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Transcript of Senior Issue 2012
Journalthe
May 2012Volume Seventeen Issue 4
Decatur High School
>>Senior Edition
Photo by Allie Davis
Cristin Morgan >>Editor-in-Chief, Print >>Business Manager
Madeline Peña >>Editor-in-Chief, Online
Paris Walther >>Health/Opinions Editor >>Artist
Austin Lamirand >>Video Editor, Design
Sarah Stromberg >>Staff writer
Jackie Trujillo >>Staff writer
Macen Stripling >>Staff writer
Allie Davis >>Photographer
Christy Mahaffey >>Staff Writer
Cindy Berry >>Adviser
The Journal Staff2011-2012
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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
Dear readers, This is it. Our final issue for the 2012 school year. This is the first time the whole issue has been dedicated to just seniors. Seniors we will miss you next year and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Hope you enjoy this issue that was made just for you. I also wanted to congratulate all the seniors winnings this year. Colton Petty in restoring tractors, Tyler Sirman and Bobbi Clemmer going to state. All sport accomplishments throughout the year and all the extracurricular organizations presented with awards.To our staff graduates: Austin- I am so blessed to have gotten to know you this year. You have been such a help on staff. Your designs are phenomenal and I thank you for all the time and effort you put in to making our publica-tion look so great. I hope newspaper was a good experience and I will miss you. Good luck in college. Sarah- I wish you had come on staff sooner. You were so fun to have on staff and always kept everyone on their feet. Your writing is remarkable and you will go far in life. You have an amazing talent and I am glad you shared it with the school through our newspaper. It has been a blessing having you and I will miss you next year.
Sincerely,
Cristin Morgan Editor-in-Chief, print
Letters to the Editor:The 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. The Journal is not obligated to run any letters. Letters can view any matters directly or indirectly related to Decatur High School, staff and students. Views and opinions ex-pressed in letters do not reflect those of staff members of The Journal, Decatur High School or Decatur ISD.
Members:
•CSPA•NSPA/JEA•Interscholastic League Press Conference•Texas Association of Journalism Educators
Honors:•ILPC Silver Star Award 2003, 2005, 2006•ILPC Bronze Star Award 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009•ILPC Online Silver Star Award 2012•ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012•CSPA Gold Medalist 2009
>>College Sports
>>College M
ap
>>Good-bye
>>Class Favorites
>>Senior mem
ories
>>Sir, yes sir
Senior’s futures athletic plan
Seniors top picks for class of 2012
Teachers leaving and retiring
Where are seniors headed?
Seniors become future hero
What seniors w
ill always rem
ember
10 22 2712 2924
Aus
tin
Lam
iran
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Des
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2012
It is finally my year to walk across the stage and receive what I have been working for. The late night cramming is over until September, and the long days of basketball have come to an end for good. It is time to battle in the real world. High school has taught me so much. Not just calcu-lus and physics kind of stuff (which will certainly come in handy), but also some important “life” things. Two of these invaluable lessons have been how to adapt to change, and how the choices I make each day affect my tomorrow. Friends change. Trends change. The expecta-tions that you have for yourself and that others have for you change. Opinions change and priorities change. And as these things change, I get to choose how to adapt my world, my life, my future. At the middle of semester, I walk into the office to request a schedule change. Unaware of what the outcome would be -- I was nervous. Mrs. McCollum and I begin to talk about my options, making a change, and making a choice. Art 1. Drawing and paint wasn’t really my thing. I liked to look at all the cool things that students had made but there was no way on earth that I would be able to have the patience for creating the beautiful pictures required. Thanks but no thanks. Child Development. No. Newspaper. I never would have seen myself in the newspaper classroom but it may be a good experience. It was worth a shot. I walk into the classroom the next day not knowing what to expect. I am greeted at the door by a smiling face. She introduces herself as Cristin Morgan. So far so good. I continue making my way to a seat and am greeted by an-other smiling face, this time Madeline Pena. They quickly tell me how excited they are to have me on staff. As class begins, we are in a “budgeting” period. This is where we would talk about what we are going to write about for the next issue and what everyone is responsible for. Time flies
as ideas float through the air. By the end of class, I am given my first assignment. I’m adapting to the change. Issues go by and videos are made. I’ve had the oppor-tunity to film interviews of local WWII veterans, and I’ve been pushed through the school on a stool while video-ing the student body in the most inclusive project in the school’s history. It is finally time to budget for the last is-sue of the year, Senior Edition. The year flew by. I didn’t want it to end. This one choice I made to try something new turned out to be one of the best decisions of my high school career. Who knew the choice I made as a sopho-more to try audio/video production would propel me in a direction I didn’t anticipate. It qualified me to take a class I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience with-out it. I tried something new and it allowed me to meet so many new people that I might not have talked to if it wasn’t for newspaper. I learned collaboration and toler-ance and patience on a level I haven’t otherwise had to endure. And it was a blast. Now that the end is near, all I have to say is thank you. Thank you to Mrs. Berry for allowing me to transfer into your class. Thank you to Madeline for yelling at me and keeping me in check even though the Dallas Morn-ing News got you good. Thank you to Jackie for telling me how weird I am. Thank you to Sarah and Christy for mak-ing fun of one of my “large” features. Thanks to Paris for “arm wrestling” Fridays. Thank you to Allie for taking all the awesome pictures without complaining a bit. Thank you to Macen for being my other half, and thank you Cris-tin most of all for putting up with me as your rookie. I will miss all of you so much. Good luck and God bless all of you. And for everyone else, I say make the change. Try something new and challenge yourself. Change your surroundings, your “people”, and your ideas for the better, and grow from your choices. Life is sure to change once you leave DHS–the choices you make while you’re here will give you the experience you’ll need to adapt. Make the best of it .
>>Final Farewell
4
Sarah Stromberg Column Writer
2012
When I was little, really little, my vision of high school was cheering from the stands at the football games. It was having a boyfriend. It was staying up late every night, just because I could. It was going to prom in a long limo and a princess dress and falling in love with my prince charming. It was graduating top of my class. It was being friends with everyone and smiling all the time. It was a fairytale. I never believed in real fairytales. I didn’t think that Cinderella ever actually went to that ball, or married her prince. I didn’t believe that, somewhere in France, there was a prince trans-figured into a monster waiting for the love of his life to come and make him human again. I never actually bought into the whole- spoiler alert- Santa Claus thing. And fairies? Please. No, it just wasn’t plausible that these people ever existed, or the magical events in their lives ever took place. Take notice that I said “these people” and “them”- I fully believed that they could happen to me. I was absolutely convinced that I was a princess who would someday marry a prince- just look up my name; it’s Hebrew for “princess”. I accepted as truth that if I conjured enough happy thoughts, I would just fly away to a place where I would never be sad again. And though I never laid credit in my sneaking sus-picion that I had something purely magical in-side of me, I won’t deny that once or twice I may have actually tried to use the Force. Poked and prodded by popular culture, the aforementioned vision of my future was something that I genuinely put stock into. I re-ally, truly believed it. I was convinced that high school would be glossy enough to make itself into a magazine. Now, when that dream is no longer my fu-ture, but my present, let me make it clear how un-dream-like it is. I never cheered from the stands at football games- I was in the band for three years, pro-viding the inspirational background music. I yelled, sweated, and wore hilariously unattract-ive uniform pieces (bibbers). After I quit in time for this year, I only went to two of the games, and I walked around the whole time, rarely if ever cheering. As far as having a boyfriend, I would like to insert a massive face-palm here for ever think-ing that life could revolve around the mutual affirmation between myself and a guy. I won’t bore you all with the details, but instead I will say this: it’s nice to have a significant other, but unnecessary. And that’s that. When I stay up late, it’s because I have to, and not just because I can. Don’t believe my parents- if my bedroom light is still on past midnight, I’m not messing around. I’m working. Either that, or my mind won’t turn off and I’m lying in bed with my eyes firmly shut, just wishing to fall asleep. I crave sleep. I daydream about nap-
ping, no lie. Yes, I went to Prom. Yes, I went in a limo. But no, I did not wear a princess dress, and no, I did not fall in love with a Prince Charming, Cinder-ella-style. I wore a suit, complete with a jacket. Say what you want, but I didn’t have to worry about the wind at the courthouse, and no one stepped on my skirt on the dance floor. I went without a date, and I was fine with that. When you don’t have a date, you can break up the awkward feeling of the king and queen dance with whomever you want. And I did. (Cameron Christman. Thank you.) As far as my grades go, I always wanted to graduate top of my class. But, as time has worn on, my affinity for math has quickly become a deep-seated loathing. Math and I do not get along, to put it nicely. Because of this, my grades have suffered, and I’ll not be graduating at the top of my class. So I graduate blue instead of black. So what? So I’ll wear my brother Mark’s gown, instead of our oldest brother Matthew’s. It doesn’t matter. Finally, let’s talk about the last part of my vi-sion: the “being friends with everyone and smil-ing all the time” part. This is the most important part of it, so pay attention. I am not friends with everyone. This is not to say that I am distinctly unfriendly with every-one; I’m just not friends with them, and I hate it. Sophomore year, I realized that seriously awe-some things can happen when you open your-self up to other people. That year, I made friends with one of the most influential people I would ever know, just because I said one word: “Hey”. I won’t credit them by name, and even though they will probably never read this, thank you. Moving on. My general point with this is that everyone should be open to making friends. I just think that it would be fantastic to be friends with everyone, even though it’s not happening, and I hate that it’s not. I also do not smile all the time. I have what we call a… oh… that’s not school appropriate. Well, basically, I frown if my face isn’t busy. If I had a drop of water for how many times I’ve been asked, “Are you okay?” when I’ve been perfectly fine, I would have a very nice little pond. Maybe even with goldfish in it, who knows? When I was young, I thought my success in life could be measured by how much I smiled, how many friends I had, what clothes I wore, and what people thought of me. And though it would make life a little bit easier if I had what I thought I would have, I’m not starving for it. Sometimes, I frown. I don’t have as many friends as I’d like. My clothes are not always fantastic. I’m not making straight A’s. And not everyone likes me. Oh, well. High school for me turned out to be vastly different than the sparkly fairytale I envisioned for myself as a kid. And you know what? Thank goodness it was.
The final senior event at the end of the year, Project Gradua-tion, is a positive tradition and students are encouraged to attend the event. Starting their third year, juniors raise money by work-ing the football concession stands in order to help pay for the post-graduation party. Project Graduation is a nationally recognized alcohol/drug free event providing graduates a safe alternative to celebrating their achievement. Students are bussed the night of graduation to a certain location to participate in a series of events and activities; the next day they are served breakfast and taken back home. This year’s Project Graduation will take place at the Solana Club in Westlake, Texas the night of graduation. Throughout a student’s entire high school experi-ence, there isn’t time allotted for a class to bond except through Project Graduation. This is the last night most students will see all their classmates and by bringing them together the night of graduation, the bonding reverberates a sense of camaraderie amongst the graduates. Most of these students spent all twelve years in school together. Project Graduation allows peers one more night
together before they are exposed to life after high school. According to maranausd.org, teen drivers are involved in twice as many fatal car crashes per mile than adults. When alcohol is in-volved, that number rises much higher. During the months of May and June, typical graduation months, more teen drivers are injured/killed between 10:00 pm-4:00 am. By safely bussing students to and
from the Project Graduation location, the risk of un-safe behavior is eliminated. This is in the best interest of parents, teachers and especially students to partici-pate. Parents and class representatives work to ensure that the class goes somewhere they will enjoy and stay safe. They take the time to plan out the budget and activi-ties. Attending Project Graduation is one last way to
show appreciation for all of their diligence. Their concern for stu-dent welfare and enjoying a positive night is important and should be taken seriously. Seniors are encouraged to attend Project Graduation because it is safe and allows one last night together as a class.
>>Taking the high roadProject graduation provides safe after-party
StaffEditorial
Vote>> 9/9
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532
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What You Think AboutProject Graduation
“I’m definitely going. I think it’s a great place to go have fun with friends and to be in a safe and secure environment. I’m extremely excited for the hypnotist and the mechanical bull.” -Tyler Sirman, 12
“I don’t really care, I’m just going.”-Austin Raburn, 12
“I think it’s a great idea to have one last get together with all of our classes.” -Bianca Morrison, 12
“I’m going because all my friends are go-ing.” -Natalie Neighbors, 12
“I think it’s going to be fun and it sounds like a great way to end senior year.” -Kory Jones, 12
2011 Project Graduation- Solana Club
Courtesy of Karen Isham
“I think it could be fun but I don’t want to stay all night.” -Hunter Sutton, 12
“Project Graduation is safe because people don’t go out and party.” -Derion Laird, 126 7
6
facebookStudents add teachers when they graduateWe asked students who they plan to add when they walk across the stage and why.
Write something...Daniel Gamino
Alex Williamson
Will Doubrava
Bianca Morrison
Kristina Bird
David Park
Chris Saunders
Colton Gillispie
“I would add Mrs. Pace in a heartbeat because she is so freaking awesome.”
“Mrs. Matheny and Mrs Pace. Mrs. Matheny because she is cool and likes Muse and Lord of the Rings. Mrs. Pace because she’s taken care of all the seniors every year.”
“I will add Señor because he is my friend forever.”
“Señor Stewart because he keeps in touch with former students through Facebook.”
“I would add them if they have earned the right to be my friend but I am not going to search them out.”
“If they request me, I will accept it, if I like them, and have earned my respect.”
“I would want Mr. Akchin because he is a cool cat.”
“I would add Mrs. Micinski because she is so funny and she is awesome. I would love to keep in contact with her because she has encouraged me this year.”
Check out more eavesdrop everyday at
www.decaturjournal.com
“I would like to glue my horse’s tail back on, but the glue is made out of him.”
“We should write a letter to that MLA book. I hate it.”
“I’m a little bit too cool.”
“It’s like Boo Radley; you never know when they will come out.”
“Paris, have you ever been kissed by anyone but me?”
“Would you go to jail if you stole from a museum?”
C ol e Wendling E ditionE av e s d r o p
7
Photos by Allie Davis
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Bobbi Clemmer
Sport/School:Soccer/Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX
How much does your schol-arship pay for? Full-ride
What position do you plan on playing? Center mid
What do you plan to major in? Physical Therapy or Nu-trition
What do you plan to do after college? After college, I would love to go overseas and play but not as a perma-nent thing.
Colton Parker
Sport/School:Basebal l /Northeast Texas Commu-nity College in Mt. Pleasant, TX
How much does your schol-arship pay for? 80 percent
What position do you plan on playing? Catcher
What do you plan to major in? Business
What do you plan to do af-ter college? After school, I’m either going to try to enlist in the air force or try to find a job somewhere.
Joey Redwine
Sport/School:Volleyball/St. Gregory University in Shaw-nee, OK
How much does your schol-arship pay for? Full-ride
What position do you plan on playing? Setting and hit-ing right side
What are your goals for volleyball as a college ath-lete? To play all four years is the main goal.
What do you plan to major in? Biology
Taking it to the Next Level
Garrett Muehlstein
Sport/School:Football/Ste-phen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX
How much does your schol-arship pay for? Full-ride
What position do you plan on playing? Quarterback or Reciever
What are your goals for football as a college ath-lete? To play for three or four years
What do you plan to major in? Business Economics or Agribusiness
Leia Andriotto
Sp or t/S cho ol :S of tb a l l /Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas
How much does your schol-arship pay for? 80 percent
What position do you plan on playing? Third base and outfield
What are your goals for softball as a college athlete?I want to play for the next two years and move up to play at a university level.
What do you plan to major in? Nursing
Annelise Carpenter
Sport/School:Volleyball/Cameron University in Law-ton, OK
How much does your schol-arship pay for? Full-ride
What position do you plan on playing? Middle
What are your goals for vol-leyball as a college athlete?To be an all conference player and do something for Cameron that hasn’t been done before.
What do you plan to major in? Sports Broadcasting
D.J. Roberts
Sport/School:Basebal l /Grayson County College in Denison, TX
How much does your schol-arship pay for? Full-ride
What position do you plan on playing? Shortstop
What are your goals for baseball as a college ath-lete? I want to win and benefit as much as possible. Grayson has a good repu-tation for advancing guys to the next level, so I think that going there puts me in a good position.
Coleman Stapp
Sport/School:Footbal l /Abilene Christian Universityin Abilene, TX
What position do you plan on playing? Outside line-backer or safety
What are your goals for vol-leyball as a college athlete?To become a starter and and become a successful team player.
What do you plan to major in? Buisness Management
Taking it to the Next LevelPhoto by Austin Lamirand
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
TexasTexas TechCollin CowdreyAllie HandlonBrooke MillicanKortni Robinson
West Texas CollegeLeia Andriotto
ColoradoRegis UniversityMeagan Wynn
Oklahoma
Oklahoma StateUniversityDillan BrownJacob CortezRyan Holaway
University of Oklahoma Honors CollegeTamara Green
Cameron UniversityAnnelise Carpenter
University of Oklahoma Hayley Raasch
IdahoBrigham Young UniversityCasie BillmireFlorida
University of Western FloridaShane Pogue
Full Sail Brittney Johnson
WyoTechZach Ramirez
New Mexico
New Mexico State UniversityDori Hutchins
St. Gregory’s UniversityJoey Redwine
OtherUndecidedJeremy AdamsRuby GonzalesGunner HackerJoel HinsonCaleb Hogan
Andres Martinez Elliott MoonHerandi MunozHeather OchoaUrmisha PatelKelsey Rogers
MarinesClayton CallahanNolan Newville
ArmyCole Selby
NavyZachary Hoskins
Work ForceMartin Avina Castaneda Joshua CabanMaria Perez
Did Not ReplyBrittny CordellMichael DarrowJason FrankeLacy FranklinMario FuentesColton GillispieDavontae GordonLuke GravelleKrista GuessKasey HaleTaylor HollingsworthDavid JonesHagen KingGreyson LemmonTanner Lemmon
Blake LindseyArtemio LopezDianna MartinezVictoria MayoChanan MorrisonEric PerezDominique PishottaStephanie RobertsYessica RodriguezEduardo RojoMariah RoweDaniela SaenzHeather SanduskyFrankie ShawHaven Simon
Haley SuttonHunter SuttonMarcus TarterMicah TaylorMason TerrellRebecca TheleReavan ThomasMaria TorresKendall TrachtaCHance TurnerElizabeth WestfallEmily WestfallKaia WhiteKelby WhiteJohn Winfrey
Seniors’ future college homes
12
Abilene Christian UniversityHaley DaleAbigail KelloggCassidee LoweColeman StappHayden WalkerTyler Sirman
Art InstituteMegan LyonMarcus Simpson
Blinn CollegeMeghan ElliottDaniel GaminoColby MedlinConner SnowDryden Frank
Cisco Jr. CollegeCody BarlowArthur Williamson
Corpus Christi A&MKieran Lorino
Dallas BaptistNatalie Neighbors
Grayson County CollegeDylan McCrackenMartha MoradoDJ Roberts
Lincoln Technical College Lacie Fawley
Midwestern StateIngrid BoatmanPayton BonerHannah DavidsonLupe PerezTaylor Spence
NCTCJared DobbsRoxann AlonsoCourtney Massie
TarletonHaden CarpenterTaylor KennedyKara Rodden
North East Texas EMT AcademyTori Haynie
Northeast Texas Jr. CollegeColton Parker
Stephen F. Austin University Garrett Muehlstein
TCCAlexia AguilarClaudia AguinagaJenessy BarrientosCristal LedesmaCarly SchusterCharles SiglerCassandra Moreno
Texas A&MWill DoubravaBlake HaneyChristian RooseKrista TamplenKortney TompkinsVeronica TorresChandler Young
Texas Christian University Bobbi ClemmerKellie FlesherAustin Lamirand
Texas State UniversityZoe EstradaWhitney VrbaJacob Walker
Texas TechCollin CowdreyAllie HandlonBrooke MillicanKortni Robinson
Texas Women’s UniversityDerion LairdTSTC
Cruz NiblettBryan RipolioArnulfo LiraEduardo RomoGerardo Galindo
University of HoustonReece Fitzgerald
University of Incarnate Word Andrea Rivera
University of Mary Hardin Baylor Lauren Provan
UNTJohn Michael AvettBrevon BlaylockCiara CurrinJessica StenzelBrianna White
University of TexasArin BlaylockBianca MorrisonZuleima PalomoAustin RaburnPaulina SanchezKenzie Snell
UT San AntonioVictor Ortiz
Waco CollegeColton Petty
WADEMegan Delgado
Juan AlvarezBraiden BeckDustin BrazeauBeth BuggarCarmen BurcuagaPedro CastilloRaymond CortezCatherine DayAmanda DelkaCelia Gamino
Weatherford CollegeJade GarnerThomas GarrettCaitlin GogniatTaylor GrayKristen HerringtonDelayna HicksErika LampkinGregoire MouaTiphanee NicholsKarissa NicolsonWhittnie NoeEbony PenaJuan PerezCody PippinDalton PottsAriel RenaudEfrain RuizDanny SandateChris SaundersConner WhiteMargarite GaminoJosh Murphy
West Texas CollegeLeia Andriotto
Ala
ska
Alaska Pacific UniversityAmber Silletti
Barber SchoolFrancisco Murillo Police Academy
Eric Ramirez
New
Yor
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U.S. Merchant Marine AcademySamuel Kevetter
Arizona
Northern Arizona UniversitySavannah DeLaurentis
Toni & GuyCarolina Ortiz
St. Edwards UniversitySarah Stromberg
Collin County Community CollegeAshley Hunter
ArkansasHarding UniversityKory Jones
Angelo StateSydney Gregg
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Jeremy Adams Alexia Aguilar Claudia Aguinaga Roxann Alonso Juan Alvarez Leia Andriotto John Michael Avett Martin Avina Castaneda Cody Barlow Jenessy Barrientos Braiden Beck Casie Billmire Arin Blaylock Brevon Blaylock Ingrid Boatman Payton Boner Dustin Brazeau Beth Buggar Carmen Burciaga Joshua Caban Clayton Callahan Annelise Carpenter Haden Carpenter Pedro JR Castillo Bobbi Clemmer Brittny Cordell Jacob Cortez Raymond Cortez Collin Cowdrey Ciara Currin
Haley Dale Michael Darrow Hannah Davidson Catherine Day Savannah DeLaurentis Megan Delgado Amanda Delka Jared Dobbs Will Doubrava Meghan Elliott Zoe Estrada Lacie Fawley Reece Fitzgerald Kellie Flesher Dryden Frank Jason Franke Lacy Franklin Mario
Fuentes Gerardo Galindo Celia Gamino Daniel Gamino Margarita Gamino Jade Garner Thomas Garrett Colton Gillispie Caitlin Gogniat Ruby Gonzales Davontae Gordon Luke Gravelle Taylor Gray Tamara Green Sydney Gregg Krista Guess Gunner Hacker
Kasey Hale Allie Handlon Blake Haney Tori Haynie Kristen Herrington Delayna Hicks Joel Hinson Caleb Hogan Ryan Holaway Taylor Hollingsworth Zachary Hoskins Ashley Hunter Dori Hutchins Cooper Jackson Brittany Johnson David
Jones Kory Jones Abigail Kellogg Taylor Kennedy Samuel Kevetter Hagen King Derion Laird Austin Lamirand Erika Lampkin Cristal Ledesma Greyson Lemmon Tanner Lemmon Blake Lindsey Arnulfo Lira Artemio Lopez
Kieran Lorino Cassidee Lowe Megan Lyon Andres Martinez Vargas Dianna Martinez Courtney Massie Vicky Mayo Dylan McCracken Colby Medlin Brooke Millican Elliott Moon Martha Morado Cassandra
Moreno Bianca Morrison Chanan Morrison Gregoire Moua Garrett Muehlstein Herandi Munoz Francisco Murillo Josh Murphy Natalie Neighbors Nolan N e w v i l l e Cruz Niblett Tiphanee Nichols Karissa Nicholson Whittnie Noe Heather Ochoa Carolina Ortiz Vicor Ortiz Zuleima Palomo Colton Parker Urmisha Patel Ebony Pena Eric Perez Lupe Perez Juan Perez Maria Perez Colton Petty Cody Pippin Dominique Pishotta Shane Pogue Dalton Potts Lauren Provan Hayley Raasch Austin Raburn Eric Ramirez Zachary Ramirez Joey Redwine Ariel Renaud Bryan Ropolio Andrea Rivera DJ Roberts Stephanie Roberts Kortni Robinson Kara Rodden Yessica Rodriguez Kelsey Rogers Eduardo Rojo Pinedo Eduardo Romo Christian Roose M a r i a h Rowe Efrain Ruiz Daniela Saenz Paulina Sanchez Danny Sandate Heather Sandusky Christopher Saunders Carly Schuster Cole Selby Frankie Shaw Charles Siglar Amber Silletti Haven Simon Marcus Simpson Tyler Sirman Kenzie Snell Conner Snow Taylor Spence Coleman Stapp Jessica Stenzel Sarah Stromberg Haley Sutton Hunter Sutton Krista Tamplen Marcus Tarter Micah Taylor Mason Terrell Rebecca Thele Reavan Thomas Kortney Tompkins Maria Torres Veronica Torres Kendall Trachta Chance Turner Whitney Vrba Hayden Walker Jacob Walker Elizabeth Westfall Emily Westfall Brianna White Kaia White Kelby White Conner White Alex Williamson John William Winfrey Meagan Wynn Chandler Young
“May your hats fly as high as your dreams.” >> Coleman Stapp16
Jeremy Adams Alexia Aguilar Claudia Aguinaga Roxann Alonso Juan Alvarez Leia Andriotto John Michael Avett Martin Avina Castaneda Cody Barlow Jenessy Barrientos Braiden Beck Casie Billmire Arin Blaylock Brevon Blaylock Ingrid Boatman Payton Boner Dustin Brazeau Beth Buggar Carmen Burciaga Joshua Caban Clayton Callahan Annelise Carpenter Haden Carpenter Pedro JR Castillo Bobbi Clemmer Brittny Cordell Jacob Cortez Raymond Cortez Collin Cowdrey Ciara Currin
Haley Dale Michael Darrow Hannah Davidson Catherine Day Savannah DeLaurentis Megan Delgado Amanda Delka Jared Dobbs Will Doubrava Meghan Elliott Zoe Estrada Lacie Fawley Reece Fitzgerald Kellie Flesher Dryden Frank Jason Franke Lacy Franklin Mario
Fuentes Gerardo Galindo Celia Gamino Daniel Gamino Margarita Gamino Jade Garner Thomas Garrett Colton Gillispie Caitlin Gogniat Ruby Gonzales Davontae Gordon Luke Gravelle Taylor Gray Tamara Green Sydney Gregg Krista Guess Gunner Hacker
Kasey Hale Allie Handlon Blake Haney Tori Haynie Kristen Herrington Delayna Hicks Joel Hinson Caleb Hogan Ryan Holaway Taylor Hollingsworth Zachary Hoskins Ashley Hunter Dori Hutchins Cooper Jackson Brittany Johnson David
Jones Kory Jones Abigail Kellogg Taylor Kennedy Samuel Kevetter Hagen King Derion Laird Austin Lamirand Erika Lampkin Cristal Ledesma Greyson Lemmon Tanner Lemmon Blake Lindsey Arnulfo Lira Artemio Lopez
Kieran Lorino Cassidee Lowe Megan Lyon Andres Martinez Vargas Dianna Martinez Courtney Massie Vicky Mayo Dylan McCracken Colby Medlin Brooke Millican Elliott Moon Martha Morado Cassandra
Moreno Bianca Morrison Chanan Morrison Gregoire Moua Garrett Muehlstein Herandi Munoz Francisco Murillo Josh Murphy Natalie Neighbors Nolan N e w v i l l e Cruz Niblett Tiphanee Nichols Karissa Nicholson Whittnie Noe Heather Ochoa Carolina Ortiz Vicor Ortiz Zuleima Palomo Colton Parker Urmisha Patel Ebony Pena Eric Perez Lupe Perez Juan Perez Maria Perez Colton Petty Cody Pippin Dominique Pishotta Shane Pogue Dalton Potts Lauren Provan Hayley Raasch Austin Raburn Eric Ramirez Zachary Ramirez Joey Redwine Ariel Renaud Bryan Ropolio Andrea Rivera DJ Roberts Stephanie Roberts Kortni Robinson Kara Rodden Yessica Rodriguez Kelsey Rogers Eduardo Rojo Pinedo Eduardo Romo Christian Roose M a r i a h Rowe Efrain Ruiz Daniela Saenz Paulina Sanchez Danny Sandate Heather Sandusky Christopher Saunders Carly Schuster Cole Selby Frankie Shaw Charles Siglar Amber Silletti Haven Simon Marcus Simpson Tyler Sirman Kenzie Snell Conner Snow Taylor Spence Coleman Stapp Jessica Stenzel Sarah Stromberg Haley Sutton Hunter Sutton Krista Tamplen Marcus Tarter Micah Taylor Mason Terrell Rebecca Thele Reavan Thomas Kortney Tompkins Maria Torres Veronica Torres Kendall Trachta Chance Turner Whitney Vrba Hayden Walker Jacob Walker Elizabeth Westfall Emily Westfall Brianna White Kaia White Kelby White Conner White Alex Williamson John William Winfrey Meagan Wynn Chandler Young
“May your hats fly as high as your dreams.” >> Coleman Stapp
Photos by Yearbook Editor/Photographer Lupe Perez
17
Wise Performing Arts Guild Presents:
June 8th and 9th, 7:00pmDecatur High School Theatre
For Tickets contact: [email protected]
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES
Start your financial future with a solid strategy.
May your futures be full of good health, happiness, success and prosperity.
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
“The future belongs to those who believe inthe beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Randy Bowker,CFP®, AAMS®Financial Advisor.
1816 S Fm 51Suite 2200Decatur, TX 76234940-627-1620
940-627-2832
Alice in Wonderland
Dear 2013 seniors, One more year. As you enter into your last year of high school in the fall, you will begin to recognize that you are reaching a major culmina-tion in your life. Some of you will work yourselves to death with AP and Dual Courses while others will take it easy by filling your schedule with flex, teacher aids and other equally demanding courses. I am not so ignorant as to think that anything I say will greatly influence the plan you have most likely already established for yourself. However, speaking from experience, I would suggest that you trust your gut in your senior year, for it will propel you to independence and the real world. Work hard and play hard. If you achieve these, you will feel both accomplished and content that you have made the most of your final year. The end of high school carries with it many responsibilities and de-mands that can lead to worry and stress. However, if you follow a few of my suggestions, you will be able to completely remove anxiety from your senior year. If you believe this, I am sorry to say that you are a bit naïve. Stress exists and nothing I or anyone else tells you will keep it from getting to you. Whether this stress stems from AP tests, athletics, college applications, fine arts, FFA, or a poetry competition, you won’t be able to escape it. That being said, there are ways to prevent ulcers and nervous habits from controlling you life.1. Don’t worry about situations you can’t control.2. As easy as it is to procrastinate, try not to.3. Once it’s over, let it go. You can’t unfail a test or unlose a game. Ace the next test and win the next game but don’t stress about the past.4. Enjoy yourself. Have a good time with your friends while you’re still together. Near the end of your senior year, you will be battered with tests, scholarship applications, college applications, etc. My advice to you on this is to start thinking about your future career now. With a clear goal in mind, you can remove unnecessary chaos from already active senior experience. Throughout my senior year, I have become more and more anxious to graduate and move on with the next stage of my life. However, as graduation draws near, I am forced to acknowledge all the benefits of high school and all the memories I have made. I urge you, class of 2013, to slow down and appreciate your final year. It’s cliché, but it will be over before you know it. One more year.
Christian Roose
To the Class of 2013, You’re about to be the senior class of Decatur High School! While this is a very exciting experience because you get to be the top dogs on campus, there are few bits of advice that I would like to offer to hope-fully improve your last year of high school: If you choose to seek a college education, start the application pro-cess as soon as possible. This may sound ridiculous, but I promise you, the process is very laborious and it can pile up on you quickly. It’s a good idea to let a couple of your favorite teachers review your applica-tion before you submit it to the college or colleges of your choice. Even though you’re nearing the end of your high school career, do not give up on standardized tests. Whether it’s the SAT, ACT, or another exam, it may seem like a waste of time, but it could seriously be the key to your future career. Each of you has the potential to find a great and fulfilling position in life, so don’t settle with anything but your best performance. Dual Credit and AP Students, keep up the hard work! You just might be saving your parents thousands of dollars by succeeding in these classes. They deserve it! Even though your senior year will require considerable focus and determination, it will also be incredibly fun! You’re just now becoming an adult and you will have all kinds of new freedom. If you handle it with maturity, your year will be full with experiences that you’ll never forget. There are several kinds of relationships that will be changing for you soon, including your relationships with teachers, friends, and fam-ily. While your entire life transitions, it’s a good idea to step back for a moment and appreciate the moments when your favorite teachers have imparted wisdom or when your close friends have supported you through tough times. Most importantly, this is your time to start show-ing your appreciation to the people who have molded you your whole life: your family. Conventionally structured or not, your family has spent the last 18 years or so devoting their time and energy to building you into an able member of society. Therefore, they deserve your im-measurable thanks and recognition. Lastly, never give up on striving to be your best. From experience I can tell you that you will face rejection, stress, and hardship at some point this year and in the future. However, if you take every high and low with a bit of perspective, you will be prepared to fight for your place in the next part of your life. No matter your background, anyone can achieve greatness. Now go enjoy summer, your very last year of high school, and the world of opportunities beyond! Your friend, Tyler Sirman
ValedictorianChristian Roose Salutatorian
Tyler SIrman1 2
The Road to Success3 Blake Haney
Texas A&M University 4 Tamara GreenUniversity of Oklahoma 5 Kory Jones
Harding University 6Zuleima PalomoUniversity of Texas
Major/Minor: Civil Engineer-ing/Spanish
How has your hard work paid off? My class rank and the accep-tance to a school I really desired to attend.
Who is your favorite teacher and why? Señor Stewart. I have had him practically all of high school and he has really helped me love Spanish.
Major/Minor: Undecided
What is your advice to new students and freshmen?Never think that you’re too cool to do anything. Be open to new experiences, and be yourself.
Who is your favorite teacher and why?Honestly, the teachers I’ve had throughout high school have been the best part of my entire experience. A few of the most significant are Mrs. Parker, Mr. Morse, Mrs. Micinski, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Shackman. They are all remarkable and inspirational individuals who I genuinely love. I appreciate and admire them all more than I could ever possibly describe.
Major/Minor: English Licensure/Spanish
What is your advice to new students and freshmen?Try everything. Freshman year is your chance to do whatever you want, so get involved in everything.
What is your favorite subject and why?History. By learning from the mistakes of the past, we can shape a better and more productive future and avoid sad mistakes.
Major/Minor: Nursing/ Business Financing
Who is your favorite teacher and why?My favorite teacher is Mrs. Johnson. She has motivated me throughout high school and although her classes are rather challenging for me, I know they are giving me a good base and preparation for college. She is very persistent and is willing to give up her own time to help you out at any moment.
What is your favorite subject and why?My favorite subject is calculus because although I want to pull my hair out most of the time, when I finally understand something it is a very rewarding feeling.
The Road to Success7 Andrea Rivera
Incarnate Word 8 Hayley RaaschUniversity of Oklahoma 9 Arin Blaylock
University of Texas 10Chandler YoungTexas A&M University
Major/Minor: Pre-Optometry
What is your advice to incoming upperclassmen?Get through the first semester and good luck with senioritis, because there’s no way around it. What is your favorite subject and why?English, because I’m one of those nerdy people who actually likes to read. Second would be yearbook, because Mrs. Berry has been like my second mother and has made journalism so enjoyable for me.
Major/Minor: Double Major in Ethics and Religion & Constitutional Letters,Double Minor in Spanish and General Business
What is your advice to new students and freshmen?Do your homework. I know it is a lot to ask of yourself, but just do it. Always try to push yourself because you can unlock your true potential.
How has your hard work paid off?I took all AP classes, worked three jobs and did choir, swim team and Mock Trial. Throughout all of this, I learned how to work hard, manage my time, and how to keep going when things get tough. I am now more ready for college than I ever dreamed I would be.
Major/Minor: Liberal Arts/Finance
What is your advice to incoming upperclassmen?You can’t have senioritis unless you’re a senior. You don’t have the right to complain until second semester of your senior year.
How has your hard work paid off?Forcing myself out of my comfort zone has given me the self-confidence to pursue whatever passion I want. My amazing teachers have helped me build a great foundation for college.
Major/Minor: Business/Finance
What is your advice to incoming students and freshmen?Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved and always keep trying to meet new people you may have not been friends with in the past.
Who is your favorite teacher and why?My favorite teacher is definitely Mrs. Smith. I have been honored to have her as my English teacher for three years at DHS and every year has been amazing. She knows how to liven up any lecture or piece of literature.
Then &Now Seniors look back at what they wanted to be then and they look at their future and share what they want to be now.
Amber Silletti - Vet : Marine BiologistCole Selby - Ninja : Airborne Ranger in ArmyAnnelise Carpenter - CSI : Sports BroadcastingJohn Barlow - Firefighter : Criminal InvestigatorAshley Hunter - Vet : Music ProducerNatilie Neighbors - Famous : Professional SingerLacie Fawley - Vet : WelderClayton Callahan - Soldier : Police officer/firefighterIngrid Boatman - Diver : PsychiatristHannah Davidson - Nurse : NurseLupe Perez - Doctor : Health AdministratorJared Dobbs - Motorcross rider : Professional Motorcross riderSavannah DeLaurentis - Princess : NurseHayley Raasch - Meteorologist : AttorneyKara Rodden - Teacher : HS Band DirectorAlexia Aguilar - Circus Performer : Make-up ArtistJenessy Barrioentos - Astronaut : Nurse Veronica Torres - Dentist : Physicians AssistantGerardo Galindo - Architect : Landscape Designer
Jeremy Adams - Professional Baseball Player : Physical TherapistRuby Gonzales - Astronaut : Medical ExaminerAndrea Rivera - Librarian : OptometristBrevon Blaylock - Doctor : DoctorBianca Morrison - Newscaster : Graphic Designer for GQArin Blaylock - Scientist : LawyerJuan Alvarez - Doctor : Athletic TrainerBraiden Beck - WWII Historian : Interpreter/TranslatorElizabeth Buggar - Teacher : Own my own restaurantCatherine Day - Cosmetologist : CosmetologistJade Garner - Doctor : DoctorThomas Garrett - Archeologist : Graphic DesignerTaylor Gray - Nurse : CosmetologistKristen Herrington - Vet : CosmetologistTiphanee Nichols - Princess : Special Ed teacherWhittnie Noe - Airplane Mechanic : Radiology TechnicianAriel Renaud - Nurse : Sign language interpreterDanny Sandate - Police : ParamedicCristal Ledesma - Doctor : Pediatrician
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Class
FavoritesAll-Around Favorite
Next American Idol
Best Dressed
Elliott MoonNatalie Neighbors
Blake LindseyNatalie Neighbors
Mason TerrellKornti Robinson
Most Spirited
Next Model
Prettiest Smile
Class Clown
Best Laugh
Most Creative
Coleman StappSarah Stromberg
Austin LamirandMason Terrell
Bianca Morrison
Will DoubravaHaley Dale
Tanner LemmonLacy Franklin
Samuel KevetterKellie Flesher
Hayden WalkerKory Jones
Most Likely to Succeed
Prettiest Eyes
Best Personality
Cutest Couple
Most Unpredictable
Most Athletic
Christian RooseTamara Green
Austin LamirandSydney Gregg
Efrain RuizSavannah DeLaurentis
Caleb HoganLacy Franklin
Colby MedlinPayton Boner
Garrett MuehlsteinJoey Redwine**Results out of 79 surveys22
Mr. & Miss DHS
What is your biggest achievement in high school? A: Being named district MVP in basketball B: Going to state in track
If you could be any appliance, what would you be? A: A fridge, freezer, or fan because I am always temperature hot B: A radio, because I love music
If you could live anywhere where would it be? A: In a tree house mansion in New Zealand B: San Diego, California
What are you going to miss about DHS? A: I am going to miss my friends and the teachers I got close to B: The coaches I highly respect, the great friends I’ve made, and all of my teachers
What’s the weirdest thing you enjoy? A: I love getting my toes popped B: I like to make ugly faces at total strangers
What is your favorite unhealthy snack? A: It’s a tie between chocolate ice cream with milk on top of it and Double Stuf Oreos with chocolate milk B: Raw chocolate chip cookie dough
What can you usually find playing on your iPod? A: Mac Miller B: Shania Twain
What movie do you know every line to? A: White Chicks B: The Hangover
Both will attend TCU in the fall.
A: Austin LamirandB: Bobbi Clemmer Photo by Allie Davis 23
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Student section during all the basketball games and all my unique out� ts & Daisy Duke shorts. -Coleman Stapp
Going 10-0 in the football season and breaking my ankle in the second game. -Cole Selby
Athletics, especially during volleyball season. -Annelise Carpenter
My freshman year when we won state cross country. It was a surprise. Family and coaches had sweats on and unzipped to reveal the shirts saying that we had won state. -Natalie Neighbors
When my pants ripped junior year. -Ingrid Boatman
Cheering at playo� s during junior and senior year, and hiding in the choir cabinets in choir in 8th grade. -Pay-ton Boner
Cheer camp when we got stuck on the elevator. -Hannah Davidson
My junior year when I was running away from O� cer Schwabe in the parking lot. We all got away except for Tanner Lemmon. -Caleb Hogan
In 6th grade, our whole class (grade) got in trouble for a dodgeball game. -Lupe Perez
Winter Park choir trip because it was the � rst time I went snowboarding. -Dori Hutchins
Gym � ursdays. -Veronica Torres and Bianca Morrison
Watching Every 15 Minutes at school. -Charles Sigler
In fourth grade me and Chanan stole Lacy’s glasses and ran into a tree. -Tori Haynie
Winning two state titles and breaking two state records. -Dillon Brown
In 8th grade I got thrown through a wall in choir. -Haden Carpenter
� e athletic training trips junior and senior year. -Whittnie Noe
Being in the play Zorro. -Alexia Aguilar
When Nolan, Dillan, Chad, Cody, DJ and I painted our bodies for the Battle of Big Sandy. -Efrain Ruiz
Going to state this year and winning 3rd. It was the best meet of my life. -Nolan Newville
Winning the state tractor competition junior year.-Cruz Niblett
In 5th grade when we had our fun day, and we were with our home room classes all day long. We all had match-ing shirts, and got to do fun stu� like go outside and do whatever. -Delayna Hicks
Working with the special needs kids. -Tiphanee Nichols
In 10th grade when we went to the playo� s for soccer. We were the � rst ones to do it in Decatur so it was cool. -Gunner Hacker
When I pitched a one-hit shutout my sophomore year. -Jeremy Adams
In seventh grade Clayton Cross pushed me through a window and it cut my hand open. Coach Jordan made us clean up the mess. -Joel Hinson
Paulina Sanchez telling me to shut up in kindergarten. -Andrea Rivera
Back to back state championships in cross country. -Zu-leima Palomo
Making the class � oat junior year. -Arin Blaylock
Naptime; it was the best. -Elizabeth Buggar
� e year I couldn’t take art. I was so sad. -Carmen Bur-ciaga
Me and Lauren Provan going to football games as train-ers with Coach Escobar. -Ariel Renaud
� is year when Cruz Niblett, Tori Haynie and I were rid-ing in tires up to the ag barn. -Caitlin Gogniat
When we dressed up as cheerleaders for our 7th grade pep rally. -Will Doubrava
In 4th grade Mrs. Bowles had a centipede. -Joshua Caban
24
Add it
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2012
TeacherMemories
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Jay Harris:John Avett - Chicken wing volleyballBrevon Blaylock - Combination lock to the headDillan Brown - Rodeo clown hand shake and his version of the loser danceClayton Callahan - Civil War Buff and history affecienalsCaitlin Gogniat - Extra drill team practiceGunner Hacker - Greatest basketball name everAllie Handlon - Spit out your gum and tell your brother Kris to stop un-screwing my Christmas lightsTori Haynie - Extra, extra drill team practiceAustin Jones - Always a smile and a helloBlake Lindsey - Worse knees than mine, Mr. Positive AttitudeJosh Murphy - Make a fairly attractive girl with make-up onCruz Niblett - One of the three amigos who actually did his workCarolina and Victor Ortiz - The Badminton twinsCody Pippin - The pipsterDalton Potts - Kelby make you look goodAustin Raburn - makes Logan look buffColeman Stapp - Hoosier DaddyHayden Walker - The nicest guy I knowKelby White - Where is your notebook?
Terri UlbergEduardo Rojo and Andres Martinez – I’ll never forget the day I introduced them to each other when they first enrolled in 9th grade. They smiled and shook hands, and I knew they would give each other needed support and friendship throughout their high school years.
Sheila HaleBrevon Blaylock – Brevon’s little sister Miranda asked him to bring her stuffed Minnie Mouse doll to school to show his 3rd grade teacher. He told her no, so she put it in his backpack before he left for school without him knowing it. When he started to unpack his things at school he had to take out the doll in order to get his other things out. He blushed but explained to his classmates why he had the doll and made certain that his teacher saw it.
DeDe DiaczenkoLacy Franklin - I remember Lacy Franklin anxiously saying to me, “Ms. D, I am so nervous about high school...” To which I replied, “Lacy, YOU were made for high school!” And I believe she has proven that over the years. I have seen Lacy accept challenges, and grow into a lovely young lady. I enjoy her sense of humor and I am one of her biggest fans. Way to go, Lacy! Jon Bon Jovi and I will be glad to attend your graduation:)Abigail Kellogg - Abigail was one of several girls in my 7th period class. The class was heavily populated by the girls, as it was during the boy’s athletic class. Well, when it was time to cover the Outsiders, we had a great time!! I bet Soda Pop came out of the shower 10 times that day. In fact, Abigail, Jessica Stenzel, and Lacy have an open invite to watch The Outsiders with me ANY time:) Do well, Abigail. You are on your way.
8
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seniors in class
Pep rallies won by seniors
Senior football players
1154304
Number of yearbook pages
Boys basketball total points
Number of community hours from senior skip day +
+98Toilets in the high school
214
+ 3The score you can make to
pass the AP exam
Standing in front of her students, Teresa Powell passionately guides her class through history’s lessons. Her fervor for teach-ing has not gone unnoticed by her peers. On April 19 Powell was named Teacher of the Year. “Teaching has taught me that I still have much to learn,” Pow-ell said. “My students teach me all the time to remain humble and that life is fun.” For her, educating isn’t just about a salary. It’s more. “She is teaching students lessons that will carry over into their life,” English teacher Coach Jody Carter said. Working with other teachers is also the key to a successful career. “She goes above and beyond,” Carter said. “She is always there whenever I need help and you can tell that the students trust her.” Powell openly shows affection for her students. “She really cares about each student, and I appreciate that,” sophomore Megan O’Flaherty said. Sticking with the career as a teacher, Powell continues to count her years and classes. “I teach four classes,” she said. These include honors courses such as world history, social studies, European history and English 2. “Anyone who teachers four classes deserves the ultimate respect from me and everyone else,” Carter said. “She absolutely deserved teacher of the year because she has been working so hard.” Powell continues her employmentx each year, yet she owes it all to one person. “I have been teaching for 22 years now,” Powell said. “All because of one teacher.”
Her career began as a dream inspired by one special person. “When I was fifteen years old, my history teacher Mr. Rhodes influenced me to be a teacher,” she said. Just as she was influenced, she does the same for others. “She has taught me to enjoy history,” O’Flaherty said. Living out her dream, Powell continued to move toward becoming a teacher by going to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. “I have a double major in History and Theatre, then a minor in Political Science,” she said. After college, she taught at two other locations before Decatur. “I worked at Fort Worth Christian and Boswell High School in Saginaw,” she said. “When we moved, I decided to work here.” For her, stress transforms into a gift. “My least favorite thing about teaching is the amount of pa-perwork,” she said. “But when you realize a student has actually learned something that they feel is relevant to their life, that is rewarding.” Her attention to detail ranges from the impersonal to the personal as grades becomes students. “My favorite thing about teaching is the kids,” Powell said. “I like getting to know how unique each one is.” Over the years, she learns and teaches important lessons about life. “She truly prepares us for college,” sophomore Andie Keller said. “She doesn’t baby us at all.” For this, classmates thank Powell. “I appreciate how tough of a teacher she is,” Keller said. “It is what we really need in high school.” Both teachers and students are thankful for Powell. “I think she is the best teacher we have at DHS,” Carter said.
making wise DECISIONSPowell awarded Teacher of the Year
26 Photo by Allie Davis
Employees reflect on memories
Susanne ParkerGovernment and Eco-nomics teacherYears spent here: 15Going where? I am retir-ing. I don’t want to, but my medical state insists.Favorite part of teaching: The relationship between myself and my students developing.To the students: Follow what you love in your career. Let your heart lead you. Contribute to the world. Life’s downs are not necessarily bad, but they are there to make the joys more meaningful.
Michelle MannRegistered Nurse of DHSYears spent here: 5Going where? I am retir-ing. I may get into some-thing else, but for now, I want to relax.Now versus then: Students [now] focus more on their aches and pains. We were raised to get over it; if you weren’t dying, you didn’t go home.To the students: Go into a career you’re interested in, through college or techni-cal school. If you’re mis-erable in a job, you’ll be miserable in life. Do what makes you happy.
Ricky StuttAuto Tech instructor and Skills USA AdvisorYears spent here: 17Going where? I am retir-ing. I am going wherever God allows me to go.Special memory: It has been an honor to serve with the many value based teachers here. Anything to add? Do not always trust the pop-ular vote. Do not always follow the leaders. Stand on what you know and believe to be true. Live your faith. Trust in the Lord and He will show you the way.
Eric McNielAssistant Band DirectorYears spent here: 9Going where? Temple, Texas. I will be the Per-cussion Coordinator for the district.Now versus then: It’s just a different time. We could get away with a lot more when we were in high school.Words of wisdom: “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” -Coach Park. To the students: I will miss you guys, all of you. To the teachers: Good luck!
Brent SchackmannGovernment and Eco-nomics teacherYears spent here: 1Going from here: After gaining a Master’s degree from UT Austin, I hope to work on education policy development. Special memory: Play-ing basketball with Mr. Akchin and a few of my students.To the students: The best education you will ever get will come from travel-ing the country or world and experiencing other cultures and people.
Kelly BowenEnglish II and III teacherYears spent here: 2Going where? I’m moving to Tennessee. I will be teaching in Fulton.Special memory: Lip Dub 2012 was awesome. It was the most chaos I have ever seen, and I’m glad I was a part of it.To the students: Stop complaining. That’s about all I’ve got to say.Words of wisdom: “The fault finder will find fault even in Paradise.” -Henry David Thoreau
Carla ReismanEnglish teacher/ Debate CoachYears spent here: 3Words of wisdom: “Aspire nobly, adventure daringly, and serve humbly.” -Wil-liam DanforthTo the teachers: Thank you for all of the support and encouragement through-out the last few years. I could not have persevered and found success without you all.To the students: Each one of you contribute some-thing important to the DHS community and you have impacted me greatly.
Ginger DillardHead Middle School Band Director, Colorguard teacher, Assistant High School Band DirectorYears spent here: 3Favorite thing here: Not having to drive a bus.Special memory: Christy Mahaffey doing pointe for one halftime.To the students: Stay in band. Forever.Words of wisdom: “Ev-erything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not the end.” -Unknown
Suzette MeadorSecretary to the PrincipalYears spent here: 15 Special memory: My first year at DHS, a co-worker and I dressed up for every pep-rally theme. We, of course, looked ridiculous, but we had a lot of fun do-ing it.To the students: Strive to do the best you can. You won’t be a student forever. One day you will have to grow up and be a responsi-ble adult and possibly even a parent. Words of wisdom: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Leaving thenest
Cristina Schwabe School Resource OfficerYears spent here: 5Words of wisdom: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t matter and those who mat-ter don’t mind.” -Dr. SuessSpecial memory: Receiv-ing the silver eagle award during a faculty meeting. All I had to do was tackle a student in front of the school.To the students: I can’t get away from you students so i am following you guys to college.
Paris [email protected]
Sitting with a map spread out in front of her, senior Ashley Hunter plans her future out one mile at a time. “After high school, I am going to Collin Community College and then the City of Bristol College in the United Kingdom,” she said. While she finishes her basics in Plano, the aspiring traveler plans to work at Whataburger to earn more money for her highly antici-pated college experience overseas. “I plan on going straight to Collin after I get my financial aid money,” Hunter said. “I am going to work for the two years that I’m down in Plano and help further my education.” The initiative to go to college outside of the states was inspired by a good friend’s positive experi-ence in the U.K. “My friend just came back from a trip there and she said it was a really cool place,” she said. When Hunter came to her parents with the proposition to travel to the United Kingdom, she remembers her mother’s vivid reaction. “My mom cried,” she said. “She said that she’d be really proud of me.” Serving as her friend and support, senior Carmen Burciaga is excited for Hunter’s new adventure. “I think after graduation I will keep up with her through Face-book,” she said. “It would be fun to go visit her and go to concerts together.” Unfamiliar with the area, Hunter plans to make a special trip to become accustomed to an entirely new country. “I’m saving up to go this summer for two weeks just to tour the
area,” she said. “I have a friend that lives down there and I’ll stay with her.” Hunter plans to look for a job when she visits the college this summer. “The college provides a job,” she said. “If you get so many points they’ll give you a job and a house.” Yet, a new environment does not propose a road block in her future. In fact, she plans to embrace a fresh change of pace. “I’m more excited to meet new people and see how their envi-ronment and government is different,” she said. “I just figured it’d be a lot calmer there.” With plans to major in Audio Engineering, Hunter looks forward to slipping into the deep music-rooted community and
environment. “I’m most excited about the music scene,” she said. “The atmosphere and concerts- just how people react to different kinds of music.” After college, Hunter wants to gain worldly experience with seasoned music labels and
then go out on her own. “I hope to get an apprenticeship at a studio or recording label,” she said. “When I’m done with that I’ll open my own label.” With big plans in mind, Hunter can’t wait to get her name out in the real world. “I’m going to record bands doing a demo and help their tracks out, mostly rock and pop punk/alternative,” she said. Not intimidated to dive into a new venue, Hunter believes that traveling will be beneficial. “The whole experience will be something to adjust to,” she said. “I hope I have a British accent.”
I’m most excited about the music scene; the atmosphere and concerts- just how people react to different kinds of music.
>>senior, Ashley Hunter
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>>Mile by MileSenior plans to attend college out of country
Photo by Allie Davis
Zach Hoskins Zach Hoskins will join the Navy after he gradu-ates. He hopes to be a mechanic and do what he is most interested in. “I’m hoping to gain more experience and get bet-ter at what I’m wanting to be,” Hoskins said.
His father and older brother encouraged him and helped him make the decision to go into
the military to learn mechanics. “I’m hoping to get good enough to be a truck and vehicle mechanic when I get out,” he said. Hoskins isn’t interested in staying in the Navy his whole life. He wants to experi-ence the military and learn his career. “I plan on going for four years, then going to TSTC for two years, then work at a shop as a diesel mechanic,” he said.
Eric Ramirez
Eric Ramirez is attending the Police Academy after gradu-ation. He hopes to make an impact on others in his career. “Police are noble people,”
Ramirez said. “ They risk their lives everyday for people they
don’t even know. I’ve always wanted to impact someone’s life and what better way to do that than to fight for theirs.” Eric made his decision to become a police officer at a young age. It has always been what he wanted to pursue as a career. “When I was little, my class use to take us on field trips to juvenile centers, and I use to see all the officers just helping the kids in need and it was inspiring,” Ramirez said. He is hoping to learn new things and experi-ence tough situations. To Ramirez, every struggle is worth it in order to make people’s lives better. “I want to learn a whole lot of experience and hopefully the ability to deal with people in distress, being an officer can be an emotionally damaging job,” Ramirez said.
Nolan Newville After graduation, Nolan Newville will join the Marines. Being in the Marines is unique to Nolan. Helping the country is important to him and he is excited to get started. “I want to serve my country and join a branch that not many people join,” Newville said.
He made the independent choice of joining the Marines. He felt this was the right decision for him. “My family was pretty supportive,” Newville said. “But it was really on me to join. I feel like it’s my calling.” He is hoping to learn new things, and gain life lessons while in the Marines. “I want to learn self-discipline, more indepen-dence and gain more respect for myself and others,” Newville said. He is undecided if the Marines is going to be a life-long commitment. He is hoping to experience the branch first. “I’m going see what four years has to offer and if I enjoy it, then I will make a career out of it,” Newville said.
Cole Selby Cole Selby is enlisted in the Army after gradua-
tion. His plans changed after an injury during football season. “My college football opportunities ended when I broke my ankle in football,” Selby said. “I
was talking to a few colleges about playing for them and I was even going to go to a game and visit the facilities of one college in November.” Support and motivation surrounded Selby when he told others about his decision to join the
Army. “Anyone that I told I was thinking about going in encouraged me because it is a very honorable profession,” Selby said. He hopes to gain lots of experience and learn new life lessons. He wants to help anybody he can in his career. “I hope to learn leadership skills, and how to serve my country the right way,” Selby said. He hopes to make a career out of the Army and enroll in college after his first term. “I plan to try and become an airborne ranger in my first term of service,” Selby said. “After that I want to apply to WestPoint, but if I do not get ac-cepted I will go to TCU to go through their ROTC program. After all of that, I will re-enlist as an officer.”
Samuel Kevetter Senior Samuel Kevetter enrolled in Merchant Marine Academy. He hopes to be an engineer and work on boats. “My dad told me about Merchant Marine Acad-emy and I called an alumni who really helped me find out what programs they do and how my life would be,” Kevetter said. He hopes to learn new things and serve his coun-try in a uniform. Kevetter is determined to make a career out of the Marines. “I’m hoping to gain skills in leadership, responsi-bility and military attributes. I really want to be an integral part in serving my country as a uniform of-ficer and doing something I will love,” Kevetter said
Macen [email protected] Ph
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Fishing for advice>>Seniors pass on helpful hits
“I would say never stress out as much as you think you need to.” -Marcus Simpson
“I wish I would have known how to get around better and be on time. I was al-ways late as a freshman.” -John Barlow
“Stay involved in extracurricular activities- it keeps you out of trouble.” -Heather Sandusky
“Work as hard as you can because it will all pay off eventually.” -Reece Fitzgerald
“You’ll lose friends and make new friends- you will never have the same group of them throughout high school.” -Eric Ramirez
“Be prepared for drams. There’s always drama.” -Juan Perez
“Don’t be immature; you’ll make more friends if you’re not.” -Victoria Haynie
“Don’t stand next to a door when it’s opening and always do your home-work.” -Pedro Castillo
“Probably work hard and learn not to procrastinate. Apply for colleges as early as possible.” -Casie Billmire
“If I knew then what I know now, then I wouldn’t have slacked off in all my classes.” -Ruby Gonzales
“Do as many scholarships as you can- even as a freshman. I regret not doing that and I’ve been doing as many as I can this year.” -Megan Delgado
“Get your mandatory classes like health and speech out of the way, so that way your senior year you can have more electives and have more fun. Let high school go by slow because once you’re a senior, it goes by super fast and you’ll miss it. Freshman year isn’t as bad as it sounds.” -Mariah Rowe
Freshman jitters. Seriously, there’s nothing more nerve-wracking than being su-per nervous for the first year of high school. We’ve all been confused and panicky at some point. What classes help my GPA? What’s better: band or choir? Would I rather fit in or stand out? See, those are the kind of questions that plague a very indecisive person such as myself. I know I was so scared my freshman year because I had no idea what to expect. I guess what I wish I’d had a year ago was some advice or a heads up on what I was getting myself into. So who better than to ask seniors what they wish they would have known their freshman year?
Jackie [email protected]
Can you guess what it is? Submit your answer to room A201, Cindy Berry, for a chance to win a gift card. First two people to submit wins. Also, go to decaturjournal.com and locate up close and personal and watch as we give away more prizes. Good luck.
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