NORSEMAN

Volume 40, Number 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

T h e

B r y a n

H i g h

S c h o o l

October 2010

IN THIS ISSUE
News Faculty & Club Spotlights Class Spotlight TAKS Results, Fish Camp School Budget Student Boxer Student Bands Lunch & Nutrition Lunch & Nutrition Sports - Cross Country & Golf Sports - Football Entertainment Entertainment Opinions Opinions Around Campus

Tackle for a Cure promotes cancer awareness

Jamie Berthold Staff writer Thirty years ago, people affected by breast cancer had a less than twenty-five percent chance of surviving. Those chances have now increased to over seventy-five percent, but researchers are still striving to push the survival rate even higher. Student council is trying to aid in that process by selling pink t-shirts in support of breast cancer research. The Pink Out game will be held on October 22 when the Vikings play Harker Heights. Pink Out is something we started in student council last year, where we try to get everybody to participate and wear pink at a home football game for Breast Cancer awareness month, student council treasurer Marissa Fava said. We raised $2,800 last year. A majority of the student body may feel untouchable but Bryan High has several students and faculty members battling cancer. In addition to selling shirts to support the Susan G. Komen foundation, Pink Out is another opportunity to support fellow students. [Besides purchasing a tackle for the Cure Shirt] we also have a sponsor a pink Viking, student council sponsor Cynthia Owens said. Pink vikings are sold for fifty cents each or you can purchase two for a dollar and get a wristband. All of the money [for pink vinkings] stays at BHS for teachers and students fighting cancer to provide gas cards, food cards and entertainment as they deal with this disease. Tackle for the Cure shirts are on sale for $10 during all three lunches. The goal for this year is to have every person on the home side of the stadium wearing pink.

VISIT US ONLINE
The Norseman is now online as an interactive website. Stories are posted as they are developed and students can post comments and questions to specific articles. Visit BryanHighNorseman. com to read and comment on articles, contact the staff, and even submit your own content to be published online. There is also a link to our facebook page, where we will post links to content as it is posted and ask questions for surveys and student opinion on articles. In addition, students can subscribe to the twitter feed or RSS feed on the site.

Curtain rises on first act of performing season

Eduardo Alvarado Staff writer As the weekend nears, the theater department is preparing for its first show of the year. Dearly Departed will debut this Friday, Oct. 15 in the Black Box Theater. David Bottrell and Jesse Jones Dearly Departed is set somewhere south of the Mason Dixon Line. It tells the story of Bud Turpins funeral and its aftermath. The father figure of this family passes away and then this family has to come together to get ready for the funeral, but it is a pretty dysfunctional family, so hilarity ensues, director Christopher Rogers said. Once Bud Turpin passes on, the play continues as his extended family responds to his death. The plays cast includes: Keith Owen as Bud Turpin, Corey Shultz as Ray-Bud, Hunter Terry as Junior, Edgardo Garcia as Royce, Braeden Ward as Reverend Hooker, Edgar Cruz as Norval, Julian Simons as Clyde, Jose Cruz as Clarence, Madi of Life Singers. The crew members include Beth Akin as stage manager, Keith Owen as Assistant Director, Kalie Salzmann and Candra Lewis as the

WHY ARE YOU SMILING?

Because I am going to see Drake at Reliant Stadium on October 29.

Jamie Enriquez, 12

Sibley as Raynelle, Rhonda Burnett as Lucilee, Natalie Weber as Suzanne, Natalie Hughes as Marguerite, Cassie Reed as Delightful, Laura Arellano as Veda, Sandy Schwalen as Nadine, Emily Franklin as Juanita and Edith Valadez, Candra Lewis, Alissa Salinas, Keith Owen and Hunter Terry as the Joy

backstage crew and Vanessa Soltero as the lighting operator. Faculty and students are invited to watch the play this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets will be sold at the door: adult tickets are $8 and student tickets are $5.

Page 2 - Faculty & Club Spotlight

Ceceila Mata Staff writer Hearing "Football Tickeeets!" brings one thing to mind for faculty members, students and former students of Bryan High: Lester Banks. He is as much a part of Viking life as senior overalls, pep-rallies and Thor. Banks has worked at Bryan High for the past 22 years and currently serves as the head campus monitor for Bryan High and as the Director of Campus Monitors for all high schools in Bryan ISD. Banks also graduated from Bryan High and teachers fondly remember his time as a student. "Lester was just like he is now," coach Rose Gregg said. "He was always full of energy; he was always helping someone and he did everything he could to be successful in school." Through his time as a student and faculty member, Banks has experienced almost three decades of Viking life and how it has changed over the years. In the past, we had a little more privileges for doing things," Banks said. "When I was going to school, we had an open campus. We had students who took things very seriously, and were always hustling to class. Now

Former student leads school in safety, spirit

were struggling a little bit. Kids dont seem to make school fun like it used to be." Banks leaves an impression on everyone who passes through the doors of BHS. Not only does he help to adter selling football tickets." Banks is not a person who just wants to change a students view of school spirit though; he wants to change their view of the world. "If I can make a difference

minister the rules, but he also fosters spirit throughout the school. In many ways he provides the spirit for Bryan High," teacher Nina Wright said. "I think if you went back and asked people what they remember about BHS; nine out of ten times the kids will say that they remember Les-

in one persons life, by encouraging him or her to receive their high school education and to go on to college to be successful, then Ive accomplished my goal," Banks said. His goal of helping to change a student's future is reflected in how he views his time here as a student.

BHS is basically a school thats influenced me. Ive looked back on the old days, and looked at teachers lives. Coach Gregg really influenced me and made a difference in my life," Banks said. "People like that encourage me and make me stay here." Banks' dedication to the students does not go unnoticed. He is frequently found at the school far past the work-day and is always focused on doing what is best for the students. "Lester is always here. I come early and he beats me here, and I am probably one of the first teachers here, and if I stay late for something at night he is still here," Wright said. "Saturday mornings you can see him directing the kids to clean the stadium and then you see him at every function we have at Bryan High." For Banks, everything is about the students. "My job is to make a difference in someone's life and help them be successful," Banks said. Because, if I can make a difference and influence one persons life, then I have done my job.

HOSA: Impacting community, fostering wellness

Eduardo Alvarado Staff writer Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is the only club thats available exclusively at Hammond Oliver (HO). Students enrolled in Health Science Technology classes at HO can join the organization which emphasizes service and career opportunities in health care. As the holiday season approaches, HOSA students prepare for their many service projects and activities, including Halloween festivities. Each year around Halloween, HOSA turns Hammond Oliver, which used to be an old hospital, into a creepy hospital, sponsor Erin Wright said. Members also participate in sending Christmas cards to the troops, canned food drives, Easter dinners for Twin City Mission and other various service projects. Our main areas of focus are medically related volunteer projects, such as helping with Special Olympics and the Pancreatic Cancer Walk, Wright said. HOSA is a program that helps bring more people into the health care industry, which has seen a shortage of qualified workers over the past few years. I am interested in pursing a career in health care; so, when I found out about HOSA I wanted to join, senior Colleen Roberts said. I would personally like to pursue a career in nursing. Other students also see the benefits of HOSA when searching for a career in the medical field. My interest in the medical field and wanting to look at all of the different aspects of it made me want to join HOSA, senior Carla Roberts said. I want to go into nursing and eventually become a practitioner or specialize in a certain area. In addition to service opportunities, members can go on trips to the Texas A&M University Health Science Center and attend the Fall and Spring Leadership Conferences as well as apply for local scholarships.

Each sponsor can nominate seniors for scholarships, sponsor Lacy Glover said. The requirements are 4 years of attendance as a Hammond Oliver student, HOSA membership, leadership qualities, attendance and letters of recommendation. At the State and National conferences, members have the opportunity to participate in events that cover medical math, dental assistance, CPR, interview skills, biomedical debate and many other skills. Each year our students do well in area competition. Hammond Oliver has had students compete at the national level in various knowledge tests, Wright said. If students are interested in being a part of HOSA they can contact sponsors Lacy Glover and Erin Wright for more information on HOSA. They are always looking for students who are passionate about the health care field. I love seeing students get excited about entering health professions, Wright said.

Learning to teach: class, club prepare future teachers

Emma Raleigh Staff writer Ready Set Teach is a program that allows students with a goal of one day becoming a teacher to jump start that dream and help it become a reality. Members of Ready Set Teach go on field trips to schools around the district to get a general overview of the teaching career. Ready Set Teach is a capstone course, meaning that its at the end of the education and training pathway, teacher Nina Wright said. The students that have made it to this point have expressed a real desire to teach. We do learn how to make a lesson plan and we learn how to use technology in the classroom, Wright said. Some students have always known they wanted to go into the teaching field. Ive always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little, senior Perla Hernandez said. Other students are just now discovering that they want to teach. Recently Ive decided thats what I want to do, junior Jessica Salazar said. Students get a range of experience through this class, but they spend a lot of time helping out at elementary schools. In the second semester, of the first year class, the students will actually get into the elementary schools and work with elementary students, Wright said. When students get this type of experience, it not only prepares them for the future, but it also gives them a satisfaction from helping others. Last year we did internships at Henderson Elementary; we read with the kids and that helped them a lot, senior Twyneisha Jones said. I thought it was great. Some members of Ready Set Tach are also members of the Texas Association of Future Educators, or T.A.F.E. This organization is an extra-curricular club that gives students a chance to volunteer around the community, go to state conferences and meet with a mentor teacher once a week. T.A.F.E. and Ready Set Teach go hand in hand, Wright said. Both clubs do similar things like volunterring at elementary schools, but in T.A.F.E., students volunteer at school carnivals and nursing homes as well. We have a great time and feel great helping other people, T. A . F. E . member Reial Lawrence said. "I get a thrill out of helping others. In addition to volunteering and helping at local functions, members have the chance to

Classroom Spotlight - Page 3

attend educational summer camps, tour college campuses and receive scholarships through regional and state competitions. Im excited to be able to help students be successful for college and for their future career, sponsor Jacqueline Hofferth said. By being a member of T.A.F.E. or Ready Set Teach, students are more prepared for college, and can explore the teaching profession. If they have a passion for education, then I want to help them in any way possible, to make sure that they do go to college and get their teaching certificate, Wright said. If students are interested in joining T.A.F.E. they can contact Jaqueline Hofferth in room 2221. Student interested in the Ready Set Teach program can contact Nina Wright in room 6152.

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Page 4 - School News

Ricky Lara Staff writer After the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released their annual school ratings, an inaccurate picture was garnered regarding the success of students due to the "unacceptable" rating awarded to BHS. However, administrators are extremely pleased with the performance of students on the most recent TAKS test. Our students blew the top off the test, principal Diana Werner said. It was great. Other administrators were also pleased with the marked improvement in almost all grade levels, ethnicities and content areas. We did better than we did the year before, especially at the 11th grade level, Dean of Instruction Donna Willett said. In all four tests, English, Math, Science and Social Studies, over 90% of the students passed. Based on the TAKS scores alone, Bryan High earned a recognized status from the state. TEA ratings, though, are not based solely on testing, but on many other factors including performance by all subgroups and high school completion rates. [The unacceptable rating] had to do with the number of non-completers, Willett said. It really had nothing to do with testing; it had to do with students who either dropped out or didnt come back to school if they only needed to pass the TAKS test to graduate. The district is now working to en-

Students score strong despite TEA rating

sure that non-completers will not be an issue in the future. The community [members] met at Lamar and they went out on buses to find the students who [are listed as non-completers], Werner said. Its called 'We Miss You' and theyre encouraging students to come back to school. Some students are close to completion and only lack a few elements to earn their diploma. "We are getting those kids back to school. Some of them need credits and some of them just need to take the TA K S , " Willett said. "So we are having them come to school part of the day and work in really small groups to work on their skills so they can take the TAKS test in October and, hopefully, at that point they can get their diploma." Even though the school is already focused on next year's results, they are still working to change the unacceptable rating from the 2009-2010 school year. An appeal has been filed with TEA to correct two non-completers' statuses. This would effectively change the schools rating to acceptable. Although the announcement that BHS was labeled as unacceptable was a blow to campus morale, the administration & faculty are still encouraged by the overall student performance on the test. It is quite the accomplishment, Willett said. Based on test scores, Bryan High School wouldve been recognized.

Emily Nash Staff writer From finding your classes and meeting new people, to fitting in and getting used to more homework, the transition from middle school to high school is a big change. This year, student council worked to make that transition a little easier for incoming freshmen by hosting the first Viking Fish Camp. Student body president Natalie Hughes was one of the driving forces behind starting Fish Camp. We went to the Student Council State Convention last spring and that was when we first saw the idea, Hughes said. It was presented as a project there and I really wanted to bring that back to Bryan High. Student council sponsor Cyndi Owens thought Fish Camp would be a great way to help the incoming freshmen experience a smoother start on the first day of school. Our sophomores in student council were talking about how they wished they knew more about Bryan High School when they first started here, Owens said. That kind of drove us to think about starting Fish Camp so that students could become familiar with the building, be interested in some of the activities here, and have a little bit more confidence on the first day of school. It gives us a chance to become more unified, to make them feel more like Vikings. Owens said she saw the difference

Inaugural Fish Camp promotes pride, awareness

Fish Camp made in the incoming freshmen at the first pep rally. Freshmen actually had the most spirit that theyve ever had before so I think [Fish Camp] really gets them used to the idea of being in high school, Owens said Freshmen Sara Merka attended Fish Camp this year and believes it was beneficial to freshmen. It was fun seeing all my friends and being able to find all my classes and get shown around the school, Merka said. Principal Diana Werner noticed a difference in how the freshmen were prepared on the first day of school. The [students] that came to Fish Camp were more comfortable, Werner said. They knew where their classes were, they made some friends through fish camp, and they understood the traditions going on here. I thought it helped them come in feeling more comfortable with their role as a freshman. One goal of Fish Camp is to show freshmen that someone cares about them and they can get help if they need it. It provides a sort of support to the freshmen, said Hughes. Were giving them an incentive to stay in school and not drop out. Werner said she would like to see a growth in fish camp next year. We might do a better job of advertising it and really have [more of] our freshmen come, Werner said. We can start advertising it in the spring when we have parent orientation for our students.

What has been the most difficult part about moving from jr. high to BHS?

Having teacher take off so many points for late work. Andrea Mendes, 9

The school work and having to turn things in on time. Maurissa Ramirez, 9

All the work, notes, test and people. Monse Madrazo, 9

Features - Page 5

MAKING CENTS OF
Schools Make Substantial Cutbacks

CUTS
The following is a list of budget cuts that have been made from 2006 to 2010 and how much money was saved with each cut. $66,000 Reduce by 2 SRO officers Special Education Utilities Healthcare plan administration Substitute useage reduction Administrators (eliminated, moved to grants) DARE Officer $1,150,900

CHANGING ECONOMIES
Faced with this situation, the district per student. John Fuller has looked for ways to reduce and cut While several changes are being Editor made at the administrative level, there After December 2007, when a na- back spending. In 2010-2011 we cut approximate- are changes that students themselves tional recession was declared by the National Bureau of Economic Re- ly $2.3 million from the budget with can make that will help dampen the search, state and federal budgets have similar amounts from the prior two blow of these budget cutbacks. Every time we have to repair someyears budgets as well, Drozd said. been under intense scrutiny. A central aspect of the states budget We will have to continue to look for thing, it is costly. This summer a lot of work was done to that is being power wash this considered for campus, not only budgetary cuts to get the mildew is the educaoff the buildings, tion system. but to power wash Passed by the side walks and the Texas legthe walkways and islature, House the stairwells, Bill 1, which Werner said. Evtook effect in ery textbook we the 06-07 lose comes out of school year, our instructional readjusted budget. the manner in Missing textwhich the state books this year supplies fundThe different costs per student over the past six years in Bryan ISD alone could cost ing per stuways to reduce our spending with as the school over $27,000, which is dent. This bill, which is still in effect to- little impact on instruction as pos- money taken from the instructional budget. day, forces school districts to combine sible. At the school level, the administraTo help reduce the impact of these revenue from property taxes and state revenue for a maximum revenue per tion is focusing on making changes budget cuts, students can take action student, Bryan ISD Chief Financial that have little or no bearing on the by taking care of the campus and Officer Amy Drozd said. The result is quality of education and instruction school materials. In particular, students can help reas our property values increase bring- offered at Bryan High. Were trying really hard for this not duce the excess staffing costs by picking in additional property tax revenue, our state revenue declines by the same to impact instruction in the classroom, ing a definitive schedule in the spring not to impact our students at all, and before the next school year. amount. In the fall, students should stick For Bryan ISD, this bill and other fi- to keep the quality there, Principal nancial difficulties have led to a short- Diana Werner said. We've been very with the schedule chosen knowing fall of almost $2 million dollars for stringent with the master schedule to that with effort and commitment, the make sure what students have request- classes chosen will get better with the 2010-2011 school year. The legislature will meet in the ed in the spring is what we offer in the time. One other way students can reduce spring of 2011, but due to the states fall. One option being considered by the the impact of financial cutbacks is financial position and their overall shortfall it is doubtful any additional district to help bring in more revenue to maintain a high attendance and to funds will come to public education, for the district and school budgets is a bring notes within three days of an Drozd said. Therefore, our budget property tax increase, which, accord- absence, because the school also rechallenges will probably continue into ing to House Bill 1, is the only way ceives funding based on attendance for districts to increase their revenue rates. the next biennium.

$500,000 $48,000

$100,000

$493,850

$25,000

COST PER STUDENT

The following is a breakdown of the cost per student from the 2009-2010 school year. Administrative Cost per student Instructional Cost per student Other Cost per student $313.94

$4,205.98

$1,842.88

YEAR-BY-YEAR
The following is a listing of the budget cuts made for the recent school years. $745,700 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 $1,456,942 $2,619,250 $3,415,000

Source for numbers & graph: http://bryanisd.org/default.sp?pageID=218

Student delivers one, two punch in ring, classroom

Stephani Whisenant Staff writer While most students try to knock out homework after school, senior Nayeli Lugo is in the ring trying to knock out her opponent. Lugo, who has been boxing for three years, said it started off as just a fun work out routine. It was like a hobby at first, Lugo said. I just wanted to work out and I actually got interested in it. I wanted to keep doing it and actually do it professionally. The hobby soon turned into something Lugo wanted to take a step further, and she started practicing for competitions, which are frequent things for her now. I actually had a couple of [competitions] last month Lugo said. [I] got a lot of bruises everywhere. Classmates and teachers, like her engineering design teacher, Ted Vaughn, are often surprised to hear about her passion for boxing. This surprised me because she does not fit my mental view of a boxing personality, Vaughn said. Even though shes not afraid to take a few punches in the ring, Lugo said shes not naturally a tough person. In the ring Im tough, but outside the ring no one would expect that I box, Lugo said. Lugo, who is on her third year of boxing, says it can be difficult trying to balance school and boxing. Right after school, if I miss [any practice], I try to do the work out on my own, Lugo said. This means going downtown to The Fight Club, and putting in time that she could be using for school work. Lugo says its worth it, especially when some

Page 6 - Features

I told myself I didnt want to do it anymore. I was just like no, I quit, but you know how they say quitters never win? Well thats kind of my saying too.

Nayeli is a good student, she works hard and is serious, and as one of my advanced students, she helps me out too, Vaughn said. If I get busy helping another kid she will kind of act as a teachers aid and help someone too. She is pretty good at communicating the work to others and doesnt of her proudest moments do it for them, but helps teach are in the rings, like her first them how to do it. match. Lugo is not the only girl with I actually lost [my first a boxing history at Bryan High. match], Lugo said. I told Senior Denise Rezendiz has myself I didnt want to do it also been involved anymore. I was just like no, I with boxing at quit, but you know how they The Fight say quitters never win? Well Club. thats kind of my saying too. Lugos hard work is not merely confined to the ring though.

I just saw it, and Ive always wanted to do something, but I dont really like team sports Rezendiz said. Boxing came a little more naturally to Rezendiz, having grown up around a lot of boys. I have nothing but brothers, Rezendiz said. I grew up with a lot of guys and my brother always had me around his friends. Getting to be treated equal to her male opponents was one of Rezendizs favorite things about boxing. I liked it when they used mitts, Rezendiz said. It felt real because we would spar, and I got to fight with some guys. Rezendiz didnt put up with being treated like a girl either, and encouraged her coaches to let them use mitts so the guys

wouldnt hold back when fighting. When the coaches had the mitts, [the guys] would hit you more, and tell you what to do or what not to do. It felt more real to me, Resendiz said. Rezendiz had to quit boxing due to the demands of work and school, but she says she misses it a lot. I always want to go back, but theres never enough time and I didnt want to be coming and going, and not be fully committed, Rezendiz said. Both of the girls agree that boxing has been a significant part of their lives. It gives them a way to channel out anger, and is something they can commit to while also bettering their health. It helps me focus on all aspects of my life including school, Lugo said. It also provides a way for me to destress.

Senior Nayeli Lugo protects her head as she spars with her coach at The Fight Club in downtown Bryan.

Features - Page 7

Making creative passions, Music Students pursue

compose musical masterpieces
playing rock, alternative rock, blues, jazz, rock blues, jazzy blues, jazzy rock and very little metal. Junior Dylan Hart, who plays in a band with his adopted brother and several other friends, performs progressive rock, hard rock, a little bit of sting, a little bit of scream, a little a bit of everything. For Hart, and several of these student bands, the pathway to becoming performing musicians means doing things themselves. My apartment is basically converted into a studio. We have microphones everywhere and sound proofing and stuff like that, Hart said. [Its] just how we roll. Weve got it all on our own and its always been that way. For each of these students, being in a band represents preparation for their futures, as each looks to pursue a career in music. We basically love playing music so much; thats all we do, Harrison said. For students interested in hearing local bands, locations such as the Stafford, Schotzis and Fitzwillys often showcase these student performers. John Fuller Emily Nash Editor Staff writer For many students, high school is the time to seek out their passions, and for the musically-inclined, this means performing in student bands. While Bryan High sponsors several musically-oriented organizations, many students continue their education by recording, performing, and writing music on their own with their peers. Freshman James Mosqueda isnt a part of a mainstream student band; instead, he and his family perform as a Mariachi band. Even before James was born, his familys band was performing with full force, yet the band has quickly expanded since the late 80s. It started back before I was born. In 89 they were just a quartet; it was my dad and my uncles on the guitar and my grandpa was singing, Mosqueda said. Today, the band consists of Mosquedas extended family, with a total of ten people performing. My dad and two of my uncles play the guitar, two of my cousins play trumpet with me, one of my cousins plays the bass, another cousin of mine plays the accordion and my grandpa and aunt sing, Mosqueda said. As for James, a member of the Viking Band, pursuing a career in music would seem almost natural. Mosqueda said that he is interested in majoring in music in college. Mosqueda said that his greatest musical influence is his father. Other students choose the more traditional route for playing music. After deciding one day to start a band, senior Chad Doriocourt and his friends are now recording their first record. Weve played gigs in downtown Bryan a lot at the Stafford and right now were recording our CD, Doriocourt said. Like Doriocourt, several students also perform at local venues with their own respective bands. We played once at the Stafford, once at Schotzis and twice at Fitzwillys, junior Gabe Harrison said. Many of the students associated with high school bands have been in several other bands before, but stick to playing the same genres of music. For Harrison, and his new band Reign of Tears, this means

Page 8 - In-Depth
exception of Pizza Hut pizza, which supported business, covering costs John Fuller is offered on Monday, Wednesday such as labor and benefits, supplies, Editor pest control and maintenance. When asked what their favorite and Friday. Each week the cafeteria reclass of the day is, plenty of students would undoubtedly answer, Lunch!. ceives a new shipment of groNUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN Yet, how many students know what ceries from Houston and milk Calories for meal 805kcal goes into making a daily meal in the is delivered daily while bread is shipped two to three times a school cafeteria? Total grams of fat 24.2 Starting at 6:30 in the morning, caf- week. Cost $2.25 When planning meals for eteria workers begin arriving to start the entire district, the Nutrition preparing for the days meals. 2 SPICY CHICKEN TENDERS The daily workflow in the Bryan Services department must take 185 kilocalories 8.6 grams fat High cafeteria is very impressive and into account several factors. When planning menus we is extremely busy, Sundy Fryrear, MACARONI AND CHEESE (1/2 C) Director of Bryan ISD Nutrition Ser- have to consider: federal and vices, said. Workflow in the kitchen state regulations, popularity 232 kilocalories 9.3 grams fat is extremely fast paced and driven by of food items among students, BROCCOLI W/ CHEESE SAUSE tight time schedules. The employees cost of the food items, use of commodities, are basically on their feet all day with government 62 kilocalories 2.6 grams fat the exception of a 30-minute lunch available equipment, labor and which break, and 1 APPLE day of the a 10-minNUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN 68 kilocalories 0.2 grams fat week to ofute break Calories for meal 911kcal 1 WHOLE WHEAT ROLL fer an item, after lunch Fryrear service, if Total grams of fat 27.3 100 kilocalories 1 grams fat said. Not time perCost $2.25 only are we mits. required to meet The only local school district During PIZZA HUT PEPPERONI PIZZA strict nutritional funds utilized are for construction of each school 382 kilocalories 17 grams fat guidelines, but cafeterias in new schools and kitchen day, workwe also have to remodels on older campuses. Our ers are asTOSSED SALAD WITH RANCH satisfy the wants current budget is over 8 million dolsign e d and needs of over lars, Fryrear said. specific 382 kilocalories 3.7 grams fat A portion of revenue for the 15,000 students tasks, like MANDARIN ORANGES (1/2 CUP) and their parents, department comes from governpreparing plus try to break ment subsidiaries and commodities, the breads, 54 kilocalories 0 grams fat even on the busi- which cover the Free and Reduced meats or ness end. Lunch program. salads. 1 BANANA As a branch The Free and Reduced Lunch proEach of the 150 kilocalories 0.6 grams fat of the school dis- gram offers lunch to economically meals are trict, the Nutrition disadvantaged students at a discountprepared 1 BREADSTICK Services depart- ed or free price, and currently serves on-site, 169 kilocalories 3.6 grams fat ment operates as around sixty-percent of Bryan High with the a completely self- students.

In-Depth - Page 9
At Bryan ISD, we strive to provide the best quality, most popular food choices to our students, Fryrear said. For the amount of money that we have available to spend on food items, coupled with the strict government guidelines and the fact that we are preparing meals in an institutionalized setting, I think we do a great job! want to take the chance of anyone getting killed. are concerned with students going off campus for Eduardo Alvarado Another priority in restricting off campus lunch lunch. Marisa Lindeman has to do with the students on free and reduced Thirty minutes is just impossible to drive off Staff Writers campus, go get food, drive back, eat and get to Even though Bryan High has been a closed cam- lunch. class on time and the schedule really binds pus for over fifteen years, many students us, principal Diane Werner said. dont know why they are not allowed to leave Kids were always waiting to the last Students that are caught eating off camcampus for lunch. F o r the administration, safety is minute to get to lunch and rushing, pus face a punishment of three days in SAC or in-school-suspension. one of the main priorities in maintrying to get back on campus; it was If the policy were to be changed, admintaining a closed campus. istrators have said that it must be brought Kids were always waiting causing accidents. before the school board. to the last minute to get to Students are not taking care of their relunch and rushA majority of the students on this campus are sponsibilities, and I feel like if students showed ing, trying to get back on cam- on free or reduced lunch, and its really not fair some effort in the classroom and took care of their pus; it was causing for everybody to be able to come and go and them responsibilities, we might consider going to the accidents, director of not be able to, assistant principal Randy Caperton board saying hey, this is what our students have accomplished, lets give them a chance, Banks campus monitors Les- said. With a strict bell schedule, many administrators said. ter Banks said. We dont

THE SKINNY ON SCHOOL NUTRITION

WHAT ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS LUNCH?

Have you ever been off campus for lunch?

In a survey of 125 members of the student body, Out of those students that had not been off camthe Norsemann staff found that 80 students claimed pus for lunch, 31 students said that they would go to have been off campus for lunch and 45 people off campus if it were allowed and 14 said that they claimed to have never been off campus for lunch. would still not go off campus for lunch.

Have you ever been off campus for lunch?

If going off campus was permitted, would you go?

Offensive lineman role model on, off field

teammates to help give them a boost of Marisa Lindeman confidence on the field. He tries to be as Staff writer The sound of the crowd is deafening positive as possible, which helps bring as the Friday night lights shine down on a mutual balance in a brutal sport like football. the field. Along the He can take sideline, the play- He makes others around hard work and ers wait their turn him work harder by his make it enjoyable to enter the game encouragement and by his attitude and and prove thempersonal conduct, selves among their personal example. Jesurun said. peers. High school football is not just a past Ponzio is the epitome of what the time or a sport; its a way of life. It is game of football means. He is a team through this way of life that a young player and is never self-centered. He is man will sometimes rise to the occasion one of the leaders that help tie the team together as a cohesive unit. and really excel as a leader. Senior offensive lineman Cody He represents our football program in a way that brings us great honor, Ponzio is one of these young men. He represents his team well by dem- Jesurun said. But it goes far and beonstrating his dedication to football and yond and he makes others around him his school while acting as a leader for work harder by his encouragement and personal example. other members of the Viking team. He constantly walks through the Ponzio agrees that a leader has to not locker room talking positively to other only tell people what should be done, players making it known that he has a but show them. genuine interest in others, Coach Rob- Its about showing leadership through example, Ponzio said. Thats ert Jesurun said. Ponzio doesnt mind going the extra what football is all about. mile and works hard to motivate his Ponzio is also a positive role model throughout campus. His teacher appreciate his never give up attitude and his ability to stay focused on achieving a good education, while also working to become a good football player. He stays focused on what he needs to do and does whatever it takes to complete his task, English teacher Lisa Prejean said. Ponzio recognizes his role as

Page 10 - Sports

a leader on the team, but he also understands the importance of each player. If no one else wants to step up, I feel like I should, but I still stay with my teammates, Ponzio said. Im going to be a leader, but [they] are still my team, Im not going to put myself above [my teammates].

The Viking offensive line prepares to block for the quarterback to advance down the field.

What is your favorite part of football?

The team working as a unit to win. Chris Johnson, 10 The collisions and the scoring. Nate Jones, 12

Getting to hit somebody. Brian Cune, 12

The team working together and working to achieve our goal, which is to be the best out there. Ignacio Jimenez, 12

Being able to come in Monday for practices and have great preperation all week so that when Friday night comes I know we are going to win. Hunter Maphet, 11

The feeling after we win. Aaron Eike, 12

Keeping pace, students make strides

Cecelia Mata Staff writer Whether it is for exercise or for other self-motivated reasons, many students are active members of the cross-country team, even if that means having to deal with the difficulty of being at school to run at 7:30 each morning. Cross-country is a one-event sport in which the girls run 2 miles and the boys run 3.1 miles. Practices frequently push further, going up to 4.5 miles. Despite the obvious similarities between cross-country and track, the main difference between the two is that the terrain they run on is very different and the workouts that they do consist of differing elements. We dont do much with sprinting, because shorter distances dont exist in cross-country; so everything we do involves long-distance running, coach Daniel Williams said. In track the workout is on the track and flat. Whereas for cross-country we work with running hills. We go out and run around athletic fields and the neighborhoods. The sport teaches students many important lessons and gives them a better outlook on life. [Cross-country has taught me] to never give up, and that whatever doesnt hurt or kill you, will make you stronger, freshman Rhonda Johnson said. It helps me to get better and have

Sports - Page 11
What is the most difficult part about running cross-country?

a better attitude. Cross-country seems to give a sense of pride and partnership to the runners as they encourage and push each other to win. The competitions that the runners participate in vary at each meet, though each of them challenge the students in their own ways. Theres a big variety of competitions. They can be pretty challenging sometimes, but its really fun to challenge yourself and test yourself to see how good youve gotten, sophomore Emma Slowey said. Students interested in cross-country can talk to coach Daniel Williams. Students who are unable to fit cross-country in their schedules may still be able to participate by meeting in the mornings for practice.

Having the endurance to not slow down or give up in the middle of a race and give your all till the finish line. Jenna Goen, 9

Golfers prepare for season

Stephani Whisenant Staff writer For many Viking athletes, golf is a fun and engaging activity that also serves as a stress reliever. Senior Matthew Wilkinson has been involved with the golf program since his freshman year. I have fun doing it, Wilkinson said. Its something I enjoy. But fun and winning dont come without practice, and Wilkinson says he puts a lot of time into golf. [We practice] for around sixteen hours a week, Wilkinson said. Wilkinson is not the only student who works hard on the course. Junior Tyler Sheffield also actively practices to perfect her stroke. We practice Monday through Thursday Sheffield said. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday were at the Municipal Golf Course, and Wednesday were at Briarcrest [Country Club]. These long practices help prepare them for competitions throughout the year. We have about three [tournaments] in the fall, and

about five in the spring, Sheffield said. Unlike most sports, golf season lasts all year, and has a different competitive set up than other sports such as football or baseball. Were allowed to play eight invitational tournaments each year, assistant coach Robin Colicchio said. After that its district and then if we have students who qualify from district, then they move on to regionals. Golf also differs from many sports by using both individual ratings and cumulative team scores to generate the final placing. By competing as individuals and as a team, we are pushed to do our best even more, Sheffield said. Golf is a sport that players put a lot of time and effort into. They believe that this is the only way to get better. Colicchio agrees and says he loves to see his students grow. I enjoy watching the kids progress and smile when they get better, Colicchio said. If a student has interest in joining the golf team, see Coach Colicchio in room 5236 for more information.

Why do you play golf?

I enjoy golf because of the comaraderie and competition. Cody Meier, 12 I enjoy golf because its a stress reliever and I enjoy the outdoors. Clayton Hudson, 10

Junior Tyler Sheffield tees off as she aims for the fairway.

Page 12 - Opinions

Facebook Privacy
Weve all sat through the lectures and heard the warnings about maintaining proper online privacy, like not giving out our address or phone number, but how many of us truly take steps to keep our information private? Facebook is hoping that you are, in fact, ignoring your online security. A few months ago they changed the default privacy settings to turn all of your information public unless you had manually updated your privacy settings after activating your account. What does this mean for us, as high school students? Well, if your phone number is on your profile, then anybody can see how to contact you, or enter your information into a reverse-phone-lookup and find out where you live. Furthermore, all of your photos and wall are now visible to anyone who stumbles upon your profile. So, if you post when youre going to practice or where youre hanging out with

your friends, anybody can see and find out that information. Now, with Places, Facebooks new location service that allows you to check in at various locations around town, any of your friends can see exactly where you are and even pull up a map with driving directions to your exact location. Of course, theres an easy way to keep most of this private by changing your privacy settings. To do this, click on Account in the top right hand corner of your Facebook homepage and select Privacy Settings from the drop down menu. Here, you can click through to several panels for updating your privacy controls. Yet, as Facebook has demonstrated, you dont have full control of any of the information you put on their site. At the drop of a hat, Facebook can make all of someones information public, without the user ever knowing it. The simple solution is to, of course, never post anything online that you wouldnt want your mother, a college admissions officer, or a creepy person to see. This includes double-checking your pictures before you upload them, because little things like what your house looks like, your school name, and your license plate can give one person a load of information. Nobody wants to have to watch everything they say, or not be able to share things with friends, but John Fuller is a these are necessary actions junior and has been for being a safe user. a member of the Share those other things Norseman staff for when youre with your two years. friends.

TV Shows
From Mr. Feeny, Cory and Topanga, to The Situation, TV shows just arent the same as they used to be. The Friday night line up was full of familyfriendly programming. How can you not love little Michelle on Full House, or the crazy but hilarious Cody on Step By Step and especially the ever awkward Steve Urkel? During our childhood, parents could always count on a laugh while their kids watched an appropriate show, but these days families have a difficult time finding a show that is appropriate and enjoyable for all ages. Sure, shows like According to Jim and Two and a Half Men are great, but do you think as you were growing up your parents would have let you watch them? I know for a fact my parents would not. Its sad that shows with overtly explicit material are considered to be appropriate for family television.

What ever happened to shows like Boy Meets World? It was a sitcom that lasted about seven seasons and taught viewers every day life lessons with the Matthews family. The younger audience could enjoy the misadventures of Cory and Shawns friendship and the ups and downs of Cory and Topangas dating relationship. Even adults could get a laugh from the Matthews family and the rest of the cast members because of the well written scripts and smart humor. Today, it seems like TV producers think you have to be inappropriate to get a laugh. Shows like Growing Pains and Home Improvement seem to be things of the past. If you didnt laugh while watching those shows, face it, you have no sense of humor! Though all of these shows were legitimately awesome, my favorite show growing up was Saved By the Bell. I could not go one morning without watching it before school. If I missed an episode my whole morning was ruined! I loved watching the nerdy and hilarious Screech Powers, the handsome Zack Morris and his roller-

coaster relationship with Kelly Kapowski and their friends Jessie and Lisa. My favorite character though was AC Slater. He was the outcast because he didnt grow up in Bayside, and at first everyone saw him as an army brat. He soon became the athlete of the group and was of course, in my opinion, the best looking. Out of all the family oriented shows of the eighties and nineties, the show that portrayed good morals in an entertaining way would have to be 7th Heaven. Revolving around the Camden family, it showed the ups and downs of a family while providing appropriate life lessons. As teenagers, we may like the shows that lie on the edgy side, but while growing up, we would have never been allowed to watch those shows that are now considered appropriate by society. Todays sitcoms can be funny and entertaining, but there were shows in the eighties and nineties that were just as funny and entertaining while still being acceptable and appropriate for all ages to watch.

Jamie Berthold is a junior and has been a member of the Norseman staff for three years.

Cut Cost for Clothing

Most teenagers both need and want clothes. People like to look nice, stylish, and up to date with the current ins and outs of fashion. Maintaining your wardrobe can be expensive, especially if you enjoy particular (and pricey) brands. Back to school shopping can cost the typical high school students anywhere from $100 to $500. This is a pretty ridiculous amount of money to spend

on clothes. With stores prices seeming to only increase, what can you do though to save money, yet still get your shopping fix? Shopping at thrift stores like Platos Closet and The Resale Shop are good ways to save money and still look great. Second hand clothing may seem unthinkable to some, but it is a great way to update your closet while saving a ton of money. Most of these places sell only high quality clothing, items that you cant even tell are used. This year, for back to school I didnt have too much money to spend, but I made one stop at Platos Closet and came out with more than I needed with money left in my wallet. With shirts priced anywhere from $3-$8, jeans $10-$20, skirts $8-$12, and accessories priced at $3, I was able to purchase thirteen shirts, two skirts, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of sandals and several accessories all for around $88.00.

About half of these still had the tags on them, and were brands like Miss Me, Hollister, Abercrombie, American Eagle, and Aeropostale. Still not buying into the whole used clothes thing? Then you should know when to shop for new clothes. A good time to find a sale is right before a peak holiday like Labor Day or Memorial Day. Stores are full of inventory, and sale tags can be found everywhere. Wait until then, or go to places like T.J Maxx, Marshalls or Ross, where the clothes are new, and when looking on the sales rack, you can find some amazing deals. With styles always changing, it seems pointless to spend a ton of money on clothes thatll be out of style in a few months. Follow these simple steps and you wont have to worry about breaking your budget.

Opinions - Page 13

Stephani Whisenant is a junior and has been a member of the Norseman staff for two years.

Lookin like a fool with your pants on ground: derriere dilemma

After a Georgian assembly passed a law that regards the wearing of baggy pants as indecent exposure, the debate as been set afire as to whether or not the use of saggy britches is appropriate. In the late 80s, the sagging of ones pants became popular in the United States prison system after gang members would have their belts confiscated. The trend has also been associated with several other derogatory connotations through the prison system. Ever since that time period, identifying oneself as an imprisoned gang member has apparently become a mainstream fashion. While, of course, we retain the right to express ourselves through our apparel, is it really wise to express oneself in a manner with such a negative stigma? One of the most obvious reasons for refraining from the sagging of your pants relates to the welfare of others. When walking through the halls, or out in public, none of us have any desire to see any part of your under garments. Not only do we not want to see your underwear when were walking in the hall, but wed also like to get somewhere in a timely manner, but when the person in front of you is constantly having to pull up their pants or waddle around, the time it takes to travel somewhere is significantly increased. Whenever someone dresses in saggy pants, it sets forth a message of who they are and how they act. Unfortunately, this message is not one with a good connotation. Instead, saggy pants make someone look unprofessional, and the wearer is unlikely to be accepted in professional areas like when applying for a job or just in class. Even if you have no desire to get a job or be accepted by teachers and adminsitrators, most parents will also draw a negative conclusion to the kind of person you are if you show up to date their child wearing saggy pants. Its not as if wearing not-saggy pants is difficult or expensive. Your existing pants can be transformed into appropriate attire with a simple belt or even just a ziptie used as a belt. While were all proponents of free speech and the expression of ones individuality, wed hate to see these rights exercised in the form of wearing saggy pants. Not only is it inappropriate, but its unnecessary and only promotes negative semntiments about yourself. - The Norseman Staff

Norseman
Adviser Rebecca Dominy Editor John Fuller Staff writers Eduardo Alvarado Jamie Berthold Ricky Lara Marisa Lindeman Cecelia Mata Emily Nash Emma Raleigh Stephani Whisenant Publish Dates: Vol 40 Number 1 October 2010 Vol 40 Number 2 December 2010 Vol 40 Number 3 February 2011 Vol 40 Number 4 April 2010 Vol 40 Number 5 May 2011

The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of Bryan Independent School District. Submissions to the editor are welcomed, but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. Bryan Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services.

Pretty Little Liars embody some Big Ugly Secrets

Marisa Lindeman Staff writer Pretty Little Liars, a best selling book by Sara Shepards, jumped to the small screen this year when it turned into a popular television series on ABC Family. Pretty Little Liars tells the story of four girls who deal with life after their best friend Ali dies. Emily, a swimmer, Hanna, a bad girl, Spencer, a scholar, and Aria, an artist, all start to become harassed by an anonymous source haunting them about their past secrets that only Ali knew. This source becomes known as A. These girls are all about lies and scandals. Aria has to deal with keeping the secret that her dad cheated on her mom. Hanna has to compete with her stepsister for her dads respect. Emily deals with her classmates, making fun of her for her interests. And Spencer encounters an anonymous person who tries to convince her she is the one who killed her best friend. Mona, the girls classmate, is out to get the girls for bullying her in the past. Each of these girls deal with so much drama throughout the entire series. Their problems are constantly made worse by A. The girls dont just have to find out who A is, they also have to find out who murdered their best friend. In order for the unknown A not to reveal their secrets, they must do whatever A commands for them to do, as if they were little robots. The way the book tells this story is very different from the way the television show portrays it. The book tells the story much better and is more intriguing while the television show just doesnt create the same effect. In the television show the story has been completely changed. For example in the book the night Ali is murdered, she is around 12-yearsold, but in the television show she is portrayed as a 17-year-old, probably to increase the amount of scan-

Page 14 - Entertainment

dal the network can portray. Even the actors who play the characters in Pretty Little Liars are totally different than the book. In the book Emily was a red head, yet in the television show she is a brunette with tan skin. Also in the book the girls are described as having huge mansions, while on the TV show they just have regular 2 story homes. The mansions in the books consist of 6 car garages, maids and large luxurious pools in their huge backyards. Yet the television series home is a typical middle class Victorian house. In the book the author does a very good job of adding suspense, and making the reader feel terrified throughout the entire book. When I watched the television show I didnt feel scared at all and it seemed a little boring. I would rather sit down and read these 300 page books then sit down for 30 minutes and watch the television show. If you are willing to invest the time in reading, you will get a much better story than the 30 minute program has created. Like most stories, the book is better.

Musical comeback, high school sing-along success

Emma Raleigh Staff writer Ever since May 2009, people across America have gotten to know the members of the show-choir New Directions. With star bound Rachel Berry, mean-spirited cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, handicapped Artie Abrams, and many others, the award-winning television show Glee, is full of surprises. At William McKinley High School, fitting in is hard for anyone who isnt a football player or cheerleader. Will Schuester, a musically talented Spanish teacher, makes it easier for some kids to find their place by starting a Glee Club. As more members join, the group becomes stronger as a whole, and drama ensues. Glee is addictive, and once you start watching it, you find it difficult to stop. Even though the producers made a risky decision by having a four month hiatus between the first and second halves of the first season, views didnt suffer; they actually went up. The appeal of the show might be that there is a character that everyone can relate to in some way. The show tells the stories of a pregnant teen girl, a boy facing his homosexuality, and a girl who is focused on her future and will do whatever it takes to get into show business. The music of Glee isnt original, but the singers have all left their own mark on the songs, making them just as popular as any new chart topper. Broadway songs, rock classics and even old school rap have been revitalized by the cast. Certain members of the cast have actually been members of bands, played instruments and have been in famous plays. By singing covers of popular songs like Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys and Respect by Aretha Franklin, the show has a way of pulling in a large cross-section of the population. Part of what makes Glee so full of laughs, and even tears, is the sheer talent of the actors and actresses. Dramatic scenes involving a character, Kurt Hummel, are about his struggle to be accepted by the people around him, which proves to be difficult because he is gay. Rachel never knew her mother, but when the two finally meet, the experience is very moving. One character in particular that adds such a dynamic impact to the show, is the hilarious Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch. Being one of the only well-

known actors joining the cast, critics wondered why she even accepted the role on a show that might only last for a few seasons. Without Sue, Glee just wouldnt be so funny! Her jokes about Mr. Schuesters hair are priceless, and when she is mean to the students she preys on, all we can do as viewers is laugh. In a word, her subtle comedy is genius. Watching the lives of these average, yet not so average, characters is enough to make for an entertaining show. Add the fantastic singing skills, and this show is bound to be loved by viewers across the country. So, if you have never checked out this amazing show, add it to your to-do list now! And if youre a gleek like me, you already know that Ill be tuning to Fox every Tuesday night at 7:00, watching one of my favorite shows.

Changing images: New series helps boost self-esteem

Jamie Berthold Staff writer Teenagers face pressures to fit in, and whether they like it or not, they are labeled by the way they dress, the way they act and who they hang out with. MTVs hit new show, If you Really Knew Me, focuses on bringing different people from diverse cliques together through a program known as Challenge Day. The purpose of Challenge Day is to show youth that even though they dont have the same friends, or come from the same background, your problems may be the same as someone elses. Challenge Day is orchestrated to unite schools and show teenagers that they are not alone. My first impression of the show was that MTV created another program for people to get attention. I remember thinking, Its just high school; grow up and deal with your problems! Yet, the more I watched the show the more intrigued I became. If You Really Knew Me is an outlet for kids with real problems and no one to turn to. Some problems seem blown out of proportion. For example, there are girls who are in tears because they are fighting with their best friend, and then there are other girls who are struggling with their self-esteem. My first response was, every girl deals with that get over it! but then I thought about it: every teenage girl does deal with that and it does tear girls down at times and sometimes they may not be able to handle the situation. By broadcasting these issues on television, other girls dealing with these same problems may be able to find comfort and strength. Besides the petty stuff, If You Really Knew Me welcomes you into the lives of teenagers who are living their lives in a constant struggle. Whether its their parents divorce, a loved ones death, an eating disorder, having a parent in jail, or feeling unloved at home, there are youth across the world facing similar obstacles in life. Through Challenge Day, teenagers realize they are not as alone as they feel and they start letting people in. The students split up into groups, telling their life stories starting with the words If you really knew me They go on to open up to their small groups about their struggles and they begin to feel connected to people who they never associated with before. Problems between friends and cliques become resolved through Challenge Day and the student body is united to form a more comfortable high school environment. It is a great way to unite the student body and help end the separation within schools. When schools want to bring Challenge Day to their campuses they go through a process. Challenge Day is $3,200 per day. The cost includes, pre-program coaching, a six hour program for a maximum of 100 students and a minimum of 25 adults, two trained program leaders, banners to promote Challenge Day, and post program follow-up. There is a movement to bring Challenge Day to Bryan High. For more information, search Facebook for Bring Challenge Day to Bryan High.

Entertainment - Page 15

Ricky Lara Staff writer If youre a big gamer, or just a nerd like me, chances are youve heard about that one zombie movie that came out in September. Yes, Resident Evil, the infamous video game turned movie hit the big screen with Resident Evil: Afterlife. The main focus of the movies is on the T-Virus, which is an experiment controlled by the Umbrella Corporation. The T-Virus eventually gets out of control and society turns into a world of undead. Alice, the main character in Resident Evil, is tasked with finding a safe

Hide ya kids, hide ya wife: zombies are coming

place to escape from the undead. For starters, I highly doubt the beginning of Afterlife was necessary at all. The scene begins with a story telling how the T-Virus spread, eventually turning the whole world black and almost lifeless. From there, they hide underground in Asia where Umbrella Corporation is located. This part blew my mind because it was so unreal. Alices superhuman clones fight Umbrella Corporations workers to retrieve Albert Wesker, the chairman of Umbrella Corporation. Whenever you see Wesker, portrayed by Shawn Roberts, movie goers are instantly reminded of The Matrix. The graphics were very good, its just how frustratingly awful and unrealistic this whole scene was. For instance, once a clone died, it seemed like they would never go away because one would just, miraculously, come out of no where. I felt like I wasnt going to appreciate this movie, what-so-ever. After seeing that Alices superhuman powers were taken away during the first 10 minutes of the movie, I continued to watch it and give it the chance to prove that it could be a decent movie. After watching the movie, the plot does, in a way, catch you by surprise. For instance, if you hear the background music of a scary movie getting louder and louder, you usually know whats about to happen. However, in Afterlife, the music would catch you by surprise because the music would get loud, but then change back to softer

music. Then BOOM! It hits you like a ton of bricks and makes you jump out of your seat like you just sat on a hot stove. The movie being in 3D just made the shock three times as powerful. Even though watching the movie in 3D added some surprise, its not a good idea to watch it in 3D because its so strenuous on your eyes and will probably give you a headache with the action being so brutal. The cast did a good job at keeping the action suspenseful, like where they have no choice but to go in dark, creepy places such as the sewer, or murky waters. Final Thoughts: for me, movies either rank as Dont Watch It, Rent It or Buy It. I would definitely say Resident Evil: Afterlife is a Rent It type of movie. There were some very good parts in the movie that really blew me away. However, I wouldnt buy it because I wouldnt want to waste money on something Id watch once or twice.

Page 16 - Around Campus

AroundCampus
News & events at Bryan High School
remaining spirit days. All spirit days are the Wednesdays before each game. Students will Ice the Knights by wearing bling on Oct. 20. The football team will face the Harker Heights Knights on Oct. 22 which will also be the Pink Out game. On Oct. 27, students will Go Wild on the Tigers and wear animal print when the team faces Belton. For the final district game of the season, students will Mourn Temple by wearing all black clothing. Senior Pictures Seniors who missed their appointment over the summer will have a second chance to have pictures made on Friday, Oct. 29 and Saturday Oct. 30. Scholarships Students, remember to check the College Scholarship Info folder inside the BHS announcements on first class for up-to-date scholarship information. Students can also talk with Mrs. Kerr in the Go Center for more information. Heifer Project International Baccalaureate students are raising money to send farm animals to families in third world countries. Starting October 25th, students will have the opportunity to donate money to see their favorite faculty member dress up as a cow on November 5th. Dress-up Days Remember to show your school spirit and dress up for the Although seniors can have portraits taken anywhere, seniors must take a picture through the schools photographer to be featured in the yearbook. Students must come by Mrs. Dominys room (6160) to sign up for a time. There is no charge for taking a picture for the yearbook. If students are interested in taking other poses there is a sitting fee charge. Please bring sitting fee money when you take your pictures. All students will receive proofs before purchasing pictures. Bowling Team Bowling try-outs will be held Nov. 1 at 4:30 at Grand Station Entertainment. If you would like more information, see Mrs. Schultz in room 3129 before or after school. Underclassmen Retakes Underclassmen picture retakes will be held on Nov. 2. Any 9-11 grade student who was absent on the original picture is encouraged to have a picture taken. Balfour Balfour representatives will be available during all lunches to take graduation orders on Nov. 11 and 12. Seniors will be able to order their cap and gowns, invitations and other items at that time. A down payment of $80 is required at the time the order is placed. If orders are less than $80 the full amount will be due at that time. NHS Blood Drive The National Honor Society will host a blood drive on Wed. Nov. 17 and Thurs. Nov. 18 from 7:30-3:30 in Gym 3. Students who are 16 can donate blood with parental consist, but must way at least 122 pounds. Students age 17 and up do not need parental consent to donate. Talk with a NHS member to sign up. UIL Invitational BHS will host an Academic UIL Invitational on Nov. 20. Its not too late to get involved with UIL. Any students interested in participating can contact Mrs. Dominy in room 6160 for more information. Students can also look in the BHS Student folder in First Class to find a summary of each event and a list of the coaches.

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