Ursa Major News
Vol. LXV, Issue 3 March 2021 1025 W Loop 820 N, Fort Worth, TX 76108
Seniors’ Last Semester
By Kialani Siavii
The taking of senior pictures has made many realize that their favorite seniors are graduating in less than four months. The class of 2021 has had to endure a great amount of challenges during their high school careers, including taking their junior exams online, Covid and the uncertainty of end of year events such as prom and senior celebration.
This is an exciting time for a senior knowing that they have such little ways to go until they are out and in the real world, but it is also dreadful for their underclassman friends and their teachers that they have grown fond of.
“I am really sad they are leaving,” Junior Madeleine Gauna said. “Majority of my friend group are seniors, so when they leave I feel like I am los-
ing a part of my high school experience.”
In a poll conducted throughout the school, seven-out-of-ten students have an upperclassman counterpart. Whether it being a junior or a senior. Within the next year the seniors will be gone and the juniors will be the next ones to leave.
The biggest worry that many of the underclassmen and juniors have right now is finding a way to hang out with their graduated friends once they are in college.
“My favorite teacher throughout high school has to be Jennifer Belisle,”
Senior Alyssa Lopez said. “I am so blessed to have her during my last year of schooling”.
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Stacy Manross: Brings Organization To New Heights
By Braylee Schlegel
“She [Manross] has created a space for me to truly be myself and grow without judgment,” English I and Debate Teacher Maci Romaine said. “I know without a doubt that she will understand and support me. I also laugh way more with her in my life.”
Stacy Manross teaches English I, Journalism, and she advises the Ursa Major Newspaper Staff. She has been at Brewer for three years currently, and the impact she has made has been unforgettable. Although she is the only english teacher in the science hallway, she is one of the most influential teachers in the English department. Her charismatic personality and positive energy makes her easy to get along with.
“She treats everyone with respect and care,” Student Brooklin Schlegel said. “She is always eager to get to know any of her students and it really makes a difference in the long run.”
Manross teaches a mixture of core classes and
and online, which gives her a lot of work, but she still manages to complete it all perfectly.
“Her work ethic is inspiring to see, she is always working on something for her students,” Student Gabby Vidana said. “With all of this in mind, she still manages to find time to have fun.”
Not only is her personality positive, but she brings the same energy into her classroom. While teaching she manages to joke around with students to make them feel comfortable, while also making sure they know the cur-
riculum.
“She has very high expectations for her students, which means they learn so much in her courses,” AP English 3 Teacher and UIL Coordinator Alicia Bohannon said. “She is also clever and charming, so she makes great relationships with students.”
Even if she never had a person as her actual student, some still feel comfortable with going to her and saying hello every once in a while.
“I was never actually-
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Photo by Braylee Schlegel
Photo by Kialani Siavii
CONT’D FROM PAGE 1
in her class but she was always so inviting and invested in whatever I was saying,” Schlegel said.
Her classroom is also very comforting. Students know that when they come in, that can be their safe place.
She began advising the Ursa Major News staff in 2017, not knowing anything about the organization. Despite this, she never gave up and learned along the way with the editors. In January of 2020, she was a big part of organizing the fundraiser, Battle of the Bands, which was the biggest fundraiser the newspaper had ever hosted. That fundraiser allowed the staff to print multiple copies of their issues. In February of 2020 she, alongside the Editor in Chief, printed the first issue of their newspaper. Since then they have printed two more, which is a big accomplishment for the staff. She did all of this plus more while also teaching her own classes and managing her personal life.
“I wouldn’t last a week in her shoes, not to mention she has to come home and deal with me, a strongwilled 3-year-old, and now a newborn,” Husband Chris Manross said. “It takes a special kind of person to be able to do that and still have a smile on their face.” Manross is known for doing small things that mean a lot. She often sends cards
in the mail for birthdays, special occasions, or just because.
“She sent us a thank you card for her Christmas gifts, as well as the gifts for her kids,” Newspaper Parent Michele Schlegel said. “She could have easily sent us a text message, but knowing that she took time out of her day to do that shows what kind of person she is.”
Manross always makes sure to hold the friendships she has made with her peers at Brewer close. The effort she always puts forth is admirable. Some friendships formed a while after the initial meeting.
“I met Mrs. Manross when I worked for my last district,” Bohannon said. “But we hit it off really well here at Brewer and have been pretty close for a few years now. She and I are friends for life, even if she doesn’t want to be.”
As well as making these memorable friendships with her coworkers, it is the same thing with her students. The impact she leaves is unimaginable. It will be exciting to see what she does in her future. Her students will be able to look back and remember what she did for them, as well as share their stories with a smile on their face.
“She will continue to be in our lives and watch my daughters go on to achieve the greatness that she helped with over the years,” Michele Schlegel said.
The One Behind The Yearbook
By Robbie Hill
The yearbook is one of the most important parts of every school. It is a memorabilia of all the exciting moments that had taken place that year, and for our school, Cathy Koke is the one behind it all.
Koke attended her dream college, Oral Roberts University. Thirty years later, she attended Dallas Baptist University, where she earned her first master’s degree in educational leadership. She just achieved her second master’s degree in communications.
Before becoming a teacher, she was dedicated to a lot of her work to nonprofit organizations, which allowed her to travel the world, as well as pursuing her career in the television and film industry. She even directed a documentary, titled, ‘Suena’, which means ‘dream’ in Spanish. She eventually achieved her teaching certification and began to teach.
When she first began teaching at Brewer six years ago, she taught photography and audio, and video production. Not long after, she became the advisor for the yearbook staff.
“What I love about Yearbook is that we can learn together and collaborate,” Koke said. “It’s so amazing how we start from a blank page and complete a 200
page yearbook.”
She cares deeply for her students and is always a great influence on all of them.
“She cares about her students so much and genuinely loves to get to know each and every one of them,” Junior Joselyn Ramos said.
Being the yearbook advisor, Koke has many tasks that she is responsible for, but her biggest task most of all, is to make sure that every student is happy.
“One of my biggest tasks is to get students to take ownership of the yearbook,” Said Koke. “I want them to realize that the yearbook is theirs.”
She works alongside the students every year in finishing the yearbook. There is a lot that must be done in order to make the final product as perfect as can be. With that, there are some struggles that the yearbook staff would need to overcome. When there is any doubt or worry, Koke is always there to alleviate
their fears.
“She always motivates me to keep going, especially when I need it most,” Ramos said. “She knows how to get me out of a rough patch.”
Being a mother to four of her own children, Koke understands the life of a high school student.
“The struggles I’ve seen in my kids made me understand the struggles of my students,” Koke said. “Being a mom has helped me be a better teacher.”
As a teacher, one of Koke’s biggest goals is for her students to find a dream they could pursue. Recognizing their dreams and goals is a way of building a strong relationship between her and her students.
“When I started teaching, I have always wanted to teach students to learn who they are and recognize their dreams and help realize what they love.” Koke said. With her caring and hardworking attitude, she will, continue make a difference in the lives of her students.
Photo from Cathy Koke
CONT’D FROM PAGE 1
Belisle is the Financial Math and PAL’s teacher at the high school. She is loved by many of her students, whether they are in her class or ones that she coincidentally met.
“I first met the senior class as sophomores,” said Belisle “Over the last three years we have been on a roller coaster of growth and self-discovery. Together, we have found confidence in our individual strengths and realized that our success depends on empowering each other to keep moving forward.”
A way Belisle is going to support her kids is by focusing on their emotional strength. She has noticed that when they are encouraged and well grounded that their academic and social success increases.
“I will miss all the memories I have created in study hall with my fellow seniors,” said Lopez. “We all connected and created such a great bond,”
“It is our therapeutic time with each other.”
The seniors have grown closer over their years in high school. It could be for many reasons, but either way they have come together to become this great class. And the time they have spent together is unforgettable.
“No one told me about senior pictures, but once I found out I wept for the rest of the day,” Gauna said.
Senior pictures took place from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28. Virtual students also had the opportunity to come on capus to take their pictures.
The seniors will be missed by their peers and teachers once they are gone, but they will be off in the world pursuing their dreams.
“You are exactly where you are supposed to be with the exact skills you need to be successful. Trust in yourself and know that you always will have me cheering for your success” said Besile.
Voice Of Student Body Exceeds All Expectations
By Braylee Schlegel
“Student council is the voice of the student body,” Stuco Advisor Briana Hudson said. “Stuco is here to give students a voice and a pathway to make positive changes for our school and our community.”
Student Council is a common organization throughout the country, students in schools coming together to help improve the average high school experience. The Student Council at Brewer is no exception. The group of students participates and organizes many events throughout the school year. For example, they hosted the Spooktacular Drive-Thru and participated in Bus Driver Appreciation, Red Ribbon Week, HOCO, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, and more.
“For dress-up days we are the ones who make posters for them,” Freshman Member Zion Curb said. “We collaborate with sports teams, staff, teachers, and clubs to help out.”
Environment and we are getting ready to sell succulents and use the profit to purchase a greenhouse for the Biology Department,” Junior Member Grey Caston said. “I am super excited for this project because I believe it’ll benefit the entire student body and be a staple for the Student Council.”
As time progresses, the students and advisors are coming up with more ideas to involve the community.
“We have ideas to do an item drive for the homeless, a clothing drive, volleyball tournament, Mario Kart tournament, Custodial appreciation, fun run, and more,” Hudson said.
There are also many different committees in the organization itself that include: D.A.S.H (Drugs Alcohol and Health,) Pride and Patriotism, Energy and Environment, Community Service, and Hospitality.
“We are always working on the next project. Our committees are split to generate specific focuses that end with ideas for future fundraisers and community service,” Advisor Vanessa Garza said.
Each committee has its own projects that they work on to improve the school and the people in it.
“I am one of the Committee heads of Energy and
Student Council is a big statement at Brewer, and the hard work that everyone puts in is important for growth and recognition. Students could potentially gain a lot by simply joining the organization.
“I don’t think most people have a shortage of good ideas, but instead aren’t aware of the steps to take to bring them to life,” Hudson said. “Being a part of Student Council can guide students to get involved and make positive changes.”
Not only do the students make a big difference in this community, but the advisors are also a big part of the impact they are making. It’s easy to connect with your teachers when they are as involved as the student.
“Mrs. Garza and Mrs. Hudson are so approachable and fun,” Curb said. “They both teach two different types of math classes, student council, Math UIL all while making close connections to their students, making time to grade, and balance that all out with...
Photo by Vanessa Garza
Boys Basketball Team is Destined For Playoffs
By Kevin Walker
The Brewer Bear basketball team is heading to playoffs again. The Bears are currently at an 11 and nine overall record and maintain first place in district with a 7-1 record, beating Granbury, Wichita Falls, Azle, and Aledo.
They are on a four-game winning streak after their loss to Wichita Falls Riders earlier in the season, in which the Bears lost 61-45. It seems the Bears have turned things around since then.
All of the games that the Bears have competed in have been high scoring affairs with leading scorers like Bj Williams, Julian Perez, and Alex Barbee. This is good as long as the Bears can keep their scores high as they go deeper into playoffs. With wins over Azle, Granbury, and Aledo, the Bears are continuously improving, but as normal, there are always things that could be improved in order to be number one.
With that being said, the team can not forget the seven-game losing streak at the beginning of the season after only two wins. Although the first part of the season is not district, it is still important because the Bears need to prepare for these better teams that they will
be facing leading deeper into the playoffs. They need to be sure to keep the other team’s offense in check and knock down more shots when the game is getting closer. The Bears have shown a great amount of potential and talent from younger and older players.
The Bears are relatively young but talented, so it just depends on how the Bears will take the pressure of a one-game elimination postseason. Fortunately, there are some players on the team this year who were able to experience last year’s playoff run into the second round. Williams, Barbee, Dion Young, and Tauseef Minhas all have the playoff experience to lead the Bears on the winning path and maybe even a championship.
BHS Presents: “James And The Giant Peach”
By Leyla Hinojosa-Zurar
The theatre department will be introducing a new UIL show to the public this year. “James and the Giant Peach”, will be performed at the county UIL showing at Chisholm Trail this spring.
“Our cast is working very hard and I’m expecting good things,” Director Aja Jones said.
Jones decided that contrary to the previous show, “The Ghetto”, which unfortunately did not get to finish out the UIL season due to Covid, this show will not be missing out on the rest of the season. Rehearsal processes are well underway and they are hoping to begin competing within a few weeks.
The cast of ‘James and the Giant Peach’ have worked tirelessly to build the set of the famous ‘Peach’. They are however working virtually to find costume designs and have pulled UIL set builds and pieces in order to finalize for the upcoming competition season.
Senior Messages From BHS Parents:
-Remember the life you have right now is the life you will be missing in 20 years! Make each day count, and don’t regret a single thing! Congratulations Class of 2021! Go Bears!
Holly Morris
“It’s a lot of work but we can get it done,” Stage Manager Tara Kelly said.
With the spring season approaching fast, the crew it still working extrmely hard to get everything done.
“We’re working with handicap costumes to get a feel for how the actual costumes will feel, we have Kayle Richie in a laundry hamper to project the feeling of the worm costume she is cast in.” Sound Producer Bailey Corely said.
The shows important showing and viewing dates have not yet been posted but will inform the school when it comes time to support at the first public showing. They are hoping for a great show while abiding by Covid guidelines.
“We are hoping to finish this season off strong and win the district competition we were pulled away from last year.” Corely said.
-Remember to always start every day with a prayer and place God first in your life and you will be blessed for generations to come.
Jodi Scott
-Congratulations on a crazy year!!
Amber Miller
-You have all remained strong and united during the new normal we now face. You are stronger and now can face the next chapter of your life. Always be respectful, stay driven and create your own story.
Michele Schlegel
-No other class will have the experience that you had, remind yourself that you prevailed even in the hardest of times and fought your way up an already steep hill in unprecedented times. This isn’t the end, it’s only the beginning.
Heather Hensley
Photo from Boys Basketball Twitter
Photo by Leyla Z.
Which One Is Better? InPerson or Virtual Learning?
By Braylee Schlegel Photo from edgenuity.com
As we move into the second semester of school, some students have switched to in-person learning, and some have switched to virtual learning. Now there are benefits for both and everyone has their own preferences when it comes to learning, but what are the advantages and disadvantages to both options?
When the new semester started, all of the in-person-
students returned to campus full time. Before that, the freshman and sophomore students were the only ones going full time. But with all of the students going back, it made things feel a little bit more normal, knowing that there weren’t blue and grey days anymore.
You can see your friends every day and engage in actual conversations with your peers and teachers. Despite having to wear masks every day and having to social distance, in-person learning allows the students to have a timely schedule. Something constant that they can do every day. A big plus for in-person learning is you get to have the teachers there with you, and you can talk to them in person to get help. Having your teacher available when you’re in class is a big convience, and that’s something you don’t have with virtual learning
friends. Which is probably one of the bigger advantages to this option. You could always see your friend outside of school, but seeing them on campus is much different. It’s talking in the hallways, sitting with each other at lunch (of course, while social distancing), and talking before and after school.
It’s little things like that that make the experience worthwhile. You also can’t compete in any sports or UIL events if you are virtual, so if you want to be involved in organizations like that, in-person learning will be the best option. Although, we have made our decision already. Now virtual learning was new to the students and-
In-person learning makes things feel more conventional. READ FULL STORY ON ursamajor-news.com
What Is After High School?
By Jeslynn Huddleston
“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius. High school is a stepping stone for the world outside those double doors. Whether your path is college, trade school, travel, military, marriage, or work, we will soon be having to leave without a choice. Knowing that can be scary, but there are things to know that could make the experience less intimidating.
Money. It’s the green stuff that makes the world go round. It is unavoidable; you will have to get a job.
Assuming you know the basics, but just in case let’s review. The first step to getting a job is the application. If you haven’t already, you might want to invest in making a resume. It just makes the application process go a lot faster, especially if you are applying for a bunch of jobs. (On google docs, they have a template you could use to help you start one).
Then starts the waiting game, the hardest part of getting a job. Some jobs will contact you themselves, while others will wait on you to call, just to see if
Going to campus everyday allows you to get out of your house and go somewhere you can see your-
you’re really serious about the job. So if it has been at least 4-5 days, it might be a good idea to call and check on your application. Now, let’s say you’ve sent in your resume, called your future employer and now you have an interview. Congrats, usually if you have gotten to the interview you’re pretty much golden for getting the job, but don’t let that make you too confident. For the interview, dress appropriately and act as professional as possible (even if the job is just fast food). Employers love when future candidates for the job are respectful. One last tip for getting a job, do
the staff. As someone who has experience with both options, virtual learning was more my style. With virtual learning, you are able to go at your own pace. Although you still have to stay up to date with your work and complete enough work for each class per day. But you could sit in your room doing homework instead of in the classroom. You have more freedom with your work which some people prefer. The only downside again is that you can’t ask your teacher a question and can’t get an automatic answer. If you are able to make yourself a schedule and keep to it, this would be a good option.
not let the rejection of one job affect your search for another. School will be a bigger limitation when it comes to jobs, but many companies are willing to work with your schedule as long as you let them be aware of it in the first place.
Let’s talk about where you’re gonna live because it makes life easier having a roof over your head. There are many options, but the very first option on the list is living with your parents.
Ursa Major Constellation, More Than Just The Big Dipper
By Braylee Schlegel
When thinking about Ursa Major, most people just think about the Big Dipper, but there are a lot more stories behind the constellation itself. Ursa Major is paired with its counterpart Ursa Minor, which consists of the Little Dipper. The main story behind this pair comes from Greek Mythology, and in Greek Mythology, everything has a story behind it. Ursa Major is associated with the myth of Callisto. Callisto was a gorgeous nymph who had sworn a vow of chastity to Artemis. Zeus saw Callisto one day and fell in love, and the two proceeded to have a son by the name of Arcas. By then, Artemis had already banished Callisto for breaking her vow and for getting pregnant. But that was all Artemis did, it was Hera who got revenge on Callisto
Callisto into Ursa Major. This action only made Hera angrier, she persuaded her foster parents Tethys and Oceanus to never let the bear bathe in the northern waters. And according to this version of the story, that’s why Ursa Major never sets below the horizon in mid-northern latitudes.
Ways To Make Masks Fashionable
By Kialani Siavii
for being with her husband. In a mixture of jealous rage and anger toward Zeus, Hera turned Callisto into a bear. She lived in this form for about 15 years, walking and roaming around the forest. She spent most of her time running and hiding from the hunters in the area.
Now there are many different versions of how the duo got turned into constellations. The first story is that Callisto was out wandering, and her now-grown son Arcas was out hunting. The two crossed paths and Arcas quickly drew his spear to attack the bear, not knowing it was his mom in bear-form. Zeus had seen this altercation from Olympus and quickly sent a whirlwind that carried both the mother and son into the heavens. Which turned Arcas into Ursa Minor, and
In another version of this story, Hera doesn’t transform Callisto into a bear, it was Artemis that did it. She did this to punish Callisto for breaking the vow of chastity to the goddess. Many years later, Callisto and Arcas are captured and taken as a gift to King Lycaon. The two take cover in the temple of Zeus, which is punishable by death for trespassing. But Zeus intervened and saves them, deciding to place them both in the sky.
There is a whole other version about these two constellations that have to do with a nymph by the name of Adrasteia who took care of Zeus when he was younger. But that’s a whole other story.
Although Ursa Major is known for the Big Dipper, there is a larger story behind it that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. Whether it be with the Callisto myth or the Adrasteia myth. These stories are always interesting to learn about and will continue to hold a lot of meaning as time progresses.
This new year has brought the school many changes, from all students attending classes everyday to the four different lunch periods, but one thing that hasn’t changed was the Covid protocols and wearing masks.
Masks have been a staple of every outfit since the Tarrant County Masks Mandate on Jun 25, 2020. It can be difficult to match a mask to every outfit you wear because the color or pattern of the clothes and masks can clash, which would result in a mismatched outfit. So here are some ways to match your clothes with your masks. The first way you can match your masks and outfits is by color scheme. If you wouldn’t wear plaid shorts with a stripe shirt, why would you wear a red shirt with a purple mask? Colors like white, black, and the blue disposable ones are great masks that match with every outfit. They are simple and do not clash with one’s outfit in the slightest of ways.
A second way to match masks with outfits are by patterns. An outfit like black pants and a black top can be brightened up by wearing a floral, plaid or animal printed mask. This little detail can make your outfit a little more lively without it being distracting or mismatched. Lately around school, I have been seeing students with characters like Olaf and Mickey Mouse on their masks. These designs would also add some color to a simple outfit.
Lastly, you can match your masks to your accessories! Objects such as shoes, hair ties, headbands and even your lanyards (that you should have and be wearing every day). The connection of these simple accessories would bring the whole outfit together. Although masks are not the most comfortable things in the world, they protect you and others from illness which is the number one priority heading into the rest of the school year!
Photo by Kialani Siavii
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Pixar’s Soul Premieres on Disney+
By Gabby Vidana
Photo from variety.com
On December 25th, Disney+ released their newest original movie, Soul. The new feature stars Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey in the two main roles. Jamie Foxx’s character is a jazz musician and teacher, Joe who helps a soul named 22 discover the joys of living life and discovering your purpose. The movie explores what the true purpose of life is and finding what matters to you. Similar to Inside Out, the film explores deep material while still keeping an enjoyable tone that is perfect for families.
One of the best things about Soul is the animation style. Pixar once again came through and used extraordinary visuals to tell their story. The story is set between Earth and a place called the Great Before. Pixar uses their animation to showcase the creative differences between both places They use different animation techniques to differentiate between both
The Croods Take Over Movie Theatres Once Again
By Jeslynn Huddleston
places They use different animation techniques tand it really adds to the story. Another great thing about Soul is the way that it talks about its deep lessons about life. Both of the main characters learn important lessons throughout the movie. Joe learns more about his passions and himself, while 22 learns that living life isn’t as bad as it seems. The movie focuses on tackling deep emotional subjects in an easy to understand way, which perfectly fits Pixar’s normal movie format.
Soul also has a great mythology set up for its explanations for places like the Great Before and how souls become whole. The movie explains how souls from the Great Beyond grow to become the people who are sent down to Earth by earning characteristic badges. It’s a creative and simple take on how we become human.
Soul is a great movie to watch, and I would give it four out of five stars.
The movie about the prehistoric family just trying to survive not only the dangers of predators but also the issues that always exist in most households, is memorable in the fact it is the first movie of its kind. Taking the cliche problems of the teenage daughter getting involved in a boy and the husband and motherin-law not getting along, and putting it all in the stone-age, it is understandable why this sort of story would get a continuance. However the second movie decided to take a very different approach with adding the Bettermans, the problem with the punchmonkeys, and the banana bros. The second movie is definitely different from the first one, and it wasn’t necessarily a good decision. First things first, the budget changes. The thing that is very obvious is the looks of both movies and how different they are. The first movie with a budget of 135-175 million dollars, versus the second movie with 65 million dollars, was able to commit to a more realistic cartoonish look. However with the second movie with its lower budget, they were not able to do that again so the car-
scenes, the audience spectrum shrinked. Because of this, the movie became a little more annoying with the easy tactics for getting cheap jokes.
toon look was more visible with the airbrushed and more vibrant colors. Luckily the cast were the same for both with the addition of actor Peter Dinklage, and actresses Leslie Mann and Kelly Marie Tran as the Bettermans. It is hard to be upset considering it was the director’s and animator’s fault for the budget shortage, but the huge difference in art style is definitely a noticeable difference.
Next up on the critical spotlight, is the much larger appeal to children versus teengers. In the first movie, the subject was kind of more centered to children and teengaers with it’s lighthearted scenes with some more serious topics. However the second was geared more towards just children. With more slapstick humor and more childish
Although, despite the obvious dislikes about the movie, the continuing of the story was the best part. Seeing the Croods family again and continuing their story while adding their signature cliche family issues of growing up and having to mature was exciting to see. Even the Betterman’s characters were a great addition.
I wish the storyline could’ve stayed away from involving a third person in the relationship, but it is still a drama filled story that people love to see. And it was unique to keep Eep and Dawns friendship pure while that was happening, a very nice thing to see. Overall I would definitely give the movie 3 out of 5 stars.
from catholicnews. com
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Tracking Covid-19; Keeping Up With The New
By Aimee Monnett
From the very beginning of our venture into the pandemic, and the overall assessment of the virus, we were made aware that it was an ever-changing situation. Given the nature of viruses, it was pre-assessed that we would likely see evolutions and mutations. The Coronavirus is a classification of a virus known as a positivesense RNA virus. This means that its genetic information consists of a singular strand of RNA that is positive - with a replicative process that is generally via a negative-strand intermediate. Positive strand RNA viruses have a mutation rate of .003 per round of copy, according to ncbi.nlm.nih. gov. To put this in perspective, mutation rates of a “normal” RNA virus would be between .000001 and .0001 per round of copy. Given the rapid rate of mutation, it comes as no surprise that new strains of the virus are now emerg-
tion within areas that have already been devastated by one wave of the virus. All 3 variants spread easier and faster than those previously documented.
March: Are the signs getting pinched?
ging and making their way across the globe, just as the initial virus has. In fact, by June of 2020, a mutation known as D614G had spread worldwide, allowing the virus to better infiltrate the body’s cells. By September of 2020, there was another new variant known as B.1.1.7 spreading through the UK, and by December this variant made up 60% of cases within the region. Other variants have been found in areas such as South Africa(B1.351), Brazil (P.1), and California. These new variants have caused concern from medical personnel for a variety of reasons. A recent study from the UK released in January suggests B.1.1.7 can cause more severe symptoms within patients. B.1351 has been found to lower the effectiveness of the Moderna and PfizerBioTech’s vaccines. Furthermore, P.1 introduces the possibility of reinfec-
However, there is good news- despite the circumstances. Considering how much we now know about the virus, we have the tools necessary to potentially slow virus mutations. The implementation of vaccination programs will decrease the efficiency of the virus to continue mutating. Additionally, Americans as well as the rest of the world are now well versed in preventative measures, such as social distancing, the use of a mask when in public areas, and isolative practices. The best method of treatment available is prevention.
Though this may mean more extreme preventative measures in the future such as lockdown protocol, stayat-home orders, etc. these actions are paramount to the eventual ability to return to normality.
Furthermore, education on this matter is equally as important in order for students and families to evaluate what is better to fit their situation and to keep themselves safe. Education over fear is and should be the main focus on the issue of keeping on top of and being aware of our surroundings and our life within this pandemic.
Aries: They are the pinchers, no
Taurus: They’re hiding in their room, no
Gemini: Yes, like did you even try to not get pinched?
Cancer: In an attempt to save someone else, yes
Leo: No, they’re too quick
Virgo: Yes, at least you tried
Libra: They didn’t care, yes
Scorpio: No, they’re too intimidating
Sagittarius: They were also too quick, no
Capricorn: Head to toe in green, no
Aquarius: They didn’t care either, yes
Pisces: They stayed home, no
Advisor: Stacy Manross
Editor in Chief: Braylee Schlegel
Managing Editor: Gabby Vidana
Copy Editor: Jeslynn Huddleston
Sports Editor: Kevin Walker
Social Media Manager: Brooklin Schlegel
Staff Reporters:
Robbie Hill
Leyla Hinojosa-Zurar
Madi James
Aimee Monnett
Kialani Siavii
