JROTC gets blue star after rigorous inspection High School coming
Transcription
JROTC gets blue star after rigorous inspection High School coming
Vol. 90 Number 7 May 12, 2006 The Laurel S a n M ar cos Baptist Academ y Inside 3 Mr. Fleming ready for retirement 5 Gold Bears tour Windy City 6 Hot off the presses: it’s the Senior Will Veteran keeps cam- 19 pus covered in red, white & blue Latest in sports Four Bear track stars returned from the state TAPPS meet in Waco with medals and ribbons, ending their season on a high note. Read about their accomplishments and find out who was honored at the Sports Banquet on pages 16-17. Graduation Events Saturday, May 13: 7:30 a.m. . . . . . Sunrise Service (Prayer Garden) 3 p.m. . . . . . Senior Gate Ceremony (Prayer Garden) 7 p.m. . . . . . Awards Ceremony (RCC) 8:30 p.m. . . . . . President’s Review (Neeley Field) Sunday, May 14: 10:45 a.m. . . . . . .Baccalaureate Service (RCC) 3 p.m. . . . . .Commencement (RCC) 2801 Ran c h R oad 12, San M ar c os T X 78666 High School coming to an end for Senior Class By the end of this weekend, 29 seniors will be the Academy’s newest alumni. Before their receive their diplomas at Commencement, though, several other graduation events will take place, starting off in the morning at 7:30 with the Sunrise Service. At that ceremony, the senior girls will pass the ribbon to the junior girls, symbolizing the passing of tradition and responsibility from one grade to the other. At 3 in the afternoon, all the seniors will take part in the Graduation Gate Ceremony. At this event, the honorees will pass through the Senior Gate, which is unlocked only once each year on this special occasion. As they pass through the gate, the master of ceremonies will read off their accomplishments and share their future plans. In the evening, all students will attend the annual Awards Ceremony. Representatives from the dormitories, school, music department, 4-H and alumni will present awards to deserving students. Following the program, the annual President’s Review will take place on Neeley Field. Sunday, the Baccalaureate Service will begin at 10:45 a.m. Speaking at this service will be the Rev. Mark Newton of First Baptist Church, San Marcos. Finally, at 3 p.m. Sunday, the seniors will gather for the 98th annual Commencement. Dr. Paul Powell, Dean of Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, will deliver the address. Valedictorian Nicole Mebane and Salutatorian Casey Putman will lead the seniors into the RCC, while Denziel Owusu will present the Senior Class gift. Class of 2006 at Senior Gate JROTC gets blue star after rigorous inspection By Charles Horvilleur On April 28, The Bear Battalion had its Army Formal Inspection, conducted by the 12th Brigade, United States Army Cadet Command, our parent JROTC Headquarters. This formal inspection happens once every three years. Cadets trained rigorously for the inspection all year and were able to give an honorable performance on the inspection. When it was over, the JROTC program was declared an Honor Unit (HU), whereas in recent years it has been declared an Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD). This means that the Corps essentially went from the equivalent of an A plus to an A, which is still extremely good. As an honor unit, the cadets will wear a blue star on their uniforms in place of the gold star they have worn previously. For AFI, cadets were inspected for complete uniform, and they had to individually answer 1 or 2 questions each to the inspectors. After the individual inspection was completed, they had to march in their platoons. Separately, there were about 10 cadets from each LET level who were selected to make presentations based on their curriculum knowledge. “This part went very well,” Kameron Allison, Battalion commander, said. Positions for next year’s Bear Battalion were also announced recently. Next year’s Battalion Commander will be Josh E. Brame. The Executive Officer (XO) will be Nicole Hoffman, and the new Command Sergeant Major (CSM) will be Ed Estrada. The Personnel Officer (S-1) will be Jerry Huang; the Security Officer (S-2) will be Taylor Benson; the Operations Officer (S-3) will be Madison Conradt; the Logistics Officer (S-4) will be Robert Dean; and the Public Relations See “AFI,” on page 15 Page 2 The Laurel May 12, 2006 SENIOR WORD SEARCH Editorial The Laurel By Kelsey Henry Legalization of drugs not the way On April 28, the Mexican Congress began a 5-day journey toward legalizing the possession of potent quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and mescaline. The Mexican Congress passed the bill, which President Vicente Fox was expected to sign and approve. President Fox rejected the bill May 4, but may return it to Congress with modifications. The acts of the Mexican Congress shed light again on the debate over the legalization of narcotics in the U.S.. Mexico claimed that the legalization would allow more local control of narcotics to bring focus on more serious laws. For years, some Americans have fought for the legalization of certain narcotics, particularly marijuana. However, legalization would lead to increased accessibility, which would lead to increased usage, which would lead to increased demand, which would lead to increased casualties. Many narcotics end up having life-threatening results upon addicts, and the shipment of drugs to the consumers entails widespread crime and warfare. Legalization would lead to a rise in all of these things, and would be a step back in the war on drugs that the U.S. has invested millions of dollars on. For now, Mexico has decided not to legalize narcotics, and the U.S. is safer for it. We hope President Fox continues to take a stand against legalization. D M C M W L A M U K V O R F B R F W Z Y U E O V K Q J H Z E S T W Z N Q J I R Y N M Q T P K F P P A C O D N G M X B N B V B F N I T S U A A G C L P N G N L Q G V H O K J D Y X O X O G Z Y N F D Q I D B I R H D N W H W D Q K M W U N E L P R U Z G W H I M Q G G M R C X E S P U G L Y A M Q A T V O Z Q M A Y N E T T E K N I T D R W G P A E H I Y X A L A C Y G B I A F S C L K M L J I E X U P B C L O A V J A R F N K C U R D O H J R R F M Y I W E X A W Kameron, Maynette, Rachel, Daniel, Jimmy, Paco, Austin, Alli, Dugan, Lydia, Jose Senior Column After three years, it’s time to say goodbye By Adelita Ayala Three years ago I said goodbye to my parents and headed into the girls’ dorm. The feelings I had at that moment were everything but happiness and joy; I wasn’t very fond of the idea of living in a place with 40 other girls whom I didn’t know and “fitting in” to this new lifestyle. Yesterday, while talking to a parent, I found myself saying how beneficial this school has been to me. How the teachers treat you on a one-to-one basis and there is always an answer to your questions. I would like to say to all my teachers how thankful I am of having met them; from each one of them I learned a lesson. From Mr. Nave I learned that I should be proud of my Mexican status and not ashamed of my accent; in Mrs. Peters I found a teacher with a huge heart who cares about her students and always has an open house for them; from Mr. Paul I learned that no matter what you do, people will always give you a second chance because they care about you; and from Mr. Lawless that you can’t stop trying. My list could be endless, but I don’t have that much room in the newspaper, so for the rest of my teachers I just say thank you. I wish I could say that I am going to miss the dorm life, but I really don’t think I will; drama is not one of my favorite things in life and there is too much of it in this school. That was a big surprise to me when I first came here. I wasn’t used to seeing so See “Column,” page 3 ‘Laurie Laurel’ gives advice for graduates Dear Laurie: What do you think about long distance relationships? Signed, Miles Away involved and the level of trust they have. Basically, if there is hope at the end that you will eventually be together, a long distance relationship might work. Laurie adds that both people involved in the relationship have to be mature and committed to the relationship in order for it to last. Dear Miles: Your senior class members said that they believe the success of long distance relationships depends on the people Dear Laurie: Can you give advice that might be helpful to the seniors who are graduating? Signed, A Senior from the In honor of the pending graduation of the Class of 2006, Laurie surveyed several departing seniors who gave advice to the following questions. Class of 2006 Dear Senior: Your senior class members suggest that you don’t do anything stupid, that you make good choices and that you think before you act. They also suggest that you take it easy, don’t try to experience everything at once and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Laurie agrees and would also like to add that you should always treat others the way you want to be treated. Dear Laurie: What are some ways that might help me study for finals? Signed, Stressed Dear Stressed: Your senior class members suggest that you write out important facts onto notecards, organize your papers (such as putting them in a notebook) so that they are easier to study from, and put away electronics and other distractions. Laurie See “Laurie,” page 3 Staff: Editor: Adelita Ayala Staff Reporters: Chelsea Clark Raji Gullapalli Kelsey Henry Charles Horvilleur Adviser: Shelley Henry Policies: The Laurel is published three times per semester and is printed by the San Marcos Daily Record. It is distributed free of charge to students, parents, and the local community. The Laurel may also be viewed online at the Academy website, www. smba.org. Opinions expressed in columns and editorials are those of the student writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty or administration of San Marcos Academy. Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Letters must be typed and submitted to the editor one week prior to the publication date. All letters should be signed. For information on advertising rates and deadlines, call the Journalism Department at 512/753-8046 or send e-mail to henrys@ smba. org. For information on San Marcos Academy, please visit our website at www. smba.org. Contact: Phone: (512) 753-8046 Fax: (512) 753-8031 E-mail: henrys@smba.org Address: 2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, Texas 78666 May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 3 No one likes to say goodbye, but Mr. Fleming is ready to retire By Raji Gullapalli When we have a big project and we do not know what to do, we always go to the library. Who do we always go to and say “PLEASE HELP ME, I am so lost?” It is Mr. Mike Fleming. Mr. Fleming has been at the school for three years, and now we have to say our goodbyes, because he is retiring after 32 years in education. Mr. Fleming has been a librarian for 16 years. He taught as a classroom teacher for 16 years in Uvalde and in San Marcos at Goodnight Junior High. Then he was a librarian for 13 years in Seguin. He changed his occupation because he wanted to do something different and he loves organizing and books. Mr. Fleming said he enjoys reading detective and mystery novels and some science and biology. One trend that he has noticed about high school students is that they check out more science fiction and supernatural books. In general, however, most students are not reading as much as they used to, he said. “I am going to miss helping students find information and books to read,” Mr. Fleming said. “But I will now have time for my woodworking projects “Laurie,” from page 2 would like to remind you that cramming really doesn’t work, so you should pace your studying out over several days. This way you can get plenty of rest and be at your best when you take your final. Dear Laurie: How do you relieve stress? Signed, Frazzled Dear Frazzled: Your senior class members suggest that you do exercise that you enjoy, take a relaxing shower, or take a break from things and enjoy a good conversation. Laurie agrees. and will work in the garden and yard in my free time.” When Mr. Fleming first came to the school, he said he met Mrs. Heidi Peltier. They introduced themselves and he told her he was the new librarian. He said he remembers her saying, “I’m glad to see the Academy is hiring some young guys now.” He said he thought this was a rather strange thing for her to say, because he is far from being a young man. But later when he saw Dr. Robinson and Coach Mac, he said he realized what she meant. The Academy will certainly miss Mr. Fleming’s good humor, positive attitude and, of course, his love of books. “A life without books is like a body without a soul,” Mr. Fleming said. Mr. Mike Fleming Gregory’s novels becoming popular with female readers By Adelita Ayala Isn’t it great to transport to some other place and create your own world by just opening a book? It awakens your imagination and your creativity starts working. Librarian Mike Fleming estimated that about ten percent of the student body could be classified as regular or constant readers. Others use the library more to check out books for research or for a specific class. The constant readers have their favorite types of books or genres, but one of the most popular is the category of science fiction. This includes fantasy books as well as those that explore real life problems. It also includes the scary type of science fiction. “Kids choose the real life books because they are going through something or they know someone who is having a hard time,” Mr. Fleming said, “They choose the fantasy books because they appeal to our imagination.” Lately the books that many students have been reading are historical fiction novels by Philippa Gregory such as “The Queen’s Fool” and “The Other Boleyn Girl.” These types of books are popular among the girls mainly because they are historical novels and the positive side of them is that while you read them you also learn about history. “I just loved learning about Henry the Eighth,” McKenzie Fergus said. Hailey Tuck, who is a very avid reader, said she enjoys this type of fiction, too. “I read about a book a day,” she said. She said she also likes fantasy and political books and has grown up reading them. So if students are planning on buying or checking out books, they might want to look at these very popular ones. “Column,” continued from page 2 You really can have fun with math many people crying in one day, but I learned to ignore them and move on. I guess I figured out that life wasn’t going to be more complicated with a few tears. I’ll miss the RA’s, Miss Carrie, Miss Leach, Miss Rhodes and Miss Terry especially. I would like to give them applause for been capable to handle all of us and not go insane. To Mrs. Paul I would like to say that thanks to her, I’ve learned to not roll my eyes anymore and to listen. I’ll miss some aspects of dorm life, but not all of them. I hope when I get to college, I won’t be having a bell to wake me up and another one to tell me I have to go to bed. As an end to my column, I would like to say that inevitably I wouldn’t be who I am right now if it weren’t for all the experiences of these past three years. Maybe I’ll be changing schools, but the friends and the people I care about from this school will be moving with me too, in my heart. Don’t tell your age—the Laurel staff will know! Don’t cheat by looking ahead . . . this takes less than a minute. Work this out as you read . . . be sure you don’t read the bottom until you’ve worked it out! 1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to eat sweets (more than once but less than 10) 2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold) 3. Add 5 4. Multiply it by 50 – use a calculator if you need to. 5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1756; if you haven’t, add 1755. 6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born. 7. You should have a three digit number. The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times you want to eat sweets each week). 8. The next two numbers are YOUR AGE! This is the only year (2006) that this will ever work, so spread it around while it lasts! Page 4 The Laurel May 12, 2006 ‘Happy Scarecrow’ delights student audience By Charles Horvilleur On April 27, San Marcos Academy was entertained by this year’s theatre production titled “The Happy Scarecrow.” The play was directed by Ms. Stacey Herron, and members of the cast included Jose Coira, Anastasia Parish, Hannah Hartman, Rachel LeDoux, Lainey Godwin, Kelsey Henry, Lisa Hearn, Katy Vest, Megan Tucker, Jeff Cope, Casey Putman, Nicole Mebane and Adelita Ayala. The play was about a disagreement between a happy, pretty fairy (Anastasia Parish) and a disgruntled, ugly witch (Hannah Hartman). The disagreement was that the fairy believed there was happiness in the world, while the witch believed that happiness didn’t really exist. So, in order to settle the disagreement, they agree to turn a scarecrow into a human for one day in order to see if he could find happiness and prove whether happiness re- “Shakespeare says, and I quote . . . .” interrupts Megan Tucker, who played the Woman in the Audience. Her purpose was to provide commentary on the action on stage. ally does exist. If the scarecrow didn’t find happiness, the witch would win the debate and the fairy would have to give up her beauty. The scarecrow (Jose Coira) goes on a journey, encountering many different people (and animals) along the way, while trying to find happiness. He encounters a group of young, playful children, and is denied the chance to play with one of the selfish children’s dolls. He then meets an old lady (Rachel LeDoux) who teaches him many things. Then he meets a skunk (Katy Vest) who has fun scaring off humans. Afterwards, he meets an unhappy jester (Casey Putman) who doesn’t get any attention and plans on stabbing the king to take power. The scarecrow, already being somewhat shocked, then meets the “Scarehuman” (Jeff Cope), whose job is to scare humans. He dislikes the human race, and reveals a hydrogen bomb that he has ready to bring about the total annihilation of all humans. The Scarecrow then meets the king (Nicole Mebane) and queen (Adelita Ayala), who argue and are both very unhappy. In the climax of the play, all of the characters the scarecrow has met in his journey gather on stage and begin fighting Pessimism meets optimism when the Witch (Hannah Hartman) and the Fairy (Anastasia Parish) meet in “The Happy Scarecrow.” The fairy ends up proving to the witch that happiness does exist. with each other. In the midst of all the human unhappiness and fighting, the Scarehuman emerges with the bomb and reveals his plan. The Scarecrow, having learned compassion, begins fighting with the Scarehuman. The Scarecrow then proceeds to move the Scarehuman further away from the humans and then sacrifices himself for the humans. In the end, the humans learn from the Scarecrow’s love for them, even though he clearly recognized their flaws. The humans on stage come together and celebrate the wonderful deed that the Scarecrow had just done for everyone. In the final scene, the good witch and the bad witch reappear and compromise their argument. The fairy decided that it was possible that the witch is right, but in the end, gives the witch her beauty, making her even more beautiful in the process. In the end, everyone’s happy, and another fine theatre production is completed at San Marcos Baptist Academy. Summer’s almost here! Time to see hot new movies By Kelsey Henry This summer, an odd group of superheroes, pirates, talking cars, brainy globetrotters and Mexican wrestlers will compete in a bloodthirsty battle for the number one blockbuster movie. This summer most definitely holds something for everyone--a little romance, plenty of actionpacked blockbusters, some flicks perfect for an afternoon of belly laughs, and a few films that will spark serious interest. You can be sure that Americans will be there every step of the way, supporting their favorite movies in this threemonth race to the finish. Maybe you’ve never heard of The Da Vinci Code, but then again you may not be of this Planet. This book has clung to the bestseller list for 157 consecutive weeks now. The movie based on this book, about a 2000 year old Vatican conspiracy covering up evidence about Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, will be released May 29 to both praise and controversy. The movie, directed by Ron Howard, will star Tom Hanks Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellen. Disney and Pixar will once again pair up to create what promises to be another witty and beautifully animated film. Cars, with the voices of Paul Newman and Owen Wilson, follows a lavish, spoiled racecar who discovers a new way off life off the track. Cars will be released June 9. Animated movies and kid flicks are making a longawaited comeback. In addition to Cars, look for Over the Hedge, Barnyard, and The Ant Bully as well as How to Eat Fried Worms and Nacho Libre. In the tradition of Spider-man, X-men, Batman, the Fantastic Four, it’s only natural that Superman be next in line with Superman Returns, starring Brandon Routh and directed by Brian Singer. While the original Superman franchise had three sequels, this movie picks up where the second one left off. The 1978 Su- perman inspired director Singer to become a film maker. Entertainment Weekly magazine projects this movie, being released on June 30, to be the film to beat of 2006. Another much-anticipated Superhero movie this year is the third and final X-men movie, coming out May 26. Superheroes aren’t the only attention-grabbing money makers of the year: Pirates have a place as well. Nearly three years after the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the sequel, Dead Man’s Chest, brings Orlando Bloom back to play Will Turner. Will and his bride to be, Elizabeth (Kiera Knightly) assist Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as they fend off their new nemesis, Davy Jones. The cast has been shooting this and the next Pirates sequel simultaneously in the Caribbean. Dead Man’s Chest will be released on July 7, a day many competitive movies will remember as the day their box office gross almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow. The race is clearly on. Other films in line include the recently released Mission: Impossible 3; Poseiden; The Break-up; and Click. This summer, who wouldn’t want a front seat in an air-conditioned theatre to watch the action unfold? May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 5 Golden Bears see the sites in Chicago (Left) Amy Cope and Angela Lim stand outside Millennium Park while touring in Chicago. (Below) Standing strong, Madison Conradt strikes a pose from a Michelangelo painting. At this fountain in Millennium Park, visitors can stand in the water. (Top Left) At Wrigley Field, Audrey McGuire, Morgan Martin, Jose Coira, Richard Toedt, Olivia Garza, Josh Brame and T.J. Riner relax as they watch the White Sox win the game. (Left) Rachel Blewett and Victoria Hargroder sit on the tour bus as they go along with the planned activities. The students traveled on the tour bus to many of the sites they visited. (Above) In front of the giant dome at Millennium Park, all the Golden Bears gather for a group picture. Page 6 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Senior Class of 2006 I, Kameron Allison, leave the following: To The Table: I will those of you who are left some napkins for Richard because I think he will use up the ones I leave him. I want to thank all of you for giving me my favorite period of the day. To Richard: I will you napkins and maybe a few paper towels. I love your stories, man (except the chicken one). Maybe we will run into each other out in the middle of the wilderness. We can give Kenneth a call and have us a hoot-an-nanny! To Kenneth: I will you the Mexican. Don’t forget how to speak your beautiful language of Spanish, but I am starting to think you are just adding an accent to your English so you can make fun of Adelita. Either way, it is beautiful just the way it is, and so are YOU. You are beautiful just the way you are, and you don’t need a man to complete you. Hey the camping trip was awesome, man! Have a sweet Senior Year, ONE MORE! To Juan Wieland: I will you the hottest girlfriend. That was given to me by Occifer Sonny, and now I pass it onto you. I will you a great time in high school; everybody says that but I want you to at least try to figure out what is important and take care of it. But if it isn’t, don’t worry about it. I wish I had your Mexican stache, Man. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON. To Adelita: I will you a ride to College Station so you can come see me. Thanks for acting like I spoke Spanish in San Antonio. Next time you are walking on the third floor of a condemned Haunted house, give me a call and I’ll hold your hand. Hey! We are going on a plane ride to Colorado real soon so start packing your bags. To Barbara: You are a funny girl and I hope you have a great time finishing High School. I will you another crazy group to sit with you at lunch everyday in New York. And I have always wanted to say thank you for bringing that Danish girl to the table. To Nicole: I will you your dream car. It has been awesome this year getting to know you and I want us to keep in touch and hang out when we all come back for holidays. You know I have to say something like this so hear it goes . . . I will you, Nicole Mebane, a state-of-theart GPS system and the best car insurance money can buy. Sorry : ) What I really wish for you is an incredible Freshman year in College! To Sidsel: I want you to always remember jer oprette mig smil. All the things that brought us together have made me so thankful. I will never look at another kangaroo without thinking of you. I will you another night driving in circles for hours in the middle of a field at midnight with the heater blasting, but you can’t share it with anyone but me. Du er miget smok. I had to say it, it is my second favorite thing to say in Danish. Yeah, you know my absolute favorite . . . Jeg skal tissue! I will you the skills you lack to climb that infamous tree (without falling). I still don’t forgive you for killing me with that bike ride! I will you a better driving instructor who won’t get scared when you almost hit a fence. I guess I will finally admit it, hear and now, Sidsel Rasmussen should be a Pro Wrestler because she is THAT GOOD! I can’t put to words what you have done for me this year. I just want you to always remember Jer oprette mig smil. To Kristi: I will you a high school experience that you will always remember and enjoy. I want you to learn a lot and maybe you can come learn some more with me up in Aggie Land. It’s going to be lonely not having someone to ride to school with me every morning, so you are definitely going to come up and see me, and just you and me can hangout. Kristi, I couldn’t have a cooler sister. To Rachel: I’m leaving you all of my money. OK, well not really. But I will leave you all our memories: the accumulation of like a million hours in and on top of your barn with the smelly cat, the game that only I can play with Sweetie, our 4 marathon rehearsals, watching me and your sister fight, Our First Date with Rose pedals and fire, broken horse rides – like when they won’t run, coffee, mochas and javas couch conversations, mochas and javas outside table conversations, master school tag, Jamaican coffee, real cream, San Antonio driving games, free Starplex movies, front porch swing conversations, falling off your stupid front porch, all the band aids I needed, never sitting on your couch because the dog bed was way more comfortable, piano performances at 7 a.m., the lost Spurs game, finding out your imaginary friend is real, psychology conversations during finals, rock climbing, you not killing me while rock climbing, 23 and counting cases of physical abuse, New Year’s Eve Felonies, BGCT Engagement plans, everything else that will make my memory of Senior Year be so great, and finally laughing! You will always be my buddy, buddy! I, Adelita Ayala, will the following: To Hannah Hartman: My dear suitemate! I will you the perfect rainy afternoons and the willingness to go outside and run. I also will you “perfect love” and the antidote against loneliness because your best friend ever is leaving, as part of the antidote I will you my “Amour CD.” Love you!!! To Rachel LeDoux: I will you a nice cozy little apartment with a view of the Windsor and Kensington Palaces, and a cruise in the afternoons on the River Thames when you live in London. I am going to miss you so much, you have been a great friend for me in the past three years that we have known each other. But don’t worry because even if I freeze to death in Colorado I’ll go see you! To Taylor Benson: I will you a school year in which there is never the slightest chance of Level Five so I can have all of your extra time. I also will you a permanent permit so you can cross the border anytime. I love you, and I hope you have an excellent senior year and that you accomplish all of your goals, I know that you can do what ever you set your mind on. To Kameron: I will you a huge mountain and all the extra gear you might need to climb it. Once you are at the top, you’ll see a waterfall and a kayak that will help you go through the rapids in the river. (See Rachel’s for continuation) To Nicole Hoffman: I will you my prehistoric cell phone, so you can have fun opening it and building it all over again. To Alex: I will you a date just like LeDoux to prom! To Barbara Ho: I will you a glamorous life in New York; hope you have all the fun in world and never change who you are because that’s what makes us love you!!!! To Ed Estrada and David Yu: An excellent year of calculus; have fun guys! Don’t play too much with the calculator because it may break. To Nicole Mebane: “My beautiful and noble king…” I will you many plays in the future with you as the heroine. To Richard Toedt: I will you all the firearms that you could ever want and an endless hunting range, oh by the way, I almost forgot: some non-temporary friends for your temporary life. To Sidsel Rasmussen: I will you an excellent year in Denmark, and the chance to plan the best camping trip ever without Kameron’s help. I know we haven’t known each other for too long but I am glad I met you. To Eunice Yeo: I will you an awesome senior year that is not “hard” and lots of fun in Korea. I also will some smart calculus classmates who won’t have to ask you a whole lot of questions! To Katerina: Te deseo el novio ejemplar que no sea tan inmaduro como el pasado, alguien que te quiera a pesar de todo y que confie en ti. Te quiero mucho y creeme que para mi fue maravilloso que vinieras este aniop, eres una amiga a la que no voy a olvidar y creeme que voy a cumplir mi promesa de sacarte de aqui y secuestrarte un fin en Houston! To Raji: I will you all the paper in the world so you can go and make endless interviews of the baseball team, even though we know that you only interview one person there. You are a great girl and remember: “you are my sunshine, my only May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 7 Last Will and Testament sunshine...”(lol). To Charles: I will you fast hands to type all the stories Mrs. Henry wants you to do and someone with whom you can have your counseling talks because sadly I wont be here anymore. You have made my newspaper class way more entertaining. Oh my….it is finally my turn to do Senior Wills. I have been waiting for two years now and have a lot to will so bear with me. If I miss anyone, I’m sorry, but if you know me I have probably learned something from you and love something about you that I will always remember. I, Chelsea Clark (Gi-Gi), will the following: To Katy Vest (Chi-Chi): I don’t even know where to begin; you are like my sister and we have been through a lot together. I care about you so much and hope in life you don’t listen to the others around you but do what you want to do. Be who you are, because no matter what anyone says you are wonderful, beautiful, talented and intelligent. I hope we never lose our friendship and the close bond we have; I just look forward to it prospering. I want our memories to never end until we die and do everything we promised each other we would do. In high school you realize who is and who isn’t a real, true friend and in writing this, I can call you my real, true not my friend, BUT MY BEST FRIEND! I will you times at Chili’s (Triple Play), McDonald’s, late nights, phone calls, money to turn on your cell phone, times in “The Eddie,” “The Cowboy,” and the “Alumie.” Another New Year without dates, sitting out on my porch. Fall Festival, Christmas Dance, and Mil. Ball, and Prom after parties with just the two of us. “Katy, why do I always get the poor guys.” Vundka, Copeo, Guin, Our boys in our lives, Birthday parties, Corpus Christi, Port A, The Whataburger Boys, volleyball season, taking pictures, Big T, WATTS, POOT, Trips to come see me in Angelo State, that all of our plans in the future may come true, the trash can, cleaning our cars, another stop sign we can have, family members, Jerry Springer Show, Roswell, Yo MOMMA!!, MTV, Country music, Lovers and Friends, She let herself go, a trip to Hawaii, New York, Las Vegas, my love and mostly that our friendship continues to grow… “I don’t think we spend enough time together already.” hahaha To Tyler Clate: We have been through a lot this year, good times and bad times. But I have to say I could never forget you in the years to come. I will you the movie King Kong, a great senior year, unlimited text messaging, $1,000 gift card to the Italian Garden, the bowling game, movies, playscape, stock show, after football games, the movie Stepford Wives, and Sweet Home Alabama. Remember the naps, trampoline, you getting hurt, fall festival, Christmas dance, Mil. Ball, Christmas Day, My B-day. I don’t know, I just hope you remember our friendship and it continues to grow to what it used to be. I know that will take time…. But have a great senior year! To Denziel (My Denzy): I love you so much, you are like the brother I never had but wanted. You are one of my only real close guy friends. I value and treasure the relationship we have. I hope we have just as close bond in the future that we do now. I will you; Mrs. Peltier’s class, Mrs. Goss’s class, cheat sheets, Times when you have calmed me down, late night phone calls, phone card, a trip to Angelo State when ever you want to come see me, A CAR, CELL PHONE. In memory of Caitlin Crunk: Man, I’m so sad you couldn’t be here for our last year. I’m willing you the awesome junior year we had together…. And all the memories…lol Prom, Fall Festival, Mill. Ball, after parties, guys at the dances, Chili’s, my b-day party, “Chels you need to be on pimp my ride,” Boys in general, ginga after prom, Oreos with peanut butter and pasta, Cheesecake Factory, North Star Mall, That retarded Asian movie we saw, the movies, Pickles and pop corn, pictures we took. To Lydia W.( Alydia) At times all I could think to my myself is what would I would do without you. Us being as close as we are is kind of strange…. You’re quiet and I’m loud….lol But it’s okay!! I will you, a trip to Leakey, more times with our bodily functions, basketball season, and Nazi parents…. Stay the night with me…I love you girl…and I hope we stay in touch over the years. To Casey P.: May you accomplish all you want in life and with trials and tribulations, you learn from each one. Never give up and never let people tell you you can’t accomplish something because you can. I will remember everything and hope you remember me and hope our friendship will never end but get stronger over the years. I will you more trips to Seguin, a car/driver’s licensee, a weekend to spend at your house…. Road trip to Houston, no more fights or arguments, a phone with ununlimited minutes and text messaging, a trip to Austin, a trip to San Angelo to come see me, a ticket to see and meet all the H-Town rappers, another prom to make happen (lol), happiness, the thought before you do things, money to go to college all the way paid for…. And remember Leakey, Big T, Uncle Chris, Julius, phone calls, myspace, PEPPA, singing In the car and all the things that come with that. To Jose: First I have to say GO BEARS, LIKE THIS!! Omg I love you to death….this year couldn’t be as fun as it was with out you….you always make a dull moment funny!! I will you, BGCT!, unlimited minutes and text messaging on your cell phone, come to college with me, trips to Angelo State, Camera with unlimited picture space, Wal-Mart trips, my b-day (cheesecake factory), a trip to Mexico and New York, all in all just more and more fun. I hope we never loose touch!! To Kelci: I will you and Marco happiness…y’all are so cute together, fun senior year, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, your b-day (Chili’s, Playscape, downtown and the movies), more moments at Marble Slab. Getting applications at the mall, making fun of people even our friends….Have a great senior year…I’ll miss you!! To James Hunt (Corsicana): I LOVE KATY!! Hahaha I will you someone else to pick on, Art class memories, phone calls, trips to the store, your house, the stop sign we took at your house, another time having fun at Katy’s (we need to do that again), moments at your house, prom…(you better be nice to my cuz), a trip to come to Angelo State and visit me!! I hope you have a great senior year…I’ll miss you!! To J.R.: Hey lil’ one!! I will you a state championship in golf next year, all the happiness with you and your girlfriend, try to keep Tyler in line next year, and ya…You are a great guy and I’ll really miss ya! To Kwasi: Wow, there has been so many ups and downs in our friendship this year…hopefully all the bad stuff is gone and we can focus in on the good memories throughout the year. I will you unlimited text and minutes on you cell, all the chicken in the world, more late night phone calls from Katy and me, happiness, and I hope you complete all you want in life!! To Sarah W: I will you all the success in the world in music…you are awesome, just keep you head up and on a straight track and you’ll accomplish whatever you want in life. To R.W.: I will you another Hill Country game, times in yearbook, English, and just all the funny moments with you. To Sarah B. (my lil’ cuz): I will you a great next year in volleyball, softball and basketball, trips with me, a cell phone that works, and my love. (Tell your brother I’m still waiting for him to take me out) haha. To Brittney Sowell: I will you an awesome softball, basketball, and volleyball seasons (I wish you luck in all three), the position as the first female Battalion commander here at the Academy, our hand shake, all the memories at games and on the buses, another initiation for underclassman and newcomers that was fun, a role as the momma on the team… I hope you go far in sports, I have enjoyed playing with you as a teammate the past three years. To Alli Puig: You are an awesome person, I know we don’t agree on certain things in life but I guess I had to see past that and open my eyes to your beliefs. I think that is what makes us close and able to get along. I will you an awesome year where ever you might go and the memories of softball and basketball, English, and yearbook. To Kate Toone: I just wanted to tell you that you’re awesome and freakin hilarious!….I will miss you! I will you the saying “Do I know you?” Page 8 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Senior Class of 2006 To Jackie M.: I will you your car privileges…and the ability that won’t get taken away and a great senior year. To Chase Zaal: I will you all the memories we have had together….a car, money, and have a great next year! To Emma C.: I will you a great year at Shiner and then at Baylor . . . your dream! To Keith Shimek: Another prom and my love! To Lizzy Banks: I will you spot on the football team next year….you go girl…keep smiling!! To Maverick: I will you a lot of things I cant really say…so yeah, please stay out of trouble and be good! To Nations: I will you all the powers and might since you’re the king and all….lol hahahahahaha To Katy C.: “Because of you I believe in evolution,” my sarcasm to you, softball…. girl, you’re beautiful and always remember that. To Jimmy Tran: I will you, Pac-N-Sac trip, James Watson trips, Wal-Mart trips, art… You’re the head of the table… To Olu: I will you all the cookies in the world. To David Bobb: I will you chicken, some one else to crack jokes on, and the Chapelle Show DVD complete season. To Mrs. Henry: My other momma, thank you for everything. I don’t know where I’d be today at this school if it wasn’t for our little talks and your advice. I’m really going to miss you….I will you all the memories in yearbook and newspaper. I really do hope we keep in touch, because I know I will need your advice every week…believe me! To Mrs. Peters: My other other momma, I don’t know what I’d do with out you either….you can tell by just looking at my face when something’s wrong…and you actually care to ask me about it and talk to me. I love you for who are and you are one of the reasons I want to be a teacher when I get older. I will you the memories of all the talks we had since my sophomore year. Another sophomore advisory with me, Marco, Vince, and Jamie like sophomore year. I really hope we keep in touch; it is going to be really tuff next year with out you at my school. To Coach Mac: I will you the saying “HHHEEEEYYY!”, ability to understand girls….I love you! To Mrs. Peltier: I will you someone just like me to make the comments I do, another history class like mine, someone who can’t read maps, and someone who thinks RFD saying goes like this he walks with a can and not a stick. Classes with a lot of competition, who can sit in your blue chair the longest and keep track of it all year. A class who gets into the games just as much as Casey, Kameron, Chase Stone and me. I still want to meet that Indian man too. To Mrs. Larkin: I will you WD40 for your cabinets. I will you all the Latin classes in the world and as many days off you need so you can take care of you mother when needed. You are the best English teacher I have ever had; you always bring books to life. To Mrs. Wade: Hey momma, I will you all the pop-tarts and Dr Pepper in the world, lotion, an assistant, and my love! You better remember me….I might need a job someday! To Mr. Wade (Homefry): Hey buddy, thank you for keeping me on the right track over the years….you have done so much for me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will you more days off, times when parents and students leave you alone. To Mrs. Pizana (LAZANA): My momma too, I will you another office aid just as good as me! trips to the sabre, a trip down to the mark-key, phone calls with your husband, Megan and your mom. It has been a great experience in the office, thank you for everything. To Mr. Bryant: I will you a trip to Lowe’s whenever you want to leave you can do so. To Dr. T: Another date with Brittany Spears….hahahahahaha lol To Mrs. Spillers: A student in the future who wears the right loafers, and a pair of loafers for people like me who don’t always wear the correct loafers. Besides that, I know we’ve had our differences through out the years, but I really do look up to you as a grandma figure. You are awesome woman who does a lot for this school even when you don’t have to and I thank you for that. To Mr. Paul: I love Jesus, do you? Because I went to church yesterday….Oh and students just as good as me and Jose…. you’ll never be able to find that! To Coach Gulick: I will you a happy marriage to Coach Campbell….(I better be invited to the wedding), I will you a great volleyball season…I can still fail to come back and set next year. Another trip to Houston, wasn’t that quite an experience. (Have fun next year and don’t forget to get Katy some BENO before yall leave) A day camp and someone to watch for people looking at San Marcos Activity Center. Players that can swim faster then Katy, Kelci and me. lol To Coach Georg: Can you say “F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L!!! Have a great next year without my presence…I’ll miss your retarded jokes…but will always remember them. To Coach Campbell: Thank you for all the talks and advice you have given me dealing with sports, I will you a great basketball and baseball season, and happiness with Coach Gulick. (I better be invited to the wedding) To Coach Merry: Someone to keep you organized and clean your desk. To Mr. Fleming: I know you won’t be here next year but I will you another student like me that doesn’t know how to turn in library books, and a wonderful retirement….don’t have too much fun. To Senora Johnson: I will you another SAT prep class just a great and lazy as ours was…and a something that says HOOK ‘EM HORNS!! To COL Smith: I will you another day student that you can pick on who is late all the time. To 1SG Moore: Next year a gum chewer who you can bother to throw away their gum. I, Jose Coira, will the following people all the memories I have had with them! If I have missed your name please excuse me! You all know how much I really like this school and writing these wills took me a great amount of time and thought! I will miss you all and hope to see you after I graduate in the future! GO BEARS LIKE THIS! To Sarah Willams: I will you the awesome yet crazy times at TAPPS! Also my best friendship at SMA! I love you! To Chelsea Clark: I will you BGCT! Yes softball was fun, our trips to Wal-mart amused me! Our friendship will continue & I love you! To Kate Toone: I will you my fake Burberrry i-Pod skin, and everything you have on that’s fake! Also makeup remover. Hahaha… To Olivia: I will you my ability to salsa dance. Great times at RAK and Chicago! Comedy Sportz was cool! I hope you never forget me! To Morgan: I will you a box of Bom Vaso! Also all the weird and obnoxious laughs we had during soccer season and on the Chicago trip! To Raji: I will you the chance to take pictures and lots of worms in your hair! You’re a great friend and I hope you and Tommy continue your relationship. To Chelsea Martin: I will you a great number of anger management classes! A pillow for chemistry and English class would be nice too, right? To Casey: I will you all of the Wizard of Oz memories, cheer dances in your room and in the purple lounge. We have had some tough times in these three years but in the end you know you’re my friend and we will always and forever keep in touch! Oooo… Father! To Josh Brame: I will you memories from soccer and all the pictures that I have of you with the weird expressions on your face! To Daniel: I will you Elvis Presley at the murder mystery! To Tina: I will you our duet together and being a good friend. To Audrey: I will you the amazing time in Chicago! We had a lot of fun at Bubba Gumps and the Millenium Park! I hope you will never forget me! To Katy Vest: I will you my better Mexican accent than yours. We’ve been here for a while now and its time to say goodbye, but don’t forget my cousin! To Kwasi: I will you operation “O” and all the awesome times we had! To Shawn Guidry: I will you my shirts that you already have and our good friendship! Also you need to unflake yourself. Try not to lie and take care of Kwasi for me! May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 9 Last Will and Testament To Adelita: I will you “My Princess.” I hope to see you in Mexico over the summer! And “ahhe?” To Jackie Hughes: I will you the opportunity you had to be with me! And to get all those things from Valentines Day that you missed out on! I love you. To Hannah: I will you to be more open minded and to be more happy in life! JK! Also comb your hair everyday and DON’T TALK in Mrs. Peltier’s class! To Richard: I will you my cowboy boots and spurs that I never use you can all tell! Also the text message, you know what I mean! Have fun next year here! Remember me and my GO BEARS LIKE THIS! Izod is the new Lacross! To David Bobb: I will you the most important thing of all the “GO BEARS LIKE THIS” saying and the ability to pass it on through the years to come! If you don’t succeed in doing this, there will be consequences! To Mrs. Peltier: I will you the memory of me not knowing Julie Andrews, giving you a pretty flower, not getting 5 points extra credit until the last game of the YEAR and all the other funny times we had in our 5th period class! I will definitely miss you and your sarcasm. GO BEARS LIKE THIS! To Jacob Fox: I will you the memory of this great semester, my red chair that you ripped already, fun times ordering the King Kong pizza and just being great friends! To Brittney Sowell: I will you all the sports I managed for the teams and the trip to Warped Tour you owe me this summer! To Kelci: I will you our trip to the square with your mom. Also when we went to the mall and bought stuff that was really fun! Hope you and Marco’s relationship continues! Love you… To Brittany Bryant: I will you a trip to Houston! To Lydia: I will you the cool time we had on the senior day off! Going into Claire’s and the Disney Store was really funny. To Hailey Tuck: I will you my heart about all else, and being my favorite and only Dorothy! “Oh My”! I love you girl. Keep in touch and leave comments on my myspace or else! To Nicole Hoffman: I will you to become the next Corps Commander and President as you always say! Why are you so smart? To Laura Dunne: I will you the great time we had a prom; I love your dress! To Katie Cochran: I will you GBLT, GBLT, GBLT and all those pictures we took on the softball bus! Watch out for cups on the table, you might hit them with your forehead. To Mrs. Peters: I will you all the memories from TAPPS and all the amazing times winning and tough times losing! I will always keep in contact! To Mrs. Larkin: I will you a new coffee mug, and a heating system installed in your room for the winter season. I’ll always remember you, don’t forget to smile! To Mrs. Ritchie: I will you a great big thanks for helping me with college applications! Also, the memories in Geometry class. To Coach Mac: There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count and those who can’t! That’s all I have to say! I will miss your amazing teaching abilities! To Coach George: I will you all three years of sports that I participated in. I learned a lot and enjoyed playing under your athletic program! To COL Smith: Acids are sour and Bases are bitter, I will you to give me twenty push-ups for missing the trash can when you threw a ball of paper into it! Also all the military events under your command. To Mr. Paul: I will you the great ability to speak in chapel, and the murder mystery dinner! You are fun, funny and growing old! GO BEARS! To 1SG Moore: I will you all the leadership qualities I have gained from this JROTC program. To Mrs. Henry: I will you the amazing ability to run the yearbook and to write stories! Putting up with stress and still having time for your children is not always easy right? I will miss you very much. GO BEARS! To Dr. Hiebert: I will you all my respect to teaching me how to sing better! I will carry my voice into the future and use your techniques. Thank you from the deepest part of my heart! To Dr. Robinson: I will you the chance to reconsider the word “love” as an adjective! Also your words have touched me greatly in chapel. I will keep in touch! To Mr. Wade: I will you the unbearable times you had to put up with me in the dorm! Being you hall student meant a lot to me! I hope the years to come go well in Laurel Hall! I, Emma Cortez, will the following: To Sarah Williams: I will you a fun college experience and a successful music career. To Adelita Ayala: I will you an awesome college experience wherever you choose to go, because you will be successful in whatever you choose to do. To Rachel Ledoux: I will you an excellent college career far, far away (do come back and visit me, in Texas, ok)? To Nicole Mebane: I will you a good college experience at Texas Lutheran, and a successful career as a Physical Therapist. To Maynette Kirkland: I will you a good, well paying, job with an excellent work environment. To Chelsea Clark: I will you an accident proof car and a fun time in college. To Lydia Wharton: I will you an even more successful career as a chef than Martha Stewart. To Casey and Denziel: I will you a fun, enjoyable, and happy continued relationship at A&M. To Megan M.: I will you a fantastic time on vacation, and an equally good time in college. I enjoyed psych with you. To Kameron Allison: I will you a fun time at A&M and a successful career after graduation. To Dusty Hestor: I will that you have a fun time in San Marcos and that you break all your track records. To Jose C.: I will you a fun time in college. Lucky, I wish I could have graduated at 17! To Austin Mellen: I will you a successful career in the NCAA. To David Newman: I will you a fun time, after graduation, and a successful career in the A&M Corps. To Matt V.: I will that you have a successful career, and that you do something about the sky high oil prices! To RW: I will you a gold medal for soccer in the Summer Olympics, a successful golf career, and acceptance into a good frat at Ole Miss. To Ted Collins: I will you a new element proof car. To Marco: I will you a suc- cessful career in the NCAA To Paco: I will you a fun time at Baylor. To Daniel: I will you a successful career in the NCAA. To Underclassmen: I will to Zach a fun SR yr and that you accomplish everything that you aspire to do. I will Jennifer a fun SR year and the patience to deal with anyone who annoys her. I will Anneka E. a fun SR yr and an enjoyable time at A&M. I will Josh Brame Corps of Cadets Commander. To Daniel and Michelle: a fun ever after. To the rest of the JRS I will y’all a fun SR year. To the Sophomores: I will y’all a fun JR year. To the Freshmen: I will y’all a fun Soph year To the Middle Schoolers: I will y’all a fun high school experience. To my Teachers: To Ms. Herron: I will you an Extreme Home Makeover. To Mrs. McClintock: I will you a lock for your refrigerator and honorary doctorates in Algebra and Chemistry. To Mrs. Rhodes: I will you good health. To Mr. Rhodes: honorary doctorates in Algebra and Chemistry. To Coach Mac: I will you an assistant. To Mrs. Larkin: I will you a raise. To Mrs. Ritchie: I will you a stun gun to keep all your students awake. To Mrs. Peltier: I will you the strength and energy to keep Sarah Williams awake in History. To Mr. Paul: I will you patience to deal with your annoying students and a stack of demerit slips. To Mrs. Peters: I also will you a stun gun to keep your Page 10 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Senior Class of 2006 students in line (so long as you don’t use it on me). To Mr. Wade: I will you a punching bag for stress and a good kid-friendly stick to keep your Camp Mo kids in line. To Senora Johnson: I will you an assistant. To Mrs. Hughes: I will you a raise for being such a good teacher and keeping all the students sane. I, Rachel LeDoux, will the following: To Barbara Ho: I will you not only Bayside but, all New York City. All of it is yours to do as you wish. You have been a great friend and I will miss you so much. You will have plenty practice writing English in your emails to me! To Sidsel Rasmussen: Well, you have the whole Europe thing so what is left to give, but keys to Kameron’s Mustang and all the freedom to go and see whatever you want. I have not known you long, but I am really glad I got to know you. You brought a complete set of diversity to our table. To Adelita Ayala: I will you a private jet to take you all over the world to see everything you ever wanted to see. When you get tired of all your travels I will you a butler who will escort you to your limousine, which will inevitably take you to your large mansion. I will you eternal comfort in all the world, except New York because that is Barbara’s and Colorado because that is mine. You can travel all four corners of the earth and do so with no hesitation. Explore your heart to your heart’s content. You have been a great friend and I will miss you, but I know not for long because I know we will see each other as much as possible. To Nicole Mebane: I will you an indestructible car. You can run into anything but people and you will be OK. You have been a good friend. Thank you for putting up with me during our freshman year; you helped more than you know. To Richard Toedt: I will you the largest selection of guns you could ever imagine. One for everything and anything you would ever need. Richard I will miss your stories and the entertainment you gave us at lunch. To Taylor Benson: I will you one last year at the Academy. Each classroom, each table in the cafeteria, and every locker is yours. Enjoy it even none of us will be there. To Hannah Hartman: I will you Mr. Lawless’s college calculus class. Math is going to seem so boring without you. Just remember one more year and you are done. I am glad I got to know you this year, and I will see you in Mexico this summer. To Kameron Allison: For the first part, please refer to Adelita’s wills. Once you get out of the kayak, you will find a complete scuba diving set to explore a massive lake. While exploring the lake you will find an immense underwater cave. After following its seemingly endless tunnels you wlll arrive, quite suddenly, upon a runway and plane. This plane has an endless supply of fuel and anything else you would need. You can use it to go to Africa whenever you want. I, Nicole Mebane, will the following: To Sidsel Rasmussen: Sidsel, you’ve been such an awesome friend! I am so glad that I have had the privilege of knowing you. First, I will to you a little box. This is no ordinary box; it resides inside of you and is filled with all the memories of this year. Whenever you open it, it will take you back to the good times we’ve had and you’ll never forget! Next, a trip to Austin where we will actually go ice skating… And unlimited free country to country calling. To Barbara Ho: Barbara, I will to you a fabulous time in New York. I know you are going to have such a great time, and I’m going to miss you so much! To Michelle Deschner: I will you so many good times filled with randomness and inside jokes that don’t even make sense any more… I will you all rights to the banana game. Someone else to clean the tanks for you. A volume button on each of your brothers so you can shut them up whenever they won’t leave you alone. And last, I will you a quiet place where you can escape to whenever life gets crazy and nothing seems to be going quite right. To Megan Tucker: Megan, I will to you straight A’s without the painstaking torture of doing any work throughout high school and college. A copy of every musical in existence. To Lisa Hearn: Lisa, I will to you the perfect guy. You haven’t found him yet but that doesn’t mean he’s not out there. To Daniel Wyman: A lifetime supply of sherbet and all the fluffy pillows your heart desires! To Rachel Blewett: I will you all expenses paid for the publication of your first book , which becomes a #1 seller and earns you millions! To David Mebane: I will you something else to in the cafeteria other than chips and crackers. A bigger room (not mine) with soundproof walls so you can blast your music as loud as you want! I, Casey Putman, will the following: To Katie Cochran: My hair To Alli Puig: Cheese sandwiches, Snickers, salad sandwiches, a promise that in the future your little sisters will always behave, Brittney’s dad’s memory book that you ironically forgot the name of, unlimited amount of library cards for every city that you are in, and a full-ride to the college of your choice on a massage scholarship. To Travis Oglesby: My 14K gold sweatsuit, no, literally, come get it from me at the dorm before I leave. To R.W. McDonald: Money, money, money, and oodles of success in college and life. I know that you are going somewhere, man! A weekend in College Station, a weekend for Denziel and me in Mississippi, more long philosophical talks in the library, and the completion of your book by the end of your college graduation. To Paco Alejo: I didn’t think that during our freshman year either one of us would make it this far, yet we did. I will you, Paco, the determination to finish your doctorate on time and make TONS of money. To Morgan Martin: Daughter, I will you valedictorian rank every year for the rest of your time here at SMA. Stamina to get through those very tough times here, I know it feels like the world is going to end any minute, but I promise it won’t. Unlimited visits for you to come and visit your father and me at A&M, a cell phone that you will actually use, and The Pool (Take good care of it, someone needs to). To Rachel Hudson: A punching bag, so you can stop employing Travis as one. To Olivia Garza: Someone who actually will take you seriously, because obviously I do due to the fact that I actually wrote this to you. You are one of the sweetest people that I’ve ever met, and you need to learn how to ignore those that are mean toward you. You know who you really are, and no one else does. Don’t let their words offend you. You are stronger than that. So every time that happens, don’t cry!! You are an excellent person with amazing drive. To Chelsea Martin: I will you the boxing match that we never had. You would probably OWN me, but that’s okay! Another weekend in Austin! To Dugan Dobbs: The next Bill Gates, but you’ll have the people skills that Bill is lacking! To Chelsea Clark: Our book of memories, because it would be too long to write on this and May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 11 Last Will and Testament a fight with Peppa. I also will a free gas card to come and visit Denziel and me ANYTIME you need us!!! We love you and you know we will always be there for you. Never hesitate to call you know the numbers. I love you baby girl. To Jeff Cheung: Someone to help you in calculus when Denziel is gone. And a 3 or higher on the Calculus AP Test. To Jerry Huang: I will you the S-1 position. Take care of all the records, you will be stressed but you can do it. If you ever need me, don’t ever hesitate to call. To Hannah Hartman: A wall to put up all around you when people around you are fighting. Another printer that you can call your own and that your sister won’t steal. Good grades next year in calculus! To Eunice Yeo: Me, I miss you so much as a suitemate, you are the cleanest, sweetest girl ever, and a never-ending supply of sweet ideas for Jay. To Daniel Wyman: A hppy future with Michelle, and a $4,000 gift certificate to Zales, because YOU are the man!! To Zed Quach and Chris Webb: SLEEP!!!!! To Gareth Greisel: My loafers, you asked for them, man. To Ned Thayer: An ant farm. To Kate Toone: More size 7 1/2 shoes, especially if you love them as much as you say you do, and a lifetime supply of Juicy Couture. To Dusty Hester: I will you a full-ride TRACK scholarship to the college of your choice. To Katarina Kalantar: A ruby ring to PAWN!! To Richard Bretcher: Someone else to say hello to every morning when I’m gone. To Jackie Monical: Another fun night at the restaurant Hooters! To Jose Coira: Another summer to gossip to each other back and forth about whose coming back and who isn’t. The phrases, “OHHH Father!!” and “Go Bears, like this!” Every time I hear those things for the rest of my life you will stand out specifically in mind. You are a very special person, Jose capable of accomplishing many things, take advantage of this quality and be all that you can. To Jacob Fox: Another Jewish person at the school, so you are no longer alone. To Matt Verity: A brand new car that doesn’t have so many miles on it. To David Newman: More talks in your car, another driving lesson, a ladder to jump off one of the palm trees in your backyard into the pool, and a pack that doesn’t get pulled into the pool. To Kimberly Beakley: I will you the favor I still owe you. Call me this summer when you are in need, I’ll have a car and I definitely owe you a trip the length of Houston to Montgomery. To Sarah Williams: Man, we have been through some times, girl! I will you an unlimited number of cars, bought by your dad. The knowledge that you can go anywhere and do anything you want with your music. As far as your brother goes, I know the two of you better than anyone here, I want you to stop worrying about him. He will learn eventually to take care of himself. I care so much about you, Sarah. To Jared Urrey: A radio. To Maverick Jennings: My friendship, as long as you are not cocky and you hardly talk to me. To Lazaro Santos: PAPI!!! I will you another mami that isn’t at college. To Coach Campbell: I will you, Coach another manager that won’t cause you so much stress. I know that at times you just had too much going on and I was always a burden. But, I want you to know that all the help and advice you gave was greatly appreciated and won’t be forgotten. To Mr. Paul: An independent study that will do the work. To Mrs. Larkin and Mr. Lawless: Another student who cares and respects the two of you as much as I do. Y’all mean so much to me, y’all have impacted my life in more ways than you will ever know. The pieces of advice y’all give me are always put away in a little Rolodex that will never be forgotten. To Mrs. Paul and Mrs. Spillers: Another girl that y’all get to see grow up from a immature child into a young woman. Apologies for all the trouble I’ve caused y’all over the years, but y’all helped me get to where I am today and helped mold who I am today. To Denziel Owusu: Last, but surely not least, I will you nothing and everything. But, nothing specific. Have you ever noticed that every couple that wills the other something, they always break up? I don’t want that to happen to us. SO, I will you the many memories we have. BGCT, yelling at each other for being scared of bugs, a matrix video game, your own version of Hell, a DRIVER’S LICENSE, running red lights when there is clearly enough time to stop or GAS IT, the Pool, SHOES!!, State Track Titles, and success in college for you. To Nicole Hoffman: TOLD YOU I’D FIX IT!!! Well, well, well, my little midget. It has been three great years having you by my side. I love having you as a friend. You are one of the three people at this school that I can swear on everything that I know that you would die for me. Your friendship means so much to me. You have always been there for me. Everytime I needed you, you counseled me without judging me and never held a grudge or kept a secret from me. You constantly put yourself on the line for me, and believe me, Shorty, I appreciate it greatly. You mean so much to me. More than you will ever know. Therefore, I will you, Nicole Lynn Hoffman, a friendship that will never fade. No matter what, I always want you to call me once a week next year and come to visit at least four times a year. Hope you don’t mind hanging out with a black man, he, he, he! I will you a full-ride to Duke University and a license to RULE THE WORLD!! Seniors share their memories, future plans By Charles Horvilleur Seniors have just two days of high school left, and this is going to be their last issue of the Laurel. So the staff asked the seniors to fill out a questionnaire to provide us with some information about their future plans and memories of SMA. The results we received are printed below. Name: Kameron Allison How long have you attended SMBA? 7 thousand years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? A bunch of stuff. What have you contributed to this school? My attendance. What are you going to remember most about this school? Being a Golden Bear. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? I don’t know about that one. What are some of your favorite memories? Richard Toedt’s mess at lunch. Where are you going to be next year? Texas A & M. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Building rockets. Do you have any thing else you’d like to say in the paper? Hi, mom! Name: Adelita Ayala How long have you attended SMBA? 3 years. What are some of the clubs you were involved in? Drama, NHS, Newspaper, Leo Club, Swimming, Student Ambassador, Laurel Hall. What have you contributed to this school? I gave tours to prospective students and in the past 3 years I have been doing community service for the school organizations. What are you going to remember most about this school? My friends, boyfriend, and all the teachers. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “A mere princess..?” What are some of your favorite memories? Signs and something to do with Rachel. Where are you going to be next year? University of St. Thomas in Houston. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Working and traveling the world as an international business woman. Name: Jeff Cheung How long have attended SMBA? This is my 2nd year. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Choir, TAPPS. What have you contributed to this school? I went to music TAPPS, and I cleaned up the airport. What are you going to remember most about this school? Dorm life. See “Memories,” page 12 Page 12 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Senior Memories, Plans, continued from page 11 What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “Senior ’06.” What are some of your favorite memories? I think my graduation is going to be unforgettable, the bonfire, and Homecoming. Where are you going to be next year? Foothill College (CA). What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? I’m going to be an engineer, while Dugan is going to work with computers. Name: Chelsea Clark How long have you attended SMBA? 2 1/2 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Softball, basketball, student government, newspaper, yearbook, student ambassador, Leo Club, Sweetheart Pageant. What have you contributed to this school? My days off, leadership, dedication, determination. What are you going to remember most about this school? The teachers and friends. The teachers because they are incredible. They actually care and love every student in some way or form. My friends because they are so diverse and they have so many qualities you can’t find anywhere else. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “Life’s a dance, learn as you go.” What are some of your favorite memories? BGCT, SOFTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, JOSE, KATY, TYLER, HONORS CLASSES WITH THE GANG OVER THE YEARS, MRS. HENRY, MRS. PETERS, MRS. PELTIER. Where are you going to be next year? Angelo State in San Angelo, TX. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Katy and I doing our thing somewhere not near here and living life up to the fullest . . . working, having fun. Maybe finding a guy . . . but that’s pretty hard for us. Do you have anything else you’d like to say in the paper? That I love everyone at this school in some way or form. If I have offended, or said anything bad to anyone, please forgive me. I would like to leave this school without any grudges. And everyone please be true to yourself and remember you have to like yourself first. Name: Jose Coira How long have you attended SMBA? 3 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Cheerleading, soccer, softball manager, volleyball manager, choir, student ambassador, drama, 4-H, TAPPS. What have you contributed to this school? My time and effort to make this school a better place for the students around me. What are you going to remember most about this school? My friends and teachers. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “GO BEARS LIKE THIS!” What are some of your favorite memories? TAPPS, murder mystery, having fun with friends. Where are you going to be next year? North East Texas Community College. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? I see myself working in the TX industry and my friends, I will keep in touch until the end. Do you have anything else you’d like to say in the paper? I hope this school remembers me a lot because I really like this school with a passion and to all my friends, “Go Bears Like This!” Name: Emma Diane Cortez How long have you attended SMBA? 2 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? 4-H, Golden Bear, RAK member, Student Ambassador, and music TAPPS. What have you contributed to this school? My Outstanding Scholastic and Leadership Ability:). What are you going to remember most about this school? The Pep Rallies and just hanging out with my friends. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “No Big, It’s All Cool.” What are some of your favorite memories? The many and far-in-between disco moments in Chemistry class with Mrs. Benson. Where are you going to be next year? Baylor. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? At a church surrounded by little kids telling Bible stories (complete with a huge picture book and flannel graph:)). Do you have anything else you’d like to say in the paper? That All my friends will be successful in whatever they choose to do after graduation. Name: Dustin Hester How long have you attended SMBA? 2 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? JROTC, Raiders, Football, Track, and Powerlifting. What have you contributed to this school? I think I have contributed greatly to all the sports teams and the JROTC program. I believe that I also contribute to an overall better body of students. What are you going to remember most about this school? My friends and all the great times we have had. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? The kid that is always smiling or laughing. What are some of your favorite memories? Zach and Bobby and how stupid and absolutely funny they where. Football, competing and winning many events in track, and of course Leadership Camp and JROTC. Although it might not be the best memory, I will always remember Camp Mo. Where are you going to be next year? Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma . . . GO COWBOYS!!! What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? In ten years I see myself hopefully married and a successful accountant/business men, and possibly even a father. But who knows? Do you have any thing else you’d like to say in the paper? Well I don’t have much else to say. I am going to miss a lot of you guys next year. I have had a some of the funnest times in my life while attending this school. I have made so many friends, and I am sure some of us will be friends for life. Enjoy every minute of your High School life--it goes by in a blink of an eye. But then the real fun starts and it’s off to college. I’ll miss you guys. Name: Rachel LeDoux What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Drama, NHS, Student Council from 6th-11th grade. Basketball manager for girls and guys. What have you contributed to this school? The years I was on student council and this year as an NHS officer I worked to improve the student life. What are you going to remember most about this school? I will remember all the amazing people I have met at this school and the good times. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “This is thy hour, oh soul, thy free flight into the wordless away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done, the fully forth emerging; silent, gazing, pondering the themes that loves best, night sleep, death and the stars.” What are some of your favorite memories? Going to the coffee shops, the night in the park with Adelita. Where are you going to be next year? University of Colorado at Boulder. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Living in London working with trade agreements. Name: Megan Marlborough How long have you been attending SMBA? 1 year. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Cheerleading, Equestrian program, Choir. What have you contributed to this school? My education? What are you going to remember most about this school? Ha, Ha! The uniforms. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “She needs ‘Wide Open Spaces!’” I’ve gotta get out of these dorms! What are some of your favorite memories? Cheerleading and football games. Where are you going to be next year? College. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Having my own law firm. And lots of money of course. Do you have any thing else you’d like to say in the paper? Bye, Y’all! Name: R.W. McDonald How long have you been attending SMBA? Two years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Student Council, JROTC, Yearbook. What have you contributed to this school? Awards in golf tournaments. What are you going to remember most about this school? Everything!!! What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? “IDK” Where are you going to be next year? Ole Miss. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Working. Name: Alli Puig How long have you been attending SMBA? 2 long years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? JROTC, yearbook, basket See “Memories,” page 13 May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 13 Senior Memories, Plans, continued from page 12 ball, softball. What have you contributed to this school? Humor and valuable insight on how to get the wrenches out of the gears that is the school. What are you going to remember most about this school? My friends. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? Living like life’s going out of style. What are some of your favorite memories? Spring Break, leadership schools. Where are you going to be next year? Hopefully TLU. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? I see myself massaging, and my friend mooching off of me. Do you have any thing else you’d like to say in the paper? I love my friends, and this school has been REALLY lame at times, but has done a lot of good for me. Name: Casey Ann Putman How long have you been attending SMBA? 4 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Leo Club, JROTC, NHS, Cheerleading, Softball, Power- lifting, Powderpuff Football, Boys Basketball Manager/ Trainer, Food Committee, Student Government, Student Council. What have you contributed to this school? S-1 Records and advice to those who will listen. What are you going to remember most about this school? The friends that I met, and the people from different walks of life. What single quote/phrase would you choose to describe you best? Live every day as if it were your last! What are some of your fa- vorite memories? The school here in general and the things I’ve learned. Where are you going to be next year? Texas A&M University. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? Catching up every once in a while for a drink or dinner whenever we are in each other’s part of town. I know that I won’t lose touch, I’m usually pretty good about that. Name: Sarah Williams How long have you been attending SMBA? 3 1/2 years. What are some clubs and activities you were involved in? Cheerleading, softball, swimming, TSU music. What have you contributed to this school? My music. What are you going to remember most about this school? The teachers. What are some of your favorite memories? TAPPS with Jose. Where are you going to be next year? Schreiner. What do you see yourself or your friends doing in ten years? I am going to be a music teacher and have already traveled Europe with my music. Junior Little Sisters say goodbye to their Big Sisters To Casey: Thank you so much for taking me under your wing ever since I first got here. With all your guidance and encouragement, I have become more content with the person I am today. I have been able to open my eyes to many new things and I thank YOU for helping learn such life lessons. I hope you have fun at college and I know you will excel as much there as you do here. Next year I will always be thinking of your laughter and honesty. I wish you well in college and don’t worry, I’ll come visit you ALL the TIME!!! hahaha. Love you mi cielo, Olivia To Rachel LeDoux: Rachel, you are an amazing girl. Your smile and laugh just brighten up the room. I have enjoyed being around you and our little talks we had every now and then. I hope that your journey through college brings you a lot of fun and new experiences to broaden your horizons. I wish you the best in your walk and may you be blessed tremendously. Love, Audrey To Adelita: I wish for you to succeed and have the best of luck in college and also I hope you will keep on smiling your beautiful smile :) Thank you for the advice during my international life. lol! I love you, Eunice Yeo To Chelsea Clark: This year has been great and I am so glad you chose me to be your little sis! I hope that you have a great summer and an even better time at college! Good luck with everything and I’m proud of you for getting through the year with no problems! Love you and keep in touch! Chelsea Martin To Chelsea Clark: Isn’t it funny how simple it is to tell an acquaintance how you feel about them and yet so difficult to tell the one who means the most to you? As I contemplate the past three years, I cannot find the words to convey my feelings; well here goes. The Eddie, Cowboy, my Louie, and all the countless midnight trips to McDonald’s, Copeo, the green apple, and Vundka, what a Fing. Does anyone have a deck of cards? Anyone? Lol. After everything, through thick and thin, I know I will always be able to count on you. After each heartbreak, during each tough time in my life, I never once doubted that I had a shoulder to cry on, someone to lean on, you were always there. My best friend. My strength. Without you I could not have made it through sleepless nights, difficult arguments, and my two M’s (you know who I’m talking about). I worry about next year. I know that distance will not come between us. Despite the fact that I know that, I still wonder who I’m going to spend my weekends with, who’s going to meet me after an awful night at work and say, “Don’t worry, I’m here and that’s all that matters.” Most of all who’s going to wake me up in the morning. Who is going to say, “Katy! It’s freakin’ 6 o’clock. Get up!!! You’re being lazy.” What gets me is that every time something is wrong, you know. You pick me up when I’m down. I’ve never once had someone that I could trust enough to give them the keys to my car, the key to my house, and my most inner feelings and secrets. Chelsea, you are my mirror, we are so much alike, and yet so different. You are the sister that God never gave me. I’m so blessed to have a friend like you. I haven’t told you enough how much you mean to me. Anytime I needed anything you were always there. When my gas tank and wallet were both empty, who was the person who said, “Pull up to the Sac-N-Pac, I’m going to fill up your tank so that you have gas to get to work.” That was you, not anyone else. When someone would try to talk mess to me, who was there to stand up for me? Who’s going to be there when I go to Chili’s? Who am I going to split the triple play with, who’s going to lie and say it’s my birthday, just so that the hot waiters can come and sing to me and give us a free dessert? Who is going to bake me a vanilla cake with confetti frosting for my birthday? By the way I don’t like cake, but yours, I like. The cakes you bake are the only ones I eat. Who is going to go Valentine’s Day shopping with my boyfriend to tell them what to get me? Lol. You will be missed, sister. If anyone tells you different, forget them, because they don’t matter. All that matters is that I care and if anyone doesn’t see how great you really are, then they don’t know you and they don’t deserve too. The night I won the Sweetheart Pageant, the fact that you were truly happy for me meant more to me than winning. When you came up to me and hugged me and said, “I love you. Congrats.” That’s the moment when I wanted to cry, I was trying to hold in my tears and I was scared that I wasn’t going to be able to. Aww, our song just came on the radio, “She let herself go.” Our trip to Corpus was unforgettable. It was everything it should have been. As we walked on the beach that Saturday night, I thought to myself, this is what life is about. Enjoying a cold drink with the ones who make life worth living, engaging in late night conversations where we both cry and let go of all the things which we have no control over. Making big plans for the future and meaning it. Not just saying wonderfully engineered clichés to make one another feel better, but saying things because they come from the heart and they are true. As you begin your life in a new town and meet new people, I pray that you will have the time of your life, and then maybe one day meet that one guy who truly makes you happy. Just know that when things get rough, I am here for you. Regardless of what happens, I will not forget you. You are the sister I never had. I love you, big sis. Happy Graduation. May God bless you in everything you do. When you get lonely in San Angelo, I’m only a phone call away. By the way, thanks for my birthday dinner at the Gristmill. It was unforgettable. Reece and Stephen. What a pair. LOL. This summer has to be amazing. Promise me that we will do everything we planned. See “Little Sisters,” page 20 Page 14 The Laurel May 12, 2006 NHS helps local church with African mission By Adelita Ayala The National Honor Society ended a year of successful activity in the community by giving a banquet with a Hawaiian theme in which the main purpose was to recognize its outstanding members and install new officers to continue with the work for next year. The banquet took place April 24 and about 75 people attended. The outgoing NHS officers welcomed the new NHS officers. The new positions are Daniel Wyman, president; Ed Estrada, vice president; MinJu Hong, secretary; Aaron Abugaber, treasurer; and David Yu, historian. Followed by the NHS, the outgoing NJHS officers welcomed the new NJHS officers. Co-presidents will be Kristi Allison and Chloe Rocha; secretary is Taylor Teis; treasurer is Lainey Godwin; and historian will be Alyssa Shallenberger. The recipients for the awards were Barbara Ho and Sidsel Rasmussen for Bible; Min-Ju Hong and David Abubager for Math; Nicole Mebane and Francis Hwang for Science; Rachel LeDoux and Kelsey Henry for English; Kameron Allison, Anastasia Parish and Sarah Brown for Art; Aaron Abugaber and Michael Rho for Music; Adelita Ayala and Sidsel Rasmussen for Foreign Language; Rachel LeDoux, Lainey Godwin and Morgan Martin for History/Government; Michelle Deschner and Morgan Martin for Business; and finally Rachel LeDoux and Anastasia Parish for Drama. Dr. Arlis Hiebert, Mr. Don Rollins, Mrs. Barbara Peters, Mrs. Shirley Johnson, Mrs. Shelley Henry, Dr. Byron Robinson, COL Max Smith, Mr. Robert McMillan and Mr. Mike Fleming gave the awards. Rachel LeDoux, the current President of NHS, was the moderator of the program, and there was also some entertainment provided by several members. They included Daniel Wyman, who shared his piano talent with everyone and helped make the evening more pleasant; Michel Rho, who played the saxophone, accompanied by Francis Hwang; and finally David Yu sharing some of his Taiwanese culture by showing the attendants his diabolo skills. The most recent activity for the NHS has been assisting Kameron Allison and his church with their mission project to Mozambique. Some members helped pack and count medical supplies during LEAD Weekend and the organization also gave a $200 check to Kameron for the mission project. With fellow NHS members in the storage area behind him, Kameron Allison cuts apart some syringes that will be sent to Africa for a medical mission project. This was the NHS’s LEAD project. Academy to celebrate Centennial in 2007 By Raji Gullapalli Very soon San Marcos Baptist Academy will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary. Some are beginning to wonder what that will look like and when it is taking place. The Academy was chartered as a school on July 10, 1907. Doors were opened to students in September 1908 and the first class of 11 was graduated in May 1909. Although July 2007 would be the actual month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the school, it isn’t a very convenient time to do so, President Vic Schmidt said. Obviously students and most of the staff would not be around in the summer, and July is also one of the hottest months to have outdoor activities. So, administrators decided to delay the celebration until Homecoming of 2007. To prepare for that time, a lot of planning will take place during the 2006-07 school year. “Over the next year, we will start involving students, trustees, alumni, teachers in forming a Centennial Committee to brainstorm ideas for our celebration,” President Schmidt said. Among the activities that might be considered would be the filling of a time capsule and inviting distinguished guests to speak. Additionally, Mr. Schmidt said that research is going on even now to create a guest list of former commandants, Corps commanders, President’s Cup winners and other key administrators, staff and students from the past. “We’d like to send out a card this summer to acknowledge when our celebration will be so people can plan ahead and attend,” Mr. Schmidt said. As a kickoff to the Founders’ Celebration, some centennial events will also take place at the spring Alumni Reunion April 14, 2007. “This will be our regular spring reunion, but hopefully it will be bigger,” Mr. Schmidt said. The 50-year re- union class is already planning to have a number of people in attendance. The Academy story began back in December of 1905, when some local pastors began discussing the need for a Baptist school in the southwestern area of the state. Dr. J.M. Carroll was instrumental in selecting San Marcos for the site of the school. Dr. Carroll was asked in the summer of 1906 to visit San Marcos to make a speech and counsel with the citizens on ways to raise their promised funds for the school. At a mass meeting on the courthouse lawn, Dr. Carroll pointed out the advantages of a properly financed Baptist Academy. He estimated the cost would be at least $50,000. At his suggestion, the $13,000 pledged by the citizens of San Marcos was raised to $25,000, and the denomination agreed to match that amount. The Business Men’s Club of San Marcos adopted Dr. Carroll’s plan and elected him president of the proposed school and the leader of the forces to raise funds. On September 19, 1906, trustees were elected by the Conference of Southwest Texas Baptists. In their first meeting they ratified the action of the San Marcos Business Men’s Club by electing Dr. J. M. Carroll as the first president of the San Marcos Baptist Academy. On January 22, 1907, Dr. Carroll submitted general plans and specifications for the first building, which was approved on April 9 of that same year. On July 10, 1907, the cornerstone of the first building was eventually named Carroll Hall. Old Carroll Hall May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 15 AFI, continued from page 1 Officer (S-5) will be Hailey Tuck. The Alpha Company Commander will be Brittney Sowell, with Kevin Yang as her First Sergeant, and the Bravo Company Commander will be Daniel Wyman, with Jackie Piers as his First Sergeant. The rest of the positions will be announced next year. Another thing the JROTC program is looking forward to next year is the possible re-activation of Charlie Company, which would add more leadership positions as well. “Overall, I’m very pleased with the Corps’ performance during the Formal Inspection this year,” LTC Larry Revell said. “Even though we did not achieve the HUD status, being classified as an Honor Unit is a significant accomplishment for the cadets. The cadets were very disappointed that they didn’t earn a ‘Gold Star’ this year, but their attitude has remained positive.” (Top Right) Mr. Frank Bernal, one of the AFI inspectors, asks knowledge questions to cadets of different LET levels. While all cadets had to answer questions for the inspectors, a smaller group was chosen for more intensive questioning. (Above center) The Color Guard, consisting of Nicole Hoffman, Brittney Sowell, Alli Puig and Hannah Hartman, demonstrate their drill sequence for the inspectors on the football field. Brittney was commander of the Color Guard. (Above) As Logistics Officer, Cadet Lieutenant Dugan Dobbs shows Mr. Bernal the Battalion’s inventory procedures in the Supply Room. (Top left) As Cadet CSM Josh Brame and Cadet 1st Lieutenant Casey Putman look on, Ms. Robin Kell of Brigade Headquarters inspects the cadet portfolios. (Above) Cadet Sergeant James McDaniel stands at attention while SFC Clifton Senegal of the local Army recruiting station checks his uniform and asks him questions about drill and ceremony during the in-ranks inspection. ( Right) Cadet Lieutenant Jimmy Tran salutes Mr. Frank Bernal before he marches his platoon. Page 16 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Athletes receive honors at banquet for lettering in three sports. They were Brittney Sowell, Tommy James, Denziel Owusu, Chelsea Clark, Chris Dyer, Jose Coira, Sarah Brown, and Dee Dee Trevino. Two awards were given in each athletic team sport: the Battlin’ Bear Award and the Steve Fordham Award. Those selected as Battlin’ Bears were Brittney Sowell, volleyball and girls basketball; Austin Mellen, boys basketball; Matt Verity, baseball; Chelsea Clark, softball; and Tommy James, football. The Steve Fordham Award was given to Chelsea Clark, volleyball; Hayden Lyon, boys basketball; Sarah Brown, girls basketball; Boomer Connolly, baseball; Kimberly Beakley, softball; and Tyler Cleveland, football. The Outstanding Lineman Award went to Nathan Grosch. Battlin’ Bears were also named in the recreational sports. They were Chris Dyer, track; Dustin Hester, powerlifting; Jerry Huang, tennis; Jose Named as the Mike Kipp Christian Athlete of the Year, Tyler Coira, soccer; and J.R. Nelson, Cleveland receives his award from Coach Scott Merry. golf. Denziel Owusu was named Male Athlete of the Year and was winner of the Bob Jennings Athletic Director’s Award at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet Monday evening. Chosen as Female Athlete of the Year was Chelsea Cleark. The Mike Kipp Christian Athlete of the Year Award went to Sidsel Rasmussen and Tyler Cleveland, while the Robinson-McMillan Coach of the Year Award was presented to Scott Merry. Eight athletes were named “Super Bears” Celebrating the end of their successful high school careers in sports, Chelsea Clark and Denziel Owusu were named the Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Owusu repeats as triple jump champion at state meet Striking his pose, Nate Grosch prepares to hurl the shot put at the district track meet in San Antonio. At district, Nate placed second in this event, while at state he took eighth. Denziel Owusu repeated as state champion in the triple jump May 5-6 in Waco at the state 4-A TAPPS track meet. Although he didn’t break his own record, Denziel’s jump of 43 feet, 8 inches was long enough to put the Academy senior in first place. Also performing well was senior Dusty Hester, who ran the 400 meter in 55 seconds, placing second. Laura Dunne took sixth place in the high jump and Nate Grosch placed eighth in the shot put. Prior to the state meet, six middle school and nine high school athletes placed at the district track meet April 22 at Nelson Field in San Antonio. Varsity Results were as follows: Dusty Hester, 1st in 400 m Dash, 5th in 200 m Dash, 6th in Long Jump; Denziel Owusu, 1st in triple jump and 3rd in Long Jump; Nate Grosch, 2nd, and Oscar Echeverria, 6th, in Shot Put; Chris Dyer, 6th in discus; Laura Dunn, 1st in high jump; Shawn Guidry, 4th in 3200 meter and 6th in 1600 meter; David Bobb, 5th in High Jump; Sohei Nishimura, 6th in 300 m hurdles; and Jeff Cope, Oscar Echeverria, Nate Grosch and David Bobb, 1st in the “Weight Man” relay (a.k.a. the Fat Man Relay). Others participating in the meet were Ed Estrada and Travis Oglesby. JV results at district included the following: Will Haskin, 1st place in Shot Put and 1st in Discus; Arnold Kim, 1st Place in the 400 meter dash, 2nd in Long Jump, and 2nd in the 200 meter dash; Collin Cook, 1st Place in High Jump, and 1st place in 300 meter hurdles; Sam Badders, 2nd Place in 800 meter dash; Carol Anne Oxman, 2nd in long jump; Theresa Nealon, 1st in 400 meter dash, 1st in 200 meter dash, and 3rd in Long Jump. “I am very proud of the showing that we had at the district track meet,” Coach Scott Merry said. “Special recognition needs to go out to the middle school students. Every middle school student who participated placed. Most of these students were not required to come after school to practice, however most of them did. “Theresa Nealon and Arnold Kim deserve particular recognition. These middle school students spent the season working out with high school kids, doing a high school track workout. I appreciate the great effort these students have given both to Coach Georg and me all year. “It was a great pleasure to work with these students who were willing to GO through the difficult workouts that were placed before them.” May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 17 Baseball ends tough year Pitch it, Brittney! By Raji Gullapalli Despite having a district baseball season with only one win, Coach Jason Campbell said he is still enthusiastic for his team. “We lost by only 1 run against Brentwood and St. Gerard, and now our guys realize how just one error can cause a loss,” Coach Campbell said. Coach Campbell said the Bears put it together late in the season and threatened the first and second place teams until late in the ball games. In the beginning the team had issues with confidence, focus, hitting, and fielding well. As the year progressed, the game got easier for them. Those who were not making contact with the ball finally started getting hits. Players who could not catch a beach ball were catching fly balls. Later, Coach Campbell added, the team started to look like the baseball team they aimed to be in the beginning of the season. Confidence was directly proportional to how well the team played. Several players earned special recognition, Coach Campbell said. Matt Verity led in batting with an average of .391, while Tommy James led in total hits. Matt had 12 stolen bases, while Tommy had 8 stolen bases. Maverick Jennings also had a batting average over .300 with .315. Three players received all-district honors: Honorable mention Richard Toedt, second team Matt Verity, and first team Tommy James. “This year was crazy, and we didn’t do so well, but we will do better next year,” Blake McClendon said. Mike Quinn added, “The season was really fun and the team became close friends.” Finally, Tommy James said, “A lot of talent did not come together and as a result, it was a rough season.” In one of the girs’ last softball games, Brittney Sowell shows her skill as a pitcher. Pitching doesn’t come naturally for Brittney, but she started playing that position when she was nine years old. “One day at softball practice we were just having fun pretending to pitch and then my coaches saw me pitch,” Brittney said. “I guess I had what it took. Because I am not a natural pitcher I have to practice a lot. My dad has really helped me through out the years.” This year’s softball team was very young just like the others in the past. This was the first year playing softball for many of the girls. “Even though we did not have as a good as season as we all hoped for, we had a lot of fun along the way,” Brittney said. “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. All that matters is if you had fun playing the sport in the end. Juniors, freshmen win at Powder Puff (Above left) Morgan Martin, Chelsea Martin, Jackie Monical, Olivia Garza, and Hailey Tuck show their winning strength at the Powder Puff game. (Below left) Dusty Hester intercepts a ball from Nicole Hoffman during practice. Dusty was one of the coaches. (Above) Hannah Hartman gets ready to center the ball. The Junior/Freshman team won the game by three touchdowns, with junior Olivia Garza making all three. “It was a really fun experience,” Olivia said. “Without Brittney as our quarterback, I wouldn’t have been able to score. She was great at throwing far.” Starting his windup, Tommy James eyes the catcher’s mitt, where he hopes to pitch a strike. Tommy was a First Team All-District pick on the baseball team, which ended their season recently with only one district win. Page 18 The Laurel May 12, 2006 In debut year, Bridge School providing cultural experience for Korean students By Adelita Ayala The Bridge School program has been going since March of this year and will end May 20. The main purpose of the school is to provide an intensive English, academic, and cultural experience for the Korean students who participate in the program. Mrs. Pamela Mashburn, school director, is in charge of working with the residence life issues of the Bridge School and coordinates the activities for these 20 students (16 boys and 4 girls). She is called the “local parent” because she is responsible for the kids. “I make sure they are where they need to be,” Mrs. Mashburn said. A typical day for the stu- Bridge School students enjoy themselves on a field trip to San Antonio recently. The 20 students have visited a number of places since their arrival here in March. dents includes ESL classes at the RCC and other academic classes at Goodnight Junior High School, Miller Junior High School, or San Marcos High School. The students were also involved in the afterschool activities program here at the Academy, along the rest of the Academy student body. At night, Bridge students have a three-hour study hall. According to Mrs. Mashburn, the program has been a great benefit for the students. “They are not only learning English, but also are experiencing dorm life, independence, teamwork and aspects of American culture,” she said. Another important part of this program are the trips that are organized for the students, allowing them to experience and visit some places that are recreational and educational at the same time. Some of the places they have been to are NASA in Houston, the Alamo, the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Sea World, and Fiesta Texas. A trip to Schlitterbahn is also planned. Mrs. Wanda Stephens shows Hisham Naeem how to slice into a starfish in biology class. The science classes have been doing a lot of interesting dissections and experiments lately. The chemistry class even learned to make their own ice cream. Prom provides Glitz and Glamour (Left) Olu Oladoj and David Bobb show off their fancy suits to Olivia Garza before prom. (Above) Hailey Tuck, Laura Dunne and Jose Coira enjoy a delicious meal at Kobe Steak House before they head to the prom. This year the prom was held that Aquarena Springs Center. May 12, 2006 The Laurel Page 19 At graduation time each year Veteran covers campus with flags By Adelita Ayala What started as a way of honoring a lost son has now become a tradition of honoring every person represented by a tree in the Academy campus. As a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Bill Childers felt the need to do something to pay tribute to his son, a retired lieutenant commander in the Navy, who died seven years ago. Mr. Childers is the father of Mrs. Bridget Wieland, Academy receptionist, and grandfather of ninth grader John Wieland. When the Childers family dedicated a tree in memory of Brock Childers in 2000, his father started placing a U.S. flag next to the tree. Soon, though, he thought it would be a nice gesture to commemorate the Brock Childers’ other individuals who have a tree dedicated to them, veterans and non-veterans alike. Thus, every year during graduation week, Mr. Childers places about 70 flags around campus with the help of his grandson, John, and some of his fellow classmates. “The memory markers are one of the greatest things the campus has,” Mr. Childers said, “I feel honored to have the privilege of doing this.” Mr. Childers places the flags prior to graduation and then picks them up the Monday after. “Many people who come to graduation compliment the flags because it is a way of honoring the veterans,” he said. Hopefully the tradition will continue with Mr. Childers coming back each year to continue this family legacy of Memorial Tree honor and recognition. On chapel hill, Mr. Bill Childers places a U.S. flag by one of the memorial tree markers on campus. Mr. Childers places flags by all 70 trees during graduation weekend each year. Goodrich gets thrill from wake boarding Eighth graders looking ahead By Raji Gullapalli It’s almost summer and everyone is getting ready to go out in the sun, ride jetskis, do some swimming, and go wake boarding. Senior Daniel Goodrich has been a wake boarder for two years. He said he has not done any training, but has been practicing by himself at the Texas Ski Ranch, between San Marcos and New Braunfels. “The Texas Ski Ranch is a lot of fun,” Daniel said.” It is very relaxing and a great place to release some energy.” Before he got into water sports, Daniel was primarily interested in snow sports. “I got interested in wake boarding because of snowboarding,” Daniel said. “I snow boarded for about five years before I decided to wake board.” He said he likes snowboarding better, but it is too expensive to go often. Wake boarding is Daniel Goodrich prepares himself to do a trick and jump off the ramp at the Texas Ski Ranch. much more affordable. Daniel goes to as many wake boarding competitions as he can, becoming overall champion in the last one he entered. He won a pair of $800 boat speakers and a big plaque. The tricks Daniel has mastered are grabs, spins, inverts, and flips. He has been practicing grinding also. “I intend to continue wake boarding in college as much as I can,” Daniel said. A big wake boarding fan, Daniel spends a lot of time in the water during the summer. to Commencement & beyond By Kelsey Henry “I’m a little bit nervous about graduation. I don’t like being on stage that much.” said Victoria Hargroder, one of the 29 eighth graders who will begin the next chapter in their lives, high school May 19 at the Middle School Commencement. The eighth grade has become a tight-knit group this year. Many of them said that they will miss middle school mostly because of their friends. “I will miss the fact that we were all good friends in all the same classes,” said Lainey Godwin, this year’s valedictorian. The salutatorian is David Abugaber. Another positive aspect of middle school they said they enjoyed was early lunch. “I will miss early lunch and having break in the gym,” said Chloe Rocha. While the eight graders say they will miss their friends and their teachers, they are also ready to move up to the upper grades. High school offers many more privileges, such as school dances like the military ball and the chance to compete in varsity sports. Additionally, the eighth grade graduates say they are looking forward to meeting new people and gaining more respect. Victoria is looking forward to “getting to hang out with my high school friends.” “I’m looking forward to a better school system and sports,” Arnold Kim said, while Kristi Allison added, “I will not miss people calling you ‘little middle schooler.’” Of course, high school is not only about activities and social life (believe it or not). It is finally a chance for students to choose their own classes and start finding out what they want to do in life. Electives, foreign languages, and athletics were at the top of the eighth graders’ course selection preference. Francis Hwang said, “I can’t wait to take a foreign language” while Arnold Kim said he is most excited about “chemistry, PE, and band”. While the seniors prepare for college and adulthood, the eighth grade is just coming up to the starting point. I wish to express good luck to all my friends and an excellent freshman year! Page 20 The Laurel May 12, 2006 Culture Fair puts our diversity on display (Left) A group of Japanese students from Texas State University performs a modern dance for students at the Cultural Fair. (Below) In traditional dress from Mexico and Korea, Jesus Flores and Eunice Yeo enjoy the activities at the fair. Little Sisters, continued from page 13 To Megan: This semester has been great, and I really want to thank you for making me feel comfortable. Even though we have not had our best times, it always turns out for the best. Remember all the times walking around the track talking about all our girl problem . . . haha! I am going to miss that. I hope you have fun in college and remember little ol’ me. You have always taught me how to be tough and not put up with anyone’s problems. You are a great friend, and I will always remember you and thank you. Have fun in colleg---party hard!! Haha jk! I hope everything in your life turns out for the best! Love you sweetheart, Raji To Alli Puig: I hope you have the most incredible life, and I hope that one day you will get to go to the moon. I will come if you invite me. I just want you to know that I love your guts and hope for the best for you and I will miss you a whole lot! Keep it real, home fry. Love, Brittney (Above left) Sohei Nishimura helps Jeff Cope put on a traditional Japanese outfit. Both boys helped out at the Japan booth at the Cultural Fair. (Above) Representing Thailand, Phu Rattanawenawatee and Note Sintraveevongse stand at their booth to tell visiting students about the culture and history of their country. (Left) Modeling her dress, Dee Dee Trevino helps helps promote the culture of Mexico. Dee Dee is from Laredo.