Meagan Prehn

I can’t believe I finally made it. As sad as it is to be ending my senior year I’m so ready to close this chapter in my life and start a new one at Texas A&M.
Mama & Papa Prehn – Huge shout out to the both of you. You’ve always been there to encourage me to never give up whether it was in school or my injury. You taught me how to make a positive out of a negative. You’ve shaped me into the person I am today and I can’t thank you enough for that. I know I always complained about you constantly being on my back about my grades and school but, seeing that acceptance letter to Texas A&M made me appreciate you pushing me to always do my best. I apologize for not realizing that sooner. I know you both want what’s best for me so thank you so very much for everything.
Mr. Reeves – Most importantly thank YOU for being one of the most crazy, fun, awesome, inspiring teachers I have ever had the pleasure of being mentored by. You truly are a character and by far one of the coolest teachers Bowie has ever welcomed. Thank you for believing in me and always encouraging me to push myself and more importantly believe in myself. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help positively change the way students and faculty look at our newspaper. Thank you for showing me and the rest of the staff that the newspaper is not just a coupon book but an opportunity to be apart of something bigger than ourselves. Last but not least, thank you for a year filled with great memories and lessons that I can take with me as I enter a new chapter in my life.
Rachael Crawford – We certainly made a good team this year, didn’t we? I’m so grateful to have been the Editor-in-Chief along side you this year. It’s been a hectic but fun year on staff and something I will never forget. I’m really going to miss our inside jokes, little arguments when we were both so stressed, laughs when we were too delirious to focus anymore, gossip sessions when we should’ve been studying and just seeing you every other day in newspaper. I wish you nothing but the best of luck at OU. I love you so much.
The BABs (Victoria Saenz, Sandra Cuadros, Lexie Ramirez, Anna Orlowski, Reilly Frazier, Amber Weir and Lexi Pizzuti) – Wow, where do I even begin? I will forever be thankful for our friendship. I seriously couldn’t have gotten through high school without you guys. Ya’ll are an amazing group of girls and I will never forget the crazy inside jokes we’ve gathered throughout the years. The most important thing you’ve taught me was to never let my disability get in the way of anything. I appreciate you always finding a way to make it work with me whether it was carrying me up the stairs, pulling my hand when I got tired, or taking time out of your busy schedule to be there for me through countless surgeries and hospitalizations. Thank you for giving me four years worth of crazy, fun, unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I love ya’ll so much.
P.S. “This isn’t a goodbye but just a see you later…”

Rachael Crawford

High school has definitely been a crazy experience, and it’s bittersweet to be graduating. I am very proud to say that I will be attending The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma in the fall. But before I walk across the stage, there are a few people I need to thank for helping me succeed during my high school career.
Reeves, my senior year on newspaper staff would not have been the same without you. I wouldn’t have enjoyed newspaper as much if you weren’t our teacher this year. Who knew it was so much fun to be at school at 9 a.m. on a Saturday? I can’t believe that the year is over when it feels like just yesterday we published our first paper. Thank you for teaching me about how to be responsible and how to manage my time, even though I’m still not the best at that. I can’t wait to come back and visit you next year and see how the staff is doing!
Madison, Ashley, and Katy and Julia, I know this has been a rough year with us but I am just so glad to call you guys my best friends. Thank you for being there for me and loving me even when I’m a freak or I’m annoying or whatever. You guys are the best and I’m going to miss you guys next year when we are miles away from each other. Julia, have fun during your senior year. It definitely goes by fast. And Ashley, I know you’ll miss us too even though you pretend you won’t. I love you guys so much.
Momma and Daddy, I can’t thank you enough for raising me to be who I am. I am so lucky to have grown up with parents like you guys. Thank you for putting up with me even when I’m a brat and for supporting everything I do. Mom, I can’t believe we are both Sooners now! I feel honored to be able to go to the college you attended and be a Sooner legacy. Dad, good luck finding gifts for mom without me.
Meagan, Thank you for being my partner in crime this year. I couldn’t of been Editor-In-Chief without you by my side every step of the way. You have been one of my greatest friends through all four years of high school through thick and thin. No matter what happens you’re always there to hear my ridiculous stories about pretty much everything. I am so glad we got to work together this year as editors. I’m going to miss you so much next year but you are going to have a great time as an Aggie!

Marisa Marquez

Senior year has come and gone much quicker than I had expected. Even though I’ve only been at Bowie for two and a half years, I’ve had so much fun meeting all of the friends that I have today and making all those memories that I will cherish forever.
Michael Reeves: Thank you Reeves, for everything you have taught me within this one year that I’ve been in your class. It’s gotten kind of crazy at times but I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it and I will definitely miss being one of your students.
Newspaper Staff: I’ve had so much fun writing stories and designing the newspaper with you all. This was one of the few classes that I actually looked forward to going to because of each and every one of you. I’m going to miss my computer spot in the back row with all the editors. Some of the funniest memories that I have from senior year happened in that class and I’m glad that I have that to share with all of you.
Friends: There are so many friends that I want to thank individually, but that would make this far too long. There have been a lot of people that I’ve met here at Bowie who have impacted my life in a positive way and have taught me a lot in the short amount of time that I’ve been here. I am so thankful for the friends I have today because I don’t know where I’d be without them. Thank you Alexa Boone, Karla Castro, Jeremy Ellsworth, Reilly Frazier, Sarah Hall, Gabe Hernandez, Christopher Muyshondt, Tinofa’atasi Phillips, Chris Regalado, Carolyn Smith, Derek Thomas, Taylor Vasquez, and Gerrit Willoughby. I love you all.

Sandra Cuadros

It’s crazy to think that I am coming to that final mile of my senior year. The big finale of my high school career approaches and I still can’t wrap my head around it.
Just yesterday, I was walking into the front doors on my first day of school receiving fish tags. Four years later and I never thought I would be where I am today.
I’ve screamed to the top of my lungs, I’ve jumped off bridges, I’ve traveled to interesting places, I’ve met amazing faces, I have lived a lifetimes worth in just these past four years and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I am pretty pleased with where I stand and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.
To all of the people who have ever contributed to my life and high school career, thank you. My journey wouldn’t be half as great as it has been without you and I hope you the best in your next chapter. It’s a bittersweet feeling leaving Bowie for good. It feels so great to leave but the fact that I am growing up and these years won’t last don’t come so easy to me.
Mom & Dad: You were my strength when I was weak, my eyes when I couldn’t speak, you were my lift when I couldn’t reach and you and continue to see the best in me. I thank you so much for everything you do. I have been blessed with two tremendous parents out there. I love you guys!
I will miss some of my favorite teachers including Mr. Reeves, Mrs. Shan and Mrs. Shumate. You teachers have put me in my place and I can’t thank you enough for all you do for your students.
I would not have been able to make it through this year without my very best friends: Meagan Prehn, Amber Weir, Lexie Ramirez, Anna Orlowski, Carolyn Smith, Victoria Saenz, Lexi Pizzuti and Reilly Frazier. All of you girls are amazing and I thank you for all the memories I will forever cherish.
In life we do things, some we wish we had never done, some we wish we could replay a million times in our heads but they all make us who we are and in the end they shape every detail about us.
Throughout these four years, I have definitely learned to step outside my comfort zone. Life begins there. Sometimes you have got to go ahead and take the gamble. You have nothing to lose except the chance to win.

Nancy Tran

There were countless amount of times I have wanted to walk through the dreadful concrete hallways for the last time. At times school seemed unbearable, but the memories I have created, even through rough times, have made high school one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
In a matter of days I will be parting from the place I have met inspiring individuals, created many memories, and learned things that will not only prepare me for college but for life.
In four years, I have done things I never expected to do when I first stepped on campus. I have held the vice president position for Key Club and National Honor Society, took part in the varsity tennis team, was an editor for the Lone Star Dispatch newspaper for all three years on staff, and became passionate for volunteering.
Through the various organizations I was in I met friends that I plan to make more memories with in the future. Without them my high school experience would not be one worth remembering. We have shared countless laughs, stressed through classes together, and complained about school at every given opportunity. Thanks for being supportive, loving, and caring.
Teachers are not credited enough for the impact they have on students’ lives. At times the curriculum seemed unbearable, but with their help I was able to succeed. Thanks for the support and knowledge you have given me.
Joyce Brisco – I would like to thank you personally for teaching me a lesson I will continue using for the rest of my life – never be afraid to speak up. The things I have learned in your class have opened many doors for me.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me. You have educated me about the importance of friendships, love, trust, and family, supported and loved for me, and guided me through life.
J.M. Barrie once said, “never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” Bowie, you have made a lasting impact on my life, I can only hope I have done the same. These past four years of my life will certainly never be forgotten. Thanks for everything.

Selma Sanchez

“I don’t think I’d have been in such a hurry to reach adulthood if I’d known the whole thing was going to be ad-libbed.” – Bill Watterson
As I evolved with age I have morphed from an awkward, introvert to…well in a sense somewhat similar to a Geode. Because beneath the rough, gray and dull outer lining there remains various lustrous and colorful crystals, as I’d like to call it the spectrum of weirdness.
Early on in high school I began to miss those nap times, when no one wanted to actually nap.  It was such a tedious task to sleep since so much was yet to be done, so many adventures to uncover, so many memories yet to be made. This seemingly insignificant act we now know comes in handy. As we are all well aware the twenty-four hour day is no longer sufficient to genuinely do it all. Back then, sitting limbo, better known as time-out our thoughts changed. We couldn’t wait to have freedom and the liberty to attempt to do it all. Being independent is what we longed for.
And so we go on about our lives manipulating time, bending the clock hands and treating the pendulum as a metronome. Fast forwarding through the years, not so much enjoying it but merely going through the movements, as a soulless machine would.
Once we are granted independence, the inner child in us wishes for it all to slow down a bit, actually more than a bit. Our thoughts then shifted again. The new wish is to have the gears of time be internally damaged by mounds of molasses, impaling it forever. Sadly, this cannot be done, no matter how much one wishes.
I believe that we are all granted one single wish throughout our lifespan. The opportunity arrives with no instruction pamphlet, no suggested use, no nothing but the wish itself. Some choose to have it granted in monetary value and others simply ask for wisdom. It is ultimately one’s own decision on what the wish should be.
Since I’ve already used my one wish as most of us already have, we must thoroughly indulge in the time of now, loving the ones who surround us, laughing at  nothing and inhaling the pure essence of life itself. For before we know it, we may too lose the ability to breathe.

Blaine MacMorran

Coming into high school, I had never expected to be a part of the newspaper staff. As a freshman I had very poor writing skills and no motivation to get better at it. At the end of my sophomore year I was looking for something new to do. I had done concert band for several years as well as sports. I felt that I had accomplished all I wanted to in those particular areas in my life.
When it came time to sign choice sheets, I had no idea what to choose for my new extracurricular activities. I had always found design to be interesting, so I signed up for graphic design and illustration. Little did I know this “graphic design and illustration,” was actually newspaper.
Before this, I had never really given journalism much thought. Fortunately, my curious nature gave me a reason to pursue this.
When I began writing my first story, I didn’t expect for it to be published. To my surprise, that story was good enough to run in the paper as well as earn me a title; Entertainment Editor. With help from my advisors, I developed a style of writing. Although I am not the best writer on staff, I am proud of what I have accomplished in my two years of being on staff.
It was a really unique experience to be able to publish things that interested me. This being my last year on staff I was more than excited to do a music review. This gave me the opportunity to share different kinds of music with others. I usually did reviews on bands that inspired my band, Tropian’s, style as well as me.
I hope that the reviews of albums that I did, inspired others to give these bands a chance.
I credit Michael Reeves for expanding this newspaper and keeping the staff, as well as myself, motivated. I honestly feel that no one else could have done as good of job as he did. To have an advisor such as Reeves, and a staff full of good writers/photographers, the Dispatch is lucky.

Shannon Wiedemeyer

Up until the age of fourteen I had a very skewed sense of what high School was going to be like. Being the film aficionado I am, I prepared myself by watching all of the John Hughes movies I could possibly get my hands on.
However, entering Bowie I noticed there was not a divide that was emphasized in those films. The dweebs, the jocks, and the weirdos were not at war and everyone seemed to get along.
I was not picked on for wearing goofy clothes or being in four choirs, I was accepted. There’s a general kindness among the students that made my experience here unique and surprisingly pleasant.
Throughout my years of high school I had the great pleasure of being taught by extremely intelligent individuals. All I really ask for out of a teacher is that they are intellectually stimulating and that they have passion. Every year I’ve had teachers who have fed my need to be creative in the classroom.
I had a German teacher, Herr Horton, who made me love the German culture in a holistic way. When I showed interest in film, he provided me with German movies that I would appreciate.
Another teacher that I’ve known briefly, but changed my high school experience was my creative writing teacher, Ms. Rolfe. I was going to drop Ms. Rolfe’s class at the beginning of the school year because I felt it was important that I focus on my screen writing. However, after some persuasion, I decided to stay in the class and in return Ms. Rolfe would edit my script for me. Not only was I able to get fantastic feedback by a talented writer, but I was also able to become a stronger writer by broadening the genres in which I write, something I will forever be in debt to.
I was also fortunate to have my oldest and dearest friend of mine, Amber Weir, by my side throughout my high school career. Amber and I have been through so much together, but remain to keep our close bond. Words cannot describe how excited I am to be continuing our journey to the University of Texas as roommates!
Lastly, a huge part of my high school experience was spent in the journalism program. In photojournalism, broadcast journalism, and newspaper I gained skills that will carry me throughout my filmmaking career. However, this year Mr. Reeves has made everyone more eager to write for the newspaper and read the product. This newfound passion in the classroom has been wildly inspiring.
The freedom Reeves has given to the students, to make creative decisions and make a product that the students can be proud of has resulted in a great, award winning paper.
Although I am not an expert on journalism writing, I have been able to observe and partake in something bigger than anything I’ve been apart of at Bowie. I will forever be grateful to have been able to work with this amazing staff and be apart of the family that has been created within the classroom.

Ashley Stroud

In these years that I have been at this school I must say that my time here has been the best four years of my life so far, I have been inspired by many teachers, I have found my passion and most of all I have made great memories with nine girls that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Gypsy Dogs: You nine know who you are.  I adore and love each of you and I wanted to thank you for being the best of friends that any one could ever ask for during these four years we have been at Bowie.  My time here would have been lame if I didn’t know y’all, I could write pages and pages about all of you guys and all that you have done but I only have such a small space. Just know that you guys have made one of the biggest impacts in my life.  Much love xoxo
Y-von & Ernest: You both rock so much and have made me the person I am today. You both have watched me grow up to be who I am and have supported me with every decision I have made, and not questioned it.  Your support has meant so much to me through these four years of me figuring out where on earth I am going with my life. I love you both  so much and I appreciate you for everything you have ever done for me.
Michael Reeves: You have only been here for a year, but I feel like I have known you longer than that.  I appreciate all of your help with my photography and all the tips and criticism you gave me over the year.  You were that one teacher I could always go to talk to if I had a problem or big news and you listened, that’s the most that any teacher has ever done for me, so thanks for that bro.
Newspaper Staff: I adore you goofs, I can’t wait to see what and where you are next year.  Seniors I will miss you guys so much, but I can’t believe that in just a year we grew pretty close.
Deanna Dellana: I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me, if you hadn’t trusted me to be an Elite photographer I would have never gotten into newspaper or photography, you encouraged me to take bigger steps and do bigger things, you always knew how to push me farther and farther with my work, thank you for all you have done.
My time spent here was made memorable by the people mentioned here, along with a few others it’s hard to say goodbye, but I know we will see each other again. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ― A.A. Milne.

Michael Reeves

This isn’t a section I normally contribute to because this is supposed to be for the kids, the seniors, as they head off into the real world. In fact, I hardly ever contribute anything to the newspaper besides editing every story that comes across my desk for slander and libel. But this time is different, I feel like I need to brag on this group of seniors and on the paper itself.
When I was hired last summer I knew that I wanted to transform the newspaper into something new, something that hadn’t been done in a number of years here at Bowie. I wanted to revive the broadsheet look, and I wanted to get back to what I think is quality scholastic journalism.
If you had asked me what to expect, I couldn’t have told you when school started, but in retrospect, I couldn’t have asked for a better year.
The editor-in-chiefs Meagan Prehn and Rachael Crawford have been amazing. They took everything in stride, no matter what I asked of them, it got done with very little complaint. I know they will both be very successful in the real world. I know they may not be journalists, but I do know that they will use the skills they learned in this program in the real world.
One editor I really had no clue about was Nancy Tran. She ended up with the In-depth page, a completely blank page with nothing on it, and somehow issue after issue, she filled it with quality work. I have been impressed with her the entire year.
I knew Sandra Cuadros was a good writer, but I wasn’t sure how she would turn out as an editor. There were a couple of glitches, but she has worked out quite well. I am happy with her growth and contributions.
Marisa Marquez was also an unknown because she signed up for the class as a senior with zero journalism experience. She has also turned out to be an excellent addition to the paper and when we had another editor move to different state, Marisa eagerly picked up the slack.
Blaine MacMorran started the year as a co-editor, but by the time the first semester was over, he had gotten his own page and did a nice job getting it done each issue. I appreciate his work.
Finally there is our photo editor, Ashley Stroud. Photography is my area of expertise. Ashley also knows photography. I basically stole her from the yearbook program and without her we wouldn’t have had very many pictures in the paper. She is one of the best photographers I have ever had in my time teaching journalism.
Our two senior non-editors were both first year students, Shannon Wiedemeyer and Selma Sanchez. Both contributed throughout the year and both had multiple stories published. I wish they had been around longer so they could have done even more.
As they leave and the class of 2014 chapter closes, I look forward to next year when a new batch of aspiring journalists comes through the door. The new editorial staff has produced this last issue. They are eager, learning and I expect even more of them. As the program grows and develops the bar will go up, but the class of 2014 has set the mark awfully high.
In closing there are a couple of adults I need to thank for an outstanding year. First, thank you to Stephen Kane for hiring me and putting his trust in me to run this program. Journalism is a scary thing for administrators because kids really do say the darnedest things. He understands that the newspaper is a student product and that there might be things he wishes weren’t in the paper, but that students have opinions and when done correctly they can share those opinions with the community.
Second, I have to thank Deanna Dellana. I know the newspaper and yearbook programs weren’t very friendly in the past, but today we are gratefully beyond that. Without her support, this year would have been very different. I love having a fellow journalist to chat with and someone to bounce ideas off of. Thank you for all you do.
Finally I want to thank both Vicente Trevino and Richard Winemiller for been excellent leaders. Mr. Trevino has been one of the best AP’s I have worked with and I have been so happy with the leadership of Mr. Winemiller in our department. Both have been very supportive of me and the program as a whole.
Thank you for a great year and while I know we weren’t perfect, we are trying to do the best we can to cover the entire Bowie family each and every issue.