THE BITTER END

By: Jon-Paul Perez

Our Final HOORAH!

Surviving the Journalism Experience with Leslie and Cydni

By: Cydni Robinson and Leslie Rewis

     The Senior AP Physics and Freshman Pre-AP Modeling Physics classes went to Six Flags on April 18 and May 2. They went to study the laws of physics and to take measurements while on the rides. These measurements were used to see how physics applies to roller coasters and how they operate.

    According to the Six Flags Over Texas’s Physics Day workbook, the rides the students rode included The Texas Giant, Titan, Runaway Mine Train, Batman, The Ride, Shockwave, Flashback, and Mr. Freeze.

     Mr. Braun said that “Ms. Boesch and I took our physics classes (freshman modeling physics and senior classes) to Six Flags for Physics Day ... We split the classes and made two trips—one on April 18 and one on May 2. Students rode various rides, recorded measurements during the rides, and answered a packet of questions about the physics concepts they experienced during each ride.”

     Ms. Boesch said that “In this trip the students were able to apply their knowledge of mechanics to amusement park rides. They had activities due at the end of the day. They were allowed to dress down (according to school rules).”

     Why did the Physics classes go to Six Flags? “We want to understand the mechanical laws and incorporate them into physics,” says Ms. Boesch.

     Rebecca Santos, who did not go on the trip to Six Flags, believes that “you guys should have gone to a museum instead because Six Flags is too much fun if I’m not going” This was a trip that appealed to everyone, both the students who attended the trip, and the students who are not enrolled in physics.

     Both trips to Six Flags were a great success, and the teachers hope to do it all again next year.

The thrilling and terrifying Superman Tower of Power rises above the rest at Six Flags Over Texas. Photo courtesy of photobucket.com

     Over the past two years Juniors Leslie Rewis and Cydni Robertson have investigated, written, and printed events and attention-grabbing occurrences within the Bishop Dunne community. They’ve taken photos, obtained sources, and experienced numerous “read-and-lead-a-rounds,” all while trying to meet approaching deadlines so that the Falcon Flyer would be a success.

     Unfortunately, all great things must come to an end. These future seniors have served Journalism whole-heartedly and without bias since sophomore year, and now it’s time for fellow aspiring journalists to step up and continue reporting the good, the bad, and the religious at Bishop Dunne.

     As these young ladies depart in sweet sorrow, they wish to leave their pearls of wisdom on how to survive Journalism at Bishop Dunne…

Leslie says:

1. Be calm—Although times may seem rough with rapidly approaching deadlines and writer’s block, take deep breaths and remember that you’re writing because you like it, not because you have to.

2. Be punctual —With photos, with story deadlines, with sources, and TO CLASS!

3. Be curious—It’s okay to be confused, that’s what your fellow staffers and Ms. Berry are here for. They are especially helpful when trying to find titles for headlines and leads.

4.  Familiarize yourself with technology—In journalism, you will be using digital cameras and complicated computer software programs. Familiarize yourself with Microsoft (everything) and Macromedia because they will come in handy and save you stress.

5. HAVE FUN!!! — Just do it!

Cydni says:

1. Be creative—This is your chance to be free and express you opinions related to Bishop Dunne through editorials, features, and news stories. Let your voice be heard!

2. Mind your tone—Because we attend a Catholic school, and because we are writing for a large and varied readership, we must be sensitive to certain topics and choices of language.

3. Be flexible —At times you may not get to cover the story of your choice, or your story may not be published in the paper due to various complications. Never mind the present drama. Look to the future, and come up with an even BETTER story.

4. Be active—Get into your story! The more you are interested and involved with your topic, the more it will reflect in your writing, which will eventually result in awesome stories!

5. HAVE FUN!!! —Just do it!

     And there you have it! The ins, outs, and round-a-bouts of how to survive Journalism. This is Leslie and Cydni, signing off, and encouraging you to be the best journalist you can be!

Juniors Leslie Rewis and Cydni Robertson embrace one another as they come to the end of their two-year stint as Falcon Flyer staffers. They say their goodbyes, but they will always have each other to remember all the wonderful experiences. From researching to writing,  editing down to deadlines, these two stuck it out and had fun doing it. Photo taken by Steffi Huerta.