NORSEMAN

the

2007 Groundhog Day Prediction History of the Orgin of Groundhog Day Do you know when Groundhog Day is

Whats inside...

see page 3

Students Earn Honors at VASE

Bryan High School 3450 Campus Drive Bryan, TX 77802 February 2007 Volume 36 No. 4

Sleeping Intensity by senior Christian Parker is just one of the many works to receive a four rating as well as a perfect score at regionals and then advance through area to the state VASE competition to be held in Clear Lake in April.

Visual arts students competed at the annual VASE competition January 26 and 27. This event is the art equivalent to UIL. BHS was well represented, with many students receiving top rankings and twelve students advancing to state, April 14 & 15. The following students received regional ratings of a 4: (Students are listed with their work in parenthesis): Lisa Hernandez (Dreamer), Clint Deese (Life Decisions, Casualties of War), Justin Johnson (Worlds Famous), John Arnold (Grasping Hands), Alec Barnum (Deep Thinker), Amanda Chapman (Female Under Fabric, Hidden Smile), Janette Collins (Youth Walking Dog, Reaching In Front of Trees), Sallie Doss (Spain Street Dancing, Boy and a Ball), Kate Hajash (Girl Sitting with Arms Over Knees, Daughter Storming Up Stairs), Callie Krueger (Boy with Guitar, Child Hood Discovery), Matthew Luedke (Fruit Assortment), Taylor Olsen (Portrait), Christian Parker (Contemplation), Elizabeth Titus (Jeans and a Burning Candle), Brittny Towell (Five by Five Multicolor Print), Kasey Turney (Wilted Rose in Hand), Jonathan Gonzales (Rose with Shoes), Courtney Hillard (Stippling of Ash-lee), Jacob Joiner (Faces in the Crowd), Rene Linares (Hungry Kid), Rachel Meadors (Cooking Hat, Eye of the Dog), Sarah Reverman (Lighthouse With Handscape), Denise Turner (Sister and Self, Scarf on My Head), Reed Williams (Man with Tie) The following students received reginal ratings of a 4 and advanced through area to state: Jose Ortega (Triton), Hirah Butt (Mendhi Wedding Hand, Portrait of Girl), Taylor Olsen ( Natures Vessel), Christian Parker (Sleeping Intensity) Elizabeth Titus (Barcellona Balcony in Rain), Gary Villarreal (Easter Egg-Father and Daughter, Frustration), Courtney Hillard (Girl with Scarf ), Kelly Johnson (Shoe Master), Kelli Lomely (Girl with Floral Crown), Adan Rangel (Whats My Size), Sarah Reverman (Sarah In Red-orange), Katie Westmoreland (Fashion Museum In Space, Little Girl in Plaid)

New Tardy Policy Sweeps Campus

Elisa Santana Co-editor One of the biggest changes that has impacted Bryan High recently is the new sweeping system that came into affect for the second semester. Most students at Bryan High will agree that at first the sweeping system was a pain to adjust to, but it is hard to ignore the beneficial changes that the halls, cafeteria, and bathrooms have undergone during the first month back at school.

This change occurred through the Policy Behavior Support (PBS) committee which was formed two years ago to correct discipline, tardy, and respect problems. The committee looked at other schools with the same population factors as Bryan High and who also had high TAKS scores. Once those factors were established the committee brought new methods of discipline to Bryan High in hopes that they worked here. Once of the things that the committee came up with was ---continued on page 2

Page 2

Sweeping Bryan Highs Hallways

---continued from page 1 the sweeping policy. The policy requires that teachers use the first ten minutes of their conference period to sweep the halls for students not in class, take them to the closest assistant principal to get a computerized tardy and then escort the student to his or her class. Hugh Piatt, associate principal and member of PBS, said that although there are no numbers or records from last year to compare to, it is easy to see the change that has occurred during the first six weeks of sweeping. Piatt said that the sweeping process has placed authority back with teachers and staff and given them confidence in enforcing rules. One side effect of this new policy has been a rise in disruptive behavior complaints, but Piatt said that this unintended consequence was already foreseen by the PBS committee. The sweeping is just the first step in a cycle of new things to be implemented, Piatt said. There is more to come. In addition to hall sweeping, another implementation that has occured is that office aides are required to wear bright orange arm bands so that they can be distinguished from those in the halls who are not supposed to be there. A further way of distinguishing who is supposed to be in which hall is by having color coded folders for each hallway. This is also useful to staff members because they can easily tell if a student is in the correct place based on the color of the folder. The cost to the school for the the new arm bands, folders, and equipment to

February 2007

Academic Decathalon

regulate tardies and delinquency is about $10,000. Piatt said that the cost for the equipment has been worth seeing the change that Bryan High has undergone. Ten thousand dollars seems like a small price to pay for increased safety and learning time for Bryan students. The teachers also seem to be on board for the new change, though seniors seem a little less enthusiastic. Every year seniors have something to protest, last year it was parking, this year it is sweeping, Piatt said. Most seniors knew how to beat the old tardy method and how to bend the rules, now they cant, but what seniors need to realize is that soon they will be in the real world where they cant break the rules. The complaint that some seniors, who have late arrival or block, have is that when they are on campus during those times they are told to go home. Currently the only policy for a student that is on campus when they do not have to be is for that student to be sent home. For now the senior students that need to see their counselors, handle scholarships, and get tutorials before the final bell rings must either get a pass beforehand from their counselor or tutor or be prepared to be swept. Those students are a small percentage amongst the mass majority that Bryan High is dealing with, Piatt said. Those who werent breaking the rules and getting to class on time only have a safer school to attend and those who werent going to class are now getting an education. The underlying goal of the sweeping system is to transform each student in the mass majority into a successful, educated, and disciplined individual.

The 2006-2007 Texas Academic Decathlon Region IV Competition was held in San Antonio, Texas on January 19-20. Bryan High team members included: Varsity Category: Dustin Bosworth, Amelia Mayer Scholastic Category: Cynthia Lockledge, Katie Chapman, Taylor Valadez Honors Category: Jane Labyer, Taylor Colwell, Julius Skrivanek Alternates: John Kerr, Meredith Marrucci, Susan Baur Coaches: Imogene Vetters and Colleen Holmes Four students on the team brought home a combined total of nine awards including: Jane Labyer: 2nd Place-Language Literature, 3rd Place- Essay, 1st Place Individual Top BHS Honors Score Cynthia Lockledge: 2nd Place- Language Literature, 1st PlaceSpeech, 1st Place Individual Top BHS Scholastic Score Taylor Colwell: 1st Place- Essay, 2nd Place- Interview Dustin Bosworth: 1st Place Individual Top BHS Varsity Score

Around the CAmpus

Food Drive: The BHS Air Force Junior ROTC program is hosting their second annual Food Draft Food Drive. All fourth period classes are encouraged to collect any non-perishable food items. The fourth period who collects the most food, by weight, will win a FREE pizza roll lunch. We also GREATLY encourage all staff to collect food items as well. All food will be collected after school on February 16, 2007 so start collecting today! Senior Shirts: Senior Name Shirts are on sale from Feb. 13 - March 6 for $10.00. Orders can be placed with any senior English teacher or by going by Mrs. Richards room, 5236. Yearbooks: Dont forget to order you 2007 Saga Annual. All orders are due by April 13. To order a yearbook you can go to www.smart-pay.com or call 1-800-898-7004.

2151 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. Ste. 108 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 693-7734 Office (979) 693-7795 Fax

BUSINESS CARDS GRADUATIONS QUINCENERAS WEDDINGS RUBBER STAMPS INVOICES BROCHURES NEWSLETTERS DIGITAL COLOR COPIES

February 2007

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The keeper, who translates groundhog to English, announces whether or not spring is finally here or if well have to endure a second winter. If Phil sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks during the second winter. If you are a die hard groundhog fan you can continue the celebration by traveling to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and particpating in events such as: Phil Phind V Scavenger Hunt, cookie decorations, fireworks, and many other events that take place in town. However, you shouldnt worry that Phil is mistreated in any way because he lives a lavish celebrity life of catered ammenities, lots of greens, fruits and vegetables, a heated burrow to keep him warm during the harsh winter months, and Magical Punch to wet his whistle after he wakes up from his hibernation. Although statistically Phils accuracy is less than 50%, people still join in the tradition of listening to his forcast. It isnt necessary to travel to Punxsutawney, Penssylvania to celebrate Groundhog Day, instead start your day by watching Phil on television and enjoy the Groundhog day parade from the comfort of your own home.

Groundhogs Predict World Weather

The Norseman Staff We can all agree that the most anticipated holiday of February is Groundhog Day! With most people in the country fed up with freezing weather the prediction of a single ground-dwelling mammal is looked to for hope of a warmer season. The history of Groundhog Day begins with a long celebrated European tradition of Candlemas Day. Candlemas is dated halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. The legend is based on an old Scottish couplet if Candlemas is bright and clear, therell be two winters in the year. The Germans used a hedgehog, or bear, to predict whether Candlemas day was bright or cloudy. They decided that if the animal saw his shadow the day would be cloudy and winter will continue. When the Germans immigrated to America they brought the tradition with them to Pennsylvania. They then converted the animal to a groundhog and made the official town Punxsutawney. The groundhog is cleverly named Punxsutawney Phil and on February 2nd each year, this year being the first Friday of February, he is summoned from his den by his caretakers, who are all dressed in formal attire for this special occasion. Phil then emerges from his long time winter home, where he gets up to whisper in groundhog his forecast for spring to his main caretaker.

2007 Prediction
Will we have winter or will we have spring? Phil says: On Gobblers Knob I see no shadow today. I predict that early spring is on the way.

Other upcoming dates that you might enjoy:

February 16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day March 5 Multiple Personality Day

Do you know when Groundhog Day is?

81% Did Not 19% Did
*135 BHS students surveyed

February 20 Hoodie Hoo Day

March 22 Goof-Off Day

February28 Public Sleeping Day

March 30 I am In Control Day

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Get Over Yourself, Diva! Random Acts of Kindness

February 2007

If a man is on world you could transform another per Have you ever been dragged into an argument by a the ground bleed- sons world. girl, simply because you were present when the arguing to death you Smiling and complimenting arent the ment began? would help him only things you can do, opening up a door Maybe your girlfriend picked a fight with you just wouldnt you? for someone can subtly tell them You to have a reason to be upset. Of course we matter, I respect you, or You deserve Its a known fact that every relationship has that all would, unless to be treated like the gem you are. one friend of the opposite sex that your counterpart it was Tom Cruise, I refer to these behaviors as random cant stand. What happens when the relationship hits but thats because acts of kindness, which shouldnt just octhe fan? Elisa Santana Jason Galindo he is not from this cur amongst acquaintances, but to your They begin hating the despised friend. Co-editor Co-editor planet. Honestly good friends as well. All of these things bring me to my point that girls though, I believe that, as humans, we Have you ever left a little note for your come with a price, and that price is DRAMA! friend in their kitchen that said You are Because we cant get enough of them, them being our female counter- must aid our fellow man. Im not talking about administering a great friend and a great cook or how parts, we put up with the dramatics and try our hardest to ignore the little comments they make such as Why didnt you call last night? and Who is CPR, I am speaking about how a simple about a note to your boyfriend or girlshe? and my favorite being We dont spend enough time together! when smile or insignificant comment can be- friend on the board in their next class that come significant. said I know things may be icky, but Im your with her 24/7. Whats even worse than the comments is when they call late at night and We all have had those days when we glad your with me. It sounds incredibly come to school after having a huge fight childish and idiotic, but it is worth makwake you up. If it is late enough that you have to ask if you woke me up, then you prob- with our parents the night before. The ing someone else smile. feeling of worthlessness gets worse after Personally I have had someone leave ably woke me up! No matter what we do, we wont be able to escape these females we care you fail an English test and get splashed notes on random days in my planner only about so much and the drama that they bring to the party, so in closing I by a random truck. As you are looking at to get to February 20th and realize above the water on your jeans your friend calls it says Have a terrific day. would like to say: you and you have about a million nega- Also another friend of mine left me a Get Over Yourself, Diva! tive things to say. small notebook in my car, and on the first Lets flashback though to when youre page of the notebook it had a note thankwalking in the hall after you failed the ing me for being a great friend. Just be- other, while the parents did absotest. . . What if, just what if, a person you You may think its a bunch of bologna cause par- lutely nothing. may have only spoken to a few times to do such things, but just wait until you enting has At this point, I realized that some or dont even know delivers a big smile see my cheesy big smile at the end of the c h a n g e d people would rather let there kids right to you or even tells you that shirt hallway and tell me it doesnt make you over the ruin everyone elses day than to looks nice on you. feel just a little bit better. years, that deal with them personally. By only making a small gesture in your should not If parents do not want to punish mean less- their children when they are misbediscipline. having, then they should not have Logan Kickham When I become parents. This is a problem Staff writer At this time of year all of the seniors are excited that their high go out, I do that has become increasingly prevschool career is finally coming to a close. not expect to be bombarded by the alent, in my opinion, and something We all want to go out with our friends, have fun and most screaming and crying of young needs to change. importantly, celebrate our triumph of actually making it through, children because parents do not feel Children who do not learn to be what seems like, a million years at Bryan High. inclined to be disciplinarians. respectful at a young age will have Our excitement is crushed by the constant nagging of our I understand a child can be noisy, a much more difficult time beteachers, and especially parents. it happens, but when an adult stands ing respectful as adults. These are What do you want to be? there ignoring it while everyone else the people we will be dealing with Where are you going to school? is forced to listen, I wonder what 20 years from now, whether it be Kayla Ramsdell HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS YET!? lessons kids are actually learning. paying a cell phone bill or getting Staff writer This obsessive reminder that you are about to enter the real I was recently eating lunch, when money from the bank. They need to world and that your life is going to dramatically change the second you walk across I found myself staring at a family of learn this lesson, even if their parthe stage in May has got to end. We already know what is going to happen. If you are six. The parents sat at another table, ents are not willing to teach them. leaving their children with minimal The next time you are out and like me, you would rather worry about that then, instead of right now. adult supervision. a kid is acting this way in public So to those teachers and parents who just cant give it a rest, please try and give us I watched as they ran around the turn around and yell back, trust me, a break, let us be kids for the short time we have left this year. resturant, cried, complained about most parents will get conrol of the The world wont come to an end if we havent yet decided what we want to do for the rest of our lives. their food, and argued with each situation.

Early Lessons Last Lifetime

Just Let Us Be Kids

February 2007

All about the color Pink!

Who loves the color Pink! I love the color Pink! What comes to your mind when you see or hear the color pink? Cotton Candy? Bubble gum? Or even just a girl? There are many different types of the color pink, but not all of them are what you call pretty. Pink is considered the color of universal love! Its a quiet, relaxing, calming color. It was first introduced during the 17th century to describe a light red flower. Now days there is pink everything. Cars, ipods, phones, appliances, pursMalory Espitia es, shoes and the list goes on and on. Staff writer Well here is some disturbing news for some boys; the color pink was, at one point, considered more of a boy color than a girls. It would be a funny sight if boys everywhere always wore the color Pink. Just think about it. I will never forget you, is the meaning of the pink carnation. Both red and pink denote love, but while red is hot passion, pink is romantic and charming. Pink is not just my favorite color, its also a reminder of my daughter. In August, I had a beautiful baby girl named Mairssa. Almost everything she has and owns is pink. From her stroller to many of her clothes and shoes. Pink! Pink! I love to put a big pink bow in her hair all the time. I personally prefer the pink over red any day. Thats just me. I think the color pink is the best color in the world. Pink is sugar and spice and everything nice!

Boise State, Boohoo

Boise State was the only team in the 2006 season in the top five of NCAA football to finish undefeated. They feel like they should be No. 1 because they went undefeated this season, but they think Josh Green that they got robbed beStaff writer cause they werent. The season was coming to a close and they were thinking they were going to play in the national championship, but instead they played in the Tostitos Bowl. The reason they felt robbed was because they were the only team in the top five that went undefeated. When they got to play Oklahoma in the Tostitos bowl it was marked as one of the greatest bowl games in bowl game history. On the final drive they used a trick play, called the hook and ladders play. The coach said it was a long shot but it paid off. It was one trick play after another. They went for the two point conversion to end the game and they used another famous trick play called the Statue of Liberty. In overtime they used the famous statue of liberty play to end the game and secure them the win. After the win Boise States running back, Ian

Students at Bryan High rarely have time for resting. Other than Christmas break, there are very few holidays and times for fun. Homecoming provides a much needed break at the beginning of the year and prom is all about celebrating becoming a senior or graduating. In the middle of the year Sadie Hawkins gives students some fun, but this year it turned out to be more of a disaster. The dance started out in a on contriversal ground by having a cap placed on the number of tickets allowed to be sold for the dance. As a staff we can understand the concern that was created after Homecoming, with such a large turnout, but the system of not allowing others into the cafeteria until some left seemed to work well, beside the fact that if 700 tickets are sold to a dance that lasts from 8-12, only about 300 students will be there at any given time. There also did not seem to be a sense of urgency to buy tickets and created several crushed spirits that had already made buckets and purchased shirts for a dance they would not be allowed to attend. As the last Sadie dance for several of our staff members, it came as an extreme disappointment to attend a dance that lacked energy, enthusiasm and people. The decision did not only affect students feelings about Johnson, topped it off and proposed to his cheer- the dance, but also severely weakened the the sophomore leader girlfriend who, of course, accepted. class councils biggest fundraiser by not only limiting them Boise finished the season with thirteen wins on the amount of funds raised for tickets, but also refreshand zero losses. ments, pictures and games. The Boise state coach Chris Peterson was sat- Our only hope is that next year additional factors will be isfied when he found out they were placed at taken into account and Sadie can again return to a fun sec5th in the nation overall. ond semester activity that can be enjoyed by all students at When the voting was done, only one person Bryan High. voted for the Boise state broncos to be number 1 in the nation. ---Norseman Staff Nobody thought that Boise state could contend with Oklahoma, but was shocked to see the broncos come out on top. In their season of being undefeated they did not play anybody worth seeing until they played Bryan High School Oklahoma in the bowl game. 3450 Campus Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 I think Boise State had one of the weakest schedules in the top five and this is another reaVolume 36, No. 4 son they were not voted No.1. I personally dont dislike the Boise State Co-editors broncos, but I am amazed at how their season Jason Galindo and Elisa Santana turned out. I think they complained too much, because they were going to be #5 anyway. Staff However, I dont think Boise State deserves Racheal Daylong, Malory Espitia, to be #1, not by a long shot. I agree that maybe they should have played Josh Green, Logan Kickham, in the championship, but its over now and they Tiffany Torres need to move on and look to next year. I personally dont think that they were robbed; Adviser they deserve to be right where they are.

Sadie Sold-Out??

Page 5

NORSEMAN

Rebecca Dominy

February 2007

All about the color Pink!

Who loves the color Pink! I love the color Pink! What comes to your mind when you see or hear the color pink? Cotton Candy? Bubble gum? Or even just a girl? There are many different types of the color pink, but not all of them are what you call pretty. Pink is considered the color of universal love! Its a quiet, relaxing, calming color. It was first introduced during the 17th century to describe a light red flower. Now days there is pink everything. Cars, ipods, phones, appliances, pursMalory Espitia es, shoes and the list goes on and on. Staff writer Well here is some disturbing news for some boys; the color pink was, at one point, considered more of a boy color than a girls. It would be a funny sight if boys everywhere always wore the color Pink. Just think about it. I will never forget you, is the meaning of the pink carnation. Both red and pink denote love, but while red is hot passion, pink is romantic and charming. Pink is not just my favorite color, its also a reminder of my daughter. In August, I had a beautiful baby girl named Mairssa. Almost everything she has and owns is pink. From her stroller to many of her clothes and shoes. Pink! Pink! I love to put a big pink bow in her hair all the time. I personally prefer the pink over red any day. Thats just me. I think the color pink is the best color in the world. Pink is sugar and spice and everything nice!

Sadie Sold-Out??

Page 5

Boise State, Boohoo

Boise State was the only team in the 2006 season in the top five of NCAA football to finish undefeated. They feel like they should be No. 1 because they went undefeated this season, but they think Josh Green that they got robbed beStaff writer cause they werent. The season was coming to a close and they were thinking they were going to play in the national championship, but instead they played in the Tostitos Bowl. The reason they felt robbed was because they were the only team in the top five that went undefeated. When they got to play Oklahoma in the Tostitos bowl it was marked as one of the greatest bowl games in bowl game history. On the final drive they used a trick play, called the hook and ladders play. The coach said it was a long shot but it paid off. It was one trick play after another. They went for the two point conversion to end the game and they used another famous trick play called the Statue of Liberty. In overtime they used the famous statue of liberty play to end the game and secure them the win. After the win Boise States running back, Ian

Johnson, topped it off and proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend who, of course, accepted. Boise finished the season with thirteen wins and zero losses. The Boise state coach Chris Peterson was satisfied when he found out they were placed at 5th in the nation overall. When the voting was done, only one person voted for the Boise state broncos to be number 1 in the nation. Nobody thought that Boise state could contend with Oklahoma, but was shocked to see the broncos come out on top. In their season of being undefeated they did not play anybody worth seeing until they played Oklahoma in the bowl game. I think Boise State had one of the weakest schedules in the top five and this is another reason they were not voted No.1. I personally dont dislike the Boise State broncos, but I am amazed at how their season turned out. I think they complained too much, because they were going to be #5 anyway. However, I dont think Boise State deserves to be #1, not by a long shot. I agree that maybe they should have played in the championship, but its over now and they need to move on and look to next year. I personally dont think that they were robbed; they deserve to be right where they are.

Students at Bryan High rarely have time for resting. Other than Christmas break, there are very few holidays and times for fun. Homecoming provides a much needed break at the beginning of the year and prom is all about celebrating becoming a senior or graduating. In the middle of the year Sadie Hawkins gives students some fun, but this year it turned out to be more of a disaster. The dance started out in a on contriversal ground by having a cap placed on the number of tickets allowed to be sold for the dance. As a staff we can understand the concern that was created after Homecoming, with such a large turnout, but the system of not allowing others into the cafeteria until some left seemed to work well, beside the fact that if 700 tickets are sold to a dance that lasts from 8-12, only about 300 students will be there at any given time. There also did not seem to be a sense of urgency to buy tickets and created several crushed spirits that had already made buckets and purchased shirts for a dance they would not be allowed to attend. As the last Sadie dance for several of our staff members, it came as an extreme disappointment to attend a dance that lacked energy, enthusiasm and people. The decision did not only affect students feelings about the dance, but also severely weakened the the sophomore class councils biggest fundraiser by not only limiting them on the amount of funds raised for tickets, but also refreshments, pictures and games. Our only hope is that next year additional factors will be taken into account and Sadie can again return to a fun second semester activity that can be enjoyed by all students at Bryan High. ---Norseman Staff

NORSEMAN
Bryan High School 3450 Campus Drive, Bryan, TX 77802
Volume 36, No. 4 Co-editors Jason Galindo and Elisa Santana Staff Racheal Daylong, Malory Espitia, Josh Green, Logan Kickham, Tiffany Torres Adviser Rebecca Dominy

Page 6
Kayla Ramsdell Staff writer The Lady Viking basketball team finished district 13-5A with a perfect record by beating Temple on February 6, 66-51. They head into the playoffs with a 27-5 record overall and are ranked tenth in state. The victory over Temple was played at home in the Viking Gym, resulting in the Lady Vikes being undefeated in district. In the first quarter alone, Whitney York and LaChunsia Young scored a combined 14 points. Overall for the game, senior Brooke Cooks scored Senior, Whitney York dribbles past her op- a total of 19 points with 4 assists. Although they were aware beforehand that they ponent on they way to the goal.

February 2007

Tenth Ranked Girls Move to Playoffs

had already won district, the girls put on their game faces and balanced their offensive attack with their defensive pressure. In an earlier game against Belton, the Lady Vikes took the game with a 66-44 win. Senior LaChunsia Young scored a total of 14 points, had 11 rebounds and 4 steals. York has been a key addition to the team this year following her move from Huntsville last year which kept her on JV for the season. The playoffs will open up for the Lady Vikes in a game against Round Rock McNeil at Mary-Hardin Baylor Tuesday, February 13.

Viking Wrestlers Advance to State

Tiffany Torres Staff writer The Bryan Viking wrestling team finished the season seventh in Region after taking home first place honors in District. Ten teammates advanced to the Region IV meet in San Antonio on Feb. 10-11: Javier Aguilar (112 pounds), Alex Aguilar (135), Daniel Dodds (180), Zack Hiney (189) and Garrett Dorn (215). Bryans second-place finishers were Ryan Lindeman (119) , Kevin White (125), David Orozco (140), Thomas Forster (160) and heavy weight Todd Zgabay. Three Viking wrestlers qualified for state: junior Zach Hiney (189) with a second place finish, senior Todd Zgabay (285) with a third place finish, and sophomore Javier Aguilar (112) with a fourth place finish. Junior Alex Aguilar (135) finished fifth in his class and will represent Bryan as an alternate at the state meet on Feb. 23-24 at the Delco Center in Austin. Senior Daniel Dodds goes for the take down Senior Daniel Dodds (180) was also an individual scorer with a sixth place finish. during his wrestling match.

Rachael Daylong Staff writer This year Bryan Highs Boys Varsity basketball team was composed of few seniors and many juniors. W i t h this fact in mind their second place position in district is mind blowing. The boys go into their last district game with an 8-2 district record, only half a game behind A&M Consolidated. The end of the district season proved that the boys have a tough group of juniors that can pick up the slack and act as leaders on the team. This year there was only one senior on the varsity team, Xavien Burleson. Burleson was not able to finish district play after having to sit out with an injured ankle, but his brother, Dacorian, got back in the game after a hurt hip and came Junior Allyn Cooks dunks at the cross- back with a vengeance. Dacorian and the other juniors won their last game town showdown.

Varsity Boys Finish Second in District

by finishing off Temple with a 34 point lead, ending the game at 95-61. In the game against Temple junior Allyn Cooks scored the most points in the game, 23, and also made the most free throws. Earlier, in the Crosstown-Showdown the team played great when they were reduced to an eight-man rotation. With both Dacorian and Xavien out with injuries, the other members of the team stepped up to fill their shoes and continued to be a tough opponent. Against A&M Consolidated Allyn Cooks outscored players on both teams with 24 points. On Tuesday, January 30th, the Vikings outscored Belton in every quarter. The defense was credited with allowing the team to get most of the scores by playing tight and not letting Belton get to the basket. The boys had a great district season this year and are looking forward to more great games and even more victories during the playoffs.

February 2007
Co-editor With the Hip-Hop and Rap scene growing more and more popular in the United States people begin to notice the arrival of new artists trying to make a name for themselves. Bryan, Texas is no different. Every month you hear of the entrance of yet another group, Open Mic is this months flavor. Consisting of seniors Tyler Reed and Bradley Norris they have recently released a self-titled mixtape including 5 tracks and an introduction. Tyler and Bradley first became friends in the Winter of 2004 and began the music making process two years later in Summer 06. Following in the steps of Kanye West, the duo write their own songs while Bradley, with some help from Tyler, takes control of the beat-making because The two didnt originally pick Open Mic, but decided on the name after finding that their first choice was taken. Their first mixtape, released in December of 06, produced in-part by a friend, Casey Gomez, who designed the disc-art and produced nearly 100 copies of the first mixtape. Lacking a camp, or hype-man, they have to publish themselves. If they want to become known they have to get their name out while continuing to make their music. Their self-titled mixtape gives listeners a sample of what is to expect from them in the future when they release their sophomore album, which they plan on being an LP (Long Playing). Being their first mixtape, you cant judge too harshly. At the beginning of their tracks there tends to be talk in the background that sounds goofy and doesnt add much to the track.

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ment where a young woman is singing. It might just be the recording, but you can barely make out what she is saying and the sound quality isnt up to par if you compare it to other mixtapes released at Bryan High. However, the mixtape isnt all bad, Tyler and Bradley do give their listeners a reason to keep listening. The best track is perhaps the last track, Close Curtain, which shows listeners their full potential and that they can produce a decent beat that your head can move to; and lyrics that might get stuck in the back of your head. Work on their current LP includes a couple of tracks that they have almost finished, Back at It and Written in Ink, a track that gives a closer look into the life of the second half of Open Mic, Tyler Reed, which they plan on releasing in Summer 07. I anticipate the release of their LP album and look for them to get the bugs out of their recordings and step their lyrics up in that release.

Bryan High Group Open of his experience in music.Great Potential with Close Curtain Mic Shows Track 2, Synthesized Symphony, features a segJason Galindo

A Movie Worth Remembering

Tiffany Torres Staff writer 9/10 Stars The movie Memento is about a man dealing with the loss of his wife who was raped and murdered when robbers broke into their home. Leonard Shelby (Guy Pierce) suffered a severe head trauma in the incident and throughout the movie he suffers from short-term memory loss. It is not amnesia; Shelby just can not create new memories. This rare handicap prevents him from remembering things for more than a few minutes. This movie is not just a movie to have in the background while you are doing other activities; its a thinker. It requires your full attention. If you have never heard of this movie it may take a while to realize the story is told in reverse. Why? This technique, which probably took a sharp eye to edit, gives viewers the perspective of how Leonard has to live his life. I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that

my actions still have meaning, even if I cant remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the worlds still there. Do I believe the worlds still there? Is it still out there?... Yeah. We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. Im no different, Leonard Shelby said to paraphrase his condition. The cops are not taking his wifes case seriously because of his condition so he takes on the investigation and makes it a crusade of vengeance, the only problem is he cannot remember a new clue. Shelby has a system of reminders on Polaroid pictures and the key facts of the case get tattooed on his body. Guy Pierce perfected the quizzical faces of Leonard Shelby. CarrieAnne Moss plays the malicious Natalie that uses Shelbys handicap to her advantage but maybe with good reason. Joe Patalono plays Teddy who you question if he is a good character or bad. If you watch it a second time it will fill the gaps.

Catch a New Movie This Weekend

Rachael Daylong Staff writer Rated PG-13 7/10 Stars Catch and Release is a movie about a young woman who in her fiancess death finds who he really was. Through this she begins to learn more about herself and everyone around her. His death brings her closer to all his friends and exceptionally close to one particular friend she despised the most before his death. Jennifer Garner plays Grey Wheeler, the sympathetic widow. The other characters consist of Sam (Kevin Smith), the fun loving foodie, Dennis (Sam Jaeger), the responsible co-worker, Fritz (Timothy Olyphant), the playboy, and Maureen (Juliette Lewis), the mom. Jennifer Garner depicts Grey Wheeler (her character) convincingly and sweetly. The viewer can easily relate to her character and the way she changes after her fiances death. Sam and Dennis provide the comic relief in this drama/romance film. Their conflicting personalities create many funny scenes. Fritz is the character audiences learn to love. At first he is a despicable jerk but as the audience continues to watch they see deeper into his character and he becomes the guy liked the most. Maureen is one of the best characters ever played by Juliette Lewis. She is definitely making the best of her role. I would expect to see her more often from now on. Overall this movie was a great one. The end became slow and took a while to wrap up, but the rest of the movie was impeccable. The movie theater is not a necessary luxury, but for a rental or buy this movie is perfect. It may be a little bit of a chick flick, however it is a balanced one. The girls can enjoy the drama and there is just enough humor to keep the guys from regretting buying the tickets.

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February 2006

Los Hermanos Mario

by Jason Galindo

1. e) screen 2. d) hood 3. c) strike 4. e) sea 6. a) band 7. e) bud 8. e) short 9. b) honey

IQ TEST: WHATS YOUR IQ??? Instructions: Choose the word that best relates to the words given in the question. 1. monitor, shield, silk 6. instruments, width, rock a) band d) bud a) band d) bud b) port e) screen b) port e) short c) strike f) I dont know c) strike f) I dont know 2. brother, rainjacket, engine, child 7. emerge, friend, nip a) band d) hood a) band d) honey b) bud e) short b) hood e) bud c) strike f) I dont know c) port f) I dont know 8. hand, scarce, cake 3. blow, ignite, a balance, three a) honey d) bud a) hood d) bud b) sea e) short b) port e) screen c) tartar f) I dont know c) strike f) I dont know 4. horse, weed, saw, food 9. moon, endearing, amber a) band d) honey a) bud d) hood b) bud e) sea b) honey e) port c) tartar f) I dont know c) sea f) I dont know 5. deposit, teeth, sauce a) port d) screen b) short e) strike c) tartar f) I dont know 10. folio, entrance, side a) band d) hood b) port e) screen c) strike f) I dont know

5. c) tartar 10. b) port

Sudoku
4 3 9 6 7 1 2 6 4 8 1 5 3 9 5 3 4 6 7 4 9 2 7 7 8 1 2 6 9 2 4 3 5
4 2 6 7 5 1 3 9 8 3 5 8 4 9 6 2 1 7 9 7 1 3 2 8 5 4 6 7 8 5 1 4 2 9 6 3 2 1 3 9 6 7 4 8 5 6 4 9 5 8 3 7 2 1 5 6 7 2 1 4 8 3 9 8 3 4 6 7 9 1 5 2 1 9 2 8 3 5 6 7 4

The Month of February

Groundhog Cassius Clay Black History Month Winter Spring Punxsutawney Da Bears Superbowl Martin Luther King The Colts February Pennsylvania Shadow Burrow Phil Chocolate Flowers Forecast

9 2 1

Directions:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with each number only appearing once in every row, column, and 3x3 box.