KP Times, February 2016

KP TIMES

Issue 4, Vol. 3 s February 2016 Kingwood Park High School s 4015 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339

Boys and girls swim teams dominate competition in District and Region meets.

See page 12.

Work pays off for two choir students who earned All-State honors. See page 7.

Glenn Taylor, a second-year physics teacher, connects with students and wins campus Teacher of the Year honors. See page 2.

I have not met a stranger. -Mr. Alan Corman ... Quietly coming out of my shell. -Ms. Susan Badeaux ... My life is fulfilled by Jesus. -Paola Goyco-Velez9... Because life is hard, use stubbornness. -Sean Pavlicek11 ...

Fearful of the unknown and spiders! -Andrea Unwin9 ... I don't really try that hard. -Alyssa Urbanowski10 ...

Friendship is the key to happiness. -Angel Rodriguez11 ... Music makes me who I am. -Ashley Torres11 ... I’m a dreamer and a fangirl. -Madeline Mendez11 ... I’m addicted to coffee and dogs. -Laura Beth Chapman11 ... Netflix and coffee bring me happiness. -Kyla Howard11 ... I work now to relax later. -Helen Vassiliades11 ... My family has made the difference. -Mrs. Michelle Neel ... Make memories, smile and love others. -Mrs. Julie Payne ...

everyone has a story to tell . . .

See 6 word memoirs on pg.8-9

I am just here to dance. -Megan Carswell11 ... Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose. -Jace Winders11 ... I help those who need it. -Arran Donoghue10 ... I want to hurt but can't. -Daniel Cook9 ... Everything is temporary, quitting is forever. -Lynzi Perez12 ... Try not to care but can’t. -Reid Erickson11 ... I work out way too much. -Kris Sloan11 ... Running through this race called life. -Natalya Peters12 ... I am in love with myself. -Rachel Clarke12 ... I only need and love water.- Joceline Wiggins12 ... Wanted: asexual, cleaning-obsessed, child-loving second wife. -Ms. Kimberly Villegas ... Expelling mediocrity, suffocating potential with doubt. -Amanda Aleman12 ...

Sleep and pizza won’t dump you. -Luke Smith11 ... Wants a dog, gets a cat. -Bobby Credeur11

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO...

Taylor takes home Teacher of the Year award

Feb. 12 PChoir, All State Clinic & Concert @ San Antonio (8 a.m.- 9 p.m.)

Drama Club PAC Night (6:30 - 10:30 p.m.)

Feb. 13 P Choir, All State Clinic & Concert @ San Antonio (8 a.m.- 9 p.m.)

Feb. 15 P Student Holiday/Staff Workday Feb. 19 PLeather Jacket Fitting (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Choir, UIL Solo & Ensemble @ AHS (4-9 p.m.)

Key Club Game Night (6-8 p.m.)

Feb. 22 POrchestra MS UIL Concert (7 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Feb. 23 P Orchestra MS UIL Concert (7 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Cheer Tryout Meeting (3-4 p.m.)

Feb. 24 P Vietnam POW Guest Speaker (7:30-9 a.m.)

Cheer Tryout Meeting (7-8 p.m.)

Feb. 25 P HOSA Blood Drive (7:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.)

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By Sydney Woodward News Editor

n only his second year of teaching at a public school, Glenn Taylor has won the biggest honor at KPARK as Teacher of The Year.

“We have awesome teachers at KPARK. I feel honored to be here,” Taylor said. “I feel like I make a point to build relationships with the students. I think that matters to them, which gives me the avenue to teach.”

Despite formally teaching at KPARK for only two years, he has been teaching for most of his adult life. He worked as an engineer for 21 years and helped people into the company. He also has raised two teenage daughters with his wife and has taught at his church for several years.

“Mr. Taylor is focused on building relationships with students: encouraging them, holding them to high standards, and giving them opportunities to be better.

He is well prepared and very organized and sometimes puts in long hours to be ready for the students,” science academic lead teacher Kathleen Goerner. “He has

Teacher of The Year Glenn Taylor talks through a lab with his students. Photo

by Jaafar Abdulzahra.

a depth of content knowledge because of his background as an engineer, and he also has a heart for kids. He strives to be a good person in the community, and he inspires others to do the same.”

Taylor celebrated briefly with his classes and when he got home his wife and daughters were waiting with a bouquet of balloons and ice cream for him. Most of his students weren’t surprised but were still happy for their physics teacher.

“He is very hands on, and he likes to help,”

junior George Cerro said. “He knows how to teach and instead of lecturing he actually gives demonstrations.”

Taylor hopes to be transparent and to properly represent KPARK as he moves on to the district competition for Teacher of the Year. Taylor also gave advice about how to be a better teacher.

“Engage the students,” Taylor said. “First and foremost build relationships with students. That’s what KPARK is all about.”

Feb. 26 P Theater 3/4 Performances (5-10:30 p.m.)

Feb. 27 P Theater 3/4 Performances (12-5 p.m.)

KP

Project Grad Senior Dinner (5-9 p.m.)

T I M ES

Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281.641.6600 December 11, 2015 Issue 4, Vol. 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Maddy Berry NEWS EDITOR: Sydney Woodward KPTIMES.COM EDITOR: Kylee Wing PHOTO EDITOR: Sarah Martell FEATURES EDITOR: Ariana Purcell SPORTS EDITOR: Chris Luck Staff members: Amanda Aleman, Carsen Creech, Christine Crockett, Caleb Dove, Owen Herbert, Michael Horton, Emily Humble, Mackenzie Kisslinger, Sydnee Miano, Allyssa Reed, Olivia Reinhardt, Kat Smith, Kaylee Woest, Kirby Woodyard.

KP Times serves as a public forum for Kingwood Park High School and is distributed free to all students and staff.

2 News

February 2016

Hoverboards banned from entire school district Despite their popularity, school board makes a decision to ban all hoverboards from school premises.

By Sydney Woodward Deerbrook Mall had to evacuate the premises as they put News Editor out the fire from the hoverboard. tarting this semester, the popular devices known as “There was smoke everywhere and an announcement hoverboards were banned from every school in Humble came on telling us to evacuate or seek shelter and Roland ISD. freaked out and made us evacuate,” Reed said. “I just wanted “We had two reasons for banning hoverboards,” assistant to go into one of the stores but he wouldn’t let me, so we principal Wes Solomon said. “The first rushed out with Roland panicking like the reason is the risk of students falling without mall was gonna burn down. I didn’t panic having a helmet on and getting seriously because the fire was out.” hurt. The second is with all the major Hoverboards can be a great device to airlines banning them due the fire hazards, travel on, however, there are dangers that the last thing we want is a student’s locker surround them because cheaper models Hovertrax- $1,495 to be caught on fire.” run the threat of catching fire.

These devices are called hoverboards “They are really cool and very IQ Hawk- $1,799 despite not hovering at all. They are more extravagant, ” sophomore Thyrun Hurst PhunkeeDuck- $1,499 like segways without the pole and handle said. “Just go out and get it. Pay for what Swagway- $400 bars. The main danger that surrounds the you want in a hoverboard when you do Razor Hovertrax- $600 hoverboard is that some lower-cost ones buy one.” have burst into flames because of cheap The positives have outweighed the i-Fly Two Bluetooth- $646 batteries. They are currently very popular negative for most students. It took Hurst Hoverboard 360- $400 among celebrities and some students at only about five minutes to get the hang of KPARK. The danger of these devices hit it. But when his sister rode his hoverboard close to Kingwood on Dec. 28 when a in their house, he said she knocked down hoverboard caught fire at a kiosk in Deerbrook Mall. Several the family’s drapes.

KPARK students witnessed the event including Roland Freshman Matthew Dean also has one and riding in the Garcia11, Allyssa Reed11, and Madelin Vasquez11. house did not work out so well for him either.

“I thought it was a gunshot,” Reed said. “All I heard was “I dented my mom’s new fridge while riding it around the a loud bang followed by more loud bangs but nobody was house,” Dean said. screaming so that’s when I knew that it wasn’t a gun.”

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HOVERBOARD MANIA

open carry

in texas With the introduction of the new open-carry law, questions have been raised about the legality of open-carrying guns around schools.

By Emily Humble Staff Reporter

A

new statewide open-carry law went into effect on Jan. 1, allowing licensed gun owners to carry their unconcealed guns in public. As gun owners now are free to walk in most public areas with their guns openly displayed, some concerns have been raised about whether the open-carry law leads to higher danger of gun violence against schools.

However, at KPARK and all other Humble ISD schools, “guns remain completely prohibited in our schools and any/all school sponsored events/ activities,” Dr. Guy Sconzo, superintendent of Humble ISD, said.

Just as before the law passed, the only people legally allowed to carry guns inside schools are peace officers. Teachers, parents, and students remain prohibited from having guns inside Humble ISD schools.

The current rights of gun owners

OPEN CARRY Q U I Z Quiz by Emily Humble.

Artwork on page by Aryana White.

in Texas are nearly the same as they were before the passing of the new open-carry law. Before the open-carry law, guns could be carried in the same areas as now, but they had to be hidden. The only change is that guns may now be visible. The areas where guns are banned has not changed.

Businesses still have the right to ban guns, concealed or openly carried, on their property.

Though it is legal for someone to open-carry a gun near school property, but not on it, the school will still be put on alert in such an event.

“While someone may be legally carrying a firearm on a street or greenbelt close to KPARK, school officials will notify the authorities and will follow emergency procedures until such time as the police can investigate,” assistant principal Brian Johnson said. “How we deal with guns has not changed much.”

Humble ISD does not have a singular policy that deals with guns, ac-

1. Is it legal to open-carry a gun on school property?

A) Yes B) No

2. Do you need a special license to open carry?

A) Yes B) No

3. Can my teachers opencarry in the classroom?

A) Yes B) No

cording to Sconzo.

“That is embedded in various policies having to do with security, emergency management, visitors, and student code of conduct,” he said.

While the details of Humble ISD’s treatment of guns are woven in through the general rules of the district, Houston ISD recently posted an official blog post detailing how they deal with guns in light of the new law.

Johnson is not concerned that Humble ISD’s rules have not been as publicized and doesn’t think that will cause confusion.

“Houston ISD’s website is simply a restatement of what is legal and what is allowed by law in terms of an individual’s right to carry a firearm,” said Johnson. “I mean, it’s against the law to have a gun on public school property. It’s not very confusing to me, I don’t know why someone would be confused.”

While guns are still not allowed at

4. What do I do if I see a gun on school campus?

A) Scream and run away.

B) Tell a teacher, school admin, or peace officer.

C) Ignore it.

D) Snapchat it to my friends.

5. Despite the new law, opencarry is still banned in many areas. Which of the following is a place where someone CAN open-carry in Texas?

A) Airports B) Starbucks C) Deerbrook Mall D) Walmart

6. While guns are illegal on public school campuses, what about on public college campuses in Texas?

A) They are illegal.

B) Gun owners can open-carry there after Aug. 1.

C) Gun owners can concealedcarry there after Aug. 1.

D) Only professors can have guns.

ANSWERS

allows

school, the open-carry law means more KPARK students are seeing guns in day-to-day life.

“I went to Chelsea’s,” senior Claire Tolbert said, “and this guy was sitting over there with a gun strapped to his waist, and I didn’t know [the law] passed so I was really confused!”

Tolbert has mixed feelings about the law.

“I feel like it’s kind of hurting the people who don’t like guns,” Tolbert said. “Some people, they’re just opposed to guns, so they don’t want to see them being carried around in public. And I feel like they have that right to not see them. But then I feel that the other people who like guns have the right to carry them. So the [concealed-carry law], I thought, helped both sides, and now the opencarry one – I don’t find it very good.”

The question of whether the new law will lead to higher gun violence in Texas is unanswered as of yet.

Researchers at Stanford found that right-to-carry laws are linked to an increase in gun violence, while journalists at Politifact.com turned up inconclusive answers to whether open-carry laws specifically increase or decrease crime.

“Unfortunately, the lesson repeatedly experienced and learned nationally is that protection from gun violence is just not foolproof,” Sconzo said. “The open-carry law does not change that reality, in my opinion, and we just stay focused on updating and upgrading facilities and procedures.”

1. B 2. A 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. C

New law

February 2016

News

3

Vaughn finds joy in fostering

By Kaylee Woest Staff Reporter any people know Miss Vaughn as the dance teacher and director of Silver Stars at Kingwood Park High School.

However, what most students and the staff don’t know about her is her love for fostering tiny, Schnauzer puppies in her spare time.

“I like being able to train dogs and give them a home where they will get lots of love and attention,” said Vaughn.

Although this seems like a surprising activity of Vaughn’s to most, it has always been something she’s had interest in.

“Fostering is just something I enjoy and Dance teacher Cindy Vaughn I know is needed,” said and her latest foster puppy.

Vaughn. “I have time over our breaks and in the summer, so that is when I foster. I feel this is my way of giving back.”

Fostering the puppies requires a lot of attention and is very time consuming.

“My job is just to house them in a safe and loving home and to try to continue with any training if needed. I also help socialize them by taking them on walks or a trip to Petsmart,” said Vaughn. “If there are any adoptions, I take them to the event and drop them off and if they don’t get adopted I pick them back up.”

Recently Vaughn fostered a miniature Schnauzer puppy whose name was Ned and had a slightly different case than others.

“Ned had megaesophagus and he needed to be fed a special way,” said Vaughn. “Some of the dogs have an issue around other dogs and people, but with a little work they feel a part of the family and work through that.”

Fostering has advantages, but also comes with many challenges and hard times that Vaughn has to face.

“The hardest thing about fostering is letting go.

Ned was hard to let go of because he was so young and needed extra care,” said Vaughn. “The group I am involved with, Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Texas, will post pictures of them once they are in their new home so I still get to see them.”

Vaughn has a desire to rescue dogs and encourages more people to do the same.

“If you are looking to add a fur baby to your family please look at your local shelter or rescue groups. There are so many dogs that need homes and that are good dogs who are loyal and loving and just need a chance,” said Vaughn. “And if you get to a place in your life where you can help foster, the volunteers would appreciate anything you can offer: blankets, food, water, etc.”

M

Charis Grant has transformed from the little two-year old girl playing dress up in bows and tutus, into a professional dancer with a future full of opportunities ahead of her. Photo submitted by Charis Grant.

Freedom through dance

Senior Charis Grant’s love for dance becomes a lifestyle and her future.

in the Joffrey Ballet and in the summer intensive on a merit scholarship, where she performed a solo contemporary piece.

Grant enjoys dancing for her personal artistic

By Ari Purcell side, as she puts it, telling a story without having Features Editor to say words, but also being able to show emotions enior Charis Grant may look like any other to the audience and having them react upon that. student roaming the halls around campus, “She is a very artistic person,” said Grant’s sister, yet the side of her most students don’t know sophomore Laney Grant, “and dancing is how is her ballerina side. she portrays her artistic views, Since she was two years of age, showing who she really is Grant has been involved in ballet through dance.” and she remembers loving it right Grant’s dance career would away, whether it was the time she not be where it is without the had to spray paint a pair of white constant support from her boots for a performance, or the family and friends. Grant’s strict structure and discipline of parents are truly the foundation ballet. At the age of twelve, Grant of her support system and want realized she wanted to become her to succeed in every way. more serious about her dance Grant has already been accepted career. into several colleges including “Dance is constant,” Grant said.

Boston Conservatory, Belhaven, “Whenever I dance, I feel like I’m UNT, North Carolina School of filled and it’s overflowing and I am Performing Arts, and Meadows able to distribute what I feel.” at SMU. Grant’s last audition As Grant’s dance career became for a college is on February 13. more intense, she had to put in From there, she will make her more time for dance and less Grant as a young girl dressed in her usual bal- final choice. time for other things. Her time let attire. Photo submitted by Charis Grant.

“She is pretty much the same management skills were truly put to in everything she does…” says test with a schedule that included approximately Grant’s mother, Trixine Grant. “She is steady and 30 hours of dance per week, school work, family beautifully graceful in her dancing and that and a social life. Grant ensures us it’s all worth it in carries over into her life.” the end , and one of her moments to prove it would be the time she traveled to New York to participate

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4 Features

February 2016

LOVE & WAR

flew at treetop level, the other at 8,00010,000 feet. The planes flew at night and would follow roads, railroad tracks or bridges. The high plane would drop a flash bomb, and ev- The photograph ery three seconds the of Sadler’s wife, Frances. Photo camera would snap courtesy of Bob another picture. The Sadler. pictures were developed by Sadler and his partner and then sent to the control room, where they would be quickly scrutinized for any hint of a Nazi aircraft. “[I was] in the lab all the time,” said Sadler. “I had a photo trailer that had anything you could possibly think of in there to develop the film. When we shut that door, nobody opened it. I don’t know if they locked it or what.”

On average, the flights took about two hours plus an additional hour for developing and review, and Sadler’s squadron moved frequently. They stayed on extra special for her. high alert at all times, taking immense “I used to do an awful lot of ice skating precautions to prevent the enemy from when I was a young man,” said Sadler. gaining any advantage from raids.

“And so, in our junior year, I bought her “We didn’t win the war by any chance,” a pair of ice skates...You would not be- said Sadler. “Whenever we moved, we lieve the fun we had, ice skating. We just always piled our supplies at the edge of melted together, is what it amounts to.” our working department. In case we had However, when high school ended for to retreat, we’d just throw some gasoline the pair, war was on the horizon. Sadler on it, and throw a match on and Francis parted as it, because you never leave friends. Not wanting to anything for them.” leave a family behind After the war ended, Sadler when he left for war, returned to England and deSadler remained single. veloped many photographs Francis was another of the damage the war left story. behind, including the damShe married a young age left on Berlin and a few pilot who died just two pictures of some of the Nazi weeks after he got his death camps. Because he wings in a plane crash was in control of what got in Italy. developed, he was able to While Francis was left A member of the 155th make replicas of several phoa widow at 20 years old, Night Photo Reconnaissance tographs for himself, which Sadler was on his way to Squadron sits on top of a now reside in his black scrapEurope, straight into the defective flash bomb. Photo book. Eventually, he returned conflict. He went over- courtesy of Bob Sadler. to America in 1945, where he seas on a ship called the met a widowed Francis once “Brazil” and landed in Scotland, which again. They married in 1946. was hit less heavily by the German army “Life has been good to me, and my wife. than Britain. From Scotland, Sadler’s We met after the war...and when we first squadron travelled many places around met, we just melted together like we’d Europe, including Belgium, Holland, never been apart. She was hungry for and Germany. Sadler was present for love and I was too.” the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion Frances passed away in January of 2014 of Normandy, France - more commonly at the age of 90. Now, with two children known as D-Day. While he didn’t fight in and two grandchildren, Bob uses his either, he did develop the photographs, black scrapbook and his experience with some of which now rest in his massive the war to keep alive the memory of the scrapbook. world’s biggest conflict.

They had two types of airplanes; one

Veteran shares memories of the war that changed the world

By Maddy Berry Sadler joined the military in 1942, at Editor-In-Chief the age of 19, and his background det 92, Bob Sadler has had quite a life. veloping photos became his full-time He’s been to around 20 veteran re- assignment. Each man was assigned unions. He’s been interviewed twice by something to specialize in; he became the Library of Congress. He was married a member of the 155th Photo Night Refor 67 years. connaissance Squad and was sent to EuThe room he lives in at the nursing rope in the midst of World War II. The home in Kingwood is small, complete black scrapbook is filled with copies of with two cushioned leather armchairs, the photographs Sadler developed, from a desk, and a small bed. His character reconnaissance photos of Nazi planes to comes out in the pictures of the Battle walls, decorated of the Bulge. with pictures of “There’s Omaha, Nehis children and braska, and Omaha grandchildren, beach [in Normandy, which include ColFrance], and I’ve been lis and Larla Brown, to both of them,” said alumni of KingSadler, whose team wood Park and lost 22 aircraft overcurrent members seas. “That’s not a very of the Coast Guard good record, but we Academy. The most were still flying. I met prevalent image is A photograph Sadler developed after the some of my very best the large one hang- Battle of the Bulge. Photo courtesy of Bob friends for that time, ing over his couch, Sadler. because we were all depicting a beautiyoung, full of vineful young woman: his late wife, Francis gar-ready to go for anything.”

Caroline Sugar, at 23.

For Sadler, his story began Less obvious than the pictures, how- before the war came to America. High ever, is a massive black scrapbook placed school set in motion several things that haphazardly on a folding table in the would play a large role in both the war back of the room, near the bed. It ap- and his life-including meeting his future pears almost swollen from the amount wife at age 15 in 1938. of pictures shoved into it – not pictures By junior year of high school, Sadler of Sadler’s life, but of something much was developing film for his Dad on the more uncommon. weekends and working in the local groAs a junior in high school, Sadler be- cery store for pocket money. In the wingan helping his father develop photo- ter, he and Francis had become closer graphs in their family’s photo shop. and he used his savings to do something

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October 30, 2015

Features

5

Post-high school plans weigh on teens

A CLOSER LOOK: PAINTBALL CLUB

Students put a lot of thought into what they plan to major in during college.

learn as much as I possibly can.”

Students can choose to study subjects they’ve never thought of before or stay within the academic realm they’ve set for themselves, all

By Sydnee Miano while responsibility and independence journey Staff Reporter past their initial points of realization. “[College] helped me to grow and to make ince middle school, higher education has been capitalized on by educators because a degree mistakes,” said counselor Kim Young. “It forced widens opportunities of success for students as me to become a leader because I had to be on my professionals. But before attending, it’s imperative own and not rely on other people.”

Although the learning experiences given by to figure out if college is personally fitting in responsibility and independence are universal, addition to any personal connotation it entails.

To freshman Tylan Johnson, who aspires to college is not the only place people can receive an be a coach, sports is a symbol of perseverance. education. A 4-year university is the most popular Since sports provided him with an outlet and institution of higher learning, however it is not the a brotherhood in which he belonged, Johnson only one. Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, specialize in providing now aspires to earn a degree students with technical skills centered around sports in in order to be able to perform a order to give athletes the same job, enabling students to earn a opportunity he seized. * Colleges and universities “My dad was in prison for 7 reported nearly 1,500 academic certificate in a desired field and begin their careers in less time. years,” said Johnson. “Sports is “With the career that I want what got me through that. I feel programs to the Department of to go into, it’s two years,” said like if I [graduate from college] Education in 2010. sophomore Aaron Campbell, then I will have accomplished who aspires to attend ITT Tech what I have dreamed of.” * At least 50% of entering for network engineering. “You Whether dreaming of want to learn and remember sports or pleading for pre- college students are undecided what you’re being taught because law, the diverse, and often about their majors AND 50% – it’s going to be what you’re using rapidly changing aspirations 70% of students change their for the rest of your life.” of college students is met Because universities, trade via an expanding choice of majors at least once, most will schools, and other forms of majors. According to the New change majors at least 3 times higher learning enable growth, York Times, “Colleges and before they graduate. students change with the coming universities reported nearly of adulthood more so than they 1,500 academic programs to the do throughout their years in high school. But, as Department of Education in 2010.”

“I want to get multiple majors,” said junior Claire students transform due to changes in culture and Hargrave, who wasn’t interested in attending experience, their reasons and motivations as well college last year. “No matter what I do, there are as their interests within these institutions remain still going to be things that I don’t know and I’m unique. going to try to conquer as much knowledge and

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BY THE NUMBERS

Prior to their first paintball club outing, the team gets their gear on.

Those who attended included: Daniel Cook9, Nate Sandquist10, Walter Bennett12, Carsen Creech10, and Diego Than10

Paintball Club reaches new crowd

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n January, Nathan Sandquist10 and co-founder Daniel Cook10 worked hard in order to make their club a reality.

Paintball is the perfect sport for adrenaline junkies and artillery enthusiasts. Club sponsor Luke Gorney agreed to chaperone club meetings.

“I love weapons,” Gorney said. “And I figured I was knowledgeable in tactics and I could provide wisdom.”

The club meets in room 2011 every Friday after school to discuss dates. The objective is to play once a month at Paintball Zone South, so it is important that everyone’s schedules match up.

Because of the expenses that paintball requires, there is a monthly $20 fee for anyone planning on participating in the events. The founders suggest that it is best to own a paintball gun, paintballs and masks prior to joining. Otherwise, there will be a rental fee.

Paintball is an exciting activity that utilizes skill, agility, and tactics to create a strategic sport that can be entertaining for anyone. Sophomore Diego Than’s reason for joining is, “I like manly stuff,” he said.

According to members, while the inevitable bruises from the paint-filled pellets are a risk, the excitement that comes from the thrilling sound of combat and paintballs whizzing past you is worth it.

- By Carsen Creech

Seeking scholarships pays off for seniors willing to put in the work Resources provided by school assist students working to earn scholarships, admittance for college.

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By Owen Herbert Staff Reporter

enior Lauryn Galloway has earned herself many small and large scholarship opportunities for her academic performance in school, while staying in the top 20% of her class. Galloway has applied for many scholarships and finds the process of applying a lot easier than it seems.

“I started applying during my junior year and I found scholarships that were unique to my qualities as a person and I heard feedback pretty

6 Features

February 2016

quick,” Galloway said.

Scholarships might seem hard to earn, but there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing which ones to apply for. KPHS Office Manager Celia Herbst helps students through the process of applying and earning scholarships. Herbst is located in the school library and is always willing to help any student concerned about their future education plan.

“I get real excited when kids get into the college they’ve wanted to attend,” Herbst said.

“It’s exciting seeing them follow through with the whole process.”

Senior and Student Council president Brooke Guynes was accepted into the college she has always wanted to attend and plans to major in

marine biology.

“It’s pretty cool going to the college I’ve always wanted to go to, so I’d say it’s the biggest accomplishment for me so far,” Guynes said.

Guynes plans to go to college, earn her major, and then proceed into whichever workforce that interests her most.

Galloway plans to attend the University of Alabama for OK two years for business and then transfer to another college where she will then focus on majoring in chemical engineering or nuclear physics.

There are endless scholarships to apply for and many opportunities to earn them. Students just have to be willing to put in the time and effort for them.

All-State choir adds two new members Two earn All-State honors and trip to San Antonio.

By Kylee Wing KPtimes.com Editor hen Marissa Cano stood amongst the most talented high school choir students in Texas, she was moved.

“Performing with people that are as passionate as you are is powerful,” the two-time All-State choir member said. “It’s really emotional and that’s when I knew I wanted to do music the rest of my life.”

It is a rigorous process to be accepted into any one of the three All-State choirs: men’s, women’s or mixed. Cano, who made women’s choir a year ago, went through four auditions and was evaluated by a panel of five judges each round. Junior Victoria Becker and senior Marissa Cano get ready and prepare for the All-State Choir performance With three different songs, she weekend in two weeks. Photo by Kylee Wing. soared through district, region, prearea and area as a junior. built their skills as musicians, and “It’s given me a sense of purpose Now as a senior, she was accepted that’s the truth.” and direction,” Cano said. “In high to the higher of the three choirs: Fahnders is proud of how far they school you don’t know where you mixed.

Junior have come, and he belong, and choir is my home.”

Victoria Becker is confident that On Feb. 10, Cano and Becker a d v a n c e d Cano and Becker traveled to San Antonio to meet alongside her have positively and practice prior to their Feb. 13 to the women’s influenced the rest performance. choir. of the choir family.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” Cano “Having “The end result said. “It’s really rewarding and I confidence in is it pushes hope it’s a life-changing experience.” yourself is the everyone to do Although only a select few make most important more,” Fahnders it to this level, working hard is what part,” Becker said. said. “Which in got Cano and Becker to where they - senior Marissa Cano “You have to work turn means better are today. for All-State.” music, better “If you have a goal you’ve been Choir director Benjamin Fahnders choir.” trying to reach, don’t ever stop encouraged them and pushed them With private voice coaches outside trying,” Becker said. “Don’t ever give throughout the process. of school, choir has impacted their up on what you love.”

“Both of their voices have grown everyday lives. Going to All-State is incredibly,” he said. “They have both just the icing on top of the cake.

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“In high school,

you don’t know

where you belong.

Choir is my home.”

QUICK HITS

MARISSA CANO, SENIOR What would you do first as the president?

“I’d make it illegal for school to start before 8:30 a.m.”

What was the funniest thing that happened to you as a child?

- “I rode my bike into a mail truck.”

What song makes you feel happy?

- “Northern Lights by Essenvalds because I performed it at State last year and it was a really beautiful song and it was moving.”

If you could have a new name, what would it be and why?

- “Ronan. It’s the name of a song about a kid who had cancer and died.”

VICTORIA BECKER, JUNIOR What is one thing that you always carry with you?

- “One thing I always have on is my necklace that has three charms on it.”

What song makes you feel happy?

- “Immunity by Jon Hopkins because it’s calming and powerful all at once.”

What is your dream job?

- “A performer because it is my passion.”

What celebrity would you meet and why?

-”Christopher Noal, the movie producer, because the kind of movies he produces, such as Interstellar, are extremely fascinating to me.

I feel we could have real, deep, meaningful conversations.”

February 2016

Features

7

““

I have not met a stranger. -Mr. Alan Corman ... Quietly coming out of my shell. -Ms. SusanBadeaux...MylifeisfulfilledbyJesus.-PaolaGoyco-Velez9...Becauselifeishard, use stubbornness. -Sean Pavlicek11 ... Fearful of the unknown and spiders! -Andrea Unwin9 ... I don't really try that hard. -Alyssa Urbanowski10 ... Friendship is the key to happiness. -Angel Rodriguez11 ... Music makes me who I am. -Ashley Torres11 ...

I’m a dreamer and a fangirl. -Madeline Mendez11 ... I’m addicted to coffee and dogs.

-Laura Beth Chapman11 ... Netflix and coffee bring me happiness. -Kyla Howard11 ...

I work now to relax later. -Helen Vassiliades11 ... My family has made the difference.

-Mrs. Michelle Neel ... Make memories, smile and love others. -Mrs. Julie Payne ...

I am just here to dance. -Megan Carswell11 ... Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.

-Jace Winders11 ... I help those who need it. -Arran Donoghue10 ... I want to hurt but can't. -Daniel Cook9 ... Everything is temporary, quitting is forever. -Lynzi Perez12 ... Try not to care but can’t. -Reid Erickson11 ... I work out way too much.

-Kris Sloan11 ... Running through this race called life. -Natalya Peters12

HAS A STORY TOTELL

Inspired by the book Not Quite What I was Planning: Six Word Memoirs from Teens, the KP Times staff decided to seek out six-word stories from around school.

I'm way weirder than you think.

- Kaeli Davidson9

Loved dance at 5.

Nothing's changed.

- Jayla Deatherage9

Why I Smile: Dexter Gallion Mason. -Mr. Jared Mason

It is fun being the oldest.

- Shane Richards9 8 Features

February 2016

Nevertheless, I hate chili peppers.

- Mackenzie Kisslinger12

Won’t go to Florida gas stations.

-Avery Alvarez10 Young girl infatuated with big cities.

-Alexandra Dugger-Moore9

I am a dancing Mary Poppins.

-Aryana White9

I love someone I shouldn’t. Opps.

-Elyssa Roman10

I still can’t sleep at night.

-Brittney White9

Someday I’ll say I’ve been there.

-Christina Traunter12

My head sets off metal detectors. -Emily Young10... I’d honestly rather be in bed. - Matthew Fazzino10 ... Swim team. Hairy legs.

Forever alone. -Katelyn Luna11 ... My motivation’s gone but not forgotten. -Madelin Vasquez11 ... Music is what makes me whole. -Celine Castillo9 ...You go ahead, I’m still eating. -Javier Solis9 ... I forever live in a book. -Lauren Tupman11 ... 6: Scared of football. 16: Aggressive. -Austin G. Hall11 ... I thought of it a lot.

-James Trujillo9 ... When he died, Christmas died too. -Meagan Androl9 ... I’m tired from all this running. -Alberto Gonzalez11 ...

Algebra makes me want to cry. -Chloe Muse10 ... Sleeping the days away; my passion. -Jordan Gill12 ... Pain is temporary, GPA is forever. -Rachael Shippey10 ...He makes me want to jump. Alyssa Cedotal10 ... Haunted by words that aren’t spoken. -Erin O’Shea9 ... Filled with love, passion, and craziness. -Phoebe Weaver12 ... I still can’t choose yes or no. -Lisette Harris9 ... I’m too

Sister goes to Yale; I’m trying.

-Andrea Soto9 used to saying nothing. -Jason Wood9 ... Everything about foreign countries interests me. -Joseph Hylton9 ... Call me crazy because I am. -Kirby Woodyard12 ...

Don’t need drugs to have fun. -Yates Barker9 ... Have not yet lived to tell. -Ana Cantu11 ... Supernatural is love. Supernatural is life. -Skylar Finley9 ... Spare time?

More like dance time. -Sarah Hagest10 ... Hawaii’s far from home. Definitely going. -Brooke Jensen10 ...

My true love is a Hufflepuff. -Alexandria Andrade9 ...

Her words felt like a blade. -John Trujillo9... Lost soul.

Strong heart. Creative mind. -Justin Marsh10

Scared to fail, so don’t try.

-Makenna Florez9 On the inside, we’re the same. -Braxton Gray12 ... I’ll be mom, if yours won’t. -Carsen Creech10 ... First word: Ball. Never looked back. -Caleb Dove10 ... Who needs friends? Watch Netflix instead. -Allyssa Reed11 ... Take what’s given no matter what.

-Alex Puente12 ... Waking up from ignorance is hard. -Andre Garcia12 ... Take chances. Make messes. Get dirty. -Morgan Wallace12 ... Silence isn’t your invitation to talk. -Christine Crockett10 ... I would definitely do it again. -Collin Kirkland12 ...

Keep your circle of friends small. -Victoria Marquez9 ... Worth all the sweat, blood, tears. -Camryn Reno9

My many work shoes are worn.

-Matthew Ogle11

Late nights with pen and paper.

-Madison Burns9

The snazziest woman in the world.

-Emily Ausburn10 February 2016

Features

9

Young players lead boys soccer team to strong start

By Matthew Ogle Special Contributor Soccer season is here and this year’s Boys’ Varsity squad showed a lot of potential in the pre-season and the future looks bright for this year’s team.

After two months of training, the team began their season strong as the district games began in January. Despite last year’s minimal success, Coach Ryan Searle said the current team has shown improvement from last season.

“This year’s team is more improved, even though they are a younger team, because they have become used to my system of coaching,” Searle said.

Team captain, Jake Zaunbrecher, also feels that the new team gets along well and is able to communicate better.

Zaunbrecher learned that he was going to be the team captain as the preseason began. He was very excited to receive this responsibility.

“As a kid it was always a goal of mine to be a team captain and now I feel like it’s up to me to carry on the legacy,” Zaunbrecher said.

Zaunbrecher first began playing soccer when he was 4 and has played for club teams since then. Along with

At an early season tournament against Temple at Turner Stadium, freshman Luke Tiedtke and senior Matthew Alvarenga try to head the ball to their teammate.

Photo by Makenna Florez.

playing for KPARK, Zaunbrecher plays for the Texans. His greatest challenge thus far in his high school soccer career was said to be his foot injury prior to the pre-season. After breaking his foot he was forced to go into rehab and since then he has worked to regain his strength and skill. Being the leader of the team comes with great responsibility and it is yet to be determined if Zaunbrecher is a worthy individual for the role.

Junior, Mauricio Garza described KPARK as a good team, offensively.

Since the district games have begun, Garza leads the team in goals with 3 and counting.

“We are able to score goals well but

we are weaker in the midfield; we need to be able to pass the ball quicker and more efficiently,” Garza stated.

Last year, Garza moved to Kingwood from Mexico and began attending KPARK. Individually, he said that playing soccer here has positively affected his life.

“I really enjoy playing soccer for KPARK. It challenges me and it has improved myself and my abilities,” Garza said.

Since moving to Kingwood, Garza said that his greatest challenge was having to learn the language. He only knew a few English words and phrases prior to moving to America and he described it as being one of the most

difficult things he has had to do. However, once he was immersed into the school and the soccer program, he was able to pick it up quickly. Garza has only played for KPARK since moving because he feels that doing so is better for him as well as the team.

“I only play for KPARK. I only want to play for one team so I can focus on that and give all I have to that one team,” Garza described.

Since arriving at Kingwood Park in 2014, Coach Searle has strived to instill his method of coaching on his team, which he describes as being one of the biggest challenges of coaching for him.

“One of the more difficult parts of my job is to notice an issue in the team and make them understand how to improve upon their mistakes,” Searle stated.

Searle said that the team is strong in the way that they maintain the defensive effort, however, weak in their composure during the games. He is very confident in this year’s soccer team and is very excited.

“This team is coming together and the future looks very promising,” Searle described.

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Superstitions extend beyond players A Wrestler Vinny Izquierdo works to pin his opponent during a meet earlier this season. Photo by Guadalupe Perez.

Wrestlers advance 9 to Regional meet Kindell Arcizo Special Contributor he wrestling team advanced nine wrestlers to this weekend’s Regional competition.

“We have had one of our most successful years so far,” Knight says.

Much of the reason for this year’s success is the increased number of wrestlers - new and returning - with about 50 members total this year.

Alexa Harris and Isaac Squyres have been especially strong this season - eaching winning District titles.

T

“It’s been great! We’ve worked really hard we’ve accomplished a lot,” said Harris, who wrestles in the 102 pound weight class.

Nine wrestlers advanced: Harris, Brittney White, Amanda Squyres, Ritz Toscano, Reyna Aguilar, Calvin Laird, Isaac Squyres, Blake Whichard and Xavier Reneau.

“Whenever our team wins at wrestling tournaments, other teams tell us we ‘just got lucky,’” Squyres said. “But I believe luck is just when hard work and dedication finally pay off.”

By Claire Slaughter Special Contributor

thletes often have one superstition they do to keep their mind straight and keep a ritual going, but not many people think about the coaches’ rituals on game days.

JV volleyball and softball coach Michael Williams has a lucky pen he buys at the beginning of every season. It may be small, but if he doesn’t have the pen the game is nerving.

“No one notices it but if I don’t have it I just feel different throughout the game,” Williams said.

Even though this ritual is small, he has kept with it the last 20 years he’s been coaching.

There are also the superstitions done hours before the game starts.

Baseball coach Bruce Cox burns excess energy by cleaning his office on game days.

“I just had so much nervous energy I need to get it out,” Coach Cox said.

Players do get nervous before games,

but coaches have to put their trust in the players which can be very nerve wracking for them.

Usually the best superstitions end up being more like rituals by the end of it.

Golf coach Angela Chancellor started her ritual when she was in high school. When she was having an argument with her then-boyfriend (now he is her husband), she was so mad she drew a stick figure of her husband on a golf ball. She then played with that ball on the course to get her frustration out. She has done this with every golf ball since high school so she always knows if she has found one of her lost golf balls out on the course.

Superstitions can be good or bad for some people. Some individuals need a ritual to keep focused and start them without even realizing it.

Chancellor said, “While superstitions are fun, they are not necessary and just kind of creep in.”

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Sports

11

Coaches have mixed reactions to district changes

Girls cruise into State

The new realignment adds Splendora and Caney Creek to district schedules.

T

L

By Chris Luck Sports Editor

ast week, all of the high school coaches in the state of Texas sat around and waited for the results of the District Realignment, which happens every two years and decides which teams are in what district and who each school will play for the next two years in district play.

In the changes for District 21-5A, Kingwood Park gained Splendora from District 10-4A and Caney Creek from district 18-5A. Kingwood Park will no longer have to play C.E. King after the school was moved to 6A and joined a district that included Atascocita, Kingwood and Summer Creek.

Galena Park also will move to District 23-5A joining Manvel, Galveston Ball and Fort Bend Marshall.

Baseball coach Bruce Cox is not worried about the new opponents.

“We are not scared of anybody and we always look for more competition and we are glad to get some,” Cox said.

The baseball team is going into this year ranked second in the greater Houston area and have high expectations. As far as the new district goes, Cox is most excited to see the new fields.

“Every time we go and travel to a new field it is always exciting seeing what it is and what they work on every day,” Cox said.

Basketball coach Justin Burleson was somewhat disappointed in the decision to keep the nine-team district, which creates less nondistrict games for basketball.

“I like what happened considering what we lost and what we gained, but having a nine-team district again is a little disappointing but will not change how we play or practice,” Burleson said. “We believe we can take any team in our district regardless of new or old.”

Junior Mario Foltz swims the breaststroke during his 200 IM at district. Foltz is one of the top swimmers in the State and looks to bring home a gold medal in Austin on Feb. 19-20.

New team, same dream

Boys prepare to return to where they won the State title last year.

By Olivia Reinhardt Staff Reporter he boys swim team is focused on returning to State a year after they won the title a year ago.

“Our goal for State is to finish in the top 5,” coach Greg McLain said. “That would be a great accomplishment for this team.”

At this year’s Region meet, senior Eric Broussard was named the Boys Swimmer of the Meet as he captured four gold medals, two of which came in the 50 Free and 100 free.

Junior Mario Foltz also won two individual gold medals in the IM and 500 free. Senior David Johnson won the butterfly, and senior diver Tommy Holbert set a new record of 478.15 points at Region.

“We’re very young, we lost a lot of our great swimmers last year, we’re very inexperienced,” said McLain, who was named Region Coach of the Year.

T

“We’ve had a lot of guys that haven’t had to perform at the State level this year but still did really well. Yeah, I know it sounds silly, but I think the whole team is a surprise.”

The boys won every relay at Regions just two weeks after doing the same at District.

The overall effort and lower times from the boys really showed at 5A District 21 Championships, despite there being a lot of younger swimmers.

“District went really well,” Broussard said. “Our district’s relatively easy but we swam very well, and we put up a fight. We’ve got a lot of young guys on the team and we have a chance at winning the State Meet again but it’s not going to be anywhere near easy.

It’s going to require everyone giving a 100 percent effort.

“When we first started out we didn’t know if we would be in the running but now that we’ve all practiced really hard and we’re getting close to our championship meet it looks like we may have a chance.”

Girls continue trek back to top S

By Sarah Martell Photo Editor

tarting off the second semester with a second place finish at a 6A tournament against the Woodlands at Panther Trail, the girls golf team is motivated to work harder as it attempts win back-toback State titles.

Overall, finishing second has not been common. The girls have put together strong outings and have five players ranked in the top 20 individually - including senior Hanna Alberto, who is No. 1.

“We got a team of really talented players. They all know that they are capable of having a low round,” coach Angela Chancellor said. “So that keeps us really competitive and they really want to beat

each other besides just the other teams.”

The team will be playing Clements High School at Sienna Plantation this upcoming Friday and Saturday. Their main goal is to stay focused as they attempt to qualify for the State Meet on April 26.

“It’s important to go out there and be confident, because if we go, ‘Oh, no, we’re playing against schools that have really good players’ then we’re going to psych ourselves out and not play very well,’” said senior Tori Gatling, who is ranked No. 12 in the state.

Freshman Elise Parel, who is ranked No. 16, is excited to be part of the defending state championship golf team.

“And I think if we practice enough of our drills we will make it to State and hopefully win it as well,” Parel said.

By Olivia Reinhardt Staff Reporter

he girls swim team won the District Championship and then coasted to a Region Championship two weeks later. All eyes are now focused on preparing for State.

“They have a lot of depth and get along with each other and they’re a very hardworking group,” said coach John Dissinger, who was named Region Coach of the Year. “We’re just a lot younger which brings out a lot of positives and a lot of energy in the group.”

The girls captured the 5A Region 6 Championships scoring 520 points next to 2nd place Ridge Point (388) and 3rd place Elkins (294).

The Panthers were led by freshman Andie Unwin, who won the 50 free and the 100 free. Unwin also had an outstanding district meet and was 5A District 21 Swimmer of the Meet.

Sophomore diver Kemper McEacharn was the district Diver of the Year as well and advanced to State after finishing second at Regions.

“I’m hoping I will break the school record again” said diver Kemper McEacharn, “and place in the top ten at state. There’s a lot of good girls, and I just want to be the most competitive I can be.”

Along with capturing new school records at Region, junior Camilla Stephens won the 500 Free.

Sophomore Alexis Baker won the 100 fly and finished third in the 200 IM. Freshman Emma Frey had two 2nd place finishes in the 100 Fly and 100 Back. And freshman Abby Bennett placed second in the 100 Breast.

Relays with Bennett, Baker, Frey and Unwin won the 200 Medley at Region breaking yet another school record. Junior Sarah Crowe, sophomore Hannah Mosier, Unwin, and Stephens won the 200 Free Relay. The team of Hannah Mosier, Frey, Crowe, and Baker won first in the 400 Free Relay.

The Panthers are back in action on Feb. 19-20 at the State Championships in Austin.

Searcy bounces back

The three-sport senior was only sidelined temporarily after knee surgery in November.

By Erin O’Shea Special Contributer

A

n injury was nearly the end of Kendall Searcy’s sports career… or at least the end of the future she had seen for herself. She had always Senior Kendall Searcy drives down the court in a game pictured herself behind home plate, against Crosby. Searcy returned midway through the on the free throw line or behind the season after having surgery on her knee.Photo by Nick Farace. net.

It was the beginning of the softball Kendall for volleyball and softball, season of her junior year, and Searcy she opted for surgery on November was the varsity catcher. However, 13th, 2015. This took her out of six one day, she couldn’t squat for a and a half weeks of the 14 week long long period of time without her basketball season. knee hurting. She had physical “Kendall’s presence is apparent therapy with the trainers for most through every practice and game. of the season and jumped back in You could never forget she was there to playing during and not playing playoffs. still didn’t crush “Sports, as a whole, I Her weeks of her spirit and feel like has built me physical therapy attitude,” Amy as a person. It teaches and the three Balke, coach of month break of perseverance, it teaches basketball and summer did not softball, said. leadership, it teaches stop the pain in commitment, and it’s given Kendall’s surgery her knee, but was a success with her last year me the drive to be the best and her rehab that I can be.” of playing sports went perfectly, as a Panther and which allowed - senior three-sport athlete Kendall Searcy college on the her come back horizon, Searcy to the basketball kept playing. season at the end “There were a couple times during of Christmas break. She became a the volleyball season where I would starter on varsity and was more than lay out for a pass and it would hurt happy to not be sitting on the bench. again. That’s how I knew something With her last season of basketball was wrong,” Searcy said. behind her, Kendall will soon be She went in to see the doctor back behind home plate to finish her and they found a tear in her knee senior year. She also has four years that would need surgery. A torn of playing volleyball and softball at meniscus is a common injury that Hamilton, a college in New York, comes about through repetitive ahead of her. twisting in the knee, which causes “Sports, as a whole, I feel like certain tissue to tear. It causes pain, has built me as a person. It teaches swelling, and can cause issues with perseverance, it teaches leadership, bending and extending the knee. it teaches commitment, and it’s given Determining when to have the me the drive to be the best that I can surgery was a huge decision to be,” Searcy said. make, but with colleges looking at

For seniors, four years of work culminate in one final season

By Chris Luck and after school every day striving to get Sports Editor better and this made him into becoming any student athletes become a leader of not just our defense but our interested in a sport during high team,” coach Clayton Maple said. school and decide to join it. Sometimes De La Fuente seems as if he was born success follows, other times they are not with a protein shake in one hand and a so lucky. football helmet in the other, but that is There are then the rare students who not entirely the case. participate in sports all four years of “My dad signed me up for football in high school. For many, that final senior fourth grade and ever since then I’ve had season is the end of their sports careers. a passion for the sport,” De La Fuente Senior shooting guard Joe Byrd has said. been with the basketball program for The hard working defensive anchor will four years. attend the University of Houston next “I had no doubt I would play all four year but not to play football. years – the coaches, atmosphere, and “I will always be a fan and I, for sure, teammates around me are nothing but am going to miss it like crazy; but I’m the best,” Byrd said. “And when you have honestly not very athletic so there has to something like we have, you don’t even be somewhere you draw the line and I think about leaving it for a second.” think this is it,” De La Fuente said.

Byrd said he has not yet made up his With baseball coming up, the Panthers mind about college but he has narrowed look to build off of their strong season his options down to Prairie View last year in which they went four rounds A&M, Kilgore Junior College, and Sam in the State 5A Playoffs.

Houston State University.

The Panthers have seven seniors, and “I’ve played basketball since I was 5 with seniority comes leadership. Senior years old, always wanting to be like Kobe shortstop Zach Keller has been with the Bryant my role model,” Byrd said. “And program all four years and is excited for playing ball in college the season to begin. can help me achieve that “Without baseball, “All of my hard work goal.”

I don’t know what and determination has Senior golfer led up to this year, my I would be doing Hanna Alberto has senior year and I just accomplished this through high school.” decided I’m going to - senior shortstop Zach Keller prestigious ranking. give it my all every game Hanna started golfing and leave it out on the when she was about 10 diamond,” he said. and has been in love ever since.

For Keller, baseball was a lifestyle “I was doing pretty good in tournaments for him as a child. He worked his way and my dad took notice, so he pulled me up through tee ball, coach pitch, and aside one day and talked to me about eventually to where he is now. trying to earn a scholarship to play golf.

“Baseball is my childhood, from going I never really thought about it until then to ‘Stros games as a kid to sitting in the but I’m glad I did now,” Alberto said. dugout before games with my teammates Alberto has now committed to Sam just joking and talking,” Keller said.

Houston State University on a full ride “Without baseball, I don’t know what I and she could not be happier with her would be doing through high school.” decision.

For many 4-year athletes, their sport Alberto helped her team win state last is what defines them in high school. For year, which in a sense put Kingwood others, it’s what pushes them to excel in Park golf on the map and this year she school in order to play their sport. It’s expects it not to be any different. not an easy feat but it’s worth it for those “Winning State with my team was my select seniors. . best memory of golfing I have ever had, Byrd said, “When you’re a studentto repeat and have that feeling again athlete you feel like you are a big man on would be a dream come true,” she said. campus and it pushes you to work hard Luis De La Fuente, a senior defensive in order to succeed for your school, and end for the football team, is regarded by your fellow classmates -- plus winning in his coaches and teammates as one of the front of them is one of the best feelings hardest workers in the program’s history. in the world.”

“Luis was in the weight room before

M

February 2016

Sports

13

ALBUM REVIEW By Allyssa Reed

Panic’s album worth the wait

By Carsen Creech

Food Review By Kat Smith

Milkshake Heaven: The good, the bad, the creamy Jonathan Floyd12

Holly Hurd11

Kat Smith10

Nick Logan9

Fuddruckers

Creamy, nice texture and had a big strong straw that didn’t break when I took a sip.

Rate: A-

Luscious and Chocolatey (the perfect balance).

The milkshake came with whip cream and a cherry.

Rate: A

Fuddruckers is denser than the others, but it was fine because the straw was strong.

It has whip cream and a cherry.

Rate: A

Fuddruckers was good overall, it just didn’t have enough chocolate for me.

Rate: B

Pete’s Burgers

I rate Pete’s a C + because it had a bad taste and was too chocolatey for me.

Rate: C+

Was easier to drink because it was creamier. It needs whip cream and a cherry. It’s not a milkshake unless it has it.

Rate: B

Pete’s had a very creamy and smooth milkshake in a small styrofoam cup that was drinkable through the straw.

Rate: A

Pete’s had the perfect amount of chocolate.It was beautiful.

Rate: A

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A was a B- because it has a really good taste, but the straw blew, because I couldn’t even eat it.

Rate: B-

Had whip cream and a cherry on top. Has a delicious flavor, and could have a bigger straw or come with a spoon.

Rate: A

Chick-fil-A has a very thick mixture that was hard to get through the straw, but the taste was nice and chocolatey.

Chick-fil-A and Sonic were the same. Just not enough chocolate and I didn’t really like it.

Rate: C

Basically everything that Fuddruckers had but just not as good.

Rate: B+

Sonic put more ice cream than chocolate. It came with whip cream and a cherry, and was very thick.

Rate: B

Sonic was the worst out of all of them.Tasted cheap and more sugary than chocolate.

Rate: C

Chick-fil-A and Sonic were the same. Just not enough chocolate and I didn’t really like it.

Rate: C

I prefer Fuddruckers because it had the biggest straw and was creamier than the others.

I prefer Fuddruckers because it tastes fresher and better.

I prefer Pete’s because of how easy it was to drink and chocolaty taste.

I prefer Pete’s because of the amount of chocolate in it.

Sonic

Preference and Why

14 Opinion

February 2016

Rate: B

Death of a Bachelor, the fifth album recently released by Panic! At the Disco is finally here and it’s beautiful. The band announced the upcoming album by releasing the single “Hallelujah”. With lyrics such as “All you sinners stand up and sing hallelujah” and “I love the things you hate about yourself ” the song is about embracing one’s faults and mistakes.

Panic! At the Disco has been making and producing music since 2004.

The band members include Brendon Urie (guitarist and lead vocals), Dallon Weekes (bass guitarist), Daniel Pawlovich (percussion), and Kenneth Harris (lead guitarist). The band is most well known for their hit song “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”, which was released in 2005. One of the tracks that stands out the most off of Death of a Bachelor is “Emperor’s New Clothes”.

With lyrics like “Heroes always get remembered but you know legends never die” and “Welcome to the end of eras” the song perfectly captures the thrill and the dark edge that Panic! At the Disco is famous for. The song really shows off Urie’s vocal capability through drawn out notes.

However the music video is what has fans talking the most. The music video starts out with the end of the music video for “This Is Gospel” which then leads to Urie getting dropped down into hell.

Throughout the video Urie shifts from a human into a demon.

The album includes fast paced songs such as “LA Devotee” and “Crazy=Genius”, slow songs such as “Impossible Year” and “Death of a Bachelor” and thrilling songs such as “Emperor’s New Clothes” and “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time.” The album offers fans a wide variety of songs along with different beats and tempos. The more one listens to the album the deeper one falls in love with it.

Usually there’s that one song that you just don’t think is all that good but this album doesn’t have that, all the songs are great! The album is definitely not a disappointment, in fact it’s one of their best albums yet.

Fans should definitely look forward to what Panic! At The Disco has in store for the future.

Life Lessons Learned From My Grandma I

n my few years of life I’ve had the opportunity to meet several people who have unique stories to tell, but no one quite lives up to the tales told by my grandma, Estella Solomon. At a young age I realized that being with her is like attending a class on how to live a colorful life.

Each minute with her is a new lesson learned.

“Been there, done that. That’s my life. [I’ve] traveled all over the world,” is one of her many mottos and she truly lives up to it. I’ve been fortunate enough to “be there and do that” on some of her out of

BY SARAH MARTELL country sojourns where she has taught me how to “follow my nose”. Following your nose is basically going on a trip with no set plans, so you work on the details as you go. It’s a lesson on how to be spontaneous while experiencing the thrilling fear of being pushed beyond your comfort zone. Her method of traveling is risky and yes, we’ve slept in airports and on boat floors, missed trains, and irked one too many Europeans, but in the end we only remember it as one tremendously awe-inspiring adventure.

When we’re not journeying around the world, my grandma teaches me the importance of serving others where I am. As a child, she would constantly remind me of Mother Teresa and how we should strive to be as selfless as her. Along with this reminder, she recounts stories of those she has helped personally and how she believes

she’s assisted angels in disguise. One of her most impactful tales was on a group of AIDS patience she nursed. She told of how they never had visitors and were often left lonely, so my grandma took it upon herself to not only help them physically but to befriend them. She invested herself into their lives for as long as they lived.

From this I’ve learned to love people abundantly and to joyfully serve when given the opportunity.

My grandma has made my life more vibrant. She claims that everyone is the same so we need to take every opportunity we can to be different. I’ve spent hundreds of Saturday afternoons listening to her tell me that “you can’t take money to heaven and we’ll never see these people again so let’s go fool around!” and I’ve yet to meet someone who can fool around better than her.

So, together we explore Houston and buy random trinkets from thrift stores because they made us laugh. She can pridefully embarrass herself and easily make friendships with strangers. This is a character quality I aspire to have, but until then I’ll continue to let her tutor me.

I’ve learned more about life from my grandma than I could ever take in or experience first hand.

So the lesson I have for you is appreciation. Next time you see your family, sit and listen to them.

Take in their stories, enjoy their presence, and let them teach you.

What’s your opinion on the new open carry law?

“I think it’s not a good idea because of the fact that there could be other students that would take advantage of these rules and cause school shoot outs, which worsens the situation.”

-Cameron Vidos11

“I think it’s dangerous for college campuses to allow guns. There are too many stupid people. I think my biggest concern with the new open carry laws is that people would take advantage of it.”

- Camryn Reno9

“I think it can give the wrong impression to have your gun out in the open.”

- Kara Rosenthal10

“We both feel that it gives the wrong impression and encourages violence.”

- Vivien Tran10

“I do think it’s wise. I think that if everybody has the means to protect themselves, it deters violence. I think that everybody should be required to carry around some form of protection.”

- Xavier Reneau12

“I believe that I’m conflicted because I believe that people who are truly responsible, and they’ve used guns and have a lot of experience, then I’m OK with it. But not everyone that can get a license can be that.”

- English teacher Kristi Walsh

Singles Declassified Valentine’s Survival Guide

BY SARAH MARTELL

W

ith Valentine’s Day coming up, many people are becoming more aware of their singlehood. Walking down halls filled with hand-holding, lip-smacking couples is not only disturbing but can be depressing for those who don’t have a significant other. Even if you’re not looking for a relationship, Valentine’s Day can just be a pain. So without a further ado, here is a Singles Declassified Valentine’s Day Survival Guide.

Grab Your Closest Single Friends And Party Why worry about Valentine’s Day if you can celebrate Galentine’s Day? You’re not alone in your singlehood so go out and make a date with your fellow lone rangers. This way you avoid awkward one-on-one time, which can be very hard to recover from, and there’s also no need to try to impress anyone… or even the need to wear anything other than sweatpants. So throw a party, the more the merrier.

The B.A.E. Method To those who say that bae stands for “before anyone else”, you clearly aren’t living life correctly. BAE actually means “binge and eat”, as in binge your favorite show and eat until you look four months pregnant with a food baby. In reality, no girl or boy can make you feel as glorious as Nutella dipped pretzels and all seven seasons of Parks and Rec. Not saying you should eat your feelings away, but it never hurts to have at

it every once and awhile.

Become A Hermit Luckily, this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so that means you don’t have to see love-struck classmates at school. In fact, you don’t have to see any couples if you don’t leave your house. So go ahead and snuggle up in a big sweater and forget Valentine’s Day even exist.

Embrace The Solo Life Remember that there are ups and downs to both sides of the spectrum. Being in a relationship isn’t always as spectacular as “Just Girly Things” Instagram accounts make it out to be. Of course we all want cuddles and cute “good morning” texts, but that shouldn’t dictate your happiness or view of self worth. You may be single now, but you never know what the future holds if you just wait and be content with where you’re at.

Be Your Own Valentine If all else fails, treat yourself. Treat yourself even better than how Dj Khaled treats himself. Be your own Valentine and buy some roses and those chocolates that are attached to stuffed bears. Take yourself out to eat without any shame and don’t forget to play some Taylor Swift on the way there. Make those in a relationship wish they were single.

Overall, Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday so don’t stress about not being able to celebrate it. *Drops mic*

TOP TEN

reasons it’s great to be a Texan

By Erin O’Shea and Makenna Florez

10. We say “y’all.”

9. Even our armadillos smoke.

8. We have a pair of cowboy boots for

every occasion.

7. We ride horses to school.

6. We ain’t takin’ none of that rap crap.

5. Everything’s bigger in Texas, including our egos.

4. Jesus.

3. The only thing more important than football is our mamas.

2.

We have Whataburger three times a day and Chick-Fil-A in between meals.

1. We’re only a state ‘cause we failed at being a country.

February 2016

Opinion

15

Have you bought your yearbook? Check here: Reagan Abington Breanna Ables Ashley Abraham Jake Ahearne Noah Albrecht Josh Allen Joseph Anchondo Joslynn Anchondo James “Cole” Anderson Aaron Archuleta Angelica Archuleta Michaela Ardoin Nina Arntsen AJ Arrington Alden Arrington Trey Arrington Haley Arthur Jacob Ary Emily Ausburn Corey Awe Brandon Ayala Hannah Babin Elara Bailey Alexis Baker Caren Barnes Sami Bates Natalie Bearden Shelby Bedgood Alyssa Behringer MaKenna Behringer Abby Bennett Laura Bennett Sarah Bennett Kenneth Benoit Madisyn Berg Taytum Betts Brian Biggs John Black Payton Blackburn Courtney Blanchard Christian Boss John Carl Boudreaux Joseph Boudreaux Christian Bourriague Coleman Branscum Taylor Breed Marisa Brewer Nolan Britt Eric Broussard Lindsey Broussard Claire Brown Rachel Brown Sonya Brown Sophia Brown Bethany Bruton Steven Bryant Hannah Bullard Matthew Burke Alyssa Bustamante Marcia Bustinza Chavez Devan Byther Colton Calavan Laney Campbell Heather Canales Christina Cano Marissa Cano Christian Cardenas Ben Carmona Stephanie Carnes Zoe Carr Megan Carswell Shayla Caskey Jake Chancellor Joe Chancellor Brooklynn Channel Laura Chapman

John Chavers Olivia Cherry Rachel Clarke Lexi Clidienst Emma Cochran Madison Comeaux Colby Cook Gabriel Cook Adam Cooper Leah Cormier Breanna Coronel Bobby Credeur Austin Criner Brianna Crockett Christine Crockett Ashley Crutcher Grant Daigle Mysterie Dalles-Joiner Lillie Dalpe Kaylyn Daniel Brian Davila Jayla Deatherage Ethan DeBrosky Taylor DeBrosky Heather Dezell Leonardo Diaz-Taliente Caitlyn Dickerson Gracie Dickinson Brianna Dodge Hunter Dodgen Cooper Dolmage Trey Doss Caleb Dove Hunter Draper Reagan Drees Kyle Drost Dane Eastman Natalie Easton Cassie Eden Sofia Edmonson Jordan Eley Andrew Engelhardt Paul Engelhardt Christopher Enriquez Anna Ensminger Alyssa Estrada Nicholas Farace Austin Farmer Walker Fennell Wyatt Fennell Bailey Ferguson Lindsey Ferris Jessica Feuerbacher Aaron Figueroa Hannah Fischer Kyle Fischer Seneca Fischer Makenna Florez Carter Floyd Jonathan Floyd Mario Foltz Brock Forbau Garrett Fowler Christian Frey Corran Gallaway Andre Garcia David Garcia Alyssa Gardner Tori Gatling Kyla Glover Sam Golson Matthew Goodell Paola Goyco-Velez Nate Graham Nicholas Granado Jamie Green

Jayce Green Moira Greff Logan Gridley Carson Griffing Grace Griffith Lexie Griffith Taylor Guevara Alison Gutierrez Trenton Guzman Sarah Hagest Rachel Halliday Chloe Ham Jeremiah Hamman Chance Hammonds Haley Hampton Megan Hanebuth Hannah Harden Ariana Harding Mason Harris Dominique Harrison Madeleine Hart Chris Hatrel Brannon Hautanen Miranda Haynes Cade Hebert Carlee Hebert James Hedrick Michael Heginbotham Braden Hegwood Mary Henry Ty Hephner Matthew Hercl Logan Hernandez Eddie Hinojosa Krystal Hinojosa Hannah Elizabeth Hoffman Tommy Holbert Lynzie Holland Michaela Hornback Michael Horton Silver Houwari Alec Hudson Aaron Hurd Holly Hurd Jack Hurley Jeremy Husband Jessica Husband Heather Inman Vincent Izquierdo Anna Jackson Isabel Jaimes Brett Janik Courtney Janik Sydney Jenkins Susanna Johansen Will Johansen David Johnson Jarrett Johnson Jordan Jones Nathan Jones Tyler Jones Zakary Jordan Alex Katz Nicole Kell Daniel Kelly Teresa Kelly Chyler Killian Colton Killian Mackenzie Kisslinger Hanzelle Kleeman Alyssa Knapschaefer Cody Knight Courtney Knight Justin Knight Kennedy Knight Rylie Knight

Lauren Kocian David Koehler Jordyn Kolar Sydney Kolar Morgan Korb Tomas Kurten Jenna Kurtz Ben Lackey Shannon Lambert Logan Lancaster Zachary Lance Catherine Landrum Hunter Lang Olivia Larue Trevor Lattimer Logan Leatherwood Marshall Leonard Rebecca Lewallen Chris Lewis Christopher Lewis Christopher A Lewis Isaiah Lewis Ryan Long Victoria Long Autumn Loudermilk Alex Lucas Tyler Lucas Brianna Lucker Gemma Lunarde Ian Lund Joe Luszcz Mylan Maag Breanne Mackert Madison Mackert Brandon Madden Angelo Mahler Katie Majerus Julianna Maldonado Audrey Manning Claire Manning Emily Margiolos Michael Margiolos Sarah Margiolos Alec Marsden Sarah Martinez Colton Mauldin Garrett Maynard Justin Maynard Anna McCrea Austin McDowell Kristina McKillop Tyler McLeod Taylor McNair Payton McNamara Kobi McNutt Breanna McQueen Brooke Merchant Chris Merritt Kristyn Merritt Sydnee Miano Greg Mika Alexander Miller Jamie Miller Katlyn Miller Preston Miller Rebekah Mills Zach Mills Hannah Mohr Lauren Monteleone Ainsley Montgomery LaTayla Morgan Katelyn Morgenroth Morgan Morris Sheridan Morris Veron Morrison Trevor Muckelroy

Maggie Mueller Elizabeth Mulloy Tristan Neal Jacob Norton Alyssa O’Brien Nathan Oakes Matthew Ogle Jocelyn Oliva Jose Olmedo Emma Omenson Christopher Osterhus John Panzarella Mikayla Parenti Chris Pennington Patience Pennington Victoria Perez Evan Perilloux Darien Perla Dylan Perry Natalya Peters Mary Phelan Kendal Philips Abby Phillips Linda Pinzon Serrano Cedrick Plamo Alexandra Plummer Jordan Poehl Hannah Powdrill Ethan Powell John Powers Jordan Prince Veronica Ramos Fritz Rasmussen Hannah Rasmussen Alyssa Ray Xavier Reneau Matthew Reyna Curtis Rhodes Jake Rice Shane Richards Anastasia Richmond Bailey Ritcher Jesus Rivera Julia Rivera Rachel Robare Alyssa Roberts-Thomason Jenna Robichaux Phoenix Robinson Bryan Rodriguez Jonathan Rogers Tyler Rollo Matthew Roseland Kara Rosenthal Michael Rosie Carmen Ruiz Madison Russell Sophie Salazar Parmis Salmanian Cassandra Samples Stella Samples Alejandro Sanchez Dhauve Sapp Cameron Schmidt Bailey Schoener Kolbey Schoener Samuel Scott Kendall Searcy Michael Logan Shaw Shelby Sikes Zach Silva Zoe Simmons Cal Sims Lauren Singletary Brittani Skero Savannah Skrivanek Carlie Smith

Claire Smith Coleten Smith Kat Smith Lily Smith Robert Smith Zachary Smith Will Smoot Max Snelus Amanda Squyers Jake Stark Jack Stevens Lane Stewart Rhiannon Stewart Jonah Stockman Claire Story Zach Sutton-Fountain Dustin Tabbert Abigail Tackett Elaine Tackett Erica Tatom Annemarie Teagle Katherine Teagle Mackenzie Tenorio Jessica Thompson John Thompson Chase Tiedtke Luke Tiedtke Reagan Tipton Austin Tisdel Claire Tolbert Austin Townsend Cody Trease Mathew Trimm Taylor Trimm James Trumbull Jadon Tucker Andrea Unwin Will Upton Alyssa Urbanowski Angelee Vaile Wilkes Varela Helena Vassiliades Clinton Vest Michael Vickers Nathan Vidaurri Lucy Vogt Sabrina Vogt Madison Wallace Matthew Wallace Morgan Wallace Emma Waller Ethan Waller Kaleigh Waskow Troy Waters Phoebe Weaver Jenna White Cody Whitehead Jack Wick Joceline Wiggins Emily Wilburn Bailee Wilkinson Audrey Willis Lydia Wilson Sean-Michael Woerner Garrett Wood Jason Wood Sydney Woodward Emily Woody Jacob Woody Abby Wright Connor Wright Jordan Wrobliske Bruce Yeager Tessa Younng Jacob Zaunbrecher Gabriel Zolton

Yearbook’s are $65 until March 1. The price will then increase to $75.

Buy today.... Room 1504 or Jostens.com. (Make checks payable to Kingwood Park HS)