TAMU elects first gay student body president pg.4
AP Capstone students learn research skills pg.15
Beauty and the Beast review pg. 20
Ten DECA students advance to national competition By Fizza Gilani News Editor
On February 25 and 26, Creek’s DECA team traveled to San Antonio to compete in their state tournament. Out of the 41 from Creek that participated in the tournament, six - Diego Allison, Emily Kincaid, Lydia Haregot, Richard Jiang, Lindsey Ashorn and Karina Bertelsmann - advanced to the national competition in team events. Anusha Jiwani, Greyson Gilliam, Scott Lindberg, and Atanu Choudhury advanced in individual events. DECA will also be taking three other students to “represent the school store certification.” DECA competitions are split into role plays and written competitions, and “divided by career clusters”. Those clusters are “[b]usiness management [and] administration, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality [and] tourism, and personal financial literacy.” . In a role play, students “[get] a prompt with a problem that needs to be solved in a particular area of business management between 10 to 30 minutes prior to presenting a solution to a judge,” senior Diego Allison explained. Written competition involves competitors writing a paper anywhere from five to 30 pages in length. According to Allison, the topic of the paper can range anywhere from writing out business
plans or promotional project plans. Some events also require students to take a test. DECA is sponsored by Mrs.
state.” Students’ chances of making it to state are based on “[their] competitive event performance which is comprised
Photo by Kendall Eley Deshawanda Mosley, who helps of your event score students get ready for competition. and test score The DECA team displayed its strength on the subject [they] competed in.” when it took 41 students to compete at the In addition, students must receive state level. State competitions differ from at least a 70 on the test to advance. the average competition because they are Even with all the time and commitment more difficult. In order to get to the state DECA students put into preparing for competition, students “must compete at the tournament, they faced challenges. districts and…place there to advance to Allison recalled the most trying part of the
competition to be “being placed with the competitors before competing…because some kids have such good ideas and try to act like they got it in the bag before they even go.” Confidence is a crucial skill students need to have in order to be successful in their events. Allison mentioned that this year was less stressful for him because it was his second year and he had developed the confidence to make a clear and convincing proposition to the judge. According to him, it is thanks to Mosley’s coaching and supervision that his confidence and preparation ability has grown. Allison’s group completed an innovation plan detailing a solution to the real-world problem of environmental waste in the fashion industry. The plan included a product, called Two Soles, an explanation of the product, market advantages, target audience, and marketing strategy. DECA competitions offer numerous rewards for students willing to take on the venture. In addition to a vast increase in knowledge, social skills, and confidence, students develop business prowess, passion, and a consistent work ethics, all skills applicable to the real world. DECA pushes kids to find and understand practical solutions to problems they may very well encounter once they enter the real world.
McGregor receives grant to build a solar powered car By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief
Creek Physics teacher Michael McGregor has recently began a long planned project in which he will be designing solar powered cars after receiving a $10,000 grant. The money was obtained through a grant application and will be an ongoing project through the rest of the school year and throughout the summer. McGregor received the grant from Lyondell Basell, a company based in Houston, Texas and globally operated in London. The grant was specifically given to McGregor so that he and his students can construct a solar powered car and compete in a race against other solar powered cars. “The Clear Creek Education Foundation accepts grant applicants every year,” McGregor said. “We applied online, and then my students gave a presentation to the foundation.” The race will be held at Texas Motor Speedway in July 2017 and will be a four-day race. The other competing race cars will also be designed by high school students and teachers. “The race is spread out over four days,” McGregor explained. “It begins on Wednesday and ends on Saturday. The teams race for six hours each day, and there is a two hour break at noon for the cars to
sit in the sun and charge for a little while.” The project is being handled by two Creek groups: Mr. William Gibbs’ advanced machine shop class and McGregor’s AP Physics C class. “The students in Mr. Gibbs’ class are busy welding the frame of the vehicle together, and my students will be assembling the electrical aspects and installing the solar panels,” McGregor said. Gibb’s class is assembling the car, particularly handling the welding aspect of the cars. The welding process is the electronic fusion of two metals together. McGregor gave some insight into how the project came to be. “Last year, my Physics C class built a small wooden car at the end of the year and it crashed into a wall at the end of the hallway,” McGregor said. “Over the summer I pondered ways to repeat the project but make it better. I found the Solar Car Challenge online, and asked Majewski if we could participate. He liked the idea, and so we went with it.” McGregor and his students have been planning the project since last fall, but construction began to take place during the middle of January. “Welding is how it’s joined together and we use a mig welder, which uses electricity and gas to fuse the metals.” Gibbs said. Gibbs talked about how he came
to be involved in McGregor’s project. “He just came to me and asked if I’d help him and I personally have a background in cars,” Gibbs said. “I’ve built cars from the ground up.” He went on to explain that the experience is a good one for his students. “It’s a collaborative effort between the physics department and machine shop, so it’s been fun and good exposure for the students,” Gibbs said. “Plus we’ve built parts for the international space station and it’s gone into space, so I thought it’d be really fun for them to build the car. It exposes and prepares them for the real world and dealing with automotives.” Gibbs stated how his students building cars “adds another dimension to their experience.” “Machine shop is about being able to make whatever people need us to make, whether it be something for a house or anything else.” Gibbs said. Gibbs is quite excited for the project and he says his students are also enjoying it and consider it to be a “fun project.” McGregor gave his own thoughts
on
how Gibbs’ class is doing. “They’re doing a really great job,” McGregor said. “They taught me to weld a little bit too. The race takes place in July. We’re still on schedule to be finished in time. There might be a little more to complete in the summer.” McGregor is excited about the project and looks forward to getting farther into the project with his students. “This project is very rock and roll,” he said. “We haven’t even started putting the components on the car, but my students have already been tinkering with brakes systems, electric motors, different types of solar panels and steering set-ups.”
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Opinion
Who or what inspires you the most? S N E M FRESH
E N I O R SOPHOMORES S “My mom inspires me because she is strong and independent.” -Cameron Wilson
“My grandma. She didn’t care what people thought of her and she’s always been there.” -Alexis Reed
“My mom because she always does everything to the best of her ability.” -Alexa Akers
“My 9th grade English teacher inspires me because of how harsh she was on me to become a better writer.” -Bruce Castillo “Bob Marley, because he stays jammin.” -Aiden Breen
“Mrs. Terry because she has a positive attitude.” -Biannca Ramirez
S R O I N U J “Kate McKinnon because she is a brilliant and empowered woman comedian.” -Riley Tamblyn
“Mr. Majewski inspires me the most because he actually cares for us.” -Travis Parott
“Joey Rufus Segura, because he believes in every single one of us.” -Mohomed Bettayeb
“My reflection. Sometimes he gives me that sweet look that just lets me know it’s all good.” -Joseph Looper
“My father inspires me because he has shown me what it takes to be a man.” -Reed Hamilton “Morgan Freeman inspires me because his voice is so darn sweet.” -Ephrian Zayas
“JJ Abrams because I aspire to be a great director like him.” -Jordan Frere ‘Mrs. Mosley. She inspires me to do my best in DECA and in life.” -Brady Knubley
2016-2017
HiLife Staff
Principal: Jamey Majewski Advisor: Wynette Jameson Editors-in-Chief: Emily Ruthven Troylon Griffin II Managing Editor: Issac Villarreal Photo Editors: Sierra Dickey Hayley Johnson Design Editors: Issac Villarreal Brittney Melanson News Editor: Fizza Gilani Online Editor: Hayley Johnson Features Editor: Emily Ruthven Teen Interest Editor: Catherine Irvine Sports Editor: Troylon Griffin II Around Creek Editor: Emily Ruthven Advertising Manager: Issac Villarreal
Reporters: Kendall Eley Lilo Shelley Minha Siddiqui DeAundrea Edwards Sutton Anderson Joana Mancia
Photographers: Alyssa Hutchison Jose Mares Jr. Hanna Wingard Veronica Brown
Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or http://clearcreekhs.ccisd.net For ad rates call: (281)-284-1889
Editorial
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Troylon’s Talks: Studying the arts
By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief
These past few weeks, I have found myself under the usual senior dilemmas, but with the addition of a lovely AP English Literature and Composition project, courtesy of Mrs. Megan Thompson. The project called for me to read a work of “literary merit” and do a grand presentation on it, explaining why it mattered during its day, why it matters today and the universal truths and lessons I can learn about humanity from the work. Me being me, I chose something that would be challenging and definitely of literary merit by English teacher standards: As You Like It by the great Bard William Shakespeare. You all may think I should be moaning
and groaning over having to do a project over such a foreign-language-written work such as Shakespeare, but no, I do not regret choosing the work or having to do the project at all, because one way or another, it was essential that I, as a human, do so. People do not seem to realize the importance of reading and studying literature and art that is beyond their generation. There is a reason that literature, the arts and music are clumped together into the category of ‘Humanities.’ It is through these works we can truly learn what it means to be human and know and assure ourselves of the common human experience. One can look in almost any Shakespeare play and find elements of human life such as love, hate, emotional turmoil, death and other factors of life that we all experience as human beings. Self reflection is one of the most important things we as humans must do. I don’t mean we should simply think and write about how we are feelings, even though that is always essential, but we should always immerse ourselves in the works of other humans. When we read and view pieces of art, we are not just
reflecting on ourselves as individuals, but ourselves as a whole race, the human race. In doing this self reflection, we are able to keep ourselves in perspective and not develop some varying supremacist thought that is so common today. Whether it be
“Open your mind to the past - art, history, philosophy. And all this may mean something.” -Jean-Luc Picard
religion, culture or being human as a whole, we are all more alike than we are different. Some people may not want to read a play or work like Shakespeare that was written four hundred years ago because they think we are unable to relate to such situations. But, what makes Shakespeare have the legacy that he has today is that there is so much about the human experience that is relatable in his works. No matter how much our language, technology, or
genetics change, at the end of the day we will always have similar problems and situations that we face because it is part of our nature as human beings. It is because of this ever lasting experience that we are able to still refer to ancient literature such as The Bible and Quran for help in life and relate to the stories in those pieces. The fact that we can still relate to the stories of cultures thousands of years old just shows that we will always be more alike than we are similar. We all feel or experience love, hate, anger, jealousy, bliss, happiness, despair, issues of trust and it’s these things that keep us human. Today, we find so many teens having existential crises and questioning the meaning of life and why they are here when the answers lay in front of them, or near them. It is through our immersion in the arts that we can find the meaning of life because in doing so, we are reflecting on our life; and we have all learned in school that it is through reflecting that anything’s meaning can be seen. Today, in society we are constantly encouraging the advancement of science and building without much regard for the arts. It is not too much a stretch to say that if we are all engineers and scientists who are mindlessly making and building things with no sense of culture or art, then we are no better, and no more human, than robots. We need the arts, literature, music and other aspects of life because they keep us human and in perspective of what it means to be such a thing. We must invest ourselves in the works that reflect our society and race, otherwise all this will seem like nothing.
Emily’s Editorial: Finding happiness
By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief In this crazy whirlwind of moments and memories we call life, it can sometimes be difficult to remember what its all for. To wake up at 6:30am every morning, trudge to school, complete mundane assignments and then come home and fall asleep, just to restart again the next day, there has to be a purpose to all of this…right? For some, the purpose is God, to worship, praise and live a selfless life. For others, money. After all, there’s nothing better than retail therapy right? For me however, I just want to be happy. But then that begs the question, what is happiness? How do we define such a complex feeling that differs from person to person? Do we measure happiness by the number of times a person smiles? Or do we quantify bliss with mathematical ratio of good days to bad days. Happiness can be viewed as a long-
term descriptor, measuring the entirety of someone’s life as they lie on their deathbed. Or, happiness can be measured in moments. As an 18-year-old, I know I don’t have the world figured out. But, as senior year has progressed, I’ve found a description of happiness that I’m satisfied with. I measure my happiness by ending each day feeling secure and content with my life. Sure, life may not be perfect, and senior year hasn’t exactly been easy. I’ve seen people’s true colors and been hurt by those closest to me. Despite all of the negatives that have come with senior year, I can safely say that I am truly happy. It’s really funny actually, when you think about it, how life works. This year has, by-far, been one of the most emotionally taxing. However, after all of it, I’ve emerged so much happier than before. I’ve learned to hold onto what matters
most, and when your focus is centered on that, life becomes so much simpler. High school is full of petty arguments, distractions and things that won’t matter in
the development of the person I am today. Each year had it’s battles. Sometimes, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it, especially junior year. All the turmoil of classes such as chemistry, pre-calculus and physics were all-consuming at the time, but now, looking back, everything feels small. I remember, so vividly, crying over some dumb science fair project the night before it was due. I wish I could travel back in time and tell myself that everything ended up all right, because it did. No matter how difficult or emotionally strenuous life became, I made it through. And I can confidently say that I am proud of myself. I worked hard, maintained somewhat of a social life and rocked the SAT, all so I could end up where I am now, ready to head off to a great college and continue the next chapter of my life. As I look back on my 12 years of schooling, I now realize that things are never as drastic as they seem, be it social or academic. Things get better. Life moves on. You just have to keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can now truly say, that I have found happiness.
“Some days are just bad days, that’s all. You have to experience sadness to know happiness, and I remind myself that not every day is going to be a good day, that’s just the way it is!” -Dita Von Teese the long run. Keeping my focus on the fact that I will be going off to the University of Oklahoma in just a few months really keeps everything in perspective. My time at Clear Creek High School has certainly been important and crucial to
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News
Scientists make advancements in autism research By Kendall Eley Reporter
Recent studies performed by psychologists specializing in Autism spectrum disorders have shown that it could be possible to predict the future formation of Autism Spectrum Disorder before the age of two, where the beginning stages of the disorder begin to appear, most frequently noticeable through behavioral miscommunications and odd motor motility, such as repetitive movements and ideas. The most typical brain abnormality that contributes to the formation of the disorder is the rapid overgrowth of the brain’s volume in the first year of life. The most common area of study, in terms of brain volume, is the Cerebral Cortex, which is the thin, surface layer of the brain, more commonly recognized as the part of the brain with folds and wrinkles. The Cerebral Cortex is composed mostly of interconnected neural cells, and often referred to by scientists as the brain’s ‘thinking crown,’ or the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center. This makes it the perfect area
of study for children with the disorder. The study was guided by Heather Cody Hazlett, the lead author of the study and a psychologist at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, and Joseph Piven, the professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. One of the biggest queries was ‘how does the brain’s mass and volume increase, and how does that correlate with the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder?’ Piven explained that “the expansion of cortical surface area is thought to be due to increased proliferation of something called neural progenitor cells. Those are immature pre-neurons. In theory, the advanced reproduction and spreading of these immature neural cells cause cause malfunctions in similar ways that cancer cells form, which can ultimate lead to immaturely or poorly formed neural cells. The specifics of the study included 106 high-risk children that had an older sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a low-risk group of 42 infants who had no immediate family history of the disorder. The likelihood of the high-
risk infants developing the disorder was as high as one in five, compared to the one in one-hundred chance of infants with no genetic predisposition. To test this theory, Hazlett and Piven studied brain growth and cortex inflation through multiple MRI’s done over the period of six to 24 of age in children with both high-risk and low-risk chances of developing the disorder. Hazlett and Piven created an algorithm using this MRI method and tested the infants’ brain development over the 19 month testing period and successfully predicted eight out of ten children who fit the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The findings showed that by age two, the children who had a genetic predisposition had much larger brain growth than the children without a genetic influence. Mathew T. Pletcher, vice president and head of genomic discovery at the advocacy group Autism Speaks, explained that “despite the important findings, the study is ‘still relatively small,’ and it is unknown whether or not the benefits and results of this discovery with apply just as well to a larger population,” since out of a totally
148 children, only 15 were officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Hazlett has also mentioned that they would be willing to study the siblings of children with Autism Disorder who do not have the disease to try and treat emotional and mental problems associated with being a high-risk child without the disorder, since “…A lot still changes and happens…beyond the second year,” and that her and her colleagues are “interested in observing those children.” They would also try and see if problems that arise are caused by the fact that a sibling has Autism Spectrum Disorder or if there are genetic components related to the disorder that manifest in issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or overall learning difficulties. This study’s results, moreover, provide a promising lead into treating the one in 68 children that are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and possibly preventing the disorder if the signs are forecasted correctly and early enough for behavioral psychologists to provide a necessary medical intervention to prevent social and behavioral problems for children developing Autism Spectrum Disorder.
TAMU elects first openly gay student president
By Kendall Eley Reporter
Bobby Brooks, a 21-year-old junior enrolled in Texas A&M College Station made history on March 9 by becoming the first elected openly gay Student Body President in the traditionally conservative school’s history. Not only was Brooks the first gay student body president in Texas A&M’s history, the campus was also taken off of Princeton’s Review list of unfriendly universities for LGBT students for the first time this year. Brooks worked as the Executive Vice President of Diversity during his junior year and ran for the student body president position in hopes of improving student services, such as student-teacher relationships, increasing diversity and inclusion throughout campus, as well as dining and transportation. Early in his campaign, Brooks explained that “I was open and out if anyone asked me but I didn’t talk about it in my campaign” and said that he “decided to celebrate it after [his win] so people would focus on the fact that [he] was the most qualified.” The election caused some controversy regarding the semantics of the votes and electoral system. Brooks actually took second place with 4,214 votes, or 29% of ballots casted while his frontrunner, Robert McIntosh earned 4,977 votes. However, McIntosh was later disqualified due to allegations of voter irregularities
and anonymous complaints regarding When asked about possible prejudice his loss, which he appealed twice before comments received, Brooks told CNN Brooks was officially declared the winner. that “most Aggies are very accepting, but Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, an there are a few that have a negative view alumn and of people previous that are Aggie Yell different than leader even they are.” requested However, to speak despite the to Brooks very small concerning percentage the electoral of students process who didn’t of the agree with campaign his lifestyle, and election B r o o k s after saying addressed his that the aggressors position personally in w a s an interview, “stolen” saying “to f r o m those of you McIntosh who spoke Photo courtesy of WikiCommons due to the poorly about reviewer’s decision to me based upon my sexual stay vigilant in their decision to disqualify orientation… I forgive you. I really do.” McIntosh. However, he made no derogatory The response to his win was not comments about Brooks’ sexuality, and kept excessively negative. On the contrary, his concerns specifically on the electoral he gained a lot of support from other process. Brooks invited Perry “to come student leaders at the school, such as home to Texas to meet with [his] team… the current senior class president Claire when [his team takes] office … to discuss Wimberly and MSC President Brian how [they] can work together to achieve O’Hara, who was Brooks’ superior as [their] common vision of [improving Texas President of Diversity for the student body. A&M] as [the campus] continues to grow.” In response to his win, Wimberly, who
also happened to be his campaign manager, said “I hope to see him accomplish all that he set out to do during campaign. His goals… are all attainable, [and] I know he’s going to surround himself with an amazing team.” O’Hara also weighed in on Brooks’ win, saying that “…It’s easy for us to say that we have made progress… We have as a university to a certain degree, but what’s more important is that our student leaders are continually more and more representative… I think Bobby Brooks is an amazing Aggie, he loves [our campus] and he [just] happens to be gay.” Brooks’ relationship with Texas A&M has always been an incredibly strong one. His father was a US Army veteran and a Texas A&M graduate, had made sure to instill his love for the campus to his son very early in life. Brooks explained that “[He] was an Aggie from the first day that [he] was born” and “[He] would like it to echo the sentiment that [He’s] always had [for the campus], [and] that [he’s] just ready to get to work… [to] get things done.” In a final statement, Brooks spoke in an interview specifically to his audience and fellow Aggies, saying that “I couldn’t do this for any other university; Texas A&M has always had my heart, and it always will. I’m ready to get to work, Texas A&M. Are you?” Brooks will start his new appointed position as the 74 student body president on April 21, the beginning of his senior year and the upcoming fall semester.
News
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Ryan pulls American Health Care Act from vote
By Kendall Eley Reporter
On March 24, 2017, House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the American Health Care Act, a bill meant to repeal Obamacare, from the voting floor after President Donald Trump threatened to back out of the legislation. The bill was met with a fair amount of controversy after members of the Freedom Caucus conservatives and moderates came to a disagreement on how the bill would affect healthcare, which severely affected the outcome of the legislation. The Freedom Caucus Conservatives feared that the bill didn’t pull enough of Obamacare out of the new bill, and the moderates worried that they “would suffer electorally if millions of people lost healthcare” if the bill passed and became proper legislation, leaving a large disagreement between conservatives and moderates. They were already pinned against House Democrats, who’d all already pulled support for the new bill with not a single member showing support. In response to the pulling of the bill, President Trump said in the Oval Office that he would “let Obamacare explode,” after political turmoil. He planned to retrace a bill as soon as Obamacare began to fail, which could leave millions of people without insurance until a new health care act was able to pass with enough agreement between Republicans of the House. Republicans of the house
form the majority of the votes for bills such as the American Health Care Act. After the pulling of the bill, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, a main drafter of the proposed legislation, explained that “[The bill is]
Planned Parenthood has been a major focus on most of the ACA disapproval from members of the Republican party due to the fact that Planned Parenthood does allow legal abortions to those who desire and or need the procedure done, although
House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks during a Republican health care briefing
done. This on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 on Capitol Hill. (Cheriss May/Sipa USA/TNS) there is bill is dead.” a large The American Health Care Act was amount of miscommunication and proposed by the GOP to “eliminate most information missing from parts of the taxes and remove the individual of the Republican’s disapproval. mandate of the Affordable Care Act,” Contrary to most speculation, abortion all the while “providing Americans with procedures are actually the lowest number refundable tax credits based on age to of available healthcare options. In 2014, purchase health insurance.” The proposed more than double the number of Planned act would also pull funding of agencies like Parenthood clients came for pregnancy Planned Parenthood, which covers many test rather than abortion procedures. aspects of sexual and maternal healthcare. Abortion services only count 323,999
funds compared to the 9,4555,582 total, making abortion procedures only cover three percent of funding given to the corporation. The largest portion of Planned Parenthood’s funding goes toward STD and STI testing and treatment, making up 45 percent of funds provided, with access to contraceptives in second, with 31 percent of the funds. Planned Parenthood’s main goal is to provide “vital sexual health care services, sex education, and sexuality information,” to patients who need it. 75 percent of Planned Parenthood’s patients have an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which would leave thousands of individuals who can’t afford healthcare outside of the ACA unable to receive Planned Parenthood’s services. After the failure to repeal Obamacare and pulling funding from agencies like Planned Parenthood, Trump and his colleagues face weakened political support from voters, especially after Trump made a promise during his campaign that he would “work to repeal the ACA on his first day in office.” Ryan also faces trouble in the coming months after not being able to help effectively get the divided House Republicans and moderates to come to an agreement on the American Health Care Act. After the bill was pulled, Ryan told his party that “[we] came up short,” and that “[we’ll be] living with Obamacare for the foreseeable future,” until the ACA “explodes.”
Controversial Pepsi ad intiates public disapproval By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief
Well known soda company PepsiCo is facing ongoing controversy due to a recent Pepsi commercial that was produced starring reality television star Kendall Jenner. The commercial has received polarizing views, with many feeling that the commercial trivialized the Black Lives Matter movement and overall missing the mark on their intended message. The commercial opens showing imagery that indicates protests going on against police brutality. Those of all ethnicities and background march, smiling, cheering and holding signs that say ‘Join the conversation’ and ‘LOVE’ and peace signs. The protestors catch the attention of several artists, including a photographer and a musician, before finally catching the attention of a model portrayed by Kendall Jenner. After initially seeming just disturbed by the protestor’s noise, the model decides to join the movement. The protestors are then confronted by the police. Acting almost as the leader, Jenner walks up to the police with a can of Pepsi and offers it to the hostile looking
police. After hesitantly drinking the Pepsi, the officer and his other fellow officers smile and the crowd erupts in cheer and celebration, seemingly ending the tension between the two sides and settling the protests. What follows are Pepsi’s slogan “Live For Now” and Kendall and the protestors walking towards the camera. The commercial has polarized viewers, with some feeling it is harmless, but others who feel it is trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement. Some also felt the enthusiastic tone of the commercial downplayed the violence and dangers protestors face at marches and protests. Many have also deeply criticized how the Pepsi drink seemingly unites the police and protestors, and insinuates that is all it takes to end tensions. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Bernice King tweeted a picture of her father being confronted by police and said, “If only Daddy would have known about the power of Pepsi.” Pepsi issued a statement shortly after, saying they meant no disrespect towards King’s family. Elle Hearns, a former organizer for Black Lives Matter and the
executive director of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, felt that the ad played down the sacrifices people have historically taken in “utilizing protests.” “No one is finding joy from Pepsi at the protests,” she said. “That’s just not the reality of our lives. That’s not what it looks like to take bold action.” Activist DeRay McKesson, who organized and protested in Ferguson after the death of Michael Brown, called the advertisement trash and gave a very sarcastic remark to the commercial. “If I had carried Pepsi I guess I never would’ve gotten arrested. Who knew?” McKesson said. “This ad trivializes the urgency of the issues and it diminishes the seriousness and gravity of why we got into the street in the first palce.” McKesson said to NBC News. Pepsi issued an apology for the commercial, explaining they were “trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding.” “Clearly, we missed the mark and apologize,” the company said on April 5. “We did not intend to make light of any serious issue.” Pepsi went on to say that they were
pulling the commercial and halting any further rollout of the ad. The commercial was aired only once on television before being taken off, but it has nevertheless remained on YouTube, having earned more dislikes than likes. The company also issued an apologized to Kendall Jenner. McKesson also criticized Pepsi’s choice and decision of who to issue an apology to. “Pepsi didn’t apologize to all of the people who have been protesting for two years, didn’t apologize to the people who dedicated their lives and their time to these issues and to understand the urgency of them because in so many cases, there’s so much at stake including people’s lives.” he said. Since the ads premiere, it has continued to cause controversy and spark new memes in which people mock the idea of Pepsi solving violence. Many have take more serious steps and are boycotting all of Pepsi’s products, including Brisk, Lipton, Mountain Dew and Gatorade. Many have come to see the ad as cautionary tale for how to not to make a politically conscious commericial.
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News
Sesame Street promotes inclusion with new character By Lilo Shelley Reporter
It’s a sunny day on Sesame Street, welcoming a new peer to its popular cast, for the first time in a decade. Four year-old Julia is a character with short pumpkin orange hair, and is someone who always carries around her favorite toy rabbit. She has autism, loves to sing and can memorize song lyrics a lot quicker than her young friends. She struggles with loud noises like sirens, because they cause her to be emotionally inclined. The audience was introduced to her during a 60 Minutes piece, on Sunday March, 19. Julia will be making her debut on April 10, during National Autism Awareness Month. Before she came on the show, she contributed to Sesame Street in the storybooks, a nationwide initiative to help families handle frequent challenges, simplify everyday actions, and encourage connections. The response was a big hit, which led her to coming on air. Christine Ferraro, a Sesame Street writer, spoke to 60 minutes, “I think the big discussion right at the start was ‘How do we do this?’ How do we talk about autism?” Ferraro said. For some viewers, its their first time crossing paths with autism, so first impressions are everything. It requires a bit more explanation of her differences and hidden talents for the viewers and the other Muppets.
“We wanted to demonstrate some of the characteristics of autism in a positive way,” Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop vice president of the
how they’re actions are a little different than someone who often respond distinctly. The brain disorder makes it difficult to cope with social interactions.
Big Bird, a character on the show, talked to Stahl about his greeting with Julia and told him “I thought that maybe she didn’t like me.” Elmo, another character, reassured Big Bird saying “Its just that Julia has autism. So sometimes it takes her a little longer to do things.” The variety of Muppets and people shown, and how they interact with one another shows that the members of Sesame Street can put aside their differences as if they didn’t exist. This can teach children valuable lessons about looking at similarities despite the things that make them unalike
Photo courtesy of Google
outreach and educational practices, said in a 2015 interview. Featuring her as a girl gets rid of the “myths and misconceptions around autism,” on how it only affects males. Julia’s purpose on Sesame Street is to increase the understanding of autism, what it may be like when encountering a person with autism, and expanding the autism initiative. One in 68 children in the United States is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An abundant amount of people don’t understand the condition and
and how “different” doesn’t mean “bad”. Sesame Street has been on the air for over five decades, and it has created a reputation for its interactions with the characters. “It has also not been afraid to deal with real life issues including the death of a beloved character, Mr. Hooper in 1983,” Joan Ganz Cooney, one of the founders of the Children’s Television Workshop which developed Sesame Street, said. “Sesame Street had always dealt with the real,” she said “And it was real, and so we decided not to just replace him and call the man Mr. Hooper and hope they didn’t notice.” The creators of Sesame Street note on the website, “while it’s true there can be significant differences between people with autism and their peers, all children want the same things: to feel safe, happy and loved. And all children have something to contribute – unique perspectives and talents that help make the world a richer and more interesting place.” Presenting an autistic character to Sesame Street is an important step toward promoting understanding and inclusion, experts say. Ferraro hopes that this helps educates viewers and how to respond when crossing paths with someone with autism, while making Julia a part of the neighborhood. “I would love her not to be Julia, the kid on Sesame Street who had autism,” the writer said. “I would like her to be just Julia.”
Around Creek 7
Jamie Brownson voted CCHS’s teacher of the year
By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief
AP Environmental Science and Environmental Systems teacher Mrs. Jamie Brownson has been voted as Creek’s teacher of the year. The Creek alum was “surprised,” and has expressed that it is “nice to be recognized by [her] fellow teachers.” Brownson has taught at Creek for 13 years. During her time at Creek, Brownson has coached volleyball and soccer for seven years, trained Creek UIL academics competitors for six years, coached Academic Decathlon for the past three years and has been an integral part of CCISD science fair for seven years. Brownson has also taught biology for twelve years. “I stumbled into [teaching],” Brownson said. “I started out coaching soccer and volleyball. I was good at teaching and I couldn’t do both to the best of my ability,” Brownson said. Brownson’s AP Environmental Science class is typically taken as a fourth science or elective and is therefore commonly filled with upperclassmen, especially seniors. In APES, students learn the environmental consequences of human progress, as well as the importance of living an environmentally responsible lifestyle. “If I can get [my students] excited and engaged in conversation, then maybe [they] can become the change we need in the world,” Brownson said. “I kind of view myself as some version of the
Lorax. I want them to realize that nature
problems the better,” Brownson continued.
Photo by Emily Ruthven
is all around us if we would just open our eyes to see it. The more awareness I can bring to the Earth’s
Brownson was responsible for the AP Environmental class being brought
to Creek, and has been the only teacher to teach the class since then. Many students enjoy her class due to its omnipresent real-world presence. Brownson’s teaching style is like that of a “storyteller” and elicits significant amounts of “humor.” “I’ve learned so much from her and I wish I could take APES over and over again. It is because of her class that I have chosen to pursue a degree in Environmental Policy. If anyone deserves this award, its Mrs. Brownson,” Senior Cameron Carter said. “I loved her class because it really opened my eyes to the damaging effects humans have on our planet. I think AP Environmental Science should be a required class for everyone,” Carter continued. Brownson has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Environmental Policy from University of South Florida and Stephen F. Austin University, respectively. She also obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. Brownson has her certification to become an administrator. When asked if she would ever consider taking an administrative position, Brownson said, “I’m open to the possibility if it arose, however staying in CCISD is very important to me.” After receiving the award for teacher of the year, Brownson was required to write seven These will be reviewed by the district. From there, the CCISD teacher of the year will be chosen. Currently, Brownson is a finalist.
Around Creek CCTD competes in UIL with The Lark Joining By Sutton Anderson Reporter
Creek’s Theatre department entered the UIL season in early February. For theatre’s UIL, each school in the district performs a short, one act play under 40 minutes for a competition. Only the top three schools advance from district to bidistrict, where they can compete against different schools to try to make it to the state competition. The CCTD chose to perform The Lark as their one act play. Each student’s role in the company was equally as important as each other. From the actors, to the alternates, to the tech crew, each person plays a key role for the show to succeed in competition. Although this year’s submission modelled the hard work and dedication of Creek’s theatre program well, The Lark did not impress the judges enough for advancement for further competition. The Lark is a reflection on a girl named Joan’s life, making the show is a memory piece. It starts in a court room in preparation for Joan’s death and throughout the play the actors travel back to a fragment of her past to relive life-changing moments. The play is set when Joan is 14 years old, before she eventually dies at age 16. As the court lets Joan replay her life, they see if she can defend herself before facing her death. Joan, played by senior Zoie Ellis, speaks to Saints sent by God throughout the play. To Joan, the Saints tell her to
go find the Dauphin, portrayed by senior Noah Massey, and fight the English to save France crowning him king. Throughout her journey, Joan runs into many obstacles that seem to keep her from reaching her goal, and by the end of the play, her ungodly acts place her
Photo courtesy of Bradley Hewlett
in a court room facing her final breaths. In Creek’s version of The Lark, director Bradley Hewlett had chosen to add a twist to the show by having female actors play male roles. “Learning the body language and the right inflection for a man was much harder than I thought it would be,” Junior Mia Carter, said. Theatre’s UIL team went to San Jacinto College to perform their one act play for pre-assessment on February 24. The actors performed The Lark for a mock judge who critiqued their performance. The critiques were to further prepare the actors and crew for the true performance
on the Friendswood high school stage. For the performers, the UIL one-act play is a very serious matter. Advancing in the competition and getting to state is their biggest goal. Each company member works their hardest to make the show as close to perfection as they can. Rehearsals for UIL were six days a week every day after school from 3:15 to 5:15 and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. T h e competition against Creek’s theatre program consisted of the other CCISD schools including Friendswood, Alvin and Dickinson; so the talent levels were very high. The cast members had to keep in mind that advancing in the competition would be based on luck no matter how great The Lark became. The UIL competition took place during the school day at Friendswood high school. Creek was the sixth contender to perform. The actors were given 7 minutes to set up the set and lights for their performance and a 40-minute time limit to perform. When they finished their performance they were given 7 minutes to strike, take down their set and exit the stage. “This was the best show I have ever put on stage.” Bradley Hewlett, Director said. Creek faced strong, diverse shows that caused the judges to not vote in Creek’s favor. As Friendswood, Dickinson and Clear Lake advanced to Bi-district, Creek will prepare to come back in the 2018 UIL competition.
9
HiLife Rocks By Kendall Eley Reporter
The end of the first semester of my senior year, Mrs. Jameson handed me a little sticky note that said that my work in Photojournalism was phenomenal, and that she would love to have me on her Newspaper staff team. I was excited and honored, but I had no clue how much I would actually enjoy my experience as a reporter and photographer until the beginning of the second semester. I’d always been a good writer. From the time I could write all of the letters of the alphabet I’d been told that I would excel as a writer. I was told that I was blessed with the ability to put my thoughts onto paper, that I was a linguist, and when I joined Newspaper, I tapped into that ability seamlessly, finding the research and writing so productive and exciting that I began to thrive among my fellow staff members. I found a family amongst those writers and photographers,. I worked as diligently as I could, poured a bunch of blood, sweat, and tears into my articles both in class and at home, and with my hard work, I found a new respect and love for the people and the craft, to the point that my four years in Creek Choir seemed insignificant in success to the few months that I’d spent on the newspaper staff. In a matter of a month, I managed to climb my way up and make the front page of the Valentine’s Issue of the paper, and also two other articles as well. With all of the tremendous work that I put into this newly-found passion, I continued to write more and more, and once I was done with my articles, I picked up a camera. Photography had always been a side hobby for me. I knew a fair amount about DSLR cameras, how to meddle with shutter speeds, exposure, framing, and some other essentials, but when I entered the photography aspect of the Newspaper, I learned so much more about how photographers approach their photographic opportunities and learn by example. With that intense amount of focus, I managed to find a new passion for photography and thrived there as well. I began to really enjoy going to school events and finding subjects to take pictures of, rather than just aimlessly trying to find something to take a picture of. It left me even more goaloriented in my photography career and in my general lifestyle. My experience on the team has been one of the most rewarding things I could ever have imagined. I’d always taken the idea of being a reporter and journalist as a huge, daunting, almost impossible task, but as soon as I stepped into newspaper class, I learned that the production of a newspaper wasn’t so scary after all. It was an unknown blessing in disguise for someone whose life had always revolved around writing and learning. I was able to learn about things I never would have thought to in my spare time I can gladly say that accepting the challenge of becoming a reporter and photographer for newspaper was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Everything that I’ve done to contribute to this newspaper has made me a much happier, well-rounded person.
10Around Creek
Color Guard enjoys successful competition season By Catherine Irvine Teen Interest Editor
Clear Creek High School’s Color Guard participated in a successful competition season, with this year’s show being titled Fields of Gold. The show was inspired by the new dancers who joined Winter Guard this season. “The Celtic Woman version of Fields of Gold allowed for several soloists and some great small ensemble moments that allowed our performers to shine while fitting the personality of the team well.” Heather Hyde, Color guard director, said. The Winter Guard consists of 12 cast members as well as two managers. The dance performance included soloists, Captain Noelle Kruger, a sophomore, Senior Piper Hommol, junior Cheyenne Hindoin and freshman Maddie Evans. The team traveled together to participate at different competitions around areas in Texas. At the competitions, the Color guard used volunteers to unroll the decorated tarps the dancers use during performances. “I don’t think of them as a team, I think of them as my second family.” freshman member, Evans said. They advanced to state level at Pearland High School on March 25 where they placed eighth in their new regional class after a day of competing. The competition was their championship performance and the second performance in Scholastic regional A Blue class.
Previously, the group competed at Klein Forest High School on March 11. They ranked 17 out of 72 other schools that were competing. The performance was the
improvement for the group compared to results from their first competition. “I think we did really well,” Captain, Noelle Kruger, said.
Photo courtesy of Heather Hyde
first in the new competing class. On February 25, the Guard competed at Tompkins High School where they placed second. They competed against groups from Austin, San Antonio, College Station and other surrounding areas. The competition allowed for the team to move into Scholastic Regional A, where they are able to compete at a higher level. Placing second was a enormous
“We had a little over a 25-point increase, so we did really well [compared] to our first competition.” According to the Color Guard Coach Hyde, the Color guard is considered a performance art that combines dancing, acting and equipment all into one show. During the fall semester, the Guard performs with the Clear Creek Marching Band at Varsity football games and other
competitions. The guard held feature moments for the 2016 marching show Dark Side of the Rainbow. The color guard has posted videos of their performances at competitions on YouTube. In the winter, they compete in the Texas Color Guard Circuit. In the Spring, the team produces a spring show which features a mixture of soloists and ensembles. The new group is made up of a majority of new members with different levels of previous dance experience. “I have been very impressed at the work ethic of our students, as well as their creativity,” Hyde said. “Many teams as new as ours take several years to figure out what the activity is all about and how to be successful, but our students have quickly become a strong and impressive unit.” In order to prepare for competitions, the team rehearsed as a group two to three times a week varying on the amount of work they need to accomplish. At the after school rehersals, they would warm up with stretches and across the floors as well as practice flag techniques, then continue by fine tuning sections of the show. In the future, Hyde wishes to see the program grow. She hopes more students who are interested in dance will be interested in joining the Clear Creek Color Guard. Next year, the Guard plans to also compete in the Winter Guard International circuit.
Around Creek 11
PALs make a difference in younger students’ lives By Sutton Anderson Reporter
Creek features many student help programs with one of these being PALs. PALs is a Peer Assistance and Leadership program where high school students travel during the lunch period to support younger students in the district. The students travel to other CCISD middle and elementary schools assisting children in any way possible. “PALs mentor younger students called PALees.” Brooke Massey, PALs sponsor said. “These students, some from elementary schools and some from middle schools belong to schools that end up feeding into Clear Creek High School. PAL students also do community service hours outside of class. During the first six weeks of school, PALs are trained on how to talk to their PALees. When we are in class and not traveling, we spend our time team building and reflecting on our visits,” PALs play games with the PALees to build a strong relationship. They try to make them as comfortable as possible so that the PALee will be willing to discuss issues going on in their life and anything they need help with; such as school or a specific curriculum. “PALs are assigned their PALees during the first nine weeks of school. We match these students up based on
life experiences or who we think could relate to a particular student the most,” Becki Bryan, a PALs sponsor said. Creeks PALs students have class fifth period, and leave school during
PALees they see once a week.” The peers focus on different issues within the younger students lives’ by helping them through productive pursuits, using valuable decision making skills and a
Photo by Kendall Eley
A lunch to visit their younger PALee. By C lunch, students are back at school continuing with their sixth and seventh period classes. “PALs check in with their teacher on campus and then drive to their assigned PALees campus.” Massey said. Our students have three different
higher order thinking, to build courage and confidence within the student. PALs try to keep their younger students informed about their class subjects by using fun and informational teaching varieties. When applying to become a PAL, the teachers look for trustworthiness, dependability, responsibility, honesty and
positive character traits. PALs are held accountable for everything. They are to be looked up to as a role model, not only by the children they visit but also by the students at the school they attend. “Our applications were due March third. The process for becoming a PAL consists of filling out the application, passing out their teacher recommendation forms, and getting an outside letter of recommendation; all in hopes of getting an interview,” Bryan stated. As of this 2017 school year, they have had an overwhelming number of applicants for the upcoming 2017-2018 year. They’ve been told they can only allow two classes of PALs in the upcoming program. The PALs program in CCISD does strong supportive work with the League City community. This program is loved by many parents in the district for it supports students in as many ways as possible. Students cherish these special moments with each other because they grow close to a younger student and they are able to help and watch them grow as a strong human being. As the older students aim to make it an easier experience of school for the younger students they hope they can improve their life for the better at the same time. “I believe we all grow in life for these children help me strive to be a better person.” Lauren Bentley, a senior and second year PAL, said.
14 Around Creek CCTD’s improv troupe perpares for big laughs By Sutton Anderson Reporter
The CCTD features an improvisational comedy troupe called LExI, has been a tradition in the theatre department for 12 years. The troupe consists of two host, 12 to 14 players and two games coordinator. Improv shows are comprised of various games. For short form improv, there are many different types of games. There are scene based games where the players are given an occupation or a location and they focus on advancing a plot, a guessing game where the players are given quirks and one of them guesses the others quirks, or the improvisers play games categorized as miscellaneous that aren’t really based on anything they’re just fun to play. For a miscellaneous game entitled Poet’s Corner, the improvisers are given a topic and one player hosts a poetry slam and gives each poet piece of the topic to poeticize about. It has no plot and no guessing it just a game that gets people laughing. “Short form usually has a strict set of rules the players must follow; one constricts them to a time constraint. In long form, the players are given a variable in which they must expand upon. Most long forms run anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes and sometimes even longer,” student teacher and former LExI member Naseem Husain explained. The hosts of the show control all of the scenes with their official bell. Each scene starts and ends with the ding of the bell. In
some cases, the hosts can ding the bell during the scene and rearrange the whole story. “Class critiques are a big aspect
program for improvisation in the district. “We have 65 students in our two improv class periods. Each LExI troupe
Photo by Mia Carter
of preparing for our troupe shows,” Theatre teacher Bradley Hewlett said. “Because the shows are improvised, the players don’t know what games they will be playing or what the variables will be. The only way to really prepare is to practice the skills of improvisation repeatedly,” Hewlett said. The theatre department offers many different types of classes, including improv. The CCTD has the biggest
only features 16 to 18 members. The audition process is very tough for the troupe. It is my job as a director to look at the skills of my students have mastered, the chemistry between the performers and the variety of styles of humor,” Hewlett said. On February 11, The League of Extraordinary Improvisers held their annual prop show. In this show, the players were given free rein to use any of the props
placed on the back of the stage throughout their scenes. LExI featured a crowd favorite game called Bartender, where one player guesses the problem of the bars attendees. Senior Noah Massey reprised his role as the bartender for the third time this year in the LExI shows. In this game, all the players must hint at their problems via song, which always has the audience laughing by the first ding of the bell. The students in the improv classes show lots of growth throughout the year. The CCTD keeps the improv classes with first years and veterans integrated so that everyone can learn from each other, forcing them to build and grow from mistakes and victories. “My favorite part of improv is the act of improvising and just being totally crazy with all my friends and it being completely normal,” second year troupe player, Lillie Meade said. “When the students have those magic moments when the scene comes together and clicks, making it seem planned, is probably my favorite part of Improvisational theatre,” Hewlett stated. The League of Extraordinary Improvisers shows are fundraisers for the theatre program. Each show raises money for the big year long productions of the CCTD. “This past prop show gave us the biggest audience for an improv show yet; with around 280 people in total.” Troupe improviser, Riley Tamblyn said. LExI had their most recent show on April eighth.
around Creek 15
Becker and Fontenot teach new class AP Capstone By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief
This year has seen Creek begin its first year teaching the Advanced Placement Capstone Class, one of the new pilot programs developed by the College Board. The course is one of the newest programs developed by the board, and consists of a two year high school program consisting of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The class has been taught by English teachers Kenneth Fontenot and Helen Becker. The College Board describes the Capstone program as a whole as one that “equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges.” “AP Capstone is a curriculum for students who are curious and inquisitive and want to know more than what is covered in their high school classes.” Becker explained. “It starts with the Seminar class where students learn how to craft a research question how to organize and apply their research.” Seminar is described by the College Board as a course that “aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.” “The AP Research is the second level of the class, where the students work independently to develop research question and develop a proposal for their
research and execute that research on their own,” Becker said. “So essentially it’s a college level class that teaches students the process of research.” Regarding how program came to be
“the ins and outs” of Capstone and how to take students through the research process. “I want students being able to go to college and being able to do real research and distinguish credible information from
Photo by Troylon Griffin II
taught on Creek’s campus, Becker explained that when Creek applied to the College Board to teach the class, they went through a feasibility study and presented information to the board. She went on to sight Creek’s Dean of Instruction Ellen Ackers as the instrumental force in getting the class on Creek’s campus. Every CCISD school was granted their wish to teach the class, and those chosen to teach the class attended a week long training in Fort Worth during the summer of 2016. There, they learned what Becker called
unreliable information and fake news,” Becker said. “And there is a lot of fake news out there these days.” Becker went on to say how the first semester is all about a research question that will ultimately become a research paper and a team project. After developing their question and research, the students are then left to work independently the second semester with the teacher having little involvement in the students’ work. Mr. Fontenot explained that students edit their own essays, and if they want his
thoughts on them, he must read everyone’s and constructively criticize everyone’s essays One of the most unique elements of the class is that unlike most advanced placement classes, the actual AP test the students take in May is only a small fraction in determining the score they make on the test. Students are assessed throughout the entire school year and their final AP exam score is based on the team project and presentation, their individual research based essay and presentation and their end of course exam. With the year almost over, students are preparing for their exams and presentations, with Fontenot and Becker both expressing positive feelings about how the year has gone and their students’ performances and topics. Seniors Mady Chidester and Zoie Ellis have been working on their topic and have had only positive thoughts on the class. Chidester and Ellis have been working together in a group all year, with their topic focusing on what extent recovery services can improve US veteran’s transition back into civilian life. The two were inspired by the novel The Things They Carried, which they had to read in their AP English Literature and Composition class. Overall, the students and teachers have been enjoying their first year being a part of the Capstone program. “In terms of preparing them for the academic rigor and independence of college, there is no other course that better prepares them for that,” Fontenot said.
Features
17
Astronaut Clayton Anderson continues his legacy By Sutton Anderson Reporter
From Ordinary to Extraordinary Astronaut Clayton Anderson took a journey of a lifetime many Americans could only dream of doing. On Christmas Eve 1968, astronauts from Apollo eight flew around the moon with millions of people watching. Anderson’s parents woke him up to watch the three men orbit the earth. It was a monumental moment in history and in Anderson’s career. On Christmas Eve at age seven, Anderson knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Born on February 23, 1959 to Alice and Jack Anderson, and now married to Susan Harreld Anderson with two children Clayton “Cole” and Sutton Marie Anderson grew up in Ashland Nebraska, where he attended AshlandGreenwood High School and participated in football, basketball, track and theatre. He got his Bachelors of Science from Hastings College in Ashland, Nebraska in 1981 and received his Masters of Science degree in Aerospace engineering at Iowa State University in 1983. Anderson joined Johnson Space Center in 1983 right out of grad school in the mission planning and analysis division of NASA. As his years of work went on, he applied to become a astronaut. Anderson applied 15 times over the course of 15 years before being selected as a US astronaut in June of 1998. He was given the title of Mission Specialist. In Anderson’s astronomical career, he went to space two times. June 8, 2007
Clayton Anderson left for the International Space Station with ISS crew STS-117 spending 152 days on ISS completing three space walks, giving him the title of a station crew member. He came home to his family on his fifteenth wedding anniversary,
January of 2012 after a 30 year NASA career to pursue other opportunities. He wrote a book about his experience and journey of his life as an astronaut entitled The Ordinary Space Man; From Boyhood Dreams to Astronaut. Anderson has also
Photo courtesy of Clayton Anderson
November 7, 2007. On April 5, 2010 Anderson was granted a second chance to go to ISS as a shuttle crew member with STS131. Accomplishing 15 days 2 hours 47 minutes and 10 seconds in space for his second mission, He landed home on April 20 totaling 167 days 38 hours and 28 minutes in space while completing six EVA’s (spacewalks) in the process. Anderson retired from NASA in
become a motivational speaker and speaks all over the US to audiences of all kinds. During his speeches, he focuses on the aspect of never giving up. After 15 tries, Clayton Anderson was given the chance to go to space and now he is able to tell his story to people all over the world. Since his journeys to space are over due to retirement, Anderson has become an author. After releasing his first book and memior, he is in the midst’s of releasing
his first children’s book entitled A is for Astronaut. In the mean time, he has begun peer writing a children’s book with author Nevada Barr and is in the process of writing a book based on fan questions which should be released in spring of 2018. Anderson also teaches parttime at his alma matter, Iowa State University, where he teaches multiple times a semester but is still stationed at home in Houston, Texas. When he is in Iowa teaching, Anderson is able to watch his son Cole play football for the ISU Cyclones and follow his football dreams. Clayton Anderson has appeared on many local news channels during big events that NASA has talked about for his knowledge about space and the space program is largely influential in the community. Anderson likes to keep people thinking and as he always says, “We’re all ordinary but if you add a little “extra” to the “ordinary” you will become ‘extraordinary.” As his daughter I have been honored to write this story. I am also honored to have Ms. Jeanne Kregel as a teacher. Her husband was also an Astronaut. He mapped the earth and gave you GPS on your phone. Thanks to Kevin Kregel as well. I can still remember the day my dad first left the earth. I was six, I was terrified but I knew he would accomplish something amazing. I love you Dad!
18Entertainment Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts new members By Fizza Gilani News Editor
On April 7, 2017, six talented artists will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony is set to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Baez, Journey, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, and Yes will all soon be members of the famous hall. Nile Rodgers will also be honored with the Award for Musical Excellence by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Lenny Kravitz, world-renowned musician and Grammy winner, is set to perform a special tribute to Prince, the king of funk, at the Rock Hall induction ceremony. The honor is very meaningful for Kravitz, who was good friends with the late star. He tweeted: “Getting ready to honor my friend Prince at the @rockhall ceremony. This is very personal for me and I so wish it wasn’t for this reason.” Other artists slotted to perform are Alicia Keys, Will Pharrell, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the Indigo Girls. Every artist honored will be inducted by a superstar of the industry. Jackson Brown will induct Joan Baez into the Hall. Neil Young is set to welcome Pearl Jam. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from Rush will be inaugurating Yes. Pat Monahan of Train will induct Journey and a special guest, Dhani Harrison – The Beatles’ George Harrison’s son – will be inducting Electric Light Orchestra. Rapper Snoop Dogg will induct the late Tupac Shakur, who was his friend. Artists are eligible to be nominated
25 years after their first album is released. However, being nominated does not guarantee a win. Neal Schon of Journey
the win, he was not ecstatic about why he got it. “I’m quite flattered that they believed I was worthy, but my band Chic didn’t win.
Photo courtesy of Google with permission granted
said of their nomination, “I wasn’t expecting anything at all…I’m honored. I think we’re all honored.” Aside from Journey and the other winners, the nominees were Bad Brains, Chaka Khan, Chic, Depeche Mode, J. Geils Band, Jane’s Addiction, Janet Jackson, Joe Tex, Kraftwerk, MC5, Steppenwolf, The Cars and The Zombies. Nile Rodgers of the band Chic was singled out to receive the Award for Musical Excellence. While he appreciated
They plucked me out of the band and said, ‘You’re better than Chic.’ That’s wacky to me…I am flattered and I think it’s cool, but I feel like somebody put me in the lifeboat and told my family they can’t get in.” Musicians that get in become rock legends, and some would argue the several of the nominees already are. Some past winners are Abba, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, and the Beatles. Artists must be “[demonstrate] unquestionable
musical excellence and talent” and also “have had a significant impact on the development, evolution and preservation of rock & roll”, according to the Rock Hall’s website. They must also have somehow changed rock & roll through their music, either modifying it or revolutionizing it. Artists can be inducted in any of four categories: Performer, Early Influence, NonPerformer and Side-Men. Some artists who recently became eligible for nomination, meaning they just hit the 25-year milestone since their first album, are Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, and Radiohead. While all three are very prominent artists in music today, they did not make the cut. Although the nominating committee is responsible for choosing the artists nominated, the ballots also pass “more than 900 historians, members of the music industry and artists – including every living Rock Hall inductee”, who screen them and vote. There is also a fan vote, which is averaged out. The five artists with the most votes are inducted into the Hall. Although the live event will occur on April 7, a recorded version of the ceremony will be played on HBO on April 29 at 8 p.m. The ceremony will also be broadcasted on the radio on the station SiriusXM.
Rapper Future releases revealing HNDRXX album By Minha Siddiqui Reporter
Hip-Hop rapper Future released his latest album named HNDRXX on February 24, 2017. The album features Hip-Hop/ Alternative R&B singer The Weeknd and R&B singer Rihanna. The album has become Future’s most popular album since DS2, which was released in 2015. The album has become one of the most viewed and downloaded albums on Spotify, SoundCloud, iTunes and Google Play Music. Future gave some insight into the background of the album, saying how it was meant to show his “other side”, namely his more sensitive and sentimental side. This can be seen in the opening song, My Collection, in which he talks about his troubled past and how the women he has dated treated him terribly. Towards the middle of the song, he talks about how his past is the reason he matured and accepted his flaws and continued to move on in his life the “right” way. In the first song on the album, My Collection, Future his reliving the pain he had of Ciara and his break up. He talks about “throwing her away” and the that he “added” her to his collection of other females who played him in the past. He called her a mistake in half of the album’s songs. Toward the ending songs, he talks about getting a big weight off his chest, and that he is very happy about being “alone” now. The succeeding song in the album was another way of showing his sensitivity
as well. In Comin’ Out Strong, he talks about how the people he encountered took his ‘kindness for weakness’. At the end of the song he proclaims he is still “comin’ out strong”, indicating that he is not willing to give up despite undergoing multiple obstacles in life. This song has received the most plays and downloads on the entire album. The third song in the album, Lookin’ Exotic, had a lot more anger to it than sensitivity. Future described the song as a man thinking from both sides. He mostly speaks about how he did not care about anybody while growing up, including the police. By the end of the song, he talks about fulfilling his recent girlfriend’s wishes by buying her “better clothes” and taking her to Paris. The message Future gives out in the song is that nothing stopped him from getting what he wanted in life. The song that follows Lookin’ Exotic is Damage. This song had a variety of meanings behind the lyrics. Future talked about multiple moods in just one song. In the beginning he talked about how he did everything for his girlfriend and that he only was “robbed” in the end. This song is one of the most popular songs of the entire album. The reviews have said that the song should be premiered on every radio station as well. “Over a well-played hand of wistful, bright-eyed, and reflective beats, HNDRXX strikes a near-perfect balance between a man still licking his wounds and a man emerging from a long, dark night.” Rap contributor Rebecca Haithcoat from Pitchfork said. Almost all the reviews for the album
were positive, most of them were given from big “online” review computer companies such as Pitchfork and Vulture. “As the smoke clears, the self-portrait we’re left with is of a figure charming, grasping, self-conscious, baffled, and above all honest: an artist transfixed by past pain and condemned to repeat it, yet curious enough and strong enough to advance toward new relations, sounds, and words. Though the process leading up to it wasn’t what anyone could have expected, it’s evident that he’s taken, with HNDRXX, a quantum leap in music. (God help us if his rumored third album somehow sets an even higher standard.) It’s not just trap or R&B: Everyone in pop is going to have to adjust to it — in other words, the future is finally now.” Online review reporter Frank Guan from Vulture said. The album that Future has written and produced is very vibrant. He talked about different emotions and gestures used all at once in just one song. More than half of the songs in the album were responses to the singer Ciara, his former wife. Future used this as an excuse to talk about his hidden feelings post-breakup. The album is filled with emotions like grief, denial, anger, bargaining and depression. The album does have some flaws It becomes rather complicated trying to understand what he is talking about. The song Selfish featuring Rihanna is also a mixture of emotions jumping out the song. She talks about a man and her pain regarding the break up issue, while Future is still talking about Ciara and their break up.
HNDRXX is Future’s best album out since the number one ranked DS2- Monster. Future really had a lot of emotion in his songs while he was writing and reviewing his music repeatedly. The songs written were very different compared to all his other songs. The album is so far the personal favorite for many Future fans as well. However, some reviews about the album have been very negative with many speaking negatively about the style. “Hate this guy and his style of “rap” that’s not actual rap. Terrible. I have no idea how people like anything by this guy.” TheThird1from Vulture said. “Putting two albums out in a row is a sign of desperation.” from Lights Out a review specialist from Vulture. Nevertheless, there have been many positive reviews and comments on the album, including a review by the music website Complex. Nevertheless, there have been many positive reviews and comments on the album, including a review by the Music “The album is a gorgeous, deeply felt articulation of romantic love and psychic ruin.” Complex said. There are lots of flaws compared to what the others think about the album. It describes a different sensation that Future is putting out in each and every song of the album. The songs represented a very good description of his “other side”. He did this album in an R&B style. This attracted a lot of new audiences as well. The album was romantic, ruthless, and very truthful towards his feelings and motivations.
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Academy Awards announces incorrect winner By Kendall Eley Reporter
The Academy Awards premiered its 89 year of production on February 26, 2017. One of the biggest award shows aired on television, the Oscars provides voted awards for multiple categories of production such as Best Actress, Best Supporting role, and Best Director for a multitude of films that premiered in 2016. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event, keeping the air of the Oscars light, CNN saying that Kimmel added a “light touch to his satire” and “an overall silliness to the proceedings.” This particular Oscars event caused an incredible amount of controversy surrounding a mistaken award announcement for the year’s Best Picture. The biggest contenders for the award were La La Land and Moonlight. The issue surrounding the two competing films was instated by the two announcers for the award, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, who were on site to celebrate the 50 anniversary of Bonnie and Clyde, actually ended up being handed the wrong envelope, thus reading the wrong winner. When the producers, directors, and actors of the presumed winners of Best Picture, La La Land took the stage, Jordan Horowitz, La La Land’s producer was approached by a man wearing a headset, holding another envelope. There was a brief discussion on stage about what had happened, and then Horowitz opened the correct envelope, immediately grabbing the card and showing it to the camera before addressing and gesturing to the cast and crew of Moonlight onto the stage with them before the debacle was resolved.
“I’m sorry, there’s been a mistake. Moonlight, you guys won best picture.” La La Land’s co-producer, Marc Platt also jumped in, clarifying the situation by saying “This wasn’t a joke.
mother, Paula and his eventual friendship with an older man named Juan, a crack dealer. The movie chronicles Chiron’s life in three distinct parts, each featuring a different actor for each of the age ranges.
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They read the wrong thing.” When asked about the switch-up, Beatty explained that he “opened the envelope and it said, ‘Emma Stone, La La Land.’ That’s why [he] took such a long look at Faye and at the audience. [He] wasn’t trying to be funny.” Moonlight, the official winner for Best Picture, first aired on October 21, 2016 and tells the story of a boy named Chiron and his life growing up in Miami, struggling with his sexuality, race and unstable family relationship with his crack-addicted
The movie was often praised as ‘incredibly moving’ and ‘powerful’ film by many critics, such as A.O. Scott, and viewers. The GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis said that “Moonlight, the first LGBTW best picture, sends a strong message to the film industry” and that it “needs to embrace inclusive stories if it wants to remain competitive and relevant.” In response to their win, Moonlight producer Adele Romanski explained the purpose of the film, saying she hoped that the movie’s win would be “inspiring to people, little
black boys and brown girls and other folks watching at home who feel marginalized.” The second responder was Moonlight’s director, Barry Jenkins, who replied to the news of having won by saying “Even in my dreams this could not be true. But to hell with dreams, I’m done with it, because it’s true.” Fittingly enough, Moonlight’s win fell on what was later dubbed ‘The Year of Diversity’ for the Oscars and was, especially after the recurring past waves of the hastag “OscarsSoWhite” after two or three years of all nominees being strictly Caucasian. Following the inclusive line, many of the actors and actresses who won this year were of many different ethnicities. Viola Davis, for example, Viola Davis, star of Fences made history as the first black woman to receive an Oscar, and Emmy, and a Tony. The Chinese, Irish, Native Hawaiian, Portugese, and Puerto Rican Auli’I Cravalho, the actress behind Moana, sang ‘How Far I’ll Go’ on stage during the show, and Mahershala Ali, a star in Moonlight, was the first Muslim to win an Academy Award. Asghar Farhadi, the Iranian director of the Best Foreign Film The Salesman, did not attend the show in protest of the Trump administration’s travel ban on immigrants. In his absence, a speech was read out that criticized the “inhumane” legislation for disrespecting his homeland and six other countries it targeted. Even the creators of Zootopia expressed that the intention of the movie was a plea for tolerance over “fear of the other.”
Rick Ross album Rather You Than Me disappoints By Minha Siddiqui Reporter
American rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur William Leonard Roberts, known more famously as Rick Ross, released a new and vibrant album on March 17, 2017 titled Rather You Than Me. It features Raphael Saadiq, Future, Young Thug, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, Chris Rock, Wale, Nas, Ty Dolla Sign, Scrilla, Meek Mill, Anthony Hamilton and Dej Loaf. Despite having some hits, over all the album was quite an underwhelming experience that has been adapted by the listeners. The album’s subject matter is based on Ross’ relations with certain rappers and musical artists. The opening song on the album Apple of My Eye talks about a variety of topics. The beginning of the lyrics starts with him telling rapper
Meek Mill not to trust his girlfriend Nicki Minaj. He also speaks of his previous health issues, success he has received throughout the years, his family members, God, and President Donald Trump. The subjects he continuously brings up are spoken in plenty of opinionated ways. “I’m happy Donald Trump became the president because we gotta destroy, before we elevate”, Ross said in the song Apple of My Eye. This wouldn’t be the first time Ross made headlines for speaking on the president. Last November, he dropped the visual for Free Enterprise where he says the controversial lines, “assassinate Trump like I’m Zimmerman, now accept these words as they came from Eminem.” The lyrics refer to George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Florida teen Trayvon Martin in 2012, and was later acquitted. While the album is baffled, there
are nevertheless highlights throughout, especially towards the middle. During the song Game Ain’t Based On Sympathy he repeatedly mentions not caring about anyone in the world but himself, and he isn’t going to talk indirectly about rappers any more. “No more beefin’ with rappers, it’s just murder or nothin” Ross said. He meant that he is either going to murder someone lyrically or he is not going to give them any kind of attention. The album received an average score of 67 percent out of 100 voters. One problem in the album was the fact that the titles of the songs did not represent the song or its meaning at all. “The more modish tracks are somehow less inventive than their titles, but there’s much southern-stewed, offbeat beauty elsewhere to compensate.” Damiem Morris of The Observer said.
While the negative occur, there have been quite a lot of positive ones as well. “It isn’t without its flaws, but Rather You Than Me positions Rick Ross as the boss he’s always claimed to be.” Calum Slingerland of Exclaim! said. A negative review from the Rolling Stones said. “Musically, he’s drifting through a mid-career malaise. The beats he uses are the same worn poles of yacht-rap luxury and trap bangers that he’s relied on since his 2010 watermark Teflon Don.” Mosi Reeves of Rolling Stone said. The album was reviewed by many producers as well and they also do not agree with this album being Rick Ross’ best. Overall Rather You Than Me was not a very satisfying album. The lyrics were the most unsatisfying and dreadful part of the whole album.
20 Entertainment
Disney creates live-action film of Beauty and the Beast By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief
Disney’s “tale as old as time,” Beauty and the Beast was reinvented and revived by Disney professionals as another one of the live-action adaptation of classics. The film hit theatres on March 17 and has since pleased many audiences. The company’s third live-action adaptation from their collection of animated classics delivers genuine charm and charisma, from the spoton casting to the fresh but true reinventions of beloved classics such as Be Our Guest. When remaking such a classic, casting is vitally important. Thankfully, Disney delivered. Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle elevates the classic character’s already admirable traits. Typically seen as one of the more intelligent and aspiring Disney princesses, Belle’s prior appearance in the 1991 animated classic emitted hints of strength, but it was evident that the Beast was far more daring. In the 2017 remake, Watson’s Belle is undoubtedly fearless and strong. While the animated Belle sat idly around as prisoner, Watson’s Belle fashioned successful methods of escape, in both the Beast’s castle and in the cart headed to the asylum with her father. The casting of Watson as the 2017 Belle was clearly not based on her looks alone. The previous Harry Potter star graduated from Ivy League Brown University and shortly thereafter became a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014. There, she advocates for gender equality and works to empower young women through literacy and education. “Women’s rights are something so
inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting,” Watson said on becoming a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. “I still have so much to learn, but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual
Josh Gad returned to the Disney set to portray the loyal yet compassionate LeFou, who, like most other characters in this film, is much more complex than his previous appearance in the animated classic. Viewers may recognize Gad’s cheery voice, as he was the person behind the lovable snowman
Dan Stevens is the Beast and Emma Watson is
knowledge, experience Belle in the film “Beauty and the Beast.” (Disney) Olaf in Frozen. and awareness to this role.” Luke Evans was the perfect choice The new Belle truly embodied this as for Gaston, with his massive build and the screenplay writers Stephen Chbosky chiseled features. Evans’ delivery for and Evan Spiliotopoulos included a new the villain made Gaston even more evil, scene in which Belle is admonished by a which is not an easy task to accomplish. headmaster for teaching a young girl to read. Most cinematic elements were Dan Stevens was cast as the Beast. elevated, as they should be, however, Steven’s delivered beautifully and the soundtrack had its hits and misses. elevated the Beast to a more complex The soundtrack for the film is level. Stevens’ appearance in Beauty and structurally sound, however, over autothe Beast is definitely one of his most tuned vocals strip some of the songs prominent. Stevens has also appeared a level of authenticity, to an extent. in Night at the Museum: Secret of the The famous opening song Belle feels Tomb, The Guest and Downton Abbey. contrived and forced, so much so
that Watson’s voice, being so autotuned, sounds too perfect for comfort. “Emma was quite nervous about singing, and insecure about it and very vulnerable. We wanted to give her all the space she needed to find her comfort level. I think her having the composer there was a bit intimidating, so I hung back,” veteran Disney composer Alan Menken said. Despite this, the autotuning was a minor setback in the overall impression the film leaves audiences with. One of the most beautifully remastered and reinvented scenes in the whole film revolves around Be Our Guest, in which Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip and other classic characters display an exorbitant dining experience, complete with champagne and gray stuff. Menken added more flare and style to this rendition of Be Our Guest, and in the process, created an unsurmountable work of art. Menken also took some creative liberties with other songs, especially Evermore, in which the Beast sorrowfully, yet powerfully, sings as Belle leaves to save her father. “Evermore happened late in the game. There was conversation about how the movie is called Beauty and the Beast and the Beast should have a song,” Mitchell Leib, Walt Disney Studios president of music and soundtracks, said. “Alan came back quite quickly with a phenomenal musical bed, and then [we] turned around a magnificent lyric about letting Belle go. It’s like a Phantom of the Opera moment,” Leib said. Disney has a full set of live-action films to come. These include The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and many more.
Before I Fall receives generally positive reviews By Joana Mancia Reporter
The recent release of Before I fall, based on the young-adult novel by Lauren Oliver, has caught many viewers’ eyes with its mixture of mystery and drama. Critics such as Peter Dubruge of Variety have also taken a liking on the film, calling it “distinct and stylish.” This film grossed $5.3 million in the box office and grossed an opening of $13 million. The film was originally supposed to open on April seventh, 2017, but they had moved it earlier to March third. The casting included stars such as Kian Lawley, Zoey Deutch, know for being an actress in the hit TV series The Suite Life on Deck, Halston Sage, who recently starred in Paper Towns, Elena Kampouris, and Logan Miller, The film starts off with young teenager, Samantha Kingston, portrayed by Deutch, who lives a happy life of popularity
with her seemingly perfect boyfriend named Rob, portrayed by Lawley, an amazing future and snobby, friends who are the mean girls of the school. Sam was no noble person either, she was equally mean to her mother, rude to her sister and she was also cruel, along with her friends, to the social outcast named Juliet. After one unfortunate night, Sam and her friends are involved in a horrific car crash which would’ve killed her. Nonetheless, Sam wakes up the exact same morning she experienced before. Sam notices that she is continuously reliving an infinite loop. As Sam relives the same day again, she begins questioning how perfect was her life really was. As Sam continues to relive the same day over and over again, she tries to unravel the secrets of those closest to her and figure out how the one mistake can affect a person’s whole life. When Sam keeps reliving the same day and again, the movie becomes
very repetitive and even confusing in some scenes. It lingers on with the same scenes, and the only thing that changes is Sam’s attitude, which changes for the better. “This well-acted young-adult adaptation explores powerful themes about making second chances count and seeing beyond the superficial to what really matters,” reviewer Sandie Angulo Chen from Common Sense Media said. Although the film has received positive reviews, it’s still received some negative ground from critics. “Before I Fall is tactful rather than maudlin, tasteful rather than lurid, soothing rather than creepy. None of that is good news,” A. O. Scott from The New York Times said. Scott also added with, “There is no such subtext here, no rough patches or sharp edges of individuality, and therefore nothing to care or wonder about.” Critic A. A. Dowd from the A. V. Club, also had similar criticisms of the film,
saying “What really stinks about Before I Fall is that it zaps all the fun and humor out of its time-bending premise, leaving behind a lot of moping to randomly selected pop cues,” Dowd also said. He continued “this well-acted young-adult adaptation explores powerful themes about making second chances count and seeing beyond the superficial to what really matters,” The film was very similar to the 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was based upon a meteorologist, Phil Connors, portrayed by Bill Murray, who also keeps on reliving the same day until he gains an understanding of his life. “[It’s] a teen version of Groundhog Day,” James Berardinelli from The Source Weekly, had called it. Overall, the film became a bit monotonous and a vaguely unclear, but the film did continue with the theme of second chances and Zoey Deutch played her role perfectly, making the film stay solid.
Entertainment 21
Ed Sheeran releases successful third album Divide By Fizza Gilani News Editor
Ed Sheeran’s newest album, Divide, was released on March 3, and is a hit with many fans. The album is one that has been long awaited since fans got a taste of it from singles Castle on the Hill and Shape of You back in January. While some critics have called it “weird”, most agree that it works well and fits the British singer’s image and vibe. Despite receiving criticism, Sheeran has not let that stop him. Since taking a break in 2014 to travel and get away, Sheeran has returned with some very inspired music, ranging from Irish folk to African rhythms. The song has gained praise from several prominent figures, with YouTube’s global head of music, Lyor Cohen, calling it “his best yet.” Like the singer, the album has done well in the industry, with Shape of You on Billboard’s Top Hot 100 for nine weeks. Sheeran goes in a few different directions on the album, from fast-paced stories of adventure and heartbreak like Galway Girl and New Man to more typical songs about home and identity, such as Castle on the Hill and What Would I Know?. For those who prefer his more classic love ballads though, songs like Perfect, which was an attempt at topping the hit single Thinking Out Loud off his last album, Multiply, and How Would You Feel are so Sheeran-esque you would not have to ask who wrote it, even if you did not know it was him. Overall, the mood of the album wanders, and shows off some of his newfound skills. Sheeran manages to keep audiences interested as he, in his
own manner, explores different styles of music, finding a way to blend them in seamlessly for a very interesting product. Sheeran is well known for his
and in return I gave a song.” He recounts the pain that is all too familiar to anyone who understands what it is like to be alive, turning Sheeran from an international
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songwriting abilities, but Divide brought some clever and revealing lyrics. A song that stood apart from the rest of the album, Save Myself, had particularly revealing lyrics that showed a side of Sheeran that was atypical to the everyday man persona fans had gotten to know; “I gave all my oxygen to people that could breathe.” The singer weaves a story throughout the song, later in it singing, “They gave me the heartache,
best-selling artist into a young man trying to figure out life. The English singer has often mentioned his family in songs, but Divide featured them more than before. At least five songs out of the 16 track album at least mention them, and three are solely dedicated to his family. Castle on the Hill, Supermarket Flowers and Nancy Mulligan are all about where and who he came from. While all three were well received by both
fans and critics, despite their respective differences, fans were gushing most about Supermarket Flowers. The Sun said of Supermarket Flowers, the second-to-last song on the album, “It is the saddest song he has ever written, but the most beautiful too.” The singer was inspired to write the song after the passing of his grandmother. “She was one of the nicest women you’d ever meet and she was my mom’s mom. It was written for my mum’s point of view; it was choosing loads of specific things and then just finishing it as a song,” Sheeran said. While most fans probably claim they love every song on the album, fan favorites seem to narrow down to Galway Girl, Supermarket Flowers, Perfect and Nancy Mulligan. Lyrically, the best songs are Eraser, Galway Girl, New Man, What Do I Know?, Supermarket Flowers and Save Myself. Not everyone received the album well, though. The Los Angeles Times gave a less than positive review: “Then there’s the shamelessly sappy ballads, including the John Mayer-ish How Would You Feel (Paean), complete with soft-rock guitar solo by John Mayer, and Perfect, which Sheeran has said he wrote expressly to outdo Thinking Out Loud. “I found a love to carry more than just my secrets/To carry love, to carry children of our own,” he sings, and you can already see the countless first dances taking awkward shape in your mind.” Despite multiple negative reviews, fans continue listening to the album on repeat and Sheeran seems completely unbothered by it, having produced a wildly successful album yet again.
Black Sabbath disbands after 49 years and 19 albums By Hayley Johnson Online Editor
After spending a tremendous 49 years creating 19 albums and going on countless tours, Black Sabbath has officially called it quits. As of February 6, 2016, the band has announced that they would be parting ways after having spent nearly 50 years together. The band completed their performance at the Genting Arena in their hometown of Birmingham, England, finishing the concert with one of the biggest hits form their career, Paranoid. The band was formed in Aston, Birmingham, England in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Lommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, selling over 70 million records worldwide. Black Sabbath will go down in history as one of the most influential bands of all time. However, despite the tour being called, The End Tour, there was speculation that this may not be the end for the legendary group. Guitarist Tony Lommi told Planet Rock, “It’s just the touring for me. It’s time to stop roaming the world and be at home for a bit. When you’re touring, you’ve got to go out for six, eight, 12 months or whatever, and you’ve got a schedule that you have to do. Now, if I want to do some TV for a month, I can do that.” This made people think that Black Sabbath was possibly done touring, however with recent posts on the Black Sabbath Facebook page, it is clear that the band is officially done. As of March
7, the band has made the split official. Sabbath is considered one of the most influential heavy metal acts of all time, putting its stamp on the sound of everyone
had a dream and it became true beyond our wildest dreams. And then we were manipulated, we were ripped off, we were conned, all of the above. We lost each
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from Guns N’ Roses to Iron maiden, Slipknot, Foo Fighters, Metallica and the Smashing Pumpkins thanks to such thundering psychedelic hard rock tunes as Black Sabbath, Behind the Wall of Sleep, War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man and Sweet leaf. Last June, Osbourne told Billboard he was “having a blast” with the final go-round, though he was in a bit of denial at that point: “Right now I’m OK with it. I’m sure as it starts counting down to five shows left or something, it’s going to be kind of emotional, I think,” He said. “I mean, we started off as four guys from Aston who
other within each other, if you like. But it’s great to have got this back just to end on a high note, y’know?” Other artists of the genre have commented on the event. Phil Ansemo of Pantera and Down stated that, “Only a fool would leave out what Black Sabbath brought to the heavy metal genre.” The band, to many, was extrememly influential and important to the metal and rock scene. The groups’s disbanding has affected many artists in the industry. Lamb of God’s Chris Adler said, “If anybody who plays heavy metal says that they weren’t
influenced by Black Sabbath’s music, then I think that they’re lying to you. I think all heavy metal music was, in some way, influenced by what Black Sabbath did.” Black Sabbath’s music has lasted throughout the decades, as proven by Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford. He commented, “They were and still are a groundbreaking band. You can put on the first Black Sabbath album and it still sounds as fresh today as it did 30-odd years ago. And that’s because great music has a timeless ability, “To me, Sabbath are in the same league as the Beatles or Mozart. They’re on the leading edge of something extraordinary.” On Black Sabbath’s standing, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello stated, “The heaviest, scariest, coolest riffs and the apocalyptic Ozzy wail are without peer. You can hear the despair and menace of the working-class Birmingham streets they came from in every kick-butt, evil groove. Their arrival ground hippy, flowerpower psychedelia to a pulp and set the standard for all heavy bands to come.” Phil Ansemo of Pantera and Down stated that, “Only a fool would leave out what Black Sabbath brought to the heavy metal genre” After years of touring and creating albums, Sabbath fans from all around the world were devastated to hear the news. Even though it’s the end for the group, Sabbath will continue to leave a timely legacy, influencing news bands and artists to strive for a successful career in the music industry.
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sports
Athletes of Noah Daniels collects lofty scholarships the month: By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief
Jack Mahon Jack Mahon is a junior water polo player. He began playing in third grade, following in the footsteps of his brother Patrick Mahon. Mahon’s coach Anne Woolweaver notes that “Jack brings energy to the team that gets other athletes motivated.” Jack plays both offense and defense and is considered “the heart of the team.” His coach also regards him as the best player on the team. He plans to either be a mechanical engineer or a pro water polo player.
Megan Lee Megan Lee is the varsity softball team’s starting pitcher. she plays water polo because she enjoys it and has been playing since she was four. Lee’s coach has praised Lee, saying she is the team’s “quiet leader” and has over 100 strike outs. She has noted that Megan has great speed, movement and velocity. Megan plans to play softball in college and also become a nurse.
As Senior Noah Daniels slowly concludes his senior year, the track and football player reflects on his past four years and who he is and has become, while also looking to the future with the many scholarships he’s been offered from universities. Daniels has found himself with a clear future ahead of him after high school, as he was offered full ride scholarships from 28 schools. These included the University of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, the University of Houston, Arizona State and many more. Noah was quite proud of such offerings and said it “felt great” that those schools believed in his “athletic ability.” Ultimately, Noah decided to attend Texas Christian University, whom he officially committed to on December 11. TCU also offered him a full ride scholarship and therefore Daniels will be attending the college for free. “I think it’s a great school athletically and academically,” Daniels said. “I just felt that’s where I would fit in and excel as both a student and an athlete.” Daniels knew for a long time that he would be going to TCU and displayed pride for his future college months before his commitment. Noah already displays his TCU pride by wearing TCU shirts, shorts, wristbands and other TCU souvenirs. He addressed
how he puts TCU on such a pedestal. “I put them on a pedestal because that’s where I’m going and you always have to represent your school.” Daniels said. Noah’s career in football and athletics have been his main passion for a large part of his life for a variety of reasons. “It’s a very physical sport and I let out a lot of anger when I play it,” Daniels said. “Plus it’s just fun and I’ve been playing it my whole life.” Noah Daniels officially began playing football in third grade at the age of eight. He started playing because of his older brother Nicholas Daniels, who now plays football at Texas State University. Despite crediting his brother with being the reason he started playing football, he notes that he doesn’t look up to anyone but himself. Daniels found himself to be his team’s wide receiver his freshman and sophomore year, before remaining as Creek’s cornerback for the rest of his years at Creek. Noah’s coaches’ have nevertheless noted that he has played both offense and defense this year and has excelled as both. Just this year Noah found himself scoring four touchdowns, as well as a game winning fumble recovery, in one game against Friendswood and a backed field goal in a game against Clear Springs. As Daniels’ high school career comes to an end, he especially reflects on his four years of football. “I think it’s been great and really fun,” Daniels said. “I’ve built so many bonds with my teammates
but we’ve had our ups and downs.” As he continues his career as an athlete, one might wonder what keeps him going as an athlete and what motivates him to go on training. “Honestly, what keeps me going is that I want to be successful when I’m older,” Daniels said. “It’s my desire to be successful. I want to be rich and not a nobody. I just hope it all pays off in the end.” Daniels said how his goal after college is to eventually become a collegiate coach. While Daniels does want to go to the NFL, he said how a career in the NFL “will come to an end some day.” “So if I don’t make it to the NFL, I’ll be a coach,” Daniels said. “If I do, I’ll eventually become a coach.” As a coach, Noah says he would be strict, but relatable, and someone who cares about their athletes and knows what they’re talking about, these being values he believes all coaches should have. Noah explained that his reason for wanting to go into an athletic and physical career is because he loves “being active and am really competitive.” He also added that he thinks it’s just very fun. While Noah is quite a confident individual who believes he has gotten to where he is due to himself, he nevertheless feels that at the end of the day, he’d like to “thank God” for all of his success. “I wouldn’t be who I am without God.” Daniels said. “God is the reason I am good at what I do and the reason I’m a humble, modest and caring person.”
March Madness captivates viewers By Hayley Johnson Online Editor
March Madness has now come to an end now that the championship has ended. After nearly a month and a half of close calls, major upset and intense play. It was North Carolina that came out on top and was holding the NCAA Tournament trophy on Monday. Since the First and Second round, Sweet 16 and Elite Eight tournaments have come and gone and many teams have dominated and succeeded, boosting themselves further into the tournament. But one team in particular has made history for their name – the South Carolina Gamecocks have won their first Sweet 16 since 1973 and have advanced to the Final Four for the first time in the school’s history. South Carolina knocked off Duke, who was number two, in one of the biggest game-changing tournaments with the score final at 88-81 and a furious second half where the South Carolina Gamecocks shot 71 percent and missed just 8 shots. For Duke, it was the end of it’s best players like Jayson Tatum, Luke Kennard, Harry Giles and Grayson Allen along with the team graduations of Amile Jefferson and Matt Jones. With the win, South Carolina advanced to its first sweet 16 spot since 1973, when the NCAA tournament only had 32 teams. The Gamecocks have successfully conquered Florida, Wisconsin, and Baylor in what appeared to be an underwhelming regional on paper. In the game against Duke, The Gamecocks had five players in double figures, led by Sindarius Thornwell and his 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists. ESPN’s Jeff Goodman gave his thoughts on the SEC Player of the Year.
“Sindarius Thornwell is really good. [he] Plays both ends of the court [he’s] tough as ever and makes big shots.” Goodman said. Surely enough, as Thornwell said the Gamecocks see all the time, the Duke University Blue Devils were rattled by the physical nature. That only served to make South Carolina guard harder, preparing to make their way to advance further into the tournament. It came down to making shots, which South Carolina made look like a cakewalk going down the stretch. Shooting 27-of32 from the free throw line for a team that struggles from there, the upset was made. South Carolina head coach Frank Martin showed plenty of pride while discussing his players after the win. “My seniors, when they were Freshman, they were losing,” Martin said. “They never gave in to losing”. While the Gamecocks struggled in the first half, they turned it into a positive going into the second half. The team’s defense has carried them further into the tournament without a problem in sight. The tournament started on March 12 for Selection Sunday, selecting teams to advance onto the First Four which were Kansas State, Wake Forest, Mt. St. Mary’s, New Orleans, N.C Central, UC Davis, Providence and USC. After the first four games were completed, only Kansas State, Mt. St. Mary’s, UC Davis, and USC were successful in advancing to the First and Second rounds. . All four teams competed with both the West and South teams. For the West teams, it included North Dakota, Arizona, VCU, FGCU, Florida State, Xavier, Maryland, Bucknell, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, South Dakota State. and
Ganzaga. The teams to advance were Arizona, St. Mary’s, Florida State, Xavier, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Gonzaga. Gonzaga left behind their West side competitors, having undoubtedly conquering the tournament, reaching the championships. For the South side, North Carolina had managed to breeze through the first and second round, giving Kentucky, Wichita State, Dayton, Kent State, UCLA, Kansas St., Cincinnati, Winthrop, Butler, Middle Tenn., Minnesota, Seton Hall, Arkansas, Texas Southern a run for their money. Going into the Elite Eight, the East side teams blew away viewers from all over as they watched South Carolina, Florida, and Baylor dominate most of the tournament, leaving Mount St. Mary’s, Virginia Tech, UNCW, East Tennessee State, SMU, Marquette and Troy to fend for themselves. The Midwest had one solid champion breeze through the Elite Eight with no problem. Oregon had stepped up big time, beating Kansas in the final game of the tournament round, advancing to the Final Four, but losing against North Carolina, who as of Monday night dominated the tournament and took the championship title for the third time. It was 66-65 with a minute remaining when North Carolina’s Forward player Isaiah Hicks hung in the air and hit a bank shot to put the Tar Heels up by three points. After a block by Kennedy Meeks on a wild shot by Gonzaga’s Point Guard WilliamsGross, the ball was flipped ahead to Justin Jackson for an easy dunk. North Carolina could taste it now, the sensation that so narrowly eluded them a year ago. They were champions. The anguish was over.