speech. “Halfway through my speech a lady’s water had broken, so I had to stop my speech, and they had to get her settled,” Anderson said. “I had to go back up there and finish my speech which was pretty hard because I was really nervous.” Being a part of DECA has created many skills useful in real world situations. “I’ve learned that when you’re working you have to balance other things in your life,” Anderson said. “It will help you down the line in life because when you get older and you’re working on your career, you have to balance that and paying bills and stuff like that.”
tigertimes nov 6, 2014
community
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in-depth
12
QA
50
33%
Disney Day
27%
Hawaiian Day
shades of fired up
23%
Dress as Your Date Day
Fans should be able to show skin for school spirit by TYLER SNELL co-news editor We’ve all heard it at student council meetings, over TigerVision and even at pep rallies. Students are challenged to show school spirit and be proud of our school. We are made aware of the spirit days in order to dress out and have fun. When Wednesday comes around, only about a quarter of the student population actually dresses up, and then many of those have to because it’s a grade for Leadership. Recently, our school became Twitter and Vine famous for the cheerleaders’ performance at the Kilgore pep rally. However, this video did not reveal the disappointing scene of the student section not standing up when the football players walked in. I realized that no one cares about the football players besides a select few. And these people, just like myself, want to show school spirit in a fun, non harmful way. I dress up for spirit days because it’s something fun to do during the school day. The logical reasoning is that we should be able to dress up for football games, too. However, to show my spirit I want to be able to undress at football games, even in the bitter cold. Being a fan at pep rallies and football
games means cheering on your fellow classmates. We do this in hopes of pumping up our players for that big play on third down. People show their spirit different ways but I get bored just standing and yelling the whole time. I want to be able to show my school spirit with paint and my voice. Some students in the past painted their faces, and sometimes their bodies, to show how much they support the football players and our school. Starting in 2008, the yearbook published a spread explaining how the student section is losing spirit. Over the years, the spirit continued to decline until there was no more face painting. Then in 2012, some students decided to bring back the tradition of painting chests for football games. After ripping their shirts off, they were politely asked to put them back on. This year, the tradition was sputtered out with a few simple words of “no skin can be showing.” The swim team should be able to show some skin to support the Tigers. We are all swimmers, so people are used to seeing us shirtless. The yearbook even has the swim team in their swimsuits without shirts on. School spirit demands that students have the opportunity to show how much they care. Students cannot be
expected to push the football players to go that extra yard if they are limited by unreasonable rules. Administration says that students are not allowed to take off shirts because of dress code policies. Students can not expose bodies as fans whether it be at school or at an event unless it is a part of the requirement as a participant in the event. Administration also encourages students to show their support by painting T-shirts and coming out to the football games or athletic events. They also feel that we have the best student section that always shows its support. My plea is that students are able to show their support without profanity or without an action that disgraces the school. There is no better way to cheer on our teammates than by covering ourselves with our school’s colors paint. Our student section could be a deafening roar instead of some occasional claps and cheers. However, this roar is stifled by stringent rules. Students should be able to paint their chests if they so chose to in order to show spirit at football games. We all have it, but are restricted on how we can show it. Options run out, so the football games become a social event instead of students coming together to cheer on our team.
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT yes,
we do
“I think it’s vitally important for every student to be proud of his colors and represent them whenever he is given the opportunity. School spirit adds to the moral and enthusiasm of the entire school, and makes us proud of what we’re about. If every student would give 100 percent into school spirit, I believe that you would see more unity in the school, and more overall success, because people would take more pride in going to Texas High.”
68%
of students surveyed said we had school spirit What is your favorite spirit-related activity?
30%
football-related activities
26%
dress-up days
25%
athletic events
19%
pep rallies Statistics compilied by a stratified random sampling of 100 students.
Staff, students share opinions, ideas on spirit
by MAGGIE COLEMAN copy & in-depth editor You see her walking through the hallway. She’s usually dressed up for the spirit days or even painted like a tiger on Orange Out for Texas vs. Arkansas week. She follows the daily routine of a Texas High student along with choir practice, debate meetings, thespian society meetings, and countless other activities, but she doesn’t participate in the average Texas Friday night like other kids who go all out. So why does junior Savannah Martin go above and beyond to show school spirit on Wednesdays during football and for sporting events? “I did it first for the Bacon Fry because I wanted to show school and spirit and my family loves to bash Arkansas High,” Martin said. “I wanted to dress up for orange out, and I had never seen anybody paint
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT how
themselves like a tiger, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ School spirit isn’t really something I’ve done in the past besides the dress up days, but I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just surprise some people,’ and they really liked it.” School spirit can have many different definitions depending on who you ask, but according to the queen of spirit here, there’s lot of things that define it. Student Council adviser Susan Waldrep takes pride in the way her students show school spirit through more than just Friday nights. “School spirit to me has to be in conjunction with school pride,” Waldrep said. “When you are anywhere whether it’s the Red Ribbon Rally or volunteering outside of school, you are Texas High. It’s us knowing the words to our school song and the fight song. It’s not just a few people. It’s
to step up their game.” Principal Brad Bailey looks at our school spirit as a positive way to get students involved with more than just their daily 8:30-3:45 school work. It allows the student body, as young adults, to thrive at more than one element. “I think we have a lot of school spirit, but we have not reached our full potential,” Bailey said. “We need the whole campus involved. It takes an individual to want to do more. On Orange Out day and Pink Out day, we should see everyone wearing orange or everyone wearing pink. At pep rallies, we need everyone standing and cheering. We have to believe in each other, respect each other, and take pride in the fact that we are Texas High. I am very proud to be a Tiger and when we put our hands up in the air to sing the alma mater, our pride in our school should be felt in each one of us.”
“Especially since it is my senior year, I am showing a lot more school spirit because I’m trying to ‘yolo’ it out. At football games I’m getting a lot more into it. I believe that my screaming will help us win, despite the fact that we haven’t won the games I’ve really gotten into. After Texas vs. Arkansas, I had two really big bruises on my legs from hitting them so hard and cheering.”
-Jessica Bilimek, 11 photo by r. lewis
everybody because it’s a tradition that we keep pure. I think that has a lot to do with school spirit. To me what sets Texas High apart for school spirit is that anybody from any group from any section can choose to participate. It’s not a thing that only certain people can do.” However, when you ask a student, opinions can vary. Students who spend most of their time planning events for the benefit of school spirit, like junior Chelsea Villanueva, have a different outlook on the way our school has spirit. “To me school spirit is all about cheering on your school teams and participating in school events,” Villanueva said. “A lot of people here are always talking about wanting the pep rallies and the student section to be more ‘live,’ but I don’t think they realize that it all depends on them. The student body represents our school spirit, so I feel like they need
photo by l. gibbert
What’s your favorite part of being a tiger? Titus: I love my strength and my muscles– especially my abs. Trochia: My favorite part about being a tiger is the fact that I get to roar any time I want. What is your favorite part of games and pep rallies? Titus: My favorite part of the games is when the Tigers score, and I get to run across the field while the student section is cheering for our team. Trochia: I like to see students in the stands dancing and cheering and basically just having fun and turning up in the stands. What is your favorite food? Titus: My favorite food is bacon because I hate the Razorbacks. Trochia: I like to eat Frosted Flakes because it makes me Tony the Tiger Strong and, of course, bacon. compiled by Katherine Doan, staff writer
about you?
“I feel school spirit is needed to keep a school running. School spirit is really needed at football games because it pumps the players up and they love the support. The student section at football games has so much school spirit, and I think it is awesome. But there can never be too much school spirit.”
-Garrett May, 12
photo by r. lewis
17%
Middle School Day
WE BLEED ORANGE
school spirit
photo by j. rowe
What is your favorite spirit day?
13
& with the faces of
photo by a. olalde
spirit stats
tigertimes nov 6, 2014
“I like the craziness of our football games and pep rallies and getting to see all of my friends. I’d say we have a lot of school spirit. I mean it’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. Everyone is happy to be there and happy to be hanging out with everyone and supporting the team. My favorite thing about school spirit is dressing up. It’s the most fun thing because everyone does their own thing. It’s special because no one is the same.”
Mary-Stewart Shores, 12 photo by k. mccasland
-Taylor Turner, 9
photo by c.sharp
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community
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
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S
ome study their Bibles diligently, while others study the Wiccan alphabet. Many bow and pray to Mecca, while others worship their gods and goddesses through traditions just as ancient. There are many religions in the world. However, the majority are overshadowed by more widely followed religions. There are none that have the stigma of Paganism, also known as Wiccanism. There is a level of oppression and misunderstanding that falls on its followers, such as sophomore Dathan Nichols and junior Audra Hines, and they must constantly explain themselves and their religion. “The rules of Paganism and Wiccanism is to treat the earth and people with respect,” Nichols said. “Do not wish or cause harm upon people. Respect the earth, respect the people within the earth and let the universe do as it must.” “There is no violence. Some people think you have to sacrifice like an animal, cut off its head,” Hines said. “There’s not really that much violence in all this.” Each forged their own paths to find their places in Paganism. Both of their families were key in their final decision to convert. “For awhile when I was a little kid, I was Christian,” Nichols said. “I was taken away from my mother by CPS. While there I prayed to be brought back to my mom because I missed her so much. Over six years later, I was back with my mom, and I realized being with God was not the right way, so I went to Paganism. I’ve been much happier since. My mom has been part of this religion since she was
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feature
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
CHARMING RELIGION Sophomore Dathan Nichols and junior Audra Hines celebrate uncommon religion called Paganism. Hines wears charms as way to show her worship. photo by k. mccasland
ANOTHER SORT OF WORSHIP Sophomore, junior practice unique religion
a little girl. She has books, and multiple things that explain the religion itself. I connected more with Paganism than I did Christianity.” Hines’ mother introduced her to the religion, but did not pressure her toward any certain one. “When I was little, my mom tried Pagan and Wiccan and didn’t like it,” Hines said. “She showed it to me and my sisters as an option for our religions. And I stuck with it. I found it more intriguing, and I connected more with it than I did
Christianity.” Hines, who claims Wiccanism as her religion, makes charms to symbolize different things. These charms have multiple uses. Several contain different ingredients which decide exactly what their purpose is. “I have to collect herbs to make charms,” Hines said. “There’s different types of charms. There’s some that you keep on you, some that you can burn, some that you can eat and some that you can lay in your bed with you or put in
your bath. They’re not all the same. They’re all different, depending on what’s in it. Sometimes there’s something poisonous in [the charm,] so you keep it on you and can’t eat it. Sometimes, it’s all made of edible stuff, so you can eat it.” Nichols and Hines have experienced oppression from family or peers. It seems that many want to see them convert or just simply do not understand the religion and refuse to learn about it. “I’ve been called Satanic before, and it irritates me,” Nichols said. “It’s completely different. Whenever I mention my religion here at school, everyone stares at me like I’m a Satanic or they have no clue what that is. When I explain it to them, they believe it’s something different. Some of our good friends that are actually Christians don’t mind that we’re a different religion, which I respect.” “I get pushed for Christianity by my grandma,” Hines said. “Because of the charms I wear, she would give me one of the medallions from her church and told me to put it on. I get called a witch a lot. It’s supposed to be a compliment to be called that, but the way they’re saying it, they want it to insult me.” Even with the stereotypes and misunderstandings about their religions, the two continue to practice it. Much like other religions, it is a source of comfort and gives them a connection the earth around them. They value their religion and will defend it whenever necessary. “I don’t take too hard on it because most people don’t understand it,” Nichols said. “They don’t know anything about it, so when someone mistakes my religion, I just tell them correctly and educated them on what it is.”
Junior enjoys restoration of old car by ALEX HEO staff writer
diamond from the rough The smell of gasoline. The screeching sound of the metal being cut. The grease stains dripping on the towel. submitted photo
Whenever he’s not at school or practicing at the golf course, junior Cole Nichols has worked on restoring his 1970 Datsun 240z in his scorching garage, where the aroma of paint, rust and grease filled the room. “I started restoring the car with my dad,” said Nichols. “I really wanted the car as my first vehicle because it was my dad’s first vehicle.” Nichols spent about 20 hours a week on the car for ten months. The total amount of hours adds up to a whopping total of 800 hours. “We had to repaint the car, fix the rust, get a new motor, get new wheels and tires and get new seats,” Nichols said. “The toughest part of restoring the car was repairing the rust.” After restoring the vehicle, there was still a few tweaks that needed to be fixed. Nichols spent a lot of time on the exterior but barely any time was needed to be spent on the interior. “Some improvements that could be made would be to fully redo the interior since I didn’t too much with it,” Nichols said. “It wasn’t too
out dated.” The final product has drawn positive feedback along with some negative. “Most of them loved the paint and thought it was extremely loud,” Nichols said. “Some complained about it and some loved it.” Regardless of the mixed reviews, Nichols is pleased with what he has accomplished. The persistence put into his project created a contemporary ride that is superior to what it once was. “I think my car is a hundred times better than what it was before,” Nichols said. “It’s a lot more modern and up-to-date.” After spending the grueling hours on his first car, Nichols does not plan restoring any more cars. “Ever since I finished restoring the car, I told myself that I really don’t ever want to do it again because of how time consuming and difficult it is,” Nichols said. “Restoring a car has a lot of steps that go into it. The most time consuming one is simply bringing a vehicle that is 44 years old to a vehicle that looks like it came right off the showroom floor.”
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community
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
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sports
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
MAKING
PLAYOFFS Volleyball team sets up for successful rally in playoffs
by MOLLY CROUCH feature editor The Lady Tigers varsity volleyball team has set their sights on playoffs once again this season. With their final win against Longview, the Lady Tigers finished third in district with a 12-4 record. They hope that this year will be the year they bring home a state title. “Our motivation to get to playoffs is our desire to win state. We plan on reaching that goal by working and practicing hard,” senior setter and outside hitter Jalissa Trotter said. “With this being my last year, I am trying to leave with a bang with my teammates. This is our last chance to make history at Texas High, and I want our class to be remembered as leaders and examples.” The girls have a cohesive bond that shows their love for volleyball and their teammates. They use positive reinforcement and encouragement to keep their fighting tiger spirit during the games. “The team to me is not a team. They are family because family may fuss, fight, hate each other and go a period of time without talking, but at the end of the day, we will all have each other’s back, and I love them so much for that,” senior outside hitter Chanell Hayes said. “We work together as a team because when one is down, we always try and lift each other up, leaving no teammate behind.” The team has learned the balance of the competitiveness needed to excel and win and the camaraderie of enjoying the game that they are passionate about. “Getting to playoffs has been taking each game at a time and trying not to look too far ahead and to redeem ourselves from last year and making it as far as we can,” junior setter Chealsea Slider said. “We have to work hard in practice and stay focused all the time. The girls on the team this year are great. They work hard and focus when it’s time to focus, but also know how to have fun while playing. As a team we have begun to connect and work better together.” Junior defensive specialist Jessica Bilimek talked about the wellrounded group of senior players and the team’s ability to work together. “I think some strengths are that we play as a team and are a family. You couldn’t ask for a better group of people to play with,” Bilimek said. “Our seniors this year are probably the best ones we’ve ever had, and we don’t want to not go as far as we can.” As the season winds down, senior middle back Reagan Bevers reminisces on the sweetest reward to being on the Lady Tigers’ team. “My favorite memory has been growing close to my team and becoming a real team. At the beginning of the season, we had a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting, and our coaches talked with us about the difference of being on a team and being a real team,” senior middle back Reagan Bevers said. “Our team has done a lot of growing together, and we are truly a family. They’ve helped me get through the passing of my grandpa, and I am forever grateful. They make me smile every day, and I love every single one of them.” The Lady Tigers took on Lindale at Hallsville for their first playoff game on Tuesday. Results were unavailable at press time.
UP AND OVER Senior Jalissa Trotter tips the ball over during a game against Liberty Eylau. “I was attempting to set a shanked ball, but it was too far towards the antenna. I had to jump and tip the ball over the net. photo by c. sharp
SAVED BY THE DIVE Junior Jessica Bilimek dives for a ball during a game against Bullard. “The ball was tipped and I dove to pancake it up so we could keep the play going,” Bilimek said. photo by f. rhone
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sports
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
LADIES IN TRAINING Athletic trainers work on front lines of student safety by JESSICA EMERSON sports editor Exhausting hours spent at the practice field, sweat dripping down their face and long rides back from a consuming game. These girls are not football players, they are athletic trainers. Physics homework, sleeping, and netflix are just a few of the things juniors Taylor Post and Madison Maynard could do after school, but instead they devote their free time wrapping ankles, filling water bottles and taping jammed fingers. “We actually started [training] when the school was trying to start the sports medicine class,” Maynard said. “A lot of people had signed up for the class, and Doc was telling us that a good way to make sure we got in it was to help with football practice, so we started going to football practice, and it just stuck.” The girls have a rigorous schedule all week, almost exactly the same routine as a football player. Friday nights are the most strenuous, getting no breaks
“A lot of people ask us if we get to ride the football bus, and no we don’t, because we’re girls. That’s another cool thing, we get to take the suburban. Also, we get to eat with the team, that’s one of my favorite parts. Free food is always good. We actually get to eat dessert and they don’t.” -Madison Maynard, 11 before they load the busses and start preparing for the matchup of the night. “On home games we leave straight from the pep rally and go to the training room,” Post said. “We go eat with the team at the middle school and get ready for the game. We load our supplies and everything else we need.” Away games prove to be the most time consuming, leaving their school duties behind and allotting all their time to the task at hand.
TRAINERS TO THE RESCUE Junior trainers Madison Maynard and Taylor Post walk to the Texas High sidelines after bringing the football team some water. They have been helping with everything from bringing towels to players to tending to their injuries. photo by k. brinkmeyer
“On away game days we usually leave after third period,” Maynard said. “We load the busses and we all head to the location and eat at a big cafeteria. We unload the busses and they do pre-game. We play, load the busses, and unload it all again.” Although, holding down the job of being an athletic trainer is tiring, it comes with its own perks. “A lot of people ask us if we get to ride the football bus, and no we don’t, because we’re girls,” Maynard said. “That’s another cool thing, we get to take the
suburban. Also, we get to eat with the team, that’s one of my favorite parts. Free food is always good. We actually get to eat dessert and they don’t.” Being such an influential part of the football program, they have began to build relationships and have created lasting friendships. “Being apart of football is a lot of fun,” Post said. “I loved getting to know some of the guys more. They are really cool.” Previous to being trainers, and being stereotypical girls, they knew next to nothing about the
game that they were working for. Being on the field and apart of the program increased their knowledge of the game on football. “Originally I didn’t really realize that the defensive and offensive guys weren’t on the field at the same time,” Maynard said. “So now pretty much the only thing I don’t understand is the plays themselves, so I’ve really learned a lot. I understand the defense and offense now. I didn’t even realize that the quarterback came off the field. I was your typical girl.”
by KRISTIN MCCASLAND viewpoint editor Waking up at 4:50 a.m. every weekday would be torture for most people, but to freshman Kristen Clayton, this practice has become routine. Making the drive every morning from Linden to Texarkana, Clayton arrives at swim practice at 6 a.m. Although it is her first year swimming for the Tigersharks, she is not new to the sport. “I swam in Marshall with their summer league from when I was five until I was ten,” Clayton said. “After that, I began swimming year-round in Texarkana with Area Texarkana Aquatic Club.” The numerous hours Clayton has spent
in the pool has served her well. She has attended many large meets including the USA and AAU State meets in Arkansas and the Junior Olympics in New Orleans and Houston. “My favorite meet was the Junior Olympics in New Orleans,” Clayton said. “It was just a really cool place to swim and I had a lot of fun.” Now swimming for Texas High, Clayton is adjusting well to the team’s dynamic. “I really like the people on the high school team,” Clayton said. “[The team] brings together people who would usually never talk to each other outside of swim and we’re all really good friends.” The friends she has made while
swimming with the Tigersharks have provided her with encouragement during swim meets. “You get to ride the bus together to the meet and your team has your back when you swim,” Clayton said. “We all support each other.” At swim meets, Clayton swims the 200 yard individual medley and various freestyle events. However, her favorite event is the 100 yard breaststroke. “I like breaststroke because there’s endless things you can improve on,” Clayton said. “You have to find your rhythm and get your pull out right. It’s not like freestyle, which is pretty straightforward.” Clayton has high hopes for her future
r. lewis
Freshman hopes to make some waves
Freshman Kristen Clayton
with the Tigersharks. “This year, I would really like to go to state in any event or relay,” Clayton said. “But, my goal for high school is to break the 100 breaststroke record. I put everything I have into swimming and I really want it to pay off.”
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sports
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
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SERVING THE TEAM junior John Norton returns the ball back across the net during the Mount Pleasant match. photo by b. o’shaughnessy LOVING THE GAME Junior Aubree Cramer hits the ball back to her opponent. photo by s. pritchard
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MATCH FOR THIS TEAM VARSITY TENNIS CLAIMS 25TH DISTRICT TITLE by ANNIE HOUNSEL staff writer
hrough the heat of summer practices, adjusting to a lower number of teammates and the transition to a new coach, the tennis team pushed through the changes and have had an exciting season. “Losing eight boys we were kind of scared that we wouldn’t have as strong of a team this year,” senior Baylee McBride said. “But we ended up pulling it out.” The team has won the 25th District Championship yet again. Both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams put in hard work before heading into each match. “It’s a great feeling being apart of the 25 district titles,” junior Tyler Bewley said. “I worked hard to get where I am and it paid off.” Senior Annie Tarwater, leading player of the girl’s tennis team, swept through the tournament with only losing one match throughout district plays. Junior Anna Catherine Boudreaux won all singles and double matches in the district tournament. Tarwater lost her singles match against Longview but won all remaining singles and doubles in every match. “I’m really excited with how our season has turned out,” Tarwater said. Junior Carson Rommel and junior John Norton also emerged victorious by only losing one match each. Norton lost one singles match against Hallsville and carried on out with 2 doubles every match except for one. Rommel played both singles and doubles losing only one singles match as well.
“In most of my matches I could easily dominate the majority of the points,” Rommel said. “It was pretty easy to exploit the weaknesses of the other teams.” Even though there were setbacks, many went into the tournament with the expectation to bring home a title. Their hard work paid off and the tradition of winning district was continued for Texas High Tennis. Returning home with a title is a wellknown feeling for tennis teams, but it’s still just as rewarding each time. “It’s really exciting,” McBride said, “especially to just keep the tradition going.” The Tigers are looking forward with high hopes for the rest of the season. Area and Regionals await them in Longview and Dallas. With the top competitor out of their division the Tigers are anxious to play. “I think we’ll do well because Highland Park moved out of our division so we have a better chance of going further,” sophomore Ali Richter said. In order to make it to State the Tigers will have to win Area and Regionals. Tigers are optimistic about how they’ll play and hope to follow in Annie Tarwater and Braden May’s footsteps to bring home a State victory. Tarwater and May won second place in doubles last year. “We don’t really know how the teams are as far as their skill level,” McBride said. “But we’re excited to see how we do.”
Football team prepares to tackle playoffs by JESSICA EMERSON sports editor Sprinting out onto the field, seeing the crowd, hearing the supportive fans, the football team has battled through a challenging season and hopes to go deep into the playoffs. Despite the devastating loss to Arkansas High, the Tigers took the experience as a growing opportunity. With an overall record of 6-3, only losing to Longview, Whitehouse and Arkansas, and a district record of 5-1, the team is confident of their future success. “We are ready because after a few tough losses we know that anything is possible going into any game, so we know not overlook any team, no matter what their record is,” senior William Brown said. “We have to go out and put together four quarters of
great effort.” Practicing twice a day, the team has fought to improve since their rough start. “We have worked hard in practice and got better and better each week, and it’s showing,”senior Jarion Anderson said. “We’ve come a long way, and we will surely finish strong going into playoffs.” The team secured their playoff spot by blowing out Marshall 4114, keeping them in a strong second place position in district, only trailing behind Longview. “Going into the playoffs is different when you’re not first in district,” senior Nathan Runnels said. “We know what we have to do to stay in the playoffs this year.” With a supportive coaching staff, the players are assured that they will finish district with taking only one loss, resulting in a second seed playoff
spot. “The whole team feels confident,” Runnels said. “Our coaches have been telling us if we play like we have been playing the past couple of weeks we can finish district with a 6-1 record.” Possessing positive attitudes and having high hopes, the athletes know that they have to come out fighting in final district game and keep that momentum in the playoffs. The final home game is against Mount Pleasant to close out district this Friday. “We have to come out vicious, if we lose, we can say we left everything on the field, but it’s tough for us to lose when we playing as a team for four quarters,” Brown said. “I believe that we are ready. I don’t want to make any promises but if we make it past the first round of the playoffs, then we are going to make a good run for state.” Staff writer Ahja Cherry contributed to this story.
GET A GRIP Sophomore quarterback Cade Pearson hands off to senior Javon Thomas at the Kilgore game. photo by s. pritchard
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community
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
entertainment
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
21 As programs with full series of shows and minimal to no commercials such as Netflix take over televsion, binge-watching has become extremly popular. However, this may be causing health issues, lack of a social life and an increase in procrastination among teens.
photo by k. brinkmeyer
by CAROLINE MAY deisgn editor
ONE TREE HILL
PRETTY LITTLE LIARS KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS BREAKING BAD
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
PRISON BREAK
AMERICAN HORROR STORY
THE WALKING DEAD
MOST WATCHED SHOWS
GOSSIP GIRL
A little head peeks out from under a blanket with a box of Oreos in one hand and a TV remote in the other. Forty-five minutes pass, blink, play next episode, continue. This is the third season of a new Netflix series they have finished this week. Binge-watching has become a new trend for teens since the rise of programs such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Watching series of shows with no commercials and not having to wait a week for the next seems to be much more enjoyable to the impatient age of today. “The longest I’ve ever spent watching Netflix was 14 hours,” junior Bailey Gravitt said. “After you start a show, the thought of being without that show for a second is terrifying and you have to keep watching.” Although lying in bed for hours with a bag of chips and your favorite show playing is basically paradise, it is becoming a bigger problem. The junk food and lack of exercise can take a toll on your fitness. “Constantly lying in bed or on the couch can definitely have a negative influence on your health,” freshman Sarah Stark said. “The hours I could be up and active, I watch ‘How I Met Your Mother’ instead which is probably the reason I’m not very productive in my free time.” Not only does staying in bed all day affect your health, but it leaves no time to get anything else done. Spending that
UP ALL NIGHT
amount of time caught up in the television screen will make a person extremely attached to that story. Soon, they stop caring about what is going on at school and sacrifice homework for another episode. “Watching Netflix affects my grades because I am always watching it and never studying,” senior Annie Tarwater said. “Especially when I was in the middle of ‘Gossip Girl,’ I never did homework which definitely showed on my report card last year.” While some feel like their lives are going down the drain, others believe their time behind the screen is building them into a better person. “I think watching TV all the time has given me more life experience,” junior Julia Nations said. “I know how to act if I
ever go to Manhattan because of ‘Gossip Girl.’ I know how to kill zombies because of ‘The Walking Dead.’ I also know more about how hospitals work because of ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’” The sudden popularity of viewing mass amounts of episodes mainly relies on the quality of the shows being provided. Because most of the series on these programs have some connection to teenage life, this age group is especially attracted to this new fad. “I watch ‘Gossip Girl’ and the ‘Vampire Diaries’ all the time because they are both about teenagers and their love lives,” junior Anna Catherine Boudreaux said. “Stories like that appeal to girls our age because it is what we want our lives to be like. It’s easy to get addicted to the shows when they are all about love, drama, and everything you could want as a teenager.”
LONGEST TIME WATCHING IN ONE SITTING 50%
8-15 hours
under 8 hours
16-24 hours
@mvp31297 “All I do is watch Netflix and eat. I really need friends.” @peytonglenn “I could go outside and enjoy this beautiful day or I could stay inside and watch Netflix all day. Guess which one I’m gunna choose” @molly_ann16 “How am I studying for the ACT tomorrow? By watching more Netflix” @ThatKidRJ_DOPE “Netflix is bae.”
25% @gracecaroline26 “the sooner i do my world history, the sooner i can watch netflix #motivation”
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entertainment
THE
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Salted Caramel Mocha Starting from the mountain of whipped cream, topped with gooey caramel drizzle and sprinkles of sea salt. Then, the mouth-watering blend of mocha, the salted caramel mocha is the perfect drink for
READ IT!
GONE GIRL Gone Girl has been on the New York Times Best Seller for 99 weeks. With the recent release of the movie. The plot centers around a woman who has gone missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. Follow the husband and wife’s killer relationship. Be sure to read the book and watch the movie for a sensational combination.
it DRINK IT!
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
CELEBRATE IT!
MAKE THE BEST OF FALL HOLIDAYS
wear it, use it, buy it, taste it, do it, get it, be it.
]
LIST TRY IT!
Sweet Delights Now that halloween is over most candy is on sale. Comfort yourself with your favorites. In a chocalatey mood? Go for some Kit Kats or Reese’s. How about something extremely tart? Try some Sour Patch Kids or Warheads. Feeling for a more festive candy? Scarf down some Candy Corn which will leave your taste buds sugary. Or maybe you want something sour, yet sweet. Try Skittles or Nerds. There is something for everyone. Take a the opportunity to indulge yourself in these cheap fall treats.
In late fall there is two major holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. With these festivities comes the hustle and bustle of the coldest months.
THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving is the holiday of food and family, during this week of festivities it is standard to gain at least a little weight. The food of Thanksgiving is the most memorable and even more memories come with it if it is homemade. The night before Thanksgiving, or any night, make cookies, a pie, or anything your heart desires. On Thanksgiving morning watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, it can bring out the inner kid in anyone. It is the little things at Thanksgiving that make the biggest memories.
WEAR IT!
SCARVES AND BEANIES Two of the best fall accessories are back. The colder weather and holiday atmosphere make for a great opportunity for guys to wear their favorite beanies and for girls to wear their favorite scarf. Both girls and guys can take
CHRISTMAS The holiday of joy, giving and of course presents. The minute Thanksgiving dinner ends Black Friday begins and along with it comes the Christmas season. Ways to make Christmas memorable is to put the shopping aside for a while and just spend time with family or friends. Bake some Christmas cookies and make a huge mess. Then make some apple cider or hot chocolate and watch the cheesy movies that come on ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, wearing the Christmas themed pajamas that are in every store this time of year. Its things like this that make Christmas the most wonderful time of year.
BUY IT!
HOT HANDS Going to the football games are a Texas tradition. Stay warm with hand warmers, Hot Hands are great for the stands and parades that happen in the fall. A pack of 40 is available at Target for $28.
SNIFF IT!
BATH AND FRAGRANCES Bath and Body Works has five new fragrances including Autumn, Orchard, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Brown Sugar and Fig and Harvest. The Fall Clearance Sale has everything 50 percent off.
compiled by Ashlyn Sander
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photo story
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014
Sophomore Daylan O’Neal leads the worship band of students.
Enjoying the music, seniors Chanel Hayes, Tatyianna Jones and Kaylyn Woods listen with mixed expressions.
Sitting with friends, Nick Kelley watches interviews.
Listening intently, seniors Ariel Long and Mackenzie Nixon watch speakers at the stage.
Professing their faith Student athletes in the community come together to share their faith
Fields of Faith, hosted at the Pleasant Grove football stadium on Oct. 15. brought together students of christian faith. Bands comprised of students in the community performed renditions of faith songs as well as their own works. Student athletes and
coaches from various schools were interviewed or asked to speak about their faith. Coaches encouraged students to keep strong in the face of peer pressure at school and in other situations teens find themselves in daily. Following up, participants were given the opportunity to
profess their faith or be prayed over if willing. Mentors and helpers lined the back endzone of the stadium waiting to meet with students or adults in need of counseling. story & photos by Savannah Pritchard
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community
tigertimes nov. 6, 2014