April 25, 2014

Friday May 2, 2014

R A C L E O

Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese pg. 8 Photo by Rebecca Williamson

TSTRATFORD HE Volume 41, Issue 9

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Softball Wraps up Season Photo by Jacqueline Comparin pg. 9

shsoracle.com

440 Student VOLUNTEERS 40,000 squAre feet painted 1400 Kids’ meals Prepared 7 homes and yards fixed up 2 BUSINESSES REMODELED

Paper vs Electronic pg. 15 Photo by Rebecca Williamson

@spartanoracle

Almost Maine pg. 6 Photo by Te’a Sharp

14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079

@stratfordoracle

THE 1ST ANNUAL

BIG DAY

z z z z Katherine Kennedy

Photos by Maggie Vickers, Rebecca Williamson, Josh Wright, and Matthew Martinez Makowski

Four hundred and forty students gave up the early hours of their Saturday morning to give back to their community. From painting the wall behind the fields Spartan green to helping remodel local businesses, students got hands-on service experience.

The Big Day is a coalition between the Stratford Leadership Council and the Dairy Ashford Revitalization Team, (DART).

Both groups are in their first year of existence.

Planning for the Leadership Council began in April of 2013.

Sponsors of clubs, sports, and organizations were asked to se-

lect one student to represent their group in the Council. Fiftythree students representing everything from varsity football to choir make up the first Leadership Council.

The idea for DART developed about a year ago with the goal of helping local businesses get a face lift on their property and providing students with the opportunity for service hours.

The DART Committee is composed of local community members, Stratford parents, and business owners and is led by Susie Grace.

BIG DAY continues on 2

NEWS BIG DAY: 2

Friday May 2. 2014

The Oracle

Leadership Council, Dairy Ashford Revitalization Team bring 440 students together for day of service

Continued from the front page Talks of a universal day of service began in August. The Leadership Council hoped to provide an opportunity for students to volunteer together, and DART needed labor and student involvement to make the revitalization of the area possible. Thus, plans for The Big Day were born.

The Big Day is modeled after Texas A&M’s annual Big Event, which is a well-proven model that involves over 20,000 students.

The idea was presented to both the Leadership Council and DART, both of which received it with much enthusiasm. The Leadership Council was tasked with providing student volunteers, and DART was responsible for arranging volunteer opportunities with local businesses and getting funding for the supplies.

The Leadership Council met at least once a month to discuss both school wide events and to help plan The Big Day. The student representatives on the Leadership

Council took the information discussed at meetings and shared it with their groups.

They promoted The Big Day and encouraged sign ups.

Registration for The Big Day began in early March and lasted about four weeks. Over a fifth of the student body signed up and participated.

On April 24 during Spartan Time, all students who were registered for The Big Day met in the auditorium for orientation. The Big Day was introduced by leaders and procedures for the event were explained.

On the morning of The Big Day, the Leadership Council

tags, and found their group leaders.

Thirty nine student group leaders, the majority of whom are on Leadership Council, led 79 groups. The groups ranged from three to ten people, depending on the work project.

Several hundred students

and the Chemistry Club and three group leaders crossed Dairy Ashford to work on the Affordable Muffler shop.

They painted the garage doors Spartan green, helped repaint the doors and framing, redo a fence, and did landscaping and general cleanup.

Five other groups, including

Leadership Council members signed people up, entered their information in an online shared spreadsheet, and collected waivers.

Sign ups were closed in early April to place t-shirt orders.

All students who participated in The Big Day received a tshirt underwritten by donors.

The design of the shirt was created by students on the tshirt committee.

and DART members met at 6:30 to setup everything that they had prepared beforehand. Check in tables were assembled, group leaders received instructions for their work site, and supplies were distributed.

Well before the official start time of 7:30 a.m., student volunteers arrived by the dozens. They checked in, received their shirts and name

from 68 of the groups worked on “the wall” on the backside of the shopping centers just behind the practice fields, stadium, and baseball fields.

They painted the wall, doors, and staircases Spartan green from ten feet to the ground level. The portion of the wall higher than ten feet was painted ahead of time by a professional company.

Forty students from NHS

members from softball, football, Thespians, and Project Nice, went to seven different houses in the Stratford community. They did all types of jobs, ranging from mowing lawns to power washing driveways to weeding flower beds. At many of the homes, students had the chance to speak with the owners, all of whom spoke very highly of the students and their work

after the job was complete.

A group of ten orchestra students crossed Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford to the Gymboree store. There, they helped power wash, clean the windows, and clean the awning.

Eleven senior girls from NHS and Tri Theta split their time between painting the wall and preparing sack lunches at Kids’ Meals for preschool-aged children. In the hour and a half they spent there, they prepared over 1400 meals.

With all the jobs complete around 11:30 a.m., volunteers met back at the faculty parking lot for lunch. Chick-FilA donated sandwiches and chips for everyone involved.

The goal is that The Big Day will be an annual event that grows every year. The first year for anything is always a learning process, and since the first annual Big Day was such a success, it will be exciting to see what will happen in the future.

10% OFF FOR ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND FACULTY

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NEWS

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

A TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE With summer approaching, counselors and current valedictorians offer Class of 2015 advice Justin Todes

Get ready Class of 2015, because senior year is approaching fast. But now is not the time to get senioritis; the upcoming summer and year ahead are incredibly important to the future. There are many tasks that every junior can and should knock out.

The last day of the year to sign uppfor the SAT and ACT is May 9. Every junior is advised to take one or both of the tests this spring and, if necessary, take the tests again as a senior in September or October to increase scores.

Students planning to apply to private or out-of-state schools should also consider taking SAT Subject Tests in May or June.

Before the school year ends, juniors should also talk to their teachers about getting recommendation letters for college. Kristel Green, the counselor for the Class of 2015, advises students to give copies of a parent brag sheet and a resume to anyone they ask for letters.

Students should make it a priority to create a resume that includes contact information, GPA, extracurricular activities, employment, activities outside of school, and any awards or honors received.

The info in brag sheets and resumes gives recommenders additional information that makes their letters more meaningful. On average, students need two to three letters from core subject-area teachers.

The Common Application and ApplyTexas open for the college application process on Aug. 1. It is a good idea to start looking at the applications now, so it is familiar when applying in August. The essay prompts are not changing next year, making it possible to writing essays now rather than later.

While the applications are not changing, the way transcripts and letters of recommendation are submitted will be slightly different next year, thanks to Naviance.

Naviance is a system that ties in with college applications, and is used to track test scores and colleges applied to, and to electronically send documents to colleges. While its use with this year’s seniors was optional, it will be required next year.

As the school year comes to an end, with just a month left to go, don’t give up. Push through every class, and prepare for AP exams.

Make this summer count. Find a passion or interest, and seak an internship, a job or a volunteer opportunity related to it.

Next year, keep up the effort. Senioritis is incredibly contagious, but can be prevented by consciously realizing that while senior year is the end of high school, it is really just the beginning of one of the most important chapters in life.

5-16:

Earn college credit by doing well on AP Exams

MAY

Ask tea ch of reco ers for lette rs mmend ation

9:

Last day to register for SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT

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6:

Fin a

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am

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JUN

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Start working on college essays

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L JU Get a job or internship, or do volunteer work in something that you enjoy

AUGUST

1:

Common Application and ApplyTexas open for admission

25:

Senior year begins!

Make it a strong year!

Graphics by Victoria Shin and Rachel Torres

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NEWS

Friday May 2, 2014

News In 90 Seconds

JO ANN ARLITT NAMED STAFFER OF THE YEAR Photo by Tea Sharp

When staff members were voting on Staff and Teacher of the Year they probably didn’t realize the connection the two winners had.

Interdisciplinary instructional coach Jo Ann Arlitt had worked at Spring Forest

Middle School on and off for many years so when she was looking for work after moving back to Houston she applied for a position in the math department.

At the same time math teacher Karl Poetzl was leaving Spring Forest to work on his Masters in Wisconsin. Arlitt got Poetzl’s job and didn’t think anything of it for many years.

Two years ago Arlitt took up her current position just when Poetzl returned to work for the math department.

Fast forward to modern day and Arlitt and Poetzl have received the Staffer and Teacher of the Year awards respectively.

Arlitt works with students to help them prepare for standardized tests like the STAAR and TAKS for seniors.

UIL ACADEMIC REGIONALS

The Oracle Photo by Tea Sharp

Photo by Jacqueline Comparin

Lil’ Leesy an opinions column

ART MURAL IN THE LIBRARY

The National Art Honors Society has taken a service project this semester to beautify the library.

The previous librarian, Mrs. Janis Benefield wanted a mural painted in the library so she spoke with the art teachers.

The National Honor Arts Society was looking for a community service project so it seemed like a perfect fit. In order to be a member of the honor art society a student needs to be enrolled in an art

class or have recently taken one. GPA is also taken into account.

The theme of the mural is the “Learning Commons” and incorporates abstract elements such as shields and stripes. The president of the club, senior Andrew Lee and the other senior officers drew the design for the mural.

They have been painting on the mural for the past couple of weeks after school and plan to have the finished mural completed before the end of the year.

The Debate, Accounting, Science, English, and Journalism teams will be competing in the UIL Academic Regionals at Sam Houston State University on May 2-3 in Huntsville. Stratford will be competing against other 4A schools in region three. This will be the last time Stratford will compete in the 4A division due to changes in school classification by UIL. Next year Stratford plays in the newly reclassified 5A.

‘ALMOST, MAINE’ RUN CONTINUES

This evening the Stratford Playhouse will perform their romantic comedy, “Almost Maine.”

The comedy takes place in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine and depicts the unusual and hilarious ways the residents “find themselves falling in and out of love.”

The show will be held in the theater and curtains open at 7:30 p.m.

The last chance to see the play will be tomorrow at 2:30 and 7:30. Tickets are on sale at the box office next to the theater and cost $16.

Spring Break Withdrawals

Elyse Stieber Every senior seems to be counting down the days until graduation and summer, but my mind seems to be stuck in the past.

For my senior spring break, my mom and I embarked on a Carnival Sunshine cruise to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico alongside Charlotte Stevens and her family.

Movies on the big screen, 24 hour food, and an allinclusive spa were just a few of the fun-filled experiences done on the ship. I also got to gamble due to my age (I won 50 bucks on the Wheel of Fortune). The best part of the travel while on the Caribbean was dinner. Our table was at back of the ship, where every night we saw a prime sunset view with the endless and mystical ocean background.

At each destination, I got to experience once-in-a-lifetime activities, too.

In Jamaica, I horseback rode through the mountains and ended with a run ride in the clear blue ocean.

In the Grand Cayman, Charlotte and I teamed up to parasail, looking over the vast ocean hundreds of feet in the air with our feet dangling.

In Cozumel, I dove under the sea with a scuba tank and looked at a national forest of coral and sea life. You could say it was quite an adventure.

However, though all those activities were a blast, it’s the time I spent with the people around me that I cherish the most. I grew close to them, on a much deeper level than before. All the fun and memorable times we shared are what I want to relive.

I will look back on this trip as the best time of my whole life, and carry the memories with me forever.

5

ADS

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

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MUSE

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

New Food Coming Our Way

New restaurants being built in the community Ashleigh Garrett

Rumors have been going around school about the possible construction of new restaurants in the Dairy Ashford area. These restaurants include Chick-fila, Cane’s, Panera, and Chili’s.

Luckily for hungry students, these rumors are true.

“According to the construction worker, the Chick-fil-a is going to be across from Wendy’s, Cane’s is going to be in Lucky Village, Panera is going to be in between Lucky Village and Sonic, and Chili’s is almost complete in the Whataburger parking lot,” business teacher Mrs. Mary Jackson said.

The Chili’s that is being built is

actually is moving from its old location near Houston Community College. It is smaller than the old one, but is almost done.

Students are very excited about the new changes that are going to be made in food selection around school, especially students in extracurricular activities are excited to have more variety in their food selection.

“Wendy’s gets old after a while,” sophomore Rachel Peterson said.

“Being in band, we have after-school practices every other day and not being able to drive really limits what I can go to eat and be back in time.”

These restaurants will serve as a good break to have

some options new and close.

“We should just have off-campus lunch now because everyone is going to want to be at these restaurants” said junior Romina Vaezian.

Many others concur with this statement and also explain the results .

“We’re just going to go up a few pants sizes, but I am okay with that” freshman Katie Boatwright said.

The student are thrilled to have these very popular restaurants within walking distance.

This can also be beneficial to the other restaurants so students can get new food and come back to their food selection.

On and Off the Stage

A glance at the cast of ‘Almost, Maine’ Ashley Karolys

The curtain is raised once again as the Stratford Playhouse has their opening night for “Almost, Maine.”

“It’s a collection of nine different love stories that all connect in the end,” said junior Katie Moore who plays Hope in the scene “Story of Hope”, about a young woman who leaves the town of Almost, Maine to go to New York, and later realizes she made the wrong choice in leaving the man she loved.

Since March, the cast of “Almost, Maine” has been rehearsing non-stop to make the show the best to its ability.

Normally, in any other show, the cast would rehearse all together, but for “Almost, Maine,” it’s a little different this time around.

“The rehearsals are a lot different than anything we’ve done before because it’s just one on one with your director and scene partner and that’s

it. It’s good cause you get di- by one of the cast members rect feedback and you learn and spent a weekend there. m o r e ,” “It was s a i d nice beMoore. cause we “Scenes got to won’t rebond and hearse connect for two with one weeks at another a time which a n d m a d e people up for would the lost have to time in c o m e (Listed from top to bottom) Sophomorer e h e a r s Reilly Lawrence, junior Katie Moore, and back and seniors Cody Finger and Stacie Agnewals,” said pick it bond together at the cast retreat.

Moore. up and Photo by Mary Lindsey Al Falthey have been really good lick, a Stratford alum, has about coming back and been helping out with dipicking up where we left recting the show along side off,” said student direc- theatre directors Christian tor senior Caroline Stone. Holmes, Cece PrudhomWith the cast not being to- me, and David Clayton. gether all of the time due to “He’s been really helpful in the unusual rehearsal sched- helping me get into my characule, they held a cast retreat. ter,” said junior Keeley Flynn.

The group all took a trip Flynn plays Marvalyn in up to a lake house owned the scene “This Hurts”.

“My character is in an abuSwank plays Jimmy, a guy sive relationship with her who runs into his ex in a boyfriend so I went on You- bar and awkwardly tries to Tube and watched videos make things good again. about dating violence and reenactments.”

Because the role is such a mature part, Flynn does all she can to connect with the character.

“I push out everything and I believe I am the character,” said Flynn. “I think of small Mary Kate Goss and Stephen Swank things I would do as Seniors perform the scene called “Sad & Glad”. the character like what Photo by Natalie Broussard I ate for breakfast or what errands I had to run.”

“Jimmy is just one of Along with Moore and those people who try to put Flynn, senior Stephen on a mask and act happy Swank is also a part of the and be friendly and carcast of “Almost, Maine”. ing and happy even when “My character and I are things aren’t working out.” a lot alike,” said Swank.

Although heavy topics “Both of us have been are brought up, the play in the same situation and is very easy to relate to. both of us resolve our prob“It’s about love and even if lems the same way: by you’ve never been in love beforcing a fake smile and fore you can relate it to other dancing around the issue.” life situations,” said Moore.

For the seniors, this is the last show they will ever be in for the rest of high school.

“It’s sad that it is all coming to an end, I’ve loved doing shows here and I love this show,” said Swank.

“Almost, Maine” is in the middle of performances right now, so make sure to purchase your tickets either online, at the door, or at the box office during lunch.

Swank said, “It’s a great show with a fantastic cast so come see ‘Almost, Maine’.”

You can purchase tickets for “Almost, Maine” at the box office during lunch , at the door, or on the Playhouse’s website.

For tickets to Almost, Maine, visit shsplayhouse.org or scan the QR code above.

MUSE A Breath of Fresh Air 7

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

Alternative rock group NEEDTOBREATHE releases highly-anticipated new album

ing” tour, and after the tour, tion for the band gone astray. and it makes all the difdrummer Joe Stillwell decided The upbeat and uncharacter- ference. “The Heart” ap Wasteland. It’s not the next to end his time with the band. istically-country song reflects proaches the final stages of step one would expect from a For a long time, the newly- their desire to return to their the band’s redemption, and band coming off of their most reduced group seemed to be roots, both physically and as the guys discover their successful record to date, but in a rut that they couldn’t es- spiritually, as they continue to purpose, the listeners will it’s the destination of NEED- cape. It was a place of darkness try to discover who they are find themselves singing and TOBREATHE’s newest album. and drought, and it wasn’t easy both as a band and as people. cheering along with them.

It’s not a place they chose to for any of them. As a result, The next two tracks really ad- The last four tracks sort of go, but one they found them- “Wasteland” is more than a vance the process of redemp- bring full-circle the group’s selves in. And the music that simple collection of random tion, and it’s a remarkable personal story of redempcame out of that dry and weary tunes, it’s a story about working thing to listen to. “Difference tion. “Where the Money place is not likely going to be through hard times, returning Maker” is a slower, emotional, Is” heralds their newfound their most popular among the to their roots, and ultimately and contemplative song that conviction that authenticity masses, but that’s not the mu- finding redemption. begins by is far more important than sic’s purpose. What the open- The album opens success in minded listener will find in on a strong note with terms of “Rivers in the Wasteland” is “ Wa s t e l a n d ,” As the album moves forward, the listener sales, the some of the most refreshingly which is a standgets the rare experience of walking with the p u r s u i t authentic and intimate mu- out among even of which sic they’ve heard, as the lyr- their best work. band through a time of redemption and re- d r o v e ics, song by song, take them The song will re- discovery through well-crafted, shockingly them to the through a story of success, mind long-time intimate and relatable, and almost entirely “ W a s t e emptiness, shame, and pur- fans of some of land” in the live songs. pose. the band’s older, first place.

NEEDTOBREATHE, a group slower, more intimate gems, pondering the “Multithat has earned extensive rec- like “Haley,” “Stones Under way God works, and the way plied” is an uplifting and ognition in the past few years, Rushing Water,” “Garden,” He let them trip themselves freeing declaration of the began in 1998 with brothers and “A Place Only You Can up and fall, only to come back band’s desire to bring revivBear and Bo Rinehart. Bear Go.” But even compared to stronger. It ends with a reso- al to the world—to see “the claims the instantly-recogniz- those, “Wasteland” is unique. lute desire to “beat death,” and hallelujahs be multiplied. “ able, raspy lead vocals the band Bear’s strong voice quiv- an utter refusal to give up. It’s sung with a gentleness is known for, while Bo plays ers with more emotion and As the track turns, perhaps the guitar and sings backup. The heart than ever before, and the most moving song comes up other founding group mem- simple yet stirring lyrics in- next. “Rise Again” is the apex bers were bassist Seth Bolt troduce the listener to a place of revival and redemption, and drummer Joe Stillwell. of darkness and dryness. And and it’s the most inspiring and To truly appreciate NEED- yet there is a hope of light in uplifting song from the group TOBREATHE’s newest al- the lyrics that comes to de- in a long time. “Rise Again” bum, one has to understand fine the album as it progresses. starts out with a heavy tone as where they came from. That From there, the listener is in- the band finally realizes where path includes their fourth al- troduced to the group’s fear of it all went wrong, and wonbum, “The Reckoning,” the change that accompanies pur- der if they should call it quits. massive success which threat- suing this hope. This comes But just when it seems that an ened to break the band apart. in one of the albums fastest, end is near, the song turns in Bear and Bo grew up play- most foot-tapping songs, in a beautiful contrast with a soft, ing music and wandering “State I’m In.” This is followed hopeful chorus that declares about the Christian camp their by the even faster, “Feet, Don’t revival is coming. The contrast parents ran in Possum King- Fail Me Now,” which reflects is used masterfully, as it applies dom, South Carolina, where the change from hiding to not only to the music but to the they met future bassist Seth running that the band experi- light that is now coming from Bolt. For a long time, music ences, although their running the deepest times of darkness. has been a part of the mem- is still without much direction. “Rise Again” mentions fobers of NEEDTOBREATHE, As the album moves forward, cusing on a destination, and something they’ve unapolo- the listener gets the rare ex- in “The Heart,” the band has getically and seamlessly inter- perience of walking with the found their destination. In twined with their faith, friend- band through a time of re- a down-home country song ship, and life experience. But demption and rediscovery, that’ll have you tapping your with “The Reckoning,” they through well-crafted, shock- feet (and using new words like grew in popularity too fast, ingly intimate and relatable, “got’sta”), they rejoice in the and according to Bear were and almost entirely live songs knowledge of their purpose. straying from their collec- (that’s right, 90% of what you’ll “Long live the heart, long tive and individual identities. hear was recorded live to add live the soul, that knows what This wandering placed the to the music’s authenticity). it wants,” sings Bear with an group in a dark spot. The band The next song, “Oh, Caro- audible smile. “That piece you threatened to separate during lina,” is an important part of can find, that part is the whole.” the course of “The Reckon- the journey, as it sets a destina- And it’s a part they have found,

Scott Kennedy

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and care that’s refreshing, with soothing lyrics and gentle acoustic picking.

While “Multiplied” focuses on outward impact, the next song returns to matters within the band. In “Brother,” the guys reaffirm their love and support for each other as band members and as family. From a group that nearly fell apart due to walls they built up between themselves, “Brother” is an important piece of the puzzle of redemption and revival coming together.

It plays like an anthem of brotherhood with relevance not only to its authors but to its listeners, as well.

Finally, “More Heart, Less Attack” closes out the album with its proverbial stanzas of a wisdom that’s hard to find in mainstream music. The soft lyrics offer various insights about life, and yet the message isn’t strong-armed or forced upon the listener. The journey the album sends the listener on ends

with a few lines that bring full-circle the group’s brokenness and redemption.

They remind of the dark and dry place from which the band began, and they tell of the cleansing and new direction they found from “rivers in the wasteland.”

This album may have surprised people with the way it deviated from the group’s previous path to success, but the rerouting is remarkably appealing.

There is a certain, intangible sense of realness surrounding the album, one that’s bolstered by the band’s openness regarding their struggles. “Wasteland” is better experienced than merely listened to, as it gives an authentic look into a personal story of redemption that’s relevant to everyone and uplifting to all.

The band strayed from the beaten path in returning to their true identity, and the musical expression of that is simply a breath of fresh air.

Sudoku

Created by Ashley Karolys For answers go to shsoracle.com

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MUSE

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

The Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese in Town Houston boasts a broad selection of some of the highest quality Elaine Parizot Ruggles Green

Most Organic

Cafe Express

Ruggles offers a unique, glutenfree quinoa mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s not too cheesy, and is topped with just the right amount of basil to make it taste fresh.

Most Convenient

This take on mac n’ cheese is very popular. The $5 kids version is a smaller portion but the french fries and creamy shell pasta make it worth it.

Most Variety

Shade Lankford’s Grocery & Market

Slightly off the beaten path, Lankford’s mac n’ cheese is the cheesiest of the group.

It could be argued that the sub-5$ price makes up for the long haul.

Cheesiest

The award winning gruyere mac n’ cheese has been called the perfect combination of truffle oil and creaminess in Houston.

This lighter mac n’ cheese can be found on 19th street.

Jus’ Mac

This small restaurant has three Houston locations and more variety than any other restaurant can boast.

Get your mac with virtually anything on it.

Lightest

Photos by Elaine Parizot

Tweets of the Week Located in the La Hacienda restaurant center Kylen Chen-Troester @nihaokylen Actually kinda disappointed that I didn’t complete the Google Maps Pokemon challenge before April 2...

Ross Fenton @rossfenton11 Excuse me sir, don’t wear a dank to the gym that says “Suns out Guns out”

MAPLE BACON DONUT!

WITH AD

Shawn Taylor @Shawnyt123 It needs to be illegal for Taylor swift to dance at award shows better yet at all Jenny Weber @jennyweber69 If you don’t love @aaroncarter then I don’t love you. #bye Patrick Donaho @PatrickDonahoo Hey @BrooklynDecker, I know this is kind of sudden but would you go to prom with me? Just go with it.

Follow @StratfordOracle for your chance to be featured in the next issue Tweets compiled by Emily Fishman and graphic by Victoria Shin

9

SPORTS Softball Knocks it Out of the Park

The Oracle

Friday May 2, 2014

Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Stieber

1 3

Photo by Kinsey Meek Coa ch Gr o c hm a l l Q: What sport do you coach and how long have you been coaching it?

A: I coach freshman girls basketball and JV basketball and softball. I have coached at Stratford for four years, but have coached eight years in all.

Q: What is your background in softball?

A: I have played softball my whole life. I was a four year letterman at Memorial and played at Blinn in Brenham.

Q: Who do you believe is our biggest rival this season?

A: Ridgepoint. They have a lot of high caliber players that play on select teams.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

A: On game day, I have to wear the same sports bra.

Also, I must have a Mr. Pibb before each game.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I love to travel. I also really enjoy taking my puppy, Papa, to the park all the time!

Q: What has been your best memory here at Statford?

A: My favorite memory at Stratford was when all of the students were able to go to the girl’s playoff soccer game during the school day.

Story by Kelly Hewiitt

2

WINNER TAKES ALL • (1) After a winning game

against Willowridge, the varisty team jumps for joy.

(2) The varsity team forms a prayer circle, their pregame ritual. (3) Sophmore Adriana Coffman warms up for pitching during pre-game warm-ups for a JV game against Marshall. (4)Freshman Samantha Englund hits a ground ball in a pre-season game to try and get to first base. (5) The varsity team salutes the flags while the national anthem plays right before a game. Photos by Jacqueline Comparin

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5

THE

SCHEDULE Baseball:

5/1-3 Bi-District Playoffs 5/8-10 Area Playoffs 5/15-17 Regional Quarterfinals 5/22-24 Regional Semi-Finals

Water Polo:

5/4-5 State Tournament @ University of Texas Austin

Track:

5/9-10 (4pm/9am) State Championships @ University of Texas Austin

Football:

5/27 Spring Game @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

Event: Doubles Favorite Movie: “Christmas Vacation” Longest Match: 3 hours against Georgetown Favorite Restaurant: Backstreet Cafe Best Game: Against Angleton last year when Cameron and I saved 7 match points FAvorite Quote: “ You’re not a real man until you get hit in the family jewels.” -Rory Frazee

Nick Butler

Ingvild Utengen

Event: 1 and 2 mile Running Song: “Remember the Name” by Forth the Minor Favorite Memory: Living in Houston Best Time: 5:35 for the 1 mile and 12:13 for the 2 mile Favorite Place: Outside Skiing Favorite Quote: “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss it you’ll land among the stars.”

-Les Brown

Story by Layla Shahhosseini & Elyse’ Stieber Photos by Arturo Benitez & LeeAnn Quinlan Graphics by Scott Kennedy

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SPORTS

Friday May 2, 2014

Spartans’ Biggest Fans

The boys and girls soccer teams each had their own good luck charms in the league

Jackie Velarde ticipate in the team hud- ter, Eva, is five years old This soccer season the dles before every game. and attends Wildcat boys and girls soccer He would make sure to Way. Eva would come teams finished with give every player a high to as many games as she great records and excit- five and quickly received could, as long as they ing playoff runs. the label of being a “good weren’t too far away or Both the would cause her to be boys and up past her bedtime. She girls teams has always loved playhad fans in ing soccer and currently attendance plays in a kids recreevery game, ational league called yet for each “Soccer Kids Fun.” To team there help cheer on and supwas one fan port the team, Eva would that would join the huddles before try their best and during games, and not to miss would always keep the a game, and SWEET SURPRISE • Coach McGee’s daugh- bench alive. All of the was their big- ter brings her flowers from Mr. McGee on a Valen- players loved Eva, and gest support- tine’s day game. Photo by Gil Sanchez Eva loved all of the player. ers.

These two “biggest fans” luck charm.”

“Anyone that could enfor each team just hapCome time for the tertain her was her best pened to be the coaches’ playoffs, Aidan was ex- friend,” Coach McGee kids. tremely excited they said. And typically, that Coach Plut’s son, Aidan, made it so far, and it was the whole team. is six years old and at- broke his heart when he When making it to the tends Cimaron Elemen- was not able to attend playoffs Eva was obvitary. Aidan would ously excited, attend every game and continued he could, although to attend the some were too late, games. Howbut the ones he came ever, when the to he cheered as Lady Spartans much as he could. lost in double

Aidan has over-time and always liked socpenalty kicks, cer, and came to Eva was very the games for pure PART OF THE TEAM • Coach Plut’s son rejoices confused as enjoyment, not just with the team after a game. Photo by Gil Sanchez to why and because his dad was how the Lady the coach. He has also the first game. However, Spartans lost. Eva loved played soccer since he he was at the following the Lady Spartans, and was three years old, and ones and even consoled can’t wait to attend more seeing older players who players such as Tyler games next season. he hopes to be like one Frost with huge hugs as The boys ended day is really fun for him. he walked off the field their season with a disTo cheer on the team, devastated that they lost. trict record of 7-1-2 and Aidan would hang out Aidan is ready for next the girls with an 8-2 rewith the boys soccer season and can not wait cord. Both finished secteam during their warm to come back. ond in District. up drills and would parCoach McGee’s daugh-

The Oracle

11

SPORTS

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

Nearing Match Point

Coach Frazee is retiring after 40 years and reflects on his career Scott Kennedy

The long-time Varsity Head Tennis Coach recalls his history with the school, his favorite memories, and his expectations for the future.

From: Spencerport, NY (Upstate NY) Sports Growing Up: Basketball, soccer, baseball, cross country, tennis

College: “I went to the University of Oswego,

which was a small state school, on the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York. I minored in English and majored in industrial arts.”

Becoming a coach: “I was at Westchester start-

ing in ‘81. And when I won a student-faculty tournament the current tennis coach, who was trying to transition into women’s volleyball, came to me and said “How would you like maybe coaching tennis?” and I said “Wow, that sounds like fun.”

Coming to Stratford: “I came to Stratford in 1986, when they consolidated Westchester and Stratford, when they combined the campuses.”

Teaching: “I was a traditional woodshop teacher for several years, and then eventually transitioned to a pre-engineering program that I’m teaching now, called “Project Lead the Way,” and I also taught English a couple years while I was here.”

SHS Then and Now: “I think the most obvious FOCUSING ON THE PRIZE• Frazee gives Varsity player Alli Weitzel advice during her area playoff match. Photo by Gil Sanchez

change for me as a teacher is just seeing the influence that technology has on peoples’ lives. As far as similarities, Stratford’s always been a leader in academics in the state, I’ve always believed that it’s

WATCHING CLOSELY •

Frazee and assistant Coach Courson watch with anticipation as their players compete. Photo by Gil Sanchez

one of the best schools in the state. We’ve succeeded in so many different areas of campus life, and I don’t think that’s ever changed from the time that I first got here.”

Favorite Memories: “I think every time we made a trip to state, that was always kind of a magical trip, all of those journeys stood out in one way or another, all 24.”

Expectations for Future: “I think we’ll continue to be one of the better programs out there, Coach Courson has every ability to continue the success, so I expect the program to be as successful if not more successful.”

Miss Most: “Easily the time I spend with the players on the court, in the middle of the competitions. I’ve always loved to compete, and I love being around people that love to compete, so that’s the thing that I’ll miss the most— the players.

All graphics by Victoria Shin

Graphics and Story by Scott Kennedy

1986

Frazee first came to Stratford in 1986, after being at Westchester since 1981.

Frazee came here during the SHSWHS consolidation

Frazee’s tennis team has made it to state 24 times since 1986, when he began coaching

15

24

There were only around 15 guys and 15 girls that were in the tennis program at Stratford when Frazee began

1 STRATFORD HIGH SCHOOL

If Frazee had to give one piece of advice to his players, it would be “Work at something that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”

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12

SPORTS

Friday May 2, 2014

the nfl draft

The Oracle

ELAINE EXPLAINED

Houston awaits the biggest sports decision of 2014 as the Texans head into the draft with their third first round pick on Thursday May 8 Elaine Parizot Elyse’ Stieber

Johnny Manziel

Every Aggie’s dream is to have the Johnny Football legacy continue in Houston.

Manziel did impress O’Brien at his proday, with only 2 passes of 64 hitting the ground. However, Manziel is not the typical Tom Brady passer that O’Brien is looking for, since he often ends up scrambling out of the pocket. His smaller physique also brings about concern that he could easily get crushed by a massive linebacker, but Johnny definitely has the flash the Texans are in need of.

Bridgewater’s mental game could be compared to an early Peyton Manning. He’s driven, competitive, and confident in his abilities and looks like he would be a great addition to the Texans offense. His leaner frame, however, bothers O’Brien. It will come down to whether O’Brien is willing to risk having an injured quarterback in exchange for a quick thinker on the field.

Central Florida’s Bortles has a Joe Flacco build that has been catching O’Brien’s eye along with much of Houston. His steady arm got a lot of attention in the AAC, but his skills wouldn’t be considered outstanding. His lack of speed and finesse could wind up reminding Texan fans of Schaub crumbling under defensive pressure. Bortles has the potential to be a solid top tier quarterback after some improvements .

Trade Down

Although not nearly as exciting the option of taking a first round star, the Texans have been rumored to be negotiating with the Buffalo Bills to ditch their first pick and get more selections later in the draft.

This would most likely result in the Texans getting a second tier quarterback, like LSU’s Zach Mettenberger or Alabama’s AJ McCarron, in addition to more defensive players.

Jadeveon Clowney

The only defensive player really still in the running to be the first pick, South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney has proved to be a freak of nature who deserves attention. His unique speed and size combination along with his ability to read the offense make him a potential Pro-Bowler. On the flip side, his laziness and occasional selfish actions cause concern with Texan staff. But if J.J. can whip Clowney into shape, the result could be a dream defensive line.

Chronicle columnist and host of the Rush on 97.5 Jerome Solomon lent his opinion on the first pick of the draft

Jerome Solomon’s Take

Teddy Bridgewater

Blake Bortles

Although he may be a personal fan of Johnny Football, Solomon acknowledges that O’Brien and the Texans owner Bob McNair may not be willing to deal with Manziel’s wild side. As for Clowney, Solomon wants a new quarterback but sees benefits in getting the linebacker, too.

“I’ve talked to scouts around the league and the general consensus is that, at worst, he’ll be pretty doggone good,” Solomon said.

Solomon is definitely antiBortles, explaining that he’s just a big body without the athleticism and precision required to be a high-caliber quarterback.

“I think Teddy Bridgewater is the best fit for what O’Brien is looking for,” Solomon said.

An opinions column

My Time at the Chiro Elaine Parizot

Most high school students are forced by their parents or general lack of money to get a summer job. These jobs aren’t meant to be fun, and usually entail either folding clothes or serving food.

Not mine, though. One of my friends so kindly helped me get a job at the chiropractor’s office where she worked. She said I’d be like a receptionist, and also take patients back to the rooms before the doctors came to see them. Sounds easy enough, right?

Oh yeah, she later informed me (right before my interview) that I would also have to give the patients a one to two minute massage with this handheld thing and lay the heat packs on their back.

I was anxious about this at first, but my friend and future coworkers told me it really wasn’t that bad. And for the most part, they were right. Everyone that comes in is fully prepared to have some stranger doing stuff to their back, so it’s only awkward if I make it awkward.

However, there are times where I have no choice but to feel extremely uncomfortable, like when I have to put the massager thing on the back of this old man’s legs as he tells me in excruciating detail all the places he had to drive the day before.

So this summer as you slave over the cash register or deal with angry moms who just cannot come to terms with your store’s return policy, just remind yourself that you could be massaging the back of some random senior citizen’s legs instead. :)

13

OPINIONS

Editors-in-Chief Kali Venable Elaine Parizot Associate Editors Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Stieber News Editor Justin Todes Muse Editors Ashley Karolys Ashleigh Garrett Emily Fishman Sports Editors Scott Kennedy Kelly Hewitt Opinions Editors Claire Galbraith Maxine Tran Photo Editors Gil Sanchez Rebecca Williamson Katherine Kennedy

Friday May 2, 2014

Photographers Rebecca Meek Cassidy Menard Michael Martin Philip Chen Maggie Vickers Alex Milstead Graphics Editor Victoria Shin Reporters Courtney James Emily Adams Natalie Raley Staff Artists Claire Pena Molly Richter Ads Editors Katherine Mavergeorge Emily Copeland Allison Rice Sarah Sturgis

Ads Staff Harper Jones Emily Brown Lindsey Jenkins Meredith Burch Erin Higginbotham Paige Barber Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Phoebe Lamay Copy Editors Amanda Sturm Natasha Eades Philip Chen Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons

The Golden Rule is being forgotten Gil Sanchez

The legal repercussions that may ensue if a minor is prosecuted include a punishment of up to $500 in fines.

Recently, courts have begun to classify sexting as a form of cyber bullying which holds much more serious consequences such as a higher fines and incarceration.

Not only can the recipient run into deep trouble, recent law modifications have made it possible for the original sender to also receive legal ramification.

The best way to safeguard against the multitude of repercussions associated with sexting is to simply not do it.

When someone sexts, bottom line is that these “private” pictures will always have the potential to circulate and when they do people must be ready to deal with the consequences.

z

ages circulate around their entire school is often so entirely overwhelming that the sender feels as if the only answer is suicide.

In fact, the rising trend of sexting directly correlates with the rising amount of teen suicide.

Even if someone does not get caught, there is a deeper moral issue in all of this By engaging in this students are voluntarily subjecting themselves to objectification and sexualization, leading to lower self esteem and ultimately self-respect.

Putting aside all of that, every aspect of sexting is illegal for anyone under the age of 18.

By just receiving a sext a student has the potential to be charged with possession of child pornography or bullying.

e ch

Selfies, subtweet, and....sexting? The integration of technology into teenagers’ lives has changed everything from how teens handle school, friendships, and even relationships.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit pictures or messages via mobile phone and recently has become popular with high school couples.

In the past, fights with a significant other have been able to be kept private for the most part, but with the innovation of technology everything has changed.

For teens and adults alike have sent suggestive and explicit letters and messages so sexting shouldn’t come as a big surprise. However, the ease at which this media can be propagated is. A photo

shared between two people can quickly become a viral phenomenon.

Teens often find this harmless, especially on the popular new app Snapchat that enables the user to send an image for viewing of up to 10 seconds and then it “disappears.”

People familiar with this app must also be familiar with apps like Snapsave that allow users to open and save Snapchats discreetly without the sender even knowing.

What teenagers fail to understand is that in this day and age, technology has made “privacy“ non-existent.

When these pictures inevitably surface, the mental anguish sustained is insurmountable.

The humiliation the sender experiences as what they thought were personal im-

an

il S

feel almost as if it’s our own fault for attempting to walk through a group. We as people need to remember that we are not the only peo-

Spartan Chat

Sexting is a dangerous trend with multiple serious consequences Staff Editorial

ple in the world and that there are other people trying to get places too.

Its not just the halls but the lack of manners is present on the road as well, where drivers switch lanes without giving enough notice. This is not only annoying but dangerous. The Texas DPS Handbook says that you should signal your blinker for at least 100 feet before turning or switching lanes. So its not only to polite to your fellow drivers; it is also the law.

Instead of working on our weight or trying to bulk up, we need to work on something that matters more, treating others the way we would want to be treated.

G by

In a world where people are constantly trying to self improve whether it be going to the gym, dieting, hitting library, or learning a new language there is one thing we should constantly try to improve — our manners.

Every day we fall victim to those who disregard the social code and be rude; this includes meeting up with your friends in the middle of the lunch line, or standing in the middle of a busy hallway.

There was once a time when people would open a door and hold it for you but today it seems like doors are always slamming us in the face.

It may seem small, but over time it just becomes an annoyance especially if you are carrying something.

Or take for instance a person and their group of friends

standing in the middle of a hall way blocking traffic while people are trying to get to a certain place. When you have to figure out how to get around the group because they won’t move after you have already said excuse me, it stops you from doing what ever it was they needed to do in the first place. It’s gotten so weird that some would

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Picture Not-So Perfect

Why So Rude?

ap Gr

The Oracle newspaper is the official, school-sponsored student media of Stratford High School.

The Oracle is published every three weeks by the Journalism Department of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The Oracle is also available online at shsoracle.com. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Journalism Association, National Scholastic Journalism Educators, and International League Press Conference.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by the readers. Readers may submit material by e-mail to info@shsoracle.com, to Room 120, or to Janice Cummons’ mailbox. All letters to the editor must be signed by the author.

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives to produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness. The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published, subject to space availability and content.

All submitted material must be typed and include the author’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district.

The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community. The staff welcomes freelance submissions and is eager to hear from readers regarding story and photo opportunities.

The Oracle

“Don’t sext because you will get pregnant and you will die.”-Nikki Economides, Senior

“I would never sext because you never really know where those pictures are going to end up.” -Matt Englund, Senior “Honestly I think sexting is never good because someone will always get caught.”Cassie McKee, Junior Story by Maxine Tran Photos by Michael Martin

14

OPINIONS

Bluefin-ished

Friday May 2, 2014

The Oracle

Popularity of sushi cuisine might be the end of the Bluefin Tuna

Claire Galbraith

In a matter of decades the sushi craze rooted in Japan has transformed into a worldwide craving for seafood delicacies.

Yet, with mass this consumption comes an array of problems that have arisen and may leave the cuisine and the global aquatic environment in serious trouble.

In recent years, overfishing has caused a number of species to rapidly deplete, specifically the Bluefin Tuna.

Once called “The king of all fish,” by Ernest Hemingway in the 1922 Toronto Star Weekly, the Bluefin is truly a spectacular creature.

On average, a mature adult Bluefin can reach about 6.56 ft. in length and they can exceed well over 1000lbs. Their missile shaped body can reach speeds up to 40mph, making them one of the fastest and largest fish in the ocean.

The impressiveness of this species makes it the most desired fish on the market and

a prime target for fishermen who want to catch it for both profit and sport.

Bluefin Tuna is the most lucrative animal in the world and thanks to new cuisine appetites, one of the most hunted.

The increasing demand for maguro, or Bluefin sushi, is leading this magnificent creature toward extinction. Fisheries have left behind the old ways of catching one tuna at a time and adopted commercial methods to capture hundreds in a single cast.

Though the Bluefin Tuna market may be rather impressive, this new form of fishing is creating a serious Tragedy of the Commons case.

With the average price ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 for a medium sized tuna, fishermen are eager to ring in profits at the expense of an entire species.

Also, the excessive fishing of the Bluefin has now become a way for some countries to gain publicity for the slaugh-

Remembering Rwanda

ter of the tuna.

In Japan, every year, on the first Saturday in January, an outrageous price is placed upon a single Bluefin Tuna.

In 2013, the owner of a Japanese sushi restaurant chain, Kiyoshi Kimura, paid $1.76 million for the first Bluefin caught.

What is considered as Japan’s greatest impact on the global fishing community, is really nothing more than a depraved publicity stunt that is causing the tuna’s population to deplete.

For 5,000 years Japanese fishermen have caught and sold Pacific Bluefin to anyone willing to buy them.

In the 1960’s, Bluefin was considered a worthless fish because it’s bloody, fatty meat didn’t wasn’t appetizing.

In North America, Bluefin was sold for mere pennies and was usually made into cat food.

It wasn’t until sushi bars became increasingly popular in the states that the prime meat

The 20th anniversary of this horrific tragedy Connor Jones

Twenty years ago today the people of Rwanda cried out to the world for help and were ignored. We should not turn our backs on this knowledge or a similar situation in the future.

The nation of Rwanda has had a complex history regarding the two native ethnic groups the Hutus and the Tutsi and their relationships with imperialist powers. During most of the Age of Imperialism, Rwanda was controlled by Belgium who delegated the Hutus to menial physical labor while elevating the Tutsi to positions of power.

This segregation would continue until the Rwandan Revolution when the Hutus rebelled and forced both the Belgians and Tutsi out of power.

Following the revolution the Rwandan government would be dominated by Hutu politicians and periods of ethnic violence between the Tutsi and Hutu populace was commonplace. The periods of violence would lead to mass

civilian displacement of Tutsi and moderate Hutu civilians who would go on to form the Rwandan Patriotic Front (R.P.F). This military group aimed at retribution against the Extremist Hutu government. A guerrilla war would follow until The United Nations was able to get two sides to broker a peace agreement.

All the while a racist movement known as Hutu Power was growing in popularity and support. Hutu Power preached a ideology of Hutu’s exterminating all Tutsi in Rwanda.

The movement found much of its support in suburban adolescents along with most of the Rwandan military command who began putting into place plans for what is now known as the Rwandan Genocide.

While the Hutu government was planning genocide, President Habyarimana and R.P.F leader Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement negotiated by the U.N. and enforced

by UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission For

Rwanda).

However, days after signing the peace agreement a plane carrying Habyarimana was shot down, killing everyone on board.

With the president dead the Hutu government finally had the catalyst for their genocide. Spreading r u -

mors that the R.P.F had assassinated the president, they called for the death of all Tutsis in Rwanda including children.

For 100 days Hutus all around Rwanda set about slaughtering any Tutsi and moderate Hutu they could

of the Bluefin, called toro, began to show up on sushi menus everywhere.

Between 1970 and 1990 fishing for Atlantic Bluefin increased by more than 2,000 percent which resulted in a drastic 64 percent decrease in the Atlantic offspring.

Perhaps the saddest thing about the Bluefin Tuna is the lack of protection for it.

Since so many people make large sums of money off of the Bluefin industry, efforts to protect the animal are regularly ignored and protection laws are almost impossible to enforce.

The NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, does not list Bluefin Tuna as a qualifier for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Although the NOAA officials have expressed worries about the position of Bluefin Tuna and considers it a “species of concern.”

In the United States, it is now illegal for fishermen to catch

western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. However, Bluefin are accidentally caught by commercial boats trying to catch other fish often.

There are other ways that the world has tried to help out during this Bluefin crisis.

In 2010, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas voted to cut the Bluefin fishing quota in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean by about 4 percent, from 13,500 to 12,900 metric tons annually.

It also agreed on measures to try to improve enforcement of Bluefin quotas.

As a society of caring citizens, it is time to become more aware of our actions and prevent extinction of the Bluefin Tuna.

To think, a single customer can greatly effect the survival of one of the world’s most miraculous animals by changing their order from maguro to shrimp could be a life-saving revelation.

find. Commander of UNAMIR Romeo Dallaire could only shelter Tutsi and Hutu refugees in designated U.N. safety zones while desperately calling for aid that would not come.

The genocide would only end when the R.P.F had liberated the Rwandan capital Kigali from the Hutu extremists. By the end of the slaught e r over 800,000 people had been killed with millions more displaced in refugee camps.

Perhaps the most tragic aspect of the genocide was the total lack of support from the international community. One year before The U.N. had conducted an operation in Somalia.

By the end of the battle 18 American troops had been killed.

By the time of the genocide the U.S. government had sworn to the U.N. security council that the U.S. would not intervene in African affairs unless it was in their principal interests.

Other countries followed the U.S.’ example and only until the R.P.F had gained control of the country did any international aid land on Rwandan territory. Compounding this is the unfortunate truth that around the same time, former Yugoslav territory had a similar ethnic cleansing with Christian Serbians waging war against Muslim Bosnians.

“More people were killed in the 100 days of Rwanda than in the entire seven years of the situation in Yugoslavia” said former Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire.

Since the genocide Rwanda has been headed by a moderate Hutu-Tutsi government with former R.P.F leader Paul Kagame serving as President of Rwanda. Kagame has recently issued a week of remembrance for April 6-11.

When asked about his thoughts on the genocide Kagame said simply, “it should have never happened”.

If we fail to remember it can and will happen again which is why we must acknowledge this horrific moment in time.

HOW TO DEAL

Let Me Slack

Kali Venable

I am not one to complain but thanks to the bad case of senioritis I caught during winter break, I have no problem ranting about the unnecessary work seniors are doing at this time of year.

I’ll start with projects because they are the most time consuming assignments and don’t serve much of a purpose. I’d love to say that the three projects I just finished and three I am about to start taught me a world of new things, but like all other seniors I just learned another lesson in procrastination.

I will vouch that projects make pretty nice grade boosters but now that our rankings are locked and we are going to college who really cares about grades?

I know, I know. I just lost the interest of any teacher who has to house our lazy minds in their classroom; I sincerely apologize, I really do.

But I will continue to complain because you can’t start a ramble and not finish it.

Following projects is busy work like literary terms tests or online Shmoop activities that are equally irritating.

Maybe I just don’t see the light at the end of the AP exam tunnel and these activities actually serve a purpose but I honestly can only accredit them to bringing down my gpa which I am not supposed to care about... but secretly do.

I guess I am so fed up with pointless class activities because I want to be able to spend this time preparing for the foreign world I am about to enter, not learning the definition of alliteration.

Then again I am just another senior itching to get out of school. I even wasted the entire column venting about it — go me!

15

OPINIONS

Friday May 2, 2014

Would You like Paper or Electronic?

The Oracle

Paper books have the sentimental and practical edge

Electronic books are the future of on-the-go reading

Plain and simple, print books are better. There is just something infinitely more satisfying about cracking open the spine of a paper book than there is powering up a tiny screen. Paper books provide the better reading experience by far.

Paper books are more personal. Readers can connect with the cover, dog-ear their place after a late-night of reading, and form an attachment to the well-worn, well-loved book. E-books feel cold and detached, devoid of personality or individuality.

In addition, paper books can be saved for re-discovery years later. Kindles and other e-readers can be lost and broken, and although the stories they contain may be saved on an external harddrive hundreds of miles away, who knows what technology will be like ten years down the road and if those files will ever be re-discoverable.

Paper books do not have

Technology. One small word that holds the basis of our future. In just a couple decades we have transformed from huge phones with giant numbers and wires and antennas, to the iPhone 5S complete with wifi, Siri, and full texting plans.

As a child, one o f t h e

Emily Fishman

this problem. The gorgeous volumes are displayed proudly on shelves, crammed into bookcases, or piled on night stands. In 10, 20, or 30 years, they will still be there, waiting to be fallen in love with all over again.

Paper books can be easily shared, e-books cannot.

There is no greater feeling than lending a much-loved book to a friend who will love it equally, and e-books do not provide a platform to share books. The re-purchasing that must be done in order to combat this is unnecessary.

Although some claim ebooks are more portable, attempting to read them in the sun is impossible. With a backlit screen, the digital words are lost. Paper books can be read anywhere and at anytime. They don’t need to be re-charged. They will never have technical difficulties.

Books read for English class work better in print. Annotating an e-book is frustrating and difficult due to the tiny screens. Putting sticky

notes in a physical paper book is an easy way to check reading comprehension.

Additionally, the cost of purchasing an e-reader for every student (each can cost over $300) will never be feasible. Once again, print books w i n .

In pr i nt

Natalie Raley

the way books should b e read.

I t ’ s b e e n that way b e s t for hunGraphic by Rachel Torres things to dreds of years do is spend an afternoon now, and it should continue to be that way for hun- at Barnes and Noble, pick out dreds of years to come. In a great novel and curl up on Today’s world, the endless the couch for a little while.

What children don’t unattack of technology can be overwhelming. Sometimes, derstand is that each book it’s just nice to unplug and curl bought not only makes a up with a good paper book. dent in parents pockets,

Letter to the Editor: In defense of Twin Peaks

but also effects the environment, as well as parents time.

There are several main reasons to why ebooks are a better option than paperbacks.

First off, and most importantly, e-books are cheaper.

Not only does it cost less to produce them, it generally costs less to buy them The United States today is standing in about 17 trillion dollars in debt, so it is important that we’re doing whatever we can to help the economy.

If we can cut the prices spent buying books and put that money towards paying taxes, we can help the nation, and who doesn’t want to save a little bit of cash?

Not only are e-books costefficient, they are time efficient- they’re portable!

With e-books, as long as you download the selection onto your phone, you will always have it.

They also save you a trip to the bookstore.

In this here-today gonetomorrow world we live in,

Student responds to news article on the opening of Twin Peaks in the March 28 Issue Justin Raine

If there’s one thing this country has no shortage of, it’s parental outrage. For decades, parental groups have banded together to sanitize numerous aspects of public life in the name of protecting children.

People assume adults are capable of responsibly consuming goods and services, some might object morally, but in reality there is an entire branch of politics dedicated to opposing this concept.

As a result, we have a society that frequently deals with book and music bans, proposals of Internet censorship.

Conflict over LGBT rights and an incessantly challenged separation of church and state.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the construction of a new Twin Peaks “breastaurant” on the Katy Freeway has solicited fierce opposition.

The organization formed to fight this establishment, Citizens Against Unsafe School-Area Establish-

ments (CAUSE), has a ditional arguments by local that people tend not to get laundry-list of concerns residents that the institution drunk at 3 in the afternoon. about the new restaurant. will attract “undesired clienIndeed, the National HighYet, not one of them are tele” are simply prejudiced way Transportation Safety based on empirical evidence. and completely ignore the Board has reported that only The March article notes demographics of the entire 7% of fatal dunk driving accisome of them - C.A.U.S.E., surrounding West Houston dents happen between noon for example, complains that sub-market, which is one of an 3 PM. However, even this the new business will lower the wealthiest in Houston. is mostly irrelevant; Twin property values. However, And besides that, on what Peaks’ primary parking lot they provide absolutely no basis can these parents as- exits facing away from the evidence showing that sume that Twin Peaks at- school - drivers would be this has any chance of tracts “undesirables,” and exiting onto the feeder, takactually occurring, nor ing them far away do they cite any prefrom WestchesOpposing the opening of a new vious occurrences in restaurant simply because you don’t like ter Academy. other neighborhoods it is not a valid reason to take away a However, the - a basic Google company’s right to conduct business. obvious point search of the relation that C.A.U.S.E. between Twin Peaks resseems to halfhearttaurants and property values what impact will they have edly adopt is that Twin turns up absolutely nothing. on the adjacent neighbor- Peaks shouldn’t be conThe organization’s Change. hood anyway? What kind of structed simply because org petition goes on to argue person is an “undesirable” it is a “sexually-oriented” that the new development in the first place? Is the Katy business. However, Twin will “create a gateway for Freeway corridor suddenly peeks meets no legal definiother types of adult-oriented exclusive to only those that tion of a “sexually-oriented businesses to open” nearby. C.A.U.S.E. approves of? business.” It does not sell However, this is nothing The argument that children sexually-oriented goods. It more than a completely un- would be put at risk of being is not even remotely a strip founded slippery-slope fal- run over by drunk drivers club or a brothel. Its exterior lacy - the opening of a single is also unfounded, as Twin is not adorned with any sort restaurant does not auto- Peaks doesn’t even open until of sexually explicit advertismatically create a trend. Ad- 11 AM, and one can assume ing. The City of Houston

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has gone through its regulatory proceedings and has decided this restaurant can be constructed. What authority does C.A.U.S.E. have to declare it does not fit in with the “values “ of the neighborhood? Does their neighborhood suddenly have jurisdiction over land that isn’t actually within its legal boundary? This is simply an unnecessary endorsement of excessive government regulation. We live in a city that champions the right of adults to conduct business and use their property as they see fit. Of course, we shouldn’t place strip clubs right next to schools, but that is clearly not the case here.

Opposing the opening of a new restaurant simply because you don’t like it is not a valid reason to take away a company’s right to conduct business. Their threat of an “attack plan” is simply a waste of everybody’s time and money. Children are not at risk here but the liberties of law-abiding adults are.

time is of the essence, and any spare moment we get could be spent reading an interesting book with an e-reader.

As well as saving time and money, e-books save space.

Most tablets can hold over 50 books at a time, and not just books but magazines, audio books, newspaper articles and others.

In addition, e-books are better for the environment.

On average, about three billion to six billion trees are killed each year for the purpose of paper back books.

E-readers can cut this number down significantly, and make the worlds environment a better place.

Another benefit to electronic readers is their classroomfriendliness. Nowadays everything is moving to the computer, and it is so simple to read and annotate ebooks. Most include a highlight and search features .

While change is hard, change is good. The switch to ebooks is an efficient and necessary one.

Comments from the Editors As Editors of the paper our ultimate goal is to provide a platform for students to share their genuine opinions and report outside opinions on campus and global happenings.

Our organization doesn’t promote or implement personal attacks but strives to start discussions and bring about change in areas we feel the student body shows concern.

We encourage people to read articles and submit responses because we believe that it is crucial to express all angles and sides of varying important topics.

As mentioned in the staff box on page 13, the views expressed in the Oracle are “those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff, administration, or school district.”

In addition, opinions gathered from outside sources may not express the beliefs of the specific article author.

We look forward to reading more responses and commentary on future articles.

Your Oracle Editors, Kali Venable and Elaine Parizot

Please summit Editors to the Letter to room 120, either of the Editors or Newspaper Advisor, Janice Cummons.

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