November 2021 Volume IV Issue I
Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
mydshs.com
The Paw Print
Photos by: Brooklyn Hagblom, Ariela Barron, Will Taylor
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The Paw Print November 2021
The Unfortunate Case of Airpods
mydshsnews.com
News
Jerald Earlobe Gets AirPods Stuck In His Ears For The Rest Of His Life. Kailey Nutt Staff Writer
On November 1, 2021, a Dripping Springs student had a scary and extraordinary experience. Senior Jerald Earlobe got his airpods stuck in his ear. Authorities say that he is in the hospital still trying to get the airpods out. “Can you speak up,” said Earlobe. Jerald recalls him not being able to hear the interviewer due to the unfortunately that his music is still playing in both of his ears. “Teens these days are in such an important time of their lives, and I just feel bad for poor Jerald,” said Deputy Blueberry Muffins, a first responder to the incident. Muffins describes the scene as scary and something he has never seen before, and he is frightened of what this means for Earlobe’s future. “I’m never using these (airpods) again,” said Earlobe. Earlobe tells the doctor many times that he will never go back to using airpods for the safety of him and his ear, and he wants to share the importance to teens of how airpods can impact your life. “He’s a good kid, and I feel awful that he will have his airpods stuck in his ears for the rest of his life,” Earlobe’s doctor, Doctor Stranger, said. Doctor Strange, who recently was fired for breaking HIPPO violations for this story, explains the importance of taking breaks from airpods and describes how he got his medical license online. “I don’t want to go to the zoo,” Earlobe said. After the interviewer asked him, “How has this changed you,” Earlobe didn’t fully understand the question due to the airpods stuck in both of his ears. “I’ve been trying to switch the Spotify songs, but they are all stuck on heavy metal,” Muffin’s said. The music still blasts in Earlobe’s ears, and unfortunately, it is all heavy metal music put on total volume; Muffin’s explains the pain Earlobe is going through with a singer screaming in his ear 24/7. “Stop following me; I don’t want to be interviewed,” a woman on the street who chose to remain anonymous said. After trying to stop a woman on the street, she declined and started running away when the interviewer started following her to ask her about Earlobe’s unfortunate event. “Look, the police are coming for me soon, but I will not listen to them and choose to help Jerald,” Doctor Stranger said. Doctor Stranger puts his whole future at risk to help Earlobe, and no one knows the reason for his arrest or the search warrant for a fake doctor that discloses patient information in the Dripping Springs area. “Can you speak a little louder,” Earlobe said, “I should have just taken a break from the airpods, or at least listened to better music?”
Critical Mass at DSHS
Hannah Caddell Staff Writer
Creating a Welcoming Environment for ALL Students The Critical Mass organization at DSHS helps to create a community where all students can feel safe and accepted. In a place like rural Texas, it can feel hard to flourish as yourself. Critical Mass, a civil rights and LGBTQIA+ group, becomes a place where students can find retreat and community amongst themselves. The club meets on Tuesdays at 8:20 a.m. in room D108 to foster fellowship and develop ideas to make the school a more welcoming place for everyone. The definition of critical mass is the number of people needed to change legislation or policy. The Critical Mass Club at DSHS “[focuses] on civil rights issues and minority groups that are facing [those] issues,” Sponsor Chelsea Owens said. Club President Luane Pizzo Motta
pronouns they use at school vary from those they use at home for some students. “A lot of kids don’t want their parents to know,” Pizzo said. To create an environment that favors students’ choices, there is a spreadsheet accessible to teachers and administrators that contains students’ names, pronouns, and current situations. “So [teachers and staff] can support [students] in the safest way possible,” Owens said. “I didn’t have the guts to talk to my teachers personally, but with this document, I started to feel much more comfortable,” Pizzo said. To build that trust and community in the Critical Mass club, meetings begin with Officers introducing themselves with their names, pronouns, and
“Try to create a community and a safe space to celebrate who we are”
explained the goals of Critical Mass as working towards making Dripping Springs more inclusive. One way to do this occurs when being intentional about using the right pronouns and working to make students more comfortable. “We are trying to bring more awareness to asking about pronouns,” Owens said. Because Dripping Springs remains a more conservative place, it becomes hard to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s really scary to be yourself,” Pizzo said. The objective of this club provides that space to exist as yourself. “Try to create a community and a safe space to celebrate who we are,” Pizzo said. Discussions in the club have centered around creating a more embracing school, such as the availability of gender-neutral bathrooms. “It’s all about making? kids feel safe,” Owens said, and “having a place where they can talk to other people who have been through the same things they have.” Naturally, obstacles obstruct the way of achieving their goals. In terms of gender-neutral bathrooms, the issues of money, safety, and unhappy adults circulate. Pizzo explained that the
Jakob Becker Staff Writer
sexuality. Members shared their coming out stories and experiences, developing bonds with each other through companionship. “[The People of Critical Mass] want to translate that [feeling of safety] into the school by putting out pins that say what their pronouns are,” Owens said. Providing pins with pronouns on them raises awareness about the use of pronouns and helps students. “It gives that little bit of identity back to the individual,” Owens said. The opportunity for students to gain back their individuality is an example of the kind of thing that Critical Mass hopes to achieve. While the pins helped recognize the needs of the students, participation in the Homecoming Parade recognized the students themselves. This remains an exciting moment for Critical Mass, “We were in the parade!” Pizzo said.
Businesses in need
Opportunities for High School Students To Earn Money a lot through casual conversation with For the past ten years, the Dripping Locally some of their workers. According Springs Running Club (DSRC) has
Are you a high school student and interested in running the Run by the Creek? Email Tia Davison for more information and a discount code!
Run By the Creek
put on the Run Due to the pandemic, multiple jobs are opening up around Dripping Springs. This is perfect timing for all the students at DSHS that are just coming of age to get their jobs and earn a bit of their own money. This opens up several job opportunities that can be fulfilled by people just now entering the workforce (students). One prime example would be the Springs Family YMCA and its shortage of workers once school started. Their central problem is, they simply do not have enough lifeguards to watch the pool during school hours. Being an employee myself, I know from experience that it is still hard to even get to the pool on time, even after school hours. This is mainly because there is so much traffic on 290. One thing to keep in mind is, all workers get a free Y membership that gives you access to all services like the gym and pool. Chick-fil-a is another business I have been asking around about in terms of staff. I learned
to their website, most get paid $12/ hour; many of these include customer interaction. The pay is also competitive, so it varies depending on how nurturing you are willing to be with the customers. Chick-fil-a also provides scholarships to some well-known workers and has been with them for a long time. Employees also get benefits such as meal discounts and flexible schedules. You do not need any experience to work at Chick-fil-a; they only require that you be nurturing to the customers and a hard worker willing to follow directions. Even large businesses like the Springs Family YMCA and Chick-fil-a are struggling through this challenging period that we all have to go through. This is mainly because they are losing workers due to safety concerns. This, of course, affects their opening times and how much staff they have on-site. They have to struggle through hectic workdays because there are simply too many customers compared to the staff.
Support Your Local Runners By Getting Tia Davison Your Sweat On Co- Editor In Chief For the past ten years, the Dripping Springs Running Club (DSRC) has put on the Run by the Creek 5k and 10k races. The run by the creeks offers a fast and fun course along the creek road. DSRC was formed to connect runners to their communities through non-profit organizations that contribute to local Dripping Springs. All 2021 race proceeds will benefit local parks and provide funds to local organizations to promote running and healthy lifestyles in our communities. This year’s races will be at 8 am on Sunday, November 14, staring at Rodger Hanks Park. Awards will go to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female in each age group. Register online now and for more information, go to the Run by the Creek website and Facebook.
The chilly start of the 2019 Run By the Creek. Photo by: Tia Davison
Dripping Springs very own, Brant Melton, winning the 5k in 2019. Photo By: Tia Davison
Not everything is as it appearers on this page. Can you spot the fake article? Check out the DSHS News Instagram on November 1st to find out!
High school Runner Ryan Kethley receiving his metal in 2019. Photo By: Tia Davsion
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The Paw Print November 2021
Entertainment
The Benefits of your Favorite Fall Foods The Nutrition Science Behind Autumn Staples
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Sweet Potato Pancakes
Reagan Otten Entertainment Editor
Reagan Otten
As the summer season ends, the days get shorter and the air gets cooler--indicative of the nearing fall season and the anticipated holiday, Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time celebrated to acknowledge the blessings and the bountiful harvest of the past year. Fortunately, the autumn harvest brings about an abundance of colorful root vegetables and fruit perfect for creating comforting meals ideal for the holiday. Good news: those same delicious vegetables and fruits are filled with nutritional benefits. From apples to pumpkins, you can keep your body healthy through the season while enjoying all of your favorite foods. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, as well as lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and nuts contributes to a healthier heart. Similarly, a 2017 study by the International Journal of Epidemiology outlines that a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables can largely reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer-- the two leading causes of premature death worldwide. Furthermore, the authors of the International Journal of Epidemiology said “an estimated 5.6 and 7.8 million premature deaths worldwide may be attributable to a fruit and vegetable intake below 500 and 800 g/ day, respectively.” Depending on regional location, during the fall, different fruits and vegetables may be available at varying times. Local farms and farmer’s markets are great places to start to get certain fresh seasonal produce, however, grocery stores may be more likely to have a wider variety of options. There may be no fruit more popular than the apple during the fall season-- rightly so due to its crisp flavor and plentiful varieties. Apples are a great source of vitamin C (around nine percent of the daily value) and fiber (around 16 percent of the daily value), per medium apple. “It’s recommended to leave the skin on, as it contains a lot of the fiber found in apples, as well as polyphenols”, said Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, a representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of Olive Tree Nutrition. Polyphenols are a large family of healthy organic compounds found in plants that are anti-inflammatory and can help manage blood pressure. According to a 2020 review by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the polyphenols known as flavonoids found in apples may significantly reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, apples are highly nutritious and can be baked, cooked, or eaten raw. Apples are delicious as an addition to salads, oatmeal, muffins, pies, or simply eaten with a spoonful of almond butter. Similarly, another prominent fall fruit is the winter squash. The term “winter squash” encompasses any fall harvest squash, such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti squash, and even pumpkins. Squashes are packed with nutritional benefits like beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, B1, B6, copper, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. One serving of butternut squash contains 5,920 micrograms of beta-carotene, the pigment that gives the fruit its recognizable orange hue. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body and plays a large role in supporting immunity, as well as eye health. “Vitamin A also supports cell growth and differentiation, playing a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs,” said the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “In comparison to summer squash varieties, winter squashes have a denser flavor and texture, thus they are ideal for hearty stews, soups, casserole dishes, breads, and desserts”, said Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Winter squashes maintain their flavor after roasting, steaming, microwave cooking, boiling, or simmering, making them incredibly versatile. Another primary fall staple vegetable is the sweet potato, a distant relative of the potato. Sweet potatoes are healthy and tasty throughout the year, however, they are especially good during the fall when they are in season. “Sweet potatoes earned the name ‘superfood’ because of the amount of nutrients they have”, said the USDA. Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber (13 percent of the daily value), vitamin C (20 percent of the daily value), vitamin A (400 percent of the daily value), potassium, and beta-carotene. Natural compounds known as carotenoids are what give sweet potatoes a rich orange hue. According to the USDA, carotenoids are antioxidants that protect cells from damage and prevent macular degeneration. True to the name, sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor that is only enhanced after cooking. Comparable to many other root vegetables, sweet potatoes are highly versatile and can be used in anything from soups, stews, casseroles, breads, baked goods, and even desserts. Last but not least: cranberries-- the quintessential holiday fruit, However, cranberries can be used in a wide category of dishes other than Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. Raw cranberries are a nutritious choice as they contain a good source of fiber and vitamin C. According to the American Heart Association News, the vitamins and minerals found in raw cranberries can boost the body's digestive health and antioxidant system, overall promoting good heart health – even possibly improving blood pressure and cholesterol. A scientist at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth said “the fruit also contains the natural anti-inflammatory ursolic acid, carotenoids such as lutein which may promote eye health, and the antioxidant quercetin which may be produced by the plant in defense against stress.” However, it should be noted that while raw cranberries are filled with benefits, dried cranberries have virtually no nutritional value and may be closer to candy than fruit. Cranberries have a more bitter taste than other similar phytochemical-containing berries. Nonetheless, raw cranberries can amp up things like muffins, desserts, oatmeal, and pancakes. Overall, as the season changes, we look foward to cooler weather and comforting seasonal food. Without certain staples like pumpkins and apples, the autumn season would not be the same. This Thanksgiving, pay extra attention to all the wonderful seasonal food you see at markets and grocery stores, and be grateful for all the benefits that come with them--maybe even try a new recipe with a fall fruit or vegetable.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:15-8:50am & A/B/C lunches
This month’s specials: Pumpkin cold brew Pumpkin iced chai
Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato, baked and cooled (around 8 oz of sweet potato) 2 large eggs ¼ to ½ cup greek yogurt 2 tablespoons rolled oats ⅛ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon vanilla extract cinnamon (optional and to taste) Splash of milk/milk substitute if needed Oil or butter for cooking Chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts (optional) *adjust measurements as needed to achieve pancake consistency Instructions: Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside while heating a pan. Heat an 8-inch non-stick pan or iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup of the batter and cook for around 2-3 minutes or until golden brown- this batter won’t bubble like normal pancake batter. Gently flip with a thin spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 on the other side. Serve with any choice of toppings (fresh fruit, peanut butter, and maple syrup, etc.)
Cranberry Orange Muffins Joyful Healthy Baker
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup cranberries 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup orange juice 1/3 cup melted coconut oil 1 teaspoon grated orange zest Instructions: Preheat oven to 400˚F In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, orange zest, and salt In a small bowl, whisk egg, orange juice, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stir to combine until it is just moistened. Add cupcake liners to a muffin tin. Fill each muffin tin 3/4 full Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove muffins from tin and serve
Apple Walnut Oatmeal Reagan Otten
Ingredients: ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup oat milk 1 large apple 1 teaspoon vanilla Cinnamon (to taste) ¼ cup walnut halves (pecans work too) 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Art by: Tyler Mayer
Instructions: Cut apple into ½-1 inch cubes Add oat milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and half of the apple cubes in a small pot or pan. Stir ingredients and bring to a boil. Add rolled oats and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for around 10 minutes or until the oat milk has been absorbed, or to consistency preference. (More time for thicker oats, less time for thinner). Stir every couple of minutes. While oats are simmering, heat coconut oil in a separate, small pan over medium-high heat. Add remaining apple cubes, walnuts, and more cinnamon to the coconut oil. Stirring frequently, cook until apples are soft/caramelized and walnuts are just slightly browned. Add maple syrup and reduce heat to medium-low. After 10 minutes, remove oatmeal from heat and top with caramelized walnut/apple mixture. Add additional maple syrup if desired, or any other toppings (chocolate chips, yogurt, peanut butter, etc.) and serve.
The Tiger Shack November Special: Austin City Limits Playlist Every song from the Austin City Limits Music Festival 2021 compiled in one playlist!
Featured ACL song! Song: Tia Tamera Artist: Doja Cat Vist @my_dshs_news to send us your song suggestions for the Paw Print Playlist!
How to scan: 1. Open Spotify app 2. Click “Search” 3. Click the camera icon over the search bar 4. Scan the code above
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The Paw Print November 2021
Opinion
The Future is History Alec Stuart Opinion Editor
The cycle of US hubris
Communicative Catastrophes
As the US reorients its focus from Middle Eastern interventions to great power competition, there is the contemplation of whether its actions will be the same as before. Will the US start yet another war, or will it gradually change its actions with its refocusing? This has recently come to light again with a seeming loss in Afghanistan. Images of the fall of Saigon have been invoked by the evacuation of embassies in Kabul, and have resulted in comparisons between Afghanistan and Vietnam. The truth, while it is unfortunate, is that this may be the case. Ever since the end of the Second World War, the US has taken on a leading role on the world stage, a stark contrast from the isolationist policy it had been following just several years before. While this has had benefits, the main feature is America’s seemingly endless series of wars across the globe, leaving trillions of dollars spent, millions upon millions dead, and increased political polarization at home and worldwide.
All of these effects have been lethal in all aspects, economically, politically, and socially. And in the end, the US keeps on doing these wars over and over again, with nearly every attempt being a drag on the country and its wellbeing. Now, why is this the case? Hubris.
When the US became a superpower in all forms in 1945, the power associated with its status quickly got the better of it. The feeling of being able to do anything worldwide has served as a justification for America to intervene wherever and whenever, regardless of the positive or negative consequences. This arrogant view of the world was bolstered by the collapse of the Soviet Union, with a US led world order seeming inevitable. However, with the growing influence of China and other authoritarian countries, this world view is being proven wrong very quickly. To clarify on its cycle of endless wars, the US has been at war for 222 out of the 239 years of its existence. To add, below is world military expenditures of the 15 highest spending countries in 2020 (in $ billion).
By combining a colonial viewpoint of expansionism with the philosophy of being a “beacon of light”, America has convinced itself that it is a savior for the world in terms of morals, regardless of the benefits involved (most of the time, this moral system has not been in the US’ interest at all). And the US government knows this. In 2003, many officials who were directly responsible for the Afghan and Iraq wars were worried that the US was going to get bogged down in those countries. And yet, we have not seemed to have improved at all. If you were to obtain a history of the Afghan War, you could merely replace the names of people and events, and you’d have the Vietnam War. This endless cycle of war is, at its core, the same timeline of events over and over again, with the only differences being location and context. From the Soviet Union to the modern Russia & China, our quagmires are vital to the interests of our adversaries. Not only do these wars usually harm our international reputation, they also dramatically increase our national debt each time. Despite its gigantic GDP, the US simply cannot afford to continue fighting useless wars. By contrast, when America’s economy rapidly grew at the turn of the century, it barely spent any money on defense compared to other great powers (such as Britain, France and other colonial powers). Look at China. Despite their economic rise, the desire to militarily compete with America has led them to form their own military industrial complex. While their economy is still booming, the increased focus on military power has greatly strained more vital economic sectors in the process. In fact, their own hubris is what would likely stop them from surpassing the US. In conclusion, America has always been a militaristic nation in nature, and while it will most certainly never change too much regarding this, it is essential that the military for once is used as a second option, with diplomacy coming first. The use of military force at nearly every opportunity has been more of a drain on the country than nearly any other issue, and the rest of the world is also enduring the effects of it. We cannot continue such a careless and negative series of events, for the world’s sake and, more importantly, America’s. Alas, though, it wouldn’t be surprising to have another American led conflict occur in the near future, as no learning seems to have occurred at all.
What Are We Learning? the “facts” given in textbooks aren’t always correct information.
mydshsnews.com
Sophia Portillo Co Editor-in-Chief
Foreign Language Instruction Creates Drawback for Students
Foreign language instruction has ingrained itself in the American education system since the seventeenth century with the prominence of Latin, Greek, German, and French. Though available instruction existed, the learning of these languages proved seldom, and since then, insignificant change has occurred amongst the edification of these languages. Currently, between thirty Western countries, the ABCD Agency conducted that the United States ranked last in language learning despite its monumental variety of spoken languages. Undeniably, this failure to inculcate students proves embarrassing to a country that exalts itself in education. The Texas Education Agency has long required that students take at least two years of a foreign language in order to graduate high school. Even with this said, students still fail to fluently speak a second language and often do not retain the information that they have learned. Clearly, the country’s education system, especially language instruction in Texas, has neglected the elemental assistance needed by students in order to reach their desired levels of fluency. As we look to the failures of language learning, the root problem stems from the result of inadequate instruction requirements. With a minimum requirement of only two years in a course, students rack up less than 600 hours of experience, equivalent to that of an elementary proficiency-far from that of a fluent speaker. Even when students decide to take on more than two years of language education, various teachers prove unsuccessful in their forms of instruction. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences unveiled the shortfall in teachers who actually met the requirements for qualification. 44 states and Washington, D.C., could not locate sufficient numbers of language instructors in 2017, leaving these states to take matters into their own hands. Furthermore, with respect to the actual speaking environment in a classroom, many courses speak only in English causing a rise in receptive bilingual students. Without challenging students to speak solely in the language they pursue to learn, they receive sparse preparation and cannot put their knowledge to application in the real world. Continuing the deplorable reality of language education, the American way of teaching has failed to take in the reality of linguistic learning in which students respond less to absorbing new forms of thinking. The Scientific American writes that children under the age of ten retain information more efficiently and can interpret a foreign language faster than those 11 or older. Additionally, although a person can begin a new language at any age in life, a significant decline in performance occurs after the age of 18. Even with scientific proven evidence, DSHS still prevents students from seventh grade and under from having the ability to take a second language course. Students do not get the opportunities to begin learning languages like Spanish, Latin, or German
when their brains respond the best. Lastly, as mentioned previously, the country already faces a lack of adeptly equipped teachers, leaving fewer room for teachers with cultured backgrounds in regards to the languages that they teach. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released information stating that a little over 70 percent of Spanish teachers had white ethnic makeup with only around ten percent coming from Hispanic backgrounds. Without a large prevalence of Spanish teachers who learned not only the language as a child but the culture, students become forced to rely on second-hand observations of cultures, particularly based in more populated Hispanic countries like Mexico and Spain. Without equal representation of the various Hispanic heritages, such as Argentine or Columbian cultures, students learn to speak a language with little knowledge or relation to its roots. Sheeraz Ali, a scholar who mastered in English language studies, found that without the presence of teaching cultural elements with a language, learners became subject to speaking with more errors and misunderstandings as language remains more than just information, but as social behavior as well. Students not only need more access to the customs behind languages in order to reach their full potential in becoming fluent, but they deserve finer education skills to make connections with native speakers. Despite such colossal failures in foreign language instruction, our country defines itself by unconventional diversity that no other has yet to compete with, therefore birthing the belief that our language instruction has exemplary qualities. However, regardless of the concentration of foreign speakers, the number of non-natives in the United States that can speak two or more languages fluently falls at 20 percent. European countries, in contrast, almost triple these same statistics showing that 56 percent speak another language. When seeking to solve such cracks in our language education system, the most effective way to create bilingual students lies in the hands of the TEA. Similar to that of Europe, installing language courses within primary levels of education would create higher success rates of bilingualism in Texas. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of primary school students and nine-out-of-ten secondary students had begun learning English proving a beneficial model for Texas to follow. Foreign language learning doesn’t have to flop, and with careful change to language courses, students can have more attainments. With the ever changing demands of the world, foreign language determines the ability to establish career related relationships with copious countries and promote diversity and ideas which facilitate the success of the planet. Communication, the seed of creativity and feedback, can only grow with the advancement in our comprehension of foreign language.
Kailey Nutt Staff Writer
Every year new improvements have been made in the learning community. Teachers want students to learn and understand what they are teaching for a lesson. Although, trust in the learning department is failing from the lack of truth in books. If students can trust the teacher, then why aren’t they trusting the information given? For example, in history, the US looks at the story differently than how other countries perceive it. This relates to students when given a piece of information, they process it differently than other students. This leads to the question of how do students know if they are being given false information? A prime example of this is the founder of the double helix in a DNA molecule. In the textbook and in class, they teach that two men, James Watson and Francis Crick, were the ones who discovered the structure of the DNA molecule. Although, a woman named Rosalind Franklin was actually the founder of the double helix. Her work was stolen after her death from the radiation for taking X-ray pictures of the molecule. When she died Watson and Crick took her work and continued her research. Franklin had the first X-ray images of the double helix and was given a Nobel prize for the discovery of the DNA structure. In classes, students are still being taught that Watson and Crick discovered the DNA structure, when in fact, they did not. This leads to the concern that students are not being taught correct information. Throughout history, minorities were not given credit for their work, and had it stolen. In Franklin’s case, she was a woman in a society that was biased and believed that the two men were the founders. Researchers have discovered many historical cases of credit that
Rosalind Franklin, photo courtesy of MRC Lab of Molecular Biology.
was given to the wrong person, but why aren’t schools changing the way they teach this now known knowledge? On the other hand, many students are not only taught from the textbooks, but only believe them as well. Many do not recognize that false information can be published even in our school system. Schools are set on different curricula and learning standards for students. Every school is different, but there still are the same history books being used. To fix this problem, teachers should teach students about people like Franklin. They should teach what they say in the textbooks, but also recognize the people who weren’t given credit for their work with factual information. Students should get the whole picture and not just a textbook answer.
mydshsnews.com
The Paw Print
November 2021
5
Features
Reality of Thanksgiving
Thoughts of Turkey, the Feast Between Pilgrims, Native Americans Not exactly history On the last Thursday of November every year, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving day. Macy’s throws a parade in New York, elementary schools put on performances of the Pilgrims and Native Americans feasting on dinner, and roasting turkeys fill the ovens of many Americans. However, many don’t know the actual realities of Thanksgiving. Today, families eat turkey as their main course, but during the first Thanksgiving, the people ate a variety of meat: deer, bass, and cod. The first feast included mostly seafood due to the supply of food by the sea. Next time you think about preparing a turkey as your main course to re-enact the historically accurate feast, try an eel. Another reality is that many Americans did not celebrate Thanksgiving until Abraham Lincoln addressed this as an American Holiday. Though our celebration of Thanksgiving is truly credited to one woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. Hale is known as the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb’’ and was an editor of the magazine company “Lady’s Book”. Hale had sent a letter to Lincoln. She had the idea of creating Thanksgiving for 15 years, and had also sent letters to governors, ministers, missionaries, and the Navy. Why? She needed legislation to help her create the holiday of Thanksgiving. After reading Hale’s letter, Lincoln delcared it a holiday. So what else do we get wrong about this day? In school, students are taught that the
Kailey Nutt Staff Writer
Wampanoag Tribe had a three-day feast with the Pilgrims, and they made peace with each other. Unfortunately, this didn’t go as smoothly as they say in the history books. Thanksgiving is somewhat of a controversial holiday to Native Americans. The arrival of Europeans to them is associated with mass genocide and stealing of land. Hence, the National Day of Mourning was created. American schools only teach a small sliver of history to children who will never get the full story, leading to the threat of misinformation of important moments in American history like Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving isn’t all bad, though. It is a holiday that brings many together. While many Americans believe it to be a reminder of a shared harvest between Native Americans and pilgrims, it’s intent is actually to acknowledge the “blessings” of the past year. The holiday has not been about the history of what happened, but has become more of a tradition to eat food with family and loved ones.
Thanksgiving is about coming together.
The Rise of Band
Rebekah Johnson Staff Writer
Marching Band prepares for regional and area competitions From before the sun rises to after it sets, they practice. For every waking moment present in their lives, they
live and breathe music. “We put months of hard work into this one production,” senior and Section Leader for trumpets Dylan Saculla said. In order to prepare for the State Band Competition, DSHS marching band must spend almost every hour they have in the stadium or band lot working together to nail their show. “To function as one is very difficult,” senior and Head Drum Major Henna Hajari said, “that’s why we take all the time that we do, so we can breathe as one when we get out onto that field.” The amount of time and passion the band students put into their performances is described as a
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powerful force on the field. Preparing for shows can take a mental toll on the band students which is why the leadership team must do all that they can to keep spirits high. “We try to stay invigorated and keep the energy up as best as we can,” senior and Colorguard Captain Avery Raiborn explains. She goes on to say that the band feels like “a place where you are accepted no matter your previous skill level.” This familial concept thrives within the band family as they “all grow together,” Saculla said. Hajari adds that, “It’s a family-like environment.” While a part of a band, students must do everything they can to dedicate themselves to the art. With so much happening within a short time, students join together, whether they are beginners or veterans, and create bonds that will last a lifetime. The band department has so many different characteristics that are incomparable to anything else at DSHS, and as Hajari said, “We try our best, so we can be the greatest that we can be.”
Abraham Lincoln papers- Series 1. General Correspondence. 18331916- Sarah J. Hale to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 28, 1863 (Thanksgiving)
Grateful For... History teacher Nick Overmyer says he is “thankful to exist in the futuristic cyberpunk dystopia” as well as “massive doses of caffeine” in the form of the numerous monsters he drinks daily.
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DSHSstudentmedia Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
English teacher Sara-Jane Shepherd is most grateful for her students. She says, “The students are what keep me coming here every single day.”
BJ Mercer, the AV tech teacher is most thankful for student Ella Revill as “She makes a difference, makes it fun, and makes everyone around her better” in everything she does. Ella and Mr. Mercer make the AV tech program what it is today. November 2021 Volume IV Issue 2
The Paw Print
Circulation: 500
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Meet the Staff
Co-Editor in Chief Sophia Portillo
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The Paw Print November 2021
Creative
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Meet Lillian Wilson
Will Taylor, Brooklyn Habgblom, Ariela Barron Photographers
Lillian Wilson is a talented artist who can be found roaming the halls while strumming her guitar and humming a song. We spent the afternoon with Wilson at one of her favorite swimming spots, Camp Ben. She performed “Dreams’’ by Fleetwood Mac and her originals, “Sweet ol’ Green” and “Love You Like Maureen Loves the 4th of July” as we captured the moment.
Q: Where do you feel most creative? people that I love. Let me correct that, A: With outside, with people that I love. I don’t know, just
Q: Who are the main inspirations for your music? Alicia Keys, obviously. Don’t judge me for this, A: Well Adele, I remember being like 3, screaming Adele in the car and my mom would just be watching me with adoration in her eyes like ‘that’s my daughter!’ And then people in my life, I hate to say it but my mom is probably one, she constantly asks me to sing and even when I don’t have motivation, I will always sing for her. I would say that my number one inspiration is my brother, he taught me when I was just in sixth grade. I had seen him with his instrument and thought “‘wow I want to do that, it’s really pretty”. My grandpa loved Hawaiian music, so I got a ukulele and my brother taught me three cords on it, and that’s where it started. I’d say my music is really personal. I couldn’t pin just one person to put my inspiration on, I think that my music has little bits of all of the good parts of everybody. I just ask people, what does this mean to you and that’s where my music comes from, just peoples ideas.
in situations that I don’t expect to be in. My favorite thing is to meet a group of people, and just go around and ask them for one word whether I give them a theme under that or not, like what is something that makes you both happy and sad at the same time...anything! Just give me a word. I have done this thing multiple times where I ask everyone in a group to give me a word and then I write a song with their words in it and they get super excited when their words come up because they have a part in that creativity and you can see it in their eyes like oh wow. So I think I am most creative when one, I am with people that inspire me and two, when I just have something inside me that I feel needs to be shared.
Lillian walked into the music store, looked around, made eye contact with her guitar, and she instantly knew it was the one. Her mom told her to test out other guitars, but she sat back down with it and she felt that it “sang the same tune as as her soul.”
Brooke Bousley Staff Writer
Preeminent Persuasion
Music creates an influence for all aspects of American pop culture and life Throughout history, music has always conveyed a significant influence on fashion and other aspects of American pop culture, as well as everyday life. Both music and fashion contain many similarities, and have both had a prevalent presence in American culture. Music, similar to fashion, is often viewed as a form of self-expression. The two forms of art are both enjoyable aspects of our culture that many individuals discover that they have an emotional and personal connection with. Oftentimes, the way an individual dresses can speak for their personal music taste, or can at least identify the inspiration behind their fashion sense. Much of the inspiration behind popular fashion trends over the years can be traced back to certain styles of music. In other words, fashion and music have both always gone hand in hand.
“In other words, music and fashion would not be the same without the existence of the other; they are both intertwined in a way that no other aspect of our culture can compare.” Music and fashion are intricately intertwined in the sense that they are methods that demonstrate aspects of our culture. These aspects include individuality, political beliefs, and other significant ideas, rather than just homogenized forms of entertainment. Throughout the last century, the influence and effect music has had on fashion can be witnessed. In other words, this influence has resulted in trends for each era of our culture. With the birth of rock and roll during the 1950s, many memorable articles of clothing were popularized. This genre of music inspired impeccable designs, such the beautiful silk hair ribbons, or even the iconic felt skirts with a French poodle embroidered on the side. Rock and Roll encouraged new found freedoms for American teenagers and promoted the ideas of selfexpression and individuality more than any other genre. The promotion of self-expression and individuality can be viewed not only in this musical genre, but also throughout many others, especially in music and other forms of pop culture. Music has not only challenged the “traditional” norms of society, but also the roles of gender and sexuality. Throughout the evolution of pop and rock music, this particular challenge is most prevalent. Famous musicians, such as Prince and David Bowie can best attest to this statement. From bold makeup looks to flared multi-colored pants, and even lace dresses, these two male musicians pushed the boundaries on gender stereotypes and conventional gender roles. The entire theme of music centers around artistry, self-expression, identity, and originality. Every genre of music has resulted in a sort of inspiration, or new era for fashion or other aspects of American pop culture. Ever since the beginning of time, our culture has been affected by this specific form of art. Music affects every aspect of our lives, from our behavior, to the way we present ourselves. The way someone dresses and acts, can say a lot about their taste in music. In other words, music and fashion would not be the same without the existence of the other; they are both intertwined in a way that no other aspect of our culture can compare. Students were asked... What is your favorite genre(s) of music? Who is a celebrity that you look up to for style inspiration? What musical genre do you feel that you identify with the most? What music genre or artist do you think best describes or relates to your fashion sense?
“...the shades were dark, they were deep, a vast mystery. They were sweet tenacious as could be, oh yes my joy it came green…”
Q: What is the favorite song you have made and why? depends on the day. Right now I’d say Sweet Ol’ A: ItGreen, because it is tied to only one thing in my life that is unwavering, and that is nature. When my soul is feeling a little shaky, I go outside and I breathe. Nature is warm, it doesn’t talk back, and it doesn’t have an opinion, it just welcomes me in, it’s open.
Q: If you could describe your music in four words
“...as green as tree tops, green filled with a peace that never stops, green and gold, if your soul is green then you’ll never grow old…”
what would you say?
A: Soft, vast, beautiful, and strong.
Q: Was there ever a song you were surprised people
loved? Mmm no. I’ve never been surprised no, because when I’m good, I’m good, and when I put out something, when I’m showing it to you, obviously I’m proud of it so it’s going to be good because you know my soul is good and that’s what it comes from.
A:
Q: Where do you see yourself musically in the future? to keep my expectations minimal, but my goal, my A: like dream, is to be standing in front of thousands of people
I
that are there because they know they are there to experience something cool and just scream my heart out in front of them. Just telling stories of my life both good, and bad with people listening and learning from them. That’s my dream. But I don’t want But the one everybody in my business, I want to be secluded, I would picture that just sticks in just live in the woods and my mind, I know, that for the drop an album every once in a while and maybe hop rest of my life no matter how old into a festival on occasion. I am, I will be sitting under a tree But realistically, I see playing my music, always. No myself doing something that gives me satisfaction matter what day it is, or how cold it is everyday and that’s a outside-even if it’s raining, I’ll grab wide variety of things. a terrible guitar and I’ll ruin it and I I don’t like the idea that you have to be passionate will play under a damn tree for the about one THING, I want rest of my life. Always. to be passionate about some So that’s where I’m going to THINGS. I’m passionate about children, I’m passionate about be, under a damn tree. life, and I’m passionate about loving life, and I’m passionate about being in love. Not in the way that comes to your mind when I say that, but being in love with everything. Like take a breath and feel how that feels and fall in love with that feeling, or little bugs crawling on the flowers, and I’m passionate about sharing that with children. So I would like to see myself teaching children how to sing and play music.
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The Paw Print November 2021
Sports
Teamwork in Individual Sports
Alyssa McLain Interviewer
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Mallory Neff Sports Editor
A Wrestling Story
As other sports come to an end after their seasons, wrestling continues practicing and training in the background for their Spring season. They have been working out, running, and practicing in their off-season so that they can be the best when they are in the spotlight. “I wrestle because I want to be strong,” Sophomore Sara Rothermel says. “I don’t want to be underestimated ever, and I feel like it helps me push myself.” Wrestling can be mentally taxing with the intimidation of competition, much like any other sport, but you are competing alone. However, teamwork and a strong support system is vital to a wrestler’s success. It is important to have people on the sidelines supporting you, and especially when you are training, someone to keep you motivated and on track. Sophomore Alec Rill says, “whenever we are doing a hard workout, a lot of our teammates will either run with the person that is falling behind or encourage them while they’re running, or lifting weights or whatever we’re doing.” The support of your team can affect an athlete’s experience heavily. It can boost your morale, create a more comfortable environment, and make you more successful during the season. “The team is really encouraging and they know when you’re not doing your best, but they also know when you’re really struggling and you need some words of encouragement,” Rothermel says. Having the support of your team can affect your mental strength as well. When their team is supportive, they are more willing to be vulnerable, and to try new things that will allow them to improve their technique and learn new skills. It can help you to be comfortable to take the risks necessary to become better every time you try something new. Sara Rothermel, Alyssa McLain, and Grace Richardson pet a sheep before lacrosse practice “The mental strength that comes with it is the hardest part. It’s on 10-5-21. Photo by: Mallory Neff my first year, so I’m not good at anything yet, so I’m learning to fail over and over again, but I’m improving each time and failing less.” Mental strength is a massive contributor to an athlete’s success in their never improve. Part of this comes from the team’s encouragement and recognition of sport. If the team is all feeling down, then everyone may not perform as well your individual successes. compared to when they were in the right headspace. Rothermel said, “Alyson Welch is like a big sister, even outside of school. When we “I’d say the hardest part is whenever the team is feeling down and there’s not a lot go to church we’ll be talking and she’ll say ‘I really see you improving,’ and it just makes of encouragement going on,” Rill said. “Then you have to find it in yourself to keep going my heart happy.” instead of relying on others.” Apart from the encouragement and support, a team also helps you Learning to have a strong mentality that can help keep up morale make the best memories. There are some moments that athletes will comes through self-discipline. Being able to maintain a good headremember for their entire life. In a place where all your worries and space, even when things get tough, is a real challenge, but can stressors can disappear, memorable things are bound to happen. become easier with practice. “My favorite memory would probably be when the team “My most favorite way I self-discipline myself is waking last year went to state and we were all on that bus going to up early in the morning because it trains me to not just It’s not, can I do this, but am I state,” Rill said. press the snooze button and instead get up to either work Spending hours every week with someone’s team going to push myself to try? on schoolwork or work out,” Rill said. will have some teammates become some of their best As wrestlers and all athletes continue practicing and -Sara Rothermel friends over the years, and even the simple things, like ridtraining, many come to the realization that risks are necesing a bus, are some of the best memories they will have from sary to further develop their skills, and that they are capable high school and their wrestling career here at the school. Even of breaking through any mental barriers that are holding them the seemingly absurd pranks and jokes will become ingrained in back. Realizing that a task wasn’t as difficult as you thought it was their brain as some of the most memorable moments from thatyear. is something everyone has experienced, but for an athlete it can greatly “My favorite memory is whenever I’m in the weight room and the impact their performance and add to their skill. girls will jab me in the stomach to make me drop the weight,” Rothermel said. “And then Rothermel said, “I think you learn that your limits are way further away than you they’ll yell at me for dropping it.” think they are. You’d think you can’t do something, but then you do and you realize it’s Although wrestling is an individual sport, the team and its environment is crucial not as bad as you thought it was going to be. It’s really just like a mental barrier. It’s not, to the success of everyone. The mentality of a team can make or break them, and for can I do this, but am I going to push myself to try?” these sophomores, it looks like it’s making them into great athletes that love what they This kind of thinking will carry any athlete to success in their sport. It will help do. them to advance and develop more skills at a quicker rate than before. Trying is the first Rill said, “I wrestle because I enjoy it. I think it’s fun, it keeps me in shape, and step to succeeding, and you can’t wait around and doubt yourself forever, or you will keeps me healthy.”
Player Spotlight Q&A Karsten Bobb
Mallory Neff Sports Editor
Senior Karsten Bobb is a talented cross country runner and overall athlete. She has been running cross country for eight years, since she was in fifth grade. She has seen many successes in her career, and is constantly training to get better and to achieve her goals.
Why do you run cross country?
I run cross country because I love to run in general, and I enjoy competing. The competition of it gives my training more purpose, and I love the long-distance aspect of the 5k. Cross country is special, too, because the course changes every time, so there is a lot of variety, and the hills and tricky terrain add an additional challenge. It is much more exciting than just running around a track. Although I do love running track as well. I also run cross country for the team aspect of it. There is such a strong bond between our teammates because of our shared experiences in pushing through the pain together. They make my training a joy, pushing me through the hard workouts, encouraging me in races, and entertaining me on the recovery runs. I enjoy spending time with them inside and outside of practice. We are kind of like one big family. My coaches are amazing as well. Coach Morris is very kind, purposeful, and approachable, and Coach Acker is supportive and uplifting.
What is the hardest part?
The hardest part of cross country is just the time that it takes. I definitely feel it is worth the time I devote to it, but it does make my weekends pretty busy with races and long runs, which occupy the mornings of each day. Then I have homework to do in the afternoons, which does not leave much time for non-academic or non-athletic activities - at least on the weekends.
What is your favorite memory from cross country? Karsten Bobb runs at an early morning cross country meet. Photo from: Karsten Bobb.
Mallory Neff Sports Editor
November Schedule
11/01-02-Volleyball (Varsity) Bi-District Playoffs 11/04-Football (JV Maroon) vs. Seguin 11/04-Football 9th White/9th Gray) @ Seguin 11/04-06-Volleyball (Varsity) Area Playoffs 11/05-Swim @ Katy Jordan Invitational Swim Meet (Prelims) 11/05-Diving @ Katy Jordan Invitational Diving Meet 11/05-Football (Varsity) @ Seguin 11/06-Cross Country 5A State Championships 11/06-Swim @ Katy Jordan Invitational Swim Meet (Final) 11/08-10- Volleyball (Varsity) Regional Quarterfinals 11/12-13- Volleyball (Varsity) Regional Tournament 11/17-20- Volleyball (Varsity) State Tournament
I have several favorite memories, including doing dress-up days at practice, going to Corpus Cristi in years past for our annual beach Olympics, having brunch with the team after practice or long runs, playing spicy Uno together, and writing sweet, personalized notes to each other before State, running at the Nike South Regionals postseason race for fun, and winning Regionals last yearwhich in doing so we beat the former State Champions Boerne Champion.
What inspires you?
My love for my sport, my teammates, my coaches, my family, my friends, and my community all inspire me to keep going when the going gets tough. I am also quite excited about my goals each season, so I am inspired by my desire to reach those goals.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Thankfully, I have many supporters, but my biggest supporters are my parents and my sister. They have loved me through my ups and downs, and they can always calm me down and give me perspective on my races, and they remind me to just have fun.
How much have you improved mentally and physically since you started?
I believe I have improved immensely mentally and physically since I started running regularly. Just growing older and going through the training has improved my physical shape, and I have learned to push farther through the pain in races and workouts with time and experience. I have also gained numerous tips for mental fortitude and motivation when I am at my weakest point. These have come from coaches, teammates, family members, music, and books.
What are your goals for the season?
My goals for this season are to place tenth individually at State and run as close to 17:30 as possible in the 5k, or at least in the 17:50s. I have not reached either of these goals yet, but I have run some P.R.s this season, and I believe I can get there as the season ends as long as I continue to work hard, stay rested, and stay healthy.
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Sports Gallery
The Paw Print November 2021
Sports
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Volleyball, Tennis, Girls Lacrosse, Marching Band Photos by: Mallory Neff, Reagan Otten, Rebecca Johnson
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