Kingwood Park Times, December 2023

Kingwood Park

TIMES December 2023 Volume 10, Issue 3 Kingwood, Texas 77339

Chef Chevalier adds spice with culinary master class, pages 4-5 INSIDE Cheer team sets big goals as competition season begins...... page 3 Theater goes ‘under the sea’ in latest musical.......pages 6-7 College visit to University of Oklahoma feels like home....page 14

Read more at KPTimes.com Follow us @KPARKmedia

Students participate in boosting local blood supply at drive

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HOSA blood drive chairs Kathleen Escobar, 12, and Bryson Bailey, 12, take a photo together during the November blood drive on campus.

Photo by Nickole Golden.

By Fallon Head KPTimes.com Editor

OSA ran its last blood drive for the semester on Wednesday with 71 people donating blood in the midst of a nationwide blood shortage. “[I hope the blood drive helps] tremendously,” HOSA blood drive chair and senior Bryson Bailey said. “I’m really hoping that we can get enough blood to help make it through the holiday season.”

High school students contribute 30-40% of the blood donated nationwide each year.

“They rely heavily on the donations just to keep that supply and demand met, basically,” health science teacher Dr. Kevin Caizley said. “So it hasn’t even affected us directly, but I guess indirectly it did, because the onus is on the high school students to continue Houston donation duties.”

The Houston area needs approximately 1,000 donations a day to meet the need. Each donation helps three people.

The American Red Cross declared a blood shortage in September, citing the blood supply dropped 25% since August. “[I think it’s important to donate because] you could be saving someone’s life just by giving an hour of your time, and at this age it’s just an incredible opportunity for us,” junior Olivia Licona said.

The blood donated through HOSA’s blood drive goes directly to the local community. Blood donated has to be used within five days of donating, and

2 NEWS | December 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

Senior Donovan McClure scrolls on his phone while donating blood during the November blood drive. The school had 80 donors in their second drive of the year. Photo by Nickole Golden.

the amount of blood donations available dictates when people can have surgeries.

“It’s an immediate, direct effect we have in the community, which is great,” Caizley said.

HOSA organizes four blood drives each year, with the Gulf Coast Blood Center collecting the blood at the end of the day.

“I thought [donating] would be very difficult, but it was very easy,” Licona said. “I felt very safe the whole time, and the nurses were very nice, and you had the opportunity to get lots of snacks. It was great.”

During the November drive, 80 units of blood were donated, impacting 240 lives.

“It makes me feel like I’m part of saving people’s lives,” Bailey said. “I might

Mikaela Roseen, 12, has her blood pressure checked prior to giving blood during the November blood drive on campus. Photo by Nickole Golden.

not be the one drawing the blood or donating -- I do donate blood too -- but even when I’m just working, knowing that I’m helping organize all of this, it helps me feel better about the people that need blood.”

Lainez advances to Area in choir competition for first time

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Senior Itati Lainez performs a solo at Java Jive in November. Photo by Nickole Golden.

By Shelby Townsend Staff Writer

our senior varsity choir members auditioned at the pre-Area round for Texas’s All-State Choir on Nov. 30. The stakes were high as the competition ramped up with the addition of sight reading to the contest.

“This is the hardest audition they had so far because it’s prepared music and also sight reading,” choir teacher Christine Donley said.

The four seniors who advanced from the region audition were Gabriel Hernandez, Itati Lainez, Asa O’Farrell and Karson Rogers. After a full day of auditions, Lainez advanced to Area. She is now one step closer to the All-State level, where she might be chosen to perform in the All-State Choir.

The choir department has had 26 All-State members from 2010-2021. Math teacher Caroline Gomez was one of three All-State members in 2014.

“The All-State Choir is the top 300 voices across the state of Texas, and they get together and make three

big choirs and the main conductor is from South Africa so they’re flying him in to work with them,” Donley said. “They do a big concert and make a CD, it’s really prestigious.”

During the first two rounds, contestants were given three songs to memorize before the audition date and on arrival are told what cut of bars from each song they are to perform for the judges. They are graded on being able to sing the correct notes and vowels.

Additionally for this round, after performing the prememorized songs is a sight reading portion.

“It’s such a privilege to sing with all these talented people and hear all these songs that you’ve sung before in the previous rounds,” Hernandez said.

Lainez is readily preparing for Area, taking time after school and during flex hour to practice her music independently, and hopes to join the ranks of the All-State Choir, ending her time in high school choir with a grand finale.

“It’s really knowing the song and making it your own because you can’t just perform as if you’re in the choir,” Lainez said.

Cheer focuses on ‘little things’ as competitions begin

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By Preston Carpenter Special Contributor

s the winter season of sports begins cheerleading moves inside to take the center of the court.

The indoor season is vastly different compared to the football season. During the football season the cheerleaders hype up the crowd, which is focused on the football team. In competition season, all attention is on the cheerleaders.

“On the sidelines we are just pumping up the crowd, indoor is much more hard core,” said cheer coach Brittani Sharp.

To the normal eye cheerleading may look easy, however, it is much more than that. The cheerleaders have to put effort into every little thing they do from the steps to the stunts all in order to give off the energy needed to succeed.

“It’s a lot harder than people imagine, it’s intense, the little things can make or break you,” senior team captain Addison Colescott said.

The cheerleaders routine is 3 minutes long and while that seems short, every second of it is filled with motion and energy. The cheerleaders routine requires a large amount of precision in order to receive points and to avoid injuries that could happen.

Even though competition cheer takes place after the football season is completed, the competition cheer team has been practicing their routine since September.

Before every practice the cheer team starts by running laps around the parking lot chanting the words they say from their drill. This gets them into the right mindset before they go into their actual routine.

“You have to have a lot of energy to keep going,” said junior cheerleader Emilie Castro.

The thing in the front of all the cheerleaders’ minds this year is nationals, which is being held at Disney World. The cheerleaders have made it to nationals before, however, this year they want to advance higher up in the ranks.

Sharp, in her first year as cheer coach, has impacted the program already, creating a positive space for the cheerleaders to perform and practice their drills while building bonds with their fellow teammates.

“She’s very positive towards the team, she encourages us,” junior Hayden Anderson said.

The cheerleaders have competed in two competitions this season, and last Saturday they received 2nd place in San Antonio securing them a spot at nationals

in February.

The cheerleaders next competition is their state competition on January 4th through the 6th in Fort Worth, Dallas.

Even throughout the Christmas break the cheerleaders will continue to practice their routine in order to be in shape and prepared for their future competitions.

Cheerleading takes time, effort, and commitment from the cheerleaders while requiring them to be mentally and physically prepared for anything that comes their way in order to make all the little things they put in worth it.

“It takes an athlete to be a cheerleader,” said Sharp.

The cheerleaders participate in singing the school fight song at the end of the Gold Fight Win pep rally in September. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

KPTIMES.COM | December 2023 | NEWS 3

Just a few weeks ago, culinary teacher Anthony Chevalier moved his classes into the new kitchen built on campus. The cooking started shortly after, along with the life lessons he mixes into each recipe. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

C king Craze

Chef Chevalier adds spice with culinary master class CULINARY CLASSES OFFERED Intro to Culinary Full-year course, one period daily Culinary 1 Full-year course, two class periods each day Culinary 2 Full-year course, two class periods each day

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By Luke Cavallo Staff Writer

s a major part of the recent construction, a new kitchen has opened to accommodate the newly created culinary arts program.

At the head of the program is instructor Anthony Chevalier. Chevalier brings with him many years of experience, being the owner and president of a catering business, a crew chief for American Airlines and a lecturer at the University of Houston. “[I’ve catered for] everybody [including] the last five mayors,” Chevalier said. “You name it, I’ve done it.”

Chevalier accepted the job as the

4 FEATURES | December 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

overseer of the fledgling program with ambition and clear goals for progress.

The classes recently completed their first catering job, making chicken fettuccine alfredo, salad and peach cobbler for a gathering of 140 people. Chevalier hopes to expand the catering operations within the coming years and even branch out into cooking competitions with other schools.

“We’re going to put Kingwood Park on the map,” Chevalier said.

Chevalier emphasizes creativity and resourcefulness in his approach to taking the cooking of his students to the next level. He said a cook should be able to open a refrigerator that most people would perceive as empty and create a

dish from what they have.

“You have to be creative if you are going to be a chef,” Chevalier said.

“Everything is problem solving. It just makes them think.”

This skill, among many, Chevalier picked up from helping his mother in the kitchen as a child. He grew up in Houston to parents from Louisiana.

Food was a massive aspect of his creole culture. As a child, Chevalier knew that any family event or gathering would be centered around a meal that brought the family together. Even today, he says that any time his adult children or extended family visit, they can expect to be greeted with a home-cooked meal.

“Food is good for the soul,” Chevalier

said. “And no matter whether it’s a celebration of life or a celebration of death, a birthday, anniversary, or for the school function. No matter where you are, food is always involved.”

Students within the program attest to the value that culinary arts class has brought to their lives. They say that on top of the life skills and recreation, cooking with Chevalier has taught them lessons in leadership, integrity and patience.

“Everybody strives to be a leader,” sophomore Anthony Henry said. “We all take different roles.”

Sophomore Cameron Minatrea recommends culinary class, and says that it is the most enjoyable class that he has ever taken. He describes Chevalier as motivational and direct, communicating clearly with his students. Cameron especially appreciates the attention that Chevalier gives to the class, including group reflections after events in order to learn and improve.

Not only has Minatrea had the opportunity to expand his cooking skills, he said his experience in the class has been a catalyst for selfimprovement.

“It’s really hands-on and there is a lot of teamwork,” Minatrea said. “Ever since I’ve taken this class, I’ve become more focused; and especially at the catering events, I’ve become a nicer person.”

One of Chevalier’s plans to expand the scope of his classes is a class trip to New York City, where he intends for his students to explore the culinary traditions of ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown and Little Italy. Chevalier intends for most of the trip to be funded by the proceeds from his classes’ catering projects but plans for the students to pay for their airfare in order to foster a sense of commitment and ownership.

“I want them to own up to responsibility,” Chevalier said. “The harder you work, the more you gain.”

Advanced culinary students share what they most want to learn to cook

Students in fifth period Intro to Culinary split into groups and made a variety of items in the kitchen during the block day on Nov. 15.

Photo by Maya Ortiz.

“Sushi, it’s simple and you don’t really have to cook it.”

Anthony Henry, 10

“Kimchi because I want to try types of food from all around the world.”

Zina Washington, 11

“Spaghetti because I’ve been around it my whole life and it’s probably one of my favorite dishes.

I would just like to recreate the dishes I’ve had of it.”

Kevin Cline, 11

“Beef Wellington because I know it’s a very difficult thing to cook but once you learn how to do it, it tastes amazing.”

Simon Perry, 11

“Curry. I’ve never had it and I wanna know what it tastes like.”

Cordelia DeLeon, 10

“I’d say like good tacos because I’ve been interested in making those. So my dad made them and they looked really, really good.”

Cameron Minatrea, 10

“Gumbo and anything like that. I grew up in Louisiana and honestly it’s a really amazing food.”

Rubiel Irizarry, 11

“I want to cook mozzarella sticks and maybe a homemade sauce.”

Samuel Aparicio, 11

KPTIMES.COM | December 2023 | FEATURES 5

“THE LITTLE MERMAID” PERFORMANCES Jan. 18-20 in the PAC CAST & CREW Ariel: Cara Helton Pilot: Karson Rogers Eric: Asa O’Farrell Grimsby: Mark Johanson Flounder: Emerson Harris Scuttle: Grace Potter Windward: Sean Rozema Leeward: Jesse Ramirez Triton: Corbin Lane Sebastian: Taylor Mattingly Flotsam: Exa Nix Jetsam: Haleigh Nix Ursula: Itati Lainez Chef Louis: Charlotte Terrell Mersisters: Alexa Grubb, Amara Amadi, Daileyanne Brom, Mackenna Broderick, Olivia Brenner, Riley Fitch Gulls: Alyssa Montelongo, Amara Amadi, Cailey Castaneda, Emmie Range, Mark Johanson, Olivia Brenner Ensemble: Amy Helton, Ada Stokes, Aliera Shadowens, Breanna Muller, Christopher Echols, Ellie Piquette, Sarah Nemer, Valentina Garibay Arroyo, Zadie Hammond Dance Captain: Emmie Range Dance Managers: Alyssa Montelongo, Amara Amadi, Asa O’Farrell, Emerson Harris, Itati Lainez, Mark Johanson, Riley Fitch, Taylor Mattingly

PRINCESS DREAMS Helton to make high school theater debut as Ariel.

By Emerson Harris Staff Writer

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hen senior Cara Helton auditioned for “The Little Mermaid,” she was looking for a fun way to kick off her final year of high school. It also catered to her childhood love of the movie. What she didn’t know was that she would be Ariel herself.

“I wanted to join the musical because I really love ‘The Little Mermaid,’ it was my favorite movie growing up. I used to watch it on VHS and rewind it every time it finished,” Helton said.

While this is Helton’s first school show, she has done other productions during summers with Christian Community Theater (CCT), performing in “Beauty and Beast,” “Hello Dolly,” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

On the day the cast list for “The Little Mermaid” was announced, Helton was on a trip with the READ MORE Journalism depart- Freshman Emmie ment to compete Range takes the in Nationals. lead on choreog“I was in Boston raphy as dance when I saw the captain. cast list, and I had previously convinced myself I wasn’t going to be Ariel,” Helton said.

“Right before I looked at the cast list I had to calm myself down and remember that I was going to have fun regardless of my role.”

Fellow journalism student Shelby Townsend, 11, was with Helton when the list was released. The two celebrated in the streets of Boston.

“We were jumping holding onto one another’s arms while I shouted a bunch of praise. I was so excited for her and it was so memorable being able to celebrate with her,” Townsend said.

Townsend has watched Helton in her CCT productions and is excited to see what she will bring to the table for this show.

6 FEATURE | December 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

Senior Cara Helton laughs while learning the “One Step Closer” choreography. Photo by Exa Nix.

“Cara’s going to be such an amazing Ariel because not only does she work so incredibly hard but has tremendous talent and facial expressions,” Townsend said.

While her friends at school may be proud of her, her family is overjoyed with her accomplishment.

“She has worked so hard for this role and she truly deserves this so much,” said freshman Amy Helton, Cara’s younger sister. “When I saw the cast list, I was so excited I was literally screaming. This is her dream role and I know she will be amazing.”

As an avid “The Little Mermaid fan,” Helton is incredibly proud of herself.

Seeing herself as one of her childhood favorites is a dream come true.

“Getting to play the lead is so incredibly special to me, it’s not something I’ve ever had the opportunity to do and I’m just so excited for this role,” Helton said.

Though the acting side is appealing, Helton is also excited to learn the music

for this show.

“This show has such beautiful music, aside from the high notes, I don’t think learning it is too difficult because I’m already familiar with a lot of it,” Helton said.

Helton is looking forward to socializing with fellow students in the company. In theater, a strong community bond is important.

“I’m super excited to build relationships with the cast and crew for this show. Working with people is so much fun and I’m excited we all get to act and sing together,” Helton said.

While Helton might have gotten in the flow of community theatre, she’s on a whole new planet with this show.

“It felt intimidating at first because everyone is your age and knows how to navigate rehearsals,” Helton said.

“There’s still a lot I’m getting used to, but I have incredible friends who are very welcoming and kind and are helping me feel at home.”

Planning key in big productions

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By Exa Nix Managing Editor

fter the success of last year’s “Seussical the Musical,” the fine arts department knew they wanted to continue putting on musicals. This year, the department is performing “The Little Mermaid” on Jan. 18-20.

“We wanted to pick something that we knew we would have the people,” said technical director Courtney Neuwirth, “and would draw the community in. We knew the movie was coming out earlier this year and we all thought it would be fun.”

Director Brandi Perkins is excited to work on her first musical in eight years with the entire fine arts department. Students from orchestra, band, dance, choir, art club and theater are involved.

“Coordinating eight adults and then fifty students is quite the undertaking,” Perkins said. “Scheduling is a nightmare.

Everybody has something they need to be doing. They are busy and this is not their only commitment.”

When auditions began in November, the cast worked with vocal director Christine Donley. Students worked as a cast or in solo groups to learn music. After Thanks-

“THE LITTLE MERMAID” CAST & CREW Stage manager/ Assistant lightning designer: Harper Toth Assistant stage manager/Sound lead: Ashlynn Nash Costume crew: Viviana Diaz-Jones Light board op: Maebeth Potter Props crew: Jack Coffey, Shea Ruple Set crew: Faith Underwood

Cast members Alexa Grubb, 11, Makenna Broderick, 11, Olivia Brenner, 11, and Amara Amadi, 10, share a laugh while learning the choreography for “She’s in Love” during a rehearsal.

giving break, students started learning the choreography to dances. All the while, “The little Mermaid” tech crew has worked on lighting and sound.

The entire company wants to reach the community. One of the ways they’re doing that is by inviting 500 elementary students to see the show before it opens.

“It’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ and when people hear ‘The Little Mermaid,’ they have a picture in their head,” Neuwirth said, “My job is to say OK, I know what you think you know about this but here’s what we’re gonna do and still be able to connect with people.”

MEET MORE OF THE CAST AND CREW

Assistant sound: Uzi Ruiz Ortiz Keyboard: Emma Adams, Emily Le Clarinet: Colton Anderson, Maddie Amaya Soprano, Alto and Tenor Sax: Andres Arana Violin: Kendall Baley, Ty Bell, Frederick Goains, Ivy Kubin, Alexandra Martinez, Charles Meaux, Sophie Sullivan, Alexander Wright Cello: Lara Butanda, Felix Barr, Andrea Hernandez, Kayley Warr Horn: Layla Crossley

Asa O’Farrell (Prince Eric)

Itati Lainez (Ursula)

Q: What has been the most difficult part of the rehearsal process so far?

A: “Singing high notes. I am a Bass 2, and Prince Eric was made for a Tenor singer which is a lot higher than I am.”

Q: Who is your favorite character?

A: “I’m gonna say Scuttle. He has a lot of funny lines, a funny song, and is very bad at English.”

Q: What are you most excited about?

A: “I’m a better singer than I am actor for sure, but I’m really looking forward to ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ because I get to be a little brat onstage.”

Q: What has been most difficult so far?

A: “Probably the lines.

I’ve never had to memorize lines. I’ve had to think of it as a song, just without notes. That is hard.”

Maebeth Potter (Light board operator) Q: What are you most excited about?

A: “I’m most looking forward to getting closer to some of the cast members I haven’t met before and meeting new people.”

Q: Who is your favorite character?

A: “Flounder. He’s the best because he’s adorable and the most loving and funny character.”

Chris Echols (Ensemble)

Harper Toth (Stage manager)

Daileyanne Brom (Allana)

Q: What are you most excited about?

A: “The music. The dancing. Everything that makes a musical a musical.”

Q: Who is your favorite character in the show?

A: “Gotta be Scuttle.

I love Grace Potter, she’s a very hilarious person and I know she’s gonna kill the role.”

Q: What has been the most difficult part of the rehearsal process so far?

A: “There are a lot of people in the show, and there are a lot of call times, rehearsals, and different times to keep track of.”

Q: What are you most excited about?

A: “I think it’ll be really colorful to see all the kids’ reactions.”

Q: What are you most excited about?

A: “I am looking forward to the dress rehearsal season.

I’ve had to learn a lot of new things, so I’m interested to see how they come together.

Not to mention I love the costumes.”

Q: Who is your favorite character?

A: “Triton. I love how hard he tries to be his best for his daughters.”

Bass: Ian Ferguson, Lucy Foltz, Hugo Houel, Korbin Johnson Viola: Brian Gentry, Cameron Krewer, Lucas Pagano, Cece Sullivan, Rey Torres Flute/piccolo: Alexandra Linares English Horn/Oboe: Kelechi Nwokolo Percussion: Tristan Samson Percussion/Drums: Richard Beal Percussion/Viola: Daisy Thompson

KPTIMES.COM | December 2023 | FEATURES 7

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Students talk about their favorite card games to play with family.

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FIRST DAY2023 December EDITION | FEATURES | 8.09.22| |KPTIMES.com KPTIMES.COM

Holiday Word Find

Deck Christmas Tree Holiday

Hanukkah Cards Play Kwanzaa

Games Family Enjoyment Solstice

Memories Lights Winter Celebration

Montelongo finds unique game fun

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By Ana La Rosa Grillo Staff Writer

verybody defines a holiday differently. To Alyssa Montelogo a holiday can be every time she sits down with her friends and plays Dream Phone.

Dream Phone is an old board game from 1991.

The point of the game is much like Clue but for dating. Each love interest has their card, and every game there is one secret admirer that the players need to guess through the process of elimination.

You use the phone to call each character and ask them a question. The character will then give you a clue. Each person has the same secret admirer so whoever guesses who it is first is the winner.

“My favorite character is Tyler,” Montelongo said. “He’s kind of the staple character in my friend group. We all just love him.”

The game can be confusing to learn given all of its rules, features, and unique theme. It’s understandable why it eventually went out of style, but it has its appeal and Montelongo has been enjoy-

Montelongo loves 1991 game Dream Phone. Photo illustration by Ana La Rosa Grillo

ing it since the summer of 4th grade.

Montelongo came across the game while watching Gravity Falls with her family. A scene including the game made them curious about whether it was real or not. They eventually found a copy on ebay and bought it, but it took weeks to arrive.

“We just got back from the beach and there was a package of it at our door,” Montelongo

said. “We were all tired, but we wanted to play because we saw the show and wanted to see what it was about.”

The game soon became a family favorite, but it wasn’t until 6th grade that she began to play with her friends as well. To Montelongo, the game is a fun way to bond with the people she loves. As time went on, the game evolved as they added little stories and facts about each of the guys to make it more fun.

“The game grew up with us,” Montelongo said.

“We always know that eventually time may slip away but the game won’t.”

It’s more than just a game to Montelongo, it’s a constant. She cherishes the game more knowing that there will never be a time when the game does not exist in one way or another.

Montelongo plans to leave the game at home when she leaves for college. She wants her sister and her friends to enjoy it while she’s gone but eventually wants to have it later in life.

“I just love [the game],” Montelongo said. “I want to keep it as long as I can.”

KPTIMES.com | FEATURES | December 2023 9

Cross returns to lead young squad

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By Emily McKithern Special Contributor

unior Aniah Cross has played sports – specifically basketball – since fourth grade. In high school, she is also involved in volleyball and track, but her love for basketball is the strongest.

One of her earliest memories of playing basketball was in fourth grade when her dad Andrew Cross got a technical foul at one of her games.

Aniah said she was going up for a layup when a girl pushed her. She ended up falling on her side and the referee didn’t call a foul.

As the game went on, Aniah said her dad kept yelling at the referee, which led him to getting a technical foul. Cross has been coaching her since she was in 4th grade and is now in his second seaSophomore Madison Staggs and senior Madi Barker do a shoulder bump son as head coach of the varsity squad. for their handshake during player introductions against Magnolia High He describes coaching her as a fun School. Photo by Tricia Darcy. experience as he watches her grow and Junior Aniah Cross looks to drive to the basket develop skill-wise and personality-wise. before scoring against Magnolia High School. Photo “My favorite part is getting to coach

by Tricia Darcy. my kid,” Cross said. “It’s very special 20 minutes everyday. While she had to me because not every coach gets to to sit out her sophomore volleyball coach their own kid.” season because she Since Aniah was still healing, she started high school, was thankful that she she’s been the startdidn’t need any major ing point guard for surgeries. the girls basketball Aniah said her team. But things took mom was her best a turn for the worst motivator when it her freshman year Junior Lexi Gillinger gets fouled as she goes in for a layup, drawing two free Freshman Rionna Martin jogs into the came to her recovery. during track season. throws in the second half against Magnolia. Photo by Tricia Darcy. team huddle before the game starts. Photo Her mom was there Aniah was doing

by Tricia Darcy. every step of the a circuit workout, way when Aniah felt where you jog the UPCOMING unmotivated to do first half and sprint HOME GAMES anything. She also the other half. On the stayed motivated by last set she hyperexDec. 12 vs. New Caney thinking about what tended her knee and Jan. 5 vs. Nacogdoches would come after she couldn’t walk on it. was healed.

Aniah had a slight Jan. 12 vs. Porter “I just knew that, tear in her meniscus sooner or later, I’d be Jan.19 vs.

Dayton and an irritated ACL. playing basketball,” “I was out for Jan. 26 vs. Huntsville Aniah said. six months,” Aniah Aniah is now fully said. “Then I was in Junior Asia Martin dribbles the Junior Carissa Carey shoots a free recovered and has the basketball team PT [physical therapy] and I felt like I basketball down the court before throw in a game earlier this season. off to a strong start. attempting to score against Magcouldn’t do anything.”

Photo by Tricia Darcy.

“I’m really looking forward to the nolia West. The Panthers lost To recover, Aniah had to go to PT 61-43. Photo by Tricia Darcy. new season because I’ll actually get to twice a week and had to ice her knee play without discomfort,” Aniah said. for 30-45 minutes and then heat it for

2 FIRST 10 December DAY EDITION 2023 | Sports | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.com | KPTIMES.COM

KP TIMES.COM Meet Davion Sanford on HOKP podcast Listen as senior Davion Sanford talks about the basketball season and how he got started playing basketball.

Senior Forrest Hutchinson battles in an early season wrestling match. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Football players transfer toughness from turf to mat

By Grace Darcy Sports Editor

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ith the football season ending, many of the players are gearing up for the offseason and winter sports.

Football and wrestling coaches Eric Coovert and Jeff Knight heavily encourage football players to become multi-sport athletes. By joining other sports throughout the year, the coaches said the players stay in better shape for the next year’s football season.

Many of the players opt to join basketball or track. However, among the lineup of winter sports is wrestling.

Currently the team has a schoolhigh 64 wrestlers going into the season. Within this group of wrestlers are many of this year’s football players, including seniors Brandon Waggoner and Forrest Hutchinson.

Waggoner, who qualified for the

State Meet last year, said joining wrestling has not only helped him to stay in shape, but also assisted him with his position as a linebacker.

Coach Knight has found that wrestling is extremely helpful to the linebackers and defensive line.

Overall it helps them with tackling and helps to build a camaraderie among players and coaches.

“It just makes them tougher. It teaches a lot of self discipline,” Knight said. “And so all that just really translates over to football.”

Wrestling requires a different mindset than many sports. With wrestling being such an individual sport, wrestlers must learn that if they make a mistake it is on them.

“You don’t rely on other stuff.

You just rely on your instincts,” Waggoner said.

Hutchinson has found that even though the team aspect is missing during competition, a great deal of sportsmanship happens on the sidelines.

“You still cheer on people in other weight classes and you still support them as you would if it was a team sport,” Hutchinson said.

With two state qualifiers – Waggoner and Lucas Early – returning, Knight has high expectations for the team. He said he expects the girls team to do well at districts and for the boys team to defend their district championship. Last year, the school sent a record-high number of wrestlers to Regionals.

Knight hopes to repeat that feat again.

“Just improvement. That’s what it’s all about,” Knight said.

Knight advises anyone wanting to join wrestling to try it. Their matches are fast-paced providing a fun and entertaining night.

“A lot of students in my class when they came to watch they talked about how exciting it was,” Knight said. “It really is a fun sport to watch.”

Game Time episodes with Sydney Ortiz Check out Sydney Ortiz’s latest Game Time episode every Monday morning to get an update on the biggest local and national sports stories

Coaches take 2nd place in unique relay Coaches Greg McLain, Jason Watson and John Dissinger combined their talents.

KPTIMES.com | Sports | December 2023 11

Turf transforms softball, baseball fields

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By Fallon Head KPTimes.com Editor

he school district has been rolling out various updates, with funding from two bonds passed in previous years, including the funding for the track to be resurfaced as well as updating and adding more lights to the sports complex. Now, the baseball and softball teams are getting turf.

“We want to keep these students obviously on the cutting edge with all things, whether it be academic, athletic, all of those things,” athletic coordinator Clayton Maple said.

Turf was first added to the baseball and softball fields a few years ago at Humble High School. The bonds then allowed it to be added at every other high school as well.

“So we’re actually the last school for the district to get the baseball/ softball turf, but it is well worth the wait,” softball coach Lindsay Gregory said. “We are happy to have it.”

For the past two months, piles of dirt and rocks have sat near the softball and baseball fields but turf was recently installed.

Photo by Jordan Hutchinson.

The old fields forced the teams to depend heavily on good weather. Heavy rains forced practices to be relocated indoors and games were sometimes moved to neutral sites with turf. The teams also had to spend hours getting the field ready to use after rainy days. “[With the turf fields] we can practice at any time, we don’t have to worry about tarping the field anymore,” Gregory said.

The new field will also help some players during games.

“As a hitter in games, I’d rather

have [turf] because I know the ball will bounce, which that’s what I need,” senior Bailey Kee said.

“When we had our dirt, it was really soft and wasn’t working to my ability.”

While the fields have been under construction since mid-September, softball and baseball have practiced in their batting cages and on grass fields near the north end of the school. Softball has also been working with the Kingwood Girls Softball Association to use their softball fields near campus.

“[KGSA has] been awesome working with us,” Gregory said.

The north end of the school has always had three grass practice fields for teams to share. Because of all of the construction across campus, one of the practice fields is being used for drainage to help reduce the risk of flooding on rainy days.

“They have to increase the amount of drainage available now because of all the new construction,” Maple said. “This third field, it will now completely be for drainage only, we won’t use that as a field. We will have these two [practice fields] for all the sports to share and use as they need.”

The softball team is ready to utilize these new changes.

“This is gonna be a huge boost for heading into a new season,” Gregory said. “New field, new coaching staff, and we are in a win now mode.”

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Sophomore adjusts to new role

By Tricia Darcy Special Contributor

G

Sophomore Jakendrick Clevenger looks to drive to the basket in a win against Pasadena. Photo by Jordan Hutchinson.

et to know sophomore Jakendrick Clevenger, who started playing basketball when he was 4. He is the starting point guard for the varsity squad this year.

Q: What music do you listen to?

A: “I listen to Rod Wave and NBA YoungBoy.” Q: What has been the most memorable moment playing basketball?

A: “Probably when I was a little kid and I had my first game and I hit my first buzzer beater.”

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?

A: “My mom, she’s always been there for me. [She’s]

helped with paying for me to play basketball.”

Q: Who’s been the most influential on the team?

A: “I’ll probably say Davion (Sanford) because he has college offers.”

Q: How has he helped you overcome challenges?

A: “He gets on me if he sees me not in the mood to play basketball, or if I’m playing bad.”

Q: How is this year’s team compared to your past teams?

A: “Last year’s team I was on JV, and we were a younger team.”

Q: What are the team’s strengths and individual strengths this your?

A: “Probably our defense as a team, and my IQ on the basketball court.”

Senior Jayden Henderson prepares to shoot a free throw against Pasadena. Photo by Jordan Hutchinson.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES Dec. 11 vs. Magnolia West Dec. 15 vs. Nederland Dec. 19 vs. Brazosport Jan. 16 vs. Lufkin Jan. 23 vs. Nacogdoches Jan. 30 vs. Porter

What’s Hot?

Spotify wrapped Time to judge everyone’s music taste.

Decorations The commons look amazing and so does everywhere else.

Holiday season Finally get time off to have fun with family.

Hot chocolate Is there a better warm drink for the winter? I think not.

Half days If you combine them we technically have another day off.

Beyoncé Nothing like the queen dropping a random single for us to enjoy.

What’s Not?

Finals Doubling the workload with studying and end of year assignments School Wi-Fi The worst time of the year for it to move at the speed of a turtle.

Crowded Spaces It’s not only annoying but awkward too.

Getting sick The season of coughs, sneezes and fevers.

Sleep deprivation There’s not enough time in the day Doom scrolling It’s too easy to accidentally spend your breaks scrolling on your phone.

KP TIMES.COM

College visit with band feels like future home

A

Mimi remains the perfect pug

How early is too early for holiday decorations?

Five years ago, Dannika Melendez Mateo adopted Mimi.

Two staff writers argue about whether Christmas decorations belong up before or after Thanksgiving.

‘Songbirds’ bring Hunger Games back

Visit KPTimes.com to see more comics

The ‘Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ adds another strong movie to Hunger Games franchise.

The University of Oklahoma band warms up on the field before a recent home game.

Photo by Jacob Valcarce.

2 FIRST 14 December DAY EDITION 2023 | OPINION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.com | KPTIMES.COM

fter receiving my acceptance letter for the University of Oklahoma, one of the first things I started to do was look at the band. I was debating playing in the band in college, but after spending one day with “The Pride of Oklahoma” marching band, I found my place.

JACOB Thanksgiving VALCARCE morning, my dad and I drove Video Editor to Edmond, where we used to live. It was very nostalgic getting to see my old house, old restaurants, and even the roads.

When we got to the hotel, I crashed quickly because I had to be in Norman at around 4:30 a.m.

My dad woke me up at around 3:30 a.m. to drive to Norman. When we got there, it was still pitch black outside and we barely knew where we were. We arrived in the band hall and found the band warming up. They were just practicing in individual sections when we got there. I walked over toward the mellophones and just stood there soaking it all in. While I had little to no energy at the time, I remember instantly thinking, “this is where I wanna be,” and it only got better from there.

During their sectionals, I got to meet the section leaders of the horn section. They were all very nice and made me feel welcome. They talked to me about where they came from and different things about them.

Later, I got to hear them finish their practice all together. You could easily tell everybody genuinely cared about what they did and they were passionate about it.

After their practice, my dad and I went to a presentation about the program. I thought it was crazy how much bigger their band is compared to our high school band. Their horn section was about 30 people, which is like 3x the size of ours. I got to hear about other things as well like auditions, travel, and the other bands they have. To get into the band, I have to send a video via YouTube of me playing the Oklahoma region etudes.

We then went to watch the band’s smaller pre-game performances they held throughout the campus. It was really cool seeing them get the crowd hyped and keep the energy going even before people went into the stadium.

Right before the game started, I got to go down to the field. I watched their official pre-game show. It was so much more than a high school football game when it comes to the band’s effects. They played almost the entire time. While it was mostly the same two or three stand tunes, they would have little chants the crowd would do with the band.

After the game, I met up with my dad and we both headed down to the field. We got to watch the band’s final post-game performance. Towards the end of it, the horns had a very cool little riff. That was definitely one of the highlights of the day.

The entire trip was one I will never forget. I understand the point was to promote their program, but they did much more than that. I found like minded “band kids” who have similar hobbies to me and understand what music is. I can’t wait for next year.

Final exams not worth stressing over

A

s the time for semester finals approaches, many students feel overwhelmed by the perceived enormity of the occasion. Freshmen and seniors alike take to burning the STAFF midnight oil, EDITORIAL missing out on sleep to cram the precious bits of knowledge into their minds. For most, no expenses are spared in the preparation for these exams.

Also for most, the much anticipated effect of the exam scores fails to deliver on its promise. In the current system, final exams carry far less weight than they are often made out to.

In advanced courses, AP or Dual Credit, summatives make up 70% of the total grade, while formatives make up 30%. In On-Level courses, summatives make up 60% and formatives make up 40%. Semester finals are factored in after the fact and constitute 10% of the semester average.

While 10% of the entire semester may sound major initially, the

Kingwood Park

TIMES December 2023 Volume 10, Issue 3 Kingwood, Texas 77339

Students make up tests in Spanish teacher Eileen Quiñones’ classroom during Flex Hour in November. Most regular tests weigh more on a GPA than the final exams.. Photo by Avery Steinke.

mathematics prove the lack of massive impact.

Take for example a student with a 96 average. The student is desperate to maintain an A in the class, and lies awake at night dreading an imperfect final grade that could knock the average below a 90. Realistically, this student

has very little to fear. In order to drop below a 90 in the course, the student would have to score lower than a 36 on their final exam.

Even more telling, if a student has an 88 average it would take a final score of less than an 8 to fall into the C range.

Positive effects of final scores

are equally minimal. In order for the 88 student to reach an A, they would require a score of 108, impossible in most courses.

Not only are final scores minor in the big picture, in many cases they are even less impactful than a standard summative. Courses are required to record a minimum of three summative grades each nine weeks, six a semester. Given the allotment of the total grade that summatives make up, each summative is worth 10% of the semester average in an on-level course, and approximately 12% of the semester average in an advanced course. These statistics grant perspective on the relative importance of finals; Often times, a standard summative carries greater weight.

Although finals remain an important indicator of learning, the current weighting system all but negates their influence on course averages. Any test is worth preparing for, but there is truly little reason to lose sleep and peace of mind worrying over final exams.

KP MEDIA EDITORIAL POLICY

KP Media is the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced by KP Media students. KP Media has been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the EDITORS Maya Ortiz, editor-in-chief Kaitlyn Sitton, design editor discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials Fallon Head, web editor Bailey Hall, news editor prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may – and Exa Nix, managing editor Grace Darcy, sports editor should – coach and discuss content during the writing Jacob Valcarce, video editor process.

Because school officials do not engage in prior STAFF WRITERS review, and the content of KP Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and & PHOTOGRAPHERS Emerson Harris, Ramiro Hernandez, Ana La Rosa Grillo, not school officials or the school itself, its student editorial board and responsible student staff members Garrison Moritz, Shelby Townsend, Evelyn Vela-West, assume complete legal and financial liability for the Dannika Melendez Mateo, Trenten Estes, Jada Cassidy, content of the publication.

Morgen Dozier, Maddie Glenn, Leah Torres, Luke CaThe media will serve the best interest of the vallo, Cas Magee, Ace Richards, Avery Steinke, Preston students and faculty of Kingwood Park High School, Carpenter, Sydney Ortiz, Emily McKithern, Kayvion Enkeeping itself free from any commercial obligations low, Tricia Darcy, Jordan Hutchinson, Cameron Minatrea. distracting from this purpose; this is defined by the media itself.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz All writing in the media, other than letters to Cover Photo by Maya Ortiz. Caption: Mauricio Lainez, 9, the editor in the newsmagazine, will be written by prepares chicken wings during fifth period Intro to Culinary Arts. students of the journalism program and will not be After tasting the wings, Lainez purchased chicken drumsticks he accepted otherwise. plans on preparing for his family. “[My favorite part of the class The media will specialize in and emphasize on is] definitely getting to hang out with everybody. Just having a informing their readers of school news and unique good time,” Lainez said. “It’s really all about the experience.”

students of the Kingwood Park High School community.

The media will cover community, state, national, and international news if it is directly relevant to the school community, and includes local angles.

The media will strive to provide coverage to all school organizations and functions.

Any decisions affecting the publications on all levels will be made by the editorial board, the adviser is allowed to give legal advice and his/her opinion, but the final decision rests in the hands of the editorial board.

Only the editorial board may prevent material it judges to be in violation of the media editorial policy, from being printed.

Letters to editor will be printed in the opinion section of the newspaper or on the website. Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include writer’s address and phone number for verification. Letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer.

The school newspaper will be distributed free of charge to all students every 6-8 weeks. The paper is completely financed by advertising revenues and fundraising. The money raised is used to pay for the school media printing costs, supplies and other media expenses.

See the entire editorial policy at KPTimes.com.

JOIN JOURNALISM & PHOTOJOURNALISM WHO

Calling all photographers, writers, videographers, sports reporters, graphic designers, podcast creators and artists.

WHAT

Join the national award-winning newspaper and yearbook staffs.

WHERE

Room 1504 houses the cameras, computer labs, podcast and photo studios.

WHEN

Stop by Room 1504 today to find out what class is best for you!

WHY

Meet new people. Make great friends.

Know what is happening around the school. Be in on all the action. Have fun!

HOW

During class registration, sign up for Journalism I or Photojournalism I.

THIS IS

not your typical class.

Be in control of how much you do.

Earn an academic letter jacket,

and gain college

and scholarship notice.

Become a sports reporter, graphic designer, podcaster, a web editor or make Twitter and Instagram your homework.

Work, play, TRAVEL. Be a part of a

student-run, award-winning program.

Visit KPTimes.com/TellMeMore to learn more about the program.

For students interested in joining the newspaper or yearbook staff in the 2024-25 school year, applications are available online. The general staff application is due Dec. 15. Editor applications are due Dec. 8.