Hamilton was seen drinking at a local bar in Dallas. Teammate, Ian Kinsler, took Hamilton home after receiving a text from Hamilton saying that he had a couple drinks.

“Josh is going to do just as good, if not better,” junior Randy Tapley said. “He knows what happened and his situation. And he knows it’s not a big deal. His close relationship with Jesus will pull him through.”

In the past, Hamilton had an addiction to alcohol that put his entire Major League Baseball career on hold for almost four years. Back then, people regarded him as hopeless, and with this recent relapse it seems as though some people have once again counted him out.

“He’s probably feeling overwhelmed,” senior Kaytlyn Plake said. “He’s gone through so much already, and he knows from his past experiences what his decision to drink will mean for his future.”

When asked about the relapse in a recent interview, Hamilton talked about an accountability partner that stays with him, and keeps him on track.

“They’re not babysitters,” Hamilton said to ESPN Dallas. “They’re people that love you, want the best for you, and want you to succeed; they put you in the best position to do that.”

The main problem with this relapse is that the fans might start to lose faith and hope to quickly. People need to understand that this is common among recovering addicts.

“It’s going to happen,” Tapley said. “Nobody’s perfect. God is the only person that will ever be perfect. So it’s expected. And for it to only have happened once in three or four years? That’s pretty amazing when you look back and consider the addiction that he had.”

Since Hamilton’s relapse, he has apologized to his family, friends, teammates, and fans several times. People are beginning to realize that everything will be okay and back to normal by opening day, which is April 6, 2012 at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Between 1998 and 2008, it was reported that the number of teens using marijuana fell 30 percent. However, in only 2 years this number dramatically increased to 38 percent, surprasing the previous decrease.

Why the sudden increase in drug use? Steve Pasierb, president of The Partnership at Drugfree.org thinks the budget cuts to drug awareness programs could be to blame for the sudden turnaround.

“We are troubled, but not completely surprised, by these numbers because, in schools and communities across the country, support for drug education and prevention programs has been cut drastically due to budgetary pressures,” Pasierb explained.

According to PolitiFact.com it’s estimated that 50 percent of the graduating class of 2012 will have used marijuana, or tried an illegal drug.

Interested, we decided to hold our own poll to see how many students used at Lakeview Centennial High School. Out of 150 asked, 84 students have tried and/or continue to use drugs while 66 students haven’t.

When asked if their friends used drugs, the majority of them said yes. Only 15 students had answered no.

We found that Caucasian girls in the study were at the highest risk for use. Among boys, African-American students were most likely to have used drugs.

Obviously, drug use has gotten worse. We believe that if we start offering drug education the percentages will drop considerably. Most importantly, doing this should allow us to focus our efforts of guiding at-risk kids away from long-term drug abuse and the addiction.

Until then, over 80% of teens have engaged in some form of deviant behavior. And until something is done about it, the numbers will only increase.

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.

On October 5^th, 2011, due to a long struggle with pancreatic cancer, the world lost one of its most innovative and ingenious pioneers of technology.

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, changed the way people around the world communicate, with his many inventions; the technology world will never be the same.

Jobs has always been an intelligent thinker, although during his early years he was known as the class clown, and his teachers often bribed him to study. Once in high school Jobs spent his free time at Hewlett-Packard, where he became close friends with fellow computer geek, Steve Wozniak.

In 1975, Jobs and Wozniak started assembling Apple I computers in Jobs’ garage, and sold them to hobbyists. The first few years since the start of Jobs’ career, he earned about $140 million in profit. Now, people around the world enjoy a variety of Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and iPod.

Although the iPhone 4S resembles the previous model, the iPhone 4, it includes many new features such as iCloud and Siri.

When asked about her iPhone, senior Stevi Bradley claimed, “I can’t go a day without it. I do everything on it, games, texting, calls, and calendar. It’s my life.”

In dedication to his memory, many  fans visited and placed sticky notes on the Palo Alto Apple store. Although Jobs is gone, he has drastically altered the way the world communicates, and will be remembered forever.

Straight out of Lyles Middle School, she walked into the LC doors and knew she was a force to be reckoned with. Her conduct and drive makes Bri an unstoppable player. Even as a freshman, she was a starting point guard and, clearly, has continued this legacy to her junior year. Also in her freshman year, she helped lead the Lady Patriots into the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team didn’t make it all the way, but she is proud that they were able to make it to the first round. Her main focus this season is to attribute hard work and dedication as a leader to her teammates and as a student.

When you’re playing what’s your motivation? Who motivates you?

  “My mom motivates me, because she does everything for me, she’s at every game,and she does a lot for me.”

How long have you been playing basketball?

“I’ve been playing basketball since 3^rd grade.”

What does basketball do for you?

“It’s an outlet; it keeps me focused, and helps to keep my grades up in order to play.”

Do you plan on going farther with the sport? How do you plan on doing it?

“Yes, by working hard pushing myself and making sure I stay on top of my grades.”

What flaw do you have, what’s your weakness?

“My weakness is my court awareness and being able to see everything as a point guard.”

What is your greatest strength?

“My greatest strength is my speed and experience.”

What are you looking forward to this season?

“ I’m looking to just playing with my teammates, winning games, hopefully winning district, going to playoffs, and playing under a great coaching staff.”

How does this year’s team differ from last year’s team?

“Most of us having been playing together for two and three years and we’ve built a bond. While last year there was a lot of drama because people had their own clicks.”

What are the challenges you have to face as a player?

“Once challenge is that I have to face losing my sister as a teammate. I also have to face reaching a lot of great expectations my coaches and teammates set for me.”

How do you take the criticism people throw at you and your teammates?

“Peoples’ cristism makes me want to try harder and prove them wrong.”

What is the number one thing to remember in the game of basketball?

“That the game’s only 32 minutes so play hard the whole time.”

What’s one fear your teammates need to overcome?

“They need to overcome defeat!”

Do you believe you and your teammates are ready for the season? Why?

“Yes, I do believe we are ready for the season, because we work hard and practice just seems different this year, so do people’s attitudes.”

Who do you think will be the hardest team to defeat in the district?

“The hardest team I think will be Garland.”

How is your coach preparing you and your teammates for this upcoming season?

“Our coach is working hard all the time, doing things that will benefit us and making sure we’re always in the gym.”

What are your plans for this upcoming season?

“I plan on being one of the top guards in the district and the area. I also plan on making first in all district AGAIN.”

GET READY FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON FROM BRI AND HER TEAMMATES! WATCH HER AND HER TEAMMATES KICK OFF THE SEASON WITH A BANG!

LET’S GO LC LADY PATRIOTS!!!!

It was just another day for football at LC. The hallways were content with patriot spirit, as the blue Lakeview Centennial shirts out glowed every student present. Everyone, from Minutemen to band members, were dressed up and ready to go. With determined to get the crowd pumped up while having fun. 

“After the pep rally I was happy as can be!” excited junior Color Guard member, Gisselle Garcia said. “I am ready for the team to beat North tonight.”

Everyone knew that this game was important, because LC wanted to keep the Raiders with no wins and all loses. In the first half, the raiders were determined to not go down easily, however, the Patriots weren’t either and both teams kept each other at a stand still until halftime.

“This is a very intense game,” senior James Duke said. “I can’t wait to see what happens after halftime.”

Both teams were ready to lay it out all on the field after halftime. The Raiders scored first with Dai’Qwan Washington running for an 81-yard touchdown. The Patriots would answer back by shutting him down for the rest of the night. Lakeview would deliver a 2 yard touchdown from Styles Winston to keep the game tied. Before the 3^rd quarter was over, the Raiders would take the lead with a 38 yard field goal to make the score 10-7.

“I was frightened thinking the raiders were going to win,” varsity Cheerleader Elizabeth Allen said. “But then I thought how bad the boys wanted it and how they beat Naaman, so I regained faith in the team and just knew they were going to win!”

 A minute into the final quarter, Denton Edwards would connect with Jarvis Baxter for a 44 yard touchdown pass that would reclaim the lead. The Patriot defense would keep the Raiders from scoring anymore for the rest of the night and the Patriots win it 14-10.

“This was the first game I went to that we won so it was so much fun,” junior Elisabet Azpiolea commented.

A win from the Raiders was exactly what Lakeview need to boost their confidence into the final game of the season against Rowlett. Maybe next year Lakeview will shine their helmets into the playoff picture once again.

Unfortunately, the one unanswered question, that is killing tech nerds everywhere, presents itself: “Will Apple get worse, or improve without one of  its main founding fathers?”

“I hope it will be the same, but many companies fail after a major contributor leaves,” junior Destinee Cain said.

After five months of silence, Apple finally introduces their new iPhone 4S. No need to worry if you are not an AT&T customer, the new iPhone is currently offered on Verizon and Sprint, giving the customer a little more freedom to choose their preferred or contracted carrier.

With the brand new Siri voice command, and 1080p HD video recording, the company calls it the “most amazing iPhone yet”. Although, to one Apple customer that may not be the case.

“The iPhone 3G has an awful battery life,” sophomore Hannah Taylor said, “I’m hoping that the newer iPhone improves it’s battery life.”

Did Apple correct this problem, or can we expect better quality from other iPhone aspects? The iPhone 4S runs on iOS 5, which has a new all-in-one notification center allowing you to view your texts, emails, calendar events, and more in one area. iMessage allows you to send messages and more to any iPad and iPod user, and it also doubles as a sort of I.M. system for other iPhone users with the iOS 5 software.

“I don’t know about the battery life of the iPhone, but the Siri voice command seems really awesome!” junior Kaitlyn Walker explained.

With all of the new coming aspects such as Siri and iMessage on the iPhone 4S, it’s a tough decision whether or not it’ll be better without Jobs, but don’t take anyone’s word for it without trying it out yourself.

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.

The State Fair, or Fried Food Capital of Texas, is proud to present many new food contraptions this year including: Deep Fried Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Deep Fried Texas Salsa,  El Bananarito, Fried Autumn Pie, Fried Bubblegum, Hans’ Kraut Ball, Walking Taco, and Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack.

Most people stuffed their pudding smiles to these new fried delights, while some fans remained disappointed that their fun, fair, and fried favorites did not make the final cut, such as: the Fried Butter, Fried Beer, and Fried Ice Cream.

“I don’t really think they care about taste anymore, they are just trying everything,” senior Cailtlin Jones explained. “I mean, what have they not done?”

Taste may be the case for some, but not all. Many amusement enthusiasts are concerned about the outrageous amount of diabetic comas, fat , and calories each food contains, which can range from 400-1,000 calories each.

“I always watch the amount of calories I consume, because I know the fair food is very unhealthy,” senior Travis Stagovia said.

On the other hand, some fair fans are there to have an “All You Can Eat Buffet.” These people could care less about tallying up their calories, but, instead, are there to tally up all the remarkable variations of food they could get lost in.

“I usually don’t notice or care, for that matter, about the calories that I consume at the fair.” sophomore Jazmine Burke exclaimed.

It’s not just the high fat and calorie count that has fellow fair fans running towards the hills. The skyhigh prices, also, attributes to annual fairgoers thinking twice about pulling out their wallets.

“Everything is overpriced. It is a rip-off.” senior Branson Mckinney said.

Whatever the case may be, many come near and far, stretch pants in all, to devour the traditional and new fried foods at the annual State Fair of Texas. Although the State Fair is over, it is safe to assume that we’ll see a lot more fans yearning for new treats next year.

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?”