The Cougar Claw May 2018

Vol. 51, Issue 4

THSCougarClaw.com

May 2018

SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE: HISTORY OF TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL

The Cougar Claw The Student Newspaper of Tomball High School

Changes on tap for next year

Renovations, new security set for summer Sabrina Ulloa Opinion Editor

School renovations are expected to be done during the summer to renew and make the school a safer place for students, including new security measures.

“The main things that came out of our safety audit this year were needing a better presence at the front of our school,” principal, Chris Scott said.

Due to other safety incidents earlier in the year, by the end of this summer the school will have been renewed once again after so many years.

“Basically when you come in the door you sort of walk straight in so we are going to do some configuration changes right there for next year,” Scott said.

The receptionist desk will have some changes done so that when someone comes in it is not as accessible to enter the school as it is now. The front of the school is an important part of the school because it provides a welcoming ambiance for prospective students & parents, visitors, and guests.

“It’s not per se going to be a reconstruction, it’s going to be some additional components we are going to add to the front that are going to provide for a better way to create barriers in the front so that its not just an easy sort of See NEW CARPET, Page 15

INSIDE:

Among the most notable changes to next year will be the departure of Billie Ann Dio, who was given a special pep rally to say goodbye. There are many teachers leaving but a complete list was unavailable at press time. Photo by Melanie Lester

New schedule to provide ‘study period’ Daniela Roscero

men and 10-12th grade students will have a longer lunch period where they will be able to get tutoriNews Editor After more than ten years, Tomball High School als, make up tests, get extra support for AP classes is about to radically change the school bell sched- and those kind of things next year,” principal Chris ule. Although there are still going to be seven Scott said.

The library, Grad Lab and both atriums will be 49-minute classes, the school day will start at 7:20 open at this time for student use. Club meetings, and there will be two different lunch periods: a thirty minute one for freshmen and a fifty-five-minute choir or play rehearsals and private sessions for band could also take place at this time. long ‘megalunch’ for students in grades 10-12.

“It’s going to have an advisory period for freshSee EXTRA TIME, Page 15

Graduation coming next week, Page 15

TMHS knocks Coogs from playoffs, Page 16

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OPINION

STAFF Emily Ashlock Editor-in-Chief Daniela Roscero News Editor Carly Sander Features Editor Sabrina Ulloa Opinion Editor Charlie Bose Online Editor Bishop Van Buren Sports Editor Danielle Benson Photo Editor Desarae Rudel Photographer Erika Molina Senior Writer Illustrator Hanna Bowman Jerry Fordyce Media Advisor

About the Cougar Claw: The newspaper is a product of the students at Tomball High School. All stories, pages and photos are student productions.

Advertising is available and is vital to the newspaper, as it receives no funding for printing costs from the school or district. For more information, e-mail adviser Jerry Fordyce at jerryfordyce@tomballisd. net or call (281) 357-3220 x2303. Visit us online at THSCougarClaw.com for additional coverage.

#MeToo Movement

Women uniting as one to combat sexual harassment Erika Molina

been the #MeToo movement. Girls of all ages have shared their experiences, what they went through Senior Writer and how they moved on from the trauma. These Being a woman in a society dominated mostly by movements are changing lives, encouraging others men is not easy. Sometimes that is due to culture. to take action and speak up.

The #MeToo movement started when many acSociety has always been more accommodating totresses began accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual wards men.

We see it everywhere: In the sports world, it is ev- misconduct and other Hollywood scandals. Many ident that those sports played by a man are more ap- shared their stories of what they dealt with to be preciated; in the workplace, competing against men in the Hollywood industry via social media. Other in order to succeed or get to the top is really hard to girls followed up in the cause, sharing their thoughts accomplish when you’re a woman. For example: in about the controversy and experiences they had in professional sports, most of the media and sponsor- the past regarding abuse.

Some people believe that unwanted advances, ship goes to male sports, because those are the ones stalking conducts, and inappropriate flirting towho sell the most. Brands choose to give their sponwards women are okay and sorship to male teams rather shouldn’t be considered as than women. abuse. Well, it does matter I’m not saying that we’re and it’s obviously not okay. oppressed, or that we still I don’t know about you, but haven’t gotten our freedom. it would make me feel unYes, I have to recognize that comfortable and bothered. things have changed a lot.

Not all abuse is physical - it Women now have more can be verbal, too. Examrights than what we used to ples of verbal abuse can be: in past eras. We are no loninappropriate name-callger seen as objects whose ing, constantly correcting only vital function is to get someone’s behavior or yellmarried and have our husing at, denouncing, conband’s kids. Women have stant humiliation, blaming, had enough of inequalities, threats, manipulation, and and for that reason, they more. have fought with their lives It’s important to know for our freedom. your rights. If any girl, for And thanks to those brave any reason, is facing any women who have fought for sexual harassment, or exour liberation and equality, periencing a circumstance nowadays we can have the where they feel bothered or lives that we want to have. discriminated against beWomen, too, are brilliant cause of gender, they need and capable of doing great to speak up. things, but we are often unIf you don’t know who appreciated and misunderIllustration by Hanna Bowman to talk to or who can you stood.

In many cultures, women are still expected to trust, speak to a counselor your parents. Believe me come home, either from work or school, to clean, when I say that there is help out there for you. Evcook, take care of their husband or family, and be eryone can help solve the problem, even people who at their service. And in return, women are ignored, are not personally close to you. It is not good to keep unappreciated, and even abused in their own homes. silent. Sometimes we are not able to solve problems Many of these women face domestic abuse. The sta- by ourselves. It is okay if you need help from others.

I also believe the school should address problems tistics show that 20 women per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. regarding gender inequalities, one of them being This equates to more than 10 million women in one the lack of importance given towards girls’ sports.

There have been only two or three pep rallies this year.

So, not only do women face abuse at home, but year, and all of them were dedicated to our football also in their everyday lives. Women are discrimi- team. Other sports deserve their special attention nated against in their workplace, unappreciated at too, especially girls’ sports, and not only a few mentions in the morning announcements. In addition, school, and even harassed on the streets.

Violence toward women is rising in the United there are other problems at school regarding gender States. On average, 24 women per minute are vic- inequalities, dress code being the one most students tims of rape, physical violence, or stalking. They are talk about.

Is a time to make our voice loud and clear to typically from ages 18-34.

However, the years 2017 and 2018 have definite- send a message of equality, solidarity, and resisly been the years of women. Protests have been or- tance. Amazing people have made huge differences, ganized in many states, where hundreds of people by helping other women. It is time to be involved marched for the same cause. Social media platforms in the community, and to see what can be done for are being used as a way for them to tell their stories. a change. If womens keep unifying and fighting as Many of them have gone viral, making an impact on they have been, changes in our society will come, and fast. others.

We are everyone and we are strong.

One of the major social media movements has

Hand-drawn masthead from the first issue of the Cougar Claw Newspaper (1964)

From humble beginnings to the Pride of Texas A

Story

108 years that has taken us

to write

I

Story by Emily Ashlock, Editor in Chief

n 1905, the first school began in the Woodmen of the World building. With wooden blocks for desks, benches, and a simple wood burning stove, Tomball School was born in the tiny town of Tomball, Texas.

high tops by adding nails in the soles, giving the team their first uniforms. From the very first season, they were champions. First one, then two, then three consecutive district championship trophies bore the name Tomball.

These fourteen boys, in 1935, voted for Tomball’s The community came together to provide a new school mascot and school colors. The beloved cougar won narbuilding on Cherry Street in 1910, where the first grad- rowly over the bearkat, while red and white was chosen uating class, the class of 1922, finished their schooling. almost unanimously.

1937 was the year Tomball truly began its stoAs the city progressed, more and more students enrolled in Tomball School. In 1935, a new campus was built to ry. At the time, Tomball was still a part of the Harris keep up with the ever-growing demand for space. It was County School District. On April 23, 1937, following at this school that many of the organizations we know a petition presented to the HCSD Board, Tomball Rural High No. 4 was free as its own district. TISD was and love were born.

In 1934, the first football team began practice. formed shortly after. The first school board for Tomball The team was open to all ages, and former students of- was formed, with President H.D. Brown, B.E. Stallones, ten returned to play because of this. Jerseys from an- O.W. Thomas, J.H. Buvinghausen, Harry Felber, E.W. other school were donated, cleats were fashioned from Handy, and W.S. Ham as the first members. The first

Continued next page

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SPECIAL SECTION: HISTORY OF TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL

The 1905 is shown on the previous page. This building became our high school in 1936. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch Continued from Page 3 principal of Tomball School was Frank Brautigam, who gave up his position as Superintendent of Klein ISD for Tomball.

The first band, the Big Red Band, was the area’s only traveling marching band at the time of its creation in 1937. The band led the annual Holiday Parade that year, and has participated in every parade since. The band also marched in the Houston Livestock Show for 33 consecutive years, and the Cotton Bowl in 1938. One of the longest serving band directors, Leonard Chambers, began directing the band in 1958, and served for 34 years. As a tribute to his service, the fine arts wing was renamed.

Now, the Leonard Chambers Fine Arts Wing welcomes every band, orchestra, choir, or theater student into the world of Fine Arts. Leonard Chambers’ daughter, Mrs. Lynn Brewer, currently directs the choir program.

The Tomball chapter of FFA also began in 1937, as an exclusively male group, until it was made co ed in 1969. From 1937 until the late 1950’s, the Ag Department and the band students shared the same building. Since its creation, Tomball’s FFA program has been an award winning group. The program placed highest out of the 200 teams in dairy judging, and also received the silver cup trophy its very first year. In the late 1970’s, the infamous annual Tomball FFA Project Show was held for the first time, under a tent on the high school football field.

The current show facility was built in 1995, with the Animal Project Barn opening in 2011.

The same year, 2011, the Hudson Folkerts Memorial Foundation was formed, as a tribute to

Hudson’s love for raising animals, working at his ranch, and to keep his memory alive. The HFMF has awarded over 167 scholarships since its creation, for college and for animals. If a Tomball FFA member is financially unable to raise an animal, they have the opportunity to receive one of these scholarships, so they too can experience raising an animal. The college scholarships are open to any THS graduate that plans on entering the field of agriculture, and are open for reapplication throughout the student’s college career.

Combined, the HFMF has given over $320,000 in scholarships.

In 1961, a fire ravaged the school on Cherry Street. It was February 7th, and the morning was cool at 5:41 AM. In the attic of the school, a small electric spark gasped for breath. The flame raced Tomball High School Song, in Leonard down and through the Chambers’ handwriting. Pictures from entire school, sparing Welcome to Tomball, Lessie Upchurch only the gym, and a collection of books that had fallen into water. The fire department used a nearby swimming pool to quench the blaze, struggling to save what they could of the high school. Unfortunately, the entire building was lost to the smoke. After a few days of chaos, temporary school assignments were put into place for the students to finish out the year. Tomball came togethContinued next page

The 1974 Tomball High School building. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, Lessie Upchurch

SPECIAL SECTION: HISTORY OF TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL

5

The first Big Red Band, in 1937. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch

Continued from Page 4

cougar statue was placed in front of our school.

er, and students were given a place in the First Baptist Church of Tomball for over a year. In that time, the new school was built on the ashes of the old building. A stadium was built on Sandy Lane, to accommodate the growth of the community and the school.

In 2003, the second floor was added to the campus. The year’s renovations also included a new auxiliary gym, an addition to the fine arts wing, and a face lift for the commons and the front part of the school. Today, the school is undergoing another round of renovations, which so far have included a new paint job for the back of the school, and lockers removed from the hallways by the library. There will be a new set of doors at the front of the school, an updated fine arts hall, band hall, and auditorium.

There is also a new Ag barn and new stadium in the works, which will result in the current stadium becoming a practice field for the band, football team, and Charms.

Then, in 1974, a new high school began classes, next to the stadium on Sandy Lane. That campus, built 44 years ago, is the current Tomball High School. Sandy Lane was later renamed Quinn Road, giving THS its current address. In 2000, a $98.4 million bond was approved, enabling Tomball High School to be renovated and expanded. This resulted in the addition of a second story, a new auxiliary gym, and multiple classrooms. The Looking into the past, a lot has changed since the first Fine Arts wing was made larger, and a new central power sys- tem was installed. The entire building was redone, giving us the class was held. From the moment it began, THS has proven what beautiful campus we know and love today. In 2005, the infamous it means to be the Pride of Texas.

Tomball School’s first graduating class, in 1920. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch

Tomball High School in flames. The entire building was destroyed. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch

1936 football district championship trophy. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball,

by Lessie Upchurch

A student struggles to find any salvageable records in the ashes of the school. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch

Tomball Ag and Band building from 1937 until the late 1950’s. Pictures from Welcome to Tomball, by Lessie Upchurch

School loses a legend in Mary Roach In 2012, Tomball lost an angel of a woman.

The following is the article written by Leanne Haas and posted on the Cougar Claw website following her death. (A video tribute can be seen through the QR code.)

nnn She was known as “The Queen.” She sat on her throne, “Stomping out Ignorance” as she had dedicated her life to doing. She taught history as if she had lived it. She was Greek. She was

French. She was African. Her best friends were Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc and Socrates, to name a few.

most of her life teaching generations of students, many of whom became teachers themselves at THS. She had mastered the art of teaching.

She time traveled through the world – and she didn’t even have to leave her chair. But Mary Roach wasn’t just a World History teacher, she was a Tomball legend.

“I’ve never seen a teacher who could just sit in the middle of the room in a chair, look into the air, and just talk,” sophomore Nancy Nieto said.

Mrs. Roach began her teaching career in the late 1960’s. Several years later, she joined Tomball – and stayed here for 43 years. She spent

She was fearless, and experienced in the art of humility. If someone misbehaved, they had better be prepared to hold her hand at the front

of the class for the rest of the lesson.

She was the kind of woman who had no problem “leading boys by their ears to their seats,” as described by long-time friend and former student, English teacher Mary Piehl.

Sophomore Alex Lopez described the occasionally amusing strategies of discipline to have been “done out of love”.

“Many might have seen her as a hard teacher,” said Chamber of Commerce President and former THS grad Bruce Hillegiest, “but under the surface she was a wonderful woman who loved to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Hillegiest can recall receiving a special graduation gift from Mrs. Roach. “She sent me a hand-written note letting me know what she thought of me – my character and such,” he said.

Lopez can relate, recalling the time Mrs. Roach remembered a paper she had written at the beginning of the school year. In it, Lopez said she wanted to be a doctor. Lopez thought Mrs. Roach would have forgotten about her story, among her numerous students. But later, Mrs. Roach came up to her, embraced her in a hug and told her, “You’re going to be a great doctor.”

She was wholeheartedly dedicated to such students and the future of society, remembered as saying, “Teaching is an act of faith. You have to believe that teenagers will grow up and become productive, decent people and productive citizens, and they most invariably do.”

Hillegiest believes she never forgot her students.

“I could mention a student from 30 years ago and she would say ‘I remember him’ and give something specific about that person,” he said.

Mrs. Roach was heavily involved with THS, sponsoring the National Honor Society for 20 years, and going to UIL competitions with students, often bringing them home-baked brownies. She brought her own students on a field trip each year to Houston’s mosques, temples and museums.

Beyond that, she was an involved citizen, eager to give back. She committed herself to the community in service projects “benefiting students, staff members, community members, the homeless, and those struck by tragedy,” said Piehl, who is also the sponsor of the Red Cross club. “Through her loving example, she taught us life-lessons that extended and obliged us far beyond the classroom.”

Mrs. Roach was a strong woman – emotionally, physically and mentally. She outlived many of her family members, including her parents, husband and son. And she still wasn’t ready to give up the fight when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

Mrs. Roach battled lymphoma for years, relapse after relapse. And on March 7, 2012, she threw the first pitch at the 4th annual Paint

the Yard Pink softball game, in honor of cancer survivors.

But at age 77, she had developed a fast-acting disease known to form within weeks – Burkitt’s Lymphoma. It was described by her doctor, Dr. Ewan Johnson, as the most aggressive and devastating form of lymphoma on the planet. And it was as rare as it is aggressive, with only 300 cases annually in the United States.

Mrs. Roach kept her diagnosis under wraps from most. She taught for as long as she could, even after being diagnosed. But her disease was rapidly spreading behind the scenes.

One day, she stopped coming to work. There was a substitute, but it wasn’t the same. Friends visited her in the hospital, students and staff made her giant get-well-soon cards. She was gone for two more weeks.

“hands slapping on hips.” For Nieto, it was her “cute” hair she so humbly combed often at the beginning of class periods. Lopez misses her eyebrows, and how they constantly animated her face.

For now, ‘Mrs. Roach, World History PAP’ still remains next to the entrance of her classroom.

But walking through that door, there is still an emptiness that can be felt, even among the familiar posters, pictures, and signed file cabinets bearing the names of decades of students resting in the same place she left them. The stack of pillows previously used as a place of gathering for story time lay in a pile next to the door. One red rose and one white rose lay crossing each other upon her blue throne.

On Sunday, June 3rd, Tomball High School On Friday, May 11th, the sky was dark. It had will join with the community in the auditorium in a Memorial Celebration honoring Mrs. been raining that day. Mrs. Roach was in her Roach. Mayor Gretchen Fagan declared June 3rd own bed, with former students now grown into as Mary Wilkinson Roach Day. dear friends nearby. Teachers and students had just been released from school. She passed away Her favorite Greek quote, handwritten in curquietly in her sleep. sive in green marker remains on her white board behind multiple world maps: “There is neither The history hallway outside her classroom is covered top-to-bottom with bittersweet goodbye glory nor honor in a stolen victory.” notes filled with memories, promises, and love.

“Thank you for being a mother of thousands,” Erika Lovelace wrote on the giant blue paper.

“I never got to say thank you for telling me not to be scared of change, to discover things for myself,” wrote another student. “You were the only one to focus on what was important in my life.”

And even after she is gone, Mrs. Roach will still be changing student’s lives. Her wish was that instead of flowers, contributions be made to the new Mary Wilkinson Roach Scholarship, made possible through Regions Bank, to aid Tomball High School graduates wishing to pursue teaching careers.

It’s the small things that are missed and remembered of fondly.

For Piehl, it was Mrs. Roach’s “matched socks with tops, racy blinged-up denim jacket,” and

Her own victory was well-earned, one that will not be forgotten by Tomball; her victory of love and dedication to her students.

nnn The Mary Roach Award was created to honor those teachers that do more, as Mrs. Roach did.

She poured her heart into her work, everyday.

She cared deeply about each of her students, never letting one go unnoticed. She made sure her students had a home here at THS. Mrs. Roach knew each student’s potential and would bring out their best. In her memory, and in memory of her loving nature, the Mary Roach Award is given to a teacher each year, that exhibits the same kind of love for their students.

The award has been given to Rachel Beck, David Youngblood, Billie Ann Dio, Diana Martinez, Margaret Harden and Deborah Vierkant.

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SPECIAL SECTION: HISTORY OF TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL

Coogs earn respect on, off the field Bishop Van Buren Sports Editor Tomball High School has a rich history of sports success, giving the small town a big name in the eyes of many sports fans.

Tomball has produced one of the most popular athletes in the nation, Jimmy Butler. The 2007 graduate is currently an NBA superstar playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler has been selected to play in each of the past four all-star games, thanks to both his play-making abilities and his stellar defense (receiving All-NBA Defensive Second Team from 2014 to 2017). Butler is not one to forget where he came from though, his Instagram personal biography stating “small town to a big city, Tomball to Minneapolis”.

Indeed, Butler returned to the school just over a year ago to see his jersey number retired, bringing many of then-Chicago Bulls teammates with him for a massive pep rally in the gym.

Tomball has also been viewed as a baseball town in the eyes of many for quite some time now, not only due to the state championship earned in 2013, but because of the players that have made their way to the professional level, such as Troy Patton.

Patton was a pitcher who graduated from THS in 2004 and was drafted in the 9th round of the 2007 MLB draft by the Houston Astros. Only playing one season with the Astros, he was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles as part of a trade package the following season. However, Patton did not get to pitch for the Orioles until the 2010 season due to a left labrum tear.

Patton had an impressive few years with Baltimore, and later bounced around the league, playing for multiple teams.

The football program has also been able to generate some outstanding talent on the gridiron.

Most recently, Jordan Leslie comes to mind. Graduating in 2010, Leslie went on to play at the University of Texas-El Paso for three years and then transferred to Brigham Young University for his senior season.

Though he has yet to make big name for himself in the NFL, Leslie told THS students about how he has taken on any opportunity that came his way.

“I’m always the first one in the gym and the last one out,” said Leslie. “You know putting in the extra effort for those things are necessary in order to achieve your goals.”

Leslie begins this year un-

Jimmy Butler, then a member of the Chicago Bulls, returned last year to THS to see his jersey number retired.

Lance Pavlas was a star quarterback at Texas A&M after leaving THS.

players from going on to have stellar football careers.

The star of that team was most certainly Lance Pavlas, who passed Former Cougar wide receiver Jordan Leslie has bounced around the NFL, and will for 3,410 yards and 46 touchdowns be wearing a Cleveland Browns uniform this year. and was back-to-back first team allder contract with the Cleveland state. He went on to start at quarBrowns. terback for Texas A&M for two Another THS graduate to make years, finishing fourth on A&M’s it to the NFL was Roger Vick (Class all-time passing yardage list and of ‘82), who played at Texas A&M second in completion percentage. and went on to be drafted by the When asked about that special New York Jets. But after not havteam, athletic head trainer Doc ing a very successful career, he has Graham pointed out why he bebeen deemed as one of the most lieves they were so successful. notorious NFL Draft busts in New “It was just a special team, they York Jets history. had everything - skill, determinaThough none of them went on tion, chemistry, and even luck,” to play at the professional level, Troy Patton helped usher in a long run said Graham. “There were some the 1984 and 1985 Varsity football of powerhouse baseball teams at THS situations where it was close and before moving on to the major leagues. teams were led by some outstand- Photo courtesy Keith Allison could go either way, and thanks to ing talent. The team to two straight those boys and Coach Etheredge, State Championship game appear- lineman Jack Frey, and coached by we were able to pull through.” ances, thanks to quarterback Lance 1984 Coach of the Year Lynn EthThese players and many more Pavlas, running back Bubba Gree- eredge. Though they fell short of have contributed to the great legaly, and offensive lineman/defensive the state title, it didn’t stop those cy that is Tomball Sports.

SPECIAL SECTION: HISTORY OF TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL

Notable Cougar Athletes Some great athletes have walked our halls. Here is a list of some of the most notable athletes, including their college and pro affiliations.

Football Keith Heinrich - Sam Houston State, Carolina Panthers Marcello Simmons - SMU, Cincinnatti Bengals Jordan Leslie - UTEP/BYU, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns Roger Vick - Texas A&M, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia Eagles Ray Collins - LSU, San Francisco 49ers, N.Y. Giants Lance Pavlas - Texas A&M

Olympic Track Jenny Adams

University of Houston

Baseball Troy Patton - Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, San Diego Padres Kyle Russell - Texas, Los Angeles Dodgers Drake Britton - Boston Red Sox Chris Herrmann - Miami, Seattle Mariners Dave Smith - Lamar, California Angels Carson Kainer - Texas, Cincinnati Reds Jared Ball - Arizona Diamondbacks Matt Yeatman - Minnesota Twins Eric Krebs - Pittsburgh Pirates Byron Wiley - Colorado Rockies Trevor Hurley - Texas Rangers Tyree Hayes - Cincinnati Reds Cody Podraza - Texas Rangers Nick Banks - Texas A&M, Washington Nationals Robert Dugger - Texas Tech, Florida Marlins

Basketball Jimmy Butler - Marquette, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves

Did we leave someone off? Tell us! E-mail the newspaper adviser at jerryfordyce@tomballisd.net with your nomination, and we will add it to the list online at THSCougarClaw.com

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THS Trivia Did you know...

The Charms were orginally called the Tam O’Shanters?

The first edition of the Cougar Claw Newspaper came out in December 1964?

In room 1201, there are yearbooks dating back to 1932?

Principal Chris Scott was a Cougar graduate 26 years ago, and played football and baseball as a student?

Gordon “Doc” Graham leaves the school next week after serving as head athletic trainer for 39 years?

Choir director Lynn Brewer is the daughter of Leonard Chambers, a former band director who the fine arts wing is named after?

NEWS

Graduation set for Reed Arena Daniela Roscero News Editor Graduation will take place in Reed Arena at Texas A&M University on June 2nd, 2018.

The address for Reed Arena is 730 Olsen Blvd, College Station.

TX, 77843.

Although the ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m., all seniors must be at the downstairs practice gymnasium of Reed Arena by 9:15.

No tickets are needed for admission, so there will be no limit on the number of guests seniors can invite. However, there is a $5

parking fee.

The commencement speaker will be Dylan Morgan.

From Tomball High School, the quickest way to Reed Arena is to go north on 249 through Magnolia, turning right on FM1488, then left on FM1774.

Continue north to Plantersville, turning left on TX105. Follow TX105 until you reach Hwy. 6, then turn right toward College Station.

For those unable to attend, there will be live internet streaming of the event. Visit tx.ag/ kamustream on graduation day to watch.

11 Tomball High School Spring Final Exam Schedule 2018

5/24/18 Thursday

Underclassmen Spring Exams

5/25/18 Friday 1 - Review 7:24-9:00

3 - Review 9:06-10:41

6 - Review 12:44-1:34 7 - Review 1:40-2:35

5 - Review 10:47-12:49 7 - Exam 12:55-2:35

5/24/18 Thursday 1 - Review 7:24-8:15 2 - Review 8:21-9:16 3 - Review 9:22-10:12 4 - Review 10:18-11:08 5 - Class 11:08-12:38 6 - Review 12:44-1:34 7 - Review 1:40-2:35

5/25/18 Friday 1 - Exam 7:24-9:00 3 - Exam 9:06-10:41 5 - Review 10:47-12:49 7 - Exam 12:55-2:35

5/29/18 Tuesday 2 - Review 7:24-9:00

5/30/18 Wednesday 1 – Exam 7:24 -9:25

5/31/18 Thursday 2 – Exam 7:24 -9:25

4 - Review 9:06-10:41

(Review for the first 20 minutes) 3 - Exam 9:30 – 11:30

(Review for the first 20 minutes) 4 – Exam 9:30 – 11:30

(Review for the first 20 minutes)

(Review for the first 20 minutes)

5 - Exam 10:47-12:49 6 - Exam 12:55-2:35

Senior Spring Exams 5/29/18 Tuesday 2 - Exam 7:24-9:00 4 - Exam 9:06-10:41 5 - Exam 10:47-12:49 6 - Exam 12:55-2:35

5/30/18 Wednesday

5/31/18 Thursday

Mandatory Graduation Meeting 8:45 am

Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal 8:45 am

*Attendance is REQUIRED on Exam Review days to remain eligible for Exam Exemptions (see Student Handbook p. 35)

Extra time may be used for clubs, tutoring 5th Period Bell Schedule

Story continued from Page 1 “The design of it is that students have some choice in how they spend their time during that lunch block and that teachers are accessible to be able to support the students at that time,” Scott said.

According to Scott, the administration will set up teacher schedules so they each have at least three tutoring blocks and two duty periods every week.

“Teachers are not available everyday before and after school, so I think this will also create opportunities for them to be able to meet their students’ needs, meet their families’ needs, you know, pick up their children, things that they need to do,” Scott said.

The administrative staff decided to implement this method after evaluating its effectiveness in surrounding districts like Magnolia, as well as other schools in the Dallas area.

“We made site visits to take a look at how they function, what do they do, what were the pros and the cons of it and I think from their vantage point is

that the students really benefited from it, that the students really liked it because they had a lot of choice in how they spent their time,” Scott said.

Because it will be the first year this new schedule is established, the district plans to collect data throughout the year to determine if it’s practical enough to continue using it in following years.

“We’re gonna try it out for next year and see how it works. We’ll see how many students come into classes, we’ll have them probably sign in on a Google form...we need the data also to make sure that these things are actually helping us improve academically, that’s the goal.”

The school administration is hoping that this change will help students, especially those who have extracurricular activities and advanced classes.

“For kids who are, which is the majority of our students [involved in] so many things with extracurriculars and before and after school this will just help them manage their time, hopefully,” Scott said.

A Lunch

10:41 - 11:11 Lunch (30) 11:16 - 12:49 Class (93)

B Lunch

10:47 – 11:30 Class (43)

11:30Bell – 12:00Schedule Lunch (30) THS 2018-19 - 10th-12th graders 12:00 – 12:49 Class (43)

C Lunch 10:47 - 12:19 Class (92) Start Time End Time Length 12:19 - 12:49 Lunch (30) School Begins 7:10 AM — — NOTE: Delayed lunch times in italics provide necessary exam Period 1 7:20 AM 8:09 AM time. 49 min Period 2 8:14 AM 9:06 AM 52 min Period 3 9:11 AM 10:00 AM 49 min Period 4 10:05 AM 10:54 AM 49 min Period 5 10:59 AM 11:48 AM 49 min Cougar Block A 11:48 AM 12:15 PM 27 min Cougar Block B 12:19 PM 12:47 PM 28 min Period 6 12:52 PM 1:41 PM 49 min Period 7 1:46 PM 2:35 PM 49 min School Ends 2:35 PM — —

THS 2018-19 Bell Schedule - 9th graders

Start Time End Time Length School Begins 7:10 AM — — Period 1 7:20 AM 8:09 AM 49 min Period 2 8:14 AM 9:06 AM 52 min Period 3 9:11 AM 10:00 AM 49 min Period 4 10:05 AM 10:54 AM 49 min Lunch 10:54 AM 11:24 AM 30min 5th period 11:29:00 AM 12:19 PM 50min Advisory 12:19 PM 12:47 PM 28 min Period 6 12:52 PM 1:41 PM 49 min Period 7 1:46 PM 2:35 PM 49 min School Ends 2:35 PM — —

New carpet, rear entry among biggest changes to come Story continued from Page 1

A new kiosk type area at the back of the school will also help with making sure that people don’t of walk through area.” Scott said.

Also,besides the addition to the just walk in by being a barrier.

Scott added that “Identification front of the school next year another security personnel will be added is really the main issue,” and thinks which will ensure a more secure that implementing stronger school safety measures will help make the and safe environment. “[The new] security personnel environment a better place for all will be similar to the gentleman students, teachers, and staff.

Besides the new security meathat we have at the back of the sures, during the summer the enschool right now,” Scott said.

tire building will be getting new carpet and new flooring during the summer. These are going to be the major renovations going on next year.

“This carpet has been here for ten years, it’s due for a new carpet.

And the flooring in the cafeteria, there has been some issues with the tiles a little bit. If you walk through you can see there have been a few that have popped up so they are

going to place flooring that will be more flexible and provides a less upkeep.” Scott said.

In the wake of recent school shootings - one just last week only an hour away at Santa Fe High School - it is even more important now to be aware of students safety and to take into consideration any danger, officials say. These renovations will help protect all students, teachers and staff.

Students aim to add wrestling to sports Bishop Van Buren Sports Editor

Cross takes 2nd again in State Shot-Put Riley Cross placed second in the state in shot-put, her second silver in the event in two years. Cross threw 41 feet, 10 inches this year. Her personal best this year was 44 feet, five inches, and 133 feet, four inches in the discus.

Memorial edges Coogs in final meaningful game between teams Charlie Bose Online Editor Baseball battled it out in three games, three days in a row, against the TMHS Wildcats.

What will be the final meeting in a meaningful game between the schools ended Tomball’s playoff march, with Memorial taking two games of three.

In the first game, the Coogs won 4-2 Friday night at home. But Memorial came back Friday night to win in their last at-bat, 5-4. Memorial advanced with Saturday’s 11-9 win.

For the last game, Chance Miller hit a home run along with Jake Johnson and Kasen Handal each scoring two runs. Eli Kerim, Ethan Kerim, and Scott Herrmann scored the remaining runs.

Ethan also led the game with three hits and four RBI. Eric Oakes struck out five batters while , Miller struck out two, and Cody Ryan struck out one.

The departing seniors are John Breaux, Justin Griffith, Zach Guy, Scott Herrmann, Zach Hinojosa, Ethan Kerim, Jonathan Kirschke, Tanner Lund, Brandon Marshall, Chance Miller, Austin

Brandon Marshall

Murray, and Denver Thompson.

“At first I didn’t act like it was a big deal,” Lund said. “But then when Cody Ryan told me ‘Dude this is our last game but we’re still brothers forever’ and then it sunk in. Dang, this was my last high school baseball game. I literally began to cry a little when I was in the outfield.”

Baseball ended their season with a district record of 12-4, and an overall record of 25-13.

After many failed attempts in years past, it seems Tomball High School will finally have its own wrestling team.

Students have been building interest in the idea, such as Rafael Paubel, a sophomore who has participated in wrestling and many other combat sports since he was 5 years old.

“I want to take Tomball High School to the next level,” Paubel said. “Hopefully I can earn a scholarship along the way.”

The wrestling team will also be open to spots for inexperienced athletes looking to try something new, such as Blake Rogers, a sophomore on the JV Baseball team, “I’m very intrigued at the opportunity to try something new,” Rogers said. “I often get bored Rafael Paubel before baseball starts.”

For those who are interested but have no prior knowledge of wrestling, it is a contact sport for both boys and girl in which score is determined by a point system, 2 points for a takedown (forcing your opponent down onto the mat), 1 point for an escape (getting out of your opponents takedown), and 2 points for a reversal (gaining control of your opponent while pinned and causing a takedown).

Wrestling season consists of multiple meets and tournaments starting in early November and lasting through February, only conflicting with the basketball season.

The wrestling team will definitely take on some high expectations with how well other sports have been doing, Rafael made sure to note that he’s not one to shy away from these challenges.

“Baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and girls’ soccer all did well and represented THS,” Paubel said. “I want to make sure wrestling joins them.”

If enough student support exists, the team could be in place next year.