Ths oct 30 2013 by THS Student Media

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tigertimes

volume 53 no. 2 • oct. 31, 2013

texas high school • 4001 summerhill rd • texarkana, tx 75503 • www.tigertimesonline.com

gross worthless pig stupid smelly trash tramp weak fat brat sleazy scum so ugly hless loser eorthless cum bimbo fake idiot re gross garbage pig tramp slob azy h elpless scum stupid idiot slut trash e whore at selfish um whore scum hless weak fat gross ot scum diot dumb gross scum eak bimbo um mp slut gross bimbo um fat idiot worthless whore dumb scum fat scum um weak weak bimbo gross fat idiot bimbo idiot i diot bimbo scum diot sleazy gross fat scum dumb whore worthless gross bimbo gross gross worthless gross fat scum scum idiot scum worthless bimbo gross fat worthless scum gross scum sleazy whore bimbo worthless gross sleazy eazy fake fat whore fat gross scum sleazy brat weak fat tat whore gross fat worthless fat scum idiot sleazy scu fat bimbo whore idiot whore scum whore scum fat pig stupid bimbo bimb whore bimbo fat fat gross scum whore whore gross fake trash fat idiot sleazy fat whore scum gross worthless brat cum whore whore s fat fat worthless fat idiot scum whore idio whore scum dum whore idiot fat pig stupid fat bimbo bimbo whore idiot fat whore ot whore scum whore scum whore scum idiot sleazy weak fat trash stupid diot scum idiot fake scum whore idiot fat sleazy scum scum whore sleazy tramp bimbo weak weak scum idiot brat um fat fat S idiot scum whore tramp scum mp idiot weak fat whore idiot dumb gross ugly scum scum whore scum gross whore scum idiot cum tramp whore fat pig stupid bimbo bimbo worthless scum weak whore whore um whore scum whore idiot fat weak stupid scum idiot selfish scum scum trash fat sleazy tramp scum scum idiot fat weak scum whore fat weak whore garbage bimbo tra weak scum scum whore idiot scum selfi scum scum fat tramp weak scum worthless scum scum whore scum whore idiot fat whore weak diot sleazy bimbo ugly idiot idiot dumb tramp scum scum worthless worthless idiot idiot dumb whore fat weak idiot scum whore scum scum fat selfish idiot idiot stupid worthless idiot scum whore idiot idiot sleazy fat weak scum whore garbage bimbo trash scum idiot whore weak selfish scum scum worthless fat weak fat idiot tramp scum weak bimbo scum idiot whore ugly worthless scum idiot idiot tramp scum fat scum whore whore worthless idiot scum scum selfish scum scum whore fat weak whore garbage bimbo scum trash selfish idiot fat weak idiot idiot bimbo idiot worthless scum idiot idiot weak scum idiot worthless tramp scum whore scum scum fat weak he gazed over lovingly. He was hers. She was his. They were going to Chili’s; it was a surprise date. It was cute, really. She loved it. He touched her hair. Played with it. She liked it. But with the clench of a fist and the pull of her hair, she went down. Slammed into the dashboard of his car, she cried.

idiot worthless

continued on page 12 photo illustration by Sydney Steed

When love hurts.

what’s happenin’

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

what’s inside

BLAZE The bonfire has been scheduled for Nov. 14 before a playoff game. Seniors will need to meet after school Nov. 11-13 in order to build the bonfire. “The seniors are gathering to build the bonfire the whole first part of the week. We are incredibly excited and glad that this year is our year to build the bonfire and to share these memories with each other.” senior Marissa Johnston said. “It is also the playoff pep rally, so we are hoping that this will unify the school and get them ready for the game.” /file photo

this issue

3NEWS 4

Color Run in memory of CASA worker

“[Amanda] was constantly going above and beyond what was expected of her with a beautiful smile on her face. She is fondly remembered by the many children that she helped and families that she befriended.” -Stephanie Fussell, mother

6OPINION 7

Teen describes life with alcoholic father

“I believe [my dad] is changing his life. I hope he has seen how much alcohol has impacted his life and ours. I hope he’ll finally be the dad that I can count on.” -Jessica Emerson, 10

9FEATURE 15

Friends, family remember Maggie

“I think that if we are to learn anything from her life, it’s a lesson in vulnerability. Maggie was the strongest person I’ve ever met, and it’s all because she was vulnerable, unafraid to put herself out there, tell her story, and befriend people very different from herself.” -Ellen Orr, 2012 graduate

17SPORTS 17

Tennis ends on a good note

“I think it was a really good season. We were very strong on the boys side, and the girls were young but still played really well. I’m glad that we were this strong my senior year.” -Braden May, 12

20 ENTERTAINMENT 20

Must-do things for Halloween

Check out these 7 things to make your Halloween more fun.

Get ready for football PLAYOFFS THURSDAY, NOV. 14 The annual bonfire pep rally has been rescheduled for a playoff game. Seniors will work after school to build the bonfire Nov. 11-13. “The seniors build the bonfire and juniors are in charge of the extra stuff,” Student Council sponsor Susan Waldrep said. “Junior and senior officers coordinate the pep-rally.” SCHOOL IS OUT

THS ROSEBUD BAKE SALE

FRIDAY

NOV. 22

Because of the teacher in-service day, school will be out on Friday. Take the day to sleep in and rest from Halloween’s sugar-rushed night. ‘I’m taking my little sister trick or treating,” sophomore Alex Heo said. “She thinks it’s really fun and loves getting candy.”

Rosebuds will be hosting their annual bake sale Nov. 22 before school in the teachers’ lounge. A variety of baked goods will be for sale. “All Rosebuds are responsible for making one baked good and we will sell it in the teachers lounge,” senior Lindsey Gore said. “The money goes towards service projects.”

SUPERHERO DAY NOV. 6 Cape. Check. Mask. Check. Super powers. Check. It’s time to suit up and save the school during this spirit day. “I’ll be Green Arrow because he has a dark side,” senior Austin Sewell said. “And he does whatever he can to save people.”

SENIOR NIGHT

MAKE-UP HOURS

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS, 4:30-6:30PM. The state of Texas requires all students to attend school 90 percent of the time. If you miss more than 10 percent of your class time, you could lose your chance to get a VOE (a document needed to get your driver’s license), not get a credit for some, or maybe all, of your current courses. Students who have already missed too many classes may do make-up hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in government teacher John Littmann’s room, Room 46. “Keeping track of your make-up hours can help you avoid heartache in the future,” Littmann said. “If you have remaining hours to make up at the end of the semester, you can lose credit for classes you have been taking, as well as be denied the verification of attendance document you need to get a driver’s license in the state of Texas. So, get’er done. ”

“THE MUSIC MAN” NOV. 21-24 The Tiger Theatre Company will be putting on a show about a conman who poses as a boys’ band organizer and sells instruments to naive Iowa folks, but while doing so, he falls in love with the piano teacher. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 21-23 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. “This is one of my dream roles,” senior Taylor Coleman said. “People are gonna love it; it’s very witty and charming.”

NOV. 8 Seniors who participate in Friday night football activities will be honored during a pre-game ceremony at 7 p.m. Nov. 8. Senior Night Entry Forms are due to student council sponsor Susan Waldrep in Room 23 on Thursday. “Senior night is a night you want to remember,” senior Cody Hunter said. “It’s the night we look back on all our past high school memories.”

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEETING NOV. 12 Members of National Honor Society will meet Nov. 12 at ? p.m. in the Dans Haskins Center. “We finalize our annual bear hunt,” sponsor Linda Teeters said. “ We deliver more than 500 stuffed animals to Texarkana Baptist Orphanage, Salvation Army, the Battered Women’s Shelter and to local police departments.” Any students or faculty who would like to donate new or slightly-used stuffed animals can contact Teeters in Room 228.

GETTING READY “We’ve had a lot less time to prepare for this musical. We normally perform the musical in the spring, but we had to squeeze both in the fall,” junior Amanda Hackleman said. “It’s really hectic and a lot of work. We all just hope it will be awesome.”photo by Savannah Prichard

news

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

Splatter, Event memorializes former CASA worker

Dodge, & Run

BY MADELINE HUNLEY news editor

er devotion to the many organizations of Texarkana continues to inspire others on a daily basis. Her kind heart and thoughtfulness made her an admired person by many people. Her legacy continues to this day. Amanda Woodman was a tireless worker with a passion to help undeserved children through Court Appointed Special Advocates. Because of her devotion to CASA, a 5K event will be held in her memory, who died in March 2011. The Amanda Fussell Woodman CASA Colorful 5K will be Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church. “She was constantly going above and beyond what was expected of her with a beautiful smile on her face,” her mother Stephanie Fussell said. “She is fondly remembered by the many children that she helped and families that she befriended.” This type of event is a first for Amanda Woodman the Texarkana area. “The idea of the color run happened serendipitously,” Fussell said. “I had just finished the Run the Line half marathon and was visiting with some young runners. I mentioned that CASA was thinking about having a 5K, but we wanted to come up with a different angle.” A Colorful 5K is a 3.1 mile fitness running/walking event on a cross country trail. The race begins with each participant releasing

a bag of color into the air, creating a burst of color. Stations throughout the race shower participants who are wearing white T-shirts with brightly colored powder. After attending a similar event in Shreveport, Fussell knew this was the perfect event to host in Amanda’s memory. “I decided that color was just the thing to spark a new interest,” Fussell said. “[The Shreveport race] began with a burst of rainbow color, and off we went. As we progressed, we passed color stations where music was playing and powder was rained upon us. We knew this was a must do.” While working for CASA, Amanda trained volunteers, worked as an advocate to children and organized fundraisers. “She felt deeply for the CASA mission to serve the children who can’t speak for themselves,” Fussell said. “Her life was very purposeful and meaningful. Amanda served her community with a kind heart and God’s grace.” Other activities will include face painting, bounce houses, a photo booth and lots of food. Registration is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Participants may register online at www.casatexarkana.org. “It is my hope that our colorful 5K race will be one that everyone enjoys,” Fussell said. “We will be there to celebrate saved lives in a fun, family atmosphere. The rainbow of colors promises us that the world can be a better place.”

“[Amanda] felt deeply for the CASA mission to serve the children who can’t speak for themselves. Her life was very purposeful and meaningful. Amanda served her community with a kind heart and God’s grace.” -Stephanie Fussell

QUICK FACTS:

Saturday, 7:30 a.m. Trinity Baptist Church Benefiting: CASA Texarkana Activities include face painting, bounce houses, a photo booth and lots of food. Registration is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Participants may register online at www. casatexarkana.org.

Dual credit classes may see change in grading breakdown BY JB WELLS staff writer Students planning to take dual credit classes next year may be in for a surprise. Texarkana College and dual credit high school teachers met earlier this month to discuss a change in the current grading scale. “The college really wants us to change to a more college-like grading scale,” said Michelle Johnson, dual credit English Composition teacher. “But as of now, nothing has been decided.” Currently, the high school grading structure is 50 percent tests and 50 percent daily work. The college’s grading scale weights tests, midterms and finals heavier. Some high school teachers are in favor

of the switch proposed by the college because it would make their classes more college-like. Others, though, feel as though their class is fine the way it is. As of now, some dual credit teachers keep two grade books––one for the college and one for the high school. While this method has worked in the past, officials are seeking ways to make the high school and college grades consistent. “I do not think that the current 50/50 scale makes my class as challenging as a college English course,” Johnson said. “If a student neglects to turn in one essay, they will still be able to pass. If this were a true college class, this would not be the case.” The concern from most dual credit teachers is preparing the students for college, and most believe that by using

a 50/50 grading scale, they cannot successfully represent a college class. “I see the 50/50 scale as a crutch,” DC history teacher Danny Williams said. The change may result in a higher rate of failures in dual credit classes. “The chance exists for a higher rate of failure if people are not committed to the college state of mind,” dual credit government teacher John Littmann said. “Because the change to the grading scale switches students to a more test-centered style of grading, we will most likely see a higher rate of failure in our DC classes.” Mark Schroeder, director of college and career readiness, said this change is imperative in order to better prepare students for college-level classes they would take after high school.

“Schools must continue promoting efforts in raising the bar for our students as competition for admissions is increasing and the expectations at the collegiate level are far more extreme than what high schools allow,” Schroeder said. He also said that in order to be consistent with classes at the college, more emphasis should be placed on assessments. “Students must focus on the assessments in any given course, as that is what the greatest weight college and universities will give in evaluating student performance,” Schroeder said. “If we continue watering down the grade with daily work assignments, students will not be prepared for those courses that offer a limited number of grades in a semester college level course.”

news

New clubs offer opportunities to get involved

PUT A RING ON IT

Texas Teacher of the Year commemorated with ring BY SYDNEY SCHOEN co-editor in chief

t shines. The silver glows––an intended compliment to the inset stone. You admire it. Because it represents your school. Because it’s yours. But she never got one. It required a lot of money. The type of money she didn’t have. But she’s getting one. For her new high school. It’s hers. *** Monica Washington, AP and enriched English III teacher, was named Texas Teacher of the Year on Oct. 4 at an awards ceremony in Austin. After updating her speech, essays and obtaining letters of recommendations, Washington will be notified in January if she qualifies as one of four finalists for nationals in either Scottsdale, Ariz., or Dallas. Following her announcement as Texas Teacher of the Year, Washington was met with an outpouring of congratulations. There was a Purple Out Day held in her honor; she received a Texarkana lapel pin from the mayor; she was the honorary captain of the Texas vs. Sulphur Springs football game; and superintendent Paul

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

PURPLE DAY In addition to wearing purple in honor of Monica Washington winning state teacher of the year, fellow English teacher Britny Crowell gives Washington a cake./savannah pritchard

Norton commissioned a Texas Teacher of the Year ring to be made for her by Balfour employee John Barbe. “I am getting my very own Texas Teacher of the Year class ring,” Washington said. “I never received my high school class ring. I didn’t get a class ring because we couldn’t afford it. I didn’t even go on the senior trip. This one will be so special.” Sitting through the ceremony silently until her name was called, Washington’s reaction was one of overwhelming joy. “I will be honest, and say that a couple of mornings during the month of waiting, I cried a little bit on the way to school. I had sacrificed so much time and energy,” Washington said. “As I was giving my acceptance speech, my phone was on the table ringing (silently), and it was [senior] Aimee Tran. She had found out somehow. She left a voicemail, and it was a big group of my last year students screaming, ‘Con-

gratulations.’ I still haven’t deleted it.” Due to Washington’s new title, she is expected to fulfill many responsibilities. “As State Teacher of the Year, I am a traveling ambassador,” Washington said. “I represent and speak for all 330,000 of the awesome teachers in this state. I have about four to six national trips, including a black tie affair at the White House that I am really excited about. I will set my own schedule of speaking engagements throughout 2014.” Despite the honor, Washington continues to recognize the little things as being notable. “I guess the memorable and touching moments for me are those in which I get to laugh with my students and make a fool of myself by prancing around the room to make a point,” Washington said. “I love it when I can see my students go on to do awesome things.”

BY HANNAH WILLIAMS staff writer There are a couple of new clubs on campus–HOSA and Interact. HOSA stands for Health Occupation Students of America. It is led by Melodie Lawings, Principles of Health Science and Medical Terminology teacher. “HOSA is a nationwide club, but is just recently getting started here,” Lawings said. “The club is made specifically for students who plan to go onto the medical field later on in their career.” Activities will allow members to see what happens “behind the scenes” in the medical profession. “We will go to things like conferences, tours of hospitals, and many other things,” Lawings said. “It is definitely something that students should get involved in if they plan on pursuing a career in the medical field.” Another club, Interact, is being revived after years of inactivity. Two students, seniors Lindsey Gore and Vernicia Griffie, are the student leaders. Jenny Walker is the sponsor. “Interact is basically just a student rotary club,” Gore said. “We do lots of community service projects.” The leaders hope their activities will impact the community. “I went to RYLA a while back and when I got back, Vernicia and I came up with the idea to start one here,” Gore said. “We are looking forward to this becoming a great thing for students and the community as well.”

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

community

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tiger times oct. 31, 2013

tiger times

EDITORIAL

Stricter Laws, Safer Driving

Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 794-3891 Fax (903) 792-8971

Restrictive driving laws could help teens to be more careful behind the wheel

No teenager necessarily wants to think about creating more restrictive driving laws. To us, sometimes it feels like they’re only in place to ruin our fun or to take away our freedom. But with the recent death of a Texas High alumna, us teens may want to consider the alternative. The numbers don’t look good for teens on the road. Each year TIPS FOR around 300,000 teens are injured SAFE DRIVING in crashes and 20 percent of these crashes involve a distracted driver. • Know and obey the speed limit. But these aren’t just numbers; they’re the people injured or killed • Always wear a seat in these accidents. At 3:25 p.m. on belt. Oct. 19, Maggie Minter swerved • Know your limits and off Highway 59 and flipped her don’t drive when you’re green Mitsubishi Montero three too tired. times, before leaving her dead. • Don’t talk, text, tweet Though the police are still invesor post on your phone tigating her case, this leaves her while driving. loved ones without answers. • Don’t drink alcohol Texting while driving is the and drive. cause of 10 teen deaths everyday. • Pay attention 100 It’s not as if teenagers don’t know percent of the time. better; the message is stapled ev• Make sure your parerywhere in schools, on television ents know where you’re and through just about every other going and who you’re medium. But with over 50 percent going with. of high school teens admitting • Know what to do in to texting while driving, it isn’t risky driving situations, working. It falls upon the governsuch as a crash, bad ment to help those that won’t help weather or unexpected event. themselves. It’s not just texting and driving. •Know what the punAround 60 percent of teen drivers ishment will be if you violate the law or your in fatal crashes involving alcohol parents’ rules. also involved the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Speed-ralted crashes account for 34 percent of fatalities among 16-19 year olds. Overall, crashes are the leading cause of death in teenagers in the

photo illustration by Sydney Steed

US. We have several laws and precautions in place to prevent teenage driving infractions, but obviously they are not enough. This is a trend that needs to be fixed, but it can’t be done without serious action. Those against implementing stricter driving laws claim that they infringe on the freedoms of younger Americans. But in the ever-swinging pendulum of society, sometimes we have to sacrifice freedom for citizen’s safety. But we shouldn’t necessarily eliminate the freedom of teen drivers. It comes down to the government to draw the line between limiting freedoms and ensuring public safety. The current standards in Texas are especially weak when it comes to drivers between the ages of 18-21. Over the past three years, there has been a substantial decrease in driving infractions in younger

SPEAK OUT

Do you think stricter laws will make teens drive more safely? “No I do not. I think the way teens see it, laws are a challenge. The more rules they make, the more teens will try and break them.” Zack Powell, 11 “No, they aren’t going to follow them anyway because we don’t follow the laws now.” Eric Avila, 12

The Tiger Times is a student-run publication. The contents and view are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of directors.

“Yes, to protect others around you who are driving and make things safe for yourself.” Telvin James, 12

teens (16-18) and an increase in the older group. Texas needs to adopt a policy similar to that of Arkansas; requiring drivers 18-21 to use hands-free cell phones and all texting while driving is banned. But it’s not only the government’s responsibility. We all have a moral duty to look out for others. It comes down to doing what’s right--what’s smart. When one person decides to text while driving, drive under the influence or drive while otherwise hindered in any way, it jeopardizes the lives of many. With the dangerously high numbers of teenage car accidents, something should be done on the legislative level. Our leaders should put an emphasis on keeping teens, as well as others, safe on the road. (statistics from iknoweverything.com and keepthedrive.org) “Not necessarily, I think teens would be more resistant to the laws.” Donavan Davis, 12 “No, it will just make teens mad. The more rules there are, the worse it gets.” Xavier Davis, 10

editors in chief Josh Klein, Taylor Potter, Sydney Schoen news editor Madeline Hunley viewpoint editor Amanda Hackleman feature editor Maggie Coleman sports editor Robert Hoover entertainment editors Caroline Purtle & DJ Mack advertising editor Adam Graves business manager Rachel Stuart photo editor Sydney Steed staff writers Olivia Corbett Daniela Correa Molly Crouch Conor Diggs Jessica Emerson Ben Gladney Anna Graves Abigail Hill Brad Lenaway Caroline May Kristin McCasland Brianna O’Shaughnessy Tyler Snell JB Wells Hannah Williams photographers Zach Baker Kelsi Brinkmeyer Carlie Clem Lauren Gibbert Paige Huddleston Sabrina Larson Alyssa Olade-Galvan Savannah Pritchard Faith Rhone Duchess Rogers Josh Rostek Carli Sharp Bailey Vaughan advisers Rebecca Potter & Clint Smith principal Brad Bailey members ILPC, CSPA, NSPA The Tiger Times is the official student publication of Texas High School. The primary purpose is to inform the students of the school, while practicing the ethical canon of journalism. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in Room 50. Each letter must be signed and include the student’s grade. Letters are subject to editing. The Tiger Times also accepts advertising. Advertising is sold for $5 a column inch. All ads must be received at least two weeks prior to publication.

Living with Jack Daniels

The struggle of living with an alcoholic father

The slur of words. The hazy look in his eyes. The unsteady stride. I have lived almost 16 years being a human sobriety test. My dad. My best friend. My right hand man. The guy who taught me how to shoot a basketball and catch a softball has been an alcoholic all of my life. Don’t get me wrong, my dad is a great father and person. He is a very decorated war veteran, he was an Army Ranger, a Green Beret, and a part of Army Airborne. He also has a law degree and a degree in criminal justice. Just because you make bad decisions doesn’t make you a bad person. My father has struggled with alcohol addiction since he ended his service. Since my daycare days, I’ve grown up with the stress of wondering where my daddy was when he was supposed to pick me up. When I was only 5 years old, my daycare teacher had to stop my dad from taking me home because he was intoxicated. I’ve sat in a car before, knowing my dad has been drinking just praying to get home safely. Praying that we’d get home and that a cop wouldn’t pull us over and take my daddy away. Sometimes I think my dad loves the bottle more than he loves me.

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tiger times oct. 31, 2013

BALL IS LIFE

JESSICA EMERSON/staff writer The worst part of living with alcoholism is the constant worrying and uncertainty. Worrying about where he is. Worrying if he’s going to pick me up or not. Worrying if we’ll get home safely without hurting ourselves or anyone else. The uncomfortable feeling I get around alcohol. It’s a burden I’ve lived with all my life and carrying that weight around comes naturally to me. He can’t grasp the fact that he has a problem. He accepts and thinks that it’s okay to drink. One of the most painful memories I have is the day after Christmas, 2011. My dad had slipped up and drank a little too much that day. He disappeared. A definition of disappeared in my life is when I know my dad’s been drinking, and he may or may not be home for days. He

wouldn’t answer his phone. He had been gone all day without a word. Maybe to a lot of families that’s a normal thing, but I’ve gone searching for my dad late at night countless times with my mom before. Strange disappearances with no contact in my house means Daddy has been drinking and we have no idea where he is.We spent almost four hours that day searching for him. We bought an app on our phone to search him, too. Still no sign of Daddy that day. I remember that heart breaking moment intensely––when I saw a white truck pulled over with a cop car sitting behind it. I didn’t look to see if it was him or not; I just started crying. You can imagine the relief I felt when the man I saw being pulled out of the truck wasn’t my dad. I thanked God for keeping my dad safe and keeping my family together that day. My dad has been in Fort Defiance, Ariz., the past few months. He’s been working with people who have worse drinking problems than himself. I believe he is changing his life. I hope he has seen how much alcohol has impacted his life and ours. I hope he’ll finally be the dad that I can count on.

WHAT YOU THOUGHT The first hint of cooler weather has many students purchasing popular seasonal drinks. See which of these fall favorites are most popular with students.

50%

STARBUCKS’ PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE “I love pumpkin. I love spice. I love Starbucks. I’m a white girl on the inside. They just blend together perfectly in my mouth.” -Alex Fredrick, 12

According to Starbucks, there have been more than 29,000 tweets featuring the hashtag: #pumpkinspice since August of 2012.

33%

SONIC JAVA CHILLER “I like mocha a lot. I just can’t wait to have a nice mocha after school. It fuels my day.” -Connor Williams, 10

Java Chillers come in caramel and mocha flavors.

17%

JOE MUGGS’ CARAMEL APPLE LATTE “It’s different. No other place has apple.” -Colleen Russell, 10

photos by carlie clem

Overcoming a social stigma: the better in being bigger The blank stares and awkward, dirty looks. I am used to it. I get it, it is not acceptable to look this way. I am the pale and slightly overweight; the horror of every stereotypical fashionista in America. I do not fit into the category of a normal teenage girl. My pale Irish skins tends to reflect certain colors, my curly hair is a weird brown color, my height is average and I am (yes, maybe regrettably, openingly admitting this) overweight. I promise you it is not by choice. I hear what is said, whether you know it or not. The little jab of insults--I’ve learned to deal with it over a period of time. Granted, I’m not directly bullied, however, I do catch those little remarks. I’m not oblivious to the comments, the looks, the gasps. Growing up in a society so focused on being that idea of the ‘perfect’ girl, I’ve found that it is easy to be demoralized and do the same to others. The stigma attaches and feeds itself on plus-sized girls. Society is forcing us, the female population, to grow up knowing we will never be

TOSSED OUT THERE

BRIANNA O’SHAUGHNESSY/staff writer good enough. Knowing my clothes cost more because of my size. Knowing people doubt my abilities because of my size. Knowing people look down upon me because of my size. I’m fifteen, and, yes, I honestly wish I could be an average sized girl. I tend to be apprehensive when going to try on dresses. I’m afraid to find that one that is beyond perfect, and I have to deal with the fact the sizes stop one or two below what I wear. I don’t have to deal with that for just clothes, it’s other aspects of life too. I’m constantly afraid that people will judge me and won’t accept me.

It’s not just being afraid of judgement it’s the fear of assumption. Fashion has put, and enforced, the flaw of being plus size to the point where it is unacceptable. It wasn’t always this way. Fashion icon Marilyn Monroe was a size 14, which is now considered plus size. ABC news did a report in the beginning of 2012, stating that the average “plus size” model is between sizes 6 and 14. Only a decade ago the criteria was 12 to 18. I’m in awe at that fact that people wonder why I have no confidence with statistics like that. However, I am embracing what I was given, and my size is part of that. If you are not accepting of that as my physical flaw, I’m sorry. You have to embrace yourself before you can go on with your life, I know this first hand. I did not write this to change your opinion on “bigger” people, but to let everyone know what it is like, from the perspective of someone my size. I found that through every problem with me not being “skinny” enough I’ve found an equal number reasons to be happy. Honestly, I don’t know how I’ve

managed to overcome the problems. I just realized I am the way I am. There is no changing me. I can try to battle these metaphorical demons that are sent my way, but I’m happy the way I am. I somehow found this confidence. All I know is I am happy, even though I’m not perfect. Just remember that the next time you say something about someone’s weight or size, it is more than just your entertainment at stake. There are plus size people who are, in my opinion, pretty chill. Don’t think “ew,” because that is not what you would think if they were “normal.” If I can be taunted and still have a little confidence left. I know it is within you to do the same. “I wish I could tie you up in my shoes make you feel unpretty too.” Sometimes that line plays in my head when I have to deal with the fact I won’t always be accepted. Although I have more pluses in my life than I do negatives, literally and figuratively. My life is a plus. As for this pale, plus size girl, all I have to say is regardless of your stigma, don’t forget to be awesome.

viewpoint

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

SOPHOMORE DESCRIBES HER NEVER-ENDING STORY ABOUT COMING OUT Most of us like to think of society’s views as being without fault. REQUIEMS Perfect and justified. After all, we’re FOR ROSES society. Each of us has a say in our standards and customs. TheoretiOLIVIA CORBETT/staff writer cally. But society has A rabbit hiding within the folds of become an old coat could be anything. Or it a blind could simply be itself….Afraid. dictatorship, where the man with the Afraid because it has never even loudest voice is the one with the right once been attracted to a boy. ideas, and those who don’t conform And again there’s a choice that are left to either be crushed under the the rabbit has to make. It can either weight of everyone else’s stares or to venture out into the burning sun, or scramble like frightened rabbits look- it can stay safe and sound in the dark ing for a place to hide. Like inside a until its last breath. No more than burrow. Or under a shrub. Or behind just another skeleton in the closet. a rock....Or in the closet. I grew up hearing the same things The human heart begins beatthat everyone else did. The same ing at just three weeks. We are alive, propaganda, the same condemnabut in the dark. From that moment, tion of ‘those’ people. Of the ‘freaks darkness becomes a safety net. We of nature.’ They were different.They are never truly afraid of it; we are were wrong. afraid of what could be hidden in it, And I was so far back in the closet of demons hiding in our fortress of that I didn’t even know I was in it. monochrome. We even spend our I was 13 years old the first time I most vulnerable hours asleep in its was called a lesbian. It was meant as enrapturing embrace. We blend in. a pointless nasty insult, thrown by a Our identities evaporate in moonfriend that I’d had a falling out with, light. And closets are so, so very dark.

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET “THE HUMAN HEART BEGINS BEATING AT JUST THREE WEEKS. WE ARE ALIVE, BUT IN THE DARK. FROM THAT MOMENT, DARKNESS BECOMES A SAFETY NET. WE ARE NEVER TRULY AFRAID OF IT; WE ARE AFRAID OF WHAT COULD BE HIDDEN IN IT, OF DEMONS HIDING IN OUR FORTRESS OF MONOCHROME.”

but I couldn’t get the word out of my head. It was like someone had suddenly turned the lights on. That night I cried myself to sleep. Because she was right, which made me ‘wrong.’ I had never even considered sapphism a possibility long enough to give orientation a second thought. I could feel the walls of my closet boxing me in. The next year I was still lying to everyone, myself included. In a band hall practice room, oboe in hand, I paled at a question that I suddenly realized had been directed at me. Did I like Mr. Math Prodigy back? The word bisexual fell out of my mouth like a rock. And the moment it hit the ground, I knew it was a lie. Everyone gasped. Everyone chattered. Everyone was a friend who didn’t mind. But no one else cared about lies hissed in a practice room. It was still a secret. Second period English. Second seat in the second row. Not a second of forethought. The guys in the main social clique were making fun of someone or something. I didn’t know what, and I don’t know what made it such a big deal. All I heard was ‘that’s gay.’ Over and over. A chorus of vicious jokes about ‘those people’ brought on by ‘that word’ broke out

across the class, and my eyes lowered in private embarrassment. The teacher struggled to rein them back in, but she was drowned out by insult after insult. I didn’t turn around. I looked straight ahead at the front of the room and tried to keep the pain at bay. “If you had any sense, you wouldn’t use that word as an insult. It’s offensive.” Someone yelled back that there was no one who would be offended by it. “ I am.” Two words, and the class grew quiet. One person gave voice to everyone else’s single thought. ‘You’re a lesbian?’ For weeks afterwards, I couldn’t walk down the hallway without nasty whispers breaking out in little clusters. I was called words that I’d never even heard before. Because I was one of ‘those’ people. One of the first well known students in my grade to admit to such a hefty ‘transgression.’ Two years later, and it still feels like I’m constantly making confessions, having to come out every time I meet someone new. Not everyone is horrible, or hates who I am. I would even venture to say that most people don’t mind. The disapproval doesn’t all magically melt away, but it does eventually get easier. The sun can burn, but you can’t see anything beautiful from inside of a closet.

5 MUST-HAVES FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

THE 1

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Prepare yourself for the hundreds of #PSL pictures filling up Instagram feeds. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes are the best way to get festive for the holidays while enjoying a delicious drink. You can pick up this tasty 12 oz. treat at Starbucks for $4.06.

LIST 2

Bangerz

The newest Apple product has wowed everyone using it. The updated phones have an all new set-up, the best camera on a phone, and many other cool features. The iPhone 5s is a little more technologically advanced, but generally is the same. The iPhone 5c comes in yellow, green, blue, pink and white and is a cheaper alternative to the 5s.

Catching Fire

Though the wait has been long, the second movie of The Hunger Games is about to come out in theaters. On Nov. 22, Catching Fire will be lighting up huge movie screens across the globe. Because The Hunger Games was such a big hit, the standards for Catching Fire are extremely high.

Oversized Sweaters It’s finally that time again when comfy and cute can collide to form sweater weather. But the only type of sweater that can create the flawless combination of comfortable and cute is an oversized sweater. In Texarkana, you can find them at American Eagle, TJ Maxx, or even Goodwill.

iPhone 5c & 5s

Compiled by Caroline May

Miley’s new album, Bangerz, just recently came out and has been hovering at the top of the charts. Although her music has completely taken a U-turn from previous years, many people are loving her new, outrageous style. This album includes styles from pop/rap to meaningful, slow songs.

XLR8

feature

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

photo by savannah pritchard

feature

AMAZING GRACE

AROUND THE WORLD Teacher enjoys taking students on trips BY KRISTIN MCCASLAND staff writer

RARE DISEASE DOESN’T KEEP SENIOR FROM TRYING TO FULFILL HER DREAMS BY BEN GLADNEY staff writer

Despite being born with a rare disease, senior Ashley Ritchie is just a regular teenager. “I like to hang out with my friends,” Ritchie said. “I love watching football with a passion.” Ritchie was born with a rare health condition, osteofibrous dysplasia, which affects her tibia and fibula, causing a crippling debilitation in her legs. This condition took the life of her brother when he was 2 months old. Additionally, Ritchie has had three open-heart surgeries. “I’ve been through a lot. Since birth, I’ve had a lot of health issues,” Ritchie said. “ But I’m blessed to be alive.” Ritchie has impacted others’ lives. “Ashley is such a sweet and positive person,” senior LaMonica Morgan said. “I never knew that she had so much going on; honestly, you could never tell that’s how much of a great and positive person she is.” Ritchie attends Hampton Church of Christ and is involved in youth activities, and she’s an avid football fan. “Never in my life have I ever seen a girl yell on every down during the game,” senior Avery Whitehurst said. “Her actions define her, and

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

A FIGHTER Battling a rare disease, senior Ashley Ritchie shown her tougher side. photo by sydney steed

she shows how strong she is day by day.” Having this disease since birth, Ritchie has learned to rely on her faith. “My parents thought I would be held back activity wise, but that didn’t happen,” Richie said. “However, there are some things that I can’t do. But I’ve made it this far, and I know that it was nothing but God.” After graduation, Ritchie plans to attend Texarkana College to study a medical field. “I’ve come so far; I can’t give up now,” Ritchie said. “I’m determined to graduate and become successful in my future endeavors.” Ritchie has been through so much, but she always has a positive outlook on things. “I’m just living life one day at a time,” Ritchie said.“ I’m grateful to God, my family and all the people around me. They’re the ones that keep me going.”

lot about culture and traditions.” In Paris, the travel director, Balwinder, befriended Fruge and her students and helped them adjust to Many people dream of traveling the world, experiencing new cultures the different culture. “She took them shopping at and trying new things. For English some of the best areas and taught teacher Anne Fruge, this dream has them about local traditions and become a reality. Over the past two summers, she has hosted educational customs,” Fruge said. “She even helped me throw a surprise tours to Rome and Paris. birthday party for one of “I chose to travel SPAIN & the students, Catherine with a company called WorldStrides,” Fruge BARCELONA Stephenson, on the last day of the trip.” said. “What I love the This summer, Fruge is most about them is the JUNE 13-20 planning an educational trip fact that they really try to to Spain, specifically Madrid immerse the kids in the and Barcelona. culture while we are traveling.” “The students that decide to go From taking a pizza making on the trip should expect to do a class in Rome to attending a claslot of walking,” Fruge said. “But sical concert at Sainte Chapelle in they should also expect to have a Paris, Fruge and the students that great time experiencing the Spanish accompanied her had some unique culture.” experiences. The trip will last from June “In Paris, we all tried escargot 13 to June 20. During this time, together,” Fruge said, “And we got Fruge and her students will go to to sit on the Eiffel Tower lawn, eat the beach, tour the largest soccer ice cream, and people watch.” stadium in the world, and spend the In order to help the trip go night in sleeping cars on a train. smoothly, WorldStrides sets up each “They can expect to make group with a travel director that memories they will never forget and stayed with them the entire time. have a true adventure,” Fruge said. “In Rome, our guide, Pat, was “I will treasure the memories of amazing,” Fruge said. “She really Rome and Paris forever, so I’m ready helped the kids with any language to add to a line of great trips.” barriers we faced and taught them a

Recovering from the ashes Freshman starts anew after house catches on fire BY MOLLY CROUCH staff writer

AFTER THE FIRE Freshman Keith Shipp has moved to the Arkansas side after his house caught on fire earlier this year. photo by duchess rogers

A spark. A flash. A blaze. The pretty colors ironically left a charcoaled path in their wake. If you were a random passerby, you would miss the curled, burnt roof shingles that were haphazardly dangling for their lives, the perimeter of the top of the quaint white house tinged a deep hue of grey from the smoke, and you wouldn’t see the pain it caused a family. Standing in front of his charred house, a few stray tears trickled down his face. He eventually made his way to his front door with his family in tow and wandered throughout his soot-covered house in utter disbelief. What was left of his room was nothing more than a black pit of hazy smoke-damaged paraphernalia. Freshman Keith Shipp was woken up around 5:30 a.m. when his mom and

step-dad called saying their house had caught on fire due to a loose electrical wire on their back patio. Shipp and his dad rushed to the scene. Luckily, the damage from the fire was mostly from smoke. “I didn’t know what to expect when I got there. I was just shocked the whole time.” Shipp said. “It was horrible.” Although Shipp wasn’t present when the fire started, he was still worried for his parents’ safety. Shipp was also scared that his clothes and numerous game systems would be destroyed beyond repair. “I’m glad everybody got out, and no one was hurt,” Shipp said. “I was really worried about my clothes, Gamecube and Xbox, but my mom and stepdad saved most of our clothes.” Shipp has been adjusting to a new home for the past few weeks. He’s trying to make the best out of a tough time. “We moved to Arkansas,” Shipp said. “It’s way different now.”

If your house burned down, what one thing would you save? “Pictures. When I was 4, my house burned down after Christmas, and we lost everything. The thing I miss the most is pictures.” Chealsea Slider, 10 “Definetly not pants. I hate pants. So, probably a phone charger.” Ravi Chikhliya, 10 “I would save my cell phone, charger and my Valentine’s card from my baby.” Trierra Jenkins, 12 “I’d save my makeup ,so I could look good when the firemen came.” Merissa Valenzuela, 12

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

community

in-depth

Advocate describes break from abusive boyfriend

BY MAGGIE COLEMAN feature editor

he dress was too short. He wouldn’t like that. It was probably too low cut. He wouldn’t approve. The knee length dresses were the only option. Sleeves would be a must. A high neckline would make him happy. This would have to do. This is normal. He’s just jealous and protective of me. He loves me. He wants to be together. Forever. Amy Smith was the captain of the cheer leading team. She dated the quarterback. It was picture perfect. Like a movie. They had it all. Nothing could go wrong. “It was fine for a really long time,” Smith said. “And then he started cheating on me. Of course you wouldn’t have that, so I broke up with him.” That was the end of it. Smith wouldn’t let somebody run over her like that. She was stronger. She knew she deserved better than to be lied to. She had to put a stop to it. But not everybody can be strong. “He kept pursuing me,” Smith said. “ I didn’t really want to let it go, and at the time I thought, ‘Oh, he must really love me, and he changed,’ so I took him back. Then I graduated and went to college. He followed me to the college I went to and enrolled there. Same dorm that I lived in. He had a lot of friends there.” College was what they had expected as anxious seniors. Their relationship was back to normal. They (ages 16-24) have personally experienced were hanging out with friends during a holiday dating violence or know someone who has. break. Everybody was enjoying their short-lived Relationship violence is the freedom from school and being together. to women “On Thanksgiving night between the ages of 15-44. my freshman year, we were at a party,” Smith said. “We were playing spades. Well, report he wasn’t. I was playing with a group of people. You experiencing some kind of abuse in their have to have a partner, and romantic relationships, including verbal and my partner was a very good friend of mine. No romantic emotional abuse. relationship whatsoever, but this guy winked at me of high school girls to show me that I could have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. put down my card. This was the wrong thing for my http://www.texasadvocacyproject.org boyfriend to see.” It happened so fast. The violence. She had never seen this side of him. Her hair was being jerked. But where had this come from? Being drug outside, he threw her into her own car and got in the passenger seat. He got out. Hurry. This is your only chance. Do what you can. In a matter of minutes, the boy she once loved became the boy she feared. “I’m not really sure how he got out of the car again, but when he got out, I locked the doors and moved over to the driver’s seat. I was going to try to get away from him, because this was the first time this had ever happened. I didn’t really know what was going on, but I just knew it wasn’t good. He got on the hood of my car and beat in my windshield so bad I had to have it replaced the next day.”

75% of Texas youth No. 1 cause of injury 1/3 of teens

25 percent

continued on page 21

Q &A

Signs Prevention In an interview at the Domestic Violence Prevention Center, legal advocate Amy Smith and sexual assault coordinator Christina Howard describe warning signs and how to get help. Signs: Blame themselves: For a lot of clients who come in, I have to get them to understand that this is not their fault. It’s nothing that you have done. Nothing that you have worn. No amount of money you spent. Nothing would constitute that treatment ever. The way they dress: If it’s warm, and they’re still wearing their turtleneck, and it’s 80 degrees. You have to pay attention to the way they dress. “We’ll be a happy family”: Pressuring her to have a baby when she’s not ready to have a baby. That’s another sign of control. Covering up: Wearing a lot of makeup or sunglasses and making excuses for bruises. Only time for him: Is she still active with her parents? Is she only with him? Does she have to text him when she gets home? Is she always on her phone checking in with him? No social (media) life: They’re very overbearing with Twitter, Facebook, etc. I want your password, e-mail, where your phone is, etc. Or if they stop hanging out with friends. Isolation: When you start isolating yourself because you don’t want to be confronted with the possibility that you may have to let go of your boyfriend that you thought you loved so much. And then you get really defensive. Too many chances: When you give him more chances, you never know when it’s going to be [your last chance]. Prevention: • It has to be taught very young that it’s not okay to hit, and it’s not okay to talk down to people. You have to make sure these kids realize that their body is their body, and nobody can control them. • Be independent. You have to make yourself a priority. Depend on yourself and not on others. • Learn to make your own money. • When you think you are going to get into a serious relationship, tell the person what your expectations are. Tell him that this is what you will or will not accept. • Always let somebody know where you’re going. • Visit the loveisrespect.org website. Who to talk to: If you know someone who may be in a dangerous relationship, go to your friend first, and ask why he/she is putting up with this. Go to a parent, a counselor, or a teacher; go to whoever you trust. Let your friend know you’re there, and there are people who can help in this situation. Be aware: Date rape drugs are there. They’re clear. When it’s put into a drink, you can’t see it, or smell it. It can be put in a bottle of water, and you’re not going to know it’s in there. For more information, contact the Domestic Violence and Prevention Center at 903-794-4000

compiled by Molly Crouch

When it’s time to seek help

Personal counselor Ann Bishop describes the signs of dating abuse and when someone should seek help. How can you tell if someone is being abused? Usually someone who is being abused may be jumpy; they may seem depressed or over vigilant. They may have physical signs that they make excuses for. You can tell when somebody’s different. Their personality changes. Someone who is usually happy-go-lucky may be angry or down. If you’re in a violent relationship, what can you do to get out of it? Tell somebody. If you’re still in high school, and you live with a parent or guardian, you need to tell that person. You need to get out of that situation. Your parents can protect you, the police can protect you, and the school personnel can protect you. But somebody has to know. An adult has to know, so you can get some help. No one has the right to harass you, to coerce you, and to make you feel like they have some sort of control over you. If you suspect that your friend was being abused, how could you talk to them about it? Ask them, “Is everything is OK? I noticed this,” or “Are you sure that this relationship is good for you? Are you happy?” You also can come to the counselors’ office, and tell somebody. It will be anonymous. You can tell a teacher, you can tell a principal that you have a concern for a friend. If you think somebody’s in trouble, then you need to get to an adult who can help them. Compiled by Kristin McCasland

from page 1

t was her fault, he said. She deserved it. And when they detoured to her house to clean the blood, the tears, the humiliation, she was scared. But when he gave her flowers, an apology, and a promise, she believed it. Ginny* began dating her then boyfriend in October of ‘09. The man who was her whole world caused the destruction of it until June of ‘12. Beginning as innocently as their ages, a month into their relationship, violence became routine. After being abused in the car on the way to Chili’s, Ginny noticed changes. “[At the beginning], he sweet as could be––constantly complimenting me, holding doors open, buying me really expensive jewelry. He’d surprise me with picnics on his parents’ land in the middle of the woods, and he’d be really cheesy. But in a cute way,” Ginny said. “[After a month], he became beyond jealous and clingy. At school, he had to walk me to class to make sure I wasn’t talking to any guys. He blew my phone up during class saying I needed to leave class to meet up with him in the hall. And if I didn’t, I would get slapped, which happened a lot

A Kiss Of Fear because teachers never let you out of class.” Seeking complete control over every facet of her being, Ginny’s boyfriend also determined the standard for her wardrobe. “I was lucky I was able to stay after school for soccer practice, and go on away games,” Ginny said. “No shorts of any kind [were allowed], except for soccer because there [were] only girls there. I wasn’t allowed to wear any tight things. No low–cut tops or v–necks. I wasn’t allowed to wear my hair in a ponytail. No hoop earrings. No necklaces because it

attracts attention to your chest.” After 10 months of dating violence, Ginny ended it. She ended the verbal and physical abuse. But the harassment continued until an intermediary was involved. “I called him when I knew he was sleeping and left a voice mail saying it was over,” Ginny said. “I was late for school, so he couldn’t see me, and I avoided the halls I knew he’d be in. But he told the counselor I was suicidal because he broke up with me. I had to explain every detail of our relationship to her, and she then told my parents. It was horrible.”

photo by sydney steed

BY SYDNEY SCHOEN co-editor in chief

Abusive high school relationship leaves lasting marks Now out of high school, Ginny is married. To another man. Happily. But the scars left from her ex remain. She is now an advocate for understanding the dangers of dating violence. “If I said something stupid, he’d hit me,” Ginny said. “I couldn’t mess around or be myself. Even to this day, when my husband tries to hug me, I tense up. [But] do not be afraid to just leave the situation. It’s really scary to think about, but things will only get worse the longer you stay.” *Name has been changed to protect the person involved

AT TEXAS HIG more than

43%

1 in 10 in Arkansas

148 more than

33%

of teens told someone about the abuse

THS students who DO NOT think laws protect against dating abuse

Eight states do not include dating relationship in their definition of domestic violence. However, both Texas and Arkansas do.

THS students have been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend

51%

ATION HE N T N

Breaking the cycle

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

43%

students at THS have experienced physical abuse from a dating partner this year. Comparatively, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience this kind of abuse.

in Texas

1 in 10

high school students nationwide have been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend

The survey of 100 randomly selected students was conducted by Linda Teeters’ Advanced Quantitative Reasoning class, which consists of Montana Beall, Connor Beliew, Brennan Hile, Madison Norton, Kayla Neff, David Nguyen, Shelby Powers, Ryan Sharp and Sydney Schoen. The national statistics were complied from www. loveisrespect.org.

community

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

IN MEMORY OF MAGGIE

“She was always energetic and pumped up, and ready to do anything,” Orr said. “She was vulnerable––an open book.” This vulnerability made her accessible to others. “I think that if we are to learn anything from her life, it’s a lesson in vulnerability,” Orr said. “Maggie was the strongest person I’ve ever met, and it’s all because she was vulnerable, unafraid to put herself out there, tell her story, and befriend people very different from herself. She had no fear of rejection or judgment, and as a result, she was surrounded by people who loved her for her. She didn’t need to put up a wall to feel strong; she had all this love protecting her and fighting for her.” Maggie aspired to join the Army or Peace Corp to help economically disadvantaged people. “She had gone on a mission trip a few years ago to North Dakota on a reservation and loved being and working with children,” Niemeyer said. Being around people seemed to be a motivator for Maggie. “She just loved hanging out with friends period,” Niemeyer said. “It didn’t matter if it was at someone’s house, riding around, sporting or school events. She just loved people.” Geography teacher Sarah Duch said it was Maggie’s ability to relate to others that made her the model student. “She was the type of student that made all teachers wish they had a classroom full of Maggies,” Duch said. “No one was intimidated by her. She

“IT SEEMS THAT SHE IMPACTED PEOPLE WITH HER SMILE AND BEING ABLE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. SHE LIKED TO BE THE ‘ENTERTAINER’ AND THE ‘CENTER OF ATTENTION.’” -DIANE NIEMEYER, MAGGIE’S MOTHER The screeching of tires. The shattering of glass. The sound of crushing metal. A slight distraction, an overcorrection and the lives of many were changed. Maggie Minter, 19, died in a single car accident on Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m. leaving her family and friends with only the memory of her effervescent smile. “She was hilarious, very good sense of humor and quick-witted,” Maggie’s mother Diane Niemeyer said. “She would have the funniest comebacks at times when I was cutting up with her or even getting on to her, and it would just make me laugh.” A 2012 graduate, Maggie was a

feature

student athlete and involved in the art program. “She gave all she had in everything she did, from visual arts to sports,” art teacher Scott Smedley said. “She was one of those students who made me a better teacher. I learned more from her than she did from me. Her smile was contagious. She was full of life and lived it to the fullest.” Her family reiterated her love for art. “Her biggest hobby was painting,” her sister Molly Minter said. “She painted more than a lot of people I know. She loved art for sure.” It was her zest for life combined with a natural vulnerability that her friend Ellen Orr remembers most.

BY JESSICA EMERSON staff writer

worked with any student I paired her with and always did a great job balancing sports and academics.” Outside of school, Maggie enjoyed the outdoors. “She loved fishing,” Niemeyer said. “She could go with her dad, step-dad, a friend, or even go by herself.” Along with her smile, she was known for her ability to make people laugh. “Maggie was different from others because she loved everyone,” Molly said. “She could make you laugh with hilarious accents and impersonations.” Most of all though, her family hopes she leaves a legacy. “I think she would like to be remembered as fun, loving and a very giving person,” Niemeyer said. “She was a very loyal friend. Once she knew you were on her team, she was definitely on yours.” Molly said she thought her sister would encourage others to look toward their futures. “Maggie’s advice would probably be to work hard and keep your eyes on the prize and have fun,” Molly said, “Make new friends and go new places––to never stop learning, even after school.” Her impact will be everlasting. “I really didn’t know what impact she had, of course, until she passed away,” Niemeyer said. “It seems that she impacted people with her smile and being able to make people laugh. She liked to be the ‘entertainer’ and the ‘center of attention.’” They will miss her ability to quote “Family Guy.” They will miss her imitations of characters on the MADtv comedy show. They will miss her paintings, Maggie Originals they call them. Most of all, they will miss her smile.

was friendly to everyone and didn’t care what crowd they were in. She would

submitted photos

community

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

sports

MAKING RACQUET Senior Aaron Murdock returns the ball in a doubles match during a tournament here Oct. 12. The varsity tennis team had an undefeated season and came in second at region last week.

VARSITY TENNIS HAS UNDEFEATED SEASON, TAKES SECOND AT REGION

“

It’s all love for losses

OUR WINNING STREAK HAS A VERY THRILLING PROCESS. WE WORK SO HARD AND ALWAYS GIVE IT 100 PERCENT, AND OUR HARD WORK HAS DEFINITELY PAID OFF.”

BY ROBERT HOOVER sports editor The varsity tennis team has been unwavering against the competition this season, finishing with an 20-1 record, five of which were district games. The Tigers kept their record perfect all the way through district, never giving up a tournament. “It felt really good,” senior Braden May said. “Texas High has won district for 25 maybe 24 years now, just to keep that tradition alive makes me feel good.” Many of the Tigers’ matches have been straight wins across the board. They have been able to shut out the competition in 10 of their total games. “I think it was a really good season,” May said. “We were very strong on the boys side, and the girls were young but still played really well. I’m glad that we were this strong my senior year and it was a lot of fun.” Going into regionals, they had high hopes but knew Highland Park would be tough competition. Highland Park

“

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

AARON MURDOCK, 12

knocked them into second place at regionals, ending their season. “I hate Highland Park,” junior Kirsten Weber said. “No one can ever beat them. They compete nationally, so they are really good. We need to work harder and practice more for next year.” Despite the second-place finish, they are proud of their season. “At regionals, the goal for us is to just get to the finals every year,” May said. “Highland Park is on another level, they

beat 5A schools all the time. We feel like we are the second best team in the state, we are just unlucky to have to play against Highland Park at regionals.” The team plans on improving before spring comes around, and before they take the court against Highland Park again. “We are going to continue practicing every day,” freshman Ali Richter. “We are going to run a lot more drills, and hopefully, beat them next year.”

DISTRICT photo by sabrina larson

photo by sabrina larson

WHERE THEY STAND

KYLE KENNEDY

ANNIE TARWATER

“Our season went as well as it could have gone. My goal coming into the season was to go undefeated in singles, which I achieved. I only lost one match this year, and it was in doubles to Highland Park. Even though we weren’t able to reach state this fall, my goal is to win state during the spring, and hopefully go undefeated in my division.”

“We did really well. We only lost one match against Highland Park. They’re about to go win state, so it’s been pretty good, and we have a really strong team this year, boys’ and girls’ side. I guess during the spring season, we will do our stuff, prepare and work hard during the off season.”

• FOOTBALL: The football team has already secured a spot in the playoffs, even with two games remaining. They are currently in first place in the race for the district title. • VOLLEYBALL: The Lady Tigers came in with a third place finish in district and are preparing for their first round in district play.

Newcomer to the varsity tennis team, freshman Ali Richter waits for a volley in a doubles match with freshman Mary Claire Paddock. “I think we did well. We have a really good team this year,” Richter said. “I think it’s a great experience being on varsity with older players.”

Veteran varsity player Matt Teeters, a senior, hits a forehand to his opponent. “I feel like [the season] went really well because we where undefeated in district,” Matt said. “Being a senior on the team feels bittersweet. I am going to miss everybody, but I’m making the best of it.” photos by Sabrina Larson

sports

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

THE NEW COACH ON THE COURT

Cochran makes transition as head girls’ basketball coach BY JESSICA EMERSON staff writer The questioning glances, learning how to navigate the hectic halls and the feeling of getting into a new routine. Coach Robert Cochran can relate to all of those feelings. The 17-year veteran of coaching is no newbie to the game of basketball, but a newbie at Texas High. “I believe Texas High is the best school district, not only in Texarkana but in this area. Everything they do is first class,” Cochran said. “They try to make and do everything the best. I believe they do that with their athletics program as well. I want to be a part of that.” Cochran moved from Liberty Eylau. He has been coaching basketball for 17 years. “I was fortunate where I was,” Cochran said. “We had won a state championship, went to the state

tournament four times, went to the regional tournament 12 times, and they were district champions nine times in a row.” Cochran has been working hard to get the girls ready for the upcoming season. At 7:30 a.m., the squeaking of shoes against the court and the pounding of a basketball can be heard in Tiger Center. Since Aug. 27, they have been running and conditioning every morning, which is helping to improve their speed and agility at both ends of the court. “We are doing a lot of conditioning and getting into shape, and with that we are developing mental toughness,” Cochran said. “Coach Minter left a good group of girls and we are branching out from what he left. We will be playing a fast game on both ends of the court.” Not only is Cochran breaking into a new routine, but so are his players. They are learning his new practice

methods and what he’s going to do to make this season a success. With the season being under two months away, they are working hard to make this year even better than last year. “I feel like he is determined. He might point out incorrections, but he’s only doing that to perfect you. He wants everyone to play under his standards,” senior Marisha Moss said. “Not just for fun but for the game.” The Lady Tigers have a packed season ahead of them. They have a coach who believes they can go as far as they want if they try hard enough to achieve it. They’re excited and preparing for a rewarding season ahead of them. “I think we’ll be able to dictate the pace of the game, both at full court and half court play,” Cochran said. “We also have seniors coming back that were successful last season. Having good leaders will always help out the team.”

Right on target

LINE OF SIGHT Freshman Cullen Schoen practices his archery skills outside his home./photo by Bailey Vaughan

Freshman participates in competitive archery as pastime

BY SYDNEY SCHOEN editor in chief

Breathe. 30 yards… No, 35 yards. Concentrate. You’re only a few shots behind. Zzzzzip! Right on target. While most angsty high schoolers spend their morning sleeping in or pillaging cities on GTA5, he shoots grizzly bears. Freshman Cullen Schoen began competing in archery in 2010, where shoot-

BASKETBALL VETERAN Coach Robert Cochran shows his girls’ basketball team how to run a play. Cochran has coached 17 years before coming here./photo by Lauren Gibbert

ing foam animal targets is commonplace. Starting competitively after receiving a bow from his dad for hunting, Schoen was urged by his cousin to compete to improve his technique. “I practiced for one week and went to my first ever competition that weekend,” Schoen said. “In that competition, my natural talent shined. I wasn’t nervous, and I made some good shots. I had about seven tough competitors. [But] I wound up getting first place in my first tournament. From then on, I knew I was a natural.” Despite his natural talent, his first year proved to be a learning experience. Focusing more on the target, Schoen once forgot the most important part––the arrow. “I was so concentrated, because I was a couple of shots back from the lead, that I went up there, got my yardage, pulled my bow back, and fired,” Schoen said. “But I forgot to put an arrow in there. So I dry fired, which caused my arm to get a big ‘ole deathly gouge in it. It felt like someone shot be in the arm for a minute. The strings on my bow came off. It was just a bad ordeal. I had to leave, and go back to the main area. They had a bow press thing where they had to put the wires back on. Dad’s reaction was, ‘What the heck are you doing, son?’ Everyone was in shock. I guess I was making memories.” However, Schoen came back with a vengeance the following season, beating out the rest of the competitors in the twin cities to win Twin City Bowhunters’ Shooter of

the Year. Competitive archery abides by an accumulated points system; every target you make has a designated point value. The better the shot, the better the points gained. “I was pumped. The thrill went down the bones of my body,” Schoen said. “I did not win Shooter of the Year [in 2010] because this kid in a different part of Arkansas got more points because he shoots in higher scored competitions than I do. The win the next year was cool because it means I did that much better than him.” Developing a systematic approach to ritualizing his wins, Schoen has dreams of competing outside the four states. “To get [myself ] in the zone, I walk up to the target, and I give it the eye, like ‘I control you,’” Schoen said. “I always wear my Team USA Archery shirt because that’s what I will be in a couple of years. My goal is to be on the Team USA Archery team. I will be able to achieve this goal by practicing regularly and [by shooting at competitions].” Due to a growth spurt, Schoen took two seasons off to wait for a new bow. Now preparing for upcoming competitions, beginning in February, he is determined to meet his immediate goals. “I am going to compete in any upcoming tournaments,” Schoen said. “I’ve been practicing constantly since bow season is here right now. I shoot ten minutes everyday to make sure my bow’s okay. My goals for the upcoming season would have to be to win Shooter of the Year again and [to win] at the Arkansas state tournament.”

photo by Carlie Clem

[1]

photo by Carlie Clem

[3]

FALL SPORTS IN ACTION

photo by Sydney Steed

[2]

photo by Savannah Pritchard

photo by Carlie Clem

[4]

UACCH

sports

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

[5]

FRESHMAN KEEPS EYE ON FINISH LINE “I’VE DONE REALLY WELL FOR MYSELF SO FAR. I CAME FIRST IN THREE OF MY MEETS, AND I HOPE TO ACHIEVE A REALLY GOOD TIME AT REGIONALS. I HOPE TO GET A FASTER TIME THAN MY PREVIOUS MEET, EVEN THOUGH I DON’T THINK I WILL MAKE STATE, I WILL I GIVE IT MY ALL. ” GRANT JARVIS, 9

[1] Chealsea Slider, 4 [2] Traeveon Walker, 2 [3] Jamie Gipson, 10 [4] Grant Jarvis, 9 [5] Garrett May, 11

VOLLEYBALL: After defeating Mt. Pleasant, the Lady Tigers secured

third place in district behind Pine Tree and Hallsville. The ladies will now try to close out the season and prepare for the first round of the playoffs. “I feel like we are playing better as a team,” sophomore Jessica Bilimek said, “and we are working along much better.” FOOTBALL: The Tigers are 6-1 so far after a big win against district opponent Mt. Pleasant (51-15). They have secured a playoff spot and are ranked in the state top 20 for 4A. “Practice has been good,” sophomore Grant Burns said. “We have been training real hard, and I believe that are hard work will lead us to greatness.” SWIM: The swim team faced off against Rockwall on Oct. 19. Their current record is 5-0 in all of their meets. “I think it’s going to be a strong season,” senior Chris Radomski said. “Everyone is really swimming competitively and working real hard and focusing on their weaker points.” GOLF: The Wednesday before the Denton tournament, the golf team was struck with some bad news. “One of our coaches best friend’s died Wednesday,” junior Russell Thomas said. “So on the final day being in second place behind 6 shots he told us ‘win it for Charlie.’ So I felt that everything was on us to play good.” The Tigers won the tournament on Oct. 18-19. CROSS COUNTRY: Freshman Grant Jarvis took second place in the district meet and will advance to the regional meet in Arlington on Friday and Saturday. The second place finish at district came after Jarvis took first in three other meets this season.

entertainment

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

photos by commerical photography

7 THINGS

YOU NEED TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN

EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAY SPOOK BY WHIPPING OUT A SCARY MOVIE WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS, EXTRA BUTTERED POPCORN AND A PILLOW TO SHIELD YOUR EYES

TOO OLD TO TRICK OR TREAT? Trick or treating for some is a tradition, a sport, a ritual performed every night on Oct. 31. The costumes, hayrides and the sugarcoated candy cascading from the neighbor’s varnished door never gets old, but sadly the classic juvenile trick or treater will. Texarkana, though a small town, still has to implement regulations regarding local affairs. The curfew on Halloween is extended to 11 p.m., while some cities have adopted age limits, usually around 12,. So, how old is too old? “When you get to the age where you would rather watch game seven of the World Series than trick or treat,” freshman Ryan Hall said. “You’re never too old,” senior Riley Madlock said. “Unless you’re 40 years old, then that’s just weird.” The costume market, what used to be harmless witch hats and kiddy Dracula teeth, is flooded with themes relating to today’s pop culture. “My little nerd side wants to be a little yellow minion off of Despicable Me,” junior

Rachel Qualls said, “but I also want to be a flapper girl like off of ‘Great Gatsby,’ so I am undecided.” The traditional trick or treaters who prepare their costumes all year for the fall event are distant to the ideas of being “too old.” “I’ve been trick or treating since I was like 4, but I actually do it for the candy,” junior Chandler Thomas said. “I don’t think I’m going to stop anytime soon.” When most of the kids grow out of the treating stage, some enter the final transformation into the “tricking” stage. “I like to get in the bushes by my door and jump out to scare kids,” sophomore Brandon Anderson said. “Then after they settle down I’ll let them get some candy.” Others support their younger siblings or friends and tag along for fun. “Well this year I’m going with my friend and her little sister,” freshman Leighton Weber said. “My friend and I will probably get candy anyway, even though we are older.”/BY CAROLINE PURTLE

1CARVE A PUMPKIN

One of the most popular things to do around Halloween time is to carve pumpkins. “I’m going to carve a pumpkin, and it’s going to be Cinderella,” sophomore Cecelia Goesl said.

2STOCK UP ON CANDY

Next to carving pumpkins, stocking up on your favorite candy has to be the most fun. “I love me some orange Kit Kats,” junior Reece Griffin said. “I only can get them during Halloween.”

3DECORATE

Decorations are also a key thing to put you in the Halloween mood. “I really like skeletons and pumpkins because they are really festive and they represent fall,” junior Haylee Garner said.

4SCARE SOMEONE

Scaring people can definitely bring joy to one’s heart, even if it’s someone you will probably never see again. “My mom is really paranoid, like super paranoid,” senior Miles Coleman said. “Since

it’s getting darker now, she doesn’t want going outside by myself because we live in a darker area with woods and stuff. So, I’m going to [make a gunshot sound], and then I’m going to put a little hole on my shirt, put ketchup all on it, and just lay there.”

5WATCH A SCARY MOVIE

Scary movies are also something that can get you in the Halloween spirit. “I’m going to watch the movies that come on Disney,” sophomore Naveen Malik said. “Those are pretty scary.”

6MAKE A COSTUME

Dressing up is also a fun festivity to get involved in. “I’m going to dress up as a pirate and call myself Captain Neckbeard,” senior Bradley Baird said.”

7GO TO A HAUNTED HOUSE

Last, but certainly not least, going to haunted houses are a great thing to go to if you want to be scared out of your mind. “I may go to a haunted house with some of my friends, just to get scared,” freshman Ellie Mohon said.

entertainment

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

TOP SECRET MENU:

Starbucks Edition

BY BRIANNA O’SHAUGHNESSY staff writer Everyone has their favorite item from Starbucks. Iced Caramel Macchiato in the summer. Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall. What about those not so famous items? Most people have never heard of the secret menu items like the Chocolate Dalmatian, the Captain Crunch or the Nutella. However, the fun names are somewhat deceiving. Secret Menus: Manipulated original beverages with a creative name.

1. CAPTAIN CRUNCH:

Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with toffee, caramel, and hazelnut syrup and java chips

2. RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE:

raspberry syrup.

3. BANANA SPLIT:

Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with vanilla bean powder, java chips, one whole banana. Whipped cream and drizzle as desired. The banana costs extra.

4. RADIOACTIVE PINK:

This is a syrup cream frappuccino with white mocha and raspberry syrup.

FEATURED ARTIST BY CAROLINE PURTLE co-entertainment editor Sophomore Kip Williams is a local athlete and talented artist. He lights up the canvas in Scott Smedley’s art class with his use of vibrant colors and shapes. “I love to draw, and sketch random things,” said Williams. Williams’ home, filled with artistic expression, influenced him to take on a new challenge. “I just do it because my mom does it, and I just watched her,” said Williams. “I didn’t have any lessons. I did it how she did.”

5. THE CHOCOLATE DALMATIAN:

A simple combination of a hot white chocolate mocha with java chips.

6. THE NUTELLA:

The complex drink is chocolate and hazelnut syrup added to a Cafe Misto. For those with a sweet tooth, add caramel drizzle.

Photo by J. Rostek

NEW LOCATION According to a posted sign, Starbucks will be adding a new location on Stateline near the Arkansas side Wal-Mart.

A white mocha frappuccino with

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP from page 12 Smith just wanted the abuse to cease. This wasn’t like him. She could only think of saving herself and getting out of there. “I was afraid my mom was going to be so mad, you know [the windshield],” Smith said. “So I tried to calm him down, and he then took me by my hair and started punching me in the face. I got a black eye and several other bruises. By that time, my sister who is 4 years older than me came out of the house and jumped on his back to get him off me. She called the police.” Once the police arrived, nothing was going to be resolved. They were all hunting buddies. Getting him into legal trouble would simply put a kink in their morning hunting festivities. They were told that they needed to fix it on their own. “My sister took me home, and we tried to press charges,” Smith said. “But the chief of police was his uncle, so that didn’t work. I got an attorney and tried to start the protective order process, which at that time, the laws were not what they are now, so I didn’t qualify. They didn’t see dating as a qualifying relationship. I tried to get a restraining order type no contact order filed. Then he got himself an attorney.” While all the legal work was getting sorted out, Smith’s nightmare continued to live on. He followed her to classes and even had friends find out where she was or what her number was.

“[Police] had to follow me when I went home from college,” Smith said. “They would follow me home and meet me at the county line because this guy had dropped out of college by this time. And he kept following me. I had to move like six or seven times in the dorm, and he kept finding out where I was. I ended up having to get an apartment just to get out of the dorm where he had people looking at me. I had to get campus police to walk me to classes.” Smith, after a long emotional battle, was free. She no longer had to cope with the fear that he might be waiting outside her next class or looking for her outside her dorm. She realized that there was finally an end. “We got our restraining order and that ended up helping,” Smith said. “He finally got the picture that it was over, and he can’t do these things anymore. I’m an advocate for protective orders. I think the stat is that 85 percent of the time protective orders do their job, but it’s not an armored vehicle. It’s not a person against a bullet or anything like that. But it does help get the message across in most cases.” Smith resides in Texarkana today. She is a legal advocate for Domestic Violence, Inc., in Bowie County. She is happy that she gets to share her story in hopes that it will help girls who might be in her shoes.

William’s recent work drawn in class. Photo by A. Olalde-Galvan

BOOK REVIEWS

As usual, the book was so much better BY OLIVIA CORBETT staff writer There are only three things that can be counted on in life: death, taxes, and for at least one person to say after every literary based movie, “The book was so much better.” We’ve all seen Steven Spielberg’s prehistoric gem “Jurassic Park,” but only a select few seem to know that it did indeed begin life as a book. Written by Michael Crichton in 1990, it somehow manages to pull in an even more horrific ending than the film, but does so to more clearly emphasize the story’s moral lesson: People are stupid and will do stupid things like genetically engineer a fleet of deadly predators from the past and put them in a theme park. Entire character personalities are switched around and, in the case of Lex and Tim (John Hammond’s grandchildren), the coveted title of ‘eldest child’ is reassigned. The writing style has a tendency to be more detached and analytical, with constant scientific and mathematical references to things like chaos theory, a study of nonlinear

dynamics used to find patterns in patternless things, that gives mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm’s redefined role a greater meaning in the overall plot. This cynical style of writing adds a new dimension to the well-known story, and is enough to make even the brightest optimist regard humanity with disdain. But however well-written, it’s not a novel I would recommend to the average reader. To put it simply, Mr. Crichton uses some big ole words. But then, there are the books that none of us seem to have heard of, that have never managed to splash onto the big screen. “The First Horse I See,” by Sally Keehn, follows the story of Willojean, motherless with an alcoholic father, who falls in love with, well… The first horse she sees: an abused racehorse named Tess. She finds herself faced with the task of retraining the wild equine as a manageable mare, but is hindered by obstacles in her quest to do so. The writing style is personal and simplistic, making it easy to follow and connect with. However, the book itself is of a lower reading level, so some may not find it quite challenging enough.

entertainment

SO YOU WANT TO GET A TATTOO?

So, you’re getting a tattoo now? Okay... Eh...

Is it appropriate for children?

You might want to rethink this.

I think so.

Close enough; does it have any significance to you?

BY JOSH KLEIN co-editor in chief

I mean kind of...

Yes!

Tattoo shows like A&E’s “Bad Ink” have been around for a while now. They all feature a fancy little tattoo parlor and the menagerie of customers it caters to; however, this new show is of a different variety. “Bad Ink” focuses on what happens when tattoos go wrong. When one wakes up with a portrait of Pamela Anderson emblazoned above their buttocks, they call the masters on Bad Ink. In response to the rising “touch ups” on these atrocious tattoos, we have made a handy dandy chart to help you figure out if you should get that tattoo. photo by Paige Huddleston

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

Yeah.

Is it a name? Of course not!

Is it in a language you’re fluent in?

Have some faith in me.

Nah, I like being accepted by society.

Cute, right?

Please tell me more about your eternal love.

Parents? They don’t need to know.

Don’t get that tattoo

Your parents said OK? Yes!

Get that tattoo!

Note: School dress code policy prohibits exposed obscene tattoos or body drawings.

Senior, Chris Beasley is happy with his choice of tattoos.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

to our VIPS Board, Volunteer Parents and our

Partners in Education VIPS Board Members: Valarie Said, Vicki Post, Robyn Carter, Terri Gooden, Christy Paddock, Sonya Jaynes, Tamara Whitehorn, Cheryl Clem, Tina Bewley, Rosemary Russell, Autumn Phelps, Sara Weber, Jennifer Shelton, Kristi McCasland, Jennifer Shively

A Touch of Health School of Massage Aaron Eye Care Abby Gayle’s Academy Sports Action Rentals Alexanders Jewelers All Rhythm Dance Studio Allison’s Party Supplies ALCOA Aloha Aire ALT Magazine American Signs & Banners Amigo Juan AR Tex Council of Governments AT & T Wireless Auntie Anne’s Pretzels BancropSouth Asset Management Bank of the Ozark BeautiControl-Sherry Norton BeautiContral Mobile Day Spa Best Buy Best Western Crossways ParkwayArkansas Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Wild Wings Burger King C & C Shoes Cable One Candlewood Suites-Cowhorn Creek Loop Capital One Bank Card & Party Factory Carino’s Italian Kitchen Chick Fil A -Central Mall Chick Fil A -Richmond Road Chicken Express Children’s Beginnings Chili’s Christus St. Michael Fitness Center Cici’s Pizza

We’ll never break up!

Does Dwarvish count?

Well, duh.

Are you getting it on your lower back, chest, and/or face?

Of a significant other?

Classic Car Wash & Express Oil Change Center Club 29:11 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Cold Stone Creamery Colonial Cleaners Comet Cleaners Comfort Suites Hotel Cooper Service Cosmetology Academy of Texarkana Curves-Summerhill Road Daines Insurance & Financial Services Dillard’s Dixie Diner Dixie Grill Domino Federal Credit Union Domtar Edgewood Enterprise Rent a Car Express Personnel Services E-Z Mart Fairfield Inn & Suites FastSigns Firehouse Subs First Baptist Church Wake Village Four States Magazine Fun Country Park Gateway Tires & Service Centers Gayle’s Cosmetics Gerald Haire Realty Girl Scouts Diamonds Goins Plastics Golden Circle Sunday School ClassFBC Moores Lane Golden Corral Greening Mary Kay Guaranty Bond Bank Hampton Inn & Suites Hardy Memorial

Harmon Glass Harvest Texarkana Healthcare Express Heritage Baptist Church Holiday Inn Express Holiday Inn Express-Cowhorn Creek Loop Horace Mann Insurance Company Hospice of Texarkana Humco Holdings Image Forward Photography Integrity Electrical Inc International Paper JCM Industries Jason’s Deli Johns Family Chiropractic Judith McCarty School of Dance Julies Deli & Market Junior Achievement Junior League of Greater Texarkana Keystone Self Storage Knight Nutrition Kohl’s Department Store Kool Smiles of Texarkana Kristy Smith State Farm KV Studios Las Colimas Lasterday Tees Life Share Blood Centers LinRock Health & Rehab Center Little Caesar’s Pizza Lone Star Trophy & Engraving LogoZon Publishing, LLC. Magic Springs Mariott Fairfield InInn & Suites Mary Kay Cosmetics Mathnasium Max Donuts Michael’s Arts & Craft Minton’s Sportsplex

Mr. Speedy Car Care Mt. Orange Baptist Church Mt. Zion Baptist Church Oak Street Baptist Church Offenhauser Insurance Company Old Navy Olive Garden On the Border Mexican Grill Organic Gold Oubre Animal Clinic Outback Steakhouse Pace Glass Papa John’s Pizza Papa Murphys Parks Diamond Jewelers Patterson Pest Patrol Pearson Heating & Air Conditioning Pediatric Dentistry of Texarkana People State Bank Pillow Termite & Pest Control Pizza Inn Progressive Hair Design Red River Federal Credit Union Red River Lumber Redlick Christian Childcare Regions Bank Renew Medical Spa Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program Rid X Termite & Pest Control Ruby Tuesday Sandra’s Stones Scrapbookers Emporium Shambarger Orthodontics Shoe Carnival Silver Spoon Skate America Smiles of Arkansas Dental Center Sprint Sportsmagic

St. James St. Luke United Methodist Church Starbucks Coffee State Farm Insurance-Larry Oxford Subies Deli & Grill Super 1 Foods Taco Bell Target TCBY Texar Federal Credit Union Texarkana College Texarkana Community Journal Texarkana Embroidery Graphics Texarkana Fire Department Texarkana Golf Ranch Texarkana Jiu Jitsu Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanity Coucil Texarkana Volunteer Center Texas A&M University Texarkana Texas Roadhouse The Kids Spot The Oil Changer The Pop Pop Shoppe The Sanctuary Medical Spa Twin Cities Taekwondo Twisted Vines a Floral Studio United Way Of Greater Texarkana Valic Verion Wireless Waffle House Wake Village Lions Club Wal Mart Superstore #2123 Wells Fargo Bank Wendy’s Westridge Apartments Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Windstream Communications Wing Stop

tiger times oct. 31, 2013

photo story

Time after Time

SURPRISED REACTION Senior homecoming queen, Chau Dong, nearly faints at the surprise and joy of being announced queen. photo by Sydney Steed

Homecoming provides great times, memories

BUST A MOVE On the dance floor, seniors Miles Coleman and Taylor Jackson enjoy the homecoming dance. photo by Savannah Pritchard

The football game set the tone for the busy weekend ahead. Marissa Johnson and Jacoya Matlock were announced maids of honor, while Chau Dong was revealed as the 2013 homecoming queen. Texas High won their homecoming game against Natchitoches Central 13-0, a great score to kick off the weekend. Arriving at the dance Saturday night, girls prepared and primped all day to dance, gossip and enjoy the night with their dates and friends. Students came together to enjoy their first, or even their last, homecoming dance. For some, the memories were all too new, while other enjoyed a bittersweet homecoming, but perfect to leave their senior year with.

BE MY DATE? Students in the band help junior Bradley Lenaway creatively ask his date, senior Madison Norton, to the homecoming dance at a prior football game. photo by Carli Sharp

ON COURT The homecoming court pauses for a group photo after the homecoming pep rally in the Performing Arts Center. photo by Sabrina Larson

LAST DANCE Meagan Campbell shares the last dance at her senior homecoming with her date. photo by Paige Huddleston

“This homecoming will definitely always be separate from my freshman and sophomore year homecomings. The homecoming game was marvelous, and getting to twirl the halftime show with my color guard was a great moment. We all had a blast, and it was a week I’ll never forget.” -Morgan Williams, 11

community

tiger times oct. 30, 2013