The Panther’s Paw November 18, 2010 Volume 65, Issue 3 Spring Hill High School Celebrating 65 Years of Journalism Excellence What’s Inside... news - page 2 feature - page 3 opinion - page 4 sports- page 5 sports - page 6 Today’s weather November 18, 2010 Sunny Hi: 62° Low: 37° Band prepares for concert season , Christmas concert PTA garage sale raises thousands of dollars UIL academic teams dominate first meet Students collect more than 10,000 cans for drive Band recently won first in the NAMMB compeon Nov. 6. An astonishing accomplishment for the band because they haven’t won NAMMB in four years. Concert contest takes place a month earlier this year so the band had a quick turn around to prepare for concert season. They are currently working on Christmas concert music, while preparing for concert contest as well as solo and ensemble contest. by Annelies Beasley by Randell Collier by Annelies Beasley page 3 Saturday, Nov. 13 PTA sponsored a garage sale in Spring Hill parking lot where all the money raised went to Will Carter and Makayla Thrasher. The Spring Hill Leaders Core helped worked the event that ran from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event turned out great with an esmated 7,800 dollars earned. The Spring Hill UIL Team went to an invitaonal at White House High School Saturday Nov. 13. Spring Hill’s debate, accounng, spelling, social studies and current issues all parcipated. All teams did well winning many first place medals for Spring Hill. Math and science dominated winning first place team in Number Sense, Calculator and third place in general math. Accounng placed first team and got the top three places individually with Michelle Thomson, Wilson Turner and Savannah Thrasher-Quirk placing first, second and third individually. Social studies got second place team with James Cerio placing sixth and current issues got third team with Dylan Droege placing seventh. Earlier in the semester Dee Ann Coker’s Personal Human Services classes decided to provide seven children with Christmas gifts. This was part of their goal setting unit. “These children are adopted by our school organizations every year and we enjoy providing Christmas gifts for kids in need,” Coker said. Counselors ask each year which organizations want to participate and this year PHS classes, band and StuCo are raising money to go towards the children’s Christmas gifts. PHS raised money by making chicken spaghetti to sell to Spring Hill’s student body during lunch. “It is a lot of work, but it’s a great way to raise money and it relates to what I teach. It lets us practice what we’re supposed to learn in our foods classes while still helping out our school,” Coker. Earlier in the year Coker and her classes took orders and offered meals to teachers during lunches. This time it’s different because all Spring Hill students can participate. “Everybody’s got to have lunch anyway,” Mrs. Coker said. There were 120 tickets available and the meal will be served today during all lunches. PHS classes cook for a cause by Brenna Boudreaux Brittney Crane, Jeana Zachary and Brittany Dassonville gather their ingredients to make chicken spaghetti. The dish was prepared to sell in order to earn money for the PHS classes’ to provide Christmas gifts for seven children. Annelies Beasley photo On Tuesday, senior Shannon Sanders signed her letter of intent for a full ride basketball scholarship to Charleston Southern University in South Carolina. “I’ve always wanted to play basketball since I picked one up when I was little,” Shannon explained. When choosing whether or not to sign with the CSU Buccaneers, Shannon had to evaluate the program stability, how prestitigious the school is, and how close it is to home. “I like the coaches and the way the players play a lot,” said Sanders. Sanders’ signing comes at no surprise to her coach, Bobby Rush, who has nothing but praise for his star player. “Shannon does a great job leading the team and she makes the program better,” Rush said. Sanders has been a member of the varsity team since her freshman year. “It is a big accomplishment for her, but it also says something about the girls she plays with.” Rush said. Both of her parents are extremely proud of her hard work and dedication to the game. They are excited for her to continue in college, though obviously it will be difficult seeing their daughter leave home. “Honestly, I want her to get a good education and to succeed in her lifelong dream of basketball,” Sanders mother said. Sanders signs letter of intent with Charleston Southern University by Rachel Riestenberg & Mackenna Greathouse Sanders is joining the CSU Buccaneers under the direction of head coach Julie Goodenough. Coach Ratcliff represented CSU at the signing. “It’s exciting for her, a new era in her life,” Coach Rush said. Sanders began her final season as a Lady Panther Thursday night Nov. 16 th . She hopes to have an outstanding year and lead the Panthers to another great season. “This lessens the pressure of the season; I won’t have to worry about other college scouts watching.” Sanders said. CSU is a Division I school and is a part of the Big South Conference. Sanders said she thinks a few of the differences between high school and college basketball will be that college basketball will be a lot quicker, more practice and more chemistry. Thanksgiving thoughts page 4 Students raise money to adopt family for Christmas Shannon Sanders signs her letter of intent to Charleston Southern University in the library beside her parents, and Coach Ratcliff. Sanders signed for a full ride to play basketball. Stephanie Harper photo Spring Hill has collected more than 10,000 cans in the canned food drive so far. Many classes are stepping up and bringing cans to help needy families for Thanksgiving with incen- ves like extra points for tests and daily grades. Nancy Green’s English class is in the lead collecng around 1800 cans with other teachers not too far be- hind. Green’s class has averaged about 182 cans per student, an astonishing accomplishment for the classes. Third period classes that are close in the runnings against her are Mrs. Kincy’s, Mrs. Redman’s , Coach Barker’s and Mrs. Jones. Because of the amount of classes who are parci- pang Mrs. Whington has decided to extend the movie party to four win- ning classes. Cans are sll coming in, with a projected 11,000 cans colected at the end of the drive. YBA students will be delivering cans to Maude Cobb on Friday. by Annelies Beasley
Transcript
The Panther’s PawNovember 18, 2010 Volume 65, Issue 3Spring Hill High School
Band prepares for concert season , Christmas concert
PTA garage sale raises thousands of dollars
UIL academic teams dominate first meet
Students collect more than 10,000 cans for drive
BandrecentlywonfirstintheNAMMBcompetitionNov.6.Anastonishing accomplishment for the band because they haven’t won NAMMBinfouryears.Concertcontesttakes place a month earlier this year so the band had a quick turn around toprepareforconcertseason.TheyarecurrentlyworkingonChristmasconcert music, while preparing for concert contest as well as solo and ensemblecontest.
by Annelies Beasley
by Randell Collier
by Annelies Beasley
page 3
Saturday,Nov.13PTAsponsoreda garage sale in Spring Hill parking lot where all the money raised went toWillCarterandMakaylaThrasher.TheSpringHillLeadersCorehelpedworked the event that ran from 7 a.m.-4p.m.Theeventturnedoutgreatwithanestimated7,800dollarsearned.
The Spring Hill UIL Team went to aninvitationalatWhiteHouseHighSchoolSaturdayNov.13.SpringHill’sdebate,accounting,spelling, social studies and current issuesallparticipated.AllteamsdidwellwinningmanyfirstplacemedalsforSpringHill. Math and science dominated winningfirstplaceteaminNumberSense,Calculatorandthirdplaceingeneralmath.Accountingplacedfirstteamandgot the top three places individually with Michelle Thomson, Wilson Turner and Savannah Thrasher-Quirk placing first,secondandthirdindividually. Social studies got second place teamwithJamesCerioplacingsixthand current issues got third team with DylanDroegeplacingseventh.
Earlier in the semester Dee Ann Coker’s Personal Human Services classes decided to provide seven children with Christmas gifts. This was part of their goal setting unit.
“These children are adopted by our school organizations every year and we enjoy providing Christmas gifts for kids in need,” Coker said.
Counselors ask each year which organizations want to participate and this year PHS classes, band and StuCo are raising money to go towards the children’s Christmas gifts.
PHS raised money by making chicken spaghetti to sell to Spring Hill’s student body during lunch.
“It is a lot of work, but it’s a great way to raise money and it relates to what I teach. It lets us practice what we’re supposed to learn in our foods classes while still helping out our school,” Coker.
Earlier in the year Coker and her classes took orders and offered meals to teachers during lunches. This time it’s different because all Spring Hill students can participate.
“Everybody’s got to have lunch anyway,” Mrs. Coker said.
There were 120 tickets available and the meal will be served today during all lunches.
PHS classes cook for a causeby Brenna Boudreaux
Brittney Crane, Jeana Zachary and Brittany Dassonville gather their ingredients to make chicken spaghetti. The dish was prepared to sell in order to earn money for the PHS classes’ to provide Christmas gifts for seven children. Annelies Beasley photo
On Tuesday, senior Shannon Sanders signed her letter of intent for a full ride basketball scholarship to Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.
“I’ve always wanted to play basketball since I picked one up when I was little,” Shannon explained.
When choosing whether or not to sign with the CSU Buccaneers, Shannon had to evaluate the program stability, how prestitigious the school is, and how close it is to home.
“I like the coaches and the way the players play a lot,” said Sanders.
Sanders’ signing comes at no surprise to her coach, Bobby Rush, who has nothing
but praise for his star player.“Shannon does a great job leading the
team and she makes the program better,” Rush said.
Sanders has been a member of the varsity team since her freshman year.
“It is a big accomplishment for her, but it also says something about the girls she plays with.” Rush said.
Both of her parents are extremely proud of her hard work and dedication to the game. They are excited for her to continue in college, though obviously it will be difficult seeing their daughter leave home.
“Honestly, I want her to get a good education and to succeed in her lifelong dream of basketball,” Sanders mother said.
Sanders signs letter of intent with Charleston Southern University
by Rachel Riestenberg & Mackenna Greathouse
Sanders is joining the CSU Buccaneers under the direction of head coach Julie Goodenough. Coach Ratcliff represented CSU at the signing.
“It’s exciting for her, a new era in her life,” Coach Rush said.
Sanders began her final season as a Lady Panther Thursday night Nov. 16th. She hopes to have an outstanding year and lead the Panthers to another great season.
“This lessens the pressure of the season; I won’t have to worry about other college scouts watching.” Sanders said.
CSU is a Division I school and is a part of the Big South Conference. Sanders said she thinks a few of the differences between high school and college basketball will be that college basketball will be a lot quicker, more practice and more chemistry.
Thanksgiving thoughtspage 4
Students raise money to adopt family for Christmas
Shannon Sanders signs her letter of intent to Charleston Southern University in the library beside her parents, and Coach Ratcliff. Sanders signed for a full ride to play basketball. Stephanie Harper photo
Spring Hill has collected more than 10,000 cans in the canned food drivesofar.Manyclassesaresteppingup and bringing cans to help needy families for Thanksgiving with incen-tiveslikeextrapointsfortestsanddailygrades. Nancy Green’s English class is in theleadcollectingaround1800canswith other teachers not too far be-hind.Green’sclasshasaveragedabout182 cans per student, an astonishing accomplishmentfortheclasses. Third period classes that are close in the runnings against her are Mrs.Kincy’s,Mrs.Redman’s,CoachBarker’sandMrs.Jones.Becauseoftheamountofclasseswhoarepartici-patingMrs.Whittingtonhasdecidedtoextendthemoviepartytofourwin-ningclasses.Cansarestillcomingin,with a projected 11,000 cans colected attheendofthedrive.YBAstudentswillbedeliveringcanstoMaudeCobbonFriday.
by Annelies Beasley
2 Thursday, November 18, 2010 News
22-26November/December
Calendar
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4
11
68
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15-17
Thanksgiving Break
UIL Math/Science Invitational
Choir Christmas Program
Junior High Band Concert
Senior Citizen Program
High School Band Christmas Concert
High School Band All-Region
16-17Semester Exams
Early Release Starts
More than 1000 high school foreign exchange students live with host families across the United States every year. Spring Hill has only one foreign exchange student this year, but our school also has three new foreign students.
This year’s newest foreign exchange student, Jiwan “Kay” Kim, has entered into the program from South Korea to come to Longview, Texas at the beginning of this school year.
“My parents are a big influence on me, and I like it here, but I miss them,” said Kim.
Kim is currently living with the Thrasher family; the Thrashers have housed foreign exchange students for 26 years now. They house about 2 or 3 a year and each student stays for around 6 months depending on the time of year. Cole Brazil, the Thrashers son, went to a camp in Korea over the summer to teach Korean students about American culture and how to speak English. Cole’s grandmother is the head of organizing where the foreign students are to live and which host family they are to live with so Cole’s family is really involved in the foreign exchange program.
“It really isn’t new to me, my family has been doing this since I was born,” Cole said. “I met Kay during the summer I was in Korea. I have become really good friends with all of the foreign exchange students that come to live with us.”
Schools in Korea differ dramatically from schools in the United States. Time, classes take place, dress code, and co-ed verses non co-ed are all things that are different in other countries.
“We have to wear uniforms in my school in Korea and we aren’t allowed to wear makeup or fix our hair,” said Kim.
In Korea, schools last from 8:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night. After every class there is a ten minute break, and the students receive an hour for lunch. The schools grade levels are different as well, “At this school I am in 11th grade, but 11th
grade in America is considered 2nd grade for us,” said Kim.
In the Korean culture you must greet your elders ritually and show them more respect than the amount that is required here.
“It is a lot easier to communicate with my teachers, and I am not as stressed out as I would be in Korea. Although I love it here, Korea is still my home and I will always be more comfortable there,” said Kim.
The school also has three other students from foreign countries: Ramtin Escandani, Pedro Martinez Berrio, and Christopher Yang. Ramtin moved here with his family from Iran, they moved for a better life and for him to have a better education.
“My family and I are planning on staying here permanently, we all like
Spring Hill welcomes foreign exchange student, three international students
by Brenna Boudreaux & Meagan Snow
Korea, he’s moved down here to live with his Aunt. His parents wanted him to move down with his aunt since it was hard to get a job in South Korea.
“I came here to experience the difference between South Korea and America. I really like it here, but I miss the food in Korea,” said Chris.
One of the things that all four students have in common is their longing for certain things from their home countries. Although the students are having an intense amount of fun discovering American culture and learning more about our country they also miss their countries and their homes a lot too. It is important for us as a student body to be respectful of their culture and learn more about their county as they learn about ours. These students may be from a different country, but we are all Spring Hill students inside and out.
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway”.
-John Wayne
Thank you to the following teachers for letting me come visit their class
this month: high school teachers Coach Comfort, Mr. Peurify, Ms. Coker, Mr. Dunn, and two junior high teaacher:
Coach Furlow and Mrs. White.
Shopping/Personal Safety TipsPanther Patrol
(a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by:
(1) a fine not to exceed $200;(2) confinement in county jail for not more than
30 days; or(3) both the fine and the confinement.(c) Notwithstanding Section 542.001, this section
applies to:(1) a private access way or parking area provided
for a client or patron by a business, other than a private residential property or the property of a garage or parking lot for which a charge is made for the storing or parking of motor vehicles; and
(2) a highway or other public place.(d) Notwithstanding Section 542.004, this section
applies to a person, a team, or motor vehicles and other equipment engaged in work on a highway surface.
If you find yourself in a crowded • store or being hurried during checking out, be sure you get all of your forms of ID and credit cards returned to you before leaving the store.
Be extremely careful when using • an ATM machine.
Lock all packages in your trunk. • Do not leave bags visible in your care for others to see.
Don’t overload yourself with • packages while shopping.
Be aware of your surroundings • and the people around you at all times.
Before arriving to your car check • underneath it for someone hiding. This is a common place for criminals to hide and wait on you to return to your car.
Check the interior of your car • before entering it.
When returning to your car, • have your keys in your hands and ready to enter the vehicle as quickly as possible.
Paul Fitch and Macy Bingham demon-strate their product in a commercial in front of fellow students. Bingham was the “Tooth Fairy,” the created product of the fifth period class. Stephanie Harper photo
by Randell Collier
The Business Info and Management classes recently did an advertising project to go along with their marketing plans. Each class chose a product that was thought up by the students. The class was split into multiple groups. Each group had to create a 30 second commercial to represent the product.
After creating and rehersing the commercials the BIM classes rehearsed them in front of different classes.
“Our product was the toothfairy. It was a mechanical arm that brushed your team for you. It was fun because I got to speak infront of an audience,” sophomore Austin Graff said.
This project lets students apply what they were learning to an actual project.
“With my class, the kids usually don’t get the opportunity to do “outside of the class” learning, so I felt that this was a great opportunity for that. I felt like they were able to learn more about marketing by actually having to market a product and
BIM students present commercials to classeshaving to persuade others to by the product as well,” BIM teacher Katy Baskin said.
After the commercials were done, the classes that they performed in front of would give each group a grade.
“It was a fun and easy grade. I enjoyed going around to different classes to perform our commercial,” freshman Madison Haney said.
The classes’ final grade would be based on the average of the grades the students gave you, and on group evaluation that each member had to do.
it better here,” Ramtin said.
Pedro is from Venezuela which is in South America, making Pedro’s native language Spanish. Pedro’s family moved here permanently for his fathers work. Pedro’s family moves around a lot, he has lived in Miami, and is planning on visiting Cancun for the summer.
“We will only go back for certain occasions, the rest of our family is from Venezuela,” said Pedro. “It is more relaxing here, but I miss my old friends.”
Christopher Yang is from South
Jiwan Kay Kim, Ramtin Escandani, Pedro Martinez and Christopher Yang Stand-ing in front of high school. All four foreign students get together to take group picture. Staff photo
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19November/DecemberEntertainment Calendar
30
2224
43
14
710
Coming to Theaters:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Part 1
CD releases: Danger Days: The True Lives Of The
Fabulous Killjoys – My Chemical Romance
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West
Cannibal – Ke$ha
Theater Arrivals:Faster
CD releases:
Only One Flo (Part 1) – Flo RidaThe Beginning – Black Eyed Peas
Theater Releases:I Love You Phillip
Morris
DVD releases: The Twilight Saga:
Eclipse
CD releases:Wonders of the Younger – Plain White
T’sDVD releases:
Inception Shrek Forever After
Theater Arrivals:The Tourist
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
DVD releases:The A-Team
Despicable Me
1. What are non wizards and witches called?
___________________________
2. Who’s Hogwarts grounds keeper?
___________________________
3. What is Wormtail’s real name?
___________________________
4. What station platform takes you to Hogwarts?
___________________________
5. Who gave Harry the invisible cloak?
___________________________
6. How many points do you earn if you catch the golden snitch?
___________________________
7. What is the name of Hermione’s cat?
___________________________
8. Who is the Gryffindor ghost?
___________________________
9. What map does Harry use to get around Hogwarts?
___________________________
10. What is the name of he Voldemort’s snake?
___________________________
,,,,Expelliarmus! End of story.-freshman Rachel Knowles
,,,,Harry Potter is epic. The last movie was my
favorite, but I have a feeling this new one will blow it out of the water. I’m pretty excited, no lie.
–junior Brooke Davis
The Daily ProphetSpecial Edition: November 19, 2010
The beginning of the end arrives at midnight
A s a child our mind wraps around imaginary worlds,
consuming us into another dimension no adult could ever comprehend. Yet one creation known as magic, works its way to the top of every person’s imagination, their eyes see beyond the human world into a more complex universe known as the Wizarding world.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series. The seven stories have taught us things in many different ways we never would have known. They allow readers go beyond the human nature and into another where we can be a kid once again.
Rowling’s series follows the life of a young boy, who lost his parents at the age of one to the most feared dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort. Harry faces the hardships throughout his life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but with the help of his trustworthy friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley he sets out to defeat the one man who killed his parents and others dear to him.
Rowling came to her last book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, it will be featured tonight at midnight and showing
From t-shirts and blankets to
holiday ornaments and even corny Youtube
videos, Harry Potter has gone global. With 325 million book copies sold, the series has become a worldwide phenomenon. So how has a mere book series become so popular? Here are some reasons.
Readers and viewers love the compelling storyline and characters that Rowling creates. With the perfect balance of action, romance
and comic relief Rowling is able to tell a story that appeals to all genders and age groups. In the 10 years since the first book was published, the series has sold a whopping 121.5 million copies in the United States.
The making and releasing of the movies has done nothing but intensified the excitement. With stunning visual effects, the movies allow the books to come to life for the viewers. The much anticipated release of the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, brought
Harry Potter: the Man, the Myth, the Legend
Harry Potter Trivia
**The first person to answer the questions correctly to Ms. Coker wins a $10 gift card to Sonic.
Harry Potter HearsayNovember 19th will be better than the day I
have my first child. – senior Nathan Griffin
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November 19th is the day every Harry Potter fan looks forward to, it’s the showdown between Good (Harry) and Evil (he who must not be named). – sophomore Kendon Womack
I’ve been waiting for this movie so long I can now produce a patronus which is a four-toed sloth. – junior Andrew Miller
I’ve been practicing my spells for months, I think I’m ready.–senior Savannah Faulkner
by Trevor Caldarera in $317,557,891 in the United States, claiming the 26th spot of all time for earnings.
Above all other things the characters’ use of magic is what lures fans in. In all honesty, who doesn’t secretly want magic powers? Since there is no way for us to obtain these abilities it’s fun to watch others cast spells, teleport and fly.
Love it or hate it, Harry Potter is an international sensation and will only grow with the last two movie releases.
by Brenna Boudreaux
regular times starting on Friday. The Deathly Hollows follows Harry, Herminie and Ron in their seventh year in Hogwarts. The three will be battling for their lives as they sneak past Voldemorts followers, while trying to destroy the Horcruxes in order to destroy Voldemort. While Harry and his friends battle the Dark Lord, the students back at Hogwarts are secretly building Dumbledore’s Army. Dumbledore’s Army raids the school grounds of Hogwarts in an attempt to show their support for Harry.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling. Since Deathly Hollows will be the last and final movie to the Harry Potter series, the directors and producers have decided to cut the movie into two parts, the second part will be shown on July 15, 2011. Daniel Radcliffe plays the
main character Harry Potter, and his two best friends are played by Emma Watson, Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint, Ron Weasley. Rowling has placed two Epigraphs for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, revealing where all of the characters are now and what they are doing. The Deathly Hollows was filmed in February 2009 to June 12, 2010.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows may be the last book of J.K Rowlings series, but it is not the end of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. Rowlings stories will live on forever if we keep reading the memorable books, and watching the epic movies. The Harry Potter seires may have been our childhood, but we can allow it to be the next generations as well. The stories will always keep our imagination alive in the back of our heads for as long as we live.
Harry Potter fans show of their tickets to the midnight show-ing of The Deathly Hollows tonight. Many students bought their tickets for the movie days in advance.
4 Thursday, November 18, 2010 Opinions
Favorite Thanksgiving Foods
“For the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ll probably work all week at my wonderful job at Newks. That’s all I
ever do. And maybe i’ll devour some Thanksgiving dinner.”
-Bailey Boudreaux
“I’m ready for Thanksgiving because it’s a time to give back to the community, which is why I go down to the playground, and play with the local children. No matter how much they don’t want me to!” -Dylan Droege
“I am thankful for Thanksgiving because it’s a day I can eat a lot and not feel bad about it.”-Brooks Hill
“I’m ready for Turkey Day because I’m ready for warm brown gravy on my big meat also known as turkey
and quality time with Jacob Canter.” -Landon White
“I’m ready for Thanksgiving because Taco Bell has a special that evening.”
-Ryan Sarran
“I’m ready for Thanksgiving because I can’t wait to see UT whip up on A&M. The turkey and dressing is nice too.” -Matthew Williams
The holidays are a very anticipated time of year. When I think of the holidays I think of the traditional
during this time of year that inspires us to be kind, to overcome barriers of prejudices and to see all people as they truly are. As the holidays approach, more and more people go out of their way to do nice things for others. Random acts of kindness appear to be at an all time high during the holidays as people are overwhelmed by the overall cheer of the holidays. I’m thankful for charity, for open mindedness and for the opportunity to live in the moment this holiday season, but what if this holiday mentality carried on throughout the year?
Kindness towards those who are less fortunate then us should be an all year
Thanksgiving spirit carries on throughout yearby Annelies Beasley
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, we can all find something to be thankful for. Whether it is family and friends or having a place to sleep at night, we all have many things to say thank you for. Thanksgiving is a better time than any to take stock of the things we do have and be thankful and appreciative of them.
One thing that comes to mind when being thankful is what we have at Spring Hill and the community we live in. With nice learning facilities, a committed staff and extra curricular activities that we can
choose to be a part of, there is no doubt that Spring Hill is a great place to live and go to school. Yet with homework, after school practices and waking up early, going to school can seem like more of a burden than a blessing. It seems like once the school year begins we get tired of school and take for granted how much it benefits and improves our lives.
It is safe to say we all have something to be thankful for this season. Be sure to thank teachers, school staff and the positive role models in your life.
The Panther’s PawNovember 18, 2010Volume 65, Issue 3
Spring Hill High School3101 Spring Hill RoadLongview, Texas 75605
Phone: 903.759.4404 www.springhill.esc7.net
AdviserLela Coker
AdministrationBobby Watkins, Principal
Terry Waldrep, Assistant Principal Wes Jones, Superintendent
Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Lela Coker or sent to [email protected]
things like spending time with family, decorating, road trips, great food, and cold weather. It seems that as the weather cools, benevolence swells. And that benevolence is what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Something sparks inside of us
affair. We should always take sentiment in precious moments with family and cherish time with those around us. We should continually show forgiveness toward others when they become forgetful. We should make a habit of giving to charitable organizations. And always make it a point to view people with open minds and kind hearts.
I think we should try to incorporate this mentality into our school. Soaking in the time we get to spend learning about schoolmates and teachers and taking advantage of the opportunities that we are given every day could be a quick way to turn around the mentality towards
our daily school lives. I say we enhance our daily lives with a friendly smile in the hallway, helping someone to grab dropped books, or lending someone a pencil. Little acts such as these will brighten up the monotonousness that the fall season provides. I think if we as a school make it a point to show a little more kindness towards each other then we would be closer to one another as a school district.
I jump at the chance for all of us, as students, leaders, and faculty members to come together in an attempt of unity. I think we can transform the lethargy into happiness this month and, in spirit, start our holidays off early.
Students look forward to Thanksgiving break
LetterstotheEditor
Dear Editor, You and your team have done a
wonderful job in the paper. I’m amazed by the effort that ya’ll put to make sure all events are included. Again, job well done, you should be quite proud of your accomplishments. – Joy S. Draper
Dear Editor,Good job volleyball players to making
it this far. The whole school is very proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the work Lady Panthers! – Colby Harper
Dear Editor,The roller coaster at the volleyball
games is probably one of the most legit things I have ever been in. Carl does a
great job leading the roller coaster, and the roller coaster is getting better and better each time. Also, our volleyball girls are dominant this year. Whether win or lose, they’ve had a great and successful season. Finally, good luck to the basketball team. Let’s get to state. – Colton Kincy
Dear Editor,I think this school year has been a very
successful year. The football team has made a huge difference from last year, the Band won NAMMB, and the volleyball team has also has a successful year. The PACK has done a good job about supporting each event. – Brenda Myrick
Dear Editor,The football guys worked very hard
this year. This is the first time I’ve seen the varsity boys try as hard as they did. They might not have won every game, but they still tried. – Lacy Springer
cartoon by Brooke Works
5Thursday, November 18, 2010Sports
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9-11
22Basketball vs. Sabine Starting at 5 p.m. Basketball vs. Mabank Starting at 6:15
Basketball @ MabankBaskteballall vs. Hallsville JHG Basket-
The ankle braces are back on, the shoe-laces lace up, and the gym floor is about to start squeaking again. The Panther basket-ball team is ready for a great season. They have been working hard all off season. “I’m really excited to play with some new guys this year. I can’t wait to see how the team operates with the chemistry of the players. Overall, I’m just really pumped to play the game I love, with players who share the same goals as I do,’’ junior Caleb Jones said. The team looks forward to making a spot in the playoffs this year. This year the district offers some new opponents for the team to face. Each game will be a chal-lenge. “I’m pumped because of the team chemistry we have,” Mitch Alm said. “That should help us in the long run.” The non-district schedule will help the team tremendously this year prepare for districts tough teams they will face. It will make the team more competitive and a lot harder to beat once district play rolls around. “I’m looking forward to this year, be-cause we play great together and the team chemistry is great. We also expect the Pack to be at the games,” Brandon Robbins said. The Panthers host their first game against The Sabine Cardinals Friday night at 7:30.
by Landry Lee
Basketball team anticipates new seasonNovember/December Sports Calendar
Sophomore Ben Hollas drives to the net in practice while senior Decameron Colbert guards him. The Panthers start the season Friday night against Sabine. Jacob Canter photo
1127 Judson Road, Suite 146Longview, Texas 75601
“Go Panthers!”
SHHS FALL EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY9th Grade: 0 absences = 3 exemptions 1-3 absences = 2 exemptions *Must have an 85 in each class for which an exemption is taken
10th Grade: 0 absences = 3 exemptions1-3 absences = 2 exemptions *Must have an 85 in each class for which an exemption is taken
11th Grade: 0 absences = 3 exemptions1-3 absences = 2 exemptions *Must have an 80 in each class for which an exemption is taken
12th Grade: 0 absences = 5 exemptions1-3 absences = 3 exemptions *Must have an 80 in each class for which an exemption is taken
Greater than 3 absences in • ANY period results in a loss of all exemptions3 Tardies = 1absence• Suspenion & ISS Assignments will result in the loss of all exemptions •
Perfect attendence is defined as zero absences in all classes.Doctor visits and school related absences do not count against the student.
The No. 13 ranked Lady Panthers started the season off strong with a 41-32 win over Mt. Pleasant Tuesday night.
“We started off slow but at the end of the game we really came alive,” senior Lizzie Autrey said.
Autrey finished the contest with nine points and two steals. Shannon Sanders, who recently signed a letter of intent with Charleston Southern University, had nine points and two steals as well and also added eight rebounds. Jessica Jackson led the way for the Lady Panthers scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds and two steals.
The coaching staff was content with the girls’ performance.
“Tuesday night was our first outing, and there are still a lot of kinks to work out. But it did show to be a very promising start for the Lady Panthers,” assistant head coach Katy Baskin said.
This was the first game for head coach Bobby Rush, who was pleased, but realized
there is still some room for improvement.“The girls exceed in speed and ball
handling, but still have a few things to work on like shooting and height,” Rush said.
Rush is optimistic and has high expectations for this year’s girls.
The team is continuing to work together with the new head coach to make this a great season for the Lady Panthers.
“Coach Rush is a good coach and I am looking forward to play for him,” Autrey said.
The Lady Panthers will host Mabank tomorrow night at 7:30.
Lady Panthers win season opener against Mount Pleasant 41-32
by Trevor Caldarera “My goals are to win district and advance to playoffs is Austin and hopefully be the next
state champs.”
~Head Coach Bobby Rush
Lizzie Autrey looks to inbound the ball. Last year the Lady Panthers had a record of 17-14. 2010 Panther Yearbook photo.
6 Thursday, November 18, 2010 SportsVolleyball team makes history
Lady Panthers compete in regional tournament for first time in 28 years
by Landry Lee
Sport Shorts
This holiday is so much more fun when you’re not on the menu.
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at
Thanksgiving Thanksgiving MenuMenu
Tofu Turkey Tofu Turkey Cornbread Cornbread
Stuffing Stuffing
Stringbean Stringbean
Casserole Casserole
Candied Yams Candied Yams
Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving Thoughts The Panther’s Paw
staff would like to
wish our Spring Hill
community a safe
and happy
Thanksgiving break!
The Panthers ended their season with an overall record of 4-6 and a district record of 1-4. They finished off the season against the Carthage Bulldogs. The Panthers played well, but were unable to pull out a victory in the end. “I had a great time with everyone on the team this year. Although the season didn’t turn out the way we wanted I think we did good and I’m sure the guys next year will be good too,” senior Logan Wallis said. The Panthers will go into off season working and preparing for next season.
Senior Avery Curtis jumps up to spike the ball. The Panthers end the season with an impressive record of 36-7. Brianne Jones photo
The JV Panther basketball team is amped up and ready to play this season. The team shows promise as they beat Marshall High School in their first scrimmage. The guys have been practicing hard and are ready for their first game against Sabine November 19.
“I think we will be a dominant force this year and will go undefeated,” sophomore Ben Brundrett said.
Last season the players that made up the JV team went undefeated in district and lost only one game the whole season. They hope to carry over the pattern from last year and have another undefeated season. Coach Tim Barker, JV head coach, believes that they can do it and will impress everyone.
“Sometimes to get a win it takes a loss, but I think we will just win,” Coach Barker said.
The Lady Panthers end their season with an outstanding 35-7 record. After go-ing 10-0 in district play the team received a bye the first round of the playoffs. They defeated Crandall 3-0, Rains 3-1, then fell short against Prosper 2-3 in the regional tournament. This was the first time the Lady Panther volleyball team has made the regional tournament in 28 years and the first time as a 3A school. “It was a great season. We took another step towards the state playoffs. I am so proud of this group of girls,” head coach Karen Brundrett said. The regional tournament was a much more intense atmosphere. The gym was louder, filled with more people and bigger than any other the team has played in. “The regional tournament was a great experience. The gym was a lot larger than any other gym we have played in all season long. Also, having all the support from the school and the Pack made us more excit-ed for the game,” senior Kealey Womack said. The team’s chemistry throughout the season was a key point for the team. They worked hard every practice. Assistant coach Chelsea Comfort taught them that “no one will work harder than us today” and it re-ally payed off. “Making it this far has been such a blessing. I am very proud to say I was on the team that made Spring Hill history. I will never forget this season and all the memories that we have shared,” Avery Curtis said. The seniors were a huge part of the team this year. The underclassmen looked up to them, and how they played and prac-ticed everyday. Now that the foundation
was set by this team, the team next year has something to build upon. “Going deep into the playoffs was a whole different experience. I am so glad I
was a part of such a great team. The se-niors did a great job of pushing us this year, and I can’t wait till next season,” Sa-vannah Voelzke said.
“The season was really good. We pushed ourselves
hard in practice and it payed off in games. I’m so proud of our team and am going to miss the seniors
next year.”–Caroline Hargis
“Volleyball was so much fun this year. I love the
team! We reached our goal by making it to the
regional tournament.”–Shannon Manley
“I was really proud of the way we played this year. We
practiced really hard and deserved going to the Regional Tournament.”
“We worked hard this season and I’m gonna miss
this group of girls. We accomplished our goal by making it to the regional
tournament” –Caitlyn Small
–Shelby Duran
The Junior High boys basketball season is kicking off tonight by hosting Carthage Bulldogs. The Panthers have been practicing hard and are anxious for a win tonight.They are gearing up for a good season and certainly have the determination to compete and have a successful season. “Basketball has been great so far. We’re learning our offense and I think we’re going to have a good season,” eighth grader Josh Guarisco said. After the Panthers play Carthage they will play the Henderson Lions on November. 29th
“The kids have been working hard and are excited to play and improve upon last season,” head coach David Chatterton said.
The Spring Hill cross country team had a successful season this year and finished up with their fifth consecutive district win for both the boys and girls varsity teams. They also won the Pine Tree and Hallsville meets.
The Panthers placed seven runners in the top ten at the district meet with, Dylan Droege winning first
place, Ryan Bogle winning second, Trip Dishman finishing up in sixth and Chris Fisher getting eighth place.
As for the girls, Leslie Blevins placed first, Jessica Jacksson second, and Kelsi Cowan in eighth place. The Cross Country team did well at regionals but was unable to make it to the state meet
“I’m very happy with how the season turned out. We had many new comers come out and live up to their potential and they’ll have a good team for next year,” senior runner Trip Dishman said. The cross country team worked hard all season and their hard work showed when they won the district meet. Although the cross country workouts were strenuous and time consuming the runners learned a lot and had a good time “Cross country was a fun experience and taught me to always keep on running,” sophomore Kendyl Cox said.
