P o n d e r H i g h R o a r Volume 11, Issue 4 December/January 2014

Reliving History By Haley Chasteen istory, to most people is considered the most boring subject, but I’m sure that no student in Ponder was Hthinking that as they went through their first ever Living History Day at Ponder High School. After attending Fort Richardson’s History Days, Coach Pitman held his own here, at our school. Throughout the first three periods of school, the classes were broken into groups and sent to vari- ous stations. The Living History Day presentations varied widely from learning about the mountain men to being deafened by the sounds of whips. “The Living History Day was an event that intrigued me and some friends. We sat and listened intently to each of the speakers, trying to determine what it was like to grow up in the ‘days of old.’ Few of us knew about the buf- falo soldiers, but we enjoyed the knowledge and passion that the speakers provided. To me, Living History Day was a great inspiration,” senior Josh Debolt said. The presentations were very interesting and covered infor- mation not written into most history books. As the host of the event, Coach Pitman also gave a presentation himself. This presentation gave an insight to how mountain men lived. His descriptive lesson and immense knowledge of the subject obviously made an impact on the students’ interests. continued on pg. 2 Leading the Pack

By Oksana Bekh n the 6th and 7th of December, the Pon- Chapter Conduct- der Radio Team represented Ponder FFA ing, which was Oat the State competition, which was held composed of sopho- in Huntsville, TX at Sam Houston State Univer- mores Justin Wag- sity. The Radio Team, which consists of seniors ner, Andrew Anderson, Josh Pitman, Tye Dol- Tori Alexander and Sadie Nielson and sopho- gener, Tyler Baker, Jacob Poole, more Sage Stover, has been dominating the Jack McKenna, and Tyler Besterfield, and junior scene since district, where they placed first, and Charlie Bruce, placed fourteenth. then advanced to area. After placing first there, At the district level, which was hosted on the team proceeded to state, where they com- November 18, 2013 by Ponder, the Ponder FFA peted well. “I am very proud of the Radio Broad- chapter placed third in sweepstakes out of all of casting Team. They made the top ten finals out District 7, or Denton County, schools, from 1A to of six hundred and seventy-five entries state 5A, which competed in the Leadership Develop- wide,” FFA coach and Ag teacher, Mr. Stover, ment Contest attended. “I was extremely proud said. of my students, they gave 110%, and they rep- Aside from the stellar performance from the resented Ponder ISD very well.” Ag teacher and Radio Team, the Ponder FFA teams, individuals, FFA coach, Mr. Lankford said. The following are and the Ponder chapter as a whole, competed the results from the district competition: well at all levels of competition. The following The Radio Team, Senior Creed individual, are the results from the Area 5 Leadership De- Senior Ag Skills Demonstration team, and Job velopment Contest, which was held at Sherman Interview individual all placed first in the district High School: tournament. Teams placing second were: Senior The Senior Ag Skills Demonstration team, Chapter Conducting and Greenhand Skills team. which included juniors Madison Hunsucker and The Agricultural Advocacy team, which Hailey Pennington and seniors Andie Beer and placed third, consisted of junior Zack Hooper Sadie Nielson, and Senior Skills individual, and seniors Mary Cage, Nikki Hausner, Ashley sophomore Sage Stover, placed fifth. Green- Reames, and Meredith Vedral. Taking fourth hand Skills team, which was comprised of fresh- were the Junior Chapter Conducting team, which men Courtney Wheeler, Vicki Frazier, Taylor included freshmen Cody St. Clair, Clayton Hicks, Hurst, and sophomore Hannah Wells secured Colten McCarroll, Nick Hausner, Ryan Weides, eighth. Jonathan Aguiler, and Jacob Summerlin, Senior Job Ag Quiz team, which consisted of sophomores Interview Hunter Ferryman and Josh Pittman, junior Kara individu- Parr and senior Magnum Sampson, and a Ju- al, Andie nior Creed Speaking individual, freshman Casey Beer, Porter. The fifth place Junior Ag Quiz team was earned freshmen Cole Delcambre, Ashley Hurlbert, tenth. Casey Porter, and T.J. Pullen. Senior

“History”, continued from page 1 One of the other prominent presentations was held by a student from another school. Known as “The Whip Guy,” he presented many different types of whips and informed everyone on how to properly use them. Throughout his presentation he was very energetic and obviously knew how to get everyone’s attention by being very interactive. Living History Day was a complete success. Many students found it interesting and wanted to learn more. We are very thankful for each presenter and for Coach Pitman for making this event possible, and hopefully we can continue to do this each year. Living History Day was definitely a great way to inform every-

Ponder High Roar - page 2 Ponder one of the many different passions throughout history and maybe even spark someone’s interest in further. New Year, New Me

By Melanie Baker and Alex Fedele t the start of the New Year, you always thing I won’t give up.” Naturally, several stu- hear the words, “new year, new me,” dents have admitted to already breaking their but is that always so? New Year’s resolutions or having done so in the A past. Some have lasted two weeks, while one Every year, around sixty-two percent of people in America make New Year’s resolu- lasted only an hour. tions to help them achieve their goals in the So where did the tradition of New Year’s new year. They do this to motivate themselves resolutions begin? The answer is found in 46 to do better and be better, or just to remind B.C., when the date of when the new year be- themselves of what they wanted to do the pre- gins was initially decided by Julius Caesar. As vious year, but weren’t able to. the patron of January, the Roman god Janus For the start of 2014, statistics show that had two faces facing front and back so as to the top ten New Year’s resolutions are to lose look both into the future and the past. As the weight, get organized, spend less and save representation of the new year, Janus became more, enjoy life to the fullest, staying fit and the symbol for resolutions as Romans expected healthy, learn something exciting, quit smok- to be given forgiveness by their enemies in the ing, help others in their dreams, fall in love, year to come. and to spend more time with the family. Of Whatever your New Year’s resolution, it’s course, these are just the most popular resolu- encouraging to know that over half the amount tions. Twenty-five percent of people who make of people who make resolutions actually do New Year’s resolutions do not even finish out complete their goals. So don’t consider giving the first week. No wonder the gym is full on them up if you think that’s the normal thing January 2, but empty a week later. The other to do. We may not be hoping for forgiveness seventy-five percent maintain their resolutions from people like the Romans, but that is no through the first week, dropping to sixty-four reason to stop trying to achieve your resolution percent by one month and forty-six percent by after just a week. six months. In total, only fifty-three percent of people actually stick with their goals by the Ponder High Roar - page 3 end of the year. In Ponder High School alone, there are sev- eral different New Year’s Resolutions made by students. Some are outrageous like freshman Rabecca Queesenbury’s “to win the lottery, re- name Smarties to Ashley’s and go to Hogwarts and ride a hippogriff.” Some are more inspira- tional, like senior James Branin’s “to enjoy my last semester of high school.” Of course there are the serious seeming ones, like junior Clare Young’s “to get to walking before prom,” or ju- nior Shelby Greggerson’s “to eat healthy and I will not break it, but Starbucks is the only Signing on for Success By Oksana Bekh onder has seen senior Jessica Orozco as a valuable asset to its team since she stepped onto the softball diamond as a freshman. However, catching the eye of Pscouts from Southwest Christian University, in Bethany, OK, has opened a new door for the talented senior. “It is always exciting to have someone within your program sign to play at the college level!,” expressed Head Softball Coach at Ponder, Paige Wells, “We wish her the best in her new endeavors.” Jessica, who started learning to play when she was just four, has wanted to play college softball since she was ten years old. However, when Southwest offered her a spot on their team as a pitcher and outfielder, Jessica wasn’t quiet sold, but, after visiting the campus, she wasn’t disappointed. “After my visit I wanted to go to SCU,” said Orozco. Signing on to play for the college means that she is receiving a four year academic scholarship, which will cover most of the tuition costs, and her future coach will cover any additional fees. Playing for SCU won’t be a big stretch for Orozco for several reasons, which are exactly what she loves about the school. Southwest Christian University is a small university, described by Orozco as being “a little bigger than Ponder”, that puts an emphasis on religion. Jessica, who loves living in a small town, found that to be important to her decision, though, it was the accent on religion that really convinced Jessica that this was the school for her. Her faith is an important part of her life, in fact, as Jessica put it “It basically is my life.” Her Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or FCA, membership reflects that, and has taught her and fellow members to be “good examples of Christ and unify together in faith.” Besides for being a starter all four years of high school, Jessica has also won numerous awards and titles, including 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, 2011 Denton Record Chronicle Newcomer of the Year, 2012 First Team All-District Pitcher, and 2013 Offensive Player of the Year. She has also been playing select softball since age ten. Jessica believes that this competitive environment has done a lot to prepare her for college level softball. There is little, if no doubt, that she is more than ready to play at the college level. Her softball future may be set in stone during her college years, Jessica’s academic future, while bright, isn’t quite so fixed. She is interested in the fields of psychology and sociology, and believes that she will most likely pursue a Bachelor in one of these areas of study. She has considered becoming a psychologist after graduating from SCU. Even though Jessica is excited to play for Southwest in the fall, she is still focused on having a successful last season of high school softball. Currently, her foremost goal regarding softball is to “go as far as we can this last year in high school.” A part of this devotion to her team comes from her respect for and friendship with her teammates, especially fellow senior Andie Beer. Being such a close knit team could be a key to making Jessica’s goal go further than anyone’s expectations. One of the perks of being a member of such a team is the many fond memories she has collected, but her favorite is “hitting the first homerun on our field my sophomore year.”

Diet Soda: Why It’s Bad ByMarrisa Mata ince the year 2000 to 2010 there has been an getting what is known as metabolic syndrome. This can increase of people drinking diet sodas verses be a combination of high blood pressure, an uprising in drinking regular soda. About twenty percent of glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and the increase in theS U.S. population consumes diet drinks and on aver- an individual’s waist gain. Plus, if you are not careful, age one-fifth of the population drinks diet sodas every one 16 ounce drink can cause the risk of vascular prob- day. However, little do they know that each time they lems. This includes the risk of having a stroke or even consume a diet drink they are harming their bodies a heart attack. Diet sodas contain sugars or sweeten- more than they would be if they were to drink a regular ers that increase the risk of developing heart disease, soda. Many feel that it will help in a successful weight which can than lead to death. After consuming a diet loss since they would be taking in about soda you do not gain any nutritional 140 less calories than a regular soda. It values, but is linked to severe headaches may satisfy their thirst and may be just such as migraines and also can lead to as sweet as a normal soda. Although developing respiratory problems such as that may be the case, it is not good for asthma. The sodium that is found in diet you. drinks is that of benzoate, which is used Look at ten reasons that show that as a preservative that causes asthma. diet sodas are not good for you or your Another affect diet sodas can have on body. It confuses your body; causing your body, is that it can lead to depres- your body to take the artificial sweeten- sion. Statistics show that people that ers, and from there it triggers the insulin drink diet drinks were 30% more likely within your body and then transforms your body to be- to develop depression versus those who come more like a storage unit. It will start to store up drink a regular soda. It is also bad for your bones and all the fat which than leads to a much higher increase can also lead to osteoporosis. The ingredients within in weight gain. Now although diet drinks contain zero diet drinks tend to eat at the minerals on your bones calories it does not help lead to weight loss. In fact it and will then start to deteriorate them. is much worse. Statistics show that 70% of diet soda So next time you want to drink a soda think first about

Ponder High Roar - page 4 Ponder drinkers gained weight in the circumference of their what your putting into your body and the risks that waist. It also can be linked with an 80% chance of come with that one drink. getting type 2 diabetes. It’s also associated in a risk of College Scholarships 101 By Katie Dickens

etting into college is tricky. First you have to pick This scholarship is designed to increase the knowledge of a school, and hope that you’ll be accepted. Often- the soybean business and the problems within it. Appli- Gtimes though, getting into a college isn’t the hard cants are required to be at least eighteen years of age, but part: paying for it is. So it’s no surprise that a lot of people no older that twenty-two. Entries are due by March first. wish for a scholarship. However, scholarships are hard to Coming up with a pun for either “Minnesota” or “soybean” get as well. Say you have no special skills and the only is tough, so I can’t soy that I was prepared for this one. thing you’re good at is making things out of duct tape. Or Another strange scholarship available is called the maybe you can only see yourself pursuing a career work- “American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Pro- ing with potatoes. So you think to yourself, “There is no gram.” Many scholarships require applicants to write an way that I’m going to get a scholarship for this.” Well, quit essay. With this one, however, your worrying, there are scholarships out there for people students are required to read one just like you! about fire sprinklers. After read- When most people hear the word “scholarship,” their ing it, students must go online and minds go straight to academics. While this is usually the answer the short, ten-question case, some scholarships are leaned towards the quirkier quiz. Each correct answer gives bunch. For example, the “Duck Brand Stuck at Prom applicants a chance to win a Scholarship Contest,” put on by the Henkal Corporation $2,000 scholarship. The American every year, is for kids living in Fire Sprinkler Association Scholar- Canada or the ship Contest is open to any and all high school seniors in that choose to make their America. Applicants must apply by April third at the latest. prom getups out of duct tape. Hurry up though, because this is one hot scholarship! The prom attire must be made Have you always envisioned yourself working in the completely out of duct tape, and deli of a supermarket? If so, then the International Dairy- the contest begins on March Deli-Bakery Assn. Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship eleventh. To enter, a student is the one for you. The name may be a bit of a mouthful, needs parental permission, a but this scholarship offers up to $1,000 and offers a good photograph of themselves in their prom clothes, and they education to people looking to go into baking or preparing are required to give some standard information about food. Each year, this program has four acceptance dead- themselves. Though a bit bizarre, it really seems like this lines on January first, April first, July first, and October scholarship is going to stick around for quite some time. First. This sure is one delicious scholarship! Some scholarships are directed towards food or There are also scholarships designed for people that produce business. One scholarship, the are below average height. The Little People of America “Asparagus Club Scholarship,” is for people Scholarship is for people who suffer from dwarfism, or who want to pursue a career in the grocery people who have immediate family members with it. The industry. The Asparagus Club, started in Little People of America, or LPA, provide this program 1909, has awarded over $850,000 over to not only members of the group, but to all people with the last fifteen years for scholarships. Each dwarfism. This scholarship is available online in early Ponder High Roar - page 5 winner is awarded $1,500 per semester for January, and applications are due by mid-April. Though it a maximum of four semesters. I suppose might be on short notice, this scholarship is very interest- you could say that going after this scholar- ing! ship is a very healthy thing to do. From one extreme to another, Tall Clubs International, Another option for those hoping to go into produce or TCI, offers scholarships to people below twenty-one one day is the National Potato Council Scholarship. Each years of age. The catch? Men are required to be 6’2” while year, the National Potato Council awards a $10,000 women must be at least 5’10”. TCI annually puts out this scholarship to grad students looking scholarship of up to $1,000 each. If you are interested in to pursue advanced studies in Agri- applying for this scholarship, first be sure to measure your- business. Final scholarship selection self, but then go contact a TCI Member is based on past academic history, Club nearby to sponsor you. Applicants leadership abilities, and classes such may enter anywhere between October as Agricultural Engineering, Agrono- first to March first. Fitting all the require- my, Entomology, and so on. This way, ments may seem like a bit of a tall or- they can be sure that the applicants der, but if you qualify, it will be worth it! have a history working with potatoes. This scholarship sure is cool. In fact, it’s pretty spudtacular. These are just a few of the numer- ous scholarships available for the quirky Maybe you hope to go into the grocery industry, bunch out there. Remember that not all programs are but not for asparagus or potatoes. Maybe soybeans are explicitly for the academically advanced, and that some more your speed. Well don’t you worry because there’s a are directed more towards hobbies or interesting career scholarship out there for you too! The Minnesota Soybean paths. As the school year comes closer to its close, be Ambassador Program is focused towards people that sure you’re on the lookout for opportunities like these and hope to create a career working in the soybean industry. snatch them up as fast as you can. f you’ve been keeping up with Ponder JV and varsity the past few years, you’ve probably seen Austin Spiker play. Wearing #3, playing guard on the varsity team this year Iand having participated in Ponder sports for many years, Austin is a major asset in Ponder athletics. As a child, Austin was inspired by his father, who was a childhood athlete himself and is still a lifelong supporter of athletics, to start playing basketball. After getting to know the game, he soon became passionate about the sport and has been playing for 11 years. Over those 11 years, Spiker has formed a strong bond with his teammates. They share every win and every loss together, sometimes both on and off the court. This year’s senior players have practically grown up together, having spent many years playing on the same team, not only in basketball but in other sports as well growing up. Senior Christian Worthington, one of Austin’s closest friends, commented, “I’ve been playing with him since 5th grade and it’s been a great expe- Austin rience.” Outside of school, Austin enjoys Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA. He started 5 years ago and has Spiker quickly become even more passionate about it than any other sport. “I feel that (MMA) was the by Sterling Stinson talent God gave me, and I enjoy it very much,” Austin said. Austin’s skill doesn’t end off the court or outside of the ring, though. He is also a very skilled student, and is even a member of the National Honor Society. His grades don’t ever fall second to his sports, which is clearly reflected in his high marks in his classes. “Despite his efforts to be too cool for school, he really does display enthusiasm for learning,” Coach Pitman said. Austin has not yet decided what school he plans to attend next fall, but he does know that he wants to study kinesiology. He says he will miss his friends and family the most once he leaves Ponder and will always remember meeting some of the most special people in his life in this town. We wish him luck in his future plans. Senior Class of 2014

mart, outgoing, and ambitious, senior Andie Beer is Ponder’s very own girl next door. As an active member in both school and the community, she shows incredible potential for success in the real Sworld. Andie has been on the “A” Honor Roll all throughout high school and won Mr. McNair’s speech award her freshman year. Her extracurricular achievements, however, are even more impressive. Andie has been the catcher on the varsity softball team all four years she’s been in high school and has received 1st team All-District and Academic All-District honors three years in a row. She has been on the Student Council every year of her stay at PHS and was elected vice president this year. She has also been the vice president of the Class of 2014 for three years. In addition, Andie is an avid member of both FCA and FFA. Miss Beer’s hobbies include softball and hanging out with friends. In her spare time, she also enjoys serving the community through her church. Her closest friends include seniors Sadie Neilson, Meredith Ve- dral, Jessica Orozco, and her boyfriend, Spencer Waldo. The girls were each asked to comment on Andie’s personality and their friendships with her. “We’ve been friends since fourth grade,” Meredith said. “She’s funny, smart, outgoing, and super pretty.” “We’ve played [softball] together since we were around 10. She’s been my catcher ever since then,” Jes- sica Orozco said. “We have grown up together, and it’ll be sad being away from her for college, but I know she’ll be more than successful in whatever she does.” “I actually think Andie’s blood is just red glitter,” Sadie Neilson teased. “She’s a princess. I’m so excited that we’re rooming together next year!” Andie’s favorite class is lunch because it’s a chance to enjoy some comedic relief and the company of her friends after her morning classes. When asked what some of her best memories from Ponder are, she said, “I’ve been here since kindergarten, so just getting to be with my friends and experience this school.” Her favorite teacher is Coach Pitman, who sponsors FCA and taught her in Dual Credit US History. “As a coach, I value intensity. Andie has been able to translate her on-the-field intensity to her academic Andie pursuits. That’s a great thing,” Coach Pitman said. “She sets goals, works extremely hard, and achieves those goals.” Beer After high school, Andie plans to attend A&M and major in Biomedical Science to become a By Liz Branin doctor. If her high school career is any indication, there is no doubt that she will do exceedingly well in col- lege and in the work force. Congratulations on all of your success, Andie, and we wish you all of the best in your endeavors! n high school, many teens look for the perfect person to look up to. They search for someone who is a great friend to all, smart, witty, and an overall positive influ- Ience on everyones lives. Although their choices in role models sometimes aren’t such good ideas and can do more harm than good, the students of Ponder High School know that looking up to Meredith Vedral could be one of the better decisions they’ve made during high school. In her free time Meredith enjoys going to church, hanging out with friends, eating, and sleeping. Her closest friends are seniors Keaton Malcolm, Jessica Orozco, Andie Beer, and Sadie Neilson. She plans to attend either Midwestern State University or The University of North Texas after graduating. Meredith is very proud that she has been in the top ten percent Meredith of her class throughout high school. Her favorite sports are and , and like sev- Vederal eral other teenagers, when asked what her favorite class is in school, she said lunch. by Teryana Sledge This year, Meredith helped to organize Ponder’s annual Meet Me at the Pole, an event where many of the students of Ponder joined together to become closer to God through prayer, singing, and other forms of worship. Given this, it’s no surprise that Meredith’s role model is Keeley Woods because of her relationship with God and her passion for Him. It isn’t hard to see that after high school, Meredith will go on to do many wonderful things, and become very successful in her adult life. “She has ‘stick-to-it-ness’ in both volley- ball and her studies,” said Mrs. Bieler, the senior Calculus teacher, when asked about Mer- edith. If you asked anyone else, they would let you know that Meredith has and will continue to be a model student for the much of the student population at Ponder. Senior Class of 2014

owering over you as you walk down the hallway, it’s hard not to notice this student on his way to class. Senior Josh Peterson is well known in the halls here at Ponder, not only for his height, Tbut for his very active schedule. Josh moved here in fifth grade from Keller and, like most new students had to adjust to a much smaller school than he was used to. It was anything but difficult for Josh to make a name for himself at Ponder; His many athletic talents and outgoing personality intrigued everyone. Josh participates in many school activities including: , basketball, and Student Council. He also participated in football this year. “Football was really fun. I wish I had played sooner,” said Josh. Basketball consumes the majority of Josh’s life, but he believes it is completely worth it because of the enjoyment he gets out of playing. It’s no surprise that Josh enjoys basketball as much as he does; he has played since he was ten years old and has excelled immensely throughout the years. When Josh is not playing sports, he spends his time in the other aspects of school. Not only is he president of the student council, but he is also the senior class president. In the classroom, Josh favors Mr. Williams as a teacher and Coach Pitman’s Dual Credit U.S. History class. Outside of school, Josh enjoys spending time with his close friends, seniors Andie Beer, Sadie Neil- son, Nate Betterton, and Spencer Waldo, and sophomore Brady Anderson. “Ever since I’ve known Josh he has truly been an inspiration and demonstrated the definition of being a true leader. Not only is he a great athlete but, he is a great student,” said senior Nate Betterton. Although He is unsure as to what he wants to do after graduation, there is no doubt that Josh will be successful. Leaving Ponder, Josh says he has many unforgettable memories, but his favorite would have to be beating Andie Beer in the sixth grade UIL Listening Skills competition. Along with memories, there are many things Josh will miss after graduating, especially his friends and teachers. Throughout his years Josh at Ponder, Josh has participated in many things, which he will be remembered for, but he has one thing he especially hopes to leave an impression with. “I hope people will remember me as a member of the Peterson 2013 State Championship Basketball Team,” expressed Josh. by Haley Chasteen Josh is destined for great things and that has been evident through the many accomplishments he has made while in high school. We all hope that he can add his amazing, primary accomplishment, he wishes to be remembered for, to the long list he already has! Ponder High Roar - page 8 beyond. maintained and strivetoextendthatsuccess aboveand team thatcould continuetoinsistthose standardswere they areloved.Itwasimportant tomebeapartof deserve thechancetolead, feelimportantandknow learning enviornmentsand positivesocialsettings.They “Our childrendeservetobe thebestteachers,tools, excellence whenitcomes toeducationinTexas. it tohaveconscientiousleaders andbethestandardof also wantsPondertobeattheforefrontofeducation; for possible sotheywillbeabletopursuetheirdreams. She to ensurethechildrenofPondergetbesteducation who hasbigdreamsforourschooldistrict.Shewants Bears andBroncosfan)part-timebusinesswoman In seat3isMrs.BrandiJackson,fulltimemomma (and Brandi Jackson dents’ livesinhistimeontheschoolboard. He hopestomakeapositivedifferenceinPISD’sstu students inPondersucceedeverythingtheypursue. clearly caresforourcommunityandhopesthatall of the is thebestitcanbeforourstudents.Mr.Chapman our districtandworkswiththemtomakesureschool self, it’seasytoseehowheconnectswiththeparentsof Jeff Chapman.BeingfathertotwoPonderalumnihim Occupying seat2onthePonderISDschoolboardisMr. Jeff Chapman joys running,reading,andbaking. Outside ofallherworkintheschool,Mrs.Deussenen her husbandandtwochildrenallgraduatedfromPonder. her towantthebestforourstudentsandalumni,since needed topursuetheirdreams.It’sunderstandablefor tendants willgraduatewiththeacademicandsocialskills One ofhergoalsforourschoolistoensurethatPISDat in LakeDallasISD. she worksinone.Sheistheelementaryschoolprincipal commented. Sheobviouslyreallyenjoysschool,beingas tunities. Ilikebeingpartofthatenergy,”Mrs.Deussen school. “Iloveschool!Schoolprovidesendlessoppor here inPonder.Namely,onesthathadtodowiththe has beeninvolvedwithandservedonmanycommittees Mrs. Deussen,inseat1ofourdistrict’sschoolboard, Vangee Deussen we shouldlearnmoreaboutthem. school board,letaloneanythingaboutthem.Somaybe However, Idoubtmostofyouknowwhoisevenonour major partofourdistrict’soperation. solve itforthegoodofschool.Sothey’reobviouslya ever aproblemarises,theygettovoteonhowbest once amonthtodiscusstheneedsofourschool.When year term,inwhichtheyhavetogomeetingsatleast are upforelection.Schoolboardmembersserveathree First ofall,everyyear,afewtheschoolboardseats all takeamomenttogetknowlittlebitaboutthem. integral partofourlittletown’seducationsystem,so,let’s best forthestudentsandcommunity.Theyarean I has tomakedecisionsforourdistrict,basedonwhat’s of ourschool’sschoolboard.They’retheboardthat ’m suremosteveryoneinourtownhasatleastheard By Sterling Stinson andHandsfortheSuccess Hearts ------nity, hehasdonehisbesttomakesurethatourdistrict years. Inhistimeworkingwithourschoolandcommu son, whohasbeenservingonourschoolboardfor8 Seat 5isheldbyLincoln,NebraskanativeToddNichel Todd Nichelson hands ofeverystudentinthehighschool. is tomodernizeitbygettingacomputerorlaptopinthe they leaveourschool.Currently,hisgoalforschool get theeducationtheywillneedtobereadyforwhen school andwouldliketomakesureourschool’sstudents for thestudentsofPonder.Hehasalotprideinour to wantthebest personal reason also hasavery holder DaleBrown his home,Seat4 school studentin ing aPonderhigh graduate andhav Being aPonder Dale Brown thank youfor allthattheydoforus. hands ofour schooldistrict,andsay moment toacknowledge theheartand So, thismonthandevery month,takea ing smartdecisions. can helphimassisttherest oftheschoolboardinmak Also, asabusinessowner, hehopesthathisexperience and surpassthequalityofgenerationsbeforethem. world. Hewantsourstudentstocontinueliveup to and honestpeoplewhocanmakeadifferenceinthe not onlygoodwhileinschoolbutarealsohardworking wants toseethisdistrictproduceyoungadultswho are erson isseat7onourschoolboard.Heatriplet who Father of4childreninourschooldistrict,BrianHutch Brian Hutcherson are well-preparedtobegoodcitizens.” achieve educationalexcellenceandgrowintoadults who here inourhalls.Hewouldliketo“helpstudents and forallofthemtobeablefondlyrecalltheirtime more intelligentandpreparedadults,througheducation, best. Hewouldliketocontinuedevelopmoreand and thestaffofPonderISDhelpkeep inspired tojointheschoolboardhelpcommunity Wilkinson occupiesseat6ofourschoolboard.Hewas Local peeweeSoftballcoachandlovingdad,Shawn Shawn Wilkinson workforce orservingourcountry.” whether thatinvolvescollege,tradeschool,enteringthe sible topreparethemforthenextchapteroftheirlives, attends PonderISDtoreceivethebesteducationpos school. Someday,hewouldlike“foreverystudentthat lars, andhasgreatprideinallthesuccessheseesour whenever theygettodogreatthingsintheirextracurricu he caneasilyunderstandwhatthestudentsarefeeling school’s marchingband,wrestlingandfootballteams, strategy andpolicyplanning.Onceapartofhisown staff andteachershaveguidancesupportthrough ------Hearts and Hands for the Success Fad Diet, Bad Diet By Teryana Sledge

t’s 2014! It’s a brand new year with brand new op- ral foods, and portion control. portunities, experiences, and goals to be met. And Although the diet doesn’t have as we all know, New Year’s brings out the “new me” many cons, several experts seem Iin everyone. With every New Year there are millions of to agree that the diet’s up-sides resolutions that people strive to fulfill. While some are to other diets don’t make it a solution. Replacing meals nice and sweet, others are outrageous and ridiculous, with baby food could result in nutritional imbalances but people want to complete them so badly, that they and intaking very few calories. Because protein, fiber, fail to realize that these expectations are completely un- and the act of chewing food help you feel full, you may realistic. One of the biggest New Year’s resolutions is find your stomach grumbling after a “meal” on this diet, weight loss, and many will go to extreme measures to depending which foods you choose and how much you do so, even if it includes fad dieting. And individuals eat. and corporations alike are ready to capitalize on your Last but not least, the grandmother of all fad di- resolution. ets, the cabbage soup diet is a very low-fat, low-calorie A fad diet is a diet that is extreme in its nutritional plan that you follow for 7 days. It’s meant to help you deprivations, typically restricting calorie intake. It is lose weight quickly. And it’s been around forever! This meant to achieve rapid weight loss and is only one step diet involves eating cabbage soup two to three times a short of just outright starving yourself. It is not meant day for a week. There are some exceptions as to what to last for long periods of time, a few weeks at maxi- else a person may eat on selected days. For example, mum. Importantly, the diet specifically implies a lack of on day two a person following this diet can eat leafy concern for proper nutrition. Fad diets are also known green vegetables along with cabbage soup. But before as “crash diets” and are often seen as quick fix solutions. people stock up on cabbage, they need to know that this Contrary to the belief of many who start this sort of crash diet won’t help in the long diet, this form of dieting is neither healthy nor success- run, and it doesn’t give the body ful in achieving long term weight loss as it causes a de- the nutrients it needs to stay crease in the body’s basal metabolic rate, the amount of healthy. Since the body is only energy used at rest. While some initial weight is often getting few calories, the pounds lost, the weight is usually regained quickly in the weeks come off quickly. People mainly that follow, as the individual reverts to their original lose water weight. Chances are pre-fad diet. It often becomes a vicious cycle in which many will gain it all back, and the weight that is regained is often more than the start- possibly more, as soon as they return to their normal ing weight, causing the dieter to revert to the crash diet, eating pattern again. lose weight, regain the weight, and so on. “Every year, The nutritional deficiencies that fad diets cause can people throw millions of dollars down the drain to no also lead to health conditions like hair loss and muscle avail following one fad diet or another,” said Oxford loss. Your hair requires a good deal of protein in order University professor Susan Jebb. to grow and thrive. When you are not getting enough Facing constant societal pressure to be thin, some protein n your diet, your hair eventually loses its health. girls and women will go to extreme lengths to fit the Poor hair health leads to brittleness which can turn into unrealistic standards of beauty por- breakage and shedding. Muscle loss is another negative

trayed in the media. The latest fad effect of fad dieting. Since your diet is very low in calo- Ponder High Roar - page 9 that some people are falling for is ries, it will look for other ways to get energy. One of the so-called cotton ball diet, which these ways is by digesting your muscle tissue. This is can pose serious threats to one’s actually detrimental to weight loss because muscles help health. Videos are being uploaded burn calories even when the body is at rest. to social media websites showing You may be looking for a fast way to lose weight, teens, particularly young women, and there’s no shortage of fad diets around, but these portraying how to do the diet, which involves dipping diets may provide short-term results and may be dif- cotton balls into orange juice, lemonade, smoothies, or ficult to sustain. They will ultimately deprive you of the gelatin before swallowing them whole. The idea is that essential nutrients that only balanced eating can offer. the cotton balls will make them feel full and satisfied Of course, some medical conditions may require special so that they eat less and lose weight. “Your clothing is eating plans. In those instances, any recommendations made of polyester, so swallowing a synthetic cotton ball is like dipping your T-shirt in orange juice and eating from a doctor should be followed. it,” says diet expert Brandie Koskie. People need to know that they shouldn’t accept the Who hasn’t tasted baby food once or unrealistic images portrayed in the media. At times, twice in their life? But could you imagine there are pressures on top of work, school, or family eating it fourteen times a day for every which make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle. meal? Following a fad diet called the Baby But adopting good eating habits can often help one feel Food Diet, people make baby food a sta- better about themselves. Fad diets may seem like the ple for weight control and food cravings. way to go but they’re absolutely not. They’re just a pres- Positives factors include healthier, natu- sure that people don’t need in their lives. Being healthy The MANE Scoop

Josh Peterson and Macie Simpson are crowned queen and king at this year’s basketball homecom- ing ceremony. 5AA All-District Football Awards: 1st team Wide Receiver ~ Christian Worthington ~ Sr. 1st team Defensive Back ~ Christian Worthington ~ Sr. 1st team Punter ~. Brady Anderson ~ So. 2nd team Kicker ~ Jose De Leon ~ Sr. 2nd team Running Back ~ Trey Dunlap ~ Jr. 2nd team Defensive Back ~ Spencer Waldo ~ Sr. Bethany Howard dribbles past Brock. Honorable Mention All-District: Quarterback ~ Brady Anderson ~ So. Offensive Lineman ~ Thomas Waite ~ Jr. Defensive Back ~ Dustin Ferguson ~ Jr. Academic All District Honorees:

Chris Aivaliotis ~ Jr. Brady Anderson ~ So. James Branin ~ Sr. Trey Dunlap ~ Jr. Kellie Smith speeds past a Justin Elder ~ Jr. Keaton Malcom ~ Sr. Logan McCarty ~ Sr. Josiah Meek ~ Sr. Brock defender. Josh Peterson ~ Sr. Josh Pittman ~ So. Nick Rivers ~ Sr. Zach Simpson ~ Jr. Spencer Waldo ~ Sr. Christian Worthington ~ Sr. Dustin Fergu- son tips a Pass during the sec- ond-half action Clayton Hicks put against Brock . it through for two.

Clay Morgan Slammin’ And Jammin’! Jak King stops Kennedale from scoring with assittance from Cole Delcambre & TJ Pullin. Ponder High Roar - page 10 Ponder Chase Harris shows off what his momma taught him. Ponder High Roar - page 11

a huge success again this year! Choir concert is Elizabeth Chilson ~ Sr. OH ~ Meredith Vedral ~ Sr. Academic All-District Honors: Setter/OH ~ Kaylee Buell ~ Fr. Setter/OH ~ Emily Summerlin ~ Sr. Setter/OH ~ Emily Summerlin ~ MVP Blocker ~ Tori Alexander ~ Sr. MVP Blocker ~ Tori 9AA All-District Volleyball Awards: 9AA All-District 2nd Team ~ Setter ~ Sage Stover ~ So. 2nd Team ~ Setter 1st Team ~ Libero ~ Ashley Reames ~ Sr. 1st Team ~ Libero Honorable Mention All-District Honors: Honorable Mention Kaylee Buell ~ Fr. Casey Porter ~ Fr. Kaylee Buell ~ Fr. Casey Porter Bailey Brown ~ Jr. Ashley Reames ~ Sr. Bailey Brown ~ Jr. Ashley Reames Defensive Specialist ~ Shelby Melvin ~ So. Defensive Specialist ~ Shelby Melvin Shelby Melvin ~ So. Cassie Duessen ~ So. Shelby Melvin ~ So. Cassie Duessen Sage Stover ~ So. Lauren Pittman ~ So. Sage Stover ~ So. Lauren Meredith Vedral ~ Sr. Emily Summerlin ~ Sr. Meredith Vedral ~ Sr. Emily Summerlin 1st Team ~ Outside Hitter ~ Lauren Pittman ~ So. 1st Team ~ Outside Tori Alexander ~ Sr. Angelica Hernandez ~ Sr. Tori Alexander ~ Sr. Angelica Eric Dearmin placed 6th chair in All-Region Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair in Area Band and 4th Chair in All-State competition. Elizabeth Richardson placed 7th Chair All-Region Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair Area Band & 5th Chair in All-State competition. Austin Jones Placed 6th Chair All-Region Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair Area Band & 5th in All-State competition.

Paradise. two points to the two points Foster Ford adds Foster Ford scoreboard against scoreboard against Lauren Pittman during the Brock game. Michala Fenter assists Shelby Melvin drives past a Brock defender.

Shaina Owens attacks the basket against Paradise.

Band.

Cole Hudson blocks out. Panthers. Panthers.

Eric Dearmin, All-State Honor was selected as

a member of the

Kline Arnold lays one Arnold Kline

up ahead of the Paradise Paradise of the up ahead Peyton Ford battles two Brock defenders while Peyton Ford battles two Brock defenders I’m Sorry By Haley Chasteen

I’m sorry for the times you cried and the loneliness you felt inside. I’m sorry for the way things were and the selfishness that you endured. I’m sorry for the nights we lost and the deep pain it must have cost. I’m sorry for the love you missed; losing you helped me realize this. I’m sorry I wasn’t the girl you deserved; this has been the hardest lesson learned. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to show the deepest love you’ll ever know. I’m sorry for the empty days and the stresses that you still yet pay. I’m sorry for the way I left; I’ve never felt so much regret. I’m sorry for the heart I broke, that shattered with the words I spoke. I’m sorry for the empty space that lay beside you in my place. I’m sorry for the empty arms you fell into when times were hard. I’m sorry for the days that passed; our love now will surely last. I’m sorry it took so long to vow to love you forever, here and now. Ponder High Roar - page 12 Ponder

Art work by Mara Henderson