EDGE 2023-2024 Issue 2

edge

5406 McKnight Road Texarkana, TX 75503

The student Newspaper of Pleasant Grove High School

the

DENIAL A NGE R BARGAINING DEPRESSION ACCEPTANCE Vol. 37 #2 December 14, 2023

4

8

11

18

Sneak Peek Restless Restroom Missing mirrors, cracked tiles, clogged toilets — when is it going to end?

Faith, Family, Football The Gibson’s are more than Friday night lights

On the Other Side of the World War in Gaza causes family worry all the way across the globe Built Like a Tank Tank siblings take over both the sidelines and the field

the

edge staff

Up and Coming Old and new organizations offer unique opportunities to students

editors:

Olivia Perry Abigail Boehmke Rawya Hazin Madison Herbert Madeline Smallwood Abigail Thrash

photographers:

Chloe Sanders Hayden Barthel Madeline Smallwood

If you’re already involved in First Priority, you might be confused about the new organization Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) which was started this year.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes was created to provide a community and safe space while learning how to play their sports with a Christian-like attitude.

Volleyball coach and health science teacher Paige Grey brought the idea of FCA to a few athletes to help put her plan in motion.

“I was in FCA in high school and at my previous school I taught at,” Coach Grey said. “I’ve been wanting to do it for a few years and it was just on my heart this summer. I’m hoping we can build

Caurie Beck Brooklyn Tirone Katlyn Phan Ayesha Aslam Addison Kinney

James Solomon Bennett Solomon

business manager: Olivia Perry

even more interest on it throughout the year.”

Students also play a huge role in the organization, including several student athletes who assist with leadership.

“My role in FCA is to help spread God’s word throughout our fellow athletes and community through the work of our athletic program,” senior FCA leader Catherine Joyce said.

For anyone interested in joining, FCA hosts monthly meetings and huddles during plus time. And although the club is traditionally open to athletes only, coach Grey has decided to open it to anyone interested in exploring their faith while balancing school and extracurriculars.

Health Occupations Students of America

adviser:

Charla Harris

Health Science students spend time in the classroom learning medical skills and in the community shadowing health care professionals.

And now they can learn more about the career field through Health Occupations Students of America HOSA).

HOSA is an international organization created specifically for future doctors, nurses, and any other career in the medical field. The organization participates in state-wide events, competitions, and conferences.

So far, the club has traveled to a fall conference and won the award for the most school spirit, and learned about various paths in the medical field from guest speakers.

“This year, I plan to get out the

principal:

Kristen Giles

editorial policy:

coming up

Edge is produced by the newspaper students in the publications department of Pleasant Grove High School who are responsible for its production and content. The newspaper serves as an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to students.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the student staffers and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. Signed columns and reviews reflect the opinion of the author only.

Edge encourages and accepts letters to the editors. Letters must be signed and will be edited to eliminate obscenity and inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to the editors in room 603.

Edge is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

other places to look for PGHS:

reporter

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Mikaela Emphasis Riley Richardson

reporters:

Brooklyn Tirone

Keep up with Pleasant Grove news by following @pgstudentmedia on Instagram

Stay up to date with dress up days, student section themes, updates, and more by following @stucopghs on Instagram

Follow the theater department Instagram @pleasantgrovetheatre for information about upcoming shows

December - January

13th-15th 18th Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are exam days for the fall semester. Be sure to pay attention to the exam schedules posted around the school.

First day of Christmas break.

Happy holidays Hawk nation!

Enjoy the two weeks off!

4th

Welcome back students! Staff workdays are on the previous Tues. and Wed. giving students an extra two days off.

information for PG HOSA since it’s a fairly new program,” president Braylee Smith said. “I also want to make sure we go on a few medical related field trips so members can get a feel for the medical field.”

Health science teacher Jennifer Hutton took over leadership of the club this year, and said she is excited to undertake the role and increase the presence of the club on campus.

“I didn’t even know what HOSA was until a couple of months ago,” Mrs. Hutton said. “A few students came to me and asked me to do it, and it’s been such a blast. I was told to expect 15-20 students, but as of now we have around 70 which is great.”

24th

Progress reports are mailed to parents, so students be sure to be on top your grades.

Scan the code to check out our online edition!

news

december 14, 2023

in case you were

Abigail Thrash reporter

wondering

Students' questions answered

what happend to guest wifi?

I

t's no secret. Everyone is aware that the school’s wifi for phones is slow, but there is nothing students can do to fix it.

Last year, students had the option of a guest wifi to connect to, hoping that the signal would be strong enough to load web pages. Most of the time, it only made a small difference.

Sure, there were other options like connecting to a VPN [virtual private network] or learning the password to another network, but even as much as students wanted it to be a solution, it didn’t always work.

Now there’s no option to connect to a guest wifi.

The only networks available are the ones that require a password not available to students.

“The reason why it felt like the wifi didn’t always work, was because we have to throttle the network,” computer technician Brandon Henderson said. “What this means is that because we were on an open network, we have to limit the speed because of the number of people trying to connect to the network. It keeps a steady flow.”

The guest wifi is no longer available to connect to because it is currently being revamped. The network wasn’t meeting the school’s or students' standards, so the goal is to have it back by the beginning of next year.

“In reality though, students have all the wifi they need.

It’s called your Chromebook,” Mr. Henderson said. “It doesn’t take you to a lot of the places that you want to go, but we have laws and regulations we have to follow.”

Not having wifi available for students to access is a concern for some. Especially for an emergency situation.

“With no wifi, it makes it harder to send text messages,” junior Antonio Morrell said.

“Sometimes I’ll have to walk outside of a class just to get a text to send. If there was an emergency, I might not be able to reach my parents.”

P

reparing for the beginning of the school year feels like a constant, chaotic buzz.

It’s like a never-ending list of things you have to do before the first day — pick up your schedule, get your ID made, pay a million fees and scan in your thumbprint.

Hold on, scanning in your thumbprint is new.

For the first time this year, students were asked to provide a fingerprint at schedule pickup.

Last year, students trying to access other students' accounts became a concern, so administrators came up with a plan to use thumbprints as an alternative to typing in a lunch number.

“The thumbprints provide a better way to keep student’s funds secure,” Director of Child Nutrition Kim Blankenship said. "It's similar to the type of scan you would use on an iPhone."

Although scanning in a fingerprint is optional, it's highly encouraged. The cafeteria system is currently

S

are the gates ever going to work?

ince the gates went up at the beginning of the school year, students have been dreading the day they were going to work.

When the school year started, the barriers were there, but there were no guards. Administrators planned for this to happen when school started, but a series of delays slowed the process down for months.

Now, the guards are attached, but they don't move.

[JSolomon] Every morning and evening, students and administrators drive through the parking lot as usual — there is nothing blocking anyone from entering school property.

And the IDs made specially for students to access the gates are not being used.

The problem is a supply and logistics issue, The card readers needed to operate the gates are still not here.

“We’ll keep monitoring the situation and move forward when we are able to,” assistant principal Neal Kiser said. “The situation is out of our control, so it’s just a waiting game at this point.”

Mr. Kiser said administrators doesn't know the exact date the gates will start working, but in the meantime, the gates remain inactive.

"Whenever the company is able to finish getting everything up and running, we will issue a statement to the students and parents about the transition process on the operation of the gates," Mr. Kiser said. "We will ease into the full operation."

When the gates start working, it’s going to be an adjustment for students and teachers who are settled into their current routines.

“I worry that when the gates start running it will cause a lot of issues because it’ll be a big and sudden change,” junior Kaylee Hunt said. “We’ll have to adjust our schedules because of traffic and how time consuming it will be.”

why do they need my fingerprint?

working to program in as many prints as possible.

“The freshman were scanned in at the end of their eighth grade year, and the rest of the grades were scanned in at schedule pickup if they came,” Mrs. Blankenship said.

For some students and parents though, scanning in a fingerprint was a safety concern. A thumbprint is part of a person's unique identity, and senior Riley Richardson didn’t feel the need to share that information with the school.

“Right before schedule pickup, my mom told me that they would ask for my thumbprint. She told me to tell them no, and I did,” Riley said. “Giving out your thumbprint to me is like giving out your social security number, and we’re told to never do that.”

As of right now, students can choose whether they want to scan or type in their lunch number.

Currently, only about 40-50% of the students scan their print when they go through the lunch line.

[JSolomon]

“I don’t understand why they couldn’t just do the typical five-digit lunch number,” Riley said. “I’d rather have the inconvenience of remembering a five-digit lunch number than my identity accidentally getting leaked.”

3

4 news

[BSolomon]

december 14, 2023

restless restroom [CSanders]

Built in 1986, the school is aging and so are the bathrooms

70

0h

all 52

.3

%

9.1%

eria cafetroom bath

ll 300 ha

6.8% 8% 31.

600 l hal

“

Which one is your favorite bathroom?

* 500 hall - 0%

[45 students surveyed]

”

Which one is your least favorite bathroom?

700 h

all

hall

5%

%

29.5

.1%

34

500

4.

%

ll

600 ha

2.3

all 0h

30

close those restrooms several times this fall to the disrepair is to be expected. deal with the problem, which creates another “It is just the nature of public restrooms,” problem since there is only one set of student Principal Kristen Giles said. “When you are restrooms for the two hallways upstairs. running 100 people through a public reThe construction project currently unstroom, it isn’t going to stay well maintained.” derway includes funding for repairing and And the student restrooms do get a lot of renovating the restrooms. use.

“Our plan is to do a cosmetic renovation,” There are 19 stalls available for girls, and director of operations Matt Fry said. “This will with a female population of approximately include replacing and 350, there is one restroom stall for modernizing any of every 20 female students. the cabinets, tiles, and This is a similar case for the boy's flooring throughout restroom.

I typically try to the school. Also any “There are always too many avoid going to the of the toilets, sinks, people in there,” senior Christorestroom during and fixtures that need pher Ayers said. “Also people will the school day just to be replaced will be destroy everything in there. There is because of how replaced.” so much to fix because people keep gross they are.

These changes will breaking things.”

- Joey Gortney (10) be helpful, but part of But the problem doesn’t just lie the problem is simply with the age of the facilities or the the age of the building. number of students using them.

Some of the fixtures Vandalism has taken a toll on the in the main building restrooms — the toilets, the walls, (300, 500 and cafeteria restrooms) have been the soap dispensers, the mirrors and more. in use since the building opened in 1985, “It is worth pointing out that some of the almost 40 years ago, and have never been major problems stem from vandalism,” Mr. replaced.

Fry said. “Pieces of walls and counters have “We have some old soap dispensers that been ripped off and shoved into the toilets no longer fit the new soap bags in them,” cusand urinals. Those things have to be repaired todian Melissa Kindle said. “So some of the during breaks because the water has to be shut bathrooms don’t have soap because the soap off and the fixtures removed in order to fix bags won't fit.” them.”

However, these problems exist even in the So for now, students will need to take care newer parts of the building. of the spaces provided until next school year.

“One of the toilets in the 600 hall broke “It's mostly the students that mess with the weeks ago,” Mrs. Kindle said. “We put a trash bathrooms,” junior Owen Braza said. “Stubag over it, but it hasn’t been fixed yet.” dents just need to have the common decency The bathrooms get a lot of use, so some of to not destroy things.”

c ba afet th er ro ia om

J

alissa has four minutes.

Four minutes to navigate through the mass of high school students to get from Ms. Gallegos’ classroom to Ms. Griffis’ classroom.

But first she has to go to the bathroom.

She walks into the 300 hall bathroom to see four people waiting in line and three people just hanging out on their phones. There are three stalls, but one is out of order.

There are two options: wait in line and risk being late for class or go to class and spend five minutes trying to sign in to E-Hall pass — neither option sounds appealing.

Jalissa gives up and just goes to class.

She's not alone. With restrooms having toilets out of order and only a four-minute break between classes, sometimes it's easier to just wait — if that's possible.

However, the problem with the school's restrooms is not new. There are plans for the bathrooms to be renovated next summer, but for many students, it is not soon enough.

“The condition of the sinks is very poor,” junior Grayson Henson said. “I can’t wash my hands properly because I have to keep one hand on the faucet to keep it running. It has become unsanitary this way.”

While students commonly complain about the restroom sinks, they aren’t the only problem.

“A lot of times I walk into the 600 hall bathroom and there is water all over the floor,” sophomore Jalissa Wheeler said. “I think they should fix the piping for the toilets so flooding wouldn’t happen as much.”

Water on the floor around the toilets is a common issue in the 500 and 600 hall bathrooms. Maintenance workers have had to

co-editor

5%

reporter

[BSolomon]

Mikaela Emphasis

29.

Katherine Ayers

[45 students surveyed]

december 14, 2023

news

how to

PAYthe college BILLS K

a-ching!

Bills. Big Bucks. Making bank.

In an ideal world, paying for college is a breeze.

In an ideal world, the sun is shining, and the sky is clear.

In an ideal world, the ominous clouds of college tuition don't loom over the shoulders of high school upperclassmen.

Unfortunately, in the real world, the pursuit of higher education often comes with a hefty price tag. However, there’s good news on the horizon — grants, particularly FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid), are here to help make college dreams a reality.

“Those [FAFSA and TASFA] are grant monies, so they're a little bit different than scholarships because they are needs-based,” counselor Aimee Mullins said.

Both FAFSA and TASFA open the doors to various grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

“Scholarships are normally awarded based on merit, but the TASFA and FAFSA are need based, so it goes off of your parents’ taxes,” Mrs. Mullins said.

Filling out the FAFSA form may help you qualify for a Pell Grant according to Mrs. Mullins.

“You can also be eligible for what is called federal work study where you work on campus, " Mrs. Mullins said, "and you're paid out of a specific budget that the department may get to where it's not out of their own budget money.”

TASFA, on the other hand, primarily focuses on financial assistance toward students in Texas. It serves a similar purpose to the FAFSA. “It [TASFA] is for students who don’t qualify for the FAFSA. So it can be for students who might not have a social security number, and it’s only Texas based,” Mrs. Mullins said. “I’m sure it has work study programs, but it’s only if you’re going to Texas schools. And if you’re obviously a citizen of Texas.”

In addition to grants like FAFSA and TASFA, merit-based scholarships also play a crucial role in helping students pay for their education. Maintaining a strong academic record while also participating in extracurricular activities can improve eligibility for these scholarships.

“A lot of the scholarships that students receive are

5

Knowing how to navigate FAFSA, TASFA, and meritbased scholarships can open doors to higher education Rawya Hazin reporter

normally going to be university merit-based scholarships that give scholarships based on GPA and/or ACT or SAT scores, or performance based scholarships such as band choir, theater, and even athletics,” Mrs. Mullins said. “Most of the time for merit-based scholarships, scholarship committees look for GPA, a quartile classrank, and ACT or SAT scores.”

For students starting their scholarship application for the first time, the process can be rigorous. Scholarship applications often require students to write compelling essays that showcase their achievements, aspirations, and how they align to the scholarship’s goals.

“There’s a lot of techniques when it comes to writing essays, and it’s better to start out with no-essay scholarships, and then work your way up to regular ones, then bigger and bigger,” senior Parker Phelan said. “The more you do them, the more you’re able to articulate your own story. And the better you can put that into words, the better chance you have of actually getting accepted into scholarships or colleges you want.”

Requesting recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can vouch for a student’s character is also a vital step.

“Scholarship committees want to see the student as a whole, not just their GPA, not just their rank, not just their ACT scores,” Mrs. Mullins said. “So a personal statement and letter of recommendation show who you are as a well-rounded individual, not just what you do in the classroom.”

Networking and seeking guidance from school counselors, teachers, and mentors can provide valuable insights and support. They can help tailor a student’s applications and make sure they stand out.

“For me, one of my mentors or my math teacher, Mr. Quinn, helps out a lot. I’ve come to him for a lot of my recommendations,” Parker said. “And then my mom, she helps out a lot with taking care of emails and looking through if there’s anything important, and just going to Mrs. Mullins helps too.”

Students can find support not only in the numbers on their transcripts but also in their communities rallying behind them. Navigating the financial terrain of higher education may seem daunting, but avenues like FAFSA, TASFA, and merit-based scholarships help students see through the dark clouds of college tuition.

[photos from iStock by IcemanJ and Kativ]

GLOSSARY FAFSA: federal aid application for students' educational expenses TASFA: financial aid for undocumented students' academic fees Pell Grant: income-based federal aid for education costs

6 ads

december 14, 2023 [CSanders]

MORGAN, COOK, & BECK, LLP. 3512 TEXAS BLVD, TEXARKANA, TX 75503 (903) 793-5651

Kenneth & Jerra Parris 1205 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 71854 OldTymeBurger@gmail.com (870)722-5775

december 14, 2023

feature

Zuri Muldrow (11)

Owen Braza (11)

Jaeda Archer (9)

Martha Patterson (10)

"Playing bingo with my family. Some of my siblings and their kids play — we basically all play. My aunt gives out cash prizes, so she's my favorite.

"Going to midnight mass because I get to see the church all prettied up for Christmas.

Christmas Mass is long, so we get home about two.

We have it so we can celebrate Christmas as soon as possible."

"My birthday is on Christmas Eve, so I get like double presents. I think that's the best thing about Christmas — getting lots of Christmas and birthday presents."

"Ice skating and picking out presents for my family.

Usually, my friends and I go to Dallas then we watch Christmas movies, and I like to decorate my house and my room.

That's a big part of it."

Rhoda Clements (10) "Looking at Christmas lights with my family. We always make hot chocolate, put on cute pajamas, and go drive around. We're usually in Dallas and do it there because they have a lot of big decor."

"My family and I used to go to my Maw's house for Christmas Eve. Christmas morning, we would have at my house with members from both sides of my family then we would go to one more Christmas later that day for my dad's side of the family."

Kennadie Smith (10) "The food my grandma makes is the most amazing food like ham and, my favorite, mashed potatoes.

I also love giving people gifts even more than I like receiving them; I like seeing peoples reactions, even if they're bad."

HAWK TALK One question.

10 answers.

Caurie Beck reporter

Grayson Henson (11)

Loriann Hensel (12) "When we put up the Christmas tree. It's just so nostalgic and pretty, and it makes me feel calm when I look at it. I also like making cookies for Santa and then eating them."

Question: What is your favorite part of Christmas?

Hava Eldrige (9) "Watching A Christmas Story every single Christmas day after we open up presents. It was my mom's favorite Christmas movie, and so we just started watching it. We think it's really funny."

Audrey Boehmke (9) "Getting to see family that live far away from me. They live in Houston, so I still see them but not often. I have a cousin who's very close to my age.

She's like my best friend, but she's five hours away.

7

8 sports

december 14, 2023

Madison Herbert reporter

[MSmallwood]

Riley Richardson

FAITH, FAMILY, co-editor

FOOTBALL

[Jsolomon]

It's more than just a game for the Gibson family

I

t's another Friday night. Coach Josh Gibson is surrounded on the 50 by his team — headset in his ear, encouraging the players, t.

On the field, Gibson’s son, Jackson, lines up in the wide receiver slot, waiting for center Cade Martin to hike the ball.

In the press box, Jackson’s grandfather, Vance Gibson, communicates with offensive coordinator Justin Gibson (Jackson's uncle) on the sidelines. In the stands Jackson’s mother, Jennifer Gibson, and his grandmother, Linda, cheer for their boys — the coaches, the wide receiver, and the retired coach who’s now the volunteer coach for the Hawks.

For the Gibson family, football is what they do on Friday nights in the fall. And at Pleasant Grove, everyone knows the Gibson name.

A name that runs through the roots of Pleasant Grove football.

The Gibson family’s blood is black and gold.

Football has bound the Gibson family together for years. In 1996 Josh Gibson played for his high school in Huntsville, TX. From 1997-1999 he played for his father who was coaching at Howard Payne University. After college Josh, started his coaching career in Granbury, TX. Until 2014, he made stops all over Texas — and since then he has been at Pleasant Grove, a 10-year reign as athletic director and head coach. And for the last four years Jackson has been carrying on the dynasty, by starting on junior varsity his freshman year, and moving his way up to starting varsity wide receiver.

Their family, and relationships that go with it, is built around football. But it isn't just about Friday night football — it’s also about church Sundays and movie night Saturdays.

“Football has been a blessing to our family,” Coach Gibson said. “There are so many positives for my wife and my son — specifically relationally. There may be an issue from time to time, but the benefits and blessings outweigh those issues.”

As head football coach for the past ten years, Coach Gibson has spent out-of-school hours coming up with new plays, going over film, and meeting with the other coaches. This has taken him away from many family dinners, and movie nights. But when it comes to Sundays with his family, Coach Gibson drops everything.

It helps even more that they spend every Friday night

together too — Jackson on the field, Coach on the sidelines, and Mrs. Gibson in the stands, cheering for her family.

“There is a bonus to get more time with him in the program and that's awesome for both of us,” Coach Gibson said.

Jackson has been playing football almost as long as his dad has been coaching, starting with his peewee team in first grade.

“I’d say football definitely brought me and him closer together because if I wasn't playing, I wouldn’t be seeing him as much,” Jackson said.

Sure, Jackson gets to spend more time with his dad, bonding, and making him proud — but being the coach’s son comes with a stereotype Jackson has to work hard to fight.

“People think coaches' kids are only on the team because of their dad,” Jackson said. “So trying to exceed that stereotype and be better than it — that’s the pressure I feel.”

Most parents put their kids in sports from a very young age, especially parents who are coaches — the Gibsons are no exception.

“I never wanted to force sports on Jackson,” Coach Gibson said. “However, deep down I wanted him to play. I wanted 15 extra dads pouring into Jackson to help build him into a better man.”

With all of the pressure and expectations, Coach and Jackson have to keep the emotions of their relationship separate from the game.

“I take things less personally on the field than I do when we’re at the house,” Jackson said. “On the field I know it’s coming from a coaching standpoint.”

And that’s the Gibson life.

Coach Gibson’s dedication to the game not only reflects his love for football, but also the values he upholds.

“The two greatest commandments are to love the Lord and then to love each other,” Coach Gibson said. “So my biggest goal is to love these kids powerfully.”

And Jackson understands that.

“My dad is a very passionate person and he’s been attached to football his entire life,” Jackson said. "He prioritizes his faith, his family, and football because that’s what he’s passionate about."

[HBarthel]

MARRIED TO

THE GAME

A closer look into Jennifer Gibson's life as a coach's wife

What is it like being surrounded by a family so invested in football?

"I always know what I'll be doing on a Friday night in the fall. It's always fun for me to drop what I'm doing to take food up to the coaches or drop treats off for the players. My role as a coach's wife has evolved over the years but it has always been fun to interact with the players and support the team as much as I can."

Has football ever put a strain on your marriage?

"There have been times when we've had to make tough decisions, but nothing that would strain a relationship. He has known since he was very little that he wanted to be a football coach, so when we began dating in high school I knew that to live this life with my best friend, I needed to support him and make his journey as smooth as possible."

What are the perks of being married to the head coach?

"It has been cool to have All Access passes at the Frisco Star and Cowboys stadium for the Playoffs and State Championship games over the years.

Another perk is that people that we knew in high school have come to watch games and visited after seeing Josh on TV, or social media — we have a lot of Hawk followers throughout Texas because of the successes the team has had."

december 14, 2023

sports

9

taking a victory lap

Madeline Smallwood

Touchdown, kick, run out, repeat The Friday Night Lights buzz.

The crowd rumbles.

The Fight Song starts.

Leading the run out, senior Bennett Solomon grips his flag and starts his 100 yard dash.

"I'm glad that I ended up in the lead spot," Bennett said. "Even though we all thought that the PG flag was last in the order."

Flag running is a long standing tradition for most schools while having a huge impact in school spirit.

"Being on the field, we're able to hype everyone up, like the football players and the student section," senior Justin Poe said.

Flag runners lead many ways on and off the field.

"I would say that being a flag runner plays a role in school," senior Landon Beck said. "Dressing up for themes and starting chants."

"To be a flag runner, you have to be out

reporter

there so I do think you have to show school spirit," senior Hayden Hall said.

Although, running while holding a flag seems pretty straight forward, it does come with some challenges.

"It's harder to get the flags in order than you would think," Bennett said. "It's hard because we don't have a lot of time to get them in order and sometimes we're on the wrong side of the field so we have to run all the way across."

"I would say sometimes it's challenging to keep a steady pace while running the 100 yard dash when we first run out," Landon said.

As football season comes to a close, many can agree that this year's flag runners were an outstanding and tight-knit group.

"I had a lot of fun being a flag runner," Justin said. "Especially because I was with my friends."

] [CSanders

n]

n] [JSolomo

olomon

Bennett S

"My favorite part of being flag runner is getting to be on the field with the players. My favorite memory is when I slipped in the end zone while running the flag during the LE game. At the Pittsburg game I accidentally hit the top of my flag on the goal post. It made a really loud noise."

n] [JSolomo

eck

Landon B

"I've always heard that being a flag runner was fun, and some of my friends who were upperclassmen said I should do it. It's just a really good experience.

The first game we didn't really know what was happening and we forgot to grab the ice chest for the cheerleaders, so we had to search the whole school for it."

] [CSanders

ll

a Hayden H

"I thought it would be pretty fun to be a flag runner, and I wanted to be involved in a lot things my senior year. The more we score the more we get to run, so I think it's fun in that aspect.

Our first run out, we didn't really know what we were doing. I was behind Landon, and he accidentally went before we were supposed to go, so I ended up really far behind."

] [CSanders

n

Canno Jackson

"I wanted to be a flag runner because it would be fun to be on the field with the players and seeing the game up close.

The hard part about being a runner is that sometimes I get pretty sore if I'm not warmed up. My favorite memory was the first game when Gibby caught that touch down pass.

We were right there; it was just really cool."

[JSolomo

o liam Oter

Wil

"Hayden asked if I wanted to be a flag runner and it seemed fun so I said sure.

Running out for the first time is my favorite part. The camo game was my favorite.

Hayden's pants kept falling down because they were too big and it was funny. He had to run with the flag and hold his pants with his other hand it was very hilarious."

] [CSanders

e

Justin Po

"I wanted to be a flag runner because my friends were doing it. The Pittsburg game has been my favorite so far. That was the game where the fight happened, and it just made everyone more hype after. I really enjoy being on the field to watch the games. We're also able to hype up the football players and the student section."

10 sports Abigail Boehmke reporter

2002-2003

34-3

10-0

undefeated in district

overall record

Jenna Malloy (12)

continuing the

LEGACY

C

oach Amy Collvins gets a daily reminder.

A reminder as she walks past the trophy case.

Past the two huge photos on the wall by the gym.

Looking up at the banners in the practice gym.

Seeing the tangible evidence of the success of the Lady Hawks volleyball teams over the past 40 years.

The success she’s been a part of, both as a player and a coach.

“Volleyball is something I take pride in and it’s respected in Northeast Texas,” Collvins said. “I respect the success of our program and what we have accomplished in the past and I just want to keep building on to it.”

Collvins played for the Lady Hawks from 19921995 and began her coaching career as a hawk in 2000, first as an assistant coach and now as the head coach.

“Being the head coach comes with a lot of pressure,” Collvins said. “As a player I could have some control of the game versus now as the coach I depend on the team to perform” Collvins was part of a 108 game winning streak as a player, assistant coach, and eventually the head coach. The 10-year streak ended in 2007 in a game against Liberty-Eylau.

“Being the coach when the streak ended was hard for me because I saw it as my fault that I let people down" Winning has always been the expectation for players and coaches, especially Coach Melissa Lee who was head coach from 1994-2005.

“The kids expected to win,” Lee said. “We were able to beat some teams that might have been better than we were, but the expectation was that we were supposed to win. I think our mentality was everything.”

december 14, 2023

Lady Hawks strive to keep the streaks alive

Lee was head coach of the teams that made it to the semi-finals in 2004 and 2005 and coached the only two team that ever became state runnerups in 2000 and 2002. Lee led her team to four successful seasons.

“I was fortunate to have great players along the way and we all figured it out together,” Lee said.

“The group of girls in the 2000s were amazing.

They had ‘it’.”

Blair Looney, the mom of varsity player Kennedy McBride, was a part of one of the “it” teams, and their run to this day was the most successful time period for the program. Looney and her team ended the season with a winning record of 32-3, but unfortunately lost to Caldwell in the State Championship finals.

“My team was so successful because of the coaching and leadership we had," Blair said. “We were a part of the legacy where PG hadn’t lost a district game in 12/13 years. They never let us give up or lower our standard and that is why we were so successful.”

Although no recent teams have made it to the state tournament, there has been success in district and the overall season. The Lady Hawks have won the last three district championships with two of those seasons being undefeated.

The Lady Hawks lost out in the area playoffs against Farmersville this year. They ended the season with a winning record of 37-6. Junior Libero Abby Runion has been a crucial part of the success of the team and is proud of what they accomplished this year.

“This season felt unreal," Abby said "I think it really opened up everyone's eyes on how PG volleyball is and how great of a team we are.”

Riley Richardson co-editor

[JSolo

mon]

2023-2024

10-0

undefeated in district

35-6

overall record

Abby Runion (11)

[JSolomon]

december 14, 2023

feature

on the

Riley Richardson

other side

co-editor

Mikaela Emphasis co-editor

The sounds of bombs exploding. Images of destroyed buildings. Video of victims being pulled from piles of rubble. You walk by the TV — another war, another tragedy — it doesn’t affect you, and you move on to practice, to dinner, to homework.

For junior Rawya Hazin and her family, those same images and sounds do mean something. The destroyed buildings belong to people they know. The bombs are falling on places and people they know.

A month ago, Rawya’s grandparents lived in Gaza, one of two Palestinian territories on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The area is bordered by Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north.

Oct. 7: The Palestinian militant group Hamas launches a surprise attack on Israel. Media outlets report 700 civilians killed and 250 hostages taken.

Oct. 8: Israeli forces retaliate, launching rockets into Gaza, destroying buildings and killing more than 400 people, including 20 children according to news sources.

Oct. 9: Rawya’s grandparents leave their home in Central Gaza City and head for the Egyptian border to escape the bombing. When they arrive, the border is closed and they are forced to shelter with friends ten minutes from the border.

Oct . 9-Nov. 12: Electricity goes on and off along with sources of fuel. More families shelter together in the same apartment, and room is scarce. Hot water is not an option, and warm food is rare. Rawyna's grandparents get news about the borders being bombed. They hear bombings themselves all night. They hear the screams and sobs of people outside.

Rawya and her family get this news from news reports and occasional phone calls from her grandpaents.

of the

world.

With communication between Gaza and other countries been severed several times, there would be days that the Hazins wouldn't hear from their family in the Gaza Strip, and prayed they were not some of the hundred of people buried under debris.

“Every day for 30 days, I was worried about my grandparents' survival and would be haunted by the thought of them being bombed or buried alive under the rubble,” Rawya said. “Checking to see if they were dead or alive became part of my mom’s morning routine. It's a morbid way to start your day, but the moments that we would hear from them provided so much relief.”

Every night, the bombs intensified. But together, Rawya’s grandparents and the other refugees found relief from being together.

“They would huddle together all night long until the sun rose to comfort each other,” Rawya said.

Food, water, electricity, fuel — everything was cut off.

The refugees pooled their resources to help each other survive.

“My mother’s second cousin, Tamer, knew of a baker in the area. Despite his bakery no longer operating because of the obvious loss of customers and the fear of his shop being raided by Israeli soldiers, he still baked pizzas for everyone,” Rawya said. “He spread so much comfort through his pizzas. And they’re just pizzas to us, but for my grandparents, this was actual filling food instead of scraps and rations.”

Worlds have been turned upside down, especially for Rawya’s grandparents — her grandfather, who has been a physician for 40 years, and her grandmother, who took care of all family matters lost the home they worked hard for — the home Rawya’s mom where her grandmother spent her childhood summers.

“The house is an unrecognizable pile of dust. There is nowhere to return,” Rawya said. “Anyone who has all their body parts in the Gaza Strip is now considered a lucky one.”

Rawya's grandparents' home, bottom right, was destroyed by Israeli rockets.

War in Gaza causes family worry all the way across the globe But something provided a glimmer of hope for the Hazins — Rawya’s grandparents have dual citizenship — both Canadian and Palestinian. As foreign nationals, they had the chance to leave the Gaza Strip. After 36 days of being stuck at the border, her grandparents escaped the chaos.

“After helping my grandparents leave Gaza, we are now searching for ways to help the remaining family members who don’t have citizenship elsewhere,” Rawya said. “In the meantime, we are donating to food banks that deliver aid to the hungry and to other relief foundations that provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, especially children.”

Even after arriving in the safe city of Cairo, Egypt, her grandparents can still remember the horrors they witnessed as refugees.

“My grandparents would still imagine hearing the bombs,” Rawya said. “They also struggle with feelings of guilt for leaving some of their family members.”

From having almost everything to nothing, Rawya’s grandparents are worried about being a burden to their family now that they have to rely on Rawya’s parents.

“This is a position they [grandparents] never expected to be in since my grandfather was a successful physician, and now he has nothing to show for it,” Rawya said.

But for Rawya and her parents, no price is too big to pay for her grandparents' safety.

“I feel very relieved,” Rawya said. “But I still feel horrible for my other extended members who are still stuck there. I feel guilty. But I am thankful my grandparents are safe. My mom was stressed every day, and now that my grandparents are okay, her mood is way lighter.”

Although Rawya’s grandparents are safe, the war is still on-going, affecting thousands of lives like the Hazins.

“It's hopeless and unfair,” Rawya said. “It’s a tragedy.”

11

12 ads

december 14, 2023

WILLIAMS SCHOOL

GROWING IN GOD'S HANDS We offer classes in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, DrillPointe, Team We offer Tap, classes inand Ballet, Prep Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, and Drill Team

Prep Special Class for Three Year Olds Special Class for Three Year Olds gayleburrow.com 4109 Richmond Place (behind the gayleburrow.com Sonic)

4109 Richmond Place (behind the Sonic)

200 Industrial Blvd.

Nash, TX (903)0831-3912 krauseserviceco.com

Adoption is a loving option Call us before you decide 602 Main St, W, TX 75501 (903) 792-5735 www.firstchoiceprc.com

come enjoy YOUR

College

Experience at Texarkana College

@txkcollege

TEXARKANACOLLEGE.EDU

13

december 14, 2023

feature

what to do

AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT Senior Rachel Davidson got into an accident.

The couple she rear ended were not safe drivers — no turn signals, randomly breaking, and completely screeching to a stop in the middle of the road. Because Rachel was the one who hit them, it was her fault regardless of the faulty driving.

Follow Rachel as she properly handles the aftermath of an accident...

Don't know what to do after an accident?

Check out these tips Riley Richardson co-editor

step 3

step 6

be preventative.

don't say sorry.

• Pull over to safety if possible. If you and your car are still functioning, pull over to a nearby parking lot or shoulder, so there isn't another accident or car-pileup.

• Turn off your car and don't smoke to reduce risk of fire. Also check for leaking fuel and keep a safe distance if so notify authorities.

This is very important. When you go to speak with the victims of a car wreck, be sure to never say the words "I'm sorry."

Those two words can be used against you — it's admitting guilt even if the accident wasn't your fault. Instead, say the words "Are you all right?" when approaching a victim of a car wreck.

step 1

step 4

stay calm.

call authorities.

tell the truth.

"When I got in my accident, I was very calm because it doesn't help to be stressed out during it," Rachel said.

"My dad is a firefighter, and he always told me to be patient and respectful because it doesn't help anyone to be rude because that's just going to make matters worse, and you could pay more."

Once all the precautions are taken care of, immediately call 911, and then the police or fire department will be deployed.

"There were two wonderful ladies across the street who saw the accident and acted as witnesses," Rachel said. "They were the ones who called the cops."

Your adrenaline will be pumping and nerves will be high, so people will exaggerate details or make up lies to protect themselves. So keep a level head and be honest with yourself and the authorities with what happened.

Remember, consequences will be worse if you lie about the events that took place.

step 7

step 8

step 5

step 2 check for injuries.

collect data.

notify your insurance.

Second, make sure you and the other passengers aren't injured. If badly injured, don't try and move.

"My initial reaction was get out to see if the person with me was safe and ok," Rachel said.

"Then I went and checked with the couple I hit.

Normally, you would talk with the people you hit, but mine wouldn't talk to me, so I was at a lost."

When collecting the other driver's information, be sure to include: • Name and number • Insurance details • License plate number and vehicle details Also take pictures of the scene in case the other driver commits a hit-and-run to avoid liability.

When everything is settled, remember to contact your insurance company and report the accident even if you are not at fault. By not notifying them, you could be in violation of your contract and receive consequences.

Also remember to get a copy of the accident report from the police to send to your insurance.

It's important to be prepared for any emergency.

Here's what some students keep handy in their cars [51 students surveyed]

64

trunk?

41.0% 10.3%

your

76.9%

.1%

what's in

61.5% students who keep a spare tire in their car

students who keep jumper cables in their car

students who keep a first aid kit in their car

students who keep a tool box in their car

students who keep a fire extinguisher in their car

14 centerspread will go through it.

“Loss is a part of life, and this happens sometimes and is something everyone goes through,” counselor Karen Carpenter said.“Some are luckier than others and don’t have very many losses, but for those that do, it’s important to go through that and gain that perspective, that overview of life, that it’s going to be okay, and you can continue on.”

After working with students for nine years, Mrs. Carpenter has advice for students dealing with grief in all its forms.

FIVE STAGES

L A NI Mrs. mullins

You’ll never know when grief is coming until it’s in your face, altering your perspective

it [the stages] and know t different on everyone.”

LET IT OUT

Letting yourself succum is healthy and a part of th of reaching acceptance. B emotions might be looke according to Mrs. Carpen benefit.

“We never want to tell because it is okay to. Esp or men, they don’t want t want to embrace that em it’s important to embrace it happen,” Mrs. Carpent needs to let that out — it

Riding the wave

Riley Richardson

“

Blank.

That was Counselor When I was Aimee Mullins’ mind was diagnosed with after her doctor diagnosed her cancer I was in denial with breast cancer. the whole time. I “I kind of blurred out everything wanted this to be a after that,” Mrs. Mullins said. “It felt dream— I wanted to wake up. like a movie — everything around me started to fade and got quiet. My husband had to fill me in after that.

There was a lot of denial on the ride home.”

Embracing your emotions is important. There’s no one-size-fits all to healing and progress.

“It’s good to realize that it’s okay to be in denial, to be angry, to take one step forward and two steps back,” Mrs. Mullins said. “That’s part of the process and it’s going to be different for everybody. Don’t compare your process to other people’s. It will be different. Just do something that works for you and don’t compare — comparison really is the thief of joy.”

“

coach grey

of what life would’ve been.

Your emotions will run rampant, opening the door to the five stages of grief: Denial.

Anger.

Bargaining.

Depression.

Acceptance.

“Sometimes you can go all the way through the stages to acceptance and then go back up to denial — you may hit one [stage] before another,” Mrs. Carpenter said.“It’s like riding a wave. If you’re a surfer, you’re supposed to let the wave take you all the way down to the bottom of the ocean and hit the floor to come back up.

“I think it’s so important to just go with

2an

ge

Emma’s mom is driving home — she just got picked up from her dance class.

‘How do you feel about moving?’ her mom asked her.

“At first, I was excited; I was ambitious about starting fresh,” sophomore Emma Sharp said. “But then it started happening really quickly. It felt like a fever dream. I didn’t realize that it’s really happening for real until we started packing.”

Emma and her family moved to be closer any relatives near them, but also for a “better life” for Emma and the rest of her family.

“My parents wanted me to have more opportunities at school,” Emma said. “I didn’t have that at my old school.”

A fresh start was what her family wanted, but for Emma losing the relationships she built caused her pause. Losing them was the hardest part for her because she never got to I had a very sad say goodbye. sense of emptiness and I was trying to fill “We moved over the summer and I would try to reach that emptiness with out back to my old friends, but they were mad at me for whatever reassurance not telling them I was moving even though I didn’t have a I could get, so I could choice,” Emma said. get my old life back.

Then it started there — the third stage of grief.

Emma started to visit the nurse’s office almost every day to avoid going to her new school.

“It was my way of bargaining,” Emma said. “My parents started to threaten me by taking my stuff away if I didn’tf stop acting out.”

But through making new friends, Emma found a reason to stay in her new home.

“I’m very much a people person. I don’t deal well with alienation or anything like that,” Emma said. “So it was my new friends that really helped me get back on track.

“I didn’t truly enjoy school then until I met them.”

“

“

“

“

“

co-edi

E D

“I was a daddy

N I A ING G R A 3B Emma Sharp

Mikae

watchin only one thing

r

At Coach Paige Grey’s last Hooks volleyball practice, she looks over and sees Katie Jo Vaughn, her favorite player, laughing with her friends. She knew it would probably be the last time she would be with her players as team, but she never would have thought it would be the last time she would ever see Katie.

It was Coach Grey’s first year in Pleasant Grove when one of her Katie Jo died in a car accident. “She was so young and full of life,” Coach Grey said. “My biggest thing was just why? Why her? Why did that have to happen? Why didn’t she get to live a longer life?”

I’m not going to A year after the accident, Coach Grey turned to lie, I was really her church’s pastor for help. angry for a long “I was so angry, and it took me a while to accept time because in it,” she said. “At first I blamed God, but the more I all honesty, I was prayed and talked to my pasto , it really helped.” mad at God for it With time comes changed perspectives, and happening.

Coach Grey’s anger has slowly turned into acceptance.

“Now, I’m at the point where I see that Katie Jo lived a nice life because she was such a happy and nice person to everyone,” Coach Grey said. “It makes me happy when I think of her — I don’t get sad anymore. She got to live her life.”

co-editor

4

A

ltering your life’s plan, everything you planned and hoped to be, because of an injury.

Moving away from the only normal you’ve ever known, all the memories and friends you have made.

Putting your life on hold because of an illness, never knowing if you can go back to the way your life was.

Never getting to say goodbye.

Loss comes in all different shapes and forms, and every person copes with it differently — the only universal aspect of grief is that everyone has it and/or

1 DE

How to healthily deal with grief according to school counselor

december 1

Everyone have a fat so not ha anymore hardest pa loved

whole circle

Over ti m “Be forget, b

15

14, 2023

centerspread

that grief looks

mb to your emotions he long process Bottling in your ed at as tough, but nter, it’s not to your

l a person ‘don’t cry’ pecially with boys to cry — they don’t motion, but I think e that wave and let ter said. “Your body t’s cathartic. There are

some people who don’t want to talk about it, and that’s fine, but pushing it and pushing it down is not going to help anybody.” talk it out While letting out your emotions is important, it can be just as important to share those feelings with others and talk about the loss when you’re ready.

“It’s important for others to know what you’re going through,” Mrs. Carpenter said.

“You have to be open to discussing [those emotions] with someone; it could be a stranger but it also could be going to church and finding someone there to support you.”

Finding a few close friends to confide in can be a healthy way to expel your emotion —

ela Emphasis

itor

I O S N S E R EPAlexis Caraway

it can be therapeutic.

“That person who will support you is beneficial.

They help you push through,” Mrs. Carpenter said.

“And with support, you can feel hope — you can start laughing again without feeling guilty.”

TRUST OTHERS “Communication is key” is a common phrase, and it just proves right, according to Mrs. Carpenter.

“You want to make sure there’s constant communication going on,” she said. “Prolonged grief, disinterest in daily activities, loss of appetite, no sleep — that might happen initially, but if it continues through a month or two, then you need to have someone be there for you.”

Letting yourself freely go through the stages, with the help of others, isn’t going to make all the grief go away. Some stages are more difficult than others and pose more challenges than just the initial loss.

“Ultimately time will push that denial back. With anger, that may stay for a long time because there’s that whole universal question of ‘why?’ I think anger shows up a lot,” Mrs. Carpenter said. “Depression, I think, is that hardest one to push through because it’s safe and it’s comforting — you don’t have to talk to anybody.

It’s almost like you can use that ‘card’ a lot longer than what’s needed.”

The future Our future doesn’t always go the way we want it to. There are things we have to be mentally prepared for. Whether it’s a sudden loss of a loved one or an uncontrollable change in your life, life will always continue on, Mrs. Carpenter said.

“It’s a change, so you have to be resilient — realize that resiliency is the number one thing that keeps people going,” she said. “You’re going to change roads all the time in your life — every path is going to be different for you, but you just have to be prepared for that. Loss is a part of life.”

chloe jackson

Journaling

Write out how you’re feeling, especially if you can’t voice them to a friend or adult.

Box Breathing

Control your breathing to prevent panic attacks — breathe in for four second, hold for four, breathe out for four seconds, hold for four and repeat the box step.

Write a Letter

If you never got proper closure with your loss, write a letter as if you were talking to them/it to say your goodbye.

Every nine out of ten students/ faculty have experience at least one or all five stages of grief

The hardest stage for students and staff to overcome...

13%

Denial

Bargaining

17%

Anger 4%

38%

CEPTANCE

5AC

depression acceptance

28%

Junior Alexis Caraway sits in her living room ng TV when suddenly she hears a familiar melody. With g left to do, she jumps up, her father’s T-shirt swallowing her body, and starts to dance. y’s girl,” Alexis said. “I would wear his really big shirts and dance around in them to music ads from the TV.” When Alexis was eight, that father she loved so much died unexpectedly. He had a blood clot around his heart and died from a heart e wants to attack while she was at school. After the news, ther figure, Alexis started to have a disinterest in the world aving one e was the around her. art. I really “With my depression, I lost interest in d him. everything. All I wanted was to sleep all the time and cry,” Alexis said. “I didn’t want to hangout with my friends either. It was just a of bad, but my mother was always there for me and accommodated anything I needed — she was my mom and my dad.” ime, Alexis found people who would support her besides her mother, and recommends everyone to do the same. eing around people I enjoy helped a lot — it helped me Shirts at one house, pants at another. ,” Alexis said. “I think everyone should find that circle Restrictions. Freedom. School. No school. but make sure it’s a good one because if you get in Everything about sophomore Chloe Jackson’s home-life was the wrong one, it’s going to make it worse.” inconsistent, and that inconsistency affected her schooling.

“My parents got divorced when I was two. Going from household to household was difficult, and it’s why I got held back,” Chloe said.

“My granny wouldn’t make me go to school, so whenever I was at that household I never went to school, and then I would go to my dad’s, but he wouldn’t take care of me at all.”

Finding the positives in life-altering situations is a difficult skill to master, but Chloe does her best to focus on what she gained from her parents’ divorce instead of what was taken.

“I’m glad that my parents got a divorce because I love my stepdad,” Chloe said. “I was a bratty kid and he helped me be a better person. He took good care of me like a real dad would.”

Through Chloe’s stepfather, she was able to find the “best father figure she could ask for.”

“Don’t push your step parent away too soon,” Chloe said. “I love my step dad. He’s more a dad than my real dad is.

Just don’t push them away because they could turn out to be amazing.”

carpenter’s guide to coping

“

16

december 14, 2023

feature

DRUMMING

TO THEIR OWN T

BEAT

ap, tap, tap, tap.

With his drumsticks, sophomore Mason Hammonds sets the tempo, and the drumline begins the cadence for the band to march into the stands.

“I think [being on drumline] is cool because we get to play the cadences and stuff,” Mason said. “We get to play our own little tunes by ourselves.”

When Mason steps out on the field, playing the drum isn’t the only thing he has to focus on. By setting the tempo, he and other members of the drumline, perform a different but just as important role in the band.

“We don’t really have to worry about playing different pitches unlike the others,” Mason said. “It’s really more just rhythms for us.”

Drumline plays an important role in the band Addison Kinney reporter

is a THE BIG Here breakdown

Riley Richardson co-editor

THREE

Bass Drum:

On top of the weight, drummers have to actually play their instrument — memorizing rhythms, keeping time, and for tenor, playing multiple drums.

“When one hand is doing one rhythm, and your other hand is answering a different rhythm, you kind of have to separate them in your mind,” Timothy said.

Between stand cadences and roll-offs for the kickoffs in football, the drumline has extra responsiblities at football games.

“The cadences are really fun,” Cade said. “I get to hit my drum really hard.”

While marching with and playing the drum may be difficult, Timothy believes that anyone can easily get on the drumline with a little help.

“People always say they want to do drumline, and I think if you actually want to, then do it,” Timothy said. “If someone ever When you memorize wanted to jump on, all they have a piece and you're to do is come up to me and ask. playing it, it makes [I could] give you lessons for two you feel very cool. weeks, and you could easily join You’re doing all these drumline by next year. It’s really all complex motions. about effort.”

Weight: 13-26 lbs Cost: $472.95 $769.95 Players: Eddie Tank (12), Brendan Sexton (11), Damon Whiseant (11), Cade Simmons (10), Peyton Glover (9)

“

Mason is one of three snare drummers, along with freshman Eadon Pree and freshman Jamie King. The snare drum is the lightest and smallest of the drums in the drumline.

There’s also the tenor drum, played by freshman Aubrey Sexson and senior Timothy Overlock, and the bass drum with its drummers sophomore Cade Simmons, senior Eddie Tank, junior Brendan Sexton, freshman Peyton Glover, and junior Damon Whiseant.

The drum line doesn’t just establish the tempo for the band — they also march differently. It’s a technique called crabbing.

Since the drums always have to be facing the audience, drummers have to march sideways, staying on their toes and march with one foot over the other foot.

“We’re on our toes most of the time,” Aubrey said. “I have almost tripped and fallen many times while marching I lost count.”

Marching around with a drum can be physically draining.

Not only is the marching pattern different from the rest of the band, the drums they carry are heavy; tenors getting up to 29 pounds in weight.

“It hurts your back and shoulders a lot,” Aubrey said. “It takes a lot of practice to get used to it.”

AUBREY SEXSON (9)

- Timothy Overlock (12)

Tenor Drum:

Weight: 29 lbs Cost: $1,500 Players: Timothy Overlock (12), Aubrey Sexson (9)

”

It’s Friday night and Aubrey prepares to march into the stadium alongside the rest of her drummers.

As her gut turns in anticipation, she runs through the show in her head. She’s been learning this show since summer, everything leading up to this moment. Her tenor drum weighs on her shoulders.

She looks up at Deanna on the drum major stand and knew it was time.

Her feet cross with every step as she precisely hits each set.

She drops her sticks down to her sides at the end of her preformance, proudly, knowing she just completed one of her best runs of the show.

TIMOTHY OVERLOCK (12)

of each drum...

Snare Drum:

Weight: 6-7 lbs Cost: $619.95– $629.95 Players: Mason Hammonds (10), Eadon Pree (9), Jamie King (9)

MASON HAMMONDS (10)

CADE SIMMONS (10)

...and has been playing tenor for two years.

...and has been playing tenor for six years.

...and has been playing snare for five years.

...and has been playing bass for four years.

“[Being on drumline] is a lot cooler than front ensemble.

We get to do more music in the stands and there’s a lot more moving.”

“I make up harder [rhythms] and more advanced things because as a senior, some of this stuff gets a little boring. I just like to make it more fun.”

“I have been playing drums since I was three years old, but I really had to hop in and learn in 6th grade.”

“Bass drum is a lot more counting. You’re not a part of the melody whenever you’re a bass drum.”

december 14, 2023

How heavy is the costume?

It’s definitely heavy.

The heaviest part would have to be the head. I have to be careful with how I move or else my shoulders will be sore the next day. But overall, you don’t feel it other than the head really.

feature

SOMETHING to

SHOUT about

reporter

Senior Elliot White puts on a disguise as mascot — Grover

On the Showstopper bus, I was watching Looney Tunes and paying attention to how they moved. When you’re in the suit, everything you do has to be exaggerated. I kind of just go for it.

It just happens.

Is there any training you had to do?

What is the best part of being a mascot?

My parents did help me, like they walked me through like how not to be a boring mascot. It was a whole discussion. You always have to be moving even if you’re tired, or you’re taking a break, your foot or some part of you has to be moving or else you’re boring.

The kids are the best part. They also don’t realize you’re a human. I really like interacting with kids. They always seem super excited and I just really like making little kids happy because they're really cute.

Why did you become a mascot?

Both of my parents were mascots and I just thought it looked really cool and fun.

They [parents] were actually both super frog at TCU. It was my choice to be a mascot, but they’re definitely extremely supportive of it.

ney

Addison Kin

How do you get into the character of Grover?

How do you put on the costume?

How do you deal with hot weather?

I take as many water breaks as necessary and I drink a lot of Gatorade.

Throughout the school day, I'm drinking as much water as I can, and I’m making sure that I have eaten and then I’m hydrated.

We also have two ice vests that you freeze the night before and then you put them on under your suit. It helps you keep cool.

During game days, I’ll either have a change of clothes or I’ll be wearing my under-grover stuff all day. When you put the suit on, there’s a lot of pieces to it. So first, you’ve got this giant fur body suit, and it goes down to your legs and it’s long sleeve. Then, you put on shoes because you can’t put them on afterward. Then the jersey goes on next, followed by gloves and then the head.

17

18 feature

december 14, 2023

sibling spotlight Siblings in the same extracurriculars share sweet experiences

drill team senior Norah Jordan “My thing is definitely ballet, but she doesn’t really like it at all. She likes jazz and tap.

Drill team is special for us because that’s where we meet in the middle.”

[MSmallwood]

freshman Rosie Jordan “There’s a lot of advantages to being in drill team together. I’m pretty forgetful, but she always knows what’s going on. She knows exactly what to do.”

[CSanders]

BUILT

sophomore Ravyn Kesterson

like a

TANK

I

t's another Friday night home game reporter at Hawk Stadium.

The student section is decked out; the stadium is packed.

Senior Eddie Tank runs onto the field, excited to hear the cheers of his supporters and the shouts from his teammates.

On the sidelines, he hears his sister, junior Jayla Tank chanting his jersey number and cheering him on with all of her energy.

But when halftime comes, the Tank siblings don’t get a break like the rest of their team.

Eddie stays in his football uniform, but harnesses up with a bass drum. Jayla stays in her cheer uniform, but adds on a pair of color guard gloves.

“It can be really tiring not getting a break during halftime,” Eddie said. “Once I get through the halftime show, I sit on the sidelines until it’s time for me to play again.”

Jayla is the assistant color guard captain, so she is always ready to perform, despite switching from one sport to another.

“Sometimes I get tired of doing it all, but at the same time, I couldn’t imagine not,” Jayla said. “I would hate not doing all that I do. I couldn’t just sit at a football

Abigail Thrash

band

[MSmallwood]

game and watch.”

During the fall season, both Eddie and Jayla are focused on making it to the state marching band competition, and on top of that, Jayla is concentrated on her cheer routines at pep rallies, and Eddie is fixated on winning state with the football team.

“Fall activities are a lot harder than spring ones,” Eddie said. “Track and concert season in the spring is Sometimes I get not bad because tired of doing everything is done in the it all, but at the morning and same time, I there’s no extra couldn’t imagine practices.” not. I would Jayla, however, hate not doing doesn’t have a calmer season all that I do. like Eddie does.

- Jayla Tank (11) “Right after color guard, we start preparing for winter guard competitions,” Jayla said. “Cheer gets busier too because we have UIL competitions. I basically compete in something year-round.”

Weekends and breaks for the Tank siblings are almost always consumed by their activities. When there isn’t a Friday football game or a Saturday band

”

Siblings learn how to balance multiple school activities

competition for Eddie, there’s still a cheer or color guard practice for Jayla.

“Without enough time to rest or not do anything, it can be really stressful,” Jayla said. “Many times I find myself freaking out for no reason. I'm like, ‘I just need to calm down’.”

But with plenty of support from their parents and teachers, Jayla and Eddie don’t have to stress if their extracurriculars interfere with one another.

“When conflicts arise, I feel it is important for sponsors or coaches to work out a solution so that the student never has to be put in a difficult position,” color guard director Anna Sutton said. “It’s very important for students at this age to explore all of their interests and abilities, so I make it a priority to find solutions to allow them to do so.”

Although Jayla and Eddie have the seemingly most stressful lives, with good time management and hard work, they enjoy their busyness and time together.

"We've grown up together, so we basically do everything together," Jayla said. "It made sense doing the same sports together, so we would come home and talk about them and make inside jokes."

”

“It’s nice seeing her hang out with her friends in band because she’s my little sister, so it’s sweet seeing her grow up.

We're able to spend a lot of time with each other."

freshman Anna Kesterson “We joke with each other a lot. When we tell each other ‘you suck,’ it’s always funny. It’s like tough love.”

soccer senior Bennett Solomon “It’s pretty fun being on the same team.

I know where he likes the ball to be and how he wants to receive it, so teamwork is easy for us.”

sophomore James Solomon “I just like growing a relationship with him.

We get to go to a lot of places together, and we’re just a lot closer than we would be if we didn’t do so much together.”

december 14, 2023

Quick Trip

Location: North Kings Highway

This gas station is the closest Texarkana will get to a Buc-ee's (unless our town were to suddenly be graced with one). It has everything from hot dog warmers to 12 different kinds of tea machines. Here are some of the highlights: • Bathrooms are cleaned every half-hour • Over eight flavors of fresh coffee • Freshly baked donuts • Their own kitchen serving hot sandwiches, personal and X-Large pizzas, pretzels, tacos, mac & cheese, milkshakes, and more.

Unlike most gas stations, this one had extensive parking lot for their convenient store.

I think those who choose QT [Quick Trip] come mainly for the food than the gas.

But all in all, I was very impressed — this deserves a solid 9.5/10 rating with a double thumbs up.

more than ga$ price$

19

feature

Staffer rates bathrooms, food, location and more of popular gas stations Riley Richardson co-editor

Walmart

Location: Richmond Road Out of all of stations I reviewed, this one is probably the worst. I had high hopes coming to this one because of its awesome location — Richmond Rd is the central hub of TK — but was honestly depressed with it lack of functionality.

There were practically no places to park to enter their convenience store , which

E-Z Mart

enter was the size of an average PGHS locker room if not smaller. I will say if a customer were to actually need something, like a snack or drink, they could literally walk over to Walmart, but if you're going to have a convenience store, make it actually convenient and supply it with items.

Overall, 6.4 rating and a frowny-face.

Location: Richmond Road

This station would be if QT and Walmart Gas Station had a child — it's nothing spectacular but gets the job done.

It's on Richmond Rd but a little further out which can be a hindrance or a positive thing (so you can avoid traffic) depending on how you look at it.

First thing I noticed was a newspaper stand which automatically got my seal of approval.

Like QT, have their own kitchen

but a smaller menu: pizzas, cookies, wings. They have a weird selection of items available in the store too, for example: • Dog Food • Tide Pods • Cleaning Products • Small selection of school supplies??

But they still have your typical coffee, hot chocolate, fountain drinks, and grab-and-go snacks.

If I had to rate... 7.8 and a head nod — just ok is nothing bad.

Shell ...but here'$ $ome ga$ price$ These were the gas prices of the four station that where rated when we visited

Quick Trip - $2.59 Walmart - $2.42 E-Z Mart - $2.75 Shell - $2.79

want to know how to get the best prices?

Gas Buddy is a free mobile app that finds you the cheapest gas closest to your location. It can also be used as a way to pay at certain gas stations with a rewards program to receive free gas money.

Location: North Kings Highway

I'm going to be honest, I forgot this gas station existed.

It's a little out of the way like QT; however, it's so so worth it. Everything. This store had everything.

Golden Chick, Dunkin' Donuts, and Steak n' Shake.

What gas station in Texarkana has three places to eat?

Plus they have there own small kitchen serving BBQ sandwiches and homemade fudge which resembles the set-up at Buc-ee's.

Reviewing this station last, I have to say, QT has some competition. The only difference between the two is Shell's more country personality, and QT offers a bit more variety of drink machines.

This one was a pleasant surprise — one I personally will remember in the future, especially with Dunkin' being so close. It gets a well deserved 8.9 from me and a cartwheel.

20 ads

december 14, 2023

YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW

$65

come by room 603 to pick up an order form OR visit www.yearbooks.biz or scan QR code and order by credit card

school order number: 1614

ORDER CUT-OFF DATE IS FEB. 28

1920 MOORES LANE •TEXARKANA, TX

(903) 792-8030

entertainment

december 14, 2023

COMING SOON...

RELEASE DATE:

OCTOBER 4, 2024

WHERE TO WATCH:

”

I think there is going to be a lot more details within the movie. I think with the more advanced technology it is going to make the stunts and scenes a lot more fascinating.

Also, the Joker is literally a god. He's so funny and I just can't wait to watch his personality come out.

IN THEATERS

- Ciara Miley (11)

“

Stranger Things show

Stranger Things season 5 will most likely follow the Hawkins gang’s final adventures as they come together to solve their biggest mystery yet: how to conquer Vecna for good.

RELEASE DATE: MARCH, 2024

WHERE TO PLAY: PS5, XBOX SERIES X AND S, MICROSOFT WINDOWS

”

I've played previous Star Wars games, but none of them have had an open world like this one. I can't wait to go anywhere I want, and not only be limited to one planet or section. Also, I think there is going to be a lot more scenery and different ways to get to the different places.

- Cade Simmons (12)

“

Funny Story book

This book by Emily Henry follows a woman named Daphne whose fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. In a crazy twist, Daphne becomes roommates with Miles, who is the childhood best friend's ex-boyfriend.

New entertainment coming in 2024

21

Abigail Boehmke reporter

Riley Richardson co-editor

Joker movie

A failed clown and comedian, Arthur Fleck who descends into a mental illness inspires a violent countercultural revolution against the wealthy in a high crime falling apart Gotham City.

”

I think a lot of the main characters are going to become severely injured, and my prediction is that Will is going to die. The mystery of this series keeps me engaged in the series. The supernatural world and the upside down world always keep me guessing what is going to happen next.

- Alexia Gipson (10)

“

RELEASE DATE: UNKNOWN

WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX

Star Wars: Outlaw video game

The first ever open world Star Wars game is coming to the market. The game takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. You'll be able to explore different planets across the galaxy, and have to risk it all as Kay Vess, a scoundrel trying to get to freedom and create a new life with her companion Nix.

”

The plot of this book seems really interesting. I think there are going to be a lot of different twists that will throw the reader off.

I'm excited to know the outcome of the book, and I think I'll enjoy the suspense of the book. I'm excited to read this because reading calms me and it allows me to learn new things.

- Lillian Brassfield (10)

“

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 23, 2024

WHERE TO FIND:

AMAZON, BAM, BARNES & NOBLE

22 entertainment

heating up the

winter

Madison Herbert reporter

december 14, 2023

With colder weather, Texarkana offers plenty of variety for hot chocolate

Mikaela Emphasis co-editor

starbucks

local habit options none

price 6.50 for a medium (12 oz)

overall experience 9/10

flavor creamy, thick, chocolate

price 4.28 for a medium (12 0z) flavor bitter, dark chocolate options whipped cream

Local Habit was SO good! It was creamy, thick, frothy and literally the best taste I've ever put in my mouth. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 was because of the price. I'm not willing to spend close to $7 on hot chocolate.

overall experience 5/10 Starbucks was not the best in my opinion. Their chocolate was dark and bitter tasting, and there were no options.

Next time though, I would definitely add whipped cream or cold foam.

swiss miss

taste & see

price 2.48 for 8 packets (8 oz each)

price 3.95 for a medium (12 oz) flavor creamy, thick, milk chocolate, salty

flavor bland, watery, and salty options unlimited combinations (whatever you buy for it)

options milk chocolate, white chocolate, or cookies and cream

overall experience 2/10 The classic Swiss Miss packet did not stand out to me. I made it with hot water, so my judgment is probably skewed; But while it is cheaper, it was a lot of work for not enough reward. The reason I still gave it a two is because there are unlimited options you can buy.

overall experience 10/10

Students poll on their favorite holiday drinks

hot numbers

Taste & See was definitely my favorite place. It tasted very similar to Local Habit in that it was thick and creamy and made my stomach so warm — but for half the price. Another factor that made Taste & See so great was that they offered me with options; there was a choice of milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate and they offered me whipped cream or not.

Which hot chocolate do students prefer?

Students' favorite holiday drinks hot chocolate apple cider

67% 10%

starbucks

8%

local habit 4% eggnog

10%

other

12%

other swiss miss

”

People probably voted for Swiss Miss more because of the nostalgia and because it's way cheaper.

18%

taste & see

10% 59%

“

- senior Lucas Jordan, Taste & See employee [49 students surveyed]

december 14, 2023

entertainment

from animation to adaptation

23

monster high

Mikaela Emphasis co-editor

82%

prefer the old movie over the new movie

A closer look at how the animated classics are brought to life. Which one is your favorite animation to adaptation?

”

Some are really good, like Scooby Doo. But some are not, like Monster High. They didn't do the animated movie the justice it deserved.

“

- Charlotte Clark (10)

- Lucian David (12)

62%

prefer the animation over the live adaptation

“

The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Out of all the live adaptations that came out this year the Little Mermaid was one of the best.

I would describe the 1989 movie as a timeless classic.

The characters, the colors, the animation, the plot — everything both an adult and child will love.

It goes the same for the 2023 movie. Even though there were a lot of “controversies” regarding the new movie, I had no problems with it.

(2023)

”

Live adaptations usually suck, it can be done decently but it rarely happens, example: Lion King Live Action sucked. Things can be expressed easier in animation.

the little mermaid

(1989)

(2022)

You can do a lot more with animated. I don't think there will be limits. So, I prefer animated over the live-action version of that same movie or show.

“

- Loriann Hensel (12)

”

(2016)

I personally think Halle Bailey perfectly portrayed Ariel’s angelic beauty and voice.

What I really liked about both movies is that they never disappoint us with their music.

I think the main thing with The Little Mermaid is that its music will always make you feel like you're in heaven.

The producers did a great job bringing the Little Mermaid come to life.

[50 students surveyed]

one piece

86%

prefer the animation over the live adaptation

One Piece (1999)

One Piece (2023)

For anime fans, One Piece is one of the best classic anime show.

When Netflix released the trailer for the live adaptation for One Piece, there were a lot of mixed reactions.

Some were excited, some criticized it for being “cringe.”

They aren't necessarily wrong.

The acting was pretty (1999) cringe. Most (2023) of the time they acted like But they were just reading lines I still enjoyed it in some and not actually conveying ways. emotions.

To be able to really The set and costume appreciate the adaptation, designs were pretty low you have to see it as a quality, so it was hard to stand-alone. look at it.

[50 students surveyed]

Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef (2016)

Monster High: The Movie (2022)

Get ready because I’m going to unleash all my hatred on the new movie.

I don’t think anyone understood the assignment when they were making the movie.

Monster High movies from 2014-2016 were superior. The quality? 11/10.

Whatever sorcery they put in those old movies, they should have abracadabra-d it to the 2022 movie.

When I first heard Monster High was getting a live adaptation… I was doubtful.

But I still gave it the benefit of the doubt.

I shouldn’t have.

It was so hard to continue watching the movie.

From the atrocious costume design to home-wrecking relationships (Cleo and Deuce, if you know, you know).

On a serious note, the main theme of Monster High is embracing one’s identity, but in the movie, they completely erased that.

Monster High has always been known for its vibrant colors and the monsters’ eccentric personalities, but they stripped off every character’s uniqueness.

Other than the character and plot changes, the special effects were pretty well done, considering the costume design was not the best.

Overall, I wouldn’t watch the 2022 movie again. I can, however, watch the Great Scarrier Reef a million times, and I wouldn’t get tired of it.

I think Monster High should've just stayed as animated instead of making a live adaptation of it.

[50 students surveyed]

scooby-doo

56%

prefer the animation over the live adaptation

Scooby-Doo Where are You! (1969)

Scooby-Doo (2002)

Scooby-Doo is my childhood — let’s start with that.

Out of all the movies/shows on this list, ScoobyDoo has a great "from animation to live adaptation."

The movie was faithful to the show's characters' traits.

As a kid, the dialogues were boring and the scenes that were supposed to be funny I didn't

really find funny.

But as I got older, I realized the movie's humor was targeted for the adults.

The only thing that bothered me visually was Scooby-Doo. It's understandable because (1) it was 2002 and (2) he's a CGI dog.

Overall, it's a great show and movie that both an adult and child can enjoy.

(1969)

(2002) [50 students surveyed]

24 entertainment

december 14, 2023

Word Scramble

Fact or fiction?

Nasta

In Germany, children leave out their shoes for Santa.

Yancd Nace

'Home alone' is the most watched Christmas movie of all time.

KFC is a popular Christmas meal in Japan.

Hrisctams Rete

Find the elf Hidden somewhere in the paper is an elf... read pages throughout the paper to find it!

The elf is on page...

The largest Christmas tree in America is displayed in New York City every year.

Kocioes

'Last Christmas' by Wham! is the most streamed holiday song of all time.

Nowsanm

Seven reindeer pull Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Rpenets

Candy canes are the most purchased holiday candy.

Oth Clochotae

'Saint Nick' is another popular name for Santa Claus.

Games Page

the

4

Start

Complete these holiday themed puzzles and bring them to room 603 for a Christmas prize

Brooklyn Tirone reporter

Lead Santa to the cookies!

Finish

december 14, 2023

opinion

Rawya Hazin reporter

from the river to the sea

25

Events in Palestine hold special meaning for staffer

I

sit down at our dining room table on a lazy Saturday morning, casually scrolling through my phone, the smell of fresh coffee filling the air.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Baba – my dad – walk in.

I flick my eyes from my screen to him, opening my mouth to greet him with a ‘good morning.’

I freeze.

Across his face, I see it. See the urgency etched in his narrowed dark brown eyes, his tightened lips, and his furrowed, bushy eyebrows.

Then his question catches me off-guard.

"Did you see what they did?" he asks.

Who? I’m thinking. What?

And I ask, "What who did?”

I pause a minute, confused. Stare at him.

I shift my gaze to the window, looking at the ugly scaffolding and piles of scrapped materials outside. The construction on the house that’s been going on for months now.

I sigh, then ask, “Is this about the renovations?"

I hear no response.

I look back at him.

He is shocked.

His eyes are wide, the stare making my blood run cold.

His eyes, the exact same color and shape as mine, were disturbed.

And I know — I've missed something.

He asks, "Do you not know what happened?"

I look around the room, trying to piece together the puzzle. "...No?" He motions toward the staircase, leading me upstairs.

I feel the tension growing with each step.

We reach the top, and I hear it. A familiar language from the

TV — the screen casting the room in an eerie glow.

And the first word I see on the screen — Palestine. In bold, black letters on the white strip at the bottom of the images.

Images I can’t forget.

Palestinians in their makeshift airplanes flying across the borders.

Palestinian people walking on top of a building’s rubble — a building destroyed by an Israeli air strike, a building enveloped by the rising fire and smoke.

Palestinian boys, girls, and babies wounded, their bodies limp and unrecognizable as they’re carried by their sobbing, screaming parents.

Images burned into my mind forever.

And I remember seeing the news station cover Benjamin Netanyahu's statement — how he would turn all the Hamas hideouts in Gaza to "rubble," how Gaza residents had to "leave now."

I remember feeling tears sting at my eyes and begin rolling down my face in a seemingly endless stream.

I remember thinking — 'But where are they supposed to go if they literally aren't allowed to leave?'

Watching the TV served as a stark reminder — the IsraeliPalestinian conflict is not another cruel problem in this world.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an intricate part of my identity.

I never really put too much thought into my identity.

Until now.

I never lived in Palestine, and I didn’t grow up there.

Does that mean I’m from there?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Does that mean I’m from New York?

I grew up mostly in Texarkana.

Am I from Texarkana?

What am I?

there's no comparison Not every high school experience is the same, even for sisters I can’t believe I’m missing school for this.

Mr. Sutton had told us that the middle schoolers were going to play with us at the next football game, and we needed to prepare our halftime event for them. As I looked across the sea of seventh and eighth graders shuffling nervously with their instruments in tow, I finally came to this realization.

I’m old now.

An unsettling feeling sinks in my stomach. I was only in sixth grade two years ago! Or was it four, or five? How old am I again? 15.

One more year until I drive. Two more years until I’m a senior. Three more years until college.

How did I get here?

I’ve been mulling over my memories recently, which led to me thinking about my sister.

She's four years older than me and in college right now.

When we were younger, we made forts and talked about her middle school drama, but that was when we were really young. As of now, we don’t really talk. Even when she was still in high school, we stayed to ourselves. Football games and competitions, I still went to every event she had, and I still listened to her complain about drama whether she realized it

or not.

I was in the background, looking and listening.

I remember looking at my older sister, tears of joy rolling down her cheeks. It was her 15th birthday, and she was surprised with a white 2006 FJ cruiser, the exact car she wanted. I was 11 or 10 at the time, barely even in middle school. I thought that it would be ages until I started driving.

Now here I am, sitting in the driver's seat of my own car.

It hasn’t been the same as it used to be — or maybe it has. Ever since I was born, my sister’s personality has overshadowed mine. She’s always loved the spotlight — she wanted to be who everyone looked at. Me, on the other hand, would play in my room with the door closed. I don’t mind that much. Standing behind her during family gatherings while she talks sounds just fine to me.

Passively watching my sister grow up from the sidelines made me invent some sort of expectations or reality for high school: make-up, parties, shopping, driving, difficult classes, and drama. Now being here, I’ve come to realize that it’s not all that true; at least, not for me. Sure, I’ve heard many stories from other people about all of those things, but nothing I've personally experienced.

I’m isolated.

I’m a Palestinian American living in the United States.

My very existence becomes a political statement — the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s weight casting a shadow over the simplest aspects of life.

Because supporting my home now means I’m “anti-semitic” or I “want all the Jews gone.”

Supporting my home now means I’m hateful and I encourage terrorism.

Supporting my home now puts me in danger.

And I grapple with who I am.

Thinking about the thousands of Palestinians who’ve died in the 50 plus days since October 7th.

Thinking about the millions of Palestinians who’ve died and been displaced in the 75 years since 1948.

Thinking about my grandparents stuck in Palestine—their homeland, their place of birth, where every grandparent of theirs is buried for at least seven generations — a home almost solely defined by conflict.

And thinking about how I long for a peaceful resolution to this seemingly endless struggle — not just a distant wish but a fervent prayer.

A prayer for the well-being of those I hold dear. In these moments when these thoughts flood my mind, my sense of "aloneness" grows and grows and grows.

And that aloneness is not just about physical distance.

That aloneness is about the emotional and cultural abyss — an abyss that widens with each news report. Widens with every heated debate.

Yet, within my aloneness, I have resilience.

And as I navigate these complex intersections of who I am, I remember my story.

A story of a heritage left behind.

A story of a new heritage begun.

And a story that deserves to be heard.

Addison Kinney reporter

The reason for this is probably because my sister and I are not alike — at all. A tall, blonde, tan drill team captain, homecoming court, business major, country music-loving older sister and her brunette, pale, flautist, artist, rather-be-at-home, indie music enthusiast little sister. All these differences lead to different experiences.

Although it does sound a bit like I’m complaining, I am kind of thankful.

I'm having fun. I had these false expectations of my high school experience looming over me from constantly comparing myself to my sister. Now that my problems are completely different, I don’t know what to expect. I’m getting older even if I don't like it, and no amount of looking at my sister’s experiences can help me with what I have ahead of me.

One more year until I drive. Two more years until I’m a senior. Three more years until college.

26 opinion

december 14, 2023

Madison Herbert reporter

whining for joy

Complaining becomes staffer's new favorite hobby

W

hen it comes to writing columns, newspaper kids are renowned for having no idea what to write about.

Mrs. Harris makes it clear that she does not want them to be overly gloomy or sentimental. But, as Big Sean says, "drama makes for the best content." I mean, how can someone write about a "significant lesson they've learned" without resorting to traumatizing detail?

But I have decided to give it a shot.

I won't talk about my horrible breakup in my sophomore year, my eating disorder in my freshman year, or the fact that my parents are divorcing for the second time.

Nobody wants to hear about that. It's far too depressing.

But I love talking about it. Which brings me to the subject of my column: my obsession with complaining.

I complain about EVERYTHING. At work. At school. At home.

If anyone asks how work went last night (terribly; I hate

people), or asks about my confusing boy problems (I am definitely stuck on my ex), or my wildfire of a family (I swear, the day I turn 18 I’m out), I am so quick to tell them.

Of course, I always give them the worst possible version — without fibbing.

However, I don’t just whine about my life. When someone asks me to do something, even if I have full intentions of doing it, I’m groaning or whining.

I always have to remind my manager, Matthew, that just because I sigh obnoxiously whenever he asks me to do my job, doesn’t mean I’m really complaining or being lazy. I’m going to stock the drink cooler, but rest assured, I’m going to be grumbling about it for a while.

There have been times when my complaining has gotten me in trouble, and that is always the worst.

When my mom asks me to clean out the litter box (literally that's disgusting) I sigh on my way to the cat room. She yells at me telling me that I live under her roof, so I have to help out.

But she just DOESN'T understand! I’m going to do it! I just don’t want to!

wizards, vaults & Christian Bale M

y whole world is confined by a 29.47 mi² area according to Google That’s how big Texarkana is.

The world's surface stretches 196.9 million mi².

That’s 196899970.53 mi² worth of trees I won’t get to see. 196899970.53 mi² of culture I won’t get to experience.

196899970.53 mi² worth of life I won’t ever be a part of.

My life is so microscopic, honestly kinda meaningless, in the grand scheme of things.

Now of course my mother, and probably anyone who loves me, reading that sentence would cradle me in their arms and spoon-feed me words like “I’m special” and “my life matters,” and while that might be true to them, my circle of influence is probably the size of a fun-size Twix.

My world will forever limit me from experiencing all life has to offer.

But there’s always an exception to everything.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” “Fallout 4.” “Howl's Moving Castle.”

These places, these stories, have their own rules, lives, that I get to be a part of. By simply opening a book or turning on my PS4, the confining barriers of my minuscule life burst open, and magic pours into it.

In middle school I was fascinated with books. You could probably ask any senior back in 8th grade who knew me, and they would probably say, “Who? Riley? Is this girl so self-centered that she thinks we would know who she is?? Oh wait- the girl with books? Yeah I know her.” Yeah… it would go something like that.

I couldn’t tell you back then why I was so obsessed — like stalking an ex’s mom on FaceBook level of obsession — with the worlds of Percy Jackson, Throne of Glass, and Harry Potter (shout out to Norah Jordan), but something about reading a

Because of nuclear destruction and movie stars, staffer can experience all life has to offer

few pages and being transported to somewhere safe away from the “horrors of middle school” was what got me through those awkward transition years of braces and glasses.

When it was my time to ascend to the rank of freshman in high school, it was the first time my brother and I were on the same campus. Much to my mother’s surprise (and my own), Spencer decided to tolerate my existence — Gasps, tears, the credit song of “Breakfast Club” rolling in the background with a fist held high — ,and as our relationship moved away from physical altercations (one of which lost me a tooth) to an almost friendship, he introduced me to video games — more specifically… “Fallout 4.”

I spent hours sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, my already poor eyesight worsening to the point I bought bluelight glasses — and that was just trying to design my gaming character. More and more hours went into navigating the mechanics of getting my character to run, jump, pivot in air, and shoot a moving target all at once as my brother laughed at every failed attempt — there were a lot of those. But the more I moved through the storyline, meeting characters and cycling through dialogue interactions with different NPCs, I realized I was immersed in a beautiful world which is ironic considering the game takes place in the ruined civilization (the fallout) of nuclear destruction. Nothing about the game is pretty, and yet I often found myself in awe with the persistence of humanity to survive what should’ve been its destruction. The game is so much more than a survival game. It has values of constantly moving forward; it’s a game that became an escape like books were for me.

It was a glimpse into another universe.

Sophomore year I found my nerds — people who would geek out with me about books, movies, and released albums.

My friend Olivia Perry in particular introduced me to the

*insert incessant whining noises here* Sometimes I am afraid that I annoy people with my constant complaining. I think that they might see me as a pessimist — which couldn’t be farther from the truth. I actually have a very optimistic outlook on life. As I’m writing this I am also wondering if people probably think I complain for attention when, in actuality, I hate attention from other people (yeah I am a very difficult person).

Maybe I have an unhealthy love for drama; mine, my friends, the girls I have not talked to since middle school, I like to know all of the tea. It could also be that I do it as a way to release my emotions, you know, a way to express myself. Maybe I do it as an excuse to rant about my problems to someone I know is actually listening (hence my attention problem). Or maybe I don’t want to have to pay a therapist when I can just tell my friends — because we all know how expensive therapy is.

No matter which excuse I give myself, there is no denying it.

I love to complain.

Riley Richardson co-editor

world of Studio Ghibli.

It’s a movie production company that illustrates beautiful scenes of romance, humanity at its highs and lows, and simply the beauty of living. I remember my jaw dropping as I heard Christan Bale’s voice in “Howl’s Moving Castle" (that alone is enough to watch, talk about swoon-worthy). As I got over the little crush I had on his character (I mean seriously, it’s getting a little hot in here) my eyes constantly bounced across trying to take in the beauty of every frame.

It was like watching moving art.

They have other incredible products, though “Howl’s Moving Castle” will always hold a special place in my heart (along with Christian Bale). Regardless of the movie though, the franchise had a wonderful way of captivating the worlds its creator had envisioned…

It was then I realized — I wanted to do that too.

The love I had for new worlds yet to be explored, are universes I wanted to be a part of. I may never get to experience all my world has to offer, but I can create my own within the barriers of my mind.

And then write it down.

I’ve been writing some fiction in my free time, inspired by the many creators who have blessed me with glimpses into their minds. I want to help be that release, that escape others crave from the real world or to help them experience as much living as they can even if it's only through ink on a page.

I don’t just want to experience other worlds; I want to create them and make my own, so my life will be more than just 29.47 mi².

december 14, 2023

editorial

the

editorial

27

breaking the silence

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO TAKES MOOD STABILIZING MEDICATIONS?

Promote, protect, and prioritize mental health to embrace the 'heart and soul' program in our school

Rawya Hazin reporter

Out of every

10 students, approximately

seven

know someone who takes mood-stabilizing medications.

41.1%

ON A SCALE OF 1-10, HOW IMPORTANT IS MENTAL HEALTH TO YOU?

10 being the

most important

17.9%

and one being the

10.7% 10

9

8

5.4% 7

6 1.8%

7.1% 5

3.6% 4

3

5.4%

least important

2 1.8%

support.

It’s impossible to know how many students are struggling to the point of needing medication or therapy — but it is obvious that just by looking at the number of tears each week, the accumulation of absences, or the visible symptoms of mental exhaustion, something needs to be done regarding the emotional well-being of students.

While Pleasant Grove already offers stress management counseling, we can and should do more to increase accessibility to mental health services. We understand that not everyone feels comfortable seeking help face-to-face.

To address this, we can integrate mental health applications and digital platforms into our school programs. We can start with online channels, such as a simple Google Form, for students to express their concerns or seek help anonymously.

These confidential and accessible resources can provide students with the means to seek support while maintaining their privacy, eliminating the fear of vulnerability or being identified.

We, as students, parents, teachers, and administrators, not only need to acknowledge mental health, but we also need to recognize its importance. We need to promote an open and understanding environment in which students can thrive both academically and emotionally. We need to prioritize mental health as we do our other achievements and pursuits.

Our commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular accomplishments should be matched by our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all students.

Make Pleasant Grove a place where seeking help for mental health is as natural as seeking help for any other health issue.

It’s our duty as a “heart and soul” school to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and support, where the well-being of every student is not just a commitment but a reality.

5.4%

eart and soul.

The words adorn our football jerseys. They are plastered on the Hawk merch you buy and wear, and they've become a part of our vocabulary at Pleasant Grove.

The district takes pride in our academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and the well-being of our students.

At Pleasant Grove, these are our values and commitments.

They echo throughour school’s halls, yet the topic of mental health still remains in the shadows.

It begs the question: can we really have a “heart and soul” program if we disregard both?

While we are pursuing academic success and personal growth, it's all too easy to overlook the challenges many of our fellow students face beneath the surface.

The truth is, mental health is a vital part of our overall wellbeing, and it's time that adults realize and provide the help students need, whether it’s one-on-one counseling sessions, mental health days, or simply spreading awareness.

Mental health challenges are real.

They affect not only our fellow students but also their families. It's a matter that deserves our understanding, compassion, and collective effort to make a change.

One of the most pressing issues we face is the stigma associated with mental health. Students are often reluctant to discuss their struggles, fearing judgment, misunderstanding, or social exclusion. This reluctance can lead to a dangerous cycle where students avoid seeking help when they need it the most.

The stigma surrounding mental health is a burden that many of our peers bear silently, but we have the power to change that.

Additionally, we recognize that some families may face various barriers when it comes to providing support for their children's mental health. Financial constraints, fear of diagnosis, scheduling conflicts, and the shame associated with mental health issues can deter parents from seeking professional help.

This, in turn, discourages their children from reaching out for

1

H

[56 students surveyed]

HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN A "MENTAL HEALTH" DAY?

Yes (50%)

No (50%)

[56 students surveyed]

28 ads

december 14, 2023

HAZIN ONCOLOGY HESHAM HAZIN, MD

511 W 11th St Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 798-8700