The
Decatur High School • 750 E Eagle Summit Dr • Decatur, TX 76234 February 2013 • Volume 18 Issue 3 • www.decaturjournal.com
JOURNAL
Kyle Hubbard raps at House of Blues, page 14
U Staff 2012-2013 Cristin Morgan Editor in Chief Print Business/Ad Manager
Madeline Peña Editor in Chief Online
Allie Davis Photographer
Macky Dailey Co. Sports Editor
Hutch Cheyne Co. Sports Editor
Jackie Trujillo Staff Writer
Emily Santos Social Media Asst. Business Manager
Macen Stripling Staff Writer
Nancy Torres Staff Writer
Noehlia Ortiz Staff Writer
Katelynn Cimini Staff Writer
Youth spends weekend volunteering at homeless shelter by Michaela Cross
Rather than spending their weekends at the movies or home, DHS students occupy their Saturdays by helping serve the homeless in Fort Worth. Every month on the last Saturday, various Wise County churches gather at Community Church in Decatur. After loading vans with food and supplies, the groups depart for Fort Worth, where they serve those in need. “Community church and other churches meet together in the parking lot of Community church and ride together to Fort Worth, where we begin serving the homeless,” sophomore Heather Shepherd said.
Fans exhibit nontraditional spirit at varsity basketball games by Nancy Torres
Hula skirts, camouflage jackets and ugly Christmas sweaters are not the typical attire worn to a varsity basketball game. Senior Ben Blattner and a group of friends attend basketball games, expressing their support for fellow players. Not only by attending games they encourage the players, but also Blattner and friends show up dressed in “themes.” “We wanted to find a way to help pump up our team so we dressed up and it helped get them get pumped,” Blattner said.
To continue reading these stories visit decaturjournal.com Letters to the Editor: The Journal welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be submitted one week prior to publication and must have a word count no greater than 300. Length may be subject to editorial judgement, and letters will be edited for obscene language, racial remarks and libelous material. All letters must be signed and writers’ names will not be withheld. The Journal is not obligated to run any letters. Letters can view any matters directly or indirectly related to Decatur High School, staff and students. Views and opinions expressed in letters do not reflect those of staff members of The Journal, Decatur High School or Decatur ISD.
Printed through Greater Dallas Press 601 Shepherd Dr. Garland, TX 75042 972-926-6062 phone 972-926-6525 fax Honors: •ILPC Silver Star Award 2003, 2005, 2006 •ILPC Bronze Star Award 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009 •ILPC Online Silver Star Award 2012 •ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 •CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 Members: •Interscholastic League Press Conference
•Texas Association of Journalism Educators •NSPA/JEA •CSPA
Jessica Lozano Staff Writer
Angelica Lopez Staff Writer
Michaela Cross Staff Writer
McKenna Waddill Staff Writer
Logan Huff Staff Writer
Cindy Berry Adviser
Follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram at decaturjournal. Visit decaturjournal.com or scan the code with a QR reader app.
U
U
INSIDE
Injuries lead to downfall
17
8
Missionary to Israel
U
14
24
New softball and baseball season starts up
Future musician of Christian rap Class rank and GPA system Staffer reflects on growing up Staff picks: Favorite sweets
photos by Allie Davis
p.4 p.4 p.6
U
Future meteorologist pursues passion p.10 Pals, Palees come together p.12 Head to head: Class schedule p.20
inside 3
Staff Editorial
GPA
calculations need reconsideration
Every February, students make new schedule choices for the following year. Some are conscientious about their GPA and base most of their selected courses on this. GPA’s should include only the calculations of core classes: math, social studies, English and science. Students focused solely on their GPA often limit the number of elective or nonGPA courses. If GPAs were calculated based only on core classes, students would have more options. For example, if a student wanted to take an art course, he would not sacrifice losing GPA points. While some elective classes are measured on a four point scale, others such as varsity choir, band and third or four year department programs are measured on a five point. This adds more points. Therefore, if AP and dual credit classes are scheduled with five point electives, there is a higher chance to raise a GPA. If GPAs were based on the four core classes, the grades show a significant improvement. Students would take priority with their core classes and less with electives, meaning, they would care about earning the highest grades possible in their core classes. Numbers in extracurricular membership would also rise. Students would then have more leeway in choosing their electives. Some argue that students have the option to pass/fail a course. However, this only applies to one elective per semester. The calculation of only core classes puts every student on a level playing field. We know this would improve our campus’ academic standing. By implementing a policy similar to this, students would understand the importance of prioritizing and all be on the same equal playing field.
Staff Vote 12 out of 16 agree
STAFFER EXPRESSES THOUGHTS ON FUTURE
by Nancy Torres
4 Opinion
Thinking about what becomes of me in the future feels scary. Curious about my personality in the future, where I am going to live, and what my life ends up to become. But it seems like I need to have knowledge about what my life ends up to turn out like, right? I am going to go to college for a career in the medical field, I need to at least obtain some kind of idea of what my future holds. But I really don’t, and I feel like I really need to know. Whenever I think about the near future, it makes me freak out. I saw some of my favorite seniors leave, and it makes me think about myself, and how graduating and leaving is going to turn out when I become a senior, too. Somehow, it all comes down to my parents. What are they go-
ing to do when I leave? At home, I’m my mom’s little helper, more like big helper. My responsibility at home consists of chores, chores and more chores. With my help, it takes such a big load off all the home duties. When I leave, I feel that all the chores are going to come down heavy without me there to help. Since I am the older of my two brothers, I think my parents look sad to see me grow up and leave for college. But parents feel the same way about their own children. Seeing their little babies grow up and live their own life, one step at a time, from the day of birth, to the first baby steps and then going on with the rest of our own life. Growing up makes me happy
but sad at the same time. The thought of going off to college just scares me. Not that graduating and starting my life seems like a good idea, I want to go to college; but I worry for my survival skills. It sounds like, oh you baby, quit whining! But I keep wondering how to fend for myself once I leave for the real world. The outside world seems like a scary thing. Life throws out many obstacles in my path, and I need to be prepared for anything. The big obstacle: college, in my opinion. But for now, I try to focus on the moment, and worry less of what comes ahead. Right now, starting my life is a work in progress, and it just takes one step at a time, and everything will just fall into its place.
901 East Business 380 P.O. Box 298 Decatur, Texas 76234 (940) 627-5962 Toll Free 1-888-627-5962 Mon - Fri 7:30 - 5:00 Sat 8:00 - 2:00
661 W Thompson St. PO Box 1238 Decatur, TX 76234
www.northtxbank.com Fax: 940.627.6886 Tel: 940.627.8767
THE STUDIO AT HIDDEN OAKS 301 N. Hwy. 287 Decatur, TX 76234 (940) 627-6528
Open 7 days a week
Jo ’s Cell: 940-399-8721 Joiner.jo@gmail.com
Gerre ’s Cell: 940-399-8863 gerjoiner@gmail.com
1492 Thousand Oaks • Decatur, TX 76234
JAMES WOOD DECATUR
Fun and Economical Transportation for Now...for College...for a Lifetime
Boyd • Bridgeport • Decatur
Office 940.683.8790 Fax 940.683.8791 608 W. Hale Avenue PO Box 779 Decatur, TX 76234
627-4600
SOUTH Side of US 287 South
America’s Best Warranty*
10-Year/100,000-Mile
member FDIC
Powertrain Limited Warranty
jameswoodhyundai.com Ads 5
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
SUGAR RUSH by Noehlia Ortiz
Staffers reveal their favorite deserts
I’m not sure if it’s the roasted pecans sprinkled on, or the cream cheese icing, or even just the cake itself, but this dessert makes my mouth water just describing it. Sweeties Pie’s red velvet cake is to die for. I use to work at Sweetie Pies in the 10th grade so it was always tempting to get a slice on my break. Honestly one time I bought a full cake and brought it home for all of my family to eat. I haven’t eaten it in a while; I could really live on it. Even if you don’t like Red Velvet Cake, or you have never tried it ever, make Sweetie Pie’s Red Velvet cake your first bite. - Allie Davis
RED VELVET CAKE
COFFEE BROWNIES
My favorite dessert is brownies. Not just any brownies though, they must be Coffee brownies. They’re way better than any German chocolate cake or brownie batter ice cream. I adore coffee brownies, even more when there’s actual coffee from Starbucks in them. They’re even better with chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips. I remember the first time I tried them at a Chinese restaurant; and it was like heaven exploded in my mouth. I’d marry those brownies. -Katelynn Cimini
It’s not a healthy obsession, I’ll admit. But how can I possibly resist a chocolate cake? But it’s not just a cake. It’s a molten lava cake. It’s the moistest cake I have ever had. One slice is just not enough. My dad likes to yell at me whenever I eat some of this cake because (if I was a 24hour couch potato) I would probably have a heart attack. Sometimes I get this weird craving for it in the most random moments and it just drives me insane. I mean, really. It’s like a slice of heaven. It’s a bite out of rainbows and butterflies. Okay. I’m going to stop talking about it because I’m getting those cravings again. - Jackie Trujillo
CHOCOLATE
CAKE
CHOCO
My favorite sweet is definitely choco flan. The first time I made it I almost ate the whole dessert on my own. Choco flan has chocolate at the bottom of the dessert and flan on the top. And of course, the bottom part is chocolate, which it makes it taste so much better. And milk is a great companion with this dessert! If you were to try it, you would want more… that’s if you like chocolate. If I could, I’d eat choco flan anywhere, anytime! - Nancy Torres
FLAN
The sweetest treat I have ever had would have to be red velvet cake with butter cream icing to top it off. The first time I ever tried it was when I was about five years old and I just couldn’t get enough of it. My favorite thing about it has to be the taste of the cake and icing mixing together. The texture of the cake is moist and almost feels like it would melt in my mouth. When I eat it with milk it ends up melting in my mouth and makes a great combination for a sweet tasty snack. I believe everyone should try a piece of red velvet cake at least once in their lifetime.Noehlia Ortiz
RED VELVET CAKE
Braum’s strawberry chocolate chip frozen yogurt is definitely the best ice cream I’ve ever had. It’s chocolate-covered strawberries in creamy ice cream form! Strawberries and chocolate mix together in perfect harmony creating pure bliss in your mouth. This flavor of ice cream is fairly new at Braum’s, and I’m surprised someone didn’t come up with it sooner. It was truly inspired. -McKenna Waddill
6 staff picks
STRAWBERRY
CHOCOLATE
CHIP
Best Wishes to All Students!
AAMIR ZUBERI, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED IN NEPHROLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE
609 Medical Center Dr. Suite 2700 Decatur, TX 76234
DAVID ROSENBAUM, DDS Ph: 940-627-8020 Fax: 940-627-6730
2201 S. HWY 51, SUITE 300 DECATUR, TEXAS 76234
(940) 626-0003
Russell Doubrava, D.O. Board Certied in the Surgical & Medical Treatment of Urologic Diseases
213 W Main Street Decatur, TX 76234 Phone: 940.627.0047 Fax: 806.793.7602
Phone: (940) 627-0088 Fax: (940) 627-0288 2451 S. FM 51 Suite 100 Decatur, TX 76234
doubravaurology@yahoo.com www.doubravaurology.com Hours
Mon 10-8 Thurs 10-8 Tues 10-8 Fri 10-6 Wed 10-6 Sat 10-2 Sunday Closed
When I say "good," you say "neighbor."
1700 Hwy 51 South Decatur, TX 76234 Teresa Mader, Agent 1411 S FM 51 Decatur, TX 76234 Bus: 940-627-3006 Fax: 940-627-3061 www.teresamader.com
P097314
Phone: 940.627.5512 Fax: 940.627.6763
Now that's teamwork. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
Services: •Books, DVDs, audio, magazines, newspapers •Print, scan and fax •Storytimes •Toddler times
State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL
•Book Club •Free Starbucks Coffee •Free Internet access •Laptop circulation •Die Cuts
Harris Music
On the Square -Decatur-
940-627-5737
*Guitars *Amps *Band Supplies
WIRELESS ZONE
Premium Wireless Retailer
1100 West Business 380 Decatur, TX 76234 940.626.4422 wirelesszone.com/decatur Ads 7
Two teams battle through injury-riddled seasons by Hutch Cheyne
U
After a strong first round of district competition, the ened us,” junior Tyler White said. girls’ basketball team was setting their sights set on the By the second district game there were four other key playoffs. Then, while attempting a layup, junior Murphy players sidelined with season-ending injuries: senior JarGraham came down in a funny position tearing her ACL, ed Durdon, senior Max Junkert, senior Russell Cross and then partially tearing her meniscus. All of a sudden, her junior Mason Del Castillo. playoff dreams turned into a nightmare. While some injuries were just nagging muscle inju“It was the end of the game and I stole the ball and ries, junior Tyler White’s career- ending concussion was I went for clearly the worst. a layup,” “I’ve had a hisGraham tory with concussaid. “The sions and I knew girl I stole it I would most from caught likely get another me and I one,” White said. - Tyler White. junior came down “It was during the and landed Alvarado game wrong.” and I got blindThe very next week against Krum, the team suffered sided covering a guy going in motion.” yet another crippling loss as sophomore Jasmine Tate White’s view on the game hasn’t changed even if he is tore her ACL. Being that Graham was the point and as- no longer playing. sist leader and Tate was the leading rebounder, the team “I view the sport as very dangerous, but can teach you was now down two top players. life lessons,” Tyler said. “But football is just a game, not “Watching the Sanger game the second time hurt be- something to stress over, something that you have fun cause we were up by a lot and then losing,” Graham said. with your friends and push yourself to the limits both Much like girls’ basketball, the injuries suffered by the mentally and physically.” football team took a noticeable toll as they limped to an Both teams are expecting to get back to winning next abysmal 4-6 record, missing the playoffs by two games. season by reloading some of the talent that was hurt this “We lost a lot of key players and those injuries weak- season.
U
We lost a lot of key players and those injuries weakened us.
>>Junior Murphy Graham tore her ACL during basketball season. >>Junior Tyler White suffered from a concussion during a football game in the fall. photos by Allie Davis
8 sports
Student pursues future passion by Macky Dailey
Before a crack cra of thunder, a gust of wind, or even a drop of rain, senior Chris Barrows is on the look out. He is an aspiring meteorologist. When Barrows Barr was 6 years old, his passion for weather was sparked. His took dad too a meteorology class in high school and taught Barrows ab about it; but his true love for this field started snowballing when he w witnessed a storm first hand. “I ssaw my first tornado in Fort Worth and that’s what accelerated my passion pass for it,” Barrows said. Now Now-a-days Barrows studies weather every day and he watches it th periodically throughout the day through windows, on the computer, or on his Ipad mini. “He’s alway always talking about weather,” junior, Tyler Vaughn said. Barrows us uses social media to chat with fellow meteorologists. He made friends with C Cody Howard from Arlington, and Stacy Gifford, of BrownFace wood, on Facebook. He met them in person, Feb. 14, 2012, on the way to a storm-chasing convention in Denver, Colorado. Now, they chase together. “We go storm stor chasing whenever we can,” he said. Barrows learns lea weather from observation, weather festivals, conven-
Just watching the energy in a cloud explode into a single thunderstorm is amazing. -Chris Barrows tions, his dad who is his inspiration, and friends. He doesn’t walk away from a storm w with just knowledge; he walks away with virtues that will last a lifetime. “I’ve learned learne to keep patience because if you know that the storm is going to produce a ttornado, it’s worth the wait,” Barrows said. A perfect day d to Barrows is stormy with hail and high winds surpassing 60 miles per hour along with the potential for tornadoes. h “The risk of a tornado is what puts the icing on the cake for me,” he said. Even thoug though he enjoys the thrill of the chase and bad weather, his favorite part of this field is watching the clouds. “If you look at the clouds closely on days that you have very fast vertical motion, you can c see them tower,” Barrows said. “Just watching the energy in a cloud explode explod into a single thunderstorm is amazing.” After high school Barrows plans to cover his basics at Weatherford and s then transfer to t the University of Oklahoma. He wants to join the Students of Meteorolog Meteorology Program and get his bachelors degree over the next six to eight years. “After I finish ni getting my bachelors degree I want to become a meteorologist in Memphis Memph with my cousin,” Barrows said. “He is a meteorologist at WMC (We’re Memphis Commercial).”
Feature 9
MITALPATEL 10 Feature
U
1
by Cristin Morgan
Sitting on a flight for 23 hours, from Dallas to temple events and museums. Mumbai, was the first of many stops for sopho“We had an opportunity to stay in one of the more Mital Patel. old palaces in Abu Dhunbi,” Patel said. “The flights were really long,” she said. “I just When Patel and her family were in Dubai watched movies, they explored and on the way the city, like any back I did hometourists, driving work.” through sand They will always be there for you Leaving on dunes and atand with you even if they ’re milDec. 4, 2012, Patending bellylions of miles away. tel heads to India dancing festi-Mital Patel, sophomore for a month and a vals. week stay. “We also got “I went on the to ride camtrip to see my els,” she said. “I family and get more culturally inclined,” she would describe it as smuphy because the ride said. was very humpy and smelly.” Flying with American and Emirates, she went Patel’s favorite part about the trip was meeting to Gujarat and Malaysia in Asia, then stopped in and seeing family and all the food. Greece and England in Europe. “We have Indian restaurants here [USA],” “We also had a five day stop in Dubai in the Patel said, “and my mother is a great cook, but UAE,” Patel said. “It was cool because the airline nothing can ever compare to the food made we flew on, Emirates, is owned by the Sheik of straight off the grill and delivered to your table.” the Dubai/UAE.” In India, they rarely eat in restaurants; they While on her trip, she attended weddings, have carts that serve food. “It’s like a food truck here except on stands,” Patel said. Not only did Patel love the food, but also the family time she had on her visit there. She returned to Decatur Jan. 14, 2013. The experience was better than she expected and she hopes to go back soon. “Honestly I wasn’t really excited about going to India,” she said. “But when I got there and was surrounded by all my loving family, it showed me the importance of what a family is and how they will always be there for you and with you even if they’re millions of miles away.”
U 2
STUDENT
TRAVELS to INDIA
1. Mital attended belly dancing festivals on her trip. 2. Mital and her brother riding a camel in India. 3. This is Mital’s home in India. It is still under construction. 4. Mital holds sugarcane juice with her decorated hands to symbolize India. “Mostly everyone in India is a farmer and the easiest thing to grow is sugarcane.” 5. Mital and her dad, Chinto Patel, are in the city, Bardoli, 25 kilometers from their home. Background: Mital in the plane heading to India. Photos courtesy of Mital Patel
3
4
5 Feature 11
by Angelica Lopez
PAL program provides mentoring for younger students
Blakely Brown, Kylie Yarbrough, & Hailey Green Blakely: My PAL Kylie is very funny and great to talk to, but she is very shy, so when I first met her I had to figure out how to get her to open up to me. She taught me how to communicate better and she’s made me open up, too. Kylie and I both gained a new friendship with each other and learned how to open up from being in the PAL program. My PAL Hailey is great and we have a lot in common. From getting to spend time with Hailey everyday I have learned how to help my PALs with certain situations and how to make them feel better when they are sad. If Hailey is sad, we go out to the playground and sit on the swings and listen to Taylor Swift on my Ipod and it always cheers her up.
Blakely Brown and Hailey Green
Drawings by Hailey and Kylie
Blakely Brown and Kylie Yarbrough
Ethan Stallard & Thomas Hatley Ethan: I have learned that fifth grade is a lot easier this time around than it was six years ago. But seriously, the way Thomas lives his life so worry free has made me realize that I should really focus on what’s actually important in life, which is to serve God. All of these AP classes and sports are good, but in the end it does not really matter that I have a 4.0 GPA versus a 3.5. He has truly taught me to live for a bigger purpose.
Ethan Stallard, Thomas Thomas Hatley Hatley and Tristan Cain 12 Feature photos courtesy by Cole Wendling, Ethan Stallard and Blakely Brown
Thomas: My PAL is funny and nice and he fixes my problem when I need him. My PAL has taught me to ignore other people when they say mean things to me. He’s taught me to never give up and always keep my head up. He’s taught me to sit with other people when they are alone and make them happy. He’s also taught me to not do bad things when other people are trying to make me do bad things.
Cole Wendling, Nick Scott & Joey Dunbar
Cole Wendling and Nick Scott
Rebekah McGregor & Ty Woods Rebekah: I have gained a lot of responsibility. I have gained a great friendship between us. I know that the last time I see Ty, I will cry because we have become really close. I have gained an interest in motorcross, because he races his motorbike in races on the weekend. I have learned all the techniques in football. I have learned that I have to be a role model everywhere I go because there are always little eyes watching me. I have learned how to
not judge someone by their appearance, but to get to know them first. Ty: My PAL taught me in basketball how to do a lay-up. We both play one-on-one basketball out on the play ground. We both like to talk about our basketball games. My PAL taught me in basketball how to do a lay-up. I enjoy playing board games. She also taught me how to read perimeter and area in math. She taught me how to remember the planets. She taught me how to kick a football.
Cole: PALs has taught me many things, from how to be a positive role model to how first graders and paint usually don’t mix well. However, the greatest thing I have taken from PALs is a better appreciation for how genuinely good people are. When you hang out with these kids and begin to hear how positive their outlooks are and the wacky things they have to say, you begin to start thinking more positive yourself. I encourage anyone to join PALs because I’ve come to the assumption that no matter what PALee you receive, there is almost a guarantee you’ll hit it off. The thing with kids is they just want someone to have fun with and someone to talk to. This is why it was such a blessing for me to become that person. I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with Nick and Joey and I now have a better appreciation for how simple life is and how it should be enjoyed. Both my PALees are
very unique and both have taught me a very different set of things. Joey is my video game man and I can easily attest to his ability to smoke me in any video game despite the age difference. From Guitar Hero records to Call of Duty sessions that last until the wee hours of the morning, Joey always is sure to keep me updated in his electronic ventures, not to mention his infatuation with Siri. Nick is my younger PALee and well, Zebra Man is a hard one to describe. Nick and I keep it real and talk about worldly issues, such as why girls are so lame or how overwhelmingly cool Duck Dynasty is. Nick and I have also been on a three-month campaign to win over his special friend for Valentine’s Day. I can’t disclose more due to a pact not to spread the word. In all seriousness, the things these kids have to say really crack me up and I’m always thankful for a good laugh on PAL days.
By the numbers 30 PALs 61 PALees 4 campuses 3 days a week Feature 13
HOUSE
BLUES
OF
EKO
Teen rapper to perform at popular venue by Katelynn Cimini
Listening to the beat of Christian music, Senior Kyle Hubbard raps to fellow churchgoers. Hubbard has been invited to sing at the House of Blues. “I listened to a lot of rap,” Hubbard said, “and then one day my friend Danny Cooper and I had a rap battle at church. I fell in love with it from there.” Since his freshman year, Hubbard has practiced Christian rapping. Fellow rapper Dannyy Cooper is mentoring him. “It really started when I was doing freestyle rapping in the greenroom,” Hubbard said. “I’m really inspired by Danny, Moses Uverer and Lecrea.” Hubbard’s sister, Kendall, looks up to him. “I’m really proud of him,” she said. “I’ve watched him since he started rapping and he deserves this. I love him.” He’s rapped at many churches including Grace Fellowship, The Well in Denton, Church of Christ in Gainesville and First Baptist Church in Dallas. He’s even rapped at UNT with 300 400 people in the crowd. “Last December at Grace Fellowship in Paradise was my first time rapping somewhere,” Hubbard said. Before selling his music onto iTunes, he signed with the record company CD Baby, and released an album last May called Let the Revolution Begin with seven songs.
U
U
I just feel like God is using it to tell me that I need to move forward into rapping as a career.
- Kyle Hubbard, senior 14 Feature
“I started recording my junior year,” Hubbard said. “I plan on recoring three new songs in the near future.” His songs are meant to motivate and inspire others. “The meanings behind some of my songs are to show that you’re not alone and God is always there,” Hubbard said. He has been invited to rap at the House of Blues near the end of March. The exact date will be posted on decaturjournal.com. “I’m not really sure how I got into the House of Blues, but I think it might have been either by word of mouth or by the company I signed with,” Hubbard said. He is filled with excitement and inspired to rap at the House of Blues. He plans on rapping the songs Conquer, Never Surrender, Feeling Alone, Limits and Unobtainable. “It’s really exciting and it’s a huge blessing,” he said. “I just feel like God is using it to tell me that I need to move forward into rapping as a career.” The House of Blues isn’t the easiest to get into, and it’s booked months in advance. “It’s pretty difficult to get into the House of Blues.” Hubbard said. “They called me first so that must mean I’m pretty good.” Hubbard has high expectations in the future, making rapping a career. “This is the avenue God is calling me to be in,” Hubbard said.
Wise Pediatrics 940.626.4400 www.wisepediatrics.com
609 Medical Center Dr, Ste 2300 Decatur, TX 76234
Mon-Fri: 9a.m. - 8p.m Sat: 9a.m. - 6p.m. 1208 FM 51 Suite E Decatur, Texas 76234
940.627.1135
Dr. Hollis, MD
A Specialist for Your Children!
$3 off any regular haircut with this coupon
Decatur Women ’s Health Center offers a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care for women at every stage of life.
“Friendly, professional and condential. ” Your health and well-being as a woman is our concern. Our emphasis is on making you feel comfortable, condent and reassured. (Left to Right) Aliza Cortez, Kim Mote, Dr. Douglas Kyle, Melissa Bradley
2451 S. FM 51, Suite 300 Dectaur, TX 76234
Call today to schedule your next appointment.
940-627-4216 Ads 15
WANT A YEARBOOK? Starting March 1 go to
itโ s our privilege.
jostensyearbooks.com
'. 4PVUI t %FDBUVS 59
and order one for $75 Limited supply of extras available
MFHFOE CBOL DPN t NFNCFS GEJD
Bibles and Beads
1618 S FM 51 SUITE 900 Decatur, TX 76234 Tel: (940) 627-1767
110 E. Main Street Decatur, Texas 76234 940-626-8888
ย โ ข Beads ย โ ข Gifts
Horarios: Lunes a Sรกbado 9am - 8:30pm Domingo 7am - 7pm
ย โ ข Bibles ย โ ข Music
Authentic Mexican Food FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord...Joshua 24:15
[
Youth Group Wednesday Night at 6:30 STUDENT MINISTRY
[
Ron Johnson
1200 W. Preskitt Rd. Decatur, TX 76234
Phone: 940-627-3235 Fax: 940-627-6340 E-mail: ron@firstdecatur.us
X Chan Thai - Asian Bistro 940-627-0855 113 N State Street Decatur, TX 76234 www.xchanasianbistro.com 16 Ads
by Macen Stripling
Tele Aviv,
Leaving for five months, Macky Dailey will experience her home away from home 6,969 miles away, traveling to Tele Aviv, Israel to be a missionary. “It is a God thing. I feel like I’m supposed to go,” senior, Dailey said. Homeless ministry, sex trafficking, working with orphans, Sudanese refugees, reaching out to Orthodox Jews and the big party scene in Tele Israel Aviv are what Dailey can expect to deal with in her stay. “At first my mom laughed at me,” Dailey said, “but she knows it’s inevitable and that I’m making the right choice. They’re scared though.” The 6,900 dollar cost to go on the trip will be funded by Dailey working and getting help from family and friends. “I’ve never even been away from home for a week-and-a-half, and now I’m going to be living away,” Dailey said. Putting her first semester of college on hold, Dailey hopes to reach out to many people and gain experience in Israel. “I hope to teach others Jesus’ love,” Dailey said. “I want a closer relationship with God.” Older sister, Sarah Dailey had told Macky about the trip. Later, she was soon asked by youth pastor Michael Hinson to go. “There was some weird connections that made me want to go; I don’t know how to explain it,” Dailey said. Twin brother, Gunner Daily, also a senior, is scared for Macky. However, he knows she is going for a good reason. “We just need to pray that God will keep her safe on her trip,” Gunner said. Prayers from across the community will be offered for Dailey and the others traveling to Israel. “I think she will be able to share God’s word and love with other people,” Gunner said. In Israel, the majority of people speak Hebrew. In the bigger cities most people are able to speak Eng-
Listen to God and do not fear; you ’ve just got to do it. -macky dailey, senior
I
miss on Possible
lish. Translators will also be available if Dailey can’t communicate with those she is reaching out to. As for talking to people back home, she will have to rely on technology. “My family and I will probably have to Face Time her,” Gunner said. Dailey’s acceptance to the five-month trip will be determined on Friday, Feb. 22. She was previously interviewed to see if she was an eligible candidate. “Listen to God and do not fear; you’ve just got to do it,” Dailey said.
Senior travels 6,969 miles to help others Feature 17
We deliver.
Contact: PJ Reicheneker on facebook Shredderz Skate Shop or email at: pj@shredderzskate.com
Wise Electric Cooperative, Inc.
•Propane •Electric •Satellite Internet 1900 N. Trinity P.O. Box 269 Decatur, TX 76234
Phone: (940) 627-2167 A Touchstone Energy Cooperative The power of human connection
115 South Trinity, Decatur 940-627-5987 Fax 940-627-1004 wcmessenger.com news@wcmessenger.com
RIB-EYES STRIP STEAKS PORTERHOUSE T-BONES “CHOICE OR BETTER” STEAKS Grill-Ready Marinated Meats - Chicken, Tablitas, Skirt Steak Fresh CHICKEN Great PORK selection and more...
www.masmeatandproduce.com 1503 CHICO HWY BRIDGEPORT, TX 76426 940.683.2630 Monday through Saturday - 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. Sunday - 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.
Ads 19
VS
SEVEN PERIOD
CURRENT
DAY SCHEDULE Students express views on school itinerary by Michaela Cross
ANGELA FERRIS sophomore At Decatur High School, students don’t need eight classes. Being as students only have four
required classes, it would be more efficient to only have three electives. If students really desire to take another elective, they could take that class during first or eighth period, which would become a flex class. If the students don’t enjoy the elective they decide to take during this free period, they could simply leave without the fuss of making a new schedule and interrupting the duties of office staff. If first period is used as a flex class, students could use the time to catch up on their sleep; this gives them more time to wake up their brains, which would allow for more information to be absorbed in the classroom. However, if students are given eighth period as a flex class, they could leave early to go to a job or to pick up younger siblings. Students who ride the bus and need tutorials could attend tutorials and still catch the bus. Teachers who spend their conference and lunch periods tutoring could finish their work before the end of school; if they live far away, this could be a welcome reprieve from arriving home late every night. Also, students could use the extra time to catch up on homework or extra-curricular activities. In conclusion, having only seven class periods benefits both students and staff.
20 Head to Head
LAURA NICHOLSON junior I’m like every other student: I like to sleep, and I would much rather sleep than come to school. At
first, coming in late to school sounds awesome, right? I can sleep an extra hour and be in a much better mood to start off the day. Then I think about it…I would actually get less sleep if we came in later. Doesn’t sound right, does it? Well, I mean if we come to school later then it makes sense that we would have to leave later. Leaving later means that people would get home later, not to mention sport practices would run later, too. For me at least, t h at would be disastrous. Following our schedule right now, and participating in softball, I usually get home around 7ish (and that’s when we don’t have a game). I usually finish my homework around 11. Now imagine we mix the schedule up so that we come in at 9. I don’t get home until 8 now, and I don’t finish my homework until midnight. That means that I don’t go to sleep until after one, and that becomes my typical schedule. Throw in the occasional overload, hard day or project and you have the recipe for some student meltdowns. Then you can approach this from the social side as well. Getting out of school at 3:35 a majority of the week allows us to be able to hang out with friends or do homework together. Think about Fridays. We get out at 3:05 and get to start our weekend. If we pushed that back and got out at 4:05, we would be losing a substantial part of our limited freedom and I know that’s something that no one wants to happen. We’re OK with what we have now; we know how to handle this and we’re used to it. I think we’re OK; I think the system we have is working. No time will be good to start school; no one will ever want to come, so we just have to accept it for what it is and stick it out until we graduate.
Ads 21
INJURED... REHABBED...
BACK IN THE GAME. Saturday Injury clinics
Free to athletes who may be injured or with aches and pains. Our Licensed Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists are available most Saturday mornings 8-11 a.m. at Fit-NWise Rehabilitation to evaluate and treat athletic injuries. Physicians are also available to HYDOXDWH PRUH VLJQL¿FDQW LQMXULHV RU VXUJLFDO FDQGLGDWHV DQG RUGHU GLDJQRVWLF GLDJQRVWLF tests and treatment options.
WHO ARE WE?
The Fit-N-Wise Sports Medicine program is made up of professionals als with more than 20 years of experience coordinating with coaches and team eam physicians to ensure our athletes are at peak performace and health. th.
Common injuries we treat 0XVFOH VWUDLQV DQG FRQWXVLRQV /LJDPHQWRXV VSUDLQV UXSWXUH &DUWLODJH LQMXU\ ,QWHUQDO derangement ³%XUQHUV 6WLQJHUV´ )UDFWXUHV DQG GLVORFDWLRQV 3RVWXUDO G\VIXQFWLRQ 6RIW WLVVXH G\VIXQFWLRQ 7HQGRQLWLV 7HQGRQRVLV 3RVW VXUJLFDO UHKDELOLWDWLRQ 5RWDWRU &XII UHSDLU %DQNKDUW OHVLRQ $&/ UHFRQVWUXFWLRQ - Meniscus repair - All other related injuries
Meet your athletic trainer 22 Ads
Physical Therapy
Athletic Trainer
Athlete Physician
Fit-N-Wise 940.627.2708 TrainToWin.com Fernando Escobar, LAT Licensed Athletic Trainer, Decatur
BRENDA SUTTON
“They give you discounts at iHop if you show them your card. ” -Javier Cruz, AP Govt.
“A couple of them changed just by a pica. ” -Remington May, yearbook
“He was sick with Madeline fever. ”
-Madeline Peña, newspaper
“Can I pay you in monopoly money? ”
-Courtney Taylor, world history
“I didn ’t choose the Spanish 3 life, the Spanish 3 life chose me. ” -Bailey Gilbert, math
“We are a salad bar of people. We have dancers, writers, ropers and rappers. ” -Kyle Hubbard, UIL meet
“They sucked the life out of it. How do you suck the life out of something without a hole? ” -Mrs. Berry, newspaper
1
She’s taught for 30 years.
3
Mrs. Sutton use to be a model for Neiman Marcus during the summer. She’s been married for 45 years to her college boyfriend.
5
photo by Sam Kevetter
She was the Mardi Gras queen represented in the Fort Worth parade.
2
“I am trying to get a book that works properly. ”
4
“I could see myself dying from an overload of Dr. Pepper or chicken. ”
When she was in high school she lettered in tennis and volleyball.
Visit
decaturjournal.com
and check out everything we are posting daily: new stories, photo of the day, polls, videos, announcements, and so much more.
EAVESDROP
5
things you didn ’t know about art teacher
-Scott Gogniat, English II
-Ty Green, lunch
“Can y ’all remind me to go to the bathroom? I have duty. I ’ve only been once in the two weeks I ’ve had it. ” -Mrs. Powell, world history
“I washed my hair last night. It smells nice; be sure to get a whiff of it. -Katie Isham, show choir
Check out more eavesdrop at: decaturjournal.com
Grand Sl Slam Softball and baseball make a start
Junior Laura Nicholson warms up with freshman Sarah Nicholson throwing dailys at softball tryouts Jan. 18.
Sophomore Darienne Davis in stance concentrates at first base on where the ball will go during the varsity game against Brock.
Senior varsity pitcher Erik Elder ready to throw a fast one to the batter at the home game Feb. 19 against Mineral Wells. “Standing on the mound with all eyes on me knowing in the back of my mind that I can determine the outcome of the game is scary, but it can be rewarding,” he said. “I don’t get worried because I know my team has my back.” Photos by Ashley Huggins and Allie Davis page design by Allie Davis
24 Last Look
Seniors Dawn Jensen and Macky Dailey lead the agility warm ups with high knees at softball tryouts. These ladies have been on the team all four years of high school. “My senior year I couldn’t ask for a better team or coaches,” Dailey said.
Sophomore Tanner Shields bats the ball during the junior varsity game against Mineral Wells. “The game battled neck and neck for most of the game, but in the end we fell a little short,” Shields said.