Cyberstar

2nd Edition

.By Kenzie Benson

Spilling with

talent, anxiety trickling down his

face in beads of glistening sweat,

Mr. GQ walks onto the stage. Proce-

dures like the following are usually

conducted behind closed doors; never-

theless, he rips open his heart and

spills its contents all over the

stage. He is reading the last line of

his poem and by this point, the

judges have decided his fate. Without

knowing it just yet, he has won the

competition.

On Thursday April 30th, Magnolia

High School hosted its annual GQ competition.

Over 40 performances boasted genius and skill

but in the end, Hardy Gatlin took the crown.

“It wasn’t an easy competition. Every-

one had a unique flair to them,” said audi-

ence member, Marcus Sloan.

In fact, stepping onto stage and per-

forming isn’t an easy task in itself. Putting

yourself out there is pretty scary, the world

can be a real shark tank at times.

“Mr.GQ definitley draws people out of

their

shell,”

said audi-

ence member,

Jazmin Ur-

ritia.

At

first, Mr.

GQ was an

idea that

Gatlin threw

over his

shoulder. He

didn’t want

much to do

with it.

“My mother thought it was cute and

funny so she said ‘You should do this,” and

I immediately said ‘no.’ Then she reminded

me that she was my mother and that she con-

trols pretty much every aspect of my life. So,

I decided ‘I am going to do this but, not be-

cause you told me to. I am going to do it be-

cause I want to,” said Gatlin.

Gatlin’s skit idea came right to him

and he entered the competition on a whim.

“I was originally going to play a piano

actually but they said they couldn’t get a

piano on stage. So I thought about this dude

named Harry Baker. I had read his poem and I

thought it was really cool so I decided to

read it for Mr. GQ because, why not,” said

Gatlin.

To his surprise, Gatlin’s freehand po-

etry recital stole the judges. As Mr. GQ, he

will receive a free tux rental, two free

prom tickets, expendable bragging rights, a

corsage, a boutonniere, and Cane’s chicken.

“I change my answer,” said Gatlin,

“It was all for the free chicken. I was in

it for the chicken.”

The Magnolia High School Newspaper

Magnolia News 1-6

Feature 7

Magnolia Sports 8-9

Health 10-13

By Kenzie Benson

Pi? Logarithms? Soh-Cah-

Toa? To most people, math lingo is as clear as

gobbeldy gook. But to the math geeks, it's a

second language.

Mu Alpha Theta, Magnolia High School’s

math honor society, has served as a challeng-

ing incentive for students to achieve excel-

lence in all their high school math classes.

On Friday, April 27th, an induction ceremony

was held for incoming members of the society.

“We will induct the new members, ex-

plain what Mu Alpha Theta is about, and end

with a communal gathering to welcome induc-

tees,” said Sloan.

In order to remain a member of the soci-

ety, students must retain above a B average in

their math classes.

“Mu Alpha Theta provides an environment

to incline students to reach their full

academic potential,” said Mu Alpha Theta of-

ficer, Marcus Sloan.

The society drives students to give

their best and gives them a support group to

fall back on.

“It motivates me to keep my grades up.

I know that all my studying and hard work is-

n’t done alone,” said Mu Alpha Theta member,

Jazmin Urrutia.

New members are anticipated of great-

ness.

“It is reassuring to be recognized for your

hard work and even more so, to have the sup-

port of your friends,” said inductee Brandon

Hosford.

Magnolia news 2

By Sarah Venables

The thought of summer school has a tradition of hold-

ing negative connotations, influenced by TV shows, books, and rumors spread by older siblings

and friends. However what many do not realize is while yes, you are attending school during

summer vacation, classes can be very beneficial to students on all academic levels.

Along with the usual 18 remedial courses, Health, Government, and Economics are offered

as original credit classes for those who wish to get ahead.

“Some students take the classes over the summer to get ahead or catch up on credits,”

Counselor Roxy Gilchrist said.

In addition, the courses do not count towards your GPA.

“Since these classes are harder, students take those classes over the summer since they

won’t hurt their GPA,” Gilchrist said.

Assistant principal Dr. Mindy Jo Munoz, who will be the summer school principal, says

she enjoys interacting with the summer school students.

“I’ve done this for many years,” Munoz said, “I love getting to meet students who

need remediation and helping them get over that hump; and I love meeting new students who are

just trying to prepare and get ahead for the future.”

Some students are considering the option of the original credit classes.

“Honestly, I hadn’t even thought about that,” student Brooke Bond said, “I was

thinking about doing it junior or senior year.”

Speaking of junior and senior year...

“And then for students who want to gain credit, that just opens their junior and possi-

bly senior year up to more electives they might want to take, or if they want to do job oppor-

tunities,” Munoz said.

When addressed with the idea of original credit classes, student Kierstynn Schoggins

agreed.

“I would definitely try to take it over the summer.”

Magnolia news 3

By Kenzie Benson

Pick up the pen, scramble your brain for

inspiration, spill your thoughts onto the pa-

per. Repeat. Think, think, its on the tip of

your tongue. Tip-tap the calculator, double

check your moves, scribble down the answer.

Practice, practice practice.

At the district UIL meet, 14 students

from The Magnolia High School qualified to

compete at state and 18 students earned points

for the team. Their success is a clear reflec-

tion of the hard work and dedication the stu-

dents have contributed.

“My students start preparing in October

with 16 packets of practice material for the

upcoming invitational. Then they take practice

tests to prepare for district. Then they do 11

more packets for the region level. They have

13 more for state. In accounting, the concepts

change so we adjust the practice accord-

ingly,” said accounting teacher, Mrs.

Mathews.

To an outsider- the workload looks

like a drowning doozy but students on the

UIL team know the bug that keeps them on

their feet. It’s passion and they’re

oozing with it.

“These kids just love the topic.

In accounting, there is always a puzzle

and they love the puzzles,” said

Mathews.

Practice pays off at the competi-

tion where advisors can stick students up

against some rough and tough competition.

“Accounting is 80 multiple choice

in one hour. It can range from any topic.

More subject matter is thrown at you as

you advance. But we practice previous tests

and prepare that way,” said accounting stu-

dent, Sarah Hubble.

Training isn’t just black and white

packets and every area of UIL forms their own

method of preparation. It comes in different

mediums and sometimes from outside sources.

“It was my parents who suggested I get

the Wall Street Journal and New York Times and

read the editorials there. I got some dif-

ferent ideas and I did a lot of practice sto-

ries,” said editorial finalist, Sarah

Venables.

In fact, UIL itself, serves as practice

for life beyond the classroom walls.

“Both my parents were accountants. I

took BIM as a freshman and I really liked Mrs.

Mathews. I really liked the subject. I was un-

sure of what I wanted to be when I went off to

college so I tried it out and took accounting

I. I am in accounting II this year and I have

just stuck with it because its something I en-

joy, I am good at it I like the people on the

team, and I like Mrs. Matthews,” said Hubble.

When it comes down to it and dedication

rings the bells of victory, UIL provides stu-

dents with a place to cradle their passion

into bloom.

“I’ve always kinda wanted to do some-

thing in writing. I definitely think I might

be a journalist, its fun. My ultimate goal is

to write a book. I really like fantasy, sci-

fi, and James Patterson novels,” said

Venables.

“My friends were in computer science so

I joined and I ended up liking it. I’ve never

really been to Austin, so I am excited to

go,” said computer science student, Sunny

Tran.

Magnolia news 4

By Madison Disotell

Magnolia’s dance

team has had a wonderful year of performances

from the football field to competition stages.

Now that the year is wrapping up, the dance

ladies are prepping for their spring show

fundraiser coming up Saturday, May 2nd, at 6

PM.

“The spring show is our annual end-of-

the-year show to help us buy costumes and

other supplies for next year,” dance team di-

rector and teacher Karen Tarver-Shirley

said. “The dance classes and the drill team

will perform some new dances to show what we’

ve been doing and a variety of styles. And

it’s the seniors last performance, so it’ll

be great.”

The drill team officers choreograph a

majority of the show and will perform differ-

ent ensembles. Dance 2, 3, and 4 are each do-

ing two dances in the show, while varsity is

doing two sets of ensembles and squad dances,

and junior varsity is doing three dances.

“There’s about thirty dances being

performed.” Tarver-Shivley said. “These

dances are more modern, artistic varieties.”

Senior varsity dancers Alexis Cespedes

and Danielle Anderson are looking forward to

their last performance at the spring show.

“We’re doing around-the-world themed

dances, featuring songs from different cul-

tures and dance styles,” Cespedes said.

“We’ve been practicing for about a month,

getting everything ready.”

The show is open to anyone who wants to

come watch. Pre-sale tickets will be on sale

during lunch and will be discounted for $3 for

students and $7 for adults. At the door, it

will be $5 for students and $10 for adults.

“It’s the seniors last performance, so

we’re excited,” Anderson said.“Everybody’s

friends and family comes so it’s always a

turnout, but anyone can come. We’ll be doing

contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop

styles.”

Cespedes and Anderson are pumped up for

it, but there’s a lot they will miss about

their experience in dance.

“I love football season... curling your

hair every Friday,” Cespedes laughed. “I

love all the friends I have in the class. We

all became really close.”

Anderson treasures much of her dance ex-

perience, but will remember football season

the most as well.

“All the girls are like sisters,

and [Mrs. Tarver-Shively] is a great

teacher.”Anderson said. “Football season is

the best- games every Friday, getting excited

about performing and watching the game. It’s

good to get involved.”

Magnolia News 5

By Madi Welch

Performing their one-act play, “Dying For It” at

UIL regionals, The Magnolia High School Theatre received many awards, including alternate 3rd

place out of 380 schools in Texas. The melancholy-comedy the company performed was about a man

who lost all of his hope, and the people in his life fighting for different sides of his fu-

ture.

“It’s a comedy. It goes through and looks and sees how far people will go to get what

they want,” Rod Sheffield, Theatre Director, said.

After preparing since January with practice five to six days a week, and rehearsals al-

most every weekend, the cast and crew is proud of all of the hard work they poured into this

play.

“We were told this was a really tough competition, so to even place at all was a huge

honor,” Trip Gaunt, actor in the play, said.

The cast and crew received many awards including;

All-Star Cast-Allie Re and Trip Gaunt,

Honorable Mention Cast-Malena Collom, and Charity Whitfield,

Top overall crew- Parker Barnett, Amy Kramr, Dylan Mayes, Rachel Sanchez-Ruffra, and

Darby Salge

Top Technician-

Amy Kramr

“It was defi-

nitely an honor; I owe

it all to the cast and

everyone else in-

volved,” Allie Re, ac-

tress in the play and

All-Star Cast member

said when asked about

her award.

New comer Trip

Gaunt also received an

All-Star Cast award.

“I have never done acting before; this is my first year, so to be awarded for doing a

good job, it felt really special,” Gaunt said.

On behalf of the crew, Amy Kramr, Top

Technician, said, “It feels really

good to be recognized, since we are

not out on stage. Not everyone sees

what we are doing, but we are still

recognized by the people who see it

backstage.”

We are so proud of all that The Mag-

nolia High School Theatre has accom-

plished. Keep making us proud!

Magnolia News 6

By Jordan Goff

Business Information Management classes will soon be taking their Microsoft Word Certi-

fication tests, bringing the class up to a total of three certifications offered since the be-

ginning of the school year.

This school year, the BIM curriculum began to focus more on the certifications as a way

to gauge a student’s abilities in certain programs.

“The certifications that are connected to our BIM class are industry certified certifi-

cations that will help students in several ways,” Susan Matthews, BIM teacher, said. “One,

they can put in on their resumes, it’ll help them get an entry level position. Two, it’ll

help when they go to college because they will be using the software a lot more in their col-

lege classes. And the other thing is...it’s free to them. If they decide to wait and do it

after they graduate, they’d probably pay about a $100 for each certification.”

The four certification test vary in difficulty and have different passing rates; Excel

and Access are both considered the most challenging.

“The hardest part was remembering what to do in certain parts,” student Jose Martinez

said. “Especially in Access, it was the most difficult one, remembering [the things] on the

review and the lessons.”

Last year, though the test was issued, it was not the main priority of the class. Stu-

dents did certify, bu this year the passing rate has skyrocketed.

“It doesn’t really help you in your core classes,” said former student Michelle

Galeno. “But once you get a job, they give you a raise, bonus, or better position.”

The certifications could also lead to college credit in the future.

“If you get all four certifications for Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel, then when

you do go to college, you have a big chance of requesting a placement exam and not having to

take your required Computer Applications course,” said Matthews.

With Access and Excel behind them, Matthews thinks it will be smooth sailing from here

on out.

“Once the students have done the exercises in class and done the practice project

training, then they have a high chance of being successful [in Word and PowerPoint],” Mat-

thews said.

The students themselves, who’ve passed the test, are pleased with what their efforts

have brought them.

“I’ll be able to work better on a computer with my job,” student Cami Siem said.

“I’m happy with my scores.”

By Brooke Bowie

For the last band trip of the school

year, the Magnolia High School band drove down

to South Padre Island to participate in the

Gulf Coast Sound Festival.

There the band competed in a friendly

competition, while also getting to spend time

on the sand at the beach.

“The competition went very well, I feel

like we played our pieces really well, and we

were really prepared,” said, MHS band member,

Brooke Kopecky.

Even though they did not receive an

award, many students still had an excellent

time in

South Padre.

“Just being around kids with the same

mindset, and the enjoyment we had was a great

bond we had together,” said, James Robertson,

MHS band member.

This being some of the students last

trip, many people were glad to have such a

great time at the competition.

“It was a great experience, especially

for being with the seniors for the last

time,” said, MHS band member, Lauren Brown,

“We’re not going to go on any more trips

with them, so it was fun.”

By Kenzie Benson

Pack your bag for a sleepover. You can

probably do it in under ten minutes. A

toothbrush, pajamas, a clean set of clothes.

You run out the door and think nothing about

it. Try packing for an entire school year,

saying goodbye to your family, and submitting

yourself to a new world of experiences all on

your own.

(Olegsander) Lukan is a foreign exchange

student from Ukraine who has made Magnolia

High School into his home for the past 9

months. With his departure date sneaking up on

him, Lukan is finding new ways to appreciate

his fleeting surroundings.

“I only have 29 days left, as of to-

day,” said Lukan.

Most people would turn their nose up to

the idea of spending their last days of a trip

in school but Luken looks at school with a

different mindset.

“Everything here is pretty cool and I

really like school, its the best part. I did-

n’t like school much at home but it's differ-

ent here,” said Lukan.

He explained that the week feels shorter

here because in Ukraine, school's in session

on Saturdays.

“At home I didn’t do much on the week-

ends, just homework but here, its much more

fun. I go out with my friends and I go to

church with my host parents. Church is differ-

ent and a good experience,” said Lukan.

And while some are nostalgic about the

cool days that Texas weather permits in the

Spring, Lukan looks forward to the sunny

weather.

“For me, it’s great that it's warm

here because, Ukraine is very cold. I don’t

being cold,” said Lukan.

Lukan explained to me that although the

weather is great, and school is fun, its the

people who have really scooped out his heart.

“Well, my host family travels a lot so

I got to go to West Virginia. While I was in

West Virginia, I was at my host parent’s sis-

ter’s house and I found their ukulele. I

played it all the time while I was there and

not long ago I got a package in the mail. It

was the ukulele,”said Lukan.

So, I do not think that it will be a 10

minute pack up and go sort of scheme of Lukan;

in fact, I don’t think he will ever finish

packing. He will most likely leave with his

memories undone, his thoughts untampered, and

come back at a later time to pick things up.

“I plan on returning in the future,

maybe in ten years, maybe less. I want to

visit Mr. Springer and all my favorite teach-

ers,” said Lukan.

Feature 7

By Brice Willbanks

The Magnolia High Schools Volleyball and Basketball teams are playing survivor. Survivor

involves nine mini team working games “That tests people's speed, agility, strength and in-

telligence” says volleyball Coach Johnson.

The volleyball group is broken up into four competitive teams who all want to win. Bas-

ketball is broken into five

different teams.

All the coaches work

together to find something

all the girls will enjoy

and try to compete. Like

minute to win it, competi-

tive bench press, relay

races, basketball games,

dodgeball and some other

fun games. Volleyball and

Basketball don’t play the

exact same games, but they

get ideas from each other.

They have been play-

ing survivor for about

eight years now it was originally Coach Johnson's idea to start and basketball thought it was

a great way to “Break down the monotony of doing basketball and conditioning every single day

in the off season.” says Coach Ritter.

Magnolia Sports 8

By Brice Willbanks

At The Magnolia High School the Bulldogs are signing to play a

sport in college. Forest Lundy, Zach Suico, and Kaleb Turner all signed to different colleges.

Forest Lundy, senior, signed to swim at University of Tampa in Florida. He has been

swimming for ten years. Lundy got four other offers from colleges, but picked Tampa because

of their small class sizes and nice pool. He finds inspiration in bettering himself. He would

like to say to his team good luck next year.

Zach Suico, senior, signed to Seward County Community College in Kansas for tennis.

Suico has been playing Tennis since he was three years old, but didn't start playing tourna-

ments till he was eleven. He got four other offers to play, but decided to go with Seward be-

cause of their strong team and nice campus. Suico was always inspired because he likes to be

competitive, work hard, and win. He would like to wish his team "Good luck next year, it might

get hard without the same coach, but dig through like we did this year."

Kaleb Turner, senior, signed to play soccer at South Dakota School of Mines. Turner has

been playing since he was in fifth grade (7 years). He got offers from a few other fine arts

colleges, but picked South Dakota because it was out of state in a new area and they offered

him good scholarships. Turner found inspiration though playing as a team and depending on oth-

ers. He would like to say to his him "Just because I am leaving doesn't mean the team should

change as a family." He hopes they will still get together as a team, before the games and

have a meal together.

Good luck at your new schools next year. We hope to hear great things! Once a Bulldog

always a Bulldog.

By Jordan Goff James Arthur Luna III is a student in Art II 2D who competed in Rodeo Art with his Warhol-esque dog piece. It was placed in the first-place category.

“I love my dog,” Luna said. “He inspired me by sitting there and screaming ‘do art for me.’”

The colors of the piece are bright red, white, and blue, signifying pride of both the United States and Texas.

“It had to be something patriotic,” Luna said. “It was all stuff I knew how to do.”

Luna has been enrolled in an art class since the sixth grade.

“I started [art] in sixth grade,” Luna said. “My favorite piece I’ve ever done was a ripped-paper mosaic of my dog in eighth grade.”

Art has always been an escape for Luna. “I love art because it gives me another place to go,” Luna

said. “When it comes to the English language, I’m not good at that sort of thing. It gives me a new way to speak.”

Magnolia sports 9

By Brooke Bowie

On Friday,

April 24th, the boys soccer team held

their annual banquet to commemorate the

past 2014-2015 soccer season.

The Varsity team awards went to

Kaleb Turner for Goalkeeper of the year in

the district, Austin Henderson for New-

comer of the year for the team, Kaleb

Turner for Defensive player of the year

for the team, Francisco Medina for Mid-

fielder of the year for the team, Jorge

Meza for Bulldog award for the team, and

Oscar Sanchez for offensive player of the

year for the team.

Upon receiving the award, Senior

Varsity Captain Francisco Medina

said, “It felt great; I’ve worked very

hard for this since my freshman year and

the whole team helped me get it.”

Other awards went to Medina for

First Team All District and Sanchez for

Second Team All District. The boys are

very proud of the season they upheld this

past year.

“Statistically we didn’t do too

well, but we were only one step off of

making it to playoffs.” said Senior Var-

sity Captain Kaleb Turner.

Varsity coach Jonathan Cox spoke

very highly of the boys, being very

pleased with the season as a whole and the

banquet.

“The banquet was nice; it was a

nice way to end the season and for some of

us, our last time with the team.” Senior

Award Winner Austin Henderson said.

By Austin Hamilton

As Magnolia High

Golf continues to im-

press the school dis-

trict, right after get-

ting 1st and 2nd place

in district they made

their way to Regionals.

Magnolia Girls

District Champions and

Regional Qualifiers for

2014-2015 are Hannah

Elliott, Brenna Nelson,

Grace Roeder, Ava

Schwienteck, Lucy

Stinn.

Magnolia Boys Re-

gional Team is made up

of our 5 exceptional

golfers Tanner Davis,

Brian Dunn, Brandon

Fleming, Tristan Haw-

kins, and Ian Powers.

A huge accom-

plishment for Ian Pow-

ers receiving 3rd over-

all golfer as well as

Ava Schwienteck for be-

ing awarded with 2nd

overall golfer in the

district.

Brenna Nelson

said the girls golf

team got 5th place this

past weekend out of

about 10 teams. King-

wood Park being the

biggest competition.

Most boys on our

team are competing to

be better and more suc-

cessful than the first

place player in Texas,

Chandler Philips. The

best way to do this is

to “work really hard

in off season and just

to grow mentally” as

Brian Dunn gives advice

to

the underclassmen.

Brenna Nelson

shares her accomplish-

ments from the region-

als tournament, “I’ve

improved a lot since

last year. My score at

regionals may not show

it but since last year

I’ve shaved 10 strokes

off my average scores

since last year.”

The motivation

never ends, Nelson

plans on practicing 6

days a week for four

hours each day over the

summer to reach her

goals. Also, continuing

to take lessons and

compete in tournaments

to improve for next

year.

Much like Nelson,

Tanner Davis says he

plans on “going to the

gym 5 times a week to

train, so I can hit the

ball longer,” bringing

our Varsity Golf up a

notch for next year.

Most players have

played since they could

walk or when family

members got them into

it around the age of

10.

Dunn believed it was

“disappointing we did-

n’t go to state this

year because we have a

lot of potential but it

was a huge accomplish-

ment to be in the Top

10 of state all year

and at one point before

Christmas break we were

1st place in state.”

By Jordan Goff James Arthur Luna III is a student in Art II 2D who competed in Rodeo Art with his Warhol-esque dog piece. It was placed in the first-place category.

“I love my dog,” Luna said. “He inspired me by sitting there and screaming ‘do art for me.’”

The colors of the piece are bright red, white, and blue, signifying pride of both the United States and Texas.

“It had to be something patriotic,” Luna said. “It was all stuff I knew how to do.”

Luna has been enrolled in an art class since the sixth grade.

“I started [art] in sixth grade,” Luna said. “My favorite piece I’ve ever done was a ripped-paper mosaic of my dog in eighth grade.”

Art has always been an escape for Luna. “I love art because it gives me another place to go,” Luna

said. “When it comes to the English language, I’m not good at that sort of thing. It gives me a new way to speak.”

By Madison Disotell

Anxiety is a response to feelings of

potential threat, placing your body in a

heightened state of awareness. An estimate of

40 million adults in the U.S. experience un-

necessary anxiety that causes extreme emo-

tional distress. Though anxiety is a common

occurrence in many people, the causes are of-

ten unknown, even by those who experience it.

Anxiety is a topic on which many are very un-

informed. So what exactly happens when anxi-

ety attacks?

"A lot of people in my family and that

I'm friends with struggle with anxiety," Sen-

ior Alyssa Davidson said. "It can pretty much

take over someone's life and that breaks my

heart so much."

Like feelings of stress, anxiety trig-

gers a sudden overwhelming amount of stress

hormones designed to increase speed, re-

flexes, heart rate, and circulation. However,

anxiety consists of a dangerous sense of hor-

ror and fear. This sense will sometimes be

caused by an external force, but those who

experience it persistently, or those with an

anxiety disorder, often don’t have a cause,

though the brain is actively involved.

"I've seen someone break down, and they

couldn't handle the situation, getting really

upset for the time being," Senior Tony Place

said. "I am pretty calm, but sometimes I

couldn't handle it and would start getting

anxiety too. There's only so much you can do.

It takes time to learn how to control it with

the proper help and guidance from others."

Anxiety disorders differ from general

anxiety, as the disorder is existent if feel-

ings of anxiety are persistent with no exter-

nal cause. Anxiety disorders can result from

genetics or childhood environment. There are

many branches of types of anxiety disorders,

including panic disorder, post-traumatic

stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive

disorder.

"Anxiety is an inhibitor to the lives

of those who have it as it impedes their

daily lives from progressing as they should,"

Senior Eric Rodriguez said. "It should be

taken seriously by society and given more at-

tention to improve the lives of those who

have it."

Anxiety attacks

are episodes of se-

vere panic. They may or may not have an obvi-

ous trigger, but they are always completely

uncontrollable. Panic attacks can be so se-

vere to the point that the victim feels as

though they will die. Every individual ex-

periences anxiety in different ways- some

will have severe panic attacks, others will

simply freeze. The intensity of anxiety dif-

fers in each victim, and knowing how to han-

dle someone having an anxiety attack is sig-

nificant to understand, however difficult to

grasp.

"I think anxiety should be taken seri-

ously," Senior Hilda Castro said. "It can be

dangerous to the victim and it does seem to

be a problem in society, in that many people

are not accurately informed about it and tend

to disregard it."

In the case of someone having a panic

attack, not many people are aware of how to

handle the situation and help the victim re-

turn to normal.

"Get the person away from what's caus-

ing the anxiety attack," Castro said. "Take

them outside if they are able, help them

breath in and out so that their heart rate

returns to normal and talk to them, telling

them that you're there for them."

"Give them some words of encouragement

and let them calm down on their own," David-

son said. "But sometimes all people need is

to just take a second to themselves."

The victims themselves can take steps

to reduce the emotional pain of anxiety.

"Inform others of the fact that they

have anxiety and tell them how to help if an

attack occurs," Castro said. "Attend support

groups, find things to relax you."

"I usually take deep breaths in order

to calm myself, then think of a rational so-

lution to whatever problem is causing me to

feel anxious," Rodriguez said. "But if some-

one's anxiety is so severe that they experi-

ence severe attacks, then being placed on

medicine could help reduce the symptoms, and

receiving proper support from friends and

family."

Health 10

By Melissa Oberholtzer

The convenience of fast food, with its

cheap and most often delicious qualities makes

it almost irresistible. If you knew what the

long term effects of fast food were you would

probably think twice about eating it. some-

thing you should eat often. Eating to

Because fast food is high in sodium,

saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, it

isn’t something you should eat much of over a

long period of time. It can lead to health

problems such as high blood pressure, heart

disease, and obesity.

Along with eating the meal that comes

with fast food, people also often drink soda

when they eat fast food which adds “empty”

calories (calories that don’t make you feel

full) to the meal.

Not only is fast food relatively more

unhealthy, but according to one experiment

conducted by Oakton Community College, when

three meals per day per person were purchased

from fast-food restaurants, the total cost was

$87 per week. In contrast, when purchasing

whole ingredients from grocery stores, the es-

timated cost for three meals per day, per per-

son came out to $43 per week.

Most people have the urge to go to fast

food restaurants simply because they think

that is faster than cooking their own meal. In

reality, if you calculate the driving time and

the wait time together, you could have cooked

a simple home-

made meal.

Katie Dalton a student at The Magnolia

High School said “I only go out to eat once a

week...I feel really bad I guess...” This

doesn’t mean that all students eat fast food,

for example this foreign exchange student

said, “I don’t go out to eat.”

Although one student only eats once a

week, and the other doesn’t eat out at all,

they still don’t feel great about it. Daily

eating of fast food as stated before can lead

to long term effects such as obesity, which is

a common problem in the United States. Most

surveys done, result in saying that two third

of Americans are either overweight or obese,

this number has only increased over the years.

A good tip to make sure that you don't

go out to eat during the week is to take one

day out of the week to prepare meals for the

whole week. For example, you can make 7 burri-

tos and refrigerate them to make sure they do

not get old, and each day take one to replace

the meal that you usually would have gone out

to eat for.

With all of this, it doesn't mean that

you have to completely cut out fast food, it

just means that you shouldn't eat it as often.

Everyone has their days when they are craving

something, just make sure to limit yourself.

Health 11

By Jordan Goff

A special lunch for seniors was held

Friday, May 5th, during all lunch periods.

“We serve hamburgers and sausage,”

said Principal Jeff Springer. “I have some

friends who come and make barbecue, it’s like

a special lunch line just for the seniors.”

Senior, Jorge Moreno said, “I’m really

thankful for him doing this. He’s been taking

care of us all year. I’ve never had a princi-

pal that would take care of us this much.”

The senior lunch is a tradition at The

Magnolia High School that will surely continue

for years to come.

Health 12

By Austin Hamilton

Candy, sweet snacks and desserts should be limited because these add calories without

providing much nutrition. Eating sweet fruit will not only improve your diet with all of the

right vitamins you need, but also cure your hunger.

One of the easiest shortcuts to a healthier diet is substituting caloric beverages, such

as soda, for better choice beverages such as water or tea’s.

Each bottle of soda you drink contains about 100 calories and most people drink about 2-

3 a day which is more likely to have bad results on your body than most junk foods.

Over 80% of Americans are proven to lack the proper amount of water intake per day. If

you normally drink one soda per day but challenge yourself to substitute it with water, you

have the chance to decrease your caloric intake by 36,500 calories per year.

Sports drinks (Gatorade) are overrated. All of the sugar in these drinks are only bene-

fitting those who work out frequently and need the energy to carry on and dehydrate faster,

drinking them just for the taste or thinking that they are healthier choices than water or

soda is not your best option.

Football player Mike Raymond, says that he “drinks water all day to keep my stomach

full” and a protein shake after his workout.

The easiest way to cut out unnecessary calories

from your diet is to stop eating all of that Whata-

burger, Chick Fil A and whatever else you like to munch

on.

Maxi Hayter, says that she eats fast food once or

twice a week, and she wishes she could eat healthier be-

cause, “it makes my tummy not flat.”

Eating out often doesn’t only affect your weight,

junk food has been proven to lead to depression in teen-

agers.

Andrew F. Smith, author of "Fast Food and Junk

Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat” is a

great resource to study when trying to improve your

diet.

Mike Raymond also says that he tries to eat a big

lunch and a healthy dinner, that helps him stay focused.

Tracey Roizman explains that, “Hormonal changes

at puberty make teens more susceptible to mood and behavioral swings. A healthy diet plays a

part in keeping hormone levels on an even keel, while a diet high in junk food falls short of

these requirements.”

I encourage you to eat a small bedtime snack for more hours of sleep at night. Most of

the best choices are whole grain cereal with milk (almond milk or 2%), oatmeal, cherries or

chamomile tea.

Or if you struggle more than that, darken your room more and turn your clock away from

you.

“It’s hard for me to fall asleep usually unless I have a really big dinner,” Hayter

says it makes her feel much better at night, because she feels satisfied.

Also, write down your thoughts and life worries or plans for your future to get them out of

your head. This prevents any worrying or stressful dreams that keep you awake at night when

you need your rest to re-fuel in the morning.

Health 13

By Madison Disotell

These days, everything moves so fast. We’re all preparing for tomorrow and tomorrow is-

n’t preparing for us at all. Or, we’re regretting yesterday, and yesterday has already for-

gotten us. When you think about it, it really seems like a waste of the present, and you won-

der how you can focus on that moment instead. The state of living in the present is called

mindfulness.

Mindfulness is an exercise of consciously focusing your attention on the present moment,

and accepting it without judgment. The state of mindfulness is being studied scientifically

and is thought to be a significant element of happiness. Many people of younger generations

practice elements of mindfulness, but with the world turning the way it does, regrets and

fears still overcome this opportunity for happiness.

“It’s still a work in progress for me,”Junior McKenna Hyde said. “I have to remember

that life happens in moments, second-by-second. You can conquer everything- the scary, the

stressful, the lovely. It is a struggle. It’s not an easy process at all.”

Scientists have found that living in the moment is the foundation of other attitudes

that lead to a happy life, and allows the mindful person to enjoy life pleasures as they occur

rather than be distracted by worries for the future and regrets over the past.

“I tend to focus on the future,” Senior Trip Gaunt said. “But I suppose that this

senior year I’ve become more mindful of the fact that it is my

last year in high school, and I’ve been grateful to enjoy it

all while its happening. People who focus on the past have al-

ready missed so many moments.”

If greater well-being isn’t enough to begin a life of mindful-

ness, scientists have discovered the physical health benefits of

it. Mindfulness can help relieve stress, treat heart disease,

lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and improve sleep.

“The most mindful actions I exhibit are a lack of ac-

tion,” Senior Hardy Gatlin said. “I sleep if I need to. If

everyone were to be more mindful and seek their needs and wants

of the now, and everything becomes more natural and comfortable. It adds variety.”

To enter a state of mindfulness, go with the flow. Once you concentrate on doing so, you

observe the flow of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judging them. You also

notice external sensations such as sounds, sights, and touch that make up your moment-to-

moment experience. The challenging part is not to latch onto a particular thought, emotion, or

sensation, or become distracted by the past or the future.

At times, this process may not seem relaxing at all, but over time it provides a key to

greater happiness and self-awareness as you become comfortable with a wider range of

your life experiences. You can choose any small task or moment to practice mindfulness,

whether you are cooking, walking, touching a person, it is a laid-back way to move into a

state of mindfulness and away from constant planning ahead or thinking back.

“Planning makes things dull for me,” Gatlin said. “Everybody looks for a certain

amount of luster in their life, and shouldn’t think “hey, that’s neat! Oh, but it’s not on

my itinerary. Oh well.” No! If you see something shiny, your inner seagull is going to kick

in and you’re gonna think, “I want that shiny thing!” So what if its a plastic wrapper? It

made you happy for that moment.”