MAIN OFFTH THE ARENA 2025 E
Chronological
At the homecoming dance, Ebunoluwa Toluhi, 11, and Elissa Wachsmann, 12, pose for a picture. The dance took place on Oct. 5.
Sports
At the district meet Oct. 9, Joshua Odums, 12, powers through the final hill of the race. Varsity boys and won district champions, advancing them to Regionals.
Activities
During the Key Club’s first meeting, President Jay Hillis, 12, points at his presentation Aug. 27. The club expanded from 125 to 250 members.
People/Closing
During the football game against Justin Northwest Aug. 30, Ayla Franklin, 10, flashes her “BRONCOS” sign at the student and parent sections.
There are a lot of strange things we see at Legacy every day . Even more so, there are a lot of unique things happening that we don’t notice. It was weird when our school switched to smart boards halfway through the year, dividing teachers and leaving them to compare apples to oranges. There was the extremely unorthodox TikTok ban . This was followed closely by a highly controversial presidential inaugurati- Oh, and TikTok’s back again after only 12 hours? It was easy to notice the odd one out who was wearing green in a sea of red and black at our Friday night football games. Or how the vibrant flags the color guard tossed contrasted the crisp, red and black uniforms the band wore. It was especially easy to notice how out of place and the thrill we felt when we were at our football team’s first playoffs game since 2017.
Toss up
During the match against Lake Ridge, Roman Lamb, 9, serves the ball Sept. 26. JV lost 19-0. “[During matches] I’m kind of nervous,” Lamb said, “but also know that need to lock in, and hit the ball in.”
Silhouettes
the end of the show, Zoe Navarte,
and Brynn Thompson, 12, prepare to jump off the stage Jan. 25. The two girls played sisters in the show, “Triangle.” “It was a really important part of the show,” Navarte said. “It was a great way to end the show.” hype Man
During the first game of the season, Aug. 30, at RLA Potter Andrews, 12, leads the team out of the tunnel. The team faced multiple injuries, and lost the game, 34-17. “There were a lot of nerves [going into the game],” Andrews said. “I was definitely heartbroken to see what happened, to see my boys go down. But it made us grow as a team.”
batter out
Swinging her arm, Abigail Scott, 9, pitches a ball during a game against North Crowley on March 4. “We were losing, and was just trying to throw strikes and get through the game,” Scott said.
that’s my line
With microphone in hand, Maryah Williams, 12, sings her solo for a show choir dress rehearsal Feb. 5. “It was the first solo had in show choir since joined freshman year,” Williams said. “Show Choir is a good environment to be in to make forever friends. I get to meet people from different schools.”
all set
After winning the set, Abigail McCaslin, 10, celebrates with the team Sept. 17. The JV team won the game against Weatherford 2-1 in three sets. “Volleyball was always about having a time where I didn’t have to stress,” McCaslin said.
Not only did the football team make playoffs in the fall, but our volleyball team did as well. At first, it was off to hear music blasting from the choir room between classes from Assistant Choir Director Max Vrij’s big bluetooth speaker , but then we missed it when he didn’t play anything. Mr. Brandon Austin returned to Legacy 12 years after his departure, making the social studies hallway a bit more off-kilter . When we found out flushed vapes caused bathroom floodings on the first-floor, it felt like our school was going the wrong way, but who really knew what direction we were headed after those one-ofa-kind windstorms whipped us every which way in March?
bob is calling Squinting because of the sunlight in her eyes, Izabelle Guerra, 10, holds up a poster and encourages participants of the Warrior Run, an annual event hosted by Key Club to raise funds Sept. 7. The design of the poster was inspired by a Spongebob meme. “I felt very inspired [by the Warrior Run],” Guerra said. “I’m not very patriotic, but I’m grateful for the veterans who served our country. feel like the Warrior Run is the least we can do to support them.”
We thought it was a little unexpected when cookie prices doubled , but at least the PTSA accepting tap to pay was a new and innovative idea. While it was just crazy when a trend of zipper theft swept the school, leaving students with Nike affinities to keep a constant eye on their bags, the school felt even more off the rails after we sat in class and watched it snow when we all thought we would still be sleeping in. It was new to cheer at a send-off for nationals for our Silver Spurs , which they won,. Finishing the year with an engagement announcement between two teachers was peculiar but perhaps not as unique as witnessing an Engagement between two seniors.
filled During their pom dance, Shayla Elam, 11, dances during the first pep rally of the year on Aug. 30. Elam was the Silver Spurs’ Junior Lieutenant. “I feel like [pep rallies] really bring our school together,”
(Max Dearinger photo)
A big Turnaround
With a 26-point win over Weatherford on Jan. 24 the varsity girls basketball team secured a spot in the playoffs. The Broncos wrapped up district play with a 9-3 record, comfortably placing them in the playoffs. Last year’s team ended district play with a 5-9 record and a sixth-place finish, missing the playoffs entirely.
“This is a brand new team,” Head Coach Michelle Morris said.
The Broncos began the season with a 2-4 start struggling to find their footing in the beginning parts of their schedule. Despite the slow start, the post-Christmas Broncos won 11 of their next 14 games, stretching from Dec. 26 to Jan. 31.
“We come into practice every day, and we do what we’re supposed to do,” senior forward Leajah Maddox said.
The resilience of the team shined through during this stretch with one of these wins over North Crowley, signifying a turning point during the season. On Dec. 20, the Broncos suffered a 50-24 loss at the hands of North Crowley. A month later the Broncos faced them again and walked away with a 48-40 win.
“They came to us, and we beat them,” junior guard Madison Crawford said, “so it just shows me how fast we can retaliate and turn things around.”
These types of results and belief in each other continued to build camaraderie throughout the season.
“We always try to instill family in our program. They really like each other, and they really want to work for each other,” Coach Morris said. “We put them through many things where they got to rely on each other and to build that trust.”
The team building and leadership from Crawford and Maddox helped propel the team into finding themselves as the season progressed.
“I was immature freshman year, and didn’t realize [my] role had and [I] played a part,” Crawford said. “The leadership between me and Leajah definitely [helped] spark us and brought us back together.”
Story by Cameron Hooper
Athe first powerlifting meet on Jan. 22 hosted by Legacy, senior David Dalton and junior Alec Cano both won first place in their own weight classes. Dalton finished first in the 308 weight class, and Cano finished first in the 242 weight class in district. These two athletes were set up for success, giving them an opportunity to advance to regionals and state.
“I feel very accomplished, but know I’m not done yet,” Dalton said. “I just gotta go to the next meet and do even better”
According to the athletes, Dalton proved to be a hard working athlete along with staying focused on his main goal of lifting even throughout the football season.
Although this was Dalton's second powerlifting season, it didn’t hold him back from success.
“I am very happy already set myself up very well for regionals,” Dalton said. “It made me feel confident when checked the rankings, and was first in district and sixth in the region after just the first meet.”
Along with Dalton, Cano finished first in his class, the 242 pound. Although finishing first, Cano is on the lighter side of his
class weighing in the low 230’s. According to the athletes this creates a more impressive accomplishment for competing in such a competitive weight class.
“I still have to keep fighting and trying harder for our final meet,” Cano said. “There is room for improvement, and think got a pretty good shot at regionals.
Story by Stephen Southern
Madison Crawford, 11
Buck Off
BOOM. That’s the sound the ground made when she was thrown off of her horse.
Addisyn Okumura, 11, barrel raced for the Rodeo Teams of Mansfield. She rode many times, but this time something different happened.
“I was scared because [my horse] had never really done that before, but there was not much could do to stop her. just let it happen,” Okumura said.
Okumura’s horse, Flicka, wasn’t her usual self because of the lack of preparation available before the run.
“It was rainy and the arena was muddy, so my horse didn’t get warmed up,” Okumura said. “When we started our run, she didn’t know how to react.”
After landing on the dirt, everyone in the arena gasped and focused their
“It was awkward when landed because everyone’s attention was on me, but just started laughing and everyone moved on,” Okumura said.
Story
by Quentin Gross
Strongest But Not The Fastest
For senior Luke Goines, changing sports went differently than expected. While going through the transition he realized that swimming was much different than football. In football he used different methods of training. However, with swimming, he lacked some of the skills he used to have.
“While in football my max squat was around 405,” Goines said. “As of right now, doubt I could do that again. Not going to lie, thought I'd be the fastest on the team since was the strongest. But being strong isn’t everything in swimming.”
After going back and forth between wanting to leave or wanting to stay the summer before his senior year, Goines quit football because of multiple injuries. However, he did not lose his longing to stay in shape. He changed directions and took up swimming.
“It was a tough decision, but I ended up quitting football in the summer,” Goines said. “I still wanted to stay fit and do sports, and was always a pretty good natural [swimmer].”
Goines recognized that swimming had not been easy for him, but he continued to enjoy it.
“I know I'm not the fastest, especially for a senior,” Goines said. “But I've enjoyed the challenge.”
Story by Calliegh Hooper
I’ll Miss School For That D
uring the spring tennis season, the athletes and Head Varsity Tennis Coach Chad Redwine missed roughly 30 school days because of the matches and tournaments. Coach Redwine and his athletes created a stronger and more difficult balance amongst time, school and tennis.
“It’s hard for all the classroom stuff, the students are going to see the sub as much as they do me,” Coach Redwine said. “I just have to make sure that everything is organized and set up on time.”
Missing class time and having to pursue the coaching aspect of the coach-teacher balance has been a revolving problem every year. After many years of being a tennis coach and a teacher, Coach Redwine adapted to these problems and found ways to help throughout the classroom.
“There’s really no alternative to it, so there’s really no other options,” Coach Redwine said. “It’s a tough schedule for the teacher, even though we’re not here we’re still doing twice the work.”
Although the teacher needed to adjust to these obstacles, the players had to adapt as well. As Coach Redwine handles his class, the players had to tackle six other classes.
“They have to learn time management and how to schedule their makeup work,” Coach Redwine said. “They’ve got to work on their tournament schedule, stay on track and work on their tennis training.”
Story by Stephen Southern
and Jacob Hoeth, 12. Legacy beat MHS 10-9. “[Coach Redwine’s] pretty hard on us because he knows what we are capable of,” Galley said.
Golfers Can Play Football Too
Every few months on the Monday following a varsity golf tournament, the golf team went out to the football field, not the golf course. If the team did well at a tournament they were rewarded with a team football game. Sophomore Lane Deeds looked forward to participating in the games.
“When we play football, we seem to work better together and build better relationships with each other," Deeds said.
Playing other sports can affect the way athletes competed in their own sport. Deeds believed that participating in other sports helped some of the greatest athletes with coordination and team building.
“It helps us care more about not letting down our teammates,” Deeds said. “It helps build our team chemistry.”
Team building games could also improve motivation during tournaments. Some golfers got motivation because they looked forward to an hour of fun with their teammates.
“It makes us work harder and play better, so we can have fun,” Deeds said, “If we didn’t do things like play football we might not play as well.”
Story by Preston Bledsoe
Off the court, the boys’ basketball team emphasized the health and recovery of the players through rather abnormal practices.
Yoga. Every Wednesday throughout the season, head coach Ben Kinnison took time during the period to have his team recover after Tuesday gamedays.
“The stretching and breathing exercises are good for their body,” Coach Kinnison said. “[They] put such a tax on their body with all the weights and practice.”
Yoga served as a direct contrast to the fast-paced and intense demands of basketball games. Slowing down and keeping the team grounded was a highlighted point for Coach Kinnison to help his players with a change of pace.
“Sitting in quiet and being still and alone with your thoughts is good for peace of mind as well,”
Coach Kinnison said.
Yoga Instead Of Shooting
Off the field, Legacy Broncos Boys soccer took advantage of the space granted most Tuesdays and Thursdays in the old weight room to play futsal by setting up two fields within the small space. Futsal is a small-sided game of soccer with a smaller but heavier ball, usually played indoors. Varsity soccer head coach Sidney Danner wanted to push his players with little touches on the ball through the work of futsal. Loud noise inside the building from players screaming and roaring throughout. It’s quiet on the
outside with no one but the team knowing of this place and what it can be used for.
“It definitely has seemed to pay off,” Coach Danner said. “As we move outside after doing that, it seems to increase the footwork and speed of play, with the added touches in small spaces, it definitely helps us out.”
Coach Danner’s original plan was to use the place as a simple workout spot just like it used to be, but once
Danner saw all the weights were taken away, he noticed all the open space available to him. Coach Danner knew this was exactly what the team needed, and wanted to keep it as a secret place unknown to most people other than boys soccer.
“When we first went there it was to do a calisthenic workout, but since they had stripped everything down and made it a space for people to use, it reminded me of the fact used to do futsal inside with other teams before,” Coach Danner said. “Since we didn’t really have a space to use, it became a sanction for us to get back into playing and has stayed a private place for us to grow an advantage over other teams.”
Story by Callon Rhoden
White hats
In between matches, Coach Chad Redwine motivates his players Austin Galley, 12,
Addisyn Okumura, 11
Lane Deeds, 10
Bryce Nunley, 12
Story by Cameron Hooper
JOSH DIAZ PHOTO
Broncos on Top
Tennis, volleyball defeat crosstown rivals
For the second time in 17 years, the Broncos tennis team beat the Mansfield Tigers Sept. 10. For everyone on the team, this marked their first win against the crosstown rivals.
“Since we hadn’t defeated them, they came in expecting to win,” Head Coach Chad Redwine said. “We came in thinking we could win and believing. That was the difference.”
The Broncos came away with a 10-9 win in a match that shook up district rankings. This win helped lead the Broncos to an undefeated season in district play.
“There’s a good group of captains this year that really worked well together and communicated everything,” Redwine said. “That’s why we had the success we did.”
The Bronco volleyball team also defeated Mansfield in their two matchups with them during the season.
Similar to the tennis team, Mansfield held the upper hand in this rivalry the past few years, but this year they defeated Mansfield Sept. 24. Throughout the two games the Broncos held Mansfield to only one set win. For each team these wins meant a lot to the respective coaches. Especially for Coach Redwine.
“For me and Coach Osborne it’s like, holy crap we’re good,” Redwine said. “They did it.” Story by Cameron Hooper
The Arcane
As opposed to a multi-question exam or memorized speech, Coach Matthew Stewart, Legacy’s Debate Coach, assigns his varsity class a presentation of their chosen topic. In straying from the norm, he invites both team-building through expression of interest and public speaking practice.
How did you feel when you were introduced to the way varsity Debate takes finals? Can you explain what the final looked like?
When first found out about the Debate final, was super excited. The final this year was to make a PowerPoint presentation about anything we wanted to talk about (school appropriate obviously).
What did you discuss for your project?
discussed the overview of Arcane, an animated TV show. I talked about the characters and timeline of the show. also added in some videos of the characters.
Did you enjoy preparing to present? Were you nervous to speak?
loved every second of preparing my presentation, had a vision, and made it. was a little nervous, but as soon as started to present it all went away, the vibe was very much just informing your friends about a random topic.
Coach Matthew Stewart:
What skills are the students applying during the presentations?
Students are tasked with giving the presentation of course, but a lot of this format focuses on how you can make your material appealing to a wide variety of audiences. While we’re leaving room and space for everyone to advocate for their interests, you still have to be able to connect it to your audience.
You participate. Why?
Just team building. I’ve always taken to heart the idea that you should be able to model what you want your students to achieve, and if I’m going to make them talk about their interests. feel like if didn’t present with the class I’d be letting them down honestly.
Story by Ella Baker
safe space
Gesturing toward the smart board, Mr. Stewart discusses topicality
Emmie Powell sits in the front row of Willie Pigg Auditorium as a child, watching her dad wave his arms and direct the choir. Now she stands as a junior on the risers at Willie Pigg watching her dad direct as she sings the music.
“Having my dad as a teacher is a really fun experience for me, and it is nice to get to spend extra time with him,” Powell said.
Choir Director Mr. Josh Powell started
teaching at Legacy 11 years ago when Emmie was four years old.
“She is an awesome student and leader of this program, and she knows how to lead her classmates really well,” Mr. Powell said.
With their arms in position, juniors Michaela Knowles, Emmie Powell and Wafa Ehsan and sophomore Madisyn Lawson practice choreography for show choir Jan. 28. “I’ve gained a really good community from [show choir],” Powell said. “It’s helped me build confidence and develop leadership skills.”
Emmie has taken five different classes with her dad since her freshman year including Canto Dolce, Show Choir, Bella Voce, Chamber and AP Music Theory.
We have liftoff
Rockets launch into the sky as seniors Ethan Reed and Lilly Millican, junior Carson Nguyen and sophomore Emma Reed switch their rocket engine to ensure their victory in their Physics I rocket competition.
“At first was iffy because our rocket was only going okay, and didn’t know how well it was going to come together,” Emma said. “It was a rough start for us, but now I’m very confident with our creation.”
AP Physics worked on building rockets for almost two full six weeks, constructing them from scratch. Students were required to pick their groups and create a functional rocket that was able to fly up, deploy a parachute, then safely come back down to the ground.
“We all knew that we had our own parts to do and once got mine done, trusted that could hand it off to someone else who would do their part,” Ethan said. “We held each other accountable for our work”
Working in a group allowed the team to spread work out across the four of them. Ethan and Emma took the rocket home to build the main structure, Millican painted and decorated the rocket and Ngyuen created the parachute system.
“In class, we would glue what we had to glue then sit and talk to each other about random games while we waited for the glue to dry. It was my favorite part of the project,” Ngyuen said. “Building the parachute and seeing everything come together was satisfying, but laughing with everyone easily tops that.”
“I think since the four of us knew each other prior, determining who was going to do what was very easy. Even though we all knew what role we had, the whole process would have gone a lot smoother and been more time efficient if we laid out the steps and focused on the fine details sooner. Even with all of these things, I still loved working with my group.”
“My technique, musical literacy and understanding of the way music works has all been influenced and shaped by him,” Emmie said. “He has taught me the value of hard work and learning new things, and he also taught me to not be too hard on myself.”
Story by Ryan Neef
Story by Mia Ortega
Page by jade vu OFF
rocket inbound
Gathered around a table, Ethan Reed, 12, Lilly Millican, 12, Carson Nguyen, 11, and Emma Reed, 10, work together to fit a parachute into their rocket for an AP Physics project Feb. 10.
Rachel Frasca, 11:
Lilly Millican, 12
COURTESY PHOTO
Sophomore Isabella Avalos spent her mornings before school in PG113 and afternoons after school in EQ102, the dance and the theater rooms. Avalos danced with varsity drill team, served as the Silver Spur social media manager and choreographed musical numbers for theater.
“I really like creating stories in my head or art with my body,” Avalos said. “That’s why love dancing. love performing. love telling the story, and that’s why love just watching theater because you get to watch people tell a story.”
While Avalos loves the hustle and bustle of her life, she also takes time for self-reflection.
“I think balancing dance and drill team, extracurriculars and academics has taught me a lot about dealing with stress,” Avalos said. “You have to refocus because it gets so wrapped up in your head. It’s like, ‘Okay, what’s actually standing in my way?’”
Story by Katie Keating
Ya Like Pizzazz?
Nothing To Spare
With barely enough players to form a team, Legacy Girls’ Bowling has to count on every player to make a huge impact.
“Since we had such a small team, it was easier to make friends and talk to people,” sophomore Olivia Martin said.
Starting as a folk dance in the Punjabi culture in the late 1800s and introduced by instruments and dancing in festivals, Bhangra has now become much more. Junior Harvin Rai uses it to express himself and even competes in competitions and showcases.
Not Scared Of Committment
Junior Keiry Perkins can’t remember a time where she didn’t love music. She’s spent six years playing in a band, three with the Bronco Band as a B-flat clarinet. Even during the pandemic, when she lacked the proper resources to learn songs, Perkins played by ear the whole time.
“I’ve kind of always been obsessed with music,” Perkins said. “And was like ‘Wow, get to be a part of a team! And do things!’ That’s mostly what band is about for me.”
baby, baby, baby, oh
Because of the lack of players on the team, if one player was missing from varsity they had to move everyone from varsity down to JV. Varsity players moving down to JV caused the JV players to get limited playing time.
“I believe each time bowl feel like my skills have improved and my averages go up,” Martin said.
Because the team was so small, head bowling coach Leland Mallett made his best effort to keep the team together and gave each player great encouragement.
Nothingto Spare
“I feel like my coach helped me out a lot with strategies and how should execute,” Martin said.
Story by Ian Irwin
“When I was younger didn’t want to do it because thought it was embarrassing,” Rai said. “I was forced into it, but now enjoy it.”
Harvin competes in practices and competes within himself and his group Sheran Di Kaum Dallas (SDK). SDK Bhangra began before 2016.
“[Sheran Di Kaum] basically means the pack of lions in English,” Rai said. “In the Punjabi culture, lions are animals symbolizing loyalty, strength and resilience. We’re passionate about what we do.”
But competing isn’t where Rai stops. He has major goals for this upcoming summer which include a few competitions and something much bigger.
“I want to go and inspire the next generation,” Rai said.”I’m going to open up my own academy or studio in Mansfield and take that on.”
Story by Hunter Maxwell
Perkins cites marching season as her favorite part of the 2024-25 year. The nine-hour practices allowed Perkins to cultivate friendships and work hard with the people around her.
“It’s such a huge time commitment,” Perkins stated. “And also you’re with these people every day of your life.”
Although Perkins doesn’t plan to pursue band
Crouching down, Jessica Pratt, 11, prepares to take a robot baby home for the weekend. “I felt like it was a great opportunity to prepare for being a parent,” Pratt said. “I think it could have more experience [at parenting].”
Wailing cries ring out through the dark, silent house. Junior Jessica Pratt walks over to her baby, desperate for it to calm down and go to sleep for once. She rocks the dysfunctional baby on her lap, counting down the minutes until it will shut down Sunday evening, so she can return it to the
closet at school for good.
In the Child Development class offered at Legacy, students receive programmed babies that mimic the needs of a real baby, and they must care for its needs over the span of three days. Pratt accidentally received a defective baby.
“[The broken baby] would cry every 30 seconds,” Pratt said. “It would cry from about 10:30 p.m. to about four a.m.”
Pratt scored a 43 on the report, as it proved
professionally, she still appreciated the time she spends now doing what she loves with likeminded people.
“I love band because it connected me with so many different people,” Perkins said. “I’m not really planning on getting into a big competition or a big college. just enjoy the time that have right now.”
Story by Juno Clark
Senior Brynden Kelly has his own way of preparing before an improv show. He brought energy into his shows. He blasted music before each show to get himself hyped and energetic.
‘I absolutely love blasting music that makes me dance and get me nice and hype to bring that energy,” Kelly said.
Brynden had memories he kept that carried him into Improv everyday, one being his very first time with his friend.
Valid Crash Out, Honestly
nearly impossible for her to care for the defective baby.
“After like two a.m., I was done, I was tired,” Pratt said. “I locked it in a room and closed the door. I’m sorry, I’m not gonna be able to do that.”
Story by Olivia Morris
Let’s Have A Dance Off
Top Tier Duo
Freshman Ayallah Sanogo and junior Khalil Sanogo are siblings who work toward their respective sports off the courts, balancing their individual social and academic lives. At home, the two keep one another motivated.
“We constantly challenge each other to keep one another accountable,” Khalil said, “but honestly, feel like I help her more than she helps me.”
Khalil trains with his sister and applies his skills as a left tackle to sharpen Ayallah’s offensive skills along with helping her with the physical aspects of being an athlete.
“I just remind myself why I’m doing it to stay disciplined,” Ayallah said. “I love my sports, and I can’t let the hard work I’ve put in go to waste.”
“Some ways stay motivated is just thinking about all the work I’ve done so far,” Ayallah said. “I remind myself that [being undisciplined] won’t fly at the next level.”
Both siblings plan to pursue their academic goals, along with working toward earning a position at the collegiate level for their respective sports.
Senior Luke Goines was in Improv for two years, which gave him the chance to get to know Brynden Kelly well.
“Without him, we wouldn’t have as much energy as we do,” Goines said.
Improv was designed to make people laugh. It took time and effort to really get far on jokes that the audience enjoyed. Brynden Kelly planned on continuing to improve in his future. His time of performing led him to move on doing what he loved.
“My favorite memory in improv was being up on that stage for the first time with my best friend, Luke Goines,” Kelly said.
“I will absolutely continue doing improv in real clubs and stages,” Kelly said.
Story by Avery Owens
“I would like to remain on academic first team, like this year,” Ayallah said. “Next year want to be on the first team for both sports and win MVP for the district.”
“I would like to pursue a degree in chemical engineering,” Khalil said. “Along with fulfilling my dream of playing college football.”
Isabella Avalos, 10
Harvin Rai, 11
Khalil Sanogo, 11
Ayallah Sanogo, 9
He’s The man W
ith whistles blowing, the crowd cheers, and senior Davis Collier runs down the field with the LHS flag in hand.
Collier served in student council as student body parliamentarian, where he facilitated communication and helped plan events outside of the classroom. He also led FCA as copresident where he worked with other FCA officers to plan Wednesday meetings and night huddles outside of school.
“I’ve really enjoyed the community of student council where it’s not necessarily an academic period, but get to do more hands-on projects with my friends,” Collier said. “FCA has just been super sweet this year with the huge amount of growth we’ve had and seeing a community like that in school is just so rare.”
Student Council teacher Mr. Dedric Williams believed what sticks out to him about Collier is his consistency.
“Davis is authentic in his interactions with people. His demeanor exudes comfort, strength and compassion,” Mr. Williams said. “I think being a senior this year has afforded him a platform to pour into the underclassmen.”
Mr. Williams noticed how Collier continually encouraged and involved his peers in everything he did.
“Davis is typically the voice of reason no matter the topic. He is extremely mature and always strives to simultaneously apply logic and love to situations,” Mr. Williams said. “He always takes opportunities to appreciate others for what they do. enjoyed having him as a part of the Executive Board this year.”
Collier felt grateful for all of the memories he made in high school through football games and many more events.
“It makes me sad that won’t be able to attend football games anymore and truly experience the school spirit, but I’ve had a great four years of amazing memories,” Collier said. “I loved getting to be a senior this year, getting to
and
same wavelength
With smiles on their faces, Izabelle Guerra, 10, and members of Medical Society pose for a photo following a meeting Sept. 23. “Med Society allowed me to be around like-minded individuals with similar goals as me,” Guerra said.
Asmile forms on sophomore Izabelle Guerra’s face while she decorates a nursing home for Christmas, bringing joy to all who live there.
“I think Medical Society’s just provided me with a bunch of opportunities that don’t think would have been allowed,” Guerra said. “I think it sparked my motivation because freshman year it motivated me to join more and to get my name out there.”
Guerra said joining the Medical Society provided the opportunity to connect with and meet other people interested in the medical field.
“I’ve been able to make friends and different mutuals and acquaintances through medical society,” Guerra said. “It’s allowed me to strengthen my relationships with my close friends as well because it’s added an extra thing that we have in common.”
When participating in the Medical Society club, Guerra gets an idea of how the medical field communicates with patients.
“I think hospitality is very important, especially when work with people in the medical field,” Guerra said. “It’s teaching me how to communicate
Run Out, Show Out
high spirits
With flags raised high in the air, seniors Jaxson Latimer, Davis Collier, Blake Brown and Jacob Hoeth sprint across the football field following a touchdown at the Pink Out game Oct. 18. “We thought it’d be cool to enlighten the spirit of football games,” Latimer said. “It was super awesome; it puts you more in the game and just keeps you excited throughout the whole game.”
A Nursing Home?
better and how to be more hands-on with different patients. think it was good that was able to assist in blood drives and be around that environment.”
Medical Society club sponsor, Mr. John Davis, values Guerra’s effort to maintain all social media platforms for the club.
“Izabelle’s very self-motivated. She takes care of the social media aspect, which consists of Instagram,” Mr. Davis said. “And she takes care of all that without any direction from me. She is really good at creating positive buzz about the club.”
To Guerra, the Medical Society club gives a general idea of how the medical field operates to people who want to pursue a future career within the field.
“I like the community that it’s provided. Because I think a lot of kids talk about wanting to be a doctor growing up, but don’t think a lot of people understand what it takes to actually become a practicing physician,” Guerra said. “So when you’re around people, you’re provided with more resources. You’re provided with support and motivation.”
Story by Gigi Carranza
“After finishing filming our scene, we were so hyped up. I think we both thought we really delved deep into the emotions of that scene, and we were both proud of each other throughout the process. I was hoping for a good result because we’d been working on this specific scene for a year and a half. We found out we qualified for nationals, and it was nice to finally be recognized for the hard work we put into the craft that we love.”
Jjust built like that
uniors Micah Miller, Cade Pickrell and sophomore Emily Keating qualified for Virtual Thespy National Awards, an award from Texas Thespians given to students in various categories across the nation. Keating qualified in stage management and Miller and Pickrell qualified together in duet acting.
“I felt so accomplished,” Miller said. “All the work and dedication for months had paid off. It was so validating to know we got a good score for our hard work.”
Miller and Pickrell recorded a scene from their Theatre 2 class to submit for awards.
Their scene was from a play Legacy previously performed in the Theatre Production class.
“The application process was simple but required a bit of work,” Miller said. “First, pick and rehearse the best scene for you, then practice and perfect it. Once you’ve practiced enough, you record the scene and turn it in before submissions are due. Then you wait about a month for results.”
The pair worked the scene through character development and intimacy coaching because the scene included fighting and one of the characters kissing the other on the forehead.
“I didn’t pick Cade. We were assigned randomly,” Miller said. “But since we were already close and comfortable with each other it made the process much easier. Because of that we were able to perform our very best together.”
Keating submitted a stage manager portfolio and video interview for her award. Her portfolio reflected the notes she took during the musical and all the information from the play: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
“I was shocked got this award because I’m a sophomore,” Keating said, “but it makes me proud to know that I’m good at the competition even when I’m so young.”
All three students pursued theater as an extracurricular while in high school. Keating primarily worked in the technical theater route while Miller and Pickrell acted.
“My favorite part of theater is being able to see how far I’ve improved in my own acting, and how I’ve grown closer to the people I’m acting with,” Miller said. “I love how theatre helps me grow as a person and strengthen relationships.”
Story by Katie Keating
raise me up
Pointing at their temples, Cade Pickrell, 11, Trevin Clanton, 11 and Brynn Thompson, 12, perform a number for the fall musical Oct. 23. “I remember each night how much energy or nerves we all had,” Pickrell said. “We all lifted each other up.”
Cade Pickrell, 11
REESE MALLETT PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
JORDEN YEE PHOTO
Some students go to school with their cousins, some go to school with their siblings. Some students however, like junior Cameron Monajami and sophomore Avery Owens, spend their school day in close proximity to their parents. Both their parents work as APs and play important roles within the school community.
Cameron Monajami
What are some of the positives of having your mom be an AP?
get to see her more often.
guess the advantages get with certain stuff like, you know, sometimes she’ll buy me lunch, or you know maybe can get certain things for school just little advantages like that.
How does this impact your daily relationships with your peers?
think for the most part, people are pretty normal about it. She was the assistant principal in my middle school too, for a while, but yeah, most people are pretty normal about. It doesn’t really affect me.
Avery Owens
academically?
I think it puts more of an understanding in the classroom for me because the teachers work with my dad and have a higher expectation of me The teachers treat me how any other student would be treated. All the work is the same, all the rules apply to me and that’s perfectly fine because want that.
How does this impact your daily relationships with your peers?
Sometimes it can be hard. Sometimes it’s just, guess the decisions that happen all around me include my dad being an assistant principal. We have good relationships even then.
Not Too Much Now S
Below 80 mg/dL. Needs fruit snacks or juice. Above 180 mg/dL. Needs insulin. Around 110 mg/dL. Normal.
izzling hot pans. Students shouting commands. Plating presentable meals. For senior Enrique “Kiké” Enriquez, a typical culinary practice consists of intense concentration on preparing new menu items and perfecting techniques.
“My inspiration for joining [culinary] just came out of my love and passion for culinary arts,” Enriquez said. “You know love cooking; love eating. These are just things that naturally evolved for me. And when I saw this opportunity, I decided to take it in full force and just well, it’s got me here.”
Am I
Can’t Escape the APs Cooked?
We see each other in passing periods and stuff, and I guess get certain advantages, like with schedules and stuff like that because you can pull people’s strings.
How does having a parent as an AP affect you academically?
She’s a lot more concerned with my academics, so it kind of pushes me to have better grades.
What is your favorite thing about having her as an AP?
FHow does it feel to have your dad be an AP?
At first it was kind of weird, but it finally sank in. It’s actually not that bad because all my friends are used to having him around and everything. They enjoy talking to him at lunch and everything. And really enjoy it. It’s nice just to have him around the hallways, or, you know, just when he says hi in the hallways. It’s enjoyable to me. How does this affect you
or two years, junior Luci Kelley dealt with a chronic illness, Syringomyelia.
This caused Kelley to have fluid-filled cyst on Kelley’s spinal cord, resulting in back pain and fatigue.
“My mom, like everyone, we all kind of thought, ‘Oh, you’re just lifting too heavy,’” Kelley said. Kelley tested for many different causes of this back pain, and for a while they believed it could be Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease. After receiving an MRI scan, doctors found a cyst on Kelley’s spine. Because of the cyst, Kelley dropped powerlifting as it could lead to further injury. However, Kelley still felt motivated to continue.
“I want to do well. have high expectations for myself, and don’t want to disappoint those,” Kelley said. “So at the end of the day just have to keep going.”
Story by Kaylee Moore
Off My Back
“My family found out had Type 1 Diabetes when we were on a family ski trip in New Mexico for my grandma’s birthday,” junior Elijah Dugan said. “I had been acting up and unappeasable, so they took me to the doctor. Luckily, the doctor had a daughter with Type 1, so he knew all the signs. They couldn’t treat us there, so got CareFlighted to a hospital back in Texas.”
Type Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Dugan gives himself sugar and insulin throughout the day to control his body’s blood sugar. When he eats food, he must look at the amount of carbs in the food and put it in his pump, and then the pump will calculate the rest for him.
Enriquez was part of the ProStart culinary team, a group of students who participate in practices and catering events in preparation for two big competitions at the end of the year for chances to gain recognition and scholarship opportunities. Enriquez ran the appetizer position of the five, more specifically fish.
“The crab cakes and halibut, those are my two main expertise in that square,” Enriquez said.
Story by Rutha Alshoukor
Slay the Show A Special Bond
Off the stage, she clears her head and peeks around the curtain to see the audience. When she receives the cue to begin her performance, she steps up and adjusts her eyes to the stage lights.
“Honestly, just kind of get up and [perform],” senior Brenna Brigman said. “I find that when think about it too much or spend too much prep work, know tend to get in my own head. So it’s almost like the less prepare for it, the more prepared I am. That’s just what works for me.”
Brigman works as a Junior Instructor at Destiny Music Studio where she started her professional music career, taking voice lessons. During breaks, she utilizes the instruments at the studio to work on producing music.
“I’m really interested in production. want to have my own career at some point,” Brigman said. “Really focus on releasing my own music then get to the point that [I] maybe start managing [and] producing for other people, helping artists and things like that.”
Story by Kati Waguespack
“You definitely learn to grow up faster, and you learn to take care of yourself really early,” Dugan said. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned with Type is that life isn’t fair, so you have to find a way to excel with endurance.”
batter up
After getting a hit, Elijah Dugan, 11, follows through his swing during a scrimmage against Aledo on Feb. 3. “I think [the scrimmage] was good,” Dugan said. “It kind of showed what the baseball team can do. It made us feel more confident in what we can do as a team and how far we can go.”
Sophomore Emily Gandy’s sister, senior Grace Gandy, lives life with special needs.
Emily Gandy says her sister’s challenges have brought her both moments of fear and joy and caused her to become a more mature and responsible person.
What is the biggest challenge you face while having a special needs sibling?
Since I’m a younger sibling, I’ve always felt like had to have a sense of maturity most kids always don’t have. I have a need to always care for her even though it might not be my responsibility always want what’s best for her.
Are there any negatives or downsides to having a special needs sibling ?
It’s the health issues they have because you know they don’t have as long a lifespan as a normal and sometimes that’s hard to understand and realize they’re not going to be here as long as us.
Are there any positives or upsides to having a special needs sibling? don’t argue and fight with her like normal siblings do. We have an amazing relationship, and I’m glad we do.
How has having a special-needs sibling affected your high school experience?
Maturity. think gaining maturity and responsibility helps me with my schoolwork, my time management and how I’m able to balance things like homework, life, school and all that.
What are some specific moments with Grace that you can think of?
She loves Six Flags. It’s probably one of her favorite places to go. love being able to take her on the ride and seeing a smile on her face whenever she’s on the roller coaster.
Story by Blakely Copeland
Story by Jordyn Green
Story by Gigi Carranza
Luci Kelley, 11
Enrique Enriquez, 12
RAILEY DEMERY PHOTO
Stephanie Monajami, Cameron Monajami, 11, Avery Owens, 10, Gregory Owens
Grace Gandy, 12, Emily Gandy, 10
she’s on pointe S
ophomore Katelyn Coffman comes home at 9 p.m. tired, exhausted and worn down from a three-hour, long ballet practice with her dance studio, Coffman knows she has to be up early the very next day for drill team practice at 7 a.m.
“It’s a lot [of work] to balance school and drill team,” Coffman said. “Ballet mostly affects my sleep schedule, seeing as most days get home at 9:00 p.m., and at that point still need dinner, need to do homework and sometimes stretch or go over dances.”
Coffman began ballet at three years old, making drill team easier for her to work into. The strength and technique given from ballet practice helps her to be more precise in her movement, but to her, ballet and drill team aren’t the same.
“Ballet and drill team are very different, but they definitely play off each other when it comes to improvements,” Coffman said. “Ballet helps me so much with my leg strength and jump height making it easier to do things in drill team like press leaps, firebirds and calypsos. Doing studio dance from a young age also helps me be more encouraged when it comes to dance because I know if put in the hard work, the performance and trophies will pay off and it’ll all be worth it.”
Legacy was chockfull of obscure, original and exclusive experiences. Some widely popular , some to be proud of and some kept secret as hidden gems among specific social circles. But those are the kind of things you see when you travel
Full swing
At the plate, Lincoln Schroeder, 12, looks at the ball after hitting a pop fly Feb. 3. This was the first game of the season against Aledo. “The pressure [at the plate] is very high especially if there is
lot of people there,” Schroeder said. “I just try to slow my breathing down, control my heart rate, be myself and just play the game.” (Michael Bayless photo)
Warm Up
Running down the field, Brian Barton, 12, catches the ball at a pre-game drill. “The warm ups are helpful. They warm your body up, get your mind in the game,” Barton said. (Michael Bayless photo)
The Dunk
At the conclusion of the Sep. 9 Warrior Run event, Key Club sponsor, Abbigayle Marion gets ice water dumped on her. “I thought it was going to be lukewarm not ice water,” Marion said. “Shock. That’s the best word I could give for how I felt.” (Michael Bayless photo)
On
Fire
Under several hot stage lights, Olivia Butler, 9, sings “I Speak Six Languages” as her character, Marcy Park. As a main character, auditions for the role of Marcy Park were competitive taking place over two consecutive days on Aug. 26 and 27. “I was very surprised [to get the role], and it was one of my favorite musicals,” Butler said.
“Playing Marcy was adventurous .She was super exciting, sassy, sweet but also stubborn. I could just add so many characteristics.” (Reese Mallett photo)
