Thoughts on Valentine’s Day
By: T. Wallace
Valentine's Day is a day to show love. The date is Feb. 14, and people typically celebrate it with a person they are in a romantic relationship with. Although, some people hate Valentine’s Day because they’re single and have no one to celebrate it with.
People should still celebrate the holiday even if they’re single.
Most people hate being single on Valentine's Day, but people can do other things if they're by themselves. People can pamper themselves and do self-care. Self-love is also a good way to celebrate Valentine's Day for single people. Buy yourself flowers and chocolate and order a massage, or make a reservation for a nice restaurant and get dressed up.
Hanging out with friends is another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Buy each other chocolate and watch movies. It never has to be about a girlfriend or boyfriend. You can spend a whole night out with friends or just stay in with some of your favorite people
Valentine’s Day can also be spent with family. You can create your own decorations for Valentine’s Day or make each other little gifts. Have a baking contest or just bake some Valentine’s Day cookies. A special family game night is another way to celebrate with family.
Although some people may say that Valentine’s Day is only for couples, that isn’t true. Valentine’s Day is about love in general, not just love for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Spend the day with people you love and cherish, people who really matter to you.
January 27, 2023 Issue 77
Photo by: Senior Katelyn Anderson
Elysian Fields High School Student Paper Bleeding Orange
January 27, 2023
What’s the Perfect Valentine’s Date? Page
“I would want to go to Texas Roadhouse.”
-Freshman Spencer Scott
“Going to the movies.”
-freshman Alani Robinson
“I would want to go on a picnic with my bestie and then the movies.”
- Freshman Aniyah Patterson
“I want to eat McDonalds and go to Europe.” -Sophomore Tatum Wallace
“Eating at Hooters.”
-Junior Chaelton Cook
“Wind Rush Grill dinner date & ice cream after.”
- Coach Norwood
“Papacitas would be perfect.” - Freshman Nunu Kennedy
“I want to go to Disney World with my boyfriend.” -Freshman Madison Owens
“When he takes me shopping.”
-Nurse Tori
2
“I only want good food.”
-Assistant Principal Krystal Woodley
“Chill at the park.”
-Freshman Kessler Lusignan
“I want to eat crawfish.”
– Mrs. States
“I want to eat IHOP in India.” -Sophomore Trevor Riddle
“I want to go to my house and then the movies.”
-Freshman Maddox Morgan
Elysian Fields High School Student Paper
Bleeding Orange
Photos and quotes gathered by Ada Beasley, Kylee Heath, Haleigh Ford, and Julianne Dement.
EF Sports Network
Golfers Look Forward to Fun Season
By: K. Stephens
This year's golf season is right around the corner. Although it is not a very well-known sport at the school, it is enjoyed by many of our multi-athlete students.
“I'm looking forward to getting better at my putting and being able to shoot under par,” senior Landon Martin said. “I am also looking forward to playing golf for the school since this is my first year ever playing golf here. I am also looking forward to getting to play in the state tournament in May. One more thing I am looking forward to throughout the season is playing golf with my friends for my final year of high school.”
Powerlifitng Attends First Meet of Season
By: B. Marcum
The next powerlifting meet will be at Sabine Junior High on Jan. 28.
Likewise, junior Jace Alaniz is ready to see where this season takes him.
“The things I enjoy most about golf season is the fact that I get to play a sport I enjoy and it [the season] gives me the ability to play for the school's team,” Alaniz said. “I'm looking forward to doing well in the tournaments, potentially winning one and just having fun while playing golf with my friends.”
Although golf isn’t a team sport, it’s still a time to spend with friends.
“I enjoy being able to play the sport I love with my friends,” sophomore Layton Derouen said. “Golf is a one man sport and I love the independence of it.”
As they put on their uniforms, they are nervous yet excited to show the judges what they have been training for over the past couple of months. They go out and show their abilities to their team, the judges and themselves. The powerlifting team had their first meet on Jan. 12 at Hallsville.
The team has put their sweat and tears into training for this season. With there being a new head coach, there are new goals to be reached.
“My goal for this year is to build a strong foundation for this program and to strengthen the athletes throughout the season in several aspects,” head coach Justin Hadwin said. “The girls and boys are working hard, and I think we can certainly see some success this season as far as performance. However, we are very inexperienced which means we have a lot to learn. That is all part of the development, and we embrace the challenge. Our focus is strength training, just getting stronger everyday, knowing this is going to be a process.”
Tennis Season Begins
By: Ava Henigan
The tennis team has been working hard to get ready to start their season with their first tournament on Feb. 7.
This year they have a new coach who is ready to help her players grow and build the tennis program.
“I am very excited about the season and eager for it to start!” coach Mackynna Evers said. “This year I am looking for the program to grow with all the new players that have signed up and continual improvement for the returning players.”
Last year's area qualifier, sophomore Allison O’Brien, is excited to see how far she will advance and where this year takes the team.
“I am really excited for this season, and I hope to make it as far as regionals,” O’Brien said. “I'm also excited to see how far the rest of the team goes and see how much the newcomers improve.”
Athletes new to the game are ready to learn new skills and see how the season unfolds.
“I look forward to seeing where this season will take me, and am excited to see how much I improve,” freshman Allyee Cline said.
With this season being different from the previous, the athletes have still managed to keep a positive outlook.
“I have a really good feeling about this season,” senior Walker Jefferson said. “I feel like I am progressing very fast in the weight room, and by the last meet I should be able to hit my desired total. My main focus in the weight room is to keep progressing in strength but to stay lean and make sure I'm putting on strictly lean muscle mass and no excess weight.”
Numerous athletes have found it helps to have a personal goal to work towards.
“We have a lot more people this year, so I see a successful season ahead of us,” junior Jaicey Rich said. “My goal for this year is not only to make it to regionals but to develop a better attitude and mindset and become physically stronger.” [cont.]
January 27, 2023
Page 3
Jace Alaniz with the long shot.
Photo shared by Coach Solis
Layton Derouen with the close shot.
Photo shared by Coach Solis
Layton Derouen swings hard.
Photo shared by Coach Solis
Allyee Cline puts in work
Photo via Coach Crow’s facebook.
Jayden Anderson benches
Photo via Coach Crow’s facebook.
Elysian Fields High School Student Paper Bleeding Orange
WEEKS UNTIL SCHOOL IS OUT!!
16
EF Sports Network
Girl’s Basketball is Close to an End
By: C. Lawless
During this basketball season, the team has played hard in many tournaments and games. Now, they are towards the end of the second round of district.
In the first and most of the second part of district, the team did not play as well as they hoped to, but they are keeping their heads held high.
As the end of the season and the school year approaches, seniors are holding on to the moments and memories they have, but they are also looking towards the future.
“Last season didn’t go how we wanted it, so we are trying our best to prove everyone wrong. We just need to keep finishing, making shots, and play as a team.”
With the five seniors that graduated, there are only four returning players. Even though they are a young team, they still have so much heart for the game.
“This team wants to make the basketball program better,” junior Travis Stephens said. “Not for just for us but for the upcoming people too. We’re obviously a young team with only two seniors, so almost everyone is coming back next year. We’re only gonna get better from there.”
The season isn’t just about winning; the memories made will last a lifetime.
“It is bittersweet, but I am ready to see what the rest of the season has to hold for our team,” senior Caitlyn Attaway said. “I have enjoyed playing this year. We have improved this season as a team and have worked very hard together in practices and games. I think we will perform well in the next games no matter the outcome. I am sad this is my last season playing this sport, but I am ready to see what the future holds.”
“My favorite memory has to be after our second tournament,” junior Dravian Rather said. “We went to a pizza place and the guy was complaining trying to charge Coach Boone more than the regular price, so coach realized that and we were about leave and the old man started begging us to stay and going under his regular price. It was hilarious, one of the funniest things ever. I love this year and love the team, and regardless of our record, only we know what it’s supposed to truly look like. Just know next year we’re most definitely competing for first in district.”
The boys will play at Tatum High School for their district matchup today.
“This group of girls has been so much fun to be on a team with and get to know,” senior Kyleigh Griffin said. “I am hoping that we will be able to bring home a win soon, and I do think we could make playoffs if everyone stays focused and plays their best each game. It's bittersweet because I have played this sport for years. I'm not ready to give it up, but I'm excited to find new hobbies to fill my time!”
Many of the underclassmen are “sad” that the season is getting closer to an end, especially since they will not get another chance to play with this group of seniors.
GO JACKETS!!
Always Hoop For The Best
By: C. Davis
“I am going to miss spending all this time with these people,” sophomore Carson Davis said. “I have really enjoyed playing with this group of people this year. Last year as I was injured I really didn't get to witness the atmosphere on the court with the girls. As time goes on we get closer and closer, because we basically spend every second with each other. And since we have a coach that knows us and how we play, that makes the connections even better.” [cont.]
As last year didn’t go as planned for our boys, this year is something special to them.
“As the season goes on, we improve more and more each game and practice,” basketball manager Lawson Swank said. [cont.]
“To take this win against Tatum, it all starts with being physical and playing at our own pace,” junior Kip Lewis. “Obviously they’re number one in district, but they’ve killed every team besides us. If there’s anyone who can beat them, it’s us, even if they have home court advantage.”
January 27, 2023
Page 4
Coach Tiller talks to the team.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
Gabrielle Lopez runs down the court.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
Caitlyn Attaway shoots a free throw.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
The team watches the court.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
The girl’s basketball team will play a district game tonight at 6:15 in Tatum.
The team is getting hype for the game.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
The fans in the stands clapping, the run out song hyping the team up, the cheerleaders shaking their pom poms. It’s game time!
Coach Boone coaches Kip Lewis.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
Kip Lewis shoots a layup.
Photo by Frozen Moments Photography.
Elysian Fields High School
Student Paper
Bleeding Orange
New Program Available For Students
By: Y. Brown
The high school and the middle school are now adopting a new health curriculum, ESTEEM, and currently, it is only for grades 6-9.
“I’m very excited to deliver this curriculum to the freshmen,” English I and ESTEEM instructor Ariella Wolfe said. “It's about time we start putting emphasis on social/ emotional awareness and preparing students for real life issues they will face every day.”
The ESTEEM curriculum is designed to promote student success in many areas of their lives including: making goals, social media, effective communication, laws and setting boundaries.
“I’m glad we are able to bring a program that will promote healthy mental health and that will benefit the students,” biology teacher and ESTEEM instructor Allison Commander said.
Parents will need to “opt in” for their child to participate in the program. All papers were received with report cards. All permission forms are due before Feb.1.
“It seems like a very good program,” freshman Hannah Segers said. “It is designed to help us communicate about our emotions. It will also provide good financial advice and will help us mature while teaching us the importance of good mental health.”
The More You Know: Do Human Beings Complain Too Much?
By: J Rich
Walking through the store, all that can be heard is, “Gas prices are too high,” “These people are taking too long,” “I’m tired,” “There are too many people here,” “The line is too long,” “I cannot stand our president,” and “I wish she wouldn’t talk so loud.” [Cont…]
Hearing all of these complaints can make one want to leave and not come back, making them feel not as good as they did when they entered the store. Human beings complain about everything that even slightly messes up their plans. Why complain if there is so much to be happy about? This presents the question: Do human beings complain too much?
Human beings complain too much.
Complaining affects one’s mental health. When people complain too much, it is feeding negative thoughts into their brains, making them not as happy and, oftentimes, depressed or anxious. If people think happy thoughts, they will tend to be happy, and complaining is quite the opposite.
When people complain, it affects the way they view the world. When people complain about things, it makes those things turn negative and stick out more. Viewing things negatively can link to poor mental health. When complaining too much, one will create a habit, and it will lead to a cycle of complaining, in turn, making them view things negatively
When one complains, the people around them are affected too. It will make those negative things stick out to them, causing them to develop a poor mindset and a bad view of the world. Complaining not only affects the person doing it, but it also makes a giant impact on others around them. This could cause others to develop this “complaining” mindset and experience many more negative outcomes.
If one decides to complain, one should also look at the positives in the situation too, in an effort to prevent all of these negative effects.
ARkStorm
By: A. Walton
An ARkStorm is a storm that rains for 40 days and blows strong winds that can reach 125 mph. ARkStorms occur once typically every 100 to 200 years in the California area. The last one that occurred was in 1861, causing 4,000 deaths and $3.117 billion dollars in damages using today's money. The population at the time was 380,000, so it's a pretty substantial event. If one were to happen today, it would cost an estimated $725 billion dollars in repairs due to landslides, flooding, and winds. [Cont…]
With a population of 40 million, the loss of life would be heavy to say the least. Experts predict that 1.5 million would need to evacuate the area. This storm is predicted to have a 50-50 chance to come back by the year 2060.
“The SAFRR project’s second scenario, called ARkStorm, addresses massive U.S. West Coast storms analogous to those that devastated California in 1861–62,” the USGS said. “Storms of this magnitude are projected to become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The wind, precipitation and flooding, and coastal hazards were translated into physical, environmental, social, and economic damages to provide emergency responders, resource managers, and the public a realistic assessment of what is historically possible.”
Researchers are trying their hardest to prepare for such a disaster and trying to develop a plan for first responders.
“Such storms have happened in California's historic record (1861-62), but 186162 is not a freak event, not the last time the state will experience such a severe storm, and not the worst case,” the USGS said. “The geologic record shows 6 megastorms more severe than 1861-1862 in California in the last 1800 years, and there is no reason to believe similar events won't occur again.”
The geologists are certain that another ARkStorm will come soon, and they are making new models that would better predict the phenomenon.
“We developed two brand new megastorm scenarios as part of “ARkStorm 2.0,” a historical (ARkHist) & warmer future scenario (ARkFuture) aimed at more systematically characterizing the plausible range of megastorm and extreme flood events that might befall California both in the present era and in the future” the USGS said. “We wanted to revamp ARkStorm for two primary reasons. First, the original ARkStorm did not consider climate change, and recent evidence suggested that warming may be substantially altering the characteristics of and risks associated with such an event.”
January 27, 2023
Spotlight Page5
The Orange
Elysian Fields High School Student Paper Bleeding Orange
Avatar: The Way of Water
By: A. Henigan
After 13 years, director James Cameron has finally produced the long awaited sequel to his film “Avatar.” “Avatar: The Way of Water” hit theaters on Dec. 16 and has surpassed “Spiderman: No Way Home,” becoming the sixth highest grossing movie of all time.
The CGI and animation in “Avatar: The Way of Water" is much more detailed than the first.
“In my opinion ‘Avatar: The Way of Water' is better than the first because of how much more detail the writers put into the animation,” sophomore Carson Davis said. “Everything in the movie was beautiful.”
Fans are eager to see what Cameron has in store for “Avatar 3.”
“I am very excited and curious to see what’s in store for ‘Avatar 3,’” junior Sailor Paine said. “I waited so long to watch the second one, and I loved every minute of it.”
The emotion portrayed in the film has left fans speechless.
“I think it's dope,” junior Logan Smith said. “I think it could be like the next star wars because of how passionate the director and cast is in the film. I was blown away by the end.”
Upcoming on Netflix:
TV shows:
You: season 4: part 1 (February 9)
Love is blind: after the alter: season 3 (February 10)
Red rose (February 15)
Outer banks season 3 (February 23)
Movies:
True spirit (February 3)
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (February 4)
Dear David (February 9)
Squared Love all over again (February 13)
February People of the Month
By: C. Creech
The February students of the month are Hailey Carr and Jayden Anderson.
What is the perfect Valentine’s gift?
“A necklAce” -Freshman, Nunu Kennedy
“A teddy bear” -Freshman, Alani Robinson
“Flowers” Freshman, Julie Lowery
Hailey Carr is the daughter of Millie and Jimmy McCracken. Hailey participates in UIL interpretation (poetry and prose). Hailey’s favorite class is “all of Coach Commander’s classes.” In her free time, she likes to read, play video games, and hang out with her friends. After high school, she plans to go to Panola College to become a nurse.
“Movies” -Freshman, Jamarion Johnson
“Quality time together” -Sophomore, Mackinsay Chauncy
Jayden Anderson is the son of Billy and Tisha Anderson. Jayden is active in basketball, football and OAP. Jayden’s favorite class is art. In his free time, he likes to workout. After high school, he plans to be an entrepreneur.
The February teacher of the month at the high school is Ariella Wolfe.
Mrs. Wolfe is a 2013 graduate of Elysian Fields. She received her B.A. in English literature and well as her M.A. in teaching from Louisiana Tech. She currently teaches English I, OAP and coaches the UIL Spelling team. She is married to baseball coach Blake Wolfe. This is her first year teaching at Elysian Fields, after several years teaching in Louisiana.
“Red Lobster” -Sophomore, Kaylie Davis
“Chocolate” - Biology teacher Mrs. Commander
“Crawfish”Mrs. Griffin
January 27, 2023 Entertainment Page 6
Photo by Ada Beasley
Photo by Ada Beasley
High School Student Paper
Elysian Fields
Bleeding Orange
Photos taken by Kylee Heath
Softball Begins
By: C. Creech
Warm weather fills the air and clear skies cover the field as the first practice begins for this season.
The Lady Jackets’ first softball scrimmage will be tomorrow at home against Carthage/Tyler Legacy. Practices began on Jan. 13.
“I think this season is going to be great,” senior Carmen Lawless said. “I think we will definitely make it to the playoffs since we have almost an entire returning team.”
Senior Bryanne Beavers has played since she was five years old, so this last season is going to be a little bit harder.
“This season is going to be great!” Beavers said. “We are all working so hard to better ourselves. It is sad to think about this being my last softball season. Time flew by so fast. We have some talented freshmen this year! I'm excited to see what they can do!”
With almost the whole varsity team being seniors, emotions are high.
“It's hard to believe this is the last year for this group of seniors,” head coach Lexi Commander said. “This group of seniors is a large group who have played together growing up through the years. It is fun listening to them talk about the different teams they played on together and hearing them go through memories. I hope they all have a great season, but also, I am sad that it is their last season with us! They have all grown so much since they stepped into athletics in 7th grade, and I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
