Joshlyn Thomas Portfolio 2015

Joshlyn Thomas Portfolio 2015

Joshlyn Thomas 2922 Silver Falls Dr. Kingwood Dr. Kingwood, Texas 77339 (915) 309 6605 s joshlynmittenthomas@gmail.com

Jason Pettigrew ALTERNATIVE PRESS MAGAZINE 1305 West 80th Street, Suite 214 Cleveland, Ohio 44102-3045 Phone: 216-631-1510 Fax: 216-631-1016 Dear Mr.Pettigrew, I am writing to express my strong interest in an internship at Alternative Press. I am currently a student at Kingwood Park High School and will be graduating on May 23. This coming fall, I will attend the University of Houston to pursue a degree in journalism and aspire to write for a music oriented publication. After years of seeing my favorite bands like Twenty One Pilots, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance featured in AP, I’m curious about how I can get in on the action myself as this magazine has kept fans like myself in the loop with my favorite bands as it lifts the curtain between artists and their fans.

While being a student at Kingwood Park High School, I have been able to share the stories of the members of my community as a staff reporter for the KP Times. Through writing for my school’s publication, I have developed skills in news writing, review writing, and editing, all of which could help me write for your magazine. Whether is be through reviewing an album or a narrative on the day in the life of a musician after spending time with them on tour, I would really love be able to deliver content that makes the reader feel more connected to the artist.

As an aspiring music journalist and a fan of several of the artists featured in this magazine, Alt Press would be the ideal setting for improving my artistry as a narrative writer, as well work on blogging and tweeting for a publication as social media continues growing as a source for news, especially in the music industry. While I enjoy listening to and supporting my favorite artists, I understand that accurate coverage of their work is much appreciated while trying to stay in the loop with their projects.

My interest in music culture, narrative writing and print media will help me magazine as well as be a good foundation to build more on through this valuable to be able to gain insight from other writers, designers and photographers, and this publication the acclaimed outlet that it is today. Thank you for your time hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely, Joshlyn Thomas

contribute to the experience. I hope everyone who makes and consideration. I

Joshlyn Thomas 2922 Silver Falls Dr. Kingwood, Kingwood Dr. Texas Kingwood, 77339 Texas 77339 (915) 309 6605 s joshlynmittenthomas@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE I aim to deliver accurate coverage of current events in the music scene through narrative writing and news writing, interviewing artists, reviewing music and concerts, and photographing events.

EXPERIENCE KP Times, Staff reporter, Kingwood Park High School (2014-2015) wrote feature stories, reviews and headlines, conducted interviews, photographed events, edited, created layouts EDUCATION Kingwood Park High School Graduation date: May 23, 2015 Unweighted GPA: 3.2 Relevant high school studies: AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature, Advanced Journalism - Newsmagazine AWARDS, HONORS, AND MEMBERSHIPS Journalism Education Association (JEA) Write-Off Fall 2014, Washington, D.C. Superior rating in Review Writing Interscholastic League of Press Conference 2015 First place in News Writing First place in Sports Feature Writing Honorable mention in In-Depth News/Feature Package (Staff) Kingwood Park High School Journalist of the Year 2014-2015 FIDM Fashion Club member (2013 - 2015) REFERENCES Megan Ortiz - Newsmagazine adviser megan.ortiz@humble.k12.tx.us (281) 641-6696 Kimberly Villegas - AP Literature teacher kimberly.villegas@humble.k12.tx.us (281) 641-6676

Self-Analytical Essay After my first year in journalism, I was been given the privilege as a staff reporter for the KP Times to interview fellow students and faculty members, sharing their stories through articles in the school publication. As someone with a shy disposition, I found myself well out of the bounds of my comfort zone several times throughout the school year. Selling ads in the summer seemed like an immpossibe feat when I got nervous around local business owners, afraid that I was wasting their time. But with my editor Orianne Elliot and fellow staff members Rachel Dams and Sydney Woodward with me. Our collective effort proved to be more than enough to fund the publication for the year, which was one full of discovery for me as a novice reporter. I never thought I could do anything on a competitive level, let alone write articles during my first and only year as a high school journalist. But these victories as well as little ones such as meeting deadlines or coming up with the perfect headline all added up to one of the best experiences I have ever had in my academic career.

Without the support of my staff and our advisor Megan Ortiz, I would have never discovered my passion for reporting. Through these talented individuals, I have learned so much about publications in the 9 months we were able to collaborate togther. They helped my through all the times I felt like I was too nervous to conduct an interview with an unfamiliar person, too stumped to come up with questions, or too frustrated to design a page on InDesgin. Their advice, encouragement, patience helped me not to sweat the samll stuff so I could submit work we all could be proud of as a team. They let me know that the stories I were writing were worthy and what I had to say was important. Knowing that everything story I wrote had to be worthy of publishing certainly carried its weight, making me put my best effort into writing, trying to know my subjects as well as I could. With every story I wrote, I realized that people are so worth getting to know. Through trying to get others to open up, I find myself becoming more open as well. It’s sad to know that my first year would also my last but with all the experience I gained this past year, it is the start of a new chapter. Not only have I gained invaluable experience as a high school journalist, but I gained the confidence to continue writing and maybe even explore photography more in-depth after graduation. After being put in places I nevver thought I could be, talking to people I never thought I would never interact with, I have been exposed to a world of possibilites as a journalist, as a storyteller.

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Reflection 1 Panther pole vaults to victory

Former alum Shawn Barber competes for Akron.

Barber won the NCAA Indoor pole vaulting Championship as a sophomore and currently holds the collegiate record when he cleared 19 feet 3.5 inches on February 7. Photo by Jeff Harwell.

Shawn Barber, who graduated in 2012, continues breaking national and international records.

T

By Joshlyn Thomas

rack and field coach Jason Myers couldn’t believe what he was seeing the night his student athlete Shawn Barber placed his State Championship pole vaulting medal around his neck. Barber never wore his medals even after placing fourth his sophomore year and second his junior year. But that night in IHOP, Barber let himself relish the victory.

“I didn’t wear my medals around because I wanted to keep my head down and focus on getting better and better,” said Barber, now a pole vaulter at the University of Akron after they gave him a scholarship in the sport. “I finally let myself celebrate a bit after winning the State meet [in 2012]. I even treated myself to the worst t-bone steak and eggs I have ever had. They make great pancakes but the steak and eggs that day were not great.”

Three years later, little has changed except the size of the medals. Now, those medals hang from an old pole vaulting pole in the weight room at his father’s house, where he first learned about the sport.

Barber stole the show at the Akron Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a jump of 19-foot-3.5, breaking his Stile Athletics Field House record set at the Akron Pole Vault Convention on Jan. 10, as well as his own Canadian National record (19-3) set at the Texas Expo Vault on Jan. 3. with a jump of 19-foot-3 in at the Texas Pole Vault Expo. Barber is expected to represent Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I told [Barber] to get me a ticket if he goes,” boys cross country and track coach Chris Elliott said. “He’s such a great athlete physically and mentally.”

Barber’s goals require rigorous training and equally important down time.

“I just have to stay healthy and keep having fun!” Barber said.

The humility and easygoing attitude

10 October 2014

Barber demonstrates is backed by the relentless desire to do his best.

“He was very unassuming. He wasn’t cocky or arrogant,” Elliott said. “He was just Shawn Barber. So many people in his position would let that get to their head but he didn’t.”

Not only did he pole vault, but he played volleyball, soccer and even went to State as a diver. As an avid athlete Barber said he ended up with “too many injuries to count.”

Myers recalled one instance when Barber injured his foot while helping his father re-tile a floor right before the State track meet during his junior year.

“He was hurt and you could tell,” said Myers, who coached him in pole vaulting. “He snaked it out and got second place. It was painful to watch, but he made it.”

No stranger to athletic abrasions, Barber never let them get in the way of his goals. Elliott said the best part about coaching a “strong, fluid and fast” athlete like Barber was his attitude and ability to overcome any adversity.

“When it was time to vault, he’d find a way to make it,” Elliott said. “He’s very strong-willed.”

Barber plans to graduate from Akron in 2016 with a degree in exercise science.

He represents Akron in the NCAA and Canada in all international competitions.

“I was born in the U.S. but I have Canadian citizenship through my dad who was born in Canada,” Barber said.

Barber’s father sparked his son’s interest in pole vaulting at a very young age.

His father had pole vaulted and the family had all the equipment around their house on a spacious farm in Las Cruces, N.M. before they moved to Kingwood in

epresents Akron in the NCAA and CanadaPhoto by Jeff Harwell.

2006.

“My dad says I was about 4 years old when I used to play across the ditches in the farm we used to own,” Barber said.

“Pole vaulters always seemed to have lot of fun and I could tell from a young age by watching my father and some of his athletes that they were having a good time. I guess I just didn’t want to be left out of the fun.”

Both of his parents played a role in his athletic achievements. His mother Ann Barber, who is a special education teacher at KPARK, said there was never any obligation for Shawn to follow his father’s footsteps.

“He’s never been pushed to do it,” Ann Barber said. “It can’t be the parents’ dream.”

Even he can only visit so often, Barber always comes back to visit his family and friends who support him. He comes home every Christmas and “maybe a month or two in the summer” according to his mother.

“My parents were always my biggest supporters. They were at every competition they could be at and would do whatever they could to make sure both my brother and I had whatever we needed,” said Barber.

He also said he owes his success to the coaches and teachers at KPARK who helped him reach new heights in athletics and academics.

“I can’t take the credit for him being such a great vaulter,” Elliott said. “His dad mentored him from such a young age, Coach Myers helped him out here [at KPARK]. In fact, I’d take very little credit.”

To this day, Barber gives credit to his coaches for his performance. He advises young athletes to always trust their mentors.

“Listen to your coaches, set goals and learn to love the process,” said Barber.

“You have to find a way to love the whole sport: the losses, the sweat and tears, and the pain in the weight room, not just the

Reflection 1 Being my very unathletic self, I never thought I would ever write story about sports. I thought I should just play it safe and stick to what I know; I threw that unspoken rule for myself out the window after saying yes to my advisor after she asked me to write this story. Little did I know that I would have to become a pole vaulting aficionado in order to even understand what an alum on his way to the 2016 Olympic games in Rio was even talking about. Little did I know that I would end up calling this story one of my best, if not my best so far.

Writing this story was tedious, as I had to conduct an interview with Shawn Barber, the subject, via email as he attends university in Ohio and is very busy not only as a student but more so as an Olympic hopeful, going from tournament to tournament. Constantly fact checking the stats provided by the NCAA as well his mother who works at the school was a challenge while trying to be as accurate about Barber’s progress from his high school career up to the point at which the article would be published for the February isssue.

Talking to an athlete of such caliber was intimidating but as his coaches assured me, he was approachable and easy to talk to and I think that alone was enough to make this article even possible to write as it felt far from that during the process of writing questions and trying to convey to readers how big of deal this is not only for the high school he graduated from, not only his supportive family, friends, and coaches, most importanly, himself.

The constant visits to the offices of his former coaches and to his mother’s class, as well as the emails exchanged to make sure helped me tell Barber’s story. When I finished, I questioned whether or not I did him and his story justice, as I felt like I still had no idea what any sport is like, never mind pole vaulting. But the thumbs up from my advisor Mrs. Ortiz was enough to let me know my efforts were enough.

After recieving such a positive response from several people in the school, including Mrs. Barber herself, I felt like I had done my job right.

She even told me that I should consider going into sports journalism. Although I do not intend on going into sports journalism, receiving such a compliment was very humbling and it reminded me that good things can come out of testing your own limits, as Barber tested his own.

Reflection 2

The year was packed with new artists making their way into the mainstream music scene. This is a breakdown of when these popular songs first hit the airwaves.

Jade Pelligrin12 showcases a few of her favorite vinyl records from her collection. Vinyl is making a comeback with many young music collectors. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Vinyl making quiet comeback

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter Since the advent of digital downloads and having access to millions of songs at their fingertips, people sometimes take the luxury of being able to have all their favorite songs in a solitary place for granted. Some would argue that the sound of the subtle crackle of a needle being placed on a revolving 12-inch wax disk before the music starts is unparalleled.

In recent years, vinyl records are making a strong comeback. Records aren’t just for seniors over 60 but seniors in high school, as more young listeners are trading the MP3 for the LP. Jade Pellegrin12 has been collecting records since her freshman year after being “interested her whole life.” She listens to music digitally, as well as on CDs and cassettes. She says that vinyl is “underappreciated” and often times it is forgotten that it paved the way for advancements in audio technology.

Among her collection, Pellegrin shared that some of her favorites include the Grease soundtrack, Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, and Corey Hart’s 1984 single “Sunglasses at Night.”

She even has Barbra Streisand’s 1969 release What About Today?, which according to Pellegrin “plays like it’s brand new” after buying it at an antique shop.

Ruairi O’Brien12 has been a collector since his junior year after buying his first record Obsidian by Baths.

His growing collection spawned from his love for making music

of his own in his project, ODAE (listen on soundcloud.com/odae, ruairiobrien.bandcamp.com).

“I wanted a turntable to make samples for my music production,” O’Brien said. “I ended up getting a lot of records.”

O’Brien’s record collection is the convergence of analogue and digital meeting each other in his music, as he orders his LPs online with the exception of the latest addition to his assemblage, CLPPNG

by Clipping.

One of his favorite O’BRIEN is Feels by Animal

Collective.

“I got that one signed by Panda Bear [founding member of Animal Collective] when I saw him at Fitzgerald’s,” O’Brien said.

He revealed that some of the records he would like to add to his growing collection are Body Riddle by Clark and Government Plates by Death Grips, which was released on Record Day last April.

He admits that listening to music on his computer is more convenient.

O’Brien said listening to music on vinyl isn’t really about the improved quality of sound many audiophiles crave.

“It’s not a matter of it sounding better,” O’Brien said. “I just like the presence of a physical thing, having something to hold in your hands. It feels a bit more direct to listen to music on vinyl because of the analogue nature of it, but that’s just me.”

December 2014

9

Reflection 2 I had high hopes of this story, as it was about something I was genuinely interested in. Since I collect vinyl records, I was sure that other people at my school did too. While trying to find other wax lovers, I realized that I might have only been one among a few. Not only that, but in the effort to meet the deadline, writing this article last minute really kept it from being as composed as I had intened.

Even at the end of the school year, I still think this topic should have been saved for the March issue as it could preview Record Store Day, which is the second Saturday of April every year. The fact that I only got two sources for an article really stirred me because it hindered the credibility of the piece but I guess it accounts for the fact vinyl is definitely not the most popular medium for music listening among students at Kingwood Park. I regret not being able to take the time to ask Jade Pelligrin, one of the students featured, more questions about her collection.

I also regret not being able to take a better picture of Ruairi O’Brien to go along with his part of the article.

If I had just managed my time better, I know I would have done my best to cover more ground with Pelligrin regarding her collection. I would have been able to visit O’Brien’s studio where he makes his own music, ask him about his writing process and what artists inspired him to pursue composing. I wanted to have him photographed with his records instead of including a tiny headshot of him taken during lunch the day I had to submit my article. Although I could write more about his collection than I could Pelligrin’s, I felt like I had not done my best to feature him.

After this experience, I learned that if I want to write about something, I have to make sure I have subject who are available willing to share, complete an interview with them and capture their photo in time for it to be published so I can write accurate article for readers to be able to know why they do something, whether it be making collecting records, making music, or anything for that matter. This piece could have been so much stronger if I had allowed myself time to write it.

Overall, I think it came out as best I could manage within such a short time frame but I know this was not some of my best work. I still wish I had planned more and put more thought into how I would accomplish this rather than simply propose writing about records.

Reflection 3

ERE TO GO, AT TO DO...

Dec. 12-13 Pop Show (7 p.m.)

Dec. 17-19 Week ease at 11:25 p.m.) esday: 1st, 2nd and 5th day: 3rd and 6th y: 4th and 7th

Jayce Green9 sits with a group of third graders to take turns reading a book about dinosaurs. Green was in a Den that was assigned Hidden Hollow Elementary during the Day of Service. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

ec. 22- Jan. 2 r Break.

Jan. 3 oast benefitting the team at the CATE 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Jan. 5 er Workday. nt holiday.

Jan. 13 t Show tryouts in torium. (3 p.m.)

Jan. 14 t Show tryouts in torium. (3 p.m.)

Jan. 19 hool in honor of uther King, Jr.

Jan. 23 t Show in the um. (7 p.m.)

Jan. 28 t Night ming freshmen.

Jan. 29 e Change Day.

Feb. 3 t Night

Kamryn Goolsby9 and Laney Grant9 receive hugs from the entire third grade class they worked with at Hidden Hollow during the Day of Service on Nov. 18. The freshmen helped the students write stories. They also read Thanksgiving books to them in preparation for the holiday season. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Avery Harlan12 tries to sneak a peek at the cards of a student she played three rounds of cards with during the Day of Service.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

KPARK earns high ranking on website WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO...

Special activities like Day of Service and Be the Change were cited for reasons that KPARK was listed among the top 14 high schools in Texas.

tion center for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder rehabilitation) and Hidden Hollow Elementary School.

Dec. 17-19 They tidied up facilities and read to children.

P Finals Week Another opportunity KPARK offers is Be the Change, which (Early release at 11:25 p.m.)

Wednesday: 1 , 2 and 5 is a day where students get together and learn things about Thursday: 3 and 6 Friday: 4 and 7

By Orianne Elliott each other that they did not know before. It is a way for stuDec. 22- Jan. 2 Staff Reporter dents to be more tolerant and accepting of others.

P Winter Break.

“The main goal of the day is for people to learn that every Jan. 3 P Pig Roast benefitting the According to the Texas Education Agency, there are more student has a story, many like each others, and hopefully talk Robotics team at the CATE (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) than 10,000 schools in Texas.CenterRecently, Kingwood Park was to people they have never talked to before,” Johnson said.

Jan.Best 5 one that made it onto theP Teacher “14Workday.

High Since KPARK has opened, it has been KPARK earns high ranking on website P Student holiday.

Schools in Texas” article on citydescribed. the engagement between tion center for those dealing withknown post-traumatic stressfor disSpecial activities like Day of Service and Be the order rehabilitation) and Hidden Hollow Elementary School.

Rankings Jan. 13 Change were cited for reasonsThe that KPARK was They tidied up facilities and read toteachers children. com. and students.

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(3 p.m.)

The article cited the student leadership aculty have worked hard to keep up the esBy Orianne Elliott each other that they did not know before. It is a way for stuto citydescribed.com.

Staff according Reporter dents to be more tolerant and accepting of others.

Jan. 14 tivities and the family-like atmosphere pushed ofthatthe “The main goal of the day is forsence people to learn every school since it first opened in P Talent Show tryouts in According to the Texas Education Agency, there are more student has a story, many like each others, and hopefully talk than 10,000 schools in Texas. Recently, Kingwood Park was to people they have never talked to2008. before,” Johnson said. the auditorium.

(3 p.m.)

KPARK past thousands of other schools and forBesttheHigh Talented and Gifted in DallasSince KPARK has opened, it has been one that made1. it School onto the “14 Schools in Texas” article on citydescribed. known for the engagement between Jan. 19 onto this list. remains a “school of choice” The Rankings com.

Students and fac2. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s teachers and students.KPARK P No school in honor of The article cited the student leadership aculty have worked hard to keep up the es“One of the KPARK StudentMartin Advisory insince the which means it allows 100 Luther King, Jr. memtivities and the family-like atmosphere pushed in Dallas. sence of the school it firstdistrict, opened in Leadership School KPARK past thousands of other schools and 2008. onto this list. 3. Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston KPARK remains a “school of choice” about (the bers, Josiah Carroll11, e-mailed me students per grade level to transfer in Jan. 23 “One of the KPARK Student Advisory memin the district, which means it allows 100 P Talent Show in the , e-mailed of me about (the and Engineering Magnet bers, Josiah Carroll students per grade level to transfer in 4. School Science rankings),” superintendent Dr. Guy from of the KPARK attendance auditorium.

(7 p.m.) Sconzo rankings),” superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo from outside of the KPARKoutside attendance said. “If it weren’t for him, I don’t know when zone. in Dallas said. “If it weren’t for him, I don’tJan.know when zone.

I would have found out about it. I vividly reThis year with more than 1,700 stu28 member reading Josiah’s e-mail and thinking dents, the maximum number of students P Parent Night 5. Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health so excited and proud! At was reached and a waiting list of students I would have found out about it. Ifreshmen. vividly WOW re- and feeling This year with more than 1,700 stufor incoming the same time, I really was not at all surprised.” wanting to transfer was created. The Professions The link to the article was postedinonHouston Faceamount of transfer students wishing to member reading Josiah’s e-mail and thinking dents, the maximum number of students book, which got more than 6,000 shares, and attend KPARK has gradually increased Jan. 29 6. Westlake Academy in Westlake eventually reached associate principal Brian every year, showing that the word of the the Change Day. WOW and feeling so excitedP Beand proud! Johnson At via email.7. YES Prep North Central in Houston school is traveling around. was reached and a waiting list of students “The opportunities, such as Day of Service, Sconzo said maintaining that excellence Feb. 3 that we definitely make us unlike is on both thewanting students and faculty each the same time, I really was notPat all surprised. ” offer here8.schools, to transfer was created. The Kingwood ParkthatHigh School other traditional it’s the thing year.

Parent Night makes us KPARK,” Johnson said.

“The challenge is that as new students 9th-11th graders.on FaceThe link to the article was forposted The Day of Service is a yearlyHills event inPreparatory which and new staffamount join the Kingwoodof Park transfer students wishing to 9. North in Irving freshmen and Panther Pals have the opportufamily, it will continue to be a literally evnity to leave the10. campus andScience serve the community.

This year, eryday Texas job of working at keeping everything the KPARK way,” book, which got more than 6,000 shares, and attend KPARK has gradually increased The Academy of South in students went to locations such as Camp Hope (a rehabilita- he said. eventually reached associate principal Brian Mercedes every year, showing that the word of the 2 11. Eastwood Academy High School in Johnson via email. school is traveling around.

“The opportunities, such as Day of Service, Houston Sconzo said maintaining that excellence that we offer here definitely make us unlike 12. IDEA Frontier College Preparatory in is on both the students and faculty each Brownsville other traditional schools, it’s the thing that year.

Dec. 12-13 P Choir Pop Show (7 p.m.)

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Jayce Green9 sits with a group of third graders to take turns reading a book about dinosaurs. Green was in a Den that was assigned Hidden Hollow Elementary during the Day of Service. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

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Kamryn Goolsby9 and Laney Grant9 receive hugs from the entire third grade class they worked with at Hidden Hollow during the Day of Service on Nov. 18. The freshmen helped the students write stories. They also read Thanksgiving books to them in preparation for the holiday season. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

The list of the top 14 high schools in Texas, according to citydescribed.com.

11

December 2014

1. School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas 2. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas.

3. Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston 4. School of Science and Engineering Magnet in Dallas 5. Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston 6. Westlake Academy in Westlake 7. YES Prep North Central in Houston 8. Kingwood Park High School 9. North Hills Preparatory in Irving 10. The Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes 11. Eastwood Academy High School in Houston 12. IDEA Frontier College Preparatory in Brownsville 13. KIPP Houston High School in Houston 14. YES Prep, Southwest Campus in Houston

Avery Harlan12 tries to sneak a peek at the cards of a student she played three rounds of cards with during the Day of Service.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Reflection 3 Although I was sometimes too afraid to dabble in photography too much this year, I’m really happy that I accepted the opportunity to take photos during the Kingwood Park Day of Service, when freshman help out throughtout the city of Houston. I got to stay with a group that was helping third graders at Hidden Hollown Elementary. It was honor to be able to witness such philanthropy and have photos featured in the newsmagazine.

The largest photo, featuring freshmen Kamryn Goolsby and Laney Grant was one of my favorites because it was taken after the two high school students told the group elementary students they had been working with all day that they were going back their own school. The entire group gave a disappointed, “Aw!’ in unison before getting out of their tiny desks to hug the two girls who helped them that day. The students immediately flocked to hug them, almost spilling out the frame of the picture.

The photo in the upper right is of freshman Jayce Green with a group of students in the hallway, right outside their class. The kids were so attached to him and listened very attentively as he narrated stories about dinosaurs and helped them sound out difficult words when it was their turn to read aloud. One aspect of this photo I really enjoy is that it is on the level that kid sitting on the floor could see from, like the viewer is among the group. I sat down on the ground with them and clicked away with my camera, trying not to interrupt their session.

The photo beneath that, showing senior Avery Harlan with playing cards with a student is also one that I can admire because off the conspicuous way she peeks at her oponent’s cards. The student she was playing with was very sweet but played with strategy that let him win that round. I think this photo captures the playful but caring air that was there that day in at Hidden Hollow.

Clips

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io

and bones of those who died in the Alamo as well as soldiers during the War for Mexican Indepedence have been found.

In the back of the cathedral are walls in which bodies were also reportedly buried. When looking closely at the walls, onlookers can make out some of the faces of those they believe are buried within the walls themselves.

Clips Photo by Orianne Elliott

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas

William Menger Suite, Room 2041 s San Antonio

Located on the second floor of the Menger Hotel, this is one of the most haunted rooms. One guest two months ago got out of the shower to find a woman sitting at the foot of her bed folding her sheets. She rushed in her towel to the lobby upset.

As she described the woman, it was clear to staff that it was the former chamber maid Sallie White making another appearance. White was murdered in 1876 but there are still sightings of her in the hotel today.

“The aesthetic of the hotel definitely added to the spook factor of the overall tour,” Orianne Elliott12 said. “It was so pretty, yet because it was so old-fashioned it made it super creepy at the same time.”

Haunted houses are not the only way to get spooked. Ghost tours are available year-round throughout Humble, San Antonio

arded as the most haunted hotel in Texas. Guests n. It is believed to house 32 spirits, including those lt, who used to recruit roughriders in the hotel bar. id Sallie White, who was killed by her husband. She is s in the middle of the night. were in the Menger and a man on the tour was trying he tried to focus, little orbs would shoot across the said.

In Search of a Scare

San Fernando Cathedral

and other parts of Texas. They offer a side of history not widely spoken about – a glimpse of the darker parts of history. Spirits will sometimes make their presence known on the tours and sightings of orbs and other strange things appear in photos at times.

KP Times staff members went on a local ghost tour and a San Antonio ghost tour to record part of that history.

oliday Inn Express) s San Antonio

San Antonio

n the same building that housed the county jail from 1869 until the nt windows. Hangings used to take place on the third floor (currently enced to hang were dropped through a trap door to the second floor, Clemente Apolinar death (in what is now room 204.)

Charles Bender High s Humble mente Apolinar, who is said to have committed Charle Bender High School opened in 1930 and containedthe 20 class-most gruesome murder in San Antonio rooms. It served as the district’s high school until 1965 when Humble was built. One ofhead its co-builders was C.W.almost Ennis. He left Germany ore Bernhardt. After Apolinar’s was severed during his hanging, they deemed without telling any of his relatives and settled in Humble. Years after he passed, his grandchildren, unbenounced to them, moved into d using the widely accepted McKay Clinic s Humble the houseelectric directly behind thechair high school.instead.

Knowing nothing of their The backyard of the McKay Hospital is like walking though a heavy fog. It’s gloomy and eerie - matching grandfather, they were shocked when one of the grandson’s wives the devastating history. Many died from causes often didn’t add up. It is believed realized the family name was on the side of many of the people put to finally death there.

Ashes ofthe building. those who diedstoriesonin itssite arepeopleburied inthatthe that patients were mistreated or neglected - especially those who had no ties to the oil industry that was running the town at the time. The building remains as a historical sight today. .

“The clinic/hospital caused an overwhelming sense of sadness,” Rachel Dams said.

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Founded in 1731, this is the oldest operating Catholic cathedral in the nation. Inside, bodies and bones of those who died in the Alamo as well as soldiers during the War for Mexican Indepedence have been found.

In the back of the cathedral are walls in which bodies were also reportedly buried. When looking closely at the walls, onlookers can make out some of the faces of those they believe are buried within the walls themselves.

Photo by Orianne Elliott

12

Menger Hotel s San Antonio

Photo by Orianne Elliott Photo by Orianne Elliott

5

Built in 1859, the Menger is widely regarded as the most haunted hotel in Texas. Guests still stay on site, and tours are often given. It is believed to house 32 spirits, including those of frequent guests like Theodore Roosevelt, who used to recruit roughriders in the hotel bar.

The most commonly seen is chamber maid Sallie White, who was killed by her husband. She is often seen by guests cleaning their rooms in the middle of the night.

“I thought it was interesting when we were in the Menger and a man on the tour was trying to take a picture on his phone. Each time he tried to focus, little orbs would shoot across the screen and then vanish,” Amber Dalton12 said.

October 2014

Pearson House s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

A house in the midst of Humble is widely believed to be haunted, according to ghost tours conducted in the area. The lights in the house mysteriously get turned on and off, doors open and shut on their own and even the television comes on when no one is around. Many believe it is caused by the daughter of previous owners, who was mentally disabled. She was not allowed to leave the house and she eventually passed away inside. Many believe her spirit still wanders around the house to this day.

The first bank in Humble s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

The first Humble bank mysteriously burned down after the oil industry took over the town. There was much speculation but it was never confirmed what started the fire. Many of the citizens held disdain for the bank because they weren’t in the oil field. Many town leaders were a part of the freemasons and condoned slave work. There was little to no actual dollars circulating in the town. It was mainly oil industry cash, which was the only currency accepted in stores and at the bank.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas

William Menger Suite, Room 2041 s San Antonio

Located on the second floor of the Menger Hotel, this is one of the most haunted rooms. One guest two months ago got out of the shower to find a woman sitting at the foot of her bed folding her sheets. She rushed in her towel to the lobby upset.

As she described the woman, it was clear to staff that it was the former chamber maid Sallie White making another appearance. White was murdered in 1876 but there are still sightings of her in the hotel today.

“The aesthetic of the hotel definitely added to the spook factor of the overall tour,” Orianne Elliott12 said. “It was so pretty, yet because it was so old-fashioned it made it super creepy at the same time.”

Bexar County Jail (now Holiday Inn Express) s San Antonio The Holiday Inn Express is now located in the same building that housed the county jail from 1869 until the 1960s. Prison bars remain on all of its front windows. Hangings used to take place on the third floor (currently room 304 of the Holiday Inn). Those sentenced to hang were dropped through a trap door to the second floor, Clemente Apolinar where family and friends could view the death (in what is now room 204.)

In 1923, the last person hanged was Clemente Apolinar, who is said to have committed the most gruesome murder in San Antonio history when he killed 14-year-old Theodore Bernhardt. After Apolinar’s head was almost severed during his hanging, they deemed the punishment as inhumane, and started using the widely accepted electric chair instead.

The hotel is said to still be haunted by many of the people put to death there. Ashes of those who died on site are buried in the ground below what is now the hotel pool.

Photo by Orianne Elliott

4 October 2014

October 2014

5

They also had snacks and candy

Clips Snow White, otherwise known as teacher Tiffany Major, takes care of her yet to be eaten deadly dark apple. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

Brown11, Madisen Hayes9 and Jade Pellegrin12 – found at Trunk or Treat on Oct. 24. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

Rodrigo Castillo10, Jake Towsend12 and Brock Forbau10 are ready to tackle whatever comes their way as ghostbusters this season.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Powerpuff Girls unite! Seneca Fisher11, Breanne Mackert11 and Heather Vance10 dress up as the famous trio to score some candy. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas

king blue. Kobi McNutt11 and Gracia Grohn10 showed up urfs. Photo by Orianne Elliott

he most embarrassing Halloween costume you ever wore?

Trunk or Treat

In the spirit of Halloween, Best Buddies held a Trunk or Treat for students and members of the community Oct. 24. The club members dressed up and played games. They also had snacks and candy to pass out.

Snow White, otherwise known as teacher Tiffany Major, takes care of her yet to be eaten deadly dark apple. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

“My most embarrassing costume was an Ostrich when I was 12. It was embarrassing because I was an ostrich.”

“When I was 4, I was a cat.

I wore white sweat pants, a shirt with pink dots and cat ears.”

- Julia Neff 9

- Hunter Dodgen

10

“One year I was the Hamburglar from McDonalds.

It was really embarrassing because people made fun of me. I was 3 years old.”

The three blind mice – Kaitlyn Brown11, Madisen Hayes9 and Jade Pellegrin12 – found games and fun during their night at Trunk or Treat on Oct. 24. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

“When I was 9, I was an egg. I was really embarrassed because I fell and couldn’t get back up. ”

- Madison Alexander 12

“When I was 20, I went to a party dressed as a sailor.

There were around 20 real sailors there. They started asking me questions and I eventually had to tell them I wasn’t a real sailor.”

Rodrigo Castillo10, Jake Towsend12 and Brock Forbau10 are ready to tackle whatever comes their way as ghostbusters this season.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Powerpuff Girls unite! Seneca Fisher11, Breanne Mackert11 and Heather Vance10 dress up as the famous trio to score some candy. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas

- Patrick Bellard

12

1

- teacher Matthew Bennett

Not feeling blue, but more like looking blue. Kobi McNutt11 and Gracia Grohn10 showed up to trick or treat dressed as the Smurfs. Photo by Orianne Elliott

What is the most embarrassing Halloween costume you ever wore?

“When I was 6, I was Mike Wazowski and my head was the eyeball and it was really embarrassing because I walked around like a big green M&M.”

- Maggie Mueller11

6 October 2014

“My most embarrassing costume was an Ostrich when I was 12. It was embarrassing because I was an ostrich.”

- Hunter Dodgen10

“When I was 4, I was a cat.

I wore white sweat pants, a shirt with pink dots and cat ears.”

- Julia Neff 9

“One year I was the Hamburglar from McDonalds.

It was really embarrassing because people made fun of me. I was 3 years old.”

- Patrick Bellard12

“When I was 9, I was an egg. I was really embarrassed because I fell and couldn’t get back up. ”

- Madison Alexander 12

“When I was 20, I went to a party dressed as a sailor.

There were around 20 real sailors there. They started asking me questions and I eventually had to tell them I wasn’t a real sailor.”

- teacher Matthew Bennett

Clips

ERE TO GO, AT TO DO...

Dec. 12-13 Pop Show (7 p.m.)

Dec. 17-19 s Week lease at 11:25 p.m.) nesday: 1st, 2nd and 5th sday: 3rd and 6th ay: 4th and 7th

Jayce Green9 sits with a group of third graders to take turns reading a book about dinosaurs. Green was in a Den that was assigned Hidden Hollow Elementary during the Day of Service. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

ec. 22- Jan. 2 er Break.

Jan. 3 oast benefitting the s team at the CATE 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Jan. 5 her Workday. ent holiday.

Jan. 13 t Show tryouts in itorium. (3 p.m.)

Jan. 14 t Show tryouts in itorium. (3 p.m.)

Jan. 19 hool in honor of Luther King, Jr.

Jan. 23 t Show in the um. (7 p.m.)

Jan. 28 nt Night ming freshmen.

Jan. 29 he Change Day.

Feb. 3 nt Night

Kamryn Goolsby9 and Laney Grant9 receive hugs from the entire third grade class they worked with at Hidden Hollow during the Day of Service on Nov. 18. The freshmen helped the students write stories. They also read Thanksgiving books to them in preparation for the holiday season. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

Avery Harlan12 tries to sneak a peek at the cards of a student she played three rounds of cards with during the Day of Service.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

KPARK earns high ranking on website WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO...

Special activities like Day of Service and Be the Change were cited for reasons that KPARK was listed among the top 14 high schools in Texas.

tion center for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder rehabilitation) and Hidden Hollow Elementary School.

Dec. 17-19 P Finals Week They tidied up facilities and read to children.

(Early release at 11:25 p.m.)

Another opportunity KPARK offers is Be the Change, which Wednesday: 1 , 2 and 5 Thursday: 3 and 6 is a day where students get together and learn things about Friday: 4 and 7

By Orianne each other that they did not know before. It is a way for stuDec. 22-Elliott Jan. 2 Break.

StaffP Winter Reporter dents to be more tolerant and accepting of others.

Jan. 3 “The main goal of the day is for people to learn that every P Pig Roast benefitting the Robotics team at the CATEAgency, there are more According to the Texas Education student has a story, many like each others, and hopefully talk Center (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) than 10,000 schools in Texas. Recently, Kingwood Park was to people they have never talked to before,” Johnson said.

Jan. 5 one that made it onto the “14 Since KPARK has opened, it has been P Teacher Workday.Best High KPARK earns high ranking on website P Student holiday. tion center for those dealing withknown post-traumatic stress disSchools in Texas” article on citydescribed. for the engagement between Special activities like Day of Service and Be the order rehabilitation) and Hidden Hollow Elementary School.

Jan. 13 Change were cited for reasons that KPARK was The Rankings They tidied up facilities and read to children. com. teachers and students. Students and facP Talent Show tryouts in Another opportunity KPARK offers is Be the Change, which listed among the top highofschools in Texas. is a day where students get together and learn things about The14list the top 14 high schools in Texas, the auditorium. (3 p.m.)

The article cited the student leadership achard to keep up the esBy Orianne Elliott each other that they did not knowulty before. Ithave is a way forworked stuStaff Reporter dents to be more tolerant and accepting of others. according to citydescribed.com.

Jan. 14 tivities and the family-like atmosphere pushed “The main goal of the day is forsence people to learn that every school since it first opened in of the P Talent Show tryouts in According to the Texas Education Agency, there are more student has a story, many like each others, and hopefully talk than 10,000 schools in Texas. Recently, Kingwood Park was to people they have never talked to2008. before,” Johnson said. auditorium. schools (3 p.m.)

KPARK past thousands of theother and one that made it1. onto the “14for Bestthe HighTalented and Gifted in Dallas Since KPARK has opened, it has been School Schools in Texas” article on citydescribed. known for the engagement between Jan. 19 onto this list.

The Rankings com.

Students and fac-remains a “school of choice” 2. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s teachers and students.KPARK P No school in honor of The article cited the student leadership aculty have worked hard to keep up the es“One of the KPARK Student Advisory memin since theit firstdistrict, which means it allows 100 Martin Luther King, Jr. tivities and the family-like atmosphere pushed in Dallas. sence of the school opened in Leadership School KPARK past thousands of other schools and 2008. this list.

KPARK remains a “school of choice” bers, Josiah Carroll11, e-mailed Jan. me23 about onto (the students per grade level to transfer in 3.

Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston “One of the KPARK Student Advisory memin the district, which means it allows 100 Talent Show in the (the bers, Josiah Carroll4., e-mailed students per from grade level tooutside transfer in Schoolmeofabout Science and Engineering Magnet rankings),” superintendentPauditorium.

Dr. (7Guy Sconzo of the KPARK attendance p.m.) rankings),” superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo from outside of the KPARK attendance said. “If it weren’t for I don’t know when zone. in him, Dallas said. “If it weren’t for him, I don’t know when zone.

I would have found out about it. I vividly reThis year with more than 1,700 stuJan. 28 member reading Josiah’s e-mail andE. thinking dents, the maximum number of students 5.

Michael DeBakey High School for Health P Parent Night I would have found out about it.

I vividly reThis year with more than 1,700 stuWOW and feeling so excited and proud! At was reached and a waiting list of students for incoming freshmen. the same time, I really was not at all surprised. ” wanting to transfer was created. The Professions in Houston The link to the article was posted on Faceamount of transfer students the wishingmaximum to member reading Josiah’s e-mail and thinking dents, number of students book, which got more than 6,000 shares, and attend KPARK has gradually increased Jan. 29 6. Westlake Academy in Westlake eventually reached associate principal Brian every year, showing that the word of the P Be the and Change Day.proud!

WOW and feeling so excited At was reached and a waiting list of students Johnson via email.7. YES Prep North Central in Houston school is traveling around.

“The opportunities, such as Day of Service, Sconzo said maintaining that excellence the same time, I really was not atFeb.all3 surprised. that we ” offer here8. definitely make us Park unlike High School is on both thewanting students and faculty to each transfer was created. The Kingwood other traditional schools, it’s the thing that year.

P Parent Night makes us KPARK,”9.

Johnson said.Hills Preparatory in Irving The link to the article was posted “The challenge is that as new students amount of transfer students wishing to for 9th-11th graders. on FaceNorth The Day of Service is a yearly event in which and new staff join the Kingwood Park the opportuto be a literally evbook, which got more than 6,000 shares,freshmen andand Panther attend KPARK has gradually increased 10.Pals ThehaveScience Academy of South Texas infamily, it will continue nity to leave the campus and serve the community. This year, eryday job of working at keeping everything the KPARK way,” students went to locations such as Camp Hope (a rehabilita- he said.

Mercedes eventually reached associate principal Brian every year, showing that the word of the 11. Eastwood Academy High School in 2 Johnson via email. school is traveling around.

“The opportunities, such as Day of Service, Houston Sconzo said maintaining that excellence that we offer here definitely make us unlike 12. IDEA Frontier College Preparatory in is on both the students and faculty each Brownsville other traditional schools, it’s the thing that 13. KIPP Houston High School in Houston year.

Dec. 12-13 P Choir Pop Show (7 p.m.)

st

nd

rd

th

Jayce Green9 sits with a group of third graders to take turns reading a book about dinosaurs. Green was in a Den that was assigned Hidden Hollow Elementary during the Day of Service. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

th

th

th

Kamryn Goolsby9 and Laney Grant9 receive hugs from the entire third grade class they worked with at Hidden Hollow during the Day of Service on Nov. 18. The freshmen helped the students write stories. They also read Thanksgiving books to them in preparation for the holiday season. Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

The list of the top 14 high schools in Texas, according to citydescribed.com.

11

December 2014

1. School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas 2. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas.

3. Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston 4. School of Science and Engineering Magnet in Dallas 5. Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston 6. Westlake Academy in Westlake 7. YES Prep North Central in Houston 8. Kingwood Park High School 9. North Hills Preparatory in Irving 10. The Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes 11. Eastwood Academy High School in Houston 12. IDEA Frontier College Preparatory in Brownsville 13. KIPP Houston High School in Houston 14. YES Prep, Southwest Campus in Houston

Avery Harlan12 tries to sneak a peek at the cards of a student she played three rounds of cards with during the Day of Service.

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas.

White Christmas - Josella Lane (Saturday) Skinny Love - Marissa Cano (both) You and I - Eva Cornell (Friday) Open Up the Heavens - Emily Folse (Saturday)

Clips

Eva Cornell12 sings during fifth period choir. The students were preparing for the Pop Show, which will take place tonight and tomorrow night in the Auditorium. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

Little Saint Nick - Men To Make You Feel My Love - Karah Womack (both) Almost Lover - Jada Inman (Friday) Die Alone - Avery & Nina Arntsen It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas - Cantare/ Bel Canto Women

Senior songstress spreads her wings

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter

“She also knows her strengths as a singer. I think she is working to expand her confidence - singing in front of others. I don’t care what anyone says, singing in front of As an employee at Taco Bell, she has been deemed by your friends is the most difficult thing you can do.” her friends as “The Burrito Whisperer.” She is a self proCornell admitted she does get a little stage fright. claimed pun master with dreams of that skill someday “I do get nervous but it all goes away when I start singhelping her become a cast member of Saturday Night ing,” said Cornell. “Much like Beyoncé, I have a stage persona like Sasha Fierce.”

Live, and her talents don’t stop there.

In tonight’s big Pop Show in the Senior Eva Cornell’s singing voice makes Performing Arts Center, Corher a triple threat, as she is Soprano 1 in nell will perform with her friend the varsity women’s choir, ARIOSO. Summer Smith, who call’s Cor“I’ve been in choir since 5th grade. But nell “a colorful character.”

I’ve been singing forever,” said Cornell The duo will be performing while putting her hand over heart. the Christmas classic, “I Want a Choir director Benjamin Fahnders has Hippopotamus For Christmas” been teaching Cornell for two and a half while wearing hippo costumes. years and describes her as “hilarious and “When we tried out for Pop very dedicated.”

Show, Mr. Fahnders gave us a “Eva has a marvelous, rich tone,” said standing ovation,” said Smith.

Fahnders. “She also knows her strengths Cornell and Smith are seniors as a singer, and picks repertoire for her this year and they will be very own voice very well.” missed by their fellow choral Cornell describes her singing style as friends. “soft” and cites Ingrid Michaelson as one “We have an awesome choir of her many musical influences.

“My voice is kind of like me, if that - choir director Benjamin Fahnders because of students like Eva,” Fahnders said. “She is always makes sense,” said Cornell. pushing herself to be better, and She is an avid music lover, who loves listening to Bastille, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, My Chem- as a result the organization benefits She will certainly be ical Romance, Queen, and McFly (to name a few). Her missed when she graduates.”

Cornell plans to become a counselor, news anchor, psydiverse taste in music has helped her pick songs that normally wouldn’t be part of the typical choral performance. chiatrist or cast member on SNL after college.

To any students who wanted to be in choir or any of Many people, including her choir director, admire her the other fine arts, Cornell says they should follow their for being a bit off-the-wall with her song choices.

“As a performer, I would describe Eva as bold,” Fahn- dreams too.

“Do you what you want to do,” said Cornell. “Don’t ders said. “She always picks music that is a little removed from the mainstream but sounds wonderful. It takes guts do something just because your friends are. Just enjoy yourself.” to not pick a crazy popular song.

“We have an awesome choir because of students like Eva. She is always pushing herself to be better, and as a result the organization benefits.”

8 December 2014

Hometown Glory - Maggie Mueller (both) Carols - Madrigal Singers I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas - Eva Cornell/ Summer Smith (both) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Silver Bells Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Lexi Clidienst/Jacob McMaster (both) Stuck Like Glue - Kristen Meaux (Friday) Wait For Me - Emma Hardy (Saturday) White Winter Hymnal - Rhiannon O’Brien/Julia Rivera/Helena Vassiliades (both) Nutcracker Jingles- ARIOSO ACT TWO Radioactive - Everyone (soloist TBD) Feelin’ Good - Victoria Becker (Friday) Riptide - Helena Vassiliades (Saturday) Then - Nathanael Wilkinson (Friday) Do You Hear What I Hear? - Kayla Conley (Saturday) Grown Up Christmas List - Silver Bells (soloist TBD) Chanukah song - Katlin Stanley (both) So This Love - Laura Walker (Friday) Not About Angels - Stephanie Carnes (Saturday) Royals - ARIOSO Flowers in Your Hair - Lynn Brandon (Friday) Please Come Home For Christmas - Austin Havis (Saturday) Silent Night - All women Senior Slideshow Somewhere in My Memory - Everyone

POP SHOW On Friday and Saturday night, the choir will perform their Pop Show in the Auditorium at 7 p.m.

ACT ONE We Need a Little Christmas - Everyone Under the Mistletoe - Breiana Jackson (Friday) White Christmas - Josella Lane (Saturday) Skinny Love - Marissa Cano (both) You and I - Eva Cornell (Friday) Open Up the Heavens - Emily Folse (Saturday) Little Saint Nick - Men

Eva Cornell12 sings during fifth period choir. The students were preparing for the Pop Show, which will take place tonight and tomorrow night in the Auditorium. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

To Make You Feel My Love - Karah Womack (both) Almost Lover - Jada Inman (Friday) Die Alone - Avery & Nina Arntsen It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas - Cantare/ Bel Canto Women

Senior songstress spreads her wings

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter

“She also knows her strengths as a singer. I think she is working to expand her confidence - singing in front of others. I don’t care what anyone says, singing in front of As an employee at Taco Bell, she has been deemed by your friends is the most difficult thing you can do.” her friends as “The Burrito Whisperer.” She is a self proCornell admitted she does get a little stage fright. claimed pun master with dreams of that skill someday “I do get nervous but it all goes away when I start singhelping her become a cast member of Saturday Night ing,” said Cornell. “Much like Beyoncé, I have a stage Live, and her talents don’t stop there. persona like Sasha Fierce.”

Senior Eva Cornell’s singing voice makes In tonight’s big Pop Show in the her a triple threat, as she is Soprano 1 in Performing Arts Center, Corthe varsity women’s choir, ARIOSO. nell will perform with her friend “I’ve been in choir since 5th grade. But Summer Smith, who call’s CorI’ve been singing forever,” said Cornell nell “a colorful character.” while putting her hand over heart.

The duo will be performing Choir director Benjamin Fahnders has the Christmas classic, “I Want a been teaching Cornell for two and a half Hippopotamus For Christmas” years and describes her as “hilarious and while wearing hippo costumes. very dedicated.”

“When we tried out for Pop “Eva has a marvelous, rich tone,” said Show, Mr. Fahnders gave us a Fahnders. “She also knows her strengths standing ovation,” said Smith. as a singer, and picks repertoire for her Cornell and Smith are seniors own voice very well.” this year and they will be very Cornell describes her singing style as missed by their fellow choral “soft” and cites Ingrid Michaelson as one friends. of her many musical influences.

“We have an awesome choir “My voice is kind of like me, if that - choir director Benjamin Fahnders because of students like Eva,” makes sense,” said Cornell.

Fahnders said. “She is always She is an avid music lover, who loves lispushing herself to be better, and tening to Bastille, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, My Chem- as a result the organization benefits She will certainly be ical Romance, Queen, and McFly (to name a few). Her missed when she graduates.” diverse taste in music has helped her pick songs that norCornell plans to become a counselor, news anchor, psymally wouldn’t be part of the typical choral performance. chiatrist or cast member on SNL after college.

Many people, including her choir director, admire her To any students who wanted to be in choir or any of for being a bit off-the-wall with her song choices. the other fine arts, Cornell says they should follow their “As a performer, I would describe Eva as bold,” Fahn- dreams too. ders said. “She always picks music that is a little removed “Do you what you want to do,” said Cornell. “Don’t from the mainstream but sounds wonderful. It takes guts do something just because your friends are. Just enjoy to not pick a crazy popular song. yourself.”

“We have an awesome choir because of students like Eva. She is always pushing herself to be better, and as a result the organization benefits.”

8 December 2014

Hometown Glory - Maggie Mueller (both) Carols - Madrigal Singers I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas - Eva Cornell/ Summer Smith (both) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Silver Bells Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Lexi Clidienst/Jacob McMaster (both) Stuck Like Glue - Kristen Meaux (Friday) Wait For Me - Emma Hardy (Saturday) White Winter Hymnal - Rhiannon O’Brien/Julia Rivera/Helena Vassiliades (both) Nutcracker Jingles- ARIOSO ACT TWO Radioactive - Everyone (soloist TBD) Feelin’ Good - Victoria Becker (Friday) Riptide - Helena Vassiliades (Saturday) Then - Nathanael Wilkinson (Friday) Do You Hear What I Hear? - Kayla Conley (Saturday) Grown Up Christmas List - Silver Bells (soloist TBD) Chanukah song - Katlin Stanley (both) So This Love - Laura Walker (Friday) Not About Angels - Stephanie Carnes (Saturday) Royals - ARIOSO Flowers in Your Hair - Lynn Brandon (Friday) Please Come Home For Christmas - Austin Havis (Saturday) Silent Night - All women Senior Slideshow Somewhere in My Memory - Everyone

Clips WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO...

Feb. 14 P HOSA Spring Leadership Conference (6 a.m.-2 p.m.)

P All State Choir (7 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Feb. 16 P NO SCHOOL- President’s Day Feb. 19 P NHS Leadership Conference (3-5:30 p.m.)

Feb. 21 P Project Grad Senior Dinner (7-10 p.m.)

Feb. 26 P Blood Drive (7 a.m.-3 p.m.)

P Balfour Graduation Event (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

P Letter Jacket Fitting (Lunch) P Girls Basketball Banquet (6-9 p.m.)

Feb. 28 P Theater UIL Festival (6 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Mar. 2-4 P Cheerleader Tryout Clinic (4:30-6:30 p.m.)

Mar. 2 P Boys Basketball Banquet (7-9 p.m.)

Mar. 5 P Cheerleader Tryouts (4-10 p.m.)

Mar. 6 P March Madness pep rally Mar. 9-13 P SPRING BREAK- NO SCHOOL Mar. 21 P Best Buddies Talent Show (7-11 p.m.)

Mar. 25 P Theater UIL Contest at Porter High School (8-11 a.m.)

Mar. 26 P Pre-UIL Band Concert (7-9 p.m.)

2 February 2015

English teacher takes home top honor Deirdre Himel, who teaches English IV and Writing Strategies, is named campus Teacher of the Year.

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter During her 29 years of dedication to teaching English, Deirdre Himel has devoted her time to educating students and creating a personalized learning experience for each of them.

“I’ve never wanted to do anything else but teach kids how to write and to read better,” Himel said. “I think all kids have that spark in them, it just needs to be awoken.”

Himel was awarded the Teacher of the Year honor after receiving many nominations from her students and being voted by fellow staff members. She was left speechless after the announcement.

“I don’t even have words, it’s so emotional and it means so much to me,” Himel said.

While staying in the English department for her entire teaching career, Himel has taught everything from AP to English strategies. Strategies of Writing is a new class which focuses on those who struggle with certain writing techniques.

Casey Langford12 is in English IV and gets to experience Himel’s individualized style of teaching every morning in first period.

“She is very interactive with her students and she likes to relate things from the real world into her teaching,” Langford said. “All of her students respect her, that’s probably why she got Teacher of the Year. She knows how to run a class. From what I’ve seen, all of the students respect her and she respects us.”

Himel creates a thought-provoking environment in her class, trying to get students to outdo themselves.

Veteran English teacher Dee Dee Himel works with students during fifth period in her “I was in pre-AP English freshman year when I had her, and she classroom near the library. Himel was named the campus’ Teacher of the Year. She will go made it challenging for us,” Langford said. “You felt rewarded on to compete for the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. Photo by Orianne Elliott. when you got a good grade in her class and it’s and good feeling.

“I’m in English IV now and she pushes you as well in it, and Himel tries to incorporate classic and contemporary methods she’s consistent with her care. It’s definitely not a boring class.”

Students and teachers alike praise Himel for the attention she in her lessons as she is a firm believer in basic foundations but gives to everyone under her wing. English academic lead teacher complements them with modern twists.

“I would say that it is a mixture of traditional old school Cathy Buck commends Himel for providing a personalized and new, fun engaging activities,” Himel said. “I really believe learning experience for each of her pupils.

“She tailors her class to the specific needs of her students,” in the basics of good sound and grammar. You can’t write well unless you’re well-trained and constructing Buck said. “She’ll look at test scores and figure correctly written sentences and paragraphs. out what areas the students need help in the But then, take it to the next level. Get creative, most.” have fun with writing.”

Buck looks up to Himel and is inspired by the The teacher understands that some students veteran teacher. might not feel as strongly about rhetoric as “I view her as a mentor and an expert teacher,” she does but she emphasizes the importance Buck said. “If I have to ask myself a question of these skills. As an avid writer, Himel while I’m watching my students I ask myself, encourages students to write about anything ‘What would Mrs. Himel do?’” that compels them.

Even after teaching for nearly three decades, “Writing helps [students] articulate their Himel said she learns inventive new methods thoughts and express themselves and get to from the up and coming teachers in her - Dierdre Himel where they want to be,” Himel said. “It’s really department. exciting to see how maybe when they were in “They have wonderful fun, innovative ideas the classroom, they didn’t understand how about how to reach kids, things I’ve never thought of in 29 years,” Himel said. “I’m learning a lot from the much they would use this in real life; but to be able to express younger teachers. It’s the best feeling in the world to know that yourself better really gives you a lot of power and control over your life.” the future of education is in good hands.”

“I think all kids have that spark in them, it just needs to be awoken.”

Clips Panther pole vaults to victory

Former alum Shawn Barber competes for Akron.

Barber won the NCAA Indoor pole vaulting Championship as a sophomore and currently holds the collegiate record when he cleared 19 feet 3.5 inches on February 7. Photo by Jeff Harwell.

Shawn Barber, who graduated in 2012, continues breaking national and international records.

T

By Joshlyn Thomas

rack and field coach Jason Myers couldn’t believe what he was seeing the night his student athlete Shawn Barber placed his State Championship pole vaulting medal around his neck. Barber never wore his medals even after placing fourth his sophomore year and second his junior year. But that night in IHOP, Barber let himself relish the victory.

“I didn’t wear my medals around because I wanted to keep my head down and focus on getting better and better,” said Barber, now a pole vaulter at the University of Akron after they gave him a scholarship in the sport. “I finally let myself celebrate a bit after winning the State meet [in 2012]. I even treated myself to the worst t-bone steak and eggs I have ever had. They make great pancakes but the steak and eggs that day were not great.”

Three years later, little has changed except the size of the medals. Now, those medals hang from an old pole vaulting pole in the weight room at his father’s house, where he first learned about the sport.

Barber stole the show at the Akron Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a jump of 19-foot-3.5, breaking his Stile Athletics Field House record set at the Akron Pole Vault Convention on Jan. 10, as well as his own Canadian National record (19-3) set at the Texas Expo Vault on Jan. 3. with a jump of 19-foot-3 in at the Texas Pole Vault Expo. Barber is expected to represent Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I told [Barber] to get me a ticket if he goes,” boys cross country and track coach Chris Elliott said. “He’s such a great athlete physically and mentally.”

Barber’s goals require rigorous training and equally important down time.

“I just have to stay healthy and keep having fun!” Barber said.

The humility and easygoing attitude

10 October 2014

Barber demonstrates is backed by the relentless desire to do his best.

“He was very unassuming. He wasn’t cocky or arrogant,” Elliott said. “He was just Shawn Barber. So many people in his position would let that get to their head but he didn’t.”

Not only did he pole vault, but he played volleyball, soccer and even went to State as a diver. As an avid athlete Barber said he ended up with “too many injuries to count.”

Myers recalled one instance when Barber injured his foot while helping his father re-tile a floor right before the State track meet during his junior year.

“He was hurt and you could tell,” said Myers, who coached him in pole vaulting. “He snaked it out and got second place. It was painful to watch, but he made it.”

No stranger to athletic abrasions, Barber never let them get in the way of his goals. Elliott said the best part about coaching a “strong, fluid and fast” athlete like Barber was his attitude and ability to overcome any adversity.

“When it was time to vault, he’d find a way to make it,” Elliott said. “He’s very strong-willed.”

Barber plans to graduate from Akron in 2016 with a degree in exercise science.

He represents Akron in the NCAA and Canada in all international competitions.

“I was born in the U.S. but I have Canadian citizenship through my dad who was born in Canada,” Barber said.

Barber’s father sparked his son’s interest in pole vaulting at a very young age.

His father had pole vaulted and the family had all the equipment around their house on a spacious farm in Las Cruces, N.M. before they moved to Kingwood in

epresents Akron in the NCAA and CanadaPhoto by Jeff Harwell.

2006.

“My dad says I was about 4 years old when I used to play across the ditches in the farm we used to own,” Barber said.

“Pole vaulters always seemed to have lot of fun and I could tell from a young age by watching my father and some of his athletes that they were having a good time. I guess I just didn’t want to be left out of the fun.”

Both of his parents played a role in his athletic achievements. His mother Ann Barber, who is a special education teacher at KPARK, said there was never any obligation for Shawn to follow his father’s footsteps.

“He’s never been pushed to do it,” Ann Barber said. “It can’t be the parents’ dream.”

Even he can only visit so often, Barber always comes back to visit his family and friends who support him. He comes home every Christmas and “maybe a month or two in the summer” according to his mother.

“My parents were always my biggest supporters. They were at every competition they could be at and would do whatever they could to make sure both my brother and I had whatever we needed,” said Barber.

He also said he owes his success to the coaches and teachers at KPARK who helped him reach new heights in athletics and academics.

“I can’t take the credit for him being such a great vaulter,” Elliott said. “His dad mentored him from such a young age, Coach Myers helped him out here [at KPARK]. In fact, I’d take very little credit.”

To this day, Barber gives credit to his coaches for his performance. He advises young athletes to always trust their mentors.

“Listen to your coaches, set goals and learn to love the process,” said Barber.

“You have to find a way to love the whole sport: the losses, the sweat and tears, and the pain in the weight room, not just the

Clips Fall Out Boy makes Rodeo debut Since the 2015 RODEOHOUSTON Entertainer Lineup has been announced on January 13, there has been a lot of buzz.

The Band Perry, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan are among the returning favorites for all the country fans: nothing really out of the ordinary, in terms of Texas taste.

Wait… is that... Fall Out Boy perfoming on March 8? My favorite pop punk band from the Midwest? It can’t be.

I thought I had graduated from middle school -- you know, after surviving their 3-year hiatus, which left me

BY JOSHLYN THOMAS missing them until they came back out of nowhere in 2013 with Save the Rock and Roll (which I welcomed with open arms.)

They kicked off 2015 by releasing their new LP American Beauty/American Psycho on Jan. 20, featuring “Centuries”, an anthem made for belting out in your bedroom, if not a stadium.

They also announced they’ll be co-headlining with Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen on their Boys of Zummer Tour. It’s also the 10th anniversary of their sophomore release From Under the Cork Tree, which is now certified double platinum with over 2.7 million copies sold in the US and over 3 million copies worldwide.

It’s really refreshing to see the Chicago comeback kids in a lineup so… twangy, to

say the least. Rodeo is expanding their horizons in terms of entertainment. Performers like Fall Out Boy with alternative roots are finally getting some recognition at an event that gets so much mainstream attention.

Since 2001, the quartet continues to evolve as their music has become more mature and pop driven in recent years. They still possess a sound all their own, even while they challenge themselves and experiment with new sounds that stray away from their rock roots to embrace electronic bleeps and bloops. With powerhouse lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman and drummer Andy Hurley, Fall Out Boy never fails to deliver.

Their live show, featuring favorites “Grand Theft Autumn/ Where Is Your Boy”, “Thnks fr th Mmrs”, “I Don’t Care”, and everyone’s favorite “Sugar, We’re Going Down” and the anthem adopted by sports coliseums “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)”, is sure to be complemented by pyrotechnics and a shower of confetti and beach balls.

Hopefully new songs like “Fourth of July” and “Irresistible” are added to their already infectiously catchy set.

Whether you’re going to see them perform new tunes or just bathe in the nostalgia of the good old days of the early 2000s when “Dance, Dance” was your flip phone’s ringtone, their performance will be one of the many acts to catch at Rodeo this year.

On that note, “Believers never die.”

In the past month I’ve lost two friends.

Each loss and each funeral teaches me the same lesson: Life is just too short.

Jacob Paul Silva, better known as “Jake,” passed away Jan. 29 from bacterial meningitis. As for Kobi Isabella Pickett, she passed away Jan. 11 in a tragic accident.

Jake was in junior varsity theater at Kingwood High School and wanted to continue his passion for theatrics throughout the duration of his life. Jake also had made a commitment to God, and he made that clear through everything he did.

British invasion

When I was first told I was leaving England to move to Texas, I expected to see everyone riding around on horses, dodging cacti and leaving tumbleweeds behind. Little did I know, I was in for a rude awakening: the only cactus I would ever hear of is the record store downtown.

One thing that still holds true is a well-known saying “everything is bigger in Texas.” Yes, everything is most definitely quadrupled in size in Texas.

Being able to eat at a restaurant and be full before you even get to your main meal is proof. And don’t even get me started on hair bumps. Not only is everything in Texas bigger, but Texas itself is almost three times bigger than England.

I could drive around the whole of England multiple times before I even get outside of the Texas border.

After being here for six years I have definitely been “Americanized.” When on the phone to family back home, I have to make sure not to say “off of ” or “ya’ll.” I even like Hersheys chocolate now. What has happened to me? Am I… American?

Luckily enough, I still have some British in me. As I walk into H.E.B. I automatically gravitate towards the tiny selection of British foods in the foreign aisle. I still prefer tea over coffee, and I still don’t understand American football.

But not all of it is as bad as it seems. I do love a good old cup of sweet tea and a handful of McDonald’s fries. Being able to drive in almost any direction for five minutes and find some kind of fast food restaurant is handy (and, at times, not so handy). Also, the fact that I live in Queen B’s Fall Out Boy makes Rodeo debut place of birth is pretty amazing. Amazing enough to cancel British invasion out all of the negative aspects of Houston. At times of doubt I say “Beyonce could have stood here once.” It gives me hope.

After a while of living in America, my parents and I have come to find a certain formula to deal with how conversations with strangers often go.

Stranger: [Some kind of generic introduction.] lived in such a way that those who knew her Me: [Insert a standard reply.] came to know Christ through her.

Stranger: Where are you from?

Both of these teens took advantage of life Me: England. while they were here. They knew who they Stranger: Wow! What are you doing here? were and knew what they wanted to do.

Me: I moved middle school.

Recent deaths remind here us life in is short It’s heartbreaking knowing we can’t see Stranger: Cool! My friend/cousin/grandad/fish was born in/ their smiles, but it’s heartwarming knowing stayed/studied/visited/flew over London (big number) years they’re smiling down at us. ago.

It’s hard losing someone, but when it Me: Nice. happens it makes you think about what This is followed by a cringe-worthy impersonation of a could happen tomorrow - if you even have British accent. One thing you need to understand: your tomorrow.

They both set an example for us here. They 14 accent is just as entertaining to Brits as the Brits’ is to you.

I don’t think anyone can actually hear how embarrassing showed us what someone so young can acthey sound. I also think they don’t understand that there complish in such a short amount of time. are actually other accents than the cockney one you heard A lesson we can learn from them is to find on Oliver. Not every British person talks like Oliver Twist.

Recent deaths remind us life is short

By Kylee Wing Special Contributor

EDITOR’S CORNER s ORIANNE ELLIOTT

EDITOR’S CORNER s ORIANNE ELLIOTT

Since the 2015 RODEOHOUSTON Entertainer Lineup has been announced on January 13, there has been a lot of buzz.

The Band Perry, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan are among the returning favorites for all the country fans: nothing really out of the ordinary, in terms of Texas taste.

Wait… is that... Fall Out Boy perfoming on March 8? My favorite pop punk band from the Midwest? It can’t be.

I thought I had graduated from middle school -- you know, after surviving their 3-year hiatus, which left me

BY JOSHLYN THOMAS missing them until they came back out of nowhere in 2013 with Save the Rock and Roll (which I welcomed with open arms.)

They kicked off 2015 by releasing their new LP American Beauty/American Psycho on Jan. 20, featuring “Centuries”, an anthem made for belting out in your bedroom, if not a stadium.

They also announced they’ll be co-headlining with Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen on their Boys of Zummer Tour. It’s also the 10th anniversary of their sophomore release From Under the Cork Tree, which is now certified double platinum with over 2.7 million copies sold in the US and over 3 million copies worldwide.

It’s really refreshing to see the Chicago comeback kids in a lineup so… twangy, to

say the least. Rodeo is expanding their horizons in terms of entertainment. Performers like Fall Out Boy with alternative roots are finally getting some recognition at an event that gets so much mainstream attention.

Since 2001, the quartet continues to evolve as their music has become more mature and pop driven in recent years. They still possess a sound all their own, even while they challenge themselves and experiment with new sounds that stray away from their rock roots to embrace electronic bleeps and bloops. With powerhouse lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman and drummer Andy Hurley, Fall Out Boy never fails to deliver.

Their live show, featuring favorites “Grand Theft Autumn/ Where Is Your Boy”, “Thnks fr th Mmrs”, “I Don’t Care”, and everyone’s favorite “Sugar, We’re Going Down” and the anthem adopted by sports coliseums “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)”, is sure to be complemented by pyrotechnics and a shower of confetti and beach balls.

Hopefully new songs like “Fourth of July” and “Irresistible” are added to their already infectiously catchy set.

Whether you’re going to see them perform new tunes or just bathe in the nostalgia of the good old days of the early 2000s when “Dance, Dance” was your flip phone’s ringtone, their performance will be one of the many acts to catch at Rodeo this year.

On that note, “Believers never die.”

By Kylee Wing Special Contributor

lived in such a way that those who knew her came to know Christ through her.

Both of these teens took advantage of life while they were here. They knew who they were and knew what they wanted to do.

It’s heartbreaking knowing we can’t see their smiles, but it’s heartwarming knowing they’re smiling down at us.

It’s hard losing someone, but when it happens it makes you think about what could happen tomorrow - if you even have tomorrow.

They both set an example for us here. They showed us what someone so young can accomplish in such a short amount of time.

A lesson we can learn from them is to find who you are, make the most of the time you have and shoot for the stars in everything you do.

In the past month I’ve lost two friends.

Each loss and each funeral teaches me the same lesson: Life is just too short.

Jacob Paul Silva, better known as “Jake,” passed away Jan. 29 from bacterial meningitis. As for Kobi Isabella Pickett, she passed away Jan. 11 in a tragic accident.

Jake was in junior varsity theater at Kingwood High School and wanted to continue his passion for theatrics throughout the duration of his life. Jake also had made a commitment to God, and he made that clear through everything he did.

Kobi, who attended Memorial High School, expressed who she was by photography, art and athletics; and just like Jake she

February 2015

When I was first told I was leaving England to move to Texas, I expected to see everyone riding around on horses, dodging cacti and leaving tumbleweeds behind. Little did I know, I was in for a rude awakening: the only cactus I would ever hear of is the record store downtown.

One thing that still holds true is a well-known saying “everything is bigger in Texas.” Yes, everything is most definitely quadrupled in size in Texas.

Being able to eat at a restaurant and be full before you even get to your main meal is proof. And don’t even get me started on hair bumps. Not only is everything in Texas bigger, but Texas itself is almost three times bigger than England.

I could drive around the whole of England multiple times before I even get outside of the Texas border.

After being here for six years I have definitely been “Americanized.” When on the phone to family back home, I have to make sure not to say “off of ” or “ya’ll.” I even like Hersheys chocolate now. What has happened to me? Am I… American?

Luckily enough, I still have some British in me. As I walk into H.E.B. I automatically gravitate towards the tiny selection of British foods in the foreign aisle. I still prefer tea over coffee, and I still don’t understand American football.

But not all of it is as bad as it seems. I do love a good old cup of sweet tea and a handful of McDonald’s fries. Being able to drive in almost any direction for five minutes and find some kind of fast food restaurant is handy (and, at times, not so handy). Also, the fact that I live in Queen B’s place of birth is pretty amazing. Amazing enough to cancel out all of the negative aspects of Houston. At times of doubt I say “Beyonce could have stood here once.” It gives me hope.

After a while of living in America, my parents and I have come to find a certain formula to deal with how conversations with strangers often go.

Stranger: [Some kind of generic introduction.]

Me: [Insert a standard reply.]

Stranger: Where are you from?

Me: England.

Stranger: Wow! What are you doing here?

Me: I moved here in middle school.

Stranger: Cool! My friend/cousin/grandad/fish was born in/ stayed/studied/visited/flew over London (big number) years ago.

Me: Nice.

This is followed by a cringe-worthy impersonation of a British accent. One thing you need to understand: your accent is just as entertaining to Brits as the Brits’ is to you.

I don’t think anyone can actually hear how embarrassing they sound. I also think they don’t understand that there are actually other accents than the cockney one you heard on Oliver. Not every British person talks like Oliver Twist.

To sum it all up, British people are just like you. Just without the nice teeth and bald eagles.

Students needle Clips Cultured Catalogerlittle something more Ruth Parrish takes on the world

Ruth Parrish takes a break in “thank you” in Russian. The bus ride Nazare, Portugal to admire the

By Joshlyn Thomas into Russia seemed to be horrifying beautiful waters after spendas well as deadly. ing the day walking along the Ruth Parrish has traveled to at least “The bus was the scariest, well secbeach. These crystal waters 35 countries since becoming a librarond scariest part I’ve been on,” Parare one of the many things ian in Humble ISD in 1999. which makes Parrish want to rish said. “The bus driver was mad at visit there once again. Photo “It’s so he exciting waitNevato see a our tour guide they in started hav- 45 have a piercing somewhere other as getting all the piercings Since was atthat leastI can’t 16, Jon tradition for all and the men the Nein her right courtesy of Kim West how 12 many places I can go before I get ing family. an argument and started driving than an ear lobe, and among those ear in her left “to even rez had always wanted a tattoo, as it varez things out.” too old to travel, ” Parrish 100 mphputontattoos dirt roads. thought was something his parentssaid. had prom“I don’t on myWe body just ages 45 and older, only 1 percent has Myers is no stranger to needles as Parrish frequently we were to die. ” I get things one. isedThough to let him get. travels Two days shy of because ofgoing someone else. she has six piercings, including size 0 now,18th shebirthday, had not Nevarez been beyond the that mean Parrish describes many of the Another student who has gotten stretched ears, an industrial bar and his sat back something to me [includU.S. and Mexico before her in kids had ing] countries visited abso- grief from strangers, “particularly tragus piercing in the right ear, as well in a chair at Serenity Tattoo Tyler, my city,she myhas family, andwith the reagrown left the house.

Once it son lute delight.

She with a older people,” is Jordon Myers12 who has her navel and tongue. DescribTX, andup gotand comfortable as the needle why I am on thisoften earth,goes ” Nevarez was just and herahusband Paul said. group of former and current teachers has multiple piercings and one tattoo. ing the feeling as similar to "being went to Parrish work, etching permanent in the ofhouse, shehands wanted asAswell friends.hold such strong image praying on to hisexperiright hisastattoos When she was getting her tattoo on pinched,” Myers got her first piercence more places. arm. meaning him, Nevarez says he is her thigh, Myers grinded her teeth ing, her navel, on her 16th birthday at “Eachto country and towns within Parrish’s favorite tripthis wastattoo the one "The meaning behind is not one to were let fascinating to Ruth,” and held onto the Magic Needle Tattoo and Body Pierccountries where visited theearth," Scan- the that I'mshe blessed to most be on of this back of the chair she ing.

Pauljudgement Parrish said. “It could be a dinaviansaid. countries. Though she de- ofchurch, Nevarez others impair was sitting in with “On my 14th birthday I asked my the food, the history, the After hours of sitting in the shop his decisions. scenery, a “Outward white knuckles. mom if I could get a belly button scribed getting castle, a long to let the buzzing of the "Don't judge “I was gripping the piercing and she straight up told me into enough the country the town’s perappearances may chair “I would encourage bridge, needle become background noise, he me because of sonality, and the local like the whole ‘No,’" Myers said. as intimidat. . . the to travel. a person’s looked his arm pride. ink on my peoplereflect world was ending,” After two years of extended research ing, sheat was verywithpanthers and her travel "I wasexcited very happy it," it Nevarez judge me mates.”

Myers said. “When on piercing locations, Myers' parents much to withDo while skin, they’re interests but it has said.

"My family people tell you that supported their daughter's decision be able to see Rus-loved it and most for who I am,” The most beautiful young, whether it’s people tattoos don’t hurt, and even took her to her appointeffect on their sia. understood where I was com- Nevarez said. place no Parrish sai she ing “The frombest withpart it. It backpacking, was just good Nevarez is part has been to is Lucerne, they are lying. It’s ments. This kind of support didn’t taking character or Parrish how work." of aovergrowing Switzerland. like being in Porto poked Myers parents have was that I never a tour or going made a stop at Lello bookstore Portugal,shock which features thesince staircaseher from one of the Harry Potter She enThose praying repeatedly movies. Photo courtesy of Ruth Parrish with a tattoos themselves. ‘good’ of a person thought that I hands were only trend. joys this particular city seas for school.

Just to a the firstset of foot the four According tack. ” "My are scared tell their would on tattoos that have Austria, Liechtenstein, fromfriends the Harry Pottertofilms at an art because it they is easy are.” to land, France, thumb found their place Nevarez study conductOnce the was parents but my stepdad actuallyinensee the world. ” Russian soil, andforever on theagony Caribbean museum called Hermitage St. Pewalk around, as well Australia, Bermuda, skin.

Thethat second of ed by Pew Refinallyrecently over, Myers me,"What Myersmost said. only dream to the fact I gotone on the inside and most Portugal. couraged tersburg. as holds its character Islands, -Ruth Parrish 12 - Savannah Hammond his arm, done at Adorn Tattoos search, nearly peered down at the This kind of parental approval is esto,” right Parrish said. with its old buildings Parrish travels several times a year, see, Parrish makes sure she is able to. and in Humble, is another four in ten peofinished iswork that sentialParrish for people under the ageportion of 18 of “MyPiercings grandmother each year; traveling what she is has visited a vast and mural paintings. one close to his heart. ple ages 18-30 was now a perpetual to get tattooed or pierced.

According is from Norway so I got to see where Parrish speaks of her trips rather fre- known for. She often gets to experi- the world and find other countries to "My second one is my favorite be- have a tattoo and about half of those reminder to keep looking up. to the Texas Department of Health one of the bakeries that her family quently. ence new things. be simpler. Their lives are much more cause I love my nephew to death," Ne- with tattoos have two to five and 18% "It says 'dreamer' and it reminds me Services, studio artists may not tatstarted was.”

“We kissed the Blarney Stone; you smooth and they take things slow. As “She loves to travel, she takes all of varez said with a smile. "I know I’m have six or more. Seventy percent of to keep my head high because even- too or pierce a person younger than Getting into Russia was a bit on the opportunities she can get,” co- wait in this long line, climb up a nar- compared to U.S.’s “go, go, go” attinot his father but I'll always love him." them feel the need to have them hid- tually you'll reach your goals," Myers 18 years of age without the consent of a the unfriendly side. Not only were row, almost claustrophobic staircase tude, it’s refreshing. worker Sanford said.

None of these were spur-of-the- den underMiranda their clothes. said. parent, managing conservator or guardcustoms very strict but the people and bend backwards to kiss the stone “So many people in foreign counBesides Russia and Mexico, Parmoment decisions for Nevarez, who Almost one in four people 18-30 have Despite the pain of the first experi- ian. seemed to be stoic and scary, Parrish upside down,” traveling companion tries live simply and they value their rish has seen many corners of the wants his tattoos to have meaning. He a piercing in some place other than an ence of being inked, Myers said she Savannah Hammond12 also had her said.

She was excited, however, when Staci Tucker said. time socializing rather than being atworld.

She has been to Belize, Italy, puts much thought into their design. earlobe, about six times the number plans on adding more art to her epi- parent’s approval as her stepdad has tatsheplans was able to makehisa family’s woman name at cus- ofCanada, Parrish many fascinating devices,” Parrish said.

England, Ireland, Poland, He on getting their older adult counterparts with dermal canvashas by seen getting a tattoo of a toostached on bothtooftheir his arms. toms smile when she was say piercings. things, one ofkeys, the as staircases Norway,One Sweden, Switzeracross his back, a tattoo thatable has to been in tenGermany, people ages 30- rose lying including on top of piano well Continued on page 7

By Rachel Dams Staff reporter

Pierced and tattooed students share their stories of studs, ink and adversity.

6 March 2015

Students look to buck stereotypes after getting tattoos and piercings Continued from page 6 Not as unconventional, Hammond got her ears pierced at Claire’s when she was 8 but she got the OK to get a tattoo of the Yin-Yang symbol on her ribs at Adorn Tattoos and Body Piercings in the summer of 2014 and her navel pierced in January after being fascinated with the art of modification since her youth.

“I'm not big on piercings but I've always been obsessed with tattoos and can't wait to get more,” Hammond said.

“I think it's pretty cool that we have the opportunity to get something that means a lot to you permanently printed on your body, whether for art, a memory or just because you think it's cool.”

Hammond also aims to get multiple tattoos, including a lion on her back because she is a Leo with the words "Stay Gold" written in script above the image, despite the societal stigma that comes with having visible body modifications.

She finds that individuals with tattoos and piercings are unfairly written-off as

“bad influences” or “rebellious,” especially in schools and workplaces, saying that professionalism is defined by how a person works not by how they look.

According to the movement Support Tattoos And Piercings At Work (STAPAW) 76% of employees feel tattoos and piercings hurt their job interview chances. However, 73% of people say they would hire staff that had visible tattoos and say they support businesses that have tattooed and pierced employees.

“Many of the people I trust, respect,

and look up to the most have several tattoos and/or piercings,” Hammond said.

“Some of the truest, most important friendships in my life are with people who are covered in tattoos or have facial/ body piercings and even huge gauges but our relationship isn't affected by the modifications they have made to their bodies. Outward appearances may reflect a person’s interests but it has no effect on their character or how ‘good’ of a person they are.”

March 2015

7

Where: Garland, TX How: Krystal Rowell12 finished 6th in her school record 3rd appearance at State. Seth Kerscher9 finished 10th at State in the 106 pound weight class. Alexa Harris10 also qualified for State by winning the Regional Championships in the 102 pound weight class.

Clips Hanna Alberto11 chips during a practice earlier this season. Alberto was a part of the District Championship girls golf team. Photo by Tori Gatling.

Girls dominate District meet, capture second title in a row

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter

The girls’ golf team dominated Barbers Hill and won the district title with over 135 strokes on March 24, giving the team their second consecutive District title.

The team accumulated a total of 613 strokes over two days.

Hanna Alberto11 led the team with rounds of 76 and 71 for a two-day total of 147. Ariana Saenz10 was two strokes behind with a 149 total and Tori Gatling11 finished 3rd overall with 158.

“This was our second year to win district and my second time to place third, which was pretty cool,” Gatling said. “It was really fun and we got to play with our B team, which never really happens.”

Rilea Ferguson9 finished with a

8 March 2015

total of 190 and also advanced as a medalist to Region.

Earlier in the month, the girls fired rounds at the Region 3 golf championship at River Ridge Golf Course in Sealy on March 6-7.

They made rounds of 312-304, to win by nearly 60 shots over the 2nd place team.

Saenz and Lexi Brooks12 finished tied for 1st place at 148, and Saenz won a playoff after one hole being tied and winning a chip off to avoid darkness. Alberto finished 4th with a 154. Gatling was 9th at 166, and Gabby Segura11 placed 19th with a 192.

Overall, the team has high expectations for the state tournament after such a successful season. The team looks forward to Regionals on April 13-16 and hopefully State on April 27-30.

SPORTS IN THE POSTSEASON Boys swimming and diving

What: Won the Class 5A State title with 238.5 points over Frisco Wakeland’s 236.

When: UIL Swimming and Diving State Championships on Feb. 20-21 Where: University of Texas in Austin Why: In the final race of the day, the boys’ 400 free relay with Ryan Logan10, Austin Bradshaw12, Eric Broussard11 and Matt Crowe12, finished third to give the team just enough points to edge out Frisco Wakeland.

Champs: The boys’ 200 yard medley relay won its fifth-consecutive title and the team won its fourth title in eight years under coach Greg McLain.

Wrestling

What: Had three advance to State.

When: UIL Wrestling Championships on Feb. 20-21 Where: Garland, TX How: Krystal Rowell12 finished 6th in her school record 3rd appearance at State. Seth Kerscher9 finished 10th at State in the 106 pound weight class. Alexa Harris10 also qualified for State by winning the Regional Championships in the 102 pound weight class.

Hanna Alberto11 chips during a practice earlier this season. Alberto was a part of the District Championship girls golf team. Photo by Tori Gatling.

Girls dominate District meet, capture second title in a row

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff Reporter

The girls’ golf team dominated Barbers Hill and won the district title with over 135 strokes on March 24, giving the team their second consecutive District title.

The team accumulated a total of 613 strokes over two days.

Hanna Alberto11 led the team with rounds of 76 and 71 for a two-day total of 147. Ariana Saenz10 was two strokes behind with a 149 total and Tori Gatling11 finished 3rd overall with 158.

“This was our second year to win district and my second time to place third, which was pretty cool,” Gatling said. “It was really fun and we got to play with our B team, which never really happens.”

Rilea Ferguson9 finished with a

8 March 2015

total of 190 and also advanced as a medalist to Region.

Earlier in the month, the girls fired rounds at the Region 3 golf championship at River Ridge Golf Course in Sealy on March 6-7.

They made rounds of 312-304, to win by nearly 60 shots over the 2nd place team.

Saenz and Lexi Brooks12 finished tied for 1st place at 148, and Saenz won a playoff after one hole being tied and winning a chip off to avoid darkness. Alberto finished 4th with a 154. Gatling was 9th at 166, and Gabby Segura11 placed 19th with a 192.

Overall, the team has high expectations for the state tournament after such a successful season. The team looks forward to Regionals on April 13-16 and hopefully State on April 27-30.

Swimmers and coaches celebrate after securing the State Championship on Feb. 21 in swimming and diving. Photo contributed by Melanie Bradshaw.

Girls soccer

What: Advanced to the playoffs after going undefeated in districts and winning the district title.

When: Played Nederland on March 26.

How: Finished with a 13-5-3 record. During the regular season, Kobi McNutt11 lead the team with 19 goals and 11 assists. Mackenzie Lee11 had 13 goals and Maddie Guerra10 was 3rd on the team with 11 goals. Goalie Emma Pinkerton12 had 83 saves.

W H th te z w E

fake hair then scissors next to a r and pretend to air.”

hn Carl Boudreaux

10

“Get a body bag from the Halloween store and surround it with ketchup to make it look like fake blood.”

s d

.

g o

m

’t s

ry ere rsd

“Give someone a box of chocolate with a spring loaded lid.”

- Alec Hudson11

“Turn off the all the lights at the school, lock all the doors and post signs saying the school is closed for an invitation-only impromptu poetry slam.”

- Kimberly Villegas

OR DOG?

d

- Brittany Orozco12

Clips

- Caitlin Reed9

NER s ORIANNE ELLIOTT

f

“Replace the creme in an oreo with toothpaste.”

ask how I’m able to walk a bear, or avoid us and walk on the other side of the street while staring in awe (or fear?).

Another setback is the amount of food they can eat. I can’t count how many meals I have lost to the almighty food-snatcher. Unless you never want to eat again, you cannot, I repeat, you cannot leave food anywhere in reach. Winston sees it as a sort of mission to each as much “human” food as possible and that plate of freshly grilled steaks as the winning prize.

But now, having a large dog is normal to me; I couldn’t imagine owning a “normal” sized pet. After being around one for a while, they don’t seem big anymore. They grow on you.

ALBUM REVIEW

Marina keeps Froot in season

By Joshlyn Thomas Marina Diamandis, a.k.a. Marina and the Diamonds, released her third studio album, Froot. It’s promotion started with the release of the dancefriendly title track on Diamandis’ 29th birthday on Oct. 10 last year.

The Welsh singer unveiled her “Froot of the Month” campaign, attaching a “froot” to a single from the upcoming album every month leading up to the full album release on Mar. 13 this year.

Following the success of her last record, Electra Heart, the artist abandoned her melancholy teen dream aesthetic and swapped the signature eyeliner heart drawn on her cheek for celestial cymbals, sparkling synths and lyrics with a more grown-up air while

KP

staying authentic to her trademark tongue-in-cheek style.

“Forget” is a track notable for a newfound appreciation for guitar and punchy percussion, making it an empowering ballad to blast through speakers after a bad day, or anything worth forgetting.

Her sarcasm shines through specifically in the song “Can’t Pin Me Down” where she asks, “Do you really want me to write a feminist anthem?/ I’m happy cooking dinner in the kitchen for my husband”, challenging traditional gender roles.

Diamandis has proven that pop sensibilities and social justice go hand in hand. Finally breaking free from the obscurity of indie circles, she has reaped the rewards of her froot-ful new venture.

If you could pull any prank, what would it be?

Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281.641.6600 “Stuff a locker with “Turn off the all the lights “Replace theMarch creme in an 2015 “Give someone a box of “Buy some fake hair then “Get a body bag from potatoes” at the school, lock all the oreo with toothpaste.” chocolate with a spring snip some scissors next to a the Halloween store and TIM ES - Justin Pizano - Brittany Orozco and post signs saying person’s ear and pretend to surround it with ketchup Issue 5, Vol.loaded2 lid.” - Alec Hudson doors the school is closed for an cut their hair.”

9

- John Carl Boudreaux10

12

11

to make it look like fake blood.”

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Madison Berry, Sarah Martell, Tori Gatling, Carsen Creech, Madelin Vasquez, Kaylee Woest.

ADVISER: Megan Ortiz PRINCIPAL: Lisa Drabing

EDITOR’S CORNER s ORIANNE ELLIOTT

BEAR OR DOG?

After getting my Newfoundland dog, Sir Winston, life has required a few adjustments. I can never leave food on the counter; I always have to lock doors behind me, and I have to set aside at least a few hours every day to groom him.

But after 7 years of owning this 172 pound 6 foot 1 inch dog, I wouldn’t replace him for anything.

There are pros and cons to having any dog, but one thing giant dogs definitely aren’t missing is a giant heart. They don’t seem to know how big they are, and think of themselves as a lap dog. So if you are looking to have one of these friendly beasts, be prepared to have 170 pounds of dog sitting on you while you watch TV. One of the few cons of having a big dog, a Newfoundland in particular, is the endless amount of drool. While you’re eating, while he’s eating, while he’s walking, or just sitting still, there is guaranteed slobber. I recommend investing in an umbrella. If at any point your dog decides to shake, whip out your umbrella to save yourself from getting showered with pools of slobber.

Taking him for a walk, or rather him talking me for a walk, also isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Dogs tend to memorize repeated routes easily, so as we walk through the same route on Greenbelt trails every day, he pulls me around as if he were the walker and I the walkee. Passersby either gravitate toward him and

invitation-only impromptu poetry slam.”

- Caitlin Reed

9

COVER PHOTO by Orianne Elliott.

ask how I’m able to walk a bear, or avoid us and walk on the other side of the street while staring in awe (or fear?).

Another setback is the amount of food they can eat. I can’t count how many meals I have lost to the almighty food-snatcher. Unless you never want to eat again, you cannot, I repeat, you cannot leave food anywhere in reach. Winston sees it as a sort of mission to each as much “human” food as possible and that plate of freshly grilled steaks as the winning prize.

But now, having a large dog is normal to me; I couldn’t imagine owning a “normal” sized pet. After being around one for a while, they don’t seem big anymore. They grow on you.

- Kimberly Villegas

STAFF ALBUM REVIEW Orianne Elliott, Marina keepsEditor Froot in season Rachel Dams Joshlyn Thomas Sydney Woodward

By Joshlyn Thomas Marina Diamandis, a.k.a. Marina and the Diamonds, released her third studio album, Froot. It’s promotion started with the release of the dancefriendly title track on Diamandis’ 29th birthday on Oct. 10 last year.

The Welsh singer unveiled her “Froot of the Month” campaign, attaching a “froot” to a single from the upcoming album every month leading up to the full album release on Mar. 13 this year.

Following the success of her last record, Electra Heart, the artist abandoned her melancholy teen dream aesthetic and swapped the signature eyeliner heart drawn on her cheek for celestial cymbals, sparkling synths and lyrics with a more grown-up air while

staying authentic to her trademark tongue-in-cheek style.

“Forget” is a track notable for a newfound appreciation for guitar and punchy percussion, making it an empowering ballad to blast through speakers after a bad day, or anything worth forgetting.

Her sarcasm shines through specifically in the song “Can’t Pin Me Down” where she asks, “Do you really want me to write a feminist anthem?/ I’m happy cooking dinner in the kitchen for my husband”, challenging traditional gender roles.

Diamandis has proven that pop sensibilities and social justice go hand in hand. Finally breaking free from the obscurity of indie circles, she has reaped the rewards of her froot-ful new venture.

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

KP T I M ES

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Madison Berry, Sarah Martell, Tori Gatling, Carsen Creech, Madelin Vasquez, Kaylee Woest.

ADVISER: Megan Ortiz PRINCIPAL: Lisa Drabing COVER PHOTO by Orianne Elliott.

Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281.641.6600 March 2015 Issue 5, Vol. 2

March 2015

STAFF Orianne Elliott, Editor Rachel Dams Joshlyn Thomas Sydney Woodward KP Times serves as a public forum for Kingwood Park High School and is distributed free to all students and staff.

March 2015

11

11

“I don’t have to study much, I just have to have one lookover at something and I’m good to go,” Payne said.

Having a photographic memory doesn’t come as easy to Payne as most people think. In order to truly embed something in his brain, he first has to read it over once or twice.

Clips

“People think that having a photographic memory means that you remember everything you see, but that’s wrong,” Payne said. “You remember the things you pay attention to.”

With the help of his eidetic memory, Payne has been able to win many awards including the national award in HOSA

Military Minded

sically Inclined

ol, senior know, I nd.”

s beat home cally for

Without a specific sound in mind, the yet-to-benamed trio hopes to blend different genres together to achieve a sound of “life-or-death punk rock.”

“I want to create something that unifies an audience with itself but also the performers,” Brooks said.

“Whatever sound we decide to create will just have to come of the differences and variations in taste that we have, and also what feels right at that point in our lives.”

After recording some tracks, Brooks plans on posting them online in hopes of obtaining a fanbase. However, Brooks said she is weary about finding success on social media because of how many millions of upcoming artists post their work online to try to get noticed.

“I feel like there are a lot of people who’ve made it a habit to ignore those people who put themselves out there, just because there’s so many of them and they seem like nothing special,” Brooks said.

Although the music industry is not considered an easy field to tackle, Brooks has high hopes that she will one day play world renowned gigs - unless she finds herself saving the world.

nd that certain ght You ent her

“I’m actually completely serious about saving the world from extinction ,” Brooks said. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my entire life.”

iend mic book end to udio d, Trent

but the il I got Brooks mpower

ade, first he also arning

pursuing a doctorate, he aspires to become either a professor or translator so he can travel around the world.

Payne has been in both Spanish and French honor societies for two years, which will help him be able to communicate in other countries.

“I like writing and learning about other foreign languages because I find them really interesting,” Payne said. “Just knowing that you can communicate with so many other people by using different languages is a really cool concept.”

-Orianne Elliott

- Orianne Elliott

As an avid member of ROTC, it comes as no surprise that Natalie Riley12 had already enlisted in the U.S. Reserves the summer before her senior year. Not only has she actively participated in ROTC over the course of her high school career, but her family has had even more influence on her decision to enlist. Her dad is in the Coast Guard, her uncle in the navy, another uncle in the Air Force, and her grandfather is a veteran of the Army.

“I even got to recruit my brother but he got in first because he’s two years older than me,” Riley said.

Becoming a part of the Reserves was a no-brainer to Riley, who said it was something she has always wanted to do.

“There’s more slots and opportunities,” Riley said. “I got a $4,000 bonus and I got to choose my job before I even signed up.”

While attending university at Sam Houston State, Riley wants to work part time as a medic and then full time in the reserves for six years before going into active-duty.

Riley said she would still find interest in sports medicine or personal training if she didn’t have plans to pursue active-duty.

Before she can even go active, the future medic must go through training out of state this coming June at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for basic training involving “lots of working out and staying in shape,” Riley said. “[The best part is] going through training and seeing what you’re made of,” Riley said. “There’s a lot of physical training but there’s a lot of mental training. They try to break you down and build you stronger than you were before.”

Riley recommends that students who are looking to enlist should explore the options presented by each

branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and that no one is obligated to go into battle.

“Not everyone has to go to war. There’s so many different parts,” Riley said. “Never just look at one branch. Look at your options and the different benefits being offered so you can see what’s right for you.”

- Joshlyn Thomas

HUMANS OF KPARK

Part V in a series that shares the stories of staff members and students.

International Intellect

To Ethan Payne12, academics come easy. Having a photographic memory makes learning school work incredibly simple, which makes for an almost painless high school career.

“I don’t have to study much, I just have to have one lookover at something and I’m good to go,” Payne said.

Having a photographic memory doesn’t come as easy to Payne as most people think. In order to truly embed something in his brain, he first has to read it over once or twice.

The doctor

“People think that having a photographic memory means that you remember everything you see, but that’s wrong,” Payne said. “You remember the things you pay attention to.”

With the help of his eidetic memory, Payne has been able to win many awards including the national award in HOSA

and two state awards in UIL, all for spelling and vocab.

After high school Payne plans to study English and Modern language with a major scholarship at Trinity in San Antonio, which will put his memory to the test. After pursuing a doctorate, he aspires to become either a professor or translator so he can travel around the world.

Payne has been in both Spanish and French honor societies for two years, which will help him be able to communicate in other countries.

“I like writing and learning about other foreign languages because I find them really interesting,” Payne said. “Just knowing that you can communicate with so many other people by using different languages is a really cool concept.”

-Orianne Elliott

Military Minded Musically Inclined When asked about her plans after high school, senior Lauren Brooks casually replied with, “Oh, you know, I just plan on saving the world and starting a band.”

After graduation, Brooks plans on moving to Washington state to stay with her childhood friend Mataia Styers. After getting a job at a local comic book store and saving up for a few months, they intend to purchase an apartment that will double as a studio to hold band practice with another close friend, Trent Moore.

“I always knew I was going to be a musician, but the idea of starting a band didn’t really hit me until I got into My Chemical Romance in freshman year,” Brooks said. “They were the first thing to ever really empower me to do anything.”

Brooks has played the guitar for almost a decade, first picking it up when she was only 9 years old. She also plays the bass clarinet in KPark’s band, after learning the obscure instrument in 6th grade.

“You can tell I’ve been in band for seven years because sometimes when I’m listening to a song at home I’ll think about how I would compose it specifically for band,” Brooks said.

After acquiring a certain music taste, she found that playing music is like “method acting,” and that certain albums such as My Chemical Romance’s I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love complement her voice as she can “scream herself hoarse.”

6 May 2015

Without a specific sound in mind, the yet-to-benamed trio hopes to blend different genres together to achieve a sound of “life-or-death punk rock.”

“I want to create something that unifies an audience with itself but also the performers,” Brooks said.

“Whatever sound we decide to create will just have to come of the differences and variations in taste that we have, and also what feels right at that point in our lives.”

After recording some tracks, Brooks plans on posting them online in hopes of obtaining a fanbase. However, Brooks said she is weary about finding success on social media because of how many millions of upcoming artists post their work online to try to get noticed.

“I feel like there are a lot of people who’ve made it a habit to ignore those people who put themselves out there, just because there’s so many of them and they seem like nothing special,” Brooks said.

Although the music industry is not considered an easy field to tackle, Brooks has high hopes that she will one day play world renowned gigs - unless she finds herself saving the world.

“I’m actually completely serious about saving the world from extinction ,” Brooks said. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my entire life.”

- Orianne Elliott

As an avid member of ROTC, it comes as no surprise that Natalie Riley12 had already enlisted in the U.S. Reserves the summer before her senior year. Not only has she actively participated in ROTC over the course of her high school career, but her family has had even more influence on her decision to enlist. Her dad is in the Coast Guard, her uncle in the navy, another uncle in the Air Force, and her grandfather is a veteran of the Army.

“I even got to recruit my brother but he got in first because he’s two years older than me,” Riley said.

Becoming a part of the Reserves was a no-brainer to Riley, who said it was something she has always wanted to do.

“There’s more slots and opportunities,” Riley said. “I got a $4,000 bonus and I got to choose my job before I even signed up.”

While attending university at Sam Houston State, Riley wants to work part time as a medic and then full time in the reserves for six years before going into active-duty.

Riley said she would still find interest in sports medicine or personal training if she didn’t have plans to pursue active-duty.

Before she can even go active, the future medic must go through training out of state this coming June at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for basic training involving “lots of working out and staying in shape,” Riley said. “[The best part is] going through training and seeing what you’re made of,” Riley said. “There’s a lot of physical training but there’s a lot of mental training. They try to break you down and build you stronger than you were before.”

Riley recommends that students who are looking to enlist should explore the options presented by each

branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and that no one is obligated to go into battle.

“Not everyone has to go to war. There’s so many different parts,” Riley said. “Never just look at one branch. Look at your options and the different benefits being offered so you can see what’s right for you.”

- Joshlyn Thomas

Clips Astounding Advocate Currently a pizza wizard at Pizza Hut on Northpark, Nate Pitre makes people’s day through baking them a hot pie. Although he enjoys making customers smile through the instant gratification of their favorite food, Pitre craves to make a more lasting impression as a psychologist. After graduation, he’ll hang up his apron to go on to further his education.

After a representative from Lone Star College here in Kingwood came to present and explained that students could get paid to study, Pitre was sold.

“When the reps came in, [Professor] John Dethloff was presenting. The first thing he said was ‘Yeah, we’ll pay for your college,’” Pitre said.

Pitre plans on doing his basics at Lone Star and then transferring to a university, like University of Houston, to pursue a degree in psychology. If not UH, Pitre said that “somewhere with a higher minimum wage and lower cost of living” would be an ideal setting.

“My interests are really geared towards emotional and behavioral psychology,” Pitre said. “I’d like to offer talk therapy and counseling for LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual) youth,” Pitre said.

But before he wants to become a psychologist, Pitre says he wants to teach psychology to high schoolers.

“I think teaching could be fun, it’s kind of my safety net,” Pitre said. “If you teach in a Title 1 school, for at least 3 - 5 years, your student loans are forgiven. [Texas Title 1 Priority Schools] also offer grants that could take a huge chunk out of the cost of school.”

After his mother got her teaching degree and started working for Sheldon ISD, she got the advantages of the Texas Education Agency’s Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

“Every teacher in that district gets benefits from the program and I thought I could try that too because I don’t like the idea of debt,” Pitre said.

Although the financial benefits sweeten the deal, teaching in a Title 1 school comes with challenges. Title I is the federal commitment to closing the achievement gap between low-income and other students through instructional activities, counseling, parental involvement, and program improvement, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“Gang violence and racial profiling are some of the hardest barriers to see students have to face,” Pitre said.

With these hardships among a plethora of others, students in Title 1 schools have much more on their plates than most of their peers. Earlier in his education, Pitre himself went to Sheldon ISD and wants to go back to make amends.

“For one thing, I’ll be happy without debt but I grew up in Sheldon,” Pitre said. “Going back to the learning environment I had as a kid would be a way for me to give back.”

Pitre aspires to impact on his future students as a psychology teacher.

“I’m really hoping to get across the idea that everything going on inside the mind is important, not just based on what you can see,” Pitre said. “There’s several different types of varying severity. Just because you can’t see it in someone doesn’t mean it’s not there. I’ve met so many people with depression and generalized anxiety and you’d never know that they had it unless they told you.”

Astounding Advocate Currently a pizza wizard at Pizza Hut on Northpark, Nate Pitre makes people’s day through baking them a hot pie. Although he enjoys making customers smile through the instant gratification of their favorite food, Pitre craves to make a more lasting impression as a psychologist. After graduation, he’ll hang up his apron to go on to further his education.

After a representative from Lone Star College here in Kingwood came to present and explained that students could get paid to study, Pitre was sold.

“When the reps came in, [Professor] John Dethloff was presenting. The first thing he said was ‘Yeah, we’ll pay for your college,’” Pitre said.

Pitre plans on doing his basics at Lone Star and then transferring to a university, like University of Houston, to pursue a degree in psychology. If not UH, Pitre said that “somewhere with a higher minimum wage and lower cost of living” would be an ideal setting.

“My interests are really geared towards emotional and behavioral psychology,” Pitre said. “I’d like to offer talk therapy and counseling for LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual) youth,” Pitre said.

But before he wants to become a psychologist, Pitre says he wants to teach psychology to high schoolers.

“I think teaching could be fun, it’s kind of my safety net,” Pitre said. “If you teach in a Title 1 school, for at least 3 - 5 years, your student loans are forgiven. [Texas Title 1 Priority Schools] also offer grants that could take a huge chunk out of the cost of school.”

After his mother got her teaching degree and started working for Sheldon ISD, she got the advantages of the Texas Education Agency’s Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

“Every teacher in that district gets benefits from the program and I thought I could try that too because I don’t like the idea of debt,” Pitre said.

Although the financial benefits sweeten the deal, teaching in a Title 1 school comes with challenges. Title I is the federal commitment to closing the achievement gap between low-income and other students through instructional activities, counseling, parental involvement, and program improvement, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“Gang violence and racial profiling are some of the hardest barriers to see students have to face,” Pitre said.

With these hardships among a plethora of others, students in Title 1 schools have much more on their plates than most of their peers. Earlier in his education, Pitre himself went to Sheldon ISD and wants to go back to make amends.

“For one thing, I’ll be happy without debt but I grew up in Sheldon,” Pitre said. “Going back to the learning environment I had as a kid would be a way for me to give back.”

Pitre aspires to impact on his future students as a psychology teacher.

“I’m really hoping to get across the idea that everything going on inside the mind is important, not just based on what you can see,” Pitre said. “There’s several different types of varying severity. Just because you can’t see it in someone doesn’t mean it’s not there. I’ve met so many people with depression and generalized anxiety and you’d never know that they had it unless they told you.”

Once he retires from teaching, Pitre wants to specialize in pediatric psychology, but says he would not be above treating adult patients. He seeks to make resources for mental health treatment more affordable and accessible.

“I’ve personally felt like I need help but it’s not something I can financially pursue,” Pitre said. “I’d like to have an office for people in the same situation as me to have access to someone they can talk to, or at least trust. I’m hoping to achieve this through talk therapy because no one deserves to be in a toxic home or work environment.”

- Joshlyn Thomas

May 2015

7

Once he retires from teaching, Pitre wants to specialize in pediatric psychology, but says he would not be above treating adult patients. He seeks to make resources for mental health treatment more affordable and accessible.

“I’ve personally felt like I need help but it’s not something I can financially pursue,” Pitre said. “I’d like to have an office for people in the same situation as me to have access to someone they can talk to, or at least trust. I’m hoping to achieve this through talk therapy because no one deserves to be in a toxic home or work environment.”

- Joshlyn Thomas

May 2015

Clips 5A STATE GOLF CHAMPIONS s Hanna Alberto, Lexi Brooks, Ariana Saenz, Tori Gatling, Gabby Segura

Girls golf brings home the gold

By Joshlyn Thomas Staff reporter After winning a District Championship and Regional Championship, the girls golf team cruised to its first State Championship, defeating the second place team by 36 strokes on April 28.

Hanna Alberto11, Lexi Brooks12, Ariana Saenz10, Victoria Gatling11 and Gabby Segura11 combined to shoot a total of 616 at the two-day tournament. From the beginning of the season, the team set the goal to make it to State. The golfers went far above their expectations by capturing the first state championship win for girls golf in Kingwood Park history.

“We reached our goal, we’re on a high right now. We climbed the mountain and we were first,” said coach Angela Chancellor.

The team overcame an array of obstacles over the course of their season including inclement weather, sickness and bad rounds. They reminded themselves that they were a unique set of players who can handle anything.

“We played in some harsh weather conditions this year,” Chancellor said. “Some severe cold and some rain but it never bothered [the girls], they were always glad to be in a tournament and competing.”

At Regionals, Brooks got sick and suffered injuries at District. Gatling commended her fellow teammates

on finishing strong.

“Physical illness took people out of the zone,” Gatling said. “We had to encourage [Brooks] and remind her that it would be OK.” Chancellor also commended Brooks for her role as a leader for the team this past year, setting an example for her younger counterparts.

“I was very pleased with Lexi Brooks this year, she was our only senior,” Chancellor said. “She took a lead role this year in having responsibility for the girls and showing them through her maturity what to expect.”

Each player contributed to the season’s success, encouraging each other to give their all, according to Alberto, who has been golfing competitively since the age of 7.

“We all acted as team leaders,” Alberto said. “Everyone pushes everyone to do better.”

The fellowship among all the girls on the golf team only grew stronger after all the challenges they faced together.

“We have to understand and respect each other,” said Alberto. “We have to make sure we are working together to reach our goal.”

Consistent practice and duking it out with schools bigger than 5A was key for the team to reach such great heights.

“Competing at 6A tournaments helped us to play against bigger schools, which better prepared us,” Gatling said. “Coach looked over

With the help of a selfie stick, Hanna Alberto11, Lexi Brooks12, Ariana Saenz10, Tori Gatling11, Gabby Segura11 captured their post-victory smiles after receiving their gold medals for winning the State Golf Championship.

our score cards and told us where we made bogies or doubles so we would make a comeback with pars and birdies after we improved.”

These practice methods polished their skills. When asked about their favorite moment of the past season, the entire team unanimously agreed it was the moment that UIL officials wrote the coveted “#1” next to the school’s name at the State Meet.

Even their coach made note of the triumph.

“When they put that number one up next to our name at the tournament and we knew we finished first, it was all worth it,” Chancellor said.

May 2015, page 18

8425 West Road Houston, TX 77064 713-849-9115 dogwooddogtraning.com

18 May 2015

The team wants to dream just as big as they did this year for the future ahead.

“We set the bar high, like ceiling high. It’s like the ceiling of the commons, not the classroom,” Gatling said with a laugh.

The girls returning next year aim to win first place at State again but it will never be the same as their inaugural state win.

“This was a special team for us, because they are the first state championship. But even more so because they are like family, and we’ll always share that experience together,” Chancellor said.