Last night on Twitter, I had the misfortune of reading that Texas Rangers’ outfielder Josh Hamilton had an alcohol relapse. Reports say that Monday night (Jan. 30), Hamilton was spotted at a local bar drinking.

The well known ball player’s last relapse with alcohol occured in 2009 when he was drunk in public and had some very incriminating photos surface. No pictures have been revealed and few details are known about the incident last week.

Bob Sturm, host of “The Ticket” radio show, tweeted: “Josh Hamilton press conference will alter things at 1, but of course, that is pretty important.”

Hopefully the press conference will provide some clarity to the situation and be the last time we will hear any news like this.

After a long summer of temperatures of over 100 degrees for 71 days in a row, the drought conditions in Coppell and the rest of North Texas are officially over.

Over the summer, it rarely rained. Combined with the scorching heat, this created one of the worst droughts in Texas history. The water level of lakes all over North Texas plummeted to record lows, Lake Lavon reached a point where you could see the bottom of the lake in some places. Even that the water of level of Lake Lavon has raised to just over five feet below full pool. This is still relatively low, but it is rising.

Lake Lewisville and Lake Grapevine are still a little below full pool but only by one to three feet.

However, the recent rainfall has helped a lot. Last week we received about four inches of rain in one day – which set a local record for the most rain in 24 hours in the month of January. We have had a lot of help to end these drought conditions in Coppell and the rest of North Texas from the drenching rain we have received in the past month.

The rest of the state, down towards San Antonio and Austin even out west towards Abilene for example, is still drought stricken and could use more rain.

For more information on the rest of the state’s drought condition click here.

America was established by immigrants with the intent of making a better life for themselves and their families. America today is one of the most medically and technologically advanced countries in the world. Who would not want to have a chance to prosper in a country as great as ours?

However, this opportunity does not give people the right to illegally come to America just because they do not want to have to wait the appropriate amount of time, or cannot meet the qualifications to enter the country. Even in 1921 immigrants were required to provide a passport, visa, and pass a literacy test.

Even after the immigrants provided the correct information, a certain person could be refused if they had mental illnesses, or a criminal; it should not change now just because certain group of immigrants does not fulfill the requirements.

Graphic by Lauren Ussery

As a major issue, immigration is a touchy subject for some, and a fight for others. In some cases, illegal immigration has brought discrimination and racial comments from native-born citizens, and the most common targets are Mexican immigrants.

Only four percent of citizens in America are illegal including the Hispanic population; but they must suffer the consequences that come with breaking the law. Since not all the illegals can be caught, it is hard to enforce a proper trial. However, when they come to this country, they have not passed a literacy test, most likely meaning they cannot speak English; it is because of this that they get menial jobs.

More and more students in Texas are taking Spanish as their second language due to the increase in the Hispanic population in the United States. I do not believe it is correct for the people who live legally here in the United States to have to speak Spanish in order to get a job. I believe it should be the other way around. The point of the literacy test is to have new immigrants speak English so they may adjust better to American ways, also better job opportunities come to those who are fluent in English.

I believe if a person, of any culture or country, wishes to become a citizen of the United States, they must legally wait for their turn. Mandarin Chinese is the language of the business world; all businessmen that work overseas and for other countries are capable of speaking their native language as well as Mandarin including American citizens. So why do the illegal immigrants not do the same?

The Hispanic culture does not cause any harm to American culture per se; however, some of them do have difficulty adjusting and Americanizing. This is not necessarily a problem. It is the people who refuse to have their children learn English that are hurting their children’s chances of advancing in this country.

What people do not realize is the complexity of the issue of immigration. All cultures that are new to America experience discrimination.

There is no one answer to this problem. It could be lessened if people became more accepting, but I do not see that happening. Until the problem of illegal immigration is solved, there is going to be more and more hostility between heritages. I do not believe illegally immigrating is acceptable and something must be done to prevent it.

There are people in Britain, China and other countries will live in the United States for five years on a green card before they get their apply for citizenship, and when the five years is up it could take an additional six months to two years to become a legal citizen. It is not fair for those moral citizens to wait while others illegally come to America and abuse the opportunity.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican presidential hopeful, attended the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Business Speaks event Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Marriott in Columbia. (Tracy Glantz/The State/MCT)

Rick Perry, 11 year Texas Gov. is expected to leave the race for the GOP nomination on Thursday, two days before the South Carolina primary. Perry will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. central time.

Perry almost quit the race after his embarrassing 5^th place finish in Iowa, but decided to give it one more go, skipping the New Hampshire primaries in which he received less than one percent of votes.

Perry’s drop is expected to prove helpful to Newt Gingrich who has been excelling in recent opinion surveys. Perry first entered the race with high numbers in polls but those numbers quickly fell after a series of missteps and those errors called into question whether the Texas politician was ready for the national stage.

The final pre-South Carolina debate will now go on with only four candidates on stage: Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santourum. The debate will be televised in Charleston, the same city where Perry originally announced his candidacy in August.

Today, January 10th, was the first day of lacrosse practice and the start of the 2012 season for the three time state championship lacrosse team.

Being a member of the team I had the chance to see this years team in action and I was impressed. After losing many highly recruited players from last years team I thought that we would have to rebuild more than usual. Todays practice showed me that was not the case at all. Even though we have an extreme amount of underclassmen this year I have confidence that we will have nothing but a successful season.

Today was the first practice with the new coaching staff as well. Our head coach is no longer Jared Venia who is coaching for Southlake but now we have Alex Poole who played at the top tier lacrosse school, Maryland. He has coached for many of the upper level lacrosse programs in the state and is committed to coaching us to a winning season.

Our games do not start until February 17th but you can check out the schedule for the entire season on the Texas High School Lacrosse League website or thsll.com. All but three of our games are away this year so come out to the CMSW stadium or Leslie field and watch us play.

Any discarded hats, jackets or other miscellaneous items always seem to end up in the giant heap of items in student services. Otherwise known as the lost and found, over the years the lost and found has saved  numerous encounters with an upset mother over the loss of an article of clothing or lunch box. For other students who are as forgetful as me, the last day to search through the pile is Thursday. If items are left uncollected they will then be donated to charity, so someone else can find use of the abandoned jacket. Be sure to stop by student services and double check, otherwise someone else might be sporting your possessions quite soon.

The music comes to a stop and the students’ hearts quicken as they realize they have only a minute until class starts – now it is a race against time. As they quicken their pace through the halls, they are fast-walking to their class praying they will not be tardy.

As the classroom door comes into sight, the late bell rings throughout the halls, signaling the students’ defeat and their tardiness.

As part of a large high school, it is likely that most students will become tardy at least once in the course of their four-year stay at CHS. It is to be expected when a student has to journey from their speech class in H hall all the way to a digital graphics and animation class in D hall.

Excluding the occasional legitimate excuse, most tardies are a result of the lack of motivation for a few students. Some students are concerned with the time allotted to get to their classes. If students were allowed more time during passing periods, it would hopefully result in students getting to class on time. Unfortunately, this change is unlikely.

“[The reason why] I am tardy is because frankly the food at Coppell isn’t good and I can go to someplace else [during lunch] for cheaper,” an anonymous junior said. “That is why I am late to my class.”

The six minutes in the hall is the time for socialization between students, where students can interact and have a mental break from classes. It would be nice to have a longer time to talk with friends, but it is not possible for the administration to lengthen the time allotted for passing periods.

This is because 52 minutes is the limit amount of time required for classes, so if Coppell were to lengthen passing period it would also have to lengthen the school day.

“The point of the music in the halls is to give students a warning,” assistant principal Steve Glover said. “Those who are late are the ones that are unaware.”

Those students who are consistently late to class are not able to receive the full amount of education. When they are late, they are missing out on part of a lesson that could be vital. The reason for school is to allow students the opportunity to receive an education, and when a student misses part of a class, they are missing a bit of what is being offered.

“The students who come in late disrupt the class, and it disrupts the flow,” foundations for college math teacher Wendy Levell said.

This year, the student handbook has been updated, and the assistant principals visited every fourth period class to inform students of the new changes.

“The only change that occurred was the students’ third tardy,” Glover said. “The teacher can now give a teacher detention instead of an office detention.”

The new rule has had some effect on students but has not completely reversed the problem of tardiness. Some students are not intimidated by the teacher detentions and continue to come in late to class.

Graphic by Brian Hwu

“[My idea is] the parents have to show up for a morning detention [when the student reaches three tardies], then maybe they would make sure their kids were responsible,” Levell said. “They are still the parent of the kids and they are still in charge of making their children responsible.”

If this were to be instated, Levell thinks teachers would definitely see a change in the attendance of their students. However, it would be unlikely that the administration would allow this to pass or if the parents would even show up to their detentions in the first place.

The only way to permanently eliminate problems related to tardiness would be if students managed to arrive on time to their classes. Until this is possible tardiness will not go away. In high school there is no such thing as “fashionably late.”

Graphic by Brian Hwu

If you were to go to the Coppell High school website you would find under student activities a list of all of the student organizations including all the various clubs that are offered Unfortunately it only states the name of the club and the teacher who sponsors it, while not giving the reader a good idea of what the club actually does.

It is because of this that I decided that for a week I would attend a different club every day after school, and summarize what they are about. This way it is easier for students to choose what club they want to join, and they have more than just a name to influence their decision.

On Mondays there is Latin club in Katie Cowhig’s room (c108) the idea of Latin club almost scared me off at first. I was picturing strict kids just sitting around talking in Latin; I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted by a group of eager and happy students.

The club was relaxed and students felt free to lounge on the floor or desks and some even took of their shoes to reach the maximum level of comfort. Latin club starts at 4:00 and as soon as it starts so does the students’ excitement.

The particular meeting that I attended was a meeting informing the members of the JCL competition. This is the Latin competition version of UIL, the officers Senior Christina Wagner, Sophomore Daniel Sanders, and Senior Michele Bizzell made sure to keep the excitement going as they presented to the members the details of the JCL competition.

If you are interested in learning Latin or are in a Latin class then stop by Ms. Cowhig’s room to join in on the fun experience of speaking Latin with a close group of friends. What they lack in strictness, they compensate with a relaxed and accepting demeanor.

On Tuesday I decided to get a look at the newest club to arrive to Coppell, The Coppell Gay Straight Alliance Club,. The teacher who sponsors this club is Brian Rohloff, a history teacher, and due to the redecoration of his classroom he has temporarily moved the GSA club to the classroom in the library.

The club consists of a variety of people joined together in support of the serious issue of accepting people even if they have a different sexuality. The president Senior Daniel Markbrieter and vice president Senior Melanie Duck willingly accepted all the people that walked in the doors, creating a hospitable environment.

At the meeting the members got the chance to vote for the different officer positions in the club, the historian, secretary, treasurer and surprisingly, a head baker. Markbrieter along with other members thought it would be fun to offer baked goods during the club, so head baker Junior Kimberly Del Angel was instated.

Along with the head baker the treasurer this year is Senior Caitlin Monse, Secretary is Sophomore Anita Dodia, and the Historian is Senior Brian Hwu. This club consists of many good and empowering officers and is sure to be a big accomplishment of Coppell.

On Wednesday there is Drama club, held in Ms. Tabor’s room (F107, this is one of the most exciting yet loud clubs. Every minute is filled with excitement and the lively chatter of all of the students. When I walked I the door I was greeted with friendly faces and home-baked cookies.

At this particular meeting the members got put into groups and designed this year’s Drama club t-shirts. Ideas were flying through the room and everyone was involved in designing or coming up with fun ideas.

The winning t-shirt design had a dinosaur on the front and said “Dramasorous” with the traditional back of “Drama Club 2011- 2012”.  The t-shirt sales are to begin soon so any student can order their own Dramasourous shirt or join Drama club and me more involved and confront your inner dramatic self.

On Thursdays there is the less known Improv club, Improv being the shortened form for improvisation or the act of improvising; In this club students play a variety of games, Taxi, house party, and pterodactyl which have been seen on improve shows such as “Whose line is it anyways?”

This ecstatic club is led by an equally enthusiastic president, junior Amanda Clark, who makes sure that everyone is involved and is having a good time. The students in Improv are there not only to have fun, but to also learn how they can improve on their acting and improvisation skills.

For fellow theatre lovers or people who just want to be hyped up and have a good time Improv club will welcome you with open arms. Meetings take place in Clara Caussey’s room (D223).

On Fridays majority of the students want to go home so they can begin to enjoy their weekend, which is why there are only few (if any) clubs available after school. No need to fret however, because after the weekend there are still plenty of other clubs to try out.

I encourage all students to attend at least one club that sounds interesting, because then you will be opening yourself up to a fun and unique experience similar to my own. Because I got to explore all of these clubs it has actually inspired me to join some of them myself.

No matter which club you join it is sure to be one that fits to your specific interest, Coppell has many clubs that will fit your need. So stay after school one day and try something new, it will not be regretted.

Over the past two weeks and last five matches, the Coppell Cowgirls volleyball team has proved that this once under the radar team, is just the opposite. They have taken playoffs by storm and for the first time in 15 years they will be going to the state tournament.

The Cowgirls credit their focus, both mentally and physically, to their success this season.

The Cowgirls are cheered on by students as the school gives them a send off before they depart for State. Photo by Brian Hwu.

“Our team has been unbelievably focused since we beat Hebron in the 3rd round, physically we’re getting a lot more rest, we’ve been staying home and off our feet as much as we can,” junior Chiaka Ogbogu said. “Mentally we’ve been keeping our minds focused by taking one day at a time. We’ve learned that this is anyone’s game and you cannot take anyone for granted.

The Cowgirls have experienced several changes to the team this year. Last year, after assistant principal Sherri Hankins was promoted, current head coach Julie Green was hired. Green, who came to Coppell from Lake Travis, received the 4A state championship last year. She is looking to repeat this success by changing the Cowgirls outlook on the came and the way they prepare.

“Our chemistry as a team has changed so much since last year, and our different approach to this year,” junior Cassidy Pickrell said. “Since we got a new coach a lot of things have changed, which has only made us come together and play like a team rather than individuals this year. We’re playing for each other now rather than trying to boost our own stats, and I think that’s what separates the good teams from the great teams.”

This is the first time in 22 years that a Cowgirls team has made it to the state tournament, and if they win they will make Coppell history as the first Cowgirls to be State Champions.

The Cowgirls will play their first state match tonight against San Antonio Johnson at Strahan Coliseum at Texas State University in San Marcos at 7:00. The winner of this match will continue on to play either Cypress Falls or Mckinney Boyd on Saturday at 7:00.

Ten propositions will go on the ballot tomorrow for the November Texas Constitutional Amendment Election. Registered Dallas County voters can report to their precinct polling location to cast their vote. Propositions up for election are as follows:

Proposition Number 1 (SJR 14):
SJR 14 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide the surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran with exemption from property taxes on the couples home, so long as the surviving spouse has not remarried and the property remains their primary residence.

Proposition Number 2 (SJR 4):
SJR 4 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Water Development Board to issue bonds on a continual basis to the Texas Water Development Fund II, so long as the amount of bonds outstanding does not surpass $6 billion.

Proposition Number 3 (SJR 50):
SJR 50 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue and sell obligation bonds on a continual basis to finance educational loans for students.

Proposition Number 4 (HJR 63):
HJR 63 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds to finance the development of an unproductive or underdeveloped area within the county and to increase ad valorem taxes in property for the county repayment of the bonds. The amendment would not allow independent increasing of ad valorem tax rates.

Proposition Number 5 (SJR 26):
SJR 26 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow cities and counties to enter into local contracts with other cities and counties without having to assess an ad valorem tax and set aside funds for the payment of costs under such contracts.

Proposition Number 6 (HJR 109):
HJR 109 would amend the constitution to increase the amount of principal that is available for withdrawal from the permanent school fund each year and would clarify references to that fund within the constitution. HJR 109 would also provide authority to distribute the available school fund annual revenue from school fund land or other properties up to $300 million per year.

Proposition Number 7 (SJR 28):
SJR 28 would amend the constitution by adding El Paso County to the list of counties authorized to create conservation and reclamation districts to develop parks and recreational facilities financed by taxes.

Proposition Number 8 (SJR 16):
SJR 16 would amend the constitution by requiring legislature to provide for taxation of open space land devoted to water stewardship purposes on the basis of productive capacity.

Proposition Number 9 (SJR 9):
SJR 9 would amend the constitution to authorize the governor to grant a pardon, reprieve or commutation of punishment to a person who successfully completes a term of supervised community service, under the advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Proposition Number 10 (SJR 37):
SJR 37 would amend the constitution by extending the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain local elected officeholders if they announce candidacy for another office from one year to one year and 30 days.

Rock the Vote, CHS!