March Issue

Journalthe

March2012Volume Seventeen Issue 3

Decatur High School

>>Sta� er re� ects � amenco pg 6

>>Basketball success pg 10-11

>>Angela Ferris publishes poem pg 16

>>Spring sports pg 24

2 TheJournalMarch2012

Inside

Dear Readers, Here it is, the third print issue of the Journal. � e sta� worked hard getting this issue together, so check out all the stories. We included a prom spread, all di� erent sports, fea-tures, and of course eavesdrop. If you haven’t checked it out go to decaturjournal.com. We have an eavesdrop of the day now. See what everyone has said and submit ones you hear to (817) 991-4117 and watch them get posted. Also, on our website we are adding content daily. Whether a story, video, news event/results, photo or Q & A, you will � nd something new on it everyday. � e online editor, Madeline Peña puts lots of extra time in creating the website to inform and entertain our readers. Save the link somewhere on your computer and check just once a day. Who knows what you may � nd. We have news� ashes to tell you what’s going on and videos to enter-tain. If you have an idea that can be used on the site to improve or promote DHS email us at [email protected]. So, when you see Madeline in the hall make sure to tell her good job and thank you. She has worked hard producing the online newspaper, which is available at the tip of your � ngers. She is also the reason for the fun lipdub the journalism department is putting on in April. More details to come on that. It’s that time of year again, Spring Break. Hope everyone has fun plans for the week. I will travel to New York with the journalism department and my mom. I am so excited. I’ve never been before and am so anxious. What ever you do, have a blast and be safe.

� anks,

Letters to the Editor:� e Journal welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be submitted one week prior to publication and must have a word count no greater than 300. Length may be subject to editorial judgement, and letters will be edited for obscene language, racial remarks and libelous material. All letters must be signed and writers’ names will not be withheld. � e Journal is not obligated to run any letters. Letters can view any matters directly or indirectly related to Decatur High School, sta� and students. Views and opinions expressed in letters do not re� ect those of sta� members of � e Journal, Decatur High School or Decatur ISD.

Members:•CSPA•NSPA/JEA•Interscholastic League Press Conference•Texas Association of Journalism EducatorsHonors:•ILPC Silver Star Award 2003, 2005, 2006•ILPC Bronze Star Award 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009•ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011•CSPA Gold Medalist 2009

Cristin Morgan Editor-in-Chief, print

Visit www.decaturjournal.com or scan this code with a QR reader app.

>>Check out the websitewww.decaturjournal.com>>Like the Journal on FacebookFacebook.com/decaturjournal>>Follow the Journal on TwitterTwitter.com/decaturjournal>>Email the online editormadeline.peñ[email protected]>>Questions/suggestions/[email protected]

D e c a t u r H i g h S c h o o l750 E. Eagle Summit Dr • Decatur, TX 76234

Journalism phone • 940.393.7231O n l i n e : w w w . d e c a t u r j o u r n a l . c o m

Newspaper Sta 2011-2012

Cristin Morgan >>Editor-in-Chief, Print >>Business Manager

Madeline Peña >>Editor-in-Chief, Online

Austin Lamirand >>Video Editor, Design

Sarah Stromberg >>Sta writer

Allie Davis >>Photographer

Paris Walther >>Health/Opinions Editor >>Artist

Jackie Trujillo >>Sta writer

Christy Maha ey >>Sta Writer

Macen Stripling >>Sta Writer

Cindy Berry >>Adviser

A picture from the Editor. My Aunt found her dog reading the newspaper, so should you.

3TheJournalMarch2012

Inside

Exclusive Look:>>The Journal Online<<

www.decaturjournal.com

>>Opinion

>>Sports

Sophomore counselor meetings 4

Sta� picks: Spring break 5

Sta� er learns from � amenco 6

Journalism 1 editorials 6-7

Sta� er re� ects past experience 17

Swimmer competes at state 8-9

Successful basketball season 10-11

All about twins 14-15

Angela Ferris publishes poem 16

Prom dresses and accessories 20-21

Entertainment: eavesdrop 23

Spring sports 24

>>Feature

Making a pawsitive di� erenceNews

Retracing steps Feature

It’s only the beginning of a new storySports

Old vs New technologyOpinion

What would you do without Facebook?Video

>>Online

Swim team

Varsity boys basketball

Varsity girls basketballProm accessories

I don’t think they give us enough choices. � ere are other schools that have a bigger variety of electives.

-Shelby Wooten, 11�”

I don’t think there are too many options because it � ts di� erent people’s personalities and they can pick what they want.

-Taylor Kennedy, 12�”

Sometimes there are too many options; some people aren’t able to get all of their credits and need to narrow it down.

-Merle Riggs, 9

�“

4 TheJournalMarch2012Editorial

A student’s schedule tends to re� ect his or her interests and what that student plans to do in the future. Whether that should be spending more time in the shop � x-ing up cars or in an interior design

class learning the ins and outs of home furnishings, the sophomore parent/counselor session should be recognized for its e� ort in as-sisting underclassmen in their scheduling endeavors. Beginning last year, Mr. Cochran created a plan to hold confer-ences strictly for sophomores and their parents to poke, prod and rearrange his/her entire high school schedule. � e student’s coun-selor takes the time to consider all previously earned credits and then extra classes the student may be interested in. � e one-on-one attitude the counselors assume for this conference gives students a better chance to personalize their schedule to � t their individual needs. Without the added pressures of outside in� uences, it is easier to choose classes that the student may be interested in but too nervous to take. Every year, it seems as though schedule requirements change for certain grades but not for others. � ere is much confusion when it comes time to choose classes for the next year. Students aren’t always clear as to how many P.E. credits they need or if an Ag class will count for a speech credit. � ose who may not be as strong in math can be recommended for a Math Models class their junior year or they may need to � t health somewhere in their second semester. � e sophomore parent/counselor sessions alleviate the stress because the counselor insures that the schedule can and will work towards the student’s bene� t. It takes the stress out of

balancing every credit and class while also giving the student great tips on how to continue on a chosen path. � e sessions tend to last as little as thirty minutes to an hour and plan out the rest of a sophomore’s high school career. � is is much more convenient compared to the previous way because students see the schedule planned out and it is less likely that there will be any mistakes. Students do not need to make a trip during the summer or call the school to change or � x their schedule. � is reduces time and e� ort on the students and their counselors. One of the issues raised regarding the counselor meetings is that there are parents who work during the day and may not have the opportunity to take o� to attend the session. While having a parent attend is not required, it is recommended so that the parent may have a say in the schedule. Yet, these meetings are created to work around the adult’s schedule. If the selected time does not agree with the family’s timing, another slot can be chosen. � e sophomore parent/counselor conferences are an excellent and e� cient way to plan out a student’s schedule. � ey take the stress out of scheduling and the con� icts that come with the territory. � e school should continue with the conferences so that their stu-dents may continue on their chosen paths for a successful future.

>>At easeSophomore counselor sessions alleviate scheduling pains

StaffEditorial

Vote>> 8/8Agree

Your Thoughts>> Is there such a thing as having too many options when creating a school schedule?

7% said Yes 73% said No

60 students surveyed

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�”


Sta picks

I go to the doctor during spring break- and the dentist- and the orthodontist. In fact, my mom prefers to save all those appointments that I am supposed to skip school for dur-ing the year, for that week. Most of the time when I think of spring break, fond memories of visiting the orthodontist to get my braces tightened or enduring a couple of complementary shots in the arm come to mind. It’s been that way since I was little, but this year, that tradition will be broken. Yes, it’s true; this year instead of sitting in a waiting room reading outdated People magazines, I will be amongst hundreds of people waiting for a subway. Rather than swishing the awful minty water at the dentist, I will taste food out of my element. � is year instead of going to yet another appointment, I will experience New York City for the � rst time with the journalism department. I will have the op-portunity to see historical sites such as the Statue of Liberty and eat at true New York style pizza joints like Geraldi’s; I’ll get to see such a di� erent genre of people and walk around like a real tourist. But as exciting as seeing all New York has to o� er, a hint of nos-talgia may hit me for a moment for those plain white walls and dead waiting room plants and masked nurses in the Winnie the Pooh scrubs trying to entice me to sit still for a shot- on second thought, just kidding. >>

Spring Break: � e week most of us look forward to as soon as the second semester of school starts. I mean, how could someone not be excited to have a whole week without

school? � at’s seven days of pure enjoyment and a perfect excuse to stay up as late as you want and sleep in as long as you want. It’s absolutely… boring. Sadly, it’s true. � e � rst day o� is great because there’s no school and you get to just chill. � en a� er a while it just gets so boring. I � nd myself lounging on the couch watching reruns of shows I don’t even like and I ask myself, “Why don’t you go on vacation some-where?” Well, my parents and my older siblings are always working so there’s no point in begging to go on some expensive trip to Florida or Hawaii or on some ski trip (mostly because I don’t like the idea of skiing). So what does a teenager with absolutely no plans do? I go to Wal-Mart. Geeky as it may sound, there are so many shenanigans to get into in a store of that size. � is one time, I grabbed a bunch of pillows and stacked them up by the camping section so it looked like a mini-fort. When you surpass the point beyond boredom, cra-zy things follow. Now, I’m not encouraging someone to do insane things at Wal-Mart but it’s fun. It’s a time to forget that I’m supposed to be a mature teenager and let my inner child rule. >>

I usually measure the spring semester o� of how much time there is le� until spring break, because the year is a down hill race a� er it. As soon as it’s gone, all it takes are a

couple of UIL competitions; two major birthdays- my brother and best friend Matthew’s, as well as my own; a few banquets and prom, and the year is over. I usually have a fairly routine spring break- I go to my grandma Muller’s house, we watch sunsets and cook. We never really know for sure if I am going to her house, it just kind of happens. What I do know for sure, though, is that the � rst Saturday of the break, I will be spending the entire day getting � tted for a bridesmaid dress as well as getting to know the bridal party. What excites me the most about the wedding is it’s my friends Heather Sandusky’s. It’s crazy to think that it’s been ten years since she and I were playing Cyberchase during recess, and she was the one who tied my shoes because I didn’t know how. When she and I are together, I feel like I’m still in second grade. I can’t believe that we are old enough to get married. But now the break will mark an entire milestone in my life- get-ting ready to see my friend married. It will be the � rst wedding for me to actually be in- not only will I be a bridesmaid, but I will be singing too. I really can’t wait. >>

Most students are packing for a big trip, go-ing to see family, and getting excited to spend a week on vacation. Some will visit exotic plac-es, or hit up the slopes to ski or snowboard. Some will go to big cities and see famous his-torical areas. Unfortunately for me, I will most likely be spending my spring break catching up on my sleep, eating unhealthy foods, watching MTV shows, and every movie Net� ix has to o� er. Let’s not forget Vogue magazine; I’ll probably read every issue from the past 5 years. But it’s � ne with me- I usually take vacations when no body else does. I will probably be spending a lot of my time at track practice (run-ning o� all the terrible junk food I will be living on the whole week), � nish redecorating my room, and helping my mom clean up around the house. Hopefully, I get to do some major shopping for my favor-ite season. And of course like every break, I’ll be hanging out with my friends. If I get really lucky, my mom and I will � y up to see my sister in Mississippi or take a road trip and meet her half way. Even though a week is not much, it’s better than school. I will be able to � nish any homework, study for any test, and read anything I need to. � at way when it comes time to go back, I won’t be so stressed. It is going to be amazing catching up on everything that I need to get done. >>

>> Spring awakening: sta ers�’ week o Paris [email protected]

Jackie [email protected]

Macen [email protected]

Sarah [email protected]

Jj

y

Autumn Lee >>Photos by

>> Something new Playing catch-up <<

Appointment with adventure <<>> � e point beyond boredom


Opinion

>>What I learned from � amenco It’s been four years. As you’re reading this, my time as a member of Los Madrilenos Es-tampa Flamenca- or the � amenco team- is quickly drawing to a close. � is weekend, I went to San Antonio for the last time to perform at the Pan-American festival. To say goodbye, I found three common traits of classic Spanish culture that I took away from � amenco. Pride. It’s a common joke that even though � a-menco is a Latin dance, we rarely have more than three Latino people in the team. But I don’t really think it matters. You don’t have to be Latino to have pride in what we are and what we do. You can be as white as Wonder bread and still hold all the pride and grace of a true Spanish dancer, believe me. And when students from other schools come up to us at the festival and ask if we’re from Decatur, they don’t even bat an eye at the fact that their team is majority Latino, and ours is Caucasian. � ey really don’t care, actually. All they want to tell us is how much they love the dance, our costumes, or the music. No one cares what race you are, how small your town is or your team’s size. If you have pride in everything you do, people will be proud of you.Bravery. As a rookie, I was the lone freshman on the team. But that year, most of the boy’s varsity basketball team was on the team too.

So not only was I the youngest, I was the shortest. Every prac-tice, I was surrounded by strangers whose shoulders were my eye level. I learned quickly that if I wanted a spot on the stage, I would have to earn it. I did, but it wasn’t without the help of Mrs. Karen Smith, our dance teacher. To help us get the attitude it takes to dance � amenco, she told us that we needed to think like we were facing down a bull. I faced down being so young. � e next year, I faced down my back pain; junior year, it was my frustration with my classes. No matter what’s go-ing on in my life, I know I can face it. Flamenco itself is a step out of any comfort zone, and because of that, I feel like I can do any-thing I need to with the bravery I learned from it. Tradition. I was at the competition sopho-more year when we had to dance on a bumpy, makeshi� stage that tripped us all. I danced in the TASA show- my � rst rou-tine to dance with a fan. When I began, the team was huge, and compared to then, it’s tiny now. I’ve been the youngest, and now I’m the one of oldest. But even with every-thing that changes, and has changed, a few things remain the same: what it feels like to go down the river walk in San Antonio

wearing full makeup and the costume; knowing that we are the classiest group there; and a standing ovation each time

we perform. So maybe what stays the same is not tangible- they’re feelings, opinions

and matters of chance. When your group changes

a lot from year to year, feelings, opinions and

chance may be the only traditions you have. But, personally, I’m more than happy

to claim them. I can honestly

say that being a part of the � amenco

team is one of the best decisions I’ve made through my entire high school career. I highly recommend it to anyone- even if you think you can’t dance, or Spanish isn’t your forte. And even though the college I hope to go to has a Latin dance group- Bal-let Folklorico- I don’t think anything could ever match up to what I’ve experienced as a Madrileno. It’s a part of who I am now, and it always will be. >>

Sarah [email protected]

Making the grade>>Lack of exemption policy hinders students

Finals make or break some students. For several years students relied on exemptions for the end of the � nal grading period. Stu-dents need a reward for grades and attendance by earning exemp-tions. � e administration has chosen to take this opportunity away from us but hopefully we can get it back. Students work to get the right grades and arrive on time, but are not rewarded. A positive technique to encourage students in school and to show up on time is to praise them with something they enjoy. More time to study for those harder � nals that a student needs to pass will help the overall grade in that class. Most students struggle with a subject and some students need extra time for that individual class.

During fall semester � nals, students endure three harsh days with two � nals one day and three � nals for the other two days. With � -nals as long as an hour-and-half, students become fatigued quite quickly. Understandably, school prepares students for life and college. � erefore college students take all � nals. Yet in college, students take less then eight classes, therefore fewer � nals. Exemptions need to come back to our school. Exemptions by your grade classi� cation could determine how many exemptions for that student. A way to plan exemptions in an e� ective way could allow seniors to have � ve exemptions, juniors allowed four, sopho-mores three and freshmen two.

Ruthie [email protected]

>>Written by journalism I student Ruthie Kirk.

>>Photo by Daniel Jordan


Journalism 1

>>Don�’t question, just go with itFreshman shares sentimental family trip

June 2009 “Do you wanna go?” my dad repeated once more. I stared at him my eyes bulging. Was he serious? He repeated the question more loudly and everyone was looking at me. I stared at my mom with her small smile, holding my three-year-old baby brother. “Yea, I wanna go!” I said enthusiastically. As my brother and I were getting ready we couldn’t help but see the tears in our parents eyes. My mom’s simple red t-shirt she wore was getting soaked. She started � xing us a tiny bed with the big navy blue blankets in the back of the dark green Chevrolet truck. “Ya nos tenemos que ir,” said my godfather telling us we had to leave soon. My brother Christian, Aunt Jennifer and I stu� ed into the back where the bed was made and suitcases were packed in. My grand-parents shut the back door and let my parents say their goodbyes. “Cuidense mija. Cuida tu hermano y los quiero mucho,” said my mom reminding me to take care of my brother and myself. “Ten mija, para que no tengan que pedirle a tu padrino,” my dad told me as he handed me $50 for food on the way. As I was getting comfortable, I got a last glance at my parents who were busy putting my little brother in his car seat. I wasn’t going to see them for three months. It was barely hitting me. I had never been gone this long. We zoomed by the tall skyscrapers of Dallas before the tra� c hit and o� we were to Mexico for the summer vacation. � e pitter-patter of rain and my soaked hair were enough to keep me awake another few hours. Leaning on the window hadn’t been a good idea. It was cracked open just a tiny bit making me get wet. We le� not even two hours ago and I was already missing my parents. Trying to hide my tears forming I snuggled up against Christian and dozed o� . “Tienen hambre?” my grandfather asked the same time my stom-ach grumbled. “Yea,” Jennifer said for all of us. One by one we got o� and stretched our aching legs. We then ran into the gas store even though it was maybe four in the morn-ing and got Cheetos, Doritos, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, ham sandwiches and any other junk food we saw. As we started to get back in the truck I noticed I had already spent $20. I need to take care of this more I thought. We bunched in again and opened up the food. “How much longer till we get there?” I asked Jennifer with my mouth full of chips. “I don’t know I think � ve or so hours and we’ll reach the bor-der,” she said. With our bellies full we fell asleep again and didn’t wake until we reached the border. “Tienen que vajarse,” my godmother told us as she opened the door for us to get out.

We got out and watched as they searched the truck for anything illegal. As soon as they checked us we were o� again. Just two more hours and we would arrive at my grandparent’s house in San Luis Potosi. I looked out the window and saw the beautiful hills � lled with green grasses and purple and pink � owers over� owing on the tops. � e bright, yellow sun above made us start sweating. While we be-gan reaching the more rural parts, the roads turned from cement to pure rocks and pebbles. Teenage boys rode alongside us on bikes or in the back of their pickup trucks. � ey would peak in and whistle making me blush. “We’re almost here. Get up!” I squealed to him as I brushed my hair down. � e house was just I had seen it in photographs from the many times we had went when I was a child. My grandparents were al-

ready waiting for us as we pulled up. We rushed out of the back not even waiting for my godmother to open the door for us, but doing it ourselves. “Abuelita!” I screamed almost bursting in tears from the happiness. Her hands reached me and pulled me into a huge hug. She smelled like roses, her hands cradled

my face and she kissed me on the cheek. My grandmother died a few years later and this was the last mem-ory I have of us together. I never got any other chance to go visit them, so now as I look back I’m glad I said yes.

Angelica [email protected]

Now as I look back I�’m glad I said yes.

>>Angelica Lopez, freshman

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Sports

>>Making historySwimmer competes at stateCristin Morgan

>>Decatur Swim TeamLe� to right: Daniel Smyers, Logan Hu� , Baley Phariss, Guirnalda Lopez, Kate Grany, Madison Phariss, Emily Howdeshell, Arin Blaylock, Katey Rowden, Haley Den-nard, Audry McCreary, Reagan Ralston, Robert Davila, Trey Dale, Josh Santos

On your mark. Get set. Swim. A � er only a year on the swim team, freshman Katey Rowden competed at the state meet in Austin Feb. 24-25. “It means a lot to me making it to state,” Rowden said. “I worked really hard, but I wish the whole relay team could have gone.” She placed 15th in the 100 yard freestyle and 16th in the 50 yard freestyle at state. “ � e level of competition and seeing awesome swimmers was great,” Rowden said. “Getting to go and swim was so cool.” � e high school swim team started four years ago with coach Doris Dennard. In the four years, Rowden is the � rst to make it to state. “She is a very good, strong and fast swimmer,” Dennard said. “She works hard and deserves it.” Starting swim at age two and com-peting at age eight, this was her � rst year to compete with a team. “I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Hayley Raasch, senior captain said. “She is so humble and she will get out of the pool and be like ‘I couldn’t have done this without my team’.” Before reaching state she won regionals placing � rst with a time of 25.48 seconds on the 50 free and 55.63 seconds on the 100 free. “Swim is indescribable,” Rowden said. “� ere are so many mixed emotions and it’s relaxing. I like the sprinting and adrenaline.” A � er state, Rowden marked her new times on the board. Her fastest are 25.36 in the 50 and 55.14 in the 100 freestyle. “My goal at state was to improve my times and that’s what I did,” Rowden said. Raasch started helping Rowden with swim at age eight; she

was excited to see her go compete at state as a freshman. “She works harder then anyone else I know,” Raasch said. “She is good and what she has accomplished has blown my mind.” Rowden looks up to Raash, the team captain. “I always talk to her before the races to motivate her because she is so humble and spiritual,” Raasch said. “She can do unbe-lievable things and she never gives herself the glory.” Preparing for contest, the swimmers practiced every morn-ing from six to seven, Monday thru Friday starting in Septem-ber. “ � ey work hard at practice so they can achieve their best time possible,” Dennard said. “Seeing the swimmers bring their

time down with hard work is reward-ing.” Rowden set a goal at the beginning of the season, to take on her best times for the team and to hopefully advance to state. She never knew she would get there so quickly. “Next season I want everyone to do

really good at regionls and district,” Rowden said. “I want more people to qualify for state because they can do it.” During state, Rowdens parent’s as well as her team were in the bleachers cheering her on. “It meant a lot to me they were there,” Rowden said. “My parents have always supported me and it’s really cool to see and hear people cheering for you when you’re swimming.” Anyone interested in swimming next year should contact Dennard at [email protected]. Another suc-cessful season � nished, Rowden gives her glory to God. “It’s all up to God,” Rowden said. “I just swim my heart out and if God wants it to happen, He makes it happen. I am very thankful for my team and coach; swimming is the best.”

I just swim my heart out and if God wants it to happen, He makes it

happen.>Katey Rowden, freshman

�“ �”

Photo by Samuel Kevetter


Sports

Photo by Samuel Kevetter

>>Katey Rowden practices her freestyle every morning.

Everyday before and a� er school � ve freshman girls were at prac-tic, performing drills and extra conditioning. A� er school the girls would work with the varsity and JV from 3:45 to 5:30. Coach Bird pushed the girls to keep trying, and to work hard. “It’s shown me to never give up,” Julia Johnson said. � e girls o� en referred to themselves as “Coach Bird’s � ock” and her “little ducklings.” “Coach Bird gives me good jokes,” Julia Johnson said. Braelynn Hanes, Julia Johnson, Nicole Neighbors, Brittany Rob-erts and Macen Stripling got to know each other very well. “We have little jokes together,” Julia Johnson said. Even though the practices were long, the girls always made time for a few games and a chance to have fun together. “Bonding with my team has made me work better with them,” Roberts said. Practicing twice a day since the second day of school, the girls have been around each other at least fours hours a day. “We have di� erent personalities on our team; it mixes well,” Roberts said. � e long practices paid o� and the girls earned the title unde-feated district champs.

From little dribblers, to freshman basketball, the boys have always stuck around each other, bonding and practicing as a team together every day. Each two hour practice has prepared the boys for a suc-cessful season. “Basketball has made me care about the team instead of myself,”

Ben Clemmer, said. Eduardo Martinez, Aar-on Shetter, Adrian Berube, Lane Blaylock, Justin My-ers, Mike Ramos, Eric Rocha, Leo Fernadez, Kyle Carr, Chase Briscoe, Holt Garner and Ben Clem-mer attended every long practice, only missing due to sickness. Coach Casey Jones taught the team, ran

the team, and pushed the team to be better men and players.

“Coach Jones inspired me to become a better Christian and to respect my teachers more,” Adrian Berube said. � e boys were rewarded district champs with a 9-1 record in the district season.

� e girls JV was made up of more freshmen than any other grade. But, that did not stop the team from accomplishing the title of undefeated

champs. A� er school practice everyday with the varsity helped the girls prepare for the

season. “It’s taught me to be more ambi-tious,” Carlee Stapp, freshman said. Bailey Berry, Stormi Leonard, Car-oline Lowery, Jasmyne Tate, Makayla May� eld, Carlee Stapp, Traci Hale, Emily Baker, Ruthie Kirk and Lily Doubrava played together even though the team had a variety of age di� erences! “It’s taught me to be more team oriented,” Stapp said. Coach Jody Carter attended ev-ery practice with the girls, helping them improve and learn to work together. “It’s taught me to be a good team player,” Jasmyne Tate, fresh-

man said. Despite age, the girls went 10-0 during the district sea-son. Even though more un-

derclassmen were on the team than upperclassmen, the team

came together. “I love being part of a team,” Stapp said.

� e boys JV team was lead by Cory Durdon, Austin Poole, Tyler Gonzalaz, Dallin Billmire, Paul and Phillip Walker,


Sports

Freshman Girls

Freshman Boys

Junior Varsity Girls

Junior Varsity Boys

>>>Basketball season ends with winning records

Basketball has made me care

about the team instead of myself.

>>Freshman, Ben Clemmer


Nate Mitchell, Harry Boatman, Leroy Lomas, Chris Pickens and Christian Blaylock. “Basketball teaches you to work together and to have respect for everyone,” Christan Blaylock, junior said. � e boys practiced every day a� er school, working and playing against the varsity. “It taught me not to quit, and keep going at something whether it’s working out or not,” Tyler Gonzales, sopho-more said. Before the district season the boys lost seven games, but each practiced prepared them for the district season. “I’ve learned not to give up and to keep driving at some-thing. If you love it keep going for it,” Gonzales said.

� e JV team went 9-1 during the district season and earned the district champion

title.

� e girls Varsity shared their practice everyday with the JV and freshmen girls. Helping each underclassmen with free throws and drills. Whether it was form, defense or a reminder on a play, the var-sity assisted the younger girls daily. “I consider myself a co-leader; I’m an underclassmen, but I help, and the freshman and JV can relate to me bet-

ter,” Murphy Graham, sophomore said. Bobbi Clemmer, Joey Redwine, Al-

lie Handlon, Shelby Drews, Mur-phy Graham, Amanda Delka, Katie Isham, Hayley Dennard, Andrea Rivera, Dawn Jensen and Rebekah McGregor went to prac-

tice to improve and help others. “I want to win, not give up,” Rebekah McGregor, junior said. Every 3-hour practice paid o� ; the girls won the award of unde-feated district champs and area champs.

For a young team, the varsity boys have come a long

way. With four sophomores, three juniors and three seniors, the team is rebuilding.

“We are all in di� erent age groups com-pacted as one,” Taylor Clayton, sophomore

said. Austin Lamirand, Caleb Hogan,

Brevon Blaylock, Shayler Carlton, Cain Lowe, Taylor Clayton, Parker

Slate, Austin Givens, Cam-eron Mize, Jared Durdon and Tyler Story, learned to ignore the age di� er-ence and work together as

a team. “I’ve become well rounded,

like a basketball,” Lowe, sophomore said. With a lack of seniors, some of the underclassmen

had to step up and help lead the team in games and practices. “Being on varsity basketball has taught me leadership,” Clayton said. A� er winning second in district, the boys moved on to the area game in Bridgeport against Hirschi, a� er losing by twenty points, the boys caught up but still fell short by three points. “My coaches have taught me to be a man,” Lowe said. Despite any age, the boys have received a chance to change their character for the better, winning the award of second in district!

TheJournalMarch2012

Sports11

Varsity Girls

Varsity Boys

Samuel Kevetter>>Photo by


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14 TheJournalMarch2012Feature

Two Heads are Better than One

Phillip and Paul WalkerOlder: Paul by 1 minute

Birthday: September 8, 1995“We both play basketball,” Paul said.

“We don’t like the same type of music,” Paul said.

Dallin and Darci BillmireOlder: Dallin by 4 minutes

Birthday: July 11, 1996“We both like to play sports and we have the same sense

of humor,” Darci said. “We like di� erent foods,” Dallin said.

Kaia and Conner WhiteOlder: Conner by 2 minutes

Birthday: December 22, 1993“We take the same classes,” Kaia said.

“She works a lot harder than me. She likes soccer and I like football,” Conner said.

Hannah and Brittney HubbardOlder: Brittney by 2 minutes(Hannah is two inches taller)Birthday: September 27, 1994

“We have the same sense of humor,” Brittney said. “I’m more organized and patient; she’s more outgoing,”

Hannah said.

>>>Ten twins throughout the halls

15TheJournal Feature

Elizabeth and Emily WestfallOlder: Elizabeth by 1 minute

Birthday: June 6, 1994“We hang out with all the same people and we have the

same sense of humor. She gets me and I get her,” Emily said. “Our style is di� erent,” Elizabeth said.

Lauren and Lindsey ProvanOlder: Lauren by 3 minutes

Birthday: December 19, 1993“We literally have nothing in common,” Lauren and

Lindsey said. “I’m more girly and she’s more laid back,” Lindsey said.

Celia and Margarita GaminoOlder: Margarita by 6 minutes

Birthday: February 22, 1994“We like the same color,” Ceila said.

“I like math and she doesn’t,” Margarita said.

Allison and Alexis HammOlder: Alexis by 15 minutes

Birthday: May 16, 1997“Our hair color [is the same],” Allison said.

“We have completely di� erent personalities,” Alexis said.

Michael and Daniel SmyersOlder: Michael by 1 minute

Birthday: July 15, 1995“We have the same classes,” Daniel said.

“We do a lot of the same sports,” Michael said.

Macky and Gunnar DaileyOlder: Macky by 7 minutesBirthday: February 6, 1995

“We have the same freckle on opposite feet because we’re mirror twins,” Macky said.

“We both are athletic” Gunnar said.

March2012


Feature

>>The fate of forever

Christy [email protected]

A poem is a piece of art that expresses the author. To freshman, Angela Ferris, it means a sign of hope for the future. Angela writes a personal poem about life and fate. Her poem was chosen for publication in the book � e Celebration of Poets. “I found a poetry contest online,” she said. “I wrote a few poems and thought that I should try to enter one of them just for fun.” � e contest took place on the website www.poet-icpower.com. “I just � lled out the basic information. It wasn’t that much,” she said. “It was open for any poet or writers.” Keeping it to herself, Angela thought of what the outcomes of the contest will be. “It came as a surprise,” Angela’s mom, Christine Ferris said. “I didn’t even know that she was entering this contest.” A few weeks later Angela received a letter explain-ing that she won and is now moving on to the next level of the competition. “If I win the grand prize, I could possibly get money,” she said. When � e Celebration of Poets is available, Angela searches for one speci� c poem: Forever. “I wrote Forever because I was thinking about the seniors in band during homecoming,” Angela said. “At � rst I was afraid because I knew that my friends were moving on through life. I didn’t want to accept that at � rst. But then I wrote this poem and came to terms with myself that I couldn’t change fate.” Even though Angela can’t rearrange fate itself, she hopes that Forever may help the true meaning of fate for others. “My message from the poem was to prove to ev-eryone that it is okay to move on,” she said. Angela seeks the opinion of her poem from a close friend.

“It is hard to put one meaning to a poem, for only the author knows the true meaning,” fresh-man Hayley Eubank said. “But I feel like it is saying, ‘We all grow up, sure. But, even if we have to leave the ones we love, that doesn’t mean we must forget them. Cherish them now so you can still have them in the future. It’s your past that made you.’” Eubank compliments her friend’s hard work. “I am proud of her accomplishment,” Eubank said. “It makes me very proud to be a close friend of someone who is so intelligent, creative, and some-one who enjoys life as much as she does.” Angela is proud of her work yet she isn’t fully con-tent. “I am a perfectionist so I’m never totally satis-� ed,” Angela said. To please both herself and others, Angela plans to continue writing and editing poems. “I wouldn’t change the one I have right now for the sake of the publishment,” Angela said. “But I would de� nitely consider rewriting it with the same message with better poetic literary devices.” Donating much of her time into writing, An-gela teaches herself dedication. “My daughter deserves it since she spent hours practicing,” Christine said. “If practice makes perfect, she has de� nitely earned it. I have trou-ble making her stop writing while I’m trying to get her brother to start writing.” Still, Angela takes none of this for granted. “� is could have been any of my friends that are good writers,” Angela said. “I’m glad and blessed that I got this opportunity but it was just an act of fate.” Only one word describes Angela’s poem. “Wow,” Eubank said as she reads For-ever. “Just wow.”

Student poem published in book

ForeverWe can�’t stay young forever

We all grow up somedayWe all have to embrace

and say goodbyeAnd go our separate wayAnd those moments that

last foreverAre the ones

you must regainBecause when you�’re

old and tiredIt�’s those that keep you sane

And the people you adoredAre the ones to keep in mind

For not all of them will make it

Don�’t let them fall behindBut while we�’re living now

We must make good times last

And live for the greatest life

Then not dwell on the past

If interested in buying � e Celebration of Poets, the book is available on-line at www.poeticpower.

�“Her poem is one that demon-strates the ablilty of someone so young to create a piece of literary art.�”>>Josh Santos, freshman

�“Angela goes through a lot of experiences which she then shares to inspire friends and family.�”>>Mati Hornback, freshman

�“I can tell that her poem comes from the heart. She sounds

much older and wiser.�” >> Sarah Alling, freshman

17TheJournalMarch2012 Column

>>Fading echoesJackie [email protected]

All good things come to those who wait, to the ones who ght through their personal battles

and overcome the angst.

�“ �”

Staffer takes look at personal vulnerabilities “Because I’m alone.” � e feeling is all consuming. It makes hearts race with

fear and conscience � ood with guilt. � ere’s agony- there’s just nothing to hold onto anymore as the

walls come crashing down all around. � ere’s pain. Never in a million years had I imagined that someone so close to me felt that way. She’s my friend. We used to hang out to-

gether so much and she seemed so happy and carefree. She seemed like she knew who she was; an idealistic, joyful and easygoing person who never let some-one’s quirks bring her down. � en the un-imaginable happened. It was her hidden secret, something I had no idea she was physically and emotionally capable of. My friend in� icted pain on herself. Shock � ared through me when she � rst told me. For awhile no words

came out of my mouth and I hadn’t the slight-est clue on how to take it. I mean, what does someone do when a

friend tells them their deepest, darkest secret, especially if it’s like that one?

It brought back memories I suppressed long ago. Her confession reminded me of something I’ve never been proud of. Everyone has their secrets and qualities that they’re ashamed about, some more than others. I just never talked about mine and I suppose this gave me a bit of an under-standing toward her confession. I saw why she thought the way she did. She felt like nobody cared for her even though friends surrounded her everyday. It was imbedded in her mind that nobody understood the deep darkness

that was swallowing her whole. � ose feelings are the kind that almost every teenager experiences once or twice in a lifetime. I get it. No words truly explain how alienated a person feels when they feel those emotions. It hurts. It’s almost like

drowning in a sea of people. My world felt consumed with so many negative feelings, most of them factors that I’d kept shut inside me until eventually they just built up and erupted. � ere was fury towards my parents who were trying to get a divorce at the time and stress because I tried to make them proud of something, anything to keep them together. I felt hurt because my brothers stopped ac-knowledging me altogether since they were busy dealing with their own lives. During that time the only solution I found was something utterly wrong and dark; I made myself throw up. It wasn’t right- I was just a kid. And no matter how much I told myself that it made everything okay- it didn’t. It seemed like my world fell apart and I lost who I was. And maybe that’s the problem. As humans, we tend to be stubborn when someone else tries to � x our issues. I know that’s how I reacted. I closed my eyes and shut out any advice that might have helped me overcome my is-

sue. I wanted to disappear altogether because to me, it felt like I was screaming in a room full of people who couldn’t hear me. � at was just how I saw it. It’s not like that at all. No matter how dark the world appears or how lonely it is,

most of the time it’s the opposite. Nobody in this world is ever truly alone- there’s just no way. Bad things happen and there are rough patches, but the beauty about life is that good things follow a� er. � at’s life. It’s di� cult. No-body ever said that the journey is simple. But my point is that I’m not alone. My friend isn’t either. Trust me when I say this: there is a way out. Take it from me- it’s in the darkest of moments when we � nd our light. Whether we let the bad things overcome the good is our own choice. � ere’s no excuse, no reason, nothing. � e phrase “nobody cares” is irrelevant because it’s no one else’s choice. Sure, in that split second when there’s fear, you might want an escape, but it’s short term. Nothing lasts forever. So why su� er? I chose not to let my pain rule my life. � ere’s a long way le� in my journey but I know that as long as I don’t let the pressure consume me, then everything turns out okay in the end. All good things come to those who wait, to the ones who � ght through their personal battles and overcome the angst.

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theJournal

A beaded white clutch paired with this cool

blue colored dress gives a clean and classic look.

Jewelry with rhinestones compliment the embellished

sleeves, and rose hair accessories give it the added

classy look.


Trends

>> Prom pointsTips to accessorize your dress to perfection

Vintage

Madeline Peñ[email protected]


“I really wanted that classy pin up girl style when I

was looking for my prom dress. I wanted to feel like old Hollywood glam, like

Marilyn Monroe.”>>Allie Davis, junior

“I think my dress is vintage because I bought

it at a resale shop in Boulder, CO. I researched

the design and it’s from the late 1950’s. I wore a blue crystal broach and

blue heels with red lipstick and an up do to stay true to

the classy 50’s style.”>>Meagan Wynn, senior

Classic

Have fun with accessories on a solid colored dress. � is clutch adds sparkle

and a strand of pearls add to the vintage look. � e tear drop diamond earrings add

an extra touch. � row in a pair of cute sling back wedge heels and you will look like a

true blast from the past.

TheJournalMarch2012

Trends

Avoid wearing necklaces with one shoulder

dresses. Bangle bracelets are

always a plus, along with

some dangle earrings to

accent your hair. Add in

the perfect little silver

clutch and you’ll be set for

your girly prom look.

With all the sparkle from the dress,

skip the necklace and go with some

petite dangling earrings. To make everything stand

out, wear bright red lipstick and

add that extra spice. A pair of

black stilettos will be the last touch

and you will be the de� nition of glam.

Girly Glam

“I loved the way my dress looked on me. It gave me con� dence.

I feel that my dress � t in the category of glam because it was

covered in sequins.”>>Chanan Morrison, senior

*Morrison’s dress not pictured

“I felt my dress was girly because the bottom was

very princess-like and the colors were of course pink

and purple. I decided to wear some long

earrings because I didn’t want to overcrowd my dress with a necklace.

I added bracelets to add something to my

hands because I didn’t want rings. � e purse

I chose last because it was cute and it

matched my jewelry.”>>Andrea Rivera,

senior

21


>>Bulking upSta er works to become stronger physically, mentallyParis [email protected]

“If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.” -Mike Murdock My old habits started to die at the beginning of January this year. Before, I was struggling to maintain a steady � tness plan and really wanted to get focused on gaining a competitive edge when I performed. As a roper, there were small mechanical details that needed improvement and honestly, I just wanted to � nd that rhythm with my body again. Seeking the help of my parents, we decided together that the best place for me to go was JRobs Perfor-mance Training. � ere were people we knew who trained there and who would rave about their experiences. Hearing their testimonials and reading up on the website, something was telling me that this place could be where my life would change somehow. “Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him.” -Vince Lombardi Initially, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I � rst started to work with my trainer, John. Images of Jillian Micheals screaming at grown men laying on the ground, crying ran through my head. I imagined athletes and ‘gym rats’ running around the place � exing and doing hundreds of pushups. I wasn’t really sure if I would � t in with everyone or if I could keep up. � e mere idea of me li� ing little ten pound weights next to a bulky muscled mammoth scared me a whole lot. But when I started going, every presumption that had gone through my mind disappeared. First of all, no one ever yells. Or cries. Sure, there are quite a few guys with muscles thicker than my entire leg, but there are also women who go who want to lose weight or get toned. � ere are older people and younger people, all with similar goals to mine and all who strive to be the best they can be every single day. “I � rmly believe that any man’s � nest hours- his greatest ful� llment

of all that he holds dear- is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the � eld of battle- vic-torious.” -Vince Lombardi Besides wanting to become more physically � t, one of my goals was to build up muscles that would help me as a calf roper. It was just knowing that professionals like Trevor Brazile and Tuf Cooper trained outside of the arena that made me � gure that I needed to start doing the same thing. When I expressed this to him, John asked me to run through everything that I do as a breakaway and ribbon roper. He asked question a� er question, trying to grasp what it was that he needed to do to help me; and when I do di� er-ent exercises, he explains how certain manuevers strengthen my performance, making it easier to see the light at the end of the tun-nel. He pushes me every time I go, asking me to give a little more than I did the previous time. His winning attitude is contagious and makes me want to work hard for not only me, but for him and the entire sta� as well because I know that they are backing me the whole time. “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent le� , and could say, ‘I used every-thing you gave me.” -Erma Bombeck Little by little, I see improvement at rodeos; my dismounts are quicker and I move faster on the ground. I am even seeing improvement in everyday life when I have more energy and sleep more soundly. John helped me to not only change my food and physical nutrition, but my mental state as well. When life becomes a little more than I can bare, I know that I’ll get to go work out and push it out of my system. It’s a great feeling to know that I am � nally giving my body what it deserves. � e con� dence a healthy lifestyle gives an individual is something that I wish everyone could feel, because if they knew how it makes you want to meet new people and experience new situations, everyone would be doing it.

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“I do situps and pushups at home.” -Kyle Recklein, 11

“I run two miles and then I go back and do pushups, situps and li� weights.” -Randy Valensin, 9

“I walk up and down the stairs at school.”

-Mike Darrow, 12

“I walk with friends.” -Kelsey Smith, 11


Entertainment

Eavesdrop“� e lentils are going

everywhere.”-Erin Patterson, chemistry honors

Now there is an eavesdrop posted everyday on decaturjournal.com

1

“I had to clean up your mess, so I stole this.”

-Sarah Stromberg, newspaper

5 things you didn�’t know about

>>Jay Harris<<

5 things you didn�’t know about

>>Rene Fuller<<

“I drive a mom-mobile.”-Cameron Christman, math

models

“My mom won’t let me mow lawns because she thinks I will

hurt myself.”-Cole Wendling, yearbook

I have a piece of the Berlin Wall.I was born on the same day the Erie Canal opened,

though de� nitely not the same year.Famous relatives: John Wesley Hardin-“Meanest Man in the Old West” and Felto Pruitt- 1936 College All-American Center (Football)

I played Jesus Christ in a church production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

I have 3 holes-in-one at Bridgeport Country Club, Decatur Country Club and a Spring� eld, MO course.

2

34

5

1 I have marched (as a majorette) in the Ft. Worth Stock Show parade.

I was a member of the o� cer squad who scored the 1st ever perfect score at drill team summer

competition at Oklahoma University.I am the daughter of a World Champion Barrel Racer, LaTonne Sewalt Enright.

I am married to my high school sweetheart.I am the daughter of a former Athletic Director/Head Football Coach from Bridgeport.

2

34

5

“� is is bollywood, not geisha. Why are we doing this?”-Lacy Franklin, British

Literature

>>Up close & personalA chance to win a Chili’s gi� card. Can you guess where this is located in the school and what it is? Submit your answer on the online journal decaturjournal.com/up-closeandpersonal. � e � rst two people to guess the right answer will win the gi� card. Check the online journal later this week to se if you’re a winner. Good luck.

New to the online newspaper decaturjournal.com

>>www.decaturjournal.com<<

“We go through cats like tissues.”-Hannah Hubbard, lunch

“Children keep it down, I am trying to pin.”

-Bobbi Clemmer, o� ce

Photo by Allie Davis

Photo by Cristin Morgan


Last look>>Sporty Spice

girls softball

Chris Pickens passes the

baton to Ben Blattner in

a

race to the nsh line at

the

Bridgeport track meet.

girls soccer

Allie Davis, Lupe Perez, Daniel Jordan, Taylor Shockey, Jessica Chavez, Monica Brown and Autumn Lee>>Photos by

Allie [email protected]

Brianna Carter is in stance

to retrieve the ball from

the

pitcher during sofft ball prac-

tice.

Winter, spring sports showcase athletes

Russell Cross passes th

e ball

to another teammate to s

core

against Mineral W

ells.

Cory Durdon goes for a jump shot at the Bridgeport junior varsity game.

Dillan Brown lifts the dumbells with all of his strength at the Timber Creek powerlifting meet.

Murphy Graham dribbles down

the court during the Lake

Worth girls varsity gam

e.

Madison Phariss swims the butter y in the 200 yard medley reley at the Keller swim meet.

Reid Metcalf reaches out, to and catch the incoming ball during baseball practice.

Ashton Brazeau tries to steal the ball away before Springtown scores a goal.

March Issue

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