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Senior Edition
Ursa Major presents the class of 2025 in this special issue Read on for senior spotlights, poll responses, featured photos, alumni spotlights and important information on prom and graduation
Important Information
Prom Information
Graduation Details
Polls
Embarassing Moments & Words of Advice
Seniors Final Summer Break
Senior Year World Events
Most Memorable Moments
You vote!
Seniors who Committed
Running Home to North Lake
Central Christian College Newest Player
New Kicker on the Block
Rising Star
Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Aolani Woldai
The Female Lebron
McDade Has Her Future McMade
Enlisted
Setting Sail for Service
Senior Spotlights
Yareli’s Nails
A Flash of Greatness
Beyond the Bite
Framing The Future
From the Court to the Classroom
From classroom student to classroom teacher
Bear Fight
Alumni: Recent graduates share their experience
Valedictorian: Opening Doors to Success and How to Get There
The Spin to Success
Sauté your way to sous chef
From Brewer Bear to Navy Sailor
Photo Pages Saved
Story Archives
Extras
The Graduation Migration
Staff Page
News Crew
Audrielynn Dombrock
The dance you ’ ve waited for your entire high school career⼀your senior prom⼀is right around the corner. Brewer High School’s 2025 prom will be on April 12th at the Omni Hotel of Fort Worth, 1300 Houston St. Fort Worth, TX 76102. Tickets cost $110 through February 28th and $120 from March 1st to March 8th. Tickets must be purchased by March 8th. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Your fines and fees must be paid, and all contracts must be completed before prom.
Additionally, any non-BHS guests need to submit a photo of their ID to jbelisle@wsisd.net before the event. The doors will open at 7 pm. The dinner served is a soul food buffet with gumbo, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and apple pie. You can dance the night away until the prom ends at 11 pm.
ATTENTION SENIORS! Be sure to check your school email and follow our Instagram @ursamajor.news for information on future senior events. Senior day updates are coming soon!
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By Audrielynn Dombrock
Brewer High School’s Class of 2025 graduation will be held at Dickies Arena on May 22, 2025. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Dickies Arena charges a $25 parking fee. The arena does not charge an entrance fee.
High School Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony
Brenley Hammonds
Replied to your note: Spend it with family, my boyfriend and friends before I move to another state for college, Boomer baby.
Samuel Hernandez
Replied to your note: I'm going to finish a certificate I have for IT and get a job as an intern in the school's technology department.
Elian Chico
Replied to your note: Enjoy a couple of weeks of it, go to the Marines right after.
Vincent McCormick
Replied to your note: I'm going on a big road trip with my bestfriend. We'll be seeing over 12 states and 10 national parks. I have a passion for photography, so I'm very excited for the trip.
Destiny Wiggins
Replied to your note: I am interning for an interior design program and getting my real estate license.
wins and enters his second presidency
Nathaniel Deverney I personally believe we are on the path to becoming a better and stronger country
Selena Maldonado Stupid, making choices based on his own personal views again
Libbie Peacock Not good It's like watching a reality TV show except it's our government, so it's so scary
Vincent McCormick I am thankful that I won't have to deal with him as a potential candidate when I'm able to vote
He'll have done his terms and his presidency will be over I'm mainly relieved because of this due to the divide I've seen him create within the country
Kevin Irigoyen Not a good option for president, better than Kamala in my opinion, but not the best Just hope everything goes well
Ursa Major News Kendrick Lamar performs in the 2025 Super Bowl
Lilliana Garza BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING, truly it was a work of art with a bigger message behind it
Alex Paduano In comparison to other halftime shows from previous Super Bowls, I think that Kendrick Lamar's performance could have been a little better
Louielynne Moreira I thought it was really cool!! I definitely have my opinions on certain stuff so I thought Kendrick's performance choices were so cool! All the little details in it, such a statement, and I think he pulled it off very well!
Daisha Porter The message was good, the performance wasn't
Madi Corona At first, I didn't like But after I saw a TikTok explaining all the symbolism, it wasn't horrible I just wish it was more of a hype show
Anonymous
Anonymous
Brooklyn
Vincent
a negative affect
Elizabeth Douglas It was god awful and so many people lost their homes to it I don't know anyone who lost their home personally, but wildfires are always one of the most devastating natural disasters
Aaliyah Rodriguez I think we should be doing everything in our power to be stopping this and stop being greedy with resources because we're already losing too much wildlife as is, just for money-hungry businesses doing nothing for our environment
Louielynne Moreira While I don't personally know anyone who was affected by fires, I do wonder how people are going to return to normalcy if their home had burned down I just hope that they are able to rebuild some of that normalcy back again With some help of course No one should go through that alone
Ursa Major News President Trump changes the name of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Aaliyah Rodriguez I think it's stupid and a negligence of power when we as a country could be focused on the more important things such as pollution and world hunger
Andrew Gowan He's not even pretending to attempt to do anything about America's problems
Marci Longoria It’s so stupid and unnecessary, it’s not even ours it belongs to Mexico it always has that's why it was named the Gulf of Mexico
Libbie Peacock I better not hear anybody call the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America" to my face I'm in an organization that works to bring environmental justice to the Gulf of Mexico so it's infuriating Who does Trump think he is to just go into office and rename places like it's a Monopoly property?
Abrianna Balderas I think it's worthless to rename it and that there's more pressed subjects that should be given attention to
Ian Hamilton I think he tried to send a message of awareness to the government but his method of blowing up a tesla was not good
Anonymous Highly doubt this was accidental, but this is crazy, might be a bad image on Tesla as a whole
Anonymous I find it a bit scary on how it exploded but also not surprised since the information about it says that it's an autopilot and full self-driving
Cassidy Crider
Being undefeated on the drill team with my solo, freshman year
Looking
Reply Noah Grubbs
Qualifying
Hey readers, check out this senior spotlight on Jesse Orozco.
Brewer High School senior Jesse Orozco has recently committed to North Lake College in Dallas He has been playing baseball since he was five years old and is currently a shortstop and pitcher for the baseball team Soon, he will be starting a new chapter and will have to learn how to balance being a college student and a college baseball player
“I plan on taking my academics seriously I plan on taking early classes so I can practice in the afternoon,” Orozco said
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions athletes have to make. Jesse also considered Richland College, Wyile College, Cedar Valley College and Vernon College Ultimately, he chose North Lake
“I chose this college because I wanna learn from the best: Derick Holland, an ex-Rangers pitcher,” Orozco said
Being an athlete comes with challenges Whether the challenges are mental or physical, athletes must take their time to recover and take care of themselves In his sophomore year, Jesse tore his meniscus and ACL but was able to recover
“I overcame this setback by going hard with physical therapy and being positive,” Orozco said
A big part of being on a baseball team is bonding with teammates and working together so that the team can be successful Jesse has his family and his girlfriend supporting and motivating him, but he also has teammates to share victories with
“One of my favorite things about baseball is the bond with teammates. Remember our freshman year when we defeated the Aledo Bearcats? That victory was unforgettable The tough practices brought us closer and taught us to trust each other It wasn't just about winning; it was about the journey and the connections we made Those shared moments make baseball special,” Orozco said.
Jesse has a lot of goals and plans for his life, not just for baseball but for his education and career He is looking forward to starting life as a young man and will be pursuing an engineering degree. After college, he plans on going to law school and becoming a patent attorney. As for baseball, he also has certain goals he wants to achieve
“My short-term goal is to make the playoffs this year, and my long-term goal is to make a D1 roster in the future, after Juco,” Orozco said.
Since Jesse has been playing baseball since he was five, he’s learned a lot and has a lot of experience He has some advice for younger players
“Have fun playing the game, and don't worry about the mistakes you can make Just have fun It goes by fast,” Orozco said
Jesse is on a great track and will surely continue being successful if he continues his hard work. Good luck to this Brewer Bear, who will soon be a North Lake Blazer
By Alexis White
Julia Esquivel has just committed to play softball at Central Christian College of Kansas Over the past eight years, Esquivel has been put to work, her mind filled with dedication, passion and respect for her sport Knowing that she has been recognized for her amazing talent must be uplifting for her She plays utility, primarily in the outfield, and is a second baseman With senior year coming to a close, Esquivel is ready to start a new chapter in her life
It takes a lot of courage to stay in such a tough sport, but Esquivel has the will and desire to stay committed It took a lot for her to get where she is today
“Julia works really hard She's a team player and a leader; she has a big voice on our team,” Coach Gunter, Esquivel’s softball coach, said
Playing a sport like softball takes its toll on you mentally and physically. Having a strong mind along with a strong physique is very important
“You have to put your mind through that pain of pushing through and not cheating your way out of it because if you do, then you cheat yourself from seeing results on the field,” Esquivel said
Julia Esquivel is currently going through what many people hope to experience someday Hard work such as hers is shown on and off the field Esquivel has proven that being a student athlete, while sometimes difficult, is possible Having to juggle school, softball and life, Esquivel deals with her busy schedule by remaining focused and organized
“To get to where I am, I had to practice discipline and prioritize, not going to a lot of social events or spending the majority of your time progressing in this sport,” Esquivel said
Esquivel’s focus and drive for softball are amazing The way she prioritizes something this special, it's no wonder Central Christian College of Kansas wants her to play for them
“My interest in the sport began by seeing the rush and determination in players' eyes when I would watch my favorite college softball teams and longing for that same feeling and passion,” Esquivel said
Esquivel has put in the work to achieve her dreams She has played for select teams, and those coaches helped her get her name out into the world Her hard work led to one of the most unforgettable moments of her life
“I was shaking I saw the coach from the school calling me, and I picked up instantly I felt so much gratitude and was just astounded at the moment,” Esquivel said “My mom was the most excited She knew how I felt about the campus and was more than proud because I am first generation, but also the first to go this far with a sport ”
Julia Esquivel came into Brewer not knowing what would happen. She has excelled in softball and now gets to pursue this career further, one thing she hopes future players will never forget, is the passion for the game amidst the tough days.
“Don't lose yourself trying to get approval from your coaches, and remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place,” Esquivel said.
Overall, Esquivel’s path would not have been possible without the support of those who believe in her and her own dedication. Central Christian College of Kansas is extremely lucky to have her as its newest player and student
ByAlexandraHernandez
25.6K (
Cameron Carr has fully committed to football at East Texas Baptist University Since the last 9 years he always thought about putting his whole life into football and wanting to commit to it He has shown that he can be a hard worker, and put in his best effort. He has made his family proud and also has made himself proud to finally commit
To be committed you look up to someone who inspires you or maybe you always dreamed of doing this You have to be passionate about and work hard to get you where you need to be. Carr has some ups and downs but never backs down in what he does
“Cameron is very outgoing; when he comes to class he lights up the room and makes everyone laugh He is charismatic, which influences and inspires his friends or family. He always works hard in my class,” Ms. Urbina said He doesn’t care about what others think about him, nor let anything drag him down While having a lot on his mind, with big crowds, he always pushes through no matter how tough the game or how tall the players are. Carr always puts his faith, trust, and courage into God while going down the right path
“During middle school I had a really bad injury in my knee to the point where I almost gave up because I had because I had people telling me that I wasn't going to be able to do it but the thing is I never back down, no matter the challenge because I know I'm going down the right path because of him and how much I push myself to always do it,” Carr said
Although things can be challenging and you have to do a lot in order to commit He would go back to when people had doubted him before or after he had injuries and prove to them that he was worthy and capable Carr has dreamed of doing this because he wants to see himself in the NFL and become just like Odell Beckham Jr
Elijah Mande has recently committed to Cisco College, located in Cisco, Texas, to play Division III Football.
Mande has been playing football since the age of seven, the ups and downs he’s faced have made him the player he is today. After all the hard work and sweat, Mande’s talent would be made known as one of the best in the entire district. With the amount of hard work and effort Mande has shown during his four years of varsity, he is for sure ready for the next step in his career. To be so committed and so passionate about a sport, you probably need to have a good reason or someone to look up to.
“Growing up, it was watching the NFL on Sundays and seeing Dez Bryant play,” Mande said.
This inspiration and support from his mom being there for him every step of the way has played a crucial part in Mande’s success story
“Football has changed the way I think and react to certain situations,” Mande said
Playing football will not just make you physically stronger it will also impact your life, and change your perspective on certain things
“Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something How could they possibly know what you're capable of,” Mande said
Even though people have said he’s too small for the next level, Mande is currently in a spot where a lot of kids hope to be one day It’s all been because of the hard work and effort he has put into his craft
The most important thing to have is “a great mindset because if you're not mentally strong I don't think you'll make it far,” Mande said.
Elijah has faced many adversities to get to this point, one being when he injured his ankle during his junior year and couldn't participate in the off-season Even so, his determination never faltered
Now that Mande has played his last down on a high school football field, he wants to continue playing and make a career out of it
“The enjoyment of the sport and I can get paid for doing what I love,” Mande said
After completing his last year of varsity football for Brewer High School, one message that he wants to leave upcoming players in the sport is to cherish the moment.
“Have fun because before you know it, you'll be playing your last high school football game ever,” Mande said
The future is bright for this young football star His commitment and passion for the sport he loves so much will take him far Cisco College doesn’t know it yet, but they found a hidden gem
Jonelle Davenport
AolaniWoldaihasofficiallycommittedtoplayingbasketballattheUniversityofTexasatEl Paso,markingapivotalmomentinherathleticcareer.Woldai'spassionforbasketball ignitedwhenshestartedplayingattheageoffour,andherunwaveringdedicationtothe sporthasonlyintensifiedovertheyears.
OvertheyearsWoldaihasmadeimprovementstofurtherherdreamofplaying basketball.UTEPhasrecognizedherhardworkandchosenhertobeapartoftheteam.
“Ihadjustlearnedaboutitthisyear Ifeltsafewiththecoaches,Iwasgettingalongwith thegirlsverywelloverallitwasn'ttoofarfromhome,Iwannagetaway,”Woldaisaid
Youcan'tjustwakeupwiththisability,ittakeshardworkanddedication.Developinga skillortalentoftenrequirescountlesshoursofpractice,learningfromfailuresand pushingthroughobstaclesthatmayseemoverwhelmingattimes.
“Ittookalotofresponsibilityformyselfaswellashardworkandmotivation,”Woldaisaid.
Shenotonlycaredforthesportbutalsoherteammates Shewasalwaystheretooffer encouragementafteratoughgame,celebratingtheirvictoriesandhelpingthemlearn fromtheirdefeats.Ensuringthateveryonefeltincludedandvalued,shehascomevery far.
“She'sgreatasateamplayer,shemotivatesthemandpushesthemtomakethem better,Imeanshegoeshardherselfsoshe'sagreatmodelonthecourtforthem,”Coach TeranieLewissaid.
WoldaiisnowgettingreadytoleaveBrewerandtakeastepintohernewlife
“Thegirlsandthecoaches,I'mgoingtomisstheteamforsure,”Woldaisaid.
Woldai’sendgoalistobecomeabetterpersonandlearnfromhermistakes,goingto UTEPwillhelpherdothatandmore.
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Antonio Torres
Julie Kasonga takes a big leap committing to Texas Woman's University Julie Kasonga has recently committed to Texas Woman’s University to play Division II college basketball. Over the course of the 11 years Kasonga has been playing basketball, she has faced many adversities through her play which made her the player she is today After being noticed by major colleges, Kasonga’s talent would be made known as one of the best in the entire 5A district The way she becomes a playmaker and the way she hustles on the court proves Kasonga is ready for the next step in her career
The determination needed for the sport of basketball takes a lot of commitment, Kasonga having the courage to stick through it all shows the type of athlete she is today
“Effort is the reason I am here right now If I wasn't putting in effort in everything I do, I wouldn't be doing the things I do,” Kasonga said
Playing a rigorous sport like basketball takes a toll on you mentally, having a strong mind of endurance is highly important
“Just because something doesn't work the first couple of times you do it doesn't mean stop trying, keep pushing till you get the result that you want,” Kasonga said
Julie Kasonga’s message to upcoming players is a valuable piece of knowledge to have She reminds new players that failure will come, but it's how you respond to that failure that truly shines
“I have faced many adversities in my life but the main one that helped me get to the point where I am was the passing of my grandpa and the last words he said to me, 'I want you to smile and have courage,'” Kasonga said
While growing as a player you will face many different challenges in your career, Kasonga shows how the passing of her grandfather did not discourage her but motivated her by his last words
“I fell in love with basketball my second year of playing because the first year the girls were better than me and when we came back the second year everyone wanted me on their team," Kasonga said. "I realized basketball was what I wanted to do my sophomore year when I got my first full-ride college offer to the University of Arkansas at Monticello "
Having the realization as an athlete that you want to continue playing your sport is such a life-changing decision and for Kasonga to realize that once her amazing talent was seen by colleges is a one-of-a-kind experience
“After high school, I plan to play 4 more years in college while being on the starting 5 all 4 years, then I want to graduate with a degree in business and marketing and become a real estate agent,” Kasonga said
Julie's dedication and commitment to the sport have paid off for her in the long run Texas Woman’s University is extremely lucky to have a great player like Julie on their 2025-2026 roster
With graduation coming closer and closer, seniors are searching for their next chapter in life whether it’s college, trade school, work or whatever else draws their attention Some seniors, like Felicity McDade, already know exactly what their next step is: joining Texas Tech University’s band program.
McDade was stuck choosing between committing to Texas Tech University or Texas Christian University, but there were many factors involved that helped sway the final decision
“I fell in love with Tech’s campus and atmosphere when I visited last fall,” McDade said “I grew up believing that TCU was my dream college, but weighing out the pros and cons there were more cons than pros TCU never really reached out to recruit me, but Tech was so involved in my decision-making In the end, after visiting Texas Tech and seeing how eager and excited they were to have me, I made my decision ”
As McDade prepares to play at the next level, she has her goals and mindset already figured out for her first year in a college-level band program
“I’m so excited to play at a college level,” McDade said “Seeing the jump from high school to college is insane; it's a whole other playing field For my first year, I honestly just want to have a good time and improve my skills as a performer I’m not so serious about it, and I just want to make memories and achieve personal growth while making me the best version of myself without comparing myself to others and their achievements ”
McDade has already met some of her bandmates and has an approximate idea of what her role in the band will be.
“I’ve met a few of my bandmates because I’ve been to school with them,” McDade said “I’m so excited to meet everyone there; it seems like so much fun. I doubt I’ll be playing a crucial role since there isn’t one specific important role, and it’s more of a teamwork-based field ”
McDade then reflected on her years in high school, going over her motivation, growth and most influential figure
“I always tell myself that everything I do is for the long run and that my hard work will soon pay off,” McDade said “Since my freshman year, I’ve grown so much I used to be so timid and scared, but over the past few years, I finally grew into myself and found who I am In my freshman year, I had a section leader named Miguel. He made my experience with band fun and worthwhile. He also offered help and encouraged me to make the All-Region band that year I don’t think I would’ve been able to lead the clarinet section without his guidance to get me there in the first place ”
In her time in high school, McDade has won many awards and contests including middle and high school All-Region band membership in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 where she advanced to Area competition She also was awarded a class 1, the best possible score, on her solos in the years, 2023, 2024 and 2025 She also advanced to state with a woodwind ensemble for 2025 Not only that, but she is also a member of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Philharmonic and Wind Ensemble. However, McDade’s success didn’t come without challenges.
“My biggest challenges were the overall stress and judgmental people,” McDade said “People underestimate how one elective can completely consume you When I’m going through hard times, I think of the good things that have happened and remember that it's about the journey, not the destination When I’m under pressure from a contest or a concert, I swallow that feeling and focus on having a good performance ”
Although an award and a high score are excellent achievements, they’re not the only part of band that one can be proud of
“I am most proud of my section, seeing them grow was the best part of band,” McDade said “Being in leadership taught me so much about other people and made me grow as a person ”
In the final weeks of her high school career, McDade leaves one message of advice for younger musicians
“Don’t force yourself to love something because someone else does, make sure you are making this experience yours,” McDade said
As time goes on, people come in and out of our lives While it’s possible that we won’t see them again, it’s important to remember who they are and how they impact us as people However, liking how someone is as a person doesn’t mean that you have to be just like them, but taking some inspiration can help you grow into a better person
Olivia Adkins
For Connor Speiser, the future isn’t a distant horizon, but rather a ship setting sail. After graduation, he plans to join the Navy and will attend basic training this summer This path is a way to challenge himself, develop self-discipline and be part of something much greater than himself
Spesier’s mind had been set on the Navy ever since he was seven years old
“My grandpa was in the Navy for four years where building planes and helicopters,” Speiser said “When I heard about what he did and how different the environment and people were compared to what I had already heard about life ventures people had taken. Then that spiraled into my research. Another inspiration was Mr. Keeble because he gave me the courage to convince my parents to let me join.”
Once you’re in the Navy, there are many different career paths to pursue. Opportunities exist across fields like business and medicine, but certain fields particularly caught Speiser's attention
“I chose the Navy because I wanted to be in a submarine under the water or on a massive ship,” Speiser said “I am looking to be either a physician, submarine technician or nuclear submarine technician I’m really excited to be in a submarine and learn how to maintain one ”
As Speiser prepares for this next phase of his life, he has taken some time to reflect on how his years at Brewer will aid him moving forward. While at BHS, he was in numerous programs like band, welding, engineering, choir and medicine
“The applied science classes like physics, pathophysiology, anatomy and chemistry have prepared me the most,” Speiser said “Just being here in a public school has also taught me self-control and how to grit my teeth ”
In the process of joining a branch of the military, there is no other resource more important than a recruiter.
“My recruiter was able to explain to me what I needed to do to join,” Speiser said ”Once you are sure you want to be in a branch, make sure you go to a recruiter ”
For anyone looking to seek out a path like Speiser’s, he has left words of advice on the best way to be prepared
“Run a lot Most people just work out and get strong arms and legs and then they forget they have to run five to ten miles every day in boot camp so be sure to prepare for that before you work out because it will also increase your stamina,” Speiser said “Another thing, begin to detox from caffeine and all vices because you will only be allowed water during basic training ”
While Speiser’s future will look different than most of his classmates, the ability to contribute to something greater than himself will be just as rewarding in the long run.
Yareli Loya is a young entrepreneur who is passionate about what she does She ess, she has thing mers and always m
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Another outstanding thing about Yareli’s business is that she is mainly selftaught She first began to teach herself and later on, joined cosmetology at Brewer High School In cosmetology, she is currently being prepared to get licensed, which will help her in her business
“I am working on getting one if everything goes well, I should be getting my cosmetology licenses this year,” Loya said
Loya manages her entire business by herself, for the most part Ever since she first started, her parents have been very supportive of her, and even now, they still help whenever she needs it
“I manage everything by myself, sometimes with the help of my parents, but most of it is me,” Loya said
Inside her work area, she believes that there is always room for improvement. She wants to be able to always satisfy her clients by far more than her work She strives to create a good atmosphere for her customers At the moment, she is injured, but she is working towards being able to take clients again
“There is definitely always room to grow, but I had gotten hurt not that long ago, so I couldn’t really take any clients,” Loya said
Loya has put a lot of thought into her business, even adding hints of herself throughout her working space
“My theme to almost everything is cow print because I have a love and obsession with cows I’ve had it for the longest time,” Loya said
After high school, she is hoping for her business to grow even bigger She also plans to continue her studies to help her become even more successful She knows what it is to make a business, so she wanted to give this advice to future entrepreneurs
“Don’t be scared or shy It’s hard but don’t be because the less shy you are the more possibilities you have, and just go for it,” Loya said
Lastly, you can contact Yareli and see her work through her Instagram @yareli nails
The Brewer welding program has given lots of welders the chance to get certified once they graduate to pursue their careers fresh out of high school.
A welding certificate is what all students in the program chase in their pursuit of the career, the time it takes to get it isn’t terribly long and can be attained quite easily.
“I’m going to get one soon so it takes around two years here,” Acacia Rose said.
The determining factor of whether a student is granted their certificate is the skill of the welder, Mr. Peterson inspects the beads of each student to know their skills in the art of welding.
“Our instructor, Mr Peterson, determines if our beads are clean and straight, and he sees if we have improved enough,” Rose said.
Since Peterson has started teaching here, he has been a stern, but not exactly a rude teacher
“As a teacher, he is stern but not mean,” Rose said. “He’s very good at showing us how to do things and I appreciate how he creates a balance between instructing us on how to perform certain tasks and allowing us to practice them ourselves.”
The program offers the students different types of welding, such as Magnesium Inert Gas and Tungsten Inert Gas Some students prefer a specific type of welding that they’re taught.
“For me, Magnesium Inert Gas welding is easier than Tungsten Inert Gas welding,” Rose said “Grinding and polishing are more fun than cutting ”
A challenge for all the students in the class is the heat from the machines combined with the natural heat of Texas.
“Some struggles we all deal with include the inevitable high temperatures and the long setup and takedown times,” Rose said.
Students who go into this program aren’t provided much by the school so expect to spend some money.
“Students are expected to buy their own protective equipment, which includes gloves, a helmet, boots, a jacket, and long pants,” Rose said.
The only things that the department supplies are the materials that the students use, meaning the students need to buy their own protective gear.
“The metal we weld on and our tools are provided by the agriculture department,” Rose said.
The classes are long, making the earlier-mentioned heat that much worse, especially on days when the students are out in the barn welding
“It's double-blocked for me, which means I spend an hour and a half every day in that class,” Rose said
Our welding program is an amazing pathway into the career of welding; offering certifications to those who have the knack for the job and of course, complete the coursework
For most people, baking, cooking and preparing food come as a task they are anything but interested in. For its costly ingredients and complexity, it's enough to make someone say no However, Sage Torres, an upcoming graduate, thinks differently
Derived from her cousin's candy business, Torres created “Sage's Sweet Heat ” She creates a variety of sweet treats, such as dulce picante, gummy sweets in a candy mixture.
“I’ve had this business for about a year now,” Torres said “It's been just me maintaining upkeep ”
When starting up, Torres kept it slow and steady. It was a process that would need time, but there was hope it would grow into something good
“I didn’t have a job when I started my business, and my parents don’t make enough to splurge on a bunch of candy, so I had to buy stuff in little increments,” Torres said
Around Torres, the stress of other tasks and issues weighed heavily on her shoulders. Other things took priority
“I thought I wouldn’t make any business, so I wanted to give up plenty of times,” Torres said. “Plus the stress of graduation, so I take breaks every so often ”
In her time at Brewer, Torres found Mr. Gardener, who she says has been her sweetest teacher as of late. Mr. Gardner had been reliable since the beginning and pushed her in the right direction
“My favorite teacher, Mr. Gardner, has taught me since day one,” Torres said. “Even with my complaining, you can tell he still cares ”
In the midst of her work, she didn’t have the time to push her business out there. Even with this setback, she doesn’t plan on giving up
“I wanted to focus on getting my GPA up,” Torres said. “So I’ve only kept to Instagram but I plan to post more to get the word back out there.”
Torres is motivated by her parents, she wants to help them out in return for all they’ve done for her.
“Any money I get from this business goes to my parents to help pay out bills,” Torres said
As of now, Torres plans on becoming a flight attendant after graduation. Sage's Sweet Heat would hopefully remain on the side while she plans out her future, one tasty delight at a time
Libbie Peacock is a dedicated photographer and, coincidentally, a part of Ursa Major’s news crew Since her early start in her passion, she's honed her skills to get commissioned for a future wedding event She’s ready for whatever hardships lie ahead in her future
Everyone starts from somewhere, and it’s best that we recognize our roots when we do something great It reminds us of what got us up to this point and how it shapes us today
“I got into photography from a young age because my mom used to be a photographer," Libbie Peacock said. "It’s always been in my life, and I eventually discovered to love it on my own.”
Getting into photography doesn’t always mean one will make a career from it, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when people are willing to pay for your work
“I wasn’t really sure at first if I would ever profit from photography and I had no problem with that since I do it simply for fun," Peacock said. "However, I have already been commissioned for an upcoming project so maybe I will profit more from it in the future."
Peacock went into photography as a regular hobby, however making a business from one's passion is too good to pass up, however it is wise not to expect the future to be perfect
“Fortunately, I haven’t had much difficulty getting to the point I’m at now It’s been a pretty smooth ride for me and I know I will hit hiccups on the road but I love doing photography when I get the chance” Peacock said
It’s easy to ignore how much of an impact the people around you can have, a compliment can make a big difference but also being realistic all goes the extra mile.
“I think my biggest supporters are my mom and sisters, as well as my friends here at Brewer," Peacock said. "I love seeing people repost my Instagram posts and hearing honest feedback!”
Regardless of her family and friends’ support, doubt and nervousness can always be at the forefront of someone's mind
“I got hired to photograph a wedding, so of course I’m incredibly nervous," Peacock said "One tiny mess up or a lag in just the wrong moment and it’s over for me "
Being nervous and fumbling is always a part of the process, but it’s how someone acts when something like that happens. The key to being a freelancer is confidence.
“I don’t have very much experience at all starting a business, but I would say that you need to be headstrong," Peacock said. "Don’t be scared to stand your ground on your prices and the time you will be putting towards your work.”
Libbie Peacock’s future shines with a passionate flame that seems inextinguishable Ursa Major is grateful to have such a skilled member on the news team and will be sad to see her go
By: Avery Kadleck
After playing basketball for 13 years, high school senior Jeffrey Jaxon Bundy has grown both on and off the court, balancing early morning training, academics and personal development while preparing for his future
Bundy first started playing basketball as a child and quickly developed a love for the game.
“I’ve done it since childhood and think it’s fun,” Bundy said
Over the years, he has enjoyed seeing his skills progress, with one of his biggest achievements being a major milestone for any player
“In basketball, it was being able to dunk,” Bundy said
To reach that level, Bundy dedicated himself to a demanding training schedule, even during the off-season
“We got up in the gym around 6 a m and worked out for an hour, followed by on-the-court training,” Bundy said
Despite his intense schedule, he has managed to keep up with school by staying focused
“I don’t mess around in class and try my best to get my work done, so homework wouldn’t become an issue,” Bundy said
As he looks ahead to college, Bundy hopes to continue playing basketball as a way to stay active and competitive
“Short-term, I want to get on an intramural team at my college, and long-term, I want basketball to be a physical outlet to keep in shape,” Bundy said.
Mental preparation has also played a key role in Bundy’s success, especially before big games
“I prepare by listening to music,” Bundy said
“To me, sportsmanship means treating your competition kindly and respecting them, win or lose,” Bundy said
Throughout his time playing, he has learned the importance of sportsmanship and respecting his opponents
“To me, sportsmanship means treating your competition kindly and respecting them, win or lose,” Bundy said
Looking back, Bundy cherishes the moments he has shared with his teammates, including one unforgettable gamewinning shot
“I remember Zavier hit the game-winner at Granbury,” Bundy said.
Throughout his time playing, he has learned the importance of sportsmanship and respecting his opponents
As Bundy prepares for the next chapter of his life, he has advice for younger athletes who want to make the most of their time in sports
“Savor your time in the program and dedicate yourself to daily improvement,” Bundy said.
With a strong work ethic and a passion for basketball, Bundy is ready to take on new challenges in college, both on the court and in the classroom
Hailey De La Cruz
There are many talented and special young adults at Brewer, one of them is Alyssa Gavrel.
Gavrel has accomplished a lot in her time at Brewer, including being in NHS, top 10% of her class, Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) historian and voted for senior class president Along the way, she has painted herself as a remarkable student who has been constantly involved with her school community
“Being so involved the past four years has allowed me to get a perspective on so many different aspects of the real world,” Alyssa Gavrel said. “I think I’ll be able to use a lot of things from high school in the real world.”
The TAFE historian has done so much for the club and has been widely praised by Brande Powell, the FCS teacher
“Gavrel has shown exemplary leadership and skill this year,” Powell said “She has been a dedicated member of TAFE for the past four years, contributing to several other organizations as well ”
Gavrel continues to strive for excellence, such as competing at Texas Woman's University for the area competition. She then advanced to the Teach Tomorrow Summit for State and will be representing Brewer High School this summer at the National Educators Rising Summit in Orlando, FL
“She is truly an all-around amazing young woman who embodies the qualities of dedication, hard work, and compassion,” Powell said “She certainly represents the title of Ms BHS with great pride and grace!”
Gavrel plans on attending Tarleton State University and is majoring in elementary education. Gavrel has always had a passion for teaching and finds enjoyment in this career pathway.
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since first grade, and I’ve always had a love for working with younger kids, which makes this career perfect for me,” Gavrel said.
Gavrel explains that the root of her future job as a teacher will be demanding
“I will be in the position where I will be expected to teach my students while also taking care of them on a day-to-day basis,” Gavrel said
Many students beg the question of whether Brewer has prepared students for the real world. For Gavrel, it has shaped her into the person she is today.
“Being so involved the past four years has allowed me to get a perspective on so many different aspects of the real world,” Gavrel said “I think I’ll be able to use a lot of things from high school in the real world ”
Gavrel has made everlasting memories here at Brewer and has enjoyed every moment she has been at BHS Although with the ups and downs of high school, she will never forget the experience and the future that awaits her.
“I have made some of the best memories, and it’s been the best year by far! There are so many times that I’ve said I don’t want to be here, but I never truly meant it I will definitely miss the place that I have grown so comfortable being in and the people that have surrounded me,” Gavrel said “Coming to the end of senior year has been very sentimental, but I’m excited to see what the future has in store for my classmates and me!”
Alyssa Gavrel is truly an amazing student who has undoubtedly left her mark at Brewer. She has an arsenal of qualities that will contribute to her success story.
Libbie Peacock
Wrestling has always been a significant part of Josue Cedeno Mendoza’s life The sport was introduced to him at a young age by his parents and has been in his life ever since After wrestling for years, he placed number six this year in the Texas state championship.
Although he has practiced other sports, Mendoza has been participating in or has been around wrestling since he was a young boy.
“As far back as I can remember, I’ve seen the sport since my parents did it too,” Mendoza said “Although I’ve participated in more than eight sports, I’ve been wrestling since I was six years old However, I stopped and started again when I arrived in the United States at 16 years old as a freshman ”
He’s only in high school, but Mendoza already has a long list of accomplishments Last year, he placed on the Texas Greco/Freestyle National Team and represented Texas at the Oklahoma Greco Nationals
“This year, thank God, I finished my high school career placing sixth in the state of Texas,” Mendoza said “I’m still waiting to see how the Freestyle and Greco season goes ”
Training is obviously a very important thing for athletes to incorporate into their everyday lives This training helps them be performance-ready on the day of competitions
“When the high school season started I began training twice a day, in the morning at school and in the evening at home or the club,” Mendoza said “After the season ended, though, I trained once a day My workouts are based on intense cardio and practicing a lot of wrestling techniques ”
Finding a healthy balance between training and school can be difficult for a student athlete Mendoza has maintained an impressive routine throughout the school year.
“I only do my homework at school because I don’t have internet at home,” Mendoza said “I also only eat and train at home so I don’t have time to do it there Thank God, I’m used to the balance, and I keep it under control.”
Competition days can be hard for students A lot of stress about how you perform can affect you. Years of practice have paid off for Mendoza, as he knows how to prepare for the big day
“I prepare a week before the important day by thinking about tactics, practicing and perfecting them,” Mendoza said “During the day of the competition, I listen to a lot of music to clear my mind and not be tense ”
Every athlete has a goal they keep in mind that they’re working up to It’s important to have a vision to motivate you
“I plan to at least wrestle in college and become a national champion,” Mendoza said “But the bigger goal is to go to the Olympics or World Cup while representing my country.”
It’s difficult to handle such an intense sport and schoolwork alone Fortunately, through his journey, Mendoza has had many supporters to help him get to where he is now
“Clearly the first is God Before every match, I pray to God to give me strength and protect me from all injury,” Mendoza said “Second would be my parents and my family, and then my coaches after them ”
Mendoza has put in years of hard work and determination to be where he is today, with a state championship medal His dedication does not go unnoticed, and we can only imagine what awards he will win later on in his career
Liliana Lopez
Patricia Lopez, class of 2024 Brewer High School graduate, strived for number one in her class since she first achieved that position during her sophomore year Lopez’s determination and dedication helped her achieve her goal of Valedictorian
Being named valedictorian is a big title and a huge achievement that requires a lot of work and dedication For many students, this title is more than just an achievement but it also opens doors to more opportunities that can help their future
“I simply see this as a title I believe no matter how hard or little you worked through high school we all had the opportunity to graduate,” Patricia Lopez said
The path to becoming a valedictorian is paved with a lot of coursework, extracurricular activities, sports and a commitment to excellence that not every student can achieve
“I played soccer and ran cross country and track I was also part of the Student Council, National Honors Society, IT Bears and Cosmetology,” Lopez said
Along the way, it's important to have support Lopez believes her biggest influence and supporter is her brother because of his way of pushing her to become a better person
“I will always look up to him and how hardworking and wise he is,” Lopez said.
When you go to college you want to be prepared and ready Being titled valedictorian has opened numerous doors for Lopez such as scholarships, free tuition and vast amounts of internships These opportunities have also helped her how to manage her lifestyle and maneuver college
“The experience helped me learn how to balance sports, clubs, school, and a job all at once which has influenced me today,” Lopez said
Being valedictorian not only is a big title to hold but for others to be proud of. Lopez’s favorite memory is being able to recognize her parents and brother on the stage at graduation and getting her picture in the hall
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“I would look up at the wall of valedictorians and salutatorians pictures knowing one day my mom would see one of her kids on that wall,” Lopez said.
This helps inspire others to aim for this title and work hard While pushing yourself and taking advantage of the opportunities that you're given
“It is important to keep doing the things you love and participating in your extracurricular activities to stay involved, but always make sure to keep your priorities straight,” Lopez said.
With numerous opportunities, being titled valedictorian reflects on your hard work completed during high school and what you do after
Evelyn
Like many other students and alumni, a recent graduate from the class of 2024, Julie Laboy was one of many who continued her passion for her sport after crossing the stage Along with continuing her sports career, she is also taking the long, intense route of attending college and working towards a nursing major Julie is making an effort to make her college life as successful as high school was for her, and so far, it seems to be working out for her
During her attendance at Brewer, Laboy was heavily involved in the Color Guard program, participating in middle school until her graduation for six years and later becoming the team captain in her senior year Finding herself in the sport, she decided it was meant for her and took the long measures to continue Trying out for the Texas Christian University Horned Frog band for the fall semester, traveling with them and performing at football games, and the Eagle Mountain Independent indoor winter guard group in the spring, Laboy has gone to great lengths to continue the chapter of her passion
"My favorite memories in high school were all while in color guard," Laboy said "I loved being the captain of the team, I loved competing with the team, and I loved the friendships I made in the team "
As far as she has gotten within the color guard program, Laboy still has her eye on her academics Currently, she is taking her prerequisite classes at Tarrant County College to earn her degree in nursing, to continue her career as a Pediatric Oncologist or Pediatric ER nurse Though it sounds increasingly more difficult to go down a grueling pathway, on her education side, and participate in a challenging performance group, Laboy manages to do both, even at the cost of stress and maybe a few grey hairs
"I've been able to manage both college and color guard pretty well During the first semester, it was much easier since I only went to school twice a week," Laboy said "Now this semester I have classes four times a week, so it's much more difficult having to manage classes, studying, and rehearsals all on a tight schedule "
"I have enjoyed continuing color guard after high school by joining the TCU marching band and EMI," Julie Laboy said "Being a part of the TCU band and EMI group has been amazing It has been challenging, but it is going to be so worth it in the end "
Continuing the life of school spirit and late-night football games, joining the TCU marching band is a great opportunity to perform in front of a full crowd The football field lights, shining down on the field as you perform just as you did the years before in high school, the thrill and memories are surreal But before getting to the field, work and effort are put in just as well as it was in high school
"We started off with band camp, which was similar to high school marching band camp We learned our show about old-school rock and rehearsed weekly," Laboy said "Once football season started, we performed during pre-game parade, pre-show, halftime, and stand dances We got to travel with the football team to every away game and even their Bowl game in New Mexico The best part about being in the Horned Frog Marching Band is having fun showing the school spirit "
Color guard, similar to every other sport past the high school level, becomes increasingly difficult and comes with growing challenges and moments of defeat The skill, technique and intensity rise with no sign of slowing down or becoming a single bit easier The mental block becomes real, and like the internet says, you have to "lock in" to succeed Julie, however, didn't let that bring her down and stop her from continuing something she holds close to her heart
"WGI is so insanely different from only participating in the North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) in high school The whole process of spinning with an independent group is very different; we only get two rehearsals a week versus high school, where you get to rehearse every day in class," Laboy said "So when it’s rehearsal time, we know it’s gonna be intense I definitely feel way more challenged and a little pressured as we are preparing to head to World Championships soon in Dayton, Ohio "
All of Julie's favorite memories have been dedicated to her time in color guard and her team From being present for the beginning of one director’s career to navigating with a brand new director and then becoming part director herself Not to mention, spending her senior year as the team's captain
To get where she is currently, she couldn't have done it all by herself With the help of one of her teachers, she was able to discover what her lifelong pathway would be Mrs Galloway, the Healthcare Practicum teacher here at Brewer, taught numerous techniques Laboy will use both in and out of her working field and has inspired her to pursue her nursing career Not only was the class a great learning experience for Laboy, but it also helped her discover a part of herself
"Mrs Galloway’s Healthcare Practicum class was such a great experience I got to learn how to treat patients, take vital signs, how to do CPR and more hands-on nursing practices," Laboy said "She inspired me to major in nursing and taught me so many nursing techniques that I still and will use in my everyday life "
The experience Laboy acquired from Galloway's course helped her succeed in earning several achievements One that stands out among the others was becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) By becoming an CMA, the experience and level of knowledge only increase and further helps her career
"Becoming a certified medical assistant, this is great for me because I can be an MA in a clinic and experience hands-on work with patients for my future career in nursing," Laboy said
Laboy's long and dedicated high school journey could not have been done without the help of her friends and teachers From her 12 years in school and the year she's been out of college, it has paid off and taught her some lessons and advice she can pass on
"Some advice I have for current seniors is don’t feel pressured to know exactly what you want to do right out of high school," said Laboy "It can be stressful to make a decision, but just know that you have time to decide "
High school was a time for Laboy to find herself from her greatest passion to her lifelong career She is one of countless students who have proven that the hard work can be put in and pay off in the long run in a sport and endorsement
ByMichaelLemon
Alumni and recent graduate of the class of 2024, Makai Thomas, known by most people as Kai, was in the culinary program during his time here at Brewer High School The culinary program prepared him for his life outside of high school as he is now a sous chef at Goat & Vine Winery and Restaurant Brewer's teachers and staff have gone to great lengths to prepare its students for success in their lives, and Thomas is an incredible example.
“In high school, you have classes or lunch with your friends and get to see them every day I see the same people daily and don't see my friends like that anymore, and you will miss that luxury of being in high school, having the time in your schedule to see your friends,” Thomas said.
Becoming a sous chef means he oversees everything that goes on in the kitchen with the chef. Thomas says life since high school has been hard, but he has had a great time and met some amazing people along the way.
“Right now my favorite is the chicken Florentine or the dill cream salmon. The dishes are hard to master, but I’m so close to being a pro at it. The one I hate is probably steaks. I just hate the cooking and how little room for error there is,” Thomas said.
While Thomas was in high school, the teachers who helped him through hard times while encouraging him to get through all of his personal battles were Ms. Urbina, his English IV teacher saying who also helped him love reading again. Also, Thomas thanks Mrs. Blevins, his culinary teacher, for helping with his cooking skills
Thomas’s advice to the underclassmen “don't rush, everything will happen with time” and to not live in the past but appreciate the present and think about the future because too many people are stuck in their past and are unable to even perceive their own future, what you think is important now probably won't be important in 5 years so stop holding yourself back and live life to the fullest
One thing Thomas recommends people to do whilst in high school is to save money for once you graduate, and to not spend your money on stupid impulse purchases In addition, a part of high school he misses is seeing his friends every day and his senior prom, which he states as his most memorable moment in high school.
Libbie Peacock
Not everybody knows what they want to do from a young age, though most people have an idea Some people pursue the career they had dreamt of since they were a kid but for others they could be as different as night and day. Or in Carlie’s case, a super star and a Navy sailor
Carlie Simon graduated from Brewer High School in 2024 and has since been pursuing her newfound dream of being in the military When Simon was young, she wanted to be someone in the performing arts like a singer, dancer or actress Although they sound like opposite careers, they can have a slight relationship to each other
“They don’t really have any relevance to each other but I do think acting plays a part in being in the military,” Simon said “They tell us all the time to have ‘military bearing’ even in the funniest or dangerous of situations ”
Being in the military wasn’t always on Simon’s agenda She decided what her path after high school would look like later on in her high school career
“Currently I just plan on being the best sailor I can be and keep growing as a leader,” Simon said “I actually decided to join the military during the second semester of my senior year, and stuck to it even after Boot Camp ”
During high school, Simon had some amazing people in her life Having great friends is important but having even better teachers can be very significant to a student’s life
“I can say that I don’t have one favorite teacher but two Both Ms Koke and Ms Jones were the highlights of my whole high school experience,” Simon said “I had Ms Koke for two years and Ms Jones for all four years ”
For Simon, these teachers meant a lot to her while she was in high school They helped to guide her through the difficult times that come with being a student, and left a mark on her life they probably never could have imagined
“Ms Koke taught Yearbook, and she taught me that I was actually a good leader and I can be talented in anything as long as I give it my all,” Simon said “I was in Ms Jones's theatre class and she taught me a lot of social skills and getting to know myself and letting my creativity show through everything I do is actually a good thing ”
Since she just recently graduated from Brewer, Simon holds the starting rank for every sailor in the Navy, an E-1 Although she enjoyed her high school years, Simon is loving her new role in the military
“I actually really like the military because it makes me feel very independent and very smart since my job is considered one of the more challenging ones,” Simon said “I also get to meet a lot of cool people and I’ve been to a few places so far that I’ve never been to before ”
Most people have someone in their life that they look up to or someone who is always there for them Fortunately, Simon has a figure like this in her life to go through this change with
“I think the biggest influence that has been in my life currently would be my friend, Hart, that I met in school,” Simon said “We have done so much together and he has supported me in everything, as I have with him He consistently pushes me to be the best version of myself ”
Everyone in high school can take a little advice sometimes or use a few words of encouragement High school can be difficult but you just have to keep your head up for these four special years
“Don’t rush to be an adult Just because you see things happening around you doesn’t mean you have to participate in those things or be like those things,” Simon said “It’s okay to be different and I know it’s scary but at the end of the day, you should do what is going to make you feel best about yourself Live life to the fullest and live life with a purpose because every day is not guaranteed ”
Simon speaks from experience, as she is living her life to the fullest as a Navy sailor She definitely represents the fact that you can be absolutely anything you put your mind to
Studies show that 72% of high school students do not plan to stay in or return to their hometowns after graduation Moving out of the house is a significant milestone in transitioning from the structured environment of high school to the independent realm of adulthood Life after graduation presents various new opportunities and challenges that you take on with your newfound freedom
Many students find that their best choices for further education and careers are outside of their familiar surroundings
“I'm going to Southern New Hampshire University because they have an amazing writing program, and I want to see what it is like to live in another state,” Azrael Kassam-Dhanhi said. “I’ll be sad to leave, but I know I can always come back and visit those whom I love.”
When you leave town, the hardest part may be settling in your first few weeks there, overcoming homesickness or even just reminding yourself why you made this leap
“I have always known I was meant for something bigger, and attending a prestigious university like the University of Texas at Austin was the first step in making that happen,” 2024 graduate Madison Pearson said. “Leaving Fort Worth was a whirlwind of emotions, including curiosity and excitement. Funny enough, I didn’t actually feel homesick until after I came back from Christmas break ”
After living with your family your whole life, adjusting to new housing conditions could be the biggest change you face
“I’m going to room in a dormitory, but I’m not sure if I’ll have any roommates,” Kassam-Dhanhi said “I’m going to bring some of my old stuff to create a sense of home, and I’ll maintain a system of chores to stay on top of responsibilities ”
With time, your new town won’t seem as strange and unfamiliar as it once was, and thoughts of worry will be gone
“Like with a lot of things that change, you almost just have to get used to it,” 2022 graduate Gabriel Stowe said “Going to a new place comes with its set of challenges, but if you put in enough effort into each area of your life, then good things will always follow.”
Ultimately, we will all encounter changes in life, and moving out may be one of the first significant changes you experience. With that in mind, don’t let it prevent you from evolving into a new version of yourself, but rather, embrace the change
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