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Miss Gregg County • Senior Journee Moore represents KHS as Miss Kilgore at the Miss Gregg County Pageant on . Kilgore wins back the Spirit Stick and is named once again the Most Spirited School in East Texas. Photo courtesy of Quazii Foto.
Volume XXIV Issue I
CONSTRUCTION CORNER: Building up the future of KHS Carter Barton Design Editor
There has been a lot stirring at KHS with the new school being built and all of the construction. The progress is amazing and exciting. Here are some of the answers about construction and the future that we received from former KHS principal April Cox, who now is the KISD Executive Director of Administrative Services, and current KHS principal Marcus Camp about all of the progress. Q: How do you feel about the excitement that’s been stirring within not only the students but also the community as they see the progress? Cox: Wow! It feels that every week there is significant progress that has been made on the new building. How can you not get excited about the progress? Camp: I am thrilled to see the excitement with both the students and the community. I can’t wait until they start working above ground, pouring slabs, supports, etc., and it gets real! Q: Are there any special
features that you think will cause even more excitement? Cox: The added security features coupled with the flexible learning spaces incorporated throughout the building create a safe and secure learning environment and opportunities for students to collaborate and work together on assignments. Camp: The open and bright atmosphere of the building will be an exciting environment. There will be many features throughout the new building from the new gym to the learning areas outside the classroom that the students can meet and take instruction to a new level. Q: What is your biggest concern regarding construction? Cox: The need to be flexible is going to be crucial as we encounter potential obstacles along the way. The transition into the new building can also provide some obstacles that will need the assistance of many to overcome…from moving furniture, to the demolition of the existing building, there will be a lot happen quickly. Camp: My biggest concern is it isn’t happening fast enough.
Birds eye view • This is already outdated as the parking lot has been destroyed and rebuilt. The new parking lot in place of this one opened to faculty only on Oct. 9. Construction progress is from a Drone’s
point view. Photo courtesy of RLM.
Just kidding about that as it is happening as fast as possible, but it just is hard to be patient when we are looking forward to it. I don’t really have any major concerns with the new building as it is built with the future of KHS in mind. Q: Do you believe that the spirit of KHS will be continued even in a new building? Cox: I believe the physical building does not create or sustain the Bulldog Spirit…just like the house does not create a home. It is the heart of the people within the physical structure that create the spirit. I have no doubt the Bulldog family will continue the traditions and pride that KHS routinely displays. Camp: Not only do I think it will be continued, I think it will be taken to a new level. The community, students, and staff are all about to have a showcase high school to rally around and be proud of. There is something to be said of the nostalgia that surrounds the current high school, but in order to make progress, we have to sometimes move out of the old and into the new.
Summer started more progress • The drone captured the beginning of the drilling into the earth that happened this summer on site. New and updated pictures are forthcoming from RLM.
Kilgore High School
October 11, 2023
For the students, by the students
Practice Makes Perfect • The Ragin’ Red Hype Squad practices their drill before the Glow In The Dark Pep Rally. Photo by McKayla Holland.
Hype Squad introduces KHS to Stomp Style McKayla Holland Staff Writer
aesthetics, dancing, and stomping. As an officer on the squad, junior Trinzai Frierson was one of the girls who wanted a stomp and The Ragin’ Red Hype Squad shake style group at KHS. is making noise to support the Q: What does being a part of the Bulldogs. Sponsored by Assistant Media Specialist Lovetta Williams, squad mean to you? A:“Being on this team really the squad was formed due to interest in wanting to create a stomp means a lot and also having the honor to be a captain as well is and shake style group. one the most enjoyable things I’m The Hype Squad added Ragin’ doing right now,” officer and junior Red to the organization name this Trinzai Frierson said. “I feel that fall. Ragin’ Red has been a phrase we’re a great skilled group that used by Bulldogs since at least the everyone should at least take a shot 80s. Over time, the tradition of at to enjoy right along with us.” saying Ragin’ Red has been lost. Q: Do you feel as if you are an Williams and the Squad brought it inspiration to young black girls? back by adding Ragin’ Red to the A: “Yes, it’s more active beats Hype Squad name. and consistent motions of things The squad is audition-based, that would most definitely inspire and there are 12 members; officers them to want to do or be a part of Trinzai Frierson, Aniyah Polk, and this,” Frierson said. Kassidy Oliver, senior La’Carlia Many characteristics of Verdell, juniors Tamia Hill, Jakiya stomp and shake routines include Johnson, Mia Moore, Aaliyah chanting, syncronized stomping, Williams, and freshmen Maegan and clapping. Harvey, Mireyna Harold, Skye Q: Why did you want to be a Hunt, and Adaijah Williams. part of the Stomp Squad? The stomp and shake style of A: “It looked very fun and dance originated from HBCUs interesting to do,” Frierson said. “I (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Virginia and North feel it could start good things and also just to spread more stomp and Carolina in the early 1970s as a form of expression of black culture. shake teams around here.” Those interested can find the It incorporates African American
girls at practically every game and pep rally. Q:What can KHS do to support the squad? A:“Come out and encourage us at games, and don’t be rude,” officer and junior Aniyah Polk said. There are two local HBCUs in East Texas: Jarvis and Wiley. Q: Will you stomp in College? A:“If the college I attend has a stomp team, I would most definitely do it,” Polk said. The officers wanted to bring a part of their culture to KHS, due to the scarcity of black culture. Q:What makes you like the stomp style? A: “I like the stomp style because it brings in HBCU roots to Kilgore,” officer and junior Kassidy Oliver said. “It’s a way to adventure out and give the community something different.” Q: Has this school year been exciting for you as an officer? A: “As an officer, the school year has been very eventful, and extremely fun,” Oliver said. “I have made a family that I will never forget. Being an officer can get very stressful, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” This isnt just a squad for these girls, it is a family.
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look at the staff and students here at KHS. “Both staff and students depending on me keeps me motivated to do the best I can do,” he said. While he has been principal, Camp has faced many challenges, however TIME, for him, will always be the biggest challenge. “The biggest challenge is how to divide the time. I don’t always get to spend the time I would like with staff and students due to the business side of things,” Camp said. In order to get through those challenges, he tries to be the best version of himself everyday. “I feel one of the best qualities any leader possesses is one of vision. Knowing what they want for the future of the school is crucial to their success,” Camp said. He feels that anyone should love what they do, especially if they’re doing it every day. “Without loving what they do and who they do it for, they would not be successful, or effective, as a principal,” Camp said. A quote that our principal goes by day to day will always be: “If you do not like the road on which you are traveling, start paving a new one.” Go Dogs!
p am
“My favorite memory of KHS so far has to be the first day of school and seeing all of the great students walk in the door for the first time in the 23-24 school year,” Camp said. As many know, we have a new With the new school year, Camp principal at KHS; one who is here thinks this is a great opportunity to to be a leader. The Mirror staff learn about KHS. would love to introduce and help “I would love to learn the you get to know our new principal ‘Kilgore way’ first, and then I will Mr. Marcus Camp. work with others on what can be Camp loves watching any changed to continue to help KHS sports that his students play, and he grow,” Camp said. loves to go and support. That’s one Camp would like to think that of his biggest goals here. he is just like the rest of us when “I think one way I can motivate he was in high school. He attended kids to do better is just by being Daingerfield High School and was myself, to make myself real. I let voted Mr. DHS. Camp was heavily them know I am not perfect,” Camp involved in football as well as said. tennis making it to regionals three Along with supporting his years in a row. students, Mr.Camp, like most “I was the model student..okay, people loves watching NFL maybe not always, but I was a Football. He’s a huge Pittsburgh hard-working, respectful student,” Steelers fan. Who doesn’t love the Camp said. Steelers, right? Inside and outside of school, “My favorite NFL team is Camp is always on his feet. the Pittsburgh Steelers and “I love to spend time in the whoever happens to be playing the gym, hunting, fishing, and spending Cowboys,” Camp said. time at sporting events. I have For future reference, we now a hard time sitting still, so I am know Mr.Camp is NOT a Cowboys always finding something to fill any fan… free time I have,” he said. Though Mr.Camp hasn’t been However, when times get rough here for long, he’s made many and when Camp needs motivation, memorable memories so far. he knows he can simply just take a
Selena Andrade Content Editor
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Principal shares excitement about New Year & Campus
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2 Senior Panoramic - Leaders’ words
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“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” ~ Luke 6:27 Joshua Parrish
Photo by Evelyn Martinez.
Words from the Student Body President Evelyn Martinez Photograpy Editor
Q: How do you feel you
CAPTION represent the student
body? A: I am very thankful for the oppurtunity to leaad such a great school. Q: What are your strengths as a leader and how does being an officer in Student Council help you use those skills? A: I’m a very determined leader and once I set a goal I strive for it. Q: What are your hobbies outside of school? A: - I enjoy going on adventures with my friends. I also play the drums on the worship team at church. Q: What’s your favorite extracurricular activity? A: I love football games; there’s nothing like Friday nights under the lights. Q: Is there anything that the Student Council is planning that we can
expect? A: Student Council is Joshua Parrish planning on doing 3 big service projects to help improve our school and community. Q: What has been you favorite memory you’ve made here at KHS? A: The last four minutes of the Gilmer football game because we fought hard as a team. Q: How have you dealt with challenges, and what are some ways you have resolved them? A: I’ve dealt with problems just like everyone else, but in them I turn to God and mentors in my life. Q: What motivates you to work hard? A: Knowing that I can be better than I was the day before. Q: What are your plans after high school? A: My plans are to attend nursing school.
“Being succesful is not fulfulling, being significant is.” ~ Tim Tebow Emmanuel Young
Photo by Evelyn Martinez.
Words from the Senior Class President Evelyn Martinez Photograpy Editor
Q: Is there anything that the Student Joshua Parrish Council is planning that Q: How do you feel you represent the senior we can expect? CAPTION A: We plan on doing class? A: I think I represent the 3 big service projects this year. I think our senior class by always major goal for the year doing what I think is is to make KHS a better best for them. place. Q: What are your Q: What has been strengths as a leader your favorite memory and how does being you’ve made here at an officer in Student KHS? Council help you use A: Playing El Campo in those skills? the playoffs last season. A: I feel like I am a Q: How have you dealt very passionate leader, and being an officer has with challenges, and what are some ways allowed me to be very passionate for one of my you have resolved favorite things: Kilgore them? A: I like to face High School? challenges head on, and Q: What are your I often turn to scriptures hobbies outside of to find ways to resolve school? my issues. A: I enjoy coaching Q: What motivates you little league basketball to work hard? & going kayaking with my friends. I also enjoy A: Being the best person I can be. being a leader in my Q: What are your plans youth group. Q: What’s your favorite after high school? extracurricular activity? A: My plans aren’t definite yet, but it’s A: I really enjoy between becoming football. The energy at a dentist or being a games is unmatched. football coach.
The Mirror is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference ILPC and earned the Award of Achievement from ILPC and UIL in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2022. The Mirror earned the Award of Honor in 2007 and 2010. The Mirror earned the Award of Distinguished Merit in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, & 2023. In 2014, the staff was nominated for a STAR by the ILPC. The Mirror adviser is a member of TAJE. The Mirror is printed at the The Longview News Journal. The Mirror staff distributes 1,000 copies to the students and the community, free of charge. Editor’s note: Students of the month and Teacher of the month are chosen by administration & faculty committees.
Staff Writers Juan Cardozo McKayla Holland Makenzie Marshall McKenna Mitchell Elliott Norris Breleigh Warlick
The Mirror
Kilgore High School 301 N. Kilgore Street, Kilgore, TX 75662 903.988.3901, ext. 2137 www.kisd.org/khs Student Population 1146 Volume XXIV, Issue 1 October 11, 2023 KISD Superintendent Dr. Andy Baker Principal Marcus Camp Bulldog Publications & Mirror Adviser Amy Bates
Editors
Lou Carlisle - Managing Editor Selena Andrade - Content Editor Carter Barton - Design Edior Evelyn Martinez - Photography Editor Cadence Trimble - Copy Editor Leslie Smith - Associate Editor
Page Designers
Selena Andrade - 1 Evelyn Martinez - 2 Leslie Smith - 3 Carter Barton - 4 Lou Carlisle - 5 Carter Barton - 6 Cadence Trimble - 7 Evelyn Martinez - 8 Carter Barton - 9 Cadence Trimble - 10 Lou Carlisle - 11 Selena Andrade - 12
Oct. 11, 2023
CLASS OF
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Fredy Aguilar Anthony James Alford Harvey Parker Allums Joshua John Parrish Ulices Alvarez De Casas Heavenly Sky Pastor Emmory Rose Anderson Makayla Alise’Arin Pena Selena Andrade Samantha Marie Peralta Jose Arian Araiza Evelyn Rose Phillips Giovanny Araujo Jordan Dwight Pierce Erik Arellano Malachi Xavier Pierce Eric Dean Armstrong Tadeo De Jesus Pintor Carlos Domingo Avalos-Loredo Hailey Nicole Posey Christopher Asau Avelar Flores Jayden Joe Pyle Alexis Sunnie Jo Bailey Maggie Maureen Quine Lindaflor Baldazo Azema Eva Marie Abigail Barrios Ashton Tyler Reece Sara Elisabeth Barron Alexei Matthew Reed Alfredo Barron Dennis Jack Reed Isabella Basaldua Chavez Grace Alexandra Reese Moira Jewel Basham Brady Jade Reeves Emily Ruth Beason Adan Jiovani Reyes Kayleigh Jo Beets Ivan Rico Kaden Lee Bishop Mason Samuel Riley Baylee Grace Bonds Isabella Riojas Brooklyn Nikole Borens Marie Giselle Rodriguez Brayden Michael Bowman Tiffany Rodriguez Bryonne Wynee Brooks Diego Jeremiah Rojas Ja’Ziaya Lashia Brooks Yailenn Esau Rojo Gage Matthew Brown Isaiah Leon Ryan Rashaud Deshuan Brown Jesus San Juan Terrian Kain Brown Dre’van Oneal Sanders Lilly Addison Brumble Aubrey James Saylor Bailee Jo Burns Jocelyn Serrano Levi Jayden Burns Kevin Oneal Sheppard Jayden Don Gibson Campos Zander Kentrell Short Mari Cruz Camposano Diego Sierra Yareli Martinez Canchola Constance D Sifford Alexis Canchola Bradley Travis Small Anival Canchola Hallie Lynn Smires Ca’Million Key’Sean Cordel MaKayla Marie Smith Cannon Shivraz Singh Sohal Kylie Nicole Cardwell Juan Carlos Solano Elisabeth Brooke Carlisle Roberto Solano Osbaldo Chavez Castillo Destiny Michelle Soriano Rodnel Diego Castro Sydney Belle Starkey Erik Allen Catton Cole Golden Steele Cindy Cedillo Alyssa Lilliana Stell Gloria Cedillo Stephanie Shay Stephenson Karabeth Leanne Chanler Landon Cole Stewart David Lee Chatham Zaylon Keoni Stoker Jasmine Chavez Malachi Jacob Strachan Yinetsy Monserrat Chavez Gavin Lee Streed Jobani Arick Chavez Garrett Matthew Sweeney Joseph Chavez Ever Lea Sweet Jason Asael Chirino-Hernandez Claire Rose Swick Hailee Elizabeth Cochrane Elighdrick Donya Talley Phoenix Max Matthews Cohn Akiera Nyasia Thompson Mariah Shenece Coleman Dillon Tidwell Jacob Contreras Adrian Martin Tillman Abigail Joelle Crump Haven Joevon Toliver Danyelle Ariana Davis Andrea A Torres Jakob Whitney Davis Tate Walker Truman Preslie Linn Kai Lennon Tucker Mikel Amaud Dennis Jayden Bree Turner Damian Geonni Dominguez Jackson Brian Turner Derek Aiden Domorad Greyson Shae Usery Lucas Andrew Donovan Samira Sae Valenzuela Zachary Lee Dry Aurthro Lorenzo Vasquez Tyler Allen Dunnahoe Anahi Vazquez Gracie Lou Dunnavant Jaime Alberto Vazquez Bryan Noe Duque Jose Guadalupe Vazquez Natalie Danyale Dyer Jose Antonio Vazquez Garcia Braden Dale Edmondson La’Carlia Amunet Verdell Israel Enriquez Barron Alexander Paul Verdin Jake Eduardo Estrada Brandon Lee Vinson Kenzington Grace Eubanks Lillian Marie Vowell Riley Bryce Finley Jayden Keith Waits Cristian Flores Samuel Keith Warren Nicholas Ray Foster Bethany Grace Watson Alexander Daniel Freed Abigail Vivian-Rose Weaver Joshua TalonFuentes Willow Jean Weick Jakeline Galvan Breanna Nicole West Juan Pablo Galvan William David White Lizett Julia Garcia Millard DC Wiley Alan Daniel Garcia Brooklyn Elizabeth Wilkerson Alex Garcia Aderria Dawayla Williams Anthony Andrew Garcia Allison Kay Williams Sarah Nicole Gardner Trail’sia Shamonke Williams Cutter Clay Gaudet Derrick Markist Williams Taylor Lee Gibson Jon Mikel Williams Jonathan Joel Gonzalez Keleen Mekhia Williams Josue Guadalupe Gonzalez Brylan Conner Winter Juan Antonio Gonzalez Adrian Marcell Parish Woods Luis David Grajales Meagan Nicole Yates Allen Earl Green Emmanuel Teriq Young Adrianna Mariela Guerrero Leandro Yzaguirre Rickiera Da’nay Guinn Emily Joseline Zachery Daniel Gutierrez Zuniga-Rodriguez Elizabeth Gutierrez-Arreola Cameron Keionda Hall Matthew Salumes Hardy Tera Lee Harrison Savannah Grace Hayden Cade Marlyn Henry Jasmin Cardoso Hernandez Britany Hernandez Aguilar Erick Herrera Jolee Ann Herrin Hayden Alexander Hicks Barrett Cole Hoffman Charlie Jose Holmgren Nathan David Hooten Todd Michael House Madisyn Suzanne Howell Estephanie Maria Huerta Mayce Elizabeth Huey Nolan Eugene Hurtt Layton Dewayne Jackson Gabbi Blake Johns Lucian Alan Johnson Graycie Lynn Jordan Jayde Kierra Kelly Jason Chance Kirk Marqueasia Breona Lacy Abraham Enrique Lagunes Baylee Renae Lambrecht Briley Jade Landers Steve Ledesma Candace Ariel Lee Carlesa Taharria Lister Damian Llanes Nathan Alan Lockridge Caleb Evan Logston Clarissa Lopez Aidan Pablo Luna Trenton Aidan Marks Amber Rose Marsh Leslee Aida Martinez Chris Braily Martinez Osvaldo Martinez Auniyeuh Ji’Nora Faith Matlock Jacob Wayne Melton Maria Guadalupe Colon Mendoza Juan Manuel Colon Mendoza Allan Lee Miller Salynda Lynn Mills Melanie Paola Mireles Garcia Journee Samaya Moore Rylee Madison Moore Christopher Manuel Mora Amy Moran Israel Moran-Garcia Braquan Ahmad Moye Melanni Jazmin Munoz Martinez Karleigh Elaine Murphy Kaiden Blaine Navarro Braydon Anthony Nelson Kaleigh Raven Newlen Jennifer Nunez-Gonzalez Ahmon Jamal Odoms Taylor Brent Oliver Sage Tyree Orange Jackelyn Ortega Xsavier Alexander Ortiz
K I
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The Mirror is the student newspaper of Kilgore High School and is published in print form four times a school year by the advanced journalism class. This publication shall strive to serve the interests and needs of the readership and to be fair and accurate. Staff members were selected after completing one year of journalism. Comments and views expressed in The Mirror reflect the thoughts of individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of other students, staff members, faculty, administration or the Board of Trustees. See the editors in Room #124 if you have questions. The Mirror welcomes signed letters of opinion, but retains the right not to print them.
*Kilgore Independent School District offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, A/V Technology & Communications; Business, Marketing, & Finance; Health Science; Law & Public Service; Manufacturing. Admission to these programs is based on enrollment and seat availability. It is the policy of Kilgore Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of Kilgore Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of1973, as amended. Kilgore Independent School District will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at abaker@kisd.org, (903) 988-3900, and the Section 504 Coordinator at bthurston@kisd.org, (903) 988-3900.
October 11, 2023
NEG LECTED NA PTI M ES: Teen s n eedi n g re st weig h i n o n getti n g m o re sleep Breleigh Warlick Staff Writer Some believe that as a person grows older, the amount of sleep they need becomes less and less. We make sure children up to the age of six get their rest, or else their mood, development and growth will be negatively affected. When it comes to teenagers, though, we tend to worry a lot less about their sleep schedules. A lack of sleep is just as detrimental, if not more, to high schoolers as it is to preschoolers, so shouldn’t they be allowed to have scheduled naps during the school day as well?
Some believe that they should, considering how little time teenagers have to relax now compared to when they were younger. “There are times where I wish I could just lay down and take a nap during school,” sophomore Kaylie Reyes said. “I don’t have enough energy to focus on what’s being taught to me, and I feel like this could make my grades go down significantly. I’m always busy after school with practice, chores, and then homework, and schoolwork just is put on top of all that. By the time I’m finished, it is already late at night, and I have to go to sleep just to wake up a few hours later and repeat the same thing all over again. I know there are many people who go
through this same problem.” Others that are less convinced by this argument believe that nap times would be more distracting than beneficial. “If high school students were allowed naps, the work would never get done, and most people wouldn’t sleep. Others would most likely snore,” junior Shelby Rosson said. “I roughly get 5 to 6 hours of sleep, maybe less on certain days, but I don’t find it that important because my health is actually really good.” Scientific studies have shown that teens who don’t get enough sleep are more prone to immune system issues, engaging in risky behaviors, mental illnesses and even death. This isn’t even mentioning the developmental
The Way of TV:
Most streaming services have apps on Apple and Android App stores. This gives the option for users to be able to watch anything they want whenever or wherever they are. For example, long car rides are boring. The apps being an option on phones gives the ability for users to pass time by watching their favorite shows. But, there’s always bad eggs in everything. Illegal streaming services provide access to copyrighted shows. These platforms undermine the streaming service industry by providing shows illegally. It is better and safer to use legal
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problems that can arise. Scheduled naps in high schools would give students a chance to catch up on their sleep when their activities start to take away from this much needed rest. “I think that it is a good idea for both ages to be able to take naps,” sophomore Mariya Hopper said. “Being a high school student is very tiring because of all of the things teenagers have to do and deal with daily. Taking naps can help people feel better.” We need real rest.
Lights Out • Elizabeth Mendez takes a nap in the school library during her lunch. Photo by Breleigh Warlick.
Arts Education builds learners
Streaming Services beat out satellite Leslie Smith Associate Editor
Opinion
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options, as it is possible to get viruses from the illegal sites. There’s enough original content and other options to last a lifetime on a single service. Streaming services are able to adapt to any viewer’s taste by recommending shows, making them appealing to any person no matter how diverse their taste is. Satellite’s channels pick what shows they want to play, not giving much freedom to their users. As long as the streaming service is legal and up to satisfaction, it is a better option.
Streaming services have taken over the world. Just a simple click gives access to just about every movie and show ever made. The streaming service industry is very big. With apps ranging from Netflix to Hulu, there’s many apps to choose from that have original shows plus already existing shows. Streaming services are more cost efficient versus satellite TV. Satellite can be over $100 a month and it has ads upon ads, whereas for streaming services, they can end up costing that much for a year with options of no ads depending on your financial situation. Streaming services aren’t going to have hidden fees or force anyone to keep their program for a certain amount of time. It’s very convenient to be able to cancel or switch anytime. The services can get quite pricey depending on how many one person subscribes to, but it’s worth it with all of the varieties available. Being able to watch something as many times as wanted without any interruptions is a very appealing option. There are even free options for streaming services. Sure there’s ads, What do we think: Junior Linda Martinez’s opinion on the best but having hundreds to thousands of streaming app: Netflix. Freshman Germany Jackson’s opinion: shows on demand is a game changer. Netflix. Photos by Leslie Smith.
gravitate towards being creative and skills. These skills can be acquired through people’s work as an artist. as we get older we have less of an There is never a wrong answer to opportunity to hone in on those skills, Fine arts education is a anything able to be created. When a but we always look to being creative requirement for at least a year in mistake is made, try again, and then as a way to destress or have a mental most schools, offering options like learn from the process, allowing break,” Grifith said. band, orchestra, theater, and art. growth. Finding the discipline to finish But what value does art bring to “Art is subjective and there really that essay or doing homework education beyond simply drawing or is no right or wrong answer when can be hard, but when people creating? it comes to creating something,” like something, they are more Savannah Griffith, a new Griffith said. “Encouraging students likely to put more effort into that KHS teacher of classes Art 1, Art that messing up is not failing is something. 2 Sculpture, and Art 2 Digital, important in any classroom. It is not “I think a lot of the time students believes that art can really have an failing, it is room for growth.” have discipline issues because they influence on someone’s academics. Stress is a common product of haven’t found their outlet and the According to Griffith, art can going to school, with deadlines and moment a student finds their outlet impact students’ education by hard concepts to learn, andstress they begin to develop important giving them a place to let out their can really build up. But art can help skills like patience, responsibility, creativity, and make a place where combat those struggles. accountability and most importantly, they can blow off steam while “From a young age we innately confidence,” Griffith said. allowing them to think in a new way. “Art allows students a creative outlet that helps students to relax, destress and expand their thinking into a more creative space,” Griffith said. Art teaches students skills that could be used to help with their core classes, teaching them to look at things in a broader perspective and through the process you’ll learn how to plan things out and why it’s so important, and to have patience. “In art, students learn to think in a bigger picture and learn the importance of planning and patience while working,” Griffith said. In addition to those skills, art Art helps • Savanah Griffith stands up for her view on how art helps develop problem solving
Juan Cardozo Staff Writer
is an important part of any education. Photo by Juan Cardozo.
4 Student Life - First Quarter
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October 11, 2023
The football team runs through the bust out sign while the cheerleaders cheer under the Friday night lights. GAME DAY = BEST DAY!
PJ Wiley starts school with Paw Patrol. Jacob Mooney 10, Cole Steele 12, Jayden Waits 12, Riley Finley 12, Damian Geonni Dominguez 12 start school with new backpacks. STUCO visits Chandler students for Chick Fil A Reading day. Senior Journee Moore represents KHS as Miss Kilgore in the Miss Gregg County Pageant. Mr. Clements sets up a Crime Scene in his Spanish classes to kick off October.
Derrick Williams and Scooby have the year on lock.
Cassie Roberts, nurse at Kilgore Primary, helps students in Human Growth and Development.
Preslie Day and the ninja turtles can handle senior year.
2023 Homecoming Duchesses The KHS band plays for the Bulldogs. The band has been working hard for contest that they competed in yesterday at Mt. Pleasant.
Mr. Orta wins first place with his creative door.
Mr. Bickham’s class participates in an egg drop experiment. Malachi Strachan has a great weekend at TxETA Theatrefest.
Senior Sunrise...a new tradition kicks off the year for the Class of 2024
Mr. Lewis gets the Above and Beyond award with his students creating doors in the shop.
Mr. Armeida gets Honorable Mention for this great door. Brittany Yzaguirre participates in the STUCO game.
Mrs.Tucker shows off her 2nd place decorated door. Andrea Torres does “What is in the box?” for her HOCO video. Kain Brown records in his media class.
Gathering together at Senior Sunrise, the Class of 2024 enjoys one last moment of peace before their whirlwind year begins.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Spanish classes host a Hot Sauce Contest in the library.
Spotlight page 5
October 11, 2023
September Student of the Month Abigail Weaver is captain of the Hi-Steppers and is an all A honor roll student ranked in the top 10. Abigail, known by her friends as Abby, knows that challenges are part of what makes high school a time of growth. “My biggest challenge during High School was when I was trying out for officer for my Junior year and captain for my senior year,” she said. Weaver’s most proudest moment here at Kilgore High is being part of the Hi-Steppers and watching the team grow with her. “Seeing the accomplishments of the Hi-Steppers makes me most proud,” Weaver said. “They show me that what I do for the team is valuable and makes us better.” Weaver has worked closely in leading the team with her directors. She in particular is grateful for Sara Nash. Nash, who used to coach the Hi-steppers was a mentor to Weaver. She also says that Brandi Parrish, who is a junior English teacher, had a huge impact on her. “Mrs. Nash and Mrs Parrish have had the biggest impact on me because they both have taught me more things than I can count,” Weaver said. “They are both extremely passionate about their jobs and are my biggest role models.”
Abigail Weaver
Photo by Javier Orta.
Nash taught more than dance. “Nash taught me about relationships, respect, work ethic, and life in general,” Weaver said. Another club that Weaver likes most is Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS). “My favorite school activity is watching students lead their peers in devotions and prayers,” she said. Abigail’s favorite outside of school activity is going to dance practice, and also going to youth group on Wednesday. “I wouldn’t want to change anything about my favorite activities,” Weaver said. A favorite community involvement activity that Weaver participates in is when the HiSteppers do a meet and greet with little children at other campuses. “When the Hi-Steppers get to greet and open car doors for the little kids, I love it.” Weaver said. “I love to be able to be a role model for the younger kids.” Her best friend who is always with her is Sheba Meyer who has been a real friend to Weaver and has always stuck by her side. “Sheba has my back,” Weaver said. “She is real with me even if I don’t want to hear it, and she inspires me to be better.” A very memorable moment for
Abigail is when she became captain for the Hi-Steppers. “My most notable memory was when I was made captain,” Weaver said. “I had so many emotions but I felt the support from my friends through all of it.” Another great supportive and influential person to Weaver is her aunt. “She is one of my biggest supporters,” Weaver said. “She gives the best advice ever and is such an inspiration.” After high school, Weaver plans to major in dance. “I also want to become a dance teacher,” she said. Graduation brings with it some fears of the future. “I fear I won’t take the path God has planned for me,” Weaver said. “I also fear being unprepared for everything that comes after graduating.” Weaver leans on these words for inspiration in tough times: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” Matthew 6:34
~ Lou Carlisle
September Student of the Month Christopher Mora, a future Aggie, is ranked sixth in his class and is in the top ten. Christopher is aware of the difficulty of getting this far. He has had to be extremely dedicated throughout high school. “I had to stay very committed to excel in my classes by not being disruptive in class and by helping other students when I have the opportunity,” Christopher Mora said. Mora received the September Student of the Month with great surprise. “I feel honored receiving Student of the Month,” he said. “It was a very unexpected but a welcome surprise.” There are certain qualities a student must have to be KHS’s Student of the Month, and Mora checks all the boxes. “I believe the qualities I have allowed me to receive this student of the month,” Mora said. “Some of these qualities are my commitment to excel in my classes and helping other students when I have the opportunity.” Mora has been very passionate about playing violin ever since the 6th grade. “My biggest challenge so far
would have to be this year’s AllRegion music for orchestra,” Mora said. He doesn’t think of orchestra just as some class. He’s formed many friendships specifically because of this class and has made many memories. “My most special memory I have here in KHS 100 percent has to be playing ‘Call of Duty’ in the orchestra room with my friends,” Mora said. Through high school, Mora made a lot of friends, but he has to admit that his best and closest friend is Bradley Small. “Bradley has always had my back ever since we were in Chandler. Even though we have completely different personalities, I always have the best time hanging out with him,” Mora said. You wouldn’t be best friends if you aren’t complete opposites, right? “Bradley is my homie for life,” Mora said. Having that one person outside of school that we can rely on is essential, and for Mora it’s his dad. “My dad always led me on the path that would be most beneficial to my future, because of this I am one of the top students in my
class,” Mora said. Awards are not the reason Mora works hard, but he has them. “We’ve won sweepstakes every year so far in orchestra, and in tennis I’ve received 2 very special medals,” Mora said. Outside of school, Mora loves to read books or play video games with his best friend. He is heavily involved in church. Mora’s favorite community service is working at his church as a leader. “I love the experience of speaking to a crowd and spreading the word of God,” Mora said. Though his time in high school is coming to an end, Mora fears lots of things, however, he always runs this thought through his head. “I fear a lot of things, but one won’t really know until they’re there,” Mora said. He says: “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV.
~ Selena Andrade
Christopher Mora
Photo by Selena Andrade.
September Employee of the Month
Amanda Craven
Photo by Lou Carlisle.
September’s employee of the month is Amanda Craven. She is the sweet, hard working principal’s secretary here at KHS. Craven grew up in Somerville, TX, and attended Somerville High School. Craven is married to Jay Craven and has three kids. Her biggest accomplishment is her kids. “They have made me prouder than I could ever imagine,” Craven said. Her husband is her best friend because he gets her unlike anyone else and is very supportive and encouraging of her. “He makes me want to be better each day,” Craven said. Craven’s main activities that she does in her spare time mostly consist of being with her family. “I like to spend time with my family camping, boating, fishing, and kayaking,” Craven said. If she had a chance to sit down and talk with anyone, Craven would choose her parents. “I would just spend time catching up,” Craven said. A quote she goes by is to always trust in the Lord. She chooses not to look too far into the future because she trusts him with her everything.
“Whatever I am doing, I pray it is what God would have me do,” Craven said. Another thing she trusts the Lord with is to bring her back up to her true self if she’s feeling down. “When life brings me down, I turn to God,” Craven said. “He is always faithful and good.” During her time at KHS, she has had the opportunity to get to know the students and staff. The American Exchange Project is her favorite community involvement because of getting to meet new students. “It gave me the opportunity to meet students from across the country while they were able to spend time in Kilgore,” Craven said. Craven’s favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20. “That verse reminds me that God is greater than anything I can possibly imagine,” Craven said. “Therefore, no matter how big problems may be, or how big I may THINK they are, He is so much bigger and greater and there isn’t anything that He can’t handle.” Craven was asked who here at KHS has made the biggest impact
on her. “I couldn’t possibly single anyone out,” Craven said. “Numerous people have made an impact and I’m thankful for all of them.” Craven was suprised and very grateful for this award. We appreciate her hard work around KHS. Being dpendable and hardworking are just a couple of the qualities that add to the reasons she was picked for September Employee of the Month. “I am motivated to do the best that I can for KHS. Both for my co-workers and for our students,” Craven said.
~ Leslie Smith
Spotlight
October 11, 2023
October Student of the Month He’s an outgoing Varsity Football player, a counselor’s aide, member of the Class of 2024 and now October Student of the Month. This is the story of Matthew Hardy. “I’m a people person. I just know how to talk to people,” Hardy said. “Maybe being able to communicate is why people like me.” To add onto classes and extracurricular activities, Hardy also works at the East Texas Hardware Store to help provide for his family. Balancing school and a personal life is no easy task, but Hardy manages to overcome it all. “Over the summer, my mom got really sick, so it was up to me to not only take care of her, but also the bills for the house,” Hardy said. “And that’s what I did. I found a way to pay for my mom, rent, lights, and gas for my truck, all while making it to almost every football practice.” Hardy pays his respects to the coaches and staff of KHS, who he believes shaped who he is now. “The biggest influencers in my life are probably my coaches,” Hardy said. “They’ve shaped me into the person I am today.” When asked which teacher’s been the largest role model, he puts
Matthew Hardy
Photo by Jax Woods.
at the forefront his ‘school mom’ Carey Murphy. “Mrs. Murphy has had the biggest impact on me,” Hardy said. “She’s there any time I call for just about anything.” When he’s not juggling school and his home life, he likes to hang out with his girlfriend, and his best friend Cole Steele, watch movies, and play video games. “I like to play video games,” Hardy said. “There’s something about it that just makes me happy.” Since Hardy is part of the Class of 2024, this will be his last year of high school. He’ll miss his AG classes the most when he sets out into the world. “I’ve been in that class since my freshman year,” Hardy said. “It’s so much fun and you can do so many cool things in there.” As well as missing football, which he’s won District Middle Linebacker for. “Football is my favorite,” Hardy said. “I’m good at it, and when you’re good at something, people start to know your name.” Though Hardy will be entering the world following the end of this school year, he seems to have a good idea of where he wants to
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go in life. In ten years time, he sees himself getting married and settling down in a nice place with his family. “I plan to major in business management,” Hardy said. “One day, I plan to run my own business.” Life isn’t without its worries, however. Hardy wants to be the second person in his family to go to college, the first being his late brother. “My brother passed away when I was pretty young,” Hardy said. “I never really got the chance to meet him, but I could tell he was a cool person to be around. (If he was here) I would probably ask him how he navigated college because he’s the only person in our family that went to college.” Even through the struggles, Hardy tries to keep his head up, living his life by the guiding thought: “Stuff happens, get over it.”
~Elliott Norris
October Student of the Month Journee Moore has been selected for student of the Month of October. Journee is the Student Body Vice President, a 4 year member of the Hi-Steppers, and 2 year Lieutenant of the Hi-Steppers, has been Class Favorite, a 3 year Beauty nominee, secretary for National Honor Society, been a member of the Anchor Club and AASA. Journee has many qualities that are essential in order to be student of the month. “I am always friendly and welcoming to everyone,” Journee said. “Putting people before myself has always been something I do.” Journee’s proudest moment here at KHS was representing Kilgore in the Miss Gregg County Pageant. Friends, family, and Bulldogs went out to cheer for her and got the title of the Most Spirited School in East Texas back. “Being Miss Kilgore was the highlight of my high school year so far,” Journee said. “It was truly an honor to represent KHS and to see the Student Body come out to support me; a true blessing.” Journee’s favorite school activity is being a Lieutenant of the KHS Hi-Steppers. “I love being a part of a dance family and being their leader to
guide them through everything,” Journee said. Journee is very influenced by her mom and sees her as the most important person in her life. “She always has the best advice and knows how to help me with difficult things,” Journee said. “She is my biggest supporter.” Despite Journee’s success, she has still faced some challenges throughout high school. “My high school has had many challenging things and that is how high school is supposed to be,” Journee said. “High school challenges me to become a young adult.” Out of all of Journee’s teachers, Mrs. Parrish has had the biggest impact on her. “Mrs. Parrish is the most influential person I have ever met,” Journee said. “She has helped and guided me with everything.” Coach Gillen-Hall has taught her the most throughout her high school experience. Journee will forever be thankful for such a great teacher like Coach Gillen-Hall. “I never truly understood math, but he would break down every step of the equation,” Journee said. Journee will miss Co-ed Dance
and the Hi-Stepper class the most when she graduates. “Those two classes are the most fun and everyone has a good time,” Journee said. Journee has many friends she trusts but the person she truly considers her best friend is her boyfriend. “I can be myself without judgment and he is always there when I need him,” Journee said. Journee plans to major in nursing to be a labor and delivery nurse. “I love babies and it will be the best feeling bringing them into the world,” she said. Journee will be attending TCU in the fall of 2024 when she graduates. “They have a good nursing program and they have the best dance team,” Journee said. Even though high school has been a great experience, Journee still fears being unable to adjust to college life. A quote Journee lives by is: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~ Maya Angelou
Journee Moore
~ Evelyn Martinez
Photo by Amanda Craven.
October Employee of the Month
Bobby Clark
Photo by Nate Perez.
The October employee of the month is the welding teacher Bobby Clark. He is very honored about getting employee of the month. “I think my friendly personality helped me get employee of the month. Treating people with respect and speaking to people are qualities I am proud to have,”Clark said.“The contributions I have made during my years here and working with a great staff have been special.” Clark was born in Illinois where he started school. He moved to Texas attending Henderson middle and high schools. He didn’t go to college and went straight to work in an oil field and he learned to weld on the job. “The training I received on the job in the oilfield that led me to becoming a welder. This training gave me the skills I needed to perform my job,” Clark said. Clark did many things in high school. A very mermorable time for him is when he reached his goal. “One of my most memorable moments of my high school experience was when I finally
accomplished my goal of slam dunking a basketball,” Clark said He was very inspired by his father for the way he is today. “My dad has been the most influential person in my life because he taught me my work ethic. He’s the one who made me who I am today,” Clark said. He was also influenced by two teachers that helped him with welding. “I have two teachers who taught me to weld. They helped me get to work anywhere in the world by teaching me the skills I have in welding,” Clark said. His biggest accomplishment would be becoming a teacher. “One of my biggest accomplishments would be becoming a teacher since I never dreamed I would be in this career,” Clark said. He understands what type of person he wants to be in the future. “There are two types of people in this world, leaders and followers. I have always strived to be a leader,”Clark said Welding is the only activity Clark is involved in here at school. For his spare time he enjoys
working on projects and camping with his family. Outside of school he volunteers in community service. “My community involvement is related to a men’s group that I am a part of and we help elderly people that need assistance,” Clark said. Clark says that his best friend would be his wife. “My best friend is my wife, Yvonne. She’s my best friend because she knows me better than anyone else,” Clark said. An very interesting fact about Mr. Clark is that he welds with both hands. “Most people don’t know that I am a Grandpa, I weld with both left and right hands the same, and I have a knack with plants,” Clark said.
~ McKenna Mitchell
Oct. 11, 2023
ACADEMICS & ORGANIZATIONS
Pregame perfection • Former Hi-Steppers and current Hi-Steppers line up to perform for the PreGame show. Photo by Leah Gorman.
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First & Foremost • Former Hi-Steppers stand with the first director of the Hi-Steppers, Mrs. Janie Terrell. Mrs. Terrell is pictured fourth from left. Photo by Elle Litchenburg.
50th Hi-Stepper Anniversary CELEBRATED at Pre-Game; Reception Makenzie Marshall Staff Writer
The Hi-Steppers have been a continuous organization at KHS for 50 years and on Sept. 22, 2023 the Hi-Steppers alumni and current HiSteppers performed together at the PreGame show. The first director of the Hi-Steppers, Mrs. Janie Terrell was in attendance to watch the Hi-Steppers perform. Current Director Laycen Watson Peralez enjoyed the event and is proud to be a former Hi-Stepper Lieutenant and current director of such an incredible organization. “The 50th Anniversary performance was so special. Getting to see 5 decades of Hi-Steppers come together and perform at R E St John one more time was incredible,” Peralez said. The current assistant director Christie Carter and planning chairperson Shannon Miller were interviewed about the event and their time as Hi-
Steppers. Q: Why did you want to become a Hi-Stepper when you were at KHS as a student? A: “I enjoyed dance, and Hi-Steppers allowed me to dance and be involved in a school organization,” Mrs.Carter said. Q: Were you excited to see the women you once danced with? A: “Yes, I was so excited. We became like sisters during my four years on the line so to see them again is like coming home,” Mrs.Miller said. Q: Do you think the community supports the organization and how? A: “Yes; they support monetarily and by showing up for events. There are so many alumni still living in town who encourage and support the girls through praise on social media and donations to events,” Mrs.Carter Q: What is the history of the HiSteppers? A: “During the Spring of 1973, Janie
Terrell had read in the newspaper that KHS was starting a drill team that would be led by a coach’s wife who had been a Rangerette Officer in the 60s. When Terrell came home for Spring Break during her senior year of college a former English Teacher called her to ask her what her plans were after college. At the time she was unaware of what she wanted to do. The English Teacher informed Terrell that an English position had opened up at the high school. The only catch was that she would also have to the director of the newly-formed drill team. Their name was the “Derrick Dolls.” So, during the month of April, Terrell accepted the position, was hired to teach sophomore English and direct the drill team. She eventually changed the name to Kilgore High School HiSteppers...and the rest became history,” Mrs. Miller said.
The Hi-Stepper Directors in order are:
Tessa Audas Ashley Bailey Carie Barthelemess Drew Bates Janie Terrell Sydney Bates Sherry Smith Jamie Bell Dunn Marven Jane Marshall Deborah Floyd Bell-Hamilton Nina Mata Lexi Bennett Belinda Spurgin Belinda Bittick Janie Wilkins Spurgin Karen Grissom Karen Blanton Natalie Griffin Summer Borhani Carole Morgan Amy Bruyere Tara Norris Dena Butts Coleen Clower Patricia Campbell Sara Nash Gina Cancialosi Laycen Peralez Emily Carroll Sunni Cates Performers in the Jayme Cayce PREGAME were: Abigail Cervantes Jordan Abdiche Connie Chambers Brazie Adamez Le-Anna Cheek Crissy Allison Julia Chipman Sarah Allison Tayna Chitwood Lisa Anne Stevens Jaclyn Clare Kayla Anthony Kyra Clark Ashley Anthony LaCroix Coleen Clower Alyssa Cole
Stephanie Collins Rakel Connor Cindy Contreras Mallory Cook Lisa Cook Meagan Cooper Angela Cotton Janet Craver Micah Davidson Kolby Dickerson Denise Dudley Tessa Edwards Tracy Elrod Hailey Espinoza Candice Faye Lauren Faye Kailey Ford Kourtney Ford Talia Gamble Tonyah Garza Catie Geddie Jill Gee Alli Gideon Athenia Gordon Maddi Grace Riley Ashton Griffin Casey Griffith Cheryl Harley Melissa Hatcher
Jaleesa Hatchett Abby Hattaway Farrah Henson Amber Horton Carli Howard Kim Hughes Angela Hukill Rachel Hurt June Hutson Shanell Jacobs Quincy Jodry Jan Johns Vestal Shaneithia Kelley Angela Kerridge Lauryn Kitchen Brittany Krantz Laci Laird Lani Laird Kristi Latham Madison Latham Lacey Leach Amanda Lee Aleah Lee Lanie Long Ashtyn Lucas Gena Matthews Shahna McKinney Alli Miller Shannon Miller
Olivia Montgomery Kasey Montgomery Caitlin Moore Sandi Moore Cindy Mosby Sami Nelson Rachelle Nunn Kaylee Oliver Ginger Orange Jana Perkin Desiree Pierce Jaycee Pierce Cindi Richardson Brannon Russell Christina Rydbeck Andrea Sanchez Colby Santora Diana Schnarr April Schooley Kyleigh Shepherd Brittney Shepherd Katherine Shupe Kallie Slayter Katie Slayter Shanna Smith Shirley Smith Nadine Soileau Shekinah Sparkman Ashley Stephenson
Lisa Stevens Danielle Stewart Micha Stewart Macy Stuth Lauren Swetnam Chelsi Thornton Becci Thurston Elisa Tucker Mandy Tutt Tera VanMeter Hernandez Alyssa Wallace Tracie Wallace Madison Weaver Chloe Whipple Shelby White Madi Whitley Meredith Wiley Dre’Auna Williams Laura Williams Pamela Williams Wykeshia Williams Leslie Wood Averi Woods Makenzie Wyatt
Math teachers make impact with style Leslie Smith Associate Editor
get off topic and distracted easily. “I try to relate things to real world stuff, talk about what life will be like Math has different forms and is as an adult, ask students about their used in different ways. It helps make lives and what’s going on with them,” the world make sense by explaining Algebra 2 teacher TJ Gillen-Hall said. how things work. Math is one of the To relate algebra to the real world four core subjects taught in school, so Gillen-Hall explains how it relates or math teachers are important. what careers or applications it has to Math can be hard, even for do with. the teachers. Getting students to Algebra 2 teacher Kathy Bowden understand the material can be a says that it can be hard to connect challenge since everyone’s brain algebra to the real world. understands things differently. Math “This is probably the most teachers adapt to this in different difficult thing to do with algebra,” ways. Bowden said. “We do look at real “I use collaborative problem world problems where the data we solving, getting students out of their gather can be related to a real world seats, and having them teach their situation.” peers,” Geometry and Algebra 1 The debate of which type of math teacher Caleb Reed said. is easier for students to learn and for Making any math class engaging teachers to teach is all a matter of is important because students tend to opinion and type of person.
Gillen-Hall’s take on this is that it should be easier for students to understand Algebra 2, but all math is hard to teach. “Students should have a background in algebra from Algebra 1, and they should have matured a little to be willing to work and give effort to understand and better themselves,” Gillen-Hall said. Math in general, no matter the type, is hard even for teachers who, to students, know everything. “Math is a very difficult subject to teach because most students disqualify themselves from success before they try by saying, “I’m just not good at math,” and many students don’t understand that struggling with a concept or problem before you can find a solution is a natural part of learning and of life,” Gillen-Hall said.
Teaching Fun • Kathy Bowden has fun while teaching her algebra 2 students. Photo by Juan Cardozo.
Musical Mayhem:
Theater overcomes obstacles to choose production Breleigh Warlick Staff Writer Since last spring, the theater decided to put on All Shook Up, a two act, very dance-based and difficult musical to do, but there have been many difficulties that are preventing this musical from being the one that they put on. “Due to the high number of students requesting Co-ed and the department staffing changes, I lost my co-teach partner and all of the students that have dance experience,” theater director Catherine Gaertner said. “For this show to truly be successful, the theater department needs more support from the music and dance departments in the forms of talent and direction. I believe we have the student talent; I just need aid in directing.” Students are actually relieved about this change, considering how challenging the musical would’ve been to put on in such a short
amount of time. The department would’ve had less than three months to cast, rehearse, and polish the show to be performed in December. “When we were planning on All Shook Up, I was very nervous. It was a big project for just a couple months of preparation,” sophomore Jesse Gonzales said. “I was also intimidated over the vocal requirements. A lot of practice would’ve gone in, but there would also have been a lot of strain.” Even if theater won’t be putting on All Shook Up, the department still plans on putting on a musical this semester. The students in the musical theater class are currently researching and presenting different shows that might be a fit. “A musical like Beetlejuice or even Schoolhouse Rock could show our capability as a department,” sophomore Symphony Forbus said. “They would both be a challenge that can prove how well we are able to represent KHS.” “I think Schoolhouse Rock
would be something fun for us to do. It covers the lessons and characters from the 1970s cartoon, and it’s easy and fun for us to do,” junior Taiona Moore said. There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing a musical that works for the department, especially with the differences between how the musical theater class was last year and how it is this year. “We are looking into smaller scale musicals that have less of an intense dance component and are voiced on a more beginning level of singing,” Gaertner said. “The hardest part is choosing something that everyone feels excited about being a part of.” Even as challenges come the theater department’s way, the director and students are willing to persevere and work towards putting on a musical this semester. “I’m optimistic,” Forbus said. “The BoomTown Players can accomplish anything with support.”
So many Choices • Theater director Catherine Gaertner discusses the different suggestions that her musical theater students have made for the upcoming show this semester. Photo by Breleigh Warlick.
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8 World View
Foreign Exchange Students Reflect on Experiences so far
Oct. 11, 2023
Q: What country are you from? A: Poland Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 5 - I can communicate in Polish and English, I know a little bit of French and Russian, and in Kilgore, I’ve started to learn Spanish. Q: Are you missing your family and how do you stay connected with them while you are away? A: Yes, I miss my family. We have a facetime call once a week. Q: What “American experience” are you most looking for? A: I can’t wait to experience Thanksgiving because we don’t do anything similar in Poland and I’m really looking forward for all after school events.
Q: What country are you from? A: Macedonia Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 7 - My native language is Macedonian, but I can speak English, German, Serbian, Bulgarian, Croatian, and Bosnian Q: What do you hope to learn during your foreign exchange experience? A: I would like to improve my English. Q: What holidays do you celebrate that are unique to your country and how do you celebrate them? A: We have 1st of May. We go out in the nature to make picnics and make BBQ. Q: What “American experience” are you most looking for? A: Bodacious BBQ.
Q: What country are you from? A: Brazil Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 2 - Portuguese and English Q: Who was your first American friend at KHS and what made y’all become friends? A: Evan Hernandez because he always appears at my house. Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school? A: To graduate from computer engineering in Brazil and after do a post graduate in computer engineering and after a few years graduate in economy.
Hanna Chmielewska
Martin Stoimenovski
Alex Teixeira Leao
Q: What country are you from? A: Belgium Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 2 - French and English Q: Who was your first American friend at KHS and what made y’all become friends? A: Genesis because she’s a friend of my host sister and Briana is my seat neighbor in history class. Q: What “American experience” are you most looking for? A: To discover the holidays that we don’t celebrate in Belgium and to discover everything that I don’t have in my country. Q: What’s your favorite food/drink from Texas that you have tried? A: Drink is Dr. Pepper and food is pizza.
Q: What country are you from? A: Mimari Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 2 - Japanese and English Q: What do you hope to learn during your foreign exchange experience? A: To learn more English, American culture, and I want to train my mind to be strong. Q: Who was your first American friend at KHS and what made y’all become friends? A: Genesis, because when I was at the cafeteria she talked to me and we became friends. Q: What “American experience” are you most looking for? A: Definitely Halloween and Christmas.
Q: What country are you from? A: Germany Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 4 - German, Spanish, English, and Freuda Q: What do you hope to learn during your foreign exchange experience? A: I hope I learn about the American culture. Q: Who was your first American friend at KHS and what made y’all become friends? A: There are a couple people that I really like, but the first person would be Manning from my math class. Q: What’s your favorite food from Texas that you have tried so far? A: My host dad makes really good brisket, but Whataburger is also really good.
Q: What country are you from? A: Spain Q: How many languages do you speak and what are they? A: 3 - Spanish is my native language and I also know English and some French. Q: Who was your first American friend at KHS and what made y’all become friends? A: Evan Hernandez, he was the first student from KHS I met because he came over to my house the day I arrived to Texas. Q: What “American experience” are you most looking for? A: I’m really looking forward to experiencing Thansgiving and an American Christmas.
Elise Bouchat
Mimari Nakatani
Niels Dege
Raul Orellana Mateo
Evelyn Martinez Photograpy Editor
Photos by Bulldog Publications Staff.
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9 Entertainment
October 11, 2023
Making Music Makes Sense in Orchestra McKenna Mitchell Staff Writer Orchestra is a fun classroom and community where students at KHS get together and play music. The orchestras include four main instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. The orchestra director here is Sherry Paetznik Wilkins. She plays viola and violin. Her favorite thing about orchestra is sharing the music with others. “There’s nothing better than getting to share your love of music with others, especially the next generation,” Wilkins said. Wilkins started playing when she was in 6th grade. “My parents listened to a lot of classical music when I was growing up and watched concerts on PBS,” Wilkins said. “I always thought the violin was so graceful-looking.” She was also inspired by her orchestra teacher Mrs. Roberts and her private viola teacher Ruth Morrow. “I’ve been an orchestra teacher since 2014, and a teacher since
1999,” Wilkins said. Her students enjoy orchestra as well. Junior Madison Chism plays violin in the philharmonic orchestra. She has been playing since 6th grade. “My favorite memory of orchestra is the Christmas concert,” Chism said. Madison also enjoys doing orchestra UIL and tests and is looking forward to this year’s solo and ensemble contest as well as this year’s orchestra UIL. Playing in an orchestra is a fun way to get involved in an organization and meet new people. Mrs. Wilkins plays in other orchestras outside of school as well. She is active in the Longview Symphony and Longview String Quartet. People of all ages can participate in the orchestra. “It’s never too late to start,” Wilkins said. “We have a beginner class here as the high school. You can even start as an adult.” Wilkins knows a 75 year old man that started learning violin because it was on his bucket list. Orchestra has been a treasure here at KHS for over 50 years. We are one
of the only schools in the area with such a long history of an orchestra, a choir, and a band program active in the Fine Arts Department. This year, KHS orchestra plans on celebrating their 50th Anniversary. “This year is the 50th anniversary of the Kilgore ISD orchestra program, so at the end of the year, we are planning a big blowout concert with the theme ‘Music Through the Decades,’” Wilkins said. Recently orchestra students competed at All Region. These ten musicians will play in at concert on December 2. Congratulations to: Violins: Kaylie Reyes Lizett Garcia Kyleigh Lewis Christopher Mora Violas: Kylee Hunter Luis Grajales Emma Witt Alyson Lacy Adriana Sanjuan Cello: Sarah Gardner
Notably impressed • Orchestra students in philharmonic enjoy playing their music. Photo by Mckenna Mitchell.
SCENTSATIONAL: Bath & Body Works mania takes hold McKayla Holland Staff writer
With fall upon us, Bath & Body Works has come out with another wide array of fall and Halloween scents such as Mahogany Teakwood, Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte, Vampire Blood, and Ghoul Friend. These scents and many more keep students smelling fresh, while keeping up with the aesthetics of fall. Bath & Body Works has over 100 scents that they rotate throughout the year. From flowery spring scents, to crisp winter scents, Bath & Body Works is a staple to people who love their unique and exclusive scents. Q:What are your favorite scents? A:Vanilla Bean, Into the Night, White Jasmine and Peppermint - Mia Moore, Junior A:Amber, Pumpkin Spice, Pine Tree, and Fall - Thailor Moore, Freshman
Bulldog Publications students adore Bath & Body Works • Mrs. Bates’s classes have a variety of scents in the classroom. Plain hand sanitizer is NOT IT for the staff. Photo by McKayla Holland.
A: Beautiful Day and Cashmere Amber - Lily Tieman, Freshman A: Strawberry Shortcake, Pumpkin
Cupcake, Japanese Cherry Blossom, and Winter Candyland. - Olivia Norris, Freshman
just smell so good. - Abigail Lagunes, Freshman
Q: Do you have a certain season you prefer for scents?
A: Not typically, its mostly candles and overpriced. - Brianne Tucker, Freshman
A: Summer season and fall are associated with my favorite scents. - Brianna Tucker, Freshman A: Yes, fall. - Kyler Harper-Ficket, Freshman Q: What kinds of scents do you think Bath & Body Works needs to implement into their collection? A: More fire/smoke smells and whiskey/ old book smells. - Joanna Reynolds, Freshman A: Peppermint and more spring scents, like fresh scents. - Esperanza Garcia, Junior Q: Do you check out their other store, White Barn? Why or why not? A: Yes I do, Because I like the scents their candles have, and I feel like they
Q:What was the first scent you used? A: Japanese Cherry Blossom. - Shaun Casayuran, Freshman A:Strawberry Shortcake. - Scarlet Steuck, Freshman Q:What makes you enjoy Bath & Body Works? A: Softer scent choices. - Kylee Wecker, Freshman A: They hold so many memories. - Kylie Herrin, Freshman A. Yes, I have over 200 Bath and BW products. -Thailor Moore, Freshman Students are flocking to stores to be able to pick up their favorite scents from Bath & Body Works. We would advise you not to wait to get yours, either.
Artificial Intelligence in Modern Day
Affecting artists, musicians & maybe you
AI Suspicion • BIM instructor Dr. Keith Graham muses the effects of AI on artists like himself. Photo by Juan Cardozo. Juan Cardozo Staff Writer Artificial intelligence has only gotten more and more advanced in this past decade, with so many different capabilities that AI can generate or do. The form of AI we have today is the combination of three things: AI, ML (or machine learning which is a subset of AI), and DL (or deep learning which is a subset of ML). Today’s AI has the abilities such as being able to generate animations, art pieces, scripts or any kind of writing, voices or even someone in general. With all the capabilities that AI can generate, this could both positively and negatively influence the way musicians, actors, writers
and other associated artists go about their careers. Some artists have taken this new concept to a new level and have adopted AI to help broaden their talents and assist with creating something new. This allows for growth in the artist’s career allowing them to further express themselves and be more creative. “I think AI will become its own medium and allow artists to be more creative in the future,” CTE Business Information Management instructor Dr. Keith Graham said. “Many musicians, myself included, get writer’s block from time to time and AI could be used to mitigate it and supply ideas the artist never considered.” With painters and sculptors or
other forms of physical artwork, their artwork can be analyzed by AI. When AI analyzes their artwork, it can generate recommendations for potential customers or people who would be interested in the piece. A form of this AI software is Critbot, an AI trained to critique someone’s artwork by analyzing it and utilizing the knowledge of its extensive database. Artists’ work could be spread in a different way, for example on YouTube, Spotify or Instagram. These apps utilize machine learning (ML). ML gives the viewer recommendations based on what the viewer’s activity has been, giving them more content like music, art or such, that they would enjoy. “AI is making it possible to make more detailed art and allows artists to spread their art farther into the world,” junior Pedro Gonzalez said. In the world of the film industry AI plays a big role. AI can assist in animating lifelike facial expressions and emotions in both live-action and animated films. This can be a big help with creating more lifelike creatures and fantasy characters. But besides monsters it can also make someone look younger or even reanimate someone who is no longer with us. For example, A new movie is planned to come out called Back to Eden has its star role played by James Dean. James Dean was a famous actor whose life was cut short after only playing in three movies, all being highly acclaimed to this day, and now he will be moving and talking once more after nearly seven decades since his passing. Although this may sound amazing
to others, this makes actors scared for their careers. This poses a threat to their jobs because this begs the question of how they will get paid for their representation and what this means for the future, causing many to go on strike. Many artists believe that sense AI can automate tasks that are seen as human creativity, such as generating music, art, or text. They worry that it might devalue human creativity or put people out of their jobs. “I would say that it can be a problem if the artist relies too much on ‘the machine’ to make music,” Dr. Graham said. “I think if AI is used to create music especially, it will detract from the feelings behind it, music is based on feelings.” In may of this year, 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike. Due to AI’s advancements, they were protesting to seek fair pay, higher residuals, aleady on the decline due to the streaming era, and to ensure that AI will not replace them. AI can produce content that can copy aspects of people’s works. This has artists concerned about originality and plagiarism for AI-generated content. Writers and actors alike are banding together on strike for proper compensation. With the way AI is heading, artists are finding more and more ways to embrace this form of technology, finding ways to further their art with the help of AI. But as with every subject, there are flaws and people disagree with AI for how it may effect people in the long run.
Senior Portraits• Senior Jennifer Nunez said she was filled with lots of emotions as she took her portrait. Photo by Selena Andrade
SENIORITIS: The struggle is real Selena Andrade Content Editor It’s easy to say that the majority of the class of 24 definitely has senioritis by now. “I’ve had senioritis since sophomore year,” Emily Zuniga said. Putting the jokes aside, it’s the end for us seniors. Not every ending has to be sad, right? “My favorite memory at KHS would have to be getting to set up prom my Junior year. I got to spend the day with my friends, and two of my favorite teachers, so it was a really cool experience,” Sydney Starkey said. Even with all the good memories students make during their senior year, most of them fall into a deep hole where they begin to lose motivation as a result of the many responsibilities that are placed on them during their senior year. “Pre-Calculus has posed a challenge this year which makes me
put in 10x more effort than my other classes,” Dennis Reed said. Some seniors find it best to set goals for themselves whether it’s big or small to stay motivated. Most feel with the right amount of encouragement from their family or even their peers, anything is possible to achieve. “I just think about my future and how I want it, so I think about how I need to work hard to achieve it,” Christopher Mora said. There will be lots of obstacles that will get in the way this year, but the most important thing is to put yourself and getting this diploma first. “The main person you have to take you through the journey is yourself. You matter and so does your mental health, so just take care of it in a healthy way, because you matter,” Leslee Martinez said. Class of 24, senior year isn’t easy but remember to lean on your friends and family when needed: they love you.
10 Health & Wellness
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Oct 11, 2023
The Secret Lives Of Athletic Trainers Cadence Trimble Copy Editor
1 A Healthy recognition • 1) Carter Blood Care representative gives Kilgore High School Health Science Club a Great Grants check for the 6 blood drives last year that saved lives in our community. 2) Senior Maggie Quine donates at the blood drive. Courtesy Photo.
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Great strides earn great grants Carter Barton Design Editor The KHS Health Science Club was awarded the Carter BloodCare Great Grants check today for the 5th year in a row. At the 6 blood drives we hosted last school year, there were enough units of blood collected to save 777 lives.
Thank you to the students, teachers, staff, and community members who donated. Thanks to the health science students and teachers who work hard to organize and run each drive. Thanks to Carter BloodCare for recognizing this hard work. If you are interested in
donating for the next blood drive watch your email and keep up with sign ups. Health science students or club members can answer any questions you have about the importance of the blood drives and when the next one will be on our KHS campus.
You’re in that last quarter of your first game of the season. Your teammate makes a pass to you and you go for it, but suddenly someone rams into you. You’re on the ground, bleeding and the ambulance is five minutes out. Who is going to help you? Suddenly, Coach Fry and her team run out to save you. This is the job of an athletic trainer. “I wanted to combine my interest in the medical field with my love of sports and this was the perfect way to do that,” Fry said. At every game, you can see Coach Fry in her element. Waiting to strike the field to help her athletes in their time of need. And athletic trainer is a certified and licensed health care professional who practices in the field of sports medicine. Athletic training has been recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession since 1990. Kilgore is one of the many schools who allow students who plan on going into an athletic training career to work with trainers. One of the students is Sophomore Andrew Wood. “I love sports, and I love helping people so why not do both,” Wood said. Being a Trainer means that you have to be on your ‘A game’ at all times, otherwise someone can seriously get hurt. “Whether it’s the coaches, trainers, or athletes, they definitely make all the sweaty hard days worth it in the end,” junior Pilar Baldazo said. Fry recalls seeing one of the most serious injuries of her career. “We see the normal fractures, dislocations, etc. The worst was when an athlete took a bad hit on the football field, and it literally knocked him 2 weeks back. He didn’t know who anyone was and
developed some mental issues that had to be managed for a while after the initial injury. He’s much better now,” Fry said. When on the field during an injury of an athlete, aa trainer needs to conduct an assessment of the problem. “It depends on the sport and the type of injury that we may be dealing with,” Fry said. “If they are injured on the field, we will do a quick assessment to see what we are dealing with and to make sure it is safe to move them to the side. Once we have them to the side, or in the training room (if we are in the gym), we will do a more
thorough assessment to see what exactly is going on and what our next steps should be. If they can return, we let them. If not, we act accordingly,” Fry said. There are ways that trainers can evaluate a patient’s ability to play. “We field-test them,” Fry said. “When they are able to perform the demands of their sport with proper skill, accuracy, and fluidity without excessive pain or hesitation, they may return.” Preparing an athlete before a game is just as important as any other task an Athletic Trainer has to complete. “In general, we provide the necessary treatments. (tape, pad injuries, wound care, wrap, etc.) We make sure they are properly hydrated. We usually do this every day, not just game day. We do court or field set up, and whatever else is
needed,” Fry said. Athletic trainers don’t always get the credit they deserve. “The hardest part is that Athletic Training as a profession is often undervalued and not seen as the Allied Health Profession that it is, so we are constantly having to prove ourselves. Most people don’t know what we actually do. We don’t have an off-season, so we are always on the go and we often have more than one sport/activity going at a time,” Fry said. Even with all the headaches, Fry is happy. “Another job? No, ma’am, I love what I do,” Fry said. “I enjoy the interactions I get to have with my athletes and coaches. I enjoy being able to celebrate the successes especially when an athlete successfully gets to return to their sport, but I also have the opportunity to be an arm of support during the losses and injury. I don’t take that lightly.” Fry knows lots of her students are headed into the same field. “Being an athletic trainer is very demanding,” Fry said. “It’s not just a job, it’s a calling. On any given day we come to work knowing that we may have to save a life, but praying that we don’t. We get to experience the greatest of days for our athletes, and we have the opportunity to walk with them through their worst of days. We do everything that we can to make sure every athlete is mentally, physically, and emotionally equipped to step foot on the field/court and perform to the best of their ability, and watch them go. If, for whatever reason, that is interrupted, we are ready to do whatever we need to do, to the best of our ability. I could go on, but I’ll stop there because I think you get the picture.”
A counselor’s view • Counselor Jennifer Quine shared some websites to help students how to not suffer from social anxiety. Insight Time is an anxiety app that has meditation and relaxation activities. Inner Health Studios is a website that has guided imagery, relaxation scripts and audio activities for coping skills. Photo by Makenzie Marshall.
Burning the midday oil • Rylee Porter, Haeleigh Wilson, and Daniel Vazquez all try to catch up on their school work in the library/media center. Working in this space allows for students to help one another relieve stress. Photo by Breleigh Warlick.
Brutal Burnout: Get help now Breleigh Warlick Staff Writer
normal life can be a lot to handle,” senior Lizett Garcia said. Burnout doesn’t just suddenly According to a Student Voice appear. The symptoms usually start Survey taken in April 2023, fifty out small and seemingly harmless, six percent of students believed but they gradually become more that they experienced chronic and more extreme the longer they stress, which is a large amount of go ignored. stress that isn’t really caused by Although it is a usually one specific event. This can cause unpredictable phenomenon, burnout many physical and mental health can be prevented before it even problems, one of these problems starts. including burnout. Getting a good night’s sleep, Burnout is when a person keeping a balanced diet and experiences stress for such a practicing stress relieving activities prolonged period of time that they such as journaling and meditation become drained both physically can all lower the risk of a person and mentally. Although there are getting burnout. many symptoms of this occurrence, “I try to balance out all of my some of the most common are school work and extracurricular feeling extremely unmotivated, activities to keep myself from becoming physically drained and getting too stressed. I try to turn in experiencing frequent headaches. all of my assignments on time. I “It’s like doing so much of also find time to relax and do things something that you tire yourself I enjoy,” Garcia said. out and struggle to continue with Once a person is in the midst the task, or any tasks as a matter of burnout, though, it can be a of fact,” freshman Briana Tucker completely different challenge to says. overcome it. Although burnout used to be Doctors suggest that making seen as a problem only experienced selfcare a priority, taking yourself in adult workplaces, a study out of stressful situations, and conducted by Katariina Salmama- seeking help from either loved ones Aro in 2009 found that high school or professionals are all sufficient students face just as much stress, if ways to combat burnout. not more than adults do. “I think the best way to get “I think school is a major factor through burnout is to recognize that contributes to stress. Having you need help,” humanities teacher to balance grades, homework, Tom Rhoads said. “I’ve dealt with friendships, extracurricular burnout, and I didn’t realize I activities and sports on top of your needed help. As a result, my family
went through a year of turmoil that we could’ve avoided if we’d known.” Teenagers face lots of stress and anxiety during school, and it’s important for them to recognize this stress and take action before it consumes them. Teachers, too, can feel the pain of burnout. Truly, anyone can. It is important to realize that anyone can experience burnout, even those who seem to have an easy workload. Everyone has different tolerance amounts to stress. Hopefully, if you put into practice some of the organizational skills mentioned here, you can keep yourself from becoming too overwhelmed with stress and becoming burnt out The most important thing to remember when it comes to burnout is to be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly if you see them in yourself or your peers. You will likely come to find everyone is in the same boat rowing the best they can. No one actually has it all together, so it is not embarrasing to seek out assistance. If you believe that you or a loved one needs help with stress or burnout, there are always teachers, counselors, and friends around to ask for help. Make sure that burnout is not frying your chances at having a great year at KHS.
ANXIETY: How to get help while struggling Makenzie Marshall Staff Writer
Social anxiety often happens early on when a child first starts going to school and many people tend to say their shyness is something they will grow out of instead of looking at the other possibilities, which could be social anxiety. If you think about it, the child is leaving behind their parents who they have been with at home for so many years to go to a public place with children they have never seen before and adults they have never interacted with before in their lives, so just that alone can cause a lot of disruption in someone’s life. The fear that people with social anxiety disorder have in social situations is so intense that they feel it is beyond their control. For some people, this fear may get in the way of going to work, attending school, or doing everyday things. Other people may be able to accomplish these activities but experience a great deal of fear or anxiety when they do. People with social anxiety disorder may worry about engaging in social situations for weeks before they happen. Sometimes, they end up avoiding places or events that cause distress or generate feelings of embarrassment. Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety are: • Blush, sweat, or tremble. • Have a rapid heart rate. • Feel their “minds going
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blank,” or feel sick to their stomach. Have a rigid body posture, or speak with an overly soft voice. Find it difficult to make eye contact, be around people they don’t know, or talk to people in social situations, even when they want to.
Q&A with our Counselors From 9th Counselor Mrs. Carey Murphy Q: How would you describe social anxiety? A: I would describe social anxiety as an anxiety disorder where the person has a fear of being watched/judged by others in social situations. They feel fear in social situations where there are other people around them. There is often a fear of doing something embarrassing. Q: As a school counselor, what different types of anxiety have you seen in students? A: When it comes to anxiety, there are different types of the disorder. For example, generalized anxiety, panic, social, and some phobia-related disorders. As a school counselor, I am not qualified to diagnose an anxiety disorder, but our students are a mirror of our community and therefore experience all types. Q: How do you help students who come to you about their anxiety? A: When students come to my office experiencing anxiety,
I give them a quiet, safe place to cope with their feelings. We often discuss coping strategies and how to apply them as well as how to deal with situations that could trigger the feelings they are experiencing. From 11th/12th Counselor Mrs. Jennifer Hattaway
Q: How would you describe social anxiety? A: Everyone feels nervous on some occasions but it should not be constant. Social anxiety would be when everyday interactions cause stress and fear and can lead to avoiding people and situations. Q: As a school counselor, what different types of anxiety have you seen in students? A: General social anxiety and test anxiety. Q: How do you help students who come to you about their anxiety? A: Talking to a trusted adult will usually help. Listening to music and writing in a journal are two coping strategies that might work. We would discuss others. ******************* If you feel that you are struggling, there are many places to get help. Personal health is our responsibility as much as anyone else’s when we reach our teenage years. Reach out for help so that you have the best possible chance for happiness, peace and success.
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Sports
October 11, 2023
The Inner Strings: Tennis ‘aceing’ the seasons to be overcome. The strength Freshman Olivia Norris finds lies in the simple belief of remaining cheerful. We’ve all seen what tennis “Being happy and motivational looks like from the sidelines, but helps me face adversity,” Norris what do we know about the people said. “I’ve learned to keep my who make up the team? composure instead of getting mad The team’s recent game against when I lose a point.” Bullard has left Varsity 2-8 (loss) Learning the different and JV 2-4 (loss). While this looks techniques of a sport takes time, disheartening for them, they still and perseverance. The love of the have hopes for winning the toughest sport for Andrew Wood can be challenge yet: District found in the opposition. “I’m fairly confident that we “I love the competitiveness and will win district this year,” senior the mind game that it takes to play,” Allison Williams said. “We were Woods said. able to do it spring season of last Not every time the players year and our team has only gotten step onto the court will they win. stronger since then.” Sophomore Amora Bailey reminds Williams has been playing the those joining tennis to give it your sport since the sixth grade, making all. her one of the top veteran players. “For those joining, I want y’all Coach Jason Maroney to remember that you won’t always expects his team to work hard, be win,” Bailey said. “You may lose respectful, and be very competitive. some, but remember that you 1 Traits they’ll have to apply tried your best and that’s all that regularly in order to win district matters.” championship. “We have a strong district, so it’s always tough to win it,” Maroney said. In every sport, there are inspirations. Expert players to look up to. In the case of sophomore Daniel Muir, that motivation comes in the form of Roger Federer. “Personally, Roger Federer was a big inspiration for me,” Muir said. Another form of encouragement can be on the court next to you. For Mari Camposano, that player is Allison Williams. “No matter what I may deal with on or off the court, my best 4 2 3 friend Allison Williams is always 1) Following through • Sophomore Daniel Muir completes a forehand. 2) Junior James Mercer follows through with a forehand there for me,” Camposano said. Though, no sport is as easy as it during his match. 3) Swinging for it • Freshman Olivia Norris prepares to carry out a forehand. 4) Head in the game • Freshman seems. There are always obstacles M.R. Adamez after finishing a point during his singles match. Photos by Elliott Norris.
Elliott Norris Staff Writer
2024 Tennis • Senior
Allison Williams, who currently ranks second on Girls Varsity, carries out a serve.
Q/A
Q: How well is this season going for you so far? A: This season is going pretty well for me so far. I’ve been able to fine tune some plays with my partner, and I believe that will help push us into regionals later on. Q: What do you love about the sport? A: I love the accountability that comes with tennis. By being your own referee, so to speak, each player gains a fair amount of sportmanship. Q: Are there any techniques you need to continue improving upon? A: Of course there are things I need to improve on. One of those things is the variety of my serves. Sometimes, my serves are too predictable.
What Makes A Runner: Cross Country Juan Cardozo Staff Writer
Together • Juniors Tracee Ferguson, Lexi Lara, Maci McNew, Aliyah Veloz, Ruby Almanza
Q/A
Varsity runner Maci McNew, has the work ethic it takes. Q: How do you handle the mental and physical fatigue that can come during a race? A: “I just push through it the best I can,” McNew said. “Then at the end I take a nice little 5 minute power nap.” Q: Can you describe the sense of friendship among team members during training and races? A: “It’s like one large group of friends,” McNew said. “Everyone jokes around and encourages each other.” Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals that you follow? A: I pray before we run every single time,” McNew said. “It important to me because my strength is found in Christ, and I want to give Him all the glory.
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1) Leaders of the pack• Junior Rodrigo Rodriguez, freshman Ruben Rodriguez and senior Haven Toliver race to the front. 2) Encouragement • Juniors Jorge Aleman and Luciano Brizuela push each other through the finish. 3) Determination • Junior Gustavo Trejo sprints until the very end. Photos by Maci McNew.
The cross country team’s recent meet in Jacksonville had Varsity boys placing in second, varsity girls placing in fifth, JV boys placing in third and JV girls placing in fourth. While we didn’t take home the gold, the team is not taking this defeat. The team is training hard, each having different techniques that can be used to help them keep on running or how and finish the race. Sophomore Jose Martinez, who’s been on varsity since his freshman year, thinks keeping with the pack and running as fast as you can at the end of the race is the best way to get a high place. “When someone tries to pass me I keep up with them because you can’t waste all your energy trying to stay at the front,” Martinez said. “If they try to pass me at the end of the race though, I sprint as hard as I can to make sure that does not happen.” As for junior Gustavo Trejo, he takes on a similar approach. “Start off strong and stay in the front of the pack with your race pace and get into a nice rhythm and control your breathing,” Trejo said. “As soon as you reach 800m close to the finish, start accelerating and when you’re about 200m away sprint it.“ Getting extra practice in and resting your body is the way to go for junior Rodrigo Rodriguez. “I usually go on some solo runs either at the park or around
my neighborhood to keep myself in shape,” Rodriguez said.” Also make sure to get enough sleep to stay energized for a run.” Running to music and convincing yourself to keep going is the way junior Kylee Hunter pushes through. “I find a song that has a good tempo and I just repeat it in my head if I feel that I am getting off track, lately, it has been ‘No Chains’ - KB and ‘good 4 u’ - Olivia Rodrigo,” Hunter said. “If you just lie to yourself and say ‘it doesn’t hurt’ or ‘I’m not tired’ then you will believe it.” Cross country isn’t easy. Junior Maci McNew stands for runners needing to have what it takes to succeed. “You need to be stubborn minded, dedicated, hard working, and have mental endurance,” McNew said. “Just accept that it will be hard and go out and run your best race.” For junior Genises Castillo, the sooner it’s over means the faster you can get the pain over with. “I tell myself it’s temporary pain and think about how accomplished I would feel right after the race,” Castillo said. Running cross country has many factors in it, but one of the most important ones to help stay motivated is listening to the people that support you. “Seeing my friends and coaches cheering me on motivates me to run faster,” junior Christian Olivarez said.
903-987-2516 * 302 E. Main St. * Kilgore, TX 75662 www.dragonlootz.com * Nat20@dragonlootz.xom Owner: Stevan Beets (Game Room Rental Available)
12 Sports
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October 11, 2023
All Out, All Game, All Season: Lady Dogs taking it Home Lou Carlisle Managing Editor
“Go out, Go out!” “I got it,I got it!” The volleyball Lady Dogs are screaming for the ball as they play extra harder this year with a whole new team. The new Volleyball Lady DOGS are Kate Smires 9th, Elle Litchenburg 10th, Maurine Witt 11th, Makayla Smith 12th, Reese Burgess 11th, Tejah Dennis 11th, Aderria Williams 12th, Kylie Herrin 9th, Phenix Rivers 11th, and Madison Harris 11th. Coach Madeleine Harris, Assistant Coach Gabriela Moore, and new Freshmen Coach Lacey Middlebrooks practice the girls very hard each and every day. A big part for the Lady Dogs is to practice a lot and practice what they need to get better which will make the team stronger. “My practice plan revolves around strengthening our weakness or exposing the other team’s weaknesses, ” Coach Harris said. Practices are meant to focus on improving and becoming successful for future games. It’s meant to push limits and help teammates find more trust and confidence. “I play mainly in the back row and some things I need to improve on is moving my feet to the ball and calling the ball,” member of the freshman team Morgan Simmons said. For a good practice everyone needs a good chemistry to trust each other and to have a good game in the future. “I try to be comfortable and be myself because that helps other
players to allow themselves to do the same,” Kate Smires said. A good way to make sure everyone is on the same level is to have strategies on how to ensure your team, and make everyone feel a part of a team. Simmons helps by cheering on the players and encouraging them. “I cheer on the players when they do something good and encourage them when they mess up,” Simmons said. While on the court, every Lady Bulldog goes out with a goal. Reyes has a goal for her whole JVA team for them to grow with each other for the better. “My goals for our team is to just grow and bond with each other,” Reyes said. “Our JVA team has been playing with each other since middle school and just seeing us all play together on such a great team is an amazing thing to see. We are all close with each other and even after a loss, we don’t let it affect the friendships we have with each other.” This Friday, October 13, the Lady Bulldogs will host Teacher Appreciation Night. “Even though we have faced adversity this season,” sophomore varsity player Elle Litchenburg said. “I feel like our team chemistry has grown stornger and we have learned many lessons not only about volleyball, but also about life.” Upcoming games:
10/13 Chapel Hill- Home 10/17 Center-Away 10/20 Gilmer- Home 10/24 Carthage- Home
Reese’s Puff• Reese Burgess going up to serve on to victory.
Q/A
Q: What is a good game in your definition? A: A good game in my definition is being the best team we can be throughout the whole game, win or loss. Q: Explain your approach to developing team chemistry? A: As a team we do have team chemistry on and off the court. We have faced some troubles, but it has only brought us closer! Q: What strategies do you use to ensure that all players on the team feel included and achieve success? A: After a play we all come together and reassure each other even after a mistake is made. Our quote is “Next play” if something is wrong or if a mistake is made.
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1) Mine, Mine • Junior Maurine Witt & Maddie Harris digging up on a down ball. 2) Up and over • Freshman Kylie Herrin goes up to swing on the ball. 3) For Us • The Lady Bulldogs are focusing on building each other up this season. Come watch them Friday at home at 4:30 & 5:30.
Kilgore Bulldogs in their Winning Era Cadence Trimble Copy Editor
Kilgore Bulldogs • 2023 Kilgore Captains; 67 Braydon Nelson | 2 PJ Wiley | 81 Josh Parrish | 9 Derrick Williams | 4 Zaylon Stoker | 15 Matthew Hardy | 44 Aubrey Saylor | 79 Emmanuel Young |
SEASON STATS Carthage 8/25: Kilgore Loss 27-30
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Gilmer 9/1: Kilgore loss 24-23 Longview PineTree 9/9: Kilgore win 18-0 Palastine 9/22: Kilgore win 37-7 Jacksonville 9/29: Kilgore win 49-7 Lindale 10/6: Kilgore win 64-29 Upcoming game: in Henderson 10/13 at 7:30 p.m. Be there!
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1) Always on the Lookout • Bulldogs get ready to take home the win. 2) Keeping pace • Bulldogs stay focused throughout the game. 3) Good luck Bulldogs • Boys run out onto the field with great energy and excitement. Photos by Caroline Adams & Maci McNew.
STUDENT SECTION: DOG POUND
Photo by Maci McNew.
The tradition of having a captain is as old as any sport itself. Historically, the captain would represent the team in discussions with the referee, opposing teams, and sometimes even the fans. Today, while their roles have evolved, their significance hasn’t waned. Among these, the roles of the captains stands paramount. Acting as the on-field general, the captains represent the heartbeat of a football team, channeling the coach’s vision while rallying players during both tranquil and tumultuous times. The Kilgore High School Football team has seven dedicated captains who help lead the team to success. Braydon Nelson, Derrick Williams, PJ Wiley, Aubrey Saylor, Josh Parrish, Emmanuel Young, and Zaylon Stoker. Aubrey Saylor is a Senior whose position is Fullback and Defensive Tackle. His favorite part of football is the family and brotherhood that comes with the sport. “My main motivations are God, my family, my teammates, and the heart and passion I have for football,” senior offensive lineman Emmanuel Young said. His Favorite part of football is going to the Friday night games and being able to be on the field. One of his goals for this year is to strive for a State Championship
win.
PJ Wiley is a senior wide receiver and linebacker. His favorite part of football is when he catches a pass that lands him a touchdown. Seeing his mother be proud of him is what makes him strive for success. Wiley has set many goals for himself this season; one of his goals is to set a record for himself in football. Josh Parrish is a senior who plays the tight end and fullback positions. His favorite parts of football are the pre-game parties they have in the endzone of the football field. For Josh, not letting his teammates down and having them depend on him is what makes Parrish strive for success. Senior reciver and safety are Zaylon Stoker’s positions. He says his favorite part about football is making his fans happy. When asked what his goals are for this season, he hopes to get as many offers as possible. Braydon Nelson is one of our senior offensive lineman. Being captain meant a lot of things to him. “Being a captain means a lot to me because I’ve always dreamed of being a captain for the Kilgore Bulldogs from the time I first went to a Kilgore Bulldog football game to the time I was selected captain,” senior Braydon Nelson said. Come out and support them and their teammates this Friday in Henderson. .
GO BULLDOGS
Courtesy Photo