ALS Ice Bucket pg. 14
Homecoming Court Centerspread
Cadettes Season pg. 7
Creek Hi-Life celebrates 90 years of publication By Arlen Addison Former Editor-in-Chief This first issue of the 2014-2015 HiLife Newspaper marks a very special occasion for the paper. It is the ninety years of contentious publication of the HiLife Newspaper. For nine decades now, HiLife staff members, know as HiLifers; have been training future leaders and journalists, as well as producing an outstanding paper. The HiLife newspaper has been around to cover most all-major world events of 20th and 21st century. From the Great Depression, to WWII and the Korean War, the Kennedy assassination, Vietnam War and the Moon landing, the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disaster to 9/11, the War in Afghanistan and Iraq and Hurricane Katrina and Ike. For all events members of the HiLife staff has been reporting from not just a student perspective but as global one as well. The HiLife newspaper began back in 1925 at Webster High School by local students. This small building was located in roughly the same place as Webster Intermediate now stands. The school housed grades one through twelve. On the first day of the 1929 school year, 118 students were reported to be enrolled, 82 of them being High School students. Webster High served students of Webster and parts of Seabrook and Kemah. As a 1928, hand-drawn masthead declared “Webster HiLife; the only school paper on the Gulf coast serving 6 towns and 3 counties.” According to letters from previous editors, the first HiLife issues were hand typed by the first year typing class and most
illustrations and mastheads hand-drawn. Different grade levels has their own section in the HiLife, including Third and Fourth grade Babble, Fifth and Sixth grade Shocks, Fish Flops, Soph News, and the Senior Report. The students of the 1920’s were no strangers to the tough academic struggles of school. Ground breaking
learn and an English and Algebra Exam.” As times changed, so to did the HiLife. As Webster High grew larger, the paper took on a more modern and sophisticated look. Column layout, pictures, and type layout began to emerge. However, the 1930’s HiLife still featured a gossip and joke section, known respectively as
the Spy Life and Gay news in a paper (circa Photo taken by Elena Rodriguez Life. The gossip section 1929) included “The fourth grade are busy making maps of the featured such coverage as “Martha Nell countries of Northeastern Europe. We are Stewert has her heart set on Billie B. afraid, however, some of the countries because she thinks he is cute...Mildred wouldn’t recognize themselves.” While Iccet can’t seem to make up her mind. Now in the Soph News it was complained “We it’s B.R. Gorsett. Not bad HUH??...What’s Sophs will never have a chance to win this we hear about Ellen N. and Jasper the ‘Best Attendance’ banner if teachers Coker? Is it true Ellen?” as well as such don’t let up on our lessons. Only last jokes as “Mrs. Connor to Victor: How dare week we had 40 lines of Shakespeare to you, I’ll teach you to kiss my daughter!
Victor: Too late, I have already learned.” During the early 1940’s the HiLife shifted focused on the topic on everyone’s mind, WWII. A 1941 holiday editorial read, “Within twenty four hours the greatest change that has ever been witnessed came over the people of America. For the first time we began to appreciate this land of democracy. Yes, we began to think of a lot of things that we’d been overlooking”. As the world entered WWII the school began contests to see who could buy the most bonds and stamps to support the war, with the HiLife frequently printing who was in the lead. The paper also listed the names of all senior boys who enlisted in the armed services and every afternoon the school would gather around the flagpole outside to say the pledge of allegiance and sing patriotic songs. Following WWII and the 1940’s, the HiLife experienced its next major change, the opening of Clear Creek in 1956. Webster High students moved to Creek following the open and the HiLife followed. Creek had a relatively small student body at the time of its opening, having only having only 62 graduates its first year in 1957. During this time there was a small weekly issue, normally a single sheet front and back. As well as a larger issue printed every month that contained large news stories, poems and short stories from students, as well as the occasional crossword puzzle. In the decades to come Johnson Space Center would bring large numbers of people to the Clear Area. As Creek’s enrollment greatly increased, HiLife stories shifted
Continued on pg. 5
Latitude to Learn launches redeployment at Creek By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor Creek saw the first tablet redeployment and distribution for the year on September 2 for the Latitude to Learn initiative. This year improvements and changes have been made to expand the one on one initiative goal to increase the student’s learning experience. As the only grades that had the tablets before were the current sophomore and junior class, this year’s freshmen and seniors students were able to have their first experience with the Dell Latitude 10 Tablets. In fact, their experience differed from the rest as they received newer editions of the tablet. The most distinguishing fact between the two editions is the thinner case on the more recent edition. However, students who had tablet troubles whom owned a tablet this year received a new edition. “I actually really like the new tablet in comparison to my other one from last year. It’s thinner, so it doesn’t take as
much room in my backpack. I have also found that the touchscreen responded better,” Emily Coburn, junior, said. The sophomores and juniors were given back their previous tablet from last year, unless they had chosen to keep it over the summer. For all grades, they received training in their advisory. Much of the training was done using Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media is highly recommended by the district as a tool for technology learning, because it gives information on how to effectively use Social Media in a productive and safe way. The redeployment and distribution was again aided by the district technology staff. Even the Head of Technology, Mr. Kevin Schwartz, could be seen in the cafeteria passing out tablets to students.The whole staff was offering their help to Creek’s students. For those who were experiencing Tablet trouble or had any questions after the deployment, could find help at the Creek Connections booth in the library. However, many students have adjusted
the tablets to suit their individual needs. “I’ve found that I’ve been able to incorporate the tablet to even my extracurricular activities for clubs. It makes it more convenient to communication with other members of the club,” Sarah Creveling, senior, said. This year marks an exciting change for the tablet deployment, as all of fifth, eighth and 12th graders will receive their tablets for the first time this fall. However, the elementary students will not be allowed to take their tablets home. They will have to remain at school. Next year the rest of the intermediate grades and all of forth will receive their tablets. This will mark the end of the three-year rollout plan. In the past, the only intermediate school that had access to these tablets was Victory Lakes’ eighth graders as they acted as a test group. This is also true for Clear Lake City fourth and fifth graders. Earlier this summer, Parent Orientation Nights were held across the district at every intermediate and high school for
parents to learn more about the initiative of the Latitude to Learn Program. Creek’s took place on August 28 for any parent interested. It covered the basic goals of the program, such as personalizing technology to incorporate into existing curriculum, and common parent concerns, like Internet safety. For those interested and were unable to make the meeting, information is always available on the Latitude to Learn section of the district website. Also available on the website is Student Training videos. These videos cover everything from touch controls to how to play music in the car with the tablet. There is also a student email reconnection, which was a common issue among juniors this year in receiving their tablets back from the summer. With all of the new changes and reestablishment of Latitude to Learn, CCISD students are in no lack of resources to learn about their tablets. The goal of one on one initiative learning is being further with each tablet distributed.
2
Opinion If you could make one Homecoming tradition what would it be? And why?
: s ior
mpliment Give someone a co because before every class, on someit could put a smile one’s face. – Diana Martinez
Sen
at forced to sit e b ld u o sh Freshmen e bleachers. the top of th nd –Trevor Ryla
Have a teacher versus students water balloon fight! –Julie Chase
ere tradition wh a rt a st ld u o Iw apething bad h anytime som ou do somey , u o y to s n pe lse. r someone e thing nice fo did that every If everyone rld what the wo e in g a im , y a d e. would be lik n so –Kim Erick
Juniors:
Start having the band basketball tournament every year from now on. –Zac Cooper
use people Art day beca to pay attention don’t really creativity. stillo –Maddie Ca
Sophomores:
Shut down 518, so Springs knows we’re better. –Erin Muellner
2014-2015
the I would start having val last Homecoming Carni apfer all day. –Hannah K
e football gam Bonfire every before. on the night s –Sarah Adam
Free food challenge where the school gives free food every Friday to people that have an A in four or more classes. –Justyce Yuille
HiLife Staff
On the first d Principal: Jamey Majewski ay of schoo l, everyone bri Advisor: Wynette Jameson ngs a crayon . In the cafete Editor-in-Chief: Jasmine Garza ria will be a b ig paper, where Managing Editors: Lisa Nhan everyone wil l write a goal Jessica Sieling they want to reach by the Design Editor: Audree Hall end of that y e a r. Features Editor: Jenan Taha –Vanessa Ea ton News Editor: Carolina Sarria Teen Interest Editor: Emily Berthiamue Sports Editor: Troylon Griffin Around Creek Editor: Emily Ruthven Advertising Manager: Audree Hall Photo Editors: Deja Harrell Elena Rodriguez Online Editors: Monica Jackson Syndey Matthews school I would start ecause high Cece Climaco Crystal Marcuccio Mariya Vashchenko wide naps, b don’t ts n e d u Jenna Parsons Madison Daughtery st Issac Villarreal ls schoo . p e e sl h g Alyssa Lobue Hannah Pearson Tiffany Wade get enou g n u o Y a n n Vidal Maldonado Evelyn Salinas a Madeline Williams –Bri Kelsie Sullivan
Freshmen: A new school ch ant at the games. –Steve Kasha
have arsity game On the last v at nto the field o n ru e n o ry eve the end. mpson –Hallie Tho
Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0587
Editorial
Jessica’s Jumbles
Jasmine’s Journal
By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief It is hard to imagine that in eight short months I will be walking across the stage to receive my diploma. To know that 14 years of my life have been dedicated to hard work and dedication that lead me to a point where I am then forced to decided what I want to do with the rest of my life. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I thought my senior year was going to be easy and I would finally be what every other grade level wanted to be, a senior. I thought I would be filling out applications knowing exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do, but I was wrong. I have no idea what I want to do. Of course I have my frequent ideas of what I want to do, but something always seems to guide me in a direction opposite of what I was thinking. I was expecting for senior year to come and me be 100 percent positive of what I wanted to do. I wanted to pursue a career where I could be rich and successful because after all that is what our society pushes us to be. Someone who can get exactly what they want no matter how miserable they are because they have money. Ever since we were little kids we always learned about the doctors and the lawyers and that is what most of us strived to be, because it was imprinted in our minds that money equaled success and we liked the life they lived. As you grow up it is easy to want what others have and overlook what you already have. It is part of our growth. It starts with jealousy and toys and eventually
leads to careers and life altering decisions. It is easy to become what others want you to become because you want approval and acceptance from the people around you. Over much time and researching this summer, I had to change my perspective on how I wanted to view life. One of my biggest inspirations is Dan Eldon, not necessarily because he was a journalist but because he lived every moment filled with desire and passion to learn and help. His view on life was incredible and that is how I want to live the rest of my life. I want to choose a career where I can wake up every day filled with passion and know that I am making a difference in the world around me. I have my dreams of what I want to accomplish I just need to come up with a way to achieve them. I still have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life I just know it needs to be something where helping people is involved. I feel like choosing a college and career path is mapping out the rest of my life and in many ways it is. It scares me to think in eight months I will no longer be in high school, but in the real world with people who know exactly what they want. I am torn between staying close and living at home while I attend college or leaving my home to experience a little more of what life has to offer. All my life I have grown up in the same area surrounded by the same people, which can be comforting but also lead to a lack of the world around you. My relationship with my family has a major impact on how I will decide what I want to do. Coming from a big family where support and love is always given it is hard to go far away where that constant support system is not offered. I have learned much from the people I have met throughout my journey so far. People that have encouraged me to pursue whatever will make me happy in the long run. I am grateful to have been able to meet people along my journey who have encouraged me and helped me become aware of what truly is important in life. Without some of my classes and friends I have met along the way, my perspective on life could be a whole lot different.
“The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
3
By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor With summer finally over and the extremely hot Texas weather slowly dropping down to a more bearable temperature, it’s hit me that what I have been waiting for, for the past three years and more, is finally here: my senior year of high school. All of the procrastinated homework assignments and late-night cramming for test has finally paid off and led to this moment in my life. And let me tell you, it took a lot of effort to succeed so far. The last three years, with junior year in particular, have been filled with stressing over doing well in my classes, trying to get a decent score on my SAT and AP exams and even worrying about staying ahead in my extracurricular activities. But now that I’ve started to look back on my high school career, I’ve noticed exactly how fast the years have flown by before me. And because of this, I’ve started looking forward to the next big step in my life: college. The idea of college has always frightened me a little bit. Even though I look forward to the freedom that comes with being away from home, I still find myself scared about what it’s going to be like. For years, students have heard the same thing over and over again from their teachers. “This is going to prepare you for college” or, “This is what the real world looks like”. But in all honesty, none of us really know what college is going to be like, until we get there. We are all just dreaming up this idea of how life is going to be when we leave high school. We have been told time and time again that we aren’t living in the real world yet, that we haven’t experienced enough of life yet, and now that the time is coming for us to finally find out, it’s a little intimidating. Growing up, we all face different changes that shape or lives and help determine out future. Being the youngest in my family, I am now experiencing, for the first time in my life, what it is like being the only child. My brother graduated last
year, and my sister a few years before him, leaving me the only kid still at home. And I didn’t except for it to be this hard watching them go off to their own colleges and having to stay in high school for another year. They both seem to be experiencing new things and meeting new people, all while living in brand new cities. It makes me both excited and apprehensive to think about leaving for college in less than a year. However, in a way, having my sister and brother leave is a good way to prepare me for the shock that will probably come along with moving out of my house next year. My whole life, I’ve had my siblings to pave the way for me. They were always there to help me through school and give me advice on personal things, and being away from them I have really had to adjust to being by myself for a change. I have to learn to discover things for myself, instead of following in their footsteps. And I think that’s an important aspect of going to college and getting a higher education: the experience that many students get from going away and learning how to adjust to being on their own. If I’ve learned anything from my parents’ long and repetitive rants about college, it’s that college is a time to make mistakes and really figure out who you are and who you want to be as a person. College is the first time that students can explore themselves, without prior judgments placed on them. It’s a time to adjust to being independent and being responsible for oneself. Even though I am anxious to get to college already, and begin that new chapter of my life, I still have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy my senior year of high school. Now don’t get me wrong, this is coming from the girl who has a countdown on her phone until the exact day we graduate. But recently I have been thinking about what a shame it would be to waste my senior year by only focusing on college and the future. This might be the last time we have to just be seventeen or eighteen and just act like kids. So, yes, I’m excited for college. I’m excited to be on my own and explore more of the world outside League City, Texas. Who wouldn’t be? But I still want to make my senior year as memorable as it can be. Go to some football games, get more involved with my school, and even enjoy the time that I still have with my friends. Because although I might not know that much about college, I know this: the time that we spend here in high school, or in college for that matter, isn’t forever. And we have to make the most out of the time that we have.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” - Dr. Seuss
4
News
Michael Brown shooting causes racial controversy
By Jenan Taha Features Editor Perhaps the most controversial and debated case of the summer, the shooting of Michael Brown, has come to a standstill, with local juries unable to decide upon a conviction and protesters returning to a tentative peace. 18-year-old Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri on August 9, only a few days before Brown planned to begin his first year of college. Brown was unarmed. Not only does this incident raise questions about police brutality, but unfair racial profiling of suspects. Brown was African American and lived in a working-class suburb, while Wilson is Caucasian. Thousands of protesters and supporters of Brown believe that race played a major role in Wilson’s decision to fatally shoot Brown. In contrast, supporters of Wilson claim race is irrelevant, and that Wilson had the right to shoot Brown. There have been several heavily disputed eyewitness accounts of the shooting from various sources. However, some descriptions share facts in common. Brown and his friend Dorian Johnson were walking in the street when Wilson, who was in a police car, stopped them for jaywalking. The stories part ways after that. Three different accounts claim that Wilson tried to pull Brown into his police car, but that Brown resisted and a shot was fired from inside the car. Then Brown began to run and was shot more than once. He then turned around with his hands up, and
was shot several more times, until he died, 35 feet away from Wilson’s police car. The account made by police chief Tom Jackson claims that Brown assaulted Wilson when the officer confronted
ing. When Brown turned around, Wilson “feared for his life”, and so decided to fatally shoot Brown in self-defense. “I don’t know if it’s true or not,” Missourian James Edwards said. “It makes no
Activists gather in front of the White House to deliver nearly 900,000 signatures calling on the Department of Justice to fully investigate, prosecute, and fire all police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., on Wednesday, Aug. 28 2014, in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
Brown. Jackson also asserts that Brown tried to take Wilson’s gun, causing a shot to be fired from in the car. As Brown began to run, Wilson claims to have shot in order to prevent the offender from escap-
difference. He had facial wounds when he was hit. He was 100 percent right to shoot.” Many believe that Wilson stopped Brown unreasonably, so he stated that in addition to the apparent crime of jaywalk-
ing, a robbery had just taken place at a nearby convenient store in which a pack of cigars was stolen. Wilson claims to have seen Brown holding a box of cigars and suspected they were stolen. However, Jackson confirmed that Wilson did not know of the robbery when he confronted Brown. To many, this seems like a case of racial profiling, because Wilson simply assumed Brown’s cigars were stolen. “In spite of those who’ve tried to make this about what happened in the store, that these are criminals and thugs, these were unarmed men running away from a police officer,” lawyer James Williams said. “You don’t get to shoot them down. It doesn’t justify killing an unarmed person.” Whether or not Wilson profiled Brown, it is clear that African Americans in Ferguson are grossly underrepresented, making racial profiling of Blacks more likely to occur there. Although the population of Ferguson is 67 percent Black, the police force is little more than five percent Black. The big question posed by this case is whether Wilson is justified in his decision to shoot Brown. According to the Supreme Court case Tennessee v. Garner, an officer is allowed to use deadly force when a felon is trying to flee or poses a deadly threat to others. Ferguson police agree that Wilson’s life was in danger. However, Brown was unarmed, making him less of a threat than Wilson claims. Wilson is currently on paid administrative leave. Twelve members of the local grand jury will decide if Wilson is justified in the shooting.
Texas laws to officially go into effect after one year By Carolina Sarria News Editor
As of September 1, Texas laws were passed over one year officially went into effect. “The laws that take effect September 1 pertain mostly to obtuse legal issues not of great concern to the broader public, except abortion,” Allan Saxe, an associate political science professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, said. These laws include House Bill 5, which changed the graduation requirements for students entering high school in the 2014-2015 school year. There are several different course plans students are able to choose from in order to prepare for college as well as a future career. House Bill 5 also states that the State Board of Education must approve a minimum of six advanced career and technology education classes and make that ago
them available for students to choose for their required fourth math course. House Bill 1245 allows employees of criminal defense attorneys to participate in legal education courses, programs and technical assistance projects, which have already been funded for judges, prosecuting attorneys and their staff, as well as other court employees. Under House Bill 1318, attorneys are appointed to represent minors and Texans in poverty. The law requires that these attorneys prepare information proving time spent working on those appointments for the previous financial year for the county where the work was completed. Before this law, minors who were unable to afford lawyers would get very far into the legal process before being appointed one. Different parts of House Bill 3896 have reestablished guidelines governing the Jack County Hospital District. The portion of the law that has currently been taken
into effect requires the board of directors to serve staggered three-year terms. Senate Bill 966 combines many judicial regulatory boards, such as the Court Reporters Certification Board, the Guardianship Certification Board and the Process Server Review Board, into the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Senate Bill 1158 is geared to assist veterans with higher education. This is done by requiring the Texas Veterans Commission to give some oversight by creating veteran college resource counselors and establishing a state award that gives recognition to several colleges and universities for veteran education excellence. “These are more complicated laws,” State Representative Garnet Coleman, a Democrat from Houston, said. “We’re talking about legislation that we pass and then give to the regulatory agencies. They have to figure out the best way to
implement the laws and that can take time.” House Bill 2, the state’s abortion law, is one that will not go into effect with the others. Federal Judge Lee Yeakel of the United States District Court in Austin ruled against portions of the law that would have shut down abortion clinics that do not meet certain enhanced medical standards. Judge Yeakel stated it would place unconstitutional obstacles to women’s access to abortion. Several medical experts said the high standards were unnecessary for patient safety. Judge Yeakel also rolled back a requirement that abortion clinic doctors have admitting privileges at local hospitals. Medical experts also deemed this irrelevant to patient safety, and the requirement caused more than 20 clinics across Texas to shut down.
News
5
Journalists killed by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
By Jenan Taha Features Editor
American journalist Steven Sotloff has become the second reporter to have been beheaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), after the decapitation of American journalist James Foley two weeks earlier. The two reporters were being held captive for over a year in various hideouts until their executions in Raqqa, Syria. One of the most disturbing aspects of this tragedy is the fact that both executions were captured on video and uploaded to various websites, including YouTube, although quickly deleted. The videos, titled “A message to America” and “A second message to America”, feature a member of ISIS in all black from head to toe, with a black ski mask over his face and a knife in his hand. Speaking directly to President Obama, he warns that if the U.S. does not halt airstrikes in Iraq, ISIS will continue to capture and kill American citizens. “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people,” the ISIS member said. The ISIS member, dubbed “Jihadi John” by viewers, has a “multicultural British accent”, according to several media outlets. Because of his distinct voice, three suspects have been found to be possible identities to Jihadi John. The most likely suspect is believed to be Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, a hip-hop artist from London
who went to Syria to join ISIS militants “Obama, your foreign policy of earlier this year. Other possible suspects intervention in Iraq was supposed to be include Abu-Hussein al-Britani, a computer for preservation of American lives and hacker from Birmingham and Abu interests, so why is it that I am paying the Abdullah alprice of your Britani, from interference Portsmouth. with my T h e l i f e , ” videos do Sotloff said. not actually After show the the ISIS murder of member the two addresses journalists. Obama, the Rather, they videos skip show them to footage of b e f o r e , the deceased kneeling in journalists’ an orange corpses. robe next Several to the citizens of executioner. countries Senator Marco Rubio leaves the memorial service for Steven Both journalists Sotloff, the Pinecrest journalist who was beheaded by ISIS. other than Iraq or were given A service was held at Temple Beth Ann, Sept. 5, 2014, in Syria have joined Miami. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/MCT) time to make a ISIS, which began last statement, as a subgroup of which was likely a fabrication of Al-Qaeda, but later separated from the their captors. Foley said that the real group and declared Abu Omar al-Baghdadi ‘murderer’ was the U.S. defense policy. leader. The group became more powerful “I wish I had more time,” Foley and in 2014 began capturing hostages said. “I wish I could have the hope of and taking over various cities in Iraq and freedom and seeing my family once Syria. The goal of the group is to create a again. But that ship has sailed. I guess no-boundary Islamic caliphate of most of all in all I wish I wasn’t American.” the Arabian Peninsula, run by Sharia law. Sotloff said a similar statement, In the summer of 2014, ISIS began blaming the U.S. for his death. to take over important sites, such as
Creek HiLife publication continued from page 1. By Arlen Addison Former Editor-in-Chief
from small school stories to stories for the masses. With advent of better photography and technology, more picture and better layout could be seen in the HiLife. Given that the paper was completely student run, each group of editors had complete creative freedom the shape the paper to their vision. This led to vastly different design styles and layouts through the years. The HiLife would experience its biggest change, however, in 1981 when Wynette Jameson took the role of Newspaper teacher and adviser. Under her experience and guidance, waves of new HiLifers were trained to be good journalists and produce an award winning paper. During Mrs. Jameson’s tenure at Creek, she has impacted hundreds of students for the better. Former HiLifers have gone on to be career journalist, teachers, engineers, movie makers, found non-profit organizations and much more. Previous HiLife editors had a lot to say about her and their experience in the HiLife. “Ms. J and the HiLife taught me a lot. Specifically, she taught me to believe in myself in turn increasing my selfconfidence. The HiLife was a great family of people that I had and I love still following what you all do. I still enjoy writing to this day; however, now I do mostly technical writing as an engineer.” Kim Hernandez, Editor-in-Chief Class of 1999 “I gained the confidence needed to launch a career in journalism…[M]y freshman year she asked us all what we wanted to be. I said a writer for the New York Times. She believed in me enough and encouraged me to the point where I felt it could be a reality.” -Chris Kirkham, Editor-in-Chief,
Class of 2002, Pulitzer Prize winner writer. “While I could speak forever about the HiLife, what I’d really like to say is how Wynette Jameson truly made a difference in my life. She’s an incredible woman, and her passion for helping people, students in particular, is why she has had such a successful and fulfilling career.” -Josh Shideler, Editor-in-Chief, Class of 2003. “I can’t talk about my experience on the HiLife staff without sharing of my love for Mrs. J. Even before entering high school I had heard about Mrs. J and her incredible way of empowering her students. Even then I knew this was a woman I wanted to learn from. When I think back on my time at CCHS my fondest memories were made in Mrs. J’s classroom. I am so grateful to know her and to have learned from her.” -Micah Grace Wesley, Head Photographer, Class of 2008. “Being on the HiLife staff is basically the reason I decided to major in journalism in college — I just graduated with a degree from the J-school at the University of Missouri and am hoping to land a job as a reporter when my internship this summer winds down. It’s kind of an intangible “skill,” but I learned that I really care about helping people understand issues that matter to them, and that gave me the fuel to chase after a journalism career.” -Allie Hinga, Editor-in-Chief, Class of 2009, Studied Journalism at Missouri State. “Working for the HiLife taught me that young people are capable of vastly more than is usually credited to them. With the patience and faith of Ms. J as a teacher and a friend, and with the unique synergy that makes our students a team, the HiLife staff not only produces excellent journalism, but excellent young men and women who know how to express
themselves and make a difference.” -Jacob Mancini, Editor-in-Chief, Class of 2012, Studying at University of Texas. “People in the journalism world are always so concerned with what’s current or happening now and that’s not always print publications. That being said, the HiLife by nature is subject to change. Some traditions stay the same, but innovation has always been one of those traditions as well. With a new staff every year, and new stories to be told, it’s always going to grow and transform accordingly. As a HiLifer, I think we just learn to follow suit, and grow and transform, too, as our time on staff and the stories we tell shape us as individuals.”-Valerie Hellinghausen, Editor-in-Chief, Class of 2013, Studying Journalism at Missouri State University. Following the arrival of Mrs. Jameson, the HiLife soon went through another historic change when in the 1980’s the staff received its first computer, a Macintosh 128k. Having only one computer, each staff member would have to take turns using the then state-of-the-art device. In the next three decades the HiLife would continue to evolve and shift a more digital design of the paper. Typewriters slowly faded out as new computers replaced the previous king of typing. Film photography stayed around until the mid-2000’s. Many editors felt that digital photography could not compare to the quality of film. HiLife kept advancing technologically until today when it has a classroom of Macs, digital cameras, printers and a scanner. The school has paid for equipment but the HiLife itself pay for the printing of the paper. Every month more than 2,000 copies are printed costing the HiLife more than $600. Printing is funded through advertisements HiLifers sell to local businesses.
the major Syrian oil field al-Omar. The U.S. then became involved and began airstrikes targeting vital ISIS locations. After several airstrikes, the first ISIS video went viral on August 19. Foley, who had been on his way to Turkey after reporting on the Syrian war, was captured in November 2012 and held captive for nearly two years before his death. The U.S. government authorized a rescue operation, but it failed because Foley’s captors constantly moved him from one site to another. ISIS warned in “A message to America” that the next victim would be Steven Sotloff, who was captured in August 2013 after going to Syria from Turkey. After seeing Foley’s video, Obama stepped up airstrikes, going against ISIS warnings. Sadly, two weeks after Foley’s death, Sotloff was also killed. At the end of Sotloff’s video, the ISIS member warns once again that they would continue to kill more hostages, claiming they had over 20. The White House confirmed that both videos were authentic and likely done by the same person. While the families of the two journalists are mourning the losses of their loved ones, they are also proud of their bravery and courage. “Today we grieve but we will emerge stronger,” Barak Barfi, Sotloff family spokesperson, said. “We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the sole weapon they possess: Fear.”
Despite time constraints and the cost of monthly printing, the HiLife has always found the time and money to support worthy causes throughout the world. The HiLife raised money in 2001 for the NYC Red Cross following 9/11 and created the Ray Hutchison scholarship in memory of former HiLife photographer who was killed during active duty in Iraq in 2003. In 2005 the HiLife began correspondence with children victims of the 2005 Sri Lankan tsunami. The HiLife also raises money to Gracie, an orphan in Nairobi, Kenya through school for the past five years. For several years now the newspaper staff has also supported causes such as Invisible Children, Creative Visions, and the Cura Orphanage of Nairobi, Kenya. HiLifers have also had the many great opportunities to bump shoulders with many inspiring people, such as the family of slain photographer Dan Eldon, Neil Moore, a journalist who follow the footsteps of Huck Finn by paddling down the Mississippi and collecting local stories, Hollywood director Jon Turtletaub, and many other inspiring people. While the HiLife paper has covered many historical events and support many great causes, it is by far the HiLife staff members that are the most amazing part of the newspaper. Without the hard work and dedication from all the writers, photographers, designers, and editors the HiLife would not have been able to endure ninety years of publication. With the treasure trove of knowledge and experience that is handed down from each generation of HiLifers to the next, it seems likely that the HiLife newspaper will endure another ninety years and continue to produce an outstanding school newspaper.
6
Around Creek
Ukazu welcomed into the CCHS band program By Emily Ruthven Around Creek Editor
A new marching season always comes with its own twists and turns but this year the Creek Band welcomed their new head band director, Ogechi Ukazu, with open arms and open minds. The band’s former director, Stephen Meyer, introduced Ukazu before the end of the 2013-2014 school year so that the students could meet their new leader before the marching season kick-off. “I am so grateful to Mr. Meyer for his introducing me to the students early. Because he stood by my side and supported me in front of the students, I think this really helped the kids trust and support me earlier than they would have without Mr. Meyer’s introduction. I owe that to him,” Ukazu said. Ukazu played the trombone primarily during her years a high school and as an undergraduate. After her time as an undergraduate, Ukazu attended Sam Houston State University and studied as a full time conductor to earn her Master’s degree. When asked why she chose to teach at creek, Ukazu said, “Clear Creek really stood out to me for many reasons. One of them was the legacy that Dr. Peterson left behind and all of the wonderful history that he has had with the kids.” Dr. Peterson was Clear Creek’s head director for thirty years. Another reason was Ukazu saw Creek
as an attractive option was the fact that the Wind Ensemble performed at the Midwest Clinic located in Chicago last year. The Midwest Clinic is a convention that selects the top bands from all of the
awesome. I am so excited to work with these amazingly gifted students,” Ukazu said. Ukazu also loved the energy of Clear Creek High School. “Creek is known for their massive
Photo taken by Kelsie Sullivan
world to perform in Chicago. Only four high schools in the world were selected to perform this year. “Not many bands are presented with that opportunity, and the fact that the Clear Creek band performed there and mastered that extremely difficult music is really
amount of spirit and passion.All of the students at this school have such pride for their school; it’s so amazing to see. It feels great to work at a school where the kids really care.” Ukazu said. With Ukazu’s coming, new things are coming to the band program as well, such
as a Jazz Band. This band will perform contemporary and pop jazz pieces and will hopefully be able to perform at the spring concert. Ukazu and Daniel Cuevas, the assistant band director, have also decided to take a different approach to the band’s marching technique. Joe Falcon was brought in to help teach the kids a new, more effective way to march. Before his time at Creek, Falcon taught marching technique for the Woodlands marching band, who won the 2013 Grand National Championships at Bands of America. Falcon hopes to help lead the band to the finals at this season’s competitions. Amongst all of the positive changes that are being made to the band program, Ukazu still holds the very important concept of the family aspect of band close to her heart. The Clear Creek Band is known for welcoming in freshmen, and all members, as family and have upheld this reputation for several years now. “I was so impressed with how the Leadership members handled the freshmen. I was slightly worried that power might be abused, but I have been pleasantly surprised. The section leaders, captains, and drum majors have treated everyone with respect and kindness. Creek’s kids impress me so much and continue to do so everyday.” Ukazu said.
Around Creek 7
Creek Cadettes prepare for exciting new season By Carolina Sarria News Editor
The new fall season for the Creek Cadettes Performance Ensemble has officially kicked off. The Cadettes, who perform alongside the CCHS marching band, have been working on their flagwork technique in preparation for the performances that they will give this season. The whole band, which is made up of 150 students, works over the summer during a three-day kick off camp in June as well as daily rehearsals throughout the entire month of August. They prepare a halftime show that is showcased at every CCHS football game of the season, both home and away. Ms. Katherine Allin established the Cadettes program two years ago at the start of the 2012-2013 school year. Ms. Allin was the head director during her time here at Creek, and she also taught English 1. Ms. Allin left the program as well as Creek at the start of summer band. This year, the head director is Ms. Erica Diegelman, who is the American Sign Language teacher for all grade levels. Ms. Diegelman held
The 2014-2015 marching show is an the position of assistant director for the eight-minute long production comprised Cadettes for the 2013-2014 school year. “As the new Cadette director, my of three movements. The production is titled Both mindset for Sides Now. The this year is show’s theme is a to improve musically driven the fluidity of show concept. performance and “This year’s raise campus show compared to knowledge of last year’s show, the Cadette Jacob’s Ladder, team, which is is different not a dance team because the field or color guard is physically but both,” Ms. taken up from Diegelman said. end zone to end Ms. Ogechi zone with props, Ukazu, the band Cadettes, and director, and Mr. band members,” Daniel Cuevas, the assistant Ms. Diegelman band director, said. “It’s both assist with the Cadettes Photo courtsey of Hi-Life Staff visually stimulating program. Mr. Cuevas teaches because of this formation.” the seventh period Cadette class, where the When asked what his mindset was for team practices flag and dance technique this marching season, Mr. Cuevas stated as well as drill for the marching season. he wanted to be unique and innovative.
“My hope for the band as a whole is to present a unique, creative and interesting production that people will enjoy watching,” he said. In addition to performing at halftime, the band and Cadettes cheer on the Wildcat team by performing stand tunes and stand dances, respectively. These stand performances include the Fight Song, Championship, Wade in the Water, The Horse, Moves Like Jagger, Dynamite and Seven Nation Army. The Cadettes themselves are looking forward to this promising season and hope they will continue to grow as teammates. “The biggest difference between this year and last year is that last year I was just starting out as a freshman. I was very different, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” Sidney Velasquez, 10, said. “I had done dance for many years, but not with the amazing team I have now. This year, I feel we are just making more progress on our dance technique and making more memories. We have a wonderful and hard working group of girls and amazing teachers to make this year even better than the last.”
Creek Aca-Dec team strives to make state this year By Troylon Griffin Sports Editor
Creek is home to a variety of extracurricular activities. Classes that can be considered a relief from school work include sports, drama club, choir and band, while other activities can be considered just as important as one’s school work. These include debate and a particular class that would be known on one’s schedule as Humanities, a.k.a Academic Decathlon (or Acadec). The Academic Decathlon class is taught and led by Ken Fontenot. In the class, students work nearly all school year to master information that they will ultimately use to compete against schools from all around the district and if they succeed, compete against schools all around the state. For the past few years, the team has done well, even coming in fifth place in early 2014. With a goal set at fifty thousand, the team is planning on ultimately doing their best and making it to state by coming in first place in district. Although the team only has four returning team members, the new students are learning quickly that the class is serious business and not something to be taken lightly. Newcomer Alissa Bearden, 10, was asked her thoughts on her first year in the class and the team’s goal to make it to state. “So far the class is really fun, however the quizzes are [rather] difficult,”
Bearden said. “I plan to increase the amount I study and the time for which I study before our next test. Our goal is to make it to state, but the team would be ecstatic if we made it to nationals.” Another newcomer Yasira Yunis, 10, explained her feelings about the class. “I’m pretty excited but I’m not sure if I’ll make the team. But overall I’m [going to] try hard, and the classes are a lot of fun.” Meanwhile, her friend Karina Bertelsmann, 10, spoke with great enthusiasm on her thoughts and the goal. “I think that if we work hard, we at least have a chance to make it state.” Students are not the only newcomers this year. The team is also led by assistant
coach and newcomer Mrs. Jamie Brownson, who also serves as a biology teacher here at Creek. This is Mrs. Brownson’s first year joining as a coach and she is just as thrilled as the new students she will be helping Mr. Fontenot in coaching. “It’s [certainly] nice to be back on a team,” Brownson said, referring back to her days as a soccer and volleyball coach. Mrs. Brownson was asked why she did join the team. “Fontenot asked me if I’d be interested in being in it and I wanted to re-experience being on a team and I didn’t feel I’d have full time to be dedicated to a sports team.” While Fontenot himself could not be interviewed. Mrs. Brownson
answered what she thought Fontenot would say if he were available. “He’d be really excited. We have a lot of young talent. He definitely wants to build on last year’s success.” She went on to say how Creek has had a strong team in the past, even before Fontenot’s leadership. “Really I think it’s an achievable goal. The bar is set high and we have a really great group of kids and if they’re really dedicated, I see them reaching the goal.” With the big competition in the beginning of second semester, students can only hope they come out on top and achieve their goal of fifty thousand in early 2015.
8 Around Creek
Band prepares new halftime show Both Sides Now By Emily Ruthven Around Creek Editor Every year the Creek Band embarks out onto the hot pavement at the end of July and learns the basics of marching. However this year the Band took a new approach to marching fundamentals. Directors Ogechi Ukazu and Daniel Cuevas welcomed Joe Falcon into the program as their marching specialist. This year’s marching show is called Both Sides Now and features spinning cylinders that change colors. The show is also titled Both Sides Now due to the fact that the band recently received new uniforms. These new outfits sport black, white, grey and a removable swatch that is purple in color. One sleeve is black and the other is white. This way, when the students switch directions or turn around in the show, the audience will notice a stunning change in color. The band also has received new gloves and gauntlets to match their new uniform. These new uniforms are “form-fitting” and “sleek”, according to sophomore Hannah Kapfer. Some students believe that the new uniforms will allow the band to be more unique than other marching bands across Texas. “I think that because they look really modern, the new uniforms will help us stand out from other bands,” Junior, Geoffrey Walker, said. The band’s first performance of Both Sides Now occurred in the Veterans’
Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 29. The first performance of the year is always one to remember. It gives freshmen the chance to fully experience the essence of an adrenaline packed show, while also giving some of the returning members the
experience for me because I felt the most prepared I ever have for a first game,” Junior, Robert Gonzales said. First games are always exciting not only because of the first half time show, but also because it is the first time the freshmen get to experience
Photo taken by Elena Rodriguez
chance to see where they are fundamentally. The first performance also gives the directors the chance to map out what the band is solid on and also what the band needs to spend more time on. “This year was a completely different
the band section in the stands. Freshmen learn dances such as Wade in the Water and Low Rider, along with little traditions that each section has. “Football games are always a blast because everyone is so excited and
pumped for football and stand-tunes. I love the high energy atmosphere and spending times with my friends,” Walker said. Despite the energetic games, the students have had to adapt to many changes this year. However they have embraced them throughout the season. “I think the marching change is one that will help us in the long run,” Kapfer said. The band will compete in many marching competitions this year; some of them include, Bands of America, The Lone Star Competition, UIL and many others. Many band members view this season’s show as the most technically difficult one yet. “Both Sides Now is a large step from last year’s show, and we are definitely performing at a higher level than we ever had,” Gonzales said. The band will have to push themselves to the limits to master this show. Many students in the “I really hope to be better than I was last year and prepare for an even better senior year,” Walker said. To have a successful marching season, all members of the band must input incredible amount of effort. This is true for director, Daniel Cuevas, who has created this year’s show from scratch, as he did last year “Mr.Cuevas has put so much effort into this show. I know this year is going to be absolutely amazing.” Kapfer said.
Around Creek 9
Best Buddies’ plans for upcoming year How to Creek Out: Homecoming Guide By Mariya Vashchenko Reporter
Best Buddies, an organization on campus which pairs students with those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDDs, has new plans for the 2014-2015 school year. These plans include a new booth at Homecoming, new fundraising ideas and more parties. The students and buddies gather together to share happiness, smiles, and to improve the lives they live. The goal of the organization is to promote inclusion for those with disabilities through the school. This goal is achieved by creating friendships among all of the members. “It’s the happiest organization on campus. It’s all about making friendships, how could it not be?” Sarah Creveling, chapter president, said. Inspired by her summer trip to the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University, Creveling has many new plans ahead. In addition to having more meetings to discuss how to have effective and positive friendships, Creveling has planned more over all involvement opportunities for the members. She plans to establish associate committees. Associates are those who are part of the club, but not paired in a one on one friendship. By establishing these committees, Creveling hopes to give the associates a chance to form bonds with the buddies. Best Buddies also has plans to create a basketball tournament against other chapters from schools in the district. Each team will have three buddies and two peer buddies. Peer buddies are those students
who are paired in a one on one friendship. Other members will act as cheerleading teams and to run concession stands. This year for Homecoming, Best Buddies will be selling color friendship bracelets that have been made by the buddies and students themselves. Best Buddies and students from Creek unite to show that people have a choice to decide to choose hope. “Originally I joined it because I thought it sounded cool, but then my Buddy became
Photo taken by Lisa Nhan
my best friend,” Christina Morrison, Best Buddies treasurer, said. “It’s especially important not only to treat the Buddies the same, but make sure other people treat them the same too. Unless you take the initiative, other people aren’t necessarily going to respond the same way to the Buddies.” The goal of Best Buddies is provide a big and wonderful family. But to keep the organization running, officers have to take on different responsibilities. The officers for this year are Sarah Creveling as president, Lisa Nhan as vice president, Christina Morrison as treasurer, Sahar
Jiwani as secretary, Emily Berthiaume as community relations, Arbera Bedini and Sydney Albro as historians, and Audree Hall and Evey Shanks as party coordinators. “Basically as secretary, I try to keep everything that’s going on during meetings, and try to keep everybody on track with what is going on and stuff like that,” Jiwani said. “I’m the intermediary between the members and the officers.” The students at Creek want to support their Buddies and show how much inclusion can change the lives of those with IDD’s. “I am definitely going to make my buddy a mum and make sure she feels like she has the typical Homecoming experience so that she can have the best year that she can,” Morrison said. The program has helped change the Buddies’ lives for the better by giving them a chance to be seen as equals. “A lot of people get really happy and empowered when they see they’re not being treated as inferiors and that we’re just their friends. I think that a lot of people I had gotten some really strong bonds and friendships through Best Buddies and that’s really great,” Sahar said. The group’s historian, Arbera Bedini, has cousins with disabilities, which was her motive for joining the cause. “I can understand their position; I feel that every student should have a friend or somebody to talk to,” Bedini said. For those interesting in joining to help Best Buddies’ goal of changing the world with one friendship at a time, information can be found at B116.
CCISD earns awards during summer
By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
Clear Creek ISD was among one of the five school districts chosen from across the state to win the District Achievement Award from the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, also called TCASE. This award is designed to honor districts with inventive programs that have allowed students to achieve not just success but to ensure a bright future. It was the Adult Community Education Services, also known as the adult transition program, recognized for achieving those high standards. “Clear Creek ISD’s work in 18+ transition services and the ACES program illustrates the positive impact a program like this can have on the lives of students with disabilities,” Theresa Parsons, TCASE Executive Director, said. The ACES program has given students with disabilities a chance to learn off campus on their transition from high school to their post secondary goals. It is research-based where students come in on an adult schedule after they complete their first four years of high school. Skills taught in this program range from learning how to use transportation options in the area around them to learning adult living skills that will help them with their adult
schedule. The goal of the program is to help empower students with disabilities to make an impact in and to give them the tools to have the best future possible. CCISD honor of receiving this award was announced at the TCASE Interactive Convention in July. TCASE describes themselves as, “a professional society comprised of nearly 1,200 members who administer and support special education programs throughout the state of Texas,” on their official website. This is award is part of the new redesign of the awards program presented by TCASE. In the past, there had only been four honoree categories. This year seven more awards were announced. In order to win this award, districts have to apply and describe their innovative program’s features, impact, professional development, community involvement, administrative/leadership effectiveness, data, previous awards and honors, and five single page letters of endorsement for the award. By meeting these requirements, CCISD’s high school special education did not just win an award, but provided students with better resources for a better future. “ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) meetings have shifted from paperwork to student-led meetings that have been formed through person-centered
thinking tools. We walk through the transition with the student and family to learn about barriers and hurdles they must jump to make that successful transition to adult life. We want our students to be part of their community and we plan to make that happen through not only vocational and service learning opportunities, but through providing training on recreation and leisure options that exist in the community,” Townsley Raposa, coordinator of high school special education, said. CCISD was also awarded another award this summer in addition to the District Achievement. The Texas Association of School Administrator named only five school boards in the states as a Texas Honor School Board. The award was recognized at the annual School Board Awards Program. It is given to school boards that have shown lasting positive impacts and commitment to their students. A committee of Texas school superintendents chose the five finalists including four regional honor boards. However, this award also provides another opportunity. The five school boards chosen to receive this award will undergo an interview process at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas. From there, one school board will be chosen as the Outstanding School Board of the Year. This will occur on September 27.
By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor
On Homecoming Friday, September 26 this year, the sound of cowbells and jangly decorations fill the air. Girls’mums, the motto for them often being “the bigger the better”, are distinctly recognizable as the sound of one of the most fun school days of the year. While Homecoming is a tradition recognized around the country, mums are a southern tradition. Sometimes up to 150 dollars is spent on them. Mums are decorated with ribbons and other decorations that promote Creek and school spirit, or the owner’s personal interests. Traditionally, freshmen mums are the smallest, and they gradually increase in size by grade. Senior mums are often white with an accent color and massive flowers, often three of them making up a mum large enough to cover the whole front of their body. Traditionally, guys ask girls to Homecoming, although by no means does everyone have to have a date. Guys who asked girls usually make girls their mums, and the girls make boys their garters. While almost every single girl has a mum, not nearly that many boys have garters. Boys that do not have dates, almost never have garters, while girls that do not have dates often make their mums for themself. Classes will be about 20 minutes shorter than normal because of the Homecoming Carnival and Pep Rally. The carnival is during your scheduled lunch time, and will last 45 minutes. At the carnival, students buy tickets with money and then use the tickets to buy food and play games at booths set up by different organizations. For example, Newspaper has a “photo booth” where people can pose for Polaroid pictures. FFA sells the best fries you will ever taste. The Chamber Choir normally provides the music, singing songs for everyone’s entertainment. At the end of the day, a pep rally is held for all grades. Freshman and sophomores sit on the side with the band and Cavaliers, and juniors and seniors sit on the other side. This is important, because the cheerleaders lead cheers between grades. A “spirit stick” is awarded to the loudest section. Although the contest is real, the seniors almost always win. The students on the varsity football team bring their mothers to the pep rally, and sit with them until they are announced to be recognized. One of the most memorable moments of the Homecoming pep rally is the Cavalier senior hip-hop dance. All seniors on the Cavaliers perform a fun, hip-hop dance to upbeat music for the whole school. The band along with the drum line will perform a few songs, and the cheerleaders perform a dance. Most of the time a skit is done by the student council, featuring some of the football players destroying the opponent’s mascot. After school ends, the game is definitely one of the most fun parts of the day. Many people go, and the student section is full of spirit. Homecoming and the game are two of the best events all year, as the day is focused purely on fun and school spirit. Everyone reps Creek and everyone cheers for our team together.
10Freshmen Guide
Adopt a pet
11
14
Features
Ice bucket challenge raises more than $100 million By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief
From city streets and public grounds, to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, people all around the world can be seen pouring buckets full of ice water upon their heads. Two months ago the use of social media has brought about awareness quicker than any other method used. Where it was created and who created the ice bucket challenge is not exactly known depiste the beliefs people have, but the awareness it has brought to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease is beyond belief. ALS adopted the name Lou Gehrig’s Disease after New York Yankee player was diagnosed and gave his farewll speech to baseball on July 4, 1939 making this year the 75th anniversary. “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans,” Gehrig said. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As time passes with ALS the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons leads to the inability to control muscles, which eventually leads to death. Approximately 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year. The frequency of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time. The life expectancy of patients with ALS is estimated to be two to five years after being diagnosed, the disease is variable and
patients sometimes far exceed five years. Although there is no known cure for ALS there is one FDA approved drug, Riluzole, which is supposed to slow the progression but not cure it. Since there is no known cause for ALS anyone is at risk to be diagnosed and people have taken to social media to raise awareness.
plete an ice bucket challenge of their own. If they fail to complete the task in which they were nominated they are strongly encouraged to donate to the ALS foundation. Although you are strongly encouraged to donate if you do not complete the ice bucket challenge, you are also encouraged to donate as well as take the ice bucket challenge.
On August 26 Clear With the use of social Photo taken by Jasmine Garza Creek High School’s head media celebrities, ex-presiprincipal Jamey Majewski and assistant dents, adults and children have been seen principal David Drake took on the ice and recorded taking the ice bucket chalbucket challenge after they were nominated lenge to raise awareness and find a cure. by multiple other co-workers and friends. The ice bucket challenge has a ‘tag “I’m Jamey Majewski, principal of the you’re it’ effect that creates a chain-like rebest high school in the state of Texas,” Maaction. Once a person has been nominated jewski said. “We’re all working together to by another, they then have 24 hours to com-
beat ALS and I challenge the Department of Human Resources at Clear Creek ISD.” After each principal gave their speech and nominated their own in the school courtyard, the Creek volleyball team poured a bucket of ice water on each head and watched as each one jumped with excitement as the cold water hit them. Although many are enjoying the excitement and adrenaline that comes along with pouring ice water on yourself or others, the important part is that awareness for ALS is spreading like a wild fire. Since the start of the trending ice bucket challenge in July over $100 million has been raised in donations to support ALS, which is a tremendous growth compared to the $2.8 donated last year in the same time period. With the donations from over three million donors ranging from under one dollar to 200 thousand dollars the ALS association is at a lost of words. Some of the highest contributers include Leonardo DiCaprio, David Spade, John Legere and Micky Arison, each one donating from $100 thousand to $200 thousand. “People have responded with such generosity it is truly remarkable and we couldn’t be more appreciative, Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association, said. “These donations will truly help fuel our fight against ALS in ways that were never before possible.” Not only was money raised to find a cure for ALS, hope was also raised for people all around the world living with ALS. “These funds will be used to fund cutting-edge research as well as care and support to people living with the disease,” Newhouse said.
Features Art students prepare for National Portfolio Day By Jenan Taha Features Editor
All Clear Creek art students are welcomed to attend National Portfolio Day, a countrywide event that allows aspiring artists to display their portfolio work and receive ideas and opinions from various artists and art college representatives. The event is meant to help students choose a future art college or career in art. This year, National Portfolio Day will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in the Woodlands. Hundreds of art students from around Texas will be attending the event to exchange information about their work and explore the work of others. “A National Portfolio Day may be the first time you see so many people in one place who share a powerful commitment to the arts,” the National Portfolio Day Association said. “This experience is a small taste of what attending a professional art program can be like. We hope you will enjoy the intensity of the experience.” There is no registration or fee required to attend the event. It is open to the public, in a first-come-first-serve format.
In their individual portfolios, students are encouraged to include finished pieces, works in progress, sketches and rough drafts. When presenting, it is best to keep
needed, as none will be provided at the venue. It is also suggested that those who want to create a digital display bring an extra battery because there is no guarantee
the set up simple, and bring the Art by Martha Walker that an outlet will be provided. Before the event, artists original piece if possible. Matting or framing work is not required. Stu- should have a school or schools in mind dents are allowed to display their work dig- that they plan on speaking with and receivitally, but must bring all of the equipment ing feedback and information about. Some
of the more prestigious art institutes that will be represented at National Portfolio Day include School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons The New School for Design, Art Center College of Design in California, Pratt Institute of New York, Maryland Institute College of Art, and nearly 50 other national and international art universities. Although no admissions or scholarships will be given at National Portfolio Day, some colleges may accept a student’s display as the visual part of their college application. There will be financial aid presentations held right before the event from 9:30 to 11 am for students as well. All artists displaying work should arrive early. Each school will have a table at which they will give out information about that university. The tables are arranged circularly in alphabetical order, and students are encouraged to visit as many representatives as possible. “We look forward to reviewing your work,” the NPDA said. “We are interested in your development, and will endeavor to provide you with the information necessary for you to make the right choice for the next important step in your education.”
New NBC series A to Z shows promising perspective By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
The beginning of fall always comes with perks from colder weather to the upcoming holiday season, but one of the best parts is the premiere of new upcoming TV shows. A to Z is an upcoming romantic comedy sitcom created by Ben Queen for NBC. It’s scheduled to premiere on October 2, but through Hulu I was able to gain special access to the first episode. This new series follows the romantic relationship of Andrew Loftland, played by Ben Feldman, and Zelda Vasco, played by Cristin Milioti. It’s a comprehensive view of their whole relationship. It’s revealed in the opening sequence that’s the whole relationship as they know it will only last for eight months, three weeks, five days, and one hour. The goal is to cover all aspects of a romantic relationship, from A to Z. Andrew works at an online dating website and believes in true love. While Zelda, a lawyer, only believes in what can be proven with evidence. But when the two opposites meet, they start to fall in love. “I think this is a relationship story, but it’s also a work place story. I think it’s a really interesting world that hasn’t really been tapped into too much. I think there is a lot of stories that can come out of a match making service. It’s modern and cool, and a little bit strange,” Feldman, on the plot, said. The most appealing part of this show is the way it’s told. The audience is told from the very beginning, even in the trailers for the show, that it’s only going to last for a certain amount of time. I love the idea of knowing that the relationship as
we know it only last for a certain period of time. The creators have hinted that it will end in either marriage or break up. It appeals to both the romantic and cynic in me. “It’s so interesting because you know that it’s going to end some how and I like the fact that they go backwards and forwards in time and it really tries to show a relationship in full but while being quite
Photo courtsey of NBC and Trae Patton
sweet and quite funny at the same time,” Milioti, in an interview with NBC, said. There’s no denying that this TV series doesn’t have its typical clichés that are often generalized with romantic comedies. What bothers me most about the first episode was how one-dimensional characters were. They all fit the same rom-com clichés I’ve seen time and time again. My hope is that as the series progresses these characters gain more dimension, seeing as this was only the first episode. Both leads, Andrew and Zelda, remind me very much of Tom and Summer from 500 Days of Summer, which has long been one of my favorite movies. Andrew shares Tom’s idealist, very roman-
tic guy who just wants to find true love “He’s a massive romantic. He believes in destiny and the one. He’s not afraid to say it to anyone remotely near him. That’s the opposite for Zelda,” Feldman, on his character, said. This over the top romantic guy is becoming more and more popular as a character (I’m looking at you, Ted from How I Met Your Mother.) I really hope that they can bring something new to this character. However, Feldman does play him with charisma in a way that makes seeing him cry over Back to the Future 2 seem pretty cute as far as crying boys go. Next, we have Zelda. Again, she shares Summer’s rational and logical approach to love that has stopped her from taking on serious relationships. But the voice that Cristin Milioti gives her makes her stand out from her other cast members. Milioti is able to take this previously seen character and give her perspective. Out of all the actors, she seems to be the one who isn’t acting. By that I mean that you don’t see her in the show and think she’s playing a character, but rather a person. I really hope that this feat will be one shared by all members of the cast, but Milioti is truly who stands out most in this pilot. You have the typical best guy friend, Stu played by Henry Zebrowski. He’s basically every best guy friend you’ve seen before. He acts as the not-so-subtle wingman who lies to girls in order to pick them up. Then you again have other best friend stereotype, but it’s the female version named Stephie played by Lenora Crichlow. Stephie’s English accent was the only thing that made her different to other
renditions of this character to me. She’s the friend we all know; she has a lot of boyfriends, and when she is dating someone, that’s all she talks about. Both these characters are funny and provide great comic relief, but I hope we get to see more of them then just some well timed jokes. Overall, I’m excited to see what’s in store for A to Z. Zelda’s realism clashed against Andrew’s romanticism gives the show depth that many TV relationships lack. Even if the characters seen like something we’ve seen before, the approach to telling their show is unique. This show, while cliché in some of its portrayal of the characters, offers a unique approach to romance in television.
16
Features
Americans rememeber 13th anniversary of 9/11
By Jenan Taha Features Editor
Thursday marked the 13th anniversary of 9/11, the day that not only changed the NewYork skyline, but permanently reshaped the American way of life. In remembrance of the tragedy, in which nearly 3,000 lives were lost, many cities held special services to honor the victims and their families. As is tradition every year in lower Manhattan, the families and friends of 9/11 victims gather in front of the Twin Towers Memorial and Museum and read the names of all 2,983 casualties. James Gallager, a young boy who lost his father Andrew Gallager in the attack, recited several names, and delivered a message to his father after he announced his name. “Dad, even though you’re not on this earth anymore, I know you’re looking down and smiling,” Gallager said. Then, shortly after 8:46 am, a moment of silence was held to honor those who died when the first plane crashed into the North Tower at precisely the same time 13 years ago. Then at 9:03 am, a second moment of silence was held for those who were in
the South Tower when the second plane steering it toward Washington. Crewmemcrashed into the skyscraper. Silences were bers and passengers eventually defied the also held at 9:59 am and 10:28 am, when hijackers’ orders and crashed the plane in an open field. the towers F l a g s collapsed. flew at halfA simimast at the lar ceremony White House, of recitwhere Presiing names dent Obama was held in led a moment Shanksville, of silence for P e n n s y lv athe victims of nia, the site of 9/11. At the the Flight 93 Pentagon, a plane crash wreath was that killed all placed in 44 onboard memory of but doubtless the 184 lives saved the lost when the lives of hunplane crashed dreds more. into the The United President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President western side. A i r l i n e s U.S. Joseph Biden and White House staff observe a moment of silence to mark “Thirflight was the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, on headed for the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/ teen years Abaca Press/MCT) after small San Francisand hateful co when hijackers took control of the plane and began minds conspired to break us, America stands
tall and America stands proud,” Obama said. Just a day before the anniversary, President Obama called for greater involvement in the Middle East. This time, however, Al Qaeda was not the main target. Instead, a relatively new group of militants, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), have begun to take over several cities in Iraq and Syria, and have killed thousands of civilians, including two American journalists. ISIS has become more volatile as they continue to gain power, and plainly state that they will continue to take the lives of American civilians. The goal of ISIS is to create a borderless Islamic state of the Arabian Peninsula, run by Sharia law. The group is nearly 100,000 members strong and growing, and has influenced several citizens of other countries to join them. Several politicians and leaders have taken this threat very seriously, and intend to protect the U.S. at all costs. “We can’t erase every trace of evil from the world,” Obama said. “That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today. That is why we must remain vigilant as threats emerge.”
Bring it On: The Musical stuns audience in Houston By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) partnered with Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) on September 11 to debut their production of Bring it On: The Musical, with a full teen cast at The Hobby Center. The perfect amount of sass and brutal honesty took the audience on a journey to find out the complexities of a group of teenagers from two different sides of the track and their view on dancing and friendships. Many might believe at first that Bring it On: The Musical, is outlining the first movie but it is infact outlining the third movie starring Hayden Panittiere and Solange Knowles. The musical follows the movie in terms of the main idea of diversity and friendships but major differences include the winners and the prizes. Campbell, played by Houston native McKenna Marmolejo, is one of Truman High School’s very finest cheerleader whose life gets turned around when she is forced to transfer to Jackson High School at the beginning of her senior year. Everything seemed to be going great for Campbell before the switch. The perfect best friends Skylar and Kylar played by Alden Snasdell and Lauren McDonald, the perfect squad and most importantly she had become head cheerleader of Truman High School. One
thing seemed to be unusual for others but Campbell seemed to have been blinded by her own emotions. Campbell had decided to bring a new sophomore member on the team named Eva, played by Mallory Bechtel, not because she was very good but because she was a friend who seemed to have
Jackson High was a school with a lot of people who spoke what was on their mind. Although it was hard for Campbell to make friends at first, she finally had the courage to ask Jackson’s headstrong dance crew leader, Danielle played by Houston native Gerra Gistand if she could join the
Photo courtesy of Gaby Quintana
passion and admiralty towards Campbell and cheerleading. After the switch to Jackson High School, Campbell could not seem to find her social standings and had the urge to want to cheer again. Jackson High seemed to be very different than her previous school. The students were more diverse with their looks and attitude.
crew. After all things were not the same at Jackson High, trust was not just handed out, it had to be earned. As soon as she was accepted on the crew Campbell was determined to make the dance crew into a cheerleading squad good enough to compete at Nationals against her old school. After trust was lost and gained and friendships were formed,
Jackson High had a squad that would compete against Truman High School at Nationals. Both schools did exceptional routines full of jumps and flips on the floor at Nationals, but Jackson High fell short and lost the competition to Truman. Even though Jackson High lost the competition they gained so much more on their journey together than Truman ever would have. Jackson High’s crew was a family that supported each other despite the oppositions and difference. In the end it was not Truman who won, but Jackson. Directing the TUTS’ production of Bring It On: The Musical is G.W. Carver theater director, Roshunda Jones. Choreographing this energetic dance and gymnastic production is the talented Shay Rodgers, a native Houstonian who is currently in her 27th year with Theatre Under The Stars. John Cornelius, II serves as Music Director and has been the music director/arranger/composer for a number of theatres. Bring It On features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next To Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Features
17
iPhone 6 and 6Plus adds to the evolution of Apple By Tiffany Wade Reporter
The iPhone has evolved vastly over the years. Since Steve Jobs released the first iPhone June 29, 2007, it sold millions. It is a “revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone”, said Steve Jobs. The iPhone was the first phone to actually use a touch screen, while all other phones were focusing on using buttons. It also made for a different and simpler way to message others, such as texting or voicemail, and “breakthrough Internet communications.” The 4GB model sold for $499 and 8GB model sold for $599. However, it was a suggested investment for someone within the business and or marketing field because you could merge calls together to create a conference call. Since the iPhone was a major upgrade from other phones at the time in terms of being more convenient, it was successful. Apple decided to make a second generation of iPhone’s: iPhone 3G. It was introduced on June 9, 2008 and released July 11, 2008.
The sound and camera were improved along with a larger amount of memory (8GB or 16GB) for both black and white models. Eventually, Apple decided to release the iPhone3GS to add an improved performance, 3-megapixel camera with higher resolution, and high quality videos. It was released June 19, 2009 and sold over 1 million within the first weekend. The next generation was the iPhone 4. The GSM, which was the first, was unveiled June 7, 2010 and released June 24, 2010 and sold 600,000 pre-orders within 24 hours before being released. With the new iPhone cameimproved memory, higher resolution, introduction to FaceTime, and the front-facing camera. Both iPhone lovers and even critics loved it. Since it was getting so much publicity and so many people were buying it, Apple chose to end AT&T as being the only carrier of the iPhone and other Apple products in the United States. The iPhone 4 also ended up being the longest selling iPhone, which was sold for nearly 4 years. Then, the iPhone 4S came out selling 4 million in the first three days of initial sales. Some
people hoped for a larger display, some hoped for a refreshed design, and others hoped for a 4G, however it introduced the iCloud, iMessage, Notificaion Center, Reminders, Twitter, and Siri. Apple decided to go a little further with the modern advancements. They created the iPhone5 which was released September 21, 2012. It sold two million units within the initial 24 hours of pre-order and 5 million sold the first day of release. It was improved by acting as a hotspot, given new privacy settings, and it featured iOS6 which was released September 19, 2012. It included the ability to play movies, music, TV shows, E-books, audiobooks, podcasts, and had a new way of sorting music. As for the appearance, the phone came with a longer screen, and it was 18% thinner, 20% lighter, and has 12% less overall volume. It was an overall success within the Apple business. Released on September 20, 2013, the iPhone 5S and 5C became available. The iPhone 5S supplied with iOS7, which highlighted refined topography, new icons, and more features and also acted as a hotspot. The 5C didn’t compete
in feature phone segment and was the base model price for free with a 2-year contract once the iPhone6 and 6Plus were announced. It included the hardware as the iPhone5S, however claimed to be the most durable iPhone ever. Both sold over 9 million in the first 3 weeks, but the 5S sold three times more the units than the 5C, even though the 5C offered more color options on the back, such as blue, green, white, and pink, whereas the 5S offered only space-grey, silver, and gold. Now, Apple has announced another generation of iPhone in the form of the iPhone6 and iPhone 6Plus. These new phones come new and improved accessories. The iPhone 6 already sold out within the first two minutes, and the release date is September 19, 2014. More phone information is to be announced. The iPhone has evolved since the first iPhone to the latest iPhone6 and iPhone6Plus and continues to shape the world of technology.
Child Nutrition Services change high school menus By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
The beginning of the school year means many new changes. One of the biggest changes that came with this year is the cafeteria’s new menu with completely redesigned options from iced coffee and muffins to a burger bar. All of the exciting changes that students from all high schools have been seeing at their lunch are due to the Child Nutrition Services deciding to stop accepting federal funding from the state. This now gives them the freedom to serve food without the strict nutrition guild lines they had to follow before. “Unfortunately, I do not think the guidelines within the federal program were as successful as they were intended to be. I think the recurring theme has been that
we can make food as nutritious as humanly possible but if students aren’t eating it, then it really didn’t benefit them at all,” Lacy Elliott, Assistant Director of Child Nutrition Services, said on the federal guild lines. The federal guild lines for the funding were under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. It started in 1946 as a way to promote healthy eating. According to Fred Walker, Director of Child Nutrition Services, there is a reauthorization of these guidelines every five to six years. This is when the changes in the guidelines are made. One of the upcoming changes going to be made was stricter guideline on competitive foods. Walker said that as soon as he learned this he, “knew it would kill participation.” “In the past we just had to meet state guidelines, which we were able to do and still give students things they wanted to eat. We knew that the chang-
es would hit us hard,” Walker said. The cafeterias and Child Nutrition Services throughout the district are selffunded. It is not paid with tax money. Instead, it is paid by the profits from the food. This covers utilities, pay roll, equipment and any other materials needed. The main use of Federal funding in the past has been to cover the costs of free and reduced lunches offered to those who struggle financially. Walker believed that if they continued to accept federal funding and meeting the upcoming guild lines, that it would harm the program. Free and reduced lunches are now also covered by the profits made from selling food. Currently this change only affects the high school level. The first school to pilot these changes was Springs. Their lunch changed almost “overnight” in the last spring semester. The first step they took in changing the menu was asking students what they would like to see changed in terms of type of food offered and portion size. What they took from these discussions is that they would need customized to fit each student’s diet choices. From there, they developed an over all plan and tested the recipes they created with student groups. According to Walker and Elliott, the menu changes were presented to the district’s School Health Advisory Council, which is made up of students, parents, community member and district staff. They then implanted these changes at Springs to see what
they would need to improve for the fall. “We were really gonna try to push to start it for all of the high schools last fall to do it, but we decided to back up and say, ‘Let’s get this right.’” Walker said. A common concern about the menu change is the nutrition factor. However, students are still given the choice to buy healthy foods if they decide to. The new changes offer many choices if students choose to take a healthier route. For example, at the burger bar, they offer both white and whole wheat bread. They also can choose between a beef, vegetarian or turkey patty, and at the burger bar, the fresh vegetables for a topping are free of charge unlike a more unhealthy topping option like bacon. “While we knew we did not want new menus to repeat some of the strict requirements of the federal program, we have always known that we would stay true to our department slogan to ‘Provide nutrition that powers learning’ and that we would not just throw all caution to the wind,” Elliott, on the importance of nutrition to the menu, said. Overall the feedback has been positive, and profits have been seen an improvement from this time last year. “It’s been a positive change. The kids are really getting the knack of it. I think it’s better for them too. Better quality, more options, I think it will work out well over all,” Belinda Ramirez, Manager of Child Nutrition Services at Creek, said.
Teen Interest 18
VMA’s recognize the best music videos of the year By Alyssa Lobue Reporter
The MTV Video Music Awards are presented by the cable channel “Music Television.” These awards are to honor the best artist’s music videos separated between multiple categories. The 2014 VMA’s was broadcasted on August 24th from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM this year. Nicki Minaj helped open the show with a huge boom when, with Ariana Grande and Juicy J, brought the video for Anaconda to life. The rapper felt a lot more uncomfortable during her second song when her outfit ripped and she was forced to hold it together. Video Of The Year was awarded to Miley Cyrus for Wrecking Ball, but when they called her name to accept the award she had a different plan. Cyrus brought homeless 22-year-old Jesse Helt as her date, and she had him accept her award onstage. “My name’s Jesse,” Helt said during his speech. “I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth of the United States who are starving, lost, and scared for their lives right now. I know, because I am one of those people. I have survived in shelters all over
this city. The music industry made over Horse by Katy Perry feat. Juicy J won the $7 billion this year, Best Female Video, and outside these and Best Pop Video doors are 54,000 was awarded to human beings who Problem by Ariana have no place to Grande featuring call home,” he said. Iggy Azalea. Best Miley then Rock Video was took over, saying, awarded to Royals “now will be only by Lorde. The Best the beginning for Lyric Video was me. We’ve got to awarded to Don’t start somewhere.” Stop by 5 Seconds There were Of Summer and multiple live MTV Clubland performances Award was broadcasted this awarded to Stay The year. Taylor Swift Night by Hayley performed her new Williams and Zedd. single Shake It Off A m o n g live and onstage other things that for the first time, happened at the and Iggy Azeala VMA’s, rapperperformed her new actor Common single Black Widow. requested a Photo courtesy of MTV Press Room Other musicians, moment of silence such as Maroon 5, Sam for Michael Brown, the Smith, and Usher, also gave performances. 18-year-old who was shot fatally by a Best Male Video was awarded to Sing police officer while unarmed on August 9th. by Ed Sheeran feat. Pharrell Williams. Dark “Hip Hop has always been about
truth and has been a powerful instrument of social change from Mel Melle to Public Enemy to Kendrick Lamar,” Common said. “Hip-Hop has always been presented a voice for the revolution.” There was also a touching, yet short tribute to the late iconic actor Robin Williams shown at the VMA’s that lasted around 23 seconds. The slideshow consisted of photos and the background music was A Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay. Since the lost of Williams was so tragic, many people believed that the tribute should have been at least 60 seconds. Beyoncé and her family were brought onstage when she was announced winner of The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. She referred to Jay Z as “her beloved” and he called her “the greatest living entertainer”. Blue Ivy, their daughter, was seen clapping with tears down her face yelling “Yay, Mommy!” Beyoncé thanked her fans and emotionally told her family that she loved them. She closed the show with a medley of all her hits mixed together. The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards was concluded to be a success with multiple awards given out to artists and good entertainment for everyone at home or present at the awards show.
Late-night show Chelsea Lately ends after seven years By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor
Talk-show comedian Chelsea Handler hosted the final one-hour episode of her late-night show, Chelsea Lately, on August 26 after seven years of production. The show featured many famous actors and singers from the show’s past, who honored the show’s end with songs and speeches during the whole episode. Chelsea Lately originally debuted on July 16, 2007 and was produced by Handler’s production company, Borderline Amazing Productions. Over the years the show has been written by Handler herself, along with 11 other
writers including Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack. Jim Yukich directed the show. Despite the show’s long time run on E! Network, in 2011 Handler’s representatives stated that Handler would end the show once her contract was up in 2014. The finale had many different features, from live singing performances by Miley Cyrus and 50 Cent to mock-interventions with some of Chelsea’s closest friends, as well as a group song in honor of Chelsea Handler. The show started with a surprising sketch video clip of Handler and Ellen DeGeneres herself in a fake shower while discussing why Ellen had never been invited to guest star on the show. “I don’t necessarily want to be on
your show, I’m just wondering why you sarcasm and humor, Handler ended wouldn’t ask me to be on your show,” her show with a heartfelt speech, DeGeneres, joking with Handler said. thanking everyone involved her show. The “intervention” included Mary “First of all, I want to say thank you to McCormack, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer every single person who showed up for me Aniston sitting on the couch with Handler today, and every single person who showed to discuss her “unhealthy lifestyle” and up for me in the last seven years, probably how it has affected each of them. Although longer,” Handler said. “Every person who the intervention works on this was obviously show, the crew, fake, it received and the sound many laughs people, who have as each actress to deal with my read speeches bad moods and my they had written good moods and for Handler. the bad people I “I promised dated and the good myself I wouldn’t people I dated. I cry, so this should am really, really be easy, because appreciative that I just don’t I’ve been given care anymore,” this opportunity Aniston said. by E!, that I had One of the a show that is so most memorable much fun and so moments of much fun for all the finale is these people. And when a number I never really got of Handler’s a chance to be famous friends Chelsea Handler poses before book signing “Uganda Be Kid- serious and say joined her on thank you, and ding,” at Barnes & Noble in New York City, March 4, 2014. (Donna Ward/Abaca Press/MCT) stage to sing I want you to a tribute song know that I am in honor of Handler. The song was in the grateful for this career, thank you very much.” style of the 1985 song, We Are the World. Handler then went on to talk Gwen Stefani started to song, introducing about the charity that Miley Cyrus is Handler as “Chelsea Hammer”, a joke known to represent, My Friend’s Place, to make fun of when she mispronounced a charity dedicated to helping homeless a name at the Emmys this year. Some of youth around the Los Angeles area. She the lead singers included Fergie, Avril told her audience her plans to donate Lavigne, Tim Gunn, Tracy Adkins, Gerard and asked that they and all of her guests Butler and several more. Other background on stage also donate to the cause. singers included Melissa McCarthy, Handler ended her show with one more Joel McHale, Vanessa Hugdens, Selena thanks and a funny reference about her future. Gomez and many more. The song has been “And I want to say thank you to my dubbed The Goodbye Song for Handler. family and, Mom, I hope you’re watching Despite being notorious for her me,” Handler said. “I’ll see you on Netflix!”
Teen Interest19
Def Leppard and KISS rock Houston Texan Talk: By Madison Daugherty Reporter Def Leppard and KISS rocked and rolled all night at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on August 31. Over 17,000 people filled the seats and lawn, and there were even people standing outside the gates just to hear the 80’s rock bands slay their hit music. The variety of people at the concert was fascinating. From children to teenagers and adults to elders, all different age groups attended the show. Nearly everyone was dressed in KISS costumes to show their dedication to the band. Whether audience members had front row tickets or sat on the lawn, it did not matter because, once Def Leppard hit the stage the energy was ecstatic. The purpose of the opening act is to stir up the crowd and get them ready for the big one, and that’s exactly what Def Leppard did. Not one person was sitting down during their first song Won’t Get Fooled Again. The crowd was dancing, cheering or singing along. It was not hard to tell that everyone was having a good time. Although it’s been a few years since they’ve toured, Rick Allen, Def Leppard’s drummer, was inspirational. In the late 80’s, Allen was in a major car accident. His right arm was detached, and there was nothing the doctors could do. Def Leppard thought it was the end of their career, until Allen climbed out of his depression and became determined to build his own drum set. Allen,
being a team player used his feet and left arm to play the drums. There are several pedals at the bottom of the drum set for his feet to play the beat. He has become and inspiration to drummers around the world. The stage set up was glamorous; the light show was colorful and blinked to every
Photo courtesy of MTV Press Room
song performed. Def Leppard was dressed in comfortable attire, unlike the band that played after them. They ended their performance with the song Photograph, it was sung with striking high notes and left a memory I could never forget. The last two hours were filled with confetti, fire and fireworks. KISS popped up on stage in their insane costumes and high heels. Their faces painted with black and white, black hair down and ready to get
drenched in sweat. KISS celebrated their 40th year anniversary with excellence and pride. I was beyond impressed with them being in their 60’s and still rocking as if they were 20 again. Nothing about the band has changed, they had this craze-filled look in their eyes, fake blood was dripping on their bodies and Simmons flared his tongue out for the entire audience to see. Some may say it is disturbing, but others are intrigued by the oddness. Fireworks exploded as the band began to sing Psycho Circus, and the crowd hysterical. Hands were waving in the air while voices were roaring the lyrics along with KISS. The rock icons worked hard to make sure the show was eccentric. The band was on point with every single song and transition. KISS is much different live than through the radio. It is hard to catch the hardcore, heartthumping vibe from a pair of headphones. Though in person, it becomes clear why people are absolutely insane for the band. It’s some sort of energy they give off, a strange connection with their songs that makes you want to rock your head and stomp your feet. It was like something unknown took over my mind and brought me an overwhelming sense of power and happiness. KISS ended the entire show with Rock ‘n Roll All Night, it fit perfectly because it described exactly what we all did that night. KISS and Def Leppard gave me an amazing night that I will cherish for an eternity.
Paper Towns casting released to public
By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor
Ever since the popular movie The Fault in Our Stars, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, hit theaters in mid2014, talk about other John Green novels becoming movies has been all over the internet. On September 16, it was released that 22-year-old British model Cara Delevingne has been selected to play the lead of Margo Roth Speingelman in the upcoming Paper Towns movie. Novelist John Green, who gained fame after creating the popular Youtube channel, the Vlogbrothers, with his brother Hank, announced on March 24, 2014 that the rights to his third book, Paper Town, had been bought by Fox 2000. The movie will by created by the same team that produced The Fault in Our Stars, with Scott
Neustadter and Michael H. Weber adapting the book into the movie and Temple Hill’s Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen producing. “It’s begun!” Neustadter said, while Weber explained, “We have started – we’re not allowed to say too much just yet, but we are very excited because Nat Wolff is gonna be in it, and he is so talented.” Nat Wolff, who played the role of Isaac in The Fault in Our Stars movie, will be playing the main lead by the name Quentin, or Q, in the movie. “When I was on set, Wyck Godfrey had it in his head -- he’s like, ‘You should read Paper Towns.’ I read it, and then he called me, and before he could finish the sentence, I said, ‘Yes, of course.’” Green also added his enthusiasm for the upcoming movie. “I can’t wait for everybody to see Scott and Mike’s script, and to see Nat
as Q,” Green said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at The Fault in Our Stars premiere. “Nat is such an extraordinary actor, and I can’t wait to hang out with him again. Maybe we’ll get the whole band back together!” Paper Towns takes place in Orlando, Florida in the subdivision of Jefferson Park. The protagonist and narrator is Quentin “Q” Jacobson, a young man who shares a jolting experience with his neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman when the two find the corpse a man who has committed suicide in their local park. As they grew up, the pair also grew apart, yet one night Q finds Margo at his bedroom window where she recruits him in a crusade to get revenge on people who have hurt her in the past. However, the next day, Margo vanishes, leaving behind a series of clues that intrigues Q into trying to find her. Cara Delevingne has announced her excitement of being casted as the spontaneous Margo, tweeting “Thank you guys so much!! I am so excited!” This will be Delevingne’s first lead role in a movie. Green also confirmed to news, tweeting, “Cara Delievigne’s audition blew everyone away (including me!) and she understands Margo profoundly. I am so excited!” He later tweeted apologizing for spelling the model’s name wrong, adding “(I should probably learn how to spell Cara’s surname at some point.)” The Paper Towns movie is set to come out in theaters on July 31 of next year.
Things Non-Texans will never understand By Audree Hall Design and Advertising Editor
1. Homecoming Mums: In Texas, we like to wear giant flowers pinned to our chest with a gigantic array of ribbons and bells and whatever else we can find to make the most noise possible connected to it. Explaining this to someone who isn’t from Texas might make you seem absolutely insane, but it’s the norm for high school students all around the state. 2. Breakfast Tacos: Northerners don’t understand the importance of the genius that is a real breakfast taco. Not the Taco Bell ones, but the little beauties that you get from Mexican food trucks on the side of the road. Eggs, bacon, cheese, and the perfect amount of salsa can make any Texan’s day start off right. Besides, it’s just another socially accepted time to eat tacos. 3. High School Football: Friday Night Lights are probably the biggest staple of Texas in the fall. High school football is serious. The band, the dance team, the students, and the players themselves look forward to destroying the other team in a frenzy of school spirit. 4. Queso: This is not just melted cheese. This is the key to any Texas girl’s heart. It’s a carefully crafted bowl of heaven that should not be taken lightly. 5. The Size: People who don’t live in Texas don’t actually understand the enormity of the state. It takes up 7.4 percent of the nation’s total area at 267,339 square miles. King Ranch itself is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas. Basically, Texas is just really big. 6. Whataburger: You will never find a Whataburger that’s empty in Texas. Especially at 2 in the morning, or after high school football games. We consider Whataburger a comfort food, and one that we can obtain any time of the day. 7.George Strait: Everyone knows that the King of Country himself comes from a small town in Texas. If you’ve grown up listening to country music in Texas, chances are you were listening to the crown jewel of Texas himself, King George. 8. Dr. Pepper: Northerners will accept Coke and Pepsi products with absolutely no problem. In Texas, the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, there really isn’t anything you can substitute. Suggesting Mr. Pibb is practically an insult to most Texans. 9.Texas Pride: Many states think our love for our state is obnoxious, but if their state had once been it’s own country I’m sure they would wave their flag a little higher too. Texans think their state is the best in America, and they aren’t wrong.
20 Teen Interest Emmy awards honor the best of 2014 television By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor
The 66th annual primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Seth Meyers, aired on Monday, August 25, with broadcast and cable TV and previous Emmy winners taking home the most awards. BBC and PBS’s Sherlock took home the most awards of any individual show, with seven wins. Netflix’s original shows Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, which had 16 nominations combined in the main categories, only won one award, for Uzo Aduba in Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Laverne Cox and Natasha Lyonne from Orange Is the New Black were also nominated in this category. Out of all twelve main acting awards, only two went to non-previous Emmy winners. Sherlock, which was nominated 12 times this year and had never won any previous Emmys, ended the night with a win for Lead Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries for Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock himself and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Martin Freeman as Watson. Other wins included Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special for writer Steven Moffat. AMC’s Breaking Bad won big Monday night. Breaking Bad, which recently concluded its final season, won five awards total, and had its second win for Outstanding Drama. Bryan Cranston won for Best Lead in a Drama for his portrayal of Walter White, a former chemistry teacher who found out he had terminal cancer and decided to sell meth to provide for his family. This was his fifth Emmy. Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama went to Aaron Paul for his portrayal
White’s partner, Jesse Pinkman, and Anna Gunn, who played White’s wife, won Best SupportingActress. In his acceptance speech for Outstanding Drama, the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, said it was a “wonderful time to be working in television”. AMC has won six of the last seven Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, which is a first for any network. Mad Men on AMC won
Julianna Marglies won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Alicia Florrik in CBS’s legal drama The Good Wife, which was her third Emmy. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series went to Julia LouisDreyfus for Veep, which was her third consecutive Emmy and fifth overall. Because of the large amount of repeat
four times, The cast of “Modern Family” backstage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy w i n n e r s , in 2008, Awards at Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 25, N P R 2014. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times/MCT) 2009, 2010 described and 2011. the show In the comedy section, ABC’s as “a bit like seeing an old flame promise Modern Family took home the highest to treat you better, only to slide right back award for Outstanding Comedy Series. into the same old disappointing behavior.” Ty Burrell won Outstanding Supporting Of all 12 acting awards handed out, only Actor in Comedy Series for his role as two went to non-previous Emmy winners. Phil Dunphy, a father of three kids who While diversity was common in prides himself in being the “cool” dad. the nominations – 11 black actors were
nominated – only two actually won, and those in guest acting. Ever since the early 1950s, no woman of color has won in drama – Kerry Washington for Scandal was passed over this year. Mindy Kaling and Sofia Veragara also noticeably received no nominations. The show was not all business, however – first-time host Seth Meyers of Late Night with Seth Meyers provided the evening laughs. When Jimmy Kimmel was on-stage, he poked fun at the conventional movie stars that were nominated for Emmys that night, such as Matthew McConaughey and Julia Roberts. He also made fun of Ricky Gervais, who was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his Netflix show Derek. “That is not a television face. That is a movie star face,” Kimmel said of McConaughey, then prompted the audience to look instead at Ricky Gervais. “That is not even really a television face,” Mr. Kimmel said. “That is a Netflix face.” “Weird Al” Yankovic also made an appearance, making up words to wordless theme songs of shows currently on television, including Mad Men, Scandal, Homeland, Modern Family and Game of Thrones. Another funny moment came when Jimmy Fallon ran on stage after The Colbert Report won for Outstanding Variety Series over his show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He insisted there must be a mistake and then made Stephen Colbert’s acceptance speech as Colbert dictated it in his ear. Overall, the Emmy Awards were successful, and many Hollywood stars went home with Emmys, most of them their second or even third.
Teen Interest 21
New Doctor for Doctor Who takes over for Smith By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor
The long-running science fiction television show, Doctor Who, returned for its eighth season on August 23. The premiere marked the start of the Twelfth Doctor’s era and officially presented Peter Capaldi as the new time traveling alien. The Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, who travels all over space and time with his different companions. Due to The Doctor’s powers of regeneration, many different actors have played his character over the years since the show began in 1963. So naturally, when Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor, announced his departure from the show in June of 2013, many dedicated fans were curious to find out who would be replacing him. Capaldi was later introduced as the new lead on August 4 in a live broadcasted special titled Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor. The casting was a bit of a shock to many of the show’s viewers, who noticed that he had previously been featured in the show as Caecilius in “The Fires of Pompeii”, an episode that premiered in the show’s forth season. He also made an appearance as John Frobisher in a Doctor Who spin off series called Torchwood: Children of Earth. Steven Moffat, the show’s head writer, stated last year that he had plans to explain the multiple appearances into the plot line.
“We are aware that Peter Capaldi’s said. “I didn’t know him at all at this point. played a part in Doctor Who before and In between takes, I was like, ‘Oh, Peter, I’m we’re not going to ignore the fact,” Moffat, so sorry. Terribly sorry. You look great.’” Capaldi, on the in an interview with other hand, stated Nerd Cubed, said. his frustration with However, now age difference and that the show has why the writer’s officially stated seem to be making with Capaldi, the a big deal of it. change in main “Sometimes, I characters has get a bit annoyed been a bit of a with it,” he said. journey for some “I don’t think I’m of the long time old. I’m 56. Maybe viewers. Because people think that’s the last few actors to play The Doctor ancient. I’m not were fairly young, an old man.” the change to B e c a u s e Capaldi, who is Coleman was the 56 years old, has companion before been hard for Capaldi took some fans to adjust over the role, her to. Even Jenna character Clara Coleman, who started the season plays the current having a hard companion of the time adjusting to show, worried the change, much like the fans of the over offending Capaldi with The new season of “Doctor Who” starts Saturday, Aug. show. In fact, the 23, 2014, with Peter Capaldi as The Doctor. first episode of the some of her lines. (Ray Burmiston/BBC/BBC Worldwide/MCT) “My lines were new season, “Deep like,‘But he’s so old! Why is he gray? Why Breath”, was dedicated to Clara’s struggle has he got lines on his face?’” Coleman to accept the new face of her best friend.
“He looks completely different and acts completely differently,” Coleman said. “We’re discovering that it’s much more of a turbulent relationship [between the characters]; he brings out the control freak in Clara because she can’t quite pin him down.” Despite the changes and differences between the seventh season and the eighth, Capaldi has been very optimistic about the new series and seems to be extremely grateful for his role. In multiple interviews, he has been very clear about his dedication to not only the character but to doing justice to the actors who had the role before him. “I’ve been influenced by the entire history of Doctor Who and by every actor who’s played Doctor Who, and everybody who’s worked on the show and made those episodes.” Capaldi said. “I wouldn’t be here doing this if it hadn’t been for the twelve actors who brilliantly played the part, often in times when it wasn’t as easy to be Doctor Who or as welcome to be Doctor Who as it is now. So really I stand on their shoulders.” Capaldi added in another interview his dedication to the show and how it has affected him. “The big reason that Doctor Who is still with us,” Capaldi said. “Is because of every single viewer who ever turned on to watch this show, at any age, at any time in its history and in their history and who took it into their heart -- because Doctor Who belongs to all of us. Everyone made Doctor Who.”
Brandon Flowers to release new solo album in 2015 By Cece Climaco Reporter
Brandon Flowers, Las Vegas native and lead singer for The Killers, has confirmed on August 27th, 2014 that he will be releasing his second album sometime in 2015 after The Killers are done touring. Five years after his first solo album Flamingo, two years after The Killers album Battle Born, and the popular fan favorite album, Direct Hits in 2013, Flowers is ready to start working on his own again. He has already been working on several tracks for up and coming album while the Killers have been touring around at multiple music festivals, including a headlining spot at the V Festival. “The records not done yet, but I’m excited about it,” Flowers said. “I’m going to put my heart and soul into my solo record.” Along with the confirmation of his new album, Flowers has also confirmed that he has been working with Grammy award winning music producer, Ariel Rechtshaid. Rechtshaid has previously worked with Charli XCX, Sky Ferreira, Haim, Justin Bieber and Vampire Weekend. “He is taking me out of my comfort
zone,” Flowers said to NME. “Normally was named after Flamingo Blvd. where I would make a demo and it would sound many pivotal events in his life occurred such as his close to how first job was at the song would a golf course end up, but he and where he will take a song met his wife at and be like, ‘I a thrift store. hear this’. It’s “People incredible. His are going to palette and interpret it how range, what he they will, but is able to say.” there is only His first a little bit of solo album Vegas in there,” Flamingo, released Flowers said. As his in 2010, first solo was greatly work publish, influenced by Flamingo was his hometown successful Las Vegas, in the charts, Nevada. His but mixed new album among critics. is expected It debuted at to have an number one in exciting sound that different Killers frontman Brandon Flowers performs during his debut the UK Albums solo performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, Calif., on Chart and for from his first. The Aug. 15, 2010. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/MCT) the US Album first album itself
charted debuted at number eight. The album later went on to become certified Gold in the UK with surpassing sales of 100,000. Entertainment Weekly gave it a B rating, but others weren’t so favorable. “If all this sounds like a spectacle on paper, then…. Well, that’s the problem. This album sounds like an ‘on paper’ album. In other words, there are loads of theoretically big, bold, stupid ideas here, but when actually recorded, rather than sounding ridiculous, they just sound like insipid pea soup,” Hamish MacBain. for NME, wrote in a 2010 review. With all the solo work Flowers has been up to, fans of the band have been greatly worried about what lies ahead for The Killers’ future. However, these fans can breathe a sigh of relief, because he has no intentions of leaving the band behind. Flowers told NME, “I want to keep being in this band. I don’t think we will get too morbid about it, I think we want to keep going.” Flowers also said, “We have been lucky and we have checked off a lot of boxes, but you always want to get better, write songs that you haven’t written, and maybe that no one else has written. We are explorers, and so we are going to keep digging.”
22
Sports
Creek’s pre-season helps varisty prepare for season By Troylon Griffin Sports Editor
Creek’s football pre-season has been a great prelude to the upcoming regular season. On September 12, 2014, after three intense games, the team wrapped up the pre-season with a game against Deer Park. The team will now begin working even harder to guarantee their victories against their Homecoming opponent: Clear Brook and keep last year’s title of district champs. The pre-season was one of victories and losses in which the coaches, players and all those who contribute to the football games did their best to ensure that this pre-season was a memorable one. Pre-season for Creek consisted of three games in which the varsity team went against three out-of-district high schools. This year, Creek was assigned to play against Ridge Point, Alief Taylor, and Deer Park. The team’s first game against Ridge Point on September 29 ended in Creek’s first loss of the pre-season. On September 5, the game against Alief Taylor gave Creek their first victory. When the team went up against Deer Park High School on September 12, it ended. The pre-season is meant to prepare the team for their regular season and help to give new varsity players the experience and practice they’ll need for the regular season. Creek’s head coach, Darrell Warden, spoke on the team’s goal in preseason and its usefulness to the players. “The goal in preseason is to of course win but it’s also about playing qual-
ity opponents to get you ready for district play.” Coach Warden said. “It’s a great opportunity for your players that haven’t played on varsity before to get used to
enthusiastic about this pre-season. Varsity quarterback Chase Hildreth spoke very confidently about the pre-season when asked his thoughts on the overall season.
Photo taken by Elena Rodriguez
the speed of the game.” Coach Warden went on to discuss what the team and coaches talk about and discuss before and during games. “We always talk about different things. Probably the biggest thing is staying focused and carrying out your assignment. Everybody’s got to do their job, coaches, players, everybody,” Warden said. The coach is not the only one to be
“I feel like it’s been pretty good. We got assigned to some pretty hard teams,” Hildreth said, “[This will] help us get better for the playoffs.” The quarterback went on to speak on their losses. “We just didn’t start off like we usually do. We turned the ball over too much. We made a lot of mistakes,
like mental mistakes,” Hildreth said. On how and the team keep themselves prepared for the next game, Hildreth said that in between games they just had to “stay humble.” “He was our biggest leader on offense, and it was a big loss. A lot of people gotta step up and be leaders now. I feel [his loss] had a big impact on our first loss,” Hildreth said. Luckily however, former receiver Andy Wieson has become the new running back and Hildreth spoke quite positively on him “stepping up”, even stating this should have positive results once regular season starts. “Andy’s really stepped up big time because [during our second game] he had over a hundred yard rush,” Hildreth said. Finally he spoke on his aspirations for the season. “[It’s mostly] to win district and go as far as we can in playoffs,” Hildreth said. On his inspiration for playing, Hildreth spoke greatly about his teammate Da’von Smith. “It’s probably Da’von because he really works hard on off season and had a really tough injury and was off this season,” Hildreth said. Overall, the pre-season was one in which the football team tried their hardest and be victorious against their opponents. Coach Warden and Hildreth are just some of the few that represent what goals, enthusiasm, and attitude the players of Creek stand for. In the end, what truly matters to the team is that they will be able to look back and say with great assurance that they tried their hardest and gave their all.
NFL substance abuse issues challenge guidelines By Vidal Maldonado Reporter
The National Football League’s substance abuse policy has been around for quite a while with players understanding the boundaries that are set to protect the NFL’s image and team dignity. On August 2nd NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed Denver Broncos wide out Wes Welker a four game suspension after testing positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs. Many suspected of him using the amphetamine MDMA, which is also known as Ecstasy, or Molly, while attending the Kentucky Derby a few weeks ago. This four game sentence has been deemed unfair by many, because of the recent one year suspension of Cleveland Browns wide out Josh Gordon for testing positive for marijuana. In the midst of these allegations, Welker has made it clear that there is a fault somewhere in the NFL’s drug testing system when he stated. “I have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that (drug-policy procedures) are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren’t negatively affected so rashly like this.” Welker still denies allegations of taking the drug molly in an interview he said. “I wouldn’t have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is,” Welker said. “That’s a joke. I don’t do marijuana; I don’t do drugs. I don’t do any drugs.”
Cleveland Browns Wide receiver Josh Gordon is to make a decision soon on whether he is going to sue the league for
appeals are to make any changes to the league’s substance abuse policy, none will be made until next years off-season, which
Detroit Lions’ Chris Houston breaks up a pass intended for Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon during the first quarter of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday, August 15, 2013. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)
his “unfair punishment” of his one year suspension from the league after testing positive for low amounts of THC which is found in Marijuana, However if his
means he still will not be able to play this years upcoming football season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated the reason behind Gordon’s one-year ban
from the league when he said, “We have a drug program that is collectively bargained and it has a step by step process. It takes four incidents before you actually reach a suspension in a drug-related case. You have to respond to facts here.” However recent discussions between the NFL and their officials will decide if they will or will not change some regulations in their drug testing procedures, these changes will include a higher threshold to testing positive for marijuana, a shift from amphetamines from the performance-enhancing drugs policy to the substance abuse policy, and increased penalties/punishments for DUI’s. Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine has expressed his thoughts on Gordon and stated he will not cut him from the team. Gordon led the league last year with 1,646 receiving yards, he averaged 18.9 yards per catch with a 95 yard long for the season finishing with eights touchdowns. Broncos receiver Wes Welker is among top five in receiving yards even though he was injured last season for three games and racked up ten touchdowns, Welker is among the most talented slot receivers in the NFL. Broncos head coach coach John Fox is disappointed in the suspension but is assured that Welker will do whatever he can to remain in great physical and mental shape for his week five return against the Arizona Cardinals. “I have no doubt that Wes will remain focused on his preparations for the season and stay in excellent shape during his time away from the team.”
Sports
23
JJ Watt signs $100 million contract with Texans
By Vidal Maldonado Reporter
“I googled, ‘What do rich people buy?’” Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt said. “Because I don’t feel like a rich person, and I don’t really try to act like a rich person, so I don’t know what they buy. I didn’t really like the stuff I saw, so I’m gonna stick with my humble lifestyle and just keep working out.” On September 4th,, JJ Watt signed a six year, 100 million dollar contract that will be enacted after this year’s regular season to finish off his rookie contract. This new contract deal for Watt is considered by many to be well deserved considering his stats from prior seasons. In his rookie season, Watt had 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks. In Watt’s second year, he led the league in sacks with 20.5 ,sixth most all time, and had 81 tackles. Last year he had 10.5 sacks with 80 tackles. Above all no stats can show his off the field work ethic and determination to be the best at his game. Disregarding his new 100 million contract, he seeks to be so good he is “underpaid.” “I don’t want to be the guy that people say got the money and shut down, the goal is to always be great,” Watt said. The night Watt signed his contract he was restless. He could not sleep in the excitement of his new deal with the Texans, so he did what he does best. At 3:05 A.M., Watt drove to NRG Stadium
and was surprised to find the stadium doors were locked. A janitor had to let Watt in so he could begin his pre-dawn work out. An employee from the Texans
he can to improve,” McNair said. Watt is now the highest paid defensive player in NFL history, just topping Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams,
staff spotted Watt early J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans is intro- who signed a six duced before a game against the New England in the facility, snapped a Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Houston. year 96 million picture of him, and sent dollar contract. (George Bridges/MCT) it to Houston Texans Williams was the owner Bob McNair. Texans first overall “Now he’s the best and he’s going to do pick in 2006 and was signed by nothing but get better because he’ll be out the Bills at the end of his contract. Watt is considered a very good there working every day, doing everything
investment of money particularly for one very important stat many overlook. Up to this season, Watt has played all 50 out of 50 games and has remained a threat on the defensive side of the ball as teams struggle to make offensive adjustments to hold Watt from disturbing the quarterback. In 2012, Watt finished his season with sixteen passes defended (batted down). Because he had such a habit for knocking down balls at the line of scrimmage he was nicknamed “JJ Swatt” by Monday Night Football Commentator Jon Gruden. At the start of the 2014-2015 season Watt proved to still be highly affective in his season opener. He recorded one sack, a fumble recovery, and a blocked field goal. Watt also flooded Robert Griffin III with pressure in the backfield. In his second week versus the Oakland Raiders, Watt recorded his first offensive touchdown when he lined up as tight end on the one-yard line and was left wide open for a quick score. Texans head coach Bill O’Brien addressed the media on the catch as if it was a trick play. “That’s not a trick play at all. I think it’s good sound football. I thought we called that play at the right time. They had stuffed us (on the play before). We ran it on first down and didn’t get anything I think we lost half a yard. And then with that call on second down, it was good. It was good timing of the call and J.J. made a nice play,” O’Brien said.
Photofinish
24