The annual Senior Welcome Breakfast is an event that commemorates seniors before they officially start their final year at Episcopal High School.
This year’s Senior Breakfast celebrated the graduating Class of 2023.
The breakfast consists of several speakers who impart advice, wisdom, and positive wishes to the incoming seniors before they start their last year at Episcopal High School. The speakers for the Senior Welcome Breakfast this year included Head of School Mr. Ned Smith, Associate Head of School Mr. Kim Randolph, Principal Mr. Antonio Avalos, and representatives from the Alumni Office.
In addition to the guest speakers, the seniors had photos taken for the Senior Style Show. Seniors also received small gifts such as keychains and bumper stickers specific to their class.
Before the last year for incoming seniors, the Senior Welcome Breakfast serves as a hospitable and gracious honor, recognizing their journey and tenure at Episcopal High School before students start their final year and then leave for college. This acknowledgement of their final year provides the opportunity for seniors to hear advice from administrators and faculty and to be mindful of making the most of their last year at Episcopal.
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Incoming
students begin their journey at Episcopal
SONG Staff Writer
“During Freshman Orientation, the class was met with advisory bonding time alongside laptop preparation and a recap of EHS values. Short yet informative, it was but a small glimpse into the school’s environment. The event served to open a door, one that revealed an abundant, and perhaps intimidating, community that students would soon find themselves apart of. ”
Learn more about New Knight Orientation on Page 2
Students come together for Field Knight’s return
ANYA PANT Staff Writer
What better way to kick off the 20222023 school year than with Field Knight. Since I am an incoming freshman, this is one of the many events that I was looking forward to participating in the most because of how it starts the year, making the entire school feel like a community.
Field Knight is also of historical significance to EHS, started in 2000 according to Mr. John Colello, Dean of Parent Programs and School Legacy. The tradition was started to begin the school year with spirit, fun, and fellowship for all.
Historically, Field Knight lands on the first Sunday of the school year, which this year was August 21. Field Knight is underwritten by the Dads Club and Parents Association. It was held in the Alkek Gym and started at 5:30. Students showed up wearing their Got Blue shirts to show school spirit and participated in numerous activities and watched many performances.
Among the groups that performed at the event were Cheer, Impact Dance, Pep Band, and Pom. In addition, they also had relays that included the students, faculty, and parents. Seniors got a chance to take their banner photo as well.
A big part of Field Knight is the worldfamous Musical Chairs competition, which is a big hit with all. Everyone participated in singing the School Hymn.
IZZIE
Freshmen Isabella Hicks, Hannah Hicks, Hadley Holmes, Lauren Bohn, and Alexa Choi gathered in the Underwood Student Center as part of Freshman Orientation, which took place August 15-16. New students learned about the EHS community and how to navigate the campus and received their laptops. Photo by Mrs. Jessica Brown.
Impact dancers Berkeley Deutsch, Lydia Berckley, Olive Martin, and Lili Shore perform at Field Knight on Sunday, August 21. The event welcomed the entire EHS community. Photo by Mrs. Jessica Brown.
Arts Pillar begins in full swing
SIMONA KARNANI Staff Writer
The school year just began, but the EHS Performing Arts Department has been hard at work preparing for performances.
EHS Onstage announced its season a few months ago and is set to put on Puffs, Julius Caesar, and Mamma Mia this school year in the Underwood Theater. Rehearsals are already underway for Puffs, which is a comedic retelling of Harry Potter from the eyes of a group of Puffs, the Fourth House. It introduces three new heroes who are navigating their way through the world of magic school.
June with yearbook, moviemaking, and photojournalism workshops.
More recently, theater, dance and music have been active on campus with workshops and rehearsals. Theatre students were active in preseason this month during a week-long workshop hosted by a variety of people.
Freshman Mary Katherine King attended and said that “it was fun to meet new people who are part of the theater community.”
Episcopal is introducing multiple new courses available this year in the Performing Arts. Additionally, a variety of trips have been planned throughout the Pillar
Puffs hits the stage September 16-18, so be sure to attend and be transported to a world of magic.
EHS Dance put on a performance, the Emerging Dance Concert, August 27 after preparing for the event through preseason. Feauting multiple guest artists, Elevate compitition team, Impact team, and Repertory team, the dance program worked hard to start off the year with a bang. Preseason is a time to get a leg up on the school year and meet new classmates. The Arts Pillar launched events back in
SARAH
YATES Guest Writer
for the EHS art community to enjoy. With the productions, showcases, exhibitions, and daily experiences, there is always something going on in the Arts Pillar.
The Dean of Arts and Innovation, Dr. Jay Berckley, is excited to see all the art come to life. “So, whether you’re already making plans to come sing with us during Mamma Mia, be inspired with one of our gallery exhibitions, see Hollywood’s future stars on film at Studio Movie Grille, or anything in-between - there is something for everyone in the EHS Arts Pillar.”
Slice of π
Hey y’all! I’m Sarah Yates, and I’m so excited to be your Math Club president this year!
So what even is Math Club? Math club is a fun orginization run by Dr. Papakonstantinou to challenge and engage students. According to Epsicopal High School’s website, Math Club’s mission is “to challenge the brightest and most passionate math interested students and inspire them to participate in monthly Texas Math League Contests. Students participate in regional, national, and international competition, as well as engineering events around Houston”
I hope everyone has had an amazing summer and start to the school year. This year is going to be packed with inspiring
STEM-based events and lectures, as well as many challenging math competitions. With so many fun activities ahead, this year will certainly go down as one of the best in Math Club history!
For any juniors and seniors interested in joining the math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, an application will be sent out soon.Mu Alpha Theta is a society opened to 1th and 12th graders aimed to promote math accomplishment and excitment for the subject. The mission states that the orginization aims “to inspire a keen interest in mathematics, develop strong scholarship in the subject, and promote the enjoyment of mathematics in high school.”
Don’t forget to follow Math Club on both Instagram and Twitter under the user @ehsmathclub for top quality math memes, updates on meetings, and fun, demanding puzzles.
New administrators lead EHS
JAYLNN WOOLEY Production Editor
With the start of the new school year, the EHS community welcomes new faces to the administration team as well as some returning members in new positions.
For the 2022-2023 school year, Mr. Kim Randolph will be returning to EHS, not as Principal, but as Associate Head of School. He will now coordinate with Pillar Heads to prepare the school for special events such as Honors Chapels and Awards Chapels, as well as working collaboratively with the entire administrative staff. He is excited about his new position, but he is especially excited to join Mrs. Karen Foster in teaching forensic science.
This year, Dr. Antonio Avalos will be replacing Mr. Randolph as Principal. Dr. Avalos has much experience in high-level administration positions across Houston. Before coming to Episcopal, he served as principal of Northbrook High School and has gathered extensive administration and teaching experience by working in public schools for the past 23 years. Outside of the office and classroom, Dr. Avalos enjoys attending sports evens and spending time dining with his wife. Mr. Avalos grew up going to private Catholic schools from grades 1-12 and says that EHS brings back fond memories of his time at school, and he is excited to “work with everyone who is a part of this great institution.”
In addition to introducing a new principal, Episcopal High School welcomes back Mrs. Evelyn Cambria, School Director of Finance and Operations, who will also be partnering with Mr. Randolph as Associate Head of School. She is extremely grateful for all her time she has spent at EHS and for the community she says has blessed her with a place to call home.
Class of 2026 joins the Episcopal community
IZZIE SONG Staff Writer
With the beginning of the new year, fresh faces dot the landscape of Episcopal’s hallways. The incoming Class of 2026 board from a large array of locations, including 41 different middle schools and 39 zip codes across the Houston area. Such variety of sources has created a diverse freshman body eager to get to know EHS and its offerings. Notably, there were some similarities in the group, including a total of ten Williams, three Ellas, and three Jacks. Matching names aside, each incoming student contributes a uniquely personal aspect to their grade and to the school.
During Freshman Orientation, the class
was met with advisory bonding time alongside laptop preparation and a recap of EHS values. Short yet informative, it was but a small glimpse into the school’s environment. The event served to open a door, one that revealed an abundant, and perhaps intimidating, community that students would soon find themselves apart of. With newcomers having several years left to spend walking these grounds, EHS hopes that the introduction properly prepared them for the beginning of their high school careers. There lies ahead unknown experiences and new faces, but the trials of freshman year serve to build a strong foundation for the remainder of their time here. The Class of 2026, just as any other, has a distinctive place in student body and is sure to leave an impact on EHS’ history, both individually and as a collective.
Mrs. Evelyn Cambria will serve the Episcopal community as Associate Head of School. Photo by PhotoJ.
Dr. Antonio Avalos is excited about his new role as principal. Photo by PhotoJ.
Mr. Kim Randolph leads EHS as Associate Head of School. Photo by PhotoJ.
Theater Program Coordinator Mr. George Brock works with actors in the Underwood Theater in preparation for the fall play Puffs Photo by Madeleine Berckley.
Mrs. Willcutt’s freshman advisory comes together to celebrate the new school year. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Willcutts.
EHS adds new faculty members to multiple Pillars
Michelle Broussard Math
Joining EHS from St. Pius X High School after thirteen years, Ms. Broussard is excited to join the EHS community. She loves Episcopal because of the welcoming and supportive community and is excited to meet her new students and colleagues. She will be teaching Geometry Honors as well as Algebra II Honors. Some of her hobbies include going to car shows, exercising, reading, and traveling.
Tom Bove History
Mr. Bove is joining us from Louisiana. He previously taught at a Catholic high school in Baton Rouge. He will be joining the History Department, teaching American History and World History I. He looks forward to being a part of a community that is so close and values the Four Pillars so greatly. He enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and playing the piano. His favorite food is pizza.
Kanika Clark History
Coming from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ms. Clark is joining the EHS team to teach U.S. History and U.S. Government. She completed her Master of Education and has served on the teaching team for the foundation’s course, Leading Change. Her hobbies include traveling and trying new adventures. She says that teaching is her “passion,” and she is thrilled to teach at Episcopal.
Max Peraza History
Teaching World History I, Mr. Peraza is joining EHS from Washington D.C. He enjoys traveling, golfing, and hiking. Along with teaching, he will be an assistant coach for the swim team. His favorite food is beef fajitas, and his favorite movie is Boyhood. He looks forward to being involved in both the athletic and academic pillars.
Chelsea Bass English
Ms. Bass, who will be teaching English I Honors, A.A. Voices, and Sci-Fi Literature, comes from St. Agnes Academy. She was there for six years and is an alum. She is most excited to step out of her comfort zone as she joins a new community. Her first impression of EHS was that the food is great. Her favorite movie is Remember the Titans, and her favorite celebrity is Rihanna!
Rev. Katie Gould Religion
Katie Gould will be joining us this year as an Old and New Testament teacher with Reverend Art Callaham as her mentor. Coming from the Seminary of the Southwest, Austin TX, she is excited about the school’s mission and looks forward to being a positive influence in the lives of our school’s emerging young adults. Her hobbies include exercising, reading, and cooking.
John Drexel Religion
John Drexel will be returning to EHS in the Religion Department as a teacher for both Old and New Testament. He is an alum of Episcopal High School, and after graduating he attended Davidson College and returned to EHS to teach for five years. He and his wife then moved to Honduras to serve at a ministry for children. Before returning as a teacher to EHS, he taught for one year at Houston Christian.
John Herda World Languages
Mr. Herda comes to EHS this fall to teach Spanish II and III. He comes from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, and is impressed by its spirit of hospitality, values, and dynamism across the Four Pillars. His hobbies include reading, playing the guitar, writing reviews, playing tennis. He also enjoys travelling.
Richard May Math
Richard May is the new chair of the Math Department and will teach Geometry and AP Calculus BC. He is coming from Cinco Ranch HS where he enjoyed his time teaching for 13 years and sees joining EHS as an opportunity for a new challenge and change. He has been a resident of Bellaire for the last 15 years. He is very excited to join for the sense of community EHS offers. He is an avid tennis player.
CJ Schmidt Religion and History
Mr. Schmidt is teaching World History I and World Religions as part of both the Religion and History Departments. He is coming to us from the University of Houston as an adjunct professor. He grew up in South Florida and got his master’s degree in North Carolina. EHS’s level of support for its students and teachers has impressed him, and he is excited to be at a school that values student-centered teaching.
From Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Codrington enjoys writing poetry, playing sports, and collecting vinyl records. He will be teaching English II and is coaching JV football. He is grateful to the EHS community as he feels he has already been welcomed with “open arms.” He is excited to meet everyone and learn alongside his students. We are excited to be able to welcome Mr. Codrington to EHS.
Beam
Mr. Beam joins EHS as the new Music Program Coordinator and is excited about the opportunities for growth within his programs. Coming from John Cooper School, he is teaching band, orchestra, and computer music. He loves the community at EHS, saying “everyone, students and faculty, have been so supportive and kind.”
Stephanie Colson Wellness
Stephanie Colson will be teaching health and coaching lacrosse starting this fall, coming to EHS from Westminster, Maryland. She cannot wait to meet her students and coworkers and get to know them. She is excited to be a part of a culture that breeds excellence, stating that “EHS is a school that is an intellectual and fun school that provides endless opportunities for students and staff.”
Cydryce McMillian Wellness
Mrs. McMillian will be joining the Wellness Department as the new volleyball coach this school year. Before coming to EHS, she worked at St. Agnes as the director of student activities, Zumba instructor, and wellness teacher, along with her role as head volleyball coach. Her impression of EHS is a fresh start to find new opportunities. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Mrs. Adams is rejoining the EHS community after working as a teacher and administrator at St. Agnes. She will be teaching English III as well as working with Coach Jones in the DCI office. She says that her favorite food is “a toss-up between everything bagels and Dal Makhani.” Her favorite movie is Avengers: Endgame. Mrs. Adams is so excited to be back with the EHS community.
Ms. Lord joins us this school year as a new teacher in the Math department, teaching both Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Moving here from Live Oak, Florida, she is excited to get to know her students and the other faculty members. Her hobbies include running, reading, and playing guitar. Her favorite food is butter chicken.
Michael Codringtom English
Jessica Adams English
Joe
Performing Arts
Natalie Lord Math
F shion Sen¢e with Raigan Clay
What’s cool right now?
This summer there hasn’t really been one specific thing that everyone is wearing or experimenting. I think there’s a little bit of beauty in that though because it challenges people to go out and play with pieces that they wouldn’t normally wear. This also allows for a little bit more originality, which is not something that this generation has been great practicing.
The great thing about fashion is that it’s all in the eye of the beholder and is subjective. For example, I’ve noticed rap artists specifically are starting to add platform/combat boots to their wardrobes. It’s literally the middle of August, but for some reason that’s the new wave everyone is riding.
Kanye West just released new glasses as a part of his Yeezy x Gap collab “YZYGAP.” They’re futuristic and kind of obnoxious…but in a good way.
Another thing I’ve noticed this sum-
In this month’s rendition of The Lily Pad, I come to you with an issue close to home.
Beginning this month, the EPA launched an investigation into the workings of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) after the Harris County Attorney, among others, issued complaints about environmental justice in our hometown. The complaints specifically regard concrete batch plants, plants that Lone Star Legal Aid say violate civil rights laws.
According to the Texas Tribune, “the state environmental agency [allegedly] discriminated against racial and ethnic minorities and those with limited English proficiency” by “[failing] to provide information in Spanish” in the permitting process to build batch plants.
Data from the EPA compiled by the Houston Chronicle tells us there are at least 188 concrete batch plants in Harris County alone, housed disproportionately in low-income communities. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, a leader in the call for TCEQ’s accountability, argues that by failing to seek public comment during the permitting process, the agency did a great disservice to its citizens. Menefee went on to say, “You can’t go into a community that has 80% Spanish speakers and folks who are limited in English proficiency and only submit stuff in English,” and if “[TCEQ is] not willing to [do their duties], we’re looking for the
mer is that designer name brands are not must-haves anymore. Honestly, it just doesn’t look very appealing anymore on pieces. Thrifting is huge right now, so finding cool things doesn’t have to break the bank.
At the end of the day, who actually cares what brand you have on? If it’s a good fit, there’s no denying that.
Something that will always be cool is jewelry. This can often either make or break your outfit. Men’s jewelry specifically is always fun to play with and experiment and has definitely become more mainstream in the past year.
New Balances are lowkey making a comeback, and they have a lot of niche releases that are really fun.
All in all, Summer 2022 was a time for experimentation, and hopefully by fall we all have more of a sense of what our style is.
The
EPAto make them… or cut their federal funding.”
TCEQ has been historically known to flout environmental regulation, facing opposition from local government and the EPAin the past. For this reason TCEQ has been habitually referred to as “overly permissive.” The agency’s platform of deregulation means communities are facing severe health issues. Fern Uennatornwaranggoon, air quality police manager of the Environmental Defense fund (EDF) said “living near these facilities [means] you are exposed to higher levels of harmful pollution,” including particulate matter, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide. This pollution often manifests in serious health conditions such as reduced lung development in children, increased rates of asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and cancer.
To make it worse, according toAllyn West of the Rice University Kinder Institute, “Almost one-third of concrete batch plants in [Houston] are located a short walk from a school or day care.”
The issue at hand is layered by systematic issues.According to West, “Because land has been cheapened by redlining, disinvestment, restrictive covenants and environmental racism, polluters concentrate unevenly across the region, often intentionally in communities of color and low wealth, compounding other issues and creating entrenched disparities”. Furthermore, underrepresented, eco-
ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Staff Writer
Conocemos a México por sus cielos soleados y sus hermosas playas, pero recientemente se ha formado una sequía por casi la mitad del país. La Comisión Nacional del Agua de México declaró una emergencia por la sequía, y el gobierno está tratando de tomar medidas para garantizar el suministro de agua.
Se ha dicho que La Niña, un ciclo cuando el Océano Pacífico comienza a enfriarse cerca del ecuador, es la causa de esta sequía. México tiene múltiples embalses y muchas han quedado básicamente vacías. Uno de los embalses de Santiago, México que alimenta a la ciudad está menos de 1% lleno mientras que otro está 46% lleno. Por lo general, el 60% del agua de Santiago viene de estos embalses y el resto de unos pozos subterráneos.
Si no llegan las lluvias habituales de agosto, se deberán imponer restricciones de agua en varias ciudades de México, lo que afectará el turismo y la producción industrial.
We know Mexico for its sunny skies and beautiful beaches, but recently a drought monitor has been placed in almost half the country. Mexico’s National Water Commission declared a drought emergency, and the government is attempting to take steps to guarantee water supply. La
YourLanguageCorner
Niña, which is a cycle when the Pacific Ocean begins to cool near the equator, has been said to be the main cause of this drought. Mexico has multiple reservoirs, and many have been left basically empty. One of Santiago, Mexico’s reservoirs that feeds the city is only 1% full while another is only 46% full. Usually, 60% of the city’s water comes from these reservoirs and the rest from deep, underground wells. If the usual August rains don’t come, water restrictions will have to be placed on multiple cities in Mexico, affecting tourism and industrial production.
nomically-challenged communities often not only have to bear the brunt of pollution but also have to house projects aimed at fixing the disasters themselves. West highlights this fact, noting that “asthma rates [in Houston’s Fifth Ward] edge close to 11%, compared with 7% in River Oaks.”
Looking forward, many Houston Representatives hope to change the system from
the inside out, requiring from TCEQ more than the “bare minimum” and demanding holistic consideration of the plant’s impact prior to the building process.
State Rep. Armando Walle said, “The issue is lax enforcement from the state,” and more power should be given to local health agencies since TCEQ consistently fails to prioritize the needs of Houstonians for monetary gain.
Lily Pad with Lily O’Gorman
Drought devastates Mexico’s water supply. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Kanye West makes waves in the athleisure sphere with a new Gap collaboration. Photo courtesy of gq.com.
Vintage New Balances make a triumphant return in the sneaker community. Photo courtesy of Sneakernews.com.
Concrete batch plants across Harris County have sparked civil rights investigations. Photo courtesy of the Houston Chronicle.
Summer 2022 releases - how do we feel about them?
This summer, music fans were well fed and received new projects from a wide range of artists. The summer started strong with the long-awaited [1855 days to be exact] release of Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers from Kendrick Lamar. This album displayed a different side of Kendrick and fans were given a more vulnerable take from Kendrick. While there aren’t many “backseat freestyle” replicas on the project, fans still enjoyed this new era of Kendrick. Some of my favorites were “We Cry Together,” “Mirror,” “Purple Hearts,” and “Count Me Out.”
Drake dropped his summer offering Honestly, Nevermind. This album received mixed reviews, and fans of Drake weren’t really vibing with the direction he took in this project. The album is in the category of dance/house. Drake has never produced an album of this genre. Many fans were confused as to why he would make an album like this. My hot take is that if you claim to be a Drake fan and have listened to projects like Views or More Life, you would see that Drake has been on this
Raigan’s Radio
wave for a minute. This project isn’t badit just shows Drake’s versatility.
In July, Steve Lacy released his third studio album Gemini Rights. Fans of Lacy were anxiously awaiting what he was going to do for this project. With the successful release of singles “Mercury” and “Bad Habit,” Lacy created hype around the project. Many people would say Gemini Rights is the culmination of all the potential Lacy displayed on The Lo-Fis [my favorite Steve Lacy album] curated into a focused project.
Last, music fans got the release of Renaissance: Vol.1 from the queen bee herself, Beyoncé. This album was definitely not what I was expecting. With the release of “Break My Soul,” I was worried that the whole album would share that same vibe and…it did. The genre of the album is pop, but Beyoncé played with a house and dance vibe. One thing that should be praised on this album is her vocals. Her range truly shows that she’s a seasoned artist. This album is completely different from The Carters and Lemonade and was really meant to just be a feel-good project. I didn’t absolutely love this album, but I also don’t think Beyoncé has it in her to make a bad one. My favorites from this project were “Plastic Off the Sofa” and “Virgo’s Groove.”
Life lessons are many in Frankl’s memoir Man’s Search for Meaning
ISABEL O’GORMAN
Copy Editor
In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl recounts his time as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, reflecting on the strategies he employed to survive, and suggests the relevance of his experience in the world of psychiatry.
Man’s Search for Meaning explores the roots of happiness, offering evidence that happiness is not a result of external circumstances. Frankl’s experience in perhaps the worst imaginable situation - a Nazi concentration camp with literally everything taken from him - pushed him to find purpose and even moments of joy in the smallest details of mundane life. Ultimately, this practice allowed Frankl
to survive without succumbing to his environment’s despair.
As a psychiatrist, he used this deep insight in his medical practice treating depression. He found that encouraging his patients to similarly find meaning in their own lives, for example, tending to a plant, could draw them out of or lessen their illness. Ultimately, his and his patient’s experiences serve as inspiration that happiness can be found by anyone, no matter the situation.
I discovered this novel upon asking my parents about their favorite books. When they independently responded with Man’s Search for Meaning, I knew I had to read it. I can now say that my parents were right, and I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read Man’s Search for Meaning
Fans flock to see new Elvis film
The musical/drama Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann, follows the life of rock’n’roll icon Elvis Presley over 20 years. Before the film’s release this past June, lead Austin Butler was well-known for his performances in teen-drama series. The movie received lots of feedback from Elvis’ fanatics who felt it didn’t truly represent him in the way that they had hoped;
Top Rotten Tomatoes critic Todd Gilchrist said, “Luhrmann’s fast-cutting super-montage style overpowers the subject matter, and the result is an impressionistic, jumbled highlight reel of Presley’s many accomplishments.”
Many critics acknowledged that the movie was entertaining and fun to watch, but not accurate enough to call a biofilm. Go see for yourself, it’s still in theaters
KYRIAKI POSTOLOS Staff Writer
novice Elvis fans loved the movie and its flashy colorful depiction of his story.
Clockwise, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Steve Lacy, and Drake. The popular artists released new albums this year to the mixed reactions of fans and music critics. Photo courtesy of vice.com, nytimes.com, the guardian.com, and facebook.com.
How You Get Famous:
Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer
The Gotti Wars by John Gleeson
Dress Code by Véronique Hyland
How Civil Wars Start by Barbara F. Walter
Lost & Found by Kathryn Schultz
You Don’t Know Us Negroes by Zora Neale Hurston
Sweat: A History of Exercise by Bill Hayes
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Violeta by Isabel Allende
True Biz by Sara Nović
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gar-
How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
another good sign for movie theaters recovering from the pandemic, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis just became the director’s highest-grossing film in North America. It stars Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker and Austin Butler as the legendary singer. Photo courtesy of people.com.
Opinions
China-Taiwan tensions rise following Pelosi’s visit
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Staff Writer
During a diplomatic delegation across Asia, Nancy Pelosi and five other Democratic Congress members visited Taiwan to meet with Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese president. In response, China condemned the visit, and following Pelosi’s departure, ran military exercises for four days around the island. On August 8 this exercise was renewed until early September. While a Chinese show of force in the Taiwan Strait is nothing new, it highlights the tense relations between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan and the difficulty facing American foreign policy in maintaining good relations.
To fully understand the situation in Taiwan, it is important to know the history of its conflict. Following the collapse of the Chinese monarchy, the new democratic government failed, and China fell apart into various warlord states. Out of the chaos, two main factions emerged: the Kuomintang, a right-wing nationalist party, and the CCP, a communist party. These two forces fought each other for decades, with a brief truce being agreed on to fight the Japanese
invasion during World War II.
After 1945, the CCP, with Soviet support, renewed its push against the Kuomintang and controlled the entire mainland by 1949. Chiang Kai-shek and his forces were pushed back to the island of Taiwan. With the CCP unable to take the island and the Kuomintang too weak to take back the mainland, an unofficial stalemate began. While most Western countries recognized the Kuomintang Republic of China as the legitimate government at first, over time their recognition shifted to the new communist government. In the 1980s Taiwan transitioned from a military dictatorship to a democratic republic, while China abandoned its isolationism.
The current status quo of China and Taiwan relations is complicated and a landmine for foreign countries to navigate. Both the mainland People’s Republic of China and the Taiwanese Republic of China claim themselves to be the sole legitimate government of China and agree that Taiwan is part of China. Even though most of the Taiwanese population wants to be a nation independent of China, Taiwan avoids any explicit claims of independence from China as that would go against the
Colleges re-evaluate use of standardized testing
MORGAN
HEARD
Opinion Editor
Every year, high school juniors spend months preparing for a test that, in many ways, will determine the next four years of their lives. With the rise of Covid-19, many colleges announced that they would be going test optional. Two years later, the debate continues: are these standardized tests a fair measure of intelligence? Does the high cost of tutoring limit low-income families? Many are re-evaluating the effectiveness of the ACT and SAT and the future of the exams are in question.
The preparation that goes into taking these tests is expensive. Costs include things such as course books, practice tests, and tutoring. According to PrepScholar. com, classes and tutoring can be up to $8,000. Though financial discrimination is not intentional, it is obvious that families with higher incomes are more likely to get better scores. According to Forbes, students with family income of less than $25,000 a year average a 968 on the SAT, whereas students who have a family income of $100,000 typically get a 1090. A student’s score is significantly impacted by a family’s yearly income, so rather than testing one’s brain, we are testing one’s financial resources.
Many have argued that these tests are not an accurate measure of one’s intellect. Colleges use test scores to get an idea of
One China agreement. Chinese propaganda often paints Taiwan as simply a rebellious province, and even the official constitution describes Taiwan as an integral part of China. Despite Chinese fearmongering and claims that they will take back the island, an invasion remains unlikely.
Taiwan serves as an important ally to the United States, positioned in a place where it can block Chinese naval power. America often sends military aid to Taiwan to keep it protected from Chinese intervention. However, American diplomats and politicians are very careful to not explicitly state or even suggest that Taiwan is a separate country. This has been official policy since the Cold War, upheld under all presidents since Richard Nixon in 1972. This is to maintain friendly relations with China while still protecting its ally.
Currently, the status of Taiwan looks unlikely to change anytime soon, given the risks of independence leading to serious escalation. Still, the Biden Administration will have to evaluate how to approach the Taiwan issue for the foreseeable as China continues to grow in global influence and threaten Tawain’s independence.
Animal testing harms production
JAYLYNN WOOLLEY Production Editor
Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals suffer in the production of cosmetic products. While the purpose of many of these products is to improve human life, many animals suffer as a result of the harsh, abusive, and often lethal process of animal testing that ensures that these products are safe for humans.
The Knight Times
how students would perform academically at their school. However, according to a study done by the American Research Association, high school grades are nearly five times more reliable when it comes to predicting who will graduate college.
The only thing the ACT/SAT can measure is one’s test-taking abilities. Multiple experts say that these tests are four hours of reading comprehension and do not precisely portray what was learned in school. Rather than testing on previously studied information, the exams use a series of patterns that can only be recognized if the students know the hidden ‘tricks’ of the test, rather than simply tesing knowledge and skill..
If more schools opt to become test optional, how will we get an accurate idea of academic capability? A new exam, the Classic Learning Test (CLT), is an assessment used by a handful of small colleges. This test only takes two hours and can be taken online. Some private schools even create their own exams that are tailored to their students’ curriculum, so that students can apply what they have learned throughout the past four years.
The data is overwhelming that standardized tests are not an accurate predictor of a student’s success in college. It is time for the the college admissions hierarchy to fully recognize the facts and eliminate standardized testing as a part of the admissions process.
Within the past 10 years, consumers have grown suspicious of what happens behind the ‘cosmetic curtain.’ According to the Humane Society of the US, animals like mice, rats, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, monkeys, fish, and birds undergo testing that includes injecting chemicals into the skin or eyes or forcing them to swallow doses of chemicals to determine the lethal dose. The US Food and Drug Administration does not require companies to test on animals for safety, but it is also not illegal.
While animal testing is not only cruel and harmful treatment, it is also no longer the most effective way to determine the quality and safety of cosmetic products. Many companies claim that animal testing is necessary to ensure safety for their human consumer base, but animal testing alone is not enough to guarantee that humans are protected from potentially harmful ingredients. The New England Anti-Vivisection Society claims that computer models, cultured cell tissues, and vitro testing are all alternatives for animal testing.
As more information has come to light, the European Parliament banned animal testing in 2009 and prohibited the selling of any animal-tested beauty products in 2013. They also pressed for a global ban on animal testing in 2018, and since then many countries such as the US, Japan, Canada, Russia, and South Africa have begun to phase out animal testing.
Although some companies still choose to test on animals, many have recognized it as immoral, cruel, and outdated. These companies disclosed that they are crueltyfree by printing the logo of the cruelty-free bunny on their products. In order to ensure the safety and protection of these animals that cannot fight for themselves, it’s important to only support companies that encourage the cruelty-free movement.
Nancy Pelosi met with Taiwanese President Tsai-wen as part of a Congressional delegation to East Asia. Photo courtesy of Handout/Getty Images.
Sports
Youth movement steers boys volleyball season Cross country
JULIA SHERMAN Staff Writer
Look out for varsity boys volleyball this fall season. This team is going to be
bringing action to the court, so watch for their schedule. The boys’ first scrimmage was an August 18 round robin with Awty, St. John’s, and The Kinkaid School. The boys’ official first game will be away at the
Ft. Worth Country Day School. Their first home game will be against St. Andrews on September 9. It is looking like it is going to be an amazing season for this group.
Episcopal boys volleyball has had a twoyear winning record streak in SPC. The varsity lost eleven players from last year’s squad, but Coach Kerry Hofmeister said, “This year’s roster will see a lot of new faces as our core of varsity starters will be sophomores.”
A returning varsity player, senior Jonathon Redding, will be providing “height and attacking ability out of the middle.”
Returning varsity players, junior Ethan Romero and sophomore Alfredo Bolado Corona will be starting for the Knights. The varsity also welcomes newcomers in sophomores Austin Conte, Ethan Lahoti, Calder Tribble, Johnny Hardee, and Evan Bellinger-Spivey.
The coaching staff is ecstatic to see what these new faces will bring to the team. Hofmeister’s goal for this season is to see growth in each player and to lay a foundation to succeed in future championships.
Knights football confident 7-on-7 results will translate into explosive 2022 campaign
THOMPSON WHITE
Staff Writer
This year the Episcopal High School 7-on-7 football team had a phenomenal preseason which completely contradicted last year’s struggle during the regular football season. Over the summer, the 7-on-7 football team trained tirelessly to improve its skills to go to the 7vs7 state tournament and prepare themselves for an SPC championship win.
This year, the HES football program added some transfers, including Class of 2024 players Karson Gordon and Andre Thompson. Gordon will start at quarterback, and Thompson will be a key wide receiver for the Knights. With the help of these players, the Knights were selected the preseason favorite in the conference by website Texas Prove Football Guy.
The site also named Gordon as preseason MVP, Thompson as the top offensive player, and senior Jason Otah top defensive player after achieving most improved player last season in team voting.
This year the Episcopal 7-on-7 team beat many public schools such as Humble, Manvel, and Woodlands high schools, which is in the 6A division. The team started the state tournament strong
by going 4-0 on the qualifying day and won the Pool G championships against Colleyville Heritage. After winning the pool championship, its next game was against the Woodlands for the round of 32 Division 1 championship tournament. The Knights went on to beat the Woodlands 27-13. In the Sweet 16, the Knights faced off against Nelson High School and lost in
a close game 34-30.
Playing some of the more challenging public schools will strengthen the Episcopal football team during the regular season. When asked how play against public schools will relate to regular season success, Otah said, “It showed us how great we can be and will give us the confidence we need during the regular season.”
Cheer and Pom lead through spirit and charity
CLARA CRENSHAW
Staff Writer
The EHS cheer and pom teams are planning a full and exciting season. The cheerleaders and pom dancers' first performance was at Field Knight on August 21.They will perform at every football game and most basketball games. The first home football game is September 6 against Parish Episcopal.
An addition to the Pom squad this year will be new head coach Katherine Kennedy, EHS Class of 2012.
The cheerleaders and pom dancers were busy this summer. They went to two cheer camps where they won multiple awards, such as Top Performance Team. There were 18 All-American winners, including varsity captain Emily Keenan
and co-captains Elizabeth Cabes and Lila Henningsen. The JV team won top chant and is stronger than ever under the leadership of their captain Keely Carr and cocaptains Berklee Lyons and Kalia Wong.
The cheerleaders will compete in October at an NCA competition and hope to keep their winning streak alive. The cheerleading program is also planning several service events under the leadership of philanthropy chairs Maddie Massiatte and Audrey Black.
Coach Leigh Anne Raymond said, "We are most excited about our annual philanthropic events."
Students can participate by buying shirts for the Pink Out and Gold Out games, with all proceeds going to A Shelter for Cancer Families. It will be a great year for the Episcopal Knights cheerleaders and pom team.
focused on title
JAKE BERLIN Staff Writer
The Episcopal Knights cross country team is looking forward to a promising year. Although the team graduated a number of varsity seniors last year, Assistant Coach Andrew Lauer is confident that the talent pool will continue to expand and bring in new freshman full of potential.
Over the summer, the athletes displayed exemplary resolve and commitment by braving the intense Texas heat and attending dreaded early morning practices. The team has a schedule of competitions that will allow them to prove themselves as formidable opponents.
Coach Lauer believes this year’s group of talent will make for an excellent season and a shot at another SPC title. The athletes hope to build off of last season as they continue to bond and improve.
Girls volleyball remains on path for SPC success
ALYSSA WALL Staff Writer
The upcoming girls volleyball season has kicked into high gear as EHS welcomed a new head coach, Cydryce McMillian. Senior Raigan Clay noted how “Coach Mac” and the assistant coaching staff have done an excellent job in getting the team to work as one and establish their roles on the team.
She also called attention to the “amazing bond” that the team shares both on and off the court.
Preseason is off to a great and challenging start as the girls varsity has played several tough teams already. The girls are confident that with a difficult preseason comes grit and will only make the team stronger. With the help of Coach Mac, they are confident that an SPC championship is just within their reach.
Evolution of field hockey continues
MORGAN HEROD Opinions Editor
Two years ago, the EHS field hockey program installed its new internationallycertified artificial turf field. This year, the team is excited to welcome new head coach Ms. Emily White, who worked with the program in the past as an assistant. As the new head, she looks forward to the varsity season as well as the development of the JV with assistant Ms. Shelly Edmonds.
Seniors are an essential part of leading any team, and this year Coach White would like to recognize seniors Margaret Ellison, Jessie Horton, Janie Thomas, and Emily Young.
“All four players have contributed amazing things to the program,” stated Coach White.
This year, Coach White will challenge returning players to be the best they can be on and off the field. Her goal for the season is to grow as a program. She is grateful for the coaches helping her make the field hockey program special.
Freshman cheerleader Allie Raymond. Photo by Mrs. Jessica Brown.
The football team gathers after practice to discuss their performance. Photo by Jules Weinstein.
The boys volleyball team will be counting on its latest youth movement to fill key roles vacated by graduated starters from last season. Photo by Kennedy Greene.
Speaks Out
“What are you looking forward to the most this year?”
Resident Jester
Celebrity Sighting
Have you ever been walking down the hall and done a double-take, thinking you just saw Ryan from The Office (aka B.J. Novak)? Well, we have ... almost. Here we have a classic case of the doppelganger, a phenomenon almost entirely unexplainable except for rare cases of long-lost identical twins. As investigative journalists, we at The Knight Times believe we have plausible evidence that Mr. Andrew Lauer and B.J. Novak share at least some genetic material. The evidence is clear: from the expression encapsulated in their longing gazes to their strikingly similar eyebrow arch and furrow, the similarities are compelling. Even the hairline bears a resemblance bordering on uncanny. Next time you walk by Mr. Lauer, make sure to take note of the similarity and tell him to say hello to his long lost twin for us (and maybe even get an autograph). Photos courtesy of fanpop.com and the KT staff.
Cartoon by Lily O’Gorman.
PhotoJ Photo of the Month
WILL PACEY “The food”
Varsity junior quarterback Karson Gordon escapes the pocket during a home scrimmage against Sealy High School. Photo by Jules Weinstein.
