The Odyssey

ODYSSEY

Summer Creek High School s 14000 Weckford Blvd., Houston, TX 77044

May 11, 2012 s Issue 7, Vol. 3

Using his own humble background, Kraemer has united a student body while building an identity for the youngest high school in the district.

First Class Principal H

H

H

By STARR JAUREGUI

STAFF REPORTER

Principal Trey Kraemer attends a majority of school functions, giving up time with his family to support his students, whom he and his wife also see as part of their family.

He gives everyone equal respect and disciplines them as he would discipline his son Matthew, ‘13. He is willing to do what he has to to help everyone.

“When he sees a kid who is going through hard times, he wants them to know that they’re safe in this learning environment,” said Matthew. “He loves seeing a kid smile.”

With a diverse population that includes 40 percent African Americans, 37 percent Hispanics and 18 percent whites, Kraemer uses his background to relate with everyone - including the 50.4 percent who are on free or reduced lunch.

When Kraemer was young, his family couldn’t afford to make lavish purchases; so when he’d receive new clothing, his sisters would stress the importance of taking care of what he was given because they didn’t know when the next opportunity to buy things would be. He was unaware that other families didn’t live the same way that he did.

“I thought that paying with coupons was normal,” said Kraemer.

“Come to find out, they’re called

Photo by Krysten Barnes

SENIORS, pages 7-10

With prom over and graduation nearing, the final weeks of celebration begin for seniors.

SPORTS, page 12

Photo by Rikki Hurt

Rene Purcell, ‘15, had a big hit in the playoff series against Brenham last week.

Journalism students earn writing, photography honors

Photo by Lisseth Lopez

Principal Trey Kreamer joins in with the crowd for the school anthem at the track and baseball recognition rally held May 3. Kraemer has worked hard in the spring to make sure athletes and those who have academically done well get recognized in rallies or parades during school.

food stamps.”

The summer after his freshman year of high school, he met his wife Sandi on a church youth group trip. Sandi admired his contagious happiness and his love for life.

When Kraemer met Sandi’s family, he formed a strong relationship with her mother. He wasn’t used to the parents being married and not worrying about money, so he enjoyed spending time with them.

He felt like he was finally part of what he thought was a normal family.

“My mom loved him more than Please see KRAEMER Page 6

Mann overcomes hurdles, will compete at State today After transferring from Kingwood Park a year ago, Mann found her niche and will showcase her skills at State today.

By MADISON RICE CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Photo by Lisseth Lopez

Looking ahead at the hurdles, Meredith Mann, ‘13, waits to start her practice run after school last week. Mann will compete in the 100 hurdles at State today. She is one of only two girls to qualify for the State meet. She transferred to Summer Creek after spending her freshman year at Kingwood Park.

Meredith Mann, ‘13, scanned the track at Texas Southern University and saw numerous schools there to compete. It was her second time running the 4x100 relay, and for the first time she was running the third leg.

The gunshot went off; and she watched as Avianna Davis, ‘13, ran the first stretch and then handed the baton off to Asia Roberts, ‘12.

Mann waited patiently for the baton then she began to run with everything she had. As she began to hear the crowd cheering, she passed the runner in front of her and took the lead. It was a moment that defined everything for Mann.

“This moment was awesome,” Mann said. “I got the stick and you could hear the crowd cheering. People came up to me afterwards and were like, ‘Oh, you go to Summer Creek?’ College recruiters came up to me and told me I had

had a great run, and I really kicked in on that curve. I felt awesome, and coach Shelton Ervin said I was on the relay from then on.”

Just a few weeks later, that newfound confidence helped Mann qualify for State in the 100 hurdles.

She and Asia Roberts, ‘12, are the only two members of the girls track team competing at State today in Austin.

Mann began running track in the seventh grade at Kingwood Middle School. She first joined because she was talked into it by her middle school coach, but she liked to run and it made her happy. She was introduced to hurdles in 2001, and she knew she had found what she wanted to do.

“I first started hurdles at field event day,” Mann said. “This one girl ate it completely, and she broke her arm. That made me so scared to do it, but I did it anyway. When I found out I liked hurdles, I did not want to do anything else. It came naturally to me.”

Finding a team that fit her was more challenging. Mann has gone Please see TRACK, Page 6

Sitting at computers for hours, traveling to school board meetings to interview outside sources and talking to laid-off teachers brought the newspaper department a state title for indepth package reporting.

The group of Madison Terrier, ‘14, Madison Rice, ‘13, Lisseth Lopez, ‘13, Rikki Hurt, ‘13, and Meredith Mann, ‘13, combined to take the Tops in Texas honor in the UIL-Interscholastic League Press Conference competition. The award is given to only one entry in the entire state.

“This project was a real issue,” said Madison Terrier, ‘14, who won one national and four state awards.

“People’s jobs and lives were going to be affected by this event and people deserved to know about it.”

The newspaper and yearbook students combined to win 18 state and two national awards.

“I received a phone call from my teacher informing me about the awards we had won,” said Lisseth Lopez, ‘13, who also won two state awards for her sports photography. “I was ecstatic about the honor and the name we were giving our publication.”

The Odyssey newspaper also captured two 4A state titles with junior Krysten Barnes winning the general news photography category and Terrier winning the feature writing category.

Terrier and fellow sophomore Lauren Grimm also won national Quill and Scroll writing awards.

Other students to place in the UIL-ILPC competition included Shaianne Rubin, ‘15, Jenna Duvall, ‘14, Susanna Summers, ‘13, Allie Stanfield, ‘14, and Danielle Miller, ‘14.

“This goes to show all the work we have done over the last three years is paying off,” Madison Rice, ‘13, said.

2

NEWS

THE ODYSSEY

Friday, May 11, 2012

Goodman plans for a life-changing experience This summer Lily Goodman will travel to Africa for a missionary trip to an orphanage.

By LISSETH LOPEZ STAFF REPORTER

After a 25-hour plane flight to another continent, Lily Goodman, ’13, will arrive at her destination.

On a hill in Kenya, Africa, there is a boys’ orphanage with 15 boys, two mothers, nine employees, one watchman, two gardeners and a manager. Goodman will arrive in hopes of impacting the lives of those in desperate need by sharing her faith and providing supplies.

In August, Goodman will fly to Africa on a mission trip with Janice Wagner and a few other willing souls. Wagner is founder of Through the Storm Ministries, the ministry that built Haven on a Hill in Africa from the ground up.

After visiting Africa with a friend, the sight of poverty and hunger impacted Wagner so much she knew she had to do something.

After much pacing and prayer, she took action.

In 2000, Wagner and her husband searched for a place to build the orphanage. Five years later they were able to purchase the property, and her vision became a reality as Haven on the Hill was built.

“It means changing lives,” Wagner said, “helping to give people hope for a future. It’s the reason I’m alive.”

Goodman, who has known Wagner most of her life, has been waiting three years for an opportunity to go on this mission trip. This is the first year Through the Storms

Photo by Lisseth Lopez

Lily Goodman, ‘13, poses with the picture of James, the orphan she has sponsored. She will visit the orphanage in August on a missionary trip to Africa and meet James for the first time. She has sent $30 to him monthly since becoming involved in the organization. Goodman recently shaved her head to show her support for a friend going through chemotherapy.

Ministry will be taking youth.

Goodman told Wagner that God put it in her heart to go to Africa. “(Wagner) said, ‘Well, let’s go,’ and I said, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is happening,’” Goodman said.

Goodman is involved with Radi-

cal 25:35 ministries where they feed and minister to the homeless on Friday nights.

“I love helping people,” Goodman said. “That is my passion.”

Goodman is already involved with Haven on a Hill through a child sponsorship. Every month

Goodman gives $30 to a boy named James to help with his needs. When they realized James didn’t know his birthday, they gave him Goodman’s. Lily is ecstatic about being able to meet James for the first time. While they will celebrate their birthday separately

on May 18, Goodman plans on bringing a gift upon arrival. They estimate James will turn 5.

“I can’t even describe the feeling,” Goodman said. “It’s like loving someone you’ve never met.”

Goodman isn’t the only one in her household involved with Through the Storm Ministries. Her parents, Laura and Billy Goodman, are both board members on the team.

In 2009, Laura Goodman made a trip to Kenya with Wagner. Goodman has wanted her daughter to go since the beginning. She has no reservations or concerns regarding her daughter.

“She is going to laugh a lot and cry a lot,” Laura Goodman said.

“It’ll benefit her and make her more sensitive and grateful.”

Before the August trip, Goodman must raise $2,500 for the trip through sponsors, attend informational sessions to break the culture shock and have three shots (yellow fever, typhoid, and diphtheria).

When Goodman arrives in Africa, a busy schedule is already in place. The group will minister to children, go to public schools to hand out school supplies and perform puppet shows. To the public, they will hand out blankets, food, and clothing. Even though Goodman doesn’t know exactly what to expect she hopes to be transformed by the experience.

“I think it will completely change my life and give me a sense of happiness and a sense of worth,” Goodman said. “I will come back from Africa as a changed person.”

- For those interested in being a part or helping though the ministry, there is more information at throughthestorm.org.

Students take adventures to a new level during summer vacation A number of students are leaving the country this summer for new experiences and fun.

By MICHELLE GARCIA STAFF REPORTER

School will end and vacationing will begin. A group of students will head to the airport with EF Tours to go to Costa Rica.

“I am excited and really looking forward to it,” Janet Sibley, mother of Summer Sibley, ‘14, said. Mrs. Sibley and her daughter are both going on the trip. “Lots of memo-

ries will be made and it will be lots of fun.”

The trip was offered last year to all students and teacher Ashley Grippo was organizing it. Throughout the planning of the trip Grippo had to move to Missouri leaving the social studies instructional coach Marjorie Morrison to sponsor the group.

The trip will contain many activities that will include water, heights and heat.

“We are going to zip line and kayak,” Summer Sibley said.

Going to Costa Rica will bring new opportunities to the students and create new memories.

“The benefits of this trip are meet-

ing new people and trying new things,” Mary Alice Waddel, ‘14, said. “I can become a better person in life.”

The participants are not the only ones who are traveling with EF Tours. Most of the theater varsity members, along with three adults, will travel to London for 10 days. In addition, seven other participants are traveling to Italy for seven days with history teacher Talya Bean.

Getting the opportunity to go on this trip will show different ways other people are besides yourself.

“It will make me feel thankful that we live in a good place and just seeing the family I have will make me

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appreciate that,” Summer Sibley said.

While the participants are excited about the activities, they do have some worries.

“I am concerned about experiencing strange foods that may not agree with me and the safety,” Mrs. Sibley said.

The departure date for Costa Rica is June 13 and the girls will be gone for nine days. They leave behind their family and friends to go on a trip that will forever be a memory.

“If you have the opportunity to go anywhere, you should take it because life goes by too fast,” Waddel said.

SUMMER TRIPS Place: Italy - Florence, Venice and Rome Number of SCHS students: 7 students Departure date: June 22 Length of trip: 7 days Cost: $2,400 per person Place: London Number of SCHS students: 15 theater students Departure date: June 11 Length of trip: 10 days Cost: Depends on how early you sign up.

Place: Costa Rica Number of SCHS students: 8 students Departure date: June 13 Length of trip: 9 days Cost: $2,400 per person

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NEWS

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY

3

Twirling to the stage for final performances Starlettes and dance students look forward to night of dancing.

By BRIANCA BERRY STAFF REPORTER

Photo by Jackie Martinez

During a period of AP English 3, Paris Dowd, ‘13, works with classmates in the hallway on a project as they read Our Town together. This summer, all returning students will be expected to participate in the summer reading program.

As summer nears, teachers work to finalize reading lists for students Once again, students will be responsible for reading and journaling in the summer.

By TAYLER BANES STAFF REPORTER

Summer is a time where stress ceases and worries are halted for most students. However, students enrolled in more rigorous courses for the following school year keep their backpacks full.

For incoming sophomores, juniors and seniors, summer reading is a requirement for students over the break.

“It is important because we need students to keep themselves in an academic mode and to learn how to time manage and self discipline, both skills essential to the Pre-AP and AP program,” Ramona Riviere, English II level and Pre-AP teacher, said.

The assignment consists of reading a novel and completing dialectical journals.

“I really don’t think (reading) was beneficial because it was very time consuming, and I didn’t enjoy the book that much,” said Gerry Gandar, ‘13, who read Complications by Atul Gawande last summer. “The dialectical journals were beneficial because finding quotes and analyzing them became a lot easier.”

By students being given such an expansive time period to complete the assignment, the difficult part is not procrastinating.

“Begin reading the book and annotating for literary devices as soon as school is out,” Crystal Livingston, the English Lit and Comp and English IV teacher said, via email.

“Review your annotations/notes and organize the dialectical journal after you have completed the novel.”

SUMMER READING BOOKS Pre-AP/AP classes already are planning their summer reading assignments. The tentative plan for students includes: PRE-AP/AP ENGLISH Sophomores: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Juniors: Complications by Atul Gawande Seniors: The Road by Cormac McCarthy AP HISTORY Sophomores: Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond Juniors: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis Seniors: GOVERNMENT - Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel-Why Everything You Know is Wrong

by John Strossel ECONOMICS - Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

If students do not do it, it can cause a setback grade-wise that will be hard to overcome in the first six weeks.

“They will fail the test and they will receive zeros for the daily grades on the reading if not completed,” Riviere said.

Even students who register late for Pre-AP or AP classes still have to complete the assignment.

“Just do the assignment and don’t register for Pre-AP and AP too late,” Riviere said. “Even if you register late, you still have to do the reading and assignments.”

Just by taking a miniscule amount of time out of summer vacation can get students on track for the upcoming school year and have long-lasting results.

“It is an expectation and will help prepare them for the AP test,” Livingston said.

For the Starlettes, Spring Show gives them the opportunity to showcase more of their talent.

Throughout the year, they march onto the field in “victory lines,” dance to the school fight song at pep rallies and chant like there’s no tomorrow at basketball games.

Spring show is where the school gets to see them truly perform.

“I love Spring Show,” said Amber Thomas, ‘15, “we get to perform our favorite styles of dance, and the costumes are amazing.”

Every year Starlettes along with all the other dance classes team up to put on a final show. The girls perform a number of solos, group numbers, a mother-daughter dance, and the new members of the 2012-13 team are introduced for their first performance

Photo by Jerrick Jerrels

Jasmine Samuel, ‘12, practices for the upcoming 3rd Annual Spring Show performance. All of the dance classes will be participating in the show tonight and tomorrow night in the PAC. “We’ve worked so hard,” Shanzrenise May, ‘15, said. “It’ll be good for it to all pay off.”

as Starlettes.

“I’m so excited for spring show,” said new member Jamecia Bradley, ‘15. “I get to dance with my dance class. It will also be my first performance as a new Starlette.”

Starlettes 3rd Annual Spring Show will take place on May 1112 in the PAC at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $5 pre-sale and $7 at the

door.

“Everyone should come out to Spring Show,” director Teresa Aranda said. “Every year we sellout both nights because it is such a fun event. The girls work super hard all year, and I’m glad to see it all pay off.”

Evening of song, dance planned for choir finale Choir prepares to make a lasting impression as the school year ends.

By BRIANCA BERRY STAFF REPORTER

As the school year comes to its end, many organizations say their goodbyes with dinners and banquets. But for choir, hosting their last concert is how they will end a great year that saw the students win high ratings at UIL competitions.

“We did great in UIL,” said Aaron Hughes, ‘12, “which is why I’m expecting Encore to be amazing.”

Every year choir hosts four main shows - fall, Christmas, spring and Encore, which is the grand finale.

Encore is a show composed of many sets of song, dance, as well as solos performed by members of the choir, and other students who audition to sing separately.

Music at Encore is not the usual UIL music. Songs like Empire State of Mind, songs from the musicals Annie and O Brother Where Art Thou will be performed to entertain the crowd, while showcasing the choir’s talent.

“We’ve worked extremely hard

Congratulations on a long journey of hard work, sweat and tears. We wish you continued success in life.

Don’t forget us for parties, weddings & any other special occasions.

Way to go Class of 2012!!!

Happy Summer!!!!

See the rest of you next year!!!!

Photo by Paris Dowd

Desimond Martin, ‘13, D’Anthony Reed, ‘14, and Chris Pinto, ‘13, sing at the spring concert, which featured the choir’s various UIL songs. The choir will have its end-of-the-year concert May 18-19 in the PAC. They will sing and dance to a number of popular songs.

to make this show a success,” said Brandon Johnson, ‘13, who will also be performing a solo.

Encore will be held May 18 and 19 in the PAC. Tickets are $8 at the door, or $5 pre-sale, and will be sold only during lunch the week before the show.

“Encore will be very entertaining,” said Amanda Robison, Choir director. “It’s family friendly, enjoyable and you’ll have a chance to see how hard your friends have been working all school year.”

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NEWS

THE ODYSSEY

Friday, May 11, 2012

Students support ministry Garcia began last year Briana Garcia, ‘13, and her mother started a ministry to aid Houston’s less fortunate.

By ALEXIS ROBINSON STAFF REPORTER

It all started with a cheerful, giving heart and a hope to help those in need in Houston’s downtown area. It has evolved into Radical 25:35 student ministries.

“We’re called ministries, not just ministry because we do more than just feed and talk to the homeless,” Briana said.

Briana Garcia, ‘13, joined her youth group from Grace Church of Humble on Christmas 2010 to give out leftover food to the homeless. Af- Briana Garcia, ‘13, with Eli, ter that, Bri- who often shows up for food on Fridays. ana and eager to help friends started going every Friday afternoon to help those in need.

“Our goal is to share God’s love with the homeless of downtown Houston; but we also feed, clothe and provide toiletries,” Briana said.

When Briana knew that the ministry was getting bigger she looked to her mom Patricia Garcia for help and guidance.

“At first it was her encouraging

Photo by Alexis Robinson

Ben Carr, ‘13, helps prepare hot dogs with another member of the ministry. The ministry met at junior Briana Garcia’s home before venturing out into the two areas they frequently visit on their Friday trips into the community.

WHY RADICAL 25:35?

The meaning behind the name of the ministry was started by a member saying that members should be “radical for Jesus” and it stuck. Matthew 25:35 describes what the ministry is.

Matthew 25:35 says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” me to continue doing this,” Briana said. “Then when my friends started to come, my mom really became a mom to all my friends. She is just as ready to love them and help them with their problems as she was with me.”

Every Friday afternoon, the members meet up at Briana’s house to kick off the day with a worship session and short message from one of the members. After, they each share something that God has blessed them with that week.

“We are together as a group and have a lot of unity and love,” group member Ben Carr, ‘13, said.

Once the group is done with its fellowship, everyone pitches in to prepare the meal for the night. In the winter they make soup or chili, and when the weather is warmer, they often make tacos. After the preparation is over they head out in cars full of students to one of the safe places they have established in downtown.

“It’s amazing because it changes your life,” group member Lily Goodman, ‘13, said. “It opens your eyes, makes you more grateful for what you have.

At the first place they stop, they have three people that they have come to know well. Eli, Lee and Michelle have become the “regulars.”

Lee gives the ministry until nine 9 p.m. each Friday. If they aren’t there by then, he knows they aren’t coming. Each time, new people come along and the ministry is happy to serve them. Members offer guidance and prayer to those who request it.

“It’s a sad thing with younger kids being out here on the streets,” Eli said. “Briana and her family have given us hope that there is a better future.”

The ministry has grown since it first started. It includes student members from each high school in the district and Woodcreek Middle.

Briana and the ministry hope to one day be able to build a home for teenagers and adults in need and to hold offices for the growing ministries.

“It has made us a closer family,” Patricia Garcia said. “We all see life differently now. Our focus in life is different. We tend to be more grateful for the small things in life.”

Local business entertains, promotes school organizations

By JENNA DUVALL STAFF REPORTER

For two years, Summerwood Self Storage’s marque has inspired community members on their daily commute with quirky quotes like: “I pretend to work; they pretend to pay me.”

“We’re inspired to put the community in a good mood on their way to work,” Tamara Herrera, resident manager, said via email.

“Most of us hate the morning drive, so a good chuckle helps set the mood for the day. Also, it doesn’t hurt that people know where we are because they remember the sign.”

However, funny quotes aren’t the only thing the storage center does.

The facility provides storage units and moving or packing supplies to the community. In addition, they

Photo by Jenna Duvall

Ray Herrera, resident manager of Summerwood Self Storage, changes the business sign to promote Project Graduation. SCHS is one of many local schools and businesses that utilize this promotion spot.

provide an area in which schools, churches and other groups can host events at no cost.

“There is no fee for any events as long as it is for a good cause, like school functions and feeding and

clothing the homeless,” Herrera said.

Summerwood Self Storage has found its niche in the Atascocita area by getting involved with schools and churches.

“There are many advantages of getting involved within our community,” Herrera said. “It makes it easier to do business, opens opportunities to improve, and helps us to develop a good relationship with the general public, other local businesses and organizations.”

Their involvement with the community and schools has been rightfully noted in many clubs around the school, including the Starlettes, cheerleaders and class officers.

“Summerwood Self Storage has been very helpful,” Yvonne Peña, Class of 2014 sponsor, said. “The staff there is very welcoming and

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was willing to help SCHS and our class with our car wash.”

By getting involved, Summerwood Self Storage has planted roots around the area. Their chuckle-worthy sign and positive attitude has truly rubbed off on their surroundings. However, the community has also had its effect on them.

“So far it has been the community members that affected us the most,” Herrera said. “It has been a very friendly atmosphere in this community. Our goals are to get to know other business owners and community members so that we can grow our business. All business goals are a work in progress, and there is always room for improvement.”

Students tour jail with Spivey Students visited the Harris County Sheriff’s Department to learn about life behind bars.

By BLAKE MIDDLETON STAFF REPORTER

Assistant principal Reginald Spivey took more than 75 boys and girls on a field trip to the Harris County Sheriff ’s Department to give the students an idea of what life is really like behind bars and to get a feel for the lifestyle.

Students were selected based on “who would best benefit from the trip,” said Spivey.

“It was a mind change,” said Spivey, “because on the way back some of the kids were saying ‘Look, I need to change how I’m living because the lifestyle I have right now might currently lead me on that path.’”

Because of conversations like these, Spivey said he felt it was a “mission-accomplished.”

The goal of the field trip was to give students a learning experience of what jail life is and what the inmates are like and to give experience to kids who plan on going into the criminal justice field.

“We wanted to make sure we catch their imaginations and let them see that some of their lifestyles might need to be altered a bit,” said Spivey.

He also reminded the students who are 17 and older that if “they get into trouble, like a fight, that’s the place they’ll be heading [to].”

Dwayne Everette, ’12, was one of the students selected to go on the trip.

“It was a waking up experience,” said Everette. “It was dirty, it stunk, there were small cells, dark rooms with no sunlight, [the inmates] eat twice a day and the food was nasty.”

Everette also shared his impressions after the experience.

“My thoughts were, ‘I’m ready to leave and go back into the free world,’” said Everette.

This was not the first time Spivey took some of his students to the sheriff ’s department to give them a feel for prison life.

“In 1998, when I was at Smiley High School, I did it,” said Spivey. “From that, they also made a movie. It’s called Fighting the Odds: the Marilyn Gambrell Story. You all have probably seen it and didn’t know it was me,” said Spivey.

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FEATURES

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY

5

Ice Box provides cool cash for teachers

23

Softball coaches open new business that will keep them busy over the summer.

SPECIALTY FLAVORS

By KRISLYN DOMINGUE

In addition to the everyday Snow Cone syrups, these specialty flavors are offered exclusively at the ICE BOX:

STAFF REPORTER

High temperatures and sunny days leave students and faculty both looking for ways to stay cool.

Jeans turn into shorts, jackets into tank tops, and hot chocolate into snow cones as individuals attempt to cope with the intense heat. Teachers Kristina Swart and Lindsey Cathey provide the solution with their portable snow cone stand - The Ice Box. Swart and Cathey became acquainted when they both began working on the staff of Summer Creek and then later became roommates. From there, the decision to embark on the task of owning and operating their own snow cone stand was influenced by friends who happened to own a successful stand.

“We did a lot of research over the past year,” Cathey said. “We went to a lot of websites and a lot of message boards - researching a lot. (We were) talking to people who owned stands, trying out different stands to see the differences and what they offer.”

The stand also provides Swart and Cathey with summer jobs.

The pair are very much entrepreneurs - Swart has previously worked as a computer tech during the summer and has also sold her own products crafted from duct tape while Cathey painted houses.

“I would rather make money (during the summer) than spend it,” Swart said.

The pair invested about $9,000 into the stand (which includes everything - the trailer, the supplies, as well as the permit) and hope to break even on that investment this summer.

“There’s very low overhead,” said Cathey. “The flavors that we ordered, we ordered from Southern Snow in New Orleans. But the flavor concentrates go a really long way. The price to actually make a snow cone is only just about $.30.”

The cheapness of actually producing a snow cone is a major factor in the profitability of the business. The Ice Box’s prices range from $2-$4 for sizes small to large, and the customer can choose from 36 flavors. Swart and Cathey came up with the prices based on the prices of other local

ALL-AMERICAN -Cherry and Blue Coconut BARBIE -Cake batter and Cream CHERRY LIMEADE - Pink Lemonade, Cherry, Lime DINOSAUR - Lime and Blue Coconut FROG IN A BLENDER-Lime, Banana, Blue Coconut FUNKY MONKEY - Tiger’s Blood, Banana, Cream GIRL POWER - Pink Lemonade and Banana ISLAND BREEZE - Orange and Coconut LAVA FLOW - Banana, Orange, Strawberry MONKEY BRAINS - Strawberry, Banana, Cream MICKEY MOUSE - Strawberry and Banana MINNIE MOUSE - Cake Batter and Cream NINJA TURTLE - Lime and Strawberry PINEAPPLE EXPRESS-Pineapple, Coconut, Cherry PLANET OF THE GRAPES - Grape and Blueberry RAZZLE-DAZZLE - Blue Coconut and Banana

ROCKIN RAINBOW-Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Pineapple

ROCK N ROLL - Strawberry, Banana, Blue Coconut SPIDER MAN - Blue Coconut, Cherry L.A. SUNSET - Strawberry, Orange, Peach TAZMANIAN DEVIL - Root Beer and Cream TROPIC WONDER - Peach, Strawberry, Coconut VANILLA MONSTER - Blue Coconut and Vanilla Photo by Paige Gonzalez

Kristina Swart adds Tigers Blood flavoring to a customer’s snow cone. The Ice Box was open and selling snow cones the whole night for Relay for Life on April 28. “We were there the whole time, and then we went to Grace Church in Humble for a Project Graduation event,” Lindsey Cathey said.

snow cone stands in order to be competitive.

“The prices are $2 for a small, which is 12 ounces; $3 for a medium, which is 16 ounces; $4 for a large which is 20 ounces. You can add cream for $.50 or sour spray for $.50,” said Cathey.

However, these prices are not set in stone. The stand will offer discounts throughout the summer.

These discounts will vary by day and be random - examples include half off for the customers who wear a Summer Creek shirt or for those who show their UT horns.

Deciding on a location was perhaps the biggest challenge in owning a stand. The stand was located in Kingwood at River Grove Park during the months of March and April.

“We would like to put the stand somewhere in Summerwood maybe the HEB parking lot or the Shell with the McDonald’s in the middle of Summerwood. We would then be open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Cathey.

Securing either of these locations could increase the flow of customers and, in turn, the profitability of the stand. The portability of the stand allows for endless possibilities regarding the location.

The Ice Box is an extension of Swart and Cathey’s creativity.

“We built the trailer from scratch

1271 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Suite F Phone: 281-436-1800 Fax: 281-436-0611

Photo by Tori Hubert

Lindsey Cathey gets help from co-worker Sarah Oleson as she hands out snow cones to the softball team during the end of season party. “[I got] Margarita and Pineapple, the best flavor I have ever had in a snow cone. I am definitely an Ice Box fan,” softball coach Kelly Collins said.

- we bought it empty and customized the inside,” said Cathey. “It took us three or four months every weekend.”

Swart’s stepdad helped with customizing the interior of the trailer and buying used items via sites such as Craigslist contributed to the affordability of decorating the trailer.

The pair eventually hopes to expand to multiple stands, “but not for a couple of years,” said Swart.

Swart and Cathey work the stand themselves with additional help from family members on rare occasions.

“The hard part is finding honest people to run them because it is a cash business and there’s not really any way to track the money,” Cathey said.

Until then, the pair enjoys running the stand themselves.

“You make your own hours, you set your hours and it’s enjoyable.

It’s not hard labor,” said Cathey.

Swart and Cathey love kids and look forward to their Saturdays at the stand. However, it is a lot of hard work that didn’t just happen overnight.

The pair shared that most people laughed at the idea of a snow cone stand.

Swart said, “My mom told me we were just wasting our time and money.”

In spite of the initial doubt shown by peers, the experience proves worthwhile.

“I think it caters to everyone,” said Swart. “(At the soccer fields), the parents will get their kids one

and then come back while they’re playing and get one for themselves. Or sometimes, the parent will tell their kids ‘no, they can’t have a snow cone’ and then, when their kids are playing in their soccer game, (the parents) come get one for themselves.”

Even though the snow cone season lasts from March to October, Swart and Cathey plan to participate in local events such as the recent Race for the Cure and Project Graduation event held at Grace Church of Humble.

The Ice Box looks for Bulldog support and has seen trickles of it with visits from Jennifer Kilson, ‘13, and Nicole Chemaly, ‘14, and at the Race for the Cure event held at Summer Creek on April 28.

Kilson and Chemaly visited the stand on April 7 and tested the Dallas Cowboy (blue coconut) and the Aggie, respectively.

Syerra Sanford, ‘14, who attended the Race for the Cure event said, “I got green apple and grape with sour spray; it was really good.

I had three of them. The line was forever, but it was worth the wait.”

Jessica Meza, ‘12, said, “I love the fact that it’s shaved ice and not the hard regular ice that snow cones usually are. It was delicious and I certaintly can’t wait to have a different flavor next time.”

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6

NEWS

THE ODYSSEY

Friday, May 11, 2012

KRAEMER: With possible promotion in future,

Sconzo said replacing Kraemer big challenge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

she loved me,” Sandi said. “He had an amazing relationship with her.”

Graduating from North Shore, he then went to Stephen F. Austin where he received his masters in physical education, education and minored in history.

During the first nine years of his career, he coached football, basketball, track and taught history.

After his son Matthew was born, he coached for one more year and took a job in administration, something he knew would benefit his family.

When Summer Creek was in the works, Kraemer devoted his time to creating something new: a safe, comfortable and family-like atmosphere students would appreciate.

“Opening a new high school is not easy but looking back, we could not have made a better decision,” said superintendent Guy Sconzo about the decision to name Kraemer principal. “By far, the kids are most important (to him). He has such love and enthusiasm to help them be successful.”

Kraemer enjoys being a part of what he said is the best high school in the district; and when people eye it with skepticism, he is quick to defend it. He has a strong sense of pride and spirit for how far the school has come.

“People who talk negatively have probably never stepped foot on campus,” said Kraemer.

One thing that Kraemer’s coworkers, family and friends know is his love for his students and his compassionate nature towards them.

“I hope people appreciate how much he genuinely cares,” swim coach and co-teacher John Dissinger said. “A lot of people

Photo by Tori Hubert

After getting out of an ice bath, Meredith Mann, ‘13, talks with some students in the training room. She has spent the past two weeks since Regionals preparing for the State meet today at the University of Texas in Austin.

TRACK: Track

team, coach help Mann find success Photo by Lisseth Lopez

During the seven minutes between classes, principal Trey Kraemer is often in the hallways talking with students and shaking hands. He often stops kids who aren’t smiling in an attempt to find out if anything is wrong and to try to make them laugh.

would’ve given up on some students but he doesn’t.”

Kraemer also takes the time to know his staff and is aware of what goes on in their lives. He is very understanding and caring.

“When my mother was in the hospital, he called me and told me to take care of her,” counselor Phyllis Cart said, “and that everything would be OK until I came back.”

Now Kraemer is enjoying the opportunity to have his son at the same school. Matthew, a freshman, already reached State in swim and his dad couldn’t be any more proud.

“It’s fun watching him grow up,” Kraemer said. “It’s rewarding.”

Whether or not he will remain principal throughout Matthew’s full high school career is un-

known. Kraemer has shown interest in becoming a superintendent.

“If the opportunity came up, I could see myself becoming one (superintendent),” said Kraemer.

Being a superintendent is a position Sconzo said would suit Kraemer because of “his undying dedication and can-do spirit.” Sconzo said Kraemer has a clear picture of what an effective principal needs to do day in and day out.

For now, Kraemer is focused on Summer Creek and future goals with the students there. Now that traditions have been made, he wants to continue to build on them to create something greater.

“The biggest challenge if he left would be finding someone with the ability to keep Summer Creek where it is,” said Sconzo.

Teen Leadership students net honor, cash in essay contest Students wrote winning essays to raise environmental awareness and won cash prizes.

By BLAKE MIDDLETON STAFF REPORTER

Most people would not consider writing an essay as a method of doing either community service or trying to save the planet, but this is exactly what Takara Badrock’s Teen Leadership students Memona Niazi, ‘14, and Savannah Le, ’15, got paid for doing by entering their essays in the “Why Is It Important to Recycle?” contest for www.keepkingwoodgreen.org.

The main rules were that “the essays had to be no more than 750 words and in the students’ own words,” Badrock said.

“I entered three of my kids’ essays on why it’s important to recycle because the limit is three, and two of my kids won first and second place,” Badrock said.

Each student who placed won money for their essays. Niazi won $100 for having the first place essay, and Le won $75 for second place. Badrock even received $50 for being the teacher of the first place winner.

“The essay was to bring awareness to the importance of recycling

because it’s something that people don’t really know much about but it’s important to do,” Niazi said. “I didn’t even know the importance of it until I took Mrs. Badrock’s Teen Leadership class.”

Apart from writing essays, Badrock’s Teen Leadership classes empty out the recycling bins once a week as part of the Dream Machine Recycle Rally program.

“I’m actually very passionate about the environment and recycling, so I kind of got into the essay as I was writing it,” Le said. “The fact that I got second place makes me feel like I actually made a contribution.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

through her ups and downs. Sophomore year she decided to transfer from Kingwood Park High School to Summer Creek. Despite the school being 20 minutes away and a whole new environment, Meredith and her family said the decision to transfer was easy.

“I was really nervous about it at first,” Mann said. “I did not want to meet new friends. But I knew it was the right decision, and I was happy and excited. I did not tell my friends until the first day of school I had transferred. Kingwood Park just did not fit me, who I was or my personality.”

Before arriving at Summer Creek, she set up an interview with track coach Matthew Frost and talked to him about the program. Mann also toured the school and went to the theater spring show Rabbit Hole.

“She is one of the kindest, friendliest kids I have ever had the opportunity to coach,” Frost said. “But that’s always been the case since she transferred here.”

According to Frost, Mann has always had decent speed, but her topend speed has improved substantially and has allowed her to run people down at the end of races. As her opponents get tired, she is still accelerating. Her hurdle form has improved as well to where she can go over hurdles more smoothly.

“She got just a little bit of a swagger this year that she did not have last year,” Frost said. “This gives her racing a little bit of an edge.”

Mann went virtually under the radar until this year when she ran the curve at TSU. It wasn’t her only feat though. She also broke the school records in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, and finished second at Districts in the 100 hurdles. At one

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point, she was even ranked third in the state in the 100 hurdles.

“I was so overwhelmed and proud,” Marilyn Mann, Meredith’s mother said of her daughter becoming state ranked. “It is so hard to believe. She is so determined; once she sets her mind to something, that is it. Do not try and get in her way. ‘Never say die,’ that’s her.”

When Mann heard the news of her state ranking, she had just gotten done with her workout when she walked over to Frost and the cross country team.

“Coach Frost yelled, ‘Hey you guys, Meredith’s ranked third in state for hurdles,’” Mann said. “I shot up immediately and thought, ‘Oh, I can actually go to State.’ I was so excited.”

Mann attributes her happiness to the family atmosphere of her team and the mentoring of her coach.

With the nicknames ‘Melicka’ and ‘Megaman,’ Mann has found the place where she fits in and can be herself since she transferred here.

“I think she has found a place where she really feels welcome and embraced,” Frost said. “When you feel like your coaches are genuinely interested and value your wellbeing, it makes a tremendous amount of difference in your ability to perform.”

Mann has high hopes for State and her senior year as a bulldog.

“I hope that she stops being a secret,” Frost said. “I hope that when she steps on the track next year that the other girls in the race are genuinely scared of her and know that they are running for second place.

Mostly, though, I hope she continues to be the same sweet, hard working kid who showed up two years ago.”

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SENIORS

A LOOK BACK

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY 7

sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year

Mark Lane

Abel Lopez and Rufus Samuel

Ian Shaver and Tyler Larson

Omobola Ogunmosin

Brittany Olivo

Palmer prepares for year-long exchange to Brazil Palmer with his host father who was preparing a meal in Spain during the summer of 2011. Palmer has remained in touch with the family he stayed with last summer.

Senior delays college for a year to start an 11-month exchange program in Brazil.

By MADISON TERRIER CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When William Palmer, ‘12, first arrived in Spain he didn’t know what to expect. He was out of the country for the first time with a family he didn’t know.

“What most people don’t understand is that teenagers from other countries are just like us,” Palmer said. “When my host father and family picked me up from the airport in Spain, they were jammin’ to Michael Jackson.”

That introduction was the start of an unforgettable trip for Palmer. He enjoyed it so much that he is making plans and getting ready to pack again. As all of Palmer’s friends prepare to enter college, he is preparing for an 11-month stay as an exchange student in Brazil.

In the summer of 2011, Palmer went on his first exchange trip to Spain. He learned about the opportunity when the Rotary Club visited the foreign language classes to inform students about an exchange program they offered. Palmer was in his third year of Spanish and became interested in the idea of going overseas.

“I have always liked to travel,” Palmer said. “As soon as I heard about the long-term program I thought I would try out the short term to see if I liked it.”

Palmer spent three and half weeks in Spain with his host father, moth-

Photos submitted by William Palmer

Photo by Tysan Armstrong

William Palmer, ‘12, prepares for his second exchange with the Humble Rotary Club. He will leave at the beginning of August for an 11-month stay in Brazil.

er, brother and sister, whom he still keeps up with via a Spanish version of Facebook called “Tuenti.”

The family didn’t know English, and Palmer only had three years of high school Spanish class.

“Last time really opened my eyes,” Palmer said. “It tore down barriers and made me a more mature person.”

Now, Palmer is preparing for round two. After his experience in Spain, he wanted to go on a fullyear exchange. His first choice was Australia. However, there was no one available for exchange at that time. He found better luck with his

second choice, Brazil.

In Brazil, Palmer will have a host family which will include a 26 year old brother and 24 year old sister.

He is in the process of Rotary interviews and events and is trying to learn Portuguese. He plans on leaving for Brazil at the beginning of August.

“I haven’t physically met my new host family,” Palmer said, “but we’ve emailed a few times. Spanish is really helping me communicate since Portuguese and Spanish words are very similar.”

While in Brazil, Palmer will repeat his senior year of high school.

Taking in the sights, William Palmer’s host family siblings Lorena and Eduardo took him around Spain to visit Real Madrid’s soccer stadium. Palmer spent three weeks with the family before Eduardo came back to spend three weeks in Houston with Palmer.

He will get to experience Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian culture, and when he returns hopes to be fluent in Portuguese since he will be immersed in the language for a whole year.

“I’m so jealous,” said Rebecca Mourning, Palmer’s Spanish teacher who most inspired him to expand his cultural horizons. “(William) is a really warm person. He is open to people in general and sees past the differences in people. What he is doing fits his personality; and he will be at an advantage in maturity, language, and experience when he gets back for college.”

Palmer has been accepted to Houston Baptist University on a scholarship for his academics.

Palmer plans on majoring in government or political science and is in the process of trying to get his scholarship deferred for his return to the states next year.

The biggest challenge Palmer thinks he will face is adjusting to Brazilian way of life. When in Spain, he said the biggest thing he had to get used to was “dinner time.” He would get hungry between 5-6 p.m., but his Spanish family didn’t eat dinner until 9:30 or 10 p.m. In Brazil, he has heard that “lunch” is a big event. Students often go to school and work up until lunchtime and then are done for the day.

Homesickness was not a problem for Palmer on his exchange to Spain.

“At the beginning it will be tough,” Palmer said. “If I want to see someone I will have to wait 11 months.”

The total cost for the year-long exchange is $5,000. The price of the trip includes his insurance, visas, plane tickets, food, and many other daily expenses.

“The program is very affordable,” Palmer said. “The families don’t get paid for hosting you. They do it out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Palmer thinks that more kids should consider the Rotary Exchange Program.

“This program does you a lot of good,” Palmer said. “You learn about who you are as a person and if you can do things on your own.

The thing that I like the best is the idea of having friends for life in other countries. How many other people can say that?”

Senior violinist sets tone for orchestra program

By JOSHUA BROUSSARD STAFF REPORTER

Photo by Joshua Broussard

A LOOK BACK

Katherine Tomaselli, ‘12, practices with Mya Crosby, ‘13, and the rest of the orchestra for their final concert. They will be performing in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday May 15.

The first day of school three years ago, Mya Crosby, ’13, walked in to the huge school terrified, but was comforted by her soon to be biggest role model.

Katherine Tomaselli, ’12, has inspired those in orchestra to strive to be the best they can be.

“Katherine has been number one since day one,” orchestra director Tim Mika said.

When you’re the best violin in your class period you are considered the concertmaster, which is second in command behind the conductor.

“A concertmaster is the heart of the orchestra and very vital to an

orchestra” Mika said. Tomaselli started orchestra in fifth grade and was always supported by her parents who taught her to always do her best and never give up.

“My mom once told me ‘Miss one day of practice and you know it, miss two days of practice and your teacher knows it, miss three days of practice and the world knows it,” Tomaselli said.

Tomaselli will graduate this year and will be missed by Crosby, her long-time standmate. Crosby has been Tomaselli’s standmate since they first started orchestra and is a candidate for next year’s concertmaster.

“Katherine taught me that orchestra isn’t a choice - it’s a way of life

and that you must listen while playing,” said Crosby.

Tomaselli has helped set the bar for all the orchestra to follow and set a guideline for concertmasters to follow. She recently helped lead the orchestra to sweepstakes at UIL competition.

“Winning sweepstakes was the highlight of my year,” said Tomaselli.

Even though you must work extremely hard to get sweepstakes at UIL, orchestra still manages to have funny moments.

“Katherine once played a joke on everyone by telling us she was quitting orchestra,” Crosby said. “The entire orchestra freaked. It was hilarious.”

sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore year sophomore

Miranda Delamorena

Chastity Dibble, Amirah Curtis, Chaquall Hall

Estefany Lemus

C Lunch on the snow day

Hector Colunga

Sen

THE ODYSSEY

junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year jun

A LOOK BACK

8

Jamis Jenkins

Tyler Stooksberry and Juan Haro

Eriyanna Burgess

Kayla Taylor

Hallie Garcia and Treavor Taylor

A Parting Glanc

Countdown to graduation officially begins for seniors Graduation Information Where: Reliant Stadium, attendees use the Blue Parking lot.

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

When: Saturday, May 26.

Seniors arrive at 4:15 p.m., linedup and ready to enter through the Amegy Entrance to Reliant Stadium.

Final weeks filled with fun as end nears for first senior class.

By LAUREN GRIMM STAFF REPORTER

Graduation is where seniors’ hard work pays off.

It’s where the seniors say goodbye to their lives as they know it. Graduation is the final step toward becoming an adult.

“I’m looking forward to going to college and learning to be more independent,” Jessica Garza, ‘12, said.

The final two weeks of school will be a celebration of sorts. With prom already over, seniors will still have Field Day, Senior Awards Night and Project Graduation.

Seniors will participate in Senior Field Day on May 18.

“There’s going to be inflatables, an obstacle course, water slides, dunking booth, tug of war, kickball, volleyball, basketball and table games,” Julie Sahmel, Student Council advisor, said.

“We will also have cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones and music.”

Senior Field Day is free for all senior students to enjoy.

“We’re going to get a grill out there, and I’m going to be barbecuing hamburgers for everybody,” assistant principal Al Segura said.

RYAN EDSON

Q: Where do you plan to attend college and what do you want to major in?

A: SMU (Southern Methodist University). I will major in engineering and minor in music.

Q: What has been your favorite memory at SCHS? A: Conducting the band for the first time as the Drum Major.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I see myself hopefully working at a well-paid stable job.

Seniors said they look forward to hanging out with their friends and just having fun.

“We get to miss class and be marked present,” Garza said.

“We also get to hang out with the whole senior class before we graduate. We’ve never really done that before.”

Another special occasion is the Senior Awards Night, which will take place on May 21 in the PAC at 7 p.m. It is where the students who really stood out will be recognized.

“We will recognize the Student Council senior officers, senior class officers and National Honor Society,” Segura said. “We will also recognize any senior that a teacher has recognized for their achievements.”

On Saturday, May 26, at 5:30 p.m., the seniors will say their final farewells to high school when they walk across the stage at Reliant Stadium to get their diploma.

“I’m going to cry,” senior class sponsor Laura Brunson said. “I can’t imagine Summer Creek without them.”

Many siblings are also going to say goodbye to their brothers and sisters who are leaving.

“I’m going to miss my brother, Seth, and spending time with him,” Eli Harper, ‘14, said.

The memories of high school will go with the se-

Little ce

National Charity League experience was a good one for Little.

By MADISON RICE

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Photo by Tysan Armstrong

Kayla Taylor, ‘12, and Regina Ardoin, ‘12, help pass out the prom souvenir bags containing “A Night of Enchantment” T-shirts and a photo albulm. Prom took place May 5, and was one of the first senior events that held in May.

niors for the rest of their lives. “(My favorite memory) is winning the district championship in football and beating Humble,” Brice Neely, ‘12, said.

The small senior class has created a number of bonds with teachers and counselors at school. It won’t be easy to finally say goodbye.

“I’ll feel like my right and left arm are gone and a good portion of my heart,” Sahmel said. “They’ve been the first class to do anything and have left a legacy for people to follow. They are leaving some pretty big shoes to fill.”

Project Graduation is the final perk of being a senior.

ANISHA BORTHAKUR

Q: Where do you plan to attend college and what do you want to major in?

A: I want to major in public health at the University of Texas because I want to keep Austin weirder.

Q: What has been your most succesful moment at SCHS? A: My most successful moment was making it to Regionals with the fall tennis team.

Q: What will you miss most about SCHS? A: Mrs. Livingston and seeing my friends everyday.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In 10 years I will hopefully be on my way to or already be a doctor.

It is an event planned by the parents that will take place right after graduation.

“The first thing that I plan to do when I graduate is go to project graduation. I look forward to hanging out with my friends and playing hide-and-go-seek,” Michael Headlee ‘12, said.

As for the future plans of the seniors, many will stay in Texas and will attend college in the fall. Others will take a year off of school to travel.

No matter where they go or what they do, Brunson said they will always be bulldogs.

“They’re a part of Summer Creek,” Brunson said.

“They’ve always been and always will.”

“Now introducing Victoria Little,” the emcee for the night’s event announced.

Little, ‘12, stepped onto the balcony, and began her descent to a night she had been waiting and preparing for anxiously.

Blue bows dressed the chairs surrounding the round tables, crystal strings hung from the tree’s branches sitting in the middle of the table, and her family and friends watched as she grabbed her father’s arm and was introduced to the audience at National Charity League’s honor of their seniors in Senior Presentation.

Little has been involved in the organization National Charity League for three years, first in 2009 in Louisiana, and then when she moved to Houston to join the Lake Houston Chapter.

The original organization was established in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1925, and later became incorporated in 1958. National Charity League (NCL) is a nonprofit organization with over 65 chapters throughout 17 different states. There are over 44,000 members involved as mother and daughter teams dedicated to philanthropy and community service.

“I joined National Charity League because it is a better

RAWAND ABDELGHANI

Q: Where do you plan to attend college and what do you want to major in?

A: I plan on attending the University of Texas. I am not sure what I will major in.

Q: What leadership roles have you held while at SCHS? A: Key Club president, National Honor Society vice president, National Honor Society Secretary, Student Council Treasurer, HOSA vice president, Theater Stage manager, Theater UIL Technician.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish before graduation?

A: Before I leave I hope to leave my mark and legacy and to be remembered.

niors

Friday, May 11, 2012

9

nior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior year junior

Sean Sullivan

ce

Jason Mouton

Johny Evans and Malvin Adams

Dale Irvin

Camille Carter

The inaugural Bulldog Class of 2012 will say goodbye on May 26. This group of seniors transferred from other existing high schools in Humble ISD before their sophomore year in 2009 when the school opened to freshmen and sophomores. The seniors will leave behind a legacy of firsts.

elebrates years of NCL with Senior Presentation way to get involved in the community,” Little said, “and I love spending time with my mom. I do not get to see her a lot so that makes me appreciate our time together.”

The culmination of the years spent in NCL leads to one special night for all the girls. The dress, shoes, guest list, photographs, slide presentation, decorations and more are all prepared months prior to the night the seniors walk down the balcony and present themselves and their accomplishments.

This year’s senior presentation was held at Belle Rose Maison, 15833 Old Conroe Road in Conroe at 4 p.m. on April 22.

“Girls look to senior presentation because they get to feel like Cinderella,” Janet Sobey current Class of 2013 grade level advisor for the Lake Houston Chapter said. “It is good for them to hear all the wonderful things said about them. They get to realize they have had a impact on their community.

The three hour event was made possible by months of preparation. Girls start paying yearly dues when they join the organization in seventh grade to pay for the cost of the presentation. For Little, it all started with the most important base for preparation: the dress. The girls are encouraged and permitted to wear white, floor length gowns for the night’s event and they must be picked out months in advance.

“Thankfully picking out my dress was really easy,” Little said.

“We went to the first store, Once Upon a Time; and it was the

Photo submitted by Victoria Little

Katie Jett, Ashlynn Jones, Katy Bakke amd Victoria Little pose for a photo just before the event bagan. All students from Humble ISD in NCL were honored for their accomplishments.

Photo submitted by Victoria Little

Victoria Little and her father, Jim Little, share a dance together during the event’s Father Daughter dance. The event took place on April 22 at Belle Rose Maison in Conroe. This was the senior National Charity League member’s last event with the organization.

second dress I tried on there.

When I tried it on, I knew it was the one I wanted. I was really excited, and I felt a lot of pressure lifting off of me.”

After all the minute details such as tablecloths, flowers, ribbons and such are picked out, the girls are required to write a

NAJEE BISSOON

Q: Where do you plan to attend college and what do you want to major in?

A: Blinn Junior College then LSU. I want to major in business and administration and minor in economics.

Q: What has been your favorite memory at SCHS? A:When the school opened we had a school-wide treasure hunt. It was really fun.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: A father and a professional athlete for the Oakland Raiders.

Q: What will you miss most about SCHS? A: The family feeling.

letter to their mothers to read in front of the audience at senior presentation.

“The hardest part about writing the letter was coming up with the right words in my letter to express how much my mom means to me,” Little said. “She means more to me than words

can say.”

The mothers as well, spend time writing a letter to their daughters to have published in the events booklet.

During the presentation, a slideshow of pictures is also presented to the guests each with a section and song dedicated to

TAYLOR VAUGHN

Q: Where do you plan to attend college and what do you want to major in?

A: Texas A&M because they have the best kinesiology program.

Q: What will be the first thing you do after you graduate?

A: I will attend project graduation and I am going to Kingwood Lone Star College over the summer.

Q: What has been your most successful moment at SCHS? A:Winning our first playoff game for basketball and spending quality time with my basketball friends.

each girl in the graduating class.

But for mother and daughter the process is bittersweet.

“The hardest part about preparing for senior presentation was the slideshow,” Tammy Little, Victoria’s mom who was involved as the senior presentation liaison[representative between the senior presentation board and the girls] for the year.

“It was hard picking through all of our numerous pictures for the shots they shared during dinner in a slide show to set to music. There were so many shots to choose from.”

Senior Presentation represents the culmination of both a ‘ticktockers’ service and work with the organization through philanthropies such as Family Promise, HAAM and other local places, as well as their dedication and accomplishments up until their graduation from high school in the spring.

“Senior presentation marks the end of a stage in Victoria’s life,” Tammy said. “It serves as a celebration of our time together serving the community through

philanthropic activities.”

Little is also able to reflect on her years through NCL and her contributions to the community.

“Senior Presentation is important to me because I get to get together with my friends and family and celebrate this important time in my life,” Little said. “This year, has been a great year; a year that will be forever remembered.”

Victoria and Tammy Little also reflect on one of the most important values and founding concepts of the organization: the goal to bond mothers and daughters together.

“I am very proud of my daughter and cherish the wonderful relationship that I have with her,” Tammy said. “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars for bringing her into my life, and I have enjoyed many special times with her serving abused children to helping out at local parks to caring for elderly in a nursing home. They were good times indeed.”

KABRIA DAVIS

Q: Where do you plan to attend college?

A: Xavier University. I want to major in biology pre-med and minor in chemistry.

Q: What has been your favorite memory at SCHS? A: Football games because I love the school spirit and cheering the team on.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I see myself married, working at a hospital or clinic as a dermatologist.

Q: What will you miss most about SCHS? A: Everything. The family atmosphere, the 11th graders, teachers, SCTV, just the structure.

SENIOR PROM

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY

10

Krystal Criss, ‘12, is crowned Prom Queen by teacher Andrinee Martinez during the Senior Prom on May 5.

Connor Nickell, ‘12, and Alex Garrett, ‘13, talk as they dance during the Senior Prom. The deejay at prom was the same one the students used for homecoming.

Photo by Rikki Hurt

Photo by Krysten Barnes

Magic & Dancing The majority of the senior class attended the school’s first

prom May 5 at the Hyatt in Greenspoint.

“There was a lot of participation,” senior class sponsor Wendy Bethany said. “Everyone was dancing and when they announced prom king and queen everyone came into the grand ballroom.”

The prom court included: Queen - Krystal Criss Dutchess - Krenicia Hogon Princess - Justice Malveaux

King - Tyler Pushia Duke- Josh Chenier Prince (tie)- Brice Neely and Johny Evans

Photo by Rikki Hurt

After the big announcement of the prom queen and king was made, Krystal Criss, ‘12, and Tyler Pushia, ‘12, met with the photographer for an official picture donning their crowns.

A number of teachers helped chaperone the Senior Prom including co-teacher Tennille Williams who took a picture with one of her students Dwayne Everette, ‘12. “We didn’t have to worry,” senior class sponsor Wendy Bethany said. “It was a relaxed environment, it was really nice and fun, all the administrators and teacher mixed well with the students.”

Photo by Krysten Barnes

Brice Neely

Photo by Krysten Barnes

Photo by Krysten Barnes

Justice Malveaux

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NEWS

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY 11

Kayse Radke, ‘15, aims his rifle as he prepares to shoot at a clay target being shot into the air by a disc shooter in the fields by the Atascocita Community Church.

Aaron Perales, ‘13, and Karrie Dodson, ‘12, prepare the machine that fires the clay targets during the practice. Students interested in joining the team should enroll in an agriculture class. Each team member is responsible for finding a $500 sponsor as well.

All photos by Lisseth Lopez

James Haygood, ‘13, shoots at a target during trap shooting. The team practices once a week at Atascocita Community Church and occasionally on weekends.

Students provide their ammunition for practice days and supply their own guns or borrow them from agriculture teacher David Laird, who is also the team’s sponsor.

Students find a safe excuse to play with guns Shooting game give students in agricultural department something to do.

By HOLLY NEWTON STAFF REPORTER

The trap shooting team somehow seems to go unnoticed, a bit ironic seeing how their equipment consists of shotguns and ammunition which are provided by the students themselves and are never on campus. Trap shooting is part of the agriculture department.

Trap shooting is a sport where target throwers are positioned on each side of the field, throwing targets away from the shooters. It is one of the three shooting games you can play. The others are skeet shooting and sporting clays. All of the games can be won by shooting as many of the targets possible out of the 100 thrown.

“We get to shoot guns, it’s fun, and it gives us something to do on Wednesdays,” Zack Bridges, ‘14, said.

While shooting can be a ton of fun, there are some valuable life

lessons that can be learned.

“Trap shooting can teach you patience and body control,” David Laird, the agriculture teacher, said, “In doing a specific task over and over, you eventually make a mistake and you learn from that mistake.”

James Haygood, ’13, is a member of the trap shooting team. He won a team competition that was hosted by the school this year.

“My goal for this year is to get in the top 10 in the state,” Haygood said.

The team practices every

Wednesday and the occasional weekends at Atascocita Community Church.

“Gun safety is our primary focus,” Laird said. “I don’t care how many targets you break; if you mess around with the gun, you’re out of there.”

Gun safety has made an obvious impact on the students also.

“Trap shooting has taught me how to treat a gun properly and the importance of it,” Colton Cannon, ’14, said.

Most members were familiar with guns before they became a

part of the team, but Ben Ruiz, ’14, said that this is all but true for him.

“It’s different, I’m not like a gun person. Trap shooting is the only time where I am actually involved with guns,” Ruiz said.

Trap shooting is a sport that welcomes anyone who has taken the hunter’s safety class and is currently enrolled in the agriculture class.

“Well if there is ever a zombie apocalypse I can shoot ‘em,” Haygood said.

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SPORTS

THE ODYSSEY

Thursday, May 11, 2012

Autism changes the lives of Luna and family The Luna family is learning to cope with the challenges of dealing with autism.

By LAUREN GRIMM STAFF REPORTER

On a typical spring day, Patrick Luna started off with a biology teacher meeting at 6:30 a.m. He taught all day and then coached the varsity boys soccer team after school. Luna went home around 5 p.m. and spent time with his children: Larkin, who is 4, and Kellen, who is 3. Each evening, he then went to club volleyball, which he also coaches. On some soccer game days, Luna didn’t even get to see his family.

“I loved Tuesdays and Fridays because they are game days, but I also hate them because I don’t get to see my family at all,” Luna said.

Luna’s crazy schedule is because of his family. With a desire to get his autistic son into a special school, Luna has taken on extra duties.

“I will do everything that I can to make extra money to help my son overcome his autism,” Luna said.

Luna struggles to keep the balance of school, coaching and family but manages to keep it together.

“My iPad is my lifeline,” Luna said.

“If it’s not in there, it doesn’t exist.

Sometimes juggling coaching and teaching and being a husband and father makes every second seem like life and death.”

The encouragement and support from close, personal friends help Luna along the way.

“I don’t know how he does it,” Brett Crawford said. “A son with special needs requires a great routine.”

In June of 2011, Luna’s son Kellen was diagnosed with autism.The youngest a child can be diagnosed is at the age of 2.

“We thought he was deaf at one point, around 18 months and had a full work-up done,” Luna’s wife Ruth Ann said via email. “Then his language never developed. That’s when I pushed to move forward with the formal evaluation and diagnosis process.

He’s still considered pre-verbal in that he only has a handful of words, but Larkin does an awesome job of talking for him whenever she can. I generally know what he wants, but she’s

Photo by Jackie Martinez

Submitted by Luna family

Patrick Luna’s son, Kellen, is now 3 years old. At 18 months, he was diagnosed with a form of autism and is now attending a special education program at Maplebrook Elementary.

Patrick Luna’s chilcren, Kellen and Larkin, are the main reason Luna will be changing professions next year.

He hopes to have more time at home with his children.

Photo by Wayne Barloco

Patrick Luna talks to Dani Poulsen,’15, and Meredith Davies, ‘14, before a JV volleyball game.

Luna coached the JV volleyball team in the fall, in addition to also coaching club volleyball and the boys soccer team.

helped to translate a tantrum more than a few times.”

Kellen started in a special education program this year at Maplebrook Elementary, and the transition for Luna and Kellen has been tough. The school they want to send him to is nearly $50,000 a year. Insurance will help with some of the cost, but it is still pretty pricey. The costs for having an autistic child do not stop at education. Luna often has to make several trips to the grocery store a week, due to Kellen’s strict dietary needs.

Luna hopes his career change this summer will allow him more time with his family. He will teach his final class this month before going to work at Cameron International as an instructor, manufacturing, selling and providing support for drilling equipment used on inshore and offshore rigs.

“In this new position, I’ll be home every evening and night to be with my family, and very rarely will I be gone on the weekends,” Luna said.

“It’ll make an enormous difference.”

Ruth Ann works for Baylor College of Medicine as a PhD scientist in the Texas Children’s Microbiome Center at Texas Children’s Hospital.

“We’re all out the door around the same time early in the morning, and I leave the Medical Center at 4 p.m.

in order to get the kids on time,” Ruth Ann said.

Dealing with Kellen’s disorder has been challenging to handle at times.

“As a mother who is witness to autism everyday and as a scientist who can critically evaluate the latest studies, the burden is on me to try to find the right treatment path for Kellen because there’s no one out there who can hand us a ready-made guide as to what to do next,” Ruth Ann said.

Everyday, the Lunas try to spend time with their kids, and to cherish those little moments.

“It’s amazing to hold your kid for the first time,” Luna said. “Aside from that, there is something new and rewarding every day. Every new word or conversation, the first time I saw my son and daughter kick a soccer ball or hit a volleyball or drive their little toy car . . . it’s definitely something new and equally rewarding every day.”

Luna and his wife support each other with the other’s professional careers, family, and Kellen’s needs.

“I think that Coach Luna is helped out a lot by his wife as well,” Crawford said. “He’s going to make sure Kellen has every single advantage that every other kid would have.”

In comparison to the different types of autism, Kellen’s case isn’t as severe.

Submitted by Luna family

“We got the best version of autism,” Ruth Ann said. “Many parents are faced with a child that doesn’t want to be touched, that doesn’t show affection, that leaves you constantly wondering what they’re thinking or how they’re feeling. Kellen is an open book. Without the use of verbal language, we generally know exactly what he’s thinking and he shows his emotions very openly.”

Although his busy schedule sometimes gets in the way, Luna tries to be a role model in his children’s life.

“I want my kids to look up to me and know that I’m doing things the right way,” Luna said. “I want them to be able to emulate me in the way that I live my life and my love of life.”

Through the twists, turns and bumps in the road, Luna finds a way to push through it.

“I always wonder (if it’s all worth it),” Luna said. “Is what I’m doing important? Is it worth the time that I’m putting in? Will my kids understand what I do and why I do it? Does it matter in the end? I can’t answer those questions. All I can do is work as hard as I possibly can and love with everything that I have. I have to have faith that if I do that, it will all be worth it in the end.”

Baseball loses in 3-game series, but has high hopes for future The varsity team fell to Brenham in the playoffs.

By JENNA DUVALL STAFF REPORTER

As the final game of the season came to a close, the Bulldog baseball team finished with a final record of 17-12. A 3-0 victory against perennial baseball power Brenham last Thursday was a move forward in the playoffs, however, losses Friday and Saturday eliminated them.

“They will always be the first SC baseball playoff team,” coach Paul Hinson said. “They will be the team that upset the No. 3 team in the State and the team that built a strong foundation for our future.”

During the first game playing Brenham in the best-of-three playoff series, a number of players helped achieve the victory.

“Joseph Spinks was dominating on

the mound, and Rene Purcell provided the walkoff 3-run homerun,” Hinson said.

Losses of 10-0 and 5-3 in the final two games will not be a setback for the team. In the final two games, the tension was high.

“During the playoff series versus Brenham, I felt really excited,” Tyler Stooksberry, ‘12, said. “I wanted to help this team make it to the next round. But, also, I felt anxious to play.”

Brenham was welcome competition.

“Brenham is probably the most storied and celebrated high school baseball program in the state,” Hinson said. “I told the kids that even though we did not advance to the next round, we got better as a program moving forward.”

Many seniors are graduating and leaving behind a program to be led by their younger teammates.

“It’s tough knowing that all those years of little league baseball when

Photo by Rikki Hurt

Th varsity players surround Rene Purcell, ‘15, after he drilled a 3-run homer over the wall to defeat Brenham, 3-0, in the program’s first playoff game. The team dropped its next two games against Brenham and were eliminated.

I was 5 to high school is now over,” Stooksberry said. “I think the team has a bright future. Lots of its key players are sophomores and juniors

who have at least one more year. Next year I predict another playoff clinch, maybe even District Champions.”

Surrounded by some of his varsity teammates, girls’ soccer coach Aaron Leth thanks them for the signed photo they gave him at the end of the soccer banquet in the Bone Appetite Cafe. Many cried at the banquet as they said goodbye to Leth, who will not return next year.

Volleyball, soccer get ready for new faces Head coaches Leth, Luna and Rahmberg will not return for the 2012-13 school year.

By DANIELLE MILLER STAFF REPORTER

After three years of leading sport programs, volleyball coach Lauren Rahmberg, girls’ soccer coach Aaron Leth and boys’ soccer coach Patrick Luna are leaving the staff.

“We hope that everyone stays together, but in reality that just isn’t the case,” principal Trey Kraemer said. “We’ve built many relationships with them, but the relationships they’ve built with their athletes is the most important thing they will leave here.”

Spending three years with most of their athletes and teaching them the fundamentals since day one is one thing Leth said he is going to miss.

“I remember the first day of soccer freshman year, he taught us what a soccer ball was,” Emily Freeman, ‘13, said.

Rahmberg has accepted a job as the head coach at Conroe High School. Luna will be working at an oil and gas company called Cameron International. Leth is still deciding his next stop. He was offered a position as soccer coach at Clear Lake but turned it down because he thought it was too far away from Rahmberg, whom he married in December.

“This is a great opportunity for a big promotion to a big 5A school,” Rahmberg said. “Moving to The Woodlands is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

As Luna leaves, he plans to spend more time with his young children and pursue a new career in a field he enjoys.

“I’ve really enjoyed my years here at Summer Creek,” Luna said. “My leaving has absolutely nothing to do with the kids and everything to do with being a better family man.”

The search for new coaches started in April, and Kraemer said he hopes to have the new head coaches by the end of the school year. No coaches have been named to the positions yet.

“Coach Leth is like our mentor so it’s going to be hard losing someone who’s had so much impact on our lives,” Freeman said.

SPORTS

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE ODYSSEY 13

Photo by Shaianne Rubin

Tommy Morris, ‘12, shows young Summerwood Stingray members how they should have their legs when they are kicking. Tuesday, April 24, was the first time Morris worked with the kids and helped them improve their swimming habits.

Photo by Shaianne Rubin

Conner Nickell, ‘12, tries to avoid colliding with a young boy showing off his kick at rookie camp. April 24 was Nickell’s first day on the job as a coach, working on getting little kids comfortable being in the water and learning the techniques of the sport. While doing this, Nickell is also working on his own coaching skills

Photo by Shaianne Rubin

Conner Nickell, ‘12, helps a little girl at the Summerwood Stingrays Rookie camp, put on her goggles. Nickell was on the Summer Creek swim team for three years and is graduating this fall to University of Houston.

Swim team splashes into summer league Summer league welcomes new swimmers and new coaches into water.

By SHAIANNE RUBIN STAFF REPORTER

During the summer, many different organizations are offered to young people looking to stay active. Many people participate in a summer league swim team such as the Summerwood Stingrays, and the Fall Creek Flying Fish.

“The Stingrays are a special group,” said John Dissinger, swim coach at Summer Creek and also coach for the Summerwood Stingrays. “The parents and kids work really hard at making it a special environment.”

Summer league swimming is not quite the same as the school’s swim team though. Practices for summer league are much shorter and the meets are much longer with 78 events versus only 24 events. The summer season is shorter and is also open to ages 3-18. “(Summer league) is not as intense as high school swim is, and the meets are much longer. Also, the practices are shorter and you don’t have to go to all of them,” summer league and school swim team member Hayley Wallis, ‘15, said.

For people involved in summer league swimming, a few changes are necessary. Both swimmers and coaches have to learn a new schedule and new people.

SUMMER SWIM SCHEDULES Summerwood Stingrays •

May 19 vs. Woodland Hills at Summerwood pool • June 2 vs. Mills Branch at Summerwood pool • June 9th vs. Fall Creek at Summerwood pool Learn more by visiting: www.summerwoodstingrays.com

Fall Creek Flying Fish •

May 26 vs. Mills Branch at Fall Creek pool • June 16 vs. Trailwood at Fall Creek pool Learn more by visiting: www.fallcreekflyingfish.com

“I wouldn’t say it’s hard, it’s just a lot more teaching,” Dissinger said. “Our high school swimmers have been swimming for a while and don’t have to be taught the strokes.”

Boys track among top teams in 4A

Photo by Rikki Hurt

Robert Harris, ‘12, and Jacolby Gould, ‘12, practice last week. The two will compete at State today in Austin.

With a top five ranking in 4A, the boys track team will run in the State meet in Austin today.

After finishing one point away from first place at Regionals two weeks ago, 10 athletes from the boys track team qualified for State. The group includes Reggie Grayson, Robert Harris, ‘12, Najee Bissoon, ‘12, Aaron Sharp, ‘14, Sir Daniel Jimenez, ‘12, Jacolby Gould, ‘12, Sydney Washington, ‘14, Aaron Lecesne, ‘12, John Bellfield, ‘12, and Adrian Hobley, ‘14.

“It was surreal and intense and also fun. We were happy to make State and get second place,” Sharp said.

Gould said he was excited his 4x400 team reached State “Coach (Jack) Sands has helped us the most by being a great trainer for our event,” said Gould.

The coaching staff looks forward to seeing what it’s like for so many firsttime state qualifiers.

“It’s always tough the first time you make it there because you’re in front of 1,500 spectators, so the goals will be to not get wide eyes and to execute and compete,” coach Shelton Ervin said.

- Rachel Sides, Kierra Flowers, Jackie Martinez

The coaches and swimmers are looking forward to the season and the competition that comes along with it. Though the meets are on Saturday morning, the teams enjoy the competition and swimming against their friends.

“We always have a great competition with Fall Creek; and since half of our high school kids swim for Fall Creek and half swim for Summerwood, it’s a good rivalry,” Dissinger said.

Being new to coaching also poses a few difficulties and things to get used to. Nickell is excited about his job as a coach this summer for the Summerwood Stingrays alongside Dissinger. Nickell is very happy with his position but knows that not everything is going to be nice and easy though.

“I think coaching the really young kids (is going to be the hardest part) because they can barely swim, and I won’t know if they’re drowning or swimming,” Nickell said.

“I think (having Conner coach) will get the kids super excited about practices and meets,” Dissinger said. “I think (coaching) will help him learn if he wants to be involved in the sport, it will help him learn the techniques, all of the strokes and if he wants to continue with it,” Nickell is very confident in himself and said he will do very well as a coach.

“Absolutely I am ready. I’m so ready, because I’m just excited.

I’m going get paid to do something I love,” Nickell said.

SOFTBALL SEASON WRAP-UP

For the softball program, the past season was a major improvement as the team finished with a 14-9 record. The girls managed to win more than double the games of last season while improving defensively and offensively.

They also came out on top in the Cleveland tournament at the beginning of the season winning first place. Team captain Jessica Meza, ‘12, said that staying mentally tough and always cheering on teammates helped them to improve and grow stronger.

“Everybody played their role whether they were on the bench or on the field,” Meza said.

A player who stood out on varsity’s offense was Jen Kilson, ‘13, who as a pitcher made major contributions in 11 out of the 14 wins they had. Also throughout the whole season, she

struck out 142 batters. On the offensive side Alejandra Garcia, ‘14, hit almost .400 and was the first person in the program to hit a home run over the fence.

“The girls worked hard,” coach Kelly Collins said. “It was a good season and they finished fifth, one game short of making playoffs.

This season the team accomplished most of the things they had set for themselves. Their plans for next season are to keep getting stronger, faster, quicker and also to make playoffs. Collins hopes to improve more offensively and plans to work on that in the off season.

“We plan to continue working on agility, and also improve offensively with our batting averages,” Collins said.

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OPINION

THE ODYSSEY

Friday, May 11, 2012

Trio of movie theaters each offer viewers different experiences

By ALEX PELHAM

W Chemistry teacher Sarah McDonald, who teaches preAP and AP courses, begins a lesson with one of her preAP classes at the end of April.

AP classes may sound good, but they are not for everyone

By KEATON MCMANAMY

I

STAFF REPORTER

’ve recently noticed a trend among students with regard to class choices. Students who aren’t prepared for advanced placement classes and are in no way stimulated by on-level classes end up choosing the harder class. However, there is a striking contrast between on-level and AP that has only recently started occurring.

The sharp contrast between onlevel and AP is unprepared kids taking classes they can’t handle.

There is no longer a middle ground for hard working kids who lack the skills necessary for advanced placement classes but are uninspired by the on-level course work. The system has ridded itself of the middle ground, something the schools desperately need.

These middle ground classes should be accelerated versions of on-level classes, much like underclassmen honors classes are. The pace is faster and much more manageable; and kids who want to go into AP but can’t hack it can move down a bit, excel and still work at a pace that suits them.

Finally the middle ground class would easily work because instead of teaching six AP classes, an individual teacher could teach three AP and three honors classes. This would provide the rigorous classes AP kids need and a slower but still hard workdriven class the middle ground needs.

To clear things up, PreAP on the aggregate relies on quantity over quality work style, whereas a true AP class requires you to have a lot of quantity and quality.

AP U.S. History, for instance, starts the year off with Columbus sailing the ocean blue in 1492 and throughout the year the class goes from 1492 to the end of Reagan's administration in the 1980’s.

The on-level U.S. History class, on the other hand, goes from the 1890’s up to 1980’s, less than 100 years for the whole year.

AP and on-level have this obvious contrast with no bridge in between. A middle ground class would solve many of these issues.

Something should be done for the students who want a little bit more than on-level.

STAFF REPORTER

henever people go to the movies, they often only think of the films themselves. Many do not take it upon themselves to think about the place that houses the various motion pictures that family, friends, or individual movie lovers journey to see.

Just like films are judged by critics and regular moviegoers, movie theaters are often subjected to the same treatment, usually unintentionally.

People may complain of uncomfortable seats, terrible food, or an aggravating staff. Doing so, they have unknowingly made a critique of the movie house, just like they did the film.

Here, in the surrounding Humble area, there are three close by theaters: AMC 24 located in Deerbrook Mall, The Movie Tavern along 1960, and Starplex 14 in Kingwood. With so many Humble patrons relying on those locations to watch films, especially during the upcoming summer months, it’s intriguing to think of how each of those theaters stack up to each other.

Personally, my favorite is Starplex; but all of the theaters have something to offer.

DEERBROOK AMC 24 The most crowded of the three locations is AMC Deerbrook, obviously because it’s a part of the mall. Being a section of a busy mall, the line to reach the box office can be excruciating; but luckily automatic machines are available to those with credit cards, so the wait time is easily cut down. The staff is quite friendly and one seldom encounters a bad ticket taker or cashier.

The refreshments are average and range from popcorn, soda, and candy to hot dogs, nachos, and pickles. Unfortunately, snacks are very overpriced. A popcorn and soda combo will

Movie Tavern TICKET PRICES

$7

NUMBER OF THEATERS

6

NUMBER OF SEATS PER THEATER

75-150

FOOD PRICES

Popcorn: $6 (free refill) Soda: $3.50/large

EXTRA TREATS OFFERED...

Dinner entrees.

OVERALL MOVIE EXPERIENCE

Good; movies with dinner entres are a good mix.

usually cost more than the $7.50 adult ticket.

The actual movie experience the theater offers is good. Each actual theater of the complex is large enough to accommodate the large crowds, yet the seats are rigid and may leave one sore depending on the movie running times.

MOVIE TAVERN Down the road is the Movie Tavern, which is well known for being a combination of a restaurant and theater.

Crowds aren’t a huge problem here; I’ve never waited in line long. The ticket prices there, $7 per adult, are more moderate than AMC’s.

The food, of course, is more than the average grub expected at movie plazas. One can get popcorn and small snacks, but the main attraction is small pizzas and plates of quesadillas that taste good and are fairly priced.

Each theater comes with tables in front of the seats and waiters who deliver orders quietly, as to not disrupt the film.

Deerbrook AMC

Kingwood Starplex

$7.50 before 4 p.m. (student discount offered on Thursdays); $9.50

$5 (before noon); $6.50 (all shows after noon and before 6 p.m.); $9 for shows after 6 p.m.)

14

24 Varies

Average of 200

Soda: $4.75/small $5.75/medium $6.75/ large (one free refill); Popcorn: $5.75/small $6.75/medium $7.75/ large (free refill)

Popcorn: $5.25/small $6.00/medium $6.75/large (one free refill) Soda: $4.25/small $4.50/ medium $4.75/large (one free refill)

Pickles, Hotdogs, pizza, chicken tenders, nachos, candy...

Ice Cream; Vendors in the actual theater.

Pretty good; your average movie outing

Great; seats in theater are comfortable and make long movies tolerable.

KINGWOOD STARPLEX Lastly is my favorite, Kingwood’s Starplex Cinema, the newest of the three.

Being a new addition, people can fill the lobby quickly; and the line to the counter can occasionally stretch to the doors. The price, however, is really cheaper with adult tickets $5 if purchased before noon.

The food selection is as same as Deerbrook’s, with the addition of ice cream. A unique factor there is vendors, who push carts of merchandise into the theaters so patron don’t have to leave the film to replenish snacks. Each theater is distinctly smaller, but the seats are more comfortable and recline, so long movies are easier to sit through.

I still maintain that Starplex is my favorite cinema, but others surely have their own taste. I favor experience and good seats while another might like good food and friendly staff. This summer while students are enjoying blockbusters, they’ll most likely be viewing them at, in their opinion, the “best” theater.

PHOTO OPINION

What type of club would you like to see started next year?

“Chess club. I think that the game is a really competitive game, and it involves critical thinking.”

- Jose Gonzalez, ‘15

“Tennis club. I’m in the tennis class, and I think that some people like tennis but don’t take the class because they don’t like it or because of scheduling issues.”

- Alvina Caballero, ‘15

“Paint ball club.

Paint ball is awesome because you get to shoot other people.”

- Nathan Snyder, ‘14

“A girls’ group. The girls would come together and talk about different topics; I think this club would create a closeness, especially for new female students.

- Tyla Gaddis, ‘14

“I would like a “The Asians’ club, club that helps to spread my culorphan kids in ture around.”

Houston.”

-Jeff Le, ‘13 - Alejandra Martinez, ‘13

“I would also like to have some organizations for the Hispanic students; something that caters a little bit to them.”

-Eduardo Palomarez, Assistant Principal

OPINIONS

Friday, May 11, 2012

THUMBS UP

•No more having to shave. Time to grow out some summer beards.

•Pools are finally open, we will be spending summer poolside.

• No more alarm clocks, so thankful.

•Snow cones, a cool way to waste your money.

• 10 school days until graduation.

• Planning for next year’s prom, Class of 2013!

•The Avengers. Enough said.

•Unlimited Galveston trips, time to soak up some sun.

•Summer clothes, retire dark colors.

• Four school days until yearbook comes out.

•Getting cap and gown, just like the movies.

THUMBS DOWN

• Last issue of the paper, you know you will miss us.

• Senior moments becoming memories.

• No more Good Things, time to write them all down for next year.

• Finals. A high school student’s worst enemy.

• Radio stations overplaying songs, you would think five times would be enough.

• Movie spoilers, we are not interested in hearing the entire plot before we go see it.

• AP test, cram session time.

•Mosquitos, one of you biting me is quite enough.

• Oh so wonderful Texas heat.

THE ODYSSEY

15

Public interest draws attention, but fades out Public interest stories catch audience’s eyes, but passion burns out with time.

By VICTORIA VALENTINE

T

STAFF REPORTER

he amount of time the public spends on international and local issues, seems to be limited. People will only give their attention to what they feel is necessary to them and what they are interested in.

The media provides a source of information and entertainment in a way. The commercials that are used are shown to promote their news channels; but now, the commercials have become a movie trailer to real life situations. Filled with dramatic sound effects alongside a narrative voice that is deep and piercing, these commercials are made to capture an audience’s attention and have them tune in at a particular time.

Of course the public has the right to know and un-

derstand what is going on in and signing petitions to help. and out of their community.

But now the fire that burned The public doesn’t get in the in everyone’s hearts seems to know for the right reasons be dying down. Now that however. People should be Zimmerman is out on bail willing to help out causes and awaiting trial, the subfor the sake of good and not ject is no longer being talked because they about; but the have seen it underlying ison social netsue of racial works and profiling and For each dramatized handgun laws into somestill remain. international thing “cool” to It is very and local issue care about. possible that In Februanother issue occurring, ary, unarmed has popped up there will Florida teen that the media Trayvon Marand public always be one tin was shot are pushing that captures and killed their attenwalking home tion towards. the public’s by neighborMartin and attention hood watchZimmerman man George have been put more than Zimmerman. on the back the others.

Within a few burner since weeks it hit the the media national news is no longer cycle with the “promoting” media displaying police re- and “advertising” the case. ports and interviews from Kony 2012 was an interMartin’s family members national issue that captured and friends. The entire na- teens’ attention for a week tion seemed informed and when “Cover the Night” the public was protesting was scheduled to happen on

April 20. However, no one seemed to be talking about it past that point.

For each international and local issue occurring, there will always be one that captures the public’s attention more than the other. They are all equally important and relevant to the people involved no matter how long they are or are not kept in front of the public either via the news or social networks.

The challenge to overcome is actually staying involved in an issue when suddenly mostly everyone has become involved in the next popular issue. And even when others have forgotten or think that a certain issue is no longer “cool” to care about, people should stay involved because of what they believe in and not what the majority believes in. Progress will not be made if everything is based on what the majority is feeling. There must be those certain stand outs or even odd balls that feel so strongly about one issue and care enough to make an actual change.

Fashion and style: what comes around goes around The cliche “what goes around comes around” holds true to today’s fashion and style.

By PAIGE GONZALEZ STAFF REPORTER

“What comes around goes around” is a term greatly used in this country. Justin Timberlake has used this phrase in his hit What Comes Around, Goes Around. It is the name of an extremely expensive store in New York City, it is a cliche when referring to Karma, and it is often directed at style of younger people.

Spanish teacher Yvonne Peña said that seeing older styles brings back memories of her high school years, but she is not too shocked every time she sees something from

her youth.

“It shows how styles somewhat remain the same,” Peña said. “ I am no longer surprised, now that I teach and see it every day.”

Young people do not tend to think that they could be wearing the apparel of their parents’ past. In the eyes of teens it’s their style and an icon and a symbol of their personality - not somebody of the ‘80s. Most times when they see a pair of colored jeans or neon bracelets, the thought of their parents wearing those things rarely crosses their minds.

Angel Ortiz, ‘15, does know his parents and others of their time had similar styles as the teenagers of today.

“History repeats itself always; and even then, they were inspired by the things on the television,” Ortiz said.

People love to say that their style is their voice, but people will still follow their peers and the mainstream media just as they did 60 years ago.

Teenagers also tend to miss the fact that their so-called “style” may not even be theirs at all or even their mother’s or their father’s but maybe the major fashion designers of today. They set the stage for all the clothes and styles worn around the world, just as they have for the past 60 years.

They are the “choice makers” of the fashion industry.

“If the style comes around, almost everyone will wear it,” Clarissa Zaragoza, ‘14, said.

People love to say that their style is their voice, but people will still follow their peers and the mainstream media just as they did 60 years ago.

ODYSSEY

Summer Creek High School s 14000 Weckford Blvd., Houston, TX 77044 Phone: 281-641-5400 s May 11, 2012 s Issue 7, Vol. 3 The Odyssey serves as a public forum for Summer Creek High School and is distributed free to all students and staff.

Co-Editors-In-Chief Madison Terrier Madison Rice Photography Editor Lisseth Lopez Business Manager Wayne Barloco Adviser Megan Ortiz Principal Trey Kraemer

Reporters/Photographers Victoria Valentine Kierra Flowers Danielle Miller Joshua Broussard Blake Middleton Shaianne Rubin Warren Dangerfield Paige Gonzalez Jenna Duvall Brianca Berry Keaton McManamy Rachel Sides Lauren Grimm Krislyn Domingue Rachel Sides Alex Pelham Starr Jauregui Holly Newton Michelle Garcia Tayler Banes Yazmin Lopez Kyle Clark Alexis Robinson

In a way it’s their mother’s voice, their father’s voice, along with the major brand name of the clothing’s voice.

“If someone is wearing a new style and people start liking it, others will eventually wear it also,” Iliana Carreon, ‘13, said.

The generation of today seems to wear almost nothing of their time but just items of clothing renewed. There are skinny jeans, which actually originated in the ‘50s as symbol of rebellion. They were worn by icons like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elvis Presley.

Another great fashion, popular in the ‘80s, is the leggings. The leggings, though, did not begin in the ‘80s but actually started in the 14th and 15th century used as protective wear and resurfaced in the ‘70s and ‘80s in the exercise craze of that time.

Putting the facts of items like leggings and skinny jeans into perspective brings out the reality that maybe the parents of this generation did not “create” these styles.

Possibly it was their parents’ older relatives or their older relatives. It does not seem to be lazy but more of the fact that that is what it took to fit in.

“I feel like some people dress the way they dress to fit in, they don’t show their personality,” Peña said. “That is just the way the world evolves.”

‘60s Fashion Parachute pants, High neckline dresses, color block, High waist skirts, skinny jeans.

‘70s Fashion Polyester, rompers, platform shoes, bell bottom jeans, halter necks.

‘80s Fashion Leg warmers, neon, swatch watches, layered socks, oversized shirts.

16 THE ODYSSEY

Picture Perfect

SpringFEVER

Friday, May 11, 2012

Photo by Rikki Hurt

Plenty of groups of friends found themselves in their own areas of the school. Jamal Colvin, ‘13, and his friends took camp in the small gymnasium where they played “Never Have I Ever” around midnight during the junior lock-in.

Photo by Rikki Hurt Photo by Rikki Hurt

At the junior lock-in at the end of April, the student council provided free cupcakes. Myricle Toran, ‘13, and Dezimond Martin, ‘13, found more to do with the cupcakes than just eat them. The lock-in has become a tradition for the junior class.

During the junior lock-in, some of the class couldn’t stay awake. Dale Battle, ‘13, and Richaar Hampton, ‘13, snuggle together in front of the Performing Arts Center. The lock-in began to wind down around 3 a.m.

Photo by Josie Vazquez Photo by Rikki Hurt

After third period, Justice Malveaux,’ 13, socialized with close friends on Paw Pals Day. Malveaux recieved a bouquet of flowers from her pal Markee Rudy in attendance. Students paid for raffle tickets to be a pal of a staff member for a day. The students spent the day receiving special treats.

AVID students Cecilia Delgadillo, ’12, Joanna Lara, ‘12, Pamela Rodriguez, ‘12, and Diana Banda, ‘12, laugh with Galelyn Dart, ‘12, and Dontaveon Anderson, ‘12, who joke around after the AVID senior banquet, which took place in the school’s cafeteria on April 14. “(AVID) was a good experience because (teacher Kimberly Mouser) made us realize about what’s out there for our future,” Lara said.

The YEARBOOK is coming...

BUY IT NOW, SIGN IT LATER, KEEP IT FOREVER.

Books are $65 in Room 1856 while supplies last. All who pre-order will receive their books May 17 during lunch.

Pre-ordered books will be passed out May 17.

All who buy before they arrive will be eligible for a drawing for TWO LMFAO TICKETS and TWO WARPED TOUR TICKETS.