Baseball Playoffs pg. 16
Pitch Perfect 2 pg, 13
Garland Shooting pg. 6
Cash shares passion for history for over thirty years By Troylon Griffin II Sports Editor
For over thirty years, Gwen Cash has worked at Clear Creek as a regular and the AP US history teacher. She teaches because she enjoys “imparting knowledge to young people about the history of our country” as well as for the personal interactions with students that keep her young. “Teaching is fun because I get to decide how my day is going to be like.” Mrs. Cash said. “I think history is fascinating. History is like a story and each chapter has all the characters and actors and how they’re connected. So I tell my students to think of history as a soap opera.” Cash’s love of history started in eighth grade. She recalled how she had an amazing history teacher who made history “come alive.” Every summer, her mother would make her and her siblings read a certain number of books based on their age. Most of her days in the summer were spent going down to the public library. “I started reading historical books in the summer and I fell in love with it.” In college, she took quite a few World History classes, but was more concerned with the country that she came from. She received her degree in American History and began her teaching at Clear Creek High School. Despite only being a little bit older than the seniors, Cash was a firm teacher from the very beginning. “At first they didn’t know how to react,” she said. “But they didn’t have a problem because I treated them all equally.” Cash admitted it was hard the first few days, especially considering she did not even have an actual classroom. She had to walk around the school with her work and papers in a package. At the time, Creek had different sections based on the subjects being taught.
“As I look back, at it now, it was good because I came back. I had many job
the course because of how outstanding she feels it is. She notes that the class is
Photo courtsey of Raynie Leard offers but I stayed.” indeed challenging. Cash said. “I think “Junior year is I grew up with my students. I started the year that separates the real top ten percent with freshmen and by the time I got to from the pretenders.” Mrs. Cash said. seniors, they had matured and so had I.” She told of how in her class, there is Cash, of course, has gained her homework every night as it is the only recognition by doing what she feels she does way to truly embed the information into best: teaching United States History. She the students’ head for the AP test. Even revealed that she does indeed consider herself on the first day the students are told they to be a good teacher when she was asked. must read the first chapter of the textbook “Of course I do,” she and that they have a quiz. She knows said. “If I don’t think I’m a good students don’t like all the work but she teacher, why would anyone else?” says that when they get their AP results Cash feels that people should take in July, they realize it was all worth it.
“My job is to educate, the student’s job is to complain,” she said. “The work is worth it. Would you want to have a surgeon operate on you who has not done his prep work for his classes? You get out of America what you put in. you can prepare for college in high school by taking the correct course or you can attempt to learn on the fly in college.” Ultimately, the students end up finishing the textbook in April and review for the rest of the month and into May. The students also spend the tear analyzing primary sources that will help them make historical connections. With Mrs. Cash having ninety percent of her students pass the AP test and having five stars out of five on ratemyteacher.com, it seems Mrs. Cash’s methods are certainly working. Since her coming to Creek, Cash has experienced many positive memories and highlights during her thirty plus years at Creek. One of these highlights included how Creek was rebuilt in 2007. “That was fun to come back into a rebuilt school.” Mrs. Cash said. “But to me every year is great. I bring my joy with me so I enjoy everyday.” She also recalled how she had a “certain birthday” in which her brother decided to cut George Washington’s face out of a one-dollar bill. He then put a picture of her in the place of the picture and made thousands of copies. After getting permission from Creek’s principal, he distributed the dollars to nearly all the students. All day at Creek, students came to her saying happy birthday, even students that she didn’t even have and never did have. In 2010, Mrs. Cash received the award for US History Teacher of the year. Since then, Mrs. Cash has continued to teach her students for thirty plus years, giving students insight and interest into the history of our country.
Texas Senate Bill 149 officially signed and in effect By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has approved Senate Bill 149, which was designed to provide an opportunity for the current seniors who did not pass all of the required STAAR exams to graduate this month. The bill was signed into law as effective immediately on May 11. “The goal of the Texas public education system should be to ensure all students who graduate from high school are college or college ready. Ensuring that Texas students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success is what students, parents an taxpayers deserve,” Abbott, in a press release on the official Officer of the Governor website, said. “This is exactly why I have pledged to elevate Texas’ public education to be number one in the nation.”
The bill was written by Senator Kyle Seliger and allows school districts to establish committees. Seliger stressed the importance of it, “not designed to provide some kind of easy exit.” They will be reviewing the students who failed one or two of the exams to determine if the student is eligible to graduate, determined by grades and other factors. Things such as standardized college entrance exams, like the SAT and ACT, will be examined. The committees will be made up of the principal or designee, teacher and department chair of the subject of the failed exam(s), the student’s parent or guardian or the student if he or she is 18 years old. If the Legislature does not renew it, it will expire in two years. “I will continue to work with the Legislature to create and maintain standards of excellence for accomplished,”Abbott said.
For the class of 2015, there are still about 28,000 students who need to pass one of more of the five state exams, according to the Texas Tribune. For the student who must retake exams, about half of them must retake more than one. The exams required to graduate are U.S. history, biology, algebra I, English I and II. “Not all 28,000 of these kids are going to be viewed affirmatively by these committees, but an awful lot of them are,” Seliger said. The bill did face opposition, however, from places such as the Texas Association of Business and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. They believed it allow students who are not adequately prepared to graduate. Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business told the Dallas Morning News that the review committees saw a risk for giving out “social promotion” and belittling the “value of the
diploma for all those who worked hard in school and proved their skills on these tests.” Other critics voiced their concern that the panel of educators might show a bias in order to help preserve school ratings based on graduation rates. However, despite the backlash, the bill was still passed. “The Class of 2015 is the first graduating class required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course in order to graduate. While it is critical that the state appropriately holds public schools and districts accountable for the best possible education, we must protect Texas students from being penalized as a result of evolving testing standards,” Abbott said. “SB 149 protects students from undue penalization, and guarantees that students who meet specified are able to graduate.”
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Opinion Which teacher has influenced you the most?
: s ior
n e S
ught because he ta b b e W h c a o ea “C blems and b ro p e c fa to me how rales n.” -Juan Mo a m le b a n so rea “Mr. Segura because he made physics fun and helped me realize that I want to major in civil engineering.” - Ashley Prather
nders “Mrs. Christine/ Fa me because she showed ly al be that teaching can re rewarding.” -Wade DesChamps “Mrs. Keill has influenced me the most throu ghout high sch ool because she sp eaks her mind and she cares abou t her students. S he believes in righ ts for everyone, and equality to o.”- Eboni Chil des
2014-2015
“Mr. Park has influenced me by always pushing me to be better and to never give up on my goals.” - Rachel Watts
flus has really in ne “Mrs. Meek she set the to se u a c e b e m ays enced ol and has alw o h sc h ig h r fo and helpful.” d in k y ll a re been ry Diaz -Ryan Zacha “Mrs. Huebn er because d espite the numerous tim es I struggle d, she still always e ncouraged m e and made sure I got help.” Amber Argu iano
because “Senora Velasquez d enjoyshe made it fun an anish able to learn the Sp other culture. She is a m - Andrew figure to all of us.” Avrill
HiLife Staff Principal: Advisor: Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editors: Design Editor: Features Editor: Teen Interest Editor: Sports Editors: Around Creek Editor: Advertising Manager: Photo Editor: Online Editors: Reporters: Cece Climaco Madison Daugherty Alyssa Lobue Leo Solis Mariya Vashchenko Tiffany Wade
Jamey Majewski Wynette Jameson Jasmine Garza Lisa Nhan Jessica Sieling Audree Hall Jenan Taha Emily Berthiaume Troylon Griffin III Vidal Maldonado Emily Ruthven Audree Hall Elena Rodriguez Monica Jackson Sydney Matthews Photographers: Jenna Parsons Hannah Pearson Evelyn Salinas Kelsie Sullivan Issac Villarreal Madeline Williams
Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com or www.creekhilife.com For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0587
Vidal’s Visions: A simple action
By Vidal Maldonado Sports Editor As graduation approaches I reflect on the long but short years in high school. I remember my freshman year thinking it would be an eternity before I can start college and be grown up. I have never been more wrong, these years have flown by faster than I ever could have imagined, so if I have had any advice to give to underclassmen it would be to buckle up and prepare for the fastest four years you will ever experience. But I have also remembered many life lessons along the way, hopefully
this could explain what I have learned and the people who have helped me learn along the journey they call high school. Along the journey they call high school I have learned many things. This journey consisted of many emotions, as well as ups and downs, but one thing I cannot go without mentioning is the lessons I have learned through the teachers and staff at this awesome high school. I have learned that the littlest action can cause one of the biggest impacts on another individual’s life, even the smallest actions can change the outcome of one person’s day for the better. I have also learned that the smallest things can ruin people, a negative comment seems to make its way around faster than that same person doing a good deed for someone else, that is why I believe that people should focus on the good people do, and disregard the negative. If we could achieve this there’s no telling how much greater things we could do just by complementing the good work that other individuals accomplish, Instead of bashing that person down. I would like to recognize my teacher Mrs. Jameson for being an awesome role
model that supports her students 100 percent and shows us how to be selfless and help others before helping themselves. I would like to also thank her for an awesome working environment, one that is easy
I would also like to thank the assistant principals, Mr. Jaso, Mr. Harper, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Drake that help prepare the students in any way possible, as well as keeping an awesome school environment and school spirit. They are truly the personality of the school! I would like to thank the school security staff for keeping a safe environment for the student body, whether it’s a normal day at school, or at a creek game of some sort. I would like to thank the counselors for guiding the students through their years of high school and preparing them for college and their careers with diligence. I would like to thank all the teachers who have had a positive impact on a student’s life to help better them. I would like to thank all the secretaries, Mrs. Saucier, Mrs. Conklin, Mrs. Del, and Mrs. Kuykendall, they are all awesome individuals and are very funny to talk to and hang around with! And last but not least I would love to thank my parents, for guiding me along the way and showing support no matter what the scenario is, without them I don’t know where I would be. There is no doubt in my mind that I will miss this place, but I look forward to the bright future of the peers in my class and I, as we hope to make a better future
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighgted the flame within us.” -Albert Schweitzer going, and lets us build friendships amongst one another. To say the least she is one of the kindest people I have ever met, she would literally give the clothes off her back, and donate her last penny just to help others.
Editorials
3
Jasmine’s Journal: A cap and gown
By Jasmine Garza Editor-in-Chief As the final days pass before graduation, my cap and gown becomes my daily reminder of how close I am to officially saying goodbye to fourteen years of friends, schoolwork and memories. It is a scary realization to have, that soon everything you have been guided through for twelve years, becomes your own battle to fight. When you grow up in a small town, the people you go to elementary school with and intermediate school, seem to be the people you share the most memories with. The people who seem to be in every class you are in and the people who also seem to drift away. High school was supposed to be the best four years of my life and in many
ways it was. It was a huge change from everything I had been accustomed to. The faces in the classrooms were unfamiliar, the subjects were what I wanted to learn and the diversity I finally saw made me appreciate the world. I began to meet people from all different walks of life and it really opened my eyes and made me become more compassionate towards people. All my life I had grown up around the same stories, the same faces and for once I was able to explore the world the way I wanted to see it. There were multiple times where I believed I could not physically or emotionally take the stress of school and was ready to give up. There were times where I wanted to walk out of a classroom or stand up to someone. Times where I saw the best in people and times where I saw the worst. I have cried because of something I believed
in, and had many moments where I could not help but laugh at the most insane things. I learned a lot about Math, Science, English, and History, but most of all I learned about life. High school was full
have different perspectives of different things and everyone can teach someone something. You have to hold your tongue at times when you want to yell, and admit you were wrong when words seem scarce. High school is supposed to be a roller coaster of emotions to prepare you for what really is supposed to happen in life and one of the biggest mistakes you could make would be trying to get out of high school as fast as you can. Time needs to be taken to attend sporting events and artsy events, no matter how much you hate people of sports. You need to push yourself as much as you can to get that good grade, do not give up because you think anything you do will not matter. You will be surprised at the jump in your grades when you start studying an extra thirty minutes. It is a harsh reality to know that the people you have grown up with are have drifted away and have their own plans to follow, the hard work and hours you have put into your high school have become a piece of paper, and the memories you tried so hard to preserve will eventually fade into slight scenes and words. Grasp onto the moments that take your breath away and cherish them for as long as you can. Before you know it the time will come for you to start filling out applications and ordering your cap and gown. It is a bittersweet moment, but exciting nonetheless.
“It was only high school after all, definitely one of the most bizarre periods in a person’s life. How anyone can come through that time well adjusted on any level is an absolute miracle.” -E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly of emotions but I would not give it up for anything. I experienced life, I got a glimpse of what the real world was like. I learned that people change, people
Jessica’s Jumbles: A meaning to it all
By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor When I was thinking about how to write this editorial, I tried to remember specific points in my high school career; things that stood out and memories about this school that I don’t want to forget. I can tell you the exact outfit that I wore on my first day of freshman year-a plain black shirt with my red skinny jeans, if anyone wanted to know. I can tell you about joining the newspaper staff my sophomore year, which felt an awful lot like joining a new family. I can even tell you about sinking in the school pool after my physics boat project promptly failed my junior year in Mrs. Akers’ class. There are a million more things about my senior year that I could tell you about in great detail:
homecoming, prom, getting sixth place in UIL State for headlines. All of these memories make up my time spent at Creek. But if I had to tell you just one thing I will remember the most about my experience here, it’s this: I remember walking in to my third period AP English class on the first day of junior year. Above the door, Mr. Fontenot had taken down his usual “Abandon all hope, ye who enters here” poster, an Inferno reference that I personally f o u n d hilarious, and instead replaced it with just seven words: “You matter. What you do here matters.” This caught my attention and I really haven’t been able to let go of it since. In the midst of procrastinated homework and late-night essays, it is easy to forget the importance of the work we do here. That although the grades and the busy-work assignments will soon be forgotten, the
life skills, the study habits, the information learned and the friends and memories made will not. It matters, and it is important to not waste that precious time.
“You matter. What you do here matters.” - Kenneth Fontenot If there is only one thing you take from reading my editorials from the past year, that’s what I hope you understand. Your time here is short. It might seem like forever when you’re going day to day, but the four years that you roam these hallways will fly by before you even realize it. Trust me, I’m walking across the big stage in about two days and sometimes I still wonder what happened to freshman year. But in this
short amount of time, you get to decide what you do and who you become out of it. It’s your time to put in the hard work, meet some amazing people and learn more things about the world then you have ever known. Because what you do here, in these halls and classrooms and courts, matters. These are times that, like it or not, are going to stay with you for the rest of your life. They might not be the best four years of your life, but they are going to be important in deciding what kind of person you want to be. High school can sometimes suck and I will be the first to admit that. Sometimes there are just too many assignments and too little time to complete them. Sometimes there are teacher that you just don’t click with and classes that you don’t know how to do well in. Remember that it is okay to put yourself first when you need to. You matter. You matter enough to sacrifice one grade if it means keeping your head above the water. But when challenges arise and opportunities present themselves, don’t be afraid to stand up to them. Give high school your all because when you finish, you should be proud to look back at the person you were. You should be amazed at what you’ve accomplished. I am proud of myself. I hope that my fellow graduating seniors are too. So, to wrap everything up, remember to have fun but work hard. Experience new things but don’t lose who you are. Respect yourself, and everyone around you. And remember this: Everyday is a choice and you get to choose what happens. You decide. Because guess what: You matter. And what you do it here, that matters too.
4 By Jenan Taha Features & Arts Editor I’ve never felt a more dreadful mix of restless and anxiety than I do now, as senior year concludes as quickly as it began. In many ways, I have been ready to leave high school since the start of senior year. However, I have not even begun to transition to the mindset of a college student, and currently float somewhere in-between naiveté and maturity. Although it can be quite scary to dive headlong into a new schedule, city, and community, chances are there will be hundreds or even thousands of students with the same fear, who have never cooked a meal or done laundry in their life, who will search for others who share the same
Editorials
Jenan’s Journey: Passion over pay concerns. No one is alone in this life transition, and while it might be outside your comfort zone to spontaneously talk to strangers, it’s a necessary part of moving to a new community. Shed any awkward or reserved feelings now and be the person that starts the conversation. Other than the social aspect of going to college, there is one important concept that I have learned throughout high school that everyone should consider before they choose what to do with their future. Whatever you decide to study, it should be something that you are genuinely passionate about. I have seen countless friends and family members waste years of their life dragging themselves through college half-heartedly and with greater aspirations in mind. Don’t be afraid to aim for something you actually
enjoy. From what I’ve heard, the first four years of college don’t mean anything until
to continue your interests in college, whether as a major, double-major, minor, or club. Although I’m still unsure whether or not to pursue journalism or engineering, I plan to continue writing news stories by joining The Daily Texan at UT Austin. Because I love both biology and journalism, I may doublemajor to avoid giving one up. Art has been a major influence in my life as well, and although I don’t plan to study art in college, I intend to continue my love for drawing through clubs and activity groups. You shouldn’t have to give up one of your interests simply because it is not practical in finding a job. If you are passionate enough about a certain subject, don’t hesitate to make a living off of it, because there are millions of jobs that demand creative thinkers, and only one you. Loving what you do is a great source of motivation as well, and one of the main forces that drives students through rigorous courses and all-nighters. If you truly love what you study, you will be much more willing to devote hours of work to it. However, studying a subject simply because of its job prospects does not have much incentive, and you will struggle much more to complete the work whole-heartedly. If you are struggling to choose between passion and pay, just remember that we are all just bundles of cells on a giant rock floating through space— you might as well do what you want.
“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what directions we are moving.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe you get a master’s degree, so you might as well spend it doing something you love. If you’re like me, and you have too many ideas of what you want to do, chances are there will be numerous ways
Sydney’s Sayings: Senior reflection
By Sydney Matthews Online Editor Dealing with the overwhelming and exciting problems of the last year of high school can come with many feelings. Senior year of high school comes with many memories you will remember after you walk across the stage. The final first day of is just like every year coming back, but it would just be your last time. Having to deal with new schedules, classes that could you probably didn’t ask for, trying to find out if you have classes with your friends, and worrying about if you got the teacher that gives you a lot of work that they probably aren’t going to grade. Starting your semester with college applications as well as preparing for ACT and SAT testing willgive you a better chance of getting into your schoolof choice. Realizing you are months away
from leaving your parents and a town you have known for years, and putting allof your high school memories behind you willbe like starting a new chapter in life and also leaving your friends just to go to another schoolto make new ones. The first day of schoolis very overwhelming for everyone especially if you are a senior. Make sure you have everything you need and the focus there to pass of your classes to graduate. The day we walk across the stage is going to the last day ever walking on the campus seeing everyone we have seen for the last four years. Knowing that we are months away from leaving high schooland getting ready for our next stage in life. The last year of high schoolis always fun looking forward to many activities we have like homecoming and pep rallys. During these events we have many activities that we get to participate
in. We get a chance to win the spirit stick which every year seniors end up winning anyway. The best part of the year is attending prom, dressing up and looking amazing for one night. We also get to vote for the prom king and queen which is very
invitations,activities,and much more, but it is allworth it. Being able to call yourself a senior is a honor of lasting high school. These years are going to be remembered because, it is all worth the pressure and the businesses of wverything you have to get done before we leave. This year will be unforgettable looking forward to the last day of schooland allthe good byes we willrecieve. The day is here the last final days of schooland everything has finally came to an end everything so far has been amazing and excited . Seeing everyone, making new friends, getting closer to the ones that I have talled to over the last three years knowing that I’ll probably never talk to them again since in college you their will be new ones ro make that you will keep probably for the rest of your life.I will miss high school.and I willnever forget how much I have enjoyed everyone that I have met during the years.
“Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make good art.” - Neil Gaiman suprising to find out who’s going to win. Spending money this year is expected, having to pay for fees,caps, gowns,
Editorials
5
Elena’s Essay: Dear underclassmen...
By Elena Rodriguez Photo Editor I spent the entirety of my “childhood” asking what it was I wanted to be when I was older. When I was younger and did not understand what anything was, I would answer with the typical answers, “doctor,” “lawyer,” or “superhero.” When I entered middle school, however, it became more difficult to answer the question. What did I really want to be? What was it to “be” something? When I heard what others wanted to be I would always ask why, not because I actually cared for the emotions their answers were stemming from but because I needed a basis for myself before I decided what I wanted
to be. The answers were always the same. “I want to be rich and famous.” “I want my children to have what I didn’t have.” “It seems like the best option.” Then I entered my freshmen year of high school and the people who asked me what it was I want to do with my life were no longer the doting adults who were interested in my future but the pessimistic versions of their former selves, asking not because they cared but because they had been patiently awaiting or professionally appointed for the sole purpose of knocking out childhood dreams. The adults were meant to wake us up with the cold dose of reality that had been stolen from us as children. I could not help but ask myself whether or not the bubble of impossibly possible realities had helped or harmed our ability to critically think about our future. The truth is that the world is impossibly political, and what was supposed to be our developing years, the years we not
only learned how to move our arms and legs but learned right from wrong and unconsciously developed the morals we
yet it is not okay to award children based on what they have achieved because it is unfair to everyone else. Everything is no longer possible and though we have footprints on the moon we are limited by what is socially acceptable to everyone else. We live in a world that is constantly contradicting itself, but regardless of all the naysayers and go-getters, there is one commonality no one ever changes and nothing will ever be any different tomorrow than it is today. So if you pull me aside one day, and ask what it is I wish to do with the rest of my life I’ll tell you, and it is not something I want to do, or something I hope to do, it is something that I will do. I am going to change the world. Whether it’s my world, the world around me or even just the great state of Texas, I am going to make a difference. I irrevocably believe that if you do not like something, then you have to change it, you have to do something about it because I do not believe that there should be limits to what it is we can do for the world when we do not even know how it is the world came about. The world is capable of change regardless of what it is people say. Small or big, people do make a difference. So go out there, do something crazy and reckless and change the world.
“We live in this irreparably broken world, and I don’t wish to deny reality, but the amazing thing to me is that we refuse to relinquish hope as a species, the amazing thing is that we’re right to hold on to hope. The world may be broken, but hope is not crazy.” - John Green now live by, became a time where we were told we were six foot tall and bulletproof. Then, suddenly, from the time we graduated elementary school to the time we entered middle school, the world changed for us. It is no longer okay to build up a child’s dreams and tell them that anything they wish to achieve is possible,
Monica’s Moments: A family history
By Monica Jackson Online Editor My senior editorial is about history around the world that happened in the 20th century, some of which is horrifying. History is my favorite subject because you always get to understand each story the history tells you. Everything you look at, history is a part of it. It shows where it was from and how it got there in the first place. My mother was my influence in history because she would always take me to the museum and building that was built in the 19th and 18th century, which was amazing. My mother would always take me to place and I would wonder how old it is and why they built it. I was the one that started searching our family history because of my mom’s grandfather that has heart problems and is fighting for his life everyday. My great grandfather fought in World War II and the Korean war. My Grandpa
Jackson was the one that put his whole entire body on a bomb to protect his men. He was transfered to the hospital, where the doctor told him that they couldn’t get all the bombshell out of his body. He still had bombshell in his body until he died from old age. He lived a great life, had two sons, and married a wonderful woman, my grandmother. He was a great hero because he saved those men from the bomb. He was also the best greatgrandfather to me and my brother and sister. My two great -grandfathers came from my mother’s side. I barely know my dad’s side of the family, but I know a little. My dad’s grandfather was a Nazi in Germany where he helped support the concentration camps. After World War II was over and when the Allies won the war, pushing
all the Germans back in to their country, my great-grandfather fled the country and went to the United States with all the Nazis that left before they were arrested.
protected the Holy Bible and the one of the founding fathers of America. My ancestors are some of the most important people in history and helped change the future. Without our ancestors, we wouldn’t be here. Without them, we wouldn’t have our freedom from Britain and America wouldn’t exist. I have learned that everything is part of history and that it is always changing. Everyone has an ancestor that was a part of important history in the world and how they change America or they were the ones protecting something from someone. Everyone is a part of history. Everyone is a part of something great and that is changing the whole entire world. My mother was the one that told me that everything is for the better and that it might change the world. The world can change because of what we do.
“It’s very strange that most people don’t care if their knowledge of their family history only goes back three generations.” - Douglas Coupland My life involved the most important history in the world, why they came to America to get their freedom from the British and the country they came from. My ancestors were some of the knights that
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News
Islamic men open fire on hate group in Garland By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor
During a drawing of Mohammed cartoon contest in Garland, Texas, two men in a car, identified as Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, opened fire on the 200 attendees. The men did not kill or injure any, but were both shot and killed by an on-site police officer. The American Freedom Defense Initiative, also known as Stop Islamization of America, an anti-Muslim hate group according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, organized the contest. The keynote speaker of the event was right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who is on an al Qaeda hit list for his film Fitna, which portrayed Islam as a threat to Western society. The shooting has been compared to the Charlie Hebdo attack in France in January and the Copenhagen shootings in February because all the attacks seemed to be provoked by drawn images of Mohammed, which some Muslims believe to be blasphemous. “The Islamic jihadis are determined to suppress our freedom of speech violently,” Pamela Geller, president of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, said. “They struck in Paris and Copenhagen recently, and now in Texas.” One of the shooters, Simpson, was convicted in 2011 for making a false statement involving international and domestic terrorism and was sentenced to
three years of probation. He linked himself to ISIS in a tweet before the attack, writing,
A traffic officer working after-hours as security for the event, armed with a service
Garland police redirected Naaman Forest High School students around the crime scene outside the Curtis Culwell Center on Monday, May 4, 2015, the day after two gunmen armed with assault rifles and wearing body armor opened fire on an unarmed Garland ISD security guard in Garland, Texas, Sunday night. After seeing what happened, a Garland police officer shot and killed the two suspects. (Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News/TNS)
“May Allah accept us as mujahideen.” Simpson and his fellow attacker, Soofi, had also pledged loyalty to “Amirul Mu’mineen”, which means the leader of the faithful, a description that likely refers to the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.
pistol, shot and killed both men even though they were wearing body armor and carrying assault rifles, according to Garland Police Department spokesman Joe Harn. “We think their strategy was to get into the event center, and they
were not able to get past our perimeter that we had set up,” Harn said. Four SWAT team members with highpowered rifles also fired at the suspects. “[The officers] faced death head-on and, with incredible skill and bravery, were able to save a lot of people,” Zach Horn, an attorney for the officers, said. The official motive of the attack is yet to be determined. Simpson and Soofi, both from Phoenix, apparently showed “no signs of radicalization”, according to Usama Shami, the president of Islamic Community Center of Phoenix, the mosque that Simpson and Soofi both attended. Although ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming two Al Khailafa soldiers opened fire on the event, no definitive proof has been found. “We say to the defenders of the cross, the U.S., that future attacks are going to be harsher and worse. The Islamic State soldiers will inflict harm on you with the grace of God. The future is just around the corner,” stated an ISIS report. It is very possible that Simpson and Soofi were sole operatives. They may have had email communications with ISIS, but not been directed by them, or they may have been applying for membership to ISIS, which would explain the tweet. They knew that if they did not make it out alive, everyone would still know that the attack was for ISIS.
Blues legend B.B. King passes away at age of 89
By Lisa Nhan Managing Editor
After helping define American blues, B.B. King passed away at the age of 89 in his Las Vegas home on May 14. The cause of death, according to John Fudenburg, coroner of Clark Country Nevada, was a series of small strokes related to Type 2 diabetes reported by the Associated Press. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer earned the nickname “The King of Blues” for his innovative style of string bending and vibrato. B.B. King is also known for the amount of performances he gave in his career, averaging more than 200 concerts a year while in his 70’s. He had continued to perform until last October, until he canceled a tour due to dehydration and exhaustion from his diabetes. “I wanted to connect my guitar to human emotions,” King wrote in his autobiography, Blues All Around Me. King’s performances were marked by his ability to display suffering and perseverance. This can be seen in this biggest bit, The Thrill is Gone, with lines such as, “I’ll still live on, but so lonely I’ll be.” Peter Gurnalnick, music historian, described King’s influence to give audiences, “something they were able to respond to,” due to King’s “urbanity of his playing, the absorption of multiplicity of influences, not simply from the blues, along with a graciousness of manner and willingness to adapt to new audiences.” King began touring in 1951 and, as described by The New York Times, “never came back after one of his first recordings reached the top of the rhythm-and-blues charts.” In 1956, King had played 342 one-night stands. His influence reached many rock n’ roll fans and the famous guitarists of the time, such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.
For King, he believed the beginning of biggest phase of his career took place during a 1968 performance at Fillmore West in San Francisco. It was when Bill Graham introduced him to a sold out crowd with, “Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you
folks, time to pull out your chitlin’s and your collard greens, your pig’s feet and watermelon, because here is B.B. King.” Before his death, King had become a millionaire with a chain of nightclubs in his name. But perhaps King’s most
King performs such hits as “The Thrill Is Gone” the chairman B.B. iconic story is the one and “Everyday I Have The Blues” during his perforof the board, mance at the Hollywood Bowl “Hall of Fame” Opening featuring his guitar. B.B. King,” that Night Concert, on June 20, 2008 in Hollywood, Calif. It was the early King felt he had King died in Las Vegas at 89. (Ken Hively/Los Angeles 1950’s when King was finally made it. playing in a dance hall “Everybody stood up, in Twist, Arkansas. During his performance, and I cried,” King said. a kerosene stove was knocked over during This was a large contrast to how a fight that led to a fire. King returned to the King had been introduced in previous burning building after forgetting his $30 years. King compared it to when he guitar. He had learned that the fight occurred had performed in a Chicago club where over a woman named Lucille. From then the M.C. presented him with, “O.K. on, King addressed his guitars by Lucille.
Before all of the fame, B.B. King was born as Riley B. King, with the middle initial having no meaning. Born to Albert and Nora Ella King on September 16, 1925, he was raised in a small town outside of Itta Bend in the Mississippi Delta. Growing up in the Depression Era, King was influenced by many things that would shape his music, including seeing a black man lynched by a white mob. By the age of 14, King’s father was gone and his mother had passed. According to Dick Waterman, blues scholar, King was “sharecropping an acre of cotton, living on a borrowed allowance of $2.50 a month. When the crop was harvested, Riley ended his first year of independence owning is landlord $7.54.” In his youth, King taught himself guitar. After hearing the first blues radio show to be featured in the Mississippi Delta, during a lunch break at the plantation, King knew he wanted to become a musician on air. King’s first performance, given to him by Rice Miller, was a nightclub job, which paid him $12.50. For King, He was making $5 a day on the plantation. He quickly became popular as a disc jockey on a Memphis radio station, WDIA. It was on air in Memphis where King earned the nickname, Beale Street Blues Boy, which became Blues Boy and was later shortened to B.B. In 1951, King had his first number one single, Three O’clock Blues, on the rhythm-and-blues charts, where it stayed for fifteen weeks. King’s most successful song was The Thrill is Gone, which was released in 1969. It launched his popularity, followed by appearances on The Tonight Show, folk festivals and global tours. With fifteen Grammys to his name, King has left his mark on American Blues and a legacy of a lifetime.
News
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Bruce Jenner announces transgender transition By Alyssa Lobue Reporter
After years of rumors, Bruce Jenner officially spoke about his transition to be a woman. It was announced on April 24 during a two hour special on 20\20 with Diane Sawyer. Jenner spoke about his struggles of being transgender, which started during his childhood. Young experiences of crossdressing were revealed, when he took and wore clothes belonging to his sister as well as mother. He speaks of his emotional gender, although being born with male body parts. “I have the soul of a woman. For all purposes, I believe I am a woman,” Jenner said. The first person ever told about his feelings was his first wife, Chrystie Scott. Scott and Jenner were married for nine years and Bruce admitted to her how he felt during the first year of marriage. Scott spoke about her reaction to this confession on Good Morning America. “I can’t remember the exact words because what he said was such a shock to me, but he opened up his heart and confessed, and he had to share this deep, dark secret. He told me he wanted to be a woman, and understandably, I didn’t know what to say,” Scott said. Jenner remarried around 1980 to Linda Thompson and they remained together for five years. The marriage began to collapse when he revealed his true form to Thompson. “That day I began trying to cover for Bruce, trying to protect him and trying to explain away what was clearly happening to his visage. I was trying to shield Brandon and Brody, their two sons, from the truth and protect Bruce at the same
time. It was exhausting,” Thompson said. Against Defamation, or GLAAD, and othShe found Jenner a therapist for gen- er organizations that support gay and lesder dysbian rights, phoria but who adseparated vised them after six to continue months using male due to pronouns J e n n e r ’s until the plan to transicontinue tion was with gencomplete. der reas “ I signment think he and fehas waited male horalmost 65 mones. years to “ I make this have redecision. I spectfully think that kept his when you secrets are finally private ready to be and would your true have taken self then his confiyou are dences to prepared my grave, for anyhad he thing. He not spohas become ken out,” ready for Thompthe chalson said. lenge K i m Bruce Jenner, in a May 2012 file image, has been the subject of open speculation for a n d months, and the spectacle has transgender advocates alarmed. (James Orken/Abaca K a r ready Press/TNS) dashian t o West was the first of his six kids and help other people that might be going four step-kids to discover his hidden through the same thing. That’s something life. The Kardashian family then sought he’s really proud of. That’s something he’s counseling from Gay & Lesbian Alliance ready to take on,” Kim Kardashian West said.
Kim admitted that she had difficultly when she found out about Jenner’s want to transition and how to address the situation. “I think that everything takes time. I mean, Bruce wants us to feel as comfortable as possible and take everything at our own pace, and we love him for that, and we respect him for that. Bruce has always been really really good at explaining everything to us, even though this has been really new and these have been newer feelings — not newer feelings for him but for us to digest. He’s done a really good job at walking us through this change,” she said. Kim continues to express her family’s acceptation to Jenner’s decision. “Say what you want about us, but we work out everything as a family, and we have the best communication and we sync with each other. I love having so many siblings and such a supportive mom, because each family member might be dealing with this differently, but we have each other to go through this experience with, and I’m really grateful for that,” she continued. Kris has also shown love and support towards her ex-husband during this time. “Not only was I able to call him my husband of 25 years and the father of my children, I am now also able to call him my hero,” she tweeted. E! will began a new documentary series on Bruce Jenner and his transformation from male to female this summer. Although the series has not yet been titled, the eight part one-hour series has been set to premiere on July 26. *At the time of publication, Bruce Jenner had not finished going through the transition.
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Around Creek
Señora Velazquez’s classes create unique piñatas By Issac Villarreal Photographer
Señora Velazquez ended the year with the annual piñata project, given to her Pre-AP Spanish 3 classes. The project consists of making a piñata that corresponds with a children’s storybook. The rationale for this project is to give students an opportunity to create something concrete, which is part of the culture studied during Spanish 3. The students are supposed to review the concepts taught during the course and produce a visually appealing, creative story in Spanish based on their piñata. They then share these stories with the class, teaching their friends new vocabulary and entertaining them. This also gives them practice in presenting to a group, and practice in pronunciation and delivery in another language. Señora Velazquez began doing this class assignment for her students three years ago. “This project was shared by a former Spanish teacher, Lydia Wharton. I visited her classroom and saw the piñatas and how students were enjoying making them. Also how the students not only created the piñatas but how they wrote stories based on their piñatas.” Señora Velazquez said.
Along with making a piñata, the students are required to write a children’s story centered on the piñata. The students were given a little over a month to do
according to many of her students. “Overall I think the majority of the students enjoyed this project. At the beginning they think it’s easy but
this final project then they realize it’s Photo by Issac Villarreal of the 2014-2015 not. It takes time year. This project was the highlight and practice.” Señora Velazquez said. of the year for many Spanish classes, The process of making the piñata takes
some time. There are many ways to make a piñata but most students prefer to go with the traditional way, which is paper mache. The process of paper macheing involves cutting up a newspaper and blowing up a balloon to the desired size then, using a mixture of flour and water, dip the pieces of newspaper in the concoction and wrap them around the balloon. It’s recommended to put three layers of newspaper strips so that when the piñata dries it will be sturdy and not fragile and fall apart. You then allow the paper mache to dry for a day or two then all that’s left to do is decorate it any way desirable. “Making the piñata was so fun because the piñata wasn’t an average everyday assignment.” Christina Larrosa said. “My piñata looks like it was created by a fourth grader, but I’m still proud of it because I actually put effort into it and tried to be creative.” Señora Velazquez left some tips for her future students saying “I think what I could tell my future students is to go to YouTube and watch some videos on how to create piñatas, I would also advise them to have fun making them. Another tip would be to not start making the piñata the week before because that could make them stressed or frustrated and anything could go wrong.”
Features
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2015-2016 marching season drum majors selected By Emily Ruthven Around Creek Editor
At the end of the year, the band always holds auditions for various leadership positions for the upcoming marching season such as section leader, woodwind/ brass captain and drum major. After much deliberation, directors Daniel Cuevas and Ogechi Ukazu selected the new 20152016 leadership team on May ninth. Next year’s head drum major will be incoming senior, Zac Cooper, accompanied by the two other drum majors, who are incoming senior Jessica Heerboth and incoming junior, Diego Avila. All of next year’s drum majors are currently in the Wind Ensemble, with Cooper playing trumpet, Heerboth playing clarinet and Avila playing the bassoon. Cooper was a drum major this previous marching season, and it can be difficult to take on all of the responsibilities of being a drum major, especially as a junior. “It was strange to take on so much responsibility at first, especially since it was my first time to be a part of the leadership team. However, I strived to learn the ropes of the trade and really grew to appreciate the position,” said Cooper. Now current sophomore Avila will take on that responsibility this year. “Being a drum major will definitely be different and have a lot more pressure but I’m really excited for the opportunity to exert some of my leadership skill and to contribute even more to the band program,” said Avila.
With all of new changes coming next year, many of the band students are uncertain
Cooper’s positive attitude will likely translate into the band and will help the group
Photo by Emily Ruthven for the coming season, undergo the change due to how different smoothly. Heerboth everything will be. However, Cooper hopes to have the same effect on the group. has a positive outlook on the situation. “I really hope to contribute a lot “I am excited to finally become a of positive energy into the band,” said senior and have myself and the rest of my Heerboth. “Even if we don’t win any class be the people everyone looks up to, awards, we are still successful. Being and I am also very optimistic about the new successful isn’t defined by what medals leadership team; I’m sure we’ll accomplish or awards we have,” continued Heerboth. great things together,” commented Cooper. Despite all of the directors leaving,
such as Cuevas, Wharton and Diegelman band will still hold onto its sense of family. “People in band are given the opportunity to make strong friendships with a great group of people, ones that often last beyond high school,” Cooper said. Heerboth holds the same point of view. “Band is unlike any other elective available. We have an amazing family,” said Heerboth. With a strong sense of community throughout the program, it will be likely that each of the new drum majors will miss some aspects of marching. “Playing the stand tunes and being able to do our little section dances to each one; they are all unique in their own way, so that will some that I will miss a lot,” said Avila. Heerboth commented on how there is a distinctive band bond for those who march, and how she will be missing out on that. “I’ll miss being with everybody. Whenever you’re marching, or practicing in the parking lot, its kind of like ‘we’re all in this together’. Being a drum major is going to be different. I’ll of course still be apart of the band but I’ll be missing out on some of the fun. But it does introduce me to a different kind of fun, so I guess you gain some, you lose some,” said Heerboth. The drum majors are a vital aspect to the marching band. Despite the fact that they will miss some of the fun that comes with marching, they will instead conducting the band from the three podiums on the football field, leading the band to success.
American Idol crowns winner of fourteenth season
By Madison Daugherty Reporter
It has been a long yet adventurous year with the beloved show American Idol on FOX. This program has brought many talented average Americans who dream of becoming famous for doing what they love. Over the seasons of American Idol, there have been different judges and eclectic voices that bring out the diverse characteristic trait this nation has. Now, season 14 includes the one and only Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. as the judges. Ryan Seacrest of course is still currently their host. It was on January 7, 2015 that the judges were introduced to fresh new talent. This year, the judges traveled to Minneapolis, New Orleans, Long Island, Nashville and San Francisco. Out of all these cities around the country, they met many people of all different ages and then gave golden tickets to contestants who they believe have a chance at becoming the next American Idol. The people who auditioned and received a ticket move onto Hollywood Round, which is where contestants perform once again in a regular solo round and group performances. The people who sing solo at the beginning of the Hollywood Round episode are the ones who the judges couldn’t seem to sweep off their mind and wanted to hear again. Afterwards, the judges pick 24 singers or performers who will become season 14’s semi-finalists. Divided by gender are the current contestants on the show this season. The males have Clark Beckham from Tennessee, Ravyon Owen from Virginia, Quentin Alexander from New Orleans, Savion
Wright from Texas, Qaasim Middleton from Brooklyn, Mark Andrew from Minnesota, Nick Fradiani from Connecticut, Daniel Seavey from Oregon, Riley Bria who is also from Tennessee, Adam Ezegelian from New York as well, Michael Simeon from Mississippi and Trevor Douglas from Texas. The females this season are Tyanna Jones from Florida, Adanna Duru form California, Jax Cole from New Jersey, Sarina-Hoi Crowe from Tennessee, Shi Scoot from Maryland, Loren Lott also from California, Shannonn Berthiaume from Minnesota, Lovey James from Oregon, Joey Cook from Virginia, Alexis Gomez from Ohio, Maddie Walker from Iowa and Katherine Winston from Massachusetts. Once the judges have picked the Top 24, the next episode the contestants are able to move to live performances, which is when America is able to vote for whom ever their favorite is. The first live episode is the Top 12 Boys perform, on February 25 of this year. Adam Ezegelian started the show off with roaring rock notes from I Wanna Rock but sadly was eliminated. Up next was Michael Simeon with the heart-aching love hit How Am I Suppose To Live Without You and is now safe. Savion Wright sang Hey,Soul Sister and continued on safe. Mark Andrew was eliminated. Trevor Douglas sang Best I Ever Had and was sadly eliminated. Clark Beckham sang When a Man Loves a Woman and advanced through. The other male contestants who advanced in the competition were Ravyon Owen, Daniel Seavey, Quentin Alexander, Nick Fradiani and Qaasim Middleton. The beautiful female contestants who are going to the next round are Adanna Duru, Alexis Gomez, Joey Cook,
Loren Lott, Maddie Walker, Sarinajoi Crowe, Jax Cole and Tyanna Jones. After the Top 24 sang their choice of song, the next live performance is Motown themed. Aretha Franklin, a motown legend, gave the Top 16 helpful advice for picking a song right for them and how to find their soul in the music. The first night the males performed, Franklin performed a toned down version of her old number one hit. Afterwards, the contestants hit stage with their mowtown song choice. Daniel Seavey was first up with How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Mark Andrew performed Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone, Ravyon Owen was third with the well-known Temptations number one hit My Girl. Adam Ezegelian sang I Want You Back, Clark Beckham with The Track Of My Tears, Nick Fradiani performed Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder. Seventh to sing was Qaasim Middleton and last but not least was Quentin Alexander singing Master Blaster (Jammin’). To start off the next episode of this bright new season was Tyanna Jones performing Rockin’ Robin by the Jackson 5, following after her was Loren Lott singing I Wanna Be Where You Are. Maddie Walker sang I’ll Be There, Joey Cook created her own personal twist of Shop Around, Sarina-Joi Crowe performed You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me. Adanna Duru sang Hello, Jax Cole completely re-structured the song Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The final female contestant to perform was Alexis Gomez Closer and closer, the idol contestants inch towards the end of a superb season. In the Top 12 episode Back To Start, all the finalists performed the
song they first auditioned with. Sadly, Sarina-Joi Crowe was eliminated. The following episode, Get the Party Started; all contestants performed their favorite party songs. In episode Movie Night, America was in for a surprise. To start off the episode, all 11 finalists sang Get Lucky for the live audience. Jennifer Lopez, who is one of the three judges, performed one of her hit singles. Kenny Loggins, singer of 80’s movie hit song Footloose sang as well. For this episode, every single contestant created his or her own short film, whether it is a romantic comedy or action thriller. Before one would come o stage to sing, the screens would play the short videos of their movie and which song America will wait to hear them perform. On March 25, the episode called Tribute to the 80’s aired and the Top 9 contestants performed their choice of 80’s hit. Boy George, 80’s icon, starred as guest mentor to give advice to the aspiring idols. The remaining top 9 include, Daniel Seavey, Quentin Alexander, Joey Cook, Tyanna Jones, Jax, Nick Fradiani, Clark Beckham, Qaasim Middleton and Ravyon Owen. The judges were impressed by all of the performances, yet Clark Beckham’s version of Every Breath You Take by The Police gave Jennifer Lopez the “goosies.” Keith Urban also added that Beckhams performance “ showed a much more heart side of you that we felt..you really took me on a journey.” Not only did a pop icon guest mentor the contestants, but also two legends spiced up the episode with their guest performance. Salt-N-Pepa performed 1980’s hit Push it to get the crowd pumping.
Teen Interest 12
Sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron, entertains audiences
By Troylon Griffin II Sports Editor
The highly anticipated sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron premiered May 1. As a film alone, and a sequel the film certainly delivers. The plot revolves around the Marvel superhero team the Avengers fighting against the powerful and tactical technological enemy Ultron, while at the same time exploring the mystery of a pair of super-powered twins. In the film, the Avengers, which consist of the leader and patriot Captain America, the genius inventor Iron Man, the raging Hulk, the God of Thunder Thor, the former assassin Black Widow and marksman Hawkeye, have been battling enemies for nearly a year now. Having been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and fed up with all the chaos the team will likely have to face in the future, Tony Stark, aka Iron Man decides to create the powerful artificial intelligence Ultron. Ultron is designed to be able to globally handle any crime going on due to being synced throughout every technological system in the world, such as the Internet. However, due to his intelligence and design, Ultron becomes easily self-sufficient and comes up with the idea that the only way to save the world is to destroy humanity. Ultron begins to design thousands of clones of him and begins to terrorize the Avengers. At the same time he aligns himself with two super powered twins Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, who have their own vendetta against the Avengers. Wanda possesses psychic powers and the ability of telekinesis and Pietro has the power of super speed. Aligned with the twins, Ultron uses their abilities to tear the Avengers apart “from the inside.” The Avengers are forced to deal with their inner demons and with each other. Tony in particular deals with the fact that he created this powerful new enemy. At the same time, Ultron works to create a body he can permanently use, which eventually turns into the powerful hero The Vision. Overall, the film is good and will satisfy average moviegoers. The action is very pleasing, and the effects are certainly real-
istic. The way that director and writer Joss Whedon handles the film’s protagonists is very impressive and the development of the twins Wanda and Pietro is good as well. However, character development is still a flaw with its artificial antagonist Ultron. Not long after he is introduced, Ultron immediately begins his goal to annihilate the Avengers. The film does not bother to even develop him over time, or show him slowly
off as silly with his constant puns. This is no surprise as this is a constant theme in Joss Whedon’s work, in which a supposedly serious villain is a comical joker. This can easily be observed in Whedon’s cult television show Buffy The Vampire Slayer. With all the news that was coming out before the film, particularly how Whedon stated this film would be serious as well as how serious all the trailers were, it was disappoint-
Can you imagine some or all of these “Avengers: Age of Ultron” heroes as supporting
r e a l i z e characters in a “Black Widow” film? They are, from left, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Cap- ing to his be- tain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), see the lief that Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). (Photo courtesy m o s t Marvel/TNS) humandanity’s deg e rstruction is the only way it can be saved. ous Marvel cinematic villain yet beEven after his attack, one would think come this cliché wise cracking villain. director and writer Joss Whedon would re- The development of Ultron’s motives veal his motives, but even when he tries to and the not-so-dark tone I was expectdo so, Ultron’s point does not really come ing are the film’s two biggest flaws. across. Instead he spouts contradicting poThere is also the issue of missed opetic and philosophical lines that can confuse portunity and continuity. For one thing, it’s fans like myself. However, ordinary mov- stated in several summaries that Ultron is iegoers probably would not be as confused created as a result of what happened in the as they simply see he’s a robot that wants to Captain America sequel, in which the ordestroy the world. But as a fan of the comics, ganization SHIELD is destroyed due to beI was hoping they would develop this more ing corrupt. However, other than the openand flesh out how this artificial intelligence ing scene in which HYDRA members are would work in the real world or on screen. fought, there’s no mention of how Ultron There is also the fact that he often comes is created so the world can continue to be
protected. The film makes it seem as if Ultron is just one of Tony Stark’s ambitious science projects. Whenever Tony even tries to explain why he created Ultron, it’s practically tarnished by the humor Joss Whedon just cannot resist putting in his work. This is one reason the film just is not as serious as it advertised itself to be. This was the perfect opportunity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe production team to try a serious toned film but instead we get another film that’s arguable more comical than the first. One can understand Avenger’s antagonist Loki and his dark humor, but Ultron, a powerful robot who is supposed to be their deadliest enemy, constantly joking is almost sillier than how they tried to make robots in Transformers these cussing over the top fighters. However, nevertheless there are many highlights throughout the film. The way that Joss Whedon weaves together over ten characters and develops and expands them is quite impressive. It was also very good to see that the character Clint Barton a.k.a Hawkeye get more development, considering he spent nearly the entire movie in the first movie possessed. It also felt good seeing more of Thor instead of the film focusing on just Captain America and Iron Man. I very much enjoyed Thor’s scenes and honestly my favorite duel in the film was the one between him and Ultron. Seeing this manmade robot go against this literal God, who the film’s climax is similar to the previous film’s climax, only this time not all the minions die from a source being destroyed. This offers a difference but in the end, the team comes out pretty successful. Overall the film is good on its own but as a sequel it is quite underwhelming. With all this being said it is likely best that the next two films Avengers: The Infinity War Part 1 and Avengers: The Infinity War Part 2 are going to be directed by the Russo Brothers who directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, for those who simply went for an entertaining film, they are sure to be satisfied.
Teen interest 13
Musical sequel Pitch Perfect 2 disappoints audiences By Jessica Sieling Managing Editor As an avid fan of anything musical related, you could say that I was really excited when Pitch Perfect was released in theatres back in 2012. I loved the movie, the characters, the a cappella singing and of course the alternative goddess that is Anna Kendrick. When the second movie was announced, I had high hopes. I knew that there was no way it could beat the first movie, but I thought that I would at least love it almost as much. And although the singing was wonderful, the cameos hilarious and the characters loveable as always, Pitch Perfect 2 definitely had some issues that left me disappointed in the movie as a whole. The sequel premiered May 15, and like the crazy person that I am, I went to the midnight premiere to see it. The movie, directed by Elizabeth Banks and written by Kay Cannon, picks up three years after the first film ends. The Barden Bellas, the all-girls a cappella group from the first movie, are on their USA tour after winning the National A Cappella Championships for the third year in a row. The leads from the first film, including Beca (Anna Kendrick), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) are all seniors in college. Other returning Bella members include Cynthia-Rose (Ester Dean), Stacie (Alexis Knapp), Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), Jessica (Kelley Jakle) and Ashley (Shelley Regner), along with a new addition to the group, Flo, played by Chrissie Fit. The movie starts off funny and light with the Bella’s embarrassing performance at the historical Lincoln Center, causing the team to be suspended from competing and continuing their tour. After that, however, the movie veered
off into three separate storylines: (1) With the Bellas fighting to win their title back in the World Championships against the skilled German team, Das Sound Machine, (2) Where Barden Bella leader Beca struggles to prove herself as an intern at a recording studio without betraying her fellow teammates and (3) Where the Bellas lose their “sound” and need to find themselves again in order to strengthen their squad.
acter, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) as a Legacy Bella, joining the Bellas as a new recruit. The movie also included some gags from the first film, with the Fat Amy and Bumper’s (Adam DeVine) confusing love/ hate relationship that develops in the sequel. The cameos in the film were great, with rap artist Snoop Dogg singing a delicate version of the Christmas carol Winter Wonderland and comedian Keegan-Michael
“Pitch Perfect 2” reunites the Barden Bellas (Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson,
T h e Brittany Snow) and picks up a new addition (Hailee Steinfeld). (Photo courtesy Key play Universal Pictures/TNS) film also B e c a ’s brought smart back some of the first film favorites, in- but hard-to-please boss at the recordcluding Skylar Astin playing Beca’s talent- ing studio. Other cameos including the ed boyfriend Jesse, the magical and sweet riff-off host played by David Cross, real Benji (Ben Platt) and the hilarious duo life a cappella group Pentatonix and a commentators, John and Gail (John Mi- singing version of the Green Bay Packchael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks). The ers including linebacker Clay Matthews. sequel only introduced one new main charOverall, the movie was funny and enter-
taining. But most of the time I felt like I was watching several different movies that were trying to blend together to be one. There was just so much happening, so many characters and so many plot points that the movie was hard to follow. Half the time, I forgot what the main storyline was even about because there was so much packed into it. But even with all of the stuff the movie offered, I also felt like I missed out on major character developments. One of my favorite parts about the first movie was the Beca/Jesse relationship. But the movie had so many things happening, there was not much time to expand those characters or even give them much screen time. As a huge Skylar Astin fan, I was disappointed that his character was not in the movie as much as the first one. The songs performed in the sequel were also less exciting. One of my favorite parts of the first film was the riff-off scene where the teams show off their talent, and although the second movie has a riff-off, the songs were less catchy and it was less entertaining. The ending performance also lacked some of the power that the first movie had, and even with Beyoncé’s Run the World (Girls) in the mix, I was left feeling disappointed with the movie’s last song. The slower, acoustic version of the popular song Cups, made famous from the first movie, did however live up to my expectations, and was one of my favorite parts of the movie. All in all, the movie was a typical sequel. It had funny parts, and it had its letdowns. I think that the movie could have been written better, but overall it gave a nice message about teamwork and friendship, and it reminded the world how cool a cappella music is.
Numerous new TV shows set to premiere this fall By Emily Berthiaume Teen Interest Editor In mid-May, television broadcast networks announce their new shows and cancellations of old ones at events called “the upfronts”. This year, CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC have presented an onslaught of new programing as well as what shows will not return for the fall 2015 season. At Fox, the long-running and groundbreaking American Idol will come to an end after a final 15th season in 2015-16. “It’s not an easy decision,” Gary Newman, chairman and CEO of the Fox Television Group, said. “Idol has been such a vital part of Fox for its run. We spent a lot of time talking to producers about its future and we all rived to the conclusion it was time to bring the show to an end.” The ratings for Idol have been in decline for many years now. The season 13 finale drew in 10.1 million viewers, which is not bad, but when compared to the season 2 finale in 2003 which drew 38 million viewers, it seems dismal. A slew of other, similar shows such as NBC’s The Voice, the rise of the ease of gaining Internet fame, and the ever-rotating panel of judges led to the shows decline and now demise. Although Fox was the number one network for 18-49 year olds for 8 seasons, mainly because of Idol, it now has only one main success, the drama Empire. And a major success it is: it is the #1 series
on broadcast television, with adults, with teens, with women, with men, with AfricanAmericans, in social media, and had a #1 album debut. Despite its massive success, nothing else Fox tried this season worked: Gotham, Last Man on Earth, Utopia, Red Band Society, Mulaney, Gracepoint, Backstrom, and Weird Loners all flopped. With The Mindy Project’s cancellation, Fox sank to 4th behind NBC, CBS, and ABC. The majority of Fox’s new programs are in the sci-fi/horror theme, such as The Minority Report, Scream Queens, The Frankenstein Code, Lucifer, and a reboot of The X-Files. The Minority Report is a sequel to the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie of the same name, and The X-Files, starring David Duchovney and Gillian Anderson, is a reboot of the show that originally ran from 1993-2002. Scream Queens is a horror-comedy from two of the creators of Glee, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, which takes place on a college campus under the threat of a masked murderer. One character dies every episode, which explains the massive cast composed of Lea Michele, Jaime Lee Curtis, Emma Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, Ariana Grande, and Nick Jonas. The Grinder stars Rob Lowe, fresh off just-ended Parks and Recreation as an adored actor who moves back to his hometown after his TV show, in which he portrayed a famous lawyer names The Grinder, comes to an end. Finally, Grandfathered stars John Stamos as a man who
owns a successful restaurant but has never settled down who finds out he has not only a son, played by Josh Peck, but a grandchild. NBC will finish in the number one position for the 18-49 age group for the 2014-15 season, yet only because it aired the Super Bowl this year. The Voice is its only legitimate hit, with its two Chicago shows earing acceptable ratings. All of its new 2014-15 season shows were cancelled, except The Mysteries of Laura. Undateable is NBC’s only returning comedy, and it is changing format from a sit-com to all-live episodes. Its slew of new shows include Blindspot, a suspenseful drama about a young woman who turns up in Times Square covered in tattoos with no idea who she is trying to uncover her identity with the help of an FBI agent and her tattoos. Heartbreaker is yet another medical drama revolving around Dr. Kathy Magliato, a real-life heart transplant surgeon and her “racy” personal life. Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris sees Harris getting his own show after becoming a long-time award show host staple. The variety show will feature “stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways, unlimited surprises,” according to a press release. In yet another reboot, Heroes Reborn will see the 2006-2010 show Heroes, about ordinary people discovering they have superpowers, living to see another day. The Player is a thriller set around security expert and former military operative, played by Wes
Snipes, and the wealthy who bet on whether or not he will be able to prevent massive crimes from happening. And in standard sit-com fashion, People Are Talking involves two couple that live next door and constantly over-analyze each other’s lives. CBS is seeing far less changes to its lineup, with its fall schedule mostly revolving around football. Its few new shows include another reboot; this time to the Bradley Cooper acted and produced 2011 film Limitless. It will feature a new character that discovers the “limitless” powers that NZT offers, and woks for the FBI. Life in Pieces tells a family drama through the perspective of different family members, and Code Black is a medical drama set in LA. One of the most anticipated new shows, Supergirl, stars Melissa Benoist as the title character, a female superhero who is finally beginning to embrace her powers. ABC experienced more true success this season, such as How To Get Away With Murder, Fresh Off the Boat, and Black-ish. The Muppets is a new show featuring (what else) the Muppets, while Dr. Ken stars Ken Jeong as a physician who bedside manner and time he spends with his family is not the best. Drama Oil revolves around a small-town couple moving North Dakota who is threatened by oil businessmen, and Of Kings and Prophets is a Bible saga told through the view of a king, prophet, and shepherd, in the vein of A.D. and The Bible.
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sports
Athletes of Baseball continues playoffs success the month: By Troylon Griffin II Sports Editor
Carlos Borri Carlos Borri is a varsity soccer player. He’s a defender and helped his team win the 518 Cup against Springs. He received a Certification of Scholarship for $1,625 and in his free time enjoys rock climbing and watching TV. He hopes to go to St. Jack for his basics and then transfer to Texas A&M to be a doctor
All throughout May, Creek’s baseball team has been playing in their annual playoffs. They recently gained much success in their game against La Porte. They played two games and won both with an ultimate score of five to zero and eleven to one. The two games were meant to be the best out of three and therefore, due to Creek winning both games, a third was not played. The five-inning, run-rule victory sent Creek into the next stage of the playoffs: regional quarterfinals. “Playoffs have been pretty good so far.” said Austin Adams. The playoffs started the week of May 4 in which they played Fortbend Austin. They had much success in the two games they played, getting a score of seven to four and three to two. Highlights included how Aron Solis pitched all seven innings and struck out eight batters in his outing. Right fielder Michael Rohland drew a one-out walk to get things started. Third baseman Landon Etzel shot a single up the middle to drive in Rohland, followed by first baseman Harrison Hill plating Etzel with a single shot to right field. Creek added another run to go up 3-1 in fourth inning off of a
sacrifice fly by shortstop Garret Poston that drove in left fielder Austin Adams. Adams led off the inning with a double down the right field line. Parker Osburn legged out an infield single to move Adams to third base and set up the sac fly. Aron Solis gave up one more run on an RBI single by designated hitter Brandon
Photo by Hannah Pearson
Rivera. The defense resulted in a 6-4-3 double play that ended the game. The following week, they played La Porte. Creek took a 3-1 lead with a pair of runs in the third innings, then added four in both the fourth and fifth frames to
put the 90 minute game on ice. Baseball Coach Kunefke highlighted the pitching of Aron Solis and Zach Esquivel. Solis made a two run single and ended up walking two and striking out six. Satchel McElroy brought the contest and series to an end with a base hit. As runs came every minute, the innings progressed. Andy Weisen plated the first run when he drew a bases-loaded walk. Reed Hamilton drove in two runs with a double. Jack Kelly was hit by a pitch to reload bases. Austin Adams had a really good play on the left field. “We just scored more runs than them and played well.” Kunefke said. Garret Postin got two RBI singles and Michael Rohland hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third. “It was a good game, a great game actually,” Parker Osburn said, whom Coach Kunefke highlighted. The team has since been preparing for their next play off games such as their game against Pearland. “It’s an exciting time of the year for them to play well. We have a lot of senior support so it’s definitely fun to be out there coaching them,” Kunefke said. “It’ll be tough. They knocked us out of the playoffs last year so hopefully we knock them off.
Rockets make a come back in playoffs By Vidal Maldonado Sports Editor
Jordan Conner Jordan Conner is a senior softball player. She enjoys softball for the love of the game and to play with childhood friends. In her past time, she likes to go downtown and hand out with friends at museums and go to music festivals and concerts. She enjoys the “city life”. She will attend Texas State University and will major in communications, as she feels it’s “fun and overall a skill you need to learn.”
the wrong foot dropping the first game in a sloppy loss at home which was not expected as they were long rested almost a week longer than the Los Angeles Clippers, they picked up a game two victory tying the series 1-1 and appeared to crumble as they lost their next two games
The Houston Rockets have surged on to the second round of the NBA playoffs after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in a best of seven series winning four games to one. The Mavericks will now go into the off-season with many questions being un answered as far as the credibility of what looked like a promising playoff team. Meanwhile the Rockets moved on to the second round of the playoffs to play the Los Angeles Clippers, who beat the previous years champions led by three veteran front runners Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and rising Star Kawhi Leonard, but undeniably the main reason why the Clippers saw such success in the First round is because of the hunger of Coach Doc Rivers, a he is a championship coach and a smart one to say the least. Although their previous series was close, they managed to beat the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green defends against the San Antonio in a Game 7 that was held Houston Rockets’ Dwight Howard, left, in the second quarter Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Oracle Arena in in front of the Los Angeles crowd. inOakland, Calif., on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. (Ray Chavez/Bay The Rockets played very well to Area News Group/TNS) say the least in their battle vs. Dallas, but took a lot of effort and a lot of heart to beat the Clippers as the turn around for facing a three to one deficit to Los Angeles L.A. proved to be too much. The day Clippers with a game five at home the after their Game seven victory against San rockets rallied the team up to overcome Antonio they traveled to Houston to start the the clippers 124-103, however the odds new series Vs. James Harden and company. were still in the favor of the Clippers they Houston started off the series off on held a 3-2 series lead and now were back
home in front of their sell out crowd in Los Angeles, a place where the Rockets had lost by a total of 58 points in two games. Despite a 19 point deficit nearing the fourth quarter the Rockets came together and tied the game at the 4:20 mark in the fourth quarter and didn’t look back as they kept the confidence and rolled over the Clippers for a 119-107 comeback that shocked many people as they tied the series at 3-3 a piece with a game seven in Houston that was a win or go home situation for both teams. On Sunday May 17 the Rockets were a confident team one who had the hunger to complete a series comeback against the Clippers, Trevor Ariza opened the game with a 3 point field goal that gave the rockets a lead and from then on and never trailed to the Clippers. to their ultimate game seven victory completing a rally to win three games straight and take the series to the western conference finals to play the Golden State on Tuesday may 19th. “We fought back, we fought three really hard games and came away with a win.” Says Rockets Guard James Harden. Rockets center Dwight Howard also added “ as the clock ran down I was overwhelmed with joy. Now the Rockets will have to really show what they are made of as they prepare for the Golden State Warriors led by 2015 MVP Stephen Curry a dynamic ball handling, sharpshooting explosive player who has gone 8-2 this post season.
Sports
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Mayweather wins the boxing “fight of the century” By Vidal Maldonado Sports Editor
by Manny is was almost a ritual for Floyd to The next fight scheduled is one against wrap him up and hold him until the ref sepan unknown contender as of right now, arated them, a move that is completely lehowever for Floyd Mayweather this will Floyd Money Mayweather has cap- gal, but completely a buzz kill among specbe his last. He has said before that his love tured his 48 victory in the fight of the century labeled Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Floyd came in with his usual confident attitude on May 2 and kept the momentum of self preservation and finesse through out the bout with Pacquiao. What was hyped to be a boxing fight that was described by Mayweather as one of “incredible magnitude” ended up being a one sided fight of defense with hints of exciting face to face contact fighting by Floyd, many will argue that its just good old Mayweather defensive fighting, a master none the less at generating stats throwing jabs that would connect to the torso and arms of Pacquiao that would boost his stats and make him look like it a win was inevitable, easy, and a given fight. Many will argue about the outcome of this fight, because this wasn’t a knockout like you would see mike Tyson back in his prime tearing the competition and delivering exciting fights that most of Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, lands a punch on Manny Pacquiao in the fourth the time would be over with in less than tators who round of the WBC Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden for the sport 10 minutes, this was a fight of longevity a t t e n d e d Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Mayweather won in a unani- is not like mous decision. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS) and dodging the other persons punches. and ones it used to “I felt like I won, he didn’t who paid be, Floyd do anything,” says Pacquiao. at home. stated he will retire after this last match Many people will agree with Pacquiao, Controversy surrounded as the fight that is on contract with Showtime Enin saying that Manny proceeded to try to ended and was pretty clear who would go tertainment, he is contracted to make take the fight to Mayweather and make it home with the victory, Floyd Mayweathat least 180 million dollars for the fight interesting, almost every time Floyd was er Jr. now 48-0, who said “I will take alone, and by the numbers, 83,000 dollars taken by the ropes and be hit with side jabs no breaks and fight again in September.” per second while Manny himself made
Congratulations to the seniors who signed with a college
about 120 million dollars in the fight. This fight alone shattered the previous pay per view record of the fight that featured Floyd Mayweather and Saul Canelo Alvarez who were both undefeated at the time with Floyd Mayweather winning by a unanimous decision. Floyd Mayweather Holds the top three boxing records with the third record against Oscar De La Hoya. Just hours after his May 2 loss by unanimous decision, Pacquiao claimed he fought with a shoulder injury, one which he was hoping to get injected with a painkiller prior to the fight and which caused him to consider postponing the fight. However, Floyd had not bought it for a minute. In an interview with Showtime’s Jim Gray Mayweather stated. “After the fight, you know when he was sitting in the corner, no one was rubbing his shoulder. For him to say he had a torn rotator cuff, that’s ridiculous. If his hand would have gotten raised, he wouldn’t have said that. I mean, if you go back and you look at the weigh-in, he raised both arms extremely high. Throughout the whole week in training camp, leading up to the fight, when he was going to the boxing gym, when he was having workouts, he was throwing his left hand and his right hand extremely hard and extremely fast.” Although there are talks about a potential rematch, Floyd has said that is very unlikely and looks forward to his fight in November.
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