The Elk Express

A series of proposals have been made for the 2015-2016 school year. Proposal one is to eliminate the senior trip next year. With the weakened economy, many feel the community cannot afford the financial burden of senior fund-raisers and sales. Many also feel there is a chance for discipline problems on long trips. Replacing the senior trip will be a one-day trip to Wonderland Park in Amarillo with a catered picnic following. In proposal two, the numerous dress code violations will be addressed by implementing stu-dent uniforms. The uniforms will consist of a blue or white polo-type shirt with tan pants for males and tan skirts for females. Both males and females must have shirts tucked in. Linked with this proposal, are hair restrictions. Males must not have hair touching the ears, and females must secure hair, shoulder-length or longer, in a pony-tail. Following the new rules, no jewelry may be worn by males or females on any visible parts of the body. Only senior rings will be permitted during the school day. On Fridays, students may wear dark blue jeans with a brown or black belt. Jeans must not have holes, and students may chose to wear a T-shirt with an Elk or SHS logo. Lastly, the proposal states that students who do not follow the new dress code will be placed in in-school suspension until compliance. See the first letter of each paragraph in this story to see when the new rules will go into effect.

Coach Leaves Football Legacy

New Rules Proposed for 2015-16

He’s a big man – not only in stature – but also in the tradition of Stratford football. To many, he is Mr. Football. And now Eddie Metcalf is retiring after 20 years at Stratford. Beginning in 1994, as the defensive coordinator, offensive line coach and junior var-sity boys basketball coach, Metcalf was named head football coach for the 2004 sea-son. In his tenure, Metcalf’s Elks won three state championships and became known as formidable football foes and Friday night legends. In addition to his cherished memories of the state championship games, some of Metcalf’s favorite memories include his first win as head coach over West Texas High, beating Iraan regional playoff game in 1999 (which was the farthest an Elk team had gone for many years) and the Elks’ victory over Sonora in a snowy quarter-final game. But not all Metcalf’s memories are of winning. “I remember when the players were driving a five-man sled in practice, and I fell off , and they drove it over me,” Metcalf said. “They were all scared until I got up and started laughing.” Metcalf also sought to teach his team more than just basic football skills. “I tried to teach intensity - to play right and to play for the right reasons, discipline – to act right on and off the field, and to win graciously,” Metcalf said. With the success Metcalf had at Stratford, the coach could have moved to a larger school or a larger town to make his mark in Texas football, but he stayed on. “ I loved the work ethic and the desire of our players, the community support and just living in a great town,” Metcalf said. For many, Metcalf’s retirement comes all too soon. For fans, it will seem strange not seeing his large frame or hearing his booming voice on the sideline, but the tradi-tion he made of Stratford football will still loom large and speak volumes for years to come. (See page 8 for the players’ tribute to Coach Metcalf)

Lucero Robles models an ap-proximation of the new school uniforms.

Issue 5 April 1, 2015

Baruc Ortega is the son of Sarah and Arnold Ortega and the brother of Vinny, Lui and Salma Ortega. What he likes about being a freshman is going to school later than in junior high and leaving school earlier. Someone he admires is Kyrie Irving because “ he is a good basketball player, and I want to break ankles like him.” Some hobbies he likes is to play baseball with his family and play basketball with friends. His favorite quote is, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” - Babe Ruth What most teachers would be surprised to know is that he wakes up early every Tues-day just to go eat breakfast. He would like to meet Kyrie Irving so “he can show me how to play ball better.” Trivia about Baruc is “I went to the ocean when I was little and I didn't know what a fish was, but it smelt nasty. It was already dead, and I was about to eat it, but my mom told me to drop it.”

Cole Smith is the son of Aaron and Lori Smith and the brother of Kelby, James and Wy-att Smith. What he likes about being a sophomore is having less homework. Someone he admirers is his dad because “he is a cowboy and I learn a lot of things from him.” Some of his hobbies are working with his horses, and collects knives. His favorite quote is “Are we there yet?” What most teachers would be surprised to know is that he is a little shy. Someone he would like to meet would be “Lane Frost because he was a good bull rid-er.” Trivia about Cole is that he is a good horse trainer.

John McBroom is the son of Jolie and Heath Asher and the brother of Sydney McBroom and Alex Asher. What he likes about being a junior is that it is closer to graduating. Someone he admirers is “Johnny Depp because he is talented and a great actor.” Some hobbies he likes are playing football basketball. Interesting things he likes to do are hunting, fishing, and camping. His favorite quote is “good, better, best, Never let it rest until your good is better than your best.” Unknown What most teachers would be surprise to know is that he is a nerd about video games. A person he would most like to meet is “Brooklyn Decker, because she’s Hot!” Trivia about John is that he was within 10 feet. of a bear with a salmon in its paws.

Freshman Spotlight Baruc Ortega

Sophomore spotlight Cole Smith

Junior Spotlight John McBroom

BY DALIA CRUZ Issue 5 Page 2

THE NUMBERS GAME 106 -Number of employees at Stratford ISD 42 - Number of students who competed in UIL ac-ademics 20 - Number of students in cheerleader tryouts 20 - Number of students competing in one-act play. 10—Number of students advancing to regional UIL 2 -Number of students competing in two events at UIL regional

Since the SHS junior made her decision to join the Army in counter intelligence, she can barely think of any-thing else. Her English composition becomes a persuasive argument to allow women in combat, her art project becomes a collage of military gear drawings, and her favorite shirt reads “Army Strong” While Lizeth Ibarra is very vocal of her love for the military, she is not alone. Senior Juan Araiza signed with the Army in February, and juniors Samantha Gonzalez, Erika Ortega, Jorge Ramirez, Alex Sanchez, Brian Gon-zalez and Blake Griffin all have a passion to make the military their future. In a time in which tension and terrorism abound in the world, many would question why these students would want to be part of the military. “It disciplines you and teaches you leadership skills,” Alex Sanchez, who is interested in the Marines Corps, said. Samantha Gonzales echoes the sentiment. “It disciplines people and shows them how to act and respect people,” Gonzales said. Jorge Ramirez, like Brian Gonzalez, believes the military is a good choice for him. “I feel like it will make me better in life,” Ramirez said. While some of the students like Brian, Blake, and Alex have known since an early age that they would like to go into the military, others like Samantha, Lizeth, George, and Erika have become interested while in high school. All the students listed either the Army or the Marines as the branch in which they would choose to serve. One aspect all the students share is that there is. honor in serving in the military, a feeling vocalized by Lizeth. “I will feel honored to wear the uniform of the U.S Army,” Lizeth said.

Juniors, Seniors Consider Military Options

Military-Minded—(l to r) Juan Araiza, Lizeth Ibarra, and Erika Ortega show their colors by wearing the shirt of their chosen military branch. Juan has just enlisted in the Army and Lizeth and Erika plan to enlist in the Army and Marines, respectively, when they graduate.

Issue 5, Page 3

Break a leg, one-act play cast! We wish you the best at regional competition Friday in Clarendon.

49 Days

CountdownCountdownCountdown

Graduation

Last Day of School

Scholastic Banquet

Athletic Banquet

Band Banquet

PROM

59 Days

48 Days

52 Days

58 Days

39 Days

Issue 5, page 4

SHS Welcomes New Students

Esdras Chacaj, Fresh-man, from Guatemala

Micaela Castro Perez, Freshman, from Guatemala

Blanca Benito, Fresh-man, from Guatemala Magdalena Castro Perez,

Freshman from Guatemala

SHS juniors say they expect this year’s prom to be “awesome” and “epic,” but can any prom fulfill those expectations? In a senior survey of those who attended last year’s prom, their comments tell the best parts of prom and the changes that would make this year’s prom better.

The meal and decorations were highest rated: “Decorations and meal were great!” “Decorations were better than expected.”

“Cheesy potatoes and steaks – yum!” The location was rated next highest: 

“The County Barn is a better location than the school cafeteria.” “Keep the location the same.” The dance and entertainment were lowest rated: 

“More variety in music – include more Mexican songs.” (mentioned numerous times) “Too many chaperones for number of students!” “Juniors should take skit more seriously.” 

“Convince more people to come.” “Make it last longer.” “More people should dance.” “Live music!”

“Something fun or even music during the dinner/dance transition –just standing in a silent, undecorated room is a little weird.”

Elder Perez, Freshman from Guatemala

Seniors Rate Last Year’s Prom, Offer Suggestions For Prom 2015

Taylor Wright, John McBroom at Prom 2014.

BY CARLOS CASTANEDA & ETHAN McGIGGLES Colton is the son of Audra and Shawn Meidinger, and the brother of Tucker Summers. Something Colton likes about being a senior is that “the classes are easy.” He admires Mattie Montgomery because “he is a good role model and singer of a Christian band.” Some of his hobbies include playing guitar, bass, and drums. Colton also collects Comic Books. Colton's favorite quote is “ Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose.” Most teachers would be surprised to know that “I really am paying attention in class.” The person he would like to meet is Abraham Lincoln “ He made a huge impact on the civil rights movement.” What most people don’t know about Colton is “I actually take care of my hair unlike most men and boys.”

Wearin’ the Green Mrs. Franklin shows her Irish side

by wearing bright green on St. Patricks day.

Building Bridges Kobi Garza displays his replica of the Golden Gate

Bridge that he made for his IPC project.

Two Piece Prom Dresses Are Newest Fad   Who will reign as prom queen this season? If votes were based on the dress alone, two‐piece gowns and red‐carpet‐inspired de‐signs would take the lead. The two‐piece dress has a secret ad‐vantage: It can be repurposed beyond the big dance. Hues of red and pa erns of black and white are crowding the stores, along with mermaid silhoue es and extreme illusion mesh. Whatever the deci‐sion—two‐piece or tradi onal—picking the perfect prom dress is a highly person experience.

Issue 5, page 5

Pretty in Pink Juan Carlos Camberos and Yadhira Chavoya find the shade welcoming with the temperature in the 80’s .

Senior Spotlight Colten Summers SHS Prom

May 9th

Placing: Jacie Seward—4th Prose Brantley Powers—4th Social Studies Kevin Hernandez - 5th Feature Writing Lizeth Ibarra—6TH Accounting Cory Punch—5th L/D Debate

It’s Brain Drain Dalia Cruz, Carlos Castaneda, Ethan McGinnis and Juan Araiza

are zonked after their intensive Current Issues Test

Don’t wake me ‘til we’re there Mr. Lough and Matthew Sandvig catch some z’s

on the pre-dawn ride to UIL.

Texting Until Testing Jack McBryde, Katie Dennis (in back-ground), and Ty Hess await their contest time.

Students Advance To Regional Contest, April 24 –25, in Odessa

Noah Harris 2nd. Poetry

Alexie Wright 2nd. Headlines

Juan Araiza 3rd. Current Issues

A.J. Riffe 2nd Science, Top Biology

Vanessa Mendo-za, 1st Account-ing, 2nd Editori-als

Allissa Palmer 1st LD Debate, 1st. Persuasive

1st. Spelling Team (l to r) Madison Mungia, Desinya Garza –2nd high indi-vidual, Natalia Niave, and Nicolle Law, 1st. High individual.

Issue 5, Page 7

Scholarship Race Starts Freshmen Year The race for students to win scholarships when they graduate begins the freshman year. These guidelines will help give students the best possible chances for winning financial help when they graduate. 1. Maintain the highest grade point average. 2. Take the ACT test (and possibly the SAT test). Consid-

er re-taking to see if you can up your score (juniors). 3. Be involved in school activities—the number of activi-

ties is not as important as the depth of your involve-ment. (Fewer activities with more time-committed to them is more important). *

4. Leadership roles in organizations. If you are not cho-sen to be in a leadership role, consider volunteering to head a committee of beginning a new activity for an organization. *

5. Your work experience, community service and activi-ties outside of school such as piano lessons, boy/girl scouts or others that develop talent are valuable. Vol-unteering at your church or for other groups is im-portant. *

6. Keep a list of each year of high school of your activi-ties, volunteer work and honors. If you wait until your senior year to remember what you did your freshman year, many activities and volunteer projects are for-gotten.

*Source—Ask the Guru on MyCollegeGuide.org

Jett Lovorn arrived home March 11, 2015. The preemie spent 10 weeks in the hospital. Welcome home Jett!

1. I love horses_________________ 2. I had straight hair when I was born_________________ 3. I plan to be a professional photographer_________ 4. I love music, especially the songs that you can re-

late to______________________ 5. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona________________ 6. A famous person made a video for me____________ 7. I like playing with trading card games_____________ (Answers on page 8 )

Sophomores Jaime Jacquez, Daniela Reyes, Zorro Daniels,

Esperanza Hernandez, Juan Machado, Agustina Eizmendi and Edward Licon

Ellie Kay Hudson was born February 28,2015 in Amarillo, TX. She weighed six pounds ten ounces and was 19 inch-es long. Her parents are Scott and Cassi Hudson.

Thumbs Up

Hello flip flops and shorts! After a long, cold, and snowy winter, Spring may finally be here!

Allowing school to have a 10 a.m. start time on two

snowy, icy days. The later start time allowed buses, par-ents, students, and teachers the benefit of having more

light to safely drive to school.

So-So

Having eight varsity cheerleaders rather than six on varsity and six on junior varsity. It’s a change, but a

neutral one.

Thumbs Down

Not having a send -off for basketball boys and girls before bi-district and area games. Really, a pep rally for every football game and not even a good wishes walk -through for the basketball boys and girls playing for bi-district and area! Having a track meet all day on the Friday of the UIL District Academic Meet. Students should not have to de-cide between the two. In the past, the Friday track meet was usually just in the afternoon with the remain-der of the schedule on Saturday which allowed students the opportunity to be in both events.

Issue 5, Page 8 Russell Spurlock– “He has taught me how to cope with failure. Winning is important, but not as important as having fun and getting better.” Class of 2017 Kyle Horsford- “He showed us how to keep things in per-spective. That sports were important but not more im-portant than your family and God.” Class of 2011 Gage Brooks- “He taught me how to deal with failure and that winning isn’t every-thing.” Class of 2017 Trevor Melton– “He taught me many life lessons on and off the field.” “Have a little Pride in what you do (Coach Metcalf). Class of 2015 Scott Hudson­ “Coach Metcalf is one of a kind! He showed so much love for his play­ers and students. He drove you to do your best, made sure you did everything to be the best! He made an impact on my life to never give up, even when I felt beaten.” Class of 2007 Jio Romero- “Not only did he teach me to be the best I can be on the field but also off the field.” “Elks don’t get cold (Coach Metcalf).” Class of 2015 Rett Schoonover- “He taught me never to give up and no matter how many times you get knocked down to get back up and keep fighting.” Class of 2015 Kaleb Horsford- “Coach has always been a very honest and gen-uine man. He demands the best out of every one of his athletes, every day, on and off the field.” Class of 2009 Juan Carlos Camberos- “He taught me to not take it easy when everything seems fine because if you do, you will get knocked down all of a sudden. He taught me to also get up and keep fighting for what you believe in. That was the most important. “ Class of 2016  Samuel Brown- “Coach showed and taught me a lot throughout the years. He is caring and showed love towards me and was always there to pick me up when I was down. He gave me the strength to keep going when it was tough.” Class of 2015 Daniel Sanchez -”Coach Metcalf taught me to never give up even when everything seemed lost. I will always remember him .” Class of 2015

Answers to sophomore trivia… 1. Daniela Reyes 2. Agustina Eizmendi 3. Juan Machado 4. Edward Licon 5. Jaime Jacquez 6. Esperanza Hernandez 7. Zorro Daniels

SHS Love and Prayers Sympathy is extended to Paula Everett and her family in the recent passing of her husband Chet. It has been a difficult year for Mrs. Ever-ett caring for her husband, going through the ACL surgery and rehab of her senior daughter Bethany, and all the while main-taining her teaching duties,. We salute her courage and dedication.

………………. Get well wishes are extended to Jim Par-ham following his recent surgery in Hou-ston this week. The Elk Express staff wishes him a speedy and complete recovery.