The Official Student Newspaper of Braswell High School @TheBengalBeat
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020|| Aubrey, Texas || Vol. 5 || No. 1
NEW QUARTER BRINGS NEW COVID UPDATES
CROSSING THE LINE: Janaye Sweat, Staff Writer
The girls cross country season comes to an end October 30 after competing during districts at Myers Park. The Varsity girls placed sixth overall when competing against Mckinney, Mckinney Boyd, Prosper, Denton Guyer, and Allen High Schools.
New students return to campus for the second quarter as their first time being back since March to start face-to-face learning. Paul Siewert (Unsplash)
Nhan Nguyen, Staff Writer
As people return to normal-life, COVID cases continue to rise again and Denton County residents are starting to feel the effects.
The Cross Country girls run their last race of the season during Districts Friday October 30th at Myers Park. Courtesy of the Cross Country Girls Team
SEE NEWS ON PAGE 3
SEE SPORTS ON PAGE 5
LIFESTYLE, pg 8
FAVORITE ARTISTS TO HELP YOU RELAX
Photo Credit: Mia Romani
Mia Romani, Staff Writer
Emmanuella Mbonu, Staff Writer
Although some connected learners find it more difficult to work on their art projects this year, many find inspiration in encouraging words from their teachers. Covid has impacted the way students learn. For art, it’s a little
After only a short campaign, high school senior Sam Paget won homecoming king. Paget’s friends thought it would be a cool idea if he ran for Homecoming king so although it was a bit of a lastminute decision, he decided he would go for it.
SEE A&E ON PAGE 6
SEE BIO ON PAGE 2
OPINION, pg 6
ACTIVISM IS NOT ANOTHER HASH TAG
BENGAL BIOS Page 2
THE BENGAL BEAT Editor-in-Chiefs Aaliyah Breedlove Reagan Netherland
Staff Members Ericka Anderson Amiah Bell Madison Cardenas Caleb Davis Shi-Ann Escue Diego Gonzalez Jasmine Guzman Najah Harris Ramayah Jackson Austin Kiser Lindsey Krause Emmanuella Mbonu Miranda Newton Nhan Nguyen Halle Perry Hailey Redden Myrical Roberts Alexys Rodgers Mia Romani Mahnoor Sadiq Janaye Sweat Tyler Thomas Reece Thompson Da-Kwuon Walters
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Vol. 5 || No. 1
SAM PAGET TAKES THE CROWN AS HOCO KING BIOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“I thought it’d be really cool to be able to have that title,” Paget said. Campaigning was the next step.With some help from his friends, Paget got to work. “My friend, Ariana Davis and I promoted a poster with the two of us as a duo and we posted it on multiple social media platforms,” he said. This was not his first time on the homecoming court. He had previously been on his sophomore court as well during the 2018-2019 school year. Paget was still elated, however, to find out he made it onto the ballot this school year as well. “I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest,” Paget said. “I had no idea who was going to vote for me, but of course no matter the outcome, I was happy I was on the court at least.” Having thought of the whole idea at the last minute, Paget was grateful to have won the title of homecoming king as he received a lot of support following the announcement.
“I was surprised to see my name appear,” Paget said. “My friends were really excited. I got a bunch of phone calls and texts congratulating me. It was a nice feeling to have all the recognition for a moment.” Paget is involved in band, HOSA and NHS. Winning homecoming king is something many people dream about, but not many have the chance to claim this as an accomplishment. “Honestly, looking at the other nominees, I did not think I’d win at all,” Paget said. “It was something that made me smile.”
Homecoming king, Sam Paget, is captured wearing his newly worn crown after the homecoming court announcement. Courtesy of Aaron Snipes
Reagan Netherland, Editor-in-Chief
Faculty Adviser
Phyliciá Anderson panderson@dentonisd.org 972-347-7746 To pitch a story or learn more about school advertising options, please email bengalbeat16@gmail.com. Courtesy of: Arien Jhadi
SEE NEWS ON PAGE 4
Seniors were given the goahead to continue the tradition of painting their own parking space in the senior lot even amidst COVID-19. This iconic part of senior-year fun was approved the week of Sept. 14, much later into the school year than in previous years. “Normally, we would have already completed them.” Sherry Dieterich, StuCo sponsor said. “We
IN THE KNOW Vol. 5 || No. 1
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Page 3
COVID CASES STILL ON THE RISE NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
According to Denton County Public Health (DCPH), active cases in the county peaked on August 1. After that, everything started to settle and seemed to be declining. However, the number of COVID cases are rising again, reaching 2,483 as of Tuesday, October 20. In addition, the death toll has more than doubled since August 1. “Our goal in public health is to be as transparent, as visible, and as responsive as we can to the ongoing COVID-19 concern,” Public health director Matt Richardson said. “If you want to look at active cases you can start to see the rise in COVID-19 transmission in Denton County. Again, this is a concern. The importance of continued prevention, facial coverings, and physical distancing are stressed.” The state of Texas is preparing a plan for statewide distribution of the vaccine once it becomes available. Richardson said there are currently six vaccine candidates, five of which will require two doses. “DCPH is actively working with the state health department and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on their understanding of the most likely candidate for that vaccine,” Richardson said. “We’re planning on vaccine tracking and distribution, patient tracking, and a reminder for a second dose.” As COVID cases rise once again in the Denton area, business owners are worried that the decrease in customers will spell doom for their operations. As a local small business owner, Joann Phan has some concerns. “I’m lucky to have customers all over the US,” Phan said. “The damage to my operation isn’t that large. However, [local businesses] are
suffering greatly from this situation. They don’t have any customers but are forced to pay the electric, water, and even the internet bill if they want their store to be open. I have a friend who owns a little coffee shop and COVID has forced her to shut down her place. Maybe forever.” Phan’s husband, Steven Nguyen, said that while meeting with other business owners he always hears one thing in common. “I can’t even begin to tell you how strange it feels going into these once-bustling places during COVID,” Nguyen said. “Most of the people I’ve met with told me they’ve never gone into debt before. Never overdrawn a bank account. Never had to cut corners. But now, in 2020, that’s the only thing they can do. It’s upsetting, to say the least. I wish all of this could go away, but that’s not how it works.” Many are also concerned as to why cases may have begun to increase again. One student points to an increase in class sizes and the way some people are wearing their mask.
“My world history class looks normal [before Covid]. Nineteen to twenty students packed in a class.,” sophomore Caris Stutes said.“This isn’t last year or any other year. You can’t just put that many students in a class without risking infection. Some of the people in class, I’ve noticed, even take off their masks or pull it under their noses. Can’t think of a better reason for why COVID cases are ramping up again.” With everything going on another student believes it is important to inform students about ways to prevent the virus from infecting more people. “Every time someone said something incorrect about COVID I try my best to correct and provide evidence,” sophomore Wafa Mansoor said. “Wash your hands for 20 seconds, wear a mask, social distance so on, and so on. It might not be that big, but I think doing something is better than nothing.”
Citizens of Denton Country react to a rise of Covid-19 cases during the last few months due to people returning to work. Martin Sanchez (Unsplash)
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Vol. 5 || No. 1
MORE F2F LEARNERS MEANS MORE SAFETY PROTOCOLS Austin Kiser, Staff Writer Schools are slowly welcoming more students back into the building after COVID-19 completely shut them down. With the second quarter of school happening students were given the option to stay a connected learner, or come back to school as a faceto-face (F2F) learner. “I chose to do F2F because I was tired of being at home all day being unproductive,” sophomore Deneysha Pittman said. However, some students have chosen to remain at-home learners. “Connected learning has actually been one of
the best decisions I made,” sophomore Dylan Smith said. “I’m staying safe and getting better grades than normal.” With all of the F2F learners being on campus at the same time for the second quarter, staff members are very strict on their mask rules and staying socially distant with each other. “If they have to constantly remind you, you will receive a c o n s e q u e n c e ,” s o p h o m o re Kennedy Ray said. Schools across the world have to follow similar guidelines which includes wearing your mask, staying socially distant, and staying sanitized throughout the day. “As a staff member I want to make sure that
Students entering the building are encouraged to wear a mask and follow safety protocools to help stop the spread of the caronavirus. Courtesy of Liza Pooor (Unsplash)
everyone in the building is safe and distant from everyone,” STAFF said. “I am very excited to see a lot of new faces and excited to keep everyone safe.” In addition to an emphasis on safety protocols, changes to the normal school day were made as well, including lunch and transitioning to class. “At lunch they make us sit with a mini window,” Rays said. “Every seat, and table has one to avoid F2F conversations. In the hallways we can’t sit in the middle of the hallways like last year. We must go directly
to class [and can not] use the restroom.” Schools all around the world are very excited for the second quarter of school. However, in order to have a successful quarter students and staff must follow COVID-19 procedures at all times. “I believe students who chose to go back will have a great, safe quarter as long as they can follow guidelines and wear their mask,” Smith said, “and most importantly stay socially distant from each other.”
PARKING SPOT TRADITION CONTINUES NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
just weren’t really sure what was happening with school. We didn’t want to sell parking spaces, make them give the money, and then never get to park in them.” Seniors can paint at some point in October, though the exact date is still being determined. Dieterich is also uncertain of what the painting protocol will look like, but she is certain that it will be safe and will accommodate social distancing needs. The purchase and approval process is the same as last year: pay a $30-$35 fee, fill out two forms, then submit your design for approval. Construction on the back of the building in preparation of the new
stadium will also affect which spaces are available. “[We will not be painting in] the two or three rows closest to 380 because they will be blocked off by construction after the first of the year,” Dieterich said. Even with the setbacks and complications the campus is facing so far in 2020, Dieterich felt it was important to keep this senior tradition alive. “The reason that I even do them is because it’s all about the students, and I want them to be able to have a good experience,” Dieterich said. “This year is certainly not going to be like the other years, and I think we finally got them approved because of
that. [We wanted] kids to be able to do fun stuff throughout the midst of all of this. There’s been so much going on, it was a process of making sure it was all going to be safe.” Qualek Smith, a senior and varsity football player, is looking forward to the continuation of painting senior parking spaces. “I honestly want to have my own spot, so I don’t have to look for parking every morning,” Smith said. Besides practicality, Smith feels the customized senior parking also has sentimental value for the class of 2021. “Honestly, it’s because of the different things you can do with them,” Smith
said. “You can express your emotions, your mind, your creativity. There’s just so much you can do with that. You will always remember that forever, even when you graduate high school, like ‘Hey, I remember when I painted my parking spot here,’ and y’know they can show their kids, and stuff like that.” Smith mentioned his senior beginning with a rocky start, but that with everything going on with COVID, having this tradition “adds more to the new normal.” Updates will be coming soon on specific dates, protocols, and approval.
SPORTS Vol. 5 || No. 1
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Page 5
VOLLEYBALL MEANS FAMILY Alexys Rodgers Staff Writer
You either win as a team or lose as a team, but together, you form a bond as strong as family. Game days during volleyball season can be a very fun experience, but something that makes it even more exciting, is the teammates.
“Before games, my friends/teammates put me in a good mood,” sophomore Juliana Beyette said. “They always make me laugh and smile when I talk to them which helps me stay happy before the game.” The last game is no different. However, players also use this time to reflect, knowing they gave the team
The JV volleyball team reenter the gym of Mckinney High School Tuesday, November 10, to go out and play like a family in their last game of the season. Photo By: Alexys Rodgers
everything. “For the last game, I look forward to jamming out to music on the way there,” sophomore Kamryn Peck said. Mckinney High School was the last rival game of the JV volleyball season. “I like walking in looking all serious so that the other team is scared,” Beyette said. “I also like it when we warm up because then we can show them to not mess around with us.” Although not every player grew up loving the sport, it is something that became meaningful to most. After getting their first dig, or even best pass ever, some
players started becoming more serious about the sport and as they kept playing, learned to love the competition. “I remember in eighth grade, it was our last game and we won the championship against Harpool Middle School,” Peck said. “ My passing was really good and I decided that I wanted to keep playing in High School.” Volleyball is a team sport, and because of this, it is important to build a strong family within the team. If someone is down, the girls work to bring them up or just be there for them. So when they think of volleyball, they think of family.
CROSS COUNTRY END OF SEASON RECAP
SPORTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The Bengals started the season off at the Buff on Sept.12, finishing seventh overall. During their second week they traveled to Myers Park and finished in fifth place. Weeks three and four the girls placed second overall. Ending on a high note, the girls placed fourth overall during the fifth week. “We stayed positive, kept up the hard work through Covid,” sophomore Reagan Netherland said. “Summer training was kind of thrown off because of quarantine, but we made it through and improved each and every
meet.”
them down. The girls learned “In the beginning of a lot of things from the season I badly sprained participating in the sport. So my ankle at cheer practice,” much that they can take it Mbonu said. “I couldn’t walk into the real world. on it for a few weeks, and “ T e a m w o r k , after that I was really behind perseverance, strength,” on my running pace. So, I junior Emmanuella Mbonu. had to really push myself said. “We wake up every day and run, even if my ankle just to run five miles and do was hurting a bit.” it again the next day. We’re Waking up early some of the toughest kids mornings not only allowed and it really helps when you them to grow closer as a need to push a little harder team, but also as friends. in other situations.” “My favorite thing Throughout the about cross country is season, the ladies went probably the people, talking through lots of training and to my friends, and relating unexpected obstacles, but with them while staying those things didn’t slow active.” Mbonu said.
However, with all the hard work during the season comes good times and memories. “Goofing off with the freshman was a fun time,” Netherland said. “To be honest, we are all goofballs, we all had fun.” While the season is over, the girls are already thinking about next season and coming back bigger, better, and stronger for the district meet. “Pain is all mental,” Netherland said. “We are all looking forward to another season and definitely going to amp up the training next year.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 6
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Vol. 5 || No. 1
PAINTING A BIGGER PICTURE A & E CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
difficult because some students are connected learners and they can’t actually see their classmates or teachers. “The art department creates a very open and welcoming atmosphere to its students like myself,” junior Eowyn Dautrich said. “For many art kids, art is a safe place to enjoy ourselves and do something we enjoy, so I missed that aspect dearly.” In addition, online students find it harder to stay focused while drawing or doing their project with many connected learners getting
distracted more easily now that they are not in school. For art classes, these distractions only increase. “A hard part with the online class is to keep motivated and not get too comfortable with creating lazy work,” junior Chloe Svandlenka said. “I try to push myself to learn new things and learn new [mediums].” Although students understand it’s their responsibility to keep track of what they do during their art class, most would prefer to actually be in the class instead of working at home.
“I think at home students can either be doing great or lousy depending on how they are controlling their own situation and learning environment,” Dautrich said. “It is just easier to stray from what you are supposed to be doing when you are at home.” Teachers have sought to help by inspiring their students to think outside the boxes of what it means to be creative. For some students, this motivation is the only thing keeping them going. “I love my teacher and the way she handles our
assignments,” Svandlenka said. “I also like the way I’m learning art by myself and also being able to spend time alone [to think] of ways I can express myself more in my art.” Teachers are also excited to see students are still able to learn during this time. “In some classes I feel like they are doing very well. I can see their dedication to art and the projects they are working on. It is very encouraging,” art teacher Angelia Ford said. “I can’t wait for everyone to be at school.”
OPINION
VOTER SUPPRESSION KILLS DEMOCRACY
Myrical Roberts, Staff Writer During this election season many people have found their voice is being silenced due to voter suppressions. Voters have been complaining about the lines being too long to vote. This is a headache for voters and some practices are unsafe when trying to operate during Covid-19. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio can all be grouped together as Democrat cities and although more than 11.2 million people from Texas voted this year, several counties are controlled by the Republican party. This makes it difficult for a candidate for the Democratic party to win and, according to the Texas Tribune, is a victory that has not happened since Jimmy Carter ran against Gerald Ford in the
1976 presidential election. Some may question the reasons for the 40 year stretch being attributed to voter suppression practices within the state as well as gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is an act of manipulating boundaries (normally cities, or counties) for political gain. Many Texans can often be found gerrymandered in favor of the Republican party. One example is seen in the multiple supporters of the current president, Donald Trump, outside of the polling locations trying to persuade voters to vote for the Republican party. In addition, voter boxes were put out all over the country as a safe, or trustworthy way to vote. Yet, the outcome of this idea was opposite the intended use as boxes were limited to marginalized cities.
Harris County, for example, had one voter box even though the county has a population of about four million people. Another form of suppression was shown in the long lines that wrap around buildings. All over the country millions of Americans went to different precincts but a lot had the same experience. Being, after waiting in the long lines,
many were turned away for not being properly registered, inevitably silencing their voice. America is founded on democracy, but it seems the country has strayed further and further from this idea after every election. If democracy cannot give the American people their right to a fair election, it can never truly be called a democracy.
A voter mural in Chicago is painted to remind everyone during election season to vote. Courtesy of Jennifer Griffin (Unsplash)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Page 7
TRENDY TRAGEDY: THE RISE OF PERFORMATIVE ACTIVISM is to elevate the self. Performative activists seek to earn social brownie #Australianfires, #Quarantine, points by demonstrating their apparent #GeorgeFloyd, #IRunWithMaud, “wokeness”. #EndSARS. These and countless and Some may argue that although other hashtags have defined this year’s their intentions are not admirable, virtual narrative. their posts still help spread awareness With every injustice, tragedy, of the issue they hide behind. Indeed, and cause comes a torrent of occasionally they do. However, posts spreading awareness, sharing more often than not, silence is more resources, or voicing reactive emotion. beneficial to the cause than the empty Although platforms such as Twitter words and substanceless posts that and Instagram have certainly allowed get vomited out into the stream. No users to contribute to the awareness better example than #BlackoutTuesday of a cause or share their unique June 2. experiences, social media has also Thousands of users posted birthed the lazy, self-centered cousin black squares on their Instagram feeds of activism: performative activism. in a continuing protest of the injustices Performative activism is not a faced by Black Americans. However, new phenomenon, but it has certainly many posted these black squares (often taken center stage over the past 10 without prior participation in protests months of 2020. Unlike true activism, of the issue) under the hashtag #BLM, which seeks to elevate the voices of causing many useful resources and those affected by injustice or calamity, messages to be buried - effectively, performative activism’s only purpose blacked-out. Celebrities have made the ridiculousness of performative activism painfully visible. “For things to change, things must change,” Ellen DeGeneres tweeted blandly earlier this May. Jennifer Lopez, who has made a career on capitalizing on traditionally Black aesthetics, made a pitiful contribution to the virtual noise around the same time, posting a meme that read, “It’s not white vs. black, iIt’s everyone vs. racists.” Given the proximity these tweets had to the Minneapolis riots, these words all felt tonedeaf. Especially considering that it probably cost these household names more to stay silent than to speak up. Assuming every celebrity that speaks on an issue is only Adolescents in Nigeria participate in ongoing protests to end doing it to maintain an image is Reagan Netherland, Editor-in-Chief
SARS killings. Courtesy of Tobi Oshinnaike (Unsplash)
a cynical and unnecessary stance. It is also worth noting that the celebrities that have truly contributed to a cause are the ones that didn’t say much at all, instead, they did something. Jamie Foxx, Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Tyler the Creator, Halsey and more all marched at protests against police brutality. Others donated to COVID-19 or bush fire relief or to other causes. So it is to say, performative activism shouldn’t take away the value of those with influence using their platforms for change. For many of us, it is not always possible to be on the frontlines of a protest, whether this is due to health, safety, or even just proximity to an issue. This inability to do something physically often manifests itself into a flood of action virtually. Vapid gestures of posting black screens under a trending hashtag or reposting videos documenting the violence experienced by a marginalized group flood the stream, and ultimately serve no purpose. Indeed, it could be argued that the information overload desensitizes the public to certain injustices (especially if they are of violent nature), and contributes to the inevitable “burnout” many causes have after a few months. Many have been criticized for their silence on issues (celebrities, and “normal” people alike) even within hours of major events. This demonstrates how much performative activism has permeated the collective consciousness.When posts and tweets are equated to support, silence is seen as opposition. So one must consider if it is more important to be seen posting about an issue, or to be a true activist in the fight for change.
LIFESTYLE Page 8
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Vol. 5 || No. 1
ARTISTS THAT MAKE YOU GO BOOM Madison Cardenas, Staff Writer There are big differences in people’s opinions about their favorite music artists with the differences being as far as the east is from the west. Some students prefer to relax to
the sounds of classical tunes while others prefer rap.Yet, whatever the genre, music is a great way to pass the time. “My favorite artist is Sza,” junior Joshua Morton said. He believes hearing her on his radio is what got him hooked on her music in the first place. “Chris Brown is my least favorite artist because he annoys me,” Morton said. Some students enjoy an entirely different genre of music. “My favorite musician is Frank Sinatra,” freshman Meredith Braun said. “My least favorite artist is Cardi B.”
While it is believed most teachers have a different taste in music from students, some students may find they listen to similar tunes. “Bon Jovi is my favorite band,” teacher and mother Brenda Cardenas said. “AC/DC is my least favorite band because I don’t like their music.” Rosaura Vicci disagrees and although AC/DC may not be her favorite, she does enjoy the genre. “5 Seconds of Summer is my favorite band,” she said. “J. Baldwin is my least favorite artist.” So although everyone’s opinion differs, from rappers to opera singers, they all provide a level of comfort to their listener.
THE CHANGING FACES OF COMEDY Diego Gonzales, Staff Writer
word play skits like, “Who’s on First?” and “Hello I must Be Going.” Alongside slapstick acts like the Three Stooges and Over the ages, comedy has Laurel and Hardy. changed. This much is obvious; even “I think the first comedy I ever expected, but how these changes reflect watched on TV was the Three Stooges,” our society is the real concern. Perhaps Louis Feliciano, a photographer who grew it’s done harm to our society, or maybe up with a fascination for TV said. “The these changes help develop a sense of Stooges were a slapstick group. right? awareness. They’d get hurt, make puns here and When looking back to the days of old show business, comedy was shown there. It was funny. I wouldn’t say it was super sophisticated comedy, but I was a on black and white TVs with Abbott and Castello and the Three Stooges; pre-Elvis kid. Whaddya expect?” The industry only grew from Presley Era. Comics would write their skits and perform on stage for Americans there. More demographics started to to watch from the comfort of their couch. make their fame in the comedy business. One of these pioneers being the infamous Looking back on the material, Lucille Ball. most of it was for children. Silly little “I remember she was huge,” Feliciano said. “You have a lady doing comedy conventionally performed by men.” This opened the door for comedy to expand, and with such expansion came sketch comedy with shows like SNL, Sesame Street, and Robot Chicken. In addition, was the Golden Age of stand-up including The definition of comedy resembles the Tonight Show legends like George Carlin, Steve Starring Jimmy Fallon. Courtesy of Arthur Osipyan (Unsplash) Martin, and Robin Williams.
“Yeah those guys are pretty old,” Ethan Walters said. “I mean, when you ask me about stand-up comedians I always think of the obvious picks: John Mulaney, Hannibal Buress, you know, the guys on TV.” Social media has taken this foundation of comedy and has expanded the industry even further with platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram. People can go online at any moment, make a joke or statement, and attract hundreds of eyes and ears. Being that people love to smile, and they love laughing even more, it makes sense that accounts exist solely for that reason. “I mean, I have a few youtube channels and instagram accounts that I follow just to get a laugh out of them when I can,” Walters said. Thousands of social media voices educate their audiences about relevant topics through humor with programs like Conan without Borders using comedy to get their audience to be culturally aware. This allows comedy to bring people together, and with the freedom of expression, culture and society evolves to be completely reliant on the people and their ideas.
