Volume 11 No. 2
Houston ISD teens covering Houston
Dec. 15, 2016
Teen and nanny share special reunion By Payton Campbell CARNEGIE HIGH SCHOOL
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he relationship shared between Julia Dietrich and her nanny, Brenda Bonier is unparalleled. They first met when Julia was two weeks old after her mother put an ad in the Houston Chronicle newspaper asking for a nanny to help care for her three children, Sam, Max and Julia. Bonier recalled she immediately knew how to calm Julia down the first instant she laid eyes on her. “I said pass me that baby,” after realizing that Julia needed water, “I started singing beautiful songs to her and she didn’t cry no more that day honey,” Bonier said reminiscing on her first encounter with Julia. “From the moment I saw that red-headed child, I knew she was going to be somebody and be great.” After seeing so many stories about race relations in the country, Julia said it brought to mind the wonderful relationship she and her family shared with Bonier. Born in Montgomery, Alabama during a difficult time in history, Bonier said she learned to treat others with high respect. She not
Courtesy Photo
Brenda Bonier was the Dietrich nanny for 12 years. She helped raise Julia Dietrich and her brothers Max and Sam.
only knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but she also participated in civil rights marches. “Therefore adversity is not foreign to me,” Bonier said. “You don’t look at people’s skin color. You judge them by their character.”
Bonier was a confidant for Julia. “She was someone who I could talk to about anything because she was there from when I was two weeks old until I was 12,” she said. “When I was growing up, she was a friend for me more than anything else. She was one
of my best friends. I told her everything.” Bonier recounted many of the activities she often shared with Julia. “Love is not what you say, it is what you do,” she said.
Bonier said she raised Julia as if she was raising one of her own children. “I made sure she knew she was loved and often spent time going to McDonalds, playing in the park and reading books.” Bonier was a very influential figure for Julia, who believes Bonier’s presence in her life helped to shape the person she is today - mainly because of the many lessons taught to her. “I believe the main lesson I was taught was to accept people and don’t hold bias or prejudice for anything because as a white girl growing up and walking around with my African American nanny, people would definitely stare at us and the looks that they would give us were super judgemental,” the Carnegie Vanguard High School senior said. “She would tell me stories about when she was growing up she had to face a bunch of adversity and so she tried to instill in me not to be hateful.” Bonier said she wanted to be more than just a nanny. “My job title was just to see about those children,” she said. “I taught them to clean the playroom up, made sure they read daily and taught them to support each other. Nanny continues on pg. 3
Westbury teen hopes for a better life
after overcoming human trafficking terror By Gisselle Balderas WESTBURY HIGH SCHOOL
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Photo by Gisselle Balderas
“Antonio” writes the word anger as he expresses his feelings about being a victim of human trafficking.
Transgender teen and teen who battles eating disorder share their stories. Pages 6-7
he survivor. It’s been said, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.” Today, walk a mile in Antonio’s shoes, a Westbury High School student who wishes not to reveal his full identity. “Antonio” roams the same hallways, classes and interacts with the same teachers as his peers. He lives a life many believe does not exist. “Many people in school don’t know about my past and I don’t want them want to either. I don’t want people to treat me different or pity me,” the sophomore said. Human sex trafficking, a form of modern day slavery, was a reality for Antonio.
Antonio takes a look back and recalls. “I was playing hide-and-seek with my old apartment friends. Because I was the smallest out of everyone I could fit in the dryer in our complex. I left a crack open. A man then came and asked what I was doing. I was then (kidnapped),” he said. “I did not scream or yell, which I now regret.” Still not able to describe every detail, Antonio says, “I was in a bedroom. It was two guys and we never spoke to each other. They just came in whenever they wanted to.” He explains the position his parents were left in. “Yes my parents were worried and filed a missing report.” After the traumatic events of being threatened and raped for
Houston’s best hidden places Page 8
two days, he did escape. “I opened the glass sliding door to the porch and ran to my apartment.” The feelings of gratitude and happiness did run through Antonio but he explains the vivid feeling of “being free, I felt finally free as I ran.” He explains how his parents were happy and grateful but overall were ashamed. “They were ashamed, not of me but (of) my offenders - to humanity.” He shares the emotions he now carries. “I have had my moments. One time while taking the STAAR test, I began to think about it and I got angry. I ripped my paper test, knocked the table and seat across Trafficking continues on pg. 3
Lamar Coach Tom Nolen talks 30 years on the football field. Page 10
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Opinions
Learning to live with a sense of normalcy Bertha Chavez MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
People say you’re never too young to learn something new. I am 17 years old and I can truly say that I’ve gone through a lot of stuff that most teenagers my age wouldn’t go through. I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’ve learned to humble myself and I’ve learned to find my way out of situations that are almost impossible to overcome. That was not easy. I haven’t lived your basic teenage life. I have had plenty of ups and downs and have been neglected by those I’ve looked up to the most. I have lost loved ones along the way and perhaps that is what hurts the most. My sister, who had been my go-to whenever I had a problem, was also my best friend. She died in the military serving her country.
Losing my sister was probably one of the hardest things I ever had to face because after her death I felt alone. “Fear does not makes you automatically weak, the key is overcoming your fears to the point where you are not afraid of anyone or anything - basically becoming unstoppable...” My sister Luz told me this the last time we spoke - before her death. Those words mean the world to me and I remember that phone call like it was yesterday. But I will forever be thankful for being blessed to have a sister like her. I was angry, when my older brother decided to join the military too. I went four years without hearing one word from him. I would not even speak to him during the holidays. I understood why he did it after he left but it was too late for me to talk to him. This Christmas will be the first time I will see him in 10 years. I’m beyond
emotional about how this meeting will be. I’m anxious to show him how much I’ve grown and matured since the last time he saw me. I’m ready to show him I’m ready to face the unpredictable world we live in. I thank God for every single hurdle he placed in my life because that has made me strong and a very determined young woman.
Looking at me, most would think I never had a worry in my life; however that is why you should never judge a book by its cover. Before today no one knew my struggles. No one knew the pain of knowing your idols gave up on you and moved away. Again, I’m endlessly grateful for those who were there - those who have cared and loved me like one of their own. As I look ahead, I see better days. I’m on the edge of graduating high school and moving on to college with a possible softball scholarship. I will be starting a different phase in my life - a new chapter. I’m clueless as to what lies ahead. I just know it is up to me as to how I will make it happen.
Life-long Sunnyside survival experience
Benefits for students’ college visits
Myion Chatman WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL
Nazarene Freeman NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
On any given day when I step out of my home, I have a one out of 11 chance of becoming the next crime victim. Located south of downtown Houston, Sunnyside - my home - has been statistically ranked the sixth most dangerous place to live in the United States. Sunnyside is a historical black community, predominantly filled with low-income houses and apartments. As you ride through the streets of Sunnyside, you see signs of poverty and what some might say the sign of a hopeless community. There has been numerous times when I have seen my nearby corner store or park on the news - turned into a crime scene. In fact, I was recently a witness to a fatal shooting just seconds away from my doorsteps. Hearing the news reports
come in brought tears to my eyes knowing someone was killed so close by. The sounds of gunshots, police and ambulance sirens is almost common place where I live. This has been my turbulent reality for the past 17 years. Unfortunately, it will be my mother’s reality for the remainder of her life. Driving around the neighborhood with my mom, most of the time, feels as if I am a tourist and she is the conductor. She shares stories with me about the countless number of her classmates and former friends who have turned to drugs. She tells me how she wish they would have taken a better route in life. To make Sunnyside better, I would like to see abandoned homes removed and new and improved homes put up in its place. I would also like to see homeless people, gangs and people on drugs off the streets and put in better places. Maye the next 30 or 40 years can be different - maybe the next generation will see a different Sunnyside.
It’s December and for a lot of people that means crunch time. The end of GPA and class rankings are coming in. High school seniors are busy as the next few months will determine the next few years of their lives. However, one thing every student should carve time out of their year for is college visits. True, everyone can’t afford to fly out across the country to visit their dream outof-state college or university. Flights are expensive and so are hotels. But, if you have the time and the means to go, college visits should be and are an important part of the college selection process. Oftentimes you won’t know if the college is the right fit for you until you go there and if the first time you step foot on campus is orientation day any discomfort or misgivings you have will be too late to assuage. College visits are immensely educational experiences. There you can talk to other students, professors and admissions counselors. You get to view residence halls
Please stop with the “cat-calling”
Ysenia Bonilla WESTBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Whistling, shouts, car honks every woman has a story about a time when she has been on the receiving end of street harassment, otherwise known as cat-calling. Some place the blame on what a woman wears or how much makeup she has on. They say she’s asking for it. No! Women are not asking for it. Many women are forced to lower their heads and proceed forward without acknowledging the harasser to not appear rude.
Listen up: the catcallers are the rude ones! Many times, catcalling occurs in crowds, victimizing women with inappropriate pick-up lines seen as “compliments” or “harmless” humor. These remarks are not flattering or humorous. They are disrespectful. To approach or “holla” at a female when they are by themselves makes them feel threatened. Making remarks on what a woman is wearing is basically telling her, you can’t wear what you want. Making unwanted remarks about a woman’s beauty says to her, this is what you get for being pretty, you should be used to it. Women should not have to feel as if they cannot wear something they want to or walk alone in the streets because of the fear of harassment.
They should not have to lower their heads and endure the taunts any longer. As teenage girls, we cannot even step across the street to walk our dogs without constant honks by passing cars or hollers nearby. This does not make us feel affirmed or gratified, it makes us scared. Did you hear that? It makes us scared! If there was a man present, these calls would be nonexistent. Men, how would you feel if you were present while your mother or little sister was being subjected to catcalling in the streets? You might be filled with anger, pity or you may even be likely to lash out at the harasser. So, why do it yourself? It’s time to stop making excuses, Stop cat-calling!
and even sit in on a class in many cases. Wherever you go, it can be a really big leap from high school. If you attend a smaller private school now, the jump may be overwhelming; some of the smallest high schools can have as few as double digit populations while colleges tend to range from a few hundred to over 50,000 students. The best way to keep things cost efficient is to plan ahead. Hotels and plane tickets are always cheaper the earlier you book them. If you can stay with a friend, even better and they’ll certainly appreciate knowing in advance. The earlier you schedule college visits, the more you’ll be able to do and see from class sit-ins to interviews to lunch with current students. There are some options for those who can’t visit their dream college. Many schools host information sessions in the nearest major cities - filled with insights and Q&A’s. Online tours is another option that encompasses classes, dorms and schools for majors. Whatever you do, take the time out to check out your dream college. It’s a decision that will impact the rest of your life.
Print Editor Payton Campbell Web Editors Ysenia Bonilla Payton Campbell Asst. Editor Nazarene Freeman
2016-2017 Insight Staff Photo Editor Gisselle Balderas
Reporters Jasmine Barlow Christian McNeil Myion Chatman Reginald Pierre-Antoine Bertha Chavez Roberto Rodriguez Aerial Collins Vheara Sanders Mikayla Lewis Juan Tumax Adviser Cynthia P. Smith Website www.chronicleclassroom.com
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HISD News
Westbury’s efforts against sex trafficking begin with red sand By Gisselle Balderas WESTBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Students at Westbury High School are taking action to make sure human sex trafficking is no longer kept secret. Their goal - to give a voice to those who have been silenced. The Red Sand Project, a movement towards the creation of opportunities, involved many Westbury students.The idea is to question, connect and take action against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking and exploitation. The project is a participatory artwork that uses sidewalk interventions, earthwork installations and convenings to create opportunities for people to question, to connect and to take action against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking and exploitation. Senior Mahogany J. Thomas said she came up with the idea after she became educated through the Youth Police Advisory Council. It was there she quickly learned many people were not educated nor aware of the issue happening right in front of their face. “I got chalk and wrote different statistics and the hotline number. The red sand in the cracks catches people’s attention, as well as the hotline number,” Thomas said. Thomas, with the help of Craig Zeno, a Westbury At-Risk program administrator, took the time to make this awareness video truly come to life. “We need to do whatever it takes to bring attention and end it now,” Zeno
Photo by Gisselle Balderas
Westbury hopes to spread the word about human trafficking through the creation of the Red Sand Project video.
said. Thomas agrees. Zeno said Westbury students are working swiftly before Super Bowl LI comes to Houston in February. He sees this as an opportunity for new victims to be at risk. “Sadly it also attracts more traffickers than any other event in the United States,” Zeno said.
That’s why it is important to take action now, he added. “Because we’re bringing this video to the public before the Super Bowl, people are going to be aware - maybe start talking about it and it’s hopefully going to help a bunch of people out there,” Zeno said.
FROM THE COVER
FROM THE COVER
Nanny from page 1
Trafficking from page 1
I wasn’t there to teach them but I taught them.” Luckily all of the reading paid off because Dietrich’s older siblings Max Dietrich now attends Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering and Sam Dietrich attends Harvey Mudd College. After caring for the Dietrich family for 12 years, Bonier retired from being a nanny and worked at a nursing home for a while before officially retiring. “They were the last children I ever cared for,” she said. “I will always love them. They don’t feel like some children that I just took care of and watched them while their parents were away. They feel like my grandchildren. I call them my grandchildren.” “I am just elated at my baby Julia today. When she was younger I would tell her,‘I want you to be somebody in life and don’t forget about Ms. Brenda.’” Bonier said she plans to attend Julia’s graduation and stay in contact with her. “I love myself some Julia Dietrich. That’s my baby right there,” said Bonier, as she gave her a big hug.
the room. I wasn’t ready to talk about it.” It is a struggle he faces daily. “It makes me scared when I walk in public places and think I see the faces of my offenders,” he said. Antonio said he went through a series of emotions - anxiety, distress and anger. “I was always angry, taking my anger out on different people,” he said. “My mother tends to deal with my anger very good. I used to blame her for it saying, ‘If it wasn’t for you letting me go outside...’ or ‘Why didn’t you do this or that?’ I was also not taking counseling serious. ”I am angry I had to go through this experience. It’s a revenge type of anger.” The teen admits that after nine years, he is trying to heal. “I am in a much better place now. I have improved,” he said. Antonio tells the important role his mother holds. “I am very close with my mom. She asks me questions and keeps up with me. She is an important person for me.” He believes the years of counseling over the years have truly helped him improve. “I still go. I like going to counseling. It’s good for the health,” Antonio says with a smile. Although admitting to still not being able to completely talk and express the details of his past, Antonio said he hopes to help others by speaking out and informing young people about the issue.
Zeno and Thomas were both quick to point out human trafficking can also take place in small communities too. “In certain neighborhoods, every street is covered with corners containing a massage parlor, night clubs, strip clubs and cantinas - just to name a few. You know it’s there; it’s just sometimes we turn a blind eye. But it’s still there if you pay attention,” Zeno said. “I’m still shocked that in 2016 we have this form of slavery still going on. Even here at Westbury we actually have a couple of students who were victims to sex trafficking. “We get a lot of kids who come from multiple countries and who have been exposed to a lot in their country,” he said. One student gave some advice. “Avoid the worst situations as best as you know how. Take a different route if you see a whole bunch of people or if you don’t feel safe. Always be with somebody because it’s not best to be alone,” the teen said. Zeno stressed that whatever it takes to keep students from becoming a victim., they should do - including not trying to be independent. “I can hear their pain and I can see the fear in their eyes that they bring when they come. I have a deep passion and sympathy for this,” he said. Zeno is hoping the Red Sands Project video will go viral and reach as many people as possible. “Free them from the slavery that’s going on today in 2016,” he said.
Nanny used her experience to Victim thinks anger when he grow as a stronger person thinks of kidnapping ordeal
(Top) Brenda Bonier and Julia Dietrich share a special reunion after many years. The green bunny was an Easter present from Bonier when Dietrich was 4. (Bottom) Brenda and Julia thumb through
family pictures. Photos by Payton Campbell
Human trafficking is a hidden crime as victims rarely come forward to seek help because of language barriers, fear of the traffickers and/or fear of law enforcement. Although Antonio never took his case to officials, he said he does not encourage others to hide in the shadows as well. “I was too scared and my mother didn’t want to pressure me,” he said. “Today, I believe I am strong. “You must remember everything is not what it’s put out to be,” Antonio added.
“Antonio” gets help completing an assignment in the Westbury High School Student Success Center. Photos by Gisselle
Balderas
the engineering world in a brand new way.
4
Insight
City hopes parade was beginning of healing The year 2016 was full of changes for many in the Houston area. The city received a new mayor, police chief and fire chief. As the city now prepares for Super Bowl LI, many renovations are being made. Houstonians kicked off the new season with a bang - the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thousands of families from all over the Houston area came together to celebrate. Most appropriately, revelers sang, What the World Needs Now is Love. “One of the new exciting features to this year’s parade were the new grand marshalls Simone Biles and Simone Manuel. They thrilled us with their performance during the Olympics in Rio so to be able to capture and bring home the Houstonians after their Olympic win was very special for us all,” said parade producer and director of special events for the mayor’s office Susan Christian. It was a time to heal and come together.
TWILIGHT offers HISD students a chance to complete classes and graduate By Myion Chatman WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL
Senior Tatyona Bonard fell behind in her studies. But thanks to Houston ISD’s Twilight School, she will still be able to graduate with her class. The Twilight School affords students between the ages of 17 and 26 the opportunity to attend school and work at their own pace. It was designed for high school students with greater responsibilities then the average high school student, to help them earn their diploma. “I joined this program because I really wanted to graduate with my original class. I did not want to feel left out,” Bonard said. The program is located on six different HISD high school campuses - Worthing, Yates, Wheatley, Milby, Scarborough and Sharpstown campus. This gives any student in the Houston area the opportunity to enroll at a nearby campus. According to Twilight’s english teacher Cassandra Rodriguez, the ideal Twilight student is between the ages of 17-26 and they may have a full-time job to provide for their families or have to take care of their children or younger siblings. “Twilight is a school that was created for students to have more flexibility in their school schedule. It gives students the opportunity to work at their own pace. Students in this program are on a faster tract towards graduation,” Rodriguez explained. The courses are offered online and face to face. “Students could still get their diploma while they take care of their personal busi-
Twilight teacher Cassandra Rodriguez goes over classroom assignment with senior Tatyona Bonard. Photo by Myion Chatman
ness. Students could complete their classes on Apex or we also have hybrid classes available for students. The classes are about three hours a day for six weeks.” Not only does Twilight offer academic support for their students, they also offer guidance and personal support by teachers. It is the teachers’ goal to prepare students for college or whatever students want to do after high school. “We have a better connection with our students than traditional high school teachers. I feel that we have more of a responsibility for our student’s graduation because the student to teacher ratio at our school is very small,” Rodriguez.
Downtown Houston played host to the 67th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was a chance for Houstonians to come together and celebrate. Photo by Houston Chronicle/Steve Ueckert
SHPE provides students engineering tools By Roberto Rodriguez NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Just as they have shaped and crafted projects for fun, Northside High School’s SHPE organization challenges the ordinary perceptions of what high school students can do. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, or SHPE, is an organization that transforms people of Hispanic descent into leaders within the STEM department. Northside High School has founded a club with the assistance of science chairperson Seema Ahuja, who pushed for the program to be implemented at Northside. “As a chemistry teacher, I saw multiple students wanting to pursue a career involving not only science, but also specifically engineering,” SHPE coordinator Seema Ahuja said. “For many students this
sion, but the people in SHPE all accept the rigor that comes with the program.” The rigor that comes with the program is what makes it so rewarding. Students who are in SHPE not only uphold the mission statement of SHPE, but through their experiences, the members all agree that they are indeed family. “I see Ms. Ahuja as a mother to me because she has given me a chance to make friends and she gave me the opportunity to do something I love,” Fuentes said. “I know that when I graduate, I’m going to miss this program so much.” The organization began with a group of students who had a drive to continue the recycling program at Northside, but now that they have done that and made a name
During one of their meetings, SHPE members learn how 3D printing functions work. Photo by Roberto Rodriguez
is a real program that helps introduce engineering to a group of deserving students that not only have a drive for it, but also a passion for it.” There is more of an impact created for the students that are aspiring to become engineers, it also allows them to develop meaningful friendships. There is more than just passion in the hearts of the students who participate in SHPE. The club serves as a two-fold organization; not only does it strengthen their communication skills but it also advances their understanding of engineering beyond their peers. “SHPE is the first program that I ever joined at Northside High School and it helped me develop a love for engineering and my social skills,” said senior Ashley Fuentes. “There are not a lot of clubs that actually let us engage in engineering activities because it’s seen as a difficult profes-
for themselves within the school, the members all share a sadness for their senior friends who will be off to college. Just as the members all share the fear of leaving the family they have found in the SHPE program, the president shares in the sadness. “SHPE was one of the first clubs I joined because I felt a real connection to engineering and I loved the instructor that was leading it,” SHPE president Maria Rodriguez said with a laugh. “It helped me reinforce my idea of going to college and the friends that I’ve made in SHPE will always be my first memories when I pursue engineering in college.” SHPE helped introduce a generation of Northside students to engineering in a surreal way and in unison they all agree that engineering will be what binds them as not only a club but a family.
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Insight
Jane Long students get lessons in making money to this club, I had a passion for technology, but I really think that the students take it to a new level, he added.
By Roberto Rodriguez NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Rather than spending hundreds of dollars at a local repair shop or hiring an independent IT contractor, Houston Independent School District staff and faculty have a unique resource available to them - Jane Long Academy Technology Club. What began as an afterschool enrichment for troubled students has now evolved into a money-making opportunity for those same students. On any given day, defective android tablets, iPads and even HISD’s own POWERUP laptops can be found in the hands of students. “The way the program came to be was we had students here that made some not-so-good choices and our tech person (Mr. Ali Khakzad) said that he would like to work these students for a bit,” principal Marcy Baez explained. “When he took these students from discipline, in a matter of days, they learned how to disassemble the inner workings of the computer and it was amazing.” However, amazement was not the only program spark. More students attempted to get in trouble in order to work with this newfound technology club, Baez recalled with a laugh.
“This program is growing and though we only have about 10 to 13 students, these boys and girls have united together to create something amazing.”
Marcy Baez
Students in the technology club earn revenue for repairing various electronics. Courtesy Photo
“After we had so many students try to get in trouble to work with Mr. Ali, I finally asked him if he would be interested in implementing after-school technology club,” she said. “We had this idea of a technology club because not only does it give students a place to be after school so they don’t continue making bad decisions, but it also gives them real workplace experience that they will need so these students can really begin making a difference.”
According to Khakzad, he was able to implement a leadership component – have the high school students lead the middle schoolers. “Essentially, these students are given these broken pieces of equipment from around the district and they are tasked with the responsibility of repairing them,” Khakzad said. “It’s cost savings for the school district and a positive outlet for my students. “It’s really the students that give the depth and the meaning
It is now an essential part of the culture at Jane Long. More than a club they have described it, this family still must follow the rules of a traditional club so if a student isn’t doing well in a course, rather than working on technology, the students all rally together and tutor their fellow club members because they all have seen the value of the technology club. “I thought, I can never fix and troubleshoot equipment, it would be too hard. Thankfully that has not been the case though,” junior Able Jovel said. “I feel so empowered to continue to learn and one day have the full skills necessary to maybe even run my own technology business someday.”
The club allows students to a make a difference in their community, provides them with real work experience all while staying busy after school. “We have students here that make good-choices and students here who make not-so-good choices, and together as a unit this technology club has created something extraordinary,” Baez said. “This program is growing and though we only have about 10 to 13 students, these boys and girls have united together to create something amazing.” These success-bound students have even been given an opportunity to attend a tech competition at Lamar High School, which is the first time a middle school has been invited to take part in the competitions. “From ISS to MIT was what the representative from Lamar told us would be a good logo for our club,” Ali said. “I really think that captures what our organization was not only founded on but also what our organization represents.” The Technology Club at Jane Long High School not only embodies the term “second chance;” it instills a sense of accomplishment that evident among its students.
Election results leave some Hispanic communities in fear By Roberto Rodriguez NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
The news of President-Elect Donald Trump taking office in 2017 is leaving some immigrant families in limbo as they think about the next chapter of their lives. For students like Carla Lopez, a senior at Northside High School, what happens to her family once Trump takes office is unknown. “I’m not going to lie, I was sure that Hillary Clinton would be our next president. I registered to vote and showed my support,” Lopez said. “After I heard the results, my heart dropped because my closest family members are here illegally.” Even children of immigrants were encouraged to vote this election cycle. “I pushed my daughter to vote because she should know that being able to vote is a thing that only some people can enjoy,” Daniella Hernandez said. “When I was 18, I was working to support my family in Mexico, but now that she’s 18, she had a chance to decide America’s future.” But the results were not as they had anticipated. In fact, the results had pushed them over the edge worrying about the future. “I am scared for these next four years but I have to keep going because I have my family here and if anything is going to get me through this next presidency,” it’s
Photo by Roberto Rodriguez
Northisde senior Esmeralda Huerta comforts classmates following the 2016 presidential election. Some Hispanics are fearing deportation once President-Elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
going to be my family,” she said. “I don’t know what to expect but at this point I just have to pray to God and keep going.” Hernandez is not alone in her fear. Even documented citizens are afraid. “My counselor at my school pushed the eligible students to vote because
they wanted us to get the experience and so we could express our own political views in this election, but I didn’t think it would turn out like this,” senior Francisco Loya said. “I have a friends that don’t have documentation and they were here thanks to the government help, but with
Donald Trump being president, I’m scared knowing that they might be deported.” Trump has yet to reveal his plans concerning immigration and possible deportations.
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Teens
THE BIRD EATS Caged bird Bridget Fenner speaks on eating disorder, struggle and healing
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“I still go through phases where it’s a lot harder or sometimes when it’s just a little tough. I hope to get to where I can go grab a slice of pizza and just say ‘yeah, that was delicious.’”
By Nazarene Freeman NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
n the surface, Bridget Fenner appears to be the average high school senior. The 17-year-old student lives with her family in Cypress, TX and attends the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. In her free time she enjoys doing yoga, writing and has an interest in photography. Beneath Fenner’s exterior lies one thing that sets her apart from many high school students. She is living with an eating disorder. “After being admitted to the hospital last winter, I was diagnosed with anorexia with a purge subtype,” said Fenner. “I didn’t eat often but when I did, shortly afterwards, I would vomit.” Her struggle with anorexia began quite some time before she received a diagnosis. According to Fenner, she noticed unusual habits starting to develop her sophomore year of high school. “I went through phases where I would over exert myself while exercising and I wouldn’t allow myself to eat certain things,” she recalled. “I would start eating regularly, but then I would fall back into the erratic and restrictive behaviors.” By the time Fenner entered her junior year of high school, she
developed symptoms of bulimia. Yet, the onset of her illness went unnoticed - until she quit eating. After being admitted to the hospital, her prognosis worsened as opposed to improving. She was then accepted into a treatment facility in California where she stayed for one month. “I know it sounds cheesy, but I really couldn’t have started getting better without my friends and family,” Fenner adds. “I was so lucky to have parents that believe what I was dealing with was a real issue.” After receiving treatment and getting proper nutrition, she began to feel more like herself and focused on things that seemed more rational compared to her restrictive behaviors. She said she is no longer ashamed of her illness and is at a place in her life that allows her to reflect on her past struggles. She realized that while she dealt with much of her suffering silently, there was an outside source reinforcing her unhealthy lifestyle - social media. “Social media sites like Tumblr can be great places for self-expression and connecting with people. But, it’s also a place where people offer validation for negative thoughts and things that can be detrimental to your health,” Fenner said. “There are tons of
Bridget Fenner
Bridget Fenner is all smiles as she heads to a music festival. Fenner says she hopes to help others who are battling eating disorders. Courtesy photo
people that use social media to advocate things like purging, in support of anorexia and even glorifying thinness.” Oddly enough, the teen has chosen to use the same platform where she found validation in harming herself, as part of her continued healing process. Fenner shares parts of her journey to recovery under the Instagram handle, @thebird_ eats. “I feel posting to Instagram about my experiences with food and even sharing the thoughts I continue to struggle with is sort of a way for me to engage in my own therapy. Anytime I refer to a bird in poetry, that’s usually me, so the bird is me,” she confesses. “I wanted to post visually attractive things so that
people will read the stuff I put underneath, because it catches their eye and then they want to read the post. While Fenner has a natural desire to be private, making the decision to be transparent about her struggles with an eating disorder was easy for her. “The girls I met in treatment are reading the things I post and I hope that they’ll get some inspiration from it. I was able to draw inspiration from someone whose struggle was similar to my own,” she said. “I wanted to be that person for the girls I met. Some of them were as young as 14 and I became their sort of big sister or their friend. “Although, recovery is a long process, I can give them a model to follow,” she added.
Q and A about eating disorders ularly and also can lead to cardiac arrest. Another problem when people binge when they eat is that they can lose iron in their blood because when people vomit very often, what is lost is the food and the calories but also the substances like electrolytes.”
What exactly is anorexia? “Anorexia is a condition of malnourishment so it has an effect on all the body systems starting with the more common with losing hair on the face and on the back which is also a result starvation, meaning that it’s the consequence of lack of nutrition. There is a loss of cardiac muscle which happens easily when a person loses a lot of weight. The loss of function of the heart also is arrhythmia, which is the heart beating irreg-
Who is most at risk? “It’s very difficult to say because usually we have access to a population of people with the disease, but you need a sample size and there are some studies but it’s more difficult disease to find. There are studies of the illness but there’s a lot of mystery, it might not be certain traits but there are dispositions. The age that is the range is usually teens up to their early twenties when things start.” What happens to a person after they stop eating for a long time like this?
“(The body) physically reacts to the lack of nutrition and calories, depletes and gets used to not eating regularly. It becomes difficult to maintain body temperature. A patient might feel cold often, and other systems of the body might stop working. Hormones might be reduced and females might stop menstruating. The structure of the bones are altered, and a patient might be prone to fracture after a number of months. Often people with anorexia feel bloated, the function of the stomach feels bloated after they eat very little for long amount of months, because it isn’t used to processing the same amount of food anymore. Blood pressure is low, cardiac frequency like how often the heart beats, that is low. A person with this disease can actually lose cardiac muscle as well.”
What is most dangerous physically for an ED patient? “I think the effects on the heart like we mentioned before and the weight loss that is not approved by a nutritionist. For example if a person starts eating a lot more than they did before, because of the change in hormones they have to start eating again in a very controlled way. There has to be a nutritionist who calculates what they eat day to day and how much they should eat, and how much they should increase week to week. Patients are often afraid to gain weight after so these changes can be hard to implement because they’re so afraid. If a person isn’t telling you it might be very difficult to know if they have anorexia.” Dr. Luca Lavagnino, postdoctoral fellow of psychiatry at McGovern Medical School at UT Health.
*WARNING SIGNS*
1. Alteration in the way a person is eating. Very selective 2. Sudden weight loss. After a person has lost a lot of weight they might be fatigued, easily tired and unable to keep up with others 3. Difficult to control the amount of food they’re eating. They might eat very little and then suddenly eat huge amounts of food and then go back to rarely eating again. 4. A lot of physical activity but because the body is starved it might not be able to do strenuous activities. 5. Very obsessed with body image. Tend to lose interest in doing things with friends and hobbies, and spend all their time reducing what they eat and their weight. This can often be very harmful to the person for the rest of their life because it takes up a lot of time and energy.
Reality hits home for transgender student
I
7
Teens
By Payton Campbell CARNEGIE VANGUARD HIGH SCHOOL
t was sort of a rebirth for Matthew Whitley. Family, friends and teachers knew him as a bubbly young man attending Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. But after a succesful operation this summer, Matthew was now Maddie Whitley. She had a new name, new identifty and a new figure. It was during the fifth grade when Maddie first realized that she did not feel comfortable in her own identity. She conducted her own research into why she was feeling uneasy about who she was. When the word transgender came up, it clicked for her. Her mother, Elaine Whitley, said, “It was heartbreaking for me to think about Maddie living with this secret for years before she was ready to share it. She was pretty unhappy and confused and kept it to herself. It’s hard as a mom to know my child was hurting for so long and I didn’t see it.” It wasn’t until her eighth grade year that she shared her feelings with everyone; and until her freshman year at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, a collegepreparatory school for males in grades 9-12, when she had the time to become Maddie. “I had never really considered transgenderism and certainly hadn’t thought I would be dealing with it face-to-face. My immediate reaction was to hug her, tell her I love her and reassure her that I would support her no matter what,” Elaine Whitley said. Making the decision to change genders was one of the easiest decisions for Maddie because of the support she received from family and friends. Transitioning in public was not so easy. It was the hardest part, she shared. In fact, she dedicated her entire summer to transitioning physically, medically and legally. There were difficult times ahead for not only Maddie but her entire family through the transition process. “I worried about how to share this with friends and family and
worried about Maddie being bullied or physically harmed,” Elaine Whitley said. “As a parent, I think it’s natural to have a preconceived plan for your kids - college, marriage, kids - so I had to go through a grieving process for myself and the life I imagined for her.” Transitioning has helped Maddie discover her own thick skin and has helped her to live authentically. She said she is comfortable in her skin and is a more happy and confident person. “Certain aspects of life are much better now. I’m in a better place,” Maddie said. She has to deal with difficult aspects of being dress coded which she never had to deal with in the past and the stares and judgement of many who do not understand. “The hardest part is when people deliberately don’t accept my identity.” However, she has learned not to give others power over her emotions. She now attends Carnegie Vanguard High School where she feels welcomed and is able to live comfortably in her gender. The sophomore said she wishes that people would understand that she is still the same person. She may dress and look a little different but she is just showing the world who she really is. In the future, she plans on being an advocate for the transgender community. She acts as an advocate everyday by her presence at school and spreads awareness through her Instagram page and other social media platforms. Elaine Whitley said she is excited to see how Maddie’s life plays out and the opportunities she will have. “Being transgender is a lonely position, so her inner strength will be challenged and she’ll become even stronger than she already is. She’s going to do awesome things for other kids who are trying to come to terms with their gender identity.” Maddie’s only regret is that she did not transition sooner.
Maddie Whitley (center) share some family time with her younger brother (left) and her twin brother (right). Courtesy photo Matthew Whitley transitioned to Maddie Whitley the summer of 2016. Courtesy photo
“I think about all of the positivity and love that has come from my transition. I try as hard as I can to focus on the good. I want people to understand that I’m still the same person. This is the authentic me. I feel more comfortable.” Maddie Whitley
5
Misconceptions
about the transgender community
1. Transgender people pose a threat in public bathrooms. 2. A child doesn’t know enough about his or her gender to want to begin the process of transitioning. 3. Being a transgender person is relatively new. 4. Transgender people often come to regret transitioning. 5. Male-to-female transgender athletes have a competitive advantage.
8
Insight
10 local places you need to visit in 2017
New year...new adventures...
Payton Campbell and Ysenia Bonilla
Are you looking for a new place to visit? Go stop by the Rice University Skyspace.
The start of a new year can give us all the itch to break out of our usual routine and try something different.
2. SPJST Lodge Pokrok Restaurants / Dining
Holcombe and Main
6100 Main St.
Here are 10 locations in Houston area that are commonly overlooked.
3. BB’s Cafe
6. Buffalo Bayou Park
Places to study
1800 Allen Pkwy and Memorial Drive
9. Argora Coffee Shop
1435 Beall St.
6154 Westheimer Rd.
4. Tel-Wink Grill
Nightlife
4318 Telephone Rd.
1. The Game Preserve
Parks
473 Sawdust Rd, Spring
Park
Museum / Art
7. Cullen Sculpture Garden Turrell 5. Gus and Lyndall Wortham Skyspace: Rice University 900-998 Bissonnet St, Ho
New year wish list By Jasmine Barlow
“I want to move my library to a digital format and read the new books of this transitioning of having a new president in office (next) year.” His message of hope for our country in 2017: “Relax, read, know your history and know there’s nothing new under the sun.”
Nicole Norris “I just moved into a new apartment and want to make my apartment pretty and I think a rug is that topping to my new place.”
1712 Westheimer Rd.
10. Fioza Coffee ShopBraeswood Square 9002 Chimney Rock #F
Working in the vineyard By Vheara Sanders WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL
Jim Newkirk
Campus
New Covenant Christian Tabernacle is stepping in to help curb some of the problems that plague the Sunnyside community. Due to the size of the church being notso-grand, Sunnyside residents will be impacted in a massive way thanks to their efforts. The neighborhood has been able to overcome the crime and poverty in the area and establish a foundation within the community that superceeded its reputation. In the next three years, New Covenant Christian Tabernacle will be creating a new foundation just across the street called “The Workers of the Vineyard.” This place will be built for ex-veterans who are looking to better them-
selves and want a second chance at life. The place will provide treatment such as counseling, group sessions, meetings about drugs and alcohol, job training and family interventions. The vision for this program was passed down from Pastor R.G Holiday. “The idea came from the life I lived as a United States Air Force veteran and coming home unstable and abusing drugs and alcohol,” Holiday said. Taking into account that Sunnyside is the sixth most dangerous neighborhood in the United States, according to a study from NeighborhoodScout.com, Holiday is hoping their effort helps
Her message of hope for our country in 2017: “Never ever lose sight of the hope that we’re always capable of.”
Chad Stanley
“Top thing on my wish list is time outdoors with my kids mainly because work keeps me busy and time with my children is something neede His message of hope for our country in 2017: “It has always been a great country and will continue to be.”
Courtesy Photo
Pastor R.G Holiday looks to finish “The Workers of The Vineyard” building within the next three years.
build a better place to live in. “I am looking forward to drastically changing and revitalizing the Sunnyside community. The Workers of the Vineyard will help families and most importantly help eliminate crimes,” Holiday said. This new change is also looking to affect the residents of the Sunnyside community in a tremendous way when the foundation is built. “I believe that those who are lost will have a place that they can come to and start over with hope and tools to start a new life or a better life with Jesus,” said Joseph Williams, a member of the church. This church is also providing an after-school program in the Sunnyside area for low income students. “Kid’s Kingdom” is located in Kings Row apartments. It was formed with the help of ministers from the church and teachers to help the participants with their homework. The kids enjoy a hot meal and also get an extended learning experience and extra help with various subjects taught in school. “I enjoy working with the kids and watching so many flock together. We are supposed to be teaching the kids but every day I walk in there the kids are teaching me,” said Pamela Paul, an ambassador for the church. New Covenant Christian Tabernacle members are making strides to advance the community in a way that has never been seen before in Sunnyside history. By not only assisting ex-veterans, former convicts and even helping families stuck in poverty, The Workers of the Vineyard is expected to make a lasting mark on the community.
HISD
Westbury makes its mark in the 100 club By Gisselle Balderas WESTBURY HIGH SCHOOL
They’re dressed to impressguys in suits, ladies in their Sunday best. With cases in hand, sticky notes layered across, they are ready - Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional and Worlds - it’s debate season at Westbury High School. Ranking in the top 23 percent among high school debate teams, Westbury High School has gained national recognition. According to debate team coach Greg Mayo, each one of his debaters has a special skill and makes contributions to the success of the team. “The young men and women I have the pleasure of working with I consider to be the cream of the crop,” said Mayo. “They are some of the most hard working and high achieving individuals in the school.” Having been a debate team coach for the past 19 years, Mayo has spent the last five cultivating the program at Westbury. “This is not for me or my glory. I am only a reflection of what my students and team
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“People know about the debate team. I have been told by many teachers and faculty that we are one of the shining stars of the school”
Debate Coach Greg Mayo Westbury debate team’s proven success has garnered them national recognition. Photo by Ysenia Bonilla
do. I do this for their benefit. I am here for them, in order (for them) to achieve their successes in something that not only will they take into college, but beyond college.” Westbury’s debate team has shown to be a solid group with many different strengths represented during competitions. “There is a lot of versatility among our team,” varsity debate
team member Giselle Balderas said. “Some students have their niche and then some perform well in a variety of debate formats.” Balderas, who has been part of the debate team for two years, believes the closeness of the team one of the keys to their success. “Our team is no different from athletes that participate in team sports,” she said. “We under-
stand how important it is for us to help each other out.” Although, the team has yet to qualify for a state UIL competition, Coach Mayo believes this recent national recognition will serve as motivation toward achieving a state qualification. “This team has great potential. I believe they will push forward to accomplish a victory at the state level and maybe even nationals.”
To Mayo, all 48 of his debaters are “shining stars.” “Every single one of their special skill and all their contributions make the team what it is,” he said.
For homeless woman, downtown a place to call home By Vheara Sanders WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL
Proudly serving Houston area schools for more than 65 years!
Meet Citlaly Rodriguez, a 34-year-old woman who has lived her life without her family but was always family to many other different faces and races all over. Downtown Houston is where Rodriguez has spent nine years of her life and even though she is not in a stable home she has made herself and others feel at home. “I have no help, no money, no car, no food, but what I do have is faith in God above that He will make a way for me and bring us out of this,” she said. “I have dreams I will get help and these people around me will too.” You would think with the big businesses, churches and restaurants more help would be available. Rodriguez led a “tour” of the area she calls home.
“I don’t have any toilet paper right now and my tub is here,” she explained as she pointed to a bucket of water that had a wash rag lying next to it. “This is my home and I welcome everyone to it and they could use anything in here because we’re all a family,” she said. With it being the winter season, the weather changes and since downtown Houston is a tourist attraction, areas are decorated with Christmas-themed decorations. Parades and events occur all month long downtown to celebrate Christmas. “I know when it is Christmas time when I see this place light up at night and I see everyone dressed in their winter clothes and sweaters” she said. There are multiple homeless shelters around the downtown area and yet many are still left out on the streets without any help. The people who notice are helping hands to the ones in need and that is a relief to them. “There are many homeless, both men and women located downtown of Houston I open the doors of my church to everyone and I try to help them in the best way I can by serving a hot meal and handing out blankets,” said Pastor Rudy Rasmus at St. John’s United Methodist Church. The population of homeless people have increased in the Houston area, but what can people do to help? With downtown being the main attraction to Houstonians, it should not be hard for all of us to all come together and help out the homeless or those in need. “It is a shame that we have to drive by them every day and not help out or at least provide a free meal to them,” Mariah DeLefuente said.
10
Sports
Lamar coach leads in the win category
Thirty years is not enough for Coach Nolen By Reginald Pierre-Antoine JACK YATES HIGH SCHOOL
Stepping out onto the Lamar High School football field, the air is electric - even for a normal day of practice. Along the track, young girls in running wear periodically gaze at the young men on the turf. Dozens of white and red jerseys clamber the field in repetitive motions. The crunching of pads and the loud voices overtake the space. With all the excitement, the uninformed person could easily miss the small golf cart sitting under the large oak tree. However, anyone who knows Lamar, knows exactly what that cart means. It means Coach Tom Nolen. From 1985 to 2015, Nolen led his team to a 288-74 record, the best win percentage in school history. Under his leadership, the team has countless district titles and in 2012, the (former) Lamar Redskins were state finalists. While the school has not captured a state championship since 1953, Lamar is still considered a staple in the state of Texas and its success is largely attributed to the guidance of Nolen. “Gratifying,” the 31-year veteran said when asked to describe his coaching career at Lamar, “gratifying in the fact that it’s been interesting to watch the players that have come through these doors
develop.” Gerome Sapp and Brandon LaFell are two notable examples of Nolen’s program. Both were drafted to the NFL and played under Coach Nolen. When asked what has contributed to the team’s overall success under his leadership, Nolen attributed the continuity of his supporting staff which is made up of 15 assistant coaches; adding that he has a coach who has currently been with him for 35 seasons and two coaches for 25 seasons. “We’ve been lucky to have good coaches, which in turn creates a good program. And obviously, a good program attracts talented kids,” Nolen said. “Also we’ve been lucky to have benefited from a good mix of athletics and academics due to the location of the school. Lamar is located 10-15 minutes away from major places of business.” Lamar is particularly central in Houston, with the Medical Center, Greenway Plaza, downtown and University of Houston all bordering the school. As a result, the school, as well as the athletics programs are largely diverse, which is something varsity running back Montrey Jones appreciates. “A lot of times the school gets a bad rap for being ‘a white school’ when it’s actually all different kinds of races here,” Jones emphasized. “Especially here on the team, we’ve got plenty of guys that look different and I think that
Courtesy Photo Coach Tom Nolen marked a milestone in his coaching career: 350 wins. Since 1985, Coach Nolen has led the Lamar Texans to 18 district championships. Prior to his time at Lamar, he led Strake Jesuit to 57 team victories and 4 championships.
helps build a bond with everyone on the team. Coach lets us vibe with each other a lot and that builds our chemistry up. It’s kind of like our secret weapon.” Even with a 66-man roster, the team needs every player possible to be eligible to play. Their system works that way. It got them to the 3rd round of the playoffs where they lost to Atascocita. Their overall season record was 11-2, with a perfect district record after defeat-
ing Westbury 51-7, clinching their 49th consecutive district win and capturing the 18-6A title. When asked on his future with the team, Nolen stood firm. “I’ll definitely be back for next year. Things are going to get complicated now that the school is undergoing construction. In fact, in a few weeks this whole field will have been torn up, but I’m going to work our contacts and keep this program running.”
“I really just oversee everything. The players have more of a personal relationship with their position coaches, which I think, helps their performance and chemistry out on the field. However, if I get an email, saying that one of my guys is acting a fool in English class, then best believe I’m coming down hard on them personally,” he said with a smile.
Yates scuba club offers students fun and lessons for future By Reginald Pierre-Antoine JACK YATES HIGH SCHOOL
“Don’t stop breathing.” Those words sound rather pointless to the average person. We breathe almost instinctively. The average human takes around 23,040 breaths a day. Air is already essential, but the students of the Jack Yates High School SCUBA club learned that on an entirely deeper level. Houston is home to an expanding maritime industry. The Port of Houston is a large part of the city’s economy, employing countless people locally and thousands of jobs worldwide. An extension of that is integrated into the curriculum for HISD and Yates maritime program. Ted Irving, head of Yates School of Communications program, started the SCUBA club this year. Irving, who has his own diving license, said his goal for the club is to show potential participants that many jobs that seem foreign to high school students are actually possible. “Being so close to the coast, there are countless maritime jobs out there and this will open their eyes to some of the opportunities that companies have to offer,” he said. “Diving is an important part of offshore work and this is where it begins.” The club recently experienced their first day of diving school November 12 at the Gigglin’ Marlin Dive & Swim
“I think my favorite part of the class was when we were able to swim around the pool for maybe five or so minutes. Usually you’d have to come up for air but I literally stayed underwater for the entire time. One thing Mr. Nylander told us was to not stop breathing. I made that a priority for sure.”
Devine Nealey
Courtesy/Ted Irving
Juan Tumax and Kayla Johnson prepare to put on their scuba gear at Gigglin’ Marlin Dive & Swim. facility located in the Museum District. The group was able to suit up in full SCUBA diving wear and practice diving techniques in the pool on-site. Tom Nylander, course instructor, raved about the class. “The Discover class is one of my favorite to teach because I love seeing people take their first breaths underwater,” he said with a smile. Nylander taught the group basic underwater hand signs and also methods to clear their masks and control their buoyancy. During open water certifi-
cation, a scuba diver is taught that the most important rule in scuba diving is to breathe continuously and to avoid holding his breath underwater. But to someone who has never dived, they may not know why this rule is so important. A diver who holds his breath underwater seals off his lungs. If the diver ascends, the air in his lungs will expand but have no way to escape his lungs. Yates SCUBA club has completed the discover course, Nylander explained, and is now on track to complete the open
water course which the Gigglin’ Marlin also offers. Senior Devine Nealey, said the experience was like nothing he had ever taken part in. “When I first joined the club, I’ll admit, I didn’t think we’d do much more than watch videos and maybe talk to somebody who dives and ask them some questions,” the teen said. Along with the completion of certain courses, students can also gain employment opportunities for the future, something that Irving is excited about. “Underwater photographer, navigator, naturalist, wreck diver, these are countless opportunities that anyone who is interested can accomplish,” Irving said.
11
Sports
Trio Facts
Bellaire triplets sign off to Tennesee Evans’ siblings each earned athletic scholarships By Payton Campbell CARNEGIE VANGUARD HIGH SCHOOL
Who’s the funniest? Megan Evans
Whos’s the oldest?
Maxwell Evans
Whos’s the boss?
Rare does not begin to describe the Evans triplets Max, Maya and Megan. The dynamic trio attends Bellaire High School and are widely known in the athletic arena in Houston. Maya and Megan serve as co-captains of their volleyball squad; while brother Maxwell dominates the basketball court. Their plan was mapped out by their parents, Carlis and Sharon Evans, immediately after they were born. Their father, Carlis Evans who played baseball and basketball in college said, “This was something that I had in the works since they were little kids. I was on a mission and I must say I accomplished the mission because I really put forth the effort to make sure that they were not only athletically but also academically strong enough to survive in society.” Dad’s mission was very much accomplished. Not only did the the Evans’ triplets each receive athletic scholarships, but all signed to schools in Tennessee. Maya and Megan will be starting as college freshmen at Tennessee State University and Max will be attending Vanderbilt University, 10 minutes away. Quitting is not an option for them. They have trained and competed in their perspective sports their entire life to be able to perform at the high level that they do. In fact, Max started playing basketball at the age of four and Maya and Megan started playing volleyball at the age of 13 at Pin Oak Middle School. Varsity volleyball coach Gloria Clarke said, “They are so committed to being the best. You can tell
how much they love the game by seeing how hard they train without complaining. They are so aware of each other on the court and they feed off each other.” However, Maya said she understands that staying committed is
Since they were younger, triplets Max, Maya and Megan Evans have always been active. Courtesy Photo
Even with an everyday routine that consists of waking up at 5 a.m., working out at the gym from 6:30-8:30 a.m., having basketball practice from 2:30-5:00 p.m. and then going home to lift weights. The sisters are dedicated mem
Max Evans tries to help out his mother with her phone. Sharon Evans said she is looking forward to visiting and supporting her children.
not always the easy choice. “We sometimes talk about how easier life is being a regular student, going to school and then home. They have the freedom to do whatever they want to do without worrying about practice and games but in the end we think about the bigger picture,” she said. The bigger picture for Max is, “graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree and eventually playing in the NBA. I never think about quitting.”
bers not only in their family but also to their volleyball teammates. “They treat each of their members as family. If something is wrong with a player or someone becomes injured, they are always the first to text to see how they are,” Clarke said about their family ethics on the court. Although Team Evans, as they are known on social media, reside in a community of Houston known as Dead End, they know that they will never reach a dead end in life.
“Hard work beats talent every day. And coming from a predominantly black neighborhood, we all don’t make it to be successful,” Carlis Evans said. “I instilled in them that they can be successful. We always said that we would choose and not be chosen so we had to outwork everybody. We shielded them and kept them close. As a result, the kids developed that, ‘I won’t quit attitude. I want to be better than everybody else.’” Their older brother, Denzel Evans, had a lot to contribute to Team Evans success. After graduating in three years from the University of Arkansas and receiving his bachelor’s degree, he transferred to Kansas University to obtain his master’s degree. “Them seeing him go to college and work hard helped them push themselves to another level. The bar was set so high you can’t fall short,” the proud father said. The blueprint set by Denzel Evans was especially mapped out for Max. “I look up to my brother. He taught me how to work hard every day and know that nothing is given to me and I have to work for everything that I want,” the teen said. Sharon Evans describes the brand, Team Evans, to represent “family, because we all stick together and take care of one another.” In addition Carlis Evans deems it “A great marketing tool because all of the kids are doing great things.”
Maya Evans
Subhead 5Subhead 5Subhead 5
Whos’s the first to cry? Megan Evans
Team Evans united as Max, Maya and Megan commit to their colleges on signing day at Bellaire High School.
Courtesy Photo
12
Insight
From idea to reality
SIS steps up to teach young ladies etiquette By Aerial Collins MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
I
t started as an idea written on a napkin at the Cheesecake Factory. Madison High School asst. principal Michelle Lewis and her business partner Carla Lane have turned their vision into a reality. They put together a “strong” group of women to help mentor teenage girls. Stepping Into Strength (SIS), is an organization whose central mission is to uplift teens and help them make responsible choices. Lewis had a pretty normal childhood. She was born and raised in Houston, lived in a two-parent household and attended Jack Yates High School. She says that having a mentor in her life made all the difference. At 17, Lewis met Janice Hall who decided she would take her under her wings and give her the guidance that would keep her on the straight and narrow. “I did not realize that I was being mentored because back in that time that’s not what we called it. To me it was just someone who came into my life and taught me
things and took me places that I’ve never been; someone who I knew took an interest in my education and someone who’s always been a resource to me,” Lewis explained. She often asked her mentor how could she ever repay her for playing such an influential role in her life. Her response would always be “You need to do it for another young lady.” Lewis says that’s what put SIS into motion, along with an idea that came about several years ago. Even before the launch of S.I.S, Lewis always found a way to be a mentor and share the knowledge that she possessed by going out speaking at different schools, jails and by starting a teenmom support group, to let girls know that they’re not alone. Yet it wasn’t the exact vision that Lewis had for SIS. “What I wanted was to be able to bring someone into the young ladies lives who did not mind spending their Saturdays with them, teaching and showing them new things,” she says.
Courtesy Photo SIS mentors and mentees are all smiles at the charity Champagne and Stilettos gala. Michelle Lewis (left) and Carla Lane (right) began Stepping Into Strength as an effort to give back to young ladies.
“That is how I met Carla Lane who also shared the same vision. When we got together and combined those visions, she gave S.I.S its wings. She came in and supported the program that I had already created with her resources, time and friends.” Lane is the president and CEO of LaneStaff. LaneStaff is the largest African American woman-owned employment solution provider in the Southwest. She employs an entire female staff. She has a company in Houston, Dallas and also in San Antonio. Lane owns a non-profit organization called “This Woman’s Work.” Stepping into Strength is a branch of that
organization, along with “Carla’s Closet,” where she dresses women professionally for job interviews who may not have anything to wear. “Iron Women,” is what Lane calls her circle of women. “Iron sharpens iron,” she said. Lewis says that being held accountable by Lane kept her motivated. “We held each other accountable for the vision that we both shared, we wrote down our brainchild, we talked and we implemented. I didn’t want to let her down and vice versa so together we wanted to show people that we’re very serious about the things we said
we would accomplish.” Madison student Destiny Maresh said that being a part of the program has really influenced her. “Meeting such influential women has really empowered me to want to challenge myself. Seeing the example they set makes me want to follow in their footsteps and become a successful woman just like my mentors,” Maresh said. Mentoring is really important, Lewis said. “I think when someone pours into your life, you’re obligated to give it back. So to whom much is given, much is required,” she said.
Seniors struggle through college application season By Christian McNeil HAIS HIGH SCHOOL
For high school seniors, picking a college to further their education is a difficult choice. While most high school seniors are excited that this is their last year of dealing with teachers, school work and substandard lunches, a part of them feel like they are not ready for the real world. The college process has been very stressful for many students. Some are staying up countless hours filling out college applications, completing personal statements and essays and last but not least those pesky scholarships. “It’s has been a bittersweet experience applying for colleges. A lot of the stress and difficulty comes from writing the perfect essay or completing FAFSA,” senior Latavia Brandyburg said. “I can speak for a majority of seniors across the nation when I say that waiting for a notification from the college is the hardest part.” When it comes to writing those essays, you have to make sure that your grammar is correct, your punctuation is on point and you have to make sure that you meet word requirement or colleges may not even consider reading your essay. This process is stressful and leaves a lot of students
Photo by Christian McNeil HAIS seniors Payton Ivey (left) and Justin Harding work on college applications in their spare time at school.
feeling the pressure of advancing in their education. “Well it’s been really stressful and mentally draining. I feel that my mental health has been impacted the most like my anxiety self-worth and things like that,” Jazzmyne Speed-Williams said. The process of applying to colleges is not the only thing creating senior anxiety, in fact just being present during this time of panic is stressful.
“Well it’s really hard. Because when you think you’re doing good or accomplishing something, you realize that you still have so much more to do,” senior Justin Harding said. “The first issue is when you start getting your test scores and transcripts back and you get down on yourself because you know you needed to do better but you also know you did your best. And on top of all that you still have to balance school and a social life
while trying to apply to college. So sometimes you have a deadline for a class or application and you have to decide what’s more important,” he said. All seniors on campus make decisions that are based on their values and what they see as important, however some students manage to have a much more successful time being able to complete college applications. “Sometimes you see people getting acceptance letters and completing things but you can’t get distracted. If you worry about others, then you’ll get too far behind. On top of that, you have to take a break sometimes Just rest, and take breaks when you can,” Harding said. For the best advice for eager juniors and seniors getting ready to become seniors, “Start the application process early, as soon as deadlines are announced, get prepared to submit as soon as possible, “college coordinator Paloma Garner said. “The sooner the better. Once you knock out those applications, you won’t even feel the pressure.”