The Dispatch, Vol. 36, Issue 5 4/19/24

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Annual dance planning 'Dawgs prom preparation produces the perfect evening

Shining dresses and fitted suits dazzle as students dance, have fun, and create special memories at this year's prom. Bowie's prom took place on Saturday, April 13 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin, and this once-ina-lifetime event was on many senior’s minds.

This year's prom theme, chosen by the 2024 class officers, was Viva Las Vegas.

“I think the theme creates a ton of potential for fun, mostly because I have convinced Mr. Lauer to dress as Elvis,” prom sponsor Whitney Vohl said. “There were also some guest dealers for games, as well as other surprises.”

Prom is a memorable event for many students, so extensive planning for the big night is crucial.

“As class officers, we're in charge of organizing the prom,” senior Xingyi Zhu said. “We set up the budget and we're in charge of deciding the decorations and location.

I enjoyed helping out with prom because I feel like I don't do a lot around campus, so helping with prom makes me feel like I contributed.”

While planning prom is very important, each student must make their plans, too. These plans consist of what to wear, who to go with, where to go to dinner, and after plans.

“My friends and I are tanning, dress shopping, and buying jewelry,” senior Natalie Gerold said.

“We’re deciding what to do for our makeup and hair and also where to go to dinner.”

One of the most memorable parts of attending prom is the company. Senior Luke Earle geared up for a memorable prom with a unique prom-posal.

“I surprised my

PHOTO BY Liberty Pittman

FEATURES Bowie teachers Randy Cantu, Chrissy Hejny, and Dalton Pool actively pursue higher education. pg. 4 PHOTO COURTESY OF Dalton Pool

PHOTO ESSAY Students dive into the eclectic world of second-hand clothes at these popular Austin thrift stores. pg. 6

SPORTS Former 'Dawg Evan Mallett discusses his life-altering paralysis journey that transformed his senior

ENTERTAINMENT

year. pg. 10

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PHOTO BY Arden Ray

PHOTO BY Austin Ikard

PHOTO BY Austin Ikard

Grey Area band, consisting of five senior students, auditions for Bowie's Got Talent pg.

Vol. 36, Issue 5 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX, 78749

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

Pride in Publishing

Seniors sprint to the polls

Young voters emerge during the 2024 Presidential Primaries Charlotte Koellner Executive Editor: Content

Xingyi Zhu, 12

girlfriend by saying her car wasn’t starting, and when she popped the hood there was a sign I made asking her to prom,” Earle said. “She was surprised, and she said yes.”

Being a major event that falls in the last quarter of the school year, prom can signify the end of high school for many seniors.

“Prom is a really fun event for seniors,” Vohl said. “It's a great way to celebrate all of the hard work and remember the good times of their four years in high school.”

The big night consisted of tons of dancing, food, and even a revolving photo booth. Looking back on the evening, the class officers had their favorite moments.

“It was nice seeing all of the decorations and songs come together,” Zhu said. “I thought it was funny when we saw the poker chips with Mr. Robinson’s face because we came up with that, but I didn’t think it would go through.”

Now that the 2024 prom season has concluded, the magical evening may be on the minds of the juniors. For any juniors interested in coordinating prom, Zhu has a few pointers after this year’s experience.

“Juniors should start planning early and actively engage with other students,” Zhu said. “This way they can get input on what the general student population would like from their prom night.”

STORY BY Liberty Pittman ADDITIONAL

Senior Marley Hall visited the voting polls with her parents long before she was eligible to vote.

So, when it finally came time for her to cast her very first vote in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election, she was overjoyed to be voting alongside her family.

The 2024 Presidential Primary election early voting began in Texas on Feb. 20, 2024, and continued until March 1, 2024. Election day voting occurred on March 3, 2024, and eligible voters were able to choose which day they voted.

“It was my first time voting and I voted with my parents on election day,” Hall said. “My mom has a tradition where she does a mid-jump photo each time one of her kids votes for the first time.

So, when it was my older sisters' first time voting they did a photo jumping in the air with their ‘I voted stickers,’ and I got to take my photo this time.”

According to the Texas Secretary of State, in the state of Texas, an individual is eligible to register to vote if they are a United States citizen and will be 18 or older on or before the next election day.

Eligible voters must register to vote within 30 days before the future election. Because Texas lacks an automatic voter registration system, some eligible voters are hesitant to register, despite the fairly simple process.

“When my students turn 18 I always give them a voter registration card for their birthday,” economics teacher Ruth Narvaiz said.

“I also tell my students that they can register at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when

JUST VOTED: Seniors William Gum, Ayaka Chao, Marley Hall, and Abigail Bode pose with their "I Voted" stickers.

All four students cast their vote in the 2024 Presidential Primary election this March. Eligible students can register to vote by visiting VoteTexas.gov. PHOTOS BY Charlotte Koellner

LMK of any changes you might need

CONTRIBUTIONS BY Charlotte Koellner

they go in to renew their license.”

In addition to registering through the DPS, eligible individuals can visit VoteTexas.gov to fill out a voting registration application. They will then be mailed a voter registration card, and the

INFOGRAPHIC BY Sophia Sepulveda

SOURCE CIRCLE

Only 41% of young adults voted in 2020

future voter will simply need to mail that card back once their information has been filled out.

“My parents helped me register before I turned 18, so that, when it came time for me to vote, it would be seamless,” Hall said.

“They helped me register to vote when I renewed my license online.”

According to Common Cause Texas, it is not unheard of for Texas voters to face complications during their voting experience.

In the 2022 election, Texans faced paper shortages, long lines, and poll booth opening delays.

Despite these possibilities, senior Serena Hinahon believes that the majority of voters’ experiences will be similar to theirs - effortless and fun.

“Voting for the first time was super easy and was a very positive experience,” Hinahon said. “I went with my older brother and there were so many elderly poll

workers who were helping with the voting process, and when I told them it was my first time voting they started cheering and clapping for me.”

While there are a few obstacles that Texas voters face on election day, history teacher Dalton Pool believes there are ways to limit these anxieties so that an individual can enjoy their voting experience.

“I think the biggest obstacle is lack of knowledge of candidates or propositions on the ballot,” Pool said. “It can be intimidating to vote, especially if you only know a few of the candidates or haven't formulated your own opinion. So, just make sure that you're up-todate with news and making sure that you understand what's on the ballot is a great strategy to make your voting experience easier.”

READ MORE “Student voter engagement shapes election” pg. 2

Environmental program blossoms after plant sale success Emerson Traugott Executive Editor: News

An elective in desperate need of funding, the environmental systems class hosted a plant sale during lunch for a week. The profits earned during this sale will help fund the materials needed to preserve the class for the remainder of the year and into next year.

Each plant sold was grown on campus, either in the gardens near the portables or in the greenhouse behind E hall. A large selection of flora was put on display, ranging from amaranth to aloe vera. The sale raised over $150, which will go towards new pots, soil, seeds, and greenhouse materials.

“The money earned from the sale will finance the restoration of weathered materials,” environmental systems teacher Dane Smith said. “For instance, in the greenhouse, two fans blow hot air out which makes the space too hot

SCAN TO SEE MORE! PHOTO GALLERY BY

Nick Wong

INDEX:

for plant life. The money is used for improvements either by buying supplies or improving the current situation.”

The budget for the environmental systems class derives from any leftover money from the science department funds that aren’t used during the school year.

“There's a budget for the science department,” Smith said. “However, usually, that money goes towards buying markers, paper, or supplies like that.

Administration does have a request form where teachers can request materials to be purchased with extra funds.

But, there is no definite area in the current budget for soil and seeds that I need for my class.”

This year’s sale is the first of a potentially annual plant sale organized by the class. These sales will further the small budget that the class is originally allocated. Although a profit was made from the sale, the money raised will only cover a portion of the materials the environmental systems class requires.

“I want to do more plant sales in the future,” Smith said. “I thought about doing one towards the end of May, with more flowers. Something that we might look into in the future is doing some flower sales or finding out what people are interested in buying. For this first

NEWS 1, 2 STUDENT VOICE 3 FEATURES 4 , 5

sale, we primarily grew things that I had talked about in class. I hadn't considered flowers, but I think those would have been popular.”

The plant sale was advertised over the school’s morning announcements the week before the sale. Additionally, posters created by environmental systems students gained the sale publicity.

“The plant sale was advertised over the announcements, but that was the week before spring break. So, when everyone got back from break they forgot,” junior Sara Santos said. “In class we also made posters to put up around the hallways, which I think helped raise some awareness.”

The turnout for the sale was on a smaller scale compared to other fundraisers held during school hours.

“I was thinking that if we posted the prices of the plants, which are between $2 and $7, we may have more luck because they’re selling for a lower price than what some people might assume,” junior Zoe Stull said. “So, price tags along each section of the plants could help. I also think that if we did a better job with advertising the sale, either through physical posters or social media, we would have gotten a larger turnout."

IN-DEPTH 7, 8-9 SPORTS 10, 11 ENTERTAINMENT 12

TAKE A PLANT HOME: Environmental systems teacher Dane Smith sells plants in the courtyard during lunch. Smith and his students sold a variety of plants, including aloe vera, black-eyed susans, and iresine herbstii. PHOTO BY Nick Wong

REVIEWS 13 OPINIONS 14, 15 PHOTO ESSAY 6, 16

FIND US AT @jbhs_dispatch

2 NEWS

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

SB 4 revives anti-immigration policies New controversial bill will potentially ban refuge in sanctuary cities for Texas immigrants Peyton Dorsey Dispatch Reporter

cials enforcing immigration reform is new and scary to some.

“I don’t think that ruling should be in the Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) is a bill approved by Texas control of an everyday person,” sophomore Chris lawmakers during a special legislative session Magnus said. “There should be a system that a in 2023 that establishes the act of crossing the deported immigrant has to go through to make Texas-Mexico border in between legal ports of sure that justice is being held and people aren’t entry as a state crime. If this bill survives a court being mistreated.” challenge and enforced, state and local police On February 29, Texas Governor Greg Abbott who are not specialized in imreleased a statement regarding migration enforcement will have SB 4. Abbott said that Presidentthe legal authority to question Joe Biden has a constitutional and arrest any person suspected duty to enforce federal laws proof crossing the Texas-Mexico tecting states, including the laws That ruling shouldn't border illegally. If they do not already in place mandating the be in the hands of actively possess legal status of detention of illegal immigrants. immigration, the suspect will Abbott claimed that Texas has an everyday person, then be arrested and tried in a the right to defend itself because there should be state court.

Biden has failed to protect Texas “SB 4 will definitely lead to from invasion at the border. a system that a more instances of racial profiling, “Texas does have reason to be deported immigrant upset,” and it puts certain populations at Pool said. “The federal risk when it comes to their intergovernment has dropped the has to go through. actions with police,” government ball when it comes to respondChris Magnus and politics teacher Dalton Pool ing to the current crises as Sophomore said. “The bill will also potenCongress has failed to pass any tially cause certain people to live meaningful legislation related to more in fear.” the problem.”

The enforcement of SB 4 in Texas would SB 4 was originally going to go into effect give the state government the power to enforce on March 5 of this year, but was temporarily immigration law, which has previously been only blocked on February 29. As of March 18, the law a federal jurisdiction. has been indefinitely blocked by the Supreme “If SB 4 takes effect, it will give far more Court, and it has not yet been determined when leeway for state law enforcement officials to the Supreme Court will decide their stance on SB racially profile and create environments in which 4. On March 19, the law was temporarily activat‘appearing or sounding like’ an immigrant could ed but then rescinded again and put on a pause make someone a suspect of a criminal violation,” later that evening by the Supreme Court.

Austin mayoral candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido “I expect the Supreme Court to side with the said in a press release. “The enforcement of SB 4 state of Texas,” Pool said. “The Court definitely actually makes law abiding citizens and residents has a conservative tilt right now and SB 4 repmore hesitant to call law enresents the conservative perspecforcement when needed, which tive on immigration.” can contribute to more crime.”

According to an official stateFor decades, deportation in ment from the White House, the the United States has been dealt This bill would give Biden Administration strongly with by the federal government disagrees with the Supreme law enforcement and federally trained officials Court’s order that allowed Texas’ who deeply understand imharmful and unconstitutionmore opportunities migration status and how to al laws to go into effect. The to question handle those situations. statement continues to say that “The Constitution is clear the passing of SB 4 will endanger someone when that matters of immigration communities in Texas, burden there is probably no Texas law enforcement, and cause should be handled by the federal government,” Pool said. chaos near the Southern U.S. reason to.

“Historically, state governments border.

Nicole Magnus have very little to do with “This bill gives law enforceimmigration because of the U.S. Senior ment more opportunities to Constitution.” question individuals when there SB 4 is constitutionally conis probably no reason to,” senior troversial because of its challenge on the power Nicole Magnus said. “It makes immigration balance of federal and state governments. Since status more difficult to achieve because this bill immigration is a long-standing federal issue, the could prolong the process of becoming a citizen possibility of untrained state government offiin a way that is not needed.”

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Affordable prom dresses offered to students Elizabeth Yowell Dispatch Reporter In the months leading up to prom, popular dress chains and small dress boutiques are stocked full of dresses dedicated to the event. With the average price of a prom dress being several hundred dollars, some students may find it difficult to cover the cost of a quality dress even without considering the multitude of other prom expenses. Bowie special education science teacher, Kristin Mijares, is offering students the opportunity to find a dress without the stress of a price tag.

Mijares is building a collection of donated prom dresses to provide free to students in the convenient proximity of their school. She has set up her classroom so that students can come to browse or try on a dress before and after school and during both lunches.

“This is brand new, so I'm learning as I go. The idea was just something I thought of randomly in order to help the students here,” Mijares said. “If the girls want to go try on a dress, I'm literally the class right next to a bathroom, so they can go try on a dress if they want to, there's really no structure.

It's kind of like a trust system.”

Spreading word of her plans by email, over morning announcements, and posters hung throughout school halls, Mijares garnered the interest of several teachers and staff who supported the cause.

Economics teacher and Starlight Theater Company costume volunteer Ruth Narvaiz offered her tailoring skills to make alterations if students needed them.

“I hope I give them the opportunity to feel comfortable in their clothing,” Narvaiz said “I've had a similar conversation with lots of theater students when we start fitting. I don't want anyone to be uncomfortable because if it's prom, and you’re not fully comfortable, you can't have fun. I want students to be comfortable and I hope they'll remember that somebody helped them and pay it forward someday.”

The dresses in Mijares’ inventory, all of which are donated, range vastly in price, style, and age, offering a wide variety of choices

A SPARKLING INVENTORY: A shining array of formal dresses can be seen hanging on a clothing rack outside Kristin Mijares' downstairs B-hall classroom. With the help of her community, Mijares was able to collect donated clothing items and provide Bowie students with free prom attire. PHOTO BY Nick Wood

for students to browse. Because a prom dress is usually only worn on one occasion, they are almost always new or in a similar condition.

“I was helping a friend organize her closet and she was getting rid of a lot of stuff. So, when I saw Mrs. Mijares’ email, I thought, ‘oh, I can donate some of my friend’s stuff,’” math teacher Jamie Lankes said. “For things like prom dresses, you're probably just going to wear it once, maybe twice. Holding on to it for years is wasteful. I love

being able to pass things on that other people can use that are new to them.”

As Bowie’s 2024 prom season comes to a close, Mijares is reflecting upon the project’s impact, and assessing how to improve for the future.

“This is the first time we've done it, so we’re learning as we go,” Mijares said. “So, it might be completely different next year. If students aren’t interested it might not happen, I honestly don’t know.

Maybe I’ll keep the dresses that haven’t been donated or used, and keep them for next year. We’ll have to see."

SCAN TO SEE MORE! VIDEO BY Gabby Bochey

Student voter engagement shapes election CONTINUED from pg. 1 As students begin to form their own political opinions, Narvaiz emphasizes the importance of turning to neutral news sources for education and facts.

“Looking at reputable news sources and politically neutral resources is important because you're just reading unbiased facts, and you’re not going to hear someone telling you what to do or think in regards to politics,” Narvaiz said.

“The League of Women Voters and C-Span are two great resources that I use regularly with my students in class.”

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), 41% of registered voters aged 18-29 in Texas cast a ballot in 2020. However, the age group that appears to prioritize voting the most is citizens between ages 65-74, with 64.5% casting a ballot in 2022, according to The United States Census Bureau.

“A large majority of people that don't vote in the U.S. are young adults, and a lot of people that do focus on voting are older,” Hinahon said.

“So, it's super important that young people use their voice to advocate for themselves in politics because we have such a powerful opportunity to do so.”

In recent elections, young voters have offered unique views on politics that otherwise may not have been considered. According to the League of Women Voters, this one-of-a-kind perspective stems from the youth’s diversity. Considering the factors of race, sexuality, economic status, and gender, citizens aged 18-29 represented the most diverse backgrounds in the last election.

Through representing a variety of demographics, this age bracket is responsible for presenting a new array of issues that may pertain to many voters.

“Voting is important because you can't complain about politics if you don't vote,” Hall said.

“It's important for young people to know what's going on in the world now, so that when they’re older they can take more political action.”

According to the Pew Research Center, young voters display the most progressive ideals regarding social and political issues. These issues range from climate change, racial discrimination, humanitarian crises, and LGBTQ+ rights. In response to these issues, 70% of youth surveyed in a data set by the Pew Research Center reported saying that they believe the government should play a larger role in politics.

“There’s a lot of preventable issues going on right now, such as climate change,” Hall said.

“So, it’s important for all eligible voters to vote for candidates who will take actions to prevent these issues from growing, especially if you're 18. Voting is one of the best parts about turning 18, and it’s definitely what I was most excited for.”

STUDENT VOICE 3

Girl Scouts discover new opportunities FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Certain students branch beyond scouting before completing their Gold Award project Katie Grumet Dispatch Reporter

to code while she was still a member of her troop. Despite leaving scouts, the experiences According to the AP News, she had gained during her time in 2021, the youth memberin scouting helped get be more ship in Girl Scouts declined prepared for the coding class.

30% from about 1.4 million to “Coding in Girl Scouts around 1 million in one year. helped me prepare for my fuThis decline was due partly to ture. It gave me a head-start in the pandemic but also due to robotics class and prepared me a lack of time and/or a desire for a tech based world where to pursue other knowledge interests. like that Sophomore would be Hannah Vanvaluable,” horn joined Vanhorn I was really busy Girl Scouts in said. “It and just didn't 4th grade. She also taught joined because me proven have the time. she already knew solving skills My troop slowly people who were through trial in the troop. and error of started dissolving, Vanhorn eventucoding.” and everybody ally quit in 8th Similargrade because ly to Girl left the troop. she had no time Scouts, atto go to the school clubs Hannah Vanhorn meetings. are a great Former Girl Scout "I was really opportunity busy and just for students didn’t have the to learn more about their intime,” Vanhorn said. “My troop terests. Through the Society of slowly started dissolving, and Women Engineers club, young everybody left the troop.” women get the opportunity to Through scouting, Vanhorn learn about engineering as a caparticipated in community proj- reer path with the convenience ects with her troop to complete of being at school. her Bronze and Silver awards, “In terms of already being service projects where scouts on campus and just staying pick a problem in their commu- after school, it is a lot easier nity and fix it to create lasting than getting transportation to a change. different location or having to “For our Bronze, we built deal with it on weekends too,” Buddy Benches for schools Society of Women Engineers in the area to help kids make sponsor Alonna Beatty said. friends,” Vanhorn said. “And In the Society of Women Enfor our Silver Award, we made gineers, girls can connect with chemo kits for Dell Children’s women who are already in the Hospital with stuff to entertain industry and learn about their and help the kids through their experiences. treatment, we made roughly 50 “I think it’s very importkits.” ant for young women to have Hannah also learned how role models,” Beatty said.

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“Our president from last year came back at the end of the fall semester to talk about her first-semester experience. It was really interesting for [the girls] to hear her firsthand experience in college.”

Freshman Ella Parmer remains a Girl Scout with the prospect of getting a scholarship for college for being a scout. She initially joined Scouts back in kindergarten because she wanted to make friends and have something fun to do outside of school.

“I knew I could get a scholarship for being a Girl Scout,” Parmer said. “Being in Girl Scouts can be good for your future.”

Some scholarships can only be awarded to girls who live in a specific area of Texas or to girls who have completed their Gold Award. Some scholarships can be offered from an individual college like Abilene Christian University. They offer Girl Scouts in Texas is a $1,000 scholarship to any student who has obtained the following awards through Girl or Boy Scouts; Eagle Scout, Venturing Silver, Sea Scouting Quartermaster, Gold Award, or the American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes.

“It’s hard to be a Girl Scout during cookie season and balance that with other things you have to do,” Parmer said.

“Once you’re older, a lot of people will leave because they grow out of [Girl Scouts].”

Sophomore Sophie Estrello, ended up leaving Scouts because her troop wasn’t participating in activities she was interested in. Her friends were a part of scouts and she thought it would be a good opportunity for her to help others through

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volunteer activities.

“We played bingo at a special living home and planted flowers at a retirement home,” Estrello said. “My time in Girl Scouts helped me become well rounded because I had gained customer service skills through

selling cookies.”

As Estrello got older she became busier, which made having time for extracurriculars outside of school difficult.

She advised anyone who is struggling to balance multiple extracurriculars to choose what

activities they're interested in or will benefit them in the future.

“If you’re thinking about leaving Girl Scouts, just do it, it will be fine,” Estrello said.

“Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.”

Across:

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1. Val T. said that the crinkle cut fries at Hattie B’s were ______ . (pg 13) 5. Piano teacher Randy Cantu is pursuing a masters degree in ______. (pg 4) 6. What was this year’s prom theme? (pg 1) 7. Senior Josh Harwood said one of his favorite hip-hop songs was _________ by J. Cole. (pg 8-9) 8. What place did Allie Dunn get at the Texas State finals? (pg 11) 9. Who is the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) sponsor? (pg 7) 11. Bentlee T. wrote that most clothes are made from _________ materials. (pg 13)

3 4 5 6

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For the completed crossword, go to @jbhs_dispatch on Instagram!

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2. Senior Serena Hinahorn says “it’s important that young people use their voice to __________ for themselves. (pg 1) 3. What is the name of the artist who helped create the new mural in the fine arts building? (pg 6) 4. According to the __________, only 27% of people have a job that is related to their college major. (pg 15) 10. One of the new rules of the Nerf wars is that players have the ability to open doors of _______ cars. (pg 12) CROSSWORD BY Katie Grumet

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4 FEATURE

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2024

Back to school time for Bowie teachers

From leading to reading, Bowie teachers tackle a new chapter, and a lot more school Isabella Verette Feature Editor

tions on campus.

“I learned a lot about school policy and law,” Pool said. “Not only will it be vital to my career Trading in red ink for books and papers, path but it’s still helpful when I’m in the classteachers take on being taught, going back to room to have a deeper understanding of how to school to earn a higher education, to provide deal with situations.” more opportunities for their future.

While pursuing higher education will provide Higher education, like earning a master’s an opportunity for Pool to enter into an admindegree or a PhD, can provide a wide array of istrator role, it will also provide him with other opportunities for teachers, and is something that benefits multiple Bowie teachers have decided to take on, “I have two little kids at home I need to on top of teaching themselves. provide for,” Pool said. “Being able to make more Dalton Pool, who teaches US History and AP money while still doing something meaningful is US Government and Politics, is currently workthe best case scenario for me and my family.” ing on certifying after recently finishUzzle who didn’t go straight into education ing his graduate program, after graduating from college while other teachers like originally graduated with a Caren Garza, an Algebra Two degree in sociology. and AP Calculus teacher and “I was an alternatively Wendy Uzzle who, teaches certified teacher,” Uzzle said.

I think a lot of teachers AP US History already have “I had worked outside of get their administrative their master’s degree. education for a couple of years “Before pursuing a masbefore deciding I wanted to degree and i think it ters degree in education, I become a teacher.” helps provide them held a bachelor’s degree in Once Uzzle decided that history and a teaching certifshe wanted to teach and be with a broader view of icate,” Pool said. “I just rein the classroom, she jumped the school system. ceived my masters degree in straight back into school. education, and I am currently “I started working on my taking courses to procure a masters degree in special principal-ship certification, education and my teaching AP U.S. History teacher which would let me eventucertification,” Uzzle said. “I ally hold an administration ended up getting my teaching title.” certification first and then my With the goal of becoming a vice principal masters.” within the next five years, continuing to work in Like Pool, Uzzle hopes to one day have a job the education field is important to Pool. that’s not specifically in the classroom teaching.

“I only see myself in the classroom for so “I always thought I would leverage my special long,” Pool said. “Going back to school opens up education background and my general expea lot of opportunities as far as the jobs that are rience, and make those two into a new role,” available to me within education.”

Uzzle said. “This year I’m in a new position as Working towards his masters degree also an instructional coach and it helped to give me a brought along more information that Pool didn’t broader school perspective.” even realize he needed.

Garza, who also got her degree earlier on in “Having taught for ten years I didn’t think her education career, got it for a specific reason there was much for me to learn and I couldn’t while working at another school. have been more wrong,” Pool said.

“I knew that I wanted to teach higher level “I’ve learned so many courses,” Garza said. “At my old school we had new teaching strategies kids taking college courses on campus, so instead and ways to look at of having a professor come in, anyone who has a the profession” masters degree could teach those classes.”

Not only did Pool Her love of teaching math is shown with her learn new things love of learning math. Garza got her bachelor’s to help him in the degree in Science, with a major in math and a classroom but also minor in middle school math and then got things that could her masters degree in Science and applied help him with mathematics. day-to-day life “I was taking semester class in between and situaand also teaching throughout the year,” Garza said. “It was really rigorous and took a long time to finish, but I graduated with my masters and started teaching those higher level courses that I strived to.”

While Garza is proud of her education and is glad she has the opportunity to teach more advanced classes, she also is aware that for every person, higher education has its different reasons and benefits.

“I think it’s all about what you want to teach or whether or not you want to stay in the classroom,” Garza said. “For me it really was about teaching other classes higher level math classes.”

Garza acknowledges that not everyone

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Wendy Uzzle

CAP AND GOWN: Babies in hand, government and economics teacher Dalton Pool poses with his family at graduation. For the past couple of months, Pool has been taking courses for a principal certification in hopes of becoming a vice principle in the future. PHOTO COURTESY OF Dalton Pool

returns to school with the same hope of staying in the classroom.

“I think for some teachers that want to get outside of the classroom and become an administrator its benefits are different,” Garza said.

“Getting that degree then provides you with the opportunity to obtain the type of job you want, while mine was more about teaching the classes I wanted to.”

Uzzle believes that getting higher education can help you understand numbers, where they are coming from and why they are happening.

“It’s helped me learn how to analyze data,” Uzzle said. “Looking at school performance data and studying it helps you understand how you can change the data and numbers along with why they are important.”

Uzzle also believes that numbers in the teach-

ing field and understanding them isn’t the only strength of obtaining a higher degree.

“It helped me especially when I was working in special education,” Uzzle said. “It really helped me understand the population and how to provide appropriate support.”

While Uzzle and Garza are not sure if they will go into holding other positions in the future like online teaching, or another type of role on campus, their degrees have provided them with a large amount of knowledge.

“I think a lot of teachers do their administrative degree and I think it helps provide them with a with a broader view of the school system,” Uzzle said. “Giving a school wide perspective rather than just their classroom or program, and even if they don’t go into administration I think it has its benefits.”

Sturzl strides to success at English riding competition Sophia Sanchez Executive Editor: Writing

Reigns in hand, the wind blowing past her face, sophomore Emily Sturzl and her horse Sir leap over the nearest rail, eyes already set on the next.

Sturzl was introduced to horse riding from a very early age and quickly picked up the family hobby. Shortly after learning the basics, Sturzl began her journey as an equestrian.

“My parents got me my first horse when I was two months old,” Sturzl said. “When I was about seven I started riding in a barn and got introduced to English style. And so I went through equitation, dressage, then the hunter division, and then I moved barns and started show jumping.”

English riding consists of multiple categories of horse riding ranging from show jumping, dressage, hunting, and much more. Each differentiates depending on the complexity of that competition.

“I’m fairly new to show jumping,” Sturzl said. “I did Hunter division for close to 10 years. It is still jumping, but less focused on speed and height and more focused on if you use proper techniques and if you can make the jump look nice.”

Sturzl’s passion for this complex sport does not go unnoticed as her skills in the show jumping field continue to grow.

“She has been talking recently about some upcoming shows and how excited she is for them,” agricultural teacher Kaitlyn Platt said. “She is always telling me stories about her rides each week and her time spent training horses. She has a real passion for the equine industry and her horses.”

Show season is almost year-round, with the spring season just starting to pick up. According to Sturzl, one of her main goals is to get her show horse, Sir, more comfortable in the ring.

I’m actually doing it. As I’m going more on getting my horse adjusted.” over the jump, I’m already thinking Along with training horses, Sturzl and looking towards the next one. It’s has also been practicing with three just it’s a lot.” different trainers to meet her goals.

According to Sturzl, at times the According to Sturzl the dangers of the dangers of the sport have put a weight sport require the rider to learn horse on the mentality pormannerisms and how tion after the death of to maintain muscles fellow riders. Despite for horse riding. this, Sturzl lives in “Emily is detertheir memory wearing mined with everyI think everyone their matching pins to thing she does,” jushould ride horses. many of her shows. nior Meredith Lynch “I think the main said. “She can decide It brings you a good challenge is just the on something and community. Once unpredictability,” felshe’ll do anything horse rider senior to get to that goal. you find your people low Charles Earl said. “It’s She’s determined like they stick with just like walking with and she’s incredibly anything else. It’s an patient. She will you forever. animal and animals are spend like hours just unpredictable, and at listening to the horse Emily Sturzl the end of the day they and it’s incredible.” sophomore are they have a mind of The environment their own. It’s it’s like of a competition can become rowdy with all the excitement, trying to teach a baby to walk sometimes.” stress, and potential prizes at the end.

As the competition season continTo ensure riders’ and horses’ safety, ues, Sturzl aims to succeed along side trainers emphasize the importance of Sir, taking each show one at a time. calculating the next steps.

“I’ve been able to kind of figure out “When I’m in the ring showing, who I want to be,” Sturzl said. “I think I have two trainers on the sideline this has brought me a great commuyelling at me telling me what’s next,” nity. I’ve made so many friends, they Sturzl said. ”A lot of it is me listening don’t even have to be your age like to them, but then also observing if I’m friends with like 30-year-olds at the horse is showing any signs that the shows. You find your people and he’s gonna act weird in this corner or it’s so worth it, being so connected to towards this jump. There’s a million them is very calming.” things going on.”

In addition to this new family, SturDespite the stress, Sturzl maintains zl’s talent with horses has provided focus on the track and obstacles in experience for her future aspirations. front of her. According to Sturzl the “I want to be a large animal mentality of horse riding is equally is veterinarian when I’m older,” Sturzl the key factor in succeeding during said. “I’ve fallen in love with racehorscompetitions. es, and I own a couple right now that “Over the jump you have to be have come off the track and I’ve focused on every single part of your trained into show jumping, and so I body and where it is in correlation to would love to go to Kentucky and be your horse,” Sturzl said. “I’m focusing an equine vet for racehorses and work on before the jump, over the jump, just specifically with racehorses.” and after the jump 20 seconds before

"

WINNING RIBBONS: Sophomore Emily Sturzl shows off her ribbons after a competition, winning second place in one of her events and fourth in two others. Sturzl plans to continue show jumping with her horse Sir through out the current season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Emily Sturzl

“I’m riding maybe four or five times a week, and I’m riding a bunch of different horses so that I’m very versatile,” Sturzl said. “Sir hears the bells

and he just wants to go, I guess it’s something from being on the track.

He’s very tense when we’re out so this season I’m less focused on placing and

FEATURE 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Senior Eagle Scout makes an impact

Nadia Ramirez achieves highest rank possible within Boy Scouts of America program Savannah Riggins Dispatch Reporter

ern Star Scouting only about 6% of all Scout BSA members earn the eagle rank. And according to Ramirez only The sun shines bright as Senior Naabout 4% of that demographic is dia Ramirez hangs the final evacuation female. sign on the fence surrounding Bowie “It means a lot knowing I worked High School, she is filled with a sense hard and was able to earn it,” Ramirez of pride. said. “There’s a sense of accomplishRamirez joined Boy Scouts in 2021. ment that I did it because a lot of That decision has shaped the last three guys within scouts right now still years of her life. don’t think females should still be in Her first experience with the Boy scouting.”

Scouts of America Ramirez decided to or BSA was going on pursue the Eagle Scout a backpacking trip ranking after watching in the mountains her older brother earn it of New Mexico. in 2020. That inspired It means a lot The trip proved to her to chase the same knowing I worked be a challenge and goal.

Ramirez even ended “My entire attihard and was up getting frostbite. tude changed though, able to earn it.

But that did not throughout the process deter her interest in There’s a sense of because I realized I was the program. it for myself,” accomplishment that doing “It was so much Ramirez said. “I earned fun, but also very one of the hardest acI did it. difficult,” Ramirez complishments a youth Nadia Ramirez said. “We got stuck can earn within Scouts Senior in a large hailBSA.” storm, but it was a Ramirez began planblast. I’m going to ning her Eagle Scout Philmont again this summer and I’m so project in March of last year and comexcited for round two.” pleted it in July but, before reaching Philmont was brought to Nadia’s that goal there were other boxes she attention during a Girl Scout camp. needed to check. Upon joining BSA Which is another organization she is a members have no title. The next step part of. During this camp she met a Boy is to earn Scout, which Ramirez did Scout leader who proposed the idea for in December of 2022. Ramirez earned Nadia to go on the high adventure.

Tenderfoot, the next rank in February “I have been in Girl Scouts since of 2022. In spring of 2022 Ramirez fifth grade and during a camp I met a earned the Second Class rank and Boy Scout leader,” Ramierez said. “She earned the First Class rank in August was like, ‘do you want to go to Philmof 2022. ont?’ and I said yes.”

“At the point of First Nadia has met Class you then had 16 new people through months until you’d be scouting; one of these eligible to earn Eagle,” is sophomore Riley It means a lot Ramirez said.” “So, I Redmer. The pair met earned First Class and knowing I worked at a leadership trainthen I eventually earned ing camp called Nahard and was star and then life, which tional Youth Leaderare other ranks before able to earn it. ship Training (NYLT).

Eagle. As well as the This camp focuses There’s a sense of community service on team-building and I also had to accomplishment that project improving leadership earn 21 required merit skills.

I did it. badges and then within “At NYLT we did a my troop I had to show Nadia Ramirez lot of team-building scout spirit and leaderSenior and communication,” ship skills.”

Redmer said. “We After meeting the also played games requirements Ramirez that focused on building our team began her community service project. working skills. My favorite memory She chose to collaborate with Bowwith Nadia was when we were camping ie. Coordinating with her assistant and we built a catapult.” principal Joel Espinoza, she was able to Since joining the program Ramirez configure her project has been very active within the BSA “Nadia was awesome in that she had community. She has earned the Eagle everything ready to go, ” Espinoza said.

Scout rank which is a highly valued “I was there to provide guidance- get accomplishment. According to Northand give approvals. For the most part-

"

"

SMILING BIG: Senior Nadia Ramirez holds her Eagle Scout certificate in hand as she poses for the camera. Ramirez first joined the Boy Scouts of America in 2021, after being inspired by her brother, who was named an Eagle Scout in 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF Nadia Ramirez

what made working with Nadia so easy was her work ethic and her preparedness.”

Ramriez’s community service project was to create 49 emergency evacuation meeting points all around campus. On the side of school there are fences surrounding the woods and Ramirez added wooden signs to those fences. She also put cement pavers into the ground numbered one through forty-nine.

“If in any case you had to evacuate the school there is now a more streamlined, effective process,” Ramirez said.

“Teachers know exactly where to go and the fire department could find each class. It is also a way for parents to know exactly where their students are.”

According to Ramirez this accomplishment is the result of high dedication to her goals, sleepless nights, and a strong work ethic.

“Looking back, I’d say I’m just proud that I did it,” Ramirez said. “I thought it was impossible, and I wouldn’t be here but I made it. I’m an Eagle Scout and it took a lot of work.”

SAFETY GUARANTEED: A white sign labeled 25 hangs on the fence outside of Bowie, one of many which indicate to teachers where to meet during evacuations. Senior Nadia Ramirez hung this as her Eagle Scout Project. PHOTO BY Savannah Riggins

Bowie students advance careers in Animation III class Asher Hagan Executive Editor: Art/ Graphics

As senior Monica Arce moves her stylus, the final line is placed, and as she pushes play to view her final product, a sense of satisfaction washes over her. She has spent hours on her animations and draws inspiration for her work from her cultural background. Arce is among many students at Bowie that wants to pursue a career in animation.

Animation is one of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at Bowie. Students must take a prerequisite before moving on to animation class where students have more freedom to create personalized projects. Arce is in the highest level of Animation at Bowie, Animation III.

“I think we’re incredibly fortunate to not only have a teacher that’s so legitimately passionate about animation, but also to have access to so many amazing resources,” Arce said. “I’ve known people that go to other schools, and they’re always amazed when they hear that we have anything that you could possibly need in the real industry in this classroom. I’ve also seen a lot of students choosing to do this career just from how fantastic this program is.”

Animation I typically focuses on the basics of the of the craft, but higher levels allow students to explore their own independent projects. This means that students work at their own pace, learning new techniques with the help of their teacher or the internet. On occasion, this freedom can lead to stress for students.

“Sometimes I wish I could just ask someone

LASER FOCUSED: Senior Joopsy Addison works hard on her latest animation project, using a tablet and pen. Addison plans to pursue an animation degree in college. PHOTO BY Asher Hagan

they came out with a 2D animation software that how to do something and have them give me you can use on an iPad,” senior Corey Madden a lesson plan on how to do that thing,” senior said. “Because you don’t need some massive Joopsy Addison said. “Except for Animation I, computer and you can animate anywhere, I think we don’t really do that. Besides that, most of it’s just figuring it out yourself and it can be difficult, it is going to help 2D start to come back against but, overall, this style of learning has more bene- 3D just because it makes animating more convenient.” fits than challenges.”

While Nourse agrees that 2D animation will At Bowie, animation students are instructed persist, new technology is yielding new chalby teacher Andrew Nourse, who has been at lenges for the community. He remembers the Bowie for 18 years and has been teaching for panic among animators when even longer. Nourse’s first inter3D animation started to become action with making animation more prominent in the 90s and was in his last year as a student can see the lasting impact it has at University of Texas at Austin. made.

When he graduated, he started W hen a student’s “Back when Pixar emerged, teaching animation classes at 3D animation started taking over work gets Austin’s Dougherty Arts Center, and traditional animators were eventually transitioning to teachrecognized it’s a worried that 2D animation was ing middle school art full time. priceless moment for going out of style, but it hasn’t “The best thing is when really,” Nourse said. “Now, ArI see students who spend so me not only as an tificial Intelligence is emerging much time on their work get individual, but also and we’re afraid that it’s going recognized for it. They light up,” to take away the appreciation of Nourse said. “When a student’s as a teacher. human made art. AI is going to work gets recognized it’s a be around for a long time but so priceless moment for me not Andrew Nourse will animators, maybe forever.” only as an individual, but also as Animation Teacher One of the most common a teacher. The ultimate goal is uses of animation is children’s to get your work out there and shows and movies. Due to the have it be seen.” number of children’s content that is animated, Many students want to work for studios such many in the industry feel that people consider as Dreamworks and Pixar. Though animation animation more childish than other forms of continues to be a prominent component of the media. film industry, in recent years major studios have “Animated movies, even though people focused more on 3D animation as opposed to a perceive them as childish, they’re not,” Addison more traditional 2D style. This leaves students said. “Studio Ghibli movies, for example, are like senior Patt Collings, who primarily does 2D some of the best movies ever and they recently animation, feeling discouraged. released The Boy and the Heron. It was one of “2D animation is such a laborious animation the most moving movies I’ve ever seen. I was in style and it’s sad having to sacrifice your artisthe theater crying and I don’t cry over movies tic integrity for what a focus group or a major company thinks,” Collings said. “I think both 2D often. Animation has a lot of power over us.”

In 2023, Linearity found that only about 60% and 3D are very interesting and beautiful forms of animators were employed globally. That same of art, but I think the fact that 2D animation is year, the New York Times found that 44% of all getting shoved to the corner isn’t great. There employees in the United States felt they were goare still opportunities for 2D animators in that ing to be laid off by the end of the year. Despite space, but it’s disappointing to see something uncertainty in the job market, students continue that you’re really passionate about being underto pursue animation as a career. valued.”

“Animation is one of the most human art Although students in Animation classes have forms,” Arce said. “Every frame that you see has access to multiple animation mediums such as been worked on tirelessly and you know somestop motion and 3D animation, Nourse says 2D one has poured their life into it. People don’t animation is one of the most commonly used really go into animation for the money and forms among his students. This leads some there’s no guarantee that you’ll do well in this students to believe that 2D animation will perindustry. People do it because of the love and the severe. passion they have for the art form.”

“There is an art program called Procreate and

"

6 PHOTO ESSAY

The ‘Dawgs love PAVEMENT THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

Downtown thrift stores makes big impact in Austin Arden Ray Photo Essay Editor

PICKING OUT DENIM: Katelyn Dillard looks at a pair of jean shorts in the denim section at Pavement. Pavement buys and sells a lot of denim in all different styles, colors, and sizes to appeal to all kinds of shoppers. “I like the fact that there’s a lot of variety in denim and different brands,” Dillard said. “They just have a really good selection of jeans and other denim styles.” PHOTO BY Arden Ray

A local thrift store, Pavement has become popular among high schoolers and college students. With two locations downtown, students have an opportunity to buy second hand clothes and sell their own clothes.

Seniors Katelyn Dillard and Bella Barkkume like to shop at Pavement for in-style, affordable, and environmentally friendly fashion. “[Thrifting has] definitely become more of a trend recently, so most of the good items are taken if you don’t time your shopping right,” Barkkume said.

One of the main appeals of Pavement and other thrift stores is affordability. Since the clothes are second hand, they are typically cheaper than stores with new clothes and accessories.

“I think that some things could be overpriced but they do have a pretty expensive selection and choose good items to resell so I think the pricing is good,” Dillard said.

Unlike Goodwill or other nationwide thrift stores that rely on donations, Pavement gets most of their inventory from buying used clothes from people. Dillard and Barkkume have both sold numerous items to the store.

“I love to sell my clothes that I don’t wear or want anymore,” Dillard said. “I think it’s just beneficial for me to be able to sell my clothes and potentially make money while others can have more selections when shopping.”

Since Pavement is paying for the clothes, employees have a choice whether an item is worth a certain amount or if it’s even in condition to be put in the store.

“Sometimes they are super picky depending where you go, but most stores in Austin, especially Pavement definitely don’t pay enough for high end clothes,” Barkkume said.

A big complaint about second hand stores is that they deny good items or don’t pay enough for clothes.

“I think [thrift stores] can be a little picky like Uptown Cheapskate and Pavement, but

it is fair since they already have so many clothes,” Dillard said.

Pavement and other thrift stores buy a wide variety of clothes and accessories. From ball gowns to rain boots, there are options for everybody and accommodations for many different styles.

“I like the fact that you can go thrifting and see tons of different brands and items where in a regular store it could be more expensive, and may not have what you are looking for,” Dillard said. “I see much of my personal style at Plato’s closet and Pavement but not much at big stores like Goodwill.”

Besides the seemingly endless options of clothes, thrift stores make a good impact on the environment by helping prevent waste from people who might just throw away their old clothes rather than selling or donating them. Senior Odin Lowe believes the culture around thrifting contributes to its eco-friendly impact.

“Reusing clothes keeps them out of landfills and gives them a new purpose,” Lowe said. “Also in my experience, the community that surrounds thrifting is eco-conscious and it’s refreshing to find that among younger people.”

With the rise of online shopping and fast fashion, Stores like Pavement give clothing items another life. Unlike reselling used clothes, big fast fashion companies create a lot of waste with the constant release of new items to maintain popularity.

“Fast fashion is awful for the environment , so I try my best to avoid buying from big online corporations,” Barkkume said.

“I think that thrifting is better because people are saving money and re-purposing items, not just throwing them out.”

Being environmentally and budget friendly, Pavement attracts all kinds of customers with trendy clothes, shoes, bags, and more.

“I really enjoy thrifting and places like Pavement. It’s fun to go with your friends, there’s so much history to the clothes, and it’s pretty cheap,” Lowe said. “Every time you go in you will find something you’ve never seen before. They always have new and cool stuff.”

MAKING A CHOICE: Katelyn Dillard compares two gray hoodies at Pavement. With the almost overwhelming amount of options at Pavement, making a choice can be hard. “Sometimes it can be hard to choose between two really good options that you like,” Dillard said.

“The prices are all pretty good so the choice can be difficult.” PHOTO BY Arden Ray ADVERTISING TO AUSTIN: Pavement advertises the reselling of their clothes. Pavement has a store by Barton Springs and a store on the University of Texas campus. “I really enjoy thrifting and places like pavement,” Lowe said. “It’s fun to go with your friends, there’s so much history to the clothes, and it’s pretty cheap.” PHOTO BY Arden Ray

BROWSING THROUGH: Katelyn Dillard looks through a clothing rack of sweatshirts at Pavement. Pavement has a large selection of clothing including sweatshirts and hoodies that are on multiple racks in the store. “There is so much vintage clothing and accessories, there is so much different style to see at thrift stores.” Dillard said. PHOTO BY Arden Ray

SEARCHING FOR SHOES: Bella Barkkume shops for shoes at Pavement. While mainly selling clothes, Pavement also sells a lot of shoes.

“Pavement always has good shoes,” Barkkume said. “I love seeing the different cowboy boots and jeans, I think they represent Austin fashion well.” PHOTO BY Arden Ray

7 FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Queer community cries out Attacks on LGBTQ rights impact lives of prideful Bowie students Anti-LGBTQ legislation throughout recent years: Kate Davis Editor-in-Chief

STATISTICS FROM CNN and American Civil Liberties Union INFOGRAPHIC BY Kate Davis 150

123

everywhere.”

Not only are students apprehensive of the potential harassment they could face inside school bathrooms, faculty also acknowledges the anxiety queer students may be experiencing.

“It was very upsetting to hear about the incident and I thought about all the students that I work with,” Morgan said. “The child involved was not any different than someone you’d see walking the halls of Bowie. I think it’s playing on cultural fears and it’s using people’s base fears or worries in a way that exploits the students, and educators who are just trying to make a safe space for students. It kind of feels like we’re being used as fodder for a bigger political and cultural war going on.”

With these feelings of apprehension growing, students are urging school admin to encourage safety of students in the LGBTQ community.

“I know last year the admin would occasionally send campus security or assistant principals into the all gender bathroom urging people to respect the space and use it wisely,” Newsom said. “While I wish they continued to do this, I know that there are now QR codes where you can directly report incidents happening and there are cameras outside the bathrooms.”

A knot growing in their stomach, hands shaking, and sweat running down their neck, sophomore Roni Newsom walks up the stairs to their first period class, on the first day of the new school year. Anxious thoughts run through their mind: Will the teacher ask for their pronouns? What about their preferred name? Will they be accepting?

As Newsom approaches the door, the only sense of consolation is the pride flag hanging above the classroom entrance.

RISING LEGISLATION

75

36 19 0

12

2022

350 314

175

167

141

42 0

190 150

114

100

100

0

2024

In efforts to create an inclusive campus, many teachers express their support of the LGBTQ community and are passionate about cultivating a positive learning environment.

“I am really intentional about using genderfree language for all of my students," English teacher Chelsea McCaffery said. "I make sure to respect everyone's pronouns and preferred names, and make sure everyone else in class respects them too. Also just having things like pride flags, so students know that this is a place where they can be themselves. It's my job to fight for them, so I'm going to do that."

While they appreciate the support of school faculty, members of the LGBTQ community are urging their peers to educate themselves and According to the American Psychiatric Asbecome more respectful of their classmates. sociation, members of the LGBTQ community “Just be aware of trans-phobia and speak out are more than twice as likely to struggle with a when you see something,” Warren said. “It’s mental health disorder such as depression and so easy to ignore if someone’s being intentionanxiety, as well as substance abuse. ally rude to a trans person or “I mean, this increase in mis-gendering them. When they legislation is very devastating,” see it, people should step in and Morgan said. “I think it is tarsay something. Even just somegeting a group that already goes thing small like that can make a through so much, targeting a Hopelessness can huge difference." group that has a higher suicide According to a survey done rate and a higher murder rate be weaponized, and in 2021 by the Gay, Lesbian, than the rest of the population.

I think that hope is and Straight Education Network Targeting people who in general (GLSEN), 68% of LGBTQ stutend to struggle more and it in itself an act of felt unsafe on their school feels very much like they’re defiance to that. I want dents campus due to their sexual using LGBTQ people as ammunition in a culture war. I think people to stand strong orientation or gender identity.

Both students and teachers on devastated is exactly the word to and be hopeful. the Bowie campus seek to lower use for that.” this statistic, through fostering Queer students on campus Jacob Morgan On Feb. 7, 2024 a queer student in Oklahorespect and inclusivity. are already feeling the effects GSA Sponsor ma died following what was cited by police as “No one knows more about of the recent events, expressa physical altercation in a high school bathwhat’s going on inside of a ing their fear for their own room. According to the New York person, than the person themselves. So, I think comfortability and safety on Times, witnesses of the incident listening is so important,” Morgan said. “Supschool grounds. state that the student killed was porting every student who may be experiencing “It would make a lot of assaulted for their gender identity, bullying is so important. It can be as simple people feel unsafe in their ultimately reigniting criticism of as asking a probing question when someone own skin and have to hide If these bills are anti-transgender laws in the state. says something hateful or intolerant or helping who they truly are,” sophoThis event has sparked unrest somebody pick up their stuff when they drop more Simone Brock said. “I passed there will among members of the LGBTQ it. We talk about microaggressions, but I think feel like it could lead to me be less opportunity being overly outed or subject- there are also micro-affirmations, and ways that community, with many people fearing for their own safety. you can show support and love. Also, join the ed to bullying and harassment for people to learn “To hear that something so GSA to promote acceptance on our campus.” at intense levels for how I and grow when it terrible happened and there’s In addition to his focus on improving the identify and who I am. I don’t not much being done to punish safety of students on the Bowie campus, Morthink there’s enough action comes to things like the perpetrators is heartbreakgan is encouraging queer students like Newbeing taken to prevent inciprejudice. ing,” Warren said. “It’s just really som, Brock, and Warren, who may be struggling dents like what happened in disgusting, especially the people to look towards the future with optimism.

Oklahoma.

I feel like if more Clyde Warren on social media saying that the “I think that hopelessness is a thing that can isn’t done, incidents similar to Senior student deserved it. It’s really be weaponized against people. And I think that what happened in Oklahoma heartbreaking. It makes me feel hope is in itself an act of defiance to that," could happen in schools all less safe. Living in Austin, I feel Morgan said. "I want people to stand strong and around AISD.” like I don’t need to worry about my safety as a be hopeful, and to know that we’re in it for the In addition to the impact that this uptake trans person. But then I hear stories like this long run, and it’s going to get better.” in legislation will have in educational settings, one, and I think “dang, maybe I do need to worstudents are recognizing the effects it may have ry.” It’s really scary. It makes me feel like trans on their personal lives. According to a survey people don’t belong in society, and that’s just conducted by Mental Health America, over half SCAN TO not the case. We belong the respondents had negative According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in 2023, a total of 510 bills were introduced in the United States which would negatively impact the LGBTQ community. As of March 15, 2024, 479 bills have been introduced, setting a precedent for the remainder of the year.

“It just makes me feel hopeless, and wonder what the future is going to look like,” senior Clyde Warren said. “I feel like especially in Texas and the south, LGBTQ rights are not respected by people or the government, who are constantly trying to pass bills to limit our rights. It’s not right and it makes me wonder, what is the future going to be like, if this continues?”

According to the ACLU, 190 of the bills introduced thus far in 2024 target education, through censoring curriculum, forced outings in school, bans on school facilities and sports, and more.

“I'm in touch with a lot of students who are LGBTQ and would be impacted by these bills,” Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) sponsor Jacob Morgan said. “Frankly, they're very worried about it. These are students who tend to deal with more bullying, more harassment already, so it’s only going to make that worse.

As an educator, my number one job is to make sure students feel safe in the classroom, and this gets in the way of that.”

THE IMPACT

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Healthcare

1 in 3

1 in 5

Other

transgender and non-binary youth have attempted suicide.

STATISTIC FROM The Trevor Project, 2022.

WA ME OR

ID

MN

SD

WI

IA

NE

PA IL

KS

9.5%

of U.S citizens ages 13-17 identify as LGBTQ. STATISTIC FROM University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, 2020.

MI

WY UT

avis

PODCAST BY Audrey Cullinane

of LGBTQ youth in the U.S. considered suicide in 2022.

STATISTIC FROM The Trevor Project, 2022.

Education

AR T BY Kate D

SEE MORE!

45%

Issue that legislation addresses:

Civil Rights

CREATING CHANGE

STUDENT SAFETY

2023

200

experiences with healthcare and insurance, which deterred them from seeking treatment for mental illnesses, which they are more than two times as likely to experience.

“I’m not yet sure how this legislation would affect me personally, but my mom has several mental disorders that make it very difficult to function,” Newsom said. “So, if there’s less available healthcare for her I imagine it could potentially shorten her life span, because she wouldn’t have access to what she needs to function. It would make my family’s life a lot harder.”

AZ

MO

WV KY SC

LA

MS

AL

VA NC

TN

OK

NM

OH

IN

VT NH MA RI CT NJ DE MD DC PR

GA

HI

Bills per state 1-5

6-10

11-15

16+

Trans Lifeline (877) 565 8860

transgender and non-binary youth consider their home to be gender affirming.

STATISTIC FROM The Trevor Project, 2022.

FL

AK

Reach out for help:

INFOGRAPHIC BY Layne Foxcroft STATISTIC FROM American Civil Liberties Union UPDATED AS OF March 15, 2024

Suicide and Crisis Hotline 988

60%

of LGBTQ youth in the U.S. who wanted healthcare in 2022 were unable to receive it.

STATISTIC FROM The Trevor Project, 2022.

States with bills being introduced which impact LGBTQ rights

IN-DEPTH 9

8 IN-DEPTH

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Raps and rhymes

INFO G Maz RAPHIC zy W arre BY ART n BY Ash er H aga n

changing times

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. : Widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, he is revered for his impact on ‘90s East Coast rap. Also known as “Biggie,” he was willing to use his music to address the vulnerability and harshness of life in the hood. INFO Biography.com

Students recognize the importance of social change as musicians speak against institutional issues Mazzy Warren Editor-in-Chief

acknowledge members of oppressed groups.

“There’s never one origin point for a genre,” Grantham said. “Instead, it’s like a tree with roots that It starts with a simple beat. A rhythmic tap-tap-tap, span a wide area; and a lot of those roots touch on the coupled with an audio clip of a man delivering a power- community aspect of bringing people together with ful speech. Soon more instruments flood in, and senior music. But there’s also a degree of introspection that’s Abigail Paz can’t help but tap her foot to the music allowed, when you really sit down with something and pouring from her headphones. make it your own, and it took a little while for hip-hop She sees a body moving in her mind’s eye, a dancer to develop the social consciousness it’s known for. creating combinations to match the powerful song When people started taking the art form seriously, it playing around her. As a dancer and musician, Paz loves forced us to listen to it in a different way and appreciate to listen to music, scout out its beats and rhythms, both what it took to make it, and what they’re making and create a visual representation of the music and its it for.” message. That’s what she loves most Senior Adrian Ferretiz feels that about dance: using her mind and body these elements have historically encourto express, uplift, and explore the aged hip-hop artists to put on a “mask” music around her. that denies expressions of weakness or Accessibility “Music has impacted and affectemotion. He believes this has changed ed me, a lot,” Paz said. “One of my over time, and modern hip-hop is now means there’s favorite styles is hip-hop; that genre more accessible for people from all always a way to really got me into the dance world, different areas of life, experiencing and and I love the way I can dance with expressing their own personal struggles. push a boundary, it. Listening to it, dancing to it, and He feels that this gives every era its own and hip-hop is following the hip-hop style, has defiunique set of strengths and weaknesses, nitely shaped me into the person and which express the changes among the all about pushing dancer I am today.” genre and the society it reflects. boundaries.

Alongside its impact on individ“In the 90s, you had Tupac, Snoop uals, hip-hop culture has influenced Dogg, Biggie and Ice Cube, people who Will Grantham music, fashion, entertainment, lanoften put on an inflated persona, which Audio engineer guage, politics, media, and more. Auexpressed that the world hates them,” dio engineer Will Grantham feels that Ferretiz said. “But they put on this hip-hop is one of the most important gangster mask, and try to show what art forms in modern music. Grantham works for the and who they are through their music. Now we have Electric Deluxe recording studio in Austin, where he a lot of artists that don’t have to put on as much of an produces music for Adrian Quesada, producer and guiimage, people like Kenny Mason, J. Cole or Kendrick tar player for the Austin-based band, the Black Pumas.

Lamar, and people that are able to express themselves With his involvement in the Austin music scene, he has differently.” fostered a deep understanding and passion for creating According to the African American Intellectual and listening to music.

History Society (AAIHS), the “golden era” of hip-hop “Hip-hop is fascinating to me because, at its core, was a crucial moment in African American history; it is created from sampling, from pulling elements of Paz believes this era of the genre facilitated societal other songs and reworking it to make it your own,” change, especially as it relates to civil rights, racism, Grantham said. “What I love about it, and what I find and inequality. important, is the accessibility to creativity. To make a “Rappers usually talk a lot about cultural issues and great hip-hop song, all you really need is a laptop and societal problems,” Paz said. “They use their art and a bit of software; that ease of use and accessibility has skills to speak out against the problems affecting their led to rapid growth and change; people will say that communities; it’s a great method for getting a message old school hip-hop is dead, but that’s just because out into the world.” the younger generations have moved on to other cool things that they can make with the genre. There’s always a way to push a boundary, and hip-hop is all about pushing boundaries.”

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CHANGING COMMUNITIES

HIP- HOP HISTORY

OLD SCHOOL:

According to Ferretiz, rap music is on a decline; Grantham disagrees, as he feels the genre isn’t weakening, but transforming. Statistics from Billboard do show that the genre’s growth is slowing, with 27.6% of the overall 2022 market share, a decline from the previous year’s 28.4%. Despite this, it still remains the most listened-to genre of music in America.

“Throughout musical history, no matter where you are, there’s someone saying that it’s not as good as

DRAKE : This hip-hop artist is respected for his role as one of the first rappers to combine traditional R&B elements with hip-hop beats, influencing popular culture with his new music style. His work has not only enhanced the music scene, but his charitable donations have also impacted the communities he’s involved BAD BUNNY : This Puerto Rican artist uses his platform to in. With his 2018 video for celebrate his Latino culture, proudly featuring Puerto Rican “God’s Plan,” he gave slang, food, and the diversity of its people. In addition to away one million dollars, his cultural passion, Bad Bunny has pioneered social justice to students, a women’s with his music, as well; he has used his platform to speak shelter, youth centers, and against police brutality, gender inequality, LGBTQ discrimimore. INFO Medium nation, and cultural misrepresentation. His activism has not only inspired and influenced many Latino youths, but has also reached out to listeners in the United States, calling for individuals to get involved in their communities and fight for change. INFO LATV

1979-1983

BLING ERA:

EAST VS WEST:

1983-2000

BLOG ERA:

1997-2006

1991-1997

CONSCIOUS WAVE:

TUPAC SHAKUR : One of the most well-known artists in history, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. On top of his reputation as a legendary rapper, he is known to be a poet, activist, and revolutionary for his socially conscious music. His work not only exposed oppressive systems, but examined the ways those systems worked in black communities. His music continues to inspire and encourage the minority groups it was designed to represent. INFO Rock the Bells

ART BY Asher Hagan

INFO ROCK THE BELLS

BAD BUNNY

was the 2nd most streamed Spotify artist globally in 2023, with over

66 million

monthly listeners

INFO Spotify: For the Record

Hip-hop accounted for 25.5% of all music streams in the U.S. in 2023.

DR. DRE : Lofted as a trailblazer for transforming rap, music, and popular culture in the 80s and 90s.

Having created his own influential music, he also worked as a producer for other artists, like Eminem, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and more. Outside of his contributions to the hip-hop genre, Dr. Dre has also donated millions of dollars to schools to support art and education for youth in California. INFO Britannica

INFO AP News

1/4

Most played Spotify rappers

1. Drake 2. Eminem 3. Kanye 4. Juice WRLD 5. Travis Scott

OF ALL 2023 GLOBAL SPOTIFY STREAMS WAS HIP-HOP MUSIC INFO Spotify: For the Record

INFO Boardroom

INF O

Gi

tn

IN FO

ux

39%

He a d p h

on

es

Ad

54%

U.S. GEN Z IDENTIFY AS FANS OF HIP-HOP

US HIP-HOP LISTENERS ARE AGED 20-24

TODAY’S STAGE

ART BY Mazzy Warren INFO Discogs

1983-1997

With hits like “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move,” this album is recognized as the best-selling hip-hop album of all time. It has sold over 13 million copies since its release in 2003.

YOUNG LISTENERS

EXPLORE THE ERAS: GOLDEN AGE:

SPEAKERBOXX / THE LOVE BELOW OUTKAST

ct

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Civil movements like the Million Man March, Vote it used to be. Whether it’s country blues, jazz, rock, or Die, and Black Lives Matter all encourage support hip-hop, rap, the younger generation is always going for African-American communities. to do something new,” Grantham said.

Alongside hip-hop artists, social work“There’s always this urge to push a ers, political activists, and community boundary, and with hip-hop, it’s easier leaders embrace these messages, with to push those boundaries because Artists have a a common goal to drive social change it’s such a fresh genre. It’s not that passion and a and push for justice in their communithe genre is dying, but simply transties. forming into new things, as we have strong opinion on “Music is important because it’s new people pushing new boundaries, the things they’re something we’ve been doing for forevmaking music authentic to the younger er. Knowing people around me, and the writing about. Their generation.” artists that I aspire to, music has had Although some feel the genre’s LAURYN HILL : Hill is known as music is a reflection future feels precarious, Grantham a huge impact on me and on everyone one of the queens of hip-hop. around me,” Ferretiz said. “Seeing the believes hip-hop will continue to Many feel her influence stems of themselves. way people express themselves, and transform lives and generate change. from her empathy, her work hearing them express their views on Ferretiz believes hip-hop has become ethic, and her skill; her music Abigail Paz certain issues, influences us to look more than just a genre of music; it has worked to educate the Senior world on the love, power, into new events and issues in our become a movement for social change and beauty of hip-hop and world, and I have learned things that and empowerment, with its affinity its impact. She also estabwere very valuable for me and my identity. We just to expose social issues, provide creative avenues for lished the Refugee Project, have a natural affinity to the messages in music, it’s a expression and healing, and empower marginalized an organization designed universal language.” communities. Grantham believes, as artists continue to help underprivileged to follow this path, hip-hop will continue to grow and youth. change to reflect younger generations’ love and conINFO Harvard Hipcern for their communities. hop Archive “The future of this genre is going to be interesting,” Harwood has been playing percussion since sixth Grantham said. “It’s starting to circle back, and we’re grade, and he enjoys the expression that music facilseeing it get pushed into new genres, which really itates. According to Medium, the hip-hop genre proinspires us to take a step back and look at the older vides a platform for marginalized youth to express their music we enjoyed, and see how we can enjoy it identities, as it relates to their experiences, challenges, alongside newer art forms. There’s always going to be and aspirations. Harwood agrees that this expression something new pushing the genre forward, but there’s is crucial to helping create a sense of belonging and also always going to be a reflection of what made it validation among teens. great in the first place.”

“Music has been a big part of my life for a long time, and I have always loved playing and listening to it,” Harwood said. “There are so many songs that have SNOOP DOGG : Known affectionately as “Snoop,” this artsuch strong meanings, so it’s a good way to express ist’s influence extends far beyond his music and contriyourself and cope with your problems. It helps you butions to hip-hop culture. He has become a cultural connect with other people, which is super important icon, transcending typical generational and genre for our community.” boundaries. His music has made many contribuBy placing social commentary in their lyrics, artists tions to West Coast culture, and it developed the gangsta-funk sub-genre. He has raised have the ability to raise awareness among youth who funds for youth sports organizations, cancer may be uninterested in other forms of media. Paz research, and affordable housing efforts. believes discussions of inequality and racism encourINFO Look to the Stars age youth to become more socially aware, and allows rappers to be engaged as citizens.

“These artists continue to do their profession because they have a passion for it,” Paz said. “They have a passion and a strong opinion on the things they’re writing about, and that is what really inspires them to make these kinds of songs. Their music is a reflection of themselves, but they also observe their community and uplift those perspectives, which gives their community an outlet of expression.”

According to MSW, music fosters a sense of unity within a community, by providing teens with a sense of identity and belonging. Among communities marked by economic hardship, racial discrimination, and limited opportunities, hip-hop has flourished as a means to express and bond over shared experiences. Alongside NICKI MINAJ : Minaj grew TYLER, THE CREATOR : One of junior Julian Sullivan, senior Otto Wu, and senior up in Queens, New York, the most renown modern rappers, Diego Dominguez, Ferretiz performs in a local alterwhere she began her this artist has impacted not only the native rock band called “No Tuition.” Ferretiz feels his career. She is now one modern hip-hop music scene, but has band has immersed him in a unique community, and of the most well-known also made contributions to the world he loves the way music allows him to connect with female artists, for her music, of hip-hop fashion. His work is others. her style, and her messages. respected for its experimental style, She is respected for using and for the social commentary “It’s really fun working as a group, because her music to fight against the weaved within its narratives. His it’s easier to get things done when everybody is restrictive stereotypes placed presence as a cultural figure has pushing towards a goal,” Ferretiz said. “With a on women, to redefine typical encouraged teens to express band, it’s less exhausting and it’s always a lot beauty standards, and to themselves, whether that be more fun to work with everybody, than doing empower women to embrace their through music, fashion, or by it alone. It’s really cool to get to create with sexuality and assert their power in redefining established them, it’s a community where I can always a male-dominated society. INFO boundaries. INFO Culted take my mind off things and just have fun.”

Medium

PODCAST BY Noah Ellinger and Noah Bihan

di

In this golden era, many rappers used their platforms to bring attention to the problems that impact poor and working-class black communities, issues like police brutality, drug addiction, state-sanctioned vioAccording to Brittanica, hip-hop is a cultural movelence, and misogyny. According to AAIHS, rappers were ment that provides the background for the rap music seen as organic black intellectuals, speaking out against genre. The art originated in the late 1970s, in the ecothe government, educational, and media systems that nomically depressed Bronx section of New York City, failed them. Senior Josh Harwood believes this compredominantly inhabited by African-American families mentary continues to flourish in modern hip-hop. affected by poverty, drug abuse, and gang violence; hip“One of my favorite songs is called Love Yourz by hop is recognized as a product of these struggles.

J. Cole,” Harwood said. “In it, he sings about how you “Hip-hop started as an outlet for expression, created won’t have the best things in the world, but that’s okay, by the people in urban areas,” Grantham said. “When because if you can appreciate what you have, then you you start writing, you’re going to start writing about have everything you really need. It’s a strong message, what’s important to you, and if all you really know and I really love that song because of is struggling, fighting, and poverty, it.” that’s what you’re going to express.

According to the Columbia School This really sets the genre apart from of Social Work (MSW), hip-hop has others, because it’s allowed to focus on made a profound impact on society by The kings and the negative aspects of society. Other empowering underrepresented comgenres don’t always get quite as real queens of hip-hop munities, advocating for social justice, as hip-hop, because the art is based on and providing opportunities for self have always been the authentic experiences of the people expression and connection. Songs like making it.” pioneers of social “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy This marginalization formed the and “Changes” by Tupac Shakur directjustice.

Rapping platform on which black youths created ly address racism, police brutality, and the foundations of hip hop, to express calls for people’s inequality, and thereby imbue their their struggles against institutional music with purpose: to educate and to attention. disadvantages. According to Icon Colencourage action. lective, hip-hop culture consists of four “Hip-hop’s a great factor of social Adrian Ferretiz elements: DJ’ing/turntablism; MC’ing/ change, because the lyrics often put an Senior rapping; graffiti; and break-dancing/Bexplicit message in the song,” Ferretiz boying, which encompasses hip-hop said. “The people that are seen as the dance, style, and attitude. Occasionkings or queens of that genre have been pioneers of ally, a fifth element is added to this list. “Knowledge social justice, and they are always discussing the things of self ” or “consciousness,” refers to the knowledge that should be talked about. Rapping calls for people’s someone needs to truly understand their community, a attention, and it is always gonna get the word out in mix of spiritual and political consciousness designed to terms of music.”

SCAN FOR THE NOAH ‘BOUT IT PODCAST!

RISE OF SOUTHERN RAP: 1990-2005

2004-PRESENT

Measured by % Billboard Hot 100 Artists in each genre ART BY Mazzy Warren

INFO Unboxed Analytics & Statista

Hip-hop Pop 54% 51% 46% 38%

35%

42% 33%

35% 28%

RISE OF TRAP:

2006-2014

CONSCIOUS RESURGENCE:

TREND IN GENRE POPULARITY

17%

2014-PRESENT

19%

ALTERNATIVE REVIVAL: 2006-PRESENT

2006

2010

2014

2018

2020

2022

10 SPORTS

A

THE DISPATCH APRIL 19, 2024

THLETES SSERT

‘Dawgs Boys Baseball lead playoff push through heartbreak Max Broderick Right Fielder Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

This season of baseball at Bowie has been a really fun and competitive one. We are currently 18-7 overall and 8-3 in district, coming off a sweep against Akins. I have really enjoyed playing with my best friends and watching them succeed and play super well.

Seeing the guys I have played with since before freshman year live out their dreams with me has been a super cool and exciting process. Our seniors have carried the majority of the load, with Cole Miller and Ryder Melsa leading the way on the mound. They have both done a really good job shutting down opposing teams and taking a big workload.

Sadly though, our starting right fielder, Senior Joaquin Welch was critically injured in a game against Dripping Springs and will not be back out on the field this season, so we hope to continue winning for him.

I think the whole incident really brought the team together and was just another reminder to be grateful for the opportunities we sometimes take for granted. He was such a key piece in our rotation, not just as a player but as a person.

One of the funniest and whole hearted guys on the team.

Coming back the next game and beating Dripping after the loss of Joaquin just shows what type of team we have.

Coach Degelia did a great job refocusing the team and preparing us to continue playing well. That was by far the best memory from the whole season.

Everyone was emotional after the game because everyone knew the significance of the win and we knew Joaquin was going to be so excited when he found out. It was a special moment in honor of a special teammate.

We have a few more tough games and match-ups on the schedule. We play Westlake and Lake Travis in back to back weeks, followed by Del Valle to wrap up the season.

Our goal is to finish at the top of the district and make a deep playoff run for our seniors who have done so much for us already this season.

As for me, a junior with inconsistent playing time, I try my best to just stay ready whenever it is my turn to go out and compete. It is super important for me to be the best teammate I can be, especially in such a wild season that we have had so far.

I know I am not the star player, but sitting behind some amazing players I think have really helped me learn what it takes to be really good. It has kept me very motivated and it translated to me getting more time on the field which is great.

The seniors have been such great people to all the juniors which has allowed us to really develop and hopefully succeed next year. It has also allowed us to play some really good baseball in a really tough district.

We have shown we are able to compete with some of the best teams in Texas. It’s now all about gaining some momentum and getting “hot” at the right time.

Texas is a powerhouse state for baseball, as a lot of the best teams in the country are within just a few hundred miles of Bowie.

This being said, anything can happen in the playoffs with baseball, because it is a best of three series which means there are a lot of upsets. If we remain focused on the present, we have the talent to make a deep run into the playoffs. I believe in our guys. *Have a sports opinion or story you want to share? Contact bowie. journalism@gmail.com to be the next feature columnist.

New beginnings: Mallett’s story Former football captain recovering four years removed from near-fatal wreck Ben Tillisch Executive Editor: Sports In a singular moment, the trajectory of Evan Mallett’s life changed. Despite taking and bouncing back from countless hits on the gridiron as a Bowie quarterback, this collision would prove to be much more difficult to overcome.

On April 25, 2020, Mallett was involved in a single-car accident that rendered him quadriplegic. For nearly a month after the crash, Mallett remained in the severe trauma intensive care unit (ICU) at St. David’s Medical Center in downtown Austin, where he was treated for a fractured neck, spine, and skull.

“Being in the hospital put it in perspective, what could have happened,” Mallett said. “I knew I was pretty messed up, but the nurse told me that I probably should have died. It was almost like a feeling of second chances.

Like, it was a very unfortunate situation, but it could have not been a situation at all. It could have just been nothing.”

While being treated in the St. David’s ICU, doctors discovered pneumonia in Mallett’s lungs. As a result, Mallett was transferred to Tier Memorial in Houston, where he was placed on a ventilator until he regained the ability to breathe unassisted.

“It was pretty brutal, because I would feel myself breathing by myself, and then I’d have to be plugged back into the ventilator,” Mallett said. “It was hard.

I would try to go against the ventilator as best I could. The feeling of breathing myself was the type of thing I wanted back.”

To progress past the need for the ventilator, doctors would test Mallett with timed checkpoints of breathing unassisted. Eventually, roughly two months after the wreck, doctors determined Mallett no longer needed the ventilator to breathe, thereby enabling the former quarterback to talk and eat solid food for the first time as well.

“Hearing my voice was hard at first because it took a lot to get the words out, but it definitely felt good,” Mallett said. “It was progress, and that was the biggest thing, which was that we were taking steps forward for me to eventually go home.”

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, contact with Mallett was strictly limited in the subsequent months of the crash. In order to show support, lifelong friend and then teammate Mark Chada, a current junior at the University of Texas, organized and participated in an overnight vigil while Mallett was in the hospital.

“Honestly, it was very hard at

WORKING HARD: Former Bowie quarterback Evan Mallett works on a strengthening exercise to increase mobility. Mallett has been in occupational therapy since the 2020 crash that left him quadriplegic. PHOTO BY Austin Ikard

the beginning to see Evan,” Chada said. “I had known him so long that it almost didn’t seem real. I know everyone says that tragedies similar to Evan’s cause you to see life from a different perspective that allows you to appreciate the little things. Having something happen to a close friend really forced me to take that to heart.”

At the time of the crash, Mallett was preparing for his third and final season as the Bulldogs quarterback. Four years later, Mallett recognizes that a return to the gridiron is unlikely, yet he continues to find alternate avenues to regain the thrill of competitive sport.

“One of the biggest things I miss is football,” Mallett said.

“The gravity of my situation

compared to football makes it seem like nothing, but I love football, and I miss playing it.

My goal has been to find pathways to do things like football just in a different way.”

Specifically, Mallett has taken an interest in Wheelchair Rugby, which has been a Summer Paralympic sport since 2000.

Chada asserts that Mallet’s innate determination to improve his situation is contagious.

“I still see Evan when we both get the chance,” Chada said. “We are both very busy, but we make time to just hang out.

Seeing him do daily tasks and especially getting better at them really shows how strong he is.

He even started driving recently and is thinking about joining a rugby team, which is pretty cool.

MASKS ON: Then senior Evan Mallett poses for a photo with his family before heading onto the field to receive the nomination for Homecoming King. Along with being named Homecoming King, Mallett was chosen by his team as a Varsity Captain for the 2020 football season. PHOTO COURTESY OF JR Flores REPRINT FROM 2021

COMING UP IN SPORTS:

Evan is a great friend to have meant a lot, and it was nice beand seeing him push himself cause I met a lot of people that every week makes me want to had supported me behind the push myself as scenes, so I got well.” to thank them.”

Head footFor the past four years, Malball coach Jeff The ongoing Ables coached lett has been on Mallett for his challenges are also a mission to live sophomore life on his the motivators for me his and junior terms. In order year as varsity to go to college and to do so, Josey quarterback.

Silva, an occupalive my life. I have However, tional therapist, according to my goals and I know has channeled Ables, Mallett that I’ll achieve them. Mallett’s was a leaddetermination into relearning er first and Evan Mallett functional tasks foremost and Former Quarterback like cooking and represented driving. the program “I’m very at the highest impressed with his attitude, level. because a lot of people give up “He’s an example of how and feel sorry for themselves, something can happen in your but not him,” Silva said. “He life, and you can take what’s will try anything and keep trying happened and make the best of until he gets it. He’s very well it,” Ables said. “He had a great adjusted and ready to move on attitude, and he was always a to do whatever he can to be competitor. That fighting spirit successful.” after his injury made him able Since the wreck, Mallett to get back to where he needed has graduated from Bowie, and to be and overcome what had he currently attends classes at happened.”

Austin Community College. A Mallett was still named sophomore in terms of credits, team captain for his senior year, Mallett plans to transfer to the despite the fact he never put on University of Texas in the fall of football pads again. His journey 2024, where he study busispurred a new perspective and appreciation of the sport ness. throughout the entire football “When you first initially program. get hurt, a lot of people think “Life is precious,” Ables their life is over,” Mallett said. said. “You never know what’s “When I got into the wreck, I going to happen, and you can’t got a whole new perspective take anything for granted. As a on everything. It’s given me a coach, you try to remind your new appreciation of the small players that [football] is just a things.” game. Everybody likes to win, Mallett’s injury has resulted but it’s really about trying to in ongoing challenges, including make an impact and a difference a lower back surgery in 2022. in a kid’s life every day.”

Still, Mallett continues to maxiAlong with being named mize life’s possibilities with his varsity captain for the 2020 seaunwavering resolve and work ethic. son, Mallett was honored as the “The setbacks that I’ve had 2020 homecoming king. Beyond have probably been the hardest the football team and Bulldog part over the past four years,” community, Mallett was also Mallett said. “But, the ongoing recognized by Kendra Scott and challenges are also the motivaCraig O’s Pasta and Pizzeria, both of which organized fundtors for me to go to college and live my life. I kind of look at raisers on his behalf. each setback as a bump in the “It was surreal going back road. At the end of the day, I to Burger Stadium for the first have my goals and I know that time,” Mallett said. “A lot of my I’ll achieve them one day.” family and friends were there. It

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APRIL 19 Va r s i t y S o f t b a l l

APRIL 20 Va r s i t y B o y s

APRIL 20 Va r s i t y Tr a c k

APRIL 27 V a r s i t y B a s e b a l l

vis High School

H o u s e Pa r k

Stadium San Antonio

Stadium

v s L a k e Tr a v i s @ L a k e Tr a -

L a c r o s s e v s S t o n y Po i n t @

Regional Meet @ Heroes

vs. Del Valle @ Burger

SPORTS 11

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Lady ‘Dawg swimming at state meet

Sophomore swimmer Allie Dunn is a forced to reckoned with in the 500-meter freestyle Caroline Baxter Dispatch Reporter Sophomore swim superstar Allie Dunn glides through the water pushing herself to the limit, stroke after stroke. Dunn made her first appearance at the UIL Swimming State Meet competing in the five-hundred-meter freestyle.

Dunn is one of the two swimmers at Bowie to final during the Texas State finals this year. This was Dunn’s first time qualifying for state, let alone making finals at state.

“I was very happy when I qualified for state,” Dunn said. “I worked very hard this season and to accomplish this goal was an amazing experience for me.”

Dunn ended up finishing 14th in the event, with a time of 5:02.38. It isn’t easy for a swimmer to qualify for state. First, they have to compete in regionals, which acts as the qualiTAKE A BREATH: On the final stretch of her race, Allie Dunn pushes herself to the limit. Dunn had a successful second season as a fier for state. Only a small number of Bulldog swimmer. PHOTO COURTESY OF Allie Dunn swimmers per event can qualify for the state finals.

“Regionals is very competitive start swimming,” Dunn said. “She was the qualities needed for life outside of that Dunn is a hard worker. Dunn because everyone knows that is their sports. good at swimming and I kind of got however, stands out to all of her teamway to state,” Dunn said. “You can “I think it’ll open a lot of doors forced into it, but I am very glad I was mates. Broccolo expressed her praise also get a call-up, which happened in for me in the future,” Dunn said. “It in the end.” on Dunn. my case, but usually only 16 kids in has improved my work ethic. Also, it As well as being a hard worker “Dunn is inspiring because of her each event can compete at state.” has taught me to get work done early while swimming, Dunn puts in the dedication to swimming at all times,” The effort needed to achieve the because I miss quite a bit of school for effort during school too. Dunn would Broccolo said. “She inspires everyone state level is very high. The work ethic meets and competitions.” like to continue to swim throughout to be their best constantly and that they have needs to be consistently Since Dunn is enthusiastic about college and also after graduation. with work put in, we can be great very high. One of Dunn’s swim mates, going to college to swim, her personal“I am planning to go to college to swimmers.” sophomore Audri Harris complimentity shows her energy towards college. swim except I don’t have any prefDunn inspires others but she also ed the hard work Dunn always puts Harris thoroughly enjoys Dunn’s erence yet on where,” Dunn said. “I has gotten inspired but people herself. into her workouts. presence in the pool but also out of don’t care if I go Division 1, Division Dunn has her sister, Audrey, to thank “She is a very hard worker this year the pool.

2, or Division 3, I just want to keep for getting her into the swimming for the swim team,” Harris said. “She “Dunn’s personality is quiet but swimming.” world. Even without her, Dunn thinks got the highest points award meanwhen you know her she’s one of the Dunn believes that her swimming she would have found her love for ing she scored the most points out of funniest people I know,” Harris said. will help her later in life when she swimming anyway. everyone on the team.”

“She can and will make you laugh all needs to find a job. Her dedication “I have been swimming since I was Freshman Mia Broccolo believes the time and just overall has a very and determination to swim gives her five years old after I watched my sister

goofy personality.”

Dunn loves to show her silly side at practice. This doesn’t mean that she isn’t focusing on her goals. Dunn practices multiple times a week and maximizes the effort she puts into her practices “I do goof around at practice but I also make sure to do the best I can,” Dunn said. “I know that the effort I make in practice can correspond to how I do at the meets and to where I end up finishing.”

In the District 26-6A Championship, Dunn finished third in the two-hundred yard freestyle. Advancing her to the next level.

“Since Dunn now competed at state, we all know now that we have the potential and ability to do the same,” Broccolo said. “I have so much respect for her and I feel pushed now to keep giving it my all.”

Dunn has become a role model for many swimmers in the Bowie program. Broccolo expressed her like for Dunn and the reason she keeps swimming.

“Dunn has become an example for the standard of Bowie swim after her amazing season,” Broccolo said. “I thoroughly enjoy watching her swim and the style of her swimming is incredible, making me strive for more.”

Dunn has many more years of swimming ahead of her, but she is already giving advice to the younger generation regarding swimming. She believes that anyone can become great with the right amount of hard work and dedication.

“My advice is even if you think you can’t do it anymore, you can,” Dunn said. “I had a point where I was burnt out. You just need to find the right people to swim with and you’ll have a blast.”

Bowie boys ready to compete in volleyball tournament Sam Vane Sports Editor

“I’ve always been semi-athletic, and that I can adapt and play most sports,” Burcham said. “I don’t think my volleyball skills are going to be so Every year when April turns to May, the Bowbad where I’ll be a liability.” ie girls volleyball team has a special event unique Current Bowie coach Danna Wincher, like to Bowie. While many sports are ending they suit Sines, is a big advocate for boy’s volleyball as up again for this competitive tournament; the a sport, and putting this tournament on brings boy’s volleyball tournament. more popularity to the sport and hopefully could This tournament is a longstanding tradition lead to a team in the future. for the volleyball team, and “I want the guys here to know senior Natalie Erickson is althat we support them,” Wincher ready a seasoned veteran when said. “We want to think it’s aweit comes to the tournament. some that Bowie is able to expand “When I came in as a with all genders playing and hopeEven though I’ve freshman, former head coach, one day we can field a team never played in the fully Coach Sines had already been for a season.” here for years and was doing Seeing as the tournament is just tournament before, the boys tournament to adverfor fun, the volleyball team always I’m really excited tise boys playing volleyball,” tries to come up with creative and Erickson said. funny team names. Erickson and to finally play and The tournament is set up her team put a lot of thought into participate in this in a bracket style form, with the name making sure it was able girls from the varsity volleyto be funny but also witty.

Bowie tradition. ball team acting as coaches “Our team’s name right now is Lucas Burcham and picking the players for ‘Senior Swingers’ because in volBowie Senior their team. One of Natalie’s leyball you swing,” Erickson said. players, senior Lucas Burcham, “I’m pretty impressed to be honest explained the rules. by the creativeness and I think it’s “Each member of the volleyball girls volleyball one of the better ones I’ve heard of since I joined team creates their own team, and acts as a head the program.” coach picking ten players to be on the team,” While Erickson revealed her team’s name, the Burcham said. “Then the teams play each other girls usually keep it secret from their coach in orin a single elimination tournament.” der to make it a surprise when they reveal them.

Many of the players are new to volleyball “The girls are being really secretive right entirely, however most play other sports like now,” Wincher said. “So, I asked them today to football or soccer which helps with volleyball. go ahead and share with me because I have to

"

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior Lucas Burcham practicing his volleyball serve after school. The tournament is only a couple weeks away, starting the first week of May. PHOTO BY Nick Wood

approve it before we actually publicize it but I’m excited to hear the names.”

Burcham isn’t short on confidence going into the tournament as he has been working hard and believes he can lead his team to victory.

“I’ve been going to the courts every day and doing 100 serves,100 spikes, 100 sets, and 100

kills,” Burcham said. “I’m gonna work my tail off and I’m gonna leave it all out on that court when it’s game time.”

Erickson also believes in the team and thinks that expectations are high for her squad.

“I think we got some good confidence and we’ll do well and go far,” Erickson said.

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12 ENTERTAINMENT THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

School tradition returns to the stage

Bowie’s Got Talent makes a comeback with performances from uniquely gifted students Charlotte Schwarte Dispatch Reporter

and running.”

Along with Student Council, fine arts programs including choir, theater, Gazing down on the audience and orchestra all participated in asstretched before them, the spotlight sembling the event. brightens on the performers faces.

“Each organization sponsored a On Saturday March 30, Student group to participate, and so we had Council and the fine arts programs representation from all programs,” sponsored Bowie’s Got Talent (BGT), Choir teacher Randall Cantu said. a collection of acts performed by Bow- “Students from each program sit on ie students. Previously called Bowie the panel of judges and selected the Idol, the last time the talent show was acts. They were involved in selecting held in person was in 2019. the acts for the show, and everything “It was one of those cultural mowith preparing the show.” ments that everybody loved,” Student To appear in the Council sponsor final performance, Alejandro Garcia Bowie students had said. “And since it’s to audition with their been five years since acts in front of a we’ve had it in perjudging panel. From son, students don’t the applicants, 15 acts know that yet, so I were chosen to showhope this year is the case on the Bowie beginning of building stage. love for this event “It was definitely back into Bowie a hard thing to do as students.” they’re all my peers,” For its return, Harris said. “But most the talent show’s of them that stood name has changed to out were the ones that Randall Cantu Bowie’s Got Talent made it through. EvChoir Teacher to encompass the eryone did a fantastic variety of acts that job, but we only had can be performed, enough time for an and the popularity that the television hour and a half show.” show experiences. After an attempt The audition process was not only at rekindling the talent show last year stressful for the judges, but according didn’t succeed, Garcia credited adverto some people who tried out, the tising throughout the school as a help preparation and anticipation around to this years efforts. the tryout was high.

“Student Council members also “I didn’t have a lot of practice,” were the ones who were like ‘We BGT winner Finnegan Alexander said. want to bring this back, this is our “I did not know my words to the song tradition’,” Student Council President all the way. It was a lot of hoping and and BGT host Riley Harris said. “So, a little bit of worrying. Just getting we proposed the idea and got it up ready to give it my all.”

"

I feel like this project was a meaningful way of contributing to students and staff developing a sense of belonging.

READY TO ROCK AND ROLL: The Gray Area band auditions for Bowie Idol with their set list which they have used for several gigs. The band consists of five senior boys, PHOTO BY Alex Edwards

Student Council member Lucas Burcham was alongside Harris as host, while fellow StuCo president Charlotte Hill handled backstage matters.

“All the judges; teachers, choir directors, and student council presidents, scored auditioners based on skill and entertainment value,” Garcia said. “We looked at the people who had the top scores as the people we wanted to be in the show.”

After the audition process, the final planning steps were carried out. A rehearsal was completed with technicians from theater running light and sound cues for transitions along with participants getting a short run through with the hosts.

“It was really a team effort,” Cantu said. “Everybody had their own little niche and every program and teacher was responsible for different components of the project. What I really liked about it was that it wasn’t run by one individual.”

On its first and final night, Bowie’s Got Talent drew in students and families to fill the auditorium seats.

Hundreds of people sat in rapture of the singing, beat-boxing, orchestrational number playing acts.

“They get a chance to perform in front of maybe the biggest audience of their life, and it could be something that sparks a love of performance for them,” Garcia said. “It could be them overcoming their fear to perform in front of people. Could be just to showcase what talent they have. And I think it’s just so cool to be able to provide an opportunity to allow them to do those things.”

After every act had made their route across the decorated stage, a separate set of judges from the audition trials discussed the different talents and chose five to be considered in the running for BGT winner.

“A lot of the judges were either past Student Council presidents or people who had been in the show before and won or were really popular,” Harris said.

After five acts were selected, the show turned interactive as audience members voted for which of the five should be crowned winner through an online poll. After a brief hiatus of bar code scanning, the winner was revealed to be none other than Finn Alexander with his performance of My Way by Frank Sinatra.

“I went into my audition thinking I probably won’t make it any further because I wasn’t memorized yet,” Alexander said. “I thought, ‘I’m one of a bunch of vocalists here, it would

CELEBRATION STATION: Senior Finnegan Alexander stands center stage, with flowers, balloons, and a sash, after being named the winner of Bowie’s Got Talent.

Alexander performed a rendition of My Way by Frank Sinatra. PHOTO BY Isabella Verette

reproductions. be a big surprise if I got anywhere “We’re giving students an opporfurther than the instrumental groups tunity to express themselves,” Cantu that are winning state.’ Winning was just fascinating for me, I really did not said. “It gives us an opportunity to bring people together from differexpect that. That is not modesty. That ent parts of the campus that don’t is just surprised.” necessarily come A standing ovation together, which was delivered, as Stubuilds community. I dent Council members feel like this project fired confetti cannons was a meaningful around Alexander. way of contributing “The audience to students and staff was very receptive,” developing a sense Alexander said. “I of belonging.” was very excited just The final prodhaving heard them uct of Bowie’s Got for the period of time Talent will certainly that I was backstage be a milestone of the listening. I had more 2023-3034 school excitement than neryear, as students vousness because of Alejandro Garcia came out of their how kind they were to Student Council Sponsor shells to delivall of the acts. Everyer their message one was cheering, and through what they I heard a ‘marry me’ at love most. one point.”

“It’s the idea that the arts can be This sense of community surcelebrated in a way with a little bit of rounding watching their peers healthy and friendly competition perform is the point that planners where everybody gets recognized and and school staff aim to build with Bowie’s Got Talent, now and in future appreciated,” Alexander said.

"

I hope this year is the beginning of building love for this event back into Bowie students

Students fiercely compete for annual Nerf championship Savannah Linscomb Entertainment Editor

Foam bullets fly through the cool spring air as students engage in stakeouts, battle, and dueling. Bowie Nerf War is back for 2024, bringing new rules to the age old tradition.

Seniors Lucas Burcham and Colin Rice, who are running the competition this year, made the account and detailed document of rules.

“We definitely used some of the same rules as the people who ran it last year,” Burcham said. “But we added a few new rules too.”

A notable regulation for this year is that players have the ability to open doors of opponents cars and shoot into the vehicle or hide in the vehicle and wait for their opposition.

“I think the rule could definitely be an issue between strangers,” Burcham said. “But most people playing know it’s good fun.”

During the first week of the Nerf war, a video made its way around campus via Instagram of a car door being pulled open on the busy intersection of Brodie and Slaughter during the lunch period.

WEAPONS UP: Sophomore Gabriella Bochey, sophomore Will Olenick, and senior Austin Ikard pose with their Nerf guns. Their team, the Adderall Annihilators, lost in the third round of the Nerf war. PHOTO BY Harrison Austin

“The people in the video are friends of mine,” Burcham said.

“They are also friends with each other so that situation was a good laugh.”

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“I think the rules that protect people at work are probably the most important,” Burcham said.

“I’ve heard that people have gotten in trouble for opponents showing up at their jobs and we don’t want to get their jobs involved.”

Outside of school and work almost everywhere is fair game.

Some students even utilize their parents to assist them in the war. Glen Lewis, a Bowie Social Studies teacher, has been helping his son Easton throughout the war.

“It kind of builds community, it’s something fun for students to do.” Lewis said. “And they can win money in the end, which is awesome.”

Lewis has been teaching at Bowie for many years and has seen many Nerf wars although he is a fan, he does have concerns about the way some students drive.

“As a parent it can be a little worrisome seeing the way many teens are driving,” Lewis said.

“Of course, we want our kids to be safe. It’s pretty crazy to try and catch or evade an opponent in a vehicle.”

Students who have parents helping them out can have quite the advantage, parents have been lookouts, decoys, and even planners.

“I help strategize for Easton’s’ team; they’re not really sure what to do,” Lewis said.

“And I’m just thinking if I was playing the war would be over by now.”

Information is key in Nerf War, students must figure out their opponents addresses, workplaces and even car make and models.

“During the first round I was pinned against a team with just one team member who knew me well,” junior Hayden Dusterhoft said. “They knew my address and where I work and what my car looks like.”

Dusterhoft who was a victim of the ‘unlocked doors is fair game rule’ plotted diligently with his team members until his unfortunate loss.

“We had a plan we were going to do that night,” Dusterhoft said. “My doors unlocked when I put my car in park and I was done for.”

Knowing your teammates is a huge advantage but some people can be very hard to find.

“One person on our opposing team knew all our addresses and cars,” Dusterhoft said. “He was also the only person on that team we had information on.”

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REVIEWS 13

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Quest for the best thrift store in Austin

An inexpensive shopping hobby becomes a new way to support the local community Bentlee Toland Dispatch Reporter Shopping for second-hand clothes used to be seen as a need. Now, thrifting clothes is considered less of an essential and more of a fashion statement. Austin is home to over 30 thrift stores and it has become a trend to go thrifting. Thrifting started to become a fashion trend during the pandemic thanks to TikTok. According to a study at the University of Colorado Boulder Americans throw away over 13 million tons of clothing each year. The majority of clothes are made from synthetic materials, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills When consumers thrift, they help reduce the massive amounts of clothing sent to landfills each year. Shoppers should not only feel good about disposing of unwanted clothing by donating, but also through saving hard money.

One of my favorite parts of shopping at thrift stores is the atmosphere and life that lives in these stores. Stores like Pavement have an amazing ambiance so much creative artwork all around the outside of the building. Many people

ALL SMILES AHEAD: Brighton Toland poses for the picture. The store offers a variety of picture-perfect spots. PHOTO BY Bentlee Toland

will pose outside and take pictures. Even with it having crowded colors around the building it’s very clean, spacious, and organized. But a common issue with thrift stores like Pavement is the clothes can be more expensive and they are pretty picky about what they accept in donations of clothes. Overall, I like shopping at Pavement and would recommend it especially if you are looking for accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, and purses.

If you’re still looking for good thrift finds after Pavement, right next door is Buffalo Exchange. Parking can be difficult on this street with limited spacing. But along with Pavement, the outside has lots of color with cheetah print covering most of the front. They also have a good selection of jewelry and sunglasses and a good variety of shoes. Regarding the clothes, Buffalo Exchange has a good selection but can either be a great deal or overpriced. Based on many reviews the staff can not be very friendly but in my personal experience, the staff has never been rude. I have never had a bad experience here but sometimes Pavement can have a better selection of clothes.

The last store I found with a good atmosphere was Top Drawer Thrift. It’s clean and well laid out. The atmosphere was fun, and the decorations were cute and quirky but they had very little selection. They did have reasonable priced antiques and collectibles but it’s not the place to go for clothes more of nicknacks. I liked the spirit in this store: very friendly staff and people shopping there.

Something I noticed with some thrift stores like Thrift Land, Thrift Town, and Thrift Center is the weekly or even daily discounted colors.

The deals are great there and can save an insane amount of money. The best thrift out of those stores I would say is the Thrift Center. It’s kind of cozy, nice and clean, even if it’s a little cramped. I thought the deals at all of these stores were great but there are some major problems with Thrift Land and Thrift Town.

My main issue with both is no public restrooms anymore. Thrift Land doesn’t have fitting rooms and only accepts cash, but they have an ATM in the store that charges you a $3.75 fee.

With Thrift Land, there were a lot of complaints from customers about closing early, not by just

POSING FOR THE CAMERA: Senior Brighton Toland stands outside Pavement’s doors. Although the thrift store has limited parking, it has a dedicated lot near the main entrance PHOTO BY Bentlee Toland

10 minutes, but like an hour earlier. I went there earlier in the day so I can’t say this was my personal experience.

The only other thrift store I found with no dressing rooms was Goodwill Central Texas Brodie Lane. Since this store was remodeled many complaints about it being hard to push carts around the store and of course complaints about no fitting rooms. For me, This thrift store is more for good deals on furniture rather than clothes. Something I think more stores would do is the drive-through drop-off. They have you just pull up and they’ll help you unload your donations. Overall, it’s not a bad thrift I have gotten some good clothes from here but not my top choice for a thrift.

I hate to say this but from my experience, the worst thrift store I went to was Flamingos Vintage Pound. Every time I have gone here it’s been understaffed, with only one worker who is

always very quiet. But something cool about this store is you pay by the weight of the things you buy. For the most part Flamingos Vintage Pound is not bad with clothes but I just got a strange vibe in the store.

Last up is Uptown Cheapskate. This store had a lot of good reviews online than some of the others in Austin. They have reasonable prices and many reviews about nice staff, and they have quick assistant in the dressing rooms. In-store credit never expires and it stays with your account. It was hard to find a bad review compared to the other thrifts.

If you are looking for goods for a lower price I would recommend going to any of these.

But for my favorites, it would be Pavement and Uptown Cheapskate. I have never had close to bad occurrences at either. I think thrifting is a great way to not only not waste goods but to find great deals.

Hats off to Hattie B’s Chicken Beautiful Blanton museum Val Tikhonva Dispatch Reporter

Hattie B’s Chicken is a restaurant founded in Nashville, Tennessee and their main focus point is great chicken.

The restaurant was opened

by Nick Bishop Jr. After seeing his dad and his grandfather in the restaurant business their whole lives, he decided that he was going to open one of his own. His goal was to bring hospitality into a restaurant that felt familiar and to bring authentic Nashville style chicken to other states.

Hattie B’s is open 11 a.m.10 p.m. on weekdays other than Friday, and 11 a.m. to -11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and they’re located on 2529 South Lamar Boulevard.

Hattie B’s menu consists of different “heat” levels of chicken, meaning different levels of spiciness. White chicken, dark chicken, and parts of the chicken that you’re able to purchase like wings or breasts are available. They have chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches that you can customize based on what part of the chicken you want and how spicy you want it to be. They also have waffles.

They offer countless sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, crinkle cut fries, bacon cheddar grits, baked beans, coleslaw and pea salad. They have desserts like banana pudding, peach cobbler and floats of any soda you can think of.

My first impression of the building was that it seemed cleaner and more inviting than most places that mainly serve

chicken. One of the first things that I noticed going inside was that the music that they were playing inside was extremely loud, it sounded like it was hurting the speakers it was coming out of, it was a bit distracting.

Walking in you first see the line you stand in to order, shirts and other merchandise you’re able to purchase to your right and a huge menu on the same wall to look at while you’re in the line.

We purchased the mac and cheese, crinkle cut fries, coke float, peach cobbler, and the ½ Bird and it all came out to about $26.

When you order you’re given a number that you attach to the paper towel holder on whatever table you chose, it was quite busy when we went so it took a while for our food to come out, but it wasn’t too long of a wait. The layout of the seating is one big room that is half inside and half outside.

The sides we ordered are pretty common for the most restaurants, and they were just what we expected. The mac and cheese had little flavor and had bits of pepper in it which sounded good but didn’t taste amazing, and the bits of pepper overpowered the mac and cheese. The container itself was not filled up very much, maybe 3/5ths of the cup was filled and was not worth $4.

The crinkle cut fries were also pretty bland, I could see the effort in putting a little bit of seasoning on the outside but because of the size of them the middle of the fries were

flavorless and just made them bland overall.

The peach cobbler was actually pretty good, it looked mediocre when it was given to us but it tasted better than expected, it was given to us hot and the bits of pie crust tasted great with the peaches. I enjoyed it.

The coke float was okay, I’m used to getting a bit more than one small scoop of ice cream in a float so it was a little less than expected but I liked the ice cream they used and the cup was filled to the brim.

The chicken that we ordered was called ½ Bird which was just one quarter of a breast with one leg quarter.

It was about $15 and it came with two sides.

I’d say the price is reasonable considering that we received a large amount of chicken in our order. The chicken was cooked well and wasn’t dry at all. We chose the medium spicy option and I’d say it correlated with the flavor. The seasoning slightly reminded me of the flavor of a taki, this isn’t bad but it was different from the chicken I’m used to eating. I have had better but it wasn’t bad.

Overall, considering the service, environment and food, I liked Hattie B’s Chicken; It was a fun place to eat at and a lot of people seemed to like it too because it was packed. I’d recommend it to someone wanting to try a different tasting chicken with the familiarity of the Texan environment.

SALIVATION STATION: Delectable chicken and fries sits on the table at Hattie B’s Chicken, patiently waiting to be eaten. The restaurant was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, but opened their Austin location on Feb. 28, 2024. PHOTO BY Val Tikhonva

displays brilliant exhibitions Claire Scott Review Editor Vibrant rays of sunshine gleam through the tinted glass, beautiful works of art sit still amongst crowds of fascinated people, and whispers of amazement come from a nearby room.

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest university art museums in the United States of America.

The museum dedicates 189,340 square feet to permanent, temporary, and interactive exhibitions from across the ages. From immersive sonic landscapes to plaster casts of ancient Greek statues, you’ll surely find yourself in awe no matter where you look.

The museum doesn’t just housing art exhibitions, it also contains classrooms, study halls, a cafe, an auditorium, and a gift shop for the students of the University of Texas at Austin and the general public that pays for admission.

Established in 1963, the museum has created a ripple effect for creativity amongst the imaginative minds of the community of Austin. The Blanton Museum is located at 200 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard.

This museum is the perfect place to explore with friends and family, take pictures for an Instagram post, and break away from the hectic pace of the city. Although the drive downtown is daunting, the venture is worth it, as the museum has four-out-of-five stars according to Google Reviews and was voted the best museum in The Austin Chronicle.

To enter, you can purchase tickets at the museum’s front desk or ahead of time at blantonmuseum.org. The entree fee for adults is $15, $12 for seniors, $8 for youth, and free for children under five years old and active teachers. All visitors get free admission every Tuesday because of the Moody Family Free Day Endowment.

In regards to parking, the museum is conveniently adjacent to the Brazos Garage. The fee is $4 per hour and it’s best to get there early for a guaranteed parking spot.

I was starstruck when I went to the museum on a Sunday afternoon. I was intimidated by the crowd the people lined up at the front desk, however, everyone dispersed throughout the thousands of square feet of the museum which made it feel less busy.

The museum temporarily showcases eight exhibitions made by artists worldwide. Aside from the temporary art, the Blanton Museum holds seventeen permanent installations. The first temporary exhibit I came across was “The Floating World: Masterpieces of Edo Japan” from the Worcester Art Museum. This collection of pieces was unique because it highlighted the history and artistry of Japan after its centuries of foreign conflict.

At the showcase, you’re in a room with multiple walls that display a variety of woodblock prints and painted scrolls. Although the exhibition’s pieces are for looking rather than touching, it’s interesting to physically see the lifestyle of the urban world and its connection to samurais, geisha, and kabuki actors in palaces, landscapes, and boats.

I rate this exhibition five-out-of-five stars.

I loved the variety of pieces, how the museum included education context beside every display, and the excess space used to make sure the room didn’t get crowded.

MUSEUM MAGIC: Beautiful architecture stands tall at the Blanton Museum of Art. The museum features work from artists all around the world. PHOTO BY Claire Scott

The next collection I visited was “Meet Melecio Galván: The Secret Artist and His Mexican Contemporaries”; it pleasantly surprised me.

This display has multiple jaw-dropping Mexican contemporary pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.

In this room, you’re surrounded by over forty of Galván’s drawings. The pieces portray scenes of maternal love, men riding horses, and groups of violinists.

I rate this exhibit four-out-of-five stars. The designs are thought-provoking, eccentric, and unique, however, the lighting in the room made the visuals difficult to see.

The last exhibit I visited was “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly. This design is an installation outside the museum’s courtyard. I loved this architecture because of the unique design and Kelly’s incorporation of tinted glass.

At this exhibition, you’ll walk into a white building with different designs of tinted glass that create a rainbow of light on the inside of the design. Kelly gifted this design concept to the Blanton Museum as a tribute to his seven decades dedicated to the arts.

I rate Kelly’s exhibit five-out-of-five stars because it allows visitors to walk into the artist’s design and is the perfect spot to get an iconic picture of one of the most well-known structures in downtown Austin.

All-in-all, I would rate my entire experience at the Blanton Museum five-out-five stars. The facility was equipped for people of all ages and backgrounds and each exhibit was nothing like the next.

I highly recommend that you check out this Austin hot-spot for yourself. The museum creates a safe space for everyone to explore art from around the world, the immersive exhibits are like no other, and there are many picture-perfect spots all around the facility.

14 COMMENTARY

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

D ISPATCH STAFF Dispatch Print Co Editors-in-Chief Kate Davis, Mazzy Warren

Dispatch Online Co Editors-in-Chief Alex Edwards, Austin Ikard Executive Editor: Content Charlotte Koellner Executive Editor: Writing Sophia Sanchez Executive Editor: News Emerson Traugott Executive Editor: Art/Graphics Asher Hagan Executive Editor: Sports Ben Tillisch Executive Editor: Multimedia Mars Canepa Junior Leadership Team Vivi Lopez-Stern, Arden Ray News Team Peyton Dorsey, Gabby Bochey, Katie Grumet, Alec Morse In-Depth Team Liberty Pittman , Elizabeth Yowell Feature Team Savannah Riggins, Sam Bode, Bentlee Toland, Isabella Verette Entertainment Team Savannah Linscomb, Maddy Franco, William Balke, Lucy Johnson Sports Team Sam Vane, Cooper Ceniceros-Fike, Noah Ellinger, Michael Vienneau, Caroline Baxter Review Team Claire Scott, Val Tikhonova, Maddy Franco, Fiona Padillino Opinion Team Vivi Lopez-Stern, Madeleine Travis, Gianna Gonzalez Arts/Graphics Team Sophia Sepulveda, Iola Bidwell, Lane Foxcroft Multimedia Team Slyder Degelia, Madison Rasp, Nick Wong, Reagan Tso, Zach Tishgart, Quinn Wilkinson, Audrey Cullianane, Adrianna Choueiry, Pierre Vandervennet, Nick Wood, Noah Bihan, Arden Ray, Arlo Haug, Will Olenick, Ryan Zuniga, Charlotte Schwarte, Harrison Austin Advisor Michael Reeves, MJE

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Anti-trans rhetoric harms students

Increasing efforts to limit trans rights are placing children in danger EDITORIAL Picture the feeling of going to school in fear, worrying about being bullied and harassed by peers, or constantly being addressed by incorrect pronouns or names. These are only a few of the struggles that transgender students face which are exacerbated by harmful, anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric that is perpetuated by many politicians in the United States.

One recent victim of such hatred was a 16-year-old non-binary student named Nex Benedict, who was targeted and brutally attacked in a school bathroom. They allegedly took their own life the following day. With an increase in trans-phobia and brutality directed towards young individuals, it is clear that this oppressive legislation is not achieving what many claim it is intended to accomplish: keeping kids safe.

The Dispatch Editorial Board believes that this harmful rhetoric only puts children in danger, as it causes them to ponder whether life is worth living, and generates hatred that can lead to students physically harming their peers.

According to CNN, a record number of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights were introduced in 2023. Additionally, homeland security officials have stated that they have witnessed a rise in violence directed towards the queer community, according to an ABC News article. This surge in violence is likely due in large part to the increase in anti-trans legislation being passed.

Furthermore, a significant percentage of the anti-trans legislation that was enacted in 2023 targeted transgender or gender non-conforming kids as stated by NBC News. These bills place restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare, the right to play in school sports, use of pronouns that don’t align with an individual’s sex in schools, and more.

According to the American Psychology Association, bills that target trans rights have contributed to an increase in self-harm and suicide rates among young individuals. This trend demonstrates that these pieces of legislation do not have the best interests of children in mind. They set the precedent that the lives of some kids are of lesser importance, and place a target on the backs of children who fall victim to bigotry and violence solely for existing.

In addition, the reasons that many individuals give to support the stance that these bills keep children safe do not take into account how trans kids and their sense of security may be affected.

From the time they are in elementary school,

CUTOFF

ART BY Sophia Sepulveda trans kids are told that their identity is entirely made up, that they’re just confused because they don’t fit into one or the other box of the gender binary. Trans children are alienated from their classmates and experience various forms of oppression disguised as policies that preserve childhood innocence.

Finally, many of the legislators pushing for the passage of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws claim these bills protect civil liberties, giving families the freedom to decide whether or not to have certain conversations with their children. That said, this legislation fails to protect the rights and liberties of all children because it systematically attacks the right of trans kids to simply exist. It is not possible to protect the individual freedoms of American families while passing legislation that actively revokes the rights of trans kids and their families to make decisions that are best for them independently.

Anti-trans legislation only trains children to develop hatred directed towards a community

of people that will continue to exist, regardless of laws passed that undermine the fundamental freedoms of U.S. citizens. If politicians truly want to safeguard kids, they should repeal bills that promote harmful rhetoric which has played a role in the deaths of numerous innocent children in the United States. Additionally, individuals should educate themselves on this issue to combat the spread of uninformed beliefs that lead to the vilification of an entire community.

Legislation that revokes trans rights is put forth by officials who use fear as a political tool, jeopardizing the lives of children. As stated in an NPR article, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis argued that it was inappropriate to teach young kids they can be anything they want to be ahead of signing the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Under this onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation, the only thing being taught to children is that they won’t be loved or accepted by society due to the aspects of their identity that cannot be changed.

CUTOFF

Israel is not the villain: Hamas terrorists are Sam Vane Sports Editor

Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

During the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, a day that was supposed to be filled with music, laughter, and love was interrupted by Hamas, a European Union (EU) and U.S. designated terrorist organization, who opened fire on innocent civilians at the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival. This was the catalyst for the latest chapter in the long line of battles and wars between Israel and Palestine.

Fast forward five months and Israel and Palestine are still fighting with most of the public backing Palestine and citing Israel as the aggressor in this complicated subject. However, Israel should not be as heavily criticized by the media and the public as they have, instead Hamas should be universally condemned as Israel is not the enemy, Palestinian civilians are not the enemy, Hamas and its entities are the enemy.

Hamas has consistently put its military before its citizens, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has published multiple photos and reports of Hamas using hospitals and schools as missile launching docks. This decision by Hamas puts Palestinian citizens directly in the crossfire of constant missile launches from both Hamas and

Israel. This also leads to the destruction of multiple housing and public health buildings as Israel is forced to destroy the launching docks in order to save its own citizens.

Many criticize Israel for bombing these launching docks saying that it leads to mass civilian casualty and displacement. However, Israel uses multiple policies to limit civilian casualties including the “Knock on Roof ” policy. The Knock on Roof policy used by Israel is a communication system where the Israel Defense Force publicly announces on social media, drop fliers into Gaza, and tell over loudspeakers that they are going to bomb a building and evacuate the premises.

Israel is one of the only countries to do this, directly jeopardizing some military operations just to save lives.

Israel has also been under major scrutiny from the public for not reaching a permanent ceasefire with Hamas in order to end the war.

This is because Hamas has not moved from its original position on the ceasefire. According to The Times of Israel, Hamas told mediators it is sticking to its original position on the ceasefire and the details involved.

This rejected ceasefire by Hamas would release 100 Israeli civilian hostages in return for a permanent ceasefire. While this may seem fair to the naked eye, Hamas has routinely broken ceasefires before including the ceasefire that was

in place on October 7, when they attacked the Supernova music festival.

So, what is the solution to this complicated problem? Personally, I believe Israel should absolve Palestine, but not permanently and not for the reasons most think. While this may seem like a violation of sovereignty for Palestine, it’s far from it. Most of Palestinian workers have to travel to Israel to work and go through various checkpoints just to provide for their family. If Palestine becomes part of Israel these checkpoints could be reduced, allowing for smooth transit to work and allowing for Palestinians to work more and earn more money.

Israel should also give Palestine a predetermined number of seats in Israel’s Parliament, allowing Palestine to have a voice in decision making of the country.

Finally, Israel can provide education to the younger generation of Palestinians teaching them that Israel is not an enemy but a friend.

This would eventually lead to a new generation that wouldn’t harbor hostility towards Israel and would be developed economically and politically to function as a sustainable and thriving country.

While Israel is not perfect, they are far from the enemy in this war as Hamas is directly hurting Israeli and Palestinians citizens and must be eradicated in order for this war to come to an end.

Key historical events in the conflict between Israel and Palestine Creation of the state of Israel 1948

The Six-Day War 1967

The Nakba 1947 - 1949

The First Intifada and the Oslo Accords 1987 - 1995

The Yom Kippur War 1973

Hamas wins elections 2006

The Second Intifada 2000

Violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque 2021

The Abraham Accords 2020

Iran launches attack on Israel April 13, 2024

Hamas attacks Israel Oct. 7, 2023

INFOGRAPHIC BY Kate Davis SOURCE FROM United Nations and U.S. News

Corrections

School traffic story correction and Israel-Hamas war cartoon explanation In the Feb. 16, 2024 edition of the Dispatch, on Page 2, News, there was a misleading transition statement in the story titled "School traffic poses a dangerous threat to student life."

The story was about a car accident that caused injury to a student during dismissal at the end of the school day.

A witness, Hanson Rusing, told the reporter and was directly quoted saying that the car involved in the accident "leaving the garage really fast," and that it "all happened so quick." The transition sentence in the paragraph about that quote indicated that the pedestrian involved in the accident walked in front of the garage without permission, and that the vehicle was driving at a high speed.

A police report obtained by the Dispatch after publication indicated that

speed was not a factor in the accident and that the angle of the sun as it shines on the exit of the garage played a bigger role in the accident.

In the same issue there was a political cartoon on page 15 for a story titled "The U.S. must stop funding Israel-Hamas war" there was some confusion about the cartoon which lacked distinct labels for the individuals in the cartoon, and had the incorrect visual of the Israeli flag.

A corrected version of the cartoon has been published on the Dispatch website, thedispatchonline.net. The Dispatch editorial board apologizes for these errors.

The Dispatch welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie.journalism@gmail.com (must use a non-AISD email) or drop them off in room F-214 with an editor. Letters must be signed, and emailed letters will require verification before publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

COMMENTARY 15

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 THE DISPATCH

Staff pressures to stick with courses Teachers tend to put high incentives for students to finish pathways to the practicum Sam Bode Dispatch Reporter Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

As the spring semester rolls around each year, future Bowie freshmen are visited by counselors to talk about the possible courses they could sign up for. The counselors present the students with an overwhelming abundance of elective pathways they get to start their freshmen year and complete when they eventually become seniors.

They heavily advocate that these students should start the pathway now so they can complete all four classes within the track.

At first, it seems that these pathways are being promoted as a great opportunity, but the more you explore it, the more it seems like a necessity where students have to choose a career path freshman year and then continue to pursue it into their early adult life. Bowie staff puts too much pressure on completing an elective pathway which then puts unnecessary stress on students.

Because elective paths are so rigid, it can make students scared to grow as a person and find their true interests because they feel the need to stick with the course path they chose.

Students’ passions and career goals often change from the time they’re in eighth grade to when they graduate high school. They may be inclined to switch elective paths during their high school career but won’t because they feel they are already committed to another path.

This decision can lead to them feeling unfulfilled with their career choice down the road. According to a survey done by district administration, 42% of students don’t feel great confidence in their career choice. If teenagers don’t feel like they are allowed to explore interests that strike them after eighth grade, they aren’t going to be happy with their high school experience or their choice of major or career

as a whole.

Bowie faculty’s goal is to make students college, career, and military ready, so students are pressured to find a career path as quickly as possible. It scares students into believing that they cannot be successful in life if they don’t stick to one elective track for all four years of high school.

Making a large commitment so early in life is extremely unrealistic and overwhelming for many students.

According to the Washington Post, only 27% of people have a job that is related to their college major. Since most adults have jobs that aren’t related to their major, it would be expected that teens would be taught that a career path does not predict their entire future, but Bowie is in fact preaching the complete opposite.

The idea that teenagers can happily stick with the same career path they chose at fourteen years old until they secure a job in the workforce is entirely unreasonable.

Many courses, like graphic design and health science offer certifications that show that a student is qualified since they’ve completed all four classes within the path. This can be put on their applications and resumes and it shows that they have some experience within the field.

While these are great opportunities for students, the persistent pressure put on them makes it seem like this opportunity is more important than anything else. Students who are inspired to join the career path during their later years in high school might not receive their certification and may be discouraged from continuing because they feel they are already behind and can’t catch up with their peers.

Parents can sense the pressure their student is being put under and use it to their advantage. Parents may use the pressure their kid feels to keep them on the elective track that they think is best for them. Parents and school’s pressure to find a respectable career quickly kills students’ ambitions to have new experiences and

CTE Pathways offered at Bowie Agricultural Science to Floral Design 1

2

3

4

Principals of Ag, Food, and Natural Resources

Floral Design (Fine Art Credit)

Advanced Floral Design

Practicum in Floral Design

2

3

4

Intro to Culinary

Culinary Arts 1

Culinary Arts 2

1

2

3

4

Yearbook 1

Yearbook 2

Yearbook 3

Culinary Arts 1

Principals of Human Services (Optional)

Yearbook Practicum in Graphic Design

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Kate Davis and Madeleine Travis

explore new interests.

Many believe that getting to the practicum level is an amazing opportunity for students because it gives them early experience in a specific field.

Because of this, they think that advertising this opportunity to incoming freshmen is insanely important. While making these paths known to students is important, schools are going about it all wrong. It’s advertised as more

of a necessity than an opportunity. In reality, students can have an incredibly successful high school experience without completing any career pathways.

Overall, schools need to find a better way to promote elective paths to students. High school is about finding something that we're passionate about enough to make a career or hobby out of it. Students shouldn't be

expected to already know their true calling when they first walk through the campus doors.

Choosing an elective track shouldn’t dictate a student’s high school experience or career, and teenagers should feel comfortable finding their true interests without feeling the crushing weight of their future career already on their shoulders.

Texas should be consistent with their immigration laws Madeleine Travis Commentary Editor Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

ART BY Layne Foxcroft

Going into effect early in the month of March, the Senate Bill 4 was proposed in Texas last year dictating that any individuals who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally can be arrested.

The bill states that anyone crossing into the U.S. is able to face up to six months in prison.

The law has since hit a snag where the Supreme Court argues if the law should still stand. Since hitting the setback in the Supreme Court, the law has been patchily enforced with some people getting caught and others getting to slip past with the outcome being completely random whether they face any consequences. The bill also states that immigrants can only be arrested if they’re totally without immigration documentation If the law is going to pass through the Senate it should be enforced and there shouldn’t be such a back-and-forth between the lawmakers and the ones carrying out the enforcement of the laws. The law is not consistent either meaning not

every individual is being caught and documented which means only the individuals who are caught get punished as opposed to everyone being treated fairly in the situation.

The law got stuck because of challenges that it faced in the Department of Justice because of the undermining of the federal government’s authority. This is a valid point that the Justice Department makes because it should be a choice of the country as a whole on immigration laws in order to make restrictions even throughout the whole Mexico border.

This law has caused conflict in the authorization process due to the fact that it goes behind the back of the federal government as something that the state doesn’t have the power to enforce its borders independently.

According to the Texas Tribune, Article 1, Section 10, it prevents states from engaging in independent wars unless actually invaded. The Texas government has not suffered enough “irreparable harm” according to the Constitution for them to enforce a law on the border specifically applying to their state.

This also puts a disadvantage on asylum seekers because individuals are told to ask for help at

BULLDAWGS SPEAK!

PHOTOS BY Sam Bode

the border. There are too many individuals in sheer numbers that the border system is overwhelmed and there is no concrete or efficient way to get all of the people safely to get the help that they need. Individuals are then forced to cross the border in illegal ways. Due to the huge amount of people immigrating, individuals who are caught face repercussions, whereas those who don't successfully make it across the border. This is a huge inconsistency with the law as a whole.

Overall, Texas lawmakers should be in firm agreement on a law and enforce it accordingly.

If there are discrepancies in the effectiveness of the law it makes it hard for individuals to follow it and therefore puts many individuals in an extreme situation where they could possibly get arrested.

This is a slip-up on the lawmaker’s part and they should always make sure that the laws that are produced are in alignment with the U.S. Constitution.

Texas needs to make sure that their laws correspond with the needs of the federal government and make their intentions extremely clear to individuals who may be affected by these laws.

INTERVIEWS BY Sam Bode

Do you think teachers push students to stay in elective courses for all four years of the course?

Sadie Dauterive

Isabella Reynosa

Eleanor Blue

Andrea Abundis

Ivan Inovejas

I think that they encourage it a lot because they know that it’s hard to fill the spots for the fourth year of the course.

They want to do what’s best for you and they want you to do something within the career path with your life.

It’s definitely encouraged, especially in theater and fine arts, because they want kids to stay in that kind of elective.

Teachers tend to think that completing courses will help prepare and guide you to you college major.

The desires of the coaches and teachers running the programs is they want for their students to succeed within the program.

Freshman

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16 PHOTO ESSAY

Dull to colorful with new murals THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

Students and commissioned artists install artwork Emerson Traugott Executive Editor: News

CROWED SPACES: Students pour into the fine arts hall every day, and every day they walk past the newly installed mural. The new focal point of the hallway and transforming the steal and cold corridor into a piece of artwork. “I am always trying to improve my style whether that is changing the alphabet I have on rotation for a fresher look,” Horner said. “Or perfecting a personalized palette are ways that I am to continue growing as an artist.” PHOTO BY Ryan Zuniga

Bristles brush against the wall as advanced art students place the finishing touches on the mural in the newly modernized fine arts building. A vibrate extension of artistic possibilities within the fine art extracurriculars.

“It was cool to have such a hands-on experience with a large art project like creating a mural,” senior Olivia DeVore said. “There were a ton of different kids working on it over several weeks but the finished product turned out really nice, but it was cool to see how everyone’s own additions to the artwork come together.”

Along the heavily populated hallway is the second mural within the fine arts wing. Over spring break a local graffiti group, Color Cartel, led and established by artist Andrew Horner, created the new piece of art. They were commissioned by the administration to design a mural that encompassed Bowie’s pride in performance.

“Typically, my way of doing murals is to have one image, or one subject that is more than 80 percent of the mural, but for the large and narrow space we were given I felt it was appropriate to kind of break it into several different subjects throughout the wall,” Horner said. “That way, there are different pieces of art to look at as you go down the hallway instead of one large image.

So, that is how the mural began to come to life.”

The timeline for the mural done by the Color Cartel was continuously adjusted. Despite the originally scheduled time for completion during spring break of 2023, the project did not officially commence until the first week of January this year.

“It was complicated to try and find a time to get the mural done because we can only work when students aren’t at the school,” Horner said. “So, we had to schedule around that and make sure no one was going to be in the building.”

Graffiti and murals stand out against traditional art mediums and therefore pose difficulties with building a portfolio and gaining experience in the field.

“I personally really like enjoy

the imperfectness of graffiti,” senior Lee Terrell said. “How it can be unique in that way and you can do a tag that some people may not think is up to standard, but that is kind of the point, that is just for you not for anybody else. I want to improve on my skills as a graffiti artist but there aren’t a lot of places to work on a large graffiti project.”

Horner began to break into the world of art in Austin nearly ten years ago. His transition was not only between locations but also his attitude towards graffiti as an art form.

“When I got to Austin, I barely considered myself an artist I would say I just did graffiti,” Horner said. “For me, art and graffiti were not the same thing necessarily. I was also trying to figure out how to do graffiti and be Mormon at the same time, which is kind of complicated if you’re trying to be true to yourself and your beliefs.”

Art was a difficult career for Horner to put his full faith into, and start over in a new city.

“I just thought I wasn’t a very good fit, for the Austin scene,” Horner said. “However, after only being here for three months, I got an art solo exhibition at Texas A&M. After the art show I realized I had not been taking myself seriously as an artist, and it made me think about how I go about creating my art differently. But I still had a lot of things to change before I could fit in with the art scene in Austin.”

The road to understanding and committing to his passion for art was unpaved, but a moment of clarity enabled Horner to begin to take graffiti and his talent seriously.

“One night in college I was painting and it just hit me that this was what made my world simple,” Horner said. “I always felt like I was at the bottom of the totem pole. I was trying to make my teachers happy, my parents happy trying to keep the cops happy, trying to prove myself every day to people. But when I was doing graffiti I didn’t feel like I had to prove anything to anybody. I was just doing it leaving my mark. Sneaking around in the middle of the night when everybody was asleep it felt like the world was mine. After that

night I thought to myself that I was going to get good and I was going to get good spray point and get permission to paint walls, and I was going to do it in the daylight.”

Several years later after moving to Austin, Horner created his own brand and graffiti group, Color Cartel in 2011. He was able to get a studio space and began to prompt commissioned murals, clothing, and individual pieces of art.

“I had worked on commissioned work through schools before but nothing of the size that we created for Bowie,” Horner said. “They specifically contacted me and said they wanted a mural installed in the school but they didn’t know where. So we went to the school and chose a wall that got a lot of traffic.

Horner has created a specific process for creating commissioned murals.

“After I talk to the people who commissioned the mural I then create three different concepts which we call thumbnails, just a rough sketch, and presented the ideas,” Horner said. “For Bowie they wanted it to be graffiti style, which is great for me, and, gave me a list of things to inspire to be inspired by. After creating a more detailed plan, six artists including myself worked on the project over that week, of spring break and were able to complete it.”

Every day students flood into the fine arts wing and see both murals on display. A creative depiction of the Bowie community.

“Traditional styles of art generally speak to a larger group of people, but graffiti is very controversial,” Terrell said. “So, it is cool to see it on a large scale, especially at a school.”

SCAN TO SEE MORE!

VIDEO BY

Alex Edwards and Austin Ikard

ZEROING IN: Andrew Horner works diligently on his next piece which will go up for sale shortly.

Horner works off of commission but also off of art shows, individually created pieces, and clothing inclusive under the Color Cartel brand. “The process of creating a mural can differ depending on circumstance,” Horner said. “Like if it’s a live painting, they don’t care what I’m painting they are more interested in seeing you create something.” PHOTO BY Alex Edwards

GROUP EFFORT: The second mural in the fine arts building was through the creation of advanced art students who as a collective we able to bring a piece of art to life. The additional installation took nearly a year to complete, “I think the new mural looks really cool, I love the inclusion of all the different kinds of art forms,” Audrey Wiley said. “I know the project took a long time to complete but it was worth it.” PHOTO BY Ryan Zuniga.

PAINT WALL: Spanning across an entire wall Horner’s studio hundreds of cans of specialized spray paint in various colors on a display. Graffiti, Horner’s preferred art medium, requires a single and necessary material, spray paint. “There is an extreme typography that comes from graffiti, and I think you can tell when an artist comes from graffiti,” Horner said. “I love that these small cans of paint can help tell our stories.” PHOTO BY Emerson Traugott

ONE ON ONE: The backdrop to Horner’s office within his studio is a wall dedicated to graffiti tags. An ode to his origins and where his passions truly began within the medium of graffiti. “I would introduce myself as a graffiti artist,” Horner said. “But I like murals are definitely like the medium because I look at graffiti as something that’s graffiti is not something that you ask permission for.” PHOTO BY Alex Edwards