The Bleeding Orange- Issue 80

SeniorsWalktheHalls One Last Time

By:TheBleedingOrangeStaff

The years flash by in a blur of memories as they walk the halls they’ve roamed for the last 12 years Familiar faces peer through the doorways, some teary, some smiling, but all full of pride Kindergarteners lookupwithaweat the “big kids” in their graduation gowns, middle school students clap and look for “their favorite seniors,” and the underclassmenwhoopastheyexcitedlyrealizejusthowclosetheyaregettingtothismilestoneaswell

On Wednesday, May 10, the seniors walked the halls of their school, as well as the elementary and middle schools,onelasttime

“Ican’tbelievewewillbegraduatinginaweek!”

seniorTeresaHallsaid “I’mgonnamissthesepeople”

Manywhohadthechancetoteachtheclassof2023agreethatthereissomethingspecialaboutthisgroup

“I really love these kids,”journalismteacherandformerEnglishIIIteacherAmandaWaresaid “Theyweremy very last English III students, so I had the opportunity to teach them all I can’t imagine a better ending to my English-teaching career They definitely hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to cheer from the sidelines astheyallstartonthisnewjourney.”

Superintendent Monica Simmons used her newsletter to send a special message to these hard-working seniors during this special time in their lives. Simmonshasauniqueinsightwhenitcomestothisgroupasshewaswiththem attheelementaryandwasthenabletowatchthemjourneythroughhighschoolfromherroleasanadministrator

“I am excited for all that awaits our seniors and for the many opportunities they will have to leave their footprints on our world,” Simmons said “I hope all the students know how proud I am of each and every one of them”

“On the way to college station our bus broke down and it was really fun because we saw one of our friends' dads getting pulled over by my tire when I was about to leave for a baseball game, now the cat is my best friend ”

- Senior Bryanne Beavers

“Hearing the news about winning a state award in science ”

- Senior Drew Simms

“My favorite memories are seeing Wes on a scooter when he was injured, and when Caleb pushed me over the finish line at the first CX race last year, helping me set a new PR! ”

-senior Jacob McCray

“ My favorite memory was riding the bus with my friends on the way to basketball games ” - Senior Jayden Anderson

“The time I got in trouble for something, but, plot twist, I wasn’t even here that day Or when I almost blew up the microwave ”

- Senior Katelyn Anderson

Hoskins declared Prank day!“

-senior Gracie Stewart

as Michael Myers or will DJ was scootering around the halls ” -Senior Cora Creech

“When Mrs Langley let us shoot Mr Johnny with NERF guns ” -Kya Cox

“ My favorite memory is when my friends and I all played football and everything was normal, like it used to be ”

- Senior Cayden Plemmons

“My favorite moment will be leaving ”

- Senior Baylee Marcum

Jacket Spotlight

TheStaffSays Goodbye toSeniorJournalists

By:TheBleedingOrangeStaff

When a student joins a group their freshman year of high school, they often don’t realize that they are actually joining a second family When people work together fivedaysa week for four-years, hitting deadlines, preparing for contests, seeing each other’s highs and lows, you become attached in an unexpectedway

Every year, the staff dedicated articles to our graduating staff members as a way to say “goodbye,” but also “thank you” Thank you for the memories, the editing, keeping us organized, and your dedication to this staff which took up quite a bit of thetimeyouspent here over the lastfouryears Thisyearwehave four staff members headed out into the real world, and we will certainly feel their absence next yearwhenwereturn Atthesametime,we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them Thank you for all you’ve done for our little paper: Cora Creech, Katelyn Anderson, Carmen Lawless, and Baylee Marcum

Katelyn

Katelyn is known for her spunky attitude and ability to add humor to almost any situation

“On the first UIL trip that I went on, I remember that Katelyn, Izzy, and I were in the back seat,” sophomore Nikki Silas said “She started singing “Baby” by Justin Bieber and was kinda off-key, but she definitely made the song more fun than normal And her “I don’t care about what anyone thinks” personality is just fun to be around in school and outside of school”

Journalism teacher Amanda Warewillalso misstheenergyforwhichKatelynisknown

Carmen is definitely leaving her mark on thejournalismprogram

“Unlike Katelyn,Carmencameinquietly,” journalism teacher Mrs Amanda Ware said “I’m not sure she realized, at first, just how good at this she was going to be During her junior year, she wasthefirstjournalismstudent I have ever had make it to the state level (and as far as I know, shewasthefirstEFstudentto do that as well) Carmen is, simply put, the kind of student every teacher wants in their classroom She’s dedicated, punctual, and helpful She became a role model for many of the students joining the program because she set the bar high One of the highlights of my teaching career was letting her (and hermom!) know that we were headed to Austin I know that once shesetshermindtosomething,sheis unstoppable We are all going to miss her so much but I am excited to watch this next c

Cora

As graduation draws near, staff members reflect onCora’swelcomingattitudeandability tohelp

“I’ve enjoyed having Cora on the staff,” junior Jaicey Rich said “I remember freshman year when she was one of the only ones who made me feel welcomed Over the years, she hashelpedmealotasajournalist”

JournalismteacherAmandaWareis nervousaboutlosinghersenioreditor,whohas becomesomuchmorethroughtheyears

“Well, if people think I’m scattered now, wait until they see me after Cora graduates,” Ware said “She wasn’t just my student- Cora kept me sane She reminded me about deadlines (or just anything she knew was on my to-do list that needed to be completed), edited and often arranged the papercompletely by herself, and has even beenknowntotellme to stop whining! Ha! I’ve had her every year since she was a freshman, and this year, I had her three times a day I honestly don’t know what Iamgoingtodowhensheleavesme Ido know I will bebuyingsomebluebecauseIwill definitely have to see her pitching at the collegiate level She’s taking a piece of my hearttoKansas,butIcouldn’tbeprouderofthe young woman she’s become over the last four years”

“Oh, Katelyn,” Ware said, “where do I start? When Katelyn Anderson first arrived to my journalism class, she wasaballofenergy I didn’t know what in the world I was going to do with her But it didn’t take long before her spunky attitude earned her a big ‘ole place in my heart, and I realized she could easily channel all of that energy and wit into exactly what we needed for our paper and our class She is a big goofball with a huge heart, and I can’t imagine the last four years without her I am going to miss seeing her everyday, but I think she also knows I will hunt her down if she doesn’t stay in touch I’m excited to see w

Baylee

Bayleejoinedthestaffasaseniorthisyear, but she jumped rightinandfoundherstrengths quickly She competed in one of our most challenging events at district UIL competition, copy editing, and she secured 3rd place, advancing to regional competition Although we wish we could have had her all four years, we are grateful she decided to join The BleedingOrangeforherfinalyearatEFHS

Carmen

Staff members had nothing but positive things to say when talking about this sweet senior

“I met Carmen during my freshman year while she was a junior,” sophomore Elleanna Gonzalez said “The day I met her I knew she was going to beoneofmyfavorites Carmenis just such a funny person, and she keeps it so real I am really sad that this is her last year here because we just started to get close this year I will miss CarmendeeplybutIknowshe will be offtodobiggerandbetterthingsinlife I love her so much, and I know she will continuetogrowandsucceedinlife”[cont]

“I’ve been so impressed with Baylee this year,” journalism teacher Amanda Ware said “It typically takes several years for students to be ready to compete at the level required for journalism UIL events, but Baylee came in ready to learn She picked up AP style very quickly, and she was a huge asset to the journalism team I’ve enjoyed having her a second year (after having her for English III last year), and I am so happy she decided to give journalism a chance I look forward to seeing what she does in the future She’s a smart, hard-working young lady who I truly believecandoanythingshesetshermindto”

Junior Yzabella Brown was excited to learn that Marcum would be joining the staff thisyear

“Baylee and I connect on a differentlevel, with things that have happened in our past and working together in journalism and on the softball field,” Brown said “She is incredibly bright, and her ideas areamazing Thiswasher first year, and whilethisismysecond,wehave learned things together and grown in journalism as individuals and as a class I'm kinda disappointed thatthiswasherfirstyear,I wouldhavelovedtoworkwithhermore!”

SeniorsMakePlans to‘GrabLifebytheAntlers’

By:L.Smith

InvestigationstryingtogettheWi-Fi code,longtalksinthefive-minutegrace periodbetween2ndand3rdperiodand smilescoveredinmetalwiring The four-yearperiodofhighschoolforthe 2023seniorsisending,butthememories andlessonsarestillalive

SeniorChevyHeltonplanstofurther hereducationandpursueanursingdegree followinghighschool,andshewilltake thelessonsshelearnedinhighschoolwith her

“Ithink,whenitcomestothelastfour years,I’velearnednottotakepeople’s opinionstoheart,”Chevysaid

Whilehighschoolbringsimportant lessons,manygraduatingseniorsstillfeel theyhavealottolearn

“Talkingtotherecruitersattheschool helpedmemakemydecision,”senior CollynThomassaid “Iwanttobe independent,andIthinktheMarinescan helpmewiththat”

Jacket Spotlight

SeniorStudentsoftheMonth fromthe2022-23SchoolYear

By:C.Creech

The September Students of the Month were seniors Grayson Farmer and Bryanee Beavers

Bryanne Beavers is the daughterofLeAnn and Bryan Beavers Bryanne participates in softball, cheer, UIL spelling, calculator, mathematics, socialstudies,andsheistheNHS president and president of her class Bryanne’s favorite class period is her aide period In her free time, she likes to shop and work at Royal Cypress After high school, she plans to attend Texas A&M Universitytomajorinarchitecture andminorininteriordesign

The February students of the month were Hailey Carr and Jayden Anderson

Jayden Anderson is the son of Billy and Tisha Anderson Jayden is active in basketball, football and OAP Jayden’sfavoriteclassisart

In his free time,helikestoworkout Afterhigh school,heplanstobeanentrepreneur

antlersandseewhereIcanrideit, senior DalonHamptonsaid

Grayson is the son of Lauren and Steven Farmer Graysonplaysonthevarsitybasketball teams After high school, heplansonattending tradeschooltobecomeanelectrician

f Millie and pates in UIL e) Hailey’s ommander’s toread,play her friends o to Panola

ClosingScene

By:Y.Brown

The curtains open and the lights dim All of the actors are onstage,readytoperformone last time The OAP season hascometoanend, leaving the broken hearts andtearsofthosenot readytolettheirseniorsgo

OAP will put on their last performance on May12at6pm intheauditorium

“I will miss everythingaboutourseniors!” English I and director Ariella Wolf said “I lovedwatchingallofourideascometolife We all have become so close this year, and losing [the seniors] breaks my heart Although I am incredibly proud of all of them and the goals theyhavesetforthemselves,Iwillmissthem”

Senior Teresa Hall has been in OAP for threeyears,whilealsoparticipatinginbandand twirling Hall was given the role of Tinyinthe play “Anatomy of Grey,” and she did a terrific job She has experienced different characters and different obstacles over the years, yet overall, she has excelled in every role she has beengiven

“I’m sad that it's ending,” Hall said “It was a lot of fun I’m going to miss all the memories at practice, all the pizza in the tech booth and KP chasing Jayden with a cane around the stage My advice to incoming freshmen and sophomores is: just do it You won’tregretit”

Senior Caitlyn Attaway is a starter on the varsity girls basketball and is a NHS participant This is her first year of OAP and her role in OAP was makeup/ customer design wasverymuchappreciated

“This year was honestly really fun!” Attaway said “I’m so glad that I got to experience this type of friendship-like family, yet,IwishIwouldhavejoinedsooner!”

Senior Jayden Anderson is a four sport athlete on top of participating inOAPthisyear forthefirsttime Hewasgiventheroleof Crutch Collins, where his outstanding performancewonhimanawardatdistrict

Jacket News

It's sad,” Anderson said “I have never done OAP, and the first time I started doing it happened to be mysenioryear Ireallyenjoyed it IwishIhadmoretime I’mgoingtomissthe people and the director, MrsWolfe My advice for other students is try something new You never know if you will like it until you tryit I promiseyouwon’tbedisappointed”

SeniorKylieClinehasbeeninOAPforthe last four years, while also playing in the band and beingthemascot Shewasgiventheroleof Rebbacca, where her admirable performance won her an award at Bi-District With OAP being a constant from her first day of high school, she has had the chance to make some great memories and form strong friendships thatwilllikelystaywithherforever

“It [is sad] knowing that I've done this for so long and that I won't be able to pursue it anymore and won't have these types of friendships again,” Cline said “OAP is somethingthatnoteverybodycando,butifyou get the chance, I highly recommend you to push for it Youmakeamazingfriendships,and along the wayyou'llmakeamazing,everlasting memories My personal favorite is MrsWoodley throwing her keys across the auditorium, Mrs Wolf chasing KP around the stage, or Grant Dickson walking across the stage in adress Overall,itissomethingthatI'll neverregret”

BandSaysGoodbyetoSeniors

By:Staff

The band played its final concert for the yearonApril27

“It has certainly been a school year with its challenges, but the students have overcome a lot, and we [were] excited to present this concert!” band director Mrs Tiffany Tanuyan said

With their final concert in the books, the band is preparing to saygoodbyetotheirseven seniors

“I’m sad about it coming to an end, but I know that the bandwilldogreatthingswithout theseniors,”SeniorBayleeMarcumsaid

Many membershadkindwordstosayabout theirgraduatingclassmates

“The seniorsinthebandthisyearhavebeen very helpful and supportive theentireyear,and were some of the best leaders the band has seen,”juniorDentonIngramsaid

From band camptomarchingseasontoUIL and local concerts, the band has stayed busy andmademanymemoriesthisschoolyear

“The band will always hold a special place in my heart,” senior Teresa Hall said “This year has made me realize that we are close to growingupandleavingthebandforever”

Senior Band Members

●

The Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian and Top 10% Has Been Announced:

Valedictorian - Drew Simms

Salutatorian - Keely Goelden

Top 10%

Drew Simms

Keely Goelden

Bryanne Beavers

Carmen Lawless

Jacob McCray

Haley Carr

Upcoming Dates and Events

● May 10 Senior Walk at the elementary school at 900 and National School Nurse Day

● May 14 Mother’s Day

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● May 17 Kindergarten Graduation at 900 in the auditorium

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● May 18 Middle School Awards for Grades 6 and 7 and 8th Grade Graduation

●

● May 19 5th Grade Graduation at 9, and High School Graduation at Jacket Stadium at 730

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● May 19 Last Day of School and Early Release at 100

LtoR:OAPseniorsKylieCline,JaydenAnderson, CaitlynAttaway,andTeresaHall PhotoprovidedbyYzabellaBrown

(FromLtoR):DrewSimms,DemaurionGeorge, BayleeMarcum,TeresaHall,SierraMathis, JoselineArvizu,andJacobMcCray

EF SN

(The Elysian Fields Sports Network)

S i C C t R

RunningitBacktoCrossCountry

By:Staff

Cross country finished strong this year with three state qualifiers: seniors Grant Sims and Drew Simms along with freshman Cara Sims With the state meet being his last, Drew Simmsishappywithhisfinalrun

“A lot of seniors aresadwhentheirseason ends, but I look at it differently,” Simms said “I am grateful that I had four amazingyearsof cross country, and there is nobetterwaytoend my career than with the state meet I pushed myself as hard as I could,andthere’snotmuch moreIcouldhaveaskedfor”

While sad about his time at EF coming to an end, senior Grant Sims is excited for the future

“I’m looking forward to surrounding myself with runners who are much better than me,” Sims said “I am also looking forward to bettering my academics and pursuing my major”

Cara considers her senior teammates “outstandingpeople”andsaysshehaslearneda greatdealfromthemovertheyears

“Not only are they great runners but they are also the type of people that you want to surround yourself with,” Cara said “I've had the pleasure of watching them growupandsee them grow as people Something I love about the boy's relationship with each other is that they always point each other to God Lily has played the role of a big sister in my life;sheis one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet Drew has shown me what discipline is and what it takes to be a student-athlete Jacob has taught me that no matter how bad a situation appears, you will overcome it Grant is my big brother, my running partner, my therapist, and my best friend Him going off to college is going to be sad; however, I'm so proud of the person he is and cannot wait to see what the future holds I'm excitedthatIgettogotostate withhim;it llbeanexperienceI'llneverforget I love each and every one oftheseseniorswith mywholeheart”

The awards continued to roll in for the cross country team as Grant was named EF Athlete of the Week on Friday, Nov 11, and fiveoftherunnersreceivedAcademicAll-State distinction for the work they did both on the courses and in the classroom during the fall Seniors Keely Goelden (1st Team), Jacob McCray(1stTeam),DrewSimms(Elite),Grant Sims (Honorable Mention), and Lily Jo Gronwald (Honorable Mention) all earned Academic All-State recognition for the fall season [cont]

“These athletes finished their season strong, and [Iam]soproudoftheworkthey’ve put in to get them here,” Coach JanaSimssaid viaFacebook

With the varsity boys finishing first in the district and the varsity girls finishing second, both teams advancing to regionals, and three individuals continuing the journey to the state meet, the EF Cross Country team has once again proven that they are dedicated, talented, and will continue to strive for success and maketheschoolproud

ReflectingonVolleyballSeason

By:Staff

Kyleigh Griffin and AshantiRobersonwere thetwoseniorvolleyballplayersthisseason

As a student, Kyleigh takes honorsclasses and college courses, participates in academic UIL competitions, and stays on the honor roll She demonstrates her leadership by participating in gifted and talented activities and programs, supporting classmates through cheer, completing service hours through National Honor Society, andassistingherpeers as a class officer What truly impresses me, however, is how shebalancesallofthesewhile stayingorganizedandpoised”

ReminiscingontheFNL

By:Staff

“Our season didn’t exactly go as wehoped it would,” senior football player Walker Jefferson said “It definitely was a rough one, but I have made a ton of memories this season and wouldn’t want to go to war on Friday nightsmyseniorseasonwithanyoneelse”

Football season ended on Oct 28 with a final district game against New Diana Jefferson had nothing but praise for the new coaching staff andexpressedhighhopesforthe futureoftheprogram

“I definitely think the new coaching staffis going to lead the EF football program to success in the future, and I like the way that they took usallinandlovedeachandeveryone of us They not only tried their best for us to succeed but to, most importantly, make sure that we had fun while doing it I’m definitely going to miss being apartofthisprogrameach

t s e n h She kept us laughing through hard practices and long tournament days She was there for everyone on the team to lift them up and help in any way possible She will be missed next year”

Before the final game, senior Bryanne Beavers shared her thoughts on the season comingtoanend

“It’s sosadtothinkabouthavingonegame left!” Beavers said “Football season is my favorite season! I will miss the feeling of FridayNightLights!”

Senior Mascot and Cheerleaders

w W

season on Nov 1 She ended her final varsit volleyball season with All-District Honorabl Mention as well as Academic All-Distric Honors

“When I think of a well-rounded student Kyleigh Griffin definitely comes to mind, English teacher Vickie Thomas said “As an athlete, Kyleigh competes in volleyball and basketball [cont]

unfortunately coming to an end, I’ll always love and support my brothers andthisgroupof coachesinthefuturetocome,”Jeffersonsaid

( L to R): Morgan Shaw Kamya Turner Cayden Plemmons Landon Martin Wes Brown Walker Jefferson Jayden Anderson Bubba McPhail Connor King and Corrisa McPhail

S

As the runners take their mark, shake out their legs, and get into position The gun sounds, and they run for their chance to win andmakeitfurtherintotheseason

Senior Grant Sims and freshman Cara Sims both advanced out of regionals and will be running at the state meet on May 11 Grant will race in both the 3200 and 800 meter runs, andCarawillraceinthe1600

“As of right now I'm predictedtobeinthe top 5 for both races, 3200m and 800m,”senior Grant Sims said “I think I will perform at a level that I have nevertouchedyetbecausethis is the best shape I've ever been in The competition is tough even at regionals, so it willbeanyone'sracewhenwealllineup”

There were five seniors on the track team this year, including Grant Sims, Drew Simms, Jacob McCray, Wes Brown, and Ashanti Roberson

“Participating in shot put and disc was such a great thing to experience,” Roberson said “Ihadalotofthingstoworkonandstrive to be better at, but overall, it was amemorable andgreatexperienceforme”

This was a great year for the track team with a large number of athletes advancing through district and area and making it to the regional meet Senior Drew Simms qualified for regionals after finishing 4th at area in the 1600m race, along with Grant Sims and Cara Sims, who both finished 1st in their 1600m races Grant Sims also finished 1st in the 3200m and 800mruns,andCaratookhomethe goldinthosetworacesaswell FreshmanAlani Robinson qualified in the 400m after placing 4th, and freshman Kylee Heath qualifiedinthe 200m with a3rdplacerunandinthehighjump after placing 3rd inthateventaswell Thegirls mile relay advanced with a 4th place finish; those team members include Kylee Heath, AlaniRobinson,Ja’NiahAnderson,andKirst Commander, along with alternates Kynd YoungbloodandYzabellaBrown

SoftballSeniorsCherishMemories

By:C.Creech

The Lady Jackets’ softball season came an end on April 29 after a hard-fough three-gameplayoffroundagainstWhiteOak

“It makes me sad knowing this is my la year as a Lady Jacket,” senior Baylee Marcu said “I'm gonna miss seeing my teammates everydayandbeinggoofyandmakingjokes”

EF SN

(The Elysian Fields Sports Network)

As the season comestoaclose,theseniors areemotional

“I'm sad for it to be over; I'm gonna miss being apartofateam,”seniorMelanieSpencer said

For many, high school softball does not only teach life lessons but also leaves them withlifelongfriendships

“I’m going to miss seeing my friends everyday,” senior Cora Creech said “The memorieswillstickwithmeforalifetime”

HeadbasketballcoachJonathanBoonehad nothing but positive words for the three young mengraduatingthisyear

“Grayson was a great team leader with a great attitude,” head basketball coach Jonathan Boone said “He came to practice everyday ready to make the team better in any kind of way Hewilltrulybemissed”

Boone wishes he had more time with the seniors who he only had the opportunity to coachforoneyear

“It wasCollyn'sfirstyearout,andhecame in ready to work,” Boone said “I wish I had another year with him He was a major part of layingthefoundationoftheteamthisyear”

Boone also praised Anderson, specifically hisattitudeandcoachability

“Jayden only knew of one speed, which was to go,” Boone said “Man, he was a joyto coachandeverycoach'sdreamkid [Heis]very respectful and would take pride in everything hedid”

PivottoPowerlifting

o B player

“Grayson is the epitome ofateamplayer,” Wolfe said “Grayson's selfless attitude is why histeammatesandcoacheslovehim”

BouncingBacktoGirl’sBasketball

By:Staff

This year’s varsity girls’ team had four seniors: Caitlyn Attaway, Gracie Stewart, KyleighGriffin,andCorrisaMcPhail

“I feel like my senior year went good,” senior Caitlyn Attaway said “We got a few wins to end my senior year, and that was abig highlight of my last year of basketball We always made the most of our season and that’s whatIwillmissmost”

As the end of the school year approaches, seniors are holding on to the moments and memories while also looking forward to their nextadventure

“This group of girls has been so muchfun to be on a team with and get to know,” senior Kyleigh Griffin said “It's bittersweetbecauseI have played this sport for years I'm not ready to give it up, but I'm excited to find new hobbiestofillmytime!”

CoachBoonePraisesSeniors

By:J.Rich

Unwrapping theirkneesandrippingoffthe bench shirt for the last time This isthelastset of happy bruises they get from their hardwork andsuccessatpowerliftingmeets

The seniors saying goodbye to powerlifting are Sierra Mathis, Walker Jefferson, Wes Brown, Jayden Anderson and Connor King This sport won’t be the same withouttheseniors

“I have lifted with Sierra since freshman year,” Junior Jaicey Rich said “It will be so weird not to lift with her at practice and at the meets She has always been there to lift me up a t

Senior Landon Martin was the single senior playing golf this year He enjoyed the season, and while he is sad it has come to an end, he’s happy that this one sport that can be playedafterhighschool

“Playingwiththegroupandpeopleandthe coach was awesome,” Martin said “I really enjoyed it, and I am sad that itisover Itreally is a sadthingknowingitwillbemylasttimeto play golf for school, but I will have so many chancesinlifetoplaygolf”

Jayden Anderson, along with senior manager AshantiRoberson