Interstellar Review pg. 15
College Signings pg, 10
Best Buddies Basketball Game pg. 7
CCISD Interact Club participates in Rice Drive By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief
Clear Springs senior Stephen Louis decided to leap into a new idea and see what difference he could make with a large group of people and multiple grains of rice. As president of a youth serviceleadership organization called the Interact Club, the club is dedicated to improve the condition of the world and its inhabitants, while empowering young people to be the ones who make the change. The Rice Drive is a concept created by Louis to see the impact a group of people could have on the world when they came together at a certain time for one cause. “The idea for the Drive itself was mine. I had known of the website and thought it would be interesting to see how much could be raised when a group of people made a concerted effort to do as much as possible. It was very much inspired by the Vlogbrothers John and Hank Green,” Louis said. Free Rice is a website in association with the United Nations that allows you to choose from different subjects and answer questions. For each question you get correct the difficulty increases and ten grains of rice get donated to a person in need. Beginning last year Springs’ Interact Club challenged the student body to Rice Up, a concept created by Louis after raising almost exactly 300,000 grains of rice through a Facebook page he managed as a sophomore. Throughout the one day challenge last year, Springs managed to raise almost 450,000 grains of rice in one day giving the Interact sponsors the idea to expand it.
“The Interact hosted one in October of my junior year and raised almost 450,000 in a single day. Then our sponsors
21. Louis’ mindset was to show the people the impact a group can make on the world. “More than anything I wanted
to show people that Mr. Harris and Ms. Photo courtesy of Freerice.com technology in teenagers’ Deckert had the idea to expand it,” Louis said. hands is a force not to be trifled with This year Rice Drive became a district in the world and that we are a viable challenge to see what school could raise force for good in the world,” Louis said. Creek’s Interact Club led by head the most amounts of rice grains within the time period of one week, November 17- counselor Elizabeth Updegraff, made a
great effort to get the school involved. The dedication you could see throughout the day made you realize no matter what the results are at the end of the week, we made a change for someone in need. Creek junior Lisa Nhan is the copresident of the Interact club at Creek. Her desire to make a difference in the world encouraged her to speak to the faculty and explain to them the importance of Rice Drive . “I believe that everyday we have the choice to make this world a better place to live. For me Rice Drive was a chance to show that it does not always have to be a big act. Anyone can make a positive difference no matter the size.” Nhan said. Louis highlighted a statistic on the issue of hunger to determine why all schools should come together to beat hunger together. “There is enough food produced every year to feed 11 billion people. There are 7 billion people on Earth. Over one billion people are hungry. I wanted to be able to fix that,” Loius said. Throughout the course of one week all of CCISD was able to raise 6,412,660 grains of rice with Creek coming in 3rd, Clear Horizons 2nd and Springs 1st. More than anything and any number this drive was able to shine light on the impact of technology and teenagers when they come together in hopes of making a difference. “I’m exceedingly proud. The Clear Springs faculty, administration and students really came together to do a great thing- all of CCISD did really. This project and the rice it earned is a result of a great mass of people deciding all at once to make the world better than when they woke up that morning,” Louis said.
Scholastic Art and Writing spark creative minds By Jenan Taha Features & Arts Editor
Artists at Creek are encouraged to enter the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a nationwide competition that rewards talented students for their creative art pieces, writing skills, or both. Students may have their entries recognized on a national scale and can be awarded thousands in scholarship money. The deadline for all scholastic entries is December 15, 2014. The entries are not required to demonstrate a specific theme, and no piece will be disqualified solely for inappropriate content. However, Scholastic notes that their judges are looking for “work that breaks from convention, blurs the boundaries between genres, and challenges notions of how a particular concept or emotion can be expressed.” There are plenty of categories pieces can be entered in; art categories range from classic arts such as drawing and
painting to the more unconventional architecture, fashion design and film. Writing categories include poetry, essays, journalism, humor, drama, and more. Senior contestants are encouraged to send in portfolios of their work, which include eight different pieces of their work that can be from various categories. Students who send in portfolios can also send in individual entries, which can either be part of their portfolio or not. One student can send in up to two portfolios. Entries are submitted electronically through the Scholastic website. Students must create an account and upload photos of their entries. A submission form must also be filled out by hand and mailed to the local scholastic program, which varies by region. Each individual entry includes a fee of $5, and each portfolio entry is $20. Out of approximately 255,000 entries from around the country, around 68,000 are recognized at the regional level with a Silver Key award. These
works are displayed at local exhibits and awards are given at the exhibitions. The top 2000 works in the country receive Gold Keys, and are recognized at the national level, with their work exhibited at Carnegie Hall. Gold Keys are also displayed at Parsons the New School for Design, Pratt Manhattan Gallery, and other prestigious art centers. These works also tour the country in a moving exhibition as a part of ART.WRITE.NOW. Select works are published in various magazines, including New York Times Upfront, Scholastic Art Magazine, Scope Magazine, and several others that are distributed nationwide. Thousands of dollars in scholarships are given to top artists each year. A $10,000 scholarship is awarded to 16 students with the best portfolio entries. Students who earn Silver Key portfolios receive $1000. Art teachers are also rewarded for their student’s success. Teachers whose students won a Gold Key portfolio
receive $1000, Silver Key portfolio winners receive $250, and $50 for each Gold or Silver medal-winning student. Scholastic is a great opportunity for senior artists to show off their potential to prospective art colleges, because the program has partnerships with several prestigious institutes that are looking for creative students from around the country. Even if a student does not win on the national scale, simply entering the scholastic contest can demonstrate one’s confidence in their artistic ability. “With 90 years of history behind us and a bright future ahead, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has grown to be the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition initiative for creative teens, and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers,” Scholastic said. “Join us as a student, educator, affiliate, partner, or supporter and claim your place within our nation’s creative legacy.”
Opinion What is the funniest gift you’ve ever received?
: s r
I once got a horrendous sweater the giver thought was adorable…it was pretty bad. –Rachel Wolfe
o i n Se
nd a t me a mop a My mom go an se I never cle u a c e b , m o bro my room. unoz –Marianna M
, out of plastic A shirt made t? a even does th o h w se u a c be ein –Christine H
mug, because A UT coffee rd full of die-ha is y il m fa y m ooner fans. Oklahoma S –Ally Reed
Juniors: I got video games with no games in the case. –Colton Berka
Last Christmas my boyfriend got liqu id poop spray. –Laura Shelby
I got a goodie bag of Halloween candy for Christmas. –Christian Pena
Sophomores: My aunt gave me an Ebola survival kit. –Jean Lamarre
I got a Justin Bieber doll, and I’m not a fan of him. –Alice Burin gton
One time my aunt bought me a safe to put gifts from my unc le in, but my uncle never showed up. -Tyler Colem an
2014-2015
HiLife Staff
My step dad literally gave me a box and forgot to put the present inside. –Robert Villarreal
ways other, because he al br y m om fr e ch ta us r himself. Probably a fake m way it was a gift fo a In r. he ot br tle wanted a lit –Evie Weber
Freshmen: My brother gave me a rock for my present. –Maxwell Treadwell
For Christmas, my mom gave me hair extensi ons, because I had given myse lf a hair cut. – Jennifer Neal
I got diapers when I I was ten, because e would not flush th toilet. –Maddy Gonzales
a kid, I When I was beans and hated green got them cried when I for a present. e –Laura Gerk
Principal: Advisor: Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editors: Design Editor: Features Editor: News Editor: Teen Interest Editor: Sports Editors: Around Creek Editor: Advertising Manager: Photo Editors: Online Editors: Reporters: Cece Climaco Madison Daugherty Alyssa Lobue Crystal Marcuccio Mariya Vashchenko Tiffany Wade
Jamey Majewski Wynette Jameson Jasmine Garza Lisa Nhan Jessica Sieling Audree Hall Jenan Taha Carolina Sarria Emily Berthiaume Troylon Griffin III Vidal Maldonado Emily Ruthven Audree Hall Deja Harrell Elena Rodriguez Monica Jackson Sydney Matthews Photographers: Jenna Parsons Hannah Pearson Evelyn Salinas Kelsie Sullivan Issac Villarreal Madeline Williams
Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com or www.creekhilife.com For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0587
Editorial Jasmine’s Journal:Time is inevitable
By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief Time is one of the many wonders of the world I may never truly understand. As I get older time seems to be passing exceedingly faster than it did when I was a little kid. It is a constant ticking of moments passing before your eyes until your last moment. Time has been created as an infinite concept but most of us spend our life worrying that we do not have enough of time. We cannot gain time, only lose. When all the time we have been given is lost, we are not even aware of how much time we actually live. We become so busy in our everyday life that we forget how precious time is. We try to please the people who want to see us fail and forget about the ones who
want to see us thrive. I catch myself at moments mesmerized in the thoughts of my childhood. How I wished I could live those moments again with the people who are no longer here, but it is a matter of life to grow up with certain people and learn they cannot stay forever. But why do we focus so much on the future and not enough on the present? Yes, we want to have a game plan and some sense of where we might end up. However if we do not take time to focus on us is in this very moment we tend to lose sight of what we are after. We are ultimately after happiness and success. We want what is best for us and in the future best for our family but constantly having a to-do list does not give us time to think about how we feel in the mean time. Time is inevitable whether we want to
believe it or not, and eventually it comes to an end. We grow older and have more things to do and what seems to be not enough time. As we are younger we resist naps and going to sleep late, but you get to
to have a care-free life, but that moment has passed. We are left to deal with the present. As the year is once again reaching an end it gives me a chance to reevaluate my year, my friends and the time I have spent pleasing others and pleasing myself. Reevaluating my life does not give me more time. Instead it places my mind set in a different perspective for a new year; a perspective of what I should be doing the last semester of my high school career and who I should be doing it with. As we get closer to graduation we want to get closer to our friends we may never see again after this. We want to have fun and live in the moment that will soon only be a memory. We begin to have extreme cases of senioritis and by the end of the year we cannot wait to walk the stage. But walking the stage is the end of now and the beginning of a new chapter. The end to friendships that have been formed through 18 years or just a few months. It is an end of relying on others and gaining a new form of responsibility and goals. Although it is an end to many things, it is a time to start over and not try to focus on the time that we do not have but cherish the time we do have.
“The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time, rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean-tide, on which we and all the universe swim like exhalations, like apparitions which are, and then are not.....” -Thomas Carlyle a moment in life where it seems to be the opposite. We want naps and sleep. We want
Jessica’s Jumbles:New Year resolutions
By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor As the holidays come closer and closer and I struggle to remember all of the gifts I have to buy for friends and family, I keep thinking about how close this year is to being over. In only a few short weeks, we’ll be saying goodbye to another year, another 365 days, and saying hello to 2015. And as years go, this next one is going to be a little scary. It’s the year I graduate high school, the year that I start college and whatever else is going to happen. There is, quite literally, a year’s worth of possibilities to come. So it’s safe to say that although I’m excited for this upcoming year, I’m also extremely anxious. This year has definitely been an interesting year in so many ways and it
certainly had its fair share of interesting moments. I started my senior year of high school, which is sort of the beginning of the end. I travelled to west coast for the first time on a vacation to San Francisco. I had my last Creek Homecoming. I also got a new cat. These events, along with thousands of other small insignificant things, made up my year as a whole. B u t thinking about this past year, I tried to think of some New Year’s Resolutions that I want to do for next year. I guess I’m hoping that if I write them down in print now, I’ll have a better chance of actually doing them instead of just ignoring them like everyone else. So without further ado, my resolutions for 2015:
• Stop procrastinating: I guess being an AP student; this kind of comes along with the territory. But looking at this next year, there are really a lot of things
• Read more: As much as I want to blame my school work load as to why I haven’t been reading as much, I know it probably has something more to do with the amount of Netflix I have been watching. So that’s another goal; take a break from watching House Hunters International and read the books that have been stacking up on my bedside table. • Hang out with more people: Anyone who knows me, knows that I am the absolute queen at getting out of plans. Sometimes, for no apparent reason. But in 2015, I really want to expand my circles and go hang out with more of my friends. Once high school is over, I am going to be away from a lot of the people I’m close with now, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. • Be less intimidated: I’ll be the first to admit there are a lot of things I miss out on just because I’m afraid to do them. So one of my main resolutions for the next year is to be more open-minded and less intimidated by the things that scare me. I want to be more adventurous and less apprehensive when approaching new things. So that’s my list. Although I’m nervous for this upcoming year, I’m excited to be entering a new part of my life and seeing what’s ahead for me. I hope everyone has an excellent New Years this year. Happy Holidays!
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” -Neil Gaiman that I want to do, and I want to try and do it without all of the unnecessary stress that comes along with procrastination.
4
News
One World Trade Center opens in New York City By Carolina Sarria News Editor After thirteen years following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the World Trade Center has been revived and opened for business again, marking an emotional milestone for New York City as well as the rest of the country. “The New York City skyline is whole again, as One World Trade Center takes its place in Lower Manhattan,” Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that owns both the building and the World Trade Center site, said. “The One World Trade Center sets new standards of design, construction, prestige and sustainability; the opening of this iconic building is a major milestone in the transformation of Lower Manhattan into a thriving 24/7 neighborhood.” The One World Trade Center, a 104-story, $3.9 billion skyscraper, dominates the Manhattan skyline as America’s tallest building. The centerpiece of the 16-acre site is where the twin towers stood before, and where 2,700 civilians lost their lives on 9/11. The first tenants of One World Trade Center moved into their offices on November 3. About 175 employees of Conde Nast magazine publications, which publish Vogue, the New Yorker and Vanity Fair, began their week in this new workplace. Conde Nast is expected to move in about 3,000 more workers by early 2015.
They will eventually occupy 25 floors. The building is 60 percent leased, with another 80,000 square feet going to the advertising firm Kids Creative, the stadium operator Legends Hospitality, the BMB Group investment adviser and Servcorp, a provider of executive offices. The govern-
tember 11 Memorial and Museum built in the trails of the twin towers. Its stated purpose is to pay tribute to those who were killed on that September morning. For many years, the gruesome place where workers found mostly body parts was labeled the “ground zero” of the air-
ment’s Gen- A view south to the Statue of Liberty from the 63rd floor of One World borne attack. Trade Center on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, in New York. Now, the illueral Services (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT) minated point Administraof One World tion signed up for 275,000 square feet, and the Trade Center serves as a signal to planes China Center, a trade and cultural fa- that fly over the city, seemingly at eye level cility, will cover 191,000 square feet. with the high rise’s open rooftop. The view From the northeast area of the tower, stretches from Manhattan to the Statue of the building overlooks the National Sep- Liberty into New Jersey and Connecti-
cut and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. At night, the luminous steel and glass part can be seen from boats in New York Harbor approaching Manhattan. Eventually, an observation deck will be open to the public. The eight-year construction of this 1,776-foot high skyscraper came after years of political, financial and legal infighting that threatened to disrupt the project. The disputing slowly came to a halt as two other towers that are a part of the new World Trade Center complex started going up on the southeast end of the site: the now completed 4 World Trade Center, whose anchor tenant is the Port Authority, and the 3 World Trade Center that is now officially funded and will open in late 2017. The area of the World Trade Center has prospered in recent years. About 60,000 more residents now live there, which is three times more than before 9/11. T.J. Gottesdiener of the Skidmore, Owings & Merrill firm that produced the final design told The Associated Press that the high-rise was built with steel-reinforced concrete that makes it as terror attack-proof as possible. “If my son told me he had a job in the trade center Tower 1, I would have no qualms about him being there,” he said. Gottesdiener stated that the firm went beyond the city’s existing building codes to achieve that. “We did it. We finally did it,” he said.
Academic fraud investigated at UNC Chapel Hill By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor
For nearly 18 years, students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, most of them student-athletes, took fake “paper classes” to in order to remain eligible, according to an independent report recently released. Kenneth Wainstein, former federal prosecutor, was hired by UNC to independently investigate the fraud and conducted an eight-month investigation into the scandal that has plagued the school for more than five years. It has been revealed that at least 3,100 students enrolled in paper classes, however that number is probably “very short of the true number”, according to the report. “These counselors saw the paper classes and the artificially high grades they yielded as key to helping some student-athletes remain eligible,” Wainstein wrote in his report. Four employees have been fired and five more disciplined, with one having his honorary status removed, according to Chancellor Carol Folt. For the first time, UNC admitted that the fraud went further than academics and involved its athletes, too. Gerald Gurney, president
of the Drake Group, whose mission is “to defend academic integrity in higher education from the corrosive aspects of commercialized college sports,” said the report should provide reason for the NCAA to issue one of its most serious charges, of lack of institutional control, against UNC. “I can safely say that the scope of the 20-year UNC fraud scandal easily takes the prize for the largest and most nefarious scandal in the history of NCAA enforcement. The depth and breadth of the scheme -- involving counselors, coaches, academic administrators, faculty, athletic administrators, etc. -eclipses any previous case,” Gurney said. The coaches at UNC played perhaps the most significant role in the investigation. John Bunting, a former head football coach at UNC, said he knew the paper classes existed and actually more students enrolled in the classes during his time as head coach. Butch Davis, the next head coach, admitted he knew something was going on. Current men’s basketball coach Roy Williams continues to profess he did not know anything about the classes, and fewer basketball players enrolled in them during his time as coach. The report could have major implications for the school’s past
athletic success – meaning three national championships in college basketball (1993, 2005, 2009) and countless other wins across a large variety of sports could be in jeopardy. In the past, UNC has blamed department chair of African-American studies, Julius Nyang’oro as the sole perpetrator in the scandal, but the report revealed that many others were actually involved as well - some moreso than him. The report revealed that his assistant, Debbie Crowder, was the one that actually created paper classes out of her sympathy for players who were not the “best and the brightest”, then convinced Nyang’oro to go along with her plan. As a huge UNC sports fanatic, Crowder was known to be a lax grader who gave high grades regardless of the paper. Other counselors would often tell her what grade a student needed to be eligible to play. Nyang’oro played a less direct role, at first just holding legitimate study classes, where he was often accused of being too hard on the students. Crowder then created the first paper class, naming Nyang’oro as the instructor even though she was the one sending out paper topics and giving grades and assigning fake meeting times. The report states that it is not clear whether or not Crowder ever
got Nyang’oro’s permission to start the classes, but he did learn about them and did nothing to stop them. Nyang’oro was charged with fraud for accepting money for classes he didn’t teach, but the charges were later dropped when he cooperated with Wainstein’s investigation. Mary Willingham named many staff members that knew the fraud that was occurring. She said she believes it took six years for the scandal to be fully revealed because, “This is the flagship of the university system and of the state, and to admit we did anything wrong was too difficult. There is a level of arrogance here, and that’s part of the culture.” It is very unlikely that any of the former students that were enrolled in paper classes will have their degree taken away from them, according to Belle Wheelan, president of the Sothern Association of Colleges and Schools. “UNC has to verify every degree they give all the time. We ask them to make sure all courses really are legitimate,” Wheelan said. “All we can do ... is put them on sanction for lack of integrity. As far as taking those degrees back, there’s nothing we can do.”
News
5
Runners take on 44th New York City Marathon
By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor
Over 50,000 participants took off to run the New York City Marathon on November 2. November’s New York wind and cold temperatures were factors in the performances of many, including participants such as professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, winner Wilson Kipsang and women’s winner Mary Keitany. The largest marathon in the world got even larger this year with a recordsetting 50,881 runners. Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, a former world-record holder, won the race with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes and 29 seconds. Despite the fact that he is currently the best marathoner in the world, he had the slowest winning time of any winner since 1995, which was attributed to the strong wind. He pulled away in the final mile to achieve his third major marathon win in just over 13 months. “After running in such tough conditions, I’m very happy,” said Kipsang. “The finish was very close and the speed was very high. It was not easy.” Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, who won the Boston Marathon in 2013, won second place and 2010 NYC marathon winner Gebre Gebremariam got third. Mary Keitany, the second fastest female marathoner in the world, won the women’s division for a Kenyan sweep with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 7 seconds. This was her first marathon since the 2012 London Olympics. Inclement weather played a huge role in the finalist’s performances. At 7AM, it was
42 degrees and winds were gusting from 35 to 45 miles an hour. This caused race organizers to move the wheelchair race to the Brooklyn side of the Verrazano Narrows
ever, and she finished with a time of three hours and 27 minutes. This was a few minutes ahead of her desired time of three hours 30 minutes, despite the fact that her
Fans line the area around 4th and Atlantic Avenues to cheer the professional male and female runners as they round mile eight during the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014. Here men’s winner Wilson Kipsang, left, leads the first wave of men around Lafayette Avenue. (Roy Caratozzolo III/MCT)
Bridge as it was determined it was not safe enough for them to wheel across the bridge. This was professional Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki’s first marathon
longest training run was a mere 13 miles. “The crowd was amazing. It was incredible. It was such an incredible experience,” the 24-year-old former number
one ranked player said. “I’m so happy to have done this. I’m so proud. Now I have this medal. I can say that I’ve done the New York City Marathon. I’ve even done it at a cool time. So I’m really, really happy.” Rival and friend Serena Williams met her with a hug at the finish line. Her marathon raised over $81,000 for the charity Team for Kids, which helps fund the marathon organizer New York Road Runner’s youth programs. When asked if she has plans for another marathon in the future, she responded with, “Right now I don’t think I’m going to do one for a few years, but probably at some point I’m going to do another one. Right now I’m just tired. I’m exhausted. If you ask me right now, then I’d say no, but I’m sure that I’m going to look back on this experience and say that this was awesome and want to do it again.” Other memorable racers include Katherine Slingluff, a photographer from Brooklyn, who ran her first marathon in ten years. In the last stretch, she was behind a man who had run the entire race while juggling. She pushed through and eventually finished with a time of four hours and 43 minutes - making her the onemillionth finisher since the marathon started in 1970. She received a shopping spree and free lifetime admission to the marathon. Slingluff was asked if she would like to run a marathon when she is as old as Ginette Bedrad, 81, who participated in this year’s marathon, she said. “Who’s to say if I will, but my hat goes off to anyone at that age who even tries,” she said. “I think I remember seeing her along the course—in addition to an older gentleman who had run the marathon thirty-one times.”
Chemical leak kills DuPont La Porte employees By Tiffany Wade Reporter
Early Saturday morning November 15, a chemical leak killed four workers and left one injured. “Our thoughts and prayers are really with our families of the employees, and we want to make sure that we give them all the support they need in the best that we can do. I really have nothing else I can tell you at this time,” DuPont La Porte manager Randall Clements said. The chemical was methyl mercaptan, which was used in the prop protection unit for insecticides, fungicides, and proteins for the plants. The chemical was said to be able to smell from about 40 miles away. The inhabitants nearby were not harmed, however the stench was unbearable. Methyl mercaptan is such an easily ignited chemical that if the tiniest bit of fire touched it, any nearby object or body
would be completely contaminated, as the chemical is highly toxic. The chemical can cause irritation of the eyes and skin and, cause respiratory problems, and headaches and nausea, if not protected from properly. “Pesticides are designed to kill things, so you’re talking about, by their nature, highly potent chemicals. If you get the fullest exposure, you don’t have a chance. It will kill you,” Elena Craft said. Craft is a toxicologist for the Environmental Defense Fund and has toured the plant. Don Holmstrom led the team of seven investigators with the supervisor Johnnie Banks. The unit was barricaded for the investigations to begin at around eight in the morning. The investigation team said the valve failed around four a.m. in the crop protection unit, which is where the chemical is located and it took two hours to even contain the chemical. The non-qualified medical personnel was not permitted to enter the area until
they were informed that it was safe, because they had not been trained to use the proper personal protective equipment. The LaPorte firefighters weren’t even allowed to enter the premises until hours after the workers had died. Their clothing and breathing equipment was not enough protection for inhalation or skin contact from the high levels of the chemical. However, the scene was finally deemed safe to enter just before noon and the four workers were confirmed in their current reported states by Medical Examiner around two p.m. The worker who was injured was placed in a hospital for further observations. Families were not informed of their loved ones until after they were confirmed by the Medical Examiner for the safety of the family members. Among the four workers in the midst of the tragedy were Wade Baker, Gilbert Tisnado, his brother Robert Tisnado, and Crystle Wise. The injured worker’s name is unknown.
At 53 and a recent hire for DuPont, Crystle Wise was the first one to be in trouble. Robert Tisnado died right after her. He was 39 and had worked for DuPont for seven years. He was responding to Crystle’s call for help when he passed. Wade followed after Robert and died. He was a 60-year-old manager from LaPorte and a highly experienced man. Gilbert, “Gibby,” Tisnado was 48. “In a chemical plant, there’s always steam and air blowing. So you’re not worried about it. It’s natural, that’s the nature of the beast, and that’s why there are so many safety precautions,” Gilbert Tisnado, the brothers’ father, said. The families of the workers have started making funeral plans. The lives of these workers may have been cut short but they will always be remembered as the four brave DuPont workers.
6 Around Creek
Students prepare for 2015 Houston Rodeo Art Show By Jenan Taha Features Editor
Preparations have begun for the Houston Rodeo Art Show, a series of artistic events in which high school students can exhibit or auction their Texan or Western-themed art and win hundreds or even thousands of dollars in scholarship money. As a sub-event of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Rodeo Art Show is one of the most competitive art contests in Texas, and artists must strive to create pieces that are both realistic and representative of the Texan spirit. The judges suggest that artists “pick a comfortable medium, use strong contrast and vivid colors, and tell a story through the artwork.” They look for interesting subjects with unique backgrounds and use of the student’s own photo references. Although realism is preferred, abstract pieces are not discouraged, and are considered “beautiful works of art, but can be difficult to translate to a canvas without proper instruction and practice.” Signup for the contest must be completed before the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo begins in March, so artists are expected to complete their works before February. Nearly all classic mediums are accepted by the contest, but 2D pieces must fit within the size range of
11”X14” to 18”X24”. 3D pieces must not be larger than 16” in any dimension and must not weigh more than 15 pounds. All work must be original and students must only use their own photos as reference. The Rodeo Art contest is infamous for its strict regulations and specific requests on student artwork; all of the general rules
given the necessary paperwork. All Creek art teachers are registered in the Rodeo Art contest, and each must choose only eight art students to represent Creek at the Rodeo. Each piece will first be judged at the district level. Pieces receive a blue, red or white ribbon signifying advancement to state, district level award and honorable
Photo courtsey of Jenan Taha
can be found at www. rodeohouston.com. The events include an exhibition of ribbon winners at the Hayloft Gallery in Houston, an art auction, quick draw contest and Children’s Hospital art contest. Students can enter the contest through their art teacher, who must be registered and
mention, respectively. One piece from each district is given a Best of Show award, and two pieces are given gold medals, along with ten special merit awards. Pieces that received a gold or blue ribbon advance to the state level and are further awarded there. Any 2D or 3D piece entered in the
contest can be chosen for auction. These pieces can be sold for thousands of dollars each. Last year’s Grand Champion winner, Michelle Jong, won $210,000 for her piece, titled “Reminiscence of Youth.” The Reserve Grand Champion won $196,000. All auction pieces are guaranteed at least $1500, and usually sell for thousands more. The quick draw contest takes place during the Rodeo, and allows competitors 50 minutes to draw a selected graphite portrait or still life on 11” by 14” paper. Winners can receive prize money and a free session at the Glassell School of Art. All senior participants also receive a Glassell college application. The Children’s Hospital contest is held at Texas Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital, and allows patients to create and submit rodeo art pieces, the best of which are displayed along with other district winners at the Hayloft Gallery. Each year, the Rodeo gives 15 four-year $18,000 scholarships to senior participants who plan to enroll in a Texas college or University. The student’s academic and artistic ability are considered, but the student’s rodeo artwork is not a deciding factor in the scholarship awarding process. After the Rodeo, designated district representatives pick up student art and return it to the artists. All art pieces will be returned before May 31.
Around Creek 7
Creek’s LExI puts on show for 10th anniversary By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
For ten years now, the League of Extraordinary Improvisers, LExI, has been crafting the art of storytelling for the audiences here at Creek. With multiple shows a year, these improvisers have been entertaining others with solely their own ideas and no script since 2005. Ever since then, according to Mr. Bradley Hewlett, theatre and improv director, the troop has been a signature part of the theatre family. On December 13, the LExI members will have a show to honor the history of LExI and the impact it has had on its alumni. “The LExI class was my first theatre class ever. It’s really what sparked my interest in theatrical performance and it’s what lead to my involvement in the productions at Creek,” Justin Gibbons, alumni from last year’s graduating class, said. Gibbons is now pursuing his theatrical passion at University of Houston. The troop, named after a combination of League City and 2005 film The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse, was started the year before Hewlett started teaching at Creek. During that time, there were four other theatre directors. However, as time went on Hewlett was given the responsibility last year of the LExI troop and teaching the improv classes. “What I’ve always told my students a few years ago is that I’ve always felt like the uncle of LExI. I wasn’t the director in charge of it. I was a source of feedback and support over the years, but never the director. It’s been an honor and privilege to be able to take over,” Hewlett said. In order to be chosen for the troop, performers must audition. To gain the skills needed in the audition, students often take the yearlong class in which Hewlett teaches improv. It begins with playing improv games with strict forms and rules to help assist the performers in creating a story. As time moves on students learn to perform long form, which is the height of the art of improv. It is a type of improv to start with one word or phase suggestion to create a 30 minute long story stemming
from seemingly random stories and events. The players have to create a story out of that. “A lot of people think that what we
The skills required in performing improv that are developed in the class are mostly about listening and understanding
do in improv is making about how to create Photo courtesy of CCTD things up and think, ‘Oh a story that will how hard can that be.’ But if you’ve ever interest an audience. The performer tried to come up with a story or sentence must learn to connect ideas from other to an audience on the spot, it can be people as they create a story. Many times pretty tough. It’s a skill. A lot of famous it’s about developing what seems like improvers have compared it to playing an unconnected ideas into a cohesive story. instrument or singing in a choir. Just like “It’s really about a class about creative music, it requires practice to build up skills problem solving and team work. That’s needed for performances,” Hewlett said. what has to happen on stage. Each time you
get on stage, there’s a problem. And that problem is how to tell a story,” Hewlett said. To problem solve, the improv members are instructed to follow the number one rule in improv which is, “yes, and…” The performed have to learn to “trust each other on stage and accept what each person gives each other,” according to Hewlett. It requires for the players to learn how each other think and build a chemistry based off that. “Even if they never do anything else in their life with comedy, the things you have to do to get that good at improvising, especially in long form, can be used throughout life. Problem solving and taking other people’s ideas to merge with your own are lifestyles that anyone can use. It’s not a solo act. It’s a collaborative art form. Life is about making choices and solving problems just like improv,” Hewlett said. Over the years, LExI has developed an unique tradition that only the members of the troop are allowed to know. According to Hewlett, it was started before the first LExI show ever and has remained relatively the same since. This reflects the close-knit bond that LExI has created within the troop. “I have LExI to thank for making me the actress I am, giving me an amazing group of some of the closest friends I’ve ever had and giving me an outlet for all the crazy energy everyone on the troope and I had,” Ashley Haas, alumni from the previous graduating class, said. For Hewlett, LExI has been a reflection of the hard work that past directors and LExI members put into creating a distinctive program to Creek. “I have seen better improvisation and understanding of the theories of comedy by these students than some college shows I’ve seen, because of how seriously we take it. We talk about all the time how special and fragile it is to have that kind of history and leadership. For me as a director it’s a beautiful thing to have a program that runs itself through the hard work and commitment of students,” Hewlett said. For those interested in watching the show and its recognition of the past of LExI, the show starts at 7p.m. and tickets will be five dollars at the door
8 Around Creek
Best Buddies take on first annual basketball game By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
For one night, some of the quietest students in the school became basketball stars in front of cheering fans and an enthusiastic drum line. Creek’s chapter of Best Buddies, an organization created towards creating inclusion and one-onone friendships for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held its first fund raising basketball tournament. “Most of these kids don’t get opportunities to be on sports teams because there just aren’t leagues or organizations in our area that accommodate what they need. I wanted to put this game on to give them that experience, and to see the looks on their faces when they scored baskets was priceless,” Sarah Creveling, president, said. The tournament took place on November 20 at 7pm in Butler Gym. Originally the plan was to have the Springs Best Buddies chapter compete against the Creek chapter. However, due to some sponsor issues on Springs part, they were unable to make it. The buddies who played were Bryan Nguyen, Alex Glad, Bryan Hughes, Rod Ford, Jess Eubanks, and Hugo Sagastizado. Due to the absent of another team last minute, Creek buddies and peer buddies were split into two teams, red and pink. Red was the winning team in the end, with three points over the pink’s final score. However, the goal of the game was to focus on creating a fun environment rather than a competitive one.
“The best part was how supportive both teams were one the opposing team was trying to make a basket. Everyone was very patient as all the buddies made their baskets,” Creveling said.
was so excited. After he made a basket and how he skipped up and down the court, I have never seen him so excited. It made all of the work we put into worth it just to see how much fun
Photo by Deja Harrell
The goal was achieved when many buddies got to score in front of screaming fans. “I really loved how Bryan Nguyen
everyone was having,” Creveling said. As Jessica Ransom watched her buddy, Rod Ford, play she saw the dif-
ference it made in his enthusiasm. “I was incredibly excited watching him play. Rod was really good on defensive. He has a timid personality, and to see him get so aggressive on the court and see him do so well made me excited to be at the game to see what he could do,” Ransom said. Creveling organized the tournament after she heard of the idea at the 2014 annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference, where future presidents are taught on how to improve their chapter. “I thought it would be a new, unique event compared to our usual parties, as well as it being a cool fund raiser and a good way to raise awareness about the program. Planning it was stressful at first, like any big event you hold for the first time but it was more exciting than anything,” Creveling said. All funds from the tickets and other merchandise were put towards continuing the program. The T-shirts were designed by Audree Hall, party planner. They were sold at 10 dollars. Students could also buy a raffle ticket to win Best Buddies merchandise such as sunglasses or other T-shirt designs. “This was the most unique fund raiser we’ve done in my past three years of the club. It was really great being able to take part in something that not only helped us raise money we needed, but at the end of the day continued Best Buddies’ goal of friendship and inclusion for anyone and everyone,” Christina Morrison, sectary of the chapter, said.
Around Creek 9
Philosophy club extends knowledge By Mariya Vashchenko Reporter
To think about the meaning of life, to discuss problematic topics, and to expand the knowledge about problem solving, Creek’s students are welcomed to join the Philosophy club. Philosophy is the study about general and fundamental problems, which are connected with the reality, values, knowledge, existence, reasons, mind and language. Due to this knowledge people can improve their lives, solve a lot of problems and get to know more interesting facts. The club meets every Monday after 7th period. The purpose of the Philosophy club is to unite people, who are interested in philosophy, and people who just want to extend their knowledge. “I really just wanted to get more people interested in philosophy, cause it’s something that I’m really interested in, and I find that it applies to the world in more ways than people assume, and it’s also super political relevant. I think that’s important for people,“ Claire Berlinger, the organizer said. During the meetings students have an opportunity to watch the Power Point presentations about famous philosophers, who lived in different historical periods of time. However, students will discover an amazing world of different and unique thoughts of the philosophers; compare how people developed their ideas and theories. After the presentation students will discuss different topics. Although, the purpose of the club is
to unite people with the same interests, each student has a unique opinion. In the conversation it is always interesting to discover new things about the world and the society. “Basically in our meetings I am planning on making presentations, and basically just discussions afterwards. Everything begs a question, and then we need ideas until we figure out what
Photo courtesy of graphicstock.com
the
question begs,” Berlinger said. First of all, it is important to introduce the main ideas and theories. “I want to talk about ideas holistically, like the idea and the people who contributed to that idea, and I kind of want to cover the basics in like couple of weeks, and than get into more modern theories, like social constructivism and postmodernism, and stuff like that, because that’s seems to be what a lot of people are interested in,” Berlinger said.
The philosophy club is special. This club can help students with their social study classes. Students have an opportunity to know a lot of famous philosophers, find out different problems, and to improve their historical knowledge. “This club is pretty cool, because it’s fairly academically motivated, which means that there is a lot of learning based stuff in it. It actually surrounded around what kids are learning in the History classes, and the English classes about affects and stuff. Also I am going to try to make it way more discussion based, so we are going to be engaging in philosophy from an academic perspective and I think, that’s pretty unique about us,” Berlinger said. The organizers of the Philosophy club are waiting for you. Do not miss your opportunity to find a lot of new friends, to share your ideas and opinions and to make your life interesting. To join the club students do not need to have any prep courses or previous knowledge. The only thing you need to have is the desire to discover the world around you. “Anyone, absolutely anyone can come. We are in the room E 215, Mondays, after school, every week. Anyone can come. Anyone is encouraged to come. You don’t even have to contribute the conversation, you can just sit there, or you can totally contribute. I would love to have anyone here,” Berlinger said.
A different perspective: From the Ukraine By Mariya Vashchenko Reporter
Winter holidays are coming very soon. On the 26th annual Ice Spectacular at the Galleria, one of the biggest malls in Houston, people had an amazing opportunity to feel the spirit of upcoming Christmas holidays. The Ice Spectacular started at 6pm on November 15. The size of the audience was huge. People could enjoy the show on the first floor right to the rink. On the other hand, to notice more details it was possible to watch the performance from the second floor. A lot of curious kids preferred the second floor, which was like a beautiful balcony. However, the customers who just attended the Galleria to go shopping didn’t expect any special events. Their plans changed completely in just a few minutes. Beautiful voices, sparkling lights, and an unusually big crowd attracted public’s attention, and made people stay to watch the Ice Spectacular. “Who is singing?” wondered one of the customers, hearing remarkable and a very familiar voice, passing the rink. The biggest surprise was to know the name of a special guest. Kree Harrison, American Idol Season 12 Finalist, was singing. She sang several Christmas songs for skaters, who had an incredible ice program. Her powerful and charming voice made the atmosphere on the rink cozy and pleasant. Five professional skaters created a wonderful ice routine. During 45 minutes they impressed the public with unbelievable jumps, graceful spins, and other fast, but very accurate movements, and elements. Do you want to build a snowman? Girls- skaters glided and gave a warm scarf to the snowman, but they also gave the audience a chance to feel the upcoming holidays spirit. Pretty gloves, colorful hats, and wonderful costumes created a real winter on the rink. As a result, both the snowman and the audience were happy. Although the show with a snowman was very successful, the next performance caused loud applause, as well. It is hard to imagine the Christmas holidays without Santa Claus. On the 26th annual Ice Spectacular he was unusual. Santa Claus dressed on nice skates, and instead of bringing traditional presents decided to give public his own unique gift. He started to dance so easily and quickly, gliding difficult combinations, as if they were the easiest movements and just a piece of cake for him. Who says that Santa should arrive on the sledge? This year he made a conclusion that skating was a better idea. Happy smiles on the children’s face proved that his idea was right. It felt like a real winter with the white snow. However, one the most beautiful decorations was a 55-foot Christmas tree. “One, two, three…” people counted till the wonderful Christmas tree was lit up with 450,000 sparkling lights. 5,000 colorful ornaments made Christmas tree festive and especially beautiful. Something magical and warm was in the skaters’ cold winter, something unusual was in the Santa’s arrival, and something special made people feel like miracle has already happened with them.
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signings
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Features
Pentatonix continues to raise Christmas album quality
By Emily Ruthven Around Creek Editor
The popular a capella group, Penatonix, raised the Christmas album standards to new heights when the they released their new holiday album entitled That’s Christmas to Me through RCA Records, complete with fresh modern takes on Christmas classics such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Mary Did You Know, Silent Night, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The album even contains a bonus track covering the viral Let it Go, from the popular Disney movie, Frozen. Due to the fact that the album was released in the middle of October, Penatonix was singing Christmas songs in early autumn. “It’s always really fun- there’s only really one or two months where you can sing Christmas songs, so we put all this hard work into this album. I love singing Christmas songs every chance we get. Its really cute,” said Kirstie Maldanado. It has been two years since Penatonix released their first Christmas album, PTXmas. This album included Angels We Have Heard on High, O Holy Night, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Song, and This Christmas. “I think this album’s more creative than our last one. Our last album is just typical Christmas songs with really pretty a capella arrangements. But this one, I feel there’s more concepts and ideas,” said
Scott Hoying, a lead vocalist of the quintet. While working on That’s Christmas to Me, Penatonix was also in the middle of producing their first major album re-
it was stressful. Then we finally did it, it still blows my mind,” said Avi Kaplan. Despite the stress of forming two albums at once, Penatonix fans have been
Press photo courtesy of Jiro Schneider lease, PTX Vol. III. raving over That’s “Different peoChristmas to Me. ple want totally different things off “This may just be their best alof each album, so getting the spirit of bum yet. They’ve turned classic Christeach one was interesting. The whole mas songs into a capella mastertime, we felt really productive, even if pieces. This album is flawless,” said
Penatonix super fan Luke Somerville. Fans and critics can agree that Penatonix’s new album is one to remember. “That’s Christmas to me is a great listen for both the sheer pleasure of having it on in the background while you decorate the Christmas tree, and for the stellar display of the capabilities of the human voice. It showcases the unique talents of each vocalist whilst blending them all toger5her smoothly and offer a young, modern take on some well know, yet extremely over visited Christmas classics,” said Aisleen Evans of renownedforsound.com. Penatonix derived the majority of their fame from their victory of season three of NBC’s, The Sing Off. The popular name, Pentatonix, is derived from the world’s most widely recognized five-note music scale called the Penatonic scale. After finishing The Sing Off, Penatonix moved to Los Angeles to release two EPs: PTX Vol. 1 and PTXmas. Things have only been uphill for Penatonix, with their appearances on Sesame Street, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen, The Katie Couric Show and the America Music Awards Red Carpet Show. They have also toured North America twice, in which the consistently sold-out venues and a European tour, in which they also sold out in its entirety. Aside from touring and performing, Penatonix also runs an extremely successful YouTube Channel that includes widely popular videos, such as a Daft Punk Medley, which has more than 100 million views.
Frankie Ballard takes stage at The House of Blues
By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief
Although Ballard performed his up beat popular songs, he chose softer ballads such as Tell Me You Get Opening up the night for Frankie Bal- Lonely and Don’t You Wanna Fall. lard on November 19 was newly signed From up on stage the energy only Nashville based band A Thousand Horses. seemed to be increasing with every stroke From their style to their performance on he gave to his guitar, and when Ballard stage they are definitely a unique band. With jumped into the crowd and started to make a southern rock style and enthusiastic ener- his way throughout The House of Blues gies from stage the the energy audience was well got higher. prepared for the The whole rest of the night. night was full Michigan of suprises and heartthrob Frankie upbeat perforBallard took the mances. From stage at The House the start of the of Blues as the very first song Light ‘em Up tour to the end of made its 12th stop the last the auin the center of dience was left downtown Houswanting more. ton. The House of It is no Blues created the question perfect venue for whether or Ballards first ever not Ballard headline tour. With will succeed the perfect amount as an artist Photo by Jasmine Garza of space and people The because he already has. House of Blues created an Critics categorize him up close and personal feel where the sound into groups with fellow Michigan natives, reached every ear smooth and clear so all Uncle Kracker, Kid Rock and Bob Seger. could have an unforgettable experience. There is no experience that relates to Ballard’s country-rock style created attending a live show of any band. The an upbeat atmosphere for all to enjoy. Fan energy and sound is one you can only favorites were performed as well classics experience by being in a crowd of more such as Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue, than 100 people joined together to apBob Seger’s Old Time Rock & Roll and ZZ preciate music and all it has to offer. Top’s La Grange after Ballard said, “This After Ballard finishes his Light ‘em Up is the truth, I’m not just saying this.My fa- tour on December 20, he will then take the vorite guitar of all time is Billy Gibbons.” road with Florida Georgia Line in 2015.
features
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Nolan’s Interstellar creates never before seen worlds By Carolina Sarria News Editor
The science fiction film Interstellar is an action packed, suspenseful movie starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. The plot follows the life of a widowed farmer, named Cooper, and his family as they struggle with daily life on Earth, which is becoming more and more uninhabitable. Life on Earth worsens as crops are destroyed and dust storms are a common occurrence. The scarcity of food has led society to place a focus on agrarian occupations and education rather than engineering and mathematics. This is much to Cooper’s dismay, since he was a former NASA test pilot. Cooper lives in a rural house with his father-in-law Donald, his son Tom and his young daughter Murphy, who goes by Murph. Murph, portrayed in the beginning by Mackenzie Foy, is full of curiosity and is quite intelligent for her age. She believes there is a ghost in her room that is trying to communicate with her. Murph and her father discover the “ghost” is in fact an unknown form of intelligence delivering messages through gravitational waves, altering the dust on the floor in a binary pattern. These codes direct them to the coordinates of a top-secret NASA institution led by a man known as Professor Brand, one of Cooper’s former professors. This strange discovery of the codes is the first of many rather supernatural aspects of the film. Although it at first raises doubts towards how realistic the events may turn out to be, it does keep the viewer alert and waiting to see what happens next. Cooper and Murph find out that the
NASA site discovered a wormhole orbiting Saturn that may be inhabitable for the human race. The scientists at NASA believe there are extra-dimensional beings attempting to communicate with them and have created the wormhole in order for humans to explore outside of the galaxy. Cooper is then recruited to lead the
ents to relate to Murph, and Foy does an exceptional job of depicting a heartbroken Murph’s agony during her father’s absence. Physicist Romilly, geographer Doyle and robots known as CASE and TARS join Cooper and Amelia on the two-year journey to reach the wormhole. Unfortunately, after exploring planet Miller, where
Endurance expedi- Matthew McConaughey as Cooper in “Interstellar.” (TNS) every hour that tion with Professor passes in the viBrand’s daughcinity of the planter Amelia, played by Anne Hathaway, et is equivalent to seven years in normal to explore the potential planets known as space, the crew was unable to retrieve Miller, Edmunds and Mann. He has an information. In the process, they lose emotional goodbye with his family, es- Doyle and 23 years of life back on Earth. pecially Murph, who is infuriated with This devastating turn reveals just how Cooper for leaving her and not knowing much time Cooper and Amelia lost with when or if he would ever return. It is easy their families. Back on Earth, Murph and for younger viewers with absentee par- her brother Tom are now grown up and
Donald has passed away. Brand is growing much older, and the world’s conditions have worsened. One cannot help but feel sorry for the explorers, and the question on whether they should remain in their expedition and never see their loved ones again or return to Earth and ruin the chances of saving mankind is raised. Back on Earth, Murph, now a NASA scientist, attempts to solve a physics problem that may save the human population. The shock comes when Professor Brand confesses to Murph that he determined it was impossible to solve without additional information from the black hole. The rest of the film is filled with more shockers and some sentimental moments that show the film also places a focus on love and what people are capable of doing for others. Scott J. Davis from Flickering Myth praised the uniqueness of the film. “Interstellar is not a perfect film, nor is it quite the masterpiece some have proclaimed it to be, but in terms of scale, scope and spectacle, [Christopher] Nolan has once again produced something the likes of which we have never seen before to this degree,” Davis wrote. “Thoughtful, engaging and epic, it is another example of a filmmaker at the height of his powers, fully embracing films as both an art form and a source of true entertainment.” Although the movie was nearly three hours long, the action and suspense made it feel much shorter. The impressive special effects kept the viewer attentive, and the cast as a whole had a lot of chemistry. It has a Gravity feel to it, but so much more happens and it makes one question everything about life on Earth- and beyond.
16 Teen interest
Mockingjay leaves audience anticipating part two By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor November 21, 2014 marked the release of the highly anticipated movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, the third movie installment in the dystopian series. The movies are based on the novels of the same title written and adapted by Suzanne Collins. The third movie, although definitely a build up for the next movie, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, stayed relatively true to the novel and proved to be a nice edition to the previous movies. It left watchers intrigued, emotional and ready for the next movie. The Hunger Games series, which includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, tells the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), and her long and tedious journey through life in a dystopian society. Panam, the future of America, is made up of twelve districts that are controlled by the tyrant center of the country, The Capital. The Capital is under the direction of President Snow (Donald Sutherland), and in the first novel the audience is introduced to the horrifying concept of the Hunger Games, an annual brutal competition in which two children from each district are randomly chosen and forced to fight to the death in an arena for the whole country to see. The Games are a product of the Capital to remind the districts of their power and the first movie focuses on Katniss as she and her district-mate Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), try to survive the Games. The second movie, Catching Fire, follows Katniss and her struggle to maintain
her normal life and stay alive after the rebellious act that ended the first novel continues to haunt her. The movie is focused on Katniss and Peeta as they are once again thrown in the Games and forced to fight other previous victor of the competition. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, written by Peter Craig and Danny Strong and directed by Francis Lawrence, picks up closely after where the second movie ends;
different parts, with most of the action and plot advances happening in the second half, Mockingjay Part 1 worked more as a transitional film. It held a lot of importance is showing the progression of the rebellion, however it did lack some of the action that the other two movies held. But that did not make the movie less interesting. On the contrary, the lack of action allowed time to emphasize Katniss’ character develop-
Katniss realizes ment and rethat her life will Jennifer Lawrence stars as ‘Katniss Everdeen’ in THE HUNGER ally show more GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1. Photo Credit: Murray Close never be the of what was same after her really going experience with the Capital and the Games on in her head. The movie explores Kathave sparked a rebellion throughout the niss’ thoughts on the deaths of many of her country. With Peeta in the Capital’s hands friends, Peeta and how is his captured by and marked as the Capital’s enemy, Katniss the Capital, and even her best friend Gale is now chosen to represent the rebellion as (Liam Hemsworth) and her feelings for him. becoming “The Mockingjay”, a symbol of Many of the characters from the prehope to all of the suffering districts that had vious movies returned, including my perbeen repressed under the Capital’s laws. sonal favorites Haymitch (Woody HarBecause the novel was spilt into two relson), Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Effie
(Elizabeth Banks). The late Philip Seymour Hoffman was also played a large part in the movie as Plutarch Heavensbee, despite his tragic death earlier this year. Lionsgate has also released that he will be in the next movie, as he had already finished filming the majority of the movie with the exception of one unfinished scene. The movie also welcomed some new faces in the mix, with Julianne Moore portraying President Alma Coin, the director of district 13 and the leader of the rebellion, Mahershala Ali playing the head defense director Boggs, and Natalie Dormer playing the spunky director Cressida. Overall, the movie did fairly well in theaters, making $121,897,634 its opening weekend and as of now it has made an estimate of $257,700,000 total. The movie has also received some mix reviews, getting a score of 65 percent of Rotten Tomatoes. Personally, I really enjoyed the movie. I thought that it had a nice mixture of plot and character development, and I especially like where the writers chose to end the movie. It was not so dramatic that the audience was confused but it left enough room for them to wonder what would come next. As someone who read the novels a few years ago, it was interesting to see the things that I forgot and try to remember what was coming next. Compared to the other two movies, I think that Mockingjay Part 1 is better then the first movie, but not as good as the second movie, Catching Fire, which is also my favorite novel of the three. The next and final film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, is set to come out in theaters on November 20, 2015.
Teen Interest 17
American Horror Story fans speculate show’s timeline By Emily Ruthven Around Creek Editor
All across America, fans sat on the edge of their seat, waiting for the arrival of the popular cult-hit, American Horror Story. As most fans know, each season has a completely different story line. However, each one includes the same actors from previous seasons. And yet, there has been recent speculation that all of the seasons are somehow connected to the same time line. The premiere season of American Horror Story is centered around a mysterious house the condemns all of those killed on the property to be trapped in the house for all eternity. When the Harmon family, composed of actors Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton and Taissa Farmiga, moves into this Murder House, strange and horrible things begin to happen. The first season also stars several power players such as Evan Peters, Denis O’Hare, Jessica Lange and Kate Mara. After positive ratings, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck decided to continue the twisted franchise with American Horror Story: Asylum. Set in 1964 in corrupt mental institute, mental patients are relentlessly tortured in the dimly lit halls of Briar Cliff Manor. Among the hundreds of patients that fall under the needle at the asylum, this season follows gay journalist, Lana Winters, portrayed by Sarah Paulson, alleged serial killer Kit Walker, played by Evan Peters and accused murderer Grace Bertrand, portrayed by Lizzie Brochere. The show’s third season, Coven, follows a coven of Salem Witch Trials descendants who live in Miss Robichaux’s Academy, a boarding school located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Unfortunately, this season of American Horror Story received less than satisfied reviews with critics complaining that Coven “has no idea how to work all its insanity into a cohesive plot that actually made sense” and that the
previous two seasons “had their fair share of craziness too, but they ended up pulling all of these elements into the main story, giving the craziness meaning,” according to Ross Bonaime, a Paste critic. In contrast to season three’s flop, the theme for this season, Freak-show, has yet to disappoint. Fans and critics alike adore
trayed by Emma Roberts, Bonnie Lipton, played by Skyler Samuels and many more. There are many theories as to how American Horror Story could be one continuous timeline. The first uses season two, Asylum, and season four, Freak Show. Pepper, portrayed by Naomi Grossman, was originally a mental patient in the Briar Cliff
Photo courtesy of Facebook
such complex characters such as Twisty the Clown, played by John Carroll Lynch, Jimmy Darling, played by Evan Peters, Maggie Esmerelda, por-
Asylum but has now been confirmed to make a re-entrance onto the current season, Freak Show. Grossman will not be returning as a new char-
acter, as most American Horror Story stars do, but as her former role, Pepper. “Its sort of what happened to Pepper before the asylum. We thought about it long and hard and we decided that is was interesting to do,” said creator Ryan Murphy. Another speculation utilizes the Murder House love story of Tate Langdon, portrayed by Evan Peters, and Taissa Farmiga’s character, Violet Harmon. Tragically, both of these lovers die in the cursed home, therefore condemning them to the walls of the Murder House for all eternity. Fans speculate that this could mean that the two would live together forever, perhaps even in another season of American Horror Story. To support this theory, in season three, Coven, the two actors return again as soul mates. Some fans use the location of all of the seasons to link them together. In season one, the Harmons are native to the Boston area. Also located in Boston is season two’s Briar Cliff Manor. In Coven, all of the witches can trace their lineage back to Salem, which took place just outside of Boston. Fans are asking, “does it all trace back to the Salem Witch Trials?” according to Lindsey Weber of Vulture.com. Creator Ryan Murphy put all of these theories to rest when he confirmed that all of the American Horror Story Seasons are in fact connected on October 31, 2014. Murphy’s words are “music to the ears of fans who have speculated for months about the ties between the show’s all four seasons,” said Bill Bradley of the Huffington Post. Many fans have had to become extremely creative in their theories of connection before Murphy confirmed all of the speculation. “Part of the fun of the show is the Rubik’s cube design of it, but, yes, there are purposeful connections, character connections, and similarities and things that connect that we’ll continue to connect moving forward,” said Murphy to Entertainment Weekly.
18 Athletes of the month:
Mia Hayes
Female athlete of the month is Mia Hayes, a senior on the varsity girl’s basketball team. She’s been playing basketball for 11 years and says basketball keeps her in shape. Before games and during practice, her and her team enjoy cheering, getting pumped, and getting hype in the locker rooms.
sports Ray Rice gets approval to come back By Vidal Maldonado Sports Editor
running back for the upcoming season. Baltimore Ravens Owner Steve Biscotti promised that Rice would be back on the team after his original two game suspension. He also had many good things to say about Rice when he stated,“He’s just been lauded as the nicest, hardest working, greatest guy
downhill for Rice when TMZ leaked the video of Rice striking Janay Palmer on the elevator. The Baltimore Ravens released Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice from the team and terminated his Rice is on the road to come back to the contract. The decision was made because National Football League after a series of he had allegedly not been truthful and was events that took place involving his wife dishonest with the team about the events Janay Palmer and NFL comthat had transpired that night missioner Roger Goodell. in the elevator in Atlantic City. Back in early February of The National Football League this year, Ray was in Atlandecided to suspended Rice tic City with Janay Palmer indefinitely from the league. where a shocking video After many sources conwas captured of him strikfirmed that Rice was in fact ing Palmer in the face with truthful with the team and his fist and knocking her commissioner Roger Goodell, out cold. When the elevator attention was now faced tolanded on the destination ward Goodell for his dishonfloor, a hotel staff member esty about Rice and not seeassisted Rice, thinking ing the video months prior to Palmer was intoxicated as TMZ’s release. The Associated Ray dragged Palmer off the Press reported that a 12 secelevator and on to the floor. ond voicemail was confirmed Rice and Palmer were to have been received by the both charged and released NFL, and with a quick response on February 15 for simple they claimed they had never reassault charges, as details ceived a video from anyone. of the altercation were not On September 16, Rice Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Rice is shown with daughter Rayven and thenclear at the time. Four days filed an appeal for his indefinite girlfriend, now wife Janay Palmer at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore later on February 19, TMZ resuspension from the league which on March 11, 2013. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun/MCT) leased footage of Rice dragging was held on November 5-6. General Janay Palmer’s limp body out of the eleva- on the team and in the community, so we Manager Ozzie Newsome had testified tor, though at the time it was unsure what have to support him. I think we’ll be re- that Rice had confessed all to commishad happened in the elevator. Police veri- warded by him maturing and never putting sioner Goodell which many believe was a fied they had the surveillance video of Rice himself in a situation like that again. I’ve key part to getting Rice back in the league. knocking Palmer unconscious in the eleva- been on record of saying my definition of On November 28, the NFL reinstated tor, but it was not leaked to the public. Head character is repeating offenses. If we’re all Rice back to the National Football League coach John Harbaugh and general manager one strike and you’re out, then we’re all in after three weeks of reviewing the appeal. Ozzie Newsome defended Rice. They also trouble. It’s how you respond to adversity.” As of December 1, he is able to sign with iterated that Ray would remain the team’s On September 8, everything went any team to make his return to the league.
Creek Girls Golf continues to improve By Troylon Griffin II Sports Editor
Jared Evans
Male athlete of the month, Senior Varsity forward Jared Evans, predicts the team’s goals for this exciting Basketball season. Evans, expects this years team to make a deep playoff run with the goal of making it to the state championship round, but along the way remain respectful and prime examples of good, positive, and hard working students and also humans. This year’s team is sure to make an awesome one with the leadership of Evans.
The Creek Girls Golf team competed in a tournament on November 4 and hosted the Creek Invitational at the South Shore Harbor Country Club. Creek’s 2nd Varsity and Junior Varsity all competed. This included Lindsey Ashorn, Courtney Kneupper, Donna Lee, Erin Muellner, Maddy Farreira, Sophie Bishop, Valerie Garza, Kiana Alihossini and Michelle Pardivala. The state contender Bellaire ended up winning the tournament, followed by Clear Lake. The second Varsity placed fourth and Junior Varsity placed fifth overall in the Invitational. So far this year, the golf team has competed in three tournaments. The games that preceded this one were on October 17-18 and October 27, 2014. “Our Varsity 1 group played in the Montgomery Invitational at April Sound against the top teams in the state. Our beginning group played in the Galveston Ball Tournament at Moody Gardens, where Rachel Hyman won third Medalist,” said Coach Williamson, Girls Golf team coach. When asked on whether the game was a notable one, Williamson spoke on how each golfer is allowed to play in seven tournaments throughout the
year, which apply to their overall ranks. “So [therefore], every tournament is a big deal for these girls because their rankings determine the placement on one of the six teams,” Coach Williamson said. Williamson was asked on whether there were any highlights during the game. “Sophomore Lindsay Ashorn was
Courtesy of Clear Creek Golf Team
a low scorer for our team and Freshman Michelle Pardivala had a strong showing in her first tournament as a Clear Creek Wildcat,” Williamson said. Williamson also spoke about advice and words of wisdom she tells her players during practice of before games. “We work constantly on keeping a calm and positive state of mind throughout the 5-6 hours they compete during a round. I just remind them of the individual
goals we have set and the key points for the course for that day,” Williamson said. She was asked on some of the future goals or plans the team had for the future. “Our biggest goal for this year is to place in district as a team in order to qualify for the regional tournament. We have had a three-year absence as a team from this tournament and so it is our biggest goal for this year. We have created a 2nd golf class that meets 5th period on campus. We are focusing on developing our new or beginning players in this class to in hopes of building a stronger program for the future,” Williamson said. Williamson also spoke on how she wanted to impact her players. “ I hope to inspire my players to be the best versions of their selves. When you have to force them to want to become better, it never seems to works out too well. I want them to crave to be better, to want to work hard to achieve their goals. This doesn’t mean that I am not hard on them or do not push them, it just means that I want to teach them how to find that desire to succeed within themselves and not rely on others to do that for them,” Williamson said. Overall, the girls golf team hopes to do better and better in the future competitions. The team has fifteen more games to participate in for the rest of the year, spanning all the way to April. Coach Kayla Williamson and her team look forward to their next game and helping represent Creek.
Sports
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Varsity Boys Golf finds success in current season By Troylon Griffin II Sports Editor
phy. Coach McAdam spoke on the day ment by winning a playoff with Friendof the game and his veteran players. swood’s Robert Todd after shooting scores “Excessive winds made the course of 74, 73. Riley drained a 35 foot putt on Creek’s Boys Golf team competed on the first playoff hole to claim the victory. play very difficult. Veterans Taylor WilFriday November 7 and Saturday Novemliamson and Jason Huffman played well, The Galveston Ball Varsity invitaber 8. The team then played the following tional at Moody Gardens involved Secdespite the conditions, to lead the team to Monday of November 10. The FridaySaturday event took place at Clear Lake’s Biker Rally and Monday’s event took pace at the Galveston Ball Varsity Invitational at the Moody Garden’s golf course. At the Friday-Saturday event, the team took part in the golf competition of Clear Lake’s Biker rally. The participants included seniors Clayton Bonner, Ryan Grube, Joe Hernandez, Ian Cerisano and junior Riley Williams. Boys golf coach Coach McAdam spoke on the varsity team. “The varsity team are all returning Top 5 players from the 2013-2014 season. Riley Williams placed 2nd overall at the 2014 District Championships and competed in the 2014 Regional Championships,” Coach Phillip McAdam said. Overall the Varsity team placed second out of the nine teams. Friday specifically the team shot a team score of 310, trailing second place Friendswood and Clear Lake in first. On Saturday, the team shot a score of 301, which allowed the team to finish in second place for the tournament. Coach McAdam spoke on this score. Courtesy of Clear Creek Golf Team “The team shot Clear Creek’s low- ond an eighth place finVarsity Golf est team score since our last District Team. This consistish of twenty teams,” Championship in 2011,” McAdam said. ed of juniors Taylor Williamson, Jason Coach McAdam said. Ultimately, Junior Riley Williams fin- Huffman, Kevin Childers, sophomore Ultimately, Taylor Williamson earned ished third place overall for the tourna- Dawson Nunez and freshman Sean Mura Top 10 finish in a field of one hundred
players, while scoring a personal best of 81 for the competition. Jason Huffman shot an 83, finishing tied for 19th place in the field. When asked about some of the things he says to his team for motivation and what he and his team talk about before games and during practice, Coach McAdam spoke greatly on the subject. “We use our team goals for motivation. Our main goal that we are always working toward is finding a way to bring a State Golf Champion Ship back to Clear Creek High School. That being said, we focus on executing sound fundamentals and practicing good course management during competition to help us reach our immediate goals. Each player wants to shoot their personal best score, place in the top three as a team or individually and begin preparing for the next round,” Coach McAdam said. McAdam also spoke on how the only people he and his team look up to are each other. He also spoke on how he would like to inspire and impact his team. “I hope to inspire them to use golf as a tool to impact their families and community in a positive way while representing Clear Creek High School by setting a good example and being a role model for others,” McAdam said. As for their future plans for the remaining season, McAdam said how the team will continue working toward their goal of making a run at post-season play during the Regional and State Championships and bringing a District Championship back to Clear Creek High School.
20 Photofinish