February Issue 2011

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Shooting  for  success

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Senior  Matt  Nesloney  gives  all  he’s  got

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Violence  triggers  writing Freedom  Writer  Tony  Becerra  gives  inspirational  talk

helped  them  out,  was    â€œKnowing  some  about  By  DAYANA  IZA and  the  competition  chair  and  made  it  to  the  STAFF  WRITER so  inspiring  to  Davis.  the  story  of  these  kids,  became  much  harder  all  state  mixed  choir.  It  was  amazing  how  I  realized  how  many  to  narrow  down,  but     â€œI  think  it's  incredible  he  book  has  the  Rodney  King  Riots  of  the  students  at  Nesloney  consistently  that  Matt  made  it  this  probably  been  read  and  the  O.J.  Simpson  Spring  Woods  would  fter  months  of  prac-­ made  it  through  each  far,â€?  Cuddihee  said,  by  few,  but  the  trial  had  affected  the  probably  be  able  to  tice  and  the  stress  round  with  his  head  â€œI'm  so  glad  that  he  had  movie  has  probably  relate,â€?  Davis  said. of  auditions,  senior  held  high  and  making  this  opportunity  and  got  been  seen  by  many,     Gruwell  recognized  Matt  Nesloney  was  the  Spring  Woods  proud. to  share  it  with  others  and  it  is  why  the  the  similarities  only  choir  student  at  SWHS.  Matt  story  of  the  Freedom  and  problems  of  to  make  it  to  area.  worked  incred-­ Writers  is  well  known. her  students.  She     Starting  in  the  ibly  hard  and  it    Having  an  actual  immediately  started  summer,  Nesloney  really  paid  off!â€?  Freedom  using  her  tools  to  Writer  and  several  other      To  be  able  to  come  talk  at  a  unite  and  change  her  choir  students  par-­ make  it  this  far  particular  students.  She  gave  school  ticipated  in  a  choir  into  the  process  is  probably  them  books  written  by  an  camp  in  preparation  is  something  that  opportunity  teenagers  and  it  was  few  IRU WKH ÂżUVW URXQG not  everyone  schools  get,  but  through  these  books  The  camp  was  held  gets  to  experi-­ Spring  Woods  was  that  the  minds  of  these  at  Spring  Woods  ence  and  since  lucky  enough  to  kids  started  to  change.  by  choir  director,  this  is  Nesloney's  get  Freedom  Writer  They  later  began  Katy  Cuddihee.  senior  year,  it  Tony  Becerra  come  writing  anonymous  From  there,  Nes-­ is  an  amazing  talk  to  students. journal  entries  about  loney  practiced  till  thing  to  say  he    But  who  and  why  the  problems  that  they  WKH ÂżUVW URXQG ZDV a c c o m p l i s h e d .  got  and  worked  faced  in  their  every  held  in  September.    â€œMaking  it  this  on  getting  such  a  day  lives.  Gangs,      The  students  far  has  been  so  prestigious  speaker  immigration,  drugs,  were  all  smiles  awesome  and   come  talk  to  us?  violence,  abuse,  death,  when  they  found  although  it  was  Gear  Up  director,  anorexia,  dyslexia,  out  they  had  made  at  times  stressful,  Regina  Davis  was  teenage  love,  weight  it  to  the  next  round,  it  was  still  one  of  the  one  that  put  her  issues,  divorce,  suicide,  with  Nesloney  the  best  experi-­ hands  on  the  project. and  all  the  other  issues  smiling  along  with  ences  of  my  life,â€?    â€œCouple  years  back,  were  the  main  topics.  them.  New  round,  Nesloney  said.  I  was  at  a  conference  Those  journal  entries  new  music,  and  HITTING  THE  HIGH  NOTE:  Nesloney  â€œI  really  wish  in  which  Erin  GREAT  CHARACTER   BEATS  THE  were  later  published  the  nonstop  prac-­ sings  his  way  to  the  top. I  would  have  Gruwell  and  two  of  ODDS:  Becerra  shows  his  sense  into  a  book  called  The  tice  for  Nesloney  tried  out  all  four  her  former  students  Freedom  Writers  Diary. of  humor  after  talking  to  SW  tigers.    With  having  all  of  had  become  a  rou-­ years  because  were  speaking.  tine  that  he  soon  had  $V WKH URXQGV Ă€HZ E\ even  though  this  is  ex-­ They  this  known,  Davis  was  left  me  to  get  accustomed  to. Nesloney  stayed  persis-­ citing;Íž  I  wish  I’d  had  completely  mesmerized  even  more  determined      â€œMatt  is  a  very  dedi-­ tent.  He  stunned  many  more  chances.  But  it’s  by  their  true  stories,  mood  in  the  city  of  these  to  bring  at  least  one  cated  person  and  I  knew  with  the  news  that  he  was  still  good  to  get  one  in  and  I  was  determined  kids,  making  their  lives  speakerto  come  talk  that  he  wouldn't  give  the  only  choir  student  before  I  graduate.  For  to  bring  them  to  Spring  almost  miserable.  On  to  Spring  Woods.  up  easily,â€?  sophomore  from  the  school  to  make  anyone  who  hopes  to  Woods,â€?  Davis  said. WKHLU ÂżUVW GD\ RI KLJK Especially  now  that  Mary  Quinones  said.  â€œI  it  all  the  way  to  area.  make  it  in  the  future,  all    Having  listened  to  how  school  they  all  had  she  had  also  read  am  very  happy  for  him.â€? Nesloney  rode  solo  to  I  can  really  is  work  re-­ high  school  freshmen  three  things  in  common:  the  book  written  by      The  numbers  de-­ the  area  round  that  was  ally  hard  and  to  remem-­ students  had  suffered  â€œwe  hated  school,  we  the  Freedom  Writers. creased  as  the  rounds  held  on  January  8th  and  EHU \RX JRQÂś EH ÂżQH ´ and  how  their  English  hated  our  teacher,  and  EHFDPH PRUH GLIÂżFXOW he  came  out  with  second  Continued  on  Page  2 teacher  Erin  Gruwell  we  hated  each  other.â€? By  SAM  LOPEZ STAFF  WRITER

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Sigma  Delta  competes  at  Harvard Â

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Speech  and  debate  team  places  itself  on  national  map

By  CHELSEA  RODRIGUEZ year  some  of  the  varsity  members  have  decided  STAFF  WRITER to  pay  out  of  their  own  his  February,  Sigma  pockets  to  go  to  Boston  Delta  expands  and  compete  with  its  horizons  and  the  best  of  the  best.  travels  out  of  state  to     â€œCreating  a  stronger  compete  at  Harvard  team  requires  traveling  University  in  Cambridge,  out  of  town  and  Massachusetts,  their  money,â€?  debate  coach  most  prestigious  Victoria  Beard  said.  tournament  before    With  a  total  of  17  heading  off  to  quals  for  state,  Beard  State  in  March.  SODQV RQ WDNLQJ ÂżYH RI   â€œHarvard  is  basically  her  tigers  to  Boston. equivalent  to  the     â€œNo  one  from  Spring  national  tournament  we  Woods  has  ever  gone  experience  during  the  to  Harvard,â€?  senior  Tori  summer,â€?  senior  Silverio  Kimmel  said.  â€œWe’re  Ramirez  said.  â€œIn  fact,  last  makin’  history,  baby!â€? \HDU PDQ\ RI WKH ÂżQDOLVWV   Only  a  handful  of  at  NFL  nationals  were  members  of  Sigma  Delta  WKH ÂżQDOLVWV DW +DUYDUG ´ will  attend  the  Harvard      The  Harvard  tourna-­ tournament.   President  ment  is  not  invitational;Íž  Ramirez  will  compete  in  however,  only  state  Congressional  Debate,  with  senior  TXDOLÂżHUV DWWHQG 7KLV along Â

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HARVARD  BOUND:  Seniors  Kelley  Kim,  Tori  Kimmel,  Niko  Corbin,  Silverio  Ramirez  and  junior  Cade  Bundrick  prepare  themselves  for  a  long  weekend. treasurer  Kelley  Kim,  vice  president  Kimmel Â

in  Original  Oratory,  senior  historian  Niko Â

Corbin  in  Humorous  Interpretation,  and Â

junior  Cade  Bundrick  in  Dramatic  Interpretation.     â€œIn  the  six  years  I’ve  been  here,  I  didn’t  feel  I  could  compete  on  the  national  level.  Now  I  feel  we  can,â€?  Beard  said.       Attending  an  emi-­ nent  tournament  like  Harvard  is  one  thing,  but  SODFLQJ LQ D ÂżQDO URXQG is  another.  Even  then,  these  oral  interpreters  strive  to  enhance  their  skills  and  make  a  name  for  themselves.   â€œThe  physical  strain  of  experiencing  a  tournament  so  large   creates  an  emotional  workout  necessary  for  the  [other]  important  tournaments  [like  UIL,  state,  and  NATS],â€?  Ramirez  said.   Good  luck  Speech  and  Debate!

WELCOME NEW TEACHERS

Gretchen Lutz

Constance Haugneland

English I

Algebra I

Why did you move here? I love sunshine and a great BBQ. What was your childhood dream? I always wanted to be a teacher. Pet peeve(s)? I don’t like to see people chewing gum with their mouth open. What do you think of your students? They are all vibrant and fun to interact with. Where did you graduate? Texas State University Why did you become a teacher? I love to read and write and help students see the value in education. What is your favorite food? I love all foods. I will try anything. What do you miss most in life? I miss my family on the West Coast.

Where did you graduate? Texas Tech University What is one thing you dislike? Lima beans Personality? I am a fun-loving person. I care about others and their well-being. I love to smile. What is your favorite sport? College Football and Basketball...Texas Tech Red Raiders! Embarrassing moment? I was late to a game at summer camp when I was in high school, and the leader made me pick my nose in front of the whole group because I was late. Teaching method? I really try to create a positive relationship with my students. When they know that I care about them, they are more willing to accept and think critically about the things I teach them.

“Try to always have a good attitude even when things seem tough.” - Lutz

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Tenth graders lead way for brighter future Students anticipate exciting new year with Leadership Institute

By ALEX SANCHEZ STAFF WRITER

The Leadership Institute consists of 60 outstanding tenth graders, making it one of the largest student groups in the school. Tenth grade principal Jennifer Collier is in charge of organizing the groups activities such as ropes initiatives, a book study, and school service projects. Principal Lance Stallworth has also collaborated with the group by organizing meetings with local leaders such as Dr. Duncan Klussman, superintendent of the district, and hopes to make more contributions in the spring. The main objective of the Leadership Institute is to develop and build the group’s skills as effective leaders that stand out, and to work compatibly

with their peers as well. The group is currently working on a book study on “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” by Steven Covey, and they have also attended a ROPES course for leadership and team building. For this semester, the group is planning on selecting school service projects, such as improving school spirit on campus. Stallworth has also talked to members of the business department at Rice University and has planned for them to have a word with the students on campus in the spring, but there is QR RI¿FLDO GDWH IRU WKH visit at the moment. Last semester, the students had the opportunity to meet with the superintendent of the district, Dr. Klussman. The students listened to Klussman’s story about

The Leadership Institute teaches students how to EH PRUH FRQ¿GHQW DQG HI¿FLHQW ZKHQ ZRUNLQJ together and taking on leadership roles with activities like ROPES courses to even raising school spirit on campus. “I really enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference in our school,” Edgley said. “I’ve learned awesome leadership tactics, and I really enjoy the institute”. In their latest meeting, the Leadership LEADING THE WAY: Cripps participates in ROPES course. his life, and how through hard work and dedication, he was able to become EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: the leader he is today. “He shared with us Kelley Kim what traits he sees as good qualities for BUSINESS MANAGER: a leader,” sophomore Julie Bang Candace Edgley said. “All in all, he really cares about us students.” STAFF WRITERS: Alexander Reyes, Chelsea Rodriguez, Dayana Iza, Jack Rodgers, Jason Shannon, Jessica Jones, JJ Gonzalez, Niko Corbin, Sam Lopez, Cade Bundrick Samantha Solis Advisor: Pam Karter

Institute divided into groups to come up with ideas to promote school spirit. Several potential ideas were brought up, including a traditions book, involving more school spirit based apparel, and a video introduction to Spring Woods. “Mrs. Collier and Mr. Stallworth were both there to help with the planning process and give leadership tips. In one month we

present our plans to Mr. Stallworth and he yay/ nay ‘s them,” said Edgley. Collier’s success with the program makes her optimistic that the Leadership Institute will begin a new year with the class of 2014 and hopes to continue following the current sophomore class. “I am hoping that we can form a new group as well as keep this one going,” Collier said. “I foresee lots of exciting things coming from this group”.

2010 REGIT STAFF The Regit is published monthly by the newspaper staff as a public forum for the student community. The staff reserves the right to choose the content of 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, 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.

FREEDOM WRITERS CONT. “I told everybody about the Freedom Writers, and when the movie was out, I was so excited to see it.,” Davis said. Things turned for Davis when she recently was at a conference in Corpus Christi and was told she would actually be able to get one of the Freedom Writers come talk to Spring Woods. After much trying, what she wanted ZDV ¿QDOO\ LQ KHU KDQGV “I was so excited. It had always been so hard because the schedules of these speakers are

always so busy, but I ZDV ¿QDOO\ DEOH WR JHW one come talk to my school,” Davis said. The news was also recently given out to everybody at school, and a movie night showing Freedom Writers in the main auditorium was even set, just to start getting ready for the guest speaker. “I love the movie, and I’m so excited to actually have a real Freedom Writer come talk to us,” senior Veronica Rojas said. Tony Becerra had a

great and inspirational talk with the students here, and many were able to relate in some way or another. Davis feels like one of her last projects ZDV ¿QDOO\ FRPSOHWH “It was amazing that even after all the stuff he went through. He rose above it all and graduated and is now a successful man. I think guest speakers like him are needed and helpful to help us see how tough life can really be,” senior Mollie Musgrove said after listening to Becerra’s story.

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Pollicove  introduces  engineering  initiative &RDFKœV QHZ FRXUVH DOUHDG\ D VXFFHVV LQ LWV ¿UVW \HDU

By  JACK  RODGERS STAFF  WRITER  A  new  class  has  come  to  Spring  Woods.  Coach  Marc  Pollicove  currently  teaches  an  In-­ troductory  Engineering  course  as  part  of  the  Project  Lead  the  Way  (PLTW)  initiative.  PLTW  is  an  educational  pro-­ gram  provider  that  was  started  in  the  mid-­90's  by  engineers  who  real-­ ized  enrollment  num-­ bers  in  college  declined  to  the  point  that  depart-­ ments  were  shrinking.  Its  main  goal  is  to  get  kids  involved  in  fun  sci-­ ence  and  math  related  classes.  Joe  Kolenda,  principal  of  the  Guthrie  Center  has  partnered  with  PLTW  and  Spring  Woods  Principal  Lance  Stallworth  to  bring  the  Engineering  course  to  our  school.  "Last  year  Mr.  Pollicove,  Mr.  Stall-­ worth  and  I  talked  about  bringing  it  into  Spring  Woods,"  Kolenda  said.  "It  is  a  big  commitment  for  the  teacher,  as  each  gives  up  two  weeks  of  their  summer  at  training  for  the  class.  It's  intense  and  they  have  home-­

work,  projects  and  more.  Pollicove  loved  it  and  has  been  enthusiastic  to  bring  it  to  the  Spring  Woods  students."  Pollicove  could  not  just  jump  into  teach-­ ing  the  class,  there  were  a  few  things  he  need  to  GR ÂżUVW ,QLWLDOO\ , ZDV required  to  take  a  test  for  acceptance,â€?  Pollicove  said.  Once  accepted,  I  was  required  to  return  to  school  and  become  FHUWLÂżHG WR WHDFK WKH program.  I  attended  The  University  of  Texas  at  Tyler  during  the  summer  and  found  the  course  most  stimulating."  Pollicove  also  was  fortunate  in  the  tim-­ ing  of  the  introduction  of  the  new  course.  "With  the  con-­ struction,  we  had  a  great  opportunity  to  add  some-­ thing  like  this  to  Spring  Woods,"  Stallworth  said.  "We  could  build  the  classroom  near  the  Met-­ al  Shop  room  to  make  it  possible  for  Coach  Pol-­ licove  to  go  from  one  to  the  other."  Stallworth  also  said  that  Pollicove  was  the  best  choice  for  the  job,  as  the  subject  mat-­ ter  taught  in  Engineering Â

is  very  close  to  what  Pol-­ said  "We  hope  the  class-­ had  the  class  met  with  has  good  things  to  say  licove  already  does.  The  es  grow,  add  additional  enthusiasm  from  the  stu-­ about  it.   "I  loved  the  thought  process  behind  it,"  Gonzalez  said.  "I  wanted  to  be  adventur-­ ous  and  wanted  to  try  this  Engineering  course.  It  was  a  brand  new  class  this  year  and  I  took  ad-­ vantage  of  it."  Pollicove  has  no  plans  on  stopping,  al-­ ready  making  plans  for  the  future.  "Next  year,  I  will  have  all  of  the  equipment  in  place  at  the  start  of  the  year  and  have  a  better  feel  for  the  assignments.  I  also  plan  on  adding  other  components  into  the  curriculum  since  we  have  the  metal  and  wood  lab  at  our  disposal,"  Pol-­ licove  said.  "One  of  the  of  teach-­ EARLY  START:  Coach  Pollicove  works  with  students  in  engineering. advantages  ing  the  engineering  pro-­ gram  at  Spring  Woods  class  is  currently  only  ones  and  more  oppor-­ dents.  is  having  the  facilities  to  RIIHUHG ÂżUVW SHULRG EXW tunities  each  year.  How-­  "What  they  take  the  students’  cre-­ could  be  offered  more  as  ever,  it  really  is  based  on  found  at  Stratford  was  ative  concepts  and  apply  student  interest  increas-­ student  interest  and  en-­ that  the  class  started  them  to  a  practical  use.  es. rollment." out  small  and  got  bigger  Few  schools  in  the  state   "There  is  a   The  course  has  in  size  as  word  spread  teach  the  engineering  FRQVLGHUDEOH ÂżQDQFLDO been  offered  at  Memorial  about  it.  So  we're  hop-­ program  and  it  seems  investment  from  CTE  and  Stratford  for  a  few  ing  that's  what  happens  even  fewer  teach  the  ap-­ [Career  and  Technical  years  now,  with  Memo-­ here,"  Stallworth  said. plied  science  found  in  in-­ Education]  to  launch  and  ULDO EHLQJ WKH ÂżUVW VFKRRO  Senior  Ivan  dustry.  We  are  fortunate  maintain  these  classes  to  have  it  10  years  ago,  Gonzalez  is  currently  en-­ to  have  the  best  of  both  at  each  school,"  Kolenda  and  both  schools  have  rolled  in  the  class,  and  worlds."

Character Without Question Nominees

WINNER: Senior Lakreshia Gadison

Child  nutrition  improves  nationwide

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Proposed  budget  cuts  attempt  to  curb  obesity

By  JULIE  BANG BUSINESS  MANAGER   It  is  time  to  say  good-­ bye  to  the  fries.  School  cafeterias  would  have  to  serve  students  more  with  whole  grains,  fruits  and  vegetables  under  the  governement’s  plans  for  WKH ÂżUVW PDMRU QXWULWLRQDO overhaul  of  students’  meals  in  15  years.  The  new  guidelines  would  re-­

Right: Senior Mollie Musgrove

Left: Sophomore Jordan Jump Not pictured: Van Anh Pham

quire  schools  to  cut  so-­ dium  in  school  lunches  by  more  than  half  and  use  more  whole  grains  and  serve  low-­fat  milk.  Also,  limiting  students  to  once  cup  of  starchy  vegetables  a  week.    â€œThe  new  standards  could  affect  more  than  32  million  children  and  are  crucial  because  kids  can  consume  as  much  as  half  of  their  daily  calories  in  schoolâ€?  Agriculture  Sec-­

DID YOU KNOW? Spent-­hens  are  tough,  stringy,  and  far  less  appealing  than  the  more  tender  meat  of  broiler  chickens.  But  that  didn’t  stop  the  government  from  using  the  Na-­ tional  School  Lunch  Program  as  an  out-­ OHW IRU HJJ SURGXFHUV VWUXJJOLQJ WR ÂżQG D market  for  100  million  egg-­laying  hens  culled  each  year. )URP WKURXJK WKH ÂżUVW KDOI RI 86$ 72'$< found,  the  government  spent  more  than  $145  million  on  spent-­hens  for  schools  -­  a  total  of  more  than  77  mil-­ lion  pounds  served  in  chicken  patties  and  salads.

DID YOU KNOW? 1RW RQO\ DUH VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ EHLQJ VHUYHG PHDW XQ¿W IRU HYHQ D 0F'RQDOGœV EXUJHU EXW WKH\ DUH DVOR DW ULVN RI ingesting  harmful  bacteria  and  pathogens  hidden  within  the  food.  Some  reports  suggest  that  fast-­food  restau-­ rants  actually  check  for  bacteria  and  pathogens  between  ¿YH DQG WHQ WLPHV PRUH RIWHQ WKDQ VFKRRO OXQFK PHDWV

retary  Tom  Vilsack  said.   â€œThe  United  States  is  facing  an  obesity  epi-­ demic  and  the  crisis  of  poor  diets  threatens  the  future  of  our  chil-­ dren  and  our  nation.â€?   The  announcement  comes  just  a  few  weeks  after  President  Barack  Obama  signed  into  law  a  child  nutrition  bill  that  will  help  schools  pay  for  the  healthier  foods.

THE  NEW  USDA  GUIDELINES (VWDEOLVK WKH ¿UVW calorie  limits  for  school  meals. G r a d u a l l y  reduce  the  amount  of  sodium  in  the  meals  by  more  than  half. Ban  most  trans  fats. Require  more  servings  of  fruits  and  vegetables. Incrementally  increase  the  amount  of  whole  grains.

Improve  school  breakfasts  by  requiring  to  serve  a  grain  and  a  protein,  instead  of  one  or  the  other.

Senior  goalie  to  sign  with  college

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Kaitlyn  Whitten  commits  to  Oklahoma  Christian

By  SAMANTHA  SOLIS STAFF  WRITER  For  most  seniors,  the  second  semester  is  DOO DERXW ÂżQLVKLQJ FROOHJH DSSOLFDWLRQV DQG GHFLGLQJ where  to  attend  school  in  the  fall.  But  for  Kaitlyn  Whitten,  this  semester  LV DOO DERXW HQMR\LQJ KHU WLPH UHPDLQLQJ DW 6SULQJ Woods.  Last  November  Whitten  verbally Â

a  whole  new  set  of  FKDOOHQJHV :KLWWHQ ZLOO EHJLQ SUDFWLFLQJ ZLWK KHU new  teammates  at  the  EHJLQQLQJ RI $XJXVW  â€œI  practiced  with  them  once,  but  I  wasn’t  RQ WKH WHDP \HW 6R ,ÂśP H[FLWHG WR VHH KRZ LW ZLOO JR RQFH ,ÂśP RIÂżFLDO ´ Whitten  said. $V JRDOLH VKH KDV EHHQ D ELJ SDUW RI WKH JLUOÂśV VRFFHU SURJUDP here  at  school.  In  the Â

KDYH DQ RIÂżFLDO VLJQLQJ RI the  papers  that  commit  Whitten  to  her  new  VFKRRO IRU JRRG $IWHU FROOHJH Whitten  plans  to  use  KHU GHJUHH WR EHFRPH D KLJK VFKRRO WHDFKHU DQG coach.  The  scholarship  she  will  receive  will  DVVLVW KHU LQ DFKLHYLQJ KHU JRDOV  â€œ  I  know  my  family  is  proud  of  me  for  FRPPLWWLQJ EXW LW ZDV

Winter time sparks high bills, plus contamination

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Easy eco friendly tips to follow during the chilly days

By  DAYANA  IZA STAFF  WRITER  H o u s t o n  is  known  for  its  spontaneous  weather  FKDQJHV 2QH GD\ WKHUH is  a  warm  enjoyable  day,  DQG WKH QH[W PDQ\ DUH dressed  as  if  Antarctica  had  taken  over.  Winter  time  in  the  Houston  area  FDQ JHW SUHWW\ GDUQ FROG so  the  best  way  to  keep   toasty  and  happy  may  KDUP RXU SODQHW 'XULQJ this  season,  many  WKLQJV FDQ EH GRQH D bit  differently  to  keep  VWD\LQJ HFR IULHQGO\ Let  the  Sunshine  In: Even  in  winter,  the  sun’s  rays  provide  a  fair  amount  of  warmth.  7DNH DGYDQWDJH RI WKLV IUHH KHDWLQJ E\ RSHQLQJ blinds  and  curtains  on  the  windows  that  UHFHLYH WKH PRVW OLJKW

$W QLJKW GUDZ KHDY\ (QHUJ\ UHFRPPHQGV LQVXODWLQJ GUDSHV WR WXUQLQJ \RXU WKHUPRVWDW help  keep  in  the  warmth. GRZQ WR GHJUHHV while  you’re  at  home,  Seal  Up  the  Attic: DQG VHWWLQJ LW HYHQ ORZHU 6DYH RQ KHDWLQJ E\ DW QLJKW RU ZKHQ \RXÂśUH SOXJJLQJ XS DLU OHDNV WKDW JRQH IRU WKH GD\ ,I \RX lead  from  the  attic  down  turn  the  heat  down  by  10  into  the  main  house.  GHJUHHV IRU D GDLO\ HLJKW This  also  assess  your  hour  stretch,  you  could  attic’s  overall  insulation,  UHGXFH \RXU KHDWLQJ ELOO which  slows  the  escape  by  as  much  as  15  percent.  RI KHDW IURP \RXU OLYLQJ $FFRUGLQJ WR (QHUJ\ DUHDV )RU WKH DWWLF Ă€RRU 6WDU D SURJUDPPDEOH if  insulation  is  at  or  below  thermostat  can  save  WKH WRS RI WKH Ă€RRU MRLVWV up  to  $150  annually.  you  probably  need  more. What  if  you  leave  town  IRU D VWUHWFK" 6HW WKH Minimize  Idling: thermostat  no  lower  Don’t  let  your  car  idle  for  WKDQ GHJUHHV 'UDLQ more  than  30  seconds.  your  water  system  %H\RQG ZDVWLQJ IXHO EHIRUH ORZHULQJ LW WR H[FHVVLYH LGOLQJ VWUDLQV this  temperature  to  F\OLQGHUV VSDUN SOXJV DYRLG IUHH]LQJ SLSHV H[KDXVW V\VWHPV DQG  Winter   time  is  HQJLQHV ZKLFK ZRUN D JUHDW WLPH WR FXGGOH best  in  motion  -­-­  not  in  watch  movies  all  day  neutral.  The  best  way  to  with  a  warm  cup  of  warm  up  the  car?  Drive  it.  KRW FRFRD EXW GXULQJ all  of  this  let  planet  Lower  the  Thermostat: (DUWK QRW EH IRUJRWWHQ The  Department  of  in  the  midst  of  winter.

NICE  TRY: :KLWWHQ EORFNV D VKRW E\ WKH RSSRVLQJ WHDP DW WKH JRDO 3KRWR credit  of  Cyndi  Whitten) committed  to  play  soccer  at  Oklahoma  Christian  &ROOHJH $OWKRXJK VKH was  able  to  make  her  decision  early,  she  had  WURXEOH GHFLGLQJ H[DFWO\ ZKLFK VFKRRO ZDV ULJKW for  her.  â€œIt  was  a  very  KDUG GHFLVLRQ KDYLQJ to  choose  between  two  schools.  I  had  my  pros  DQG FRQV DQG P\ JXW WROG me  Oklahoma  Christian  was  a  better  choice  for  me,â€?  Whitten  said.  After  14  years  RI PDVWHULQJ WKH VSRUW VKH ZLOO EH JLYHQ WKH chance  to  show  off  her  skills  .  An  entirely  new  VHW RI WHDPPDWHV EULQJ

2010  season,  Whitten  saved   242  out  of  260  VKRWV DW WKH JRDO :KLOH SOD\LQJ PLGÂżHOG VKH was  able  to  score  9  JRDOV ,Q WKH ODVW WKUHH years,  the  varsity  soccer  team  has  made  play-­off  appearances,  PDNLQJ WKHP D SRZHUIXO contender  in  the  district.  â€œ  I  think  this  season  we  will  do  just  as  well  as  the  seasons  EHIRUH $OWKRXJK ZH ORVW D ORW RI VWURQJ SOD\HUV I’m  sure  we  will  still  make  it  to  playoffs,â€?  Whitten  said.   This  February  the  coach  from  Oklahoma  Christian  will  FRPH WR 6SULQJ :RRGV WR

H[SHFWHG RI PH VLQFH they  put  so  much  money  LQWR PH SOD\LQJ ´ :KLWWHQ said  W h i t t e n ’ s  PHQWRU &RDFK 0DJJLH )XFKV KDV PL[HG emotions.  While  she’s  sad  to  lose  her,  she’s  H[FLWHG IRU ZKDW VKH ZLOO accomplish. Âł6KH LV VWURQJ willed,  determined  and  very  dedicated.  I  have  been  blessed  these  past  IRXU \HDUV ZLWK D JUHDW JRDOLH DQG , NQRZ QH[W \HDU , ZLOO EH ZLVKLQJ VKH was  still  with  us.  I  wish  her  the  very  best  and  know  she  will  do  fantastic  QH[W \HDU ´ )XFKV VDLG

Introductory  Offer 1.  FREE  Fitness  Analysis 2.  2  FREE  Personal  Training  Sessions 3.  Nutritional  Planning 5IZK +WNĂ…M 12645  Memorial  Drive Houston,  TX  77024 832-368-8212 UIZK KWNĂ…M (OUIQT KWU

Movie  winners  of  2011 ...Oscars  not  always  right

BEST  DIRECTOR By  NIKO  CORBIN STAFF  WRITER   There  are  two  types  of  movies  goers  in  this  world,  those  who  watch  movies  after  seeing  what  wins  awards  and  those  that  watch  movies  so  they  can  know  who  they  want  to  win.  If  you’re  like  me,  you  are  probably  the  former.  This  year  however  I  decided  to  do  something  different.  Durring  Christmas  break  I  went  and  saw  every  award  worthy  movie  that  , FRXOG ÂżQG 7KDWÂśV ZK\ I’m  here.  I’m  going  to  tell  you  what  and  who  I  think  the  real  winners  are.        .  Â

  Directors  are  the  most  important  aspect  of  a  ¿OP WKH\ FRQWURO KRZ you  see  the  story.  There  are  few  that  can  do  this  well,  but  only  one  did  it  the  best.  Christopher  Nolan’s  Inception  is  the  most  thrilling  and  EUHDWKWDNLQJ FULPH ÂżOP in  years.  The  mere  scale  of  Inception  would  leave  many  directors  in  tears.  The  fact  that  Nolan  could  turn  this  idea  into  this  mind  numbing  epic  is  proof  enough  he’s  great.  Inception  lit  people’s  and  critic’s  minds  everywhere.  Though  he  was  snubbed  the  Oscar  nod,  he  is  still  the  winner  in  my  heart.

BEST  LEAD  ACTOR/ ACTRESS   You  can’t  make  a  great  movie  without  having  a  great  lead  actor.  I  have  to  give  it  to  James  Franco  and  Natalie  Portman  for  their  roles  in  127  Hours  and  Black  Swan.  Natalie  Portman  was  a  clear  choice  as  she  plays  a  ballet  dancer  caught  in  the  grips  of  insanity  while  searching  for  perfection.  Franco  wins  because  of  the  beauty  he  brings  to  WKLV PDJQLÂżFHQW WUXH VWRU\ Franco  plays  Aron  Ralston  a  hiker  who  becomes  trapped  after  a  boulder  falls  and  traps  him.  He  VSHQGV ÂżYH GD\V WUDSSHG before  freeing  himself  by  cutting  off   his  own  hand. Â

BEST  SUPPORTING  ACTOR/ ACTRESS   Supporting  actors  are  supposed  to  pull  the  story  along.  Christian  Bale  and  Melissa  Leo  who  both  played  excellent  roles  in  The  Fighter  did  this  better  than  anyone.  Bale  had  to  lose  all  of  his  Batman  muscle  to  play  Dicky,  the  crack  addicted  brother  of  Micky  Ward.  He  pulls  it   off  beautifully,  actually  looking  like  he  did  crack.  Leo  had  to  pretty  herself  down  to  play  Alice  Ward,  Micky’s  control  freak  mother  who  only  seems  to  only  want  whats  best,  even  if  it  hurts  her  children.

BEST  MOVIE   OF  2011   Deciding  what  is  a  truly  great  movie  is  a  hard  task.  In  the  end  however  it  all  comes  down  to  personal  preference.   Personally  I  think  all  of  WKH ÂżOPV , VDZ RYHU WKH break  were  great.  That  being  said,  there  is  no  one  real  winner.’  I  have  to  give  it  to  four  movies;Íž  Inception  for  a  truly  mind  bending  experience  that  will  keep  you  on  the  edge  of  your  seat,  Black  Swan  the  creepiest  and  most  artistic  movie  of  the  year,  The  Fighter  one  of  the  best  sports  stories  ever,  and  The  King’s  Speech  the  most  inspiring  movie  in  years  (and  Oscar  front  runner).

 There  you  have  it,  those  are  my  winners.  I’m  not  saying  they  will  win  when  the  Academy  Awards  roll  around,  but  I  am  saying  that  they  should.  The  Oscars  are  like  politics,  the  person  that  wins  is  not  always  the  best  choice.  The  academy  is  human  and  they  are  bound  to  make  mistakes.  Not  everyone  on  my  list  will  be  nominated,  but  if  they  are  they  should  probably  win.  Even  if  a  movie  that  I  have  named  is  not  nomited  doesn’t  mean  you  shouldn’t  see  it.  Now,  go  forth  my  movie  going  brethren,  and  ZDWFK WKHVH ÂżOPV DQG feel  like  you  never  have  before,  truly  entertained

Mardi Gras Pep Rally February 7, 2011

The Wiz

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What’s  with  all  the  lovey-­dovey  stuff? A  look  into  the  history  of  the  holiday  of  love

By  JESSICA  JONES STAFF  WRITER  On  February  14th,  everyone  expect  cards,  candy,  and  possibly  a  Valentine,  if  they  are  lucky.  But  how  did  this  day  of  romance  come  about?  The  history  behind  Valentine’s  day  is  quite  a  mystery  and  many  legends  have  been  told  to  explain  its  origin.  One  story  tells  of  Saint  Valentine,  who  was  a  Roman  priest  in  269  AD.  To  increase  the  potential  amount  of  soldiers  for  his  army,  emperor  Claudius   II  decreed  marriage  illegal  for  young  men.  9DOHQWLQH GHÂżHG WKH emperor  by  continuing  to  perform  marriage  ceremonies  for  young Â

couples  in  secret.  When  Claudius  found  out,  the  saint  was  put  to  death.  Another  version  suggests  that  Valentine  KLPVHOI VHQW WKH ÂżUVW holiday  greeting  while  in  prison.  It  is  believed  that  he  fell  in  love  with  a  young  girl  who  would  come  visit  him,  possibly  the  jailor’s  daughter.  Before  his  execution,  he  allegedly  wrote  her  a  letter  signed  â€œFrom  your  Valentineâ€?,  an  expression  still  used  today.  A l t h o u g h  these  stories  could  be  completely  false,  they  emphasize  Valentine’s  appeal  as  a  hero  DQG URPDQWLF ÂżJXUH The  holiday  is  said  to  be  celebrated  in  the  middle  of  February  to  commemorate  the  Saint’s  death,  but  some Â

believe  the  placement  of  the  holiday  has  to  do  with  the  Lupercalla  Festival,  an  ancient  Roman  holiday  marking  the  beginning  of  spring.  It  ZDV D WLPH RI SXULÂżFDWLRQ and  match-­making.  Women  of  a  city  would  write  their  names  on  slips  of  paper  and  drop  them  in  a  big  urn.  Then,  the  men  would  pick  a  name  and  become  paired  with  a  woman,  often  for  life.   V a l e n t i n e ’ s  day  became  a  popular  holiday  to  celebrate  starting  in  17th  century  Great  Britain.  It  was  common  for  friends  and  lovers  to  exchange  small  gifts  and  handwritten  notes.  In  the  mid  1800s,  printed  cards  began  replacing  notes  as  improvements  in  printing  technology  occurred. Â

Cheaper  postage  rates  also  helped  the  mailing  of  these  pre-­made  cards  to  grow  until  the  WUDGLWLRQ ÂżQDOO\ UHDFKHG America  in  the  1840s.  Esther  A.  Howland  LV NQRZQ DV WKH ÂżUVW American  to  sell  mass-­ produced  Valentine’s.  The  holiday  continues  to  be  a  popular  tradition  in  America  and  around  the  world.  Every  February  14th,  new  love  is  created  and  old  love  continues  to  strengthen  through  romantic  poetry,  candle-­lit  dinners,  and  walks  on  the  beach.  So  this  Valentine’s  day,  don’t  just  get  your  sweetheart  roses  and  a  box  of  chocolates,  give  them  knowledge  on  why  the  two  of  you  are  celebrating  LQ WKH ÂżUVW SODFH

Tips For Making Valentine’s Day Special Do not forget to present

her a bouquet or a single

Spend some quality time together. Create a scrapb oo

red rose.

It’s the only day you can be cheesy.

k and fill it with

letters, photogr

aphs, and mem

ories.

Do not have a full converstaion via text. Instead call him/her.

Want to ask

out? Write a romantic note asking him

/her to be your valentine.

someone  Your  Valentine’s  day  gift  does  not  need  to  be  expensive,  just  thoughtful. Â

Q:  What  would  be  your  ideal  Valentine’s  day? Jamie  Meeks  (11th)  â€œSomething  really  romantic,  lots  of  roses  and  a  picnic  on  the  beach.â€?

Max Rombado (9th) “Being on the beach with my Valentine, playing the guitar and hanging out with her all day.â€? Didi  Norales  (10th) “To  be  at  home,  watching  a  scary  movie  so  I  can  cuddle  with  my  boy-­ friend.  I’m  not  into  going  out  to  the  movies  and  stuff;Íž  I  just  want  to  be  Max  Gerall  (12th)  with  him.â€? “I  would  take  my  love  to Â

Wal-­Mart  and  let  her  chose  her  own  gift.  Then,  I’d  blind-­fold  her  and  take  her  to  the  Tiger  gym  where  I  would  have  Hooter’s  ca-­ tered  wings  waiting  for  us.  After  our  romantic  dinner,  I  would  challenge  her  to  a  game  of  basketball  where  I  would  allow  her  to  win.  Lastly,  I  would  take  her  to  see  Texas  Chainsaw  Mas-­ sacre  3.  I  can’t  wait  for  V-­day!â€?

Valentine Movies for you & your Date Ɔ Snuggle  up  with  your  Valentine  and  pop  in  these  movie  recommendations

The  Notebook Â

Starring:  Rachael  McAdams,  Ryan  Gosling   Starting  off  with  an  old  man  reading  a  story  to  old  woman  with  Alzheimer  in  a  nursing  home,  the  story  is  about  two  young  people,  Allie  Hamilton  and  Noah  Calhoun,  who  like  each  other  but  are  forced  by  the  girls  parents  to  not  see  him  because  he  is  poor.  Several  years  pass  as  she  waits  for  a  letter  from  him.  She  winds  up  getting  engaged  to  a  wealthy  man  but,  soon  sees  the  man  she  fell  in  love  with  again.  She  must  choose  between  the  two.

(500)  Days  of  Summer

Starring:  Joseph  Gordon-­Levitt,  Zooey  Deschannel  ,Q WKLV ÂżOP 7RP +DQVRQ JRHV EDFN DQG UHĂ€HFWV on  the  girl  he  thought  was  the  one,  Summer  Finn.  Although  the  movie  is  said  not  to  be  a  love  story,   it  GHÂżQLWHO\ IHHOV OLNH RQH EXW FDQÂśW KHOS EXW IHHO D OLWWOH off.  During  the  500  days,  there  are  times  where  GD\V DUH VKXIĂ€HG ZKLFK DW ÂżUVW PD\ EH GLIÂżFXOW to  grasp,  but  the  story  keeps  you  on  the  edge  of  your  seat.  With  a  funny  and  deep  in  meaning,  this  PRYLH LV GHÂżQLWHO\ ZRUWK ZDWFKLQJ ZLWK \RXU ERR

A  Walk  to  Remember

Starring:  Mandy  Moore,  Shane  West   The  movie  begins  with  rebel  Landon  Carter  getting  caught  on  private  property  with  alcohol.  Under  his  principal  he  must  do  community  service  against  his  own  will.  As  he  begins  to  take  his  community  service  more  seriously,  Jamie  Sullivan  helps  him  and  they  start  to  spend  more  time  together.  They  begin  to  date  though  the  father  doesn’t  like  it.  As  they  fall  harder  for  each  other,  a  terrible  secret  is  revealed  and  puts  the  relationship  to  the  test. Â

Who’s got talent? . Tigers show off their hidden abilities to school

By SAM LOPEZ STAFF WRITTER Talent lurks in the hallways of Spring Woods. Some talent is broadcasted more than others, but now is the time for those hidden talents to be shown. With only a limited time to decide on their acts, students prepared for the audition rounds. Auditions were held on January 18th -­20th and while some stu-­ dents were stressing on what to perform, oth-­ ers had been prepar-­ ing months in advance. The school's Christian group, Youth Alive, was selected and will perform a skit without words to the song “Everything” by the band Lifehouse. The Talent Show is per-­ haps a gateway to get-­ ting the group some no-­ toriety while expressing what the group is about. They are not pushing students to join. They're simply showing them what Youth Alive is about, by doing exactly that;; showing without telling. “I've talked to a lot of people and they're look-­ ing for attention. As for me, I want people to ob-­ serve the love of God in

a performing art sense,” about your religion,” fel-­ on January 19th. Like Youth Alive member low Youth Alive member Youth Alive, the ladies Chelsea Rodriguez said. Jordan Martinez said. stayed after school on a regular basis and prac-­ ticed till they got it right. “I was very nervous walking into the audi-­ tion room. Tonisha kept telling me to calm down because we practiced the dance enough and to just do it without hesi-­ tation,” Howard said. The girls performed ex-­ actly what they had prac-­ ticed and their only worry was making it in or not. GETTING CLOSER : Youth alive members Marissa “I was excited to hear Clark, Daniel Mago, and Nick Zander practice after that my group made it. I didn't hear it on the an-­ school. nouncements because “We aren't preaching to It is not necessarily a I was at Tigerette prac-­ them. We're on stage in fact of talent, although tice, but when one of silence. With the song WKH JURXS GH¿QLWHO\ KDV my friends told me, I we're doing, those are talent, it is more of get-­ jumped up and down the only words we need ting the message through and sent Jacayla a text. to get the point across.” and doing exactly what It was a big lift off my On their days off of the group is named for;; shoulders to hear that school, Youth Alive prac-­ bringing the youth alive. news,” Howard said. ticed for the big audition In comparison, there's With auditions over, day on January 18th. In a group of sophomores the ladies still prac-­ preparation for the Tal-­ Uny'Que Howard, Jacay-­ tice to make sure ev-­ ent Show, the students la Cauthen, Keona Har-­ ery move is precise. stayed after school and ris, and Tonisha Wine. “We practiced every oth-­ kept in touch with one They will dance to the er day after school, but and other. With nerves hit song “Pretty Girl we made up the dance in rising and the time com-­ Rock” by Keri Hilson. four days, so it was a little ing closer for auditions, They chose to show stressful,” Howard said. the group stayed together their love for dancing in The Talent Show will be and worked on their skit front of the school. All held on February 24th to pass the time and ease of the ladies are mem-­ in the main auditorium one and others nerves. bers of Tigerettes dance at 7:00pm. Early tickets “Youth alive shows that group. The ladies big will be $3.00 and at the you are brave and honest audition day was held door they will be $5.00.

“Somebody call a doctor because this girl looks sick in them 3 inch heels, my goodness!”

“I jus t happen to spend mo st of my time at Pets Mart, buy ing cat toys, dog toys, all kinds of toys fro m there.”

ng away “Soo, i got you a goi r part present, you do you ÅZ[\ º

“Everyone looks like crap today, you can tell they lost their pow-­ er!”

ke “Real Gs move in silence, li LASAGNA!”

Extracurriculars  add  substance . Students,  faculty  forget  high  school  needs  more  than  just  graduation

By  TORI  KIMMEL GUEST  WRITER  As  a  naturally  opinionated  teen  still  reeling  from  her  momentous  18th  birthday,  my  ascension  to  Senior-­ status  has  produced  a  general  disgruntled  disposition  towards  basically  everything.          No,  this  isn’t  a  rant  about  Senioritis,  but  about  how,  when  applying  to  college,  I  felt  like  the  most  underachieving  wannabe  ever  to  look  at  an  application.     Don’t  get  me  wrong;Íž  Spring  Woods  has  some  great  and  successful  extracurriculars  and  FOXEV %XW VXIÂżFH LW WR say  that  if  you  think  you  know  some  super-­ busy  overachievers  here,  you  ain’t  seen  nothin’  compared  to  other  schools  in  the  Houston  area.     Why?  Well,  that’s  a  complicated  question.  Even  our  own  government  can’t  really  ¿JXUH RXW ZKDW PDNHV freakishly  overachieving  wonder  students.  But  over  the  past  three  and  a  KDOI \HDUV DQG DERXW ÂżYH months  of  being  a  typical  GLVVDWLVÂżHG 6HQLRU ,ÂśYH come  to  notice  that, Â

well,  I  have  personally  been  more  encouraged  to  take  the  easier  routes  through  high  school  as  opposed  to  going  out  on  a  limb,  challenging  myself,  or  generally  overachieve.  I’ve  more  than  once  had  to  actually  ¿JKW ÂżJXUDWLYHO\ WR take  certain  classes  that  made  faculty  nervous.         I’m  not  being  snotty  or  advocating  that  we  make  school  more  GLIÂżFXOW QR WKDQNV %XW ,ÂśP GHÂżQLWHO\ TXHVWLRQLQJ the  attitude  we  have  when  approaching  â€œsuccess.â€?  Frankly,  it  seems  an  awful  lot  like  all  our  sights  are  set  so  low,  that  the  chances  we  have  to  go  above  and  beyond  are  thwarted.  Ever  heard  of  Academic  Decathlon?  What  about  Mu  Alpha  Theta?  Did  you  know  there’s  a  Spanish  National  Honor  Society?     Yes,  graduation  is  important—absolutely.  Actually,  it’s  probably  above  â€œimportant,â€?  getting  up  into  â€œcrucial.â€?  But  I’d  argue  whether  graduation  should  be  the  only  thing  stressed,  VDFULÂżFLQJ JUHDWHU student  involvement  and  achievement  in  the  process.    Extracurriculars  are  inherently  character-­ builders.  They  place  us Â

in  new  situations  with  new  people,  giving  us  WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ÂżJXUH out  who  we  are,  what  we  like,  and  what  we’re  good  at.  If  anything,  they  at  least  keep  us  from  going  home,  sitting  on  the  couch,  alone,  eating  buckets  of  Ben  &  Jerry’s.  After  all,  you  don’t  meet  new  people  sitting  at  home  alone;Íž  you  don’t  gain  any  talents  from  eating  gallons  of  ice  cream  (besides  the  gut  of  a  champion).  Involvement  outside  of  class  saves  us  from  the  boring,  slothful,  probably  physically  and  emotionally  unhealthy  teens  we’d  ultimately  revert  into.    Maybe  no  one  cares  about  raising  a  generation  of  well-­rounded  teens.  Maybe  we  really  are  all  about  graduating,  period.  But,  even  then,  all  school  all  the  time  isn’t  the  best  answer,  especially  for  kids  who  hate  school—which  is,  unfortunately,  the  case  for  a  lot  of  us  here.      I’m  not  kidding,  if  you  hate  school,  maybe  your  best  bet  against  dropping  out  is  to  join  something  that’ll  make  these  four  years  seem  worthwhile  to  you.  Sitting  at  home  alone  seems  like  a  pretty   XQIXOÂżOOLQJ PHDQLQJOHVV

life,  doesn’t  it?  Having  something  to  do  besides  neglecting  homework  for  the  class  we  hate  gives  us  a  sense  of  purpose.  That’s  what  motivates  us  to  plan  ahead,  have  a  dream,  and  graduate  from  high  school.    I’m  not  brownnosing  when  I  say  that  teachers  and  administrators  who  take  an  active  interest  and  involvement  in  student  life  really  encourage  me.Ultimately,  it  really  is  up  to  us,  the  students,  to  go  above  and  beyond  just  passing,  just  graduating,  or  even  just  showing  up  to  school.  But,  our  teachers  and  administrators  shouldn’t Â

stoop  to  our  current  low  level  of  enthusiasm  and  cave  in  to  settle  for  the  minimum.   If  education  is  about  inspiration  to  improve  and  go  beyond  where  we  are  now,  VKRXOGQÂśW WKLV EH UHĂ€HFWHG in  our  faculty?  If  my  own  leaders  don’t  seem  to  expect  or  believe  that  I  can  do  so  much  more  than  just  graduate  from  high  school,  why  should  I  try  to  aim  any  higher  than  that?  Education  is  a  team  effort,  where  lots  of  cogs  in  a  really  complicated  machine  must  come  together  for  any  kind  of  meaningful  success.  But  students  are  students.  We  follow Â

our  leaders.  We  can’t  be  expected  to  succeed  the  way  our  own  school  and  district  websites  say  we  do  without  support  from  our  parents,  our  teachers,  and  our  administrators  to  not  just  do  more,  but  be  more.         Be  it  a  job,  a  club,  sport,  or  art,  we  must  ¿QG D ZD\ WR UHPLQG ourselves  that  school  is  more  than  just  doing  worksheets  in  a  poorly  heated/cooled  â€œprisonâ€?  until  graduation.  This  education,  however  painful  we  may  feel  it  is,  is  the  foundation  for  the  rest  of  our  lives.  We  can  build  the  foundation  as  strong  or  as  weak  as  we  like.

State  Legislature  en-­ forces  4x4

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Incoming  freshmen  gain  more  freedom  to  choose  classes

By  CHELSEA  RODRIGUEZ Rarely  did  anyone  ever Â

STAFF Â WRITER Â

 At  the  e n d  of  this  s c h o o l  y e a r ,  ( B C I S )   business  manage-­ m e n t ,  health  and  a  semester  of  physical  education  (P.E.),   will  no  longer  be  part  of  the  required  curriculum.  Although,  most  students   have  already  taken  some  of  these  electives,  they  now  have  more  decisions  to  choose  from  in  their  schedule.   â€œWhen  we  went  to  26  credits  as  part  of  the  4X4  graduation  requirements,  there  were  very  few  true  â€œelectiveâ€?  courses  for  students,â€?  Principal  Lance  Stallworth  said.  â€œThe  legislature  decided  that  while  those  courses  were  important,  it  was  also  important  to  allow  students  to  have  some  choice  in  their  high  school  experience.â€?   As  a  part  of  the  class  of  2011,  I  can  say  that  we  were  not  given  many  choices.  We  were  given  â€œopportunities.â€?  Â

take  them,  but  with  the  new  State  Legislature  things  could  change.   â€œWith  the  changes  [made  by  the  State  Legislature],  students  have  5.5  credits  within  the  26  that  they  can  now  choose,â€?  Stallworth  said. Â

 The  reason  the  previously  mentioned  electives  are  no  longer  an  obligation  for  students  is  because  most  of  them  were  ahead  of  the  curriculum.  â€œI  agree  with  the  legislation  because  a  few  years  ago  before  it,  I  noticed  that  students Â

“These  changes...being  made  will  assist  our  future  students.â€? :KHQ , ÂżUVW heard  about  this,  I  was  a  little  bitter   that  I  wasn’t  one  of  the  classes  that  will  get  to  enjoy  this  change,  but  then  I  realized  something.  These  changes  being  made  will  assist  our  future  students  and  better  prepare  them  for  college.    â€œThe  legislature  decided  that  while  those  courses  were  important,  it  was  also  important  to  allow  students  to  have  some  choice  in  their  high  school  experience,â€?  Stallworth  said.

were  taking  classes  that  were  unnecessary,â€?  superintendent  Duncan  Klussman  said.  â€œFor  instance,  students  who  were  taking  BCIS  were  in  there  for  no  reason,  because  a  lot  of  them  already  knew  how  to  type.â€?  Now,  instead  of  sitting  through  unnecessary  classes,  VWXGHQWV ÂżQDOO\ KDYH more  choices  and  opportunities  to  take  courses  they  are  interested  in.

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Our  school  lacks  AP  courses What  is  stopping  our  success  and  how

By  CADE  BUNDRICK STAFF WRITER F r o m  what  it  seems,  o u r  s c h o o l  h a s  yet  to  r e a c h  i t s  full  potential.  Yes,  the  amount  of  opportunities  are  present  in  our  academic  environment,  but  are  we  really  being  pushed  enough?  We  have  a  fantastic  amount  of  support  from  a  variety  of  faculty  and  staff  here  at  the  school  but  is  it  really  at  its  fullest?  In  case  you  were  not  aware,  there  are  currently  18  AP  courses  that  are  not  offered  here  at  Spring  Woods.  Why  is  this?  Because  we  are  not  at  our  academic  appex.  While  the  students  are  being  supported  by  the  teachers  and  administration  here,  we  are  not  being  taken  to  the  next  level.  Instead  of  being  told  we  should  be  shooting  for  AP  classes  and  working  on  those  AP  tests,  we  are  told  to  shoot  for  those  passing  grades  and  to  study  for  those  TAKS  tests.  While  there  are  other  reasons  for  them  saying  this,  that  would  not  dare  be  addressed  by  yours  truly,  this  is  the  simplest  way  I  can  put  it:  our  school  lacks  AP  courses.  If  there  were  to  be  more  opportunities  for  AP  classes  and  more  advanced  academic  endeavors,  then  there Â

would  be  more  likely  a  larger  number  of  people  in  the  passing  realm  of  our  classes.  If  the  standard  was  raised,  Mr.  Rivera  could  be  less  concerned  about  so  and  so  passing  his  Math  Models  test  and  more  concerned  about  that  same  student  passing Â

do  you  really  think  that  we  have  enough  backing  to  be  taken  seriously  as  a  scholastic  program?  Some  may  think  that  ZH DUH GRLQJ ÂżQH RQ WKH passing  level  or  even  better  on  the  TAKS  testing  level,  but  the  only  way  we  can  top  that  level  is  by  raising  the  bar. Â

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Season  Ended  Early Rockets still not closing out tough games

to  some  of  the  starters  What  is  so  wrong  with  By  JJ  GONZALEZ and  how  little  time  we  pushing  our  unanimous  STAFF WRITER give  them  in  game. brain  power  to  its  fullest    The  San  Antonio  Spurs    If  you  potential?  Who  is  to  say  s t i l l  are  the  best  team  in  the  that  it  is  a  waste  of  time  to  t h i n k  league  with  the  record  be  taking  AP  Spanish  V?  that  the  42-­8  but,  somehow  are    So,  if  it  is  proven  that  Rockets  deprived  of  a  deserved  AP  classes  are  more  h a v e  spotlight.  Is  this  because  EHQHÂżFLDO ZK\ DUH ZH a n y  Lebron,  Amare,  Kobe  or  not  doing  the  best  we  chance  Carmelo  aren’t  on  the  can  do  to  learn  those  of  making  the  playoffs,  team?  Most  likely.  Even  you  should  hear  me  out.  the  Los  Angeles  Clippers  If  we  were  part  of  the  and  the  Washington  Eastern  Conference,  Wizards  are  getting  where  below  .500  teams  more  face  time  on  sports  make  it  into  the  playoffs,  channels.  It’s  sad  to  say  then  we  would  actually  that  even  if  you  play  as  have  a  chance,  but  a  team  and  do  it  well,  being  in  the  Western  one  single  player  who  Conference  where  the  is  on  a  terrible  team  will  competition  is  brutal  get  more  recognition.  there  is  just  no  possible    As  the  all-­star  game  super  power  kung  fu  way.  The  Rockets  at  this  is  around  the  corner,  math  skills  that  the  point  in  the  season  have  every  year  there  is  talk  computer  hackers  have  a  losing  record  at  25-­28.  of  a  dunk  contest  revival.  in  the  movies?   The    For  the  Rockets,  :LWK URRNLH %ODNH *ULIÂżQ massive  amount  of  January  was  by  far  one  taking  part  in  this  event,  courses  that  are  not  of  the  toughest.  They  had  I  may  just  watch  it  if  offered  are  only  that  of  second  hardest  schedule  nothing  else  comes  up  the  â€œabove  and  beyondâ€?  for  the  month  and  at  WKDW QLJKW *ULIÂżQ RQ level,  which  is  where  we  times  looked  great,  but  his  own,  has  revived  need  to  be.  Most  people  ended  in  the  month  at  the  Clippers  as  a  team  want  to  be  smart.  Most  6-­11.  Inconsistency  in  who  can  compete.  The  people  want  to  be  rich.  the  team  comes  from  a  players  around  him  have  It  seems  that  they  can  streak  Kevin  Martin  who’s  also  started  to  believe  go  hand  in  hand,  so  why  defense  is  weak  and  Luis  and  things  are  starting  to  can’t  we  bridge  the  gap?  Scola  who  shoots  the  look  up  for  the  franchise.  It  is  a  simple  fact  that  AP  ball  more  than  he  needs  They  can  only  continue  classes  prepare  students  to  and  has  little  vision  this  with  the  hopes  that  for  college  and  make  once  he  gets  the  ball. after  his  contract  is  them  even  more  likely  to    Coach  Rick  Adelman  is  up,  he  doesn’t  leave. My NBA Award complete  college  in  four  VWLOO WU\LQJ WR ÂżQG WKH ULJKW years.  If  this  is  true,  then  combination  of  players  Choices wouldn’t  it  make  the  most  DQG LV ÂżQDOO\ JHWWLQJ LW Most  Valuable  Player: sense  to  be  pumping  With  Brad  Miller  being  Derrick  Rose the  AP  courses  out  the  injured,  the  team  has  wazoo?  If  we  were  to  turned  to  Jordan  Hill  and  Rookie  of  the  Year:  up  the  anti,  it  would  Chuck  Hayes.  This  has  %ODNH *ULIÂżQ EHQHÂżW WKH VFKRRO DQG resulted  in  both  a  faster  Defensive  player  of  the  ourselves  tremendously  offense  but,  a  worsened  Year:  Dwight  Howard and  allow  for  us  to  have  defense.  One  thing  that  Most  Improved  Player: a  better  shot  at  a  good  puzzles  me  about  this  college  experience. team  would  be  how  .HYLQ /RYH great  some  of  the  bench  Sixth  Man  of  the  Year: players  look  compared  /DPDU 2GRP

Âł WKHUH DUH FXUUHQWO\ $3 FRXUVHV >RXW RI WRWDO@ WKDW DUH QRW RIIHUHG KHUH DW 6SULQJ :RRGV ´ his  German  V  test,  or  whatever  the  case  may  be.  We  are  lacking  AP  courses  in  every  possible  subject,  and  these  courses  that  we  lack  are  courses  that  students  at  Stratford  and  Memorial  are  a  custom  to.  How  is  Spring  Woods  supposed  to  compete  with  other  schools  on  an  academic  level  if  the  schools  we  are  competing  with  are  on Â

Because  we  have  so  few  students  in  Pre-­AP  or  AP  classes,  the  majority  can  not  succeed.  Which,  unfortunately,  is  something  that  the  school  system  wants.  If  our  school  were  to  have  more  Pre-­AP  or  AP  teachers,  then  we  would  be  able  to  have  a  more  challenging  school  and  eventually  allow  for  a  more  intelligent  student Â

a  whole  different  level... ÂżJXUDWLYHO\ VSHDNLQJ   Sure  there  may  be  enough  faculty  support  to  go  to  all  of  the  Football  games  in  the  world,  but Â

body.  This  is  not  to  be  misunderstood  as  me  saying  we’re  all  a  bunch  of  blubbering  idiots,  but  it  is  to  say  we  are  smart  now  lets  get  smarter. Â

The  Wiki-­Wiki  web  .

How  Wikileaks  is  revolutionizing  truth  and  secrecy

By  KELLEY  KIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF    In  high  school,  we  are  very  familiar  with  gossip.  The  typical  he  said/she  said  rumors  VSUHDG OLNH ZLOGÂżUH DQG now,  our  generation  can  even  use  the  Internet  as  a  tool  to  further  communicate  common  high  school  expressions  of  angst  and  hatred.  As  a  result,  words  get  taken  out  of  context,  which  creates  a  turmoil  that  damages  relationships  and  feelings.  If  you  can  relate,  then  you’ll  easily  understand  the  basics  as  to  why  Wikileaks  has  become  the  real  deal:  World  leaders  are  the  high  school  students,  and  Wikileaks  serves  as  the  grade-­A,  high  school  drama.    This  sticky  situation  you’d  typically  see  in  a  cheesy  teenage  movie  is  similar  to  what  has  happened  surrounding  the  Wikileaks  controversy.  But  instead Â

THE  DIRTY  TRUTH:  Wikileaks  founder,  Julian  As-­ sange,  explains  himself  in  a  press  conference. of  a  high  school  hallway,  the  drama’s  set  on  a  world  stage.  Julian  Assange,  the  founder  of  Wikileaks,  is  getting  his  shoulders  pulled  by  several  world  leaders  seeking  to  press  charges.  However,  he  didn’t  necessarily  steal  anything  as  many  have  claimed.  Rather,  he  was  generously  given  top  secret  information  from  people  who  had  or  have  the  access,  such  as  Private  First  Class  Bradley  Manning. Â

This  information  put  many  countries,  including  the  United  States,  on  the  edge.    It’s  almost  comical  just  how  much  fear  and  anger  there  is  from  well  known  global  leaders  towards  much  of  the  leaked  information.  For  example,  there  is  now  tension  between  Iran  and  Saudi  Arabia  following  the  leak  of  the  Saudi  King’s  alleged  pleas  to  the  United  States  to  attack  Iran’s  nuclear Â

development  efforts,  despite  their  seemingly  friendly  neighbor-­to-­ neighbor  relationship.        Another  example  is  how  North  Korea  is  hanging  on  the  edge  after  their  supposedly  â€œneutralâ€?  buddy,  China,  privately  called  out  North  Korea  by  stating,  â€œNorth  Korea  is  behaving  like  a  spoiled  child.â€?  Some  of  the  information  was  surprising  to  discover,  some  not,  but  the  reality  of  the  entire  situation  is  how  a  simple  website  that  is  mirroring  the  ideals  of  the  1971  Pentagon  Papers  is  begging  the  question:  What  are  the  governments   so  afraid  of?    Julian  Assange,  the  founder  of  Wikileaks,  declared  in  an  interview  with  Time  that  he  and  the  Wikileaks  website  are  simply  advocating  â€œcivil  obedienceâ€?  and  exposing  â€œabusive  organizationsâ€?  that  aren’t  helping  the  cause.  World  leaders  are  essentially  humiliated  as  more  information  is Â

becoming  leaked  and  are  now  scrambling  to  seek  justice.  The  United  States  in  particular  is  trying  to  charge  Assange  with  acts  of  espionage  under  the  Espionage  Act  of  1917.  However,  not Â

national  security  law.     With  this  in  mind,  there  is  no  limitation  as  to  who  can  technically  be  charged—anyone  from  Assange  to  someone  who  casually  read  the  information  on Â

Âł:KHQ HYHU\WKLQJ LV FODVVLÂżHG WKHQ QRWKLQJ LV FODVVLÂżHG ´   Supreme  Court  Justice  Potter  Stewart  in  his  judgment  in  the  Pentagon  Papers  case  in  1971. only  is  the  Act  archaic  DQG WRR EURDG WR GHÂżQH VSHFLÂżF FKDUJHV EXW in  my  eyes,  the  U.S.  Government  is  also  trying  to  charge  something  that  is  not  there.   ³2QH RI WKH Ă€DZV LQ the  Espionage  Act  is  that  it  draws  no  distinction  between  the  leaker  or  the  spy  and  the  recipient  of  the  information,  no  matter  how  far  downstream  the  recipient  is,â€?  said  American  University  law  professor  Stephen  Vladeck,  an  expert  in Â

the  Wikileaks  website.  All  I  ask  is,  where  is  the  freedom  of  the  press?  And  why  should  Assange  be  charged  with  espionage  when  the  documents  were  given  to  him?  Because  I  believe  that  Assange  simply  served  as  the  middleman  providing  information  that  he  received  for  the  eye  of  the  public.  I  believe  it  is  unnecessary  for  the  United  States  to  charge  him.  In  the  words  of  Assange  himself,  â€œDon’t  shoot  the  messenger.â€?

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%R\V VRFFHU ZRUNV WRZDUG SOD\ RIIV Coach  optimistic  about  upcoming  season  for  Tigers

By  SAMANTHA  SOLIS STAFF  WRITER  â€œHard  work  beats  talent  when  talent  doesn’t  work  hard,â€?  a  motto  that  is  truly  demonstrated  by  the  dedication  shown  by  the  2011  Varsity  Boys  Soccer  team.  Although  last  year’s  record  of  5-­14-­1  is  not  one  to  brag  about,  Head  Coach  Wadey  Yaya  is  optimistic  about  this  year’s  season.     â€œMy  anticipations  are  very  positive  this  year.  I  don’t  perceive  for  us  to  have  that  kind  of  a  season  this  year,â€?  Yaya  said.    The  team  itself  is  very  young.  Even  though  there  are  twelve  returning  varsity  letters,  ten  of  them  are  underclassmen.  Having  such  a  high  number  of  returning  players  means  that  there  is  enough  experience  on  the  team  to  really  understand  what  needs  to  be  done  for  them  to  succeed.  Sophomore  Roberto  Chavira  is  a  returning  varsity  letter  who  has  shown  leadership  on  the  ¿HOG DQG LV YHU\ KRSHIXO of  this  year’s  season.    â€œI  believe  this  will  be  a  good  season.  We  have  a  great  team,  and  the  attitude  on  WKH ÂżHOG LV GLIIHUHQW than  it  was  last  year Â

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KICKIN’  IT:  Sophomore  Captain  Fernando  Aguirre  and  freshmen  Alec  Barraza  SOD\ RIIHQVH RQ WKH ÂżHOG GXULQJ D KRPH JDPH because  we  all  act  like  a  family,â€?  Chavira  said.    This  season  presents  the  challenge  of  facing  new  teams  within  the  new  4A  district.  Unlike  football,  volleyball  and  basketball,  the  soccer  teams  will  be  competing  up  against  a  different  set  of  teams.  This  brings  the  challenge  of  not  knowing  what  to  expect  from  the  players.  SWHS  is  in  one  of  the  most  competitive  districts  in  the  region  and  will  be  facing  some  strong  schools.   â€œWe  match  up  well  against  Northbrook  every  year.  It’s  always  an  exciting  rivalry.  But Â

our  toughest  competition  is  going  to  be  the  state  runner-­ups,  Kingwood  Park,â€?  Yaya  said.  After  having  to  VKDUH WKH SUDFWLFH ÂżHOG with  the  girl’s  soccer  last  \HDU WKH WHDP LV ÂżQDOO\ able  to  use  the  new  Tiger  Stadium.  It  not  only  means  having  the  â€œhomeâ€?  ¿HOG DGYDQWDJH EXW also  boost  both  student  and  the  community’s  school  spirit.   â€œI  believe  people  will  see  the  lights  on  during  a  game  and  just  might  want  to  pull  over  and  watch  the  game,â€?  Yaya  said. Â

 The  big  goal  the  team  hopes  to  achieve  is  to  advance  to  the  state  play-­offs.  The  district’s  level  of  competition  will  make  it  harder  to  secure  one  of  the  top  four  sports,  but  senior  Omar  Rodriguez  is  very  hopeful  they  will  be  able  to  grab  one  of  the  positions.   â€œWe  have  a  good  team  this  year  with  a  lot  of  talented  players.  Making  the  play-­offs  shouldn’t  be  a  big  challenge  if  we  keep  working  together,â€?  Rodriguez  said.

Upcoming soccer games Tuesday,  February  15  vs.  Kingwood  Park  @  SWHS Friday  February  18  vs.  Humble  @  Charles  Street  Stadium Tuesday  February  22  vs.  Stratford  @  SWHS Friday  February  25  vs.  Northbrook  @  SWHS

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Coach  Maiorana  left  legacy 6HH \RX DW WKH ¿QLVK OLQH Legendary  baseball  coach  in  SBISD  history  loses  battle  with  cancer

By  SAMANTHA  SOLIS STAFF  WRITER

Maiorana  was  able  to  achieve  such  great  accomplishments  in  his  time  here,  that  did  not  give  him  a  great  sense  of  pride.  His  greatest  achievement  was  being  able  to  install  discipline,  good  citizenship, Â

Swimming  goes  to  district  and  regionals

Maiorana  Field  in  only  diver  on  the  Spring  and  improvement  for  the  his  honor.  Former  By  CADE  BUNDRICK team.  They  have  helped  Woods  diving  team.  players,  students  and  STAFF  WRITER  â€œSince  we  are  in  us  win  a  lot  of  meets.â€? community  members   The  team  has  After  an  a  new  district,  we  are  a    Last  semester  attended  the  celebration  outstanding  season,  the  team  that  other  schools  indeed  improved,  and  is  Spring  Woods  lost  an  and  watched  as  Coach  swim  team  attended   the   have  never  competed  able  to  beat  more  times  incredible  coach  and  0DLRUDQD WKUHZ WKH ÂżUVW district  and  regionals  against  before  so  I  think  in  their  new  district,  but  mentor.  After  a  long  pitch  of  the  game.  The  meet. it’s  good  that  they  don’t  they  are  still  faced  with  battle  against  stomach  District  believed  it  was   For  the  know  what  to  expect,â€?  the  same  challenges  as  cancer,  Coach  ¿W WR UHQDPH WKH ÂżHOG swimmers,  district  is  said  Cavallo. before. Charlie  Maiorana  after  the  man  who  a  swim  meet  where  passed  away  on  dedicated  his  life  to  everyone  in  their  district  December  13,  2010. this  school  and  its  competes  to  help  show   C o a c h  baseball  program. who  will  move  on  to  Maiorana  began  his   â€œHe  was  still  UHJLRQDOV 7KH ÂżQDOLVWV career  as  a  Tiger  in  FRDFKLQJ ZKHQ , ÂżUVW in  each  event  at  district  1967  after  graduating  started.  It  was  nice  to  compete  with  other  from  Sam  Houston  see  him  as  a  mentor  GLVWULFW ÂżQDOLVWV DFURVV State  University.   For  and  learn  what  made  Houston  to  compete  in  33  years  he  coached  him  successful  over  regionals.  hundreds  of  baseball  the  years.  Naming   With  the  new  players  that  stepped  WKH ÂżHOG DIWHU KLP ZDV 4A  division  redistricting,  onto  the  Tiger  Field  truly  an  honor  for  the  a  new  perspective  as  if  they  were  his  school,â€?  Girls  Athletic  has  allowed  the  team  own  children. Director,  Allison  to  improve  and  grow.   â€œHe  always  RACE  TO  THE  FINISH:  The  team  warms  up  before  Lozano  said.  The  Tigers  had  a  much  said  that  we  were   The  Spring  greater  chance  than  the  big  meet. blessed  with  health     &RDFK &KDUOLH 0DLRUDQD Branch  community  before  thanks  to  the  and  physical  ability  lost  an  amazing  man  new  teams  they  swam  2009 so  we  needed  to  give  and  coach.  The  school  against  and  were  able  to   Although  the  â€œWe  swim  against  a  lot  100%  all  of  the  time.  He  commitment,  and  a  pride  and  life  skills  beat  in  their  new  district.  Tigers  might  not  have  the  of  HISD  schools  now  wanted  us  to  be  the  best  positive  attitude  in  his  that  Coach  Maiorana  Not  only  have  the  best  shot  at  state,  they  that  we  are  in  4A,  but  we  could  be,â€?  class  of  players  on  and  off  the  installed  in  both  swimmers  been  getting  did  have  a  much  better  we  are  still  rivals  with  â€˜79  graduate  and  second  ¿HOG students  and  faculty  better  against  other  chance  at  placing  in  Stratford  so  we  swam  basemen,  Rex  Willis   â€œ C o a c h  will  live  on.  His  words  teams,  but  have  been  ¿QDOV DW GLVWULFW EHFDXVH against  them  in  district  said. established  a  will  continue   to  greatly  able  to  do  better  as  a  of  their  outstanding  and  regionals,â€?  Coach   D u r i n g  Maiorana  winning  tradition  not  only  impact  those  who  knew  team  while  practicing  swimming  record  and  all  Lesley  Reinstra  said.  his  time  at  Spring   him  during  his  years  at  with  each  other. RI WKH EHQHÂżWV WKDW KDYH “The  team  is  stronger  Woods,  he  earned  for  Spring  Woods,  but  for  Spring  Woods.  â€œWe  have  a  lot  been  added  to  the  team. than  it  ever  was  before  the  title  of  winningest  the  district.  He  brought  a   â€œMake  a  great  of  new  swimmers  that   â€œHaving  two  now  that  we’re  able  baseball  coach  with  his  great  tradition  of  winning  an  expectation  of  play....and  I  can  still  were  swimmers  before  different  coaches  this  to  focus  on  both  the  outstanding  record  of  and  student  athletes  hear  it  today.â€?  â€œTHAT  and  are  experienced  year  allows  us  to  do  better  older  and  younger  kids  703-­231  and  21  play-­off  the  the  school,â€?  A  BOY!  THAT  A  BOY,â€?  which  is  helping  out  the  than  previous  years  and  at  the  same  time  with  appearances.  In  1995  throughout  Campus  Willis  said. team  a  lot,â€?  said  junior  work  together  fully,  as  a  two  coaches.  We  have   he  was  inducted  into  Director,  Keith  Athletic  Cripps  diver  Collin  Cavallo.  true  team,â€?  Cavallo  said.  incredibly  strong  relays  the  Texas  Baseball  Hall  said. Cavallo  will  compete  â€œOur  freshman  are  really  and  an  incredibly  strong  of  Fame  and  the  Spring   This  past  April,  in  both  district  and  strong  right  now  and  team.â€? Woods  Hall  of  Honor  in  Tiger  Field  was  renamed  regionals  and  is  the  have  been  a  great  help  2001.  Although  Coach Â

Valentine sentiments ‘11 Dearest Chelsea, I love you. Tis all. Love, Sam Lopez. I think about you every day Josh Jennings. You are beautiful in every way. You’re incredible. -­Anonymous How shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? You hot as heck! -­Anon To: Cookie Monster;; I love you! I’m so glad that I have you in my life. You really do make me happy. -­Anonymous I love you Mary <3 -­Chelsea Hey friends I <3 you and I just want to say thanks for everything. I hope you have a good year =) -­Deniss V. :) Dear Niko, you are the tumor in my brain. xoxo :) -­Chelsea A-­corn Happy Valentine’s day Deb, thanks for being a great friend!! I love you !! <3 -­Daisy V. xD Hey buddy, have a nice V-­day and , KRSH \RX ¿QG D JXUO X QH[W ZHHN RU QH[W \HDU .DVVDQGUD Max Rombado, you are the love of my life. <3 -­Anon Niko! You’re cute. -­Leah Bailey <33! Happy Valentine’s day :) -­Chris Rice Dear Chelsea, I love you. -­Gangsta Dear babyboo :) I love you so much & I’m glad that I have you by my side. I hope that you wil continue to be for a long time. always? <3 From, babylovee Dear Margarette, I love you so. Thank you for putting up with me. Love always, husband I love you very much and I hope you have a great v-­day gurl. U been the greatest friend to me :) From, Kassandra All my friend are the best and school would be so boring if they weren’t around <3 Love you guys! -­Stephanie V. I <3 you Sam -­Chelsea Hey jupu. You’re the weirdest per-­ son I know, but I love you anyway. HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY! <333333333 -­your wife. , ORYH \RX 7RUL . , ZDWFK \RX ZDON WKH halls and I’m always staring when you do your homework. I will marry you one day. count on it. -­anonymous Vero, Vivi, Adrian, Eddie, Selvin, Misael: Umm, I don’t think any of us have a Valentine because we are all just so ugly, but that’s ok! I love all you guys! Happy Valentines day :) .....SIKE. -­Dayana Iza Say girl. Dis ya boy Ray John. Look, we got togetha over Easter and stuff but ever since den, I been thinkin bout chu, and wantin’ to uh talk to you but you know, it may seem like I’m smoove. Like I walk water and stuff but I’m pretty down 2 Earf, know what I’m sayin’? -­anon <3 Hi wifey. Expect a zebra printed gift for you. -­Jupu Misty, I loves you tons, thanks for being such a wonder -­ful friend! -­Dayana Joann!..ummm yeah happy Valentine’s day! I wanted to be your Valentine but Ronnie beat me to it, I mean I guess that’s valid though since he is your boyfriend...hahaha. Love you bestie! -­Dayana Hai Davey, I’m very excited to be spending my second Valentine’s day with you. Fluff a luff <3 -­Jessica U carved a chunk out ov mah chest and called it my hart. You ZLOO QHYHU NQRZ KRZ , IHHO RU ZDW ORY L] , NQR WKR WKDW , EH RQO\ DQG VWXII EXW u still lef me and I still sad :( I still need u in my lyf. -­broken hearted Your eyes are more beautiful than the shining light of a thou-­ sand stars sitting quietly, peacefully in the clear night sky. Your hair is the color of dirt, but smells sweeter than chocolate. I gaze at you from afar every day. Will you be my Valentine for this wonderful year of 2011?

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