TVolume 96 Issue No. 3

Nov. 15, 2013

Opinion ........3

News ........ 5-7 Class Officers, Musical

Sports ... 12-15Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country

Gallery ........16Red Ribbon Week

TTiger’s Tale

Features ...8-11Being Thankful, At Risk Students,Sterling Lee

Freshman lives with rare brain cancer

In October, a shoe drive was started for freshman Katie Gutierrez.

“We were contacted by WeCare, a cancer support group, and asked if we would help,” Lisa Butler, DECA sponsor said.

The high school campus and DECA are holding a competition between classes to see who bring in the most shoes.

“We are collecting shoes at SHS, but it is community-wide and there are boxes at City Hall and other locations,” Butler said.

The Chamber of Commerce, Western Texas College and all Snyder ISD campuses have deposit boxes.

A company named funds2orgs will pick up the shoes deposited in the boxes. Funds2orgs pay 40 cents a pound for all shoes, including flip-flops and boots. The shoes are then taken to Miami, Florida to be refurbished. The repaired shoes are sent to impoverished countries around the world.

Organizers hope to collect 750 shoes before the Nov. 21 deadline.

As of Nov. 8, ninth graders have collected 34 pairs; 10th, 23; 11th, 39; and 12th, 22.

“We hope to exceed the goal and raise as much money as possible for Katie,” Butler said.

By Alina Her-nandez

For many, simply having a common cold or a headache throughout the day may cause

one to stop their day and possibly miss a day or two of school. But imagine having a headache every day and being hospitalized because your body isn’t able to fight the cold. For 15-year-old freshman Katie Gutierrez, this isn’t a possibility, it is reality.

Katie has had a lot to deal with in her short life. Born in Snyder, her family, consisting of her mother Amy, her now 17-year-old brother, Brekan, her 19-year-old sister, Chelsea, and her father, Kevin, moved to Farmington, Lovington and Eunice, New Mexico because of her father’s job as a state and city policeman. However, in 2009, Katie suffered a softball injury. She and her family moved back to Snyder then.

At the age of 11, Katie was hit in the head while playing softball in New Mexico. Katie underwent a CT (computerized tomography) head scan, but the doctors didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

“After the CT head scan, I kept having really bad headaches. So I was taken in to do an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), where the neurologist saw that I had a tumor,” Katie said.

A week later, Katie was taken to Albuquerque, where she had a surgery that would hopefully remove an apple-sized tumor from her brain.

“I was born with two pituitary glands (glands attached to the brain, which produces and stores hormones). One of the pituitary glands was supposed to die off, but it didn’t,” Katie said.

That pituitary gland continued to grow and soon turned into a tumor.

Since then she has had five surgeries. The last was two and a half weeks ago, for Craniopharyngioma, a type of rare brain cancer derived from the pituitary gland embryonic tissue. It has a point prevalence of approximately two of 100,000. “Point prevalence” is the pro-portion of a population that has the condition at a specific point in time.*

“Before the surgery, I have to drink only clear liquids until 4

o’clock. I also have to make sure to wash my hair really well with anti-bacterial soap,” Katie said.

A year after her first surgery, she underwent another surgery to remove fluid. The third surgery was also to remove fluid.

“In the fourth surgery we had a shunt placed in order to not continue having surgeries to remove fluid. But, about two and a half weeks ago, they discovered that the shunt wouldn’t drain and we had to remove the shunt,” Katie said.

After her first surgery, Katie stayed in the hospital for almost three weeks she said. But, after her last surgery she only stayed in the hospital for four days.

Because of the cranio-pharyngioma, Katie has no hormones or immune system. The pituitary gland also causes her to get taller, her feet to grow rapidly, have heat flashes, and gain weight. Katie also constantly has headaches, diarrhea and nausea. She also has no thyroid.

Every six weeks Katie has to go to her cancer doctor in Albuquerque to have a check-up.

“They check my blood and levels. I also have a MRI done that usually takes about 45 minutes and make sure that everything is alright,” Katie said.

Katie has also had to lessen her physical activity. She used to play softball, basketball, and volleyball, but is unable to do so to a certain extent.

“Sometimes, I still play with my brother, but just for fun,” Katie said.

On a daily basis, Katie has to take about 17 pills. Some of the things that she has to take medicine for the thyroid, pain, anxiety, nausea, depression and heart. Katie also takes medication and steroids to regulate the sugars and salts in her body because lack of fluid in her body due to the surgeries.

While in Eunice, her family was contacted by their local WeCare organization to help Katie become part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In November 2012, the Snyder WeCare organization helped Katie’s wish of going to Disney World in Florida come true.

“My whole family went to Disney World and Universal Studios. It was really fun. I didn’t want to come back,” Katie said.

Although she only comes

to school for half a day, Katie enjoys art class and said she loves photography.

“It’s really fun to be in high school. I like art the most. The teachers are really nice and helpful, especially English teacher Dana Bailey and math teacher Jean Burns,” Katie said.

She also appreciates the shoe drive that is being held for her.

“I think that’s really cool and exciting,” Katie said.

Katie has big plans for the future.

“If all goes well, after my surgery in January, I won’t need to have any more. I want to graduate high school and college. I would like to work in the medical field, but really in something that I enjoy,” Katie said.

Katie said that she is just a typical 15-year old-girl.

“I just want people to be understanding. I’m just a normal person who’s trying to make it,” Katie said.

*Wikepedia

Shoe drive for Katie

Editor Taylor BrumleyStaff Writers Alina Hernandez, Taylor Kiker,

Gabrielle Munoz, Gabe Williamson, Monique OrtizReporters Abby Campbell, Kalen Cowley, Brianna Garcia, Alanna Hurt, Anna Charlotte Lavers, Elijah Lay, Alex Luecke, Reyna Marquez, Kirsti Pierce, Michelle Rios, David Rios Landeros, Virginia VelazquezPhotographers Flo Marquez, Lucero De Paz, Luz Valadez Adviser Diane ArnoldPrincipal Glenn ColesAssistant Principals Ray Conner, Britteni Polk

Printed by Snyder Daily News

editorial 2Nov. 15, 2013Students’ at t i tudes determine success of tutor ia ls

Do you believe tutorials are working?

“Definately not. There’s no way a teacher could get so many students in such a short span of time.”

Kristin Dupree, 11th

“I think they are working for some students, but other students do not care enough to catch up on their work.”

Bethany Reynolds, 12th

Madison Curry, 9th

Editorial PolicyStands taken in the editorial, editorial cartoons, opinion columns, letters to the editor, and entertainment

reviews do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty, or adviser. Letters to the editor are welcome and must include the writer’s name, home telephone number and grade

classification. Letters will be edited for material that fails to meet legal and ethical guidelines, and for spelling and grammar. Spelling and grammar should be edited by the author of the letter, and the letter should be limited to 500 words in length, typed. If mailed, the letter should be addressed to: Snyder High School, Student Publications, 2901 37th Street, Snyder, TX 79549.

Financing of The Tiger’s Tale is provided by advertisements. Rates are $3.50 per column inch. Additional information regarding ads may be provided by calling the Student Publications Department at (325) 574-8835. Ads are solicited from the community; however, any student or faculty member who wishes to purchase advertising space may do so. The staff reserves the right to refuse any advertising it believes to be in poor taste, libelous, irresponsible or advocating an illegal activity.

The Tiger’s Tale is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC). As a member of the ILPC, this publication is governed by all University Interscholastic League (UIL) guidelines for eligibilty in its annual contest and in the individual literary meet in the spring.

E-mail for The Tiger’s Tale can be sent to darnold@snyderisd.net.This school district and its Career and Technology Education Program does not discriminate on the basis

of sex, disability, race, color, age or national origin in its educational programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI.

The Tiger’s Tale is printed by Snyder Daily News.

“Not at all. It’s hard to learn when you have such a short time to do it. Right after lunch, most kids are way-tired and don’t feel like doing school work. ”

Roar of the Crowd

“I think tutorials are not working, because people don’t seem to care enough to get their work done, much less show up to tutorials.”

Luz Valadez, 10th

“It’s not that tutorials aren’t working; it’s that more students are failing in the classrooms causing them to go to tutorials. Also many people in tutorials are in there because they are absent a lot. I was one of them. Not necessarily because I was failing a class but because I was falling behind on important school work like tests or quizzes.”

Taide Baeza, 10th

Scott Clark, science teacher“Students that I tutor and who participate benefit from the process. However, with the increase in students participating in d-hall, there seems to be a disconnect and loss in purpose. Students who get d-hall should not be allowed to miss or ‘get out’ of tutorials. D-hall and tutorial times need to be disconnected and different. One-on-one with students who need core classes (STAAR tested classes) help with grades benefit from

TTTiger’s Tale

People love it, people hate it, but no matter what, tutorials have become a very large part of students’ lives.

Over the past three reporting periods (every three weeks) there has been an increase of about 30 students on the tutorial list.

The idea of tutorials during lunch, and the extra lunch time allowed if

the student has above a 75 average in each class is a wonderful idea, and we believe to be very beneficial for some students.

The real question is are tutorials a successful idea? That’s why we have come to the conclusion, no matter what rules and regulations are put in place, the determining factor is the

individual student.

Students have the choice to strive to be better, and they also have the choice to remain stagnant with a grade below a 75. We can’t blame the rising numbers of students on the tutorials program, but instead the attitude of the student for success.

tutoring. The tutored student can experience success and achievement that carries over to the classroom. However, missing tutorials for d-hall or other issues defeats the purpose.

It’s important to note that ACE and SPP offer viable alternatives that could be used to enforce tutoring requirements. Having our kids out of the classroom (or not in tutorials when tutoring is needed) does not help support common assessment or STAAR testing goals. If the d-hall and tutoring must over lap, core teachers will need administrative support for required tutorials before or after school through ACE and SPP. This alternative needs to be investigated, clearly decided upon, and presented to the faculty as an option to be implemented immediately. I think this has our students’ best interest for current cycle grades and STAAR initiatives.”

opinion 3Nov. 15, 2013TAYLOR, IN GENERALSenior year begins to get stressful

Wi l l i am s on ’ s Wi t

By Taylor BrumleyAchieving the goal of reaching

senior year is something all students hope for. Kindergartners look up to upperclassmen, while eleventh graders long for their opportunity to park in the adored senior parking lot.

Obviously, senior year does come with its rewards. Having a designated parking lot is one, along with seniors often having to take fewer classes than other students.

Seniors even get a pep rally directed toward them, and mothers of the senior students get the opportunity to perform a dance at the pep rally.

With seniority comes responsibility, of course. Seniors have the responsibility to be

a good example to younger students, and the responsibility to finish the final year of school.

While it has a lot of benefits, senior year comes with some downsides as well. Seniors, on top of the usual stress of school, have the added stress of finding a college to attend, if they choose to go to college.

Finding a college to go to might seem like an easy choice and it is for most students. Finding that college isn’t usually the most difficult part of the process, however. From what I have found, the most difficult part of the college process is the application.

Applying for college is

probably the most stressful part of a senior’s final year of school. In a college application, one is often asked to write a brief essay after being given a prompt. The student is also asked to provide general information about themselves. Most colleges also often request test scores from the SAT or ACT. This means that students are also required to take the SAT or ACT test.

The college application process doesn’t just consist of test scores and essays. Colleges also often request high school transcripts. Transcripts are official records of a student’s grades. These official records are often sent directly from the high school, but can also be sent by

the student. Transcripts can take many days to get to colleges, and must be sent in advance.

Applying for scholarships is another thing entirely. Students can get scholarships for just about anything. Things like race, income, and whether or not your parents went to college can qualify you for scholarships. While they are often easily qualified for, scholarships are not often easily found. Many students simply do not know where to look in order to find scholarships.

Although applying for colleges is a stressful issue in most seniors’ lives, it is often thought worth it once the student is accepted into a college.

By Gabe WilliamsonI may be hitting on this a little

late, but luckily today you’ll have a chance to hear me rant about the lowering of the number of STAAR test that must be passed at the high school level. In the area of “assessment,” House Bill 5 reduces the number of end-of-course exams (EOCs) from 15 to 5.

As for my classmates, and what I’ve heard from other acquaintances, the majority population is relatively happy that now high school students aren’t required to pass 15 EOC tests. As for myself, I’m also relatively happy on a basis for myself, but as a whole I’m not necessarily happy with House

Bill 5’s 145-2 vote.Texas easily is one of the

top competitors for potential power, and productivity. This falls economically, militarily, politically, and yes, even educationally. Texas is a very right wing state, and I don’t believe we’re being as educationally productive, than what is set by our potential.

Education in our society is a very precious thing, and with as much potential as we have, we should not be ranked 24th out of the our 50 states in our education system. With the passing of House Bill 5 we’re making the standards even lower for Texas high school students.

I don’t believe in any kind

of state test (TAKS, STAAR, NYST, etc.) but they are virtually inescapable. We can’t use that as an excuse in lowering educational standards. The way things seemed to be ran with TAKS was somewhat productive, because even if the state taught according to the test it held every student accountable for passing every core class within their school career.

I don’t want you all to get me wrong, because I’m happy we don’t have to take as many STAAR’s, but I’m also one of the people who is going to try and do my best in class. As for some people, the lowering of the amount of tests means that

they only have to get through these tests, and then they can kind of sail through the rest of high school. Just like I had said earlier, education is a very precious thing, and something so valuable shouldn’t be available for simple completion, and lack of significance when needed.

Texas has increasingly lowered the standards for high school students, and in no means do I believe this lowering of standards should be apparent in a state that has as much potential as we do. Although I have yet to find the most productive educational system, I know there has to be something better than the way things are now.

Williamson thinks Texas not being educationally productive

opinion 4Nov. 15, 2013G a bby ’s G a bb sSenior can’ t bel ieve f inal year is here

TK’s Ways

By Taylor KikerAs everyone knows,

students here have really cool cars. People have all types of cars, but suprisingly I’m the only one with a Dodge Nitro.

I’ve had my car for two years and I practically live in it. It’s survived running into a fence, backing into a truck and even running over a duck.

Last week, however, my car died while I was on my way to golf practice. I had stopped by my house to grab a few things. I turned off my car, took care of business and

when I got back and tried to my car on, it wouldn’t turn on!

So I called everyone I could think whose number I have and when no one answered, I started freaking out. I called Coach Hunter also, letting him know that my car was not working properly. Finally, someone from the team called me back and I explained my situation. They said they could give me a ride to practice and I actually made it to practice on time.

After practice, I went

back to Dad’s house to see if my car would work. They had jump-started it, and left it on so I could drive over to the school. I got about halfway down the street, when my car quit again. I had to be at Homework Lab, and thankfully my dad was behind me, following me home.

I have never disliked my car so much in the entire two years I have had it! I have never had any problems with it before, and I try to take care of my car as best as I can.

Eventually my stepdad fixed what was wrong with my car. It turns out the problem wasn’t the battery, but it was the alternator. The alternator needed to be replaced and now that it’s working again, I am so relieved!

I never knew that I used my car so much until I didn’t have it. I had to get a ride to golf and to school, which is really out of people’s way. Now that my car is fixed, I am grateful that I have it. I’m never going to take my car for granted again!

By Gabrielle MunozI know I have written

about being a senior before, but as the year progresses, so do we and our feelings about school. Most of us are sick of it and want it done. We have to make this year as memorable as we can. We should live every moment to the fullest.

I think it’s so mind-blowing how this is really our last year. Before we would say we couldn’t wait for it to be over because

we had three months to re-energize and have fun. Now, we say it because it’s the last year and we actually have to come and that’s a little scary, with no one telling us what to do or go all day. What will we do with our day? That is a scary thought. This year’s going by so fast; it is almost our time.

We are stressed about school and work, maybe even waking up early for whatever reason. We shouldn’t be spending all

our time stressing, though. We shouldn’t forget that this is the year that we need to remember and we shouldn’t take anyone or anything for granted. We shouldn’t forget that this is the year that we have worked hard our whole lives. This is the year that most of our class will look back on, too. I want to look back with no regrets and being stressed the whole year, wouldn’t make a very good memory for me.

Putting together our senior

skit or even being a part of this is heart-breaking. Right now we are remembering the great times we’ve had together. That’s how it will be when we look back at our senior year. I would want to think about it and smile.

We should be thankful for one another and this time of year. I’m thankful to be able to look back at so many great memories. I am thankful we have all made it here, seniors 2014.

Car dies after surviving other catastrophes

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Three advance to state in f i rst year of UIL Congress debate eventBy Alina Hernandez

On Nov. 5 three debaters placed in the first year of the UIL Congress event. Shiv Bhakta placed first. Justin Clifton was second and Jake Villanueva was third. They will compete at the state UIL Congress contest Jan. 7-8.

On Nov. 7-8 the debate team competed at West Texas A&M.

Dylan Hargrove and Anthony Jaimes placed first

in public form debate..The debate team

competed Oct. 19 at the semi-finals at Midland Lee. At the tournament the topics that were discussed were cross examination concerning economic engagement with Latin America; Lincoln- Douglas, concerning attorney client privilege; and public form debate, concerning NSA privacy.

Justin Clifton, Jake Villanueva, and Shiv Bhakta pose after placing in the UIL Congress event Nov. 5. Bhakta placed first; Clifton, sec-ond; and Villanueva, third. They will compete at state Jan. 7-8.

By Taylor BrumleyThe drama and choir

departments will present “Young Frankenstein” Nov. 21-24. The musical will be performed in Worsham Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21-23 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets will be $7.

According to www.playbillvault.com, “Young Frankenstein’s” storyline is “Dr. Frankenstein aims to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. With help and hindrance from servant Igor, buxom assistant Inga and needy fiancée Elizabeth, his experiment yields success and unnecessary consequences.”

Max Westlund will play

the role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein; Andrew Port-er, the Monster; Kaiden Johnson, Igor; Maddy Moreno, Inga; Aly Antczak, Elizabeth Benning; Gabi Quiros, Frau Blücher; Mason Tabor, Inspector Hans Kemp; Daniel Drake, The Hermit; Noah McGuire, Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein; Kelsi McCullar, Ziggy.

The ensemble will consist of gravediggers, villagers, medical students, mad scientists and passengers. Members of the ensemble are Riley Arnold, Gabe Williamson, Caity Webb, Tessa Holladay, Mattie Forrester, Emma Beaver, Melissa McCowen, Talee Jones, Roselia Jaimes, Daniel Drake and Noah McGuire.

Crew members are Chris Dickinson, lights; Sydney Hamlett, stage manager; and Emily Parmer, assistant.

Drama teacher Katie Spence and choir teacher Jonathan Speegle will direct the show.

The students competing were Bhakta, Clifton, Anthony Jaimes, Dylan Har-grove, Villanueva, Michael Campos, Tyler Webb, Trent Cottrell, Priyesh Desai, Gabe Williamson, Briar Evans, Taylor Head, Alanna Hurt, Michael Arizmendi, Melissa McCowen, Brenden Jenkins, Colton Barnett, and Brandon Stansell.

“Clifton and Villanueva debated in semi-finals. Stansell made it to finals in Congress at Big Spring,” sponsor Shelby Randolph, said.

Hargrove and Jaimes debated in impromptu. Jaimes placed third and Hargrove was fifth.

“At a typical tournament, we debate three rounds. Then the debaters’ win or loss records determine if they can compete in a bracket-style debate. At a typical tournament the brackets start with eight competitors in quarterfinals,” Randolph said.

Nov. 21-24

Drama,choir present‘Young Frankenstein’

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news 6Nov. 15, 2013

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Class officers electedSeniors

Left, senior officers are, front row, President Justin Clifton, Vice President Sierra Garcia; back row, Secretary Sydney Hamlett and Treasurer Tessa Holladay.

JuniorsRight, junior class officers are, front row, President Jake Vil-lanueva, Vice President Max Westlund; back row, Secretary Gabi Quiros and Tresurer Emily Parmer.

SophomoresLeft, sophomore officers are, front row, President Daniel Drake, Vice President Kaiden Johnson; back row, Treasurer Keely Bartels.

FreshmenRight, freshman class officers are, front row, President Anna Charlotte Lavers, Vice Presi-dent Alex Luecke; back row, Secretary Hannah Downing and Tresurer Ruben Munoz.Officer process changed

Students wishing to become a class officer this year had a new process to follow before they could be placed on the ballot.

Students were required to have six of their eight teach-ers complete recommendation forms. Those forms had to be turned in by Oct. 17, after stu-dents received them Oct. 15.

The students also had to attend a leadership training session with Student Council sponsor Charlotte Clifton Oct. 17. Once both of these require-ments were filled, students'

names were placed on the bal-lots and their classmates voted Oct. 24.

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news 7Nov. 15, 2013By Brianna Garcia

Today Mason Tabor and Noah McGuire will compete at the pre-area choir contest in Abilene.

To prepare for pre-area, choir director Jonathan Speegle said that they have to learn four new pieces to possibly audition on. They

also are working a lot on sight-reading.

Tabor’s voice part is Tenor 1 and McGuire’s voice part is Bass 1.

Speegle said the qualities they have to help them advance are that “they are both very smart and can learn music quickly.”

By Abigail CampbellToday is National

Recycle Bowl Day. The national competition also ends today.

Over the first two weeks of school SHS collected 6.5 dumpsters of recycled material which is equal to 1798.29 lbs. of material, Team Green sponsor Jean Burns said.

“We are way behind what we did last year,” Burns said. “We won’t know the results of our efforts until February. The rankings are out then.”

Last year SHS was eighth out of 187 Texas schools that participated in the Recycle Bowl. Last year SHS collected 15,854 lbs. Last year SHS kept 21.83 tons of material out of the landfill.

“We are competing against other campuses in Texas as well as other states. This is a nationwide competition. Our elementary campus has also entered the competition but as a community,” she said.

There are going to compete against schools from Cisco to Muleshoe and as far north as Silverton.

If they advance to the next level, it will be area, which put them competing against schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Christian Fletcher and Hayden Taylor empty trash Oct. 22 Recycle Bowl kick-off day. Photo by Abby Campbell

The non-varsity mixed choir sing at the Veteran’s Day Choir Concert Nov. 11. Students are, first row, Mat-thew Bass, Kyle Shrum, Rodrigo Rodriguez, AlexusAlonzo, Paige Pol-lard, Courtney Velasquez, Makenna Huggins, Rose Villa, Lizzy Clifton; second row, Zack Lewis, Juan Cor-tes, Jonathan Dominguez, Hailie Avalos, Diamond Escobedo, Alyssa Benitez, Carson Botts, Madison Curry, Jamie Roberts; third row, Shawn Sutton, Ben McQuirk, Sean

The womens’ choir sings at the Veteran’s Day choir concert Nov. 11. First row, Dawna Pyburn, Leia Chester, Aileen Molinar, Tamara Sanchez, Alexis Lopez, Katelynn Hart, Kristen Cline; second row, Erica Gonzalez, Alondra Rodarte, Bethany Jamison, Naudia Gonza-lez, Taide Baeza, Melynda Goolsby April Bellman, Yazmin Rodarte; third row, Austin Garza, Lauren McQuirk, Alexis Proulx, Ashlee Maxfield, Alex Jaramillo, Juliana Havner, Sydney Grimes and Brooke

National Recycle Bowl today

Results to come in Feb.

Tabor, McGuire to compete at pre-area today

Humphrey, Brianna Garcia, Audrey Moncevais, Kimberly Aguilar, Madison Curry, Raven Ballard, Abby Campbell; fourth row, Kyle Stricklett, Talee Jones, Emma Beaver, Veda Poe, Taryn Velasquez, Shi Dowds and Anna Charlotte Lavers. Choir director is Jonathan Speegle. Photo by Flo Marquez

Clinkinbeard. Choir director is Jonathan Speegle. Photo by Flo Marquez

feature 8Nov. 15, 2013

Gabrielle Munoz, 12thI am thankful for another day of life. Every day I get a second chance to make today a better day.

Christian Castillano, 10thI’m thankful for sports and my family and friends be-cause they have been there for me.

Sydney Grimes, 10thI’m thankful for my grandma, because she’s always there for me. She’s raised me since I was about two years old. She’s provided clothes, food and a roof over my head for me. I don’t know what I would do without her today.

Jakiya Davis, 11thI am thankful for my mom because she’s always there for me when I’m down and because she raised my sis-ter and I on her own. She doesn’t let anyone or anything bring her down. Dawna Pyburn,

11thI’m thankful for the people who care about me, like my family. With-out them I would be a wreck, and wouldn’t be able to talk to anybody about what’s both-ering me.

Ivan Rivas, 11thI’m thankful for having my parents and family because they always support me and are always there for me.

Christian Fletcher, 11th I am thankful for my friends and family. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am today

Jessica Fennell, 10thI am thankful for my family, and everything I have. My family is always there for me; I thank God for them every day. Without family I would be nothing.

Naudia Gonzalez, 10thI am thankful for my family and my friends. I can always count on them.

Tiffany Gonzales, 10thI am thankful for my family because they help me be-come a good person.

Christine Grosco, 9thI’m thankful that I have such a wonderful family, because I love them, and because I know they love me, too, no matter what happens.

Students express their thanks

feature 9Nov. 15, 2013

Ben Barrera, 11thI’m thankful for my fam-ily. I’m thankful for them because without them I wouldn’t be as far in life as I am right now. They help me through everything.

Alexus Alonzo, 9thI’m thankful for a lot of things honestly, but if I had to choose one, it would be my mom. Yes, she’s like five states away from me but knowing she’s still breath-ing is what keeps me going.

Randall Alarcon, 11thLife because I’m living and have a roof over my head and food on the table and a bed to sleep on.

Alina Hernandez, 12thI am thankful for my family, in-cluding my dogs. They are very supportive of everything I do and they love me uncondition-ally. I will always and forever be thankful for my family.

LaQuisha Roden, 10thI am thankful for my family, because they are always there for me and they are supportive of what I want to do. My family means the world to me and if I had to, I would die for them.

Kevin Graham, 10thI am thankful for my life because I could be living in another country that is a bad country and people trying to kill me every day. I’m thankful for all the things and freedoms I have and the laws that protect me.

Hayden Taylor, 11thI am thankful for all the food God gives us and I’m thankful because I get to see all my family at Thanks-giving.Shone Monroe, 10th

I am thankful for everything I get, no matter what it is. If you have things you weren’t thankful for, you don’t deserve them. There are a lot of people who don’t have anything who would be thankful.

Nik Lopez-Villa, 9thI am thankful for my family and broth-ers because without them, everything would be hard and I would maybe not be where I am without them. They helped me through a lot in my life.

as holiday approaches

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news 10Nov. 15, 2013

By Monique OrtizSophomore Sterling Lee

is sentinel of the district FFA chapter. He has been in FFA for three years and said he enjoys the opportunity it gives him to lead a group bigger than himself. Lee became the district officer by going to a district meeting, registering for it, and then giving a speech.

In district FFA meetings officers meet before the meeting and decide what the agenda is. Then the other members arrive and the officers give them the agenda. After the agendas are passed out, they conduct the meeting using parliamentary procedures.

Lee’s job is to vote and use the parliamentary

Two FFA teams will advance to the area contest next week after placing at the district leadership competition Nov. 5 at West-ern Texas College.

The area round will be held Nov. 23 at Howard College in Big Spring.

The ag issues team, made up of Sterling Lee, Sierra Garcia, Ashlee Maxfield and Elisa Alcala won first at district.

The ag advocacy team of Alcala, Maxfield, Claire Hamlett and Lee will also compete at area after placing second at district.

Other teams placing at district were the greenhand FFA quiz team, which placed seventh. Team members

were Paige Pollard, Jacob Lehrer and Corbin Shaw.

Competing in the job interview category were Tracer Jones, who placed ninth, and Shadye Millican, who was 10th.

The senior skills demon-stration team of Morgan Scott, Hannah Smith, Taylor Head and Brooke Hamilton placed fourth at district.

The broadcasting team of Pollard, Colby Diggs and Malory Hunter placed fifth.

The other broadcasting team of Shyann Porter, Tahnee Summers and Lauren Dennis placed 11th.

Competing in the senior FFA creed speaking event were Whitney Helms, third, Sierra Luera, fourth and Keely Bartels, 10th.

Placing third for the senior FFA quiz team were Sydney Hamlett, Chelsea Lambaren, Tahnee Summers and Daniela Miranda.

Also competing in the senior FFA quiz team event were Clancey Gruben, Dylan Kirby, Kodi Maxfield and Dennis. They placed fourth.

procedure, and keep control of the meeting.

He said his favorite part about being a district officer is “being able to be involved in more affairs.”

Other schools in the district are Colorado City, Sweetwater, Hermleigh, Westbrook, Blackwell, Borden County and Ira.

Sophomore serves as district FFA officer

Sterling Lee stands with other district FFA officers. Mason Madox, Area II vice president; Brock Barbee, secretary; Stephen May, vice president; Caroline Brennan, president; Garrett McGinnis, student ad-viser; and, Savannah Juarez, reporter. Not pictured, Zach McMeans, treasurer. Contributed Photo

Ag issues and ag advocacy

Two teamsto advanceto areanext week

feature 11

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Nov. 15, 2013By Gabrielle Munoz

The school district has begun the LEADS (Learning Excellence for Academically Developing Students) program for students who may be having difficulty in school. The goal of the LEADS program is to create a stimulating and engaging classroom environment for all students in order to achieve learning excellence.

Rachael McClain is the at-risk coordinator for the district. An at-risk student is someone who is at risk of not graduating because of any trouble (grades, scores, attendance, etc.). She said as a “graduation coach,” her job is to provide the support

to help a student graduate support can be in many forms.

“Several issues can make a student academically fragile or cause a student to fall behind in school. Any student who is struggling should ask for help. Not all students who struggle in school have biologically-based learning disabilities. There are many reasons why a student may be having difficulties in school. If education isn’t a student’s top priority, that student should let someone know. No job or extracurricular activity should be put before education and if it is, a student should let a caring and trusting adult know,”

McClain said.Teachers should watch for

attendance, behavior, grades, tests or personal issues troubling a student when recognizing a developing at-risk student. Students of all levels of intelligence can struggle, become unengaged in school, or have discipline issues, McClain said. The LEADS program operates on the belief that with the proper intervention and support, students who struggle can become successful.

One example of how teachers can watch for struggling students is the use of benchmark tests. Benchmark tests are

essential when identifying students who may struggle to understand classmates or pass any of the required EOC’s for graduation. The tests are not just designed to make things harder on

the student. Teachers use benchmark data to change how their classes are taught in order to help the student learn the material and then be successful in the class and on EOC test, she said.

What to do if you need help

Talk to your teacher and ask for additional help. Tutoring sessions during lunch, after-school tutoring and peer tutoring are all great options to help you have a better understanding of class material.

Tell a caring adult if you need help in any area in your life. There are lots of resources to help in lots of ways… you just need to let someone know if you have an area in your life that is harming your success.

Get involved with the ACE Study Until You Pass Party! The SUPP gives you skills and resources to not only be a better student, but one-on-one time with a teacher who can help you be a success in school.

Take the STAAR test seriously! During testing times, get plenty of rest, eat well-balanced meals, and stay focused during the test. If you have test anxiety, research test-taking tips to reduce anxiety.

If you see your grades slipping, act before you are failing. Talk with your teacher to find out what you can do to raise your grade.

Program assists students who have difficulty in school

Want to be a successful person in the future?

Make a plan. What do you want to be in life? What will you need to do to be able to have the future career, family, house, car, etc. that you want?

Do some research. Find out what level of education you need to be whatever you want to be! Figure out what you enjoy doing and look for careers that match your hobbies. If you like to play video games, find out what skills are needed to be a game designer. If you like talking to your friends, find out what skills it would take to be a psychologist!

Set goals. Rather than set a huge goal to be achieved five or 10 years from now, set short-term goals like “passing all my classes this semester.”

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sports 12Nov. 15, 2013

Yulissa Rios, front, competes at the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Oct. 2. She finished 81st out of 160 runners with a time of 13:37. Photo By Abigail Rodarte

Cassidy Rawls putts during practice. The girls’ golf team doesn’t compete again until Jan. 31. Photo by Flo Marquez

By Kalen CowleyOn the Oct. 2, Yulissa

Rios participated in regionals for cross country in Lubbock.

She placed 81st out of approximately 160 runners with a time of 13:37.

“I was pleased and was very proud of the kids sticking with it. Running takes a great amount of determination and inner drive and Yulissa is a great example of when you have both, good things happen. I feel like with time and participation we can become more competitive,” Coach Shannon Fisher said.

By Elijah LayTaylor Kiker

The JV boys’ next tournament will be in Odessa on Nov. 21. The varsity boys’ golf team will play at Horse Shoe Bay Dec. 6-7.

The JV boys’ golf team played at Midland on Oct. 29.

“Our scores were higher than I thought they should have been. We finished in ninth place,” Coach Ricky

Hunter said.“We are focusing on

learning to hit new shots. Sometimes the wedge is not a good choice around the green.” Hunter said.

The girls’ golf team will be in off-season until January.

“We have made a few swing changes with hopes that their scores will get better. We have also been doing lots of short game drills,” Hunter said.

Rios finishesin top halfat regionalin Lubbock

Kyle Shrum hits a drive out on the range. The JV boys play in Odessa Nov. 21. Photo by Lucero De Paz

JV golfers competeat Odessa next week

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sports 13Nov. 15, 2013

SNYDER DAILY NEWS

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Tigers Better

www.snyderdailynews.com

D’Vincent Allison (#28) works his way around Greenwood defenders in last week’s last district game, as (#52) Andrew Porter, (#64) Aaron Steelman and (#78) Clancey Gruben block for him. The Tigers will play Clint tonight at Kermit for the bi-district title. Photo by Brooke Hamilton

By Alanna Hurt,Gabrielle Munoz

The varsity football team will play Clint tonight at Kermit for the bi-district title.

“Clint is a power-running team with a big, strong defense. We don’t need a miraculous effort this week. We just need to go out and execute just like we would any other game,” Coach Aubrey Sims said.

The Tigers defeated Midland Greenwood last week, 56-13.

By David RiosThe JV football team

ended its season with a 4-5 record.

The team had several obstacles this year, such as injuries and many players being moved up to varsity, but according to Coach Rick Weaver, “not one player gave up.”

Some of the strengths of the team this year were their attitudes. “Each week I thought our team came to practices and games with the attitude that they were going to get better and we had the attitude on Thursday night that we were going to win each game, no matter who was on the other sideline,” Weaver said.

The weakness was the depth of the team. The JV team had 19-21 players each

week while the opposing teams generally played had 30-40 players.

“We had several kids who had to step up when we lost kids to injury or to the varsity,” Weaver said.

Colby Anderson led the team in tackles. After the first district game, he was moved to varsity.

“Daniel Drake and Brendan Garza played great at linebacker in Anderson’s absence,” Weaver said. “We had big games from Josh Flores, Brandon Sands and Ben Sands.”

According to Weaver, Ben Barrera and Logan Tate carried a big load for the offense, Paul Mata and Milo Fajardo were solid at defensive ends, and the offensive line (composed of Bridger Cowley, Francisco

By Anna Charlotte LaversThe freshman football

team ended the season with a 6-4 record. They finished their season last Thursday with a 38-16 win over Midland Greenwood.

Coach Jacob Marowitz summarized the season by saying, “A good year that saw lots of improvement

with guys moving around playing whatever position we needed in order to make the team successful.

“Tough defense and big plays on offense,” he said were some of the strengths of the team.

“Too many penalties and mental mistakes,” he said were some of the weaknesses.

About the season Marowitz said, “They improved each week by committing fewer mental mistakes each game. The

Esparza, Garret Townsend, Brennon Brunson, Ryan Martinez, and Lex Aguirre) showed improvement each week.

According to Weaver, beating Big Spring was a big district win for the team. He also said he was proud of the character that the team showed in the second half of the Monahan’s game, despite their coming up short.

“Next year I expect to have more depth on the JV,” Weaver said, “We have a good freshman group that will mix well with kids that will stay on JV next year.” He said he expects all of them to work hard this off-season and contribute to a successful 2014 season.

“Greenwood was a team with nothing to lose. That made them dangerous. Our strategy was to do whatever we needed to do to get an early lead to break their spirits. Our defense came up with eight turnovers,” he said.

The team finished fourth in district. “I am very pleased at how much better we have gotten throughout the season. We are playing our best football right now,” Sims said.

guys worked very hard in practice and continued to get better. We are very proud of their efforts on the field and in the classroom.”

JV players ‘never give up,’ coach says

Freshmen end season with 6-4 record

Bi-district title on the line tonightVarsity football tackles Clint

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sports

By Elijah Lay“The girls have improved

with each game during the season,” Coach Mark Hynson said about the freshmen volleyball team.

“We’ve had good hitters and servers,” Hyson said. “So it was our serves and hits that kept us in the games. Our weakness was our defense, as we let too many balls hit the floor.”

The greatest win of the team was against

Shallowater, who had beaten them twice before Snyder won.

“Winning the Sweetwater freshman tournament and placing second in the Denver City tournament have been our main highlights of the season,” Coach Hynson said.

The team has improved through hard work, passing the ball better, and moving quicker on the floor, he said.

Freshmen improve throughout season

Volleyball teamnever gives up, Williams saidBy Kirsti Pierce

The varsity volleyball team wrapped up its season Oct. 30 against Sweetwater.

Coach Kristen Williams said the strengths of the team against Sweetwater were “never giving up! They fought to the end!”

Overall, Williams said, “The girls worked hard and got two district wins with 12 total wins! They are a young team and have a lot of potential.”

Williams is “proud of all the volleyball athletes, and a way for them to progress further will be to play more!”

By Virginia VelazquezThe JV volleyball

season record was 13-12.

“We had more W’s (wins) than L’s (losses) which is good, but we should have had about 5 or 6 more wins,” Coach Bob Campbell said.

For next year, Coach Campbell said, “It will depend on the players and the skills they have. We are going to have to hit more, and work on our passes.”

By Abby Campbell,Gabrielle Munoz

The varsity girls’ basketball team will play Denver City here Nov. 19.

Beginning of season Coach Shannon Fisher said, “We have good team speed and depth which will allow us to run the floor and keep the game at an up-tempo pace.”

“We are going to have to execute our offense better and play more aggressive on defense. We are just working to get a little better each day on our responsibilities,” Fisher said about the team’s weaknesses.

In practice the coach said the team “needs to work on increasing our knowledge of the game and take ownership of our team and

responsibilities. We need to do a better job of taking care of the ball and focusing in on the little things.”

The Ladies played Seminole Tuesday. Prior to the game Fisher said, “This game will give us a good point at which we are at this early in the season and allow us to work on issues of importance.”

Players and their position are Lindzi Clemmer, guard; Danielle Lambaren, post; Chelsea Lambaren, post; Bailey Garcia, guard; Estefany Olivarez, guard; Kelsi Pierce, guard; Michelle Martinez, guard; Priscilla Guzman, guard; Lisa Maldonado, guard; Miccah Wesley, post; Alexis Proulx, post; Dee Carrizales, post.

Gir ls ’ varsi ty basketbal l works to get better, Fisher said

Lindsey Clemmer goes in for a lay-up Tuesday against Seminole. Photo by Gabrielle Munoz

JV volleyballends season

By Alina Hernandez,Reyna Marquez

The JV girls’ basketball team defeated Odessa High, 64-28 Nov. 9.

“The strengths of the team are quickness and size. However, inexperience is a weakness,” Birks said.

The girls and their positions are Alex Rodriguez, wing; Chloee James, wing; Shadye Millican, point guard; Paige

Pollard, wing and point; Allegra Escobedo, wing; Jashea Flores, wing; Claudia Gutierrez, post; Rebecca Gunset, wing; Daniela Miranda, wing; Shannon Hunter, post; Lawren Braziel, post; Kirsti Pierce, post; Jakiya Davis, post; and Alex Braziel, post.

They began tournament play at Roosevelt yesterday and will continue today.

JV start season with win

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sports 15Nov. 15, 2013

Hunter McCarter dribbles around Amos Flores at basketball prac-tice.

Kaiden Johnson goes up for the rebound at basketball practice.

Chloee James goes for a shot at basketball practice.

Lindsey Clemmer, Rebecca Gunset, Chloee James and Danielle Lam-beren run a play during practice.

B a s k e t b a l l t e a m s h i t t h e c o u r t s

Chloee James stays with Michelle Martinez as Rebecca Gunset runs ahead of them.

Cameron Archuleta looks for someone to throw the ball in to.

photo gallery 16Nov. 15, 2013Red Ribbon Week features var ious days

Pictured on Red Day are Brienna Chavez, Hannah Smith, Delyla Perez and Chelsea Lambaren. Photo by Flo Mar-quez

Pictured on Friend Day are Nathan von Roeder, Shiv Bhakta, Justin Clifton, Sierra Garcia, and Madison Shaw.

Pictured on Hat Day are, back row, Tessa Holladay, Hillorie Earnest, Ri-ley Arnold, Clancey Gruben, Dylan Kirby, and Jacob Gonzales. Front row are Kristen Kruger, Roselia Jaimes and Brooke Hamilton. Photo by Kallie Hernandez

Pictured on Red Day are Mrs. Diane Arnold, Kelby Greene, Brooke Hamilton, Kelby Roemisch, Alina Hernandez and Flo Marquez. Photo by Luz Valadez

Dressed up for Hero Day are Al-lana Hurt and Matthew Pruitt Photo by Abby Campbell

Pictured on Hat Day are Ben Sands, Matt Lane, Tanner McKin-ley , Kelby Greene and Shane Ruiz. Photo by Kallie Hernandez

Pictured on Super Hero Day are Anna Charlotte Lavers, Paige Pollad, Abby Campbell and Taylor Head. Photo by Kelby Greene

Pictured on Friend Day are Taide Baeza and Sydney Grimes.