Klein Digest
NOVEMBER 2011
16715 Stuebner Airline Klein, TX 77379
FROM KLEIN HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM / Volume One Number One
Seniors Ayla Boyd and Kat Crawford before the start of period 2 class. Photo by Dorrie Alanis-Journalism I. Junior Kat Crawford gives her doctor credit for determining her illness after a seven year struggle.
Junior calls her pacemaker a...
BLESSING Looking at Kat Crawford, it is easy to tell she seeps personality in a quiet and polite manner. Yet what is not apparent is the fact the Crawford has Vasovagal Neurocardiogenic Syncope and has a pacemaker implanted into her chest which keeps her heart beating.
Q: What is exactly is the
problem with your heart? A: I have a condition in which my heart stops every time I change to an upright position. Unfortunately, I have the worst case my doctors have ever seen and it eventually resulted in me getting the pacemaker.
Q: When and how did you find out about it? A: My parents started taking me to hospi-
-see page six
96 degrees and high in the air, construction workers grab beams on the fourth level of the new campus structure as it is being covered in bright green exterior sheathing. The first phase, running on schedule, will open in December 2012. “I believe that the construction is necessary,” said sophomore Seth Jacob Thomas. “It adds some flavor to the school day.” Photo by Brooks Roach, Yearbook
New campus starting to take shape as construction hits year mark Despite record breaking heat, construction workers continued on the roof of the four story structures on campus. While students weave detours to and from class, opinions can be heard over the sounds of jack hammers and forklifts. “It’s time for modernization to kick in for Klein,” said senior Nick Praetorius. Although he will graduate in June, Praetorius added that the new high school will resemble a college facility and said, “I feel lucky to graduate from the original
Klein High School.” Demolition began in August 2010 when the first building, which housed the main campus, was torn down, including the symbolic KHS attached to the library. The two-story white plastic letters could not be removed intact and placed in the new campus. Thomas Haggerty, the KISD Director of Facilities and School Services, oversees construction which is running on schedule. “We have a contractor who sets aggressive schedules
It’s pretty “ much a place in the sky.”
Sophomore Seth Jacob Thomas and expects the subcontractors to maintain these set dates,” Haggerty said. “The first finish date is December of 2012. This completion date is -See construction page 2
Klein Digest / 2 While traffic stops at the corner of Stuebner and Louetta, eyes continue to scan the four story buildings which replaced the original main campus housing the library. Junior Michael Ethan Sherwood said “I think it (Klein) will look less nostalgic and more modern.” Photo by Anthony Serrano, Yearbook.
New campus/from page 1 comprised of the academic and athletic portions of the new building and the project is currently a few weeks ahead of schedule. The lack of rain has helped with the construction schedule.” The heat created problems for the construction workers as well as students. “The heat has made it more challenging for the workers,” Haggerty said. “As the cooler autumn weather arrives, the heat should no longer pose a problem to the workers. “While I am excited to be able to graduate from the new Klein High School, the luge smells really bad,” freshman Sam Slater said of one of many construction detours. Additionally, the distance teens daily walk to get to one of 12 separate campus buildings ranked as a common daily complaint. Slater felt that the construction is necessary but added, “it makes the trip around Klein High more difficult”. “It’s a problem just getting to class in 10 minutes because of the big crowds,” junior Michael Ethan Sher-
wood said. “It’s a little rough now, but the students will appreciate it once it’s done.”. Without question, the most noticeable aspect of the current stage of construction is the bright green siding appearing on surfaces of steel beams. “The green building pops, it really pops,” sophomore Seth Jacob Thomas said. “The green materials is the exterior sheathing which is one component of the exterior wall system,” Haggerty said. “During the design process, we placed as many classrooms as possible along the exterior walls to maximize the opportunities for windows.” A contrast of opinions vary among the 3115 campus teens. “I am late to all my classes,” Thomas said. “It’s pretty depressing, but who else gets to say, “ I walked a mile ever day at school.” Sherwood added, “It is going to look fantastic and it’s going to be a better learning environment.” Sierra Schuman .Digest Writer - Journalism I
Construction workers pause after completion of two levels of stairwell in the academic building. Photo by Brooks Roach, Yearbook.
Above: One of the four story high buildings which will open in 2012. Left: Workers hang by scaffolding on the fourth floor while students go about the school day. Photos by Jason Lenfest, Journalism I.
Klein Digest / 3
First six weeks - Top Kat Teachers Nominated by campus faculty & staff
Mark Your Calendar
November 11 - End of Second Six Weeks 21 - 25 Holiday Break Linda McKie Special Education
Alicia Eichhorn English
Charlotte Sandoval English
Janet Spradling English - Chair
Shane Hallmark Athletics- Football
Cheryle Glocksien
December 1- Holiday Band Concert 13- Holiday Concert - Centrum 19 - 30 Winter Break January 2012 2 Staff Development /Student Holiday 13 - End of Semester One 16 - Martin Luther King Holiday 27 - School Musical Begins
Science
From Campus Principal Larry Whitehead It doesn’t take a second look to recognize that this is not just any suburban high school Where else can you find a campus housing 13 separate buildings, a massive rebuilding project and a Bearkat for the mascot? We are unique and we are proud of it. There’s pride in being a Bearkat that is passed along to every incoming freshman class. Each new class strives to uphold the traditions from the past while looking to develop the their own identity. They hear about our successes in athletics, music, speech, drama and vocational programs. It all works to help create a special spirit that comes
from being a Bearkat. It started in July 1928, when the current boundary lines for a school district were established. Not until 1938 was the district renamed Klein Independent School District, in honor of Adam Klein. During that same year, Klein High School was created as a result of the consolidation of the secondary schools serving the area at that time. KHS was moved to its present site at the corner of Stuebner Airline and Louetta in 1963. Since the move to our current location, the campus has experienced numerous renovations but nothing compared to the complete rebuild now taking place. With the completion of the
project in 2012, KHS will become a sleek, modern facility, ready to provide all the necessities for a high school education well into the new century. The traditions, the pride and the spirit have been 73 years in the making. While the new facility will be a wonderful addition to our campus, KHS will continue to be an original because of the enthusiasm embodied into he school by the students, faculty and community. GO BEARKATS! Dressed as the Bearkat Mascot, campus principal Larry Whitehead high fives in the air during the Friday, Oct. 14 pep rally held in the gym. Photo by Brooks Roach, Yearbook.
Klein Digest / 4 DECA group works on awareness, competition
Hands clutch plastic grocery bags containing an assortment of Dean’s Popcorn ranging in flavors from vanilla to white cheddar. Members not only share the task of raising money at $2 a bag but also gain skills as salesmanship. “We are in the process of having a popcorn fund-raiser in hopes to earn money we need for buses, hotel rooms and socials for the year, “ sponsor Pamela LeCompte said. “Also it helps to analyze skills of our new members to see who is willing to take the initiative to do their part to raise as much as they can for the organization.” The 60 year old organization educates students in marketing, management as well as to be young entrepreneurs. DECA is an association of marketing students who compete at a local, state and international level,” president Daniel Rom said. “Our main goals are to make students aware of who we are, increase membership and have 20 percent of state contenders of on to compete at nationals.” With a mini-contest at UH Downtown in October and a district competition in November, members focus on being the best. “I have no doubt in my mind we are going to do really well this year in competition,” said senior Aaron Attar, DECA videographer. -Erin Moretz, Yearbook
No Place for Hate gains momentum in numbers Social studies teacher and No Place for Hate sponsor Garrett VandenBelt has high hopes for accomplishments due to the new students joining the club. “We hope to have a lot more involvement, as opposed to last year’s small group involved with the club,” VandenBelt said. “We have a lot more members and so much more can be accomplished, thus having a bigger impact on the school.” With twice the meetings, the group wants to give more opportunities for involvement. “Now that we are No Place for Hate incorporated, we hope to gain more members and become known throughout the district and on campus,” senior Maddie Bruman said. -Brett German, Yearbook
Special Olympics kicks off year with golf tournament Special Olympics competed in a golf tournament at Cypress Lakes on Sept. 26 where two of the team’s skilled players, seniors Ross Kingdon and Jeremy Mosbey had the opportunity to play with their fathers. “I love golf because I get to play with my friends,” Mosebey said. “The tournament was awesome because I played with my dad. He needs to work on his golf skills though just kidding as he is great.” -Karina Pinzon, Newspaper
At the Sept. 24 Alzheimer’s Walk at The Vintage, HOSA members joined forces before and after the walk to set up, clean and cheer walkers along the route. Senior Anna Frosch said, “I love volunteering for HOSA with my friends as it feels good to give back to the community.”
HOSA
Health Science program unites for dual community causes With 241 members, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) hit the ground running despite already being one of the top programs in the nation. Yet one of the largest groups on campus continued the pace with back to back activities in and out of school. “We are very involved with the community and love helping out wherever we can,” Health Science Technology instructor Kristen Haggard, a Registered Nurse said. Lending a helping hand, HOSA students volunteer at Silverdo Nursing Home as well as volunteering at the Sept. 24 Alzheimer’s Walk at Vintage Park. Additionally, 40 members gave time at the Feed the Children program where they worked assembly lines boxing food for families. “At Feed the Children, there’s like an assembly line where you make care
packages of either food or cosmetics,” senior Pooja Srikanth said. Sometimes you have packaged over 200 boxes and you really feel good about yourself.”“ While giving serves as an important element in HOSA, a future medical career is the focal point. “It’s a club for students interest in a future medical field with lots of great opportunities to do community service and make new friends,” senior Alvina Waqar said. Sergeant at Arms and senior Karuna Antani added “ HOSA isn’t just a club you join for the sake of writing it down on your college application. It’s a club where you actually get a chance to help people through community service and learn about healthcare. But while doing that, you get to have tons of fun too,” Antani said. MINA KHAN Digest Writer - Newspaper
Klein Digest / 5 Check out six new Kat faculty & staff;
Jessica Clay/English
Jonathan Schroif/S. Studies
Patricia Boilver/Spanish
John Irby/Math
Virginia Jacob/Nurse
Moneet Williams/Math
A big round of applause for... FFA student earns over $10,000 in scholarships Rory Tucker, FFA chapter president, won two scholarships in agriscience over the summer months. She was awarded third place at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition with her Agriscience Fair project entitled “The Effects of Cryopreservation on Seed Germination” in the Botany division and received a $10,000 scholarship for her accomplishments. She showed the same project at the KISD FFA Livestock and Project Show where she was Grand Champion in February. In July, Tucker won the Star Chapter Award in Agriscience at the Texas FFA Convention in Lubbock for which she received a $1,000
scholarship. “The common idea is that FFA is only about farming, Tucker, a junior, said. “It is an agricultural organization that offers great career and leadership opportunities.” Additionally, Tucker won the Grand Champion Horticulture project on Oct. 21 at the Harris County Fair. gar-
National Merit Semifinalists announced The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named five campus students as the 2012 National Merit Semifinalists. Semifinalists include seniors Sooraj Bhakthavachalam, Adam Mansfield, Nathan McCammon, Brandon Newman and Pooja Srikanth.
20 seniors named 2012 Who’s Who With a senior class of 751 20 teens were selected as the Who’s Who of the class of 2012. Voted by faculty, the students are; Amanda Akin, Avery Beckstorm, Kat Akin, Rafael Dominquez, Taylor Berry, Brett Edleman, Sarah Doherty, Drew Hohlt, Michele Glocksein, Cole MacDonald, Kaysie Hermsdorf, Robert (Steele) Stephens, Elizabeth (Paige) Klein, Luke Stokes, Grace Mueller, TJ Weido, Puja Patel, Max Zaluski , Lauren Sestak and Tyler Zorn.
Favorites, senior superlatives named With a final class motto of 2012: Saving the best for last,
National Champ!
Over the summer, senior Pooja Srikanth placed seventh in the nation at the National HOSA Competition held at Disneyland. “Pooja competed against the best up and coming medical students of the future at the competition in Anaheim, CA this past June and the endless hours of studying paid off,” Health Science Instructor Kristen Haggard said. “Facing off against the top three students from each state in Pathophysiology, Pooja finished seventh and we are extremely proud. She will make an outstanding standing doctor one day.”
seniors selected 14 peers as superlatives. Miss KHS - Amanda Akin and Mr. KHS - Max Zaluski. Most Likely to Succeed Morgan Nacewski and TJ Weido. Most Athletic - Lauren Sestak and DaVante’ Smith. Most Artistic - Emily Pirky and Phillip Frye. Most Musical - Melissa Beaird and Jared Allen. Best Personality - Rachel Ashmore and Zane Muddiman. Most Spirited - Amanda Akin and Josh Bowron. Underclass class favorite voting took place at the start of testing on Oct. 12. Elected favorites are freshmen - Carson Andersen and McCray (Mac) Odom. Sophomore - Emma Baker and David Hamm. Juniors - Kathryn Poe and Alexander (Alex) Nguyen.
Klein Digest / 6 Student blessing/from page 1 tals when I was nine after I passed out trying to get off my couch. It took seven years. Seven years and many doctors later, Dr. Stickland read my symptoms and said “I know what you have”. After hearing those words, my mom and I cried.
Q: Is there anything you
used to love to do that you can not do now? A: I used to be a national level swimmer competing twice a month. Swimming was my life and everything I did revolved around it. After finding out my heart was constantly stopping, we all decided it was best for me to quit. I have not returned to
the water, but it is my ultimate goal.
Q: What limitations do you
have now? A: Thankfully with my pacemaker, I have very little limitations. I am not allowed to lift anything over 15 lbs due to the risk of ripping my leads out. I have to be careful in the heat and I am not allowed to climb stairs by myself due to the risk of passing out. Q: Do people treat you differently once they know you have a pacemaker? A: After finding out about my condition, most people do treat me differently. I can
Wearing a shirt with a bright heart on the front, Kat Crawford is surrounded by freshman Madi Linney, left and senior Janson Lenfest, right. Photo by Dorrie Alanis, Journalism I.
see this look of sympathy in their eyes. I just want to scream “I’m just like you!” After so many years of suffering, my pacemaker is a blessing so there is nothing to be sympathetic for.
A: I am still the wild and crazy girl I was before I received my pacemaker, if not crazier. I am so thankful my doctor finally figured out what I had and I try to live every day to the fullest.
Q: Has it changed you in any way?
AYLA BOYD Digest Writer - Journalism I
‘Doing something is better than doing nothing’ From Senior Class President Tiffany Young
Have something to say? Write a column for the next Klein Digest. Stop by room 820 for details.
It is a startling fact from a recent Washington Post. The US has the highest unemployment rate for 16-29 year olds since World War II, You might not think grades or motivation in high school has any relation, but think again. . As a freshman you should push to make the best possible grades because when you receive your final rank and GPA during senior year, the last thing you want to say is “I wish I tried harder”. Everything can make a difference and mistakes really do follow you through your high school years. Motivation can make the difference, as you do not want your high school GPA to dictate where you go to college. With strong grades in high school you can gain acceptance to a good college which will lead to gradua-
tion and a path towards becoming a successful person. Personally, I let the ball drop my junior year and it has affected my rank and GPA. Now that I am a senior, I am not happy with where I am in my class and I can’t do much to change it at this point. I am having to look for alternate routes to get into the school of my choice, but had I been more motivated earlier I would have been in a great place to carry out my overall plan. Everyone has motivation problems. It just comes down to being lazy and we would rather sit around than take care of business. To get motivated you need to understand the end result is worth all your effort. It is hard for kids that have no interest in high school and even harder to find that inner motivation.
Changing your mind set for school is something everyone struggles with, even adults in the past. Look at your overall goal and split it into more obtainable goals. With smaller goals it is less intimidating and easier to accomplish. Motivation can come from a lot of places and you have to wholeheartedly want something in order to do your best. As seniors go off to college in the upcoming months,and underclassmen continue on, take time to get personally interested and invested in all that you do in high school. Look at the Washington Post statistics again and start to realize how difficult of a road may lie ahead for you if better choices are not made now. Doing something is better than doing nothing.
Klein Digest / 7 Street Beat / Clubs
ROTC members gain confidence
ROTC Gallery: First Six Weeks
With only 25 percent of females registered in the campus ROTC program, Major Edwin Reyes maintains a positive outlook on his cadets. “I really wish more females would join ROTC,” Reyes said. “The girls that are in it become very tough and say that they love the challenge. I am still very excited with this year’s cadets though.” The group of 131 cadets can be seen rehearsing drills on campus, but the group consists of more than lineups. “Four of our teams competed on Oct. 8 at the Oak Ridge HS Drill Meet,” Reyes said. “Armed, Unarmed, Varsity Color Guard and Junior Varsity Color Guard. We took third place in Varsity Color Guard and first place in JV Color Guard.” Putting aside work for a day, ROTC also hosted an annual picnic in September. “We invite all the freshmen, who we call A.S. 100’s to come to a picnic at Collins Park,” senior Monica Walls said. “It was on a Saturday and we played sports, eat and get to know each other. It is always a good time that everyone looks forward to as it is one of our biggest events.” SARAH HALEY Digest Writer - Yearbook
Junior/Senior girls Bible study At the Oct. 21 morning meeting the group listens to senior Claire Anderson. Junior/Senior Bible Study group meets each Friday in room T-26. Photo by Catherine Horton, Yearbook.
With only the second six weeks of the school year, the junior/senior girls Bible study is in full swing meeting every Friday at 6:50 am in sponsor Christi Zorn’s classroom. “Right now we are watching Rob Bell videos. He talks about different things that we struggle with in our lives and encourages us in our walk with Christ,”club member and junior Nicole Faulkenberry said. “At the end of every meeting we have a prayer circle, which is a great conclusion because it brings us closer to each other.” While members strive to assist others in the group, they also want to reach out to help others. “This is an amazing group of faithful young women who come together on Friday mornings to share their faith, friendship and doughnuts,” Zorn said. “They pray for our school and community and challenge themselves to be a light to others here at Klein. They are amazing women.” Catherine Horton Digest Writer - Yearbook
Above - Presenting colors at the Klein Memorial Stadium, sophomore Bishop Elder, junior Enrique Ramos, sophomore Joseph Nordin and senior Jesse Burgos unite for ROTC. Right - After school from 2:45 to 4pm, sophomore Jonathan Handel practices armed drills. Photo by Leigh Ann Hahn.
During lunch in the commons area, a Marine recruiter talks to junior Victoria Lessard.
Klein Digest / 8 Klein Alumni News
Homecoming King & Queen 2011 Alexa Collins and Justin Shih
Rachel Yesak - Class of 2008 is a senior at Nich-
olls State and a member of the volleyball team. Yesak has been named Most Valuable Player earning double doubles in matches against Jackson State and South Alabama.
Vicki Harvell - Class of 2004 is a junior/senior high school youth minister at Northside Christian Church and is expecting her first child in March.
Jonathan Harvell - Class of 2005
is a physical education teacher at Benignus and Benfer Elementary Schools and will be married on Oct. 29.
Garrett Haake - Class of 2003 is currently one of
eight embedded reporters for NBC News covering Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Decision 2012. Haake, a 2007 SMU graduate with a degree in journalism, will be covering the campaign for NBC for the next year.
Ricky Gonzales - Class of 2008
is a senior at Kettering University located in Flint, Michigan and majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an automotive speciality. Gonzales has had an internship at General Motors and spent three months studying in Germany.
Melissa Sullivan Class of 1999 graduated from
Texas A&M University in 2004 and started the journalism program at Cy Ranch HS four years again where she advises both the newspaper and yearbook. Sullivan is getting married Nov. 18.
University of Texas freshman Chris Akin and 2010 Homecoming King presented crowns to seniors Alexa Collins and Justin Shih on Oct. 14.
Senior King & Queen Nominees Sarah Doherty Regina Predom Molly Redus Taylor Richardson Chandler Young
Zach Dobson J.P. Garza Steele Stephens Nathan Tjon-Joe-Pen Max Zaluski
Klein Digest / 9
OCT. 2011
Photo Gallery: Homecoming Dress Up Days Fri.
Wed.
Thurs.
11
12
13
14
Hillbilly
Character
Nerd
Spirit
Tues.
Above - Posing as hillbillies, sophomore Alex Elder and junior Cody Burling, top off the look with straw hats.
Walking through the construction luge on character day, sophomore Alex Karim walks eith juniors Alexus Lopez and Samantha McKinzie.
Above - Decked out with taped glasses and suspenders, sophomore Matt Gillete hangs out at lunch. Photo by Megan Hutson, Yearbook. Left - Junior Julia Gregory completes her hillbilly look with a bamboo fishing pole.
Above: Hanging in the high rise, sophomores Andrea Chu and Stephanie Flakes put their own spin on nerd day. Left; Dressed as a campus cheerleader, senior Gordon Martinson takes a study break on spirit dress up day.
Klein Digest / 10
Cross Country team motivated by two ‘hands on’ coaches The hill approaching fast, senior varsity runner Blake Johnson mentally thanks the new workouts that week given by the new assistant coach as he pumps his legs faster, widening his stride passing another runner. “His workouts strengthen us for the event,” Johnson said of coach Tony Vo. Runners considered Vo’s style of coaching ‘hands on’ adding that he actively participates with the team. “Coach Vo has brought a new training aspect to cross country,” sophomore varsity runner Selena Wicklund said. “He has helped our team’s with injury prevention by cross training and strength building. Our overall team’s injury average has significantly decreased and our times in meets have increased dramatically.” Also, head cross country coach Daniel Lawton felt Vo fit in immediately’. “Coach Vo is a great addition to the team. He has a sound understanding of strengthening workouts that we have incorporated into our workouts and they have made us a better, faster team,” Lawton said. “He is also enthusiastic about the sport and dedicated to helping
GOLF: Golf, a sport like no other. While the goal is to hit the ball, your main opponent is you. It’s a game that requires focus, confidence and determination which is all stressed on campus with the two golf teams. Both coach Denise Stevens and Glen Arnold have been involved in the campus golf program for 16 years. “We are expecting our teams to be competitive and make a run at the District Championships in April,” Stevens said. Playing her first year, freshman Victoria Allen hopes she can not only contribute to her team but the school. “I love to play golf be-
Seven Lakes Invitational Results/ Sept. 2011 Varsity Girls Results
Varsity Boys Results
19:54.1 20:17.2 20:56.2 21:07.3
15:38.2 17:12.3 17:19.1 17:42.9
Diana Evans Lanie Tubbs Adina Schunicht Hannah Bayer
Dillon Worley Ben Howell Blake Johnston Jamahl Bottoms
teach athletes to succeed.” Diane Evans also stressed appreciation for the team coaching staff. “Coach Lawton is an amazing coach. He is the best runner and really knows what he is talking about. He is always encouraging the athletes and really motivates us to reach our full potential, “ Evans said. “Coach Vo is new to cross country this year and is a great addition to the team. He brings new workouts and is always pushing us in practice.” -Francesca Gay Digest Writer - Yearbook
Teams plays with focus, determination under coaches Denise Stevens, Glenn Arnold Carrying the Bearkat blue golf bag, sophomore Amanda Stevens ranks as one of the top five players according to coach Denise Stevens.
Golf seniors front row, left to right; Michael Charron, C.J. Stevens, Taylor Williamson, Ann Barbee, Catherine Rogers, Meredith Padfield, Sarah Doherty, Stephanie Mausser, Drew Lanphear, Jaleel Adatia. Second row; Kyle Taylor, Zachary Turner, Alex Bradley, Chris Baylor, Hunter Klatt, Weston Salyers, Karan Patel.
cause it is a game of patience and fun. It is a game that fits me and I think it will make me a better person and will also help me in the future,” Allen said. With 43 golfers total on the teams, 21 on the girls teams and 22 boys, Stevens said the fall sea-
son is used to gauge the strength of the season. “Only the top 13 players will be allowed to quality for the district tournament so play throughout the year will be intense and will help determine the rank order for the tournament with hopes of
advancing to Regionals,” Stevens said. “We are excited about this year’s group of and feel if they continue to work hard and remain focused, good things will happen.”
ADRIAN ACEVEDO Digest Writer - Journalism I
Klein Digest / 11
Above: Playing at home, Kayla Godwin, Madison Medley and Courtney Taylor Left: Embraced in team support, Happiness Okeke, Eva Garza, Carly Vandegried and Lauren Casey.
Above; Varsity players Julia Cole, Allison Grosch, Kayline Storey, Monica Rogriquez, Macey Pool and Lauren Hutchinson surround coach Cynthia Yarotsky after a win against Klein Oak.
Volleyball program shows combination of playoff power mixed with ‘pink’ compassion Take six players, one net and one ball pushing to be the first team to reach 25 and the sport of volleyball comes to mind. Unlike tennis, golf or track, volleyball involves each player to act as one serving a crucial part in each match. Led by head varsity coach Cynthia Yarotsky, the volleyball program has reconstructed itself over the past year. “My most memorable moment was the night we beat Klein Oak in three,” Yarotsky said. “ My girls were so focused and determined to beat a team we have not been able
to defeat in years. After that game you would have thought we won the state championship as we all ran off the court hugging.” United in the support of the campaign to fight breast cancer, the volleyball teams joined other campus sports to spread awareness wearing the color pink. Yarotsky said, “they are very compassionate young ladies that care for the cause of that night, breast cancer.” Joining Yarotsky in coaching and building the program are Paula Murphy, Lindsey Loyd
and Ryan Pondraza who coach the junior varsity and freshman A and B teams. Undefeated in district this year, sophomore Kendyl Russell credits coach Murphy. “Coach Murphy is a great coach as she keeps us calm and gives us the confidence to succeed even if we doubted ourselves.” The freshman teams also gave credit to the coaching staff. Freshman Jasine Koonts said she experienced a great season and loved having Loyd as a coach. “It’s been a challenging
season, but the experience I had was worth every minute of it,” Koonts said. Yet as the playoffs begin for the varsity girls, Yarotsky believes ‘the time is now for her team’. “We have to face College Park for the first round of playoffs and they are ranked number one in Houston and second in state,” Yarotsky said. “They are a great team that is well coached by my good friend Candy Collins. In playoffs, anything can happen and it all depends on who gets hot at the right time.”
TAYLOR BERRY
Digest Writer - Journalism I
Klein Digest / 12
Fast look
@
August, September, October
September - Freshman mixer fun lead by seniors Chandler Young and Stephanie Mausser. Photo by Brooks Roach
Aug. 22 - Picking up her class schedule before school, junior Carol Painter searches for her name in the main cafeteria. Photo by Beca Gonzales
October - Earth Club Kayla
September - Earth club resumes campus pick up with the help of sophomore Melissa Mayne and Emily Wanko. Photo by Kayla Hunter.
October - Seniors P.J. Bonden, Ali McEvoy, Mary Susan Kaetzer, Sarah Doherty cheer for the Bearkat varsity team.