FEATURES

Top chef shares his love for food

STORY PAGE 5

“My number one goal is that when [the students] leave here that they’ll have some confidence in their ability to go home and cook themselves a meal.”

-Culinary Arts Dir. Joseph Gazzetta

Southern AccentFRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 ROBERT E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL, TYLER, TX VOLUME 47, NUMBER 2

WWW.RELSOUTHERNACCENT.COM 411 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701

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SPORTS

Extreme sacrifice leads to Auburn

STORY PAGE 7

“I’ve wanted to quit a lot of times, and just have a normal life, but then I remember that God gave me this talent for a reason so I can’t really abuse that.”

-sophomore Drew Watson

STORY PAGE 4

ENTERTAINMENT

The best of 2014Take a look at some of the best songs and

movies the year had to offer.

FEATURES

Answering phones as an art form

STORY PAGE 4

“When people leave my office or my window, I want them to feel valued.”

-receptionist Coreen Renshaw

Lori Barns/SOUTHERN ACCENTIn the Spirit Junior Keaton Cunningham models one of the new t-shirts in the school store that is set to go on sale Feb. 3.

VIDEOSTHAT

PACK A PUNCH

The perils of posting fights on social mediaFights at school will catch the attention

of anyone who sees them, regardless of what they think of them. Amidst the heat of battle, some run away; some call a person of authority; some even try to break it up; and some encircle the action with their cellphones, recording it to show their friends -- or the world.

The shrine of Lee fights can be found on Instagram. The page called @relfights has more than 1,400 followers and consists of videos of students fighting and a comment section for its followers. To follow the account, one must promote it on their own account and use the hashtag #RELFights. The account doesn’t mention those who are in the fight, but anyone who follows the account may comment and say whatever they want.

“I guess people who follow the account watch the videos to entertain themselves,” senior Carlos Salazar said. “They think that it’s like watching a street performance.”

Unlike a street performance, however, watching fights on social media can have negative effects. The Journal of Adolescent Health published a study that found media violence contributes to higher levels of antisocial behavior. It also makes the viewer less sympathetic of the fight, and more empathetic towards the fighters.

“I don’t think it’s right to post videos of

people fighting,” senior Rachel Cargile said. “It’s very uncomfortable to watch people fight. It shows [people who watch fights] that it’s cool to fight, and that it is a way to become famous.”

Junior Noah Reeves said that he watches videos of fights because they’re funny and exciting. He said that they don’t promote violence and that only ignorant people will watch fights and then go out and do the same.

“I think it’s completely fine to post videos of fights,” sophomore JJ VanDeventer said, “because what if the fight or the people fighting went to court? Then you could use the video as evidence.”

Principal Gary Brown said that the act of fighting at school itself is a violation, punishable by three days in ISS. But the posting of videos of fights isn’t. Brown said that the only time it starts to bleed into the school’s policy’s procedure is if it transcends into the school day and disrupts it.

“There isn’t anything, legally, that I would say is wrong about posting fights,” Brown said, “but I would believe that there is something moral and ethical about posting something about someone without their permission.”

A recent Southern Accent survey showed that a majority of students feel students who post videos of fights on social media

should not be punished. Junior Kelli Kissinger agrees.

“It’s not very smart to [post fights], but it’s not breaking any laws,” Kissinger said. “I don’t think people will directly watch fights and then go out and do it. It’s like watching UFC.”

BY VICTORIA SUNDINSTAFF WRITER

What do you think?Should students who record fights on

campus and post them on the internet be punished?Should students who record fights at school and post them on the internet be punished?

WHAT YOU THINK

NO 58%YES 42%

3 days ISS.........53%1 week ISS........25%1 week Plyler....15%30 days Plyler.....7%

Q:

What should the punishment for fighting at school be?Q:

203 random REL students polled

The school store will have a grand opening of new spirit wear Feb. 3. Shirts and other spirit wear items from previous football games will be for sale as well as brand new shirts, scarves and fleece headbands.

The store is already stocked with free school supplies donated from Walmart, and every student is able to acquire one free item per week, first come, first serve. The shirts, however, will not be free, but still reasonably priced.

“We had a lot of extra space, so [the PTA] decided to fill it by adding school spirit wear,” administrative assistant Lori Barns said. “Now that we’re not selling spirit wear at football games, we can now start selling it at school, with the Life Skills

students running it.”Barns said that having Life Skill

students run the store gives them an opportunity to be trained in several aspects of retail.

“They’re going to learn things like stocking, merchandising, social skills, how to handle money,” Barns said, “just lots of skills that they will need for the future.”

Barns also said that selling and buying spirit wear will promote school spirit. She said that with the store’s location and windows, the new shirts will easily be on display to show them off and to let students know where the school store is.

“The more the kids wear spirit wear, the more they identify with the school,” Barns said, “and the more that the community sees them out in Tyler and identifies them as a Red Raider.”

BY VICTORIA SUNDINSTAFF WRITER

School store to offer new line of spirit wear beginning Feb. 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 OPINIONS2

Bailie Holcomb/SOUTHERN ACCENT

BY KIARA HAWKINSSTAFF WRITER

Southern AccentSouthern Accent is printed by Champion Printing. Southern Accent is a

free publication distributed every six weeks during the school year. The opinions expressed in Southern Accent are those of Southern Accent

staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TISD administration or staff.

Southern Accent is funded in part by advertising sales sold by newspaper students.

For more information on ad prices, contact Southern Accent adviser Kevin Berns at (903) 262-2686, or email at kevin.berns@tylerisd.org.

411 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701VOL. 47 NO. 2 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

Azeem AliRachel AndersonMiranda BennettAlex BiceShante ButlerMaggie EnseySavannah GilbertMaria GomezSkylar Herbison

Bailie HolcombSam HollisSam LeguizamoJeremy McLeanElizabeth PierceWhitney RenshawLaila SherifMyriah SloanClaire Stratton

Chris FrenchCaroline FrostKiara HawkinsMadison McCartyJamie MillsClaire NewberryEmily ShackelfordMorgan SmithVictoria SundinKevin Berns - Adviser

Why America Needs

MLK More Than Ever

Martin Luther King Jr. has made an impact on so many people’s lives, despite the color of their skin. If you are Black, White, Hispanic, or Asian, the speech

that MLK gave on August 28, 1963 changed history. He spoke on equality for everyone, not just African Americans. His teachings were not for violence, but against it, informing Americans that if you fight fire with fire, everyone is just going to get burned. As time passed, we have slowly strayed

further and further from his teachings. Stories like Trayvon Martin vs. George Zimmerman and Michael Brown vs. Darren Wilson have brought chaos to America. In today’s society, America needs Martin Luther King Jr. now more than ever.MLK wanted everyone to rise above hate

and fight in the appropriate way. Boycotting was something that he was strong at, but only within the lines of the law. In today’s world, Americans misunderstand the purpose and true meaning of protesting and are confusing it with rioting. In a part of MLK’s “I Have A Dream Speech” it says, “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.”MLK believed that violence was never the

answer. He fought strongly to inform all Americans of his beliefs. Other leaders of the 1960’s did not have the same ideas as him, such as Malcolm X however King, never said that he could not voice his opinions, he just believed in a better way. Americans have forgotten about this way of living because people from that era have left today’s society clueless of the right way to live.

In the “Letter from a Birmingham jail”, Dr. King wrote to his fellow clergymen while he was jailed for participating in a non-violent protest. Instead of making a scene while getting arrested, he did something much bigger. He did not resist, but went freely. He voiced his opinion to people who he thought were his “Christian Brothers” about how African Americans were being treated. Fifty plus years later Americans are still reading his letter. Dr. King had an effect on everyone in

America. Forgetting some of the most important qualities is the reason why violence is so bad in today’s society. If King was here today I think he would restate some words from his “I Have a Dream Speech”, he would say, “One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”

Core classes. Electives. Extra curricular activities. Jobs. Homework. Free time? Now in my senior year of high school, I think it’s safe to say it has taken up quite a bit of time from my life to prepare me for college and the future. After a lot of hard work, you would think some breathing room could be found somewhere where students can enjoy some more time off for activities they want to do but do not have time for. With seniors being given the option of two off periods, or the duty of office aide to replace one, I am beginning to question if thats really enough.

Personally, I have all but three core

class credits needed to graduate. I took two sciences in my junior year by choice and have steadily filled all the rest of the required credits to graduate throughout high school. But yet, I am still required to take even more electives to “fill up” my schedule, along with yet another science credit. With the pressure from college being right around the corner and AP classes still piling on work, students deserve the help that the school promises by being given a little more freedom.

If a senior has all the required credits and is taking AP classes, they should have the option to not take anymore unnecessary classes that will just pile on more work. If a student isn’t interested in something, it won’t be

benefiting them to the point where a positive impact will be made. So why add more stress?

Having this option will also increase the much needed attention on the other classes, as well as create free time to pick up hobbies and maybe work on those college essays everyones been procrastinating on. For those so willing, a study hall can be created and monitored for students who need the time to sharpen their sword and better prepare them by giving them isolated guidance on things, whether it be a subject or advice about their future.

Grades will be higher. Stress levels will be lowered. Students will be happier. The freedom could also create self discipline.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015OPINIONS 3

Bailie Holcomb/SOUTHERN ACCENT

BY AZEEM ALICONTRIBUTING WRITER

Letters to the editorThe editorial board of the Southern Accent encourages you to submit a letter. It should be no more than 300 words. Include your full name and email or phone number (email and phone number will not be published). We reserve the right to edit for space, spelling, grammar and libelous statements. Send your letters by email to relnewspaper@gmail.com or mail them to Southern Accent, 411 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701

Don’t pile on work for seniors

A ‘Super’ show worth watchingWhat does unexplainable

phenomenon, 1967 Chevy Impala’s, monster hunting, and flannel have in common?

They are all part of the hit tv show Supernatural from the TV station CW. Supernatural has been running for almost 10 complete seasons now and features two brothers named Sam and Dean, accompanied by an angel named Castiel, and multiple other friends in their quest to purge all things paranormal from the face of the earth.

Supernatural premiered in the fall of 2005, and ever since then their fan base has been growing unbelievably fast, from devoted fans joining online “fandoms” to the average TV viewer that makes sure to stay caught up with each episode, more and more fans seem to accumulate each day, which starts to make one wonder, why is Supernatural so adored by its

thousands of fans?The beginning pilot episode of

Supernatural begins with Sam and Dean’s mother being murdered by a “yellow eyed demon” while they were children. From that point forward, their father, John, begins a long and dangerous quest to kill the demon that killed his wife. Along the way with the help of a few friends he begins to find out about all things paranormal, and how to kill them, while during all that time, teaching his sons, Sam and Dean, how to hunt these creatures just like him.

Then finally after many years Sam and Dean have grown up and come to realize that their father has gone missing, and that they are the only ones who can find and save him.

Supernatural is an astonishing and fast paced TV show that will have you laughing and crying throughout its many seasons, and I believe that if anyone is going to start a new show, that show should be Supernatural.The CW

BY MORGAN SMITHSTAFF WRITER

Home schooling isn’t what people think it is. People normally think home schooling is all about sleeping in, wearing pajamas all day, drinking hot cocoa, sitting by the fire during the winter. No, that’s not what you do. Yes, home schooling has its advantages: going on random vacations, graduating earlier, no dress code, and finishing earlier in the day rather than spending eight hours a day in a regular school, but you have to do your work and be extremely self-disciplined. People also normally think since people are home schooled you automatically have no friends and you’re anti-social. Being home schooled, there is a thing called co-ops, a co-op is a cooperative society, business, or enterprise. There are many co-ops across Tyler, including Cottage Garden, Venture, Kings Academy, and Kingdom Life Academy (KLA). Many of these organizations take place in Tyler churches or Christian organizations such as Pine Cove.

If you are interested in being home schooled or you’re a parent and you’re thinking about putting a child in home school, you have to make sure it is the right choice for you or your child. People might believe at the moment it is the right choice, but it may only ruin their own future. It is a very important decision to make, if you are going to be disciplined and actually do school work or if you are going to be lazy and slack off. I suggest if you are a parent deciding whether or not to place your child in the home schooling program start at an early age. Starting at an early age is probably the best choice for your child, because if you start at a later age, say their freshman year of high school they’re not going to care as much. So, starting at an earlier age your child(ren) would be more familiar with how home schooling works and won’t affect their high school years as much.

If you take kids out of public or private school and pull them into home schooling, it will take some time for them to adjust to the new environment of being home all the time. Just because they may seem lonely at first doesn’t necessarily mean you have to join a co-op. Or, if you want to pull your student/child out of home schooling and put them into public/private school, you (and your spouse) need to make this decision very carefully. Putting your child/student in public/private school after being home schooled over a period of time can be a stressful matter for you child. They could be afraid of being bullied, making friends, coming to a new school, and having no one that you know makes it even worse. Now that they are at new school and know no one, They have to be outspoken and try to get people to notice them so that they can get some friend quick, on their first day of school it can also be a little nerve racking, because at lunch they know no one so their only option is to sit by themselves

So if you see a student that has been home schooled, don’t assume they are antisocial or don’t like people, make them feel welcome and give them a hand on their first day, and get to know them.

Home schooling isn’t what you think it is

BY RACHAEL ANDERSONCONTRIBUTING WRITER

What show are you watching?

“Breaking bad, because I am really into science and I like to do experiments on my own time for fun.”

-Pedro Sanchez9th grade

“Any of the Animal Planet shows because I am really interested in being a veterinarian one day.”

-Keashun Davis10th grade

“ESPN, because what guy doesn’t like sports? I could watch it all day.”

-Keonta Jhonson11th grade

“Pretty Little Liars, because it is so intense and it keeps me on my toes every time I watch it.”

-Savannah Brown12th grade

Why thrift shops should be your best friendYou walk into the mall and into

your favorite store. You look around and something catches your eye. You grab it and scan the item with your eyes, but then you check the price of the item and notice it’s quite expensive. Moments like that break your heart, I know mine does. You think to yourself and know you could get the same item somewhere for cheaper, like thrift shops. Thrift shops hold treasures and are inexpensive like coats, flannels, hats, antiques, and sometimes even shoes. You can find sweaters for $3 that would be over $30 in Zumiez or Pacsun. I’ve found a The North Face shirt for $4 at a thrift shop and the regular price is $25. It’s a great way to find clothing that you could experiment with and not worry about the price. You can find a pair of shoes that any store near you don’t have, and if they

do, it’s expensive. The cool thing about it is that you don’t bring a lot of money because you won’t spend a lot, also, there is a lot to choose from. If you’re into a different time period type of clothing you will most likely find clothing like that there. It’s like every item in there has a story, they are all unique. All i’ve heard from people were good experiences at a thrift shop. Sophomore Savannah Walker enjoys thrift shopping and her experiences sound great. Savannah said, “I can find unique things, from other peoples closets. It’s interesting how many antique old school items and clothing that you can find for cheap.” I’ve had some great experiences as well, I’ve found some

pretty cool vintage coats and shirts. One of the cool items I’ve bought at a thrift shop was an antique doll it was only $3, which was super great to me. Savannah has also found some pretty cool things, “ I have found

polaroids and I’ve found zippo lighters from the 90’s and 80’s and a war helmet as well.” Some people might not like the idea of shopping at a place where everything has been used but it’s a great place to shop if you want to

create something unique. Overall, it’s cheap and has variety. People should go to thrift shops and look for great stuff, I know they will not regret it. You don’t need to spend a lot on clothes. Go to thrift shops, you just never know what gem you’ll find.

Thoughts on FergusonWilson was right

From the very beginning, I thought that the Ferguson case was not at all racist. Based on the evidence given, Officer Wilson did what was necessary. Although I don’t believe that killing a person was correct, in his circumstances it was acceptable. People who protest had every right to express their beliefs, but that doesn’t mean to hurt others. Because of the modern technologies invented, skilled people who worked to determine the truth, and the grand jury that said they would promise to be fair and take all evidence into consideration, Officer Wilson should not be charged. Based on my emotions, I think that Wilson should be respected because he risks his life everyday going out to places and not knowing how people are. It’s not a job that everyone can do. In the end, the officer did resign, and I think that represents his guilt and apology towards Michael Brown. I’m deeply apologetic towards Michael Brown’s death and hopefully things could remain positive and we all can move on from this experience.

BY AMY NGUYENCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rioting is crossing the lineBY MELISSA TISCARENOCONTRIBUTING WRITER

I think the protest, riots, and violence was something that was made into a bigger deal than it should have been. Officer Wilson did kill Brown. I do think he should have been charged with something, but not to the point where he would have gotten his police license taken away. Yes, I believe Officer Wilson was just doing his job, he did not overdo the problem. I think he tried to handle it in the best way he could. I can support my evidence by the way Officer Wilson composed himself in front of the jury. Then again if it were someone in my family that he would have shot at more that 10 times, and killed them, I would want something to be charged on Officer Wilson. It was a family member to someone who was killed, and I think they would like some kind of charge pressed on the officer, not just letting him get off.

BY MARIA GOMEZCONTRIBUTING WRITER

“I can find unique things, from other people’s closets. It’s interesting how many antique old school items and clothing that you can find for cheap.”Savannah Walker10th grade

Anyone have Animal Control on speed dial? School Receptionist Coreen Renshaw didn’t when a substitute teacher dropped off a fluttering bat in a Walmart sack right on top of her desk.

“He sat the Walmart thing on my deal with the thing just fluttering and I say ‘Well sir can that get out of the bag?’ and he said ‘Well the claws might be able to dig through the sack,’ and then he left it with me so I found a little flower pot thing in my closet

and I put [it] over the bats ‘cause they like dark stuff and set it down” Renshaw said. “Well ain’t that funny? I never had to babysit a bat before.”

Babysitting bats may not be Renshaw’s specialty, but her primary goal as school receptionist is to make everyone feel welcomed with a warm smile and a positive attitude.

“I feel like in this world, and is part of my personality, you are up all the time because you want everyone to feel valued,” Renshaw said. “That’s my goal. When people leave my office or my window, I want them to feel valued.”

As Renshaw went to Abilene Christian University,

she wanted to become a flight attendant so that she could fly the friendly skies.

“I never heard from Delta or American Airlines,” Renshaw said. “But I did think that a communications degree would be fun, but I’m using it now anyways, just in a different capacity. I don’t pass out tea and peanuts.”

Through balancing 150 phone calls and over 100 visitors a day, she still maintains a compassionate heart and an encouraging spirit.

“You never know what is ever going to happen,” Renshaw said. “People may think it’s crazy but I love it.”

The gift that every construction class student and teacher was responsible for giving senior Jacob Spiller was simply just a ramp. However, this slanted piece of wood to assist Jacob in getting inside his house after a recent osteosarcoma surgery was nothing compared to the gift that Jacob really received that day: love, pride, and eternal gratefulness.

As Jacob was a member of Robert E. Lee’s varsity soccer team, Coach Martin Germany found himself producing an idea that would ultimately change the life of one of his players. After a phone call with Jacob’s parents informing them of their potential plans to build Jacob a ramp and confirming these plans with Construction Class teachers David Woods and Bobby Richardson, a remarkable act of generosity began to take place.

“Our students fell in, and they were interested in helping somebody,” Richardson said. “And it’s not always about just learning math or English or history, but its also having real life activities where you see a need and you help somebody that’s less fortunate or has a situation that’s kind of putting them down and they need help.”

Seeing the good behind the project, a Whitehouse wood supply store sold the materials to Woods and Richardson at cost, and Sherwin Williams paint store donated nearly $300 dollars worth of paint. Every single construction class student followed the skillful lead of Woods during class to cut, measure and shape the materials needed to make this ramp happen. With a strong passion for the school’s soccer team and an even stronger passion to help others in need, Senior Eric Muñoz took it upon himself to get the soccer team involved and even sold wristbands with Jacob’s favorite bible verse, Isaiah 53:3, on them to assist Jacob’s family on medical expenses.

“I didn’t physically get anything. It just made me feel really good,” Munoz said. “It was an amazing feeling, and my feelings towards Jacob changed a lot by doing this project. I didn’t really get to know him that well but through this project I felt like I knew him by helping him and his family out so much through donations.”

Although they were motivated to get the project done, there was initially no rush to complete the ramp with the knowledge that they had two weeks before Jacob would be coming home. However, there was no time to blink when they received the news that Jacob would be arriving home that week. Everyone was kicked into high gear, still cautious of balancing precision with the new time crunch, and fortunately for Woods and Richardson, they were given the day off to begin the installation along with Coach Germany’s wife and former Head Soccer Coach Chastain.

“It happened so fast,” Richardson said. “We had students and people in the community wanting to help out but there just wasn’t enough time to get everyone out there. People from the church wanted to help us, too. We cut it pretty close getting it done but he did not have to walk up the steps that night to get into his house.”

Because of the last minute concrete being poured so close to his arrival as Richardson, Woods and the others gave it their all to get the ramp done in time, Jacob’s first trip up the ramp left slight wheelchair tracks in the moist pavement. Those traces will be their forever, not only to remind Jacob of his first late night trip up his new ramp, but of the sacrifice and love behind every construction class student that helped Jacob realize he was not in this alone.

“What I got most from all of this was knowing that even though most of the people working on the ramp didn’t actually even know me,” Jacob said, “they still worked just as hard.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 FEATURE4Helping hands

Chris French/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Taking notes Receptionist Coreen Renshaw answers the phone with her patented smile. Renshaw said she recieves around 150 calls a day.

Drill Team Advanced Construction teacher Bobby Richardson attaches a plank to the ramp built at senior Jacob Spillers’ house Nov. 12. The entire construction class took part in helping build the ramp.

BY SHANTE BUTLERContributing Writer

BY JAMIE MILLSSTAFF WRITER

Construction class steps up to build ramp for soccer player in wheelchair

Radiant Receptionist

The cheery voice that floats through the campus speakers is ready to take your call

All Hands On Deck (left) Senior Michael Dorsey and sophomore Gino Cedillo attach a baluster to the railing. Most of the construction was done on campus prior to assembly on site. (center) Juniors Coleman Baker and Jorge Salgado paint various pieces of the ramp. (right) Seniors Matthew Jones and Jonathan Miller paint the floor boards in preparation for transport to Jacob Spillers’ house for installation. All photos by Whitney Renshaw

His heart is hooked on helping. Whether he is helping children with special needs like his three year-old daughter who has Down syndrome, or teenagers who cannot cook, new culinary arts

director Joseph Guzzetta clearly has a passion for kids.

Guzzetta’s career interests have always pointed him toward cooking. But after becoming head of the prepared foods area at Fresh by Brookshire’s and having dreams of owning his own restaurant, Guzzetta caught an eerie glimpse at how his priorities lay.

“ My [five year old] son was playing YMCA soccer over the summer and I went to one of his games,” Guzzetta said. “All the other dads were standing there in shorts and t-shirts and I was in my Fresh uniform because I was on my lunch break to go watch a soccer game, but I had to leave early to get back to work. So with them being school age while I was working normal food service hours and retail hours it was kind of rough. My wife was home alone and my daughter has a lot of doctors appointments, and there were a lot of different things going on with my son after school. So I was kind of looking for something different than working in retail where I was working until ten or eleven o’clock at night sometimes.”

From the time he was little, Guzzetta had been raised in an Italian family who valued the food they ate and the hands who prepared it. Feeling the pressure of spending too little time with his family, he decided to take on the REL culinary program. This decision allowed Guzzetta to focus more on family as well as express his love for food to students and teach them the values of cooking.

“My number one goal is that when [the students] leave here that they’ll have some confidence in their ability to go home and cook themselves a meal,” Guzzetta said. “The biggest issue is that here, in class, students ask to go to Chick-fil-a and stuff. There’s too much dependence on fast food. So my goal is to get these kids confident enough so they can prepare a meal and have some basic skills.”

Guzzetta is also channelling his attention to his daughter and her Down syndrome. He and his wife desire to create an awareness center in Tyler that aids and informs parents of the possibilities of their child having Down’s.

“The majority of the people that have kids with Down syndrome just need support and just need to know that they’re not the only ones out there and that it’s not an awful thing. It really isn’t,” Guzzetta said. “I wouldn’t change anything right now. If I could do it all over again I’d have the same kid.”

In alignment with all of the changes and goals that Guzzetta has made for his family and the community, he has remained consistent in his ambitions to help others.

“It’s a process of encouragement. I just say ‘keep going, keep going, keep going.’”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015FEATURES 5Committed cook

BY CLAIRE NEWBERRYSTAFF WRITER

Every 20 or 30 years Hollywood tries to spice things up by remaking movies. Such as “Hairspray”, “The Parent Trap”, or “Charlie and the

Chocolate Factory”. These movies can either succeed or fail. Will Gluck’s take on “Annie” did no succeed.

Based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” by Harold Gray, “Annie” takes place in Harlem, New York. Annie lives in foster care with her foster sisters Isabella, Tessie, Mia, and Pepper and her foster mother Colleen Hannigan. In search for her birth parents Annie has a hard time fitting in with everyone around her. On the other side of town lives William Stacks, a wealthy politician who is running for Senate and is willing to do anything to win the election. With the help of his adviser guy and his assistant Grace, Stacks and Annie meet.

Jaime Foxx in his portrayal of William Stacks did good playing the part of rich man who doesn’t need anyone, but also got in touch with the side of his character who was supposed to be a father figure.

Quvenzhane Wallis had a great voice, but her acting was not the best. Bobby Cannavale did an amazing job with his character. He played the part well and definitely did his research. Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan did a fantastic job playing the part as the villain.

My favorite part of the movie is when Annie and Stacks meet and their chemistry that they had throughout their time on screen together. An all-around crowd favorite that I got was when Miss Hannigan and Guy got on screen together and they really connected with each other. My least favorite part of the movie was with the orphans because the actresses were way too young and they all really didn’t know what they were doing.

Carol Sobieski’s screenplay of the 1982 version of Annie was much better than Will Gluck’s take on the story. The original movie had the right portion of singing, but the new one was exhausting and every five minutes there was a song.

People who might enjoy this movie would be much younger and not familiar with the original. Overall this movie was tolerable, but it could have been a lot better.

BY KIARA HAWKINSSTAFF WRITER

Columbia Pictures

Chris French /SOUTHERN ACCENTLighting the fire Culinary Arts Director Joshep Guzzetta sparks a flame with high heat, oil, and some onions.

New head chef shares love for food, family

Movie Review

‘Annie’ remake doesn’t live up to original

Best movies based on comic strips

Annie1982

Dick Tracy1990

Popeye1980

Over The Hedge2006

Yellow Pepper and Fennel SoupA soup recipe by Chef Guzzetta which he enjoys making in the spring.

12 med yellow bell peppers1 med Vidalia onion½ cup shallots3 med fennel bulbs2 Tbsp olive oiltt S & P8 oz Ricard2 qt heavy cream Rough chop all vegetables. In a heavy bottom pot over med heat, heat oil. Add vegetables and sweat until

translucent. DO NOT BROWN. Add water to cover and raise the heat to medium high.Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer. Add S&P and simmer until vegetables are soft and water has re-

duced by half. Add Ricard and simmer 5 minutes more. Add heavy cream and remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes!

Using a blender puree the cooled soup in batches. Pass the soup through a small holed china cap (not a fine chinoise). Cool completely and serve with smoke shrimp and roasted fennel battonets and chive crème fraîche.

If you take a short trip down the road from Lee you’ll find the TISD aquatics center. This is where three swim teams train and olympic trials qualifiers have been produced. While the swim center holds lots of opportunities for many kids, it is in disrepair and falling apart. Boys team captain David Hudson can tell you about how he isn’t able to use two of the blocks because if he does, then the base will detach from the block, and he’ll possibly have a major injury.

However, there is hope in sight. This summer at a school board meeting a decision was passed to give $5 million dollars towards a new pool.

“The funds were given from an excess

in funds thanks to the elementary schools being under budget,” Tyler Lee Coach Matt Franks said, “this combined with private donations will make the pool possible.”

The school board passed this grant in July. The room was packed with current swimmers, past swimmers, and families from many different places who came out to show support. After their case was presented, all the board members agreed to appropriate funds, with the agreement that the rest of the funds must be raised. Everyone clapped and cheered in celebration that after almost three and a half decades, the new pool will be built.

The new pool will be built on the same grounds as the new CTE center. This will put the pool centrally located between both high schools.

“This central location will give a new option for John Tyler to house their own team within three years of the opening of the new center,” Franks said.

The new pool will be able to house other local teams, such as the two middle school programs currently run through Moore and Hubbard. Also, the current metroplex aquatics will be housed there, a competitive swim team that serves kids from as young as five to adult competitive programs.

Franks would also like to implement a district wide elementary PE water safety program and expand upon the programs already in place.

“There are far too many TISD students who don’t know how to swim,” Franks said. “Implementing a water safety program at the elementary

schools will help us give the greatest number of kids access to the start they need to become proficient swimmers. We can also expand our current learn to swim program which will give more members of the community access to the swimming world. ”

Franks said there are two plans currently drawn up at this point, and depending on how much money is raised will determine the plan that is used, but this will be more concrete later this year, however the goal is to have the pool open for the 2016-2017 season.

“The pool has outlived its usage,” Franks said, “[the completion of the new pool] in the long run will make our competitive programs better able to compete with our district and regional competition in the Dallas area.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 SPORTS6

BY EMILY SHACKELFORDSTAFF WRITER

In with the newBoys coach brings tough love, strong work ethic to Lee

New girls coach keeps it ‘real’ while making memories

Robert E. Lee welcomed a new Men’s basketball Coach this year, Jeffrey Coleman. Born and raised in Shreveport Louisiana, Coleman won all district honors while playing basketball in high school and earned a scholarship to play college ball at East Central University in Oklahoma. Coleman coached high school basketball in Oklahoma for more than 20 years, then moved to Kilgore where he coached 4 years. Seeking change, he found himself at a school with nearly 2000 more students than anywhere he’d ever worked, Robert E. Lee.

“I’ve had a lot of success in my career at every school I’ve ever been to,” Coleman said, “and I guess I was just seeking challenge. It was a challenge for me to see if I could come in to the biggest school in our class and still be successful.”

Coleman has come in with the strong perspective of teaching his players more than just how to play basketball. Being the tough coach his players would describe him as, he strives everyday to teach his players not only how to achieve excellence on the court, but also to send his players off with the mindset of being successful no matter what further things they choose to endeavor after high school.

“Whether they go to college or the work force or whatever adventure they want to pursue after high school, we want them to be productive people in our society and doing well with their lives.”

New staff member Nigel Boyles took on two positions when she arrived on campus: Girls Athletics Coordinator and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. After playing collegiately at Stephen F. Austin University where she won two conference championships and made it to the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament, Boyles coached at Lufkin Hudson High School and then took on a new opportunity to coach at Lee.

“I truly care about all sports,” Boyles said, “and I want to help make every athlete’s experience here special, unique, and successful.”

Boyles’ new position was as she expected, with daily hard work from her players who share the mutual goal of making a good run into the playoffs. She believes most of her players would describe her as “real”, because she’s not one to sugar coat things. However, her players know that she would go out of her way to help them, and although she likes to have a good time, there’s no mistaking when she is all business. Boyles main goal as a new coach here is to make a difference to her kids, and give them an experience they can look back on after high school and smile about.

“I want them to have memories that will last a lifetime,” Boyles said, “and use the tools they have learned here to help them deal with real life issues they face as adults.”

BY JAMIE MILLSSTAFF WRITER

BY JAMIE MILLSSTAFF WRITER

Swim team raising funds for new aquatic center Photos by Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENT

SPORTS CALENDARJANUARY

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

MARCH

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23

6

7

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Tennis at Rockwall TourneyBoys basketball vs. GarlandGirl’s basketball at GarlandGirls soccer vs. Rowlett at RoseBoys soccer vs. Rowlett at REL

Football Banquet at Green Acres

Boys basketball at N. GarlandGirls basketball vs. N. GarlandBoys soccer vs. Lakeview at RoseGirls soccer vs. Lakeview at REL

Boys basketball vs. RockwallGirls basketball at RockwallBoys soccer at Naaman ForestRegional swim meet at Rockwall

Girls soccer at Naaman ForestRegional swim meet at Rockwall

Girls basketball vs. Naaman ForestBoys basketball at Naaman ForestBoys soccer vs. N. Garland at RELGirls soccer vs. N. Garland at Rose

Boys basketball at SachseBoys soccer at RockwallGirls soccer at Rockwall

Boys basketball vs. RowlettBoys soccer vs. Naaman Forest at RoseGirls soccer vs. Naaman Forest at RELSoftball vs. Jacksonville at Faulkner

Softball at Forney Tourney

Softball at Forney TourneyState swim meet Boys soccer vs. Sachse at RoseGirls soccer vs. Sachse at RELTennis at REL Tourney

Softball at Forney TourneyState swim meet Tennis at REL Tourney

Softball at WhitehouseGirls soccer at Rowlett

Boys soccer at Rowlett

Softball at Allen Tourney

Softball at Allen TourneyGirls Regional Powerlifting at CrandalGirls soccer at Lakeview

Softball at Allen TourneyBoys soccer at Lakeview

Girls soccer vs. Garland at RoseBoys soccer vs. Garland at REL

Girls soccer at N. GarlandSoftball at Rockwall Heath

When did you begin to play soccer?

“I began playing soccer when I was three years old. My dad coached, so just went to his games and kicked around. [I] started playing on an actual team when I was in sixth grade.”

How does it make you feel getting to be captain your senior year?

“It feels great to lead your team and encourage your team while you’re down or you’re up, it doesn’t matter.”

Is there a game that stands out to you in all of your years of playing?

“Probably playoffs against Rowlett because it was really intense and we took it all the way to PKs (penalty kicks)”

What are your goals for your last high school season?

“My goals are to win district and attend a regional tournament, at least.”

Sacrifice. A term remarkably familiar to

sophomore Drew Watson.Her family is split between two cit-

ies, she commutes over 15 hours ev-ery week, and she spends four hours each day in the gym until her muscles can go no longer.

All for one thing: An undeniable, burning passion to be the best gym-nast she can be.

The early days of toddling 2-year-olds grinning from ear to ear after accomplishing a summersault became more than just a light-hearted gym-nastics class for Drew. It was the start of a lifestyle, leading to the realiza-tion that she wanted to do gymnastics in college, which is just where she’s headed.

“Auburn first started watching me when I was in 7th grade,” Drew said. “They said they recognized that I was a natural athlete.”

What Drew and her mom, Ashley Watson, thought would be one of many innocent, friendly campus visits, resulted in a trip of a lifetime. An 8th grader at the time, Drew and her mom made the trip up to the home of the Tigers and found themselves in astonishment when Head Auburn Gymnastics Coach Jeff Graba offered Drew a spot on his 2017 team.

“Neither one of us knew what to say so naturally all we could think of to say was ‘we need some time to think about this,’” Drew’s mom said. “They basically had to give away a potential scholarship to hold out for Drew to make her decision which was a big deal for a school to do.”

A big deal such as that isn’t avail-able for just anyone, and lucky for Drew, she was able to bargain a few months out of a two-time SEC coach of the year. Without any time to waste, Drew and her family spent those few months on the hunt of their lives. After visiting OU, Georgia, Ar-kansas, and several Arizona schools, they found themselves right back to where they started: Auburn Universi-ty. The second time Drew returned to Auburn was with her dad, and as only a freshmen in high school, Drew was expected to verbalize her decision on her fate as a college athlete.

“Somewhere along the drive up (to Auburn), I think she kind of came at peace with it and decided this is

where she wanted to be,” Drew’s dad said. “We were just blown away at the entire experience. The campus was just electric. They treated us amaz-ingly.”

Although Drew’s dad may have been sold immediately during their second visit, Drew took a little longer to process her thoughts. The visit ended with Drew finalizing her choice to attend Auburn, which included an ecstatic celebration with the Auburn coaches and team.

As far as Drew had come, she still has a lot of work to do in the gym from now until she graduates high school. To her advantage, she has the experienced, well-known coaches of Texas East to help her continue to train, including Coach Stacy Parsley.

“She was definitely blessed by God with just raw talent,” Parsley said, “and she then took that talent and had the perseverance to work with it and add to it, so that she accomplished some pretty big things.”

Drew finds herself accommodating her entire life to the need of her gym-nastics progress, which starts every day at 5 a.m. with the familiar sound of her alarm.

After the usual protein shake for breakfast and a solid workout cour-tesy of APEC, Drew heads to school where she is released at 1:30 to begin a four hour gymnastics practice at Texas East. Not only is Texas East a local gym, but also the sole reason Drew and her mom are currently liv-ing in a Tyler apartment while her dad and sister still live in Nacogdoches.

“I feel grateful and also kind of guilty that my family is split up because of me,” Drew said. ”The sacrifice means a lot because they’re giving up a lot so that I can do what I love.”

Reaching level 10, the highest level before the olympics, is one of the many accomplishments Drew has her coaches of Texas East to thank for. She has attended Nationals for two years, Junior Olympic Nationals for one year, and the Nastia Liukin Cup.

Through all the long hours of tears, sweat, and endless dedication, Drew has finally paved the path leading to the bright orange gymnasium of Auburn University.

“I’ve wanted to quit a lot of times, and just have a normal life,” Drew said, “but then I remember that God gave me this talent for a reason so I can’t really abuse that.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015SPORTS 7Got the tiger by the tail

BY JAMIE MILLSSTAFF WRITER

Kevin Berns/SOUTHERN ACCENTBeaming with pride Sophomore Drew Watson spends four hours a day in the gym preparing for her future at Auburn.

Sophomore turns hard workinto scholarship to Auburn

The game changed in college football this year. With the emergence of the new bracket system, Ohio State earned itself a chance at the title, and won. In the first ever college football playoff they took down number two-ranked Oregon 42-20. Within the first half they had outscored Oregon by 11 points and didn’t stop there. In the final quarter the Buckeyes had two touchdowns to Oregon’s none. How was all of this possible? With a monumental defense, old school smash mouth strength in the offensive line and players such as Zeke Elliot, Tyvis Powell, and Cardell Jones, it makes it easy to understand.

As incredible as this win was, it leaves many to question the playoff committee. If Ohio state, who went into the playoff games ranked 4th and proved themselves, why weren’t they ranked higher?

The selection committee consisted of people who are currently athletic directors, former college players, previous world leaders such as Condoleezza Rice, past MVP’s and conference commissioners. So, while decisions were made based on multiple opinions from multiple sources, it can be said by fans that maybe they didn’t get it correct.

While Ohio State’s win showed that the BCS system does not work well, and brackets should be in place, it leaves the question of their number 4 ranking. The reason why they were ranked number four is not only the rough start to their season, but also because of the poor skill level of the conference they play in. They were ranked low for most of the season due to powerhouses like the SEC West, who were mostly ranked teams, constantly playing each other due to conference rules. Also, because OSU had to put in their third-string quarterback (Cardell Jones) in the Big 10 championship, which, while that game went well, was his first time to play that season.

Due to these factors, our beloved Texas teams were discounted their shot at a title. Ohio State’s lower ranking meant that TCU and Baylor, both who had a real shot at the playoffs, were out. Any real chance these Texas teams had was lost due to a bye week before the brackets were announced, and Ohio state had a huge win that week, so they were in.

So, while the playoff committee may have proved the new bracket system is a solid step towards improvement, it didn’t get everything right. A possible improvement of this system is requiring a conference championship. This would have given TCU and Baylor a chance to play again and prove who truly needed to be there, rather than being so close in margin that Ohio State became the easier pick. This compromise would keep from having to change to a uniform conference ruling on ranked teams and add an extra game to change the margin of stats. However, this would have meant that Ohio State was out completely. So, if that was the case, what other teams missed their shot at playoffs that could have possibly received the title? This leaves the nation to question whether brackets should be added to the games. Instead of playing four teams, make eight play and have more than two playoff games to determine who plays for the title. This would solve the TCU or Baylor question, as well as keep Ohio state in the brackets.

This year in college football things have seen major changes. Powerhouses have fallen, and unexpected teams have stepped up to new levels of competition. In review of this season, it can be said that more questions have been left on our minds. Will Ohio States underclassmen from this year continue to dominate the field? Will Alabama and Nick Saban have their revenge? Will the SEC return to its glory seen for the last few years? All questions that lead to an exciting season next year.

College football got it right... sort of

BY EMILY SHACKELFORDSTAFF WRITER

QA&Eric Munoz

SoccerQ:

Q:

Q:

Q:

A:

A:

A:

A:

Go to www.relsouthernaccent.com for full coverage of National Signing Day

Makenna AycockHill College

Softball“I just felt like that was where I should be because it’s pretty much in the perfect location and I like the coaches a lot and the players that are already there are really cool. I think it will be very good for me to get off and do my thing.”

College bound

Sam Leguizamo/SOUTHERN ACCENT

Best songs of 2014

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 Entertainment8BY CAROLINE FROST

STAFF WRITER

Entertainment of 2014

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87 9 10

“Blank Space” - Taylor SwiftSwift reappears with yet another song

from her newest album “1989.” Contrary to her usual theme of song writing, this one depicts a relatable scenario of going against the rumors and portraying how her life and relationships are really like rather than what people say.

“Thinking Out Loud” - Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran hits the top of the charts with

yet another love ballad. Sheeran expresses his thoughts on the comfort of falling in love with someone brings in a smooth, casual and hearthrobbing way.

“Stay With Me”- Sam SmithSam Smith was able to create a gospel-like masterpiece depicting

a plot anyone can relate to. His heavenly falsetto tells the story of someone trying to fill an empty, lonely void with someone yet still acknowledging the fact that “This ain’t love it’s clear to see,” still begging them to, “Stay with me.”

“Take Me to Church” - HozierIrish singer and songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne broke out with this song that lyrically serves as a metaphor comparing a lover to

religion. “In a death-and-rebirth sense,” he told The Irish Times. It’s not exactly religious though either. According to Hozier, it’s a bit of a losing your religion song. “The song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming humanity through an act of love,” he told The Cut.

“Shake it Off” - Taylor SwiftTaylor Swift broke out with another hit but

this time with a new message. The single teaches us a valuable lesson to disregard what people may say or think and too keep going on in life having fun.

Arctic Monkeys released their newest al-bum this year titled AM. From AM came on of their biggest hit yet, “Do I Wanna Know.” Alex Turner uses his smooth, deep voice to depict the story of someone who’s still hung up on an ex-lover and struggles with hoping the feeling is mutual.

“Gotta Get Away” - The Black KeysThe American rock duo dropped their most

recent album this year. This song and the album itself reflects this past year and more specifically, band member Dan Auerbach’s divorce. The song tells a story of a boy’s desire to get out of town in order to cure heartbreak and does so with an upbeat tempo that makes you want to sing along on the road.

Singer and songwriter Sia returns with her first single in four years. Her raspy, wailing vocals detail the struggles she overcame as an alcoholic. Though the reggae-inspired pop song is easy to sing along to, the deeper meaning shows a girl fighting alcoholism and crying for help.

British producer Mark Ronson hits the top of the charts with this funky song that seems to have gone all the way retro. It takes you back to the early 80s and the days of electro-funk. Though it’s easy to dance and sing to, the lyrics tons of allusions to various R&B hits of the 80s.

“Riptide” - Vance JoyJames Keogh, a singer/songwriter from

Melbourne, Australia, broke out with this single which rose to the top of the charts. “..it wasn’t even a general story line like I was referring to an experience or anything. It is more like a stream of consciousness.” Keogh told pigeonsandplanes.com

Grand Budapest Hotel Directed by Wes Anderson, Grand Budapest

Hotel recounts the adventures of a legendary concierge at the hotel through the eyes of lobby boy and companion. Their exploits center around the theft of a prized renaissance painting and a conflict for an enormous family fortune.

Best movies of 2014Boyhood

Guardians of the Galaxy

Interstellar Night Crawler Bird ManImitation Game

Lego Movie Lucy Gone Girl

Babelsberg entertainment/TSG Entertainment

SonyNonesuch Records Colombia/Sony Music Entertainment Atlantic Records

Asylum Records/ Atlantic RecordsBig Machine RecordsBig Machine Records Domino Recording Company

IFC Productions

Capitol Records

Marvel StudiosRegency EnterprisesTF1 Group/EuropacorpWarner Bros.

Black Bear Pictures

Dara Munnis/Island

Lynda Obst Productions Bold Films Fox Searchlight Pictures

“Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars“Chandelier” - Sia

“Do I Wanna Know” - Arctic Monkeys