News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
December 2023
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
Class of 2024 struts the runway in Style Show
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 39, Issue 5
STUCO plans Relax & Review Week
Students get the opportunity to relax during a stressful midterm season
JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor On December 9, the Class of 2024 took to the runway for the iconic Senior Style Show. A long-lasting tradition, the Senior Style Show has been a way to celebrate the year’s graduating class since 1987. In this event, male and female seniors walk across a 60-foot runway with their classmates and model outfits from department stores around Houston. This year, the event featured brands from Macy’s and Dillard’s. To accomplish such an exciting event, models are assigned to various runway scenes and arrive at the Grand Ballroom at 6:45 a.m. to eagerly await professional styling, hair, and makeup. Immediately following the show, families and students celebrate the event’s success with a luncheon. Fashion event producer, Lenny Matuszewski, Jr., has overseen the EHS Senior Style Show for over thirty years. He notes that “each year, families and friends gather to watch the EHS seniors walk the runway in a high energy, professionally-produced fashion show. All EHS seniors experience the process of being fitted for their fashion show outfit, rehearsing their choreography, blocking their scene in the fashion show, and having hair and makeup and grooming applied by Houston’s leading beauty experts. The result is an exciting, upbeat, feel-good experience that creates a lifelong memory, for every EHS senior as well as their families and friends.” As one of EHS’s most beloved and unique traditions for over three decades, the Senior Style Show serves as a fun, exciting milestone for each graduating class that will continue to bring joy to the Episcopal community for years to come.
Pictured from left to right, Alyssa Skaggs, Lila Habiby, and Jazzy Jones play with the therapy service dogs during midterm review week to destress. Photo courtesy of ehshouston instagram. JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor
“Relax and Review Week, the week before midterms and during Review Week, is a time for students to de-stress and get their minds off studying. During lunch and break, students have the chance to pet therapy dogs, decorate Christmas cookies, and enjoy a hot chocolate bar provided by Student Council and Mrs. Courtney Lindloff.” Learn more about Relax and Review Week on Page 3
Advent Chapel signals preparation for Christmas LIZ BURKE Staff Writer
INSIDE Check out the latest fashion trends Read Clara’s Closet and her opinion on dupes
PAGE 4 Winter sports seasons in full swing Take a peek at early team results
PAGE 4 Features ........................... 2-3 Culture ............................ 4 Entertainment .................. 5 Opinions........................... 6 Sports............................... 7
Since the 1980s, the Episcopal community has come together each December in the serene Benitez Chapel to celebrate Christmas through the cherished tradition of Advent Chapel. This tradition proudly holds the esteemed title of the “Best Episcopal tradition” among students and faculty. The atmosphere during the service undergoes a meaningful transformation, symbolically representing the story of Jesus’ birth. Starting in a gentle dimness, additional candles are gradually lit. As the narrative unfolds, the Chapel lights up with the radiance of all the building’s lights, symbolizing Jesus dispelling darkness in our world and lives. The preparation for this annual event is vital and highly valued. The EHS choir dedicates weeks to rehearsal, contributing significantly to the special atmosphere. Readers and acolytes invest extensive hours perfecting their roles, ensuring smooth processions. The Altar Guild members add their artistic touch, decorating the Chapel and attending to the finer “little details.” Advent Chapel stands as a proud tradition, symbolizing the strength and unity of the EHS community. It is a time for students and faculty to gather together and celebrate. It’s a time for Knights to reflect on the foundation they’ve collectively built and express love for family and friends.
Just a week before finals, this special occasion provides a unique opportunity to collectively focus on the central Bible story, celebrating the hope and joy of the Christ-
mas season before the break. In essence, Advent Chapel is more than a tradition; it’s a communal celebration of faith, unity, and the enduring joy of the holiday season.
Acolytes for Advent Chapel, Caroline Nelson, Jack Connor, and Josh Horn walk down the aisle in the Benitez Chapel followed by the choir. Photo Courtsey of Mr. Charles Holt.
Features ∙ Page 2
SAM MARINO Guest Writer
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Slice of π
Hi everyone! My name is Sam Marino, and I am so thrilled to be the Mu Alpha Theta treasurer this year. Following a very busy November with numerous math competitions and a fabulous guest speaker, we returned from Thanksgiving break to host our schoolwide Post-Fibonacci Day celebration. This event was full of sweet and savory treats ranging from Chick-fil-A sandwiches to Tiff’s Treats. Of course, there was a math contest and lots of activities and fun prizes to win revolving around the Fibonacci Sequence and all its amazing properties! Thank you to all who made Post-Fibonacci Day an amazing celebration. Congratulations to our mathletes
who lasted 7 weeks in the national Math Madness bracket competition. In addition, we are eagerly awaiting the results of the national AMC and HiMCM, a two-week long international math modeling competition. As we prepare for winter break, we not only have holiday spirit, but we maintain math spirit. Don’t forget to follow Math Club on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok under @ ehsmathclub, so you don’t miss math memes, updates on meetings/events, fun puzzles and math facts. It is also never too late to join Math Club, so if you want to join, please contact Dr. Papakonstantinou and Marie Knolle to be added to the Math Club Canvas page and Microsoft Team. Have an amazing holiday break, do math, and may you start the new year strong with lots of math!
Lessons in
MARY MARTHA RABALAIS Guest Writer Love is unconditional. True love is ever changing and adaptive, but it never leaves. Love does not deal with absence; but instead, is a presence that holds light in your life and puts power in your actions. Side by side or worlds away, love is what connects us. Being loved is one of the greatest gifts, but sharing this love is even greater. We hold the ability to love every day, but this is only because God first loved us. God’s love for us is eternal and everlasting, surpassing any challenges. He died for our sins, defied death, rose again, and proclaimed his love for us. Viewing God’s pure and intentional love
for us, we can see his faith and presence in our lives. By sharing God’s passion and living in his image, we see a domino effect of his presence in our lives as we learn to acknowledge and embrace life when we live it, knowing we are loved, and everything has been divinely placed for us. It is assumed that love is an innate human quality, but in a world of imperfection, sometimes love has to be learned, lost and given before we can ever learn to give, believe, accept, or receive it. But this is not true love. True love is God’s love; it does not deal with a broken world, it never disappoints, and will never leave you. Modeling our love in the image of God’s, we learn to love the broken and imperfect and portray forgiveness.
EHS community celebrates Holiday Sweater Spirit Day
Mrs. Jenny Cantrell offers tips and tricks for midterm success ANYA PANT Opinions Editor Midterms are a time of the year at Episcopal that every student has to learn how to navigate. For incoming freshmen, this period can be daunting and unlike anything they have experienced. For the more experienced upperclassmen, though they have been through this many times before, midterm week can still be an experience that brings a great amount of tension. Though midterm week can be hard to navigate, Episcopal offers many opportunities to prepare you. Among them is Mrs. Jenny Cantrell and her office, who can help guide you. She has offered some tips and tricks to keep yourself on a path to success during the process. She described some important advice for midterm first timers; this includes starting the review
Photo courtesy of scantron.com.
process early. She suggested that all people, especially freshmen, start their review process about a month early. This includes gathering all your notes, reviewing old tests and quizzes, and making a study plan that you will stay consistent on for the month. She recommends holding yourself accountable during this period because even if you make the study plan, it won’t be beneficial unless you stick to it. Mrs. Cantrell also recommended some study strategies she believed would be highly beneficial. The first one is making a study group. When you are around peers who are taking classes at the same level, it can help when questions come up. Another strategy is rewriting past notes for better retention. It can also be useful to take your study guide as a test, and when you figure out what you are having a hard time with, go to your teacher and review the problem questions. Along with academic tips, she has also made recommendations on ways to destress during midterm week. Among them are taking a walk before your exam, eating a healthy breakfast, getting a good night’s sleep, and positive thinking. She finds that many students tend to worry before their exam, and taking a walk right before clears their minds. A healthy breakfast and a good night’s sleep is an essential part of good test taking habits, as it leaves your mind sharp and ready to work on your exam. Positive thinking helps students believe in themselves, which helps them calm down before going in to take their tests.
Top left, sophomores Palmer Popov and Kiera Bigman. Top right, seniors Breylan Thompson and Will Masterson. Middle left, freshman Carlos Thachar. Middle right, juniors Ava Black and Madison Morgan. Bottom left, seniors Annie Lyons and Emma Michael. Bottom right, Sophomore Dean Mr. Tom Bove. Photos by Caroline Johnson, Julia Sherman, and Simona Karnani.
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Features ∙ Page 3
Students prepare for Interim Term ETV showcases new films SIMONA KARNANI Staff Writer Interim Term is a two-week period held at the beginning of January right after Winter Break. It provides students with a way to take classes that they wouldn’t normally associate with school. At Episcopal, it is an anticipated time, and with old and new classes and three trips, it has something for everyone to find his or her niche. This year, the three trips offered are Puerto Rico, Disney World, and Spain and Portugal. Puerto Rico Service Learning is a new trip offered to students this year. Not only does Puerto Rico have beautiful beaches and culture but also has numerous opportunities for service. Students will take part in service with a program called Tech My School and kayak in a bioluminescent bay. Disney World Imagineering is a returning trip that takes students be-
hind the scenes of every aspect of Disney World. Interim Term returns international trips with Spain and Portugal, a trip rich in cultural exploration. During the two-week trip, some highlights include Sé Cathedral and UNESCO sites. For students staying on campus, the variety of returning and new classes make interim term an exploration of passions for everyone. Some returning classes include “So You Think You Can Doctor,” “How To Be a Chinese Dragon,” and “Love Is Hilarious.” In addition, some new classes being added to the term include “Exploring “Interior Design”, “Moot Court,” and “Congress in Action.” Interim term is well underway as students have picked their classes already. Mrs. Kylee Welch said, “Most of it is the same offerings that we have done in the past because they work so well, but we are hoping to see some new changes to Interim Term.”
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Copy Editor Every year ETV holds two teasers in Chapel, one in the fall and spring, for their shows. These teasers demonstrate the great deal of work that advanced moviemaking students put into their films, and there is always even more for those who attend the actual show after school in the theater. Unlike the spring event held at the Studio Movie Grille, the fall show is not invitation only. ETV is a moviemaking class led by student producers in charge of planning, writing, filming, and editing their works to present to the school during offerings like the fall show. Projects can include a
wide variety of styles, from short films, animations, and documentaries to music videos. This year, the producers of ETV are Sophie Shapiro and Isabelle Massaro, and the creative directors are Mathieu Gay and Ella-Grace Carayanis. Regarding her animation project and ETV, Sophia Kennedy said, “In ETV, we are given a lot of creative freedom and can express ourselves however we’d like with help from classmates and Mr. [Pejman] Milani. My animation “Fly” took a lot of hard work, but I am so happy I stuck with it and with how the final product turned out. Though it can be demanding, the outcome of the time and effort we put into our projects is so rewarding, and getting to see your piece come together is an amazing experience.”
Emma Schoppa starred in ETV’s AI piece “Chaka Khan.” Image courtesy of Mr. Pejman Milani.
EHS enjoys Relax and Review week MORGAN HEROD Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sophomores Lily Semakova-Cohen and Gigi Bass showcase the beautiful scenery that EHS students experienced on the 2022-2023 Grand Canyon Interim Term trip. Photo courtesy of EHS Interm Term.
The annual “Relax and Review” Week is hosted once again by the EHS Student Council, alleviating stress levels among students as midterms arrive. One week before midterms and finals, this program eases academic pressure, encourages support among students, and boosts morale across campus. During these weeks, students were able to participate in cookie decorating in the USC during both 5A and 5B lunches. Students were welcomed to ice sugar cookies with their friends for a delicious treat. Additionally, the student body was able to snack on popcorn while they enjoyed classic Christmas movies, such as Home Alone and Frosty the Snowman.
Moreover, hot chocolate bars were set up, providing an inviting atmosphere, giving students and teachers alike a warm atmosphere to enjoy. A particular highlight from the week was being able to welcome service dogs on campus. Students were able to pet therapy dogs during lunch, relieving stress and providing joy. The dogs were held in the Crum classroom , and everyone was invited to pet the dogs as needed for stress relief. Research has shown that petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, making it the perfect opportunity to seek an escape from high stress levels. The weeks approaching exams are inevitably stressful, and EHS works hard to give students opportunities to rest and relax, all while keeping up the hard work.
EHS Drumline proves to be an important part of community CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer A well-rounded EHS student participates in as many Pillars as he or she can, but many wonder how to become involved more in the Arts Pillar - in particular, the music program. One activity to consider is the Drum Line, a place for faculty and students to play percussion with one another. During the 2022-2023 school year, there was no official Drum Line, but this year, junior Carson Kotlarz decided to start it back up. With student members from multiple grades, the Drum Line includes snare drums (performed by Zach Farmer, Kotlarz, Julian Amelio, and Gwen Leach), bass drums (performed by Joshua Johnson, Adam Choi, Vivian Misso, and Mr. Alex Bruton), and tenor drums (performed by Kennah Bent and Will Saindon), all played marching style. Rehearsals are key in maintaining a unified group of musicians. A typical practice goes something like this: Every Thursday morning, the Drum Line meets in the band hall. At 7:25, the participants set up the drums before warming up at 7:30. During rehearsal, they practice their cadences
(songs) picked by Kotlarz, who teaches each section their part. As the president of the Drum Line, Kotlarz can select the music that the Drum Line plays. He searches for drumbeats that sound intriguing and finds sheet music for the selection that the players can read, giving additional help when necessary. So far, the Drum Line has performed in pep rallies and a concert. In the spring, they plan on performing at multiple upcoming school events, with big ambitions for the future. They hope to become more involved in school events, taking even more opportunities to play for the school than ever before. When asked about why he loves the Drum Line, Kotlarz said, “I love getting to collaborate with everyone, making really cool music, and having a good time.” It is obvious that his passion and appreciation for music has allowed the Drum Line to succeed. Any interested members of the student body and faculty are encouraged to join in on the fun at practices and performances, and may contact Mr. Joe Beam or Carson Kotlarz to find out more information about what the Drum Line has to offer.
Members of the Drumline, left to right: Zach Farmer, Gwen Leach, Julian Amelio, Kennah Bent, Vivian Misso, and Mr. Alex Bruton. Photo by Carson Kotlarz.
Culture ∙ Page 4
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
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In the world of fashion, staying on trend can come with a hefty price tag, but with the rise of dupes, this is becoming increasingly easier and more accessible. Fashion dupes, an affordable alternative to more high-end pieces, is a tale as old as time, but recently, it has gone from poorly made and obviously fake designer bags sold on the street to fast fashion companies copying a design and having it out within days for a fraction of the price. Although this is an easy way to make fashion trends available to everyone, the unethical nature of many of these fast fashion companies, as well as the fact they are completely ripping off many designers hard work, should be added to the conversation. Fast fashion companies are constantly criticized for their environmental and ethical impact. While the clothes they produce are trendy and stylish, they are very poorly made and quickly go out of style. The average American throws away 81.5 pound of clothes every year, and someone is much more likely to trash cheap, poorly made clothes than move expensive pieces.
Another big problem is the terrible conditions workers are subjected to in the sweatshops. To manufacture as quickly and inexpensively as many of these brands do, sweatshop workers are forced to work grueling hours and are severely underpaid. The working conditions are also often unsafe and unhygienic. Fast fashion companies are also criticized for completely copying designers’ hard work. The founder of JBD Apparel Saudia Islam said, “It’s understandable [if] people don’t have the funds to afford certain items, but a lot of people are simply neglecting the physical labor it requires to make these types of garments. People then start to view our clothes as not being worth what we’re charging, considering fast-fashion brands are putting out similar pieces for a fraction of the price.” While fashion dupes offer a practical solution for those who don’t want to break the bank, consumers should approach these alternatives with awareness of the level of authenticity of the pieces that they are buying.
Women work long hours in sweatshops for very little pay. Photo courtesy of earth.org.
Used clothes are piling up in Chile’s Antacama Desert after being discarded. Photo courtesy of phys.com.
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Mariah Carey performs Christmas songs during The Late Show. Photo courtesy of billboard.com.
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including a song during the holidays for a range of people; although the holidays are a time to celebrate, they can also be hard to get through for some. Carey’s third original song on the album, “Jesus Born on This Day,” is the least iconic of the three but includes the nativity story of Baby Jesus. Mariah started her career strong with well-written Christmas hits and continues to celebrate their success.
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As Christmas approaches, top Christmas hit music starts being queued. Mariah Carey, iconic pop artist of this generation, fully changed pop music for the world when it came to Christmas music. Carey’s album, Merry Christmas, is one of the most well-known Christmas compilations. A big part of the album is Carey’s iconic and fierce voice. The majority of Merry Christmas consists of songs that are covers of traditional Christmas songs, and three originals from Carey. Her most iconic Christmas original, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” released in October 1994, has become a song that has never needed any introduction, and is now considered a classic. Along with this most popular and successful song, she has also released other incredible songs. “Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)” is another original song from the album. Comparing the two originals reveals different meanings. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is about celebrating the presence of someone important in your life, and “Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)” is about noticing the absence of them. Mariah Carey did a fantastic job on
CAROLINE JOHNSON Saff Writer Chaque année, dans la grande ville de Québec au Canada, il y a un festival pour les tourists et les Québécois: la Carnaval de Québec. Cet hiver, le Carnaval est dans janvier et février, et les préparatifs ont commencé. Dans le passé, il y avait beaucoup des activités. Quelques envenements sont une parade de nuit, les concerts en dehor, un bal masque, un cours de canoë à glace, un competition des sculptures de neige, et de plus. L’année dernière, il y avait des activités pour la famille et les adultes seulement. Cree pour les enfants, il y a un mascot de du carnaval. Il s’appelle Bonhomme de Neige. Il est un grand et amical mascot, et il participe en des activités tous les jours. En général, les gens aiment prendre des photos avec lui, mais les spectators peuvent regarder lui effectuer, jouer des jeux, et passer du temps dans la neige. Beaucoup des touristes visitent Québec pour la bonne nourriture au Carnaval. Toujours, il y a des cafés et kiosques pour acheter la nourriture québécoise. La Poutine, les queues des castors, et les pâtisseries sont les plats communs. Une spécialité de Québec, il y a de du tir d’érable- un bonbon fait avec le sirop d’érable. Si vous vous demandez, “Que doisje porter au Carnaval de Québec?” la réponse est simple. Il fait très froid en hiver dans Québec, donc tu dois apporter les vêtements très chauds. Les visiters extrêmes typiquement apporter les costumes très extravagants pour les competitions de costume. En totale, la Carnaval de Québec est le
meilleur hiver festival dans la mode. Il y a tant à faire, et tout le monde doit voir le fun! Each year, in the large city of Quebec, Canada, there is a festival for tourists and the people in Quebec: The Carnival of Quebec. This winter, the carnival takes place in January and February, and the preparations for it have already begun. In the past, there have been many activities. Some events include nightly parades, outdoor concerts, a masquerade ball, an ice canoe race, an ice sculpture competition, and more. Last year, there were activities for both families and adults only. Created for the children, there is a carnival mascot, whose name means “the snowman.” He is large and friendly and participates in activities every day of the carnival. Generally, people like to take photos with him, but spectators can watch him perform, play games, and spend time in the snow. Many tourists visit Quebec for the carnival’s good food. There are always cafes and kiosks to buy the traditional food of Quebec. Poutine, beaver tails, and other pastries are commonly seen. A specialty of Quebec, there is tire d’erable, a candy made of maple syrup. If you’re wondering what you should wear to the Carnival of Quebec, the answer is simple. It is very cold during winters in Quebec, so you need to dress in very warm clothes. Extreme visitors typically bring very extravagant costumes for the costume competitions. Overall, the Carnival of Quebec is one of the best winter festivals in the world. There’s so much to do, and everyone needs to see the fun!
HOT TAKES with ANGELINA FERTITTA
The controversial opinion on whether pineapple belongs on pizza has divided family and friends for decades and has sparked serious culinary controversies. While some people with more traditional tastebuds would argue that fruit should never be anywhere near a pizza, there is a serious case to be made in favor of the balanced flavors of the sweet pineapple in combination with savory pizza. According to a poll taken in 2022, 54% of Americans reported to have a deep hatred for pineapple on pizza. In my opinion, people need to broaden their horizons and accept that the Hawaiian style pizza offers an interesting textural variation, providing a juicy and refreshing sensation to each bite compared to other bland toppings that are more commonly found on pizza. Hawaiian style pizza should also be more appreciated for its international influence as, despite its name, it originated in Europe and since then has become a popular dish in many different countries.
More than 70% of Australians love to eat their pizza with fruit. How come the hate is directed toward pineapple when there are worse toppings anyway? For example, anchovies. The question of who enjoys canned fish on their pizza more than pineapple is baffling. Although there are much weirder toppings out there, pineapple continues to offend people the most. There are many meals that have the same harmonious flavors of both sweet and savory that the Hawaiian style provides, yet, this topping continues to be misunderstood.
The controversial pizza topping is a favorite for many. Photo courtesy of superhealthykids.com.
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Entertainment ∙ Page 5
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes exposes nuances in human morals JALYNN WOOLLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief The release of the film adaptation of Suzanne Collings’ The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has sparked a Hunger Games renaissance that has captivated fans for the first time in almost a decade. The novel, originally published in 2020, is a prequel that provides readers with a deeper insight on one of the most complex and cynical villains in modern literature, President Snow. The novel serves as a retelling of the 10th annual Hunger Games as 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow attempts to save his families fading legacy decades before he becomes President of Panem. The film stars Hollywood up-and-
comers Tom Blyth and Rachel Zeigler These two young stars paint the picture of one of the greatest and most complex love stories ever told. Both Blyth and Zeigler’s portrayals are nuanced and multifaceted, bringing to life the characters crafted by Collins in the novel. The film itself is incredibly captivating but is also inherently horrifying. It serves as an exposé of some of the darkest sides of humanity, vividly painting a portrait of a dystopian world that teeters on the fine line between fiction and reality. The juxtaposition of the retelling of a thrilling love story that will have you rooting for the movie’s own villain itself and the chilling exploration of human experience creates a unique cinematic experience.
Hallmark movies transcend tradition JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor For more than a decade, Hallmark movies have served as a magical and comforting escape into heartwarming stories and cheerful settings. From festive big city tales to charming small-town romances, Hallmark movies are the perfect getaway from our hectic lives, and the perfect feelgood entertainment. While to viewers the movies seem simple and easy, the people at Hallmark have mastered the formula for success that makes them a staple in so many homes. These movies are renowned for their ability to transport viewers to picturesque locations filled with laughter, love, and lessons. They make the characters charm-
ingly relatable and fill the movies with a sense of nostalgia. Many of the movies can sometimes seem almost too simple and predictable: hotshot New York lawyer travels home to her small town to help her family in the Christmas cookie-baking competition but rekindles with her high school sweetheart in the process. Although sometimes the movies can seem repetitive, they rarely fail to serve their purpose of simply making someone happy. Julie Sherman Wolfe, the screenwriter of 22 Hallmark movies, said, “I think the more unsafe the world seems, the safer a small town seems. It’s the idea that less bad stuff is going to happen to you in Avon than it is in Brooklyn. It’s a nostalgia thing, where it just feels warm and fuzzy.”
On the left, the love interests in Hallmark’s Christmas Joy. On the right, The Santa Stakeout features investigators solving a string of holiday heists. Photos courtesy of Ew.com and Glamour.com
This American Life podcast utilizes classic radio charm and narration CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer Every Sunday night at 7 p.m., Ira Glass’ familiar voice can be heard hosting one of the country’s longest-running and most entertaining radio shows, This American Life. While each episode has a different topic, they all share a common theme: highlighting the voices and emotions that journalists wish to share. While the format of the program may vary from hour-long stories about social inequalities to episodes featuring up to five stories told by different journalists with unique points of view, the most captivating moments can be found within the familiar stories, ones that sound like they could happen to any student at any school in the country. One report, most recently airing in 2012, left an impact so large that it inspired Lin Manuel-Miranda’s 2014 musical 21 Chump Street. The story details the betrayal a Florida high school student endured during an undercover police operation in the area. Officers went into schools fully disguised as students to gain evidence of drug sales among students in the schools. Atlanta reporter Robbie Brown covered the story for This American Life and was
able to encapsulate the emotions that the involved officers and students felt, and left listeners wondering if the targeted high schooler was a victim of framing by the police. Being only one of the show’s critically acclaimed stories, that report is able to demonstrate just one style of show they air. Not many other radio shows can portray such intense feelings. In addition to modern and relevant episodes, often containing reports with political or socioeconomic themes, yearly occurrences like Christmas holiday specials attract weekly listeners. Everything from stories of the origins of Santa and the recollections of working as a Christmas elf in a New York retail store to investigations on why Christmases as an adult are not as magical as one’s childhood memories, the show can encapsulate magical feelings that even children can appreciate. In a modern world where radio is being replaced by media consumed from television and cellphones, gems like This American Life often go under-appreciated. Radio broadcasts and classic, longrunning radio shows and podcasts are a dying breed, which is why they deserve more support than they receive. To anyone looking to listen to the radio, nothing compares to the quality and entertainment value of This American Life.
The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes continues The Hunger Games series’ history of disecting human motivations and identities. Photo courtesy of Imbd.com.
Scott Pilgrim re-enters mainstream media with new animated special IZZIE SONG Staff Writer Canadian bassist and chronic job hopper Scott Pilgrim recently dove back into the spotlight thanks to the recent animated adaptation of his story, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023). Riding off the popularity of the 2010 movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, this Netflix series closely follows the original comic Scott Pilgrim (2004) rather than replicating the movie. The action-packed adventure focuses on wannabe rockstar Scott Pilgrim, whose world flips over when his dream girl, subversive Ramona Flowers, glides into his life. However, with the dynamic romance she brings comes heavy baggage, involving the League of Evil Exes, a group of Romana’s past partners hell-bent on winning her back. It’s these exes and the varied cast of side characters that made Scott’s journey a hit back when the movie was released. Director Abel Gongora brought the classic franchise back to life with dynamic cartoon visuals that enhanced the original fights depicted in Bryan Lee O’Malley’s
comic series. The show is stylized after O’Malley’s work, allowing it to utilize aspects of both Western comic art and Japanese animation styles. The soundtrack also enhances the story, seamlessly incorporating indie rock songs by Metric and original works by Necry Talkie. Although the Netflix series took a significant step away from the 2010 version, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off brought its characters to life thanks to the top-tier voice acting and longer run time. The plot, presented in a slightly juvenile and cheesy manner by the live-action version, takes on an intense new life thanks to the animated medium. But the show really shines in its character development. Taking the focus off Scott, the episodes allow interesting side characters like Wallace Wells to fully explore their personalities and comedic potential. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will always be a pop culture icon, but the 2023 adaption transfers many of its aspects into an engaging, yet original show that’s effectively translated its 2000s feel into the modern day.
The cast of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off bursts into action with anime-inspired art style. Photo courtesy of Kvasir396.com.
Opinions ∙ Page 6
Opinions
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Hezbollah stays relevant in conflict CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Copy Editor Alongside the constant headlines about Israel, Gaza, and Hamas, Lebanon, and more specifically Hezbollah, have found themselves intertwined. Hezbollah has an important role in the region as one of the largest paramilitaries in the world and an Iranian ally. Hezbollah’s history began in the Lebanese Civil War during the 70s and 80s. Lebanon is divided between numerous faiths, and the Shia Muslim community had been disenfranchised for decades with little political representation. Inspired by the recent Iranian Revolution that saw a revolutionary Islamist movement take power, Shiites began to organize in similar movements as part of an international struggle. The groups would unify with help from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard into Hezbollah. They first became involved with the Palestinian conflict when Israel invaded Southern Lebanon to root out Palestinian fighters that had been attacking Israel for decades. These Palestinians had migrated to Lebanon following their expulsion from Israel in 1948 and later from Jordan after Black September and now resided in refugee camps. These camps effectively incubated rebel groups like the PLO and were seen as a threat to the Lebanese establishment. Israel’s intervention was initially welcomed by the Shia population, yet as Israel became more intertwined in the local conflict, the Shia militants took up arms. Hezbollah engaged in attacks on all sides of the civil war - Israel, America, Christian militias, Syria, and even rival Shia groups.
The rapid growth After over 15 years of bloody conflict, the warring factions agreed to a peace based of AI technology on political representation shared among the sects. Hezbollah would join with the other Christian and Muslim militias in becoming established political parties. Modern Lebanese politics has remained defined by this agreement to this day, divvying up political power between groups. While in principle it sought to provide all with equal representation, it ultimately strengthened the divisions, entrenching them in society. Nowadays, Hezbollah exists as a major political power in Lebanon. They administer the Shia populated South and often act as their own state, with parallel structures and even their own military that is claimed to outnumber the Lebanese Army. Geopolitically, they lie firmly in Iran’s sphere of influence and have supported Iran in Syria and Iraq. Hezbollah has long been engaged in small scale skirmishes with Israel, occasionally performing raids to their south. With regards to the ongoing war in Gaza, they have performed several small-scale attacks on Israel to signal their solidarity. However, when it comes to an actual ground invasion or other escalation, it looks unlikely. Israel’s invasion and retreat from Southern Lebanon in 2006 has left the other political parties worried about the group’s power to declare war, meaning there will likely not be much support from most parties. In addition, Lebanon has been facing a colossal economic collapse since 2019, exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion. Hezbollah understands this, and it is implausible there will be much more involvement coming from Lebanon, although Iranian pressure or Israeli escalation in the future may change their mind.
Is our sense of history authentic? CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer Often a source of criticism from other countries, it has been observed that Americans have the tendency to live in the past. This can be seen through things like military reenactments, which have been performed for years. Other examples include commonly visited tourist attractions influenced by the American idea of local history, including wax museums and miniature versions of national monuments such as the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. At Walt Disney World, families flock to visit the Hall of Presidents and listen to US politicians give speeches and crack jokes. While the US is quick to judge other countries for celebrating their imperfect histories, the amount of exaltation simply screams “self-absorbed” and “ignorant” and seems like an attempt to make America’s history seem noteworthy. This historical bias may be feeding America’s desire to escape to a perfect world. For some, these pastimes were fostered by an appreciation for American history, but for others, a glorification of the country’s controversial roots has caused a biased outlook. Consider Spain. Its 1936 Civil War left irreparable damage like the demolition of cities and houses, mob killings, and destruction of the former government, leaving the economy in a crumbling state and the country under a dictator rule. It is nearly impossible to imagine the Spanish citizens recreating this tragedy, considering the estimated half million casualties. On the other hand, the former battlegrounds of the US have seen many recreations of the fights that once took place there. Many people have carved out careers hosting such events. Crowds of self-titled “hardcores” gather in time-appropriate cloth-
ing with vintage weaponry to participate in choreographed versions of some of the bloodiest battles in American history. Within their own bubble, debates have been started on whether only “true” reenactors should be allowed into the events, or if they can welcome more casual participants - ones who bring modern inventions like coolers and tennis shoes, often referred to as “inauthentic.” While the holier-thanthou attitude that more devout re-enactors develop may have sprouted from a sense of competitiveness, it contributes to the idea of America’s “perfection” when it comes to the past. The Italian author Umberto Eco wrote about the American urge to create miniature, simulated worlds, typically adored by the masses. Disney, attractions in Las Vegas, and recreations of political sites like the Oval Office are only a few examples. His observations remarked upon America’s desire to turn history into perfect scenarios over which they have total control, often ending up far from the original reality. He hypothesized that the country put so much work into keeping the past alive so it could secure the US a vivid sense of history. To put it truthfully, America is newer on the time line of established countries, being almost 250 years old when compared to England’s 1095 years. When considering worldly influence and longevity, the US could learn a few lessons from the more established countries around it. If it were to be more widely accepted that America’s history includes some highly problematic moments, perhaps the adored, but overall ignorant, displays of affection for our nation’s past would come to an end. Until then, America’s hypocritical outlook on and glorification of their past will continue to be susceptible to criticism from other countries, as well as those who realize the problems that it may cause.
JALYNN WOOLEY Editor-in-Chief The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) software has sparked a revolution in today’s digital landscape. However, as many educators are beginning to realize, use of AI systems blurs the line between human ingenuity and machine-generated responses. As the use of AI software seems to grow exponentially, it is not only human ingenuity but also human creativity that hangs in the balance. As generative AI programs have evolved over the past year, programs like ChatGPT are responsible for generating stories at the press of a button while others such as DALLE-2 can produce any image when prompted with a brief description. These tools seemed revolutionary at first until many began to realize how they could very easily be abused. It seems that the most recent victims of this abuse are visual artists such as Kelly McKernan. According to the New Yorker, McKernan discovered that her name had been fed as an inspirational prompt in a generative-image AI program called Midjourney over 12,000 times, and the results were shocking. She claims that she can “see how her work was analyzed and mixed up with some others’ to produce images” that were distinctly reminiscent of her work. McKernan and her fellow artists, Sarah Andersen and Karla Ortiz, are currently in a class-action lawsuit against Midjourney and other AI Imagery generators. These artists claim that they did not consent to have their copyrighted artwork included in the databases of these programs and that they were neither compensated nor credited by these softwares. Although McKernan and her fellow artists have a solid claim and evidence that shows a distinct similarity between their own art styles and that of images produced by Midjourney, copyright claims based on style are often tricky. Since these generative AI programs are going to claim that the image their software produced was merely inspired by the works of artists around the globe and that there is no “transcending of the source material” but instead “a mechanized blending together” of the various art styles that decorate their database, it’s extremely possible that, in this instance, the justice system might side with the copier rather than the copied. Regardless of the court case’s outcome, it is crucial for users of these AI softwares to comprehend the effect that these technologies can have on the creative landscape and recognize how usage of these programs can pose a threat to artists’ intellectual property. In the future, users should be cautious of specifically mentioning the name of a specific artist in their generativeimage prompt to prevent AI systems from replicating an individual artist’s style completely. By avoiding direct references, users allow the software to draw inspiration from all the images that exist in that program’s database, promoting a collaborative and respectful utilization of generative AI in the creative process. Just as in many other fields, the intersection of art and AI may have generated more problems than solutions. As policy makers of the world strive to adapt to the continually evolving technological landscape, it is imperative to establish clear guidelines, ethical standards, and legal frameworks in response. It is crucial to ensure that the revolutionary potential of AI is harnessed responsibly and ethically, preventing any further misuse or exploitation.
The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400 Head of School Mr. Ned Smith Associate Heads of School The Rev. Tyler Montgomery Mrs. Evelyn Cambria Principal Mr. Antonio Avalos Dean of Arts Mr. Paul Revaz Visual Arts Chair Mrs. Kate Philbrick Publications Coordinator Mr. David Framel Editors-in-Chief Morgan Herod Jalynn Woolley Managing Editor Clara Crenshaw Production Editor Julia Sherman Copy Editor Campbell Richardson Opinions Editor Anya Pant Sports Editor Thompson White Staff Writers Izzie Song Liz Burke Simona Karnani Angelina Fertitta Caroline Johnson Vanessa Reed Lulu Gibellini Porter Miller Photojournalism Instructor Mr. Japheth Storlie Photojournalism Editors Vivian Turbidy Jules Weinstein Photographers Avalon Bell Libby Davis McKenna Foteh Emma Freeman Kennedy Greene Kate Malta Morgan Maxwell Sophia Shin Sloane Wallace
The Knight Times is a product of students in the Episcopal High School newspaper class, who are solely responsible for its creation and editorial content. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Episcopal Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff. Published ten times a year, The Knight Times is a non-profit educational tool. The staff encourages the submission of letters, editorials, and story ideas from the community, but reserves the right to edit and/or use said articles.
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Sports ∙ Page 7
Sports
Youth movement takes it one stroke at a time One goal drives VANESSA REED Staff Writer Starting the season on the right path, the Episcopal swimming and diving teams are headed down the lane of success. Preparing for the SPC Championship, the team’s goal this new season is to constantly improve and get as many athletes qualified for multiple events going into SPC. The boys team goal is to improve from its finish last year. For the girls, their performance was outstanding last year, and they had the chance to compete for a top three finish. So far, the teams have competed in two meets, placing third in the most recent one. With exceptional individual and relay performances, Coach Peraza is
confident in the teams’ outcomes. Their greatest strengths have been versatility, and they are stacked with swimmers who are capable of swimming in several different events, giving them an advantage over other squads. As they work toward the championship in February, training will be tailored to get the swimmers in “prime shape” as they move closer to SPC. The team is made up of mostly newcomers, both freshmen and upperclassmen joining for the first time. This year they have a total of thirty-one swimmers and three divers, with fourteen returning to help lead the team to victory. Coach Thatcher Cribbs describes this season as a “young team with a lot of talent” with many swimmers training yearround.
girls program PORTER MILLER Staff Writer
Swimmers are training hard for personal bests this season. Photo by Morgan Maxwell.
The Knights dominate opponents in boys basketball THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor Starting strong, the Knights boys basketball team is 8-3. Before facing St. Francis, the Knights enjoyed a six-game
winning streak. After losing to Bellaire High School in a preseason match, the Knights faced them again in their second regular season game and won 61-46. The Knights also beat St. Pius X 84-37 with a winning margin of an impressive 47
points. When matched with St. Francis Episcopal, this Knights lost 50-49. In retrospect, senior leader Parker Manley said their fatal flaw was “not finishing strong”. Manley, along with Justin Begg and Jakeel Registe, combined for 41 of the team’s point total against St. Francis. This powerful trio leads the Knights offense, averaging a combined 37 points per game. “The team [was] ready overcome this loss,” added Manley. This was evident in their performance at the Jack Frost Invitational, where the Knights competed against the most competitive teams in the state. In Georgetown, Texas, the Knights beat Churchill 71-58 and Smithson Valley 7269 and lost to Argyle 65-61 and Johnson High School 73- 63 in an intense match.
This soccer season has been amazing for the girls program. The team came back from Dallas with a win against a Bishop Lynch high school, securing a 3-0 shutout. The starting lineup features midfielders sophomores Kyra Spears, Mia Hodgson, Claire Johnson, and junior Saide Butler; the starting forwards are sophomore Ryan Fox and juniors Arianna España and Dayla Henderson. Goalie Sam Qureshey has successfully blocked everything that has come hercway. Butler has made an impeccable comeback after she tore her ACL last year, scoring the first goal for the Knights this season. Head Coach Rachel Stelter, Assistant Coach Bryce Reynolds, and Goalkeeping Coach Jane Campbell have put in great work and pep talks to get these girls pumped up and ready to dominate. Manager Nadia Jett attends the girls’ daily practices and keeps score of their games while also providing the girls with inspiration. Episcopal varsity girls soccer is in a very great place right now and will hopefully continue to maintain its spirit and come home with more victories.
Wrestlers show solid progress Justin Begg is committed to George Mason University. Photo by Sloane Wallace.
Girls basketball ventures to Cali LIZ BURKE Staff Writer The EHS girls basketball team is known for its competitive and dedicated approach to the game. The team’s hard work and commitment are evident in both practice and games. The team has recorded six wins coming out of the gates since Thanksgiving break ended. Head Coach Chelsea Bass, who played basketball at the University of Texas, is known for her game knowledge and experience, which only adds to the
supportive and hard-working team atmosphere. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. With Bass’s coaching, the team has grown not only as athletes but also as individuals. The team’s goal is, as always, to win an SPC Championship, but it is about doing their best that the girls aspire to. On November 30 through December 2, the team went to California for a tournament. They won 3 out 4 games against some of the best teams in the California area, averaging 52 points per contest.
Me’arah O’Neal, a Flordia Gator commit, is the leading scorer for the Knights. Photo by Libby Davis.
THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor The Knights wrestling team, under the guidance of new head coach Chris Potter, has experienced a noteworthy transformation, displaying “significant improvement since the beginning of the year,” according to junior captain Philip Khalil. Coach Potter, a highly decorated coach, has propelled the athletes to positive hights through rigorous conditioning and practices. Khalil emphasized the team’s exceptional effort this year, witnessing substantial growth since the season’s beginning and aiming to maintain this upward trajectory as they approach conference play. In a formidable test at the Maverick Stampede, where the team faced competition from 35 schools, including some from the challenging 6A division, sophomore captain Madden Morgan secured an impressive fifth place. The team also showcased their prowess at the Carlos Molina Invitational at Northside High School, with standout performances from Madden Morgan and Jimmy Guzman, who earned first place; Zach Berlin, who secured second place; and Khalil, who finished in fourth place. Junior captain Zach Berlin highlighted the team’s “youthful talent that [signals] a promising future for upcoming seasons.” With Coach Potter’s strategic approach and the team’s dedication, the Knights seem poised for continued success in their wrestling endeavors.
Palmer Popov, Blake Olivier, Arianna Espana, Hollyn Hanslik, and Mia Hodgson are key players for the girls soccer team. Photo by Kyra Spears.
Soccer looks to continue title run LULU GIBELLINI Staff Writer The Episcopal varsity soccer team is young but getting better every week. Head Coach Travis Smith has big goals for this year’s season. He is proud of all the work put in by the athletes and is excited to see what this group can accomplish. Last year, the boys’ varsity soccer team won the SPC championship and hopes to win it again. Due to the loss of seven starters, several boys have been asked to take on new roles. Even with the youth movement, the team will still rely heavily on its senior core: Aleck Camacho, Kingsley Agyeman-Yeboah, Daniel Benz, Blaine Stewart, Lukas Jaworski, Jack Gillet, and David Surratt. Smith believes the team needs to be stronger defensively and get more goal production from players like Kaden Martinez and Richard Agyeman-Yeboah.
Knight Shift∙ Page 8
The Knight Times ∙ December 2023
Speaks Out “My favorite thing about Christmas is ...”
Prints Charming
Cartoon by Izzie Song. HAYLEIGH HUBBARD “...decorating my house”
JAMES BRENNAN “...free stuff”
CATHERINE NELSON “...decorations”
CALEB SHORTS “...the break”
PhotoJ Photo of the Month
Directed by Mr. George Brock, EHS Onstage performed Treasure Island, a play based on the novel by Robert Lewis Stevenson. Performances took place in the Underwood Theatre on Friday and Saturday, November 10-11, and at 3:00 on Sunday, November 12. This thrilling story is one of pirates, mutiny on the high seas, and an ordinary young boy drawn into a dangerous race for treasure against the treacherous Long John Silver. Photo by Morgan Maxwell.
Christmas Word Search AVA BLACK “...presents”
GRIFF NEUHAUS “...Jesus”
SUSANNAH ROSOF “...seeing my family”
GEORGE HUGHES “...sweet Baby Jesus”
MRS. PHILBRICK “...cross country skiing in Maine”
COACH LEISZ “...family”
Caroling Cookies Elves Jesus Joy Mistletoe
Nativity Navidad North Pole Ornaments Peace Presents
Rudolph Santa Snowman Stocking Winter Wisemen