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It’s raining WAIS Former Westchester students pour onto campus
By SAM LOPEZ
ASST BUSINESS MNGR
Met any students that recently attended Westchester Academy yet? If not, don’t be surprised if you find that a student in at least one of your classes is a transfer from there. Westchester students have flooded into Spring Woods from all grades. Freshmen Keahna Slater, Luis Sanchez, Maitte Tello, and Reinhart brothers, Avery and Ian, are only some of the many students whom have transferred from Westchester. “I decided to switch to Spring Woods because there are more activities here and because my brother came to Spring Woods,” Sanchez said. Many schools have sports and other extra-curricular activities so students can tie in school work and things they enjoy, but as many know, not all schools operate like that.
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Westchester is a school with little to no sports and Spring Woods is a school with many sports advertised throughout
ular activities,” Slater said. “Well, having more extra-curricular activities than WAIS at least.” Westchester is known
There may be an argument that Westchester students are only fleeing to Spring Woods for easy classes and sports because that is what seems logical. And although that may be very true for some students, it isn’t true for all. “I was always planning on going to Spring Woods after middle school at WAIS,” Slater said. For the freshmen, moving to Spring Woods after 8th grade SWITCHING SIDES: Former Westchester student, Randy was just a reguPayne, studies in Spring Woods library. lar transition from middle school to the school. Although for being “one step- a- high school, but for the both schools differ from head” with core- class- older transfer students, one and another, they es, so this may give their reasons vary. do have their similarities. those whom have trans“My brother and I left “My favorite thing about ferred from there at a because we just weren't SWHS is the opportunity bit of an advantage. interested in the directo still be able to take “I would say the classes tion the school was pre-AP and AP classes are easier than those at and having extra-curric- WAIS,” Sanchez said. Continued on PAGE 2
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Transcript transparency troubles loom Seniors must choose to show or hide their class rank
By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER Standing in line at the counselor’s office on a Thursday afternoon, a student waits for that slip of paper that will determine their entry into the college of their choice, called “your Class Rank”. That little number decides what quarter they’re in or if they’re ranked 1 or 402. “Getting into college in Texas follows a formula that looks at class rank and test scores to decide acceptance,” Principal Lance Stallworth said. “The grades a student makes throughout their high school career is averaged to determine their GPA, which is used to determine Class Rank.” This year, seniors have a choice to either show or hide their class rank on their college applications. This temporary policy allows students that would have their class rank harm their
admittance to colleges hidden, and shown for those that it would help. “I think it is a good idea for students to be able to control showing or hiding their rank, because people can use it to their advantage to get into the college of their choice,” senior Kara Ottesen said. While class rank is a very large part of entry into college, SAT and ACT scores are the other main part of admission. “Some students would be at a disadvantage if their SAT or ACT tests were very high while their class rank was low, because their low class rank would prevent them from being accepted to the school of their choice,” Stallworth said.” On the other hand, someone with low test scores can use their high class rank to get accepted.”
La Nińa creates water shortage Dry conditions lead to devastating wildfires
By JESSICA JONES & LILYA GEHMAN STAFF WRITERS
If you’re hoping for rain, you might want to keep doing the rain dance because the drought is here to stay. Local meteorologist Travis Herzog has been following the drought since it started. “There is no way to predict with any confidence when this drought might end,” Herzog said. “In fact, long term indicators point to the drought continuing
are begging for relief. Texans will probably have to wait until the next cold front to get any type of precipitation. In the meantime, most of the Houston area has been set on water LOOMING ON THE HORIrestrictions. Herzog ZON: On 9/7, the smoke (and has been able to smell) from the Magnolia wild- trace the cause of the fires permeated all of Spring drought to the cold Branch. water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that well into next year.” are unusually cold on the The drought has been equator. This is called keeping storms away “La Nińa”. This weather from Texas for about a pattern has created an year now and people
extreme w a t e r shortage all over Texas that will be difficult to get out of. “ I t would take 18”-24” of rain over 30 days to end our current drought,” H e r z o g s a i d . . The drought not only brings
a lack of water, but an increased chance of a wildfire outbreak. Cities near A u s t i n and Dallas have been plagued by ravaging fires for the past month. FIRE CREEPS CLOS- T e a c h e r ER: On 9/13, the smoke Julie Henry saw the plume from George destruction Bush Park could be hand seen all over Houston. first
while driving to Amarillo. “We saw brown field after brown field, all the burnt bush had been taken away already,” Henry said. “It was a sad sight to see the animals, if there were any, all huddling under tiny mesquite trees.” Closer to home, the wooded area around 4A schools, Magnolia and Waller has gone up in flames. As game day approaches, the football team is unsure if they will Continued on PAGE 3
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STAAR replaces TAKS
State mandates new tests for freshmen
By SCOTT MOORE STAFF WRITER TAKS tests will be phased out starting this year for the freshmen class. This test is being replaced by the STAAR Test for kindergarten through 8th grade students. While the test for high school students will be replaced by End of Course (EoC) exams. “The STAAR tests are much more rigorous than the current TAKS tests and the EoC tests are course specific and must be passed to graduate,” said Principal Lance Stallworth. The TAKS test will be given to the current 10th and 11th graders, while this year’s freshmen will be required to take the EoC tests. Then each
year after that, the EoC will be the main test to take, as the TAKS is phased out. Students will have to learn to be tested for the complete course knowledge rather than the general knowledge required by the TAKS test. “The students taking Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry,
English 1, 2 and 3, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Geography, World History and US History will be required to take the EoC Exams,” Stallworth said. “Students will be graded cumulatively
on the scores in each four subjects in academic areas.” This means that students will have to make above a certain total score on all tests, or they will be marked failing in that area. If a student is failing in an area, they have to retake all the tests. “The tests for 9th graders walking in on their first year of high school count towards their graduation,” said Registrar Teresa Decker. “While before they had until 11th grade to get 100% serious about taking the test.” This is drastically different from the TAKS where only the 11th grade test counted towards graduation eligibility.
Alum reaches finals at nationals
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Silverio Ramirez achieves debate dream
By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF While most students enjoyed their vacation or prepared for a new year of school, one alum worked a little bit harder this summer. This past June, Silverio Ramirez, class of 2011, competed at the Nationals tournament in Kentucky for Speech and Debate, placing 15th overall in the country. This, however, was not his first time to visit the Nationals tournament. In fact, it was his third and his most triumphant. “Since I had already participated at this tournament before, taking in the experience and being happy for just being there was over,” Ramirez said. “I was there to win.” While Ramirez was a student at Spring Woods, he received a number of high honors in the debate world, was President of the Spring Woods debate team for two consecutive years, and traveled across the country to multiple Tournaments of Champions. With so much experience under his belt, Ramirez advises that prioritizing is important for success. “You need to set your goals,” Ramirez said. “If
you know where you do want to go, then you will know what it is missing before it becomes an issue.” Victoria Beard, Spring Woods’ debate coach and UIL coordinator, has taken multiple students to the National speech tournament, but never
Woods High School,” Beard said. “I’m overwhelmed, thrilled. It’s the most awesome experience in the entire world.” The educational stride Ramirez had through high school is not just a comment on his debate career, but also his academics. After graduating in the top 10 of his class, Silverio was ensured enough scholarships to attend the prestigious G e o r g e Washington University in Washington D.C. He is, however, eternally grateful for his time in the debate program. “Debate really turned out to be the cornerstone of my educational career,” Ramirez said. “I never thought I would ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC: have a passion Ramirez poses behind a podium that could take me in the George Washington Uni- this far. Debate versity museum. really did inspire before has she had a me to pursue my major. student climb all the way For grad school I plan to the finals. on studying pre-law and “Silverio has been one working in a lobbyist of the most successful group for education.” speech and debate students I have ever coached at Spring
CONTINUED: WAIS STUDENTS comfortable with. It may take some time to get used to, but for people like senior Ian Reinhart, it was a bit of an issue. “Initially I didn't want to come to Spring Woods,” Reinhart said. “My mom wanted me to switch because I was having problems in IB and because IB is such a student directed course, their feeling was that it was my own responsibility to get caught up. They really didn't have a system in place to help students who were struggling.” High school is a time of learning the meaning of “stress”. It’s a word all teenagers learn to deal with and it’s also a word that Westchester and Spring Woods students may connect to. “Spring Woods, in my opinion, is a major upgrade from the WAIS atmosphere,” Rein-
hart said. “At WAIS, they stress grades a lot and don't focus on some important social aspects that are necessary in high school. Spring Woods has a lot of pep-rallies and things like that. But at Westchester, all the pep-rallies were about TAKS and things like that.” With the amount of stress decreased, the only minor issue the transfer students have to deal with is the size difference between WAIS and Spring Woods. “One of the biggest changes I have had to get used to is how far the classes are apart. In Westchester, they were closer and easier to get to,” Tello said. Although the school is bigger and the distance walked from class to class is a bit further, there is no longer the
worry of having to travel to other schools just to be a part of sports and other extra- curricular activities: Spring Woods is full of them. “I transferred to Spring Woods because I wanted to get in sports and in the dance team. I am not in any sports, but I would like to try out for soccer and the dance team,” Tello said. All students have differing reasons as to why they transferred. And although some seem pretty satisfied with the transition, the memory of WAIS still lingers in the minds of former students. “I liked my teachers, my friends, my classes, and the whole atmosphere of the school. I'm kind of a weird kid, and at WAIS, so was everyone else,” Reinhart said.
Rangel, Villatoro spend summer kickin’ it up a notch
By ODALIS GARCIA competition is tough for together everyday all STAFF WRITER all of the corps, but some day, and all summer Instead of waiting for good things come out of trying to perfect our show, everyday we summer band camp to it. closer and start, sophomore Victor “I marched with the became closer.By the end Rangel and senior Lili of the summer, Villatoro challenged we were one big themselves by touring family.” around the United For both Villatoro States with Drum and Rangel, their Corps International. experiences were Drum Corps similar because International, or DCI, they played is a different way mellophone which to say professional is a french horn bands from around but in a form of a the country. trumpet. “I marched with “The best part Forte Drum and Bugle about being in a Corps. I was the youngest of everyone BRASS ATTACK: Senior Lili Villatoro corps was being else,” Rangel said. “It spends time with her DCI family after able to perform every other day and was basically more a competition. just being in front intense and stricter of the screaming than a regular high Mandarins Drum school marching band.” and Bugle Corps this crowd felt amazing,” Even though DCI is a summer,” Villatoro said, Rangel said. The excitement of the lot more hard core.The “we would rehearse
CONTINUED: WATER SHORTAGE of smoke filled the air, catching everyone’s eye. Many acres burned as the the local community looked on in horror. Senior Vanessa Potts visits Addicks frequently and has seen the damage firsthand. “There have been two wild fires in about a months time. The only good that’s come from them is fertile
top soil, but without rain the fires only caused destruction,” Potts said. Texas firefighters are continually monitoring the wildfires as the rest of the state watches in dismay. As bodies of water dry up and fields burn, Texans look to the skies for a flood that just won’t seem to come.
Tigers for Troops package reminders
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even get to play Magnolia or Waller. Football coach Keith Cripps is prepared for a game cancellation. “The games are still on for now, but our district athletic department will continue to monitor the situation” Cripps said. The closest fires to Spring Branch have broken out at the Addicks Reservoir and George Bush Park. Huge plumes
two are unbearable. with a huge knowledge “When you’re out there base on marching and on the field and your playing fundamentals,” lungs are pumping and Zurbriggen said. you’re playing your heart Even though being in out and the crowd is DCI was an amazing going crazy, it is the best experience for the two, feeling ever,” Villatoro their schedule interfered said. “You aren’t thinking with their attending about what score summer band you’re going to camp . They get. When you hit came back from that very last note going on tour two and the crowd is weeks after band on their feet and camp had started. you’re completely “I could probably out of breath, see up to maybe that’s what it’s all 10 students a about, performing summer doing and entertaining. corps without That’s what you having an work your butt off impact based on for all summer.” their absence,” Band director Victor Rangel Zurbriggen said. Donald Zubriggen “When they come is so proud of both of back, everything is very these students. easy for them because “Our students that were the drill is so difficult in involved in DCI helped corps that they can get the entire band program right back in, and in turn because they come they could help the band back very motivated and that way.”
Students outraged over freshman lunch
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Brass toots their own horn
Soldiers receive letters, socks and snacks those soldiers spirits,”
By STEPHANIE VARGAS
Doffing said. Tigers for Troops has received many plaques and certificates of appreciation for their efforts. “For people to take time off their busy days and support us is really good,” former Spring W o o d s student currently serving in Afghani s t a n Agustin Estrada said. The students show their TREATS NO TRICKS:Tigerettes pack- support for the troops age treats for soldiers just in time for overseas Halloween. by taking to volunteer time they get stationed time to the time they leave. after school. But most Teacher Martha Doffing, students don’t know other members of the that by helping you can faculty and students receive volunteer hours have changed that for for this service. In the many in the armed month of November, Tiger for Troops is having forces. Five years ago, Doffing their next mail-out. “It brings a good warm formed Tigers for Troops where students and feeling into me knowing faculty package needed that as much as people items in boxes and write talk down about our they’re still meaningful letters to school, show the soldier at arms supporting me all the how appreciative they way from Afghanistan,” Estrada said. are. “Every time you stick The soldiers who receive some bubble gum or the care packages often shampoo bottles in the write meaningful letters box, you’re uplifting back thanking Spring STAFF WRITER How would you feel if you went months without hearing from the people you love? That’s how many soldiers feel who fight for America. Some in the military never receive anything from the
Budget cuts produce long lines By ODALIS GARCIA STAFF WRITER
Many students don’t usually eat breakfast in the morning and they really look forward to lunch. Finally when the bell rings, hungry students rush to the cafeteria. Once in line, it seems to take forever. As they wonder why the lines are so freakishly long, they realize, “Oh yeah freshman lunch is gone!” Some students didn't think that it was fair to eliminate freshman lunch this year. “It's too crowded and with that being said, the lines got longer,” junior Hope Vasquez said. “Since the freshmen are immature, they keep cutting and it's annoying.” Many believe that freshman year is the hardest because it’s a transition from middle school into high school. “Freshmen should have a year that they could have for themselves so they can get a little used to high school before they move to the upperclassmen lunch,” junior Jesus Garcia said. While most students don't have an answer for why the freshman lunch is gone, Building Principal Lance Stallworth does. “With all of the budget cuts going on, we had to cut some of the workers and with that, we also had to cut a lunch out because it was really expensive,” Stallworth said. Although some might hate the idea of not having a freshmen lunch, there is not much that can be done other than to deal with it. Woods for the hard work the students have done to make the military men and women feel appreciated. “It’s feels good to give back to the people who fight for our country knowing that they don’t receive as much as they should,” HOSA student Celeste Uresti said. By a student donating time, items or money in support of troops, it really make the soldiers feel honored. “ There is not an act too small,” Doffing said.
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A twist of fate Helminiak, Mulherin to marry
By CARLY BATTERSON & LILYA GEHMAN STAFF WRITERS Love is in the air at Spring Woods High School. One of Spring Wood’s newest teachers is planning to tie the knot. Junior English teacher Andrew Helminiak recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Brittani Mulherin. Helminiak is originally from Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Hutch-Tech High School in 2001. He moved to Houston in August 2006. SWHS is not his first teaching career. He taught at a school in Channelview, Texas and at University of Houston. He taught in Channelview and U of H for two years. “I like Spring Woods a lot. It’s really great,” Hel-
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miniak said. He met his fiancé when they were both at school at University of Houston while he was trying to get his degree in Philosophy.
FUTURE MR & MRS H: Helminiak and Mulherin enjoy a vacation together. They have been together for five years. Brittani is also a graduate of the University of Houston and hopes to pursue a teaching career. Mulherin is a 2006 Spring
Woods graduate. Her hope is to find a position in the Spring Branch school district. The proposal came as a shock when Helminiak surprised Mulherin by popping the question while they were on campus. “We were on the U of H campus and there was an area in front of the theater. That’s where I proposed. We redid our first date,” Helminiak said. They have not set the date, but they are thinking about having the wedding in about six months. Helminiak and Mulherin are looking forward to starting their new life together.
Go ask Autumn
Spring Woods students “like” peer advice
By SAM LOPEZ ASST BUSINESS MNGR Somtimes there are things you can’t and don’t even want to tell your best friends. So who do you go to for advice? Now students have the choice of asking Autumn on Facebook. Autumn's identity remains publicly unknown. Yet her advice is. “I'm here to make a difference one person; one problem at a time,” Autumn said. Autumn’s Facebook is not like any regular profile. She used Facebook as a resource to lend a virtual hand to any Spring Woods student that needs it. She started by simply friend requesting students whom are listed as students from Spring Woods. “I made it anonymous because somehow I think it's easier for people to express their feelings to someone they really don't know who it is. I could be their best friend, the loudest person in school, or just someone who sits in the back row unnoticed,” Autumn said. Autumn is not just
“putting herself out there”. She lets the students decide whether or not they feel com-
From experience, Autumn gives advice on her Facebook status’ and on her “Notes”. She
New teachers and APs step up to the plate Denis Blais
Position: Jr. AP Experience: 20 years
“I feel like I am helping to make real decisions for people.It was a place I always felt comfortable, a place that I always liked and rooted for.”
Elaine Burleson
Position: Life Skills Experience: 6 years
“I like working with the kids one on one in close groups”
Farah Ranjbaran
Position: Jr. Counselor Experience:20 years “Just working with the students, I just want to be able to make a difference.”
Jennifer Dyer
Position: Freshman Counselor Experience:7 years fortable to accept her. “Hopefully, I'll be a shoulder to cry on, and a person to talk to and get meaningful advice from when there is no one else,” Autumn said. With the common “teenage drama” going around, whether it be in secret or known around the halls, teens need at least one person to vent to and Autumn is willing to be that person. “I've always loved giving advice, and this is something I would love to pursue as a career so being able to share my thoughts and help others now is really the best feeling,” Autumn said. “There's really no other way to explain it.”
is all about helping, and while she learns things about students, she asks for nothing in return other than the satisfaction of somehow being a friend to a teen in need. Teenagers typically have at least one or more friends on Facebook that they don’t personally know and that may lead parents to feel uncomfortable, but Autumn is a friend parents don’t have to worry about. “I know that being a teenager is hard, and sometimes there’s really no one to talk to, considering trust is something us kids greatly lack. But I’m here to let you know that I am trust itself,” Autumn said.
“ Working with the kids everyday, being able to interact with them and have conversations with them and see how their day is going.
Marylin Weitz
Position: Ab Asst. Teacher Experience:14 years
“I work with special needs. I like to help people that have to have some kind of special care.”
Summer Experiences
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Teachers, students travel to far away places to encounter tradgedy and triumph
By HALEY SCHILD & LATARA MARSHALL STAFF WRITERS Most teenagers today enjoy having a laptop or a fancy phone, but can you imagine one of these treasured items being stolen from you in the blink of an eye? “They stole my backpack, which had my iPad, iTouch, some cameras, wallets, and my Mom's phone,” freshman Emily Mitchell said. This past summer, Mitchell and her family were vacationing in Washington. “They broke our rental car window, reached in and grabbed my backpack out of the backseat. There was broken glass everywhere,” Mitchell said. The Mitchell family fortunately was't in their car when it happened. They were at a park down the road. “Police interviewed us and the robber was never caught.” Unfortunately, Mitchell’s belongings were never returned and have yet to be replaced.
While many students ing and finding what's suffered in the Texas interesting about New heat, a small group of Zealand and Fiji,” colstudents were bundling lege freshman Van Ahn to stay warm. Thirteen Pham said. Pham was MHS students and One the SWHS student, who SWHS student traveled received a National Geoon the National Geographic Scholgraphic arship and was Student able to go on Photogthe three week raphy trip. For a few Expedidays they were tion this accompanied s u m by photogmer. rapher, Ulla SWEET TREATS: Karter “Newand students try sugar cane. Lohman. Z e a “It was a land is hands on learna place that you have all ing experience and they got to go!” photography learned more about teacher Pam Karter said. than they ever could in a The scenery was both, year,” Karter said. “tropical and mountainThe students also got ous” though gorgeous, a fine arts credit on this the country has expe- three week trip, while rienced three major experiencing the “green earthquakes in the past untouched, natural” isyear. The students went land of New Zealand. on different adventures “Photography is my such as glacier hiking passion. I love traveland sheering sheep at a ing and I love exploring farm. While on the roads new cultures, but there's for many hours, they saw nothing like opening a very few other people on student’s eyes to new the small island. cultural sights,” Karter “Photography was the said. main point of the trip but I think we did a lot hik-
Elizabeth Largent, side. The bomb was a weapons,” Largent said. The team had heard CATE teacher went on a divergent to get all of the about the bombing trip this past summer. in Oslo, and they beIt was an experience gan asking the man she'd never forget. questions. Suddenly, On July 11th, Larthe man opened fire gent and her family at them. left the country on a “The bad part about trip to Norway. these bullets was “It was a long trip,” that they dissolved said Largent. They in your body, causing were there two more damage, than weeks when tragedy regular bullets,” Larstruck. gent said. “The building shook He ended up killing and we thought is 83-86 children and was an earthquake,” adults. There were Largent said. about 500 people at Her son noticed all the camp. Many peoof the ambulances ple jumped in the waand started flipping ter and tried to swim through the TV, lookaway, but he contining for a news staued to shoot them. tion. Once he found “It took the police the BBC where it a long time to get to was reported that a the situation,” Larbomb had gone off in Oslo. This was NORWAY BELAYING: Largent went gent said. just six blocks from rock climbing in Norway while on her The police did get the man, and he is where Largent and vacation. her family were staying. police officers and mili- currently in custody. “Everyone in a four mile tary into the city. MeanGo to radius had their windows while, the bomber took www.facebook.com/ shattered,” Largent said. a boat out to an island Seven people were where a youth group was swhsregit killed in the bombing. staying. Largent said they could “The man was dressed to tell us your sumexperience. We tell it was a car bombing as a police officer, car- mer due to the damage out- rying rifles and other want to hear from you!
Job + school = trouble
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Benefits outweigh difficulties for student workers
By JAZMINE CLARK STAFF WRITER Imagine if a 17 year old became night manager at Academy. He is thrilled to be making $9 an hour instead of $7.50. But with that new job title, closing comes at 10:30 p.m. Afterwards, he heads home to study for that chemistry test at 8:30 A.M. It is diffucult for teens these days to balance both the responsibility of high school and a job. “Keeping up with my grades, my job, and balancing extra curricular activities is very stressful,” sophomore Enid Mejia said. To some students, who have this job means paying their own cellphone bill, and supplying their own wants, and needs. Others think their parents shouldfoot the bill. However, there comes
a time when a teen's thought do I have to do parents say it's enough this? But now I talk to all then you only have that types of people, I never one option, known how which is intersting getting a people can job. be.” “My mom Maybe r a r e l y parents buys me don't want the things their teens I want,” to work, j u n i o r but what Mercy Bul- SCRAMBLING EGGS FOR about the len said. THE EARLY MORNING ones that “I have to SUNSHINE: Wendy Navarro do? Soonbuy it since starts breakfast, the most im- er or later I have my portant meal of the day. you have own job.” to get out There might be hard there and do it yourself. times trying to balance Soon when your parents working and school. But tell you it's time what's along the way you learn the first thing that comes different techniques you to many of you minds? will need later in life. In Maybe what in the world reality students can learn am I going to do? a lot because going to “I learned the hard way work, they rarely know of getting out there, there what to do. wasn't much I thought “I'm not the talking kind I could do, or was I caof girl,” Mejia said. “When pable of doing a lot of I first started working I things,” Bullen said.
When summer gets here, many teens can work more hours and take on more responsibilities that will help to establish job experiences. Now that you're getting older, Kool-Aid stands, raking leaves, may not be making you as much money as you'd like. “It's funny because, when I was younger I used to find all these weird things to do to make money, but I was young,” Mejia said. “Back then money wasn't a big thing, now I love making more than when I did back then.” It’s hard at first, but just think about how it would benefit your future and skills. It's not going to be easy all the time. Just think hard and be smart about the decisions you make. “I know I will succeed,” Bullen said.
The Bully‛s Choice
By: Lorelei Shannon
Ain’t no mountain high enough
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Students travel to Colorado with Younglife
By JAZMINE CANTU STAFF WRITER This summer Younglife took over 20 SWHS students on a vacation in Colorado. It was unforgettable for many students who hadn't been out of Texas, and for the ones who had graduated. “It was an amazing experience,” junior Theresa Cantu said. “I had lots of fun.” The trip to Colorado was planned for months ahead and they were anxious to depart Houston. “I packed my clothes two weeks before, because I was ready to get going,” Cantu said.
couragement from my cabin members, I got the hang of it and was willing to try the ropes course two more times,” junior Cindy Hernandez said. Younglife members were able to interact with peers from different schools in the Spring Branch area, and from other Younglife groups around and outside of Texas. They were able to let loose, be themselves, and meet new people. SMILE NOW, CRY LATER: Theresa To and Amanda Hunt “It made us get get ready to race through the ropes corse. out of our com“It was so scary at fort zone, because they did included swimming, first, but after I got enweren't people we knew hiking, ropes courses, Some of the things that the Younglife students
and other outdoor activities.
or were usually with,” Hernandez said. The graduates benefited as many would leave for college after returning Meeting Time: from their Colorado exEvery Wednesday at 7:37 perience. “It was fun to get away Where: before leaving off to college,” 2011 graduate 2600 Gessner Dr. #116 Dallas Hansford said. Summer Camps: Younglife's purpose is to get teens spiritually Crooked Creek Ranch Frontier Ranch closer to God, and many Trail West Lodge felt that goal was accomWilderness Ranch plished at the camp. “Even after all the fun Fun Activities: and games, I still felt Swimming connected to Him,” CanHiking tu said. Rope Courses Rappeling
Younglife Facts
Winter movies for 2011 By CADE BUNDRICK
The Muppets
New Year’s Eve
Mission Impossible 4
The Adventures of Tintin
The Muppets have returned to hit the big screen, but this time, they aren’t alone. The newest saga in the lovable marionette movies has the biggest star studded cast of the year and a great, new director. The Muppets tells the story of three huge muppet fans bringing the puppets back together to save their old muppet theater from an oil tycoon trying to shut it down. The movie includes guest stars Jack Black, George Clooney, Katy Perry, Donald Glover, Mila Kunis and about fifty others. The movie’s director, James Bobin, also created and directed Flight of the Conchords and Da Ali G Show. With dozens of celebrity cameos and a fantastic comedic director, this movie seems to be the perfect children movie to finish off the year.
There comes a time in every man’s life when he is going to the movie theater to see an awesome 90 minutes of explosions and hot chicks, and instead gets ditched by his friends and sits alone in the front row crying to the Holiday season’s biggest romantic comedy. If this is you, because it is me, then New Year’s Eve may be the movie for you. This is a movie that intertwines the lives of different couples across New York over the course of New Year’s Eve. So, in reality, this is exactly like Valentine’s Day even with most of the same cast members, and director, and writer. So this is the same movie as Valentine’s Day. We’ll see how well this travesty does in the theaters. But chances are, it will be just another Valentine’s Day... because it is.
If you are not, however, the type of guy with a PUBLIC soft side, go see Mission Impossible 4! Although this is the FOURTH installment of a Tom Cruise action series, it will include babes, cars, explosions, suits, and tactical turtle necks. Everything an action movie needs but for a..winter release? Yes, indeed, a winter action movie. This will indeed be a good blockbuster to catch, especially if you are as nostalgic as I am, but it also might not be your type of film for the winter time. I think this movie will be a decent action movie, especially with co-stars Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Tom Wilkinson, but it is at a bad release time. What should be a summer block buster could mean a box office flop, but, we will see how things turn out this December.
Although I am not entirely familiar with the original Tintin comics or books from decades ago, I do know that turning it into a modern day animated adventure movie was probably a good move. This movie tells the adventures of Tintin, a young Belgian Reporter, finding directions to a sunken ship and going off on a treasure hunt. While this classic story is very well-known in Europe, it is not quite as popular here in the States. This English animated film will debut two days before Christmas, that’s right, folks, Christmas Eve’s Eve, to hopefully bring a classic tale to a new scene just in time for the holidays. The cast includes James Bond star, Daniel Craig, Hot Fuzz comedians Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and famous British actor Andy Serkeis.
November 23rd
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December 9th
December 21st
Auditions offer next step to All State Trials for choir “all” consuming
said. “The older By ALISAN OQUINN Harlow kids understand how STAFF WRITER nerve wrecking it can be
versities and even here at Spring Woods. “Camp was a lot of fun. and help out in all ways I enjoyed it a lot, and met Have you ever set your- possible.” new people who were self up for rejection? By The preparation for just as dedicated and doing what you love, the audition starts early loved choir like me,” juthere's a chance that in the summer. Many nior Elleana Smith said. one person The pros can crus your of camp hopes of movwere defiing on. That’s nitely seen what 28 choir and the stustudents are dents “redoing by audially learned tioning for disthe notes trict at the end and the of September. rhythms, Auditioning is which made a very tedious it easier to process, and focus on it takes lots of improving hard work and the details,” dedication if choir direcyou want to tor Katy make it to the Cuddihee next level. said. “I enjoy singLearning ing and I feel MORNING PRACTICE: Dedicated singers practice four pieces like audition- early in the morning. of music ing for it will like you help me beknow the come better at what I students go to different back of your hand can do,” freshman Hannah choir camps held at uni- be a daunting task, but it
is also something worth participating in for these dedicated singers. “I enjoy choir and have always been interested in doing the All-State process,” senior Rachel Palmer said. “I finally came around to doing it!” Although dedicated to choir, Palmer never had the opportunity to participate. As a senior, she is taking her last chance to do what she has always wanted. “I’m excited to go through the process and I know that some of my underclassmen with experience will be helpful,” Palmer said. Auditioning can be a challenging task, but “we have a lot of beautiful voices and natural talent here,” Cuddihee said. The auditioners agreed that the district process is very diligent, but if you’re serious about succeeding, it will be the experience of a lifetime.
December 23rd
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Stumbling into something terrifying Thespians open their season with The Clumsy Custard Horror Show
“All of the people will be taken on a By JESSICA JONES in the cast are nice to be journey through the BUSINESS MANAGER around and you can joke ice cream world by When you around with anyone,” participating, watching hear the sound of a Duran said. “The show is the Custard in terror toilet plunger being crazy and kind of hard to and in amusement,” thrust into a bowl of explain. I think everyone Hibbert said. jello, it can only mean needs to come see it and The show one thing. The Clumsy find out what it’s like!” involves a lot of Custard approaches! In this comedy, stage tricks that the But what is the Clumsy King Dumb is ready for Thespians have worked Custard exactly and his daughter, Princess hard to master. From what’s with the super Prince, to select a pantomiming a forcefield long show title? Director husband. She is to marry to coordinating sword Terry Hibbert probably a knight from Zob Proper, fighting scenes, the show has the best answer. but after the master of has been a fun challenge “The Clumsy for the tech Custard is a crew. Junior metaphor for all the Candace things we’re scared Edgley plays of in the world, the unique kind of like a blob part of Head, a of fear,” Hibbert character that said. “In reality, has no body. the Custard has “There a silly personality will be a shelf and human with a box that characteristics. has a hole in The title is THE REVENGE OF THE CLONES: Senior the side for simply eye- Ayana Gaither plays an evil ice cream clone, me to stick my catching and fun.” using her magic powers againist Worfle, head through The play, creating the written by William played by junior Cristian Carillo. illusion,” Gleason, includes Fast Feet, Swashbuck Edgley said. “It was either audience participation, Valpriso shows up, that or decapitation!” unforgettable characters, everything changes. All of the and hilarious scenes. Meanwhile in Zob Thespians are excited The show opens Improper, the evil Dacron for the community and September 30th and and his Ice Cream the school to see their runs through October clones plot to kidnap production. As they 3rd. Comparable to the the princess because he continue the rehearsal Rocky Horror Picture wishes to marry her as process, their energy Show, the audience is well. The audience will builds as opening in for an experience. be on the edge of their night draws near. Freshmen Blas Duran seats as they wait to see “The show is enjoying his first time if Swashbuck prevails has a huge level of on the high school stage and wins the affections audience participation and can’t wait for the of the princess. so they should come to audience to see the show. “The audience have fun,” Edgley said.
The Bully‛s Choice
By: Lorelei Shannon
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Lorelei Shannon is a sophomore. Her brother, Jason, drew the comics for the Regit last year. Because Jason is now gone to college, Lorelei has stepped up to take the throne of reigning comic artist for the Regit. Lorelei has been drawing and writing her own comics for four years, and plans to continue in the future.
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Economy slumps. Enrollment rises. Online course provides source to decrease expenses
By JAROSLAV UNAR STAFF WRITER
It’s hard enough going to college as it is, but it’s even harder w h e n you’re economically disadvantaged. The economy definitely shouldn’t stop anyone from going to college. Although I have my doubts about college at times because of money reasons, every single one of us should make it a priority. College isn’t out of the question even if the economy is bad. There’s no reason all the seniors shouldn’t be going to college next year. College enrollment is actually the highest its been in years. So then why is it so hard to be accepted in to college in these times? First, colleges look at your grades. Colleges look at your SAT and ACT scores, and if you don’t meet standards, you could be rejected. Your grade point average takes
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into account your grades as soon as you get to high school. If you didn’t pay attention as a freshman or even sophomore, you could be paying the price now. Colleges look to see what activities you participate in for school, debate, junior honor society, etc. They look at your work experience, out-of-school activities, and wether you’ve volunteered for anything at all. The pricing isn’t making it easier either. The average price of tuition at public colleges, like UH, $7,605. Two-year colleges run an average of $2,713 and private colleges $27,293 per year. Some students lack the motivation from their parents. Maybe their parents didn’t attend college and don’t feel it’s necessary. Is it possible that your school doesn’t have enough programs to prepare students for college? There are many reasons to go to college, but of course the most important reason is for your education, to learn new things, to learn about
your interests. Then comes a better paying job and a more fulfilling career. Achieving more than our parents do seems like a personal goal we should all have. College could be out of the question for those who loathe school. I can see how someone could hate school, for all the boring work we get. I can also see how someone would love school, knowing how much harder work will be compared to school work. For those who are only concerned that price is an obstacle, there are still things you can do to reduce that stress. Consider going to a less prestigious college, or going to college closer to home. Reduce the cost by living at home. Grants and scholarships are being given out for just about everything. Many colleges are being set up online like DeVry University, and ITT Tech for students who have busy schedules. In reality, the only obstacle stopping you from going to college is you.
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Media can corrupt young minds Tech-savy teens find salvation at finger tips
By ALISAN O’QUINN STAFF WRITER Very few teens realize how m u c h the media truly affects them. It can influence things from the clothes they wear to the people they spend their time with and even the type of music they listen to. Media changes the self esteem of teenage girls with the pressures to look “perfect” in modern day society. Marketing departments spend millions of dollars each year specifically targeting teenage girls who are sometimes insecure about their appearance. Some agree that teens are easiest to persuade, as at this stage in their lives, they are still learning who they are and what they want to be. Many teens just follow the crowd and are afraid
Apps apt for failure
to go against what society says is acceptable. They only want to “feel accepted in whatever social group they belong to,” psychology teacher Julie Henry said. Some of the nega-
iTouches, all information is available with the touch of a finger or the push of a button. With the cons greatly out-weighing the pros of the affects of the media, very few people know h o w much “Some agree that teens are t h e easiest to persuade, as at this m e d i a stage in their lives, they are a ff e c t s instill learning who they are and fluencand what they want to be.” es their lives. tive effects of the meAlthough technology is a dia include unhealthy great resource, our gendieting, violent ten- eration depends on it too dencies, and irrational much. If we all watched demands for mate- a little less T.V. or spent rial items. The media, less time on the Internet, whether it is television imagine the difference shows, such as Teen that we could make. Mom and Jersey Shore, Imagine what we could music, or magazines, do if we actually talked like Seventeen, can in- to people face to face fluence their thoughts. and received their emoBut along with the bad, tions first hand, not just there's the good. Posi- through text messages. tive effects of media Imagine what the world include teens not being would be like if the meafraid of using technol- dia didn't have control of ogy, from cell phones every aspect of our lives. to computers to iPods. With the technology like smart phones and
Too many social networks makes networking difficult
By CADE BUNDRICK CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
With great preference c o m e s great res p o n sibility. To say that social n e t working, or social media, is at a steady increase, is almost a cop out. In all seriousness, there are so many social networks being created every day that it is becoming cumbersome. People are finding it more difficult to actually interact with another person on certain apps and wesbites. The fact of the matter is, it is more difficult for social network users to be satisfied because there are so little people on the social
networks that they use. The cause of this can be seen in the high demand of preference. New websites such as Orkut or Google+ are encouraging a higher amount of preference and
to make the website worthwhile. This means that while there are new ideas every day, these ideas are limited by the users they can generate. At least, that’s what
“Investing time in an app with a relative few amount of users is a waste of time...”
-Trevor Sheridan
are actually promoting new social networks. While these newer social networks are being created, more users are exploring them, leaving the rest of us behind. We, as users, are increasingly more interested in a social network which provides maximum customization and high amounts of intel. If a website can combine your favorite socializing ideas, but is only getting 500 users a week, there will not be enough people
Trevor Sheridan states in an article from “Apple’N’Apps,” discussing an app overload in the appstores. “Investing time in an app with a relative few amount of users is a waste of time when you could be using a popular app with greater chance to interact with people,” Sheridan said. It seems that a strong majority of social media users stick to
their commonly used Facebook, Twitter, or even Tumblr accounts, but for the rest of the population scouring the internet for a new type of blog or notification device, they are receiving the short end of the stick. As there are more and more sites being created every day, the user base for these sites are being spread into a thinner layer. When someone finds interest in a new website, the current website they are using becomes inadequate and goes unused and ignored. Just look at old social media sites such as Myspace, Xanga, or even AIM. AOL Instant Messenger may have been seen as a quick and easy conversation tool, but now it is seen as something of the past. With websites such as Facebook, which
has combined the best and someone creates of most older social a website to combine networking sites, instant them into a supposed messaging through holy grail of social media a third devices, p a r t y c o u g h such as -FlickrYahoo or cough, then AOL, is there are 16 history. new photo The s h a r i n g solution websites. for this is Thus, the simple: disease stick to continues. the So, A SLEAK NEW LOOK: A logo for one if we of the newest social networking sites, Google+. social networks that you know. As long as we refute the expansion of our social media websites, fewer websites will be created. This goes equally for consumers and producers. For example, if there are 15 new photo sharing websites,
eliminate our need for luxury, and we stick to the sites we know best, we can create a larger user base for our already decent websites. Once we are able to shift the majority into a select few networks, more social networks will be able to stem together and improve their websites.
No games, no paychecks By JAROSLAV UNAR STAFF WRITER
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Senior wins gold, silver Daniels’ throw almost breaks record by inches
By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER
While Yao Ming hangs back at home, Rocket's worry that they might not get a paycheck come October. With the collective bargaining agreement expired, there is an NBA lockout thats been in effect since july, 1. The players and owners failed to reach an agreement over cash. There's a big gap in terms of numbers. It seems like the owners are being a little greedy towards the players due to the lack of cash. The players are the ones that bring in the money, but aren't getting what they want. The owners wouldn't want to break up cash cows in trades like the big three in Miami. The last time there was a lockout was in the 1998-99 season which cut the schedule to a mere 50 games. A season that in no way could be compared to a regular season. They will meet for the next few weeks, and with proposals still being thrown around, and as more time passes, many players are considering playing overseas. If there’s no deal in place in a month, the season could be in jeopardy. While it's probable that they will come to an agreement due to the fact that they won't make any money, fans worry that there won't be a season this year. If there will be a season, it will be with fewer games. All we can do is wait like we did with the NFL lockout.
"The place was packed," Daniels said. "There were a lot of people in
coaches walking around spectating." “Preparation for nation-
Rod had me practicing two to three hours a day, five days a week.”
One of your own Spring Woods Tigers vied for the gold, and won, this past summer as Lauren Daniels competed in nationals in the Young Women's shot put event. The AAU Junior Olympic games were held on August 2nd and 3rd in New Orleans, Louisiana. "I was so excited for nationals," senior Lauren Daniels said. "It was my first time leaving Texas." The scene at GET READY! GET SET! THROW!: the nationals THE SMILE OF A CHAMPION: Daniels shows Lauren Daniels unleashes her powerc o m p e t i t i o n off her silver and gold medals. full shot put. was unlike any track and field competition held lo- the stands cheering als was very exhausting,” Rodriguez believes cally. and a bunch of college Daniels said. “Coach that Daniels is the com-
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plete package. “She’s tall, strong, fast, and her technique gets better everytime she throws,” Rodriguez said. “She’s also really competitive.” For Daniels, shot put and discus are not just hobbies that she so happens to be great at. It is a love she has for what she does. She is now ranked as Junior Olympic champion and AAU All-American. Her fifth throw of 46ft.6in. just missed the national record of 47ft.7in. In discus she took home the silver. "Placing 1st in shot put and 2nd in discus was definitely a proud moment for me," Daniels said. "My dream is to participate in the Olympic games someday."
New coach sets bar high Veterans team up with rookies for season of change
By BRITTANY MOORE STAFF WRITER While most students took full advantage of their three month summer vacation traveling, sleeping in, and hanging out with friends, summer ended a month sooner for a select few volleyball players. The 2011 volleyball season began August 1st with two-a-days followed by a series of cuts. Twoa-days were grueling, consumed with a lot of running and major conditioning. Sixty five girls tried out, but only 45 girls were selected. There are now 11 girls on varsity, 12 on junior varsity, 10 on freshman A, and 12 on freshman B. “Cuts are the most stressful part of being head coach,” varsity coach Alicia Midler said. “Aside from the stress of tryouts, cuts, and
having to choose girls I had to remind myself everyday after school, who are ready for varsity that if Midler didn’t think I the girls find different competition, I love my could handle it, then she ways of mentally and job and I feel like I picked would not have put me physically preparing for a good team this year.” on varsity. The girls are competition. The “Before varsity team every game consists of we go out six seniors, into the four juniors, hallways and one and play sophomore. games to With four get excited returning and pumped players up,” senior and seven and varsity new ones, captain along with Cara Alonzo a new head said. “It coach, this really works volleyball because season has we’re all withstood doing it a lot of TOGETHER WE STAND: before every game, the var- together. I changes. sity girls join hands as their opponents are introduced. mean we “It’s a bit look pretty intimidating to be on a super nice to me and I ridiculous, but we’re team with juniors and love them.” together so it doesn’t more seniors because Aside from intense matter.” I’m the baby of the team!” practices, consisting With the same goal of sophomore Samantha of numerous volleyball making it to the playoffs, Boncyk said. “At first I drills, ab workouts, and each and every member was really nervous, but extreme conditioning of the varsity volleyball
team works together to push one another and play as a team, always ready for new and exciting competition. “We all try to motivate each other if we’re not playing at or best,” Alonzo said. “The things we’re all looking forward to are the more competitive teams and I definitely believe that we can win a lot more games.”
Volleyball Playoff Schedule 10/29-11/12 District Playoffs 11/17-11/19 State Tournament
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Tigers take on all challengers, tough criticism Coach readies self, team for 2011-12 season
By JACK RODGERS EDITOR IN CHIEF After last season’s rocky beginning, middle, and end, the Tigers are ready to move past the 2010-11 woes and look forward to the future. Coach Keith Cripps may have the answers.
Q:
A lot of people are saying that this is Spring Woods' year, that we're going to win big against teams like Stratford and Northbrook. What do you think about your team's chance to do it?
A: We only focus on the team we are playing each week. We are not focused on teams we play later on in the season. We are focusing on getting better fundamentally, physically, and mentally. Q:
With last year's starting quarterback Roman Rodriguez deciding to stop playing
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football in order to pursue track, who do you think is the future of your program here at Spring Woods, on both offense and defense?
that we are going to work
the number one thing
Q:
A: We do not concern ourselves with those that are not in our program. We can only control the student-athletes that are in football. Sidney McBride has done a great job playing quarterback this year. He scored 4 touchdowns against Pasadena.
Who is the player that stepped it up that you weren't expecting?
A: Derry Bedford has been a player that has really stepped up for us this year. Derry starts on both sides of the ball playing receiver and corner, and also plays on several special teams.
Q:
In a recent Houston Chronicle high school football special, t h e writers for the Chroni c l e ranked Spring Woods at 7th out of 8 in the 17-4A d i s trict, w i t h Spring Woods ranked higher than only Northbrook. What do you have to say to the people who think that the Spring Woods football program never wins?
A: We have not been successful as far as wins are concerned. I do not concern myself with outside opinions regarding our program. We have a belief as a staff and team
once the game starts they know where to line up and know what to do, then the main focus is the effort. Our kids give great effort.
Q: hard each day and prepare to win each day.
Q:
With district play really starting up in the next couple of weeks, what are you telling your guys to be prepared for?
A: Again, we are not looking ahead to any teams except the one we are playing. As a staff, we do scout teams that we will be playing ahead of time in district, but we focus on working hard each week to get better and win. Q:
that you are focusing on this year while you're on the field?
A: The main focus as I have on the field is the effort of our players. They have been coached over and over the fundamentals of their position. So,
With our awesome win against New Caney in Week 2, what do you think happened in Week 3 that made a difference on the field?
A: We took a step back from Week 2 to Week 3. We got better in some areas, but we made too many mistakes to win. Santa Fe did a good job against us.
What is
Eat, run, eat, run, sleep, run, repeat Team dedicates summer to early running for cross country
By JENIFER MENDOZA STAFF WRITER
While some people are paying attention to sports like football and volleyball, there's a sport who is working just as hard and that's cross country. This summer the boys and girls started their practice runs in late June. Most teens at 5am are still sound asleep. But the runners in cross country are up and getting ready for their morning run. “We run every morn-
ing from 6am h a v e to 7:15am,” thought boys coach t h a t Weatherthey run stone said. “about They were 20 to 35 out running in miles in the summer a week,” heat. Weath“They starterstone ed about said. two weeks While after school s o m e stopped,” s p o r t Weatherteams stone said. TEAM THAT RUNS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER: h a v e “We've beenCross country celebrates after SBISD invitational at t e a m running everySpring Forest leaders, morning exothers course, known for their do not. Such is the case cept Friday mornings.” running, but you wouldn't Cross country is, of
with this cross country team. All help each other strive to do their best. “The cross country team will become your second family,” Senior Brenda Sandoval said. “We are always there for each other.” In every sport, there are certain people who catch your eye or do something remarkable. This team has their own unique team members. “Brenda Sandoval on the girls side and Alan Beltran on the boys side are the ones to watch for,” girls coach Davis
said. Everybody has to start at the bottom, after that, there's nowhere else to go but up. “They have a long way to go,” Davis said. The year has just started and practice will get more intense, but coaches have high hopes for the cross country members. “I think it's going to be a good class,” Weatherstone said. “If they put in the hard work, in the end they will be good.”
Tiger Football 2011 REGIT STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jack Rodgers CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Cade Bundrick
BUSINESS MANAGER:
Jessica Jones
ASST BUSINESS MNGR:
Sam Lopez
STAFF WRITERS: Carly Batterson, Jazmine Clark, Lilya Gehman, Brittany Moore, Alisan O’Quinn, Haley Schild, Jazmine Cantu, Odlais Garcia, Latara Marshall, Jenifer Mendoza, Scott Moore, Lorelei Shannon, Jaroslav Unar, Stephanie Vargas ADVISOR: Pam Karter
The Regit is published every six weeks by the newspaper staff as a public forum for the student community. The staff reserves the right to choose the content of the stories. Final decisions involving all written and pictorial content shall be made by the staff and advisor. The Regit will strive to present news in a fair, impartial, accurate, and truthful way. Editorials represent only the staff writer’s view. Letters to the editor are welcomed from any Regit reader.
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.
Back Row (from left): Jazmine Cantu, Jazmine Clark, Stephanie Vargas, Jack Rodgers, Lilya Gehman, Jaroslav Unar, Odalis Garcia, Cade Bunkdrick, Latara Marshal, Scott Moore Front Row (from left): Lorelei Shannon, Carly Batterson, Haley Schild, Jessica Jones, Brittany Moore, Alisan O’Quinn, Sam Lopez, Jenifer Mendoza