With LC’s many assortments of electives, clubs, and sports,  it’s obvious why many freshman chose to attend Lakeview versus the many other district schools.

“I came to Lakeview for the Career Magnet program,” Rodriguez said. “I’m also on the gymnastics team and cheerleading squad.”

Rodriguez came from Brandenburg Middle School and was shocked at the subtle differences between junior high and high school.

“I didn’t expect crowded hallways, or so many people in the lunch room,” Rodriguez commented. “There are also some really tall people here.”

The transition from middle school to high school can be a torturous experience, especially when you have to leave your old friends behind. However once you adapt to high school, freshman always find a new social group of  peers that perfectly fit in with.

“Most of my friends came to Lakeview, but some of my friends went to Garland High School,” Rodriguez explains. “But I’ve met lots of new people.”

There are several things that freshman look forward to participtaing in at LCHS, such as: sports, clubs, and students organizations. Though a majority of them would probably argue that homecoming and prom are at the top of their list.

“Everyone says homecoming is so much fun, and I can’t wait to experience it myself,” Rodriguez comments.

Most students would say that their least favorite thing about high school is the crazy amount of  class and homework you have to complete. On the other hand, their favorite part of the school day tends to lean towards  lunch, passing periods, or their favorite classes.

“My favorite part of school would have to be lunch and between classes,” Rodriguez said. “That’s when I get to see my friends. It always makes my day better.”

At the very beginning of the school year, all teachers tend to ask the same question. “What’s one goal you’d want to accomplish this year?” While most of the student body simply blows off the answer, there are a always select few who take it seriously.

“I want to pass all my classes and the STARR test,” Rodriguez responded.

Being on the gymnastics team, cheerleading squad, in the magnet program, and setting goals for herself, Marissa Rodriguez is taking Lakeview by storm! If the freshman this year are anything like this young girl, LC has a very promising 2015 ahead.

Filled with excitment the girls gathered on stage and waited for the curtain to rise. The auditorium filled with the girl’s choir reenactment of “Shady Grove.”

“All the girls have worked extremely hard to make this concert a successful one,” choir student Junior Oneida Navarro said. “We also believe, thanks to Ms. Butterworth and our hard work ethic, the choir program has drastically improved.”

Next up on the stage was Freedom Choir, constructed of 6 women and 4 men, who sang, “Count on me” by Bruno Mars and “Don’t go breaking my heart” by Elton John.

“When I first saw the students on stage singing songs that I hear everyday, instead of choir music, I admired them because they were comfortable in their ability to sing in a small crowd. I wanted to be like them, proud in my voice and in what we did,” junior, Mark Ewing said. “Of course I get nervous when I’m singing on stage with Freedom Choir, but if I didn’t  I wouldn’t have the desire of giving the crowd my best.”

From Freedom to the men’s choir the show continued with a heart pounding preformance, of “Shine on me”, proving to the the audience that the men meant business this year.

“If I was asked on a scale from 1 to 10, how much I love to sing, I would say… Infinity!” junior Mark said,”I’ve been told that I sing a lot. Even my classmates in choir say so, basically I never stop singing.”

At last its the Acapella Choir’s turn to give it their all on that stage. They sang, “Come to the Music,” “An American Salute,” and “America the Beautiful.” Showing their hard work, and long hours of practice to showcase their talents had paid off.

“All the choirs have done such a very wonderful job at this concert. Not only have we worked extremely hard, but so has Ms.Butterworth,” junior, Melissa Garza said. ”I am so excited and ready to see how all the choirs will rise to the top at UIL this spring.”

The Fall concert was a big success and hopefully only a preview of good things to come. It’s obvious that this year Lakeview Centennial’s choir is not only talented, but they are also prepared and ready to take on their competition at UIL.

Senior Essence Cornelius said, “I’m definitely proud of my hair, it’s always got to be on point!”

When students were asked about girls who deny their hair the popular opinion was, “If you’ve got to deny it, then stop buying that cheap hair and be proud!”

Hair weaves and extentions aren’t just limited the women of LC, however, the men also have a strong views surronding weaves  and the ethnicity who wear it.

Junior Michael Allen said, “When I see a girl with weave I think ‘Beauty Supply’. Also, I’d rather not date a girl with weave.”

What became surprisingly discovered about these questions, is that many girls refused to talk about their hair.

Sophomore Checotah Peachee also expressed his feelings saying, “When I see a girl with weave I think bald, and that she’s got no hair. But you know a hispanic or white girl has hair under the weave.”

Hair is a big part of this generation, every race and every gender is talking about it or wearing it.

“I’m super proud of my hair,” Sophomore Amber Stone, another proud Rapunzel baby, stated, “because of the way I maintain it and the price I pay.”

Lakeview girls take time and pay tons for their hair. Sophomore Mckayla Young said, “I love my hair and all the different styles.”

The common beauty shared by women will always be unspoken and highly denied, but girls, we know the truth will always present it’s self with one question, “Can we touch it?”

Being high-school students, we all know how hard it can be too say no when it comes to our friends pressuring us to do something. Alcohol is one of the major situations that fall under peer pressure. In a recent survey conducted at Lakeview Centennial High School, 48 % of students admitted that they will be engaging in peer recreational drinking this Halloween. With this alarming rate, one question comes to mind, how will they be getting home?

According to the United States Department of Transportation, two- thirds of  highway fatalities that take place on Halloween are alcohol related. When getting in the car intoxicated or riding with someone intoxicated, you are not only potentially harming yourself but innocent people as well.

If you are in need of a ride and don’t know who to call,  there are several taxi services that will take you home for a small fee. A few of these services are Ambassador Cab (214-904-1111) and Executive Taxi (469-222-2222). Paying for a cab is a lot better than paying for jail time or potentially harming yourself or even worse, harming another person.

So while you are out this Halloween keep in mind of all the safety procedures you have learned over the years, and don’t let others determine your path for you. Be unique and trust your instincts.

Sophomore, Payton Hreha, was interviewed by free lance writer, Clare Miers, because of his growing business in the production and the selling of pens.

“I’m always impressed by a young entrepreneur,” reporter Clare Miers wrote. “I think it’s because I ran my own lemonade stand and sold my wares door to door when that was safe, back in the old days.”

Miers acknowledged Hreha’s pens, while strolling through Lone Star Shipping Co. in Dallas.

“The writing instruments were impressive, but the photo of the boy on the homemade box holding up his blue ribbons captured my interest,” Miers explains in her article.

And just like that, this reporter was intrigued and desperate to find out more. Fortunately for her, the store owner, Brad Ward, was a friend of Payton’s father, David Hreha.

“I was impressed that Ward supported the boy’s efforts and displayed the pens on his main counter,” Miers admits later in her feature story.

Next on Miers to do list, get ahold of the Hreha family and get the inside scoop.

“It was pretty cool being interviewed by the Dallas Morning News” Herha said. “We had gotten a call back from her saying she got approved to doing the article. I was like wow, I can’t believe this is happening.”

It turns out, Payton learned how to make pens at his middle school, Brandenburg. His workshop teacher, Clarence “C.R.” Tate, held a pen making demonstration during class.

“Tate, clearly one of those fabulous, inspiring teachers who push kids so far along in life, saw talent in Payton and encouraged him to enter his pieces in the district competition,” reporter Clare Miers stated.

Once Mr. Tate saw how well Payton was doing at pen making, he encouraged him to enter a competition. A competition that young Payton won.

“It really encouraged me want to make more pens,” LC’s Payton Hreha states.

Today, Payton has about five to six customers that he makes custom pens for. By learning intricate designs, he turns a normal ballpoint pen into a work of art.

“When I’m working on these, it’s quality over quantity,” Hreha explains.

On average each pen costs about $25, but can differ depending on the cost of materials.

“It depends on what it is, I have click pens that will cost more than the twist pen. The cost of the pen aso depends on the type of wood,” Hreha explains. “It varies on what people chose. Usually it costs about $10-$20 to make a pen.”

With all this money coming in, Payton knows just how to spend it.

“Hopefully I can save up, maybe, to  buy a car or something. Just for all the different things I would want to save up for,” Payton explained.

There you have it, one of Lakeview’s very own making a name for himself in the world. This young entreprenuer is a prime example of what one student can do when they desperately want something.

Quotes provided by freelance reporter Clare Miers and Dallas Morning News. For the full story click here.

UFO is a student organiation founded and ran by, juniors, Jessica Turcios and Kaitlyn Walker. This club had an amazing first meeting attendance, with over fueled and ready thirty new-comers.

“Ultimate Frisbee isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds,” junior Jessica Turcios defended. “It’s an amazing hybrid sport that combines basketball, football, and soccer!”

Turcios has been playing ultimate frisbee since her aunt introduced her to this underrated sport last summer. She has games every week on Thursdays, with her local UF team.

“I think all students will enjoy it,” Turcios continued, “because it’s a perfect physical sport for people who aren’t gifted with coordination.”

Turcios started this club in order to promote the “fun, fantastic, awesome, great, and ridisculousness” this sport has to offer students.

“I hope that in the near future, enough people join so we can make it into a team and compete against other local schools,” Turcios exclaimed. “It would be cool if people found it interesting enough to carry it on after we graduate.”

Jessica and Kaitlyn have prodigious hopes for this organization. In the near future, they hope to raise enough money to buy shirts, custom disc, and, hopefully, a membership as a team to compete against other local schools.

“Most people see it written across a white board and think, that’s so stupid, or that’s a wimpy sport,” Turcios rationalized. “But when they play it and witness first hand the amount of energy and effort that goes into it, they’ll realize it’s easy once you catch on. But they still regret all the negative and arrogant things they said about Frisbee.”

UFO meetings are held once a week, on Tuesdays at 2:45 p.m., on the girls’ soccer field. Equipment is provided, “just be sure to bring yourself and friends,” junior Kaitlin Walker said. “The more the merrier, so we hope to see you there!”

Spirit week gets everyone pumped up for the big homecoming game that Friday night and the homecoming dance on Saturday.

“I love spirit week! The halways are full of everyone in creative costumes. Last year I got the chance to be a pirate at school. It was a great experience,” junior, Joana Bardales said.

Nerd day starts off the week wit a bang. Classes are filled with crazy “Erkle” glasses and suspenders. So many students show off their “nerd swag”.

“I think nerd day is fun, extraordinary, crazy and hilarious!” sophomore, Gladys Gonzales exclaimed.

Following Nerd day is Blast from the Past. Student Council advisor, Mrs. Minicillo, hopes that this year everyone go all out. From the 80s to dressing up like a pirate and beyond!

“My inspiration for Blast from the Past is from my parents because when they grew up their clothing was crazy!” sophomore Meiline Troeung said.

Wednesday kicks off Twinkie Day with best friends dressing up exactly the same all around the school. Students show each other off, and take hundreds of pictures with each others’ closest friends looking completely identical.

“I’m really excited for twinkie day just because it is always a lot of fun,” senior Nick Kinkaid explained.

After Twinkie Day is Tacky Day, where people come to school mix & matched, rocking crazy looks.

“Tacky Day is the best during spirit week it’s one of my favorites because you get to be colorful and dress crazy!” junior Moriah Fisher exclaimed.

Finally to pump up the football players, Friday is Spirit Day. For Spirit Day everyone comes to school dressed up in our blue and gold colors to cheer the team onto victory.

“Yes, Im dressing up for spirit day because I have tons of LC spirit,” senior Brittany Demise said.

With so much spirit to go around it’s a wonder why we don’t have this week more often. However, maybe that’s what makes it such a week to remember. No matter what graduating class someone’s in, everyone comes together during this one week to show “Patriot Pride!”

After all the nominees are called out they stand in the middle of the gym glowing from excitment in front all they’re friends, classmates, and the student body.

Now the pep rally is coming to an end, everyone stands up while the alma mater starts to play. What a great first pep rally to start off the year.

And those nominees are for Lady are Marissa Chavez, Cruz Rivera, Talisha Washington, and Raven Williams. The nominees for Lord are Kevin Castillo, La Corius Hawkins, Jordyn Johnson, and Jorge Rodriguez.

Most of the nominees were shocked to hear their names being called, while some had a gut feeling that they would be nominated. No matter what the feeling was during the pep rally that Friday, they are definitely feeling excited now.

Raven Williams claims that because she is nice and talks to people her age got her nominated. “If win I want to dance to “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO,” freshman Raven Williams says.

“I make friends easily, I’m always in a good mood, and I’m a good hype person,” freshman Cruz Rivera said when she got her nominee for lady. Rivera states if she had to choose one song to describe her it would be “Just the way you are” by Bruno Mars.

“When they called my name I almost didn’t go down,” freshman TalishaWashington explained. Despite not knowing what she’ll wear to homecoming, if she wins Washington hopes to dance to “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” by Katy Perry.

Nominee Marissa Chavez thinks it’s because she is friendly, nice, and  will talk to anybody that she got nominated. ”I plan on voting for Raven Williams for homecoming Lady,” freshman Marissa Chavez said.

Of course, every Lady needs her Lord.

“I am good looking, handsome and pretty funny,” freshman Jorge Rodriguez said is what got him nominated for Lord, “ And if I win I’d like to have a victory dance to “Part Rock Anthem” by LMFAO.”

Freshman Jordyn Johnson says his swag got him nominated. “To ensure that I win I am going to give out candy,” Jordyn says, “And if I win I want to dance to “Gang Bang”

“I’m funny and I like to make people laugh,” freshman La Corius Hawkins explains,“I want to dance to “Club Rock” by Young Nation if I win.”

Freshman Kevin Castillo says what got him nominated is his good personality and his nice. “I hope that simply being myself will help me win Lord of Homecoming,” Castillo states, “The song that most describes me is probably “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry.”

Competition looks tough this year for Lord and Lady. While they all want to win only two can be named Lord and Lady. Winners will be announced at homecoming on October 1, 2011 from 7p.m. to 10p.m., good luck to all the nominees.

 As Mrs. Minichillo begins to speak, you can feel the tension in the room building. “Can I get a drum roll please?” Mrs. Minichillo said. “The nominees for prince are: Kermoyan Dixon, Jaime Elder, Jacob Ficor, and Demarcus Hall.” As the men walk to the middle of the gym to receive their sash, the crowd acts as if their only reaction to such awesome news is insanity. But, quickly they go silent once more as Mrs. Minichillo prepares to speak the words of gospel again. “And now for the homecoming princess nominees… Elizabeth Allen, Brittany Christian, Crystal Munoz, And Kamace Nickerson,” says Minichillo. The nominees begin congratulating each other. They bow their head to receive their sash, smile and thank their fellow classmates. 

With the nominees announced and homecoming approaching fast, all of LC is excited to see who the winners will be. Prince and princess will be announced at homecoming October 1, 2011 from 7p.m. to 10p.m.