TIGER TIMES
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL TEXARKANA, TEXAS VOL. 58, ISSUE 2 NOV, 7 2018
THE AGE OF
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING
Efforts to create an inclusive environment for special education and those with physical disabilities creates a better educational setting for all. PAGE 14 illustration by v. van
2 NEWS
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photo by c. murry
Eye
THE TIGER’S
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
the
inside
scoop
HARD ALCOHOL BAN
PAGE 3
Fraternities ban hard liquor to reduce alcohol-related deaths PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Junior Chloe Paige talks with a college recruiter at the annual college fair. Various colleges set up booths in the cafeteria and provide information about their institutions and answer student questions.
College night to be held Monday in student center BY AUTUMN GOLDEN news editor Fall brings a lot of decisions and plans to be made such as where to apply to college. On Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Dan Haskins Student Center, numerous colleges and universities will be set up for the annual college fair. From Texarkana College to the different branches of military, over 70 tables will be aligned for student inquiries.
College recruiters will be available to answer application questions as well as questions regarding majors and career options. It is highly recommended to attend this event in order to gain insight into what school and scholarship opportunities might be best for you. “[Attending the college fair] is important even for freshmen and sophomores to start meeting the recruiters for a lot of different colleges and universities,” said Laura
Fuller, administrative assistant of College and Career Readiness. “They can ask questions and fi d out the admission requirements, what GPA is good to have, what SAT score, and if they need to take either the SAT or ACT. All the requirements they need to have so that they know what they have to do in their classes now to be ready for when they are a senior and going to apply in order to be successful.” autumngolden@tigertimesonline.com
EQUALLY MADE
PAGE 8
Not all disabilities are visible
KNOW YOUR WORTH
PAGE 12
Senior discusses her first novel
8
The Thespian Showcase will be held in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m.
12 14 The College fair will be held in the Dan Haskins Student Center at 5:30 p.m.
19-23
The ASVAB will be given TISD takes a Thanksgiving at 8:30 a.m. in the break. School will return on PAC to determine Nov. 26 and will be an A day. qualification for enlistment in the military.
CULTURE CALENDAR
PAGE 26
What’s going on in the world of entertainment
NEWS
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
3
College carries prestige and honor, rigor, challenge and opportunity — all of which combines to provide students with the best backbone for a rewarding life. This series navigates the complexities of the college choice — the application process, the tough decisions, the future prospects. Visit tigertimesonline.com to read the following stories:
Be on the lookout for more stories in this series about FASFA, choosing a school, a major and scholarships.
TAKING A SHOT
photo illustration by g. mcguire
The Application Process Writing the College Essay
Fraternities ban hard liquor to reduce alcohol-related deaths This story is one in a series on The College Choice. To read more stories in the series, visit tigertimesonline.com BY JOSEPH ASHER staff writer Empty bottles of liquor shouldn’t be found when entering a college campus fraternity house following weekend functions. Students scattered around the room, some sleeping, some stumbling around and one who isn’t breathing. Fraternities across America banned hard alcohol on campuses as of Sept.1. Th s ban, due to the numerous incidents of death because of hazing and overconsumption of alcohol, is an attempt to protect the overall health and safety of students. While frat parties aren’t necessarily the basis for college decisions, becoming a member of fraternities contributes to the overall college experience. “Alcohol has nothing to do with a fraternity,” University of Central Arkansas freshman Bailey Cline said.
1,825
“It’s about starting a new brotherhood with a great group of men. Even if I had known that hard alcohol was banned, I wouldn’t have changed my mind because all I’m worried about is getting my future started.” The North American Interfraternity Conference, composed of 66 fraternities, further prohibits possession, consumption or distribution of drinks containing 15 percent or more alcohol. The policy does have certain rules: it prohibits the presence of such alcohol at any chapter facility and event unless it is served by a third-party licensed vendor. “The ban has not necessarily seen too many effects yet since it’s pretty early on,” University of Arkansas sophomore Matt Francis said. “However, with a large percentage of the University of Arkansas’ student body involved in Greek life, many fraternities have taken early precautions to make sure that all events are safer for everyone.” According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 37.9 percent of college students ages 18-22
college students between 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including vehicle accidents.
37.9%
binge drink. During 2017, four fraternityrelated deaths were noted. After participating in a pledging activity, a Penn State sophomore died after drinking more than four times the legal limit. A Louisiana State University freshman died in October with a blood alcohol level more than six times the legal limit. In November, a 20-year-old Texas State University student died after initiation activities with a blood alcohol level more than three times the limit, which resulted in the suspension of all Greek activities on campus. At Florida State University in November, a junior died with more than five times the legal limit of alcohol. Parties are a root cause of this ban as well. Unmonitored students will consume vodka, rum and whiskey in vast amounts, with each one having a high alcohol percentage, leading to a fatal end for some. Th s ban does permit beer and wine, as they usually have lower alcohol percentages. “I absolutely did not choose [the University of Arkansas] because of it’s party history,” University of Arkansas
of college students ages 18-22 binge drink, or consume an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time.
freshman Morgan Cook said. “The ban on alcohol has not yet affected me. I am here to further my education so when I graduate I will be able to go in life.” How this policy will be enforced is more difficult, as many of the fraternity houses are off ampus and owned by the fraternity. However, if the policy isn’t enforced the results could end in the removal of some fraternities. Phi Kappa Psi at Texas State, Phi Delta Theta at LSU, Beta Theta Pi at Penn State and Pi Kappa Phi at Florida State were all suspended from campus. Those new to college this year have said that the ban has not impacted their college decision or college experience. “It has not affected me. My college choice would not have changed; I came here for the school itself, not a specific raternity,” University of Central Arkansas freshman Chris Cowan said. “My view on college is still the same. I came here to get my classes done and get a career. I joined a fraternity for the brotherhood, not to drink.” josephasher@tigertimesonline.com
696,000
students between those ages report being assaulted by another student who has been drinking.
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NEWS
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
SHUTTING THE DOOR ON CARCINOGENS How cancer is invading homes BY CHARLI HUETER staff writer Cancer is a predator to which the human race is exposed. The fi st silver bullet for eradication was aimed at smallpox in 1798, followed by the demolition of poliomyelitis (polio) in the 1950s. Even then, at the cusp of victory, populations were bombarded by newer, more complex diseases. None, however, have exploited medical innovations with such cunning as the carcinogen. As the twentieth century arrived, cancer incidence rates “skyrocketed.” The world was evolving into an even tastier snack thanks to industry and shifting lifestyles. Essentially, a period evolved in which people were living themselves to death. Cancer was usurping more than just genomes, but homes, as well. The amazing part is, carcinogens were being welcomed at the doorstep. “We’re all exposed to carcinogens every day,” said Amy Baker, biology teacher and former lab researcher for the drug discovery team at New Mexico Tech. “Sunlight is a carcinogen. Water can damage DNA, especially when it’s exposed to sunlight. Oxygen is a carcinogen. No one really knows what causes cancers. You can get philosophical about it or you can say it’s bad luck or different things. There’s no way for science to pinpoint a certain reason.” With a pat on the back, our fi st and most popular visitor, aspartame, saunters into the home. Th s fellow is a familiar guest, but one often overshadowed by that of
his colleague, Splenda. Masters at deception, they function to trick the mind into believing in their sugary guise. Known as synthetic artific al sweeteners, they populate the shelves under commercialized, so-called “dietary-friendly” labels. The two are sweet at fi st, but their appeal usually doesn’t last. Then, there’s the pervasive formaldehyde; a sporadic mess of a carcinogen, but quite the industrious one. Being a chemical of many talents, he can be found within items spanning from household insulation to the preservatives used in mortuaries, kerosene heaters and unvented stoves. He is common within cosmetics as well, including perfumes, lipsticks, shampoos and facial makeup. The list is large, and proliferating daily. Alcohol, tobacco and many other guests are invited to the party — too many to properly introduce. Ranked fi h in the highest national global cancer rates, the United States is a swarming hearth of carcinogens. However, carcinogens alone are not what is causing such lethal statistics. The average American’s diet is packed with nutritious duplicity, blurring the line between health and mere consumption. Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S., rivalled only by that of smoking. It is too easy to blame the vicissitudes of death by cancer upon single, indivisible pioneers. Yet, even genetics — the very “blueprints for life” — can become the culprit. “[My mom] was diagnosed last
October, and through genetic testing, she discovered that she has a gene mutation that increases the odds of developing breast cancer,” human geography teacher Whitney Farmer said. “She doesn’t like diet drinks, but I believe back in her 20s, when I was not around, she did smoke cigarettes. But she’s 58 now, so we’re talking 30-something years without.” According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing cancer locks in at just under 40 percent for both men and women. The best thing we can do for ourselves is become proactive about our health — that means regular medical checkups, opting for the fruits and veggies every once and awhile, and absolutely no tobacco. But that’s not to say you’ll be fi e if you lay off f the diet sodas. Carcinogens are bolstered through behavior and industry, wedging into what minute crevices perforate the modern lifestyle. If we are going to prevent this epidemic from increasing, we need to familiarize ourselves with the enemy, and shut the door on carcinogens once and for all. “No one actually knows what causes any cancer,” Baker said. “Unnecessary carcinogens sure; [my mother] didn’t wear a lot of makeup, but she wore makeup, and that’s not really healthy. There’s hairspray, there’s perfume. She didn’t do the classic things people talk about. She didn’t smoke, she didn’t drink. But, yeah, she had some carcinogen exposure.” charli.hueter@tigertimesonline.com
FACTS ABOUT CANCER There are
3 cases of cancer and 1
death from cancer every minute.
4,750 new cases and 1,670 deaths. Every day there are
In Texas, there is an estimate of
121,860 cases and 41,030
deaths in 2018.
OTHER CAUSES OF CANCER • • • • •
Diesel exhaust: lung cancer risk Sunscreen: possible skin cancer risk Grilled meat and fish: colorectal and prostate cancer risks Alcohol: breast, colon, liver, esophageal cancer risks Weight in adolescence: esophageal cancer and gastric cancer
NEWS
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
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THE PAST IN THE PRESENT Club members participate in National History Day contest
HISTORY CLUB
Illustration by h. rainwater
BY GREY JOHNSON & ADDISON CROSS culture editor & news editor
T
he stereotype of a history class lecture is long, boring and completely useless. However, the members of History Club have a different view. The club has been around for a while, but this year is their fi st to participate in a competitive event known as National History Day. “You know how you do projects for a science fair? Well, this is like a history research project,” sponsor Lance Kyles said. “They can research a topic and do a paper, a documentary, a website. There’s different ways they can participate.” National History Day extends across the states, having competition at the local and state levels. Schools across the nation compete in this contest, including Texas Middle School in previous years. “The regional, the fi st level we compete at, is at Texas A&M Texarkana. Once you advance from there, you go on to a state competition in Austin,” Kyles said. “[Emily] Szymanski did this at middle school, and she had kids go to state when she was doing it. I’m really relying on her and her ability.” National History Day holds a yearly competition with a theme. The theme ranges from different perspectives, such as “The Individual in History” and “Turning Points in History.” The themes all have one thing in common: they are general enough to allow students to select a topic from a vast amount in history. Th s year’s theme is “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” “We’re going to a fi ld trip for Civil War Day, and I’m thinking they could interview those recreators because there’s been backlash against celebrating the Confederacy, not tearing down
statues and showing the Confederate flag,” Kyles said. “So are those people feeling any of that pressure? Is it less acceptable to be a Civil War re-enactor now? We’ll have to interview someone there and see what they say. If it’s a story, we can do it, and if it’s not, we wouldn’t.” Th s year isn’t the fi st year, however, that History Club has planned to compete in the national competition. “We tried last year, but it fell apart at the end,” Kyles said. “We got into it too late, and I had never done it before, so I was unable to shepherd them the way I should have.” Despite not competing last year, in contrast to their original plans, Kyles remains optimistic in their endeavors to enter the competition for the fi st time. However, despite their optimism, the contest typically poses some difficulty for students. “I know that several of Mr. Kyle’s students have been working on their project for submission. The main goal of a program like this is for students to be excited to look deeper into something they fi d interesting through research and historical thinking, and our students are doing that,” Szymanski said. “I think the research is difficult for students at fi st. Understanding where to look for sources and how to use those sources to really explore their topic and the annual theme can be daunting. Research is such an important skill, though, and I have seen students learn a lot about it through this project.” Kyles and the members of the History Club have already established office positions, made plans for the future and are ready to have a great year full of making history. “If there’s a history thing happening,” Kyles said, “we like to be a part of it.” greyjohnson@tigertimesonline.com addisoncross@tigertimesonline.com
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EDITORIAL
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
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.
STIGMA SURROUNDING SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS SHOULD NOT DETER A MORE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT America prides itself on its acceptance of individualism and its citizens’ ability to express their voice. The government and school system promote the idea of equality between all students, regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic division. In a country in which everyone is equitably integrated, society will cut corners where the minorities are less vocal or represented. Perhaps the least represented population at Texas High — individuals with disabilities — should have opportunities to be included and represented in activities that highlight their success. Students sometimes forget that those with disabilities want to be treated with kindness and open arms and do not want to be treated differently because of their present condition. Children who want no more than to be included in their school community are often ostracized by the majority because they
do not represent what is seen as “normal.” Whether this exclusion is intentional or not, students should feel like their school is encouraging them to become better people and representing their needs and concerns. Th s can only be accomplished through providing representation and creating avenues for every student to fi d a place where they belong. Where special education students are repressed by lack of inclusivity, they are silenced by the stigma surrounding special needs. Predetermined notions of special education being lesser or for the abnormal work to oppress this community. The thought that learning modifi ations equals mental deficie cy or will limit the opportunity for future education or professional growth leads to false assumptions of limited skills or mental capacity. Granted, laws that prohibit the identifi ation of special education students often cause hurdles to ensuring that these students are represented in a variety of school events. In addition to
privacy laws, not all disabilities are visible, so it’s impossible to determine how many special education students are involved in activities. Despite this, we should all strive to increase their inclusion around campus. The support for students with disabilities is growing thanks in large to the grants the district received for autism and dyslexia, $1 million each. Th s year, TISD hosted a dyslexia awareness meeting for students and parents at Waggoner Creek Elementary School. When the representation and the support for a group grows, the more encouraged they will be to succeed and fulfill their expectations. Issues surrounding special needs students do not derive from limited capacity or inability to function but a need for a more inclusive environment. Students, teachers and parents must work together to make sure these students are pulled from the shadows and into the light.
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, Monteunah 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, 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
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
BY MISTY LOPEZ in-depth editor
the
NATIVE
TONGUE
Language keeps ancestral culture, family connections alive
Illustration by v. van
T
he United States of America, being one of the most diverse countries, has transformed into a melting pot of culture, religion and language. Each day, more people are redefini g the generalization of what an American is. According to the data collected from 2000-2010 by the Census Bureau for the Center of Immigration Studies, the nation’s legal and illegal immigration rates reached 40 million in 2010 —14 million of that being immigration settlements. Unfortunately, with the increase of foreign-born children and secondgeneration children, there has been a loss of desire for learning their native tongues, even though it typically guarantees job opportunities and greater social interaction. With the dramatic rates of the nation’s growth, it is very signifi ant that the desire to learn one’s own language doesn’t die out, not only for the benefit of others, but for the benefits of the individual as well. Language is more than just someone’s opportunity to obtain a dream job. There is more meaning behind learning a language than just “looking good on a resume.” Language itself is the basis of communication. It’s the root of all understanding and the core foundation to establishing relationships. It’s all about learning who people are, along with their cultures and beliefs. Speaking the same language as someone else will usually always create stronger ties with that person since it’s closer to what they know, which can open a door of opportunities for personal growth. Speaking certain languages can also have different impacts on emotions. I’ve noticed that when I speak English, the words and articulations don’t seem as dramatic as when I speak Spanish, unless I’m feeling emotional. Th s can apply to other languages as well. Each language brings various sets of morals, values and expressions. It also places more emphasis on thoughts due to the fact that languages can be chosen to fit with a particular situation. With this, people can gain the qualities of patience and empathy. Of course, not everyone has the privilege of learning their native language. Some parents try to stray away from teaching their kids their fi st language in hopes that they’ll go farther than they did or to simply not reminisce on the past. Younger generations sometimes avoid trying to speak a different language because it’s unknown or makes them feel uncomfortable. For those kids who are learning their parents’ native language, studies show that bilingualism can have an immense impact on the development of the execute control portion of the brain. Th s section controls multitasking and the process of multiple
thoughts, leading to a wider spectrum when it comes to intellectual activities. It is also said that kids who learn multiple languages have the ability to read at an earlier age. Aside from the educational benefits, keeping one’s native tongue alive is signifi ant to keeping culture alive. I know that for myself. Sometimes I feel a disconnect from my culture, even though I speak fluent Spanish. I’ve also felt a disconnect from both my Hispanic side and my American side. I’ve felt too assimilated to hang out with the kids who speak both English and Spanish and too different to hang out with the kids who only speak English.
“WHEN YOUNG ADULTS DEVELOP A PASSION FOR A CULTURE AND ITS LANGUAGE, MUSIC AND FOOD, THERE’S SORT OF AN ATTACHMENT THERE THAT HELPS THEM IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY WISH TO REPRESENT.” It also keeps ties between ancestors and descendants. There have been thousands of languages and cultures that have died because they aren’t passed down to future generations or because they’ve been assimilated. Not only learning to speak multiple languages but learning to read and write them as well can lead to numerous possibilities. When young adults develop a passion for a culture and its language, music and food, there’s an attachment there that helps them identify who they are and what they represent. I grew up speaking Spanglish in my Hispanic household because of my parents. Spanish was the only language spoken at the start, but my siblings slowly favored English, which ultimately had an effect on me. English was dominant everywhere else: at school, among my friends, on TV, and the list goes on. Growing up speaking Spanish daily really helped me grasp the beauty of the language and gave me a better understanding of my culture and who I was as well as where I came from. I could have easily given up on practicing my mother language, but once I started growing a love for it, it became a part of me. mistylopez@tigertimesonline.com
OPINION
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
INVISIBLE DISABILITY JENNA WILLIAMSON’S STORY
Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) 1A is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves as well as every one in 2,500 people. It causes muscles to atrophy in lower extremities, and as it progresses, causes sensory loss and weakness in the hands. I was 2 years old when my parents found out about it. It was like driving down the interstate and coming to a screeching halt for an unknown reason. Their hearts stopped. They could only focus on the voice of the doctor saying, “Your daughter has CMT Type 1A.” Knowing that my father was a carrier of this disease, my parents hoped and prayed it would never be something that their children had to encounter. Unfortunately, their biggest fear became a reality, and they had to begin searching for treatments and different ways to help me. There is not a cure for CMT, just alternative methods to help people adjust and live as active a life as possible. From about the time that I was 2 until I was 6, I attended physical therapy and wore leg braces to support my ankles in an attempt to strengthen my photo by k. rogers
While there is a vast amount of disabilities in the world that cannot be detected with the naked eye, there are numerous others that aren’t so easy to conceal. These defects are often met with long, drawn-out stares, unwanted attention and a feeling of unease.
leg muscles. While every treatment we tried helped me in some way, nothing ever made it easier for me emotionally. To be a young girl and not be able to take dance or gymnastics out of fear that one wrong turn would break my fragile bones that had no muscle support was earth-shattering to me. I could never understand why something so unique yet so mild would hinder my life in such a big way. Since my disability was not always obvious to people, I concealed it. Or at least, I thought I did. However, when I began to get questions and remarks such as, “Why do you walk funny?” or, “You look weird when you run,” I had to ask myself whether or not it was worth explaining my whole story or if I should just hold it inside and take the judgment. I took the judgment. Taking the judgment was easier, I must say, but by no means was it “easy.” Don’t get me wrong though, I was grateful that I had such a mild case and didn’t have the hardships that came with other muscular dystrophy diseases. In reality, compared to the struggles that others experience, I didn’t have much to complain about. But I was bitter. I was angry at God for giving me something that consumed my life in such a negative way. I was angry at doctors for the lack of treatment options. How could there not be a cure? Most importantly, I was angry at my peers and classmates for asking the questions that made me the most uncomfortable. While they had no idea it was a private struggle, I yearned for them to be mindful of the struggles others had and to not ask hurtful questions, even if they didn’t mean it in a hurtful sense — because they almost never did. As I got older, I became more comfortable with the everyday challenges I had to endure. I fi ally accepted that having CMT would be the “normal” for the rest of my life, and that was okay. Despite my hard days, it made me stronger. It made me realize that we all experience hardships that we decide to deal with privately, without saying anything to our friends or neighbors I learned that everyone has something that they struggle with, whether it’s public knowledge or not, and I learned that there is a mighty God who will not give you more than you can handle.
TJ WALL’S STORY Society has brainwashed us into believing that we have to be perfect and measure up with the standards it has set in place, therefore, we tend to hide our struggles and emotions. But what happens when you can’t necessarily hide your problems from the rest of the world? What if your shortcomings, your insecurities, your imperfections, were put on display for the whole world to see? Th s is the everyday life of people with physical disabilities. I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). I’ve always known SMA to have three types: Type
1, Type 2 and Type 3. Usually, children with Type 1 die before the age of two. I am a strong Type 2, so while my muscles are atrophying over time, my life expectancy is still the same, or near the same, as the average life expectancy. While I am thankful that I have been blessed with 16 years of life so far, rather than just two, there are still struggles that I have faced and still face to this day. Growing up, I always wanted to participate in the same activities as every other kid my age, particularly, football. After years of trying to be “as normal as possible,” I fi ally came to the realization that I couldn’t do things that other kids could do, and that I, the one out of 10,000 people possibly affected by this disease, was just going to have to deal with it. Just deal with it. That’s a phrase that I couldn’t quite grasp at my young age. Every time I heard those four words, it hurt me because in a way, it showed a lack of care and sympathy from others. It got to the point where I began to feel like a burden to everyone around me, so I learned to “just deal with it” on my own. I suppressed my feelings and emotions and told very few about what was going on in my life. I hated asking for help. I tried to avoid, by any means necessary, revealing the things that I was unable to do to my peers, and anytime a certain aspect of my disability was brought to light or made known, I was embarrassed and ashamed that I required assistance with basic, everyday activities. Th s is how I lived my life for years. However, over time, I realized that, although it may not seem like it, this “disability” was actually a blessing in disguise. I gave my life to Jesus Christ at a young age, and my faith has been a vital part of what keeps me going every day. People often ask why such a loving god would allow someone to go through such horrible circumstances. I often wondered this myself, but later on, I realized that the more we cannot control our situation, the more we rely on God and the closer we draw to Him, and that is where true joy is found. Even though my faith has been a major help in overcoming these adversities, I still have struggles every once in a while. My friends are driving now; I’m not. I often worry about what my future holds: Will I be able to go to college like I hope to? Will I be able to become a successful lawyer like I plan to be? Will I fi d someone to marry? What will life be like 30 years from now? There are a lot of uncertainties about the future, but I know that no matter what happens, God has given me the ability to reach certain people for His cause in a way that other people may not be able to, and that is what’s most important in this life. I may be disabled, but through the strength I receive from Christ, I am able to do all things. jennawilliamson@tigertimesonline.com tjwall@tigertimesonline.com
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10 OPINION
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
Letter to editor redefines manliness as rebirth of chivalry amid time of controversy
T
REMINGTON COOK guest writer
“I say men are capable of being so much more than what we’ve reduced ourselves to today, and that there’s room enough for both genders on the world stage of influence.”
REBUKE TO
ake a moment and think of what “being a man” means to you. Is it being able to bench press 240 pounds and still add more weight? Is it how many fi hts you can win, and how bad you can make the other guy look? What makes a man? “Manliness,” as the traditional male quality, is defi ed by bravery and strength, as seen in Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. While I love their movies, manliness lies in something deeper than raw strength, sex and violence. Manliness is something more, something internal. The difference between a real man and a being of “toxic masculinity” is being one who has the courage to do what he knows is morally right. Being a man lies in something as simple as cleaning out your grandma’s gutters over the weekend instead of going to a party. Maybe playing a few rounds of Fortnite with the boys or, more surely, standing up for the outcast in class has signs of manly maturity. Perhaps there is some manliness in the act of walking to the front door and knocking to pick up your date, rather than just honking from the driveway, or how much your mancard levels up when you actually ask to speak with and ask permission from a girl’s father before you take her out. Holding a little old lady’s hand as you cross the street. Helping your mom unload and put up groceries next time she goes to the store. Manliness lies in helping your parents out with anything around the house (putting up dishes, folding clothes, vacuuming, ect.). Opening and closing the door for people. I feel that just the act of opening and closing the door of your car for your date holds so much manliness. I’ve been on multiple social gettogethers with women who have wanted to open their own doors, and while I’m not saying they can’t, I’m saying as men, it’s our job to ensure
that they shouldn’t have to. Alas, I fear chivalry is a dying art. However, somewhere along the line, we strayed from this course of morality. No longer are we knights on perilous journeys of honor to rescue fair maidens from castles in faraway lands. No longer do most men show more than an ounce of respect toward women. Rather, we speak of them in vulgar terms. Some men, nowadays, rather than searching for a life of love and commitment to one woman, would rather indulge in a lifetime of promiscuity. They don’t even consider the prospect of raising a family to be plausible. And therein lies the issue of “toxic masculinity.” I will admit that it is a real thing and that it is a real issue; however, we’re looking at this problem from the wrong angle, and feminizing men is not the solution. Saying the feminization of men is the solution simply gives validation to the statement that “being a man, is being an emotionless, piece of raw strength and testosterone.” As I’ve shown, being a man is more than that; being a man is being moral and chivalrous, willing to stand up for what’s right. Why not just try and raise men to be more respectable? Th s shift, owever, would take time and work on both of the sexes’ parts to make a reality, and I believe it would have to start on the women’s side. Ladies, let me explain something. Men are very simple creatures. We tend to live by a simple mentality: I want it, so what can I do to get it? If men want things, we’ll do anything we can to get them. Men want women, and will go to horrid lengths to get them. Men are capable of breaking bad habits if we are subjected to enough discipline. So trust me, if you start demanding more respect from men, men will be forced to change and give more respect to you, if that’s what it takes to get a woman. If he leaves you for demanding respect, and goes on to
TOXIC MASCULINITY
an “easier girl,” don’t even bat an eye; that’s what he wants you to do. Let him go, trust me, he’s not good enough for you. Gentlemen, while the ladies have a part in bringing this change about, it falls upon us to do the actual changing. Men, we need to have some serious introspection. We all need to glance within ourselves and ask if the things we’ve been doing are truly manly. We need to question ourselves on what our own defin tion of manliness even is. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes, to do what’s right, you do have to have a spine and be a tough guy. But is being a man being that strong, tough guy all the time? I say men are capable of being so much more than what we’ve reduced ourselves to today, and that there’s room enough for both genders on the world stage of influence. We no longer live in a suppressive society; in fact, it’s just the opposite! Men and women of all ethnicities and backgrounds all have equal opportunities today in America! All they have to do is pursue them. So men, in these times of doubt and fear, I encourage you all. I encourage all of us, to change. Rather, we must morph into something manlier than this childish, disrespectful, trash some of us have become today. We must bring about a rebirth of chivalry in this time of masculine rebuke, lest our entire sex, and it’s sacred traditions, be lost with the passing of time. For my son, for our sons to be boys one day, it’s time for us to be men. This letter to editor has been written by guest writer Remington Cook who is not affiliated with the Tiger Times. This letter was written in response to an article in the September issue of the Tiger Times about toxic masculinity. It was revised for space. A full version of the letter can be found online at www.tigertimesonline.com
COMMUNITY
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
experiencePOTENTIAL your World Class Academics Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers career-oriented studies with different hands-on learning opportunities awarding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in two colleges: the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology (CBET) and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE). As a member of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest and most prestigious higher education systems in the nation, A&MTexarkana provides many opportunities for learning and growth through our undergraduate degrees and graduate programs.
15:1 STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
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11
12 FEATURE
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
photo by a. runnels
finding her
WORTH
Senior publishes book about self love BY SALEM KARR staff writer
T
he sound of pencil scribbling across paper fills the quiet room. A glance at the clock shows that it’s 3am, but she doesn’t care. She is far too engrossed in her story. What started out as a dream quickly became a reality for senior Trinitee Noel. Worth: Selfle s, written by Noel, is a story about a girl who is struggling with life and the obstacles that come with it. She left ome because of her alcoholic mother, but later regrets her decision. She was set in her goals until she met a guy, and then multiple guys. She loses sight of her goals while dealing with anxiety, depression and a hypersexual disorder. She transforms from a girl to a worthy woman. “My book is about self-love. I wanted to teach a lesson about loving yourself. The world tells us to love others, but nobody tells us to take care of ourselves fi st. My story is about a girl who goes through many life challenges. She started off ith a plan, but along the way she loses focus, something we tend to do, but she ends up coming out on top,” Noel said. Th s book started off ith a small dream, that developed into a fle hed out story about selfacceptance. “My junior year I decided that I needed
to do something with my life and writing was something that I always did, so back in November I got a call about writing and publishing a book, and I decided to take that chance,” Noel said. Writing the novel took a tremendous amount of effort, but Trinitee Noel took it on headfi st. “I dropped out of cosmetology second semester to pursue writing my book. There were so many nights spent writing until 3 or 4am because my hand wouldn’t leave the paper. I wrote during and after school, and in July, I fi alized my book and it was published the same day,” Noel said. While the main goal of the story is to love yourself and accept yourself for who you are, there is more to it than just that. “I hope people learn to follow their dreams no matter what people say. Go after everything you want and don’t let anybody stop you because nobody will see your vision the way that you see it.” Everyone struggles with loving themselves at times, but Trinitee Noel has a saying that keeps
photo by a. runnels
TRINITEE NOEL, 12
herself motivated. “Tomorrow is not promised, so I’ll be a legend while I’m living today,” Noel said. “Everybody has a purpose. Everybody has a plan. Even if you know your purpose now, or you don’t, go out and fi d it because once you fi d it, and you learn to love yourself, so many doors open to opportunities,” Noel said. Worth: Selfle s can be found on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and most other sites. If you need help understanding self-love, or you just want a heartfelt story, this book is the one. salem.karr@tigertimesonine.com
IN THE LIBRARY Check out these popular books in the library. Also, Library Club gives students an opportunity to share their love for books. If you’d like to see a specific book in the library or more information about the club, talk to librarian Rachel Epley. compiled by Andrea Loredo
THE HATE U GIVE
A young black girl fights for something that she believes is right when society tries to keep her quite and not let the truth be heard.
WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU
CARAVAL HARRY POTTER
A young boy with a miserable life gets accepted into a school of magic where he discovers his true path as a wizard.
A tale of two sisters who cannot escape the wrath of their father, who has planned a marriage for one of them. But life changes when they escape to see Caraval.
TUPAC SHAKUR
A book of the late Tupac Shakur’s poems about things in everyday life and how nothing in this world is impossible.
She is the girl who was going places, but she is rejected by all the colleges her mother had sacrificed so much for her to get into.
FEATURE
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM photo by m. depenport
the tale of
DC GOMEZ
Local author travels world
Author Sil Gomez shows her novel, “Death’s Intern,” the first book in The Intern Diaries series. Gomez is currently writing her third book in the series.
“I’m a huge dreamer. I want to inspire [the reader] to dream and to dream big.”
BY MARGARET DEBENPORT culture editor
I
n one lifetime, a person may dream of learning a second language. They may dream of serving their country through service in the military, or of influencing the lives of young people by becoming a youth minister. Some may dream of writing a fi tion series as well as children’s books, or aspire to go to film school at New York University. A lucky few may accomplish their dream, may achieve the one goal they have hoped to achieve their whole lives. And some do it all. Local author Sil Gomez has accomplished every one of those aforementioned goals, goals that most people can only fathom. “According to my brother, my five year plan is as big as everyone else’s bucketlist,” Gomez said. Her journey begins with a drastic move — from the Dominican Republic to Salem, Massachusetts — at the tender age of 10. Gomez is currently writing her third book in the “Intern Diaries Series” and has also written a children’s book, “Charlie, What’s Your Talent?” “I started here in the sixth grade. I didn’t know a single word of English,” Gomez said. “Then when I hit high school, I got into a television class, and it changed my life. I became a storyteller.” While working at an access station, one of her mentors suggested she go to New York University because of her desire to attend a film school to pursue broadcast television. Without even visiting the campus fi st, Gomez’s parents made the five-hour drive from Salem to New York City, dropped off er stuff, gave her a hug and left. “Being the fi st child and only girl in the house, I realized my parents either really love me or are completely insane,” Gomez said. One would think New York City, the city every artist seems to fl ck to, would become a perfect home for someone like
Gomez. But after fin shing her degree, Gomez made the unconventional decision to leave the Big Apple. “At the time I only knew about film school and the Dominican people, and I was like, this does not make for a really exciting film — it would have been limited. We need to add something else. I wanted to write stories about people, so obviously, I joined the military,” Gomez said. “Because, where else are you going to fi d people? Staying in NYC made way too much sense.” In a total change of course in 2001, Gomez joined the Army and became a mechanic. From the Dominican Republic, to Salem, to New York, serving in Iraq was just another chapter in a book that seemed littered with plot twists. “The military did change my life,” Gomez said. “I was in basic training when 9/11 happene, so my experience is different than most of the world. It changed the way I saw life and made me more compulsive than I could possibly imagine.” After serving in Iraq, she was offered a job at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana. “I’ve been bouncing around, and there is something extremely fascinating about Texarkana,” Gomez said. “There is something very amazing about having two cities within a line of each other–and the southern hospitality. I think the rest of the country has missed that.” Despite travelling the globe, Gomez chose an unexpected place as the setting for her series. The “Intern Diaries” takes place in Texarkana. “My mother asked, ‘Why didn’t you make it in Salem?’ [But] I’m offi ally fascinated with Texarkana. I’m fascinated with small town stories, so the urban setting was kind of fun because Texarkana would make a really great setting for something totally different.” But, as can only be expected of someone like Gomez, having one job at a time just isn’t enough. Once she settled into Texarkana, Gomez began serving as the youth minister at St. Edward’s Catholic
Church. To Gomez, her writing career is a tool she can use to prove to her students anything is possible. “If you’re used to seeing your youth minister be a writer, at no point in time are you ever going to question that it’s something that you can’t do,” Gomez said. “There is never going to be a question in your mind if that is possible.” Although she holds many passions, Gomez prioritizes her writing. Ambitious with her goals and adamant about meeting them, she takes on daunting tasks with nothing but determination. “A novel had always been in the process,” Gomez said. “When I fi ally decided we are doing this, it started with ‘I have a goal: I’m going to write a book. I’m a huge dreamer. I want to inspire [the reader] to dream big.” After noticing a lack of representation of female Dominican writers, she decided she wanted to be the change that could inspire young girls. “It is interesting when you see authors all over the place and people are like ‘oh I wanna be like that!’ Gomez said. “When I was growing up, there wasn’t somebody that looked like me doing what I wanted to do.” Her friends and family know her as Sil, short for Silvida, but Gomez decided that she was “not brave enough for hate mail” and chose a pen name instead: DC, which, according to Gomez, is “kind of funsy and all exciting.” DC stands for her middle name, Del Carmen. Whether she goes by Sil or DC, Gomez’s name is surely synonymous to inspiration. Even if she fears being vulnerable, she pushes those fears aside in order to do what she knows is right.. “For a while, I wanted to separate the writing from who I was and create this whole wall to protect me, and I had enough people going back saying, that doesn’t work anymore. It’s not being about trying to sell the books themselves, but trying to sell the concept of ‘you can do this.’” margaretdebenport@tigertimesonline.com
13
14
IN-DEPTH
OPENING A CLOSED DOOR A look into the reality of a special education class
BY ANNA GRACE JONES in-depth editor Room 49, a composition of rooms that quarters several classes that serve the special populations of Texas High. Within its boundaries, a selfcontained class, vocational and life skills classes, and speech pathology office can be found. For students who have no reason to travel to Room 49, the distinctions between general education and special education may go unnoticed. “We obviously have to differentiate a little bit more. I don’t do any academic courses, so we do all hands-on tasks in our classroom. A normal general ed teacher is going to be teaching to their subject while mine is all life application,” special education teacher Heather Boutrouss said. “Everything I do in my classroom is differentiated. For everybody, we mold; we modify.” The content of the instruction is also different. “We spend a big majority of the morning learning how to write and learning
the letters and numbers, just overall, many things people take for granted,” special education teacher Samantha Autrey said. A general education classroom normally follows this outline: lesson, assignment, quiz, then test. Most of these tasks will be done alone. In a self-contained classroom, most assignments will be completed in groups and incorporate a tangible component. “Special Education is more hands-on where general ed would be more paper and writing,” Autrey said. “A test is more of an observation. It’s not necessarily gonna be so many questions or a review over this. It’s collected over everyday.” Due to the students’ distinctive differences, there cannot be a one-sizefits all classroom, but one in which modifi ations are made for each student in order to best serve them and enhance their take away from the class. “Every student has different accommodations in my classroom. It could be anything like popsicle sticks on pages because
DEFINING
one is paralyzed on one side, so he can turn a book page. It can be enlarged [text] because of a vision disability,” Autrey said. “It can be sensory issues where they can’t work with certain textures, so you have to change it completely. It just depends on every single student. Everyone is accommodated differently.” The role of a special education teacher is more complex than that of a general education teacher because they are responsible for more than just instruction and examination. “You’re not just a teacher. You’re more of a caregiver, too,” Autrey said. “Where other students rely on the nurse, we are also that person.” The overall goal for most teachers is to prepare their students to go to college or directly join the workforce, but this does not apply to the students of Boutrouss or Autrey. In terms of Room 49 students, their aspirations seem simple but are, in fact, just as formidable. “Our long-term goal is to be able to have these students able to cook
for themselves using a microwave, understand how to clean, how to wash dishes, how to wash clothes, just those application skills,” Boutrouss said. “For me, it’s just getting them ready for life. Being able to teach a student to function in the world and be successful is my biggest goal for my students” Despite their differences, the students of Room 49 are still part of the school’s student population before they are a part of special populations, and that needs to be emphasized when they’re outside the classroom. “If you see us in the hallway, stop and say hi. My guys love to talk to people. They love to meet new people, say hi, and give high fives. Don’t be afraid of that. It’s a good interaction,” Bouttrouss said. “It’s so important for our students to have that interaction because they are going out into society and have to understand how to function with people in a regular setting. Don’t be afraid of that interaction. Embrace it.” annagrace@tigetimesonline.com
EDU CATION
6.4
million students— 13 percent of the American student population— aged 3-21 received special educations services
87%
13%
OF APPROXIMATELY 50 MILLION AMERICAN STUDENTS RECEIVE SERVICES
1/3
More than a third of the students who received special education services had a specific learning disability like dyslexia or dyscalculia.
4
basic rights are guaranteed to students with disabilities: free appropriate education, least restrictive environment, supplementary aids and services, and assessment Source: National Center for Education
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
15
photo by r. edwards
Senior Auquasia Richard works on a painting.
A SPECIAL POPULATION
Students reveal there’s more to program than meets the eye BY MOLLY KYLES AND CONNOR POWELL feature editor, staff writer
S
pecial education. Those two words shouldn’t be so jarring, shouldn’t carry an undertone of discomfort when spoken aloud. Yet somehow, the words special education carry their own aura, one of mystery and whispers, as if everyone knows what the secret is, but no one’s brave enough to say anything. Afraid of violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or being politically incorrect, people opt for silence instead, as if ignoring an entire population isn’t just as painful. Students with special needs are just that— students. They go to class, make grades, go to lunch and have after school hobbies. They are unique and diverse, and lumping all special needs students under one label— or one room number— is fair to no one. -Shasta Everyone has a story, so why hasn’t this one been told? Senior Auquasia Richard is 17 years old. She loves painting, swimming and getting pedicures with her mom, Shasta Richard. She was also diagnosed with sensory integration disorder, autism and ADHD when she was 3 years old. “I started noticing different signs that she wasn’t catching on and she was behind her peers, so we got her into Opportunities and started doing therapy to decrease some of those obstacles she struggles with,” Richard said. “Most of the time she is a loner in everything. She is kind of standoffish until you make her
comfortable with her being around you, but after that, she’s like this butterfly. She has come a long way since she began high school, a very long way.” Though Auquasia’s story seems unconventional, the way the proud mother describes her daughter never changes. “I wanted to expand to see what it is that she likes,” Richard said. “Then they put her in art, and she loves painting. She just loves everything about painting. She just kinda doodles [all the time], and she just takes her time where somebody else might do it a little faster than her. She’s also been swimming for four years, so she’s really good at swimming. She swims like a mermaid.” Richard Unfortunately, not everyone shares the admiration Shasta has for her daughter. Many kids and adults alike seem to exclude students with special needs. “I feel that a lot of times a child with special needs is shunned,” Richard said. “[People think] ‘I don’t want to deal with them, it’s too much of a problem. They may cause embarrassment or they don’t know how to act.’ There’s just a lot of obstacles and barriers that they go through.” Though Richard fully supports her daughter in all of her endeavors, she is keenly aware of the stigma that surrounds
“I am a parent, and I want my child to be included. Don’t leave them behind. I just want my child to be treated equally.”
special needs students. She, however, isn’t the only person to make note of this issue. Ashley Alexander, a 2003 Texas High graduate, has also felt the effects of stigmatization due to being a part of special needs. “I feel that at times I was looked down by my peers for having a learning disability,” Alexander said. “The best part of having an IEP plan was when I needed extra help or more time, I was able to have that. The worst part of having an IEP plan was some of my teachers just got to know my plan versus me as student.” The scope of what special education is is quite expansive, but it is often viewed through a narrow lens. The role it plays in the lives of those with disabilities is different to each individual. Every person faces different hardships and triumphs. Th s is true for all people, and 2016 Texas High graduate Mackenzie Tellez is no exception. As a child, Tellez was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was a part of the special education program all throughout high school. “Overall, the Texas High special education program was amazing,” said Amy Tellez, Mackenzie’s mother and special needs diagnostician. “The teachers encouraged her and very few ever told her she couldn’t do something.” One would think that it is the disability itself that causes problems, but oftentimes is the way in which the disability is handled from an educational standpoint. “Right before the STAAR test in Mackenzie’s ninth or tenth grade year, her accommodations were taken away without us knowing,” Tellez said. “She wasn’t going to have her tests read to her when she struggled with comprehension. We met at the end of the year requested an evaluation to see
exactly where everything fell, and the evaluation revealed that Mackenzie had an intellectual disability, not a specific learning disability, and was able to receive all of her accommodations.” A solid support system in schools is vital to all students, especially those with special needs. “Special education is an individualized instruction that is based on the student’s individual need. Not everyone learns the same way on any given day, that includes all students,” Tellez said. “Special education is designed to help those students who continue to struggle to learn and cannot retain the information as typically developing peers do.” The parents of special needs children fi d themselves in a unique position. They must balance their instinct to protect their children from criticism with their desire to push them to be more active in society. “I do believe it is a two-fold process as parents. You have to migrate your kids into the community so that they can be more aware of what’s going on around them,” Richard said. “Sometimes as special needs parents, we kind of shelter them because we don’t want them to get hurt or we don’t want to anyone to make fun of them, but at the same time, you have to get them out there.” The exclusion of special needs students is a complicated issue. As a society, we must ensure we are doing our part in taking a step back from the human instinct of stereotyping and moving forward in a way that includes everyone. “I am a parent and I want my child to be included. Don’t leave them behind,” Richard said. “I just want my child to be treated equally. I’m not asking for any See POPULATION on page 16
16 FEATURE
POPULATION from page 15
special favors for Auquasia. Treat her like you would treat anybody else, but at the same time, do consider where her level is. Just don’t say I can’t be bothered.” While being the parent of a child with disabilities comes with its hardships, Richard believes the reward is far greater. Every person has something to offer, and individuals with special needs are no exception. “There is a lot that goes into being a parent, and Auquasia has taught me so much. [She taught me to] just see people for who they are. I never thought that I would be the parent of a special needs child,” Richard said. “Auquasia has taught me to not just look at the outside, but look at the inside. Don’t look at my disability. Look at my ability to get things done.” Fear causes silence, and silence causes fear. Th s paradox creates the culture of being afraid to talk about special needs, and it can only be broken when parents are brave enough to speak up. “I’m not scared to talk about it,” Richard said. “The reason why I’m not scared to talk about it is because I feel like if it reaches one person, if it reaches one parent, I feel like we’ve accomplished something.” First and foremost, Richard said parents must be strong advocates for their children. “I always tell [parents] the school can only do so much. Everything else is on you. So what are you going to do?” Richard said. “I am a realist and sometimes my language doesn’t come across as acceptable to some parents, but I always let them know that’s how life is. Life is not gonna [give special need students advantages.]” As a parent of a special needs student, Richard said there are always going to be obstacles, but her focus will always be how she can make things better for her daughter. “It’s never about me, it’s always about her,” Richard said. “As parents, we don’t want our children to be labeled. We don’t want them to be scared of the other kids or that there’s going to be some type of ridicule. For me it’s more like I want [special needs students] to know that they have a voice.” mollykyles@tigertimesonline.com connorpowell@tigertimesonline.com
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
Collaboration for
education
Co-teaching improves inclusion among students, special education Collaborative English teachers Ashleigh Bridges and Christie Alcorn photo by b. groom
BY CHARLI HUETER staff writer
W
hen it comes to special education, students in need of instructional aid often struggle in typical scholastic settings. From social constraints to personal rates of comprehension, the attention they require is often a task much too formidable for one teacher alone to handle. What these students need is similar to what is instilled within any corresponding system of governance: a division of attention–a special approach. Special education is a distinct experience for each student involved, whether it be physically or psychologically. The resulting sentiment can be one of isolation and confi ement, where alienation abounds as a result of basic necessity. Special education blurs the lines between a school with special-education services and that of one which offers a normal, teenage experience for all students, despite special circumstances. Collaborative teaching is a weapon designed to sever this sense of detachment between students. “Collaborative teaching allows those students that would typically not be in a general-ed class to have the opportunity to not only learn academically, but socially and emotionally,” special education department chair Christie Alcorn said. “They have the opportunity to engage with students that they typically may not even come into contact with.” In 2014, Texarkana Independent School District introduced collaborative teaching in an effort to provide what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) coined as a “least restrictive environment (LRE)”. With this transition came the unconventional implementation of two teachers in a class. For instructors like Alcorn, this method has accrued signifi ant results.
“I have been in the classroom for 16 years now, and I wanted to become a collaborative teacher because I could see the benefits for all students,” Alcorn said. “Students who have typically been in a more restrictive environment are now able to come out with their peers and have the opportunity to engage and be challenged in the classroom.” The decision to collaborate was not an easy choice for every teacher. Ashleigh Bridges, an English teacher who is a newer member of the English department, was hesitant of the idea of professional teamwork to this magnitude. After all, cooperation in the educational fi ld is understandably hard to contrive, as both teachers would need to harness a respectable level of consistent interaction with each other as well as students in order to promote a smooth course-fl w. “Initially, [becoming a collaborative teacher] wasn’t by choice. And, you know, with [Mrs. Alcorn’s] 16 years and my few years, we were kind of worried that we would clash, [but] it just works out really well,” Bridges said. “Once they explained what it meant, it reminded me of my student teaching, when I actually collaborated with a teacher and we split the class. I believe it is important because the kids truly get the one-on-one [experience].” Collaborative teaching is not only benefic al for the quality of student education but also for that of participating faculty. For two educators working together, the classroom is a piece of art in which both utilize their individual skills to produce astounding results. Where one layer may have left thin in an artwork, the next manages to smooth out these blemishes. “For me and Mrs. Alcorn, things that I can’t explain well, she can explain well – or vice versa,” Bridges said. “I may have a positive relationship with the kid, but the kid may not like her. And so it really helps to have the two bodies in the room–
where I can do one thing when she does another–and they all get what they need.” With their fi st year out the door, Alcorn and Bridges fi e-tuned their collaborative strategies over the summer in preparation for the impending semesters. One tactic they exercise is that of a shifting arrangement, in which they break the class into two groups–one for each teacher. “Just because [Mrs. Alcorn] is a special ed teacher and I’m the general ed teacher doesn’t mean that she just works with special ed and I just work with general ed,” Bridges said. “When we split, she will take kids that aren’t special ed, 504 and I’ll have some, too. It just shows them that we’re both the head of this classroom. It’s not me with her helping, and it’s not her with me helping. We both run this place.” Overall, co-teaching within classrooms offers an opportunity for students within the special education program to enhance their academic potential. According to a 2007 research experiment conducted by Roger Goddard and colleagues, there was an increase in the achievement rates of students receiving the collaborative method. Involving special ed. students in the the collaborative process, which includes an increased rate and thoroughness, resulted in an improvement in their math and science scores. Th ough teamwork and certain sacrifices, hese collaborative teachers actively apply their skills in coordination and management to foster the success of their pupils. “Students are not singled out, especially the students that are in the collaborative classrooms,” Alcorn said. “They are grouped with their peers. You may have two groups [with] the special ed kids just mixed in with everyone else, and so I may teach one group and Ms. Bridges may teach the other group. We plan our lessons, we grade, we collaborate, and we decide what’s best for everyone.” charlihueter@tigertimesonline.com
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
COMMUNITY
17
18 SPORTS
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
TURNOVER ON DOWNS SWEPT OFF THEIR FEET Senior linebacker Darryl Maxwell leaps to tackle a Kilgore wide receiver but is unsuccessful before he finds the end zone. The Bulldogs would go on to spoil the Tigers’ Senior Night with a 42-14 win.
Senior Deandre Brown
Junior Trestin Whitehead (44) Senior Nick Graves (45) Senior Chris Sutton
s oto
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ROAMING FREE Senior defensive back Chris Lyles puts his hands on his helmet after a John Tyler wide receiver slips through the Tiger defense to increase their lead. This big play, along with several others on the night, led to the Lions being victorious in their first district game since realignment, 51-13.
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Football team falls out of playoff contention for first time since 1999 BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor Nineteen years ago, the euro had just been established as a form of currency, Exxon and Mobil merged to become Exxon Mobil and someone named Bill Clinton was president. Also 19 years ago, fi st-year coach Barry Norton just missed out on making the playoffs ith his Texas High Tigers. From this point on, the team would string together a run of multiple district championships and playoff ppearances including a state title in 2002. Nineteen years later, a 27-21 loss at Sherman eliminated the Tigers from playoff c ntention for the fi st time in nearly two decades. After being projected to fin sh second in the newly aligned
District 7-5A Division 1 in the preseason by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the team has stumbled to a 2-6 record and is winless in district play with two wins against teams that reside in Texarkana. The new district could be blamed for the majority of the team’s struggles as fie cer competition has startled a group that is used to strolling through the regular season until the middle of November when playoffs c me around. The newly improved strength of schedule has seen many teams with city-level athletes outmaneuver the Tigers and catch the better end of the result. “[Football is] a game of learning what life is about,” head coach Gerry Stanford said. “[It’s about] how to fi ht through hard times even when it’s not what you want.”
The defense has experienced the signifi ant share of struggles as it has allowed 42.4 points per game. Opposing teams with strong rushing attacks have given them problems as they have allowed over 300 yards rushing in four of their last five contests. “We have got to play with effort,” senior defensive back Chris Lyles said. “We just need to keep our heads in it and make sure we execute.” The Tiger offense has produced glimmers of hope but have not been able to overcome the burden put on them by their defense. Common penalties and miscues have seen the team shoot themselves in the foot. Senior quarterback Coltin Clack and senior wide receiver Myles Washington have stood out statistically, but the true number the
Hendrickson
56
Arkansas
35
Texas High
47
Kilgore
42
John Tyler
Texas High
7
Texas High
43
Liberty-Eylau
35
Texas High
14
Texas High
51 13
team lacks comes in the win column. “We got to push forward and fin sh the season out strong,” Washington said. “We have to take it like every other game and give it everything we’ve got.” Despite their recent struggles, the team hopes to get their fi st district victory against two teams in the bottom tier of the division. “Expect to see us come out with a lot of energy,” Lyles said. “Even though we’re not in the playoffs, r have any chance to be in the playoffs, ex ect us to come out and play hard and fi ht.” The Tigers will look to end the season strong as they face off gainst the West Mesquite Wranglers at Mesquite Memorial Stadium on Friday night at 7 p.m. johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com
Texas High
44
Poteet
46
Texas High
21
McKinney North
47
Texas High
28
Sherman
27
SPORTS
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
19
SPORTING CULTURE
CHAMPION CELEBRATION The Lady Tigers erupt from the bench as they secured the District 15-5A championship against Sulphur Springs. This marked the first district title for the senior class as they finally reached the height of their potential.
What must happen to fix American soccer? BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor
OVER THE TOP Senior Treyaunna Rush (14) and sophomore Ashlyn Stiger (11) block a spike from Sulphur Springs as they defeat the Wildcats in three sets. This win clinched the district title for the Lady Tigers on Senior Night. photos by a. runnels
PARTYON THE BLOCK Volleyball team claims district championship
BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor Last year, they were a game short. They were a set short. They were a few points short. Th s year, the crown is all their own. The volleyball team claimed the District 15-5A championship with a win on Senior Night against Sulphur Springs. Th s caps a campaign in which the Lady Tigers suffered only a single district loss and were undefeated on their home court. “I’m really proud of us,” senior Katelyn Jordan said. “We were down a few times, but we came back, stayed positive and kept up the energy to get those crucial points.” The win was a sweet one for the Lady Tigers as they got some revenge against the team who beat them out for the district championship last season. Th s year, they not only grabbed the title but also kicked Sulphur Springs out of playoff c ntention. “If you know where we’ve come from, we’ve gained a lot of maturity,” head coach Melissa Trotter-Hardy said.
“I think they’re excited for one another.” Team chemistry has been at the forefront of the team’s success as they have improved their communication on and off he court. As the season progressed, they saw less unforced errors which allowed for them to thrive late. “It means everything because we haven’t gotten one in our four years here,” senior Treyaunna Rush said. “We’ve been closer than we have been in other years, and we’ve been able play together more this season.” For the seniors on the team, they have seen the team grow tenfold over their four years on campus. They managed to develop their team bond each year to fi ally reach the top of the peak. “I’m happy that all of their hard work paid off,” head coach Melissa Trotter-Hardy said. “They’ve put in a lot of hours, and I’m glad this is fi ally their year.” The team feels as if they can progress in the playoffs and hope to fin sh their season strong. “All of this been crazy,” Jordan said. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we ended on a high.” As of publication, they have beaten the John Tyler Lions and advanced in the playoffs ith their eyes on a deep playoff ush. johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com
Once seeming to be prosperous, American soccer culture has started to descend into an insanity-filled darkness. Four years ago, fresh off f an impressive World Cup showing, fans of the Stars and Stripes were overwhelmed with positivity after making it to the knockout stages. A loss to Belgium didn’t seem to damper American spirits as the team had stood strong against some of the world’s greatest players and teams. In the year after this success, the American women’s team claimed the Women’s World Cup in 2015, Major League Soccer matches saw moderate rises in attendance, and new clubs in the United States drew in record fandom. Nowadays, soccer in America has faded to spontaneous storylines, as we only seem to focus on the glimmers of jaw-dropping goals and tricks in lists of daily top plays. The big names, like Messi and Ronaldo, and the big clubs, like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, can fi d their jerseys paraded down the streets. Meanwhile, Americans struggle to name the players of their local clubs. Unlike other sports such as football, basketball or baseball, we do not have the greatest athletes or professional leagues in this sport in our own backyard. Th s has caused young and promising American players to stray from homegrown clubs and try their shot at making it big in Europe instead. The fact that the United States failed to qualify for the most recent World Cup didn’t help any of this, as American soccer fans lacked a team to root for on the biggest athletic stage known to mankind this past summer. We fumbled an opportunity to showcase a passion for the sport and instead watched from our couches as teams like Tunisia and Panama stumbled in positions that we could have thrived in. There are a few signs that American soccer could possibly be on the upswing soon. Recent expansion projects in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Miami have begun to draw a lot of hype and generate excitement, but is this just another ruse to take advantage of our wishes to seem connected with the rest of the world? Certain American prospects are showing flashes of prosperity, but will they pan out to be just as disappointing as their predecessors? Soccer is the world’s most popular sport by an incredibly wide margin. In order to embrace it, we, as Americans, must accept the fact that we do not have the greatest soccer programs in the world. We must realize that in order to grow in this sport, we must be willing to turn to the world for help rather than turning them away. We must move forward expecting the climb to be difficult but achievable. johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com
20
SPORTS
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018 photo by m. debenport
SERVED WITH
LOVE Tennis team captures district championship BY JOHN MORGAN sports editor All good things must unfortunately come to an end. After an impressive district run, the Tiger tennis team saw their season conclude at the hands of a familiar foe for the athletic department: the Highland Park Scots. Th s ended their hopes of making it to the state tournament for the fall season. Th s loss comes after the tennis team defeated John Tyler, Corsicana and Red Oak in the playoffs nd captured the District 15-5A championship. The team rode an undefeated record in the regular season to a deep playoff un. Despite their newly realigned district, the tennis team was able to breeze through district play. Members of the team credit this success to a difficult non-district schedule. “Everyone played hard no matter the competition and improved their skills during every practice to perform in a match,” senior Tirzah Bailey said. “Knowing that the farther we made it in playoffs, he closer we would get to playing Highland Park pressured us to make the most out of every match in order to give them a fi ht.” The team attributes much of their success this season to an increased focus on practicing real-match scenarios. Th s helped give them a better feel for what each match
MAKING AN IMPRESSION Sophomore Caylie Clack smiles back at sophomore Janie Rounds as they finish a match in a tournament at the tennis courts. The tennis team a whole shared this expression as they finished the regular season with an undefeated record.
would be like. “Th oughout most of our practices, our coach paired each doubles team against another,” Bailey said. “Even though it was repetitive, it gave us a chance to get some quality hitting since some teams in our district don’t push us.” As the season progressed, the practices picked up pace and intensity, but the team responded well as they climbed the ranks before running into the Scots. “[As time went on], you saw everyone on the court fi hting for every single point,” senior Connor Elliot said. “We had to earn everything because we weren’t going to be given [anything].”
The team loses a large number of seniors after the year ends but hopes to make a push as they prepare for their spring season. They hope to bring home their 30th consecutive district championship for the spring season. “Since tennis is very dependent on mental stability as much as physical endurance and skill, I think our team could improve on staying calm in close points and nerve-wracking situations,” Bailey said. “There has already been major improvement with our younger members, but I think all of us could benefit from learning to stay calm and focused when the match are tough.” johnmorgan@tigertimesonline.com
SPORTS
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
21
OFF THE TURF Senior wide receiver Myles Washington reflects on breakout season
Q A
You’ve been on fire as of late. How has your success kept you motivated moving forward? My teammates have been putting me in great positions. [Coltin] Clack puts the ball where it needs to be, and I just have to go through everything and do what I was taught to do.
Q A
Do you have any pre-game rituals that have helped you to focus for games? I don’t have any pregame rituals but I wear a purple durag. I think it gives me some power on the field
# 22.9
BY THE
30 686 catches
yards receiving
STICKY FINGERS Despite the John Tyler defensive back missing the ball, senior wide receiver Myles Washington reels in a long pass as he scampers down the sideline. This was one of his two catches on the night. DANGEROUS DUO Senior wide receiver Myles Washington celebrates as senior quarterback Coltin Clack scores a rushing touchdown in the Battle of the Axe. This tandem has developed into one of the best in the district.
’S
yards per catch
7
touchdowns
Q A Q A
You’ve had some impressive games. What has been your favorite moment this season?
I would say the Arkansas game. That atmosphere was crazy. So many fans and people were in there, it was loud and everyone had spirit. It was just amazing.
Q A
How would you describe your on-field dynamic with quarterback Coltin Clack? We just know each other, and we know when we need to make a play. All the receivers can make plays, and we know when it’s time to lock in.
What should we expect to see from this team moving forward? This is it after these two games, so we’re going to try and give everything we have and try to come up with some wins.
Q
You’re following in the footsteps of some great receivers, such as Tevailance Hunt and Quan Hampton. How does it feel to be compared to them?
A
It’s an honor, I guess. Those are all great names, and if I could follow them, that would be amazing.
GOING UP FOR IT Senior wide receiver Myles Washington leaps to make a catch against the Kilgore Bulldogs on senior night. He finished the game with four catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
22 COMMUNITY
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
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(Above) Raven Ivory, Kaitlyn Rogers, Molly Kyles, Sarah Lingle, Haley Wood, Macie Webb, and Hollan Borowitz
Girl Scouts from Troop 2125 took the trip of a lifetime to Europe for ten days in July 2018. From the sushi eating to the vlogging, and from the dancing to the games of spoons, one thing is for certain;
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CULTURE
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
YAWNING
1
No, you’re not bored. You’re just human. photo illustration by o. smith
facts about
23
If your brain is overheated, yawning can cool it down so you can think more clearly and have better concentration.
2
YAWNING
On average, yawns last six seconds, and men yawn longer than women.
3
The likelihood of you yawning increases when the air outside is cooler.
4
Yawns can be transmitted from humans to dogs.
5
A number of studies have supported the idea that yawning is tied to empathy.
compiled by g. johnson sources from onmolecule.com, mnn.com
Senior Andrew Davis illustrates yawning during class. Scientists have linked yawning to multiple stimuli such as tiredness, empathy, an overheating brain and temperature.
BY CHARLI HUETER staff writer When you looked at the image, did you involuntarily feel the urge to yawn? If not, perhaps the notion just now was enough to spur oscitation, the involuntary act of yawning. Don’t try to stop. Th s will only increase the urge. I have yawned at least twice just writing this article, and usually I am not so susceptible. However, as much as you may feel immune to the enigmatic nature of echophenomena, imitative actions without complete awareness, your brain is what truly governs whether or not you can voluntarily resist psychological cues. So why can’t you just ignore the temptation? Most people assume that yawning is directly correlated to how much you sleep, but neuroscience claims that it can often mean much more than this. According to Steven Platek, a cognitive researcher at Georgia Gwinnett College, yawning may be associated with empathy, our ability to share and emotionally understand one another. Neurons in our brain, suitably deemed mirror neurons, fi e in response to an observed action. Th s system of mirror-like behavior is prevalent in child development and primate studies and threads a curious needle between social bondage and the fabric of psychology. Following this train of thought, our minds appear to be hardwired puppeteers behind some sort of
cruel joke. During an important presentation, the last thing you would want to see is a yawning audience. It would be insulting despite the truth of the matter: it’s just human nature. In fact, for those that don’t yawn, this may be a sign that they lack elements of empathy with their peers. Lucky for you, empathy isn’t the only reason you may or may not get caught in a yawn. If you were thinking that breathing too little would be on the list of instigators, studies have actually shown that increasing oxygen inhalation does not reduce yawning levels. Once again, we need to take a closer look at our brains. Similar to computer processors, they can overheat when overworked or stressed. Room temperature has just as much effect on our inner-ear atmosphere. When this temperature considerably heightens, homeostasis prompts us to stretch our jaw in order to encourage the fl w of blood’s cooling effect on the brain. Next time you feel the urge to initiate a yawn fest, keep in mind the social implications you will unveil. One person’s yawn might be another person’s admission of empathy. The room might be warmer than usual, or your brain may be overheating from that pesky exam you took in chemistry. Either way, this form of imitation behavior offers a bizarre window into the world of neuroscience and psychology surrounding you. Therefore, if your dog really loves you, he may just yawn back. charli.hueter@tigertimesonline.com
24
COMMUNITY
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
CULTURE
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM
Helping
HANDS
25
Youth volunteers needed for charitable organizations in Texarkana BY VICTORIA VAN editor in chief
At any given time in Texarkana, there are various opportunities available for any individual to reach out and aid a local organization. If you want to make a difference in the community, check out these volunteer activities.
JAMISONS’ CENTER OF KINDNESS, INC. At Jamisons’ Center of Kindness, there are multiple ways to volunteer whether it’s through tutoring, donating food or one-on-one mentoring. Tutors are tasked with children ranging from first to fifth grade. One can tutor for art, math, spelling, reading, etc. Contact Jeraldine Sanders at 301-258-8442.
Open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. 1101 Couch St., Texarkana, AR
HARVEST TEXARKANA Harvest Texarkana provides meals to needed individuals and are aiming to eliminate hunger in the Texarkana area. Individuals who want to volunteer can help with the mobile pantry, sort and box up items. Their Backpack Program started, so a volunteer can help with packing food. Call executive director Camille Wrinkle at 870-774-1398.
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m 3120 E 19th St., Texarkana, AR
SOUP KITCHEN OF CHURCH OF TRUTH OF TEXARKANA This soup kitchen aids people by offering food and holding a daily clothing drive for individuals. More regular volunteers are needed in order to pass out supplies to the homeless. For any additional information, contact manager Susan Moore at 870-774-2819.
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2710 South Rondo Rd., Texarkana, AR
graphics by v .van
26 CULTURE
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
Culture Calendar upcoming entertainment news NOVEMBER
9
releasing this day:
Imagine Dragons “Origins” This will be the American rock band’s fourth album.
The Grinch
Dive into Christmas early with the modern remake of the Dr. Seuss classic, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, and Pharell Williams. Musician, Tyler, The Creator, has redone the theme song for the upcoming movie.
16
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
The Harry Potter universe expands with the story of Newt Scamander’s (Eddie Redmayne) attempts to stop Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) and his evil plan. The movie also stars Ezra Miller, Zoe Kravitz and Jude Law.
“The Sunset Tapes” by Jaden Smith
17
The rapper will close his busy year of touring with J. Cole and Young Thug with the release of his sophomore album on the one-year anniversary of his project SYRE.
22
releasing this day:
Ralph Breaks the Internet Disney’s “Wreck it Ralph” returns with a second movie this year. The movie features cameos from Disney Princesses as Ralph and Vanellope travel across the internet.
Thanksgiving Fast Facts
1
Approximately 690 million pounds of turkey is consumed on Thanksgiving, the same weight as the island of Singapore.
3
2
Sarah Josepha Hale, the same woman who wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb, campaigned for 36 years to have Thanksgiving recognized as a National Holiday until Abraham Lincoln did in 1863.
Thomas Jefferson refused to declare Thanksgiving a holiday during his presidency because he believed in the strict interpretation of “church and state” described in the United States Constitution.
23
“Yandhi” by Kanye West West met with President Trump and has shown support for him by wearing his “Make America Great Again” hat. Many artists have criticized West for his political statements, while some have praised him for it.
Q: Will you be listening to “Yandhi”? 42% of students said yes
58% of students said no
“Without a doub,t I will still listen to ‘Yandhi’. Despite his rather outlandish statements, Kanye still has some of the greatest production values in music, even in a social rut like the one he’s in now.” -Nick Mitchell, 11
Q: Do you separate an artist’s political views from their work? 64% of students said yes
36% of students said no
“In our society, especially this time period, there is a huge ‘cancel culture,’ where people will find out that other people did questionable things in the past and be like ‘Oh no, they’re canceled. I won’t listen to their music.’ But at the end of the day if you really like an artist, no one really cares about their personal life.” -Abby Deleon, 12
out of 150 students surveyed
“A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” by The 1975 The British rock band’s highly anticipated third album explores love in the modern age with strong bass lines and funky melodies.
Listen if you like The Neighbourhood The Neighbourhood’s music has more of a punk sound and takes a less political stance with lyrics.
Twenty One Pilots The sound of the duo is similar in the way of loud rhythms but uses less electric guitar then the British band.
Hippo Campus
The band Hippo Campus sits on the calmer, more whispy side of alternative music compared to the1975s bold sound.
30
PHOTO STORY
NOV. 7, 2018 • TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM photo by k. gordon
27
LIGHT THE SEARCH Junior Shelby Steele, playing Alcyone, searches for her husband in the dark shore. The pool, made by the tech theater classes, served as the set for this unconventional play.
PREPARED WITH HUGS Senior Paisley Allen applies makeup as junior Molly Kyles hugs her tightly. Actors spent time before the show not only getting dressed but also encouraging each other. “It was bittersweet knowing this was the last fall play I would perform with my senior friends,” Kyles said. photo by k. gordon
CHANGES BY KAITLYN GORDON print photo editor
photo by a. higgins
“Metamorphoses” by Mary Zimmerman is a story composed of several vignettes taken from different portions of Greek mythology. It is about the changes people have to go through to come out on the other side or submit to their fate. It is not an uplifting story, nor is it one to ignite waves of sadness. Its purpose is to produce honesty and truth about the changes within humanity. The theater department presented “Metamorphoses” on Oct. 18, 20-21 in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center. “The show lends itself to exploring the different metamorphoses of all of the different characters,” junior Connor Powell said. “The play comes full circle with the experiences of each character. Midas turns his daughter to gold in the beginning, but in the end, he learns to value life and loved ones more than money.” One of the most unique features of the fall play was the pool that technical director Trent Hanna’s class built and then used as the main part of their stage. There was both a deep and shallow end to the pool, and the set as a whole, as well as the costumes, were 70s themed. “The pool is something that we are very lucky to have on our stage,” junior Audrey Haskins said. “It provides all of us with something surprising to put on our resumes as actors that not many high school students can.” kaitlyngordon@tigertimesonline.com
HUNGER Senior Sam Sanchez is taken over by Hunger, played by junior Audrey Haskins. The character was greedy and then punished with constant starvation. POOLSIDE PROBLEMS
Phaeton, son of Helios, complains to his therapist about his “daddy issues.” The therapist, played by senior Rachel Johnson, reiterated whatever he said for a fun, comedic effect.
photo by a. higgins
photo by a. higgins
THE CAST OF “METAMORPHOSES”
Front Row: Shelby Steele, Rachel Johnson, Lauren Steele, Stephanie Jumper, Molly Kyles, Audrey Haskins, Max Ruff, Paisley Allen. Middle Row: Salem Karr, Preston Smallwood, Jacob Kaminsky, Zane Johnston, Elizabeth Formby, Cate Rounds, Darby Robertson, Jeremy Creek, Emma Daniel, Davis Sutton, Dalton O’Neal. Back Row: Miracle Shephard, Mason Smallwood, Andrew Davis, Jose Velasquez, Anabeth Icenhower, Connor Powell, Ryan Shupe, Lisa Newton, Audrey Mohon, Grant Rommel, Allan Hickerson, Samuel Sanchez, Lia Graham, Ryan Hampton.
28 COMMUNITY
TIGERTIMESONLINE.COM • NOV. 7, 2018
GET AHEAD WITH
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE YOU’RE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL Through Texarkana College’s Dual Credit program, you can take classes that give you high school credit and college credit at the same time—at a fraction of the price of typical college tuition. You can transfer your college credit to most public colleges and universities, saving yourself time and money on a college degree.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE Thanks to a new dual credit scholarship fund, you may qualify for assistance with dual credit tuition. Ask your high school counselor for more information!
READY TO SIGN UP FOR THE SPRING 2019 SEMESTER? SEE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR NOW TO LEARN HOW!
TEXARKANACOLLEGE.EDU • (903) 823-3012 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