Tiger Times Feb 2019

TIGER TIMES

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL TEXARKANA, TEXAS VOL. 58, ISSUE 4 FEB. 20, 2019

THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT Childhood traumas, also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences, have been tied to heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism, cancer and other medical conditions.

These are the cards we’re often dealt, but how we choose to play our hand is entirely up to us. PAGE 14 photo illustration by a. higgins

2 NEWS

Eye

THE TIGER’S

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

AURASMA instagram: thsstudentmedia Twitter: thsstudentmedia facebook: THS Publications aurasma: thsstudentmedia snapchat: thspublications mobile app: TigerTimesOnline

the

inside

scoop STUCO TO HOST TENTH ANNUAL DINNER THEATER FUNDRAISER Student Council is hard at work perfecting routines for their upcoming Dinner Theater performance. The show arrives later this month, on Feb. 24, and will feature various grade levels in a combination of classic, feelgood songs. The “no-dinner dinner theater” has become a tradition dear to freshmen and seniors alike.

Initial development for the performance began as early as before Christmas break, in November. Student Council sponsor

February

Many animals and foods could become endangered in the future file photo

BY CHARLI HEUTER staff writer

SAY GOODBYE

Susan Waldrep has helped direct and prepare students for nine years now alongside co-sponsor Debbie Nicholas. Together, they assist in appointing choreographers and advising students as they compile the overall playlist.

“Dinner theater is an annual fundraiser for Student Council,” Waldrep said. “We have a lot of really fun acts planned.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in at least three dances.

This allows for all members to get a substantial amount of onstage action. Dances will include anything from traditional Texan

line dancing to 20th century pop music.

“Each class has a dance. Each grade level has a dance,” Waldrep said. “There is an all-girl dance and an all-boy dance for each grade level.”

The tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. The show will take place in the PAC and, although a complete dinner will not be served, there will be snacks.

“The kids learn a lot,” Waldrep said. “I hope you all come. It’s a lot of fun, and the kids have a lot of fun bonding.” charli.hueter@tigertimesonline.com

UPCOMING DATES March

23 25 26 2 11-15 The Sadie Hawkins dance will be held in the Dan Haskins student center from 7-10 p.m.

Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion Exhibition

PAGE 4

The United States Navy band will be performing in the PAC from 7-9 p.m.

THS will Spring Break present their One Act Play performance in the PAC from 7-9 p.m.

DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA

PAGE 8

Political parties and media limit solutions

MAKING WAVES

PAGE 18

Swim team continues dominance as several advance to state

CAPTAIN MARVEL

PAGE 23

The first superhero movie of the year presents high expectations from viewers

NEWS

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

SEXUAL HARASSMENT by the numbers BOYS

GIRLS

93%

physical

30% 60%

verbal

verbal

physical

1 in 2 boys and 2 in 3 girls said they experienced either physical or verbal sexual harassment by another student at school

47% 60%

of students who said they were harassed did not report it to an administrator or teacher

‘They’re just being

IMMATURE’ How dismissing sexual harassment affects students

3

BY MARGARET DEBENPORT culture editor

“S

o severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victim’s access to an educational opportunity or benefit.”

Under Secretary of the Department of Education Betsy DeVos’ recent changes to Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, the previous sentence may soon serve as the definition for harassment.

Just months ago, sexual harassment was defined under law as “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.” But just how much must a student experience for them to be considered “barred” from access to an educational opportunity?

The 1972 amendment was originally created to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions and activities that receive federal funding and to combat sexual harassment in schools. The amendment, however, did not stop sexual harassment: in a survey of 150 students, 60 percent reported to have been victims of either verbal or physical sexual harassment by another student at school.* “[After the harassment], I felt like crap,” junior Alicia Sa said. “At that time, I didn’t feel like talking to anybody. I started to abuse myself, and I thought I wasn’t good enough.”

The battle against harassment in schools is not an attack on the stereotypical behavior of any gender: 52 percent of boys and 66 percent of girls reported being victims of either verbal or physical sexual harassment by another student in school.

An experience with sexual harassment can trigger new or worsening depression, anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). NBC reports that in some instances, sexual harassment registers as a trauma, causing physical symptoms that appear as muscle aches or in the form of chronic health problems. “[The harassment] just didn’t let us learn in an environment in which we could pay attention all the time,” freshman Emma Tucker said. “We just took it up with our principals. That’s all we knew to do, but it didn’t turn out very well.”

Under the law, schools are required to provide notice of grievance procedures, or the way students and parents go about reporting sexual harassment. Texas High students receive a student handbook that contains what to do in cases of harassment, but no student surveyed was found to have read the book. “[There are] several ways a student can report harassment. They can tell their parents and their parents can let us know, they can approach us in the cafeteria or hallways,” Assistant Principal Richard Stahl said. “They can email us and let us know.”

Under Devos’ changes, a school district is not legally required to take action unless harassment is reported to a designated administrator, or if the school does not have clear and convincing evidence of harassment. But, a quick hand in a hallway or slur shouted across the lunch table is not always able to be proven.

One instance of sexual harassment can have a range of negative impacts on those who fall victim to it, and such instances go unreported 93 percent of the time*, reinforcing the behavior of those who initiate sexual harassment.

Unrestricted and unreported harassment leaves no way to correct beginning predatory behavior, putting not only students in harm’s way but all of society.

“A lot of the times if people realize that there’s not any repercussion, then people will take advantage of that, and it will happen more frequently,” junior Anna Ward said. “Then, people begin to normalize harassment,” At Texas High, administrators are in charge of investigating harassment allegations and making decisions on disciplinary actions.

“I can tell you from a personal standpoint, and speak for [the rest of the principals], we drop everything because that’s a very important and severe accusation,” Stahl said. “The sooner you investigate, the more accurate evidence you get.”

Administrators encourage those impacted by sexual harassment at school to come forward. “[Student] safety is what we’re here for,” Stahl said. “We are here to protect you.” margaretdebenport@tigertimesonline.com *based on a survey of 150 male & female high school students

4 NEWS Many animals, foods may become endangered in future

SAY GOODBYE

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

AUSTRALIA

BY LINDSEY EGGER editor in chief On March 20, 2018, the world’s last male white rhino died, leaving two females behind. Climate change is not only taking popular animals, but favorite foods as well. The world could be saying goodbye to chocolate, avocados, bananas and animals, like black rhinos and pandas.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, between 0.01 and 0.1 percent of all species will go extinct each year. The current rate for extinctions is between 1,000 to 10,000 percent higher than the natural extinction rate.

Our planet is currently going through its sixth mass extinction.

26 percent of all mammals now face extinction. This will be the first one caused by humans. These losses are tied back to humans through habitat destruction, pollution and overfishing.

But there are several ways to prevent this mass extinction.

Stopping the burning of fossil fuels, protecting half the Earth’s land and oceans, fighting illegal wildlife tracking and slowing the human population growth can prevent the mass vanishing of species. According to Anthony Barnosky, extinction expert, humans have at most 20 years to change our ways to avoid the sixth mass extinction. lindseyegger@tigertimesonline.com

Currently, koalas are not endangered but because of urbanization and uncontrolled habitat destruction, koalas are under a great threat.

Avocados

Leatherback Turtles

These prehistoric turtles outlived the dinosaurs, but because of capture and accidental killings, they are now endangered.

OCEAN

AFRICA

Bananas Bananas have been so genetically modified to fight diseases that nearly all bananas are identical.

This could result in total extinction if any disease were to infect them.

Mountain Gorillas There are only 880 mountain gorillas left in the world.

Their endangerment is caused by war, hunting, habitat loss and disease.

Tiger

Tigers have lost 93 percent of their historical range. In the last 10 years, 45 percent has been lost due to deforestation.

Pandas

Giraffes

Koala

Chocolate

CHINA all photos CC by 2.0

NEWS

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

1

donation can save up to lives

FACTS ABOUT

3

BLOOD DONATION USES • car accident victims • sickle cell disease • cancer treatment • surgeries • other chronic illnesses

BLOOD DONATIONS Blood type O positive is the most needed for blood transfusions

38%

someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion

AB-positive

B-positive

9%

3%

40%

6%

A-negative

34%

A-positive

total percent of blood types

7%

O-negative

of blood donations come from high school and college students

ONLY

38%

OF AGE ELIGIBLE DONORS DONATE BLOOD

sources: livescience.com, redbloodcross.org

5

6

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TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

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EDITORIAL

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

thinking ELEMENTALLY

7

Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX (903) 794-3891 Fax (903) 792-8971 The Tiger Times is a student-run publication. The contents and view are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of directors.

illustration by v. van

Early intervention, increase in mental health awareness vital in primary education Mental health plays an integral part in every student’s academic career, directly affecting their ability to conduct themselves in everyday situations, classroom environments, and professional settings. A student’s success may be in jeopardy if their mental health inhibits their focus and their expectations in the classrooms.

The problem with mental health in America’s education system is that we do not do enough to curb and address a student’s mental health during primary education, which is when students learn how to appropriately behave and apply themselves in group settings. Elementary school teachers have a natural propensity to be a constructive force in a student’s life and to address and prevent students’ mental health issues before they have a lasting impact on a student’s academic career.

Research by Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child suggests that as children, the rapidly developing nature of the brain heightens during trauma, incurring stress and fear-related hormones. In periods

of extended traumatic exposure, the brain adjusts to the heightened stress state and normalizes the stress and fear, threatening the development of a healthy psyche as the child ages. Elementary school teachers interact closely enough to form secure relationships with children and should help to address the roots of what would later become mental health issues, such as bullying, cheating, and aggression in social settings.

A study in the Oxford Journal of Pediatric Psychology contends that exposure to potential traumatic events (PTEs), stimuli ranging from car accidents to bee stings, in early childhood can precipitate depressive symptoms in developed children by sensitizing the child to stress, decreasing a child’s tolerance and lowering the stress threshold, making the child more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. This may later manifest itself as poor study habits and procrastination, impulsive temperament or deviant social

“The problem with mental health in America’s education system is that we do not do enough to curb and address a student’s mental health during primary education, which is when students learn how to appropriately behave and apply themselves in group settings.”

behavior. While a large body of research maintains that mental illnesses are genetic expressions, the way a child learns to act and to behave in group settings can deeply affect their ability to succeed academically.

Although young children might not have the vocabulary to articulate or express the complexities of their mental states, children jump internalize false assumptions when they do not have enough information to make informed conclusions. As a Psychology Today article suggests, talking to children about mental health, as well the traumas they may experience, can help to clear up misconceptions about their intrapersonal state, including the ways that children express fear, anxiety and depression. By excluding young students from these talks, children are left to deal with complex social issues by themselves, which can affect their emotional independence and their self esteem.

The solution to mental health issues in high school and in college, when the consequences are more sustaining and severe, is to address mental health issues when the human brain is more flexible and can learn to cope with stress at an early age. Currently, talks about mental wellness in primary education are far and few between. If we introduce the vocabulary of mental health to young students and we incorporate elementary school teachers in those talks, we can mitigate the latent dysfunctions of mental illness during early education.

editors in chief-print Lindsey Egger, Jhovany Perez editors in chief-online Joseph Rodgers, Victoria Van managing editors Madison Brown, Craig Crawford news editors Addison Cross, Autumn Golden viewpoint editors April Alvarado, Maddie Anderson feature editors Audrey Haskins, Molly Kyles sports editors John Morgan, TJ Wall entertainment editors Margaret Debenport, Grey Johnson spotlight editors Craig Crawford, Anna Grace Jones, Misty Lopez advertising Jenna Williamson business manager Madison Bowers copy editors Paisley Allen, Greylyn Tidwell photo editor Kaitlyn Gordon video editor Taimoor Malik staff writers Raelyn Albert, Joseph Asher, Logan Diggs, Montevnah Glasgow, Kaitlyn Gordon, Charli Hueter, Zane Johnston, Salem Karr, Maryam Kulaib, Andrea Loredo, Kate Morgan, Nathan Morriss, Cameron Murry, Jonathan Naples, Connor Powell, Caden Rainwater, Cate Rounds, Peyton Sims, Sophie Spakes, Ashlyn Winters photographers Margaret Debenport, Rivers Edwards, Kaitlyn Gordon, Alyssa Higgins, Grace McGuire, Cameron Murry, Holland Rainwater, Kaitlyn Rodgers, Alexis Runnels, Merideth Stanfill, Jasmine Stark, Oren Smith videographers Cameron Alcorn, Logan Diggs, Kara Jefferies, Misty Lopez, Assad Malik, Oren Smith, Abagail Deleon advisers Rebecca Potter, Clint Smith principal Carla Dupree members ILPC, CSPA, NSPA

8 OPINION

BY TJ WALL sports editor It ruins families. It ruins friendships.

It causes arguments at the workplace. It surrounds us in everything we do on a daily basis. It’s called politics.

We are not supposed to talk about politics at family gatherings, and we often remain silent when any discussion that is even semi-political comes up.

We no longer can speak our opinions without offending someone.

Almost all political discussions end up in useless and divisive bickering that serves no purpose except to boost one’s ego.

That’s the unfortunate reality of American politics in the 21st century.

It shouldn’t be this way, but that’s what it has become. Even politicians know this and use it to their advantage by initiating divisive rhetoric to then later present themselves as the solution in an attempt to maintain their power. This way of political thinking is often referred to as identity politics and is a widespread epidemic in today’s culture.

Despite there being multiple parties, America is essentially a two-party system between the Democrats and the Republicans. Democrats focus mainly on social issues and typically advocate for more government intervention.

Republicans focus more on business and typically advocate for less government intervention.

While labeling someone as a Democrat or Republican is a quick way to describe what a person’s political beliefs are,

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

DED DIVI

STATES OF

AME RICA

Identity politics, media prevent solutions George Washington had it right when he warned against the formation of political parties.

In his farewell address on Sept. 17, 1796, Washington said, “However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterward the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

Political parties cause more division than unity as they also provide an easy way for ignorant citizens to vote by straight-ticket voting — when a voter votes for all of the candidates from their party. By doing this, the voter shows that they are more dedicated to their party

than to America.

Now, just because you vote for all Democrats or all Republicans, it does not mean that you are an ignorant voter, but you cannot go in to vote with the mindset that you must “keep the other side out of office.” This is a huge tool of propaganda that is used by both Democrats and Republicans alike. Both parties brainwash potential voters by trying to convince them that the opposing party is the enemy rather than teaching them to work with the other party to come up with meaningful solutions.

A good example of this can be seen with the dispute over the potential southern border wall. Democrats convince their supporters that Republicans are heartless people who don’t care about the well-being of immigrants, which is simply not the case. Republicans try to fearmonger their

illustration by v. van

supporters into believing that if the wall isn’t built, terrorists will flood into the country and that the Democrats don’t care about the safety of the American people. These emotional appeals are effective, but they often lead people further away from the truth.

Instead of regurgitating the same dogma that we’re spoon-fed by the media, we need to think for ourselves by using our own logic and reasoning skills. We need to evaluate the needs of the country. Don’t just focus on policies or stances on hot-button issues; focus on what the country is lacking. Right now, our country is more divided than ever.

Hatred and prejudice fill the media, and our political figures seem to do nothing but feed the fire. However, if we focus too much on partisan policies, we will never actually solve the significant dilemmas that are plaguing this country. It is as if we are bleeding out of one leg, yet we are occupied with a tiny scratch on our elbow; it’s irrational.

Lastly, when we get into political debates with our peers, we so often turn it into a competition of wit. Instead of attempting to understand opposing viewpoints, we come into an argument in an attempt to win the argument rather than to have important, intellectual dialogue. We need to discuss our commonalities and differences and the reasons behind our beliefs without making it personal. Having an open and honest dialogue is the only way that we can come up with solutions that benefit everyone. tjwall@tigertimesonline.com

10 FEATURE

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

BETH

DIETZE

BY PEYTON SIMS staff writer

IN A NUTSHELL Freshman Beth Dietze has a growing passion for fashion, art and costume designing. “My personal style is mostly whimsical and delicate,” Beth said. “My clothing inspiration is major clothing companies, such as Gucci, Chanel and Panina Tounae.” As a freshman, Beth has already mastered the elusive skill of time management in order to find time for her personal interests.

Q&A

Q: What have you done during your time here that you are most proud of?

A: “Definitely when I made [UIL One Act Play cast.]”

Q: Who inspires you?

A: “I would have to say Audrey Haskins; she works really

hard and does a lot in the theater department, and she’s very considerate of other people and what they need.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about high school?

A: “It would 110 percent have to be the theater department,

along with the people in in it. They’re all very supportive and fun to be around. They’re overall great people.”

Q: What is your least favorite thing about high school?

A: “Definitely being a freshman; it’s very frustrating. Also the size [of campus] — having to walk to class is very difficult.”

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS Energetic. Spontaneous. Creative.

Q: What is your favorite memory from high school so far?

A: “It was getting into UIL for theater. It was an exciting experience that decided what high school I would go to.”

Q: What do you plan on doing after graduation?

A: “I plan to be a clothing designer or move to Los Angeles and design for a wedding dress company or open my own wedding dress company. I might even go into theatrical costume design.”

Q: What do you want to be remembered for after you leave Texas High?

A: “I want to be remembered for my art and all of the different pieces I’ve created and the meaning behind them. My mom and dad are really good at art and my sister is a phenomenal artist and I’ve been able to have great teaching throughout the years.” photo by k. gordon

LOOKING AHEAD Dietze still has the rest of high school ahead of her as well as whatever the future may hold for her. Her big dreams of moving to California motivate her hard-working spirit. Wherever life leads her, you can be assured that she will take her passion of art, theater and costume design with her. peyton.sims@tigertimesonline.com

OPINION

c e n d a A v d p ances pli

A

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

illustration by m. debenport

Is technology in home devices positive or negative?

BY NATHAN MORRISS staff writer The day is young as you start your morning routine. You turn on the toaster, which by now has learned your degree of toasting and proceeds to make it for you. As the ironing oven presses your clothes, you hear an alert from your fridge announcing the leftovers from a week ago are most likely bad.

The appliances of the future are coming, and with it comes the bundle of third party companies eager to munch away at your personal information. Many accessories that come with these new appliances relay data collected about you to other companies, who use this information for their personal gain.

One of the most notable of these

next generation technologies are devices that take voice commands.

These devices register your voice, understand the question, and answer or accomplish the task you asked it to do.

These devices have a dark side, however. Many devices, including Amazon Alexa, track and store conversations where one has used the electronic. This data is kept for future analysis and stored indefinitely in cyberspace. Third party companies can later on buy this information and use it for their personal gain.

Another unlikely frontrunner for security breaches is the smart refrigerator. Most current smart fridges track just basic things like food consumption and allow for email sync. Concerns with smart fridges are mainly associated with the security of

the information and the information being gathered. It is reported that based on your selection of foods, companies can accurately predict your race and possibly even one’s age.

Smart technology has spread to other lesser appliances, too. Lamps that turn on and off in response to one’s voice, personalized coffee machines, and robotic vacuums such as Roomba are just a handful of the many devices being decked out in tech.

As innovations in the appliance industry improve, it would not be surprising to see most basic household commodities be upgraded to some sort of “smart” device. One must make the decision whether or not they want to own these new products. Is being able to check the weather on one’s fridge worth the possible leakage of data? nathan.morriss@tigertimesonline.com

9

16% of Americans own a smart speaker

28% of households projected to have a smart appliance by 2023

$2,800*

cost of a standard Samsung smart fridge *average price Sources: Techcrunch.com, Statistica.com and Samsung.com

FEATURE

11

photos by a. higgins

SPREADING THEIR WINGS

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

IN PLANE SIGHT Senior Seth Pritchard and junior Jaydon Delgado conducted a scavenger hunt inside of a plane. Aviation mechanics students go inside a plane in the hangar of SAU Tech.

Aviation mechanics class exhibits life lessons for future career opportunities

BY VICTORIA VAN editor in chief The sky’s the limit. From the cockpit to the hangar, students dedicate time and energy into learning all they can about airplanes.

Most of us will only experience planes in a passenger seat, but students of Southern Arkansas University’s aviation program jet straight into the action.

The Aviation mechanics class introduces students to the technical and hands-on aspects of the flying machine.

“The classes give students an opportunity to get college credit in high school,” senior Conner Elliott said. “This is a program that can get you far in life. Plus, it’s not like pen or pencil work all the time. It’s more hands-on. I’m learning what I’m doing and applying it outside of a textbook.”

Senior Connor Nations is taking classes at the airport to obtain his pilot’s license and recognizes the importance of knowledge the class provides.

“I didn’t know much about planes or anything like that [at first],” Nations said. “I knew this is what I wanted to go into was aviation

and I wanted to fly. I decided if I got this done, then I would get an understanding of how everything works before I go into school for it.”

For some, the class provides a broad scope of experience that can be applied to any specialized position they pursue in the future. The class is viewed as a way for students to explore and fine tune their interests.

“I want to obtain as much knowledge as I can to build the foundation I need for a solid job once I’m finished with high school,” junior Jaydon Delgado said. “I’m thinking about either being a military aircraft mechanic or do an apprenticeship right after high school.”

Even if a student’s plans for the future are blurry, the program ensures a high level education that can be transferred to all mechanical fields.

“If someone has an interest in mechanics or anything like that, this is a good class because aviation mechanics is the most sophisticated type of mechanics,” Elliott said. “If you’re capable of working with aviation mechanics, all other mechanical fields are easy to navigate.”

Most important aspects of the program surround basics of how

airplanes function along with a general understanding of how aviation maintenance works.

SAU aviation mechanics adjunct instructor, Adrian Davis, is dedicated to providing a relaxed environment and non traditional teaching methods while preparing students to apply their mechanical skills.

“You gain experience in hydraulics, aircraft engines and sheet metal work when taking these courses,” Davis said. “There are several courses to advance in. You get a good understanding of how airplanes work and the history of them.”

More and more people are leaving the field of aviation mechanics.

Efforts to preserve this skilled job are crucial as the importance of the job is increasing while the worker supply is decreasing.

“Everybody is told ‘Go to college, get a good degree and get a good job,’ but aviation maintenance is a skill trade that we are losing,” Davis said.

“All the skilled maintenance people are retiring or going to find other careers. Aviation is becoming a large part of society in the business world.

They’re used as a means of delivery, used for drones and different companies seek different forms of transportations.”

GEARED UP Junior Jaydon Delgado works on part of an airplane engine. Students get hands-on experience in this program and the opportunity to explore future careers in aviation.

The skills learned in this class though they seem specific, are versatile advantages that cater to all interests. Students that step out of their comfort zones and into this class leave with abilities that can’t be learned elsewhere.

“The best lessons in this course are problem solving. If you’re able to learn from this class, you’d be able to apply those lessons to your own life,” Davis said. “Come by and check out the hangar at SAU Tech next to the airport if you’re interested at all in the program. You can speak to an instructor and give something new a try.” victoriavan@tigertimesonline.com

12 FEATURE

teaching was his calling

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

teachers who talked me through it. To this day, I couldn’t believe he was there for me and told me it would be better.”

He often stood outside his door His mustache was legendary. between classes and greeted those who He never wore the same tie twice in passed him with a smile. one year.

“Mr. Littmann showed me how to take He loved the Beatles, his dog and his whatever position you have in life and car named Rita. make the most of it and make a difference Government teacher John Littmann in any way possible,” 2016 graduate Tyler made an indelible impression on those Snell said. “He never failed to stand who sat in his classroom, whether it was outside his door between classes and from his storytelling techniques, witty smile at the many students that passed by. humor or ability to ignite a passion for Some were in his class and some didn’t politics. know his name. But it didn’t matter. He “Mr. Littmann was a one-of-a-kind was going to make the best of the day and person that truly enjoyed living,” 2017 spread that to anyone around.” graduate Tye Shelton said. “He showed His students left his classroom me a different view on how the world with much more works along with how than knowledge of to perceive people “I believe that we amendments and themselves.” all have a calling in governmental policies.

Littmann, 65, died “To know John Feb. 5 after a battle with our lives. I believe Littmann was to cancer. He was born teaching was his know a great man,” Feb. 14, 1953, in San calling. I think he Shelton said. “What Jose, California. made him so great Littmann retired really fulfilled that is not the minds he in 2016, although he calling beyond touched but the hearts continued to teach dual anything most people of the students he credit government and Texas government part achieve. He poured came in contact with the years. He time until he became ill his whole heart and over not only groomed in March of 2018. soul into it.” knowledgeable Senior Brady Moore students, but you left is one of the few -Brandy Debenport his classroom a better students on campus Morriss Elementary person.” who had Littmann. He Principal Known for his took Texas government lecture-style of when he was a junior. teaching, Littmann duplicated the college “Mr. Littmann had the best mustache any human could ever have,” Moore said. atmosphere in his classroom.

“He was the one teacher that really “He gave me so much knowledge and prepared me for college. The way his class wisdom in the short time that I had him, was set up and the way he taught is done and he will stick with me forever and the same way at [Louisiana Tech],” 2019 have a special place in my heart. I know graduate Laurel Wakefield said. “He had he is up there and looking down on me, his lecture, but he wrote the important watching out for me.” things on the board so you could morph Littmann was one who looked out your own notes. He really wanted to for his students both academically and prepare us for college.” personally.

The life lessons his students learned “When my grandfather died and I went well beyond any curriculum. took a few days off from school, he was “He legitimately cared about each of very nice and helped me through my us and was invested in our lives,” 2014 really hard time,” 2018 graduate Kamryn graduate Josh Klein said. “I honestly Hamilton said. “He was one of the only

photo by h. rainwater

Littmann’s legacy extends beyond classroom

BY ERYN MCDONALD guest writer

file photo

BACK FOR A VISIT (above) Waving to the crowd, former government teacher John Littmann attends a pep rally Oct. 12 where those who battled cancer were recognized. Littmann was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma last March. He died Feb. 5. ON THE HUNT (below) Known for his semester-long scavenger hunt, John Littmann checks in a student’s government project. Littmann was also known for his mustache.

took more away from my conversations with him about all sorts of random topics than just about anything in the AP government curriculum. He was a charismatic, eccentric and inspiring person that really shaped how I turned out as an all around person.”

Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary School principal Brandy Debenport had Littmann her senior year for economics and government and as a UIL coach.

“I feel like he really believed in me when I had a hard time believing in myself,” said Debenport, who graduated in 1995. “He encouraged me to be ‘me,’ to follow my heart and do what I wanted, [and] not to do what the crowd was doing. I loved that about him. He saw talents in students that they didn’t think they had.”

Debenport said Littmann influenced her decision to become an educator.

“He really is one of the main reasons that I am an educator,” Debenport said.

“I thought if I could be that teacher for a kid, if I could make an impact in one kid’s life like he made in mine, that it would be all worth it.”

In a 2016 interview about his upcoming retirement, Littmann described how much he enjoyed his job.

“This is the most fun I have ever had in my life. I love teaching,” Littmann said.

“I’m not sure I want to leave this. I can’t wait to get here. I love doing this.”

With a teaching career of more than 20 years, the impact he had is immeasurable.

“He has been that difference-maker for more kids than anybody could count,” Debenport said. “I believe that we all have a calling in our lives. I believe teaching was his calling. I think he really fulfilled that calling beyond anything most people achieve. He poured his whole heart and soul into it.”

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

COMMUNITY

13

14

IN-DEPTH

Childhood events can shape health issues later on in life

BY LINDSEY EGGER editor in chief Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic or stressful events that occur before the age of 18. ACEs include abuse, neglect or household dysfunction. An ACE could be identified as a multitude of events, such as divorce, domestic violence, emotional neglect or sexual abuse.

ACEs trigger toxic stress, which activates the brain’s fightor-flight stress release system (FFSR). This is a two-part system. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) triggers the activation, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) returns the body to its normal state. This response is used to protect people from immediate physical danger, which then results in emotional stress, but more recently, this stress has been triggered by memories of negative experiences. The repetition of the FFSR system causes two types of life-long consequences.

PHYSICAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES: • Chronic activation of the FFSR system can result in unhealthy eating habits and sleeping patterns, racing heartbeats, back pain and even the shut down of body systems. Consistent shutting down of the digestive system can cause migraines, hair loss, skin rashes and dizziness.

MENTAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES: • Tolls on mental health can appear in the form of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, or the need to be in control.

THERE ARE FOUR COMMON COPING SKILLS THAT RESPOND TO THE FFSR SYSTEM: • (Fight) Yelling, crying or physically lashing out. This is more common with children who do not understand how to express their emotions, resulting in the need to fight.

• (Freeze) Shutting down when facing conflict. This skill is learned in childhood and teenage years. Instead of reacting or engaging, people freeze because it has kept them safe.

• (Appease) Consistent concern for others feelings and the need to appease is another coping skill. This is used in attempts to prevent conflict.

• (Deflect) Trying to manipulate and blame others for one’s guilt is considered denial, deflecting the effects of the FFSR system. lindseyegger@tigertimesonline.com

TYPES OF ACES

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ABUSE

NEGLECT

PHYSICAL

EMOTIONAL

EMOTIONAL

PHYSICAL

HOUSEHOLD DYSFUNCTION

MENTAL ILLNESS INCARCERATED RELATIVE

MOTHER TREATED VIOLENTLY

SEXUAL

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

DIVORCE

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF ACES BEHAVIOR

LACK OF ACTIVITY

SMOKING

ALCOHOLISM

DRUG USE

MISSED WORK

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

SEVERE OBESITY

DIABETES

DEPRESSION

SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

STDS

HEART DISEASE

CANCER

STROKE

COPD

BROKEN BONES

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

15

IT STARTS AT HOME 26% 1 ACE 36% 0 ACEs

16% 2 ACEs

9.5% 3 ACEs 12.4% 4+ ACE

All percentages are related to this group. This group has no particular childhood trauma that was studied.

People with one ACE are: -1.5 times more likey to report feeling depressed -1.7 times more likely to use illicit drugs People with two ACEs are: -6.6 times more likely to have attempted suicide -4.9 times more likely to consider themselves alcoholics People with four or more ACEs are: -12.2 times more likely to have attempted suicide -4.7 times more likely to have used illicit drugs Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Impact from ACEs can be overcome

BY MISTY LOPEZ in-depth editor The earliest stages of development occur during one’s childhood, so any experiences during that time can have a substantial impact on lifelong physical and mental health, especially if they are negative. Harmful effects on the foundation of brain structure can occur, which can result in unhealthy coping behaviors, low-life potential and even death.

“Childhood experiences provide the building blocks for future learning, behavior and health, which provide the brain with a sturdy foundation for future development,” said Melissa Merrick, senior epidemiologist for the Center of Disease Control. “Early adverse experiences like abuse, neglect or unhealthy relationships can impede the progress of a strong foundation, affecting brain architecture and optimal development. While some degree of adversity is a normal and essential part of human development, exposure to frequent and prolonged adversity can result in a toxic stress response.”

Toxic stress responses can cause disruptions in the development of bodily organ systems as well, which can result in an increase in health issues and social consequences. To prevent these types of problems, one can start from the core of the issue: how children are raised and treated. Through the CDC’s program, this goal can be achieved.

“CDC promotes lifelong health and well-being through the Essentials for Childhood Framework, ensuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children.

The Essentials for Childhood Framework proposes strategies communities can consider to promote relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy and productive citizens so that they, in turn, can build stronger and

safer families and communities for their children,” Merrick said. “Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments may stop ACEs before they even happen by building a strong foundation of healthy relationships and environments through which children can thrive and reach their full health and life potential.”

The relationships built with children and adolescents are only a small factor of the solution. The environment they grow up in also has some effect, and because of this, ACE advocates try their best to provide adults with information on how to improve their living situations.

“Safe, stable, nurturing environments play a large role in preventing ACEs by creating a context and atmosphere that allows families to share quality time together, to discuss and resolve conflicts, and to provide emotional support to one another. Community and organizational decision-makers — both in the private and public sector — also play an important part by developing policies that create conditions and resources that support safe, stable, nurturing environments that benefit children and families,”

Merrick said. “CDC’s technical package for preventing child abuse and neglect identifies a number of strategies to help states and communities prioritize prevention activities based on the best available evidence. These strategies range from a focus on individuals, families and relationships to broader community and societal change.”

ACEs should not overcome an individual’s ability to live a free and happy life. Everyone experiences a form of adversity, but the way it is handled and how one recovers is what is important.

“It is important to remember that both positive and negative childhood experiences can have impacts on health and well-being,” Merrick said. “If someone has ACEs, this does not mean they will definitely experience health or social impacts. That’s good news, since we know that the majority of people have experienced some form of childhood adversity. But everyone responds differently to ACEs, and many of us have positive experiences in childhood and youth that can greatly offset and outweigh our negative experiences.” mistylopez@tigertimesonline.com

HOUSE ON FIRE Home environments built on Adverse Childhood Experiences in which children grow up have lifelong implications.

photo by a. higgins

16 FEATURE

THE ANSWER CHANGED EVERYTHING CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AFFECT TEACHER LATER IN LIFE

BY MISTY LOPEZ in-depth editor She was only a child, yet she knew what the empty bottles would cause. She knew what was happening was wrong, but she had no way of making them stop. It was their job to nurture her, but that did not seem to be their main priority. Her best option was to make sure that no one could tell something was wrong even if it was hard going through everything by herself. Little did she know that the experiences from her childhood would later impact her adulthood.

Math teacher Katie Diaz suffered many traumas during her childhood years, one of those being the extensive substance abuse of her parents.

At school, Diaz seemed normal, but the story was completely different at home.

“I was very quiet, always did really well in school. I wasn’t involved in much. You wouldn’t have known that my parents had an abuse problem with alcohol,” Diaz said. “My parents did everything they thought was right for me. They were there to give me food and shelter, but kids need a lot more. Kids need nurturing. I was always overweight as a child and that was something I was criticized on a lot at home. I think that’s why on the school end of it everything seemed fine because I was striving to at least do that right.”

As an adult, Diaz was diagnosed with cancer multiple times. Her doctors were unable to provide answers for her condition, so Diaz did research of her own. Diaz came across the Adverse Childhood Experiences

(ACEs) study, which helped her seek closure.

“I had to start chemo, and I was mad because I didn’t know why this was happening.

I had genetic testing done to see if it was hereditary. It wasn’t anything. There was no explanation to why I had the cancers that I had. I was mad for quite a long time, especially after the third cancer. The third cancer took my ability to have children of my own,” Diaz said. “When I found out about the ACEs study, it was a relief to think that I wasn’t crazy. It provided answers to questions that I had for a long time. That’s why I wanted to spread the news about the ACEs test.”

The ACEs study asks questions about one’s childhood and the traumas that one may have experienced. Through this test, Diaz learned that her parents’ substance abuse was a component of her infertility.

“ACEs stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences, but it isn’t really well known from what I’ve witnessed. It’s basically a test to see what childhood experiences could have effects on you later in life. They ask questions about anything traumatizing that happened to you, like being raped as a child, things like that,” Diaz said. “You don’t have to go into detail about what’s going on; it’s just yes or no and then the scoring. Their statistics are based on your score.”

Although the test provides statistics and details about what may happen in the future or what effects the past has had, it is not always guaranteed. In Diaz’s case, following in the footsteps of her parents was something she could control but

the health effects were not.

“When I was younger, since I was around [substance abuse], it made me not want to do it,” Diaz said. “I’ve broken out of the statistics for that part.”

When Diaz took the ACEs test, she scored an eight, a high score.

“I felt guilty. I felt at fault for being sick, and my husband was stuck with somebody who couldn’t give him another child,” Diaz said. “A lot of weight was lifted off of me when I found out about ACEs. It gives reassurance that a lot of things aren’t in your control. I believe that I’ve been taken care of, and by the grace of God, I’m still here.”

The ACEs exam not only provides an explanation for the score received, but outlets and the right support for the individual as well. Diaz views this exam as an opportunity for counselors and teachers to further help students understand and cope with their situation.

“This test helps a lot for counselors in schools if they are aware of this test. They can relate that information back to teachers, parents and understand the effects that a kid can have. Later, when a child can understand what the score means, they can understand that they’re not defined by what happened to them,” Diaz said.

“Even though there are statistics out there, there’s also answers and support groups. When you talk about somebody talking to a therapist or psychiatrist, a lot of people think that that person is crazy, but it’s not that.

Some people really need that to be able to work through those problems. It’s OK to talk about

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019 what’s happened to them, it’s OK to work through that with somebody else.”

Diaz takes advantage of the knowledge she has gained from the exam and her life experiences to make sure that her students can trust and feel comfortable to speak out, whether that be with her or any other adult.

“When you walk in the room, we know your name, we know your ID, we know what kind of classes you had the year before, but we don’t know anything about what you’ve been through,” Diaz said. “I personally try to get to know all my kiddos as much as I can.”

Diaz said her door is always open for students to come talk.

“If you have at least one person, even in that traumatic childhood, that you can go to, your chances of of having problems later on go down,” Diaz said. “All it takes is that one person that knows what you’re going through to understand and help you through it.”

Diaz encourages any student who may be going through a hardship to speak up and accept help because even the smallest piece of advice or a single suggestion can change the direction of a person’s future.

“Like I said, for a student like me, you never would have known [anything was wrong] because I didn’t come out and

say it,” Diaz said. “So if you have a teacher that reaches out to you, take them seriously. It can be your parents, your teachers, or any other adult in your life. I’ve learned here at Texas High, so many teachers would do anything for their kiddos, and I’m one of them. I love my kiddos so much.”

Through difficult times, Diaz reflects back on one of her favorite memories to surpass feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. She keeps in mind that even though she had it rough growing up, she’s still here and getting better each day.

“Last summer, we took a trip to Mexico. We [visited] a beach down there. This was after I’d finished chemo in December, and I was starting to get my strength back. I was starting to get a pretty good length of hair back to where I wasn’t completely bald. I felt like my body was recuperating from being torn apart from the inside out,” Diaz said. “I kind of walked off from my family and went down to the water and just stood there and looked across the ocean. I let the tide come in as my feet sunk into the sand. The waves were crashing up and the wind was blowing, and it was a moment where I felt peace. I had made it through one of the most difficult times, and I was still alive.” mistylopez@tigertimesonline.com photo by o. smith

STANDING AGAINST THE BATTLE Math teacher Cathryn Diaz has experienced several childhood traumas which she feels have led to medical issues in her adulthood.

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18 SPORTS photo by k. rogers

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

SIGH OF RELIEF Senior Robert Frost shoots a smile at fellow senior Jackson Shellogg after completing the 100 butterfly event. Frost won this event at the regionals and is one of 15 TigerSharks that advanced to the state meet.

HEAD FIRST Freshman Dane Bullock dives into the waters off the block as he begins his leg of a relay. Bullock was a member of the boys’ regional team that captured their 21st consecutive regional championship.

photo by m. debenport

photo by k. gordon

photo by k. rogers

NO LOOKING BACK Junior Serenity Danner tucks her body as she prepares to enter the water with minimal evidence.

Divers Robert Bland and Kate Morgan both advanced to the state meet.

MAKING WAVES

STROKE BY STROKE As he takes a breath, freshman Ethan Power eyes the wall as he looks to finish his event strong. The swim team had 15 members advance to the state meet as they continued their legacy of dominance.

GIRLS’ RESULTS Swim team continues dominance BOYS’ RESULTS Junior Haley Wood 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke Sophomore Fezeka Barnes 100 Butterfly Junior Avery Morrill 500 Freestyle

as 15 advance to state meet

Junior Owen Likins 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle

For state results, visit tigertimesonline.com

Junior Max Young 200 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle

SENIOR ROBERT FROST

SENIOR EMMA SEIDENSCHWARZ

SENIOR DYLAN ROSSER

Sophomore Kate Morgan Dive

Morrill, E. Seidenschwarz, K. Seidenschwarz and Wood 400 Freestyle Medley

Sophomore Logan Diggs 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke Senior Robert Frost 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle Sophomore John David Cass 100 Butterfly

Senior Katelin Seidenschwarz, Wood, Junior Kaitlyn Rogers and Barnes 200 Medley Relay Barnes, Morrill, Senior Emma Seidenschwarz and Rogers 200 Freestyle Medley

Senior Dylan Rosser 200 Individual Medley, 100 Backstroke

Senior Robert Bland 400 Freestyle Medley “I felt like we did really well at regionals. We swam our personal best times and took the win. It was a really great meet for every single one of us.”

“This being my last regionals was a really emotional experience. I’m looking forward to doing well at state and finishing in the top 16.”

“Everyone swam really well at regionals. I got all of my personal best times at the meet. At state, we plan on getting top five for our team.”

Rosser, Diggs, Cass and Frost 200 Medley Relay Frost, Cass, Likins, and Young 200 Freestyle Relay Likins, Senior Jackson Shellogg, Rosser, and Young 400 Freestyle Relay

20

SPORTS

DON’T BET ON IT

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

Making sports top priority presents issues for career, life goals in immediate future

BY JOSEPH ASHER staff writer In high school, the chances of receiving an athletic scholarship for any given sport are slim. With other athletes from all over the country competing for the same opportunity, the standards are set high. Even then, those who do excel at their sport often make the risky decision of relying on their athletic ability to get them through college.

However, what happens when an injury occurs, one that interferes with one’s ability to play or knocks them down in their performance? This is a major factor to consider, especially in contact sports.

A broken limb or a torn ACL could easily spell the end of your sporting career and your dreams.

Injuries can result in the athlete missing out on the chance to showcase their skills in front of college scouts. Or, if already committed, the injury could result in the student not playing on the team or the scholarship being suspended if the athlete is not academically stable.

Aside from just the risk of an injury, the probability of playing on a college team or even going pro is very low. Out

photo by j. asher

of all the high school students who apply for athletic scholarships, only 2 percent receive one.

Another factor that many student athletes fail to recognize is the academic side of college. Keeping up with the required GPA and achieving the needed ACT or SAT scores escapes the minds of many. Colleges that require their athletes to be both athletically and academically

stable are common.

“I’ve started looking at colleges and sending out emails for my running,” junior Owen Likins said. “I’ve always focused more on my academics than sports though because I want that backup plan in case I get injured. A lot of people lose their careers over an injury and don’t have strong academics to fall back on when that happens.”

While some have plans to fall back on if their sports careers don’t play out the way they hope, there are those who rely on their athletic abilities to carry them through life. These people can find themselves in a tough position if this doesn’t play out.

“I’m not too scared about getting injured,” senior Mabry Smith said. “If I do, our coach is very understanding and will give us time to heal up and prepare for the next season. If I am unable to continue playing, I will really just focus more on my studies. I’m planning on going to the University of Central Arkansas for physical therapy school after I graduate from Ouachita Baptist University. I’m very dedicated to what I want to do, and my coach knows that.

He is understanding of all of his athletes focusing on their studies over softball.”

It’s always the unexpected possibilities that people tend to forget about. These “what if ’s” could really decide what one’s future may hold. Betting your whole career on a sport is not wise; having a backup plan and academic strengths is something important to have in order to be prepared for the curveballs of life. josephasher@tigertimesonline.com

SPORTS

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

19

OFF THE BOARD Senior Robert Bland weighs in on diving, life lessons from TigerSharks

Q A Q A Q A

How did you get your start in diving?

In the second semester of my freshman year, after I didn’t qualify for district, former senior Luke Calhoun encouraged me to do dive, and Coach Vogan also thought it was a good idea, I practiced a couple days with the divers, and I was pretty good. My diving career started my sophomore year.

Q A

What is your motivation to stay in dive after all these years?

My motivation is doing something that I can give my all in. I’ve always yearned to be good at something, and diving just happened to be that one thing, so I give my best in dive so others can be proud of me.

Q A

What are your goals in life, whether or not they concern dive?

My goals in life include attending college as an undergraduate. Then, I am going back to grad school to major in marine biology, so I can achieve my childhood dream of being a marine biologist.

What responsibilities do you have as a leader of the TigerSharks?

A lot of times, I have to make sure the team is doing their work and not slacking off. I try to give them advice when needed whether that be in life or in their sport. I try to make sure they stay out of trouble so they can continue being a part of something and go far in life.

MAKING A SPLASH Senior diver Robert Bland poses with fellow sophomore diver Kate Morgan as he receives his Diver of the Year award at the UIL 5A-Division 15 District Meet. After this meet and the regionals competition, Bland hoped to bring home a top 10 finish at the state meet at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin this past weekend.

What intangibles does it take to be a diver?

You need confidence and a strong mind to be a diver. I have seen people try the sport and not get very far because they are too afraid to do certain dives.

END OVER END Senior diver Robert Bland touches his toes as he completes one of his dives at the regional dive meet in Lewisville, Texas. Bland left this competition as the regional champion and a state finalist.

photos by h. rainwater, k. rogers, and m. debenport

Q A

What lessons has dive taught you?

I learned that some things can’t be solved by trying harder. You have to change your thinking and see how to fix certain problems. It has also taught me to be patient and that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I put in hard work and dedication.

FISH OUT OF WATER At the annual swim team apron party during Texas vs. Arkansas week, senior Robert Bland crafts his design with oversight from senior swim captain Brady Moore.

Bland is heavily involved in the leadership of the TigerSharks and looks to have both an active and a positive role in the lives of his fellow teammates both in and out of the pool.

SPORTS

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

photo by a. higgins

PRESSING FORWARD

21

DRIVING HOME Senior Kyle Wright dribbles to the basket in a district game against Royce City. The Tigers would go on to win this game at home, 71-57, en route to a second place district finish.

Fresh off district championship, Lady Tigers ready for playoffs

BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor The girl’s basketball team has continued to impress this season as they captured back-to-back district titles and clinched their seventh straight playoff appearance. They have dominated the competition with an average margin of victory of 25.6 points in district play.

“We’ve been working as a team this year,” senior guard Victoria Willis said. “We’re being more discipline on the court and are working hard in practice which is really motivating us to win.”

This senior class has seen the team rise from the ashes and become a regional force. Their contributions to the team not gone undetected by those who cheer them on.

“Playing together since we were in middle school has really brought us together,” Willis said. “Knowing that it’s our last ride makes me sad that we won’t get to play together anymore.”

The team has bold aspirations for the postseason as they hope to shine amongst the rest of the competition.

“We still have to work hard to go to state and win it,” senior forward Antonia Porter said. “We have to take it game by game and just try to keep winning.” johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com

Boys’ basketball looks to fulfill preseason goals in postseason

POINT BREAK Against Royce City, senior Victoria Willis attempts to defeat a full court press by the defense. The Lady Tigers would ultimately fall at home as the Bulldogs handed them a 55-51 defeat.

photo by k. gordon

BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor It’s been a minute since the boys’ basketball team has been this good. Their high energy and athleticism has seen them soar to their best season in over a decade, one that has brought with many memorable moments. They’ve also made their intentions very clear. They’re not stopping here.

The boys’ basketball team capped an impressive regular season with a second place district finish and a seventh consecutive playoff berth. They have established themselves as one of the best teams in school history.

“We were actually ranked this year,” senior point guard Kyle Wright said. “I don’t remember the last time Texas High was ranked in basketball, so it’s a pretty good feeling.”

Much of the team’s success comes from preseason goals that the players set for themselves. This accountability has seen them rise to new heights.

“We set goals at the beginning of the year, and we knew that we had to put in the work to meet them,” senior small forward Cole Drumm said. “There were days when it was kind of rough on us, but you just have to push through to strive for greatness.”

The last time the boys’ basketball team was in 2014. However, this has not prevented this unit from setting their eyes on the prize.

“We want to make a really deep run,” Drumm said. “It’s been a long time since we had a playoff win, so we just hope to break the curse for the basketball team.” johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com

22 COMMUNITY

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

CULTURE

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

sophie.spakes@tigertimesonline.com

photo marvel studios

s 0 7 9

Carol Danvers first appeared in a Marvel Super-Heroes issue in which she was saved by (the then) Captain Marvel from an explosion of an alien device, despite suffering serious injuries.

19 6 0

Due to exposure during the explosion, Danvers becomes a human-alien hybrid, granting her powers. She makes her first appearance as a superhero as Ms. Marvel in 1977. She fought crime as a hero and for equal pay.

1

Quite the Marvel

After Wonder Woman hit theaters and had tons of fans being the first female superhero movie, it set the bar for future female superhero movies to achieve, if not conquer. Captain Marvel should do just that, not only because it will bring in movie and comic lovers alike, but also because it will be a sign of female empowerment.

Captain Marvel is going to be a great female role model for girls of all ages because she teaches girls to be strong and independent.

Also, unlike in Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel won’t be wearing a skirt or corset—breaking free from female stereotypes.

Because the feminist movement is as strong as it has ever been, releasing Captain Marvel now is a good idea. Captain Marvel was originally created created to empower women during the beginning of the feminist movement of 1970. And she’s done just that.

Captain Marvel has the possibility of becoming the epitome of female superheros that empower women and men alike to do what is right. She fights for what is right using her superpowers and crime fighting skills. Captain Marvel will inspire young girls and women to be independent to do what is right.

Inspiring young girls is good for the future, so that we can become more independent in ourselves.

Before gaining her powers Carol Danvers, was still a hero; she was an airforce pilot fighting her way to the top. When you think of an air force fighter pilot you see a strapping man not a woman. Yet, Captain Marvel defies this stereotype and proves the age old saying that girls can do anything boys can do, and they can.

Something that is really interesting about Captain Marvel is that she used to be a man, but then the powers were transferred over to her. Because of this, she became the only female superhero with a military ranking name.

Superheroes inspire individuals to be the best they can be, and with more diverse superheroes taking the lead in major motion pictures, we can create role models that each person can relate to.

Female superhero takes the big screen in March

BY SOPHIE SPAKES staff writer

0s 0 0 2 Marvel Ms. is

featured in multiple different stories and plots, including the Civil War storyline on the side of Tony Stark.

23

s

Danvers aids the X-Men and on many of their adventures. On an adventure in space, an alien race experiments on her, changing her into Binary, able to conjure the power of a star. She continues to assist the X-Men and other similar teams and even went solo on an occasion.

19 9 0 s

2010s

Danvers takes up the mantle of Captain Marvel and rejoins the Avengers. Captain Marvel loses her memories after defeating the alien race that gave her powers as Ms. Marvel. In one story, she leads an allfemale fighter pilots squad which helps her answer questions about her past.

The upcoming movie will bear similarities to the character’s comic book Carol Danvers, but will ultimately be different.

24 CULTURE

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

‘TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET’ Controversy surrounding artists causes re-evaluation of support

BY AUTUMN GOLDEN news editor In the life of fame, artists and actors are constantly surrounded by accusations and rumors. Recently, a docuseries titled “Surviving R. Kelly” aired on Lifetime featuring multiple women speaking out about the sexual abuse they experienced from the musician.

The long list of abused women dates back to 1994 when the singer, who was 27 at the time, married 15-year-old rhythm and blues singer Aaliyah Haughton (stage name Aaliyah). While Robert Kelly’s (stage name R. Kelly) age was reported correctly on the marriage license, Aaliyah’s birth date was falsified to list her as 18 years old. The pair were married for about two years before Aaliyah filed to have the marriage erased from her record.

A major allegation against Kelly surfaced eight years later when a video was released showing footage of the singer urinating on and engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage girl. While rumors and accusations were running rampant, the singer was preparing for a 2002 Winter Olympic performance in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, in Chicago, where the story first broke by the Chicago Sun-Times, a warrant was issued for his arrest. The

SCANDAL

singer was later arrested in June in Miami for 21 counts of child pornography.

“Well, I really do still like his music,” senior Ashley Walker said. “As a person, I don’t like [him] because I find it kind of sickening that he would [have sex with] kids, and I frankly think it’s just disgusting to think about. When I listen to [his music now] I picture [the abuse].”

Over the next six years, Kelly would be found not guilty on 14 out of 21 counts of child pornography, with seven other allegations being dropped or settled. However, in a Rolling Stone interview, Kitti Jones, a long-time girlfriend of the musician, confirmed and exposed destructive behavior in their relationship. “[Two male employees] knew not to talk to me or help or anything,” Jones said about an incident where she tripped in Kelly’s building.

Men associated with R. Kelly were already predisposed to avoid interaction with any women he would bring around. Some believe that this was due to the musician’s possessive tendencies or in order to have the least knowledge about the women if a situation was brought to court.

Jones described physical abuse she experienced during their time together. When she brought up the child pornogrpahy cases and the alleged video

RELATED ARTISTS

of the singer, he began to kick and slap Jones in the back of his vehicle.

Despite this instance of abuse, Jones forgave the singer and believed it would be a one-time incident.

The abuse continued and took on different forms as the couple’s relationship progressed. Over the next six years, dozens of other women who suffered at the hands of the singer were silenced until “Surviving R. Kelly” aired at the beginning of 2019.

“After watching [the show], I went back and listened to his music,” senior Deandre Brown said. “I think you can kind of tell that most of [the abuse] was going on during that period. I mean at first when I first heard [about the scandal], I just thought that it was just some joke, so I thought it was funny. But now I’ve realized that he was really doing that. I think I could still continue to listen to his music despite what’s going on, but not as much as I did before hearing about this.”

The release of the series led artists to pull their songs that featured R. Kelly, streaming services to stop advertising his music and multiple radio stations to stop playing his music. By allowing the abused women to have a voice, the public has become more aware of atrocities taking place within the music industry. autumngolden@tigertimesonline.com

Various issues surround multiple artists in music industry

XXXTENTACION

CHRIS BROWN

KANYE WEST

EMINEM

Because of his past with DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, a posthumous honor of XXXTentacion at the Grammys was rejected. The artist has been accused of assaulting fans and committing incredibly CRUEL ACTS OF VIOLENCE toward one of his ex-girlfriends, to which he did not apologize. Similar to R. Kelly, XXXTentaction’s music will no longer be promoted on Spotify because of these actions.

Since 2009, Brown has been associated with DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE that began when photos of a physical altercation involving Rihanna were leaked to the public.

Brown later plead guilty to assault charges and was sentenced to five years of probation and counseling for domestic violence. Ten years later, the artist is still feeling the impact of his actions.

From award show conduct to his OUTSPOKENNESS IN POLITICS, Kanye West has been notorious in the media.. Most recently, West has publicly shown support for President Trump and has been seen many times wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. He has also made bold statements on social media about ABOLISHING THE 13TH AMENDMENT.

Beginning in 1999, Eminem has dealt with controversy in his lyrics.

In the song “Kim” (named after his ex wife), the rapper DESCRIBED HER GRAPHIC DEATH by SLICING HER THROAT. After the song was released, she attempted suicide before pressing charges. “Kim” has been named one of Eminem’s best songs and one of the TOP 25 MOST VIOLENT RAP SONGS by Rolling Stone.

photos in public domain or licensed CC BY 2.0

CULTURE

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

25

5G

FASTER, BETTER, STRONGER New 5G wireless connection generation promising to revolutionize society

AT&T AT&T: The largest telecommunications company in the U.S. boasts mobile 5G networks in the Texas cities of Dallas, San Antonio, Waco and Houston as of late 2018, but 5G will be available nationwide by early 2020. Current 5G connections are enabled through purchase of a home hotspot device. AT&T’s new 5GE Evolution label has been criticized as misleading but the label stands for 5G Evolution which is AT&T’s step toward 5G through faster 4G LTE. The label also indicates that the consumer lives in an area where 5G will soon be available.

BY JOSEPH RODGERS editor in chief A new arms race has begun.

However, it is not really an arms race, but rather it is the race for the next generation of Internet connectivity, and the country to obtain first may be the world’s next superpower.

Chinese telecommunications company Huawei is racing against American companies to release the world’s first 5G network. So far, China is winning as corporations have constructed nearly 350,000 new cell phone towers compared to 30,000 in the U.S., and have spent over $24 billion since 2015 in research and development of 5G networks. Huawei is also scheduled to unveil one of the world’s first major smartphones that is compatible with 5G during the Mobile World Congress at the end of February.

While China is clearly ahead in the game along with other countries such as Qatar, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, the three major American telecommunication companies— AT&T, Verizon, and the one company resulting from the upcoming SprintT-Mobile merger—are releasing preliminary 5G networks that are extremely limited in select cities.

5G is unlike previous wireless connectivity generations in its capabilities as it can be anywhere from 10 to 100 times faster than typical cellular connections. This means that long movies or videos can be downloaded in a matter of milliseconds, but more importantly, 5G will open the field of the transmission

of real-time data. This will lead to a network of communications between self-driving cars, traffic lights and other road infrastructure, more powerful streaming and broadcasting and an even more apparent virtual reality market since large amounts of data can be processed in a short amount of time.

Additionally, 5G will have low latency which means that the response time it takes after you click a link or hit play on a video can be reduced to as low as a single millisecond.

However, current 5G networks require a high frequency which means that the network will have a much shorter range from the cellular towers but a higher capacity. This has created a barrier for many U.S. companies where building new cellular towers and network stations takes time and is expensive.

The “Internet of Things”—which is the term used to encompass all Internet-connected appliances from smartphones to cars to refrigerators— is likely to emerge as a huge market after the release of 5G. However, 5G is likely to take a few years to roll out depending on the strategies of technology and telecommunication companies. Current smartphones on the market do not have the technology to connect to 5G, so if you want full advantage of the benefits of the newest wireless network, you will have to buy a new phone that has adapted 5G. josephrodgers@tigertimesonline.com

SPRINT/T-MOBILE: Two of the smaller yet significant telecommunication companies are merging in early 2019 in order to better compete with AT&T and Verizon. The New T-Mobile hopes to create the highest capacity network in American history by combining Sprint’s 2.5 GHz spectrum with T-Mobile’s nationwide 600 MHz spectrum and with other assets. By 2024, the New T-Mobile network hopes to double the total capacity and triple the total 5G capacity of T-Mobile and Sprint combined, with 5G speeds four to six times faster than what the two companies could achieve on their own.

VERIZON: Secrecy has surrounded Verizon’s 5G coverage maps in the four original cities of the launch of Verizon’s 5G Home. A device similar to AT&T’s home Internet hotspot, 5G Home claims speeds of 300 Mbps which is 20 times faster than 4G LTE. Currently, only very small areas of Houston can connect to 5G, and Verizon’s plans have been kept confidential. However, the company is constantly testing multiple aspects of 5G and has plans with Samsung to release a 5G-enabled smartphone in early 2019. Apple will not introduce 5G to the iPhone until 2020.

26 COMMUNITY

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

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PHOTO STORY

FEB. 20, 2019 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM

turning

LIGHTS OUT Junior Merideth Stanfill photographs lit matches for the ATPI social media contest. Stanfill placed third in the most recent competition, themed as #LightsOut, along with senior Alyssa Higgins in first. “I enjoyed pushing myself to create this image,” Merideth Stanfill said.

“I set up the lighting and background in my kitchen one afternoon and played around with the off camera flash. Overall, I really enjoyed learning how to create something outside of the studio setting.”

photo by g. mcguire

NEGATIVES into POSITIVES

photo by m. stanfill

27

BY KAITLYN GORDON photo editor

POWDER PUFF In her soccer uniform, senior photographer Grace McGuire photographs herself for her environmental self-portrait with the help of senior Alyssa Higgins. Self-portraits for competition must showcase the student’s environment in a creative way, combining the student’s photographic skill with their true self. “One of the biggest struggles I faced was trying to keep my eyes open while flour flew across my face,” McGuire said. “Overall, I was extremely happy with how my self-portrait turned out.”

They’re at football games, school functions. They’re always present, always there to capture the most iconic moments. Many may not know who they are, but their photos document the events and people of Texas High.

These students are more than their pictures; they’re artists, That talent will be unleashed at their next competition on Feb. 22, the Association of Texas Photography Instructors Winter Conference in Arlington, Texas, where they will compete in various onsite and offsite competitions.

“This year I’ve learned many things in photography, such as configuring the correct settings, composition and having to think outside the box,” junior Kaitlyn Rogers said. “However, I’ve gained so much more than that, such as stroboscopics, studio work and Photoshop. I’m more ready than ever to work toward contest and hope that all the tools I’ve learned will come into play and be useful.”

Traveling to this conference is an exciting time for photographer, from the awards to travel to bonding time. They’re able to showcase all that they’ve worked on throughout the year and be rewarded.

“ATPI brings us closer together as a team I think. Although we’re competing against each other, we still push one another to succeed,” assignments editor Alexis Runnels said. “ That’s what makes ATPI so exciting.”

GREY’S While shooting a surgery on the lumbar area of the back, senior Kaitlyn Gordon learns more about the ins and outs of surgery as a whole. Gordon discussed the surgery with Dr. Brett Dietze during the procedure. “Taking these pictures was so eyeopening,” Gordon said. “This experience exposed me to a plethora of knowledge about surgery and my future career options.”

photos by b. groom

photo by k. gordon

photo by a. higgins

FRUITY Junior Bailey Groom photographs junior Olivia Lower for her fruitthemed portfolio. Photographers were forced to expand their skillset in creative, new ways in order to build their portfolios. “I almost cut my finger off while slicing lemons,” Groom said. “It was worth all of the work because I learned how to use Photoshop and studio strobes. Mr. Smith and the senior photographers taught me a lot, not just about how to take [photos] but also how to edit them and make them look perfect.”

TRAGIC SCHOOL BUS Dressed in a Halloween bunny mask, senior Alyssa Higgins poses for her bus-themed self-portrait. Higgins created this particular portfolio for college admissions to Pratt University and other art colleges. “Studio work is a huge passion of mine,” Higgins said. “However, our studio is limited in space, so I take the studio with me wherever I go. I am a child and the studio is my playground.”

28 COMMUNITY

TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • FEB. 20, 2019

It’s time for area high school seniors to apply for the

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LEARN MORE AT TEXARKANACOLLEGE.EDU/PRESIDENTIAL APPLICATION DEADLINE // APRIL 5, 2019

#1 graduation rate refers to Texarkana College’s 3-year graduation rate for the 2015 cohort and is based on data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities.

The following person is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Human Resources Director, 2500 N. Robison Rd., Texarkana, TX, 75599 or (903) 823-3017 human.resources@texarkanacollege.edu