February Issue 2012

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“SKY” partnership to take action

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Presidential party persuasion pays off

School within school program may help with ultimate educational benefit

By SAM LOPEZ ASST. BUSINESS MNGR

Spring

Branch, Kipp, and Yes Prep: all these things make up what is now called “SKY”. These three have begun work together in the hopes of taking away the idea of there being “less fortunate” students.

It's purpose is “…to bridge educational opportunities for children in Houston, Texas,” SKY website said.

The i d e a s u r faced in January of l a s t y e a r and if there could be an agreement

by March, then sometime in March it can start.

“The Gates Foundation has interest and so has Dell,” superintendent Dr. Duncan Klussmann said. “Gates granted us $100,000 to study the program. They heard about the program we were doing and they liked it.”

Yes Prep and Kipp alike were put together for the purpose of helping with college prep for public school students. Adding their partnership with Spring Branch makes college prep much easier for students to access.

“YES Prep Public Schools exists to increase the number of low-income Houstonians who graduate from a four-year college prepared to compete in the global marketplace and committed to improving disadvantaged communities,” Yesprep.org said.

The idea of the SKY partnership is to create a school within a school to

increase the benefits of students learning.

Unlike any other public school, Kipp and Yes Prep's ideal focus is to guide students to their lives after high school by preparing them while in high school.

“Kipp is a national network of enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success at college and

for extra- curricular activites, our electives, but at the same time, their class would be taught by KIPP or Yes prep teachers.”

Having a school within a school, such as Northbrook Middle within Cornerstone or Westchester, further opens up the opportunity for college prep.

Cornerstone alone has 200 to 300 some students on their waiting

in life,” Kipp.org said.

The SKY partnership is to begin with fifth grade students and will move up each year.

“We're in the stage of trying to formulate what this could be like, nothing has been finalized,” Klussmann said.

Landrum and Northbrook Middle Schools are targeted locations.

The SKY partnership will be beneficial for all students in SBISD, but “...especially those who may not be currently performing to their potential, to eliminate dropouts, and to shift the SBISD culture to success for all,” SKY web said.

This gives all students equal educational rights even though they may attend separate schools.

“We have provided a school within a school program, so SBISD students would be supported by KIPP or Yes prep,” Klussmann said. “The students in that program would have complete access to our technology

list for the 2012- 2013 school year, so having SKY working with them could definitely be beneficial for those that want to attend.

“By leveraging the instructional technology, and extra-curricular and co-curricular tools of SBISD, with the college preparatory program, and leadership and teacher development tools of KIPP and YES Prep, this new programming provides access for 10% of SBISD students to access highquality, college-preparatory charter options as part of the SBISD portfolio,” SKY web said.

Why just accept what one school can offer when so many other schools may offer more?

“The union of these high performing organizations fundamentally changes how secondary education is delivered in SBISD and gives families increased access to school choice,” SKY web said.

Learn how this country plans to choose its next big leader

currently going, a strong leader can be seen in Mitt Romney, currently with 32 delegates. His rom television set strongest contender to radio broadcast, would be Newt Gingrich the 2012 Republican who, with 28 delegates, party debates have has been quite blunt in the been sweeping across debates, where Romney the nation. Soon, the has been much less nominees for Republican direct and responsive.

Party Primary will be Ron Paul, with 10 down to the final two and delegates backing, is the Presidential and Vice a strong debater, but Presidential candidates has no support from will be chosen. However, the media, which could this process is more be the cause of his complex weak support than some from the may realize. people. Rick To Santorum’s effectively r e c e n t decide on a decrease in Republican popularity P a r t y has caused Nominee, him to be each state the weakest holds a link, with only primary or a eight backers. caucus from However, the January 3rd only nominee until June without a full 26th. At each THE FOUR HORSEMEN: The final four Republistate backing g a t h e r i n g , can nominees applaud their success in the Iowa is Ron Paul, t h e caucus. making him a remaining consecutive Republican candidates caucuses or primaries, second place candidate. debate the pressing or even select a new However, with many topics that will be nominee; they already people growing tired of addressed during their have one. Last year, the current two-party presidency and persuade Barack Obama officially political system, one that he company has started an the American people to announced their point of view. The would be running for re- online voting revolution difference between a election as President in that could change primary and a caucus is November of 2012. Both the way American’s that a primary has private he, and Joe Biden, will elect their President. ballots and a caucus be on the Presidential/ AmericansElect.org is has public ballots. A Vice-Presidential for the a website that allows caucus is a much more Democratic party. any person living in the However, when the United States to answer communal and local setting that is similar to people of a state vote in questions and state their a discussion where they the primaries, they are opinions directly towards openly decide on the not necessarily voting Presidential Candidates. candidates. The most for the candidate of This website’s motto pivotal caucus, the Iowa their choice. In fact, they being “American’s Elect caucus, is the first caucus are voting for a state lets you choose a leader of the year. The winner delegate to the national that puts country before of the Iowa caucus, in party convention. The party.” recent history, has also more delegates elected Read on further to Page been the winner of the for a nominee, the more 2 for a full list of current Republican nominee likely the nominee is Presidential nominees, to be chosen as the both Democratic and ticket for President.

Runner up for the Iowa Republican candidate for Republic, and an caucus, Mitt Romney, President. extensive list of their With the way the race is views and plans. seems to be a more

By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

F

likely candidate for the Republican party as the days go on. Romney has won the New Hampshire primary and has been consistently ranked as first or second choice among voters. Compare that to Rick Santorum, winner of the Iowa caucus, but currently last place in terms of delegates and support.

Switching wings, the Democratic party does not need to hold

Introducing the new District 22-4A: Marshall, Willowridge, Northbrook, Spring Woods, Stratford, Tomball, Tomball Memorial, and Ridge Point After being grouped together with Brenham, Waller, Magnolia, Magnolia West, and Montgomery for the past two years, Spring Woods has been set up in the brand new District 22-4A. The normal faces, Northbrook and Stratford, are present, but an altogether different set of foes has been presented for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. The good news is, Spring Woods students will not have to travel nearly as far now to reach away games, the average travel time cut down to 25 minutes as opposed to the previous 43 minutes, meaning Tigers won’t be arriving home near midnight any more after a long game. More good news for the Spring Woods football team: Ridge Point will be having their first Varsity football season next year. With this new district, things are looking up for the Tigers as we all move forward into the new year.

Rick Santorum Winner of Iowa Caucus -Fifth in New Hampshire primary

Ron Paul -Third in Iowa Caucus -Second in New Hampshire primary

Newt Gingrich -Fourth in Iowa Caucus -Fourth in New Hampshire primary

Mitt Romney -Second Place in Iowa Caucus -Winner of New Hampshire primary

Barack Obama

-Plans to cut spending, but in depth economic plans have yet to be fully announced.

-Against unions for federal workers.

-Santorum wishes to repeal ObamaCare and enable country-wide use of medical plans, allowing people to use healthcare plans from other states for better options and a wider choice of appropriate plans.

-Feels it is America’s duty to battle China’s brand of ‘Godless socialism.’

-Against legalization of Marijuana.

-Against same sex marriages and feels the motives of the Gay and Lesbian community are questionable.

-Feels that immigration is damaging to the nation and should be stopped.

-Opposes immigration reform.

-Pro-life and supports Embryonic stem cell research ”I believe beyond a doubt that a fetus is a human life deserving of legal protection, and that the right to life is the foundation of any moral society.” - Paul in 2005

-Believes in cutting spending first before healthcare should be taken into consideration.

-Does not believe in benefits for unions, but supports their formation.

-Believes government is too heavily involved in healthcare, supports a reform of the current way healthcare is operated.

-Supports trade with China but not the idea of building nuclear plants in their country.

-Believes that states should control the legalization of Marijuana, and that it is a decision that lies with the people.

-Believes Federal government should stay out of affairs with the LGBT community.

-Against deportation.

-Pro-life and against Embryonic stem cell research “I think that abortion should not be legal, and I think that how you would implement that I’m not sure.” - Newt Gingrich in The American View, 2005

-Promises a plan to balance the country’s budget within 5 years of being elected.

Plans to create jobs and reduce unemployment to 5%.

-Feels that unions cause the cost of production in the U.S. to be far too high.

-Believes health care should cross state lines to increase competition and lower prices.

-Wants to pull out of China and bring production to the U.S. by creating factories in the south.

-Was a strong advocate legalization of Marijuana, primarily medical Marijuana, but has since turned in opposition of legalization.

-Believes in limited rights for the LGBT community.

-Wants to find a middle ground deportation and amnesty for illegal immigrants.

-Pro-life and against Embryonic stem cell research “I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother.” - Romney on why he vetoed the contraception bill in 2005.

-Believes in tax cuts for people earning under $200,000 a year. He also presented a $233 billion stimulus package to support long term business expansion, cut taxes, and increase government expenditure.

-Romney supports a Universal Health Care but not one that would cause the government to raise taxes.

-Feels China to be a larger economic rival to the U.S. than most people realize.

-Opposes all legalization of Marijuana.

-Opposes same sex marriages, as well as equal rights for the Gay and Lesbian community.

-Supports immigration but is opposed to amnesty. Wants to put a serious stop to illegal immigration.

-Supports both Roe v.

Wade and abortion “I am committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that helps prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnantwomen and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption” President Obama, 23 January 2011”

-Obama’s budget plans to raise the tax rate for the upperclass and cut taxes for middle and lower class. He also plans to focus money on energy conservation and limiting carbon emissions.

-Obama will promote easy and affordable health care and mandate that all children be provided with health care.

-Obama hopes to reassure US relations with China, believing that the success of China will ensure the growth of a community of nations.

-Obama supports the decriminalization of Marijuana, but not legalization.

-Feels the gay community deserves equal rights, but marriage abilities should be decided by states.

-Supports immigration and is working on a method of immigration/deportation reform.

Out with the old, in with the new

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-Current President of the United States -Democratic primary

-Pro-life and against Embryonic stem cell research “I would advocate that any doctor that performs an abortion should be criminally charged for doing so. I don’t--I’ve never supported criminalization of abortion for mothers, but I do for people who perform them.” - Santorum in 2011

High tech classrooms promote new learning styles

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.

By ALISAN O’QUINN STAFF WRITER In 2006 it was determined that the technology being used in SBISD was outdated and overused. With this in mind, the district came to the conclusion that technology needed to be updated and refreshed in the 2007 Bond Project.

“Spring Branch has always been committed to providing the highest quality education to students,” educational technology facilitator Karen Justl said.

It was agreed upon that technology would be the way to provide this to students. To do this technology was to be integrated into the learning environment to help reach educational goals.

“We began the Test Deployment Phase to 11 campuses in the summer of 2010. Afterward, we reviewed and refined our process.

Deployment continued in summer of 2011 to another 11 campuses and will continue with the final deployment during summer 2012,” Justl said.

By the start of the 20122013 school year, every campus in the district will

have received their initial allow students to go and learn independently, protechnology devices.

Current technology in- moting digital citizenship cludes everything from yet again, which is also iMacs to Netbooks to AC- the norm of behavior TIVboards. All of these with regard to technolpromote students' learn- ogy use.

Technology presents ing abilities, providing new and creative ways many new opportunities and demonstrates what to teach and to learn. a technologiIn an ACcally dependent TIVclassdistrict we are room each now. student has “Things that a handheld we used to do response by hand, where device that you go out and helps the actively search, teacher, durnow it's become ing the leseasier to use son, know the internet on immediately those items” liif they need brary assistant to continue Ellen Albano or reteach said. “Now that part of the they're wireless, lesson. This you don't have is only one STUDY TIME: Stuof the manydents use the iPads to sit at a desk ways that theto study during after and do it. You're able to move recent tech-school tutorials. around more nology can help in the learning envi- freely.”

Once again, promoteronment.

“As of now, there is no ing digital citizenship, room to expand things and allowing students to such as ACTIVboards go and do independent outside of core classes,” research.

As for future plans to superintendent Duncan expand technologically, Klussman said.

Other technology, such they are still being deas iPads and iTouches, cided upon.

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Students gather to fight for cause Passion 2012 opens eyes to the realities of modern day slavery

By ALISAN O’QUINN STAFF WRITER Over 40,000 high school seniors and college students came from all 50 states and 30 different countries and gathered at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Every January the Passion Conference is held and every year they join to fight for a different cause.

This year, the attendees raised money to fight against human trafficking, with an organization called Freedom, with a goal to raise $1,000,000.

“When I first heard about the cause we would be supporting, I was thrilled that my generation would stand for freedom. That we, poor college students who pay 17 cents for Ramen would raise an enormous amount of money in the pure and just name of Christ,” conference attendee and former Spring Woods

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student Lydia O'Quinn force for good!” O'Quinn hearts of the students, said. said. and they were so pasThey were all asked to Christine Cainer, a sionate about the cause bring what they could, pastor from the Hillsong that they emptied their because every penny re- Church in Australia, pockets to help the 27 ally did count. spoke about modern day million people still enOn the first slaved tonight of the conday. ference, it was After that “the day we've day, no one been dreamcould fathing of all year. om what Stunning lookthe stuing around the dents would Dome tonight. give to help A sea of hope. bring a stop Future's bright,” to slavery. head conferIn the four ence coordinaday long tor Louie Giglio conference said. held to bring Little did he together know, the stuChristian dents would MIDNIGHT GATHERING: The first viewing of the college stufar exceed his symbol of freedom which shone bright above Atdents from expectations of lanta is a reminder of the 27 million still in slavery around the $1,000,000 to- and the money raised to help bring them out. globe, the ward Freedom. students Day one of the confer- slavery and even shared alone raised $2,566,670. ence led students to give stories of people who With a generous dona“over one million dollars had escaped. The dev- tion of $500,000 from to end modern day slav- astating stories seemed an anonymous couple ery! Together we are a to strike a cord in the at the conference, the

Sonic shooting scare Battle to reclaim future after horriffic night

toenails red unless he

By ALISAN O’QUINN got out of the bed to get STAFF WRITER away from me,” Edwards On January 27, 2009 said.” He would wiggle Joey Erskine decided to his toes and tell me,'You go to Sonic. Little did he better not!'”

During the early stages know, it was a night that would change his life for- of recovery, he stayed positive with the help of ever.

On that tragic night, family and friends who Erskine was shot in the continued to encourage head in a drive-by shoot- him.

“I really enjoyed vising just before 8 pm.

“It was early, still day- iting him in the hospital, light outside, and it just because each time I saw all happened so quick, him, he had improved and I woke up later and I and I just knew he was couldn't really remember going to make it!” Edanything,” Erskine said. wards said.

One of the main dif“It was terrible.”

The day after the ferences he's noticed in shooting, Erskine's fifth himself is physically.

“I can't do things like I grade teacher, Shawn used to, Edwards, like ride a heard about bike.

I'm the incident working at and felt that that in thershe should apy. That's go see him. one of my “When I goals. I'm learned it also gonna was Joey play sports.

I became I've been very conpracticing cerned. Mrs. with my left McClendon, hand,” ErsJoey's math kine said. teacher, and Seeing I immediately left school SMILING FOR PICTURE the differin and went to DAY: After a long road to ence the hospital,” recovery, Erskine is back to Joey, physically and E d w a r d s his grinning self. m e n t a l l y, said. “It was very scary and we didn't from beginning to end know what the outcome has been amazing for all was going to be at that involved.

“To see him in a hospitime.”

At times the recovery tal bed and hear the docprocess seemed long tors really unsure about and endless, with Ers- his recovery was heartkine relearning simple breaking. The heartbreak tasks such as walking turned to immense pride as I saw Joey and his and talking.

“The recovery has been family work to take his great! I think I'm better life back,” Edwards said. than what I was before. “He was determined to I've become smarter and reclaim his future and more independent,” Ers- become the person that he is now. He has been kine said.

Joey was always known through more than most for his sense of humor of us will ever have to go through, but it has made and kind heart.

“I kept telling him that him a stronger person.”

I was going to paint his

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final total was brought to $3,066,670. And to think, the majority of this came from students who are most known for looking for loose change under couch cushions.

All to help bring a stop to human trafficking around the world.

Another organization working against modern day slavery is Loose Change to Loosen Chains. This is a student led campaign to combat modern day slavery while learning about the reality of injustices today.

In America alone, there is approximately $10.5 billion in loose change just lying around. This campaign is being led here at Spring Woods and if we all donate that change lying in the parking lot or at the bottom of your backpack, there is potential to make a difference with the money raised.

Just in time for Valentine's Great ideas for that special day

By STEPHANIE VARGAS

STAFF WRITER

Little Cash, no problem If you’re low on cash, there's plenty of good things you can buy and do to make your Valentine's day special. Making a nice cute card can tell a person a lot and how much you mean to them. By writing something thoughtful, it can show how much you appreciate them.

Also if you have a few dollars, stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Dollar General have nice cute gifts like little boxes of chocolate or small stuffed animals. You can find small items under $5 that will make your Valentines feel special.

Sweet Treats Making sweets will make any day nicer so make some simple cookies or brownies that your Valentines will enjoy. Now guys if you want to make her feel special, get her a dozen red roses at stores like Kroger and Walmart.

Red roses can cost between $20 and $30 dollars.Girls buying a card or some chocolates will make him feel happy as well.

Go out with a Bang!

Now if you’re really into making it wonderful you can take your Valentines to a nice restaurant like Olive Garden, Carrabba's Italian Grill, The Cheesecake Factory.

These are just some, of the restaurants that will make Valentine's day nice if you add some roses and chocolate it’s a plus. Girls if you’re the one planning the Valentine's date, you could make a nice dinner and dessert that could be eaten in a park like Memorial Park or Discovery Green. This will surely satisfy his hunger and sweet tooth and not to mention you will make him feel appreciated.

Glazed Brownie Recipe

Brownie: 1/2 oz. package brownie mix 1/2 C. water 1/2 C. oil 1 egg Glaze: 4 oz. chocolate chips 2 t. oil 4 oz. white chocolate chips (or vanilla chips) 2 t. oil Line a 13 x 9 inch pan with foil; grease bottom. Bake the brownies according to the box or recipe instructions. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool completely.

Freeze brownies 1/2 hour.

Remove brownies from the pan; place on cutting board.

Using a 2 1/2-inch heartshaped cookie cutter, cut out 8 - 10 brownie hearts.

In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons oil over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth; keep warm.

Quickly dip sides of 4 or 5 brownies into chocolate; allow excess to drip off.

Place brownies on waxed paper. Spoon melted chocolate over tops of brownies; smooth out with knife. Repeat with white chocolate, 2 teaspoons oil, and remaining brownies. (Brownies may need to be dipped and frosted twice to completely cover.)

Drizzle small amounts of contrasting chocolate randomly over each brownie.

Women make way into male arena

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SWH mom runs family business

By HALEY SCHILD STAFF WRITER Women have come far since the days of the early twentieth century.

They’ve gotten the right to vote, the right to stand on a jury, and now women are now in a male run area; business.

Nowadays, many women are in business. Senior Kara Ottesen’s family owns a promotional products company called Network Interstate. What they do is they promote larger companies such as BP and Shell.

Her mother started it in 1993.” Ottesen said, “ It has been referred as one of the fastest growing women owned business in Houston.”

Ottesen and her family have been passing the business down through the women in her family for decades. It’s not until recently that women have broken into the field of business. It was male run and that’s how things were.

“There’s been competition with other companies, but our customers are very loyal. It’s not really been an issue,” Ottesen said.

Traditionally, women’s jobs were house work.

They cooked, cleaned, and their husbands went to work. At the start of WWI, when all of the men left for war, women had to get jobs outside of the home, to support their families. They worked in factories and took over a previously male line of work. When all of the men came back, women returned to their jobs in the home. But it was different for them. They had gotten a taste of what it was like to work, and since then they have slowly integrated into the work field.

Prejudice was a constant foe in the quest for equality. Many times, women were treated more as fragile china.

Now, women, for the most part, are held up to the same standard as men.

“I’ve worked in many businesses and throughout them all, the differences male and female owned have never been significant enough to come to my attention. I think that’s a good thing,” CATE teacher Estie Cueller said.

Male run companies compared to female run companies is still quite different, but things are changing. The number of women businesses has been on a trek upwards, even migrating into male run fields such as oil and gas.

“Gender doesn’t matter,” Cueller said, “If you have the right education and experience, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman.”

DIANE DUONG

By ODALIS GARCIA

Straight A’s 11th Grade AP & Pre-AP Student Diane Duong is a straight A, 11th grade student that is in nothing but AP and Pre- AP classes other than her electives of course. She is involved in HOSA, Orchestra, Student Council, and the Humanitarian Society. Even though she has a busy schedule each week, she manages to make time for her dream, being a doctor. Duong might have a very long time to go until she is Dr.Duong, but she is starting the job early.

The HOSA class goes to the hospital a few times a week and she really likes it. She likes it so much that she volunteers at the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center in the junior volunteer service every saturday.

“I like working in the hospital. Meeting new people is really fun,” Duong said.

The way that Duong is preparing for the future has not only gotten her recognition with her HOSA teacher, Judith Holtan, but with the hospital as well.

“The Health Professionals are impressed with Diane,” Holtan said. “She is a fantastic volunteer at the hospital and a super HOSA intern.”

There is so much for Duong to learn but in the mean time, she is doing the best she can to live her dream. “ I am very proud of Diane. I know she will be an exceptional asset to the medical world!” Holtan said.

Healthy lifestyle leads to longevity

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Teens suffer from child obesity due to lack of nutrition

By CARLY BATTERSON

STAFF WRITER

Each year as people welcome a new year, they make New Year's resolutions. The number one resolution is getting healthy. By the time it is February, most resolutions are broken.

One of the most important ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle is by keeping active. Try to dedicate at least 30-45 minutes a day for some type of aerobic activity (walking, running, biking, swimming, etc.) Lifting weights is also a good way to build muscle to compliment your cardio workout. If you limit your T.V. and computer time, you can replace it with some type of fun exercise. It is also good to have a friend to work out with, that can also help encouragement and motivation.

“People are living longer so you need to stay as healthy as you can while you're young,” soccer coach Maggie Fuchs said.

Good nutrition is just as important for staying healthy. It's good to start your day with a healthy breakfast because it will give you the energy to concentrate and focus during school. Try to stay away from sugar options like doughnuts and poptarts. Choose cereal, fruit, or smoothies as an alternative. If you aren't hungry in the morning, or don't have time, bring a healthy snack with you to eat on the way to school.

Water is also very important. Make sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. You should drink more if you are in sports or during the summer time.

Make good food se-

lections as often as you to get to sleep. If you're can. If you eat nutritious not sure how much sleep foods, you will stay full you need, try not setting longer. Swap out sugary your alarm clock over and salty the weeksnacks for end and healthier see what options like time you fruit and naturally l o w - f a t wake up. snacks.

Rest is as Some say important it is better as diet and to eat smallexercise er meals for keeping throughout your enerthe day than gy level up three larger and helps meals. Be you stay fosure you cused. don't skip If you work meals and hard, losing let yourweight will self get re- RUN TO THE FINISH be easier ally hungry. LINE: SWHS runners burn than you That can calories. expected. lead to S e n i o r overeating and grabbing Hannah Speck lost 70 the closest and worst pounds in one year. Kids snack you can get your aren't eating the right hands on. kinds of food and they “Students should be aren't exercising. more aware of what “Stay outside and limit they are eating,” Coach your T.V. time,” Speck Fuchs said.

Making small changes can make big differences in your health this year! Read labels and see what is actually in the food you are eating.

Look at the calories per serving as well as the sodium and fat content.

You could be shocked by what you read and it might be just what you need to go for an alternate snack.

Getting a good night sleep is also a big part of being healthy. Not everyone requires eight hours of sleep per night but most people need at least seven hours. It's good to get into a sleep habit by going to bed at the same time each night. Try not to eat or drink anything with caffeine before climbing into bed it may be hard

said. “Do cardio for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.”

Recent studies show, more than one third of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

Kids who are overweight now will likely end up being overweight when they are adults which means they are at more risk of having more health problems. Obesity is associated with health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, and several types of cancer. Overweight children often have low selfesteem, which makes it worse when they are unable to participate in normal activities such as sports.

It's never too late to start making healthy changes. If you set small goals, they will be easier to accomplish. Be sure to track your progress on a daily bases.

Seniors find alternatives to college

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Adventure programs offer meaningful opportunities to graduates

By LILYA GEHMAN STAFF WRITER When seniors come to school, the word that they hear most from teachers is, “college.”

Not all of the seniors are

comes up naturally,” Spring Woods graduate of ‘10 Nick Gehman said.

There are other programs such as: http://greatcollegeadvice.com: Great College Advice is a program that

GIVING BACK BEFORE GOING AWAY: Graduates go to Brazil with Walking Tree Travel. ready to go to college.

Some want to take a break and do something else.

Volunteering is a great way to help teens who don’t know what to do after high school.

Service Adventure is a volunteer program for teens who are out fresh out of high school. It is part of the Mennonite Mission Network and is sponsored by different churches throughout the country from Anchorage, Alaska, to Philipi, West Virginia. There are different unit houses that each have two unit leaders who act like parents to the young adults. In Service Adventure, they are assigned a job, such as helping in a nursing home, or school.

Every day the young adults have to go to their job, earn money, come home, and cook supper.

By doing so, they will be able to get an experience of what it’s like in the real world.

“By the end of the ten months you will be thinking about college.

It’s just something that

helps teenagers that are coming out of high school to chose what they want to study in college and what college whould be best for them. http://planetgapyear. com/: planetgapyear. com is the first interactive online web site to help teens who are coming out of high school find something productive to do before they go to college. http://interimprograms.com/: Interim Programs, helps teenagers find out what to do in college by helping them figure out what their interest is.

Walking Tree Travel is another program that young adults can join after high school. You can travel to different parts of the world from Costa Rica, to Guatemala, and earn up to 80 service hours while you are there. Scholarships are available as well. Walking Tree Travel’s mission is to pursuade people to take an active interest in the world.

Most.important events of 2011 A series of trials that changed peoples lives drastically

By STEPHANIE VARGAS STAFF WRITER

Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

March 11,2011 was the day that would change Japan. On that day, Japan was hit by a 9.0 earthquake that created a tsunami that did much m o r e damage than the tsunami that hit Indonesia in previous years. This earthq u a k e and tsunami have created chaos for the country.

Not only were people hurt and d y i n g from the damage of the tsunami and earthquake,but it damaged the nuclear reactor which leaked radiation into the country country killing over 600 people. Families have been torn apart and many people where injured and killed due to the massive amounts of debris and massive waves from the ocean. In need of help, the county has asked for donations from many other countries including the United States. Months later, Japan is still struggling to rebuild its country and its people.

Tucson, Arizona shooting

On January 8, 2011 Congress woman Gabrielle Giffords whats holding a political meeting in Tucson, Arizona.

Jared Lee Loughner pulled out a pistol and s h o t eighteen people including Representative G i f fords. Giffords was taken to the University Medical Center in critical conditon. As for Loughn e r police said there was no motive behind his actions.This created an outrage in many Americans in which on January 12, President Brack Obama held a televised memorial service for representative Giffords explaing that Giffords had opened her eyes for the first time since the attack. She is now in rehabilation where she is gaining back her speech and motor skills. There was talk about her returning to congress but for now she had decided to resign and continue recovering from the injuries.

The Bully’s Choice

Egyptian Revolution

This began on Tuesday,January 25, 2011 and is still continuing today. The uprising was a campaign of nonviolent protest, w h i c h featured a series of marches and acts of civil disobedie n c e .

The Internet ignited millions of young people in Egypt sites like Facebook w h i c h posted i d e a s a b o u t how their Governm e n t had failed them. Millions of protesters, from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, demanded the overthrow of the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Despite being peaceful in nature, the revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters, with at least 846 people killed and 6,000 injured. The uprising took place in Cairo, Alexandria In following weeks of determined protest, Mubarak resigned from office.

B y L o r e l e i S h a n n o n

Oscars surprise many

.

2012 nominations seem to be ignoring certain movie titles

do so once more.

The only other movie I would complain about The academy has not being included is The recently released the Muppets. This movie nominees for the 2012 put such a positive and Oscars, but what modern spin does the list really on an all time mean? classic that Other than Hugo it deserves getting the most far more nominations, the than just a 2012 Oscars were nomination a disappointment to for best many. For example, original Harry Potter and song. the Deathly Hollows Other Part 2 received than the nominations for exclusion of Make Up and Visual certain films, Effects. It seems the Oscar that after completing MAKING HISTORY: Martin Scorsesse’s new- nominations an entire series of est film Hugo hits big. seem more films, they should or less get at least a pat on the the list, such as Woody accurate.

However, back for something, but Allen’s Midnight in Paris, when the previews roll unfortunately no acting which is far from his for How to Train Your credits went to the main best work. He has gone Dragon 2, they will cast, or supporting cast without an Oscar in the include “Oscar Nominee even, although well past and could probably Jonah Hill.” deserved.

The critically acclaimed movie Drive received BEST PICTURE: one nomination, despite The Artist popular support, The Descendants for Sound Editing, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close which is not a huge Hugo accomplishment for a Midnight in Paris film that has earned The Help consistent, high ratings Money Ball from sources such as War Horse IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, The Tree of Life and the LA Times. But with Drive being such BEST ACTOR: a unique film for 2012, Demian Bichir, “A Better Life” could the Academy be George Clooney, “The Descendants” Jean Dujardin, “The Artist” playing it safe?

As it turns out, yes, Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” it is. The Academy Brad Pitt, “Money Ball” has chosen primarily movies that would not be BEST ACTRESS: considered “risky,” such Glenn Close, “Albert Nobs” as Harry Potter, or Drive. Viola Davis, “The Help” Several British films that Rooney Mara, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” have won many awards Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady” since their release have Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”

By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

.

not been included on the list due to their far more adult themes.

With that said, I believe that some movies could have been taken off

Spring into new fashion

By LILYA GEHMAN STAFF WRITER

For some, the new year means a new look.

For the most part, fashion is determined by teens in school in particular because school is where they want to show off their styles.

Both guys and girls want to look good and it’s becoming harder to tell who dresses “best”. Here are some tips on how to achieve the looks that are currently most popular.

Nike shorts

For Girls:

1900’s shoes/ Oxfords

“I don’t really have a certain look. I’m actually inspired by the early 1900’s look, and I mix it in with today’s looks,” junior Eva Zapata said.

Converse

Bright colors have come back. Look for vibrant pinks, greens, blues, yellows, and even it out with some neutrals.

For Guys:

Button ups

“Everyone has their preferred style, the style doesn’t make you. You make the style,” freshman Juan Soto said.

Best colors are light green, red, and blue. Remember: less black, more white

Inspirational thoughts 2012 Upcoming events For times of trouble and temptation

By ALISAN O’QUINN STAFF WRITER For many of you, as the new year has started, new goals have been set and put into play. Perhaps it's to lose 20 pounds or get straight A's, but whatever it is here are some encouraging words to get you through the next year and fulfill your resolutions.

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

-Japanese Proverb

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.”

-Ivy Baker Priest “It is not the mountain we conquer,

but ourselves.” -Edmund Hillary

“We acquire the strength we have overcome.”

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” -Theodore Roosevelt “Live without pretending, Love without depending, Listen without defending,Speak without offendng.”- Aubrey Drake Graham

“Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be.”- Joy Page Good luck on your jour“It is foolish to ney toward sucess, maytear one' hair in be I’ll see you at the end grief, as though of the road. sorrow would be made less by baldness.” -Cicero

Coldplay: Monday, June 25th/26th, 2012 7:00 pm at Toyota Center Disney’s The Lion King: Tuesday July 10th, 2012 7:30 pm at Hobby Center for the Performing arts World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest: Feb 23rd through 25th at Reliant Park Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Feb 28th through March 18th at Reliant Park Bayou City Art Festival: March 23rd through 25th at Memorial Park Dropkick Murphys: Feb 28th, 7:00 pm– at House of Blues Radiohead concert: March 3rd, 3:30am or 7:00 pm at Toyota Center Romeo Santos: March 15th, 7:00 pm at Toyota Center Band Concerto Finals & Jazz Concert: Feb-

ruary 17th, 7:00 pm at Main auditorium Camo pep rally: February 24th– all day during school Practice STARR/Release TAKS: February 28th through March 1st TAKS ELA: March 7th SAT Test: March 10th Debate-NFL Congress: March 10th Spring Break: March 12th-16th Report Card Pick Up: March 21st, 5:00-7:00 pm STARR Writing: March 26th STAAR Reading: March 27th Good Friday: April 6th ACT Testing: April 6th TAKS Testing: April 24-

27th AP Testing (Chem, Env Sci, Psychology): May 7th AP Testing (Sp. Lang,Art Hist): May 8th AP Test May 9th

(Calculus):

AP Test (Eng Lit): May 10th AP Test (US History): May 11th AP Test (Bio & Physics): May 14th AP Test (Govt): May 15th AP Test (Eng Lang& Stat): May 16th AP Test (Eco & W.Hist): May 17th AP Test (Human Geo & Span Lit.) : May 18th Graduation: May 26th 1pm Finals : May 25,29,30,31

The Bully’s Choice

By Lorelei Shannon

“Pop” into new dates

.

Concerts swap order to showcase choir’s strengths

By SAM LOPEZ ASST. BUSINESS MNGR

Now, taking the place of where the pop show would have been will be a formal concert on May 15th.

This leaves choir students with less time to work on their pop show

cert is for the purpose of sound quality. The singers will get their energetic concert out of the way and from there go into the music that is really important: UIL music.

“After UIL is when the

When choir director Katy Cuddihee came in to be the replacement director last year, choir students w e r e ready for change and that is exactly what they got.

This y e a r, like last, changes continue to be made.

Choir “pop” shows h a v e typically b e e n known to be the final DANCE IT OUT: Varsity choir practices dance moves for the Pop g o o d show during class. bye or the closing of the music. choirs sound their best,” choir year, but this year, “It’s more of a challenge Cuddihee said.

Cuddihee has changed because of less time to So why not have a conthis tradition. practice, but that shows cert after the sound has The choir's Pop Show people how to take ini- reached its best? Cudwas held on February tiative and work harder,” dihee wants people to 13th with a Broadway freshman Blas Duran hear how far the choirs theme, which is much said. have come rather than different from the typical The reasoning for such having them perform “rapop shows held in May. an early pop show con- dio- style” music.

The pop concert is has plans for her stu“What is very sad is meant to be fun and dents up until May with that once the choirs finshow the students talents the formal concert being ish their songs after a as well, though. It gave last on the list. concert, they put the students the chance to “It’s so much better that music away and never sing with their significant we now have a formal get to see it again. This other, their best friend(s), concert at the end of the way, they get to sing and even their siblings. year,” freshman Kerry their song of choice once Since more,” Cuddit h e hee said. singers The choir got their students benf i r s t efit immenseconcert ly from all that of the is to happen y e a r this semester. o v e r With juggling with so all the events, early settling down on, that and singing gives the songs s t u they enjoy dents and sounding m o r e their best will time to end their year prepare on a good for the note. other “I’ve always things been frustratthat are ed with the to come fact that after MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO: Junior Elleana Smith and this seUIL, we’re at mester. seniors Elizabeth Gomez and Stephanie Martinez do as our best and “I like their choreographer teaches them. then we go how the pop concert Mendez said. “That al- straight into pop music. is earlier because that lows people to see what This way, we really get gives me more time to we really are: we are to show case everything study for finals,” junior more formal.” we’ve accomplished Elleana Smith said.

For this concert, each throughout the year,” But this concert is not of the five choirs will be Cuddihee said. the only thing these stu- able to pick one song dents have to “study” for from the whole year that this semester. Cuddihee they like the most.

The Ultimate Guide to the Rodeo .The must-dos and must-sees at Houston’s big event

By JESSICA JONES BUSINESS MANAGER

.

1. BB’s Cajun Cafe: Everyone usually wants to eat BBQ at the rodeo, but take a break from the norm! This New Orleans style cafe offers many tasty, unique snacks including blooming onions (Best with honey mustard!) and alligator on a stick.

2. Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ: Find this booth in the carnival midway and try the pork spare ribs! They were given the Gold Buckle Foodie award for BBQ at Rodeo 2011.

3. Sweet Cheeks: The best booth for all things fried! Look for classic favorites like fried Oreos and snickers or go for something a little crazier like fried tiramisu or oatmeal cream pies. Ask for extra powder sugar and grab lots of napkins!

4. Dozens Cupcakery: Ever seen a cupcake that is twice as big as normal?

Talk about delicious! Find this booth inside Reliant Center and enjoy the large pile of icing that comes on top of these colossal treats!

5. La Grande Wheel: Make sure you ride the largest portable ferris wheel in the western hemisphere! The lines are always long, but when you can see as far as the ship channel at the very top, it’s all worth it.

It’s all in the game of life Teens learn responsibity, critical thinking skills in summer program

It is a known fact that into teams where they intense,” Coach Wadey useful for life.” preparing for college is learned about interview- Yaya said.

This college-style both stressful and rel- ing for jobs, elevator The experience of the course allows you time to evant. Luckily there are pitches and how to write game has proved to be think about your future, various programs and a compelling resume to effective in teaching life discover new careers, activities that students get into college or land a lessons for the students meet with professionals, can participate in to help choice internship, while who have participated in create a plan for college, prepare them for real life. dealing with real life ob- the program. and have fun buying cars The Game of Real and insurance, Life is a program in renting dorms, and which high school stueven paying indents engage in real come taxes. life situations during “The way the the summer that will game works is you teach them lessons play for hours and on how to deal with every hour you financial matters in age a year in life,” a 16-hour interactive Coach Yaya said. course. In addition, “So you start off at the activities will help age 19. You could students improve critibe a college stucal thinking skills and dent, or you could increase their level of be dealt a hand to responsibility. where you can't The Game of Real afford to go to colLife also helps stulege. You can only dents gain experience go to work.” on planning for colCoach Yaya, the lege, a career, finan- WINNING, DUH: Participants in The Game of Real Life pose for campus coordinacial responsibilities, a picture after succesfully completing the program. tor for the program, and life. is currently in the “I learned a lot of valu- stacles.

“It's a real fun experi- process of recruiting able lessons from par“The job interviews ence,” sophomore Char- freshmen and sophoticipating in the game,” were really cool. They lie Cruz said. “You're mores for this course. senior Francisco Gutier- had real companies, real going to class everyday This year, the program rez said. “I learned how professional interviews, in the morning, just like will be held at Spring to do taxes and I learned we were dressed up pro- school, but you're actu- Woods. In order to parabout college.” fessionally, and actually ally learning something ticipate in this program, For the past two years went through an inter- that will help you in life. contact Coach Yaya in students were placed view process. It's pretty I find this program more room 209.

6.

Starship 2000: Always an awesome ride, especially when you go on it with some one who hasn’t experience it before. To not spoil the surprise, you’ll think you’re just going to spin around, but gravity will prove you wrong!

7. Moscow Circus: The best fun house at the carnival midway, although this could be argued. It’s coolness factor comes from the star tunnel. The pathway through the tunnel stays still while the tunnel itself spins, creating an awesome illusion that will make you hold up the line because you want to stay in it for more than a few seconds!

8. The Bubble House: Everyone loves bubbles, right?! Have a fun time throwing bubbles at your friends or make yourself a santa beard. Beware, the floors are very slippery!

9. Pig Races: The pigs at the Houston Rodeo are rather competitive!

These cute little porkers compete multiple times throughout the day, but it’s best to go to the earliest race because the stands fill up quicker later in the day.

10. Cavender’s: Your favorite country western store is always selling rodeo gear inside Reliant Center! They even do personalizations! If you don’t have boots the first time you go (Because

everyone knows you have to go to the Rodeo more than once every season!), pick some up for next time!

11. Calf Scramble: Local high school FFA students attempt to rope and drag calves into the center of Reliant Stadium as the crowd watches in amusement. 28 kids run after 14 calves in this hilarious competition.

Look out for sophomore Mark Schoenemann who will be participating in the scramble!

12. FFA Showcase: FFA students try their hardest to win best in show and gain one of the many scholarships offered.

Seniors Brianna Duvall and Cody Moreno will be showing their heifers so make sure you go see the animals they have raised throughout this year.

Must-see performers at Rodeo 2012 1. Luke Bryan 2. Lady Antebellum 3. Miranda Lambert 4. Train 5. Brad Paisley

Concords cause chaos . Violence ensues over expensive shoes

By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER

D e cemb e r 22nd, 2011 will be a “date which will live in infamy”, to quote President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It will be a day that will be remembered as the day our generation rose to a new level of ridiculousness.

The concept of fashion as a danger in our society, would appear to be overly exaggerated and a bit non-sensical to our generation’s everyday fashion trendsetters. Some would ask how can a pair of $100 jeans lead to violence or an $80 floral t-shirt start a riot. It’s sad to say that the hottest fashion gear can lead to an outbreak of violence which erupted over a pair of $180 limited edition Air Jordan’s, or best referred to as Concords shoes.

It really is a sad day in America, and for our generation, when people, young people, have to die over a pair of Jordan’s that they will eventually lose interest in, give or take a month or two. Malls all over Houston, Memorial City, Willowbrook, Deerbrook,

and Sharpstown, were our generation's morals every day or every week, you. Doesn't sound like bombarded with people and priorities. The situa- like you would a pair much of a great Christseeking and willing to tion was so severe that of sandals or Sperry’s, mas now does it? Just do just about anything policemen had to smash would result in the loss imagine how chaotic it to get their materialistic the windows of a car to of interest and a down- must have been. Imaghands on these shoes. rescue two toddlers af- grade of your “swag” ine being pushed and Policemen were forced ter their young mother status. In all honesty, the shoved out of the way as to step in where chaos abandoned them to wait shoes sort of resemble a the animalistic tendenfor hours for the Con- space shoe meant to be cies of our generation transpired.

One student, Jacob cords. It's very unfortu- worn in space or some- ran rapid all around you.

Garcia, actually paid al- nate really. thing, and the price and Now imagine someone most double the original The reason for wanting time wasted on these dying, or people getting price, $350, just to have these shoes could be the shoes just seems out of arrested for defying orthe shoes a whole week fact that they were first this world! The practical- ders from the police. Not early. The idea of hun- worn by Michael Jordan, ity, or reasons, for pur- such a pretty sight, but dreds of people stand- arguably the greatest chasing a pair of $180 unfortunately this sort of ing outside in the rain basketball player of all shoes, which will only be savage like behavior is and the cold, what our genonly for the“It really is a sad day in America, and for our generation,eration has chance to possuccumbed when people, young people, have to die over a pair of to. sibly get these People Concords, is may only view Jordan’s.” absolutely outthis problem rageous. It’s not even worn once a month for as just being about purthe wait and amount of time. one year honestly does chasing or waiting for a time wasted standing in “I believe that the not seem like such a bril- pair of basketball shoes, line that baffles me, but lengths taken to get liant idea. but it's much bigger than the fact that fights were these shoes is a total At the same time, I say, just that. started. People were waste of time,” senior if you have money to With all seriousness, injured and even killed Marissa Breuss said. “If blow on shoes, then by let's take a moment to over shoes. That's the they are not personally all means go for it! Who pray for the family of the signed by Michael Jor- am I to rain on your pa- 18 year old, Tyreek Amir real kicker here.

It’s unfortunate that our dan himself, then they rade, right?

Jacobs, who was brutally society is so obsessed aren’t anything special.”

One student who was stabbed to death over with what the latest and Breuss poses a great “fortunate” enough to get these shoes, or the peohottest fashion is, that question. Why are these these shoes explains the ple robbed and attacked a display of savagery is shoes so special? What extreme conditions in with pepper spray by ofwhat has become of us. separates them from which he had to endure. ficers trying to maintain It was reported that peo- the shoes that Nike pro- “ I had to wait for two days order. Let's all take, at ple were actually pulling duces just about every in the cold and rain, and least, a minute out of our out knives, robbing one month?

I had to sleep outside in “busy” schedules to, first “They're awesome a chair,” senior Ocie Gar- off, remember or imagine another, and maliciously attacking one another shoes for an awesome ret said. “It was a really the scene of all of the vifor these shoes, shoes man,” senior Jordan long line and I was like olence and disorder disthat were debuted by Tovar said. number 89 in line.” persed all around HousBut, let’s be honest: The Michael Jordan back in Just imagine spend- ton on that cold day, and May of 1995. Now that people who purchased ing two days, before now we try to bring back these Air Jordan's have these Concords are only Christmas, with a bunch some sense of order, resurfaced, so has the going to wear them once of strangers seeking to class, morals, and prioriconcern and dispute of a month. To wear them obtain the same item as ties to our generation.

College is calling to you .

Visiting campuses important for students

By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER

Dise m barking the car a n d walki n g onto an intimidating college campus is one of the horrors of moving from high school to college life. Most students choose a school based on their reputation, or football team. But, many students have decided to go to a specific college without even setting foot on them once. I believe It should be required to visit a campus to get a true understanding of what it has to offer.

“Visiting colleges is separated into three major sections,” college counselor LaWanda Jenkins said.

High school seniors typically visit once either during the fall semester, the spring semester, or the summer break. But I feel it is good to visit the college you are thinking of at least two of these three times. This gives

Visiting colleges is an an all around experience visit classrooms and see great time to explore the that is required in choos- how the classes really layout of the campus. important part in deciding if you want to ing a college. College life go. Classes attend there is split into these three may have 30 or not. Be categories, and not lov- students and sure to put ing two of them will lead a teacher, or thought into to a bad college experi- an auditorium your decience. with 300 stusion, and go “Visiting a college cam- dents and a over everypus during the fall gives teacher. The thing before a sense of the school difference beyou decide spirit,” Jenkins said. tween 30 and on a college.

This is because fall is 300 students Do not just the time of football and is a drastic pick based new faces all filled with change that on a school’s school spirit for their catches lots teams. Visiting during of students HOOK ‘EM HORNS: An overhead view of Univer- r e p u t a t i o n , or how cool this semester is in ses- off guard thatsity of Texas at Austin. their football sion gives a sense of didn’t visit. all of the students of “The last time to visit is If someone does not team is.

“I have always wanted the school, and what during the summer while like the look of a camthe general feel of the the campus is empty,” pus, there is no reason to go to UT because I school spirit is. Someone Jenkins said. to spend four or more love the Longhorns,” secan love the campus, but The summer is one last years there. Take this nior Ilyssa De Los Santhey might time to meet tos said. “But once I visdislike everywith a counselor ited the campus, I knew thing about and plan out the it was not right for me.” the spiritless next four years, If you plan on going to students, or because things college, visiting is a nestudents with are not done for cessity. No one can tell too much you in college. if a college is good just spirit.

“I wasn’t really based on how well their “Visiting dursure what col- football team does, or ing the spring lege I wanted if it is the number one can give you to go to,” senior party school in America. a sense of Crystal Escobar So contact your counthe academic said. “But once selors and arrange for life on cam- GIG ‘EM AGGIES: An overhead view of the I visited UTSA, college visits or you may pus,” JenkinsTexas A&M campus.

I decided that be stuck in a school you said. was where I be- hate.

Spring can give an in chance to meet with the longed. I just loved evdepth idea about aca- staff members around erything about the camdemic lifestyle. You can campus. But, it is also a pus and the classes.”

WUBstep must be stopped

By JACK RODGERS EDITOR IN CHIEF In 2011, a disease overtook the teenagers and h i p sters of the nation. The disease's name: dubstep. Now, I'm sure there are those that disagree with me, and I accept that. I'm sure that dubstep DID exist in some form prior to 2011.

However, finding that out would require additional research into a topic that I already care nothing about.

Now, before you get your headphones in a twist and start insisting that dubstep is an actual art form, let me remind you of a few things. First off, this is what it sounds like: WUBWUBWUBWUBW UBWUBWUBWUBWUB WUBWUBWUBWUBWU BWUBWUB. Very soothing, definitely what I want to listen to all of the time.

Second, anyone can make a dubstep song.

When the music is computer generated, every person out there who can use a computer can theoretically create their own work of "art".

As we've discovered with the Internet, when people get to create their own version of the same thing, we end up with a lot of bad repeats of the original content one person had the idea to make.

Third, and this is the most annoying part (in my oh so humble opinion), the people who listen to dubstep and are really into it can't seem to stop wanting to convince me that their music is awesome. Every time I criticize dubstep, I have Mr. Musical Genius shoving an earpiece at me giving me the full run down of why dubstep is apparently amazing.

This is what my typical conversation sounds like with one of these people: "Here listen to this, it's really good."

"No." "Dude, it's awesome, have you ever heard this song before?"

"No, I haven't, but I don't need to hear it, every song sounds exactly the same."

"No way, man-" at which point they launch into a tirade of their favorite dubstep "bands" and why their choice of music is the greatest thing since Tim Tebow.

So, in order to solve this dilemma before it gets out of hand, I propose this as my solution: shut your mouths and listen to actual music. Honestly, any path would be better than the current track we are on right now.

College sports beat pro ball any day

By JACK RODGERS EDITOR IN CHIEF When the NBA was locked out and the chances of a 2011-12 season were slim at best, it seemed like everyone in the sporting world was mourning the loss of an American pasttime. But guess what? Who has two thumbs and didn't care? THIS GUY. In all honesty, and I know I'm going to get flak for this, I really don't care all that much about professional basketball. I find no entertainment in watching selfish, overpaid athletes compete against each other for 48 minutes. When I watch professional basketball, all I see are 5 individuals playing for themselves and trying their best to be the one in the limelight. Men like LeBron are the only picture that is presented to the American public as a whole for us to find our examples in: big mouth, selfish, ungrateful players who play the solely to make themselves look good, not the team.

That being said, however, I do love watching basketball. The question then presents itself: why wasn't I sad that the NBA season was gone?

The answer: the NCAA. I don't know why, but in general, I find college sports more entertaining and more compelling than anything the professional world could possibly present me.

Every game is intriguing in its own unique way, and huge upsets could happen at any point. All games are exciting, rivalries are alive and well, and the kids are playing for a reason far greater than money.

And here is where I think the biggest difference comes into play: motivation. What motivates the NBA star? Money, fame, shoes. Great stuff, I'll admit that. But those guys already have all of that stuff. Sure, it's fantastic to get paid millions of dollars, but at some point, the money isn't enough to keep NBA players going as hard as they can.

Now, what motivates the NCAA player? The hope for those material things. The dream that they might one day be the next Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. The desire and drive to push it 100% every single game because even one screw up could mean they never get their chance to prove themselves in the big league.

So, come March, I will not be watching the latest installment of the Lakers-Celtics. I will be watching March Madness, and I will be loving every second of it.

Senior seals fate .Coffey signs with Concordia University for academic scholarship

By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER

fey said. “I first realized I loved playing when I was eight and first started Recently on December pitching.”

9th, 2011, senior Sydney According to the NaCoffey sealed her fate tional Collegiate Athletic when she signed with Association (NCAA), Concordia University, afConcordia is a designatter already committing to ed division three school the university on October meaning 31st. they do not “I signed with award/ofConcordia befer athletic cause I really scholarlike the school ships and and I love the have at coach there,” least five Coffey said. men’s and Coffey has five wombeen a memen’s sports, ber of the varwith softsity softball ball being team since an obviher freshman ous choice year. amongst “Sydney has t h o s e contributed sports. to our softC o f f e y ball program THE SIGNING PROCESS: Coach Allisan Hayworth, signed with Principal Lance Stallworth, Coach Brian Keefe, and by boosting Concorus offensively Coffey’s parents gather around to witness Coffey’s dia on an signing to Concordia. with her excelacademic lent pitching one of our top hitters.” scholarship, but was reskills,” Coach Hayworth Prior to playing softball in cruited for softball. said. Her fastest pitch is high school, Coffey start- Concordia is a private, 62mph. “She has lead ed playing at the young Lutheran, undergraduus to two district champi- age of five. ate, coeducational, Libonships and good press “Well I started playing eral Arts University locatcoverage in the Houston softball because my old- ed in Austin, Texas. area.” er sister was playing and Aside from being a Coffey has been a key so I just got into it,” Cof- dedicated athlete, Cofmember of the softball

.

team with her ability to be versatile and a leader at the same time.

“Her leadership with teammates has been a huge plus,” Coach Hayworth said. “She has also been a huge help offensively as always being

fey has also proven to be patience, courage, and no slouch when it comes time to juggle school and to academics. She will sports. graduate with a 3.95 “I don’t mind playing GPA as softball number a n d 3 in the studysenior ing for class. my AP Throughclassout her e s , ” f o u r C o ff e y y e a r s said. “I in high actuschool, ally like Coffey having has sucprescessfully s u r e juggled put on b o t h me.” school With and softgraduball. Alation though fast apher faproachvorite ing and subject is college science, FIRE AWAY: Sydney gets ready r i g h t C o f f e y to release her pitch. around has provthe coren to excel in all other ner, Coffey is ready to subjects. take the next step.

“Sydney is very intelli- “I’m super excited about gent,” AP English teach- college and nervous at er Matthew Davidson the same time,” Coffey said. “Her writing is often said. “As long as I am insightful and she’s very playing softball, then conscientious. She defi- there’s really nothing to nitely puts in more effort worry about.” than expected.”

It definitely takes a lot of

Tiger basketball stands strong

Juniors take “the charge” to lead the team this year

that only seniors can said. “But, we fall off in shows every game we bring to the team. our second half.” play” Gibson said.

“The team is But, the real very place the pracThe team runs out onto working tice is shining the court. The players hard to play through is the take their position. But, their best each teamwork bethere are no seniors on game,” Gibson tween the playthe tiger’s court. There is said. “But, they ers. an all junior starting var- just don’t have “The team is sity team for basketball enough experience to follow working hard, this year. and playing to“This is the first time through in the gether as a team since 2001 that the start- second half of every game,” JV er team has been all ju- the game.”

Junior tigers coach Jack Krol niors,” Varsity Coach Joe are starting off said.

Gibson said. everyFREETHROW: Tigers prepare to take a The juniors are This all junior team does strongly freethrow shot. trying their best not have senior players game, but lack Though the tigers are to lead the tigers to victo lead them to victory. the experience to carry They are all less expe- onward. This is because not winning all of their tory, so come out and rienced that the teams there are no seniors to games, they are lead the gameplay giving it their all. they are They practice playing every mornagainst. ing before The team school, and includes after school “German every day.

Montes, “We practice D e r r y every mornBudford, ing,” team Joshua m e m b e r Jimenez, Adam MachN a t e ado said.

Bingham, “And every and Anafternoon at t h o n y 4” Wiggins,” All of this G i b s o nHANGTIME: Joshua Jimenez makes the jump for hard work said. a shot. shows in All of “We are strong in our every play that is these players work as a team in everything they teamwork, and the first made in the game. TIP-OFF: Tigers start the “All of the hardgame with the tip off. do, but they do not have half of our game,” team the required experience member Joshua Jimenez work we put in

By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER

support them. They have a greater chance of winning if their friends are in the stands backing them up.

2011-2012 Roster

Germain Montes Adam Machado Francisco Lopez Anthony Wiggins Derry Bedford Nate Bingham Josh Jimenez Vicente Gutierrez Maurice Narcisse Reggie Heckard Christian Alatorre Jerry Zarate Anthony Wheat

Diver enters water without big splash

.

Freshman Lilli Monterio makes up a team on her own while coaches sing praises and await district competition

By ALBERTA ROLLINS STAFF WRITER Being the only diver on the team, isn't always a breath of fresh air. Yeah, it can have some advantages like having oneon-one with your coach and taking up all of the picture spaces. But it can also have the disadvantage of heavy pressure when it comes to building up enough character and strength to carry such a huge title on your own-like District Champion for example.

Although she is alone in what should be an entire team, freshman Lilli Monterio makes it her priority to keep her school’s name up in good recognition.

Since divers are 90% likely to be more dry than swimmers, they aren’t taken as seriously. They do exactly what you think: compete by their ability and skill of diving from the diving board.

What seems to be missed is that every style of diving they do has an exhausting amount of effort put into practice.

“I get annoyed when people say diving isn’t as hard as swimming, because divers actu-

make me want to practice harder because this is a really competitive sport,” Monterio said.

Aside from being a varsity diver, Monterio is

coach wish there were more people on the diving team, Hooker still has a great amount of faith in his diver.

“The only reason I can

Hooker is very supportive of Monterio, He makes sure that every step she takes is directly on point.

“I think Lilli has a tremendous ability to dive.

If I can rate her out of all of my kids, I think she’d be on my top 5. She’s a really nice person, very coachable and I can’t wait to see where she goes in life,” Hooker said.

Regional Swim Meet held on February 10th: Boys Ivan Curtovic 11 Jose Garcia 11 Sergio Guzman 11 Josh Jennings 10 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Monterio takes her Lorenzo Pirritano 11 Pedro Presas 10 exercise routine as important as her performance.

Avery Reinhart 10 also involved in theater think of kids not want- Roy Wheeler 10

MAKING A SPLASH: Monteiro practices before the district meet. ally have to work on their gymnastics and balancing way more accurately than swimmers,” Monterio said.

She practices with other schools like Memorial and Stratford. Since she has to share her time

with diving Coach Ed Hooker, being around other divers from different schools motivates her to work harder in her training.

“I get really intimidated seeing other divers from other schools. They

and Tigerettes. With that you can automatically make an assumption of how busy her schedule may be. So far she’s been in every theater production. Loving both diving and theater equally, she makes time for each of them by coming to school everyday from 7 am until 6:30 pm.

Although she and her

ing to dive on a team is because most of them would rather [dive] during the summertime, which they find better,” Hooker said.

In the competitive sport of diving, it’s important to watch your technique when entering the water.

Since you really don’t have team, you rely heavily on your coach.

Girls Carly Batterson 9 Marissa Clark 10 Candace Edgley 11 Kayla Loebel 9 Emily Mitchell 9 Lillian Monterio 9 Cruz Ramirez 10 Brittany Trevino 11 Rachel Wheat 11

New player adds to team’s reputation

.

Freshman Luis Sanchez starts the season strong

By JESSICA JONES BUSINESS MANAGER Even before the regular season began, the Tiger soccer team was on their A game. Winning their first two scrimmages gave the team a boost of confidence that pushed them into the regular season. The success of the team in the preseason can largely be credited to freshman Luis Sanchez who scored two goals in the scrimmage against Memorial on January 3rd.

“Luis is an excellent defensive forward, playing both physically and technically, with passion and intensity,” said soccer coach Wadey Yaya. “To top it all off, he is modest about his talent.”

Sanchez is very passionate about soccer, playing for both the school and a club team. Despite being a freshman, he is already getting time on the field with the varsity team. In the team’s last scrimmage of the preseason, Sanchez scored another goal, bringing the team to a 3-0 victory over Clear Falls.

“All of the team shows hard work because we really care about

winning,” said Sanchez. run, the team finishing “After coming so close the 2011 season with last year, we don’t want five wins in a row, they that to are ready for happen more. On the again so first day of we are school, coach preparing Yaya laid to beat down the law, Northbrook stating that at district.” his goals for The varsity the team were players to advance support from district Sanchez and go deep as he in the playoffs. begins his With a strong career with starting team the soccer of eleven, t e a m , Yaya feels guiding positive about him to the games success for that still lie the years ahead. to come

“I see after they the hunger in graduate. my players, S e n i o r but they know J i m m y DEUCE: Sanchez holds that winning S a l g a d o up a peace sign to rep- is not the only sees a lot resent the two goals he i m p o r t a n t of potential scored in the scrimmage thing.

The in his against Memorial. teammate and feels he is important companionship that to the team’s success. comes with being a part “Luis has the confidence of the team is what is to score some goals truly rewarding,” Yaya and get us the wins we said. need,” Salgado said.

The team has a great “In the next three years, group of leaders, but the he will lead the team to players all give credit to many victories.” their coach. Yaya tells his After last years playoff players that education

comes first and cares a lot about what the future holds for them.

“He inspires us to work hard everyday and wants us to do good because after high school, he cares about where we end up,” Sanchez said.

Both Sanchez and Yaya agree that the team is like a family, showing that the coach and players are on the same page as the season gets underway.

The team forges ahead with a confidence that shows on the field.

“With the team we have, there is no doubt of all the great things we will accomplish this season,” Salgado said.

As their success continues, the team becomes closer and closer, securing their bond and guaranteeing that the season will be one to remember. The soccer players plan to stick together as they accumulate wins and celebrate what being a part of a team truly means.

“I’m having a great experience in soccer because we all have each other’s backs,” said Sanchez. “I love being a part of this team!”

SCOREBOARD Varsity Soccer Pre-season

1/3: Memorial 3-0 (Win) 1/6: Baytown Lee 2-1 (Win) 1/10: Clear Falls 3-0 (Win)

Regular season

1/13: Foster 1-0 (Win) 1/17: Waller 0-2 (Loss) 1/20: Cinco Ranch 4-1 (Win) 1/24: Cy Lakes (Rained out) 1/27: George Ranch 9-0 (Win) 1/31: Morton Ranch 0-1 (Loss) 2/3: Montgomery (Rained out) 2/7: Willis 1-3 (Loss)

Upcoming games

2/10 Northbrook (Home) 2/14: Summer Creek (Home) 2/17: Kingwood Park (Away) 2/21: Humble (Home)

ine’s

t Valen

D e a re s t Chelsea, I love you to pieces.

I'm always here for you.

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Giovanni, you are really sweet, cute, and really awesome. From, anon. Bella, you’re a weirdo, but I love you anyway! Hehe. You manke me happy when I’m sad. You are gorgeous & perfect & I am very thankful for you. <3, Edward. Dear Roberto, I just want to say that you are the most AMAZING/ sweetest person ever!!! Haha! I win this war! Happy Valentines day! <3 From, the girl who gave you a rose petal. Edgar, so umm, I kind of love you LIKE CRAZY. We’ve been through a lot, and I hope we go through more. I’ll always be in your life, as long as you want me to be :) Amy Agulilar, for starters, I love you! Youre my best friend, I don’t know what I would do without you (: Hope you have an amazing day, sweetheart! From, MINDY. Even thoe it’s over, I can still feel you hug me :D 11-15-11. Michelle Garcia, Chikita bae,

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t Sen Day

will you be my Valentine? You’re too cute to be spending today alone :) From, MiNDY.