The Dispatch, Vol 37, Issue #6 5/16/25

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FEATURES Drumming away, junior Alex Frost starts heavy metal band to share his love of music Pg. 5

PHOTO ESSAY Silver Stars dancers put on a stunning performance at annual spring show Pg. 6

SPORTS Senior forward Ava Grosso celebrates win as co-offensive MVP for the district Pg. 11

ENTERTAINMENT One act plays close out a successful theatre season for senior class Pg. 12

PHOTO BY Sydney Cotsonas

PHOTO BY Arlo Stockstill

PHOTO BY Sydney Cotsonas

PHOTO BY Elizabeth Yowell

Vol. 37, Issue 6 www.thedispatchonline.net James Bowie High School 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX, 78749

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

Pride in Publishing

STUDENT ELECTIONS

Student Council opens up polls Elections for student body government held & new positions announced Peyton Dorsey News Editor As student council candidates anticipate the election results, they sit idly by, unaware of what information they’re about to receive. The results of the election are revealed by a personalized envelope for the presidential candidates, and a list of names for the vice presidential candidates. Both results are attached to student council sponsor Alejandro Garcia’s classroom door for candidates to see.

This year's winning envelopes contained the names of juniors Reed Watts and Gabby Bochey, who were elected as Bowie’s student council co-presidents for the 20252026 school year.

“I’ve done a lot for the organization after having been a part of it for so long,” Watts said. “Being able to accomplish something like winning co-president is what I’ve wanted for a while and is very rewarding.”

Watts has been involved in student council since his freshman year, and held the title of vice president over yard work last school year. He’s helped provide to Bowie in many ways over the last three years, one of his main contributions has been keeping Bowie beautiful by maintaining gardens and overseeing upkeep of the greenery around campus.

“I’ve been here every Thursday after school, helping Mr. Garcia with whatever needs to be done,” Watts said. “I’ve been trying to learn everything I can about student council and prepare myself to know everything I need to know about the organization.”

Watts wants to emphasize student’s opinions on what happens in their school. He plans to do this by sending out an optional Google form

every month as a check in with students, a place for them to call attention to any issues they have with the school, any plans or suggestions for improvement.

“I’ll go through each response and bring important issues to the attention of Mr. Garcia or Principal Robinson to actually get something done,” Watts said. “I want to give students more of a voice and make sure everything keeps running well.”

Bochey has also been involved in student council since her freshman year. Her previous efforts involved gardening and maintenance of the Bowie landscape, alongside painting posters for teacher appreciation. Bochey held the position of vice president of Bowie’s Got Talent this most recent school year; she had a big part in organizing the event, overseeing auditions, and hosting the show.

“Since the beginning of being a part of this organization I didn’t see the change till someone came up to me and mentioned little things around the campus that are beautiful because of the student council,” Bochey said. “Things like this really encourage me to keep being active in my community and continue to bring enjoyment, which the student council does in so many lives.”

Some of Bochey’s plans involve the revitalization of old traditions such as ‘Blue Out Bowie,’ a fundraiser which helps bring awareness to child abuse and donate to those in need. She also wants to add unique murals to the inside of Bowie painted by student organizations.

“I think the student council plays a big role in campus spirit and overall bringing life in many ways to the campus,” Bochey said. “I want to help

COLD CAMPAIGNING: Student Council co-president elect Reed Watts exchanges an ice cream sandwich for a vote. Watts watched as students selected his name on their ballot and submitted their choice to ensure he would get a vote, and voters would get a sandwich. PHOTO BY Arlo Stockstill

out to bring back some of the beloved traditions that make Bowie the school it is.”

Garcia has high expectations for the newly elected presidents and expects they will succeed in office. He highlights the fact that they have both been long time members and have made continuous contributions to student council throughout their involvement with the organization.

“I’m super happy for both Reed and Gabby, they each bring their own unique strengths of communication skills and leadership experience,” Garcia said. “They’ve both learned from and watched people ahead of them and paid attention to how they’ve accomplished big things.”

The election process involved every person on campus.

CONSTRUCTION

Students, teachers, faculty, and principals all played a part. In the election of student council president, there is a panel consisting of Wendy Uzzle, Kaylin Brett, Mark Robinson, and Alejandro Garcia. The panel interviews each presidential candidate to get an understanding of their goals and plans for Bowie if elected.

“I believe that interview is a very important part of the process,” Watts said. “It helps the principals to scan through all the students running and make sure that everyone is a worthy candidate.”

There were a total of seven presidential candidates, the five candidates who didn’t win ran for vice president. This resulted in a total of 18 candidates for vice president, of which 12 were selected in various roles.

The 2025-2026 vice presidents include Noah Dougherty as VP at large, Joaquin Flores as VP for the HoCo Game, Lennon Bres and Nate Lowe as VPs for the HoCo Dance, Denisa Cotiga and Luka Hedenberg as VPs for Community Engagement, Lucy Campsmith and Shivani Dilip Latha as VPs for Bowie’s Got Talent, Emery Lieneck and Mallory Hartono as VPs for Teacher Recognition, Carson Ledford as VP for Dodgeball, and Carter Lax as VP for Yard Work.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the other VPs this year,” Dougherty said.

“We will each share ideas, support one another, and combine our strengths to create a council that will be better connected for the student body.”

Campus construction to fix ancient AC system Eliza Williams Dispatch Reporter

Built in 1988, James Bowie High School has been open for 37 years, and its water loop/HVAC system is just as old. Due to its age, problems have become more prominent, including leaks and fluctuating temperatures within classrooms. Construction to fix the school’s AC system is currently ongoing and projected to be completed before the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

The goal of the construction is to create individual chilling systems for each building on campus. Currently the only building with its own chilling system is the athletic building, so the construction is primarily targeting the academic and fine arts buildings.

“Separating the fine arts from the academics will be beneficial because the fine arts will be on its own water loop system,” assistant management principal Samuel Cabrera said. “The original loop system will just have to heat and cool the academics instead of the whole campus.”

A total of three new chillers will be brought in for the campus. One to fix the broken chiller in the academic building, so that the entirety of the campus isn’t just running on one. The two other chillers are going to the fine arts and cafeteria.

“There’s going to be two systems dedicated to the school,” contractor Phillip Shuler said. “The new air cooled chiller system it’s going to alleviate the demand and pressure that’s on the current water cooled system.”

There are many looking forward to the improved AC system, especially teachers in the academic building, who

INSIDE:

UNDER THE SURFACE: Contractor Philip Shuler sheds light on the new cold water pipes being installed underneath F and E Halls of the Academic Building. This will allow for more enhanced cooling of the building's classrooms. PHOTO BY Grace Cajuste

have dealt with its complications for many years. The air conditioning in history teacher Alejandro Garcia’s classroom has been host to some of those problems.

“Last year, in the middle of a class, a guy came in to fix it because it wasn’t working, and he did something to it that caused the pipe to blow up,” Garcia said. “Water started going all over the classroom. My whole class had to stop and move away from the AC because it had started flooding because it was so badly clogged.”

According to sophomore Alex Brady, the unstable temperatures caused by the AC can affect the learning environment.

“If the air conditioning breaks it’ll

NEWS/POLITICS 1,2,3 FEATURE 4 , 5 PHOTO ESSAY 6

be humid, and gross,” Brady said.

“I’ve seen teachers get into bad moods because of it, and students want to go work somewhere else.”

The majority of the construction will be done during the summer, to minimize the effect it has on the students and staff on campus during the school year. Currently, the parking lot behind the cafeteria has been blocked off, becoming a temporary work-space for welding.

“We’ve had some welders set up there since January, and they’re making weld connections everyday,” Shuler said.

“That limits the amount of work we have to actually do down in the crawl space area.”

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

While most of the construction is happening in crawl spaces underneath the school, the act of welding is above ground. Having it there and instead of the crawl spaces, is meant as a safety precaution.

“The crawl space adds an extra layer of safety as far as construction goes,” Shuler said. “The goal is to minimize as much risk as possible.”

Cabrera notes that since his time at Bowie in the past four years, they have had issues with the HVAC, but with the recent renovations at the school it’s become more prominent.

“With the addition of the fine arts building renovation, it created a bigger draw on the HVAC system than anticipated,” Cabrera said. “So further upgrades to the system are needed.”

The upgrades, as well as bringing in two new chillers for the water loop, include increasing the size of the piping in the HVAC system, to allow for more cold water to circulate around the building.

“Think of it as these are the arteries or veins of your body, and they’re too small, so they’re not getting the blood flow to where you need it,” Shuler said.

“This is upsizing it to allow better circulation throughout the building to cool it down.”

Throughout the years there have been many measures taken to attempt to fix the AC system at Bowie, especially in the academic building, and the new piping is something many teachers, along with Garcia, are looking forward to.

“It’s worth it, and it’s needed,” Garcia said. “If that’s going to be a long term solution compared to all these temporary fixes then I’m all for it.”

REVIEW 13 COMMENTARY 14, 15 SENIOR GOODBYES 16

FIND US AT @jbhs_dispatch

Students get ready for AP

Exams for college course credit begin

Advanced Placement (AP) tests are offered to students at the end of an AP course.

These exams are designed to assess a student’s understanding of the college-level material. Many colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for students who pass the test.

“I feel like AP classes definitely can be worth the pressure,” junior Alexa Sanders said. “My sister passed her AP tests, and she didn't have to take some classes when she got to college, which saved her a lot of money. I feel like it's definitely worth it in the long run.”

AP tests are scored on a scale from one to five. A score of three or higher is generally considered passing, though the exact score required for credit can vary depending on the college.

“I truly believe taking AP classes and studying for AP exams prepares students for college,” assistant principal Kaylin Brett said. “The AP exams are very focused on higher-order thinking, and getting to practice this skill in high school is going to prepare students to be successful in college.”

While administrators, like Brett emphasize the long term benefits of taking an AP course, teachers and faculty are equally passionate about the day-to-day content covered in these classes, encouraging students to expand their knowledge, push deeper thinking and help prepare them for real world scenarios.

“I think AP Classes are important to take because they allow you to challenge yourself in ways that you may not have thought,” social studies teacher, Matthew Parente said. “Yes, there's the reading, writing, and lectures.

AP classes delve deeper into content, expanding knowledge about a subject and helping to understand bigger patterns and connections that happen in the real world.”

At Bowie, teachers and staff work to provide strong support for AP students.

Teachers use a variety of strategies to help students feel prepared for their exams. The school offers 29 AP courses, each designed to challenge students in different ways and build college-level skills across subjects.

“If a student is in an AP Class at Bowie High School, they are prepared well,” Brett said. “Our teachers are great at what they do, and I love seeing how excited the kids are to come in and show off everything they learned on their AP Tests.”

Parente teaches both AP research and AP seminar, classes that are a part of the AP Capstone Diploma program offered by the College Board. This program focuses on transferable skills rather than subject-specific skills.

“I feel that AP capstone classes help prepare students for the rigors of college and everyday life after high school,” Parente said. “AP Research doesn't have a sit-down exam. Their score is entirely on their paper and presentation, which was worked on for the entire year.

The AP seminar exam is more skills-based than needing to study content. AP Seminar is composed of two separate tasks, which are then replicated within the exam environment.”

STORY BY Marissa McGowan

2 NEWS

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

FUNDRAISING

Bowie band boosters brings in bucks

Booster club hosts their annual band and color guard auction to help fund raise for them Marissa McGowan News Editor

the Bowie Band Parent Booster Organization, and the fundraising committee that exists within the organization.

Paddles dart in the air as parents The directors are consulted to help esaim to win the much awaited prizes of tablish the date of the event, however spa packages gift-cards and more. The parents take on the main responsibiliband families turned out to support ties of putting the event together. the James Bowie Outdoor Performing “They look at what has been sucensemble (JBOPE) and Color Guard, cessful at raising money in the past by playing an active role in fundraisand spend time thinking about what ing. the community might be interested in On May 5, the Bowie Band hosted or what opportunities might be new an auction event where students, and exciting that would spark parents, and directors interest,” Jacks said. came together to raise The event took place funds for the produring the spring show gram’s needs, includreveal, where the theme I'm always ing new instruments, and title for the JBOPE costumes, and travel excited about 2025 performance was expenses. revealed. The auction, seeing the ways “Some of my favorwhich features both live ite moments from the our community and silent options were past auctions are just held before the reveal. comes out to watching how excited “I'm really excited the students are to support our for the show and band bid on the experiences season next year,” students. with the directors,” junior Zoe Moutard assistant director Tyler said. “I like that the Assistant Band Director band connects it to the Jacks said. “Like going bowling with us or auction to make it a fun having a dinner party with us.” environment for everyone.”

The auction features various items This auction is a yearly event for such as gift cards, paddles, mystery Bowie Band fundraising. The auction boxes, and experiences like pizza parhas grown over the years, and now ofties with the directors, spa packages, fering a wide variety of prizes and raisand sporting events. ing more money than previous years.

“Usually the items that end up The event is available for participation getting the highest bids are the experi- by students, family members, ences with the directors, like going “The auction has raised money bowling or having a dinner party,” for us for several years now, and our Jacks said. “Families can group up for community seems to enjoy the opporthose experiences and pitch in the tunity and finding ways to grow the money together, and I think those event,” Jacks said. “We've continued are the items that generate the most to support this project as a critical enthusiasm from the students.” part of our fundraising efforts that we The auction is set up and run by

Tyler Jacks

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WINNER, WINNER: Megana Eveleigh claims her award won in a balloon pop game. The gifts were given to students who paid for the balloon pop game. PHOTO

BY Cooper Ford

READY TO BID: A volunteer at the Bowie band fundraiser explains the rules to students for the balloon pop game. The balloon pop game was one of the features and events at the band fundraiser. PHOTO BY Cooper Ford

as a whole,” Jacks said. “It was great undertake throughout the year." to just see a big crowd of people ready The funds that are raised by the to do whatever they could to help out auction event will go to the fundraisin their own way.” ing budget in the booster organizaPart of the event was the Heads or tion. This will support the band to Tails game. All players participating cover additional costs that cannot be in the auction began standing, the covered by Austin Independent School band directors rolled the dice, either District landing on band director “Parents work realSCAN TO SEE MORE Jennifer Hanford, or assisly hard reaching out to tant director Tyler Jacks. companies, and donating Players held up their things that can be propaddles, available for vided for the auctions,” purchase from the boostsenior drum major Sophie er committee, guessing Thollander said. “Before which director the dice the auction is announced landed on. Those guessed the parents reach out to correctly moved on to everyone involved in band the next round, those for things to auction off.” incorrectly sat down. This Thollander’s family VIDEO BY Will Olenick game was played twice is especially involved in page 2 throughout the auction, her family page 4 the night. chose to provide a pool party band for 12auction “I only got to see a little of the nick forrest music game, but it looked super fun and to contribute to the prizes forwill the o ryanMoutard z everyone was hype,” said. auction. These types of prizes are “All of the prizes were really good and frequent within the prize list, families parents seemed to love them.” go above and beyond to contribute to The fundraising event was originalthe program. ly scheduled for May 2. However, due “I'm always excited about seeing to weather conditions, Bowie canceled the ways our community comes out to all after school events, resulting in support our students and the program

the auction being delayed till Monday, May 5.

“The delay of the auction actually didn't have a negative impact on our funds raised,” Jacks said.“We pivoted the live auction to an online platform and moved the silent auction to be in combination with our jazz and steel concert that was already scheduled a few days after the storm cancellation.”

The event is hosted every year, following the end of the Spring Camp, where the band welcomes incoming 9th graders to campus to introduce the following year's marching production and music.

“Its fun to be part of a live auction,” Thollander said. “It's more interesting and entertaining ten a silent auction, so I'm excited for that” With there being over 38 available page page 7 prizes and5offers, many families went tuff y hall tattoos home with an item from the night. bowie buddies “There didn't regan were t so many items, I liberty realize how much the parents had done to get everything in order,” Moutard said. “I didn't have a chance to participate in the auction but the events with the directors were really popular choices.”

SCORING

STAAR ratings take a hit in school districts across Texas Isabella Verette Senior Editor-in-Chief

On April 24, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released complete accountability results for Texas public schools and districts for the first time in over five years. The results from the 2022-23 school year were delayed in their release due to a lawsuit following TEA changes to college readiness metrics. The 2023-24 results are still delayed due to a separate lawsuit. The results reflect these changed metrics and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as one in five schools received an F or D rating, and the number of F-rated schools increased by 233 percent.

“When they first changed the accountability standards, instead of letting us know before the school year started, they notified us in November,” academic director Kaylin Brett said. “It was kinda like, how do we suppose to fix it? We are seeing a lot of growth in many areas, but the increased standard isn’t showing that growth currently.”

In the 2017 legislative session, House Bill 22 established the TEA rating system to asses education performance. School districts and their campuses are rated on an A-F scale based on three categories: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. Student achievement is measured through student performance on state standardized tests and college and career readiness. School progress is measured by how much students improve on state tests, such as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The grading comes in two sections, 70 percent of it comes from the higher of the two scores. The remaining thirty percent comes from the ‘Closing the gaps’ category, which measures how much schools improve scores for disadvantaged groups.

“At Bowie, we have the luxury of having pretty good test scores, but I think individual students who maybe are looking for a less traditional way to approach their future will have to focus on test prep,” English teacher Jacob Morgan said.

“It’s also going to put more pressure on the kids that don’t do well in a standardized way of learning. It goes against everything I think is important as a teacher. I think it’s also scary that they’re raising these standards as we face school closures across our district. It feels like they are pulling a rug out from under these schools and throwing them into chaos.”

tervention and more resources to those schools.”

In 2023, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath changed college and career readiness metrics require schools to12 have at least 88 percent of page page 12 page10 page 10 to their seniors enroll in college, enter a career, or senior one acts chior cabare kate bookidis lacrosse champ join the military to earn an A. The benchmark elizabeth andr, syd, chance will, colewas previously 60 percent. Further, scores maytbd have been affected by the STAAR being redesigned to be administered entirely online and having fewer multiple-choice questions. This is causing teachers, like Morgan, to have to pivot the way they teach.

“I think the digital platform is and can be helpful for students; things have been a little less frantic since the STAAR switched to digital,” Morgan said. “I think the way I teach a class for the test will change. It’s going to affect the way I approach writing. It’s a little more writing-based since it’s moved to the digital platform, I’m trying to teach students a more overarching way of writing so they know how to handle it. It’s going to be harder to be super formulaic.”

According to The Texas Tribune, on May 6, House Bill 4 was passed unanimously in the page 14 Texas House of Representatives, which aims to page 13 page 16 page 14 overhaul standardized testing throughout Texas kaie news story movie theatres kidfluencing public schools. The Senate also has a proposedsenior good katie koko, skylar sophia shaw bill that would overhaul standardized testing, but it differs from the House bill. Both would change standardized testing throughout public schools by eliminating the STAAR tests and implementing three tests at the school year’s beginning, middle, and end. How they measure success through those tests and when they TESTING, TESTING: Sophomore's Race Hill and Max Baxter focus on learning their engineering curriculum. would be implemented differ between the bills.

Bowie has worked to address their lowered college and career readiness scores by providing more CTE Instead of measuring academic performance on a courses. PHOTO BY Sophia Dudich rigid scale, the House bill would compare scores to peers nationwide. The Senate bill would conit’s not anymore. To bridge the gap created, we Bowie dropped from an A to a B, receiving tinue to evaluate performance on a rigid scale to made some changes regarding the number of an overall numeric score 87. Bowie also scored ensure grade-level expectations are met.

Advanced Placement and Career and Technical a B in all three categories. Within the student “There are always a lot of opinions on testing, Education courses we offer.” achievement category, Bowie earned a 93 in and it's great for us to have information on how Austin Independent School District (AISD) STAAR performance, a 79 in college career and well our students are receiving information and dropped from a B rating to a C, receiving an military readiness, and a 95 for its graduation our teachers are giving it,” Brett said. “If the overall numeric score of 77. AISD scored a 78 in rate. Bowie scored an 85 in closing the gaps, student achievement and a 74 in school progress. STAAR test goes away and they add in these making up 30 percent of its score. tests, it will be more stressful for students. We “We anticipated a B from the scores released a AISD scored a 73 in closing the gaps. Over 40 already have what we call ‘short cycle assessfew years ago regarding accountability standards. percent of AISD campuses received either a F or ments' that are every nine weeks in these STAAR D rating.

It had to do with the fact that the finish line classes, to see who needs extra support. If a “The rating that the district got as a whole became harder to achieve,” Brett said. “It became first-year student maintains all four test subjects doesn’t affect our campus,” Brett said. “It affects harder to achieve an A on almost every single like Biology, English 1, algebra 1, and geography, the campuses that got an F rating because it account, especially in college career and military they are already very stressed out and having shows the district that they need to provide inreadiness, because it used to be a footnote, and these big tests could worsen that stress.”

POLITICS 3

VOUCHERS

FRIDAY, MAY. 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

Abbott approves voucher program

Texas House passes Senate Bill 2, allowing tax dollars to go students at private schools Katie Grumet Politics Editor

English teacher Chrissy Hejny walked into the Texas state capitol at the crack of dawn on April 23 prepared to give testimony against the passage of vouchers. Hundreds of people gathered at the capitol, protesting throughout the day. Hejny spent 14 hours there, and despite all those efforts, the next day they all found out that Senate Bill 2 (SB2) had been passed.

On Thursday, April 24, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB2 into law. According to CBS News, this proposal allows tax dollars to be used to fund children's private school education through vouchers. Vouchers are different from public schools’ general allotment because in Texas general allotment is the amount of money schools receive per student, while the amount of money vouchers provide can change based on the specific needs of the student or the voucher program itself, according to an article in the Texas Tribune. Texas lawmakers passed the bill 19-12, and it was the first time in history that the Texas House passed a bill related to school vouchers. The voucher program is set to start in the 2026-2027 school year.

“It’s pretty obvious to me that the Texas Legislature has one goal, and it’s to dismantle public education and privatize schools as much as possible,” Hejny said. “In past sessions, vouchers have failed because they’re bad for education and they don’t benefit people in rural districts. Legislators kept pushing vouchers because they knew that eventually it would help chip away at public education.”

According to CBS News, SB2 is a $1 billion bill that will provide varying amounts of money to different students. Most students who attend a private school through the voucher program would receive $10,000 a year, students with disabilities could get up to $30,000 per year, and home school students could receive up to $2,000 per year. As stated in the Texas Tribune, the general allotment is $6,160 per student, which hasn’t increased in the past six years.

“One of the legislature’s talking points is that vouchers will help with special education and special needs children, and that’s a lie,” Hejny said.

“Private schools, for the most part, do not accept children with special needs or with behavioral issues. At public schools, we have so many resources and we do so much for kids with special needs, and we always will be available to help those kids, no matter how much the Legislature takes from us.”

Vouchers have been advertised as “parent choice,” but according to the National Education Association, this can be misleading since private schools can still reject the applicants they admit based on various factors. These factors include gender, religion, sexual orientation, behavioral history, prior academic achievement, standardized test scores, interviews with applicants and parents, and income.

“I feel very negatively about vouchers being passed,” junior Hazel Lura said. “Why are our public tax dollars going to pay for privatized education

Elevator

Only 20% of tickets available for high-income earners

ART BY Layne Foxcroft

According to the NEA, 90% of stufor kids who can already afford private education? It’s not fair that taxpayer dents attend public schools, and vouchdollars are going to other families, and ers take away the already scarce funding it’s not benefiting a large majority of from those schools. When funding is the population.” taken away from public schools, it creAccording to the Texas Private ates challenges for those schools, such Schools Associaas larger class sizes, fewer resources, like tion, families often textbooks, school choose private nurses, counselors, schools for their lab equipment, and smaller class sizes, It’s pretty obvious a reduction in proindividualized to me that the Texas attention, specialgrams such as music and athletics. ized programs, and Legislature has "I think that the for an education one goal, and it’s fine arts programs designed for the are being cut or are specific needs of to dismantle public underfunded and the student to ineducation and I also think that crease student acateachers and subs demic achievement. privatize schools as should be paid more Despite this, in the much as possible money," Lura said.

2021-2022 school " I would say that year, 39% of public English Teacher vouchers hurt public schools in the U.S. schools because had 500 or more they take money that could be going students enrolled, meanwhile 82% of to public schools and give it to private private schools had fewer than 300 stuschools instead." dents, according to Pew Research.

A concern students like Lura have “I don’t think Bowie will be as is th at vouchers are primarily given impacted by vouchers because we have such a large student body, and I feel like to students who could already afford private school. This worry has been there's not really gonna be that much proven true in Arizona, where they driving people to leave Bowie because have an implemented voucher prowe are a really good high school,” Wood said. “I do worry that vouchers gram, and according to the National will significantly decrease funding Education Association, 80% of voucher because right now our funding is so applicants in Arizona did not previously attendance-based, and if a bunch of kids attend public schools, meaning they go to private school, that will decrease were already in private school or were public school funding.” being homeschooled.

Chrissy Hejny

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“I feel like the kids whose parents are already sending their kids to private school could already afford private school, so in that sense, they probably don’t need the vouchers,” Lura said.

“Vouchers are detrimental to public schools that might receive that funding.

In the future with vouchers, I think that public schools will have a lot less to work with and there will be less variety in curriculum due to the decreased budget.”

The National Education Associationindicated that when vouchers are initially passed with cheaper or more limited parameters they still ultimately balloon spending, creating a statewide budget crisis. According to AP News, this scenario has been seen in Arizona, where they had nearly a $1 billion budget shortfall after the state began funding vouchers. This led to numerous cuts of essential public services, leading the state to postpone building projects and have agencies return unspent state money.

"Vouchers have been passed in other states, and it all went very badly,” Hejny said. “I’m angry about vouchers being passed because as a public school teacher and as a product of public schools, I see all of the beautiful things that public schools provide to kids and families every day and I have a lot of parents who are very grateful for the services we provide to their children and they are super supportive.”

According to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), private schools are not required to comply with

state curriculum requirements. This means that core classes and extracurriculars at a private school could be completely different than what is offered at a public school. As stated in the Texas Association of School Boards, School districts across Texas offer courses in more than 150 disciplines, including maritime sciences, sports medicine, and engineering design, giving students the opportunity to learn real-world skills while going through high school.

“Private schools can’t compete with public schools,” Hejny said. “They don’t want to have a broad range of educational programs and services and curriculum, so there's just no competition, and no kid wants a narrow curriculum.

I would challenge legislators to come and spend a week in my classroom or just come to a Bowie event and actually see what's happening inside public schools.”

According to Texas AFT, a statewide union that supports providing students with a quality education, vouchers represent politicians’ agenda to privatize schools. Many politicians are bribed by wealthy “activists” to advance privatization and education reform in Texas.

“Public schools are free and they allow lower-income people to get a quality education that can help prepare them to get better jobs in the future and be more a part of society,” Wood said. “In the future, schools will definitely become more privatized and more of a money-making scheme rather than prioritizing education and student needs.”

NEW LEGISLATION

School discipline bill advances through the House Sara Fowler Dispatch Reporter

On April 16, the Texas House voted to advance Texas House Bill 6 (HB6), which would broaden Texas public schools’ authority to discipline students. Simultaneously, three additional bills addressing student discipline have been passed in the Senate. In addressing school safety, these bills aim to combat statewide challenges with teacher retention and shortages.

“If we took care of problems and made students more accountable for their behavior, I think teachers would be happier,” English teacher Becky Hertel said. “Just because we’re in school doesn’t mean it should be a free-for-all.”

Currently, according to TEA, Texas students may receive a maximum of three days of suspension for any behavior that violates the school’s code of conduct. Students can face either in-school or out-of-school suspension. If a student receives out-of-school suspension, the student is not allowed on the school campus for the duration of their suspension. In contrast, in-school suspension, a student remains on campus but is removed from their regular classes and placed in an office or other assigned area, according to AISD Code of Conduct. For serious offenses, a student may be moved to an alternative education program.

“I think that there’s a culture at Bowie where students can behave how they want and I think to a certain extent schools should increase disciplinary action so that students understand that there are consequences for their actions,” junior Isaac Almodovar said. “There needs to be a balance between doing too much or too little and I think it really comes down to how we can make Bowie a better social environment.”

While HB6 would continue the current three-

day maximum of out-of-school suspension, the maximum for in-school suspension would be expanded to ten days. Conversely, HB6 would reverse a 2017 bill that restricted out-of-school suspensions for students in 3rd grade or below, except in the case of serious offenses. In addition, HB6 also undoes a 2019 bill that placed similar restrictions on out-of-school suspensions for homeless students. HB6 would also repeal a 2023 bill that requires students who vape to be sent to an alternative education program.

“Disruptive students can negatively impact the classroom and school environment in general,” Almodovar said. “I can say as someone who has ADHD, even having others talking loudly or being distracting can really harm the way I learn.

However I think that it's important to meet these students where they’re at and try to assess and address the problem through outreach by counselors and teachers.”

HB6 would also allow alternative education schools to offer virtual learning. According to Texas Policy Research disciplinary alternative education programs would improve temporary alternative education placements for certain students and would help remove previous limitations that decided when and how a student could be suspended. Additionally, this bill was designed to give districts broader discretion when dealing with serious or dangerous student behavior.

“I think some kids work better in an online situation,” Hertel said. “Some of the behavior issues with kids in my teaching career happened with kids who are gifted and are just so bored in the classroom that they act up, so being able to just take the class online is a great option for them.”

Alongside HB6, three bills in the senate also seek to expand disciplinary authority in Texas schools. Senate Bill 27 (SB27) is designed to ex-

pand teachers' authority to remove students who interfere with the learning environment, engage in bullying, or exhibit abusive behavior. Similarly, under Senate Bill 1871 (SB1871), students who assault a teacher or bring a firearm to school would be expelled. Additionally, Senate Bill 1924 (SB1924) would allow students who exhibit disruptive or dangerous behavior, such as fighting, to be issued a class C misdemeanor, reversing a previous 2013 bill that banned law enforcement from issuing citations to students for school-related offenses.

“Some teachers misuse their power to be mean to students; if they are given more disciplinary authority, they will use it unfairly,” sophomore Elizabeth Crunk said. “But, there are some teachers who understand the purpose of disciplinary actions and use them to benefit the class and the disrupter themselves so they can help the student and further their education.

When students are being disruptive to the class, it's usually an underlying issue, and just because they are disruptive in one class doesn't mean their entire education should be compromised.”

A Texas Education Agency (TEA) survey conducted in 2022 found that discipline and safety at work was the second most mentioned concern teachers cited as causing statewide teacher shortages. According to the TEA, 12.91% of Texas teachers left the profession during the 2023–24 school year. In contrast, only 11.81% of teachers were newly hired in 2024–25, creating a deficit of nearly 5,000 teachers.

“When it comes to student discipline, that is what exhausts me most as a teacher,” Hertel said.

“On days when I don’t have discipline issues, I love my job, but on days when I have constant behavior issues in all my classes, it's hard to want to come to work the next day.”

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4 FEATURE

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

MODERN ART

Zapiain sparks creativity with nail art

Sophomore grows a passion for nail art and connects communities through manicures Charlotte Schwarte Feature Editor

The sharp smell of nail polish fills the air, as sophomore Elena Zapiain’s eyes glance over her materials. She steadies her hand before she glides a brush over one nail, the task almost meditative in its precision. Her eyes flick between her work and the customer sitting in front of her, and only after one last glossy touch, do they both lean back to admire her creation.

Zapiain’s interest was first struck by nail art when she was in fifth grade. What started by playing around with nail polishes over the years built into more complicated designs and materials.

“To be honest, I taught myself about nails, and then also got a little from TikTok, YouTube, and going into actual nail salons to see what they do,” Zapiain said.

While not running an official business, Zapiain dedicates a large portion of her time to manicures, normally doing nails two to three times a week, with a few consistent customers.

During the previous prom season she had appointments almost every day.

“My nail style is very abstract,” Zapiain said. “I do one girl’s nails who has all this 3D stuff, a different design on every nail, and they’re as long as they can be. So, those ones are very, very abstract, and they’re a bunch of different colors.”

There are different types of manicures, ranging based on their materials. Zapiain specializes in Gel X, a popular alternative to acrylic nails.

The process of completing a set includes prepping the nail, applying nail extensions and gel, creating nail art, and then sealing it off with a glossy top coat.

“It’s 50/50 where I get my inspira-

PAINTING FOR PERFECTION: Elena Zapiain paints her nails, fixing the small details for the finished product. Zapiain has been interested in nail art and design since she was in 5th grade. PHOTO BY Cooper Ford

tion from, some of the designs I come up with on my own, or I take a collage on Pinterest and turn that into nails,” Zapiain said. “When I do other people’s nails, a lot of them come in with an inspo-picture.”

While today’s nail art is trademarked for its vibrant colors and extravagant designs, Zapiain’s love for it has grown out of the relaxing relationship she’s formed with the process.

“I have my whole routine,” Zapiain said. “It’s very comforting, and it’s almost grounding. You can put what’s in your mind onto something physical.

It feels like ‘I know how to do this, and I know I’m good at it’.”

Zapiain charges around $20 for her nails, and typically sessions last around an hour. For some customers requesting more elaborate designs, like fellow band member freshman Lucy Cottam, manicures could last up to four hours.

“I like to get very bold nails with lots of bright designs,” Cottam said.

“I think it brings outfits together and makes you more interesting. It makes me feel unique.”

With the long period of time spent in the chair, conversationalist skills are vital to nail technicians. Zapiain has taught herself some tricks to prevent interactions from becoming stagnant, such as using compliments to spark a conversation, or connecting through extracurriculars.

“Elena always puts her best into making sure each nail set looks good.

She is easy to talk to and it’s not awkward like if I were to go to a normal salon,” junior Fiona Sobocinski said.

According to PR Newswire, 92 percent of girls between the age of nine and 17 years old use nail products, due to its abundance of options and versatile styles. Zapiain has no shortage of customers from that demographic.

“I am so impressed with her creativity and ability to take inspiration and bring it to life,” Elena’s mother Maegan Zapiain said. “She hasn’t done much to ‘promote’ her business; her happy clients have spread the word.”

Outside of nail art, Elena is a member of the Bowie Band and Guard, playing the French horn and mello-

phone. Next year, she’s set to be a section leader of the mellophones. Bowie Band is a close knit community, and consequently many of her customers are gained through it.

“I love getting my nails done because I love hanging out and talking with her but also she’s amazing at nails,” Sobocinski said. “So, not only do I get to spend time with a friend but I always get gorgeous nails out of it.”

As creative nails have gained popularity, they have been hailed as an outlet and expression of people’s creativity, with many celebrities such as Olympian Sha’Carri Richardson and socialite Hailey Bieber taking ‘statement nails’ to the public eye.

“I feel like it’s a very individual thing, everyone has their own way to do nails,” Elena said. “They’re very detailed and if you have a vision, you can change it to your specific style.”

Elena’s creative endeavors are not only limited to nails, she also experiments with jewelry and floral design, even going as far to have handmade every piece of jewelry she wore for

this past homecoming dance.

“Elena has always been creative, but not in the traditional sense of painting and drawing,” Maegan said.

“When she has a vision or design that she wants to make in her mind, she has always been able to create it, even if it means using unconventional materials and techniques. She has also been a great floral designer and jewelry maker, but nail art has been a great outlet to make unique designs while also spending time with friends.”

Elena spoke of the connection built with the Bowie community by giving manicures, as it has become a defining trait for her within band and to her customers.

“Most of my friends in band all get our nails done by Elena so it connects us,” Sobocinski said. “We always get to talk about which nails we want and we all show each other our nails once we get them all done. It’s super fun and it’s a unique way that all of us connect.”

All of Elena’s nail appointments are done in her room, where all of supplies necessary for the job can also be found. This includes UV lights, nail brushes, nail gel, and the nail polish itself.

“She’s my best friend, so it’s fun because I get to hang out with her while she does my nails, and she’s so talented,” Cottam said. “She gives us drinks and she plays music or we watch TV, and her room is a very fun space to be in. It’s a fun environment to be in.”

While still a sophomore, Elena already has aspirations to major in psychology in college, with a possible cosmetology degree on the side to pursue nail artistry.

“I’m not sure where she’ll end up professionally, but continuing to do nails in college could always be a fun side hustle,” Maegan said. “I hope that she always has a chance to have an outlet for passion and creativity in her life.”

MUSIC

Junior’s lifelong love of music leads to launch of lyrics Eliza Williams Dispatch Reporter

Stepping into the recording studio, a beat is playing, the sound of drums echoing through the room. Junior Nick Forrest sits before a laptop, reading the lyrics he’s written. Carefully looking them over, he goes to the microphone, ready to record.

Debuting in the rap genre, Forrest started making music nine months ago, with his first song “Found.” Since he was a child, music has been a love of his, and something that’s influenced him.

“Artists like Tyler the Creator and Kendrick Lamar always got me into the lyrical aspect of music,” Forrest said. “I’ve always loved writing and expressing myself, no matter what.”

In motive of expressing himself, Forrest draws deeper meaning from his most influential artists and how that drives him to be the artist he wants to be.

“I look up to Tyler the Creator because he expresses himself and does what he loves to do, because that’s always what I want to be and that’s my dream,” Forrest said. “I also take into account Kendrick Lamar whenever I think about lyric styles and how to write. And then for my production, I really like Thundercat, his production style is amazing.”

Many of Forrest’s songs include a slow,

MEASURE BY MEASURE: Using just a laptop, Nick Forrest writes and creates music. Forrest wrote his first song around eight months ago and is currently working on an album. PHOTO BY Ryan Zuniga

methodical rhythm, a matching chorus, and two or three quick-paced verses. In one of his songs: “Real,” the chorus includes lyrics about finding oneself, which is a theme Forrest wants others to take from his music.

“A specific message I always want to express is always be yourself and express yourself,” Forrest said. “I never want someone to hold back what they actually feel inside.”

Prior to the making of his music Forrest took guitar all throughout middle school. However, he didn’t continue on with it because it wasn’t something he considered enjoyable.

“I don’t really like doing music in school because of all the guidelines and you can’t do anything creative you’d want to do,” Forrest said. “I feel like in schools it’s just going off a note sheet, but I love doing my own thing and just creating my own music.”

The process Forrest puts into making his music has piqued the interests of many, hoping to learn how he does what he does, including chemistry teacher Kevin Laughlin.

“Knowing Nick and his personality and how full of life he is and how full of energy, it would be really neat to see him map out his creative process,” Laughlin said.

The platform Forrest releases his music is YouTube, where he works with others to get beats. The writing and background, he does himself.

“It takes a week, or two weeks, to make a song, if I do it pretty quickly,” Forrest said. “The IN STUDIO: Junior Nick Forrest sings in his office using his microphone. Forrest’s music is currently only writing takes about a week, and I analyze it, and streaming on SoundCloud but he does plan on moving to Spotify eventually. PHOTO BY Ryan Zuniga the recording I do pretty quickly.”

Throughout his music-making process, facial expression change,” Laughlin said. “You he’s just a generally good person that is always Forrest constantly looks to grow as an artist and can just see the passion in his face when he talks willing to help people, and always has a smile improve his craft, getting help from the people about it, he lights up.” on his face. You just can’t help having a smile on around him.

Junior Devin Smith, a buddy of Forrest’s since your face when you’re around him.”

“My parents are more than middle school, sees his friend’s music-making in Forrest’s positivity towards others supportive,” Forrest said. “All a positive light. as noted by Laughlin, is also in comSCAN TO SEE MORE my friends support me in it, too.

“I think it’s really cool,” Smith said. “The fact bination with the fact that he makes They’ll give me some tips, and I that he’s going for it. Most people kind of just music in general stands out to his love the structure of criticism and think about doing it, and they never do. I think friend, junior Daniel Sinton, as well. how they can help me, because I the fact that he’s actually trying to go for it kind “He’s one of the only people I can only get better from that.” of shows he’s really into it, that he’s all about know that actually makes music,” Laughlin has known Forrest it.”

Sinton said. “I think it’s hard to do since he taught him back in 6th Forrest has four songs out as of now. He is, with the people that don’t like it or grade at Gorzyki middle school, however, currently working on an album that he say things behind your back, but he and only sings praise for the kind hopes to have out this coming summer or at the doesn’t care about what other people of person he is, not just as a music start of the next school year. It’s something he say.” artist, but as a baseball player and VIDEO BY Ryan Zuniga stated that he’s excited for.

Despite the challenges that may page 5 as a person.page 2 page 4 page10 “I think he’s brave putting out music, and you come with making music, whenever “He’s just a genuine person, tuffy of hall band auction can tell he puts effort and thought into his music histattoos music Laughlin kate bookidis nick forrestForrest music is on the topic and he always puts others before himself.

Even through his storytelling,” Sinton said. “I can’t regan t will o notes the importance of it to him. back in middle school, and it’s no different on ryan z andr, syd, waitchance for new music and to see his progression.”

“Whenever you talk to somebody that is the baseball field,” Laughlin said. “His selflesspassionate about something, you can see their ness is one of the things I love about Nick, that

FEATURE 5

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

PERFORMANCE ART

Junior drummer snares the spotlight

Alex Frost started heavy metal band with the hopes of sharing his musical passion

ART

BY S a

vann

ah R

iggin

Under the glow of stage lights and the roar of a crowd, three teenagers who met through a shared love of music and were molded in the rehearsal rooms of School of Rock, the band Requient isn’t just playing songs, they are creating their own sound, one performance at a time.

In the spring of 2024, junior Alex Frost and his friends Jesse Mendez, and Kobe Johnson decided to start the band Requient after working together at the music program, School of Rock.

School of Rock is a music learning facility that connects young musicians in addition to providing lessons for them.

“Joining School of Rock grew my love for music a lot,” Johnson said. “Before joining, I only listened to rap and hip hop. Then I joined the program, and it completely changed how I thought and felt about music. It has definitely shaped me as a human and who I am today.”

Frost’s passion for the drums has grown over the years. He began playing at an early age and hasn’t stopped since. Through the years, Frost’s parents have supported him by driving him to lessons, watching performances, and being there for him.

“When he was five years old, Alex’s grandfather bought him one of those 3-piece Monsters Inc. kiddie drum sets for Christmas,” Alex’s mother Rebekah Frost said. “It sounded terrible because ultimately it was a toy, but he absolutely wore it out. So, when he was seven, I figured he was old enough to have a full-size set and start taking drum lessons; he hasn’t stopped playing since. He actually still plays on that set here at home.

It’s turned out to have been a great investment for sure.”

According to Alex, playing the drums has become a safe space for him. When playing, he can let go of stress and anger by losing himself in the music. This feeling has allowed him to connect deeper with the instrument, and it has also fostered his passion for creating original songs.

“We have performed both cover and original songs,” Alex said. “While playing these songs, it becomes so easy to get lost in the music. If I am feeling anything, I can just take it out on the drums. You can’t really do that with any other instruments.”

According to Alex, the process of writing original songs is different for each one. However, it typically begins with Alex writing something

for the guitar, and then his guitarist will refine it.

After that, the other instruments come into play and work together to create a new number.

“Making music can be a difficult process, and it often takes a long time,” Alex said. “New songs require a lot of compromise from everyone, which is not always easy especially since the guitarist and bassist butt heads on a lot of the composition choices.”

When writing their own songs, the band takes inspiration from a lot of different rock artists, but the one that has the most effect on their writing style is Pantera. Pantera is a rock band that was formed in Texas and was popular in the 1990s.

“I would describe our music style as energetic,” Alex said. “We want people who listen to get excited, jump around, and just enjoy themselves.”

Requient doesn’t just write songs, they perform them too. From covers to originals, they have put themselves out there in front of an audience on several occasions.

“Performing is an amazing experience,” Johnson said. “There is this adrenaline rush when you are on stage doing what you love in front of a crowd. It is a really unique feeling of pride and nervousness.”

Requient has performed at South by Southwest (SXSW), which is a yearly festival in Austin that is dedicated to showcasing music, film, and media. The band has had the opportunity to perform there twice.

“I first played at SXSW through School of Rock,” Alex said. “But, then I got to play a smaller venue again this year with my band.”

The band has also competed in the Austin Battle of the Bands at Regal Rooms. They won the competition. However, they faced ridicule from the audience and participants after they were named the winners.

“The competition placed as the opening number out of eight heavy rock bands,” Alex said. “There were judges who voted on each performance, and we won by around 30 votes, but people in the audience and even the announcer were really mad and had some rude things to say.

It was crazy, we got paid $500 though.”

SXSW and Battle of the Bands aren’t the only places that they have performed. Requient has also collaborated with other bands. They have opened for No Tuition, another student band at Rio Market. No Tuition contacts bands by attending local shows and getting to know other local bands. They found out about Requient after both of their bands competed in the Battle of the Bands.

“After speaking to their former vocalist at Regal Rooms, I asked them to open for us at a little convenience store venue called Rio Market,” No Tuition guitarist and singer Otto Wu said.

“Requient was doing covers and had one original song when we performed with them. They

s

Savannah Riggins Feature Editor

UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY: Frost loses himself in the rhythm, his focus intense as he drums with passion.

Each strike is a reflection of the hard work and dedication to his music career. PHOTO BY Sydney Cotso-

played well and were punctual when it came to show-time.”

Alex has not only performed at venues, but he is also a sponsored musician. After seeing an advertisement for the drum company Collision Drumsticks, he decided to give it a chance.

“I’m incredibly proud of so many things he’s accomplished, but to date, I think the most proud moment was when he told me he was selected to be a sponsored musician by Collision Drumsticks,” Rebekah said. “He’s the youngest sponsored musician they have. I actually didn’t even know about them reaching out until they sent the contract over because he was nervous about not getting picked.”

After being chosen by the company as a sponsored musician, Alex has been required to use only the company’s drumsticks and openly support them when playing live.

“It has always been a goal to be endorsed,” Alex said. “I am proud to say I am a sponsored drummer working with Collision.”

VISUAL ARTS

Despite all of this action, Alex does not wish to get famous by being a musician. According to him, the idea of fame is daunting, and it would disrupt his personal privacy.

“I don’t want to be in a very well-known band,” Alex said. “Being famous sounds horrible, and it has never been a personal goal. I want to be known enough to work and make a living off of performing the music that I love.”

With his passion and persistence, Alex continues to grow with his band both as a musician and a performer. Whether they’re rehearsing original songs or performing on stage. After the hard work he has put into Requient, Alex shows no signs of slowing down.

“Alex has put in the hard work, I’ve never once had to tell him to practice,” Rebekah said.

“In fact, it’s always been the opposite. Since I work from home, I have to tell him to stop playing so I can take calls. My support is limited to financial and time investment, while he’s accomplished so much all by himself.”

Artist utilizes tattooing as an outlet for his creative ideas Sofia Yordanova Dispatch Reporter

Arranging his tools and putting on a pair of rubber gloves, senior Tuffy Hall begins to work on a new tattoo.

Only using his mind as a reference, he free-hands intricate details and linework onto the skin of his client. With careful strokes of the tattoo gun, the piece slowly comes to life.

After being given a tattoo gun for Christmas only one year ago, Hall began practicing the art form on his friends and family. What started as a fun experiment became a passionate hobby that Hall continues to participate in.

“Tattoos aren’t always about having the best piece of art in existence,” Hall said. “Most of the time, it’s about a story and the personal connection to the art.”

SCAN TO SEE MORE

VIDEO BY Reagan Tso

IN THE ZONE: Focused and free-handing, Hall brings his creative vision to life one stroke at a time. A year into his tattoo journey, he is combining personal expression with artistry, making each piece unique. PHOTO BY Reagan Tso

According to Hall, he does not use any stencils, which provide lines for the tattoo artist to follow, or even plan before he begins tattooing. This is somewhat unusual for beginner tattoo artists, who tend to use stencils out of caution and fear of error. It also means that the final product may not necessarily be what Hall originally envisioned.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Hall said. “I’ll admit they’re not everyone’s style, but I think that’s what makes

them so fun.”

Tattoos aren’t the only thing Hall uses as a form of self-expression. He also participates in a local metal band, Pnumada, for which he sings and writes music. While music is an entirely different creative outlet, he uses it in the same way: to tell his story and make personal connections.

“Tuffy is always putting himself towards artistic ends to make himself and his experience known,” senior Kyle Kramer said. “He integrates

wholeheartedly with communities and fosters connection via personal expression.”

As an artist, Hall takes inspiration from a host of other creators and designers. When it comes to tattooing, Hall says he was most inspired by the late Larry Da Leopard, an old family friend of Hall and his father’s tattoo artist. Da Leopard was a well-known artist who was locally famous for his entirely tattooed body.

“He was a real character,” Hall said.

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“He would come over to tattoo my father in the kitchen and then we would all go swimming together after.”

Despite being surrounded by professional tattooers and practitioners of the craft, Hall is uninterested in pursuing a career in tattooing. Instead, he will continue to enjoy it as a creative pursuit.

“I definitely plan on tattooing as a side project and hobby in my future,” Hall said. “It’s a cool skill to have and I’d love to keep taking inspiration from the people around me.”

As Hall balances his artistic endeavors with school work, his creative side often bleeds into his work in the classroom. According to AP Government teacher and debate coach John Mast, he noticed early on in the year that Hall was a creative force.

“I love seeing my students being creative outside of school,” Mast said.

“It’s hard not to notice how much Hall loves the arts.”

While tattooing may have started as a personal interest, it has grown into a way to connect with others and tell his story. Whether he’s designing a custom piece for a friend or singing at a local show, Hall uses his experiences to make connections and experiment with his abilities.

“Whether it’s tattoos, his band, or small drawings for friends, he’s always inspiring the people around him,” Kramer said. “He’s a creative soul who uplifts all those around him.”

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6 PHOTO ESSAY

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

DANCE

The Silver Stars step into the spotlight

THE PYRAMID: In an elegant pyramid, the Silver Stars team sets up for the climax of the performance. The audience was shocked by their skills. “The show was phenomenal,” sophomore Tatum Mast said. “I was amazed with the Stars ability to move with strength, and the pyramid was very impressive.” PHOTO BY Arlo Stockstill

VIVA LAS VEGAS: As the Las Vegas dance begins, the Silver stars give a pose for the audience. The Silver Stars aim to show their hard work and devotion to the audience. “I hope they can see how much hard work we’ve put into each performance over this past year,” senior Amorie Erichsen said. “I also hope they can just have a good time and enjoy what we have to put on.” PHOTO BY Isadora Parra

Dancers gather for their spring performances Isadora Parra Photo Essay Editor

of the Silver Stars then especially their Spring Shows, so after I graduated college, I worked at Dancers whirl across the stage some other high schools until the in bright costumes, their faces position opened at Bowie, then beaming with excitement as music I just knew I was meant to be at rushes through the auditorium for Bowie,” Bilnoski said. “Bowie has a night filled with energy, rhythm, always had such a great dance and joy. program and I am super lucky and Since late October, the Bowie honored to be one of the direcSilver Stars have been prepping tors.” for their final show of the 2024Leadership plays a big part in 2025 school year with the theme the success of both the Silver Stars “Game On.” Spring Shows is two and their performances. Senior acts with a total of Amorie Erichsen is a first 30 different dances lieutenant for the from Silver Stars, JV Silver Stars and dancers, dance class plays a key role periods, parents, boys in bringing the I hope that athletics, and perforteam together with the audience mances from three her leadership area middle schools. skills. Erichsen takes away our The 35th Annual Silshows this during hard work, and ver Stars Spring Show Spring Shows by directors were Leanne choreographing can see our Bilnoski and Alyssa pre-drill, the finale, passion for the Paramski. the opener, and “We write a script many of the other dance team. for all of the dances dances. we want for Spring “My goal as Sophomore Silver Star Shows, and then have lieutenant is for the dancers learn the dancers to the choreography, and a lot of have fun, but still have structure,” the choreography is done by the Erichsen said. “Also I hope the student officers and class dance audience has fun with the dances aids,” Paramski said. “Some of our I either choreographed or helped dances we’ve been doing since late with .”

October and we use those dances Dance directors pick the theme for our competitions and pep for performances typically a year rallies.” before, so they can create dances The Silver Stars started when and an environment with music Bowie opened in 1988, and Spring and decorations that follows with Shows have been annual showings the theme that was chosen. since the spring of 1989. Silver “We choose a different theme Stars have become a well-known every year,” Bilnoski said. “We dance company in AISD from their have a storyline that kind of leads annual performances and plan to everything and we chose “Game continue this legacy and to grow On” because it would be really for years to come. fun, just to show all the different “I grew up in AISD and knew games that there are to play and

Anna Deeb

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how we can make that come to life with dance.”

Even with years of experience of performing, stepping onto the stage can still come with nerves, however once the music starts, the passion for dance can take over.

“I was nervous before and during shows, because I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for everyone in the audience watching,” Deeb said. “As soon as I start dancing on the stage my nerves tend to fade away because I am doing what I’ve always loved to do.”

With high school coming to an end for seniors, Spring Shows is Erichsen’s last dance performance in high school and she has decided to attend the University of Texas at Austin as a dance major to pursue her love for dance. Erichsen choreographed her own solo for her UT audition and used the same dance for her solo in Spring Shows.

“I plan on dancing at UT as a dance major, so I’ll be continuing to have performances and dancing, hopefully for a much longer time,” Erichsen said. “I choreographed my solo all by myself for Spring Shows and I used that solo to audition for the UT dance major.”

According to Loo, the Silver Stars accomplish many things and make countless memories by the end of every school year.

“We always do a memory circle before shows, where the whole team gets together in a little circle and we all share one of our favorite memories that we had in the year,” Loo said. “It’s always just so much fun, we all have a good laugh before the show, and ROUND AND ROUND: Senior Nya Loo spins in a pirouette with elegance in front of the audience. it helps get our nerves out of the Loo is a senior lieutenant for the Silver Stars and helps lead the team by helping out with choreway.” ography. “I am a lieutenant, so I helped choreograph some of the dances for Spring Shows,” Loo said. “I also participated in about 14 dances.” PHOTO BY Isadora Parra

IN THE AIR: Showing their strength with their senior officer Finley Couch is held into the air showcasing her love for the sport and her muscle memory built through the countless hours of work. The Silver Stars powered through their last performance of the school year. “In the performance, I try my best to lay back on my fundamentals,” Couch said. “It was super sad after the performance, knowing it was last time I’d preform with my friends and my last performance of high school” PHOTO BY Arlo Stockstill

GAME ON: With a smile, sophomore Ella Horgan strikes a pose during the sports dance of Spring Shows.

Horgan is a spirit leader for the JV star dancers and loves being a part of the team. “My favorite part of Spring Shows was being able to perform with all my friends,” Horgan said. “Spring Shows was so fun for us performing, and I hope the audience had fun too.” PHOTO BY Isadora Parra

HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPOS: The Bowie boys athletics give a pose after their performance of Spring Shows. The dance for athletes class showed off their skills by doing different acrobatic movements and bringing hungry, hungry hippos to life. “I like the environment of dance for athletes with the balance of structure and fun,” sophomore Keegan Cox said. “I am glad I decided to do this because I feel so much closer to everyone.” PHOTO BY Isadora Parra

IN-DEPTH 7

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

EDUCATION

Special education

State funding changes proposed for a program that benefits student learning, growth, and development

EXPLAINING SPECIAL EDUCATION

FUNDING AND POLITICS

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D

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a Sepulveda

ctrum Disord e Sp - A developmental e

disability caused by differences in the brain, People on the Autism spectrum often have different ways of learning and paying attention

Common characteristics problems with social communication and interaction repetitive behaviors or interest

ral palsy (C b e er - A motor Disability P caused by anomalies in brain development, which effects a persons muscle control

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PROGRAMS AND RELATIONS

ART BY Sophi

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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been making cuts to many federal agencies across the United states. One department that has faced significant cuts is Across America, there are programs in the Department of Education (DoE), which place to help ensure that students get the the DOGE website lists as number three on support they need to learn. Special Education the agency efficiency leader-board for most programs are unique to each individual to savings. According to Cal Matters, amidst ensure that children get the specific care that funding cuts to the DoE, President Donald they need. According to the U.S. Department Trump has promised to keep special education of Education, the right to free special educaintact, and his plan for doing so is moving tion is protected under the Individuals with it to the Department of Health and Human Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was Services (DHHS). originally passed in 1975.

“Automatically, whether we see the effects “The special education program is a way of it or not, it causes a shift in how we see to bridge the gap in education,” Flores said. special education,” Hooks said. “Pulling “Students with disabilities don't always learn special education away and putting it under the same way we do, so special education health and human services shifts people to allows these students to get what they need to a mindset that special education isn’t edube self-sufficient in life and still learn. Learncation. The things that are happening at the ing is important no matter what level you're federal level will have a tremendous effect on learning at, there's a reason we go to school. special education. I think it causes prejudice Special education is just a way of making sure toward people with disabilities, and I think that learning is accessible to all.” that we will see the fallout in lack of funding Some services that a student may receive and lack of teaching positions due to funding to help fulfill their educational needs are specifically in the area of special education, a 504 plan or an Individualized Education especially if it's being taken away from the Program (IEP). According to the National Department of Education.”

Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), to According to the Texas Tribune, there is a receive an IEP students must have one of the special education funding gap of about $1.7 13 disabilities listed under IDEA, and require billion between what schools are actually special education services to make progress in spending on special education services, and school. Some of the disabilwhat the state is funding. Texity categories listed under as also falls below many other SCAN TO SEE MORE IDEA include visual, hearstates in general educational ing, speech, or language funding, according to Texas impairment, emotional AFT, Texas is the 41st ranked disturbance, Autism, and state for per-student public specific learning disabilities education funding, and falls (SLD). According to NCLD, below the national average for section 504 has a broader teacher salary by over $7,700. definition of disability, “If students aren’t given which is why more people the support they need, they may qualify. can't reach their full potenBOWIE BUDDIES STORY BY “If, for example, sometial,” Texas Representative one has ADHD, but accomEve Johansson Gina Hinojosa said. “We all modations alone are able have a gift and potential to to help them do the work give, and our paths are difthat they need done in a general education ferent. It is the challenge of the public school classroom, then they're serviced under 504 system to provide what all our kids need. We which is the big umbrella that's for accomcould do it if we were fully funded, but when modations only,” Special Education teacher we're not, kids fall through the cracks, and Jacqueline Hooks said. “If someone needs they have a much harder time.” more than accommodations, more support According to AP News, on Saturday May than just accommodations, they come to the 3, Governor Greg Abbott signed off on a $1 land of special education and they're served by billion school voucher program. This program an individualized education plan.” allows for students seeking private school opIn order to officially receive accommodations to receive government funded vouchers tions or special education services, a student to help pay for their schooling. Private schools must be evaluated. While parents have the do not have to accept special education sturight to request special education evaluation dents, and can reject students for a variety of at any time, there is a specific process to reasons as long as they are not deemed to be determine eligibility. According to the Texas discriminatory based on protected characterisEducation Agency (TEA), the special educatics like race. tion process has five steps: referral, consent “My understanding is that money will go to evaluate, evaluation, determine eligibility towards those private schools when people (ARD), and development of the IEP. use vouchers, which means less money, not “The evaluation process is lengthy and just for special education, but for the public it has a lot of components to it like parent schools as a whole,” special education teacher feedback, teacher feedback, student feedKristin Mijares-Levy said. “Also, private back,” Hooks said. “There's multiple areas of schools may not have special education protesting that are done, especially in the early grams, so special education students won't get childhood setting when kids are first becominto those schools, but there's gonna be less ing identified. It is lengthy, but it needs to be money at the public schools, and that's where lengthy if someone is going to be receiving the special education students will be.” services, and if those services are accurate.”

According to KXAN, under the school voucher program students can be provided $10,000 for tuition, and students with disabilities would receive a minimum of $11,500 and could qualify for up to $30,000 yearly for tuition. KXAN also reports that out of the - 95% of people with 42 accredited private schools in Texas which Hooks was drawn to teach at Bowie bedown syndrome have Trispecialize in serving students with disabilicause she saw the special education departsomy 21 which means all the ties and have their tuition prices posted, only ment was well-staffed, and helped students cells in the body have an extra three of those schools would be fully covto receive their services. Bowie has many ered by a $11,500 allotment, while 26 of the copy of chromosome 21 accommodations and programs available to schools would be fully covered by the $30,000 students when needed, such as quiet spaces allotment. for students to work or take a break, study Common characteristics “I know several kids who have done early skills classes, a speech and language patholochildhood at a school for dyslexia, and I'm 100 gist, and vocational classes. flattened facial features percent behind that,” Hooks said. “However, “The fact that here at Bowie we are able the idea that under vouchers kids can go to to have smaller life skills classes because we small ears, hands, and feet are adequately staffed, that's fantastic,” Hooks schools that specialize in special education is like a separation of students with said. “There are typically multiple teachers a shorter neck special needs from students that and teaching assistants in those classrooms are typically abled, and I think so that kids can get the one-on-one help that SOURCE The CDC that's just never good. they need. These are things that are nuanced INFOGRAPHIC BY Liberty Pittman to Bowie. We also have a social behavior skills When we're all

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together and in the same classrooms it helps general education students and special education students.

It's such a beautiful thing when we can all get past our differences and be in the same room together.”

Starting in March of 2021, AISD was in a three year long legal battle due to delays in initial evaluations for an alleged 800 students, and late triennial evaluations for about twice as many students, according to Disability Rights Texas (DRTx). As a result AISD was required to create a $4 million fund for students it failed to evaluate. Currently in Texas, House Bill 2 (HB2) is awaiting further senate consideration, following its passage from the house. According to the Texas Legislature Online the bill would establish the Special Education Full Individual and Initial Evaluation allotment which would give the district $1,000 or more for every full individual and initial evaluation done.

“My son waited over a year to be evaluated for special education,” Hinojosa said. “His teacher was the first who came to me and said, ‘I think he needs to be evaluated’.

She talked to the principal, and the principal agreed. We were all on the same page, but we couldn't get the district to evaluate him. When I called the district office they said it was a statewide problem, there were not enough professionals working for our school districts to do these evaluations. So, I ended up having to spend about $2,000 for outside, private evaluation to get my son evaluated.”

According to the Texas Legislature online, HB2 would also amend the Special Education allotment, creating weighted tiers of funding based on the intensity of service a student needs. The weight and definition for each tier would be decided by the Texas education commissioner Mike Morath.

“I think tier based funding is something that would be hard to organize and it's important that the funding is used for each kid, and we’re not getting that extra funding for a kid with special needs, but then not putting it towards special education,” Flores said.

“Those are just some concerns, but if it genuinely works out, it’s a really great idea because of equity. Tier based funding is not equal in a sense, because each kid is not getting an equal amount of funding for being here, but it's equitable, because each kid is getting the amount that they need to be all on the same level. That's something super great.”

Under HB2 there are also plans to generally increase funding for schools and special education. According to the Texas Tribune, the bill would increase the basic allotment of funding per student from $6,160 to $6,555, and additional sections of the bill would result in a statewide increase in the special education allotment funding from the 2024-25 school year by approximately $615 million.

“I've only ever been a special educator, and the burnout in special education and education is typically pretty high, but I would never switch to general education,” Hooks said. “I love special education so much. I love all the children and the families that I've met, and when we are adequately staffed and adequately funded in special education lives can be changed. Families can be transformed, and kids can experience success that they wouldn't have otherwise.”

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Smiling high schoolers line up by the track, ready to cheer on their classmates. Whether running, walking, or rolling down the track, special education students at Bowie were able to participate in the Bowie Buddies Olympics.

Bowie Buddies president, junior Sofia Flores, helped to facilitate the event, supporting her fellow students. Many members of the Bowie Buddies club participated in the events with their buddies and routed on their team members throughout the day.

“It's easy when you see kids with special needs to think ‘they think differently than me, or they can't fully process what's going on’,” Flores said. “It can be easy to think that because maybe they're non-verbal, or don't speak as much. They may have developmental delay, but in the end, out of every single kid I've met, especially through doing Bowie Buddies, none of them want to be treated like a baby. They're still high school students and they have full consciousness, so they're very aware of what's going on around them and of how they're being spoken to. It's just that people don't think they are.”

classroom where kids can go take a break, and counseling as a related service, so that kids that need extra counseling can get it. This is phenomenal.”

Bowie Buddies is a specific program at Bowie that aims to create more interaction and connection with the special education population. The group meets Fridays during FIT to bond while playing games like Uno, Candy Land, and Just Dance. The club also goes bowling every other Friday, and holds holiday parties, as well as other fun events.

“To me, in Bowie Buddies we are family,” junior Noah Dougherty said. “There's so many nice, kind people in Bowie Buddies, and as an organization we intend to help out in whatever way we can with the special education program. Recently we had our Bowie Buddies Olympics which was really fun. Everyone was smiling and everyone was happy. It’s something that kind of helps these students come to school, because sometimes they are discriminated against, and this is something that they can look forward to in school.”

Aut is m

Liberty Pittman Junior Editor-in-Chief

Types of CP and their characteristics Dyskinetic - uncontrollable movements Spastic - stiff muscles, often in the legs Ataxic - poor balance and coordination

Mixed - combination of other types of CP

IN-DEPTH 9

8 IN-DEPTH

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

FOSTERING HOPE FOR AUSTIN’S HOMELESS SOCIAL ISSUES

Community First Village map

Exploring the presence of homelessness in Austin, city protocols, and the resources and solutions available

The Unbreakable Cycle

When the individual is released from jail they have no place to go and no money to get there

The individual is fined for camping in a public place for committing a Class C misdemeanor

SOURCE: AustinTexas.gov

Aquaponics

The hub

25-54 50.1%

SOLUTIONS AND RESOURCES

Pa rki ng

Homelessness

0-17 19.9% 25-54 49.6%

Age Range

65+ 11%

18-24 9.4%

55-64 15%

Male 59.2%

55-64 10.2% SOURCE: Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) 2022 demographics data

Female 40.3%

Homelessness

Male 50.7%

Ute

Those who are trans and identify with one gender are counted in that category; less than 1% of the Austin/Travis county homeless population is trans.

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Dog park

RV’s and 3D printed houses

"

MAP KEY Outdoor Kitchens

Market

Laundry, Restrooms

Community Inns

Program Buildings

Microhomes

Family homes Tiny Townhouses

Park RV models

"

2+ Races 3.4% Black 31.5%

Homelessness

Hispanic/LatinX 36% White 27.8%

Female 49.3%

Travis County

ll y Ha Unit Office Main

Memorial Garden

whatever it might be. As well as different “They community partners that are on site that help come them to navigate the stamp program like food here and stamps or trying to find a job or trying to get take seminars, Medicaid or dental services.” they stay like Ute (Oo-ta), a current Community First Resident, (whose three days. People name is withheld for privacy reasons) moved to America want to duplicate it in from Germany with her husband of 20 years, Michael. other parts of the country “We’ve been here about eight years now,” Ute said. “We and in other parts of the world. spent 10 years being homeless before we got the chance to We had people from Dubai, from Brazil, move to Community First. We were very happy, I can’t even people from Germany. I think it’s describe the feeling. It’s overwhelming.” the best idea anyone ever had.”

Community First offers Although Community First has a resources to residents to find unique model that has been successful in jobs, get counseling, and work helping many get off their feet. Sometimes on things around the village.

People come from all over the progress comes from small actions of inThe Village has an art studio clusivity, making a difference isn’t always US and even overseas to come where residents get access to at the largest scale possible. art supplies with which they and look at this concept and “Just make eye contact with the can make, and sell, their own people you see on the street,” Nava said. how it is done. People want to art. During her time living at “Imagine being outside for eight hours a Community First, Ute sold duplicate it in other parts of the day and no one will look at you. That is a $10,000 clay chess set that terrible. Look at them in the eye and smile country and in other parts of the allowed her and her husband to or wave. That is probably more valuable purchase a car. world. than the quarters that people are giving “Painting was my medium, them and not making eye contact. You can Community First Resident but when I moved here I found start there. It doesn’t have to be this big out that I can do things with grandeur thing.” clay,” Ute said. “The studio is open everyday, so I go there On the official Mobile Loaves and Fishes website, createveryday. If I don’t have an appointment, or have to go shoping a supportive community for those coming out of chronic ping. I go in the morning, then I take a lunch break, and then homelessness is a core mission of Community First. Nava I go again in the afternoon.” says that she makes a point to remind those visiting CommuCommunity First currently houses over 370 formerly nity First that the simplest thing they can do to support those homeless residents, and is currently under construction for who are homeless is to get to know them and treat them like phase three of the Village’s expansion project. This Project you would anyone else. will add 1400 new homes to the property, bumping their “Community is acceptance,” Ute said. “Love your neighbor housing capacity to 1900. even if you sometimes feel they’re not that lovable. You “People come from all over the US and even overseas to know, we all go through our emotions and we all have come and look at this concept and how it is done,” Ute said. problems, and it’s better to love than to hate.”

65+ 4.8%

Gender Identity

Goodness

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Genesis Garden

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Austin/Travis County Homelessness Demographics

18-24 9.4%

Heart over Pocket

Gospel Con Carne Circle

Mi Casa Drive

Su Casa Drive

Working towards preventing and ending homelessness was listed as a top priority in Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023, according to AustinTexas.gov. Under current Austin Policy, camping in almost all public Austin areas is a class C misdemeanor.

“I feel like the city should work more to make more homeless shelters and to make sure that more people are being treated fairly and brought in, instead of just treated like they are not important, that they just need to move out of the way and get out,” Dinwiddie said.

An individual caught camping on public property can be fined for disobeying the current law. Most often though, those getting ticketed don’t have enough money to pay for the ticket, as not having a permanent address prevents most people from getting a job.

“You’re creating this cycle that just never ends,” Nava said.

“If they don’t pay the ticket, then they get a warrant and they go to jail. And you could just never end this cycle because they’ll get out of jail. They still don’t have a place to live, they still don’t have a place to work, they don’t have any money.

Then where do they go?”

Though the Austin Strategic Direction has the intention to prevent and end homelessness, there has been no sufficient data proving an decrease in homelessness as a result of the no camping law since its enactment in 2021.

“Mobile Loaves or Community First work really closely with a lot of the community partners that are also trying to do the same work in the city and in the state to try to get to the bottom of why this is happening,” Nava said. “How does this keep happening? How can we get to the root cause? How can we prevent it or how can we help them to not be homeless and continue the cycle of homelessness and how can we support them?”

Because it’s hard to gather data about causes of homelessness, making progress towards lowering the homeless population can often prove difficult at the city level. However, there are a number of resources at an independent level that can help make the lives of those who are struggling with homelessness easier.

“My dad’s friend who was homeless brought us to this real homeless camp, and we went to the one in the woods off of 290,” Dinwiddie said. “There was this woman, and she was genuinely one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.

Something about homeless people, they are just so genuine, because they are so grateful for a lot of the things you give them. They’ve just been used to not having the life they wanted and having to work very hard for the things that they need.”

Asian 0.7%

0-17 20.8%

nic Cli

Community Inn office

GRAPHICS BY Elizabeth Yowell

Data for the homeless Austin population is overall consistent with the overall census for Travis county, except for those aged 65+, who are 50% less likely to be homeless than those aged 25-54 and 0-17.

Travis County

Amphitheatre

CITY POLICY

There are several resources available for those homeless in Austin. Some examples near the south Austin and Travis County area include the Central Texas Food Bank, Sunrise Navigation Center, and Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

“Working with the Central Texas Food Bank is a really easy way to just be there for someone when they don’t even know who you are,” Dinwiddie said. “You can do either the kitchen or the warehouse. I always do the warehouse.”

Mobile Loaves and Fishes is similar to the Central Texas food bank in that they work to provide meals and other necessities to those living on the streets. However, Mobile Loaves and Fishes is the parent organization to a housing project located in North Austin called Community First Village.

“They are an affordable housing community that is aimed at assisting people with disabilities who are experiencing chronic homelessness,” Nava said. “They have various means of support in the community and beyond, whether it be addiction recovery or on-site health services, navigation, ride transportation to and from the grocery store, to and from the hospital, to and from the doctor’s office, the eye doctor or

The individual is unable to pay the fine, and is sentenced to jail time

Hog Eye Road

Peaceful Path

An individual has no place to live and is forced to camp under a public Austin highway.

Having access to basic amenities can sometimes be difficult for those who are homeless. Several businesses in Austin only allow paying costumers to use their restrooms, and often require a key to do so.

“When I have gone on with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, they do a street retreat,” Nava said. “When you go on the street retreats you don’t take a cell phone, you don’t take a wallet, you don’t take anything except you can take a backpack with some water. You basically try to figure out how a person who’s experiencing homelessness might do it. And one of the craziest things to me and the most kind of anxious thing that I was experiencing was that nobody would let you go to the restroom anywhere. And I wasn’t homeless. I probably looked kind of sweaty that day because we’ve been walking all day, but if you didn’t pay for your drink or your snack, they weren’t going to let you and use your restroom.”

Str eet

Driving through the bustling streets of Austin, a cluster of tents under low highways, or a shopping cart full of the basic essentials can be seen on nearly every corner. A young man with a crooked smile holding a sign that reads “anything helps” will be ignored by hundreds of passing cars.

Because homelessness is often hidden and fluid, it’s impossible to get a census of an exact number of homeless people in Austin. However, an estimation done in May of 2024 by the Homeless Management Information System put the Austin/Travis county Homeless population at 6,235.

These individuals are forced to rely on Austin infrastructure and geographical features to find places to sleep.

“My dad has brought us to homeless camps on the streets and in the woods and other places,” senior member of National Charity League (NCL) Dacee Dinwiddie said. “Seeing that, it really opens your eyes.”

Those experiencing chronic homelessness in Austin end up on the streets for a variety of different reasons. The high cost of housing, low wages, and systemic racism are some common economic factors influencing homelessness in met-

ropolitan areas. Some situational factors causing homelessness include domestic violence, growing up in foster care, and tragic loss of family.

“My neighbor, Dexter, I think has such an interesting story,” Community First Missionary Lori Nava said.”A lot of neighbors become homeless because they’ve been orphaned or they were in the foster system or something like that.

Dexter grew up in Mississippi, and I think when he was eight, a tornado went through their neighborhood and it killed his mom. He had seven siblings. So, they all went and moved in with his uncle, but his uncle was like, I can’t take care of all of you kids. So, he became homeless really young after being in the foster system at a really young age.”

The Homeless Management Information System 2023 datum, also shows that 11% of all homeless individuals in Austin are veterans, while 10% are unaccompanied children between the ages of 12-24. Additionally, 86.9% of homeless individuals are out on their own without family.

“Some people think that they did it to themselves, so they shouldn’t really need help if they put themselves there in the first place,” senior NCL member Harriet Lewis said. “Sometimes people can’t really control it. Maybe if you help them, they might be able to have a new start.”

As sis i

Elizabeth Yowell Junior Editor-in-Chief

ay ss W e n ood

THE DISPATCH

Black Austinites are the second highest demographic in the homeless population, despite only making up a tenth of total Austin/Travis County population.

Native American 2+ Races 2.9% Black 9.4%

Asian 8.4%

Race and Ethnicity

Hispanic/LatinX 33%

Travis County

White 47.9% GRAPHICS BY Elizabeth Yowell

Community buildings

Microhomes

The Village utilizes a city-scaping method that they call a “Neighbourhood of Knowingness.”

This method involves a variety of different small home models that surround a cluster of community buildings. The Neighbourhood of Knowingness has the purpose of fostering a strong sense of community in a shared space.

First! Villages’ unique model The village began phase 3 expansion in 2023, which would take the location from 51 acres to 178 acres, potentially adding 1,400 new homes.

SOURCE: Mobile Loaves and Fishes

+127 acres of new homes

GRAPHICS BY Elizabeth Yowell

10 SPORTS

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

SOFTBALL Bowie track star attended the Texas College commit Kate Bookidis has had an influential final year at Bowie state meet

Stellar softball senior throws K’s Caroline Baxter Sports Editor

Senior Owen Langdon finished third place in the 300-meter hurdles

With fierce competition surrounding him, senior track star Owen Langdon stood out in the loaded Texas 6A state track meet.

Langdon competed in both the 300m and 110m hurdles.

Each event contained 11 other of the fastest competitors from regions across the state.

“I did okay in the 110 and really well in the 300,” Langdon said. “I finished in third place in the 300 running a 36.85, which was pretty good for me and I got 6th in the 110 running a 14.1.”

Along with being a standout on the track, Langdon is a dual sport athlete competing as a top wide receiver during the football season.

“Fortunately football and track don’t really overlap at all,” Langdon said. “I think both sports help the other one out, making it a good option for me.”

Langdon began running hurdles in 8th grade, where he has stuck with that event ever since.

“For hurdles, the top four advance to the area, then the top four in the area make it to regionals, where the top two from each region make it to state,” Langdon said. “Making it to state was a really cool accomplishment by itself because of how hard it is. Placing third in the state was definitely my favorite memory from the whole season and I was really happy with how I performed.”

Langdon has had an interesting path to collegiate track. Unlike a lot of other top athletes in the state, Langdon had a much later recruitment window, where he experienced a lot of college interest just during his senior tenure.

“I have not committed anywhere yet, but I do hope to run in college,” Langdon said.

“I have been talking to a lot of different schools right now, the main ones being Colorado State, Texas Tech, UTSA and TCU.” Coach Brandon Pittman has been the track coach for Langdon for the last four years. He has coached at Bowie for nearly 25 years as both the track coach and the football coach for the ‘Dawgs.

“Owen’s ability has always been there,” Pittman said.

“He is one of the best track athletes we have had at Bowie, he always shows dedication to the sport and I do my best to stay out of his way and let him thrive by just being the athlete that he is.”

Pittman credits Langdon’s success due to his consistency and his ability to take care of his body all year round. After struggling with time off in year’s past, Langdon showed up to nearly every practice this year while taking more time in recovery to reach new levels.

“He works all year both during school and during the summer,” Pittman said. “He takes his recovery very seriously which allows him to train and always get faster. He did a really good job this year showing up and pushing himself hard while also staying healthy and taking his stretching and post run recovery seriously. He has really leveled up this year.”

Although Pittman has not directly been in contact with the college coaches, he believes Langdon has a skill set that college coaches will love.

“I believe that Owen will translate very well to collegiate track,” Pittman said. “He is a taller hurdler, and the hurdles to get taller in college, which makes some other athletes struggle. I know that won’t be a problem for Langdon. I know with his ability, the sky’s the limit for him.” STORY BY Micheal Vienneau

COMING UP IN SPORTS:

smiles on our faces even during hard games. She is always so welcoming to everyone just Whipping her arm around because of how friendly she is and throwing right down the to all.” middle, senior Kate Bookidis Not only do her teammates throws a perfect pitch, striking think she is a great player and out her opponent Bookidis is person, so does her coach. one of the top starting pitchers Head coach Elizabeth Wissel for the Bowie Lady ‘Dawgs describes the benefits that softball team.

Bookidis brings to the team.

Bookidis is an experienced “She is an amazing player softball player and pitcher, as who greatly benefits the team she’s been playing since she year round,” Wissel said. “She was a young girl in elementary is always hard working and school. She wanted to compete never gives up, which is a trait in more activities and softball that is very important for a was a path that opened up for softball pitcher.” her.

An athlete’s journey isn’t “I was in fourth grade when always linear and can involve I first wanted to play softball, some ups and downs. To try and honestly, I probably saw and combat this, Bookidis it on the TV or something,” practices heavily to keep her Bookidis said. “I was just like, abilities up to her best. dad, let’s try this sport, and “I do lessons multiple times at that age, I was just trying a week with two pitching sports, and I ended up loving coaches and a hitting coach,” softball.”

Bookidis said. “Besides workMost athing with my letes can say SCAN TO SEE MORE coaches, I pitch that playing in my garage for such a long and go to battime comes ting cages. On with dedication my own I work and motivation on my condifor the sport tioning to stay according to in shape for in RossTraining. season and out Bookidis deof season.” scribes how her Working motivation for outside the PHOTOS BY Mara Brandt her sport has practice field propelled her is something throughout her that athletes know is a must softball career. to succeed. Lusk indicates “My love for the sport and that Bookidis is so successful finding enjoyment in it, while because of her efforts to always not getting burnt out, has improve and never slack off. been a key factor in my life,” “Kate is always pushing to Bookidis said. “I’ve been so be her best version of herself fortunate to have good coaches and continuing to improve and good people to play with, her skills in any way she can,” who inspire me on a daily basis Lusk said. “She is successful to keep playing the sport.” because of the work she puts Someone that Bookidis has in and is continuing to grow been playing with for close everyday.” to four years is senior Alyssa Bookidis is now a record Lusk. Lusk credits Bookidis to holder here at Bowie, just much of the softball program’s reaching 350+ strikeouts success over the past couple of throughout her high school years, not just through skill but pitching career. Achieving this also through her personality. feat is something that Bookidis “Kate impacts the team is truly grateful for accomplishwith her bubbly personality in ing. so many amazing ways,” Lusk “It felt really good, especialsaid. “She never fails to put ly with my team behind me and

PITCH OF GLORY: Senior pitcher Kate Bookidis pitches a strike and strikes out the batter. Bookidis plans to continue her pitching abilities at Trinity University. PHOTO BY Mara Brandt

my coaches,” Bookidis said.

“It had been in the back of my mind for a while but it wasn’t something I was focusing on. I want to stay present and pitch my best without focusing on the record.”

Continuing her pitching abilities after high school, Bookidis committed to Trinity University, a Division 3 college in San Antonio, TX. She is excited for what there is to come

on her new path in her softball journey.

“I am most excited to play on a new team because of the unknowns,” Bookidis said. “I don’t know the coaches or what the opponents will be like.

Also, just being able to keep playing the sport I love with people I love will be great.”

Bookidis ,having pitched for years and knowing the ins

LACROSSE

and outs of softball, has some advice for younger girls playing softball. She wants all girls to just enjoy the sport and the presence of their teammates.

“Just stick with it and put in the work but also don’t force yourself,” Bookidis said. “Enjoy playing the game and you’ll succeed in it. It’s not all talent so keep working to improve your abilities and you can get far.”

Bowie boys lacrosse impactful playoff journey Eve Johansson Dispatch Reporter

Supporters of Bowie Boys Lacrosse clapped and cheered loudly as the final whistle blew at House Park stadium, marking a 10-7 victory over Hyde Park and officially earning them the title of undefeated Class C Central District Champions.

This made history for the varsity team, as they hadn’t gone to playoffs in 16 years. The last time the team won district was in 2009, when Will Laurel, the current head coach, played on the Bowie lacrosse team as a student.

“I graduated from Bowie in 2010 after playing for the program, so being able to give back to this community means a lot to me,” Laurel said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to create a meaningful experience for the young men in our program. Watching this team grow and push themselves makes me want to work even harder for them.”

On Sunday May 4, the team went into their second round playoff game against Plano East High School. The game didn’t go in their favor with a 15-5 loss.

“We knew Plano East had some talented shooters going into the game,”

senior Ian Hoard said. “The heat really got to a lot of our guys and by the third and the fourth quarter a lot of us were worn out.”

This team has shown it’s on the rise, ending a sixteen-year drought of not winning district, and becoming formidable competitors to teams all over the state. Their recent success reflects a period of significant improvement and suggests a positive trajectory for the team’s development.

“Winning district is pretty incredible, and gives us hope that we’re going to go really far in the playoffs, especially since last year we got knocked out in the

GOAL ATTACK: Junior attacker Brody Marquart runs toward goal ready to shoot and score for the Bowie boys lacrosse team. The lacrosse team had a good playoff run that ended in the second round. PHOTO BY Cooper Ford

AUG 8 Va r s i t y Vo l l e y b a l l @ Liberty Hill

AUG 9 Va r s i t y Vo l l e y b a l l @ Round Rock

first round,” sophomore attacker Jacob Geldart said.

As graduation nears, anticipation builds for the seniors on the team, who are aiming to make their final season a memorable one by contending for the state championship. Among the seven seniors on the team is midfielder Ian Hoard.

“I’m looking forward to soaking up my last moments with the team, and having the opportunity to do something that hasn’t happened in a long time for Bowie lacrosse, which goes to show how far we’ve come under Coach Laurel,” Hoard said.

As the season wraps up for the team, the goals for next year are not just to go far in the playoffs but also to improve other aspects of the program according to Laurel. Currently, the team is classified as a lower division than the coaches want and practices at Small Middle School, which, according to Laurel, is far from convenient. In future years, the goal is to move practice to the Bowie campus to help players better manage their schedules.

“This program is on the rise,” Laurel said. “Texas lacrosse is divided into four brackets: A, B, C, and D. We currently compete in the C division, but my goal has always been to elevate the program back to the A division. Based on our success this year, I’m advocating for us to move to the B division next season.

We’re building something special here.”

A structured approach to practice is what Laurel is implementing this season to ensure the team is prepared to face the hardest teams in the area.

Players express their appreciation for Laurel and the way he has improved the program in such a short time.

“Coach Laurel brought a lot of class and respect to this program, and everyone is more together and organized,” sophomore Hayden Elley said.

“He’s really turning this program around and makes this team an exciting and enjoyable experience.”

AUG 29 Va r s i t y Fo o t b a l l

SEPT 4 V a r s i t y F o o t b a l l

Burger Stadium

Burger Stadium

vs. Manor @

vs. Vista Ridge @

SPORTS 11

SOCCER

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

Ava Grosso named Co-Offensive player of the year

Recognition after a season of goals, assists, and leading the team in offence Sydney Murphy Sports Editor

have helped her immensely, she senior season and is focused on college. Although she is moving consistently worked to improve on from high school, she still her skills and performance.

The clock ticks down to is grateful for the opportunities Although hard work can’t be the last seconds as senior Ava that have arisen from playing beaten, Grosso’s coaches have Grosso breaks through the implemented training programs high school soccer. defense and fires a rocket into “My teammates were defito help her improve. the back of the net. The crowd nitely the biggest part of my “Ava has such a drive and erupts in applause as her success this season,” Grosso determination to be good,” teammates pour onto the field said. “They alway work hard in Girls Varsity Soccer Head to celebrate. order to help me score and have Coach Carrie Hoffman-Howell After every district soccer supported me on and off the said. “That strong work ethic season, the soccer coaches field.” and drive has from District 6A-26 come Grosso says really carried Macy Jen together and choose the top her teammates her through players in the district to win have always been the four years I can’t wait to special awards. Ava Grosso on her side and of each year. was one of the recipients of the She has just have been with see what she Co-Offensive Player of the Year her throughout been getting does at the next for second time in a row. “My her recruiting better, faster, initial reaction when I found process. One of quicker with level. Everyone out I was Co-offensive MVP Grosso’s closthe ball, and needs someone was shocked,” Grosso said. “I est friends and scoring more knew I got it last year but I felt teammate, Macy goals.” like Ava on their like the competition this year Jennings has Grosso’s team was a bit higher.” been one of her work ethic Grosso has led the team in biggest supporthas carried goals and assists, for two years, her through ers.

Senior making her debut as captain “Ava is the high school this year. She started playing social butterfly of the team,” and into her college career. Resoccer recreationally at four Jennings said. “She’s never cently, Ava committed to play years old and has continued to afraid to speak her mind, but D1 soccer at the University of move up levels ever since then. always wants everyone to have Texas at El Paso.

“My biggest influence and a good time.”

“I am feeling nervous about mentor during my soccer career the transition from high school According to Hoffman-Howwas definitely my coaches at ell, Grosso’s personality is to college soccer,” Grosso said.

FC Westlake,” Grosso said. visible on the field. Grosso has “Now that it feels more real, I “They really helped me find an important role in games. am excited for something new my love for soccer and really “She can preform under and I am ready to put forth the instilled hard work and effort pressure,” Hoffman-Howell effort into being successful in into me.” said. “That is something that El Paso.”

Although Grosso’s coaches she really brings to the team.”

Grosso just wrapped up her Hoffman-Howell also mentioned how Grosso has shown great leadership and is someone that her teammates look up to. However, responsibility to keep her team in the game comes with a lot of pressure.

“I do feel like I have a lot of pressure on me and sometimes I get nervous before games,” Grosso said. “However, at the end of the day I just chill out and have fun and that usually makes me play better.”

Even though Grosso has pressure on her, she is still able to perform well enough to draw attention. According to Hoffman-Howell, during her junior year, Grosso had a breakout season which put her on the map.

“Last year everyone just discovered her but this year they knew her,” Hoffman said. “Ava has grown so much and she carries that into life, it has been amazing to watch her develop into such a great person.”

According to Hoffman-Howell has continued to develop and mature throughout her years at Bowie and plans to bring that into college. Grosso has shown that she has been a very crucial member on the field and off the field for her teammates by encouraging them when they are down.

“I love her positive attitude, TAKING THE SHOT: Ava Grosso focuses on the goal as she steps her upbeat vibe, her foot skills, forward to kick the ball. Converting her energy and focus into action, and how she can find the back she attempts to fire it past the keeper. PHOTO BY Sydney Cotsonas

nings

"

"

ADVANCING THE FIELD: Her feet racing, Ava Grosso remains concentrated on the ball as she dribbles throughout the field. Commanding each contact with purpose, she creates with the ultimate goal of pushing the ball forward. PHOTO BY Sydney Cotsonas

of the net,” Hoffman-Howell said. “Her shots are very powerful, she can pull the trigger very quickly and she is fast.

Overall, she is just a very talented player and I can’t wait to see what she does in college.”

The development she has demonstrated has assisted her in going to the highest collegiate level. According to her teammates and coaches she has grown significantly over the past four years, and was able to become the strong, motivated player they love today.

“Ava’s growth as a player and person has significantly changed once she started to

understand the game, she got better and really pushed herself to do things that others can’t,” Jennings said. “Ava’s my best friend, it’s so easy to support someone that has your back as much as she does.”

According to her teammates, Grosso has a never give up mentality that she carries onto the field. Even when the team is losing, she gives it her all and doesn’t give up until the final whistle. However, her time at high school is short lived.

“I am definitely going to miss playing with my best friends,” Grosso said. “They are always there for me and we

have made the best memories throughout my four years of Bowie soccer.”

Although Grosso is leaving her life in Austin behind she said she is grateful for the experiences that high school soccer has given her. She dedicates where she is today to her teammates and is proud of what she has accomplished.

“Ava’s worked her butt off to get where she is today, so the co-offensive MVP is nothing but deserving for her,” Jennings said. “I can’t wait to see what she does at the next level.

Everyone needs someone like Ava on their team.”

12 ENTERTAINMENT THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

THEATRE ARTS

Thoroughly Senior shows dazzle audience

Theater

End of year awards leave positive impact on theatre students

Gracie Ruland - Entertainment Editor After a long year of hard work and dedication from theater students, the Starlight Theater Company hosts their annual banquet called STARS to celebrate the successes throughout the year. Every year there is a decoration theme to elevate the event.

This year the STC presidents have chosen “Garden Under the Stars” as the banquet’s theme. Although the theme changes every year to maintain the element of surprise, they also have many recurring traditions such as gag gifts, theater thespians initiation, and end-of-the-year awards.

The awards at STARS consist of best leads and supporting characters in each show block, best technicians, and best overall student of each grade. As a member of the production class, I believe that the end of the year awards are exciting and beneficial to students. It gives students a chance to learn about rejection and success which I believe both to be important because when you want to do anything: start a business, be in a show, or get a job, you aren’t always going to be successful. Some people may get accepted into one job but not another. I believe that knowing you are worthy, smart, and talented without getting rewarded for everything is a good lesson because even if the students don’t get an award, it doesn’t deny their talent, it simply just highlights other students’ work.

Although some students may argue that awards are a way to compare students socially or are based on popularity, I believe that awards are a way to not only reward students’ accomplishments, but to benefit them. Students that win awards have the opportunity to list them on any college resume or mention it in a job interview. It gives students the chance to highlight their successes. It benefits all students because not winning an award means you can learn from the experience and work towards it in the future, and winning an award encourages students to keep up the good work.

The production students nominate others for these awards at the end of each show block. Then, the officers compile those nominations and students cast a final vote with all the nominees. It is important to know that the votes come from the student body, which in my opinion teaches students how to vote fairly because it can be a “popularity contest” if they don’t vote with integrity.

Voting should be the students personal take on how well each actor or technician performed and executed their skills for that show block. In modern America, voting is a very important aspect of democracy.

The voting system for something simple such as theater awards can provide insight to students about what voting looks like.

Overall, I believe that if students stay true to their opinion, awards are very beneficial and widely important The STARS awards are a great way to promote friendly competition, hard work from performers, and healthy participation in honest voting practices.

Student directed one act plays close out the theatre season Alice Goss Entertainment Editor There’s been a rumor that a mix of comedy, romance, and drama have made their way to the Starlight stage. Senior One Acts (SOA) marks the end of the Starlight Theatre Company’s (STC) season, with ten one act plays premiering after less than five weeks of rehearsal.

This show block is directed by the company’s senior students, who were required to assistant direct their junior year, apply to become a teaching assistant for the Theatre 2 course, and pick their own scripts making sure they are meeting all of the requirements set by teachers Marco Bazan and Matthew Humphrey.

“When making these decisions, the amount of preparation that has gone into the process is evaluated closely,” Humphrey said. “As an educational theatre company, we pride ourselves on the focus on process over product. While we want our shows to be fantastic, impressive, and impactful, the amount of learning that happens in rehearsal and through performance is the reason we do what we do.”

Many seniors have been hoping to be a senior director since their freshman year, choosing scripts as early as sophomore year and preparing how they want to design the entirety of their shows.

“I was recommended, my show ‘Rumors,’ by Mr. Humphrey this semester, during which I was originally looking for a more dramatic one act,” senior director Adelaide Mosel said. “I realized that I would rather challenge myself by directing a comedy I loved the liveliness and fun the script had to offer.”

A senior director is in charge of every aspect of their show. Organizing the movement on stage, the set, costumes, and props, and coordinating with their technicians for the lighting designs and sounds.

“I had so much fun exploring

FARCE COMEDY: Sophomore Preston Withrow, junior Brooklyn Willenberg, and freshman McCrae Flickinger react to appalling news in the one act, Rumors, directed by senior Adelaide Mosel. “I think that the show is a really fun show to be in because of it’s farce and it’s comedy,” Withrow said. “Adelaide is a great director, because she works really hard and she understands how she wants us to play our characters.” PHOTO BY Elizabeth Yowell

the performance from the perspective of a director,” senior director Genevieve Thiel said. “My wonderful assistant director, Willow Lampert, helped with all the technical aspects which allowed me to act out my artistic vision, but the most difficult part was managing the technical side. Technology itself can be unpredictable, and props and set can be difficult to move and keep track of.”

Before the rehearsal process can really begin, every student who wants to be involved must go through the audition process. After choosing a monologue each student is required to perform in front of the senior directors so they can decide who they want to callback and cast.

CLASSIC STORIES: Actress Mila Maxon flips through a story book gifted to her character, Beth, in Little Women. Senior Madigan Pound directed the one act stage version of the classic story. “My favorite part was just knowing the cast and just being able to play the characters,” Maxon said. “I also just loved my piano.” PHOTO BY Elizabeth Yowell

“It’s strange to be the one watching auditions,” Thiel said.

“Watching people’s auditions and being in charge of casting myself definitely made me appreciate how difficult it is to have to pass by so many talented people. But it was really fun to get to watch both kids I’ve been working with for a long time, and people that were completely new.”

Once casting is complete, the rehearsals began.. Every cast has a slightly different process and schedule, but a staple in SOA’s includes a cast snack and a daily question at the beginning of each rehearsal.

“In our rehearsal process we first block the whole show and then we start doing scene work,” sophomore Preston Withrow said. “My director worked very hard to create the best show, while still having lots of fun.”

Senior directed show blocks are very laid back and involve lots of laughter and fun leading up to tech rehearsals and show week “The rehearsal process was very relaxed, but still productive and fun,” freshman Lincoln Womack said. “I found SOA directors went into more depth with your character and Genevieve really helped us understand our characters.”

The STC has honored the tradition of SOA’s for a very long time and the tradition has continued to teach many seniors important

lessons in leadership before leaving high school.

“The seniors who earn the opportunity to direct their own shows have a unique chance to leave their own mark on our program,” Humphrey said. “I think the lessons learned from directing are unique to each director.

Some may find more difficulties than others, while others may find their artistic voice through directing. Each show is a new path.”

This year’s shows will be premiering the first weekend of May and after rehearsing onstage for the last four years, the seniors get the unique experience of watching their own work come to life onstage.

“Watching my cast perform on stage for the first time was such a dream come true,” Mosel said. “My cast did a wonderful job, and it was such a cool thing to get to see my ideas come alive on stage.”

R O I N SE

SCAN TO SEE MORE

VIDEO BY Elizabeth Yowell

CHOIR

Choir sings out for their end of the year performance Olivia Hunter Dispatch Reporter

that ties together the production and keeps for a more cohesive performance. This year’s theme is ‘And The lights dimmed, the crowd The Winner Is…’ which focuses on hushed, and the Bowie High School award-winning songs, artists, musiChoir took center stage. This event, cals, and even TV shows and movfeaturing a big finale, showcased a ies,” Bourgeois said. “The theme this mixture of pop-style songs. The peryear is nice because it provides a set formance wasn’t just about individual framework but with a lot of options of talent but also about the collaboration songs.” and bond between students who love When it came to choosing the the stage. songs for this year’s Cabaret, the Cabaret isn’t your traditional process was just as collaborative as stationary choir concert. It’s a lively, the performance itself. Bourgeois choreographed event where students explained that he worked closely with perform a variety of the senior Cabaret solos and duets. The SCAN TO SEE MORE directors to select class musical numbers are songs based on student a twist on classical interests and what was Broadway hits, which available in choir sheet students, specificalmusic form. ly sophomore Faye “We allow students Daughtry, enjoy beauditioning for solos or cause they are allowed small groups to bring to sing in different any song that fits the settings. theme to the table,” “My favorite part PHOTO GALLERY BY Bourgeois said. “If of getting ready for Sawyer Daniel and Cooper Ford we like the audition, cabaret is getting we’ll usually stick with to learn non-choral that song because it’s songs and having the freedom to work something the student is clearly paswith any choir students on them,” sionate about, and that always shows Daughtry said. “Getting to work withon stage.” in a small group is super fun because One of the best memories Faye you can blend different vocals.” recalls from preparation happened This year’s theme highlights late one evening, when a few students award-winning songs ranging from stayed after rehearsal to practice vosolos to large group numbers. Choir cals. What started as a quick practice directors Aaron Bourgeois and Randy turned into a spontaneous session of Cantu created upbeat choreography dancing and singing. full of transitions and movement for “Most choir students don’t really the large group numbers. dance, so singing loudly and dancing “We always have a specific theme at the same time is different and hard-

er,” Daughtry said. “It’s fun that for this type of choir performance, we can hang out and go out of our comfort zone and try things like dancing.”

As always, unexpected problems like a mic malfunction or a wrong sound cue will occur. However, each time, the directors and leaders worked quickly during rehearsals to problem-solve and make sure no duet or solo felt discouraged.

“This year we had almost a month less than we normally do to put things together, but the process sort of looks like how most music based shows look we had auditions and then we worked with the groups that we put in the show how we want this to look on stage lighting sound, etc,” Choir President Bubba Infante said. “We just tried to keep it fun and positive for everyone, even when things get stressful.”

Behind the scenes, students worked tirelessly to juggle rehearsals, nerves, and auditions while balancing schoolwork. In preparation for the performance, students tend to focus on stage directions, music transitions, and vocals.

“Depending on how much time we have after UIL, it can get a little stressful. We have to choose the songs, audition for groups/solos, and also practice the music and dance for the class songs,” Daughtry said.

“The last week of rehearsals is in the theater itself, and there are a lot of transitions and dancing.”

Bourgeois hopes to inspire his students to have a healthy mindset and fun energy when performing. His advice is always to enjoy the spotlight

MUSICAL HITS: Junior Abby Laine sings to the crowd at the choir Cabaret performance. Laine sang When He Sees Me from the hit musical Waitress and left the audience cheering loudly. PHOTO BY Sawyer Daniel

and be enthusiastic until the end of the show.

“The biggest thing with Cabaret is having fun and showing enthusiasm,” Bourgeois said. “My advice is to always commit to the bit. The audience will think that a performance is awesome if you’re performing it with the enthusiasm that you see it as awesome as well.”

The night ended with a standing ovation, marking the end of another

successful year for the Bowie Choir. For the seniors, it wasn’t just a performance but a final goodbye to everything they’ve built and created.

“It was the perfect way to wrap up the year,” Infante said. “Watching everyone shine on that stage one last time, knowing how much work, heart, and late nights went into it, made the moment even more meaningful for all of us.”

REVIEWS 13

MUSIC

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

Japanese Breakfast new album enchants listeners The reasons why this alternative band’s songs should be blaring through your phone Eleanor Blue Review Editor

ART BY Olive Trevino

Think about your favorite artist.

A person or a group of people who are meaningful, a sound that never gets old and never fades out of view.

For me, that band is Japanese Breakfast, an indie pop band that kicked off their tour in Austin this past month after releasing their latest album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women). I’ve been a fan of their music for years and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see them live.

I want to discuss their newest work, as well as their older material, and the practically seamless blend of the two into live music.

The band has been a staple in the music scene for years, gaining massive popularity in 2021 with the release of Jubilee, a 36-minute journey through heartbreak and jubilation.

This album is incredible, even four years later. It’s an album that’s in constant rotation in my life and my playlists.

Although their newest album is quite beautiful, Jubilee remains my favorite of their work.

It’s deep and riveting, and every time I listen to it I am brought back to the first time I saw the iconic yellow cover. There’s an indefinable quality that makes a record a permanent fixture in your life. Jubilee has managed that feat.

It never gets old, and never runs out of steam.

It’s simultaneously a journey through heartbreak and a celebration of life. Some songs may sound deceptively upbeat, but they all betray deeper emotion and vulnerability.

If you view all emotions as interconnected, as I do, it’s easier to see that the album is not more joyous than their newest addition. Jubilee is complex and leaves nothing to be desired. It places importance on all spheres of emotion, all colors of blue, and the love within pain.

As for Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) as an album, I think it’s a fantastic exhibit of what makes Japanese Breakfast so special.

It remains complex and romantic, a tale of love and loss. I was excited to see how they would combine their diverse combination of music live.

A band’s music is an obviously essential part of the puzzle, but I think that stage presence is also important in the music a band makes. What they represent, how they embody the music, it’s all a defining factor in how special a band is.

It’s always a bit nerve-wracking for me to see an artist live. There is something so private about music, especially music that means something to you. Seeing influential artists live can sometimes make or break your opinion of them.

But what is the trade-off between the quality of a band’s music and the quality of their character?

Is it worth the risk?

I got the opportunity to review this other side of music with their most recent concert in Austin on April 23.

It was held at the Moody Center, a beautiful Austin venue where I saw Lyle Lovett perform

six years ago. The Moody is a fixture in the live music scene and has shared a stage with names like Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, and the occasional Hot Wheels Monster Truck rally.

The stage was beautiful and mimicked a classic work of art, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, an intended reference to the melancholy and lonesome trend in the album. Like the first act, this attention to detail made the night more impactful.

When they came on, we were met with a beautiful open shell as lead singer, Michelle Zauner took the stage with the opening song, Paprika.

Her voice was angelic and deep. It sounded better than the studio version and reverberated through the floor. You could feel every beat and every note in your feet and the lights were spectacular.

The set itself was everything that it needed to be. They didn’t just stay with their newest album, but traveled down their discography into the early days with “Body is a Blade” and “The

Woman That Loves You”.

There wasn’t a lot of interaction with the crowd, but they were so invested in the music that it was hard to fault them, and it didn’t feel like anything was missing from the experience.

Japanese Breakfast is a group of people who have made music that defines my inner playlist.

Seeing them live was a very full-circle moment.

From feeling the heartbreak in their songs in my own room to feeling the heartbreak in their songs live with hundreds of people.

Music like that is good for the soul. It’s healing to be in a place where you’re surrounded by people brought together by a love for music. It speaks to the human experience, to the shared commonalities that connect us.

Everyone there was linked to the music in different ways and at different times.

Music is very important to me. Japanese Breakfast has followed me through high school and lingered in my playlists and in my heart through some of my most influential years.

Seeing a band with so much presence off and on

MOVIES

stage with someone so meaningful to me was an incredibly beautiful experience.

It’s almost impossible to avoid a para-social relationship with the band. They are so passionate about music and its meaning. These are people who care about what they make, people who feel the music in their souls.

It’s beautiful when a band can find massive amounts of fame and still seem so in tune with their music, with the shared experience that made their music so endearing to the people who listened to them.

Japanese Breakfast feels like a band that has maintained its authenticity despite growing popularity, a concept that is clear when seeing them live. Zauner is an undeniably incredible artist and my expectations were upheld and exceeded seeing them live.

A really poignant and lingering band carries a certain expectation with them. Being a musician comes with more than just the music. It’s about what you embody, what you mean to the people that listen to you.

Alamo Drafthouse movie theater exceeds expectations Ava Weaver Review Editor

To be transferred into a world that leaves school at the cinema doors is the perfect way to end the day. To have the crisp iced pop, clear your throat. To have buttery popcorn, grease your hands. All while resting your back in the recliner chairs and watching a movie on the big screen. These sensations are perfect for relaxing after a school day, but is the Texas-founded Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theater the perfect place to experience them?

When judging the cinematic appeal of a movie theater, it all comes down to the five s’s: setting, service, snacks, specialties, and $$$.

Unlike other movie theaters in the Austin area, instead of checking your ticket and purchasing your food all before you

take your seats, at the Alamo Drafthouse, you walk straight to your respective theater and wait for your order to be taken.

The seating offers a comfortable recliner chair with a side table to hold all of your snacks. Once you get situated, a staff member checks your ID and tickets before taking your order.

Each staff member I have encountered has talked with me, my family, and friends with the respect expected from those in the service industry. Staff are attentive to customers while giving off a cool, all-knowing vibe in the world of cinema.

Now, what if you take so long looking at the menu, the theater lights start to dim? The Alamo Drafthouse has planned for this. Once you have decided what you would like to eat, you can write it on a piece of paper that is provided, hit the button

located on top of your side table, and the staff will do the rest.

Throughout the movie, staff will check up on customers regularly to ensure that everyone’s needs are fulfilled, showcasing the attentiveness of the staff that you can’t find in other movie theaters.

For the movie experience to be perfect, the snacks need to be as mouth watering as the movie is jaw-dropping. The Alamo Drafthouse delivers this expectation with its award-winning cuisine. Their five-page menu consists of made-to-order adult drinks, appetizers, popcorn, sweets, shakes, salads, wraps, sandwiches, wings, chicken tenders, pizza, and a kids’ menu.

With every movie I see at the Alamo Drafthouse, I always order their fried pickles with a side of ranch, a Texan classic.

The pickled spears continuous-

POPCORN AND MOVIES : Zoriyah Wells and another fellow movie enthuesntist enjoy commplemantary popcorn while watching Alamos Drafthouse specialty ad’s before the movie showing. Once the light fully dimed they experience the new Marval Studios films, Thunderbolts*. PHOTO BY Ava Weaver.

ly come out, respectively hot, never burning my tongue, but indicating their freshness. The pickles are crispy as you bite and juicy as you start to chew, and overall, a necessity for the custom pre-show the Alamo Drafthouse presents in place of ads.

The showstopper of their cuisine is the unexpected movie theater meal, the Royal with Cheese burger, with the complementary fries and ketchup on the side. This burger contains Tillamook cheddar, a beef patty, bacon, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, and lemon-garlic sauce, all smashed between two toasted buns. With your first bite, you will be able to taste the smokiness of the bacon that adds to the flavor of the beef patty. By your second bite, you will taste the juiciness the tomato adds to the burger, and by your third bite, you will need a napkin.

Only at the Alamo are you able to view special events and curated collections of movies to pair with holidays, movie genres, and throwbacks. For example, the Great Bites movie collection, showcased at the Alamo currently, has staff-chosen movies of animals fighting back that are copycat films of the shark attack movie, Jaws.

For Mother’s Day this year, the Alamo is hosting a Mother’s Day Feast screening of MAMA MIA! This event provides a luxury movie theater experience with a three-course menu that differs from the usual menu.

After the viewing, attendees will have ABBA songs stuck in their heads and a complimentary Alamo Drafthouse mug that is detailed with a floral design.

Events like these show all movie enthusiasts what’s special about the Alamo Drafthouse.

When you’re expecting just a movie with popcorn, you are given a fine-dining experience.

However, with all positives come negatives. With fine-din-

ing service, you are expected to pay fine-dining prices.

Special items that are not available in other movie theaters, such as the Royal burger, can reach up to almost SCAN TO SEE MORE $20, not including tax.

Other standard items, such as their bottomless popcorn, do not differ much from the prices VIDEO BY Koko Badgley of other movie -Finan and theaters in Skylar Haywood Austin, such as Cinean after-school movie mark. unless an adult is accompaAlthough a little pricey, nying them. Despite most high when the food is schoolers nearing adulthood, steaming with freshness, splurg- and taking up adult-like responing on snacks at the Alamo sibilities such as driving and Drafthouse comes easily. working jobs outside of school, Although the service is great, the Alamo’s age policy is strict, the food is phenomenal, and the and those without an adult will seats are comfortable, there is be kicked out. one drawback besides the price The Alamo Drafthouse has of snacks. This theater requires the potential to be the perfect all attendees under 18 to have after-school hangout spot for a legal adult accompany them film-lovers or otherwise, but since it is also a bar. This rule this rule prevents that from extends to all movies, even ones happening. rated PG. Making sure all viewAs a high schooler, I can see problems that people my age ers are accompanied by an adult could create, such as making prevents child-like behavior and unnecessary messes by throwprotects the cinematic experience that the Alamo Drafthouse ing popcorn, as seen in movie staff work so hard to provide. showings of the Minecraft I understand the reasoning bemovie. I understand the Alamo Drafthouse age policy, though hind this rule, but my dream of it is at the expense of those relaxing after school to watch a who respect the movie theater movie in a place as cinematic as the Alamo Drafthouse cannot be setting.

I am one of those people who complete unless I have an adult respect the movie theater with me. setting, so I will convince my The Alamo Drafthouse has mom to accompany me any time a location on Slaughter Lane, right down the road from Bowie, I want to see a movie, so we can get the five-star experience the but because of the age restricAlamo Drafthouse provides. tions, kids cannot experience

14 COMMENTARY

THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

D ISPATCH STAFF Graduating Senior Editors Isabella Verette Audrey Cullinane Bentlee Toland Michael Vienneau Vivi Lopez-Stern Arden Ray Layne Foxcroft Sophia Sepulveda Graduating Senior Reporters Mara Brandt Sophia Dudich Quinn Wilkinson Sofia Yordanova Co-Editors-in-Chief Liberty Pittman Elizabeth Yowell Dispatch Online Co-Editors-in-Chief Gabby Bochey Ryan Zuniga Dispatch Online Managing Editor Will Olenick News/Politics Editors Peyton Dorsey Marissa McGowan Katie Grumet Feature Editor Charlotte Schwarte Savannah Riggins Entertainment Editor Alice Goss Gracie Ruland Review Editor Ava Weaver Sports Editors Caroline Baxter Sydney Murphy

POLITICS

SAVE Act isn't saving anyone

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act will hurt many citizens EDITORIAL

Being turned away at the polls is a nightmare no American should have to face.

On April 10, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. If this bill were written into law, it would require all voters to provide very specific documents to prove U.S. citizenship when registering to vote or updating their voter registration. Government issued state driver's licenses wouldn’t be enough proof anymore, so most people would have to turn to their passport or birth certificate.

The goal of the SAVE Act is to prevent voter fraud. While that may be important, this act will be detrimental to millions of American citizens because it will prevent them from voting.

Many Americans don’t have access to the required documents

needed to vote under this new system, which would silence them. The Dispatch Editorial Board believes that the SAVE Act would do much more harm than good and should die in the U.S. Senate.

If passed, the SAVE Act would put a large restriction on America’s lower class. Passports are expensive, and they are out of reach or unnecessary for many Americans. According to The Center for American Progress, 146 million Americans don’t have a valid passport, and only one in five Americans that earn an annual income below $50,000 own a passport. They would have to rely solely on their birth certificates to prove citizenship, which is a problem.

Many don’t know where theirs is, or they don’t have immediate access to it. Honestly,

Imma’ need to see a passport or birth certificate.

Opinion Editors Sam Bode Capri Wyatt Photo Essay Editors Isadora Parra Arts/Graphics Editor Olive Trevino Dispatch Reporters Kate Alexander Koko Badgley-Finan Eleanor Blue Grace Cajuste Sydney Cotsonas Logan Cottle Andrew Covert Sawyer Daniel Chance East Claire Ferrante Cooper Ford Sara Fowler Skylar Haywood Olivia Hunter Eve Johansson Hannah Kim Sophia Shaw Arlo Stockstill Reagan Tso Reese Walker Eliza Williams Cole Wong Advisor Michael Reeves, MJE

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EDITORIAL POLICY • The Dispatch is the official student newspaper of James Bowie High School. 3500 copies are published and distributed for free six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.

• The Dispatch is an open forum for student expression.

The Dispatch is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the advisor will not act as a censor. Content represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.

• The Dispatch works to avoid bias and/or favoritism.

We strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely, and interesting to our readers. Our articles reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality.

• We make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph without indicating that the photograph is an illustration.

• Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined.

Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dispatch staff or administration as a whole.

• The Dispatch welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to bowie. journalism@gmail.com, call (512) 414-5247, mail them to 4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749 or drop them off in room F-214 with adviser Michael Reeves or any editor. Letters must be signed, and emailed letters will require verification before publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

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ART BY Sophia Sepulveda

when was the last time you saw online voter registration would your birth certificate? undergo serious change or be Even if you have your birth eliminated completely. Mail-in certificate ready to go, you could voter registration would also be still be turned away because gutted out under the act. Milof your name. lions of residents If the name on would have to go SCAN TO SEE MORE your drivers in person to handle license doesn’t their voter registramatch the name tion, likely creaton your birth ing mass chaos at certificate, then election offices. you can’t use it This change to prove citizenwould affect evship. eryone, but some This magroups would take SAVE ACT NEWS STORY BY jorly impacts an extra hard hit.

Katie Grumet two groups of Rural residents people: married may not have women and the transgender the time to commute to their community. Pew Research closest election office, and the Center reported that in heterodisabled community relies on sexual marriages, about eight in mail-in registration and ballots ten women take their husband's because going in person may litlast name. Add that up and you erally not be an option for them. get nearly 69 million American So, how many groups of Ameriwomen that don’t have a birth cans will be negatively impacted certificate with their legal by this act again? There are so name. Alongside them many, it’s hard to keep track. stand the many transgenThe goal of the SAVE Act is der people who have to prevent voter fraud in eleclegally changed their tions, but voter fraud in Amerinames to something ca is not common. According to more comfortable NPR, much research has been for them. Their done investigating voter fraud birth certificate and it has proven that it isn’t is also no longer a spiraling issue. Government eligible to prove commissions and prosecutor their citizenship offices have also participated in for voter regissearching for voter fraud and tration. Someoften come up with little to thing as simple no results. All U.S. states have and common as effective systems in place to a name change prevent ineligible voters from shouldn’t precasting a ballot. The SAVE Act vent millions of is supposedly trying to fix an Americans from extremely minor issue, but invoting. stead might prohibit millions of The way citizens from using their voices Americans can in elections. register to vote This act cannot pass. Voting would also is a right protected by the U.S. be slashed if Constitution and should not be the SAVE Act jeopardized for anything. were passed. The Millions of Americans would be Center for Amer- silenced if the SAVE Act were ican Progress passed. Fight for your rights, reported that don’t stand for the SAVE Act.

POP CULTURE

Child influencing is not aCUTOFF glamorous job Eleanor Blue Dispatch Reporter

ART BY Sophia Sepulveda

Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

Child influencers have become increasingly popular as seemingly all sections of the internet become overrun with children at younger and younger ages. But how are all of these children gaining access and a following that rapidly surpasses milestones?

What motivates this trend? The short answer is profit.

Influencing as a concept is nothing new.

Even before highlight reels and vlogging, people have been influencing each other in different ways. Although the ways we influence each other have changed overtime, the desire itself is still there. This idea has become a vessel of monetary benefits as sponsorships and brand deals have made both short and long term content a viable option for funds. But this is not a one-sided endeavor.

As digital media continues to rise in popularity and in views, we begin to see the long-term effects of such scrutiny from the media at. Big names from the early days of vlogging and influencing have been talking about its repercussions for years. If fully functioning adults can suffer from the effects of online popularity, what is it like for child stars, thrust into the influencer scene?

Piper Rockelle is one of these child influencers currently gaining attention for a new Netflix documentary titled “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kid Influencing.” In it, Rochelle’s mother, Tiffany Smith is presented as less of a supportive mother figure and more of a controlling force in her daughter’s life. The documentary brought attention to an ongoing debate about the ethics of kids on social media, and the right to privacy in a new generation of digital awareness.

For parents, the motivation comes from different places. It can sometimes be hard to decipher whether these child accounts come from a place of well-meaning or deception. Similarly, child actors have been a major talking point in the film industry for many years. These children are forced out of school to keep up with the project’s deadline, and although they receive tutoring,

they are deprived of a normal childhood.

That may seem alarming, but children on social media are even more vulnerable to disruptions in their normal lives.

In movies and casting, these children are playing a part. It is a character for them, the people around them are not themselves.

Vlogging is different from regulated filming and production. It’s much more personal for a growing child, and there is minimum active legislation to protect them. At best, a kid’s personal life is put on blast. At worst, they are forced to play a character, but one that represents themselves and their family.

It is a level of responsibility that even adults struggle with.

So, what can be done? In the case of child stars, there has been advocacy for fair protection and the implementation of a trust fund to support their future. Yet, there are still things to be done and much progress to be made. The practice of child performers has been a trend for decades, and while strides have been made in that industry, there is still much to be considered and unpacked for child influencers as social media becomes more prevalent in society.

We may not see the effects of child stardom

in full effect for another several years, as children grow up and can begin to unpack their childhood.

This is an unprecedented time of both exponential profit and exponential loss. People have found new ways to make money, and can thus find new ways to exploit those they love, even without knowing or being able to grasp the severity of their choices. In the case of influencers, there is no exact methodology. Children are open to levels of exploitation in any industry, but it is up to the consumer to regulate the risks of what they choose to support. We are in a new era of digital technology, but this does not have to be a nihilistic talking point. We have the ability to create a precedent for safety in the media, to change the ways we talk about a child’s autonomy and voice.

CUTOFF

SCAN TO SEE MORE

PODCAST BY Sophia Shaw

COMMENTARY 15

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 THE DISPATCH

TECHNOLOGY

AI misuse is causing harm to society

AI in the hands of the wrong users is creating privacy, creativity and misinformation issues Capri Wyatt Commentary Editor Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

Creating an effective and powerful version of artificial intelligence may be one of humanity's biggest accomplishments. Unfortunately, it may also be the downfall of mankind. AI refers to a program that has the ability to perform tasks that typically only humans could do. As AI begins to become more popular all over the world, it is being used in harmful ways that is helping the world take a turn for the worse.

Artificial intelligence does more harm than good. While AI can contribute some good things to the world, such as aid in healthcare research and enhanced efficiency in multiple different areas of work, its misuse is overpowering and is harming the Earth.

As the range of AI ability continues to grow, more and more people are starting to make music with the help of AI. Some artists even use AI to create entire albums. This becomes harmful by taking away from real musicians who put time and energy into their work. Some even worry that as AI continues to progress, human musicians will eventually be displaced and lose their jobs.

The same issue goes for all sorts of artists. Access to these art generators are extremely accessible and easy to use, continuing to serve as a threat to real artists. As technology develops, people struggle to tell the difference between what is created by AI, and what is created by real people. Not only does this threaten the artists, it also undermines them. As AI art advances, it gains different information and styles from already created art pieces, making pieces with a blend of different styles. This takes away from artists who opt for a more simple art style rather than an eccentric style,

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and may lead to the loss of the traditional style.

In addition, AI is negatively impacting education, specifically for high school students. Students, including me, have moments where we lack motivation to do assignments, and we wish they would magically do themselves. This lack of motivation is exactly why students have resorted to using AI on school work. Students

cheating in school has been an issue for years. However, the introduction to AI applications, such as ChatGPT, has only amplified cheating, especially among high school students.

According to Forbes, 90% of students have used AI for school assignments. AI allows academic misconduct and creates an unfair advantage over students who don't use AI. Reliance on AI to complete these tasks as a

teenager will leave many people to struggle in the real world once they graduate high school.

Along with the threat of AI in schools, the creation of deepfakes are becoming an increasingly harmful form of AI. A deepfake is a form of AI that involves a video that has been digitally altered in order to look like something it is not. This technology is commonly abused to spread misinfor-

ECONOMY

mation. In 2017, a deepfake of actress Gal Gadot engaging in inappropriate acts was spread across the internet.

Despite AI not being as advanced in 2017 as it is now, the fact that many people believed that video was real is a very scary reality. If it was realistic enough for people to believe in 2017, what kind of harm could a deepfake do now?

In a similar but far more dangerous situation, a deepfake of former president Barack Obama hit the internet in 2023. This is an especially dangerous form of misinformation. If people continue to make deepfakes of politicians, dangerous and wrong information can be spread across the nation. As AI continues to advance and get smarter, the impending doom of who could be made into a deepfake is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. If the wrong people get their hands on deepfake technology, it could be detrimental to society.

Many people think that the use of AI is beneficial to humanity due to its ability to conduct enhanced research in healthcare and boost the economy by opening up technology related jobs.

While it is true that AI has contributed favorable information to society, the effects from the misuse of AI is beginning to overwhelm these benefits and is causing harm to students, artists, and celebrities.

Fortunately, on April 28 of this year, the House of Representatives passed the Take It Down Act which criminalizes the creation of non-consensual deepfakes. This bill is a great start to tackling the misuse of AI. Bills similar to this one should continue to be passed in order to make AI can only be used in beneficial instances.

Considering these harmful misuses of AI, it is becoming increasingly clear that more legislation needs to be passed in order to regulate it. The harm that the misuse of AI can do is finally shining through, and harming our world in more ways than one.

The stock market is crashing under Trump's presidency Kate Alexander Dispatch reporter Questions? Concerns? Email:

bowie.journalism@gmail.com

Donald Trump promised that when he was in office, we would see “the biggest economic boom in American history.” Fast forward a couple of months, the convicted felon is now our president, and has placed new tariffs on imported goods from other countries. These tariffs caused the stock market to drop rapidly, which is typical with tariffs. Trump then announced a 90-day pause of these tariffs, causing the market to rise again. He blamed the economic crash on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and former President Joe Biden.

The Republican Party’s main goal was to lower taxes and create a more powerful economy. However, by the looks of the stock market, Trump is doing the exact opposite. Trump’s new tariff policy is extremely alarming for the industry. He doesn’t realize the economic consequences that will result from these tariffs.

Trump doesn’t think about how these tariff policies will affect the average American. He was born into the lap of luxury, allowing him to do whatever he wanted without having to worry about the cost of anything. The average American works about 40 hours a week, and earns their money to fulfill their basic needs.

Even before Trump’s tariffs, many Americans struggled to buy everyday necessities because of the cost. As prices of products go up, so will the poverty rate. Companies may run into problems

when planning expenses, resulting in them going out of business and unemployment issues. Trump and his administration are making insane decisions with the new tariff policy. He is so self-centered and uneducated that he doesn’t seem to think about the effects these tariffs will have on the average American, and by the looks of it, he never will.

The tariffs Trump has proposed were not thought through. He has placed these tariffs on over 180 countries, including some of the most remote places on earth. According to The Guardian, Trump placed a 10% tariff on goods from Heard Island and McDonald Island, which are near Antarctica. The tariffs will have no effect on the stock market, because these islands have a human population of zero. The islands are covered in glaciers, and are only home to penguins. They have no infrastructure and no commercial activity. This is one of the many prime examples on how little thought was put into these tariffs. Nobody is safe under Trump's tariff policies, not even the penguins.

Trump states that “Tariffs don’t cause inflation, they cause success,” so he hit all Chinese goods with a 145% minimum tariff.

Trump thinks that increasing these tariffs means that more companies will build factories to make products and goods in the United States, resulting in the “Golden age of America.” On the other hand, the United States does not have these factories built, and it would take years to even build them. This will result in prices skyrocketing because we do not have the resources to make products. In other words, it will cause inflation.

Stock Market

Tariffs

ART BY Layne Foxcroft

Although these tariffs have numerous negative impacts on the economy, many may argue that the tariffs help American manufacturing become the global leader in innovation and have significant economic growth. Trump's tariffs will re-shore productions from other countries back to the U.S. Trump believes that these tariffs will affect foreign countries, and that they would need to pay more to the U.S. while in reality, American

consumers will be paying them.

The new tariff policies Trump has put in place are beyond concerning for the American economy. It is extremely important that the American people stay informed about these tariffs and the effects they can have on the American industry. The stock market and economy is walking on a tightrope, and if something isn’t done now, that rope will snap.

BULLDAWGS SPEAK!

PHOTOS BY Capri Wyatt

INTERVIEWS BY Capri Wyatt

Did you vote in the student council elections? Why or why not do you think it's important to vote?

Yes. It is important to vote because if you don't vote you will have no opinion on who is making decisions for your class.

Kate Gray Freshman

Yes. I think it is important to vote in the elections because if you don't vote then the results aren't fully accurate.

"

Aidan Friend Sophomore

"

No. It is important for underclassmen to vote to help improve the school and ensure that their future is in good hands.

Suzi Collings Junior

No. I think it is important to vote because everyone in the population should have a say on who is their leader.

"

Luke Rosas Senior

"

Mrs. Davis Teacher

Yes. It is important because if the elected positions are trying to serve the population, the population's input is very important.

"

16 SENIOR GOODBYES THE DISPATCH FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

6

st Gold

1

1st place

2

Crown In 30+ Years

Publication

Awards for the first time ever

Capital

page 2 band auction will o

Conferences

Attended

7

53

Staff page10 kate bookidis Members andr, syd, chance

page 5 tuffy hall tattoos regan t

page 4 nick forrest music ryan z

1

SENIOR

Straight Pacemaker wins

goodbyes page 10 lacrosse champ message from leadership will, cole

Arden Ray

Photo Essay Editor

University of Mississippi Integrated Marketing and Communications

The last three years on staff at The Dispatch have been life-changing for both of us in many different ways. It has taught us what it means to be a leader and how to meet real deadlines and manage stress.

Most of all, the newsroom has given us a home. A home to express ourselves and be a voice to other students. To do something we love and actively make an impact on our community.

The Dispatch changes lives and has changed ours just as much as the people we cover. This year we won six first place awards for the first time in our publications history. Without the hard work and knowledge of our senior peers this year, we wouldn’t be able to continue to say that we have one of the best scholastic newspapers in the country.

Isabella Verette

page 12 senior one acts elizabeth

Coming into this year, we were unsure of how this would go. Neither of us had any leadership role as time-consuming as our roles now, and while left with guides on how to do basic steps, it was trial and error. The Online team has created a community that is welcoming, full of creativity and award winning by continuing the Gold Star winning streak, and the print team gets stronger with every cycle they create and are continuing to give a voice to the people on campus.

Not only do we see how amazing our community is inside F206, but we are recognized through all the awards we have won, and will continue to. This newsroom and advisor Michael Reeves has created a home for us, and you have become our chosen family.

We love and will miss you. Good luck and Goodbye.

D

13 The University ofpage Oklahoma Pre-Occupational Therapy movie theatres Senior Editor-in-Chief koko, skylar

Audrey Cullinane Northwestern page 14 University

Journalism and Political Science

kidfluencing sophia shaw

Online Editor-in-Chief

st

News Print Scroggins Award Ever

page 12 stuco dodgeball arloHERE TO SCAN

READ THE FULL SENIOR GOODBYES ON THE DISPATCH WEBSITE

page 16 senior goodbyes

Michael Vienneau

Bentlee Toland

Sports Editor

Entertainment Editor University North Texas

Gonzaga University

Journalism

Business Law and Public Policy

Vivi Lopez-Stern

Sophia Sepulveda

Editorial Editor

Art and Graphics Editor

University of Texas

Austin Community College

Fine Arts- Dance

Undeclared

Layne Foxcroft

Quinn Wilkinson

Texas State University

University of Texas Arlington

Art and Graphics Editor Business

Staff Reporter

Software Engineering

Sophia Dudich

Sofia Yordanova

Austin Community College

University of Texas

Staff Reporter

Business Management and Culinary

~30~

Staff Reporter Government

Mara Brandt Staff Reporter Employment

Sports and Wedding Videographer