Tiger Times Dec. 2020

tiger times STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL

TIGER TIMES

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL TEXARKANA, TEXAS VOL. 60, ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2020

Page 12-13 a. elliott

2 news

@thsstudentmedia

Dec. 16-19

Status UPDATE Semester Exams

Dec. 19

Christmas Break

Jan. 6

Break Ends

Jan. 15

DC Registration

Jan. 21

Red Lick Tour

Jan. 25

8th Grade Orientation

Feb. 6

ACT Testing

4

Miracle COVID cure in the works Sound On: Goodbye to 2020

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18

Players behind our champion football season

Q&A with student rapper

10

Bringing in Brubaker TISD introduces lone finalist for superintendent position

photo by p.sims

CONNECTED

STAY

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

By Doug Kyles News Editor Every single hand raised, and that was it. Through a unanimous vote on Nov. 10 at a TISD School District Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Doug Brubaker was approved as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent of schools. This was following the resignation of previous Superintendent Paul Norton in July of this year.

Through extensive qualifications and obvious professionalism, Dr. Brubaker made himself a clear choice for TISD’s head position.

“We were very impressed with his record,” President of the Board Fred Norton Jr. said. “And, we were very impressed with what he’s done in his former places of service. We believe it is time for us to have, truly, a transformation at TISD, and he seemed to fit what we need perfectly.”

And qualified he is. To date, Brubaker has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, department director, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent and superintendent in several school districts in Texas (Birdville ISD, Mansfield ISD, Carroll ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Garland ISD) and Arkansas (Fort Smith Public Schools). He has worked in public school districts ranging from 7,000 to 57,000 students for 24 years of his career.

Through his qualifications, it’s evident why TISD was drawn to Dr. Brubaker as their choice. But Dr. Brubaker also saw something in TISD, and decided it was truly the place to be.

“One of the things that really impressed me about this district is the [board’s] commitment to doing great things for students,” Dr. Brubaker said.

Dr. Brubaker recognizes the unique programs and opportunities TISD students have, and praises the school district for their success thus far.

“Another reason I’m excited to come to Texarkana ISD is because of the culture of innovation that you find here,” Dr. Brubaker said. “In the short time I’ve been here I’ve talked to people whose family members are studying engineering in high school because of accelerated math opportunities; others have told me about a family member or neighbor who walked across the stage armed not only with a high school diploma, but an associates degree.”

But beyond previous success and accomplishments TISD is credited with, Brubaker is committed to

driving this progress forward, and continually advocating for our students.

“With all these great things in place, you might get the sense that the district would start to feel satisfied with their progress and is ready to enjoy the fruits of their labor for a while,” Dr. Brubaker said.

“That’s not the case here. ” Commitment to education is something Brubaker and TISD share, and it’s a defining part of what made Brubaker the best fit for the job. Public education is a passion of Brubaker’s and something he holds a strong faith in.

“To me, it’s the transformative power of education,” Dr. Brubaker said. “Personally, I’m a first generation college graduate. And there were people, and teachers and programs along the way, that if they hadn’t been in place, maybe I wouldn’t be here now. And so, I’m so excited about working with this board, community and staff to make sure that those opportunities are not only available for students here, but also expanded to the degree that they can be.” doug.kyles@tigertimesonline.com

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

THE

DEATH OF

news

3

Remote Learning

Lower levels of achievement, social isolation stem from remote learning program

By Doug Kyles, News Editor “Remote learning absolutely made my classes more difficult, mainly because it made communication with teachers less accessible. My grades benefited greatly when I returned in person.”

Maddie Frost, 11

“Being remote was emotionally stressful; to not have your friends there with you was hard. I was lonely and getting depressed. I felt like all my friends forgot about me.”

Aubrey Egger, 11

47% of students started the school year remote Of those students 46% have returned 120 students chose to recover failed remote classes TISD has seen historic failure rates in 2020 Nobody Knows when remote learning could end

Story on page 4

4 news

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

Cause of Death Where remote learning lacks

Cabin fever. It’s become a real problem for remote learners. To spend hours upon hours, everyday, upon assignments that never seem to end, and pile up by the hour.

It started out as a last resort; don’t forget that. The remote learning program never would’ve existed if it wasn’t a necessary pandemic measure.

Students aren’t to be expected to handle coursework without help or social isolation on the daily, nor should they.

And from what we’ve seen so far, remote learning isn’t just unnatural for students, but unhealthy for performance.

“I do know we had a high failure rate for the first and second six weeks,” Principal Carla Dupree said. “We were able to get a lot of students back on campus who were failing when remote, and we’ve seen vast improvements in their grades. Remote learning can work, but it hasn’t been successful for the majority of our remote learners.”

When students fail, the blame shifts, of course, to the teachers. But they aren’t a deserving scapegoat; teachers haven’t been equipped for teaching online. And while they’ve made great strides with the new way of educating, pre COVID-19 standards aren’t being met.

“I would say we have grown

immensely in our skill set since closure last spring,” Dupree said. “Teachers are far more familiar with posting their lessons online. Are we at the point of where there’s no work to do? No, certainly not there yet, but I have seen a lot of dedication from our teachers in making this work. They definitely have worked hard and improved their skill sets.”

Remote has gotten better, thanks in large part to ever so dedicated teachers, but it’s not perfect. The school’s hesitation to recommend remote learning reflects this. While there are many motives to why students might prefer going online, the school recognizes only one as good reason to do so.

“My opinion is, students should not be remote unless a student has medical circumstances that puts them at high risk,” Dupree said. “I totally understand going remote if there are health reasons for an individual or their immediate family members that they are in contact with.”

Any student knows however, the decision to go remote is often made for other reasons.

“For everyone else, you have to remember the whole reason our public school system was slammed into this

Where we stand on vaccine for COVID-19, its distribution

By Logan Diggs Managing Editor

situation is because of COVID,” Dupree said.

“

It’s not so students can work more hours during the day. It’s not so they can sleep later. It’s not so that they can game or babysit. It’s simply because of COVID.” -Principal Carla Dupree “That’s the only reason we’re in the situation we’re in right now. Therefore, in my mind, the only reason a student should stay home would be due to COVID.” According to Dupree, students might not realize how detrimental remote is.

While some students might see remote learning as an opportunity to take advantage of, they fail to consider exactly what they’re missing out on.

“School is so much more than just being in the classroom,” Dupree said.

“It’s the relationships you form. It’s the extracurriculars you get involved in.

I would say some remote students are getting the high school experience, and many aren’t.”

The “high school experience” can’t be

put into a succinct definition. If it can be defined as having a high school career balanced in all facets, it’s no question remote kids can easily miss out. “[Remote students] are getting a snippet of the high school experience,” Dupree said. “If they have structured hours for their study, are involved in extracurriculars, do their office hours with teachers, and still have friends that you stay in contact with, I would say yes, they’re getting a snippet of it.”

There’s many challenges to balance during remote learning, and this is problematic. Students ought not to have to finish their four years of high school and consider what they missed. It’s important that some remote students make the tough decision to return, even if the change is stressful at first.

“If you’re not logging in and actively engaging in your classrooms, if you’re not involved in an extracurricular, then you really aren’t getting to experience it all.” Dupree said. “This might sound silly but I think little things like spirit days, something so simple as wearing crazy socks, mean a lot. It’s all part of the culture of the school, and if you’re not here on campus, you’re missing out on it.” doug.kyles@tigertimesonline.com

Miracle CURE

From the first positive test result for COVID-19 in the U.S. on Jan. 20, life as many know it has been flipped upside down. With such a deadly pandemic raging across the globe, many aspects of life have either been altered due to coronavirus protocols or canceled all together. In an attempt for a return to normalcy, many organizations have been competing to come up with an effective vaccine.

Before discussing which organization has the most promising results, one must understand the challenges of distributing a vaccine on such a large scale. For a vaccine to be proven legitimately safe for human use, it must be approved by the FDA. Meaning, once it has been approved it has already been through an intensive examination and experimentation to determine its safety.

Although companies like Pfizer and Moderna are striving daily to find a vaccine to halt, or at least slow the spread of COVID-19, they’re not the only organizations looking for this “cure”. Governments, international institutions, private sector businesses, research institutions, and nonprofits are spending an unfathomable amount of money to find a solution.

Once created, the U.S. and world will have cracked the code to the pandemic. But how the cure will be distributed, who will get it first and how accessible it will be to the public, are all complex questions we are reaching an answer for.

On Dec. 1, the CDC announced that residents and workers of nursing homes should be the first to receive the vaccine along with healthcare workers who are at high risk of being exposed to the virus.

However, the definite decision will be left up to the states.

Although Moderna claims they have a vaccine that’s 94.1% effective and Pfizer expects to mainstream their vaccine as soon as the middle of December, a vast majority have already voiced their opinions of why they will not be taking any vaccine.

This idea of rejecting a possible vaccine only irritates health workers on the front lines battling this virus.

“I would not accept the vaccine simply because according to the data I’m currently not at high risk of being affected by the virus,” senior Caden Rainwater said. “I would understand people of higher risk like the elderly and people with underlying health issues taking it.

However, I believe people my age, being teenagers, have no need to take it.” logan.diggs@tigertimesonline.com

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

First Baptist Church Moores Lane 3015 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503

903-278-3167

community

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6 editorial

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

TIGER TIMES

Looking on the

BRIGHT SIDE

Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX (903) 794-3891 Fax (903) 792-8971

of

The Tiger Times is a studentrun publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of directors.

The year may have brought unprecedented disasters, but a few silver linings were found

STAFF editors in chief Cate Rounds Peyton Sims managing editors Logan Diggs Sophie Spakes news editor Doug Kyles feature editor Stephanie Jumper opinion editor Aislyn Echols sports editor Caden Rainwater culture editor Mikayla Zverina copy editor Phoebe Neff business manager Emma Hickerson photo & social media editors Abby Elliott assignments editor Caden Rainwater video editor Assad Malik staff writers Emma Allen, Taylor Bayonne, Bailey Hawkins, Graci Henard, Makenzie Hofert, Olivia Huckabee, Reese Langdon, Macy Maynard, Braden McKinnon, Margaret Mutoke, Kate Pappas, Maria Rangel, Zoe Rushing photographers Bethany Arnold, Carrigan Brush, Abby Bunch, Michelle Gonzales, Brooke Knight, EmmaGrace Kuhl, Jonathan Naples, Angela Olalde, Sydney Rowe, Madison Freeman, Teresa Sanchez videographers Logan Diggs, Nazaret Vasquez graphics Allyson Smith advisers Rebecca Potter, Clint Smith principal Carla Dupree members ILPC, CSPA, NSPA

2020

We open up our phones and click on the news app, awaiting the next disaster this month has in store for the world.

After all, 2020 hasn’t given us much good news. Dread and fear takes over as negative thoughts form in our minds.

What more could happen?

However, maybe it’s time to close the news and look around at how we can see the positives that came out of 2020.

Family Bonding Life can get hectic especially as we get older, and we stretch our time between school, jobs and extracurricular activities.

Which then makes finding time to stop and spend time with our family a difficult challenge. Quarantine, however, forced us to stay in our homes and seek our family for the company we lost. In a survey of 600 adults, 60% said that quarantine strengthened their family relationships.

This gave us a chance to bond with our siblings, parents, and other members of our homes in a way we never could before. Families had also searched for activities to help them bond even further with hobbies such as baking, crafting, and gardening.

Families even began advancing their skills with other challenges and activities such as baking goods, especially bread, painting, exercise, animal crossing, and building items with only the materials located in the house.

a. smith

Businesses During the pandemic, we also noticed a change in our spending habits and the business in our communities. Although many businesses were forced to close during quarantine, others flourished.

Businesses specializing in mask wear, lounge clothes and delivery services have

grown their sales significantly.

Locally, we saw businesses like “The Cookie Lady” conquer the market, evident by the long line of cars down State Line avenue. Mayo manufacturing made headlines as they shifted from making furniture to providing masks and hospital gowns for hospitals and nearby businesses in hope of helping to limit coronavirus cases. On a larger scale, national businesses are also doing remarkably well, shown by the weeks of empty shelves that once held toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Social Movements 2020 has been filled with people protesting and advocating for different social movements such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights and other humanitarian topics. The summer of 2020 was even given the nickname “the summer of activism.” Although these movements may seem to only be happening in big cities, places like Texarkana have begun their own protesting for some of the movements.

During the summer in Texarkana, a peaceful protest dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement marched on State Line Avenue and New Boston road with over 100 participants supporting the movement. Soon after, a protest occurred in downtown Texarkana insisting the removal of a confederate statue located on 500 State Line Avenue and a petition was put in place to show support of the cause.

2020 has been a year bombarded with challenges and it may seem hard to find a light in the tunnel. However, if we take a moment to look around and find something good that has happened, it may just appear.

opinion

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

SOUND ON

I’m looking forward to getting into the college I want to go to, hopefully [in 2021] and finding a potential roommate that I’m going to spend the next four years of my life with. I am very, very excited to say goodbye to all of the political division that stirred up during this election, and I think that we can all just let it go in 2021.”

I didn’t like that we had to stay in quarantine and we had to be in our house, 24/7. I was just going crazy, and I couldn’t talk to anyone or hang out. I hope this coronavirus will be over and we don’t have to wear a mask, and we can all hug and be friends. Hopefully we can have a prom because I really, really want a prom.”

EDITH CARTER JHONATAN SIMON

TRINITY MAURIN

“COVID stopped some of the things that I wanted to do, like going to school. That stopped the process in my work because I struggled with social media.

It was stressful because of the online learning. I'm hoping for more happiness because it seems like everyone's been depressed. It's a year of trouble, and I want next year to be better.”

I’m looking forward to going to my concerts that were pushed off [because of] coronavirus. [In 2021] I’m supposed to go see Harry Styles, Five Seconds of Summer, and Louis Tomlinson.

I’m looking forward to saying goodbye to sophomore year because I want to drive myself to school.”

I’m most excited for soccer season and to play more games in 2021. I look forward to making new memories with my teammates. In 2021, I want to say goodbye to, hopefully, COVID and all of the bad things that happened.”

JALENA MCDERMOTT

EVELYN PATTERSON

[I’m looking forward to] being able to do things without having to take COVID-19 restrictions. We don’t have pep rallies, and a lot of people weren’t allowed to come back to school. A lot of people’s friends are online and can’t see each other, so [in 2021], I’d like to see them again and have COVID-19 be over.”

In 2021, I’m looking forward to everything going back to normal, just everyday life. I[‘m going] to say goodbye to the coronavirus, wearing masks, and all the [CDC] protocols.

I understand the need to wear masks, but I don’t like it personally because, for me, it’s not easy to breathe and I just don’t like the way they feel.”

PAIGE CHAMBERs

JOSE MARTINEZ

I’m most looking forward to playing baseball for Texas High in 2021 because we have a great athletics [department], and it’d be amazing to play with my friends and win some championships. [I’m most excited to say goodbye to] some of my classes because they are really hard, and it’s hard to get help from some of the teachers.”

BLAISE LARRY -COX

PRESTON PILGREEN

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

What are you most excited to say goodbye to in 2020?

My sister is moving back to Texas, and [I’m] ready for college and to start new things [in 2021]. I don’t know if I’m really looking forward to it because if 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that things can change very fast, so I’ve kind of been living day-to-day.”

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tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

Loving the

Why collecting comforts the collector

By Stephanie Jumper Feature editor My arms felt a mildly uncomfortable cold as it grazed the semi sanitary classroom desk. Something about the room that day felt different. Maybe my sixth grade science teacher cranked down the thermostat. Maybe the changing September weather was becoming more noticeable with each day of school.

“Oh,” I shrugged and chuckled to myself, “I forgot my leather jacket.”

That day I realized that my limbs are constantly cuddling cowskin to the point where I feel strange when I’m not wearing one. Life is like an alternate reality when I forget my leather jacket.

Something isn’t quite right when my arms are bare. Jackets are like age appropriate security blankets: they provide warmth, create a safe atmosphere and make the wearer look effortlessly cool while achieving the first two purposes.

I realized leather jackets’ multitude of purposes in fourth grade when I pranced around the playground in my newest gift from my father. Running my fun sized fingers down my cowskin covered arms, I appreciated my new wardrobe addition. A plain black jacket with a couple zippers and a button at the top. Nothing fancy. I’m not even sure if it contained real leather.

Looking back, it probably didn’t, but at the time, it felt like the finest fabric there was. It had the elegance of a diamond dripping, starbright shining floor length down. It had the edginess of a biker gang riding off into the night with nothing but a couple jackets and courage. With this accessory, I could look at myself in the mirror in and be satisfied with the reflection that posed back at me.

This jacket made me feel like myself.

As for what I was, I couldn’t put it into words. I still can’t. Some

things can’t be explained with language. Some things can only be elaborated upon with pictures, feelings and general atmospheres. The way 10-year-old me felt in a leather jacket was a kind of confidence words cannot comprehend.

Seventeen-year-old me is still rare to leave the house without a cowskin cloak. They have become a part of me. They don’t exactly strike the same joy into my heart as they did seven years ago, but not wearing one still feels strange. When I take one off for a moment, I suddenly gain goosebumps that quickly rise in numbers from the windy December air. Jackets are a part of me. Removing them feels strictly reserved for sleeping and showering. Otherwise, acting like they have grown attached to my skin is the most normal option for me.

Seventeen-year-old me also wonders if stuffing 26 leather jackets in my bedroom closet is the best way to live life. From an objective point of view, it isn’t. I could buy a shiny new ring or save for college with the money I’ve spent on this strange collection.

Yet, I do not spend green on items that seem more valuable to your average onlooker.

I spend it on a piece of clothing that provides me with comfort and security. No matter the object someone wants to collect, a feeling of confidence in one’s skin and belonging to the world is priceless. stephanie.jumper@tigertimesonline.com p. sims

How to go about ‘COVID-season’

By Logan Diggs Managing editor

c. rainwater

As the year of 2020 winds down, national COVID-19 cases surge across the country putting senior athletes, along with many others, in difficult situations.

Some student athletes still dedicate their life to sports due to their passion for the sport itself and the financial benefits they could provide heading into college.

In retrospect, during a year unlike any other, how have athletes been affected

by COVID-19, and has it affected their college search in any way?

Luckily, a select amount of athletes were fortunate enough to commit to schools to further their athletic careers.

Soon they will become grateful they had the opportunity to at the time being. Positive COVID-19 cases rise as there is yet to be a national mandate upon wearing a mask, with some states hitting all-time highs, how is an athlete supposed to visit out-of-state colleges safely? Although this comes across as only a problem for those who care about not getting others sick, it should be a consideration for all.

Being a student athlete myself, I have encountered first-hand the crippling challenges COVID-19 has had upon continuing sports in college. Although a larger majority of people go to college in state, because of in-state tuition those who plan on going out of state may not even be able to visit the schools in which they hope to go. Most major universities are online along with most private schools. Considering as of right now it’s common for a school’s campus to be closed due to COVID-19 some athletes will be faced with the challenge of deciding if a school is meant for them through an electronic devices screen.

Furthermore, consider athletes who live with family members that data shows are at high risk of becoming gravely ill and possibly dying if infected with COVID -19. Thousands of high school athletes have decided to not participate in their sports 2020-2021 season because of the risk athletes take daily to compete. Put in a completely uncontrollable situation that is beyond unfair students athletes that are in person must take school and athletics one day at a time.

Since there’s no immediate solution to the predicament athletes this year have been put in I promote them to cherish every practice and competition they partake in as if it will be their last: because it could be.

The admission process for colleges as a whole varies; however, for the most part, schools have been far more lenient with admission and scholarship distribution this year. Possibly being the only good effect COVID-19 has had on seniors, student athletes should avoid stressing over what can’t be controlled. Those who hope to continue playing sports in college should make what they think the best decision is then afterwards be confident within themselves for the choice they made.

Not all roads were meant to be travelled smoothly; however, no one will get where they hope to be in life without adversity. With COVID-19 affecting all high school sports to the degree in which it is, what seniors should take from this year is if you truly want something, you have to get it yourself, against all odds. logan.diggs@tigertimesonline.com

community

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

AUDIO - VIDEO - LIGHTING - CONSULTING

AND

ROOFTOP

SHIRTS

SCREEN PRINTING - HTV - VINYL SIGNS

PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

TIGER BAND

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10 feature

A &

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

with

SUSHI’S GREATEST HITS The Favorite: “Texarkana”

“Around here, everyone’s like “[Texarkana is] bad ‘cause [of] gang violence.” Really, they haven’t seen the inner beauty of Texarkana. It’s almost like a little Atlanta.

Everyone here’s flourishing as artists.

Everyone comes together [despite] all that’s happened, all the shootings and injustice between minorities and how the police system is corrupt.”

The Fun: “Run It Up Quick”

“[This song is] old. That’s just me being happy. I’m just trying to promote positive energy because usually in the [music] industry, it’s all about downing other artists and trying to get the one up on someone.”

The Meaningful: “Demons”

“I sing about how I [grew] up here in Texarkana and about my inner demons.

It’s not spiritual; I’m talking about my problems [and] my past. I know what I’ve done wrong and [what] I’ve done, because everyone [has] their own demons.

I made friends with my demons, so I [am not] scared [anymore]. I’ve overcome my problems, my past and my fears.”

photo by p. sims

Yung Sushi Senior Xander Cabanayan recounts life as rising rapper Macy Maynard and Stephanie Jumper staff writer and feature editor

Q: What are the best and worst parts of being a musician?

A: [The best part is] really the time spent and the people. It’s a whole different connection. We all help each other, for example saying, “I didn’t sound good,” or, “You could do better.” We will push each other to become something different.

[The hardest part is] peoples’ opinions.

Everyone has something to say. Some people don’t like your stuff, and some people hate it.

Q: What was it like when you started rapping?

A: [I started] in middle school as a joke. I didn’t have a lot of money at the time. I didn’t really have [connections].

I didn’t know how to do anything with a microphone. I didn’t have a lot of people supporting me. My mom didn’t like me doing it. She would tell me, “It’s not going to get you [anywhere].” Now that I’ve got some actually good songs, she likes my music now.

Q: Why did you choose “Yung Sushi” as your stage name?

A: It’s actually a funny story. I used to go to Fouke. It’s predominantly white people there. Everyone would tease me because I was the only Asian. They would be like, “Yo, Sushi!” I didn’t mind because I love sushi, so that’s a compliment. I ended up picking up that name. Then, I added my own little twang to it.

Q: What are your plans for music in the future?

A: I want to make my own label and have my own empire: a system where I can help out local artists. Whenever I was coming up, all I needed was a little bit of help and someone to push me to become better. I wanna do that for all these youngsters coming up now. I want everyone to chase their dreams. stephanie.jumper@tigertimesonline.com macy.maynard@tigertimesonline.com

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

BrainDrain

By Macy Maynard Staff writer

They’re scared about not being accepted, pressured to fit in and stressed about not fitting the mold of a perfect model citizen. “[One’s teenage years] is a very difficult developmental stage. Understand and know that it’s just not going to be perfect all the time,” said Karen Cannon, a licensed professional counselor.

One in five adolescents has a mental health disorder, and even more show signs of depression, according to the Texas State Education on Mental Health.

“I had major problems like depression, which is really odd because it’s not common for little kids to have mental health problems,” Jane Smith* said.

Smith was diagnosed with depression about five years ago.

To be declared with a mental illness, the patient has to fall into a disorder listed in the DSM-5.

“Mental health disorders are things that are diagnosable,” Cannon said. “The DSM5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published

by the American Psychiatric Association, and in order to have a diagnosis, you’ve got to fit that criteria. One in six teens fit the criteria.”

There are many ways toget a diagnosis, but assumptions don’t help and can cause more anxiety.

“The most common symptoms I see in adolescents is anxiety,” counselor Dana McAdoo said. “Teenagers often do not manage their time well.

Therefore, they struggle with stress and overall health.”

McAdoo always recommends to check up on others and be mindful of what they may or may not be going through.

“The first step in achieving optimal mental health is to be self-aware. This is being ‘emotionally intelligent,’” McAdoo said. “It [mostly] often involves expressing how you feel.”

These problems affect teens everywhere, and finding a support system is key to succeeding.

“Finding a supportive system and using some coping skills helps,” Cannon said. “We lack the coping skills we need to get through the really hard stuff.”

According to the World

feature

Mental health should be top priority for teenagers

Health Organization, 75% of American teens have at least one type of social media account by age 17. That affects not just their social lives but their mental health.

“The constant use of social media has a tremendous negative impact on adolescents,” McAdoo said.

“I can’t say enough about this. Some teens cannot live without their technology to the point where it is completely unhealthy for them emotionally.”

Mental health in school is even more important with the stress and social pressures on top of general anxiety, McAdoo said.

“Students are learning to manage their time [and] to communicate with their teachers and peers in a healthy way,” McAdoo said. “If they don’t know how to recognize and manage their feelings, they often struggle.”

Smith is familiar with overwhelming stress stemming from school work.

“With remote learning, it was so hard to turn in assignments.

My grades were slipping, and staying at home all day really wasn’t making it easier,”

Smith said. “My mental health problem wasn’t helping at all. I couldn’t do work.”

Cannon suggests being a teenager is hard, but everyone is in this together.

“There are other things like adjustment problems and developmental problems that

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graphic by s. jumper

they really do create problems for teenagers,” McAdoo said. “They’re developmental problems that teenagers face, and being a teenager is hard.” *subject has chosen to remain anonymous macy.maynard@tigertimesonline. com

12 tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

The Black Lives Matter movement expanded worldwide as people continued to fight against police brutality against Black people. The protests escalated as the predominantly peaceful rallies turned into the violent looting and burning of stores in certain cities. The fight to get rid of statues honoring the Confederacy and slave owners increased during this time as well. Some went as far as to demolish the statues themselves, as a group of protesters did in Bristol, England, by throwing a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in the River Avon.

nuar y Ja The new year got

off to a rocky start with the assassination of Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, on Jan. 3. With the drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump, the new tensions between the two countries had people fearing the possibility of a third world war. As if things couldn’t get any worse, this was also the same month that beloved professional basketball player, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter, Gianna, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. As the month came to a close, the first case of the coronavirus had entered the United States.

b r ua r y FeAfter nine months

of intense wildfires in Australia, heavy rainfall in New South Wales helped put an end to the most destructive bushfire season Australia had ever seen. The fires burnt close to 46 million acres of land, destroying 5,900 buildings and killing 479 people, 34 directly from the fires and 445 from smoke inhalation. Close to 3 billion animals were either killed or harmed in some way due to the destruction. In the world of film, the 92nd Academy Awards made history by awarding “Parasite” the Oscar for Best Picture. This was the first time a foreign film had ever won this award.

June

2020: Ju l y The demand for justice continued throughout summer; the government and popular culture reflected this. The Washington Redskins announced it will be changing its team name, and the Pentagon banned the Confederate flag from government properties. Unfortunately, even as huge strides were being made, the world lost two important Civil Rights figures: Reverend CT Vivian, 95, and John Lewis, 80. The world even lost Chadwick Boseman, otherwise known as the “Black Panther,” after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

M ar c h

COVID-19 numbers jumped significantly from 24 cases in February to almost 200,000 cases. On March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Many schools decided to move to online learning as the country went into quarantine. It was here when platforms like Zoom and Google Meets became our best friend and our worst enemy. Due to travel restrictions and many people being out of work, the economy suffered greatly. March 12, now known as “Black Thursday,” was the stock market’s single worst day since 1987.

A p ri l

As April Fool’s Day approached, one could only hope that all of these incidents were all some big prank, but alas, there were no jokes in sight. Face masks and social distancing practices were required in many cities, and stay at home orders flooded the nation. Not too many people were happy with these new restrictions and even took to the streets to protest the government mandates.

But as cases reached over a million in the United States, it was obvious that these regulations would not be going away anytime soon.

M ay

The nation became restless as social justice issues engulfed America. After being pinned down at the neck for nine minutes by police officer Derek Chauvin, George Floyd became a face of the Black Lives Matter movement and his phrase, “I can’t breathe,” became a symbol for change. Protests flooded the streets rallying against police brutality, and the group continued to fight for justice throughout the summer. And things only got crazier from there. On May 4, Asian giant hornets, better known as “murder hornets,” were spotted for the first time in the United States.

in-depth

A year in review 7… 6…

By Cate Rounds Editor in chief

Dec. 31, 2019, at 11:59 pm.

It was 10 seconds until midnight. The party was in full swing.

Sparklers were lit, drinks were poured and friends filled every corner of the room.

10… 9… 8…

The night suddenly shifted to anticipation. As the clock ticked down, excitement enveloped each individual as the new year inched closer and closer.

te m SeInpSeptember, ber

August

As the 2020 presidential election approached, it was now time to nominate candidates. Joe Biden secured the Democratic nomination and made Kamala Harris his running mate. The Republican Party also officially began the process to renominate Donald Trump for a second term. Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana off the Texas border as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm destroyed countless buildings, including 10,000 homes, and many students had to find new arrangements for school.

13

Everyone had high hopes for their “2020 vision,” and it was evident in their resolutions. Travel more. Be more social. Cry less.

Expectations were high, and the ball had nearly dropped.

5… 4…

They sat with bated breath. The year 2019 was almost over. Things already looked brighter.

3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Fireworks ignited the night. Cheers rang through the city. Loved ones embraced, and some even stole a midnight kiss. Little did we know this would be one of the last normal days we would have.

things literally erupted in smoke. The wildfires that began in Northern California had crept up into Oregon, then all the way up to Washington state, leaving a horrifying orange tint in the sky. As the fires raged on, one fire was put out on the other side of the United States. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice and advocate for gender equality, died at the age of 87 due to complications with pancreatic cancer. The first presidential debate left us all confused going into the election after the candidates spent most of the time bickering, interrupting and namecalling.

vember o N The 2020 election

was finally here. This election now holds the record for highest percentage of voter turnout, 66.8%, with a record number of early votes. The race was neck and neck as votes continued to be counted. Just when it seemed like Trump had won his second term, Georgia and Pennsylvania turned blue last minute securing the win for Joe Biden with 273 electoral votes. This vote not only made history with voter turnout, but it also made history by employing the first Black and the first female vice president, Only a few days Kamala Harris. after the trainwreck that was the first presidential debate, Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19. This event caused a lot of controversy due to the fact that the president was checked into his own isolation room at the hospital and was given drugs reserved for severe cases of COVID-19. The world was shocked with another celebrity death when Eddie Van Halen, co-founder and guitarist of the band Van Halen, died on Oct. 6. As the month came to a close, Amy Coney-Barrett was appointed to the Supreme Court only a month after Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.

October

a. smith

14 feature

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

Powering through

PUFFS

By Cate Rounds and Peyton Sims

Editors in Chief

Spells have been cast. Battles have been fought.

Friendships have been formed. And as a result, the curtain must fall. On Nov. 7-9, the Tiger Theatre Company put on the play “Puffs,” which follows the life of Wayne Hopkins and his friends as they try to survive seven years at a certain magical school. This “Harry Potter” inspired comedy was one of the first mainstage productions that was directed by a student.

“It was a challenge in itself trying to figure out how to interact with the actors and to lead them and get them to understand how to achieve this vision that I had for the show,” student director Cate Rounds said.

This was not only the first show of the year, but it was the first show Tiger Theatre Company performed during the pandemic. In order to follow coronavirus protocols, rows were sectioned off, and the actors, as well as the audience’s masks, remained on.

“Considering we had to put on the show while wearing masks, we had to fix some things within blocking to be sure everyone was a relatively good distance apart,” Rounds said. “We really had to work on diction and projection because even with mics, that really blocked the sound. It was a struggle, but we did it.”

As the last showing of “Puffs” approached, there

TIGER THEATRE COMPANY REFLECTS ON PAST SHOW, PREPARES FOR NEW MUSICAL

obviously had to be an unexpected occurrence to send the cast and crew into panic: a character being quarantined. While luckily the actor was sent home due to exposure rather than symptoms, this still meant that another actor would have to jump into his place and learn his lines within 12 hours before the next show.

“I was very nervous [to fill in for a character].

This was the first ever major role I had done in a play like this,” freshman understudy Tyler Unger said. “His character had a lot of energy, which was another issue I had to overcome. [The now quarantined actor] did all those roles very well, and I knew I would have big shoes to fill. I really wanted to do amazing for my fellow castmates.

The hardest part was all of the entrances and quick changes.”

required all actors to be there at all times. I was inspired by their dedication to creating this magical world,” theater instructor Melissa Newton said.

Their momentary break from memorizing lines and attending hours worth of rehearsals won’t last for long. Rehearsals for the next Tiger Theatre Production have already began.

“We are doing ‘Bright Star’ the musical. It came out the same year ‘Hamilton’ won everything, but it has always been one of my favorites. It is a fun, bluegrass musical that takes place in North Carolina in the 1920s and 1940s,” Newton said.

The company still has to follow COVID-19 restrictions with more adjustments now that singing is involved. The theater is preparing in different ways to ensure the safety of all students and audience members.

“The actors have to wear masks and shields while singing, and there is a concert version just in case we have to go remote,” Newton said.

Anyone interested in attending ‘Bright Star’ on Jan. 29-31 can contact Newton at Melissa.

Newton@txkisd.net for more information.

YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD “I really wanted to show, not only YOURE A WIZARD YOURE WIZARD everyone else, A but myself that I can YOURE A WIZARD do this, and I am capable of great things.”

YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD peyton.sims@tigertimesonline.com cate.rounds@tigertimesonline.com YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD YOURE A WIZARD -Tyler Unger, 9

The show had a quick-paced script with many costume and character changes. The actors had to adjust to this new fast pacing along with mastering British accents.

“I am so proud of all of the cast’s time and effort they put into ‘Puffs.’ It was an ensemble play that

photo by c. rainwater

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

community

15

We wish you a season of peace and hope!

Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

— Luke 1:78-79

MERRY

CHRISTMAS 20-2183

16 sports

JACOB SKINNER

Coach’s Corner

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

Tiger Alumni and Head Basketball Coach shares thoughts, opinion on basketball season

By Braden Mckinnon and Caden Rainwater staff writer & sports editor

What is your story?

I graduated from Texas High School in 2003 and went up to the University of Arkansas for four years. At the time, I thought that I was going to get a chance to extend my playing career at the professional level, but didn’t quite work out. I came back in the summer of 2007 and got a local job and ended up getting on with a church as a youth intern. I did that for a year and went back out to California. I was taking classes for my master’s degree while I was out there, then I came back after living in California for six months to Texarkana.

That was when Mr. Paul Norton was our superintendent. I reached out to him about a job opening and ended up getting on here in the fall of 2008.

I spent three years as an assistant coach, a coach in ninth grade basketball, and I was also on the football coaching staff for three years. I was promoted at age 26 to take over as the head coach for the basketball team. I was still the assistant football coach. We had some success while I was a head coach.

Fast forward four years, I’ve been the head coach. Then, I met and married my wife. In 2015, we moved to Northwest Arkansas, to the Fayetteville-Springdale area. We stayed there for four years while coach Keith Jones, our assistant coach or JV coach, moved up to take the varsity with during those four years.

While I was coaching in Arkansas, I got a call from Coach Jones about coming back for the head coach role, and then I got the job last summer. I just finished up year one, getting ready to start year two.

play the waiting game to get our football kids. I tell coach Stanford this, our school needs a good football season, and the coaches and I are the biggest football supporters. We want to cheer them on for as long as they play football.

How do you feel about the football season extending and shortening the basketball season?

We preach in our program to control the controllable and the extension of the football season is out of our control. UIL chose to move 5A and 6A school football seasons back. That moved back our entire football season a month, and I expect them to play several rounds into the playoffs, if not for the whole thing.

I don’t expect us to get our football guys until maybe Christmas break or longer, and with that being said, we are only sophomores and juniors right now in our gym. All six of the guys returning from varsity this year are in football, so I don’t have a single varsity returning player on our team right now. We’re a little bit behind, and we’re gonna have to

Is there anyone in particular that you are expecting a big year out of ?

We’ve got several guys that are primed for a good year during year two of our system. We do have a style of play that the kids have adopted that we’ve implemented, so year two should look better than year one.

In our gym right now, Jaden Godwin; he’s not very tall, but he can really, really shoot it. He can make some plays. He’s got a chance to have a good year.

Damon Augustus is a sophomore for us. He played on last year’s ninth grade team. He’s got a chance to come in and be a really key contributor for us.

Then, there are the guys that are playing football. Ben Depriest, Braylon Stewart, Zane Dodson, Caleb Arnold,

Gavon Smith and Michael Thomas are my guys I’m waiting to return. So we’ve got some pieces coming in. We’re excited about what we have. It’s just a matter of when we are going to have it.

What do you want to work on that you struggled with last year?

Our defense kind of took a backseat to our offense. When a head coach comes into a new program, it’s hard to completely change everything. Our style of offense, we believe it to be simple. But it’s not easy. There’s few rules and our offense, so we really tried to spend a lot of time practicing offensively our scheme.

Defensively, we suffered quite a bit. We allowed teams to get easy shots. This year, we’re putting a focus on our defense, and our defense is getting better. We would like to improve defensively without the sacrifice of our offense. braden.mckinnon@tigertimesonline.com caden.rainwater@tigertimesonline.com

sports

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

FINISHING IN STYLE

17

Seniors win tournament, make history in memory of late coach

By Graci Henard staff writer

Henard birdied her last three out of four holes to shoot 72 that forced a playoff for the individual win.

Seniors Graci Henard and Carter After five sudden- Maneth both placed first at death holes, the Jay Brewer Memorial Tiger Henard made a six Classic. footer for birdie to win the tournament, becoming the first Texas High girl to win the Classic.

“It was a dream come true. I tried not thinking about winning while in the moment, but as soon as I made that sixfooter, I was overcome with emotions,” Henard said. “This win meant everything to me and I know Jay would be proud.”

By placing first, Maneth and Henard are the first Texas High golfers to win in the same year, making their senior year and last Classic even more monumental.

“That this all happened in one year is awesome because of the level of competition that comes,” Huntze said. “It says a lot for the team and the individuals that won.” graci.henard@tigertimesonline.com

photo by p.sims

As Jay Brewer sat in the back of their minds, senior golfers Carter Maneth and Graci Henard were determined to win the Tiger Classic dedicated to their late golf coach. Texas High has hosted the Tiger Classic for seven years, this is the second year since the name changed to “Jay Brewer Memorial Tiger Classic.”

“I tried to stick to my process and not worry about what anybody else was doing,” Maneth said. “I focused on myself and made sure I didn’t make any mistakes.”

The Tiger Classic is a 54-hole tournament and after the first 36, Maneth had an eight shot lead. Despite the theory that sleeping on a lead has a negative impact on a golfer, Maneth showed no signs of weakness the following day. On his final hole, he did something rare: his last iron-shot hit the flagstick and remained on the green, giving him an easy two-putt to win. “[Carter hitting the pin on the last hole] was something I’ll never forget,”

golf coach Ryan Huntze said. “I told him to finish in style and he did just that.”

Maneth ended the tournament with a nine stroke lead. He is the second boy to win the tournament individually.

The team also placed first, beating rival Highland Park by 10 strokes.

“The classic has been one of the tournaments that means the most to me and the team,” Maneth said. “It was a really special win for me especially since we could get the team win as well, and since Jay just passed away a year ago.”

For the girls, the Lady Tiger Classic consists of 36 holes. After the first 18 holes, senior Graci Henard was four strokes behind the leader.

“I wanted this win so badly,” said Henard. “I did not play well the first day, but it motivated me to go out the next day and give everything I had.”

With five holes to play, Henard was still four behind from leading. Her last five holes were anything but ordinary.

“Graci has a tendency to kick into another gear when it’s time to win a golf tournament, and that’s exactly what she did,” Huntze said.

GO FOR IT senior Graci Henard hits her second shot on the par 5 number two during the Lady Tiger Classic Nov. 14.

POSING After hitting his shot, senior Carter Maneth finishes on balance at the Jay Brewer Memorial Tiger Classic. Oct. 10.

photo by a. elliott

18 sports

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020 Texas v. Tyler

BRAYSON

McHenry #12 QB

WIN 41-21 Texas v. Denison

Attempts/Completions - 210/135 Passing Touchdowns - 29 Yards - 2,313 Interceptions - 3

WIN 49-10 Texas v. Mount Pleasant

BRAYLON

Stewart #2 RB

WIN 24-3 Texas v. Forney

Carries - 143 Yards - 1,104

WIN 42-24 Texas v. Hallsville

Touchdowns - 12

CLAYTON

Smith

WIN 56-17 Texas v. Marshall

#10 OLB

Catches - 9 Yards - 134 Touchdowns - 4

WIN 28-0 Texas v. Pine Tree

Tackles - 44 Sacks - 8.5

RIAN

Cellers

WIN 44-0 Texas v. Jacksonville WIN 52-23 Texas v. Nacogdoches

#5 WR

Catches - 39 Yards - 934 Touchdowns - 13 Longest reception - 79 yards

WIN 21-17 Texas v. Whitehouse

WIN 51-21

CLEAN RECORD

Football team becomes undefeated district champs

By Caden Rainwater Sports editor Through devastating injuries, a looming pandemic and freezing weather, the varsity football team made it through the entire season preceding playoffs, without a loss.

“We’re a really close team. We are able to be around each other outside of football and that correlates to a lot of communication on Friday nights,” junior quarterback Brayson McHenry said.

The 2020 Tiger football team is the third team to go undefeated preceding playoffs. The dominanting defense allowed an average of just two touchdowns per game throughout their 10-game winning streak while an explosive offense averaged close to six touchdowns per game. These two combined efforts earned the Tigers’ their second straight trip to playoffs in as many years.

“Going into the playoffs, it’s time to clean up all of our mistakes, and work towards keeping teams scoreless,” senior Jackson Halter said. “Zero’s look like a perfect defensive game, but we have a lot to work on to lead us to being a state championship defense.”

With three starters injured and line-up changes, other players have been able to fill starting positions. Seniors Guy Johnson and Daquarreon Collier-Witcher have carried 99 times for 443 yards after the injury of two other runningbacks. Senior Trey Lavender subbed as long snapper with the temporary loss of starter Ben DePriest.

“We plan on continuing to put athletes where they need to be so that we can get the job done,” junior Braylon Stewart said. “We’re building a bond this year and really trusting Coach Stanford, we want to go far this season, and that’s how we’re going to do it.”

OSCAR

Hernandez #46 K

Field goal attempts - 8/12 Extra point atttempts - 54/54 Longest field goal - 37 yards

community

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

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19

20 culture

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

Sobbing around school

The band hall is one of the most exclusive crying spots as it is a choice solely for those that wield either an instrument or a flag. Practice rooms are always nice since they’re fairly small and secluded. The percussion closet, however, is ideal since you’re only in jeopardy of fellow drummers walking in on your meltdown. Worst case scenario, if you have a larger instrument like a tuba or trombone, just cry behind it. The rest of the band will be too busy playing beautiful music to notice you sobbing through each note.

THE BAND HALL

THE CLASSROOM

As hard as we try to make it to our comfort crying spot after receiving a less than wonderful test grade, sometimes the floodgates can’t wait. Make sure to bring a hoodie to cover your eyes in the morning if you’re anticipating some sadness during science that day. Thanks to COVID-19, luckily, stealthily sobbing is easier than ever. Simply pull your mask over your eyes (while still covering your nose), lay your head down on a random desk and reflect on your problems all class period.

PUBLICATIONS ROOM

p .sims

THE BATHROOM

Ah, a classic. In stereotypical teen movies, bathroom cries are often reserved for the scrawny, friendless nerd who spends lunch in the stalls. However, any type of teenager can benefit from a quick cry during or after third period, depending on which lunch you have. Post cry cleanup is also convenient since you can just wipe away your tears with toilet paper.

The cafeteria is a go-to spot for those who couldn’t care less when people know they’re sad.

Cafeteria criers do not care one bit if someone catches them sobbing in the lunch line about their mid-day drearies. If food makes you feel better when you’re sad, simply extend your tear-stained hands into your lunch bag and indulge in a handful of chocolates or other feel-good snacks. photos by braylen garren

Top places to cry on campus

By Stephanie Jumper Feature editor We’ve all been there. Shedding tears over a test grade we won’t remember in five years. Slamming our heads on a semi-sanitary wooden desk as the bell snaps us out of our pity parties. If you claim you’ve never cried in some dimly lit corner of the school, you’re either emotionless or lying. Here are six of the best places to have a teenage tantrum during school hours.

Ironically, the last item on this list is the very room this story was written in. Home to Yearbook and Newspaper members, or more affectionately known as Yerds and Newsies, room 50B offers about 25 computers to work on and three couches to cry on.

Then, you can lay down for a nap after once again debating dropping every class you have.

CAFETERIA

THE STEM BUILDING

Nothing makes students want to cry like looking at their last calculus test. The STEM building is home to some of the school’s most GPA-crushing classes such as AP Physics and Calculus.

It’s kept relatively spic and span throughout the year, so any crying spot you can choose in this building is bound to be pretty clean. It includes a staircase that you can sit on and think about life’s greatest problems.

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

culture

2020 QUIZ

1.Which of these actually happened?

A) Kobe Bryant died along with 2 others B) Bahrain’s Prime Minister died C)Notre Dame burned down

2.How many hurricanes hit Louisiana this year?

4.Which of these world leaders was rumored to be dead?

5.How many Presidents have been acquitted of being impeached?

6.What country was the first to implement a nationwide lockdown?

7.What was the greatest number of tigers that Joe Exotic had at one time?

8.What videos did the Pentagon release to the public?

9.What happened to Mr. Peanut this year?

A ) Kim Jong Un B) Queen Elizabeth 2 C) Frank-Walter Steinmeier

A) 20 B) 92 C) 227

A) 2 B) 6 C) 8

A) 4 B) 1 C) 3

A) New footage of Mars B) Videos of UFOs C) A close up of a black hole

3.How many acres were burned in the Australian bushfires?

A) 20 million acres B) 50 million acres C) 47 million acres

A) The United States B) Italy C) Canada

A) He got married B) He had a child C) He died and got reincarnated as a baby

TURN TO PAGE 23 FOR ANSWER KEY

21

22 culture

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

THE

Culture

tenetfilm.com

The best in food, fashion and fun for December

“Megan Is Missing” is another thing making a comeback, but this time, in the form of horror. This film is once again trending as people crave a more realistic and mind twisting experience. Keep in mind before pressing play that this film can be triggering.

Ti kTok has come together once again in this time of uncertainty to make arguably one of the best musicals of 2020: “Ratatouille.”

People from different backgrounds such as composers and actors came together to bring this idea alive.

Hot Dr Pepper was originally advertised in the 1980s but is making a strong comeback with the help of TikTok. Why is everyone freaking out about pouring boiling Dr Pepper over a lemon slice? We may never know.

Grammy nominations were announced on Nov. 24. Many were excited about having female artists dominating the charts. However, despite having countless charttopping songs, The Weeknd wasn’t nominated which disheartened some.

p. sims

Almost everyone is familiar with the Xbox and PlayStation debate, and it only got more heated as they both tried to release a gaming console only days apart from each other.

Kodak Black released his new album “Bill Israel” from jail. This album is based off of his conversion to Hebrew Israelite while he was in prison.

b. garren

b. knight

Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Everyone’s favorite “Jeopardy” host sadly passed away on Nov. 8 from pancreatic cancer. Alex Trebek and his legacy will continue to live on with each new guest that steps foot behind the podium.

People have started revamping their Bibles by painting the outside with meaningful messages and artwork.

Once the work on the outside is done, they move on to journaling in the margins of their favorite chapters.

a. elliott

p. sims

We all know that animal print is the new look, but it, along with many other patterns, have made their way to the comfortable side of fashion: leggings.

10

a. elliott

Culture

Disposable cameras have resurfaced to the top and are finding their way into the hands of trendy teenagers.

The classic style that makes it look like your friend group is straight out of the ‘80s apparently is more valuable than a high-tech iPhone camera.

December 2020 • tigertimesonline.com

photo essay b. garren

FIELDS OF FAITH Senior Jurman Williams raises his hands in worship during Fields of Faith. Due to COVID-19, churches organized their own smaller gatherings to watch a broadcasted version of the event.

SEMESTER

23

IN REVIEW

TAKE A KNEE Senior Colin Shelley consults teammate Rian Cellers following the injury of Gavon Smith. This injury affecting a fellow senior allowed for a time out where the players held a moment of silence.

Academics, activities fill first semester This year has undeniably been one like no other. We feared how the first day of school would play out knowing all of the changes that were ahead of us because of the pandemic.

The rescheduled events. The

constant mask wearing. The new coronavirus protocols. Despite the new normal that we’re still adjusting to, we managed to find a way to continue to make memories with nothing standing in the way. p. sims

b. arnold e. khul c. rainwater

BAND TRADITIONS Band students gather around to admire a signed megaphone of past section members of the week. During the Hallsville home game, the band directors awarded the saxophones as section of the week.

SHOW READY Junior Beth Dietze applies makeup to the foerhead of senior actor Mason Smallwood. Members of the tech crew were key in assuring a fast makeup application between scenes during the play “Puffs.”

c. rainwater

MASTERING THE MACARONS Senior Culinary Arts student Cashlyn Gooden assists French Club student Valeria Escalera in making macarons. All students in the French class were taught how to bake macarons.

SHARK WEEK Worth Matteson dissects a shark in his Aquatic Science class. On Nov. 6, the class brought their lab outside to learn about the anatomy and characteristics of a shark.

CULTURE QUIZ KEY: 1) B 2) B 3) C 4) A 5) C 6) B 7) C 8) B 9) C

24 community

tigertimesonline.com • December 2020

START HERE

START EARLY With Texarkana College, you can start working toward your college degree before graduating high school.

Whether you want to take classes to transfer to a four-year university, or earn your Associate Degree while in high school, Texarkana College can help. Through dual credit, early admissions and summer classes, you can find the path that fits you best. To learn how to start your college journey talk to your academic advisor or visit texarkanacollege.edu/dualcredit

texarkanacollege.edu // (903) 823-3456 // 2500 N. Robison Rd. // Texarkana, Texas

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