Even though he is quiet, it is clear that Tran truly cares about every player and wants them all to succeed. He believes that every student deserves experience and a chance to grow, so he makes sure everyone gets opportunities to play and improve. During practice, he carefully observes each player and designs drills based on what he notices they need to work on during games. This shows that he pays close attention and is always thinking about how to help his students become better athletes.

At tournaments, Tran goes out of his way to support the team. He wakes up early and drives the players to tournaments in the school suburban, showing his dedication and responsibility. While watching matches, he studies how each player performs and gives advice in a calm and respectful way. Instead of being harsh or yelling, he explains what they can do differently. Tran motivates his players in a positive and encouraging way. His coaching style makes students feel supported and confident, which helps them perform better. Because of his coaching, many students have improved quickly, and some have even won medals within their first year of playing tennis.

“When our students win medals, there is a sense of pride and fulfillment,” Tran shares. “Coaching is a job that has its ups and downs, but when a student is able to complete at his or her respective level, it validates the struggles that we’ve had together.”

Some may think he is too quiet to be a coach, but when he is coaching, he becomes much more talkative and active with the team. He is always focused on helping his students learn and grow. On a deeper level, Coach Tran does more than just teach tennis skills. He encourages his students to try new things, even if they are unsure or have an initial negative perspective.

Hunt naturally builds strong connections with students because of his passion for communication and his energetic personality. He encourages students to visit his office to talk about academics, athletics, or any concerns. “I want to create a safe space for students to communicate,” he says.

Dedicated to helping others, Hunt focuses on growth and improvement in every part of his career while always putting students’ needs first. Despite the challenges of his role, he values spending time with his family.

“Whether it’s taking my children to the Dallas Museum of Art or going to the park, I absolutely adore spending time with my family,” he shares.

As a young administrator, Hunt aims to be both a mentor to students and a present father. “I will go the extra mile and do my best to provide students with a supportive and encouraging environment to succeed.”

Our values shape what is being taught in school because communities can have an influence on schools’ engagement, responsibility, or real-world problem solving. Also, values such as love, kindness, and happiness play a major role in shaping the high school experience. When these qualities are present, schools can become a more supportive community that encourages learning, confidence, and personal growth.

“Love” in high school does not only come from romantic feelings but also from care and support from teachers, friendships among students, and encouragement from staff. When students begin to feel more supported and valued, they are more likely to participate in class activities, ask for help, and even take academic risks. It can be shown through empathy, respect, and understanding.

Every student comes from a different walk of life and different backgrounds, facing unique challenges. When schools promote humanity, students learn to respect differences and treat one another with dignity. This creates a sense of belonging and reduces conflict, allowing students to focus on their learning instead of having the fear that they are going to be judged or excluded.Happiness also contributes to a positive high school environment. Students who feel happy at school are more engaged, focused, and willing to attend regularly. Happiness can come from friendships, extracurricular activities, supportive teachers, and a positive school culture.

When schools encourage balance between academics and well-being, students are more likely to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Kindness is one of the most powerful influences in high school. Simple acts such as helping a classmate, offering encouragement, and even standing up against bullying can make a huge difference. Kindness builds trust and allows for cooperation, helping students build strong relationships. A kind environment reduces stress and creates a safer, more welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Love, humanity, happiness, and kindness are essential to a successful high school experience. These values help students feel supported, respected, and motivated to learn. When high schools prioritize these qualities, not only do they improve academic outcomes, but they also prepare students to become compassionate and responsible members of society. “I definitely feel safer and more successful when teachers and other administrators are showing kindness and love,” Jurnee states.

Just the other day on Tuesday February 10th student’s from Sam Houston High School walked to Arlington City Hall and protested with signs, chants, music and dancing. It’s a beautiful thing seeing young people gather together to fight for what they believe in, however, it comes at the cost of missing their studies.

At Lamar, there have been posts spread around social media about a walk-out for all students as well as a protest during the last period of school for seniors who have an off period at the end of the day, both protests were on February 12th. Many students have expressed that they were excited to finally use their voices and fight for what they believe but they also expressed how they wish it didn’t get to the point where teenagers and young people need to fight for what is right, students went prepared to give it their all. They made protest signs not only for themselves but for others who couldn’t bring one as well as speakers to play Hispanic music and a megaphone to make sure everyone can hear the message they are trying to convey.

“Honestly, It makes me very happy that a lot of people are standing up and actually doing something and seeing a lot of kids my age instead of just waiting for things to happen. We’re trying to make things better because it affects us. It’s affecting our families and it’s tearing us apart,” senior Marianna Nuñez said when asked about her opinion of the protest.

People who couldn’t participate in the protest and walk-out even tried to help out in any way they could, they helped make posters and gave flags for protesters to use.

“While it’s very important to exercise your first amendment right to protest, having a clear goal in mind is always important. Many people, not all, but many people walking out today don’t understand why they’re walking out and the importance of holding ICE accountable.” said Giovanna Byram, a senior at Lamar when asked about her opinion about the walk outs and protests. She was also asked how she planned on showing her support in which she replied “I decided to instead give away some poster boards and other items to a friend who is participating in order to demonstrate my support for the cause without being physically present.”

It is a worldwide topic with not only adults but young people as well. Students all are excited to unify and fight for what they believe in and try to make a difference.

Ranked in the top five of her class, Hiner balances Academic excellence with athletic commitment in a way that looks almost effortless. When she steps onto the field it is clear her focus shifts entirely to the game. Playing left center back, she anchors the defensive line with composure and confidence. This is a position that demands awareness, communication, and incredible talent, all of which Hiner exceptionally excels with.

Left center back isn’t about flashy goals or crazy highlight reel celebrations, it’s about stopping plays before they develop. It is about protecting the net at all costs. One of Hiner’s favorite memories perfectly captures this mindset: Stopping a goal with a header. In a moment where everything could’ve gone wrong, she stepped up, met the ball midair, and kept it out of the net. This defensive stop showed how determined and dedicated Hiner’s passion for her sport can be.

If you ask Hiner what she loves most about paying at Lamar, her answer isn’t about personal achievements, it’s about connection. “The community you create with the girls around you” she says. For her, the late practices, the bus rides, and the matching uniforms is what makes the experience unforgettable. The bonds formed on the field carry off into classrooms and hallways, even outside of school! The support system built goes much farther than the scoreboard.

Looking to the future, Hiner is intent on being the best player that she can be, Her goal this season is to get more accurate passes when clearing the ball and to communicate better as a team. It is a reflection of who she is, always aiming for success, always improving, always thinking about ways to make her team stronger. With leaders like Hiner, Lamar JV Girls soccer are building something truly special.

On January 30th, all 49 members of the Lamar BPA Team advanced to state, with each student earning first, second or third place in their respective competitions.

Business Professionals of America, otherwise known as BPA, is a career-based organization that seeks to provide students with entrepreneurial experience as they begin their path towards their individual professions.

Participating students study and compete for both application-based and hands-on events, primarily consisting of economic and corporate fields of study. They learn how to

operate systems and manage teams in accordance with business interests. These important skills follow them while they progress through their selected routes.

Junior BPA President Dana Nayfeh has participated in the events since the eighth grade, and quickly became an integral force on the Lamar team. The success of the team would be incomplete without her perseverance and diligence, allowing BPA to prove themselves yet again this spring.

Due to the severe weather, Lamar’s BPA team was required to attend regional competitions virtually. The team has prepared and worked tirelessly since the beginning of the fall semester, and their hard work has earned them their spots as they continue forward to nationals.

Forty of the 49 participants received first-place awards, displaying the tireless commitment they have for BPA.

“I’m very proud to represent Lamar in this competition,” Thao Phan, first-place winner in Digital Media Production says. “We worked incredibly hard and a lot of us accomplished our goals in getting to nationals.”

Lamar has a well-deserved reputation for holding a successful BPA team every year, and will continue to prove themselves in the near future as they compete in state, and eventually, national competitions.

With its instant responses and infinite knowledge, AI definitely feels like a genie, detached from any physical rules and ready to fulfill your wishes. However, artificial intelligence, unlike things like data storage in the cloud, AI requires physical data centers that use and process energy to run every question you ask, analyze every image you send, and comfort you every time you have a relationship issue. The energy used to run these massive data centers mostly comes from fossil fuels and the very water we drink. Major AI developers–often used by students– such as ChatGPT and Grok are privatized companies that rely on the water citizens pay for in order to run. As a result, these massive data centers parch the land they are built on dry, driving residents of often low-income and minority communities away from their homes. In addition, the rapid release of fossil fuel emissions contribute to the already worsening climate. This unfortunate result is easily represented by the recent weather change in Texas, with weather reaching an all-time high of 80 degrees in December!

Artificial Intelligence is not only wreaking havoc on our environment, but on the minds of students as well. Relying on AI teaches us to quit thinking in favor of easy solutions, destroying critical thinking and media literacy skills. Its immediate response inhibits gratification, leading us to be unable to sit still to watch a movie or read an article. This especially affects the younger generation, leading us to be unsatisfied with the rest of our lives when solutions are not immediately presented. Some on social media even joke or boast about using AI to write their essays, do their assignments, and essentially dictate their entire academic career, normalizing what should be a greatly dishonorable and easily avoidable act. When relying on AI to get you through a class, your grade may look sufficient, but if your brain hasn’t caught up, what’s the purpose?

Although some suggest Artificial Intelligence can have productive and beneficial effects when applied properly, its usage should be carefully considered and avoided within academic spheres, in order to lessen its effects and avoid normalizing the deterioration of our society and environment.

Hunt comes to Lamar from Houston, Texas, where he was an assistant principal at a junior high school.

According to Hunt, the student population on his previous campus was just 700 total students, which is of course much smaller than the Lamar student body which boasts more than 2,400 students.

His eagerness to accept the unique challenge and immerse himself into the larger and diverse Lamar student population is obvious. He really wants to be here and see the campus grow.

While Hunt will have many new duties as an AP at Lamar, he insists that getting to know the students and cultivating bonds are top priorities.

During his first few days on campus – Hunt spent a great deal of time learning the campus layout and getting to know the students and staff.

He emphasizes the importance of building relationships wherever you go, further highlighting his plan to establish beneficial relationships with the school community.

“I’m really big on positive collaboration,” Hunt explains. “Working together is the key for success in every area.”

He aspires to work with his colleagues to ensure Lamar continues to serve as a space for students to thrive and find fulfillment.

Outside of his workplace goals, Hunt is currently working towards his doctorate in curriculum and instruction, further developing his ability to instruct and motivate students.

In addition to his obvious commitment to education – Hunt expresses his love for travel in his stories traversing across 20 different countries.

From backpacking across Argentina to breaking bread in Italy – Hunt has an affinity for culture and people. He certainly brings a wealth of knowledge to the Lamar campus.

After two decades of building trust, giving support, and changing lives one conversation at a time – Flores felt something stirring inside her: it was time for a new challenge. It was time for both a new place and a new purpose.

Flores is now proud to walk the halls of Lamar, with the same boldness, passion and warmth that her former students still talk about. To some, she’s a familiar face in a new setting. To others, she’s the staff member they didn’t know they needed. But for everyone, Flores is becoming something rare: a safe person in a world where safety can seem hard to find.

In recent weeks, Flores excitedly accepted the role of Lamar’s Restorative Practice Specialist.

Students at Lamar are quickly learning what generations of Turning Point students already knew: Flores takes pride in listening to students. She doesn’t judge their stories, but she truly listens. She doesn’t pretend to understand. She truly listens.

In a building full of busy schedules, ringing bells, and the pressure to keep up – Flores offers something that feels almost revolutionary: time. She offers time to talk, time to sit, time to breathe. Her door remains open not because it’s her job, but because it’s her calling.

Ask any student who has met her, and you’ll hear the same thing: “She’s real.”

Flores doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She doesn’t pretend everything is perfect, and she doesn’t give out scripted answers. Instead, she shares wisdom earned from decades of guiding teens through fear, heartbreak, confusion, joy and growth. She treats students like human beings, not like problems to be solved. She’s the person who will tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable—but she’ll also be the first person to cheer for you when you start believing in yourself again. She has a way of making students feel seen, understood, and valued, even on the days they feel invisible.

In many ways, Flores’ arrival at Lamar is her own kind of fresh start. After twenty years of impact at Turning Point, she didn’t just want to continue helping students—she wanted to bring everything she learned to a new generation in a school that is ready for her voice, her presence, and her heart.

Lamar High School isn’t just getting a new staff member. Lamar is gaining a mentor, a listener, and a truth-teller – a difference-maker.

For every student who needs someone to talk to, someone who won’t judge, someone who won’t walk away, someone who understands real life – Flores is that person.