Yearbook will host their annual Distribution and Signing Party Thursday, May 23. The event will take place in the cafeteria and all students are invited to attend.

Those who purchased a yearbook will be released to the party at 3:30, starting with upperclassmen. Then all remaining students may join the signing party.

For those who ordered a book, there are a few things that are important to know.

“You may only pick up your own book and must sign to receive your book,” Yearbook adviser Casi Thedford said.

Yearbook also is not responsible for lost or stolen books after they have been picked up by the student.

“Books can easily get mixed up during signing so write your name inside of your book immediately,” Thedford said.

Extra books were not ordered, however Jostens may send a few to fill a case.

“We will not know if or how many extras we will have to sell until the books arrive,” Thedford said.

When the yearbooks are delivered if there are any extras they will only be available at the party for $65.

“If we get any extras we will post how many we have and they will be sold on a first come, first serve basis,” Thedford said.

Also, the sponsors of this event have provided items for giveaway.

The sponsors are:

• Chiloso
• Chipotle
• Avon
• Star Nails
• Mooyah
• Shoemaker & Hardt
• Nutrition Revolution
• CiCi’s Pizza
• RaceTrac
• Arby’s
• Starbucks
• Beauty Control

“We would like to thank all our sponsors for their donations to this event,” Thedford said.

Thedford and her staff would also like to remind students  to bring a few extra dollars to the party.

“We’ll have some pretty cool extras for the students to buy,” Sports Editor Karsyn Griffin said.

Yearbook puts hours of time and effort into planning this event so that students may enjoy time with their friends and enjoy their yearbook.

“We work really hard to get to this point and we love doing these parties because it’s a fun way to wrap up the year and for the students to receive their yearbooks that we created for them,” Griffin said.

In most cases victors celebrate their win with a trip to Disney, but junior Hannah Proctor’s experience was a bit backwards.

Proctor competed and was the national winner in Legal Office Procedures at the National BPA Conference in Orlando, Florida, May 7-12, but her win was anything but expected.

The competition is a three part test: one multiple choice section and two document sections. Proctor was under the impression that it was a 90 minute test, but after only 60 minutes time was called and she had only finished the multiple choice portion and one document. Sure that she was not going to place at all, Proctor decided to visit The Happiest Place on Earth instead of attending the award ceremony.

“After visiting with her dad on the phone, we both agreed she should unwind at Disney,” Sponsor Ted Stephens said.

The day Proctor and Stephens spent at Disney World was a day they both will never forget.

“The day was magical, and so much fun,” Stephens said.

Stephens received a text message asking where he was and stating that Proctor had won first place.

“We were actually on a boat from Hollywood Studios back to the Dolphin Resort when I got the news,” Stephens said.

Proctor, alongside her teammates Joshua Garza, Haley Rasmussen, Brooke Lopez, Hai Phan, Andres Alvarado and Kaylee Hicks were also awarded the Ambassador Torch Award, which is given to those who have earned 70 points in seven different categories. The categories include service, leadership, cooperation, knowledge, friendship, patriotism and Love, Hope and Faith. The members earn five points for everything that they do that falls under these categories.

Phan also won the Member Recruiter Award.

“Our good day just kept getting better and better,” Stephens said.

Proctor missed the award ceremony and being recognized in front of several people.

“It was really bitter-sweet, but if we would have known we would not have had the eventful day that we did,” Stephens said

 Although she missed getting recognition at the ceremony, Proctor does not regret spending her day at Disney World and she plans to compete again next year.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Proctor said.

As some students find construction trade to just be a class to build things and use power tools, one student has used it to his advantage to jumpstart finding his future career.

During third period construction trade class, junior Sinjin Smith uses his time to work on projects that push him to learn more about aspects of design.

“The software we use is called Rhino, it’s complicated and takes some time to learn,” Smith said.

Rhino requires aspiration to learn design and to line up the different curves and lines of each design. The program takes time and patience.

“Sinjin uses Rhino to make awesome personal projects,” construction trade teacher Tony Roseberry said.

While Smith uses this software to make simple designs for class projects, there are much more intricate designs Smith has made such as, emblems and drawings. Once Smith puts the design on Rhino he then sends the design to another program called vCarve.

“This machine is easy to use once you have the design put in. The machine engraves the design into the wood. Then you take it off and sand it and clean up the lines,” Smith said.

Smith has completed many projects to benefit school from headstones for a Halloween pep rally to signs for the solar car fundraising.

“He really helps us get good ideas and clean designs,” Mr. Roseberry said.

Outside of construction trade class, Smith has dreams of becoming a graphic or game designer.

“I plan to go to Collin the first couple years then transfer to Baylor afterwards,” Smith said.

His ideal career would be to work for his favorite game design company, Nether Realm Studios.

“Being able to use design in this class helps me get more practice to accomplish my dreams,” Smith said.

Regular exemption criteria applies to all juniors and seniors. Juniors and seniors must attend all review sessions.  Senior final exams must be complete by June 5.

Seniors should take seventh period exams prior to June 3.

Exemptions Policy for Semester Exams

All students are required to take a semester exam in each course they are enrolled in for the year. Each student who is classified as a senior may be exempt from the exam in a course if he/she meets the requirements listed below. Junior students who meet the same requirements will be eligible for exam exemptions during the spring semester only. In order for a student to be exempt from taking his/her exam in a particular class, the student must meet the following criteria:

1. The student must not have been assigned to ISS, OSS, DAEP, or Friday Night School for disciplinary reasons for more than one day.

2. The student must have no more than two absences with an 80-89 average or no more than three absences with a 90 or above average per semester. School-related absences do not count against exemptions. ALL other absences do count for the purpose of exam exemptions.

3. Exemptions will be determined on an individual class basis. There will be no opportunities to make up absences for exemption purposes.

4. No unexcused absences will be allowed for an exemption.

Students will be released for lunch according to the teacher’s regularly scheduled lunch assignment.

Head of the class

By Katie Loftis

Having mastered school for the past 13 years, Kaleena Pickett plans to attend Texas Tech University to further her education. Driven by her dedication and motivation to become successful, Pickett aims high for a position as an anesthesiologist.

Her interest in pre-medicine was fueled by Mr. Abrams’ biology class.

“Mr. Abrams always supported me and was like a second father to me,” Pickett said.

Taking all that she could from her high school years, she says she’ll always remember with pride the Friday night lights and making it to the third round of playoffs.

As valedictorian, Pickett will lead the Class of 2013 graduation ceremony, one of the proudest moments of her life so far.

She is the daughter of Dennis and Misty Pickett.

In 10 words:

“I am dedicated, determined, motivated and driven to be successful.”

Introducing: Desiree Cruz

Practicing medicine in honor of mom

By Mariah Klosterman

Slightly weird, smart and creative is how the Class of 2013 Salutatorian Desiree Cruz describes herself. The daughter of Ronnica and Michael Cruz, she has attended Wylie schools since first grade.

Her favorite high school memory is going to games as a sports medicine trainer.

She plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to fulfill her dreams in majoring in medical engineering. She chose this major so she could help others with diseases, without actually being a doctor.

“My mom has multiple sclerosis so I want to give something back to others like her,” Cruz said.

She attributes her mother with her decision to pursue this degree.

“Thank you for being an important part of my life, by teaching me, providing for me and by supporting my decisions along the way.”

In 10 words:

“I am slightly weird, smart, creative and dislike describing myself.”

Introducing Aubree’ Keller

Still acting up in college

By: Carley Rogers

Aubree’ Keller is one of eight who won a Birmingham scholarship. Daughter of Brandon Keller and Susan Arnold, she’s attended Wylie schools since the sixth grade.

“I was most proud to go to Wylie schools when I heard of East’s growing status as a theatrical power house in the district,” Keller said.

Her favorite class while attending East was Main stage with Mrs. Andrea Farnham. Her favorite high school memory are her One Act competitions.

“I love performance arts because it is creative and doesn’t function as a formula. There is room to experiment and try new things,” Keller said.

She attributes to her hardest class and biggest obstacle to calculus.

After graduating she plans on attending Transyvania in Lexington. During college she plans on majoring in Performing arts due Farnhm’s influence.

“She gave me the opportunity and power to explore my performance genre.Thank you for that,” Keller said.

In 10 words:

“History has her eyes on you dear; you are chronometrable.”

Introducing: Kevin Saygi

Playing with electricity

By Brandy Jones

Kevin Saygi, son of Ronica and Farck Saygi, moved to Wylie in eighth grade. He plans to attend Texas A&M in College Station and major in Electrical Engineering.

“I spent a year in TPSP exploring the disciplines; electrical matched me the most,” Saygi said.

His favorite class is TPSP. He says his proudest moment of the year was creating an instrumental class for junior high students.

“TPSP prepared me for the real world,” Saygi said.

His favorite memory was starting the zip tie scare, a prank students pulled where they would secretly zip tie their friends’ belongings together. From back pack zippers, to strapping unbeknownst students to their own chairs, pranksters had to be sneaky to pull off the trick.

In 10 words:

“I’m the one, the powerful, supreme overlord of the World.”

Introducing: Jack Huey

Genetics Goal

By Sam Ochoa

Jack Huey has attended school in Wylie since Kindergarten. He plans to graduate from Texas A&M at College Station with a major in Genetics.

“I want to research the human genome,” Huey said.

Jack’s favorite class is Texas Performance Standards Project, TPSP because it allows him to explore genetics.

Huey’s parents, Boyce Huey and Annette Clark, have influenced his future plans the most.

“They have supported me every step of the way,” Huey said. “Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for you.”

A life moment Huey is most proud of is whenever he received his class rank, XXX. He has come a long way and plans to have a successful future.

In 10 words:

“I am curious, kind and motivated to leave a legacy.”

Introducing: Kayla Mayberry

Painting her way to UT

By Raymond Huber

Kayla Mayberry is another recipient of a Birmingham scholarship.  She is the Daughter of Kim and Gary Mayberry and has attended Wylie schools all of her life.

Mayberry plans on going to the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Studio Art.

“I chose this major because I love drawing, painting and taking photographs. It is my dream to be a free-lance artist,” Mayberry said.

She gives the credit to her mother for her future plans.

“My mother was an artist and used to spend time drawing with me. She helped me realize my talent,” Mayberry said.

The moment that she is most proud of is succeeding in getting into the fine art program at UT Austin.

“I had to submit a portfolio. So not everyone who applies gets accepted.”

Her favorite high school memory was being part of the National Honor Society. It allowed her to volunteer and help others.

Her favorite Class is AP studio art.

“I enjoy getting to make art at school,” Mayberry said

In 10 words:

“Open minded, quiet and trustworthy; Person who loves creating art.”

Introducing Breanna Figuly

A Force to reckon with

By Kiera Bell

As one out of eight students, senior Breanna Figuly, daughter of Judy and Robert Figuly, was rewarded with a Birmingham Scholarship.

Figuly has attended school in the Wylie Independent School District all the way from Kindergarten to her current senior year. After high school, she plans on majoring in Astronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I’m interested in working for NASA after I retire from the USAF,” said Figuly, “just to secure some money for when I’m older.”

Figuly’s activities and connections made in JROTC have greatly impacted her way of thinking and her thoughts on the future. She gives a great deal of credit to Sergeant Colonel Wilbanks, Master Sergeant Smith, Master Sergeant Amos, Colonel Jones and her Physics Teacher, Mr. Pruit, for their continued support and encouragement.

“They have allowed me to become a devoted student, cadet and community leader,” Figuly said. “Thank you for the discipline, sacrifices, mentoring, and support these four years. Thank you for giving me the vision of success and the skillfulness to achieve anything I set my mind to!”

Figuly was also chosen as the North Texas cadet to receive the Bronze Patrick Henry award during Cadet command and Staff school during the summer of 2011.

In 10 words:

“Picture a novice (socially inept), now an extraordinary ring leader.”

Introducing: Leslie Snider

Scoring goals in Abilene

Leslie Snider is the daughter of Tony and Beth Snider. She has attended Wylie schools since Kindergarten.

She will play soccer at Abilene Christian University in the fall.

She says her family has impacted her future plans the most because she tries to follow in their footsteps.

“I appreciate the support and guidance my family provided and I thank them for that,” Snider said.

Her favorite high school memory was honoring a fallen Raider.

“WEHS put on a car wash for Nahum. We earned $10,000,” Snider said.

Moments of pride in her life stem from both academics and athletics. She not only qualified for the Birmingham scholarship, but received district Most Valuable Player in girls soccer for two years in a row.

Snider’s favorite class at East was Mr. Jeff Hattaway’s calculus class last year.

“He was an awesome teacher and mentor,” Snider said.

In 10 words:

“I am a Christian young lady who wants to achieve.”

Jesse E Russell, does this name ring a bell? Probably not to everyone, but something he did definitely does ring. Russell is recognized as the father of digital cellular technology, having created the cell phones people use daily.

Russell’s son-in-law happens to be the World Geography teacher, Coach Carr.

“I did not know he was the father of modern technology until my wife and I started dating,” Carr said.

Russell started working for AT&T and was assigned to creating the new communications division. Having created the 3G and 4G networks, Russell proves his name as father of modern technology to be true. 

“He gets credit because he was able to set up cellular base stations that gave people the ability to communicate all across the world,” Carr said.

Russell left AT&T and created his own company, Intuitive Neosynaptic Cellular Networks, incNetworks. Russell is now working on a new project for his own company.

“Currently, he and his staff are working on the 5G platform that will revolutionize cellular technology as people know it by making communication almost seamless and will support a large number of applications on cellular phones,” Carr said.

People may not recognize all that Russell has done for a communication tool used every day.

“I may not know who he is, but I sure am grateful for what he did,” senior Clayton Whitney said.

B&E Photography will photograph all seniors this summer during the week of July 29 through Aug. 2. Mark your calendars now. B&E will be in touch with you to schedule your portrait session. There is no fee for this service, but all seniors are required to have these pictures taken for the yearbook.

You may choose to purchase photos from this session, but it is not required.

The graduation cap and gown color is navy blue. To work everyone in during the five day period, sessions are scheduled in 15 minute increments. To stay on schedule, the photo shoot will run stress free if you follow these helpful tips from B&E Photography owner, Brad Walsh:

What to wear

Undergarments that are strapless and do not crisscross.

Clothes you are comfortable in (possibly a button up shirt)

Accessories

Subtle make up

Subtle necklace (Recommended small jewelry)

Subtle nail polish (No bright colors)

Don’t forget your Class rings

Other Tips

Comfortable hair cut
Hairstyle conducive for the graduation cap

“Get a haircut a few days before the photo shoot so you have time to let your hair style naturally how you want it,” Walsh said, “We have different sized caps for the cap and gown picture.”

Come prepared with just yourself and be comfortable. Senior photo shoots during this time consist only of the cap and gown picture as well as the formal. These may be used for your graduation announcement which can be purchased at B&E Photography.

If you also want to be photographed in your own attire, you will need to schedule another photo session. The photos taken July 29 through Aug. 2 (which are solely for the yearbook) have to be taken with B&E Photography but anything else can be done with a photographer of your choice.

Students may purchase photos from this session if they please, but it is not required.

To make sure everyone has their photos taken during the five day period, sessions are scheduled in 15 minute increments.

“Don’t wait until the last minute; do it as soon as possible,” Yearbook Editor in Chief Sara Grosvenor said.

Make sure to wear undergarments that are strapless and do not crisscross and clothes that are comfortable. Make sure that hairstyles are conducive for the graduation cap. Avoid flashy nail polish, gaudy jewelry and don’t forget class your ring.

Senior photo shoots during this time consist only of the cap and gown picture as well as the formal photo featured in the yearbook. There will not be retakes. Students may choose to purchase these portraits for graduation announcements.

If students also want to be photographed in their own attire, they will need to schedule another photo session. The photos taken July 29 through Aug. 5 are solely for the yearbook and must be taken with B&E Photography, but anything else can be done with a photographer of their choice at a later date.

To schedule your appointment contact B&E Photography at 972-429-1613. All appointments will be held at the B&E office located at 520 North Ballard Avenue in Wylie.

Read all about it and see pictures from the magical night in the print edition of the school newspaper, The Raider Reader, May 22.