Academic Decathlon (AcaDec) is a yearly competition that tests students' knowledge in multiple categories including art, mathematics and science to name a few. Students compete individually and as a team to advance through the competition.

Every teacher hopes to leave an impression on the students they teach. Coach Robin Colcchio has achieved that goal in his 16 years with Bryan ISD by not only fostering the minds of students in the classroom and abilities on the golf course, but by helping start the girl’s soccer program during the 1995-1996 school year.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) has had a local chapter for 80 years. Throughout these years, students have not only learned leadership, but also skills that can help them in their future careers.

CSI: Miami is now in its ninth season, after it originally premiered in 2002 as a spin-off from the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Compared to other spin-offs, this has been the most popular with viewers and is my personal favorite.

As more and more movies come out each week, I’ve noticed that they don’t compare to movies from the past. There are some movies that are really good, but most of them are a waste of time and money. Paranormal Activity, for example, was a movie that got a lot of hype, but it just put me to sleep. If you want to go see a good movie, just rent one, because there doesn’t seem to be a lot of good ones in the theaters.

Students from local high schools attended United Way Youth Leadership Day, which focused on teaching students how to help out the community. Attendees also learned about several organizations in the community that promote the United Way focuses of education, financial stability and health.

Even though Bryan High has been a closed campus for over fifteen years, many students don’t know why they are not allowed to leave campus for lunch. For the administration, safety is one of the main priorities in maintaining a closed campus.

As the weekend nears, the theater department is preparing for its first show of the year. Dearly Departed will debut this Friday, Oct. 15 in the Black Box Theater. David Bottrell and Jesse Jones’ Dearly Departed is set somewhere south of the Mason Dixon Line. It tells the story of Bud Turpin’s funeral and its aftermath.

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is the only club that’s available exclusively at Hammond Oliver (HO). Students enrolled in Health Science Technology classes at HO can join the organization which emphasizes service and career opportunities in health care. As the holiday season approaches, HOSA students prepare for their many service projects and activities, including Halloween festivities.