stay connected Facebook: THS Publications Twitter: @THSStudentMedia
tigertimes
volume 53 no. 6 • may 21, 2014
texas high school • 4001 summerhill rd • texarkana, tx 75503 • www.tigertimesonline.com
BEST OF TEXARKANA
what’s happenin’
2
tiger times may 21, 2014
what’s inside
this issue
3NEWS 4
TigerVision takes production on road with mobile unit
“The students have worked hard building the truck and installing the gear.” -Charles Aldridge, TigerVision sponsor
5
END OF THE JOURNEY The graduation ceremony will be held on June 7 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Moores Lane. Graduation practice will be held on June 6. Seniors will need to meet in front of the Tiger Center around 8 a.m. to ride buses to the church. photo illustration from creative commons.
OPINION A person should be judged by the legacy he leaves
6
“My goal as a leader has always been for all those who enter under me to be better by the time I leave.”
9
-Taylor Potter, 12
FEATURE
15
Go Harvard or Go Home
“It didn’t really click for awhile. It took probably a good week to settle in. But I was extremely excited and really proud.”
-Josh Robinson, 12
17SPORTS 18
Track takes state title
“It feels good knowing we did something that has never been done at Texas High. We accomplished something most people don’t get the chance to do.”
-Kevin Harris, 12
19 ENTERTAINMENT 19
The It List
Check out what’s popular this issue on The It List–movies, apps, fashion and upcoming events this month.
GRADUATION!
SEMESTER EXAM SCHEDULE
The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Moores Lane on June 7. All seniors must attend graduation practice on June 6. Buses will be in front of the Tiger Center around 8 a.m. to take seniors to the church. “I’m really excited for graduation, and I’m ready to leave high school,” senior Kirsten Herron said. “I’m ready to see the real world and see how it goes, but, hopefully, it all turns out great. I’m going to miss my friends, but it’s worth it.” NO SCHOOL MAY 23, MAY 26, JUNE 9 Students are eagerly awaiting their four-day weekend for Memorial Day, May 23-26. “My friends and I are going to drive around our block and shoot fireworks out the sunroof,” sophomore Nicholas Shaw said. “We’re doing it to show that we are thankful for the soldiers that fight for our country and that we admire them for it.” June 9 is the last official day of school and a bad-weather day.
BLOOD DRIVE MAY 28-MAY 29 A blood drive will be held in the gym May 28-29. Students must sign up prior to donating. “We have the blood drive as a service project for our school,” sponsor Debbie Nicholas said. “We have the opportunity to save lives every time we do it.”
SENIOR AWARDS MAY 29 Seniors are happy to finally be recognized for their hard work throughout the school year. An awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on May 29 in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center. “If I get an award, it will be most likely to argue with everyone for no reason,” senior Josh Robinson said. ” Well, I debate and I take it out of the classroom and into the real world and argue with everyone who will listen.”
SPRING OLYMPIAD & POWDERPUFF JUNE 5 1:30 PM-3:00 PM “I’m really excited about powderfuff because last year we didn’t get to play it because it got rained out, and we were in the multi and we weren’t allowed to,” senior Marissa Johnson said. “But I’m really excited because this will be my first and my last year, so it will be neat. Hopefully, seniors will win.”
photo illustration from creative commons
JUNE 4
JUNE 5
A1/B1: 8:30-9:50 B2: 9:55-11:00 B3: 11:05-1:05 1st Lunch: 11:05-11:35 2nd Lunch: 11:35-12:05 3rd Lunch: 12:05-12:35 4th Lunch: 12:35-1:05 B4: 1:10-2:20 A5/B5: 2:25-3:45
A2: A3: A4:
8:30-9:50 9:55-11:15 11:20-12:40
JUNE 6 B2: B3: B4:
8:30-9:50 9:55-11:15 11:20-12:40
• Breakfast will be served each morning. Regular lunches will only be served Wednesday. Students may purchase sack lunches on Thursday and Friday at 12:40. • Buses will load in the teacher parking lot by the cafeteria. • Students will remain in class for the entire period. • Students are not allowed to take semester exams early. All exams will be given on the date assigned unless it is a DC course. • All DC students are required to attend their DC course on the day of semester exams. • PE/athletics/band/cheer/drill team will report to their class at the designated times. • Students who do not attend semester exams will receive an unexcused absence. • Students who have a DC class at the college will report to the cafeteria during their TC scheduled class. FUN STUFF It will be all fun and games for the annual Spring Olympiad and Powderpuff events on June 5. “I’m really exited about it because juniors are over it this year,” junior Maggie Coleman said. “So, I’m exited to see what kind of stuff we come up with, and, to me, it will be a whole lot more fun than last year because it was indoor last year.” file photo
3
news
tiger times may 21, 2014
NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS
Officers hope to make changes that will make positive impact on year BY ANNA GRAVES staff writer Current student council officers stepped down from their previous positions, and a new council was elected May 14. New student body officers will be Madeline Hunley as Parliamentarian, Rachel Qualls as Treasurer, Nick Richter as Secretary, Gage Martin as Vice President
Texarkana.” Because of the great impact StuCo had on her, Qualls hopes that being student body treasurer will allow her to get other students involved so that they too will be able to be a part of the organization that helps not only them, but also the community.
dent body. His goals are directed towards improving school spirit and also reaching out to other groups in the school. “I have always wanted to be able to impact the school and make a positive change,” Richter said. “I hope to help through increasing school spirit activities,
Senior Class Officers
entertaining and get everyone involved, not only in pep rallies but in all school activities. My hope for next year is to make it the best year of high school for everyone. It feels truly amazing that the student body would vote me, and give me the opportunity to show them that without a doubt
Maggie Coleman President Chandler Thomas Vice President Annie Tarwater Secretary Mary-Stewart Shores Treasurer
Junior Class Officers Caroline May President Chelsea Villanueva Vice President Anna Catherine Boudreaux Secretary Anna Graves Treasurer
Sophomore Class Officers Katherine Doan President
Gage Martin Vice President
and Katherine Doan as President. Taking over as student body parliamentarian, Hunley hopes to improve both StuCo and Texarkana while in her position. “To help StuCo, I am going to try to get as many underclassmen, and students in general, as I can to get involved in the club because I believe it’s a great organization at Texas High,” Hunley said. “I also want to help StuCo become more involved in other events that go on around
Nick Richter Secretary
“When I first came to Texas High, I felt really out of the loop until I joined StuCo,” Qualls said. “As far as having a leadership role in StuCo, I would really like to see our school have more students involved in community service. I think it would give us a more welcoming picture, and allow new students to become more comfortable with our school even quicker.” As secretary, Richter hopes to be a positive influence on the stu-
Rachel Qualls Treasurer
and do a sort of special night to incorporate the special needs kids at Texas High.” Replacing the position recently held by senior Anthony Rhone, Martin hopes that as vice president he will be able to get more students involved in school activities and be able to improve Texas High for all grades. “I want to better and help the student body as a whole,” Martin said. “I will help by making pep rallies way more fun and
Madeline Hunley Parliamentarian
I’ll be the best vice president I can possibly be.” Elected as the student body president, Doan will be filling the shoes of senior Ben Norton. She is both honored and excited. “I believe that I am going to be a good voice for our student body,” Doan said. “I love our school and am dedicated to improving every aspect of it. We have a great team of student body officers, and I know that we will work together to make next year incredible.”
Hutch Tidwell President Ricky Cooks Vice President Ali Richter Secretary Grace Hickey Treasurer
Freshmen Class Officers Blaire Berry President Colton Johnson Vice President Katie Biggar Secretary Emily McMaster Treasurer
Pests cause crackdown on food in classrooms BY ROBERT HOOVER sports editor
Students who were accustomed to extra study time in the classrooms with teachers while eating their lunches have been told that this is no longer allowed in an effort to reduce problems with pest control. “With the warmer weather and current rainfalls, many insects and pests become more prevalent than the colder months,” assistant principal Richard Stahl said. “They are seeking water and food, and anything we can do to eliminate this will help minimize any pests.” The news that there could be no more food in the classroom came at the end of the year, a time when AP tests and finals are being issued. “Not being able to eat in [Chuck] Zach’s room came at an unfortunate time right before the AP test,” junior Jonathan Asher said. “I feel that it is not fair to take
a privilege like that away from proven and responsible students. I feel that having the extra 30 minutes with Mr. Zach helped me more easily concentrate and prepare myself because it was a more calm and quiet environment compared to that of the cafeteria.” TISD Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Kaye Oliver said there are three factors in combating pests: food, water and shelter. “When we eliminate the three, we eliminate pests,” Oliver said. In order to do this, Oliver said they use a three-step approach that involves sanitation, exclusion (isolating ways pests enter the building) and monitoring. “IPM is a revolving circle that takes each of the above three steps,” Oliver said. “And when these steps are completed, what we have is a pest-free environment–a safe clean campus for students to learn and grow academically.”
According to Oliver, there have been 21 pest control work orders at Texas High this year. Out of the 21, 11 work orders dealt with eliminating food and water sources and exclusion; three were resolved through rodent traps; three were yellow jacket nests that were removed; and four were related to ant mounds. “Pest is defined as anything unwanted,” Oliver said. “In the case of our campuses, this can be insects, rodents, domestic animals or weeds.” Those students who said they were careful to clean up their food were surprised at the decision. “I think it’s not fair for us to be deprived of being able to eat in his classroom when there have been no pest issues because of us,” junior Katherine Doan said. “We are a bunch of intelligent students who just want to spend more time in class.” Stahl said through the maintenance
and custodial personnel they are making every effort to keep pests from becoming a problem. “I can see the logic of the administration wanting to preserve cleanliness in the classrooms,” junior Selwin George said. “I can also understand how the administration might want to contain food consumption in the cafeteria that was constructed for the purpose of eating. However, eating in Mr. Zach’s class gave many students an opportunity to read course material in a quiet environment and have a reliable resource, namely Mr. Zach, to whom they could ask questions about the reading assignments.” George said both sides of the issue have valid points. “The dilemma is a conflict of maintaining order and cleanliness versus creating an additional opportunity for student success,” George said. “It’s merely a question of which is more valuable to the school.”
news
4
tiger times may 21, 2014
TigerVision takes production on road with mobile unit BY CONOR DIGGS staff writer What once was an old ambulance van has been transformed into an advanced film truck for TigerVision. And TigerVision took it on the road for the first time when they attended the Student Television Network convention in Orlando, Fla. “We got a special shout out for being the only school with a video van,” sophomore Connor Williams said. “Once we were done setting it up, other schools got to come and look at it; we could tell they were impressed.” The truck’s main purpose is to film live productions and multiple other events. They will be using it June 7 for a live broadcast of the graduation ceremony. “The students have worked hard building the truck and installing the gear,” TigerVision sponsor Charles Aldridge said. “We are proud; we designed this truck, helped renovate it, installed the equipment ourselves and are even very proud that the majority of the costs were from our own club funds, not school budget.” The interior is made up of high definition cameras, audio switchers and the Tricaster 8000. The Tricaster is the
Members of TigerVision work in the mobile production unit while in Orlando, Fla., at the Student Television Network convention. This was the first time the group had taken the truck out on the road. During this month, they will be filming graduation ceremonies around the state. submitted photo
machine that can deliver the most extensive integration with broadcast operations, 24 channel switchers with a professional audio mixer. “Our technology is top of the line equipment,” senior Noah Woolery said, “Our Macs have new editing software, which will be very useful, and our advanced tricaster is awesome.” The truck contains the most powerful video effect system available and will have a dedicated film crew made up of students selected by Aldridge. While in Orlando, students used
the truck to film live productions at the convention. “We worked very hard to get ready for STN,” Williams said, “and I’m very glad to see it turn out so well; I had loads of fun.” Students got a first-hand experience at producing and setting up their own show. “I had to stay up so late for multiple reasons setting up,” Williams said. “One reason was that our screen started flickering on and off, so we had to find the problem to fix it. Eventually, I found the problem, and everything was ok.” With a live production, there wasn’t
room for error. “TigerVision was the only one to run the show,” junior Josh Whitehorn said. “Also, it was live, so we couldn’t mess anything up. Therefore, nothing wrong happened.” Senior Vernicia Griffie said she was honored to be one of the STN announcers. “I was really happy because I was an awards announcer,” Griffie said, “and it was a good closing to my three years of being here.” Additionally, the truck will be used to film a graduation ceremony in Dallas May 24 at an all-girls high school. Aldridge and his crew look forward to their next event. “We are very excited,” Aldridge said. “This is our second gig, and we are happy that we’re in a truck which, has all our equipment already set up.” The idea of a production truck had been in the works for several years but was made possible after LifeNet donated the ambulance, and TigerVision spent more than $50,000 renovating it. “We’ve been dreaming, wishing and hoping for the truck for four to five years,” Aldridge said. “I’m sure there are going to be some new ideas on some things that we can do with it; the possibilities are endless.”
VIPS to organize 5K race to help fund senior scholarships BY MOLLY CROUCH staff writer The Volunteers In Public Schools are planning the “Dash for Cash” 5K race and walk, along with a mile Tiger Cub Fun Run for younger children, as their primary fundraisers for Sept. 20 at the track. The proceeds of the event will go to one graduating senior who applies for the scholarship and excels in community and school volunteerism. “We really want to make this a TISD community-wide event,” race chairman Christy Paddock said. “We are hoping to have really big turnouts.”
There will also be vendors and booths set up around the track and on the practice field for any school clubs and local businesses. Booth spaces are $50 to any organization that is associated with TISD, and if someone in the community wants to
sell their products, they can rent a booth for $100. “Our goal is to get the student organizations and schools to really get the word out that there are booths,” Paddock said. “StuCo has already committed to a double booth, and they are going to be selling hamburgers and hotdogs. By having not only the races but also the booths, we hope to draw even more people.” Online registration will be through signmeup.com. There will also be hard copy forms distributed at TISD events toward the end of the summer. The “Dash for Cash” 5K run and walk will be $30, and the Tiger Cub Fun Run will be $20.
A T-shirt is included with the registration fee. “As back to school starts, we will push [to register] at all of the TISD events,” Paddock said. “[We will be] at Watermelon Supper, Meet the Teachers and the Freshman Orientation Tiger Camp.” There will be a contest for participation between the schools in TISD. When someone registers, people will be able to give credit to a particular campus. “We are trying to pull every single school in TISD,”Paddock said. “The campus that gets the most people entered into the race is anticipated to get a $500 reward.”
5
viewpoint
tiger times may 21, 2014
EDITORIAL
tiger times
Thumbs
Taking time to look back on the past school year
DOWN
UP
Thumbs
Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 794-3891 Fax (903) 792-8971
Over the course of the past year, students have seen a number of changes, both good and bad. There have been those that caused students headaches to no end and those that kept us on the edge of our seats. To close out the year, we’ll give some of these things a big thumbs up or thumbs down.
THUMBS UP
THUMBS DOWN:
Pep Rallies: Our pre-game celebrations were incredibly fun this year and sought to involve a great variety of students. They incorporated new skits, challenges and games that kept everyone interested for the duration of the performance. Overall, cheer, band, drill team and leadership did a great job on organizing the events.
Dress Code: Dress code enforcement has been lacking consistency for years. Nike shorts and yoga pants are deemed inappropriate, but short dresses seem to slip through the cracks every day. Though it’s a little ridiculous that thighs are considered distracting in the first place, at least be consistent about the punishment.
Basketball Games: The student section was boisterous and rowdy this year, just the way that they should be. Whether it was a revitalized interest in the sport or a reaction to the team’s newfound success, we can’t be certain. We just hope the student section antics are here to stay for the long run.
Parking Lot: As we’ve discovered the past few years, the student parking lot is too small to accommodate the entire student driver population. Though there is no easy solution to this, it’s an administrative problem that is being forced on the students and is only worsened by the parents cutting through the parking area.
Sweet Tea and Brownies: Both the Prom Moms and the cafeteria took steps to make the school food a bit more appealing with the constant supply of brownies and the newly-introduced sweet tea. It’s refreshing to see food services take steps to make lunch more tasteful.
“First day of school this year, I walked into the guys’ bathroom, and there was a group of guys just staring at me.” Rachel Sorenson, 9
Hallway Traffic: If students want to hang out in the courtyard, fine, but they don’t need to be stopping in the actual walkways. It is absolutely infuriating to be walking to an English class to find that you are blocked by a couple making out in the hallway. Monitors need to be more attentive and proactive in keeping everyone moving.
SPEAK OUT
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST OR WORST PART OF YOUR YEAR?
“Walking in the hallways because I’m small. No one can see me, so they step on me.” Carrie Ann Huff, 12 “I really enjoy the dances a lot because they were better than the middle school dances.” Jillian Cheney, 9 “Choir. Singing every Friday for the talent show.” Darron Ray Walker, 11
“Probably 3:45 when the bell rings.” Madison Winchell, 10
“When I was walking in the Math and Science Building, I tripped and fell up the steps.” Chauzney Hooks, 11
“On the first day of school, I slipped and fell in ranch, and everyone saw me.”
“It’s just mutual. I don’t get any good moments or bad moments.”
Breanna McCarley, 9
Taylor Smith, 11
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. editors in chief Josh Klein, Taylor Potter, Sydney Schoen news editor Madeline Hunley viewpoint editor Amanda Hackleman feature editor Maggie Coleman sports editor Robert Hoover entertainment editors Caroline Purtle & DJ Mack advertising editor Adam Graves business manager Rachel Stuart photo editor Sydney Steed staff writers Olivia Corbett Daniela Correa Molly Crouch Conor Diggs Jessica Emerson Ben Gladney Anna Graves Abigail Hill Brad Lenaway Caroline May Kristin McCasland Brianna O’Shaughnessy Tyler Snell JB Wells Hannah Williams photographers Zach Baker Kelsi Brinkmeyer Carlie Clem Lauren Gibbert Paige Huddleston Maegan Jordan 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, CSPA, NSPA The Tiger Times is the official student publication of Texas High School. The primary purpose is to inform the students of the school, while practicing the ethical canon 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
The end of a journey
Senior reminisces on past school year, those who made impact MOVING FORWARD
BEN GLADNEY/staff writer These past four years at Texas High School have defined me and helped mold me into the young man that I am. Dealing with all the people that I’ve come into contact with, meeting foreign exchange students and meeting new teachers every year has helped me with my social interaction skills that I’m going to need in the future. Being influenced by teachers and principals has changed my life completely. For four long years, I’ve attended Texas High School, the best high
school in Texarkana, to me at least. I’ve seen and come into contact with a different variety of people, principals and other faculty. I’ve experienced the good, and I’ve experienced bad, but in all, it’s been a journey that I never want to forget. One of the memorable moments here for me was when I saw the whole school come together at the bonfires. Those moments were amazing and something that I could never forget. Seeing the excitement every year with people from different schools attending the event just was an amazing site. Although every year has been tough for me, I’ve made it with the support from my family, friends and teachers. I’ll never forget teachers and administrators such as Paul Norton, Casey Nichols, Julius Anderson, Rebecca Potter, Chuck Zach, Angela Spence, Patti McDonald, Brad Bailey, Mark Schroeder, Monica Washington,
Tessie Bullock, Kim Byerly, Valerie Ray, Holley Robinson, Karen Russell, Brandon Burnett, Vicki Berry, Ramona Keener, John Littmann, Joni Kirby, Ann Bishop, Coach Rhone, Coach Cody Walls and many more all who have influenced me and helped me become set on the path toward success. I couldn’t be more thankful for all my experiences with the faculty and staff, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all that they have done for me and my education. Every day was a challenge for me dealing with class work, friendships and other activities. Along the way, I met a group of people, my publications family, who have all embraced me and shown me love like nobody did before. It saddens me that this journey ends, but I pray and hope God blesses us all to become and do great things while we are a part of this life.
Senior remembers all the life lessons he’s learned from high school My senior year at high school. The final home stretch, some would say. For me, it is the ending of a long and fulfilling chapter. I will never forget my time spent at Texas High. It is filled with stories of bravery and heroism––if making public humiliation my own personal calling card counts as brave or even remotely heroic. If anyone were to sit down with me, make a nice cup of Joe, and ask me if it was all worth it, I would say, “Yup.” There is a unique aura to high school that separates it from middle school or college. The fact of the matter is that it is high school that truly shapes who you become as an individual. For me, Texas High created new possibilities that otherwise would have never emerged. Although I like to think of myself as independent, I have to attribute a good majority of my success to all of my friends who gave me something to strive for. For instance, prior to meeting my friend Taylor Potter, my academic scores would still be relatively low. Being the generous and caring person that he is, Taylor helped push me to try my best and taught me the value in studying. In addition, I would also like to thank both the TigerSharks and the
STAYING POSITIVE
DJ MACK/co-entertainment editor soccer team for drastically improving my eating habits and physical fitness. Since being involved with them this year, I have lost more than 20 pounds and counting. I would also have thank swim coach Carl Auel for taking the time out of his busy schedule to teach me how to swim. In the four years I have been here, I have met wonderful people in both the faculty and the student body. Debate coach Amy Kemp has instilled within me the art of competitive speaking and proper grammar usage. While it may sound trivial to the untrained reader, this was not an easy task. Another brilliant person of influence in my youth is Rebecca Potter, known more commonly as “Mom.” She took me under her wing and showed me the
“THERE IS A UNIQUE AURA TO HIGH SCHOOL THAT SEPARATES IT FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL OR COLLEGE. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT IT IS HIGH SCHOOL THAT TRULY SHAPES WHO YOU BECOME AS AN INDIVIDUAL. FOR ME, TEXAS HIGH CREATED NEW POSSIBILITIES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE NEVER EMERGED.” wonders of journalism, something that I will never forget. Since I am talking about major influences in my life, there is no way I could leave out both Monica Washington and Brittany Ray-Crowell, the coolest duo at Texas High. These two terrific ladies beat into me the proper methods of essay writing along with how to properly behave in a classroom. High school can either make or break a person, but if you are blessed like me and have amazing friends and a family-oriented staff that aids you and goes the extra mile to ensure your success, then everything will work out for the best.
tiger times May 21, 2014
A person should be judged by the legacy he leaves TIGHT COVERAGE
TAYLOR POTTER/co-editor in chief Awards have never really satisfied me. Don’t get me wrong, I love to win. I like being recognized for my personal achievements and being commended on anything that I do. It feels good. But in my career in newspaper and in the Order of the Arrow, I’ve learned that there is a much more accurate means of determining success. One that doesn’t concern judges or ratings or any other subjective method of grade-based ranking. Legacy. The best way to judge a person is by looking at those who come after him. My goal as a leader has always been for all those who enter under me to be better by the time I leave. In Boy Scouts, in the OA, in newspaper, I’ve sought to make everyone better than they were at the beginning. I’ve spent my time teaching kids to write and edit, work and lead, persevere and encourage. And though my methods involve a fair amount of belittlement, yelling, sarcasm, name-calling, aggression, ranting, all of them have grown so much as people, and I’m proud of every single one of them. In saying that, I am pretty confident that I leave behind a very strong legacy. In newspaper alone, there are several incredibly talented sophomores and juniors. I have the utmost confidence that they will continue to succeed in the coming years. Near the end, I’d like to wish a few of my favorite newspaper kids luck. To Tyler, you’re a tremendous writer with a great work ethic. You’ve done a great job this year. All the seniors are very proud of you. To Kristin and Brianna, you guys have been on top of everything all year. I can’t wait to see what y’all do in the future. To Hoover, Maggie, Amanda and Madison Hunley, you guys are some of the best people that I could ever ask for on a staff. You made life so much easier and helped me from getting too stressed most of time. And, lastly, to the rest of the seniors, I’ve really enjoyed spending the past few years with you. It hasn’t completely awful. That’s pretty much all I have. Stay classy.
7
viewpoint
tiger times may 21, 2014
Texarkana isn’t such a bad place to call home SARCASTIC PERSON
JB WELLS/staff writer I often hear people discuss their disdain for Texarkana, and sometimes, when I’m feeling just right I’ll join in with them. I mean come on, there’s nothing to do here and it smells awful 90 percent of the time. How can you not complain? Almost every other city in the U.S. seems like a better place to live. But in the back of my mind I can’t possibly imagine how I would have turned out had I not moved here before my sophomore year. I came from a town called Senatobia, Miss., a quaint town whose biggest attraction was, no joke, the Wal-Mart. Though we did have the Tobie Cinemas (showing four movies at a time), I was often bored there, and I spent a lot of time playing “World of Warcraft.” My high school, which I only attended for one year, was nothing like Texas High. I had no real connection to the school other than the band, and even then, I never felt like I fit in there. It really wasn’t much fun. Now I don’t want to sit here and whine about Senatobia for the entirety of the column, so I’ll just let it be known that I felt trapped there, like nothing I could do would ever land me any further than Memphis. Texarkana, which felt like New York City when I moved here, gave me access to a larger school, more activities, and opportunities. Texas High helped me discover debate, something that I am awesome at! I would have never had the chance to practice speech, or fall in love with it in Senatobia. Texas High gave me so much, I will always feel indebted to it. Besides the endless amount of opportunities given to me by this wonderful city, I was also given some of the best friends someone could ask for. These people truly mean the world to me, not that my old friends don’t. What makes Texarkana special is that my friends don’t have to fit into a niche to be together. There are so many differing opinions and views among the people that I call my friends that I am able to grow and learn just by being around them. They’ve changed me for the better over these 3 years. Texarkana has made me the person I am today and has truly influenced the future me. No matter where I go, I will tell the world that I am from Texarkana, and I am a proud Texan.
Newspaper has given senior ability to make change When I was in first grade, I didn’t want to be a doctor. I didn’t want to be a lawyer. I didn’t want to be a teacher. I OOPS I DID IT AGAIN wanted to be Aaron Carter’s wife. If unaware of the early 2000s heartthrob, just watch the Christmas episode of Lizzie McGuire in which he makes a cameo appearance to sing the SYDNEY SCHOEN/co-editor in chief popular “I Want Candy”––arguably one of the best episodes in television a thousand bayonets,” and I think he’s history. I was obsessed with Aaron; I right. Words have a very real, tangible wanted to attend “Aaron’s Party.” But I effect on people. The newspaper staff had this theory that all childhood stars saw things they wanted to change in were troubled, and Aaron was among the school, and through editorials, they them. And 6-year-old me was positive changed them. They were the voices of I could help him if he agreed to marry the silent. To me, the newspaper staffers me, even if that meant proposing to him myself with a Ring Pop. I “WORDS HAVE A VERY REAL, TANGIBLE EFFECT ON PEOPLE. THE thought I could NEWSPAPER STAFF SAW THINGS THEY WANTED TO CHANGE provide aid; I IN THE SCHOOL, AND THROUGH EDITORIALS, THEY CHANGED wanted to be the THEM. THEY WERE THE VOICES OF THE SILENT. TO ME, THE catalyst for his NEWSPAPER STAFFERS WERE THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS. AND change. NEWSPAPER’S CONSUMED ME EVER SINCE.” Unfortunately, I never became were the movers and shakers. And Sydney Carter. But I still wanted to be impactful. After reading the Tiger Times newspaper’s consumed me ever since. Whether or not others would admit as a freshman, I realized how I could that the newspaper facilitates change, it be. happens. When I was bear-hugged in One of Napoleon Bonaparte’s more the hallway by a lesbian appropriately infamous quotes says that “four hostile named Heaven, who was willing to newspapers are more to be feared than
share her story of blatant bullying, I saw it. While she was only able to say “thank you” between the tears, I realized that no matter what the other students thought, Heaven had been finally given a voice. And in a place that she had previously felt repressed, that was a huge change. I know that many don’t take the newspaper seriously. I know that most of my friends won’t even read this. But newspaper, for me, has been the best part of high school. It’s allowed me to be in place with people who care just as much as me. It’s allowed a safe haven for people in and out of newspaper who see and love the camaraderie that’s been established in the program. It’s allowed me to duet to “My Heart Will Go On” with Maggie and serenade someone with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” when they’ve had a bad break-up. It’s allowed me to prove my independence and leadership. It’s allowed me to defend the things and people I love. So thank you, newspaper, for being the vessel through which I provide impact and change. Thank you, Momma Pott for helping me become the independent, sassy diva I am. And thank you, Aaron Carter, for making me realize that I wanted to be the voice for people who needed it.
Soccer will always be my family Soccer has always been a big part of my life, whether it be in first grade standing in the middle of the field picking daisy’s during practice, or scoring my first goal as an official member of the Texas High School Soccer Team. Fitting in at school can be typically overwhelming when there are cliques, judgmental students, and every type of pressure being introduced, but once I stepped in to soccer on my first day of high school, it felt as if I was automatically accepted. It was as if we were all a big “family” who shared a love for soccer. Our “mother” of this big “family” is none other than the amazing Coach Stone. She is the super glue that holds all of us together. My wonderful coach of four years is nothing less than exceptional; she has been there for me at my best times and at my worst times,
SOCCER IS MY HAPPINESS
SYDNEY STEED/photo editor as if nothing else matters but me… for that moment. She has a way to her that makes everything worthwhile. This woman can be crazy and silly at times, but that’s what makes all of us love her, and for that, I would like to thank Coach Stone for doing all that she has done and for just being her caring and wacky self. Other than my amazing soccer coach, my soccer friends have made these past four years amazing, and I am thankful that I get to call them my best friends. From all the jokes we have
shared in soccer to all the times we spent sitting around stuffing our faces with food, these will be my favorite moments to remember having in soccer. These friendships I have formed with these girls are the most important thing to me, and they have positively influenced my life completely. Soccer is the reason I have a great soccer coach who is more concerned with her “kids” well-being rather than her own, and best friends I would do anything for; it has made me the person I am today. Soccer represents something important to me. Soccer is my chance at happiness. Even though years will pass, I will always have soccer. Later on, I can be a part of a whole new soccer family that will help me throughout the years like this one has persistently done for me all throughout high school.
8
viewpoint
tiger times may 21, 2014
Not so sentimental farewell
Senior says goodbye while reminiscing on his high school career Let’s get one thing straight before we start here, this is not going to be a heart-wrenching, “Oh, I’m going to miss high school” column. I hate sappy goodbyes, and I feel like my senior column should celebrate the life I lived at Texas High rather than mourn its passing. Over the course of my tenure here these last four years, I have learned a lot within these halls, not necessarily all academic things either. I’m taking away valuable life lessons and experiences, not to be seen anywhere else thanks to my brief time here. As I write my own high school pseudo-obituary, a few things come to mind that made Texas High great to me. 1. The teachers Regardless of how people may feel about certain parking lot attendants among others, Texas High has some of the best staff in the state. It takes real skill and passion to take a boring subject such as physics or government and bring it to life to a bunch of pubescent teenagers frothing at the mouth. They are the true unsung heros of the school. They deal with horrors not to be seen outside of a war zone and go home with a minor form of PTSD only to wake up the next morning to do it again. Not because the pay is good, it’s not, but because they care for the students under their care and
ALWAYS OPINIONATED
JOSH KLEIN/editor in chief guidance. It takes a special kind of person to fill the role of an educator. So to all those willing to help shape the next generation, thank you. 2. The hallways One of the most interesting parts of this school is the 7 minutes between classes. Like all schools, they have to let us out from time to time to change classes, and inevitably there is a degree a panic at first for everyone. Over a thousand students traversing the halls can lead to a little disorder. Because of this, every trip down the hallway is an adventure into the heart of darkness. Danger lies at every turn, there’s always the outside possibility of contracting blood borne disease, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For what is life without a little adventure? I can proudly say that I have graduated from the timid freshman, jumping
at every sound, to a collected senior who has learned to navigate the dark maze of halls that comprise this school. 3. The students There is a lot that can be said about my fellow students. They are all charismatic and interesting in their own right, and I wish I had enough time and space to give each one their due credit. To those who survived this quest alongside me, I thank you for your support and continued entertainment. It most certainly was a journey to make it this far, and by no means does our story end here. To those we leave behind I wish all of you good luck. Don’t slack off and let the road less traveled push you all the harder. Even though Texas High might be strict at times, I am thankful for all that its done for me. It is because of Texas High and everyone in it that I grew into the person that is writing this poor excuse for a good bye. Thanks to my parents, Mrs. Potter, and my newspaper staff for putting up with my antics and even accepting me into the fold. It has been a long road to get this far, and it will be a tough change without you all in my life. I hope all the underclassmen will enjoy their remaining years at this institution. I know you will make the best of them.
“I HAVE LEARNED A LOT WITHIN THESE HALLS, NOT NECESSARILY ALL ACADEMIC THINGS EITHER. I’M TAKING AWAY VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS AND EXPERIENCES, NOT TO BE SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE THANKS TO MY BRIEF INCARCERATION HERE. AS I WRITE MY OWN HIGH SCHOOL PSEUDO-OBITUARY, A FEW THINGS COME TO MIND THAT MADE TEXAS HIGH GREAT TO ME.”
9
feature
tiger times may 21, 2014
Unlimited potential
Temporary theater director’s daughter doesn’t let seizures define her BY MOLLY CROUCH staff writer
She knew what is was the moment she saw it. “We were standing in her room talking, just having a normal conversation. She was aggravated with me because I was getting onto her. We were just talking, and I turned around to go to the bathroom. I heard her, and I turned back around. When I saw her, I immediately knew what was going on; I knew this wasn’t her just playing. It was obvious to me what was happening.” Sarah Feimster, long term sub for theater, recounts the moment her 9-yearold daughter, Greta, had her first grand mal seizure. “We have seen in the past that if she is aggravated or upset or thinking really hard, she will have her small seizures,” Feimster said. “We don’t know if that was a factor in why the grand mal seizure happened.” Greta was diagnosed at the age of 4 with absence seizures, which are short seizures that will cause Greta to either stare off or roll her eyes into the back of her head. When she was first diagnosed, the doctors said she was having anywhere from 100 to 500 seizures a day. “I don’t know the medical terminology,
but I can explain what it looks like from a common person,” Feimster said. “The body tenses up and the extremities usually close in and make a fist or deformed movements. Usually whoever is having a grand mal seizure will fall completely to the floor. Foaming at the mouth is usually something that comes along with it, uncontrollable shaking, no responding. ” Adapting to this condition would seem like a difficult job for a 9 year old, but Greta doesn’t let her seizures define her. “Greta has a very strong, outgoing personality. It affects her more in that she’s limited in what she can do,” Feimster said. “Like she can’t climb on the monkey bars on the playground, and they don’t let her go to the bathroom by herself at school because if she were to have a seizure in the bathroom and the teacher was in class, it may be 20 minutes before anyone found her. Those things bother Greta as far as having to depend on somebody and not being like everyone else, but Greta will walk up to you and tell you she has
IN MEMORY
Long-term substitute Sarah Feimster’s daughter, Greta, was diagnosed with absence seizures at the age of 4. Greta doesn’t let her condition limit her. She is seen here undergoing testing, with a dog, and during a visit with the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders./submitted photos
seizures. That part doesn’t bother her.” To control the amount of seizures, Greta takes medicine. Though not every medicine works, her doctors are working diligently to find what works the best. “Up until last year, she was on tons of medications, but we didn’t see [the seizures] a whole lot. If she’s on a good medication that works right, we see very few, but since we took her off everything to figure out some things, we’ve seen them again, and she’s had the grand mal seizure,” Feimster said. “We changed doctors, and he re-diagnosed her with something called Jeavons Syndrome which is what she has. At this point, she is on three medications. Once the doctors get her at a good level where we’re not seeing any seizures, he will slowly start taking her off of one of those medications to see which one is really Freshman Crystal Kendrick
stopping the seizures.” Besides testing different medications, the Feimsters are in the process of getting a Border Collie puppy to train as Greta’s seizure dog. Through extensive research, they found that this breed is best at responding to seizures. “We are waiting on a puppy to be born. It works best if the dog is with the patient as soon as it leaves its mother because it can start bonding with that patient. How the dog knows of the seizures, there is no clear cut answer,” Feimster said. “Some people say the patient will let off a different smell, and what some people call ‘auras’ which are like triggers or signs that they are going to have one, the dogs are very apt to notify. When Greta gets her puppy, and when it gets trained, it will go everywhere with her.”
Freshmen Crystal Kendrick and Destinee Malone
Freshmen Crystal Kendrick and Destiny Myers
Freshman had way of making other’s smile BY BEN GLADNEY staff writer It was her beautiful smile and extraordinary laughter that impacted so many. Freshman Crystal Kendrick, a student with a bubbly and energetic personality, left an indelible impression on her teachers and peers. “She was just an amazing person,” freshman Destiny Myers said. “She tried to be friends with everybody.” Crystal was born on June 26, 1999, in Texarkana, Texas. She died May 1 at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. In the classroom, she was known for her loud laughter and playful attitude. “She was really sweet. She had a lot of friends,” science teacher Jessica Sharp said.
“She was always laughing and cutting up with her friends.” Algebra teacher Amanda Bickham agreed. “She was a very sweet girl,” Bickham said. “She was always laughing and smiling. I will miss her very much.” Freshman Destinee Malone, Crystal’s neighbor and friend for about five years, said she cherishes the summers that the two spent together. “Every day we would switch up and go over to each other’s houses because we were neighbors,” Malone said. “We would hang out. We went through this phase where we enjoyed reading the ‘Twilight’ books. We would talk about them and watch the movies.” Myers said it was the last homecoming
submitted photos
dance she attended with Crystal that she remembers most. “It was so much fun,” Myers said. “We were third-wheeling together, and then after homecoming, we went out to eat and all. It was really fun. She was the loudest one of us.” It was her boisterous personality that stood out in class. “In my classes, she would be the louder one,” Myers said. “She always knew how to make somebody laugh. She could cheer you up real quick, and just as easy, make you mad, and then she’d say something to make you happy again.”
For freshman Sierra Lewis, their friendship could be spotted from a distance. “We always had this thing while we were walking in the hallway,” Lewis said. “I would make a funny face at her, and she’d make a funny face back. Everyone would stare.” Her ability to bring a smile to other’s faces will never be forgotten by her friends and teachers. “I will miss her spirit in general,” Lewis said. “You could be having a bad day and see Crystal, and your day just turns around.”
10
in-depth
QUESO
BEST OF TEXARKANA
SWEET TEA
Amigo Juan’s Queso blanco, the Spanish phrase for “white cheese.” The popular appetizer combines a dash of spice with the creamy texture of melted cheese. The votes were tallied and Amigo Juan’s was unarguably the winner. Tamolly’s Amigo Juan’s locations have 24% bold yellow exteriors with decoraZapata’s 20% tions celebrating Hispanic heritage. The decorative booths tell stories, Amigo Juan’s 40% colored lights liven the mood, the 12% constant buzz of voices and sizzling El Chico’s food create a sense of togetherness Fuzzy’s 4% and the staff is always friendly. When the queso arrives, steam is rising from the bowl. The first reaction to the hot melted dip is a how perfect it is. After trying queso after queso in life this is it, nothing can live up to that. Even eating just a small portion of the bowl you’ll be full before your meal arrives.
stories by Maggie Coleman, Kristen McCaslend, Brianna O’Shaughnessy, Taylor Potter, and Tyler Snell photos by Sydney Steed and Carli Sharp design by Maggie Coleman
Sweet tea is a staple drink in the south, especially during the summer. With temperature skyrocketing above 100 degrees, 21% McAlister’s most Texans won’t turn down 12% a glass of ice cold tea. But the Chick-fil-A more discerning tea drinkers 6% Sonic among us may be interested to know where the best sweet tea is Chicken Express 49% sold in our town. 12% According to the school wide McDonald’s poll, the winner is Chicken Express. Chicken Express’s tea is for the people who have a very large sweet tooth and its probably best to order it with a glass of water. However, despite its overpowering sweetness, the tea had a good flavor and it was one of the cheapest I tried. Also, Chicken Express uses that wonderful crushed ice in their drinks, similar to Sonic’s.
Chick-fil-A The chicken industry in Texarkana has recently boomed. There’s a multitude of chicken places to choose from now when you’re craving that traditional southern food. The flaky batter of a Chick-fil-A nugget or tender. It melts in your mouth the moment it Slim’s Chicken 10% touches your tongue. It has a distinguishable taste that is Golden Chick 17% known by many. There’s no 3% question of why Chick-fil-A got KFC the most votes among students. Chick-fil-A 58% Although a chain fast food restaurant, it doesn’t come off that Church’s Chicken 12% way by any means. The chicken is great, but every other option they have and their service adds to the quality of the restaurant. There’s no regrets when you buy Chick-fil-A as it’s consistency never strays. You’re promised the same golden goodness every time.
Southern Tropics Texarkana’s snow cone stands are pitted against each other for the title of Best of Texarkana. Snow cone stands have been rising in popularity, and Wake Village Ice 13% a decision needs to be made Snowdad’s 4% deciding which of these stands is the best. The winning vendor Tiki Hut 13% was Southern Tropics, located Southern Tropics 70% on Stateline, and this shaved ice stand has become “the” hangShady J’s 0% out place for high schoolers in the summertime. High schoolers flock to the stand to enjoy many different flavor combinations for a reasonable price. The wait line can be long at times, but with tropical music playing and decorations on the building, this stand sets the mood for enjoying cold, flavorful ice.
11
BURGERS
Chicken Express
SNOW CONES
CHICKEN Although there’s not a lot to do as a teenager in this great town we call home, there’s an endless variety of places to eat and call your hangout. The staff might have their favorite places, but we wanted to know what you thought. “I love the snow cone selection we have in town,” junior Chandler Thomas said. “They’re all over, so I don’t have to go to the same place every time.” So here our your favorites, chosen through stratified sampling. These are the best in town, y’all.
tiger times may 21, 2014
TLC More so than anything else, burgers have been the staple restaurant food of the last century. There’s one for every type of person: bacon lover, herbivore, adventurous or safe. And with so many options in Texarkana, it’s not too hard to find a pretty good burger. But, according to students, there is one that stands above all others. TLC, Texarkana’s premier hole-in-the-wall, sits on top of the Texarkana culinary scene. The burger joint won by a nar17% row margin against Reggie’s. Mooyah On the outside, it’s just TLC 29% a small, dumpy building Old Tyme Burger Shoppe 13% downtown on E. Broad Street. But inside, it’s always Smashburger 13% filled with hungry patrons, Reggie’s 28% joyous conversation and, of course, the smell of great food. The walls are filled with handwritten notes, classic memorabilia and snapshots into Texarkana’s past. The line to get food is, as one would expect, sometimes a little lengthy. But once you sit down with the large burger and renowned fries are on the plate, it becomes worth it. The burgers are extremely well-made, though it may begin to fall apart after the first few bites. But the taste is well worth the mess. As long as TLC sticks around, Texarkana’s downtown has something to brag about. Its burgers and fries are well-known across the state, and TLC is a must-have for many regular commuters through the city. It’s one of those places that has done it so right for so long, and everyone hopes that they never change.
MORE REVIEWS
To find out more about the Best of Texarkana survey and what the staff thought of the opposing places, scan this QR code.
12
community
TALK ABOUT A TEXAS HIGH. CHRISTUS ST. MICHAEL IS THE ONLY TEXAS HOSPITAL TO BE AFFILIATED WITH THE NUMBER ONE HEART PROGRAM IN THE NATION.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, USA, is the regional leader in heart care. We have been chosen among a select few hospitals in the United States as an aďŹƒliate of the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. Rated the No. 1 heart program in the nation for 19 years by US News and World Report, Cleveland Clinic will work along with CHRISTUS St. Michael to continue to provide innovative treatments for cardiovascular disease to our patients.
tiger times may 21, 2014
13
feature
tiger times may 21, 2014
TRASH MAMA
Chrisp brings smiles to students’ faces BY AMANDA HACKLEMAN viewpoint editor The lunchroom is packed full, a steady buzz of voices all around. There’s the sound of wheels against the tile floor and a familiar voice asking, “Trash, babies?” Faces light up with smiles as she walks down the row, a smile firmly planted on her own face. She does her job with happiness and then continues to brighten the day for people at other tables. Linda Chrisp truly loves her job. She works hard putting up and cleaning tables, collecting trash, and maneuvering her trash can down each aisle. Even though the work is tough, she enjoys it because of the students she gets to see at lunchtime. “I enjoy my job,” Chrisp said. “Sometimes the tables get a little bit hectic when they’re heavy. But I do. I enjoy working here. I’m just glad everyone puts up with me. You know I like to talk. Lunch time is my favorite part. I like being around everybody at lunch.” Her hard work doesn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, go unnoticed. National Honor Society gives out an award to exemplary members of the faculty and staff to commemorate their amazing work ethic and effect they have on the students. Just a few weeks ago, NHS presented this Paw Print of the Month award to Chrisp. “I was overwhelmed cause y’all gave it to me,” Chrisp said. “I was really shocked and surprised, teary eyed and happy. It was real neat. I liked that.” Even without an award, Chrisp still greatly enjoys her job and the interaction with the students. She loves the students at Texas High, and shows it through a smile and kind words. “I [am] just myself, and I love being around people,” Chrisp said. “Especially, I love being around y’all. I enjoy being up in here with y’all for lunch. I get a chance to see y’all, and chit and chat with y’all, and speak with y’all. Y’all treat me with respect, and that’s how I want to treat y’all. I love y’all.” In the cafeteria, Linda Chrisp greets students daily while keeping the cafeteria clean. photo by l. gibbert
a special thank you to our
School honors English teacher in her last year at Texas High BY JB WELLS staff writer
G
athered in the hallway were the principals, flowers in hand, wielding the giant orange throne. As they came into the classroom, smiles on everyone’s faces, English teacher Ryan Murry was honored as Teacher of the Year. “You know, it’s very unusual for people to be outside of my door because I always have the kids right in the palm of my hand,” Murry said. “So I looked out, ready to give them my stern look, and saw flowers and Mr. Bailey’s face smiling. I started to realize I must have won Teacher of the Year. I can’t help but feel accomplished and feel grateful that I work with such a wonderful staff.” With this year marking her thirtieth year of teaching, Murry
Teaching her English IV class, Ryan Murry is known for offering her “pearls of wisdom” to the seniors. Murry will retire at the end of the year. photo by s. larson
Murry named Teacher of the Year has dedicated much of her life to teaching. Winning Teacher of the Year for the second time is seen as a major accomplishment for her. “It really was an exciting moment,” Murry said. “Years ago, the year we started using the big orange chair, I was lucky to be honored with Teacher of the Year, but now that it has happened this year, I couldn’t be happier.” This year does not only mark the year that she won Teacher of the Year; this is Murry’s final school year with Texas High, as she is retiring. “When I look at it economically, while I adore being here, I am able to retire in the state of Texas and then possibly go and teach
somewhere in Arkansas,” Murry said. “I still love teaching, and I feel I still have another 10 years in me. I’d just like to possibly pull in another retirement, and then be able to live comfortably when I am older.” However, her retirement from Texas High does not mean an end for Murry’s “pearls of wisdom.” “When your life is regulated by bells and six weeks and semesters and school years, it feels like I started just yesterday,” Murry said. “It was tough telling the kids. I can’t help but get a little teary-eyed. I just want to say I love Texas High, I love the staff, and I love all of the students.”
“WHEN YOUR LIFE IS REGULATED BY BELLS AND SIX WEEKS AND SEMESTERS AND SCHOOL YEARS, IT FEELS LIKE I STARTED JUST YESTERDAY,” MURRY SAID. “IT WAS TOUGH TELLING THE KIDS. I CAN’T HELP BUT GET A LITTLE TEARYEYED. I JUST WANT TO SAY I LOVE TEXAS HIGH, I LOVE THE STAFF, AND I LOVE ALL OF THE STUDENTS.”
VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
14
community
tiger times may 21, 2014
tiger times may 21, 2014
Go Harvard or Go Home
photo by paige huddleston
It all adds up: BY DJ MACK co-entertainment editor Many know him in school, while others fear him in soccer. He is known as El Diablo on the field, but, in a few years, people may begin calling him Mr. Avila. Senior Eric Avila has made quite a name for himself due to his strides as one of the best goalkeepers on the school’s soccer team for the majority of his high school career. Instead of seeking an athletic career and going pro in soccer, Avila is focused on becoming a math teacher. “Well, being a teacher was my plan B just in case soccer or anything didn’t work out. [Being a] teacher would’ve been a nice thing to fall back on,” Avila said, “After a while I realized that I had the potential to offer my knowledge to young people and potentially change their lives.” Like many other students, Avila has not yet mastered math, but he feels confident in the dream of one day earning a master’s degree on the subject and making a living off of it. “I say, with the knowledge that I have today, I won’t to be able to answer every question, but I can answer the harder questions that people
feature
15
BY ANNA GRAVES staff writer For most seniors, the weight of ACT prep and college acceptance letters has been lifted. For some however, the weight has been off their shoulders and they’re ready for a different kind of pressure: an Ivy League kind of pressure. Senior Josh Robinson was thrilled to received the letter he’s been working towards practically his whole life––his Harvard University acceptance letter. A letter like this would be an honor for anyone. However, being the first in his family to attend college, Robinson is rewarded with an extra sense of pride. “I was very excited,” Robinson said. “It didn’t really click for awhile. It took probably a good week to settle in. But I was extremely excited and really proud. It felt like a dream come true.” Growing up, kids dream of fighting fires, starring in movies, or going to space. But Robinson was not that kid. While other the other kids had their heads in the clouds, Robinson had his mind set on one thing––Ivy League. “Since probably about the second or third grade I’ve been wanting to go there,” Robinson said. “I’m not quite sure what caused that. I feel like I had heard about it and heard about how good the education was, and I’ve always liked to
be challenged. That’s probably where it started.” It’s the drive to be challenged that the unaccepted students lack. The ability to push himself is what sets Robinson apart from the rest. “It was plenty of hard work,” said Robinson. “But I feel like it’s work I would’ve done anyway. I like to push myself, so it was hard work that wasn’t just because of Harvard.” However, a hard-working student can rarely get into such a prestigious university with good grades alone. They need a back bone. A support system. Something Robinson is very thankful he had. “I’ve always had really supportive parents and people who have been in my life to try and help push me in places,” Robinson said. “So I’ve had a lot of help as far as support.” Harvard is not only a milestone for Robinson himself. It is also a great achievement for his family. Robinson hopes Harvard will not only be an amazing experience for him, but also something he will be able to carry on to others throughout his life. “It feels good,” Robinson said. “I mean, it feels kind of like I’m setting the tone for future generations. When I can raise my kids up and tell them, ‘Hey, I went to Harvard. You can do whatever you want. Because my dad didn’t go to college. He didn’t even finish high school on time. So there’s nothing to stop you from doing anything.’”
Senior aspires to be future educator, hopes to make impact on others
don’t understand,” Avila said. “If I am taught more at college, I could potentially learn enough to get a master’s degree and then will be able to answer them all,” Avila said. “Who knows? Maybe, I will be the next Steven Hawking.” A major factor that deters most people from pursuing a career in teaching is the stress of having potentially hundreds of eyes staring at you throughout the day. More importantly, the possibility of messing up someone’s education can put a lot of stress on a new teacher. “It wouldn’t worry me because I know that I would give my best to the students, and the only factor that I see in a student failing is them not trying hard enough,” Avila said. “ I will do everything I can to make sure my students pass.” Despite all the challenges and the potential hardships that come with the job, Avila is not only determined to see his goal come true but has already decided where he would like his career to begin. “Texarkana would definitely be the place I would like to focus on because it is a priority area, so I can potentially help a lot of young people in need,” Avila said. “I want to teach at Texas High because I already know all the traditions, and it’ll give me the chance to be a student Texas High again.”
Senior Eric Avila hopes to become a math teacher in Texarkana and focus on young people in need. photo by bailey vaughan
tiger times may 21, 2014
community
16
Year of the Tigers VOLLEYBALL:
Volleyball took home third in district and advanced to playoffs this year. “I think we had a pretty good season. We only had three or four people returning from the team the year before,” sophomore Chealsea Slider said. “We were a young team, but I think we played our best.”
FOOTBALL:
The football team won district with a 9-2 record and advanced to playoffs. “I was really happy with the year we had,” senior Cody Hunter said. “It was a big change in the team as a whole and our work ethic overall. It was a great team to go out on.”
SWIM:
The boys and girls Tigersharks closed out their postseason finishing sixth and fifteenth at State in Austin, respectively. “I think [swim] has done better than any years in the past because we took down a lot of records,” senior Madeleine Pellegrin said. “For me personally, [my senior year] went really well because I set one record and helped with a relay record.” Alongside the girls, the boys worked hard as well. “We did exceptionally well. I saw a lot of younger guys really break through this year, and a lot of us reached our goals, so that’s about as much as you can ask for,” senior Chris Radomski. “Everyone stepped up. I enjoyed being a leader of the team, and I felt like it was a great way to end the year and remember my high school career.”
POWERLIFTING:
Powerlifting sent J’khardi Witcher, Larry Murphy and Paxton Venable to regionals this year. “I felt nervous going into it. Our coach has high expectations of us, and we don’t like to fail him, so we get nervous,” senior Venable said. “For next season, we are going to try and work on our mistakes we made this year, and just make everything as a whole just better, and come together as a team.”
17
sports
tiger times may 21, 2014
TRACK:
Athletics succeed across the board BY TYLER SNELL AND JESSICA EMERSON staff writers
BASKETBALL:
Both girls and boys basketball won district this year and their first playoff game. “I feel like we had a really successful season. We accomplished some things that we have never accomplished before,” senior LaMonica Morgan said. “We set a school record and we made history.” The boys had one of the best seasons that they’ve had in a long time. “I had a great time this year with a great group of guys, and we all had fun playing the game we love,” junior Gage Martin said. “I feel like we did really great this year, and everyone improved their skills.”
CROSS COUNTRY:
After losing many seniors, cross country’s young team worked hard this season and accomplished a lot throughout practice. “Cross country was great. We all had a lot of fun and work real hard to do what we love,” junior Laken Edwards said. “We lost valuable runners from last year, but we all tried our hardest and next year we will do much better.” The boys enjoyed their time growing as a team. “We did pretty good,” senior Austin Lindsey said. “We didn’t reach where we wanted to be statistics wise, but we had a good time and that’s all that matters.”
TENNIS:
Girls and boys tennis sent seniors Braden May, Taylor Cramer, Kyle Kennedy and junior Annie Tarwater to the state tournament. Cramer placed second in singles. “I think this year’s team was one of the better teams that we have had,” Kennedy said. “It was nice to finish off my four years with this team because we had a great record and a really good run.” Tarwater and May brought home the silver in mixed doubles. “I think we did really well this year,” Tarwater said. “We had four people go to state which is the most Texas High has ever had. It was a really good year for all of us.”
SOFTBALL:
Softball had a very successful season, taking third in district and making it to the third round in playoffs. “It was the most bittersweet thing,” senior Megan Hillis said. “It’s just hard knowing that this is the last time we will all be on the field together. We were on a winning streak towards the end.” photo illustration by t. snell
Boys track broke state records and took the overall win at the state track meet this year. The girls team sent four girls to regionals and had good results. “Shock. Shock was going through my mind. How in the world do four guys come to a state track meet, going against some of the fastest teams in Texas and win? It was very emotional. I was speechless,” senior Kevin Harris said. “Not many people get that chance to go somewhere like that and win. I was so happy.” The girls were happy with their performance at regionals, but they knew that they could of accomplished more. “There were only four of us that went to regionals. We all did well in regionals, but we know that we could have gone to state,” senior Kierra Smith said. “We could of tried harder in order to make it there. At the end of the day it was a good run.”
SOCCER:
Girls and boys soccer both had big accomplishments this season. “Overall, we did pretty good; we did better than we usually do,” senior Alex Fredrick said. “We won more games, and we beat Mount Pleasant for the first time ever in Texas High history. We were really proud of that game.” The girls placed second in district and advanced to the playoffs. “I think we did really good. We were a really young team, and we didn’t expect much,” senior Caroline Byrd said. “I feel like we built up those girls. I was happy with this season, and I feel like they will do great next year.”
GOLF:
Both boys and girls golf won district and placed ninth in the state tournament. “Overall I think we did really well. We put together one of the most memorable and successful seasons in Texas High history,” junior Garrett May said. “We finally made it to state, even though we didn’t get the results that we were expecting, I still believe we are one of the best teams in the state.”
BASEBALL:
Baseball took home third place in district and advanced to the playoffs. “I think we did pretty good; we could have done better,” senior Marshall McPherson said. “We didn’t get the hits that we needed at the end of the year, but it was still a good a year.”
sports
18
tiger times may 21, 2014
TRACK TAKES STATE TITLE BY ROBERT HOOVER sports editor
He sets up on the block. This is it. This is his shot. Everything he has worked for over the past four years was riding on this moment. As the gun goes off, everything becomes clear. Run, and don’t stop. Keep going. The crowd erupts as he crosses the finish line. Senior Kevin Harris has just won the 200 meter dash at the 4A state track meet. The last high school race of his career. The track team placed first at the 4A state meet on May 10. This is the school’s first state track championship, not to mention the setting of a new state record in the 4A 4 X 200m event. “It feels good knowing we did something that has never been done at Texas High,” Harris said. “We accomplished something most people
don’t get the chance to do.” The team competed in three events including, the 4X200m and 4X100m relays and the 200 meter dash. The relay team consisted of seniors Trey Walker, Trey Monk and Harris along with sophomore Jacorien Walker. Meanwhile, Harris was the sole runner for the 200 meter dash. “I competed in the 4X100m and the 4X200m,” Monk said. “Lancaster was the fastest team we ran against, but Marshall gave us a good race in the 4X200m, and Lancaster gave us a good one in the 4x100m.” The boys went on to win both relays, racking up 40 points for the team. Later on, Harris took first in the 200 meter, contributing 10 more points. If Texas High had not taken first in all three events, Summer Creek High School would have won the meet with their total of 48 points. “All that really mattered was
Lancaster and Summer Creek,” Jacorien Walker said. “It felt good to beat Lancaster because we’ve been battling with them throughout the whole season. They were our rival.” For the majority of the team, this was the last high school event they will ever compete in. However, in their minds this is the best way they could have walked off the track. “It’s really bittersweet leaving,” Trey Walker said. “Being able to run with these guys is just a great feeling. It’s good to go out on a great year and win state.” Despite being outnumbered drastically by the the other teams, the Tigers managed to dominate the few events they could compete in, making for a true underdog story. “The thing that really separated us was keeping our minds on that track,” Monk said. “When we won, I was just dancing around, I had a fiesta ball.”
SWIFT AND SPEEDY Senior Kevin Harris runs in the Watty Myers track meet. photo by faith rhone
Tigers and Racquets and Clubs, Golf, tennis teams advance to state Tiger Golf BY ANNA GRAVES staff writer Both the boy’s and girl’s golf teams competed for a state title at the University of Texas golf club in Austin on April 28 and 29. It was the girls’ second year in a row and the boys’ first time back in seven years. After a year of hard work, the teams were ready to see what they could do on a state level. “It was a great experience for the team and was a great chance for us to learn how strong the field was,” junior Russell Thomas said. “We had a great time at state, just the team did not perform as well as we wanted to.” Having made it this far, the course was expected to be more challenging than the the team was accustomed to. This only made the Tigers stronger as they stepped onto the course that would determine their
rank in the state of Texas. “The course was rough and the conditions were not much better,” senior Kamie Westbrook said. “Although the course was challenging, it was very pretty and well kept.” The boys team entered the spring season with a title that placed them in the top five for the state. With this in mind, they became eager and determined to take home a state championship. “It felt great because we worked hard and deserved it, but when we finally got our chance to do something we couldn’t pull through like we had hoped,” sophomore Grayson Jones said. “We’ll learn from it and next year hopefully bring home a ring.” Having attended the state championship last year, the girls knew what was ahead of them as they stepped onto the course. This year’s experience
Oh my! Tiger Tennis
helped them improve and rewarded them for their season of hard work. “State was a bittersweet experience because it was cool that we made it there again,” junior Camryn Parsons said. “We hope to improve from this year to win regionals and place in the top four at state next year.” A team consisting of ages ranging from freshman to senior, some Tigers had the honor to play their first, while others played at their last state golf tournament. “I am thankful I get to continue the sport at the next level, but I will definitely miss the great group I have played with the past two years,” Westbrook said. “I love my teammates, and they have been my support system when I’m having a bad day. It’s hard to realize that I have completed my last high school tournament.”
BY CAROINE MAY staff writer Rallying their way to Austin, the Tiger Tennis team competed in state for their last tournament of the year. Seniors Kyle Kennedy, Braden May, Taylor Cramer and junior Annie Tarwater played on the weekend of April 28. Tarwater and May placed second in mixed doubles, and Cramer placed second in boys singles. Kennedy began the day for the Tigers with a difficult match. He faced Jonah Candelario from San Antonio Alamo Heights. Though the first set was a loss for Kennedy, he put up a fight, finishing a final score of 6-4. He went on to also lose the second set 6-0 leaving the match score 4-0. “My experience at state could have been better, but I was just happy to have made it,” Kennedy said. “I had a tough opponent
who made it to the finals last year, and he got the best of me. I had a good time getting to watch a few of my teammates have some great runs of their own, though.” Despite Kennedy’s loss, the team as a whole didn’t let it affect them. Cramer’s battle at state began as a success. On the first day of the tournament, he won his match 6-4, 6-1. After splitting sets in his second match, he ended up winning. Despite all of this, Cramer was faced by even fiercer opposition in finals and lost 6-2, 6-1. Still, Cramer walked away with his head held high. “It was one of my goals at the beginning of this semester to win state, and I came up one match short,” Cramer said. “That was a little disappointing, but I enjoyed the experience and had fun spending my last high school tournament with my friends and teammates.”
The mixed doubles team, Tarwater and May, had the fans on their feet by the end of their semi-final match. They won their first match of the tournament 6-3, 6-1, but their second match was close. Because this was the match that would get them into the finals, the pressure was on, and they were determined to win. After splitting sets, going into a tiebreaker and losing 5-1 in the third set, Tarwater and May won six consecutive games to come back and win the set and the match. Despite this incredible victory, they lost their finals match 6-0, 6-4. However, the partners were ecstatic to receive their silver medal. “I never expected to even make it to state,” May said. “When we beat the team expected to win state, and won it all in the semifinals, that was the happiest I’ve ever been on a tennis court.”
5 MUST-HAVES FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
THE 1
19
entertainment
tiger times may 21, 2014
Father’s Day
On June 15, celebrate with your fathers or father figures to show appreciation and respect for everything they do. Try buying gifts or just spending the day with them. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated and will win you brownie points for the next time you need a bit of cash.
4
Orange Is The New Black
LIST 2
Pretty Little Liars
The girls are back this summer with more suspense than ever before. With questions still left unanswered, the mystery continues in season five of the hit ABC Family show. The summer premier is June 10, 8/7 central.
3
Bikini Season
The newest fad of high waisted everything has reached our favorite outfit of the summer: the bikini. With the season coming up, it’s time to find one that flatters your figure and boosts your confidence levels. Check out your favorite retailer to see their selection.
The adventure behind bars will continue June 6, as Orange Is The New Black returns for a second season. Rumor has it that the season will pick up right where that last cliff-hanger left off, so be sure to check Netflix for the next 13 episodes to keep up with what’s going on with the lovely ladies of Litchfield.
5
The Fault In Our Stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort star in the new movie based on John Green’s award winning bestseller, The Fault In Our Stars. Due to be released June 6, the story follows Hazel-a 16 year old cancer patient racing her own biological clock-as she and her cancer support group love interest embark on a roller coaster of emotion, experiencing all that they can before time slips away.
E K MA R U YO R E M M SU T N U O C
20
community
tiger times may 21, 2014
Make the most of your summer and save on tuition by taking college classes you can transfer. Heading to a four-year college or university in the fall? Ask about easy enrollment for transient students.
SUMMER I BEGINS JUNE 9 // SUMMER II BEGINS JULY 14
REGISTRATION BEGINS APRIL 28 TEXARKANA COLLEGE
2500 N. Robison Rd. | Texarkana, Texas | 903-823-3456 | texarkanacollege.edu