RECAP
Let’s close this year out with some flashes of memories. From sports achievements to fun student life, this year has proven to be special. These moments are what make us the Pride of Texas. To close out the 2022-2023 school year, here is a quick recap of this year’s finest memories.
Football
Kicking off a successful football season, Tomball High School proved its superiority to Tomball Memorial at the 42nd annual Patriotic Game. After a long-fought game, the Cougars managed to continue their streak as they won against Memorial for the second consecutive year, with a final score of 35-27.
“Overall this season was nothing short of extraordinary, the student body, the staff, the entire town was behind this team. I cannot thank Coach Handal and the entire staff enough for allowing me to be a part of this journey, thank you to the players and best of luck to all the Seniors on their upcoming journeys,” senior Ashton Lux said.
Homecoming
Homecoming rolled around in October. After a parade down Main Street on Wednesday to kick things off, Tomball defeated Klein Forest for the win, as Kendall
Rickett wsa named Homecoming Queen. With a theme of A Night in New Orleans, the dance was a rousing success.
Theater
Tomball STAGE had a busy and productive year. See the full story on Page 3.
The big move Tomball Star Academy, our previous upstairs neighbors, moved out during winter break. Now that they reside in their own building, many classrooms changed location and stairwells opened up, making passing periods smoother. While this change did cause confusion once students returned in January, by the end of the school year everyone seemed to adapt to the changes and appreciate the extra space.
Soccer Our boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams made history at the end of March. Both teams made it to the Regional Quarterfinals, this being the 2nd time in the history of the program to make it to this stage.
“The thing that made this season special was the bond we had as teammates,” Freshman Gabby McCus-
tion said. “That is the main reason we made it so far in playoffs.”
Prom Now for the most magical, the most hyped-up night of the year for seniors, Prom. Prom is one of the last chances for seniors to enjoy and close out their high school careers. This year’s theme was “Starry Night”, with Joseph Riley and Peyton Quesnel crowned prom king and queen. Taking place at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, according to attendees, the music was perfectly put together and the food was delicious. Project prom followed afterwards where the students stayed overnight at the school.
As we close out the year and reminisce on the good memories made, it is just as important that we remember those wonderful souls lost: Alexis Hirsch, Waylon Collins, Carson Collins, Hudson Collins, Bryson Collins, and Mark Collins. You all will be in our hearts forever and always.
“Out of all the amazing things that went down this year,” Assistant Principal Mark Vierkant said. “My absolute favorite thing will be seeing the senior class finish up the year strong and graduate.”
Vol. 56 Issue 3 May 2023 23
By Lauren Nolen
Photo by Lauryn Olivarez
Photo by Ava Bert
Photo by Rane Paulson
Photo by Ava Bert
Photo by Ava Bert
Photo by Ava Bert
Staying in town this summer?
Fun activities to do locally!
By Saige KleinWith summer right around the corner, many people are making their summer plans. Some involve international vacations or staying with family members, but others plan to stay home. Even if the thought of staying home may seem boring, don’t fret, here’s a list to keep you occupied while still being close to home:
Showboat Drive-In:
Showboat is a drive-in movie theater located at 22422 Farm to Market 2920, Hockley, TX 77447, that plays movies that are out in theaters. Currently, it’s showing the Super Mario Bros Movie and Evil Dead Rise. Unfortunately, due to a decline in popularity, Showboat may be closing.
Thrifting:
Thrifting is a fun way to get cute clothes and hang out with friends! In Tomball, there are several thrift stores around town with many various clothing options. Thrifting has definitely become more popular in recent years and there are several thrift stores in Tomball including Goodwill, Team, Resale with a Purpose, and much more.
Downtown Tomball: Downtown Tomball has been around for a long time and allows everyone who lives in or out of Tomball to connect with each other. On Main Street, there are various boutiques and restaurants including Ultra Violet, Tejas Burgers and Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue, and Buttercup Bakery. Main Street is quiet and quaint, but still has lots of history and gives that small-town vibe!
Burroughs Park:
If you’re more into nature and the outdoors, then Burroughs Park is the perfect place for you. Burroughs Park is located right outside of Creekside and is on 320 acres. It’s a great place for hanging out with friends, family, and even your pets. There are even walking trails/paths for people who want to explore the beautiful property.
Need a summer job?
By Katherine HollandWith the end of the school year quickly approaching, many students are looking for part-time jobs to help fill their summer schedules. Below is a list of job opportunities that range from customer service to animal care.
• Ace Hardware: Those 16 and older can start working as cashiers. Most start as a cashier and can work up to other positions, such as helping in the garden center. Ace’s starting salary is $7.25 an hour.
Call to apply: (832) 482-3063
• Cornelius Nursery: Plant care specialists will handle any information on the plant species being sold at the nursery, including but not limited to care responsibilities, seasonal and feeding information, and any harm they can cause. Care workers will make sure the plants are healthy and up to par, with sufficient watering and soil. Finally, strong workers will be needed to transport plants from import trucks to their shelves, or from the racks to a customer’s car.
Call to apply: (346) 386-6471
• H.E.B: Texas’s most popular grocery chain is hiring people 16 and up as curbside, baggers, and checkers. Other store positions such as jobs in the deli or bakery have a minimum age requirement of 18. Starting salary depending on the position is between $7.25 - $16.00.
Call to apply: (281) 205-6500
• PetSuites: They are looking for workers 16 and older to play with,
Statewide gems! Unique places to visit this summer that are a short drive away
By Lauryn OlivarezIf you’re looking to explore outside of the Tomball area, below is a list of fun places to visit that will give the summer a bit more sparkle!
Cypress Valley - Texas Hill Country Treehouse & Ranch Retreat
If you’re wanting to reconnect with nature, Cypress Valley (right outside of Austin) offers guests the opportunity to stay in a treehouse! Room styles range from luxury tents to high end cabins in the trees. For daytime activities, campers can also zipline, swim in their lake or lakeside pool, and much more!
Natural Bridge Caverns
Located just 30 minutes north of Downtown San Antonio, head out and see the wondrous caves of Natural Bridge Caverns. Whether it be taking walking tours with the family, bat watching, scaling a 60-foot high ropes course, or (for more adventurous travelers) exploring an undeveloped section of their caves, Natural Bridge Caverns brings adventure to you!
Cathedral of Junk
This funky hidden attraction found in Austin Texas features more than 60 tons of clocks, lawnmower wheels, ladders, and other trashed items all making up a multi-leveled cathedral! It’s a unique piece of art that the entire family can enjoy.
Sea Turtle Inc.
Located on Padre Island, this rehabilitation center is dedicated to transforming the lives of sea turtles through conservation, medical care, and research. Open year round, visitors can view feedings and presentations dedicated to educating the public on the species.
Lady Bird Lake
Near Austin, Lady Bird Lake allows visitors to kayak, canoe, boat, and drive motorized water vehicles down its reservoir. Stay at a hotel overlooking the water and take a walk down to the boardwalk to get a view of Downtown Austin!
Summer school registration starts
feed, and groom the animals they are responsible to take care of. It is important to understand that this job trusts workers with the care of people’s pets and generally requires a higher level of responsibility. Starting salary is between $7.25 - $12.71.
Call to apply: (832) 559-2227
• The Woodlands Township: Interested in summer camp?
The woodlands Township is looking for camp counselors and lifeguards, and you must be at least 16 to apply. Special training is required for each of these positions, which may include CPR training, the ability to use an EpiPen, and more.
Call to apply: 281-2103800
By Lauryn OlivarezSummer school this year will be held at Grand Lakes Junior High. Two sessions will be held, whether you’re going for original or makeup credit.
• Session 1: June 5 - June 22
• Session 2: June 26 - July 14
Although Original Credit Registration is already closed, Repeat Credit Registration is now open.
To register:
• Go to your parent Home Access Center account, and click “Summer School Registration”
• Register for the desired Credit Recovery Session
• Pay the session fee and enter the receipt number on the form
• Complete and submit the rest of the documentation
Cougar Claw STAFF
Editors: Lauryn Olivarez (Editor-in-Chief), Sydney Thomas-Arnold (Feature Editor), Emma Parada (Opinion Editor), Adalyn Campbell (Design Editor), Saige Klein (Creativity Corner Editor), Ashton Lux (Sports Editor), Natalia Martinez (News Editor), Desi Beireis (Web Editor)
Staff Writers: Charlotte Hildebrandt, Ashlynn Ritschel, Owen Wright, Leah Stinson, Anneliese Saenz, Lauren Nolen
With Special Contributions From: Journalism Class, Yearbook, and Broadcasting
Looking back at Theater’s year
By Charlotte Hildebrandt
Tomball Stage presented several plays this school year, with a packed house for each show. With the end of the year approaching, let’s review the program’s hard work.
Steel Magnolias
Tomball Stage began with a bang as they presented Steel Magnolias in September. Steel Magnolias was presented beautifully onstage with decorative sets, lighting, and phenomenal acting featuring an all female cast.
“Steel Magnolias really took the audience on an emotional journey,” Director Cynthia Hearn said. “We had a really amazing experience with this show.”
The play focuses on six southern women, one of them being Shelby Eatenton. Shelby has dealt with diabetes for most of her life, and it has always been a significant concern for herself and her family. As she gets married and has a child, she must face her growing health concerns with the other five women fully supporting her in her struggles.
Clue
Another astonishing performance was Clue. The play is based on the popular board game containing seven outstanding characters, each with their own peculiar backstory. After their host’s untimely death, the guests must discover who dunnit. Ultimately, the killer
is revealed, but only after killing many more characters involved in the storyline. The acting and active sets left the audience mesmerized. Yet again, Tomball Stage presented another breathtaking performance.
UIL
The UIL One-act-play was a mind-blowing performance.
the Black Box and had a smaller
audience than ever.
Despite this, the room was still filled with laughs and joy as each skit was presented. Finishing off this year with these scenes is the best thing the seniors of Tomball
Stage could ask for.
Bog of Cats features Hester Swane, a deranged divorcee whose only true priority is taking care of her daughter.
After a series of disturbing events caused by several of the characters, Hester and the other characters fall into a downward spiral. The audience was left with chills from Naomi Chad (Hester Swane), Judah Bowles (Karthage Killbride- a.k.a Hester’s ex-husband), and Jordyn Till (Josie Swane), alongside all of the other actors.
This was an incredibly memorable performance that advanced deep into state competition.
Night of Scenes
Closing off with the last productions by Tomball Stage, we see the end of another year. Night of Scenes came out with a bang featuring eleven outstanding skits.
By the end
Each of them had its own unique plot and incredible characters. Ten were comedies and one was a drama. Unlike any other performance of the year this one was in
As they celebrate the end of four years, others also cherish ing every member of the
the years that are to come for the underclassmen. Tomball Stage looks forward to seecompany again next year and welcomes any more students willing to join.
Catching up with Fine Arts
By Natalia MartinezThe Fine Arts department has had a long year filled with concerts, contests, and competitions. Here’s a recap of what they have achieved.
Band
The Tomball Cougar Pride Band had a successful marching season. The band welcomed their 20222023 production of “17 Cherry Tree Lane”, based off of the Mary Poppins movies. They received first place in their classification at the Battle at the Berry Contest in October.
The Tomball Percussion Section went to their first drumline competition since 2019, at the Aldine Drumline Contest in September. They earned third place in their division. Jeyne Figueroa (10) got the opportunity to be an All-State Concert Band Musician for the TMEA Convention.
Concert Band and Symphonic Band went to UIL at Klein Oak April 13th. Concert Band earned a 2 for concert and a 1 for their sight-reading portion. Symphonic Band received a 1 in Concert and a 1 in sight-reading.
Wind Ensemble geared up for UIL, April 20th, at Klein Oak and achieved sweepstakes and all ones, for both concert performance and sight-reading.
Their Spring Concert is coming up May 12th at the THS Auditorium.
Winter Guard
The TCP winter guard started their season with two new shows. JV performed “A Year Without Rain”, while varsity performed “Runaway Train”. They started their season at Morton Ranch High School, Feb. 4, with Varsity receiving 5th place and JV receiving 4th. JV performed for the last time at Klein Oak Championships and won the area bronze medal. Varsity
won the 2023 Scholastic AA Area Champions at the Klein-Collins Area Contest. Then headed to State April 1st, winning State Champions with the highest score in the Scholastic AA division.
Tomball Indoor Percussion
The Tomball Indoor Percussion revived their concert season after the 2020 season was cut short. Their show titled “The Red Thread” brought home third place at the North Shore Contest.
At their second contest, Pasadena Memorial, they were moved up from Scholastic Concert A to Scholastic Concert Open after receiving first place with a score of 82.3.
Their last contest was March 25th at the WGI Dallas Regional where they won first place with a score of 84.5.
Choir
Naomi Chad (12) and Gaby Velasquez (11) made it to the TMEA All-State Choir. Non Varsity Treble had their UIL on April 19th at Willis earning sweepstakes. Varsity Treble and Varsity Mixed on April 20th at Klein Cain achieved sweepstakes. Lastly Varsity Tenor/Bass had theirs April 21st at Klein Cain made an excellent on stage and superior on sight-reading. They have their Pop Show on May 15th at the THS Auditorium.
Art Mia Holberg (12) was named a National Medalists in the Scholastic Writing and Arts Award Competition. Emma Cline (11) and Galvin Nugent (11) sold artwork at the Magnolia Exotic Bird Auction. Reece Perez (10) and Tiffany Fulton (10) are going to state for the VASE art competition. Lucy McBride (9) received a Gold Medal and went to NRG stadium
for her work in the Rodeo Art competition
Jordan Dziedzic (9), Ava Allen (10), and Emilia Ramirez (10) were finalist in the Rodeo Art competition. Emma Cline, Verena Smith (12), Owen Tegtmeier (11), Twig Kuhn (11), Galvin Nugent, Maria Jose Nakashima Garcia (9), Emilia Rameriez (10), Michelle Jimenez (11), and Maria Jose Farias Osio (9) received threes and fours at the Regional State Vase competition.
Orchestra
All three orchestra ensembles that went to UIL, March 30th and 31st, earned straight 1 ratings from all judges, earning the ‘Sweepstakes Award.’
Upcoming is the Full Orchestra UIL was April 28th, and they received the ‘Sweepstakes Award’. This is a combination from top string players with top winds, brass, and percussion players.
Yearbook distribution
Yearbook Distribution is next Monday, the 15th. The yearbook staff will be in the lower lobby concession stand handing out yearbooks from 6:30 to 3. You can only pick up your own book, not your friend’s.
The school will be on a pep rally bell schedule and the entire school will be heading to the stadium for time to mingle and sign each other’s books. If you have any questions, stop in Room 1201.
No more pre-orders are available, but there will have a handful of books for sale on Monday morning.
2023
Photo by Ava Bert
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CLASS OF2023
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Photo by Lauryn Olivarez
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Seniors Signing Off... 5
Howdy! My name is Lauryn Olivarez, and I was this year’s Editor-in-Chief. I am so incredibly grateful to Mr. Fordyce for allowing me the opportunity to lead this program, I had such an amazing time doing so. I also want to give a huge thank you to everyone on staff, as they put a lot of time and hard work into the paper this year. In particular, however, thank you Sydney, Adalyn, Ava, Emma, and Natalia. Without y’all, this newspaper would not have been what it was. As for my plans after graduation, I will be attending Texas A&M University where I will pursue a major in Journalism and a minor in Oceanography. It’s been a wonderful three years with this program, and I’m going to miss it a lot. Gig ‘em!
Hey guys, my name is Sydney Thomas-Arnold and I was this year’s Feature Editor. This year marks the end of my second year on staff with the Cougar Claw and I am so glad to have made an impact on the program alongside my fellow staffers and friends. After graduation, I will be attending Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, where I will be pursuing a major in Journalism and a minor in Political Science. Thank you to my friends on staff who have made this a fun and productive year and to Mr. Fordyce for keeping everything together and encouraging us always.
Hey y’all, my name is Ashton Lux and I was this years Sports Editor and Social Media Manager. I know it’s cliche, but these last four years have gone by in the blink of an eye. If you would have told me four years ago that I would be a part of something as impactful and meaningful as this Student Media Program I would have never believed you. After graduation I will be continuing my studies at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Journalism with a minor in Sports Media and a double major in Political Science. I would like to thank each and every person who has played a part in my journey.
Hi guys, my name is Adalyn Campbell and I was the design editor of the newspaper this year. For college, I will be attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. There I will be studying Journalism with a minor in Anthropology. I want to thank Mr. Fordyce for being such an amazing and helpful teacher this year and all the newspaper staff for working so well alongside me. I will miss y’all!
Hello! My name is Anneliese Saenz and I’m a staff member for this year’s newspaper! Sadly, this year has come to an end meaning I will have to leave this beautiful program behind. I am incredibly grateful for the community this class has provided me with and I hope that it can bring many of you a comforting experience as it has done for me. Once I graduate I plan to go to Lone Star for 2 years and get my veterinarian technician license and then I can hopefully transfer to Texas A&M. I hope you all have a great summer and an amazing next year!
Graduation: What to know before you go
ith Graduation being held at Reed Arena, there are some policies to be informed on about what people can and can’t bring.
Clear Bag Policy - Regular bags must not exceed 12”, but 1 gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag are acceptable. Small non-clear bags the size of a hand are permitted. (Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper
NO outside food or beverages (guests may bring 1
First 3 rows of each 100 level section are reserved for people with mobility issues (may have 2 fami-
No strollers, medical scooters, or baby carriers
No friends or family will be admitted to the lower level unless they have credentials
Prohibited Items:
• Cameras and video cameras (may bring phones or tablet for pictures)
• Artificial noise makers
• Balloons
• Air horns
• Glass vases (flower bouquets are allowed)
• Signs and posters
• Tobacco products
• Strollers, medical scooters, and baby carriers (can only be parked on concourse, NOT in handicap areas)
• Skateboards and scooters
• Tripods and selfie sticks
• Pets (service animals are allowed with documented tasks that the animal has been trained to do)
• Reusable cups or bottles
For the full list look on Prohibited Items - Reed Arena
Parking:
• $5 CASH or pre-pay using this link (https://tamu. pmreserve.com/) before the event
• VIP parking is in Lot 100 G. Have parking pass displayed in vehicle
Entrances:
• Enter through North, East, South, and West entries. Main entry is preferred entry for anyone with mobility issues.
• Doors open 1 hour prior to ceremony
• People with Mobility issues park in Lot 102 and enter through East Employee Entrance; look for sign on building “Stage Party and Faculty enter here” directing you to he door. Take service elevator to lower level “LL”
• Graduates entry - north public stairwell. Giant sign that says “Graduate Enter Here”
• Stage Party - signs directing to Press Room “050”.
• Faculty - waiting room is “054”. If you are walking in with graduates, line up is in the Volleyball Practice Gym.
• Graduates may start lining up in Practice gym 2 hours before
Exit:
• Graduate exit the arena floor through loading dock and walk up the outside ramp
• Graduate please move left or right at the top of the ramp and meet parents near South, West, North, or East entrance.
• Attendees exit from North, South, West, or Main exit and have the graduate meet you.
MAY 2023
Photo by Emma Parada
An in depth look at the Willow Project
By Ava Bert
With the Arctic warming at a rate nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, ConocoPhillips, an international oil producer, is working to generate their long awaited plan, the Willow Project.
The Willow Project is a massive, decade-long oil drilling project located on the North Slope of Alaska.
Willow was approved by the government this past March, causing widespread turmoil across America as many claim this goes against President Joe Biden’s initial climate promises. Despite the president’s aim to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50%, he is now introducing mass oil projects set to do the opposite.
Even before The Willow Project’s official approval, the Biden administration had made advances towards a smaller scale version, such as three oil drilling sites (with a possible fourth in the future), 268 miles of pipeline, 431 miles of ice roads, and areas for aircraft flights, according to an article from the New York Times.
Despite over 5 million people signing various petitions in an effort to halt the project, federal judge
Sharon Gleason of the US district court of Alaska ruled, on April 4, that it may proceed.
The Willow Project has come at an unfortunate time when the world must drastically rein in carbon emissions in order to avoid climate catastrophe. Unfortunately, Willow would produce an estimated 180,000 barrels (7,560,000 gallons) of crude oil daily. Should they continue at this rate, Willow will produce an estimated 600 million barrels of oil in the next 30 years.
Described as a carbon bomb, Willow is expected to produce 278 million metric tons of carbon pollution over the next 30 years. This incomprehensibly large amount of pollutant will accelerate the natural greenhouse effect, causing the temperature of the already warming Earth to further escalate.
Moreover, this project will take place in The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Initially set aside by President Harding in the 1920’s as an emergency oil supply for the US Navy, it spans an area of 23 million acres, making the NPRA the largest stretch of undisturbed public land in the United States. This land is underlain with now-doomed permafrost, an essential in
the arctic’s health.
According to NASA, through the melting of permafrost, greenhouse gases such as carbon and methane are released into the atmosphere. Additionally, as permafrost thaws, so do ancient viruses and bacteria. These thawed microbes could be threatening to both humans and animals alike, damaging local ecosystems.
While the environment itself is clearly at risk, so are the people reliant upon it. Indigenous people, specifically those of the Nuiqsut tribe, would be especially vulnerable to this project. Not only would it further the climate crisis in the arctic and increase air pollution, it will destroy the land that the Nuiqsut so heavily depend on for hunting, fishing, and harvesting.
Though passed recently, there is evidence suggesting that the Willow Project is bound to be detrimental to both the Earth and all that inhabit it. The consequences of oil drilling is something that will affect not only us, but the generations to come should we neglect to make any changes. For more information on how you can help, be sure to visit earthjustice.org.
Thrifting offsets harmful effects of fast fashion
By Saige KleinIn this ever-developing and changing world, human actions have played a critical role in the environment. The viral trend of thrifting has allowed people of all backgrounds to shop in a sustainable way that not only is positively affecting the environment but also allows them to purchase cute, fashionable clothing for much less. Contradicting the harmful effects of producing and purchasing of clothes. As society has evolved, so has the clothing and fashion industry. Clothes are meant to serve as a functional necessity, so why are they so harmful?
The amount of clothes and fashion that are being produced, along with the waste to create them is inherently contributing to the decline of the environment. The Fast Fashion industry and excess in unnecessary consumption are the roots of the real issue. Fast fashion is inexpensive and rapidly produced clothing by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends for more profit. Not only is this unethical due to the nature in which the clothes are produced, factories where retailers pay workers poor wages, but the system itself is unsustainable.
On average, there are about 11.3 million tons of waste being produced in America alone. Textile waste is material that is discarded throughout the production process, winding up in landfills and contributing to pollution. Much of the waste is clothes in perfectly good condition being overproduced at a rate that can not keep up with the consumers.
At large, only 12% of the material in clothing ends up being recycled. The material in clothing can make
it harder for clothes to break down and become recycled. For example, a pair of cotton jeans doesn’t just contain cotton, but other materials such as elastane, a manufactured/synthetic filament fabric. So how does this connect to fast fashion?
Modern-day fashion trends are never constant. Trends and shopping habits are constantly fading in and out and evolving, which creates a wasteful cycle. These trends will go out of style, and people will throw them away in order to replace them with brand-new trends.
Despite this, there are various ways that we can avoid this massive amount of waste we are producing, and its starts with how we buy our clothes. With the rise of fast fashion companies, for example, SHEIN, people are resorting to buying online and purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of clothes on these websites.
While yes, SHEIN is an affordable company that has thousands of clothing options that give people from
all economic backgrounds a chance to buy cute clothes, it also promotes child labor and wasted material consuming our landfills.
Today, many of the fashion trends portrayed in the media are being inspired by old and vintage pieces that were once popular. Because of this, many people are seeking out thrift stores as their main source of shopping because it allows people to shop for vintage pieces that are harder and more expensive to find online or in name-brand stores.
people give
Opinion
Photo by Ava Bert
Plant Based Swaps!
By Ava BertAlthough moving towards a plant based diet can be daunting, by starting small you can take of the pressure of it all while still making a difference. Here are some easy swaps you can make.
Dairy is one of the easiest thing to swap out. You can find nearly all dairy products with a nut or oat based alternative, including milk, ice cream, coffee creamer, and much more. Examples of vegan brands that are great alternatives of these foods include Oatly oat milk, Silk almond milk, Nut Pod coffee creamer, and Wicked Kitchen ice cream.
Oat milk
Climate change has long run affects
By Sydney Thomas-ArnoldWith the divisive avoidance on the subject of climate change, otherwise known as global warming, many are unaware of the long-run effects that environmental damage will have on the world as a whole. Often times when people think of the impacts of environmental damage and climate change, the first images that come to mind are turtles eating plastic or polar bears standing on melting ice. While these are actual examples of the consequences that human actions have on the world, it is the impact in the long run that will prove to be much more detrimental to humans as a whole if work is not done to protect the environment.
It can often be difficult as a society to implement change and show care towards a problem when the effects are not directly impacting the people themselves. However, if action is not taken to prevent climate change these issues will affect individuals sooner than anticipated. In a study by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, presented by Stanford, it is expected that the Earth’s temperature
will rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial temperatures in the early 2030s. With this rise in temperature, people around the world will be faced with more drastic weather changes, including frequent and extreme hurricanes and flooding, earthquakes, forest fires, and more.
Regarding changes in weather and climate, food and water supply would also be at risk. Rising temperatures lead to crop failure and lower water supply; effects such as these are already being seen in countries around the world. Third-world countries are deeply affected by these environmental changes as they lack the necessary resources to adapt to and keep up with these challenges.
The long-run effects of climate change are proven to be closer than many believe. While many immediate environmental changes do not have a large effect on individuals, it is important for those to understand that it will affect everyone eventually. Climate change and the environment should not be ignored and should be taken seriously if the long-term effects are to be prevented.
What’s your carbon footprint?
By Emma ParadaThere are many everyday actions that negatively affect the environment. What many may not know is that simply leaving their lights on for an extended period of time contributes to climate change. This is called leaving a carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint is an accumulation of activities an individual partakes in that emits greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. These gases are produced by heating systems for households, lights, cement manufacturing, and much more.
One of the main contributors to carbon footprints is the overproduction of food, more
specifically meat. In order to produce meat on a mass scale, there has to be livestock and large amounts of land. Significant deforestation is how this land is made available for agriculture. With every tree cut down, less C02 is absorbed and more carbon dioxide is then released into the same air people breathe.
Everyone has a carbon footprint, but what some don’t understand is how big that footprint might be. A person who drives every day would have a much bigger footprint than someone who walks everywhere. Reducing carbon footprints can be done, people can turn off unnecessary electronics or simply turn off a light.
While climate change may
Non-dairy Ice cream
Meat may be one of the hardest swaps to make, however, there are tons of alternatives. One of the most common replacements for pulled pork or beef is jack fruit. When prepared properly, it shares a very similar texture and taste. Other foods that can also substitute meat are enoki mushrooms and tofu. Some examples of vegetarian brands that provide good alternatives are Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.
For all my hot wing lovers, often times people use cauliflower as an alternative base. While it doesn’t taste identical, cauliflower absorbs taste very well and shares a similar texture. This alternative has grown very popular and as of recently can even be found on the menus at restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings.
Jackfruit
seem inevitable, there are ways to delay it. Small lifestyle changes are appreciated, even more so if people are educating others and influencing them to do the same. Whether it’s going completely car-free or choosing to shop at thrift stores, any effort matters, and anything can lead to positive change.
Want to know your carbon footprint? Scan the QR code below!
Cauliflower
For more in depth explanations on the preparation of these alternatives, check out vegan social media influencer’s and blog pages to find recipes.
Art by Anneliese Saenz
MAY 2023
7
Opinion
Art by Anneliese Saenz
Hitting history
Girls golf advances to state for first time in school history
By Ashton J. Lux
After a successful regular season with multiple tournament wins, and multiple 15-6A All District Honors, the Tomball Varsity Girls Golf team has its eyes set on something bigger.
For the first time in Tomball High School history, for either girls or boys divisions, the girls have qualified for the 6A State Tournament.
“Being the first golf team in school history to make it to State is a huge accomplishment,” Head Coach James Kearns said. “These girls have cemented themselves in Tomball High School history and should be very proud.”
The Lady Coogs qualified after a successful team outing in April at The Golf Club at Texas A&M in College Station where Sophomore and Second Team All-District Paige Hill shot a 79 on the first day and a 75 on the second day.
“Playing well at Regionals was important to me because I did not play to my potential at Districts,” Hill said. “I promised the girls that we would get to state, I felt that I owed it to them and to myself to get us there.”
The state tournament will take place at the Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown on May 15 and 16. Senior Tania Palet will lead off the team with her tee time at 9:10.
Tee times:
• Senior Tania Palet, 9:10
• Sophomore Paige Hill, 9:20
• Freshman Casandra Cantu, 9:30
• Sophomore Rafaela Vintimilla, 9:40
• Junior Regina Cantu, 9:50
On to round two
Baseball advances to playoff’s Area round
arsity baseball finished off their regular season, 21-11, going 10-4 in district play, once again securing a playoff spot for the twelfth season in a row under Head Coach Douglas Rush.
The Cougars opened up the first round of playoffs last week against Cypress Ranch with a clean sweep after beating the Mustangs in back to back games.
Game one was another dominating outing for the boys as Freshman Karson Reeder pitched yet another complete game, keeping the opponents scoreless in the 3-0 win.
“Playing at 6A level at such a young age is not easy,” Reeder said. “Every game I go out there with a chip on my shoulder and the mentality that I will pitch my best.”
Game two was a much closer battle, they started off hot scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.
Even with the high scoring start, the uphill battle had just begun. After a few infield errors the Mustangs slowly came back within one run as the Cougars were up 5-4 going into the bottom of the seventh.
It all came down to Senior Pitcher and the University of Michigan signee Zachary Slayden to retire the side. Slayden struck out the first batter, then walked the next batter who eventually stole second. During the same at bat a ground out to short racked up the second out with only one out left to go.
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After a long at bat the count was 2-2 and Slayden threw a fastball just outside to make it a full count but Junior and Louisiana State University commit Cade Arrambide saw the runner at second slip and picked him off for the final out of the game, securing the Bi-District Championship and advancing to the Area Round.
“I’m glad Coach Rush trusted me out there with the ball to shut it down,” Slayden said. “It was a tough situation but I trusted my pitches and my teammates to get it done.”
The Cougars will take on College Park beginning on Thursday here at Tomball High School for Game 1 of the series, Game 2 on Friday at Cypress Falls High School, if needed Game 3 will be here at Tomball on
Thursday Saturday.
New coach, returning players offers hope of bright future for softball
Tomball Softball has a rich history of producing winning teams that have done well in both district play and the playoffs. In the last couple of seasons, they have fallen just shy of making the playoffs, this year in particular they were two games short of securing a playoff position.
Despite not making the playoffs, the future is bright, as multiple underclassman players will return as well as the promotion of former assistant coach to now Head Coach, Alyssa Thompson.
“It feels great, I have been here for five years so I already have a list of things that I want to work on and have already starting working on them,” Thompson said.
Being a part of the program for the last five seasons gives the team the advantage of knowing what she expects and what the program needs.
By Ashton J. Lux Alyssa Thompson“We have the talent, bringing the culture into the program for the younger girls and getting them to completely buy into the program is what is going to push us further than we have been in the past,” she said.
8MAY 2023
Photos taken by Rane Paulson. Front player features Keegan Demmer (#11). Back player features Braeden Scherzer(#2).
“This years group is special, there is not a skill that we are lacking,” - Alan Lopez
By Ashton J. LuxTania Palet Regina Cantu
