Red Ribbon Week
by Vanessa Weidner

Red ribbon week was very successful this year. Because Red Ribbon Week and Spirit Week were integrated, the halls were brimming with participation. Having much of the student body and faculty staff partaking in the activities, recognition of drug awareness was publicized.

Drug awareness week was established after DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent Enrique Camarena was brutally tortured and killed by Mexican drug dealers. Each day of the week had a different theme for students and staff to participate in. Monday was “Put a Cap on Drugs” day. Crazy hats could be seen atop many students’ heads as you walked down the halls of PHS. Hands were handed out during 2 nd period for pupils to sign. The hands challenge students and staff to commit to being drug free. Tuesdays’ theme was “Double Up Against Drugs” day. Students were encouraged to find a friend and dress as twins, or in some cases as triplets. Students were also given a heart to be signed after a hug was exchanged. The purpose of “Hugs not Drugs” was to show how valuable we all are to others and how we should not get involved in any dangerous activities. The hearts were returned to the students on Thursday with a special treat. Wednesday was “Hide Out From Drugs” day. Everyone was to wear camouflage. During all lunches a graffiti wall was presented for students to sign and a free gift was given. The wall was then hung and displayed for all the school to see. “Showing Our Spirit by Being Drug Free” day was the theme for Thursday. Bleachermania also took place on this day. Numerous students decked out in everything red and white to show their school spirit.

Topping off the weeks themes was “Turn Out the Lights on Drugs” day, which took place on Friday. Everyone was encouraged to wear all black.

Among the activities was one of the students’ favorite competitions, the door decorating contest. 2nd period classes decorated their classroom door with a slogan and design to promote drug awareness. The doors were then judged on Friday and the results were posted Monday. Taking third was Mrs. Seabrook, second Miss Booth, and winning the door decorating competition was Miss Taylor with the slogan, “Don’t be lyin’ don’t be tryin’ to puff that magic dragon.” Miss Taylors’ second period class will receive a breakfast party for winning the contest.

Miss Taylor's Winning Door

The 2006 PHS Robotics Team Won 3rd at the Area BEST Competition on Saturday, October 28, 2006. The team advances to the State Competition at Texas Tech University in Lubbock on December 1st and 2nd.

Robotics Team members are shown above with trophy:
Top - Lane Spann, Marshall McKenna, Kyle Futch, Josh Daniel
Bottom-Micah McKenna, Heather Barbour, Melanie Bussell

Regional Cross Country
Meet This Saturday

Both the girls’ and boys’ varsity cross country teams are regional bound! The 13-2A Regional meet will take place on Saturday, November 4th at Vandergriff Park in Arlington. The varsity girls will run at 12:05 p.m. and the varsity boys run at 12:30 p.m. There will be a pep rally hosted by the cheerleaders at 12:40 this Friday preceding the Lions’ and Lady Lions’ departure to Arlington.

Red and White Games
By Lindsey Allen

On Friday, October 27th, the annual Red and White Games took place. These basketball games are anticipated by many Ponder fans every year, since they somewhat foreshadow the upcoming season. Each PHS team, junior varsity and varsity, split among themselves to battle each other. The competition’s purpose is to allow the players to have fun while the community cheers and gets a glimpse of the season that is just around the corner. Both varsity teams have scrimmages this week. The first game of the season for the girls is November 7th at Fort Worth Northside, with the boys starting the following week with a shoot-out against Lipan at UNT.

Photo galleries of each game can be seen in the Red and White Games’ photo gallery.