On February 18, Ursa Major Ne her Brewer’s Got Talent, an event where students could perform their special talents for the community At the end of the night, Honeycomb performers (Angelica Donias, Cassidy Crider, Amber Kopacki and Ashton Crowdis) won first place, cheer performers (Sean Allen, Jonathan Arnold, Jaycee Wheeler and Summer Simons) won second place and Escolta Privada, with members (Freddy Solis, Manuel Gonzalez and Francisco Martinez) won the People’s Choice Award with their cover of “Su Veneno Pt 2” by Leonilo James
There was a lot of excitement and stressful obstacles leading up to the talent show’s opening night, but overall, the success was extraordinary.
“My absolute favorite part was seeing the show come together,” Newspaper Adviser Flor Urbina said. “You can plan and practice, but there’s nothing like opening night.”
There were several amazing performances by our students Although all of the performers had individually beautiful performances, the judges were won over by the Honeycomb performers, who took the first place prize of $100.
"I had the opportunity to experience students talents, and they had the opportunity to experience mine. In the end, we can appreciate each other more knowing that we have lives and talents outside of “high school.” - Dr. Porter
“The honeycombs put on a truly impressive show,” Judge Thomas Tutt said. “The effort they put into preparation showed through their technical skill and coordination.”
The show was hosted by some of our most vocal students: Sunny Rangel, Will Washington, RJ Weatherd and Cris Rios It was a fun experience for the hosts that they were all excited to be involved in.
“I wanted to be apart of something bigger than myself,” Rangel said.
The audience was beyond encouraging to each of the performers, cheering them on and supporting them as they walked on the stage Each performers did a wonderful job in their acts, and the Ursa Major staff is beyond excited for next year’s awesome talent.
“There was immense pressure to put on a show worth seeing,” Urbina said. “Every aspect and detail was carefully thought out. Overall, the show was amazing, and it can only get better next year!”
SPORTS
NEWS
A Striking Success
Senior selected as “Texas elite 8" player
Senior Jaime Ledezma is at the home stretch of his high school career, but that is not slowing him down anytime soon. He has continued to push boundaries and exceeded expectations and has set new records for future athletes to follow in his footsteps.
Coming back this season, Ledezma had low expectations due to a torn MCL (medical collateral ligament) the year prior, but he did not let that stop him.
“Coming into this year’s season, I honestly thought this was gonna be my worst year yet,” Ledezma said. “I hadn’t played in 11 months and had lost all the training I had worked for.”
Regardless of his past injury, this is Ledezma’s best season so far. He was selected out of nearly 20,000 students for his performance against Azle as “TX Elite 8.”
MAJOR
“It made me very proud because now his mindset has changed," Head Soccer Coach Rafael Franco said. "Before he did not want to play soccer in college and now he does.”
Ledezma’s success did not come easy. He had countless support from friends and family along the way and on top of that, plenty of hard work was put in.
"My teammates, coaches, friends and family played a big role in accomplishing my goals this year,” Ledezma said. "They made sure I stayed positive and kept my head up through my recovery.”
Off the soccer field, Ledezma is a great student and role model to friends and teammates.
“He is focused, determined and persistent in his pursuit of success, and is willing to put in long hours to get there,” Senior Francisco Diaz said. “He takes pride in his work and strives to continuously improve and learn new skills to excel in the field.”
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2023 5/5A District Win
For the first time in Brewer's history, the boys 2023 varsity soccer team won the 5/5A district championship!
The winning goals against Aledo were made by: senior Francisco Diaz, junior Alex Vega (assisted by junior Ronny Rangel), junior Luis Solis (assisted by senior Vincent Rivera) and the final goal made by freshman Damian Merida.
We also can’t forget to mention the importance of the team's goal keepers! Senior Leonardo Ramirez and Edgar Cardona really have the teams back when it comes to blocking the opposing team's goals.
"Everysoccerplayerdreamsof scoring a perfectgoal.I'vealwaysdreamedof stopping it,"saidEdgarCardona.
Of course with every great team comes an even greater coach. This years coaches are Head Coach Rafael Franco, and assistant coaches Jared Hooten and Sinisa Vrvilo).
Instagram: ursamajor.news march 2023
This year was the 15th annual Bear Cave Classic. Our school put on the tournament, which consists of teams from around the district, traveling to and playing at the high school.
Throughout this season, the soccer boys have pulled through with some great wins, and this tournament was no exception. The boys left the tournament undefeated, finishing their fourth and final game 2-2, winning in penalty shots.
“Lupe scored the goal to tie the game 2-2 and our keeper Edgar Cardona won us the penalty shootout,” senior player Cris Rios said.
It takes teamwork to succeed in a competitive tournament, but individual athleticism is necessary to come out with a victory like this.
“Luis Solís was the rock of our defense, he played through a sickness and ended up being injured, but he let it all out on the field in the championship game and leading up to it,” Rios said.
Through cold temperatures and various setbacks, the boys were able to pull through with four consecutive wins.
“There were two key components to our wins in my opinion,” senior Francisco Diaz said. “One of those key moments was the first goal of the tournament scored by Brandon Gutierrez. The other key moment was my goal against Castleberry. This goal tied the game 1 to 1 when we were struggling to find ways to attack. This goal also gave us the momentum we needed to win the game.”
The team has experienced a lot this season, one major difference being a change in leadership. This is Head Coach Rafael Franco’s first year coaching at Brewer.
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2023 seniors of the varsity boys soccer team
Bear cave classic Honoring Ernie Holland
Senior Jaime Ledezma
SPORTS
Picture descriptions
First picture- Junior Jonah Barrera, deadlifting 365Lbs
Second picture-Sophomore Tristan Salas, Squatting 285Lbs
Third picture- (to the right)Senior Ethan Moore, squatting 520Lbs (to the left), Moore deadlifting 550Lbs.
Fourth picture- RJ Weatherd and Ethan Moore, Regional qualifiers!
Powerlifting pictures from the 2023 season
Thepowerbehin thelift
For the past several years, Brewer has been competing in powerlifting competitions
Powerlifting is known as a very hardcore sport that takes a lot of effort and mental capability This year, seniors RJ Weatherd and Ethan Moore made it to regionals! Weatherd placing third place in regionals in his weight class and Moore placing seventh in his weight class
ith determination and an optimistic attitude, ing meets can be less intimidating than they cially when it comes to new competitors This had several new athletes who decided to give ing a shot
"Making it to regionals is a big confidence builder for me, especially because my confidence took a hit after football season," Weatherd said
Powerlifting to many, like Weatherd, has many ego-boosting benefits Imagine being able to lift double or even triple your own weight Not only that, you also get to constantly be competing with not only yourself but with other individuals who have the same passion as you
"You put in what you put out, the more time and effort you put in, you end up seeing it at the powerlifting meets," Moore said.
At every meet, there might be times where the competitor can't get a weight up, This can be very detrimental because it can cause them to not place or even lose their placement at a competition, resulting in them not advancing Weatherd has a lot of experience with this
"Every time I don't get my weight up, I just keep that in mind and hold in my anger to take it out on the bar the next meet, and I also go hard at practice and keep trying until I get it," Weatherd said.
“It's my first year in powerlifting, and so far, it's an exciting and nerve-racking experience At the gym, I lift heavy, but I've never competed with anyone It's definitely something I really enjoy,” junior Jonah Barrera said
In addition to having new athletes join, the powerlifting team also had two new coaches accompanying head coach Brian Stansberry: Parker Hartcraft and Ramiro Gonzalez
“Hartcraft is really motivational His background with powerlifting really comes out during practices He gives really good advice and tips,” Barrera said
Those who have been in powerlifting the past few years also feel the change with the coaches, such as Sophomore Tristen Salas who has been in powerlifting for the past two years
“The coaches really help me out, they are motivating and very friendly When I fail a rep, they push me to do more,” Salas said
Many people might be scared to join powerlifting because they feel weak or they feel not capable of it, but powerlifting is for anyone who is determined to compete
“I recommend people to join because even if you don't even place in the meets, it was always a time of my life where I got stronger mentally and physically,” Weatherd said.
SCHOOL SPIRIT SCHOOL SPIRIT
fINE ARTS
This year's Fine Arts Festival was a huge hit for the community. The turnout was larger than last year, had a lot more activities and was an exciting night for all of those involved.
The festival had a surplus of activities and performances for the community to not only watch but to participate in. There was much to do and see at the festival, from the Art Club’s array of stations to keep the kids occupied, to the multitude of performances for the rest of the people to enjoy. All of these performances had an immense amount of heart and time put into everything that was showcased that night.
“We selected our solos two months in advance,” junior band performer Jordan Adkins said. "The piece we performed was to be played at the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition that following Saturday, so we were given some time to prepare.”
Most clubs and groups had around a month to prepare their pieces and figure out how the Fine Arts Festival was going to look for them.
“We meet every Wednesday during flex time and would discuss who would be helping where, what time things were and what the art festival was about,” senior art club member Braelynn Vineyard said.
Preparing for the festival was still relatively new to these groups considering this was only its second year being put on.
“When preparing for a play, you have quite a bit of time to get ready,” freshman thespian Macie Munoz said. “It is always put together and is most of the time scripted. Preparing for the festival was a bit different. We had a lot less time to prepare, but there was a lot less stress because we knew that it would only be for fun.”
The performance groups had begun preparing music for competitions that were close to the Fine Arts Festival and used this as an opportunity to not only practice but showcase the work they’d put in.
“I think the festival gave the band much needed practice for their solos,” Adkins said. “In general, the festival displayed the many virtuosic talents of WSISD students.”
The Art Club was the only group featured that didn’t stop them from being a large part of the festival on the day of.
"There were three stations set up. There was face painting, face mask making, bookmark making and button making,” Vineyard said.
With the Art Club being a very interactive part of the night, the other groups needed to be able to captivate the children’s attention and get them involved as well.
“We prepared fun and interesting games for the audience, as well as created an open and inviting atmosphere for friends and family,” Munoz said.
Theater gave their all to include its audience and make sure the kids were able to get involved.
“We as a team asked them to give us topics or characters for our improv scenes,” Munoz said. “We had three different improv performances, each with different games that excited and included the audience.”
Getting the crowd involved in a performance was an aspect that choir and dance couldn’t really do while performing but realized they could teach them how to perform instead.
“We were super busy with our quick changes but our wonderful directors were able to teach some of the littles the basic dance concepts,” said sophomore Honeycomb Amber Kopacki.
This year's approach with recruitment and incorporating the kids created a better, more energetic environment.
“Show Choir taught a simplified version of the dance to the little kids, we also did karaoke and gave participation prizes,” said senior choir officer Rachel Mohamadd said.
Recruiting means so much more than just trying to gain members, especially to the members of these Fine Arts groups.
“The festival gave the Fine Arts program a chance to engage with the community directly,” Adkins said. “An aspiring young artist would be able to see what this district has to offer, and interact with students to see what the Fine Arts experience is truly like.”
When kids realize how much they enjoy doing some of these things by participating in the festival they’re more likely to join them.
“It shows students that there is a place for each and every one of them because I feel like there are still a lot of kids that don’t know we have a choir or show choir,” Mohamadd said.
The Fine Arts Festival was a huge opportunity for students to find their space.
“I believe that the Fine Arts Festival positively impacts the community. I think that it gives a warm welcome to newcomers and encourages them to enter the community,” Munoz said.
Promoting these events is an even bigger factor in recruiting. This is how these groups were able to advertise Fine Arts to them in person in the first place.
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BrewerBookBunch StudentCorner
Summary: Alicia Berenson, a 33-year-old artist with a tragic backstory, is deeply in love with her husband, Gabriel. Or so everyone thinks until Gabriel comes home late one night and Alicia shoots him five times in the face for seemingly no reason… and then she never speaks another word. Six years later, readers follow Theo Faber, a physiotherapist with a tragic backstory of his own, as he gets a job at the same psychiatric hospital where Alicia has been admitted. Theo is determined to not only find the true meaning of what really happened that night but also to learn why Alicia stays mute. This page-turning, bone-chilling story will have you trying to connect the dots in a wild goose chase until your jaw is left on the floor as the truth is revealed.
Buncher Review: I would definitely recommend this book to other students as I rated it five out of five stars. I would have to advise other students to read the trigger warnings on this book before checking it out, as the book discusses serious topics. Many say the book has a slow start, although I did not find it that way. However, everyone agrees that as the story continues, the mystery captivates you to the point where you can barely put the book down. The tragic backstory of the characters will make your heart break and the plot twists will make your head spin. Once the story is over, you will want to flip back to the first page, read it all over again, and see if you can find the clues leading to the answer. -Vesa
Qerimi
BHS Comedian Nile Carroll
The impact of mEdia at BHS
Organizations around our school are increasingly using social media to get their message out.
Almost every organization at the school has a social media showcasing their school involvement. Everything from Student Council to the varsity soccer team. Sports, clubs and CTE classes are just a few more examples of students running social media.
STUCO Historian Sophia Zaman utilizes both Instagram and TikTok to spread school pride. During football season, STUCO facilitates all Friday night football themes. Instagram has proven to be the best way to inform the student body of upcoming themes. They market the theme by creating posts and Instagram stories.
TikTok is another creative outlet used to inform the students about school events. During Homecoming, STUCO used TikTok to market the Homecoming dance. The videos got a combined 26,000 views within a span of 2 weeks.
The Brewer Basketball varsity team recently made it to the second round of playoffs. Basketball Manager Elihany Rosales, along with the help of some STUCO members, created a TikTok asking the student body to come out and support the boys. The video got over 3,000 views and sparked much conversation about the game throughout the school.
Social media at BHS has also proven successful in acknowledging the achievements of athletes Recently, basketball athlete Julian Perez surpassed 1,000 career points. The post about his career advancement reached over 500 people and gained 160 likes.
TikTok has taken the world by storm, gaining more popularity by the day. Videos about school events can be seen from organizations big and small Our district created an account last school term and quickly became the talk of the town In fact, Superintendent Frank Molinar was featured performing a popular TikTok dance in the first video made by the school district This video got 26 2k views and almost 3,000 likes
Social media has proven to be a successful platform in getting messages out to the masses This type of media allows for organizations to have fun and get creative with their school involvements. It creates a space where groups small to large can advocate for themselves.
A srtiking success
Senior selected as “Texas Elite 8” player
Continued from page 2
Teamwork and great leadership is what has brought the varsity soccer team so many victories So far they are 12-2-3 (won-loss-draw), only losing to Arlington Heights and North West
“We understand the importance of maintaining a positive and cohesive team culture, and work hard to continuously improve our skills and communication with each other,” Diaz said. ”Our strong leadership ensures that we have clear roles and responsibilities for each team member, which helps us work together towards our common goal.”
Bear cave classic
Honoring Ernie Holland
Continued from page 2
“We’re still trying to build a relationship between the coach and us and make it stronger, but he makes it a vital point that we have an opinion on how we want to play each game so everybody feels comfortable and we can play our best,” Rios said.
Coach Franco has more than proven he is qualified for the head coach title.
“He always makes sure we work hard and pushes us to get better every single day,” Diaz said.
Winning didn’t come easy, they worked hard to be undefeated The varsity soccer team practices Monday through Friday
The team takes little to no days off They are constantly doing whatever they can to better their game
“Winning felt good. All the practices and cold mornings paid off, but we instantly just looked to start district games with a bang,” Cris Rios said.
Heartbeat
of Brewer on Full Display
Annual Fine Arts Festival showcases talent of district
Continued from page 4
“Both before and during the Fine Arts Festival, the theater program promoted it,” Munoz said.
“Before the festival, we used social media and the spread of the word to share about it. During the festival we let people know to visit other rooms.”
Theater was certainly not the only group that used their social media outreach to get people out to the festival
“Our team posted pictures and sneak peeks of our routines for people to get excited to come to see us perform,” Kopacki said.
The Fine Arts Festival was an opportunity for students to show off their individuality and creativity. The community was able to see for themselves the talent that our district has to offer.
“The festival had a lot of different groups and schools which only makes it more lively and exciting because we get to see everyone else in our community, and it was a family-friendly event so everyone had a good time,” Vineyard said.
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“We usually meet in the weight room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. After that we normally run for about 20 minutes. On game days, we just go over our corners, free kicks and penalties,” Diaz said.
