Unlike TAKS, the EOC was designed to challenge students and test their knowledge over an entire course. Although it is more difficult, the EOC, according to the TEA website, will still utilize the teaching of the TEKS curriculum. Since teachers have always taught by TEKS standards, these students should be adequately prepared for future EOC tests. However, there are some changes that differ from the easier TAKS test. The EOC English test consists of three essays that the student must write. Although many students do not want to write this much, it will help them refine their essay writing skills for college. Furthermore, the test will count as fifteen percent of a student’s final grade next year, which will lead them to work harder to get better grades.

Despite these benefits, many parents and students do not want the EOC to replace TAKS because they argue that it is too difficult. They should not complain about this because, according to the TEA website, the scores from the 2010-2011 Freshman level Math TAKS test showed that only 70 percent of students passed in the state. These scores show that students either lack motivation or lack the necessary knowledge. The EOC is meant to fix this by following the TEKS curriculum more closely so that students are better prepared for the test.

To pass the EOC, students will need to start studying for it outside of school so they can get better scores and get into organized study habits for college.

Ultimately, the freshman need to realize that this new test will help them get more prepared for a higher education.

“[This award] brings recognition and acknowledgment to students who demonstrated characteristics of a hard working student,” Crane said.

Among those is current sophomore class, and future junior class president, Grace Anderson. Anderson, who was nominated by Mr. Roberts, was shocked by the award.

“[I am] so honored,” Anderson said.

Among the traits of a Tiger Pride winner are excellence, dedication, and integrity in all aspects of school. The student does not have to be a star athlete or the valedictorian in their class.

“This makes it an even playing field for everybody,” Crane said.

Mrs. Vreeland, a senior English teacher, recognizes such traits in Moriah Smoot.

“[She] works hard, always awake, honest, very sweet, [has] strong work ethic, [lots of] maturity, and is an overall team player,” Vreeland said.

When asked how Smoot felt about the award, Vreeland said she was “happy”.

Friday, May 4 – 7:30 PM @ MHS

Saturday, May 5 – 3:00 PM (2nd game will follow if necessary) @ Haltom

“I got my tattoos before I turned 18 because they meant a lot to me and I didn’t want to have to wait,” Junior,  LaDarius Palmer said.

With shows like LA and NY Ink increasing in popularity, tattooing is the United States’ sixth fastest growing retail business.

“I am not surprised the tattooing business is growing, and I think it’s going to continue to get larger,” Senior, Lenzy Pipkins said.

Most parents do not like the idea at all. This puts teens in a position where they feel they have to make a decision for themselves, and they go seeking someone to tattoo them without the consent of their parents.

“Since kids can’t get tattoos legally, they can’t get them done at professional places, so they get a friend to do it or go somewhere that isn’t clean. This is extremely dangerous because not only  they can get Hepititus C, but they’ll probably regret it later on because it’s not well done,”  Science teacher, Jason Roberts said.

Teachers with tattoos have their own opinion on young students getting them.

“I was 21 when I got my tattoo done, and I made sure I put a lot of thought into it because I didn’t want to get something that I would regret,” Basketball coach, Kenni Patton said. ”Honestly, I think kids in high school aren’t mature enough to make a permanent decision like that yet, most of my friends in high school that got tattoos regret them and have tried to cover them up.”

17% of people have considered having their tattoo removed, and 5% of people have had their tattoos covered with another design.

“I don’t know about other people, but I will never have my tattoos covered or removed they mean to much to me,” Pipkins said.

There is a lot of controversy on the subject of tattoos, however, the decision depends on the maturity of the person who wants to get  a tattoo.

“The only advice I have for teenagers when they decide to get tattoos is to picture it on them when they are older, and explaining to their kids what they mean,”  English teacher, ImoJean Callis said.

This album is great for anyone who likes rap songs with a poppy beat you can dance to as well as calmer R&B songs that feature artists like Drake and Chris Brown.  The album deserves five stars for the creativity and true talent that Nicki shows through out the entire album. All in all “Pink Friday, Roman Reloaded” is a great album showing Nicki’s various personalities and music styles. It also gives the listeners a special look inside the mind of Nicki Minaj and her alter-ego, Roman Zolanski.

“I’m excited that I’m going to [Tarleton]; I’m ready to leave and graduate,” Johnson said.

Tarleton offered Johnson a full scholarship to play basketball.

“I’m excited that [Keyra] will play at a colligiate level, and to see her play at the school of her choice. She’s been a part of our program for 4 years, and its exciting to see her sign play basketball and to further her education,” Basketball coach, Natasha Stewart said.

The team finished out their 2012 season by becoming District 5A champions. They began playoffs on April 5, beating Trinity 2-1.

“I’m very excited for playoffs, I think our team will go really far, we’ve worked really hard,” Sophomore, Preston Freisner said.