Vo l u m e 5 3 , I s s u e 3 · D e c 1 2 , 2 0 1 4 · 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
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JROTC Executive Officer Austin Laughlin salutes the inspector at the JROTC inspection Dec. 9. The inspection is usually in April. Regardless of the early date the group met requirements with a satisfactory score. Photo by Cody Stiles.
Hardwiring Happiness
Student starts future early with Army National Guard Basic Training in Georgia by abbylove
Austin Laughlin runs through the woods with a 60 lb. bag on his back, all strapped in and secure, with more people in the same uniform running behind him. Everything is going as planned until something changes. A member of his platoon stumbles down a slanted path into the trees and grass after one backpack strap comes undone and all the weight of the bag shifts as it falls to one side. Austin and the other teammates yell over their shoulders to see if he’s okay. Austin is on a ruck march in the middle of Army Basic Combat Training. It’s funny when other platoon members endure this kind of fall, but for his team, not so much. That was last summer. Last summer spent in basic training after Laughlin joined the Army National Guard his junior year. For the whole story see page 8
People of the Issue
Cintia Vickery p.9
Christian Akridge p.7
Leigh McBride p.4
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staffeditorial Honor Our Troops
As a military city, it is more than our duty to respect our troops. This includes both those who live or work at Sheppard as well as our own JROTC program. For instance the Pledge of Allegiance is a form of respect that is built into our school day and participation is just a small token of our gratitude for those who fight for our freedom. Even though there are commercials that promote letting members of the military go first in line touting statements like “first in our community, first in line,” this event rarely takes place in town even though Sheppard Air Force Base brings so much to our community quite literally, as well as monetarily Also the JROTC program should gain more recognition for their hard work. This program teaches students how to be good citizens. We owe it to them to repay them with the same respect. During graduation Sergeant First Class Miller will ask students who have signed up to serve to stand for recognition. We need to show respect by standing up for them as a sign of appreciation. In addition holidays like Veteran’s Day or Memorial are celebrated for the threeday weekend they bring and little else. That needs to change. We should make statements like “first in our community” really mean something whether that is holding open a door, saying thank you, or letting active duty military go first in line.
co-editors in chief: emilycarroll & kierstenscott web designer: deweycooper feature editor: shannonpyle news editor: cortneywood news staff: abbylove, aleksastankovic, alyssamatthews, collinpartridge, courtneylee, kobielunsford, lanemaddox, madelinehill, maddiebox, mirandadarne, samanthaharbottle, stevengarcia, sydneymayo
letter from the editors The Future Of Finance
12/12/14
One of the key graphics in this issue is our piece on checking. Although it might be helpful, it captures what we are hoping to provide for readers. Here at the Rider Chronicle we feel that basic finance skills have been neglected in favor of college level classes. These classes, while providing college hours, disregard skills like knowing how to pay taxes, the pros and cons of college loans, and, for instance, how to write and cash checks, which are skills that are essential to every student regardless of major or SAT score. What is the purpose of graphing curves when you don’t know about claiming income or the importance of interest rates? In the future, let’s face it, knowing the ins and outs of a 401k might have more relevance than analyzing the context of a Shakespearian sonnet. We hope to provide some of that supplementary education in this edition.
• Emily Carroll and Kiersten Scott
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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: 235-1077 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
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One Family, One What?
Last Year. Alone.
by samanthaharbottle
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F
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enior year is supposed to
by stevengarcia
be exciting and something to look
Sitting in the belly of Rider High School for the past almost four years, there’s been a motto that’s been drilled in students’ minds: “One Family, One Team.”
forward to. You are nervous about prom and who is going
How can we as people spread this propaganda to the next generation of Raiders when this “family” often makes other “family” members feel so low about themselves, but when it comes to the people or the teams who grab the high school brass rings, they’ll praise them to the day they’ll die...until high school is over and those rings mean nothing? As I crawl these halls I see some students harassing others, tossing out homophobic slurs like there’s nothing wrong with that behavior. Of course, those students aren’t the only causes of the problem. I am also guilty. Recently, I watched a student trip down the stairs, and no one helped that person, including me. Instead of helping the person up, they just laughed. I didn’t laugh. I didn’t even bat an eye. I just watched. And that is just as bad. It’s totally sickening to see a great rally cry soiled. And I completely respect anyone that lives by One Family, One Team. Now we need to take a stand, we need to stop the lies and stop the pain. When someone chants “One Family,” scream, “One Team”. But think about what you are shouting; Are you just saying something, or are you living it?
senior activities that will make great memories for you to look back on in the future. There is just one thing wrong. My parents made me move to a completely different state to spend my senior year with people who talk funny and drive big trucks. Art by Georgia Dubose
I moved to Wichita Falls, Texas my senior year. Not only was I mad at my parents and upset that I had to leave all of my friends, but I was scared. Scared that the people at school wouldn’t like me, and they would think that I’m weird. Scared that I wouldn’t have any friends all year. I began to worry about all the minor things. The first day of school wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Everyone was in the same boat as me when it came to finding out who your teachers are. It was all the days following that really killed me. No one seemed to notice me, and the ones who did, looked at me like I was out of place and didn’t belong. I remember going home one day after school and crying to my mom. It was two weeks into the school year and I still knew no one. My mom just held me and told me to keep my head up and smile. Making friends was only half of the battle. I had to start thinking about college too, even though I was supposed to be thinking about college since freshman year. Finally, I made my first friend, but even then, I still felt alone. Maybe it was because that friend had no idea who I was, and I didn’t have a clue about who that person was. I felt like I was walking on eggshells. Over time I began to get more comfortable and I started to make more friends too. I found someone to eat lunch with and that turned into hanging out on Friday nights and sleepovers. This hasn’t been an easy thing for me to do, but I have slowly gotten more comfortable with the people around me, and I’ve made some great friends, in fact, they are some of the best friends that I’ve ever made. Leaving home was not easy for me, nor will it ever be, but it helped me become more independent. I now realize that I don’t need someone to make me happy. All you need is that one person who can lift you up anytime. I call her mom.
www.theriderchronicle.com
12/12/14
We need to join hands and stop the madness. Some random column may not be able to stop it right off the bat. But it’s a good place to start.
to ask you. You have all these
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The Next Step Seniors get accepted into their dream colleges early in the year because of efficient preparation during high school by maddiebox With the first semester of this year coming to a close, seniors are feeling the pressure to get all of their applications in. Although there are many seniors who do not know where they want to go to college, some seniors knew long before this year. Leigh McBride, for instance, started touring colleges her sophomore year. “OU was not even on my radar until I went to a football game,” McBride said. The huge stadium, the atmosphere of the student section, and the band were all what made Leigh fall in love, “By fall of my junior year, I knew that was the place I wanted to be.” From there, Leigh was able to get in touch with other future Sooner students. She attended a dinner in Dallas called OU day. She went to a hotel with other kids who had also been accepted into OU and got to meet other people that are going to be in her class. “I have networked with so many people so far, so I already feel really plugged in,” she said. “I have also gotten to meet upperclassman through the program. It is such a cool opportunity.” Bailey Gutierrez feels similarly. She toured multiple schools such as Baylor, Texas Tech, A&M, and UT. In the end, she decided on the latter. “I realized I am going to need a pretty city if I’m going to go to college,” Gutierrez said. “Plus, I look pretty good in burnt orange.” Touring schools with her best friends Devaki and Taylor helped her make her decision. “We all went and toured UT together and really liked it so we thought, ‘what if we all went here together?’, and we decided we liked it enough for that.”
Although Gutierrez has automatic acceptance into most colleges because of her grade point average, she said that UT is the only college she wants to go to, therefore it’s the only one she has applied to. So, what do students do if they are not as lucky as Leigh and Bailey to find their dream school early on? College and Career Counselor Julie Johnson says, “There are lots of ways to find the right school for you. College Board has a website called “Big Future” where you can type in any college you want and explore lots of different things about the college. Then it will direct you to that college website.” It is a common misconception that preparation for college begins senior year. According to College Readiness Counselor Carlos Rios, it all begins freshman year. Rios encourages freshmen to start thinking about what school they want to go to. From there, sophomore and junior year should be reserved for working to get into that dream school as if that student were going to be attending. “You don’t have to know what college you want to go to, because often seniors don’t even know where they want to go, but preparing for college starts the day you walk into high school,” Rios said. McBride and Gutierrez are prime examples of how working hard through all four years of high school can get you into the school of your dreams. Now that McBride has found the school for her, she has one piece of advice for those not at that point yet. “Definitely apply in the summer before you go to school and when you know a college,” she said. “Even if it seems impossible to get in, if it’s for you, go with your gut.”
If you’re a...
Freshman: Sophomore: Junior:
Senior:
➤ Keep your grades
➤ Apply to the Colleges you wish to go to ➤ Wait to hear back from your colleges ➤ Apply for scholar- ships
up
12/12/14
➤ Stay involved at your school
➤ Start thinking about ➤ Start looking for things that interest you colleges that have ➤ Start practicing the majors you’re interested in for the SAT/ACT ➤ Research and tour those schools ➤ Take the SAT/ACT
www.theriderchronicle.com
On Aug. 1, the first day OU applications came out, Leigh McBride sat down and applied. She said she was ecstatic to find out she was accepted. Top photo contributed by: Leigh McBride. Bailey Gutierrez toured UT with her best friends Devaki Radkar and Taylor Sons. They plan on going to UT in the fall and rooming together. Bottom photo submitted by: Bailey Gutierrez
“All your life you’ve been treated like special little snowflakes,” The Professor says as he locks both doors. “It is my job to tell you that you’re not special at all.” 80 hot sweaty kids, dressed in everything from midriffs to freshly pressed tuxedos listen attentively, hanging on the every word that the professor is saying.
high school student, AP, Regular, or Dual Credit. No matter how many AP classes you’ve taken, nothing ever really prepares you for college until it hits you right in the face. It’s no mercy.
Two students bang on the door and twist the handle, expecting mercy on the first day of class. The professor opens the door ever so slightly,
On my first day of college two years ago I was really nervous, and I had no idea what to expect. “My class had a 30 percent failing rate,” the teacher said as she boomed into the room, locked the door, and slapped syllabuses on each of our desks. “As soon as you miss four days of my class, I will drop you from the course myself.”
“1:00:52, you’re late, I expect that you’ll be able to hear my lecture from outside the door.” With that he slams the door. 80 baffled students, including myself, stare in awe, or maybe in horror, at what they’ve just got themselves into. Being an Access student at MSU is very different than being a
That’s when I really fell in love with college. I love the strict atmosphere, the diverse students, the seniors dying to get their last credits in, the freshmen just testing out the water, even the parents coming back to college to further their education.
“You are just average”
In this field you will write who the check is for. Make sure to use the appropriate name so that the person or business you are writing the check to can deposit or cash it.
Insert the date in this field. You can write it out pretty much however you want but you must include the month, date and year.
by alyssamatthews Most of all, though, I was amazed at how everyone wanted to be there, how everyone had a goal, and how everyone was respectful to one another. It’s funny how unappreciative students are of their education, FREE education at that. For me, each college class is $550, not including books which are extremely expensive. Unfortunately, while being an Access student I have “access” to everything except scholarships because I am still underage. But, of course the other perks are nice: free concerts, free athletic events, I get to use the wellness center, all on-campus computer rooms, food court, and I can even reserve individual and group study rooms. I even receive the same health benefits like a campus doctor and use of the psychology clinic.
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I’m A College Kid
I was always being treated like a special little snowflake, but those days are over, I’m a college kid now.
Here you write out the amount of the check in numbers. Since the dollar sign is already printed on the check you do not have to write another $. Make sure that you put a decimal place in the proper spot. If the check is over 3 digits you can use commas as well.
After we found that 75% of students have not written a check in a year and 36% would not feel comfortable writing a check we decided to show you how it’s done. For a Q&A on the subject see theriderchronicle.com.
Here you can write whatever you want for your own information if the bill you are paying doesn’t require something different.
www.theriderchronicle.com
This is where you sign the check. The check isn’t valid until you sign it so make sure you don’t forget this crucial part. Never sign a check until all other fields are filled in.
12/12/14
Here you write out the amount of the check in words. Write out the dollar amount in words and then use a fraction to represent cents. As a quick tip some people write a line through the rest of it. This field will be used to determine the value of the check if there is a difference between the number amount and the word amount.
YOU
crazy things that happened around the world by sydneymayo
Mid-Term Elections
As a result of the 2014 Mid-term election, Republicans hold the majority of seats in the House of Representatives with 214 seats. Democrats are 12 seats behind with 186 seats.
Michael Brown
Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen, was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 2014. Missouri governor, Jay Nixon, issued a state of emergency after eruptions of violent protests after the St. Louis County grand jury decided not to indict Officer Wilson.
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9
Things
SHOULD KNOW
Comet Landing
The European Space Agency has succesfully radioed results from a comet to Earth. Unfortunately, the Philae comet lander ran out of battery.
Mystery illness
As of Sept.18, 153 children in 18 states have been sent to the hospital due to Enterovirus 68, the “Mystery Disease”. Enterovirus 68 is a rare infection that can cause coughing, wheezing, and low blood oxygen levels.
Ebola
“Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by an infection with a strain of Ebola virus,” the Center for Disease Control said. The 2014 Ebola epidemic affects mostly West African Countries. “The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the U.S. is very low,” the CDC said.
Art by Natalie Ojeda
Boko Haram
Boko Haram, a Nigerian terrorist organization blamed in hundreds of deaths, has added mass abduction to its resume. The group kidnapped over 200 teenage girls from their boarding school. On Nov. 1, Boko Haram released a video in which they discussed the state of the girls. In the video, a Boko Haram spokesperson disclosed that the girls have converted to Islam and have been married off. “The girls were not going to be released,” he said.
Art by Natalie Ojeda
Mexico
43 Mexican students have gone missing. These student teachers disappeared on Sept. 6. 26 in a violent clash with police during a political protest. They were allegedly turned over to a gang by police and then executed.
Declared Dead? In Poland a 91 year old women, declared dead on Nov. 6, was sent to a funeral home. She woke up 11 hours later.
Art by Natalie Ojeda
12/12/14
www.theriderchronicle.com
Bill Cosby
Several women have come forward accusing the sitcom star of intimidation, abuse and rape. Cosby has remained silent throughout all of the accusations.
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Christian Leave
Student gains attention through social networking app by emilycarroll
Christian and his friends were walking to the Starbucks across the street from their hotel when a couple of girls stopped them. “Hey! Can we get a picture with you?” He thought they were talking to his friends because they were more popularly known on the Vine app. “No no no, you!” After a couple pictures, he started writing his signature for them, even on a couple of their foreheads. Freshman Christian Akridge, more commonly know on Vine as Christian Leave, has had the app for a while but started making his own vines only three months ago. He tagged a popular viner in his first post and that person saw, and re-vined it. After that, it received a response of 1,000 re-vines. With that a surprise career was born. “They all just responded really quickly and just blew up all at the same time.” Akridge said. Over a three-month period, he gained 100,000 followers and is rapidly gaining a bigger audience every day. Along with this attention, he has made many friends through this social network that are also very well known on the app. One of them is Jack Dail. “About two weeks ago, Jack Dail followed me on Vine and we became friends and started texting about stuff,” Akridge said. “He told me he was on this tour called Pressplay and said he could get me on it.” Over a two day period of talking with Jack Dail’s manager, Christian was set to head to Philadelphia for Pressplay. After getting off his plane ride, Christian met up with his Internet friends for the event. “I didn’t believe this whole thing was happening until I got off the plane, into the hotel, at 11:40 at night,” he said. Pressplay lasts 6 hours and goes from 10:30 a.m. to about 5 pm. Fans are able to do a meet and greet to hang out with the people they came to see 30 minutes before the show. Then, there is a 3 hour portion where the people of Pressplay will get up on stage and sing or talk to the fans. “[During the meet and greet], I didn’t think anyone was gonna know me cause I’m smaller and I didn’t know what to do.” Most of his friends already had lines of fans wanting to meet them and at the time, Christian only had about four people come to meet him. Then, Viner Cody Johns started talking to Christian and told him that he looked like he knew what he was doing even for his first meet and greet. “Five minutes later, I grew a line and it got bigger and bigger and I think I was one of the biggest lines there, it was crazy,” Akridge said. As for Christian’s parents, they are very supportive and proud of him. With more tour opportunities coming up, Christians says his parents have to think about all the money that is coming into play to make this possible. “My dad is at a business point of stance right now and he’s really excited about it and he’s just trying to get everything worked out,” Akridge said. Christian says that he is very thankful for all of his fans and loves them very much. Although, the attention gets overwhelming at times, Christian wants to make sure that he isn’t conceited about it and wants to stay humble. “It’s just crazy,” Christian said. “I’m so thankful for all of it and I’m just thanking God every single day.”
www.theriderchronicle.com
12/12/14
Top: Christian and friends entertain fans while singing a song at Pressplay event. Bottom: Christian and friends answer questions from fans at Pressplay event. Photos contributed by Christian Akridge
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Hardwiring Happiness Student starts future early with summer Army National Guard Basic Training in Georgia by abbylove Austin Laughlin runs through the “If I can do something woods with a 60 lb. bag on his back, all strapped in and secure, with more peobased upon my ple in the same uniform running behind skills and abilities, him. Everything is going as planned to give someone the until something changes. A member of his platoon stumbles down a slanted opportunity to be path into the trees and grass after one happy, I think that’s backpack strap comes undone and all the weight of the bag shifts as it falls to one of the one side. Austin and the other teambiggest things that not mates yell over their shoulders to see a lot of people can do.” if he’s okay. Austin is on a ruck march in the middle of Army Basic Combat Training. It’s funny when other platoon members endure this kind of fall, but for his team, not so much. That was last summer. Last summer spent in basic training after Laughlin joined the Army National Guard his junior year. Since Laughlin was a young boy he knew he wanted to be in the military; he felt like it would be a fulfilling job that would give him a sense of service and happiness. A job where he could help other people while still making a living. “I felt like it was something that was tough enough to always be challenging,” Laughlin said. Although Austin’s parents wanted him to go to college, he felt like he needed to do what was best for him. He decided to do both through the Split Training Option Program which is only available through the Army National Guard. The program will put him on the same level as everybody else in order to go to college once he graduates but having already completed the basic combat assignments most students who join the military do after high school. “I’ve always wanted to go active duty and be an active duty soldier,” Laughlin said. “I wanted to see what it took to become a real soldier because that’s the title you earn when you complete basic combat training.” After completing his junior year of high school, Austin shipped out to Army Basic Combat Training on June 9, 2014. “I really underestimated it,” Laughlin said. “I was nervous and afraid, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t.” Austin’s first week at basic training was called “Reception Battalion.” That’s when he received all of his equipment, took care of medical documents and had tests done so he could go through training. “It all starts with taking the ASVAB here. Then you have be approved at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station),” Laughlin said. “After that you go to basic training and they check you again.” After the first week, the drill sergeants took Austin to his company where he met his team and began to work and train with them for nine weeks. “After you get everything you need, they take you to your company,” Laughlin said. “So you start out at a different place than when you finish.” After those nine weeks, there was one week called “Recovery” which was meant for helping soldiers’ bodies and minds rest while they are also getting ready to go home. “Your body is pretty much not what it was when you showed up,” Laughlin said. “You also have to clean everything and turn it back in so you can leave.” The 10 weeks of being away in a new state with strangers is meant to strengthen a soldier’s ability to work as a team by forcing them to work as if they’ve known each other their whole lives. Laughlin said believing that God is in control is what helped him the most through all of the stress, struggle and hard work.
After senior Austin Laughlin graduated from basic training for the Army National Guard in Fort Benning, Georgia, last summer, he spent the day with his family. Laughlin said he learned more than how to be a soldier during basic training. He learned life lessons he hopes to share with others. Photo contributed by Austin Laughlin.
“The cool thing about it, if you believe this, is God never leaves you, so you don’t have to have a time when you’re quiet, or a time when you bend down and pray, you can talk to him in your mind and in your heart at any time,” Laughlin said. Laughlin said another thing that comes from being in a group with new people is learning how to be more patient and understanding, so that he knew how to focus on his team. “Do your best to be patient with people, especially if they don’t know what they’re doing; do your best to teach them and not get upset with them,” Laughlin said. “ I learned to not worry about myself and put my efforts into the team.” Austin believes that without the military and their efforts and teamwork, America would not be as great of a country as it is today. “Not a lot of people believe that; they think we’re just bullies who go out and pick on other people and take their stuff,” Laughlin said. “In every group of people there’s one bad person, and it’s not because they’re born bad it’s because they choose to do bad things.” Laughlin said people look at the bad things instead of the good and get so wrapped up in the bad that they put a title on the whole group. Laughlin got back to Wichita Falls the Saturday before the first day of his senior year, but spending his entire summer in basic training with people who will become life long friends was something that overall he said he enjoyed. “Everyone wants to be happy. That’s just hardwired in to everyone that’s lived ever,” Laughlin said. “And I, like other people, get happiness from seeing other people be happy, so if I can do something based upon my skills and abilities, to give someone the opportunity to be happy, they’re going to be super happy. I think that’s one of the biggest things that not a lot of people can do.” Austin sees being in the military as a way to help people and defend the freedom that he believes a lot of people take for granted. “People feel happy because they’re free. They have the freedom to do whatever they want to do with their lives,” Laughlin said. “If I can use my freedom to go off and do something they can’t so that they can have freedom, they’re gonna be super happy, and life’s too short to not feel happy.”
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Column
The Call That Changed My Life by cintiavickery
summer. Summer came, and I found myself in my room locked up from the outside world. My mother was worried. I was worried. I stopped hanging out with people, and I pushed all of my friends away. I felt more alone than I had ever been. For the first few weeks my summer consisted of nothing but work and home. Nothing but a fake smile during the day and a soaked pillow during the night. But who knew that I would receive a phone call that would change my life. “Hello Mrs. Vickery. This is Sergeant Webb with the Marines, could I ask you some questions… you seem to qualify to be part of the Marine Corps, could you come by my office so we can talk more about it?” I had thought about joining the military, but I had leaned more toward the Army since that’s what I was offered at Rider. Receiving a phone call from the Marines was an honor since I never thought I was good enough for it. I was really excited and I set a meeting right away. However, when I mentioned to my mom, she got angry and prohibited me from going talk to him. “You live in my house; you can only join the Air Force or maybe even the National Guard. Do you understand?” I understood, but she didn’t. I went to talk to him anyways; I needed to choose my own future. The recruiter asked me a few questions, and he was impressed with all of the things I had accomplished and all that I was involved in. I went to see him again, this time with my mother by my side. He told us about the NROTC scholarship, and he said I was competitive enough for it. HE saw potential in me when I had lost complete faith in myself. Since then, I have gained my confidence back and I aim to improve myself. My mother was expecting to change my mind but ended up changing her own. Even though she still prefers the Air Force, she supports me in my decision, and I know that she will do anything for me to succeed in life. Even though my biological mother is not in this Earth, I know in my heart that she is still proud of me. The Marine Corps has given me something I will never be able to repay: Confidence, Pride, and Happiness.
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May 27, 2014. As I woke up from a deep sleep, I felt a knot in my throat. I went to school, and I was unusually quiet. As I sat down in my classes, I felt out of place and uneasy. Something was not right, I just felt as if something bad was going to happen at any moment. And I was not ready for it. When I arrived home late that day, that negative feeling got stronger. “Cintia, can you come to my room. We need to talk.” That was my mother calling me. I was worried. I slowly walked in her room, not sure what to expect. But I knew it was not good. “I think it’s time for me to tell you this,” she said. Oh no, my mind was going crazy; could she just please tell me. “Your biological mother died three years ago, and I just recently found out and I was trying to find the right words to tell you. I’m sorry.” I could not hold back … slowly I felt tears dripping down. My throat hurt. So did my heart. I started to cry and could not control it anymore. I went to my room and cried. I was looking for a solution, finding someone to blame. But I was the only one left t blame. I was taken from my mother in 2004. In my whole life I had tried my best in everything, and I had achieved so much. All for her. Now she was gone, and everything I had done seemed to be in vain. Why was this happening to me? I went to school the next day; I wish I wouldn’t have. But I did not want to take my finals, so I put on a smile and pretended everything was okay. But that day I was not able to pretend, I was not able to hide. I had told my two best friends the day before, and now I had people looking at me with pity. Friends would come and hug me. Why couldn’t they leave me alone? Why couldn’t they pretend with me? I couldn’t hold back anymore. I cried and cried. I sat back in class, put my face in my hands and tried to make myself invisible. In soccer, a friend came to tell me that she was sorry and that everything was going to be okay. Well, she was wrong. I knew things would never be the same. And I end up lashing out at her. “Will you just leave me alone? I do not need your pity or anyone else’s.” I walked away without another word. Bright side, I had just one more week ‘til
Senior Cintia Vickery with Staff Sergeant Garcia, her Marine Recruiter. Vickery plans on joining the Marines and participating the their ROTC program. Photo by Cody Stiles.
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MS.OLIVER New Chemistry Teacher Ready to ‘React’ Chemist fills position after experience in chemistry field by aleksastankovic
From working in the pharmaceutical company as a chemist and being the teacher’s assistant for three years, Joy-Anne Oliver came to be Rider’s new chemistry and IPC teacher. “This is a big challenge and experience,” said Oliver. “But I was not afraid of becoming a teacher.” Oliver came to the USA in 2008 when she was accepted by Midwestern State University. Before that, she gathered an associate degree in sciences in her home country, Antigua and Barbuda. “I now also have a bachelors degree in Chemistry with the minor in Math and Biology,” said Oliver. She thinks that her teaching style is traditional and would like to have informative and fair classes where students will learn as much as they can. “I believe in a respect between students and teachers,” said Oliver. “I would also like to be a big support to my students and help them find out what they really like.” In her future, she wants to have a positive impact as a teacher on her student’s lives, but she also has one great goal that wants to achieve during her lifetime-to travel the world. “I’ve already visited Caribbean Islands and some countries in Europe, like England,” said Oliver. “In my “travel the world” journey China is the next station.” Cori Davis
Family Consumer Service College: Midwestern State University Degrees: Bachelor of Criminal Justice Primary School: Cunningham Elementary Secondary Schools: McNiel Junior High and Rider High School Student Connection: Has 2 teenagers and knows how to deal with them Best Moment: The first pep rally Other Jobs: Houston Elementary and Scotland Park Elementary Hobbies: Knitting to some extent, and shopping
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Heather Harvey
Choir Assistant College: Penn State and Midwestern State University Degrees: Bachelor of Music Education, Masters of Kódaly Primary school: Armagh Elementary in Milroy, PA Class Enjoyment: “I love the students.” Hobbies: Reading, scrapbook, Big Bang Theory Anything Else: Performed in 7 different countries, professional cheerleader/dancer for 2 years
Chemistry and IPC teacher Joy-Anne Oliver in her new classroom. Oliver started at Rider during the second six weeks. Photo by Tamarion Davis.
Stephen Davis Ag College: Tarleton State University College Major: Major agricultural services Degrees: Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education Development Secondary School: Arlington High School Class Enjoyment: “I love my classes.” Best Moment: Taking students on trips across the state Other Jobs: Teaching at Burleson and Comanche High Schools, Real Estate Agent.\ Hobbies: Ranching, hunting, and kids
McKane Rogers
English and Coach Colleges: Tabor College and Midwestern State University Degrees: Bachelors in Physical Education and Masters in Exercise Physiology Secondary School: Glenpool, OK Best Moment: Winning our second round playoff game. Other Jobs: Graduate Assistant at Midwestern State University and Sul Ross State University. Worked in retail and oilfield. Hobbies: Sports, exercise, reading, hiking.
Other New Teachers: Ross Dillard and Lindsay Harris
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Reid Graves
Sports Medicine College: Midwestern State University College Major: Athletic Training Primary School: Industrial ISD in Vanderbilt, TX Secondary School: Iowa Park ISD Best Moment: A special ed student raised there hand and answered a question that had stumped the rest of the class. They got the biggest smile when they got it right Other Jobs: Youth pastor Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and carpentry
Eric Ward
Special Ed and Coach College: Texas Tech Degrees: Masters of Education in Special Ed and Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family studies Secondary School: Rider High School Student Connection: “My students and I have a great level of respect, trust, and reliability for each other.” Class Fun: Basketball and pizza parties Hobbies: Madden 25, football, basketball Anything Else: Primary goal is to become a professional athlete
Sidebars compiled by: kobielunsford
by collinpartridge
Academics
Do you have a desire to advance yourself academically and have Photo By: Collin Partridge fun at the same time? If so there are classes, and clubs that provide exactly that. If you wish to challenge yourself and compete against other schools, then UIL Academics is just the class for you. This class consists of an optional zero-hour study hall, with the occasional competition.“Most students in UIl Academics would agree that it stretches the student mind further than it would be in the classroom,” UIL Academics Director Mrs. Preston said. Perhaps the stress of pitting yourself against other schools is not quite to your liking and you would prefer a more laid back environment, if so organizations such as the Biology Club give students the opportunity to learn and do it in a friendly environment as well. “We hope to achieve the educational advancement in the field of biology,” President Kierston Scott said. “We are trying to encourage students to be Photo By: Amy Nguyen involved in biology after they graduate.”
Career
If you are skilled with your hands or have a desire to become skilled with your hands then Carrigan provides just what you need. With options Photo By: Angel Quevy such as Construction, Auto Collision, Electronics, Welding and Cosmetology, Carrigan provides a wide variety of opportunities to provide you with the education you desire. Career and college counselor Mrs. Johnson says Carrigan allows students to excel both “in and out of high school.” Junior Juan Candia, along with several other students attending classes at the trade center, uses Carrigan as a back up to have a trade to fall back upon. “It gives me an extra skill that can be used if I don’t have the money to go to college,” Candia said. Photo By: Regan Bennett
Performance
Sports Sports offers not only the physical challenge of competing against others, but it is capable of teaching valuable life lessons that can be applied both in and out of school. “I think that sports teaches a lot of things that will help students and student athletes succeed,” Campus Athletic Coordinator Coach Bindel said. “It teaches discipline, teamwork, being unselfish and having to learn to manage time.” If you would rather compete individually then Photo By: Angel Quevy sports such as Golf, Tennis, Track and Powerlifting allow you Photo By: Jaycee Walden to compete as an individual while still representing the school. Powerlifter Jamie Herrell has applied the traits she has learned as a powerlifter not only in the gym, but in the classroom as well. “I think that powerlifting teaches me to do my best and push myself to be the best,” Herrell said. “I’ve learned how to set goals not only in the gym and to take that to the classroom as well.”
Photo By: Angel Quevy
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Are you talented and wish to exhibit your skills in front of an audience? Electives such as Dance, Drama Club/Theatre, Band, Orchestra, Choir or Guitar all give you opportunities to exhibit your skills in front of a crowd. Theatre is an excellent opportunity for someone to get involved in his/ her school with three performances per year. “Other than music, theatre is the only Photo By: TaMarion Davis way to express yourself,” senior Steven Garcia said. “I would suggest that everyone joins theatre for at least one year.” If music is your forte, with a large option of music programs, you can choose exactly what you type of shows you perform. If you are new to music but wish to learn, Guitar one will teach you all you need to know and by the end of the year you will achieve a basic comprehension of music and guitar. “There are a number of factors that makes guitar valuable to students,” Guitar Director Mr. Canafax said. “Discipline is necessary in order to master the guitar and is applicable to many other aspects of life. Problem solving is also an essential component taught that is necessary in most subject matters.”
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d e v l o v Get In
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Round-Up Gets Back to Tradition by mirandadarne Ryan Wegmann and Samantha Griego, the new Mr. and Miss Raider, wear their bandannas and cowboy hats to the Round -Up dance and pep rally. Ryan Wegmann and Georgia DuBose finish their two step dance strong with a fun lift.
Nominees Gage Grace and Ruby Gray before the nominee announcement.
Nominees Christine Chambers and Brayden Burgess.
Austin Laughlin and Sara Sorge partner up for the Round-Up pep rally. Students don their best country wear for the Round-Up dance.
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Samantha Griego and Cody Stiles twirl across the gym floor for their Round-Up two step dance. (From left to right) Macy Miller, Colby Thompson, Christian Casto, Joey McGinn and Garrett Gregg host the Senior Skit.
For more on Mr. and Miss Raider, go online to theriderchronicle.com www.theriderchronicle.com
ads | 13
If you did not get a form in the mail at home, you can get it on Mrs. Lee’s faculty page of the Rider website OR you can order a senior ad online at yearbooksforever.com.
Your
Memories
Now
www.yearbooksforever.com or room 247 $85
12/12/14
sports|14
photo by Amber Martin
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In 1999, Debby Thornhill set records for Rider the year Mendez was born, and now, Mendez has broken two records this season the mile at 5.19, and the 32 hundred at 11.22. “I think it is kind of cool, because I had no idea I could go this far,” Mendez said. “It’s just so weird that it has been so long since then.”
After the first meet of the season, Trisha Nicholas hugs sophomore Sarah Tempelmeyer in support. “Shes really supportive and encouraging,” Tempelmeyer said. “She’s a part of the heat of the team. She keeps us going even at 6 in the morning when it’s cold at practice. photo by Amber Martin
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Student’s Relationships Urge Her Onward Mendez earns trip to state by cortneywood “Riley Anderson and Caitlin Pawloski told me that I should try cross country and track, and I was like ‘What’s cross country? What is that?’ I thought it was going to be a side thing, but it turned out that I loved it. They were the ones that got me started. And then I grew to like it more, it became my sport.” Nov. 8 that sport took sophomore Taylor Mendez to State. “State was pretty big, very chaotic,” she said. “Tiny spaces, lots of people, it was so fun to compete with the runners because they are the best of the best.” But to Mendez, her team was the best, because on her way to State, Mendez had to compete in regionals and there her team proved their support for her. “I asked the team to each write a little note to Taylor, so that on the day of regionals, I could give it to her,” sophomore and teammate Trisha Nicholas said. “Since the entire team couldn’t be there, we thought we could be there with her in note form.” The sweet gestures encouraged her to do better, Mendez said. “We did it because she didn’t qualify for regions last year, but she was really, really close, so it was a really big moment for her,” Nicholas said. Mendez said that her family also plays a major role in her support system. “Usually my mom will come to my meets, and my dad will stay home with my little sister, or vice versa,” she said. “But they both came with me to State and they had to leave at 4 in the morning to get there on time. My family had this big group message with all of my family, and my phone was blowing up.” And with her “bridesmaid” Nicholas by her said, Mendez took on State while “trying to ignore the nerves.” “I was trying not to stress about the race while warming up,” Mendez said. “Whenever he shot the gun, that was when it was real. I felt like everything before that had been a dream up until then.” But once that noise from the gun rang out, the cries from the stands and shouts from coaches sounded just as loud, Mendez said. “It’s fun because the chatter and sounds get you hyped up,” she said. And Mendez said while the sport is “easy as in that it is just left, right, left, right,” it is mainly mental and requires focus. “It’s hard because you constantly have to tell yourself to keep going,” she said. “You have to push yourself a little harder every day, and sometimes you think that you want to quit like when the gun goes off and you sprint forward, but then you remember all your work and just go.” The times that Mendez wants to give up are the times that Nicholas pulls her back. “Her face gives it away when she gets towards the end and she looks tired, but I tell her to keep going because the finish line is right there,” Nicholas said. “You can’t give up after all that work. All your hard work has lead up to this moment and you can’t give it up. Give it your all.” To Nicholas, Mendez’s accomplishments have just begun. “She is one of the hardest working people on the team,” Nicholas said. “She broke two track records her freshman year, imagine what she will do the next two, three years to come.”
“I grew to like it more; it became my sport.”
Players work hard to receive higher rank by kierstenscott
“We can’t all just go out there and think that we doing this for us,” Nicole said. “We have to do it for the whole team as a unit.”
by shannonpyle
Junior wide receiver TJ Vasher doesn’t notice the 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter as he runs to the end zone. Rider is down three points and their standing in playoffs depends on this one play. Turning around, Vasher keeps his eye on the ball as it flies 30 yards through the air. 6... 5... 4... 3... The ball fits snugly into his arms and the crowd erupts in cheers and screams. After the season ended at the third round of playoffs, this year’s varsity football team says they consider the year successful. “Nobody thought we would even make playoffs, so to go three rounds deep was fun and awesome,” head coach Marc Bindel said. Along with the success of playoffs, the team worked hard with each other and made Bindel proud, he said. “We’re definitely proud of the seniors. They did a great job of leading the team,” Bindel said. “Based on the seniors’ leadership, we were able to get the team into the playoffs and have a really good run.” Highlights throughout the year stick out to the team. “We represented Rider every time we stepped on the field,” senior Ryan Wegmann said. “We have worked hard for everything we accomplished and we all have each others back, we are a big family,” Vasher said The team and the coach hold a high regard for each other, they say. “They have a lot of heart and determination,” Bindel said. “Obviously they’re talented and they work hard, they never gave up, and I think that quality will help them in life.” Wegmann mirrors Bindel’s comment with one of his own. “Marc Bindel is the best coach in Texas,” Varsity boys execute a play. TJ Vasher and others holding up the trophy after winning a playoff game. The boys run onto the Wegmann said. “Rider is lucky to have him and field at the beginning of a game. Photos by: Angel Quevy his staff.”
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Mercedes Brooks would rather be ranked higher. She thinks that everyone on the Lady Raiders basketball team is motivated also. They just won’t settle for 10th in Texas. For Mercedes this comes with mastering skills like going-left. “Dribbling with my left hand is my weakness in basketball,” Mercedes said. “The other teams watch film on us. They know I always go right handed so they usually play my right hand so I can’t go right handed. Almost every district game I have to go left so that’s what I’m working on.” For Ashley Reid improving rank means finishing-at-the-rim, or making a shot even when there is contact. She practices the skill with her dad who will try to hold her hand or push her with a small foam bumper like a coach at football practice. “We really want to win state, but this [the ranking] is a major mark. It means a lot because a lot of our girls are young,” Ashley said. “To be ranked 10th is a really good for us.” Practice goes beyond the mandatory eight-period and after school for both players and parents like Mercedes’ mom who has become like a “second coach” and helps the team with handling and shooting in her spare time. Or Ashley’s dad who helps her practice and prepare mentally for games. “He talks to me about getting to know the court and stuff and knowing where everyone is,”Ashley said. “Basketball is like his specialty. He sends videos out to colleges for me, and he helps me with everything.” Ashley said basketball has been the sport they have shared since she lived in Austin in second grade when she could dribble a miniature basketball. “I’ve played basketball ever since I was a little girl, but mostly I play basketball for my dad,” Ashley said. Her teammate Nicole Linn said that to grow the team must work together and have the same goals while on the court. “We can’t all just go out there and think that we doing this for us,” Nicole said. “We have to do it for the whole team as a unit.” This improvement will be tested quickly since the Lady Raiders have been pitted against other ranked teams early in their schedule. Still with a record of 8-2 and holding at 10th they are ready for the competition. “I think it’s pretty cool,” Nicole said. “I think it intimidates other people so they are kind of scared of us. It’s just fun getting to play against teams because them being intimidated just gives us a lot of confidence.”
Football Season Finished After Playoff Run
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Varsity Girls’ Basketball Ranked10th
www.theriderchronicle.com
entertainment| 16
IMDb Top 250
The website IMDb has a list of 250 of the best movies of all time, here is my list of my top 5 favorites by category by kierstenscott
History The King’s Speech
#209 IMDb Listing Year of Release: 2010
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The King’s Speech is one of those movies that is unbelievably genuine, so much so that you might want to check to see if really belongs to the history category. This movie takes you from hatred to passionate adoration and respect for the British monarchy. Colin Firth, the future king, is so relatable in his portrayal that he displays the crippling faults in all of us so that by the credits you feel like you are saying goodbye to your friend, the King of England. Geoffrey Rush equally punctuates the movie with moments both hilarious and the heartbreaking. With Firth as King not even the threat of war can break the spirit of this film.
Adventure The Lord Of The Rings #9,11,17 IMDb Listings Years of Release: 2001,2002,2003
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Children’s The Lion King #55 IMDb Listing
Year of Release: 1994
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The Lion King is my pick for best children’s movie of all time for the simple reason that it is the culmination of all children’s subcategories. It is a movie with Kings, Queens and revenge; a movie with animals, friendship and conflict. This movie captures life lessons with memorable quotes like “Hakuna Matata” and “look beyond what you see.” In my opinion The Lion King is an improvement upon Hamlet, the play upon which it is supposedly based. This movie is a lesson on loss and learning to love again wrapped up into an animated musical. There is a reason I can still sing almost all of the songs verbatim, and that is why The Lion King tops this category.
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Drama The Shawshank Redemption #1 IMDb Listing
Year of Release: 1994
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Shawshank Redemption is not only the most heartfelt drama I have ever seen, it also has the best plot twist. This movie follows Andy Dufresne who is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and then sent to prison. Although he meets allies like Red, played by Morgan Freeman, he struggles to survive. He witnesses the corruption of the prison system, he is victimized, but he is never broken. This is a movie that you watch even when it is filled with unending commercial breaks while watching TV after 1 a.m. on a school trip. Although this film lost the best picture award to Forest Gump, Shawshank Redemption is my pick for best drama.
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The Lord of the Rings rules over the adventure category. The third in the series, The Return of the King is the reigning champion in longest movie listed, running over three hours. The series is based on the Lord of the Rings book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, which he originally intended to release as one book. These tales follow Frodo Baggins’ epic race to save Middle Earth. After watching this series there is really no comparison. From the incredible battle scenes to the subtle and powerful attention to detail this series is unmatched. This is a series that is unforgettable and honestly makes others in this category almost disappointing.
Foreign Amelie
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#1 IMDb Listing
Year of Release: 2001
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Amelie is probably the least known leader; representing foreign films it is not for the faint hearted. Amelie the title character lives a misfortunate life yet decides to risk her sheltered existence for the sake of others. This simple act of kindness inspires her new mission to solve mysteries and change Paris for the better. This movie is narrated in French and plays like a grown-up fable. This juxtaposes the profane adult with the innocent adventures of a girl looking for love and courage in a city that is anything but.
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