The Lily Pad

Record oil and gas profits in 2022 foretell large companies’ increased reluctance to switch to greener energy options and send climate change countdowns ever closer to the “point of no return.” This month, the “Big Five” (Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies) released their annual results from the 2022 calendar year, and in doing so, revealed a massive spike in profits. This spike was likely due, at least in part, to the massive increase in demand of oil and gas since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In total, the companies racked up approximately $200 billion in profits combined, meaning all five companies saw historically record profits. The frontrunner, Exxon, made a whopping $55.7 billion last year; to put it in perspective, that’s $6.3 million per hour.

Importantly, and relating to this column specifically, the companies are under fire for keeping their prices at record highs to prioritize profits at the expense of average Americans. Claire Moser, deputy executive director of Climate Power, calls the $400 billion profit “a number

with Lily O’Gorman

we’ve never seen before, and one that was built off the backs of working families who were victimized by oil and gas executives’ greed.” President Joe Biden agreed in his State of the Union address on February 7, calling the profits “outrageous” and suggesting that companies should have used other methods of generating shareholder value, namely share buybacks, instead of raising gas prices.

Worst of all, after reporting $27.7 billion in profits, BP announced that it will be rolling back its climate goals made in 2020.

Two years ago, the company promised to cut production by 35% at a minimum by 2030. This year, they rolled back that number to 20%. BP’s chief executive, Bernard Looney, added fuel to the fire by referring to BP as a “cash machine” while finance chief, Murrary Auchincloss remarked “it is possible that we are getting more cash than we know what to do with.” Climate activists would suggest putting some of that money back into clean energy alternatives.

Justin Worland of Time Magazine commented on BP’s sustainability turnaround, stating, “beyond the obvious, BP’s highly publicized shift offers a good lesson about a core challenge facing efforts to decarbonize so long as oil and gas remains hugely profitable, corporations will continue to produce it.” Put briefly, climate activists can only push oil and gas companies so much – if profits keep skyrocketing, activism is not their top priority. Climate expert Kate Blagojevic called the company “another fossil fuel giant mining gold out of the vast suffering caused by the climate and energy crisis.” General Secretary of the TUC put profits in perspective and called on higher taxes for companies, stating, “as millions struggle to heat their homes and put food on the table, BP are laughing all the way to the bank.”

Things will likely change with the implementation of policies like last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, renewable energy will continue to become cheaper, and thus more attractive to oil and gas companies. Hopefully, this shift happens quickly–if not, the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (as well as the future of the planet) remain in jeopardy.

Due to many of these factors, many parents turn to private schools, seeking out a system that more effectively manages the diverse needs of each student. One such institution, The Arbor School, welcomed Episcopal seniors during Senior Outreach. I was lucky enough to participate in this experience and was able to work closely with students who faced unique challenges yet remained resilient and eager to learn and grow. This determination inspires me to advocate for equal access to education for all students, regardless of their abilities or access to private education.

Since the world’s future depends on our children, it is our responsibility to ensure that each student can reach their full potential. We must understand that education is not a privilege limited to the few but a fundamental right that must be upheld to achieve an equitable and thoughtful society.

Correction:

The Knight Times recently misidentified a student in the Speaks Out column that appeared on Page 8 of Issue 6. The individual, Sean Thompson, was identified as Deshaun Thompson. The Knight Times strives to maintain accurate information in its role as a teaching tool and instrument of journalistic integrity and recognizes an ethical responsibility to promptly correct all factual errors, large and small. We encourage you to contact us if you think you see a mistake.

Girls soccer secures third-place title

JALYNN WOOLEY Opinions Editor

From February 9-11, the EHS girls soccer team fought relentlessly in the 4A Southwest Preparatory Conference Tournament and scored a third place finish.

On Thursday night, entering as third seed of the tournament with a 7-1 record in SPC play, the team started with a 3-0 win against the Episcopal School of Dallas. They then advanced to the semifinals where they faced off against rival St. John’s. After scoring a miraculous goal in the last couple minutes, the girls tied up the game and took St. John’s into overtime. After two quick 10-minute rounds of overtime, St. John’s scored a last-minute goal and won the game 2-1.

The girls did not have much time to mourn their loss as their time in the tournament had not come to an end. On

Boys soccer recaptures SPC title

Saturday morning, the girls faced another tough battle, this time against Kinkaid. After regulation play ended in a 1-1 tie, the girls entered a round of overtime and secured the third-place title after finishing the game 2-1.

After making history last year and being the first ever EHS girls soccer team to make third place in SPC, the girls were hoping to aim for another record-breaking title, but Coach Stelter and the girls are excited to work hard to break new records next winter season.

This year, the girls built a special bond, but the team is especially sad to say goodbye to seniors Elle Abaza, Ava Gonzales, Ella Marino, Mia Tuckwood, Kara Seade, and manager Ava Muslih. The team is expecting some great new talent to join them next season, and they will hopefully help to carry the team into another amazing season.

Swimmers break personal records

CLARA CRENSHAW Staff Writer

The Episcopal Knights swim team had a successful SPC tournament. Two members of the swim team made it to the finals: Meredith Frasier and Taylor Morris. Frasier, a junior, placed third in the 100-meter backstroke, and freshman Morris placed fifth in the 100-meter breaststroke. Although only two swimmers made it to the finals, many of the team members dropped personal times and had productive relays. After the tournament, Coach Shaun Flood said, “Overall we had a good performance and look forward to next year with so many young talented athletes.” Losing three seniors, the swim team and Coach Flood are excited to see the new talent joining them next year.

Annika Haug, a junior who started swim this year, said, “It’s been such a great and successful first season with the EHS swim team. Everyone was so welcoming and gave it their all. We can’t wait for next year.”

Individual wrestlers crowned SPC champions, team earns third place

JULIA SHERMAN Staff Writer

The varsity wrestling team finished its season strong with three wrestlers placing first in the SPC Winter Tournament.

Head Coach Steve Leisz said, “Yesterday was a great day to be a Knight wrestler! As a team, we were very close to second place - two points out - and given the fact that we were missing four weight classes and placing first year wrestlers at four other weight classes, it makes the accomplishment even more outstanding.

“This group of 10 wrestlers performed at the highest level we have seen from them all season, and we are incredibly proud of every one of them. What a great way to end the season.” Outstanding wrestlers Lane Robinson, Jimmy Guzman, Thalia Vogelsang, and Ben Sanders all finished the season winning first place in their weight class while Madden Morgan finished in second place in his weight class. The Knights have been working hard for their success this season, and the four champions qualified to represent Texas at the Prep Nationals.

Coach Leisz added, “There is so much commitment put into wrestling. So, when that wrestler wins the match to become an All American, State Champion, or just watching a new wrestler win that first match, there is nothing like it.”

The Knights’ hard work and dedication paid off as they had a great end to their season and are looking forward to a successful season next year.

ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Staff Writer

After a difficult loss last year in the SPC championships and a fifth-place finish, the boys soccer team came back with a vengeance and won it all against the Kinkaid Falcons.

The team starts the tournament with St.

The team moved on to the finals against a familiar foe: Kinkaid High School. This game was extremely close until sophomore Kaden Martinez scored. The Knights’ defense kept the Falcons off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest and held on to a 1-0 victory.

Most of the soccer team is comprised seniors, making this moment bittersweet for many of them but definitely a great way to

Andrew’s and closed out The Highlanders chances of moving on with a convincing 3-0 score. Two goals came from senior Kadin Castillo, who holds the record for most goals scored in a single EHS soccer season, and the final third goal was compliments of Tomas Gomez, a sophomore.

Next, the boys met Dallas Greenhill, the first team the Knights lost to last year. The boys fought hard and worked together against the Hornets to end the game in another 3-0 win. Kadin Castillo scored another two goals, and senior co-captain Yousuf Saeed chipped in the third.

Boys basketball earns 2023 SPC Runner Up title

CLARA CRENSHAW Staff Writer

After a successful season, the EHS boys basketball team returned home from the SPC tournament in Dallas with the runner-up trophy.

During regular season SPC play, the boys dominated, only losing to Houston Christian, who they would later meet in the finals of the tournament. Along the way the boys beat two of their biggest rivals: Kinkaid and St. John’s.

Going into the SPC tournament, the expectations for the Knights were high after winning the tournament last year. The Knights started the tournament strong with a convincing win over the Episcopal School of Dallas 65-44.

They continued this streak with a hardfought, closer contest against St. Mark’s, 63-58, to make it to the championship game.

The championship game was intense and went into double overtime. Houston Christian came out on top 81-78, but the Knights put up a good fight in the battle.

Junior Justin Begg said, “Throughout this year we had many ups and downs, but we always managed to push through and never quit on each other. No matter the outcome, we will always be family.” end their four-year journey at EHS. These boys have truly acted as mentors for the young talent on the team, preparing them for hopefully many more SPC championship wins soon.

Saeed commented, “I’m beyond grateful to have had a group of such genuine, hardworking teammates with me this season. After last year’s heartbreak, we all knew going into the season what we wanted. We put our heads down, worked at it tirelessly, and did it. We brought it home.” Now, the SPC trophy for 4A boys soccer is back home where it belongs.

Knights capture girls SPC Runner Up in basketball

JAKE BERLIN Staff Writer

The girls basketball team had an excellent performance at SPC and displayed exemplary athletic ability, placing Runner Up in the conference. The tournament took place in Dallas at The Hockaday School, where the athletes tested their abilities by competing against other highlevel athletes.

The girls started their second-place finish against Hockaday, who they handily beat 67-45, before then moving on to compete against Greenhill. The results proved positive for the Knights as the girls pulled off an incredible 58-45 victory.

In the championship round against Houston Christian, the team struggled to keep up with their highly skilled opponents, and after an incredibly close game, ended up losing with a final score of 71-60.

Regardless of their unfortunate final result, the girls displayed incredible skill and comradery which allowed them to perform capably.

The girls basketball team is currently looking forward to the next winter season where they plan to further improve upon this season’s exceptional results.