Odyssey
The
Summer Creek High School
M O N DAY, AU G U S T 23, 2010 t VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 14000 WECKFORD BLVD. HOUSTON, T X
Inside
n After a year of junior varsity competition, Najee Bissoon and his teammates eye the Bulldogs’ varsity debut Friday night at Turner Stadium. Page 4 FOR ALL THE LATEST SCHS HAPPENINGS, CHECK OUT W W W.SUMMERCREEKHIGHSCHOOL.COM
first day of school
As second year starts,
Spirit Sizzles By Kristina Onwumere
Pep rallies, cellphone restrictions and new ID
badges can mean only one thing: the beginning of a new school year. For many, Day One just means the start of classes. They have already spent weeks at the school showing their dedication in practices with the marching band, color guard and the various sports. Students are already anticipating “I’m really excited and positive the students will enjoy this coming year,” principal Trey Kraemer said. “I want them to come Homecoming. The game against Kingto school excited to be here. I believe if the students are happy wood Park will be Oct. 1 and the dance and want to be here then everything else will take care of itself.” will be Oct. 2. School spirit will be Of course, every new year brings new changes. With approxi- showcased much sooner, however. The mately 550 new students and 50 new staff members, Summer first pep rally will be held this Friday. “I don’t have the details, but I know Creek is getting bigger. As about 1,400 students crowd the hallways, a third lunch shift will be added and the Silver house that it’s the school spirit a student will be used primarily for foreign language and a few history brings that makes each pep rally succlasses. Kraemer, who hired the new staff members, said he is cessful,” Kraemer said. Another new change is exceptionally pleased with the additions to the that varsity sports will be family. added; and programs like Students are looking forward to getting band, choir and theater will back to seeing their friends daily. compete in University Inter“I’m so excited this year because I get to see scholastic League (UIL) events. my friends and build new relationships with new Dual credit classes, auto tech and people,” Bhavini Patel, ‘13, said. more classes and clubs will open While there will be many changes, a numup opportunities for students. ber of traditions will remain the same. BeThe first varsity football game will be fore any student enters the classroom, handFriday at newly-renovated Turner Stadishakes and smiles are required. Every class um. There is even a section called the “Dog will then kick off with “Good Things.” ~ Principal Trey Kraemer Pound” for Summer Creek students. Car“We are keeping these traditions because bon I counselor Heidi Thompson said new it’s a positive way to start a class, it allows students the opportunity to open up with our staff and it varsity rivals will result in more school spirit from students. “It was hard to get excited about a big game when there makes communication easier,” Kraemer said. Hand signals will remain, while social contracts will be wasn’t really a big game to get excited about,” Thompson modified a bit to make them more successful than the year said. ”But this year will be more competitive because we are finally considered as competition.” before. This is a new year with new people, new grades and new Several successful events last year will also continue into this school year. Fun Fridays and Spirit Days will happen through- opportunities. The students and staff look forward to the changes and challenges ahead. out the fall and be filled with excitement and Bulldog pride. “Last year was good, but that was in the past,” Kraemer “That’s what I can’t wait for,” Kate Haney, ’13, said. “Spirit Day was my favorite thing about Summer Creek because it said. “Now I’m confident that this year will be even better and the following years will continue on that same path.” was always exciting.”
“It’s the school spirit a student
brings that makes each pep rally successful.”
I’VE GOT SPIRIT, HOW ‘BOUT YOU? Bria Washington, ‘13, practices a new routine with her teammates during team summer camp Aug. 4. Washington, a first-year Starlette, won “Best Showmanship” honors at camp. She was one of 41 dance team members who participated in the two-week camp. The Starlettes will make their fall debut during the football game Friday night at Turner Stadium. Photo by Lisseth Lopez.
VIEWPOINT
‘Bulldog Nation’ open for business, ready to roll Long-standing traditions may not exist at such a new school, but there is no shortage of Bulldog pride in hallways
T
he number one thing that every new and returning student needs to know about Summer Creek High School is that the school is huge on school spirit. The spirit is practically contagious, and everyone who witnesses it will catch it. SCHS demonstrates its school spirit everywhere. From handshakes and hand signals to pep rallies
Krysten Barnes
and sports, students at Summer Creek wear their pride where everyone can see it. At first, it was difficult bringing students from five different schools into one completely new and different school. Students complained about how they didn’t have varsity teams and how the school was plain boring. However, at SC’s first pep rally, the students and faculty seemed to melt together and the school became unified. Since then, SC’s school spirit has continued to grow to new lengths. The students have embraced their Bulldog pride and they aren’t afraid
to show it. Some students even made a “Summer Creek Anthem” and performed the rap at the first annual talent show. The credit for the success of the first year has to be handed to not only the students and faculty but also to the principal, Trey Kraemer. Mr. Kraemer has built a family that has each others’ backs at Summer Creek. He has made every student at SC proud to be a Bulldog. So if a student walks into SC that doesn’t want to be there, Mr. Kraemer will spot them and let them know that they are now a part of a Bulldog Nation!