April 2012

Page 1

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Students win contest

Trees will soon be planted around campus

snack bar. Fernandez has e- mailed Trees For Houston and has been With the help of trying to decide where texting, Spring Woods the trees will go, and has won $10,000 worth how many trees we are of trees to be planted getting. on campus sometime The trees will most this spring. likely get here by the Due to the drought, middle of April. numerous trees will “The purpose of the be replaced on camtrees that are being pus by April thanks given to Spring Woods to an organization High School is to add called, Trees For more beauty and life,” Houston. Fernandez said. They noticed that A group of students IKEA was running a will help employees of contest where, the IKEA and members of winning prize was Trees For Houston to NEW HOME FOR TREES: The planting more trees. plant the trees on April Some of the money new trees will be planted in the 16th in the morning bus circle facing Gessner. will go toward waterfrom 9:00 AM to 11:00 ing them for two years class period, every day,” AM. Fernandez believes by Trees For Houston. U.S. History teacher that it will be a great Sophomore assistant Lora Clay said. learning experience for principal Horacio FerMembers of Trees For the kids to help. nandez helped spread Houston have visited the “It’s good cause we’re the word about the con- school in the past and not really the ‘woods,’ test. The school voted in have seen how many and I’ve heard that joke the most votes by texting trees were lost and from Northbrook, ‘Spring daily, won. where on campus needs Woods got no woods!’ “Since we had lost some the trees the most. At Now we will not be trees with the drought least a few trees will be made fun of by our rival and everything, when I put in the bus circle by school,” junior Michelle got the e- mail that said Gessner, and one by the Balsara said. By LILYA GEHMAN STAFF WRITER

as a school we were doing that, I thought it would be important and good for us every day if I reminded the kids on the active board to text every

AP Chemistry teacher gains recognition

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Jamie Flint awarded Teacher of the Year

By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER

past the hours of three for tutorials.” Students who have had the privilege of being taught by Flint, know just how hard of a worker and great teacher she is. “Mrs. Flint just has a way of teaching in a way that really helps you understand the concepts,” senior Caitlin Luper said.

rian Kelsey Radabaugh to pursue chemistry in college at Texas A&M, the college that Flint B eing awarded the graduated from. prestigious title of Teach“I had a lot of fun in er of the Year is a title that Flint's class. She always not many teachers strive did exciting demonstrato attain. One teacher tions and worked a lot who can now call herself of example problems so “Teacher of the Year” is that the material was reAP chemistry teacher ally easy to underJamie Flint. stand,” Radabaugh “This is my eighth said. “She was also year teaching at really approachable, Spring Woods,” which is a great qualFlint said. “It feels ity to possess.” good to get recWhen everyone ognition and I feel heard the news honored to repreabout Flint being sent the school on named this year's a district level and Teacher of the Year, humbled at the nothing but praise same time.” and congratulations Many of Flint's CHEMISTRY AT ITS FINEST: Flint colleagues share helps her students during a chemistry were in order. “When I heard the with her the cel- lab. news, I was really ebration of her ac“She would explain the excited,” Luper said. “I complishments. “I don't think that there material in a different think it is well earned.” Former student Kelsey is anyone more deserv- way until you understood ing,” English teacher and everything. By the time Radabaugh expresses last year's Teacher of the the AP test came around, the same joy. “Mrs. Flint is just a Year Matthew McConn I was prepared.” Flint's teaching style spectacular teacher,” said. “She does a lot of staff development with and ability to incorporate Radabaugh said. “I can't the teachers and she fun into her class has think of a better person has such a great ability inspired former student to win Teacher of the of getting kids to work and last year's valedicto- Year.”

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Courses create credit District expands summer school program

By CARLY BATTERSON

STAFF WRITER

I s summer school part of your summer plans? If it is then you’re in luck because SBISD is offering an online summer school course for anyone who is required to attend. “I chose the online class because I thought it would be easier with my summer schedule,” senior Jamie Meeks said. The online summer school program is open to any public, private, or home schooled student in grades 6th12th throughout Texas. The VHS (Virtual High School) online instructors are SBISD employees and highly qualified Texas-certified teachers that have received special certified training. The Spring Branch Virtual High School uses stateof-the-art online learning technology that colleges, universities, and businesses use making it a great preparatory experience for students of all

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ages. The online summer school program has been gaining popularity over the past two years. Last summer, it had more than 400 students enrolled. It still has some glitches to work out. “I had to do the class in two weeks,” Meeks said. “They messed up my account. I didn't have a partner so I had to work

alone. I didn't get any sleep for days.” All of the original credit courses have been reviewed and approved by TxVSN as meeting the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS), as well as the international online learning standards (iNACOL. org). Many of the top tier schools in the service have been participating in this program including

Memorial High School, Stratford High School, and Westchester Academy of International Studies. “I think regular summer school classes are better than the online classes because you have a teacher there who can actually help you,” associate principal Jennifer Collier said. This year, there will be an online summer school, the traditional summer school, summer school for ninth graders who didn’t pass their end of course exams, and credit recovery classes. AP/PreAP classes cost $350 per semester course and normal classes cost $200 per course. Spanish three is $300 per semester course. For more information, go to vhs.springbranchisd. com or contact Joel Smith, E-learning coordinator: 713-251-1502, elearning@springbranchisd.com. You have until June 1st to apply for online summer school.

SKY to take action Classes begin in fall of 2012

By SAM LOPEZ

ASST. BUSINESS MNGR.

The previous decision on whether or not the SKY(SBISD, KIPP, YES prep) partnership should be approved has passed. New charters will open in both Landrum middle and Northbrook middle. In late spring, students entering middle school and those in their last year of elementary, will be chosen for these programs by a “lottery” (students in special education classes cannot be turned away). The program is free for any student interested. KIPP and Yes prep will work with t h e s e schools to help students with early college prep. The plan includes: KIPP Courage College Prep at Landrum middle and

Yes prep at Northbrook middle. Summer program begins in July at Landrum and for Northbrook, they begin in August. KIPP will serve 105 fifth graders and Northbrook will serve 130 students in sixth grade. For those that are chosen, all their classes will be taught in English. The main differences between a school being partnered with KIPP or Yes prep as opposed to any regular school is that those students will have longer school days and will also go to school more days than any other student. KIPP students will keep

together and will not interact with other students during the school day. Northbrook students will be very similar. However if they are in sports or electives, they can interact with non Yes prep students as well. After these students finish middle school, both the Landrum and Northbrook middle students are to transfer to Northbrook High School which is also partnered with Yes prep. A part of being in one of these programs means longer days. For Landrum students, their days will last from 7:25am to 5:00pm, with the exception of Fridays when the students may get out in at 2:00pm. Continued on PAGE 2


CONTINUED SKY:

For Northbrook students, they will startschool at 8:00am and leave at 4:30pm. The reason for students having more days is due to the summer prep classes to help students get a feel of what is to come for them. In deciding who is to be in one of these pro-

grams, students are not chosen by any grade requirements for Landrum or Northbrook. Students are, however, required to wear uniforms. Landrum (KIPP students) will be required to wear a KIPP shirt with simple khaki pants. On the other hand, Northbrook students will wear their usual Northbrook polo with khaki pants,

but will also have to dress professionally one day of the week. All teachers are trained employees of either KIPP or Yes prep and are all dedicated to helping these students prepare for college. Transportation will be provided for students living in Landrum boundaries and Northbrook boundaries.

Varsity Cheer

The results are in for the roster of Varsity Cheer next year. Congratulations!

Captain: Ruby Salazar Co Captain: Martha Caballero Co Captain: Lindsay Bustamante Spirit Officer: Vi Nguyen Katie Scott Jeanny Garcia Clarissa Garcia Yasmine Rhodes Wendy Win Myint Kerry Mendez Kassandra Robles Elleana Smith Elizabeth Reyes Mykala Toren Bianca Teran Hannah Snyder Jennifer Saquic

2012 REGIT STAFF The Regit is published every six weeks by the newspaper staff as a CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: public forum for the Cade Bundrick student community. The staff reserves BUSINESS MANAGER: the right to choose the Jessica Jones content of the stories. ASST. BUSINESS MNGR: Final decisions involving all written and picSam Lopez torial content shall be made by the staff and STAFF WRITERS: Carly Batterson, Lilya advisor. Gehman, Brittany The Regit will strive Moore, Alisan O’Quinn, to present news in a Haley Schild, Odalis fair, impartial, accuGarcia, Scott Moore, rate, and truthful way. Alberta Rollins, Lorelei Editorials represent Shannon, Stephanie Varonly the staff writer’s gas view. Letters to the editor ADVISOR: Pam Karter are welcomed from any Regit reader. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jack William Rodgers

Letters will be checked for grammar, accuracy, and punctuation. To join the Regit staff, contact one of the grade level counselors. ADVERTISING: The Regit retains the right to reject advertisement not in the best interest of its audience. Advertising space may be purchased by calling the journalism department at (713) 251-3239. Advertisement may be faxed to the Regit at (713) 365-4474.

Out with old, in with new

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Grading scale made to prepare juniors for AP test

By SAM LOPEZ ASST. BUSINESS MNGR. To prepare his English III AP students for the AP test on May 16th, English teacher Andrew Helminiak has made the

decision to change scoring of the essays his students write. The essays are graded on a scale from zero to nine, with zero being the worst and nine being the best. That scale has not been changed, but the grades that go along with them have. “The grading scale was made more difficult because students were getting complacent with getting lower grades that were not acceptable to get on an AP exam,” Helminiak said. Helminiak told his students when he first made this change that what helped him decide is the fact that on the AP exam, a five on an essay is only considered acceptable. “In order to make them want to try harder, I made it harder for them to get better grades. Which is something I hope will motivate them,” Helminak said. He wants his students

to get a taste of what is to come on their AP test grading wise. “I feel that this change benefits us because it can improve our writing skills for the AP exam,” junior Maritza Ocampo said. “But I also feel it can hurt us b e cause if we g e t b a d grades on our e s says now, it's going to bring o u r grades down.” The news of this change came as a shock

to many of Helminiak's students. “It's very different,” junior Lesl i e Ama r o said. “ I think that t h e r u bric was bett e r t h e way i t was b e -

fore.” This change, although seemingly necessary to Helminiak, puts a damper on his students grades as of now. “In a way it's okay because he is preparing us for the AP test and we should know that we need to become better writers,” Amaro said. “But as of general grading, it's going to be much different.” Helminiak has his students write essays at least once a week and has also had his classes write essays together to show them how to write eight or nine worthy papers. “I think that it’s a good opportunity for us to realize that a light grading scale is not going to help us improve as much as a more strict grading scale,” junior Mary Quinones said. The grading has some getting used to for students, but it also allows them to grow as writers in time for their AP tests. “With their class grades, the grading will become harder, but the goal is to get them to pass the AP exam which is the point of the course,” Helminiak said.


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A way for students to shine

Odyssey of the Mind teams work together to solve problems

By ODALIS GARCIA STAFF WRITER

further. to a problem they have “I’ve been in OM since not seen before. This is second Many students are g r a d e , ” creative, but some of s e n i o r them don’t know how T r a c y to funnel this need for M o c k expression. There are ler said. many after school ac- “I’ve been tivities and a lot of those l u c k y activities involve adults e n o u g h telling the kids what to to always do and how to do it, but get along there is one activity that with my is different, Odyssey of t e a m the Mind (OM), which m e m - YOU MAKE THE CALL: Teams will deis a worldwide program bers for sign and build a structure made of only that gives students a so long. balsa wood and glue that will balance creative problem solving S o m e - and support as much weight as possible. chances for grade levels t i m e s going from kindergarten when the pressure is on, the spontaneous competition,” Coach Iris Story all the way through col- it gets a little tense.” Not only do teams said. lege. To solve a problem Each team has up to have to solve problems through a skit, but they through a skit, the team seven members and a coach. All teams are re- also have to think fast on must come up with home-made quired to solve props, scenery, problems that costumes, lightcould include ing, and script to building mebring it all togethchanical devices er. All of that has to show their to be done by own interpretathe teams, so no tion of the probparent can help lem asked. Usuor it will be conally the problems sidered outside are given to the assistance or teams a year otherwise known in advance beas cheating, but fore the region it also gives stucompetition so dents freedom the teams have to express their OOH-MOTIONAL VEHICLE: The problem the knowledge of what to create requires teams to design, build, and drive a creativity without costume wise vehicle that will travel a course where it will being told that what they are and what exact- encounter three different situations. doing is wrong. ly they need to Spring Woods do to solve the problem their feet to come up with currently has three given. For some students, different and creative re- teams that are involved OM is a part of their life sponses to the sponta- with this. “One team is doing the and learning to be team neous problems. “They must generate vehicle problem, one is players leads them to go spontaneous solutions doing the engineering

problem and the other is doing the humorous problem,” Story said. “All three teams just placed first place at Region where they competed against HISD, SBISD, home schools and private Houston schools.” OM gives out a lot of benefits to the students whether it’s for school out outside of school. “I’ve been taught to solve a problem no matter what,” Mockler said. Problem solving is the easy part, but building is the hardest. “Building the balsa structue has helped me expand my architectural skills,” junior Parker Blome said. Many things are learned during the OM experience for both coaches and members. “The other part of Odyssey that has expanded my life and the life of several of my teams is the international aspect. Four SWHS teams have traveled to Poland to compete in Odyssey Euro fest and do home stays,” Story said. Some of the people who went to Poland included,Parker Blome, Richard Young, Kyle Guillemette, and Taylor Cannon. “It was totally awesome. We walked around the entire town of Poland everyday,” senior Mason Story said. “We met a lot of cute boys, and learned a lot of different cultures.”

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Sophomore wins at FFA Student succeeds in two photo categories

By STEPHANIE VARGAS

Staff Writer

This year sophomore Victoria Gauthier competed in the annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Photo Competition along with many other students from the Spring Branch area. She competed with several other photographers in the Color Photography 2-D Art category of still life photos. She c a m e b a c k from the competition winning first place in Color Photography and overall Reserved Grand Champion in 2-D Art. Her winning photos were put up for auction in which she received $1025. “ When I heard I had won, I tried to keep my composure but on the inside i was going crazy,”Gauthier said. She is also a first year student in Commercial Photography at the Guthrie Center in which the students in that class focus on becoming serious artist and photographers. “Her work has really progressed this year and it is obvious that she likes photography and working in the studio we have here at the Guthrie Center,” Commercial

Cooking cheap college chow

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Photography and Digital Film making teacher Michael Radler said. “Being a sophomore in the photography class is better because the freshmen in the class are a little more immature in handling the equipment and working in the studio,” Gauthier said. One of the photos she entered was of a still life photograph in which

there were two forks intertwined and an egg placed in between the two forks. She is fond of this still life type of photography in which it has became her favorite kind of photo to capture. “Her winning photograph is not only beautiful to look at, but it is a technically beautiful representation of symmetry, composition, shading and simplicity,” Radler said. Victoria’s eye for art has made her pictures unique and different she adds small detail of simplicity to her work. “ I think her pictures are well composed, and she has unique ideas,” Theatre Arts Teacher Anne Yancey said.

Important things to know about college life

By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER College is an unfamiliar place where you have to learn to live on your own. One of the biggest problems that college students have is that they do not know how to cook, because their parents cooked everything for them. Some college students can hardly boil water. Here is a basic guide to feeding yourself while you are away. The biggest problem with college food is that it can get expensive, and money is usually tight. So, try and save at every chance you get. If you buy your food on campus, you will pay for the convenience.The Pop Tarts or Ramen on sale in a campus store are four times as expensive as the Walmart or Kroger 10 minutes away from the school. The best way to go grocery shopping in college is to gather a group of friends and carpool to the store for one big shopping list. “Cooking is a basic skill required of everyone throughout their entire

life,” Lifetime Nutrition teacher Irene Prewitt said. But buying food to eat cheaply is only the first part. Then, you have to cook what you buy, because precooked food is almost as expensive as food on campus. “Precooked food is a convenience that you pay much more for because it was cooked somewhere else and frozen for you to eat,” Prewitt said. So, it is better that you buy raw ingredients and make them into something to eat. There are some amazing meals you can make for almost nothing. Everyone has heard of dumpling soup before, and it is one of the easiest meals you could ever make. All it takes is one egg, one half cup of flour, a bouillon cube, and two cups of water. Then, you can add chicken, or any meat you want and microwave it. If you bring a hotplate with you to college, you can step it up a notch by making even more flavorful meals. A prime example of this is a

grilled sandwich. Bread is a staple of modern life. You can use it for almost any meal, but the cost adds up over time. You can replace the bread in any meal with tortillas. A way to make a grilled tortilla sandwich is take two tortillas, and fill them with any ingredients you want in your sandwich. Then, poke a toothpick through the center of the tortillas, and grill it on your hotplate. “While everyone is at college trying to eat cheaply, they forget about eating healthy,” Prewitt said. A big part of college food that gets overlooked all of the time is nutrition. If you do not keep a balanced diet, you will get sick more often and just feel generally worse. So, even though college life may seem overwhelming, there are entire cookbooks dedicated to surviving college and most of them are amazing. So, if you think you need some help cooking, or even an idea for what to cook every night, picking up one of these cookbooks is a great idea.

Credit to Theydrawandcook.com


By CADE BUNDRICK

Enrique Martinez

Lopez-

Straight A’s 10th Grade Academic Student

Sophomore, Enrique Lopez-Martinez, has lead the soccer team on and off the field. After high recommendations from teachers and coaches alike, Enrique has become the 2012 recipient of the Character Without Question award, and will represent Spring Woods at the Character without Question district recognition ceremony. This student has been noted as a student with “respect, perseverance, and a big heart.” “I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing soccer and studying as much as possible when I’m not at school,” Lopez-Martinez said. “I am very honored to receive the award and hope that I represent Spring Woods well.” After coming to the United States only a year ago, one of Enrique’s coaches said that he is “deserving of this award and has accepted what this country has to offer him.”

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Alum reaches childhood dream Act your age Former band student attends Berklee

By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF As many seniors approach their final days as high school students, some former tigers are approaching their final days as college students. One student in particular approaches the end of his college career at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Jordan Rose, class of 2005, is a Spring Woods graduate who is living his childhood dream to be a professional musician. In recent years, Rose has been able to achieve a multitude of personal goals all the while reaching success among his peers. Although he is currently at the college of his dreams, it took more hard work and effort than he initially planned. “I was a music major at three different schools before I ended up at Berklee, and I felt that they were all preparing me for the place I would eventually be, Berklee,” Rose said, leaning against the wall of a Boston subway station. “The challenging thing was to be at these other three places and having that gut feeling that I would end up somewhere else.” After graduating from Spring Woods, Rose attended University of Houston for a year before taking a break from school to go on a mission with his church in Hawaii. With two years of service committed, Jordan took classes at HCC, and then attended Bringham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah for two years

before transferring to Berklee College of Music in Boston last January. However, it wasn’t just his location that made him appreciate his passion in life. “From 2007 to 2010, I underwent four major

paving the road for those who want to follow in his footsteps. “Jordan is such a huge talent that when he auditioned for the University of Houston music program, he was awarded the largest scholarship ever given to a percussion student,” Jordan’s private drum instructor Joel Fulgham said. “Jordan is at Berklee and has learned how to learn, and how we really only teach ourselves and will be at home wherever he goes.” Jordan is majoring in Musical Performance with a speciality in Jazz Drums. Through his experiences at the different colleges, Rose has had the privilege of playing with a number of big-named musicians, such as New York surgeries on my right trumpet based trumpet ear, almost causing me player Tim Hagans, and to lose my hearing in that saxophone legend Don ear completely,” Rose Menza. In the summer said. “Thanks to modern of 2010, Rose was also medicine and a miracle, able to tour Denmark and my ear is Norway basically with the back to Bringham n o r m a l Y o u n g again. But University the funny premiere thing is that J a z z my trial ensemble. with the ear “It was really helped amazing me gain getting to a deeper Berklee appreciation because for music I had and helped dreamed of me realize going there that music for so many is what I years,” really want Rose said. to do for my “It has career.” definitely PLAYING WITH THE GREATS: Rose takes a bow Jordan been an a t t e n d e d after playing with Sax legend, Don Menza in 2010. incredible BYU while dealing with is the weather.” experience and I’d his surgeries, and then Jordan has made such say better than I was decided to transfer to an impact, that he is expecting.” Boston. After visiting the campus and applying for scholarships, Jordan was able to nail the audition. “I believe that no matter where you come from, you can be successful if you work hard,” current band director Jeff Munger said. “Jordan’s success is mostly of his own doing, but here at Spring Woods we demand a high degree of performance level, and we try to instill that there is always room for more learning and improvement.” Jordan serves as yet another inspiration for Spring Woods students to maintain their success and dedication. “I think Berklee is a good fit for me,” Rose said. “There are so many people here from all over the world. Berklee is one of the most diverse schools in the country. I am proud to be a part of it. The only thing I can’t get used to

Being late doesn’t make you cool

By ODALIS GARCIA STAFF WRITER

The lesson plans get a bit delayed when a The student isn't there, and e n d teachers like Mrs. Clay of the get irked by the fact that school students are always late. Many students have year is n e a r strong feelings about a n d people who walk slowly e v e r y - and block the hall ways one is with their “swag”. The excited for summer. As truth is that being late memories of seniors to class is not showing fade, the Class of '13 will “swag”. In fact, it makes take over. As the years you look like a loser bego on, we all mature, cause while the students some slower than others that are never late get and some faster. Many to exempt final exams, of these levels of matu- you will be stuck in your rity can be seen all over classrooms the last week of school not getting the campus everyday. Everyone remembers chance to go home early the transition from mid- or come to school late. dle school to high school. So if you could do everyone a In middle favor and school, walk just being in a little eighth faster, g r a d e everyone m e a n t would apthat you preciate were on it. the top of Ok, the food s o m e chain. students Somehave boy t i m e s being at BELL SCHEDULE: This is the f r i e n d s girl the top, schedule for Monday, Tuesday, or p e o p l e and Friday if you have A lunch. f r i e n d s and are tend to You’re welcome. “in love”. get lazy. An example of this is the It's totally understandable because we are tardy problem. I know how many peo- young and nothing else ple feel about tardies, but matters but that person. just get to class. Is that Sometimes when people too much to ask? How are blinded by “love” are you going to survive in school, tardies start when you get to college coming around more beor get a job? In this case, cause they are to busy time does equal money making out in the hall way. If you really cared so just get to class. A lot of students think and love that person, you that they are cool when will make sure they are they skip class are late, on time and at the end but if no one was aware, of the school year, they this affects everyone will get to exempt finals. Now that's true love. around you.



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By STEPHANIE VARGAS & JESSICA JONES

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Testing out of college

Facebook becomes something unintended

.Ways to prepare for your future .

By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER

Sitting in a class w i t h 2 0 0 other freshmen in college taking English 101, or sitting in a room and taking a test for four hours to get credit for freshman English. If these are your two choices to get college credit, I think most would say that taking the one test for four hours is a much better choice. AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college level courses that give you the possibility to receive college credit if passed. The way students can get this credit is through the AP test, but you only get credit if you pass the test. So, it is important to study for these important exams. “The easiest way to study is through repetition and looking over it again and again,” AP History teacher Lora Clay said. “Studying is

based on the student, because they have to find the best way to study for themselves.” The study habit to use is based entirely on what works for you. Studying for 12 hours nonstop may work for some, but not help at all for others. Others may be able to glance over it a few times on the day before to completely memorize it. “The AP tests are $57 each or $13 if you are on free or reduced lunch,” senior counselor Karen Rice said. It may seem like the AP test costs a lot now, but it costs even more to take it as a college class. College credit hours cost anywhere from $250 to $1000 each depending on where you go to college at. Even if you have a chance of not passing the test, it is worth the risk. If you take enough AP classes, you can enter into college as a sophomore and never have to be

a freshman ever, while saving all of that money it would cost for that year of classes. “AP Classes actually prepare a student for college work,” AP English teacher Matthew Davidson said. “It has been proven many times that students that take harder classes do better in college.” So, even if you don't pass the test, you've gained something by taking the class. But, you gain even more if you pass the test. AP classes prepare you for college courses, because they show the level of work required

by college. Studies have shown that taking AP or honors classes in high school raise the chance of graduating college by

The Bully’s Choice

almost three times the normal rate. “It's not exactly what you expect,” senior Victor Nguyen said. “It's difficult, but not difficult enough that you can not do it if you study.” The AP test is a sample of what college will be like. College grades rely on a few big tests and quizzes to determine your average. The tests are similar to most college tests. They cover a lot of information in one large test. So, passing the AP tests you sign up for is very important for your life. Every test can save you hundreds of dollars and time in college if you study, and try your best to pass them. Try to be in as many honors and AP classes as you can, but do not feel bad if you have to drop the class. They are challenging and can be passed if you are willing to put time into them.

Teens take over social networking site, only to change it up

By SAM LOPEZ ASST. BUSINESS MNGR.

Facebook any less annoying. What is all too commonF a c e - ly seen are posts from b o o k sites like Twitter, Tumblr, s t a r t e d Pinterest, DailyBooth as a and more. place If Facebook did not for col- have its logo on the top l e g e left corner, you'd probas t u - bly be unsure what webd e n t s , site you were on. but over With Facebook’s origit i m e nal meaning almost branched out into a site completely lost, it seems, for everyone. Although there is no doubt that atit was intended for tempting to bring Facebook Facebook has become a site that b a c k to its publicizes other... sites origin a l friends and fellow class- intention will make many mates to keep in touch, unhappy. So this is not it is now full of a bunch a call to turn Facebook of other things that Face- back to that. book is not about. Just keep other social Facebook has become networking sites where a site that publicizes they were originally inother social networking tended to be. It becomes sites and that is because annoying to see other of what we have done to stuff on Facebook. it. I promise you, FaceOf course, everyone book will do just fine has the right to put what- without the Twitter hashever they want on Face- tags (#), Tumblr pictures book, but that does not and sayings, and Dailymake posting other so- Booth posts. cial networking things on

By Lorelei Shannon


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Point-Counterpoint: Importance of technology What advances should the future hold for us, if any?

By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF N o w , w e have all pictured t h e future as a distant place w i t h floating cars, robot nannies, and super high-tech glasses that allow you to see huge amounts of information as if you were The Terminator. Well, thanks to Google, you may no

sunglasses, for example, you will be looking at the world around you with a computer screen. But why is this so important and life changing? Google’s new glasses, physically designed by Oakley, will show you a display of what you are looking at, as well as more information on the subject based on already existing apps. For example, if you are walking down the street and look at a Panera Bread, the glasses lens will show you the rating of the location, which of your Facebook friends were there recently, how

cell phone usage that could easily be adapted for the Google glasses. However, when we start incorporating these glasses into the real world, more time will be spent on developing apps just for them. Soon enough, the possibilities will be endless for what we can accomplish. In the future, students will no longer have to bring books or notepads to school, they can just have a blank desk upon which their AR glasses project a virtual textbook or notepad that they can take notes on. These notes will be images

SEEING IS BELIEVING: Goggle’s glasses of the future in a sleak design by Oakley, complete with earplugs for an MP3 player. longer have to wait too long for all of that cool future stuff. Google has recently created an Android-powered set of sunglasses that could easily change the way humans live. What makes these sunglasses so unique, is that what you see through the lenses is more than just the cool guys or gals checkin’ you out. In fact, what you are seeing is Augmented Reality. AR technology is an application that has been in the works since the late 1950s, and is something that was originally developed by a crazy Swedish guy. AR is a virtual reality process that shows the world, as we see it, on a computer screen, and then allows you to edit it. So, when AR is seen in the display of a pair of

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many people are in that location, and then ask you if you would like to check in via Facebook or Twitter. Because of Google, Augmented Reality will no longer be an idea for the “Hover-Car-based” future. Instead, it will be an item on some people’s Christmas list Winter 2012. What’s even better about this, is that the glasses will be practical, both in a physical and economic sense. The glasses will be adjustable and will be available with earphones attached (as seen in the picture). The glasses will also be around the cost of a smartphone, but data plans are not yet being discussed. Just about every app that currently exists on the Android Market is an application made for

saved onto the glasses and the student could plug in the glasses to a computer at home to review for a test the next day. Soon gaming will no longer be a luxury on a television screen, and become something a person can experience first hand. While these implications could disconnect people from the real world, without technology, it would not be the end of the world. If anything, it would allow people to get out of their own home more often while accessing their personal technology. People would not become the obese, impaired zombies seen in Wall-E, instead, we would become more aware of the world around us, and the world that we are able to create.

rates under 20%, and that technology inhibits By ALISAN O’QUINN Texas was one of 12 with creative thinking, moveSTAFF WRITER over 30% of it's popula- ment, human interaction, It is tion obese. and attention spans. in our People tend to prefer You may wonder how, h u m a n to stay inside and play then, do these students n a t u r e Angry Birds all day while possibly learn? to make watching Glee as opThe teachers at the t h i n g s posed to getting active Waldorf Schools are ree a s i e r and going out to get a quired to go through a for our- social life. special training to help selves. Some of you may say, them develop more creB u t “I have a social life, it's ative lesson plans. These h o w on Facebook!” Sorry, but can be from cutting cake e a s y Facebook stalking the to teach fractions, to actis too easy? Is it when day away on your iPad ing like a lightening bolt you're too lazy to go out doesn't qualify. to teach multiplication. and actually shop for Technology that proAlso, as recognized food so you just have a motes laziness includes by Waldorf School fapizza delivered? Or is it everything from remotes cilitators, technology when you don't want to to computers and the in- prevents human interwalk up the stairs at the ternet, even cell phones action and creates isomall, so you go on the (created for easy com- lation among people. escalator? munication, not endless It does this by making Technology is here to hours of Draw Some- people dependent and help us, not hinder us. thing). All of these have even addicted to their What it has done is al- played a vital role in the cell phones (“Crackberlowed us to do more and Millennial Generation's rys”), computers, or T.V. more, while actually do- dependence and attach- shows. They become ing less and less. Ameri c a does n o t have o n e t h e highe s t obes i t y rates d u e A LOOK INTO WALDORF: A simple classroom with blackboards and to the chalk, bookshelves and worn dictionaries, and wooden desks with textbooks and No. 2 pencils is the place to learn. amount of food people eat (although that's part of it). This problem is getting out of hand because people don't go outside anymore. The majority of people don't go out for a fun bike ride or a walk anymore. Why would people do that for fun when they have literally everything at their finger tips? In fact, Texas had four cities in the top 15 fattest cities in the nation, and only one in the top 20 fittest in 2009 (with Houston at number six on the fattest list). Also in 2010, no state had obesity

ment to technology. One small group of people that aren't so dependent on technology are the students and educators at the 160 Waldorf Schools around the nation. In these schools, there is no technology. They go “old school” with black boards and colorful chalk. Students at these schools tend to thrive, where 94% of Waldorf high school graduates attended college, with the majority heading to prestigious institutions like Oberlin, Berkeley, and Vassar. These schools believe

overly concerned with beating their high score on Temple Run or keeping up with the latest episode of Pretty Little Liars. Waldorf Schools independence from technology goes to show that people can thrive without technology and that they are capable of being without it. So, maybe we should all spend a little less time surfing the net, and a little more time talking face to face or taking a leisurely bike ride.

American education system falls behind Finding the balance between academics and extracurriculars

By ALISAN O’QUINN STAFF WRITER The American education system used to be the world's highest and finest. But now it is flatlining as we are being lapped (now at number 26 in the world), and allowing other nations to get ahead of us. How are we going to change this? How can we make a difference in this nation? Simple! By taking our education seriously. We can actually study and try to get A's instead of just coasting through and being satisfied with a 70. If we actually cared, this generation would have the ability to change the world. We are lagging behind the rest of the world

because we have let laziness and irresponsibility take over by allowing Google to do all the work while we just exercise our hands and write it all down. We have allowed ourselves to become comfortable

lege graduates it's only at four percent. The unemployment rate for high school dropouts is so high because in this economy, when corporations let people go, it is most often the least educated and the lowest

have been constantly upgrading and upstaging us with their education systems. China is focusing on individualizing education instead of standardizing it, like the U.S. This then allows their students to develop

says that “it is a fact that the United States has been losing jobs to other countries. American schools are undoubtedly not adequately equipped to prepare future citizens to live successfully in the new world.” The

“American schools are undoubtedly not adequately equipped to prepare future citizens to live successfully in the new world.” in school, rather than challenged. And as we all know, sometimes if you are challenged, that must mean that it's time to drop out. As of November 2011, the dropout rate is at 25% for the nation. The unemployment rate for high school dropouts is up to 14%, but for col-

social class to go first. This then causes a depression in the standard of living and health because lower class families will not be able afford the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins necessary. While America has been slacking off, other countries in Asia and Europe

their unique interests as opposed to being a little fish in a big pond. They are “exerting great efforts to reduce the power and pressure of testing,” professor at Michigan State University and immigrant from China, Yong Zhao said. In his book Catching Up or Leading the Way, Zhao

problem is that we need a shift in “thinking about education, both what we should teach and how we should deliver,” Zhao said. Maybe we should start individualizing education instead of using a “onesize-fits-all” method. We should stop focusing on passing a test and

change our focus to developing the unique talents that individual students have. For us to start catching up with them, we need to concentrate more on the fields of math and science, as opposed to sports exercise and leisure studies. The time that we could be using to advance in the more relevant fields of math and science is now being devoted to standardize students and make them one of many in extracurriculars. We need to discover a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. After all, we know enough about football already, so let's step away from the field and into the science lab.


Varsity boys reach soccer playoffs

. Tigers overcome ups and downs of season

By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF With the season coming to an end for Varsity boys soccer, the team moves on to the playoffs. This year, the Tigers have shown an

year so far. “Making it to the playoffs is exciting,” said junior Roberto Chavira. “We’ve had our ups and downs throughout the season, but we’re glad that its finally paying off.

season, ranking him in the top ten scorers in the district. Also on this list is sophomore Alec Barraza and senior Rodrigo Perales. Perales and Barraza both played as All-District team forwards

BOYS CLUB: The team rallies their spirits before the game begins. astonishing record of five wins, two losses and three tied games. The boys have been able to conquer the district, and even defeat district champion and rival Northbrook, placing Spring Woods second. As they enter playoff season, the team reflects on the accomplishments and the let downs of the

Now we just need to take it one game at a time.” Chavira, one of the top players on the team, means what he says. For the players, this season has been one of the best that Spring Woods has seen in quite some time. Freshman Luis Sanchez was named the district “Newcomer of the Year,” scoring a total of 11 goals and 10 assists this

for the year, making them some of the top soccer players in the Houston area. “It’s been a season of injury, among other things, but the ones that have stuck it through the entire season so far have really put in a valiant effort,” Varsity soccer coach Wadey Yaya said. “To me the whole team are district champions,

unfortunately the record doesn’t show that.” The beginning of the season showed strife for the team as goalkeeper Jose Vanegas was injured, putting him on the bench for the rest of the

“On paper, we look better, but when it comes to districts, it’s really about whoever wants it more,” Yaya said. “There have been a lot of inconsistencies with the varsity team, but as

grown.” In their first playoff game, the team played Goose Creek Memorial and won 2-0. Scoring players were Luis Sanchez and Mike Ortiz who recieved assists

OFFENSE: Junior Roberto Chavira lines up the pass against Stratford. season. To fill the role, senior Bryan Hernandez stepped up and was one of the most improved players on the team, receiving an honorable mention from his coaches. Also stepping up to the plate, junior Render Villalta was voted Most Improved Player by his peers and shows promise for his senior year.

long as they pick up the pieces, they have a shot.” Even with huge challenges in the future, the team is able to appreciate all they have. “Right now I feel very confident in the team,” sophomore Enrique Lopez-Martinez said. “Coach Yaya is a great coach, father figure and friend for the whole team. He is the reason we have

from Enrique LopezMartinez and Roberto Chavira. “Bryan Hernandez was a great goal keeper and the defense was stellar,” Yaya said. “We play Friendsdwood next. They are previous district champs and a solid team, but they are beatable. It will be a great game to watch.”

Freshmen lead soccer frenzy

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New players give a fresh perspective for the 2012 season

By CARLY BATTERSON STAFF WRITER

Soccer continues to be one of the fastest growing sports among high school and college athletes. If you drive around any where in Houston on a weekend afternoon, you’ll see an open area being

Games and the Americans won the 1st Olympic Gold Medal. The U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999. Yet, it wasn’t until 2001 that the first professional women’s team was formed. What makes this sport other countries call “foot-

fore each game.” Not surprising, soccer has now become just as popular for girls as it is for boys. By helping to add full to the fire, Coach Fuchs has helped inspire the girls team and has been a committed soccer coach at SWHS for

FRESHMAN PHENOM: Forward Natalie Elizondo moves the ball down field perhaps to score. turned into a soccer field. Even though men’s soccer had an earlier beginning, it didn’t take long for women to catch up. Women’s soccer became an Olympic Sport at the 1996 Atlanta

ball” so popular among women? It is very much a “team” sport and according to varsity soccer coach, Maggie Fuchs, “We work as a team and strategize as a team be-

the past 17 years. “The highlight was last season when they tied 2nd in District and beat Crosby in the area playoffs, but lost in a shootout," Fuchs said.

The girl’s varsity team finished in 3rd place after Stratford being in 1st place and Kingwood in 2nd. "I am very proud of the girls. They’ve worked really hard to get to where they are now," Fuchs said. “Getting to playoffs

ers in the District like rival school Stratford. With continued hard work, the varsity soccer team expects to turn in a strong finish this season. "It's really cool being one of the only freshmen on the team and I've learned a lot from the

five. “I have fun with the girls on the team and playing for them has been my life since I was four. Being on the varsity team has brought great honor to me and my family,” freshman Theis Nava said. “I am planning on staying

WORDS OF WISDOM: Coach Maggie Fuchs discusses strategy with team before game time. is very exciting!” With 23 players on the team and a season that consists of about 22 games including district, it takes endurance, skill and teamwork to go up against the talent of play-

more experienced players," freshman Natalie Elizondo said. Elizondo is the top scorer this season. This is not surprising since she has been working on her soccer skills since she was

on the team for all four years of high school. This team means everything to me.” Update: Spring Woods defeated C.E. King 4-1. They played Texas City on April 3rd


Girls’ softball adds new player

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Sophomore Memorial transfer Jennifer Gutowski becomes Tiger

By ALBERTA ROLLINS STAFF WRITER Sophomore Jennifer Gutowski who transferred from Memorial High School, would have had her 'three strikes' and she was out. Fortunately for her, she got her chance to “capture” her way to the Tiger field. With nine years of softball experience, Gutowski has impressed her new softball coach with her enthusiastic effort as a new player on the tiger squad. Gutowski is officially a Tiger and loves it. Although she is competitive, she makes an effort to keep good sportsmanship her top of her priority. “No matter where I play, I would say I strive to be better at each game making me competitive,” Gutowski said. Coming from a different school has a few disadvantages like enrolling into a new school with people you've perhaps never seen before. Being the new kid, there is making new friends, meeting new teachers, and getting used to an-

other school's traditions and daily rules. Gutowski definitely doesn't seem to mind all of that, because she has found a team full of girls to help

more of a hassle when she had to battle with UIL to play softball after she had transferred from MHS. This became both stressful and frustrating

softball, Gutowski made it her priority to work harder to make sure that she would not miss out on one of her favorite things in the world. Being a part of a strong team means complete dedication and perseverance. Gutowski is a great example of these by not giving up on what she loves, and for the strength of her team. “Softball is my own form of therapy in a way. It's the one thing that will always cheer me up. There's no TEAM WORK: Gutowski and teammates come together for better feeling than walking on a fresh a victorious celebration for game win. field,” Gutowski said. her through it. for Gutowski and her Gutowski's resolve “The softball team here, new softball coach, Alli- and her love for softball I feel, is a lot more re- son Hayworth. meant that nothing, even laxed. At Memorial, you “It has been a frustrat- a force like the UIL, could constantly felt pressure ingly long process with take away her passion to be perfect at every [UIL] because of mis- for the sport. Technique game,” Gutowski said. communication between and skill make any sport Not just anyone can the district and the dis- build upon how far it can leave a trail of memories trict executive communi- be taken as far as the behind and quickly start ty chairman,” Hayworth strength it came to grow new ones, but Gutowski said. into. didn't have much of a Struggling with UIL to “When I was little I tried choice. Things became participate in playing all kinds of sports, but

sity team until she was cleared of But both, she and Hayworth had no doubt in their mind that she was going to Majority of the time, an encounter such as this UIL struggle would affect a player's performance, and other times it would make them stronger. Gutowski has a good relationship with senior teammate and varsity pitcher, Sydney Coffey. “She's really crazy, and when I say PITCHIN’ FOR SUCCESS: Gutowski that I mean bouncing of plays in game with her new team. the walls cracertainty in softball, she zy!” Coffey said. “Whenever the team is contributes a broad expansion towards belief down about a game lost, in which she could out- she always finds a way play the UIL conflict. She to cheer them up.” unfortunately could not play on the desired varsoftball was different. I stuck with softball and have been playing for nine years,” Gutowski said. With all of Gutowski's

Baseball celebrates new season, signing

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The team gears up with signed player Clay Brast

By JESSICA JONES BUSINESS MANAGER As baseball gears up for a new season, the team has a lot to celebrate. The team has a strong group of starters including Clay Brast who recently signed with Navarro College, last year’s NJCAA national champions. At a big showcase in Dallas last summer, the team took notice of Brast after they saw his skillful throwing in the bullpen. “It felt pretty good being wanted by a team,” Brast said. “It was definitely a day to remember!” With the prospect of playing for a accredited college team in front of him, Brast plans to give it his all in his final season. His coaches are very proud of what he has accomplished and consider him one of their best players. Coach Brian Keefe believes that Brast will excel at the college level. “Brast is a great competitor on the field and a class act off it,” Keefe said. “He will do great at Navarro and pitch well for them.” Although they didn’t play their best last year, they are ready to fix their mistakes and have

a great record. The team is looking to improve on unity, hitting, and pitching. At this point, the team has a 6-6 record and is 2-2 in district play. If the team improves its overall performance, Keefe thinks they can go far. “We have high expectations and our

shagging [gathering] balls, and the last group is in the batting cages working specific areas of their hitting game. They won three of their five scrimmages and they are now playing in the regular season. Although Brast’s main focus is his final season as a tiger, he is also using this time

the playoffs. Brenham, with many baseball state championships to back them up, will to be one to beat along with district rivals Stratford. The road to playoffs will not be an easy one, but Keefe is staring down that road in confidence. “We expect a lot from our three four year starters [Albert Soliz, Clay Brast, and Corby Sidebottom] and the y o u n g e r players who have already p r o v e n themselves,” Keefe said. As the baseball team kicks their season into high gear, the younger players are learning everything RUN LIKE THE WIND: Brast speeds towards third base during they can from the Cinco Ranch game. their veteran teammates. team goal is to make it to prepare for himself With a strong group of to state playoffs,” Keefe for next year’s college players leaving this year, season. said. the underclassmen are “I look forward ready to continue the The team has developed a new practice to the competition and excellence of the team. routine that has already being able to play at the Sophomore Kyle Fields proven to be effected. next level,” Brast said. is enjoying his first year For now, Brast on the varsity team and is They begin by splitting up into four groups. One and the varsity team are gaining a lot knowledge group does live hitting, setting their sights on from his fellow players, one does base-running, defeating the other teams especially Brast. one is in the field that stand in their way of “Clay taught

me the most important thing which is work ethic because he always puts in 110%,” Fields said. “He is a great role model for all the younger players on the team.” The team has numerous skills in a variety of areas that will allow them to play as a strong force against all the schools they will face this season. All the players love the game and that prompts them to do their best. Many of them wish to play for the rest of their lives,

including Brast who feels like his signing to Navarro is first step in this process. “Of course that would be my dream and I’ll try my hardest to make it, but if it doesn’t happen, I’ll live on and be grateful for the time I got to spend playing the game,” Brast said.


So long to an era By JACK RODGERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wednesd a y March 7 will go down in history as one of the most unexpected-expected moments in sports history. On that fateful day, the Indianapolis Colts released four time MVP Peyton Manning from their roster and the two parted ways after 14 seasons together. Manning later signed a five year, $96 million deal with the Denver Broncos. Even as a non-Colts fan, I was saddened by this move, and to be honest, I didn't really think it would ever happen. I know that there was speculation and rumors going around, and the fact that Manning was due $28 million if not released was pretty ridiculous. However, the idea that Peyton Manning will be playing in the NFL next season in a jersey that is not blue and white seems foreign and strange; it just doesn't connect in my brain. The Colts said that the release was never about money, which is one of the biggest lies I have ever heard. Never about money? If Peyton Manning was due only $2.8 million or $280,000, would they have released him then? No, of course not. They would have kept Manning in either of those cases because in professional sports, it's always about money. Monetary issues put aside, the release of Manning is seriously going to hurt fan support. Manning was the face of their franchise for 14 years. Some younger Colts fans have literally never known anything but number 18. Manning took the Colts out of obscurity and failure to championships and success. Peyton was the reason many people tuned in to watch Indianapolis play on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, or whatever day of the week he was playing on. He became an icon and an inspiration to those who aspired to play at the highest level possible. And nobody said all of this better than Manning himself. His parting remarks to the fans were these. "And as I go, I go with just a few words left to say, a few words I want to address to Colts fans everywhere. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback. Thank you."

Shot put star acquires sports scholarship

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Rodriguez signs with Texas state, his dream college

By HALEY SCHILD STAFF WRITER Going into high school, every student wants to get a scholarship to their

track meet. “It was a great environment.” Roman said, “Everyone was friendly. I really liked the coaches and the new facilities.”

Practice Hard: Roman practices hard to win his next meet. dream school. Senior Roman Rodriguez has received a full scholarship to Texas State University. Due to his shot put abilities, he's predicted to win at the state

There were other factors that lead him to make Texas State his choice. They will be a in a very good conference next year called, "WAC Con-

ference". So I would get father. stars. Throwers use one a lot of exposure competRoman won countless of two techniques. The ing at such a high level of meets last year, and he's spin technique or the throwers,” Roman said. predicted to do the same glide technique. It was a difficult choice, this year. His longest “My spin is pretty fast. but Roman had to throw is 56.7 feet in the So when it rains, I have choose between the Uni- shot put and 181.4 in the to slow down. It gets versity of Houston and Texas State. “Texas state was very welcoming and it just felt like home to me,” Roman said. Roman has been throwing since he was four years old. Most shot put throwers are Proud Day: Roman and his father pose for the camera after tall, but signing with Texas State. that didn't stop him. He's 5'9, but discus. He's been to Na- harder to throw it far,” he's excellent at every tionals and Junior Olym- Roman said. single meet he competes pics. Roman has not lost Roman is recognized in. a single meet this year. as one of the best throw“I didn't want to tell him “Hopefully if everything ers in the state. he couldn't compete be- goes right, I'll be state “To have two kids from cause he was small,” champion,” Roman said. Spring Woods as top track coach Gerald RoIt's been raining a lot this throwers in the state, it driguez said. Coach Ro- year and it's affected the doesn't get much bigger driguez is also Roman's performance of the track than that,” Coach Rodriguez said.

Senior unleashes her strength

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Daniel soars past expectations to win at highest level

By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER One of your own Spring Woods Tigers has soared to new heights. Senior Lauren Daniel continues to push the envelope and has gained recognition for her incredible athletic abilities in the track and field events discus and shot-put. Daniel is currently number three in the nation for both discus and shotput amongst many other young hopefuls. “Lauren Daniel is a very unique female athlete,” Coach Rodriguez said. “We happen to have the best throwers in the state of Texas here at Spring Woods.” Unlike many other young athletes with love for their respective sport, Daniel stumbled upon throwing by accident. “I started throwing in the seventh grade as an offseason thing for basketball,” Daniel said. “Since then, I have just been throwing and I fell in love with it.” Rodriguez shares his memories of training Daniel. “When she first moved here, I started working with her and training with her,” Rodriguez said. “In

a very short time, she “Well I haven't signed the biggest meets in the was throwing far.” with anyone yet, but I'm nation. Daniel won disSome of Daniel's throws leaning towards Texas cus and placed second have been record break- A&M,” Daniel said. in shot-put, her first time ing and have caught the Over spring break, Dan- losing all year. eyes of various universi- iel competed in the Tex“Her shot-put is numties. Danber one in iel threw the state 48ft and of Texas 9in which among all was the classificanumber tions and, in one throw discus, she in the nais currently tion for number 3,” an incredRodriguez ible two said. weeks. With the Her fartrack seat h e s t son comthrow in ing to end, discus there's realhas been ly not much 156ft 8in. that Daniel Daniel can do to has retop herself. ceived “My goal is offers to become number one from predominant in the nacolleges tion again,” such as Daniel said. Te x a s “I'm hoping A & M , to achieve Te x a s this goal Christian within the Univernext couple sity, Uniof weeks versity of at the TexCalifornia FIRE AWAY: Daniel gets ready to launch her award win- as relays Los Ange- ning shotput throw. which is les, Unithe biggest versity of Houston, and as Southern University meet of the year.” Oklahoma University. relays which was one of With not that many

years of experience, Daniel has taken the discus and shot-put events by storm. “She is a very gifted and talented young lady,” Rodriguez said. “The sky is the limit for her.”

STATS: Stratford Invitational (March 24, 2012) • Lauren Daniel threw shotput 46 ft and 11in breaking school record • Roman Rodriguez threw 177 ft and 4 in. in discus to shatter old mark • Both Lauren and Roman won both of their respective events, shotput and discus


The Bully’s Choice

By Lorelei Shannon


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