St. Amant High Fall 2017 October 2017 Read all about what Theatre Plans First Haunted House Philosopher's Corner BY: DRESDAN MOORE Gata Data Reporter On October 29th, Heidi Frederic’s Theatre III class is like on page 6. will hold their first haunted house in the St. Amant High cafetorium. There will be two versions of the haunted house. A family friendly version will take place at 6 pm, while the student and adult version will take place at 8 pm. The haunted house for children will include con- cessions and Halloween themed games. The one for older teens and adults will include more scares and more horror movie themed content. The Theatre III students have the responsibility of preparing for the haunted house by developing ideas of their own scares. The class has given much time and money in gathering materials for the event. “It’s a lot more expensive than I anticipated,” Fred- eric said. Despite the cost, Frederic hopes to keep the haunted house as an annual event. The students have ordered many materials such as fake blood, backdrop curtains, plastic body parts, and scary masks in preparation for the haunted house. The class has used Amazon as an outlet to order all of the Gata Data photo by Dresdan Moore materials. “A lot of people may think it is not going to be Theatre students Kaitlyn Taylor, Ainsley Bourgeois, Catherine Carpenter, and scary but they have a big storm coming,” Theatre III See how the swim Student Carley Oakley said. The theme of the haunted Tori Gardner discuss plans for the haunted house. house is going to be childhood fears as the class sets up like it’s such a good set-up for a haunted house,” Fred- house and being able to see the setup and preparation rooms that pertain to the fear of clowns, doctors, dolls, eric said. This is the first time Theatre is doing an event in putting it together. This time we are the ones doing team's season is going and etc. like a haunted house since the Freshman Academy was the scaring, so it’s cool to be on the other side of things “It’s always been something that I wanted to do built and the Theatre students are hyped up for it. for once,” Senior Theatre III Student Trent Threeton so far! Read all about and now that we have the new cafetorium space, I feel “It’s very cool to be behind the scenes of a haunted said. it on page 12. Football with a Minor Setback for a Major Comeback BY: BRAYDEN BOURGEOIS Gata Data Reporter

St. Amant Football has brought home many re- markable victories this season. With the most re- cent victory against Mckinley High School the team is now 7-1. With the team finishing the first half out 14-0, St. Amant capitalized on that lead in Check how NJROTC the second half, scoring 4 more touchdowns, fin- Gata Data photo by Brayden Bourgeois ishing the game with a final score of 38-7. St. Amant Football preparing for a drive that will lead them to score in the first After the team’s first loss against Dutchtown quarter of the game. did in their most re- High School on October 13, their mentality has changed for the season by making them compete Dutchtown game being I had around 215 passing for the season sets up for a vicious attitude, prom- cent competition on harder than ever before. yards,” Senior Quarterback Halen Miller said. Sta- ising good results for the rest of the games this According to Coach Oliver, head coach, “The tistically speaking, Miller has an average of 160 season. team’s average passing and rushing yards com- passing yards per game, proving he excelled in With this new savage mind set, the team is al- page 3. bined is around 399, so for the Dutchtown game this game among others. ready looking ahead of what is to come and is pre- we weren’t down by that much being we had 385 “We realized anyone could be defeated so we pared for anyone who is willing to challenge them. combined rushing and passing yards.” had to work harder,” Senior Running Back and The Gators will face off against Broadmoor at “I was pretty content with my product for the Free Safety Cade Nelson said. His new mentality the Pit on Friday at 7:00pm. INDEX Nonprofit Color Run for Charity Teaches Life Skills Front Page 1 BY: JASON BARTLETT The participation in the past two years has been out, and to give back to something as important as overwhelmingly large, St. Amant High has been the Special Olympics. Gata Data Reporter able to raise over $11,000 to give to the charities. This also teaches the students that with any idea Academic Page 2 The first year there were just under 450 racers, if they do some planning, and get people together to Normally if you squirt someone with water or which is huge for an event put on by a school, but support and rally behind them, they can accomplish throw chalk dust in their face, you will catch some Student Life Page 3 the number dropped last year since it was during anything. “The fact that we took this from a small nasty looks, but at The Color Run in St. Amant that the fall after the flood. idea and in just two races could donate over is just part of the fun. “This year we are excited because it is the first $11,000 is huge. They were able to see what a huge Ad Page 4-5 On October 28th St Amant Student Council is time our race is actually going to be held in St. impact they could make,” said Bourque. hosting The Color Run at the Holy Rosary Catholic Amant,” said Ms. Bourque. It is going to be a part Overall, the color run is a great time to make Church in St. Amant. Feature Page 6-9 of La Fête des Bayous, the annual fair that takes new and lasting memories with your closest friends The Color Run is a three-mile-long non-profit place at Holy Rosary. and family while supporting a great cause like the fun run. All the proceeds go to the Louisiana Spe- The Student Council here at St. Amant began Louisiana Special Olympics. “Everybody should Ad Page 10-11 cial Olympics and the Ascension Fund, which is an hosting this event, because they “believe in pro- come and support the cause and have a good time,” instrument for private sector leaders to reward and moting leadership and giving our students an op- Senior Student Council President Blaire Peterson inspire excellence in public education. Sports Page 12-13 portunity to help and serve their communities and said. “We chose that because we wanted everybody we felt like this was a good way that they could do Senior Kaitlin Bruno said, “It was a really fun to feel included,” Student Council Sponsor Alice so,” Bourque said. way to just be outside and hang out with friends. It Ad Page 14 Bourque said. The Louisiana Special Olympics is According to Bourque, the Color Run is im- was exciting and happy...It was fun to dress up. I big on inclusivity and opportunities for all students portant because it shows students how important it loved being in the spirit with everyone else.” no matter what. Opinion Page 15-16 is to get involved in their community, to get word October 2017 ACADEMICS Page 2 St. Amant Honors AP Students BY: DRESDAN MOORE Gata Data Reporter

It’s a calm Friday morning on September 29th, students are called from class to attend a breakfast in the cafetorium, they get there to later fill their plates with food to celebrate their academic achievements. This event was organized by Assistant Principal Kellie Gonzales to recognize AP students who received a 3 or higher on their AP tests last school year. Also, the event was created to give some recognition to the AP program for helping St. Amant High students receive col- lege credit. “I came up with the idea of the AP break- fast as a way to celebrate the success of the AP students,” Gonzales said. At the beginning of the breakfast, the students that had passed their AP test got called from second block to meet in the cafetorium. As they entered the staff had cups and plates lined up for the stu- Gata Data photo By Dresdan Moore dents to fill with various foods and drinks. Students line up with their yard signs, given to them by Ms. Templet. Mr. Gilmore also lines up with them as During the breakfast the staff served the students, bacon, eggs, and biscuits. The stu- those students had passed their English AP tests. dents were both happy and thankful that they Towards the end of the breakfast, Head program all around,” Gonzales said. to and work towards,” Gilmore said. got recognition for their success. Principal Beth Templet called the students up The AP teachers were also in attendance as In total, 120 St. Amant students passed AP "The food was delicious. It was nice to be to the stage to get yard signs that signified they congratulated and interacted with the stu- tests and earned over 500 hours of college recognized for the hard work we put in. It's their achievements in the AP program. dents. The teachers came up to the stage when credit during the 2016-2017 school year. nice to feel like it paid off," Senior AP Student “I think the AP program offers a great deal their subject got called up such as when the "I believe that teachers realize that their Carly Gautreau said. of opportunity. Even for students that don’t English students got called and Mr. Randon students are more dedicated in AP courses, so “I think taking an AP class is a huge pass the AP test because it teaches them how Gilmore came up with them. the teachers put more effort in because they advantage and a very beneficial opportunity. to think at a higher level, it gives them some “I hope that as this event goes on and the know the students are willing to make the I’m glad that we as students are getting recog- exposure to more rigorous text and more rig- program continues to grow that this will connection," Gautreau said. nized for the hard work we put into these orous types of problems so it’s just a great become a thing that students will look forward classes,” Senior Jordan Lasseigne said.

Important Tests Impact Follow your career coaches by email, Facebook, google classroom, or remind Student's Futures text.

BY: CATHERINE NORTH Peterson first took the ACT in seventh grade Gata Data Reporter and now as a senior is glad she was able to build on her skills from there. Every year students are faced with “A lot of students go in and feel anxious, important decisions regarding their future. and test anxiety is real. Do not feel stressed Tests like the ACT and PSAT not only help and anxious,” St. Amant High ACT Prep students prepare for life after high school, Teacher Nicole Tanner said. Students face but can open many doors for their future. issues with testing that can prevent them There are many benefits to taking the from doing their best and that is why PSAT. “You can get nominated for the preparing prior to the test is important. National Merit Scholarship your junior year Taking practice tests while timing yourself and it helps you prepare for the SAT,” and focusing on the information are key fac- Guidance Counselor Natali Aucoin said. tors to a student's success. Act.org offers The ACT is part of the requirements for free practice tests that are very similar to the a student's college admission, and colleges actual ACT and can assist students in get- use it for course placement. ting used to what the ACT is like before tak- “The ACT also has components that ing it. help your career readiness as far as figuring “You have to really focus and make sure you don’t just skim and scan everything,” Follow Your STA out what you want to major in,” Guidance Counselor Dareth Sampson said. Peterson said. Students often spend too Many students struggle with how they much time on certain questions and are should prepare for tests like the ACT and unable to maximise the time they have to PSAT. At St. Amant students have the priv- take the test, so practicing your timing skills Career Coaches ilege of having resources on campus to aid can potentially improve your results. BY: YOUR STA CAREER COACHES them in their preparation. St. Amant High School offers free tutor- Contributed Article “Take advantage of practice tests and ing sessions after school the week prior to practice opportunities. There are online the ACT test. This is a good way for stu- As fall semester flies by, many students are year. Juniors and Seniors can contact Kim resources and books available also,” dents to prepare for the ACT. planning for the future. A great opportunity for St. Aucoin at [email protected] to get help with Amant students is the upcoming Career Fair. career and college plans. Sampson said. In addition to the after school tutoring The Ascension Parish District Career Fair for 9th- Freshmen and Sophomores can schedule an Many people believe that beginning to sessions, St. Amant has an ACT prep class 12th grades will be held on Wednesday, appointment with Mrs. Raynell Siener by email- take the ACT and PSAT earlier on in a stu- in which a student can learn all the tips and November 1, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Lamar Dixon ing [email protected] or stop by to visit for dent’s high school career will benefit them tools for taking the ACT. The prep class is 4-H building. Students are asked to bring their guidance on career and college options. significantly. Students are likely to do better only nine weeks long, and it allows students student ID to receive a jeans pass. Students from all grades are encouraged to visit Shortly after the career fair the December 9 Allison Vicknair at [email protected] in testing if they know what the formatting to practice and prepare before taking the ACT test will take place. The registration dead- when looking for any guidance on career and col- looks like and what to expect next time. ACT so they have a better chance at suc- line without a late fee is November 3. lege plans. “It helped me because I got to see exact- ceeding. As you begin to look ahead and consider All career coaches are located in POD 300 ly what it was like in seventh grade and then The ACT offers testing dates every other paths for your future, you are encouraged to not across from the water fountains. Students can also from there I knew what to expect and kept month, and at St. Amant all juniors are only attend the career fair and take the ACT but to follow the career coaches google classroom page, required to take the PSAT. also schedule a visit the three career coaches Facebook page and remind text for updates and building,” STA Senior Blaire Peterson said. available to help students at St. Amant this school information. October 2017 STUDENT LIFE Page 3 NJROTC Competitions Underway

BY: BRAYDEN BOURGEOIS do throughout school to make sure they are in FCA’s See You at peak condition at all times. St. Amant cadets Gata Data Photo prepares for competitions during the summer As October is coming to an end, and every- and school with practice four days a week that one is focused on Halloween festivities, includes physical training, color guard training, NJROTC is starting back up and participating armed and unarmed drills. The Pole a Success in competitions monthly. NJROTC prepared for the event on October According to Senior 21st by working on BY: MARISSA STATHAM community together, but also bringing God Naval Science Instructor pull-ups, stomach into the school,” Fellowship of Christian Captain Dennis Beaver, St. crunches, relay races, Gata Data Reporter Athletes Leader Kaleb Thompson said. Amant NJROTC program and other drills. “All of NJROTC Some students at St. Amant woke up Sophomore Matthew Norris attended the competes for St. Amant be- meets their standards, early just to attend Fellowship of Christian event and said that it made him realize just cause, “We are Americans, wears uniform prop- how tightly knit the St. Amant community and Americans compete”. Athletes “See You at the Pole” event. erly, retains knowledge See You at the pole is a nationwide event is and just how much we all enjoy coming In St. Amant’s NJROTC competition as of the chain com- in which students gather around their flag- together to praise the Lord. event held in September mand rank structure, “I hope students learn that there is power pole to pray. they placed 2nd, missing and also makes sure The primary purpose of this event was to in prayer, and that they remember to contin- first place just by two they project themselves bring students and teachers together to pray ually lift up our school and community,” points. This competition as a model cadet,” for our school, campus, and community. Green said. was held at Slidell High. Cadet Nicolas Donald- As this was the first time See You at The According to the See You at the Pole The team competed in son said, addressing Pole was hosted by our Fellowship of Chris- website, the global day of student prayer a color guard competition how he personally pre- began in 1990 as a grassroots movement pares other cadets be- tian Athletes, many people came out to at- and achieved third overall, Contributed Photo By Dennis Beaver tend this event. with ten students pray- and got first in unarmed in- fore events. Cadet Command- Not only did stu- "It is important that ing at their school. spection, unarmed basic, Cadets in a set formation for the ing Officer Donaldson dents attend this Recently, the club and also unarmed exhibi- Unarmed Basic Drill. has been in NJROTC has been experiencing tion. event, faculty and the student body along all four years, and is a Senior Cadet which, staff even attended - rapid growth in atten- Color guard drills consist of four people that have two flags and two rifles. It also entails a along with his persistent performance, earns some even praying in with faculty members, dance of weekly meet- list of commands that the four people have to him key authority among other cadets in ings. the different prayer follow and perform precisely. NJROTC. come together in The club started circles. NJROTC has a series of workouts that they “It is important with about 50 members that the student body, prayer because prayer at the end of last year along with faculty and has grown to about members, come to- is powerful." 150 members just this gether in prayer be- semester. cause prayer is - Morgan Green “I think they always powerful. In the book have a really good of Matthew, Jesus says, "For where two or guest speaker with an excellent message. three are gathered in my name, I will be with The speakers are all young and have a talent them.” Fellowship of Christian Athletes for connecting with young students and un- Sponsor, Morgan Green said. derstanding what they’re going through,” Sophomore Matthew Norris heard about Norris said. the event through the announcements, Fel- Kaleb Thompson says that Fellowship lowship of Christian Athletes, and Gator Na- of Christian Athletes has definitely had an tion News. impact on his life. He says it changed his life “We had more than two or three, we had for the better. about 125 students, faculty, and staff gath- “I chose to be an Fellowship of Christian ered praying for our school,” Green said. Athletes leader to improve my faith and to See You at the Pole is simply a prayer share the gospel with people,” Thompson rally where students meet at the school flag- said. pole before school to lift up their friends, So far, there have been five or six Fel- families, teachers, school, and nation to lowship of Christian Athletes meetings this God. See You at the Pole is a student-initi- school year. ated, student-organized, and student-led Currently, Fellowship of Christian Ath- event. letes meetings are held every Friday at 7:10 “I think the most important part of See in the morning in band tent 1 near the Gold You at The Pole was bringing the school and Dome.

Gata Data Photo by Marissa Statham Students form a circle as they pray at See You at The Pole, a national event where students gather in front of their school, typically by a flagpole to pray. October 2017 ADVERTISEMENT Page 4 October 2017 ADVERTISEMENT Page 5 October 2017 STA CLUB NEWS Page 6 Bear Hunt Motivates STA Pride

Gator Rally hosts Bear Hunt to raise spirit for the game against Catholic BY: JASON BARTLETT Gata Data Reporter

Here at St. Amant, hunting on school campus is normally against the rules, but one morning out of the year, not only is it accepted, but it is encouraged. “I really enjoyed trying to find my bear. It was a great hunt,” Sophomore Layna Bourgeois said. Gator Rally hosted the bear hunt to promote school spirit and boost morale for the football game Contributed Photo by Emma Lawless later that day. This bear hunt has STA Junior Balin Humphrey excitedly waves his bear overhead to show his friends while on his way to the office to been an annual tradition here at St. Amant High for a few years now to collect his prize. give students an opportunity to To get this school spirit ready hunt. Getting a bear was definitely enough to find a bear were very There really is nothing like show- show their Gator Pride and win to go, quite a bit of planning is one way to start your Friday morn- thrilled. This year the rewards for ing support for your school at The great prizes while they are at it. needed. Sponsors and members of ing off. finding a bear and turning it into Pit on a Friday night. Gator Rally Sponsor Mark Gator Rally scout our campus to St. Amant Senior and Gator the office were cash prizes and free Besides Dutchtown and E.A., Lambert said, “We didn't do it last find the best places to hide the Rally Member Tori Gardner said, dress passes. Catholic High is always a strong year because of the flood, so it was bears. “I think it is so much fun; you get Bourgeois said, “I felt pretty rival. After a streak of losses to also important that we bring this Gator Rally also decides the to come to school early and have good when I found my bear. I real- Catholic High, St. Amant won 21- back this year.” Here at St. Amant prizes for each bear depending on fun looking for prizes. I think that ly enjoy how many students show 14; the large boost in Gator Pride it is really important that the stu- where the bear was hidden and is the big deal, because there are up to things like this.” from the bear hunt really helped St. dents participate in events like the how difficult it was to find. not a lot of times where we can do Like Bourgeois, many students Amant’s boys bring home the win. bear hunt and take any opportunity There were a lot of students on fun things like that…” enjoyed the contagious school we get to raise school spirit. campus taking part in the bear Students who were lucky spirit both here and at the game. New Philosophy Club On Campus Before you know what to think, you have to know how to think

BY: MARISSA STATHAM Gata Data Reporter

Philosopher’s Corner is a new club on it. were only a couple of people then we campus formed by French students who After having the idea to start the club, started telling more people about it and wanted to talk more about conspiracy the- McCarstle asked Wells to sponsor and more people came so now it is a club,” ories, but did not have time to do so dur- shortly after, the club began. McCarstle said. ing class. “I look forward to hanging out with Wells told his students that were talk- Philosopher’s Corner is a place for people and talking about similar things,” ing about conspiracy theories in class that students to gather to talk about things they Junior Ryan Churchman said. they did not have time to talk about it in might find on the internet. Everything that Philosopher’s Corner class, but they could talk about it after “As it is a part of the French Club, the does is the mainstream PBS Philosophy school. requirement for being a Philosopher’s videos and Crash Course videos by Hank “The internet is a weird place and it is Corner club member is being a member of Green on youtube. They try their best to hard to navigate that without having the the French Club. To be a member of the stay in the logical spectrum of it. proper mindset,” Wells said. French Club, you sign up online and pay “We would talk about things like it in Wells said that his challenge is to get the $15 club fee,” Club Sponsor Benjamin class but we wouldn’t be able to go off on the kids to engage more and let them take Wells said. a rant about it because it’s French class control to change the perception of what There is a waiver to be in the club not philosophy so we just made a whole philosophy is. because Wells wants everyone’s parents new club about it because we like to talk “It is for kids who want to see what to know and understand what their child about it,” Club Member Lillian Sheesley philosophy is about but do not have the is doing. said. opportunity,” Wells said. President of Philosopher’s Corner, Sometimes, Philosopher’s Corner has The purpose of this new club is to fos- Gata Data photo by Marissa Statham Sarah McCarstle, said that the class talked as few as five people, and other times they ter discussion amongst the students and a lot about conspiracy theories and how have about 20 people, it just depends on also teach them important life lessons. St. Amant's new club, Philosopher's Corner, is sponsored they have to do with France, so they asked who decides to bring their friends. by French teacher Benjamin Wells. The club is a new if they could start a club centered around “We had our first meeting and there Mu Alpha Theta Begins New Season BY: CATHERINE NORTH and a spirit of competing can join the sion for math has inspired her to spon- Theta members continue to win more Theta District Governor, Lauren Gata Data Reporter club by going to Mrs. Westbrook and sor the club for the past three years. awards at competitions. Delhaye, said. Delhaye enjoys going to simply filling out an application form. “We are not only growing in num- “It has helped get me better at math the state convention and is excited for Many students at St. Amant High The club competes against other bers, but we are growing in our recogni- and have fun while doing it,” Mu Alpha her senior year in the club. School enjoy having the opportunity to schools in local, regional, and statewide tion,” Westbrook said. The club has Theta member, Christopher Simoni, “People who enjoy and are interest- grow in mathematics outside of the competitions in preparation for the state grown tremendously in the past few said. The club helps to advance mem- ed in taking math to the next level can classroom in an interesting and exciting competition at the end of the year. years, doubling in size. bers math skills in a fun atmosphere. be with friends and do so,” Delhaye way. “If a student has an interest or a pas- Last year the club was unable to “Trying something new and going said. Students who are interested in Mu Alpha Theta is an honors math sion for math or has a future in mathe- attend some of the competitions due to outside of your comfort zone is my having any sort of mathematical career society at STA in which students can matics then they should have an interest the flood. favorite part,” Simoni added. post high school are able to further their grow in mathematics. in this club,” Mu Alpha Theta sponsor “We did better at state than the pre- “I love math...being able to compete education in the field they are interested Anyone who has an interest in math Carla Westbrook said. Westbrook’s pas- vious year,” Westbrook said. Mu Alpha in it is an exciting thing” Mu Alpha in, while enjoying themselves. October 2017 STA CLUB NEWS Page 7 October 2017 HALLOWEEN: GUESS THE TEACHER Page 8

Contributed Photo #4 This fairy teaches in the 600's POD. She teaches Algebra and Geometry this semester and is responsible for math tutoring. Find the answer on page 16.

Contributed Photo #1: You can find this 50's girl in the 400's POD teaching STA's Speech classes. She enjoys soccer and has a baby on the way. Find the answer on page 16.

Contributed Photo Contributed Photo #5: This AP teacher knows the world #6: You can find this scary Dracula like the back of their hand. Find the coaching soccer and teaching PE on answer on page 16. the side. Find the answer on page 16.

Contributed Photo #2: This teacher loves history and is married to one of STA's art teachers. You can find who I am in the 700's. Find the answer on page 16.

Contributed Photo #7: This mermaid is a STA alum and now teaches history. Can you guess who I am?

Contributed photo Contributed Photo

Contributed Photo #8: This teacher can be found in the #9: This teacher can be found in the #3: "I'm on the right and I love coaching the girls soccer team, and I teach ca- 800s solving equations one step at a 700s and sponsors Student Council. reer readiness." Find the answer on page 16 time. Find the answer on page 16. Find the answer on page 16. October 2017 HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY PAGE Page 9 Scary

ACROSS DOWN 3 Watch 1 Cast a ballot 5 Spears’ tot 2 Dirt 6 Limbs 4 Cutting tool 7 Moakler of pageants 5 _____ Boulevard 9 James’ “The Turn of the _____” 8 Cow 11 Zilch 9 Film Festival 12 Lynn of country music 10 “Cape _____” 13 Scary of The Spice Girls, aka 12 Poe’s “_____” 14 “One _____ Hill” 13 Southeast Asian nation 17 _____ Disease 15 Fear of death 18 Leave 16 The _____ 23 Rhythm and blues singer _____ Keys 19 Mesmerize 24 Two people 20 _____ dunk 25 Colossus of Rhodes; god 21 Weather _____ 27 New York hotel (2 words) 22 _____ Mars 26 Decay October 2017 ADVERTISEMENTS Page 10 October 2017 ADVERTISEMENTS Page 11 October 2017 SPORTS Page 12 New Things in Store for Swim Team St. Amant Swim Prepares for Championship BY: CATHERINE NORTH Gata Data Reporter

New talent, new coaching, and new members bring a lot of change and opportunities for the St. Amant High School Swim Team’s 2017 season. October 28th and 29th the team will be competing in their final meet at the Capitol City Swim League Championship. They have had to adapt to many changes over the past few months, and they all have high hopes for the team’s final meet of the 2017 season. Contributed Photo by Wade Sullivan and Shannon Bourgeois “We are doing some endurance Freshman at St. Amant High School, Emily Bourgeois, is a state qualifier in four events, the 100 fly, 200 free, 500 things at practice,” Pitre said. The team is steadily preparing for the champi- free, and 100 back. Bourgeois is the first swimmer in a long time at St. Amant High to qualify for state. onship meet and hope to continue to to represent St. Amant at state,” group of students,” New Head Coach Next year the team hopes for more meets this season. This is a great honor improve before the championship. Bourgeois said. Amy Pitre said. Pitre has been pleased males to join the swim team. The girls for her and St. Amant High School. The girls’ team was in the top three This season the girls’ swim team with the improvements the team has swim team has been thriving in the “The team is really great, and we at every meet this season as a whole beat both East Ascension and made throughout the season, and she 2017 season, and Pitre wants to contin- are a team, even though it is an individ- team and has continued to work hard Dutchtown High School in three of the can not wait for what the next season ue to further the boys team in the com- ual sport,” Senior Team Member Averie and make improvements every day. four meets. will bring. ing years. Mire said. Mire feels the team has real- St. Amant freshman, Emily Overtime one of Pitre’s goals is to “We will probably have a tryout at “It has really helped shape who I ly stuck together and done what they Bourgeois, qualified for state this year generate and better the swim team’s off- the end of this year, versus the begin- am,” Senior Team Member Elizabeth needed to do despite the drastic coach- in three events, which will be held in season program. Currently the team is ning of the year. This way I can work Masten said. Masten recently received ing changes. November. No one has qualified for lacking this program and she wants to with them sooner,” Pitre said. She the Academic Composite Award in Masten said that this past season has state in a very long time at St. Amant, so be able provide this for the team mem- hopes to be at an advantage for next swimming. been her best and was just, “fabulous.” it is a big accomplishment for her and bers so that they can improve outside of season by starting off earlier and getting The Academic Composite Award The team bonds very well, gets along, the program. the regular swim season. to work with the team as a whole before acknowledges her for her exemplary and enjoys having the opportunity to “I am most excited about being able “It is an opportunity to coach a good the season even starts. grades and her accomplishments at spend time with each other. Wrestling Season Begins Again A look into the beginning of the 2017-2018 wrestling season

BY: DRESDAN MOORE Gata Data Reporter

Practices have begun and the grind is the type of rigorous activity they would choose I feel like it would be Catholic on again, as the wrestling team prepares be performing on a regular basis. since they have been around for ages,” for the beginning of their 2017-2018 sea- “Before the first football game we had Hess said. son. started doing conditioning workouts to Last year the team drove themselves As practices start up again wrestlers get their bodies ready to wrestle. It’s very to win the Jambalaya Cup. This year they on the team are excited and look forward physically demanding, so you can’t just have a good amount of recurring players to the events of the new season. walk off the street and begin to do what from last year. “I’m looking forward to seeing my they’re doing here,” Head Coach Brian “I have 3 returning place winners, teammates improve from last year and Hess said. Hunter Hawkins, Tyree Morris, and Nakie I’m also looking forward to state. I took a Even through the tough conditioning Brown. On the other hand we got Cody tough loss last year in the semi-finals but and workouts the team remains confident Comeaux who’s good, Ethan Lemoine this year I’m looking to get it done for for the season. who’s improved, and Jaden Snyder,” Hess sure,” Junior Wrestler Hunter Hawkins “I feel like we’re gonna show some said. said. major improvements from last season. I The team is currently getting ready for Practices are usually physically expect us to win the Jambalaya Cup for the Live Oak Takedown Tournament on demanding as the team jogs around the the 4th year in a row and I expect us to October 28th happening at Live Oak High wrestling room, go over types of holds, win the Greater Baton Rouge City School. This tournament is a staple of the and practice takedowns. Championship,” Hawkins said. season because it is always held right at “Practices are tough but worth it, Their biggest threat this year to the the beginning. because you definitely get out what you wrestling team is Catholic High as their “The coaches tell us to do our best Gata Data Photo by Dresdan Moore put into the sport,” Junior Wrestler Cody wrestling program has been more promi- cause it’s the first tournament of the sea- Comeaux said. nent for longer than STA’s. son and we need to get all of our jitters out The St. Amant High wrestling team going over holds and Before the practices started up this “In theory our rivals would be EA but the way,” Comeaux said. takedowns at their October 20th practice. year, the team conditioned themselves for we are way better than them. If I had to What Sport Do You Wish Was on Campus? "Lacrosse "Boxing "Darts "Ultimate cause I'd because it's because I'm Frisbee the master because you play it." a good form can play it with of darts." Senior of cardio." both genders Senior Noah Junior and it's fun." Brant Lebourgeois Madison Junior Journey Delaune Morgan Shoemaker October 2017 SPORTS Page 13 Mid-season Cross Country Team Peak Leads Shows Dedication to Win Over BY: EMMA LAWLESS Gata Data Reporter Dutchtown Seeing less time on the clock is the and last runner shorten. “That means the goal, but this year more than improved time between our first runner and fifth run- times has occurred on the STA Cross ner are spaced out by minutes rather than Volleyball team Country team. “Each runner is a different seconds,” Whitney said. Having a larger athlete today than they were on the first split raises the average time and can keep day of practice,” Whitney said. While the the team at the back of the back. “I’m hop- overcomes issues ultimate goal is to get a better time each ing by the time for Regional meet we can race, the athletes this year have supported reduce that gap and qualify some runners in order to win and encouraged each other which Whitney for state,” Whitney said. At their meet on sees as an accomplishment in itself. As a October 18th, nine boys and eight girls set BY: JASON BARTLETT coach, Whitney says she has seen “shy new personal records. Gata Data Reporter new runners start taking lead and opening Following the River Parishes meet, the up” and “upperclassmen mentoring the team will participate in the regional meet younger runners." The team will be in on November 4th at Highland Road. After a few big bumps and bruises, LaPlace this Saturday as they try and set However, according to Coach Whitney even faster times at the River Parishes only the top 7 runners will be allowed to the St. Amant High School Volleyball Championships meet. Although times race. The regional meet will determine team is reaching the peak of their season. Gata Data photo by Jason Bartlett have improved for most runners, Whitney which teams and individual runners quali- The team has struggled since the is hoping to see the split between their first ty to run at state. beginning of the season because of the many obstacles they have had to face as Freshman Team Member Zoe Richard blocks a ball from a team including the Great Flood of the opposing team during the Dutchtown game. 2016, and concussions. “You know, the flood is hard, the Joseph’s, but in district it’s EA and in saying she thought they would win girls they have no locker room, they Dutchtown. St. Amant’s volleyball team against Dutchtown. They won with the have no gym of their own, Lamar Dixon played Dutchtown on October 17. scores 25-15, 25-20, and 25-19. is not like playing at a home gym,” St. “The last time that we played them Despite the hardships, they proved to Amant Volleyball Coach Allison Leake we lost, but we remembered the stuff Dutchtown that they were a force to be said. However, they have persevered and that they did so we could use it,” STA reckoned with. After the solid win over are making their way to the top. Senior and Varsity Volleyball Team Dutchtown, their record is 16-15. According to Leake, they have had Member Baylee Rambin said,” I think Through all the difficulties, the team girls out throughout the season for that we are going to win. I just have a has remained as tightknit as you could injuries and are only just finding a little good feeling.” imagine. That showed in the game normalcy in their lineup on the court. According to Rambin, remembering against Dutchtown, when they won all They have started peaking in their sea- what Dutchtown did what just a part of three sets of the game. Their next games son within the last week and a half. their strategy to beat them the second are Friday and Saturday, October 27 and Overall, St. Amant’s biggest volley- time around. 28, during the ESA Spooktacular ball rivals are Mt. Carmel and St. As it happened, Rambin was correct Tournament.

Female Joins Freshmen Football Team Contributed Photo by Tanya Whitney Wearing the black and gold as a female football player Lanie Cook and Laney McCrary pace each other at the Run for the Cure on Oct 14th in Lafayette, LA. BY: MARISSA STATHAM Gata Data Reporter

This year’s freshman football team me,” Cook said. is very different, especially with the Templet says that Cook is just like "It is great because addition of a female football player, one of the guys and you never notice Cassie Cook. her because she’s always hanging I never thought I In order to be part of the team, with the guys. He also added that Cook had to attend summer workouts there has been a little bit of scuttle could be on a foot- with the rest of the team. between the team about Cook, but ball team." “It’s different than past experi- they’re working on being tight knit. ences. She’s part of the team; she’s “We are trying to get them to family,” Freshman Football Player understand what it means to be a St. - Cassie Cook Logan Fall said. Amant Gator and represent the foot- This is Cook’s second year play- Cook says that there is no drama ball team. It is something that we have ing football since she started playing and if there is, it is a whole different been stressing a lot and we have made in eighth grade. She chose to play kind of drama to her. progress but we have a little ways to football because she “kind of played “You kind of have to watch what go to understand what it really means all of the sports in middle school.” you say; you do not want to say any- to wear the black and gold,” Templet Fall thinks that having a girl on the thing inappropriate around her and said. football team has actually helped him you don’t want to hurt her feelings so Cook says she loves being the and he hopes that it encourages more you have to be more aware,” Fall said. only girl on the football team because girls to play. Freshman Football Coach Troy it is really fun, but at the same time, it “Girls talk to me all the time and Templet says that Cook is just part of is kind of weird. they are like 'It is so cool that you do the team and she does her part. “Some football players do not this.' and it is great because I never “It is pretty weird, they are all agree with it that much because they thought I could be on a football team,” guys and they talk about guys all the think that it is a boy sport but I think it Cook said. time. The coaches have to make little shows everyone that football, or any Cook says that being the only girl exceptions in their speeches when kind of contact sport, does not have to on the football team may look easy, they talk about all guys. I have a hel- be gender specific. It can be boys, but it really is not. met on so they do not really notice girls, or anyone,” Fall said. October 2017 ADVERTISEMENTS Page 14 October 2017 OPINION Page 15 October 2017 OPINION Page 16 Student Hazing Ask Sally BY: SALLY Makes Anonymous Person

Headlines Question: Why is the newspaper that just 1.7% of all connections are paper? from mobile and fixed wireless con- nections. The Effects that Answer: Hello anonymous student! Even in our digital age, print media is Question: Why is the sky blue? Hazing Poses still relevant. For centuries newspa- pers were printed on paper and sup- Answer: Hello anonymous student! plied physically to readers either by The sky is blue because molecules in on Students local distribution, or in some cases by the air scatter blue light from the sun BY: BRAYDEN BOURGEOIS mail, for example for British expatri- more than they scatter red light. Gata Data Reporter ates living in India or Hong Kong When we look towards the sun at sun- who subscribed to British newspa- set, we see red and orange colours pers. There is also the fact that adver- because the blue light has been scat- Hazing has been in recent news tising digitally is a lot more difficult tered out and away from the line of due to the two deaths at Penn State than with print. Apps like AdBlock sight. For this same reason, the ocean University and Louisiana State Contributed Photo by Google disable important advertisements and is blue. University. if you’re advertising on mobile, know Hazing is considered to be any Local schools work to end hazing at the high school and action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrass- college level after recent hazing incidents make news. ment, harassment or ridicule and risks student groups including sports and quences. These consequences may emotional or physical harm. teams." added the University. include but are not limited to: physical, Regardless of what group a student is Throughout St. Amant, preventing emotional, or mental instability.” These apart of whether it’s a team or a club hazing, peer pressure, and bullying are are the very dysfunctional lasting hazing can occur. a major priority among not only the effects hazing can have on anyone who Recently in Louisiana, the topic of school but also the community. St. has gone through this traumatic experi- hazing has been all over the news after Amant is constantly emphasizing on ence. the LSU student, Maxwell Gruver, died the dangers hazing has and the trau- At St. Amant High, school officials, of apparent hazing in his fraternity. matic experiences it can have on some- teachers and counselors work to ensure According to the University of one no matter the age and no matter the students who attend STA will never Dayton, “1.5 million students are year of school the person is going experience hazing due to the consistent hazed each year, 47% of students came through. support from teachers and faculty all to college already having experienced According to research by hazing- throughout St. Amant High. hazing,”. prevention.org, “71% of those who are “This is common throughout all hazed suffer from negative conse- The Student Review Corner Gata Data Photo by Sally Music Reviews For Students by a Student DM @STAGataData for a chance to get your question answered by Sally in a future issue! BY: DRESDAN MOORE Gata Data Reporter

My Review of Girls Only by track has ended. ESPRIT makes ESPRIT the nostalgia heavy in this Have a Rating: 8.0 “AESTHETIC” album as he uses samples from Girls Only is an album from early 90s pop culture such as music review vaporwave artist ESPRIT that Sega’s classic video game Sonic was released on December 1st, the Hedgehog. 2012. Vaporwave is a genre of Overall this album is the best suggestion? music that had surfaced in the vaporwave project I’ve listened Tweet @STAGataData wake of meme culture in the to lately. The nostalgia, trippy what he does over and over early 2010s. melodies, and great samples again. The musical style of vapor- make this album a great outing The features on this mixtape wave is very rooted in the 80s as to listen to. are okay as Lil Yachty, Chief artists in the genre remix various Keef, and Smokepurpp don’t do 80s pop songs. The songs usual- My Review of Lil Pump’s much to add to the mixtape but ly consist of a very trippy synth- Self-Titled Mixtape do have okay verses. pop sound with the original Rating: 3.0 “ESKETIT!!!” The production is the best samples chopped up and slowed Earlier in October part of this album. Even with the down. Soundcloud rapper Lil Pump great production after a while This album exudes these released his first project, which the mixtape just gets annoying. characteristics completely, as was a self-titled mixtape. This So overall this mixtape is not the tracks are chill, have a cer- mixtape is average at best. good. I would not recommend it tain groove about them, and also Lil Pump’s lyricism is just to anyone looking for a nice lis- the tracks flow together so well repetitive and basic. The most ten cause this was really hard for you won’t even notice that a he ever does is say his name and me to listen to.