Issue 3

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Letter from the Editor Editor-in-Chief Forrest Milburn Associate Editors-in-Chief Evelyn Alonso Rosa Marinero Scarlett Smith Business Manager Senaida Horta Photo Editor Maylan Raymudo Graphics Editor Gabe Medrano News Editor Michelle Pinilla Sports Editor Chinonye Duru Entertainment Editor Karilyn Gregson Graphic Artists Harley Adolfo Eric Prado Photographers Kat Betbeze, Charlie Gallegos, Dominique Garrett, Amber Nance, Kathy Rivera, Gaby Rodriguez, Amber Smith Reporters Jose Bartolo, Felisha Duran, Sydney Farooq, Truth Fofana, Sarah Knapp, Mesha McDonald, Kayla Mensah, Thuan Nguyen Adviser Jarred Goodall

With its never-ending array of pop quizzes, lectures and homework, high school can be stressful. Test Friday, essay Tuesday, that two-week project over psychodynamics you procrastinated on? It's due tomorrow. But for some people, those dreaded four years of high school come with a lot more to handle than just what's experienced from first through seventh period. For some, the stress of high school comes with an additional four to seven hours of work at a part-time job, while others are told that the illegal consumption of tobacco as a minor comes with zero consequences. Others seek solace by burying their face in their cell phone, however they never end up finding it. In this issue of the redesigned Rampage, our writers discuss these issues by presenting information on some of the problems high school students face, while also including the opinions of students based on their life experiences. Whether it be my story about the rise of underage hookah usage at Berkner, Managing Editor Rosa Marinero's story on the recent changes to the SAT test or News Editor Michelle Pinilla's story on our generation's addiction to game apps, you could learn something new by just brushing the stress aside and reading a few of the articles in our first ever newsmagazine.

Berkner High School of the Richardson ISD respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees, students and shareholders. Views expressed in the Berkner High School Rampage in no way are intended to show respect to one set of religious beliefs and practices over another.

Sincerely, Forrest Milburn Editor-in-Chief Visit our website at www. bhsrampage.com, where you can find daily updates that include news, features, editorials and entertainment articles.

POLICY

The Rampage is a student-run newsmagazine, with a large social media presence and a website updated daily, that distributes 1000 copies of each print issue during all three lunches to a student body of over 2000. Each print issue is a high-gloss magazine printed in full color that is published twice a year, and each issue is passed out during all three lunches at Berkner, as well as to each faculty member and on newsstands throughout the Richardson area. All editorials, including letters to and from the Editor, as well as advertisements, reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the staff, adviser or administration.

Principal Dr. Ron Griffen

BHS Rampage @bhsrampage

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@bhsrampage

INSIDE THE ISSUE

ON THE COVER Smoke and Mirrors Pages 14-16 Fashionistas Page 10

Keeping Richardson RED Pages 12-13

SAT Changes

Ramblers Take Memphis

Pages 6-7

Pages 18-19

Richland Attracting High School Students to Collegiate High School

#AllSystemsGo! Pages 20-21

FFA

Page 8

Part-Time Employment Page 9

Page 22

APPdicted Page 17

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Basketball Page 23

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Students work on a practice reading assignment in Ms. Caroline Womack’s English II Pre-AP class. 6WXGHQWV ZKR GURSSHG $3 FRXUVHV KDYH QRWLFHG D VL]HDEOH GURSR͞ LQ KRPHZRUN DQG ULJRU ZKHQ they moved into a regular course. (Photo provided by Kathy Rivera.)

Chinonye Duru Sports Editor

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s students cram for the approaching AP exams, teachers continue to prepare them for the tedious and frustrating test days. However, regular students are stress less and anticipate the summer, with less worries. BHS senior Jocelyn Jimenez decided to take on the challenge of taking all AP classes this year. Since taking multiple AP classes, Jimenez has noticed a major change in how seriously she takes her studies. “The work load is very GLÍżHUHQW ,Q P\ $3 FODVVes, we’re constantly doing projects and assignments.

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, WU\ P\ EHVW WR SDVV DOO RI my classes with the highest JUDGH SRVVLEOH Âľ Counselor Mrs. Florence Woods thinks students in AP classes take their academics seriously and are preparing themselves for college. AP classes mean to strengthen students study skills and prepare them for the rigor of college. “AP classes are extremely EHQHĂ€FLDO EHFDXVH RI LWV DELOity to prepare students for a FROOHJH OHYHO FODVV Âľ As a counselor, Mrs. Woods always encourgages students to challenge themselves and take upper level classes. AP students are expected to have college OHYHO PDWXULW\ DQG EH DFDdemically advanced.

Physics teacher Ms. Paula Rilling feels that it’s a great advantage for students to EH LQYROYHG LQ $3 FODVVHV DV HDUO\ DV SRVVLEOH 7KH atmosphere in an AP class is more serious, with students who really want to make a great grade. “Most students who have had multiple AP classes comment that their college classes are easier than they expected. This is a great feeling to have when you DUH WU\LQJ WR Ă€JXUH RXW KRZ WR EH DQ DGXOW SRVVLEO\ away from home, for the Ă€UVW WLPH Âľ )RU PDQ\ LW KDV EHHQ REVHUYHG WKDW $3 FODVVHV DUH full of determined students who are dedicated to making good grades in class.

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Teachers grade more strictly, which makes students concentrate more on understanding the material. ´, KDYH UHJXODU DQG AP classes and there is a PDMRU GLÍżHUHQFH LQ KRZ seriously people take their grades. Taking AP classes LV D VWUXJJOH EXW LW LV ZRUWK WKH H[SHULHQFH Âľ VDLG VHQLRU 'RULV %DULEH 2QFH %DULEH GURSSHG RXW of an AP class to a regular class, she noticed she had a lot of extra time on her KDQGV WR Ă€QLVK RWKHU FODVV ZRUN 6KH EHJDQ WR IHHO less stressed, which was a EHQHĂ€W IRU KHU EHFDXVH VKH is also working on college applications.

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MORE CHANGES?

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or 53 years, the SAT remained unchanged. There were two sections to the exam—math and reading— which were scored on a scale of 200 to 800; however revisions in 2016 will present the second set of changes the College Board has made in the past 11 years. In 2005, the College Board created a new SAT that included a writing section to meet the requirements of some colleges that required essay samples. On March 5, 2014, the College Board announced that the SAT would go back to its original 1600-point scale, WDNLQJ HÍżHFW LQ WKH VSULQJ RI 2016. A longstanding criticism of the SAT is that students from wealthier households do better on the exam EHFDXVH WKH\ FDQ DÍżRUG expensive test preparation classes. Now, the College Board will have four waivers of fees that colleges charge with admission applications if one is eligible based on the College Board’s income eligibility guidelines. The College Board and Khan $FDGHP\ D QRQ SURĂ€W education website, formed a partnership to provide free test preparation for the redesigned SAT. The test preparation help will be available online in the spring of 2015. “Our intention in this

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partnership is that this will be the best thing out there that happens to be free,� Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy said at the South by Southwest Convention in Austin, TX.

memorization, will be taken away from the exam. “Frankly today, many VWXGHQWV ZKR DUH WHUULĂ€HG they will be tested on lots of SAT words that they’ve never seen before have

Source: Washington Post

Since the SAT has changed its maximum score to a 1600, the essay will be graded separately and no longer required. In addition, incorrect answers will not be penalized. Students will now be required to justify their answers rather than just answering a question without proof. The SAT will also be available to take on a computer in selected locations. “It shouldn’t just be about picking the right answer,â€? David Coleman, College Board’s president said. “It should be about being able to explain, and see.â€? In addition, words on the SAT like, ‘unctuous,’ vicissitude,’ and, ‘chicanery,’ that are rarely used on a daily basis, and learned WKURXJK Ă DVKFDUGV DQG

information provided. “When scoring student writing on the SAT, we can assess only the coherence of the writing and to not look at the quality of the reasoning, the accuracy and relevance of example or the use of data. But that’s not the way we work in the world of college and career,� Coleman said. “We will now ask students to analyze the core argument of source document. [The essay portion of the exam] is designed to cultivate close reading, care analysis and clear writing.� The writing portion of the evidence-based reading and writing section will remain required; however Coleman decided that essay portion should remain optional. “A single brief timed essay has not historically

one recourse: Ă DVKFDUGV (YHU\ HGXFDWRU NQRZV WKDW Ă DVKFDUGV DUH not the best way to build real world knowledge that will last,â€? Coleman said. “Now the SAT will honor the best work of our class“Our intention in this partnership rooms: reading [with College Board and Khan Acadewidely my] is that this will be the best thing and learnout there that happens to be free,â€? ing how -Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy words ZRUN LQ WKHLU GLÍżHUHQW proved predictive of college context.â€? success,â€? Coleman said. The new SAT will be a “The writing portion of close mirror what students the evidence based reading will have to do in college. and writing section will reRather than writing a permain required. These writsuasive essay in 25 minutes, ing tasks, such as editing, test-takers will now have 50 have shown to prove valminutes to analyze a docued, predictive information ument and write an essay of student success. So, what explaining how the author I decided to do was require builds their argument as the writing as part of the well as requiring them to evidence based reading and source documents from the writing section, but make

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but make the essay optional.” Some previous critics of the SAT have said that the math portion of the college entrance exam has unnecessary math applications that students may never use again. Coleman redesigned the math section where students will apply math skills in real life situations. “The redesigned SAT will present students with a scenario from science, social science, career or life contexts in which they apply the math content they’ve learned,” Coleman said. “No longer will the SAT only have the disconnected problems or tricky situation that students won’t likely see again.” There will be two sec-

tions of the math portion of the SAT. One section of the exam will have calculators permitted, while the other section will not. “The non-calculator section makes it possible for the SAT to assess students the understanding of these ideas. It rewards well-learned technique and ÁXHQF\ ZLWK FDOFXODWLRQ DQG number sense,” Coleman said. “This is so meaningful for math teachers and mathematicians in this country, because they all know that mathematics is just not plugging solutions into an answer. It’s understanding the work in front of you.” In addition to the changes the College Board has made on the SAT, Coleman added a part of American

culture in reading passages by including one historical American document in the evidence-based reading and writing section of the test. “There is no better example of such concentrated excellence and such transforming power than America’s founding document in the great Global Conver-

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sation they have inspired,” said Coleman. “In making this decision, the College Board dramatically expands its reach from a focus on college and career readiness, to addressing the great challenges we all face in sustaining a just and free society for ‘we are the people.’”

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Finishing high school in college Amber Smith Staff Writer

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tudents walk around the campus feeling alienated by their age. Being one of the youngest people in the entire student body can be intimidating, but brains and maturity can help make up for that at Richland Collegiate High School. Richland Collegiate High School, or RCHS, is a program where high school juniors and seniors are able to attend Richland Community College for their last two years of secondary school and possibly receive an associate’s degree, along with their high school diploma. The RCHS program is open to any sophomore who has received 12 credits by the end of their sophomore year or to juniors who have received 15 credits. Students must also have completed and passed the following courses: English 1 and 2, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, World Geography and World History, with one to two years of a foreign language.

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7KHUH DUH PDQ\ Ă€QDQFLDO EHQHĂ€WV WR DWWHQGLQJ 5&+6 such as the free tuition, textbooks and the opportunity to get an associate’s degree for free. Everything is paid for by tax dollars, because it belongs to a public school system. Kelly Rogers, parent of two RCHS attendees, said that the cost was a major factor. “The cost was a big factor, but it wasn’t the only one. A bigger factor was whether or not Celine wanted to do it.â€? :KLOH WKH Ă€QDQFLDO EHQHĂ€WV DUH JRRG WKHUH DUH VRPH things that might make students not want to attend RCHS. When students are in a regular high school, they enjoy many experiences, such as being a part of the band or a sports team, and they are just not ready to give that up. Priyen Solanki, a member of the Berkner High School Drum Line and the Latin Dance Club, turned down his opportunity to attend RCHS for just this reason. “I chose not to do it because I don’t think I would receive the full high school experience. I enjoy activities such as Drum line.â€? Sophomore Anne Nguyen agreed with Solanki. “You can’t really replace your high school experience if you do it, especially your junior and senior year. You would be missing out on high school social life.â€? 1JX\HQ DOVR GRHV QRW IHHO WKH QHHG WR Ă€QG D ride to college every day, considering she will only receive her driver’s license toward the end of her junior year. “I’m not exactly looking to get just an associate’s degree, and it might save me money, but I also do not get my license until the second semester of junior year and wouldn’t have anyone to rely on for rides to college.â€? <RXQJ DJHV WKDW DÍżHFW GULYLQJ LV DOVR D IDFWRU when considering going to college. These people are bound to be a lot younger than the majority of the student body. However, that factor does not discourage many people from choosing this program due to factors, such as maturity level. Celine Rogers, who has had two siblings attend RCHS in previous years, does not mind the DJH GLÍżHUHQFH “It doesn’t bother me that I’ll be having classes with people older than me. In fact, it’s kind of exciting. I like the idea of taking classes with, hopefully, a more mature crowd.â€? Sophomore Samya Al-As’ad agreed with Rogers. “I’m okay with it, personally. I’ve always been the youngest child in my classes because I skipped a grade. But the thought of being at school with a lot of people older than me seems irrelevant sometimes because of the maturity GLÍżHUHQFH $JH LVQ¡W PHDVXUHG LQ QXPEHUV WR PH so I don’t really pay much attention to it.â€?

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Students manage studies, jobs saving your money and time management. Staff Writer “It’s a feeling of independence, and not igh school could be having to rely on your a stressful time for parents for every little many students. Between thing,â€? Avant said. schoolwork, extra curricular 0DQ\ RI ZRUNLQJ activities, homework and high school students friends, many students may agree that having a job have other priorities like and having their own trying to keep a part-time money is a sense of job. pride and maturity for Senior Aniya Avant has them. kept a part time job since Even though she has she was 16. WURXEOH ZLWK Ă€QGLQJ ´, Ă€UVW JRW D MRE DW 0Ftime to study, senior Donald’s the summer before Courtney Love said, sophomore year,â€? Avant “The hardest part about said. working and going to Getting out of school at VFKRRO IRU PH LV Ă€QGLQJ 4:10 p.m. and going to work time to study and do IRU Ă€YH KRXUV GRHV QRW OHDYH homework. I usually Since her sophomore year, senior Aniya Avant has much time for homework. study for test the mornmanaged a full plate, with basketball, a full school On top of work and school, ing of or right before Avant found time to play on load and a job. (Photo provided by Dominique class starts.â€? the Lady Rams Basketball Garrett.) Love also believes it Team. is good she is getting “Keeping a part time stressful for her. Barely job is a great way to build used to having a job now, job is how I’m able to Ă€QGLQJ WLPH IRU KRPHZRUN character and get real world due to the fact that, more hang out with friends she still manages to keep an experience. then likely, she is going to outside of school. So A-B average. Tina Bailey, mother of be working throughout I kind of don’t have a According to a 2014 Avant, said “I think it’s a college too. choice unless I’m just poll taken of high school good thing my daughter Having a part-time going to sit at home all students in Texas, almost keeps a job in school. She’s job in high school comes day everyday which is not 50 percent of 2014 seniors learning real world responalong with stress, but an option.â€? currently have a part-time sibilities which will help her many high school students $YDQW ZRUNV Ă€YH GD\V job. Thirty percent of them later in life.â€? manage to accomplish this a week, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 work after school and also Keeping a part time job task while maintaining p.m. on school days and have extracurricular activin high school can help stutheir grades and partici8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on ities. Although it may be dents learn the importance pating in extracurricular weekends, which is very time consuming, having a of prioritizing, managing, activities.

Mesha McDonald

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Fashion club starts creatively Chinonye Duru Sports Editor It’s unusual that the newest club at Berkner is the one club that goes on exclusive, exciting Ă€HOG WULSV The Berkner Rams’ Fashion &OXE ZDV LQWURGXFHG DW WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH \HDU DQG KDV DOUHDG\ PDQDJHG WR H[SHULHQFH WKH PRVW Ă€HOG WULSV RI DQ\ VFKRRO JURXS 7KH\ KDYH EHHQ DWWHQGLQJ PXOWLSOH IDVKLRQ VKRZV ZKHUH WKH\ HLWKHU SDUWLFLSDWHG RU REVHUYHG 7KH FOXE¡V VSRQVRU 0UV (Vtela Hubbell, teachers fashion GHVLJQ DORQJ ZLWK FKLOG GHYHORSPHQW $PRQJ KHU PDQ\ DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV +XEEHOO DOVR JUDGXDWHG IURP WKH )DVKLRQ ,QVWLWXWH RI 'HVLJQ DQG 0HUFKDQGLVLQJ LQ 6DQ )UDQFLVFR DQG 6DQ )UDQFLVFR 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ ZLWK D GHJUHH LQ FORWKLQJ DQG WH[WLOH GHVLJQ ´, DP VR SURXG RI HYHU\thing the fashion club has acFRPSOLVKHG WKLV \HDU ,W¡V YHU\ H[FLWLQJ Âľ VDLG 0UV +XEEHOO 6R IDU WKH FOXE KDV JRQH RQ PXOWLSOH Ă€HOG WULSV LQFOXGLQJ one to the Galleria of Dallas, DQG +DUU\ +LQHV :KROHVDOH )DEULF 6WRUH ZKHUH WKH\ VHOHFW- Junior Hanna Zogbor assists Fashion club teacher/sponsor Estela HG IDEULFV IRU GLÍżHUHQW SURMHFWV Hubbell with the measurements of a dress. (Photo provided by $V IDU DV JHWWLQJ LQYROYHG Seniada Horta.) in the community, the Berkner Fashion Club took on creating ,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH FOXE KDV KDG PDQ\ 9DVTXH] DJUHHV GUHVVHV IRU FKLOGUHQ LQ +DLWL WKURXJK IXQGUDLVLQJ SURJUDPV 7KH PRVW UHFHQW “I love the class because not only WKH &DOYDU\ &KDSHO 7KH\ DUH DOVR ZDV WKH &KULVWPDV FXSFDNH VHOOV 7KH GR , OHDUQ QHZ WKLQJV DERXW IDVKLRQ GRQDWLQJ KDQG PDGH EODQNHWV IRU ORFDO PHPEHU ZKR VROG WKH PRVW FXSFDNHV KLVWRU\ EXW , OHDUQHG KRZ WR EHFRPH D VKHOWHUV LQ WKH DUHD OLNH 2[IRUG +RXVH UHFHLYHG IUHH WLFNHWV WR WKH SLQ VKRZ OHDGHU Âľ DQG $OO\¡V +RXVH WKH ODUJHVW IDVKLRQ VKRZ LQ 'DOODV 6RPH H[SHFWDWLRQV IRU QH[W \HDU¡V 7KH FOXE LV DOVR D΀OLDWHG ZLWK WKH -XQLRU 'HOHJDWHV 0H 1JX\HQ DQG FOXE LQFOXGH SURJUHVV DQG YHUVDWLOLW\ 7H[DV )DPLO\ &DUHHU DQG &RPPXQLW\ 0D\ODQ 5D\PXQGR DQG VHQLRU 3UHV´:H¡OO JURZ PRUH DFWLYH LQ WKHFRP/HDGHUV RI $PHULFD D QRQSURĂ€W FDUHHU LGHQW $QGUHD 9DVTXH] DWWHQGHG WKH PXQLW\ LQ WHUPV RI PDNLQJ KDQG PDGH DQG VWXGHQW RUJDQL]DWLRQ IRU \RXQJ VKRZ RQ )HE EHFDXVH WKH\ VROG WKH LWHPV OLNH RXWĂ€WV Âľ VDLG 0UV +XEEHOO ZRPHQ LQ IDPLO\ DQG FRQVXPHU HGXPRVW FXSFDNHV ,Q 0D\ WKH IDVKLRQ FOXE ZLOO EH FDWLRQ 6RURSWLPLVW D YROXQWHHU RUJD“The fashion class was very new having a fashion show in senior way QL]DWLRQ LV DOVR LQ DVVRFLDWLRQ ZLWK WKH DQG H[FLWLQJ WR PH , UHDOL]HG KRZ RI %HUNQHU +LJK 6FKRRO ZLWK WKH DIWHUIDVKLRQ FOXE 0UV +XEEHOO SUHYLRXVO\ PXFK , ORYH LW DQG QRZ ,¡P SODQQLQJ VFKRRO 5RF SURJUDP VHUYHG WKH WZR WLPH SUHVLGHQW RI WKH RQ PDMRULQJ LQ IDVKLRQ ZKHQ , DWWHQG 6RURSWLPLVW RUJDQL]DWLRQ FROOHJH Âľ VDLG 5D\PXQGR

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Keeping Richardson R E D

Rep. Angie Chen Button Survives Primary Challenge, Plans to Continue to Serve District Forrest Milburn Editor-­in-­Chief

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“

Of course during the primary everyone likes to say they are more conservative, but voters know the [candidates’] records, and I think I went on my record. The results demonstrated that my [district’s voters] want me to continue to serve them.

”

GHFLGHG WR HQWHU D FURZGHG 5HSXEOLFDQ SULPDU\ ZLWKRXW DQ\ SULRU SROLWLFDO H[SHULHQFH LQ ZKHUH VKH OHG KHU RWKHU WZR RSSRQHQWV ZLWK SHUFHQW RI WKH YRWH 6LQFH VKH IDLOHG WR UHFHLYH D VROLG PDMRULW\ RI WKH YRWH VKH ZDV WKHQ VHQW LQWR D UXQ RͿ HOHFWLRQ DJDLQVW 5DQGDOO 'XQQLQJ D VRIWZDUH HQJLQHHU DQG D PHPEHU RI WKH *DUODQG &LW\ &RXQFLO ZKRP VKH EHDW SHUFHQW WR SHUFHQW ,Q WKH 1RYHPEHU JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQ %XWWRQ DOVR EHDW RXW 'HPRFUDW 6DQGUD 3KXRQJ 9XOH SHUFHQW WR SHUFHQW ZLWK DQRWKHU SHUFHQW RI WKH YRWH FDVW IRU WKH /LEHUWDULDQ SDUW\ QRPLQHH 3KLOLS 0 :KLWH 5HS %XWWRQ has represented the district ever since. /HDGLQJ XS WR WKH SULPDU\ HOHFWLRQ ZKLFK ZDV VHHQ DV 5HS %XWWRQ V PRVW GDULQJ FKDOOHQJH VLQFH 5HS %XWWRQ DPDVVHG D GHGLFDWHG DUP\ RI VXSSRUWHUV VRPH ZKR had known her personally and others who had not, that YROXQWHHUHG IRU KHU WKURXJKRXW WKH FRXQWOHVV QXPEHU RI ZHHNV EHIRUH WKH HOHFWLRQ ´2Q WKH ÀUVW 6DWXUGD\ RI WKH HDUO\ YRWLQJ SHULRG DERXW SHRSOH ZHUH LQ P\ KRXVH WR ZDON WKH EORFNV IRU PH >VRUW RI OLNH@ D ODVW PLQXWH SXVK WR PDNH VXUH SHRSOH JHW RXW WR YRWH µ 5HS %XWWRQ VDLG ´7KH YROXQWHHUV JRW WKHUH DW DURXQG DP DQG VRPH RI WKHP GLGQ W HYHQ OHDYH XQWLO DERXW SP 6RPH GLGQ W HYHQ JHW WKH FKDQFH WR XVH WKH UHVWURRP RU WR WDNH D EUHDN HLWKHU µ $OWKRXJK WKH YRWLQJ SDWWHUQV RI WKH $VLDQ $PHULFDQ YRWH VKRZ WKDW WKH GHPRJUDSKLF DV D ZKROH OHDQV WRZDUGV WKH 'HPRFUDWLF SDUW\ 5HS %XWWRQ VD\V WKDW KHU SDVW OLIH H[SHULHQFHV OHG KHU WR EHFRPH D PHPEHU RI WKH 5HSXEOLFDQ party. ´7KH ÀUVW UHSXEOLFDQ , FDPH WR NQRZ ZDV 6HQ %DUU\ *ROGZDWHU µ 5HS %XWWRQ VDLG ´, ZDV ERUQ LQ 7DLZDQ DQG 6HQ *ROGZDWHU ZDV RQH RI WKH NH\ SHRSOH DOZD\V LQVLVWLQJ WKDW WKH 8 6 SURWHFW 7DLZDQ IURP &KLQD µ According to the Texas Tribune ´5HS %XWWRQ ZDV ERUQ LQ 7DLSHL 7DLZDQ LQ $V D FKLOG KHU VHYHQ SHUVRQ IDPLO\ OLYHG LQ D VTXDUH IRRW RQH URRP KXW ZLWKRXW D NLWFKHQ RU D EDWKURRP 6KH FUHGLWV HGXFDWLRQ ZLWK EULQJLQJ KHU D EHWWHU OLIH 5HS %XWWRQ PHW KHU KXVEDQG 'DUF\ DV D JUDGXDWH VWXGHQW DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7H[DV DW 'DOODV 87' >DQG@ WKH\ KDYH OLYHG LQ 5LFKDUGVRQ DQG *DUODQG IRU \HDUV µ ´7KLQN DERXW LW D SRRU DQG ORQHO\ IRUHLJQ VWXGHQW FDQ FRPH WR WKLV FRXQWU\ SOXV \HDUV DJR DQG WKHQ JHW HOHFWHG WR VHUYLQJ LQ VXFK D JUHDW FDSDFLW\ µ 5HS %XWWRQ VDLG ´6R PDQ\ SHRSOH FDPH RXW WR VXSSRUW PH DQG GR WKH YROXQWHHU ZRUN IRU XV DQG LW V MXVW VR LQFUHGLEOH³WKLV LV GHÀQLWHO\ WKH JUHDWHVW FRXQWU\ RQ (DUWK µ

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13

Forrest Miburn

school started,� Mae said.

Editor-in-Chief “But since then, I've only

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*

ally Mae Ă€UVW HQtered a local hookah bar when she was 16 years old. Everything —the ZKLÍżV RI JUH\ VPRNH WKDW Ă RDWHG DFURVV WKH URRP WKH loud, pounding music jutting out from the DJ's speakHUV DQG WKH ODFN RI VX΀FLHQW lighting—seemed intriguing and slightly ominous. She sat down with her group of friends, the same friends that had repeatedly tried to get her to meet up for a “friendly, innocent night of fun,â€? and ordered a hookah pipe with their choice of Ă DYRUHG WREDFFR After they received the massive hookah, which resembled the kind of killer octopuses that sailors described in past tales with its long, black tube and mouthpiece, Sally decided she wanted to try it out before anyone else. She put her lips on the mouthpiece, closed KHU H\HV DQG LQKDOHG WKH Ă Dvored tobacco smoke—and she has been coming back ever since. “I started smoking hookah last summer, and I did it every other week up until

*Sally Mae is a

fictional person that represents quotes from three different anonymous sources. 14

gone about once a month.â€? A hookah is a water pipe used to pass charcoal-heated air initially through a WREDFFR PL[WXUH DQG Ă€QDOO\ WKURXJK D ZDWHU Ă€OOHG chamber. The charcoal is placed on top of a perforated piece of aluminum foil, and the tobacco mixture, XVXDOO\ FRQWDLQLQJ Ă DYRUings and additives that can reduce nicotine content, is placed below. Hookahs vary in size and in shape, with some hookahs including only one tube and mouthpiece, while others include multiple. If in a group with only one tube DQG PRXWKSLHFH WKH Ă€UVW XVHU LQKDOHV WKH ZDWHU Ă€Otered smoke, and then the hookah is passed around to the other group members, which studies show may lead to transmissible social diseases, like herpes and oral cancer. “It’s not just the harmful elements of nicotine and charcoal carcinogens that people should be aware of,â€? Samuel Fawaz, M.D., co-founder and organizer of the Hookah Community Coalition said. “Many smokers don’t realize they are facing the risk of transmissible and communicable diseases, such as oral cancer, when they share the mouthpiece with others.â€? While the tobacco found in hookah products can FRQWDLQ Ă DYRULQJV DQG other additives intended to reduce nicotine content, it is not uncommon for a hookah user to consume tobacco for an hour or

more, contrasting with the DSSUR[LPDWH ÀYH PLQXWHV a cigarette smoker would spend smoking each cigarette. Therefore, even with the lower level of nicotine in

ers estimated daily water pipe use to be equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes a day,� the American Lung Association said. “When smoking a hookah, very

the hookah’s tobacco, a hookah smoker in the end will consume an equal or larger amount of nicotine than a cigarette user would due to the amount of tobacco consumed in one session. “In one study that pooled results from other similar studies looking at cotinine (a by-product of nicotine in urine and blood), research-

OLWWOH QLFRWLQH LV ÀOWHUHG RXW when the smoke passes through the water in the SLSH ZLWK OHVV WKDQ D ÀYH percent decrease observed.� In addition, some studies have shown that the charcoal used to heat the tobacco in a hookah can raise health risks by producing high levels of carbon monoxide, metals

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and carcinogens, or cancercausing chemicals, which DUH QRW FRPSOHWHO\ ÀOWHUHG out when the charcoalheated air passes through the water chamber. Other recent studies have also

shown a correlation between when heating aluminum foil, as is done in hookah usage, and Alzheimer's, a devastating form of dementia. The act of heating aluminum foil has been suggested as a primary cause of Alzheimer's for decades, since high amounts of aluminum have been found in Alzheimer's

patients during autopsies. “Of every three young smokers, only one will quit, and one of those remaining smokers will die from tobacco-related causes,â€? the 2012 Surgeon General's report said. “Most of these young people never considered the long-term health consequences associated with tobacco use when they started smoking; and nicotine, a highly addictive drug, causes many to continue smoking well into adulthood, often with deadly consequences.â€? According to another study referenced in reports from the American Lung Association, because of the way hookah pipes are used, smokers “may absorb more of the toxic substances also found in cigarette smoke than what cigarette smokers do. For example, an hour-long hookah smoking session may involve SXÍżV ZKLOH VPRNLQJ DQ average cigarette involves only 20.â€? In a recent national survey of seniors in high school, 17 percent reported smoking from a hookah within the past year. These results can be compared to another recent survey of Arizona secondary students, which found that

10.3 percent of high school students and 2.1 percent of junior high students reported smoking from a hookah. ´7KH Ă€UVW WLPH , ZHQW WR a hookah bar, I was with two other friends, and there ZDV D JURXS RI Ă€YH PLQRUV Âľ Mae said. “Three of them looked as if they could have still been in middle school.â€? Hookah smoking and the abundance of hookah bars have seen increased popularity nationwide, especially among young adults and college-aged students. Studies suggest that young adults, as well as high school students, like the social aspect of hookah smoking, and they also enMR\ WKH Ă DYRU VHOHFWLRQ VRPH hookah bars provide. “Federal, state or local laws/regulations should be XVHG WR HOLPLQDWH Ă DYRULQJV in hookah tobacco, [because they] are one of the factors associated with the increasing use in youth and young adults, [and prohibiting WKHVH Ă DYRUV@ LV OLNHO\ WR lessen the appeal of hookah

smoking,â€? the American Lung Association said. Around the country, state laws and local ordinances regarding the regulation of hookah bars vary greatly. Some cities, like those in the North Dallas suburbs, have adopted ordinances that ban the use of tobacco products, including water pipes, in most public places. On May 12, 2008, the Richardson City Council passed new regulations concerning smoking in public SODFHV HÍżHFWLYH -DQXDU\ 2009, including a ban on smoking in workplaces and restaurants; within 25 feet of any door, operable window or other opening to an indoor enclosed area; and in public parks. “Anyone younger than 18 caught smoking hookah can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, the same FODVVLĂ€FDWLRQ DV D VSHHGLQJ ticket,â€? a spokesman for the Richardson Police Department said. “A judge will typically send a minor who has been issued a citation

Average Puffs of Smoke per Hour

Hookah Smoke (One Hookah)

= 10 puffs of smoke

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Cigarette Smoke (One Cigarette)

=10 puffs of smoke

Story continued on pg. 16 15

Conttinued from pg. 15 for the use of tobacco to a smoking abatement program instead of issuing a Ă€QH Âľ Aiding the expansion of hookah businesses locally, especially in parts of Richardson, the aspects of hookah itself draw in not only young adults, but minors as ZHOO 7KLV LV ZK\ WKH UDSLG growth of hookah businesses is alarming, because most minors have many misconceptions about hookah VPRNLQJ DQG LWV GDQJHUV “I would never smoke a cigarette, because they're addictive and because WKH\ UH EDG IRU \RXU KHDOWK [But I smoke hookah] because it doesn't have as PXFK QLFRWLQH LQ LW Âľ 0DH VDLG Young adults, including those in college, high school and middle school, tend to smoke hookah products,

16

because they do not fully understand the risks that come with the activity, including the prevalence of nicotine and the numerous cancer-causing carcinogens IRXQG LQ KRRNDK VPRNH While bills at the state level and local ordinances in cities throughout the United States have increased penalties for hookah establishments that sell to minors, the hookah industry continues to be largely unregulated, with some bars even in the Richardson area continuing to sell hookah SURGXFWV WR PLQRUV “Depending on the crowd coming in, a lot of minors could mean more business [for the owner], so they might be selling WR PLQRUV IRU PRUH SURĂ€W %XVLQHVV LV EXVLQHVV Âľ 0DH VDLG While the underage consumers suggest some

local hookah establishments knowingly sell tobacco to minors, the hookah establishments themselves have a GLÍżHUHQW SRLQW RI YLHZ “Hookah is the same as cigarettes since it contains WREDFFR SURGXFWV Âľ D PDQager at a local hookah bar VDLG ´,I \RX ZDON LQ DQG WU\ to order hookah, you must have a picture ID and be 18 DQG XS ,W V WKH H[DFW VDPH as if a minor walked into a gas station and tried to buy FLJDUHWWHV Âľ 7KHVH VDPH KRRNDK establishments know the legal consequences to selling to minors, which, in WKH VWDWH RI 7H[DV LV D &ODVV & PLVGHPHDQRU .QRZLQJ the possible penalties for illegally serving bar patrons, some local hookah bar owners have taken a strong, direct policy towards illegal underage consumption of WKHLU KRRNDK SURGXFWV

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“If you're a minor, you can't even be in the hookah lounge to purchase hookah, DQG ZH FDQ W VHUYH \RX ,I you happen to walk in and order hookah, we'll ask for your ID and kick you out if \RX DUHQ W RI OHJDO DJH Âľ D manager at a local hookah EDU VDLG Even after knowing the penalties, both legally and medically, for consuming hookah products, as well as the restrictions that are in place at local bars, some minors continue to make plans to meet up at their local hookah bar for future group RXWLQJV ZLWK IULHQGV “I know the consequences legally, but I disagree with some studies and doctors that say [hookah smoking] is harmful to your KHDOWK 1RQH RI WKDW ZLOO VWRS PH IURP JRLQJ Âľ 0DH VDLG

Cell phone games turn into addiction Michelle Pinilla News Editor From the sleepless nights of virtual fun, to the agonizing moments of defeat, many people go through this advanced world of technology with fear and anxiety. Eyes ZLGH RSHQ Ă€QJHUV FUDPSing, anger rising, forgetting reality, turning into a zombie—all for a game. Some say addiction to game apps needs to be taken seriously, especially when people of all ages are involved. According to Ofcom research, UK’s communication regulator, apps in general are taking ahold of our world. “About half (47 per cent) of adult smartphone users have downloaded an app, with many people taking advantage of the availability of free apps,â€? Ofcom said. Of course, teenagers aren’t far behind. As adolescents growing up and learning the values of life, they have settled to gaming rather than the things that matter most. “Teenagers are most likely to part with their pocket money for games, with a third (32 per cent) having paid for at least one game,â€? Ofcom said. With more games being invented, the statistics change all the time, causing the apps to get more hits. Some say the top games will need to have warnings of addiction, like the game app “Flappy Bird,â€? might have in the future. Creator of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, is considering bringing the app back, but with some strings

attached. The app was shut down due to many people getting addicted to it and causing commotion. According to Rolling Stone Reports, Nguyen said if he decides to re-release the app, it would come with a warning, notifying the users that they could possibly get addicted “I think it is a shame when people are out to dinner with their family or friends and everyone is messing around with their phones instead of having quality conversations,� English II PreAP teacher Ms. Caroline Womack said.

“I see this as a growing trend in general, not solely a younger generation phenomena.� Technology has slowly taken over our lives and most people do not even know it. Not just games are being abused, but social media in general. “Yes, games are getting people addicted,� AVID teacher/coach Gerrick Green said. “I recently read an article that talked about how many work hours were lost due to games. I see all over social media where people are always posting their new high scores on

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games, and I am thinking how do they have enough time to sit around and play this game for hours on end.â€? Even when society notices this pattern of addiction, often, nothing is done. Half the time, admitting they play game apps all the time is hard for a few. “I would see people constantly on their phones, QRW JHWWLQJ VWXÍż done because of them, playing on their apps before school, during school and after school,â€? junior Maylan Lopez said. ´,W¡V FUD]\ Ă€UVW Temple Run, then Fun Run, and now Flappy Bird! They can’t admit they’re addicted, but I can see it.â€? Junior Jade Ecceleston agrees with Lopez. “I think games in general are a distraction because there are many other things you can be doing in the world, like homework at school.â€? Most students agree that game apps are a waste of time. “You have no life if that’s all you do with your time,â€? junior Diaqwon Weatherspoon said. A solution to this problem is unknown. It’s up to each individual to moderate their gaming and media socializing.

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Rambling to Sydney Farooq Staff Writer On the eve of Spring Break, the Berkner Ramblers packed up their cowboy hats and boots in a EULJKW ZKLWH WRXU EXV ÀW IRU the famous. Waved goodbye to Richardson and set RͿ RQ D MRXUQH\ WR VRPH of the greatest southern cities of the nation, where they were to dance before crowds hungry for a taste of Texas moves. The Ramblers began their tour in Little Rock, Ar. From there,they headed to Nashville, where they stayed and performed at the Opryland Hotel. From Nashville, they headed to Memphis and performed at Graceland. 7KH\ HQMR\HG D QLJKW RQ Beale Street, and woke up at the crack of dawn to travel to Branson, Mo., where they performed at Baldknobbers Theatre and the Dixie Stampede. Mrs.Natalie Smith, sponsor of the Ramblers, described the attention from crowds as plentiful, and everywhere the dancers went, they were showered

with compliments. “People knew we were from Texas because of our cowboy hats. The tour made you proud to be from Texas,â€? said Mrs. Smith. “Even more, it made me proud to be with such wonderful kids and parents. The kids were truly on tour!â€? The bus ride did not go as smoothly as the Ramblers had planned; the bus broke down 30 minutes away from the Dixie Stampede. The parents that followed the bus shuttled the RamEOHUV Ă€YH DW D WLPH VR WKH\ could make the performance. The Ramblers under pressure always come through, and held it together, even with all the obstacles they faced. At the last minute, formations in the dances had to be changed because of stage size of each venue. Crowds were still in awe of their upbeat performances. For the senior Ramblers, the tour was a bittersweet experience, as it was one of the last performances they would give before graduation. The Rambler Captains both expressed their favorite aspects of the trip.

Nashville

“The whole team getting together and bonding over a unique experience was the best part of the trip,â€? said Rambler Captain Caitlyn Cannova. For Rambler Captain Matthew Lyons, discovering where his dances originated from and learning more about the moves reminded him that the routines are PRUH WKDQ MXVW D IHZ ERRWV VFXÍżV DQG NLFNV “We went to the main country sites of the nation and saw our heritage: our music and dance’s country roots. We got to go to so many shows, spent time with amazing friends, and had fun at the hotel,â€? said Lyons. “It was a great experience.â€? To Mrs. Smith, the tour was also an unforgettable trip that she will hold dear to her when remembering the 2013- 2014 Senior Ramblers. “This group of kiddos is the most respectful, fun group of kids.I have had my seniors for three now, I have had for three years, and they are like my own children. It was neat to experience such a fun trip with them,â€? said Mrs.

Smith. “I will truly miss my seniors.â€? Behind the scenes, Mrs. Smith and coach Kevin Rogers worked diligently at fundraisers to support the Ramblers and to create the dances that are so esteemed; WKHLU HÍżRUWV ZHUH QRW OHIW LQ the shadows. “I would like to thank Mrs. Smith and Coach Rogers for putting this together,â€? said Lyons. “They both had a lot of heavy burdens on their shoulders.â€? The Rambler Captains have no concerns leaving behind the team,as the Ramblers will, no doubt in their minds, stay at the top and continue to arouse excitement within audiences even when they’re long gone. The Ramblers performed at the annual RISD country ZHVWHUQ GDQFH RÍż RQ 0DUFK 22 at Pearce High School at noon. The next chance to catch this year’s senior Ramblers would be at the :LOGĂ RZHU festival in May. “Anyone in Ramblers ZLOO EH DEOH WR Ă€OO WKH Captain’s shoes. They’re all very capable and talented dancers,â€? said Cannova. “I believe in them.â€?

knew we were from “TexasPeople because of our Cowboy hats.

The tour made you proud to be from Texas.

�

- Rambler sponsor Mrs. Natalie Smith. 18

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Spring Show 2014 FAVORITE TWEETS

Photos provided by Amber Smith www.bhsrampage.com

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Future farmers of America (FFA) compete Jose Bartolo Staff Writer The Future Farmers of America [FFA] are new to Berkner, and aside from learning about agriculture and animals, they also compete in competitions that involve animals they study. On April 8,the FFA competed in Veterinary Science and Milk Quality and Products and in Horse Evaluation. FFA placed 30th in Veterinary Science, 32nd in Milk Quality and Products and 51st all around, all out of more than 100, in Horse Evaluation. On March 27, FFA members competed in the Tarleton Invitational in Stephenville, which was their third competition of the year. In the Tarleton Invitational, the FFA group competed in the three categories: Veterinary Science, Milk Quality and Products and Horse Evaluation. FFA was expected to do well in this competition based on its past win, Nov. 5 at Neighman. In Veterinary Science, they showed RÍż WKHLU VNLOOV E\ PHPRUL]LQJ GLÍżHUHQW breeds of animals. Madison Everhart,

22

0LUDKD *DU]D &ODUN 0LOOHU DQG $OH[LV &DUUDVFR SODFHG WK RXW RI WHDPV ZLWK ZLWK D VFRUH RI DV D WHDP DQG DQG DV LQGLYLGXDO scores. FFA members also competed in the category of Horse Evaluation, in ZKLFK WKH\ SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ HLJKW GLÍżHUent events, where they judged horses on how they are built, look and how they ride. FFA members Dalia Bashiti, AshOH\ (VWUDGD &LQWK\D %HQLWH] DQG .LUVWDQ %HWEH]H FRPSHWHG LQ +RUVH (YDOXDWLRQ 7KHLU Ă€QDO WHDP VFRUH ZDV SODFLQJ WK RXW RI DQG 334, 338 and 378 as individual scores. The third category was Milk Quality and Products, where Vianca +HUQDQGH] (YHO\Q $ORQVR .LUVWDQ %HWEH]H DQG 'DQLHO -DLUDOD IRXQG WKH GHIHFWV RI PLON WKH\ WDVWHG 7KHLU Ă€QDO WHDP VFRUH ZDV SODFLQJ QG RXW RI ZLWK DQG DV their individual scores. In comparison to other schools that started this program this year, the FFA group is doing an exceptional job. “This year I think they are doing

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pretty well for neither experiencing nor having never heard of it,â€? Ms. Taylor Grambort, the FFA director, said. FFA has about 100 students inYROYHG LQ LWV RUJDQL]DWLRQ “I would like to have more than 100, maybe more than 200 students in the FFA next year,â€? Ms. Grambort said “Aside from the competitions, the FFA also has regular classes that do not compete.â€? FFA does not just compete, they also have regular classes that teach the business side of agriculture. FFA is not all about the contests; it is also about just having fun in regular classes.â€? FFA is not just work and no play; Ms.Grambort tries to make the class fun. “When we are not practicing for competitions, the class feels more free and lively,â€? junior FFA member Ashley Estrada said. %HWEH]H VDLG WKH FODVV LV DOVR D ORW RI fun. ´))$ LV D JRRG RUJDQL]DWLRQ WR MRLQ if you want to interact with people and just have fun.â€?

‘Started from the bottom, now we’re here’ Dominique Garrett Staff Writer

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n June, Berkner High School will say farewell to many talented seniors, including many hardworking basketball stars. Their hardwork and determination led the Berkner boys to State in 2013 and Regionals in 2014, along with the Lady UDPV PDNLQJ WKH SOD\RÍżV IRU WKUHH straight seasons. They are destined for greatness as they advance to the college/university level of basketball. Joshua Francis, the show-stopping shooter, will be attending Tyler Junior College in fall of 2014. Joshua will be the shooting/point guard for the basketball team at TJC. Joshua’s favorite memory from high school basketball ZDV DGYDQFLQJ WR VWDWH Ă€QDO IRXU during his junior year. “I can’t wait to go to college for basketball, it’s something I have always dreamed of doing. I love basketball and this is my passion.â€? Along with Francis, Matthew Holiwell will also be attending Tyler Junior College. While Matthew was on the BHS basketball team, he has gone to State Final Four, Regionals and won Districts. Matthew will be a shooting guard for TJC. “I just love the game. I’m glad I get to play on the college level, it has always been a dream of mine. I can’t waitâ€? While Francis and Holiwel hgo the junior college route, Keenan Evans will be attending Texas Tech in the Fall. Keenan has been a fearless contender throughout his high school basketball career and will make Berkner proud as he advances to the college basketball court. “Tech has great opportunities for me and I know that it will be a great Ă€W 7KH WHDP DQG WKH FRDFKHV DUH amazing.â€? As Evans heads out to west Texas, Antonio Hamilton heads to northeast. Hamilton will play at Texas A&M Commerce. Antonio will be a multi-tasking, shooting guard and

$IWHU Ă€QLVKLQJ WKLV VHDVRQ VHFRQG LQ WKH DUHD LQ VFRULQJ VHQLRU JXDUG -DLOHHQ 7KRPDV UHFHLHYHV D IXOO EDVNHWEDOO VFKRODUVKLS WR 817 WKLV IDOO 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 'RPLQLTXH *DUUHWW point guard for A&M Commerce. “I look forward to developing my skills physically & mentally. I’m excited for big games and tournaments.â€? While Hamilton heads to Commerce, Robert “RJâ€? Johnson will be attending East Central University in Oklahoma. He will step on the college court on a four year full-ride basketball scholarship. The small/ power forward has goals of winning the whole conference heading into the new season. “What excites me the most about the upcoming season is the fact that I get to compete with amazing athletes

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and coaches, who can challenge me and push me even more.â€? Despite not receiving as much fanfare as the boys this season, the girls will send someone to the college hardwood as well. Female basketball standout Jaileen Thomas, the second leading 5A scorer in the DFW area 21.3 points per game, will be attending UNT in the Fall, receiving a full-ride basketball scholarship. “I’ve worked as long as I can remember to become my best in basketEDOO 0\ KDQGZRUN ZLOO EHQHĂ€W PH ,¡OO grow so much on the college level.â€?

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