Vo l u m e 5 3 , I s s u e 4 · Fe b 1 3 , 2 0 1 5 · S . H . R i d e r H i g h S c h o o l · 4 6 1 1 Cy p r e s s · Wi c h i t a Fa l l s, T X 7 6 3 1 0
the
riderchronicle
Shooting for state
The Lady Raiders continue to strengthen their team as they strive towards winning the state championships by annaau Coaches start with scouting reports, then the shuffling of feet fills the courts as the Lady Raiders start their practice. Eyes follow as a ball is tossed into the air ready to be snatched. The competitive instincts of two girls lands one in the dentist’s office while the other is bandaged for her cut elbow. That’s just practice. It’s game night and the girls gather in prayer. Time stands still as everyone waits, and the high pitched whistle starts play. For the whole story see page 7 Junior Rachel Richie shoots a lay-up against Old High. Photo by Jaycee Walden.
Stories of the Issue
Julius Caesar p. 12
Sweet Obesity p. 5
New Shoes Old Habits p. 4
thestaff | 2
staffeditorial Let go of littering
From the outside of the building to the student center, cafeteria, hallways, to the inside of a classroom, each of these areas have one thing in common: they all have trash cans that would love to be used for their purpose. But instead of walking a couple feet to throw away our trash, it gets blown into parking lot fences and kicked into classroom corners. Litter. Everywhere. Listen up, folks. Your mother doesn’t work here. Yes, it is a janitor’s job to make sure our school is kept clean. But trash cans have been placed all over the school to keep from making the school one big landfill and to make it easier for custodians to clean the school. It is not a janitor’s job to clean up our litter. It is a janitor’s job to empty bags of our trash and replace it with a new bag for the next day. Describing that even seems like enough work as it is. Do not make it harder for the people who are already underappreciated for the work that they do every day. A public school is not your house. Where you throw your trash in your house is your business. But with a building full of 1,700 students, throwing trash wherever you want makes our school look dirty. Take pride in a clean looking school and watch where you throw your trash. It is easy to roll down your car window to throw your trash on the side of the road, but it makes for a mess to our school. Throwing trash around your house seems like more of a hassle because parents are their to nag you about it. At school, janitors clean up our messes without a word of complaint. Grow up, throw your trash away.
thestaff
co-editors in chief: emilycarroll & kierstenscott feature editor: shannonpyle news editor: cortneywood news staff: abbylove, annaau, aleksastankovic, alyssamatthews, collinpartridge, justinhasty, kayleedavenport, kobielunsford, lanemaddox, makaylaschnaufer, maddiebox, mirandadarne, raymondmcnally, shawnkirkland, stevengarcia, sydneymayo, teresadhein
letter from the editors
Look at second semester as a chance for change
Like each issue for the Rider Chronicle each semester is a blank slate. Winter becomes Spring, huge problems in first semester seem small in the second, and while some students hit their stride this season others struggle with bouts of senior or summer-itis. At the Rider Chronicle we welcome this attitude of change. It allows us to be flexible and explore new issues.We encourage students to take advantage of this time as well. This is the season to push your limits and to find your trajectory. It is only through change that we are able to find the places where we are comfortable and enjoy being the most. After all to find the eye of a storm you have to walk through one in the first place. High school, like the paper, is a place where we contemplate what matters to us. This uncertainty is essential because it allows us to question our surroundings and strive for change. Hopefully, these tumultuous periods of change will allow both the Chronicle and the student body to find balance before our high school story ends and another begins.
2/13/15
• Emily Carroll and Kiersten Scott
•
Mission Statement: Our mission is to be the voice of the student body, and to be aware of the everyday activities that go on at school and to cover those stories without bias, writing the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Letters to the Editor: Given its free forum status, The Rider Chronicle accepts all letters, guest work, artwork, and feedback from its readers. The author’s name must be submitted alongside the work and items containing profanity will not be published. Letter to the editor form available on theriderchronicle.com Audience: Material may not reflect the intended views of the staff, school, or community, but the views of the author and its interest of our audience. Contact Us: Co-Editors: Emily Carroll & Kiersten Scott. Adviser: Mary Beth Lee. Principal: Dee Palmore. Newsroom direct phoneline: 2351077 ext. 31061. All guest submissions must be brought by room 247 or e-mailed to emilycarroll@theriderchronicle.com or kierstenscott@theriderchronicle.om www.theriderchronicle.com
feature| 3
Cleaning With Clementina Custodian goes beyond cleaning the halls of Rider with her positive attitude, servant heart every day by maddiebox
“She works very hard for everyone. Whatever we need, she steps up. Even if it’s not her job.
-Mrs. Carroll
“She doesn’t need the title of boss to lead the pack. She is a woman who stands on her own two feet, and she is a leader for everyone.”
-Mrs. Burleson
“She takes a lot of pride in Rider High School and has a positive attitude no matter the circumstance.”
-Mr. Studer
www.theriderchronicle.com
2/13/15
As Clementina Porras mops the cafeteria she gets a call over her walkie-talkie, “Clementina… we need you in the girls’ bathroom in the main hallway.” Before she responds, she is reminded of a time when cleaning up the remnants of a nervous student’s breakfast were the least of her worries… In 1979, a 19-year-old girl came to the United States with her husband to pursue their American dream. They had only been married for a year when they moved, and both of them were scared out of their minds. They moved because there were no jobs in Mexico, and they had to find a way to survive. Pretty soon, they settled down in New Mexico and began their lives together. She felt extremely lucky for the opportunity to work a higher paying job in America and didn’t understand why other people took the generosity of the United States for granted. A few years later, the couple had two sons and moved to Texas. The girl worked at a hotel and her husband worked as a bricklayer. Every two years she went back to visit her family in Mexico, but she got homesick for her family in America. A lot had happened since her life in Mexico- she had children, then they had children; she had accomplished the American dream. In 2004 the girl, now a woman, took a custodian job at a high school in Wichita Falls. She felt thankful for the work and she did her job well. Every day, she came into work with a smile and five years later, she was rewarded for all her hard work by being promoted to supervisor. Despite the stress and long workdays, she loved her job. She was happy to work for the students and teachers, and said she would work for the school until she was unable to anymore because she loved her job. This was her town, her school, her home. As Clementina approaches the bathroom, she flashes her contagious smile at the sick student and says, “Don’t worry about it. It just happens, and I’m here for that.”
editorial |4
New Shoes
Old Habits
When a pair of shoes is no longer an accessory but a rite of passage, we need to ask ourselves why. by stevengarcia
Students Speak
What does Nike’s “Just Do It” mean to you?
Freshman Paul Payway“Just buy them.”
2/13/15
Photo by Angel Quevy
8
I’ve only realized this recently, but when I look at someone for the first time, I don’t look at their shirt, pants or hair; I look at what’s on their feet. What shoes are they rocking? And when it comes to shoes, there are only a few brands and styles that come to mind; Jordans and Nike. I’ve noticed something else, most of the people who wear Jordans are not playing basketball. They’re wearing them casually, like a pair of walking shoes. Maybe I’m missing something or maybe there’s something completely more to this. Maybe our lives revolve around what we wear; a pair of shoes has become our social parachute. Our generation is too attached to logos, labels, brands and the feelings that come with being popular. Originally people would see a pair of Air Jordans and they would think of the creator Michael Jordan. But, it’s no longer about MJ; it’s about being one of the “cool” kids. To put it in a way: these kids...they just want to grab the rim. Almost everyone wants to be in the spotlight somehow and someway. But instead of wanting to be the next big thing which leads to starting a new fad that also leads to a gain in popularity, we’re afraid of being different and would rather look like “Johnny 2 Coolz 4z Skoolz.” It doesn't take a genius to see that what we wear is who we are. Without a doubt Billionaire Phil Knight (Co-Founder and Chairman of Nike) understands that. In 1984 Knight started a movement by giving rookie Michael Jordan his own pair of signature shoes. These shoe laces are tying us down from allowing ourselves to become individuals. That needs to change. Don’t be afraid to wear what you would like to wear. We shouldn’t be afraid of the idea of popping the “Air” bubble and losing the social parachute. This movement has turned teenagers into walking billboards. With a hundred dollars and some change these kids are buying approval and a slice of popularity. Like sheep, they’re following the status quo: Just Do It, listen to our logo.
www.theriderchronicle.com
Juinor Koleb Larson“Whatever you’re worried about just do it. If there’s any doubt just choke it away.”
Juinor Willie Cherry“I don’t really know. But I think it means just do something.”
feature| 5
As students finish lunch, the remains of their fast food is dumped into school trash cans. Photo by Angel Quevy.
Sweet Obesity
Fast way of living in the past few decades made obesity a common issue by aleksastankovic
1. Obesity is linked to more than chronic diseases.
60
2. Approximately of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes are overweight or have obesity.
2/3
31%
www.theriderchronicle.com
“I’ve seen American adult portions go from what is now considered child-sized (back in the early 80’s) to what they are today,” Martin said. restaurant with desire to be full and if portions are too small, they will get a box of pizza afterwards and I’m not sure that they know how bad that is.” Certified health coach and personal trainer Nancy Martin agrees that the main reason for obesity are portions that are too big. “I’ve seen American adult portions go from what is now considered child-sized (back in the early 80’s) to what they are today,” Martin said. “Back then, being overweight was the exception. Now it seems more and more that being fit is the exception.” She said that a treat from time to time is ok, but that every time people eat food full of simple carbohydrates and trans fats, we are asking obesity to happen. To all of those who want to live a healthy lifestyle, she has three main pieces of advice. “Exercise as much as you can, cook at home almost always and never eat beyond where you are satisfied,” Martin said. “It is true that to a large degree society promotes obesity with ads of milkshakes and fried food. However, as individuals we make the choice of what we eat so we can’t really blame society. You should enjoy food, but we should also remember that its primary function is fuel.”
2/13/15
3. In total, Americans now consume more calories today than they did 40 years ago.
In the last few decades the percentage of obese adolescents increased from five percent in 1980 to more than 20 percent. Obesity comes along with higher risks for heart diseases, strokes and type 2 diabetes. In Personal Fitness and PE Coach Phyllis Pappas’s opinion the two biggest reasons for more adolescent obesity now are modern technology and fast food. “Kids today spend most of their time in front of their phones or computers,” Pappas said. “The problem of obesity can be a big risk for both modern-day and future generations.” Pappas thinks that her class can be a big help to students that want to take care of their bodies, but she is not sure that it is enough. “Besides my classes, students should also watch their diet and try to exercise by themselves,” Pappas said. Food in the US is also a potential “threat” to those who come to the country for the first time. “I feel like the most of food that I eat here is not really healthy for my body,” junior Winnie Tang, who is an exchange student from China, said. “I’m happy that I didn’t gain too much weight, like some of the other exchange students did, but I was afraid that that can happen because both ingredients and methods of cooking are really different from those in my country.” Those who are interested in learning about good nutrition believe that there is a better option. “If you want to eat healthy, there are choices,” senior Selena Bailey said. ”Me and my best friend are really concerned about what we eat. But a lot of people will just go to the
feature|6
(Left) Senior Holden Gound shoots from the free throw line, keeping the team in the lead against Chisolm Trail. Photo by Angel Quevy (Below) Sophomore David Moffat runs around a defensive player from Boswell during a home game which ended in a victory over the Pioneers. February 6, 2015. Photo by Dalton Roberts Senior Stephen Barrett makes it down the court scoring on Chisolm Trail. Photo by Angel Quevy *See boys basketball story by Shawn Kirkland on theriderchronicle.com*
Bringing the House Down Rider Raiders Basketball wins District Championship
2/13/15
(Above) Coach McGuire talks to the team before the start of the fourth quarter, encouraging them to continue playing hard. Photo by Angel Quevy; (Right) Junior TJ Vasher shoots the ball for another point against Chisolm Trail. Photo by Angel Quevy; (Below) Senior Brien Howard and Junior Conner Chamberlain hit the bench after a solid play against Chisolm Trail. “It was a good game, we really clicked as a team, trusting each other. We did not over do it, we did what we needed to do to win,� Chamberlain said. Photo by Amber Martin
8
www.theriderchronicle.com
feature | 7
Shooting for State Lady Raiders continue to strengthen as they start playoff run by annaau
Sophomore Heather Davis passes the ball to junior Mercedes Brooks after taking a rebound from the Chisholm Trail Rangers. January 27, 2015. Photo by Dalton Roberts Players warm up before their game against Old High. Photo by Jaycee Walden
www.theriderchronicle.com
2/13/15
Coaches start with scouting reports, then the shuffling of feet fills the courts as the Lady Raiders start their practice. Eyes follow as a ball is tossed into the air ready to be snatched. The competitive instincts of two girls lands one in the dentist’s office while the other is bandaged for her cut elbow. That’s just practice. It’s game night and the girls gather in prayer. Time stands still as everyone waits, and the high pitched whistle starts play. This year that play has led to an undefeated district season. “We want to win state championships,” junior Lady Raider Nicole Linn said. “All it’s going to take is being a team and getting along because when we play together we can’t be beaten.” The bond between the girls is undeniable, and many of the Lady Raiders have even played with each other since the sixth grade Linn said. Along with bonding on the courts, the girls hold team dinners every Monday before their game the following night. “It’s usually when we get together and hang out,” sophomore Lady Raider Jazmin Luster said. “It’s really fun. The girls are really sweet and hilarious and I love them all. It’s a way to interact with the team.” For Jazmin Luster, basketball has “always been [her] inspirational, family sport.” “I’ve always played basketball since I was little,” Luster said. “It means a lot to me. My dad kind of made me start but then I just fell in love with it.” The bond and history of basketball that these girls share is what the girls say strengthens the Lady Raiders. Basketball is a sport of diversity in which each and every player must uphold their role as well as be prepared to fill another’s; it is a true team effort head coach Ramsey Ghazal said. “Players have to accept and perform roles in order to win or have success,” Ghazal said. “Basketball is different because those roles are not as easily defined as they are in other sports. You can’t just be a scorer and not play any defense in basketball. You have to do a little bit of everything.” Together, the team makes that everything happen. “I could care less about scoring 50 points,” Linn said, “but being a team is really what helps me see other things differently and see how we can work together not just in basketball. Being on the team helps me take what I learn and put it into student council and PALS and other organizations. It kind of helps me be a leader.” Along with their relationships with basketball, players say that the Lady Raiders’ strength also comes from their attitude and effort. “We know that we all individually put in work, and you can see it on the courts,” Linn said. “We’ve been working really hard at practices and in games,” Luster said. “Our coaches pushed us a lot to do our best, and we know to work together as a team and not individually.” Getting to this point was not an easy task for the Lady Raiders. Totaling six hours a week, these ladies practice three times every week for two hours. “It takes a lot of work to get to this point,” Ghazal said. “Our players are not only talented but work extremely hard to achieve this level of success.” Throughout the season, the “crowd [has been] a big motivator,” Ghazal said. “The girls are thrilled when we have a big crowd at the game,” Ghazal said. “It makes them dig deeper to play well for the fans who came to support them.” Coach Ghazal said that the Lady Raiders are ready for the playoffs that they’ve earned through their competitive season. “We understand that the season is the journey for the playoffs that are about to start,” Ghazal said. “We have talented players who work really hard to get better [and] we feel prepared.”
feature|8
Under the Influence Peer pressure becomes a large issue among high school students 4 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure
by mirandadarne No. The only thought that enters her mind as *Jane stares at marijuana is no. But openly refusing it is like refusing popularity, a title only worthy of those who do this newfound coming of age ritual. Peer pressure suddenly felt physical as she was at a loss for words. Her friend is waiting for her response, shifting impatiently with an extended hand. She stares at it, conflicted with herself and what she wants. Seeing the others hold what her friend is smoking, she finally makes her choice. Although within the last five years teen substance abuse has decreased, it is still an issue within high schools. In 2013 alone, over 2.9 million asdolescents from 12 to 17 have come into contact with alcohol according to Office of Adolescent Health. “When I get stressed out, or when things get really bad in my life that’s when I start doing drugs,” *John said. “It relaxes me.” Sophomore Easton Johnson believes that students use drugs for self medication, to ease depression or stress and to “find a beter place.” Studies show that 73 percent of teens say the number one reason for using drugs is to cope with school pressure according to Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “Resisting the urge,” *Jane said is harder to do when friends often offer drugs. “Several of my friends have offered me marijuana,” said *Jane. ”I didn’t want to be the person that wouldn’t try it.” Jane isn’t the only teen facing this issue. On average, over 70% of high school students who smoke marijuana began because of peer pressure. “It took me about thirty minutes until I finally caved in,” said *John. *Editor’s note: this story came about after students and parents were informed about drug dogs returning to campus. Have you been in John or Jane’s position? Talk to us, take the poll, and make comments on theriderchronicle.com. Also, read Kiersten Scott’s story on drug dogs online.
- Say “n o” like you me fraid to sa a y no, and when you n it. do, say it w authority. ith
Don’t be a
riend lues as you and F a d - Fin same va e h t s e r sha lse who together. e e n o e stick Find som
- Don’t Put You Try to avo id places t rself in Certa ha in Situa t have to tr t usually have drug y to avoid s present ions so you do peer press n’t ure. Help someone - Seek r pressure, talk to n. with pee ht directio s ig r m e le h b t o r ou in having p to steer y g n li If you are il w le and responsib
Years lost through addiction to controlled substances 45 40
34
35 30
38
42
23
25 20
10
2/13/15
15
8
10 5
Smoking
Alcohol
Cocaine
www.theriderchronicle.com
Methadone
methamphetamine
news| 9
Opt-Out Choice
New districting system affects incoming 7th, 9th graders who want to attend school outside their attendance zones by alyssamatthews On Jan. 20 the Opt-Out Transfer Application opened to incoming 7th and 9th graders wishing to attend a secondary school outside of their attendance zones. The new Opt-Out Choice system allows students who do not want to attend the campus in their residential area the opportunity to transfer to a school outside of their zone. According to the WFISD board meeting held on Aug. 8, 2014, Superintendent John Frossard pursued this new system in hopes of streamlining the choice process. “My intent was never to recommend that we do away with parental choice,” Frossard said at the board meeting. “My intent was to simplify it.” Following the new placement of limits on the attendance zone map, enrollment caps at Wichita Falls and Rider High Schools were both lowered leaving some Wichita Falls residents wondering if there would be a new shift in the demographics and academic standings of the schools. “I think it is silly how one school can be populated
This is not the first change in district attendance policy
1998-1999 Before 1998-1999 school attendance was determined by districting. However, enrollment could be changed for a fee if the prefered school had room.
www.theriderchronicle.com
some students felt that the system was violating Wichita Falls tradition. “It really breaks up family traditions,” Barwise 8th grader Carlton Stephenson said. “I didn’t want to go to the school in my residential area. I know a lot of other students living in my area are going to OptOut so the chances of my getting into the school of my choice are pretty much squashed.” The district has implemented a safeguard for the new program that if more than 10 percent of students who file an Opt-Out Choice Form are not placed in their chosen school because of enrollment caps, the superintendent will inspect the operating capacities and possibly see where more students could fit in. “If I was an incoming Freshman I would be really mad that I would have to fill out an application to go to the school of my choice, just because I live in the Wichita Falls High School zone” senior Christian Gonzales said. “I would obviously want to go to Rider High School for a reason, so I do not support the new Opt-Out Choice system.”
To settle a federal desegregation lawsuit the district enacted the choice program and made each high school a magnet. Rider became the arts magnet, Old High the college magnet, and Hirschi became the math,science, and technology magnet.
2015-2016
Opt- Out choice assigns students to the school closest to their residency, but allows students to apply to go to another campus without a fee.
2/13/15
Over the Years
and another be left with room to spare,” a former WFISD parent said. “It is obvious that the schools are segregated, and that’s why I left the WFISD area. I am glad that the Opt-Out choice system is being put into place. Wichita Falls needs three equal schools that provide equal opportunity for all of its students.” Current students attending schools outside of their attendance zones will not be affected by the new system. The new Opt-Out Choice system will allow students who are attending 6th grade at Barwise Leadership Academy and Kirby Junior High to continue their education at those campuses, and students who want to pursue the International Baccalaureate Program will not be affected. “The new Opt-Out Choice system doesn’t really affect me,” Kirby 8th grader Simon Duchrow said. “I choose to do the Pre-IB program, so I am definitely going to Hirschi. But I do think that this system is a good way to get the high schools to be a little less segregated and more evenly populated.” With the attendance zones and the historical rivalry between the Wichita Falls and Rider High Schools,
ads | 10
The Mobile Spot We specialize in the repair of smart phones. From cracked screens to charging ports, we are your one stop SPOT for all your phone repair needs!
2/13/15
3127 Lawrence RD Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Phone: 940-689-8100 Fax: 940-689-8727
Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/ themobilespotwftx 4020 Rhea Rd Suite 3D 940-234-SPOT (7768)
www.theriderchronicle.com
by justinhasty
A
great opportunity to help other kids get better weather it be in football or in life In an interview with Times Record News, a reporter asked if he would ever play football again. “He asked me would I play football again or will I be a full time football coach and I said Lord willing if the opportunity comes I would play football because I’m not done yet.” That opportunity has arrived. On New Year’s Eve Ward got a call from a number in Ohio he didn’t recognize. “I don’t know anyone in Ohio so I call the unknown number back and a lady answers and says she works for the player personnel for the Cincinnati Bengals and she says we need you to come in. “I’m thinking to myself, me? And I look to my wife. I wake her up because it’s early in the morning and I say the Cincinnati Bengals just called me and she was like “ ‘What?!’ ” Ward said his wife was ecstatic and excited. But Ward was unsure. “I thought to myself ‘I know I can coach football now, but I haven’t played in six months,’ and I told my wife ‘I don’t know if I’m in that fine tune of shape to go out there and play football for an NFL team right now.’ “My wife looked at me and told me, ‘if you don’t do it now, you don’t know
the next opportunity that will come and you will always regret that what if.” That was the encouragement Ward needed. Ward flew from Dallas to Cincinnati that day. When he got to his hotel, a text message said to meet in the lobby at 7. After that he was taken to the stadium and from there to the locker room. “I walk in the locker room I see Jermaine Gresham, Andy Dalton, and three lockers down I see A.J. Macaroon, and I was like wait a minute this real.” After getting his practice clothes, Ward went out to the practice field to warm up and sees AJ Green. It was definitely real. Ward started running routes in front of head coach Marvin Lewis. “I knew I had to pay extra attention on the ball because when it’s cold the ball feels like a brick when you catch it,” Ward said. “I can’t express how bad my hands hurt when I caught the ball, but I knew if I dropped a ball I would get sent home. I couldn’t drop a ball. One of things I take pride in is my catching because I know can catch. He caught every ball. The head coach said “Sign him. He’s going to work.” “I was shocked,” Ward said. “When I got my contract just to be on the practice squad, I couldn’t even write
www.theriderchronicle.com
2/13/15
s a Rider Raider football player, teacher Eric Ward had a dream. He wanted to play in the NFL. The dream wasn’t new. As a junior at Texas Tech, he was projected to go in the third round of the NFL draft. He opted to stay in school and get his master’s instead. That wasn’t supposed to change his NFL prospects. But something did. “Success can be taken away from you in a blink of an eye like it happened to me,” Ward said. “I’m the all time leader in receiving in Texas Tech history. I’ve broken records from Richard Crabtree, Danny Amendola, Joe Fulani, Wes Welker but I still went undrafted. All those records I broke in college; I caught 255 passes, scored 31 touchdowns. 3,000 yards receiving but I still went undrafted.” And he stayed undrafted. He did sign on with Tennessee as a free agent, but he was injured in practice. That injury led him back to Wichita Falls and Rider High School where he started coaching. It wasn’t his dream, but he would make the most out of it. “I’m fine with coaching because I’m doing something I enjoy and I know about,” Ward said. “I figured this was a
Eric Ward, number 18, catches a touchdown pass from Seth Doege in the 2nd quarter of the 2012 New Mexico vs. Texas Tech football game at the Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, TX. Photo by Voltin used with permission
feature| 11
Coach Achieves NFL Dream
my name.” For Ward, that contract was the start of a dream. “ I thought back to the tribulations and trials when I got hurt,” Ward said. “I felt like I’m done I can’t play again. That’s what you think. It’s the NFL, not like high school trying to make the varsity team. My goal in life as a little kid was to be a professional football player, and I took a shot at it and the first time it didn’t work, but once you get knocked down you got to get back up and keep walking.” Ward said he didn’t give up. Not even when a fellow coach told him, “you coach football when you can’t play any more.” “I felt like I was doing it backwards.” Ward said. “I guess opportunity knocks and everything happens for a reason.” Ward feels like he learned not to give up. “I know what being at the bottom feels like, and it doesn’t feel good. And I know what being at the top feels like but at the same time you got to find that happy medium,” Ward said. Ward found that happy medium coaching. And now he gets to live his dream. “Everything happened, for one, to open my eyes and see there is more to life than just football,” Ward said. “As being a football player most kids get the mind set that football is all that matters and that’s not the case. Education for me was most important because I took that very strong, and without my education I really would have been lost. I know I go out there and make an impact on a team but at the same time I know I can change a kid’s life by impacting them with positive influences, helping them achieve stuff that they never thought was possible for them and on the football side helping realize that they have great potential no matter if they’re slow, fast, tall, short, big or wide it don’t matter football is a game it’s a game of inches but there is no height limit or weight limit. It not like you’re trying to get on a ride at Six Flags it’s a game and you just go out there and play your best. Anything you want to do in life and you believe in it you can achieve in it, but if you doubt yourself you’ll never realize your true potential.”
feature| 12
Hail Caesar! Hail Caesar! Hail Caesar! Conspirators gather around Julius Caesar played by senior Cameron Sonsini before he is killed.
Senior Colby Thompson as Brutus takes the last stab at Julius Caesar played by senior Cameron Sonsini. Photos by Jaycee Walden.
Theater Students perform Julius Caesar with a post-apocalyptic setting instead of original Roman time period setting by emilycarroll It is a Wednesday afternoon. The theater is empty. The house lights dance around the room as cast members fill the aisles with flower petals. Caesar is coming! He’s coming! Caesar is coming!
2/13/15
It’s the second to last rehearsal before opening night. "None of us including J have ever done anything like this," senior Claire Apple said. Apple is talking about Rider Theater’s main stage presentation of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, post-apocalyptic style. Theater students say teacher Paul Jefferson decided to do this play in a post-apocalyptic time period because he wanted something that would be interesting and new. “Obviously Julius Caesar is an original, huge play to put on,” junior Emily Frerich said. “But just having that twist on it makes it more appealing to younger audiences.” Along with the post-apocalyptic twist, females played the parts that were originally cast for men. "We wanted to give women the chance to play these parts that were written for men, but play them as strong female parts," senior Cameron
Sonsini said. Senior Bonnie Lambert played the character of Cassius who persuaded the people to go through with the assassination of Caesar. Lambert believes that playing this part as a woman had a different feel to it but at the same time, was more interesting to see. "Not many women especially in Shakespeare's shows are put into that kind of position where they get to be powerful," Lambert said. Cast members rehearsed for Julius Caesar since the last week of October, and even performed a small part of the play for students during their English classes before opening night. To get a better understanding of their characters, the actors used different techniques of preparation. Senior Colby Thompson who played the part of Brutus said sitting around a table together interpreting lines into modern day English helped him gain a better understanding of the play. For Emily Frerich, researching interpretations of the play on-line helped her gain a better understanding. "My best friend during this show was Sparknotes, No Fear Shakespeare," Frerich said. As the play transitioned from the first act to the second, some actors also had to transition into
different characters. Senior Joey McGinn played a conspirator in the first act, then a soldier in the second act. "When the armor comes on, the sword comes on, the boots and the uniform come on, it sort of pieces [the character transition] together for me," McGinn said. Senior Cameron Sonsini who played the part of Julius Caesar says that in every play he learns something new. For this production, he says the lesson learned is that power has an effect on people. "The way you present yourself, the way you carry yourself, can really display your power and your authority," Sonsini said. "I had to work a lot on that because I have never played a character with that much authority and power." It is a Friday evening. The theater is now full. The house lights dance around the room as cast members fill the aisles with flower petals once again. Caesar is coming! He’s coming! Caesar is coming! Rehearsal has finally paid off for opening night.