The Norseman

Freshman places third at state tennis tournament

Valeria Arriaga • May 19, 2015

On May 13 and 14, freshman Jacy Smith competed in the state tennis tournament at Texas A&M. After rain delay on May 13, and rounds being pushed into May 14, Jacy placed third overall. Following her year’s accomplishments, Jacy and her coach anticipate her goals for next year. With support from her parents and coaches, Jacy will set the bar higher for the following seasons.

Track team upholds value, importance of veterans, newcomers

Valeria Arriaga • May 11, 2015

The baton of leadership is passed down unto the next generation of the track team. The veterans accept it, with intentions of endorsing what is expected of members and serve as role models. The veterans encourage the rest to step up to replace them and continue the legacy. As the baton progresses into the hands of the new members, revitalized potential emerges to push the team to succeed. The track team exemplifies leadership for new members through veterans and successes of younger members as motivation to the whole team to push themselves and step into the shoes of the adept members, continuing the prophecy of hard work.

Technology advances, discourages willingness to interact

Valeria Arriaga • April 7, 2015

Technology is, inevitably, a part of our everyday lives. There are infinite privileges to living in a technologically advanced time, like the ease of communication across the globe. Technology is undoubtedly going to keep improving long after our generation passes. But, considering just how absorbed we can be in technology, it can guide us into a world made completely of glowing screens. These never ending privileges of technology seem insignificant, but collectively, they can lead to the elimination of interactions with real people.

Taking a stand against society: British band introduces real world problems through concept album

Valeria Arriaga • February 20, 2015

The Gorillaz are distinguished for many reasons. They are a virtual band, meaning real people record the songs while cartoons are used for all the media, such as their music videos and posters. This group of misfits, 2D, Russel Hobbs, Murdoc Niccals, and Noodle, have practically fallen off the face of the earth, but after a three-year hiatus, a long awaited comeback is here with the initiation of “Phase 4.” Maybe you know them, maybe not. Perhaps in the deepest realms of your memories, you can remember hearing “Feel Good Inc.” on the radio. Though their resurrection is a hot topic, the point of discussion is their 2010 album, Plastic Beach.

Student steers to success: Freshman finds purpose, passion in ag organization

Valeria Arriaga • February 4, 2015

When agriculture classes are introduced to students, the initial thought may be that it teaches how to farm, but opposed to that common belief, many ag classes offer much more, from giving students an opportunity to show their own steers and heifers to teaching them skills that are essential to everyday life as adults. Ag also has support organizations, such as 4-H, which is a youth mentoring organization, and FFA, which is a guide to careers and future endeavours. In and out of school, freshman Wilsey Wendler is a prime example of a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the agriculture organization.

Marching band creates own type of family

Valeria Arriaga • January 22, 2015

Speed walking around a football field and blowing through some weird instrument is considered stupid by many people. Although many may say marching band members are insane for wanting to make a bunch of figures and play for eight minutes straight, people should think about the real work behind this insanity.

Speaking for the youth: Artist Mary Lambert teaches acceptance through music

Valeria Arriaga • December 5, 2014

Based in Seattle, singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist Mary Lambert has created a name for herself by appealing to youth who struggle with acceptance for being different through her own stories and experiences. Lambert was raised in an abusive household, but her music has lifted the weight of her traumas in fleeting four-minute intervals.

There’s no ‘I’ in team: Cross country member impacts team unity

Valeria Arriaga • November 12, 2014

After crossing the finish line to earn first place at the Nacogdoches meet, freshman cross country member Samantha Hernandez ran half the race again. JV member sophomore Brooke Weaver suffered from a hip injury and was struggling to finish the race. Samantha went back and finished the race again, stride-by-stride, with Weaver.

Racing for time: Student leads in sport, organization on campus

Valeria Arriaga • October 27, 2014

The pressures of school, cross country practices, and being senior class president, are only the beginning of senior Seanna Rodriguez’s neverending agenda. While she struggles for the time to commit to cross country, she manages to be the light for the team and an influence amongst the younger members.

Shane Koyczan attacks abuse with ‘Remembrance Year’

Valeria Arriaga • October 7, 2014

The dark, underground coffee shops. A stool upon a stage. A mic and a speaker with a paper in hand, reciting poems that paint vivid images and pluck at the heartstrings of the listeners. This experience is being recreated into easily accessible spoken word albums that mimic, yet don’t replicate, watching and seeing poets perform live. Shane Koyczan's Remembrance Year is a collection of poems written from deep within his memories and the poems are backed with the instrumental talents of Short Story Long. The album is aimed at attacking abuse, both self-inflicted and from outside factors, with inspirational and courageous words.

Pec’you’liar trends: Oxfords walk into spotlight

Valeria Arriaga • September 22, 2014

Shoes have become just about as irrelevant as the splattered mosquitoes that get wiped and smeared off to the sides of windshields, and that is unacceptable.