May 2015 - Vol. VIII Issue 1 - $.25 WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL

Crowning Big Man ID Ron CampusA ER First ever male beauty pageant graces the stage. Are you man enough? Page 6 READER

Recently there has also been outcry over a hit Leading list made by ISIS containing the information of about 100 service members that may be targeted by the group. One of these service members currently resides the way America in Wylie, however the city has decided to not release an official statement. How to be a role “When I first heard about it, I researched it and discovered that every name on this ‘hit list’ came from model in one of versus gathering public data from various websites available school’s largest ISIS to anyone with Internet access,” English teacher Amy May said. I discovered that Ash Thomas organizations “So this was not a true hit list, every name on Reporter Kailee Zercher @IncrediblyAsh but rather some data compi- this ‘hit list’ came lation, secretarial work, scare Reporter @_kaileezercher_ They refer to themselves as a tactics and marketing.” from gathering It’s that time of year again- religious group, yet they have re- The group has also public data. This The Pride of the East leadership claimed that the shooting at the cently made themselves a house- is not a true hit auditions have officially taken place. Curtis Culwell Center, where hold name by torturing their way list, but rather Every year students from all bands a Muhammad art exhibit and participate in a clinic and tryout to across the Middle East to promote contest was being held, was some data earn a spot on the leadership team their belief system. orchestrated by them, though no compilation, for the entire band program. This evidence has been found and the secretarial work, year’s leadership auditions took authorities believe that the two ISIS has gained publicity over the place April 27-30. shooters were acting on their scare tactic. The 2015-2016 Leadership past few months through a series own. Amy May Band Council is Band President of violent and terroristic acts in an ISIS, also known as AP English III teacher Kody Hamilton, Vice President attempt to scare people into follow- Da’ash or the Islamic State of Emma Beebe, Staff Sergeant TJ ing them. Iraq and Levant, is an extremist and religious, yet Partridge, Librarians Kailee Zercher unrecognized state that currently resides in Iraq and and Hunter Nardiello, Quartermas- Syria. Although formally established in April of 2003, ters Garrison Whadford and Eric the group and its leadership arose from Al Qaeda in Sims, Historians Kirk Daily and JJ Iraq. Its goal resembles that of Al Qaeda’s: to establish Denton, Spirit an Islamic regime based on Sharia principles, and to Captain Ariau- I’m telling wage war against the secular government of Iraq. na Johnson and Continued on page 7 ISIS Chaplain Greta you it’s Williams. going to be The 2015-2016 worth it. Leadership Glenn Lambert Marching Band Director Officers are Drum Majors Jade Rocha, Sanjua- na Contreras and Greta Williams, Colorguard Captain Anna Wygant, Wylie Colorguard Co-Captain Thalia Morales, Colorguard Lieutenant Kaitlyn Rassmussen, Loading Crew Captain Jacob Ward, Marching Captains Kody Hamilton and Jacob Ward, Flute Section Leaders Micah LaPointe and Tessa Thompson, Clar- inet Section Leader Mariah Martin, Saxophone/Low Woodwind Section Leaders Edson Martinez and Melissa Goytia, Trumpet Section Leaders Haleigh Nordmeyer and Cliff Little, French Horn Section Leaders Riley Freeman and TJ Patridge, Trombone Section Leader Emma Beebe, Eupho- nium Section Leader Tyler Harris, Continued on page 4 Leadership

School greets new assistant principals INDEX Features...... 1-7 Ash Thomas replacing Assistant to me. The staff and Reporter Principal Casey Whit- students are great. Wy- Inked up...... 8-9 @IncrediblyAsh tle, who is replacing lie East is an awesome Opinions...... 10-12 The chain of Shawn Miller as Asso- place to be.” Sports...... 13-15 command is shifting ciate Principal. Plake has 11 again as assistant “I taught, years of experience in Prom...... 16 principals move from coached and helped education including For the latest Raider Nation news, visit school to school within open the school at Wy- dean of students at In with the new New assistant principals Janet our online student newspaper: the district. Wyatt and Cody Plake are welcomed by next year’s lie East,” Plake said. Continued on page 7 New year Associate Principal Casey Whittle. courtesy photo www.wehsblueprint.com Cody Plake is “Wylie East is special 2 RAIDER READER May 2015 Academics WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL 3 Be a contributor Stay informed Phoebe Bosompem Alora Whitten Post your story ideas Carolina Borjas Bryan Nguygen Read daily tweets My favorite part of my endorsement is mixing I like all aspects of music and I love learning to on our Facebook The best thing that happened to me this year Making good grades was the best thing about this year. I posted on Twitter: numbers and letters and doing mental math. read it. by Lindy Surratt wall: was that I met new people and made new worked really hard and it paid off.by Madison Williams @WEHSBluePrint friends. Wylie East High School Blue Print Freshmen endorsement tracks prepare students for future careers which track they wanted to choose. choose, it is getting us ready for “Ever since I was little my what we might want to do in the mom and I would cook and I always future,” Salgado said. knew that was what I wanted to Counselor Emily Whittle do,” Salgado, who is on the culinary estimates that about 60 freshmen track, said. have changed their endorsements. For others, like freshmen “The most popular tracks Lizzie Jurden and Mary Harkins, seem to be the health science and choosing the right endorsement was engineering tracks,” Whittle said. much more difficult. “Also a lot choose band and theatre, “I called the college I want endorsements that allow them to to go to and they didn’t even know do what they what the endorsements were,” like as well We’re fresh- Jurden, in the theatre track, said. as their core men and this is “So I decided to have fun and classes.” switched to yearbook instead.” Career a ‘choose your The purpose of House Bill and technol- career for the Keep calm and march on Playing her flute, freshman Haley Spiegel focuses on marching technique during 5 is to reduce the number of stan- ogy teacher rest of your life’ dardized tests required to graduate morning rehearsal. She is on the band endorsement track. photo by Haleigh King Dr. Jacob Day thing that we’re and to “allow high school students instructs the Lauren West to study all four years of high school. greater flexibility in choosing their engineering picking as eighth Reporter “We’re freshmen and this is courses while maintaining academic career path graders. a ‘choose your career for the rest of rigor,” according to the House Bill 5 courses. Katherine Salgado hree years are left until the cur- your life’ thing that we’re picking as resources page. “Like Freshman Trent freshmen graduate on the eighth graders,” freshman Katherine “It makes you kind of feel everything new House Bill 5 plan. Salgado said. “I think they should trapped in one career pathway,” else it has its This new plan eliminated let us wait.” Harkins, who is on the band track, pros and cons but I really like that the Geometry, Algebra II, English With different endorsements said. once students find what they like it III, World Geography, World Histo- such as STEM, public services, Once students choose their really encourages higher learning ry, Chemistry and Physics STAAR business and industry and arts and pathway they have only one oppor- and really gives them a springboard tests and previously required class- humanity, which include over 30 tunity after freshman year to switch into college,” Day said. es, but now the plan requires fresh- different career options, some fresh- out of it to another track. men to choose an endorsement plan men, like Salgado, knew exactly “Even though it is early to

Endorsement “I like engineering because it’s really fun and adjustment interesting and it makes you feel At the end of their fresh- really productive.” man year, students will Shain Brown consider the continua- tion of their House Bill 5 tracks. Due to scheduling conflicts, failures or possi- bly even the dislike for the career path chosen, stu- Carissa Thatcher dents may change tracks. “Agriculture is just not something I’m interested in. I found my love for theatre. My favorite part about Thalia Morales theatre is the people I have met.” “I want to be an anesthesiologist and I’m really worried about medical school so this class is helping prepare me.” 29% Yes 71% No McKinley Bennett “Since I already have band, by switching I get an extra class period to fill with whatever I Rebecca Wright want.” “I really like everything we learn, especially CPR because now I know I’m able to use it if I need to.” 4 RAIDER READER May 2015 Features WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL 5

Visit our website Jacob Ward Kayla Canava Kati Klakamp Josh Minihan Stay informed The online The weirdest fact about our NHS sponsor Mrs. The most unusual thing our colorguard coach Mrs. I first lettered in theater but I wanted white I lettered in bowling and in Special with important school newspaper is May is that she was a professional belly dancer Potter does is “fire” our student teacher, Katie, at sleeves on my jacket so I waited until I Olympic sports. by Taylor Veracruz announcements: updated daily. at one point. least three times a day. by Kailee Zercher lettered in cheer to get my jacket. @WEHSBluePrint www.wehsblueprint.com from the front page Student Council Tanner McDonald

Leadership auditions select members to head up musical organization next year The purpose of Student Council is to provide leadership opportunities Section Leader Rain Kirkpatrick, relearn marching technique and is the most important part,” Haleigh plete paper work and document all for students to engage in service Drumline Captain Chad Beebe, Bass certain things needed to know for Nordmeyer, Head Trumpet Section of their achievements in the band to the school and community. The Drum Section Leader Sarah Alford, leadership,” Cliff Little, Trumpet Leader for 2015-2016, said. program as well as write an essay on club generated interest when stu- and the Front Ensemble Section Co-Section Leader for 2015-2016, “It shows who is serious and com- what leadership means to them. dents wanted a club that promoted Leaders Jasmin Goble and Kaitlynn said. “I was uncomfortably nervous passionate about the band and the After carefully looking over school spirit, created traditions Baker. during the actual audition.” leadership team, and who isn’t.” all audition materials and consid- and developed projects to help the There are two sections of the During the marching seg- Drum majors are asked to ering the skills present in each school and community. Student leadership team; the band council ment of the final audition, students keep count on a sound block during student that auditioned, directors Council members earn lettermans and the marching leaders. The band perform the diamond drill and the the marching portion when audition- decide who will fill each position. and an engraved medallion by earning service points by being an council works all year long to accom- direction change exercises in as- ing. Then, drum major auditioners “Making leadership is active member and earning a min- plish different tasks within the pro- signed groups of four students. will walk in one by one to complete always a rewarding experience,” for- imum of 75 points, contributing in gram while marching leaders work “I love marching,” said Riley an interview about what they can mer band President Luke Stephen- all four area projects. mainly during marching season. Freeman, the French Horn section provide to the band and conduct a son said. “It tells you that your hard “Each member has a dif- leader for 2015-2016.“The marching well-known recorded marching show work doesn’t go unrecognized.” ferent job to do that helps things portion of the audition is always fun for the directors. The Pride of the East leader- run smoothly,” Aaron Daniel, the for me.” “Drum majors are in charge ship team works together to ensure Interact Ailysha Anderson associate director of bands, said. During the interview seg- of maintaining tempo and con- the success of the band program. “The leadership sort of picks up the ment, students have to enter the trolling tempo changes for the entire “Understand that you will Interact club started on campus slack. They definitely make our band band hall alone with all directors band,” former head drum major be pushed to work to your maximum in 2010 and has a purpose of program a better environment.” and answer questions about what Kristen Pierri said. “It’s a pretty potential and that your best is al- helping students develop leader- The audition is two parts: they could contribute to the leader- difficult thing to do but you get used ways expected,” Glenn Lambert, the ship goals while helping others in interviewing and marching. ship team and to the band. to it.” head director of band, said. “Work the school and around the com- “Before the audition we have “I think the interview and In addition to interviews and ethic and determination are the best munity. Interact club is self-gov- erned and financially indepen- a two to three day camp where we documenting portion of the audition marching, students have to com- skills you can have.” dent, meaning each individual club gets to choose projects they care about to help. Seniors receive 1. Where was he born? cords by gaining a certain amount 2. What instrument did he play After spending between one to four of hours, attending 40 percent of in high school? meetings and participating in two years learning about music and 3. What is his middle name? photos by Caroline Witty fundraisers. well life from director Glenn Lambert, 4. What is his age? How we quizzed the Pride of the East’s doyou leaders on how well they 5. What is his biggest pet peeve? really know their director. Cords to letter jackets, clubs to sports: know Earning distinguished recognitions varies for each organization 4. 42 years old rom cords to lettermans there are different ways for students to be Students who are interested in joining clubs, organizations or 1. In Michigan? recognized and rewarded for their dedication to the school through sports should begin by talking to the coach of the team or director of the Lambert 5. Not having coffee ? 2. The trumpet Fclubs, organizations and sports. The wool letterman jacket style club or organization. For clubs and organizations most of the time it is as worn today began with teams in the 1930s. Graduation easy as filling out an application and paying a small membership fee, but Freshman Representative Alex cords, on the other hand, started in the early 1800s and were awarded some depend on the students’ class rank and grade point average. To join 3. to students who had high grade point averages, were involved in various a sport you must pass before you can play and try out for the team. organizations and held honorary achievements. Just how hard is it to letter? See chart above and below for a de- Thomas The hours required to earn a letterman or cord varies from orga- tailed outline of different ways to earn a cord or letterman depending on nization to organization and even sport to sport. For example, to earn a the club or sport. Griffeth letterman or medallion in Student Council, members must meet a certain number of service hours, but for choir, members earn lettermans by earn- Taylor Veracruz Kristin Gooch 1. Oklahoma Layout Editor 2. 3. ing 800 points by attendance, performing solos, and attending regionals. Reporter Trumpet Aaron Tuba Section Leader In most sports, athletes are rewarded a letterman for being a teammate @Taay_Cruuz @KGoochie 4. 48-years-old on a varsity team for one year. 5. Rainlin photos courtesy of yearbook staff Late People! Kirkpatrick National Honor Society has Athletes must complete one been a nationwide club since full season on varsity to receive 1921 and has a purpose a letterman. Each one may to demonstrate character, vary. For example, ath-ath leadership and service. To be a member of NHS students 4. 45 years old letes must participate in four Art Ariel Comparetto varsity golf tournaments and must be a junior or senior and 1. maybe... Since its first year, AP art has have at least a 4.5 grade point compete at the varsity level. grown by 18 people and includes 5. People who don’t Other sports require their ath-ath average on a 6.0 scale as well 2. The trumpet regular art classes. To receive a as go through an application Flute Section Leader pay attention letes to not only be on varsity letterman in art, students must but play in a certain number process. To receive a stole at 3. Austin complete two years of art, have the end of the year, students of district games to earn their an 85 average in art and partic-partic Micah letterman. must remain in good standing Lapoint ipate and medal at the Visual by completing six hours of ser-ser- Sports Arts Scholastic Event. vice per nine weeks and keep Braden Shewmake their grades up. National Honor Society Honor National Ivy LaPorte 1. Texas? 2. Trumpet 4. 3. Aaron?.... 48 years old HOSA Choir has a total of 110 Spanish Honor Society 5. When people are Alexis Tarkowski members and has set Kevin Kwon Health Occupations Students new musical records and Spanish Honor Society is a club late Head Drum Major of America strives to spread confidence levels since they that is by invitation only. Students awareness of the benefit of began. Choir has a pur-- are invited based on their grade health care and future health pose to give students skills in their third semester of Spanish. Answers Kristin providers. This organization is for life and teaches them The other requirements for the 1. Homestead Air Force for any student who has a desire how to work together with society is a 90 grade average in Pierri to learn healthcare. Last year others. To earn a letterman Spanish, 85 overall grade, three Base Florida was the first year for students the students must earn 800 semesters of Spanish and to be 2. Trumpet to receive cords. To receive cords points by attendance, per-per- at least a sophomore. Members photos by Maribeth Mills students must earn 50 points by forming solos and compet-compet- earn their cords by maintaining 3. Allen participating in HOSA activities ing in regionals. Students their membership in the society by such as competition and volun-- are awarded their letter- attending all meetings, performing 4. 46 years old teer work. mans at the end of the year service hours and conducting the banquet. Choir Libby Villegas induction for next year’s incoming 5. Being late! members. 6 RAIDER READER May 2015 Features WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL 7 Be a contributor Temi George Ashleigh Donaldson Post your story ideas Jackie Scanlon Eric Simms Stay informed I thought the Big Man on Campus pageant was The pageant was weird, but good weird. It was fun- on our Facebook I’m not afraid of ISIS because there’s always been a Ice is cold. with important school going to be lame, but it turned out really great. ny. by Kayla Corley and Jeremy McAlister wall: threat and we’re fine. by Kayla Corley and Jeremy McAlister announcements: @WEHSBluePrint Wylie East High School Blue Print from the front page All in the family Are you Man enough? ISIS threatens Wylie Supporting her son Jordan Wyatt at his They have been in- has stated that he will not SMU signing last year, volved in a civil war in Syria commit troops to the foreign Janet Wyatt will join that has raged for three and war until a direct threat the school next year as half years and killed more from ISIS is present. an assistant principal. than 200,000 people. Recent- “We can’t get caught photo by Carley Rogers ly ISIS has been spotted in up in our emotions and from the front page the media more often than bomb them to smithereens,” not because of the infamous Knechtly said. “That will murders taking place. Amer- only give them more reason New year brings new principals ican journalists and Shia to commit the same atro- Cooper Junior High and two “I spent 20 years in complete his senior year, Muslims have been execut- cious acts.” years as assistant princi- Garland ISD,” Wyatt said. working with the staff and ed in brutal ways, such as Recently, ISIS set pal. Plake was the girls’ “Eight years as a US Histo- a shorter drive to work from being crucified or beheaded off 15 near-simultaneous assistant basketball coach ry teacher and girls’ coach home. on tape. attacks on Kurdish forces in when East first opened, and and 12 years as an assistant “I want to set a good These public acts a fierce and renewed push taught special education and principal.” example for students at of defiance along with ISIS’ for territory. ISIS has been social studies. Wyatt is the mother Wylie East so that they will background have caused slaughtering, enslaving, rap- “I am very excited of graduated Jordan Wyatt want to make good choic- an outcry among the public ing and ethnically cleansing about this opportunity to and junior Jared Wyatt. es and become productive about whether or not the those in the Middle East come back to East and help “I love the family citizens,” Wyatt said. “Also, should get for months. Obama vowed make our school the best it atmosphere at East,” Wyatt to help the students achieve involved to stop them. months ago to demolish the can be,” Plake said. said. “The teachers and staff their high school diploma “I think a lot of group. Current Assistant are awesome. Mr. Williams and be prepared for college people are voicing their “Our objective is Principal Amy Burkman is is a great example of what a life and the real world.” opinions without research- clear: We will degrade, and leaving to teach at Texas principal should be.” ing the facts, recent devel- ultimately destroy, ISIS A&M Texarkana. Janet Wyatt is looking opments and multicultural through a comprehensive Wyatt is replacing her. forward to seeing her son perspective first,” May said. and sustained counterterror- “So overall, I find the public ism strategy,” Obama said. debate frustrating.” Several former ISIS People believe that prisoners have recently come since ISIS consists of a out to talk about how life quickly growing group of worked on the inside, and terrorists, they can never revealed some of ISIS’ best be fully wiped out and will tactics. never stop. These people also According to Ivan Fit for a king Rep- Dreams come Silly Sap- Whacky pack Powder to Poetic Justice Racquet sling- Watch me slay You know this Don’t believe him tend to believe that America Watson of CNN, “a man resenting Student true Hitting the phire Participating for the people For the talent ing singer Representing boogie is for just watch Sing- interfering has the potential named Suleiman says he’s Council, junior Clay high note during In place National Honor Senior Jordan portion of the Robby Burks band, senior real Remaking ing Uptown Funk, Big Man on to turn ISIS on America and from Syria, and claims that Mobley wins the his performance of the Society, senior Dorsey sports sang and Rayburn Lee Napoleon Dy- junior Noel Macal- Campus beau- make the situation worse he was forced to join ISIS Big Man on Cam- of Dream On by Sapphires, Sam McCord his powder ty pageant, showed off his reenacts a scene namite’s dance isang entertains pus pageant. The Aerosmith, se- senior played Whack-a- puff Hello senior Mark skills. from Mulan routine, senior the crowd with an for everyone involved. Air out of fear for his family’s Student Council nior Grant Peter- Matt Betts Mole with other Kitty athletic Hosek adds A variety of where she is at Weldon Hem- energetic dance attacks led by America safety. He confesses to Leadership class son represents A amuses the students, who wear from his his own flair junior and battle, singing bree boogies to number for the to a dramatic currently serve as the main being part of an ISIS cell attended to display Cappella Choir audience by sat in cardboard sophomore senior boys Reflections. Caned Heat by yearbook saff. He reading of a defense against ISIS, and ac- that planted and detonated their affections for in the Big Man boxes on stage. year in place Dr. Seuss represented He went on to Jamiroquai for began his perfor- their representive. on Campus in a kiddie photo by of Prestige book. Hosek various clubs answer questions his SKILLS mance playing the cording to some, may cause a remote control car bomb They cheered him pageant May 7. pool full of Ariauna Johnson Choir. photo participated for and organiza- still in the char- USA team violin, then tossed decades of more suffering outside a Kurdish base. He AFJ-ROTC. on with an assort- photo by Jessica Jell-O. by Ariauna tions. acter of Mulan, for the talent it aside to lip sync for those in Iraq and Syria. believes the bomb killed his ment of themed “fat Blakeley photo by Johnson photo by photo by and won best round. and dance through heads” representing Jessica Jessica Ariauna formal wear. photo by the audience. Because of this, the question own nephew -- and says he Clay. Blakeley Blakeley Johnson photo by Emily Ariauna photo by Jessica has changed to whether or received about $3,600 for the photo by Ariauna Koonce Johnson Blakeley not the benefits of the war job.” Johnson outweigh the cost for both ISIS paid another America and the Middle man, 19-year-old Kareem, East. $2,000 to fight for ISIS for Theatre hosts first ever male beauty pageant “I think the fact that over a year. He has scars we’ve been over there for 20 from battle covering his Jessica Blakeley contestant’s idea of for- screaming, as the contes- ey,” Dorsey said. Man on Campus to raise plus years with little prog- body and revealed that ISIS Reporter mal wear. The production tants walked out in their The last section was for- money for Promise House. ress should speak for itself,” drugged fighters with hal- started out with a choreo- versions of athletic wear. mal wear, where the contes- The pageant garnered over senior Dylan Knechtly said. lucinogenic pills before they Big Man on Campus graphed introduction where “My Hello Kitty athletic tants showed off their final $200 in donations. “We’ve infuriated an entire went into a fight. was a satirical male pag- the contestants danced to wear was from the powder attire for the night. “Promise House is for at- group of people. That’s why President Obama is eant filled with rolling on female pop hits. puff [football game] my “I went as Mulan for my risk teens in the Dallas and they hate us in the first still wary about sending in the floor laughs and smiles The contestants who sophomore year, surprising- formal wear,” Lee said. North Dallas area,” Smith- place. Going to war will only ground troops until a defi- throughout the audience. participated in the pageant ly the outfit still fit!” Dorsey At the end of the pag- son said. “The reason we worsen the situation.” nite threat against the Unit- were Matt Betts for Sap- said. eant, representing Student wanted to pick them was Many Americans be- ed States presents itself. phires, Robby Burks for The contestants then Council, Clay Mobley was because they were bringing lieve that the responsibility “Our Intelligence Once we got the Tennis, Jordan Dorsey for surprised the audience crowned The Big Man on arts to at-risk teens in the may fall to America to step Community believes that dance down we Prestige, Weldon Hembree with humor in their talent Campus. He also won Mr. community.” in and stop them before they thousands of foreigners--in- just had fun with for SKILLS USA, Mark performances such as Jell-O Heart Throb because he At end of the perfor- take control of more territo- cluding Europeans and Hosek for JROTC, Rayburn swimming, lip syncing and collected the most money mance, theatre director ry and the people within. some Americans--have it. Whatever the Lee for Colorguard, Noel cross dressing. through audience dona- Andrea Farnham presented “I personally think joined them in Syria and crowd gave us, Macalisang for Yearbook, Senior Jordan Dors- tions. a crown to Smithson to ac- that we should [go to war],” Iraq,” Obama said Sept. we went with it. Sam McCord for NHS, Clay ey taught himself how to “I felt surprised and knowledge all the work he officer Shane Varner said. 10.“Trained and battle-hard- Mobley for Student Council, play the piano. At the last honored to be crowned the put into the performance. “They are a threat to the ened, these fighters could try Clay Mobley American people.” to return to their home coun- BMOC Winner and Grant Peterson for A minute, he decided to wear first ever Big Man on Cam- “Before it started I was Cappella. senior Christie Reid’s dress pus,” Mobley said. “It was worried about the contes- The Algerian army, tries and carry out deadly “Once we got the dance and flip flops. He also wore fun and very funny.” tants and the fact there who has also taken action, attacks.” down we just had fun with a wig. He called his charac- Grant Peterson came in weren’t many rehearsals,” eliminated 23 terrorists, ar- The U.S. has al- The pageant was it. Whatever the crowd gave ter his twin sister, Jessica second place and Jordan Smithson said. “The idea rested five others and seized legedly been in contact with produced by senior Tanner us, we went with it,” Mob- Dorsey. Dorsey placed third. came from Student Council, various weapons in the last Syrian officials since mid- Smithson as his very last ley said. “Before we were “The song I sung was A Rayburn Lee took home and after doing research month alone. This shows June about their possible high school production. all nervous but we knew it Thousand Miles by Vanessa the ‘Most Dapper’ win and from different colleges we that America has the power involvement in order to keep The contest consisted of would be fun.” Carlton. So that’s where I Jordan Dorsey won the just ran with it, and I am to get rid of ISIS if it comes the Middle East from falling three sections: athletic The start of the athletic found the idea for being my ‘Most Athletic’ category. happy with the end result.” right down to it. However, into the hands of ISIS. wear, a talent and each wear section had the crowd ‘twin sister’ Jessica Dors- Smithson organized Big President Barack Obama In loving memory... Teacher’s hidden ink dedicated to loved one Taylor Veracruz man asking what he wanted to do Reporter for dinner but there was no reply. At 6 p.m. she texted again and asked “Kris and I would always when he was coming home. When laugh and say how eHarmony he did not reply to either of those doesn’t work when a commercial for text messages, Fox called one of his it would come onto the TV,” Katie friends to see if he was at work. The Fox, Geometry and Statistics teach- friend said he had already left. er and freshman and junior varsity Fox got in her car and just cheer coach, said. started driving in the pouring rain. She met her boyfriend, Kris She kept calling Stroman Stroman, through the dating web- Tribal tattoo honors junior’s father and when there was still no answer site and lost him to a tragic motorcy- she began hoping that Stroman was Kailee Zercher cle accident a year later. down to me.” Beddow said. cheating on her or that his disap- Reporter Fox and Stroman knew “I love my tattoo. I plan pearance was some kind of a joke. each other for two months before Junior David Beddow’s on turning it into a sleeve even- She then called hospitals. Shortly af- beginning a relationship. Their first father, Danny, passed away his tually,” Beddow said. “I have not ter, Fox and her dad found an article date was at a bowling alley where sophomore year in a work related one regret; I took an entire year to in the news that said Stroman was they each accident, just a day after David’s think it through and figure out why in a wreck. brought 16th birthday. I wanted it.” It is hard Fox and her father then a friend “I miss Dad more every day. According to him, the drove to Parkland where the nurses along to His passing has been the hardest most annoying thing ever to be in the and doctors would not release any avoid any thing any of us (my family) has asked about his tattoo is information to them. danger of had to endure,” Beddow said. “He “Did it hurt?” house “They would not be acting meeting always worked hard to give me any “My response like this if he would have made it,” without him. each other opportunity possible and was always is always ‘When I Fox’s dad turned to her and said. Katie Fox through an extremely supportive in my life.” fell from Heav- Cheer Coach That is when the doctors came out online site. A few months after his en? Not at and told them that Stroman had “I father passed away, Beddow wanted all!’” passed away. won the game of bowling of course,” to get a tattoo in his memory. In his memory, Fox got a Fox said. “I’ve always wanted tattoos,” tattoo on her side. Her tattoo artist Three weeks before Stroman Beddow said. “I figured, what better also lost his wife a year before Fox had his accident, the couple bought way to get started on all of the tat- lost Stroman. Fox told the artist a their first home together in Garland. toos I’m getting than to get my few things that represented Stroman Fox still lives in the house with a first one in honor of Dad?” and he drew up the tattoo based on roommate. With Indian heri- their relationship. “It is hard to be in the house tage on his father’s side “It has a Texas star on top. without him,” Fox said. “It helps of the family, Beddow His name is below that in a ban- that we weren’t in the house togeth- based his tattoo design ner with our anniversary and the er for long but it is hard doing new on a Cherokee Indian number to the house we bought things to the house that he wanted headdress. together,” Fox said. “There is a red done.” “I don’t have a heart with scroll on it, angel wings, Before Stroman passed favorite part of my tattoo; I his birth and death date and ‘I love away, he asked Fox’s mom for her love all of it,” Beddow said. “I added you Bay Bay,’ our nickname for one jeweler friend’s phone number, indi- the skull into the head dress for a another.” cating that a marriage proposal was darker twist on the tattoo.” Fox still remains close to on its way. He also had it designed to the Stroman family and they always The day of the accident, Fox resemble his father’s motorcycle and joke about how they are never get- was working on the house when he jacket. ting rid of her. In memory of... left for work on his motorcycle. “They were his prized pos- “His family loves me,” Fox At 3 p.m. Fox texted Stro- sessions and now he’s passed them Junior Brock Ziehr’s father said. artwork by Anita Ocampo passed away when Brock was just 3 years old . To honor his 1 father’s memory, Brock got a Ink d up mix up tattoo of his dad’s signature. ’ Under my skin “I found the signature on an Can you match the ink to it’s canvas? old document,” Ziehr said. He People with tattoos get stabbed with questions all the time. Stay on had his tattoo done in Colorado their good side and avoid asking these annoying questions. his sophomore year. “I was 16 when I got it.” did it HURT How much Kolton did it cost 2 3 Dr. Watson Kristi ? How are you going to Day Kobe Trevor SS Swinney Davis Close feel about it when you re old ' do your Hidden away Students Services secretary 4 5 PARENTS Tammy Ritter got a tattoo in are you sure thats know you have it Tales of Tatoos Rome, Italy that says “live, ' laugh, love” in Italian. She also has a barn swallow tattoo, ? because she loves birds. She doesn’t regret any of her tat- really what it says toos. “I was old when I got them ? so I knew I wouldn’t change my mind and they are in a location that I can keep covered.” The Raider Reader recently won 25 Interscholastic League Opinions WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL 11 Press Conference Achievement Awards Presley Fisher Mariah Martin Stay informed I accidentally met Little Mix beside the stage at a concert I passed out at a Billy Currington concert and he saw me Read daily tweets venue. They were on the way to a paid meet and greet so the pass out because I was seven feet away from him. posted on Twitter: second third places honorable fact that we met them for free was a little sweeter. rst places by Ash Thomas & Andrea Coca OPINIONS 6 3places 9 7mentions @WEHSBluePrint Lemme take a “selfie” LENDING a The “selfie” has insignificant moment. This creates become a bona whispers of “what would cause me fide cultural to get more retweets on Twitter” or phenomenon. whatever social media they plan on helping It has even putting their selfie on. Attention been added to given to those who are posting the Caroline Witty the dictionary selfie, even if you are saying “this is Reporter as an actual horrible it shouldn’t be put on the hand @caroline_witty word. Though Internet for everyone to see” that, The best of the most the selfie has become well-known sorry to say, is attention. It creates around the world, which is absolute- traffic to their profiles, giving them under-appreciated apps ly ridiculous, it is a slang word and what they ultimately want so they We make the Plant Nanny Zombies, Run! CARROT nothing more. People do not under- keep going. You might as well ignore joke all the by Fourdesire by Six to Start by Grailr LLC stand boundaries, created by moral- what they are doing and not pay time, “there’s Free $3.99 $2.99 ity, that come with taking a selfie attention to them; just as if you are Available on the App Store, Available on the App Store and that is just for the prosperity and trying to get the class clowns to stop. an app for Available on the App Store. Google play and the Windows Google play. popularity on social media, crossing The only way they will stop is if they that,” but in Phone. the fine line created by morals. don’t get a reaction. Ash Thomas this day and One of the major contribu- Another major component of Reporter Description Description Description tors of taking the perfect selfie is the a selfie is what you are doing in the @IncrediblyAsh age it’s some- For those who don’t drink enough wa- You’re running, collecting supplies and Consisting of the apps CARROT times hard background. Picking a background picture. This includes smiling, mak- ter or are looking to get better about following along to the story in your To-Do, CARROT Alarm, CARROT for any image is important, you don’t ing a funny face, hand gestures, not to find the right app. All kinds of the healthy habit, this app is for you. headphones when all of a sudden you Weather, CARROT Hunger and want dirty dishes or laundry in them wearing a shirt, letting your cleav- Auschwitz Concentration camp You should consider the same from a selfie at a funeral for a picture at a apps can be found far and wide, Adorably beneficial, the app provides hear the snarling of zombies behind CARROT Fit, the CARROT series but apparently according to societal age hang out of your shirt, having memorial such as Auschwitz. Again, please show respect for the dead. its user with a plant to take care of, you and a voice in your ear telling makes up a lot of the best productivity acceptance you are allowed to post little to no clothing on or just being but some of today’s gems are or “nanny”, and every time you water you to run. Zombies, Run! is a fitness apps hidden in the App store. All of pictures with backgrounds such as a completely and utterly nude. concealed under miles of more yourself, you water it, too! If you don’t app with a plotline in which you play the apps provide users with a unique popular apps such as Clash of water your plant, it will get sad and the hero who sets out to complete way to keep their life in order and stay homeless man dying, a deceased rel- Please respect yourself ative or even a memorial of a tragic enough to keep your “no no squares” Clans and Mr. Jump. So here are sick and eventually pass away, so missions and survive the zombie on task. They’re not just apps, but you’re given the responsibility of a vir- apocalypse. While running, users apps with a personality, and CARROT event in history. private because you wouldn’t want the best of the unknown produc- tual life. Surprisingly, it actually seems follow along with the episode and do won’t let you get away with procrasti- Yes, all of these examples someone who does not respect you to tivity-lifestyle apps, the hidden to help improve daily water intake, as instructed to get ahead and escape nation or laziness. Although extremely actually happened. Did humanity’s send it out to everyone. That could jewels. because with time the user can unlock zombies. If they survive the episode, judgmental and somewhat annoying, moral compass break or did morality jeopardize several opportunities new plants and pots to put them in they are rewarded with the supplies users often report the best results of die when the selfie came to be? within your life. Plus I do not think and then watch the plants grow. And they picked up along the way to help productivity from using the series. All Popularity on social media anyone wants to have a naughty no one wants to watch a cute little support their home base. Overall, the of the apps make fun of the user when tends to be what the younger gener- surprise on their Twitter timeline. plant slowly wither away. app provides a fun twist to the some- they can and push when they need to ations strive for; what better way to The selfie is not a bad thing. times tedious act of running and helps for optimal results. do it than to put something unfor- It is all about self expression but push users past their limits. gettable within their selfie. there is a line that shouldn’t be Encouragement, positive crossed. Not having morals and re- or negative, from people on social spect for yourself along with others media giving it some sort of atten- are generally what causes the bad tion causes humanity to think it is selfies to come to the light. Just take okay to humiliate themselves just better selfies. RAIDERREADER for the sake of popularity for a single Dead or Alive If you are at a funeral and you want to take a picture of yourself... Obviously there is a respect issue here if you are willing to take this selfie. Posted on Twitter. Editor in Chief Contributors Brooke Vincent Kayla Corley Caroline May Layout Editors Kobe Davis Jeremy McAlister Kristin Gooch Ashley Henagin Maribeth Mills Madison Jennings Madison Jennings Anita Ocampo Ari Johnson Alex Pitman Staff Haleigh King Michael Turner Jessica Blakeley Emily Koonce Andrea Coca Visit WEHSBluePrint.com for Wylie East High Rhapsody Kilgore daily Raider news. “Like” School Blue Print Ash Thomas us on Facebook or follow Taylor Veracruz us on Twitter to be the @WEHSBluePrint Lauren West first to know! Caroline Witty Kailee Zercher The Raider Reader is published twice a year by the news- paper students at Wylie East High School. Our mis- Adviser sion is to inform, educate and entertain our readers. The Casi Thedford opinions expressed are those of the Raider Reader staff and do not reflect those of the faculty or administration. Principal Mike Williams Established August 2007

fromthe Editor With only a few short months follow- this high of ing our publication of The Raid and an award. awards season, the Blue Print staff The staff had to switch from magazine design to has worked Brooke Vincent Gas Chamber You should consider the same from a online writing to newspaper in a blink so hard this Editor in Chief selfie at a funeral for a picture at a memorial such as of an eye. During the Interscholastic year and it @Brooke_E_V Auschwitz; take one before or after and show respect for League Press Conference and Dallas shows through the recognition we’ve re- the dead. Morning News student journalism ceived from state competitions, teachers competitions, we walked away with and students. I’ve walked down the hall- Plane Crash A descending plane faces a turbulence issue causing the need for a a total of 26 awards not including way and teachers have stopped me just breathing mask. Did you ever think that maybe you do not want the last picture our Silver Star Award for the online to talk about how much progress as a of you, for your family to see as an imbecile and taking a selfie right before your publication. A Star Award is given to staff we’ve made this year. It feels great death? Obviously that thought never crossed your mind. the best of the best in student publica- to finally be recognized for our achieve- Homeless man If someone is dying, hurt or starving; instead of mocking tions and we were one of 10 schools in ments. I’m definitely ending my senior them with pictures why don’t you buy them food, clothes or even take them the entire state to receive it. Above all, year on a high note and I can’t wait to to a hospital? this was our first time to ever achieve see what Blue Print does next year. 12 RAIDER READER May 2015 Visit our website Christian Hernandez Cole Neel The online Fans get rowdy at sport events newspaper is Weirdest place I’ve studied? The locker room bath- The weirdest place I have ever studied is updated daily. room. the beach. Booing the other team, shouting vulgar by Kristin Gooch comments...do fans go too far? www.wehsblueprint.com SPORTS Wild ‘n Out pg. 15 1 Power If coffee shops aren’t exactly your thing, Café Brazil is more of a brunch/restaurant style café. You’ve still got your coffee bar but this time, with a full menu. the excess noise from other customers and the kitchen, The great indoor and outdoor seating, along with free which includes everything from diners who are in for a Wi-Fi still allows for quality studying time. It’s got a quick bite to eat to continuous sounds of sizzling stove of style of its own, too. It is not your average cookie-cut- tops, oven timers, and colliding glass with plates or ter brunch stop. Walking through the doors, you feel like silverware from bus boys clearing off surrounding tables. you’re on South Congress in downtown Austin. Café Bra- You’ve also got to take into consideration the waits that zil stays true to its name, a tropical setting whilst main- come along with being at a restaurant. There’s the morn- aining a homey feel. It’s the perfect balance of comfort ing crowd and post church families along with the lunch and relaxation--the recipe for focusing in on homework rush that can mean anywhere from 15 minute to hour and reviews. With summer right around the corner and long waits just to find a seat. But catch the place at the the great weather that comes along with it, patio seating perfect moment, and it can be very peaceful. What better becomes ideal. Also, the tables outside are quieter and place for an after school study spot than Café Brazil? more spread out than usual, allowing for your own per- sonal space. Still, if indoors are for you, you can choose between tables, booths and the breakfast youbar. canThe choosemain issue in going to a restaurant rather than a coffee shop is 2 3 ONE4 3 a coffee shop is

If the name alone didn’t catch your attention, you probably haven’t lived in Wylie very long. Starbucks is the first place that comes to mind when Shoemaker & Hardt is a cutesy coffee shop and country store you think about going somewhere to study and grabbing a bite just downtown. It’s the kind of place known for small and to eat. And the thing is, it’s perfect for that. For starters it’s 1. Quick trip Chasing after the ball down the field, freshman Emma Chambers pushes the Grapevine opponent away during their Semi Final playoff game Apr. 16. photo friendly with big taste. The menu selection is nothing more than by Jessica Blakeley 2. Fast and furious Going after a pass junior, Jordyn Perry has to make a quick recovery against Frisco Apr. 11. This was Perry’s last game in the a chain so you can find one closest to you to prevent wasting a page, but every item on it is divine, guaranteeing your perfect play offs due to a torn ACL. photo by Gwen Murphy 3. Time to shine Passing the ball up field Sophomore Addie McCain struggles to move forward with a Viper and a ref- time driving around. But aside from convenient locations, the study comfort drink. Being in the heart of town, it’s an easy eree around her. photo by Gwen Murphy 4. On pins and needles The coaches countdown the last 30 seconds of the State game against the vipers with a lead of 1-0. photo entire ambiance is appealing once you step inside. There is al- trip to make. There is almost always no line, no wait and easy by Jessica Blakeley 5. A long stretch Junior midfielder Megan Paul takes the ball down the field with an Austin Vandergrift forward following close behind, winning state Apr. 18. photo by Olivia Gabriel ways music playing quietly in the background that isn’t distract- seat selection so you can enjoy a quiet corner or a spot in the ing yet still prevents every little pen drop, cough or blender sun’s warmth through the windows. It’s impossible to not make Soccer wins first ever state championship from drawing the room’s focus to that single spot. As for food yourself comfortable. And don’t forget, it comes with every Michael Turner and drinks, the variety is exceptional. They have everything study essential: free Wi-Fi. Still though, you have to consider a Reporter was back with a vengeance, more they once again cruised to a 3-0 win, championship,” Vana said. “But the from coffee and mochas to tea and frappuccinos. Along with few aspects of your surroundings. For starters, if you’re even @Michael_T98 than ready to lead her team for one setting up a very hyped game the moment the game started, I had a mini bakery items such as muffins and breakfast sandwiches. If the slightest bit claustrophobic or have an irrational fear of “We won state,” sophomore last chance at a state champion- next day versus undefeated Frisco. feeling we would win.” you’re in the mood for it, they probably have it. However, one old antiques, it may not be the place for you. Casing the walls Erin Vana erupted after the varsi- ship. They finished second in their Frisco, who had blown out nearly The girls dominated the downfall to your studying experience here is the possibility from floor to ceiling is a vast collection of “stuff”. This ranges ty soccer team defeated the Austin district, the first time they have not every team they played this season, game, keeping possession on the at- been district champions in years. came into the game hitting the Lady tacking third, near Vandegrift’s goal. of space. Depending on the time of day that you go, it could from dolls and stuffed animals to type writers and shoe shin- Vandegrift Lady Vipers for the title “District definitely had its Raiders hard. It was a very physical Sophomore Addie McCain played off ers. Literally anything antique. It can be overwhelming your first of 5A State Champions April 18. be completely empty or overly packed. And most locations ups and downs,” Simms said. match, resulting in two red a turnover by the Lady Viper’s de- aren’t enormous to begin with, so as soon as the line gets long, time to step through the doors but if you can look past it, to A year previous, almost exactly to the day, the girls experi- “It didn’t come as easy this cards for Frisco and one for fense and scored on a strike 20 yards you may jeopardize a chance to sit at a table with just you and the barista, then your drink alone is worth the stay. And luckily, enced the agony of defeat at the very year as last year but East. The team went down out. McCain’s single goal was the your flash cards. Not to mention the natural order of events: there is outdoor seating as well if you’re one who falls into hands of the Lady Vipers. They used we knew what 0-2 in the second half, before only one of the game earning her the more people means more noise. Which can also mean, attention that category. Needless to say, there’s no place better to drop the loss in the 4A state final as their we were capa- coming together to pull the title of Most Valuable Player for the deficit. It can be a gamble, but if you’re driving by and it doesn’t by for a Saturday afternoon study session. ultimate motivation. ble of.” unlikely win, 3-2 in overtime championship. The Lady Raiders’ Instead following penalty kick save by held on to win the first state title in seem too busy beyond the glass, the stop will be well worth The team navigated through of being dis- Scroggins. history. your time and grade. a treacherous season, transferring from 4A to 5A. Their new district couraged, coach “The emotional and physical “Meeting up with Vandegrift was tough according to the players Kody Christensen shared toughness it took us to win the in the state final was not a threat to and coaches, but the players pro- the news with the team game against Frisco made us our team, but a second chance and a gressed well. The team followed up that having a #2 seed in feel more ready than ever to time to get revenge,” Simms said. on a season that included a 21-2-1 the UIL regional playoffs take on state,” senior defender The win was extremely emo- record and consecutive victories over promised to have an easier Sarah O’Neall said. tional for the team as well as goalie the past two 4A State Champions in road to traverse. The girls The players celebrated as Scroggins, whose dad has been in the playoffs. started off their playoffs they were placed in the state the hospital throughout April. As The Lady Raiders endured against Frisco Liberty, tournament for the second soon as the game ended, she ran difficulties such as senior starting winning 3-1 before cruis- straight year, along with Aus- over to the sidelines to her mother goalkeeper Brooke-Lynn Scroggins ing past tin Vandegrift. and called her father at the hospital. tearing her PCL in district play Mesquite The girls played Breaking down on the sideline, the causing her to miss five games. Poteet in April 16 against first thing Scroggins told her father Junior midfielder Valiree Morris the second the Grapevine was “We’re state champions,” as the was hobbled for the majority of the round 1-0. Lady Mustangs, fans cheered behind her. season, with a broken toe and other They then pulling through “The girls fought their hard- by Rhapsody Kilgore minor nagging injuries. played Frisco Centennial, a game a 2-1 win, setting up a rematch for est; I knew they could do it,” Perry, “It was hard at times having that was rumored to be a close fight, the championship with the Vipers. who was unable to play due to an With summer coming up fast, that just means tests are as key players injured but our team before destroying the Titans 5-1. “Going into the game, we injury, said. stepped up and took the challenge “It gave the whole team knew it would be a battle,” junior Their emotions are high, as well. And being that close to freedom from school, the last thing that was placed in front of us game the feeling that we could actually defender Jordyn Perry said. “But we each girl on the team is still in shock by game,” junior forward Madison get back to state as long as we play knew it was a battle we could win.” that she is a State Champion. on anyone’s mind is taking the time to sit down and study. So why Simms said. together,” Vana said. “It showed how The team faced the Lady “Being a state champion is good we are.” Vipers April 18 in the championship an indescribable feeling and glory to not make the most out of it and be somewhere you’re going to The soccer team made it through their grueling district The girls returned to the game. God for an unforgettable journey,” gauntlet on a hot streak. Scroggins fourth round, in the regional semifi- “Before the game I was Simms said. enjoy? nals against Mansfield Legacy and nervous, because it’s the state 14 RAIDER READER May 2015 Sports WYLIE EAST HIGH SCHOOL 15

Visit our website Coach Kelly Lyons Ross Pruit Tori Smith Brock Ziehr Stay informed The online In college, my sorority had water polo teams I got involved in gymnastics. I did it from the I know how to play the clarinet, because I took My unique talent began three years ago. I got bored Read daily tweets newspaper is and we would play games for fun. age of 9 to 25. band in fifth and sixth grade.It was either that or and decided to teach myself how to play guitar by posted on Twitter: updated daily. by Rhapsody Kilgore & Andrea Coca choir and I cannot sing at all. watching YouTube videos. by Andrea Coca @WEHSBluePrint www.wehsblueprint.com

“I hold my 6-year-old son, Jack, dearest to my heart. I never thought I would have the opportunity Coach to be a mother because of medical reasons. I prayed Athletes are on top of their game, class rank continued from page 14 for a miracle and God blessed me with this amazing Sharyn baby boy.” Players manage sports and grades Vernon photo by Alex Pitman Jessica Blakeley lastly the faculty votes if that stu- switch off between going to a sport Reporter dent is right for NHS,” NHS advisor event and the next week going to do Makenzie Baker Michelle Lindsay said. a service project.” Contributor Staying up countless hours NHS members only have a In addition to NHS, com- “My husband, Mr. Vernon, and I have been to stay on top of their school work is small amount of time to participate peting in a sport, and tackling AP married for almost nine years. We are joined only a minor detail to these juniors at the hip.” in other activities, and for some that classes, these students find time to and seniors once they knew they is sports. They dedicate their morn- do even more. made it into the National Honor ings and afternoons to athletic com- “I am also the President of Society, even with a full schedule of mitments while still managing time BPA this year and director of sales “I fell in love with the idea of making a athletic practices and competitions. for school, NHS and themselves. for WE Print,” junior Tyler Svoboda, difference in children. I run around with them To “Practice is always in the who is also on the varsity golf team, all day.” Practice is qualify for mornings, so I go to school then I go said. “It’s a lot of work but I make National home and do all my homework so time for everything.” Who am I? always in the Honor Soci- I don’t stay up too late,” Sapphire Joining a sport has taught mornings, so ety, juniors Kristen Aaron said. the athletes how to be responsible “I’ve had my heart ripped into pieces and basically had to start my have a list life completely over in a new place not knowing a single person. I I’m on varsity base- Senior Marison Clayton is and how to stay committed to some- I go to school of require- learned a lot about myself. I am strong with a sturdy foundation, deter- ball. I play right field. a first year cross country and track thing when they want to give up. mined, passionate about my career, loved and successful!” then I go ments they runner and has been in NHS for the “Being a Sapphire has made I am... Behind My favorite part of have to past two years. my high school career more excit- Holt is base run- home and do meet. “I never had doubts on if I ing,” Aaron said. “I have met so the ball all my should quit running,” Clayton said. many new people and learned a lot ning. I get pumped “Academi- “I don’t consider myself an athlete from dancing.” Black A peek into Coach Vernon’s life by playing music in homework so cally they really. I always loved to run, and it’s NHS only allows juniors Right Field I don’t stay up have to be just something that I do.” and seniors to be inducted into their Caroline Witty the locker room be- in the top Scheduling conflicts can society. Two years filled with com- Reporter too late. 10 percent happen when students do not plan. munity service and helping out with @Caroline_Witty fore heading out. The Kristin Aaron of their The advisers know that the students the school has changed members’ oach Sharyn Vernon has been teaching. Randy Storie,” Coach Vernon said. most challenging part Sapphire class, meet have to take turns when it comes to outlook on their high school career. teaching for 22 years, five of “I was an athlete in high “He taught me discipline, goals, and of my sport is hitting, a certain the responsibilities of being in NHS. “National Honor Society has Cthose years have been here at school,” said Vernon. “I played vol- ‘Nothing we have done in the past GPA re- “There are always sched- taught me self-dependence,” Clayton the school. She does not only teach leyball and . Softball is my will ever be good enough again!’” because you don’t quirement. They have to fill out an uling conflicts,” NHS advisor Amy said. “I had to learn how to juggle senior English and coach softball, passion. I’ve played it since I was Vernon graduated college have much time to application packet, have a record May said. “We always give them my own time without people telling she teaches Awana at her church, eight years old.” with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ac- of service, get two letters of recom- a schedule ahead of time but be- me what to do and mostly we learn a nonprofit organization that helps Vernon attended Midland counting Information Systems and react to the ball. For mendation from people who are not tween their responsibilities they how to deal with our own responsi- churches and parents work together Lee High School where she was also a Master’s Degree in Elementary by Andrea Coca away games I always teachers, an overall report on that have to take turns. As long as they bilities while helping others in the to develop spiritually strong chil- in band. Education. student from their teachers and are proactive, they can usually just process.” dren. She also helps coach her son’s “I was the drum major in my Some students believe Ver- wear the same under coach-pitch baseball team. high school band,” Vernon said. “My non is a tough love kind of teacher, “I worked with kids in a parents are my biggest influence. but they know she will always have socks. local youth softball program and fell They have taught me unconditional their backs. in love with the idea of making a love.” “Behind this tough exterior See pg. 15 to find out who Wild ‘n out difference in children,” said Vernon. She also looked to her band you will find one of the most caring I am. “Children are my life.” director for support. and loveable people you will ever She participated in athletics “My second biggest influence know,” Vernon said. Student sections get wild at high school games long before she ever started was my high school band director, Andrea Coca students and their commit- goals.” However some of Reporter ment to showing up to school the “spirit” said or done has Tackling old versus new games and cheering their caused issues for schools, Student fans are teams on. other fans and even players. Coaches’ styles have changed over generations of training yelling out offensive names “I had seen a video “I think it does help degrading opposing players from another school’s pep to get in the head of the I’ve spent the around 210. According to him, it’s by commenting on their bod- rally and I modified it to opponent, but I believe we past few days the best motivator for his athletes if ies as in, pig, fat and twig. make it our own but I kept should also realize they’re talking to he stays that way from practice to At boys basketball parts because theirs was so people too and at the end of some differ- game nights. games student fans com- widely successful,” Smithson the game we should congrat- ent coaches For football coach Daniel ment on the appearance of said. “Also student leaders ulate them on playing hard,” and gathering Jordan, a coach of only three years, the other teams and even are talking about adding Turner said. Rhapsody Kilgore information to he agrees that consistency is key say disrespectful remarks something new every year Some players do not Reporter see how styles and a team should always be in full about the players to the to keep it different for the mind the remarks and are @rhappy97 vary based speed because practice reflects. But coaches. Student fans be- following school years.” actually okay with what goes on their years of experience. There his main focus for his athletes is lieve they are helping their Then a select few on. are so many factors to being a coach more personal and all about respect. team and the players tend to students took it into their “It doesn’t distract alone, that tons of things will come “I don’t yell as much as the agree. own hands to try and pump me at all. It actually helps Dealing with defeat Coaches and athletes look onto feild as the fourth quater comes to an end of annual up the student section. It because it distracts the across different even if you took Crosstown Showdown on Oct. 3. Final score 42-35 in favor of the Pirates. photo by Haleigh King other coaches. I like to bring the “Having them there two guys with the same amount of boys in and talk one on one,” Jordan makes a huge difference to started off as a movement to other team and helps throw experience and compared them side structible. New or old, mistakes will teams. He is the prime example of said. “Also I personally find respect- our games,” varsity basket- try and lift up the spirit of them off their game,” varsity by side. always be a part of the game. this ‘old school’ style. Crutcher has ing adults to be a top priority for the ball player Troy Bradley the student section for the basketball player Braden What I’ve had to come to The older a coach is, natural- three main points he gets across to team. For me, I like to watch older said. “Without them there, crosstown football game. Shewmake said. “I feel like peace with is, you can’t find this ly the more ‘old school’ his style will his athletes: consistency, discipline coaches to see what they do, so I’ve our games feel like just an- “I get into it during when there’s people there seem. And going hand in hand with and zero toleration. other practice.” the game but I think our to cheer for you, you play Loud and proud The student section celebrates at the Carrollton stadium as the girls deep, underlying way of doing things got a lot of respect for these guys varsity soccer plays against Mansfield High School for the fourth game in playoffs to just solely from how long they’ve style, the longer someone has been “If you’re lenient from the and I want my athletes to mirror In years past the student section is a little better and give yourself that make it to state. been coaching. doing something, the more dead set start, kids won’t understand when that.” student section has been rough sometimes,” sopho- extra effort to give the fans Whether you’ve been coach- they are about handling situations. you’re being hard on them later on,” According to Jordan, the seen as not being a big part more Michael Turner said. something to cheer about.” are upset by their actions. and children who sit in the ing for three years or 30 years, there Younger coaches might come across Crutcher said. “As for consistency, it best learning experience comes from of the school, in fact it was “I believe we should be more These fans are proud “We try to keep stands as well and can hear is still some common ground when laid back, just going with the flow so goes with discipline; you have to be getting something new out of every called being at an all-time focused on cheering on our of what they do and they it classy on the field but what these student fans say it comes to ways of dealing with ath- to speak. While a coach with more the same person at all times, never play. low for them. players and focusing on how truly want to support their when they say those things and yell to opposing players letes. And there will also be things experience will come out onto the tolerating less than 100 percent. I’m “However, at any level of This year senior good they can be.” team, but they ignore the it takes away from us as a on the field. that coaches will just never see eye field ready to do things his or her too hard headed to change that.” coaching, we all want intelligent, Tanner Smithson got With the help of so- fact that they represent team and puts the focus off “I would like to see to eye on. way. Crutcher referred to his coachable kids that always give good the school spirit flowing cial media student sections their school and they repre- of the team and on them,” our fans spend more time What I’ve come to learn is Football coach Mike Crutch- attitude as “almost boiling’. He said, effort and that we can depend on,” throughout the student body from all over the U.S. are sent how other fans, admin- varsity soccer player Briel and energy supporting our simply that experience will gain you er has coached for 43 years. In that in regards to his motto on consisten- Crutcher said. “And that’s a style by creating a dance called in a competition to be the istrators and parents view Madler said. team than talking negatively respect from other coaches but it time, he’s been a part of football, cy, that if water boils at 212 degrees that has yet to change.” the Raider Rumble which best student sections, or as them and their school. Some Obnoxious fans about other teams,” health doesn’t make you powerful or inde- baseball, track and girls basketball Fahrenheit, he keeps himself at had a huge effect on the others say “student section of their own team players ignore that there are parents teacher Angela Arp said. 16 RAIDER READER May 2015 Be a contributor Montana Rowe Daniella Atherton I went to two. The first store didn’t have anything Post your story ideas I went to a lot of stores to find a dress. I think I that looked good. The second store had better on our Facebook went to more than three. options. wall: by Jessica Blakeley Wylie East High School Blue Print

1. Chip in Waiting for their friends to join a game of Black Jack, seniors 1 2 3 4 Taylor Ford and Jamie Tyson take a break from the dance floor. 2. Photo op Snapping a quick pic of the re- cently crowned prom royalty, senior Jacob Zaborski adds some comedy to the royals’ dance.

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3. Stand out Dancing together at prom, juniors Kayla Corley and Mikayla Garcia enjoy a friendly slow dance around the couples. 4. Poker face Play- ing poker at prom, seniors Taylor Mauldin, Jordan Roach and Spencer Stiles keep straight faces while getting their game on. 5. Raving royalty Newly crowned prom king and queen, seniors Sarah Ponce’ and Greg Berumen celebrate with a dance to the song ‘Skyfall’ by Adele. 6. Dance it out Par- tying at prom, senior Taylor Justiniano dances with friends.7. Deal with it Preparing to play a game, junior Ben Morris, sophomore Greta Williams and junior Chad Beebe wait for the dealer to hand out photos by Jessica Blakeley the deck during prom at Southfork Ranch May 9. A Royale experience Juniors, seniors celebrate prom night at Southfork

Caroline May senior Brianna Jungman said. nience. the music, casino games and memo- Reporter Students had access to a Students also enjoyed the ries with friends. @Car0line_may chocolate fountain, snacks, drinks DJ of the night, who had everyone “Although the DJ’s music The dress, the tux, the hair, and were able to take pictures with on the dance floor playing along to was momentarily cut off during the the makeup and the exchanging of their friends and dates in a variety Simon Says and singing Let It Go chorus of Single Ladies,” Canava a boutonniere and corsage. Juniors of places. from Frozen. joked, “the energy this year was way and seniors recently celebrated one “There was the James Bond “The music was really fun up and everyone seemed to have a of the most memorable and antic- decorations, and the lit up tree and and it was cool how the DJ got ev- really awesome time.” ipated events of their high school gazebo outside that were really great eryone to dance,” junior Daina Phil- career--prom. places for pictures,” Jungman said. lips said. “If you actually got onto This year’s prom theme “There was also the photo booth that the dance floor and had fun with All the games that were was Casino Royale and was located people really loved and had a fun your friends you had a better time.” available made this prom at Southfork Ranch, running from time with.” Prom guests wrapped the 8 p.m.-12 a.m. May 9. Students A new concept to prom was night up with a celebration of the a little more unique, and walked in with tickets resembling introduced by providing the option to newly crowned Prom King and I loved learning how to playing cards and were welcomed by play casino style games to go along Queen, seniors Greg Berumen and play Texas hold Em’. elaborate decorations. with the overall theme. Guests could Sarah Ponce, in the center of the Kayla Canava “The place looked really join the dance floor and explore the dance floor. junior classy and was well put together,” casino realm at their own conve- The night was made with What made prom night special?

“Best night of my life, “My favorite part was that “Prom was special because “My friend was trying “Dancing was really fun dancing the whole time and I didn’t feel embarassed I finally had the moment to twerk and my whole and hanging out with my my feet hurt.” because everyone was I’ve always seen in the group died laughing.” friends after prom was my Christie Reid dancing.” movies.” Isabella Maisch favorite part of prom.” Elizabeth Hunt Jose Gamez Riley Freeman