EDGE 2023-2024 Issue 3

edge

The student Newspaper of Pleasant Grove High School

the

5406 McKnight Road Texarkana, TX 75503

Vol. 37 #3 February 14, 2024

Sneak Peek 3

Calling All Seniors Here’s what you need to know before you graduate

11 18 24 See pages 14-15

Cyber Craze

Is Generation Z becoming dependent on technology? What are the effects of high screen time?

Q&A with Cheer Captains From school chants to stunts, Captains share their experiences Tattoo Epidemic Tattoos aren’t just ink — it’s self expression Game Page Have fun with our Valentine themed word games

the

edge staff

Up and Coming National Rising Star Award Senior Ruby Rehkoph didn’t plan a surprise trip to Minnesota, but after being the only winner of the rising star award, she’s been thrown for a loop.

It all started when she heard about the rising star award, a national award only given to one person.

“Mrs. Brisco brought it up to me one day as a good opportunity,” Ruby said, “so I started working on it at the beginning of the year.”

The list of requirements for the award was long - a resume, an essay, recommendation, and many photographs of past artworks.

“I had to list every opportunity I’ve had to teach,” Ruby said, ”which I have had a lot of. I think things like that helped me.”

But one requirement seemed to loom over her - the essay. She wasn’t a natural writer, so she was uncertain if she would be able to do the essay well enough.

Mikaela Emphasis Riley Richardson

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

photographers:

Chloe Sanders Hayden Barthel Madeline Smallwood

Caurie Beck Brooklyn Tirone Katlyn Phan Ayesha Aslam Addison Kinney Katherine Ayers James Solomon Bennett Solomon

business manager: Olivia Perry

adviser:

Charla Harris

Then a idea popped into her head.

“Everybody knows the story ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’,” Ruby said, “and so I was like, ‘maybe I should do something cool like that’.”

And so, her poem, ‘If You Give Ruby Art Supplies’ was born, a short story about her becoming an art teacher.

“I’ve had really good art teachers in the past,” Ruby said, “I see myself doing that [in the future]. I like what Mrs. Manning does.”

With her application sent in, all she had to do was wait.

And eventually, on a late night, Ruby got an email.

“I was at home sick at the time,” Ruby said, “It definitely took a couple days to process.”

Ruby will be going to Minneapolis, Minnesota to receive the award at the NAEA conference.

All-State Band Qualifiers

principal:

Kristen Giles

Everyone was listening- the judges, the monitor, other clarinet playerswaiting for her to mess up.

Senior Loriann Hensel had already competed for all region many times before and made it.

But this was the area competition.

The tension was high.

Only seven clarinet players make the cut to advance to all-state.

She took a deep breath, and played.

“The judges are behind a tarp, so they can’t see you,” Loriann said, “And you can’t say anything, so they don’t know who you are. All you can hear is a pencil writing.”

When the final results were finally

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

Award-winning students around the grove

editors:

reporters:

Addison Kinney

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

February - March

20th

Be sure to pay attention to your grades! Progress reports will be mailed to all of the students.

8th

Get your tennis shoes ready, because March 8th is Hawk Hustle!

10th

Daylight savings time starts Sunday, so be sure to change your clocks one hour ahead.

posted, she was shocked to find out that she had gotten sixth chair with three other people from Pleasant grove qualifying alongside her.

“Making the all-state band is a huge deal for a student,” band director Jay Sutton said, “Less than two percent of students in Texas make the all-state band, so for us to have five [students qualify] is a really big deal.”

Loriann, along with junior Luke Williams, junior Owen Braza, and sophomore Jackson Teague will join senior Aaron Evers on a trip to San Antonio February 7th to enjoy the sights and perform in the all-state band.

18th-19th Students, be sure to stay at home! Monday and Tuesday are teacher workdays, so you can enjoy a fourday weekend!

Scan the code to check out our online edition!

news

february 14, 2024

Resources

Find roommates

Websites available for student use

Scholarships & financial aid - studentaid.gov - collegeboard.com - goingmerry.com - bold.org

Roommates - roomster.com - roomsync.com - Instagram - Facebook groups

Senior stats Stats from seniors about their next steps

Write admission/ scholarship essays

Who do you plan on rooming with?

Someone you know

58%

Someone random

25%

Someone met online

Everyone's heard roommate horror stories — weird sleeping habits, messy rooms, boyfriends who spend the night — so finding the right roommate is an important part of preparing for college.

Between searching for the perfect roommate and a livable dorm, it’s not easy.

But thanks to social media, the roommate search has been made a little easier. Through social platforms like Instagram, it’s possible to find roommates with similar interests, majors, etc. and communicate with them through direct messenger before ever meeting in person.

"Using a college's Instagram account for roommates helps you branch out and see different options," senior Lily Buck said.

"I've gotten many DMs but decided to room with other people from here."

Due to the early housing applications at colleges, the best time to begin getting in contact with potential roommates is before graduation to select a dorm and room.

If you wait, the best dorms may not be available.

17%

Apply for scholarships and financial aid It’s no secret — college is expensive.

Thanks to scholarships available through universities, third parties, and financial aid, various opportunities are available to students who qualify.

For any senior interested in scholarships, head to the senior Google Classroom for various scholarships posted by the counselors. For any seniors who meet the requirements for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Aid) apply through studentaid.gov.

Buy dorm and school supplies Bedding, laptops, textbooks— where to start?

Purchasing everything needed for your dorm and classes alike can be an incredibly overwhelming process for any college student, but especially for incoming freshmen who have never gone through the process.

While most on-campus dorms provide things like mattresses, desks, and dressers, students are responsible for providing almost all other materials. Colleges suggest students bring items such as shower caddies, towels, desk lamps, etc.

Before purchasing anything for your dorm, check your college's regulations. Things like candles, toasters, and air fryers are typically banned in dorm rooms. Don't forget to look into required materials for specific majors and textbooks for classes.

No

(10% )

Have you applied for scholarships or financial aid?

The final spring deadlines for both college admission and scholarships are approaching. For any seniors needing additional help with their essays, English teachers are usually available for assistance.

"Make sure when you're writing your essays you answer the question being asked," English teacher Holly Dickeson said. "Try to put some of your personality in there so you seem unique and to colleges and scholarship committees."

See any of the counselors and the senior Google Classroom for any questions pertaining to scholarships and applications.

3

Yes (90%)

Are you having a graduation party?

No (46%)

Yes (54%)

The road to

Graduation Brooklyn Tirone reporter

[50 students surveyed]

With graduation just a few months away, seniors need to prepare for the next step

4 news

february 14, 2024

”

Learning how to work with others and how to communicate different ideas to each other has been my greatest benefit of taking the class. I would totally recommend it to underclassman.

putting it all together - Landon Beck (12)

Abigail Boehmke reporter

[BSolomon]

From the classroom to competition, robotic and engineering students work extra hours

t’s after school.

The school is empty.

And the sun is setting.

But senior Landon Beck and the rest of the robotics team continue to build and modify their robots for their upcoming tournaments.

“We put in a ton of work to be able to present the robot we want," Landon said. "It takes after-school hours and a lot of teamwork to be able to create the final product."

With a new room to work in, the team now has plenty of space to create look-a-like fields — this gives them a realistic course to practice and prepare on.

Robotics teacher Colton Mullins is still learning and developing the new room to function for the team.

He has found the clutter to be a little overwhelming.

“The new place is wonderful. It has been a huge help, but also very chaotic because everything is still not set

up. We are having to organize the whole room all while competing, which has been pretty difficult,” Mr. Mullins said. “Having enough space to now run the field is amazing, also while teams are practicing on the field other students can code, which has never been possible.”

With regionals right around the corner, the teams are in crunch time.

To make it to regionals, the team has to finish in the finals of a tournament.

One team in particular, senior Landon Beck, senior Julia Hackleman, senior Andrew Hutchison, and senior Dylan Yost, who call themselves "The Hurricanes," have already secured their spots in regionals.

They have a record of winning five out of seven of their tournaments so far.

“I think our team is so successful due to the amount of communication and the relationships we’ve built with

Nick Brown (11)

"I get to be the driver this year which means I have to have a lot of strategy.

It's a lot of pressure being in control, but I know it's something I am capable of. I will definitely be returning next year to hopefully continue to help the team."

[CSanders]

[CSanders]

"This is my second year in robotics and the potential to make it back to worlds each year keeps me going. This year, I've been able to step up and take over and control pretty much everything about my robot. I have two freshmen who have helped me a lot with the small things, and in return, we get to take them to the tournament and let them have a cool experience."

each other over the years,” Landon said. “I've worked with Andrew for the past three years, Dylan for the past two, and this is my first year with Julia, so building friendships with them over time has helped drastically.”

Recently joining the robotics team junior Addie Son has been able to learn technical and teamwork skills from her veteran classmates.

“Learning to code, journal, and build the robot’s has been a learning process,” Adie said. "I have been able to watch the people around me to become a better teammate."

With regionals, and hopefully state right around the corner, the team is putting together all the last touches to come out on top.

“We have a really good shot this year," Mr. Mullins said. "It’s a super promising season, but still nothing is guaranteed."

Daniel Ayers (9)

"Robotics is a friendly competition where I get to see a lot of my friends I normally wouldn't get to see in school. I have learned that to be able to build things efficiently you need to know how to research properly to implement them into the robot. My main role is to be the match load which means I am the one who puts the objects on the robot to prepare for the launch."

[CSanders]

I

Trae Raymond (11)

february 14, 2024

news

5

(staying) in the Rawya Hazin reporter

competition

Students foster culture of academic excellence through active participation in UIL Academics

J

unior Audrey Tercero has 30 minutes.

Two calculators. 75 math problems.

She sits at the competition table. Again.

For the fifth time.

She’s familiar with the pressure.

Calculators, clock ticking, and the thick packet of math problems.

She has 75 problems, but defeat isn’t one.

For four years in a row now, Audrey has earned first place at her UIL Calculator meets.

However, Calculator isn’t the only UIL she competes in.

“Because there’s not enough people for other math teams, they have to place us in other contests,” Audrey said. “It’s kind of sad that they have to do that just to be able to play.”

Along with Calculator, Audrey has to compete for the Number Sense and Mathematics UIL. On top of her other extracurriculars. And on top of school.

“There aren't many people who actually do it [UIL Academics],” Audrey said.

“There’s a lot of stuff to do but no one does it. It’s just like five or six people in each UIL.” As an “and” school, activities and competitions are a valuable part of the Pleasant Grove experience. Students dedicated to an extracurricular or two may come to school early and leave school late.

Yet the participation in UIL Academics can be described as average.

“I talk to students relatively often about their UIL events and I coach Debate, Accounting and Animations,” CTE teacher Daniel Hebert said. “From these experiences I would be encouraged to say that there is a moderate level of participation in academics and a high level of participation with sports and theater. Of course this is just an observation.”

how would you describe the participation in UIL Academics at our school?

Students may believe that the bulk of they would knock it out of the ballpark in UIL is football, cheerleading, band, or the academic UIL categories.” theater. Whether it’s the stereotypes and Academic success can depend not only misconceptions, lack of awareness, or simply on teacher support, but it can lean heavily disinterest, participation in UIL academics on the enthusiasm and participation from has taken a backseat to other activities. the students.

“The problem this year is that the district “By having these events, not only can UIL meet is during our spring break,” UIL there be the individual benefits for more Coordinator Kendra Bates said. “So that has students, but more students can be involved affected the level of participation because in the school community,” Mr. Hebert said. students don’t want to come during their “This creates more culture, belonging and break. I think some of the teachers are pride for what is ours.” having a hard time getting kids to commit to After achieving success, especially at giving up that time.” state-level, students here often overlook But this begs the question: what is the the tangible rewards that are beyond formula to creating and just becoming a more well“I feel like UIL maintaining a successful rounded individual. teams give UIL Academics faction in “I learned that if I went to students a place our school? state, you get scholarships for to belong on “You have to have winning stuff,” Audrey said. campus — a school-wide buy-in. You “Really big scholarships, and not group to be a want to participate in many people know that.” part of — beyond these different events A more active district in UIL athletics, band, because you want your Academics would mean more cheer, drill team.” school to be the best opportunities for students to academically and to achieve academic excellence.

- Tiffany Beck, show that it’s the best It would mean more journeys Theater Director academically,” theater for students to become their director Lisa Newton said. “And part of that best selves. It would mean the creation of is to want the school to actively be pursuing a unique and rewarding academic identity the Lone-Star Cup for 4A, and the students that ventures out of the shadow of other have to want it.”

UIL competitions.

Other schools, such as Hallsville and “This school and this entire district Sulphur Springs, excel in UIL Academics. becomes more important when someone Not only because of the participation, but has skin in the game. A sense of community because they actively encourage students to involvement develops when we all play want and strive to win academically. a part,” Mr. Hebert said. “Regardless of “The teachers can want it, but if the one’s part, it is an essential part of what students don’t want it it’s not going to makes us who we are, as a district, school matter,” Mrs. Newton said. “If you look and individual, and the direction we move at some area schools, I know that in 5A forward. Not to mention, what it does for schools like Hallsville and Sulphur Springs, belonging to something bigger than oneself."

Are you actively involved on any UIL Academics team?

No (56.6%)

Yes (43.4%)

[30 students surveyed]

Did you know there were scholarships in UIL Academics?

No (73.3%)

Yes (26.7%)

[15 students surveyed]

•

“I would say our participation is average. Many of the big UIL academic schools have specific periods cut out of the day for UIL and that helps to incentivise its presence,” math teacher Cameron Quinn said.

•

“Excluding athletics, I'd say participation is moderate. I think we definitely need to work on recruiting for academic teams,” theater director Tiffany Beck said.

•

“I feel like we're signed up in a lot of categories, but it seems like the same students are participating in multiple events. It's not involving a big portion of the school population,” theater director Lisa Newton said.

6 news

february 14, 2024 [CSanders]

come enjoy YOUR

College

Experience at Texarkana College

@txkcollege

TEXARKANACOLLEGE.EDU

Adoption is a loving option Call us before you decide

WILLIAMS SCHOOL

602 Main St, W, TX 75501 (903) 792-5735 www.firstchoiceprc.com

GROWING IN GOD'S HANDS

february 14, 2024

feature

Micah Harper (11)

Terrell Pattin (10)

Zuri Muldrow (11)

Emma Otero (9)

"My celebrity crush is Danny DeVito because he's got his whole vibe going on. He's got a real talent on him, and he just makes all his movies very interesting."

"My celebrity crush is SZA. She's a music artist, and she makes very beautiful music that anybody can listen to. She's also a beautiful person — that's why she's all around amazing.

I listen to her music a lot."

"I know it's basic but, I love Jacob Elordi. I like his jawline; I like his nose, his eyebrows, and he's tall… I don't really care how he acts. My mom hates him, and she calls him like a thug, but Jacob has my heart."

"I like Timothée Chalamet because he's a good looking guy, he's a great actor I mean the way he acts is so natural, he has good hair, he's French and he's a cool person."

Addison Fry (10) "Andrew Garfield, I like him because he's the best who has played as Spider-Man and I like Spider-Man movies because of him."

Brody Watts (11) "Margot Robbie because she's pretty — she's in one of my favorite movies.

She's got nice facial features and she's pretty cute. I enjoy watching her movies a lot especially when she's the main character."

Wyatt Smith (12) "I currently do not have a celebrity crush. I am more focused on other things in reality, like myself, my family and friends, and the people all around my community in town."

HAWK TALK One question.

10 answers.

Katlyn Phan reporter

Ayesha Aslam reporter

Ella Noel (9)

Question:

Who is your all time favorite celebrity crush?

"My all time celebrity crush is Kim Seungmin from Stray Kids, a K-pop group. His voice is nice, he's cute like a puppy. His voice is also so addictive."

Kandice Westbrook (11) "I like Felix from Stray Kids because I like K-pop, and he's a hot K-pop idol. Felix is short, he dyes his hair every week, and I like it. I mean he's adorable and cute, and he has a puppy face and approachable from fans. He can also speak French and that makes him hotter."

Shalom Ezihe (12)

"My celebrity crush is definitely Michael B. Jordan because he's an amazing actor, and he is a genuinely good person, and he has a good character."

7

8 sports

february 14, 2024

FOR THE

KICKS

Girls soccer team adjusts to a new coaching style and Coach C adjusts to a smaller team Riley Richardson co-editor

[JSolomon]

fres

D

an ey mil k

coo lily k

buc

- Lily Buck (12)

”

will

ylie

sen

- Rylie Wiliams (12)

iam s

r

lke

”

I'm grateful for Coach C and everything she's done for our program. She definitely has pushed us a lot harder, which has been good for

“

wa

“

- Lauren Walker (11)

en aur

The team is a lot more organized, and she [Coach C] has put most of her focus on improvement.

or l juni

“

ior

She just better understands what we're going through as girls, and our team has definitely gotten closer with her as our coach.

reporter

own 0-1. Down half a game.

Down two players.

A breathtaking tie-breaker goal in the last four minutes.

The Lady Hawks were on top by the final whistle blow, 2-1.

“We had someone end up getting hurt in the first half. Then we ended up playing with 11 for the entire second half,” Coach Christa Henry said. “And then someone ended up having some serious cramps. We only had 10 on the field for like six minutes, so we played with 11.”

Eleven girls go on the field.

A whole game with no subs, short a player for six minutes, and still a winning game.

“The best part about it was they started down one-zero, so they came from behind and [JSolomon] ended up winning," Coach C said. "That was my proud moment."

Fourteen girls on the team, 11 that can play, and 11 who go on the field. With 15 on the boys varsity team and 18 on the JV team, the girls team “feels like they should be playing 3v3.”

“With a small team, it's so hard just because of the vulnerabilities you have, especially if you do end up having someone else get injured,” Coach C said, “With the girls, it's just trying to keep everybody healthy. Soccer is extremely difficult, especially if you play how these girls are playing.”

At the beginning of the season, Coach C was coaching a much smaller soccer team than she previously had.

Now with the district season fast approaching, and the girls' soccer team better than it has been in a long time, the confidence in the Lady Hawks has been restored.

[BSolomon] “Every coach has their own ‘coaching style,’” Coach C said. “Since I’ve been with the boy's team for about two years, we've already established that. The girl's training looks different because we're just trying to establish that new form of coaching — that new form of play.”

There are enough boys to fill out both a varsity and a junior varsity roster. That's 33 kids at a practice, event, and tournaments.

With such a large team, one-on-one time is difficult to achieve, and organizing a practice that targets everyone? Even more difficult.

“Both my assistants have been really good. The kids get straight into their warm-up, and then the injury prevention stretches that we do every day,” Coach C said. “Then we'll go into some sort of ball mastery, possession, and then some [JSolomon] sort of game or activity that just builds upon what we're focusing on.

"And normally, to end practice they all take a penalty kick. Of course, there's some conditioning thrown in there a little bit, but we usually get that in practice.”

While there may be some outside differences between the two teams, when it comes to the fundamentals of training it's an even playing field.

“We are feeling great going into our district," Coach C said.

"They’re playing their best soccer, and we are working to improve every game. They have a huge goal, and we are hoping we can make history this year.”

ior r

”

sen

“

- Miley Cook (9)

hm

”

I love Coach C. The team has changed with Coach C because she makes soccer fun and she cares about our potential.

Caurie Beck

[JSolomon]

t e e F e r Ba elts B &

february 14, 2024

sports

What I've learned After months of practicing, students and staff have adopted a new approach on life

ents selfake d u t lso t lins a r s n o ul so s nd itsu f a tche Mr. M ee year A u y H h t A J r l t i h w t u e w M r t s.

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- it's it wa ym rld An d yo flow knew d test m n l wo "If I e a n f s . " e . a t e e r s r c . a s ge to d hat. ngth racti said Arts al y ha llen cha ical stre oebel p artial not st t efinitel ndrew ht, a re u j M s g d n A s e ' y fi t y " e K h I h , " p et erg ch na on dh cati to get i to hav have Coa at Syn A], an i l p o ap MA ere oing ing t wn to Jitsu ton Jiu- emy [S . o ou w you're g u're go Col d y r eir o d e m ht, ge. Yo ke the e out th Aca nly on nstruct enior g fi s i o ta ke tak anta the botics ns and adv bility to round, nd cho out."

Ro Mulli a a g , the the legs them

My Pov

Reporter takes her first JiuJitsu class to learn more about her story

So I took a Jiu-Jitsu class over Christmas break, and I have to say... It was unlike anything I've done before (granted I've only ever done dance, so everything is unlike anything I've done before).

When I decided I was going to cover this story, I joked with my co-editor, senior Mika Emphasis, and newspaper adviser Charla Harris that I was going to "take a class" and "write a review."

Well here I am.

After kidnapping junior reporter Abigail Thrash from her dad's house after Christmas to take the class with me, we arrived at SMAA completely in the dark on what it is we'd actually be doing. (Like neither-of-us-could-even-define-Jiu-Jitsu type in the dark). Thankfully, Mr. Mullins was there to guide us throughout the hour class; otherwise, I'm sure Abigail and I would be in tears. So with

"It cha

llenges you me da ys are really r ough, but tha t's what m akes it fun — getting better everyd can be ay fun. It teache s you to pus h hard ."

- senio r Andr ew Hutche son everyd

ay. So

rd t are ha ings tha th g in o D " r. You're ou bette y makes y g beat b tly gettin n ta s n o n c perie ce more ex h it w s too, guy om them fr g in rn but lea 'll able ally, you tu n e v e and teach a nize and to recog ay." ng the w little alo ctor cs instru - Roboti ullins Colton M

the knowledge I gained from that 60 minute class, here is what I can tell you: • It's pretty intimate — intimate meaning that once Abigail and I left the class, we achieved a new level of friendship. It's similar to wrestling but is more graceful and intelligent, so when you and your partner are sparring, you're on top of each other. Like seriously. On. Top. Of. Each. Other.

You get what I'm saying? So be sure if you go to a class you're with someone roughly the same build as you and someone you're comfortable with.

• It's deadly... ok not actually deadly, but learning it, you can definitely inflict some damage.

This reason is why I would recommend it to anyone, especially girls. It's important to learn how to defend yourself, and after leaving this class, the two of us knew how to put someone to sleep, how

to suffocate someone, how to break someone's arm, how to break someone's wrist, etc. It was super informative, and everyone was friendly, eager even, to show and teach us new skills.

• Lastly, it's just fun. Learning new things is always going to be hard, but this practice in particular felt more rewarding than any other skill I've tried to pick up. It's a workout for your mind and body, and for me, learning how to carry myself, how to defend my body, made me feel powerful. (Even though I had no idea what I was doing half the time.)

I give Jiu Jitsu and SMAA a solid 8/10. Not only was the practice itself informative, the studio itself is an open environment.

9

10 sports

february 14, 2024

F

Girls' basketball team adjusts to a new coach

over again...

or the past four years, senior Iyahnna Carter has had a new basketball coach each season.

She’s had to adjust to different coaching styles and practice schedules. For Iyahnna and the other upperclassmen, getting a new coach was routine — starting all over again, just like the previous year.

This season has been no different. This time, all the adapting has been to head basketball Coach DeAnna Doles.

“The day we met her, we were all kind of skeptical at first, but the whole team adores her.

She just does so much for us,” Iyahnna said.

“We haven’t had a winning streak since 2019, so we’ve been making sure to do our best every game, and it feels good.”

For the team, having a new coach has brought benefits such as new skills, techniques, and strong mindsets.

“We grow and improve every game and practice, and that’s all you can really ask for,” junior Taylor Breiby said. “We’ve gotten to know the coaches quickly and understand the way they coach and their expectations for us.”

Since she arrived from College Station, Texas, Coach Doles has had to make her own adjustments. After receiving a call from Coach Josh Gibson, Coach Doles realized she had a big decision to make that would not only impact her, but her whole family.

“We were not looking to leave at the time because of our daughter, Geli. We wanted to let her finish out of high school where she was.” Coach Doles said. “We planned to move to East Texas after she graduated because my whole family lives here, but when we got the call, it kind of sped up the timeline a little bit.”

Moving from five hours away though was not the only big change for Coach Doles and her family. While leaving the familiarity of her town and job can be hard, Coach Doles was looking forward to positive changes.

“I think the support here is unbelievable.

We have so many good quality people who know your name, your program, and are at your games supporting,” Coach Doles said.

“Anytime you have good people working with you, everything else just falls into place.”

With an entire new environment and group of people, Coach Doles had to focus on getting to know the team before the season started.

Abigail Thrash reporter

“During the pre-season, we hosted family nights at our house to help build some relationships,” Coach Doles said. “Since we invited all of girls’ athletics over, I was able to get to know everybody; not just the ones on my team.”

Before coaching at the high school level, Coach Doles coached at Texas A&M College Station. Instead of a ‘friendship’ type bond with her college athletes, Coach Doles feels like she is able to have a bigger impact on her younger athletes.

“When I stopped coaching at the college level, talk about getting humbled real quick,” Coach Doles said. “The most enjoyable thing is knowing that you’re going to have these kids in your life for the rest of your life.”

The season started off strong, but with three injuries, November and December were rough months for the team.

“We’ve been getting it back together and growing,” Iyahnna said. “The plan is to make it to the playoffs since everyone has doubted us.

We really just want to do it for ourselves.”

Coach DeAnna Doles leans forward, closely watching the PG versus LE game.

[JSolomon]

tiny

but

mighty

The boys' basketball team navigates how to play with a nine player team

Madison Herbert reporter

I

n a normal basketball game, there are five players minimum on the court. This year, there are only nine boys on the varsity boy’s basketball roster, and with so many injuries from being overworked, they only have six players available.

“It’s been hard to do some things, like being able to press the other team,” senior Torion Phillips said. "We can't always do that because we have to preserve our energy."

For the boy’s basketball team to efficiently preserve their stamina on We have each other's the court, they have to condition and backs and we're all build their endurance twice as much off just looking out for the court. each other. And I think “During practice we have to go harder that loyalty is what makes us close. and condition ourselves better since we -Torion Phillips (12) won’t be getting out as much during the games,” sophomore Jaidun Scales said.

But despite only having three subs and having to condition harder than usual, the boys basketball team is winning frequently.

“I feel like we are pretty successful,” Torion said. “I mean we’re doing better than last year and we have three less people than last year.”

While they may lack the numbers, being such a small team has its perks. It gives the boys a chance to be more than teammates — they are able to have a brotherly bond, one not typically found in teams with 15 plus players.

“Since there’s not a lot of us, we hang out a lot,” Jaidun said. “We all pretty much grew up in PG, so we’re pretty close, and I think that adds to our chemistry and how well we play.”

Compared to last year’s numbers, they have done a lot better this season.

According to head boys’ basketball coach, Craig Collvins, they have expectations of making it to the playoffs.

“I’m extremely excited about this season we are having with these young men,” Coach Collvins said. “I'm very humbled to be able to coach this group and looking forward to where we are going.”

Despite what the scoreboards have said, the team has grown, and that's really all that matters to them.

“Each player has a role and brings something different to the game, and contributes to the overall team,” Coach Collvins said. “It's a unique situation where we don't have a very deep bench, but there's quality with all of our guys.”

”

”

all

Point guard Torion Philips (12) drives for a layup in the PG versus Paris game.

[HBarthel]

february 14, 2024

sports

7Q CHEER CAPTAINS WITH THE

Katherine Ayers reporter

Mikaela Emphasis

TA YL

co-editor

O R

CO

Cheer captains give insight to everything cheer

L AL

Maggie: My favorite part about being in cheer is the people you're with and the way we can make bonds together.

)

Taylor: My favorite part about being in cheer is creating all of the special bonds with everyone.

EN

)

H AILE Y

Hailey: My favorite part about being in cheer is the girls.

(1 2

N LE Y (12

1. What is your favorite part about being in cheer?

MA

GI

L A R K ( 1 2)

Maggie: Being a leader to me has meant a lot throughout high school. My job is to make sure the girls know what to wear and make sure everyone gets where they are supposed ot be at the right time.

EC

2. What does being a leader mean to you?

Hailey: I feel like I have to try to be as good as I can be so the girls can look up to me and try to do their best like I do.

G

Taylor: Being a leader to me means supporting hte community and making connections that could positively affect yours or their future.

What got you into cheerleading

What made you want to be

3. a cheer captain?

Hailey: I like for people to be able to look up to me.

Maggie: I have always liked to be in leadership positions, so I feel like I kind of excel in those kinds of positions and I like to lead others to success.

Taylor: As dance captain, being able to lead the team is essential for our overall performance as a team.

5. and when did you start?

Hailey: My sister did competitive cheer, and I thought it looked like a lot of fun.

Maggie: I danced for a little while when I was younger, but I then got started in competitive cheerleading. I had to chose one, so I picked cheer. I did that until seventh grade when I started school cheer.

Taylor: I started cheer in seventh grade. I wanted to be a part of something fun during school that I would also be able to enjoy.

What goes through your mind

4. when you're performing?

Hailey: I make sure I am smiling and having fun.

Maggie: I'm definitely a bunch of nerves. I am a pretty nervous person in general so my hands start shaking and sweating, but I do try to keep myself and everyone else calm.

Taylor: Performing is all about technique, appearance, and execution, but the most important part for me is to genuinley have fun.

6.

Some people think cheerleading isn't a sport; what is your take on that?

Does it require a lot of trust with each other

7. when doing lifts? How important is trust?

Hailey: Trust is 100% important becuase if you don't have trust a flyer can freak out and cause the whole thing to mess up.

Maggie: Trust is very important becausethe flyers need to be able to trust the bases, and the bases need to look trustworthy.

Hailey: I think school cheer is not a sport, but I definitely think competitive cheer is a sport Taylor: I believe that because it is a lot harder. cheerleading is a sport because it is very Maggie: I would say competitive cheer is a sport physically challenging and just because there are certain it requires a lot. aspects of it that are more challenging than school cheer.

Taylor: Trust is the most important part because it helps you to complete the stunt.

11

12 feature

february 14, 2024

co$t a girl of being

How would you describe your style?

Hygiene, beauty, fashion.

Being a girl is more than checking the female box at the doctor's office — it means extra expenses and expectations. Makeup

when it comes to being a girl, but there are also some who embrace the extra expenses.

Here are three girls with three different styles and the cost that comes with it.

Riley Richardson

"My style is a mix of clean girl, vanilla, preppy, coquette. Coquette is like bows and cutesy — think of a ballerina. Vanilla is like the scent vanilla, and preppy is bold. Those three all mix together to create kind of my own style."

co-editor

How would you describe your style?

sophomore kaleigh bolton

"It's slouchy but in a good way — comfy cute. I do my hair but no makeup because it's Pleasant Grove; I'm not trying to dress up for anyone here."

How would you describe your style?

Would you say you embrace the extra costs?

"Sometimes I dress comfy, but when I dress up, I would call it preppy."

"Tons of girls say we're not high maintenance but we are compared to guys — I know I'm definitely high maintenance. I prioritize looking good because it makes me feel good. It's kind of like my hobby."

senior jace ramos

"Girls can be more sensitive, so when they see pretty girls on TikTok they sometimes start to think badly about themselves and feel the need to be like them.

For me, even though I still see things on Pinterest and stuff like that, I try to still be myself and my style."

"Yes, I feel like I always have to do my hair or else I feel gross. I think social media has played a part in it."

"Yes, I think it's unfair because guys get to just put on a T-shirt and go.

They don't have to by feminine products; they don't have to buy or wear makeup."

What is something that women have to do that boys don't?

"Guys just get to wear T-shirts and sweatpants and get away with it. They aren't pressured to have to buy makeup or haircare products like we are."

Do you think the male gaze affects the way women look?

"Yes I do because it not only affects the way we think about ourselves, it changes our mental health in emotional and stressful ways."

junior elizabeth thomas

Guess: "Oh no, I don't

females spend $10,000 a year on feminine products because of pink tax...

For tampons specifically, a couple thousand. And maybe like, 60-100 tampons per year."

Reaction: "270? I

assumed two a day.

Wow, that puts it into perspective. I feel stupid."

know... it cost $20 a year?

I don't know. Y'all go through 30 a year? I really don't know."

A2

Reaction: "Good lord...

That's a lot of tampons. I thought they were like a pill you would use once, and then you were just good for the day. But I feel like in the 80s they would cost $20."

A1

A3

Jace Elrod (10)

Guess: "I want to say

Q: What is this and how much does it cost?

A1: Mascara- $25 A2: Eyebrow Kit- $29 A3: Beauty Blender- $5

Timothy Overlock (12)

Tyler Newman (10)

Guys guess prices of women products and their function

Buma Fomuso (12)

boy talk

Would you say you given into society's high expectations on women's beauty?

Do you think being a girl costs more than a guy?

Do you think society pressures women to look a certain way?

Q: How much is a year's worth of tampons, and how many per year?

A: With an average cycle of five days per cycle, women go through roughly 270 tampons (four per day) with a yearly cost of $68.57.

is a requirement at certain workplaces, feminine products are a necessity, and bras are equivalent to underwear.

Some of the price tags are unavoidable

Guess:

Guess:

A1: "Mascara — put it on your eyelashes. $15?"

A2: "I thought that was blush... is it like eyeshadow? $23?"

A3: "A blender for foundation - $5."

Reaction: "I guessed

way cheaper — that's obviously not fair because so many people view those as a necessity."

A1: "Mascara... for $15?

A2: "Face-liner? You put it along your cheekbones for $18.99?"

A3: "That's that blush thing you pat on your face to smooth out that wet stuff - costs $7.99."

Reaction: "I feel bad.

It's not fair because y'all have to buy that often, so y'all are wasting money."

february 14, 2024

13

feature

Penne Alla Vodka Pasta Italian

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large pot, cook penne according to its package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.

salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a light simmer and simmer over medium low heat, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, to thicken the sauce slightly.

2. Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan. Add the pancetta (or bacon) and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.

5. Add the cream and heat the sauce just until it begins to simmer. Remove the sauce from the heat.

3. Add the vodka and stir well, letting it simmer for 1 minute.

6. Pour the sauce over the cooked and drained pasta. Top with fresh parsley and basil just before serving.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes,

what's on your plate?

Easy to follow cultural recipes for busy students DIRECTIONS:

Rice: 1. In a small pot, add rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt 2. Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. Reduce to low and cover for about 20 mins.

3. Shut off flame and keep covered for 5 more minutes.

4. In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed Chicken 1. Put diced chicken in a ziploc bag and mix it with 1 tsp olive oil and seasoning packet and mix well for all chicken pieces to be coated.

2. Put one to two Tbs of olive oil, and a non-stick skillet and cook chicken on medium hear cooked thoroughly Once chicken and rice are done toss in a bowl, and add all of the toppings

Sesami Chicken with Broccoli Chinese

- ¾ lb pasta, dry - 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil - 2 oz pancetta or bacon, cut into small pieces - 4 garlic cloves, minced - ½ c vodka - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes - ¾ tsp salt - ¼ tsp pepper - ½ c heavy cream - 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dry) - 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dry)

Chicken Burrito Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

Mexican

Cilantro Lime Rice: - 1.5 cup extra long grain rice - .75 lime - 3 cups water - 1.5 tsp salt - 4.5 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro - 4.5 tsp vegatable oil Chicken: - Zesty Lime Chicken Bowl - 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat - 2 Tbsp extra-virigin olive oil - 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1 tsp kosher salt - 1/2 tsp freshly groundblackpepper Optional: Lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, beans, lime, cilantro, and cheese DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook rice with a pinch of salt according to package directions.

2. Set a steamer basket in a medium pot filled with 1" water, cover pot, and bring water to a boil. Steam broccoli, covered, until crisptender, 5–6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Whisk cornstarch, pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat.

4. Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over high. Add half of the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and a light brown crust forms, about 5 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl.

6. Transfer first batch of chicken to a plate. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil and cook remaining chicken. Add sauce to skillet along with first batch of chicken. Toss well and cook until sauce is reduced and thickened, about 2 minutes.

Fold in reserved broccoli, toss to coat, and remove from heat.

7. Divide chicken and broccoli among 4 plates and top with scallions and remaining 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds. Serve with rice on the side.

INGREDIENTS: - 4 servings - 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking white rice - 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more - 8 cups broccoli florets - 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or a mix, patted dry, cut into 1" chunks - 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided - 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon Sriracha - 1 large clove garlic, finely grated - 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger - 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, divided - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

14 centerspread

february 1

www.high_screen_time.com

G

en Z. Internet Generation. Realists.

Anxious Generation.

Generation Z, people born between 1997–2012, are called anything from hopeful to the last generation, but something every nickname has in common is its relation to technology. In simpler terms... Gen Z are on their phones too much.

So why is it this generation’s screen time is so high?

Social Media?

Streaming platforms?

School Work?

“I think one of the reasons why Gen Z is on their phone too much is because of ‘doom scrolling,’” senior Chloe Sanders. “People just spend hours scrolling on Instagram, Tiktok, or watching Youtube videos. For me, I got to a point where I couldn’t do anything without listening or watching something. My mental state was feeding the amount of time I would spend on my phone.”

Mental health can affect a person’s screen time, but the roles can be reversed just as easily.

Excessive use of screens, phones, computers, gaming consoles, can lead to...

Axiety.

Fear of missing out (FOMO).

Depression.

Lack of social skills.

“There’s a lot of negative things [being on the phone], and because of the posts I see on social media, I would always compare myself and develop body dysmorphia,” sophomore Kaden Roper said.

However, it can be difficult to escape the hold technology has on Gen Z. For eight hours a day, students are subjected to having online

assignments through Google Classroom or testing on Eduphoria instead of original paper assignments.

Teens today communicate with parents and friends through IMessages and social media platforms insead of traditional landlines. And if a problem arises, Google almost always solve it.

“I believe all my reasons are pretty justifiable in my own way,” junior Zuri Muldrow said.

“Granted if my mom found out how much I’m on my phone she would kill me. I watch study videos on how to study, and when I’m struggling with math, I watch The Organic Chemistry Tutor on Youtube.”

But what happens outside the classroom is the problem.

During school hours, students aren’t allowed to have their phone, and yet by the end of the day, teens are aquiring on average 6-7 hours a day (50 students surveyed).

Can the hours spent on Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube even be justified?

“It does more harm than good,” junior Deanna Dyer said. “I don’t think you can ever justify it unless you’re just trying to keep up with current events.”

Spending so much time on TikTok and Video Games doesn’t just mean Gen Z is subjecting themselves to whatever content comes on their feed.

It means becoming dependent. - building a dependancy on the bluelight screens, on the Something as innocent as scroll through on “For You Page” on TikTok for a few minutes a day can become an addiction — leaving teens absorbed in their phones scrolling for hours and hours without resurfacing for air.

senior chloe sanders

“There’s no justifcation for my hours — I know it’s bad. I watch a lot of video essays or podcasts — I couldn’t function without them. I feel like a lot of people say high screen time causes depression, but for me, it’s the opposite; my depression was causing a high screen time.”

cyber cra

They can become Mikaela Emphasis attached, becoming co-editor anxious without the familar weight of their phone in their pocket.

Is Generation Z becoming de “Walking in the technology? What are the effe hallways, I can not not have my phone extensive screen time? to look like I’m doing something. I get a sense of panic — I can feel the dependency,” Zuri said. “I actually got my phone taken away for two months, and I could feel the difference, but once I got it back, I reverted back so quickly.”

But not everyone is like that — there is Wondering always an exception. what’s the While the “Internet Generation” is cause of stereotyped to be technology obsessed, there are some who set limitations for themselves, everyone’s high self-aware of the influence of the Internet. screen time?

“Everything is so technology based and Here are the everyone just happens to have a phone, culprits even the younger people,” sophomore Sulva Sharma said. “But still, your phone shouldn’t be as important as the things going on outside.

You just can’t be on it all the time — you have to self-regulate.”

what’s trending?

junior zuri muldrow

“I get a solid hour of screen time from walking the hallways. Whenever I get nervous, I go to my phone and open it and just swipe around. I’ll get on TikTok and then just go down a rabbit hole. I also watch little documentaries, like on YouTube, about some random video game sometimes.”

14, 2024

centerspread

r aze

www.screen_effects.com

Riley Richardson

mental effects

co-editor

+ anxiety

+ depression

+ FOMO

+ social skills

“I have a lot of anxiety about my social platform and how people view me socially,” sophomore Kaden Roper said. “Because of what I see on social media, I would sometimes compare myself to other people — ‘am I doing this right?’ or ‘what am I doing wrong?.’ I’ve been doing this my entire life and suddenly, someone is telling me what to do. There’s a lot of overthinking.”

ependent on ects of their

“I have a really bad ‘Fear-of-Missing-Out (FOMO),’” junior Makinley Campbell. “Especially when I see my friends’ post on Snapchat, see them hanging out, and I’m not there? I feel left out and just missing everything they are doing.”

26%

24%

17%

14%

7%

7%

5%

physcial effects

“There are a lot of negative things put on the internet and these can negatively impact my mental health.

Sometimes, I rot in my bed all day and be on my phone,” sophomore Dakota Franks said. “I would read some hateful things and I end up hating myself. Being in front of the screen all the time can really cause depression. A little bit of my depression come from being on my phone a lot.”

solitary

“Being on my phone a lot disconnects me from reality completely,” freshman Midnight Higuerey said. “I want to talk to people — I would, but I just can’t. I’m bad at starting conversations, and I’m chronically online so I say a lot of online jargons. And I don’t have any social cues. Like someone tells me something and I would just stare at them and ask ‘are you like serious or...?’”

+ sleep deprivation

+ eye difficulties

+ headaches

+ poor posture

“I never intend to stay up all night on my phone, but when I start scrolling, I lose track of time,” senior Brooklyn Gibson said. “By the time I finally fall asleep, it’s practically moring time, so I have become used to getting less hours of sleep.”

“Right after being on my phone for too long, I would notice the headache,” junior Montgomery Phelps said. “I have this setting on my phone that changes the shade the color of my phone screen — it helps a lot blocking the blue light.”

sophomore sulav sharma

“I’m not on my phone as much as I am my computer.

On there, I was probably about nine hours, and I have really bad posture becuase of it — it makes me sit bad. I usually spend a lot of time playing games.

Right now, I’m playing Dragonball Fighters, but the games vary.”

“I have bad light sensitivity,” junior Audrey Tercero said. “My eyes hurt when I’m on my phone too much, especially when I’m doing homework on the computer and I would stare at it for hours. The blue-light glasses help me a lot.”

“I’m always bent over on my phone and computer — I end up having really bad posture,” freshman Anna Kesterson said. “My back would hurt all the time. We’re all secretive — nobody holds their phone out where everyone can see it, so we all hover over it.

freshman ginger wright

“Boredom is one of the reasons why my screen time is high. I do try not to be on my phone, but I feel like I also don’t know what to do. So, I just end up being on my phone. The adults blame us for being on the phone too much, but we grew up with it.

What are we supposed to do you know?”

15

february 14, 2024

feature

certifications

F

or senior Christopher Ayers, going to college straight after high school was an obvious choice.

He knew he wanted to get a degree, so it was the most fitting decision.

But Chris also realized he didn’t just have to take college classes to start preparing for his future.

Taking high school level classes was just as important to him because he knew they gave him the opportunity to earn various certifications.

“Purdue is my top college, and I want to major in data science or computer science,” Chris said. “Most of my certifications are for computer science. I got interested in that field and knew if I ended up pursuing that field it would be easier to get a job.”

F

After going to a data science summer camp at Purdue, Chris is leaning more towards that field. Although most of his certifications are relative to computer science, Chris has found several other benefits from taking these courses.

“Learning the material for the certifications has helped me a lot with other schoolwork and the other computer science class I’ve taken,” Chris said. “It’s also helped with any coding I’ve had to do in Robotics.”

Taking certain classes with the intent of earning a certain certification, is what has helped Chris get so ahead in his field. It has set him up for early success in college.

“I’m more prepared for college by getting certifications in high school,” Chris said. “Even if I have to retake the classes, I’ll know most of the material, so they’ll be easier to pass.”

prepping for

life

Getting a head start in high school helps students prepare for future careers Madison Herbert reporter

job shadowing

or three periods a day, junior Zoe Potter leaves school to work at Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital.

Through the Practicum of Health Science class, Zoe is getting hands-on experience for her dream job.

A head start. A glimpse into her future.

Zoe first started shadowing during the summer, but after learning that she could also shadow during the school year, it was the perfect way to keep doing what she loved.

“I’ve always been interested in healthcare, but I knew I didn’t want to work on people, and I love animals,” Zoe said. “I liked knowing that I could help the community through helping their animals.”

Although getting paid isn’t part of this internship, Zoe’s early exposure to this field is allowing her to learn the basics of this job before she’s even graduated.

“The people I work with are super nice and really good at teaching me,” Zoe said.

“I help by restraining animals, pulling up shots, and I’ve assisted a couple surgeries before.”

An introduction to this field has not been Zoe’s only benefit though. She’s also learning about the long process of becoming a veterinarian.

“There are pre-vet students and people going into vet school, so they’ve [mentors] taught me tricks of how to write things down properly so that I have that information going into vet school,” Zoe said.

This internship is just one of the many ways students can have an advantage towards their future career.

“I’m really looking forward to one day being able to work on crazy cases," Zoe said. "I just want to help animals."

[CSanders]

workforce J

unior Kaden McCall is surrounded by a family of welders, which means he has access to extra practice outside of school to help him grow his skill. When he found out that he could get an early start in high school through Texarkana College, he signed up to prepare for trade school and welding contracts after graduation.

“I have a job lined up for after high school,” Kaden said.

“Once I save a little money, I’m going to trade school for welding” Every day, after first period, Kaden takes a 15 minute bus ride to the TexAmericas welding workshop where college welding instructor Mr. Joel Web teaches students the basics of welding.

“Mr. Joel is an awesome guy," Kaden said. “He is always around to make sure we know what we’re doing and help us if we need it.”

Through Texamerica, after two years of welding, students can earn a SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) or “stick” certification, GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) or “TIG” certification and GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or “MIG” certification. These help students’ resumes look more appealing to future employers “My goal is to earn ‘stick’ and ‘MIG’ before my graduation next year,” Kaden said. “I believe the more certifications I have, the better it will be for me in the future.”

Abigail Thrash reporter

16

february 14, 2024

feature

military S

enior Trent Walker grew up around Military Veterans — his dad, uncles, grandfather, you know, every boy’s biggest role models. So when it came time for Trent to start planning his future, the decision was a simple one, and one supported by his entire family.

For Trent, joining the military meant a perfect ‘package deal’ for him. He has a specific interest in aircraft maintenance, so choosing the Air Force branch was a nobrainer.

“I’m not a big fan of school, and I didn’t want to sit in a classroom at college,” Trent said. “I like to work with my hands, so I knew I’d enjoy this more.”

Being in the military also includes

F

benefits that are hard to find anywhere else. It gives him a head start on his career, has cool travel opportunities, and pays for college.

“I’m excited for the benefits of college,” Trent said. “It will help me a lot financially.”

On July 22, Trent will officially be part of the United States Air Force.

But until that day, it’s just a waiting game. After talking to the recruiter in town, going to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations) in Shreveport, Louisiana to do a physical, taking the ASVAB, and finishing paperwork, Trent is enlisted and ready to go.

“I’m not really nervous,” Trent said. “I’m just ready to roll."

College and Career Readiness counselor Mrs. Aimee Mullins gives tips for college or university Live on campus

Studies show that living on campus enhances students’ effort and involvement in both the academic and social aspects of college.

Get involved

Go Greek, join student clubs, groups, organizations, and teams to make new friends. There are so many different types of clubs and activities, so you’ll be sure to find one that interests you.

university

rom the time senior Grady Mueller toured Ouachita Baptist University, he knew that’s where he wanted to be after high school.

He toured the school his sophomore year, and after seeing their nursing program, he decided to pursue the field.

Grady’s experiences in high school have contributed to his passion in pursuing nursing.

Being involved in Hawk Healers and earning various medical certifications are just a couple examples of how Grady has prepared himself for college in the future.

“Hawk Healers has opened my eyes to new opportunities and expanded my knowledge,” Grady said. “It has really shown me how to treat people and help them with their problems.”

After Grady discovered nursing was the right path for him, he did his research and made a steady plan for after he graduates.

“I want to be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA),” Grady said. “I just want to help people; I want to change lives and help people get back on their feet.”

For Grady, Ouachita was a convenient and intriguing.

“Half my family lives there, [Arkadelphia, Arkansas] so I’m out there almost every weekend,” Grady said.

“It’s also not very far away, and it’s a small town. I like how it’s just easy— nothing complicated.”

the Mullins' Guide to College

Know & use resources

College campuses have resources to help your overall health, safety, and wellbeing.

These resources include health services, gyms & fitness centers, writing centers, and tutoring centers. Most of these are included in your tuition, so be sure to use them!

Manage your time

Build your schedule tailored to you. If you know you’re not a morning person and you’ll be more likely to skip that 8am class, don’t schedule it. If you know your attention span can’t handle a 3-hour long class, avoid taking the class that only meets once a week. Use your time between classes to eat, study, and review notes from classes, so you’re not cramming before a big test.

Use your student discount Many businesses in college towns provide discounts for students when you show your student ID. Take advantage!

Go to class [HBarthel]

This seems like a no-brainer, but when your classes aren’t back to back and in the same building, it’s easy to talk yourself into skipping. Tuition is expensive, and professors have the authority to drop you from a class if you miss too much (and usually with a failing grade).

17

18 feature

february 14, 2024

Love Runs Lance Jackson (11)

"I have one [tattoo] on my arm. It's Proverbs 16:3, Commit your plans to the Lord and your plans will be established. I have roman numerals on my trap (shoulder) of my birthday. I got the one [tattoo] on my arm in December of my sophomore year and the one on my trap the summer going into junior year. I picked out my own designs. I've always wanted a tattoo and the verse on my arm, my dad gave it to me when I was little. I want to get more [tattoos] but I want to wait until college."

Clara Stewart (10) "I got my tattoo on my birthday.

It's a heartbeat with a heart for my dad and the year he was born and the year he died. My sisters and I all have matching tattoos and one of them came up with the design. My mom was very supportive of it. One of my dad's friends did our tattoos for us, so like he came to our house and did for us. I'd get another tattoo, but I don't know what I would get at the moment."

From the Expert:

Reporters interview tattoo artist Dalton Humphrey from Empire Art Co. on Richmond Road

How do you determine the pricing for tattoos?

"It varies from shop to shop, but here we have a shop minimum of $100 - that will probably get you a name on your wrist. But if you want something like a big tattoo on your ribs, it's going to cost a little bit more."

Deep

For students and staff, tattoos are great way for self expression

Madeline Smallwood reporter

Riley Richardson co-editor

Addison Kinney reporter

Mr. Kyle Krobot "I'm a math nerd obviously so all eight of my tattoos are math related. I have the Fibonacci Sequence, 3-D shapes and constructions, and other math related things. I got my first tattoo right out of high school.

Several designs were premade but most were self created. I've never had an issue with getting my tattoos, my body's never rejected the ink or anything. Having tattoos is just an expression of who I am. I'm not a quiet a person. I'm not timid and I need things to be loud in my life."

Mrs. Jennifer Ford "The first [tattoo] I ever got says 'love you' in my daughter's handwriting on my ankle. She has one that says 'love you more' in my handwriting.

The other tattoo I have is three hearts representing all of my kids with their first initial in each heart. Since they [the tattoos] were on my ankle they stung pretty good. I absolutely would get another tattoo."

How is the pain level on parts of the body and with people?

In your opinion, what is the worst tattoo you can get?

"Women all day everyday. They have natural painkillers in their body, so their pain thresholds are higher than dudes.

And the most sensitive places for a tattoo are rips, joints, and the backs of your kneecaps."

"My thing is butterflies - it's just my own personal passion against them. But in general the worst tattoo you can get is the UV tattoo because all that is going to fad off eventually."

february 14, 2024

19

feature

GRAFTED

200 Industrial Blvd.

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

Kenneth & Jerra Parris 1205 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 71854 OldTymeBurger@gmail.com (870)722-5775 1920 MOORES LANE •TEXARKANA, TX

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YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW

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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

angel nail

20 entertainment

february 14, 2024

[CSanders]

[submitted]

pages & pixels J

unior Lyla Breto slides in her bed — lights turned off and ebook on hand — A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson pulled up.

She was ready for another night of staying up reading her current-read books.

On the other hand, sophomore Olivia Jones is drowned between the pages of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.

In recent years, there has been a shift in the way people read books. While some readers remain loyal to the physical book, others have embraced digital reading.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 30% of Americans read ebooks in 2021, compared to 26% in 2018.

Despite the rise of ebooks, some readers still prefer the tactile pleasure of physical books.

“I’ve been reading books since I was a kid and grew up with physical books. I just like the feel of paper in my hands,” junior Mallory Griffin said. “Even though you can take ebooks everywhere, it just doesn’t feel the same.”

But this isn’t a competition between ebooks and physical books — each has its purpose.

“I use both [physical books and ebook]. It has a lot of advantages depending on the situation I’m in,” sophomore Olivia Jones said. “On an e-book (I use Kindle), you can get things quickly by pressing a button, and it has text-to-speech.

This might be bad for your eyes, but when you’re ready for sleep but still want to read, you can turn off your lights and read on Kindle. But on paperback or hardcover, it won't hurt your eyes and is easier to annotate and such.”

At the end of the day, whether readers prefer physical books or ebooks, reading remains a common pastime for people, especially teenagers.

“I don’t think it really matters what tool you use when you read because either way, you’re still reading,” Lyla said. “You’re still escaping from reality.”

Reader preferences vary from physical books to ebooks — each serves its own purpose Mikaela Emphasis

"Ebook is good for keeping up with the page numbers but, a physical book doesn’t require any wifi or network, so I personally prefer a physical book."

- Arianna Williamson (9)

top kindle ebooks

co-editor

1. The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz 2. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden 3. Last Night by Luanne Rice [source amazon.com]

ebook prices + ebook tablets Kindle (16gb) - $140 Kobo (Libra 2) - $190 Nook (Glowlight 4 Plus) - $200

+ ebook Kindle Subscription - $11.99 per month (unlimited books) Apple Books - $4-$11 eBooks.com - $2-$13

physical bestsellers

"I prefer physical books. I like holding it in my hands and feeling the pages. Feels more real and present than a screen."

- Erica Zofcin (12)

physical book prices + paperback $13.95-$17.95

+ hardcover $25.99-$27.99

books to add to your TBR:

Barnes & Noble - $2.99-$9.99 Kobo - $1.99-$18

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear 2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 3. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 4. Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo 5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 6. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 7. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black 8. We were Liars by E. Lockhart 9. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo [source barnesandnoble.com]

+ Yellowface by R.F Kuang + Happy Place by Emily Henry + Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood + The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

+ This Time It's Real by Ann Liang + Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez + The Cruel Prince by Holly Black + Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

entertainment

february 14, 2024

2023 W

RA

D

TRENDS

P,P

E

Unpacking trends from 2023. Which one is your favorite?

Mikaela Emphasis

pop culture

co-editor

ROMAN EMPIRE

A TikTok trend that has everyone asking their boyfriend, father, and brothers. And the general consensus is that men think about the Roman Empire a lot — sometimes daily. So, how often do you think about the Roman Empire?

[source Clemens van Lay]

ELON MUSK BUYING TWITTER

Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion. By July 2023, he re-branded it to 'X,' introducing a new logo and simplified black X for the app version. The signature blue bird long gone.

music BILLBOARD 200 ALBUMS 1. One Thing at A Time by Morgan Wallen 2. Midnights by Taylor Swift 3. SOS by SZA

HOT 100 SONGS

[source Bryan Garrett]

TOP ARTISTS 2023 1. Taylor Swift

1. Last Night by Morgan

2. Morgan Wallen

2. Flowers by Miley Cyrus

4. Drake

Wallen

3. Kill Bill by SZA

[source Anthem Talent Agency]

3. SZA 5. Luke Combs

[source Paolo Villanueva]

slangs RIZZ

How good are you at flirting? The word “rizz” was likely derived from charisma and describes your ability to pick up a love interest. e.g. Why do you actually have rizz?

CARGO PANTS "My legs are bigger, so I like the way it doesn't squeeze. I also like the way it sits on my shoes — it adds style, I guess. Cargos are just really comfortable as they aren't restricting, and people who's style I like wear them often."

- senior Bennett Solomon

SLAY

To show appreciation when someone does something impressive or worthy of praise. e.g. You're slaying with your outfit right now!

TOUCH GRASS

Are you on the internet 24/7? When was the last time you've seen the sun? Are you chronically online and so out of touch from reality? Not that I'm judging, but should probably go out and touch grass... [source studyusa.com]

[MEmphasis]

ap,ps

Ever wonder why some of your favorite shows weren't streaming? For five months, the Writers Guild of America protested for poor compensation and severe work mistreatment.

[source UFCW]

[source AAE]

fashion

[source Noah Berger]

WGA STRIKE

21

TOP 3 MOST USED APPS Instagram

28%

Snapchat

38%

TikTok

34% [55 students surveyed]

movies Saltburn "Saltburn was the weirdest movie I have ever seen. I regret watching that movie with every fiber in my body."

Barbie "I love how honest and vulnerable it was. The movie showed how hard it is to be a woman with all of the pressures from society, unachievable expectations, and the hypocrisy from men."

Across the Spider-verse "The colors were amazing, and it left a perfect cliffhanger for the third movie, but overall the animation carried it over the story."

- senior Sydney Kirkland

- junior Tristan Carter

- sophomore McKenna Thompson

Oppenheimer "It was pretty good. It kept you on the edge of your seat — good balance of action and drama. Cillian Murphy is the real reason I kept watching."

Super Mario Bros.

"My favorite scene was when Bowser sings Peaches. Mainly because it was Jack Black's singing, and it was hilarious. Jack Black was probably the best part about this movie."

The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes "I have never read the books (even though I have them), but I’ve always loved the movies. But I do have to say, this one has to be my favorite out of all of them."

- freshman Mike Richards

- senior Loriann Hensel

- sophomore Sophee Wyatt

STANLEY TUMBLER

"It's better than any other cup because you can put a lot more water, it stays colder longer, and it's easy to hold because of the holder. It's also convenient because of the straw."

- freshman Palmer Gibbs.

UGG TASMAN SLIPPERS

[source stanley1913.com]

"I'd rather wear my UGG slippers to school because of the comfort the slipper gives me. I like how easy they are to slip on." [source UGG] - senior Lily Buck

FLARED LEGGINGS

"Flared leggings just makes me feel more comfortable and confident than normal leggings. Regular leggings make me feel claustrophobic and trapped all day — it bothers me.

Flared are loose and comfy, so they're always my go-to."

- senior Alixx Taylor [BSolomon]

22 entertainment

february 14, 2024

10 Things I Hate About You

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

This film is considered a cult classic among teenagers and early 90s kids alike. Featuring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Larisa Oleynik, the 1999 movie has amassed a large following on social media.

Opposite sisters Kat and Bianca often argue over guys (or lack thereof), which leads to the school ‘bad boy’ Patrick taking a bet asking Kat out to allow the new kid to get close to Bianca. While the new kid Cameron is busy tutoring his love interest Bianca, Patrick and Kat start a relationship while Kat is completely unaware about his original motives.

I still vividly remember my first time watching this movie — it was truly a life changing experience. Specifically how funny me and my cousin thought the guy screaming when asked about Kat was and replaying it over and over again. We’ve now made it a tradition to watch the movie whenever we see each other, and it’s one of those movies that’s almost impossible to get tired of. With an epic confession of love, it’s easy to understand why this movie is a classic.

Bored with her current topics, NYC journalist Andi Anderson (Kate Hudson) comes up with what she thinks is a genius story - proving that any man can be scared away in 10 days based on a girl’s behavior. That’s when she meets Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey), a marketing executive with a bet of his own.

He plans to prove that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days.

Without realizing the other's true intentions, the couple begin to fall for each other over the course of the bet.

Sure this movie is a classic.

That doesn’t necessarily mean I have to like it. I watched it for the first time last year while it was trending on TikTok, and honestly, I just wasn’t impressed. Personally, if a man ever said the things that Ben said to Andi, I would be out the door so fast. I will say that Andi’s fashion throughout the movie is top tier.

Not that I don’t understand why this film has the reputation it does, but it’s just personally a no from me.

Brooklyn Tirone reporter

She's the man

Rom-coms are a classic genre — with good reason. Epic confessions of love, happy endings... what's not to love? Here's a staff review of the most popular rom-coms

Following Viola’s (Amanda Byne) rejection from the boys soccer team due to the girls team being cut, she hatches a plan to pose as her twin brother Sebastian and joins the team at rival school to get revenge. Throughout the 2006 film, Viola deals with simultaneously balancing her and Sebastian's separate lives while slowly falling for her boarding school roommate and soccer team captain (Channing Tatum) who is completely unaware that she isn’t actually a dorky guy named Sebastian.

This movie is 100% my favorite rom-com. I will admit that I don’t have the best taste in movies, and it's probably not a genuinely good movie.

But between Viola’s awful wig, the slightly questionable plot, and awful acting, it easily became my comfort watch. This movie definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you like Channing Tatum and a less than realistic romance, I would definitely recommend 'She’s The Man.'

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Based on the popular book trilogy by Jenny Han, this 2018 Netflix original features one of my personal favorite rom-com tropes — fake dating. The plot feels like something straight out of a teen girl's nightmare when Laura Jean’s (Lana Condor) love letters to all the boys shes loved are sent out by her younger sister. This makes a complete mess out of her already chaotic life, and leads to Laura Jean starting a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) in an attempt to fix it and make one of the letter recipients jealous along the way.

I know Netflix originals can be hit or miss (Cough cough, 'The Kissing Booth') but ‘TATBILB’ was definitely a hit. The vibes of this film are great, and I’m of course obsessed with Laura Jean’s room. Normally I hate movies based off of books, but this adaptation is super solid and holds true to the novels. Noah Centineo plays the part of the charming, teenage heartthrob love interest perfectly.

I would 100% recommend this movie, as well as the other two in the trilogy for when you need a feel good movie to watch.

february 14, 2024

entertainment

w e r 7B

23

time quick

price

$2.50-$6.00+

e h t r fo rry Olivia Pe er g Ad Mana

e e f f o c of

rive-thrus d e e ff o c er newest The two ed of ord e p s m o r df compare f coffee o r o v a fl taken to

Scoote r's

Scooter’s vanilla latte (not iced) was a little underwhelming. It wasn’t the worst coffee I had tasted, but it didn't really stand out either. The coffee flavor was a little lackluster and tasted watered down. Now, watered down coffee isn’t a bad thing on days where you need a quick pick-me-up, but I wouldn’t recommend a Scooter's latte for someone who really wants to taste the strong darkness of coffee.

Though the coffee isn’t the best, I tried the small pastries they offer and they are amazing.

In similar fashion to the coffee, the taste of the

time

very quick

price

$2.65-$6.00+

service great

7 Brew’s medium iced vanilla latte is one of the best coffee’s I have ever tasted in my entire life. I know that sounds dramatic, but I’m serious.

I had been to 7 Brew once before in another town before I started this review, and I don't remember it sticking out to me that much. Now, I've been to 7 Brew almost every day for the past two weeks because I can’t get enough.

I’m not one to really enjoy lattes either.

Most coffee places make their lattes too sweet. Not 7 Brew. The latte tastes very milky, but not too milky to where it overpowers the coffee taste. And the vanilla syrup used is only slightly noticeable which compliments the drink nicely.

The staff is very nice and will occasionally make small talk with you if you're order is taking longer than expected. It's definitely a nice touch when most places (Starbucks) are too

mini donuts and cake balls aren’t strong, so the flavor isn’t too sweet and is a very enjoyable quick morning snack if you need a little something to hold you over for lunch.

Every time I've been to Scooter's, there has been no line. And if that wasn't great enough, the employees were very patient and nice when I was being annoyingly indecisive with what I wanted to order.

Overall, Scooter's isn’t bad and I recommend it for the average coffee lover.

service

fantastic

busy to even know your existence.

7 Brew is (with my experience) more busy than Scooters, but the line still moves quickly, and I haven't wait more than around two minutes to get my coffee.

As of writing this review, 7 Brew just released Muffin Tops whereas previously, 7 brew only served coffee and energy drinks. I haven't been able to try any, but I've heard good things.

If anyone is reading this and hasn’t tried 7 Brew, stop what you’re doing, run — don’t walk — and try their coffee. You’ll thank me later.

Crossw

24 entertainment

ord Puz

the

Games Page

Complete the Valentine's Day theme puzzles and bring them to room 603 to get a Valentine's prize Madeline Smallwood reporter

word search

mini crosswor d

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february 14, 2024

1 2 3 4

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emoji match

14

/workshe et-gener ator - 2024 Ed ucation. com

february 14, 2024

opinion

Madeline Smallwood reporter

25

gimme aux

Staffer has an obsession with making playlists 356.

That’s the number of playlists I have.

I’ve been told that I have an addiction but I think it’s a necessity.

I can guarantee that I have a perfectly curated playlist for any mood no matter how specific.

If I need to lock in and study, it’s my "Studying for Chilton Academy" playlist or if I’m at the gym, it’s "standing on business."

Music is a big part of my life and more often than not, I have one out of my extensive playlists playing.

Honestly I believe that playlist making is an art.

No one understands it like I do. It’s not just throwing random songs together (though I do have some playlists that range from Taylor Swift to Drake to AC/DC to George Strait, etc).

I put quite a good amount of time into each playlist I make.

I can spend anywhere from 10 minutes to a few days depending on how much time I have.

And finding the right songs is only half the battle.

I also take pride in finding the perfect playlist cover photo,

usually from Pinterest or something that I took, that will set a visual tone of the playlist.

I mean I could just stop there, but why?

Sometimes I’ll add a little blurb or description to the playlist. It could be a personal reflection on the theme, a quote, or just anything really to set the tone.

These little details may seem insignificant and pretentious to some, but to me? They’re essential for creating a fully immersive listening experience.

My favorite thing is to make playlists representing each month. I started doing this in October of 2021.

It is where I pretty much add any songs that I listen to extensively, are popular, or were released during that month.

I find that it’s such a great way to reflect, especially when I have specific memories tied to a song.

While I was at camp one summer, it started to rain while we were completing our annual tribal relay race.

The rain got so bad we had to delay the race.

My friend got her portable speaker and started to play "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. We danced in the pouring for the entirety of the song.

Anytime I hear "Unwritten," all I can think about is dancing in the rain.

finding my place

I also have a very specific memory attached to the song "Travelin’ Soldier" by Bruce Robison.

"Travelin’ Soldier" is one of my all time favorite songs and it never fails to make me emotional. My friend Jay introduced me to this after he played it on the guitar.

Another song that fits this criteria is "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars. One of my best friends was going through boy troubles, so we were having a make shift therapy session in my car. She put on "It Will Rain" and we both just started screaming the lyrics. It was very therapeutic might I add. After that night, I have a new appreciation for that song.

Each playlist is a reflection of my taste, personality, and emotions.

Almost like an archive of my mind, serving as a soundtrack to my life’s moments, from passing a test or getting into a journalism program at the University of Arkansas.

So yes, I may have an addiction to creating playlists (my main playlist being over 3000 hours long as an example) but to me it’s something simple I can spend time doing to help me unwind and relax.

Katherine Ayers reporter

Staffer finds her new passion through print First day of school. Round two of high school.

Since completing freshman year, I pretty much got the gist of how the day was going to go.

You pick up your new schedule and follow the order of classes.

Easy.

Before the first day of school, I walked through my schedule, so I pretty much knew where my classes were and who was in my class.

Well, I knew all of my classes except for yearbook.

I did not have any friends in the class, and frankly, I didn’t want to do yearbook.

In fact when I signed up for my classes I specifically chose newspaper and not yearbook, but when I got my schedule I kinda just said oh well.

I assumed the way it worked was like an audition where you deal with what you get.

So I went to my 6th period class for around two weeks.

Those two weeks turned into a few more weeks until I began to realize how much I dreaded going to class.

Yearbook was not for me.

So I decided something had to change.

I began asking my friends what their sixth period classes were, but nothing seemed a good option.

Switching into their classes would cause my whole schedule to change, and that was too much to do weeks into school Then it dawned on me that I could just ask Mrs. Harris if I could be in newspaper.

The thought seemed simple at first, but as I thought about it more and more, I was scared I was going to be told no.

Being in yearbook wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I would have been able to deal with it, but previous to moving to

Pleasant Grove, I was in yearbook for four years.

All of which I never was assigned good pages to do.

While I was assigned to make a page about a little project for a different grade, my friends were doing pages about fun things going on in our grade.

So naturally I was a little sick of yearbook.

I was also more interested in newspaper because it was something I had never tried before.

I always liked reading them when I was a freshman and filling out the google forms was fun.

So after thinking about all of these things, I made up my mind to talk to Mrs. Harris.

I came up with a plan to leave lunch early and ask her in her office. It actually ended up taking me two days to actually do it though.

The first day, I waited too long to go into her office, so I had to wait. The next day I second guessed myself into thinking I would be fine with where I was.

Then came the day when I finally did it. I went into her office. As I walked in, I tried to calm myself down before asking. Closer to the beginning of the school year, I was a very anxious person.

Talking to people I wasn’t very familiar with scared me. I often found myself sweating a lot and my heart rate abnormally high.

But going into her office, I kind of had a good feeling.

It was a calm atmosphere with all the pictures of previous journalism students and cake days.

It made me feel a little more comfortable to ask, so I did.

As I asked the question, I could see her smile beginning to form until she said yes.

All this time I thought I wasn’t going to be able to join, but

it turned out that there was actually a shortage on the newspaper staff.

So it all ended up working out perfectly.

Mrs. Harris was excited and the current members were too.

I began working on my first page and from there learned all the different things about making a newspaper.

From being in newspaper, I actually learned through many interviews to not be as nervous when talking to people that I may not know very well.

I say all this to say, when in doubt just go for it (and join newspaper).

There will always be other fallback options.

They may not be the ideal situation, but you have nothing to lose.

I have had lots of fun working and learning to contribute any that I can to three issues of the (Katherine's first page) newspaper for the school.

26 opinion

february 14, 2024

Brooklyn Tirone reporter

chronically single being by yourself is WAY more fun

I’m 16 years old, and I've never had a boyfriend.

Some people might think that that’s strange, but it’s never bothered me.

The reason for this is simple — I've never had a desire to be in a romantic relationship.

My view on this is even further reinforced when I see my friends ending up heartbroken and depressed over a guy. Seemingly never ending tears, tubs of ice cream, etc.

Like, why would I ever willingly put myself through that? What could I possibly gain from heartbreak?

And true, it’s good to experience relationships and things when you're young.

But I just don’t want to.

I have so much time to do all that boring relationship stuff when I’m older and ready to settle.

I tend to be deeply independent.

Always have, and probably always will.

And having someone else to worry about just sounds incredibly unappealing.

Instead of worrying why I’m left on delivered, or why we’re not hanging out, I get to focus on self love — in my opinion, is the best kind of love.

Sometimes I see couples and can’t help but wonder, “Am I the problem? Is it my fault that I feel the way I do? Do I even want that?” and I like to think my chronic singularity has nothing to do with my personality or looks, but rather the juvenility of the guys around me.

I don’t quite understand how girls can put up with their boyfriend’s immature naturespetty fights, lack of emotion, being ‘one of the boys’... it would genuinely drive me insane.

And my love for books doesn’t help my situation at all.

After years of reading about fictional men like Aaron Warner from “Shatter Me” or Rowan Whitethorn from "Throne Of Glass,"

my interest in anyone non-fictional has somehow dwindled even smaller.

Like when Rowan said he would always find Aelin — nothing any real man could do would compare.

I can admit that my standards are a little high from “Book Boyfriends,” but it's not my fault that real guys just can’t compare.

It also doesn’t help that my parents met in high school and are almost sickeningly in love, 17 years and two kids later.

My mom especially doesn’t really understand my adversity to boys and dating.

It even got to the point where I would make up fake crushes on random boys in my grade to get her to stop harassing me about it (awful, I know).

Don’t even get me started on the pressure of finding a prom date.

According to my google search, only 9.2% of high school sweethearts last ‘forever’.

The statistics of me ending up with a love story like my parents with a high school boyfriend are laughably slim.

mother dearest

Not to say I don’t believe in true love — I just think that you find it when the time comes.

And for me, I just can’t imagine that being in high school.

It's not impossible — just improbable.

I’m confident that one day I’ll find my ‘forever’ person and have a story that’s worthy to be in one of my cringey romance books.

But as of now, I’m perfectly happy with being single.

Caurie Beck reporter

Staffer talks about connecting with her mom “I was born on this stage. I’m barely kidding.”

An anecdote I tell people to explain just how long my mom has been at this school.

My mother has been teaching for 18 years.

Drill team. PGTV. Assistant director. Temporary tech director. Head choreographer.

I've never seen this woman sit still for more than two minutes.

Unsurprisingly, I ended up in dance at age two, I started working with the theater department in 5th grade, and I haven’t stopped since.

I picked up my mom’s love for dance and music, even though everything I’ve tried to choreograph fell flat on its face and most of the time I trip over my own feet.

Without fail, throughout every musical season, I get called in by my mom to help her choreograph some dance or the other almost constantly and we spend the occasional weekend in the garage relearning how to tap dance.

I can’t count on any hands how many times I’ve been asked, “Because of your mom, right?”

I've watched countless middle school directors and theater one directors come and go.

I remember when our tech director quit after Mary Poppins, and I remember when Mrs. Sutton quit, and all that was left was the magical Tiffany Beck.

When I was younger I remember always taking my mom for advantage.

She was never as strict or mean as she could be, and I milked that as much as possible. She was good to sign me out

of class early or if I’d forgotten my lunch.

I don't think I truly realized how much she did for me and how grateful I was for her.

As I’ve gotten older she’s still good if I forget my lunch, but I’ve learned to recognize how much she does and yet she stays kind and absolutely hilarious through it all.

I’ve had the privilege of having her by my side all of my 15 years, even when I was a stubborn 13-year-old who had no idea how lucky she was to have such a supportive and understanding mother.

A mother whose motto has been “good enough isn't good or enough” and applied it to every aspect of her life — especially parenting.

I remember when I got my first period or when I went through my first real breakup and she was there at 11 pm two days before my birthday holding my hand while I cried and cried and cried.

I remember every road trip that was just the two of us, me rambling the whole time and her telling me I had terrible music taste, despite us loving a lot of the same songs.

I remember she took me to see the Lummineers for my 14th birthday, my first concert, just us and Dallas. I screamed the words to Sleep on the Floor and she cried just a little bit like she always does. We went to all the fancy thrift stores and made fun of the ugly, overpriced pieces they had out until we were so tired we couldn’t stand.

My mother is deeply sarcastic and absolutely cannot leave anything alone.

She nitpicks down to the last second before I step out of her

car in the morning or until I’m about two seconds from fighting her about it, but I can’t say I don’t do the same thing to my sister.

She’s taught me to be detail oriented and never do anything halfway, even though I’m still not the best at it and she still has to help me “clean up” just about anything.

I picked up my mother’s passion, although towards some different things, and her need to stay busy. I picked up her love for folk music, especially Brandi Carlile, and her love for performance. I’ve picked up her driving style and her laugh and her wink.

I spend every second of every day with my mom.

Either at rehearsal, driving to or from track practice, picking up food, going grocery shopping, or just sitting at home — I’m always with her.

No matter if we’re having a good day or a bad day.

No matter if we’re fighting or on the best terms ever, I wouldn't trade my momma for the world.

She’s my role model and the reason I am the person that I am today and the person I will be forever.

february 14, 2024

editorial

the

editorial

27

Elliot White (12) "It's a love-hate relationship. I love that the classes are short, but I can't learn as much in one day as I could with the other schedule."

Loriann Hensel (12)

sometimes

verbal rarely

20%

34.3%

HOW OFTEN DO YOU FEEL RUSHED DURING CLASSES?

28.6%

challenges faced by educators in delivering quality education.

By looking at both perspectives, we pave the way for a more balanced and effective learning experience for everyone.

One potential solution is an A/B day schedule. By alternating between two different sets of classes on different days, students could experience a more manageable workload. Longer class periods could allow for deeper engagement with subjects, and reduced class changes might provide more time for transitions, easing the stress of a constant stream of classes.

Administrators may argue that the crammed nine-period schedule, despite its fast pace and occasional stress, effectively prepares students for the rigors of higher education and the workforce. They may contend that the structured nature of the schedule helps instill discipline and time management skills, qualities valued by colleges and employers alike.

However, maintaining the nine-period schedule without addressing its shortcomings ignores the detrimental impact it has on students’ wellbeing and academic engagement. While opponents may argue that the schedule prepares students for the future, we need to recognize that education is not just about preparation for higher education or the workforce; it’s also about fostering a love for learning.

The overwhelming [Illustrated by Erica Zofcin] pace of the nineperiod schedule often leaves little time for students to truly delve into subjects, engage in meaningful discussions, or reflect on their learning experiences, often leading to surface-level understanding and increased stress levels. It is essential that administrators consider alternatives to the current schedule.

A schedule that allows for deeper engagement with subjects and provides the necessary breathing room between classes is not a luxury but a prerequisite. We challenge the administration and school board to discuss a return to a schedule that fosters learning, not anxiety.

often

A

crammed nine-period schedule, with its mere 45-minute classes and fleeting four-minute passing periods, may seem like a structured approach to education. However, it’s time we address the elephant in the considerably crammed room – the overwhelming burden it places on students.

In the whirlwind of classes, the constant juggling act begins.

Students are caught in a mental tug-of-war, and learning takes a backseat to the anxiety that shadows their every step.

Right now, the mission to “ensure high levels of learning” is perpetuating a cycle of stress and anxiety rather than fostering a genuine love of knowledge.

Education should be about the ability to absorb and internalize information, to engage in thoughtful discussions, and to foster a genuine understanding of diverse subjects.

However, the relentless pace of the nine-period schedule leaves us gasping for intellectual breath. It’s a race against time, where depth and reflection are sacrificed for the sake of covering ground.

Beyond the academic arena, students are burdened with the weight of what lies outside the classroom doors.

Extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and personal responsibilities all demand attention. With the nine-period schedule, precious moments of respite – those fleeting 30 minutes designated for lunch and claim time – are devoured by the stress of catching our breath and preparing for the next onslaught of classes.

And let’s not forget the toll this constant state of high alert takes on our mental well-being. Students need a reprieve to regain their balance, both academically and emotionally.

Another point is the impact on teachers. The never-ending cycle of classes not only affects students but also places a significant burden on educators. Teachers often rush through lesson plans, struggling to cover essential material in the limited time frame, compromising their ability to provide comprehensive and engaging instruction.

Advocating for a revised schedule is not only about prioritizing students' well-being but also acknowledging the

(...please?)

"It hasn't been great. I 100% loved A day B day schedule over the current schedule."

17.1%

breathing room

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE 9-PERIOD SCHEDULE.

always

a little bit of

Administrators need to reimagine the schedule to prioritize students' well being

[35 students surveyed]

WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN A/B DAY SCHEDULE?

No (25.7%)

Yes (74.3%)

[35 students surveyed]

28 ads

february 14, 2024

HAZIN ONCOLOGY HESHAM HAZIN, MD

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