Tigertalk Construction at high school takes over - Scoop on new teachers - Mount Pleasant ISD
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Tigertalk
Construction
takes over
at high school
Scoop In school
on new vs. remote
teachers learning
Volume 46 Issue 1 October 2020
What’s
SStories
Inside
& Photos
STUCO..............Page 2
New Staff.......Pages 6-10
Ms. Rivera...........Pagee 10
From left are Banegas, Poudel, Lara, Hubbs and Grundy.
Cosmetology........Page 11 Student Council names officers
Student Council has selected its officers for the 2020-2021
Choir........Page 11 school year,
The new officers are President Leslie Lara, Vice President
Sashi Poudel, Secretary Taylor Hubbs, Treasurer Rossy
Cheer..........Page 12 Banegas, and Special Projects Chairperson Madison Grun-
dy.
DAR Award.......Page 13 Student Council operates a number of community ser-
vice projects during the year including recycling at the high
school and Red Ribbon Week aimed at promoting drug
Learning options.......Pages 14- awareness.
15 Student Council Advisor is Amanda Pinckard.
Football......Page 16 Tigertalk
Volleyball........Page 17
NEWS STAFF
Cross Country.........Page 18
Staff Writers, Photographers, Designers: Angel Acua, Odalys
Floral.......Page 19 Adame, Miguel Arellano, Kimberley Galvan, Faith Hampton and Jose
Rodriguez
Band.......Pages 20-21 Advisor: John Whitten
FFA...........Page 22-23 Special Contributor: Kelly Cowan
..
Debate.....Pages 24 The Tigertalk is published five-six times a year by the news-
paper and journalism classes of MPHS. Address is P.O. Box
NHS, NTHS......Page 25
1117, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. Letters to the editor are
encouraged but must be signed and the staff reserved the right
20 Questions.......Page 26
to edit because of space. Submit all letters to Mr. Whitten in
Tiger Roar.....Page 28 Room 401 of the CATE Building.
Pg. 2 Tigertalk
Workers are busy getting concrete poured as construction at the high school is underway.
Under Construction:
Campus renovations underway;
students adapt to changes
By ANGEL ACUNA
Tigertalk Staff Writer
The construction site has
affected students a lot as
they travel from one side
of campus to the next.
Most years, students
would be able to head any-
where on campus, but this
year we cannot because of
remodeling..
It is not what students
planned for but they have
adjusted to it. Students
enter through one set of
doors and exit through
another. There are also
just two set of stairs in the
main building.
While half of the cur-
rent main building is un-
See Construction, Pg. 4 Workers pour a slab in front of the high school.
Tigertalk Pg. 3
Construction from Page 3 der construction, it is just one of many changes. We now have another campus/build- ing called the West Campus. It is quite far from the main campus. It also has portable buildings for classrooms. It is a different experience from past years. The West Campus also includes a for- mer church that has been turned into classrooms. The campus itself is quite nice. The construction will be a long pro- cess. Most of us that are in high school right now will already be graduated when construction is done. Hopefully everything goes as planned. Portable buildings house some classrooms. Progress is starting to come along on the campus. The first of three concrete slabs for new buildings has been poured in front of the existing high school. One of the buildings will house art, library, counselors and various class- rooms. Another building will house the administration, and a third building will be home to culinary and cosmetology which will allow those programs to also serve the community. Steel beams should be going up for the new additions in the near future. Director of Facilities Van Bowen said that the current main building under renovation should be done and ready to move in this December. Then the other half of the building will A former church is being used for clasrooms. begin renovation which will result in English, Biology and Lifeskills classes being relocated. Ongoing construction also includes ad- ditional classrooms for band and theater and new foyer for the gymnasium. Space has also been cleared for a new Tiger Doll/Dance Building. The current Tiger Doll building will be the new home for cheerleaders. Renovations in the future include the History Building which will then house Law Enforcement, Forensics and Health Science. The current CTE Building and Cos- metology/Art Building will also under- go renovation resulting in a whole new look for the campus. Dirt work is being done all over campus. Pg. 4 Tigertalk
Pg. 5 Tigertalk
New staff join high school
By FAITH HAMPTON
Tigertalk Staff Writer
More than 15 new staff
members have joined the
high school this year in a va-
riety of capacities. Below is
a description of the new per-
sonnel.
Lisa Anderson is the new
biology teacher this year.
She attended A&M Com-
merce earning her degree
in Interdisciplinary Studies
Science and now lives here
with her two sons, Dylan
(17) and Joshua (16).
Before this year, she taught
for a total of eight years at
various schools. Anderson Ballard
“I graduated from MPHS never know what a positive
in 1997 so it’s like coming and open mind can lead to. It
home for me. Nothing bet- might just surprise you!”
ter than being surrounded by Randy Ballard is the new
good people who want to ac- teacher for Geometry, Al-
complish great things!” says gebra II and UIL Number
Anderson. Sense. Ballard and his wife
Before teaching she also Roxanne have twins sons
had the chance to live in Las Rance and Chance and an-
Vegas as a graphic designer other son Chad.
for two years. “I like the staff and being a
“I never imagined myself Tiger,” Ballard said on what
as a Science teacher when I he likes about the school.
was in high school. I didn’t He attended Paris Junior Col-
hate science in school but it lege earning his associates in
wasn’t exactly my favorite science and proceeded to go
thing either. Later in life I to East Texas State Universi-
decided to go back to school ty (Texas A&M-Commerce
for something completely Bass
now) where he earned his He graduated from the Uni-
different,” Anderson said. Bachelors of Science degree.
“Chemistry was a prerequi- versity of Louisiana-Mon-
Ballard had taught previ- roe and is now lives with his
site and even though I was ously at MPHS. His teaching
dreading the class I found wife, Magan Bass, and their
experience includes North child, Gemma Bass.
out by the end of the course Lamar (4 years), Mount
that I liked chemistry and Before coming to Mount
Pleasant (12 years), Chisum Pleasant, Bass spent 5 years
was pretty dang good at it. It (10 years) and Nixon-Smi-
was right then that I decid- teaching at both Neville
ley (8 years) for a grand total High School and Ouachita
ed to change my major and of 34 years in the education
become a science teacher,” Parish High School in Lou-
field. isiana.
Anderson said. While at Chisum, he was
“Just know that life has a Bass is excited about this
head of the UIL Calculator coming school year. His fa-
funny way of changing and team, which went on to be
you just might find out that vorite things about MPHS
state champions. His twin are the atmosphere and the
you enjoy things you never sons Rance and Chance were
thought you would. I said all welcoming and friendly na-
seniors with the top scores ture of the staff.
that to say even though you on the team.
don’t like a certain subject, Araceli Mireles-Camarillo
Brian Bass is the new band
give your teacher a try. You director for grades 6-12. See New Staff, Pg. 7
Pg. 6 Tigertalk
New Staff from Page 6
is the new Bilingual Educa-
tion Aide.
Although originally from
California, Mireles-Ca-
marillo graduated in Tulsa,
Okla. and is currently living
in Pittsburg. She now lives
with her husband, three chil-
dren and five dogs. All of
her children attend different
schools at the moment.
This year will be her first
year in the school district
and she is very excited to
be here. Her favorite thing
about MPHS so far is the
community. Prior to com-
ing here, Mireles-Camarillo
worked in the medical field Mireles-Camarillo Christenberry
for a total of 18 years.
Cody Christenberry is the
new English 4 teacher as
well as varsity assistant girls
basketball and track coach.
He attended East Texas
Baptist University obtain-
ing a Bachelor’s Degree in
Mathematics and Kinesiol-
ogy. He and his wife Kris-
tin have four children – Ka-
son (1st grade), Belle (2nd
grade), Konnor and Zoey
(9th grade).
Before coming to Mount
Pleasant, he spent 17 years
teaching and coaching in
Forney, Rockwall, Gilm-
er and Rains. Although he Coffey Edwards
hasn’t been here long, Chris- lington earning a degree in istration is totally behind
tenberry is excited for the Physical Education with a you,” Coffey said.
rest of this school year. minor in History. Coffey is married to her
“Everyone is very sup- After graduating, she be- high school sweetheart and
portive and looks to help came a flight attendant for they have now been married
each other out. I have also American Airlines and for 36 years.
enjoyed working with our worked in this profession for They have 2 kids, Tuck-
athletes this summer. They 14 years. Then, after realiz- er (28) and Annie (19). Her
want to get better, and put in ing her passion for coach- daughter was part of the
the work. I have noticed this ing, Coffey coached varsity Mount Vernon state champi-
same thing with students tennis at MPHS for 6 years onship basketball team.
these first few days of school before taking a break to sup- Trinity Edwards is the new
as well,”Christenberry said. port her daughter and open a Health Practicum I and Anat-
Judy Coffey is the new high business called 3rd St Nutri- omy teacher. She earned her
school varsity and junior va- tion that has now been open associates degree in nursing
risty tennis coach. She also downtown for 8 years. at Murray State College and
teaches history at the junior “I came back to Mount a Bachelor’s Degree in Sci-
high. Pleasant where the kids are ence at UTA.
Coffey graduated from the great, faculty is fun and nice
University of Texas at Ar- to work with and the admin- See New Staff, Pg. 8
New Staff from Page 7 This will be Edward’s first year teaching high school and she is looking forward to it. “The district truly cares about their students,” she said. Trenton Gardner is the new Assistant Athletic Train- er and teacher for Sports Medicine I and II as well as Athletic Training. He attended Abilene Chris- tian University, graduating in 2018 with his Bachelors in Science of Kinesiology: Athletic Training and again in 2020 with his Masters in Gardner Gholston Athletic Training. He now lives with his wife, Martha Gardner, who he married this past December and their Catahoula dog named Bra- zos. His wife teaches at the junior high as a teacher’s aide for SPED Life Skills. This year will be Gardner’s first year in this profession. Prior to coming here, how- ever, he worked a variety of jobs including commercial construction, ranch hand, and retail worker at both Academy and Tractor Sup- ply. He also was an Outreach Athletic Trainer and covered Roby High School. Gomez Hansen “I am very excited to be in people are here,” he says. performed across 36 states in a school district that cares Christian Gomez is the total doing color guard. for their employees and their new Color Guard Director Bruce Hansen is the new students. I am very much this year. Aviation teacher for grades looking forward to this year All of his family is here 9-12. He attended Letour- and my future at MPHS,” in Mount Pleasant. He cur- neau University earning his Gardner said. rently has 3 nieces, ages 8, bachelor’s degree in science Brandon Gholston is the 6 and 1 as well as a 7-year Aviation Technology. new Special Education old nephew. Gomez also Hansen and his wife have Teacher as well as co-teach- has four cousins that attend four children and two grand- er for English I and II. MPHS. children. Two out of the four In the fall of 2018, Gholston He went to school at Tyler children work and live in graduated from Texas A&M Junior College as well as Mount Pleasant. University Commerce with NTCC. Before coming to Hansen has worked in avia- his Master’s degree. This MPHS, Gomez spent 8 years tion for over 30 years both as will be his second year work- designing and teaching col- a pilot and in maintenance. ing in education. or guard groups at Redwater He taught at an internation- Gholston is excited to be and Pleasant Grove, Hen- al school and was flight in- here for this coming school derson State University and structor at LeTourneau for year. “I like how helpful the North Lamar HS. He has See New Staff, Pg. 9 Pg. 8 Tigertalk
New Staff from Page 8
a couple years. Hansen has
been able to fly to some of
the most remote parts of the
world. The friends made,
experiences and memories
are things he will always re-
member.
“I was priviledged to be
able to fly and live in some
of the most remote parts of
the world,” Hansen said.
“The experiences I had and
the different friends I made
from different cultures was
truly an experience to re-
member.”
After recently moving form
Papua New Guinea where he Harmon Lowry
and his family did mission both 1st and 3rd grades.
work, Mount Pleasant was a Although she took two years
big change. off before moving to Fowler
“I like the small town feel to stay home with her family,
where everyone is friendly Lowry has been teaching for
and it is easy to get to know a total of 13 years.
people,” Hansen said. “I love the department I
Cudahy Harmon is a new work for and the people I
assistant principal at the high work with every day,” Low-
school. ry said. “They have wel-
He graduated from Loui- comed me with open arms
siana Tech University and and made the transition to
is married to his wife, Ste- the high school smooth and
fen Harmon who currently easy.”
works at PE Wallace teach- Lowry was born in Mem-
ing dance. They have a new- phis, lived in Charlotte, N.C.
born baby named Londyn for six year before moving to
Brielle Harmon. Dallas.
Becoming a father to the McDaniel “I was a dancer growing
most beautiful baby girl ever up and had the opportunity
is hands down the most in- A&M Texarkana and got a
degree in General Studies to dance during the Dallas
teresting event in my life,” Summer Musicals in the cast
Harmon said. “Well.....mar- (History).
She has been married to of Cinderella,” she said.
rying my wife of course lol.” Tyler McDaniel is the new
This year will mark Har- her husband Brad Lowry for
16 years and they have three teacher for Freshmen World
mon’s 10th year in his pro- Geography. He attended
fession. Prior to this year, he children. Kinley is 13 and in
8th grade at MPJH. She is a Southern Arkansas Univer-
worked for Beckville, Pitts- sity earning his Bachelors of
burgh and Mount Pleasant. cheerleader, dancer, and bar-
rel racer. Brandon is 11 and Science in Education. He has
The thing he likes best three younger siblings and is
about MPHS is “being treat- in 5th grade. He like to play
baseball and golf. Karli is 8 not currently married.
ed and accepted as family”. This year will be his fifth
He calls the school “a very years old and is a 3rd grader
at Annie Sims. She also bar- as a teacher. Before joining
family oriented place. GO MPHS, McDaniel taught 6th
TIGERS!!!” rel races.
Before coming to the high grade World Geography at
Christi Lowry is the new DeKalb ISD.
teacher for floral design as school, Lowry taught at Harts
Bluff, Vivian Fowler and “Even though it is a bigger
well as Principles of Agri-
culture. She attended Texas Annie Sims. She has taught See New Staff, Pg. 10
Pg. 9 Tigertalk
New Staff from Page 9 school, everyone makes you feel welcome, and someone is always willing to help you if you are in need,” McDan- iel says. Adriana Ortiz is the new 9th grade Environmental Systems as well as new as- sistant coach for volleyball and soccer. She attended Tyler Junior College on a soccer schol- arship and ended up trans- ferring to A&M Commerce University. While there she earned her degree in Bachelor of Sci- ence in Interdisciplinary Ortiz Studies. Robbins Ortiz has two brothers, two tremendously as a first-time for 12 years at a Private dogs and parents that she teacher and of course the Christian school in Hous- loves very much. She will students.” ton. She moved here in 2012 be getting married May 1 of Elizabeth Robbins is the and began working as a life 2021. new Career transitional skills teacher at the Junior Prior to coming to Mount teacher in the Career Train- High here at MPISD. Pleasant, she taught for a ing Center this year. This will be her 4th year in total of 6 years at Sulphur She attended the College our school district. Springs Middle School. She of Biblical Studies with de- Robbins says the best thing worked for two years as a grees in Counseling and Spe- about the high school is her receptionist, one year as an cial Education. She and her students. attendance clerk and three husband, Jeff Robbins, have “They are the best, I also years as a paraprofessional. been married for 26 years like the people that I work When asked what she liked now. They have 3 children as with in the Special Ed De- best about being at MPHS well as 3 grandchildren. partment. Lots of laughs and so far, Ortiz said, “The fac- Prior to coming to Mount helping each other out,” she ulty that have helped me out Pleasant, Robbins worked said. Cosmetology teacher appointed to board Cosmetology teacher Aleshia Rivera has been appoint- ed Presiding Officer of the Cosmetology Advisory Board with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The TDLR provides oversight for a broad range of occu- pations, businesses, facilities, and equipment. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans and ensures they are served by qualified professionals. The chair of the Ad- visory Board on Cosmetology is appointed by the Chair of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. The Advisory Board Chair is responsible for conducting board meetings and keeping members on topic during the meeting. The Chair also appoints members of any working groups that are needed. Rivera has served on the Cosmetology Advisory Board for 6 years and has taught Cosmetology classes at MPHS for 16 years. Her students overwhelmingly pass their licensure exams at the end of the school year and go on to work in and own their own salons, both locally and across the state. Rivera Pg. 10 Tigertalk
MPHS Cosmetology elects new officers
The Cosmetology program
has chosen its officers for the
new school year. New officers
are Senior President Bre Asia
Hargrave, Senior Vice Pres-
ident Ericka Galicia, Junior
President Ebelin Castaneda
and Junior Vice President Ar-
iana Vazquez.
Cosmetology is a highly
selective, two-year, state li-
censed 1000-hour program in-
volving the study of hair, skin,
nails and their related care.
Students study and practice in
a salon lab setting using man-
nequins, classmates, and the
general public as clientele for
skill development. The pro-
gram emphasizes advanced
training and techniques in
cosmetology in addition to
preparing students to take the
Texas Department of Licens-
ing and Regulation Cosme-
tology Exam their senior year.
Students that pass the state
board exam are professional
licensed cosmetologists in the
state of Texas and can begin
working in the industry imme- Top row from left are Senior President Bre Asia Hargrave and Senior
diately after high school grad-
uation.. Cosmetology Instruc- Vice President Ericka Galacia. Bottom row from left are Junior Pres-
tor is Aleshia Rivera. ident Ebelin Castaneda and Junior Vice President Ariana Vazquez.
Choir students earn All-Region honors
Six choir students have
earned places in the Texas
Music Educators Associa-
tion (TMEA) All-Region
Choir. Seniors Migel Guer-
rero (6th chair first tenor)
and Jordi Bello (8th chair
first tenor), juniors Abril
Ramirez (3rd chair first so-
prano) and Emyly Lopez
(9th chair second alto), and
freshmen Jacori Johnson
(7th chair first tenor) and
Hope Powell (8th chair sec-
ond alto) earned this pres- ing an online platform, a The students who have been
tigious placement. This is change from prior years due selected for the All–Region
the third year in a row for to COVID-19. Choir have advanced to
Guerrero and Ramirez to be “I am very proud of each of Pre-Area auditions on Dec.
selected. these singers,” said MPHS 1st, which is the next level
To earn a place in the choir, Choir Director, Nancy Vines. of competition. The annual
each singer had to sing three “They have diligently pre- All-Region Clinic and Con-
selections that were scored pared not only during class cert will not be held this year
by a panel of judges utiliz- but also on their own time.” due to COVID-19 concerns.
Pg. 11 TigertalkLopez, third from left, is pictured with Captains Anna Claire Wall, Jakayla Sanders and Chazlea Morris.
Lopez takes over good
By KIMBERLEY GALVAN
asthings
cheer coach
are going to happen, and
Tigertalk Staff Writer the love this squad has for each other
Former junior high cheer coach is beyond what I expected.
Karissa Lopez has taken over as the 3. How do you promote a pos-
new cheerleader coach. itive energy with your team during
Lopez answered a few questions positive and negative situations?
about her new position and the cheer We have had so many positive
season. things happen this year that it makes
What motivates you to coach it easy for me to bring positive en-
cheerleading? ergy. When there is something that
I love cheerleading and the good may bring us down, I try to look at the
and bad that comes with it. I was glass half full instead of half empty.
lucky enough to coach a lot of these I hope that I am instilling that in this
squad members in Junior High so squad.
coming back to join them this year is 4. What are you and the team
a dream come true. I am so blessed most excited about this year?
to have the squad that I have for my We have so much to be excited for
first year at this level. this year, however I am most excited
2. What is the most rewarding about competition season. This year
part of coaching cheer? we are focusing on a “game day” at-
The most rewarding part of coach- mosphere and bringing the competi-
ing cheer is seeing all the work your tion aspect of cheer to our sidelines.
squad has put into a sport they love We are also excited to show our stu-
and watching it all come togeth- dent body and community all this
er. When you love your teammates, year’s talent.
Pg. 12 TigertalkThurman picked high school
DAR Good Citizen
Senior Taryn Thurman, daughter of
by chapter
Tris and Stephanie Thurman, was re-
cently selected as the MPHS Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution (DAR)
Good Citizen.
The Martha Laird Chapter of the Na-
tional Society of the Daughters of the
American Revolution sponsors the
DAR Good Citizen program in our
area. This contest is designed to honor
an outstanding young person in a high
school’s senior class who demonstrates
the four qualities of a DAR Good Cit-
izen: Dependability, Service, Leader-
ship, and Patriotism.
Thurman has held numerous leader-
ship roles in campus organizations. She
is currently Co-Captain of the Debate
team, Vice-President of the National
Honor Society, President of the Interact
Club, and Captain of the MPHS Col-
orguard. During her junior year, she
was Vice-President of the Debate team
and Interact Club, and Lieutenant of
Colorguard.
As a sophomore she was Debate Team
Secretary, Interact Club Historian, and
Colorguard Squad Leader.
In addition to leadership, service to
the community is another important
characteristic that good citizens pos-
sess. Thurman participated in Cos-
mo Scholars as a peer tutor, promot-
ed and assisted in a campus recycling
program, and provided materials and
helped build props for the Goin’ Gold Thurman with her award.
Band shows. She has also spent time honored with acceptance into the Con-
volunteering with Titus County Cares gressional Student Leadership Program
and Safe-T Women’s Shelter, raising and participated for two years.
money with her local church to donate She has also received Academic Blan-
wells to disadvantaged communities ket Awards for AP English III and AP
across the globe, and helping with the Music Theory.
Adopt-a-Highway program. Being selected as the MPHS Good Cit-
Thurman was a national qualifier for izen provides Thurman the opportunity
FBLA competition, a two-year state to participate in the scholarship portion
qualifier in UIL Cross-Examination of the program at the local Chapter level.
Debate and was selected as the State Each contest entry will be evaluated by
Top Speaker in 2019, and she placed independent, non-DAR judges and the
first with her team at the UIL Region- winning entry will advance through the
al Spelling competition. She was also state and national levels of judging.
Pg. 13 TigertalkFace-to-face
Students have
or remote?
two options
for learning
By ODALYS ADAME
Tigertalk Staff Writer
Many things have had to
change due to COVID19
restrictions. Whether it
be wearing a mask every-
where or having to san-
itize one’s hands every
hour. For students, they
were given the option to
choose between face-to-
face learning and online
remote learning.
For those who decided
to return to school, it be-
came evident that things
were not going to be as
they used to be.
The student body was
not used to wearing a Students wear their masks in face-to-face learning.
mask 8 hours a day and
having to be cautious of
those around them. There
are sanitation stations
scattered around the cam-
pus and remembering to
use the stations has been
a challenge for the stu-
dents.
Masks have been an un-
comfortable addition to
the students as after hours
of usage they can leave
ears feeling sore. While
many face this problem, it
should be acknowledged
that masks are required to
be worn during the day to
prevent further spread of
the virus.
“I think the only set-
back for me has been the
fact that my glasses fog
up due to the masks and
it prevents me from see-
ing,” junior Jenny Flores
See Learning, Pg. 15 Gaven Fife is busy doing his work.
Pg. 14 Tigertalksaid.
Learners from Page 14
This year, the high school
has added the church as a
new portion of the school
to be transformed into ad-
ditional classrooms.
Portable buildings have
also been set up next to
the church to prevent
the main building from
crowding up. There are
paths the students take to
safely reach the church
and portable building that
also encourage social dis-
tancing.
The students are given the
same sanitation stations
that are seen throughout
the main campus.
One of the biggest chang-
es for face to face learners
is testing. This year, the
school is allowing stu-
dents to take all tests on-
line.
This is to offer an equal
testing environment for
both online and at campus
learners.
Teachers have had to
change their usual test Troy Gallardo is doing remote learning.
into ones that are online MPHS has been diligent- changed, the students
friendly and provide an ly working to prevent the have been trying to not let
equal chance to both face spread of the virus and things stop them from en-
to face and at home learn- protect their students. joying another successful
ers. While many things have year of high school.
Student shares thoughts on remote learning
By JOSE RODRIGUEZ I can switch between soon as I finish my as-
Tigertalk Staff Writer different assignments af- signments for the day I
Personally I believe stay- ter I feel like I really have can do as I wish instead of
ing at home has me more digested the material of school where even if I’m
motivated with doing the day. finished with everything I
school work. I also feel more motivated still have to be there until
I find being a remote because the atmosphere is a certain time.
learner working better way more relaxed, I don’t I have also been sleep-
for me as I can work at feel like there’s competi- ing better at night since
my own pace and do not tion to try to be better than I manage my time better
have to worry about being anyone. doing remote learning, the
disrupted when switching What motivates me even stress I felt has greatly de-
classes as at home. more is the fact that as creased.
Pg. 15 TigertalkBaker Peterson looks to throw the ball. Miller McCrumby makes a great catch.
Tigers begin district play this week
By MIGUEL ARELLANO
Tigertalk Staff Writer “School spirt is extremely crucial be-
After a long wait, football one of cause it turns us up seeing that we have
America’s past times, is back for the the whole support of our school and that
Tigers. Normally they would start their they and that they appreciate us to show
season in August, but due to COVID-19 spirit,” McCrumby said.
their first game was in September. School spirt can really help change the
The Tigers (2-1) are set to open dis- tides of the game. COVID has done so
trict action Friday against Texas High. much to this community and most of it
With a new fresh start from last year, is just terrible.
we asked receiver Miller McCrumby McCrumby said COVID has had an
how will football be different from last impact on the team but won’t determine
year. how well they play.
“Football will be different for many “COVID will not affect our play one
reasons, one; COVID has us changing bit, the only thing it does is require us
the way we do some stuff but this year to practice social distancing, wear our
we have more experience all through- mask, and affect how much cleaning the
out the team compared to last year,” coaches do to ensure we have our sea-
McCrumby said. “The rookie mistakes son,” McCrumby said.
we made last year to earn a 5-5 record McCrumby said the team has high ex-
have been cleared up and we are look- pectations and that this year could be a
ing better.” really good season.
The Tigers are off to a 2-1 start with “If we execute the plays and strategies
wins over Wylie East and Sherman. that Coach Pinckard and our wonderful
Motivation plays a big part in getting coaching staff have designed then the
the team pumped. possibilities are endless for this team,”
“The stuff that motivates us varies McCrumby said.
players to players a list of things would “This is only my second year on varsity
be: music, our, coaches, our teammates, and this year just has a different feeling.
the fans, band, etc..., McCrumby said.” We have improved tremendously from
All the students have heard that you last year and we can’t wait to show ev-
should show some school spirt in eryone our hard work we’ve been put-
games. ting in.”
Pg. 16 TigertalkVolleyball is battling back
from COVID-19, quarantine
By MIGUEL ARELLANO
Tigertalk Staff writer
Volleyball may have had an interest-
ing start, but they hopes those trials will
make them better in the end.
Their season was delayed at first by the
UIL who pushed it back due to COVID-19
concerns. Then just as the season gets go-
ing, one of the players is diagnosed with
COVID-19 and results in the team being
quarantined for two weeks.
“COVID-19 has affected us in many
ways. We can’t have as many games as
we used to and we started the preseason
with only 4 games,” Ashlynn Brooks
said.
“We usually have about 15+ tournament
games before we start district.”
These obstacles should only make them
stronger and closer as a team.
“I’ve always loved playing the sport,
and making bonds with my teammates”
Jaycee Woods said. Lady Tigers stand for the National Anthem.
Brooks said “I’ve played volleyball
since I’ve been in junior high. I love the
sport, the drive, and the energy to it. Its
fun and I enjoy it.”
Both Brooks and Woods said that win-
ning district games and making the play-
offs is definitely the goal of the team.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, school
spirit has looked a bit different this year.
Woods said the “gym will be less crowd-
ed and less supporters due to COVID.”
Brooks said she has learned a lot through
this year.
“We are hardworking ladies and we are
willing to fight for anything. If it had to
be one thing that I could say I learned
this year it would be don’t take life or
anything for granted, and enjoy it while it
last, cause it doesn’t last forever,” Brooks
said.
Woods said the team has put a lot of
work in because they never know if
COVID-19 will delay their season again.
“We have been working hard daily and
giving our all because we never know
when our last game will be because Co-
rona could end it sooner than expected,” Ashlynn Brooks serves the volleyball.
Woods said.
Pg. 17 TigertalkCross Country
The boys and girls cross
gears up for district
country teams will be
hoping for a great show-
ing on Monday as they
host the district meet.
The boys have had a
very successful season
and should be one of the
teams to beat at district.
Senior Gill Landaverde
has high hopes for the
team and himself.
“Well, I want everyone
on my team to succeed,”
Landaverde said. “I real- Front row from left are Jonathan Sandate, Christopher Escobar, Gio
ly want to beat my fastest Calderon and Juan Retana. Back row from left are Coach Jesus Gar-
time and make it to state.” cia, Sair Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, Gill Landaverde, Gilbert Landav-
Landaverde said he gets erde, Daniel Robles, Jr. Martinez and Coach Bryan Trickey.
motivated to run from the
people who have posted
faster times than him.
“I think about the peo-
ple who beat me in a race
...that makes me run,”
Landaverde said.
He said running every-
day has allowed him to
push himself to run faster.
He said the greatest
advice he could give to
other runners is “to keep
your head up and don’t
give up.”
Both teams hope a good From left are Coach Jesus Garcia, Buendy Fraire, Jennifer Soto,
showing on Monday re- Abby Retana, Isabel Gonzales, Breanna Gonzalez and Coach Bryan
sults in a trip to regionals. Trickey.
Landaverde hopes for another district title. Fraire runs by a competitor at the MP Meet.
Pg. 18 TigertalkGrand Champion Sarah Godfrey Reserve Grand Champion Codi Dennis
Floral students dominate at Fair(7th place), and McKinna
The Titus County Fair Wooten (8th place). Also
looks completely differ- rical floral arrangement in
ent in 2020. There are no contributing arrangements the presence of the judges.
carnival rides, no photog- were Jasmine Landaverde, The competition was hosted
raphy exhibitions, and no Virjinia Olvera, and Linzy at the Titus County Exten-
delicious fair food to enjoy, Walker. sion Office. MPISD Floral
but some of the FFA com- Participating students from Design classes are taught by
petitions have been allowed area schools were given one Susie Hearron and Christi
to continue with a few rule hour to create an asymmet- Lowry.
changes to keep participants
safe.
A new contest, Floral De-
sign, kicked off this year
and Mount Pleasant High
School students took top
honors.
Sarah Godfrey, a junior
and three-year member of
the MPHS FFA, created the
Grand Champion floral ar-
rangement. Codi Dennis,
also a junior and a three-
year FFA member, designed
the Reserve Grand Champi-
on piece. Placing in the top
ten were Draia Fernandez
(4th place), Candice Perez Floral Design participants
Pg. 19 TigertalkKayla Mata peforms the flute during the halftime show. Band’s halftime show will look different this football season during the game. We don’t have a show By ODALYS ADAME Tigertalk Staff Writer like usual but we do play more modern Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this songs on the field that we think the audi- year has been looking a little different ence would enjoy,” Leslie Mayo, junior for everyone. Many groups and organi- trombone player, says. zations have had to prepare for football Regardless of the circumstances, the season differently and the Goin’ Gold band is preparing to be more aggres- Band is no exception. sive and loud in the stands and bringing Usually, every summer the band pre- a shorter yet entertaining and safe half- pares for their big show by having band time show to make up for COVID-19 camp in which the band gets their mu- restrictions. sic and learns the chart for the show. Similarly, the colorguard has also had to However, due to COVID-19 restric- change things up a bit. Typically, guard tions, the band decided to not have a big would work with the Goin’ Gold Band show but rather opt for smaller perfor- and they would prepare a show based mances in order to maintain a safe envi- off a selected theme. However, this year ronment for the students and directors. guard has had to take the proper precau- While not having a show might seem tions to ensure their members safety. In discouraging, the band has not paid place of a show, the guard will be per- much mind to it as now they have the forming a flag and dance routine while opportunity to bring more power into the band plays. the stand music. “Due to COVID, the band and color In previous years, most of the work guard aren’t competing in the fall sea- and time is put into learning the show son. The students are also not perform- and marching, but this year the band ing a regular halftime show with props has started to add more stand tunes into or themes. [However], the color guard their musical repertoire. has been working on a lot of technique “Its been really fun to work on playing and preparing for the halftime perfor- songs we’ve to always wanted to play See Band, Pg. 21 Pg. 20 Tigertalk
Band from Page 20
Joshlyn Paloblanco is one the lieutenants for the colorguard this year.
mances, which is not a full production Lieutenant and senior Joshlyn Paloblan-
as it has been every year,” Cristian Go- co, says that she still looks forward to
mez, new color guard director, said. “performing and still being able to have
There might not be the usual show but fun and enjoy my senior year.”
color guard has not stopped working on As always, the audience should look
their skills and are still making the best forward to another amazing year with
out of the situation. the band and colorguard.
Victor Diaz gets ready to perform during the halftime show.
Pg. 21 TigertalkFFA students win big at County Fair
While much of the Titus
County Fair was cancelled
in 2020, COVID-19 did
not keep the Mount Pleas-
ant ISD FFA students from
competing and showing
their animals and ag me-
chanics projects.
Most of the students had
been raising and work-
ing with their animals and
creating their projects for
months, so they, along with
their instructors, were grate-
ful for the opportunity to
present all they had worked
on and learned during the
pandemic.
In the end, MPISD students
brought home four Grand
Champion banners, three
reserve Grand Champion
banners, one showmanship Genevieve Rubio won Grand Champion Rabbit.
banner, and a host of other
placements and awards.
MPHS junior Cade Woods
won Grand Champion
Broiler.
MPJH eighth-grader Kin-
ley Lowry won Grand
Champion Rabbit with
MPHS freshman Genevieve
Rubio earning Reserve
Grand Champion Rabbit
and Senior Showmanship in
the Rabbit Division.
Wallace Middle School
sixth-grader Bowdrie Prief-
ert won Grand Champion
Hog and his brother, Tuck-
er Priefert, a third-grader at
E.C. Brice Elementary, won
Reserve Grand Champion
Hog.
MPHS junior Sarah God-
frey took home the Grand
Champion banner for her
floral arrangement while ju-
nior Codi Dennis won Re-
serve Grand Champion in
Floral Design.
MPHS junior Emma As-
ton won second place in her
division with her fire pit for
the Ag Mechanics Contest.
“Many of our students
See FFA, Pg. 23 Cade Woods took Grand Champion for broilers.
Pg. 22 TigertalkEmma Aston was the Ag Mechanics grand champion with her fire pit.
FFA from Page 22
made the sale with their
project or animal which is a
huge accomplishment,” said
Blake Rice, MPHS Ag Sci-
ence Coordinator.
“The students have had
these projects for months
juggling school, a pandem-
ic, and caring for something
other than themselves. Our
FFA students put in many
hours of preparation from
grooming and feeding their
animals to training them to
walk and set up perfectly. Ag
Mechanics students worked
in the shop in August when
school started and put forth
effort when the temperature Hope Vaught
was almost unbearable,”
Rice said.
“I enjoyed seeing our stu-
dents work and build a skill
they can keep with them
after school and hopefully
into a career one day. The
effort put in by the other Ag
teachers were key in our
successful endeavor during
the Titus County Fair. There
were many late nights, early
mornings and hours of prac-
tice in between.”
MPISD Ag instructors in-
clude Susie Hearron, Mea-
gan Raine, Christi Lowry,
Slatyr Hunnicutt, and Blake
Rice. McKinna Wootten and Mr. Rice with her rabbit.
Pg. 23 TigertalkFront row from left are Taryn Thurman, Isabella Greco, Connelly Cowan and Coach Cody Morris. Back
row from left are Ryan Sharp, Anthony Orellana, Taylor Hubbs and Reid Pinckard.
Debate members do well in
The MPHS Speech and Debate tourna-
online tournaments
Since travel is currently not an issue, the
ment season looks a little different this year. weekend of Sept. 11-12 saw the team com-
While many 5A activities are just getting peting in two different tournaments.
started and others are still waiting to start On Sept. 11 in the A&M Consolidated meet,
due to COVID-19, speech and debate offi- senior Ryan Sharp took 2nd in Domestic Ex-
cials worked all spring and summer transi- temp and earned his first bid to the National
tioning to an online platform so their stu- Individual Events Tournament of Champi-
dents could continue competing on time. ons (NIETOC). Competitors earning two
The team has already competed in four bids are qualified to compete in the pres-
tournaments with several members placing tigious national tournament in the spring.
among the top entries. Cowan placed 4th in International Extemp.
In the Plano/Clark Swing on Aug. 28 and On Sept. 12 the team competed in the La-
29, senior Reid Pinckard placed 3rd out of a Vernia TFA Bear Brawl. Cowan placed 2nd
pool of 44 in Lincoln Douglas Debate, de- in International Extemp and is now one point
feating competitors from Southlake Carroll, away from qualifying for the Texas Forensics
Coppell, Plano, Lindale and the Greenhill Association State Tournament in that event.
School. Junior Connelly Cowan placed 3rd The team of Sharp and junior Taylor Hubbs
in International Extemporaneous Speaking placed 3rd in CX Debate earning points to-
with senior Isabella Greco being named a ward their state qualification. Orellana was
semifinalist on the Domestic side. a quarterfinalist in Lincoln Douglas debate
In the Southlake Carroll Dragon Faire on He was in the top 8 out of 32 competitorsand
Sept. 4-5, the team of Cowan and senior tied for Top Speaker honors in only his sec-
Taryn Thurman placed 2nd in the Varsity ond appearance in that event.
CX division. Cowan was 2nd in speaker “We started off the year challenging our-
points, separated by only 0.6 from the Top selves,”said Speech and Debate coach Cody
Speaker, and Thurman was 3rd in speaker Morris. “We signed up to go against some
points, only 0.3 back from Cowan. They of the top programs in the state and came
defeated teams from Highland Park, Cop- away with some great results. It really is
pell, Aubrey, and Hallsville to reach the amazing to be part of such an incredible
final round. Their only loss came to The program. These students have displayed re-
Greenhill School, a private school in Dallas. siliency and determination to not let factors
In Lincoln Douglas Debate, Pinckard was outside of their control derail their goals.
a quarterfinalist, placing 7th in a pool of 44, They worked all summer to prepare for this
and was 5th in speaker points. Sophomore season and it is quickly showing up in the
Anthony Orellana was an octofinalist, plac- results. I am very proud these students and
ing 10th in his first-ever appearance in LD. excited to see what is to come.”
Pg. 24 TigertalkNHS selects 2020-2021 officers
The high school chapter of the Nation-
al Honor Society (NHS) has selected its
officers for the 2020-2021 school year.
Leading NHS are President Reid Pinck-
ard, Vice-President Taryn Thurman,
Secretary Isabella Greco, Treasurer
Faith Logan, Parliamentarian Nicholas
Segovia, and Historian Patricia Roque.
According to MPHS NHS Advisor,
David Clark, the NHS leadership team
drives the development of the projects
for the year.
“This year is different, obviously,”
said Clark. “They have decided to look
for more virtual, online community in-
volvement opportunities. Two projects
we will continue from previous years
will be our fall food drive for needy
students and their families as well as From left are Logan, Segovia, Roque, Greco,
our spring pet supply drive to support
Pinckard and Thurman.
our local humane society.”
The MPHS National Honor Society Nov. 2 if the local health situation will
plans to induct its new members on allow it.
NTHS names
new officers
The high school chapter of the
National Technical Honor Society
(NTHS) has chosen its officers for
the 2020-2021 school year. Leading
NTHS will be President Faith Lo-
gan, Vice President Patricia Roque,
Secretary Valeria Moreno, Treasur-
er Nataly Morales, Reporter Alicia
Bello, and Officer at Large Ruben
Carreon.
The National Technical Honor
Society is made up of high achiev-
ing students in a Career and Tech-
nical program of study. Students
must maintain an excellent grade
point average, complete communi-
ty service activities, and are active
members of their schools and com-
Clockwise from bottom are Logan, Moreno, Bello, munities. NTHS Chaptor advisor is
Carreon, Morales and Roque. Donna Davis.
Pg. 25 Tigertalk20 Questions with Mrs. Ayers By ANGEL ACUNA Tigertalk Staff Writer In each issue of the Tiger- talk, the newspaper staff features a different teacher. This issue spotlights Angie Ayers, who teaches Health Science. 1. Who are your family members? Husband of 28 years -- Jes- sie, son -- Nic (graduating from Lousiana Tech in No- vember), daughter Averie --- (sophomore at NTCC) 2. Where did you grow up and go to high school? I spent most of my time in Northeast Texas and San Antonio. I lived in New York and New Jersey for a couple of years while I was in ju- nior high. I graduated from Gilmer High. 3. What college did you attend and what was your Ayers is one of the health science teachers at the high school. major? I received my ADN (nurs- have learned in the last I cant decide between The ing) from NTCC and my year? Fugitive, Shawshanks Re- BSN (nursing) from Univer- How to juggle. (Now all of demption, or The Green Mile sity of Missouri at St. Louis my immediate family mem- (my favorites) ( UMSL) while I was living bers know now) 15. What accomplishment there. 9. What is your favorite are you most proud of? 4. What other career memory as a child? Learning how to save lives would you be doing if you Traveling around the coun- 16. What are your hob- were not teaching? try with my dad in his big bies? I would do something in rig. Shows/movies that involve forensics. 10. What is the best dish forensics, traveling, watch- 5. What makes your life you have ever prepared? ing sports, reading (anything better? Chocolate Forte Pie. medical) Life is better with faith, 11. What is a big purchase I7. f you had to pick a new family, and traveling. you have made and was it name for yourself, what 6. Do you like any sports, worth it? name would you pick? if so high school, college, A timeshare. NO! Don’t do Katherine professional? it. 18. What is your favorite Yes, softball (of course), 12. What is your dream Disney movie? tennis, volleyball, & foot- vacation? Toy Story ball. I enjoy all levels but Greece 19. What is most ridicu- right now college is my fa- 13. What is the weird- lous fact you know? vorite, especially NTCC est thing you have seen at Your nose and ears look big- (Let’s go, Ave!) school? ger the older you get 7. What is the best gift Someone walking down the 20. What do you like most you have received? hall with a bowl of cereal, about teaching? A necklace my grandmother pouring milk in it. Seeing the students’ enthu- gave me. 14. What movie do you siasm when they learn some- 8. What is something you wish you were a part of? thing that excites them. Pg. 26 Tigertalk
WHAT WILL YOU BE
AT NTCC?
You’ve got big goals for
your future and NTCC is
here to help you achieve
them! Whether you want to
launch a career or prepare
for your dream university
- you can start here and go
anywhere!
903-434-8100
www.ntcc.edu
NTCC is an AA, ADA, Equal Opportunity Institution
Pg. 27 TigertalkTiger Roar
If you could have any kind of mask, what would it be?
Tiger Roar page by Tigertalk Staff Writer Faith Hampton
“Iron Man” “Mouth” “Trump” “Flower”
-- Antonio Hernandez -- Ashlynn Brooks -- Astin Ledbetter --- Azalia Guzman
“Soviet Union” “Captain America” “Buccees” “Stars”
-- Caleb Ruiz -- Jashari Inostros -- Karen Trejo -- Lily Burrows
“Dinosaur” “Dallas Cowboys” “Steve Harvey” “Bedazzled”
--- Maira Rocha --- Natalie Montoya --- Tairelle Chong --- Zaushalynn Lee
Pg. 28 TigertalkYou can also read
