Writing
Photography
Design Editor: Joseph Larios
Social
Editor: Yeraldyn Cordero
Writers
Cami Putman
Jayden Mack
Jennifer Russell
Kai Hampton
Katherine Peterson
Shanielia Williams
Wesley Taaffe
Isabella Rivero
Photographers
Haileigh Tryon
Ireon Jones
Kai Torres
Olivia Butler
Olivia Pittman
Vanessa Vazquez
Designers
Aijah Norelus
Avery Adair
Diego Ramirez
Gio Rodriguez
Jaasiel Chevez
Mia Perez
Natalia Carrascal
Patriece Hicks
Roxy Berrones Adviser
Trent Barnes
Story By: Elena Chicas
Spread By: Joseph Larios
“Never give up” is something that everyone has been hearing their whole life. Even if there are times where we just want to ball up on the ground and do nothing, these three little words can change one’s perspective on what they can achieve as a person. Someone who has taken these words to the next level is Sophia Icsezen. She has been able to be in the top three percent of her grade while also being able to participate in extracurricular activities. She claims that the secret is to find the balance in everything. “It’s really about prioritizing time and how you can focus.” I was up all night my freshman and sophomore year, but once junior year came rolling around, I was able to find a balance.” says Icsezen.
Icsezen continues to inspire her peers not just through her academic achievements, but also through her genuine passion for the art of theater. In addition to her studies, she dedicates her time to after school rehearsal almost every single day until 6:30.“Theater takes up a lot of time, so sometimes I would have to take out my computer and get some work done whenever I could,” Icsezen says. She has portrayed many characters such as Violet from It’s a Wonderful Life, Alice from (Alice and Wonderland), and Meg from Little Women. She has had a great passion for this art, especially being able to make her way up to the president level of the theater company here at Lamar. “Being in theater has brought me into a small community within Lamar’s 3,000 students, and
it has taught me to be a leader and how to be responsible.” Icsezen explains. Icsezen dreams of becoming an archaeologist, driven by a deep fascination with history and the stories of ancient civilizations. She especially was inspired by her own Turkish culture, being extremely fascinated by the history and art it has to offer. “I got to go to this place in Turkey called Cappadocia, we saw all these cool cave churches and ancient murals, and I was like, what if I’m the one that could discover these things!” Icsezen says. Icsezen plans to study archaeology in college, where she hopes to gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and research.
After a long university application process, and a nerve wracking early admissions procedure, Icsezen was able to get into her dream school: the University of Chicago. Icsezen is excited about the idea of going to the University of Chicago in the fall of 2025. This school is known for its strong academics and amazing campus, making it a great place for students to learn and grow. Icsezen loves the idea of being around other students who are also curious and eager to learn new things. She is also looking forward to joining the local theater, where she hopes to take part in fun productions and explore her passion for acting even more. With her hard work in school and love for the arts, history, and many more, Icsezen is ready to take on all the challenges and opportunities that the University of Chicago will bring her way.
Story By: Elena Chicas
Story By: Elena Chicas
This past October, Lamar Texans Theatre Company began their theatre season with a heartwarming classic, Little Women, a play about the four March sisters battling society, financial stress, and marriage. The sisters, Jo, played by Wesley Taaffe, Meg, played by Sophia Icsezen, Beth, played by Camila Delgado, and Amy, played by Naz Demir, must overcome the trials that come with growing up- and becoming women.
Auditions began on August 20, with a massive turnout of 50 people coming to showcase their talents and secure a spot on the stage. “I was very excited,” says Demir. “I’ve loved Little Women for so long, and being able to audition for it even if I didn’t get a role was very special to me.”
The directors, Paige Popovec and Steve Carpentier, had to choose diligently who they wanted on stage from the bountiful talent that had appeared.
“Little Women has so many difficult aspects,” says Ms. Popovec. “It is a really hard show, not just acting wise, but with the technical aspects like costume changes and set changes once we hit Tech Week, things are going to get very difficult.”
But to the actors, just having the opportunity to be on stage gives them the energy to come to rehearsals every day after school until 6:30. Senior Wesley Taaffe finds rehearsals to be the highlight of her day.
“I am here almost every day after school until 6:30 and a lot of people are like, why the heck do you do that to yourself?! I’m here from August to June until 6:30 but it is the part I look forward to everyday, getting to spend time with my people.” Taaffe says. This sense of community is something that keeps LTTC up and running during every single show.
“It makes it pretty easy to get all the scenes done because if I slip up, they can help me get back in my place.” says sophomore Cooper Gorell. But to the people who run this show, the students are the thing that keeps them going. “It’s very difficult to balance so much,” says co-director Ms. Popovec. “Not only do I have to balance the directing and technical aspects, but I also have to balance teaching. I’m the only person who teaches what I teach, so I don’t have a team of teachers like other teachers do. I couldn’t do it without my students. I really rely on those people who are in charge of costumes, in charge of props, my actors; I rely on them to do their work and to help the show. Theatre is a collaboration. I can’t do it by myself.”
Spread By: Joseph Larios
Spread By: Joseph Larios
Once rehearsals began, students began showing up and showing out in order to have everything ready by opening night. But not all work for the stage. Some, like Lauren Hervey, work backstage in order to create the beautiful sets, props and costumes for Little Women. “Tech jobs are special because without sets and all the designs that create the world of the play then the actors would be acting on a blank stage,” says Hervey. She, among other technicians, works to have everything prepared for actors, from the quilts for the March sisters, to the whistling sound Jo makes. For the actors, rehearsals are a crucial part of mastering their role. Sophomore Brandon Wade, who plays Laurie, believes that his part is a good fit. “I felt like I left it all on the stage. I feel like I fit the role very well.” says Wade. Everyone involved with Little Women had to balance their acting lives and school lives, something that many struggle to do.
“It’s really just communication between the stage managers, the directors, and the actors,” says stage manager Jayden Washer. “A lot of the time, I do homework after rehearsals and on weekends. I have to create a schedule with my directors, work. They understand that being a student comes first.”
He, his assistant stage manager, and the directors, work together to make sure every aspect of the show is running smoothly. “It is extremely satisfying to be working with people who are always bringing their best,” says director Steve Carpentier. “That’s how you know the show is going to be very, very good and the production is going to be very, very good because of the time and effort that we put into it to bring any story to life.”
But as closing night comes to an end, the beautiful production of Little Women will be ingrained into the actors, the technicians and the audience’s hearts. “We have so many talented students who work so hard; from the acting to the technical elements, to the costumes, to the set and it’s such a funny show, but what I love about the script is that it’s heartwarming and it makes you feel so many different emotions at many different points. The story is really good at making you love these characters.” says Ms. Popovec. “I know when audiences see this, they will love us and this show.”
So as the touching chapter of Little Women closes on LTTC, the actors, technicians, directors and stage managers will be ready to show the acting world how hard work is the best to success, and we will be here to revel in it.
Designed by: Jaasiel Chevez Story By: Kai Hampton
How would you like to make an impact both at school and in your community as a way to make a meaningful con tribution while also enhancing the chances of receiving scholarships in the future? If that sounds right for you, you should check out Key Club! This student-led organization is all about giving back, building leadership skills, and creating opportunities for students regardless of academic standing.
“This club has been a longstanding inter national club that was founded in 1925. Efforts were made to promote higher standards in scholarship, sportsmanship, and social contacts, developing a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizen.” said junior Magda Rajszewski. Whether you’re a top student or just trying to get involved, it values your dedication to service over your grades, making it a great fit for everyone.
In this, you will have the opportu nity to participate in various ser vice activities such as food drives, volunteering at events, and even clean up parks. Whether it be setting up tables to help out a school event or helping neighbors that are in need, you will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
ects are meaningful and give you the chance to really connect with those around you. Just recently Key Club partnered with the Chefs at Lamar club to make custom lunch bags for Kids Meals Inc.
Those are the types of things you can expect to see in Key Club, other students who care about making a difference and working with them on important projects.“You’ll be able to connect with all types of students who care about taking that step in making a change” said Rajszewski.
Key Club is also a great opportunity to earn some scholarships. Unlike other programs that focus heavily on grades, this club values effort and heart. “Our goal is to grow this club as members spread the word and encourage others to join. It’s a club for anyone interested in volunteering or just wanting to make a difference. I encourage everyone to join and see how truly rewarding it can be.”said Rozo.
Photos By: Kai Torres
Some of the hard work that is being done inside of key club.
“Helping the community is a major benefit. We’re able to help others not only at school, but also around the neighborhood, reaching out to those in need and having a positive impact on their lives.” said junior Andy Rozo. It’s not just about logging in for volunteer hours; these proj-
So if you are in search of a new way to make new friends, grow as a leader, or be able to give back to the community, Key Club is the perfect fit while preparing for life after high school, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact and earn some scholarships. “No matter where you are academically, Key Club
offers a way for you to grow, make a difference,” said Rozo. Whether you want to meet new people, develop leadership skills, or just find a way to give back, Key Club is a great place to start. It’s more than just a school club, it is a space that will support you through high school and beyond that.
ESpreadBy:GiovanniRodriguez
PhotosBy:MarlonDavis
xcitement was in the air as the hushed crowd waited for the Homecoming King and Queen to be announced. Once Ronin Chaney and Jada West were elected, the crowd erupted and classmates began to jump around and congratulate them from the stands, smiles across faces up and down the bleachers. These winners’ innovative campaign tactics and involvement in extracurriculars contributed to their victory. Together, their stories show determination and enthusiastic outreach playing a role in the spirit of Homecoming, leaving memories they will cherish forever.
Chaney revealed that he initially didn’t want to run because he was sure he would lose. “I thought I looked really ridiculous and was starting to doubt myself. Then, when I heard my name when I won, I was just surprised. I thought I would lose because first of all, I’m not in any sports and second of all Duro and Enrique, the other contestants, had a lot of backers, and also I didn’t dress for the first two days of spirit week.” reflects Chaney.
West, on the other hand, was confident she would win due to her campaign efforts and Texan spirit. But, she felt self-conscious in the crucial moments. “Of course there was a moment where my legs went a little wobbly on the field, but when I heard my name called I was relieved,” West admits with a laugh. Chaney’s and West’s remarks on their victories show how a lighthearted competition can make for a royal adventure and even learning experience!
Their candid insights reveal not just their unique campaigning strategies, but also what’s helped make this year special so far. With the encouragement of his friend and campaign “manager,” Tristan, Chaney launched a light-hearted Instagram account, @ronin4king, posting humorous self-promotion edits and staged interview videos with
the Lamar community. “That’s what I do [for fun anyway],” says Chaney about his funny and interpretive in each video because it would bring smiles to people’s faces, and his Minecraft-themed posters allowed him to show his personality to others in his grade. West chose to approach her campaign with determination and use her experience as a wrestling captain to her advantage. West’s outgoing personality and strong community ties helped her rally support and spread the word about her campaign. “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose,” says West.
She was committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere at Lamar and others noticed. “I voted for West because she’s a social butterfly and knows how to connect well with others and respect anyone she comes across,” says Cameron Foley.
Both candidates faced challenges and doubts but overcame them through their dedication and support from friends. It was amazing to see as they strived and grew as leaders with Chaney’s optimistic attitude and Wests outgoing school spirit. Chaney’s drive for the crown was fueled mostly by his want to show who he is as a person and student to his friends and community. The stories of Chaney and West illustrate the power of determination, authenticity, and community support. Their experiences during the campaign and their extracurricular activities at Lamar not only led them to victory but also taught them that school can be more than just a place to learn but also to harbor good connections. Chaney’s interactive and creative approach to campaigning and West’s inclusive leadership skills demonstrate the impact of individuality in achieving success. Their journeys serve as a motivation for embracing one’s unique talents, persevering through challenges, and fostering genuine connections within the community around you. Celebrating Chaney and West as the new homecoming king and queen was surely a satisfying experience and proud moment for the class of 25’.
Designed by: Joseph Larios Photos by: Marlon Davis
Did you know that amongst the sea of people roaming the halls each day, there are two very bright stars that seem to shine above the rest? They have achieved something throughout their high school academic career that most of us will never reach. Two of Lamar’s very own students have gotten the opportunity to be represented at the national scale. Let us dive into their achievements and meet the person behind the success.
oxygen. Due to this, it caused vast “dead zones” where the majority of the marine life inhabiting the area couldn’t survive, and is often linked to major climate changes that led to mass extinction. “Anoxic events affect the oceanic landscape in more ways than just one, and by understanding the past we can understand a little bit more about the future,” explains Takeda. Throughout five days, the group was able to analyze the core of a rock, and each layer from a specific period, which gave insight into specific events such as volcanic eruptions and what caused them to take place.
Aidan Takeda, a senior, was able to take a blast to the past this summer through his investigative scientific research to uncover the secrets from hundreds of millions of years ago. Through GeoForce, a University of Texas youth education program, Takeda was able to choose between a set of research-based questions that focused on various concepts that dealt with the environment, natural resources, and minerals.
Takeda and his group specifically centered around what had transpired beneath the surface of our vast oceans through anoxic events, which is a period in Earth’s history where large parts of the ocean became extremely low in
After presenting at UT over the summer, Takeda was then selected to represent GeoForce on the national scale at the American Geophysical Union conference taking in Washington D.C in December. AGU continues to remain one of the most important and largest geology conferences in the United States. “I feel very honored and excited. It feels great being the chosen one out of my group to present our research and represent GeoForce,” he said. But this project didn’t only yield answers from the past, but also helped Takeda decide what’s next for him after high school, as he plans on pursuing a career in geology, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Nola Chang, a junior, was able to take a common problem and transform it into something designed to help millions of people across the world. After being introduced to the idea of developing a medical device at a Rice University camp over the summer, Chang and her partner Anne Chen, were given three days to create and test a device to help aid or care for any disorder of their choice. Sleep apnea is when your breathing seems to stop repeatedly during sleep, and in some instances causes your airways to collapse or be blocked, it is estimated that over 936 million individuals around the world struggle with it.
Although being the most prevalent sleep disorder, it continues to be extremely underdiagnosed, and is often misdiagnosed for other conditions such as diabetes, low testosterone, or gastroesophageal reflux disease; a crucial detail that Chang says helped them decide and determine the subject of their medical device. Chang explains that the project focuses on measuring vital signs, particularly blood oxygen levels, to help aid in the accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea. “Our device is based on how the body takes in things such as your temperature, BPM, and blood oxygen, which is important as it is what helps us diagnose sleep apnea,” says Chang. Despite the project being originally rejected by MIT, the duo persevered and applied to present at the conference for a second time, which yielded positive results for the pair. When reminiscing on that fateful day,
“I still believe that it is unreal, that my partner and I, and our work together were able to create something like this.” recalled Chang. But regardless of no current concrete plans for the device’s release, Chang says that there are demos in the works, specifically being targeted and made for individuals in underfunded communities. Through their target audience, the cost also played a huge role in ensuring the accuracy of the device, “The reasons why we’re able to argue for our product is because of those overnight stays at the hospital that cost you thousands of dollars, whereas ours is an overnight device that you’re able to do at home for less than 100 dollars,” explained Chang.
However, it is important to take note that the purpose of the device is to serve a simple screening, and not a diagnosis. “It’s mostly just to get ahead in their diet screening, so they can begin looking at treatment plans or tell their healthcare provider,” she explains. Chang and Chen will be presenting their device from Oct. 11-13, and plan on making both connections, but also educating others on not only the innovation of their product but also the importance it holds for countless individuals. To anyone who aspires to have their research turn into a reality. “Just go for it, never doubt yourself, apply for everything, and keep going, and you’ll find some type of result,” says Chang.
Spread By: Mia Perez
Photos by: Olivia Butler
Story By: Sophia Aguirre
Out of the hundreds of teachers here at Lamar, almost none can match 11th grade math teacher Benito Toscano’s passion for his job. He is the “it-girl” when it comes to creating valuable relationships with his students and taking time to help them understand the material no matter what it takes. “Getting to know my kids is so much fun,” says Mr. Toscano. “Even when they don’t get the math, they still try. I hardly have kids that just give up. I love it when they try.” His vibrant and fun personality makes him a teacher that student’s love to be around, both in and out of the classroom. After only four years, he has made an unrivaled impact on both his students’ and coworkers’ hearts. Mr. Toscano’s love for math made him noticeable since the start of his career. “I always liked math,” says Mr. Toscano. “I was the kid in college who would help people out. Teaching is fun to me.” His passion for math and his extroverted personality has made his lessons easy to understand. Every single lesson has internet slang and pop culture references integrated into it, making class fun and engaging to his young Gen-Z students. “Building relationships with the kids is honestly so special,” exclaims Mr. Toscano. He takes time to make sure that every single one of his students feel seen, including outside of the neighborhood’s walls. “My favorite part of this is going to school events like football games and saying, ‘oh my God, there are my football kids! My cheerleaders! My band kids!’ It’s fun to see the kids doing things they like to do outside of class,” gushes Mr. Toscano. His love for his students includes treating them with kindness and compassion. “There are a lot of teachers that are like, ‘I want my kids to fear me’, but that’s not what I want at all,” he says. “The challenge is how to get all kids to love and enjoy math. I love that challenge.” Even though he comes to work prepared to have fun, sometimes it’s hard
for him to balance his work and social life. “There’s been days where I drive home completely in silence because I am so overstimulated that I don’t have anything left in me,” admits Mr. Toscano. “I’ll leave here at 7 pm because I’m grading and then I’ll come back at 7 am because I want to be prepared for these kids. It gets really overwhelming sometimes. It’s so much, I don’t have the capacity to go out and have my own social life because I give all my energy to these kids. I’m always really scared that I’m going to get up and teach and no one is going to get it, because if not that means I’m doing something wrong. I’m a very anxious person, so I’m always questioning whether I did a good job or not.” However, despite the stress, Mr. Toscano can always find comfort with his coworkers. “My teacher besties help me get through the day,” beams Mr. Toscano. “Mrs. Watson has been my teacher bestie since day one. They’re all really supportive, because people who aren’t teachers don’t get how stressful this job is. Having teacher besties helps you feel seen and you can vent to them with no judgment, because they will know exactly what you are going through.” Mr. Toscano is so intense about education, he is currently looking to better his teaching skills by achieving a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. “It’s basically a specialization in mathematics instruction, so I could become a dean or a teacher coach,” says Mr. Toscano. “But for now, I want to stay in the classroom.” For Mr. Toscano, the real question is: to slay or not to slay? His cheerful teaching skills will be here for years to come (or as long he keeps being Brat!). “This is my crazy. This is my work. This is my controlled chaos,” beams Mr. Toscano. “I really love being a teacher here everyday!”
Story By: Shanielia Williams
Do you ever have those moments where you hear an old jingle or song that brings you back to a time in your life you completely forgot about? That nostalgic and warm feeling makes you relive the sweet moments of your childhood that were locked away for a while. “Scrolling through your social media feed and seeing a clip from an old TV show is always the best feeling. Hearing the theme song and being able to sing along and think about the good old days is so heartwarming,” says junior Kendall Reece .
As we grow up, everything we look at is slowly slipping away. From TV shows, to games, to iconic memes, the com ing generations will not be able to understand how special these things were to us because they’ll all be faded away by then. This is all happening in real time, with Cartoon Net work being the most recent victim of this phenomenon. “I feel like the discontinuing of this network is going to affect the newer generation of kids. As a kid, I really en joyed watching this channel and the newer gen wouldn’t get that experience. Until this day, I’d go back and watch some of those shows now.” says junior Landon Franklin.
Some of these childhood shows can influence people’s lives today. “Watching certain shows as a child really moved me to become who I am now. By watching these shows,
I am inspired by some of the characters, watching them grow and giving me insight on my growing journey,” says junior Robert McFarland. The shows we watched as children can shape how we grow. “A show that has definitely influenced my life would be Discovery Green and Gravity Falls,” says senior Sydney Radix. “Discovery Green has taken a big part in my love for animals, while Gravity Falls has helped with my confidence level because if the writer can make such a weird show and people love it, then why not be that way myself?”
As our childhood comes to an end, and the things we once enjoyed get older, we are lucky to have access to the internet to relive those special moments.“My favorite song as a child was Juju On That Beat by Zayion McCall. When hearing this song now, it makes me want to dance and think back to that time in my life where everything was good,” says junior Derrick Mitchell.
It’s 2024 and we’re all grown up now. Soon, we’ll be telling our children about these moments and the only thing that will be left as evidence are the memories of the good ‘ole days. So never be ashamed of wanting to go back and listen to your old favorite song or watch your favorite childhood show. You never know what untapped reminders of your childhood will bring a smile to your face.
*Disclaimer
All information is copied and pasted from the candidates’ websites: www.donaldjtrump.com and www.kamalaharris.com The Houston Independent School District, Lamar High School and the Lamar Life Staff do not have any affiliation or any opinion on either candidate, and is not through the publication of this article advocating for or against either candidate or measure on the upcoming ballot. We encourage all who are eligible voters to make an informed decision on who you support. Please remain civil during this election process. United We Progress!
Story By: Katherine Peterson
The 2024 election between former president Donald J. Trump and vice president Kamala Harris has been an increasingly hot topic across the nation. It is very important to stay educated on each candidate’s policies and plans for their term. No matter who is elected, they will be the ones shaping our lives for the next four years. While we wait for the elections, on Tuesday November 5, here are some of the important policies to know of both Trump and Harris from their official websites.
Former president Donald J. Trump was in office from 2017 to 2021. He is now the leading Republican nominee for this year’s election. Trump’s plan for the next four years is to change the identity and future of American citizens, triumphing through hardships caused by inflation, and overall creating a nation built on “Truth, Justice, and Common Sense”. His commitment is to ensure safety across all American citizens.
To complete this, Trump’s Agenda 47 includes many policies that he plans to implement to boost American dignity and pride, making it clear to address the core threats to our country.
Inflation has raised many issues to most U.S. citizens, increasing the overall cost of living. Because of this, Trump plans to use Impoundment Power, an act by the president to not spend more money than what has been appropriated by the U.S. Congress, to cut wasteful spending in the federal government. This will save a lot of money and create tax reductions for everyone, quickly lowering inflation rates.
Another set goal of Trump is to have the number one lowest cost of energy and electricity of any industrial country on Earth. The oil and gas industry supports millions of American jobs, and it provides lower energy costs to consumers. He would end delays in federal drilling permits and leases needed to unleash American oil and natural gas production, creating another tax relief on American oil, gas, and coal producers.
If Trump were to win this election during day one in office, he will re-issue the 2020 executive order to restore the president’s authority to fire dishonest and untrustworthy bureaucrats. From this, he will fire all corrupt actors in National Security and Intelligence systems. He would also launch major investigations on government leakers who create false narratives to the public, ensure intelligence agencies are not spying on citizens, and make sure there are no dishonest campaigns towards American people. Trump also wants to obliterate the deep state; secret people in power that control government policy, who have wanted wars across the globe.
The conflict and war between Ukraine and Russia is very dangerous, explosive, and it escalates everyday. As president, Trump says he would be able to negotiate an end to this war in 24 hours. He believes it’s time for all parties involved to pursue a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine before it turns into a World War III.
If elected, it would be the official policy of the U.S. to take down drug cartels, just as they took down ISIS when Trump was previously president. Last year, enough fentanyl was secured at the border to kill every U.S. citizen; the number of Americans killed due to fentanyl has increased by 94% since 2019 and has been the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 18-45. Trump also plans on taking down the cartel by fully securing the border, imposing a full naval embargo on the cartels, cutting the cartel’s access to the global financial system, and ordering the Department of Defense to make covert and overt actions to inflict maximum damage on cartel leadership, infrastructure, and leadership.
Drug cartels have seized an estimated 60% of unaccompanied Latin American children trying to cross the border, and they are abused through the system of trafficking. Trump will ask congress to ensure anyone caught trafficking children across the border will receive immediate death penalty.
Kamala Harris has been the Vice President of the United States since 2021 under President Joe Biden. She is now the Democratic presidential candidate for the 2024 election. For the next four years, she plans on creating an “Opportunity Economy”. Harris’s plan to build the economy is to invest in small businesses and build up the middle class. She believes that when the middle class is strong, America is strong.
As a prosecutor, district attorney, and attorney general, Kamala Harris has fought to ensure people have the right to safety, to dignity, and to justice. She wants everyone to not just get by, but to get ahead.
Kamala Harris wants to bring down costs across the nation and increase national security for all Americans. With that she will fight to cut taxes for more than 100 million workers, and she wants to help lower the costs of healthcare, housing and groceries.
She will bring together organized labor and workers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and American companies to create good paying jobs and grow the economy.
As part of her Opportunity Economy agenda, she has put forward a plan to help small businesses and entrepreneurs innovate and grow. She has set a goal of 25 million new business applications by the end of her first term.
Reproductive, Civil, and LGBTQI+
Harris is adamant on defending reproductive freedoms and safe-guarding the privacy of patients and providers. If congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedoms nationwide, she will sign it.
Kamala Harris will also continue to protect Americans from discrimination. She will build on securing two billion in funds to give to the Offices of Civil Rights.
Harris will fight to pass the Equality Act to preserve anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQI+ Americans in healthcare, housing, education, and more into law. As president, she would always defend the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.
Vice President Harris is ready to be Commander in Chief on day one, being responsible for the safety and security of U.S. citizens. She has worked with our allies to ensure NATO is strong.
Vice President Harris will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself. She and President Biden are said to be working on the end to the war in Gaza, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.
Border, Drug and Gun Safety
Harris wants to secure the border, keep communities safe, and reform the broken immigration system. As President, she would bring back the bipartisan border security bill and sign it into law.
Vice President Harris is committed to ending the opioid epidemic and tackling the scourge of fentanyl. As President, she will sign the bipartisan border bill that will fund detection technology to intercept even more illicit drugs and she’ll keep fighting to end the opioid epidemic.
If elected, she’ll ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require universal background checks, and support red flag laws that keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. She will also continue to invest in funding law enforcement, including the hiring and training of officers and people to support them.
formation available at our fingertips, we are seemingly the most uninformed when it comes to both receiving and spreading information that we see on social media? Rumors, misinformation, and propaganda are all common challenges and side effects when it comes to digesting media of all types, however, it is more prevalent in the digital age of media. After various public debates surrounding online content regulation and court cases that examine how tech companies moderate content on their platforms, Pew Research Center reported that the number of U.S. adults who say the federal government should restrict false information has risen from 39% in 2018 to 55% in 2023. This follows after the Supreme Court ruled that it won’t hold tech companies liable for user’s posts. In one instance, the justice system ruled that a law allowing suits for aiding in acts of violence did not apply to the ordinary activities of
But the question remains, what can we as students do to accurately ensure we are intaking the correct information, without falling into the trap of ‘believing everything we see’? “ It’s important to maintain a critical mind, and to always question everything you are being presented with,” says Mr. Zamora. This can include cross-referencing sources, or even using your own better judgment to determine if what you are seeing is fact or fiction. However, it is once again important to keep in mind that news stories can be told from different points of view, and may reference specific or certain facts that distinguish itself from other articles about the same subject. In a world where information can seemingly spread like wildfire, it’s important for us to fight against the flames - not with them. As truth isn’t always the loudest voice, but it’s the one that matters most.
Spread By: Natalia Carrascal
Imagine yourself on a silent golf course, by yourself, attempting to strike a small ball into a tiny hole that’s several hundred yards away from you. The silence may be calming at first, but there’s immense pressure with every swing. Each hit could be the difference between victory or defeat, and there’s no one else to rely on, it’s just you and the course. “In golf, it’s just me versus the course. Staying focused on my game is crucial for advancing in the tournament since there are no teammates to lean on.” says junior Evan Tsigos.
At first glance, golf may seem like a calm sport without loud crowds or time limits. However, it requires a lot of mental strength. Unlike most team sports, golfers usually compete in groups of four, with each player representing a different school. This setup adds another layer of difficulty, as players rarely compete side by side with their own teammates.
This mindset has fueled both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams to new heights. In the 2023-24 season, the boys’ team captured first and second place in the district competitions, while the girls’ team won their district tournament, taking both first and second place as a team and qualifying for regionals.Instead, they must focus solely on their own game. “It takes patience and maximum focus to do your best. You have to build mental strength to succeed.” says senior Delphine Wood.
“When I was a freshman, we had 10 boys on the team. Now, we’ve tripled that, so we are definitely growing,” says senior Shepherd Mackie. With more students showing interest, golf has become a rising sport at their school. However, the increased popularity hasn’t come without challenges.
The team has dealt with several coaching changes and continues to struggle with funding issues. “We fundraise every year and make a little money from that. We also hold a golf tournament for alumni, which helps us raise funds.” says senior Jack Baumgartner
Despite the hurdles, the players remain committed, driven by their passion for the sport. Golf has given them not only enjoyable experiences but also valuable lessons that have shaped who they are.
As these athletes reflect on their season, it’s clear that the sport has given them more than just trophies and wins. It has provided memories, friendships, and personal growth. Now they look towards the future, excited about what awaits. Whether on the course or off, these young athletes are prepared to face new challenges with the patience, focus, and resilience they’ve gained through golf.
Story By: Kai Hampton
Spread By: Joseph Larios
Story By: Jennifer Russell
Observed on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is one of the most meaningful holidays in the United States. What originally began as a harvest festival in honor of the early settlers and Native Americans, has evolved into a national holiday dedicated to expressing the importance of giving thanks, while also providing an opportunity for family and friends to create lasting memories. All across the country, people celebrate this holiday through various unique customs and traditions that symbolize their gratitude. Below are some examples of these customs and traditions:
Cooking a Grand Feast:
One of the most cherished Thanksgiving traditions is preparing a grand feast, which is a nod to the original harvest celebrations. Families and friends come together, filling kitchens with laughter and warmth as they cook a huge spread of delicious cuisines. “Cooking the grand Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite part of the holiday because I love to eat,” expressed Zoe Briscoe. With a laugh, she adds, “I also love the quality time it gives me with my family—but I’m mostly there for the mac n cheese.” For Briscoe and many other families, Thanksgiving is all about food—and maybe a tad bit about the meaningful moments with your loved ones during the cooking process—but mostly the food.
Watching
Another beloved Thanksgiving tradition is watching the football game. To some extreme fans it’s almost as important—or maybe even more—than the feast. The thrill of the game along with the company of family and friends makes it the perfect addition to the holiday traditions. There’s nothing better than kicking your feet up and sipping a nice cold beverage while you watch your favorite team play. “Football is my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving. I’ve always loved the excitement of cheering for a team, trash talking, and betting against my friends,” shared Camron Baker. For many others like Baker, the football game is not just about the sport, it’s about bringing people together to create lasting memories. But let’s be real here, it’s also about screaming at the TV as if the players can hear you.
a Thanksgiving Tree:
A new Thanksgiving tradition steadily on the rise is decorating a Thanksgiving tree. While most families begin putting up bare trees in preparation for Christmas, many people are now starting a new trend where they put up their fir trees but instead of leaving the branches empty, they are adding Thanksgiving decorations to boost the holiday spirit. These trees are often adorned with pumpkins, fall garlands, leaves, dried flowers and more importantly thankful cards, where families write what they are grateful for. “My family keeps our Christmas tree up year round and usually it remains decorated in Christmas decorations,” said Briscoe. “But last year, we began a new tradition to put thankful cards on the tree instead to show appreciation for each other during the Thanksgiving season.” This new tradition of decorating a thankful tree creates a meaningful way to show gratitude and spirit during the Thanksgiving season, while also having the tree prepared for the upcoming winter holiday.
Thanksgiving symbolizes gratitude, togetherness and creating memories, making it one of the most beloved holidays in America. Whether it’s cooking a grand feast, watching the football game, or decorating a Thanksgiving tree, each tradition this November 28 reflects the unique values of this cherished holiday and the way it brings people together.
“As the weather cools and leaves turn orange and red, it’s the perfect time to celebrate fall’s arrival with a delicious recipe for apple crisp. This apple crisp is easy to make!”
Ingredients
4 cups of sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples)
1 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of brown sugar
½ cup of all-purpose flour
½ cup of butter, melted
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Apples: Spread the sliced apples evenly in a baking dish.
3. Make Topping: In a large bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon and nutmeg until crumbly.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake: Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm, possibly with vanilla ice cream!
No place like homecoming…Even at a different stadium
Homecoming is an exciting school event that sets a positive tone for the fall semester. It’s a time to reconnect with friends and celebrate school spirit. Though this year’s homecoming had faced unexpected challenges because Hurricane Beryl left Delmar Stadium damaged, this year’s game was still unforgettable and a memory to cherish for years to come.
Usually, the homecoming dance happens after the football game, letting everyone enjoy a whole day of fun before dancing the night away. But since Delmar went through severe damages, they switched things up and had the dance before the big game this year. While this adjustment seems small on paper, it shifted students’ usual expectations and routines. “This was a change for me since I perform at the football games, and I’m used to the adrenaline of the game going into the dance,” says senior Micaela Jewett. “It was a little strange at first, but the dance was still fun.”
But as the football game approached, everyone was excited. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators filled the area to cheer for their team against Westside High School. The student section was packed, and the energy in the stadium was buzzing. For many, this was the game they looked forward to most all year. “I never go to football games unless it’s homecoming because that’s when I know for sure the atmosphere is going to be ‘live at five,’” says junior Soni Rogers.
The game began with the JROTC presenting the colors and the school band performing the national anthem, setting the tone for an exciting night. Cheerleaders, the Rangerettes, the dance team, and football players lined the sidelines, eager for the kickoff. “As a cheerleader, it’s our job to rally the crowd at every game, but for homecoming, everyone was already pumped. It was more about having a good time with the crowd,” says senior Jaymie Charles.
As halftime approached, excitement filled the air as the focus shifted to the homecoming court. With the second quarter’s end, the football players left the field, making way for the lively Rangerettes and cheerleaders, introducing the candidates for homecoming king and queen. Dressed elegantly, the nomi-
nees smiled and waved, engaging with their supportive family and friends, fully embracing the moment.
“The whole experience was really fun, honestly, it didn’t matter to me if I won or not. Just being a part of it made this homecoming special for me.”says senior Melinee Hardy. With the candidates lined up, the candidates for kings on the right and candidates for queens on the left, the tension grew. Students in the stands whispered predictions and cheered for their favorites. Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The JROTC raised their sabers, creating a ceremonial arch for the winners to walk through.
The announcer’s voice echoed across the stadium announcing the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen were seniors Ronin Chaney and Jada West. The crowd erupted in cheers as the newly crowned king and queen beamed with joy. “Winning hoco queen is definitely going to be the highlight of my senior year for a long time,” says Jada West with a wide smile. Ronin Chaney looked equally thrilled as he waved to the crowd, soaking in the applause.
Principal Graves joined the winners for photos, and the entire stadium cheered in support. The homecoming court posed proudly on the field, celebrating the moment with their friends and family. After the crowning ceremony, the game resumed, and the Texans kept playing strongly. They won against Westside with a score of 42-16.
Even though the homecoming dance had already taken place, the leftover adrenaline lingered in the air. As the final moments of the game played out, the school band launched into the triumphant notes of “I’m So Glad,” the winning anthem for the 2024 homecoming. The crowd cheered and celebrated one last time, savoring the moment.
Looking back, this year’s homecoming was different from those in the past, but the school spirit remained as strong as ever. From the dance to the halftime ceremony, and finally to the football victory. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, students, staff, and parents united to create an unforgettable event. This homecoming had its twists, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Photos By: Trent Barnes Story by: Weasley Taaffe
The flag snaps in the wind, twirling in unison under the beaming stadium lights. Freshman Jessica Flores stands in formation, pulse racing. Her hands grip the pole of the flag as her mind spins with the new routine. But then, she sees her teammates surrounding her. But they’re more than her teammates, they’re her second family, and she knows she is a part of something bigger than just a team.
When students join color guard, they need to understand that it is more than just learning routines and perfecting tosses; it is a place to find your family - literally. Color guard has developed a family system that fosters connection and camaraderie among its members. This system pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen in small groups, creating support networks that last throughout the season. Here, relationships form, trust is built, and unity grows.
“Each family has a head, usually a senior or junior who’s been in color guard for three years,” says Mia Wubbenhorst. “They help the younger
members with everything from flag skills to fitting in socially.” According to Wubbenhorst and her co-captain, senior Micaela Jewett, the results are striking. “The freshmen are so much more confident,” says Jewett. “They aren’t afraid to ask questions or share their concerns because they know their family has their back, and we do!”
This bond has created more than just strong performances; it has built a community of support, confidence, and everlasting friendships. Furthermore, the system’s impact goes beyond the individual. “Having these families helps the whole team,” says Wubbenhorst. “It breaks down the barriers between grade levels and brings everyone closer together.”
For freshmen like Ki’layn Samuels, the family system is a lifeline during the first season. “It’s scary joining a team where you feel as though everyone already knows each other,” Samuels admits. “But my family has made it so welcoming. They are al-
beyond the performance field as well, as families come together for fun social events to strengthen the bonds and connection. “My favorite activity so far has been our tie-dye party,” exclaims Wubbenhorst. “But we plan on doing so much more like movie nights, rock painting, you name it!”
These moments of togetherness have solidified the relationships that carry the team through the season. “When you know your family has your back off the field, it makes you stronger on the field,” says Flores. “It’s like our bond makes us perform better because we trust each other. These girls are like my sisters.”
As the season progresses, the color guard team is looking forward to the time spent with their family that is to come. Whether it’s lending a hand during a tricky toss or sharing a laugh at a family dinner, these groups transform teammates into something more and create a connection that is unbreakable. The flag may snap and twirl, but the bond of the color guard family remains steadfast, a foundation for success both on and off the field.
Across:
4. A large celebratory meal
5. The tradition of welcoming back alumni
6. The process of gathering crops
8. A large bird
9. Filled with gratitude Down:
The action or activity of purchasing goods from stores
A type of brown nut typically eaten during the fall
When birds fly to the south
People who are related to each other
To choose someone to be president
https://open.spotify.com/show/4NfIhLBaIdzNWWYW5muM7J?si=14f8cf5922d146a0