VOL. 18 NO. 5

the

Roar

A&M Consolidated High School

Boys are not from

Marijuana: the blunt truth on pages 16 and 17.

1801 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S., College Station, Texas 77840

Friday, April 5, 2013

Vol. 18 No. 5

Mars.

girls are not from

Venus.

Academic gender stereotypes limit potential career paths dana branham | managing editor Unfortunately, since we’re all from Earth, it’s a bit difficult to determine why different genders are so different, especially in academic performance. As the stereotype leads us to believe, female students outperform their male counterparts when it comes to reading and writing; males are stronger than their female peers in mathematics and science.

see "gender" on page 3

tolook

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA EVERETT

where News Viewpoints Snapshots Student Life

pages 2-9 People

pages 10-14 Health & Rec page 15 Sports

pages 18-23 page 24 pages 25-29

pages 16-17 Entertainment/Etc. pages 30-32

nthis ssue

Sophomore Pablo Leon ties for Best Male Dancer at Interact's Masquerade Ball.

PAGE 15

Take a swing with Taylor Oberg and the girls' softball team.

PAGE 27

n the news

2 | news | the roar

Senior qualifies as semifinalist for U.S. Physics team

UIL academics team wins district competition, advances to region

The American Association of Physics Teachers included senior Kensen Shi in their list of 300 semifinalists in the ongoing competition to be on the U.S. Physics team, which competes against eighty other countries in the International Physics Olympiad. Approximately 3,000 physics students took the qualifying exam. Officials will decide the final membership in May, based on the results of a second exam and an intensive nine-day camp at the University of Maryland.

The A&M Consolidated UIL Academics team won the District 12-5A academics meet at Conroe High School on March 23. Twentyfour competitors will advance individually to the regional meet. In addition, the calculator applications, current events, literary criticism, mathematics, number sense, science and spelling teams advanced in team competition.

The UIL Region II meet will be held on April 20 at Baylor University in Waco.

Seniors named candidates for Presidential Scholars program Seniors Kelly Zhou and Alec Lindner have been named candidates for the Presidental Scholar Medallion. The 3000 candidates were selected based on exceptional scores on the SAT and ACT, as well as outstanding scholarship. In April, 500 of the 3000 students will be selected as finalists. The final selection of the Presidential Scholars will take place in May.

Debate team places eighth at prestigious state competition The Tiger Speech and Debate team traveled to Dallas on March 7 to compete in the Texas Forensics Association statewide tournament.

The team placed eighth overall. Individually, junior Shankar Srinivasan placed eighth in Senate Congressional Debate, senior Jeffrey Kettle tied for ninth place in Prose Interpretation, and sophomore Karna Venkatraj finished in the top 30 places in Congressional Debate. The three individuals had to earn a certain number of qualifying points at various previous tournaments to qualify for the TFA competition.

friday, april 5, 2013

A qu ck view Junior Rachel Scott receives a third place medal at the district UIL academic meet at Conroe High School on March 23. Scott placed third in literary criticism and will advance to the regional meet. PHOTO

BY DANA BRANHAM

Com ng up April 13:

Interact Sports Attack; 10am @ Veterans Park

April 17:

Early release

April 20:

Regional UIL academic meet @ Baylor

April 23-25:

TAKS testing

April 24:

Senior Wellness

May 4:

Prom @ the Expo Center

May 6-17:

AP testing

the roar | news | 3

friday, april 5, 2013

Consol challenges societal gender-academics stereotypes “gender” continued from page 1

DO WE FIT THE STEREOTYPE?

BOYS vs GIRLS a breakdown at Consol the SAT: avg. scores, 2012

reading

math

writing

essay

524 vs 540 577 vs 561 495 vs 531 6.9 vs 7.6 AP testing: avg. scores, 2012

Chemistry

BC Calculus

US History

English Language

3.93 vs 3.60 4.50 vs 4.21 3.90 vs 4.20 3.96 vs 3.94 for state/national statistics, go to goo.gl/d92fY.

Confronted with this stereotype, you may be internally shouting: What?! Some boys are good at English, and some girls are good at math! With over 2000 students—and therefore, 2000 individual personalities—at Consol, we undoubtedly have exceptions to the stereotype. Senior Sean Miller, who finds himself more adept when it comes to writing essays and analyzing novels rather than when he’s working with trig functions, is one such exception to the stereotype.

“Ever since I started school, I had issues with math. It bored me, and it was also just challenging,” Miller said. “I didn’t grasp the concepts as easily.”

As Miller progressed through high school, and science classes began to center around math, those science classes proved to be an added difficulty.

“Science hasn’t been much of an issue, although the sciences that use mathematics—physics, chemistry—that’s always been really challenging for me,” Miller said.

Miller said he believes that at its simplest, the stereotype boils down to “communication versus measurement.” As he pushes himself in the areas that focus on communication skills—such as AP English and social studies classes—Miller has decided to pursue a career in communication.

“Of course, now, I’ve grown up and I’ve [decided] that I’m going to pursue public relations or public affairs—all it is is communication,” Miller said, then added with a laugh, “I wouldn’t say I’m good at it compared to other people, but I’m better at it than I am at mathematics.”

Another senior, Victoria Fazzino, says that she “unfortunately” falls into the stereotype that females excel in English and history.

“It’s not unfortunate in the sense that I don’t like being good at English—I love reading, I love writing, that’s good for me,” Fazzino said. “It’s unfortunate because now, and this is becoming more and more of a thing I’m seeing, schools are moving towards a mindset that if you’re not good at math, you’re incredibly disadvantaged.”

Fazzino said that since the age of two, she’d dreamed of being a neurosurgeon.

However, when difficult math and science classes began to require hours of extra effort, studying and receiving help after school, years of medical school became less appealing.

“As a doctor, you need to use science, but you don’t necessarily need to know all the properties of zinc. I’m taking biol-

ogy, chemistry, physics, and I’m realizing that eight years of hard math and science maybe isn’t suited for me,” Fazzino said.

“So I’m a liberal arts major; I just put the lid on the science things.”

WHO MADE IT UP?

Dean of Students Christi Cheshire, like many of us, couldn’t pinpoint exactly the cause of such a stereotype, but looked back to the establishment of different gender roles in history for a clue.

“I think it comes from the ‘50s, back then when the men worked and the women stayed at home,” Cheshire said. “The men worked—they were the engineers and that sort of thing, whereas the women were housewives and they read books or they were secretaries. They could work with words.”

Math department head Monica Bozeman has a different idea as to the origin of such a stereotype. Responding to the largely female math department, Bozeman said she believes the gap is due to pay.

“A lot of times, because men generally tend to support their families, they are typically the higher of the salaries in a home situation, that they end up having to take jobs outside of teaching because teaching doesn’t pay as well,” Bozeman said.

However, Bozeman said she does not see this stereotype in her math students; in fact, she sees something of the opposite.

“I think my girls are just as bright and can perform just as well on tests as my guys do,” Bozeman said. “Most of the time, girls are more organized than guys are, and as a result, they tend to perform better on tests and things.”

Fazzino, too, has a different thought as to why the stereotype that girls should excel in English and boys excel in math exists—that it’s simply because male and female brains are “wired” differently.

“I think it may just have to do with the way our brains are wired,” Fazzino said. “I think [girls are] wired to be more analytical, and that’s why we generally do better in English class where we have to write an analytical essay, or in history where you really have to think about social issues.”

She went on to explain how, perhaps, problem-solving strategies between genders differ.

“The way that we approach problems in general is different, and math maybe just caters more towards the male brain which is not necessarily logical, but just more straightforward,” Fazzino said.

ARE OUR BRAINS DIFFERENT? This begs the question: are the female and male brain essentially different?

Sample sizes (male/female students): SAT 230/256, BC Calculus 22/28, Chemistry 42/46, US History 30/45, English Language 51/82

While it may surely seem this way, studies give a resounding “no.” An article from Scientific American quells the theory that academic performance gaps are the result of different hardwiring in the brain, stating that while there may be differences between the male and female brains, the idea that these differences are inborn is simply invalid. Rather, the author, Lise Eliot, states that it is “experiences”—not innate gender differences—that “change our brain.”

Furthermore, since the gap between male and female academic performance is visible even at ages as young as seven, many theorize that experiences early on in childhood shape the brain (and therefore academic performance).

“I wonder sometimes, is it maybe that early childhood stereotypes of girls should play with dolls and boys should play with trucks?” Cheshire said. “When I was growing up, I played with cars. I played with Lincoln Logs, and I played with Legos and Construx and that sort of thing, and sometimes I think that’s why I wound up towards more of the math and the science rather than the English.”

Cheshire’s sentiment (that stereotypically “boy” toys lead to strengths in math and science) is backed by studies that gender stereotypes emerge when students are as young as second graders—an article from Science Daily described a test in which young students were asked to complete tasks such as pairing math words with male names and reading words with female names, the majority of students demonstrated the cultural stereotype. The study, conducted in Seattle, showed that boys associated math words with their own gender; girls associated math words with the male gender—and rarely did girls self-identify with math in a different portion of the test.

However, what was not addressed in the study was whether or not the boys and girls tested were aware of these stereotypes and were simply buying into them, or whether their responses were honest and unbiased by any knowledge of the stereotype.

When students are aware of the stereotypes surrounding gender and academics, they can have “self-fulfilling effect.” In other words, students may fall into stereotypes and perpetuate them simply because they know they exist.

Miller believes that such self-fulfilling stereotypes are largely due to societal pressures.

“I think it’s because no matter how much we say that we’re individuals, we are affected by a group mentality,” Miller said. “We’re humans, we’re social creatures, and when you have so many people broadcasting a certain idea, it’s hard to go against the grain.”

source: Consol counseling office

4 | news | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

Texas A&M spirit affects students’ college decisions, future tiffany hammond & annie zhang assistant editors From seas of maroon and white shirts to A&M flags flying everywhere to constantly being told “Gig’em,” reminders of A&M’s presence are always around. However, A&M’s influence over high school students here at Consol is much more than that.

“Both my parents went to A&M, and even some of my extended family went there,” senior Rachel Salzer said. “It’s an important part of our family tradition.”

A&M sometimes attracts generations of families, with grandparents, parents, and kids all being A&M alumni.

“My dad went to A&M, and just his love for it really inspires me to go there.

A&M has always been in my life of [that love],” said junior Karleigh Adams.

Yet, for others, family tradition does not interfere with their choice. Senior Joe Spelce takes charge in choosing his college.

“I’m not going to A&M, though [my dad’s] dream is for me to go to there,” Spelce said. “It’s a huge family tradition because eight people in my family have already gone, so there’s a lot of pressure there, but I think it’s my decision.”

Living close to the university has changed students’ opinions. Some say it has made them want to go to A&M even more.

“I’ve wanted to go to A&M since I was little, but seeing how great the college is makes my decision easier,” Freshman Elyssa Stebbins said, “It makes me see how the college brings everyone in the community together.”

Adams, who shares Stebbins’s excitement, feels that being familiar with the city

and having family close also plays a part.

“Living here makes me want to go there more, especially since I’m so familiar with the city already,” Adams said. “It makes me more excited.”

On the other hand, not all students share the same appeal for A&M. “I lived in College Station all my life, and I’m pretty much sick of the culture here,” Spelce said. “I’m ready for something new—something exciting and unknown.”

Senior Linnea Hetland also felt the same, saying she needed a new scene.

“It’s a huge family tradition because eight people in my family have already gone, so there’s a lot of pressure there, but I think it’s my decision.” senior Joe Spelce

“If I hadn’t lived here,” added Hetland.

“I might have given A&M a chance.”

College students who already attend A&M provide inspiration and act as role models for some. Some high school students have friends who go to the university and are a big influence when choosing what college would be best for them.

“College students give me motivation, especially one of my best friends who goes there,” Salzer said. “[I] can see what [I] have to do to get there.”

Adams and Stebbins agree, adding how apparent college students’ love is for the university, and how they are always there to

help out.

Hetland, however, points out that “A&M students are more on [our] level since they’re only a few years above [us], so [she] really doesn’t see them much as role models.” One of her friends goes to A&M, but rather than influencing her to apply there, she simply tells her all about her college life experiances. “[My friend] said that there is more freedom in college,” Hetland said. “But definitely more work.”

Hetland not only gets student insight from her college friends, but also what her dad knows as a professor.

“Since my dad is a professor, I know more about college life from the teacher’s point of view,” Hetland said. “He tells me a lot of the “behind-the-scenes” stuff that [normal college students don’t know about].”

Having a university in town can be beneficial for high school students. Hetland, Salzer, and Stebbins all agree that A&M encourages them to go to college and allows them to see that college is important.

However, while A&M can promote a higher level of education, some look towards A&M as an obstacle rather than a goal.

“Having a college right there is really hard to get around. It sort of blocks out other choices and places,” Hetland said.

Exactly how much A&M impacts high school students is up to each to decide on their own.

“For some, A&M pushes them away because they grew up here,” Salazar said.

“Nothing else felt the same for me as A&M did. It was like, that’s what I want to do.

That’s where I want to be.”

TEXAS A&M TRADITIONS 12th Man: a spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire student body at A&M Aggie Ring: one of the most symbolic of A&M’s traditions, represents all values that an Aggie should hold Gig ‘em: gesture that became known as the first hand sign of The Southwest Conference Howdy: official greeting of Texas A&M University, way of ensuring that no one feels like a stranger Reveille: the first lady of Aggieland, the official mascot of Texas A&M University Silver Taps: one of Texas A&M’s most honored traditions, held for a graduate or undergraduate student who passes away while enrolled at A&M Source: http://traditions.tamu.edu/

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the roar | news | 5

friday, april 5, 2013

Club to host sports event, unite disabled, nondisabled students aaron ross | assistant editor There are 30 special-ed teachers at Consol, with approximately 160 students enrolled in their classes.

There are not, however, many events trying to unite students with disabilities to those without them.

Interact is trying to change that with their next big event on April 13 at Veterans Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The event is Interact Sports Attack (ISA),” said senior Katherine Kimball, Interact officer in charge of the event. “It’s unified sports, which is disabled kids and nondisabled kids playing together.”

Though partnered with Special Olympics, the event is not a charity as much as it is a community event.

With carnival games, provided lunch and raffle prizes, Interact sponsor Jason Pratt expects the event to be fun and a success, despite its being brand new.

“We expect around 200-250 people, which is a lot for a first time event,” Pratt said. “The whole idea of this [event] is to have regular abled kids and disabled kids play games together, play kickball together, play ultimate football, play bocce ball, play flag football. That’s what we need students to do: just come in, sign up and play.”

Senior Interact president Kelly Zhou is also helping with the event.

Zhou, who volunteered at the Special Olympics when they came to Texas A&M University the past couple of years, has experience with this type of activity.

“[At the Special Olympics] we timed them, we gave them moral support, we helped them walk up to the booth and jump off into the pool,” Zhou said. “We did a lot of helping to organize and volunteer like you do at any other event. But, you also get to interact and talk to the people who you usually don’t get to interact with, and you get to learn about them. They talk to you and you talk to them.”

Autism specialist Lucinda Thelen, who is helping with the event as well, also has her personal experiences with the disabled.

“The reality is that we are more alike than we are different.” autism specialist Lucinda Thelen “I have a son with autism [and] I’ve taught students with special needs for a long time. I love it. I love teaching differences,” Thelen said. “A lot of times what people get hung up on is that they’ll see someone who is different, whether they look different, act different or think different, and they don’t see anything the same. The reality is that we are more alike than we are different.”

The point of the event is not only to increase communication, but to increase understanding and create relationships. “[Don’t] define a kid with

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special needs by [his] disability, but by seeing who they are and not just seeing them as a person with a disability,” Kimball said. “I think this will help kids understand that.”

Thelen has similar hopes that the event will contribute to uniting students with and without disabilities.

“Think how many times you walk down the hallways and you see students that might have disabilities,” Thelen said. “I think this is a chance to get to know them, and hopefully increase communication, [so] people see them not as those kids, but [say] ‘Hey, there is so-andso’ and call them by name. I think [that] would be amazing.”

The biggest need Interact has is volunteers. They require regular volunteers to referee the games, man the game stations and help with registration, but they also need players.

“You don’t need to be an athlete, just someone willing to play sports,” Kimball said. “The athletes need to just enjoy themselves.”

Athletes must be 13 or older, but everyone in the community is encouraged to come participate in the event.

“Come out and help. You don’t have to do a lot, you’re just playing sports,” Pratt said. “It’s not designed to make money, it’s just designed to get people to play sports together, and that’s cool, that’s awesome.”

If you would like to participate in Interact Sports Attack, register to volunteer at interactsports.org.

Eligibility Requirements for Special Education Under the federal law that governs all special education services for children in the United States, a child must have one of the following conditions to be eligible for special education: •

serious emotional disturbance

•

autism

•

hearing impairment

•

specific learning disability

•

deafness

•

speech or language impairment

•

blindness

•

developmental delay

•

physical disability

•

intellectual disability

•

traumatic brain injury

•

orthopedic impairment

•

other health impairments

Source: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

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friday, april 5, 2013

6 | news | the roar

FCCLA members advance to state; reflect on benefits of club shilpa saravanan | news editor Twenty-one members of Consol FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) placed at the regional level and will compete at the April 11-13 state competition.

Among those twenty-one are sophomore Mishaal Lalani and juniors Shirin Nayani and Sayher Ebrahim, who worked together to teach children about the importance of helping the environment. The three girls, competing in the Focus On The Children event, came up with a four-week lesson plan. Each week, they taught the younger kids something new and built, for example, a reusable bird feeder.

Their presentation placed sixth at the regional competition—good enough to advance to state.

Sponsor Jessica Gardenhire, who teaches Foods 101 and Teen Living, has “high hopes” for the club members who advanced to the state competition. State, she says, is far more competitive than regionals—however, she feels that several teams could advance to the national competition.

A service-oriented club, FCCLA is open to all students, but it specifically targets those in the family and consumer science classes that Consol offers, such as Child Development or Foods 101.

The acronym stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Club members can

compete in events involving leadership in any or all of those categories.

“I think that schools need strong families,” Gardenhire said.

“So we really promote thatleadership within families and communities.”

The club doesn’t just build strong families—it is one itself, especially during competition season, according to president senior Nicole Gunnels.

“Everyone grows so much closer,” Gunnels said. “I especially like to see the younger ones, the freshmen and sophomores, not only grow as leaders, but grow into our family.”

According to Gardenhire, students can reap “huge benefits” from participation in FCCLA events besides the companionship described by Gunnels: competitions can prepare club members for specific careers in teaching, food science, interior design, fashion, and community development.

For example, Gunnels, who will attend Texas A&M in the fall, plans to major in nutrition science.

Her project, which she completed with fellow senior Jonathan Bradford, involved creating and marketing gluten-free cake pops.

“FCCLA basically helped me decide what to major in,” Gunnels said. “It got me interested in food science, and I’m really excited for college now.”

Similarly, vice president junior Hannah Reynolds competed in the

FCCLA Goals Focus on the Children Participants use family and consumer science skills to plan and conduct a child development project that has a positive impact on children and the community.

Food Innovations

Sophomore Jaiden Harrison and senior Jonathan Bradford attend an FCCLA meeting. FCCLA meets on Mondays after school in Room 2194. PHOTO BY AARON ROSS

Interpersonal Communications event. She and senior Peyton James taught children in the afterschool program Kids Klub how to communicate effectively with their teachers and peers.

Reynolds plans on a career in the communications field, and she feels that participation in FCCLA has more than adequately prepared her for this.

“I’ve definitely grown with regard to [my skill in] public speaking,” she said. “I don’t get nervous when I speak in front of people anymore. FCCLA really taught me leadership skills and I know they’ll help me in college-

and in any career field I choose to go into.”

Gardenhire sums up the general attitude of club members towards the organization, in regards to all three aspects described in its name: family, career and community.

“I think that our organization definitely prepares you to build strong families and instills in you the desire to serve and build your community—and it also helps to prepare you for the real world, to prepare you for job training and a career,” Gardenhire said.

Participants create, test and develop a marketing strategy for an original prototype formula which fits into the national FCCLA food product scenario.

Communication Skills Participants use family and consumer science-related career skills and apply communication techniques to develop a project designed to strengthen communication in their chosen group.

Source: National FCCLA website

the roar | news | 7

friday, april 5, 2013

UIL competition allows students to promote French culture, advance skills leah crisman | entertainment editor The concept of French Symposium is likely foreign to most students at Consol. Most have not heard the resounding “Tais-toi!” (hush!) that marks the beginning of many a Symposium practice session, nor memorized pages of French poetry, nor acted out a drama piece solely in French.

To those unfamiliar with the longstanding competition, preparation time for the Texas French Symposium can be summed up in a couple words: “[It’s] loud, very loud,” sophomore Betz Mayer said.

To put it in more detailed terms, French Symposium, which takes place April 5 and 6 at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena ISD, is a competition that showcases French language and culture for Texas high school students.

Forty A&M Consolidated French students will compete in all levels for individual awards as well as a school ranking.

The theme this year is ‘Le Maghreb,’ which refers to the Northwest region of Africa where French is widely spoken.

French Symposium is packed into two days, beginning the first evening with a battery of tests: grammar, vocabulary, civilization and listening comprehension. All levels take the same tests at the same time, meaning the tests of a beginning-level French student are identical to those of an advanced-level French student. “[The tests] are incredibly hard,” junior Taylor Zhang said. “Even native speakers have a hard time with them.”

From there French Symposium takes on the aspects of a UIL competition. French students choose categories to compete in, from the more traditional Prose, Poetry, Sight Reading and Guided Speaking to the theatrical Drama Solo and Drama Group to the more artistic Bande Dessinée and Vidéo. Baccalauréat, an intense team-oriented contest formatted similarly to a game show, defies categorization but promises glory to the victorious school’s team.

“This year [the advanced drama group is] doing an absurdist play,” Zhang said. “It’s cute, but the second half

makes absolutely no sense.”

Adding to the multiplicity of categories are the nonacademic events and art events that relate to French culture more than the French language. These include vocal or instrumental groups and solos, soccer, drawing and painting, photography and scrapbook.

With the dozens of events, the strictly non-academic ones might appear superfluous when compared with the events testing French language proficiency. That is not the case, according to junior Hannah Holbrook.

“It’s a lot, but then again, it gives anyone in French the opportunity to shine, because even though it’s in another language, you still get to showcase things that you are able to do where you might not have been able to before,” Holbrook said. “I think it’s nice that there’s a category for everyone.

So if you’re in art or even sports, they’ve got everything covered.”

In order to tie in all the categories and rank the school overall, each student’s placing in any UIL category, sports or art placement and placement on each of the four base tests contributes towards a school’s score.

Although Texas French students are unable to continue competing at a national level, scholarships and trips to France have been granted to top awardees in the past by the Texas French Symposium.

Medals and school rankings aside, French Symposium offers an enticing incentive to participants.

“It’s obvious which students went to Symposium in class,” senior Jonathan Yax said. “They know more French.”

Holbrook agrees, noting that memorizing pieces for Poetry and Prose gives a boost in vocabulary, especially unusual French words.

Behind the intense memorization is the French teacher Mme. Vanessa Mitchell, who has emphasized the competition in her curriculum.

“She’s really competitive so that’s motivational for us,” Holbrook said. “She wants us to do well, so we want to do

Junior Sophia Woodward performs a piece in French during Parent’s Night on Thursday, March 21. This event was held in preparation for the comepetition April 5 and 6. PHOTO BY LEAH CRISMAN

Competition Categories Poetry Recitation (Poésie): Students must recite memorized poem within the three minute time limit.

Prose Reading (Prose): Same concept as poetry, only with prose.

Dramatic Interpretation (Group de Drame): Plays under three minutes for individuals and ten minutes for groups of up to eight students are recited from memory.

Sight Reading (Baccalauréat): Students are given two minutes to prepare before reading a passage.

Guided Speaking (Discours Guidée): Students will narrate or describe a picture or series of pictures that will be provided at the beginning of each round of competition.

Comic Strip (Bande Dessinée): Students compose completly original hand drawn comic strips.

Video (Vidéo): Typed screenplay and video are the only requirments for this category.

Source: www.texasfrenchsymposium.org/

Seniors Ryan Lawrence, Viivi Jarvi, Vilja Jarvi and junior Preston Cunha perform an absurdist play during Parent’s Night on Thursday, March 21. They have been practicing as the advanced drama group since November. PHOTO BY LEAH CRISMAN

8 | news | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

Competition allows students to exhibit talents eva araujo | assistant editor

Out of the 28 competitions held by SkillsUSA, Consol students had...

• • • •

22 first place winners 22 second place winners 9 third place winners 5 fourth place winners

What’s the big deal about SkillsUSA ?

• • • • • •

more than 300,000 students and advisors join SkillsUSA annually provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, team work, citizenship and character development 5,600 students compete in 94 occupational and leadership skill areas 17,000 SkillsUSA member sections in more than 3,700 public schools

SkillsUSA is a competition that students have been preparing themselves for, taking months and months to work hard so they can demonstrate their creativity and intelligence and make a mark in the competition.

Technical Computer Applications first Place winner junior Sarah Ann Porter believes SkillsUSA is not just a competition, but a way to help students along in preparation for their future.

“A great emphasis is placed on professionalism, responsibility, and pride in one’s work,” Porter said. “The work that students do in preparation for SkillsUSA conferences benefits students in that they are able to bring this knowledge they’ve acquired through SkillsUSA activities back to their schoolwork and to their careers.”

District was hosted in Beaumont this year with a little under a thousand students participating in the competition. Junior and Skills USA district president Helen Reese congratulates the participants for winning at district.

“We did very well,” Reese said. “When it comes to technology areas, like computer

affiliated things, we almost always get all four places and this year we stuck to that.”

Porter was also proud of the school and how well the students did in the competition.

“It was really exciting to see how well our school had done overall,” Porter said.

“A&M Consolidated took several first place awards for both skill demonstration competitions and prepared projects.

The majority of our school’s contestants qualified to compete at the state competition in April.”

Senior Alex Coats, who is a part of the first place winning quiz bowl team, describes the competition as not only an educational experience that requires an eminent amount of hard work, but also a whirl wind of fun.

“The SkillsUSA experience is a whole bunch of hard work and fun times rolled up into one big ball,” Coats said.

“When we’re not competing, we spend our time hanging out with one another at the hotel and preparing for our events. It is a lot of fun being with each other in the hotel; playing games, watching movies, etc. Then you come back home and get right back to work again, getting ready for

the next level of competitions.”

First place Computer Maintenance winner junior Nick Lindner has a different perspective on the experience of SkillsUSA. “[SkillsUSA is] similar to a sporting event,” Lindner said. “You prepare yourself for everything, then when the details of the competition pop up, you hope that you can remember what to do, like how the defense on a football team has to react to a certain play in a split second.”

Participating in SkillsUSA was not a requirement for these ingeniously talented kids, but a choice that required an abundant amount of thought based on the talent and intelligence required to make a mark in the competition. Senior Camille Aucoin decided she was right for the challenging competition with a little help from audio/video production teacher and Skills sponsor, Scott Faulk. Aucoin added that most students in AVP (audio/video production) class prefer to focus on competing within that specific field, but Aucoin had a feeling that what she was really talented in was Advertising Design.

And she was right, winning first in Advertisement Design. Aucoin says she owes her

achievement mostly to Faulk.

“Mr. Faulk is really supportive of all of our competitions,” Aucoin said. “He even stays late after school to help us practice in the weeks before our competitions. He encourages everyone in AVP to participate in Skills, and I’m very thankful he does because it really has been a great experience.”

SkillsUSA takes months and months of preparation and practice.

“In the months leading up to the SkillsUSA competition, I attended practice two days a week to prepare for my competitions,” Porter said. “Everyone helped each other learn and practice the skills necessary for their events.”

Aucoin, having competed in Skills last year receiving second place, was ecstatic when the Skills officers awarded her with first place. She said the feeling was surreal.

“I was really excited because now I have a good chance to do well again at state,” Aucoin said. “I received my medal from two of my good friends in AVP, so the experience was really special. I hope that I will be successful at state again in a few weeks and maybe even nationals after that!”

hungry?

We now have a food pantry

RIGHT HERE @ cONSOL, ROOM 1291.

Get an application from a counselor or right outside the pantry door.

FILL IT OUT ONCE and YOU’RE DONE. Food pick-up is on Fridays, 3:45 - 4:15

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated! Checks can be made out to: AMCHS Food Pantry .

the roar | news | 9

friday, april 5, 2013

BPA competitors excel, advance to nationals base, would enter the database information.” BPA to pursue business. laura everett & dana branham To prepare for Nationals, Wu said that “I actually lived in China for six years— editor-in-chief & managing editor the team needs to work on their organiza- for middle school, and for [part] of high

After excelling in their events at the regional and state levels, five senior girls will be advancing to Business Professionals of America’s National competition on May 8-12 in Orlando, Florida. Competing in a variety of different individual and team events, seniors Brooke Cohen, Samantha Wang, Jessie Wu, Kelly Zhou and Amanda Matthews have each put in hours of practice to perfect their skills, and hope to continue improving those skills as they move on to Nationals.

Four of these competitors-Matthews, Wang, Wu and Zhou-compete together in a team event called Administrative Support Team. In this competition, the girls work on a project that simulates one that could be given in a business operation; they are given lists of unorganized information and contact profiles, and must create an agenda, database, flyer, nametag, and spreadsheet to represent the business. Because the task is so large, the team must split it up so that they can finish in the allotted hour and a half.

“Administrative Support Team deals with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Publisher, Powerpoint, and Access,” Zhou said. “We split it up and each do [different] tasks, so I usually do Access or Excel.”

While each student has a separate task, they are reliant on each other to an extent.

“For the State competition, I had to type up an itinerary with a specific format from a style reference manual,” Matthews said. “Another [task] was writing a letter. I would format and write it, then [Zhou], who did data-

tion in order to ensure success.

“When we were competing at regionals, we found that we weren’t really organized.

It’s gotten better at state, but now that it’s just us and we’re representing Texas, we’re going to practice more,” Wu said. “At state, we had a last minute change in who would do what, and so at last minute, I was assigned to do Excel (and I usually do Word). Before nationals, we need to get everyone coordinated to know who does what.”

Wang also explained that the team needs to work on not only their organization, but their efficiency and speed.

“For our team event, I think we’ll focus on getting faster and more efficient at dividing and finishing the tasks because in the event, if two teams tie for accuracy, then the tiebreaker is the time it takes to complete the tasks,” Wang said.

Cohen will be moving on to Nationals for a solo event-Advanced Accounting.

Though she said that she had a shaky experience at the state competition, her skills will take her to the competition in Orlando. “[At State], I had taken the test and was convinced that I had failed because it was so difficult and many of the questions were not in my textbook,” Cohen said. “Then, I found out that I had gotten 4th place and had qualified for [Nationals].”

Because of the specialized, professional nature of the contests BPA hosts, BPA competitors gain life skills that will allow for success in many different fields after high school. Wu plans to use her experience in

school,” Wu said. “I’d like to pursue international business, and my bilingual background could probably really benefit me in the future.”

While BPA competitions seem largely business-oriented, Zhou assured prospective competitors that there is a competition for everyone.

“BPA has all sorts of events, so even if you’re not interested in business, you can go do medical practice,” Zhou said. “For me, I’ve been doing a lot of computer things, and I think it’s definitely been helpful for me just even getting certified in things because in the real world, you’re going to use Microsoft a lot; it’s really practical.”

Matthews agrees that these skills can be applied to any career path.

“Originally, I wanted to go into business and had heard about it from friends,” Matthews said. “Now, I want to do nutrition and dietetics, but I really love the organization. I feel like the skills that you learn and practice there can be used for anything.”

Wu agreed, adding that BPA welcomes new members-whether they’re interested in business or not.

“I really encourage students, freshmen and sophomores, to try out BPA,” Wu said.

“It’s awesome, especially because as students, it’s sometimes really hard for us to decide what we want to do in the future, and I think Business Professionals of America is a really good opportunity for us.”

Student human rights group seeks teacher sponsor dana branham managing editor Pioneered by seniors Mei Tan and Megan Nicholson, the Ms. Project hopes to raise awareness about human rights issues to advance gender equality and empower women. Currently, as the club has not yet found a teacher sponsor, the group remains online-only— Nicholson and Tan post messages regarding marriage equality and female empowerment to a Facebook page, where students are welcome to comment and use the page as a forum to express ideas.

“We would like to start having meetings and coordinating events,” Tan said. “In the past, we’ve focused on the awareness aspect of the project, but it’s time to actively work for change.”

Nicholson agreed, stating that for now, students can only stay involved with the Ms. Project by liking its page on Facebook; however, with a teacher sponsor, the club would have the ability to hold meetings and begin service projects.

“Having meetings would allow us the organization to promote discussion and participation in the projects we want to do, like donating care supplies to victims of domestic violence or contacting our Congressmen to share our views and goal,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson said she wants to take an active role in this battle; the club can do so once they have a teacher sponsor.

“We would like to help women in the developing world by sending care packages, letters

of encouragement, or other resources to like-minded projects to further the status of women,” Nicholson said. “We are working towards a world in which men and women have equal rights.”

Tan added that though she and Nicholson will be graduating in May, they hope that the club will continue to grow after they leave, and hope to remain involved with it through its online presence.

“Even though Megan and I are leaving high school, we’ll continue to post on the Ms. Project Facebook page," Tan said. “We encourage everyone to like the page and read the information we post to truly understand the state of our world and the struggles on the road to equality.”

Furthermore, Tan said that her inspiration for the project came from her mother, who she described as “strong and determined,” as her mother gave her the ability to sympathize with the unique struggles of women around the world. Tan said that as she began to read news stories highlighting women’s successes, she wanted to take an active approach to fighting gender inequality.

“Every inspirational story I read soon became applicable in a global context—women are vital to societal development, and yet they are subjugated to oppressive customs and violent crime,” Tan said. “Activism is the answer, because gender empowerment is a cause worth fighting for.”

How to get

Involved in BPA:

1. Find an event you like— here’s just a sample of the different events available.

Financial Services

• Payroll Accounting • Financial Analyst Team

Administrative Support

• Fundamental Desktop Publishing • Administratitive Support Team • Medical Office Procedures

Information Technol ogy

• Computer Animation team • Fundamentals of Web Design • Computer Programming Concepts

Management/Marketing/ Human Resources • Entrepeneurship • Extemporaneous Speech • Global MarketingTeam

2. Practice, practice, practice!

• If you’re in a team event, meet up with your group members. Don’t wait until the last minute.

• Take practice tests from previous years

3. Stay in touch with the sponsors!

• You’ll get information about competition dates, and forms.

•The Sponsors will also listen to your presentations, help you with the ins and outs of businesses to keep you updated

source: bpa.org

10 | viewpoints | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

Humor, witty meanings lost in modern jokes

Everybody likes comedy. Everybody likes to laugh.

Everybody wants to be funny. With communication being what it is (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, ifunny, YouTube, Blogs, Vlogs, etc.), you would think that would be a realistic idea. People could share things that are like, funny, and other people could be like, “that’s funny!” and then think of funny stuff themselves.

Instead the funny stuff is ripped off and repeated to such a degree that it’s both mindnumbing and c ompl e t e ly pointless.

There are two main types of jokes used on a daily basis that are like this.

The first kind is inside jokes.

Typical examples of these are nicknames and phrases, but memes too are huge inside jokes. The problem with inside jokes is that often the context of the original inside joke is so petty, it’s not worth being an inside joke. I legitimately could see a classroom having this discussion.

Johnny: Hello everyone, I’m Johnny the new kid. My favorite color is red, and my favorite fruit is bananas.

Random kid: Ha Ha bananas are funny.

Other random kid: Hey you’re Banana.

Johnny: What?

Random kid: You like bananas, so you are one!

(Intentionally acting dumb for attention) The Roar 2012-2013 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Laura Everett Managing Editor: Dana Branham Senior Editor: Devin Dakota Executive Editor: Rachel Kagle Photography Editor: Janet Ni Opinions Editor: Isabel Drukker Features Editor: Michelle Liu Sports Editor: Nicole Farrell News Editor: Shilpa Saravanan Entertainment Editor: Leah Crisman Assistant Editors: Eva Araujo, Anne Finch, Tiffany Hammond, Lisa Liu, Rojas Oliva, Aaron Ross, Channing Young, Annie Zhang Faculty Adviser: Michael Williams Assistant Adviser: Teresa Laffin

The Roar Editorial Board Laura Everett, Editor-in-Chief Dana Branham, Managing Editor Isabel Drukker, Opinions Editor

The

The Advanced Journalism class is at A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, College Station, Texas, 77840. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.

Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered.

The Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor and opinions editor.

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Online activism cannot replace real action Recently, Facebook was overwhelmed by red equal sign profile pictures. This surge of political activism could represent the interest the current generation has in changing the world. It could also be a sign of laziness.

Perhaps it is the convenience that reblogging gives us, or the ease with which we can #protest, but it appears that our generation has become overly fond of spontaneous activism. This ranges from copying and pasting statuses reflecting political views to becoming an overnight die-hard supporter of a certain cause simply because of a five-minute video. Everyone may want to get in on the (hypothetical) cause, but a clogged newsfeed is not the place to pick up one’s opinions. In some cases, it can cheapen an important movement into a brainless trend people follow to look cool.

There’s no wrong in using social networks to get a point across: if the masses need to know, than there may be nothing more helpful than sending something out into the twittersphere. However, the actual world (the one with no character limit) shouldn’t be forgotten. What it lacks in pixels, it should make up in genuinity. Most importantly though, if issues require attention, we hope that people can garner enough passion to do something more than change his or her own Facebook profile picture.

CONTACT US

aaron ross assistant editor

Johnny: ... What?

Johnny was hence known as Banana.

The other problem with inside jokes is that they’re supposed to be exclusive/unique and only a certain group of people understand it, but they’re not. Memes are the biggest example of this. The quirky little catchphrases that state the obvious have become massive in the past couple years. Even the fact that they’re not inside jokes isn’t that big of a deal.

Someone might say “hey well that’s awesome! The whole world is in on one big joke!” Unfortunately, because of this, the jokes stop being jokes, and start being routines.

The second type of “joke” that is awkwardly used in day to day life is deprecating humor. The best example of selfdeprecating humor at its worst is when someone complains about how stupid they are after they get a “bad” grade back. I want all of us to think about this. There are only three possible ways people could react to the person who is saying this. 1. People could think the person is intentionally putting others down. 2. They could think that the person lacks the social and communication skills to realize that other people make different grades and have different scholastic goals. 3. They could think the person is stupid. I don’t think any of these results sound very funny.

We live in a society that demands entertainment 24/7, and little daily jokes like these keep people laughing and looking forward to lunch. The laughter, however, has been growing stale, if there was any real laughter to begin with. Everything is a copy of a copy of a copy.

People say there is nothing new anymore.

That is not true.

New stuff is just harder to come by. With so much old stuff out there it’s so easy not to come Artwork by Joy Cope up with new things or even think about what we are saying. We need to start thinking more in our conversations, other than repeating the same things day after day.

Aaron is an assistant editor for The Roar. If you have a good joke you would like to share with him, email him at the. roar.ross@gmail.com.

If you would like for your opinions to be read, contact the editorial board by sending your letter to the editor. Review our policy for letters before submitting.

E-MAIL the.roar@ymail.com

the roar | viewpoints | 11

friday, april. 5, 2013

Addiction to microblogging site leads to procrastination, inspiration eva araujo assitant editor

Scroll....scroll...scroll, “Forever Alone,” well, that is obviously me. Reblogging.

Scroll...scroll, “Is that Lana Del Rey and Kanye in the same photo?” Reblogging. Oh hey, sorry I’ve just been ignoring the fact that I have an essay due tomorrow and that it is indeed 4 in the morning, but that’s the great thing about Tumblr, isn’t it? It basically takes all my cares away so that I can peacefully look at literally millions of pictures of nice cups of coffee with cute fluffy cats lying next to them because obviously that’s basically my life, I mean basically. Or I can also gaze upon GIFs of Cara Delevingne making an unusual face that would look ugly on anyone besides her and whilst staring at the screen of my beloved silver Mac for a few seconds watching that GIF replay over and over, I have the pleasure of envying her huge thigh gap and the “soft grungeness” that surrounds her soul.

Now Tumblr is not just a website, it is indeed a lifestyle and in many communities, a religion where David Karp, founder of the Tumblr website, sits upon his “transparent”

throne made up of various hipster triangles an irrelevant thought, so just stop now. You and moon cycle collages. Now, I know you might also be thinking, “I’m actually more are wondering, “Is the Tumblr life for of a dog person.” Well, actually you aren’t. me?” My answer to that is: maybe.

That’s just how Tumblr goes.

Tumblr isn’t for everyone. For Okay, now that we have that squared example , if you enjoy having a good away, there are a few other things you must night out with friends and family, going to understand about Tumblr. As you are scrollparties, or have any social inquiries during ing through the heavenly and holy dashthe week then no, Tumblr is not for you. board, there might be a few things that conHowever, if you enjoy a lot of alone timefuse you. One thing might be why and I mean a lot-then there’s are there all these “thought a good chance that you provoking” quotes (font are eligible to be a tumtype: Helvetica, of course) blrist. As a bonus, the plastered on a completely only physical activiirrelevant picture that has ties required to benothing whatsoever to come a tumblrist is do with the quote? the stretching of For example once I your fingers from a found a quote that long couple of hours read “I am so sad. worth of computing Ev e r y t h i n g and the walk from makes me so one coffee refill back Artwork by Merritt Nolte-Roth sad.” and the to your normal blogbackground ging position. photo that went along with this quote was a Now that you know if you can or cannot cup of coffee beside a nice buttered bagel. I be a tumblrist, the question you should be bet there is some really great reason behind asking yourself is, what does this all mean? this as there is for every part of Tumblr beWell, let’s just start out with the first Tumblr cause Tumblr has no flaws besides the fact lesson, and, in my opinion the most impor- that it has the reputation of crashing every tant one. You like cats. And not just “like” so often. Maybe whoever posted it was gencats no, you are obsessed and utterly in love uinely sad because he/she just really wanted with cats. Now you might be thinking, “Um, coffee and a bagel and were not successful in I don’t even have a cat.” Well, that’s actually retrieving that cup of coffee and that bagel.

Anyways, don’t try and make a connection between the quotes and pictures; just reblog and move on.

Another thing you must understand is that Tumblr is made up of a whole other time system. A minute in the real world is most likely equal to an hour or more in the Tumblr world. This is very important to recognize, especially when you have things to do besides blogging (like eating, socializing, doing homework, sleeping or other human “necessities”) because most likely, if you do not have something to remind you of these things, you probably will forget about them entirely and spend the rest of your day (or night) pointlessly blogging away and answering annoying anons until it’s time to go to school and you hate yourself.

Well, it’s about 11 PM now, about the time when I stop doing my homework and progress with the scrolling of my dashboard feed, but before I switch tabs, let me just once again welcome you to the wonderful world of emotionally disturbed teenagers where everyone’s number one goal in life is to become Tumblr famous and have a friend to talk to other than their cat which may or may not exist in real life. (Scroll...scroll... scroll...)

Eva is an assistant editor for The Roar.

Share your perspective (but keep it respectful) at the.roar.araujo@gmail.com.

Fighting the battle between comformity, individuality rojas oliva assitant editor When I was little I loved the Lord of the Rings. The kind of love that has you reenacting battles with your friends during recess (I was always Aragorn). The kind of love that despite the shortcomings of your intellect when it comes to fully understanding a work of art has every ounce of your developing brain completely enthralled. I don’t see much of that anymore. The other day I overheard someone explaining all the shows a person had to watch in order to be considered “a good band kid”. Now I am not in band, and I realize that this person was joking that band kids are simply too nerdy, but it still made me sad. I realized that this same concept could be applied to most of our lives. We’re simply conforming to normality without any consideration as to what we actually cherish in life. Some people I talk to about passion tell me stories of crying to music, of finding beauty in what most would consider ordinary, tales of emotion that tower above anything they had experienced in life, but most people make jokes about that being weird.

The best way I know to explain this concept of conformity is with a Radiohead song, called “Karma Police”. In it an unnamed male narrator details his exploits of having people that don’t fit his perception of normality arrested by a Karma Police. This continues until the narrator realizes he’s

been working towards eradicating his perceived lack of normality in others his whole life and is no closer to completing it. You can almost feel the gears in this guy’s brain begin to turn as he starts to realize that maybe he’s the one in the wrong for not accepting that people can have experiences outside of his understanding. Maybe he’s been missing out on life and there’s more to it than conformity. Then just like that, the moment passes as the song completely changes mood and the narrator proclaims “phew for a minute there I lost myself ” until the whole shebang disintegrates into electronic feedback. The listener is left with the bitter irony that for a second there, he almost found himself.

Some of my favorite conversations this year have been with people who would definitely be arrested by someone’s Karma Police. For example, there’s this guy I talk to who simply adores manga. Now I have never read manga, nor do I know anything about manga, but this guy is genuinely passionate about it. Whenever I talk to him I can tell that he’s genuinely interested in explaining to me exactly why robots the size of galaxies fighting each other are awesome.

His passion causes him to simply not care about any possible judgment from me or anyone else. He doesn’t have that urge to fill up conversations with empty noise. That kind of honesty is refreshing.

However before you go running off to buy Radiohead’s discography, read manga with awesome sounding names, take up line dancing, prance around children’s parks in larping gear, and start reciting poetry to yourself I must warn you that there are downsides to showing passion. People will start throwing around words like ‘nerd’, ‘pretentious’ and ‘hipster’ as if they were going out of style (goodness I

hope so). For some it’s easier to simply categorize people than to make an attempt to understand them. Fear not, for eventually you will find a group of people who share your passion…. stick with them. Also most moments that you’re not with that group of people or following your passion will become almost unbearable. Before you may have found a certain class or conversation empty or boring, but now all you can think about is that your life is ending and you’re spending it in this emotional neutrality when you now know there’s so much more to this whole human thing.

On a final note, there are thoughts so fantastically melodramatic that they can only exist in the minds of people our age, but instead of taking advantage of the ridiculous gifts that our youth has to offer we have an entire generation of children sitting in front of computers making desperate and pathetic attempts at attention and recognition on social media sites. We’re plastered in front of televisions so we can have something to talk about the next day. We’re losing our humanity to our grades, class rankings and all the other emotionally empty things we’re told to care about.

It’s so easy to show apathy to the things around you, to go through every day of school following the script of normality. It’s easy, but it’s not living (that was an attempt to sound like Tyler Durden). So today, look at every aspect of your current existence and ask yourself if you actually care about any of it, and more importantly, why you care. And if you don’t, then go outside of what you consider normal and show some passion. Prove to yourself that you’re still alive.

Rojas is an assistant editor for The Roar. Share your perspective (but keep it respectful) at the.roar.araujo@gmail. com.

12 | viewpoints | the roar

Varying school systems defy expectations channing young assistant editor

Attending private school, homeschooling and going to public school, I have basically experienced every kind of schooling there is. I went to private school for four years and then home schooled for five, returning to private school my eighth grade year and transferring to public school my junior year. One thing I noted about each type of schooling is that everyone had their own stereotypes and jokes for the other types of schooling and most were completely inaccurate. I always find it comical when everyone makes home school jokes here at Consol. I mean, I make them too, but in reality all stereotypes can be found in each and every one of those environments.

When I was homeschooled, I always felt compelled to explain to someone whenever I met them that I was not that homeschooler with the long denim skirt.

Not going to lie, though, I was still a little awkward and sheltered. But even though I was still awkward, I was not that kid who had never bought clothes from a store or cut her hair before.

Eighth grade was a turnaround point for me. It was funny because where I had been making home school jokes about myself I realized the kids at private school didn’t really care about homeschoolers. Instead they made public school jokes. Who knew that was even a thing? Basically kids at private school make jokes about public school kids being dumb and having no morals. Then after switching to public school my junior year, I realized the jokes did not end there but were made about private schoolers and how sheltered from the world they were.

The irony of it all is that now that I am at Consol and have experienced all these forms of schooling, I see how the truth is so mixed up in all of it. No matter where you go there are going to be the kids who are awkward, the kids

who are sheltered, and the kids without morals. Those are not the only types of kids. We stereotype each other so quickly and easily when in fact, not even half of the group we stereotyped is like that. I feel like the first person or two we meet from a group you automatically stereotype their whole group by the way they act. Especially in high school.

Not even just with what schools one goes to but also by the clothes they wear or their outward appearance, the people they hang out with or the activities that they partake in. We all automatically assume if someone is wearing chacos they’re granola, or someone who is in chess club is a nerd and if you associate yourself with either of these stereotypes then you must be just like them.

In reality, though, we all have a little bit of everything in us. At least I know I have no idea what stereotype I would be placed in. It honestly depends on when certain people meet me. For example, I have had people stereotype me from sorority/prep to hipster and neither of those go together at all nor do they describe me. In high school, we all go through those different phases whether it be skater, prep, or nerd. We might try all of the above and still never find that stereotype that fits us.

That is simply because stereotypes are simply a mistaken generalization and in reality, none of us fits one stereotype.

Channing is an assistant editor for The Roar. Compare your experiences in the school system with her previous ones by emailing her at the.roar.young@ Artwork by Merrit Nolte-Roth gmail.com.

rants &raves

friday, april 5, 2013

{

{

If you could get a tattoo what would you get?

“My mom’s name. Just to get it.”

D’Michael Brown, freshman

“An anchor, because when I was little my papa would take me fishing on his boat.”

Tristin Jones, sophomore

“A monkey on a bicycle.”

Ronak Noorina, junior

sketchy.

“Something in Chinese that is maybe a cuss word. I wouldn’t know because it’d be in Chinese.”

by merritt nolte-roth “Back to Work” In which academic area do you excel?

30% 47% of boys

excel in English/History

of girls

70% of boys 53% of

Alex Arreola-Garcia, senior

“A tattoo that said ‘tattoo.’”

Mr. Hogan, English teacher

excel in Math/Science

girls

671 students surveyed

the roar | viewpoints | 13

friday, april 5, 2013

High school environment creates nostalgia for past simplicity annie zhang assistant editor

I hated naptime, coloring bored me, and I was sick and tired of counting cheerios. I hated everything that made kindergarten “kindergarten”. That is, ten years ago I did. As a kindergartener, all I wanted was to be like “the big kids.”

I thought they were cool, and I pushed those special parts of kindergarten away while waiting for the future. Now ten years later, I wish I had just lived in the moment.

I hate report cards, GPAs, tests, quizzes, all-nighters and class ranks. In other words, I, along with most high school students, hate everything that makes high school “high school”. (Note: This is not including lunch or your phone. That would be a different story.) But, maybe these are the special parts of high school. Instead of hating everything about high school and wishing to get out as soon as possible, maybe we should just live in the moment.

Back in grade school, teachers had quite a hard time trying to get us kindergarteners to go to sleep. Our job as kindergarteners was over once we got the teacher to say, “Fine, naptime’s over.” We just had so much energy that we couldn’t even be bribed to go to sleep. But naptime is what makes kindergarten what it is. And now I wish I had appreciated the naptime I got ten years ago, and had reveled in those thirty minutes of peace.

Of course, like most high school students, all I want is sleep. I mean, I don’t even need bribing to sleep. (That is, during school. Nighttime is a bit different.) It seems that we high school students have lost the energy that allowed us to stay awake and fall asleep at proper times. I would gladly

trade a class for naptime now. (No offense to all the teachers out there. It’s not your fault.) But lack of sleep is exactly the definition of high school. My parents enjoy laughing at the fact that I sleep later than they do because they said I remind them of their own high school lives. (They also said I could do all the laughing when I was a parent.)

Back then, we got graded on our coloring skills. (And that was when our grades were just Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and not when the difference between an 89 and a 90 really mattered.) I can’t believe I had actually complained about colo-

Artwork by Merritt Nolte-Roth

ring books. But coloring makes up half of what kindergarteners do. And now, I wish my Spanish grade came from them, because my parents would definitely be much happier when seeing my report card then.

speak out

Perhaps I had wanted to say something other than “I colored, I slept and I counted with cheerios” when answering “What did you do at school today?” Perhaps I had wanted to tell my parents “Veni, Vidi, Vici” instead. I wanted to grow up, and I thought big kids didn’t do those silly trivial things.

But I was wrong. I apologize to my kindergartener teacher for not wanting to go to sleep. I apologize to cheerios and coloring books for not thinking they were cool. The truth is, I really miss those special little parts of kindergarten now.

So maybe I’m wrong again. Maybe all-nighters, GPAs and crazy “four-of-my-hardest-tests-on-the-same-day” days are what make high school the four best years of our life. Perhaps it’s best if we should just start living in the moment and stop hating everything about high school.

So don’t be like the kindergarten-me. Though we’re in high school now, and not all of us appreciate every aspect of it, live in the moment. Don’t turn away those seemingly trivial parts of high school that make it special, or else you might miss it later on when they’re not there.

Annie is an assistant editor for The Roar. Do you miss kindergarten?

Share your opinion at the.roar.azhang@ gmail.com.

Paper Clips

Discussion Board

By Joy Cope

Each issue, students can submit responses to The Roar’s Speak Out forum. These questions will be posted on Facebook.

“Prom?”

Question: What are your thoughts on tattoos?

Laura Ramirez, junior: Tattoos are a way of expression. Just like people express through painting, drawing, singing or acting, people express themselves through messages in tattoos that symbolize their life or an important event.

Brandon Noble, senior: I got one. It’s a tribal cross and I have been wanting mine because my granddad had one, and my dad had one. I’m keeping the tribal cross tradition and it’s a way of showing who you really are. It’s an expression of yourself and your mentality. It’s all how you view [yourself] and not society’s viewpoint.

Karla Montes, senior: I like tattoos, but just a few of them. I don’t like when people are covered in them. I feel like they help people express what they’ve been through...I want to get one myself, I’m just waiting for the right time.

Add your opinion and see more responses: Friend Roar Newspaper on Facebook.

14 | opinions | the roar

{opposing viewpoints} YES

friday, april 5, 2013

Can the use of drone strikes be justified?

NO

by Shilpa Saravanan, news editor

Drones: the word, so often in the news lately, conjures up images of bees for most people—and pretty harmless bees at that. Drones exist only to impregnate the queen. (The ones that sting you are worker bees.)

The drones that the news speaks of, though, are not bees. They are not harmless, either. They have the power to kill, and they do; that is the purpose of these drones. Drones are unmanned machines that can survey and kill. The United States currently uses them to target terrorist leaders in the Middle East.

Some may call drone strikes evil—and those people are not wrong—but drones are a necessary evil. The sole reason the United States decided that it needed to resort to drone warfare is because of the danger that groups like Al-Qaeda pose to our country’s safety. Targeted killings of terrorists are not fair at all, but to people with America’s best interests in mind, they protect the United States from another horrible event like 9/11—and this makes sense. Drone strikes have killed nine of Al-Qaeda’s top commanding officers, and they are only carried out when the alternative, capture, seems impractical.

Of course, our government could send ground troops to do the necessary fighting, but this would cost more lives—maybe a few, maybe many more. But any deaths would be completely unnecessary when the required task could be carried out by unmanned drones, controlled from safety. Additionally, a ground operation would require the utmost secrecy (as in the Bin Laden operation) because the Pakistani government, in the past, has given terrorists notice of planned attacks—so when the army arrived, the terrorists were gone, and the whole thing became a never-ending goose chase.

And yes, drones do hurt civilians, and that is absolutely awful. No person other than the target should die. But civilians can be caught in the fire during full-scale operations as well, and these operations destroy Pakistani infrastructure besides. Drone strikes are a more targeted and therefore more reliable option.

Drone strikes are certainly of dubious morality. However, if the government must resort to targeted killings, then it ought to do so in a way that has the highest probability of success and the least total loss of life.

by Aaron Ross, assistant editor

Drone strikes seem to work perfectly in theory. Firing unmanned missiles at terrorist leaders, killing them with little to no repercussions to the United States. Right?

This could not in reality be further from the truth. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, of the 3,573 people killed by drones in the past nine years, 884 of them were innocent civilians. That accounts for nearly 25% of all drone victims.

We as a society have become numb to the deaths of people around the world; we only seem to care about the deaths of famous people. We see the regular citizens just as numbers, necessary sacrifices for the “Greater Good.” The use of drones even further de-sensitizes us from the reality of war. “Yes that’s the point” one might say, “To make it so the U.S. doesn’t have to lose as many people and save resources.”, but that’s not how it works; the complete opposite happens.

Studies have shown that since the U.S. has begun using drone Al-Qaida’s numbers in the zones we’ve been bombing have actually increased. This is because every time we hit an innocent, the innocent’s family becomes enraged, furious at the U.S. Meanwhile, the remaining survivors cower away from the rubble of their recently destroyed village and killed kinsmen, fearing even more attacks.

Al-Qaida then makes their move. The Al-Qaida offer to return and bury the dead, making the villagers sympathize with them. Take for example Abu Baker Aidaroos, a Yemeni soldier who fought against the Al-Qaida, that is until his 19 year old nephew ( who wasn’t a member of Al-Qaida) was killed by a by a drone strike. After that, he quit his military unit and now sympathizes with the Al-Qaida, just out of hatred towards the United States.

The United Nations condemns drone strikes and calls them a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. The final nail in the coffin is that the wording of current Drone strike legislation is very unclear. U.S. Citizens suspected of being a national security threats could be subject to drone strikes as well. We are not only taking away others rights, but our own as well. The United States has become judge, jury, and executioner.

student responses. The Roar surveyed 70 students to learn their opinions on drones strikes.

Do you know and understand what drone strikes are?

51%

49%

Do you believe that the U.S. has the right to use military intervention in a country that it is not at war with? Why?

“

Yes, the United States has the right to protect its interests.

Matthew Barondeau, freshman

“

I think it depends. If it will eventually

No

Do you believe that risking the lives of innocent victims is worth completing a mission?

Do you believe that drone strikes on behalf of the U.S. government are just?

cause us harm then I think we should

”

step in, even if we aren’t at war.

Charis Brantley, senior

Yes

”

No 77%

Yes 23%

71% believe yes.

15% believe no.

14% do not have an opinion about drone strikes.

friday, april 5, 2013

an anonymous affair

the roar | snapshots | 15

Interact hosts masquerade ball for charity

Traditional Hindu holiday unifies students of varying faiths janet ni | photography editor

janet ni | photography editor On the night of Saturday, March 30th, a mass of students could be found in the gym lined with mirrors.

However, it is no longer a gym, but rather a dance floor.

Good music is playing, Christmas lights are hanging, and students’ discarded masks line the floor. This is Interact’s annual Masquerade Ball.

“It’s interesting the transformation that goes on because when we first get there it’s just an empty gym. Then, we see all the decorations we made go up and the Christmas lights turn on,” Interact co-media coordinator senior Kaley Brauer said. “When everyone’s there, it’s exciting.”

Brauer has been an Interact member since her freshman year. Interact has been putting on the Masquerade Ball every year for as long as she can remember, she said.

In general, the ball does not require any major preparations.

“It only takes about an afternoon and the morning of we’ll put everything up,” Brauer said. “Because we’ve been doing this for so long we know exactly what we’re going to do.”

Brauer expressed a preference for the Masquerade Ball over other school dances.

“It’s a lot smaller and [friendlier] because you know

most of the people who are there,” Brauer said. “I’ve always enjoyed it a lot more because you just get to hang out with all your friends and enjoy the music.”

Interact secretary junior Alona Weimer also acknowledged the upsides to the dance.

“It’s smaller than most school dances,” Weimer said.

“You interact with everyone at the dance, and it’s at the school so we don’t have to use a lot of money to rent out the Expo Center, or spend months before thinking of design ideas or anything.”

One of the distinguishing features of the Masquerade Ball is that the students select their own music.

“We actually pick our own music, and of course you can’t have bad words or anything inappropriate for school, but I think that makes [the dance] more fun because of the wide variety of music played,” Weimer said.

All of the proceeds of the dance went to the Amnesty International Stop Violence Against Women campaign. The campaign seeks to protect women who are raped, murdered, and attacked for defending women’s rights.

The Masquerade Ball fundraiser is a group effort for Interact.

“All of us work together to make sure it gets done,” Brauer said.

Senior Diana Vaught lets loose during the dance. Vaught, an Interact member, also helped put up decorations and set up for the Ball. PHOTO BY MICHELLE LIU

Juniors Priyansi Kikani, Monica Nguyen and Marianne Muyia enjoy a dance together. Muyia performed a rap later towards the end of the dance. PHOTO BY MICHELLE LIU

Seniors Jeana Nam and Angela Yip partner up at the ball. Nam and Yip ditched their dates for a brief dance together. PHOTO BY MICHELLE LIU

|

16 | student

life | the roar

friday, april 5, 20

cannabis craze laura everett & rachel kagle editor-in-chief & executive editor

Marijuana use proves widespre

“It didn’t matter that I was only nineteen. In jail, they treat you just like everybody else.”

MARIJUANA: an ounce of truth

The red and blue lights flashed. The two cases of beer in the back seat and the lingering scent of the already-ditched marijuana warranted a search of the car. A long-forgotten bag of weed, lost beneath the seat, was unveiled. Within a few minutes, the driver sat on the curb, handcuffed and shivering in the sharp January wind, charged with a class D misdemeanor for the possession of marijuana under two ounces.

“We pulled into the station and there were these big metal castle-like gates that shut behind us as if I was the Hulk trying to escape,” the arrestee said. “Then they strip searched me in a glass room where everyone could see. They put me in a waiting room where I sat between a coked up guy and a big sweaty meth head.”

Scared and unsure of his fate, the arrestee approached the police with questions and received a hostile response.

“It didn’t matter that I was only nineteen,” he said.

“In jail, they treat you just like everybody else.”

Although he was able to write a check for his friend to bail him out less than twenty four hours later, the ramifications of his night in jail have followed him.

Until he receives further information about his court case, his plans to move out of the state this summer are on hold.

“So, here I am, stuck in College Station, Texas, the place I’ve been waiting to get out of ever since I moved here,” he said. “All because I smoked weed.”

On the other side of the spectrum, a marijuana dealer sees dealing marijuana as simply a part time job, costing him no more than two hours a day.

“It’s like minimum wage, but you don’t do anything,” the dealer said. “I literally grab it, put it on a

Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco).

scale, and [distribute] it.”

Buying three ounces of mariju extreme caution, as those who are four ounces face a $4,000 fine and “As far as cautions go, it’s str other guy said. “I only do it at certain locations where people w looks like you’re talking to peopl school ever. Ever.”

Bringing illegal substances o grounds is a violation of both state l thus involving not only the principa resource officer Keke Johnson. Joh school administration when tips ar In addition to anonymous tip community members, drug dogs unannounced appearance to com drugs on campus. Assistant princip aids in conducting the searches in school, but he has no prior warning “I try to go somewhere differe said. “The dogs indicate from am alcohol or drugs. They’ll indicate always happy when we don’t find a Although findings of illegal s infrequent, they often result in ca class, conducting drug tests, and p necessary.

“I hate when we’re out there calling out students,” Hicks said. them. To me, they’re violating the After students are assesse contacted if necessary. Principal G

50,000 people die each year from alcoho poisoning. More than 400,000 deaths each are attributed to tobacco smoking. Marijuan nontoxic and cannot cause death by overd

the roar | student life | 17

day, april 5, 2013

let’s be blunt.

Students at Consol were surveyed to determine what type of encounters they have had with marijuana.

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED IT?

spread, leads to legal troubles

] it.” nces of marijuana at a time requires those who are caught with two to 4,000 fine and a year in jail. ons go, it’s strictly referral based,” nly do it at certain times, and at ere people wouldn’t look. It just king to people. I don’t bring it to

substances on Drug Free school of both state law and school policy, ly the principals, but also the school e Johnson. Johnson works with the n when tips are received, she said. nonymous tips from students and s, drug dogs regularly make an rance to combat the presence of sistant principal Billy Hicks usually e searches in different areas of the prior warning. ewhere different each time,” Hicks icate from ammunition, fire arms, ey’ll indicate aspirin or Advil. I’m we don’t find anything.” gs of illegal substances have been n result in calling students out of ug tests, and pursing legal action as

e’re out there and we have to start ” Hicks said. “I’m disappointed in violating the safety of my space.” are assessed, parents will be ry. Principal Gwen Elder explains

m alcohol hs each year Marijuana is by overdose.

that often this is the first time the parents are aware of the drug abuse.

Although another anonymous Consol student partakes in the use of marijuana, he believes that the school is not in the wrong.

“I think that [getting in trouble at school] is completely justified,” he said. “It is illegal right now, and you’re kind of taking that risk.”

While it might be risky, this regular pot smoker believes there is nothing morally wrong with smoking cannabis, as long as the substance does not prevent productivity.

“Everybody smokes weed and still goes on to have futures and careers,” he said. “Smoking weed isn’t a problem as long as you can handle your stuff, but if you do nothing all day, it’s a problem.”

From this mindset, the problem does not lie within the substance, but rather, the legal standpoint.

“I think drugs are winning the war on drugs,” the smoker said. “Our government spends so much money each year trying to stop something that can’t be stopped.

It’s essentially prohibition; it won’t work.”

Others might disagree. After being arrested, the nineteen year old Consol student put the lighter down in January, profusely repeating that the consequences were not worth it. Sobering up has granted him a much clearer mind and has made him ultimately happier, he said.

“I could walk away from it; it isn’t something I need,” the drug dealer said. “It’s like a vice. Like working out or studying, it makes them feel better about themselves. [Marijuana offers] the same feeling, except it’s easier to get.”

19% freshmen 17% juniors 14% sophomores 36% seniors

13% girls & 18% boys reported YES, that they had tried marijuana.

HAVE YOU BEEN IN CONTACT WITH IT?

underclassmen YES: 29% NO: 71% sample size: 127 students

upperclassmen YES: 47% NO: 53% sample size: 319 students

EVER RUN INTO LEGAL TROUBLE WITH IT?

YES: 2% NO: 92% CLOSE CALL: 6% sample size: 445 students compiled by Laura Everett

Enforcing marijuana prohibition costs taxpayers an estimated $10 billion each year.

If you’re caught in possession: 2 oz or less means you could spend up to 180 days in prison and be fined up to $2,000. 2 oz to 4 oz means you could spend up to one year and be fined up to $4,000. source: norml.org

18 | people | the roar

ARTWORK BY KAYLEY HART

friday, april 5, 2013

Student Council raises $1,300 to benefit school music programs rachel kagle | executive editor Ten student bands gathered in the cafeteria to perform music that covered a variety of genres on March 22 during the school’s annual Consolapalooza.

The event profitted VH1’s Save the Music Foundation, which provides money to schools without musical education programs. Consolapalooza raised $1,300 for VH1’s foundation.

The event was coordinated by senior Rachel Kagle, junior Kayce Campbell, and Student Council sponor Jason Pratt. Along with the ten performing groups, junior Nicole Farrell and senior Macon Heath served as emcees for the night.

Senior Michael Bettati plays violin for Astrochimp on March 22. Students who attended Consolapalooza were entered into a raffle drawing to win a donated guitar. PHOTO BY DEVIN DAKOTA

Senior Boyce Unger performs as part of No Nose Goes. The band included seniors Devon Harris and Shane Lockett.

PHOTO BY JANET NI

Senior Jonathan Bradford and freshman Tara deLeon provide vocals for Astrochimp, an annual appearance at Consolapalooza. Student Council sponsor Jason Pratt chose students for this band. PHOTO BY RACHEL KAGLE

Senior Tyler Wise, the lead singer of Time with Addy, serves as the closing act on March 22. Time with Addy’s EP can be found on iTunes. PHOTO BY DEVIN DAKOTA

the roar | people | 19

friday, april 5, 2013

Aspiring models face judgment in pursuing difficult industry

“

devin dakota | senior editor

Models are stupid.”

“Models don’t do anything.”

“Models are anorexic.”

Though the stereotypes involved in modeling have been dug deep into society’s minds, few are aware of all the complications. Behind all the glamour of the modeling industry lies challenges that girls everywhere are overcoming in order to get their dream job in front of the camera.

The models explain that getting signed by an agency is the first step to becoming a part of the modeling industry, but getting signed proves to be more difficult than it may seem.

“The challenging part about it is that you have to make sure the agency remembers you,” junior Hannah Saffle said. “There are people doing the same thing as you [so] the way you dress [must be] right but different, and your portfolio [must be] correct but memorable.”

Impressing an agency also proves to be demanding on a model’s schedule, as well as her self esteem.

“You have to be 100 percent on all the time, and 100 percent yourself,” senior Kendall Vittrup said. “You have to make them fall in love with you.”

Saffle explains that models’ work is constantly being judged, even as a beginner. “[I was most surprised with] the harshness of

the critiques,” Saffle said. “[The agencies] want to make sure that you’re mentally prepared to be in this industry.”

Despite popular stereotypes, the models agree that being in front of the camera is not easy.

“Modeling is hard work,” Saffle said. “People think that you just ‘look pretty’ in from of a camera. You have to satisfy everyone. You have to do the correct job as soon as possible to not waste anyone’s time.”

The modeling industry also surprised Vittrup.

“It surprised me how difficult it was,” Vittrup said. “It’s so much more work than it seems.”

Aside from their workload, the models live with constant doubt and stereotypical thoughts from people around them.

“The first thing people [associate] with modeling are [eating disorders],” Saffle said. “[But] whenever they say that about models, it is obvious they don’t know anything about the industry.”

Senior Amanda Ness explains how the media plays a large role in forming people’s opinions about models.

“The media kind of exaggerates it,” Ness said.

“They’re always talking about celebrities’ weights.”

Aside from eating disorders, models are often looked down on for the intensity of their workload.

“It’s our job to make it look easy,” Vittrup said.

“You know someone is doing their job really well when it looks like anyone can do their job.”

The models agree that they have all been judged at some point for their choice to pursue modeling.

“I know I’ve gotten some judgments and harsh comments,” Ness said. “People say things that you have to get over and still do what you want to do.”

Through all the difficulties that models encounter, it’s obvious that the modeling industry requires a lot of determination. “[It’s taught me to] not give up,” Saffle said.

“Even though this industry is harsh and challenging and competitive, if you give up, then that guilt will stay with you for the rest of your life. I won’t stop [trying].”

Modeling has challenged the girls to develop greater self-confidence.

“You learn how to accept yourself for the way you are,” Ness said.

The modeling industry is obviously a test of self confidence.

“I think that’s the beauty and kind of the bad thing about modeling,” Vittrup said. “You get to be completely yourself, but you also have to be completely yourself.”

Though modeling has forced the girls out of their comfort zones, Vittrup admits to becoming more open minded about the industry.

“It’s so much of a collaboration of different people’s work,” Vittrup said. “It gave me a new appreciation for what other people do.”

“You have to be 100% on all the time, and 100% yourself.”

-senior Kendall Vittrup

MODEL BEHAVIOR PHOTO OF HANNAH SAFFLE BY DEVIN DAKOTA

20 | people | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

building a passion Unique architecture class offers hands-on experience, fun While most students are listening to lectures or taking notes, some students can be found making floor plans on the computer or tinkering away in their workshop in a classroom tucked away in the back of the school. It is in Principles of Architecture and Construction that students are really able to explore building design and structure.

“It’s really fun to be in, and also we do a lot of cool stuff,” freshman Megan Reynolds said.

The semester-long intro class covers a variety of different areas of design and construction.

“We’ll do Chief Architect, which is this architecture computer program, and you can basically make houses and models and put furniture in them, and we also do a lot of construction, like hands-on stuff,” Reynolds said.

Freshman Karlo Capareda, who took the course last semester, commented on their shedbuilding project towards the end of the year.

“It was really fun,” Capareda said. “It was a lot of class bonding, so I got to make a lot more friends from that.”

Capareda also reflected on his changed perspective towards architecture after taking the course. “[The class] was a lot more interesting, and a lot more work, definitely, than I thought would go into it,” Capareda said. “But it was a lot of fun, so I think all the hard work was worth it.”

Reynolds agreed that she has already benefited from taking the class.

“I’ve learned a lot about [architecture] and a lot about how houses are made,” Reynolds said.

Capareda and Reynolds also both said they enjoyed having Eric Pesak as their teacher.

“Mr. P. is really cool and really funny, and he made the class a lot more fun,” Capareda said.

Pesak worked at his design build company with a co-owner for eight years before taking his position as the Principles of Architecture and Construction teacher this year.

“We work with clients from beginning stages from looking at the sites and deciding the orientation of the house and designing the house and all that green building stuff,” Pesak said.

Pesak now teaches at both Consol and CSHS while the coowner of his company runs their business in Giddings, he said.

The brevity of the class has added a diverse range of students, which Pesak enjoys.

“Because it’s an intro class and it’s only a semester long, I have a variety of students that take the class,” Pesak said. “I don’t have just the guy who knows he’s going to be in construction; I have kids that come from all kinds of backgrounds. It’s very diverse [which] makes it interesting for discussion.”

He also added that this class particularly differs from others in the school.

“So many classes that you take in high school are ‘memorize this, learn this, take the test,’ and the students are left with ‘I don’t really know why I just learned that,’” Pesak said. “This class gives you a chance to really apply a lot of those things.”

At the end of the day, Pesak simply appreciates being able to teach students what he does.

“I really enjoy teaching this class and the kids—that’s really the biggest part,” Pesak said.

can you identify these

architectural

wonders?

A

B

C

D

E

answers: A. Arc de Triomphe, Paris B. Space Needle, Seattle C. Temple of Heaven, Beijing D. Burj Khalifa, Dubai E. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

janet ni | photography editor

the roar | people | 21

friday, april 5, 2013

1

1

Symbol of modesty shows significance of personal decision

S

PHOTO OF HAWRAA CHARARA BY DANA BRANHAM

how to wear a hijab Hawraa showed our own Isabel Drukker how to wear a hijab—it consists of three parts: the top piece, the scarf, and a pin.

First, put on the top piece—it works like a large headband to smooth back the hair and set the foundation for the scarf covering.

They’re similar to a thick, stretchy headband.

Second, drape the cloth over your head, leaving more fabric on one side than the other. Charrara’s hijabs are generally colorful and patterned—the one Isabel is wearing is all the way from Lebanon.

Third, wrap the cloth over your neck and drape it over your shoulders. The garment is a symbol of modesty and privacy in Islamic culture. Of course, there are many ways to wear the hijab, and other such body coverings—this is just one of those ways!

isabel drukker | opinions editor

enior Hawraa Charara’s fine hands In this way, the hijab serves as a smooth the light fabric resting on top reminder of what is truly important in a of her head. person’s character.

“It’s a symbol of modesty. It sets me “Appearance doesn’t matter,” Charrara apart from everybody else. It gives me the said. “I want people to appreciate me for identity of a Muslim,” she said. “I feel like who I really am. I feel looks don’t really it’s the right thing to do.” have to play a big role in it; whether I’m all Charara has worn a hijab in public covered [or not] doesn’t matter. Just what since she was nine years old, about the matters is what’s inside of you.” time when traditionally, a girl is considered Ironically though, many stereotypes put mature and held accountable for her actions. a negative light on cultures where women “I feel proud to have enough faith to wear hijabs or other veils. This has made do this,” sophomore Sibba Al-Kahtani said. wearing a hijab more difficult, especially “It’s actually difficult to start wearing [the in the United States, where the culture is hijab].” relatively more liberal.

When first “I’m Muslim, wearing the hijab, but I don’t want to many young girls, shove it in people’s including Charara, faces,” Al-Kahtani require help when said. “I talk to putting it on in guys in school and the morning and it’s not a big deal girls must become for me, I don’t accustomed to the understand why additional heat. For my parents take it this reason, Charara’s to the extreme.” mother bought Al-Kahtani her small hijabs to says that her loud “practice” wearing personality does for short periods of not fit in with time when she was the quietness her younger. religion expects “I honestly like women. senior Hawraa Charara from covering myself,” As Islam-Mina Al-Kahtani said. “It pointed out makes me feel special however, men have knowing that no one has ever stared at me restrictions also, such as those from wearing [before.]” silk, gold or silver. Senior Anas Abu-Odeh Besides the comfort and privacy, the said that facial hair is “recommended.” hijab is meant to keep girls modest and “The beard is a thing,” senior Anas therefore keep girls safe, traditionally from Abu-Odeh said. “But there’s no stated unknown men. In the Muslim culture, punishment.” interactions between boys and girls are In this way, the Quran is not as rigid and mostly regulated by parents, and are until strict as some make it out to be. For example, the children are married adults. the Quran encourages that girls decide on “Basically, I’m not allowed to date,” their own to wear the hijab, because overall, sophomore Samira Islam-Mina said. it does not matter whether or not a girl Islam-Mina says that she is grateful for wears one, rather that she believes what it this rule, however, because it saves her from represents. having to feel the stress that often comes with “It’s [about] how you interact with dating in high school. Besides lamenting other people. Modesty is not just about the that she cannot wear the currently-in-style outside appearance,” Islam-Mina said. “I lace dresses, Islam-Mina does not complain know some people who don’t wear the hijab, about her culturally enforced dress code. but on the inside they truly are modest.”

“I don’t want someone to like me because I’m pretty,” Islam-Mina said. “Love [is] based on substance and not aesthetic beauty itself.”

“I want people to appreciate me for who I really am. I feel looks don’t really have to play a big role in it; whether I’m all covered [or not] doesn’t matter.”

22 | people | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

gameon

Childhood games remain popular among high schoolers anne finch | assistant editor Although video games such as Skyrim and Call of Duty continue to gain popularity, many students at Consol still enjoy other, more traditional games dating back to childhood—especially the popular franchises Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh. Senior Jacob Mathews has been playing Yu-Gi-Oh for ten years, and Pokémon for fourteen.

“When I was really little, like four, my parents bought me the original Gameboy, and when I was picking out games for it I picked out Pokémon: Blue Version and I just played through it. I found it really fun, [although] I didn’t know how half the game worked. I played through almost the entire thing without catching any Pokémon,” Mathews said. “I got hooked. I’ve played every game ever since, I collected the trading cards [and] I watched the first few seasons of the TV show. I’ve just been playing it since.”

Although senior Macon Health discovered Pokémon at a young age as well, he said that aspects of Pokémon that make it more interesting for older players such as algorithms and more complicated strategy can go unnoticed by players in its target demographic.

“It’s a really multilayered game,” Heath said. “It’s not just ‘oh, it’s for kids,’ because there’s really complex stuff that kids could still have fun without knowing but when you do it becomes more complicated, more intricate.”

Senior Alec Lindner agreed, adding that despite the game’s complexities, the sense of nostalgia it creates has helped it maintain its appeal.

“It’s something that hit us at the right time, when we

were five, six, seven eight years old and it grabbed us and it grabbed our attention like nothing else did,” Lindner said.

“It was very in-depth, but still something a kid could pick up, and it’s something that sticks with you.”

Like Mathews, Lindner expressed a deep love for the game.

“Pokémon is something you feel in your heart,” he said.

Unlike Lindner and Heath, Mathews also collects cards for the game Yu-Gi-Oh, which, like Pokémon, has a successful television franchise but solely exists as a card game. Mathews said he stopped playing because the easiest way to win is by buying card packs to build card collections, which can become expensive.

Yu-Gi-Oh player and junior Alex Trevino echoed the game’s expense, but argues that the game has merits and that winning is not simply based on how much players spend on their cards.

“A lot of people would argue that it’s money-based.

The person with the deck that cost the most is probably going to win,” he said. “I can see that a lot, but it’s a lot of skill-based.”

Although potentially expensive, Trevino stated that he appreciated the competitiveness that the game offers, especially in Bryan-College Station’s tight-knit gaming community. Trevino recently returned from a Yu-Gi-Oh regionals competition, where he and his partner won three and lost four games before dropping.

“It was our first regionals tournament and it was really fun, actually,” Trevino said. “Seeing the amount of people that are actually into it as much as we are; that’s pretty cool to see.”

Heath also cited competition as an important part of gameplay, saying that playing against his friends has fueled his interest in the strategy of Pokémon.

“The competition is the reason I play Pokémon,” Heath said. “Just the [idea of] ‘Can you make a team good enough to beat everybody else’s?’ or ‘Can you have a really interesting strategy that beats everybody hands down or does something unique with the Pokémon you have?’”

Lindner admitted that although he has an appreciation for the competitiveness of Pokémon, a great personal victory in his sophomore year dampened his need to play the game.

Back in the day, I played Pokémon online a lot,” Lindner said. “I hit number one in Challenge Cove. There was one night about midnight when I was climbing up the ranks, battling it out and going up one after another until I got to number one. And you know what I did after that? I just walked away. I left my Pokémon; I turned off the computer, because there’s nowhere to go from there.

Pokémon’s about becoming a champion, but they don’t talk about what happens after you are the champion. So I put it down. I walked away. But that’s life. That’s Pokémon.”

Despite this online victory, Lindner continues to play the handheld games—although not as often—saying that the appeal of Pokémon could never really go away.

“Pokémon is here to stay,” Lindner said. “People love it. It’s a kid’s game, but everyone has a kid inside of them, in a metaphorical sense. Everyone’s got an inner child. That’s why Pokémon is so popular. We don’t want to give that up. We like being kids at some level, and we like playing Pokémon.”

g tta catch ‘em all What’s your favorite Pokémon game?

‘‘

- senior Jacob Mathews

Gold version. Twice the badges,

twice the towns, and a final battle beyond imagination.

- senior Alec Lindner

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

My favorite was Pokémon Red. I was four when I first played it, so I knew next to nothing about the game. It’s my favorite game because I spent hours bonding with and raising my Charizard, which became my favorite Pokémon of all time.

My favorite would have to be Crystal version back on the Gameboy Color.

It was the first one where I actually had a grasp of what was happening in the game, and there was an awesome glitch where you could clone Pokémon.

- senior Macon Heath

the roar | people | 23

friday, april 5, 2013

animation celebration PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE LIU

Animators collaborate on semester-long zombie pinata video game project rojas oliva | assistant editor

T

his semester seniors Josh Turner and Seth Anderholm along with juniors Travis Stebbins, Kristen LaBarbera and Mark Ebbole decided to abandon the usual animations course project and create zombie piñatas.

“I think one of us said zombies, one of us said piñatas and we were like, ‘Zombie Piñatas!’” LaBarbera said.

More specifically, they decided to create a video game in which players play as a child whose birthday party goes tragically wrong and must then rescue his younger sister all the while killing hordes of llama, bunny, cow and raccoon zombie piñatas.

“I divided the groups based on personality type and work ethic,” animation teacher Barbara Klein said.

Usually the class would be focusing on a series of shorter video projects, but this group decided to apply their skills into the creation of a video game. Ebbole is in charge of most of the programming, Anderholm of the organic modeling (of people and zombies), LaBarbera of textures, organic models and concept art, Stebbins of texturing, lighting as well as research and development and Turner of all the modeling

for the settings and scenery.

“When you think about it, a lot of the principles of animation come over to game design because with both you’re trying to convey a feeling or an emotion or an idea,” Ebbole said.

So from an artistic perspective, the transition was easy. However, many of the technical aspects were different and forced them to learn new concepts.

“They basically have to rethink what they know and apply it to a new base,” Klein said.

Most of their work is independent, and Klein acts more as a guide, helping out only when she thinks something doesn’t look right or could be improved.

“A video game is a combination of every single art form you can think of. Normal art, music, sound effects, sound design, texturing, coloring, 3-D art, storytelling—all that goes into it,” Ebbole said.

This means that they have to put a lot of thought and planning into every single aspects of the game. The actual creation process is complex as well.

“There are many steps that go into this [process]. First [you have to do] concept art.

Now [you have to] model it: keep the model simple; don’t have too many faces,”

Anderholm said. “Then you have to UV it (allows polygons from a 3-D object to be painted with colors from an image) and then you texture it which is basically coloring it.

Then you rig it, which is giving it a skeleton.

Then you animate it, which is making that skeleton move. Then the programmer has to find some way to make that scene fluid.

It’s a complete group effort.”

This group effort requires all the members to depend on and trust each other.

“If one of these aspects of the game is bad, that makes the whole game bad. It depends on all of us; we all have to be putting in 105 percent every time we get on this computer,” LaBarbera said. “We have to put in all of our effort into making [the game] look good or work the right way or else once the game is played people are going to notice that, and that makes everybody else’s work as a whole look bad.”

This hands-on approach reaps greater benefits than a normal classroom setup would.

“You’re not just sitting in a class being lectured; you’re actually going along with the whole process of what actual game makers do,” Stebbins said. “It’s really actually preparing you for something you would do in real life if you were getting a job in the

game industry.”

All of these experiences and work have changed their peceptions of video games.

“I never really understood how much actually goes into it and it’s really more of an art form. I understand why people devote their lives to trying to make other people happy and I think that’s why a lot of people really love video games,” LaBarbera said.

“Once you look at it, you’re like, ‘Wow that’s so beautiful’, because someone had to create that and someone had to put their passion and their heart and their soul into making something that [others] can enjoy.”

They estimate that they have each put in around 70 hours and they plan to work until the end of the year.

“I can’t believe high school kids created this—that’s what I want people to think [when we’re done],” LaBarbera said.

When it’s all over they hope to have created a fun game that everyone can enjoy.

“I have never heard of another high school that has tried to accomplish this much in a semester. Building a game takes years,” Ebbole said. “We’re five people trying to put together something that we’ve never done before. We have no experience doing a lot of these things. It’s crazy but it’s super fun.”

a group effort

{

}

Team Iron Sombrero has to put these separate pieces together into one functional game

source: teamironsombrero.blogspot.com

the enemy: a zombie bunny pinata

your trusty weapon: pinata sticks

the location: suburbia

24 | health

& rec | the roar

friday, april 5, 2013

PHOTO OF TIKI TAN TANNING BED BY JANET NI

THE GOLD STANDARD

Students express differing opinions on potential health risks of tanning janet ni | photography editor Temperatures are rising, students are restless, and the days are getting longer—clearly, summer is approaching.

For most, the upcoming season means the freedom of sleeping in, vacations, and no school, but for others, there is one more essential part to their summer routine: tanning.

For freshmen Kelsey Sevcik and Taylor Derr, tanning has been a common practice since before eighth grade, when they began competing against each other in a friendly race to see who could get the most tan. This year, the two are reviving the race in preparation for the warmer weather.

“It’s motivation for me,” Sevcik said. “I like to start off tan, just for the summer.”

Their regimen usually consists of sun tanning once or twice per week, with sunscreen, and begins as soon as possible every year.

“Last year, I think we started either during spring break or right after,” Derr said. “But this year, we started earlier because it was already getting hot.”

Sevcik added that part of the reason she began tanning was that she had quit playing sports. Being a former tennis player, she had maintained a natural tan, and when she stopped, her tan faded.

Junior Thao Huynh, however, had different reasons for starting to tan. As a cheerleader, she found that being tanner helped improve performances in cheer competitions.

“You have a section that’s appearance, as in your hair and makeup,” Huynh explained. “And I’m not saying you have to be tan to be pretty, but the judges are kind of swayed when you’re tanner.”

Unlike Derr and Sevcik, Huynh employs a variety of different techniques to achieve her results, including tanning beds and spray tanning. She began spray tanning first, when she was in her freshman year.

“I started spray tanning for cheer, because it was just an easy way to get tan and it doesn’t hurt your body,” she said. “It wasn’t dangerous, so my parents weren’t against it or anything.”

However, Huynh found that spray tanning had certain drawbacks, such as a streaky appearance. Because of this, she later tried another approach, bed tanning. Since it was a riskier method, though, she used it more for special occasions such as dances.

“For Homecoming, I would switch to the bed tan because it would be more natural-looking and wouldn’t spread, but I never bed tan in the summer, because then I get tan outside,” Huynh said.

According to Huynh, who tans in a tanning bed around two times a week, her controlled tanning routine limits the damage done and the possible health risks.

“I think you’d only get skin cancer if you go to a tanning bed [frequently] and still go outside. People who do tan in a tanning bed usually do it in the winter and don’t go outside much anyway. If you did it in the summer I’d feel

like you would have a higher risk,” Huynh said. “But I don’t go outside every day, and I just do it in a tanning bed. I don’t think it’s that bad.”

Not everyone regards tanning as casually. Sophomore Jordan Hein, whose mother suffered some of the harmful side effects of tanning, has a different view of the practice.

“My mom used to lay out in the sun covered in tanning oil for hours, to the point where she had skin cancer and sun scars,” Hein said. “It made me realize that having bronzed skin isn’t worth the risk in the future.”

Although Hein is quite familiar with the hazards that come with tanning, she believes that others are not as mindful.

“I don’t think people are aware at all,” Hein commented.

“I still see girls go to tanning booths all the time. I was walking by Darque Tan the other day, and there were [about] twenty people in line.”

Derr, on the other hand, thinks that people who go to extreme lengths to tan are conscious of the risks, but still choose to forgo their health for appearances.

“I guess they just like the way they look now better than they way they’ll look later,” Derr said.

Huynh also maintains that people who tan without taking the proper precautions do so by their own judgment.

“I’m sure they’re aware…there are health risks written on the signs, especially in the salons,” she said. “But it’s ultimately their decision. That’s up to them.”

about

SPF 15

2.3 MILLION

teens visit a tanning salon at least once per year.

Less than a third of American youth practices effective sun protection.

ONE OUT OF THREE teenagers say they tan because it looks healthy.

Texas state law requires that you must be at least 16.5 years old to use a tanning bed, and you must have parental consent if you are younger than 18.

A 2002 study found that the use of indoor tanning devices can increase the risk of skin cancer between to times.

1.5 2.5

In an American Academy of Dermatology study,

MORE THAN 80% of people aged 25 or younger thought that they looked better with a tan.

source: skincancer.org

the roar | sports | 25

friday, april 5, 2013

growing up on the green Golf teaches senior sportsmanship, provides opportunities tiffany hammond & annie zhang | assistant editors

Senior Jared Jeter practices his swing. Jeter won the Vernon Newsom Invitational tournament in March with an even par. PHOTO BY TIFFANY HAMMOND

Recent Results: 9th place in Vernon Newsom Invitational.

Finished 6th place in Hunstville Hornet Invitational.

golf

When most four-year-olds were watching a “hard worker with a lot of talent [who has] taught PBS Kids, he was outdoors learning how to play [him] things [he] still use[s] golf-wise.” golf. He puts just as much effort into it as any “Jarred gives everything into the game 100%,” football player. And while most people don’t even said Moore. know much about golf, golf has always and will Jeter has formed a very close relationship with always be a part of senior Jarred Jeter’s life. his teammates, saying that getting to know each and “I’ve enjoyed golf ever since my dad first every one is also an important part of golf. introduced it to me,” Jeter said.

“Our relationship is pretty deep, I’m not going For Jeter, golf wasn’t just a sport, but a special to lie. They’re brothers to me, and I’d do anything for time for him to bond with his dad. either one of them,” Jeter said.

“It was always something for me and my Although an excellent player already, Jeter dad to do. It was always our time together,” believes he still has room for improvement. said Jeter. “He taught me how to play it, and to “My worst play is my mental game—I’m horrible improve my skills, at it,” Jeter said. just throughout my “Coach McKown life.”

“Coach McKown says the hardest always says the Golf itself hardest part of has made a large part of golf is six inches between golf is six inches impact on Jeter’s life your your ears, and I still have to work between and through it he ears, and I still has learned many on it to get better.” have to work on valuable life lessons. it to get better.” senior Jared Jeter “Golf has Even though taught me etiquette, his season began sportsmanship, dependability, loyalty and all the rough, Jeter keeps an optimistic mindset for his last characteristics you need to go through in life,” few golf tournaments at Consol.

Jeter said. My dad has taught me how to become “We have three more tournaments coming up, a good person, along with Coach McKown.” and hopefully we’ll finish strong and get to Regional Though golf generally is an individual and then State,” Jeter said. sport, Jeter’s teammates help support him and Colleges like Oklahoma Wesleyan University encourage him to do better. and Texas Lutheran University have already “I’ve got great teammates, like Max Miller presented opportunities to Jeter for college golf. and Beau Moore,” Jeter said. They always push me “Right now, I’m on the fence, but by the next to play harder. Max and Beau have always been three to four weeks I’ll be able to decide out of one of better than me, and they’ve just been pushing the two places to go to next year.” me all four years, but this year I caught up with Overall, golf means a great deal to him. them.”

“It’s made me the person I am today. It’s made While Jeter learns from his friends, his me into a person I can be proud of,” Jeter said. friends also learn from him. Junior Beau Moore, who has known Jeter for four years, called him

Upcoming Games: April 8-9 District Tournament

Sophomore Sam Kubeczka:

“Everyone has improved since the start. We would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for coach Mckown.”

kick it up

the roar | sports | 26

friday, april 5, 2013

Team undergoes challenges, makes changes michelle liu | features editor New season. New coach. New district.

The varsity boys soccer team headed into 2013 treading new ground, but new wasn’t always better. They were not expected to glide through as easily as previous years, to win games 10-0 effortlessly. They had lost valuable players. They were going to have to fight for their successes in a more difficult district, which now included the Woodlands and Conroe.

But that didn’t stop the Tigers from starting the season on a high note.

“We started off the year [as] a close knit group because we’ve been playing with each other for a long time,” senior Dillon Moore said. “We played really well in the tournaments. It helped that we had a new district. There was just more excitement this year.”

Surprisingly, the team, with old stars graduated, shines more as a constellation now, as they focus on discipline over key players.

“We’ve lost our skilled players, but this year we’ve come together more as a team,” senior and team captain Jordan Fritsche said.

Head coach Stefano Salerno notes that the assumption of responsibility is reflected by all team members, no matter their role on the team.

“Some of the kids have definitely stepped it up from last year. I think that there is this understanding between us that you’ve got to work hard,” Salerno said. “They’re just more responsible.”

As the season progressed, though, the Tigers found themselves with another hardship to overcome.

The death of Salerno’s wife, Kirsten Salerno, in February only drew the team together, however. The tragedy only “motivated [them] to do the best [they] could on this season for Coach Salerno,” Fritsche said.

Motivate, for the team, is the key word.

“It’s always on the back of our minds. It’s on the back of our cleats. We still think about it,” senior and captain Yanni Georghiades said. “Salerno wants us to win, so we want to do everything we can to make things easier for him.”

Senior Yanni Georghiades kicks the ball to a teammate during a game on March 5. Georghiades started the season as a mid-field player, but recently switched to forward. PHOTO BY JANET NI

Overall Record: 7-3-2

soccer

District Position: 2nd place in 14-5A

The previous self-assuredness dissipated as the team lost three games. Salerno, the day after their third loss in the season (to the Woodlands, 1-0), told the team they needed to “push up a bit

Top Scorers: Daniel Zivney Jordan Fritsche Jacob Ward

more.”

“We had a little rough streak in there,” senior Dillon Moore said. “Everyone has to go through adversity, but you have to push forward and keep looking ahead.”

Some of the players berated themselves; their game attitude needed humility.

“I guess our cockiness just got the best of us,” Georghiades said. “Removing our complacency is a big issue, and so it’s just having the fire to go out with every game and wanting the victory.”

There was, however, optimism.

“We’re planning to pick it up,” senior and captain John Culpepper said.

On Mar. 15, the team played College Park.

According to Georghiades, it was “sloppy” playing.

“We never really hit our stride,” Georghiades said.

Salerno’s usual halftime pep talk, with his metaphor for the game that “the painting is half finished,” had a twist: “We are still mixing the paint,” he told the team.

They finished the painting, winning 2-0. Later that night, Salerno sent out a text, telling the team that the win had secured Consol a spot in playoffs, restoring their confidence.

“We only have eyes for the future,” Georghiades said.

The boys are relentless. Yes, they’re jokers, and yes, they’re boys; they take a while to quiet down when Salerno is talking to them before practice; they scoff at serious questions, sometimes. But they’re driven because they are a team; they have grown closer as a unit, against the odds.

“The one thing that [other coaches] say is, ‘Your kids play with just so much passion,’ and that’s one of our characteristics,” Salerno said.

“They’re playing for each other. [They] look in each others’ eyes and go in and do what we’ve been practicing all this time.”

Salerno sometimes tells them during halftime, “No regrets.” It’s a saying, a motto that pushes the team to their limits, that ensures that they do the hardest work they can do, and let the results be what they will be, because it will be okay.

“This is what I’ve always told the kids from day one: Don’t think about the game that we’re going to play against whoever,” Salerno said.

“You’ve got to think about game after game. Just focus on that game.”

Sophomore Daniel Zivney:

“I think that from the beginning of the year, we’ve worked so well together that success has just come naturally.”

the roar | sports | 27

friday, april 5, 2013

in the

Big Leagues Star softball player signs with college team nicole farrell | sports editor The offer may have come later than usual for senior softball player Taylor Oberg, but she couldn’t have been more excited.

“They start signing people freshman, sophomore year, or earlier, so you know you need to step up and work hard. It was [really] refreshing to sign at the beginning of my senior year [for University of Texas at San Antonio],” Oberg said.

The offer was made on Oberg’s first unofficial visit to the campus. This was unexpected, but Oberg is very excited to play with UTSA and is looking forward to a new level of commitment and motivation.

“I visited UTSA and went to their camps, and they came and watched me,” Oberg said. “I really liked the coaches; it was a big relief on my stress [to sign for them].”

Years of hard work and practice have paid off; Oberg has played since she was eight years old, following in the footsteps of her older sister.

“At first, I didn’t like it.” Oberg explained, “Everyone would compare me to my sister and everyone expected me to be in softball. I have [issues with] being compared to my sister. We’re very different ball players.”

Oberg does thank her older sister, who played for Baylor, for helping her with the extensive recruiting process necessary for players wanting to play at the collegiate level.

“You have to email coaches when you get your schedule. [For example,] on my tournament team, you have to email ten coaches for every tournament,” Oberg explained. “It’s just very specific in what you need to do, but [my sister] helped me on what I needed to say to coaches and when to email them.”

Oberg does play on two teams, both the A&M Consolidated varsity team and a gold level tournament team called the Texas Peppers, where team members are all seeking recruitment for college.

“There’s 30 something people on the team, people who are trying hard to get recruited and going hard in practice,” Oberg said. “So it’s helping me to work harder and get better as I go.”

Oberg’s tournament play is in addition to her high school commitment. Megan Kidd, assistant coach at Consol, describes Oberg as a team leader and prized

Senior Taylor Oberg prepares to hit the ball during practice on March 28. Oberg has been playing softball since she was eight.

PHOTO BY DANA BRANHAM

player.

“Taylor leads by example: she’s our lead-off hitter, very successful at the plate, and she always knows when to do the right thing, whether we’re watching or not watching,” Kidd said. “She’s got a mouth on her; she’s definitely a verbal leader as well.”

Senior and fellow team member Elizabeth Hailey comments on Oberg’s contribution to the team as well.

“She’s not afraid to voice her opinion and she’s one of the best people on the team,” Hailey said.

Both Kidd and Hailey also shared their reactions to hearing the news of the signing.

“It’s exciting to see girls going on to further their career,” Kidd said. “It’s exciting to see that they’re having school paid for and when she chose UTSA, it was a relief to know that ‘Hey, you’re staying close to home and we can still come and watch you, with both players and coaches supporting.’”

Hailey adds that she wasn’t surprised at Oberg’s success.

“Taylor can do anything she puts her mind to,” Hailey said.

However, with a younger team and new head coach Rusty Erwin, the team is going through a learning stage as Oberg completes her final season.

“I think we’ve done a good job transitioning,” Kidd said. “We still make young errors. With time, they’ll go away. With maturity, they’ll go away. We’ve had so many games we’ve almost won, and I know that’s hard for us seniors, this is our last go-round and to say ‘Hey, I’ve got

Recent Results: JV lost March 27, 4-3 making their record 2-4 in district.

Varsity beat Lufkin March 26 5-4, improving their record

softball

to 2-5.

to go out with a bang.’”

Oberg adds that despite the record, the team is close and is embracing the challenge.

“It is a very young team,” Oberg said. “We’ve been struggling at the beginning, but we’re making adjustments and we’re getting better.”

This kind of adjustment and transition period will be valuable for Oberg as she moves into college play.

“I think she’s ready,” Kidd said. “It’s a faster paced game. But 5A softball prepares her for that and she’s going into UTSA which has a great coaching staff.”

Hailey knows Oberg’s level of commitment and believes she will succeed in college.

“She works really hard – she has a batting cage in her backyard,” Hailey said.

Oberg says she is looking forward to playing with 18 other team members who are as committed to the game and improvement as she is.

Oberg adds that the current group of girls on the team is her favorite, and that girls she’s played with have helped her to love the game even more.

Kidd described her new perspective as a coach and new mom.

“The life lessons I give them, coaching related, are things I would hope a coach would teach my daughter,” Kidd said. “We always want to make an impact on players, and I hope I’ve made an impact on [Oberg] so that she can go on, in whatever career she chooses, and lead others by what she’s learned on the softball field.”

Upcoming Games: April 5 Bryan-Away game April 9 College Station-Home game April 12 Oak Ridge-Away game April 16 Conroe-Away game

28 | sports | the roar

Athletes, coach reflect on events, personal impact of team

“

RIGHT ON friday, april 5, 2013

long jump/ 100 meter dash

I couldn’t imagine just going to school and not running to put on my spikes right after seventh period. sophomore Autumn

Tara Moore

Green

Sophomore Autumn Green started track for the first time this year. She has improved greatly over the beginning of the season and is now running varsity. Participating in both the 100 and long jump, Green prefers the 100 because she mastered the method much faster, whereas she is still getting used to jumping.

“I like running, [so] the 100 is my favorite, short and simple,” Green said.

Green loves the atmosphere with both her team and her coaches.

“This is my first time, but although it’s an individual sport it’s also a team sport,” Green said. “You can tell that just by coming out here and by everyone sitting together. Everyone encourages each other, I’d say there’s a strong team spirit.”

Green also really looks up to her coach, Coach Moore, and appreciates her methods of encouragemt and criticism.

“She’s just fun to be around and you can tell she knows what she’s doing,” Green said. “I have this really funky jumping form and she doesn’t just flat out tell me ‘Hey, you suck’, she just tells me to pick my feet up a little and extend my arms and that really helps me.”

Although she only began this year Green recalls her second meet as her favorite in both the 100 and the long jump.

“My best jumping experience would be the last jump of the day and Coach Moore told me to just ‘Go out there and just jump your farthest, it’s your last one and you have nothing to lose.’ That was the furthest I had ever jumped,” Green said.

“It wasn’t a lot but it was good for me.”

Green has really enjoyed her first season of track learning new techniques, constantly improving, and embracing the pressure.

“I get all nervous and right before I start I feel like I’m actually about to do something, that moment of realization hits me that I’m about to run,” Green said.

Sophomore Autumn Green competes in the long jump at the Bryan meet March 3. Green just started track this year. PHOTO BY NICOLE FARRELL

Coach

jumping

Track coach talks motivations, relationships & assistant editor Channing Young asks the questions How long have you been coaching?

I’ve been coaching for 12 years.

What’s your relationship with the athletes like? [ I’m] pretty comfortable with all our athletes; they know when I’m serious and they know I’m having fun. I think we build relationships when we get to travel a lot with the team. As far as practice goes ,it’s pretty laid back ,but they know my expectations [and] they know when to get serious Why’d you start coaching?

My degree was in exercise physiology. I loved sports I loved physical activity.

However, when I was doing cardiac rehab I just didn’t feel that that was my calling.

So when I went back to start substitute teaching I started coaching at the same time, and I started with basketball; that was my passion. Then I became a track coach and I loved that.

Basketball and track were my two sports to coach throughout the years. Then when I moved here (this is my seventh year at Consol) I had to choose one or the other, basically because of my family and my two children, and I chose track.

Relationship with with this year?

athletes

As far as our relationships in a team and coaching aspect.

The relationships with the girls among themselves are more team oriented. I know that track is an individual sport but however we have grown as a team with one another to help encourage one another and build each other up before each competition. Each track meet is different. I try to encourage the girls to PR set a personal record for themselves; competition is great for our district. They may not win each division or race however if they break their personal record that’s what counts as far as their personal pride Anything I didn’t ask?

I think what I enjoy is being a track coach because I enjoy running myself, I love the outdoors and the competitiveness, I ran two full marathons and a couple of half marathons. Its the girls and their dedication to what they do outside of the classroom and their extracurricular is what encourages me to get involved more. And I just love the nature of the competition.

the roar | sports | 29

friday, may 13,5,2011 friday, april 2013

100/300 meter hurdles Juniors Qiona Payton and Emily Caruso have been doing hurdles since their seventh grade year. Both Payton and Caruso agree that as they reached high school, doing hurdles has become much more challenging and requires a lot more practice.

“Varsity is a lot more intense,” Caruso said.

Although track is an individual sport each teammate goes out of their way to ensure their peers do their best.

“We coach each other a lot," Caruso said. "If we see that one of us is doing something wrong we help them out in

channing young | assistant editor

4x400 meter relay Participating in the 4x400 relay, junior Gus Miller has now been doing track for five years. He recalls starting his seventh grade year at the advice of his football coaches and has played ever since.

“My football coaches said you should go out for track,” Miller recalled, “So I went out to track and found out that I love it.”

Miller believes that being in a relay event with his peers benefits him because they encourage and push him to do his best.

“We support one another and always have faith in each other,” Miller said. “But we always strive to run faster than each other in practice. We work more as a team than individually.”

Miller’s favorite memory of track is his sophomore year when he won district. Miller is continuing to work hard towards his goal for himself and his team mates to go to state.

“I am constantly trying to get better,” Miller said. “I’m never just okay with where I am at.”

case our coach does not catch it."

Once they have finished their event, both Payton and Caruso look forward to personal improvement.

“I always want to go back and fix what I’ve done wrong,” Payton said.

The two recognize how their appreciation for doing hurdles as grown throughout the years, and look forward to the rest of the season.

“If I get a good time it makes me want to go back and practice as soon as I can so that I can get better for the next week,” Caruso said.

high jump Junior Sherman Wilder started high jump his sophomore year on the JV team and has progressed to the varsity team this year.

Wilder said it took a year to get comfortable with the

Sophomore Tori Carraway runs in the 100 meter hurdles March 3. Carraway competed with Caruso and Payton.

PHOTO BY JANET NI

“

technique and lots of practice to get to where he is now.

Wilder’s favorite memory was at a JV track meet last year.

“It was the first time I beat everybody by like a foot,” Wilder said.

I started high jump because when I dunked for the first time in basketball, I believed I could jump over anything. junior Sherman

Wilder

“

It’s definitely a lot more stressful than an open event. You have to perform for your team; it’s not just for yourself. junior Gus

Miller

Junior Sherman Wilder takes the leap at the Bryan track meet March 3. Wilder joined varsity this season. PHOTO BY NICOLE FARRELL

30 | entertainment | the roar

Lunch Date

friday, april 5, 2013

Roar staffers critique up-and-coming sandwich venues in College Station

I

Blue Baker

reviewed by michelle liu

t wasn’t even my first time, but I was confused anyway: I entered Blue Baker on a Friday around noon, and there wasn’t too much of a lunch rush--which could be taken as either a good or a bad thing. Following the winding signs, I awkwardly made my way to the counter of sorts which stretches across a wall of the restaurant, where I realized that I wasn’t quite sure where to stand to order, or where to stand if I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet. I could’ve done with a little more direction.

The employee taking my order and making my sandwich was pleasant and polite, and she didn’t seem at all fazed by my indecisiveness, or by my last minute decision to order soup, which was nice. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was enveloping without being overly crowded or distantly empty.

The wait wasn’t very long before I received my food. I’d ordered a Grilled Indigo sandwich, chicken breast on focaccia with tomato aioli and spinach, but the sandwich I received looked a little less appetizing than when described on the menu...it was unwieldy, and the bottom half of it was soggy with condiments I hadn’t added; I couldn’t help but get sandwich all over my lap, requiring several napkins from my compatriot diners. (Blue Baker, please don’t drench your sandwiches in tomato aioli, as fancy as it sounds.)

The sandwich itself was subpar in tasteI’d had better. The broccoli and cheese soup was less soup and more gelatin-like and tasted, according to a second opinion, “like sour milk.” My experience might have been a fluke (my sister sitting next to me raved about her sandwich), but it was certainly an unfortunate one, leaving me a little alienated and reluctant to visit this old stand-by in the near future.

I

’d never been to College Station’s Panera Bread before my sandwich reconnaissance trip and on all accounts I was impressed with this outpost of the Panera franchise.

Even sandwiched between other patrons in line during the noontime lunch rush I could appreciate the tastefully decorated cozy interior.

Panera offers an impressive spread: Panini, sandwiches, pastas, soups, salads, smoothies, and breakfast items, all touting the label ‘organic’, ‘all natural’, ‘signature’, or at the very least ‘artisanal.’ I ordered the napa almond chicken salad, chips on the side plus a drink and proceeded in what I hoped was the direction of the soda fountain.

Notably, the entire prep time for my sandwich was equal

A

PHOTO BY LEAH CRISMAN

Panera Bread

reviewed by leah crisman

to the amount of time I spent picking my fountain drink.

I received my food from someone whose sole job appeared to be reading the names off bags and distributing them (I was identified as “Lee” for the nth time in my life, but I digress…). Needless to say, I was inordinately excited over this tribute to lazy restaurant patrons and accepted my togo bag with a sincere keenness to like what it contained.

My neatly-wrapped sandwich was delicious and did not require an endless stream of napkins to eat (the latter is higher on my list of the qualities of an ideal sandwich than one might think). It had a good balance of flavors: not too sweet or salty or tangy and I appreciated that Panera did not try to spice up my sandwich with any unnecessary

Newk’s

reviewed by eva araujo

s I stepped into Newk’s, I immediately noticed the cool and relaxed atmosphere.

Newks was surprisingly pleasantly quiet. The surprised half of my reaction was partially due to the 12:00 lunch hour and because I heard so much about this new cafe and was expecting for the place to be hoppin’. I was courteously handed my number after ordering a toasted turkey sandwich with the whole shebang (lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato, Swiss cheese) and a plastic black cup with “NEWK’S” plastered on the front. Now of course, if you know me, you know my serious relationship with my dear herbal lover, sweet tea. Everyone’s tea is different, and when you don’t have good tea you’ll probably never see me again, just sayin’. Thankfully, it was perfect: strong and sweet.

I felt like Newk’s really knew me. I picked a spot by the window and within five minutes my food had arrived (woah, that was fast). And within another five minutes my food was gone.

The sandwich was good, but the taste didn’t “wow” me. However, I must say that my sister ordered a pizza and complained that the grease on the pizza was so heavy that the bread was soggy within seconds. So that’s a no-go on the pizza.

Of course, before I left the restaurant I had to inspect the bathrooms. I noticed that they were clean, but unfortunately lacking in toilet paper and hand soap. However, the service in the restaurant was extremely nice and ready to assist which added some light to the situation.

I must also add a warning to those who despise elevator music because they were blasting those jazzy tunes the entire time I was there. But honestly, what’s to expect for this cool-toned restaurant whose wall art reminded me a little too much of a Bill Cosby sweater? Overall, Newk’s was a pleasure, but I definitely wouldn’t find myself craving it. It’s not that Newk’s is bad, it just wasn’t great.

ingredients or seasonings: it was no less and no more than a tasty chicken salad sandwich.

A cautionary note: Panera has an unshakable corporate air. I doubt anyone entering this franchise will think “gosh, a cute local restaurant—what a find!” Everything from the efficiency to the color scheme to the carefully presented glamour shots of sandwiches on the menu is gratifying if you are searching for the security of a well made sandwich at a predictable price but disappointing if you yearn for something a little more eclectic. If you are currently wondering why that would bother anyone, disregard this and continue buying your stellar Panera baked goods; you will probably be seeing me there as well.

@ CONSOL S T C FA MARCH the roar | @consol | 31

friday, april 5, 2013

COMPILED BY THE ROAR STAFF

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Students discuss the lastest sports craze

MADopinions

“I really like March Madness because you get to see so many good teams competing against each other.”

“People put too much emphasis on this time of the year. It’s just basketball.” junior Sahiti Enjeti

freshman Logan Winder

how’s your bracket doing?

“It’s terrible, I only have one team in the final four. I just picked teams based on the jerseys I liked the best.”

“[My bracket] is doing better than I thought it would!”

howing sspirit

“I like Kansas because that’s where I grew up. They were in the championship during the first March Madness I ever watched.”

-senior Rey Banuelos

-senior Taylor McGinnis

“It sucks this year, way worse than ever before.”

-senior Kyle Brooks

-senior Dan Havens

“I like A&M ... not so many people go to the games ... you can connect with the players more.”

-senior Mary Catherine McCord

“Duke has been my favorite team since I was little. I was so devastated when they lost. I cried.”

-senior Eric Lan

friday, april 5, 2013 fds

32 | etcetera | the roar

“It says faith to show my religion and how faith has gotten me through a lot of things,” senior Fran Escalon said. “I’ve been wanting a tattoo for over a year now, but wanted ‘faith’ only for a few months.”

PHOTO BY EVA ARAUJO

“It’s love and peace in Chinese,” senior Jasmine Harris said. “I like it, but there was really no point in getting it.” PHOTO BY EVA ARAUJO

“I got arrested so I was like, ‘I’m a thug for the rest of my life,’” junior Jorge Olvera said. “I was running away from the cops. I like it.” PHOTO BY EVA ARAUJO

‘I think sharks are powerful and wildly interesting,” senior Leah Vitale said. “I did draw it with the intention of getting it tattooed, but it was one of many other ideas.” PHOTO BY LAURA EVERETT

“It’s the Iron Man symbol, that I got right after I ran my first Iron Man triathalon,” coach Ryan Goodwyn said.

“The Latin around it means a strong resolve never quits.”PHOTO BY RACHEL KAGLE

Body art serve

s as form of ex

eva araujo | assistant editor

Permanent. A word that to most people appears to be scary because it is not something you can ever get rid of or escape from.

It is a part of the world forever and is in some ways immortal. Most people run away from the word because humans naturally tend to like change and will search for a way out.

They don’t want to be chained to something forever. Tattoos are permanent and are for a lot of people something to run away from. But what if you wanted a tattoo because it is permanent? Because it won’t fade away and be gone. What if you needed something that you could count on to always be with you?

Junior Dakota Young did not get a tattoo on a whim. When Young’s sister, Chyna, passed away in late April of 2012 she could not believe it. Young wasn’t ready for her to be gone. She wanted to keep a part of Chyna wherever she went.

“Me and all my siblings got a tattoo in honor of her,” Young said.

“We got it the day before her fu-

Senior Hayley Cmajdalka got three doves tattooed to represent Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

PHOTO BY LAURA EVERETT

neral. I love tattoos in general, but I am happy about mine because it actually has a very special meaning to me.”

Young said that her siblings and she got it together, as a way to say that they loved Chyna and will always remember her. Each one’s tattoo had something to do with her sister’s favorite character, Tinkerbell.

“She was in love with Tinkerbell,” Young said. “Even her being 18 when she passed, she still had Tinkerbell bed sheets, chairs, pajamas- everything. She loved, loved, loved Tinkerbell.”

Chyna passed away after a horrifying set of attacks. Young said it was like a series of waves that kept pulling her farther and farther underwater.

“Her boyfriend shot her in the back right after her 18th birthday.

She was shot four times and the bullets were lodged right next to her spinal cord and her neck,” Young said. “She was also three months

pregnant.”

Even after this traumatizing event Young’s sister was strong and survived. However, her health began to fail slowly after that.

“She was having complications with her baby and they had to stop her from going into premature labor,” Young said. “She had a premature birth and because of that her body was really weak. She got Pneumonia after that and then another disease that attacked her heart. This is what killed her in the end.”

Young said the physical pain of getting a tattoo surpassed what she initially expected, but that it was all worth it in the end.

“It hurt a lot more than I thought it would, but after a few weeks the pain goes away and you forget about it and think more on the meaning of the tattoo,” Young said. The tattoo is so special to me because now a part of her is permanently with me.”

pression, senti

ment

PHOTO OF JUNIOR DAKOTA YOUNG BY EVA ARAUJO