Table of Contents
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Smashing Stereotypes Fashion Breaking Boundaries Last Class of 90’s Kids Red Ribbon Week Homecoming Freshman Misconceptions 3009 Connections Annie Before Teaching,,, Athelete Superstitions A Day in the Life: Band
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Holiday Shopping
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Opinions Section
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Meet the Staff ON THE COVER - Like many students at Steele, seniors Riley Carter, Hannah Valentine, and Leandra Rodriguez show their school pride with the spirit squad face paint. Black and Silver Knightly camaraderie is commonly displayed at sporting events. Fall Issue 2016
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Smashing
Stereotypes; a widely held but fixed and oversimplified fied image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. This is the process we apply to our peers. We assign oversimplifications to our peers that degrade the efforts and ignore the complexity of those people. I believe no student or person is ever one thing. Everyone is built up by the sum of their actions, traits, activities, choices, opinions, b beliefs; l all ll of which h hk keep us from b being one thing, one label, one stereotype. I’ve collected students and asked them about the stereotypes and labels they, or the activities they partake in have been assigned over the years to disprove them. Name: Jackie Harris Grade: 11th Groups: Band, Excalibur hip hop team Stereotype: “Band Nerd” Jackie has chosen to rise above this stereotype and be more than this label. Jackie crosses the boundary between your “typical band student” by being more than that. As a three year member of the Excalibur hip hop team, he has put himself out there with his dancing and his extracurricular diversity. “Music is my getaway from all my troubles and all the situations that go on in life. Whenever I’m playing music or dancing, it puts me in my own zone and I can block out all the craziness around me and just focus on me and my music and dancing.” “I love the band kids. They aren’t trying to put on a front for anyone. They are just themselves and I love that. So it makes me feel like I can be myself around them. I joined Excalibur because I wanted to find something to help me escape the troubles school brings and I’ve stuck with it since freshman year.” “A lot of people believe the stereotype that if you’re in band, then you’re a nerd. I brushed off being teased though, because it was just what I knew I wanted to do. So who cares what they think of you.” I”’m glad that I’m not the stereotypical “band nerd” because it shows that you’re not a geek, or you’re not a nerd because you’re in band. You’re someone who has talent beyond what the normal student has. So being a part of the band and being in Excalibur somewhat boosts me up and builds confidence in the fact that I’m breaking the stereotype. People can see that so that they don’t have to feel like if they join band they’ll be labeled. “I say that stereotypes are around, but the people that are the best, and I believe are the best, are the ones that break out of what most people think they fit into. Whenever you’re breaking out of that stereotype you show that hole or gap in the stereotype and it makes people feel like maybe they can try that. I wish people knew that I love band. It’s something that they should try themselves to understand that.”
Name: Gianmarco Velez Grade: 12 Stereotype: “jocks aren’t smart” Gianmarco, or Geo, is a varsity football player, among a list of many activities, who has recently achieved the title of AP scholar, a title achieved by making a three or higher on three or more AP tests. “Mainly because of playing football, I think the first thing people assume is that I’m not the smartest or that all I care about is sports. I don’t think I fit that stereotype and I don’t think it’s true. I know a lot of football guys who are decent, smart dudes, who have been in groups like NHS. I’m an AP scholar, an A and B student, and I scored pretty well on my SAT. I kind of like those kinds of stereotypes because it’s kind of fun when you show that you don’t fit that stereotype. I think it’s kind of funny to see how people react to you breaking that stereotype. There’s more to me than when I’m just being funny or they see me walking around.”
Stereotypes Story and Design by Talia Snow
Name: Mason Read Grade: 11th Stereotype: introvert Mason is a student on the speech and debate team who doesn’t fit the profile of a public speaker. “I’m very shy and quiet. I usually get very good grades in school. I usually don’t really like talking to people because it’s hard for me to know what to say next in a conversation. I joined last year and it was when the primaries were going on so of course politics were very interesting, and so I started reading a lot about that and I signed up for an architecture class that had no te teacher, and speech seemed like the least boring option. I really like all the different ttopics and the research is one of my favorite parts. Trying to get out of my comfort zzone is one of the reasons I joined debate. When I took communications and had to give speeches I was out of my comfort zone, but it was also really exciting kind of like a rollercoaster. So that’s kind of how I feel in a debate round. A lot of people seem to know me, and know my name, even if I have no idea who they are, but I don’t really think they know me well enough to stereotype me. I believe sometimes stereotyping can be helpful because it’s hard to really get to know everyone, so if you know a few traits of their personality then from that you can infer the rest in some circumstances. But it can also be vvery destructive especially racial stereotypes. “Politics was one thing that was really starting to interest me. It’s not that I wanted to get over my fear of public speaking or get better, but its that I actually kind of enjoyed it. Partially because I was a little afraid of it. I think it’s definitely a lot easier now, even though that was the goal.” Name: Hannah Mallet Grade: 12 Stereotype: “they think that I’m gay” Hannah Mallet has been stereotyped for her change in wardrobe and her haircut and given labels by people based on false assumptions. “ I had really long hair and I cut my hair super short and changed my clothes to match my hair, and so people assume that this is me coming out as gay. This assumption makes me feel judged because sometimes people don’t want that around their kids or they get uncomfortable, so this offends me sometimes. I cut my hair because my best friends sister had leukemia and she didn’t want to shave her head. So I shaved it with her and I shaved half my hair and cut the other side once hers started growing back so we could go through the stages together. People just want to be who they are, even if they’re not gay. I think that stereotypes are dumb because everyone complains that you shouldn’t being judging others and that society is messed up but when you do judge off those stereotype you’re just doing what society is doing, basically being a hypocrite. I wish that people knew that I have really bad confidence issues and I’m really self conscious, and so when they see me as gay I feel likeI have to dress up so that they don’t assume that of me, so I don’t feel judged. I don’t like that. I feel like I have to change myself to fit their perspective of what they want me to be.”
Between all of these different types of stereotypes or labels or even just traits, the message is the same, that one quality doesn’t define you or have to change how or what you do. Breaking the comfort zone, the label, the stereotype is what makes us stronger and I’d encourage everyone to challenge your own label, stereotype, weakness, talents, and see yourself and others past those things, because it can only make you more diverse and broaden your perspectives.
Styling @ Steele Ge t Inspired T he Reckless “Fashion is how you want it to be. It’s what you make it.”
Design by Jaslyn Lewis
T he T hrifter
-Justin Mendoza, 12th
White Pullover Sweater ($30, J.Jill.com)
Nike SB Trainerendor ($80, Pacsun.com)
Vans V an Deppster Web Belt We ($14.95, Vans.com) ($14
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Doc Martens ($100, Journey’s.com)
“Everyday is a Fashion Show and the world is your Runway” -Kate Spade Take a look at some of 2016’s Fall fashion and get inspired by some of our students here at Steele High School!
T he Pride
“If I could only wear one outfit it would be a leather jacket with a white tank top, ripped jeans, and black vans.”
T he Rebel
-Gabriella Rodriguez, 12th
Nike Air Max 90 ($120,Footlocker.com)
Skate Shoes ($50, Vans.com)
Tip
Buy a Steele shirt to show some school pride! You can purchase spirit items in the school store.
Faux Leather Jacket ($64, Limited.com)
G N I K BREA Breaking Boundaries is all about students who give their all and more; students who end up breaking records, to compete on collegiate levels. These althletes’ successes range from winning State competitions, to receiving multiple college scholarships, to even being the only freshman on a varsity team. These students are breaking through boundaries and heading straight towards their futures.
S E I R A D N BOU STORY/DESIGN BY JAYLA HATCHER
ahead of her. The Knights basketball ladies (Pictured left to right) are kicking off their season strong, breaking records for the school, scoring 97 points in Lauren Martinez- Aside from being a a recent game. It’s obvious Aja is apart of freshman on Varsity last year in track and cross country and advancing to state, Lauren something special this year. Martinez also managed to make it to RegionAutumn Leville- Varsity swimmer, als this year in cross country. Autumn Leville, is a two-time record holder for the school, three time regional qualifier Caden Sterns- Junior Caden Sterns, and set the precedent for the diving program a starter on the Varsity football team, is at Steele. already recieving multiple scholarship and Jada Gardner- Jada Gardner, a senior, recruitment offers and has recently committed to attending Louisianna State Univeraity. is four year player on the varsity volleyball Aja Holmes- Aja, a freshman on the girls team. In November, Jada signed with University of Maryland. varsity basketball team,has a bright career
Last Class of 90s Kids Story and Design By Hailey Giles Each decade marks the beginning and the end of traditions and fads. The Class of 2017 students mark the end of one of the most influential decades, the last high school class of ‘90s babies. Many of these students were influenced by different fads, clothing, toys from the ‘90s. The ‘90s may have ended, but it’s legacy lives on through these students. Come summer 2017, every ‘90s kid will be an official adult. The ‘90s were a time of perms, grunge fashion,the start of the world wide web, L.A. riots, the debut of hit shows “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” and President Bill Clinton being named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Many of the students in the Class of 2017 were influenced by these different trends and ideas, and they continue to express themselves in the way they act, dress, and present themselves. Many of them are very proud to claim the title of the last real class of ‘90s kids, “Although people born in the 2000s are barely younger, it feels like we are the last ‘mature’ class,” Ana Dandy, Senior. Others are not as affected by the label, “I feel no different, I was born in ‘99, I didn’t really experience the ‘90s,” Jacob Frentzen, Senior. The end of the generation of ‘90s kids brought many questions. We’ve all grown up hearing that we aren’t old enough or experienced enough to enjoy an activity, item of clothing, or type of music, and many of these seniors have strong opinions on this topic. They grew up hearing that they shouldn’t enjoy something because they hadn’t been alive long enough to even have an opinion. My main purpose in
writing this article was to understand how seniors feel about these statements; I received many different responses. Some believed the statement was true; others completely disagreed. Some believed our likes or dislikes shouldn’t be based on the time we were born, but based on what we actually enjoy. Senior, Tammie Smith, said, “... the generation in which someone was born shouldn’t determine who or what they can like.” Others believed the statement was true, and we shouldn’t be so influenced by something we didn’t even live with. Hannah Valentine said, “...people that lived in the ‘70s would say that they lived in a different time than people who lived in the ‘80s, just like people who lived in the ‘90s lived in a different time than the people from the 2000s.” Unfortunately, seniors aren’t the only ones who have heard this statement. Other classes heard the same statement and have similar opinions on the topic. “I hate it when people say I can’t enjoy something just because I wasn’t born when it came out. Being born in a different time doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it.” Andrea Kulow, junior. Morgan Smith, a junior, said, “...I think everyone should be able to like anything they want.” There is one prevailing theme concerning the kids of the 90s. They simply want to express themselves and be respected for what they bring to the world. They are intelligent, expressive, and just like other generations, are excited to take on the world after graduation and be a positive force for change. “ I don’t think us being the last class of ‘90s kids would change how ecstatic we are for what the future holds,” senior Abigail Kemter said.
“ I remember loving Zoo Tycoon because there was no set boundary.” - Aidan Sams
Zoo Tycoon
2000s
Fall Issue 2016
“I remember trading them with my neighbors, and wearing them all up our arms.”- Talia Snow
2000s Littlest Pet Shops
90s ´, UHPHPEHU WKDW P\ ÀUVW RQH ZDV WKH Persian cat. I hated trading because people would give me terrible ones”-Kaylie Borin
Gameboys “I remember having fun playing Mario with my friends and siblings.”- Jazzlin Alaniz
“I remember collecting the dolls and dressing them up. All my friends had them too.” - Hannah Baldobino
Cabbage Patch Kids
80s
Silly Bands
- Coryn Blandon
“I remember watching Magic School Bus. That show taught me everything I know about science.”
Magic School Bus
Do You Re member?
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90s
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Drop The Drugs Red Ribbon Week By Emily Harris “I dressed up for red ribbon week because it’s fun and a good way to encourage yourself and others to be drug free,” freshman Victoria Ledum said. Red Ribbon week usually occurs during the week October 22-25th. Red Ribbon week spreads awareness to the community about being drug free. Many schools make the week fun by giving students the opportunity to dress up while spreading awareness about the dangers of using drugs. “I am being drug free by staying away from drugs,” sophomore Terence Russell said. By saying no to drugs it shows you know drugs aren’t the greatest decision you can make in life. Red Ribbon week was created because a man named Enrique Camarena who had been working undercover in Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to him discovering a multimillion dollar narcotics
manufacturing operation in Mexico. He was killed by the men running the company and Red Ribbon Week was then created in Enrique Camarena’s honor. “Red Ribbon Week spreads a ton of awareness about being drug free,” freshman Ashley Lindell said. Steele High School is helping students stay drug free by providing a whole week of dressing up and plastering posters around the main hallway about being drug free. “I am drug free so I can have a future,” Ledum said. Why be drug free? Being drug free is a way to provide a better life for yourself. It gives you a future to plan for. Everyone has a path they will choose after they graduate. Choose your path wisely.
Jaz-lynn Hernandez(9th) Throwback Thursday.
Jacob Fretzen(12th), Odessa Bingham(12th), Aidan Sams(12th) Mix It Up Monday.
Aidan Sams(12th), Sarah Perran(12th), Dylan Bodie(12th), Skyler Sloan-Vasquez(12th), Odessa Bingham(12th), Lindsey Novikoff(12th), Ty Craighead(12th) Tropical Tuesday.
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Fall Issue 2016
Jaraya Ryan(12th) Workout Wednesday.
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Homecoming..... lll of the lights went out� Design by Rheagan McGurr and Hannah Hagan
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High Schools in Texas take homecoming to the next level with mums that drag the ground, lively parties and dances, rivalries between football teams, and theme dress up days to keep the spirit going.
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“We went to IHOP and it was cool because it was l ate and we were eating breakfest at midnight” Diane Potter, 10th grade
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”My favorite rapper to listen to is Logic.” Alexander Kenton, 12.
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“The perfect dress at the perfect time...It just so happened no one had the same dress as me. Individuality is key!” Del ani Johnson, 10th grade.
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Freshman Jasmyn Weaver, sophomore Hannah Hagan, and freshman Kya Williams dressed up for Nerds vs. Preps theme day.
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roposal Senior Justin Mendoza asked his girlfriend Alexis Arce to the homecoming dance during the Pink Out Pep Rally.
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Jada Brown,12, with her father
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“It was stresful because I was running l ate, I had to finish my makeup in the car and I thought I forgot my ticket but overall it was worth it.� Sabrina Ponce, 10th grade
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Homecoming from A-Z continued
“My dates were Dani Hernandez, Chloe Coloura and Molly Herrick. It was really fun and I spent my money on dresses and pink lemonade.” Jasmyn Weaver, 9th grade
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“Everyone asked why I wasn’t going to homecoming. I said because I didn’t like people and TV is better than people anyways.” Eliasbeth Manges, 10th grade
caibuar Performance
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Alyssa Varenhorst, 10th grade, poses with her date for the night that was visiting from another high school at the homecoming dance.
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nspoken Rules Of Homecoming “I think one of the most important unspoken rule of homeocoming is to not go with other girls boyfriends, because it like stealing someone’s mans.” Meaghan Billington-Torres, 10th grade
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FRESHMAN MISCONCEPTIONS Story and Design by Jasmyn Weaver
Teen TV shows and movies give people a fixed idea on what high school will be like. Movies and shows tend to have students break into song during their hour long passing periods. Unfortunately this isn’t the case. In high school no one breaks into song for a choreographed dance, and passing periods aren’t long. High school is the exact opposite of finish it all you’re tired. Then what most expect. you have sports, clubs and all the other extracurricular actiFRESHMAN vites. And there lies the best PERSPECTIVE part of high school. Extracur“I thought it [high school] ricular activities gives students would be like High School the opportunity to socialize Musical. It’s not,” freshman by meeting new people and Tori Olivas said. She is one of explore areas of interests. many to fall under the HollySteele High School offers over wood spell. 30 clubs and many more fine Unfortunately, high school arts, sports, and leadership isn’t all butterflies and rainprograms. bows, as High School Musical Tori was a part of the Annie depicted it to be. “I was freakproduction for theater, once ing out and I was extremely the preformance was nearstressed,” freshman Bri Mening, rehersals were scheduled doza said on her first day. everyday after school. Bri is in “High school is stressful.” orchestra and learning the new All the homework that is music and school work can be assigned piles up and after you tiring. Students have to remem-
“I was freaking out and I was extremely stressed.” -Bri Mendoza
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Fall Issue 2016
ber their priorities and become skilled at time management if the plan on being involved in extracurricular activities. SENIOR PERSPECTIVE “Once I was in school, I saw that it was full of amazing people and fun things to do. It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.” senior grader Andrew Burchett said. High school offers so much more than middle school. With the eclectic sports and clubs offered here there’s is plenty to do. “I was pretty nervous, but I was happy to be here.” Andrew said. Most people are excited to get to high school because they are almost done with their schooling. Seniors are on the cusp of their adult life. The differences between seniors and freshman are vast, yet we are still faced with similar problems during high school. Including the reality that high school isn’t the way Hollywood portrays it to be.
My freshman experience was a good "and new experience, but not as great as I thought it was gonna be." -11th grader, Ean Cheek My freshman expirence was easy, yet hard. "With it being my first time in high school I felt out of place, but making new friends was the best thing that could ever happen to me.
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-11th grader, Marciano Parisano
favorite freshman memory was when "Mr.MyWalker gave me a hunny bun when I was really hungry and I didn't have lunch." -10th grader, Hannah Hagan the first day of my freshman year I thought that "I On didn't know what I was doing and I went to Mrs. Blevins [the nurse] room to see where I was going." -10th grader, Rheagan McGurr
Fall Issue 2016
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3009 Connections
By Elisabeth Manges “Every time we are all together there is a family rivalry!” Second year teacher, Ms. Keaney, said. Keaney graduated from Steele High School in 2010, however her sister, Cayla, is currently a senior at Clemens High School. “My sister and I are quite a few years apart. When they rezoned the schools she was only in intermediate school and did not get the chance to be grandfathered into Steele.” The Keaney family, including uncle, aunt, cousins, etc., have always supported Steele. When the schools were rezoned my Cayla was the only one who was not grandfa-
Mrs. Keaney (right) with her sister, Cayla (left).
thered in and had to attend Clemens. “Every time our family gets together there is always a debate between Clemens and Steele.” “During the Battle of 3009 my entire family sits on the Steele side. Except for my parents, they sit on the Clemens side to support my sister who is a senior in the Clemens band.” “I have only attended a few Clemens games to support my sister with dance and band. However, our family usually attends whoever is playing home that week,” Keaney said. Although the schools are town rivals, our community is united and support each other like a strong family unit.
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WIth the efforts of 75 students total, the show came together. 50 with the cast , and 25 with the crew. “Ever since I was a child I’ve always wanted to act. Whether it be a hero or a zero or the villian. I’m always greatful for any role I have and the theater arts department here never fails to give a good show.” Noah Riddle, 12th grade
Annie first hit the Broadway musical scene back in 1977, then ran for nearly six years.
“We do a lot of stuff every year so it’s kind of hard to keep up with, and then this year it’s Annie. Last year I was in one act, we perform a play at a competition. We just keep going and hopefully to state this year.” Karolin Sferle, 11th grade
“Annie was a really fun show to be in, it was definitely stressful at times but we had such a talented cast and crew. Meeting everyone and making so many friends and memories was such a great expirence and we had such a wonderful show in the end!” Keianna Lee, 10th grade
“There’s always that big weight on you that you got to get everything right and you don’t know how many people will show up, and I feel like even though I’ve done this for a while the nervous energy always comes up. But I learned to turn that feeling positive, rather than be afraid of the stage.” Hannah Petersen, 12th grade Steele High School and The Round Table Theatre Company presented Annie for five showings in November.
“Musical theater is my passion and, it’s probably the only thing I’d want to do with my life.” Alieya Rauch, 12th grade “I’ve been in plays since second grade, and I work in Community Theater. I’ve just really been in love with acting, and singing all my life. ” Noah Smith, 12th grade
When I was ten, I was in the same musical back in Virginia. But I was in the ensemble.” Alex Kruczek, 11th grade
The actor of the dog is owned by Kloe Smith and it’s real name is Miley Smith.
“When I was little my mom and my dad, they loved Annie the movie. So I would always be shown the movie a bunch, they told us that they were going to do it here and I was like that is such a fun movie, and I was like oh yeah! I got to be a part of this!” Crystal Suministrado, 11th grade
“Be fore I Became a Teacher...” By Kayl i e Bo rin
A teacher’s life, as a students may know, usually consist of our teachers being teachers- and only that. What else could they possibly be, or have been? Leave it to the teachers themselves to argue otherwise.
“I’D DO IT NOW IF I WASN’T 40.”
“I drove the beverage cart at a golf course up in Plano, Texas for about seven years- age 16-23. I absolutely loved it. I’d do it now if I wasn’t 40.” -Ms. Mat thews
“My first job was as a dish washer and then I worked at Taco Hell and then I worked at Michael’s where I was a picture framer for five years which is how I worked my way through college. I enjoyed working at Michael’s because I liked looking at pictures and matching colors, so that was fun. Everything else- no. Being a dish washer is disgusting and I call it Taco Hell for a reason.” -Ms. Vann “At 21 I opened my own business. I worked in my own business for twenty- something years and between those years, I went to school. I worked in my business and I worked in an old furniture company administrating. Within the company, I worked seven years and then I decided that what I really want to do is be a teacher, so I went back to school, got my teacher certification and started teaching. This is the best in my life.” -Mr. Barrera “I worked a t Randolph Air Force Base. I was wha t they called a “summer hire.” Basically a gopher. They put you where ver they want you and you do wha t no one else really wants to do, you know- running stuf f, typing stuff up because no one really wanted to do tha t. To be honest, I loved it. In fact, now tha t I’m ge t ting ready to re tire, I wanna go do tha t again! It was some thing to do, not hard- easy to do - and make some money.” -M s. Majdecki “One of the jobs I remember the most was working at Blockbuster Video which was where you can go rent a video and bring it back. What I remember most about it was that you had to stay late all the time and you had customers always looking for a movie. To be honest with you, I didn’t like it- I hated it. But the reason I remember it is because I knew that I didn’t wanna do that job for the rest of my life- I wanted to go to college and get a bet ter job.” -Coach Barcenez
Athlete Superstitions ... Story and Design by Joe Dan Pish, Kya Williams, C’Airah Tate
“I wear the same curly fry underwear every game day “ Lejond Cavazos 9th grade, Football
“Peanuts are bad luck so I don’t eat them and I don’t wear the color yellow.� JoeDan Pish 10th grade, Football
At Steele High School where sports dominate after school activiWLHV IURP IRRWEDOO WR WUDFN DQG ÀHOG and everything in between, almost everyone has a sport that they attend or participate in. What’s really fascinating about the athletes at Steele is the lengths they’ll go to try to get a win. %\ GHÀQLWLRQ VXSHUVWLWLRQ LV WKH EHOLHI LQ WKH RPLQRXV VLJQLÀFDQFH of a particular thing, a notion that an item or practice can give one good or bad luck in future endeavors, and in some circles, a very popular song by Stevie Wonder. However, we’re making reference WR WKH WUDGLWLRQDO GHÀQLWLRQ ,Q WKH realm of organized sport, superstitions are commonplace with athletes and fans alike. A sense of supernatural advantage over your opponent via an enchanted item or special ritual is something athletes KDYH SXUVXHG IRU \HDUV ,Q WKH same sense, the notion of steering clear of objects said to cause poor performance is known just as well
“I can’t change or do anything different before a game, like braid my hair or wrap my ankles.� Geneva Moreno 9th grade, Volleyball
“I jump up and touch the goal post before every game .� Ke’Anthony Hill 11th grade, Football
by participants. To show just how far they’ll go, we asked athletes about their sports superstitions. The answers we got ranged from odd to outright ridiculous. For example, Sophomore Joe Dan Pish refuses to wear yellow RU HDW SHDQXWV RQ JDPH GD\ ´,W¡V D superstition passed down from my dad� he said. A more practical superstition came from Ameriste Wilshire who said she steers clear of dairy products before games to avoid an upset stomach. )UHVKPDQ 4XDUWHUEDFN ,VDLDK Moore says he wears his lucky game day p.j.’s, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on him. Freshman Volleyball player Marilisa Lewis wears mismatched socks on game day. Another freshman basketball player, Kya Williams says she can’t eat before a game. Whether it be a fear of an upset stomach or a family tradition, superstitions are guaranteed to continue as long as athletes want an edge over their competition.
“I don’t eat a big breakfast.� Jaylah Martinez 9th grade, Swim
“I always drink a blue Gatorade before and after every game.� Kya Williams 9th grade, Basketball
..... is luck on your side? “I have to eat a certain meal the night befo,re a meet. Chicken tenders, spaghetti and salad.� Kacendra Cyr, Cross Country “I wear a certain necklace.� Sydney Holeik, Cross Country
“I always wear Nike socks.� Victoria Maldanado 10th grade, volleyball
“I wear Game day pajamas� ,VDLDK 0RRUH 9th Grade, Football
“For every free throw, I dribble the ball five times and spin the ball before I shoot.� Atavia Autrey 9th grade, Basketball
“I pray before every meet and always have my hair in a bun.� Camry Hill 9th Grade, Track&Field
“I don’t pay much attention to my phone on a game day.� Nyah Waiters 10th grade, Softball “I pray.� Hollis Campbell, 9th grade, Cheer
A Day in The Life A band students perspective on their busy schedules By Talia Snow
T
alk to any band student and you’ll hear the stories detailing their early mornings, long days, holiday rehearsals, short summers, sore muscles, sunburn, dehydration, drama. But what’s band really like, do you really know how much time and dedication is required and how does it affects the rest of their lives? Band students spend 165 hours hot summer hours of rehearsal in the three weeks preceding the first day of school, and spend an average of 10 hours during each school week at band practice. Between this practice and the extra time spent at football games and all-day Saturday competition, students are always in for a long week. “The practice schedule is so rigorous that it cuts into other things that I like to participate in. And ultimately other things end up getting sacrificed just because I’m always at band,” said drum major, Emma Anderson. Now, maybe these hours wouldn’t affect the members so much if that was the only thing students participated in, but most band students are also very active in other school activities and outside of school. “I’m very heavily involved in my church. I’m there in the morning every day at 6 am. And then right after that I go from that to band practice, and then school. I’m in all AP and Dual-Credit classes which takes up a lot of time. And I’m in Mixed Company, which has a three hour practice every week, so I don’t get home till 9 o’clock usually on those days. Also, I have youth on Wednesday, church on Sunday. And other programs on Saturdays. And then NHS which takes up time every Tuesday. I stay busy.” All this extracurricular involvement leads to a number of added stressors. Stressors that band students deal with in addition to staying on top of their schoolwork, which as you can imagine is hard when you have so little extra time in the day. “It definitely affects my school work. Very often, I stay up very late because the band relies on me to be at practices. So other things can end up taking second priority to band, and it can be hard to keep my grades up, but I just have to spend a lot of time on it and stay up late. I normally get home about 30 minutes after practice, so 7:30 pm. And after that I have hours of homework before I go to sleep, on a good night for probably seven hours, and
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Fall Issue 2016
Guard member, Chenoa Ray, using swing flags during the second movemnt of the contest show. The band recieved a one at contest and advanced to area. Photo Courtesy of GM Fire Photography
on a bad night, for maybe four.” So, how do these students manage to keep up with all of this and balance that with their family? After all, band students often say goodbye to the band hall on Friday nights only seven or eight hours before they’ll be returning the next day. “I spend probably more time in the band hall than I do in my own home. My school and home life balance, it’s not that great, honestly. Especially during marching season, because I’m always gone and I know it can be hard for my family, just because they don’t get to see me that often, but they are super supportive of me. They always come to my games and competitions. My dad always comes because it’s time he can spend with me, because I’m always gone, I’m always at band. We have a lot of support from our parents, there’s band moms and mover dads that come and help out their kids and support the band program, which is super awesome. I would definitely say there is greater support for
band compared to other groups, just because there are so many students in band, there’s a good 260, so that’s a lot of parents involved. And band takes so much. There’s all the pit equipment and all the props to be moved, and getting the meals ready, and the uniforms. That’s a lot of manpower. And without the band parents, the band could not function.” Band is not only a time constraint. Band, just like any other physical activity, takes it’s toll on the body. Each year students struggles range from dehydration to knee and ankle injury. “I absolutely think people would be surprised by the demand of band. During the summer, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, we are there from 7am-4pm, and Tuesday and Thursday we are there from 7am-9pm. The threea-days are rough. We would start every morning with 45 minutes of pt., physical training, and we do a lot of running, and body weights training. And after that, and I consider myself to be pretty in shape, I am dead. And then after that we still have an entire day of marching and playing ahead of us. Marching is actually very physically demanding to be able to do it well. It takes a lot of muscle concentration, and that’s why we do so much of the physical training, to be able to do what we do and be ready to march well for our competitions. It’s very different, it’s unnatural to do the things we do, on top of playing an instrument. Every day when I would get home from marching band, I would be out, just physically exhausted, mentally exhausted, emotionally exhausted.”
Now once the school year begins is when student’s schedules really get complicated. A lot of preparation goes in the contest show Steele fans see out on the field at halftime, but what most may not know is the behind the scenes of that next day. “I feel like people don’t always take us seriously. I mean they see us at the pep rally and the games, but they don’t understand the level of competition we go to. Sure, we have the football game Friday, but then the dance goes home, the cheer goes home, the football team goes home. But we’re back in the morning, ready to go. It takes a lot. We are definitely the busiest organization, in Steele, I’d say.” Now, all those things are true, and band is extremely demanding but it’s also providing the band students who utilize the benefits of the program, the foundation to help them succeed later in life. “It’s one of the most demanding things that I’ve ever had to do, especially with the added responsibilities of being a drum major. I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. It has social rewards. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had because of band. It’s definitely taught me dedication. It requires a lot of that and I know that’s a life skill that will help later on. It takes a lot to a lot to be here all the time, and always be in-the-zone, and doing my best. It’s pushed me and made me grow. Along with the dedication that it takes, it takes a lot of intelligence to be playing an instrument at a high level, as well as marching. It’s not easy to do. Learning to march or play definitely takes a sort of will power, mental power, and all of that can definitely be applied to other areas of life.”
Drum major, Brandon Johson, and the band perform an intense last movemnt. The show included many big impact moments and high intensity drill. Photo Courtesy of GM Fire Photography
Fall Issue 2016
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Holiday Gif t Shopping Story and design by Tobiah Bywater The holiday season is already here, and what do all these holidays have in common? Gifts! And stress! Gift buying can be, and typically is, mentally and physically exhausting, even downright painful! Not to worry, though, we’ve compiled a list of items that have been discussed this year and made it on to many people’s wish list. These gifts are perfect for anyone and will leave you at peace of mind until the stressful season starts again next Christmas!
Al ternat ives Macbook, $899- ASUS ChromeBook Flip, $299 ASUS doesn’t have the iOS system, but it serves the purpose of a laptop and tablet well, without the same hefty price tag.
iPhone 7
iPhone 7, $649- iPhone SE, $399 The iPhone SE isn’t as new as the iPhone 7, but it’s a very nice compromise. Think of it as an iPhone 6S in an iPhone 5 body, and $150 cheaper than the iPhone 6S. Apple Watch, $399-FitBit, $149 Although it doesn’t have as many features, it serves the purpose it was designed for. You don’t need a $400 smartwatch to be motivated to be fit.
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Polaroid Camera
Mermaid Tail Blanket
Apple Watch
Macbook Air 2
Books
Gif t Buying Tips! 1. Ask for things that people like! It gives you an idea of what they like and helps to guage on great gifts!
2. It doesn’t always have to be pricey! Look on
Converse
second-hand websites like eBay or Amazon for less expensive items to avoid breaking out a loan for the holidays!
3. Don’t just automatically go to gift cards or cash. It has less meaning and comes off as laziness or carelessness. These should only be dead-last resorts.
4. As much as teens are unwilling to admit it these days, we LOVE to read great books! Popular series include Harry Potter, Michael Vey, and The Trials of Apollo.
5. You don’t always have to BUY a gift! Homemade gifts are always a good idea.
DRESS CODE By: Jasmyn Weaver I, like so many others, feel like there’s an issue with a biased dress code against girls. I don’t think this problem lies just in our school but in society in general. Guys’ dress code is very lenient compared to the girls. It seems as though girls have a dissertation for what we can and can’t wear and guys have half of a sticky note. The girls’ dress code is: no yoga pants, no leggings, and no tights unless our shirt is three inches above the knee. No skirts or shorts more than three inches above the knee and no holes in our jeans unless they are below the knee No crop tops and the straps of our shirts have to be at least three inches wide. Now, while I understand that it is important
we dress appropiatley, complications occur when the clothes sold in our stores consist of mostly items that violate these rules.The stores that sell these clothes that are “in fashion” for teens don’t seem to care wether our jeans land us in d-hall or not. While guys on the other hand can pretty much avoid this problem all together. Last year, there was this rumor going around that skinny jeans would be against dress code. Needless to say, the girls almost rioted, including me. I wear skinny jeans almost every day and to be “breaking dress code” by wearing skinny jeans would stop me from wearing 90% of my jeans. Thankfully, it was just a rumor, but it makes me wonder how strict our dress code could get before we end up in uniforms.
MOCK ELECTION FOR THE
45
TH
PRESIDENT “Although him [Trump] and Clinton weren’t the best, he had more redeeming qualities. I also agree more with his viewpoints more than Clinton’s and the Democrats.” -Kenneth Siler “I voted for Hillary because I thought it was really important that women have representation in government and I really liked her policies.” -Megan Seisburger “I honestly didn’t expect him to win at all, but I’m glad about it. Obviously he won for a reason and people need to respect that.” -Brooke Arias
Stein Abstain Johnson Hillary
Trump
Hillary: 16.8% 16.8 8% Trump: 65.1% Johnson: 6.7% Stein: 2.2% Abstain: 8.9% The mock election was held in Mr. Moravits dual credit history classroom with 89 student voters.
by the NUMBE R S Halloween
32% Christmas
68% DC 21% Snapchat
33%
Instagram 47% 20%
79% Marvel
Ms. Reed- Advisor
Meet the Staff
Jayla Hatcher- Photo Editor Hailey Giles- Assistant Photo Editor Marciano Parisano -Business Manager Kaylie Borin- Fine Arts Editor Jaslyn Lewis- Assistant Fine Art Editor Emily Harris- People Editor Jasmyn Weaver- Opinions Editor Tobiah Bywater- Assistant People Editor
Talia SnowEditor in Chief
Angie Bell - Staff Reporter Hannah Hagan- Staff Reporter Elisabeth Manges- Staff Reporter Rheagan McGurr- Staff Reporter Joe Dan Pish- Staff Reporter Destiney Santiago- Staff Reporter C’Airah Tate -Staff Reporter