Vanguard Review: October 2019 Issue

Cell phone policy | 2

Left-brained or right? | 6-7

School spirit | 10

Students share opinions and debate new cell phone policy

What does it really mean to be left or right-brained?

Cheerleaders make plan to increase school spirit

Vanguard College Preparatory School, 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710

October 2019, Volume 47, Issue 1

The Vanguard Review A VCPS Publication

Don’t blow it

VR

Elisabeth Rollins ‘21 reporter

New laws passed in effort to stop teens from vaping amid reports of its dangers

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ore than 5.5 million Americans under the age of 18 will die early from a smoking-related illness if cigarette smoking continues at the current rate among youths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That is about one of every 13 Americans aged 17 years or younger who are alive today.

“I find it really scary because there might be a risk for some of my friends and other people that I know dying or getting hurt due to vaping or smoking,” said junior Emma Lowe.

With seven vaping-related deaths reported in six states, lawmakers, companies and associations are doing their part to deter teenagers from partaking in the deadly trend. Last month, Texas passed a law making it illegal for people under 21 to purchase cigarettes, electronic cigarettes or tobacco products. However, people who had turned 18 before the law was passed are still able to purchase these products. President Donald Trump has proposed a ban on flavored vape cartridges, and Michigan has already prohibited the sale of them.

Junior Hai Nguyen said he does not believe this law will change things due to lack of enforcement.

“There is a difference between passing and enforcing a law,” said Nguyen.

Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, according to a study published by the American Heart Association (AHA) last year. Bold statements like these, along with the myriad of possible health complications associated with e-cigarettes, should deter people from vaping; so why are they not stopping?

“A lot of kids do it nowadays to seem cool,” said freshman Maddie Hanley. “The risk is kind of a form of adrenaline. It is easy to get addicted to vapes, so after one may start, it becomes harder to

stop.”

Many teens get hooked on vaping due to their belief that they will not become addicted. They prefer e-cigarettes to traditional cigarettes due to their ease of use.

E-cigarettes are now the most frequently used tobacco product among adolescents, according to an article published by Child Mind Institute, with some 2.1 million middle and high school students using e-cigarettes in 2017 — far surpassing traditional combustible cigarettes.

Juuls — a popular brand of e-cigarette — are especially enticing to teens due to their easily concealable design and USB charger. Vapes also smell less, making it much easier to avoid being caught.

This ease of use leads to increased use and, therefore, higher addiction rates.

Forty-two percent of students said they think vaping supplies are easy for teens to get, according to a Sept. 2019 VR poll, and almost 54 percent said they know someone who vapes regularly.

What many teens may not realize is that, when nicotine is consumed, dopamine, a chemical that produces feelings of pleasure, is released into the brain. It is this sudden increase in dopamine that makes cigarettes, both electronic and traditional, so addictive. Juuls are especially addictive due to the fact that their pods contain five percent more nicotine than regular cigarettes.

“A single Juul vape cartridge contains the same amount of nicotine as a package of cigarettes,” said chemistry teacher Zach Seifert. “Vapes deliver nicotine faster than traditional tobacco products which makes them more addictive.”

People attempting to overcome their nicotine addiction experience withdrawal. Withdrawals are the symptoms the body experiences when overcoming any addiction.

Peer pressure

Freshmen and sophomores play a game of rock-paper-scissors on the first day of school. Archive photo

New peer program draws fire from new grade levels involved Emily Coleman ‘21 business manager

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ach new school year, wide-eyed seventh graders are paired with seniors in a special program called “peers.” The peer program is designed to welcome the youngest students and give them an older, more experienced friend to guide them, give them high-fives in the hallway and, most importantly, take them out to lunch.

“I really looked forward to hanging out with my peer,” said Jackson Kelly, senior. “She was so nice, and I loved getting to know her.”

Senior Holley Anderson agrees.

“I remember I was pretty close with my peer, Mikayla Harrison,” Anderson said. “I enjoyed going to lunch with her because she was easy to talk to.”

“Withdrawal creates anxiety, depression and irritability,” Seifert said.

Everyone knows about the risk of addiction, but unknown are the effects of the chemicals that people take in when vaping. These chemicals have been reported to lead to illnesses such as “popcorn lung,” a medical condition that damages the bronchioles, the lung’s smallest airways. Lung tissue damage caused by popcorn lung is irreversible, and there is no cure.

Even worse, it is happening locally.

“In Waco over the last several weeks, we have had at least four kids under the age of 20 admitted for pulmonary conditions due to vaping,” said Dr. Brad Holland of Waco Ear, Nose and Throat. “One spent days on a ventilator.”

Stories on vape-related deaths and injuries are prevalent in today’s news. Late in August, 18-year-old student-athlete Adam Hergenreder was hospitalized for his excessive e-cigarette use. Hergenreder’s doctors compare his lungs to that of a 70-year-old. This deterioration was caused by his incessant vaping of nicotine and unregulated THC products.

“It should scare people,” said senior Aaron Leonard.

However, only about 56.8 percent of students said these types of news stories scare them, according to the VR poll.

Texas recently raised the required age to buy tobacco and nicotine products to 21 years-old.

Many other states have made this change. When Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill, Texas became the 16th state to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco, but will it be enough to stop teen smokers in their tracks?

“I do believe it will be,” said senior Evan Cole.

“People in high school have less of a connection

The senior-seventh grade peer program is a tradition that has been going on for more than 10 years. But this fall, the administration decided to expand the program to all grade levels, pairing each class with another class — breaking them down into multiple groups within the classes — and getting them together for lunches and get-to-knowyou games.

With the new structure, seventh graders are paired with juniors and freshmen are paired with sophomores, which some students say does not make sense. In fact, 48.6 percent of the student body does not think the new program is a good

change, according to a September 2019 VR poll.

Specifically concerned are members of the freshman and sophomore classes, many of whom say they already know the students just one grade above or below them. Members of both classes say they believe that the lack of age difference between them defeats the purpose of the program.

“It’s pointless,” said sophomore Cole Clark. “It doesn’t help us become any closer to them, because we already know them.”

Freshman Ben Lho also questioned the change.

“The ninth and 10th grade peer program is not very beneficial because we know each other, and we have some of the same courses as the sophomores,” Lho said.

The definition of a peer is someone belonging to the same group based on age, but Vanguard’s

Fifty-four percent of VCPS students say they know someone who vapes regularly. Photo illustration by Elisabeth Rollins / VR staff

with people in their 20s. [Before the law], people had a lot more friends who are 18 and would be able to get that stuff for them.”

According to the VR poll, 84 percent of students disagree with Cole, saying they do not think the new law will help.

President Trump recently announced his plan to place a ban on all vape flavors, excluding tobacco.

“We can’t allow people to get sick, and we can’t have our youth be so affected,” said Trump.

This proposal has upset big vape companies, as it would lead to immense monetary losses for bigger companies and possible closure for smaller companies. The hope is that this ban will deter teenagers from vaping and developing dangerous addictions. “[Vaping is] supposed to be an alternative; it’s not supposed to be a starter,” Leonard said.

program strives to close the gap between the grades by providing younger students with mentors.

“I think the peer program is great for the older and younger kids because it gives them someone to look up to,” said sophomore Annah Brown. “But for freshmen and sophomores, I’m just not sure how much guidance we can offer them, since we’re just a year older.”

Members of the freshmen and sophomore classes signed a petition calling for a dismissal of the pairing between their grades, making the peer program for seventh grade, eighth grade, juniors and seniors only.

“We hope to remove the peer program for the ninth and 10th graders,” Lho said. “But we feel that the other changes to the peer program [are good for] middle schoolers and their peers.”

Head of School Bill Borg met with representatives of the ninth and 10th grade classes to discuss their concerns.

“I think there was a misconception about the new peer program between the ninth and 10th graders,” Borg said. “They had the idea that we were trying to put the sophomores in charge of the freshmen. That was not the intention at all.”

Borg said there are no plans to revise the program any time soon.

2 opinion Marly Chaparro ‘22 opinion editor

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his year, students came back from their relaxing summer break to the shock of a new rule that was put into place: a restriction on cell phone use during the school day. Cell phone use by students is strictly prohibited during the school day — during lunch, break and even study mod — unless permitted by a teacher for educational use.

While the policy might be aimed at reducing distractions and promoting more personal interaction between students, it’s inconvenient and takes away the sense of safety students have by being able to reach their parents at all times.

Today, we use phone apps for almost everything — and the school encourages it. RenWeb helps us see our grades and what assignments we have coming up. Our phones are the fastest, easiest way to access RenWeb. How are students supposed to use RenWeb to see what assignments they should work on during their study mods if they can’t check their phones?

Students, myself included, constantly check grades through RenWeb after they take a quiz or test.

McKenna Lowrey ‘23 guest columnist

“L

ost time is never found again.”

This quote from Benjamin Franklin demonstrates a very important point: if we spend our time on our phones, we simply cannot spend it on something else. Life in this modern age can be really crazy; trying to balance sports, homework and attempting to have a family and social life can be next to impossible. The key to balancing many of these things begins with focusing at school. However, this becomes difficult with the distraction of cell phones and the need to check them every five minutes. The new cell phone policy is a positive thing because of the time that we get back, the social relationships we can build and our future in general.

It might seem that our time at Vanguard could go on forever, but take a second and realize that we will only be in this time and place once. Even if we want to come back to this time in our lives in the future, we

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

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School promotes technology but eliminates it at the same time It gives people more anxiety when they can’t check their grades to see what they got. RenWeb also lists assignments, which helps students to not forget their homework.

What about apps that help students study? Quizlet is a very useful educational app that a lot of students use to study, especially during study mods. Students can use Google Docs to print an assignment or edit a paper right from their phones. Students also need to access Gmail to read emails from teachers. For foreign languages, students need access to the Internet to help with translations. For sports, students need their phones to communicate with teams in case a game or practice is cancelled and parents need to be alerted.

Having my phone on me at all times makes me feel safe and secure. If something ever happens, like an emergency, I want to be able to have immediate contact with my parents or first responders. I know the school will keep us safe, but it’s a different feeling when you have your own source of help. I like knowing I can text my parents if anything happens, and if I just

Things to

Consider

need a ride somewhere or want to tell them I need to stay for tutorials that day, I can reach them before they leave the house or work.

The cell phone policy started off small in 2016 with middle school students not being allowed to have their phones during the school day. They had to put their phones away in Mrs. Flowers’ room and weren’t allowed to see them until the end of the day. The middle school cell phone policy makes sense because these new students may still be too young to have their phones during the whole day and need to focus on time management and other skills without distractions.

However, there is no reason to take the policy campus-wide. High school students can handle more than they did in middle school. One of those responsibilities is learning to use our cell phones responsibly and safely, but it takes practice that comes throughout the school day. Students can’t learn to balance their phones and their lives if they aren’t allowed to use their phones in the first place.

‘Lost time is never found again’ simply cannot, and the more time we spend surfing on our phones, the less time we spend with the people around us. The friends and teachers we have, the classes we take and the family that we have with us now will only be around us for a limited amount of time, and we should not waste that time. Because once time is lost, it can never be found again, so we should enjoy the moment while it lasts.

In this modern world, many friendships that a person has are based mainly online, but all of my closest friendships have at the very least started in person.

Human beings are generally social by nature, yet in this generation, we are replacing conversation with text, social media and calling. Social skills are suffering as a result. There is still a valid reason for using technology to call and text people for immediate communication, but if you have the option of talking face to face, try it for a change.

Vanguard can sometimes be a challenging place, but the hard parts make it worth it. The more we learn here at Vanguard, the less that we have to learn by trial and error after we graduate. Vanguard is a learning

experience, and if we spend every day distracted and failing to pay attention because we are on our phones, then we could lose some of the things that we need to know for adulthood. It might be hard at times, but the hardships make the reward worth more. This is a time of learning, but how can we learn if we spend so much time on the shifting terrain of the online world?

I agree with the cell phone policy because of how it will keep us in the moment, bring us together, and let us learn more through enabling us to focus. This time is unique. We will only be here once, and we will only be in this place of learning once. We only have one chance to connect with people here. School is about gaining experience and knowledge, and if we are oblivious to the lessons that we could learn here because we are on our phones, then it will all be for nothing. The cell phone policy was put in place for our benefit, consider that when forming your opinion on this topic. We have to face reality if we want to succeed later on, so sometimes we have to look up from our phones.

October 2019 poll results are in!

What do you think of the new peer program?

I like it 51.4% Not a fan 48.6% What is your opinion on the VCPS dress code?

Reasonable 88.2% Too strict 11.8% Have you ever tried vaping?

Yes 12.1% No 87.9% Do you know anyone who vapes regularly?

Yes 54.0% No 46.0 % How accessible do you think vapes are to minors?

Easy to get 42.9% Difficult to get 5.3% I don’t know 51.8% Do vaping news stories scare you?

Yes 56.8% No 43.2% What is your opinion on the new cell phone policy?

Like 33.3% Dislike 66.7% Are you left-brained or rightbrained?

Left-brained 28.5% Right-brained 31.2% Both 40.3% Do you consider yourself to have school spirit?

Yes 74.6% No 25.4% Why do you think that people don’t show spirit?

No time 33.7% Don’t care 44.4% Too shy 19.7% No ride 2.2% The above results reflect the VCPS student body of 204 students. Polls were printed on paper and distributed to students during class. Results were tabulated by the VR staff.

The Vanguard Review Volume 47, Issue 1, October 4, 2019

The Vanguard College Preparatory School Student Newspaper 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710 vanguard_review@vanguard.org (254) 772-8111

Staff Listing

Distribution and Printing Process

Elizabeth Watson editor-in-chief Marly Chaparro opinion editor Emily Coleman business manager Anna Corey reporter Brooke Jolliff reporter Maili Maldonado reporter Elisabeth Rollins reporter Gretchen Eichenberg adviser

The Vanguard Review prints 800 copies of each issue. The paper is made available to students and faculty at several locations across campus. The paper is sent through the mail to individuals, including parents and alumni, on the official VCPS mailing list.

Demographics Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total population of 236: 204 students and 32 faculty members.

Mission Statement It is our mission to be the voice of the students of Vanguard College Preparatory School. We will endeavor in our roles as journalists to create a paper that students can read to be educated and informed.

Our Policies The Vanguard Review is a print newspaper published six times per year by the journalism students of Vanguard College Preparatory School. The paper’s primary audience is the student body of Vanguard College Preparatory School, as well as the families of students who attend the school, alumni and members of the Waco community. The editorial board, comprised of newspaper staff members, determines by consensus the content of the paper. The Vanguard Review staff has elected to use this editorial policy to govern the activity of the paper throughout the 20192020 school year.

The Vanguard Review is intended to serve as a public forum for students to discuss relevant issues and events occurring in their community. Letters to the editor are accepted and, if necessary, will be edited for length or libelous content. Opinion page items represent the views of the original contributor and not the views of the faculty, administration or school board.

The Vanguard Review will not print material that does not fit the standards set by its editorial board.

Writing that includes obscenities or makes libelous claims will not be printed. The Vanguard Review reserves the right to refuse to print a piece in the publication if said piece proves to be unfit for a student audience, as determined by the newspaper’s editorial board. Pieces that are submitted to the Vanguard Review will be edited for punctuation and grammar and must be approved by the editorial board. All content will be reviewed and approved by the editorial board, as well as the paper’s adviser.

The Vanguard Review is funded through the

student sale of advertisements to local businesses and reserves the right to refuse ads based on the discretion of the editorial board and adviser. Advertisements that are considered inappropriate or support any form of illegal activity, as well as any unethical or offensive ideologies will not be permitted to run in the paper.

Corrections made to any story in the Vanguard Review will be printed in the corrections box of the following issue, which can be found on the opinion page (page 2) of the paper. If any misinformation or errors are found in a story, the staff can be alerted through vanguard_review@vanguard.org so that the appropriate correction may be made.

If an article is written by one person, then only one name will be listed in the byline. If an article is written by more than one person, the byline will be shared. If an article is written by one person but uses information acquired by another individual in an interview, then the author of the article will be given the byline and the individual who conducted the interview will be credited at the end of the article as a contributor. If an article is written by one person but is heavily edited by another (occurring only when the second individual has made such drastic contributions that the piece no longer resembles the first individual’s work), the byline will be shared. All material printed in the paper, with the exception of mugshots, editorials, images for the ‘Find Vegard’ challenge, the logo for ‘Marly at the Movies’ and the official logo for the Vanguard Review only when printed in the masthead and folios, will receive bylines. This includes all other photographs and artwork.

Have an idea? Talk to us!

Email us at vanguard_review@vanguard.org to talk to us about sharing your opinion in the paper or submitting a letter to the editor! If you’re interested in submitting artwork or other pieces of writing, send us an email - or stop by the newspaper room in Brown 112.

Where’s Vegard?

Be the first to find our viking inside this issue, and win a prize! Email us at vanguard_review@vanguard.org

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

Student Spotlight: Oscar Padilla Grade 12

people

VR

That’s so oscar!

Funny, Caring, Driven Vanguard Review: What school did you come from, and why did you decide to move here?

Oscar Padilla: I transferred from Midway High School because I felt like Vanguard would better prepare me for college with a larger workload and higher expectations.

VR: What has been your favorite thing so far about Vanguard?

OP: My favorite thing about Vanguard has been the people and the environment. The senior class has been very accepting of me and has made the transition into the school very smooth.

(Top) Photo by Maili Maldonado / VR staff (Bottom left and right) Sage Suchecki / Bifrost staff

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Maili Maldonado ‘20 reporter

VR: How different is Vanguard compared to your other school?

OP: Vanguard gives its students a lot more freedom, and there are significantly fewer people than there are at Midway.

VR: What are some of your hobbies and extracurriculars outside of school?

OP: In my free time, I play club soccer for the Waco 02 Texans, and I also compete in martial arts.

VR: Where would you like to see yourself in 15 years?

VR: If you could be any fictional character, who OP: I hope by then, I will be stable enough to foswould you be? ter kids and give them a positive future.

OP: I would say that I closely resemble the squirrel from “Ice Age” because I’m always trying to get VR: What is something that you would want that nut, but for real, I would say I’m like Fez from someone else to know about you?

“That 70s Show” because I’m the new foreign kid. OP: In my last martial arts tournament, I met my grandmaster, Chuck Norris.

VR: Do you have a favorite teacher or class? If so, who or which one?

VR: What are your plans after high school?

OP: My favorite mod would have to be 6th mod: What’s your dream school? What do you want to art with Ms. S. major in, and why?

OP: Well, I plan to go to a four-year university or VR: What’s your favorite show, and why? the Air Force. My dream school is the University OP: My favorite show would have to be “Breaking of Southern California. I plan to major in some Bad” because the storyline is so amazing, and it type of engineering, preferably chemical engineergets you so hooked. I also like it because it re- ing. minds me of how my sister and I binge-watched it for hours on end.

4 sports Upcoming Games (in town)

MS Volleyball

10/3 at 5:00 pm - vs. ECA at ECA 10/7 at 5:00 pm - vs. Live Oak at Home 10/7 at 6:00 pm - vs. Live Oak at Home 10/7 at 7:00 pm - vs. Live Oak at Home

HS Volleyball

10/3 at 5:30 pm - vs. Reicher at Reicher 10/3 at 6:30 pm - vs. Reicher at Reicher 10/8 at 5:30 pm - vs. Austin Hill Country at Home 10/8 at 6:30 pm - vs. Austin Hill Country at Home 10/10 at 5:00 pm - vs. TSD at Home 10/10 at 6:00 pm - vs. TSD at Home 10/15 at 5:00 pm - vs. Centex Chargers at Home (SENIOR NIGHT VOLLEYBALL) 10/15 at 6:00 pm - vs. Centex Chargers at Home (SENIOR NIGHT VOLLEYBALL)

State CC

10/21 at TBA in Waco

Varsity Football

10/25 at 7:30 pm - vs. Marble Falls Faith at Home

Walking the line Anna Corey ‘22 reporter

E

advice from

Will Curtis

“Prioritize time management so that you can be sure to handle all of your responsibilities in school, as well as with the teams. Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest and the nutrition you need. Make the most of the opportunity you have been given. You only get each moment one time, so do the best you can with each chance you get.

Have fun, make sure to smile along the way and just enjoy the time with your classmates and teammates.”

Students reflect balance between sports and academics in their lives

ighty-five percent of Vanguard students actively play at least one school sport, and 46 percent say they spend between five to 10 hours per week practicing or playing their sport, according to a Sept. 2019 VR poll. Student-athletes have their work cut out for them. Besides pushing themselves physically in their sport, they also have the same amount of schoolwork as other students and are expected to make the same grades. As a result, the stress can be a lot to handle.

“I spend about eight hours a week practicing competitive cheer,” said Caroline Williams, eighth grade.

“I get home at around 10 p.m. on Mondays, which doesn’t give me a lot of time for homework, and that can make me feel stressed and rushed the next day.”

Fellow eighth grader Landri Wheeler plays volleyball and cares a lot about making good grades, but she said it can be hard to balance both the physical and emotional aspects that accompany sports.

“We practice about 45 minutes a day and games take about an hour,” said Wheeler. “On nights we don’t win or I don’t feel like I played my best, that kind of stays on my mind and keeps me from being able to really focus on my homework.”

If you are a struggling student-athlete, there is good news: you are not alone. About 46 percent of students said they think the pressure of balancing their academics and sports is moderate to difficult, according to the poll. Some student-athletes talked with the VR about the challenge of being successful in both academics and sports and have offered some helpful tips on how to balance it all.

One of the biggest barriers to balancing sports and academics is procrastination. Most people struggle with procrastination over everything else. Procrastination means putting off, delaying or postponing something you really do not want to do. The time a student athlete has to do work — or even have free

time — can be significantly less than a student who does not participate in sports. Because of this, procrastination can be a major downfall. It is easier said than done, but simply sitting down and getting it done is the best way to avoid the issue of time.

Andrew Holze, freshman, maintains good grades while playing on the varsity football team, which requires long practices and weekly games that are often out-of-town.

“I do my work during breaks at practice and at night before I go to bed,” Holze said. “Just don’t procrastinate.”

Freshman Andrew Holze charges down the field in a game But even if you avoid procrastinating, some- against Live Oak. His best advice for balancing football and times the workload can be too much. Vanguard school: don’t procrastinate. Photo by Sage Suchecki / Bifrost students are no strangers to the large amounts of staff homework assigned, but there are ways to grab Be sure to use the resources Vanguard offers. spare seconds when they might not be expected — Lunch is an hour long, so spend part of it studying for so take advantage of practices. Got some downtime that one test that you are so stressed out about. After during a water break? Do one of those math prob- school, tutorials are available to every student, and lems. It sounds extreme, but if you find yourself in a they are such a great way to get work done in a quiet pinch, it can work wonders. and focused environment.

Carter Oates, an eighth grader who plays football, “Yes, of course it’s hard to get stuff done,” said said he looks for any free moment to do homework, freshman Katylu Offill, who plays basketball. “But I so he stays on top of things. try and manage my time well by using tutorials and “Like in science the other day,” said Oates. “We my study mod.” had extra time at the end of class, so I just did all If there is a night when you have a late game — my homework right then so I wouldn’t have to do it and you are not able to get something done — unlater.” derstand it is not the end of the world. As important We all love our sleep, but another way to take as grades and academic performance are, a few bad advantage of overlooked time is in the morning be- grades or even missing grades will not kill anyone. fore school. Set your alarm 20 minutes early, get up, Teachers are more than willing to help. If you are and get it done. This is less stressful than cramming struggling to get something done, simply go talk to during a practice where you might not be focused, your teacher or coach. Extra tutoring is usually ofand according to a study done by Harvard biologist fered, and coaches understand that balancing sports Christoph Randler, early risers are more proactive. and academia is a struggle. Do not be intimidated — “Sometimes I even get to school early and do it can be done. Just work your hardest, use resources homework,” said sophomore Sage Suchecki. and ask for help if you need it.

Throwing to new heights Erik Knoll ‘21 guest columnist

Coach’s Corner

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

VR

I

found disc golf — a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target — from my dad, who played the sport in college with trees as targets. When I was young, my dad,

ery day for the rest of the summer. In October of last year, I played my first PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) tournament, and I had a blast.

Ever since then, I have been playing tournaments and enjoying it greatly. This year, with the help of Coach Seifert, I was able to get baskets set up at the school. With the help of Mr. Edmundson, I started the Disc Golf Club, which has been really fun. We meet every two weeks, and everyone is invited to (Left) Knoll with new disc golf basket on the Vanguard campus. (Right) Knoll prepares to give it a try. throw a disc at Mountainview Park. Photos by Elizabeth Watson / VR staff Disc golf my brother Karch and I would go Cameron Park to was first played in the 1960s. People would throw play a couple of holes at a time. I could not really frisbees at random objects such as trees, barrels and throw, but it was enjoyable. hula-hoops. The first tournaments were played in I stopped playing around fifth grade because California in 1965, as it was the hotspot for disc golf someone stole all of the discs from my dad’s car, and at the time. Even as early as the 1970s, tournaments I forgot about disc golf for the next couple of years. emerged with large cash prizes reaching as high as Then at the start of the summer between ninth and $50,000.

10th grade, my dad was gifted a starter set by a friend, Ed Headrick and Dave Dunipace were two playand my dad, Karch and I went to play with my fel- ers who were largely responsible for modern disc golf. low classmate, Adrian Northcutt. After playing for the Headrick was credited with creating the official rules first time in years, I was hooked. I played almost ev- of the game, founding the PDGA and creating the

modern basket. Dunipace created the sharper edged disc that increased the distance possible with a disc.

He also founded the largest manufacturer of discs, Innova. As the decades have progressed, the sport has massively grown with more than 8,000 courses across the world.

The rules of disc golf are simple. There are 18 holes on a course, and each hole is approximately 300 feet long. The player starts on a concrete tee pad that is approximately four by seven feet in size. After the initial throw, the player plays from behind the disc of the previous disc, and the player does this until he or she is able to throw the disc into the basket. The basket is a pole with a basket a few feet off the ground.

Surrounding the pole above the basket are around 24 chains designed to catch the disc, and two feet above the bottom basket is a band at the top of the pole. The scoring system is the same as ball golf: the lower the score, the better. The only difference is the par, which is 54 in disc golf but 72 in ball golf.

Disc golf is a great sport to play. It has a similar feel to golf, and it only takes around $30 to get enough discs to play. All disc golf courses are also free to play. The sport is also great because of the community surrounding it. Everyone I have met playing disc golf has been extremely friendly and helpful. Many people play just to socialize with their friends. While others, like me, find the best part of disc golf working on form and watching the disc fly hundreds of feet through the air. There is something for everyone to enjoy in disc golf, and I hope that Vanguard students can enjoy disc golf as much as I do.

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

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sports

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Athlete Spotlight: Dory Gonzales Grade 10

Delving In with dory Outgoing, Athletic, Responsible Vanguard Review: How long have you been playing volleyball?

Dory Gonzales: I played volleyball in seventh and eighth grade, so this will be my third year playing.

Anna Corey ‘22 reporter VR: What song gets you pumped up before games?

DG: I love to jam to throwback songs, like the Jonas Brothers or 5 Seconds of Summer, before games.

VR: What other sports are you interested in, and what is your preference?

DG: I am currently in volleyball and cross country, and I plan on playing basketball, tennis, softball and track. My main sport is softball.

VR: What would you say to someone who has never played before? Could it be for everyone?

DG: The team environment in volleyball is very high-spirited and supportive. Everyone cheers each other on, and we all bond so easily that it makes the sport so much fun. I think if someVR: What’s your favorite thing about volley- body really wants to play volleyball or any othball? er sport, they can if they are determined and DG: My favorite thing to do in volleyball is spik- willing to work hard. With lots of practice and ing. I love getting a kill because it gives the team hard work, I’m sure that anyone could play a energy! sport.

VR: Do you plan on playing sports in college?

DG: I plan on playing college softball. My dream would be to play for either Baylor or the University of Florida.

VR: What’s your best memory from a practice?

DG: My favorite practice memory is one of our coaches, Keeley, showing us the inch worm. It happened during a game, and we were laughing so hard we were crying.

Photos by (left) Iris Zhang / Bifrost staff and (right column) Avery Haynes / Bifrost staff

Don’t forget Fall Break!

October 25th - 28th

VR: How much water do you drink each day?

DG: Some days, I will drink around 64 ounces of water. Other days, I just drink a bottle of water, at most.

VR: What is your definition of success in sports?

DG: Succeeding in sports, to me, is improving in that sport. Yes, winning is a success. But before you can win, you have to be able to compete to the best of your ability.

Left-Brained, Righ

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Story, photos and art by Elizabeth Watson

What makes someone a strong mathematician or a talented artist? Is this determined by which side of your brain is more dominant? Chances are we have all taken an Internet test to determine whether we are leftbrained or right-brained. Left-brained people are considered logical, and right-brained people are thought to be creative.

The idea first surfaced in the 1960s in a study of the brains of epilepsy patients, according to an article in Psychology Today. Based on this study, researchers concluded that each hemisphere of the brain had specific roles, launching the start of the left-brain/right-brain theory. In recent years, however, this theory has lost the support of scientists but remains trendy in pop culture. Yes, there are certain regions of the brain that are devoted to language and other functions, but overall abilities vary with each individual.

So why is the notion so prevalent? It all comes down to psychology.

People like talking about themselves, and they certainly enjoy defining themselves with traits that express who they are. Although it is not one hemisphere of the brain or another that determines our aptitudes, people still enjoy using the theory to classify their talents and dispositions. The sheer popularity of websites like BuzzFeed or Mental Floss is proof of that.

But while there are people who grav itate strongly to one side or the othe there are people who have a mix of bot traits.

The remaining 34 percent of surveye individuals in the HuffPost article exhib ited aspects of being both left- and righ brained in their decision-making proces which falls fairly close to the 40.3 percen of VCPS students who feel they exhib traits in both areas.

left brain People who are “left-brained” are said to be logical and analytical. Thirty-seven percent of Americans lean toward left-brained traits, according to a HuffPost article published in 2013, featuring a survey of 160,000 people. According to the Sept. 2019 VR poll, 28.5 percent of VCPS students feel they are left-brained. To put this idea in perspective for high school students, consider the academic subjects that left-brained people seem to favor.

“Students who tend to be successful in math classes tend to be organized and logical-minded,” said math teacher Barrett Batt. “They view situations that are placed in front of them like puzzles or games, using logistics and problem solving skills to reach their solutions.”

“I am definitely left-brained because my mind allows me to easily learn sciences. I am on the robotics team, and I think that I flourish in that environment. However, artistic classes are my hardest.”

- Cole Clark, sophomore

Sources: Left Brain, Right Brain? Wrong. Psychology Today.

Left Brain - Right Brain. Psychology Today.

Are There Really Right-Brained and Left-Brained People? Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Are You Right-Brained or Left-Brained? Do Americans and Germans Think Differently? HuffPost.

Characteristics of Left Brain Dominant Students. ThoughtCo. The Truth About The Left Brain/Right Brain Relationship. National Public Radio.

Additionally, left-brained people are believed to have a thought process that relies primarily on logic. They are likely to be organized and efficient workers who are skilled at planning ahead and setting goals. As a result, academic subjects associated with leftbrained activities include mathematics, the sciences, and other topics that involve heavy memorization.

“I pref braine logical math c

ht-Brained or Both?

ver, th

ed bhtss, nt bit

fer science-oriented subjects. I’m lefted because I usually confront things lly and because I’m not too creative, but comes easily to me.”

- Aldo Ibarra, freshman

“I come from a left-brained family, and I am good at math and science. However, I also play instruments - cello and ukulele being at the forefront currently. I also enjoy singing very much.”

- AC Tillinghast, freshman

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“I feel I am more analytical and logical because I tend to think things through, and I believe I have a thoughtful way of living, which leads me to believe I’m left-brained. I also feel I’m right-brained due to my enjoying more artistic hobbies.”

- Karissa Kuhl, eighth grade “I am strongly left-brained because of my math and logic skills, yet I am also strongly right-brained because of my musical abilities and appreciation for the arts,” said Batt. “I try to make sure I cover all types of learners, whether they are left-brained, right-brained, or right down the middle, as I feel I am. Regardless of their learning style, I always try to make things as organized and easy to understand as possible.”

So whether you are left-brained, right-brained, or both, explore your artistic side this month because October is Right-Brainers Rule! Month.

Right-brained individuals prefer more artistic subjects and tend to thrive in matters of the imagination.

“In my classes, I find that students who are willing to be taught, to listen and put themselves out there do better,” said theatre arts teacher Lana Hickock. “I look for students with great imaginations, loud voices, body and facial control, and the ability to become someone else.”

right brain In contrast, “right-brained” people are thought to be creative and abstract thinkers. The same source quoted in the HuffPost article indicated that 29 percent of Americans surveyed are right-brained. A VR poll revealed that 31.2 percent of students favor right-brained traits. Right-brained individuals have a strong proclivity for the arts and are guided by intuition, flourishing in creative subjects like art and music.

“I am definitely more right-brained. I love using my creativity and expressing myself and emotions with things I’m involved in. One of the ways I am able to do this is through theatre, which I am super duper involved in at Vanguard, as well as in the community.”

- Jackson Kelly, senior

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The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

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marly at the movies Kick off ‘Monstober’ with some scary movies!

Marly Chaparro ‘22 opinion editor

With Halloween right around the corner, kick off the spooky season with some eerie movies. Grab a blanket, snuggle up on the couch and prepare for a scare with three films you can watch on Netflix. Whether you’re watching with your best friend, boyfriend or little brother, there’s something here for everyone.

CORALINE If you think your parents are clingy, then you’ve obviously never watched the stop-motion movie “Coraline.” “Coraline” is rated PG, so basically everyone can watch it.

The movie itself is very eerie. Coraline lives in two different worlds that she crosses between — one with her real mom and dad and the other with her “other” mother and father. Her “other” parents have buttons for their eyes. I thought that the animations were good in this movie. They did a good job of making the “other” mother look frightening. Her face was cracked when she started going psycho after Coraline said she wanted her real mom and dad and wanted to stay home. The animators also gave the “other” mother slim, tall, metal spider legs to go with her more unnatural look, but I think that the button eyes really sold it for me. “Coraline” will get you in the spooky Halloween spirit.

THE CONJURING Hands down, this is one of the best, most horrifying movies in my experience of watching scary movies. “The Conjuring” is based on a true story about a family who just moved into their new house. The family, which is made up of married couple, Roger and Carolyn, and their five daughters, immediately starts noticing the hauntings.

I would give you examples, but I wouldn’t want to spoil it. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to leave your feet out of your covers or play hide and clap when you are home alone.

The movie itself is very terrifying. I absolutely love the plot of the story, but I feel like some of the special effects looked really fake and more funny than horrifying. “The Conjuring” is rated R, mainly because of its violence and terror. This one is perfect to watch with your friends at a sleepover. I bet it will get a scare out of someone.

MY BABYSITTER’S A VAMPIRE Get ready to sink your teeth into this movie. It’s about a teenage boy named Ethan, his high school friend Benny and Ethan’s little sister Jane, who get a vampire for a babysitter.

This is a movie, but it is also a series on Netflix. I recommend watching both.

The movie is really funny, more of a comedy rather than an actual horror film. I like the idea and everything about the movie. Just imagine having a babysitter who could pull her fangs out on you at any moment. The thought of it is eerie. However, the vampire babysitter is friendly to the kids she babysits. She protects them from other vampires and any danger that comes their way.

What’s Cooking?

October eats: flavors of fall Fall is upon us — bringing chilly weather, sweaters, scarves, pumpkins, reddish-orange leaf piles galore and sweet and savory eats. There is so much to love about the flavors of fall. Photos by Emily Coleman / VR staff

Emily Coleman ‘21 business manager

Baked Cinnamon Apple Ingredients: 1/2 dozen apples (red or green) 1 stick of unsalted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup store-bought salted caramel sauce Directions: Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. After you have gathered all of the ingredients, cut all of your apples in half, remove the stems and take out the seeds. Arrange the apple halves in the baking dish with the cores facing up. Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the cores of the apples as evenly as possible. Cut a thin slice of butter and place it on top of the apple. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Once out of the oven, sprinkle more cinnamon and brown sugar on top. Wait a few minutes for the apples to cool off. Then take a juicy bite!

Pumpkin Alfredo Ingredients: 8-12 ounces pasta 2 tablespoons butter 4 cloves of garlic, minced 3/4 cup pumpkin purée 2 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Directions: Prepare your pasta as instructed on the box. Heat butter over medium heat. Add a hint of garlic and sauté. Add in the pumpkin and heavy whipping cream. Let it simmer in the pan until the sauce is slightly thickened. The leftover boiled water can be used to lighten the sauce. Stir then fold the pasta into the sauce. Top with Parmesan or any additional seasoning to your liking. Serve and share!

Food spotlight: a delicious taste of Brazil Elisabeth Rollins ‘21 reporter

Looking for a warm, savory snack that goes great with either coffee or a cold drink? Try the Pão de Queijo at Austin-based Lua Brazil on Saturdays at the Waco Farmers Market.

These delicious and naturally gluten-free cheese balls are made using tapioca powder and Parmesan cheese. They come in a variety of flavors, including original Parmesan, hatch chile, truffle, pizza and even chocolate. The balls have a thick crust on the outside and gooey cheese within. They literally melt in your mouth.

You can buy the fresh cheese balls for $1 each and choose from the different flavors, or you can get a bag of 12 frozen cheese balls to heat up at home.

If you want to try Pão de Queijo, be sure you get to the Farmers Market early. They are so popular that they always seem to sell out before the market closes. The Waco Farmers Market is located at Fifth Street and Austin Avenue, right Photos by (top) Anna Corey / across from the McLennan County Courthouse. VR staff and (bottom) ElizaTheir hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. beth Watson / VR staff

Minty Apple Cider Ingredients: Juice of 1 lemon 2 cups apple cider 2 cups orange juice 2 cups pineapple juice Mint leaves Cinnamon sticks Ice Directions: Combine juices in a medium saucepan, and bring heat to a low boil. Add mint leaves and cinnamon sticks. Turn off heat and steep until cool. Remove mint and cinnamon sticks and chill for several hours. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with mint and a cinnamon stick. It’s also delicious served warm.

Sweater Weather OCTOBER PLAYLIST As you approach autumn, nothing will put you in the mood for a latte and a campfire the way this playlist will. With a mixture of classics and pop, these tunes scream “pumpkin spice” and leave you with a tingle of cinnamon.

Compiled by Anna Corey

Autumn Leaves / Ed Sheeran Banana Pancakes / Jack Johnson September / Spencer Kane Upside Down / Jack Johnson Landslide / Dixie Chicks Riptide / Vance Joy Begin Again / Taylor Swift Fool’s Gold / One Direction Brown Eyed Girl / Van Morrison 11 Hours / Wet Home / Phillip Phillips The Way I Am / Ingrid Michaelson

spotify:playlist:41nTBVrjy6hr3B0wLFTKmY

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

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Cracking down on comfort Paz Jackson ‘20 reporter

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Students react to school’s new dress code in wake of updated policy

tudents walking from building to building between classes, eating lunch outside enjoying the sun and wearing relaxed attire such as t-shirts and leggings — all of these aspects of Vanguard’s campus reflect a college-campus atmosphere.

Just as clothing styles change from season to season, the school is updating its dress code to keep up with fashion trends that may distract or deter students from learning. To ensure adherence to the new dress code, the administration intends to “crack down” on all dress code violations. Some dress violations are seen more than others.

About 88.2 percent of students said they think the dress code is reasonable, according to the Sept. 2019 VR poll.

However, not all students are in favor of the dress code crackdown because they say it can be difficult to follow in modern times and even that they believe it is unreasonable.

“I think the most difficult part of the dress code for people to obey is the rule where you have to be able to see your shorts,” said senior Holley Anderson. “I think it is because the fashion these days is big t-shirts. I personally think this rule is ridiculous because no one would come to school without bottoms on, and they are actually covering up more skin with big t-shirts on.”

Junior Nicole Robles would even go so far as to say that dress codes discriminate against women.

“Most dress code rules are directed to girls,” said Robles. “I just think people should be able to wear what they want within reason because it’s their body.”

Since Vanguard is a college preparatory school, students are often working at college-curriculum levels. Being physically comfortable is an absolute must in order to concentrate for the duration of the long school days. Oversized, untucked t-shirts give the appearance that the student is not wearing any shorts underneath. This

fashion trend has been dubbed the “lampshade” look. The quick fix to meet the new Vanguard dress code is to simply tuck in a portion of the t-shirt to reveal the shorts from the front and back of the student.

“There is a time and place for wearing some of the more athletic clothing we sometimes see and that should not be at school,” said Head of Science Department Patty Flowers. “We do not want what someone chooses to wear to be disruptive to the learning environment since that is the main goal of our school.”

Texas weather can be hot through October, and students may want to dress to reflect the outside temperatures. Yet some clothing materials, like volleyball spandex shorts, are just too revealing. Additionally, the classroom chairs are not wiped off regularly so sitting on chairs with athletic short-shorts is not a good idea. Going forward, volleyball shorts must be worn at games only. Too-tiny shorts will need to be avoided on campus. Also, tops without straps, tops that expose the student’s abdomen or tops that are too low-cut and revealing should not be worn on campus.

“I think that the dress code is very reasonable and fair,” said Townlin Starr, seventh grade. “I came from a school that had a uniform, so this is why I think that.”

If teachers or administrators see any violations on Vanguard’s fair dress code, the student will need to change into more moderate clothing. If the student does not have a change of clothes, then a change will be provided to them from the school’s gym closet or in the form of scrub pants.

“I think the dress code is a little too strict because I feel girls should be able to wear their long t-shirts untucked,” said Kaitlyn Peavy, eighth grade. “Untucked t-shirts are loose-fitting and not revealing.”

Demonstrating the right and wrong way to wear athletic shorts to school, eighth graders Charlotte Livesay (left) and Hope Jackson (right) chat on the sidewalk outside of Bostick Hall. Shorts need to be visible to avoid the “lampshade” look. Photo by Paz Jackson / VR staff

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The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

Watching the clock Maili Maldonado ‘20 reporter

Seniors deal with stress of applying for first round of college acceptances

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he clock is ticking and the final countdown is on to that exciting yet dreaded day: November 1, the first college application deadline of the season. There is so much to do in so little time, and seniors across the nation are rallying their way to the final deadlines — some finishing their essays and others just starting the application process.

About 63.88 percent of seniors have started the college application process, according to a Sept. 2019 VR poll. Fifty percent reported that they are “very stressed” about the prospect of applying.

“I have applied to zero schools so far because the application process is so long and I have school work on top of that,” said senior Liam Dietz.

Students in general have a lot to do, whether that be school, extracurriculars and, for some, jobs. On top of that, seniors have college applications, and often stress leads to putting applications off until the last minute. Depending on how many schools a senior may have in mind, the stress can range from low to high.

“The application process itself isn’t stressful for me, but when managing my time, I often find myself worried about getting everything done and making the decisions of what’s more important at that moment,” said senior Nicole Nielsen. “Between school work and volleyball, I tend to get worn down from the constant work — and then on top of that, a college essay I need to finish or a community service project I need to attend. All these things are very important to me, and it’s not impossible to do it all. I just have to push on and keep in mind my goals.”

Some seniors wait to apply because they are too scared or stressed to deal with it, but it is important to just dive in and start the process.

“Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started,” said college counselor Hannah VanDyke. “Trust the process. Senior year comes with a lot of questions about the future and the unknown, so take it one day at a time. Don’t put things off, but also don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Trying to find time to balance her schoolwork and the idea of college applications being due soon, senior Nicole Nielsen is attempting to keep her cool. Photo by Maili Maldonado / VR staff

It just depends on the student. Senior year comes with a lot more work than some expect. Students should value every second of the day they get.

“If I find a place in time where I don’t have to do some homework, I’m going to make sure I finish an application,” said senior Kylie Rogers.

Let’s get fired up Brooke Jolliff ‘22 reporter

I

Giveaways and dances to be used this year to increase involvement from the crowd

magine a Friday night football game at Paul Tyson “We are planning dance routines to Field. For cheerleaders and players on the field, do during pep rallies to get the crowd this means the feel of hot wind blowing, the glare involved,” Davis said. “We are also planof bright stadium lights shining and the cheers of the ning on throwing t-shirts and mini footcrowd roaring — or it should. Some students say the balls at football games if you are yelling cheers of the crowd can barely be heard, which has with us.” them thinking school spirit is not at the level it should But all the t-shirts and extras in the be for a football team that made it to the state champiworld will not solve the spirit problem, onship just last year. said history and English teacher Matt “I think it is important for the crowd to participate James. because it helps to raise the morale of the players,” “It is hard to rate something like said cheer captain and sophomore Haydin Davis. “The school spirit because it has to be organplayers feel more supported when the crowd comes to ic,” said James. “We, as a school, can do cheer for them.” all kinds of things like pep rallies and About 74 percent of students say they consider dress up days to encourage school spirit, themselves to have lots of school spirit, according to but in order to be effective, it has to come a Sept. 2019 VR poll. The poll defined school spirit as from the heart of each individual. I cheer cheering on peers, going to school games and events, the way I do because I choose to care supporting school efforts and representing the school about the effort that our athletes expend positively. on the field or court.”

“I think that the student body gets excited about James said if student-athletes care bigger events, like Homecoming, but not as excited for enough to spend so much time practicnormal football games,” Davis said. ing, training and playing, the least that he Drumline member and freshman Noah Hale can do is give what he can — his “presagrees. He said adding spirit days throughout the week Vanguard cheerleaders use a new cheer to try and amp up a very unenthusiastic crowd. Photo by Sage Suchecki / ence and voice” — to encourage that efBifrost staff would help to promote participation. fort. games? Almost 34 percent said they are too busy and have no time, “I think if the themes for spirit week were more relatable, more “I think it’s definitely important to be there to support and cheer according to the VR poll. About 20 percent said they are too shy to students would participate,” Hale said. “They would come to the for people at games and school events,” said sophomore Sage Sucheer from the stands, and 44 percent of students said they simply do games if the school would try to get people excited throughout the checki. “One thing that’s really encouraging is when the upperclassnot care. whole week instead of just at Friday pep rallies.” men — people like Marcus Rosario and Kylie Rogers — are out there To amp up school spirit this year, the cheer team thought of a way So what is keeping students from showing up and cheering at the cheering and having fun. That makes other people want to do it too.” to get students to be more enthusiastic at games.

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

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Teacher Spotlight: Tonya Shanholtz

New Beginnings & Inspirations Artistic, Creative, Bold

Vanguard Review: What is your background in teaching art, and what made you decide to teach at Vanguard?

Tonya Shanholtz: I was teaching sculpture at Appalachian State University but was looking for a way to get back to Texas because my whole family is here. Mr. Syltie told me he was looking for someone he knew he could trust and continue what he had started here. When I came to visit for the interview, saw the facilities and met everyone, I was sold.

Photos by Elizabeth Watson / VR staff

Elizabeth Watson ‘21 editor-in-chief

to draw. Every hobby or job that I have had has some type of artistic or creative aspect to it.

VR: What is your favorite art form?

TS: I love all forms of art — including fine art, music, and theater — and the stories behind why and how each artist or storyteller created them.

VR: Where are you from, and where did you grow up?

TS: I am from Tyler, Texas. I lived there until I was 22. I don’t know if I have grown up yet. I have lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, North Carolina VR: What is your vision for the Art depart- and Texas — slowly growing along the way. ment?

TS: We are working on growing the sculpture VR: Who is your biggest inspiration? areas of the Art department. I hope to have an TS: I am constantly inspired by the Bauhaus, an art open studio evening in the spring so that every- school and movement that started in Germany in 1919. one can come see the great facilities and exciting They were creating great work, but the Nazis shut the school down because the Bauhaus was challenging things we can do in the Art department.

Hitler’s ideals. The U.S. stepped in and did a major VR: Where did you go to college, and what did brain bleed — transporting the smartest artists, architects and scientists so that the Nazis would not kill you study?

TS: I went to the University of Texas at Tyler them. Modern color theory, music theory and even the for my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and the fonts you use on your computer descend from people School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts Uni- and ideas that came through the Bauhaus. versity, in Boston, Massachusetts, for my masVR: What is something you want people to know ter’s degree in Fine Arts. about you?

TS: I buy black shirts in bulk.

VR: What made you decide to get into art?

TS: I have always been an artist. In the first grade, we had to learn a mastery list of words VR: What is your favorite book or movie? from a story, and I would draw a scene from the TS: One of my favorite books is by Jane Bennett story on the bottom of my mastery list. I made it called Vibrant Matter. Another favorite book is The a game to read faster and learn all of the words Toaster Project: Or A Heroic Attempt to Build a Simple quickly so that I could use the rest of my time Electric Appliance from Scratch by Thomas Thwaites.

Vanguard Review Vanguard College Preparatory School 2517 Mt. Carmel Drive Waco, Texas 76710

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Waco, Texas Permit No. 1967 Return Service Requested

The Vanguard Review October 4, 2019

October Junior Staff Features Texas travelers

Jordan Young ‘25 & Hutson Harper ‘25 junior reporters

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he seventh grade trip kicked off with evpion, and she screamed so loud that she woke eryone loading onto the bus Wednesday, up the whole cabin. Amelia Livesay described Sept. 18. Even though it was bright and earthe scorpion as “at least three inches long and ly, the students were excited for the day. On a tan color.” Ms. Offill had to treat the sting the bus ride there, almost everyone was sitwith meat tenderizer. Once the sting was taken ting with someone new. It was a great way to care of, Ms. Offill killed the pesky bug. After make new friends. After a while on the bus, the scorpion was taken care of, the girls in that they made a lunch stop and got to go eat. They cabin slept in the beds. thought that they had two The next day, they got eating options. But since the up early and started packMcDonalds was closed, they ing the bus. The class was raided Taco Bell. off to Enchanted Rock.

That same day, students Once they got to the top explored the Longhorn Cavof the rock, they were able erns. The cave was very into catch their breath and teresting to learn about, and relax. Mrs. Flowers taught all of the seventh graders the students about Enlearned a lot. That night, they chanted Rock and shared swam in Inks Lake and did the legends that people some stargazing. Some peotold about the rock. After ple were able to see shooting they climbed Enchanted stars and a satellite. Then Rock, the class went to Seventh grader Bentlee everyone went to bed, but the National Museum of Keepers clutches her stung there was something lurking the Pacific War and learned hand while her classmates in darkness. about World War II. look on. Archive photo Later that night, Mrs. Then, they went to Flowers held the cabin door open for about a bakery and had ice cream. There were also five minutes while she was lecturing the games in the bakery, like a fortune teller. Those girls about being too loud. As she was falling were really fun. By that time, it was getting asleep, Bentlee Keepers got stung by a scorlate, so the students headed to their cabins for

the night. These cabins were not air-conditioned and had no beds. There were multiple bugs in the cabins, and some kids were freaking out just like the night before.

The next morning was the last day of the trip. The seventh graders got on the bus and went to the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead to learn about how people lived in the 1800s. It was very interesting. They saw many animals like chickens, a calf and even a hog. Then, they went to a river and got to swim again. Some of them tried to make the current form a slide, and it worked. The river was a great experience and so fun. Then, they took the long ride to Mr. Gatti’s, which was a fun experience. They took the long ride home and arrived at 10:30 at night with lots of memories and stories to tell.

Interested in writing for our Junior Staff?

Email us at vanguard_review@ vanguard.org to get involved!

A ‘popping’ new discovery Luke Williams ‘24 & Landri Wheeler ‘24 junior reporters

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here is a string of murders in the eighth grade class. If you have heard loud pops around campus, it may have been the untimely death of a beloved eighth grade balloon friend.

It started out with a science project in Mrs. Flowers’ class where eighth graders combined alkaline tablets and water to create a gas that blows up balloons.

Students were allowed to keep their balloons, and they started blowing them up, drawing faces on them and naming them.

The balloons became members of the class. There have been some accidental murders — some intentional, most unsolved.

“I walked by, and it popped,” said eighth grader Callie Williams, who was responsible for the death of Hektor.

“I punted the balloon,” said eighth grader Carter Oates, who kicked Andru during lunch one day.

Some of the deceased balloons’ names were Quagmire, Andru, Johnny Johnny, Geromino, Benjamin, Hektor, B1173, Handsome Squidward and B223.

Fellow eighth grader Samuel Pole had the idea for a cemetery next to the garden

where members of class go to pay their respects to the late balloons.

Sept. 19 has become known as St. Quagmire’s day in honor of Quagmire and all the other victims. Some of the balloons that are still living are Christopher, Jamaj, Boblett, Bartholomew and Fish.

It is still unclear why members of our own class would harm these innocent balloons. The only thing keeping the remaining balloons alive is hope. The class members hope that after you read this, you will stop and think before you go and harm our beloved balloon friends.

Eighth graders visit their balloon cemetary. Photo by Caroline Williams