Mansfield Legacy High School 1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1100
News Briefs
Senior Sunset
The Rider
therideronline.com May 28, 2010 Vol. 3 Issue 2
The Student Newspaper of Legacy High School: Covering Bronco Nation
Senior Class Co-Presidents
Childs, Carr to share senior class leader duties BY WILL RITCHIE - Online Editor
Seniors will participate in a final celebration before graduation Jun. 4 at 6:30 on the football field. The Senior Sunset was organized by senior class sponsor Stephanie Shackelford and PTSA president Katrina May and will last till sundown. “It’s a fun event for seniors to celebrate and watch the sun set on their high school career,” senior class sponsor Stephanie Shackelford said. Present on the football field will be bounce houses, obstacle courses and a variety of carnival oriented foods. The event is free, but only LHS seniors are allowed to attend. “This has been a unique class in that they have a ton of spirit and are involved in everything around them,” Mrs. Shackelford said.
Yearbooks
Prepurchased yearbooks can be picked up in the journalism room (E-O102) during lunch or after school. A few extra books are on sale for $75. Students can create their own yearbook pages using their own photos and captions by clicking on the “yearbook plus” icon on therideronline.com.
Upcoming Events June 2, 4
Final Exams All Day Legacy
June 5
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. PAC
June 7
Graduation 2 p.m. The Potter’s House
NEWS
Nikki Childs and Taylor Carr will reside over the senior class as the first co-presidents in the school’s history during Legacy’s fourth school year in 2010-2011. After two class votes, the candidates totals tied. Joking around to each other both times, Childs and Carr tossed around the idea of becoming co-presidents. After Student Council sponsor Dena Schimming offered the idea, Carr and Childs latched onto it. Their first order of business involved figuring out who can handle which areas the best. “When you have two people who obviously reach out to a different crowd then we have different opinions and a different perspective,” Carr said. Carr and Childs have been friends since eighth grade. Using their friendship as a basis for their co-presidency, Carr and Childs believe they will accomplish far more together than they ever could alone. “We’re both really close to different people and hopefully it will help us when we make decisions for the entire school,” Childs said, “We both get along really well.”
Nikki Childs
Taylor Carr
read more about the co-presidents on therideronline.com
BY BRETT WALKER News Editor With nationwide awards, The Rider and Mansfield High’s The Uproar lead Texas in student-run online newspapers. By receiving a Gold Crown and a Pacemaker, respectively, the two publications have been recognized as top-notch. The Rider went online in April 2009 and received three nominations for state and national awards nine months later. The Uproar went online in 2009, receiving a NSPA Pacemaker. “Online student media is new and schools all over the United States are figuring out how to make them work. Now that both of these publications have won on the national level it proves we’re doing something
right,” The Rider’s adviser, Leland Mallett said. According to Mr. Mallett, The Rider and The Uproar have much to be proud of from their awards. “Our goal three years ago when we started was to win a national award,” Mr. Mallett said. “Then after some research we realized Texas has never won a Crown
Update on Olivia
Dependency on cheating extends outside classroom CENTER
recognition for them,” The Uproar’s adviser Deborah Watson said. Mr. Mallett believes not only has the journalism industry changed, but high school newsrooms have too. “Our readers no longer come to us, we have to go to them and that’s by computer, social media and texts,” Mr. Mallett said. “And it’s no longer just sto-
SPORTS
Cheaters
Olivia’s status following L.U.C.K. Week PAGE 2
or a Pacemaker.” Only two publications in Texas were nominated for Pacemaker awards, The Uproar and The Rider. “I think it was a real boost to all of us to have our work recognized at that level, and I think it will motivate everyone to work that much harder knowing that excellence can bring that kind of
PAGE 6-7
ries. Videos and photos play a very important role.” Mrs. Watson believes the reason for their success is the connection Mansfield makes with their readers. “From the comments that are posted on the site it is clear that our readership extends beyond the boundaries of our immediate student body,” Mrs. Watson said. According to Mrs. Watson, The Uproar excels at getting information in on time and finding interesting material. The two programs also won Bronze Stars from UIL for MHS’s and Legacy’s 2009 yearbook. “I like that Mansfield [ISD] journalism programs are successful,” Mr. Mallett said. “Our readership, community and awards
Baseball
Baseball advances in playoffs
PAGE 4
Page 2
May 28, 2010
News
date with trophy for himself by Clarke Rahrig Staff Writer
Nolley and her family attendby Julianna DiNapoli Olivia ing the L.U.C.K. Week Pep Rally in Staff Writer February.
It has been six months since the doctors found Olivia Nolley’s tumor. Since then she has graduated from the fifth grade, met Taylor Swift and began physical therapy. “[Olivia graduating] was so huge because of all the time she missed while she was in the hospital,” Olivia’s mother Judy Nolley said. Through caringbridge.org Mrs. Schimming and other students have kept up with Olivia. “I love that we can keep up with her progress,” Mrs. Schimming said. “It’s a great outlet to keep the lines of communication open.” With KLUV and KISS radio stations’ help, Olivia and her sister attended the Taylor Swift concert and went backstage to meet her. In addition the Nolley family received a complementary night at the Fairmont Hotel. “[They] treated us like royalty,” Mrs. Nolley said in her journal on Caring Bridge. Make-A-Wish granted Olivia a shopping spree. The family also stayed two nights at the Westin Hotel. At dinner, Olivia’s fifth grade teachers joined them. Next Olivia got to go ice skating at the Galleria in Dallas where someone helped Olivia get on the ice in her wheelchair. “They had lots of fun and she definitely shopped ‘till she dropped,” Mrs. Nolley said. Currently, Olivia goes to physical therapy four days a week, and two days a week she rides a special bike for an hour. “It feels really good,” Mrs. Nolley said. “We just thank the Lord because he’s brought us so far.” Mrs. Nolley explains in her journal on Caring Bridge about Legacy High School raising money for Olivia’s medical expenses. “What an awesome group of teenagers at Legacy High School,” Mrs. Nolley said. “They put together an unbelievable fundraiser for Olivia. We got to go to a pep rally and the Miss LHS Pageant, which was hilarious. The Lord is definitely at work on their campus. www.caringbridge.org
Twelve clubs came to compete in Bronco Bowl, each wanting to discover if they were Legacy's best. Bringing the competition back to its original battle over a cupcake in the promotional video, the final challenge was a giant cupcake-decorating competition. Every club hoped to win and call themselves the winner of the Bronco Bowl reality-series battle. "I think I'll be cheated in the end," AcaDec teacher Brandon Austin said. "Second place is the first loser, I hate it." According to AcaDec team member Gideon von Bose, Austin promised his class a pizza party if they win. Swimming member J.D. Canclini hopes his team can win with their cupcake. His team created the shark's mouth by cutting away part of the cupcake and placing teeth inside the hole to create their Jaws-like cupcake. "The only thing I can compare [the possibility of winning] to," Canclini said, "is the first time I met Mickey Mouse." Bronco Bowl was not all about the competition: Colorguard enjoyed becoming closer to each other and
bonding. They worked hard throughout all the challenges and ended up placing third overall. "We've actually enjoyed Bronco Bowl the most out of everyone," Colorguard member Tessa McAuley said. "I really liked hanging out with all the other clubs." Soccer sported a more serious attitude, battling AcaDec back and forth for the winner's spot atop the podium. However, other teams accused Soccer of "cheating" throughout the competition. For example,
AcaDec’s award winning cupcake.
L.U.C.K. Week Follow-Up AcaDec Takes First Place in Bronco Bowl Mr. Austin promises pizza for his class,
15 votes each. These votes factored in on a point per vote basis. The cupcakedecorating contest consisted of a tie between Acadec and Swimming; Principal David Wright thought AcaDec should receive first, whereas the Bronco Bowl hosts thought Swimming should receive first. Both teams were see all episodes of Bronco Bowl at therideronline.com awarded ten points and Colorguard received five points for the Trash Pick-Up Chal- their second-place perforlenge left Soccer with a mance. questionable amount of According to the running trash. Kevin Spoonemoore totals, AcaDec has won the is still confident that Soc- title of Bronco Bowl Chamcer will emerge victorious. pion with 113 points. Soccer "[If we win] we'll feel came in a close second with great because we always 111 points. Colorguard finwin," Spoonemore said. ished third with 86 points "We're not going to lose. If total. Austin has plans for we lose the school will lose his newly acquired trophy. with us." "I'll probably take the Soccer solved the final trophy out to dinner, as is challenge's clue first, fol- customary, just me and the lowed by AcaDec and Book trophy," Austin said. Club. The poll on theridLog on to therideroneronline.com also provided line.com to watch the fimany points, with Soccer at nal episode of the Bronco 29, AVID at 22, and AcaDec Bowl and to see the full and Colorguard tying with points breakdown.
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News
May 28, 2010
Page 3
Senior Places Fifteenth At State UIL Science Competition BY Ian COOK staff writer
Alex Bertucci attended the UIL Academics state level competition to compete in science on May 8. After taking the two hour, 60 question test Bertucci placed fifteenth in Texas with a score of 170 out of a possible 360. "I was extremely intimidated, there were two guys there that were going to Harvard," Bertucci said. The winning score at state was an almost unheard of 336, meaning the first place person missed only three problems. Before going to State, Bertucci competed in district and regional competitions and place in the top three at each. At the regional level in San Angelo, Bertucci placed second out of 58 with a score of 212. "[When I found out that I got second at Region], I was surprised and relieved that I didn't let Mullis down, because she threatens to inflict pain upon me if I don't do well," Bertucci said. Bertucci prepared for competition by studying both alone and with the rest of the UIL science team. "This is the highest performing science team relative to the rest of the district," team sponsor Mrs. Mullis said. "They have the best feel for science. They don't 1. A J-shaped curve is replaced by an S-shaped curve when _______. (when the carrying just memorize the way to do the problems, capacity of the environment is reached) they understand it." 2. A man with hemophilia marries a woman whose father had hemophilia. What is the probBertucci has competed in the science ability that a daughter born to this couple will have hemophilia? (50%) test since sophomore year and in that time 3. The first ionization potential of the elements B, C, and N steadily increases, but that of O is less than that of N. The best interpretation of the lower value for O is that ______. (the halfhas improved greatly. filled set of p orbitals in N makes it more difficult to remove an election from N than from O) "When I started out, I was doing terri4. The half life of a reaction which is second order in A _______.(is inversely proportional to the bly. There was no competition," Bertucinitial concentration, [ A ]0) ci said. "To go from getting scores that 5. What is the change in entropy of mercury vapor when 0.50 kg of it condenses to a liquid at were extremely low to getting fifteenth its boiling point of 357C? (-2.1 x 102 J/K) at state, I felt accomplished. It felt amazanswers in ( ) ing."
Five sample questions from the state level science exam:
Celebration Banquet Held In Seniors’ Honor Principal David Wright and StuCo Sponsor Dena Schimming walked up to the podium with red and black certificates in their hands. Statues and awards lined the entrance hallway, and dozens of baskets for auction stood to the side of the decorated tables where hundreds of seniors and parents ate the homemade dinner served by Student Council. Few students dared to wear only a T-shirt and jeans to the event, where seniors saw and talked with peers and their parents. But now, talking had ended. Mr. Wright lifted the microphone and explained the creation of this banquet, an event where the whole staff gets to come together and honor the senior class by giving special teacher-
nominated awards to students. He explained how Legacy always does a great job at praising the athletes, the artists and the scholars. But the staff formed this banquet to celebrate the good students and good people found throughout the senior class. The first award presented was the Humanitarian Award, described by Mr. Wright as "given to students who perform selfless acts for the betterment of the campus." Applause arose throughout the cafeteria as River Holley and Sophie Smith won the awards. Next came the Character Award, given to Robert Green and Kat Elvrom for "consistently demonstrating maturity and sensitivity toward school issues." The Determination Award, given for students who overcome "personal
FALS Mourns Loss Of Animal Companion
Tara will no longer be seen walking on a leash through the hallways. After weeks of seeming lethargic and sickly, the canine passed away unexpectedly. Cause of death is unknown. “She was just lying around and she didn’t seem like herself,” FALS assistant Karen Johnson said. Tara will be remembered through her ability to help special education children learn. Children who normally didn’t talk and used nonverbal communication were taught to talk with Tara and give her commands such as “speak and sit.” “Tara changed the environment in my classroom for six years. She was used as a pillow, an exercise buddy, a soothing tool and a friend. She helped teach responsibility and patience. The kids loved her,” Michell Lutes said. Although the death of the dog upset the class, the FALS students have helped each other cope. “Mrs. Lutes was real upset and one of the students didn’t want to go to Ben Barber because they wanted to stay and comfort her,” Johnson said. Senior John Darmody will never forget Tara and thinks she played a big part in his life.
Principal Wright Gives Awards To Graduating Students BY Chase tremaine staff writer
News Briefs
“I liked taking care of her in the class and everywhere. She was precious to me,” Darmody said. Senior Eric Williams (pictured) and Misti Ryerson both received Comeback Kid Awards from Principal Wright.
endeavors with great courage and strength," was given to Joe Musselman, who sat at the front table, and Winnie Ileso, who had to walk from the very back with crutches. Mr. Wright met her halfway to hand her the red certificate. Friends and family continued to clap as Ileso returned to her chair and Mr. Wright returned to the podium. Katie Sparks and Cameron Davis came up next to receive the At'a Bronco Award, given for "accomplished goals," said by Mr. Wright as he continued to explain and distribute the awards with vigor. "Personifying a positive attitude in all aspects of life" earned Tyler Walker
and Kara Steward the Representation Award, which Steward did not attend, but Walker seemed extremely thankful and proud. "Bronco Spirit through and through" could be seen clearly as Katie Clark and Darius Moore accepted the Bronco Award. Clark humbly took the certificate and returned to her table, but Moore took as much time in the spotlight as possible, pretending to wipe tears from his eyes as Mr. Wright handed over the certificate. "You'd think he was in drama or something," Mr. Wright said as Moore walked away. for more of the story go to therideronline.com
Take Note Final Exams B DAY: Review- June 1 Exam- June 2 A DAY: Review- June 3 Exam- June 4
Yearbook Pickup Available after school, during lunch Room E-O102
Legacy 2010 Graduation Monday, June 7, 201 2 p.m. The Potter’s House Mandatory practiceJune 5, 10 a.m.- noon in the JV gym
Page 4
Sports Briefs Legacy experienced a population increase since its inaugural year in 2007. Because of the increase, Legacy is moving from being a 8-4A school to a 5-5A school. This opens Legacy to new district opponents. The new ones include the following: Cedar Hill Duncanville Grand Prairie Mansfield Timberview Midlothian South Grand Prairie The move to 5A makes district competition harder with new opponents that are tougher than those in 4A. However, players and coaches are still optimistic about next season and feel that their athletic programs will do well despite the change. “It’s going to be a big challenge but Legacy is not afraid of anything,” tennis player Mike Kojder said. “We’re going to work hard and rip these guys up.”
May 28, 2010
Sports
State of Mind
Baseball, softball battle through playoffs
Baseball readies for their upcoming series against Wolfforth Frenship
by will davis sports editor The baseball and softball teams have experienced their most successful seasons they have had in their three year program. Both the baseball and the softball team won the district title for 8-4A and are currently making it through their first trip to the playoffs. Softball went undefeated in district in the regular season finishing 14-0. The girls out-scored their district opponents 152-9 and posted nine shut outs out of the fourteen they played. Afterward they went on to beat Fort
Worth Northside 14-1 in the Bi-district playoff game and defeated Denton Ryan 3-2 in the Area playoff game. At Regionals, the girls defeated Wichita Falls in two games in the quarterfinals and then Wolfforth Frenship in two games in the semi finals. If the girls win their upcoming game against Denton Guyer then they earn a trip to state. “Game by game we’ve really come together as a team,” Head Coach Michelle Mayfield said. “The first week of the season we set the goal of winning state and that goal has become a reality.” Baseball went 12-3 in district dur-
ing the regular season. The boys went on to the playoffs just as the girls did and beat Trimble Tech in the bi-district playoff series. They then went on to defeat Lake Dallas in the Area playoff series and made their way to regionals just as the girls had. In the quarter-finals, the boys defeated Birdville in two games. The boys’ next opponent in the regional semi finals is Wolfforth Frenship. The three game series begins on May 28. “These kids have accomplished a lot this year,” Head Coach David Walden said. “They’ve beat some very good opponents this year and we’re thrilled to death.”
Wear to Turn
Students share opinions on athletic brands, decide Nike the best
Scoreboard
Softball’s Season Arlington Seguin 16-0 Crowley 6 - 1 Timberview 10 - 0 Joshua 12 - 2 Stephenville 13 - 2 Everman 20 - 0 Granbury 3 - 2 Seguin 10 - 0 Crowley 12 - 2 Timberview 10 - 0 Stephenville 8 - 0 Joshua 8 - 0 Everman 15 - 0 Granbury 9 - 0 District Record 14-0
BY WILL DAVIS sports editor What brand of athletic wear is preferred by students? A poll was given out to find out which one was their favorite. The survey targeted all types of students. Those included were students who participated in school athletics, students who participated in athletics outside of school, and students who don’t participate in any athletics. The students chose their favorite brand of athletic wear out of Nike, RussellAthletic, Adidas, Reebok, and Under-Armour. There was also an “Other” category in which brands not listed in the survey could
still be accounted for. Subbrands such as Jordan and sports specific brands such as Rawlings did not count for the “Other” category. Out of the 100 people surveyed, 67% of the students preferred Nike, 0% preferred Russell-Athletic, 13% preferred Adidas, 5% preferred Reebok, 13% preferred Under-Armour, and 2% chose “Other.” Nike’s percentage is higher than all of the other brands combined. Students shared their reasoning on why they prefer and recommend Nike over other products. One of the reasons is its reliability. “Nike just covers all types
of conditions such as rain, hot, cold and is very comfortable,” junior Ian Simon said. “Nike is very durable, long lasting and really tough. It doesn’t tear easily like other products.” Another reason why students preferred Nike over other products is because of its style and comfort. They believe that other products do not appeal to them, and Nike harnesses style and comfort ability into their athletic products perfectly. “I wear Nike everything because it’s comfy and sporty,” junior Carly Smith said. “My Nike shocks are perfect for running because
Pink Kisses
they support my feet and I feel like I’m running on air.” The last reason students talked about was the affordability of Nike products. The products they like are stylish without being over priced. “It’s not too expensive,” senior Schyler Witt said. “I think it’s a little bit cheaper than Under-Armour and everything seems to fit pretty well.” With all that in mind, if you’re interested in athletic wear that is comfortable, stylish, and affordable, then Nike is the way to go according to students.
Sports
May 28, 2010
Bronco Sports Year-end Wrap-up
Page 5
BY WILL DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Soccer
The boys won district and moved on to the playoffs as they did last year. This time they made it to the regional finals. Bryan Zahner, Isaac Pile, and Blake Brown were selected to the all-region/all-state team. Girl’s Varsity finished the season as district champions and became sectional finalists. Jordan Lass, Lauren Kee, Jamie Couch, and Alex Edwards were selected for first team all-district.
Cross Country/Track
The boys cross country team finished their season as district champions and sent five boys to regionals. The team placed sixth overall at regionals. The girls cross country team won third at district and qualified for regionals for the first time in its existence. At regionals, they placed twenty-first overall. The girl’s track team placed third in district and with five regional qualifiers. The boy’s track team finished first in district and over 10 competitors advanced.
Football
Football had a district record of 5-2, which earned them a trip to the playoffs. They won in the first round against Fort Worth Eastern Hills 42-21, but lost in the second round to Denton Guyer. Linebacker Gerald Richardson was the first player in school history to be recognized by the Associated Press as an all-state player for football. “We’re proud of the season and I feel like we’re going to have a good year,” Head Coach Chris Melson said.
Golf
The women’s golf team won district and went on to place second at the regional tournament and move on to state qualifiers. Kelly Sardella was elected to first team all-district. Men’s golf finished in the top three at four different tournaments. The men’s varsity also won tenth in their region, which included over seventy high schools. Ben King was selected to the first team all-district.“I am extremely proud,” Head Coach Chris Word said. “The program got tighter, everything got more organized, and everybody got better.”
Softball
The varsity softball team gave Legacy their first undefeated record in sports finishing 14-0. The girls are currently in the final round in regionals against Denton Guyer. Baylee Gray was selected as district MVP. Katelyn Potts, Rebecca Scarbrough, Kelsey Miller, Canyon Samuel, and Briana Walker were selected for first team All-District. “I feel really blessed to be able to work with these girls and to coach such a good group of girls,” Head Coach Michelle Mayfield said.
Volleyball
The varsity volleyball team left off from where they were last year earning the district title back to back years. The team went on to win area and was named regional quarter-final champions. The team was the first MISD volleyball team to reach the regional semi-finals. Hannah Wellshkopf was named 8-4A Defensive Player of the Year and Leslie Jackson received a full ride to the University of Texas at Austin for her play as Legacy’s outside hitter. Rebekah Dorsey received a full ride to Wofferd college for her play as Legacy’s setter.
Tennis
The varsity tennis team finished with three individual district championships and one district runner up. Dallas Dunn and Michael Kojder advanced to regional quarterfinals. Spencer Basham and Ceci Canelos advanced to the regional semi finals but came up one round from achieving a state berth. At regionals, the tennis team advanced all players to or past the quarterfinals. In her third year, Kristin Weems advanced to the regional finals. Elena Chudoba and Megan Henry advanced to regionals.
Swimming
The varsity boy’s swimming team finished as district champions and moved on to win regionals. Clark Blanton, J.D. Canclini, Jon Paul Canlini, Sam Spoonemore, and Ian Haemker were awarded as district champions on the boy’s team. On the girl’s side, Carlie Gorrondona, Morgan Ingle, Danika Dunn, Haven Berbel, and Sarah Musselman were named as district champions. Morgan Ingle, Danika Dunn, Sarah Musselman, and Ian Haemker passed regionals and state qualifiers and were named to the all-state team.
Basketball
Men’s varsity basketball earned the title of 8-4A district champions with the district record of 13-1 and made it all the way to the regional finals. Eddie Leal and Josh Doctson were selected to all-region. Doctson was also selected as district MVP. Leal earned a full scholarship to Collin County Community College. The girl’s varsity finished the season with a district record of 4-10 and missed the playoffs. However, Terrica Franklin was named to first team all-district and Shawn King was named to second team all-district.
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Page 6
In-Depth
May 28, 2010
Cheating: Not a Game
by Michelle heath Features editor
Academic Dishonesty Impairs Learning, Dane Adix feels the explosion as the X-Box controller vibrates beneath his fingertips. The noise of gunshots and cursing consume him as he makes it to the next level in Call of Duty. He tells himself he will only play for a little longer, just a little bit longer and then he can get to his homework. While the intensity of the television illuminates his face, hours pass before he looks at the clock. His AP World homework rests somewhere in the very back of his mind, hidden by the sound of predator missiles and grenades going off. When he awakes from his adrenaline rush, he finally looks up. 11:00 p.m. Homework will have to wait until morning. Adix jumps up, realizing he needs to leave for school in about five minutes. On the car ride over, he decides to do his homework when he gets to school, but when he walks through the doors he hears his friends, calling him over. Through all the distraction and procrastination he knows he only has one more opportunity to do his homework. Waiting outside his next class he spots a friend, a friend who remembered to do their homework. He hurriedly copies down the answers, feeling an adrenaline rush similar to the night before, only this time he isn’t playing a video game. He is cheating. “It’s the heat of the moment,” sophomore Adix said. “I’ll think, ‘This is awesome I’m going to get a 100.’” Although Adix occasionally cheats on his homework, but he never cheats on tests and often goes back home to review the information he copied to make sure he understands the lesson or chapter he was supposed to read. “I’ve never cheated on a test because it’s unethi-
cal,” Adix said. “I think when it comes to a test everyone tries to do good by it.” AP World History teacher, Amy Deatherage, sees her student’s trade and copy reading guides. She hears them laughing about never reading one chapter from the book. She notices the ‘100s’ on the reading guides don’t reflect the ‘30s’ on the quizzes. “They [students] don’t see it as being a big issue because they just care about the little grade,” Mrs. Deatherage said. “I don’t really care; I just want them to learn the content.” Although Adix cares enough about his grades to cheat, he never checks his grades. When he fails an assignment or test his parents are there to tell him to bring it back up. “My parents nag me a lot,” Adix said, “but most of the time I tell them to stop because I’ve tried my hardest even though I sometimes fail. Coming to class needing one or two more answers, Adix will look to a friend for help and, in return, give away a few of his answers. “I think it has been skewed as to what most teachers think as cheating and what students think as cheating,” Principal David Wright said. “What that line is, I don’t know. I think there are times when working together and discussing is good.” When Mr. Wright started college he found himself pulling all-nighters with friends just to study for one test. But when he got to class the next day, not everyone shared the same excitement in learning the content. “At that point it would absolutely gall me that students would come to class and want to cheat off me
It’s the heat of the moment, I’ll think ‘this is awesome I’m going to get a 100.” -Adix
when I had studied all night for a test,” M said. “I certainly understand the temptation but it’s wrong and a student is cheating th in the long run.” After teaching AP English at Summit, Quesenbury began a new career when credit program moved to Ben Barber. Alth misses the novels and discussion in AP, she no longer deals with a set lesson plan and enjoys the perks of TCC’s zero tolerance policy when it comes to cheating and plagiarism.” “High school teachers have so much on their plate,” Ms. Quesenbury said. “The stress level of being a college instructor is almost nothing as compared to that of a high school teacher.” Although many students do not understand the intolerance of TCC policie structors, Ms. Quesenbury enjoys e-mails i thanking her for teaching them the aspect college.” “It’s what I enjoy the most, but it’s what trates me the most,” Ms. Quesenbury sa though students have been told, they don stand what college is really like.” With the option to take as many AP and T es as they want, students become overwhe busy hectic schedules and extracurricular “I really don’t know how cheating can vented,” Mrs. Deatherage said. “There ne be a culture change and enough self-pri There maybe needs to be counseling to change the rigor of the
At th abso stud class off m -Mr.
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In-Depth
May 28, 2010
Page 7
TOP 5
signs teachers know you’re
Wastes Education
Mr. Wright n to cheat, hemselves
, Kathryn the dualhough she
scheduling.” Although Adix only takes one AP course, he watches his little brother come home everyday and doing nothing but homework, inspiring Adix to take on a smaller workload. “If they’ve bitten off more than they can chew, students might be tempted to cheat,” Mr. Wright said. “I think there needs to be a balance in the schedule; there are things in high school that need to be fun and taking too much AP and TCC can take the fun out of it.” When Adix comes home, he continues to push his homework farthest from his mind, but the next day he’ll work together with a friend to understand the content he needs to learn. “I try to exercise my brain every night by thinking of strategies in Call of Duty,” Adix said, “that way if I don’t do my homework my brain is still in shape.”
hat point it would olutely gall me that dents would come to s and want to cheat me... Wright
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1. Constantly looking in your lap
First mistake, that is way too obvious. Looking in the lap is like a neon sign sitting over your head with big, neon letters saying "CURRENTLY CHEATING." Students don't quite understand how dumb it is to do that. Second mistake, if you’re using your phone and you get caught, that's fifteen dollars straight out of your pocket. No pros, and the cons are that you failed your test and lost your phone. "Cheaters stick out like a sore thumb," Mr. Sudbury said.
2. Memorizing all your answers on the original test and writing them down on the retake
First mistake, the original and the retake are two different tests. Not only did you misuse the time you could have had to study and figure out what you did wrong, you wasted all of that time to memorize answers for a test that will not have the same answers. Second mistake, you still failed. Third mistake, the answers are so wrong that the teacher may think you’re just an idiot and from there on out, treat you like one.
3. Turning in a paper that’s not in your handwriting
TCC courselmed with activities. n be preeeds to ide.
First mistake, you’re an idiot. Second mistake, teachers can memorize handwriting really fast so an assignment with your name on it, but not in your handwriting, would be like finding a needle in a haystack, The needle is the size of a car. Third mistake, you didn't learn anything because your friend did it for you, so if there is an option for you to redo it, you will have to learn it all, then start from scratch.
4. Your test answers match the answers of a different test form
neau
Coach Smith
e wrote the on the inside of ping on a water they could see ers through the
“They put their notes barely behind a poster on the wall next to them, which was pretty easy to spot.”
in
Mrs. Deatherage
hen we had the someone used tor when you upposed to and hear the clicking lculator.”
Cheating
“When I was student teaching, a kid wrote the answers in a note, folded it up, walked over to another student’s desk and dropped it on the ground.
First mistake, teachers normally say that there are multiple versions of the test, so apparently you’re just a really bad listener. Second mistake, the teacher is going to notice that the answers are the same as the other test, then you're instantly busted. Third mistake, you were looking at another person's test, you could have at least checked to see if the questions actually matched up too.
5. Writing down all the answers and not showing your work
First mistake, most directions say ‘always show your work.’ Showing your work is a very assured way for a teacher to know you didn't cheat because if they can see you did all the steps, they know that you're aware of what you're doing. Second mistake, if the work you have for a problem doesn’t match up with the problem, then obviously you're really confused or there's something up. "If someone seems like they're improving, I look at their work and see what they did differently," Mr. Garner said.
2010 Top Five
May 28, 2010
4 #
JAQUELINE KUENSTLER
5 #
3 #
JEFFERY CANCLINI
MICHELLE NGUYEN
1#
REBEKAH DORSEY
2 #
Page 8
Future Plans: “To continue
Future Plans: “I’d like to get
selected for SEAL training Future Plans: “Right now I or be a pilot. Career wise I want to go to UT at Austin. would like to do some sort I applied for other colleges of engineering.” but I’m still waiting for a Opinion of High School: “It’s a response.” place to develop your skills Opinion of High School: “It was and figure out what you a good experience in high might be interested in doschool. There was a lot ing.” of memories and it was Hardest Class: “Chemistry, a great place to make because most of it is not friends.” intuitive.” Hardest Class: “My hardest Ten Years From Now: “I’ll probclass was AP Calculus BC. It ably be in the military.” Biggest Accomplishment: “Getwas my first “B” that I had ever made. It was the most ting into the Naval Academy.” time consuming and most work.” Something Interesting: “I play Ten Years From Now: “Hopefully the piano.” doing residency at a hospital.” Biggest Accomplishment: “Still having a life by working and hanging with friends and still being number see 2010’s top 20 one.” grads in an
ALEX BERTUCCI
playing volleyball in college, then go into the medical field to become a surgeon.” Opinion of High School:“It’s a great way to meet people and when you take all these classes, it shows you all the possibilities out there.” Hardest Class: “History, because it doesn’t interest me and there are several answers to a question besides a definite one like math.” Ten Years From Now: “I hope to live on the east coast and most likely be an intern or resident by that time.”
Future Plans: “I’m doing general studies in the college of communication at UniFuture Plans: “College, Rensversity of Texas at Austin.” selaer Polytechnic InstiOpinion of High School: “I got tute. Major in Chemistry or involved in a lot of things Physics” which made it a lot better Opinion of High School: “I think than it could have been.” it’s a good school, some Hardest Class: “Anatomy people think it’s too strict, because everything we but the rules aren’t hard learn is so in depth and to follow, unless you’re a she grades like it’s a real delinquent.” college class.” Hardest Class: “AP U.S. HisTen Years From Now: “Hopefully tory. It was a lot of inforI’ll have started my career. mation, even though the I’d rather just take it as it daily work was just simple comes and I’ll see where I crossword puzzles. You still Biggest Accomplishment: am when I get there.” had to know a lot of mate- “It would be the ability to Biggest Accomplishment: “It was rial.” balance everything, volley- when the winter guard Ten Years From Now: “Hopefully ball, friends, academics and made it to semi-finals at a job that has to do with family. I could keep all my World Championships, to what I’m majoring in.” priorities in line.” have the pride of saying Biggest Accomplishment: “MakSomething Interesting: that we made it to World ing it to state in UIL sci“My name is spelled the Championships.” ence.” way it is because my parSomething Interesting: “I know Something Interesting: “I lived ents wanted to name all some of the steps to the in Alaska for two years.” their kids from names in river dance.” the Bible.”
Top 5 of 2010
Something Interesting: “I haven’t even started on my graduation speech.”
interactive story@ therideronline.com
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Feature
The
Ups By Josh Perry Staff Writer
May 28, 2010
&
The can cracks open and a rush of aroma escapes and makes its way to Taylor Roye. As the aluminum is pressed up to her lips and slightly tilted up, the vast flavor and 27 g of sugar flood past her teeth and toward the back of the mouth. 1000 mg of taurine cool its way down her throat and 162 mg of caffeine swirl into the stomach, instantly giving her energy to function during the day to come. Energy drinks are like sodas, but with more caffeine, sugar and the addition of several chemicals. They come in varieties of colors, flavors, sizes and brands all with a certain uniqueness to them. "I think energy drinks are great, but they are also bad," Roye said. "They build you up and then make you crash, so you have to drink more and more to build up a tolerance." Energy drinks may just seem like an excellent snack drink or maybe even a daily energy jolt, but according to Legacy Nurse Trayce Franks, energy drinks can cause addiction
Page 9
Downs of Energy Drinks
problems. knows very well of these side effects. "First of all they dehydrate you and draw water out of your muscles," Roye said. "I had been drinking so many that I would get up then crash and have to drink more. My joints begin to hurt and I got really bad headaches and felt nauseous all the time." Roye soon decided to visit a doctor. After following the doctors orders she began to recover at a fast rate, and the headaches, aching joints and nausea began to submerge. "When I told the doctor my symptoms, she asked me what my caffeine intake was," Roye said. "She told me not to drink energy drinks for a month. I got better almost instantly." According to Coach Green, it is a UIL policy that coaches do not endorse the use of energy drinks in an form or fashion. "We take the position of hands off, don't touch them," Coach Green said. "Kids shouldn't h a v e them bec a u s e they are bad for
“When I told the doctor my symptoms, she asked me what my caffeine intake was. She told me not to drink energy drinks for a month. I got better almost instantly.” - Taylor Roye, 10
Why Care About Health Care? By Nick Failor Staff Writer As an eighth grader, sophomore Shane Donovan had a minor heart attack and was immediately sent to the nearest hospital. As he awoke from passing out hours before, he found doctors and nurses around him, telling each other he's awake. The good news was that they knew what happened to him and he went through it. The bad news was that since he has no health insurance, all the doctors could do was give him a couple shots and release him. The new healthcare bill excites Shane because he knows how it is not to have health insurance and be released by a hospital. He knows now that, whatever his illness is, he can go to the doctor and receive help. “I couldn't believe they released me like that,” Donovan said. “I just had a heart attack.” Now that Shane has healthcare, he sees an improvement when going to the doctor’s office. If he has any illness, from a common cold, to swine flu, he and his family can be treated. Shane has hoped for something like this bill to pass. “Now I have a lot more assistance with whatever I have,” Donovan said. Healthcare is one of the major essentials people try to make sure they have, but some people can’t
them and they stimulate inducing sleep. They contain melatonin, rose hips and valthem up and down." erian root as the main ingreEnergy drinks contain see dients. several chemicals that the our "I'm not as opposed to Antibody doesn't necessar- taste Energy drinks," Legacy Nurse analysis ily need on a daily basis. online@ Trayce Franks said. "They are Guarana, for example, has the healthier for you than regucognitive effects, but over- rider lar energy drinks and meladosing on it can cause sei- online tonin is a natural chemical." .com zures. Taurine is a diuretic, Some parents have taken and has properties that act control of their kid's diets and outas an anti-anxiety agent. Energy lawed energy drinks from their drinks cause a crash a.k.a fatigue. child's menu of drinking choices. One could question whether or They tell their kids first hand that not it's actually needed or just energy drinks are bad and forbid them to drink it. Ana Lopez, 10, pointless. "I feel that it's not a healthy de- has parents that made a similar cison because of the high sugar choice. "I'm not allowed to drink energy and high caffeine," Legacy Nurse drinks because they cause heart Trayce Franks said. "Some of problems," Lopez said. "In my mind them even drink multiple energy , I just don't like them." drinks a day. They are also very Students don't know everyaddicting, so that’s even worse." thing about energy drinks, and Even though energy drinks that may be one of the reasons have been perceived as an allthey continue to drink them. Taybad substance, certain energy lor Roye for example didn't ever drinks are actually healthy. Enerwant to know what was in energy gy drinks like Zipfizz and 5-hour drinks because she was afraid of Energy have no sugar and are denot wanting to drink them anysigned to give you the necessary more. energy without the crash. Also "People try to tell me but I don't there is a type of drink called Anwant to hear them," Roye said. "I ti-Energy drinks, which give the still want to drink them so I stay opposite effect of normal energy ignorant about that." drinks by calming the body and
Students see benefit in Obama plan, others don’t
afford the high payments insurance companies regulate. With the new healthcare bill passed, people will start to receive full insurance by the year 2014. The bill has been debated by most politicians, but the direction it’s being thrown is all dependent on what political view they have. The Republican Party has many ideas that will happen with this new bill. They believe the bill will cause intrusion on insurance companies by the government, making this one step closer to socialism. Then because of the “intrusion,” they believe it will also expand taxes on major insurance companies, increasing them drastically. Republicans believe this healthcare plan will cause a long wait time to get a usual check-up from a local doctor. They've compared it to Canada and England's healthcare, which by their research takes around 30 days to see someone. Upon research, sophomore Dustin Red Eagle believes our wait time will be just as long as Canada and England's healthcare, but waiting even longer. “This bill is bad for our country. Our healthcare will be like Canada’s and England’s,” Red Eagle said. Republicans also believe the bill will impose a staggering tax burden on U.S. tax payers in gen-
erations after ours. The bill promises the health care reform is intended to lower premium costs and reduce the country’s deficit, while Republicans believe it will have the opposite effect. Republicans believe that government spending will increase two trillion dollars once fully implemented. All these points are only a small bit of what Republicans have debated with Democrats. The Democratic Party believes many opposite views. They believe the healthcare bill will not only regulate insurance payments, but also help people who may not have been able to afford it before. Democrats also believe the bill will put a cap on annual out-of-pocket spending, and will also reduce costs of Medicaid, Medicare and other existing systems with a series of measures. The bill also says that it requires participation by individuals, with a penalty of 2.5 percent of adjusted gross income for non-compliance. “The Republicans are just looking for something to put down,” Shane said.
Page 10
Our Opinion
May 28, 2010
TheRider
Our Opinion
Second Block Drills in Need of Improvement the year. They all make sense for a school with so many crowded classes in a region at the edge of tornado alley. And of course protecting ourselves against crazy people who want to invade the school. Unfortunately the drills rarely inspire true urgency. Students walk orderly out of the school for the fire drill and chat calmly and laugh during shelter-inplace. In a real fire or a real invasion, the situation would be chaotic, nervous and frightening. Instead of announcing the drills beforehand, administrators should make the drills mimic a real disaster as closely as possible and only reveal it’s a drill at its conclusion. Only holding the drills during second and sixth block, or any predetermined time, also poses a problem. Although it makes scheduling easier, it lessens the effect of the drill even more by making them predictable. Additionally, having all the
Editor-in-Chief Gregory Uribe Managing Editor Aaron Sakowski
drills during the same classes maximizes the time taken out of them. It also only prepares students for two evacuation routes, when in reality a disaster could happen at any time, during any class. Double-blocked classes only learn one route all year, and students are never prepared for an evacuation of the cafeteria. Randomizing the placement of the drills and spreading them out over different class periods would make them more effective, less predictable and less intrusive on second block class time. Administrators already have a slew of mandatory events to schedule throughout the year, and complicating the emergency drill program only makes their job harder. Even though it would be more difficult, student safety is their number one concern. Administrators should make changes to the emergency drills to make them more realistic and more effective.
News Editor Brett Walker Online Editor Will Ritchie Features Editor Michelle Heath Entertainment Editor Nicholas Jimenez
The drills should be made more random and more realistic.
Jasmine McMasters Illustration
Second block begins and groggy students take their seats. Minutes later the last few stragglers from Ben Barber walk in. Finally the class settles and the teacher begins. Just when the lesson is underway and has students’ full attention, alarms blare and immedi-
ately everything comes to a halt. Twenty minutes of class taken away, for a drill that only vaguely mimics a real event. The drills should be made more random and more realistic. Fire drills, tornado drills and shelter-in-place drills are all required throughout
Senioritis Claims Another Victim by Will Ritchie Online Editor
Hunter Canedy in a Dress for the Final Time?: Hunter first appeared SNAP THOUGHTS in a dress on our pages in Issue three of last year. Whether in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Children’s Theatre, Improv shows or Leading Ladies, he always seems to find his way into women’s clothing. Since he pulls the final curtain on high school this year, this is our last chance to publish such an appearance.
Nay! Yearbook Haters: Nobody likes having their name spelled wrong or put on the wrong picture, but that doesn’t mean the yearbook ‘sucks!’. We know it’s not perfect, but we still think it’s awesome.
Visual Editor Jasmine McMasters Business Manager Heather Bailey Staff Writers/Photographers Holly Baselice Ashley Canterbury Ian Cook Ashley Deam Julianna DiNapoli Nadley Doerge Nick Failor Alex Gustafson Olivia Hebert Russell Kirby Jamila Obied Allex Ohler Josh Perry Clarke Rahrig Marcus Robinson Arial Robertson Allyson Sekerke Chase Tremaine Rosanne Trinh Brett Walker
Indifference, slacking on the rise for senior class
the clock again and realize able. Why should I write this it’s 1:48, only 42 minutes un- story? Why do we need to til I make my way out of the take a test? Why must we journalism room and sneak read a novel after we have home before the next already taken the AP school day creeps up English Test? on me. So I sit here throwHere’s the thing ing the journalist’s about me and stories, form of a temper especially with the tantrum, using my print edition. When column as a way to you have a story asvent about senioritis signed to you a space Will and generally making Ritchie, 12 is given, and more a mockery of myself. often than not a stoAnd why? Because I ry must be shortened to fit don’t care. Because I am a a space. I struggle to fill the senior and because I really space I have for a story. I don’t see the point in workblame it on the early onset ing on anything for school of senioritis I have had since once class ranks are locked, junior year. When you’re a finals are taken and my senior nothing has a point future is decided. This stoand everything is question- ry took me approximately
Jeremy Ferman PHOTO
I don’t want to write this story. The paper is officially on deadline, and I have two stories to write. Apparently ‘past me’ volunteered to write a column for the last issue of The Rider I would be involved in. At the time it must have been a great idea but now, not so much. I have a rather dire case of what many call senioritis. School is almost over, and while I’ll be going to college I cannot wait to escape from Mansfield. Lubbock is probably not the most exciting city in the Lone Star state. I glance at
Sports Editor William Davis
Yay! The End of Testing: TAKS tests, AP tests, SATs and ACTs are all behind us now. Even with finals coming up, a lot of stress and studying is done for good. And with exemptions, those aren’t too bad either.
three weeks to write, and that’s because any time I sat down to type it, I would zone out or search the web for something more entertaining to do. Senioritis can’t really be ‘caught’. We use it to describe the feelings of excitement and anticipation we experience while waiting for events like prom or graduation; to explain why we have days where nothing seems to matter or get done; to explain why writing a simple column might as well be writing a thesis paper. I’m a senior, and because of senioritis, I feel more restrained by the walls of high school than ever before.
Nay! False ‘Your Child Will Not Graduate’ Letters: While failing some classes can put us in danger, having parents freak out over a letter for a class that does not affect graduation is a nasty surprise.
Yay! Banquets: We love food. We love our clubs. We love them even more put together. End of year banquets give everyone one more chance to dress up, have a huge dinner and get awards.
Yay! Last Week of School: No more homework, no more tests and no more school food. Now the swimming, partying and summer jobs begin.
Adviser Leland Mallett Principal David Wright
The Rider is a student publication of the Legacy Student Media Department and is free to all students. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of the Mansfield Independent School District. The Rider is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and governed by all UIL guidelines. The Rider is also a member of TAJE, NSPA, CSPA and Quill & Scroll. Any complaints, comments or letters to the editor may be submitted to the below address. Ads are sold for $20 per column inch and are under the direction of the business manager. For advertising information, see our web page: www. legacyjournalism.org The Rider is printed by the production staff of the Greater Dallas Press in Garland, Texas. Letters to the Editor We welcome your letters about our publication and/or Legacy High School. To print your letter to the editor, e-mail a copy to editor@ legacyjournalism.org. We reserve the right to alter the letter for space purposes and grammar issues.
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1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1229 legacystudentmedia.com therideronline.com
Entertainment Final
Thank You Nick’s Niche This was the best year of my life, so far. I say so far because I am an optimist and always believe that tomorrow has potential to be better than today. And yes, I know next year will be hard; the early buzz on college is that it’s harder high school without your friends, but whatevs. I’ll do in college what I did in high school; start at the bottom and work my way up to the top. Because I’m charming, talented and more than a little awesome. But this isn’t about me. This about you. Well, not you as in everyone, but you as in…if you’re one of the people I’m going to mention today, than I guess it would be “you,” otherwise it’s about “them.” Never mind. Anyway, for my final Nick’s Niche, I wanted to do something different. Rather than pontificate about myself (another thing about me; big words. Like ‘em, know how to use ‘em.) I wanted to instead write about those that made this year such a wonderful adventure. Guys, I’m a fat, awkward geek; high school has been an exercise in torture. Instead, it was the time of my life. Well, so far. Again, optimism. So, now that I’ve come to the end, I’d like to thank… Shack- You were the first teacher at Legacy I ever met. Meeting you and seeing how excited you were to be at Legacy helped me get jazzed too. And I still think I’m a little jazzed, even now. So thanks. Mallett- For talking me into joining The Rider. Believe it or not, there was a time where I was actually going to do Media Tech instead of journalism. Let’s just say my experiences at Summit did not instill a passion for newspaper. But you did. I think of you not only as a great teacher, but as the coolest boss I’ll ever have. Your raw passion and enthusiasm for The Rider and high school journalism in general has been inspiring to me. I’m sorry for all the times I’ve disappointed you, but I’m more grateful for all the things you’ve taught me. Greg- My most difficult friend. And I think that’s because you were, well, are, why am I saying were? Anyway, you are my most honest friend. In high school, honesty is a rare commodity and while at times it hurt, your honesty was always appreciated. Thanks pal. Mac & Ferman- You guys gave me a place to stay after school. In theatre, I worked harder, tried harder, laughed harder and cried harder then any other time in my life. Going into Legacy, I knew that theatre arts were a subject of strong interest. But because my experiences with you guys, it is now a passion and dream that I will chase for the rest of my life. It was the greatest adventure, and you should be as proud of yourselves as I am of both of you. My Friends- I can’t name all of you, so I’m not even going to bother. But I love you guys. All of you, you’re great. So many stories, so much laughter. Looking back through my time at high school, I realize that my biggest roadblock to happiness has always been myself. It’s always been me beating myself down, telling me things to keep myself from truly enjoying myself. But you guys were always awesome, always cheering me up, intentionally or unintentionally. My friends are smart, loyal, weird and endlessly fascinating. You were all brilliant and, thanks to you so was I.
Rather than myself, I wanted to instead write about those who made this year an adventure.
May 28, 2010
Page 11
More Than Just Song Writing
Two musicians with similar habits, different dreams
By Chase Tremaine Staff Writer Jordan Gallas wakes up early most Sunday mornings to help lead worship at Grace Community Church, but only late at night does the inspiration and focus come for Gallas to create and mold his own music. Finally finished with the schoolwork, youth group meetings, and family affairs that fill the daytime hours, Gallas takes the midnight moment to sit back on his bed. With his acoustic guitar reflecting the pale starlight shining in through the second story window, he begins sifting through the many melodies and lyrics that have been spinning around in his head. “I write about whatever’s going on in my life, what I see,” Gallas said. “I had writer’s block for so long, but now all of a sudden a melody pops into my head and I can’t stop writing. I’ve got the idea, then I figure out the key on my guitar and put lyrics to it. I’ve been working on some songs for months now, sometimes I write one just in an hour.” Gallas has a drawer in his room dedicated to the many journals of song lyrics and ideas he has written in past years but decided not to keep. If he feels a song lacks quality or emotion, he just moves on to a new idea. “Take Me Far,” a recent tune Gallas enjoys, sings about the struggles of falling into sin and how sin disguises itself into something that seems good. The strong balance between Gallas performing his own music and modern worship music helps to form such songs. “I’m influenced by Dave Matthews Band, but also by bands like Switchfoot and Thrice,” he said. “Church
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Jordan Gallas performs at Grace Community Church. Holly Baselice Photo
also inspires me, plus playing there helps me get comfortable with playing in front of people while also learning new rhythms and chord progressions.” Gallas has sung onstage since Vacation Bible School at age five and began playing guitar at age thirteen. “I felt weird standing onstage with just a microphone,” he said. “I need something else, so I picked up the guitar. I wanted to have the frontman feeling.” Another student songwriter, sophomore John Claset, has similar songwriting patterns. Claset has reportedly written thousands of songs, but he only keeps a select few. His “awfully optimistic masterpiece” entitled “If” received its public debut in January when Claset sang the song at Legacy Legends. “I perform in a lot of piano recitals, but it felt good to sing one of my own pro-
“I’ve wanted music to be my career since I was a kid.” -John Classet
ductions for once,” Claset said. “Songwriting to me is taking a lot of my thoughts and emotions in a way that gives me a huge outlet and hopefully a good song.” One striking difference stands between the musical hopes of Gallas and Claset: whereas Gallas would like to play songs locally and stay with his family, Claset hopes to make a living with music and tour the world. “I’ve wanted music to be my career since I was a kid,” Claset said. “My career pursuit has to involve music, maybe even producing soundtracks for video games.” Neither artist plans to give up on music though without first trying. Gallas, with the help of his father and his brother Josh, has recently been working on recording an EP of his music, setting up a homemade studio in their living room. The album could ideally be finished in autumn. Either way, both feel the need to be heard. As said in Claset’s song “If,” this light would tell me that I’ve at least tried.
Page 12
The Back Page
May 28, 2010
STATE:
Been There, Done That
Top Row: 1) Girls’ Golf at the state meet. 2) Academic Decathlon shows off their medals after the tournament. 3) Student Council: Sweepstakes winners. 4) Seniors Sophie Smith, Hunter Canedy and Trevor Callarman perform in the state advancing UIL One Act play. 5) Journalism wins Crown awards from Columbia University for therideronline.com and The Arena. 6) The Band’s performance of “Signal to Noise” advanced to state and placed 7th. 7) 19 Legacy students competed in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, 8) Winifred Ileso advanced to state in the long jump category.
Winnie Ileso advanced to state in long jump.
Kayla Taylor advanced to state in shot put.
Sherie Key advanced to state in long jump.
09-10 Filled the Trophy Cases: but what about next year’s move to 5A? BY GREGORY URIBE Editor-in-Chief Following the conclusion of Legacy’s third year, the awards won by the established programs surpassed the achievements of their predecessors. “I’m very proud to be the principal of a highly effective school,” Principal David Wright said. “I think we’ve done remarkably well for being so new.” According to Mr. Wright, the success attained by this year’s programs derived not only from the base talent of students, but from the coaches and teachers who helped focus their skills. He believes both are required
in order to achieve the success Legacy has had this year. Sophomore Kayla Taylorwas surprised to learn her expectations for participating in shot put would be surpassed. “I didn’t actually believe I would make it to state,” Kayla Taylor said. “I thought, ‘Why should I have to practice in the heat?’ It was frustrating.” Constantly facing the option of taking a break and putting in less effort for her
event, Taylor was inspired by Coach Billy Smith to instead try her best. “There were times the frustration would take over, but Coach Smith pushed me to go farther,” Taylor said. “He made me have the hunger to go to state, and without him I wouldn’t have made it.” Because of the constant support from coaches and teachers, the efforts of a whole team were able to advance to the state level
Moving into a different district provides a degree of uncertainty. All in all, I think we will compete well in the 5A district we are moving into. -David Wright
despite not placing high enough. “This year we had a chance,” AcaDec member Gideon Von Bose said. “We did as best as we could and because of that we made it to state.” Academic Decathlon did not place high enough to qualify for state, but their team points total allowed the group to win a wild card slot. “We were all really happy, but after we stopped screaming we went back to studying,” Von Bose said. Other organizations required different methods of training to advance the groups to state. One act play light board operator Emily
Oakes faced constant guidance from her directors to help tighten their show. “This was all we worked for this year,” Emily Oakes said. “It was such an honor. When you finally get there, you truly realize how much work is required to make it.” Despite the transition from a 4A district to 5A, Oakes believes the efforts put into the organizations this year will continue on for next year. “It’s going to be a little harder next year,” Oakes said, “but we still have the same teachers and their dedication is still there. If they’re excited about it, we’re excited about it too.”