May Issue

the

Pitchfork The student news magazine of Duncan High

Celebrate

May 15, 2018

Volume 99 Issue 4 515 N 19th St. Duncan, OK 73533

Emma Banks Pitchfork

Managing Editor: Emma Banks Web Editor: Baylee Elam Business Manager: Nathan Lambert Sports Editor: Andrew Riley Opinion Editor: Braden Mowdy Feature Editor: Savanna Edwards

Entertainment Editor: Harper Pitts Reporter/Illustrator: Shasta Carpenter Reporter/Illustrator: Hope Sprouse Reporter: Hayley Doyle Reporter: Riley Butler Adviser: Lisa Snider

Abigail Juarez Smokerings

REAL RESULTS OF THE WALKOUT 4 OUR VOICES 6

THE CROSSMAN 8 GRADUATION CORD POLICY EXPLAINED 10

MATH TEACHERS 12

SENIOR WILLS ETC. 14 -19 the

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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER 20

REYNOLDS FOR THE WIN 22 NEW SUMMER PRACTICE REGULATIONS 23

STUDENTS GAVE BLOOD 24

NATHAN’S READS 25 TACO TROUBLE 26 EFFECTS OF COUNSELING 30 SHOWERS AND FLOWERS 31 SNIDER’S FINAL THOUGHTS 32 pitchforklive.com

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Education reform sweeps state Braden Mowdy

Opinion Editor A single idea sparked by Stillwater teacher Alberto Morejon has started a wildfire of protest in our state. The wave of teachers demanding change took to the capitol starting on April 2, and has helped push a nationwide movement toward the prioritizing of education.

Throughout the state, teachers are becoming involved in politics. One way being running for office. Democrat Craig Hoxie, a teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa running for House District 23, is one of these teachers making the leap into politics. Hoxie, along with others, saw that many state politicians ran unopposed in the 2016 election. The teachers that did run in 2016 didn’t get the support needed and only one was elected. This has helped push Hoxie and other teachers to run in the 2018 elections.

“If we allow someone to run unopposed, it’s not a democracy, it’s a republic,” Hoxie said. “It becomes an oligarchy; we allow the power to reside in the hands of the very few.”

This shift toward political activism and change that has swept Oklahoma has reached the State Capitol. Republican State Representative Marcus McEntire has felt the change coming through the House.

“We were able to get a tax package done,” McEntire said. “We haven’t raised taxes in Oklahoma in 28 years.”

This tax package is among the many things the Capitol has passed due to the walkout. Democrats and Republicans worked together to give teachers a raise of an average of $6,100 a year, support personnel a raise of $1,250 a year, and add $50 million to the school funding budget.

“It’s definitely a start,” McEntire said. “[But] I don’t think it’s finished.”

Hoxie thinks if more isn’t done, then things could get worse for the education system.

“Without much more work on the part of the legislature, we could end up in worse shape in 2020 than we are now,” Hoxie said.

McEntire has also noticed a great change in the number of people running for office. According to McEntire, only 20 state congressmen drew no opposition, including himself.

“It’s kind of crazy,” McEntire said. “But this

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is representative democracy.”

Legislative offices became overwhelmed during the walkout. This drew many reactions from state politicians. McEntire reflects that many of his coworkers became stressed.

“We had maybe four or five visitors a day in our offices,” McEntire said. “We were basically in our offices for hours and hours and hours. I don’t know if I would call it stressful for me, it was just tiring.”

Some legislators became frustrated. This was evident to Republican Melanie Spoon, the Library Media Specialist at James L. Capps Middle School in Putnam City.

“After being shooed out of my legislator’s office and the having the door shut in my face, I vowed that I would run against him,” Spoon said. “Here I am now.”

Spoon is now running for House District 81.

“I want to expose the truth and corruption that has gutted our state institutions for no good reason,” Spoon said.

Running for state congress is not the only way people have been fighting for education. During the walkout, a group known as the Women in Black, consisting of lawyers, marched on the Capitol to show their support. Kate Burum, a lawyer on the Oklahoma Water Resource Board, was one of them. Burum and the others spoke to officials and explained to them the state of education in the areas they represent.

According to Burum, the officials they spoke to were unaware of the situations in their communities, such as the lack of teachers.

“The past four teachers that have won teacher of the year in Norman, three of them have moved to other states,” Burum said. “The fourth one is actively looking.”

Aside from pay, these teachers want to feel respected and valued and that Oklahoma is lacking that.

“When you don’t fund education for over a decade, then it’s obvious that it’s not important,” Burum said.

The Women in Black lawyers’ purpose is to speak for and support teachers. Even after the march, they are still helping. Through six committees, the lawyers keep track of elections, bills, the Budget, partner

with struggling school districts, and more.

Burum is a member of the School Partnering Committee.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with educators from Norman to start coming to their meetings and figure out what their needs are,” Burum said.

No lawsuits have been filed yet, and Burum hopes it stays that way.

“We would much rather have good communication and people come to a nice compromise before we have to take it into the court,” Burum said.

As pressure on the Capitol continues, so does the attitude of the people of Oklahoma.

With 2018 being an election year, more can be done to fix the situation.

“The most important thing you can do is remember what happened when you go vote in July and go vote in November,” Burum said. “The people that you elect speak for you, whether they have your voice or not.”

Many people have had their eyes open to the neglect occuring in the state and change is underway.

“This is why teachers are running,” Hoxie said. “This is why things must change.”

Braden Mowdy Pitchfork

Braden Mowdy Pitchfork

Marching for what they believe in

Hope Sprouse

Reporter/illustrator

Being involved can have different meanings for different students. For a select few, choosing to march for causes they care strongly about makes them what the dictionary defines as “activists”.

Freshman Bella Farrow believes that the safety of students attending school is an important issue.

She became involved in marches back in February after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“I hate seeing all the senseless violence in the world and that nothing is ever done about it,” Farrow said.

Farrow thinks it’s important for people to be educated about the violence happening in schools.

She traveled to the March for Our Lives Protest with art teacher Sarah Ivey and her daughter Lorelei Bridwell.

Farrow also participated in the walkout against gun violence that Duncan students held in March.

Savanna Edwards Pitchfork

She is so passionate about making a difference that she joined a group based in Duncan and Lawton that meets to discuss bills proposed by Oklahoma legislation.

“I’m in a group of students from Lawton and Duncan, and we discuss house bills proposed by our representatives and prepare on how we call and speak to them about it,” Farrow said.

Students learn more than just core subjects from teachers. Farrow’s teacher Ivey also participated in the march. Ivey feels the need to support her students.

“It’s important to support young people by encouraging them to stand up for what they believe in,” Ivey said. “Feeling safe at school is extremely important and no one should feel vulnerable or scared at school.”

Sophomore Logan Kamrath believes it’s important to keep people informed so that they know what they’re actually fighting about. He believes the March Duncan walkout for gun violence

Savanna Edwards Pitchfork

Students gather in the hallway in prepara- Sophomore Logan Kamrath interjects with his opinion during the demonstration. tation to walkout in honor of the students who died in the Parkland shooting.

did not go well as it could have.

“I can’t stand that the protest turned into a shouting match of opposing sides. Yelling is not the way to peacefully express your opinion,” Kamrath said. “A war isn’t fought over nothing. If you want to inform others you ,too, must be informed. “ He believes that the problem isn’t the pro-gun control side or the anti-gun control side, it is the people not being informed.

In addition to the March for Our Lives protest, was the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout. Schools all throughout the state shut down and teachers lobbied at the state capital in protest of lack of funding for education.

Freshman Maddie Crimmins joined the teachers as they protested at the capital. She marched “to support our teachers because they always support us,” she said. “[It’s important] because they deserve more than what they get paid, and part of the walkout was for a bigger budget for us, the students,” Crimmins said.

Savanna Edwards Pitchfork

Freshmen Kennedy Booth, Bella Farrow, Lorelei Bridwell, Harper Pitts, and Shawn Morris protesting in front of DHS.

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Education is undervalued in society today Braden Mowdy Opinion Editor The United States was founded on principles of equality. Though early on the term ‘equality’ was limited to white men, it eventually expanded to include nearly everyone. But there is one field that is lacking in equality: education. Educational quality is determined by a number of factors including graduation and dropout rates, test scores, and class sizes. These factors are dependent on one thing: funding.

In states such as our own, funding is often overlooked or disregarded. This lack of funding leads to inadequate pay for teachers and critical school conditions. The whole system is a line of dominos. When the the state or federal government (state in our case) cuts funding, it causes a lack of supplies at

schools and neglect to teacher pay. In turn, the teachers then leave the state to seek better pay causing class sizes to increase and unfit teachers to be hired. The ultimate result is a drop in test scores and graduation rates and an increase in dropout rates.

Oklahoma has shown this lack of respect for years by slashing education funding. Over the last decade, student spending has fallen over 30 percent, according to the Washington Post. Lately, states around the nation, including Oklahoma, have had teacher demonstrations fighting for education funding. These demonstrations are very important, successful or not, because they show the legislators that they need to fix the state of education in our country. As a nation, we should all be throwing our hands up and saying ‘enough is enough,’ because the lack of respect to our education has been overlooked far too long.

This issue has caused many people to

miss out on opportunities they deserved to get in on: honors classes, college, and most importantly, learning. This causes children to become stuck in a cycle of poverty, and it affects people of color vastly. Inner city schools often have dreadful conditions compared to schools in suburbs and wealthier areas. They have lacked the proper funding and education for years which has caused them to be in the almost unfixable state they are in.

Fixing the problem starts with funding.

State legislators around the nation need to adjust their budget to include education. If we could model our state budget to match more successful states, then it could be done. Without proper funding, education just gets tossed aside and the students get the negative consequences. For a functioning democracy, our education must be a top priority or the nation as a whole will face the challenges low funding can bring.

Administration supports extracurriculars through walkout Hope Sprouse

Reporter/ Illustrator

With Oklahoma’s teachers fed up with the funding of education, they have stepped up and spoken out against the laws and demanded a reform. Many teachers across the state felt the need for change, and thus the walkout day was planned. Our superintendent was fully on board, so Duncan prepared to close school. The impending walkout brought forth a lot of questions in my mind, many about extracurricular activities.

I had many questions that no one had the ability to answer because a walkout is not something that happens every day or even very often, for the last one Oklahoma had was over a decade ago.

Although this happens rarely, I think our administration handled it very well. They met and discussed what they would do about children who eat free and reduced lunches, who don’t normally eat at home.

They planned it so that those kids could still come eat at specific places, breakfast and lunch was provided each day at Woodrow Wilson, Mark Twain and Emerson Elementary Schools for any Duncan student PK-12th grade. Due to the support of churches across town, food was also delivered to certain apartment complexes. They kept us updated day-by-day and made sure we knew the state of the walkout and when we would be back at school. If they hadn’t met like this, we might have had kids not being able to eat, activities wouldn’t have been able to meet up before their games or contest and people wouldn’t have had any idea when we’d go back to school or what was happening.

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I am involved in band, so it concerned me that school could potentially be cancelled. At first, our band director said that we might not be allowed to meet up. Everyone was worried about what would happen if we were not able have rehearsal. We had no idea what would happen until right before the walkout began and then we were given the answers we needed. Yes, activities could continue at their regularly scheduled times, for the same amount of time that they had been, but no longer. I was relieved to know that we were allowed to meet because it would have been troublesome to go without band rehearsal a whole week right before State contest. It was a strange feeling showing up to school for an hour and a half and then going home because school wasn’t in session.

We were allowed to meet and practice each day that we were out of school. Other activities like soccer continued to have practice, still traveled and had games. The last day of the walkout was our big day. The band traveled to Western Heights High School for our State contest and we performed. We received Superior, or 1, ratings on our stage performance and Excellent, or 2, ratings in our Sight Reading performance. The walkout continued for Duncan until we could no longer close school without making up time lost, though it continued on in other places because the fight was not over. In the end, the walkout didn’t end up affecting activities negatively as I originally thought it would. Due to the efforts of the administration scrambling to make sure things would run smoothly.

Freedom for life and for guns

A middle ground on gun control laws in the U.S. Andrew Riley

Sports Editor

Due to an influx of school shootings in recent years, stricter gun control laws have become a hot topic of discussion. Today it seems that most people sit far to one side on the issue, whether that be completely against civilians being able to own guns or someone believing that everyone should be able to have access to almost any kind of gun. One gun control themed episode of “The Arrow,” a show about a billionaire turned vigilante on the CW, does a great job of showing the diversity in opinions about gun control. It seems to be very rare that someone believes the solution lies in the middle, where most solutions are actually found. The writers of “The Arrow” use a solution that lies in the middle. They realize that gun control laws of the United States are not uniform enough and need a revision, but they also see that making these changes will not stop school shootings. Criminals break the law, so why would they follow the law to obtain a firearm?

In this country, an 18 year old can walk into a gun store and walk out with any gun that is categorized as a long gun, as long as they pass a short background check. Long guns are most often defined as a rifle or shotgun, but not pistols. To own a pistol and obtain a concealed carry permit, one must be 21 years of age. These laws work well as a good starting point for gun laws. It gives 18 year olds, who may already be living on their own, the ability to be able to defend themselves in their home and still own guns for sport such as hunting and trap shooting. It also gives these people a chance to learn how to use a gun and understand them before they turn 21 and are then able to obtain a smaller and more concealable gun.

However, recently President Trump proposed that the age be raised to 21 to purchase any gun. This leaves many 18 year olds with few forms of self defense if their home were to be broken into. Trump’s proposition also brings up another argument, many 18 year olds join the military right out of high school, but with the raised age limit to 21 in order to own any gun, they would be highly trained on how to use guns and not be able to own one themselves. The current age requirements that the United States has for owning firearms are ones that should stay in place, but there are other laws that should need to be changed.

When purchasing from a licensed dealer, a background check is performed on the buyer, whether this be at a storefront or at a gun show.

However, when a private seller sells a gun, none of this has to happen.

As long as the seller does not have cause to believe that the buyer would be illegally owning a firearm after purchasing, they can sell it to almost anyone. This is commonly known as the “gun show loophole.” This law is just one of a few changes that needs to be made. It will not completely stop illegal gun sales, but it can help to deter them.

My proposition is that guns be treated in a similar way to automobiles. In order to drive a vehicle one must be at least 16 years of age, have taken a driver’s education course if they are under 18, and have passed a driving test. A vehicle must also be registered upon purchase to legally drive it. The first step has already been taken for guns; a minimum age limit has already been set. The next step would be to implement and enforce some kind of training course for gun owners that would teach them the basics of how a firearm works, how to clean and maintain it, and most importantly how to use it. At the end of this course, they must take a test showing that they know how to use a firearm and that the main purpose of them is for self-defense

and sport.

From this training, a simple mark showing they have completed the course could be put onto a driver’s license or other state identification card if they do not drive. This precaution insures that someone does not buy a gun and have no idea how to do anything with it and possibly injure someone else because of that. The last and most controversial step I am proposing to improve the gun situation is beginning a registry. Many people believe that if the federal government has a list of every gun sold and who owns it, they will come knocking on their doors one day wanting it, but the second amendment was created in fear of that day. It was created so that we the people would have the right and ability to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government if they were to become corrupt. Having a registry such as this would mean curbing the private sale of firearms to dangerous persons, not giving the government a means of taking them away.

There would need to be a third party involved, such as a private dealer, to overlook the sale and make sure that the purchaser can obtain a weapon legally.

Firearms can be wonderful things in the hands of people who know how to use them and what they are for. With these changes, we can make the process of obtaining a gun more uniform without impeding on the rights to own them. Unfortunately, changes to gun laws will not change the amount of school shootings that occur. That problem lies within the hearts of the people.

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The Crossman award began because of Crossman Insurance, a company in Stillwater that shut down during World War II. The honor of being named a Crossman nominee is one that five or six seniors receive each year. These seniors exhibit outstanding character, leadership, citizenship, service and more throughout their time in high school.

To decide on the Crossman nominees, high school teachers select the top five seniors of the class. To decide on the winner, the students vote for their top choice. The votes are in, and the winner will be announced at the awards assembly on May 21 at 7p.m.

Braden Mowdy

Opinion Editor Being a well rounded person helped senior Emma Banks build herself to be a contender for the Crossman award.

“Being in a lot of classes at the high school and also being able to grow off campus at Cameron, I have been able to connect to a lot of teachers and people in the community,” Banks said. “That has really helped me learn from a lot of people.”

Banks has enjoyed being a staff member of the Demon Pitchfork and a Student Council member.

“Newspaper was definitely my favorite because of all the people [and] the skills that I learned,” Banks said.

She also believes it is important to live in the moment.

“A lot of times underclassmen look at the seniors and wish they were there,” Banks said. “Being able to live in the moment and enjoy what you have is really important to high school.”

Banks will remember her class as one that has helped one another throughout their time at Duncan.

“We’ve been around each other for a really long time and I think that we take that for granted because we don’t always try connect to each other,” Banks said.

“But we have all been pretty good to each other and encouraging in a lot of things.”

Banks will be attending Texas A&M University to major in accounting.

Emma Banks

Savanna Edwards

Feature Editor

Grant Braught the

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Braught has been involved in many groups such as football, tennis, and basketball, as well as being Student Council president and the drum major in the high school band; though, he says class dance was most memorable part of each year.

“It’s a lot of fun to be able to do something like that with all of my classmates,” Braught said.

That being said, Braught said he believes his involvement in all of these things is what has made him eligible for

his nomination.

“Duncan’s size has led me to be part of so many organizations that have helped me become somewhat able to contend for this award,” Braught said.

And because of his involvement in the school, Braught said he has learned to strive for more than just what’s expected.

“I have learned that if I want to excel and not just get by, I need to push myself as hard as I can,” Braught said.

This fall Braught will be attending Claremont McKenna college in Claremont, California, to study economics and play football.

Savanna Edwards

Feature Editor

In life, having encouraging people around to count on can help accomplish a lot. Senior Coby Kirkland believes the support he’s received has led him to his Crossman nomination.

“I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers, coaches, sponsors, and parents in my life,” Kirkland said. “They have all had a part in shaping me into who I am today.”

As an active participant in school organizations such as basketball, track, and Reflections, Kirkland is also Student Council treasurer, SADD treasurer and captain of the football team.

Being so involved, one might say that Kirkland has had a lot of opportunities to make memories throughout high school. Though, he says his favorite high school experiences have

been the ones involved with sports.

“I enjoy the practices most of the time, the locker room, the bus rides and of course the games,” Kirkland said.

And even though that, according to Kirkland, his time at Duncan High School has been fun, he said he will leave knowing effort has to be present in everything he does.

“Hard work pays off,” Kirkland said. “Even if it takes a while.”

Kirkland will be attending Washington and Lee University studying engineering and playing football. As he goes, Kirkland said that he would like for the underclassmen to know to appreciate the moments they have left in the halls of Duncan High.

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” Kirkland said. “It’s been a great ride.”

Kirkland will be attending Washington and Lee University to major in engineering.

Coby Kirkland

Braden Mowdy

Opinion Editor

Dustin Stanley Harper Pitts

Reporter

Getting involved in the high school community is a way to build character immensely, and doing as much as possible is a great outlet to be considered for the Crossman award.

Addie Watkins is one of the five contenders for the Crossman award.

“I’ve been a member of StuCo, SADD, Pom, NHS, tennis, and Jolly Jills,” Watkins said. “They have all benefited me for the better and built me a be a contender and a leader.”

Watkins has been a member of Student Council and Pom for all four years of high school.

“I’ve really enjoyed Pom because it’s a fun way to go support our team,” Watkins said . “I

Senior Dustin Stanley has taken advantage of the many things Duncan has to offer thus, helping him become nominated for the Crossman Award.

“Being involved in your school and community is an amazing thing,” Stanley said. “There’s nothing better than being able to impact others positively.”

Stanley has enjoyed playing sports and being involved in Student Council during his time here at Duncan. These things have helped build the person he is today.

“My favorite memories come from playing sports, where we were not only shaped as athletes, but have had great coaches as well,”

also really enjoy Student Council too because it’s fun to get everyone involved.”

Watkins remains secure in her underclassmen peers that she is leaving behind.

“I’ve been friends and acquaintances with a lot of underclassmen, but the best advice I can give is to be as involved as you can,” Watkins said. “Upcoming seniors need to make sure that every moment counts.”

Watkins is not only confident in her underclassmen, but she also has faith in her fellow Crossman award constituents.

“I have known all of the people nominated to a certain extent but I feel like we all deserve the award.”

After graduating high school, Watkins is attending the University of Oklahoma.

Stanley said. “I have also enjoyed HALO Week tremendously.”

Becoming a Crossman includes a bunch of criteria, and character is the main focus of this.

“I have been surrounded by positive people throughout my life who have helped shape my character, which is why I believe I have the honor of being a Crossman nominee,” Stanley said.

As he and many seniors prepare for their future beyond high school, Stanley remains hopeful for the rest of his class.

“To fellow seniors I wish all of you well in your future endeavors,” Stanley said. “I hope to see all of you succeed wherever life takes you.”

Stanley plans on attending the University of Oklahoma this fall to major in Health and Exercise Science.

Addie Watkins pitchforklive.com

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Graduation cords policy explained Emma Banks

Managing Editor

High school graduation day is one that many students wait and work for their entire lives. When it finally comes, some students get to show off what they have achieved in school by wearing special cords or stoles with their graduation gowns. In Duncan, National Honor Society (NHS) is the only organization that students represent at the graduation ceremony. NHS sponsor Savanah Bowers says that she and principal Kelly Trinidad decided this at the beginning of the year.

“The reason this year that we decided to just do Duncan honor society is that as far as I know, NHS is the only active honor society; you have to pay dues, keep up with student GPA, and do volunteer work,” Bowers said.

In fact, in the 2017-2018 DHS student handbook, under the “Honor Societies” section, it lists only National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society as the official honor societies that DHS participates in.

“So it’s not that we don’t want you guys not to have gotten them [cords] other places since it’s just Duncan High School, we just wanted to focus on the honor societies here, and we [NHS] are the only active one,” Bowers said.

Bowers believes that the biggest problem with the graduation policy concerning cords worn at graduation is that it is not officially written down. However, this has been the way graduation has been conducted for decades, according to English teacher Sandra Hurst.

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“We actually had a faculty meeting last year with Ms. Trinidad to get staff input and the feedback was overwhelmingly to keep it the same way it has always been,” Hurst said.

Hurst believes that keeping the policy consistent is important, and it keeps the ceremony simpler and avoids the logistical problems that come with having to include every student’s recognition in the graduation program.

This unwritten rule is one that some students disagree with, and have disagreed with since it was decided upon decades ago.

Senior Natalie McKinney is one of those students this year.

“I have qualified to wear NHS, Leadership, and Girls State chords. It upsets me because I have earned and worked hard for those accomplishments,” McKinney said.

This policy is not an unusual one to have at high schools; Lawton Eisenhower High School allows students to only wear NHS cords or sashes as well.

“You will find this policy, or practice, pretty much the same at all Lawton Public Schools’ high schools,” Eisenhower High School principal Charlotte Oates said. “Once you allow anything extra, and open that door to any outside decoration, then it no longer has the uniform look and appeal for parents, pictures, etcetera.”

Oates believes that staying with the dress code policy keeps students equal.

“I personally think every graduate is just as important as every other graduate, and allowing decorations that some can’t afford

would then become the norm,” she said. “On the other hand, some have worked harder than others and have earned the right to be distinguished for their academic ventures.”

Ryan High School is one of the few schools surrounding the Duncan area that allows students to wear a cord that they have earned from any organization, and part of the reason they can do this is because the number of graduates is so small.

“The student has to have a three point GPA or higher and have been awarded the cord,” Ryan High School principal Tony Tomberlin said. “They cannot wear a cord they have bought themselves.”

Tomberlin says that most of their graduates do not come to graduation with more than two cords on anyway, but when students wear them, it boosts their pride.

“It brings good feeling to the student knowing that they have earned them and been awarded the cord or cords,” Tomberlin said.

Bowers knows the controversy on the cord issue, and says that she would be interested in including other societies’ cords, such as the National Technical Honors Society at the votech, in Duncan’s graduation in the coming years.

“You guys work hard for that honor at votech, but that’s kind of how we viewed it: it’s at votech and you get recognized at votech,” she said. “But, that’s not something that I would be opposed to looking at next year and talking with the new administration about.”

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Four years of change: seniors look back Baylee Elam

Web Editor From construction to teacher walkouts, the senior class has experienced many changes at Duncan High. In their first year here, the class dealt with the last stages of construction.

During the beginning semester, half of the main building was not used due to construction and students spent their time in both old and new parts of the campus.

“Almost every class I took was altered throughout the year, either by moving to a new classroom or by losing a teacher solely because the change was too overwhelming,” Rylie Koning said.

Koning says that because of the construction, freshman year was the most memorable for her.

“It’s definitely strange because we’re the only class who remembers what the old high school used to look and feel like,” Koning said.

During their second year, some of the major developments the class experienced were finally being able to use the new main building and leave campus for lunch. Constance Beikman has fond memories of being able to go off-campus for lunch.

“I went to eat with my grandma a lot,” Beikman said.

With the start of junior year, the personal lives of students changed as they gained more freedom and responsibilities such as driving and working. Tayvion Elugardo says that junior year sticks out to him because of these changes.

“It was the biggest shift into the next stage of my life,” Elugardo said.

A change that the whole school experienced during the class’ junior year was the addition of Kelly Trinidad to the school’s administration. With a new principal came new rules and an overall new environment for students and some were skeptical.

“Everyone was kind of waiting to get that first impression but she seemed to really be for the students and that was a relief,” Elugardo said.

Along with gaining a new principal, seniors have seen many teachers come and go. Seth Rightmire says that he misses his old English teacher but has bonded with teachers that are new to the school.

“I miss Amy Clark a lot,” Rightmire said. “She was my freshman English teacher and my homie.”

Rightmire also says that senior year has proved to be his favorite due to the many activities seniors participate in.

“Senior year has, for sure, been the busiest, but it is the best because of the road we are all about to go on,” Rightmire said.

Koning appreciates her experience in high school and says that she’s been able to gain independence because of it.

“High school has definitely taught me to be more independent. I’m not as scared to do things on my own,” Koning said. “As you grow up and as high school presents so many opportunities and challenges, you learn to rely on yourself and get those things accomplished.”

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Haley Doyle Pitchfork

Math teacher: new addition to DHS Haley Doyle

Reporter With some teachers leaving after teaching for a short period of time becoming more common, it doesn’t give students a lot of time to get to know the new teachers. This school year, DHS got a new Algebra 1 teacher. But Heather Schooling isn't just a normal math teacher; she also has a minor in American Sign Language (ASL).

Schooling is a graduate from Duncan High School and finished the pre-engineering class at Red River Technology Center.

She then went to Oklahoma State University (OSU) and enrolled in chemistry because she liked mixing things together seeing them blow up or change colors.

However, when Schooling started chemistry, she burned herself out.

“I can't do this, it's too hard,” Schooling said.

Schooling started trying new things

that would make her happy and push her limits. She enrolled in a rock climbing class because she was afraid of heights.

“I loved it, and loved the people,” Schooling said.

She then went on to work for Outdoor Adventure, and they teach rock climbing and take people on backpacking trips. Schooling ended up getting to lead some of the trips.

“I came out of my comfort zone, and recreation is awesome,” Schooling said.

With that Schooling went on to double major in Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Management at OSU. After studying at OSU for five years, Schooling came back to Duncan not sure of what she wanted to do as a career. Meanwhile, a position in the math department opened up, and she got the job.

“I love it. I love the age group,” Schooling said.

“That's the biggest thing for me, I get to hang out with you guys. It's a fun job.”

W i t h Schooling’s minor in

Algebra 1 teacher Heather Schooling demonstrates American Sign Language (ASL). Schooling minored in ASL at Oklahoma State University.

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ASL, she can use it in the classroom to help students that are more visual or even partially deaf. In science for instance, Schooling can describe everything using ASL. If she is talking about an atom at the center and protons moving around, she is able to show that and how it moves.

“In the classroom, that’s huge,” Schooling said. “What you don't realize is that sign language is 80 percent your facial expressions and body language. So it just helps with overall communication.”

She first started learning ASL because some of her friends were deaf. They would always go to deaf events, but all Schooling could do at the time was spell. For her, that got old really fast. Schooling wanted to have a conversation with people and it not take 30 minutes just to ask how their day was.

Schooling went through ASL courses one through four, and took ASL ethics. Since Schooling took ethics she can go get her interpreter certification. Schooling didn’t end up getting the certification, but she may later on. Schooling got to embrace the culture of ASL by going on a study abroad trip to France, where ASL started. The biggest thing Schooling took from the trip was getting out of your comfort zone.

“There is so much more that we can get from life if we live a little, and meet new people,” Schooling said. “It’s awesome to be a part of a different culture.”

Schooling is able to use this experience in the classroom by building a learning environment that students from various background’ feel comfortable in.

“You still get to have fun and tell people about college and your experiences, and that’s why I love being a teacher so much,” Schooling said.

Holthe’s Top 5

Dad Jokes

A big butt and little butt decided to meet at a restaurant to have lunch together. After a long time waiting the little butt finally showed up and said, “I’m sorry I am so late! I’m only a little behind!”

Me: I was crazy once….

Student: Me too!

Me: That makes three of us: me, you, and me.

There was a man who stepped on a land mine and blew up the entire left side of his body.

He is all right now.

A boy was standing on a bridge with a brick tied to his wrist so he could repeatedly throw it off of the bridge at passing cars.

He threw the brick, crashing through the windshield of a car and got caught in the steering wheel. The momentum of the car ripped the boy’s arm clean off. When paramedics and police arrived the driver of the vehicle was arrested for armed robbery.

One jar can only contain up to 239 beans. One more and it will be too farty!

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senior memories

Anderson, Fisher: My favorite memory is when a snowstorm hit halfway through the school day my freshman year causing school to be cancelled. I watched the snow fall down from inside the library through the huge glass windows with friends.

Arredondo, Sabrina: The excessive amounts of Taco Bell and Dave’s Cave.

Avila, David: Every band contest.

Banks, Emma: Keely Cox’s crazy chem class.

Barrientos, Adolfo: Soccer with my boys.

Beard, Amirra: Dressing up like the proud family.

Beikman, Constance: Playing soccer.

Bethea, Jaydon: Sneaking into the teachers lounge and stealing the food.

Black, Chelsea: Any time spent with my people.

Bliss, Adina: My favorite memory is when my art work was in an art show.

Boyd, Lizzy: My favorite memory is my first AP Studio Art exhibition Junior year with Ms. Ivey.

Braught, Grant: My favorite memory from Duncan is going out to the lake during lunch sophmore year.

Burden, Ryan: Winning class dance with my friends.

Burleson, Misty: I would have to say my favorite memory is all the people I met and had the chance to hang out with my freshmen year.

Burnette, Jordan: The cat dissection in Mrs. Vachon’s class.

Although my partner ditched me the whole time. *cough*cough* Crystal Little.

Case, Hannah: Making new friends.

Caton, Brittany: My favorite memory was getting to have Coach Davison and Mrs. Gillispie as teachers. They taught me so much about life and I couldn’t get through my school years without them.

Chatham, Blake (Texas): Every moment of baseball and the good luck Duck.

Chatham, Brittani: My favorite memory is pretty much every football away game because we always had a good time.

Churchman, Logan: All of the suburban rides with the team and after tournaments eating fine Italian cuisine.

Cook, Mackenzie: When Mr. Zinn took a few of the seniors to get snow cones in the back of his truck.

Cook, Piper: The first time I heard Mrs.Trinidad come on the announcements and say her iconic line “Remember to tell the truth, behave with honor, and seek wisdom anywhere you can find it. Go out and make it a great day!”

Curry, Allison: The last four years of FNL, pomming on the sidelines with the rest of the squad.

Dickinson, Jeremy: Honestly my freshman year to senior year was a good memory as well as when Coach Fabian tried to stop a fight

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but got punched in the face.

Dool, Jasmine : Nothing.

Dorn, Jazziah: 2015 my sophomore year class dance prep rally; the senior class of that year’s dance was the most lit thing of my entire high school year.

Estrada, Priscilla: Freshman year when Alexia Olivo and I had gotten ISI for two weeks straight all because we never made it to first hour on time....(we still haven’t learned our lesson).

Evans, Jenny: Going to Taco Bell for lunch every day.

Ferguson, Joseph: The baseball field for new experiences.

Ferguson, Westley: Hanging out with the 96 and J-C Boyz in the parking lot towards the end of lunch.

Gonzalez, Delia: When Keely Cox made Dylan Johnson, Westley Ferguson, Kyndle Lindsey, Fisher Anderson and I sing a Christmas song in front of the class because we were late for our semester test.

Gonzalez, Jesus: The bus rides from freshman year.

Goodson, Audrey: Homecoming my senior year, sneaking out of cheer camp to go to Waffle House, and eating “fine Italian cuisine” after tennis tournaments.

Guerra, Erica: Everything that has ever happened at a band competition. Like that time I lost that tennis ball, found those guys in those horse masks, listened to some turtle doves, and left all my do-do on the field. All thanks to D Town.

Hernandez, Cesar: Ms. Trinidad running to stop the fight at the play in the auditorium.

Horning, Frankie: Prom.

Hosch, Jenna: Vocal Music Trip to Orlando, FL, my junior year.

Howard, Alleson: Getting detention for having 19 tardies in one semester.

Huerta, Dulce: The time I went on a DECA competion trip and when we went to the Thunder game.

Hunter, David: My favorite memory is the time when I beasted up at state.

Hurley, Emma: My favorite memories from Duncan High School are senior year Class Dance and freshman year Cross Country State.

Izaguirre, Carlos: Last days of freshman year.

Jones, Indica: They were all pretty awful *insert shrugging emoji.* Juarez, Abigail: My favorite memory would be the moment I realized my classmates in yearbook became more than just people I saw five days a week. I’m proud to call them my friends.

Kirkland, Coby: My favorite memories are the bus rides and times in the locker rooms.

Land, Kaylee: When a dog got into main building.

Lang, Kaitlynn: April 2017.

Ledford, Braden: Competing on the cross country and track team with my friends and brother.

Lindsey, Kyndle: The time me, Katelyn White, Audrey Goodson, Connor Holt, and Caden Bowles snuck out of cheer camp to go to Waffle House.

Masch, Madison: My favorite memory was winning a golf state championship.

McDevitt, Dustin: Anything Band.

McKinney, Natalie: Raising money for our special ed kids to get to go to the Special Olympics up in Stillwater and then getting to go up to Stillwater with them and see them participate in their events.

memories

McKinzie, Autumn: My favorite memory is when I went to a three-day yearbook workshop with Delia Gonzalez, Paula Montell, Daysia Blackwell, and Mrs. Snider over the summer. We spent a couple sleepless nights trying to build our theme, and Delia and I became really close friends.

Millan, Maison : My favorite memory from DHS was my junior year. Made a lot of new friends and had the time of my life.

Milton, Rosaria: Having to walk 10 miles to get to class freshman year because of all of the construction going on!

Moore, Vanessa: The establishment of TRL, winning multiple golf state championships, and making unforgettable memories with great friends.

Moran-Zamora, Harold: My favorite memory from Duncan High is getting to rejoin band after quitting junior year.

Munoz, Anayeli: My favorite memory would have to be every time I got to leave. :) Myers, Catherine: The Class of ‘17, their senior prank with filling the school with balloons.

Myers, Ethan J.: Junior year, but more specifically the homecoming dance.

Neal, Benjamin My favorite memory is getting the theme from Jurassic Park banned from being played in band.

Ortiz, Jonathan: Friends and teachers.

Parker, Kenzie: My favorite memory is the Greek feast we had my freshman year in pre AP English. We got to make placemats with our names in Greek and each of us made a Greek dish to bring for the feast. I think it was so much fun because one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Baker, was in charge of it!! I remember staying afterwards with her to clean up and it was all fun and laughs.

Peercy, Daniel: At a band contest I broke a tuba while playing hackey sack...Mr. Haas was not pleased...

Perkins, Tyler : When David Pollock made the Trinidad rap.

Pettit, Alexus: My favorite memories from Duncan High are all the sporting events, and freshmen year when the freshmen girls basketball team got in trouble for leaving campus on game days.

Pollock, David: Having fun with Reflections and Swim, especially the coin relay.

Pool, Rikki: Band, and band only.

Reynolds, Savannah: Helping Sandy Ferguson with back to school nights with her son Joseph Ferguson every year since middle school, because the hallways hold a special place in my heart.

Rightmire, Seth: When Mr. Zinn punched a wall the first day of open chorus my Sophomore year.

Riley, Andrew: My favorite memory from Duncan High School is launching rockets with Connor Roddy and Mr. Holthe on the last day of school my sophomore year... We lost ours...

Roddy, Connor: Going to lunch with Emma Banks.

Rumley, Ryan: Teacher walkout 2018.

Schulz, MaKaylee: Last year at State Convention when everyone decided to team up on the bumper boats and somehow I was the target. I will miss

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going to State Convention and making memories with great friends.

Scifres, Taylor: My favorite memory from DHS is the teachers going on strike and getting a second spring break to lay in my bed.

Sprouse, Hope: Being a part of the band. All of the concerts, contests, and games were the best times of my high school experience.

Stafford, Teagan: Freshman year when I went to a Friday football game.

I planned on asking out a girl I thought was pretty. I remember being so nervous that I almost didn’t do it, but my friends gave me the courage to ask her out. She surprisingly said yes and we have been together ever since.

Stewart, Sabrina: Playing basketball with my team.

Stone, Peyton: My favorite memory from good ol’ Duncan High would without a doubt have to be all the talent shows. I never knew how many amazing singers we had in our presence.

Tate, Sharon: My favorite memory would have to be the time I had just gotten my drivers license and all the students were leaving for lunch and I was behind someone and I was not paying attention and ran right into them.

Haha I’m just glad they did not do anything about it, all that happened was the hitch of their truck left an indention on my front bumper. Funny. First of many!

Trevino, Joel: Having fun with friends.

Trostle, Shelby: My favorite Duncan High School memories are all my adventures with my band family and soccer family.

Troutman, Matthew: Miss Boydston’s class.

Tullous, Allison: All of my favorite memories are from my sports teams whether it was our San Antonio trip in volleyball or the laughs before practice in the soccer locker room.

Waller, Brendan: Beating Guthrie by one point my sophomore year.

Walsh, Ashleigh: Our freshman concert was probably the best concert we had all of the school years.

Watkins, Addie: When we wiped out the Bluejays..I KNOW, so typical, sorry.

Wilkinson, Dawson: All of track season 2018, pep rallies, and the time a fight broke out in the auditorium and Mrs. Trinidad ran a 40 meter dash in four seconds to break it up.

Wilson, Mady: Spending every weekend with my people.

quotes

Thank you to the seniors who sent in their wills, memories, plans and quotes to the Pitchfork. The people that are quoted here only represent about half of the senior class.

Appropriately attributed quotes will be posted online in the coming days.

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senior wills

Anderson, Fisher: I will Carson V. my ability to grind out tennis matches. I will Hunter Prince my ability to pull. I will Caden Montgomery my knowledge of how not to get caught doing stupid stuff. I will Blayton Montgomery my ability to grind on the football field. I will Tate Wilkins my ability to learn how to not get blown up on the football field. I will Jackson Attaway my ability to get other parents to hate me.

Arredondo, Sabrina: I will my green pens to Ashlynn.

Avila, David: I will the tuba section to William.

Bailey, Heather: Kara Whitt – My STELLAR guessing skills. Katy Whitt – My spot in the front row during technique. Avery Wilson – Our morning workout time.

Banks, Emma: I will Maci my optimism and ability to steam almond milk quietly. I will Harper my editor’s chair and wisdom in the newsroom.

Barrientos, Adolfo: I will Alex the best three years of high school.

I will Kyleigh the best senior year and best last year of soccer. I will Andrea my good attitude and the best next two years of high school.

I will Cale, Seth, and Aiden my goalie skills.

Beard, Amirra: Tayah – my dance moves.

Beikman, Constance: I will Abbi my forward position. ;) Black, Chelsea: Courtney – the “best basketball manager” position, Brandt – all of the pods in the world and the “best grandchild” role, Libby – someone to replace my half of chibby and a new dance partner :/, Evan – “I love that,” Caden – a new “dad,” Blayton – a new Lawton trip partner, Kadence – my heart, Greg – someone to drive around with at 3 a.m., Bryce – my table don’t break it, plz, The boys – new boys, the weekend people – new people Bliss, Adina: Go to class, keep up your grades it really does help.

Mostly have fun during your high school years. It’ll go by fast.

Boyd, Lizzy: I’d like to will my attention to detail and listening skills to Tre Cook. You’re gonna need it, boy.

Braught, Grant: I will Paula being the best Seki in the state, Devin being an awesome head drum major instead of co, the tennis team Derek Nix, Aubrey the ability to pass senior English, Weylin the awesomeness that he already has.

Burleson, Misty: These four years in high school have gone by so fast. Here we are at the end saying goodbye to all our fellow classmates and opening our eyes to something new. All my hardships and downfalls I have experienced have prepared me for the life ahead of me. Without my friends, family, and teachers I would never be where I am now or where I’m going. We made it class of 2018. No one did it like we did!!

Burnette, Jordan: To Devon Sleeker-Burnette – Rain is a good thing, Remember Willie and Bell. :)” Case, Hannah: Will, good luck with your last two years!

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Caton, Brittany: I leave the will of success to, Maddison Dreher for cosmetology. I hope you enjoy your years at RRTC. Study hard and never give up. It goes by fast!

Chatham, Blake (Texas): I will Connor Riddles the sauce. I will Caden Montgomery my baseball locker. I will Tate Wilkins ownership of Dilly Dilly” Churchman, Logan: Jillian White – my corner of the locker room.

Avery Wilson – the best JJC little and my seat in the Suburban.

Gentry Cox – my great math skills.

Cook, Mackenzie: I will incoming freshmen Logan and Zane Morris a successful high school career and the courage to always do what is right.

Cook, Piper: To my younger brother Tre, I will leave one piece of advice: You are, and have always been, capable of more than you think, so remember to aim high.

Curry, Allison: I will Bryce my dog Roxy, Brooklyn a new windshield, Madelynn the Reflex scream, Brooklin pom captain, Katelyn a new wallet and a million jam seshs to Good Directions, Gentry a heater or two for the trailer and a new “bathroom buddy” that’s half as good as I was, Zane my front row teacher parking spot, Creed infinite Mario Bros wins on the DS and my ability to distract Mr. Zinn from getting things accomplished, and Anna Kate the best last two years at DHS, someone to replace my spot as the person to never be serious with, & Ava. (please take good care of her).

Dickinson, Jeremy: I leave my Fortnite wins to Kevin Maldonado.

Dool, Jasmine: I’m leaving my senior will to Declan Hurst. Be as petty as you can be all year but also make the most of your senior.

Dorn, Jazziah: I’d like to will my attitude towards life and taste in music to Ashton Crawford.

Elam, Baylee: I will all of the clothes that I can’t take to college with me to my seester Karlee (I might take them back though), pitchforklive.com to Braden or Savanna or whoever wants it (haha, good luck), and my computer in newspaper to Haley (we finally won’t have to take turns using it).

Estrada, Priscilla: I will Kevin Maldonado a great senior year. Also cuzo make me proud next year in cross country and in soccer. :) Evans, Jenny: I give Ashlynn Pharaoh my blue pen.

Ferguson, Joseph: To Beau I leave my name to be yelled in the halls for all to question.

Ferguson, Westley: My attitude toward life is work hard in everything I do, respect the people around me, don’t judge anyone because everyone is an ex something, and keep working on my walk with God and my inner-self.

Gonzalez, Delia: To Daysia Blackwell, I will you my Mac in the journo room along with my editor position for the yearbook staff. To Paula Montell, I will you my photography skills. To Isabel Contreras, I will you all the soccer games and to Sydney Sears, I will you my dry and very sarcastic sense of humor.

Gonzalez, Jesus: I will my soccer touch to chris vargas and my gains to seth collins.

Goodson, Audrey: I will Jillian White a DE-less last two tennis seasons, Katelyn White cheer captain, Karlee Elam my dancing at JJC dances, Avery Wilson the pink prince bag, Vanessa Cassidy my corner in the locker room, and Kenadi Kelly and Maddie Crimmins a perfect high school experience.

Guerra, Erica: To Luis and Hayley: you guys are leading the section now. Have fun, yous guys.

Hernandez, Cesar: I leave my boy Kevin M. my mixtape and boots

so he can practice pa el baile.

Hosch, Jenna: Brooklin Morrow – The skirt tradition in Reflex, Reflections 2018-19 – The least stressful and most enjoyable year in music and to not kill Kevin, Blayden – An awesome next two years of CTYG full of unforgettable memories.

Howard, Alleson: I will Liberty – the GREATEST senior year in Duncan, a new partner in crime that is down for anything at anytime, a home in Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas. Evan – the loose noodle, Liberty’s concert buddy, the cellar, a new music-sharing BFF, and First Take. Abbi – all my “athletic abilities”, the color green, and the next BEST years in Jolly Jills!!! Bryce – “the glasses” Brooklyn – my spot in leadership and my painting abilities for paint crew. Gentry – my guest bathroom. Madelynn – the presidency of Jolly Jill’s.”

Huerta, Dulce: I will Kevin Maldonado to always do his best and never give up on his dreams.

Hunter, David: I will Jason Vargas my wrestling shoes.

Hurley, Emma: I will Joshua Leonard my love. <3 I will Savanna Edwards my last name.

Izaguirre, Carlos: I leave Ricardo Galvan my fortnite wins and dances.

Jones, Indica : To my sister, Shaila Jones, I will my hatred for high school, as I no longer need it. And to Dayjah Beckworth, Jett Dillard, Shaila Jones, and Lauren Luciano I will an amazing high school experience (even though it seems pretty sucky most times).

Juarez, Abigail : I will my sense of humor to Isabel Contreras and a message to Paula Montell, Daysia Blackwell, and Merelyn Avalos: Next year will be the last leg of your high school journey. Brace yourselves, but don’t forget to have fun!

Kirkland, Coby: I will Roderick my height and Jai’vion my “bunnies.”

Lang, Kaitlynn: I will Kelsie, Michaela, and Aralis to have more extravagant-adventures with a new friend, but to never forget their soul sister. I will Annai and Sarai Huizar the best high school memories on top of memories, paper hearts, notes, late night talks, soccer, cardi b & drake.

Ledford, Braden: My track locker to Cole Phillips.

Lindsey, Kyndle: Gentry Cox – My pencils.; Kenzie Miller and Mccauley Ivey – My cheer ability.

McDevitt, Dustin: Darren Bailey, take my trombone spot on the self.

McKinney, Natalie: Sydney – my boot. ;) The softball team – a great season next year. The soccer team - a great season next year All of my kids - a new mom (sorry i’m leaving you all. <3 )” McKinzie, Autumn: I will my tolerance and patience to Courtney and Haley. I will Daysia all of my stress, I’m tired of it. I will Paula the ability to take a break when she deserves it; that girl works too hard and she needs to calm down.

Millan, Maison: For my underclassmen, I will my astonishing looks, great humor, and all gained respect among my years to my friends: Kevin Maldonado, Cale Escandon, Chris Vargas, Eduardo Vargas, Brayan Vargas, Rafael Carrasco, and Daddy Dom. Lastly, I will my great knowledge to Marco Millan. God knows he needs it.

Milton, Rosaria: I will my confidence and some of my athletic ability to Daysia Raye, (I’m going need some for college) good luck next year, love!

Moore, Vanessa: I will hole #15 and a new windshield to Brooklyn Bostick, my talent and the best future JJC little to Gentry Cox, poppop and another state title to girls golf, Dr Pepper to Evan Moore, “the spot” and my kitchen to Katelyn White, and the yar to all of my junior friends.

Moran-Zamora, Harold: Hey Kid, I will you the courage to follow your heart and the ability to always find a reason to keep going. I will the title of drum-line daddy to Mary Prather. I will my sister a good vibe going into senior year, make the best of it, dude. It flies.

Munoz, Anayeli: I’d like to will my sister, Stephanie Munoz, the sanity of keeping it together through the last two years. Just keep rolling, sis *wink wink* Myers, Catherine: Turn in your work on time. Don’t be late to class.

Keep your circle small.

Neal, Benjamin: I will Brayden Swinhart and Amber Armstrong the positions of Co-Low Brass Leaders, the amount of free time I have to Mora Bivens, my memes to Mary Prather, and my dance moves to Vanessa Cassidy.

Olivo, Alexia: I will Lizbeth Diaz an awesome senior year, and Kimberly Barger (burger) my “favorite intern” position at the courthouse.

Ortiz, Jonathan: Daniel Marine basketball skills.

Parker, Kenzie: I will my sister Kori three more amazing years of high school.

Peercy, Daniel: To Luis, use your leadership to lead our band to another successful season. I will you D-Town.

Perkins, Tyler: I am willing my charging outlet to Zach Schreckengost.

Pettit, Alexus: I will my brother, Desmond, my title of being the favorite child (by default) while I am in Stillwater, I also will Desmond my good grades and school spirit. I will Kali & Katlin Hunter and Journei Martin my positive outlook on high school, and of course my school spirit! Lastly, I will the girls basketball team my stomps and cheers, and my patience with the coaches (Lord knows they will need it)!

Pollock, David: I will Braylen Sullivan, Anthony the Duck. I will the swim team speed and lots of fun. I will Micheal and Nicole my skills in driving in reverse (even though they will never be as good).

Pool, Rikki: Ava, I’m sorry I’m not going to be here for the rest of your high school career, but I promise you’ll have at least a decent time. Lauren, I will you all my government work, you’re welcome.

Reynolds, Savannah: “I will “” TRAAAAACK NAAATION FOREVER BAAABY”” to Makayla and Maranda Gibson.

Rightmire, Seth: I will Trey McCord the spirit stick. Zane Mayes – my gym presence. Bryce Albin – the sauce. Creed Watkins – my vocals.Cross Girod – my dancing abilities.

Riley, Andrew: I am going to leave behind the title of coolest (V6) truck in the high school parking lot to my younger brother, Jacob Riley.

Roddy, Connor: I will the saying “Full Throw, Spin to Win” to the underclassmen throwing team.

Rumley, Ryan: I leave behind my blood, sweat, and tears I’ve poured into making it where I am now.

Schulz, MaKaylee: I will Dakota Morrow and Baylee Vanoven to keep the lunch group going.

Scifres, Taylor: I will my sister the blessing of being late to first hour every day and never getting caught. Also, I will Abbi Price the patience to deal with what is coming to her next year.

Sprouse, Hope: I just hope that Becca, Cheslyn, Caleb, Ian, Eliu, Bella, Lorelei, and Andrew have a great marching season next year. I know you guys will do great, I am gonna miss all of you!

Stanley, Dustin: I will Creed Watkins RFS, Derek Bridges the shirt, Hunter Prince my long snapping abilities and the number 10,

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Stanley, Dustin: I will Creed Watkins RFS, Derek Bridges the shirt, Hunter Prince my long snapping abilities and the number 10, Madelynn Girod, Laura’s favorite student position.

Stewart, Sabrina: To Jelly, I will you my height and my ankles. To Jai’vion and Roderick, I will y’all my red hat. To Daysia, I will you my thickness and lightskinnedness.

Stone, Peyton: I will my white case full of rubber hair bands to my soccer team since everyone seemed to rely on me this year for one.

Tate, Sharon: I will Sydney Hunt being on time for first hour every day her senior year!

I also want to will Trinity Nichols to have as great of lunch dates with someone else next year!

Trevino, Joel: Work hard to get better jobs or lifestyle.

Troutman, Matthew: My will to live. There is none.

Waller, Brendan: I will JJ the Graveyard, Trey “Teenie”, and my D-line skills to Jarrett.

Walsh, Ashleigh: I wouldn’t expect things to always be positive but try to avoid all the negativity.

Watkins, Addie: I will Lynlee Graham angel AND the best birthday party next year; Gentry Cox – my title of DHS basketball’s #1 fan and my Vera Bradley backpack; Avery Wilson – Carls Jr coffee and Freedom Rider captain; Jillian White – the backseat of the Suburban; Sam – my iPhone 4.

Wiggins, Ariana: I will Dreydon Wiggins a good high school experience and nothing but more success.

Wilkinson, Dawson: my dance moves – Trey McCord. My vibrant personality – Bryce Albin. My taste in beverage – Zane Mayes.

Wilson, Mady: I will Kadence – my pods, Lynlee – 4Ls and my soul, Gentry – the sweatshirt, Evan- the FBI hat, Libby – the strength to keep Tabitha away, Bryce – the leadership pics, Madelynn – her very own table, Greg – some new sisters, Creed – my jokes, and finally my people- some new people.

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plans

Anderson, Fisher: Attending the University of Oklahoma.

Arredondo, Sabrina: I plan on attending ECU for my masters in accounting to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Avila, David : I plan on joining law enforcement .

Bailey, Heather: Attending Cameron University to study nursing.

Banks, Emma: I am going to Texas A&M University to double major in accounting and business honors, and continue on to law school.

Barrientos, Adolfo: I plan on attending Rose State to continue playing soccer.

Beard, Amirra: Live my best life.

Beikman, Constance: I plan to attend the University of Central Oklahoma.

Bethea, Jaydon: To go to basic training and AIT, attend college in the spring.

Black, Chelsea: I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Bliss, Adina: I plan on going through the LPN program at Red River. After I have all the certifications I need, I’ll be moving to my dream home in Hood River, Oregon, and start my own family there.

Boyd, Lizzy: I plan on going to Cameron University for a bachelor in fine arts.

Braught, Grant: My future plans are to praise Jesus, and go to college at Claremont McKenna College.

Burden, Ryan: Attend Oklahoma State University and major in pre-veterinary courses.

Burleson, Misty: My future plans after graduation is continue working at the hospital where I am currently working until I get up on my feet and see where the rest leads me.

Burnette, Jordan: I am going to college and getting my degree in social work and becoming a social worker after I move to Philadelphia.

Carpenter, Shasta: Going to Cameron University to major in sports medicine hopefully.

Case, Hannah: Cameron University for a bachelor degree in accounting or criminal

justice.

Caton, Brittany: My future plans are to build my clientele up and eventually own my own salon then become a great wife and mom one day!

Chatham, Blake (Texas): Attending college to become a dentist or a coach.

Chatham, Brittani: I plan on going to college and becoming a radiology tech.

Chatham, Brittani: I plan to become a Radiology Technician.

Churchman, Logan: I plan to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall, and pursue a degree in nursing.

Cook, Mackenzie: I plan to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and major in music education.

Cook, Piper: Pursuing a degree in culinary arts from OSU-IT. Curry, Allison: I plan on attending the University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in communication sciences and disorders and eventually become a speech pathologist.

Dickinson, Jeremy: After graduation I’m heading to basic training for Oklahoma National Guard and then after that to college.

Dool, Jasmine: College.

Dorn, Jazziah: Moving out of Duncan as quick as possible to Arlington, Texas, to attend beauty school at Ogle School of Hair, Skin, & Nails.

Elam, Baylee: Attend OSU and obtain degrees in fashion merchandising and business. Hopefully own my own boutique one day.

Estrada, Priscilla: I will be attending UCO University of Central Oklahoma in the fall of 2018.

Evans, Jenny: Enlist in the United States Air Force.

Ferguson, Joseph: Go to Tulsa and attend college at Spartan.

Ferguson, Westley: Go to college at Altus at WOSC, get a degree in agricultural business, and be on their rodeo team.

Gonzalez, Delia: My plan right now is to attend Oklahoma State University and receive my bachelor’s.

Gonzalez, Jesus : Attending college.

Goodson, Audrey: I will be going D1 for education at the University of Oklahoma in the fall.

Guerra, Erica: Attend OBU and when the time comes start teaching.

Hernandez, Cesar: Go to college, try not to stay in debt, become an engineer.

2018

senior plans

Horning, Frankie: After graduation I plan to become a certified pastry chef and open up my own bakery.

Hosch, Jenna: I will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and major in either nursing or elementary education.

Howard, Alleson: I plan to attend The University of Mississippi and major in biology to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Huerta, Dulce: Go to college and make money.

Izaguirre, Carlos: Going to Northwestern Oklahoma University for business and management.

Jones, Indica: I will begin the LPN program at Red River Technology Center in July. Once I complete that I will go to (an undecided) college for my RN. Juarez, Abigail: I’m leaving for Germany five days after graduation to visit Hayley and Kamrynn Lawson! I’m also taking a year off school to finish my training for the National Guard, then I’ll be going to OSU in the fall of 2019.

Kirkland, Coby: I plan to attend Washington & Lee University in Virginia to study engineering and play football.

Land, Kaylee: I plan on taking the LPN program at the technology center and taking my basics.

Lang, Kaitlynn: I plan to attend UCO in January of 2019 for business school and finish getting my Real Estate license.

Ledford, Braden: I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Lindsey, Kyndle: Attend OCCC for two years to become a Physical Therapy Assistant then continue my career at another college.

Little, Crystal: After graduation, I will be working and hopefully later down the road I will go to college to become a game warden.

Masch, Madison: I plan on attending OSU or going to culinary school.

McCurdy, Trevor: Masters of Mechanical Engineering.

McDevitt, Dustin: Start acting and get famous.

McKinney, Natalie: I plan on attending Oklahoma State University and studying biology to become a pediatrician.

McKinzie, Autumn: I’m attending Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, for a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production.

Millan, Maison: After graduation, I will go to my basic training at the end of July. I will then start taking my Cameron classes again and seek a career to better my child’s life.

Milton, Rosaria: I plan to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and major in accounting, I also plan to be a part of their track team and do big things.

Moore, Vanessa: I will attend Oklahoma State University and major in biochemistry.

Moran-Zamora, Harold: Go to Project Graduation, haha.

Myers, Catherine: I plan on moving somewhere away from Duncan and start my life and go to school to become a cosmetologist.

Myers, Ethan J.: Finish my vocational program in electrical technologies and avionics.

Neal, Benjamin: I plan on majoring in math at SWOSU, becoming a lawyer, then running for Congress Olivo, Alexia: Attending the University of Central Oklahoma and obtaining two degrees, one in criminal justice and one in forensic science.

Ortiz, Jonathan: Go to the Army, basketball.

Parker, Kenzie: In the fall of 2018 I will be attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University. I have no idea what I want to major in or what I want to do after that, but I am ready for the adventure Peercy, Daniel: I plan on pursuing a career in law.

Perkins, Tyler: I might stri- I’m sorry, “Walk-Out” for better “Funding”.

Pettit, Alexus: After graduation I plan on attending Oklahoma State University, and being a veterinarian and zoologist.

Pollock, David: I plan on continuing to run my lawn business and continue doing something that involves music.

Pool, Rikki: To be continued...

Reynolds, Savannah: I plan on attending the University of Central Oklahoma and running Track & Field for them and majoring in business.

Rightmire, Seth: I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Riley, Andrew: My plans are to attend college and major in accounting. I will be getting a Master’s Degree and then getting my CPA. Afterward, I want to manage accounts for a company for awhile and eventually open my own public accounting firm.

Roddy, Connor: I plan to attend Texas A&M University for engineering then attend law school for Intellectual Property law.

Rumley, Ryan: Air Force Schulz, MaKaylee: Attending Cameron for a couple years to receive my basics, and then I

will be transferring to UCO to become a funeral director. Ever since seventh grade I knew this was something that I wanted to do and I will be following my bonus dad’s footsteps.

Scifres, Taylor: Attending Oklahoma State University to study kinesiology.

Sprouse, Hope: I am attending the University of Central Oklahoma and plan to major in graphic design and minor in illustration.

Stafford, Teagan: After high school I plan on going to Redlands Community College. After this I plan on joining the Marines and eventually go to Oklahoma University.

Stanley, Dustin: Attend the University of Oklahoma and major in health and exercise science.

Stewart, Sabrina: Attending UCO for forensic science.

Stone, Peyton: I plan on attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in animal science pre-vet med. Then later work my way into vet School.

Tate, Sharon: I am going to go to Cameron University for two years to get my basics out of the way cheaper, when I am done with that I will progress to a bigger university to pursue my dream on being an Occupational Therapist.

Trevino, Joel: Getting married and still working with Halliburton.

Trostle, Shelby: Undecided.

Troutman, Matthew: Become a property manager.

Tullous, Allison: I plan on attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in animal science with the hopes of becoming a vet.

Waller, Brendan: I plan to attend Oklahoma State University and further my education at a higher level.

Walsh, Ashleigh: Get out of Oklahoma.

Watkins, Addie: I plan on attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall...for basketball.. to be the tipper to be exact! #thereturn Wiggins, Ariana: Working as a licensed cosmetologist while going to college at Cameron and going back to RRTC to complete a course in business.

Wilkinson, Dawson: I will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma.

Wilson, Mady: Attending the University of Colorado.

pitchforklive.com

19

Prom Lookbook A quick look into the 2018 prom

Harper Pitts

Reporter

The beginning of the festivities

Junior Wesley Dean escorts Trinity Nichols as his date.

“My favorite part about my dress is the leg slit,” Nichols said.

Senior Kaylee Land by Comanche graduate Hunter Holstead. “I love how our outfits reflect our style,” Land said.

Pre-Prom Grub Olive Garden:18

Bricktown Brewery :14

Zios: 24

Taco Bell: 4

the

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Junior Sydney Sears arrives with junior Miguel Poncet.

This is the only prom Poncet is ever attending. “I’m glad I got to go so I can make my friends in Spain jealous,” Poncet said.

Senior Frankie Horning and Daylen Webb walk into the Simmons Center. Horning wore a Belle inspired dress.

60 students were randomly interviewed on where they went to eat on prom night.

And so the party begins...

Junior Kevin Maldonado jams in a dance circle to ‘Souldja Boy tell ‘em (Crank that)’ by Souldja Boy.

Juniors Devin Moore and Rebecca Bailey take a break from dancing to do a quick photo-op. “Prom is a really good place to get pictures because of the aesthetic lighting.”

Assistant Principal Kevin Kelly and his wife, business teacher Holly Kelly, along with students, slow dance to ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran.

Many students enjoy hitting the dance floor. Some of the most popular songs of the evening included ‘YMCA’, ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ and ‘Footloose’.

Senior Connor Roddy has too much fun at prom. “Spending time with my closest friends was the most fun part of prom,” Roddy said.

A group of 12 boys, all wearing white tuxedos, throw it down on the dance floor to ‘The Cha-Cha Slide’ by Mr. C The Slide Man.

The Pitchfork goes out

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21

Savanna Reynolds: Hurdling is healing Savanna Edwards

Feature Editor It all started out as a stress outlet when senior Savannah Reynolds joined track in the seventh grade.

“It gave me something to focus all of my frustration towards,” Reynolds said.

Starting out, she ran distance, sprints and hurdles, competing in events like the open 800m, 4x800m, 4x400m and the 300m hurdles. Reynolds said it didn’t take long for her to realize that hurdles were her strong suit.

“I love them because it’s so fast paced,” Reynolds said. “I only have about 14-15 seconds to finish them and there is so much technique that goes into it that people don’t realize.”

As well as competing with the knowledge that she has to be quick, Reynolds knows that her results are her responsibility. And – she said she likes it that way.

“You get out what you put in, so I don’t have to depend on anyone but myself,” Reynolds said. “Whether I want to succeed or not is up to me and me only. I like the fact that I can put endless hours into something and my success depends on if I want it bad enough.”

With this mentality, Reynolds has qualified for state in hurdles all four years of her high school track career. So far, she’s placed sixth her freshman year, second sophomore year, and third her junior year by only 2/10ths of a second.

“We have to go through regionals first, and then the top 16 go to state,” Reynolds said.

When Reynolds placed as the runner-up her sophomore year, she said it was a big moment for her. She felt that her attitude of

the

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self-responsibility had played a big role.

“It all went by so fast, but I do remember finishing, looking at the jumbo screen and not expecting my name to be on the screen,” Reynolds said. “I didn’t believe it at first but after we all congratulated each other, it set in. It was an amazing feeling to know that everything I had worked for had paid off.

And, it was really cool to be so young and go against such older girls and still get runner up.”

According to her coach, Todd Ledford, the way Reynolds holds herself has had a lot to do with her success.

“Savannah has developed into one of the best hurdlers that we have had at Duncan High School,” Ledford said. “Partly due to her willingness to succeed and her desire to be the best.”

Ledford recognizes in Reynolds that her growth as an athlete has equated with her growth as a person.

“During Savannah’s time at Duncan, she has grown into a natural leader,” Ledford said.

“She has gone from a one-event athlete to a three- to four-event athlete with a chance to be a state champion in all three. She has grown in confidence, maturity and strength, which has all helped develop her into what she is today.”

Assistant coach Rashelle Carr said Reynolds’s dedication shows in her other events as well.

“I’ve seen the work she’s putting in,” Carr said. “She works

extremely hard. This year was her first time [competing in high jump] and she’s competing against people who have done this for years.

When she jumps you’d think ‘wow, she’s done this a long time.’”

This event that was said to be a good move by Carr started out as just a little bit of fun for Reynolds.

“I was just curious and thought ‘why not?’”

Reynolds said. “I ended up being pretty good, so I stuck with it.”

One of Carr’s favorite memories with Reynolds, she said, took place at a track meet this year where Reynolds set a big personal record or “PR” in high jump.

“We were at a meet in Ada when Savannah PR’d twice,” Carr said. “She had been jumping 5’2” in practice and ended up jumping 5’6” there. It was a great day for her and myself.

She deserved it.”

Although track did start out as a stress reliever for Reynolds, it turned into more than that as the realities of life after high school began to reveal themselves.

“Personally I put in a lot of work towards [track] because I love it and the way it makes me feel,” Reynolds said. “I’ve known for a while that my parents wouldn’t be able to pay for my college tuition so that really helped motivate me to do everything that I could do to the best I could. In track or any sport, really, you just have to have hope that everything will work out, and if it was meant to be then it will be.”

And, of course, Reynolds was able to turn her love for track into a full ride scholarship to the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Track is a team sport but it’s also an individual sport,” Reynolds said. “Being successful completely depends on you.”

New OSSAA regulation comes into play American Football by Clker-Free-Vector-Images, via Pixabay CC0 Creative Commons

Potential addition to rules for summer practices Andrew Riley

Sports Editor

The OSSAA recently proposed that a dead period be implemented during the summer for athletics. This would prohibit any kind of weight-lifting, conditioning, or camps sponsored by schools during the dead period. This dead period would be two weeks in length. Practices have already been prohibited during these times and this regulation would add more restriction to fall athletics. Currently the proposed period would be the week of the fourth of July, as well as the two days before and after that week, totaling 11 days. The question is, is it worth it to have this period?

Former football coach and athletic coordinator Craig Benson believes this to be a great addition to the current regulations.

“The intent of the rule is good because it shuts every kid down a little and allows them to be a kid again in the summer,” he said.

Benson realizes what problems can occur with a regulation such as this being implemented, but thinks that the timing of it is what really matters.

“If you make it too early it affects baseball,” Benson said. “If you move it to the end of the summer it affects getting used to the heat in both football and cross country.”

Volleyball coach Amanda Lard believes that this rule is one that really did not need to be incorporated.

“Personally, I don’t see the regulation as one that needs to be there,” Lard said.

“We have so many ridiculous regulations for volleyball, including the width that stripes can be on our jerseys, the length of bobby pins that we can wear, the type of hair band that we can wear, and there can’t be a logo on the leg of your spanx and the waistband.”

As of now, the only complication with this regulation concerning volleyball is finding the time to fit in camps before practices begin.

“If it goes to vote and it passes, it will make it extremely difficult for teams to fit in camps and practice before the start of the season,” she said.

With the proposed dead period, the regulation does not currently interfere with any of the volleyball team’s summer plans.

Junior volleyball player Kyleigh Bowers likes the idea of having a dead period from any sports during the summer.

“It might give athletes a break,” Bowers said. “We start volleyball offseason in June and we end real season in October. Right after most of us move to different sports, our bodies get tired and start to hurt after.”

Overall, Bowers only sees one downside to the implementation of this regulation.

“I think it would keep us from getting used to each other again,” she said.

“We come back from being in different sports and from not seeing each other in school, practicing in the summer helps us get back in the swing of things.”

The proposition was made toward the end of March, but many changes are still being made so a final voting date has not been set yet. All the pros and cons of such a proposition makes implementing this new rule a difficult decision for the OSSAA, but they will continue to discuss and vote on it for the betterment of high school athletics.

Editor’s Note: As of May 8, 2018 the OSSAA website states that this dead period will be effective during the summer of 2019.

Ever wonder what the difference is between athletes’ shoes?

Check out our graphic online comparing the different types of athletes’ shoes and why they are designed that way at pitchforklive.com.

Volleyball, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Pixabay, CC0 Creative Commons

pitchforklive.com

23

Junior Tayah Allen gives blood for the first time, even through her nervousness. She gave blood to help others even though she is scared of needles.

Students give blood to help others Senior Brenna Epison gave blood on May 1. She was one of the 43 people to donate that day, meaning that over 120 lives were saved.

Isabel Contreras

Contributing Writer Student Council hosted its second blood drive of the year in the auditorium Tuesday, where they saw many first-time donors.

In order to donate blood, students had to be 17 years old or 16 with parents’ permission.

“Although I couldn’t donate blood last year because I was 15, I donated this year because I had blood to spare and people need it,” sophomore Samantha Towell said.

Nurses often warn students of the effects they may have after donating blood, like nausea, lightheadedness and fainting, all of which Towell experienced after donating.

“I felt fine afterwards, but I got dizzy in third hour,” Towell said.

Towell noticed she wasn’t feeling well and went back to the auditorium, fainting as she walked in.

“I felt very light-headed. I was walking to class when my vision started distorting,” Towell said. “The donor room was on my way to fourth hour so I walked in and everything went dark.”

Nurses helped Towell as she fell toward the ground and put her feet on a chair to get the blood flowing through her body and later gave her a snack to regain her strength.

“I felt very weak, but I was good to go,” Towell said.

Another first time donor was junior Tayah

the

24 Pitchfork

Allen and the nervousness hit her as she saw what the nurse was about to do.

Nurses had to distract Allen while they punctured her arm with the needle.

“I’m terrified of needles, but I’m only doing it to save someone’s life,” Allen said.

Like Towell, Allen felt sick after donating blood, but did not faint. Instead, nausea took over.

“I had to lay down because I was on the verge of throwing up,” Allen said.

Allen’s experience was not one she wanted to remember, especially when they couldn’t locate the vein in her arm.

“The first time was fine. It just burned,” Allen said. “The second time hurt very much.”

Many people donated blood for the first time, but for senior Danny Peercy this was anything but a first time experience.

“This hasn’t been my first time donating blood. I’ve donated blood two or three times now,” Peercy said.

Peercy didn’t experience any side effects after drawing blood, even with having soccer playoffs later that day.

More people participated in this blood drive than the one earlier in the year, with a turnout of 43 people donating anywhere from one pint to a pint and a half. Each pint is able to save a total of three people. In total, at least 129 lives were saved.

Nathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book recomendations Emotionally impactful 1. The Milk of the Birds, Sylvia Whitman 2. The Memory of Light, Francisco X. Stork 3. Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein 4. Help for the Haunted, John Searles 5. She is not Invisible, Marcus Sedgwick

For Non-readers 1. Dear Life You Suck, Scott Blagden 2. A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness 3. Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson 4. Au Revoir Crazy European Chick, Joe Schreiber 5. Sandpiper, Susan Lovell

Action packed

1. The Gone Series, Michael Grant 2. Red Rising Trilogy, Pierce Brown 3. Ready Player One, Ernest Cline 4. Boy Nobody, Allen Zadoff 5. This Mortal Coil, Emily Suvada

Imaginative Storytelling 1. Illuminae Files, Amie Kaufman 2. Insignia, S.J. Kincaied 3. Chaos Walking Series, Patrick Ness 4. Beware the Wild, Natalie C. Parker 5. Across the Universe, Beth Revis

pitchforklive.com

25

Lets taco bout mexican food!

Shasta Carpenter

Reporter/Illustrator

I was challenged to go to all the Mexican restraurants in Duncan. While I was only able to go to 10 of the 12 places, I have concluded that each restaurant has its own special aspect.

Cali Burrito first seemed like it was only a drive-thru, but upon further inspection, I realized you could also dine in. Their chicken soft shell taco was really good and made my mouth water. No part of the taco was dry and had a good amount of salt.

The taco from El Campesino had very good meat and lots of cheese on it, but was a little soggy at the bottom of the shell. Unfortunately, the service was very slow even though were only three customers including myself in there.

La Fiesta’s taco had a nice crunch to it and tasted very good, but did not have much filling to it.

The lettuce was very fresh and the service was quick, but could be improved upon.

La Taqueria’s taco was very tasty and it seemed like there were potatoes in the meat. The vegetables tasted like they were fresh and the service was nice and quick.

Taco Casa’s taco was made just right, it was not too hard and not too soft. Just like Taco Casa does with most of their other food, the taco had quite a bit of cheese on it. My order was brought out very quickly and the service was great.

Taco Tico’s tacos are not very big, but are very tasty. The vegetables were fresh and the meat was seasoned just right. The service was also very quick and the manager is not afraid to step in and help in the kitchen.

Taco Bell’s taco was a bit hard at the top, but soft at the bottom. The lettuce also did not seem very fresh.

Other than this, it was a very good taco and even though the person working the register was still in training, the service was very quick.

Taco Bueno’s taco tasted almost like it was cooked in peanut oil, but it was very crunchy. The meat had a great flavor and the vegetables tasted fresh. The service was great and my taco was given to me within five minutes.

Eduardo’s taco was very tasty and the restaurant definitely has more of a sit down feel to it. The taco had a nice crunch to it and the lettuce was fresh.

El Palacio’s taco had a very nice crunch from the first bite, but it did smell weird when I first opened the box. The meat seemed to taste like refried beans and the taco had a lot of cheese on it. The waitress was very nice and service was quick.

26 Pitchfork the

Photos taken by Shasta Carpenter

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• Baccalaureate: Sunday, May 20, 3 p.m. at DHS Auditorium • Seniors need to be at the auditorium at 2 p.m. for practice.

• This event is free.

Wear cap and gown.

• Refreshments will be served following Baccalaureate/Slide Show • Usually lasts an hour

• Senior Slide Show: Sunday, May 20, at DHS Auditorium • Slide show will begin after baccalaureate.

• This event is free and for anyone who would like to attend.

• Only students who submitted a baby picture and recorded a message will be featured in slide show.

• Scholarship Assembly: Monday, May 21, 9 a.m. at DHS Auditorium • Only seniors and guests will attend.

• Elementary Walkthrough: Monday, May 21 • Specific details will be emailed when the lists and transportation plans are complete • Wear cap and gown

• Awards Assembly: Monday, May 21, 7 p.m. at DHS Auditorium

Graduation

• MANDATORY Graduation Breakfast and Practice: Thursday, May 24, 7:30 a.m.

Graduation practice at Halliburton Stadium from 7:30 – 11:00 a.m. Meet at the stadium.

• Breakfast will be served to seniors before we begin practice. This practice is mandatory – if you are late/not present for practice, you will be moved from your place in the marching order to the back of the graduation line.

• Following practice pizza will be provided for the seniors. We will eat lunch and then

hand out tickets.

• Graduation wristbands will be handed out after lunch.

Wristbands • Will be handed out at the end of practice at the practice field.

• No wrist band will be required for seating at the stadium in the non-reserved sections.

• Extras will be handed out at the coffee bar.

• Graduation: Thursday May 24, 8 p.m. at Halliburton Stadium.

• Seniors will line up at practice field at 7 p.m.

• Seniors should bring tassels and cap and gowns.

• Diplomas will be picked up in the Drivers’ Education room at the stadium after commencement is over.

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Healing minds through conversation Savanna Edwards

Feaure Editor In a world where everyone would have the same healthy mind and thought process, communication would be unnecessary in terms of emotions. All individuals would know how to handle their feelings themselves without struggle.

In this world, though, it doesn’t work that way. Not everyone has a healthy mind or thought process. Functionality can differ from person to person almost as commonly as opinions do. Sometimes, this means that people don’t have others around who understand what they’re struggling with, leaving them to struggle alone. According to the American Counseling Association, in 2009 over 45.1 million American adults had been diagnosed with mental illnesses, including illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Heather Bowles, a counselor at Gillispie Counseling Services, said that counseling helps supply people with the company and skills that they might need.

“Some people just need someone to talk to, to listen to them and acknowledge them and their decisions,” Heather said. “I think counseling provides peace of mind for some.

For others, they learn actual skills to help them with issues and life, like coping skills and ways to alleviate depression and anxiety in their lives, which leads to happier people living healthier lives.”

And – Heather said that all people could gain something from having someone like a counselor to listen.

“Everyone can benefit from someone to talk to and learn from,” Heather said.

“Mental health issues affect everyone and getting help when needed can save a life or definitely improve the quality of a life.”

Heather also thinks that the person doing the counseling should, in most cases, have certain qualities.

“I believe that empathy and true caring drives the desire to help others as we are working together

30

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in a way for their success in counseling,” Heather said. “You also can’t be judgmental of people’s lifestyles and decisions.”

Senior Caden Bowles said that going to counseling has done a lot to improve his life by showing him ways to manage that he may not have otherwise learned on his own.

“I’m personally more comfortable in every situation, less stress, less anger, less sadness and more organization,” Caden said. “There’s a joke about mental health counselors where no matter what you say they’ll respond with ‘and how does that make you feel?’ and, for the most part, it’s true. They want you to find where the problem is. I’ve found that I know the answer to most of my problems, I just have to find those answers.”

Without counseling, Caden believes he’d probably have a lot of trouble going through the motions of life in general.

“I like to think [without counseling] that I would’ve found a coping mechanism but who knows,” Caden said. “I could be anywhere right now. Counseling helped me begin the process of becoming the self-aware, self-responsible adult I need to be.”

Caden also said that counseling doesn’t need to be a regular occurrence like one might think.

“Throughout my life I have gone [to counseling] during three

periods of time,” Caden said. “I lose track of how I feel until I’m emotionally derailed, so I go back to a counselor to get me back on track. Usually after I’ve been going for a while I don’t feel like I need it anymore, and usually I don’t because I am back on track and more emotionally aware.”

Though helpful to most people who receive it, counseling isn’t always available to everyone who needs it. Minors can’t go to a counselor without a guardian’s permission and a lot of the time it can be too costly without insurance, minor or not.

For students in situations where money is an issue, Duncan Public Schools offers counseling within the school of the child with parental consent. Melanie Smith is the school counselor for the high school and middle school students.

“There are a few kids that I see weekly,” Smith said. “There are some kids that I see on a need-to basis. Kids are facing a lot of things these days, they’re bombarded by the media, social media, and there’s a lot of pressure on kids to succeed.”

What these students come in and talk to Smith about is entirely confidential, unless the student confesses to abuse, self harm, or suicidal thoughts, which is the case in all forms of mental health counseling.

“To get a client file you have to subpoena a client file,” Smith said. “I’ve always been able just to talk to a parent, though, with general ideas but as far as telling them what their kid has said, I can’t do that.”

Sometimes though, minors aren’t able to get the permission they need in order to get into these sessions. For people in these situations, Heather advises they find someone they trust to confide in.

“I encourage kids to talk to someone at church, trusted school counselor, teacher or any other trusted adult,” Heather said. “Sometimes just knowing someone cares is listening and trying to help makes the difference.”

Nathan Lambert

Business Manager

April showers bring May flowers, and people are coming in to buy them. In the gymnasium, the FFA held their annual flower sale at the end of April, and continued it through May. As a fundraiser for FFA, there is some prep work involved in the annual flower sale ,and some of the preparations for it start months before the sale.

“Preparations for our spring annual flower sale actually start before Christmas,” FFA adviser Cory Jarboe said.

According to Jarboe, the set up for the flower sale start with deciding what to plant. Sure, there are staples that they use every year, but beyond that there may be some variations in color.

“First thing is, we get with one of the suppliers and get all of the pots and potting soil,” Jarboe said. “Then [we] look for availability on whether we are starting things on cuttings or if we are starting from seed, because if we are starting from seed, we have to start earlier.”

Cuttings are flowers where someone cuts off a part of the stem and pots it in a pot of soil, growing a new plant.

However, sometimes starting plants from seeds or cuttings just isn’t viable.

“Some things we start from seed, some things we start from cuttings, others, due to space constraints and things like that with the greenhouse and some requirements, we buy those already started,” Jarboe said.

According to Jarboe, there are certain plants

that need different temperatures, so there has to be some flexibility on that end. Then, it’s a matter of transplanting the plants.

“That takes a lot of time,” Jarboe said. “When you figure how many plants that is, we’re in the neighborhood of five or six thousand.”

Once the plants have been purchased, planted, transplanted, the next step requires a little more patience.

“Then it is the waiting game,” Jarboe said.

This year has had its share of waiting.

Nathan Lambert Pitchfork

Customers browse the flowers at the flower sale that took place the last week of April. There were over 5,000 plants at the flower sale according to Jarboe.

“A lot of things that I usually get and start from cuttings, I wasn’t able to get this year,” Jarboe said. “One of the suppliers that I order from had a windstorm that came through in January and they lost a roof on some greenhouses, and that

affected how much they had to sell.”

As a result, Jarboe had to look for different suppliers, causing the sale to be delayed.

According to Jarboe, FFA has opened the flower sale on April 10, but that didn’t’t happen.

Instead, they intended to open up on the 20th or 21st.

While they did get the flower sale opened when they intended, the agriculture students also have a part to play, one of whom is Junior Justin Glover.

“Most help with it, but this is mainly for horticulture,” Glover said.

As Glover explained, most of the students help with the plant sale, but the Agriculture students that are in horticulture, which is garden management, take on more of the responsibilities. Despite that, everyone benefits from the plant sale.

According to Glover, the proceeds help with the costs of the competitions, as well as the banquet.

But there is more to this plant sale fundraiser than just money.

“I handle customers in a better fashion than I used to, I’ve gained better skills in gardening, I’ve gained better opportunities to actually connect to the community just by the plant sale and I’ve gained friends because of the plant sale,” Glover said.

The growth that has happened because of the plant sale, isn’t just for the plants.

pitchforklive.com

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The Pitchfork Staff 2017 - 2018

My dear newsies,

This year’s staff shirt features a photo illustration of the staff created by web editor Baylee Elam.

Coffee is one of the staff perks that business manager Nathan Lambert takes advantage of many mornings.

The staff gathers for regular meetings to discuss content for upcoming issues and online content for the Pitchfork.

Entertainment editor Harper Pitts wears the invisibility hat so that she can work on her story undisturbed by others in the room. Focus is important in order to meet deadlines.

the

32 Pitchfork

Seems like we just got the year started and we’re already nearing the end. Short as it seemed, there was time for lessons, lessons about interviewing, about writing, about trying out new things in design, about project and time management. While it didn’t seem like there was time for learning anything – we always kind of hit the ground running and learn along the way – life has a way of dropping lessons in the form of obstacles right in our paths. The bigger the things you try for, the bigger those lessons/obstacles may be. Remember that.

You stepped outside comfort zones and interviewed people you know and people you don’t know. Sometimes that went great, and sometimes it didn’t, but you came away with knowledge of what to do differently next time, so it’s a win.

Same is true with writing. You write your first (or second or third or fourteenth) story and even if you feel you’ve finally got a method down and learned all the style rules, you may get it back with marks all over it. That’s because there is always more to learn, so you do. You learn.

You hit upon a great design idea, spend hours on it, and it rocks, there on your screen. Everyone on staff loves it, but when the paper arrives, you realize that after running through a four-color press onto newsprint, it doesn’t look as good. Learned something there, too.

These are failures – they are lessons learned that make you sharper, more experienced. The same things will happen over and over again in life. Keep trying for the new and bigger things. If it doesn’t go the way you intended, take the lesson from it and keep trying.

You learned from the many successes as well.

Remember all the interviews that opened new doors, maybe provided new ways of looking at subjects.

You wrote stories, designed ads and pages that took superior ratings at contest. You got feedback from readers who liked what you did. You inspired others to try and do what you do.

You are all meant for great things. I know this because I see how hard you work, and I see you meet those obstacles, and fight through them. You are all champions.

Seniors, explore this next era of your lives with gusto, and do not limit yourselves. Stay in touch.

The rest of you, keep rocking this journalism thing.

Snider