cyberstar - magnolia high schoolmhs.magnoliaisd.org/ourpages/auto/2015/3/2/52470419... · cyberstar...
TRANSCRIPT
Cyberstar
2nd Edition
.By Kenzie Benson
Spilling with
talent, anxiety trickling down his
face in beads of glistening sweat,
Mr. GQ walks onto the stage. Proce-
dures like the following are usually
conducted behind closed doors; never-
theless, he rips open his heart and
spills its contents all over the
stage. He is reading the last line of
his poem and by this point, the
judges have decided his fate. Without
knowing it just yet, he has won the
competition.
On Thursday April 30th, Magnolia
High School hosted its annual GQ competition.
Over 40 performances boasted genius and skill
but in the end, Hardy Gatlin took the crown.
“It wasn’t an easy competition. Every-
one had a unique flair to them,” said audi-
ence member, Marcus Sloan.
In fact, stepping onto stage and per-
forming isn’t an easy task in itself. Putting
yourself out there is pretty scary, the world
can be a real shark tank at times.
“Mr.GQ definitley draws people out of
their
shell,”
said audi-
ence member,
Jazmin Ur-
ritia.
At
first, Mr.
GQ was an
idea that
Gatlin threw
over his
shoulder. He
didn’t want
much to do
with it.
“My mother thought it was cute and
funny so she said ‘You should do this,” and
I immediately said ‘no.’ Then she reminded
me that she was my mother and that she con-
trols pretty much every aspect of my life. So,
I decided ‘I am going to do this but, not be-
cause you told me to. I am going to do it be-
cause I want to,” said Gatlin.
Gatlin’s skit idea came right to him
and he entered the competition on a whim.
“I was originally going to play a piano
actually but they said they couldn’t get a
piano on stage. So I thought about this dude
named Harry Baker. I had read his poem and I
thought it was really cool so I decided to
read it for Mr. GQ because, why not,” said
Gatlin.
To his surprise, Gatlin’s freehand po-
etry recital stole the judges. As Mr. GQ, he
will receive a free tux rental, two free
prom tickets, expendable bragging rights, a
corsage, a boutonniere, and Cane’s chicken.
“I change my answer,” said Gatlin,
“It was all for the free chicken. I was in
it for the chicken.”
The Magnolia High School Newspaper
Magnolia News 1-6
Feature 7
Magnolia Sports 8-9
Health 10-13
By Kenzie Benson
Pi? Logarithms? Soh-Cah-
Toa? To most people, math lingo is as clear as
gobbeldy gook. But to the math geeks, it's a
second language.
Mu Alpha Theta, Magnolia High School’s
math honor society, has served as a challeng-
ing incentive for students to achieve excel-
lence in all their high school math classes.
On Friday, April 27th, an induction ceremony
was held for incoming members of the society.
“We will induct the new members, ex-
plain what Mu Alpha Theta is about, and end
with a communal gathering to welcome induc-
tees,” said Sloan.
In order to remain a member of the soci-
ety, students must retain above a B average in
their math classes.
“Mu Alpha Theta provides an environment
to incline students to reach their full
academic potential,” said Mu Alpha Theta of-
ficer, Marcus Sloan.
The society drives students to give
their best and gives them a support group to
fall back on.
“It motivates me to keep my grades up.
I know that all my studying and hard work is-
n’t done alone,” said Mu Alpha Theta member,
Jazmin Urrutia.
New members are anticipated of great-
ness.
“It is reassuring to be recognized for your
hard work and even more so, to have the sup-
port of your friends,” said inductee Brandon
Hosford.
Magnolia news 2
By Sarah Venables
The thought of summer school has a tradition of hold-
ing negative connotations, influenced by TV shows, books, and rumors spread by older siblings
and friends. However what many do not realize is while yes, you are attending school during
summer vacation, classes can be very beneficial to students on all academic levels.
Along with the usual 18 remedial courses, Health, Government, and Economics are offered
as original credit classes for those who wish to get ahead.
“Some students take the classes over the summer to get ahead or catch up on credits,”
Counselor Roxy Gilchrist said.
In addition, the courses do not count towards your GPA.
“Since these classes are harder, students take those classes over the summer since they
won’t hurt their GPA,” Gilchrist said.
Assistant principal Dr. Mindy Jo Munoz, who will be the summer school principal, says
she enjoys interacting with the summer school students.
“I’ve done this for many years,” Munoz said, “I love getting to meet students who
need remediation and helping them get over that hump; and I love meeting new students who are
just trying to prepare and get ahead for the future.”
Some students are considering the option of the original credit classes.
“Honestly, I hadn’t even thought about that,” student Brooke Bond said, “I was
thinking about doing it junior or senior year.”
Speaking of junior and senior year...
“And then for students who want to gain credit, that just opens their junior and possi-
bly senior year up to more electives they might want to take, or if they want to do job oppor-
tunities,” Munoz said.
When addressed with the idea of original credit classes, student Kierstynn Schoggins
agreed.
“I would definitely try to take it over the summer.”
Magnolia news 3
By Kenzie Benson
Pick up the pen, scramble your brain for
inspiration, spill your thoughts onto the pa-
per. Repeat. Think, think, its on the tip of
your tongue. Tip-tap the calculator, double
check your moves, scribble down the answer.
Practice, practice practice.
At the district UIL meet, 14 students
from The Magnolia High School qualified to
compete at state and 18 students earned points
for the team. Their success is a clear reflec-
tion of the hard work and dedication the stu-
dents have contributed.
“My students start preparing in October
with 16 packets of practice material for the
upcoming invitational. Then they take practice
tests to prepare for district. Then they do 11
more packets for the region level. They have
13 more for state. In accounting, the concepts
change so we adjust the practice accord-
ingly,” said accounting teacher, Mrs.
Mathews.
To an outsider- the workload looks
like a drowning doozy but students on the
UIL team know the bug that keeps them on
their feet. It’s passion and they’re
oozing with it.
“These kids just love the topic.
In accounting, there is always a puzzle
and they love the puzzles,” said
Mathews.
Practice pays off at the competi-
tion where advisors can stick students up
against some rough and tough competition.
“Accounting is 80 multiple choice
in one hour. It can range from any topic.
More subject matter is thrown at you as
you advance. But we practice previous tests
and prepare that way,” said accounting stu-
dent, Sarah Hubble.
Training isn’t just black and white
packets and every area of UIL forms their own
method of preparation. It comes in different
mediums and sometimes from outside sources.
“It was my parents who suggested I get
the Wall Street Journal and New York Times and
read the editorials there. I got some dif-
ferent ideas and I did a lot of practice sto-
ries,” said editorial finalist, Sarah
Venables.
In fact, UIL itself, serves as practice
for life beyond the classroom walls.
“Both my parents were accountants. I
took BIM as a freshman and I really liked Mrs.
Mathews. I really liked the subject. I was un-
sure of what I wanted to be when I went off to
college so I tried it out and took accounting
I. I am in accounting II this year and I have
just stuck with it because its something I en-
joy, I am good at it I like the people on the
team, and I like Mrs. Matthews,” said Hubble.
When it comes down to it and dedication
rings the bells of victory, UIL provides stu-
dents with a place to cradle their passion
into bloom.
“I’ve always kinda wanted to do some-
thing in writing. I definitely think I might
be a journalist, its fun. My ultimate goal is
to write a book. I really like fantasy, sci-
fi, and James Patterson novels,” said
Venables.
“My friends were in computer science so
I joined and I ended up liking it. I’ve never
really been to Austin, so I am excited to
go,” said computer science student, Sunny
Tran.
Magnolia news 4
By Madison Disotell
Magnolia’s dance
team has had a wonderful year of performances
from the football field to competition stages.
Now that the year is wrapping up, the dance
ladies are prepping for their spring show
fundraiser coming up Saturday, May 2nd, at 6
PM.
“The spring show is our annual end-of-
the-year show to help us buy costumes and
other supplies for next year,” dance team di-
rector and teacher Karen Tarver-Shirley
said. “The dance classes and the drill team
will perform some new dances to show what we’
ve been doing and a variety of styles. And
it’s the seniors last performance, so it’ll
be great.”
The drill team officers choreograph a
majority of the show and will perform differ-
ent ensembles. Dance 2, 3, and 4 are each do-
ing two dances in the show, while varsity is
doing two sets of ensembles and squad dances,
and junior varsity is doing three dances.
“There’s about thirty dances being
performed.” Tarver-Shivley said. “These
dances are more modern, artistic varieties.”
Senior varsity dancers Alexis Cespedes
and Danielle Anderson are looking forward to
their last performance at the spring show.
“We’re doing around-the-world themed
dances, featuring songs from different cul-
tures and dance styles,” Cespedes said.
“We’ve been practicing for about a month,
getting everything ready.”
The show is open to anyone who wants to
come watch. Pre-sale tickets will be on sale
during lunch and will be discounted for $3 for
students and $7 for adults. At the door, it
will be $5 for students and $10 for adults.
“It’s the seniors last performance, so
we’re excited,” Anderson said.“Everybody’s
friends and family comes so it’s always a
turnout, but anyone can come. We’ll be doing
contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop
styles.”
Cespedes and Anderson are pumped up for
it, but there’s a lot they will miss about
their experience in dance.
“I love football season... curling your
hair every Friday,” Cespedes laughed. “I
love all the friends I have in the class. We
all became really close.”
Anderson treasures much of her dance ex-
perience, but will remember football season
the most as well.
“All the girls are like sisters,
and [Mrs. Tarver-Shively] is a great
teacher.”Anderson said. “Football season is
the best- games every Friday, getting excited
about performing and watching the game. It’s
good to get involved.”
Magnolia News 5
By Madi Welch
Performing their one-act play, “Dying For It” at
UIL regionals, The Magnolia High School Theatre received many awards, including alternate 3rd
place out of 380 schools in Texas. The melancholy-comedy the company performed was about a man
who lost all of his hope, and the people in his life fighting for different sides of his fu-
ture.
“It’s a comedy. It goes through and looks and sees how far people will go to get what
they want,” Rod Sheffield, Theatre Director, said.
After preparing since January with practice five to six days a week, and rehearsals al-
most every weekend, the cast and crew is proud of all of the hard work they poured into this
play.
“We were told this was a really tough competition, so to even place at all was a huge
honor,” Trip Gaunt, actor in the play, said.
The cast and crew received many awards including;
All-Star Cast-Allie Re and Trip Gaunt,
Honorable Mention Cast-Malena Collom, and Charity Whitfield,
Top overall crew- Parker Barnett, Amy Kramr, Dylan Mayes, Rachel Sanchez-Ruffra, and
Darby Salge
Top Technician-
Amy Kramr
“It was defi-
nitely an honor; I owe
it all to the cast and
everyone else in-
volved,” Allie Re, ac-
tress in the play and
All-Star Cast member
said when asked about
her award.
New comer Trip
Gaunt also received an
All-Star Cast award.
“I have never done acting before; this is my first year, so to be awarded for doing a
good job, it felt really special,” Gaunt said.
On behalf of the crew, Amy Kramr, Top
Technician, said, “It feels really
good to be recognized, since we are
not out on stage. Not everyone sees
what we are doing, but we are still
recognized by the people who see it
backstage.”
We are so proud of all that The Mag-
nolia High School Theatre has accom-
plished. Keep making us proud!
Magnolia News 6
By Jordan Goff
Business Information Management classes will soon be taking their Microsoft Word Certi-
fication tests, bringing the class up to a total of three certifications offered since the be-
ginning of the school year.
This school year, the BIM curriculum began to focus more on the certifications as a way
to gauge a student’s abilities in certain programs.
“The certifications that are connected to our BIM class are industry certified certifi-
cations that will help students in several ways,” Susan Matthews, BIM teacher, said. “One,
they can put in on their resumes, it’ll help them get an entry level position. Two, it’ll
help when they go to college because they will be using the software a lot more in their col-
lege classes. And the other thing is...it’s free to them. If they decide to wait and do it
after they graduate, they’d probably pay about a $100 for each certification.”
The four certification test vary in difficulty and have different passing rates; Excel
and Access are both considered the most challenging.
“The hardest part was remembering what to do in certain parts,” student Jose Martinez
said. “Especially in Access, it was the most difficult one, remembering [the things] on the
review and the lessons.”
Last year, though the test was issued, it was not the main priority of the class. Stu-
dents did certify, bu this year the passing rate has skyrocketed.
“It doesn’t really help you in your core classes,” said former student Michelle
Galeno. “But once you get a job, they give you a raise, bonus, or better position.”
The certifications could also lead to college credit in the future.
“If you get all four certifications for Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel, then when
you do go to college, you have a big chance of requesting a placement exam and not having to
take your required Computer Applications course,” said Matthews.
With Access and Excel behind them, Matthews thinks it will be smooth sailing from here
on out.
“Once the students have done the exercises in class and done the practice project
training, then they have a high chance of being successful [in Word and PowerPoint],” Mat-
thews said.
The students themselves, who’ve passed the test, are pleased with what their efforts
have brought them.
“I’ll be able to work better on a computer with my job,” student Cami Siem said.
“I’m happy with my scores.”
By Brooke Bowie
For the last band trip of the school
year, the Magnolia High School band drove down
to South Padre Island to participate in the
Gulf Coast Sound Festival.
There the band competed in a friendly
competition, while also getting to spend time
on the sand at the beach.
“The competition went very well, I feel
like we played our pieces really well, and we
were really prepared,” said, MHS band member,
Brooke Kopecky.
Even though they did not receive an
award, many students still had an excellent
time in
South Padre.
“Just being around kids with the same
mindset, and the enjoyment we had was a great
bond we had together,” said, James Robertson,
MHS band member.
This being some of the students last
trip, many people were glad to have such a
great time at the competition.
“It was a great experience, especially
for being with the seniors for the last
time,” said, MHS band member, Lauren Brown,
“We’re not going to go on any more trips
with them, so it was fun.”
By Kenzie Benson
Pack your bag for a sleepover. You can
probably do it in under ten minutes. A
toothbrush, pajamas, a clean set of clothes.
You run out the door and think nothing about
it. Try packing for an entire school year,
saying goodbye to your family, and submitting
yourself to a new world of experiences all on
your own.
(Olegsander) Lukan is a foreign exchange
student from Ukraine who has made Magnolia
High School into his home for the past 9
months. With his departure date sneaking up on
him, Lukan is finding new ways to appreciate
his fleeting surroundings.
“I only have 29 days left, as of to-
day,” said Lukan.
Most people would turn their nose up to
the idea of spending their last days of a trip
in school but Luken looks at school with a
different mindset.
“Everything here is pretty cool and I
really like school, its the best part. I did-
n’t like school much at home but it's differ-
ent here,” said Lukan.
He explained that the week feels shorter
here because in Ukraine, school's in session
on Saturdays.
“At home I didn’t do much on the week-
ends, just homework but here, its much more
fun. I go out with my friends and I go to
church with my host parents. Church is differ-
ent and a good experience,” said Lukan.
And while some are nostalgic about the
cool days that Texas weather permits in the
Spring, Lukan looks forward to the sunny
weather.
“For me, it’s great that it's warm
here because, Ukraine is very cold. I don’t
being cold,” said Lukan.
Lukan explained to me that although the
weather is great, and school is fun, its the
people who have really scooped out his heart.
“Well, my host family travels a lot so
I got to go to West Virginia. While I was in
West Virginia, I was at my host parent’s sis-
ter’s house and I found their ukulele. I
played it all the time while I was there and
not long ago I got a package in the mail. It
was the ukulele,”said Lukan.
So, I do not think that it will be a 10
minute pack up and go sort of scheme of Lukan;
in fact, I don’t think he will ever finish
packing. He will most likely leave with his
memories undone, his thoughts untampered, and
come back at a later time to pick things up.
“I plan on returning in the future,
maybe in ten years, maybe less. I want to
visit Mr. Springer and all my favorite teach-
ers,” said Lukan.
Feature 7
By Brice Willbanks
The Magnolia High Schools Volleyball and Basketball teams are playing survivor. Survivor
involves nine mini team working games “That tests people's speed, agility, strength and in-
telligence” says volleyball Coach Johnson.
The volleyball group is broken up into four competitive teams who all want to win. Bas-
ketball is broken into five
different teams.
All the coaches work
together to find something
all the girls will enjoy
and try to compete. Like
minute to win it, competi-
tive bench press, relay
races, basketball games,
dodgeball and some other
fun games. Volleyball and
Basketball don’t play the
exact same games, but they
get ideas from each other.
They have been play-
ing survivor for about
eight years now it was originally Coach Johnson's idea to start and basketball thought it was
a great way to “Break down the monotony of doing basketball and conditioning every single day
in the off season.” says Coach Ritter.
Magnolia Sports 8
By Brice Willbanks
At The Magnolia High School the Bulldogs are signing to play a
sport in college. Forest Lundy, Zach Suico, and Kaleb Turner all signed to different colleges.
Forest Lundy, senior, signed to swim at University of Tampa in Florida. He has been
swimming for ten years. Lundy got four other offers from colleges, but picked Tampa because
of their small class sizes and nice pool. He finds inspiration in bettering himself. He would
like to say to his team good luck next year.
Zach Suico, senior, signed to Seward County Community College in Kansas for tennis.
Suico has been playing Tennis since he was three years old, but didn't start playing tourna-
ments till he was eleven. He got four other offers to play, but decided to go with Seward be-
cause of their strong team and nice campus. Suico was always inspired because he likes to be
competitive, work hard, and win. He would like to wish his team "Good luck next year, it might
get hard without the same coach, but dig through like we did this year."
Kaleb Turner, senior, signed to play soccer at South Dakota School of Mines. Turner has
been playing since he was in fifth grade (7 years). He got offers from a few other fine arts
colleges, but picked South Dakota because it was out of state in a new area and they offered
him good scholarships. Turner found inspiration though playing as a team and depending on oth-
ers. He would like to say to his him "Just because I am leaving doesn't mean the team should
change as a family." He hopes they will still get together as a team, before the games and
have a meal together.
Good luck at your new schools next year. We hope to hear great things! Once a Bulldog
always a Bulldog.
By Jordan Goff James Arthur Luna III is a student in Art II 2D who competed in Rodeo Art with his Warhol-esque dog piece. It was placed in the first-place category.
“I love my dog,” Luna said. “He inspired me by sitting there and screaming ‘do art for me.’”
The colors of the piece are bright red, white, and blue, signifying pride of both the United States and Texas.
“It had to be something patriotic,” Luna said. “It was all stuff I knew how to do.”
Luna has been enrolled in an art class since the sixth grade.
“I started [art] in sixth grade,” Luna said. “My favorite piece I’ve ever done was a ripped-paper mosaic of my dog in eighth grade.”
Art has always been an escape for Luna. “I love art because it gives me another place to go,” Luna
said. “When it comes to the English language, I’m not good at that sort of thing. It gives me a new way to speak.”
Magnolia sports 9
By Brooke Bowie
On Friday,
April 24th, the boys soccer team held
their annual banquet to commemorate the
past 2014-2015 soccer season.
The Varsity team awards went to
Kaleb Turner for Goalkeeper of the year in
the district, Austin Henderson for New-
comer of the year for the team, Kaleb
Turner for Defensive player of the year
for the team, Francisco Medina for Mid-
fielder of the year for the team, Jorge
Meza for Bulldog award for the team, and
Oscar Sanchez for offensive player of the
year for the team.
Upon receiving the award, Senior
Varsity Captain Francisco Medina
said, “It felt great; I’ve worked very
hard for this since my freshman year and
the whole team helped me get it.”
Other awards went to Medina for
First Team All District and Sanchez for
Second Team All District. The boys are
very proud of the season they upheld this
past year.
“Statistically we didn’t do too
well, but we were only one step off of
making it to playoffs.” said Senior Var-
sity Captain Kaleb Turner.
Varsity coach Jonathan Cox spoke
very highly of the boys, being very
pleased with the season as a whole and the
banquet.
“The banquet was nice; it was a
nice way to end the season and for some of
us, our last time with the team.” Senior
Award Winner Austin Henderson said.
By Austin Hamilton
As Magnolia High
Golf continues to im-
press the school dis-
trict, right after get-
ting 1st and 2nd place
in district they made
their way to Regionals.
Magnolia Girls
District Champions and
Regional Qualifiers for
2014-2015 are Hannah
Elliott, Brenna Nelson,
Grace Roeder, Ava
Schwienteck, Lucy
Stinn.
Magnolia Boys Re-
gional Team is made up
of our 5 exceptional
golfers Tanner Davis,
Brian Dunn, Brandon
Fleming, Tristan Haw-
kins, and Ian Powers.
A huge accom-
plishment for Ian Pow-
ers receiving 3rd over-
all golfer as well as
Ava Schwienteck for be-
ing awarded with 2nd
overall golfer in the
district.
Brenna Nelson
said the girls golf
team got 5th place this
past weekend out of
about 10 teams. King-
wood Park being the
biggest competition.
Most boys on our
team are competing to
be better and more suc-
cessful than the first
place player in Texas,
Chandler Philips. The
best way to do this is
to “work really hard
in off season and just
to grow mentally” as
Brian Dunn gives advice
to
the underclassmen.
Brenna Nelson
shares her accomplish-
ments from the region-
als tournament, “I’ve
improved a lot since
last year. My score at
regionals may not show
it but since last year
I’ve shaved 10 strokes
off my average scores
since last year.”
The motivation
never ends, Nelson
plans on practicing 6
days a week for four
hours each day over the
summer to reach her
goals. Also, continuing
to take lessons and
compete in tournaments
to improve for next
year.
Much like Nelson,
Tanner Davis says he
plans on “going to the
gym 5 times a week to
train, so I can hit the
ball longer,” bringing
our Varsity Golf up a
notch for next year.
Most players have
played since they could
walk or when family
members got them into
it around the age of
10.
Dunn believed it was
“disappointing we did-
n’t go to state this
year because we have a
lot of potential but it
was a huge accomplish-
ment to be in the Top
10 of state all year
and at one point before
Christmas break we were
1st place in state.”
By Jordan Goff James Arthur Luna III is a student in Art II 2D who competed in Rodeo Art with his Warhol-esque dog piece. It was placed in the first-place category.
“I love my dog,” Luna said. “He inspired me by sitting there and screaming ‘do art for me.’”
The colors of the piece are bright red, white, and blue, signifying pride of both the United States and Texas.
“It had to be something patriotic,” Luna said. “It was all stuff I knew how to do.”
Luna has been enrolled in an art class since the sixth grade.
“I started [art] in sixth grade,” Luna said. “My favorite piece I’ve ever done was a ripped-paper mosaic of my dog in eighth grade.”
Art has always been an escape for Luna. “I love art because it gives me another place to go,” Luna
said. “When it comes to the English language, I’m not good at that sort of thing. It gives me a new way to speak.”
By Madison Disotell
Anxiety is a response to feelings of
potential threat, placing your body in a
heightened state of awareness. An estimate of
40 million adults in the U.S. experience un-
necessary anxiety that causes extreme emo-
tional distress. Though anxiety is a common
occurrence in many people, the causes are of-
ten unknown, even by those who experience it.
Anxiety is a topic on which many are very un-
informed. So what exactly happens when anxi-
ety attacks?
"A lot of people in my family and that
I'm friends with struggle with anxiety," Sen-
ior Alyssa Davidson said. "It can pretty much
take over someone's life and that breaks my
heart so much."
Like feelings of stress, anxiety trig-
gers a sudden overwhelming amount of stress
hormones designed to increase speed, re-
flexes, heart rate, and circulation. However,
anxiety consists of a dangerous sense of hor-
ror and fear. This sense will sometimes be
caused by an external force, but those who
experience it persistently, or those with an
anxiety disorder, often don’t have a cause,
though the brain is actively involved.
"I've seen someone break down, and they
couldn't handle the situation, getting really
upset for the time being," Senior Tony Place
said. "I am pretty calm, but sometimes I
couldn't handle it and would start getting
anxiety too. There's only so much you can do.
It takes time to learn how to control it with
the proper help and guidance from others."
Anxiety disorders differ from general
anxiety, as the disorder is existent if feel-
ings of anxiety are persistent with no exter-
nal cause. Anxiety disorders can result from
genetics or childhood environment. There are
many branches of types of anxiety disorders,
including panic disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive
disorder.
"Anxiety is an inhibitor to the lives
of those who have it as it impedes their
daily lives from progressing as they should,"
Senior Eric Rodriguez said. "It should be
taken seriously by society and given more at-
tention to improve the lives of those who
have it."
Anxiety attacks
are episodes of se-
vere panic. They may or may not have an obvi-
ous trigger, but they are always completely
uncontrollable. Panic attacks can be so se-
vere to the point that the victim feels as
though they will die. Every individual ex-
periences anxiety in different ways- some
will have severe panic attacks, others will
simply freeze. The intensity of anxiety dif-
fers in each victim, and knowing how to han-
dle someone having an anxiety attack is sig-
nificant to understand, however difficult to
grasp.
"I think anxiety should be taken seri-
ously," Senior Hilda Castro said. "It can be
dangerous to the victim and it does seem to
be a problem in society, in that many people
are not accurately informed about it and tend
to disregard it."
In the case of someone having a panic
attack, not many people are aware of how to
handle the situation and help the victim re-
turn to normal.
"Get the person away from what's caus-
ing the anxiety attack," Castro said. "Take
them outside if they are able, help them
breath in and out so that their heart rate
returns to normal and talk to them, telling
them that you're there for them."
"Give them some words of encouragement
and let them calm down on their own," David-
son said. "But sometimes all people need is
to just take a second to themselves."
The victims themselves can take steps
to reduce the emotional pain of anxiety.
"Inform others of the fact that they
have anxiety and tell them how to help if an
attack occurs," Castro said. "Attend support
groups, find things to relax you."
"I usually take deep breaths in order
to calm myself, then think of a rational so-
lution to whatever problem is causing me to
feel anxious," Rodriguez said. "But if some-
one's anxiety is so severe that they experi-
ence severe attacks, then being placed on
medicine could help reduce the symptoms, and
receiving proper support from friends and
family."
Health 10
By Melissa Oberholtzer
The convenience of fast food, with its
cheap and most often delicious qualities makes
it almost irresistible. If you knew what the
long term effects of fast food were you would
probably think twice about eating it. some-
thing you should eat often. Eating to
Because fast food is high in sodium,
saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, it
isn’t something you should eat much of over a
long period of time. It can lead to health
problems such as high blood pressure, heart
disease, and obesity.
Along with eating the meal that comes
with fast food, people also often drink soda
when they eat fast food which adds “empty”
calories (calories that don’t make you feel
full) to the meal.
Not only is fast food relatively more
unhealthy, but according to one experiment
conducted by Oakton Community College, when
three meals per day per person were purchased
from fast-food restaurants, the total cost was
$87 per week. In contrast, when purchasing
whole ingredients from grocery stores, the es-
timated cost for three meals per day, per per-
son came out to $43 per week.
Most people have the urge to go to fast
food restaurants simply because they think
that is faster than cooking their own meal. In
reality, if you calculate the driving time and
the wait time together, you could have cooked
a simple home-
made meal.
Katie Dalton a student at The Magnolia
High School said “I only go out to eat once a
week...I feel really bad I guess...” This
doesn’t mean that all students eat fast food,
for example this foreign exchange student
said, “I don’t go out to eat.”
Although one student only eats once a
week, and the other doesn’t eat out at all,
they still don’t feel great about it. Daily
eating of fast food as stated before can lead
to long term effects such as obesity, which is
a common problem in the United States. Most
surveys done, result in saying that two third
of Americans are either overweight or obese,
this number has only increased over the years.
A good tip to make sure that you don't
go out to eat during the week is to take one
day out of the week to prepare meals for the
whole week. For example, you can make 7 burri-
tos and refrigerate them to make sure they do
not get old, and each day take one to replace
the meal that you usually would have gone out
to eat for.
With all of this, it doesn't mean that
you have to completely cut out fast food, it
just means that you shouldn't eat it as often.
Everyone has their days when they are craving
something, just make sure to limit yourself.
Health 11
By Jordan Goff
A special lunch for seniors was held
Friday, May 5th, during all lunch periods.
“We serve hamburgers and sausage,”
said Principal Jeff Springer. “I have some
friends who come and make barbecue, it’s like
a special lunch line just for the seniors.”
Senior, Jorge Moreno said, “I’m really
thankful for him doing this. He’s been taking
care of us all year. I’ve never had a princi-
pal that would take care of us this much.”
The senior lunch is a tradition at The
Magnolia High School that will surely continue
for years to come.
Health 12
By Austin Hamilton
Candy, sweet snacks and desserts should be limited because these add calories without
providing much nutrition. Eating sweet fruit will not only improve your diet with all of the
right vitamins you need, but also cure your hunger.
One of the easiest shortcuts to a healthier diet is substituting caloric beverages, such
as soda, for better choice beverages such as water or tea’s.
Each bottle of soda you drink contains about 100 calories and most people drink about 2-
3 a day which is more likely to have bad results on your body than most junk foods.
Over 80% of Americans are proven to lack the proper amount of water intake per day. If
you normally drink one soda per day but challenge yourself to substitute it with water, you
have the chance to decrease your caloric intake by 36,500 calories per year.
Sports drinks (Gatorade) are overrated. All of the sugar in these drinks are only bene-
fitting those who work out frequently and need the energy to carry on and dehydrate faster,
drinking them just for the taste or thinking that they are healthier choices than water or
soda is not your best option.
Football player Mike Raymond, says that he “drinks water all day to keep my stomach
full” and a protein shake after his workout.
The easiest way to cut out unnecessary calories
from your diet is to stop eating all of that Whata-
burger, Chick Fil A and whatever else you like to munch
on.
Maxi Hayter, says that she eats fast food once or
twice a week, and she wishes she could eat healthier be-
cause, “it makes my tummy not flat.”
Eating out often doesn’t only affect your weight,
junk food has been proven to lead to depression in teen-
agers.
Andrew F. Smith, author of "Fast Food and Junk
Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat” is a
great resource to study when trying to improve your
diet.
Mike Raymond also says that he tries to eat a big
lunch and a healthy dinner, that helps him stay focused.
Tracey Roizman explains that, “Hormonal changes
at puberty make teens more susceptible to mood and behavioral swings. A healthy diet plays a
part in keeping hormone levels on an even keel, while a diet high in junk food falls short of
these requirements.”
I encourage you to eat a small bedtime snack for more hours of sleep at night. Most of
the best choices are whole grain cereal with milk (almond milk or 2%), oatmeal, cherries or
chamomile tea.
Or if you struggle more than that, darken your room more and turn your clock away from
you.
“It’s hard for me to fall asleep usually unless I have a really big dinner,” Hayter
says it makes her feel much better at night, because she feels satisfied.
Also, write down your thoughts and life worries or plans for your future to get them out of
your head. This prevents any worrying or stressful dreams that keep you awake at night when
you need your rest to re-fuel in the morning.
Health 13
By Madison Disotell
These days, everything moves so fast. We’re all preparing for tomorrow and tomorrow is-
n’t preparing for us at all. Or, we’re regretting yesterday, and yesterday has already for-
gotten us. When you think about it, it really seems like a waste of the present, and you won-
der how you can focus on that moment instead. The state of living in the present is called
mindfulness.
Mindfulness is an exercise of consciously focusing your attention on the present moment,
and accepting it without judgment. The state of mindfulness is being studied scientifically
and is thought to be a significant element of happiness. Many people of younger generations
practice elements of mindfulness, but with the world turning the way it does, regrets and
fears still overcome this opportunity for happiness.
“It’s still a work in progress for me,”Junior McKenna Hyde said. “I have to remember
that life happens in moments, second-by-second. You can conquer everything- the scary, the
stressful, the lovely. It is a struggle. It’s not an easy process at all.”
Scientists have found that living in the moment is the foundation of other attitudes
that lead to a happy life, and allows the mindful person to enjoy life pleasures as they occur
rather than be distracted by worries for the future and regrets over the past.
“I tend to focus on the future,” Senior Trip Gaunt said. “But I suppose that this
senior year I’ve become more mindful of the fact that it is my
last year in high school, and I’ve been grateful to enjoy it
all while its happening. People who focus on the past have al-
ready missed so many moments.”
If greater well-being isn’t enough to begin a life of mindful-
ness, scientists have discovered the physical health benefits of
it. Mindfulness can help relieve stress, treat heart disease,
lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and improve sleep.
“The most mindful actions I exhibit are a lack of ac-
tion,” Senior Hardy Gatlin said. “I sleep if I need to. If
everyone were to be more mindful and seek their needs and wants
of the now, and everything becomes more natural and comfortable. It adds variety.”
To enter a state of mindfulness, go with the flow. Once you concentrate on doing so, you
observe the flow of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judging them. You also
notice external sensations such as sounds, sights, and touch that make up your moment-to-
moment experience. The challenging part is not to latch onto a particular thought, emotion, or
sensation, or become distracted by the past or the future.
At times, this process may not seem relaxing at all, but over time it provides a key to
greater happiness and self-awareness as you become comfortable with a wider range of
your life experiences. You can choose any small task or moment to practice mindfulness,
whether you are cooking, walking, touching a person, it is a laid-back way to move into a
state of mindfulness and away from constant planning ahead or thinking back.
“Planning makes things dull for me,” Gatlin said. “Everybody looks for a certain
amount of luster in their life, and shouldn’t think “hey, that’s neat! Oh, but it’s not on
my itinerary. Oh well.” No! If you see something shiny, your inner seagull is going to kick
in and you’re gonna think, “I want that shiny thing!” So what if its a plastic wrapper? It
made you happy for that moment.”