Arlington School & Family Magazine April/May 2015 | Page 25

Viking Fight Never Dies

Students, faculty show
PRIDE on, off campus
By Nour Al-Hussayni & Laura Ladner
Beginning in January, Lamar students and faculty
implemented a new program, PRIDE, into their daily
routine. Each letter stands for a characteristic to remind students of good qualities they should display
in and out of school: P = Preparedness, R = Respect,
I = Integrity, D = Determination, and E = Encouragement.
On Feb. 5, students had a chance to showcase those
characteristics to visitors from across the state who
were at Lamar to observe the AVID National Demonstration Campus program.
“We have some people from different schools from
places like Waco and Keller trying to learn how we do
AVID,” senior Deionna Lewis said. “We’re showing
them how we do the program, how we enforce AVID
strategies in non-AVID classes, and talking to them
about the things we do in AVID as seniors.”
Students also demonstrated PRIDE in many different academic programs and competitions such as
AcDec, HOSA, UIL, National Cheer Competition
and Mock Trial.
“The girls were prepared and focused. They definitely showed PRIDE throughout the competition,”
AcDec coach Rebecca Archer said.
Viking boys danced and modeled PRIDE by raising over $1,400 for charity through Mr. Viking, a
comical male beauty pageant held Feb. 12. Over the
past 20 years, this pageant has raised over $50,000
for various charities of the contestant’s choice.
“I think it’s a great way to make money for charity
and let the boys get out there and have some fun,”
pageant hostess Lori Smith said.

Eight student athletes signed a national letter of intent on Feb. 4
at the Professional Development Center. Photo by Kay Giocondo.
*Layout Design by David Leza.

Academic Decathlon Team took second place in Super Quiz and
came in second place overall at the Regional Tournament January
30-31. Photo by Shelton’s Photography.

Teacher of the Year Jeannie Burt with students in her English I
class. Mrs. Burt also teaches AVID classes. Photo by Jessie Torres.

Mr. Viking escorts congratulate senior Kene Ekwueme on winning the pageant title Feb. 12. Photo by Jeremy DeLaO.

HOSA members participated in the Health Occupations Students
of America Feb. 6-7 competition. The Medical Spelling and Public
Health teams advance to state competition in April. Photo
by Jackie Robinius.
April/May 2015 - Arlington School & Family 23