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Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Connor Whitfill

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer

Movie/show reviews are my specialty! :)

All content by Connor Whitfill
Final Blog

Final Blog

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
May 24, 2023

There’s a reason why no one seems to follow the career choice they say they will follow. As people get older, their tastes and preferences begin to change and warp. The same applies to me. I thought I would always hate writing and never pursue an activity that was heavily involved with it, but then...

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The MISD School Board is considering a new policy where, if adopted, would require the school board to approve each new book in school libraries, revoking the privilege from the campus librarians.

School Board Considers Library Book Approval Process, Banning Books

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
May 22, 2023

A new policy on what library books can be on the shelves of MISD libraries will be discussed once again at Tuesday’s (May 23) meeting. The policy basically takes away the job of approving books from each MISD librarian and requires the board to approve books. Last school year, parents in Mansfield...

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The Last of Us aired on HBO Max on Jan. 15, 2023. Photo by HBO.

The Last of Us Review

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
April 11, 2023

It’s no shock that most movies or shows adapted from video games suck. However, some shows, like HBO’s “The Last of Us” directed by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, managed to surprise everyone with how they turned out. “The Last of Us” demonstrates a near-perfect adaptation because of its...

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Senior Morgan Kolanek and the varsity girls bowling team will compete at state on March 25 and 26.

Girls Bowling Team Advances to State

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
March 10, 2023

The lights reflect off the oiled allies as bowlers gather to watch the last frame. Senior Morgan Kolanek steps forward and examines the red-striped pins before her. The girls bowling team will qualify for state if she can make this shot. With one deep breath, she swings the ball back behind her and rolls...

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Ant Man Quantumania aired in theater Feb. 17, 2023. It is the first movie in Marvel Phase Five. Marvel Studios

Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania Kicks Off Marvel Phase Five

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
February 24, 2023

After 57 hours and 10 minutes of films and shows, Marvel’s Phase Four ended with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Marvel released “Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania” on Feb. 17 to kick off Phase Five. Although this movie is held back by weak plot points and a few irritable characters, it succeeds...

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During a practice at the MISD Natatorium, Robi Hablo, 12, works on her back stroke dive.

Swimmers End Season at Region Meet

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
February 16, 2023

The pool filtration fills the natatorium with a waterfall-like noise. Senior Robi Hablo approaches the start block with tears in her eyes. However, she smiles and slides her goggles over her eyes. Her teammates join her behind the block and exchange a few words of motivation. After a few seconds, two...

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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish initially aired in theaters on Dec. 21, 2022. Photo by Universal Pictures.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Review

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
February 14, 2023

Everyone knows Dreamworks can make a masterpiece. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” directed by Joel Crawford, proves that statement. The movie follows Puss as he travels to get all eight of his lives back to escape death. The film provides memorable characters, impactful animation and great voice...

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Local businesses, like Twisty Donuts, Soulman's Bar-B-Que and Mouser Electronics employ students and benefit from the school in their daily operations.

Meet the Neighbors: Students, Staff Support Local Businesses

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
January 20, 2023

Loud construction vehicles drive by filled with red bricks and cement packs. Different construction workers rush around the work site to complete their final tasks. As the sun sets, the newest high school stands and it casts an enormous shadow over the desolate work site. Some businesses relocate...

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The Privileges of Turning 18

The Privileges of Turning 18

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
January 10, 2023

Nobody is ever ready to become an adult. Days away from my birthday, I felt unconfident and scared for my future. I did not feel ready.  Once a person turns 18, they’re considered an adult, in at least 47 states. It’s an exhilarating thought and at first, it kind of stressed me out. However, I soon...

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The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special aired on Disney + on Nov. 25. Photo by Marvel Studios

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Review

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
December 15, 2022

In December, holiday specials begin to air on TV networks and stream platforms every year. Marvel got ahead of the game and released their special, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” on Nov. 25. This unique holiday short follows Drax and Mantis as they try to cheer up their captain, Starlord,...

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DC Comic's newest movie, Black Adam, premiered in theaters Oct. 3, 2022. Photo by DC Comics

Black Adam: DC Did Not Disappoint

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
November 29, 2022

After the success of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” in March 2021, DC planned big projects. When DC announced “Black Adam,” many fans were ecstatic. The movie follows the violent hero Teth-Adam as he learns to adapt to the modern world and overcome conflicts with peaceful heroes. This movie...

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Senior Luke DeVasher signs a letter of intent to play baseball at Tyler Junior College. DeVasher is the pitcher for the varsity baseball team.

Six Legacy Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
November 17, 2022

A purple cloth with white stripes covers a table. Purple balloons labeled with a horned frog surround the table on both sides. Behind the clutter of decorations, senior Isaiah Manning stares at a solid black line located at the bottom of a piece of paper. The audience fills the stands and after a...

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Season one of the Marvel TV Show She-Hulk released Aug. 18, 2022 on Disney +. She-Hulk is based on the comic "She-Hulk" by Stan Lee. Photo by Marvel Studios.

She-Hulk Review: Attorney with Flaws

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
November 8, 2022

By the end of this year, Marvel’s Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four will end. To finish this phase, Marvel released “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” The show follows Jennifer Walters as she learns to balance her life as a hulk and a lawyer. While the show offered some incredible cameos, factors like...

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The Trials Before a Meet

The Trials Before a Meet

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 28, 2022

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The swim team meets daily at the Debbie Weems Natatorium before school.

Swim Team Prepares for Competition Season

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 19, 2022

At 5 a.m., the bright lights reflect off the calm surface of the pool. All the swimmers begin to line up behind the lanes, distinguished by their blue and yellow lane ropes. Coach Nicholas Johnson switches on the giant speaker and it begins to blare Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” As soon...

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Assistant principal's deal with student discipline, teacher evaluation, and keeping the school running smoothly.

Four New Assistant Principals Take Position at Legacy

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 17, 2022

Each year, different staff positions at Mansfield Legacy High School change. This year, MISD hired three new Assistant Principals (APs) to join John Contreras and Leonard Cousins, each of which brought previous experience from other schools in and outside of Mansfield ISD.

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Ms. Bible helps students with the last names that begin with I-M and double checks to make sure they each enroll into the right courses. She originally taught Pre-Calculus for 13 years in Oklahoma and worked as a math coach in Midlothian ISD.

Mrs. Ashleigh Bible

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 17, 2022

Ms. Bible helps students with the last names that begin with I-M and double checks to make sure they each enroll into the right courses. She originally taught Pre-Calculus for 13 years in Oklahoma and worked as a math coach in Midlothian ISD.   How do you cooperate with the other APs? “We are...

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Ms. Monajami works as the Academic Associate Principal, helping students with their transcripts and evaluating their course selections. Before her role as an AP at other campuses, Ms. Monajami taught English for 18 years.

Mrs. Stephanie Monajami

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 17, 2022

Ms. Monajami works as the Academic Associate Principal, helping students with their transcripts and evaluating their course selections. Before her role as an AP at other campuses, Ms. Monajami taught English for 18 years. How do you cooperate with other APs? “Cooperation is key. [The APs] meet...

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Ms. DeGray supervises the fine arts and foreign language departments, but also assists with students whose last names start with Si-Z. Before she worked in Mansfield, she worked as the Department Chair in Everman. She also worked here as an AP Intern before her promotion to AP.

Ms. Courtney DeGray

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 17, 2022

Ms. DeGray supervises the fine arts and foreign language departments, but also assists with students whose last names start with Si-Z. Before she worked in Mansfield, she worked as the Department Chair in Everman. She also worked here as an AP Intern before her promotion to AP. How do you cooperate...

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Ms. Smith assists students whose last names start with N-Sh and guides the English department and Library. She taught at an elementary and middle school before she joined the administration team at Legacy.

Ms. Murrielisa Smith

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 17, 2022

Ms. Smith assists students whose last names start with N-Sh and guides the English department and Library. She taught at an elementary and middle school before she joined the administration team at Legacy. How do you cooperate with the other APs? “We just collaborate. We keep in contact, meeting...

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The steampunk-style animation aired on Netflix on Nov. 6, 2021. Photo by Riot Games

Arcane: Steampunk Animation Premieres

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
September 21, 2022

Competitive games started to gain popularity in the early 2000s with the introduction to esports, where two teams go head and head in a video game for money and glory. It did not take long for “League of Legends'' to establish itself as one of the giants in esports. Although the community that plays...

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Senior Micah Espree achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America program in April 2022. Espree celebrated with friends and family in August 2022.

Micah Espree: Finally an Eagle

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
September 20, 2022

The dingy church hall remains silent as the audience listens to Nikki Espree call out senior Micah Espree’s achievements. Once he finishes, the crowd of Micah’s friends, family and fellow scouts fill the church hall with claps and cheers for the new Eagle Scout. Out of the seven ranks in the ...

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The Cuphead Show released its second season Aug. 19, 2022. The new season features new characters and 13 new episodes. Photo by Netflix

Cuphead Season Two: Another Hot Brew

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
September 16, 2022

Many people believe it’s impossible for video games to have successful shows or movies. However, that’s not always the case. For example, “The Cuphead Show!,” which made its debut on Netflix in early February 2022. The first season of the show provided many laughs and memorable characters from...

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Sophomore Kadence Whitfill aligns young girls that participated in their dance camp as they prep for the game.

Kadence Whitfill: A New Face on the JV Silver Spurs

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
August 25, 2022

As the music cuts off, junior Kadence Whitfill takes a deep breath and looks up at the judges, they each begin to write notes on their dull clipboards. Whitfill looks at her coach and in response, the coach gives her a smile of approval. On May 22, the Silver Spurs held officer tryouts. In order to...

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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness released on May 6th, 2022.
Photo by: Marvel Studios

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
May 25, 2022

Back in late December, the first trailer for “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released to people around the globe. Many Marvel fans were ecstatic because the trailer alone rivaled the hype around “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” However, when a movie contains so much potential, it needs to...

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The Batman aired in theaters on March 4, 2022. It made $600.4 billion in box office sales. Photo by Warner Bros.

The Batman: Three Hours of Greatness

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
April 29, 2022

When no one asked for it, Warner Bros provided, in the form of a new Batman film, “The Batman.” This new adaptation provides a darker take on the masked vigilante as Bruce Wayne just became the hero of Gotham City. The movie ran for an entire three hours, but I stayed hooked the entire time through...

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The popular video game 'Cuphead' transitioned to a TV show in February 2022. The show currently airs on Netflix. (Photo by Netflix)

Video Game to TV Show: The Cuphead Show

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
April 19, 2022

The hit game “Cuphead” launched in 2017. Many adore the game for its unique graphics, music, and boss fights. This prompted the creators to begin production of the series, “The Cuphead Show.” Released in February 2022, the show follows two brothers as they encounter mischievous and crazy scenarios....

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Varsity Softball all join together at home plate to cheer on one of their teammates coming home.

Softball Focuses on Success for the New Season

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
March 30, 2022

Senior Carly Cox stands at first base ready for the ball to come her way. Her eyes follow the ball as it hits the bat. The ball bounces off the ground into the glove of her teammate. In a matter of milliseconds, the player throws the ball to Cox at first base. She catches the ball right before the runner...

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The official Boba Fett poster.

A Classic Bounty Hunter Returns

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
March 9, 2022

Ever since Disney bought Lucas Films, plenty of Star Wars content went straight to Disney+. “The Book of Boba Fett” came out on Dec 29th and garnered mixed reactions. Boba Fett made his first appearance in the original Star Wars Trilogy, the 1980s film “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”. Many...

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Jackson Stapleton, 11, walks to the front doors and the cheer and drill teams cheer. Three swimmers from Legacy competed at the state competition.

Swimmers Compete At State Competition

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
March 2, 2022

The bell rings out across the entire natatorium as Wyatt Tulbane comes upon his final lap. In just under five minutes, Tulbane touches the wall and finishes in first place. He lets out a sigh of relief when he sees his friend, Kaden Ho, finish in a close second. The swim season begins in the fall...

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Students in Chemistry complete a lab early in the year. (Riley Lassiter Photo)

Students Form Science National Honor Society Club

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
January 24, 2022

At the end of the day, Ms. Donna Kercher completes the last bit of paperwork on her desk. When she finishes, she looks up to find two students in front of her. They both present the idea of a new honor society. After a half-hour of ideas and proposals, Ms. Kercher decides to sponsor the Science National...

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Photo courtesy of Office of the Texas Governor, Greg Abbott

Opinion: Crime Stoppers’ Complicated Processes Makes It Difficult to Report Crimes

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
December 21, 2021

Crime Stopper’s communities have formed across the nation and they promote citizens to report a crime for some incentive. The ones designed in Texas attract citizens through anonymity, cash incentives, and stories that describe their most recent success every week. However, some crimes manage to slip...

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Caroline Brown, 2021 Valedictorian, stands beside Dr. Shelly Butler in preparation at the graduation ceremony on June 2. [File Photo]

Preparing For College

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
December 14, 2021

There are five minutes remaining for the final section of the PSAT, senior Will Mabe bubbles in the answer for the last questions. He sighs with relief and is thankful he enrolled in a prep class. In the freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school, MISD offers students the option to take the...

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Johnathan Szostek sits at his desk as he teaches one of his Chemistry classes.

Szostek Brings a New Element to His Chemistry Classes

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
December 6, 2021

It’s dusk outside as Jonathan Szostek hits the pause button on his final podcast. After a few edits and clicks, he uploads it to his Canvas course.  Mr. Szostek has taught for over 19 years and continues to teach Advanced and AP Chemistry. His lessons improve each year as technology advances and...

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Students in Theatre take part in building the set for their productions.

Fine Art Classes See Reduction in Enrollment

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
November 21, 2021

Out of the 2,482 students at Legacy this year, only a small percent participate in fine art electives like band and choir. Band, choir and journalism all have lower numbers than in past years. Choir had 190 singers in the past, but now they have around 184 students. However, Choir Director Josh Powell...

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https://www.marvel.com/movies/eternals#

Eternals Review

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
November 17, 2021

Marvel Studios introduces a new expansion to their universe “Eternals.” The movie follows 10 ancient immortal heroes who fight to defend intelligent life from Deviants, aliens that feed on humans and other life. The movie follows the basic Marvel Formula which leaves audiences and critics in between...

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The Trials of Varsity Swim

The Trials of Varsity Swim

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 27, 2021

It's pitch black outside as junior Jackson Stapleton drives to swim practice. His clock reads 5 a.m. The heat blasts in the car so Stapleton can warm up in this new fall weather. Finally, he arrives at his destination–the MISD Natatorium. Some swimmers manage to have a head start because they swam...

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Photo by Szabó János on Unsplash

Halloween Traditions Around The World

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
October 18, 2021

In America, over 180 million people celebrate Halloween every year. Common traditions include costumes, pumpkins designs and candy for the trick-or-treaters. However, many countries around the globe celebrate Halloween in a different manner along with many other holidays. Samhain An original...

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What If...? New Successful Marvel Series

What If…? New Successful Marvel Series

Connor Whitfill, Staff Writer
September 8, 2021

“What If...?”, a new Marvel animated TV-Show on Disney+, tackles the endless possible outcomes of different Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes. The series may be young, but so far the episodes have been outstanding.  To enjoy the show, you must have an open mind. All the episodes stand out because...

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