Tiger times sept 27 2013 by THS Student Media

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volume 53 no. 1 • sept. 27, 2013

texas high school • 4001 summerhill rd • texarkana, tx 75503 • www.tigertimesonline.com

I anam officer’s wife Former English teacher Stephanie Sprague’s journey to independence and positivity in light of the death of her husband, Officer Jason Sprague. >page 10

what’s happenin’

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

what’s inside

this issue

NEWS Presidents’ Council holds first meeting “I wasn’t sure if people would come because this is a new organization. After the meeting, I was really happy with the way things went.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EFFICACIOUS Junior Cat Thomas arranges her hair for her 1920’s style Gwendolyn. The Tiger Theatre Company’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the John Thomas Theatre. Tickets will be sold at the door. photo by Kelsi Brinkmeyer

Sponsor Susan Waldrep

OPINION Independent Research has high standards “Independent Research is not for the weak and the challenge is the same for any student regardless of the course used for the project to receive the AP course weight.”

812

Mark Schroeder, Director of College & Career Readiness

FEATURE Blessed with Holly’s miracle “It was like I knew everything was going to be okay. I knew it was going to be a good visit. But to hear the doctor actually say No Evidence of Disease was just a relief.”

14 14

Holly Norton

SPORTS

Tumbling through recovery “The whole process was tiring. I was tired of all the questions, and I just wanted it to be done.”

Madison Maynard, 10

ENTERTAINMENT

My Little Ponies are evil, theoretically “It is a fact that the government hides things from the average citizen. Conspiracy theorists just want answers to what they find to be discrepant.” Sydney Schoen, 12

The Importance of

ACTING OUT

SATURDAY & SUNDAY The Tiger Theatre Company’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be shown Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the John Thomas Theatre. Tickets will be priced at $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 7 are free.

PRESENTATION OF COURT

MONDAY, 7:30 P.M. The Presentation of Court will held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Performing Arts Center. “I’m really excited for the presentation,” senior Riley Madlock said. “I really love all the girls on court.”

SPIRIT DAYS

ALL WEEK The following spirit days will be held next week: Monday–Twin Day Tuesday–Favorite Decade Day Wednesday–Hillbilly Day Thursday–Orange Out. “I’m pumped about decade day because I get to wear my dad’s old clothes,” freshman Ricky Cooks said.

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT

Showing your school spirit during the pep rallies could earn you the spirit stick. Senior DJ Mack received the spirit stick at the Tyler Lee pep rally. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to have such a majestic item in my hands,” Mack said, “Its bedazzled jewels are like stars in the night sky that say to me, ‘your life is golden’.”

Center Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Student IDs must be presented in order to attend the dance. “I’m looking forward to the dance,” sophomore Grayson Jones said. “I plan on having a great time.”

SENIOR PANORAMIC PICTURE

OCT. 7, 8:30 A.M. All seniors will meet Monday, Oct. 7, behind the library for the senior panoramic picture. Photos will be sold on Tuesday, Oct. 8, during all lunches for $25 for a large panoramic and $35 for the large panoramic and medium photo.

VOTE FOR HOMECOMING QUEEN

WEDNESDAY, ALL LUNCHES Cast your ballot for homecoming queen during all lunches Wednesday. This will be the only opportunity to vote. “I think it’s really cool that we get to vote and get involved with our school’s voting system,” sophomore Aubree Cramer said.

HOMECOMING DANCE TICKETS

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, ALL LUNCHES Tickets for the homecoming dance will be sold through all lunches on Wednesday. No tickets will be sold at the door. The dance will be held in the Dan Haskins Student

HOMECOMING MAIDS Jakoya Matlock, Brandi Loudermilk, Chau Dong, Lindsey Gore, Caroline Byrd, Laura Davis, Whitney Janes, Marissa Johnston, Riley Madlock, Kelsey Smith, and Hope Thurston. The presentation of court will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Performing Arts Center. photo by sydney steed

news

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

DID KNOW? DID YOU YOU KNOW?

Threat of helium shortage continues to rise

HB5 limits number of EOC tests, graduation requirements BY ANNA GRAVES staff writer

Students walk the halls with a little less weight on their shoulders this year. With the original requirement of taking 15 standardized tests changing to only five, the thought of End of Course testThere may not be many balloons at ing seems a little less overwhelming. your little sister’s next birthday bash. Don’t House Bill 5, which will go into illustration by lauren gibbert be disappointed when you go to the Party effect this school year, now requires Factory and those three Barbie themed students to take only Algebra I, balloons cost $45. Biology, English I, English II and A world wide helium U.S. History EOC exams. The Senate passed a shortage has taken over the The new EOC system is combill Sept. 19 to help world and caused an upset for avert a national helium ing in after the demise of TAKS. other places than just your Both tests are different, and this is average party store. shortage. expected to be quite a change. Contrary to popular “We test our students too belief, helium is used for much, so I’m excited it has been more than just balloons. It’s bumped down to five,” testing used for a variety of things coordinator Lindsay Skinner said. such as military devices, “I think EOC is much better than space shuttles, and even the TAKS because it is more content computers in your own home. based and covers more of what students should be learning in Without helium, the magnetic resonance class. It will be something to get used to.” imaging invention, better known as an MRI Although it may take awhile to get into the groove of to common people, would not be able to things, Skinner is confident in the change of programs. function. Modern advances of this machine “It’s a change,” Skinner said. “But once we start and get are being used with less helium, but there’s going, I believe it will benefit the students.” no guarantee that a helium free MRI will be Sighs of relief were heard throughout the classrooms after made. the students were told of the bills passing. The Federal Helium Reserve, located “It’s better because we don’t have to take 15 tests. That’s in Amarillo, Texas, is facing a complete joy, isn’t it?” freshman Ruben Ramirez said. “I think it will shutdown Oct. 7 if Congress doesn’t take benefit us, so that we won’t have to worry about so many tests, charge of the issue at hand. Due to the and we can focus on other school work.” Helium Act of 1996, the United States was Some students, while still having that feeling of joy, are also supposed to pay off the helium debt by 2015. thinking a tad more realistically about the new requirement. When that debt is paid, helium funding to “I like it in the sense of, ‘Yay! No more testing,’” sophorun the reserve might dissolve, which would more Annie Hounsel said. “But at the same time, what are we result in the shutdown. going to do with the skills we are learning? Why do we need Hopefully, the helium problem will be them if we don’t test on them?” resolved. We wouldn’t want a balloon-less In addition to testing, HB5 also introduced changes in Macy’s Day Parade. BY MAGGIE COLEMAN feature editor

graduation requirements by reducing the number of math and science classes in the minimum plan to three each. However, students planning on getting an education after high school will need to continue counting up their credits. “Students will be able to graduate with fewer state required credits, but students must be aware of what their plans may include post-secondary,” said Mark Schroeder, Director of College and Career Readiness. “First glance, I believe we will have many students excited about the lower requirement in math and science, but students who have collegiate plans should be aware that colleges will be wanting students to have 4 – 6 state math credits depending when they begin Algebra I.” Student shooting for a Distinguished diploma will still need four maths and sciences. “Students must think beyond their four years in high school and schedule courses that will meet their needs in college,” Schroeder said. “The 4 X 4 should be in the plans for any student planning to attend college or a university.“ Students will also be required to choose from five endorsements: STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities and Multidisciplinary Services. “Within each of these endorsements, students will have the opportunity to schedule a wide range of courses that will meet their interests,” Schroeder said. Students and parents need to stay aware of post-high school education requirements. “Students must understand that even though some requirements may decrease in high school, the requirements will continue to increase at the collegiate level,” Schroeder said. We will not know how beneficial the new requirements and testing will be until we get into the habit of it. Until then, the students of the public schools of Texas will continue their celebration.

Reason to Rejoice

news

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

photos by sara rogers

FIRST MEETING Junior Selwin George speaks at the Presidents’ Council meeting Sept. 18./photo by sara rogers

Saving one life at a time

“THE FIRST PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL WENT AMAZINGLY WELL. I THINK THAT IF WE GET SOME OF THESE IDEAS TO WORK, EVERYONE AT THE SCHOOL WILL REALLY ENJOY THEM.”

City considers no kill shelter BY MADELINE HUNLEY news editor Every year, an estimate of 6 to 8 million dogs and cats in the United States are taken into a local animal shelter and cared for until they find a permanent home. On the contrary, approximately three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized, permitted death, each year. The city council of Texarkana, Texas, is considering establishing a no kill animal shelter in order to minimize these deaths. “I think the no kill shelter is good for the community,” junior

Tristen Collins said. “It’s great that they are not killing the animals anymore.” This new addition to society has brought a positive outcome to those who have supported the no kill policy. The idea of saving one more animal’s life has changed many people’s views on euthanasia. “I’ve always thought it was wrong to kill animals just because they don’t have a home,” freshman Hutch Tidwell said. “I think the no kill shelter is a good idea.” Overpopulation is an issue that might occur because of the no kill policy. Animals without a home will likely have nowhere to remain because of the large amount of animals saved. “I think it’s more humane to euthanize the animals,” junior Katherine Doan said. “It’s expensive to keep up with all of the animals that do not have a home.” Many hope the no-kill policy will spread to other shelters. “Having this will benefit our society,” Tidwell said. “It will help us grow as people.”

STARTING THE YEAR OFF RIGHT

-Ben Norton, 12

Presidents’ Council holds first meeting of year BY MADELINE HUNLEY news editor The start of a growing organization recently held their first meeting in order to discuss the upcoming plans for the school year. The Presidents’ Council is a committee constructed of leaders from every club and organization here. New ideas and improvements were considered during this gathering. Senior class president Marissa Johnston shared her thoughts involving a sunrise and sunset meeting during the first and second semesters. “We thought for the first

semester that the sunrise could be the bacon fry since we were all up there at around 5:30 in the morning,” Johnston said. “The sunset would be when we did the bonfire at senior night. For second semester, we could do a sunrise, sunset and all sit on the track.” Tons of ideas flowed throughout the meeting, such as another club drive, new pep rally skits and spring intramural sports between clubs. Student Council sponsor Susan Waldrep though the meeting went over well. “I wasn’t sure if people would come because this is a new organization,” Waldrep

said. “After the meeting, I was really happy with the way things went.” Student body president Ben Norton was pleased with the way the meeting went and the ideas from all the leaders. “The first President’s Council went amazingly well,” Norton said. “I think that if we get some of these ideas to work, everyone at the school will really enjoy them.” The next gathering will be Oct. 16 to further consider improvements for the school. “They were really on top of it,” Waldrep said. “These are the reasons these guys are leaders.”

viewpoint

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

EDITORIAL

tiger times

THS needs stricter drug testing policy

Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana TX, 75503 ( 903 ) 794 - 3891 F ( 903 ) 792 - 8971 The Tiger Times is a student-run publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of trustees. editors in chief Josh Klein, Taylor Potter, Sydney Schoen

Recently our neighbor school district, Pleasant Grove, added a random drug testing policy in order to separate the amount of students who use illegal substances. With this concept revolutionizing PG’s school district, some wonder if TISD should also react to recent drug abuse scandals in order to adapt and quarantine. Even with the recent “malleable” controversies with our inalienable rights, the wise choice is for the district to change regulations.

news editor Madeline Hunley viewpoint editor Amanda Hackleman feature editor Maggie Coleman sports editor Robert Hoover entertainment editors DJ Mack, Caroline Purtle advertising Adam Graves

With a new rule enforcing testing within TISD, it would ensure the well being of the student body.

business manager Rachel Stuart photo editor Sydney Steed

cartoon by Preston Reed

is 1,826 students, many of these are young frothing teenagers who think school is a burapart of extracurriculars are privileges. Since the school system is not a parent but a leader, they should be able to handle situations that involve illegal substances more drastically. By doing this the legality of the students and TISD would be less questionable and more stable. Many are familiar with Texas High School’s crowning achievements in sports and other acvictories are won with honesty and hard work. At the end of the day, a more rigorous narcotic testing implementation would only polish the gold trophies won by the talented athletes that the district has. Since truly winning is only

accomplished by natural work, the victories should taste even sweeter knowing that the athletes conquered because they were the best. are to prevent injury, illness, and harm resulting from the use of illegal and performanceenhancing drugs or alcohol,” according requires drug testing of any student in grades 7-12 who chooses to participate in schoolsponsored extracurricular activities or requests a permit to park a vehicle on school property.” suspension from extracurriculars and parkrespond with 365 days of extracurricular and

SPEAK OUT Do you think there should be more frequent drug testing?

“If you have the school take drug tests like twice a month, then there will be half the kids there are at school.” Aldolfo Camacho, 10 “I do not think we should.” Nicholas Rose, 11

“I don’t know if there should be a random search whenever the administration wants to. Maybe like there could only be one search per six weeks.” Selwin George, 11

parking permit suspension. Parents will be It is true that arguments can be held suggesting that the school is infringing upon the is blunt, they are not doing it for fun, but for be respected in its wishes to go forth in new regulations because it is expected to protect the lawfulness of students and the virtue of the institution. To satisfy all parties, an ordinance should be made to test for narcotics upon extracurricular activities. It will exemplify the merit of Texas High School and the kids. Sports and other activities are privileges-- privileges that are abused, but need to be rewarded.

“The whole school shouldn’t have the right to do that, just the athletics.” Hanna Pate, 11 “Yes; we cannot let drugs corrupt our youth today because drugs are no joke. Drugs can ruin people’s lives.” Charlie Goins, 12

staff writers Olivia Corbet Daniela Correa Molly Crouch Conor Diggs Jessica Emerson Ben Gladney Anna Graves Abigail Hill Maegan Jordan Brad Lenaway Caroline May Kristin McCasland Brianna O’Shaughnessy Tyler Snell JB Wells Hannah Williams photographers Kelsi Brinkmeyer Carlie Clem Lauren Gibbert Paige Huddleston Sabrina Larson Alyssa Olade-Galvan Savannah Pritchard Faith Rhone Duchess Rogers Josh Rostek Carli Sharp Bailey Vaughan advisers Rebecca Potter & Clint Smith principal Brad Bailey members ILPC, NSPA, CSPA The Tiger Times is the official student publication of Texas High School. The primary purpose of the Tiger Times is to inform the students of the school, while practicing the ethical canons of journalism. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in Room 50. Each letter must be signed and include the student’s grade. Letters are subject to editing. The Tiger Times also accepts advertising. Advertising is sold for $5 a column inch. All ads must be received at least two weeks prior to publication.

viewpoint

6 LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Bad

“Independent Research: While the goal of this program is to push student towards success, its execution has been made near-impossible because of the new emphasis on the leadership component. The new interpretation of the leadership requirement has turned independent research into a glorified community service project. Students in athletics or other electives have to scrabble [sic] for fresh and difficult projects, while those in classes like Leadership have this component built in. Either make Independent Research fair for all electives or revise the requirement.” published May 31, 2013 Tiger Times

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH DEMANDS HIGH STANDARDS

would like to respond to ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Unforgettable’ editorial published in the May 31, 2013 Tiger Times. Normally I enjoy and admire students’ freedom of speech through school newspapers, but in the case of Independent Research, I am compelled to respond because I have enjoyed participating in the development of a program initiated long before I began working at Texas High School. For those students who do not know about Independent Research, the program is an individualized study supervised by a teacher in a specific area as an extension of a regular course during a student’s junior and senior years. The scope and complexity of the student’s work must clearly demonstrate a level of performance beyond high school standards. In Independent Research, the student will complete the regular course curriculum but also must move beyond those course requirements with the development of the project. Students take an active role in determining the focus of the Independent Research project by choosing the field of study and by determining the methods of study. In Independent Research, the student becomes responsible for his or her own learning. The two critical components of this program are included in the title of the program: Independent Research. Students must have a strong, welldeveloped research component. Also, all work must be completed independently. This means that no paired or group products will be accepted. All students should work independently with no outside help. The classroom and mentor teachers are available for consultation and advisement. The Academic Committee will evaluate the student’s portfolio, product, and presentation based on the criteria on evaluation rubrics. As far the student viewpoint in the Tiger Times article, the concern seems to be with the Leadership component. The program embraces leadership because leadership is essential to any group or organization. What a leader does is usually very difficult to describe in words. The definition of leadership seems so vague because of the many responsibilities of a leader. As difficult as it may seem, there are three ways to define leadership: 1. accomplishing tasks through others; 2. an individual responsible for an organization or project; 3. take risks and think outside of the box. Texas High School has been praised for the program. As stated by the Advanced Ed program in the certification process for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the Texas High School evaluation, under a systematic approach to

KEEP THAT SPIRIT UP BASED ON 100 STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY POLLED. SCHOOL PRIDE IS RISING

monitor and adjust curriculum, instruction, and assessment: “one powerful practice to be highlighted in instructional strategies is the opportunity for students to be engaged in independent research projects. Working with a designated faculty member, a student may participate in a semester long, credit-based project that provides an avenue for advanced rigor, applied research skills, and indepth research practices. The scope and complexity of the student work must demonstrate a level of performance beyond high school standards and prepares the student for college culture.” While considering career pathways beyond high school, students should be seeking innovative ways to stand out as an individual. Dan Schawbel, managing partner of Millennial Branding and author of Me 2.0: Four Steps to Building Your Future, explains that employers are looking for three main characteristics when evaluating applicants: 1. communications skills; 2. ability to work as a

students receive Advanced Placement credit only when the credit is earned. The program will never accept basic class project concepts, and we do not consider student work as a glorified community service project. Students must understand that the committee made of six faculty members look at the projects to be of significant value. Many students may think that the emphasis is placed on the Leadership component, but the emphasis is placed on the value and significance of the research itself. Students do not always provide for a definite research plan and then do not indicate how the project and research are related. Thus, the project will always be denied. I have witnessed a plethora of projects through the past eight years while I have been at Texas High School. I have witnessed many outstanding projects, and I have seen many projects denied in their infancy. Independent Research is not for the weak and the challenge is the same for any student regardless of the course used for the project to receive the AP course weight. When students claim that athletics and other courses are at a disadvantage, I question whether or not those students are thinking critically and outside of the box or are we attempting to receive a higher weight in course credit by accomplishing the minimum. I have observed outstanding projects in the athletic arena, but the majority of those denied are not because of the lack of leadership component, but a lack in thought to complete the entire project that would be worthy of Advanced Placement credit. I have observed several top graduates who were questioned about their Independent Research projects while participating in college interviews for admissions and scholarships, and rarely have I seen these students denied admissions or full academic scholarships. Several students have received full scholarships through the University of Arkansas Honors program within the past eight years and two full academic scholarships through Texas Christian University. Granted, the holistic packages of these students were outstanding, but Independent Research played a significant role in the decision process for admissions and scholarships. Texas High School prides itself in challenging students to reach for higher standards. Higher standards require students to think outside of the box. We must produce critical thinkers and critical thinkers must be our leaders in seeking change. Mark Schroeder Director of College and Career Readiness

“Independent Research is not for the weak and the challenge is the same for any student regardless of the course used for the project to receive the AP course weight.” team; and 3. positive attitude. The book continues to explain that how students stand out is through past experience as employers are seeking students who have the ability to lead and that leadership skills developed in high school and college are important. Independent Research is designed to assist in the building of these specific characteristics. Kim Baker, Career Services Manager at Bryant and Stratton College Online, states that students who can speak of past experience from real-world class projects or other opportunities are the type of job candidates who will rise to the top. Organizations are looking for students who have an open mind to be creative and really make things happen – even with a small project. Independent research is not for everyone, and we would not recommend Independent Research for everyone. Independent Research allows for advanced placement credit in a regular level course if completion of the project is approved. Students also can earn up to two advanced measures required for the Distinguished Graduation program approved by the state of Texas. Independent Research projects are evaluated to ensure

59%

say that pep rallies are better this year

participate in school spirit days

61%

( ) 68% say that school spirit is rising

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

Lessons learned from Memommie M

emommie came along at just the right time––saving me from the horrors of public daycare. I met Memommie CHLORINE IS when I was 3 months old, and my mom MY PERFUME was preparing to return to work. After she called more than 100 potential babysitters without finding a single one (My mom is very picky.), she called Johnnie Oakley, also known as Memommie. KRISTIN MCCASLAND/staff writer Although Memommie had taken care of kids for most of her life, at age 79 she If she hears someone say something she retired to take up speed walking in the doesn’t agree with, she isn’t afraid to let mall. However, after meeting my parents them know it. Recently, she told some and I, she agreed to take care of me. Meof her neighbors, of whom she is not mommie is now 94, and through the years too fond, to “quit using foul language, of knowing her, she has taught me some of and stop drinking because it makes you life’s most valuable lessons. stupid.” Although she can be straightfor1) Be tough. ward, she speaks the truth and tells people Where do I start? Memommie has to what they need to hear. be one of the toughest people alive. How I respect her for that. Speaking my many people do you know that wouldn’t mind doesn’t come as naturally to me as complain about living in a tent with it does to Memommie, but I have learned their entire family for months on end? the value of a well–placed wise word. Memommie experienced this situation 3) Have fun. while growing up, but she never saw it as Spontaneity often wanes with age, but uncomfortable or inconvenient. Instead, Memommie is always up for some fun. she viewed it as an adventure. Every year, she and her friends have a During her 94 years, Memommie has Christmas sleepover, where they stay up all never given in to adversity. When she is night and gossip, eat and laugh. sick, she never lets it slow her down. One To Memommie, however, sleepovers of her most frequent sayings is, “I’m not aren’t nearly as much fun as riding on a gonna give in to it,” whatever the “it” may motorcycle. Growbe. I realized this to be true when she had ing up, she used to shoulder surgery at the age of 83 and took ride with her cousin less time to recover than a 20 year old. on his motorcycle. Did I mention that for most of her life Now, whenever she she has only had one lung? sees someone on Compared to Memommie, most people a motorcycle, she are wimps. For example, the people in always comments, “I my family, when under the weather, lie in wish I was on that bed and complain about their condition. motorcycle,” or “You But I’ve learned from Memommie to go think they’d let me on about my life when I don’t feel good, ride with them?” instead of being completely unproductive. Just a few years 2) Speak your mind. ago, at the age of 90, Memommie always speaks her mind. Memommie rode

WHAT YOU THOUGHT There’s something new in the cafeteria that has students making some noise––the new brand of water, WAT-AAH! The change has certainly led to interesting results. Many students now amuse themselves by screaming “WAT-AAH!” throughout the cafeteria.

viewpoint

with my dad on the back of his Harley. That however, is nothing compared to the time she rode an elephant at the circus. I’m not making this up, I swear! How could I not learn the value of having fun while growing up around this wonderful, crazy lady? 4) Laugh. Memommie has a good sense of humor and always finds something to laugh about. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and in her case, it’s true. Being able to laugh at the little things in life has kept Memommie’s spirit young. I don’t even mind when she laughs at me; I just laugh along with her. 5) Never grow old. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was gettin’ old.” I’ve heard these words from Memommie’s mouth more times than I can count. But Memommie refuses to act like she’s old. She definitely does not fit the “old lady” stereotype. From her, I’ve learned that it is important for everyone to live in the moment, and look forward to the future. Memommie turned 94 on Sept. 13. Happy Birthday, Memommie. Thank you for being my adopted grandma.

“I don’t really think there’s a difference “I think it’s more interesting than the besides the magnesium.” water we had last year.” Tyler Stroup, 10 Connor Williams, 10

WAT-AAH! MAKES A SPLASH “I would say I’m not sure I would be the BEST person to be Batman, but I would definitely be better than Ben Affleck. Also, this poll apparently got a lot of attention as I received a lot of comments from students about it while they passed in the hallways.” Chad Evans

THE BEST BATMAN *Based on online poll. One vote per computer.

The great parking lot predicament Every day hundreds of ignorant drivers pull into our student parking lot, unknowing of the terrors that await them. The powerful 1 percent of the parking lot is exploiting the drivers without their knowledge, simply by hogging the handicap spots. From my extensive knowledge on the subject, I have deduced that to leave your car in these spots reserved for the disabled gives you a false sense of importance that may ultimately aid your school work.

SARCASTIC PERSON

JB WELLS/staff writer Stealing handicap spots from other students is only permissible by an already narcissistic driver, the problem comes when we can’t give others that same feeling of greatness. So my question is why can’t we? Is there some sort of school wide conspiracy to hold back people who don’t feel entitled to the euphoria of jacking these hallowed spaces? I refuse to believe that our school does not want us to succeed, and thus, action must be taken. Because it is already established that the handicap spots make students feel better about themselves, thus making them do better in school, we are morally obligated to drastically change the dynamics of our student parking lot.To begin the process of true equality, every student should have the opportunity to park in the handicap spots, so why not just make every parking space a handicap space. But wait! We must still leave one space regular, to give all of our handicap stealing students a sense of self righteousness, but by doing so we will hurt the one student chosen for this spot. No matter, THS is already a utilitarian society so this student needs a name… perhaps the “chump.” So the chump is our students’ one source of power, and his or her misery will stimulate our other students’ success. Without affirmative action in the form of the “chump system,” Texas High may spiral out of control, down a path where no able-bodied student can park in the reserved high class VIP handicap spots. If this happens, I could no longer call myself a proud student.

feature

tiger times sept. 28, 2012

a real life hero

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Roger Waldrep

SUPERMAN Roger Waldrep carries the spirit necessities for a Friday night football game. Waldrep was honored for his volunteer work Sept. 20 in Austin with a Heroes for Chldren Award. photo by lauren gibbert

Volunteer honored with Heroes for Children Award BY CAROLINE MAY staff writer He’s the man working tirelessly behind the grill at the concession stand. He’s the man doing the heavy lifting for the leadership program. He’s the man who would rather critique a movie with his wife’s film class than sit at home. It’s a tough life, but, hey, it’s a family thing. Volunteer Roger Waldrep was honored Sept. 20 in Austin as one of 15 to receive the Heroes for Children award for all of the things he loves to do. He credits his childhood for making him the heroic person he is today. “I think it’s just my family as a whole, the way we were raised,” Waldrep said. “You’re raised to volunteer to help people. That’s something Susan, my parents, and I have always done. It’s second nature to a lot of people to do things because it’s just the way you were raised,” Although Waldrep is humble about receiving the award, 2013 graduate John David Goins is completely convinced

that Waldrep deserves this award above all others. “I can imagine no better person to win this award,” Goins said. “The work Roger has been doing goes well beyond cooking, driving kids in the school vehicle, and moving boxes. While Roger is doing these things, he is constantly interacting with students. Whether he simply makes them laugh or gives them fatherly advice to help solve a problem in their life, Roger has a way of making students feel good about themselves.” The reason behind all of his hard work is to get the students involved. He wants the kids to be able to make memories with their school before it is too late. “I always try to tell kids, ‘Don’t waste your time’,” Waldrep said. “Find something you’re passionate about and do it. Be in a club. Be in an organization. Be active in something. Don’t just let school pass you by without doing something.’” Madeleine Russell, 2013 graduate and one of the students who wrote an essay to nominate Waldrep for the award, remembers Waldrep always encouraging

“From walking seniors who didn’t have an escort across the field at senior night, to cooking at every event known to man, Roger is always there when you need him. I can’t think of many great memories from high school without Roger being in them. He truly is the most deserving person in the world for this award.” -Madeline Russell students to be involved. “From walking seniors who didn’t have an escort across the field at senior night, to cooking at every event known to man, Roger is always there when you need him,” Russell said. “I can’t think of many great memories from high school without Roger being in them. He truly is the most deserving person in the world for this

award.” Principal Brad Bailey also agreed that Waldrep was perfect for the award and is grateful to have a guy like Waldrep around to help the students no matter the issue. “Texas High School and TISD are very proud of Roger for receiving this award,” Bailey said. “When you look at the criteria for receiving this award, it describes Roger Waldrep. A person who exemplifies service, time, effort and support to public schools and who is an advocate for students. The service he provides is not for fame or recognition, it is because he loves the kids. He is the role model, the father, the ‘go to guy,’ and the friend. We need more people like Roger Waldrep working with our students and being the Hero for Children.” It certainly isn’t fame or recognition that fuels Waldrep. The basis of all of his volunteering is just because he thinks it’s the right thing to do. “I don’t really know that what we do is anything special,” Waldrep said. “It’s just what we do.”

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

community

I 10

in-depth

AM AN OFFICER’S WIFE.

“At the Texas-Arkansas game, when every single kid on the field individually gave me a hug and told me how much they loved and missed me, [I was impacted]. Jason always asked me to never lose my own life if we ever lost him. And that moment on the field reminded me of what I’m called to do because so often I am caught up in honoring what he was called to do. It’s wonderful to be reminded of my own calling.” –Stephanie Sprague, former English teacher

4 1. AT LAST Former English teacher Stephanie Sprague and her late husband, Jason, pose for their engagement photo in 2006. submitted photo

2 3

2. ALL SMILES Stephanie Sprague tickles Caden to get a smile. “There’s a quote that a friend of mine sent me a couple of weeks ago and it talked about how, ‘Your greatest blessing is when you can bless someone else in the midst of your storm,”’ Sprague said. “That’s kinda been my goal in this is to find people to bless, even though my life is horrible. There are still so many people out there I can bless–so many people I can help. And helping others is how I’ve chosen to remain positive. Because they’ve done so much for me, it’s just repaying that kindness.” photo by j. rostek 3. FUN IN THE SUN Jason and Caden, in 2009, celebrate Father’s Day. Now having to act as a single parent, Stephanie Sprague is making the best of the situation. “My mom, for the most part, has raised me to be a very strong and independent woman. At the end of the day, even though I don’t want to be a single mom and even though I don’t want to deal with all the things I’m having to deal with, a lot of people say I’m strong,” Sprague said. “I guess I believe them. I didn’t realize how strong I was until this happened.” submitted photo

1 BY SYDNEY SCHOEN co–editor in chief

September 4, 2013 “You’ve made enough sacrifices.” She was shopping for a dress. For another speaking engagement. For the same reason. She was bitter, and she didn’t care. She was allowed to be bitter. Passing the jewelry counter, she saw it--a pearl necklace. She looked at the price. Too much for what it was. “What do you need this for?” “My husband was the officer who died, and I have to have this because I have to go to another speaking engagement.” She spat the words at the employee. They tasted like vinegar in her mouth. She walked away. But the employee followed. Finding her at the checkout counter, the employee waited. “I’m buying this for you because I feel like you’ve made enough sacrifices. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice on a necklace.” She sobbed in her car for more than 20 minutes. For God’s grace. For Jason’s service. For officers’ wives. For her independence. For her turning point. For her break in the storm. *** On June 15, former English teacher Stepha-

nie Sprague’s husband, Officer Jason Sprague, passed away due to injuries received the previous night while on call. Visiting the site of a disturbance, which was estimated to have involved 100 people, at Grady T. Wallace park, Officer Sprague was injured during a hit-andrun after attempting to make contact with the driver of a car. Reeling after the death of her husband and the daddy to her son, Caden, now 5, Sprague journeyed to find the positivity and blessings amidst her thunderstorm. ***

June 14, 2013

11 p.m. 22 missed calls She went to lie down. It wasn’t a normal schedule. But teachers don’t keep normal schedules. Now, it was 12:40 a.m. Someone was knocking, banging, yelling. Grabbing her phone to call the police--to call her husband’s colleagues--she saw her notifications. 22 missed calls. “As an officer’s wife, you know that’s not good,” Sprague said. “You know in the back of your mind that [death] is a possibility, but it’s never a reality. I ran and opened the door. It happened to be one of Jason’s best friends. At that point, I said, ‘Tell me if he’s still alive.’” It was bad. He was alive, his friend said, but

it was bad. The next few minutes happened in slow motion: Get Caden dressed. Get herself dressed. Leave. “At that point, we got to the ER. They had transported him there; he had numerous head injuries. No one knew if he was going to make it,” Sprague said. “But honestly, before I even got there, there were officers’ wives there, community members, and city council members. The mayor showed up. I mean, it was tremendous support. The ER had to shut down a part of the emergency room because there was so much support for him, and for me.”

June 15, 2013

***

10 a.m. Caden had to know. He was only 4, but he had to know. He knew about bad guys. He knew because of Daddy’s job. He knew about bad choices. He knew because of Daddy’s job. “We talked about how somebody made a really bad choice, and they shouldn’t have been where they were,” Sprague said. “And, because of that, Daddy died and is no longer with us.” He knew it was because of Daddy’s job. ***

1 a.m. He was good. Then he was bad. There was a continued lack of brain activity when the doctor came around. She knew what this meant; they had talked about this situation before. “Jason and I had conversations about what he wanted––about what kind of life he wanted Caden to have,” Sprague said. “Jason made the judgment call, and I was grateful for the peace that came with that. I don’t have any regrets, as far as what happened, because he made that judgment call.” Officer Jason Sprague passed away at 1 a.m. on June 15.

A suspect was arrested. A young 21. He was just a kid. She was just trying to keep afloat. “As a teacher, I want it to be a mistake,” Sprague said. “I want him to have just made a huge mistake and to not know how to get out of it. I just want to believe that it was a mistake because that’s easier to deal with than to deal with intentional harm towards someone. He’s 21. That’s why I teach. Because I know what one bad mistake can do to you. I wish it hadn’t happened to him. I wish it hadn’t happened to us.” ***

June 15, 2013

June 16, 2013

But they’re home. Having only lived here a year, Texarkana is home. “I feel like this is where Caden has made most of his friends; this is where my support system is,” Sprague said. “Here, I have a level of support where people understand me, and they get me, and I love teaching at Texas High. We also chose to stay here in Texarkana because this is the part of Jason that Caden remembers because he was 3 and 4. So these are the ages when, if he was going to have any memories of his dad, they would be here. So I think it’s important to keep him here surrounded by officers who can help remind him of the person that his daddy was.” And Texas High is home. Taking a hiatus for the year, Sprague plans to return next year. In the meantime, she plans to be impactful, to be an advocate, to be a speaker, to be a representative. As an officer’s wife. “As an officer’s wife, you’re used to negative stereotypes,” Sprague said. “Generally, people love the police, or they hate the police. As an officer’s wife, when they go through the training academy, you’re taught to not identify yourself as an officer’s wife because you identify yourself as a target. So I was surprised at how supportive the community seemed to be, or was, because we’re not used to that level of support when it comes to being an officer’s wife.”

4. READ ALL ABOUT IT Stephanie Sprague reads to Caden as he follows along. She can recall the moment she told Caden Daddy had passed. “He seemed to be accepting of it,” Sprague said. “My initial reaction was to be honest because we’re in this together for the next 30 years. We have to be friends. We have to trust each other. And if he thinks that I lied to him later on then that’s going to hurt our relationship later on. And in the end, that’s when he’s going to be really angry when he’s 12 and 13 and his dad’s not there to be at football practice or there to talk to him about girls. That’s when he’ll be angry. Right now, he just has so much love around him that he doesn’t really realize the permanence of what this will be like in 10 years. He doesn’t need to. He needs to be a kid.” photo by j. rostek

THE PINK BEHIND THE THIN, BLUE LINE To deal with the pain, she wrote. Sprague began blogging following Jason’s passing and has, subsequently, developed a vast readership. Hoping to convey her thoughts with a much larger population than would be achieved via word of mouth, Sprague explains the name of her blog, “The Pink Behind the Thin, Blue Line,” in her first post: “Being an officer’s wife shaped my view of the world. It is the primary means by which I define myself. I pride myself in being the pink behind the thin blue line... While I’m not the pink behind his blue line anymore, I’m the pink behind so many more. I’m the reminder that even though we choose to sacrifice on a daily basis, that without us the world would be a darker place. I still walk that line, as a choice, because it honors my husband and all the others who make up that black background. Even after almost 2 months since he died, I get up every morning, some more difficult than others, and I walk the line. I put on my strong face, and I continue to make sacrifices. I’ll always be an officer’s wife. It defines me. It is what helps me know I’m making a difference.” To read more about Sprague’s life from her own perspective, visit her blog www.thepinkbehindthethinblueline. wordpress.com.

feature

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

BLESSED WITH HOLLY’S

BY TAYLOR POTTER co-editor in chief

he knew everything would be okay. This would be a good report. There was no reason for tears. No reason for fear. She had no idea what the results said, but was ready for whatever God had planned for her.

*** His face glowed with the reflective light of the computer screen. The stoic, 30-year veteran of MD Anderson, affectionately referred to as Hannibal Lecter by his patients, tediously reviewed the results, making sure everything was correct. His current patients sat quietly by each other, anxiously awaiting his news, be it good or bad. But he couldn’t tell them. Couldn’t find the words to tell them. Instead, the emotionless doctor, the man completely separated from his work, began to cry.

Her condition was described as inoperable-one that would, more than likely, result in her death. But this summer, she was diagnosed as No Evidence of Disease after undergoing radiation from March 11 through the 29. “It was like I knew everything was going to be okay,” Holly said. “I knew it was going to be a good visit. But to hear the doctor actually say No Evidence of Disease was just a relief.” To celebrate her health, Holly plans to spread the effects of two things fundamental to her recovery--Christ and fellowship. *** “We’ve had so many people do so many It was that typically summer day. things for us over the last two and a half Bright. Sunny. A day best spent swimming years, and we feel like it’s our time to serve in the pool. A day not wasted by worrying now,” Holly said. “It’s our turn to give about what could happen. But the phone back and to do for other people, to involve rings. The children look up at their grandour children in serving others and doing parents as they see the effects of the phone what we’re supposed to do, what we’ve call take place and wonder what could been called to do. What we’ve been called make anyone cry like this. to do is definitely share what God has done. Share our miracle, but do for others *** as well.” Despite her bleak prognosis, Holly Two years ago, Holly Norton, wife of recognized that there were others in worse TISD superintendent Paul Norton, was di- positions than her own. agnosed with cancer in her colon and liver. “I went back to do my chemo, and there was a 21-year old girl,” Holly said. “She was beautiful, young and had her new husband. They had been married for a couple months. And her mom and her little sister who was 17, they were holding her hand. She had brain cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer. She was very sick.” RELIEVED BY GOOD NEWS Life for the Norton family is starting to get back to normal after Holly was Holly resolved declared cancer-free. photo by Sydney Steed

BE STILL At her home, Holly Norton reads the book Jesus Calling that gave her inspiration during her battle with cancer. photo by Sydney Steed

to help those facing struggles similar to her own, even while fighting off her own disease. “I was able to go and sit down with her and talk to her,” Holly said. “We were able to pray with them. It kinda put everything in perspective.” The Norton children followed the example set by her mother and decided to raise money for MD Anderson children’s unit with a lemonade stand. “We got a lot of lemonade and set one up on a really hot day,” 11-year old Emily Norton said. “We made enough to get Jesus Calling books and Bibles for the little kids at MD Anderson.” The Jesus Calling book, along with a bracelet engraved with the phrase “Be Still,” provided significant amounts of encouragement through the tough time. “A good friend of mine gave me and my mother the Jesus Calling books,” Holly said. “It had scriptures, but it also just gave us help to be thankful. We’ve been able to give them to other people. We’ve taken them to where I was having chemo and passed them out to people. Anyone that’s going through a hard time, we do our best to give the devotionals.” The bracelet’s motto represented one of the Nortons’ family Bible verse, “Be still and know that I am God,” from Psalms 46:10. “We loved the verse for years, but it brought on a whole new meaning when I was diagnosed with cancer,” Holly said. “I have a tendency to try to control and try to plan everything. I can’t just be still. It was a constant reminder on my arm to be still and know that God will take care of it.” With Holly focussed on recovering, much of the family responsibilities fell onto the shoulders of her husband. “The perspective from the husband is different,” Paul said. “Not only was I wor-

ried about Holly, but it’s just the constant thought of the kids and what’s going on with them and how they are processing everything that’s going on.” But the Nortons weren’t alone. Many of their friends and relatives were able to ease some of their burden. “It’s amazing the support we had from our church family and the Tiger family,” Paul said. “If we needed anything, it was just a matter of making a phone call. But it was hard because, as the husband, you want to be the one to fix everything.” From the beginning, Holly and her family had faith that God would give them just what they needed--a miracle. “I believed in miracles before, I wanted to believe in miracles because I knew that’s what I had to have to live,” Holly said. “Over time, I believed in them even more and knew that I had to believe it. It doesn’t just stop with us. We’re not the only ones that can receive a miracle. Anyone can if you just believe and continue to pray.” *** Elation. A full turnaround from the beginning of the journey. The couple smile at each other. Hug. Kiss. High five. Fist bump. They had their miracle. She smiles at her husband and says happily, “Now I get to be a momma again.” *** The doctor had never seen anything like it. But he was glad. Glad that this patient wouldn’t become some statistic like the others. She wasn’t just the result of a tough year. His assistant put it perfectly, “Things like this just restore our faith in what we do.” *** Tears fall from their cheeks, puzzling the youngest of the children. Caleb finally just looks up at them and cries, “Why are

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

not so strange

strangers

Outi Jurvanen, Finland “I came to America because I speak English, and it was an easy language to me. Also, in Finland, lots of people speak English. I love how Texas High has so much school spirit compared to my old school. At my school, we just go to school for studying, and we don’t have school T-shirts or sports teams. The pep rallies there are just everybody sitting with bored faces, but here it is really exciting.”

foreign exchange

Ujal Gorchu, Azerbaijan “The biggest culture shock for me was family and food. In my country, Azerbaijan, family has a big tradition with food. We all help prepare and take a long time with it, and then you sit down with your family to eat it. Here, you are always having fast food and eating separately. Also, at my school you didn’t have a choice of what classes you wanted to take. Here, I have a great opportunity to choose classes that I want to take.”

From across the globe, these foreign exchange student give view on life in america BY TYLER SNELL I want to live in America! I want to live in America!

Casper Hinrup, Denmark “This year I want to make lots of friends, hang-out, and get in better shape by training after school. Although, the biggest culture shock for me was that all the food is fast-food, and it can get really tiring because it’s not made with fresh ingredients. Here, the food is all about drivethru and calling the pizzeria.”

The famous song from West Side Story has come true for seven foreign exchange students. They come from both sides of the globe–all the way from Russia to Thailand. Coming rewarding experience too.

Frankie Tirasuwannauk , Thailand “I came to America because I wanted a new experience outside of my country, Thailand. I really like that Texas High has sports to choose from and that we get out at 3:45 and not six in my country. We are in school from 7:50 to 6, and grade 12 ends at 7 p.m. We are studying all the time, and we have only one pep rally and fewer sporting events. Clubs are available to grades 1-6, not all grades like here at Texas High.”

Ann Kharlamova, Russia “The biggest culture shock was that all Americans love everything that is big. Studying with cars, I noticed that they like those big and food and everything is big. My school in Russia is big, but it and it’s ninth through twelfth here.”

Tony Li, Hong Kong Luca Averbeck, Germany “I hope that this year my English can get better and make more friends. My family in Germany is diferent than my family here because I have a brother in Germany, and I have two host sisters here that I live with.”

“I like that Texas High School Here in America, we don’t have to study as much. There are more extracurricular classes like painting. I like painting because you are able to draw creatively.”

sports

As a level 8 gymnast, sophomore Madison Maynard was at the top of her game. She competed in many meets and even won the Region 3 vault championship in 2012. Her goal was to go to the Olympics. Last year, however, elbow injuries caused Maynard to take a break from the competition. “My cartilage came off of my radius and the bone deteriorated,” Maynard said. “The same thing happened to both of my arms at the same time. [My right arm] was worse, so we got it fixed first.” The initial surgery on her right elbow involved taking bone from her knee and putting it into her elbow. This year, while everyone else attended the first day of school,

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

ling b m through recovery BY KRISTIN MCCASLAND staff writer

Sophomore gymnast Madison Maynard tells about her recovery from a recent elbow surgery. photo by sydney steed

Maynard underwent the same procedure to fix the opposite elbow. “The whole process was tiring,” Maynard said. “I was tired of all the questions and I just wanted it to be done.”

Although she only spent two hours in the hospital after the operation, the process caused Maynard to miss the first three days of school. “It was hard to catch up, and I’m still catching up,”

Maynard said. “When you miss the first several days of school, you don’t get everything explained to you. The teachers just hand you the paperwork and expect you to know what to do.” As for gymnastics, May-

nard is unsure if she will return after her recovery. “I’m not really sure if I’ll go back to gymnastics,” Maynard said. “I’m not sure if I would be going back for myself or for everyone else.”

HER AWARDS • 2012 Regional Vault Champion • 2012 Texas State Vault Champion • 2011 Texas State Vault Champion • 2011 Third Place Vault at U.S. Open in Disney World • 2010 & 2008 Candy Cane Classic All-Around Champion • 2010 Roses International Tumbling, Vault & Trampette Champion in Milton Keynes, England If the vault champion does decide to return, she would first have to spend a minimum of 5-6 months recovering from her injuries before she could practice. If she does not return to gymnastics, Maynard has a couple sports that she would like to try. “I love to run,” Maynard said. “I was going to do track this year, but I wimped out. Also, I had a lot of fun playing soccer so I might try that. Gymnastics has been a big part of my life, so if I don’t go back I will definitely miss it.”

Senior linebacker commits to SMU

Looking back, Rhone said it will be hard to leave high school football BY ROBERT HOOVER sports editor

During his junior year, one Texas High linebacker earned 146 tackles, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Now a senior, Anthony Rhone is back for another year of Tiger football. Rhone is currently playing in his last season here, as he prepares to move on to college ball next fall. Rhone has always known, for as long as he can remember, that he wants to move up from high school football to play in college. “Since I’ve been young I’ve always wanted to go to college,” Rhone said. “I’ve grown up around football and knew I wanted to persue it as a career.” Even though he knew he wanted to play college football at an early age, he didn’t start thinking about it until his sophomore year. “During my sophomore year, colleges started sending me letters, getting in contact with me,” Rhone said, “SMU was a little different from the other schools, they sent me hand written letters telling me how much of an asset I would be.”

With multiple colleges wanting him for his athletic and educational attributes, he had a lot of options to wade through. “I narrowed it down to SMU, North Texas and SFA,” Rhone said. With all three of these universities making offers, Rhone tried to find a happy medium between athletics and academics. Finally, after narrowing it down college by college, Rhone believes he has found where he belongs at Southern Methodist University. “I feel like SMU is the better fit for me academically and also sportwise for my football,”Rhone said. His parents agree. “My parents support me 100 percent,” Rhone said. “We talked a lot and decided SMU had the best offer.” Just like his teammates, Rhone is looking back on his time with the football team and knows it’s going to be hard to say goodbye. “Of course I’m going to miss high school,” Rhone said. “I’ve been wanting to attend Texas High and play at Grim stadium since I was little, now I’m doing it.”

ON HIS FUTURE ERNIE RHONE, DAD

“I feel like Anthony made an intelligent decision on his behalf to pick SMU as his choice for both athletics and academics. Anthony is a hard worker, he constantly takes care of business and is a great kid. I’m glad to have him as my son. I just look forward to him working hard and becoming successful.”

photo by sydney steed

sports

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

AND THEY’RE OFF Busy seasons get underway as teams look toward district championships

Tennis:The state ranked tennis team has an undefeated record of 9-0. They defeated Marshall on Sept. 17. On Saturday, they will face Ennis and Corsicana at Tyler Junior College. “We have started off the season undefeated,” senior Aaron Murdock said. “We have a solid team, both girls and boys. Coach has been working us hard, and we should stay undefeated until regionals.”

Football: The Tigers are 2-1 so far, just coming off a 37-38 loss to Tyler Lee. “I feel like that we are off to a great start,” senior Anthony Rhone said, “and I’m looking forward to see what the future has for us to come.” Golf: The golf team won 294-340 over Arkansas High. “I think we will do really good this season,” junior Russell Thomas said. “I believe we will definitely try our hardest in the fall and get ready for district and regional’s in the spring.” photo by Sabrina Larson

photo by Alyssa Olalde-Galvan

photo by Sydney Steed

Volleyball: The Lady Tigers are 8-10. They play at Marshall tonight and at Sulphur Springs Oct. 1. “I think the season will go good as long as we fight for every game and give it our all,” junior Krysten Dansby said.

photo by Josh Rostek

photo by Carlie Clem

he sports teams have started their individual seasons. Some have been better than the others, but each has done well so far.

sports

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

Kennedale game looks bright for Tigers BY ROBERT HOOVER sports editor

TOUCHDOWN Senior quarterback Kody Hunter rushing for a touchdown in the game against Liberty Eylau./photo by sydney steed

The Texas High Tigers are currently 2-1 for the season and are playing against Kennedale High School tonight. Even after winning their first two games, doubts remained about the strength of this Tiger squad. Both of their first two games were against easy teams and several mistakes were made. The Tigers didn’t seem to have what it takes to keep winning against better teams. However, after the seeing the Tyler Lee game, every Tiger fan should have high hopes. The Tigers lost their game against Tyler Lee High School last Saturday with a final score of 37-38. Even though this was the first Tiger loss, it was the best-played game of the season

so far. Lee is a good team, and the Tigers gave them a run for the money. The passing game was actually effective, something that hasn’t been seen this season. The defense was strong, and held their own for the entire game. The heart was there; the drive to win was finally there. Impressive catches were made, wildcat offensive plays were unveiled, a fake field goal resulting in a touchdown and a fight from the Tigers down to the final play. This game showed Texas High fans that the Tigers are ready to play some football. During their last confrontation with the Tigers, Kennedale took the win with a score of 13-25. The Kennedale High School football team is currently 1-3 for the season, but they face some very talented teams. Their run game is impressive, racking up 1,370 yards in the first four games (342.5 yards per game). The Texas High defense is strong, but it will probably give away a couple of touchdowns. The biggest change since last year is the offense. If they play like they did last weekend, the Tigers could definitely come out on top. Overall, the Tigers have come a long way. They should have no problem beating Kennedale and going on to bigger and better games. In the end, Texas Highs’ drive and better teamwork is going to give them the edge. Prediction: 24-14 Texas High on top.

BY HANNAH WILLIAMS staff writer

Dancing to a new beat new sponsor brings changes to drill team

Many high school students go into extracurricular activities such as sports and drill team, expecting little to no changes throughout all four years. However, the Texas Highsteppers have changed things, ranging from a new director to even breaking traditions. Kristi Robinson has become the new director, taking the spot of Gigi Still. Robinson has been a dance teacher for many years prior to becoming the new director, along with having many years of drill team experience. One of the most noticeable changes was their performance at Watermelon Supper. “It is weird having so much change on

NEW ATTIRE Senior Kelsey Smith sports the new pep rally uniform during Watermelon Supper. The team veered from their traditional Watermelon Crawl performance. “I love them,” Smith said. “It makes you feel and dance better when you have something cute to wear.” photo by Sabrina Larson

the team because it is my last year,” senior Lydia Walker said. “We have changed a couple of things, one of them being not doing the Watermelon Crawl at the Watermelon Supper.” And change can be a good thing. “The change has definitely benefitted us so much because we have definitely gotten

better within the first couple of months,” Walker said. Not only are the changes strange for seniors, but for newer members as well. “It’s kind of weird having changes because we came in freshman year and were taught things that are now being changed,” sophomore Kaitlyn Krause said. “We have already improved with it just being the beginning of the year.” New things are being brought to the table, like doing new stand routines at football games. “It is different for traditions, like the stand routines at the football games, that we were taught last year to be broken,” Krause said. “Like I said earlier, she would not do anything that would hurt the team or not help us.”

entertainment

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

My Little Ponies are BY SYDNEY SCHOEN co-editor in chief

Artist

of the

EVILTheoretically...

the government “manipulate the perception of the general public.” Essentially, there is an insane amount of celebrity doppelgangers. Tupac Shakur is a character played by Dave Chappelle. Zubeidat Tsarnaeva, the Boston Marathon bombers’ mother, is Kellie Pickler. Willow Smith, Will Smith’s daughter, is Malia Obama, President Barack Obama’s daughter. Alice Cooper is Steve Carell. Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter, is Michael Phelps. Boy George is Steve Carell. (Carell gets around.) Elizabeth II, is Betty White. Ear biometrics, a method of identi-

tragedies, like the Boston Marathon bombing and Sandy Hook shooting, google images/cc

Tupac’s back. Or, according to the WellAware1 website (www.wellaware1.com), he never really left. A website founded by conspiracy theorist Ed Chiarini, WellAware1, “the website one percent–ers are afraid of,” believes that all news events are staged

to be the equivalent or better than facial recognition, according to computer scientist Kevin Bowyer in a 2010 article. monplace for WellAware1–ers. By comparing pixelated photographs of ears, crude handwriting samples, and photoshopped pictures, this site claims it’s doing Americans a favor––uncovering the lies put on television daily; a truly patriotic act. And what’s more patriotic than asking for donations each time you read about one of their “investigations?”

NSA scandal, WikiLeaks). Conspiracy theorists just want answers to what

BY AMANDA HACKLEMAN viewpoint editor

Mont

Junior Nikita Marin has been drawing her whole life. She counts it as her most valuable talent. Everywhere she goes, she always has a sketchbook and an abundance of art supplies in one of her military bags slung over her shoulders. Nikita hopes to one day turn her hobby into a career by drawing graphic novels, or manga, which is her favorite style.

foundation of this conspiracy theory mirrors others: A cure for cancer has already been found, but the government won’t report it. der the Denver International Airport.” business purposes. Or, “My Little Pony: Friendship is magic. One big brainwash. You’re welcome.” [Brian Fairbanks, TruTV.com] It is a fact that the government hides things from the average citizen (i.e.

photo illustration by Sydney Steed & Carlie Clem

TO ASK, OR NOT T O A S K . FM

should be allowed to remain as such. It would be insensitive and un–American to accuse of anything otherwise. But if the heart cannot bear to think that Tupac is dead or that My Little Ponies are adorable, then so be it. But, Americans should absorb this information as it is––theoretical. BY ABIGAIL HILL

that’s consuming the thoughts of teens: Ask.fm. It’s a seemingly harmless site where friends can follow each other and ask one another questions, anonymous or mous is more than some can take. Some, like senior Sabrina Larson, made an account just because her friends told her to, thinking that it would be funny. Sophomore J.T. Morgan had the same expectations, but had to delete his account because the questions were a little too personal and made the social network less “funny.” Take sophomore Annie Hounsel as an example of a girl who received anonymous harassment. Her ‘ask piercing questions about a previous relationship. feel ugly, alone, and that no one wants me.” slung at Annie, and once she began to ignore them, the questions began to pour over into her friends’

“I felt hurt, attacked, and in a sense guilty that I pushed someone to do this,” Housel said. “I’ve obviously upset someone.” Hounsel ended up deleting her account because of the degree of the rudeness associated with the questions and her account being hacked. Annie Hounsel was cyber bullied. But there are always two sides to every story and motivation behind an attacker’s words. Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous as she preferred to on the social network, shared her story of sending anonymous harassment. “When it’s anonymous no one knows, and it’s not feel as wrong or bad,” she said. “Eventually, I felt bad enough to stop.” “It started out as a joke, but my friend took it the wrong way.” According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from social network is the perfect opportunity to exploit insecurities of fellow peers anonymously, leading to the rise of these issues. By dropping the number it can save thousands of kids from depression, security issues, and possibility of suicide.

entertainment

Local Live Music BY JESSICA EMERSON staff writer

Everybody knows the usual Texarkana weekend routine. The “only” option for a good time with your friends is going out to eat and seeing a movie. What most people don’t know is there are plenty of places in Texarkana to get a good dose of loud music and a fun night.

Mic’d Music on 5499 Summerhill Road has a gab and jam every Saturday. Mic’d Music has a very laid back and casual feel, with guitars set up everywhere for easy playing access. It’s a great place to spend a lazy Saturday listening to local Texarkana musicians and even picking up a guitar and playing yourself.

photo by Josh Rostek

photo by Bailey Vaughan

photo by Kelsi Brinkmeyer

Mic’d Music Acoustic Gab & Jam

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

Concerts in the Pocket Park

The Pocket Park is located in Downtown Texarkana on 106 E. Broad Street, Texarkana. It’s a gated in/outdoor area with a stage and tables set up. It’s almost acoustically perfect. The stage is facing a brick wall, so when a band is playing the pocket park is literally vibrating with sound. It’s a great place to listen to good music outside. To know times and shows, look for posters and signs around town and the Pocket Park.

Copeland’s

Copeland’s is a New Orleans style chain restaurant that hosts live music and new local bands. Also, every Sunday they host a jazz brunch. It’s also a family friendly environment and is a perfect place to dine and listen to live music. While you’re grubbing and listening to some good music, you’ve got to have one of Copeland’s delicious cheesecake brownies. Travel on down to 511 East 51st Street, Texarkana, Ark.

entertainment

tiger times sept. 27, 2013

DRESSING CLASSY FOR CLASS It’s time for the guys to put more thought into school attire

BY CAROLINE PURTLE co-entertainment editor

Public school isn’t like the old days of khakis and sweater vests; it has transformed into one big blob of 100 percent cotton t-shirts and Buckle jeans (with or without a gold chain). The guys are in the wrong state of mind, thinking too much about looking cool instead of looking like men. A compromise of com-

The boys here have been hit with a plague of “swag” and “I don’t cares” in, not only their attitudes, but also the way they dress.

Throw on a pinstripe button down with a complimenting blazer.

Role up the sleeves of a baggy shirt. No need to tuck it in.

A bit chilly? A nice velvet blazer will be a quick fix for the winter days.

fortability and regality should be made in order to revamp the clichè customs of the current day high school environment. Seniors DJ Mack, Taylor Potter and junior Bradley Lenaway model five different options representing easygoing styles to throw on before school.

The classic white button down and khakis is a casual mix up for school.

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photos by Bailey Vaughan

A polo matched with a printed pair of shorts is the perfect look for the average student.

community

tiger times sept. 27, 2013