Tiger Times May 22 2012 by THS Student Media

Mark your

calendar

Powderpuff After a week of practices, the juniors will be taking on the seniors in the annual powderpuff football game. The game will begin immediately following Spring Olympiad festivities. In addition to the game, spectators can check out the cheerleading squad and drill team dances performed by the male students. There is no admission fee.

Graduation The graduation ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. May 26 at First Baptist Church Moores Lane. Doors will open at 1 p.m. Tickets are required for admission.

Yearbooks for sale Yearbooks are still available for purchase for $65 in Room 50. They will be sold on a first-come, firstserved basis. Once they are gone, additional books cannot be ordered.

news

tiger times may 22, 2012

Hit or miss

Spring Olympiad to feature dunking booth Riley Rogers & John David Goins staff writer & news editor When Spring Olympiad begins Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to take some frustrations out on teachers and administrators in the dunking booth. “Texas-Arkansas week is the first week of school, and the money raised will go to help pay for the cost of the Bacon Fry,” upcoming StuCo vice president Brianna Sellers said. “Plus, it is fun to dunk teachers.” Students will have to pay $1 per throw and $5 for six throws at their favorite staff members. “I’m happy to do it since it is for a good cause, and I am sure it will be fun,” associate principal Casey Nichols said. “I’m excited, as long as the water is clean.” Other faculty members who will be participating in the dunking booth are coach Jeff Harrell, art teacher Angela Melde, journalism teacher Rebecca Potter, physics teacher Seth Schrimer, biology teacher Jessica Sharp, coach Jacob Skinner, coach Cody Spencer, assistant principal Richard Stahl, math teacher Linda Teeters

“Most people aren’t good at throwing. No one’s going to be able to dunk me.” Seth Schrimer, teacher and physics teacher Nathan Upchurch. “I hope that all the kids are watching the powderpuff game instead of trying to dunk me,” Teeters said. Junior class president John David Goins had the idea for the dunking booth. “I thought the idea was a great one,” Goins said. “I am so thankful to all of the teachers and administrators who have agreed to participate in this event in order to help our student council.” Students are excited for the opportunity to give the dunking booth a try. “My budget is unlimited for the dunk booth because I can’t wait to watch Mr. Schirmer go in,” junior Madeleine Russell said. “I like to look at it as payback for all the sarcastic comments.” Schirmer, on the other hand, isn’t

worried at all. “Most people aren’t good at throwing,” Schrimer. “No one’s going to be able to dunk me.” Melde is keeping a good attitude about the event. “All I have to say is the expression, ‘small fish in a big pond,’ will now be ‘big fish in a small pond,’ Melde said. “Oh boy, I can’t wait.” The festivities for Spring Olympiad will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the track, and the dunking booth will run until 5 p.m. Other activities will include competitions between various teams, including a pillow case balloon toss, swim Olympic relays and crab crawl. The two teams with the most amount of points at the end of Spring Olympiad will compete in a final game to see who will be the champion which will be a challenging obstacle course. “We want everyone to come out next Wednesday, whether you are there to participate or watch,” Sellers said. “So bring your friends because it will be tons of fun, and you’re bound to get a few good laughs out it before you leave.”

news

tiger times may 22, 2012

Texas vs. Arkansas to kick off new school year christina harris & casey hitchcock staff writer & photographer When school starts in August, students will have to be in spirit mode and prepared for the Texas Arkansas game since it will kick off the during the first week of school. New scheduling requirements in Arkansas caused problems with putting the rivalry game on the calendar and conflicts may continue in subsequent years. “The only time we could play would be the 31st, which is our first game and their first game,” athletic director Barry Norton said. “And that causes problems for next year because if you look at it, they won’t be able to play on that first week. Those dates don’t coincide. So, his schedule is completely screwed up now, and we’ll have to work through it.”

Even though the start of school will coincide with the school’s biggest rivalry week, Student Council will continue the traditions of Spirit Week and Bacon Fry. “I want everything to be a huge success,” junior Madeline Russell said. “As long as reliable people are there throughout the week boosting school spirit and helping out with the Bacon Fry, everything should turn out great.” Although the pressures on, the impact on the school should be no different than any other football game. “I don’t think it should impact anything,” Norton said. “It ought to create a fun time for the beginning of school. It’s a good way to get started, and then that Friday, at our place, and a good win, that’ll start the school year off right.” Although the dates have changed for

Senior Survey: Who is your favorite teacher? “Mr. Zach because I grew up a lot in his class.” Stepheny Austin “Mr. Littmann because of his pure randomness.” Benjamin Simpson “Mr. Mac because he is easy to relate to, and most of all, because he is a great teacher.” Steve Flowers “Mr. Colquitt. Even though he’s not a core teacher, I’ve learned more about life in jazz band than any other class.” Larkin Parks

the game and scheduling problems will persist, the coaches want to keep the tradition of playing Arkansas High. “We’re going to do whatever we can in order to ensure that we continue to play,” Norton said. “We’ve always played, since I’ve been here.” Preparing for this particular game won’t be any different than past years, they’ll have football camp in the fall and have a good start to the next year.“This game is like every other game,” junior Matt Meredith said. “We practice then go out and play the game. The fact that the dates have changed, doesn’t change the attitude we have about beating Arkansas High.” The football players are trying to make the event as positive as possible. “It’s the most exciting game of the year,” junior Michael Stanley said. “I think

it’s a good way to start off the school year.” Even though the game for this year is taken care of, there is some worry about the future of the game. “Not having it the next year would be a very historic and disappointing thing for the upcoming junior class,” Stanley said. “Some people might never get to play Arkansas on a Friday night.” Despite the worry and the complications, everyone involved is trying to make the tradition last as long as possible. “That’s the thing: we get ready and go play. The Arkansas High game is a big game, and I know the kids love the game. I know the community loves it. It’s really just another ball game for us,” Norton said. “You know, we’ve lost one time in 13 years, and we plan on winning that ball game this year and years to come.”

Students answer questions about their final year

Is there anything you wish you would have done but didn’t? “I wish I had gone to more dances, gone to a bonfire, and gone to senior pep rally.” Megan Hollis

Any advice for the underclassmen? “Never stop trying, when it seems like you are losing; you never know when may come out on top.” Adrianna Fricks

Depend on yourself.”

Do you think you made the most of your 4 years at Texas High? “Although I wasn’t here all four years, I feel that I made my mark. Now it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life. Sydney Martin

“Don’t let bad choices ruin your opportunities.” Shavon Conkleton

What are you going to miss most about Texas High? “The electives and teachers. Many of these things have helped me a lot.” Sherry Phillips

“I think I have. I’ve done everything I wanted to do, I’m ready to move on.” Erubiel Basurto-Ruiz

“Don’t waste too much time.” Michael Elkins “Stay on the right track; don’t fall into the bad crowd.” Alexis Burns “Don’t depend on others for help with work.

“Stand out, be yourself.”

Tierra Green Darius Mitchell

“The friendships, the classes, the second chances because that is what helped me survive the last four years.” Vallera Kegley

viewpoint

tiger times may 22, 2012

staff editorial

senior survey

things we

loved

&hated

During every school year, there are things that you are so thankful for and things that you just can’t stand. We took some of this year’s greatest moments and some that we really just want to forget.

Homecoming Bonfire

Even though most people enjoyed the homecoming season, it just wasn’t the same without a mound of burning wood to get everyone pumped up. This tradition was halted this year due to a statewide burn ban and was not rescheduled. If the bonfire had been rescheduled, it wouldn’t have been in time for the homecoming season, granted, but by not having it, the school missed out on this time of bonding among the student body. The seniors did not get the thrill of building the wooden mountain and watching all the other students bask in its glory. It just wasn’t the same.

Theater Department

The theater department made some changes, which have helped them have a successful year. Their productions were outstanding, and the transformation of Tiger Follies into Tigers Got Talent allowed more students to get involved and showcase their performances. The pairing of theater and TigerVision for the production of “Seven Minutes” gave students with an opportunity to put their learning into practice by providing an entertaining sitcom for the student body. These changes, in addition to numerous others, have changed the department for the better. On the first day of school, students were informed that “skinny” jeans would no longer be permitted. Normally this would not be such a big deal, but parents and students were not informed about the policy change before the start of school. Most people had already completed their school shopping and had no intent of revisiting stores in search of more “appropriate” attire. Later in the year, yoga pants were added to the list of things students cannot wear. Next time the district makes a change like this, they may want to forewarn the students.

Bomb Drill

While the idea of preparing students and faculty for the possible bomb threat is probably a good one, the execution of said preparation was abysmal. Students and teachers were completely disoriented, and the drill did not inspire confidence in our school’s safety. The procedure needs to be revisited in order to solve the problems of congestion near the bleachers, lack of communication and overall disorganization.

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

What is your most memorable moment from high school?

Projector Screen

The projector screen in the cafeteria has been used as an excellent way to spread word of announcements, student achievements and other information. Not all teachers show Tigervision or tell students about school happenings, but the projector screen is almost always running and flashing important things. Now students can always know what’s going on around school.

Walkthroughs & Objectives

While we understand the reasoning behind the walkthroughs, there were just too many of them. The teacher immediately loses the class’s attention to whoever walks through the door with the dreaded iPad. The presence of administrator adds unneeded pressure on the students and teacher. Plus, teachers are having to pay more attention to having their objectives on the board, rather than actually teaching the aforementioned objective. It’s just a lot of unwanted stress on both the teachers and students.

Renovations

For years, students have dreaded entering a school bathroom. Students cringed at the thought of going to the library. But thanks to the new renovations, students finally can face these structures without fear. The new bathrooms are top-notch (though it would be nice to have some mirrors), and the library presents a better learning environment. Hopefully, other areas of the school will have some money thrown their way as well.

New Cafeteria Food

Dress Code

tiger times

Speak Out

things we

editors in chief Emily Hoover Carlye Hudspeth managing editors Elizabeth Cook Ashley Diggs advertising manager Natalie Banks news editor John David Goins

After years and years of terrible cafeteria food, a change was made. Now students can enjoy new pizzas, cookies, frozen yogurt and other new goodies. These new foods have made school lunchtime much more bearable. Students can finally break away from the norm of school food and can actually enjoy a school lunch--all at an affordable price. The child nutrition specialists made an excellent call here in an effort to find choices that students will enjoy. Last Year of Tier II Next year Tier II will no longer exist. Regardless of test scores, students will be trapped in classrooms two weeks longer. The change is being made due to the new EOC Test that next year’s freshmen and sophomores will be taking, but the juniors and seniors will be the ones really suffering. There is no need to punish TAKS taking students just because some students don’t have their scores yet. If the TAKS scores are in, let those that passed leave. It’s as simple as that.

viewpoint editor Brianna Sellers feature editor Wynne Tidwell sports editor Autumn Sehy entertainment editors Mary Claire Boudreaux Davis Payne photo editor Hannah Patterson

staff writers Zachary Baker Angela Derrick Christina Harris Jacob Hill Casey Hitchcock Shayla James Shelby Kelley Josh Klein Dawson McGonagill Abigail O’Gorman Daniel Pellegrin Mackenzie Phillips Taylor Potter

“I guess I’m obligated to say when I jumped into the pond.” Austin Bryd “Whenever the vollyball team did the wobble after the Royce City.” Briana Murphy “The final moment of ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,’ when the music faded, the lights went out and the curtain went down. I realized the journey was over, but I would not have chosen to spend my four years anywhere else but on the stage of the John Thomas Theatre.” Emily Rankin “Running over my trombone with my jeep.” Caylon Nicholas “Asking Qwala Collins to homecoming my senior year.” Jamal Camp “Moving from Wisconson to Texas.” Travis Whitfield “It’s not the moments but the people you spend the moments with. I love every person I’ve met, and they’ve all had an impact on me. I’m truly going to miss my class.” Katie McKinnie

Riley Rogers Isabella Saporito Sydney Schoen Madison Sewell Hannah Wren

Claire Norton Caroline Prieskorn Haley Rushing Brianna Sellers Hailey Woods

photographers Ruth Arnold Katie Black Taylor Coleman Allison Fahrni Alex Garner Casey Hitchcock Amy McCoy

advisers Rebecca Potter Clint Smith principal Brad Bailey members ILPC, NSPA, CSPA

The Tiger Times is the official student publication of Texas High School. The primary purpose of the Tiger Times is to inform the students of the school, while practicing the ethical canons of journalism. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in Room 50. Each letter must be signed and include the student’s grade. Letters are subject to editing.

viewpoint

tiger times may 22, 2012

The Trinity Chronicals: high school brought changes I often use the phrase “this is the hardest thing I have ever done.” It’s usually a hyperbole, and often I’m referring to some insignificant thing. But when I say that moving schools from Trinity Christian to Texas High school was the “hardest thing I have ever done,” it is no mere exaggeration. The nightmare position I moved into was, well, a nightmare. I was breaking ties with virtually everyone that I had known since elementary school, and going to Texas High with absolutely no connections anywhere. I was just a short, fat, and self-conscious freshman out on my own, in a school with 1,200 more students than I was used to. I didn’t even feel like I was speaking the same language as everyone else. I still don’t understand what “ #oomf ” is supposed to mean. I was always sociable in my tiny speck of a school, but this was pushing it. The loud, well-behaved, conservative, StuCo officer I had been at Trinity had gone into withdraw without any familiar settings to hold on to. I was by myself and I was panicking. The new people I had met thought I was smart and kind of funny, but it wasn’t even recognizable to how I was at Trinity. The idea of me once being sad or scared about being alone at Texas High now makes me laugh and is hard for those who know me to believe. The contrast of freshman Daniel, against senior Daniel is so far away from the other in all traits physically, mentally, and spiritually; even looking back at that plump freshman Daniel in the yearbook is enough to fill me and everyone else with laughter. Before, I thought that I was a social and outgoing person who could make friends with anyone and felt it was always quantity

in my opinion

daniel pelligrin/staff writer over quality when it came to people in my life. Anyone who disagreed with me was obviously an atheist, automatically stupid and not worth my time. The lack of conflicting ideas brought me to a point of great arrogance and a life of endlessly spouting off Bible verses and red blooded republican idealism. But looking back now if I could be given the choice to stay in what I thought was the school equivalent of Las Vegas, Texas High or return to Jesusville Trinity, I wouldn’t hesitate to remain here which has shown me that there is a huge spectrum of people out there, that you have to learn to cooperate with everyone and that sometimes the world is filled with shades of grey instead of just black and white. I would always choose Texas High everyday of the week and twice on Saturday. Not on Sunday of course, on that day I rest from choosing. Because I came here my identity has adjusted completely from insufferable Bible-basher into a slightly arrogant person with a desire to make people laugh at things they take too seriously. I have found that sometimes what a person needs most isn’t a polarized debate on social issues,

it’s a funny remark at things we take too seriously. I think that Jesus looked a lot like Jonah Hill as a teenager. You can’t please everyone, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give everyone a shot. While there are a few out there that are just mean to the core, you shouldn’t be afraid to meet others because of that. And if it does go wrong you will have plenty of people there that have your back. With friends and acquaintances, sometimes it is quantity equals quality, I have never regretted having lots of people around when I needed it. A special shout out to everyone out there who didn’t get too annoyed because I talk loudly. If defending minors at Teen Court has taught me one lesson it’s that everyone has at least one good quality. And more often than not, those people who I defend in Teen Court, even the thieves and drunk drivers, are much better people than some who haven’t run into the law. A second chance is often the biggest favor a person can grant to another. Now seventh and eighth chances may push it. There is a small number of people here that just want to start drama between others, it may seem like they are everywhere but that’s an illusion that they tend to hide behind. I may be beating a dead horse here but, just ignore it and it will go away. My mother always told me people who try to start a drama were doing it because they didn’t have many friends. I have found out she was more than right and I wish that I had listened to her earlier. Just ignore it and take the high road. And yes, Madeleine, you were also

sometimes right too. But you still talk too fast! While I know that the world outside the walls of Texas High is different and harsh, and while I do have a plan of what I want to do with my life, I leave room for this to change. Today I want to work in the legal field tomorrow I could have a change of heart join the family business and become an insurance underwriter, or become a car salesman, or a librarian, or a pen salesmen. I’m shooting for the stars man......would you prefer blue or black ink? The point being that going through the Texas High “wringer” has chipped away some of the imperfections left by my isolationism at Trinity. I don’t know what I’ll end up doing, but I will make it something so the class of 2012 will be proud of me and not ashamed. My High School graduation is brought to you by: The Outlandish Editors and Writers of The TigerTimes, Madison Sewell (my fellow ficus), Starbucks, Mrs. Potter, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Brianna Sellers (the savior of my boredom on weekends), Mr. McBay, Apple Company, Mrs. Nutter, Netflix, Mrs. Murry, Google, Mr. Bailey, The Teen Court of Texarkana, Mrs. Hutcheson, Sparknotes.com, Ms. Teeters, Google Docs, Mrs. Myers (or whatever you go by now), Mrs. Moore, Josephina Moya, Mrs. Skinner, Texas Instruments, The class of 2012, Sonic Drive In, Mr. Williams, Ford, Mr. Kyles, Ms. Spence (“Jesus keep me near the cross”), Mrs. Smith, Google Translator, Wikipedia, Mr. Littmann, The First United Methodist Church, and my Mother and Father. I will sincerely miss everyone, goodbye and Sic Em Bears!

Things don’t always go as planned When I was 5 years old, my mother made a mistake. Rob and I were in the backseat of her red Jeep, and we were on the way to day care and kindergarten, respectively. Rob, who was 2 at the time, was fast asleep in the car seat beside me, and I was staring out the window. Needless to say, we were probably quieter in that moment than we had been collectively since Rob was born. Halfway through the trip Mom started and said, “Oh, no. Guys, you were so quiet, I almost forgot you were in the car! I’m on the way to the high school.” And, laughing, she turned around. For the rest of the year, I didn’t say a word on the trip to school. I sat in the back and silently prayed that she would forget us again, because then I could go to the high school.

in my opinion

emily hoover/co-editor in chief For me, this was the magical place where teenagers were; I knew each of my mother’s debaters, some so intimately they came to my birthday parties. I had spent hours in my mother’s classroom, in Mrs. Susan’s classroom, in Mrs. Ryan’s. I loved the way it smelled--like Expo markers and piles of old books.

I loved that it was always cold in the English hallway. I loved hearing teenagers wittily mock one another (I only knew the debaters, remember). I would have given anything in the world for my mother to leave me at the high school for a day. *** I bought waterproof mascara for prom, because I knew I’d need it. I thought that I would cry when I saw my friends all dressed up, but I was fine through that. I thought that I would cry when I took pictures with girls I’d known since elementary school, but that was just normal. I thought that I would cry at four in the morning because I would be too tired to function, but actually I was hyped up to

the bitter end. Ironically, it never occurred to me that I would cry when it was over, because high school–and my life up to that point–had reached its conclusion. Every year, the last day of school, I cry a little bit. Not because I’m so sad, but because I have to in order to move on. After my catharsis (thanks Mrs. Murry!), I move on to the next grade, or phase, of my life. The high school I grew up in, the people I grew up with–I’m leaving everything. It’s been wonderful; I have genuinely loved my life thus far. But it didn’t turn out exactly as I’d planned–likely because I didn’t turn out exactly as I’d planned. I’m grateful for that. And I’d be willing to bet that my future, even though I can’t write it, will be bright as well. Whatever comes, I’m certainly looking forward to it.

viewpoint

&farewells

goodbyes

tiger times may 22, 2012

Seniors share their reflections over high school years

madison sewell staff writer I have never been the one to want to grow up. I’m not the senior that’s been ready to graduate ever since I was a freshman. I’ve always looked at those who have graduated early or who constantly talk about wanting to get leave with disbelief. Why would someone want to hurry through their youth? What’s to growing up besides having bills to pay and an infinite amount of worries to attend to, when right now, our biggest worry is trying to write that five page paper the night before it’s due. Maybe it’s just me. Now that the time’s come for me to walk across the stage, however, I can say with confidence that I’m ready. I’ve spent the entirety of my senior year dreading it. Dreading my last cross country meet, my last Sadie, my last track meet, my last newspaper class. My last time to hear “It’s time for TigerVision.” In my mind, graduation meant changing, throwing off all of the things that I had during high school and starting fresh, leaving the good times with friends I’ve known my whole life and heading into the unknown. It may have taken me nine months to come to grips with it, but now I know, it doesn’t have to be that way. It doesn’t have to be so negative. Life is about changing, but that doesn’t mean change is something we should be afraid of. My four years at Texas High have been the best of my life, and I could fill up the entire newspaper with advice and stories to tell to the underclassmen, but finding out for yourself and making your own mistakes is the only way to really appreciate what you learn. What I will say though, is that high school is a roller coaster. There were weeks where I thought I was going to implode just by the sheer amount of school and extracurricular things that I had to do. There were nights where I stayed up until 3 a.m. just crying. There were times where I thought things couldn’t get any worse, but they

did anyway. Yet, for all of my bad days, 10 good ones countered it. For every time I felt there was too much pressure, I came out reaping the rewards of hard work. For every time I cried, I laughed a thousand times more. It’s a horrible, crazy, messed up, perfect, beautiful time, and we must take the bad with a grain of salt and cherish all of the happy moments, no matter if we are talking about high school or life in general. In high school, it was the people that made it worth it. Sure, grades were important, but it’s the people that have the most effect. I’ve been blessed to have had wonderful teachers such as Mrs. Ditmore, Mrs. Nutter, Mr. Littmann, Mr. Williams, Mr. Harris and many others who have made my education enjoyable and really fostered my love for learning. I have had a wonderful coach, Coach D, who pushed me to a point I never dreamed of reaching and was with me through all my ups and downs as a high school athlete. I’m coming out with the best friends I could ever ask for. Olivia, Abbey, and Laney, thanks for being there ever since my first day of school in second grade and these past 10 years of crazy friendship. Chelsea, I wouldn’t have gotten through junior year or kept my sanity without you; thanks for always believing in me. Elizabeth, thank you for understanding my life and all those sleepovers during the school week. Smittie, you’re the only reason I was able to keep a 4.0 junior year, and I’m glad we’ve gotten to be best friends since middle school. Wynne, my kindred spirit, I’m glad I’ve gotten to meet someone so open minded and fun as you. Caylon and Daniel, even though I just got to know y’all well this year, it seems like forever. Thanks for making me laugh on my bad days. Finally, Matt, we’ve been through this thing since day one from the swim meets, to the dances, to doing calculus homework, and everything in between; thanks for being my high school sweetheart. My time at Texas High has gone by faster than I ever thought it would. I’ve loved every second of it, and I hope that I leave some kind of legacy for those younger than me to look up too. I never wanted it to end, but everything must come to pass. There are bigger and better things for the class of 2012, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of us. Good luck and farewell.

carlye hudspeth editor in chief My high school experience wasn’t what it was supposed to be. Well, what I’d thought it’d be, anyway. See, I went to a private school for nine years. I paraded around the campus in a plaid skirt, chasing butterflies and praying for homeless earthworms during Bible study. As far as I was concerned, public school was a foreign country. The only things I knew about it came from my TV screen, and I thought that the plots and themes of movies and daytime shows on my television somewhat resembled those of people’s actual lives. I thought wrong. My Theory: I’d be one of those “I’m so shy and hipster and no one knows I exist except for the evil popular girl who taunts me for no reason whatsoever but somehow, by the end of the movie, the most attractive and popular boy will randomly fall in love with me and then, the whole school will suddenly realize how awesome my hipster ways are and vote for me as prom queen” girls. My Reality: The classic crappy plot of preteen love movies aired only on TV. For as long as I can remember, I have been accident-prone, awkward, and shy. Oftentimes, the protagonist in these movies shared these same traits. Because of these similarities, I thought that my outcome would be like that of the main character’s. I was wrong. So, so wrong. In my later high school years, I discovered that the awkwardness displayed in movies by famous actors and actresses was false. All made up. That in reality, these TV stars were poised, smooth, elegant. My accident-prone, shy, and awkward traits are 100 percent sincere. In the movies, the awkward and shy girl started out as being... well.... awkward and shy. She was usually unnoticed by the majority of the student body, and somehow only managed to capture her peers’ attention when she was falling over her own shoelaces and spilling milk in the

cafeteria. However, toward the middle of the film, she started to change. When she walked, she didn’t trip nearly as much. She never stuttered when a cute boy came her way. She walked with confidence, her stride perfect, wind blowing her flawless hair. I thought I’d be that girl. I started out on the right track. Shy. Accident-prone. Red at the mention of my name. I waited and waited for my metamorphosis. I desperately hoped that one morning, I’d wake up and suddenly feel... different. But that never happened. Instead, I tripped into my classes for four straight years, trying to be as invisible as possible in fear that a teacher might call on me. I was the girl whose voice cracked when I answered “here” during roll call, slouched down in my seat, turned tomato-red, and didn’t say another word until the bell rang. I’ve never really been movie-material. My Conclusion: Though my years at Texas High weren’t at all what I’d expected them to be, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t go back and change a thing about them. Yes, they weren’t perfect, and yes, I embarrassed myself along the way, but somehow, through all of the times I stumbled over my two left feet, through all of the times I couldn’t find the right words to say, and through all of times my face was a crimson red, I grew to accept who I was. This coming August, I’m going to be a student on a completely new campus. I’ll have to make new friends, attempt to keep up in touch old ones, and start a completely new journey, just like I did when I started high school. However, my start at Stephen F. Austin will be a bit different than my start at Texas High. This time, I’m not hoping for a metamorphosis. I’m not praying for poise and trying to hide some of the traits I was born with. After all, there are numerous smooth actresses, but only one me. My name is Carlye Rebecca Hudspeth. I trip over smooth surfaces, my face turns red all too easily, and I embarrass myself on a daily basis... but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

viewpoint

tiger times may 22, 2012

Where do broken hearts go? “Not tonight, I’m too tired.” “Well, maybe one and that’s it.” 1 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3 a.m., 3:30 a.m. “After this last video, I’m going to bed.” *click* She’s your typical girl; she’s cute, she’s down to earth, and she’s kind of awkward. She has a mother and father at home and she’s the middle of her five brothers and sisters. She enjoys sitting at home, doing absolutely nothing and watching movies about a couple of guys taking a night on the town celebrating their buddy’s recent engagement. Lately, everyday seems like yesterday. Late night “studying”, hit alarm twice, make it to school by 8:29am, make it to first period and pick the farthest seat on the back row; away from the ghetto kids who always talk about how so-and-so beat up this one girl and pulled her weave out and smoking and getting high on the weekend prior to the one coming up. Time ticks and ticks. She can’t help but think of what happened last night. She couldn’t believe she allowed herself to get so caught up again. The bell rings and she prepares to go to her next class but her tears overwhelm her. “I can’t do this anymore! I’m a Christian, or at least I thought I was, why can’t it be as easy as one, two, three? Why can’t I just ask God for forgiveness and move on from this mess? “I, I,-” Someone walks in and asks if she’s okay. She nods, pulls herself together and makes it through last period. She gets in her car, looks behind her and reverses. She drives home. No music.

in my opinion

natalie banks/circulation manager No texting. No distractions. Just tears streaming down her face. Suddenly her life flashes before her. She sees the night her 22 year-old brother walked into her room and raped her. She sees the day her then boyfriend took her to a party and introduced her to her ex-best friend Mary Jane. She finally sees the night she was exposed to pornography. Screeeeeeeeeech! BOOM! “Ma’am, my name is Captain Stacey Banks with the Fort Worth Fire Department, are you okay?” (Checks pulse) “No pulse, looks like head trauma, air bag did not deploy, so there may be neck injuries.” Firefighters use the Jaws of Life and pulls her body out safely on a stretcher. Paramedics begin CPR. “Crap, I’m not getting anything. C’mon, c’mon, c’mon! Don’t die on me, don’t die on me!” Paramedics finally make it to the hospital where her parents are waiting. Her mother peels out of the car and

rushes inside, searching to find her dying daughter on a blue stretcher soaked in blood. “I need to see the doctor!” Everything stops. Silence overwhelms the waiting room. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. “I’m very sorry, but there was nothing I could do.” Her mom falls into a fetal position and cradles her head and screams for her baby. “NO! Go back, do some more CPR, something ANYTHING! Please.” “I’m very sorry.” Drifting in over the radio, Coldplay’s The Scientist plays. “That was her favorite song. David, our baby girl. She’s, she’s gone.” “Nobody said it was easy. It’s such a shame for us to part.” Her father grasps the palm of her mother’s hand as he tries to control his anger beginning to overcome him. “Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.” To the people who are struggling to express their feelings and their deepest secrets that are hurting them emotionally: you’re not alone. This story was obviously not about me, but there is someone out there with a piece of this story in their heart and they’re struggling to get it out. To me, expressing ones emotions is a sign of weakness. While struggling to cope with a new disease I recently have been diagnosed with, I’m still not understanding why after 11 years since my last transplant, I’m the one God chooses to pick on and make suffer again and again. I joke around, dance, and smile with my friends and family expecting them to think I’m okay, but I’m not. Both the girl in the story and my per-

sonal story are the same because I’m struggling to ask for help when it’s desperately needed. Life is hard. But it’s harder with a transplant. It’s hard when your world revolves around medication and the doctors opinion of what’s best for you. I have nightmares of seeing people at my funeral. I feel I have no one to talk to when I need to release any emotional stress in my life, so at various times I think of suicide as my source of releasing. I’m scared. I’m angry. I’m emotionally lost. I’m not sure what my biggest fear is anymore. Is it eight legged creatures or not knowing if tomorrow is promised for me? If tomorrow is promised for me then I pray I can make things better for myself and for my future. Behind closed doors, I’m not the individual people see on a daily basis. In a way, I am my own two face. This column wasn’t intended to make people feel sorry for me, but for everyone to realize that even the people you least expect to feel pain, to cry a lot, and to have heartfelt issues, do indeed have them. To my family I’m sorry for not seeing the love sooner and thanks for always being the whip that kept me in line. As I turn 18 on May 26, I realized that things aren’t bigger than me, I’m just height challenged, meaning my height is challenging me to reach the things I can’t see or reach, but one day I will reach for the stars and somehow grab Mars. It’s been an honor to serve as the mascot, and as I pass the torch, I want to leave the underclassmen with a valuable lesson never underestimate a short person because there is always more than what meets the eye

Ready to leave, but I’ll be home for the holidays I reminisce on my last few years here at Texas High, and realize that I’m going to miss this place a lot more than I ever imagined. I’ve experienced incomparable highs and devastating lows whilst walking these halls, but nearing the end of the tunnel I’ve realized this school has had a large part in making me the person I am today. I can honestly say I’m ready to leave this place. Not because I hate it, not because I’m sick of school, I’m ready to leave this place because I honestly feel that I am prepared for the next chapter of my life. I’m definitely going to miss so many people here. So many of my friends aren’t even seniors, inevitably we’ll become distant but I can’t stress enough that I won’t be forgetting any of them. As far as seniors go, my closest friends are going to college

in my opinion

ashley diggs/co-managing editor at least eight hours from me, which is terrifying, but also exciting. We all get to start over, and become the person we’re truly meant to be, no longer being held down by the social constraints of high school. I’ve realized that friends will be lost,

relationships will end, and hearts will be broken. This is the end of an era in every senior’s life and believe me, it’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever gone through. But that’s the thing, we will all get through it and be stronger for it. It won’t be easy severing so many bonds we’ve worked so hard to build over the years, but farewells don’t necessarily have to be goodbyes. I guess more than anything, I don’t want to disappoint anyone I’ve known over these years. I was a young man dreaming, and now I’m leaving this city to become what I’ve dreamed of. Tears will be shed, countless hugs will be given, promises to stay in touch will be broken, but this is life. I’m going to miss this city, I never thought I would say that, but this has been

my home and it’s treated me well. Thank you, yes YOU, every single person reading this for supporting this newspaper and by extension supporting something I’ve loved doing for years. Don’t take the Tiger Times and its amazing staff for granted. Never underestimate the power of the printed word, and furthermore never underestimate the power of your own voice. To Texarkana, Texas High, and everyone I care for, please realize the impact you’ve had on my life is indescribable. I hope I’ll make you all proud in my future endeavors, I dedicate this column and my love to you all. The time to move on has come and I’ve got to go, I wish I could stay, but I’ll be home for the holidays.

double truck

NOW then Influential alumni and their, now, senior counterparts

Traditionally, the senior issue is focused around the current seniors because they are a huge part of the student body, along with student life. They yell the loudest during the “Who ‘ya with?!” chant. They attend all the games. They are, in every way, Texas High. They represent who you become after four mandatory years in attendance, and they, with few exceptions, represent us well. We all have a love/hate relationship with the seniors. We love them for the people they are, and we hate them for their desirable position.

Swim Team Captain

Punter

It is amazing how 50 seconds can make an impact. For senior Matt Cox, 50 crucial seconds played a huge part this year. In February, Cox accomplished something achieved only once before, taking home a gold medal from the state swim meet in the 100 butterfly. What are your plans after graduation? I have had a good four years at Texas High. I mean it was a great place to build a good foundation for the road ahead. I intend to go to Ouachita Baptist University, get my bachelor degree, and then go to Baylor and get a law degree. I don’t

Senior Blake McCown has had huge success both on, and off the field. As Texas High’s punter, McCown became a leader for the team as well as a major asset. His legacy continued in the classroom, earning McCown academic success and a chance to play football for the Air Force Academy. What are your plans after graduation? I’m going into the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. I am joining the air force to be able to play football and because it offers great academic opportunities. What activities have you had in high school that you

know what kind of law I want to go into, but I do know I want to go into law. How will swim continue to play a part in your collegiate career? I’m looking forward to [swimming for OBU]. It’s going to be hard, but it will be pretty fun too. I’m most afraid of the change to a mature atmosphere. In college, people will be there because they love to swim or they are being paid through scholarships. But we will all have the same goal. What advice would you give underclassmen? Setting goals is the best thing to do because that is what has helped me accomplish everything this year. Don’t lose sight of your goals or you won’t be able to accomplish anything.”

Matt Cox, 2012 Graduate Coy Bryant, 2009 Graduate

Texas High Graduate of 2009, Coy Bryant is currently studying at the United States Naval Academy. The former swim captain is a year away from graduating and becoming a Naval officer.

What are you doing now? I’m currently a Second Class Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. In a little less than a month, I will be a senior and in little more than a year I’ll be a freshly commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. I hope to become a Submarine Officer upon graduation, Semper Deep! Is this what you thought you would be doing? I had a pretty good idea of what coming to the Naval Academy meant in terms my life’s “timeline.” The Academy tries to inform you as well as possible what you are getting into so that they receive only students who are truly ready to commit to a military lifestyle. In short, yes, I thought this is what I would be doing. Do you regret your decision? There are good days and bad days here at the Naval Academy. You can easily become upset and cynical toward the bureaucratic system of this place, but you’ve got to learn to look past it to the positives the Naval Academy offers. (i.e. unparallelled camaraderie, unique opportunities to travel, learning to lead). As cliche as the Navy ads on TV are, the ones that always end with “The Navy, a Global force for good,” when you’re here you can’t help but believe in that statement. Militaries are a necessary evil, a product of the inherent violent nature of man. American forces are without question the most powerful in the world, and with that power comes a responsibility to be a “Global force for good.” I do not regret at all coming here and learning to bear a tiny sliver of the responsibility that our military possesses world wide.

9 Unfortunately, few keep up with them after they leave from high school. Three, five, and 10 years down the road, where will they be? This portion of the Tiger Times wishes to answer that question. Using notable and comparable positions in the school, we chose seniors, and alumni, who represent and will continue to represent the Texas High legacy. compiled by Josh Klein, Hannah Wren, Sydney Schoen & Shelby Kelley

Editor in Chief think will have prepared you for your future? Taking upper level classes throughout high school, being an Eagle Scout, and being a two-year captain of the football team will have been the most beneficial things I have done to prepare me for next year. If you could give a piece of advice to underclassmen, what would it be? The best advice I could give to underclassmen is to have balance in their life. There has to be a balance between school and fun. What I mean by that is to go out and have fun as much as you can, but when it comes time to study or do homework, you have to buckle down and get it down. School is not that bad if you apply yourself. And I would tell them to enjoy high school because it will be over before you know it.

Blake McCown, 2012 Graduate Jacob Skinner, 2003 Graduate

2003 graduate and faculty member, Jacob Skinner was a member of the 2002 statewinning football team. Playing as a punter in high school and college, he notes that he never saw being in the education field as part of the plan. What are you doing now? [I’m the] Head Boys Basketball Coach at Texas High School. I am also an Assistant Football Coach and a Career and Technology Teacher. Is that what you thought you would be doing after high school? No, when I graduated high school, I never thought I would be in education. What were you planning to do after high school? When I graduated high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to study in college or what field I wanted to pursue. I knew I was going to college on an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas, and that was about as far as my plans went. What did you do (career-wise) after high school? I was in Fayetteville from 20032007. I graduated with a Business Education degree in four years and immediately began working on my Master’s degree afterward. My scholarship accounted for a Red-Shirt year if needed, but I did not have to take one. That allowed me to have five years of school paid for. Do you regret your decision to have the job you have now? Not at all. I am blessed to not only have a job, but a very rewarding career as well.

The title of co-editor in chief of the Tiger Times paper is a tough job. Working your tail off and giving everything you have just to make a deadline seems crazy for the average student. However, two ladies have proven that it is reachable and even have had time for a little extra besides being in room 50. One is senior Emily Hoover, and she has proved to be successful at being an editor in chief, not to mention her success in several other academic areas. What is your main goal when you graduate?

Get into the college I want, which I did. I will be attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Where do you see yourself in five years? I might go into pre-med. I’m not totally sure what I’m doing with my life yet, but I’m sure that whatever it is, it’s going to take way more school than I’d like to have. Would you change anything about high school? Oh no, I believe that if you try to change something, you will have to learn it all over again later. If you could write a letter to yourself as a freshman, what would it say? I would probably say, “Don’t stress out so much. Everything will be fine. Enjoy high school and don’t take it too seriously because it’s really not the end of the world.”

Emily Hoover, 2012 Graduate Sommer Ingram, 2007 Graduate

Sommer Ingram was a graduate of the 2007 class. She served as editor in chief of the Tiger Times and will always remember her times on the staff. What was your main goal after high school before you graduated? My main goal when I was in high school was to go to Baylor and eventually go on to law school. What changed after you graduated? My ultimate goal didn’t change. I went to Baylor and am going to law school in the fall. But I realized I needed to explore my love for journalism a little more rather than going directly to law school. What is your current occupation? I am a reporter for the Dallas Morning News in the Austin bureau. Our bureau covers politics, and I have focused specifically on the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals and criminal justice issues. If you could write a letter to yourself in high school, what would it say? It would say that it’s OK not to have everything figured out. I would say that some of life’s biggest adventures are waiting for you. I would say that family is everything, even though things like prom and going to Bringle Lake seem to take precedence at the time. I would say that the only way to start down the road of finding who you really are is to plunge in headfirst. It happens through mistakes and setbacks, frustration and prayers, backpacking through Europe for a summer, late night conversations with the people you can’t live without, doing things you never thought you could do.

feature

Texas High School

natalie banks business manager

tiger times may 22, 2012

“Even though there are some prejudices, it’s still not like it used to be. I want all the races to love one another because we are all equal.” Gloria Gibson

Years Later...

Texarkana resident during Civil Rights Movement

Race relations in today’s generation Past ifty years ago, Texarkana had Dunbar and Washington high schools, where all the black people went to school, and Texas High was where all the white people went to school. Life in Texarkana during the Civil Rights movement was exactly what is taught in class–blacks were disrespected, and the races were segregated. “Everywhere you went there were four of everything,” said Gloria Gibson, Texarkana resident during the Civil Rights Movement. “There were two white water fountains and two colored water fountains; two white restrooms and two colored restrooms. The whites felt they were superior and would let the blacks know that nothing was going to change that.” Wherever blacks went, they couldn’t escape the mistreatment due to the color of their skin. “I remember working at Bryce’s and blacks were not allowed on the front lines to serve people,” Gibson said. “We were only allowed to eat some kind of meat and bread, none of the food we actually cooked. But when the right laws were passed, my husband, Alvester Gibson Sr., was the first black person to come down the serving line, and I just so happen to serve him. I will never forget the smile on his face as he asked me for more mashed potatoes.” Gibson said a lot of the racism that happened back then was because of ignorance and modeled behavior but knows not all white people are the same. “I’ve realized that not all white people are the same” Gibson said. “But I will never forget the taunts, yelling, and mocking. I never fully understood why they did what they did but I know I will never forget.”

Present ow, in 2012, if you were to look around the cafeteria, it might appear that Texas High is segregated and that this segregation could possibly continue to exist for years. “I think the cafeteria is purposely segregated,” senior Cameron Bailey said. “It’s human nature to sit somewhere where you feel accepted.” Opinions differ, but some feel the cafeteria is segregated by divisions of friends, while others feel it’s by the races. “People choose where they want to sit and it’s a coincidence the cafeteria is divided by race,” junior Morgan

Dansby said. Even a few white students feel the cafeteria is segregated by how people act. “I think the cafeteria is segregated because a lot of races have different cultural differences,” sophomore Sarah Edwards said. “Their differences may be activities their in, what they eat, or language. So I think they [students] sit with people who are like them.” However, some think the problem is getting better. “I think it’s changing from my ninth grade year,” senior Taylor Coleman said. “The band tables are really mixed, I guess because we spend so much time together.”

Dress Code ven when it comes to dress code, most black female students feel some of the administrators overlook the clothing attire of white female students to avoid parental confrontation. On the other hand, white female students say they are picked on more for violating dress code. “I see white girls get in way more trouble for dress code violations,” freshman Kourtney McEwee said. “I think it’s because people are afraid that they’ll be seen as ‘racially profiling’ black girls.” However, eleventh grade principal Joni Kerby said that is not the case. “I’m equal on everybody,” Kerby said. “If they’re wearing what’s appropriate, then there won’t be a problem.” Some students feel it’s not about what race is picked on, it’s more of style. “I don’t think it’s about race but the style white people wear,” senior Travis Whitfield said. “You don’t see many black people wearing yoga pants and such.” For some students, it’s hard to get past the stereotypes that are placed on different races. “Most of them [blacks] want to just coast or [get by] and some lack the encouragement to challenge themselves and take their education to the next level,” Cameron Bailey said. “They [blacks] live up to the stereotypes of black kids- fighting all the time, [having] low-income jobs and staying on welfare. It’s sad some don’t care to do better.”

AP/DC Classes pper level classes tend to have more white students than minorities. Senior microeconomics teacher Angela Spence believes there are multiple factors as to why not as many non-white students care to do better in class,

especially that advanced classes. “I think there is correlation between the number of black teachers and the number of black kids in Advanced Placement [classes],” Spence said. “Black kids culturally can relate to a black teacher because there are a lot of things I could get away with that a white teacher probably can’t. Black kids have two or three things against them: as they get older the faces they see in front of them are mostly white, and [with] the outside influence, culture, the music, the hip hop, school is the last thing on their list. Furthermore, I think another reason is, as they get older, they don’t have mom and dad at home, and nine times out of 10, a black kid who is in an AP class has a mom and a dad at home.” Senior Alexis Williams agreed that parental influence is probably what matters most. “You hear that AP classes are just work, work, and hard classes, but it’s not that bad,” Williams said. “But if there’s no home motivation and you’re not taught what to look forward to after high school, then there’s no motivation to take the harder classes.”

African American Studies ou would think after hearing MLK Jr. and everything students learned about slavery, blacks would understand all they have been through. However, African American Studies teacher Chuck Zach doesn’t understand why students don’t take his course to learn more. “There are roughly 2,000 students that attend Texas High, roughly 900 are white and another 900 are black, and only three students signed up for my African American studies class,” Zach said, “I struggle with statements from students that say we don’t get enough of our history and no one signs up for the African American studies class.” For senior Celeste Henderson, her decision not to take the class was based on her desire to learn something new. “[African American history] is important,” Henderson said, “but we generally feel like we already know about it.” However, other white students feel there isn’t enough African American history taught in generic history classes. “I would take this class because I enjoy learning about other cultures,” junior Natalie Copeland said. “We have to skim over the basics like slavery and MLK Jr. and it’s like they sugarcoat it trying not to let us know the truth.”

feature

tiger times may 22, 2012

the

double lives

Tennis coach, unlikely ‘air-junkie’ zachary baker & wynne tidewell staff writer & feature editor

of teachers

History teacher, golden voice on radio jacob hill staff writer Despite the fact students recognize history teacher Chuck Zach by his face, others recognize him through his voice. This is because Mr. Zach lives a second life as a radio host with two other people for a sports show on 1400 AM, Fox Sports Radio. The show itself is relatively new. It only started about two months ago, but Zach has been in radio almost his entire life. “I started doing radio while I was still in college, back in the mid-80’s,” Zach said. “I didn’t like college back in Wisconsin and my mother heard of a radio advertisement for a 16-week course on radio broadcasting.” His first job in radio was as an overnight disc jockey for an easy listening radio station. “I basically just said the weather forecast once an hour from midnight to seven in the morning,” Zach said. Concerning which job Zach prefers, he is not torn between the two. He enjoys both equally, just in different ways. “I like the connection with the kids, I like the subject, I love teaching history,” Zach said. “But with radio, I like how it changes every day. It’s not like working acting at a factory where I’m screwing in rivets every day.”

Zach receives positive feedback for his broadcasting by peer-review, and chance encounters out in public. “When you start seeing people out on the streets, and after they hear you talk, they say ‘I know you from the radio!’, that’s pretty cool,” Zach said. “The first time that happens to you it kinda hits you by surprise because your face isn’t out there, they can’t see you, but they recognize your voice, which means they really listen and are interested in what you have to say.” Even though Zach has been doing radio broadcasting for twenty-eight years, when it comes down to either teaching or broadcasting, Zach would choose teaching without hesitation. “Radio is a part-time job,” Zach said. “You’re not going to live on what you get from radio.” But the real problem with radio is how unpredictable it can be. “Radio is too unstable,” Zach said. “You never know from year to year if the station will either change its format, or get a new owner, or even if the people in charge want you to stay.” In regards to his future, Zach brings the same philosophy he’s practiced his entire life. “I don’t have a plan,” Zach said. “I just do it.”

Texas High Tennis Coach Eric Pickett is a self proclaimed ‘air-junkie.’ And his obsession for the air is quite evident in his life outside of tennis. Pickett’s ideal weekend is on a lake; listening to the Todies, wakeboarding, and pulling tricks behind his sleek 89 Supra Sunsport. Seeing him on Lake Greeson, it wouldn’t be hard to mistake Coach Pickett for a wakeboarding pro. In high school, Pickett’s buddies introduced him to wakeboarding. Once he started, he was hooked. “I was just addicted,” said Pickett. “And that’s how I got started.” In fact, Pickett became so enthusiastic about the sport that companies wanted him to sponsor them due to his amazing abilities. Wakeboarding is not the only hobby of Pickett’s. After graduating college, Pickett moved to Colorado, where he got a job with Beaver Creek Winter Resort. With that came snowboarding. “That was after I had a bunch of wakeboarding knowledge,” Pickett said. “I actually blew my knee out the first time snowboarding. That was really the first time something happened to me. Then I tried to get back to competitive wakeboarding again.” Pickett was looking to try to go pro in wakeboarding, but unfortunately injury followed his extreme lifestyle. “When I blew out my ACL, I was put out of everything for at least a year,

and I didn’t get back on a wakeboard for almost two years,” said Pickett. “I’ve had three knee surgeries now: both my ACLs, cartilage damage,and meniscus damage. After that I started toning it down a notch, and looking at it as more of a hobby instead of pursuing it as a career.” Despite Pickett becoming timid with his tricks, he still understands the challenge and importance of overcoming his fear. “There is definitely a fear factor in trying new tricks. When I was younger [having no fear] was a key ingredient to my success. Being successful is not having that fear.” Pickett’s love for extreme sports runs close with his mantra: “If you don’t take the risk then you never know if you can accomplish anything.”

Biology teacher, matriarch gamer madison sewell & wynne tidwell staff writer & feature editor

A true crusader of the day. A zealot for the modern console. Linda Baker, ninth grade biology teacher, has been an avid participant in video games since the late ‘70s. Seeing everything from Pac-Man and Frogger to the latest Final Fantasies, Baker has conquered a wide range of role-playing games (RPG’s). Many are shocked to discover their freshman biology teacher can spout out facts about the Final Fantasy series as well as any student she teaches. “I didn’t realize it would be a big deal,” Baker said, “but a lot of the kids can’t visualize that someone over the age of 40, especially 50 and up to 60 years old, would be interested in video games.” Baker had been a casual player on the first Atari’s, but her love of video games truly began when her 8-year-old daughter, Amy Baker-Kireev (now an AP biology II and anatomy and physiology teacher) got

the her first video game console, a Super Nintendo. Eventually Baker was introduced to her first RPG, Zelda, and she was hooked. “I can remember running over to the kids next door when I got stuck or got to a part where I wasn’t quite dexterous enough,” Baker said. Baker’s relish for games grew, and over the years, her collection grew. At one point, Baker had the Atari, Nintendo, a Super Nintendo, a GameCube, and a PS2. Baker has also played a variety of complete series including: Secret of Mana, Breath of Fire Series, Lucius series, Zelda and Final Fantasy. Inclined to intellect, part of Baker’s intrigue has to do with the puzzles behind

a game. “I enjoy the thinking part; I don’t just enjoy just the slashing part,” Baker said. “I like to use my mind. [The games] make you think.” Entering a world with swords and the undead, it is easy to become absorbed in an alternate reality; a place much more interesting than the repetitive drone of schooldays. “A book is a good analogy. It takes you into a different world,” Baker said. “In a book, you are taken to the setting and you identify yourself with the character. In a RPG, you become the character. You can name the character, they become your party. It’s almost like an alliance. Things progress and open up like they would in a chapter of a book, but you’re the one that’s brought into the plot, so it is interesting to you.” Baker has witnessed the evolution of video games and according to her, the change is quite evident. She is not sure that newer is better, preferring the games

made in the ‘90s and early 2000s. “When Zelda first came out, the pixels were so big and the people so tiny, and they moved in little rows,” Baker said. “Today, on the commercials you see on TV, they look almost like real life people. To tell you the truth, a lot of times I prefer the games in the middle, where they are obviously characters in a particular world. I keep going back.” Baker believes video games get a bad rep. They can be helpful to the development and hand eye coordination. It’s only when kids get addicted or play very violent games at a young age that it becomes a problem. “Some of the ones that are so violent and graphic can be dangerous for young kids because they don’t have the perception to figure out that everything they see is not real; that there are consequences for what they do,” Baker said. “In a video game someone dies and it’s no big deal, but in real life we have consequences for everything.”

Check out www.tigertimesonline.com and discover the truth about engineering teacher Brandon Burnett

entertainment

12 senior survey

What is your biggest fear about graduation? “Not knowing what I am going to do in life and if I am going to make it in college.” Keyona Noel “Not being able to become successful.” Sam Dunn “Not having school anymore because I won’t know what day of the week it is.” Jane Harvey “Honestly, losing my friends.” Sam Vaughn “Not being able to have enough money for college.” Bria Page “Failure is my greatest fear because I know what I am capable of achieving.” Kiana Stevens “I fear that I have not liked every second like it was my last.” Blaire Barlow “Not finding a job.” Trumal Lewis “Well, I would have to say after graduating, I am unsure of what is next for me.” Daniel Moulton “That I will be forgotten and never see these people again.” Alex Garner “My biggest fear is to fall on stage because of being so nervous.” Samorika Jones “I really don’t have a fear. I was more focused on where I wanted to go and what I planned to do to get there.” Sydney Martin “My biggest fear before and after graduating is that I don’t know what I want to do in life.” Tanner Epps “Failing and not succeeding.” TJ Robinson “Adjusting to life on my own at college, a.k.a. laundry.” Emily Mitchell “Not being successful and not doing the things I want to do with my life.” Ariel McDonald “I’m just a little nervous about the change going from high school to college.” Aaliyah Irving

tiger times may 22, 2012

Google’s next endeavor may be next big step in technology jacob hill staff writer Technology has been moving incredibly fast the last few decades. In the span of one lifetime technology has gone from computers filling up entire rooms to being able to fit more technology and processing power than the apollo missions had, in your front pocket. In keeping with this trend, it appears that technology is nearing its next great leap forward. Google is in the stages of designing and producing a pair of glasses that allows you to use basic smartphone functions in real time. This new device, dubbed “Project Glass”, is an ambitious idea from the Google staff that basically allows the user to wear a smartphone on your face all day without looking like an idiot. It allows you to set reminders, look up google maps, take pictures, and even video chat with your friends. If you are not one of the 15 million people who have seen the video Project Glass: One Day, then you need to immediately change that. The video itself is mindblowing, promising features that most Science Fiction writers would find too unbelievable. The demo follows one slightly hipster man during the course of his average day. It begins with him finding out the weather forecast for the day just by looking out the window into the sky. He then casually reads and answers a message from his friend like that wasn’t the most amazing thing anyone has done ever. As he walks out to go to the nearest bookstore, the Google Glasses helpfully tell him that the subway is out, BEFORE HE EVEN GETS THERE. It then uses some black magic to show him an alternate route on foot. After that, it shows our hipster protagonist taking a picture with his glasses of a band that you’ve probably never heard about because it’s not mainstream enough. The final shot is him stopping the music he was playing

Google glasses, demonstrated in the video “Project Glass,” show how the product could revolutionize technology. The glasses would allow the wearer to see things like Google maps in real time.

through his glasses so he can video chat with his girlfriend, but instead of a creepy close up of his eyeballs, she is treated to a view from his perspective. While this is still deep into the prototype, they’ve only just figured out how to take pictures though the glasses, the possibilities are endless with this device. If even half of what they’ve promised comes true, it will change the way we interact with the world in a major way. I’m not sure whether to be stoked at these new possibilities, or terrified of the upcoming technologic overthrow of humanity. Probably both.

Summer concert schedule May 25. •Neon Trees- Little Rock •Boyz II Men- Little Rock

26.

•The Charlie Daniels BandHot Springs •Lynyrd Skynyrd- Little Rock •Third Eye Blind- Little Rock

27.

•Little Big Town- Little Rock •B.O.B.- Little Rock •Snoop Dogg- Little Rock

June 1. •Nickelback- Dallas •Bow Wow- Dallas

• Trace Adkins- Hot Springs • Luke Bryan- Little Rock

• Leann Rimes- Bossier City • Yo Gotti- Dallas • Snoop Dogg- Tyler

• Gym Class Heros- Dallas

entertainment

tiger times may 22, 2012

• Third Day- Hot Springs • Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw- Dallas

11.

• Daughtry- Prarie

12.

• Saving Abel- Shreveport

15.

•LMFAO- Dallas

16.

• Colbie Caillat- Hot Springs

22.

• Coldplay- Dallas

23.

• One Direction- Dallas • Hinder- Hot Springs

27.

• Lady Antebellum- Little Rock

30.

• Kris Allen- Hot Springs

July 7. • Gretchen Wilson- Hot Springs

13.

• Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town

& Thompson Square- Dallas

14. • Switchfoot- Hot Springs • Big Time Rush- Dallas

22.

• Barenaked Ladies- Dallas

24.

senior survey

What three words describe senior year? “Darn Toot’n Special.” Jeffrey Smith “Stressful, exciting, memorable.” Taylor Coleman “Scholarship, friends, hope.” Alex Garner

• Darius Rucker- Dallas

28.

• Aerosmith- Dallas • Creed- Hot Springs

29.

• American Idols Live- Dallas • Nicki Minaj- Prairie

August 4. • KISS & Motley Crue- Dallas • Justin Moore- Hot Springs

“Most amazing experience.” Laney Davis “Veni Vidi Vici.” Emily Speer “It’s about time.” Cydney Higgins “It’s been real.” Weston Minter “Trial and error.” Daniel Pellegrin

11.

“Countdown to graduation.” Briana Murphy

• Jason Mraz & Christina PerriDallas

“Hole Lee Cow.” Travis Whitfield

18.

• Brad Paisley & The Band Perry- Dallas

25.

• Journey, Pat Benatar & Loverboy-Dallas

“Gone too fast.” Chris Montgomery “Things always change.” Cari Cunningham

Summer movies off to good start Summer movies just got started off with a bang. Marvel’s “The Avengers” hit theaters on May 4 and was, predictably, an immediate success. “The Avengers” has been in the making ever since the success of the movie Iron Man in 2008. Already surrounded by an insurmountable amount of hype, and being further promoted by advertising campaigns, “The Avengers” was expected to become a huge success. Instead, it completely bypassed the “huge success” goal within the first day, earning $80.8 million, the second highest opening day of all time. The film continued this rapid success rate by setting numerous records. These include best opening weekend, best summer opening weekend, best 3-D opening weekend, and fastest film to reach $250 million in sales, among other accolades. The reason for this success is not just the four years of anticipation, but also the quality of the film. The film has been almost universally well received by

critics and viewers. One could say that this masterpiece has set a bar that will be unrivaled by the coming summer movies. Then again, there is always a bigger fish. “The Dark Knight Rises,” set to be released on July 20, will be the dramatic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s revamped Batman trilogy, which was started back in 2005 with the release of Batman Begins and was left off at the previous installment in the series, “The Dark Knight,” back in 2008. Nolan’s Batman trilogy has been highly praised by both critics and fans alike for its new dark and gritty take on the capped crusader. When Nolan finally decided to produce and direct a third film, he also decided that he wanted to bring the series to a conclusion. No open ends. There has been a large amount of speculation as to how a legendary figure can have a conclusion. With Nolan keeping the cat in the bag on the film’s details and the high anticipation as a result, “The Dark Knight Rises” is almost a sure recipe for success.

sports

tiger times may 22, 2012

Senior athletes head off to college

Briana Murphy

Erubiel Basurto-Ruiz

Takia Nelson

Ariel McDonald

Sport: Volleyball Position: Right College: Tougaloo College, Jackson, Mississippi. NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics ) Division I Senior Brianna Murphy has practiced hours to get the chance to play at college. She’s done four years of volleyball with Texas High. Even though the season is over, she will still put in countless hours of practice in order to be ready for college. “I’ll attend Coach Hardy’s summer workouts,” Murphy said. “I’ll also be working with a private instructor.” Even though she’ll be playing her strongest position, the right side, volleyball in college will be more difficult than high school. “It’s going to be a lot faster,” Murphy said. “There’s going to be a lot more competition, and a lot of better athletes.” Murphy will be able to play in games as a freshman with the team, but she has mixed emotions about being able to playing right away. “I’m excited to play on a college team,” Murphy said. “Though it’s nerve-wrecking because everyone is good in college.”

Sport: Swimming Specialty: Freestyle College: Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. NCAA(National Collegiate Athletic Assiociation) Division II. Senior Erubiel Basurto-Ruiz has competed at the state meet and knows the hard work it takes. Deciding to swim in college wasn’t the issue, it was where. “I choose Henderson because they have a good business school,” Basurto-Ruiz said. “I want to study accounting, so it really helped to have good athletics and good academics at the same place.” Summer workouts aren’t anything new to the swimmer either, having gone to practices all four years of high school. “I’m going to start off swimming with Coach Auel and the [TigerSharks] and lifting weights and running on my own,” Basurto-Ruiz said. “At orientation, I’ll find out specifically what coach wants us to do.” After a successful high school career, Erubiel is confident in his upcoming collegiate career. “It’ll be a different sort of environment with the new team,” Basurto-Ruiz said after getting to know some of his closest friends through the swim program. “I’m sure it’ll be fun. I’m excited for it.”

Sport: Basketball Position: Guard College: McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas. NAIA Division I Senior Takia Nelson did not get to play her last season of high school basketball. Because of an ACL injury, she sat helplessly watching her teammates do what she loved. However, that did not stop her from being recruited. “Another college from Kansas initially recruited me, so I looked at their schedule and saw McPherson,” Nelson said. “Their record was better than the other school’s, so I got in contact with the coach.” The rest is history. Nelson is anxious to put the work in to be able to start in games her freshman year of college ball. “This summer the coach is giving us a book of workouts to do on our own to prepare for practices in the fall,” Nelson said.“He also wants us to come up a few times in the summer to play.” Though she feels she’s missing out on playing at a bigger school, Nelson is still pumped about the coming year. “It’ll be very competitive, and everyone will be more serious,” Nelson said, “But I’m excited. I can’t wait.”

Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher, 1st base College: Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas. NCAA Divisioni III Even though Ariel McDonald had to sit out of softball her senior year due to an injury, she still signed with Hendricks University. After sophomore year she was being scouted by Auburn until she suffered from a ligament falling apart along with having a bone spur. She had to undergo Tommy John surgery, which is where the doctors take a ligament from your leg and put it in your arm. She completed her junior year but did not get to play very much because of the pain in her arm. “I didn’t get to pitch during the summer because of my surgery which put me behind,” McDonald said. “So I’m having to catch up.” To get caught up, McDonald will be playing on a summer team and practicing on her own. Going into the upcoming year, McDonald understands the commitment she will have to make and is happy to take on the challenge. “High school is more relaxed,” McDonald said. “In college it’s kind of like a job, but it’s something I love and I want to do it.”

Clay Sandefur Sport:Tennis Specialty: Men’s Doubles, Men’s Singles College: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Fort Smith, Arkansas, NCAA Division II Senior Clay Sandefur is no stranger to competition, having competed in both the regional and state level. He is stepping up into the big leagues and he knows what he is up against. “It’s going to be a lot more competitive, even though high school is still

pretty competitive there is just a lot more on the line,” Sandefur said. “It’s just a bigger ball game.” To compete at such a level, he will need practice nonstop over the summer to keep his competitive edge. However, this is no change in his routine. “I’m going to be playing with a lot of people in town, just hitting,” Sandefur said. “I go to Michigan for about a month every year. I have a pro up there that I take private lessons from.”

Even though he’s working to get ahead for college, he won’t forget his teammates. “Once you’ve been with a team for four years and bonded with them you get used to that,” Sandefur said. “Then you go to a completely new team you have to redo that, so I’ll probably miss the team in general.” Even though going to college can be a nerve-wrecking experience Sandefur is “looking forward to it.”

*Compiled by Madison Sewell, Dawson McGonagill, and Autumn Sehy

sports

tiger times may 22, 2012

Senior shares memories from baseball field isabella saporito staff writer Senior Paul Norfleet, who played varisty baseball, shares his thoughts, his dearest memories and his favorite game, and takes a look at his last year of playing baseball as a Tiger. How do you feel about this being your last year of baseball? Actually, I kind of feel relieved. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always done it my whole life but I am kind of glad that it is in the past so I can go on with my life. How long have you played? Ever since I was like 5 years old. It started with T-ball. What inspired you to play? When I played as a little kid, I just liked the game really. But, I guess I inspired myself, with my love of the game. What is your favorite memory of Texas high baseball? Definitely my first playoff game we went to this year, we went 3-0 against Nacogdoches; the team energy was up. What is your favorite memory from an away game? The bus rides are kind of fun. We sit in the back and just burn people up and wrestle sometimes. What are you most upset about leaving after you graduate?

Mostly my teammates, you know we kind of bonded during the season and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I will miss the most. Also, not being able to play with them ever again. Do you have any advice for the underclassmen in baseball? Stay on top of your grades. I have seen a lot of kids struggle, and it was a distraction for the whole team. Is there anything you want your coaches to know or that you want to thank them for? I would like to thank them for working with me everyday. I am a better ball player because of them. Are you going to play in college? No, I am not. I just plan on focusing on my academics at the University of Oklahoma. What is your favorite game song that gets you pumped? Well, I listen to a lot of classical music, like Beethoven. I like Beethoven. Are you going to come back to Texas High to see games? No, not really. I will come back to visit though. I might come to playoff games, but probably not to regular games. Are you going to miss those Monday and Friday night lights? Yes, of course.

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tiger times may 22, 2012