The Cougar Claw April 2012

You can live down anything

except a bad reputation

That girl that wears low-cut shirts and mini skirts? The one you called easy, wrote off as a tramp?

She’s a virgin.

The jock you call a player, a self-centered tool?

He volunteers at a homeless shelter.

The point is we judge books by their covers. It’s not wrong or right,

it’s simply

what we do.

continued on pages 6&7

Theatre UIL takes the stage...and the cake page 2

New District’s impact: on Academics, page 2 on Sports, page 11

Is it too late for a tardy story? page 4

news

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Tomball becomes 22-4A school

New district presents new challenges

by Megan McAndrews staff writer

T

omball will be joining District 224A next fall as the student population drops due to the opening of Tomball Memorial. The high school, which had more than 3,000 students in 2010, will fall to1900 students next fall.

And while sports teams will see the biggest impact, academic programs will see some changes as well.

Julie Bonner, the out-going director of Academic UIL and the speech/debate coach, believes that Strafford will be difficult to beat, but Tomball Memorial shouldn’t be much of a problem yet.

“We know what their strengths are and how to beat them. But besides those two schools, we don’t really know what to expect. We’ll go into next year not under-estimating anybody, because you never know.”

the

Strictly looking at academic test scores, it appears that the two Tomball schools should have an advantage over much of the district.

But the new district also brings challenges, including much longer drives for district competitions.

“Now the band has to travel farther for performances,” tuba player Karine Pitts-Wilson said, echoing the feeling of many involved in extra curricular activities who are worried that the change will make for a difficult schedule.

Besides Tomball Memorial, the closest school in the new district is Spring Branch Spring Woods High School at 20.8 miles away. Tomball will have to make the long drives to compete in away games and other UIL events, and may have to leave campus before school ends for the day.

Add in rush-hour traffic across Houston, and it could make for a long day.

competition

Fort Bend Willowridge 44.2 Fort Bend Ridge Point 41.1 Fort Bend Marshall 30.8 Spring Branch Stratford 27.8 Spring Branch Northbrook 27 Spring Branch Spring Woods 8.5 Tomball Memorial 52.4 miles

Kaiser, Bonner, Melton announce retirement

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hree of the most familiar faces at Tomball High School will be leaving at the end of this semester.

Football coach Tommy Kaiser, Charms director Debbie Melton and debate coach Julie Bonner are all leaving THS at the end of this semester.

Kaiser has been with the school for decades and was once the baseball coach, winning Tomball its first district title in baseball. As head coach of the football team, he has compiled a 67-61-1 record and took the Cougars deep into the playoffs in 2010.

That year, Kaiser was named Houston Area Coach of the Year by the Houston Texans.

“Tommy has done an outstanding job in leading the THS football program,” athletic director Ronny Peacock said. “The district could not have found a better man and role model for the athletes of this district. His dedication, work ethic, and love for the youngsters were evident in his program.”

Players were surprised by the news, although seniors were sympathetic to-

ward the man that had been their head coach throughout their years at THS. “Coach Kaiser will be missed, but he has coached for 38 years and is in his 60’s now,” senior Kyle Harden said.

“I’m sure the school will find someone good to replace him.”

With Kaiser leaving, the team and assistant coaches are waiting to hear who will take over, and what changes might be coming.

Melton has had great success in her time as Charms director, claiming numerous state and national awards.

“It’s a great loss to our school as she’s an inspirational role model and she really cares about what she does,” junior Emily Lanier said. “She will be missed not only by the students she had, but students she met randomly down the hallway.”

Bonner not only directed the debate team but was in charge of all academic UIL competitions. These activities take a toll on family life.

for the rest of the story, visit thscougarclaw.com

A Lie of the Mind takes Tomball Stage to UIL regionals

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omball’s theater students travelled to Waco Friday to compete at the regional level in One-Act Play competition. to see how they did

thscougarclaw.com

Jonathon Downey (12) & Joe Daniels (11) Photos by : Cheyrl Trimbach

Left to right: George Gonzales (12), Lexie Jackson (11), Blake Jackson (11)

The cast and crew of A Lie of the Mind

cluckers.net/tomball

281.290.4530

13730 Alice Rd. Tomball TX, 77377

Savannah Lee (11)

Black Jackson (11) & Savannah Parnell (12)

fyi

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story by Alec Madere cartoon by Balee Leggett

obama

romney

Political Affiliation

Political Affiliation

Political Experience

Political Experience

Economic Policy

Economic Policy

Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy

Democrat

President, former senator from Illinois Believes the government should take an active role in helping the economy stabilize. Says the current tax system is fair and effective. While his economic policy’s effectiveness is in question, one cannot argue that unemployment is decreasing and the economy seems to be climbing out of recession.

Helped to bring about the end of the war in Iraq and gave the order for the military to eliminate Osama Bin Laden, and is slowly but surely bringing our boys home. His approach to foreign policy is concidered more diplomatic than his predecessor.

Social Policy

Liberal. Pro-choice as long as abortions follow the guidelines set by Roe v. Wade. On the issue of samesex marriages he believes all homosexual partners are entitled to a civil union that would grant identical legal rights to marriage, with the title left up to the states, and repealed “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to allow gays to serve in the military. He also believes the states should decide on allowing medicinal marijuana. Obama has supported banning or putting restrictions on semi-automatic fire arms.

Healthcare

Obama passed the Affordable Care Act to Restore Healthcare intending to provide healthcare to 43 million more Americans and keep insurance companies from taking advantage of consumers. The Supreme Court is currently questioning the constitutionality of the legislation.

Republican

Former governor of Massachusetts Would like to retain basically the same tax system.

He wishes to eliminate the estate tax and lower the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25% in order to promote job growth by putting less burden on business, thus allowing them to make more profit.

Military action for any foreign conflict will always be the last resort, but will never be taken off the table.

This issue will develop more as the campaign progresses and he appeals to a broader audience.

Social Policy

Conservative. He is opposed to same-sex marriage and civil unions; however he believes that anti-discrimination laws for gays and lesbians in the workplace should be a state decision. He opposes legalizing medicinal marijuana. On a more liberal note, he is not opposed to stem cell research but does not support federal funding of such programs.

Healthcare Each state should be allowed to create health care reform that would be ideal for its own citizens, rather than have one healthcare system for the entire country. This is a plan he instilled in his own state of Massachusetts as governor; whether it worked or not is debatable. He also would like to promote competition within the healthcare system, thus providing less expensive and better healthcare plans, by allowing citizens to purchase insurance across state lines.

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op-ed

Time flies when you’re

already

LLate AT E

by Alexis Aguren co-editor-in-chief

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his is a piece for the non-bus riding, solo-riders, car-poolers, speedingdown-249-ers, frequently-called-tardyto-first-period kids, we know how you feel.

Three tardies for the semester and you’re toast. Four and you can kiss a week of lunches goodbye or opt for two hours after school. Five or more … I don’t even want to think about it.

You’re entering the parking lot and the bell rings. Your heart breaks. You turn back around and go somewhere else. You’re missing an entire class period to avoid a write up for being a few minutes late. Now the school is losing

money that they wouldn’t have lost if you had been counted tardy instead of absent. We all know that’s the last thing the school wants (seniors that are subject to ‘study hall’ this week especially).

There is a shocking number of students that would rather skip first period than get write up after write up for tardies. Those students aren’t victims; it’s usually their fault for coming to school late. We aren’t trying to say there shouldn’t be a punishment for tardiness.

We’re just trying to say that it shouldn’t be write ups that push people to skip.

Some teachers count a student tardy if their hand is on the door handle, others allow a few minutes after the bell.

Some force kids to walk back to the attendance office and get a pass, further extending the time they are missing class. This inconsistency is frustrating

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to students all around. Teachers have probably heard ‘my other teachers never write me up’, and take a hit for simply doing the job assigned to them.

Speaking of the attendance office, that little white slip seems to grant some kids immunity to tardy write ups. A kid could be late to school every day of the week, but as long as he stops by the attendance office he’s golden. While another that walked through the door a minute after the bell faces heavy consequence.

Taking a consistently tardy student out of class for a day of ISS as punishment is counterproductive. Most students don’t view the ‘punishment’ as more than an aggravation, thus eliminating the point of a punishment. Write ups, detentions, and ISS aren’t effective in stopping the tardies and only increase the likelihood a student will choose to

skip the entire class.

A better solution, at least for first period, is to encourage teachers to provide an in-class punishment if they feel a consequence for tardiness is necessary.

Save the write ups for those that waltz in without a pass half an hour after the bell rings. It’s better to have someone miss a few minutes at the beginning of class than encourage them to not show up at all.

From something as simple as cleaning the white boards to as severe as a grade deduction, the teachers would have reign. Some may choose to not make a change at all. Those in AP Economics certainly feel the fear of missing Paula Temperilli’s class. If she can instill the terror in her students and force them to drag themselves to their seats on time, other teachers can do the same.

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letters editor to the

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Then teachers would Seperate senior parking ‘Study hall’ during just be babysitters lot: revelation or hassle TAKS is enough I have recently discovered a website known as KhanAcademy.com. This is an educational website that has delivered over 110,000,000 lessons to students across the world for free! This website will allow students in a classroom to move at their own pace, whether it is jumping ahead of the other students or lagging behind them. If a student doesn’t understand a certain concept the teacher could be notified and will then intervene and help the student. Or the teacher could allow the other students to coach the slower students. I have used this website before and highly recommend it. Check it out!

-Peter Kapeel, 10th I’ve personally used KhanAcademy, and you’re right, it’s an absolutely amazing resource. Unfortunately, using it in the classroom as the bulk of curriculum will be difficult, tedious and redundant for most students and teachers. The idea of being able to go at one’s own pace may be appealing to students that like to learn and master concepts, but a good amount of students will not progress on their own due to apathy. Using videos could be highly useful as a curriculum booster, or to provide more than one explanations of certain concepts. YouTube has many useful videos and tutorials, such as the AP economics lessons that Temperilli assigns. The usefulness of these videos provides a strong argument for unblocking websites such as YouTube at the school.

-Alexis Aguren, Co Editor-in-Chief

I think that this school should have an “advisory” period. An advisory period would provide more time for class homework and even homework help for kids at school who most likely would not do it anyway. We could take five minutes out of every class and have a 35 minute class period for homework and tutoring everyday. I think this would be extremely useful to student body. I believe we would see a significant rise in the number of passing students. Who doesn’t want that? Do teachers want to continue to see students roam there halls for five years instead of four? I don’t think so. I just think that 35 minutes each day, 175 minutes each week, will make a great difThis is a great idea but enforcing this ference.

-Michael White, 10th privilege would be a challenge for the school. History shows that there are unFive minutes out of every class pederclassmen who do not acknowledge riod may not seem like a lot to you, but the ‘senior’ in senior atrium (not that we can even use it anymore), so it’s not to those that need all the time they can like they would apply the same respect manage for tests, essays, and classwork to parking. Seniors might start trading it’s a major blow. Your suggestion could and selling tags and it adds to the already help kids that are willing to take advandifficult responsibility of monitoring the tage of it, but let’s be honest - the class will entire parking lot. However, the local become a period to do nothing. While tow truck business may have an increase some may argue that a nap period would in profit. The school would have to come benefit, teachers that already struggle to up with a fair disciplinary method for fit their curriculum in a 50 minute class those who park in senior spots and there period would disagree. If you’re behind would have to be a clear way of distin- in school and willing to spend a half guishing the parking places. If the school hour working with a tutor, see if you can can think up a solution, the idea is sound take the time to come to school early or and would be a great reward for seniors, stay after. Every teacher offers it. Unfortunately there’s simply more harm than in addition to the obvious benefits.

-Alec Madere, Features/Online Editor good in a nap period.

-Bianca Zaragoza, Co Editor-in-Chief

I think seniors should have priority parking in the parking lot. Most of the seniors have late arrival or early release, and it would be much easier for seniors if we didn’t have to park all the way in the back. That extra time rushing to walk to your car can cause you to be late to work.

Plus, seniors should have this perk as we have to go through many trials and tribulations at this school. We could have different tags to put on our car that’s different than other grade levels. This would also encourage students to make it all the way through high school to get this privilege.

-Ryan Coburn, 12th

n i a t n u o F a d o S s ’ Nonnie Fri.- Sat. 11 to 8

Sun. 12 to 6

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cougar claw staff Adviser: Jerry Fordyce Co-editors-in-chief: Alexis Aguren, Bianca Zaragoza Features/Online Editor: Alec Madere Sports Editor: PJ Meyer Photo Editor: Evan Bradley Video Editor: George Gonzales Ads Editor: Eric Elliott Writers: Mayeli Cuenca, Leanne Haas, Megan McAndrew, Amy Lynn Shaklovitz Photographers: Audra Crawford, Michael Garcia, Emily Osceola, Chandler Schneider, Rain Shanks Aritist: Christian Cains Letters to the Editor Policy: The Cougar Claw publishes letters to the editor in both the print and online editions. These can come from students, parents, faculty/staff and others with an interest in the school. However, we do not accept letters that are unsigned, and will not run a letter without the writer’s name.

Letters will be edited for grammar and length, but the author’s intent and point of view will never be changed by the staff.

For any questions, comments, or concerns, contact adviser Jerry Fordyce at: jerryfordyce@tomballisd. net phone: (281) 357-3220 x2303 fax: (281)357 -3248 Tomball High School 30330 Quinn Rd. Tomball, TX 77375

located in the “Barns at the Depot” 102 Market St. Tomball, TX Enjoy one of our old fashioned hand drawn sodas, play a tune on the free-play jukebox, or just sip on a cup of coffee and enjoy the quaint 1950’s atmosphere

plain

“Unfortunately, you’re judged by the people you hang around,” teacher Randy McClain said.

“You’re influenced by a group. You may not be doing the wrong things they do but you’ll be judged by association. I think clothing dictates that as well. That part is a little different than when I was young.”

Freshman Kaitlyn Free agrees.

“If I hang out with people that do things that I don’t agree with, that would lower my reputation,” she said. “Reputation is important and I don’t want people to think I do things that I don’t.”

Our physical appearance, like it or not, is the only way we have to communicate who we are without, again, explaining all of life’s snapshots.

“Clothing is a symbol of our personal culture,” McClain said.

You may think you look sexy in a low cut top, it may give you the confidence you need to get through the day, to go up to the guy you genuinely like. You just have to accept what others will think.

If you’re okay with their speculations, then go for it. Even if you wear the most conservative clothes in the world, you will be judged for them.

“I wear the same jacket every day, so, I guess people might think I’m poor or something,” senior Kyle Brautigam said.

Well, Steve Jobs wore the same style turtlenecks every day.

What we’re saying is that, right or wrong, society forces us to judge based on appearances.

There will always be those that rebel against that, and may even leave room for harsher judgements.

There’s absolutely no escaping it.

So take a minute to think about how you portray yourself through your day to day life. We aren’t telling you to change, that wearing short skirts makes you easy, that taking shirtless Facebook pictures (guys) makes you a tool.

Just think about how you view others, how quickly you yourself judge, and how we allow others to judge us just as quickly and harshly.

attention seeker

“I’d be afraid, they look scary” -Ashleigh Huggins, 12 courtesy weheartit.com

story by Alexis Aguren and Bianca Zaragoza

stop them, explain ourselves, and show them who we really are.

Social media has further allowed our reputations to be damaged. We’ve all seen the infamous red solo cups in pictures (but it was fruit punch) and the bikini profile pictures (I was on a family vacation). Unless every photo caption is an explanation of your actions, people’s imaginations get the best of them.

Even something as innocent as a peace sign will provide room for judgment. But we all like to think our profiles are squeaky clean.

“There’s a girl I know who seems like a super sweet, quiet person … then I log onto her Facebook,” senior Nalani Gruel said. “It’s her partying, Four Loko cans everywhere, pictures that look like she’s not even wearing clothes. Though I will say she has confidence.”

It’s not just our Facebooks that can let us down, it’s the friends we choose, the clothes we wear, the way we do our hair that leads others to judge us.

“They seem loud and opinionated... they wouldn’t take alot from anyone.”

-Randy McClain, Teacher

“If they can’t figure out how to wear pants, how can they perform a job related task?

-Jessica Kana, Teacher

“He looks like a porquipine” courtesy google images

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ho here has ever been called a slut? Who here has ever called a girl a slut?”

For the Mean Girls fanatics, this quote may sound familiar. It may be hard for some to find meaning behind the comedy.

Of course, our school won’t have an awkward math teacher hold an assembly for high school girls to share their feelings (unless it wants to, then go ahead). And this article isn’t here to tell you to stop spreading rumors or play nice in the locker room. We all have to accept that backstabbing, dirt talking, and harsh judgments are a part of life you won’t leave behind when you receive your diploma.

They say that character is who you truly are, and your reputation is how others view you. Unfortunately, the view that we provide others may not be as accurate of a representation as we’d like. The people you meet in passing, the kids in the hallway that overhear your conversations, the Facebook friends and Twitter followers; it’s not like we can

“th ere’s n oth in g wron g wit h be ing a n individua l as lon g as it’s wi t h i n t he soci al norm”

-Michelle Arman, 12

“Kids like this are trying to get attention” -Jessica Kana, Teacher

“He’s an individual, that’s not always bad.”

-Randy McClain, Teacher

“They’re saying come get me, I’m easy.”

boring

fake try-hard

prude slutty

courtesy weheartit.com

-Ashleigh Huggins, 12

ldn’t u o w le p o e p s s e u g “I d o o g a s a e m e iv e perc

“They may be the nicest girls in the world, but society stereotypes them because of their clothes” -Randy McClain, Teacher

m not as I’ t u b , l r i g n Christia could be.”

“w h e r e ’ s

her mom?” photos by : Rain Shanks

-Kaitlyn Palividas, 11

How do you think others see you? revealing as one

“she’s just a girl trying to get by.”

“They don’t respect themselves, they’re leaving nothing for the imagination.”

“Well I’m pretty modest, so people probably don’t think that much of me when they see me. They’d think I was a nice guy, but they probably think ‘that boy goes home and plays xbox on a Friday night’.”

“I honestly think other people see an open for business sign on my forehead.

People are always trying to do stuff with me, but they never try to get to know me. I guess it’s partly my fault because I wear lower cut shirts. But it’s also partly their fault, because they never did take the time to get to know me.”

A

blur of bright colors entraps Anna’s vision as she makes her way backstage. She stumbles in confusion - this can’t be happening again.

The familiar sensations of convulsing and numbness take over her body. The pain, though, is of another caliber.

A minute goes by, and her eyesight is still blurry. Suddenly, blank whiteness engulfs her sight completely. She clutches her chest as the tightness shoots through the left side of her body.

Anna feels someone carry her outside, where she regains vision. But her heart continues to rapidly race off-beat.

Thump. Skip. Thump.

She is laid on the grass, writhing with tears in her eyes. This isn’t the kind of pain most people her age are used to experiencing; this numbing sensation, the nausea.

The pain lasts for more than an hour before she finally comes out of her state. She finds herself surrounded by a group of friends praying over her. “Anna, what’s wrong?” her friends are frantically asking.

What’s wrong? She’s asked herself that question multiple times. She’s asked doctors that question, and she receives the same answer. And this is the only answer she can give her friends: “I don’t know.”

a heart for the art: anna’s story

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hat a seemingly normal backstage Christian Youth Theatre practice is for many other kids, spells danger for sophomore Anna Cathcart, whose undiagnosed heart condition affects her ability to work for long hours at a time.

Anna has waited for answers from doctors to tell her that everything is going to be alright. She is still waiting on signs of improvement.

Though she has been to several doctors, Anna’s condition

by Leanne Haas

photos by : Rain Shanks

has remained a mystery since her first episode when she was 11 years old.

At first, the symptoms were barely noticeable, but they came back years later- stronger than anticipated, with painful bouts of heart palpitations that came from nowhere. “It’s scary because I can’t control it,” she said.

While strenuous activity can trigger her heart to react, it is not always the cause. She has experienced an attack during a choir class, at first saw lights then felt numbness take over.

She couldn’t breathe fast enough and found herself unable to even walk. She remembers being hastily wheel chaired out of class - confused and afraid.

Awareness of her condition grew as four years passed with no answers. She turned to art as a creative escape and began to develop a love of choir and theater.

Anna attributes her newfound outlook on life to her faith, and the Bible for inspiration for her artwork. September of last year, the

young artist donated a canvas dedicated to the remembrance of 9/11 to an auction which benefited honored veterans.

Though she continues to “go with the flow” with a positive attitude, the possibility of another episode looms over her. She can take precautions, but there is only so much one can do without knowing the seriousness of the condition.

Since the worst episode yet at her theater practice, Anna has yet to return to the group - a small price to pay to prevent an attack in any way she can. She no longer takes for granted the opportunities she once had.

However, Anna foresees a bright future. She still dreams of returning to the theater someday to work behind the scenes as a body paint artist.

“It’s just one of those things that happens,” Anna says with a shrug of her shoulders. “Even when a situation seems bad God always turns it around and makes it something good.”

Casting out hooks, reeling in

s e e r g e d e g e l col

by Bianca Zaragoza co-editor-in-chief

W

hen the leaves turn color this upcoming fall Tomball seniors Evan Blott and Matt Thomas are packing more than just laptops and dorm supplies.

Reels and artificial worms will make their way into the beds of their trucks heading off together to Texas A&M Kingsville.

The future A&M Kingsville fishermen have been hitting the waters together since the fifth grade. After seven years, “What’s another four?”

The tournaments that Blott and Thomas enter may not let them keep their winning fish (due to conservation purposes) but they certainly offer a good trade-off; scholarship opportuphoto by : Evan Bradley

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writing plays & taki n g n ames

photos by : Rain Shanks

Ms.Martin’s night job What is your favorite thing to write about? (genre, etc.)

I’m inspired by my everyday life and so I translate what I see into short stories or little blurbs that eventually become longer pieces. It’s always and forever prose though and realistic prose at that.

I don’t dabble into sci-fi or romance or anything. I think real life is far more interesting.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a writer?

I was young—something like four or five—when I realized I liked to write. I thought I’d be a journalist by the end of 8th grade and really started considering writing creatively my junior and senior

year of high school. In college, thanks to a great creative writing instructor, Oscar Casares, I finally found my voice/ style and thought, “Hey, maybe I can do this.”

What made you want to be a writer?

I don’t think any writer can answer that, or at least I can’t. And I don’t think of myself as a “writer”—I reserve that title for people like Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Cormac McCarthy. If I attempted to answer I would say that it just feels like something I’m compelled to do. I don’t even really think of it as something I want or don’t want. It just happens.

What made you want to become a teacher as well?

I don’t like to lie so I’ll tell the truth. I didn’t. I was only supposed to teach a year, during which time I planned to study for the LSAT and apply for law school. As you can tell, that didn’t exactly pan out (I’m on my 5th year teaching) mostly because I never took the LSAT. I liked the idea of helping people and promoting change and growth which is why I wanted to go to law school; I realized quickly that I could do that on a more grassroots level as a teacher.

cently been taken down).

Yes, but nothing that I’ve been fond of – press releases for various organizations, some pieces in a literary arts magazine, and an essay I wrote during college was published on the web (the site has re-

or comes back to me and says that they enjoyed something I recommended to them. Also, helping people is really rewarding.

Favorite writer?

That’s hard! I mostly lean toward writers in the postmodernist movement but I’d say a few of my favorites are Charles Bukowski, Bob Dylan, John Barth, Donald Barthelme (who helped start the legendary creative writing program at UH), Thomas Pynchon, and of course, Henry Miller.

Favorite part about being a Have any of your writings even teacher?

I like seeing the “light bulb” moments been published? when a student finally gets a concept

two stars and one stage two stars and one stage two stars a age two stars and one stage two stars and one stage two stars age two stars and one stage two stars and one stage two sta

EJ Jones & Evan Swonke

Q&A

nities and the title of best youth fishers in the area.

“I enjoy fishing with Matt. I would have gone to a different school if I didn’t,” Blott commented. “We have slightly different mind sets when it comes to fishing but it makes both of our styles work.”

Some see fishing as something their uncle does for the weekend when he just wants to wind down and listen to country music; but it’s evident that these two are playing the waters like a poker player would play a hand.

The seniors have had countless weekends that have started before sunrise so they could test the waters.

“We sometimes have to be out by 5 a.m. and prep fish,” the two said.

The self-proclaimed outdoors men are more than excited about taking their college education down south.

“If you enjoy being outdoors like we do then it’s a great place to go,” Thomas said. “Kingsville had always been a choice for that reason.”

and just fell in love with it. It’s a song that’s very descriptive on how you feel about someone but in a very odd way.

What instrument did you start out on and when did you start?

EJ : The first instrument I started was

How did you two meet and decide piano. I started it two years ago. to collaborate?

Evan : I played drums before just EJ : I met Evan through one of my because my dad always had a drum set.

good friends, Anna Lu, and I knew that he was great at playing the guitar and that he could play the drums and that he sings. We had class together and I knew that I needed a guitarist for the songs that I wanted to sing. I asked him and he said he would be honored to.

Evan : He just asked me in class one day. He showed me the song, He said, hey do you wanna play that? I said I’ll listen to it. And then I played it and we said, alright. Sounds good.

How did you decide on the song Black and Gold?

EJ : I actually stumbled upon it by ac-

cident. I was actually searching for the song Black and Gold from the movie Fame one day and I found Adele’s version to black and gold. And I heard it

photo by : Michael Garcia

Hear the talent show song:

I met some friends who played music and they would play ukulele and I was like, hey that’s a pretty cool instrument.

I should pick that up. And then they would get a harmonica and piano and I might as well just start doing that.

How do you plan to move forward musically?

EJ : I don’t have really any plans. It’s

something I was always good at but I never thought that I was good enough to be professional.

Evan : Me and my friend Ian write music. I’ve been playing shows with him around Tomball. We just opened for Never Shout Never on the 22nd. I just record music on my own and get better.

I would like to major in music and learn more about it.

THSCougarClaw.com

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and

FILM

The big screen super heros weren’t born in a camera lens- they were tediously sketched and printed on the pages of highly enjoyable and collectable comic books. While comics have seemingly faded into the distance, they have such undeniably wonderful plots and concepts that movie after movie has been made to represent them. The question is, how accurate are the movies to the origional story? Which one provides a better bang for your buck?

sports

small towns t r a n g e r s

Tomball meets some new opponents, District 22-4A

by P.J. Meyer sports editor

A

new district means new competition for Tomball sports teams next year. Predictions are being made as coaches prepare for a different level of play.

Without any previous experience against these other schools, the Cougars will really have to step it up in order to beat these teams.

“Tomball Memorial will be good competition,” said basketball coach Jim Kearns, “as well as the Fort

IRONMAN

there have been many reboots to the story line in order to keep the concepts up to date, such as changing the current ‘war’ from Vietnam to Afghanistan. However the franchise does stay true to the characters better than most comic book movies. Everything the movies said about Tony Stark’s father is correct. The armor has changed over the years in the comics but the movie covers the important consistencies that make the suit and Iron Man what he is. In the third Iron Man movie, the writer’s plan to bring in Tony’s comic book arch enemy, Mandarin. There will actually be some differences between this character in the films and comics. The director has expressed that the way Mandarin is depicted in the comics with his 10 magic rings would not be right for the movie franchise and they plan

Bend schools.”

Baseball can relate. According to Coach Doug Rush, “Ridge Point has a very good baseball program.”

Tomball football will also have some tough competition, but their main opponent is a different story.

“Tomball Memorial will be a challenge because they are so close to us,” assistant football coach Gary Van Sant said. “Neighbors will be playing neighbors.”

Football has the added wrinkle of having to name a

by Amy Shaklovitz staff writer

A

s a result of the new high school, the Tomball Cougar Softball team is looking at a smaller group of girls for the 2012-2013 season.

“We may not even have a JV next year,” said Coach Benita Dunlavy.

However, the team is still expected to do well in 4A. Schools like Stratford and Ridge Point will be the equivalent

of Klein and Klein Collins.

Haley Fuller, Sarah Smallwood, and Kaylie Ewart will be the leading seniors, and underclassmen Lexie Comeaux and Kiana Workman will be major assets to the team.

The team should have a strong hitting game, and experience will certainly come into play against these new schools.

“It’s going to be a very different season,” said Dunlavy.

between the comics and film, there is nothing that directly contradicts the idea of Iron man and most of the changes are merely to bring it up to date with the modern world.

SPIDERMAN

with several exceptions. While the stories themselves were relatively close to what happened in the comics, the sequence of events in the first movie from when Peter Parker is learning to use his powers to when he faces the Green Goblin are not quite as the comic portrayed. Parker’s first girlfriend, Gwen Stacy (who was killed by the Green Goblin in the comics) is taken out of the first movie and implemented in Spiderman 3 as a shortlived relationship of Parker’s. This was controversial amongst Spidey fans because some still argue that Gwen, not Mary Jane, is Spiderman’s one true love interest. As for the powers, in the comics Spiderman has web shooter which he invents. In the films the web is a naturally occurring part of his spider powers. The upcoming reboot movie plans to rectify both the Gwen Stacy issue by replacing Mary Jane with her and the web shooter’s absence, effectively making this new film more true to the comic book and ‘starting over’.

BATMAN

Christopher Nolan’s Batman series follows the comics fairly well. Batman Begins does not

directly follow the comics when it comes to plot but this is considered necessary by most

Coming Soon

The Amazing Spiderman Dark Knight Rises Dredd Superman; Man of Steel Iron Man 3 The Wolverine Justice League

June 3rd Summer 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013

Bet you didn’t know these were originally comics 30 Days of Night Sabrina the Teenage Witch Sin City 300 Teen Titans Alein Vs Predator Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Constantine Wanted Cowboys and Aliens V for Vendetta Men in Black

in order fill out the story and move the superhero from ink to film. Even though there are some plot elements that are very loosely connected to the original comic Batman, many fans accepted it simply because the movie was good enough to stand on its own. As for the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight is a compilation of several Batman stories with the title as the only real connection to “The Dark Knight Returns” graphic novel. The film’s story stayed true to the characters Two-Face and the Joker as they were in the original comic series, but again, simply threw the elements of the series into one amazing and twisted movie.

GREEN LANTERN

The Green Lantern movie was virtually a mess from characters to plot. This film was intended to be based off of the “Secret Origin” comic book but was very removed from

the plot. The movie decided to focus on Hal Jordan struggling to accept his responsibility and overcoming fear in a very cliché manner that was not reminiscent of the comic. Abin Sur, who gave his power ring to Hal, was killed by Parallax instead of Legion or Atrocitus.

Of course this version of Parallax was very different from the comics; however, to the movie’s credit it would be challenging to translate the complicated history of some of the Green Lantern villains. In an attempt to streamline complicated plot details to help people that have never been exposed to the Green Lantern prior to this movie and move the characters in line with more digestible archetypes, the whole product turned out to be a disappointment for fans, critics, and curious movie audiences alike.

by P.J. Meyer sports editor

ithout the 2012 senior players, Tomball baseball will have to make some adjustments to their game.

Every varsity player has experience and advanced skill that is crucial to their success. Experience is something that every Tomball baseball player has in common. The camaraderie and chemistry among the players gives Tomball an advantage over the other teams.

“We always play as a team,” said

A b o v e Boy’s t h e& Girl’s Rim: Basketball A

new district means new competition for Tomball sports teams next year.

Predictions are being made, allowing coaches to prepare for this different level of play.

Without any previous experience against these other schools, Tomball basketball will have to step it up in order to beat these teams.

“Tomball Memorial will be good competition,” said Coach Jim Kearns, “as well as Fort Bend.”

The key to the Cougars’ success will be the camaraderie between key players, such as Nathan Fannon, Daniel Prince, Marqueese Grayson, and Kyle Handler.

Marshall will be a very good team,

according to Kearns. “They beat the two teams we lost to.” With focus and dedication in practice, the Cougars will be able to beat the big rivals easily. “We have the ability to shoot the outside shot,” post Daniel Prince said.

L

ady Cougars’ 2012 basketball season will be just as competitive.

Their biggest challenge will be facing the Ridge Point Panthers.

“They will have most of their starters back as seniors,” said Coach Karen Lemker. Tomball Memorial will also be a big competitor, along with Stratford.

serve it up.

by Amy Shaklovitz staff writer

T

he volleyball team will face a whole new competition next year in 4A. No longer will our rivals be Klein Collins and Klein Oak, but rather Tomball Memorial and Stratford.

The preseason will be as competitive as always, playing many 5A schools to get ready for district.

Key players are expected to be Kaili Birkner, Mason Lanch, PJ

junior outfielder Nick Banks, “No matter what.” Key players in the new district include, Ishmael Edwards, Robert Dugger, Michael Herrera, Vance Hammonds, and Dylan Bass.

In order to beat the big rival Ridge Point, the Cougars will have to stay focused and determined.

“If we apply ourselves the way we should,” said junior outfielder Vance Hammonds, “then we will succeed.”

Next year, Tomball baseball hopes to make at least top two in district.

But, according to Banks, “If you reach your goals, you aren’t setting them high enough.”

Touching all bases: W

to replace that with something technologically based. While there are some differences

The Spiderman franchise translated well to film and was, overall, true to the comic books

new head coach for the coming year.

But every sport can agree, Stratford will be the greatest challenge of all. According to Tomball swim coach Jim Sharp, “Stratford has always gone to state … but so have we.”

Some teams will certainly see an easier road to the playoffs. “As of right now we believe that some of the schools in our new district might not even have a girl’s golf team,” said Maryssa Ferries, a sophomore on the golf team.

Baseball: TOUCHING ALL BASES

SOFTBALL GIRLS BALLIN’ HARD

story by Alec Madere

The Iron Man movie franchise is about as true to the comic as it can be. Over the years

11

4.12

in-depth

10

Meyer, Hope Forsythe and Kyndall Ingram.

The team’s strengths may not be their height, but “we have hops,” said outside hitter, PJ Meyer. No doubt the girls’ verticals will give them an upper edge when blocking and hitting.

Other strengths will be defensive skills and remarkable teamwork.

“They’re quick and able to keep the ball off the floor,” said Coach Cheri Wallace. “The girls work well together.”

“Stratford’s players are just as big as us,” noted sophomore forward Carissa Diaz.

Fort Bend Marshall will be dropping from a 5A district as well, so they automatically become a big rival.

But Tomball will not have a difficult time with these teams, considering their numerous strengths and advantages.

“We have experience and height,” said Lemker.

According to the players, they just need to keep the ball moving.

“Our outside shooting will be a key component to our game,” said junior point guard Lexe Marks, “we have to be smart and calm.”

by PJ Meyer Besides their skills and talent, the Lady Cougars have a team bond that will work to their advantage. “We’re a very close team,” said Diaz.

“We have an immense amount of camaraderie,” said junior forward Bri Pederson. When asked who will be the key players next year, Marks replied, “Everyone. Each player has a different job that they do very well.”

Tomball will have four returning starters in the new district. They will focus on playing as a team and working together. Before a game, Lemker reminds her team of this, “I tell them to believe in each other and believe in themselves.”

A shiny new district for a hopeful

shining season

by Amy Shaklovitz staff writer

T es.

he 2012 football season is expected to have some big chang-

Coach Tommy Kaiser is retiring after five years as head coach. His replacement is still unannounced, and many questions remain as to the makeup of next year’s coaching staff.

With the new 4A district, the team’s expected rival looks to be Stratford High School. “A lot of people think the new district will be easy, but it’s actually going to be a difficult season,” said junior Ramsey Miller.

Some important players will be Josh Horton, Ilxon Santiago, Max Baronaske, and Kendall Browning.

“Our defense will definitely be our strength,” said junior defensive end

Pavlas good good ol’ ol’Lance “A simple phone call

from a familiar voice

resurrected the glory days”

The Texas Sports Hall Her Tomball senior son,

by Bianca Zaragoza of Fame announced Pavlas’ Tyler Pavlas, is continuco-editor-in-chief

D

ays, weeks, months and years pass. The days of high school, the days of when you held the titles of Houston’s Player of the Year, All-State quarterback, All-American quarterback, NHS member, Top 10 Percent student, Best All-Around and Mr. THS - all seem to be stored away like a porcelain Santa Claus figurine in July.

Even after leaving all the triumphs and memories of leading his team to state back-to-back years in the hallways of Tomball High School, Lance Pavlas’ football feats remain surreal to all of those who saw the quarterback suit up in shoulder pads and cleats every Friday night.

A simple phone call from a familiar voice resurrected the glory days.

“They contacted my [former] coach first, Lyn Etheridge…he was the one that called me,” Pavlas said.

o t y d rea k? roc

by Karli Burghoff staff writer

M

ost of us think of rock climbing as an event to do on a simple blow-up wall with a spotter who guides us every step of the way. Some of us even get nervous on a measly 25-foot rock wall.

Imagine being over 100 feet above safe ground, no spotter, and the only guide you get is a voice inside of your head telling you to grip the wall and keep going. For Nicholas Milburn, 11th grade, this is rock climbing.

“There’s always a challenge

nomination in December, with the induction held in Waco on May 19th.

He will be inducted along with eight other nominees, an honor bestowed to the best of past and present high school athletes.

Pavlas was and still is more than just an accolade collecting athlete. Pavlas fought for recognition, not only for himself but for every team mate who joined him on the field.

“Being told I was going to be inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame made me feel really good about being a part of such a special team and representing my teammates for this award,” he said.

“I really appreciate it, it’s a tremendous honor.

High school football in Texas is such a big deal, I wasn’t expecting it.”

Wife, high school sweetheart, and former Miss THS Beth Pavlas may not be able to share in the timeless award ceremony.

ing his parents senior year legacy; attending prom.

“It’s going to be a little tough, I’d like to be there but we’re just waiting for him to get his plan together. Maybe they’ll move prom,” Beth said with a laugh.

Inopportune scheduling aside, Pavlas will still have a hefty cheer section at the ceremony. “I appreciate my teammates.

A couple of them and my [former] coach are coming down to Waco,” he said, looking forward to the reunion.

In addition, Pavlas’ parents will be reliving the excitement of their son’s high school experience, jokingly claiming that it’s “like going to state a third time.”

“It was a great team pulling together, that’s why I feel so honored representing them,” he said.

“Those guys. … I want to give them credit. It was a team, we all worked together.”

p r o fessional rock(climbing)star

with every single climb,” Milburn said.

Climbing since “practically birth” thanks to his parents own interest and influence, Milburn has been many places and won multiple awards. Milburn received second place at Nationals in Scotland and second place again in Ecuador.

“The biggest challenge is the competition, along with the mental struggle,” Milburn said.

Seemingly ignoring the fact that his life dangles by a rope and a halter, high above the safety of the ground, Milburn said, there’s no better sport.

“It’s great for everyone,” he said, ”beginners to advanced.”