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After enduring over 30 years of a hindered freedom of press, New Voices, a student-led, grassroots effort, has set its sights on limiting the constraints of prior review in the state of Texas. The goal of this movement is to reverse the effects of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988), a case which established prior review by school administrators when publishing the work of student journalists. Essentially, principals can censor any and all information they deem unfit for public view. As an extension of the Student Press Law Center, New Voices Texas has launched a bill proposal for the next legislative session in January 2021. The bill calls for the exoneration of prior review as well as for the protection of student journalists against censorship. So far, this bill has been passed in 14 states.
In homage to New Voices, prior review should be abolished, allowing for uncensored student journalism. Leaving the power to veto news in the hands of a single administration is a corrupt system in itself. Often, school’s can be too focused on preserving an image rather than exposing the truth, and granting all jurisdiction to principals can stop important stories from reaching the limelight. Furthermore, prior review limits self-expression. Student journalists may often be minors, but should be entitled to the same protections of the First Amendment. The only way to truly access issues on campus is from the words of students. While many believe censorship by administration is necessary to avoid inappropriate or dangerous content, all forms of media pass through each staff editor and an adult adviser. With this oversight, questionable material would be modified to better fit campus guidelines.The newspaper staff has both maturity and keen judgement as to what and what not to publish. Freedom of the press needs to be implemented on campus. However, administration should still be allowed to view content before its publication to add insight without the authority to censor. Suppressing the true voices of this campus goes against what the founders of this country strived for- liberty. ~Taylor Trapp- Online Editor-in-Chief
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It's the 4th quarter and Clemens is up by one point with the score at 40-41 and less than 10 seconds on the clock. Clemens has possession of the ball. The ball is passed to Jocelyn Ervin in the paint. Wasting no time, she goes up and takes a foul as the Clemens bench yells in excitement.
She goes to the line and sinks one of two free throws, making the score 40-42. Clemens is now up by two with less than 2 seconds on the clock. Steele calls a timeout, making a plan to score as the seconds wind down. Steele passes the ball in, but Serenity Castillo grabs it before anyone else can, holding onto the ball so know one else can get it. Yells of disappointment and joy are heard all over the gym and Clemens takes home a win. “I’m not nervous to play Steele because we have come a long way on running our offense. Mila Martin (10) said. “We just need to take it seriously and work hard and we’ll get the outcome we want.” Clemens has been working hard for this moment in order to beat Steele. “Personally beating Steele was a very proud moment because last year we lost to Steele,” Chesney Smith (10) said. “It was very hard to take that loss, but I am very grateful for that loss because it was a learning experience, and it let us grow and learn from our mistakes and before the game Clemens plays every district school twice and they are hoping they can work hard enough in order to beat JV Steele for a second time in a row. ~Janine Alapag- Staff Writer  The Clemens Follies is a school talent show that features students’ and staff’s fascinating talents. On January 30 and 31 the talent show will be held in the fine arts center. Mr. Thornton, Mr. Allen, and Ms. Elliott will host. This show has been an annual tradition, and, after taking an off-year in 2019, the show must go on.
“The Follies has definitely been a tradition here, and with Mr. Thornton helping out it seemed to go from good to great,” Mr. Allen said. The talent show gives an opportunity for students and staff to step out of their comfort zones, get involved, and to have a fun time during their act. “I love fostering new talents and giving opportunities to students that may never of gotten that chance,” Mr. Thornton said. The money collected from the event is collected and split among the clubs to help fund their needs and to help give back to the school for their involvement. “I want the traditions of the show and giving back to the community to continue on after I retire in a couple of years,” Mr. Allen said. The Follies has been an ongoing event since the 1990’s. There was a ten year break before Mr. Thornton started his job at Clemens. Once he started the event was back on and only had one break year since. “I want to foster new talent and help give opportunity to students and staff,” Mr. Thornton said. “There are always lots of awesome talent, and just being able to see fellow students in a new light and watching them shine is something that makes the show what it is.” To sign up for the Follies show contact Mr. Thorton in room D101 or Ms. Elliot in room A102. ~Haley Welker- Staff Writer  In light of recent incidents of students using offensive speech, administration, led by Assistant Principals Terri Henry and Mark Harris, have established a “Not on Our Campus” (NOOC) campaign. As an extension of the “Not in Our Town” (NIOT) organization, the goal of this PBS sponsored movement is to establish inclusivity within communities and schools.
“This is something we should have done a long time ago,” Henry said. “We want to make sure everyone here feels safe physically, emotionally, and socially.” Later this month, Student Council plans to develop a theme week in honor of NOOC. Meet in the Middle is also advertising the movement with a signature poster board in the H hallway. “Hopefully people will be more mindful about what they say,” Henry said. “In addition to that, they will know how to respond to situations (of prejudice).” Mr. Harris initially discovered the movement and proposed the idea to fellow administrators. Upon approval, a video was shown in 2nd period classes in which students explained the importance of tolerance. His hopes are to create a student-led atmosphere that promotes acceptance. “To me, this is a situation of empathy,” Harris said. “Most people don’t know how to see things from other peoples’ perspectives. Getting people to understand the effects of their words and actions is my personal idea on what this program is about.” ~Taylor Trapp- Online Editor-in-Chief  On the Grind
When I arrived at the window there was no line, and the employee greeted me in a respectful way. I proceed to order a small 12 oz. hot chocolate for $2.00. The barista put my drink together in no time. As soon I received my hot cocoa it was too hot to drink. I immediately noticed that it had no chocolate flavor and just tasted like buttermilk. I was very disappointed. I rate this drink a 1/5. Emily’s Place When walking into Emily’s I automatically felt like I was welcome. The employees were nice. I ordered a small 12 oz. hot chocolate for $2.17. By the time I was done ordering my hot cocoa was ready. I fell in love with the first sip; the temperature was perfect.. I could instantly taste the creamy chocolate as it melted in my mouth. I couldn't compare it to any other hot chocolate because of how good it was. I rate it a 5/5. Starbucks Pulling into the drive thru with no wait, I ordered a small 12 oz. hot chocolate for $3.19. The customer service was great but I wish I could say the same about the hot cocoa. Just like the Emily’s Place drink, the temperature just right. But as soon as I took a sip all I tasted was powder--like the Hersheys Chocolate powder that you use for baking. It instantly coded my throat with a powdery feeling. I could not finish the drink; as I arrived at home I poured the rest out and at the bottom of the cup there was a layer of chocolate at the bottom. I rate this hot cocoa a 2/5. ~Breanna Monette- Business Manager |
SAMUEL CLEMENS CORRESPONDENT
