Graphic by Brian Hwu

Someone once said, “If you speak three languages, you’re trilingual. If you speak two languages, you’re bilingual. If you speak one language — you’re American.”

This humorous yet extremely truthful statement is becoming increasingly more apparent in today’s society. While high school students are required to have at least two years of a foreign language under their belts, the fact of the matter is, most will not retain or reuse any of the information learned within the first year of halting language education.

While under the Distinguished Achievement Program for graduation, I was required to take three years of Spanish. As a Texan, I see an excessive amount of use for Spanish in school, work and in society. Although I was incapable of fully retaining all the information I learned, it came to my surprise that I actually utilized my language education outside of school.

Just the other weekend while volunteering at a thrift store in Irving, a city that is almost half Hispanic, I engaged in many Spanish-speaking conversations with customers who were in need of assistance. While maintaining a deer in the headlights look, I made out what few words I could, but ultimately got the people the help they needed. Even though I vaguely remember my Spanish it came to great use while servicing English as a second language customers.

Those who find a second language unnecessary and impractical are blind of the thriving benefits that come alongside the journey of learning a language. Not only is English going to be surpassed by other languages such as Spanish and Mandarin, but also a second language is also crucial to understanding non-American aspects of the world as well as global unity.

One’s philosophy on life is generally influenced by what they see, hear and think everyday. An English only speaker is more than likely to be immersed in American culture and therefore there will be less room to implement other cultures, ideas or concepts. On the other hand, a person who is continually learning a different language gains a new perspective on life. This perspective is something that a trip to Europe or vacation to a foreign beach can’t offer.

Learning a second language can be difficult, time consuming and overall frustrating. Even if you start early on in your life the tediousness can be quite overwhelming. These aspects though are some of the few any human can expect when trying to accomplish something great, a second language is no exception. Whether it takes you a few years or a lifetime to adapt to a new language, in the long run you will see that it is a meaningful and even fun way to increase your sense of achievement.

The acquisition of a second language undoubtedly effects the development of one’s brain, problem solving skills and the way they think. When a person masters a foreign language they have to incorporate translation skills when speaking, thinking or writing from their native to foreign language. This process is what directly influences the brain and overall makes a person more intellectual.

Schools are doing a somewhat good job by enforcing foreign language, but in order for America to remain a top dog in global competition, we must first realize the important of language and communication with the outside world. Language influences our brains and developmental skills, but it also impacts the real world and more importantly our personal lives.

Last night, the annual Sidekick Newspaper banquet was held Hilton Garden Inn. Students were honored for numerous awards, some winning multiple. Mr. Wofford was also honored with two front page editions of Sports Illustrated featuring Alabama.

Speeches were given in order by sports editor Sammy Robben, advisor Chase Wofford, features editor Mary Whitfill and editor in Chief Michelle Pitcher. Robben opened up the celebrations, flanked by staff writers Chris Reagan, Chase Porter and John Loop. Mr. Wofford spoke and presented awards, Whitfill and webmaster Wren Culp presented Mr. Wofford’s gift before Pitcher wrapped up the night with a closing speech.

Overall, the banquet 2011-2012 year overall was a great success.

Every six weeks, students who excel in their classes get to rake in their rewards by having a Renaissance lunch.  Renaissance differentiates between those who get all As and those who get As and Bs with two different Renaissance lunches.  Gold Renaissance (all A’s) are allowed to leave campus two times each six weeks while Red Renaissance (As and Bs) only get to miss once per six weeks.  Even those who just have Red Renaissance still have a great time enjoying off-campus lunches every six weeks.

As the school year draws to an end, so do these priviledges.  Today is the final Renaissance lunch of the year and is for both Red and Gold Renaissance lunch students.  With both lunches going, it is going to be quite crowded around the school. Restaurant options close to the school include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mooyah, J Macklin’s Grill and even Zena Sushi.  For those who want to get farther away, Rosa’s Cafe and even Siena Pasta and Pizza are great options.

Grab your Renaissance buddies and get ready to wrap up the school year on a high note with the final Renaissance lunch of the year.

Upstairs D-hall will be transformed into an interactive display for student work tonight as the CHS Academy sophomores host a revolutionary coffee house discussion. This event is the latest product of their Project Based Learning (PBL) in english class and will be open to the public for attendance.

Guests will be transported into another time and place as students present their personal poems, songs, plays and other creative pieces to their audience. Besides the presentations, there will be other student work hanging along the walls, a designated space for a group discussion about revolution and most importantly food and refreshments.

This Coffee House event will be taking place tonight from 6-8 pm in the upstairs D-hallway of CHS. Students, parents and others are encouraged to come out and join in on the fun.

Lacrosse has been mentioned in some Hollywood movies and television shows in the past, one being American Pie. A movie solely featuring lacrosse came out today, however, which is a pretty big deal for the lacrosse world.

Crooked Arrows is a movie that is completely about the journey of a lacrosse team – and their coach. A mixed-blooded Native American named Joe Logan is trying to modernize his reservation. However, in order to do so he must first prove himself to the Tribal Chairman. So, he starts coaching the tribe’s lacrosse team.

The movie will not open in every theatre worldwide, but it will open in a large amount of theaters, including the AMC Theaters at Grapevine Mills mall. This movie is a large step in the raise in awareness about the fastest growing sport in America.

It is said to be an inspirational, up-lifting movie like other sports movies such as The Mighty Ducks, and Hoosiers.

The school yearbook documents all of the school year’s big events such as football games, pep rallies and Prom. They hold memories and almost everyone enjoys getting their yearbook signed to hold these memories for years to come. The yearbook staff works hard every year and stays after school countless times to ensure that the yearbook looks great and that everyone will enjoy what is inside.

Tomorrow, May 18, the CHS 2011-2012 Round-Up Yearbooks will be available for students to pick up. The yearbooks can be picked up from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon in the large gym. If your book is pre-ordered, be sure to have a photo ID. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to pick up your yearbook.

If you are unable to pick up your yearbook at the designated time, they will be available for pick up in A107 from May 21 to May 30. If you choose to receive your copy at these later dates, they will only be available to be picked up during fourth period or after school.

Staff Writer

Every senior has had at least a small case of the epidemic known as senioritis, but what many don’t know are the consequences of slacking off after your first semester.

While your brain might have shut down, college admissions are on high alert to spot potential problems with your second semester grades. Many colleges will take a look at how you’ve done in your last stretch of high school before they decide if you get to join them in the fall.

That’s right, that pretty little acceptance letter you received in the mail and the deposits you’ve paid have not guaranteed you a spot at the university of your choice.

Colleges that are not happy with how you have performed can choose to rescind your admission into the university, a devastating blow to someone who was so sure of their acceptance.

As a tip for the seniors of next year and a warning to those seniors who might still have a chance to pull themselves out of a hole, keep on top of your grades all through the year. Push to make your break start when you are let out for summer.

At just 17 years old, Coppell High School senior Brandon Rainbolt is already establishing himself in the sport of professional snowboarding. With multiple regional and local championships under his belt, Rainbolt’s skills in the sport are not of your average Texan.

“I started snowboarding when I was 8, but hated it at first. It wasn’t until a few years later when I was landing tricks that many kids would dream of that I really decided to pursue the sport,” Rainbolt said.

Since he started competing at age 13, Rainbolt has been destroying the slopes and turning heads while earning high ranks in various snowboarding competitions. With a lot of willpower, determination and the help of friends to keep him motivated, Rainbolt’s future in the sport is quite promising.

Unbeknownst to most of his competitors, Rainbolt actually lives in Texas for the majority of the year only to retreat to his family’s cabin in Angel Fire, N.M. for the winter season.

Chris Rainbolt, Brandon’s father, went through a lot of sacrifice to make this a dream come true for Brandon and the rest of his siblings.

“I moved the family to New Mexico so that Brandon as well as his brother, Dillon, and sister, Brittney, could compete in snowboarding and skiing,” Mr. Rainbolt said.

Once the Rainbolt’s began living the winter season in New Mexico, Brandon did all he could to not take his dad’s efforts for granted.

“My dad is a great influence on me and the sport. I don’t want his sacrifices to go to waste and this is what really drives me to perform at my best,” Rainbolt said.

While even having to enroll in a New Mexico public school, Brandon was unfazed by the new challenge of living in a new place, climate and school.

“It was weird at first coming from a graduating class of almost 700 in Texas to a graduating class of eight in New Mexico. I always liked moving, however, and adapted well to the change,” Rainbolt said.

In addition to the sport of snowboarding, this year, while living in Texas, Rainbolt started as a safety for the Cowboys football team. Playing a full contact team sport in the sweltering Texas heat is quite different from the self-relying aspects and frigid weather that come with snowboarding.

Although the two lifestyles are contradicting and seem tough to balance, it is Rainbolt’s character that helps him strive for perfection in both areas.

Coppell football coach Joe McBride knows a winner’s attitude when he sees one.

“Brandon puts a lot of effort into what he does on the football field, and I think his discipline and hard work is what helps his success in football and snowboarding alike,” McBride said.

While Brandon’s self-motivation allows him to keep a positive demeanor and attitude towards his sport and life in general, there is more to the athlete’s determination.

In the year of 2007, when Rainbolt was in eighth grade, his mother was battling melanoma skin cancer, which later that year turned terminal.

The devastation of the loss of his mother left Rainbolt unable to compete in his sport of snowboarding for some time. However, five years later, Rainbolt came out looking better than ever.

“When I came back to the sport, the passing of my mom motivated me a lot,” Rainbolt said. “It was something she would have wanted to see and be apart of and therefore it allows me to live in the now and go all out when I’m competing or training.”

As much of a rush snowboarding is for Rainbolt, the feeling he gets when he snowboards now is indescribable and filled with emotion.

“Every time I snowboard it feels like the first time,” Rainbolt said. “I like striving for the accomplishment and the thrill. It’s really exciting.”

With graduation coming up this month for Rainbolt and the summer following, he will only be looking forward to one thing, the chance to get back on his snowboard.

“This season I would like to remain ranked in the country despite competing less and also be invited to the USA Snowboard Association National Championship,” Rainbolt said.

His aspirations will come at a price, as he will continue to train hard in the offseason, but while also enjoying the summer heat in Texas.