announced as last week’s winner,” junior Aubrey Saccoccio said. “I didn’t even know they were giving out awards, but regardless I will keep going all out all season. I intend to carry out my older sister’s legacy and if that means embarrassing myself then I’m fine with that. I hope that someday my younger sister Addison will continue this tradition so that the school knows we gave it our all.”Many new and different dress-up themes were approved this year.
Pulling with all their might, sophomores Jacob Sorgee, Braydon Bratcher, Addison McClanahan and Grace Heariet use their strength to try to defeat the seniors in a tug-of-war spirit game. The sophomores lost the pull and did not compete in another game. “Braydon wasn’t helping because of his shoes,” Heariet said. “Addison and I have the biggest muscles ever so we did the most.” photo by drake kneifl
Student council games count toward spirit points also. The first game was Tugof-War, where students from each grade battled to win. A new game, provided by Student council, will take place during each pep rally.
In an effort to raise school spirit, student council has created spirit wars between each grade level. Grades receive points by winning dress-up days and class competitions at pep rallies. This competition was in place a few years ago, but came to a stop due to COVID-19. The grade with the most points by the end of football season will receive a prize for their dedication to school spirit.
joining in on the themes when the whole school is doing it.”
Kynlee Bright said. “The good thing about this is that I experience the other side. I get to see students standing on their feet chanting at the top of their lungs because they want to win. It allows me to see the true spirit coming back into White Oak all the while getting to be one of the ones leading it.”
“I think that the spirit wars greatly encourage school spirit and I think it will improve each week,” senior Emma Nix said, “I thought that tug-of-war was one of the better games that we’ve had because it involved more people than usual.”
“I think that the more fun themes, such as ‘anything but a backpack,’ allows students to get outside of their comfort zone and participate,” Herrera said.
Maroon Out takes place every Friday. Students are encouraged to wear spirit overalls and White Oak attire in support of the volleyball team, football team and band.“Ilike to wear my spirit overalls because it is simply a cute way to show school spirit,” student council president Emily Aguilar said. “I believe wearing maroon on Fridays is important because it shows our support to any of our teams that may be playing that week.”
“I hope bringing spirit wars back will make participation in school spirit grow each week and to have at least 80% of the student body participate,” student council sponsor Kim Taylor said. “I think school spirit brings us together to have a goodDress-uptime.”themes take place each Thursday. The best-dressed boy and girl are announced every Friday at the pep rally and receive a gift bag containing candy and a gift card.
Trinity Noll GradesEditor-in-Chief compete for school spirit
Showing their spirit, the Regiment of Roughnecks win the victory chant at the first pep rally in the remodeled gym. “I think more people should show spirit during the pep rallies,” junior Fiona Rolland said. “It’s much more fun to stand up and cheer than to sit down and watch.” photo by drake kneifl
WE’VE GOT Spirit, HOW BOUT’ YOU?
According to student council vice president, Danica Herrera, students are no longer bored by the same recurring themes and can have more fun than in previous years.
“Students also feel more comfortable
photo by jenna crum
With sweat dripping and feet sliding, senior Raul Guillen pulls alongside senior Tyler Puckett to secure the senior class two victories against both the sophomore and junior class. “ I was talking to the band about how I never get picked, ” Guillen said. “I think we both did a good amount of pulling to help our class win.” photo by drake kneifl
1 Friday, 9.9.22 Volume 23 Issue 1 Friday 09.9.22 200 S. White Oak Rd. White Oak, TX 75693 (903) 291-2027 The Official Newspaper of White Oak High School
Proudly displaying her ‘anything but a backpack’ choice, junior Layla Hidalgo shows off her play kitchen. “I chose the kitchen because I wanted to be creative and I knew no one else would think of that,” Hidalgo said.
Spriting loud and proud, Richard Burks yells for victory alongside the freshman class. The cheerleaders and Mr. Parker led each grade level and the band in the V-I-C-T-O-R-Y chant reviving an old tradition. “We did the victory chant when I was in high school,” Burks said. “It feels like the neverspiritleft.” photo by abby lobue
“It was kind of a shock when I was
In addition to more spirit dress-up days, the student body was seated by classification during the first indoor pep rally. This allows for each grade to take part in the newly introduced victory chant.“Although I would love to sit and chant with my grade for the win since I am a cheerleader this isn’t possible,” junior
Although known for their funky Friday themes, there is much more work behind the scenes. Since being founded in the 1950s, the student council has taken on many projects such as the famed Red Ribbon Week and smaller events like making bird houses and supplying seeds. The group is led by Mrs. Taylor and the overall group is divided into four groups which include Pride and Patriotism, Drugs Alcohol Safety and Health(D.A.S.H), Energy and Environment and Community Service. Each group takes on different tasks to further accomplish their goals as a school.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SFTHWTMS Trinity Noll Editor-in-Chief Volleyball VS Beckville - Varsity Cross Country @ Canton FFA- TENTATIVE Lamb/ Goat ClinicShowmanshipVolleyballSpringHillTournament9/JV FFA - East Texas State Floral CompetitionCup Camo Spirit Day KYKX Game of the Week vs. Harleton Varsity Football @ Brook Hill Cross Country @ Lear Park Football JVM VS Elkhart; Dress as a Teacher Spirit Day Football JVM VS Brook Hill, JVW VS OuterLindale;Space Spirit Day Volleyball GladewaterVS- Varsity 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Cross Country @ Union Grove FFA - East Texas State Fair Public Speaking Contest Volleyball VS Hughes SpringsVarsityVarsity Football @ Elkhart Volleyball VS Hawkins JV/V; School Picture Day Volleyball VS Bullard 9/JV/V 25 26 27 28 29 30 Early Release FFAandDodgeballChapterEventMeeting FFA - Harvest Festival Rabbit DianaVolleyballValidation@New9/JV/V Upcoming Events October 4-ACT October 14-End of 1st Nine Weeks October 5-Ag Awareness Day October 17-School Holiday October 7-Senior Picture Retake October 12-PSAT
Stay Connected IN DA Clubs
Reigning military marching band 3A state champions flood the halls of White Oak High School. This extraordinary program has practiced in the heat for hours on end and their efforts are gifted with exemplary honors. The band is led by Mr. Ramos, Mr. Whatley, Mr. Corrales and Mr. Wyatt who devote their time to shaping members into excellent musicians. Students can participate in different events including All Region and UIL solo and ensemble competition. The band will dedicate their efforts to making White Oak proud.
Art, art and more art. These creative students spend their time drawing, sculpting, taking photos and painting. While people may think that art is an easy task, the students who compete in VASE may disagree. Members start prepping in the fall and have to be creative enough to think of an award winning art piece; soon they will spend the next several months working tirelessly to complete their masterpiece. The High School Visual Arts Scholastic Event provides an opportunity for students to pursue their goals, decide their career paths and win scholarships. The VASE advisor is Mrs. Taylor, who has been heading it for more than five years. Overall, this extremely competitive event has given White Oak at least one student headed to state each year.
VASE
DEBATE
FFA
CULINARY
ATHLETICS
Student council
BAND
NHS
Aubrey Saccoccio Staff Writer
THEATER
After taking three students to state last year, the journalism staff is involved not only in UIL but also other crucial school projects. They spend everyday writing stories, taking pictures and interviewing others. The staff is responsible for the newspaper, weekly media posts and most importantly the yearbook. In UIL, the group competes in timed writing events such as news, feature, editorial, headline and copy editing. They are working hard to bring home the journalism state championship after narrowly missing it last year.
CHOIR
While walking through the halls, students have the privilege to waff the sweet smell of whatever the talented culinary students are cooking. The culinary members’ competitions range from barbeque to simulating proper restaurant etiquette. They work daily with Chef Rasco, and if necessary, at home and even Saturdays when other students are watching Netflix on their couch. Learning to cook is an imperative life skill that culinary students are getting a head start on.
The choir is still building since 2020, but already they are dominating. The organization competes in solos, group events and concerts. The senior citizen meal last year was a hit for the rekindling of this group back into community activities. Their main goal is to entertain others, challenge themselves and even develop their careers. These practices can range from school classes, private lessons and practice meets. During fall, the members of both middle and high school will compete in All Region. During spring, the choir comes together for the UIL concert and sightreading. This group is looking forward to working in harmony and having a successful season.
National Honor Society, also known as NHS, currently holds 31 members and is run by Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Faircloth. NHS is reliant on students who focus not only academics but also the community. Each member puts forward their time and effort to help anyone in need and dedicates their time to local churches, families and different communities. Students must have above a 3.5 GPA, be involved in an UIL academic event and be a well-behaved student.
With around 300 people, FFA is one of the largest organizations in the school. The team arrives early and stays late having meetings, raising animals and discussing the goals for the near future. This incredible group of students ranges from grades 3 through 12 with events from animal raising for the younger grades and different leadership events for high school. The events for high school include LDE (Leadership Development Events), CDE (Career Development Events), and junior through senior members can participate in showing animals, horticulture and photography as well as competing in speaking competitions. The team will be sure to give this season its all.
JOURNALISM
If taking acting to a whole other level was a crime, the members of White Oak theater program are guilty. Each student spends countless hours rehearsing and learning their lines. Mr. Higginbotham led the team to the state competition in One Act and brought home the gold medal last season. The organization holds main events which are the fall play and One Act. Both plays are shown multiple times for not only the enjoyment of the parents but also the practice of the students. For faculty and students alike the play is broadcasted year round with fall play being in the fall and One Act being in the spring. Each play has its own set of challenges but this group is ready.
Opportunities for involvement
With the largest number of students in the community, the athletic program contains a multitude of activities. The group spends their time practicing to better themselves all year round. In the fall, the Roughnecks compete in volleyball, football, cross country, cheer, twirl and flag. In the spring, the sports are baseball, softball, golf, track and field, fishing, tennis, powerlifting and archery. The boys’ athletic director is Kris Iske and the girls athletics director Dee Lewis.
Mrs. Lattin, known affectionally by her students as the smartest person alive, has an impact on the debate students. The event is divided into three categories including CX, LD and Extemporaneous Speaking. Now to break down each event, CX is where a team of two battles against other schools in an academic controlled discussion over world issues and their flaws. LD debates are done alone about what should be valued over different issues. Finally, the witty students are involved in extemp where they have 30 minutes to prepare a seven minute speech over either informative or persuasive topics . These three different events have brought many competitiors past district and some to state.
2 Friday, 9.9.22
If the Crown Fits…
After much anticipation while waiting for votes to be calculated, seniors Trinity Noll and Anna Iske received emails congratulating them on being nominated to represent White Oak High School in the Yamboree and Miss Gregg County Pageant. Noll will represent as a White Oak duchess on Oct. 19 and 20 in the Yamboree and Iske will compete Thursday Sept. 15 as a Miss Gregg County contestant.
“I appreciate that teachers have weapons to protect my children,” Blankenship said. “I think that having an officer that is already
“We put a lot of time and effort into planning games for pep rallies,” student council member Kate Dusek said. “It feels like the spirit during pep rallies has gone down over the years, so hopefully, by improving the gym, we can restore some energy during events that take place in the gym.”
“Truth be told, I hope our signs are a deterrent,” Gray said. “If somebody that has evil thoughts in their mind, I want them to go on down the road and I think maybe they will.”
for a fresh coat. We went with a brighter color in hopes for help with culture and climate.”Thenew bleachers will be more modern allowing for quick set-up and use, unlike the old bleachers that have been around for almost 40 years.
Not only do the new bleachers make the gym look better, but they also make it more enjoyable for students and fans to sit and watch events.
Seniors represent White Oak in Yamboree and Miss Gregg County Pageant
The University Interscholastic League has named senior Trinity Noll, sophomore Allison Sims and 2022 graduates Garrett Cook and Karson Lott to the 2022 AllState journalism staff. “All-State is something that is in the back of my mind and keeps me on track knowing that I have to place well at every UIL meet and do my best to write great stories for the newspaper,” Noll said. “For me, it is a tracker and a baseline for how well I should be doing each year.” photo by karen west
“If I had to choose people to represent White Oak, I would choose these two,” senior Karlyn Jones said. “They have been loyal to White Oak which is why I think they were chosen. Trinity and Anna both have qualities such as good leadership, spirit and pride which will allow them to fit their positions very well.”With both seniors as crucial leaders in many organizations throughout the school, it only seems fit to show the community and those around us the hearts of the girls that keep our school as spirited as possible. Although Iske plays key roles in her extracurricular activities, she had to step outside of her comfort zone to compete in the Miss Gregg County pageant.
Addison Milligan Staff Writer
The FFA held their first meeting of the year Tuesday, August 23. They hosted a Back to School Bash that included games, food and information about activities planned for the upcoming year. The next meeting is September 21 in the Setupgym.for all the activities began right after school as decor and water balloons had to be completed in a short amount of “Thetime.set up was very stressful,”senior Levi Wright said. “Considering we only had 45 minutes to set up five games, it was a lot to do. Then after we got done setting that up we had to then go set up the cafetera with all the decorations and stuff, but in the end it was very rewarding.”Thestudents played numerous water activities, such as balloon pop, sack race, balloon toss, cup race and slip and slide race.“There has not been any bad feedback,” Ananda Underwood said. “All the games went very well. Also something that the officer team has said was that instead of a slip and slide we just get a tarp with some baby oil and water on it. Several people did say that next time they would like more things to put on their hot dogs.”
To ensure the safety of the students, the school board voted July 18 to make the school a guardian school along with hiring a school resource officer, Officer Robby Benson.“White Oak becoming a guardian school was an additional way to provide some more safety and security,” superintendent Brian Gray said. “It is important to me that I try to put as many tools in our toolbox to protect our kids. I am a big proponent of the guardian plan if it is done correctly and I think we do it correctly.”
“Mrs. Underwood stresses on the planning for the kids and the games, and I put my heart and soul into the
Collin Wheat Staff
Kynlee Bright Staff Writer
The feedback from parents is positive. Most believe that Benson and the teachers who carry will keep their children safer. Nineveh Blankenship, mother of Fannin Blankenship [3] and Amira Blankenship [1], grew up around guns and has her Licence to Carry (LTC), so she carries when she has her children with her.
on campus, has his own set of protocols and can act quicker gives me a better peace-ofmind. If there was something to happen I trust that my children will be safer since teachers and our officer can combat and slow down an attacker. I don’t think there will be an impact on my children’s learning either.”Notonly do parents think it is good protection, students believe the campus is saferAccordingalso. to junior David Watson it is a great add-on to the run-hide-fight tactic already in “Honestly,place.being a guardian school makes me feel safer,” Watson said. “I feel that Officer Benson has a strong presence, so intruders will be less inclined to come in. I also have younger siblings on different campuses and I am grateful that my siblings will be safe. I could never live without one of my Whilesiblings.”guardian schools and schools with SROs add an extra layer of protection for the students, it also acts as a deterrent for any possible intruders. Out of approximately 334 guardian schools in Texas, not one of them has had a mass casualty event. Signs are posted outside on every campus that informs everyone that White Oak is a guardian school.
Makeover in Progress Gym receives new bleachers and paint
“I wasn’t initially going to sign up for Miss Gregg County, but I had a lot of people come up to me and tell me I would be a good candidate since I’m so comfortable talking in front of people,” Iske said. “I’ve always been someone who’s just gone to school, practice and home everyday, so I am excited to step out of my comfort zone and do something that changes up my normal routine. I am looking forward to the pageant because I love getting dressed up and being able to speak in front of people so I think that I will do well.”
“I am so excited for this,” Noll said. “I was excited finding my dress. I was excited ordering my jewelry. I am excited for everything this entails. I wasn’t on homecoming court, and I am not our Miss Gregg County representative, but I am the Yamboree Duchess. I want to embrace all that is my senior year, and cheesy as it may be, thankfully the Yamboree will be included in my lasts.”
parent meeting because I want them to kind of understand all the things that we do,” Charity Etchelecu said. “So from all the feedback that I got from the parent meeting everything was good, and Mr. Jones nailed it. He was so good. As time goes on we will keep asking more questions. Overall everything went really well, and the officers killed it.”Right before the team kicked off the games they had a slide show that they presented to the group of students and parents.“There was so much growth from last year back to school bash, I mean the cafeteria was pretty full and there were so many kids that came,” senior Mackenzie Goode said. “I think things went smoothly but there were also some things that can be worked on which is how things are in FFA, we just have to learn and improve for the year to come.”
White Oak ISD Tightens Grip on Security District becomes Guardian School; adds school resource officer
“I avoid public speaking at all costs so Miss Gregg County was not an option,” Noll said. “But since it’s my senior year, I want to take advantage of any opportunities I get and form as many memories as possible. I think I will represent White Oak well because I feel that I know very well all parts of our school and can represent in a way that our community will be proud of.” Noll and Iske are both involved in multiple activities allowing them to be knowledgeable about many aspects of both academic and active life throughout the school. With this crucial knowledge they acquire about the school and community that they are soon to represent, the girls will use this opportunity to show everyone the
3 Friday, 9.9.22 News
With high hopes from both of our candidates, they are working hard to prepare for the upcoming events in the very near future. Senior year is one to remember and this is something that they will surely never forget.
“Part of my job is walking around the school, checking the halls, checking the cars and just handling any security issue the school has,” Benson said. “With all the shootings you hear about, you can’t ever have a campus that is too safe. These changes are a necessary evil.”
“The new bleachers were absolutely worth it,” maintenance director Barry Henson said. “The original seating had been here since around 1976, and they were very labor intensive to set up.”
Back to School Bash
FFA hosts annual kickoff meeting
While teachers went through extensive training to conceal and carry a weapon, there is also a SRO that patrols all campuses. Benson was a narcotics officer for 12 years and is now the SRO who spends his day guarding White Oak ISD.
small town they call home.
While the students were outside playing games, the parents were inside taking in all the information they could about FFA and all the opportunities their students have.
The FFA officer team promoted the event that brought over double the number of participants from last year’s event.“Ithink that the back to school bash was incredible,” Underwood said. “I think we had an amazing turn out, like the fact that we had over one hundred students participating, and the fact that we truly saw their excitement and how much fun they were really having. The parent attendance was amazing as well, there were over 80 parents there which means that 80 community members were there learning about FFA and that it is more than just animals and that there are so many leadership opportunities.”
Meredith Anderson Photographer
“Even though the bleachers came in a little late, our gym needed something new,” superintendent Brian Gray said. “Not only were the old bleachers starting to become a safety hazard for older audiences, but they were also very uncomfortable to use to watch an entire game or pep rally.”
The previous Roughneck and Ladyneck will be repainted in their original spot. Other minor details of new paint can be observed throughout the gym.“The paint was starting to chip and discolor,” Gray said. “That’s when the school board and I decided it was time
FollowingWriter a year of waiting due to delays in production, the high school is in the works of installing new bleachers in the gym. The walls have also received a new paint color with newly painted logos. The bleachers and paint were completed on Sept. 1, and were quickly put into use for the second pep rally.
“For me, a good White Oak representative is someone who is well rounded,” Yamboree and Miss Gregg County nominee coordinator Kim Taylor said. “I think this year’s nominees are great. Trinity’s cousin was a duchess, making her a legacy and I think Anna will do great with on the spot questions and won’t have uncertainty about being in front of a crowd.”Iskeattended the state debate meet last season making the speaking portion of the pageant a walk in the park for her, but Noll has a different view on public speaking. After being assured that duchesses are not required to speak in front of large crowds, Noll decided to run for Yamboree representative.
As a former coach, Mr. Skyler Stagner walks in for his first day of school as the new assistant principal. He tries to remain cool, calm and collected, but actually has millions of thoughts and emotions racing through his head. This transition comes with many opportunities, but will also force many changes.Stagner, the previous football offensive coordinator, head baseball coach and high school chemistry teacher has taken the position of assistant principal. He left his old responsibilities behind and stepped into a new chapter.
“I just have to support the kids when I can and let them know I still care about them,” Stagner said. “I don’t want my past players and students to feel weird
photo by katie hinch
When he first got the news, he was excited, but also a bit nervous. He knew from an outside perspective what he was getting into, but as he began actually taking on the job he realized there was much more than meets the eye.
“I see building relationships with kids and teachers that are going to be long lasting,” Parler said. “I want to win the Lone Star Cup, that’s a goal of mine. That Lone Star Cup is a well-rounded accomplishment and I feel like we can do that in the next four or five years. I see a lot of success in the future of White Oak High School.”
White Oak and in the same building.”
With any change comes new experiences and adaptations, like enforcing new rules and being more of a disciplinarian. Overcoming these challenges and changes is what will strengthen the school, the administration and student behavior.
Alli Sims Copy Editor
Typing away at his desk, new assistant principal Mr. Stagner takes time to plan new ways to benefit the school. Stagner has used his newfound position to enforce stricter regulations to promote positive habits among students. “There are other challenges that I didn’t know came with this job, but so far it’s been smooth,” Stagner said. “I hope to fully understand the expectations of administration, the ins and outs and learn how the school works from a different perspective by the end of the year.”
Skylar Stagner Switches Paths
“I already miss certain aspects of coaching since football season is here,” Stagner said. “I miss being around the boys, being at practices and being on the sidelines for games.”
things that I felt have been issues here in the past couple years,” Stagner said. “No phones during the school day is to eliminate potential discipline issues like meeting up, but everything else is pretty much the same. I’m just enforcing them.”Stagner’s goals for the years are solely to improve the students’ behaviors and that they will receive the punishment that they deserve. He thinks that with stricter authority and less distractions the students will perform better in class.
This initiative has excited coaches as well as students involved in UIL. With more emphasis put onto UIL, there are more students competing in events which lessens the stress for coaches.
around me in a different leadership role.”Stagner seeing students in the halls now that he coached last year and years before, gives him mixed feelings. While he is satisfied with his new job, he still misses having that coach-player relationship with the boys.
Mr. Parker’s Passion
Rather than leading from behind a desk, Parker plans to take initiative and create a happy environment. This means doing all he can to help his students be successful outside the classroom and pushing UIL academics.
“It is clear that Mr. Parker loves people,” English I teacher Gay Noble said. “He was always at every Elysian Fields UIL meet, talking to everyone and creating such a great environment. We have really missed that shepherding type of leadership of Dan Noll or Jack Hale. It’s such a blessing that Mr. Parker has that same heart for his students and teachers.”Duringthe search for a new principal, Parker was a stand out amongst the
While still adjusting to becoming the new principal, Mr. Parker works tirelessly to benefit the school by offering rewards to different groups. Parker’s focus is to bring home the Lone Star Cup again. “White Oak is a fantastic place,” Parker said. “The tradition and pride has always been here and I’m excited to be a part of it. I want to create an environment where everybody feels welcome and everybody can learn. I want to win the Lone Star cup again. It’s a compilation of band, athletics, academics and fine arts so everyone works together to achieve this goal.”
Oak High School job became available,” Parker said. “I’m looking forward to making some lasting relationships with people, creating a climate and a culture, under my leadership as principal, that will be harmonious for the students and the staff and getting to know the senior class this year.”
“Mr. Parker and I went through the handbook for two weeks straight of
“My wishful goal is that everyone would follow the rules and stay out of trouble,” Stagner said. “A big part of it is the teachers and students knowing I will hold students accountable.”
for competitions this year, he has to rely on his coaches to recruit the right students. He has plenty of plans in the works to get students involved.
photo by katie hinch
“I loved it at Elysian Fields and I would not have applied for any other principal job in East Texas, but then the White
Strolling the halls, he remembers his goals for this new chapter. With each visit into a UIL class, he is comforted by the inviting smiles and excited eyes looking back at him. Each student is a commitment and a person for him to mentor and help long after graduation hasNewpassed.high school principal, Jack Parker, works to lead the student body to success in UIL and in all their endeavors.
“We’re going to have fun,” Parker said. “We’re going to eat. We’re going to have prizes for people who score the best or hit goals. I want the UIL teams to know that I am behind them 100% and I will do anything I can to help them succeed.”
“It’s a completely different set of challenges that you don’t experience as a teacher or coach,” Stagner said. “Navigating through those challenges is what helps the school be successful.”
Chloe Bates Staff Writer
“This switch came with difficulties like going from a subject that I’ve taught for 15 years to something that’s completely different and discovering there were a lot of things I thought I knew that I actually didn’t,” Stagner said. “The easiest part was being able to stay at
In-Depth
“White Oak is the best school in East Texas,” Parker said. “I’m really excited this change happened and I’m really excited to be here. I see a lot of success and long-lasting relationships with students and faculty in the future here.”
Stagner considered applying for the assistant principal position hard and in depth before making the decision. He talked with his close friends, family members and colleagues before reaching a verdict.
4 Friday, 9.9.22
“We’re here for the purpose to learn and continue our education forever,” Parker said. “UIL academics helps your ACT score, it helps with your prep for life after high school, whether that is college, whether that is tech school, whether that is going to work. It teaches a work ethic that is like no other when you really get into it and do those events really hard, whatever those events may be.”In
New high school principal sets goals for school year
FROM Coach TO Campus Director
other candidates because of how personable he was with faculty and students.“Hehas a lot of good qualities all rolled into one,” superintendent Brian Gray said. “There are a lot of great folks out there that can do the curriculum stuff and the extracurricular stuff and build relationships with the kids and would fit with the staff. I think he just kind of checked all of those boxes. I think he’s going to be great for White Oak.”Parker started creating goals as soon as he heard he was the newest principal and those goals stretch farther out than just this year.
order to meet the goals Parker has
Parker came from a 14-year-long reign as the Elysian Fields High School principal, but he’s not looking back. He took this position with high hopes for the future of the school.
His father’s reputation may precede him, but Kyle is certainly living up to the standard. Entering his first year coaching for the Roughnecks, he rewrote the playbook for the team’s offense.
Dickson said. “This subject is the killer for so many of the things you’ll want to do. So many students have a hard time understanding this subject. The state stuff is great, but having students prepared for what they want to do is actually the importantPreparingpart.”students is Dickson’s ultimate goal, and everyone says practice makes perfect, well homework that is. A major portion of AP Chemistry’s curriculum comes from a textbook, and after a three week waiting period for both their online and physical version, the books finally arrived.
“I discovered I wanted to be a teacher when I was tutoring one of my classmates,” Corrales said. “I was
NEW ADDITION TO THE Regiment of Roughnecks
between math or music, and decided on music when my director lied to me and promised me that I would direct Longview High School’s band program.”
Kylie Wallace Staff Writer
“It’s one thing to see your parents as kids but as you get older and have kids of your own, that tends to stop happening as much, so I love the fact that we get to see each other everyday,” Kyle said. “Having my dad in the office has been an amazing experience and I cannot wait for this season.”
“There are definitely big shoes to fill,” Kyle said. “Last year I coached at Hallsville and he wasn’t on the sideline with me and that was different. It’s difficult because you always want to put the best product on the field and with your dad coaching alongside you, you want it to be even more special.”
“Regardless of the amount of success, I hope to just have the kids prepared,”
EntertainmentAssistantEditor-in-ChiefEditorCopyEditorEditorSportEditorBusinessManagerPhotoEditorStaffWriterStaffWriterStaffWriterStaffWriterStaffWriterStaffWriter Trinity Noll Kate Dusek Alli JennaAnnaLexiSimsPalmerIskeCrum Drake Kneifl Chloe AddisonKynleeKylieKarlynJordanBatesCrumJonesWallaceBrightClinkscales Views expressed in the Gauger are those of the writers and do not represent the views of the school district. Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff PhotographerPhotographerPhotographerPhotographerWriter Keller MemberMeredithCarsonRamzeyKylieCollinAubreyAddisonJessicaLottLoweryMilliganSaccoccioWheatDuggerSalterWestAndersonof: University Interscholastic League Press Conference Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Quill & Scroll *Denotes that volume numbers were reset at the time the paper converted to newsprint in 1995. The Gauger actually dates back to 1938-39. 200 S. White Oak Rd. White Oak, TX 75693 Volume 23* Issue 1 If you would like to submit a letter to the editor or send us a guest article, e-mail the staff at: kdusek@wostudent.nettnoll@wostudent.netor All high school students receive the Gauger free of charge and copies are also available for community use in each of the campus offices and the administration building. In addition, all businesses that purchase ads receive a complementary copy of the paper.
To engage the students, Chemistry teacher Mr. Dickson uses unusual methods to make his lessons memorable and easy to remember. Dickson decided that when he arrived at White Oak, he was going to have his science and UIL teams be more engaged and entertained. “My goal next year is to win state in UIL science,” Dickson said.
kneifldrakebyphoto
“The main reason that I’m in White Oak is that my son and I have another opportunity to coach together,” Roger said. “I believe that he is a good coach, I just hope that everything I taught him in school carried over to his career.”
The Adams’ Family
Kyle not only has parental approval for his accomplishments but now a fellow coach’s for his success on the field. Their father/son bond has grown throughout their years of coaching together, allowing the two to become each other’s biggest fans and supporters in both life and football.
Since the leave of former head band director Jason Steele and promotion of Jacob Ramos to head band director, the position of assistant director remained open. At the beginning of this August, Gustavo Corrales assumed this position.
Father/son duo coach Roughneck footballKynlee Bright Staff Writer
“Mr. Ramos has already taught me so much,” Coralles said. “I think the mentorship with Mr. Ramos and Mr. Whatley has kind of made me like a sponge. I’m just trying to absorb all the information I can to be the best I can. I feel really lucky to be here.”
New chemistry teacher brings high standards
Trinity Noll
After leading his team to become the state runner up in Science UIL last year, Dickson is on the hunt for dedicated and strong science students to join his UIL event. While the state tournament fills the back of his mind, Dickson ultimately hopes to use his position as a chance to prepare students for their future.
Although the duo has opposite strengths in coaching, their differences help to benefit the team for the best possible outcome. Roger has been coaching for over 35 years and is well known for his success on the field, whereas Kyle has been coaching for 13 years.
In-Depth
Homework comes with the job, and to prepare his students for success, it is necessary, and with the textbooks now in their hands, Dickson is ready to jump into the curriculum. Being in the field that he is allows him to watch students grow from shy kids to the future engineers and doctors of our“Ultimately,world.
“The victories will be sweeter. The defeats will be sour. I don’t like to lose and I know that he doesn’t either,” words spoken by veteran coach and father.After a seven year stint at Union Grove, father and son coaching duo Roger and Kyle Adams reunite to coach the Roughnecks for the 2022-23 season. With an Adams on each side of the ball, the two are using their differences to their advantage to coach what best suits them.“Ithink we bring two different energies to the table,” Kyle said. “My dad is defensive minded, aggressive, loud and animated, but I tend to be more reserved or even-keel so we give off a little Yin and Yang energy.”
During his time in high school, Corrales was able to develop a close relationship with his former band director. This influenced him to make the decision to pursue a career in music.
As a member of Longview High School Band and studying at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Corrales has experience with both military and corps style bands. Alongside this, he held a position as a long term substitute at Troup High School.
After 11 years at Elysian Fields, chemistry teacher Johnny Dickson transfers to the White Oak staff. Dickson not only teaches chemistry, but coached his last team to the state finals in Science UIL setting a high standard for his new team this coming “Honestly,season. my goal for this year is to go to state to make the best chemistry students in the state of Texas,” Dickson said. “I also want to be accepted by this community.”
experiences from a lot of different places,” Kyle said. “Sometimes when you’re not exposed to different things, you tend to just stay in one little lane, but since I’ve coached on multiple teams, I was able to pull all the different experiences and what we did offensively to help culminate into the playbook.”Kylehas coached many teams allowing him to utilize his knowledge of offensive plays to benefit the Roughnecks this season. Not only has he learned from years of coaching experience, but also from his time spent on the field as a student with his dad coaching from the sideline.
“I had a lot of podium time in college with leadership positions,” Corrales said. “This kind of helped me find my craft and passion for teaching.”
photo by ramzey salter photo by ramzey salter
“I have been able to pull many
Going for Gold
my favorite part of this job is the kids,” Dickson said. “It is cool to see how my kids turn out. I have many students in college studying how to become both engineers and doctors, and it makes me proud to know that at some point in their education, my class may have made a lifelong impact on them.”
Participating in the warmup, new assistant band director Gustavo Corrales plays his baritone by the rest of the section. Mr. Corrales often joins the brass section at the begininng of class before the band heads outside. “There’s been a lot of trial and error in my time around bands. I had to learn to adapt, reflect a lot and refine my craft,” Coralles said.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot,” Corrales said. “There’s been a lot of trial and error in my time around bands. I had to learn to adapt, reflect a lot and refine my craft.”Corrales is now currently the newest and youngest member of the band staff. Because of this he has been put into a unique situation.
photo by jenna crum
Director takes over assistant position
The audience sits quietly in anticipation for the performance. As the new director steps on stage and up to the podium, he sees the students he has just begun teaching patiently waiting for his first command. He raises the baton up to count off the band. As the first note is played the audience shifts to the backs of their seats.
“Now that I have the textbooks, I feel at home,” Dickson said. “They are so necessary for AP Chemistry, especially because the homework is in the online textbook.”
“A big difference between Elysian Fields and White Oak is that we had a 45 minute class period dedicated to UIL academics,” Dickson said. “UIL takes place during enrichment for White Oak. A class period without interruptions makes the kids learn at an exponential level.”
5 Friday, 9.9.22
LoudEditor-in-Chieffootsteps echo through the halls as a stampede of angry students sprint after their giddy teacher. As the class races to the attendance office with mixed emotions from all, there’s one common factor filling their minds: textbooks are in.
Dickson started out his journey to approval strongly by not only becoming the honors chemistry teacher, but also adding a never-seen AP Chemistry course to the school’s science department. He wishes to soon have his chemistry students take back-to-back courses to avoid the yearlong gap in their education. Not only does Dickson have high hopes for his chemistry courses, but he also hopes to lead the Science UIL teams to victory this season.
Ramzey Salter
Alli Sims
Chloe Bates
Collin Wheat
Trinity Noll Editor-in-Chief
Jordan Crum
Hi, my name is Kynlee Bright and I am this year’s yearbook editor. I’m so excited to use this position to get to know more about each student and faculty member and their unique stories that we are going to put into perspective this year. A little bit about myself is that I am not only involved in all things journalism, but I also serve as an officer for FFA, compete in debate and UIL, I am the president of the Class of 2024. I know what you’re thinking, “Wow, she’s a nerd,” and you would be correct. I hope that this year I will get the chance to reach the lives of many in our school district as well as tell their stories for all to see.
If you are reading this, I am going to assume you are interested in the infamous Queen JLow (aka Jessica Lowery). However, I am a woman of many names, so I could respond to the following: Jessie, Jess or Gremlin (don’t ask). If I was quickly summed up, I would be described as a short, totoneedlessmycharacteristicstodancercurly-headedloud-speaking,spontaneouswhohasatendencybustoutinsong.Thesestemfromcheerleadingspirit;tosay,makesurehavestaminaifyouwanttrulygettoknowme.
6 Friday, 9.9.22Friday, 9.9.22
After 5 years of journalism, I have officially learned that “high school” is two words and not one. I have recently discovered that I love reading for fun (this does not apply to the books Mrs. Lattin assigns us). I am the definition of an old cat lady. Also, I am a type 8, which should encapsulate everything you need to know about me.
Meet the staph - Hi my name is Lexi and my antibiotic cleared it all up so I don’t know why they are still calling me staph. It all started with a spider bite. I was hoping it would give me superpowers like spiderman but all it got me was a nickname.
Kylie Wallace
Jessica Lowery
Hi my name is Anna and I’m not even in a journalism class but I still have to write for the newspaper. I am also the sports editor. I took one year of journalism and found out I couldn’t use the AP-style handbook on the quizzes after my first year so I dropped the class.
Hi my names Ramzey Salter and yes I spent 45 minutes trying to decide what my sentences should be. My friends always say people always know where they stand with me because if my mouth doesn’t say it my face will. Yes I’m one of those people who are completely random nad can switch topics in the middle of a sentence. Speaking of which I also happen to be obsessed with country music and not the pop country like the real Texas country. I also happen to have a procrastination problem which is why I’m fixing this the day it’s due.
Hi, my name is Carson, also known as (Baby Carson) and I like spaghetti. I play baseball and golf, but I really like the gym. I’m really lazy and don’t like to wake up for school, and if you ever see me say spaghetti.
Meredith Anderson
Keller Lott
Hi, my name is Karlyn Jones and my mother banned me from Nutella. It was getting to be quite the addiction, seeing as I ate it on literally everything. This summer me and my family went to Costa Rica and the guide on our crocodile tour warned us of the health risks of eating too much Nutella. It had something to do with a palm oil ingredient or something. When we returned to America, my mother stopped buying my weekly Nutella from Walmart, so now I’m having withdrawals. Please send money for nutella, I need my fix.
Hi my name is Addison Clinkscales and I enjoy doing things like volleyball, cheer and track (yes, I like running, don’t judge). I am a brunette but often times get called blonde, still haven’t figured that out yet. And I have a three legged dog that I love.
EntertainmentStaffMEET THE
Drake Kneifl
Hi, my name is Jordan, and my interests range from different categoriesStar Trek to reading to the number pi to playing the dinosaur game on my calculator. Actually, all those things fall in the nerd category. The things I wish I could do are draw and do the splits, which are both much harder than they sound.
My name is Keller. This is due tomorrow, so I’m writing this on my birthday. I’m now seventeen years old, 5’6 on a good day and have Justin Timberlake concerts in my car. After two years of journalism, I still don’t know how to make a yearbook spread, but it’s okay because my role is writing news stories and knowing sports.
Hi my name is Drake. You probably never see me because I’m never at school. But, if you do see me I’m probably taking pictures of the guy who thinks he owns the place. Ps, I beat up Collin everyday.
Jenna Crum
EDITORS Writers Photographers
Hey its Aubrey. Im a sixteen year old Star bucks addict who has fun buying books which I’m convinced I will one day read. I sleep a lot and try extremely hard in school so I can hopefully attend Baylor University with one of my best friends. From there I will be pursing criminal justice and work my way to a criminal detective. If that does not work, I will study to become a vet. I want to travel to Italy and France when I retire and plan on living there.
Hey, I’m Kylie. I’m a senior, and I’m the resident astrologer of the journalism staff. I occasionally write stories and edit pictures, but my true passion lies in dissecting pseudoscience.personalitieseveryone’sbasedon
Lexi Palmer
Kate Dusek
I’m obsessed with Taylor Swift and don’t understand the Harry Styles hype. Most people assume my favorite hobby is volleyball, but it’s actually laying in bed with my labradoodle and weighted blanket, eating Sour Patch Kids and watching Friends. Also, against my Longhornloving mom’s wishes, I want to go to college at Texas A&M University, go Aggies!
Carson West
Kynlee Bright
Trinity Noll
Hi, my name is Addison. I’m almost 16 and I still wear a kid’s size shoe. Also, half my camera roll is filled with dog pictures. I might have an obsession...
Anna Iske
My name is Collin, but ac tually I go by “the owner of this place.” If you have ever seen someone walk ing around like they own the place, it was probably me. If you ever want to see me, I’ll be #57 on a football field every Friday night.
Karlyn Jones
ClinkscalesAddison
Hi, my name is Chloe and I have a honor.athat,don’titintheandaItmoretheformajorfriendsproblem.procrastinationWhenItoldmyIdidn’tstartmyworksdatasheetMrs.Lattin’sclassuntildayof,theywerewayworriedthanIwas.didn’thelpthatwehadfulldayofvolleyballwouldn’tgetbacktohoteluntilatleasttentheevening.Iturnedinat11:58p.m.andIseeanissuewithbutLexiwashavingpanicattackinmy
Aubrey Saccoccio
I’m Kate Dusek and the assistant editor of the gauger. I compete in headline writing and copy editing UIL, and I also compete in Vase. I’m the libero of JV volleyball, and I play basketball and tennis. If you read a story of mine in the gauger, and you like it, I wrote it, but if not, Grace Pratt wrote it.
Hi everyone, my name is Jenna Crum and I went backpacking for 2 weeks and all I learned from it was how to solve a Rubix Cube. My favorite ice cream is Cherry Chocolate Chunk and if I could be any animal for a day it would be a chinchilla.
Kylie Dugger
Hi my name is Meredith and if you can’t find me I am in some AG teachers room. If you need any useless information about milk I am your girl. Also looking for helpful tips on trying to convince my parents to let me go on a cruise.
MilliganAddison
Hey y’all, I’m Kylie. One of my favorite hobbies is shooting skeet, but I’m also color blind, so don’t take me during sunset.
School is in, and homework is due. “Turn it in,” they say. You look at the person seated next to you and say, “Yeah… I’m going to need to copy your homework. I forgot to do it.” You feel anxious and begin to scramble, writing illegible words in hopes to finish it before your teacher snags it. You fail… and it’s a zero. You only have yourself to blame as your hypnotizing TikTok feed kept you up all night. The only thing you usually remember to do is your timed BeReal, and sometimes you’re even late to that. Okay, so your timing is wack? Let’s fix it. What I have gathered so far is that you and your cellular device
Kynlee Bright Staff Writer
I’m not any of those things, I’m just a normal person in a regular family, and we don’t think dancing is sin. We just don’t dance because we’re not good at it.
A basic guide to surviving high school
that technology that you kids use.” I know it comes as a shock that paper still exists, but there is still an option to design and draw your very own calendar. Target, the loveliest of places, carries cutesy planners that could benefit you greatly. Afterwards, you could reward yourself with a shopping spree due to your best efforts of improvement (definitely not because you are impulsively amlecturethancomplete.immediatelyandyouunnecessarybuyingitems).ImagineaworldwherereceiveanobligationyoujotitdowntolaterSoundsbetterafailinggradeandafromyourparents,Iright?
Tik Tok… but Not the App
6. Park at your own risk in the middle of the blacktop. I don’t know who’s doing this, but it’s not the freshman. The blacktop is the big parking lot behind the middle school gym that is marked like a football field. You can park on the edges in the corner if there are no other parking spots open, but do not park in the middle of the blacktop. The band practices marching in the morning there, and if a baton or tuba happens to hit your car because you’re on the 50 yard line, it’s your own fault.
Football in the eyes of a cheerleader
Kate Dusek Asst. Editor
At the end of the day, remember that high school is new if you’re a freshman, old if you’re a sophomore, exhausting if you’re a junior, and at once comforting (for its consistency) or antagonizing (for the same reason) if you’re a senior. Just take it one day at a time and remember that eventually you will leave high school, and one day you might even miss it a little.
refrain from asking the girls with a high bow and mini skirt. Unless that flag was accidentally launched in the air, we’re absolutely clueless.
Point of View
Varsity volleyball decorates locker room
If you don’t remember anything from this story, remember this advice, treat pastors’ kids like normal human beings. I hate it when people walk on eggshells around me.
“The locker room is like my second home, and the girls my family,”
meeting if you tell me something.Myidentity is not a pastor’s kid. If you talk to me, you’ll find out I really am just a normal human being. There are plenty of people that you would never peg as pastor’s kids. I bet you didn’t know the Jonas Brothers are pastor’s kids, and I bet you didn’t know Katy Perry was one either. My point is as many stereotypes as there are, pastor’s kids aren’t what you think. I can’t speak for every p.k. out there, but for me, I can honestly say that my family and I are just like everyone else. We are no better or worse than any other family. We have our problems and things we have to work through, but I promise we really are normal. Just don’t ever witness us watching sports or you might change your mind.
The locker room is a safe space for the team to bond, party and dance to silly songs. It has its more serious purposes such as warming up, preparing and getting their minds straight for the games to come, but who said it couldn’t be exciting, too?
senior Mackenzie Rankin said. “We’re there early in the morning, late at night and many times in between. Decorating made the locker room something of our own to prepare us for our games.”
Before season began, the volleyball team took it upon themselves to decorate the locker room in hopes that it would pump them up before games. With efforts from both the Ladynecks and head coach Morgan High, streamers, encouraging bulletin boards and hanging lanterns fill the room that the girls consider home.
Kynlee Bright Staff Writer
Trinity Noll said. “We turn the lights off, plug in our disco ball and make every locker room transform into a party.”
3. Ask for help. If you are struggling on an assignment, ask for help. Go to your teachers, other people taking the class, or an upperclassman who has taken (and passed) the class before. Most teachers would rather help you before school, during enrichment, or at another time rather than put bad grades in a gradebook. Don’t come in for math the day before a test. By then it’s too late. Use your time management (see #1) and prepare days in advance for tests you know will be hard. Some teachers do offer extra credit throughout the year, so stay on top of it and take the extra points.
1. Time management. Stay on top of your work or be left behind. This can not be stressed enough. You can usually get a lot done at school if you use those five extra minutes the teacher gives to do homework or have a free period because of flex or enrichment. Don’t procrastinate on bestcommitmentsbalancethatevening,schoolpracticesSomesleeptestsscorehavemidnight,moreYouthanfun,soonhomework-doingyouritasasyoucanisnotbutmuchbettercrammingat2a.m.mayfeellikeyouareproductivepastbutstudiesshownthatstudentshigherontheirwhentheychoosetoratherthantocram.peopledohavethatstartafterthatgoonuntiltheandthepeoplemanagetocorrectlyalloftheirhavethetimemanagement.
4. Learn to study. High school is a step up from middle school, and you may need to find new ways to study to make the grades you want. I had to learn the hard way, and every person has to find a unique way to study that works for them. If you need to try new study methods, try copying your notes again, reworking your math homework, taking notes as you read your assigned novel, or making flashcards for anything involving vocabulary. Quizlet is great for Spanish and memorizing definitions and terms, but it does not help you learn concepts.
7 Friday, 9.9.22 Entertainment
5. Find a way to deal with stress. At one point in high school, you will have so much going on that you can’t keep your head
are madly in love and attached at the destructiveso(#WeLoveCommitment),hiplet’sputyourhabittouse.
Cheerleader: (n) a member of a team that performs organized cheering, chanting and dancing in support of a team. Funny how nowhere in the formal definition of a cheerleader does it say “understand the game and fundamentals of the sport in which you are cheering for”. I mention this because out of the 16 girls on the varsity cheer team, I could almost ensure that more than half of us do not understand how football works. We stand on the sideline watching for a boy in maroon to run down the field and into the endzone, that much we know. But ask us what a pick six, offsides, or who our cornerback is and we will blankly stare at you until we pull out our phones to look up what in the world you are talking about. If you need to know anything about football or why a flag was just thrown, please
I, personally, keep up with my tasks and assignments digitally through the “Stickies” feature on my computer. However, if you would like a different method, the app store offers many planners that could be equally effective. If you don’t like the first app you download, keep scrolling (I have a feeling you will be good at that). Say the digital planner doesn’t work for you; what’s next? That’s simple. You ask your granny to show you an ancient paper planner, and you walk away quickly before she goes on that rant of, “You know back in my day we didn’t have
Over the years, I’ve realized that people watch what they do around me, talk about or they don’t share things with me because they are worried I will judge them. Don’t worry, I’m not going to judge you, unless you act like a complete moron.
Effective ways to improve your life and mental health with Jessica Lowery
Strobbing lights fill the room as sound of blaring music and feet stomping can be heard throughout the school. While dancing their heart out to Church Clap before each game, the girls prepare themselves for victory.
Stop the stereotypes
VOLLEYBALL Digs Disco
After a trip to Hobby Lobby, and two to Five and Below, the team was ready to add pazzaz to their home away from home. Adding the many decorations and trinkets to the locker room was just what they needed to give them the extra push of encouragement, but nothing compares to their favorite addition of all: the disco ball.
Let’s be honest, do cheerleaders really know the difference between a right tackle and a safety? Probably not. But here’s what we do know: Landyn throws, Noah runs and Luke and Holden tag team a tackle on one very unlucky recipient. We also know that there’s more coaches on the field than players… still waiting for someone to explain this one. But, we just recently came to the realization that those yellow things thrown in the air aren’t always good news, and that our boys trash talk the other team more than Chris Rock trash talked Will Smith’s wife at the Oscars. How is one supposed to acquire information on football when no one explains it, and half of our time is spent tirelessly throwing people into the air
while we worry about the assignment we have to turn in by 12 p.m. that night? In all honesty we spend most of our time yelling at crowds that stare at us blankly rather than yelling along after we frantically ask the football players on the sideline if we are on offense or defense.
In the end, does it really matter that cheerleaders don’t understand football? No. Our job is to get the crowd involved, dance with the band and look pretty, not understand why the boys just backed up 15 yards. Whether we understand what’s happening or not, at the end of the night we know that throwing our bodies around and screaming at the top of our lungs with dark maroon lipstick on was worth it for the boy’s success, and hopefully one of them will text us on the ride home explaining to us what happened on that field.
“We talk, we dance and listen to music that pumps us up,” Rankin said. “Doing the same thing can get repetitive, but decorating, having the lights and listening to music keeps us going and makes it more exciting to play our favorite game with the girls we love.”
I’m not saying tell me all your darkest secrets, but I don’t want you thinking I’m going to make you have a come to Jesus
2. Join something. School is about learning, but it’s boring if you just go to class. Find something that interests you and talk to someone who’s in it, or find the teacher running the organization and join. If you really love a certain class, or if you want to get better at something, like math or writing, join an academic UIL. If you want to get more involved in the school, join Student council or the mojoes. Find a group where you can do something that you like outside of class, and do it. This will make high school much more
For starters, you don’t have to apologize when you cuss around me. A lot of people assume things about my life, but a lot of people are also curious. I thought I’d help those people out by answering some questions right off the bat. No, I don’t live at the church, no, I don’t read my Bible for hours every day and no, I don’t only listen to worship music. People just make their assumptions, but I’m here to tell the truth.
If people don’t think I’m perfect, they probably think I’m like the pastor’s daughter on Footloose.
“The disco ball, which is really not a disco ball (it is an LED strobe light), travels with us to each and every game,” senior
Jessica Lowery Staff Writer
SIDELINE
Jordan Crum Staff Writer
LIFE AS A Pastor’s Kid
One of the most common assumptions is that my family and I are oblivious to pop culture. We’ve all watched Stranger Things, we go see all the Marvel movies and I know who Taylor Swift is; she’s my number one artist on Spotify. We’re pretty experienced in Pop culture, and unlike Mrs. Booshay, from The Waterboy, we don’t think everything is the devil.
Welcome to the Jungle
enjoyable.
straight. Finding a way to deal with stress-whether it be by exercise, coloring, talking to someone, listening to music, etc.-is really important. Your mental health is more important than passing one test. The pressure to do well can be really high, and it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Just hang in there and put your wellbeing first.
A Not-So-Quiet Place
to reflect current times. A large section of the reference section, which no one has looked at since the internet was invented, has been removed, and the fiction section was split into adult and young adult sections, which means that books that appeal to teens are easier to find. The young adult fiction was split up by genre, ensuring that you won’t get a sports novel when you’re looking for a romance novel. These changes make the library more user friendly and inviting.
The library has also been updated
Under the leadership of principal Jack Parker and assistant principal Skylar Stagner, new guidelines have been implemented. These rules include a modification to the time students are allowed to be on their phones and what seems to be a stricter dress code.
Others may argue that as our world advances technologically, so should debate, but there are some things that should just stay old school. Without the internet, students are forced to think on their feet, react quickly and prepare themselves for all situations, but the internet provides a crutch for unprepared teams to lean on as other passionate debaters pour their souls into their before-hand research. What sounds like such a simple change has fundamentally altered the competitive nature of UIL debate for the 2022-23 season.Theaccessibility of the internet in debate is not something that should be taken lightly and all competitors need to consider what really matters in the endwinning one round or learning life long lessons and skills that can be utilized for your benefit. What’s done is done, but the UIL Legislative Council should strongly consider the effects that the internet will have on the development of debate skills in competitors and reconsider the motion of accessible internet for the 2023-24 season.
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With Stagner taking control of the dress code, it was easy to assume that there might be much stricter rules because of how vocal he was about those things prior to his promotion. However, the rules are nearly identical to how they have been enforced for
Some people say that they don’t like reading or that reading is boring. If you think reading is boring, you need to read something that interests you, typically a book that is not assigned by a teacher. The teachers mean well, but some books (like Silas Marner) are very hard to get through. If you struggle to read novels because they’re so long, try short stories (they tend to skip the fluff and go straight to the point because they’re so short), check out the manga or graphic novels section, or ask Ms. Davis about Libby, an app that has ebooks and audio books for free once you enter the information on your library card. (And you do have a library card.) If you want some ideas on what to read based on what you like, ask your librarian or find meThesomewhere.libraryisnot used by students as much as it should be, but that may change soon. If you have a flex but don’t want to leave the building, or want a quiet or less crowded place to be in the mornings before school, the library is open to students. Visit your library. It might even make you smarter.
UIL allows wifi in debate rounds
ReasonsWriterwhy
Greek Mythology may have made me shed a tear or two, but the library has offered many more adventures and smiles for me than the terrible tale of an old man who raises a baby he found on the street (yes, I’m talking about Silas Marner).WhenI took a quick survey of my journalism class, I found that only one person had been to the library, and that was only because she had nowhere to go for flex and not because she wanted a book. While the library obviously has great books, it offers much more than just a good read. There is at least one puzzle in progress at any given moment and a whole shelf of games to check out or to play. It contains some of the coziest furniture around and is a quiet place to just chill or do homework. Programs such as summer reading and the Therapy Dogs of Gregg County have also come to the library, and a new program starting on Tuesdays called Crafts and Crimes lets people come, do crafts, and listen to crime podcasts.
Changes in School Rules
Chloe Bates Staff Writer
Debating the Internet
there are such minor changes, there is no reason for a revolution over something as miniscule as 45 minutes a day.
The first semester is finally over and you wait not so patiently for Mrs. Barrett to release your transcript. You anxiously open Skyward. 3…2…1… Disappointment floods your mind and your slight smile has now faded into a frown. Your GPA dropped and so did your class rank. But what if I told you that it didn’t really matter that much? (That is until you apply to college, but that is a story for another time).
8 Friday, 9.9.22
access. Debaters travel to many schools and cities across their state to prepare for the district competition, but what happens when free internet isn’t offered, the power goes out or a school refuses to give anyone but their students the password to their internet? Well if you didn’t come with anything prepared, good luck. This unreliable method of debating will cause issues amongst the state through unfair advantages among contestants or even teams being forced to forfeit the round because they don’t have the internet to provide information or credible sources.
Since its founding in 1910, UIL Debate has helped students develop skills from speaking to learning how to research, but the biggest challenge of all lies in these four words: no internet in rounds. For the past 112 years, students have been required to conduct all research before walking into a round, but on June 14, UIL announced that competitors will be allowed to access the internet while actively debating an opponent, changing the perspective of debate’sAllowingfoundation.theuseof the internet in debate destroys prepared student’s advantage.Debatewas formed for the purpose of allowing students to analyze issues, think critically, deliver a compelling argument as well as be prepared for any and all situations, but with the swift click of the button at their fingertips, students no longer have to prepare for competitions as the generations before them did. The access of the internet threatens to tear down even some of the most outrageous and sophisticated cases on the market, meaning that a state qualifying team may be overcome by a team of novices simply because they “looked it up.” In the past, competitors walked into a round with information from three common debate sites: Open Evidence, Baylor Briefs and the National Debate Handbook, but with the internet only a tab away, these three sites easily transformed into well over oneAsidebillion.from causally changing the foundation of the organization that created UIL, another pressing issue is the unreliable friend we call internet
sense of a full day. This means this rule changes less than 45 minutes of the average day. Plus, most students interact with each other during those walks, so they wouldn’t be on their phones with or without this rule.
4.0? More Like 4.no Why GPAs do not measure intelligence
Behind the scenes of every kid in the top 10% lies secret tips and tricks on how to boost your GPA. If you’re me, you take dual credit speech and economics over the summer and sacrifice a tan for a .01 climb in numbers (Yes, I do regret not getting the tan). You also take four AP classes for the 15-point weight as a senior rather than taking blow-off classes for an enjoyable year. All this to say, the hard work and sacrifices (especially the tan) do not necessarily correspond to a person’s intelligence level. If you know how to play the weight game, you can successfully achieve the 4.0 and the top 10 rankings. But you can also leave out the learning part.Ifyou’ve ever had Mrs. Lattin as a
teacher, you know that she has many unconventional rules, but the most important one is that GPAs do NOT exist. Some might say that GPA helps determine what your ACT test result will be as well as make college applications quite a bit easier and in that aspect, they aren’t wrong. But in Lattinland, it’s a known fact that most kids do not retain information, and can’t pull knowledge from history classes and apply it to the time period of a book (probably because they took every history class online to make room for weighted classes, couldn’t be me). But let’s think about it, is playing the weight game more important than not only enjoying your high school years but actually retaining useful information? I guess that’s up to you to decide.
Kynlee Bright Staff Writer
you should visit your school library
years.While students were initially intimidated by the seemingly strict rules, it turns out there was nothing to freak out about and everyone (including myself) was stressed out for literally no Becausereason.
Despite changes to administration in the high school, the rules students abide by have not changed drastically. The largest change is students not being able to be on their phones in the hallway at any time. When students first heard about this new rule most were outraged and upset about the further restriction during the school day, yet most students don’t realize that this rule has been put into play with safety concerns. Despite what student’s originally thought, this rule has barely changed the school day for most. There are five minutes between each bell which is seemingly insignificant in the
I’m going to say this in the most simple way possible, your GPA does not define your intelligence.
In my opinion, your GPA reflects how hard you are willing to work and study. Turning in assignments on time and studying the extra hours will get you a long way in terms of GPA. A student ranked in the 50s could have the highest IQ of all their class, but if they don’t play the weight game, they may never see that 3.8 turn into a 4.0. I encourage everyone to work hard and have a good GPA so that college applications are easy, but always remember that your intelligence does not lie between the 4.0 scale.
Editorial
Trinity Noll Editor-in-Chief
Jordan Crum Staff
Leadership makes minor modifications to rulebook
You know those books that make you want to scratch your eyes out, cry or even worse, do your math homework instead? Yeah, I think we’ve all been there, but I’m here to tell you that although books are pretty awesome, there’s one thing even better: the library. Why sit in your room alone reading a horrible story when you could sit in the midst of hundreds of books and make your librarian read along with you to soften the blow of the never ending tale of Devil in the White City?
Kate Dusek Asst. Editor
Overcoming Battles
“I was nervous but so far the worst part is the homework,” Olivia said. “I had to make a schedule to follow so that I wouldn’t get overwhelmed when doing my homework so that was a challenge. I also have to get myself and Milo ready in the mornings so that is a little tough, but now that I have a routine I feel more secure and like I will be able to get stuff done.”
Nixin’ the Competition Student throws javelin at Junior Olympics
“Especially when we got back, I hadn’t realized how much of an influence the trip had on relieving stress and clearing myAsmind.”sheanticipated she would enjoy time off the grid, Jenna was surprised by the personal connections and bonds that formed over the two week period. Even though she had already made close friends over the years with the people in her group, she was still surprised by how much more she learned about each person after the trip was“Itover.wasn’t like I interacted with them in a different setting; I mostly see them in an outdoor environment because that’s what we do most of the time in Venturing,” Jenna said. “I saw them in a different light because I was spending so much time with them for two weeks. I learned new things about them, and we definitely have a more personal connection with all of them.”
“This year will be my first full year back,” Olivia said. “I was nervous but also really excited to come to school. With my current condition I was nervous that not only would I have trouble adjusting to school, but that people would judge me, but I’ve learned that there are more nice people in our school than mean so that hasn’t really been an Comingissue.”intohigh school is intimidating for most students, and although difficult, Olivia has managed to persevere through the stares and occasional questioning looks. With the encouragement of friends and family she has been able to keep a positive mindset not only throughout her backto-school battle, but her fight against cancer.“When we were in 6th grade, Olivia’s mom told us that at our age, her and her best friend stopped hanging out, but right then Olivia and I said that we would be friends all throughout life and I meant it,” classmate and best friend Samantha Crum said. “I was very upset when I found out she had cancer but I knew she would get better. She always has such a positive attitude, even in her pictures from the hospital she always had a big smile on her face.”
SlowlyWritercruising through the double doors with a nervous sweat threatening to roll down her forehead, freshman Olivia Deslatte feels the eyes of a hundred students staring as she steers her scooter down the hallway with a furry critter happily sitting in her lap. After being diagnosed with NonHodgkins Lymphoma in 2020, Olivia was unfortunately removed from school to undergo chemotherapy. She was announced to be cancer free in June, but the chemo left her with debilitating injuries requiring the use of a scooter or crutches for all transportation and an emotional support dog, Milo, in case complications were to arise. Olivia returned for her first day of school since her diagnoses on Aug. 11 to start her freshman year.
“No one ever thinks that it is going to be them,” Olivia said. “A couple months before my diagnosis I saw something about cancer and thought “there’s no way, that’ll never be me” but it was. It can happen to anybody and it’ll be hard but it’s life, and you just have to push through.”
“It was all really fast,” Nix said. “My family was sceptical at first just because it would be a lot of money to go and compete.”Nixplaced 16th overall and threw 98 feet. With her success at the meet, she decided to continue with The Throwing Factory, which means she will have multiple meets throughout the school
year.“Ifelt really good going into the competition having only prepared for one month before,” Nix said. “It was rewarding to place so well after giving up so much to compete.”
Student goes on two week backpacking trip
to her, she knew that it could benefit her future, especially with the sport not being mainstream and common.
Finally being able to find her groove and routine after a year and a half of hospitalization and doctors visits has helped to settle Olivia’s nerves of a possible relapse. Cancer may have altered her life, but she will not let it define her future.
Kynlee Bright Staff
“The club made me realize that javelin would be the main event that would get me scholarship money,” Nix said. “There are not many people that throw the javelin in Texas so it is a big advantage.”
Freshman returns to school after overcoming cancer
9 Friday, 9.9.22 Feature
Sweat dripping down her face and legs aching with each continuing step, senior Jenna Crum extends her arm, with phone in hand, searching for any sign of cellular service. As she looked up to her phone, Crum saw and felt a terrifying sight: hail hurling at her while she was 12,441 feet above sea level.This summer, the Crum triplets, Jenna, Jordan and Josh, traveled to Cimarron, New Mexico to backpack up Baldy Mountain. Not only did they face challenging hikes, but they slept in cots, woke up at 4 a.m. morning after morning, experienced life much different from the modern world for two weeks and encountered a raging hailstorm.“Wewere getting pelted with hail, and our rain jackets were doing nothing,” Jenna said. “There are hardly any trees on Baldy, so when we started to see lightning, we had to get off the mountain. We could feel the static electricity, like when you rub a balloon on your head.”
“When I arrived at the school, I had to go and check-in,” Nix said. “Once you checked in, you could not talk to your parents or coaches until after you started throwing. It was just a super long waiting period and the more time I spent waiting the more anxious I got, everything was very new to me.”
“It is so funny because my friends at school joke about me being an olympian at school and I don’t really think twice about it,” Nix said. “But in reality, it is all just super crazy that I am literally ranked 16th out of the whole United States.”
As she enters the front doors of Sacramento State University, senior Emma Nix looks around at her competition and thinks of all the dedication and years of experience they have over her. She heads to the check-in table and leaves her family and coaches. She is completely alone in a distant state and about to face the most exciting opportunity of her life.
the adversity she faced, Jenna treasured her time in New Mexico and kept an optimistic attitude.
courtesy photo
The decision to go to Sacramento was last minute for Nix and brought up a few sacrifices along the way. She had to miss a day of two-a-days and a planned vacation with friends to compete.
The Throwing Factory is located in Dallas, Nix would sometimes travel to their location for practices. If she could not make it to Dallas, she would practice at the high school with a current thrower from SFA.
Not only was she looking forward to the break and time away from technology, but she also went into the trip with a strong mindset and personal goals. Even during the trip, through all
“I wouldn’t want to go back because it was really more of a one time experience, but I’m really happy I went,” Jenna said “Even though it’s over, this trip is a major part of who I am. I can relate almost everything back to this trip and the skills it’s taught me, and if anything’s rough, I know I can handle a little rain.”
Smiling before heading into her competition, senior Emma Nix waits nervously for her turn. Nix placed 16th overall in her first event. “I felt really good going into the competition having only prepared for one month before,” Nix said. “It was rewarding to place so well after giving up so much to compete.”
“Going to the Junior Olympics was a really big goal for me just because I am a senior and would never qualify for it again because of my age,” Nix said. “I also knew there would be a ton of college coaches watching.”
A driving factor in attending and competing at the Junior Olympics for Nix was the opportunity of getting publicity and recognition from college coaches. Although the sport was new
Not So ‘Crum’my Campout
Trinity Noll Editor-in-Chief
According to Nix, becoming an olympian at a young age for something with only a month’s worth of experience is surreal. It also has given her a good idea of what her future could hold in terms of college.
“Going into the trip, we knew the main reason we were going was to climb Baldy,” Jenna said. “My main purpose was to prove to myself that I could climb something like that, and having a strong mindset influenced my perspective on the trip. A lot of times throughout the trip, even during the life-threatening storm, I just couldn’t help but be grateful for getting to experience the Intrip.”spite of making many, lifelong memories, Jenna knew it was time to come home. Even after being grateful to be back from the outside world, Jenna will not soon forget this experience.
Jenna traveled with Venture, a coed scouts group her dad helped create. The Crums and their youth led group grew closer as they spent every waking hour together for two weeks. While Jenna enjoyed the social time and the overall experience, Josh and Jordan endured the trip, and didn’t quite share the same experience.“Ithinkbecause I’m more extroverted, I was fine hanging out with the other kids in our group,” Jenna said. “After the day was done, I wanted to go play cards or do something with my group, but Josh and Jordan are more introverted and didn’t feel the same way about the trip as I Whiledid.”most kids couldn’t imagine a day without technology and the comforts of the modern world, Jenna pushed through difficult, uncomfortable situations for 14 days. Jenna not only survived without the common wants of the average teen, but she embraced nature and used it as an escape from reality.“When you’re stressed and people say, ‘go out into nature, it will help you,’ it actually did help me,” Jenna said.
The two stayed true to their commitment to stay friends even throughout a year of no physical visitation while Olivia was undergoing treatment, but her friends’ text messages kept her spirits up even in a dark time. But, friends and family aren’t the only encouragement Olivia has. Milo, who makes a daily appearance at school, helps to lift her mood in times of need.“Whenever I am having a bad day, I just call Milo over and he helps cheer me up,” Olivia said. “My favorite thing about him is that he’s very silly, and a dog that can make you laugh is the best. He also helps to draw attention away from my scooter. When people see me now, normally the first thing they say is, ‘your dog is so cute,’ or, ‘can I pet him?’ taking their thoughts off of my scooter, which I Whileappreciate.”furrypetshelp to cheer most teens up, Milo holds a special place in the heart of Olivia for helping her through the hardest fight of her life. Overcoming cancer was the first battle but coming back to school is the second.
After participating in the state track meet for discus where she placed 9th in the state, Nix joined a throwing club called The Throwing Factory. She participated in the Junior Olympics at Sacramento State University on July 31. Nix will compete at multiple indoor meets throughout this school year.
“When I forced the fumble, I was just thinking it was a good hit, then I saw Holden on the ball, and I went crazy,” Pratt said. “Coach Cook and I almost tackled each other in the air. All the players and coaches were hyped. It made me feel awesome.”
Roughnecks Bounce Back
2016 Roughneck all-state safety and new addition to this year’s coaching staff, Brandon Cook, has been working with the outside linebackers on their skills, attitude and effort.
After starting the season 0-1, the Roughnecks played their second game of the season against the Harmony Eagles Friday, September 2, and won 39-32.Roughneck seniors, Landyn Grant and Noah Carter, connected for two receiving touchdowns. Senior Azriel Sosa scored a rushing touchdown, and junior De Williams, the team’s leading rusher after a two-week absence, scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown.“Itfeltgood coming back after missing two weeks,” Williams said. “I just put a lot of faith in my teammates to help them get rushing yards. Looking forward, I feel like we will improve every week and get better as a team.”Williams broke the tie with his second touchdown, but to get the ball, it took senior Jesse Pratt coming down the field to make a play.
10 Friday, 9.9.22
“To say coming back is a blessing is an understatement,” Cook said. “Part of the reason I wanted to coach at White Oak is that we have that ‘We Believe’ attitude, and even though we never had the best athletes, we always knew that we could get it done. I think we’ve got guys that have bought into the program. I was fired up for the team because they’ve worked so hard. For them to come back and win like that meant the world to me, and I know it meant the world to them.”
Getting pumped for the game, senior varsity football player Corbyn Fryant runs through the runnel with the Roughneck flag before taking on the Troup Tigers in the home opener of the season. “Everyone has those first game jitters,” Fryant said. “We are still not in the routine of Friday night football, but we will get there.” photo by abby lobue
Varsity receives first win of season against Harmony Keller Lott Staff Writer
Rushing down the field, freshman Levi Sipes returns a kick during the first game against Center High School. The JV White team are 1-2 on the season after defeating Big Sandy in Tuesday’s game. “It was a good game for me,” Sipes said. “I got a lot of yards that game, and I didn’t drop one pass.” photo by ramzey salter Sports
Using all his strength, sophomore Dillon Sanchez forces his opponent out of his way as he runs the ball several yards closer to the end zone. The boys played Troup in their first game of the season, ultimately losing 6-20. “I stiff-armed number 23 and then took off running with the ball,” Sanchez said. “I only ran a couple of yards before getting tackled though. Troup was pretty good. photo by addie fritsche
“I have to know the sitatuion and know the other team’s weaknesses and attack those weaknesses. A lot of other younger players look up to me. I never talk down to them or my teammates and make sure I’m doing the right things at all times. After the Harmony game, we all came together. We want to win more than other teams. During practice we go much harder than we used to. We watch a lot of film and have a lot of energy. We have to be focused and ready.” photo by kate dusek
Wrestling away from his Troup defender, senior Noah Carter fights for extra yardage. Despite his best efforts, the Roughnecks ultimately fell to the Tigers, 49-14. “I try to do the best I can, not only for myself, but for my team,” Carter said.
photo by carson west
11 Friday, 9.9.22 Sports
White Oak Hosts Second Annual Competition
The JV, composed mainly of sophomores, each work to carry out their roles on the team, and strive to improve with each game they play.
The Ladynecks will take on Beckville on their home court Friday, September 9th at 4:30 pm.
Volleyball team lives up to high expectations
The Ladynecks ended the past week with a 3-0 sweep against the Tatum Lady Eagles. The Ladynecks faced the Eagles during playoffs and are likely to face them again this year in the first round,
“I feel like I learn from the older girls all the time,” Bridges said. “They always give good advice, are encouraging, and lift me up. I feel like in the beginning of the season, I was intimidated, but the more I practice and play with the girls, the more comfortable I become. At first I felt a lot of pressure, but they’ve made me feel super welcome. I like the intensity and how everyone stays positive.”
Run to the Derrick
“My biggest takeaway from the season has been how much of a difference it makes when you actually work as a team and not just as an individual,” middle blocker Londyn Bodovsky said. “It improves the way you play and the way you enjoy the sport overall. We work to improve with each game by focusing mostly on what we struggled at the game before and focusing on improving that skill the practice after a game.”
Through three tough tournaments, the Ladynecks managed to make the gold bracket each time despite facing talented opponents. The team finished 8-1 and second place in the Central Heights tournament, 7-2 and won consolation of the gold bracket at Lufkin, and finally finished 5-1 and placed third at the Shirley Atkins tournament.
As they prepare for district this season, the JV volleyball team pushes past injuries, illness and adversity to add more victories to their 3-3 record.
meaning that this game entailed how the Ladyneck’s playoff run might go.
JV volleyball works toward district games
With this being her first year coaching JV, former head coach of the freshmen team Brittany Edney experiences another year with the returning sophomores she coached last year.“I was very excited to coach the same team and see how they would grow as players throughout the year,” Edney said. “I am most proud of the girls’ attitudes and determination to get better. Our goal is to be district champs like last year, and I feel like if they continue to grow as athletes and push themselves to get better, there is no reason we can’t reach our goal. I love these girls and being a part of this program, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
“I think in some ways you practice how you play, but a game situation is a whole lot different than practicing, so in a way, playing affects how you practice too,” defensive specialist Makenna Barnett said. “My mindset going into every practice is to try my hardest to keep a good attitude with myself and others.”Even though the players are always working to develop skills and connections on the court, they also create bonds off the court as well.
“I think it says a lot that we did not play our best game and still won in three sets,” Trinity Noll [12] said. “The first set was rough, but we played better as the game went on. We have a hard couple of games left to play before we get into district, so we have to take advantage of a team like Tatum and get better.”Asthe team nears district, they are finishing up preseason by playing many talented teams. Compared to years past, the Ladynecks are facing more challenging teams in order to increase their likelihood of success in the playoffs.
Kate Dusek Asst. Editor
UNFINISHED Business
While they are constantly reminded “you play how you practice,” the Ladynecks use every minute of their practice time to their advantage to improve their focus, effort and skills.
“I strive for top five at every meet, so how I plan to improve is to stretch and take a little bit of a break to give my legs some time to heal, ‘’ Still said. ”I plan to push myself, even when I want to walk and use my teammates to help pace me.”The varsity boys had a total of 132 runners compete. Senior Logan Dugger finished in 55th place with a time of 19:02. Freshmen Logan Langewisch and
Slamming the ball down against her opponent, junior Calee Carter scores from the right side.
“I think that our tournaments went really well,” Emma Hill [12] said. “The Shirley Atkins tournament benefitted us the most because we played solid teams while still playing confident. The games we played in tournaments will help us later on when we play through long and difficult games.”
Nathan Watson competed in their 2nd Varsity meet. Langewisch finished in 89th place with a time of 20:57. Watson finished in 105th place with a time of 21:44.“Ifeel good about this year, but again, I’m nervous about the upcoming races and seeing my three-mile times at those,” Watson said. “The way that I plan on improving this year is just doing what my coach tells me and staying fit throughout the season.”
hype ourselves up and bond with music, fun games, learning chants and group chats. As setter, I feel I have to have the most connections on the team because I’m sandwiched between how passers play and how hitters play, and if any of us mess up the whole play could go wrong.”Bybeing the only freshman amongst a team of sophomores, outside hitter Andee Bridges is given many opportunities to learn from the older players and their experiences.
After a 38-3 2021 season and an abrupt end in the regional semifinals, the Ladyneck volleyball team is back and ready to chase the same goal as the previous year. After three tournaments and numerous amount of preseason games, the Ladynecks are getting closer and closer to district play.
The Ladynecks kept their heads up playing against the defending 2A state champion Beckville Lady Bearcats in the Shirley Atkins tournament. “I stayed determined play after play,” Carter said.
On Sept. 2, the Roughneck and Ladyneck Cross Country teams competed at the 2nd annual White Oak Meet. Despite the muddy terrain and hilly course, the runners had a successful meet.
“We’ve all been playing together for years, and we have much more chemistry since we’ve all grown up together,” setter Alli Sims said. “We
Celebrating with her team, junior Addison Clinkscales is relieved when her teammate kills the ball and the Ladynecks get the point. “It can be very exhausting when playing in long rallies,” Clinkscales said. “Especially when you are in your 3rd or 4th set in a game, you really have to work hard because every point matters.”
Focusing on her follow through, sophomore London Bodovsky kills the ball to gain another point for her team. Other than her form, Bodovsky worked to hit the ball short and in the gaps on the court. “Middle hitters have a different arm swing because you have to move to hit the ball to the sides and harder,” Bodovsky said. “Over the years, me and Alli Sims have worked hard to build our hitter, setter connection, and it’s grown stronger, so now timing comes naturally.”
“Our preseason has been very difficult with many highly competitive games which have pushed us more than we have been pushed in a long time,” Chloe Bates [12] said. “I think this past month we’ve been able to see our potential and the work that will be necessary to get there. We’ve been playing at such a high level for so long that our team is definitely ready for any game moving forward. ”
The Varsity Girls race had a total of 115 runners compete. Sophomore Lizzy Still finished in 6th place with a time of 12:58. Sophomore Abby Lobue finished in 62nd place with a time of 16:08.
After finishing his race, senior Logan Dugger reports to his coach to find our his time. Dugger kicked off his senior year with a 28th place finish in the varsity boys race in a time of 19:13. This was a personal best for Dugger. photo by kylie dugger
This year, Coach Desiree HutchinsBoyett has a slightly different training plan due to there being more first and second year runners. She plans to get enough training for the younger runners legs and lungs without overdoing it.
“Luckily, my determination put us back on top in the second set.”
photo by kate dusek
“This year’s group has a lot of potential for growth as runners,” Hutchins-Boyett said. “We are fairly young, but the talent is there.”
Strong Start To Season
photo by kate dusek
Abby Lobue Staff Writer
Anna Iske Sports Editor
Azriel
Front Row: Preston Williams, Ty Kunkel, Elliot Lattin, Will Thomas, Braddock Richardson, Tyson Mckinney, Gauge Bobo
Front Row: Jaaliyah Collins, Bayla Weston, Gentry Whittington, Lily Culter Back Row: Olivia McFadden, Marlee Rhodes, Andee Bridges, Lauryn Rosado, Taylor Morgan, Amy Molina
Billy
Front Row: Kelsey Burch, Jaidyn Marshall, Makenna Barnett, Kate Dusek, Olivia Kutch, Danica Herrera
JV Volleyball Freshmen Volleyball Varsity Cheerleaders Auxiliary Line
12 Friday, 9.9.22Stay ROUGHNECKConnected NATION
Third
Hubaldo Garcia Fourth Row: Landon Aycock, Dalton Morgan, Jackson Thorp, Mitchell
Garrett
Aven
Jenna Crum-Asst. Drum Major, Katie Hinch-Feature Twirler, Chloe Bates-Drum Major Row: Still, Abby Lobue Row: Watson, Logan Dugger, Logan Langewisch Bodovsky, Anna Iske, Emma Nix, Lexi Palmer Pictured: Addison McClanahan
Holden Hodges, Mason Barlow, Noah
Collin
Back Row: Alyssa Jones, Andee Bridges, Bella Baker, Ally Dixon, Alli Sims, Layne Simpson, Londyn Bodovsky, Brittany Edney
Nathan
Not
Middle Row: Logan Ladwig, Caden Durham, Cason Venable, Jose Garcia, Kenny Poul, Dylan Anderson, Clayton Maddox, Cameron Venable Back Row: Bryce New, Lukas Toles, Levi Sipes, Bryce Morgan, Austin Herman, Austin Goodman, Dakota Greene
Back
JV Maroon Football JV White Football Varsity Volleyball
Front
David Watson Fifth
Middle Row: Kylie Dugger, Mallory McKinney, Makenzie Rankin, Trinity Noll, Danica Herrera, Aubrey Saccoccio Back Row: Kynlee Bright, Addison Clinkscales, Bree Able, Andee Bridges
Front Row: Karlyn Jones, Karsyn Edwards, Trinity Noll, Mallory Mckinney, Makenzie Rankin, Lexi Palmer, Alli Sims Back Row: Emma Hill, Emma Nix, Calee Carter, Morgan High, Anna Iske, Addison Clinkscales, Addison McClanahan, Chloe Bates
Front Row: Samantha Dumas, Jordan Crum Middle Row: Jenna Crum, Sarah Burch Middle Row: Sydney Thornton, Ramzey Salter, Addie Fritsche, Alexandra Foster-Roach Back Row: Aleighna Tuttle, Lexie Morris
Emily Aguilar, Jenna Crum, Kalyn Hepler, Danica Herrera, Kate Dusek
Varsity Football
London
Grayson
Christian
Corbyn Fryant, Caden Tiner, Landyn
Vidrine,
Front Row: Jessica Lowery, Morgan Gee, Laney Webb, Sophie Carter, Taylor Dark, Marlee Rhodes
Lizzy
Front Row: Grace Pratt, Addison Yarbrough, Carlee Smale, Keatyn Hamilton, Nina Trim, Jaidan Johnson, Sabreena Gonzalez, Kara Kennedy Second Row: Deegen Jesse Pratt, Haiden Cooper, Casen-Scott Cooper, Keller Lott, Sosa, Kirkland Cobb Row: Tyler Poe, Ryan Owens, Kelton Cates, Whittington, Carter, Carter, Thompson, Denning, Row: Dee Williams, Grant, Wheat, Luke Baker, Caleb Scott Sixth Row: Clay Hodges, Brown, Charles Foshee, Iske, Kyle Adams, Brandon Cook, Roger Adams Seventh Row: Matthew Wofford, Matthew Dyson, Klint Blankenship, Richard Burks, Rodrick Mcknight, Gibson, Garrett Bowery
Front Row: Brady Greenwood, Jackson Jowell, Jonathan Farnham, Ely Fulton, Henry Lattin, Keller Lott, Kyler Priest Middle Row: Trever Sizemore, Braydon Bratcher, Kelton Cates, Gavin Meadows, Alex Tevebaugh, Levi Kohl Back Row: Gage David son, Bradon Young, Aaron Sharp, Jackson Thorp, Dillon Sanchez, Lucas Frazier, Reyson Gajewsky
Kris