MY DSHS News November 2017

November/2017

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XC goes on to state Page 14

Taking a Knee...

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Band Places Second at BOA Katie Haberman Staff Writer

The Dripping Springs High School marching band participated in the Bands of America (BOA) Westlake marching competition on Saturday, Oct. 14. They placed first in the 4A marching division with a score of 92.4 and second overall, only 1 point behind Round Rock High School.

“We’ve been working hard all season, and it’s really starting to pay off,” sophomore Ginger Hudson said. “We’re starting to get the results that we’ve been working so hard for all summer and this last semester.”

This year’s show focuses on reflections, and seeing themselves and others for their personality rather

than physical appearance. Apart from the music, the band uses a variety of props and visually appealing movements, including an abundance of unique mirrors on the field, the formation of a person and their ‘reflection’ using only band members.

“I think we have a really good chance at being very successful, especially compared to last year,” sophomore Kasey Gusella said. “We had a really strong finals run this time, and that just solidified all of our hard work and made it worth it.”

In the eyes of some of its own, the band still has a lot of work to do in order to do well in future competitions, including upcoming UIL events.

According to sophomore Haley Jackson, their last performance definitely could have used some improvement.

FFA Homesite Team Excels during Fall Season The FFA Homesite team sponsored by Daniel Noack includes Chase Collier, Michael White, Iris Baker and Cayla Cohen. The group excelled in its fall season, placing third at the Hill District contest and fourth at area, allowing them to qualify for state. Collier also placed third at the High Point individual Hondo invitational while Baker tied for fourth as

“Finals was pretty good,” she said. “Prelims was definitely a little shaky, but finals was pretty good.”

The 2017-18 ‘Reflections’ is full of several shocking and intense moments; these exciting opportunities set the band apart from their competitors.

“There’s one [spot] where we are all jazz running, and it’s really loud and exciting,” Hudson said.

“There’s also another point in the show where we run through a giant mirror, and it really gets the crowd excited.”

Overall, the marching band has performed exceptionally well this season, a statement that has been proven by not only their success at BOA Westlake but also their winning sweep at the BOA McAllen regional and their UIL regional contest at the Burger Center Oct. 24 where they received a 1 rating. The UIL state marching contest is on Nov. 8.

“We have come a long way,” sophomore Greg Flores said. “We’re a good band, but we’re just trying to be great.”

Sophomore Makes All-Region Second Year in a Row Sophomore Skye Chapman earned All-Region Symphony Orchestra for second year in a row.

Sponsored by Tom Gabrielsen this year to audition for the TMES / UIL 2017-18 All-Region Symphony Orchestra, Chapman earned the #32 rank amongst 80 plus high school violinists in Region 18 who auditioned Saturday, Oct. 14 for just 36 seats.

While the high school does not have an orchestra in their music department, Chapman pursued this distinction through extracurricular efforts.

“To have such recognition at this level of UIL competition is a credit to her and her high school,” Larry Chapman, Skye’s father, said.

November, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

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Opinion

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WANT TO VOICE YOUR OPINION? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/contribute to submit your writing.

The Oppression of Women...

Why is it still happening today?

Grayson Ruiz

Opinion & Lifestyle Editor Society today has made forward advances in the treatment and rights of women- all around the world. We are fortunate enough to live in a country where the treatment of women is supposed to be universally respected, and we are given social media platforms to express and voice our opinions.

However, recently there have been two incidents of specific verbal and sexual harassment of women, partnered with uproar from both sides of the issue.

The first comes from Harvey Weinstein, a media prodigy and American film producer, credited with works such as “My Week with Marilyn”, “Shakespeare in Love”, and “Kill Bill”.

Weinstein has also received seven Tony awards for producing a variety of plays and musicals, such as “The Producers” and “Billy Elliot: The Musical” both of which have been on Broadway.

While this list of accomplish-ments is extensive, Weinstein has been accused of sexually harassing a number of female actresses he worked with in his productions.

Ashley Judd was the first to go public with her story, according to CNN, in which she claimed Weinstein “asked her if he could give her a massage or she could watch him in the shower.”

Since Judd’s story has been released,

“more than 40 women” have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault.

And then of course, this spokes-

that statement as a lie.

Athlete and quarterback for the Carolina Panthers Cam Newton was at a press conference when he

woman said that the women he allegedly groped never denied any of his actions, which is sad and pathetic that Weinstein still cannot be truthful and honest about his actions, especially when more than 40 women have come out exposing

was confronted by a female reporter, identified as Jourdan Rodrigue who writes for The Observer, about his “routes” during the game, to which he replied, “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes.”

It, in fact, is not funny to hear a

female talk about routes, because it is completely acceptable to hear females talk about anything they want to.

Since then, Newton was kicked out of being a sponsor for Dannon Yogurt, who said in a statement, “We are shocked and disheartened at the behavior and comments of Cam Newton towards Jourdan Rodrigue which we perceive as sexist and disparaging to all women,” according to the Washington Times.

This should not still be happening in 2017. As a society, I would like to believe that we have grown out of petty comments and crude behavior against women. But we haven’t, and that’s the sad part.

The statistics to the left show just how much sexual harassment occurs in a workplace, the image is courtesy of “Bolt Insurance Agency”, which is providing their employees with this information beforehand, according to Business Insider.

All that women can do now is speak out against perpetrators and continue to not tolerate discriminatory comments from males, not now, not ever.

**Inset is from Business Insider, courtesy of Bolt Insurance Agency, who credits their sources here.** www.businessinsider.com/sexualharrasment-workplace-2011-10

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To kneel or not to kneel?

That is the question.

Clara Comparan Online Editor

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem in San Diego to protest racism and police brutality, he began a volatile political debate.

I am not usually the type to get involved in anything sports related, as I usually like to focus on foreign culture and art, however, this drew my attention.

The United States president blasted Kaepernick for kneeling, calling it a disrespect to the government and military. The NFL is not forcing players to stand and

personally, I support this decision.

While I see both sides, I believe this bubbles down to a few major arguments:

celebrities. In fact, their action brings a lot of attention to relevant and important social movements such as Black Lives Matter.

1. This is a form of peaceful protest, free speech, a first amendment right to stand (or kneel) for what you believe in. While the public may not like it, this is not going to change any time soon. Throughout history, change is spurred by action.

3. Kneeling for the anthem does not have to mean disrespect to veterans.

Why we as people must assume that in order to support one thing, we must bash another is beyond me.

Standing for the anthem does not automatically mean that you are racist, homophobic, or in anyway a bad person. Kneeling does not mean that you lack respect or that you are anti-American.

2. Public figures should not be shunned for having an opinion, whether they be athletes or

Here in America, we are privileged so that we do not wake to news that there is not enough fresh water being delivered to Puerto Rico to support the millions of people who recently lost everything.

There is so much to be thankful for, including our right to free speech. Colin Kaepernick exercising this right should not be taken as a disrespect to America. It should be a point of pride in our freedom and a motivator for a better future.

Disclaimer: We at MyDSHS News always try to show both sides, especially concerning a story with this much controversy... However, we were unable to find a student willing to publically write a counter to this opinion. We at MyDSHS News implore the readers to read counter arguments as well.

Opinion

MyDSHS welcomes reader viewpoints through letters to the editor and guest columns. Opinions expressed in myDSHSnews are not necessarily those of the Dripping Springs High School or Dripping Springs ISD administration.

Editorials, Columns & Letters

Editorials express the opinions of the myDSHS Editorial Board. Letters and columns are the opinions of an individual and not myDSHS.

Letters

To submit a letter, email DSHSstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com. Letters should be a maxiumum of 400 words. The letter is not guaranteed to be published.

Photo courtesy of Jubille Magazine

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November, 2017

Creative

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November, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

Incoming Cold Anonymous Autumn’s blistering rage claws and rakes

Thanksgiving Looms Anonymous

The silver war of the petrified wood

Season of orange sun and dying fruits The sun rises on a world of violence The months conspire against the human condition

In those sad times I hear a song that grieves

Are we blessed or cursed to experience the glory?

For war’s irredeemable benefits, and the battle

The trees are ripe To swipe the gourd Flowers will bloom, at a time again The smell of poppies-

Of eviscerated woman. Her life is like that of leaves, as is most.

The burden of your wrongs is on my head.

-to entice us all

Violent Love Anonymous

What are we?

Why do you make me feel so small Why do you make me feel insignificant and naive Why do you make me feel like you feel nothing at all?

You say you’re in pain But you don’t let me help you You say you love me while you wrap the rope around my neck You wipe the tears off my cheek and press the gun to my head I’m used to the feel of cold metal with you Because you are like frozen silver You are the knife pressed against my throat And moving away only makes things worse I can’t escape My feelings are like a cage I think I love you I think I don’t I love you I love you I love you.

Those words mean noth-

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FEATURES

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November, 2017

WANT MORE FEATURES? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/features for additional coverage.

To Stand, or Not to Stand: That is the Question Rigley Willis Staff Writer

Protests have been around since people started having opinions, whether it was the protests in Washington DC over the Vietnam War or the Million Man March in 1995 promoting black equality. One of the more prominent, recent protests is kneeling during the national anthem in regards to professional sports, namely within the National Football League.

Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, was the pioneer of this trend, dating all the way back to mid August 2016. But nowadays, it draws attention from CNN, Fox News, and ESPN as entire teams in the NFL, and other sports leagues such as the NBA, WNBA, and the MLB, opting to take a knee together. Two sides have appeared prominent in this tense situation: one using kneeling as a way to show distaste for the racial inequality and police brutality happening in America, while the other believes it is disrespectful to the military, country, and government to take a knee.

“It’s obvious that there are two different sides in this and that is where I see the problem. I think we’re in a worse situation if we are divided. That should be obvious,” varsity basketball player Matt McKiddie said.

Dripping Springs has yet to be faced with this controversy, but the student body (along with the rest of the world) have seen this display of protesting through TV screens and even with their own eyes during a game.

“It’s on TV all the time. Everyone is talking about what players kneeled, how they did it, all that, but it’s cool because all of us get to see what’s happening first-hand without even being there,” sophomore cheerleader Brecken Mellen said.

A definite fact is that this is receiving a lot of attention, as people like LeBron James and Donald Trump have expressed their thoughts through Twitter, Instagram, and press conferences. But what you don’t see are the masses that are behind this movement.

“There are tons of people behind this. There are NFL players who don’t receive media attention doing it, MLB players along with a few NHL players on top of the numerous amounts of high school and college students who have done it as well. It’s turning into a normality,” varsity basketball player West Weichert said.

The protests are more commonly disliked amongst our population at Dripping Springs High School, but to the few who stand for it, it is a true beacon for hope and change.

“I think the protests are a wonderful thing. It forces people to open their minds and look at what people must go through every day in our world,” head men’s basketball, coach Craig Swannack, said.

To the other side, the one which disapproves of kneeling, this protest is displaying obvious disrespect to the United States and its flag.

“I think that they are protesting about something that is appropriate, but at

the same time I think it shows a disrespect to our country along with the flag and our military,” football coach, Ben Reid, said.

Despite the obvious differences, both sides have seemed to agree that there is one thing this protest is missing and that is unity.

“There’s a definite problem and that is that the players are not protesting together,” Weichert said. “I don’t think that the message is even getting across due to the fact that half the players are kneeling with their heads bowed while the other half is singing along to the National Anthem. They must do everything as a team.”

The view from a coach is the most optimal that this situation could have, as coaches are often the direct contact through the media as to what’s going on. NFL coaches, like Mike Tomlin of the the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers, have voiced their thoughts, and now Dripping Springs coaches have come out with their own opinions as well.

“It’s a tough situation that we’re in as coaches, and I feel like it’s ultimately up to the coaching staff to determine what goes on during the national anthem, but whatever makes sense to the team as a whole should be done,” head football coach Galen Zimmerman said.

This situation quickly became corrupted through the use of social media, with the athletes taking a knee and then people fighting over it through their screens, leading to people feeling like they’re being treated unfair. The world seems to spin a different way every day, but like Weichert summed up, we should all be in this together.

“They must do everything as a team.”

Tiger Homecoming Game Photo by Skylar O’Connell

November, 2017

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(Full) Ride ‘em on Down Senior year, and you’re going through your email with message after message from colleges practically begging you to choose them. That’s the goal right?

But how are you going to afford to actually going to one of those schools.

With the average American student spending $25,290 at an in-state four year college, $40,000 at an out-of-state four year college, or $50,000 at a private four year college, getting a college degree can be pricey (stats from Collegeboard.com). This isn’t even factoring in getting a Masters or a Doctorate.

And if your parents aren’t paying, the next best thing is making yourself look as good as possible on both your college and scholarship applications.

“My parents aren’t going to pay for college, and that didn’t hit me until the summer before my senior year,” senior Caitlin Lawrence said. “So then I freaked out and began to look for any scholarship that didn’t require an essay, and came upon one about texting and driving. Basically they would send you these things called ‘thumb socks’ which are exactly how they sound. Like little thumb mittens, but with little messages like ‘DNT TXT’, and all you had to do was take a picture with you wearing them and send it in. So of course, I did it.”

In doing this, Lawrence has the chance to win $5,000 in scholarship money, and is still currently waiting for the results. Lawrence is currently in the top 10% of her class, so although she is set academically, she is still adamant about getting funding for college by other means.

While Lawrence realized her need for scholarships at the beginning of senior year, others have been planning for this since middle school.

“So basically ever since I was little, my mother always pushed college and resume building activities,” senior Gwen Pietrzyk said. “Before high school, about 7th grade, I filled out my very first application; it was so bad but I was so proud of it. It included an essay about why I wanted to be an engineee - that’s what I was into at the time - and a letter of recommendation. A lot of what I do or am involved in mirrors my mother’s educational experience. She got into Girls State so I had to get into Girls State; she was a part of drill team, so I had to be a part of Drill Team. A huge push of motivation came the summer before junior year.

I went to a camp in Rochester, New York called the Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Camp.

So basically this organization called the National Hispanic Institute has camps to cultivate young

Giselle Galletti Feature Editor

Latino leaders and this camp is the craziest one of them all. It’s a mock government camp where you run for officer and write proposals based off of a certain prompt they give you. Long story short, I went there a girl and came back a woman. I was ready to take on everything. When I came back, I threw myself into so many different clubs and organizations. I am a part of the Enrich Club, Speech and Debate, I was social officer for the HiSteppers, mock trial Vice President, a part of Youth and Government, I applied and was selected as the finalist from Dripping Springs to intern for Jason Isaac (our Texas State Representative), I applied and was selected to be a Girl State delegate, I am a part of a youth presidential council in Johnson city, I am an ambassador for the Texas Advocacy Project, and my personal favorite, president and founder of the Young Women’s club.”

There are plenty of different opportunities available to students both within the high school and outside of it. Even if one thing doesn’t work for you, another might open up a whole world you never knew about.

“Through all of these experiences, I have so much to offer to colleges and organizations who offer scholarships,” Pietrzyk said. “I love what I do; it can get really crazy at times, but it is so rewarding knowing that I am doing something so cool at such a young age.”

Along with being involved with organizations, the act of already having what is considered to be real life experience in the field you want to go in can also be a step up.

“I’ve thought a lot about college and life after graduation,” junior Tori Listoe said. “One thing I’ve done to help me in preparation for university life is applying for different kinds of internships. This allows me, an indecisive intellectual, to get a feel for the various fields I’m interested in and would consider/like to pursue, or at least participate in post high school as far as education and career wise.”

Scholarships aren’t just available to those who are willing to put themselves out there. They can also be given to people with say a great essay on an admission, or got super high standardized collegeready test grades. This leads to students spending hours and hours preparing for both the SAT and the ACT, along with learning how to write the perfect

essays for their college applications.

“So, basically what my plan is this year, is to graduate a year early because I feel passionate that I am ready for college and all the responsibilities that come with it,” junior Giselle Copa said. “I intend to pursue a pharmaceutical career, which I have been told is not an easy route. However, I am not looking for easy — just possible. I am working hard right now doing college applications, which include SAT scores, letters of recommendation, final transcripts, scholarship applications, student loan applications etc. Gross, right? This is probably the hardest, most nerve-wracking, and most time-consuming part of this whole experience. It’s quite a long process that’s very meticulous, and leaves you with months to bite your nails and ask, ‘Will I get into my dream college?’”

On the counseling page within the high school’s website, there is a regularly updated page with scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to the students. On there you can find other websites entirely dedicated to scholarships, and they will even send out emails to alert you when a new scholarship becomes available.

Scholarships are helper money; the grades and the rest are up to you. Hundreds of different types of loans, financial aid, and grants are also available.

Just don’t do senior Collin Miller’s suggestion of “offering [your] body to the college administrators.”

supports Dripping Springs ISD 598 E. Hwy US 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 858-2972

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November, 2017

Voluntary Translations

Students go beyond 2 years of foreign language Katie Haberman Staff Writer On a typical Monday morning in Latin class, students struggle to keep their eyes open, barely making an effort to stay awake as a dead language tries to grab their attention. Only one student stays truly enraptured by the lesson, scribbling down notes furiously as she scrambles to catch every piece of information thrown at her. Unlike the rest of the class, this girl plans to pursue the Roman language and continue on to levels three and four of Latin.

Many high schoolers don’t see the need to take more than the required two years of language. A driven few, however, decide to continue their studies of German, Spanish, or Latin for many reasons.

“I find Latin interesting, because it gives us a way to connect with the past, and with people who spoke a completely different language than us,” sophomore Caroline Sprague said. “I think it’s super cool to learn a language that is strictly historical.”

Studying a foreign language requires perseverance and patience - two traits that are often learned and implemented in the process. Pursuing a language past the two-year mark suggests that a student wants to delve deeper and slowly discover the finer and more intricate aspects of their preferred study.

“Two years, you really only learned the basics, because it takes a while,” Jillian Besemer, German teacher, said. “[Just] like it took us a while to learn English, it takes you a long time to learn a foreign language, and once you get past that two-year kind of hurdle of learning the basics and kind of learning the foundation, I think that’s where I see a lot of my students really grow.”

The desire to truly learn a language sometimes counts as a personal endeavor, or one that’s connected to family. Many students’ families speak Spanish at home, and some even converse in German within a household.

“I’ve been able to understand a lot more,” Luke Fournier, German III student, said. “It’s kept driving me to learn it better.

Other students simply want to learn more about the world around them and its many different peoples. Learning a living language aids especially in this goal, as a student finds it much easier to connect with others who speak a foreign language that they’ve practiced and studied than to try and have a conversation in English, even more so when the person they’re talking to is much more comfortable with their own native language.

“I wanted to speak the [native] language of Texas,” sophomore Tessa Stigler said. “I hope to be able to use it in my everyday life when speaking to people who prefer to speak Spanish.”

When thinking about continuing their foreign language studies, many students consider the aspect of college requirements. While students only need two years of credits to graduate, prestigious universities like Stanford and Harvard don’t usually accept the bare minimum.

“Many colleges require four years of foreign language and if not taken in high school, they require you to take it in college, which is much harder,” Eliana Glenn, Spanish III student, said. “[I] wanted to be able to apply to my college of choice and already have those required four years under my belt.”

To truly learn a foreign language, students often find it necessary to take three or more years of lessons. In doing so, they are preparing themselves for a future full of new possibilities that they wouldn’t have even imagined before taking the class.

“I hope to be able to pass my Spanish knowledge on to my future children,” Stigler said. “Every year that I learn new Spanish words I just get more of a craving for the world of Spanish.”

FEATURES Inktober Q&A Jade Howe Staff

The first day of October kicked off the fantastic challenge of “Inktober”. The Challenge is simply this, one ink drawing every day for the month of October.

Inktober provides a way of sharing content every day,through different forms of social media on a wider scale, allowing artists to share their content globally.

Inktober Insight with Artist: Paul Gill Why do you participate in Inktober?

“It’s a great way to force you to practice drawing consistently. I always find my drawings improve dramatically by the end of the month.”

Why should others join the challenge?

“It will make you better at your skill of illustration.

It’s also great to see what other artists are creating. So much inspiration is thrown around during Inktober.

It’s great!”

Where do you get your inspirations for Inktober?

“I love Halloween, so I try to think about things like that. But I also have a random style/sense of humor and almost all my drawings are “in the moment” where I don’t know what I’m about to draw and it surprises me sometimes.”

What motivates you to keep up with the challenge?

“To see myself get better and to be able to create on the spot. It’s a good test of creativity. “ What’s the hardest part of participating in Inktober?

“I used to think it was coming up with ideas, but those usually just happen when I start drawing. I think right now it’s finding the time between work and personal projects to feel inspired to get a drawing in.”

Any advice for future participants in Inktober?

“DO IT!!! even if you’re nervous or shy about it, I guarantee, by the end, your skill and confidence will be so much better!!!” *You can follow Paul and all his illustrative works on instagram @thedrawbridge.

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November, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

No hair, we can fix that

Local wig maker gives women new confidence with handmade wigs Kyndal Miethke Contributing Writer

Brushing away the few fly away pieces of sandy blonde hair from a crying woman’s face and making some last minute perfections, Stephanie Caillabet has just given a woman suffering from Alopecia a new profound confidence.

Wigmaker Stephanie Caillabet owns a business called “Art of Wigs”. In a small chic studio in her backyard, she works and makes wigs for women suffering from hormonal hair loss, chemotherapy treatment, forms of the disease Alopecia and so much more.

“It’s a very emotional job to have,” Caillabet said. “There are good days and bad days. Most of the time it is a very powerful and beautiful thing to be part of someone’s journey. Especially when they get hit with such a struggle.”

Before Caillabet started her business, she studied in London to become a special effects makeup artist and had to make small things like mustaches and beards. She soon realized she was good at it and one thing led to another.

She was getting jobs making full blown wigs.

“A typical day at my job is working in my studio,” Caillabet said. “I try to either have a client day or a wig making day. I only see two clients a day typically so we have lots of time to talk and design. On wig making days, it’s just me and my music.”

Caillabet spends an immense amount of time and detail on every single wig.

Each wig created is specifically for each individual person based on natural hair color, texture and style. Every choice is made by the client and aided by the professional.

“Wigs are made entirely by hand. First a fitting and measurements are taken, then I make the foundation or base of the wig from different types of fabrics and lace. Then each hair is individually tied into the foundation until

the whole base is covered and the wig looks natural and beautiful,” Caillabet said. “When it’s finished we decide if we need more color and highlights and then a haircut and style on the client.”

All of the wigs created are made of real hair, typically obtained by anonymous donors or someone close to the client willing to donate.

“Everyone that walks in my door has an amazing story to tell,” Caillabet said. “Typically, my favorite stories are the ones when a relative donates their hair to a family member and so it really becomes a wig made from love and strength.”

There are very specific requirements for hair to even consider being made into wigs. Hair donations need to be at least 12 inches, cannot be dyed two base shades above your natural hair, permed or straightened by chemicals, has an unnatural color, has been professionally dyed, or dyed from store-bought colors or henna.

“When my clients wear my wigs, they get to look in the mirror and see themselves looking healthy and beautiful,” Caillabet said. “This helps while they are going through chemotherapy to keep them strong and fighting.”

She cuts a donor’s hair in her studio behind her house. She gets a wide variety of hair types and styles. On Caillabet website, she has testimonials from her clients that sometimes tell a small story and give Caillabet a review.

“I love my job, the pace of my clients, and the amount of work I have,” Caillabet said. “I will be training interns in the future so I can have more hands making wigs. I can help more women and children feel healthy and happy in their custom wigs and be part of more amazing stories.”

Entertainment

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WANT TO TELL A STORY? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/contribute to submit your creative writing.

Theatre Presents...

Jade Berry

News and Entertainment Editor There’s something special and magical about being able to go on stage and do something so profound and heartfelt that you are able to convey thoughts and emotions to an entire audience of people. Acting is no easy feat, and DSHS is proud to host such an committed and talented theatre department.

Year after year they produce and choreograph plays and musicals to entertain the community and student body, and after all of last year’s hard work they were congratulated with 15 award nominations at the 2016-17 Greater Austin High School Musical Theater Awards at the Long Center.

This year we hope to see them grow and prosper as well, and according to theatre director Rachael Koske, we have a lot of new and exciting productions to look forward to.

“Our students have proven that they can handle anything, and this year’s show is a big departure from the past many years where we have been primarily working with classical music sound- now we jump into pop musical territory,” she said. “And we’re excited to see what they do with that.”

Finding new ways to bring a rush of excitement to shows is never an easy task, and this year Koske

and her fellow theatre directors have decided to produce Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing!, one of his most popular comedies.

“We are taking this opportunity to get the audience really close to the action by building a temporary audience space on the stage,” Koske said.

“This won’t be a typical audience experience in our performing arts center.”

They also plan to produce The Addams Family Musical, a pop musical based off of the TV show and the original New Yorker cartoons, some time this January.

“It will be a lot of fun, and we are looking to bring some new faces into the ensemble,” Koske said. “We need tall people, short people, athletes, dancerseveryone- to play Addams Family ancestors.

Another exciting change for the theatre is a Black Box Studio series, something that has never been done before.

“It’s a smaller stage, small audience, and we’ll be using the Black Box as a true flex theatre space,” Koske said. “Those shows will be student-designed and each will have a student directing team working along with us to craft the productions.”

Once a show is created and perfected for the audience, it’s hard for us to imagine what the choreography and stage looked like before all the

Unscripted with Actress Cassie Martin Grade 10 How long have you been in theatre?

“I’ve been in theatre since I was 8 years old.”

What’s your favorite part of theatre?

Tessa Stigler Staff Writer

“Mostly the people and the atmosphere that comes with it. Everybody is so connected and we all cohesively work and it is a very enjoyable enviroment.”

What are you looking forward to this year in theatre?

“I’m looking forward to putting on all the shows for the student body; we are actually performing Much Ado About Nothing, it opens on October 27. It is a Shakespeare show, and we all love it and we’re excited for the musical. We feel like it’s going to be fantastic this year.”

How has theatre shaped your high school experience?

“I feel like it’s made my high school experience a lot better. If I have a horrible day, I know I could go to theatre and there will always be people there. I’ve made so many friends in theatre and I know those friends are going to last.”

brainstorming was finished, something that Koske said is one of her favorite parts.

“The beginning of every production process is thrilling because we start with that empty box of a theatre,” she said. “And our job is to fill it with fury, with passion, with joy, with love, with tears.”

One of the things that makes theatre so special is its evolution; each year has a different style, different designs, different casts, tons of different things that affect and change the atmosphere of the performances and the entire theatre.

“We aren’t looking to replicate anything- that’s not what theatre is about. Everything happens once in theatre- and then it’s gone- so our goals are to tell a story and create an amazing experience for the audience and the student company,” Koske said.

“If we get awarded for that wºith nominations and awards, that’s great and that feels wonderful, but the real thing we are looking for is a room full of people, sharing the journey we’ve created and leaving the theatre having been impacted or changed in some way.”

LIFESTYLE

November, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

Fall Fashion dos and don’ts Dallas Johnson Creative Editor

Autumn means a lot of things to the fashion community. As the seasons transform, so do our styles, and as the temperature changes, so do our clothes.

Some of the main colors this season are drawn from the changing leaves around us. That means lots of red, orange, yellow, and brown.

Darker themes are a very welcome change to the bright patterns of summer. Something else that hasn’t been seen since last winter are suede and velvet fabrics that should be very commonplace soon. That could be in shoes, shirts, skirts, or bags.

Denim, is of course, timeless and more seasonal now than ever. The typical dark blue denim are the perfect bottom half to your casual fall outfit.

If you have a natural affection for the brighter spectrum of colors, then October was the month for you!

Orange, purple, and light green were popping, but as November begins the colors tend to cool down right along with the temperature. That means more dark, earthy, and warm colors that can be found around your festive Thanksgiving meal.

It’s important to remember that autumn is its very own season and we shouldn’t bust out the winter fashions too early.

CONTACT US General Questions: DSHSstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com 512-858-3243 Advertising Inquiries: DSHSadvertising@gmail.com Follow Us Online: Twitter: @myDSHSnews

@myDSHSsports Instagram: @my_dshs_news Snapchat: myDSHSsnaps

These two seasons tend to meld together so it can be confusing, but autumn, as a fashion period, should be savored because it’s the best of both worlds and encapsulates both winter and summer supremely.

It has the comfortable and cozy vibes from winter, while still keeping the some of the toned down warm colors from summer.

Stay warm!

Thanksgiving Recipes

Friendsgivings and Thanksgiving potlucks are becoming more and more common. For those that are cooking challenged, here is an easy recipe to survive the holiday.

You need:

and viola....yum.

Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief Jaxson Thornton ‘18 Sports Editor Camryn Horst ‘19

Features Editor Giselle Galletti ‘19

Opinion & Lifestyle Editor Grayson Ruiz ‘18

Entertainment & News Editor Jade Berry ‘19

Online Editor Clara Comparan ‘18

Creative Editor Dallas Johnson ‘18

Staff Writers Tessa Stigler, Katie Haberman, Jade Howe, Rigley Willis

13

SPORTS

14 MYDSHSNEWS

November, 2017

WANT MORE SPORTS? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/sports for all the latest coverage.

Q&A

New Changes added to Lacrosse

#tigerstateszn Camryn Horst Sports Editior

Camryn Horst Sports Editior

THE QUESTION:

If someone were to say the phrase, “Your team is going to state,” what does that mean to you?

The Dripping Springs girls lacrosse team is beginning to prepare for the upcoming season. The amount of practices this year is increasing, new administration has been chosen, and Coach LV, a cross country trainer, has stepped up as the new head coach.

The boys lacrosse team has recently added another team, making them now have three teams: D1 Varsity, D2 Varsity, and JV. Also, new coaches have recieved a spot in this program.

VOLLEYBALL:

Kayleigh Dodson: “This team has a lot of potential and I really think that we can make it all the way to state if we really Photos by Cy Bruni

XC Advances to State Camryn Horst Sports Editior

The school is in an uproar because the entire boys and girls varsity cross country team is going to advance to state. The boys team placed third in regionals and the girls placed second, meaning both teams are state bound. This year is the fifth time in a row that girls have qualified, and the first year that the boys team as a whole will compete. State will take place on November 4 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

DSHS Cross Country @dshs_xc

Visit mydshs.com to read about how Tiger Tennis did in playoffs!

work on playing together as a team and really focus on eliminating our errors.”

TENNIS:

Karley Higgerson: “Last year we lost 10-9, one match away from going to state so it would be amazing to go this year since we are stronger and more determined.”

LACROSSE:

Alexis Hunt: “I

wouldn’t be surprised.

the girls on the team work hard and are really committed to their sport so playoffs isn’t that surprising to me.”

SWIM:

Steven Laflamme: “Going

to

state

would be a huge accomplishment that would prove that all of the grueling work we swimmers were put through paid off.”

November, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

Stunt Crew:

A new addition to Tiger Cheer Emily Rapp

Contributing Writer The Dripping Springs cheer squad recently added a Stunt Crew to their team. Led by Coach Carissa Puls, the Stunt Crew consists of students that help lift the cheerleaders into the air, abling them to participate in more challenging stunts. The homecoming game against the Lockhart Lions was the first game that this crew participated in.

One of the reasons Puls provided for creating this team was that it could be beneficial in the future.

“There is a lot of sport in co-ed stunting that I think students would be interested in,” Puls said. “Many colleges recruit co-ed cheerleaders who can partner stunt.”

Puls explained that in order to do some of the more challenging stunts, the team needed some extra strength.

Because of this team, “We have many talented cheerleaders who can do some really cool tricks,” Puls said.

Puls said that overall, the stunt crew is a reliable team that is there to help the cheerleaders.

“Being in Stunt Crew and being a cheerleader is not

15

the same,” Puls said.

She added that she would like this to be known throughout the high school.

“Stunt crew participants are not expected to dance or chant,” she said.

Sophomore Noah Cadena said that he enjoys being a part of this team and was glad to be more involved at the school.

“My main job is to make sure that every cheerleader is safe and that we perform a stunt correctly,” Cadena said.

“My favorite part of stunt crew so far is how many new stunts we’ve learned in a matter of only a few weeks.”

The new addition to the cheerleading squad practices with the cheerleaders before all the varsity football games to help the students bond and learn the new tricks.

“They also attend a stunting safety clinic where they learn safe stunting practices,” Puls said.

To recruit this crew, flyers were located around the school and there was an application process.

“I am hoping to have more student athletes sign up,” Puls said. “It takes an enormous amount of strength to be able to do the things the stunt crew does and the more athletes we have participating, the more stunts we can do.”

For those that would like to join this exciting new team, there will be another stunt crew tryout in the spring for the 2018 football season.

“This is not the first time I have coached a Stunt Crew,” Puls said. “I believe there are many other athletes who are interested but are too shy to come forward.”

Photos by Skylar O’ Connell

16 MYDSHSNEWS

November, 2017

UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS >> Follow @myDSHSnews on Twitter.

COMMUNITY

Austin City Limits, Behind the Scenes Jaxson Power-Thornton

Editor-in-Chief mainstages, catering The scene of Austin City Limits is absolutely fanatical every single to the every need of the guests, and catching as year, and 2017 was no different. People danced till much of the concerts as I possibly could.

Sounds pretty cushy, right? It was... but it also their feet hurt and yelled lyrics until their lungs wasn’t at the same time. couldn’t take it anymore.

We arrived around 8 a.m. every morning and For many, ACL is the highlight of their year! But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the would work through about 11 p.m. most nights. scenes? What do the inner workings of a festival During the shifts, movement was almost constant, running from stage to stage to stage, helping that massive look like? Feel like?

Well, I can tell you. After six years of attending guests and solving whatever problems arose.

I would be on my feet for so long that they just ACL as a concert goer, I spent this year behind the went numb, and I was so exhausted at points that fence, working.

As an 18-year-old, I was by and large the I felt like a zombie running off caffeine...

But then there was the upside. You get lost youngest employee, at least that I ended up interacting with. ACL itself has so many employees in the moment during the shows. Sure, I was that there is no way you could manage to interact working very, VERY hard, and I almost never sat with even half of them before the two weekends is down... but seeing acts such as Milky Chance, Ice up!

Cube, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Vulfpeck, Jay Z, Personally, I worked for Platinum, which means The Killers, Gorillaz, and Chance the Rapper from I was a host to the guests who paid upwards of about 15 feet from the stage made it feel weird to $3,600 per ticket. This ticket included a Platinum be accepting money for the work. In my mind, that Viewing Area right up close to the stage, a was pay enough!

Platinum Lounge with air conditioning, an open I shared a moment with Chance the Rapper (my bar, and catering done by a different celebrity chef favorite artist) during his song Sunday Candy, and each day.

I was so happy my world shattered. Hard work I, however, was a Viewing Area Host, meaning aside, I’d say it was a pretty great gig...

I did most of my work up near the front of the two Also I met Matthew McConaughey.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Chance the Rapper performing weekend two of ACL. Photo by Matt Barron (@WizardBarron on Instagram).

Damon Albard, creator of Gorillaz. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.