The Reporter, Cy-Fair HS, Issue 4, Feb. 7, 2014, Vol. 67

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life 16 culture23

the reporter

Friday, Feb. 7, 2013

Volume 67

Issue 4

Cy-Fair High School

22602 Hempstead Hwy

sports

9

Cypress, TX 77429

Chris Hawkins and Erin Hamilton celebrate their fourth and final homecomingtogetherafter dating for four and a half years. Photo courtesy of Erin Hamilton.

love, actually

Jessica Ullrich Reporter She walked up to the door of her friend Niki Grachanen’s house. Ringing the doorbell, she was welcomed inside where she noticed a boy she was unfamiliar with across the room. They introduced themselves. She thought nothing of it. It was merely her friend’s other friend.

He attempted to make conversation. She attempted to act friendly. But they were only acquaintances, and in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but think he was a bit strange.

This was, in fact, only the summer before eighth grade. Boys were finally devoid of their cootie infestations, but most girls weren’t yet in desperate boy-seeking mode.

They all said their goodbyes, and he and she went home. She thought it was the end of that story. Little did she know that one Facebook message, one phone number exchange, one class together and four more months would not only keep their story going, but provide a major plot twist in the definition of their relationship.

Sophomores Bailey Thomas and Euan Dempster have been together since they began dating on Dec. 13, 2011, approximately four months after that first meeting in eighth grade.

Two years and one month. And they’re still going strong.

Within these two years, their dates have included: Dempster’s first trip to the Houston Rodeo, the acclaimed eighth grade dance at Hamilton Middle School and, Thomas’ personal favorite, Dempster’s homecoming proposal in the form of approximately 100 candles spelling out “H-C?” on her driveway.

“I was so surprised. I was not expecting it at all. It was so adorable,” Thomas said.

Dempster and Thomas’ relationship began in middle school and although relationships surviving from junior high to senior high are rare, seniors Erin Hamilton and Chris Hawkins also prove they remain possible.

Hawkins and Hamilton are approaching four and a half years together after meeting through school and beginning their relationship in eighth grade. According to Hawkins, the key to their success is staying faithful and being honest. Hamilton believes trust and friendship are also key in maintaining a healthy relationship. > see page 12 & 13

> In climate weather days will be made up on Feb. 17 and June 6.

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2.7.14

‘You can feel the power and force behind every step’ Step team prepares for April 13 competition at Berry Center

Matt Schneider Commentary Editor The auxiliary gym is silent. A group of people walk out and all that can be heard are loud stomps filling the room. There’s a pause, then the crowd suddenly explodes.

It’s the Cy-Fair Step Team.

The team has kept every pep rally this year pumped, from the very first time this year’s freshmen saw them to the homecoming parade.

“You can feel the power and force behind every step,” sophomore Delaney Frankenhouser said. “ It’s like the whole crowd is about to basically turn up.”

The sound of “M.A.A.D City,”

by Kendrick Lamar blaring in the auxiliary gym upstaged everyone before them. The whole crowd screamed in excitement at every precise movement made by the team. It was hard not to remember.

The step team does many things before shows including a prayer, and their chant “Pa-pa!” just to bring their much expected energy. During practice, the team does basic drill exercises and practices, such as ‘blades,’ for precision.

Aside from this, the step team is known by their constant announcements for tryouts where in 13 out of 15 are accepted as new additions. Being accepted into the team involves learning a simple step.

After joining, the new members practice weekly Mondays and Thursdays.

Perks of being on the team involve a yearly competition at the Berry Center on April 13 at 6 p.m.

The competition will judge the best step teams in this district ranging from elementary schools to high schools. This year’s pre-tickets are $8, or $10 at the door and can be bought online at the Berry Center’s website.

“We’re introducing new steps and working on the usual at practice for the competition,” step leader, Opal Prajapati said.

With five performances and counting, they’ve been here the whole way, but some members feel they are a bit understated in the school.

“Step team isn’t as appreciated as it should be,” freshman Taylor Sarrazin said.

Reading level on decline Cody Brown Online Editor Student athletes are always under pressure, whether it’s beating the buzzer or studying for a chemistry test. With the “No Pass, No Play” rules in effect throughout students nationwide, athletes face a different struggle with juggling both studying and playing, and there are times when the ball becomes more important than the book.

A study conducted by CNN that was published on Jan. 8 has deduced that the reading level of athletes has decreased since 2000. The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and showed that seven to 18 percent of students involved in an athletic program read at or below a fourth grade level.

“I can’t say I’m surprised,” English II teacher Allison Hyde said. “But I think it’s indicative of the pressure that student athletes feel to be on the

field rather than focus on studies.”

Despite this, Hyde is proud that the coaches at Cy-Fair care more for academics than other schools.

“The coaches here really to seem to care more about education rather than having the best players on the field,” Hyde said. “On the other hand, I think it’s a big positive that this number is low as it is, even though it has indeed increased.”

The study also states that despite this high number of student athletes who read on a fourth grade level, the number of student athletes receiving academic scholarships is at an all time high.

“Our athletes do a tremendous job,” Athletic Director Ed Pustejovsky said. “We turn in a failure/A and B honor roll report every six weeks, and I’m proud to say that 39 percent of our athletes were on the honor roll list.”

It’s different than other performances. Cheerleaders flip and tumble and brigade dances, but the room feels different when the team of 10 guys and 15 girls come out.

“The whole room is quiet, then the beat drops and you’re either cheering or in awe at these people,” sophomore Nicole Murphy said.

The rest of step’s year involves performances at other schools. Two of which were Christmas shows at Robert Road Elementary and Cypress Lakes High School.

“We really don’t do anything exciting all year but pep rallies and prep for entertainment shows, going to different schools, in other districts sometimes too, and just do our thing,” freshman Lasonta Williams said.

To those on step team what they do is normal, but to students, it’s more than that.

“They’re like cheerleaders in movies. I believe that they’re partly why our teams have been doing well this year,” freshman Maddie Parker said.

Step it up. Sophomore Rudy Pena, freshman Lauryn Walker, sophomore Opal Prajapati and junior Maya Smith perform during the homecoming pep rally. Photo by Avery Torres

There’s a new face in the AP office Harper Neitzey Life Editor

Improvement. New assistant Principal Aaron Pfingsten adapts to his new job. Photo by Jessica Ullrich

New assistant principal Aaron Pfingsten is no stranger to CyFair. He taught four business classes including keyboarding and accounting here for seven years before becoming an assistant principal at Labay Middle School.

“My entire teaching career was in the high school setting,” Pfingsten said. “I thought that I would eventually get another opportunity to work in a high school, and I was fortunate to be hired at this great school as an assistant principal.”

Coming in at the new year, Pfingsten has learned the ways of Cy-Fair quickly.

“My colleagues have been extremely helpful with my transition,” Pfingsten said. “So far, I have taken over morning duty in the cafeteria, keys, after-school schedules, tardies, and some after school duties.”

Pfingsten grew up in the small-

town of DeWitt, Nebraska and attended Tri-County High School.

“I graduated with just over 40 students in my class,” Pfingsten said.

Even though his school was small, Pfingsten was involved in National Honor Society, German Club, Letter Club and played both basketball and golf.

“I have always had a love for sports,” Pfingsten said. “Since I went to such a small high school, I played every position on the basketball court; my main position was guard.”

Now Pfingsten likes to watch college football, especially his school Nebraska University.

When Pfingsten was younger he started wearing his socks inside out because he didn’t like the feeling of the stitch line on his toes. Now that he is grown up he still does it.

“Some people think that’s weird,” Pfingsten said. “I consider myself a ‘creative problem solver.’”

don’t forget... > Feb 7. Boys soccer away game vs. Cypress Woods @ 7 p.m.

> Feb 7. Softball home game vs. Katy Taylor @ 5:45 p.m.

> Feb 7. Girls soccer home game vs. Cypress Woods @ 7 p.m.

> Feb 7. Boys basketball home game vs. Cypress Ridge @ 7 p.m.

> Feb. 15 Inaugural CFISD Superintendent Fun Run @ the Berry Center. Theme: Superheroes for Kids

> Advanced Placement Registration is open until March 28.

>This year marks the 22nd Winter Olympics.

2.7.14

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New, old olympians welcomed this year Kaylin Jones Copy Editor

Sochi. Between the controversy rising over its ban on “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” and the recent concern for security in the wake of the recent terrorist threats, it’s almost hard to remember that there’s an actual Olympic Games taking place starting on Feb. 7. Shaun White, Lolo Jones and the Women’s Ski Jumping team are just some of the few who will be representing the United States at the games.

White is definitely not a newcomer. His long, red locks (which he recently cut and donated to Locks of Love) and his stunts earned him the nickname “The Flying Tomato.” He’s already one of the most successful and recognizable figures in all of the winter games and snowboarding itself, even winning back-to-back gold medals in men’s halfpipe with his gravity defying stunts in the 2006 and 2010 games.

With his third appearance at the sporting event, White hopes to take home his third gold medal in halfpipe and one in slopestyle.

Now, much older and with much shorter hair, what dothe 2014 games hold for White? In December, White suffered an injury to his left ankle

after experiencing a fall while trying to qualify for the Olympic team. The snowboarder opted to not participate in the Winter X Games in order to be ready for Sochi.

Another athlete who’s familiar with the Olympics is Lolo Jones, the track star turned bobsledder. After being favored to win the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Jones tripped on one of the hurdles and completed the race in 7th place. She also left the 2012 London Olympics empty handed. Now, Jones has made her way into the winter games.

She picked up the sport of bobsledding, where teams of two or four make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled. She was able to make the team as one of three push athletes. However, her acceptance to the United States bobsledding team didn’t come without backlash,

due to her ultimately replacing two more experienced push athletes who thought that Jones’ internet fame is what got her on the team. Recent results, including coming in seventh place at the World Cup competition

in Austria and coming in second at another World Cup, suggest that Jones earned her place on the Olympic team.

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be the first time women will be allowed

The team’s all here. Sarah Hendrickson, Shaun White, Lolo Jones, Jessica Jerome and Lindsey Van will compete in this year’s Olympic games. Photos by Chuck Myers/MCT and José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/MCT

Students worry about safety Tyler Whigham Reporter

The Olympics. The name usually inspires awe and respect, but according to news websites from CBS news, USA today and FOX news, this year the Winter Olympics taking place in Sochi, Russia are inspiring terrorist attacks and protesting.

The games will be taking place in the Russian Federation for the first time since before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, and government officials are trying to make it happen without a hitch.

The Olympic compound is more compact and expensive than any other in the history of the Olympics, with only 45 minutes travel time between the two Olympic compounds, one for sliding events, the other for ice. An extraordinary amount of effort has gone in to the creation of the two compounds, with the Russians building the entire mountain infrastructure from scratch. According to npr.org, the cost of creating and running the Games is estimated at more than $50 billion.

Of the $50 billion, at least $2 billion are going into security.

According to npr.org and bbc.co.uk, the money is being used to enforce new anti-terror measures like closed circuit cameras, a new train station, metal detector and X-ray checks, two heavily guarded security lines with 40,000 people and a space based monitoring system ensuring the safety of both the athletes and the spectators.

As safe as Russia is trying to make the Olympics, terrorists such as the Caucasus Emirate, a cluster of selfsufficient terrorist cells, are trying to make the games as much of a catastrophe as they can. As stated by ibtimes.com, these groups are using so-called black widows, who are called that because of their drive to avenge husbands killed in Chechen revolts.

According to ocregister.com, longtime observers of the conflicted region say that it is not a question of whether or not there will be an attack, only where it may be.

Junior Tatianna Contreras doesn’t think the risk is worth the reward.

“I wouldn’t go to the Olympics if I

had the opportunity to do so because of all the threats,” Contreras said.

The United States government, though offering to help fight the threats against the Winter Olympics, has issued a travel alert stretching from Jan. 24 to March 24 for those wishing to catch the events. The alert told citizens to be wary, not just of terrorist attacks, but of possible crime and uncertain healthcare.

Despite the alert, there has been no evidence that American citizens will be targeted, as stated by foxnews. com.

According to usatoday.com, the terrorist threats are expected to continue.

“It’s a safety thing,” said sophomore Carmyn Smith. “I don’t want to be the one sitting and watching as something happens and be in danger.”

An entirely different warning was given to the LGBT community.

Russia has strict laws against displaying the so-called gay propaganda to minors. Foreigners face the same set of consequences that national citizens do, with a fine of 100,000 rubles ($3,100), up to

14 days in jail and a possibility of deportation for foreigners.

World Geography teacher Steven Campbell thinks that there’s no telling whether or not the attacks can be prevented.

“It sounds like a lot of money to be spent on security, but whether it’s effective or not remains to be seen,” Campbell said.

to ski jump on an Olympic level, 90 years after men first competed in the sport for the Winter Olympics in 1924. The team consists of World champions Sarah Hendrickson and Lindsey Van and Olympic trial winner Jessica Jerome. Women were prohibited from competing because they were told the female body wasn’t strong enough to take the strain of repeated jumps and that it might even affect their ability to have children. Van played a pivotal role in getting the sport to the Olympics for more than a decade. She took part in a gender discrimination lawsuit against the International Olympic Committee and argued that women jump nearly as far as the men, so the sport should be included in the Olympic program. In the end, the lawsuit proved to be unsuccessful, but in 2011 the International Olympic Committee made the decision to add long jump to the program in Sochi.

Favorite winter Olympic sport?

“Snowboarding because it’s cool to watch them go down the hill and it kind of looks like they’re flying.

When they turn and they kick up snow and it looks cool. Shaun White is my favorite snowboarder,” junior Sridhar Changalpet said.

“Ice-skating is my favorite because I used to watch them during the preseason competition, and I used to pretend I could be one of them one day. But yeah, I’ve never been an ice skater,” junior Josephine Owolabi said.

Burning bright.

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics torch will light the way for the Olympians. Photo by

Carr/MCT.

“I like cross country skiing because it looks really cool,” freshman Natalie Jasik said.

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> “We did not expect instant breakthroughs. No one underestimated the difficulties,” Secretary General Ki-moon said.

2.7.14

FFA students prepare for Houston Rodeo Kestra Derise News Editor

About 100 FFA students displayed their animals in the 20th Annual CFISD Livestock Show from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the CFISD Exhibit Center across from Arnold Middle School. The showcase consisted of individual shows including poultry, ag. mechanics, rabbit, lamb, steer, heifer, swine and goat followed by a buyers’ luncheon and finally the live auction.

Junior Chris Anderson has shown animals in other CFISD Livestock Shows, and this year he plans to enter again.

“I’m showing a lamb this year,” Anderson said. “I’ve raised three lambs before. Last year I had Bem, whose name means good fortune and this year I have Bevin whose name means sweet sounding.”

The district livestock show was not the only show for FFA students this semester. Two students, senior Alexa Parker and sophomore Madisson Pratt, will show animals in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and another 30 will lead young children through Agventures, which is part of the Rodeo in order to teach them about agriculture and animals.

“I love to lead the kids through Agventures,” sophomore Julia Rumfield said. “I want to be a kindergarten teacher so it gives me good exposure to teaching kids. Plus

Ready to succeed. FFA members pose after the district livestock show. Photo courtesy of Michele Rumfield. it’s a really awesome way to spread ag.”

Alexa Parker and Madisson Pratt will show animals in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year.

“This year I’m showing a lamb named Miller in the rodeo,” Parker said. “I’ve been showing lambs and cows for six years, and once I even won fourth place for one of my cows.

This will be Pratt’s first time in this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“It’s a lot of work,” Pratt said. “You have to train them and really get to know them. This year I’m showing

three chickens and two heifers, Moonshine and Ruby. In shows I’ve done before, the best part of it is just being able to have fun, plus college scholarships are a bonus.”

Not only will Pratt and Parker show animals, but they will also be judged on them.

“When we show, we go into the area and the judges check out our animals,” Parker said. “They check everything from their walks to their muscling and the hair coats. It’s important to keep the animals in good condition. Plus the best part is just being in the arena and getting to show off your animals.”

Students mixed on Syria issue Desirae Hoover Commentary Editor Last year, Syria’s revolution was hot in the news and its crisis hasn’t burned out.

Revolutions started spreading around the Middle East in 2011.

Syria was no different. Syrians began protesting to modernize their country to democratic reforms. The government responded to these protests by kidnapping, torturing and killing. Soldiers opened fire on civilians who, in return, fired back.

So began the back and forth of Syria’s self-destruction.

This year the United Nations Geneva II conference in Switzerland was held on Jan. 22 in an attempt to solve Syria’s ongoing three year crisis. This was the first time the leaders of the Syrian government and Syrian opposition group, National Coalition, have sat down in a conference together.

The Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moallem spoke for the country’s government giving an over 30-minute speech where he openly stated that his side believes that the

Syrian government can find their own solution and doesn’t think the UN has the right to remove the government. Moallem also ignored the UN secretary general, Ban Kimoon, when told he had overreached his time.

The president of the Syrian opposition, Ahmad al-Jarba opened his speech with elaborating that 10,000 children have died because of the Syrian Army. His side believes that the conference’s goal should be the removal of the Syrian president, President Bashar Assad.

The Syrian government’s main ally, Iran, was not at the meeting due to its own unstable government.

Foreign Ministers of Turkey and France have shown support for the opposition. The US Secretary of state, John Kerry, also said that he was in favor the change on government.

“We did not expect instant breakthroughs. No one underestimated the difficulties,” Ki-moon said to reporters at the end of the day. “The Syrian people are looking desperately for relief from

the nightmare in which they are trapped.”

How much the US should be involved in the Syrian conflict has been debated. Some students believe that Syria is a world problem that needs the world’s attention.

“I would like to see outside support from countries like the US and England,” senior Conner Hendricks said. “I feel Syria does not have the means to protect themselves.”

Some students feel that the world powers should not be bothered by the Syrian civil war.

“My view on Syria is mixed.” freshman Hunter Woods said. “I see why the country needs to fight.

But I also do not know why our government had to interfere.”

So far the peace talks have yet to come to a compromise, something which everybody wants to see.

“I think it would be in the best interest of everybody to listen to the people,” World Geography teacher Steven Campbell said. “And then listen to the government and come to a solution.”

New laws set to change education Cody Brown Online Editor A new mandate passed by the Texas legislation that will come into effect next school year will allow incoming freshmen to choose electives based on their specific area of interest or intended career path.

Beginning with a class similar to PACE in eighth grade, the mandate, known as House Bill 5, adds classes related to these interests of studycalled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business/Industry, Public Service, Arts and Humanities or Multidisciplinary Studies - on to the existing graduation requirements.

“I see an advantage to it,” photography teacher Laurie Emery said. “Having students take classes centered around their interests may help students to better connect with what and why they are learning.”

Emery, who has a child in seventh grade, does not agree to how House Bill 5 will make students choose what they plan to go into later and also believes that the bill is unnecessary because students can still change their minds on a major .

“Although they [students] may think they know what they want to do, I feel that they are too young to make that decision now,” Emery said. “Besides, I don’t think that most kids know what career path they want to take or have the knowledge and background to make a sound

decision. Most people I know did not know what they wanted to do in high school, or thought they did but ended up with a completely different career.”

Lead Counselor Angela Rhymes said that with House Bill 5 comes opportunities for an improved education for incoming freshmen.

“The goal is to allow students more elective options,” Rhymes said.

“If a student wants to go into medical school, for example, they can take classes geared around that.”

Rhymes is concerned that students will feel pressured to postpone foreign language classes in exchange for the major-specific electives.

“As a former Spanish teacher, I am very concerned for students who delay taking foreign language classes,” Rhymes said. “As we age, our ability to acquire language becomes less powerful.”

Principal Michael Smith sees an advantage in the House Bill for students.

“I see that the House Bill allows students more options in their elective choices and they can take classes that better meet their career interest,” he said.

House Bill 5 was announced in September of 2013, put into law this January and will go into effect August of 2014.

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2.7.14

Want to create a shoutout for a team or a friend?

Looking for a prom date?

Stop by room 2005 and we’ll put it in the newspaper!

six sports

> The next Girls golf tournament will be played on Feb, 10 at Sweetwater Country Club

Breakneck season ahead Maddie Pierce Life Editor The water polo team splashed into the new season with their annual water polo palooza.

The event gave opportunities to sponsor players and fundraise for the team’s expenses. Every sponsor was given the opportunity to pay the amount they chose for each, block and skip shot made by a chosen player.

The team’s first tournament of the season will be Feb. 28 at Cy Ranch. The season carries on until the first week of May. “We haven’t come together as a team yet,” junior Justin Spence said. “So, a strategy has not been put in play, however we are going to be very fast this year.”

Spence has been on the water polo team for three years now.

There will be a lot of tough competition for Cy-Fair this season, both in district and out.

“Cypress Creek has always been our biggest rival,” coach Monica Falk said. “If we can beat Cypress Creek, we will place first in district.”

Water polo is a mixture of basketball, soccer, hockey, swimming

and wrestling. Each team has to try and get the ball into the goal without touching the pool floor or breaking any game. The combination of rules and moves from other sports makes for very complex games.

It’s senior Tyler Cervenka’s third yea playing water polo.

“My favorite part is the physicality of the games,” senior Tyler Cervenka said.

This year will be junior Morgan Fairman’s third year on the water polo team.

“I really don’t like getting hit or pulled under the water,” Fairman said.

As if getting pulled under the water and getting pushed around wasn’t enough, the pools only source of heat is the sun.

“I don’t like that the pools are never heated, even the outside pools,” senior Tyler Cervenka said.

“Sometimes it’s just too cold.”

Even though it’s difficult, Morgan Fairman loves the sport.

“Despite the occasional unpleasant moments, I really think water polo is the best sport out there,” Fairman said.

> First waterpolo tournament will be played First on Feb. 28 at Cy Ranch.

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Squaring off.

Senior Colton Herring faces a wrestler from Cy Springs. Photo

by Melissa Reinsch

State in Sight

Tyler Whigham Reporter Two Cy-Fair wrestlers placed in the regional tournament on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Berry Center, qualifying for UIL state wrestling championships on Feb. 1415.

Senior Reid Orr placed second in the 160 pound weight class and junior Rebecca Carson took third in the 185 pound weight class.

Orr started the wrestling season wanting to go to the state tournament and is glad to have a chance to compete after not wrestling for two years.

“My goal for the year was to go to state, so I’m content with second

place,” said Orr. “It’s pretty rough, and I went into triple overtime in one of my matches, but wrestling helps to build character and learn perseverance,.

Carson is excited to compete at state and hopes to perform well in the tournament.

“It’s my first year wrestling and I’m going to state,” said Carson. “It’s kind of overwhelming, but it’s not who trained harder, it’s who wants it more,.

Cy-Fair sent three other wrestlers who qualified in the district wrestling tournament on Jan. 23-25.

Senior Tyler Matthews won first in

the 152 pound class, junior Kirby Gray took second in the 190 pound class and senior Dakota King won third in the 170 pound weight limit.

Head wrestling coach, Tim Stockton, is in his first year of coaching at Cy-Fair and is excited about the future of the wrestling program.

“I feel that we are growing and have a lot of young talent that will grow each year. It will be very exciting to watch our young team grow over the next couple of years and to see other students that come out as they hear even more about wrestling,” Stockton said.

Spring golf boasts sturdy girls team Katelyn Ghert Reporter

First place.

The girls team poses after their first tournament.

Photo courtesy of Laura Palmer

The girls’ Varsity and JV golf teams won the Cy-Falls Invitational at the Hearthstone Country Club on Jan. 13.

Sophomore and varsity golfer, Sarah Carlat placed first at the Cy-Falls Invitational.

“The best part of winning is knowing that what you have worked for has paid off, and whenever we win as a team; I like because we all helped each other get better in the process,” said Carlat, who started her golf career three to four years ago.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the girls play nine holes to practice for upcoming tournaments. As a pretournament ritual, on the day of tournaments, sophomore Laura Palmer goes to Chick-fil-a to eat breakfast.

When the team gets to the tournament, they warm up by hitting and putting around until the tournament starts.

“I like the tournaments because I get to see and talk to people outside of my school,” sophomore Kathryn Palmer said.

Sophomore twins and varsity golfers, Kathryn and Laura Palmer enjoy being able to play golf together after playing club volleyball for most of their lives. One day they went golfing with their dad, and they really enjoyed it and decided to take it seriously and play in high school. This is the second year on the golf team for both the Palmer twins.

“I love going out to the course with a nice crisp breeze and the peaceful quiet outdoors.

I often play a round with the girls and it is the only sport that you can keep up with the high school kids, well, that is on a cart of course,” Coach Donna Benotti said.

Coach Benotti has been coaching for 21 years. Sophomore varsity golfer Esha Dewan says that Coach Benotti makes golf a lot of fun. And she encourages her to try her hardest and do her best each time she plays.

“I hope to score in the 80’s every time I play,” Dewan said.

The next golf tournament is limited to varsity. They will play on Feb. 10 in the Clements tournament at the Sweetwater Country Club staring at 8 a.m.

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> Next girls varsity track meet will next be at Oak Ridge on February 15. ridge

> Next varsity soccer game will be played today at 7 p.m.

sports

At the starting line

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Girls track begin their season Desirae Hoover Commentary Editor She got up at 6 a.m.

She did her daily runs. She trained in the weight room twice a week. She followed her coach’s workouts. Now she’s ready.

Senior Kassy Topete and her teammates are ready for the new track season.

“I run the 800 meters and 400 meter dash, occasionally the 4x4,” Topete said, “I hope to break the 800-meter record and go to state, and also to receive a scholarship from University of Houston.”

Girl’s track has spent their off season training to gauge fitness for distance runners and sprinters.

“To quote Coach Kennedy ‘scoot scoot’,” sophomore pole vaulter and hurdler Maddie Falvey said. “The goal is simple: run fast, try to win and try not to lose.”

Senior pole vaulter Kailee Hutson made top six in district last year pole vaulting. Girls track Coach Tom Kennedy’s quirky motivational speeches were one her most enjoyable parts.

“He makes track fun and his speeches make me want to get better,” Hudson said. “I’m hoping to make top three this season and go to

regionals.”

The team only has five seniors this year: Hutson, high jumper Rebeccah Barger, pole vaulter Helen Beckman. and distance runners Kristina Guevara and Topete. Teamates are mostly made up of freshmen and sophomores, but the seniors are excited for their lowerclassmen.

“Most of all I just want to have an awesome and fun season seeing this is my last year,” Beckman said.

“Although I wish the senior track class was larger, the underclassmen are great, so I’m very excited for them.”

Falvey is one of the talented young teammates. Falvey set the school record in the pole vault, 10’0”, and qualified for the regionals her freshman year. Kennedy plans for her to hit 10’6” or 11’0” this year.

“I would like to see her move up enough this year and score at the regional level,” Kennedy said. “She is the highest returning vaulter in the district, but there are several vaulters from around the district that have their eye on her.”

Another young track star is sophomore Khyllia Barnes. Barnes holds the school record in the 100-meter hurdles at 14.61 seconds

and the 300-meter hurdles with 43.92 seconds at the regional level, “We’ve been doing a lot of practicing.” Barnes said. “I’m excited for this season, and I’m ready for the future.”

Girls track had the season’s first partial squad meet at Memorial high school, at 4 p.m. on Jan. 29 and will have their first varsity only meet is Oak Ridge high school, on Feb. 15.

A bobcat howdy. The distance runners pose for a picture at the indoor track meet at Texas A&M. Photo courtesy of Jessica Ullrich.

Heading into the season

Soccer girls are determined to keep ‘district champ’ title Amanda Heller Sports Editor

Accelerate. Rachel Dozier searches for an open player.

Photo by Gerald Gilbert.

Women’s soccer is kicking this year off with a record of 0-1 and high expectations for the season. The team is mixed with a very diverse set of girls of all grade levels and are a tight knit group who love to play and more importantly - love to win.

“We’ve got a young group this year in terms of experience,” head coach Chad Onhaizer said. “We’re still working a little on chemistry and coming together as a team, but it’s a quality group with some great senior leadership.”

Onhaizer is preparing the girls extra this year in hopes of making it past the third round of playoffs. The team has already played three state

top 10 teams and a nationally ranked team this season.

“We are learning a lot right now,” Onhaizer said, “I think we will have a better understanding of who we are going into district and the postseason this year.”

The seniors are especially looking forward to exceeding from last year’s finish. They hope to keep their “district champion” title and advance to playoffs.

“This year is going to be really fun and our fan base is looking really big,” senior captain, Lauren Gilbert, said. “I love all the girls, and we are all super close, and we always have each other’s backs during games and during school.”

Alongside Gilbert on the field is sophomore forward and center Sarah Hluza.

“Our goal this year is to be district champions for the fifth year in a row,” Hluza said. “The senior girls are tight knit, and the team’s chemistry is really good. The underclassmen fit in because we are all silly and sarcastic and it’s just a good mix of girls.”

This is Hluza’s second year on varsity, last year being a freshmen on varsity. She was nominated as Vype’s newcomer of the year voting poll.

District begin on Jan. 31 for the soccer girls and games are on Tuesdays and Fridays on the soccer field in front of the band lot. Students can enter by the baseball fields and pay at the gate. For students the cost is $2 and adults are $3.

“This year will be exciting so come out and support,” Gilbert said.

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2.7.14

> Girls basketball playoffs will be played on February 11.

> The next Boys Varsity basketball game will at today at 7 p.m.

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Basketball lays down law of the court Girls lead district 12-0 Katelyn Ghert Reporter Girls Varsity basketball is the only undefeated girls team in the district with a 12-0 record. The 10-member team including four seniors, three juniors and three sophomores have played strong throughout the normal season heading to playoffs on Feb. 11.

“The season has gone absolutely great so far. It has been a blast and we are undefeated in the district,” senior Shannon Berg said who plays as a forward and post.

Playing basketball since she was in the fifth grade and in her third year on varsity, Berg is captain along with Amber Lane.

“We kind of all have certain roles and are leaders,” Berg said.

Lane started playing basketball at age six at the YMCA and has played on varsity since her freshman year.

Lane says she is confident about the

season because of their undefeated record. She feels good heading into playoffs.

“I think we can go far in playoffs as long as we do the little things right and we play as a team like we’ve been doing,” Lane said.

The team practices everyday in fifth period plus an additional twohour practice after school everyday.

“Our practices are intense. We run a lot, but it’s also extremely fun.

We make everything a competition and we’re all competitive, so it’s fun and we all get better,” Lane said.

With a competitive attitude in everyone, the bond created with teammates and coaches, and a positive outlook on the rest of the season, the varsity girls basketball team is ready for whatever playoffs throws at them.

“Our team has made great memories and the coaches make basketball fun and unforgettable,” Berg said.

Reach. Junior Bryson Lockley jumps for the rebound. Photo by Nicie Flores.

Boys strive to make playoffs Jessica Ullrich Reporter

Head in the game. Sophomore Angela Harris dribbles up the court. Photo by Casay Herring.

Junior Nate Nahirny first picked up a basketball at the age of five. Fastforward over a decade. He now leads the Varsity boys’ basketball team as team captain.

As of last week,, they have a 5-5 record, and the varsity basketball team is striving to make playoffs this year, giving their best in each practice and taking games one at a time. Even with two games remaining, junior Bryson Lockley thinks a playoff appearance is in their future.

“I’m actually confident we are going to make playoffs,” Lockley said.

“I think we are coming together. We are learning to play better with each other. Our team chemistry is getting

better each and every day.”

In preparation for coming games and a desired playoff appearance, practice is a main focus.

“Practice is tough,” Lockley said.

“Coach Trocquet has us doing so many drills. It’s very intense. Each player tries to work their hardest to make the other players get better.”

Game days begin with pre-game rituals. Nahirny warms up with stretching, and then he tries to focus. Lockley listens to his favorite music before reading key notes in his notebook from his coach. Soon after, the beginning of the game is signaled.

At this point, Nahirny is in his element. His favorite part of basketball is merely competing.

Games provide Nahirny with opportunities to step up and fulfill

his duties to the team.

“I think I just do what I normally do - distribute the ball and make plays for other people,” Nahirny said.

Lockley similarly aims to perform well individually but remain focused on the team goal.

“If I’m not the main focus offensively, then I try to do other things to support Nate and the big time scorers,” Lockley said.

According to Head Coach Barry Townley, the team has played well, though he wishes that the season record was a bit higher due to several losses in very close games.

“We have lost a few games that we could have won,” Townley said.

Townley remains ambitious, as he and his team have mutual goals of playoffs, despite tough games scheduled ahead and a competitive district.

ten sports

2.7.14

Superbowl XLVIII Steamroll

Stay in the game. Nate Irving (56) of the Denver Broncos breaks up a pass intended for Jermaine Kearse (15) of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Photo by J. Patric Schneider/MCT.

Seattle Seahawks dominate Rebeccah Barger Co-Editor in Chief This year belongs to the Seattle Seahawks.

Exploding from a 13-3 regular season, Seattle went on to crush their playoff opponents after a first round bye, defeating the New Orleans Saints (23-15) and eventually claim the NFC championship against the San Francisco 49ers (23-17).

Headed by the one best defenses in the league, the Seahawks found themselves at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey facing AFC Champions and number one seed, the Denver Broncos on Feb. 2.

And no less than 12 seconds into the game – the quickest score in Superbowl history – defensive end Cliff Avril tapped down Denver running back Knowshon Moreno in the in-zone for a two-point safety that kicked off a stunning defensive lockdown against the Broncos. In the first half, they shut out Denver, the first game since the Giants-Ravens Superbowl in 2006 that had a team entering the second half with zero points.

By the time Bruno Mars hit the stage, the Seahawks already held a 22 point lead. After their initial

two points, kicker Steven Hauschka added six points to the board with 31 and 33-yard field goals, leaving the Seahawks 8-0 at the end of the first quarter. Then the touchdowns came.

Safety Kam Chancellor intercepted a pass on the Seahawks’ own 37-yard line intended for tight end Julius Thomas. The turnover was converted into a touchdown only a few plays later by running back Marshawn Lynch. Linebacker Malcolm Smith made a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown to make it 22-0. Smith’s magnificent play snagged him MVP, a tribute to

the fearsome Seahawk defense that won them the big game.

After the Mars-Chili Peppers concert, Denver finally showed up to play. Well, after they punted it back to Seattle in the opening of the second half, where wide receiver Percy Harvin ran an 87-yard kickoff return for another seven points.

Harvin’s electric return broke another Superbowl record, making the Seahawks the top team to score the most consecutive points to start a Superbowl. Wow. In the third quarter, Denver rallied, finally scoring a touchdown

The real entertainment: the ads Alex Edwards Co-Editor in Chief

Photos courtesy of Kia/MCT

Audi Budweiser

When most people imagine beer puppies generally don’t come to mind, but that didn’t stop Budweiser. Their ad features an adorable puppy in search of his horse best friend, an execution that makes the cuteness very hard to ignore. The “aw” moment followed by the #BestBuds was viewer friendly and easily relatable.

If you turn on the Super Bowl, chances are you will see a car commercial--which makes it difficult to stand out. This year Audi took first with their uniquely odd product of a Doberman and a Chihuahua. The crossbred dog was shown darting across the screen attacking people with its overly large head and disproportionately tiny body. Although the ad was hilariously executed, it made viewers want an actual doberhuahua more than an Audi.

with Demaryius Thomas, who set his own record with 13 passes for most receptions in a Superbowl.

And Peyton Manning’s ‘big legacy’ that was the buzz before the game was concluded with a two-point conversion to wide receiver Wes Welker. Seahawks wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse retaliated, scoring two more touchdowns for Seattle.

In a flurry of orange Gatorade and lime green confetti, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks steamrolled their way through Superbowl XLVIII, flattening the Broncos 43-8.

With the pitiful “battle” between the Seahawks and the Broncos during Super Bowl XLVIII, it seemed as if the only thing worth watching was, of course, the commercials.

And even those weren’t that impressive.

At $4 million per 30 -econd airtime, only a few advertisements actually stood out.

Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld seemed to steal the stage with his recreation of his old comedy show. While most teenagers watched, confused as their parents reminiscently chuckled in the background, Jerry and his sidekick George are seen in their infamous restaurant hangout arguing about absolutely nothing. In promotion of his new web series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” Jerry surprised viewers and made them miss the 90’s sitcom.

> The genocide started in April of

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1944 and lasted till July of 1994.

life

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From Rwanda to America Senior tells of his childhood in sub-saharan country

clockwise from left: Gangoye’s mother sitting across the street from the hotel “Hotel Rwanda” was based off of (1999), Gangoye and his family gathered together in the Republic of Congo (1997), Gangoye with his second cousins at a New Years Party (2001), Gangoye posing with his second cousins (2001), Gangoye laying with his mother(top) and babysitter(left)(1999) All photos courtesy of Lionel Gangoye.

photo by Jessica Ullrich

Danielle D’Aguilar Business Manager Lionel Gangoye was removed from his home in Rwanda, his friends, his family and a young girl he had a crush on in 2002 when he came to America. He was in the first grade.

There are two versions of life in the sub-Saharan country of Rwanda. One can be found in history textbooks depicting merciless genocide in the early ‘90s. The other, a less gruesome version, comes from the experiences of Lionel Gangoye, now a senior.

At age one Gangoye left his birthplace of Brazzaville, Congo and went to live in his mother’s homeland, Rwanda. Meanwhile his father, a UN soldier, went to the United States in search of a home and a means of bringing his new family there. At the grace of his great uncle, Papa Jospé, Gangoye and his mother were given a safe home in Rwanda.

“My mother started off as a waitress at a five-star hotel where

all the big prime ministers went,” Gangoye said. “She got promoted to head of management—she pretty much started from the bottom and worked her way up. I remember having a babysitter who was a young teenager, about 18. Girls in Africa in general are supposed to be the ‘workers’. They learn to take care of themselves at a young age, so she was able to take care of me and keep up her priorities at school.”

Just three years prior, hotel manager turned humanitarian, Paul Rusesabagina, was working in a similar hotel trying to save the lives of innocent Tutsis while the world watched Rwanda fall to pieces. A culturally-motivated genocide plagued the land: the Hutus versus the Tutsis. Rusesabagina was portrayed by actor Don Cheadle in the Academy-award nominated film “Hotel Rwanda”.

“When I first watched Hotel Rwanda in 2004 it was the first time I’d ever heard of the genocide. I can see why my mom and other adults didn’t tell me. There was just so much death and black smoke; my mother lost so many friends. My grandfather

was tragically on the wrong side of the genocide. He was a Tutsi, so the Hutus, they took his life,” Gangoye said.

Despite turmoil in Rwanda that preceded his birth, the young Gangoye did not experience terror and bloodshed. Instead, he spent his days playing soccer and running through the streets with his friends after school like an average, healthy African boy.

“The school I was at was like a small square built [on] a huge farmland, and there were elephants and cows around,” he said. “At recess we would sometimes see a cow give birth—it seemed cool at the time, but looking back it was not a pretty picture. It was like we were living in the wild. Majority of the year it was hot and desert-like. We lived in the countryside. The homes we lived in were like townhomes, but across the street there were huts.”

Following a deep chuckle and a wince at the thought of innocent six year olds watching farm animals give birth, Gangoye compared his academic and social lives in Rwanda to those in America.

“My teacher [in Rwanda], she wouldn’t tolerate any talking,” Gangoye said. “If you even whispered a word she would hit you on the hand with a ruler—and it would hurt,” he said.

“We had a low amount of income, so the parents and teachers had to be strict on us so that when we grew up to do bigger and better things we won’t think life comes easy.”

Then a transition took place. Gangoye’s father had finally received the proper documentation to bring his family to the United States. He soon left the wilderness behind.

“When I came here I was very scared,” Gangoye said. “I was crying all the time. I did not want to live in the United States. People would

look at me differently because of how I was built, how I looked, my dark tone and I didn’t speak English I’d only spoken French growing up. For several years [the change] was really tough.”

Having been in America for ten years, Gangoye has developed friendships and has come to appreciate both his Rwandan and American home.

He hopes to someday return to his country, and experience once more the wildlife and humbled neighbors.

“There’s a part of me that really misses Africa,” Gangoye said. “People in Africa always smile, they’re grateful for what they have. I am AfricanAmerican; the term actually fits me.”

Need a date for Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered...

- Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I tell Cupid to shoot you with that arrow one more time?

- You’re so sweet, you could put Hershey’s out of business.

- I’m sorry I didn’t get you a box of chocolates, but you’re sweet enough.

- From one to America, how free are you tonight?

Love by culture

Naveen Singh and her family pose at a Sikhism event.

Photo courtesy of Naveen Singh.

Ashlynn Peters Culture Editor Even though Valentine’s Day may not be celebrated all over the world, love is shared by everyone of all different faiths.

Senior Kailee Hutson, who is Mormon, is preparing for an 18-month mission trip to share her faith. She doesn’t know yet where she will be going.

Hutson doesn’t see how maintaining a relationship would be realistic through the separation. The challenge of a long-distance relationship while on a mission trip would be especially difficult since she would only be able to write or email letters once a week.

“I feel like it’s not really fair for me to get involved with someone and then leave them for 18 months,” Hutson said. “I don’t want to deal with the heart ache while I’m trying to focus that time in my life to serving others.”

Junior Naveen Singh, who practices Sikhism, reveals yet a different light on relationships.

Valentine’s Day, an American holiday, is not celebrated in India where the fifth largest

can y

{THE L Dear St. Valentine, Kestra Derise News Editor When February rolls around, all people can think about is chocolate candies and big red heart cards, but those have not always been associated with Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is actually named after St. Valentine though no one is sure which one.

The Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine- all of whom were martyred.

However, the most popular legend associated with St. Valentine is one in which St. Valentine served as a priest during the third century in Rome. The legend goes that when Emperor

Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine, realizing the injustice, continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered his execution.

Another legend states that St. Valentine was executed for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. According to this legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting after he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. Before his death, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Are you celebrating 45e% on Feb. 14? y s religion in the world, Sikhism, evolved.

For most Sikhs, they share their faith with their spouse, and weddings take on a more religious meaning than just a boy and girl in love.

“Weddings aren’t when one individual commits him or herself to the other individual, but rather when two individuals commit themselves to the Guru Granth Sahib and promise to walk the path of Sikhi together,” Singh said. “It is the holy text that is our guidance on how to attain God.” Anand Karaj, or “Blissful Union” is the form of Sikh marriage they practice, and the ultimate decision to perform this union is left up to the boy and the girl.

“I’m going to spoil my best friend with gifts because she’s the only one I need.”

- Adriana Rodriguez, 10

“Yes, I’m getting my girlfriend chocolate and fixing her necklace.”

- Jarrod Welch, 12

the science of kissing according to CNN.com

a passionate kiss releases dopamine in the brain, the same substance involved when taking cocaine

2/3

of people tilt their to the right when kiss

you feel

} LOVE? 43%

SAU BOYCY

a walk to remember

22%

Y E S YS D O the last song

55 no%

candy hearts

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the notebook

On the less legendary side, many believe that the holiday was placed in the middle of February in order to “Christianize” the pagan festival of Lupercalia, a fertility festival celebrated in ancient Rome where participants would sacrifice animals and then use the hides to gently slap women and crops to ensure fertility and a good harvest.

During the festival, men would draw from a “women lottery” to see who they would be with for the rest of the year.

Though the origins of Valentine’s Day may not be as romantic as the holiday is today, all these legends have helped to morph Valentine’s Day into what we celebrate every February 14.

t s e d r i we

FOR

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What’s your favorite Nicholas Sparks movie?

’S T E L AD RE

Singles’ survival guide

Amanda Heller Sports Editor All over America, millions of couples are getting ready to celebrate the day filled with store bought chocolates and sappy romantic happenings. But for millions of others, this day is missing one very important aspect- a date.

Single. The word everyone either loves or hates. Many people will claim they are single on Valentine’s Day because they “want to be” which may be true, but deep down they secretly want a rose on this love-crazed holiday. Others absolutely hate to be single on Valentine’s Day and would rather skip the day altogether.

For the singles, this love-filled day will consist of a gallon of Rocky Road ice cream and

head n they

various Nicholas Sparks movies. The day will be spent going on and on about how having a significant other is “stupid” although you are loathing the fact that you don’t have one.

Some will cry over the ex’s that broke their hearts, while others will put on a bold face and admit that their ex’s didn’t impact their life at all.

Although there are many things to be heartbroken about on Valentine’s Day, there is an alternative to this frivolous day. The alternative is to spend this day with the people who you love and who love you the most.

We like to think that this day is supposed to be spent only with the one who “holds your

Public kissing is a crime in Indonesia, punishable by 5 years in prison.

heart” but in reality, this day was meant to be spent with the people who love you and appreciate you the other 364 days of the year.

Have a fun-filled day with your friends by going to the mall or seeing one of many movies coming out on February 14th such as “Endless Love,” “About Last Night” or “Winter’s Tale”.

Have a singles party with your best group of friends and enjoy the day with them by ignoring those who are “madly in love.”

So before you loathe this day before it even starts, think about concentrating this day on the ones who love you and will eat that Rocky Road ice cream with you in sweet satisfaction that this day didn’t get the best of you.

French kissing involves all muscles in the face

42

FAX

ME

kissing involves 5 of your 12 cranial nerves The Guinness World Record

for longest kiss:

50 +

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> “My art is based upon my imagination and creativity,” senior Ashton Jones said.

fourteen life

2.7.14

Hoop it out

Senior shares passion for unique form of dancing Valerie Parker Copy Editor There’s something about a hula hoop that entices her.

Senior Shelby Thomson has been hula hooping for over a year.

Her passion developed when her boyfriend went to military school on Jan. 12, 2012. Thomson got lonely and began watching videos on YouTube of people “hoop,” a term describing a person dancing with a hula hoop to a song, spinning and twisting it in complicated routines.

When she was at the Renaissance Festival in 2012, Thomson watched a girl who was fire hooping, which has balls of fire placed on the hoop.

She noticed the girl was smiling as she did her routine, and that’s how Thomson’s inspiration truly blossomed.

“Hula hooping helps me express myself. If I have a stressful day, I hoop it out. I just go in bliss mode.

When I first started, I strived to be a kick-butt hooper and also to inspire others,” Thomson said. “People say, ‘Really? Hula hooping?” But it’s awesome.”

In the beginning, she practiced as often as possible, but now she only needs an hour a day because she has down most of the moves. Thomson usually listens to Reggae when she hoops or anything with “good vibes” such as “Tribal Seeds” and “Sublime.”

Thomson performed at the Renaissance Festival in 2013, fire hooping (considered “burning”) around the campground at night.

“Fire hooping is intense. It’s how you would feel if you were in a ring of fire that could burn you at any second,” Thomson said.

Each fire stick on her hoop costs $39.99, and there are around five of them. The fuel for the fire only adds to the price. She owns an LED hoop, one which fully lights up, that costs about $130, and she has six hoops.

In order to be more flexible, she participates in yoga at home.

It helps her use interesting body positions while hooping. In the future, Thomson hopes to become a contortionist, an acrobatic circus performer who contort their bodies in unusual ways. She also wants to be a hooping instructor.

Some of her favorite moves or tricks include hooping on her knees then tossing it up in the air, known as the “pizza toss.” The double-handed isolation makes it look like the hoop is spinning in one place. There’s also one Thomson considers the “scorpion pose” with one leg hooping while the other is up in the air, or laying down with one foot in the air.

“Hooping has affected my life in every way. It relieves stress and keeps me motivated and active,” Thomson said. “For those who want to start hooping, watch a lot of videos, they will help. You’ll notice the people in them are always smiling. And if you see someone do something that looks cool, then do it. We’re here for a short time, be happy while you can.

Even if it’s dancing in a circle.”

Hoop dancing. Senior Shelby Thomson poses with her hula hoop. Photo courtesy of Shelby Thomson.

Recent college graduate joins the school staff

New beginnings. Teacher Angela Ellis talks with students in her PACE class. Photo by Ashlynn Peters.

Ashlynn Peters News Editor Less than a year ago, Angela Ellis was sitting in a college class. Now she is teaching the PACE classes formerly taught by Russell Hicks who retired from his teaching career in December.

Ellis graduated from the University of Houston last May with an undergraduate degree in English.

“It’s strange to tell people I’m a teacher now when I’m so used to identifying as a student,” Ellis said.

In fact, she even gets mistaken for a student.

“I’ve been intercepted while trying to leave campus for lunch, told to sign a tardy sheet, and asked why I was on my teacher’s computer when I was alone in my room during my

conference period,” Ellis said. “I just try to find my badge before I’m sent to DMC.” Ellis graduated with an English major. So when offered a job as a PACE teacher at Cy-Fair, which requires an English certification, she jumped at the opportunity.

As a younger teacher, Ellis’ students say they connect with her, and they appreciate how energetic she can be.

“She’s cheerful everyday and makes it fun to learn,” freshman Jasmine Freed, one of Ellis’ students said. “She makes sure you get the grades you deserve.”

Ellis wasn’t nervous about her first year teaching, especially since it was at Cy-Fair.

“My boyfriend and many of his friends graduated from Cy-Fair in 2008, and his mother works for the district, so I had a lot of positive feedback about the school and its students before I began,” Ellis said.

One challenge she faces is the students not wanting to do their work.

“If they choose not to do any of their work, it’s out of my hands, and that’s really disappointing because I know how much a bad grade can affect them later on,” Ellis said.

Ellis doesn’t know for sure what she wants to teach in the future, but she is interested in helping students grow as writers, and says she would love to be involved with the creative writing group on campus.

> “Hula hooping helps me express myself,” senior Shelby Thomson said.

2.7.14

life

fifteen

Jumping to victory Freshman shows in equestrian competitions Valerie Parker Copy Editor Let’s just say she’s horse crazy.

Freshman Claire Levinson has been riding horses for the past nine years. When she was six, her mom wanted to put her in ballet or a group sport, but Levinson knew she wanted something to do with horses.

Levinson competes in riding competitions known as showjumping, events that contain 8-10 different hurdles in an arena. The horse jumps over each obstacle neatly and as fast as possible, with some of the hurdles at least four feet high. Right now, she can jump up to three foot six inches and participates in the hunter jumper division, which isn’t as fast-paced as normal showjumping and is more graceful.

“Show-jumping is an expensive sport, very proper,” Levinson said.

“You have to wear a fancy jacket, breeches (or jodhpurs), tall black riding boots and a black helmet.

The feeling of leaping over a jump is

short, but exhilarating. After landing, I have a few seconds to be thinking about where the next jump is and to collect myself and the horse.”

The barn where she started riding offers English riding only. Each discipline has its own competitions, meanings and saddles.

“I tried western riding once; it didn’t work out because I’ve been riding in the same discipline for too long,” Levinson said. “I’ve also attempted polo, but it requires a lot of upper body strength, considering the stick is heavy and made of wood.”

She owns her own horse, Joe, whom she keeps boarded at Bethel Farm. Joe’s been in her care for only two weeks, but Levinson can’t wait to compete with him in an upcoming show on Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 22-23 called the “Winter Series,” at the Katy Equestrian Center. The competition is almost as big as the “Pine Oak International” finals on March 21-30,

Show-jumping. Claire Levinson competes on her old horse Lady. Photo by Jerry Mohme. which she will also be attending.

Joe’s breed is Quarter Horse, and he stands almost 17 hands high, which is tall for a horse. She rides him four or five times a week.

“Some people invest in horses worth $30,000 just to win,” Levinson said. “Competitions have taught me

to grow up and realize that winning isn’t everything. As long as you know you tried your hardest with the horse you’re on, that’s all that matters.”

Although she describes Joe as sweet, she’s says he sometimes can be a handful when she tacking him up (putting on his equipment) by

nipping her hair and acting playful.

He gets a carrot after every ride.

Levinson has won about 15 competitions in her life. She’s been in over 20 shows but she placed in all of them.

Since then, the thrill of riding still keeps her in the saddle.

Art, passion and inspiration takes student far Christina Moreno Culture Editor

Travels with Charley. Left: Ashton Jones stands with his recent art piece. Photo by Ron Link. Above: Ashton’s drawing of basketball player James Harden.

At age 5, he sat in front of the TV with a sketch pad in one hand and a pencil in the other. After the many times he watched his parents draw, he mirrored the images he saw on the screen. This sparked the beginning of his artistic skills.

As he grew older, he matured as an artist. He started to recognize detail and the little things each picture needed, such as shading that would give it depth.

In his fourth year of taking art, senior Ashton Jones has entered Scholastics, rodeo competitions and between 40 to 50 contests.

“My favorite thing about art is the freedom to express yourself and create whatever you feel like creating any moment in time,” Jones said.

He now draws everything around him like people and the things he pictures in his head. He takes on a style that is more realistic. The improvement of his art skills came from practicing on a daily basis and

trying his best.

“Ashton is a deep thinker and has a detailed oriented style. It is unique and uses so much value,” Art IV AP teacher Jerilyn Muster said.

Jones has created hundreds of pieces. Composing each piece of artwork can vary in time from a day to a week or even two weeks. Most of his pieces have a deeper meaning behind them.

“My art is based upon my imagination and creativity, meaning I don’t really use pictures to draw from. I also use a monochromatic style of drawing means I draw in black and white,” Jones said.

Recently, assistant principal Ron Link asked Jerilyn Muster for a student that could compose a list of items into one picture for his daughter’s boyfriend. The boyfriend likes a book called “Travels with Charley,” about a man with his dog who takes a road trip around the US. Jones was chosen to complete this project where he drew a picture of the boyfriend and his dog with all the things he was interested in.

“With very little information, he created a very cool and unique

drawing. It is going to last forever,” Link said.

His ultimate goal is to have his own clothing line in the store, Zumiez. With his brother inspiring him, he plans to save his money and produce sample products to present to different street wear stores. He wants to sell his products at Freestyle in Willowbrook mall, Shannon’s and other boutiques until his brand starts to buzz. Then he hopes to take his brand to a larger market.

“I’m going to start it by myself because I feel like I’d have all the creative freedom I want by working alone,” Jones said.

He wants to create high fashion street wear that depending on the product and quality of the material will range from $25 to $50. His art skills will come in every design and will put a unique twist to every single one of his products. He has designed a couple of logo ideas for his brand and a few crewneck sweatshirts.

“I feel like if you have ambition, work hard and ignore people who say you can’t do something, you can be successful at whatever you do,” Jones said.

sixteen life

> 7.3 million people in the United

2.7.14

States are vegetarians.

Custodian gives back Su Mai collects cans for homless in Vietnam Danielle D’Aguilar Business Manager After students filter out of the cafeteria, the room is left empty, messy and quiet. When custodian Su Mai comes around to tidy up the space, he pays close attention to items thrown away and forgotten, searching for recyclable aluminum cans.

Each day Su collects up to 200 cans, bringing in nearly $300 each week which puts him at roughly $1,000 per month to send to Vietnam. In one year, he will collect about $12,000. Su gives the money collected after recycling these cans to a charity called Caritas in California that provides necessities for impoverished people living in the mountains of Vietnam.

“The idea to make money from recycling cans and donating it came from my wife in 2011,” Su said. “She felt sympathetic to the

plight of suffering children and the elderly. [My] family did not have enough money to help. My wife thought of recycling cans as a way to make money that could help the disadvantaged.”

Su’s wife, Nguyen Dao, a custodian at Cy-Lakes High School, does not have the same privilege to collect cans during the day as her husband does. Her administrators only allow her to collect the items during her break which prohibits her from collecting as many as possible.

To compensate, she contributes to the couple’s blog and Facebook page.

In July, 2000 Su stepped foot in America as a refugee with the feeling of liberation after escaping a Vietnamese communist regime. He made arrangements for the rest of his family to join him and hoped he could someday give back to those left behind.

Su has seen firsthand the destitute conditions of many people living in

Vietnam, he himself suffered under an oppressive government during the Vietnam War. “Last summer I went back to Vietnam and volunteered at an orphanage,” Su said. There were many people I saw left homeless after a flood. Normal people are living under conditions comparable to those of animals. The broader society cannot afford much, but they do their best. Meanwhile local and state police constantly bully people’s lives leading to situations where assistance is needed.”

Though he is free from the antagonistic communist regime and now lives is a country with better policies toward human rights, Su will always hold a strong connection to his home country where he experienced violence and turmoil throughout his childhood and adulthood.

“We grew up in the war,” Su said.

“We came to the United States for

Collecting cans. Custodian Su Mai collects cans everyday after lunch to raise money for people in Vietnam. Photo by Danielle

D’Aguilar.

human rights. Life in Vietnam has been so difficult. Now we are in regular contact with our homeland and we give to the disabled children,

victims of the war, and people in disaster-ravaged areas. We mostly help them get the food and clothing they need.”

A week without meat

Students go vegetarian to help reduce large scale meat production

Eatng Green. Every student in environmental science signed a contract promising they would go meatless for at least a day. photo by Natalie Berry.

Natalie Berry Managing Editor Senior Chandler Brockman now knows what it is like to go meatless for a five days. He discovered finding meals that contain enough protein was the hardest part of going vegetarian.

“To keep up my protein intake I tried a veggie burger, and [the next day] I ate peanut butter and jelly twice,” Brockman said.

Brockman is only one of the students in Environmental Science AP that went vegetarian or vegan the week of Jan. 13. APES students began this project to help reduce the negative impact that large-scale meat

production has on the environment.

APES teacher Jacquelyn Hornell encouraged her students to challenge themselves to go five days on either a vegetarian or vegan diet. Those who did not want to attempt the fiveday challenge could do the project’s minimum requirement of one day without meat.

Students could join an Edmodo group to post recipes and ideas to share with others. They then turned in a food journal and a reflection essay.

“I want the students to first understand the importance of knowing what is in your food and

where it comes from,” said Hornell.

“I also want them to really think about the environmental impacts of large-scale feedlots, not just for cattle but for swine and poultry, as well.”

According to Hornell, understanding the need for protein and what foods to find it in was one of the big struggles of many of her students.

“We talked almost every day about different protein rich options that are staples of vegetarian or vegan diets,” Hornell said. “Protein is such a key component of a healthy diet and there are tons of options out there for plant-based diets that have nothing to do with coming from an animal source.”

Senior Blake Vance participated for only one day due to his dietary and fitness requirements for protein.

“I normally eat about 8,000 calories a day,” Vance said. “It is very hard to get my necessary calories and protein through mainly eating vegetables.”

Vance also noted that vegetarian meals are not for those who like cheap or easy things to eat.

“Fresh food is very expensive,” Vance said. “I spent $35 on groceries for just one day. Also, it was harder to cook because I didn’t just buy vegetables in a bag that you can

steam, everything I bought was fresh.”

Those who were already vegetarians, like senior Katherine Bui, could remain vegetarian or go vegan. Bui opted to go vegan for five days and discovered that it was a big change, even for a vegetarian.

“There are a lot of things people don’t realize that you can’t eat as a vegan like butter, cheese and wheat,” Bui said. “The first day I ate naan bread because I didn’t realize it wasn’t vegan.”

Bui said her attempt at a vegan diet proved successful. She felt

cleaner, with better digestion after the five days was over.

Both Brockman and Bui agreed that they would consider going vegetarian and vegan for longer periods of time. Brockman’s grandfather just had a triple heart bypass, so his whole family decided to go vegetarian and encourage a healthier lifestyle. These kind of lasting impressions are what Hornell wants her students to take away from the project.

“Educating yourself is always the first step to understanding and making an impact,” Hornell said.

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commentary

The Reporter Staff

You’ve got mail

Co-Editors in Chief Rebecca Barger Alex Edwards

Put down your phone, pick up a pen A little while ago, I received a letter just out of the blue. It was from my camp roommate, Emma, and it was about nothing in particular, Harper Neitzey just a “Hi, Life Editor how are you doing?” And I was so overjoyed that I had gotten a piece of mail. I mean lets face it, we all talk about how much we love receiving hand written letters, but we never actually send any ourselves.

If we want to know something or ask someone how they are, we just text them. And if we want to get fancy, we send them an email. We never take the time to sit down and write our feelings out on paper and mail them. Instead we type them on our phone in 140 characters or less while eating dinner and watching

“Grey’s Anatomy”...guilty as charged, I never give 100 percent of my attention to anyone anymore.

With all our new technology, “snail mail” is getting more and more outdated. Bills are paid online, businesses send their junk mail to your inbox instead of your mailbox, we catch up with our friends that moved away through text or social media and we invite people to our parties through Facebook.

I’m afraid that by the time I’m getting married, mail will be nonexistent, and I’ll have to send a wedding invitation via email. What’s classy about that? Nothing.

We all crave mail, whether it’s a sweet hand written letter or an invitation to a party, we want it.

Ten years ago when “The Notebook” came out, every girls heart filled with jealously when Noah told Allie, “I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you every day for a year.”

There is just something more

sentimental about a handwritten letter vs. a text message.

I mean, it wouldn’t have been the same if Noah had said, “I texted you 365 times.” That would have just been annoying.

We all complain that no one writes us letters like that or even a letter at all, but really we’re the ones to blame because it’s not like we’re writing letters either. And I am afraid that I am the worst culprit.

I got that letter from Emma more than three months ago, and it’s been sitting on my desk ever since. I’ve been meaning to reply, but I just haven’t had the time. I’ve been too busy keeping up with the Kardashians and my twitter feed. But it’s finally time I put my phone down, pick up pencil

and write a letter back.

Even though our generation is the generation of technology, change doesn’t mean we have to change everything. We can keep some old things around.

Lights out! Teenagers need about nine hours of sleep . Photo by Los Angeles Times/ MCT Campus

for school, they are only getting seven hours of the nine they need.

And while to me staying up later seems like a good solution to my inability to get work done, what could be the consequences of these habits? Well, for one, people who don’t get enough sleep are less awake and alert, which means that driving and learning can be very impaired.

That’s why fatigued drivers cause more than 100,000 accidents a year, and it also explains why so many of us struggle to stay awake and on task in class.

Lack of sleep has also been known to deepen depression symptoms, stunt the production of collagen, which is responsible for renewing skin and other body tissues and cause an increase in appetite, especially for fatty foods.

Even more seriously, sleep deprivation for indefinite periods can cause serious health issues like strokes, heart attacks and high blood pressure.

It’s easy to get swept up in the fast-paced and late (or early in my case) nights of our teen years, but one’s health should always take

Commentary Editors Matt Schneider Desirae Hoover Culture Editors Christina Moreno Ashlynn Peters Life Editors Harper Neitzey Maddie Pierce

Sports Editors Will Davis Amanda Heller Copy Editors Kaylin Jones Valerie Parker Online Editor Cody Brown Graphics Editor Rebecca East

Write me a river. “We all crave mail, whether it’s a sweet hand written letter or an invitation to a party, we want it.” said Harper Neitzey Photo by Los Angeles Times/MCT Campus

Junior rants on not getting sleep Or is it just a side effect of being a teen?

According to doctors, teenagers need a lot more sleep than people of other ages need: about nine hours a night. However, they also say that teens typically get drowsy later, usually around 11 p.m. Those two things do not go well together. If most teenagers go to sleep at 11 p.m. and wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready

Managing Editor Natalie Berry

News Editor Kestra Derise

Too tired to function

I have a problem. One that contradicts one of the biggest stereotypes about teenagers. I cannot go to sleep late. My body, my Natalie Berry mind, every Managing Editor part of me shuts down completely at about 9 p.m. without fail. Even on weekends.

Despite getting about nine hours of sleep a night, give or take, I always wake up tired. And for the past three years, I’ve said the phrase “I’m tired” about 15 times a day. It’s basically become my catch phrase.

Sometimes, I unintentionally procrastinate schoolwork because I am so tired that I can’t even keep my eyes open to do work. Last year, when I took World History AP, I would always fall asleep doing notes.

My white comforter was ruined by black ink stains from pens I was using to do notes that fell out of my hand when I dozed off.

I’ve kind of started to wonder if this a permanent thing. Is it just me?

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precedence.

If, like with me, homework seems to pose a threat to one’s sleep schedule, maybe space out work over a couple of days instead of procrastinating and cramming the night before. Consider adjusting one’s schedule if the problem becomes too severe. Staying up all night to do notes for five AP classes may seem worth it until memory impairment, resulting from lack of sleep, causes failing test grades.

For our generation, especially turning off or silencing electronics before bedtime could be a huge factor in reducing fatigue. While a couple more episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” may seem appealing now, feeling miserable the next morning is not worth it.

If all else fails, going to a doctor may be the only solution.

Doctors often recommend hormone supplements like Melatonin, which regulates sleeping patterns.

Additionally, doctors would be able verify whether the fatigue is just a factor that comes along with young adulthood or if it is something more serious.

Business Manager Danielle D’Aguilar Reporters Katelyn Gehrt Sydney Hoffman Jessica Ullrich Tyler Whigham Adviser Lillian Harris

Editorial Policy The Reporter is a Cy-Fair High School student publication. Its purpose is to inform and entertain the student body and faculty, and also to serve as a lab for students enrolled in advanced journalism classes. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Reporter staff, the Cy-Fair High School faculty and staff, the Cy-Fair Independent School District or the school board. The Reporter maintains the right to refuse any goods or services that it deems inappropriate for teenagers. The Reporter is a Quill and Scroll, TAJE, SPA, NSPA, and JEA member. Cy-Fair is located at 22602 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429.

The journalism office (Room 2005) can be reached at (281) 897-4658 or by emailing Lillian.Harris@cfisd.net.

Corrections

In the Nov. 15 issue of the The Reporter (Issue 2), the photos of students on page 2 were inadvertently credited to the wrong photographers. The photo of Aaran Nichols was taken by Nicole Charney. The photo of Derrick Williams was taken by Emmi Donald. The photo of Nick Eads was taken by Bobby Baker. Also, in the Dec. 17, 2013, Issue 3, the photo on the center of (ROTC) should have been credited to Nicie Flores, not Sarah East. The picture of football wining district was also taken by Nicie Flores not Sarah East.

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2.7.14

We are the millennial generation Staff Ed

The first thing most of us see when waking up in the morning is a brightly lit screen.

Check for missed text messages. Scroll through Twitter. Did anything interesting happen in the eight hours we were asleep? Not really.

As the up and coming generation, we find ourselves bound to the world of technology.

We are constantly connected, whether it be via status update, tweet or iMessage. We are constantly rushing out to buy the newest versions of what we already have. We snap photos of our food, our conversations, ourselves.

We are the Millennials.

Born from 1980-2000, we are set to take over the job market in replace of the Baby Boomers in the next couple of years. And with that comes swarms of criticism from our predecessors.

The Millennial generation is the largest and most diverse when compared to years before. We are cited as lazy and narcissistic, overconfident in the eyes of some. And all critiques point to the rise of social media.

Instagram, Twitter, Vine--they’re consuming. The competition for who has the most followers, who gets the most likes or who knows the latest gossip first, makes it difficult to tear our eyes away from that tiny screen.

And with the likes and the favorites comes that overconfidence. Take a selfie, slap a filter on it and bam--it’s an instant boost to morale.

But there’s a huge difference between real life and the Internet. What’s posted online can easily be skewed, fabricated, edited. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a world that’s more perfect than the real one. Technology is cited as the new generation’s ultimate downfall, but it’s also quite possibly the greatest ascent.

Because when Millennial’s actually take the

‘My laziness has

reached an extreme’ Christina Moreno Culture Editor The “ideal” student goes to school each day with the necessary eight hours of sleep.

She participates in each class, getting her work done. She does her homework and gets to bed at a reasonable time.

But we aren’t ideal students.

Students are getting lazier by the minute.

It’s as if “senioritis” has come too early. Second semester puts our minds in that summertime daze. Counting down the days until break and embracing the days we have off for holidays (and snow days).

My laziness has reached the extreme. Every day I go through situations that highlight just how lazy I am. First off, some girls wake up extra early to straighten their hair or put on makeup while I tend to roll out of bed 10 minutes before I have to leave and do my makeup driving to school-- which is probably not the smartest thing to do if you really think about it. Then during class, I sit there and talk to my friends while I pretend to work because I figure I can just do the work at home.

I’m sure I could finish all of my assignments, even homework during class, but the combination of being tired and lazy only leads to me telling myself to just do it at home.

The only problem with having loads of work to complete when I get home is that after school naps are my specialty. Coming home, changing into Nike shorts and a T-shirt, accompanied with being enveloped in a warm blanket, is just asking for a nap, which can go on for two to three hours.

Those situations aren’t even the biggest contributing factors to my laziness. Netflix has become such a distraction. I start with one

episode of “Gossip Girl” and before I know it, I’ve watched 10. I’ll watch a couple and tell my dad that I’m just going to watch one more, but we all know that with a good show there is never a stopping point. I have to see if Chuck and Blair are going to get back together, or what the next drama in the Upper East Side will be. My bedtime has been pushed back due to the many delays caused by Netflix. I blame Netflix for procrastination of our school work.

“Grey’s”, “One Tree Hill”, “Gossip Girl”- so many choices and not enough time in the day.

Then there’s social media. It’s a “first world problem.” We all have to know the latest about who’s everyone’s latest mcm (man crush Monday) or wcw (women crush Wednesday). I can’t explain why we feel the need to check out everyone’s pictures and see what they’re doing.

Maybe it’s because it’s more exciting than doing bland homework.

But it is not only is it about pictures, it’s also about the twitter drama. We all wonder what is going to be the next topic of discussion.

From arguing about who is going to win the football game or the latest breakup. It’s all exciting and deserves a constant refreshing of our feed. The nonstop checking of my phone only continues to distract me from homework or studying. Many of us tell ourselves “okay one more question and I’ll just check twitter” and then that ends up being a 30-minute frenzy of scrolling through all the tweets I missed.

I believe I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t live without my phone. It’s bad to be this way especially with college just around the corner. My parents really want me to stop being so lazy. But my friends know me better – and that would be almost impossible.

time to look up from those iPhones, a swarm of possibilities arise.

It’s easy to look at technology as all consuming. But who are the people behind all of these new inventions taking over our lives?

Mark Zuckerberg, 29, creator of Facebook.

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, 26, creators of Instagram.

Lady GaGa, 27, creator of a new wave of pop trends, and also highest earner out of all music artists last year.

All members of the Millennial generation.

With the surplus of modernization, competition is growing with each year. And with that sense of rivalry comes innovation.

The drive to want to become the next big thing paves the way for a future that is more creative than ever before.

And that hunger to be acknowledged contributes to more than just inventions. Social media can be more than what you ate for

breakfast, or OMG how annoying parents are.

Behind every message posted is a real person, just itching for their words to be noticed. And sometimes, those words are used to better the population (remember when we stopped Kony?) and are spread worldwide with the ease of the Internet.

It’s easy for the older generations to look down upon those that come after them. Maybe it’s because they don’t understand our world.

Don’t understand that you can’t zoom in on an Instagram picture. Don’t understand why their children are always making weird faces at their phones (Snapchat, duh). And especially don’t understand what exactly a hashtag is.

It’s easy to critique a world so different from their own. Instead, it’s more important for those against the new generation to adapt to the constant changes opening doors every day.

Because Millennials are taking over, fast, and there’s nothing anybody can do to stop us.

Remember Me Student reflects on the ‘little things’ Will Davis Sports Editor Remember me.

For now most of us are six feet above the ground. And we remember the faces of those that are not. Every day is a gift and a blessing and the reason we do not live like it is because we forget.

We forget that we learned to swim, learned to write and we all conquered something great- whether it was a new skill or a victorious moment. We forgot when cherry coke hit the shelves and that none of us understood what was happening on 9/11. But then again, who else understood? Our memories are our lives.

We forget that we could “pretend” and that our imaginations would run wild and we were royalty, great commanders and legends. I see now how that imagination has decayed and rotted away into paper and packets of work and no play.

Once upon a time we were young. We learned from experiences and taught ourselves what no adult could. And we have grown up too fast. Freshman year was last week and we will all graduate tomorrow. We need to make each breath count and each minute needs to be a world away from the last. Each day we learn but what limits us from seizing every single one? Each is numbered and that terrifies me into loving more and hating less all the while trying my hardest never to take anyone for granted. I love people, and what I love is that we all love the small things. Compliments or subtle jokes shed light on our situations and in this way just a single moment can change a day.

Each of us is a story waiting to be told and that story starts here and now. When we question the meaning of life, strive to be a light.

May we burn bright and leave scars on the sun.

No matter where we go when we die,

each day has the importance of something much bigger than 24 hours. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference. Maybe what was broken can slowly mend but until then, dismiss hate with a sigh or a laugh or an embrace because that is all we have time for.

Remember now. Remember this because failure will always pale in comparison to the fact that we gave effort. Our life is about the journey. It’s about going the distance which is unbound before us. For the expeditions of our own lives, take company with us and rely on each other during the struggles we will face.

We can administer hope that dwells within all of us. On the roads of what lies in the future, we can test the boundaries and the limits and one day declare the earth to be round and know that in the process of that discovery we were reaching for the edge of what we knew.

I remember loves, whispers, screams, fires, raging fires, pools, streams, oceans, vast skies and mountain ranges. I remember Tate, Chase, and every summer day spent watching water and every night long boarding with those best of friends. I remember Frankie who I buried alongside such sorrow and grief. I remember stars and the best burritos. Rains and snows and winds. I remember pain, sorrow, and how it never lasted, indescribable happiness and utter wonder.

Remember everything, firsts and lasts, kisses, fights, dances, friends, best friends, emotions. This world cares nothing for how we end, so live like you mean it. Exist now. Love and let nothing bind who you are and what you will become. Thousands will know my name, but let them know it from how I live. How we live.

>“Blake Shelton is my favorite judge.”

Shelby McMillin, 9

culture

“Do you wanna build a snowman?”

Rebecca East Graphics Editor

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Photo by Jennifer Pritchard/MCT.

Disney’s new movie “Frozen”

There will always be a place in a person’s heart for the one who won’t admit she’s in love, the mermaid under the sea and the girl worth fighting for. Now it’s time to allow the sisters in the snow that VIP area.

Since Walt D’Isigny (Disney) produced his first movie in 1937, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”, his legacy of ‘celebrate everyday’ continues to strive. As of 2012, Walt Disney Productions has released 663 movies.

On Nov. 7, 2013, “Frozen” made its debut to the general public.

Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” this soon to be Disney classic will surely melt audience’s hearts.

As the title credits fade, we begin to hear the chucking of ice. The

liquid sound of chorus bass and baritone men fill our ears. After the opening, we meet royal sisters Anna and Elsa. We are introduced to them while Elsa is experimenting and enjoying her ice powers by making a snow flurry in the palace ballroom for her and Anna to play in.

After Anna suffers an injury from Elsa’s untamed powers, Anna’s memories are swiped of Elsa’s magic and Elsa secludes herself from Anna to keep her safe for the rest of their childhood. Years pass and the two sisters grow up apart as strangers.

The focus of the plot is then steered after Elsa is coronated as Queen of Aerendale and accidentally reveals her powers to the entire kingdom.

Afraid and scared, she runs into the

mountains, leaving her sister behind.

Anna goes after her and brings along a new eskimo man friend, Kristof, and his reindeer companion, Sven, to help.

All throughout the first half of the movie there are tons of great songs scattered to drive the plot forward including “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Let it Go,” and “Love is an Open Door.” Although, it was disappointing that by the time Anna’s journey had started, there were only two more songs in the entire movie, “For the First Time in Forever (reprise),” and “Fixer Upper.”

This all-star cast including Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Kristen Bell, Santino Fontana and Josh Gad (all of

TV shows to watch for

2014

Alex Edwards Co-Editor in Chief

The Bachelor January 5 Man crush Monday is back and hotter than ever-or should I say muy caliente. Juan Pablo Galavis Guinand, this year’s Venezuelan bachelor, will charm the girls with a unique accent and impressive soccer skills. Juan Pablo is a likable man but a rumored playboy, so this season should be filled with plenty of entertaining drama.

whom have been on Broadway) will surely keep your foot tapping and humming along hours after you leave the theater. Frozen’s soundtrack even passed up Beyonce’s album on the hit charts.

The unique plot and catchy score is nothing like other Disney princess movies “The Daily Beast” says it’s the best Disney movie since “The Lion King,” and is well supported by its 2014 Golden Globe award for best animated film and over 30 other

Pretty Little Liars

January Every teenage girl across America squealed at the return of the fourth season of this drama. The boys got cuter the plot more twisted, with plenty of surprises accompanying the upcoming episodes. Ezra was revealed as A, but the show has a history of turning the tables at the most unexpected moments.

How I Met Your Mother

January 14 The long-running comedic sitcom comes to a close with it’s eighth and final season this spring. Ted, Barney, Robin, Marshall and Lily are up to their usual shenanigans, ending the epic tale with a bang. And spoiler alert- the forever anticipated mother is finally revealed.

The Voice

Photo by Eugene Garcia/MCT.

Grey’s Anatomy February 27 The winter finale left viewers hanging by a thread, with Jackson Avery confessing his love for April Kepner--at her wedding. This season will be full of surprises and lasts, including the snarky Christina Yang’s final goodbye. As one of the original

six, actress Sandra Oh’s exit will be an emotional one. Oh told magazines, “Creatively, I really feel like I gave it my all, and I feel ready to let her go.”

The rest of the cast is set to return for a season 11, but dedicated fans wonder if just McDreamy can keep the show alive.

Photo by Pailin Wedel/MCT.

February 24 Season six of the competitive singing competition is set to return with two familiar faces in the new year. Usher and Shakira will replace veteran judges Christina Aguilera and Ceelo Green for the second time in the show’s history.

Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will return as America’s favorite bromance, bringing the witty banter and attractive charm that makes the show so entertaining. Maybe Cypress will produce another champion this season.

nominations.

On Jan. 13, before being released from theaters, Disney Theatrical Performances announced “Frozen” was to take the stage. Walt Disney CEO, Bob Iger, said he was going to focus on the quality of the musical and not rush the development process. It will be the fifth Disney movie to be made into a Broadway musical (behind the release of ”Aladdin,” which is to debut in spring of 2014).

There’s more...

Suburgatory January 15

Downton Abbey January 5

The Walking Dead February 9

Teen Wolf January 6

Photo by Rob Kim/MCT.

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> ”My favorite part of the Grammys was Beyonce performing,” Sanchita Mahoorkar, 11

Standout stars

culture

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all photos courtesy of MCTcampus

Sydney Hoffman Reporter Rebecca East Graphics Editor

Alfonso Cuaron has snatched up 11 awards this year for his newest film, “Gravity,” including best director at the 2014 Golden Globes.

Cuaron’s other works include “Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004), and “The Little Princess” (1995).

In the early stages of development, Cuaron had to figure out how he would have Sandra Bullock’s character, Ryan Stone, and George Clooney’s character, Matt Kowalski, achieve the allusion of zero gravity in filming. Cuaron’s film team had to pre-program the entire movie before they could have Bullock and Clooney start filming.

Even though the filming process had begun, they were using prototypes of machines that had not yet been invented. Luckily, the machines held out through the process to give “Gravity” the quality and life it needed.

Cuaron really outdid himself, not only receiving an 8.3 rating on IMDb, but also creating one of the most clever underlying themes ever, rebirth. “Gravity” is a definite must see.

This year Matthew McConaughey swept 13 awards from all around the world for his performance as Ron Woodroof in “Dallas Buyer’s Club”.

Woodroof, an electrician by day and rodeo bull rider by night, was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 because of heavy drug use and frequent sexual intercourse. After being told he has 30 days to live, he develops an obsession with an untested and non-FDA approved treatment drug.

After doctors refuse to give him the drug, he obtains it illegally.

Woodroof and another AIDS sufferer, Rayon (Jared Leto) begin a buyers club to sell the treatment to fellow Dallas citizens also suffering from the disease. McConaughey’s alarmingly touching character makes this masterpiece the tear-jerker that it is.

The film does include mature content, so I wouldn’t recommend watching it with your parents.

However, this is a must see movie, earning an 8.1 rating on IMDb. It has been nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.

(Watch out, Leo!).

Seventeen-year-old New Zealand native Ella YelichO’Connor, commonly known as Lorde, took home two honors at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

She won for her hit single, “Royals”, in the Song of the Year category. “Royals” was written by Joel Little and Lorde herself.

She was also granted Best Pop Solo Performance for her international chart topper. Winning two out of four nominations this new artist is quickly gaining worldwide recognition for her fusion of art pop and electronica melodies.

She released her first album, ‘Pure Heroine’ in September of 2013 inspired by real events experienced in her youth and her bold opinions of mainstream culture.

While often showing a timid and shy attitude, Lorde has many accomplishments to be proud of.

She is the third youngest Grammy recipient. She is also the first solo act from New Zealand to climb to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

With her catchy beats and independent nature, Lorde is not a passing trend. She is here to stay.

Since 2010, AMC’s “Breaking Bad” has been nominated for 11 Screen Actors Guild awards, and this year walked away with the victory of outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series.

This is one of 27 other victories the cast as a whole has won for “Breaking Bad.” Bryan Cranston stars as high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, who is diagnosed with lung cancer and becomes a methamphetamine maker to support his family after death. Some co-stars include Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), Skyler White (Anna Gunn) and Hank Schrader (Dean Norris).

“Breaking Bad” premiered in 2008 and closed in 2013 with five completed seasons. They are one of the few shows to end before things were dragged out for too long.

Things never slowly progressed and audiences were never left disappointed or confused, and the show had a sad, yet satisfying, and well written ending.

“Breaking Bad” has a 9.6 rating on IMDb (higher rating than “Forrest Gump” and “The Shawshank Redemption”).

Thank you creator, Vince Gilligan, for this one.

On Jan. 12, Leonardo DiCaprio was presented with his second Golden Globe award for his performance in the edgy comedy in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” set in 1990.

His first Golden Globe was awarded to him in 2005 for “The Aviator”. Opening with a weekend gross of $18,361,578, “The Wolf of Wall Street” started off strong, ranking number one in its first week out.

DiCaprio portrays the role of Jordan Belfort, wealthy stockbroker who, while enjoying his life of luxury, succumbs to corrupt habits leaving him in stiff predicaments with the federal government. While receiving mostly positive reviews, this movie has content that may be offensive to some viewers.

As a Leo lover myself, I may be slightly biased but this award was indeed warranted. DiCaprio depicted Belfort in an honest regard, successfully illustrating his peaks and troughs following him in a captivating and borderline mad story. “The Wolf of Wall Street” was rewarded an 8.6 on IMDb. Congrats on another great film, Leo. Maybe this time you’ll be able to snatch up that Oscar.

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> “My favorite part about Showstoppers is the group acts, and I like that is mainly student run,” Travis Bassett, 11

2.7.14

‘Sound track of our lives’

Choir students prepare for their show stopping performance Sydney Hoffman Reporter Choir students will kick start their Showstoppers performance on Feb. 7, 8 and 10 at 7 p.m. As chosen by the students, the theme is “Soundtrack of our Lives.”

Attendees can expect familiar hit songs performed by large groups, small ensembles and soloists.

For only $5 during presale and $8 at the door, everyone is invited to watch the long awaited choir concert. Songs include “Lights” by Ellie Goulding, “Tonight Tonight”

by Hot Chelle Rae and “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons along with many more.

“The songs are fun and everyone can have fun with it,” senior Sahanna Krishnathasan said. “There’s even awesome choreography.”

They have been practicing for close to a month.

“As always the expectations are high, so it’s guaranteed your money’s worth,” Krishnathasan said.

For freshman Adriana Contreras,

this is her first time performing.

“To be a part of the whole process of putting on a huge show like this is just amazing,” Contreras said. “I love seeing how all the rehearsals and all the hard work everyone put in to make this possible come together to become this breath taking performance.”

While it is her first time being involved in the show, Showstoppers is not a new concept.

“I went to Showstoppers last year and I was blown away,” Contreras said. “Each choir was so unique, and I loved hearing how they sounded all together for the finale.”

The show allows students to showcase their talent and perform what they have learned all year.

The performances will be directed by the choir teachers Jed Ragsdale, Michelle Capdau and Luke Kirkwood.

“It’s a lot of detailed work,” Kirkwood said. “It’s a lot

of organization with lights, choreography, singing and microphones.”

Marissa Garcia has been in choir since ninth grade and is choir president this year. She will be singing a solo and a duet along with group songs.

“It’s really fun being a senior because you really think about how fast each Showstoppers show goes,” Garcia said.

Each year, Showstoppers is an emotional time for seniors in choir, as many of them have been involved in it for four years.

“We do a circle gathering of the seniors in the middle before we start the show,” Garcia said. “Each year you progressively realize how much closer you get to that now knowing that this year we’re in the middle and that it’s our last show; it’s crazy to wrap your head around but it’s also fun knowing that it’s your last one.”

“Forget You!” Choir students dance to a pop hit in dress rehearsal. Photo by Sydney Hoffman.

Up and coming celebrities of 2014

Kaylin Jones Copy Editor

All photos by Francis Specker/MCT.

Ansel Elgort Making his debut on the silver screen as Tommy Ross in the 2013 remake of Stephen King’s cult classic “Carrie”, Ansel Elgort’s first highly publicized role will be Caleb, Tris Prior’s brother, in the highly anticipated “Divergent.” Also with Woodley, Elgort is set to play Augustus Waters, Hazel Grace’s lover, in John Green’s book turned movie “The Fault in Our Stars”.

Shailene Woodley Better known as Amy Juergens from the ABC Family series “The Secret Life of an American Teenager,” Shailene Woodley is definitely the one to watch in the new year. “The Descendants” and “The Spectacular Now” gained recognition and nominations for the young actress.

In two New York Times Best Seller books turned movies, the actress will be portraying Hazel Grace Lancaster in “The Fault in Our Stars” and Beatrice ‘Tris’ Prior in “Divergent”.

Rainbow Rowell

Outkast

Dylan O’Brien

A far cry from the celebrities that made the list, but definitely worth mentioning, Rowell is the author of the young adult novels “Eleanor & Park” and “Fangirl” (both made it to the New York Times Bestsellers list). “Fangirl” was even chosen for Tumblr’s new book club. With her rising number of fans and loyal readers on the blogging site, she can even be considered as the new John Green (author of “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Looking for Alaska”).

They’re back. The hip hop duo, consisting of Andre “Andre 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, first made their way to stardom back in the 1990s with hits such as “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya!” Six Grammy’s and 20 years later, the duo announced that they’ll be reuniting to celebrate their success by performing worldwide at 40 festivals during spring/summer of 2014, beginning with a headline spot at Coachella in Indo, California.

Best known for his role as Stiles Stilinski on MTV’s “Teen Wolf ”, Dylan O’Brien has also guest starred on the hit TV show “New Girl” starring Zooey Deschanel. The young actor even made Seventeen magazine’s “Hottest Boys on TV” list for the first time. Though O’Brien has made his way into the film world with movies such as “The Internship” and “The First Time,” he will be starring in the film adaptation of “The Maze Runner” along with London born star Kaya Scodeario.

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> ”Sherlock is easy to marathon,” Allison Hill, 11

culture

twenty-three Photo by Rahoul Ghose/MCT.

‘Killing me? That’s so two years ago’ Rebeccah Barger Co-Editor in Chief

“Sherlock” season 3 returns after two-year hiatus

For the 20 million combined British and American viewers, the two years spent waiting for the return of the world renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and sidekick John Watson, were an excruciating eternity. Especially after the cliffhanger ending of season two.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman may have been busy in their silver screen work in the “Hobbit” enterprise, but their return to American television on Jan. 19 was wholeheartedly welcome. And for those who scoured the internet after the New Year premiere in Britain, the gold mine of season three may have already come and gone.

And a gold mine it was.

Season three of “Sherlock” is a

flawless blend of sharp wit, heartstopping shockers and one beautiful Holmes-Watson bromance.

Hands down, this is the best season yet.

In previous seasons, writers Steven Moffat, Stephen Thompson and Mark Gatiss (who plays Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft, in the series), explored the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle staples like Hounds of Baskerville, Irene Adler intrigue and evil mastermind James Moriarty. “Sherlock” sticks closely to the original books and short stories, making only minimal changes made to modernize the series to London 2014, and it’s this dedication to the original that truly makes this take on Sherlock Holmes unrivaled.

And while season three follows

the same immaculate trend, it also gives the show an opening into a bold unexplored world of what happens to Sherlock and Watson after the all too well-known Moriarty and Irene story lines. And, of course, what happens after Sherlock (spoiler alert!) fakes his death in the season two finale “The Reichenbach Fall.”

So, the audience enters into the well anticipated premiere “The Empty Hearse”, which is expected to be the most dramatic event of the three 90-minute long episodes that come in each season. But, this season is so much more than the mystery of ‘how Sherlock survived.’ We are soon introduced to (surprise!) Watson’s fiancee, Mary, played by Amanda Abbington, and their wedding becomes the focus of episode two

“The Sign of Three”.

But it was truly the season three finale, “His Last Vow” that stands as the gem of all 2014 television. That might be an early claim to make, but the dramatic introduction of new villain Charles Magnussen, played

by Lars Mikkelsen, and a few other massive “Sherlock” secrets that are too big to reveal, elicit tears, laughter, and maybe a few expletives during its showing.

All I can say without risking too much is this: Oh. My. God. Like really, oh my God. For those who have yet to join the fold of ‘Sherlockians,’ there’s only one thing to do: immediately spend a weekend in bed catching up on Netflix.

Besides its quirky, clever tone,

mix of comedy and drama and stunningly talented Freeman and Cumberbatch, the series is also renown for its crisp unmatched cinematography, which display Watson’s texts on screen, lead the viewer through Holmes’s adroit deductions, and finally, give up a good long look into Sherlock’s infamous mind palace (the source of his infinite genius). The modern series is the perfect take on the wellknown story that can seem like it has been overdone. BBC has a true winner here.

“Sherlock” is a must for anyone who even remotely enjoys watching television, and for the current fans of the series, may the next two years be as good as they can be in the wake of waiting for season four.

Photos by Lawrence K. Ho/MTC

Your favorite books transformed to movies Maddie Pierce Life Editor Ever since the rise of the Harry Potter book and movie series, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of books being adapted into films.

This year will prove to be a particularly big one with so many bestselling books hitting the big screen. The adaptation of so many already well-known novels will continue to increase the number of book sales and perhaps steer our generation’s attention more toward reading. Some of the most anticipated films coming out in the next few months are “Gone Girl”, “The Book Thief ”, “Serena”, “Vampire Academy”, “Divergent” and of course who could forget John Green’s bestselling “The Fault in Our Stars”.

Out in theaters

June 6, 2014

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photo essay

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MR. CY-FAIR Will Davis Sports Editor Natalie Berry Managing Editor

Pool star. For the sportswear category, senior Destin Ray dressed up as a pool player. This was Ray’s third year participating in Mr. Cy-Fair. “It would have been nice to win [the competition] but that isn’t why I did it,” Ray said. “It is so much fun that there is no reason not to do it.” Photo by

Belt it out. Seniors Destin Ray and Will Lauterbach played the piano while senior Colton Carter sung pop hit “Say Something.” Seniors Zach Herrod and Austin Keith did an interpretive dance at the same time. “The best part was when I got to stand on [Zach and Austin’s] backs and sing and the audience actually cheered,” Carter said. Photo by William Davis.

William Davis.

Royalty. Junior Thad Milton won over the judges with his talent routine to “Old Time Rock and Roll” and was crowned Mr. Cy-Fair. “My talent routine was actually my most embarrassing moment,” said Milton. During the interview portion of the show, Milton stood out because he turned away from the audience and took a “selfie” to commemorate the moment, saying “I’ve always wanted to do this.” Photo by Nicie Flores.

Switch it up. This was Chase Rabel’s first year in Mr. Cy-Fair. His talent routine was dancing and singing to the song “No Air” by Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks.

Rabel dressed as Sparks on one side of his body and Brown on the other. He turned to each different side when singing their parts. “My favorite part was when I turned around to be Chris Brown and everyone loved it,” Rabel said. Photo by William Davis.

Snazzy. Senior Chandler Brockman won third runner-up for Mr. Cy-Fair.

For his talent, Brockman sung opera with Aaron Hastings. “My favorite part of my talent routine was probably when Ryan [Wiedner] had a drum solo in the finale,” Brockman said. Photo by William Davis.