The Oracle-December 2023

the

Oracle

Stratford High School • December 2023 • Vol. 51 • Issue 2

Breaking the Bank

Budget Cuts • Rising College Tuition • Pay-to-Play Athletics

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

Most mornings, my routine unfolds predictably: I wake up, brush my teeth, check my phone, read an SBISD email with the subject “IMMEDIATE ADVOCACY REQUEST,” and finish brushing my teeth. At first, I disregarded these messages. I clearly couldn’t be swayed by the aggressive all-caps type. As weeks passed and urgent emails flooded, I learned that this persistent plea wasn’t just noise (or spam mail) but an unprecedented call to action.

Occasionally, I found myself accompanying my dad at board meetings. Admittedly, most of them were boring, but they consistently depicted a resounding theme: the significance of an individual voice. This voice wasn’t just stemming from parents or teachers but students. My peers would plead for their niche Guthrie programs they couldn’t live without. Stratford students would beg to keep our beloved block schedule. And, rather quickly, I learned I needed to voice my opinion to protect my school, SBAI, from imminent cuts.

These impending reductions have taken and will continue to take invaluable resources. But beyond that, they should serve as a message of the importance of voicing your opinion before it’s too late. This should be a sign of clarity: what are you willing to fight for?

So, don’t underestimate the power of your individual voice.

Embrace every opportunity to advocate and champion programs that enrich our educational environments. One voice can say a lot more than you think.

I am eager to share the second annual issue of the Oracle. The staff continues to impress me daily with their dedication and growth, and I am so proud of their diligence. All stories produced by staff members reflect their own opinions and demonstrate their passion for our community.

By the students. For the students. About the students.

Happy reading, Caroline Larrabee, Editor-in-Chief

Cover photo by Reese Spradling (10)

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MISSION By the students. For the students. About the students.

The Stratford High School Oracle works to develop student skills while following the standards of professional journalists. Our mission is as follows: To provide a forum for student writing, photography, and art — the Oracle creates a community of students who share a common passion through group learning, mentorship, and fostering an atmosphere of creative collaboration.

To provide training for not only journalism, but in marketing and business — the Oracle is entirely self-funded. Students must sell ads to local businesses to pay for printing. Members of the ads staff practice business techniques by speaking to other companies to secure finances that allow paper production to continue.

To open dialogue and give students a voice — Few other outlets allow students to inform and express themselves to a large audience. Whether an article is about Stratford’s newest teacher or nationwide change, student voices will always be heard.

STAFF Editor-in-Chief* Caroline Larrabee Associate Editors* Eszter Badescu Catherine McClees Business Managers* Jacob Hare Emma Manalo Online Editor* Sophie Sagastume Photo Editor* Reese Spradling Sports Editor Ryan McDowell News Editor Natalie Patranella Opinion Editor Mawara Khan Student Life Editor Elizabeth Meadows Ads Editor Erin Grace Kelley Photography Manager Emmie Hanvey Reporters Ellie Presa

Aleeya Davis Sebastian Mendoza Alejandro Aponte Melina Banan Sahar Noori Yahya Hasoon Nicholas Neumann Photographers Jackson Hiler Christian Nafziger Caroline Walker Milton Guevara Kaitlyn Acevedo Bella Smith Escarlet Molero Aponte Gavin Rump Allie Richardson Ads Staff Kim Sterling Trey Gardner Nico Boza Adviser Sara Boyle *Editorial Board

04-05, 13 News

42nd Street: Behind the Curtain

Cast and crew members provide a glimpse of what it takes to put on an award-winning Playhouse production

Lily’s Toy Box

Young Houstonian founded a toy-donation organization to spread joy after Hurricane Harvey

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Opinions Teachers’ Takes

Department chairs share their thoughts on impending changes following budget cuts

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Sports

SNEAK PEEK

Pay-to-Play is Not the Right Way

Campus sports teams seem to be safe from drastic cuts for now

08-15

Student Life The Threat of Debt

Students and parents struggle to find methods to pay for college

Local Favorites Students recommend their preferred local spots

Faculty Favorites: Winter Traditions Can you match the teacher to their holiday tradition?

Hot Takes

Students share their controversial opinions

Ask Kim

You ask, she delivers

An Oracle’s Visions

Novel, movie and music recommendations from the Oracle staff

PHOTOS BY EMMIE HANVEY (10) AND REESE SPRADLING (10)

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4 News

Behind the Curtain

Cast and crew members provide a glimpse of what it takes to put on an award-winning Playhouse production

WRITTEN BY ALEJANDRO APONTE (11), MAWARA KHAN (11) AND NATALIE PATRANELLA (10) ; PHOTOS

BY EMMIE HANVEY (10) On Jan. 26, 2024, at around 7:30 P.M., While the actors rehearse, various said. “I can’t wait for people to see this the front drop will slowly rise, revealcrews start working on the show in late production that we have all put so ing dozens of tap dancers in a fake November. much time and effort into.” audition number. The audience will There are eight different crews: set, The cast, crew, and directors are exsee their smiling faces in 1930s outfits costumes, hair and makeup, lights, cited to showcase their hard work. and wigs, illuminated under the stage props, sound, fly and publicity. Crew Ticket sales go live on Dec. 13. lights, singing, dancing and acting for applications are sent out around the two hours. first week of November and are open Here’s everything the audience for about a week. Afterward, the direcdoesn’t see: tors confer with the student officials 42nd Street has been in the works to decide who should get on certain since May 2023. The audition process crews. consisted of three weeks of singing, Technical theater classes start condancing and acting. structing the ornate sets at the begin“For auditions, the choreography was ning of the school year. The crew holds more basic and what you likely imagine work days in which they build and when you think of ‘theater dancing,’” assemble the set. said Dance Captain Lily Harty. “In “Then, about a month before the the advanced audition, we learned the show opens, we start rehearsing with original choreography from the openthe cast and organizing how we’re ing number.” gonna take it all on and off the stage Next, the students needed to focus on without killing anybody,” said set crew vocals, preparing songs similar to the head Jillian Parks. style of 42nd Street.

Accuracy of the time period is anoth“Picking the song for the audition er struggle that crews must navigate, was not too difficult,” dance swing especially regarding costumes and hair Katie Hamilton said. “It was fun to and makeup. experiment with different genres.”

“Imagine if they were doing this After auditions and callbacks are 1930s show and they were dressed in held, the show is cast. But for many, SHEIN clothing,” costume head Frankthat was just the beginning; rehearsals ie Miller said. “They’d look stupid.” were quickly underway.

According to Miller, however, that Depending on the day, the main reisn’t even the hard part. The real chalhearsal agenda can change entirely. lenge is the sheer amount of costumes.

“If we’re blocking scenes, we’ll block “There’s just so many - up to 300 costhe scenes and run it, or if it’s a vocal tumes,” said Miller. “Everyone has at rehearsal, we’re working vocals; if it’s a least six, and it’s so tough to find every dance rehearsal, we’re working dance,” single one.” director CeCe Prudhomme said.

Rehearsals pick up about a month beWhile the changing agendas might fore the show opens, and the different seem overwhelming, Prudhomme crews are called to start adding their makes sure she has a plan for organizcomponents. The two weeks before the ing rehearsals. show are called “tech week,” with daily “You need to go in knowing what run-throughs as if it were the actual you’re doing,” Prudhomme said. “You show. just need to pre-plan ahead of every“I have learned, and am still learning, thing.” so much from this experience,” Harty

News 5

13150 Memorial Drive mdumc.org/youth sunday arise at 9:30 am, fat tuesday from 5-7 pm

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Teachers’ Takes

Department chairs share their thoughts on impending changes following budget cuts INTERVIEWS BY ESZTER BADESCU (12) AND ELIZABETH MEADOWS (10)

“I think it will be better that students get the material every day rather than going from a Friday to possibly having a test on a Tuesday and having four days to forget what we reviewed and just learned,” science teacher Mrs. Yonkin said.

“The hard part will be planning out the days. Teachers are being asked to make a whole new schedule,” math teacher Mr. Marquez said.

“It is just disappointing. All of the department chairs tried to work out different schedules for next year to show the board and the SBISD administration that we could still work around any budget cuts,” English teacher Mrs. Sharp said.

Pay-to-Play is Not the Right Way Campus sports teams seem to be safe from drastic cuts for now

WRITTEN BY JACOB HARE (12) AND TREY GARDNER (12) It seems like nothing is safe from and the Booster Club. With all three district-wide budget cuts, which we resources working together, I don’t see worry could hold especially true for us falling into pay-to-play.”

Stratford’s athletic departments. One The hope for the coming years is proposal initally mentioned in superfor sports to remain accessible to intendent Blaine’s earliest advocacy all students. And while pay-to-play emails about the budget cuts was pay- sports have innumerable negative conto-play sports. This would mean that sequences, they would resolve some athletes must pay a set amount to be budgeting issues. on the sports team.

Coach Rankin recognizes, however, Athletic Director Todd Rankin that there would be a stark decrease in shared a promising outlook on the participants if fees were introduced. future of SHS Athletics.

“Inflation is hitting families hard in “Budget cuts are certainly coming, all areas,” Rankin said. “Many families but I believe we are still a long way off could not take up the added expense.” from having to pay-to-play,” Rankin Stratford is a school full of students said. “Our athletic department does from all financial backgrounds, and it an excellent job of getting coaches and would be highly unfair to charge famplayers what they need, and I don’t ilies for their students to participate in see that changing. We also have treschool sports. mendous support from our principal Still, Rankin is optimistic for the

future.

“I think this coming year we will see moderate cuts,” Rankin said. “We may have to take better care of what we already have for an extra year, but we will make it work. Coaches and players are resilient and will find a way.”

For now, Stratford sports will continue as they were, and students can play the way they always have.

Opinions 7

T he T hreat of Debt

Students and parents struggle to find methods to pay for college

Oprah once said, “Education is the key to unlocking the world.” However, her words don’t seem to ring true for those locked out.

In a 2022 report on college pricing, College Board found that 54% of bachelor’s degree students graduated with student loans, with an average balance of $29,100 in debt. While there are other methods of paying for higher education, such as scholarships and grants, the prevalence of student debt and its influence on students’ decisions is cause for concern.

Senior Jillian Parks acknowledges that schools’ tuition costs have affected her college list.

“My top choices may be out of my price range,” she conceded. “Most of the schools I applied to [have lower tuition], and I know I will get more financial aid.”

Parks is among many students who hesitate to take out a student loan.

“My parents are helping me [and] I have applied to a bunch of merit scholarships,” she said. “Worst comes to worst, I’ll take out some loans.”

Similarly, senior Austin Tippler does not wish to over-rely on loans to pay for school.

“I intend on paying for [college] by working for a bit so I have income to pay off tuition.”

Tippler is part of a growing trend in which students work while attending school. The Condition of Education 2020, a congressional report on education, found that 43% of full-time students and 81% of part-time students work while enrolled in college. While there are benefits to balancing school and work, such as increased time-management skills, students’ time in the workplace may be harming them in the lecture halls.

A 2023 study by the American Education Research Association found that students who work while enrolled in college are 20% less likely to complete their degrees than similar peers who don’t work. That makes sense, particularly if a student forgoes a college credit to work for a more extended period.

Counselor Crystal Arrington is aware of seniors’ issues with financing post-graduation plans. Specifically, she knows the FAFSA delay and how it may worry students further. While she admits it’s out of the counselors’ control, she suggests that filling it out may be more accessible due to the format adjustments the federal government is making.

Arrington emphasizes the importance of students actively searching for scholarship opportunities. As general advice, she recommends that students use their resources often and be strategic if they plan to use student loans.

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WANT T O FIN D SCHOLARSH I PS? BEST METHODS TO FIND THEM, ACCORDING TO STRATFORD COUNSELORS CREATE ACCOUNTS WITH SCHOLARSHIP SEEKING SITES (E.G., NICHE) SEARCH NAVIANCE

VISIT THE SBISD COUNSELOR WEBSITE

8 Student Life

WRITTEN BY CATHERINE McCLEES (12), ELIZABETH MEADOWS (10) AND SOPHIE SAGASTUME (11)

A Sen ior Sha res

This little piggy went to Baylor. This little piggy went to Emerson.

This little piggy went to NYU. One little piggy stayed behind.

That little piggy didn’t get a good financial aid package. It wasn’t just one piggy.

To determine a student’s need-based aid, financial aid offices subtract their expected family contribution (EFC) from their cost of attendance. So, the more Mommy and Daddy Pig earn, the more that goes to the EFC and the less that goes back to the student. If the parents aren’t willing to cover what the EFC allocates, the student is left with a hole in their tuition coverage.

Sure, most parents want to help their children pay for a higher education. The question for students, then, is not whether their parents are willing, but if they are capable of paying. Unfortunately for them, a “yes” to that question has become rare in recent years.

A summer survey by Discover Student Loans found that 70% of parents worried about having enough funds to pay for college. That’s an increase from 63% in 2021. An alarming 43% cited rising tuition costs as the root of their concerns. However, an even higher percentage — 46% — blamed themselves for their discomfort, mainly because they believed they did not start saving early enough. This statistic proves the crux of the doubt revolving around college debt: financial illiteracy.

In a 2019 survey on financial literacy, Country Financial reached a startling conclusion. Only 15% of Americans feel “very prepared” to manage their finances upon entering adulthood, and 3 in 5 rely on uncertain parents for financial guidance. Thus, many young adults will become trapped in a cycle of growing up without sufficient financial education and raising their children without it, either.

Schools can’t rely on students to pay their tuition alone, but they can’t expect the same from their parents. While tuition inflation is undoubtedly a vital issue for these families, its effects may be eased by more significant and accessible financial resources for parents, such as the Parent U orientations hosted by SBISD. No little piggy — and no parent pig — should be left behind.

Caroline Walker testifies to the struggles and uncertainties of paying for college

70% 46% 43%

I am a senior who struggles with the stress of paying for college on my own. In my last three years of high school, the cost of college never settled in my brain.

We have all gone through the “college is so far away” phase and we push it off. However, I am coming up on my last semester of high school and the time is now.

I feel anxious and fearful not knowing what is going to happen next.

I know I have to apply for FAFSA, student loans and scholarships. Still, this might not be enough, and I’m not sure how much money I’ll be awarded in the end.

When applying for student loans, I’ve had to learn what feels like a different language: subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans, Sallie Mae, and countless other phrases I’ve had to decipher.

After graduation, I am moving out of state without my family. Yes, I know that this will make the cost of going to school exponentially higher. My parents definitely think that I am out of my mind. However, I want to do the best I can to try to make this happen.

I have plans and aspirations, but in the end, I am still not sure of what the future holds. I have a lot of hope for what is in store.

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OF PARENTS WORRY ABOUT HAVING FUNDS FOR COLLEGE OF PARENTS BELIEVE THEY DID NOT BEGIN SAVING FOR COLLEGE EARLY ENOUGH OF PARENTS ARE CONCERNED WITH RISING TUITION COSTS

Student Life 9

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Zaab D er Tha i

Lo c al Favorite s

Students recommend their preferred local spots

WRITTEN BY NICO BOZA (12), TREY GARDNER (12), JACOB HARE (12) AND CHRISTIAN NAFZIGER (10) Zaab Der Thai is a local restaurant across from Stratford in the MAC parking lot. The restaurant has an authentic feel and offers a wide variety of Thai cuisine. Although there are many options, they specialize in curry. When we decided to go visit, we settled on four different varieties, each priced at fifteen dollars: panang curry, yellow curry, red curry and massaman curry.

We gave the overall atmosphere a 7.5/10 rating. It was nice on the inside, but quiet. They did have TVs but they were stuck on crime shows, which we decided did not fit the overall feel of the restaurant. The service, however, earned a solid 9/10; the food came out fast and steaming hot.

Each reviewer had strong opinions on their dishes. “If you like a nice gradual kick to a sweet curry, this is the way to go,” said Nico after finishing his panang curry. After finishing his yellow curry, Trey commented on the richness and deepness of the flavor, noting that it’s buttery and sweet. This curry would be good on a cold winter day. Needless to say, Zaab Der was an amazing local restaurant. Though in an easy-to-miss location, the atmosphere and food is absolutely amazing.

Overall we rate Zaab Der an 8/10 for affordable curry and great service.

Au nt Pookie’s Ba r-B- Q WRITTEN BY NICHOLAS NEUMANN (10)

Aunt Pookie’s is an independently-owned BBQ restaurant at 1450 W Sam Houston Pkwy N. that opened in 1968. The restaurant decor reminds me of a hunter’s cabin, like in the film “Old Man,” but not creepy. The manager is super lovely and personally made sure we got our orders! The service was excellent, and the food was just as good. I ordered the pancake combo, and there were four pancakes stacked. I know, I probably should have ordered barbeque, but I ate early in the morning. Aunt Pookie’s was awarded the best BBQ restaurant in Houston in 1984, and it deserves that title. I will have to go back! My rating: 10/10

Blue Willow Bookshop WRITTEN BY YAHYA HASOON (10) AND RYAN McDOWELL (10) Blue Willow Bookshop, right down the street from campus, has been a prominent local bookshop since 1996, and it’s known for its lively yet cozy feel. To readers and non-readers alike, Blue Willow is known for selling the best books, setting up community events, and having knowledgeable and friendly employees. During a recent visit, the owner, Valerie Koehler, was able to give us some insight into everyone’s favorite bookstore. “I actually bought [Blue Willow], and it was already a bookshop, but I’ve owned it for 27 years,” Koehler said. Koehler opened the store to continue her passion for literature and storytelling. “I like to read, and I like to talk about reading, so it’s a perfect fit,” Koehler said. “A simple and straightforward answer, befitting anyone that gets to do what they love.”

Throughout the bookshop, it appears as if there are infinite books. While there are not quite that many, it’s enough to satisfy anyone craving a good read. Though fairly established, Blue Willow has tough competition in large chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble. This means that Koehler has to work hard to keep customers returning. “We try to create relationships with our customers so we have a loyal group of customers we know will come back, and people just like to support small businesses instead of big chains,” Koehler said.

It’s hard to find shops that match Blue Willow’s aesthetics, quality of employees, and care for the community. So if you are ever out and about seeking a book, drop by Blue Willow for a look.

Student Life 11

Faculty Favorites: Winter Traditions Can you match the teacher to their holiday tradition?

COMPILED BY MILTON GUEVARA (11)

“I love seeing my girls’ faces coming downstairs Christmas morning. I also love decorating Christmas cookies!”

“During New Year’s, my family writes all the bad things they’ve done throughout the year. Then, we put them in a pot and burn them.”

“My favorite tradition is cooking lasagna for my whole family. It is so nice to spend time with loved ones.”

Shannon Etheridge Heidi Chelala

Jennifer Pluchino

Hot Takes Students share their controversial opinions

COMPILED BY JACKSON HILER (10), ALLIE RICHARDSON (10) AND GAVIN RUMP (10)

If you use a tutor, it’s cheating Almond Joys are the best candy

The movie sequels are always better than the originals

Muffins and cupcakes are the same thing

Gluten-free food products are better than regular foods

Marvel movies are boring and overrated

12 Student Life

AS

KIM

You ask, she delivers

WRITTEN BY KIM STERLING (12) Kim, how do I get a guy to fix a terrible haircut?

Getting a boy to change his haircut is a struggle because maybe his friends hyped him up thinking that cut is clean but it’s actually dirty. So, what you gotta do is cut it in his sleep. In this particular circumstance, if he really loved you, he would change it.

How do I get a guy to like me back?

Step one: Get your friend to stalk him on all social media platforms Step two: Now, it’s your turn to stalk him Step three: Follow his socials. DO NOT SLOW DOWN ONCE, you crazy girl!

Step four: Start a conversation and get to know each other BOOM, you got a boyfriend!!!!

Y I L L ‘S

T O Y

B O X

Houstonian founded a toy-donation organization to spread joy after Hurricane Harvey

WRITTEN BY MELINA BANAN (10) AND ELLIE PRESA (12), PHOTO BY BELLA SMITH (10) Lily’s Toy Box is an organization she is now and how she’s doing. I just “I’d like to meet more people and hit formed in 2017 during Hurricane know that doll somehow affected her my goal of giving away 100,000 toys,” Harvey when local third-grader Lily life.”

DuBose said. “That is my biggest goal, DuBose had the idea to give away her Lily’s Toy Box has the opportunity along with meeting new people.” toys to children who had lost them in to impact the lives of children across With the community’s help, Lily can the flood. Since then, DuBose has givHouston, providing kids with the achieve much more than she has now en tens of thousands of toys to children chance to rebuild after Hurricane and help children and parents. who need them.

Harvey.

DuBose’s charitable journey has been “I feel pleased about how much incredibly emotional and rewarding.

I’ve affected the community, and it’s “I remember a few weeks after Hurri- not just me. It’s also my community cane Harvey, this little girl came to my helping,” DuBose said. “And also my house to pick out a toy, and she picked friends and family. I’m just really grateout a doll,” Dubose said. “When she ful for this community and how much was walking out, I remember hearing we’re able to help.” her mom asking her what she would DuBose plans on continuing her name the doll, and she named it Lily organization and helping out more in after me. And I want to know where the community.

Student Life 13

An Oracle’s Visi ns Stories for Sweater Weather

WRITTEN BY ESZTER BADESCU (12), MELINA BANAN (10) AND ELLIE PRESA (12)

CLEOPATRA AND FRANKENSTEIN Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors is about 24-year-old Cleo, who moves to New York as an inspiring artist; however, her student visa is ending soon. A fortunate stroke of serendipity causes Cleo to meet Frank, and they impulsively marry to allow her to stay in the country. Their story will have readers reading cover to cover in no time. The story about love, tragedy, betrayal and the complex relationship of Frank and Cleo is the perfect book for those who yearn for an engaging young adult literary fiction novel.

BETTER THAN THE MOVIES Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school student waiting for her happily ever after.

When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back into town, Liz is determined to get his attention and befriends Wes Bennet, her annoying next-door neighbor. Liz would never consider dating Wes Bennet until she saw Wes and Michael becoming best friends. While Liz and Wes scheme to get her noticed by Michael, Liz realizes that she seems to like Wes more than she thought. Now, she must reconsider her original feelings. This rom-com is perfect for romance lovers who want a hilarious, feel-good story.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES This beloved novel follows the tale of 11-year-old orphan Anne Shirley on Prince Edward Island as she arrives at the Cuthberts’ doorstep only to discover that the Cuthberts, Matthew and his sister Marilla, had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm. However, before they can send her back, Anne wins them over with her loving and loyal personality. This treasured tale is great for people who enjoy a good classic novel.

Films Fit for the Fireside

WRITTEN BY SEBASTIAN MENDOZA (10)

PRISCILLA Priscilla is one of the most daring films of the year. It unravels the myth of Elvis that we’ve all become used to and shines a light on a part of Elvis’ life that has been muddied with time. The film is very character-driven by two of this year’s best performances, Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis. They bring performances with many layers to peel, never leaving anything on the surface. Jacob Elordi shows us a side to Elvis that we don’t usually see, not as this godlike figure but as a threatening presence, and Cailee Spaeny plays off of him perfectly.

THEATER CAMP I was disappointed after watching Theater Camp. I heard lots of great stuff, but it was okay; I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’m not really into theater (at all), but even besides that, the movie gets stale pretty quickly, reusing the same jokes and punchlines over and over again. The only part above average was Ayo Edibiri, but she’s always great, and I can appreciate the nods to (the much better movie) Waiting for Guffman.

THE KILLER The film came in with pretty low expectations, so director David Fincher had to prove himself again after Mank. This was one of the best-flowing movies of the year, with the whole first act edited so smoothly, which puts us into the world of being a hitman. Even if it doesn’t leave a solid first impression, it will grow on you over time, as it did for me.

P.S. Pray that you love The Smiths.

14 Student Life

Songs to Wrestle the Winter Woes Recommendations COMPILED BY ALEEYA DAVIS (11)

Subhead Winter can be rough. The air turns thin, and the trees go

WRITTEN

BY NAME (Grade) dull. At a glance, the world seems to be encompassed in a forever hue of blue.

Winter can bring along so many stressors that we forget to see the beauty in the dormant. The idea that the trees have gone dull so they can eventually bloom in the spring is beautiful and helps remind us that there will always be a spring around the corner, even in dull times.

This playlist, with artists like Crystal Castles and Pastel Ghost, was intended to turn the dull winters into something beautiful and worth dancing to.

Open Spotify, click Search, and click the camera in the top right corner to scan the QR code and see the playlist.

Student Life 15

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