Final issue revised

ORACLE Friday, May 4, 2018 // Vol. 45 // Senior Issue

@SHSOracle @StratfordOracle www.shsoracle.org

2 College or Gap Year?

WRITTEN BY: ALEXIS GARZA

PHOTO BY: MILES HARPER

Taking a gap year has become an increasingly popular option to pursue after high school.

Graduating high school is arguably one of the first huge life changes that many people will experience. After being in school for most of your life, almost 18 years, being out in the world and on your own can be a scary pill to swallow.

The big question for most after they are done with high school is: What next?

For some, college is not the immediate answer. College can be really expensive and it isn’t the best fit for everyone. After so many years of schooling, the prospect of another four sounds treacherous.

For seniors Bayle Goldman and Presley Graves, taking a gap year was much more fitting. But don’t be confused- they will be working just as hard as any college bound student this coming year.

For Goldman and Graves, the decision to take a year exploring the world was not their original plan. It was only a few weeks ago that both girls decided to take a gap year.

Graves was already accepted into her dream school- Baylor- and knew she wanted to go there.

Then one day, she came across a video of The World Race; a mission trip around the world doing service work in various countries, and was inspired to take a year for mission work and travel instead of going straight to college.

Goldman, however, was unsure of where she wanted to go college.

“I was so stressed out about committing to a school and committing to what I wanted to study,” she said.

After high school is the perfect time to take a gap year. It is the only time in your life where you can drop everything to travel and study around the world without worrying about obligations at home. You are in a time of your life where everything is changing and you are growing up, and living abroad can have a tremendous impact on your perspective of the world.

Both Graves and Goldman agree that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and there is no better time than right now to travel and experience the world for a year.

Just because someone is not in a classroom does not mean they are not learning. Both girls say they are excited to immerse

Opinions The Oracle /May 4, 2018

Don’t You Forget About Me

WORLD GRAPHIC COURTESY OF: PIXABAY.COM

themselves in different cultures, Gap years are much more traditions, religions, and ways of popular overseas in the UK and life. There is a lot to be learned Australia than they are here in from how people different from the United States. Education ourselves live and work day-toculture in America is always go, day. go, go, and if you are not studyGraves will travel to 3 differing and making straight A’s, then ent continents over a span of 9 it is considered a “failure”. This months. She will move between ideology puts increasing prescountries in each continent. sure on students from as young She will rotate between differas 7th grade all the way through ent jobs throughout her time high school, causing academic abroad, working in many different burnout. environments and performing A gap year is a time when you are different duties. learning just as much, if not more, “One day I’ll be working at an than you would in college, but orphanage with disabled kids and is considerably more enjoyable the next I can be building houses. without deadlines and tests and We rotate the work through difpapers and homework. ferent teams,” said Graves. “It’s Upon their return, both girls going to be intense but it’s going plan on attending college the to be worth it.” following year. Graves plans to Goldman will be studying and study English at Baylor, then go doing service work over the to graduate school. “It is going to course of a year. be hard coming back from a gap She will go to a university in year, but I do want to go to colJerusalem for a semester, then will lege”, said Graves. spend a semester in a small Israeli Goldman plans to study Journaltown doing volunteer work. ism with a minor in theater in colGoldman will choose from a list lege. She is undecided on where of classes at the international she wants to study. school at the university she will be attending.

Both girls will leave in September, and will be embarking on an incredibly valuable journey.

Taking a gap year can be beneficial for many reasons.

It looks good on resumé, gives overworked students a break from academics, promotes growth and maturity, Taking on the world and is an Seniors Bayle Goldman and Presley Graves look forward opporwith shining eyes as they jump unto the next chapter of their tunity life. Unlike many seniors, they have deferred their respective to gain many life colleges and are taking a gap year before heading back to school in 2019. To see more seniors taking a gap year, turn to experiences. the senior pullout located on page 12.

Photo By: Presley Graves Inspired by the Breakfast Club, senior Maggie Vinyard models walking off the football field. This issue is dedicated to the class of 2018 with a senior pullout section highlighting the destinations of this year’s senior class.

ORACLE Editors-in-Chief *Emma Holland *Lauren Byram

Associate Editors *Elizabeth Cole *Charlotte Benes

Photo Editors *Zaina Ateyea *Presley Graves *Perry Shepard *Maddie Dawson

Opinions Editors Bayle Goldman Rachel Dietert

News Editors Rachel Cole Alex Parizot Yasmin Talbi

Features Editors Abby Gex Maddie Suerth Sebastian Droz

Sports Editors

Niki Whiteford

Reporters

Daniela Trujillo Alexis Garza Libby Grizzell Hannah Khartri Joy Meyers Hannah Timmreck Isabella Waltz Ben Burnham Tuesday Pears Blake Todes Tatyanna Lett

Photographers Dan Tatulescu Grayson Hart Nicklas Rizzo Finley Capshaw Meghan Martinez Makowski Ashley Cahalan Miles Harper Brayden Yim

The Oracle serves as a

Lindell Lewis Lauren Perry

Ads Staff Gigi Meredith Haley Grace Francis Kaitlyn White Erin Walsh Samantha Wagner

Design Editors Jordan Kouns Caroline Bucek

Staff Artists William Thiele Alexia van der Dys

Copy Editor Carolyn Koerner

Building Principal Chad Crowson

Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

Mariana Rincon

The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454.

The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department and is also available online at shsoracle.org. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

Ads Editors

public forum of student expression and is open to contributions submitted by the readers.

Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle.org.

All letters to the editors must be typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature. Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/or content. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the

administration or the school district.

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication and strives to maintain professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness.

The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published.

The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community and welcomes freelance submissions.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements.

For more information, contact thestratfordoracle@gmail.com OR call at 713-251-3454

3

Seniors Emma Campbell Holland The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Lauren Leigh Byram

Thank you Mrs. Cummons and the rest of the newspaper staff for making our newspaper experience incredible. We love you and will miss you! HOOK ‘EM!

Elizabeth Grace Cole Perry Shepard

Thanks Mrs. Cummons and newspaper for all the great memories.

Gig ‘em!

So grateful for the good times on staff ! Thank you Mrs. Cummons for an amazing four years.

4

Seniors The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Zaina Ateyea

Haley Grace Francis

5

Opinions The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Tests: To Time or not to Time WRITTEN BY: LIBBY GRIZZELL

It’s not out of the ordinary to take a class where every time there is a test or quiz, a time limit is set. Even if it’s not an AP level class, where being timed on exams and work is an important thing to practice for the exam, having to take a test that is timed can create problems with the grade and with the student.

Giving a test with a time limit is supposed to give the students a basis on how long they have to finish their test. A time restriction is supposed to help them stay on task, but most of the time that doesn’t happen or help. Having a time limit is super distracting because the whole time the student is going to be worried about how much time they have left and not worried about what they are supposed to do on the test. A student getting distracted for even the slightest bit of time or even paying attention to one question longer than they have time for, can result in not having enough time for the rest of the test and ultimately rushing through the rest of the test to finish. On most tests that have a mix of multiple choice and open ended questions, it is especially hard to choose which section to do first. If you choose the wrong section to do first, you could end up rushing through seemingly impossible multiple choice questions or seemingly impossible open ended questions that require so much work you won’t be able to get through all of them, which results in

you not finishing the test. In multiple part because guessing could do better for them tests, you could completely mess up your than leaving it blank. grade by not doing one quesSometimes a student litertion or small part because ally need five more minutes you didn’t have enough time. of time to be able to finish. In You could get everything you that five minutes a student did completely right, but not can re-check work they’re do one open ended question having second guesses on that is worth a huge chunk and even finish the test of points and then you fail enough to be able to pass it. the test.

What if a student was literA time limit can make ally five minutes away from students feel rushed and getting a correct answer anxious. Placing a time limit which proves they knew the on an already stressful thing material but then the time can make it so much worse ran out and they had to for the student. The time turn in the test? Having limit adds to the stress of more time to take a test Thumbs down to time already having to take an can determine if a student Sophomore Carson Malik agrees nonexam in the class in the first passes a test or fails it, standardized tests should not have a place. Added stress causes which in the end can time restriction. “I have really bad testpanic and even may cause determine if they have a ing anxiety and it just makes it worse students to crumble under passing or failing average. when I have to worry about a time limit the stress and not even be Without a time limit, stuas well as my struggle to even take able to get through the test. dents can spend enough tests. It just seems like we are being Students are going to worry time on each question to tested on how fast we know the matemore about finishing it be able to be confident rial rather than how well we know it. It rather than what informaabout what grade they are just does not make sense to me.” tion they are putting down going to get on what they or answers they are choosturn in. A lot of students ing. A student will even sometimes just put have diagnosed learning disabilities and answers down to put answers down just accommodations that allow them more so they can have something on the paper time to finish tests and quizzes. Sometimes

students don’t even know they have a learning disability or disadvantage that can cause them to not be able to finish something or process information and directions as well as others. It can be a huge disadvantage and problem.

Every student works at a different pace, and different skill level. Different students process and get things slower than others.

It might take longer for one student to be able to understand the directions, or what a question is asking. It is also true that not every student is a strong test taker. While one student can easily ace every test a different student might struggle primarily with testing. A student who knows they are not a strong test taker will likely stress out more about a test knowing there’s a time limit.

Each student has a test taking method that works for them, whether it’s going through and reading everything first, annotating on every question, or going through the test multiple times doing what they can at first and then work on what they need to. With a time restriction, a student’s work methods can get completely thrown off or end up hurting them because they wont be able to finish the test.

Timed tests can do more harm than good for a student. A teacher should take into account each student’s needs and learning abilities before making a decision. Adding a time limit to a test isn’t a test of what a student knows, but how fast they can do it.

Is Band a Sport?

WRITTEN BY: CAROLYN KOERNER

PHOTO BY: MEGHAN MARTINEZ-MAKOWSKI

The history of sport dates back thousands of years, all the way to the Mayans with the game of Pok a Tok, a game where the loser gets sacrificed to the sun god. Today’s consequences of losing a game are less severe, but the range of sports has grown considerably since the days of the Mayans. Sports range from football to skeleton, soccer to curling, and everything in between. There are also sports that don’t fit society’s generic view of “sport”, which is the classic stick and ball game. Some of these sports include chess, cheer, dance, arm wrestling, and fishing.

Marching band should be part of that list of recognized sports that do not fit the classic “stick and ball” concept.

Marching band is an activity that consists of a seven to eight minute marching show where the band members play their individual instruments, such as the tuba, flute, trumpet, or clarinet, while marching around a football field in specific formations. The participants must learn the style of marching and all of the specifically regulated details of the marching style and learn the marching show formations, while also learning the music of the show and playing it while

marching. During marching they have to play the music while being aware of where they are on the field, where their peers are and how to align to them, and upkeep the marching style of feet and body position.

At school, a marching band rehearsal consists of up to three hours of after school work on the parking lot with the occasional weekend practice, learning formations and perfecting the style, as well as making the music sound good. Band begins practice three weeks before school starts in the summer for six hours every one of those weekdays to be ready for the first football game.

The Oxford Dictionary defines sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”

Band does require physical exertion, the upkeep of body posture while moving around a field as well as moving in tight formations for up to eight minutes causes perspiration.

Band kids build up muscle in their legs, particularly calves, through marching, as well as less defined muscles in their arms and back from holding up their instruments, which can weigh up to 55 pounds. The school’s

marching band has also had multiple cases of asthma acting up, showing that marching band is no walk in the park.

While marching, the band member must also be thinking about many other things, such as keeping the perfect space between the two people next to them, keeping the same size step between stops, making sure each step is in time with everyone else, going to the right spot, playing the right notes, remembering the specific volumes of certain spots, and more.

Another large component of many sports is the teamwork that goes into the sport, some people value it as one of the most important lessons learned while participating.

Marching band does establish a team-like feel, all members must rely on each other to form the formations made on the field.

Everyone in band calls it a family because of the close relationships formed and the team-like feel.

Marching band might not be as intensive as other sports and might not be the most obviously athletic activity, but it definitely involves physical exertion, thinking, and teamwork, just as much as, if not more than, many other sports.

Shocking the Sports World

Junior Joe Dodson plays tenors in the drum line. With his uniform on, Dodson proceeds to get ready for the halftime show alongside messing around with his friends.

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Seniors The Oracle / May 4, 2018

PRESLEY GRAVES

ALEX PARIZOT “It doesn’t have to make sense to make sense” -Ted Mosby The page is done Mrs. Cummons.

Here is to 3 amazing years of Newspaper, Not O-Line, and JC. JC, I’ll see you later, little wench.

Dilly, Dilly to all and to all, Dilly, Dilly.

BAYLE GOLDMAN "I mean sure I have my bad days, but then I remember what a cute smile I have."-Chandler Bing Thank you to Mrs. Cummons, the Oracle staff, theatre, ComedySportz, and everyone else at Stratford who made these past 4 years memorable. I'll miss the newspaper room the most.

"I always knew after all these years There'd be laughter, there'd be tears But never thought that I'd walk away With so much joy but so much pain.

And it's so hard to say goodbye."

-Hannah Montana (But I'm pretty ready to say goodbye)

Follow my blog next year!

The link will be in my Insta bio! @baylegoldman

SEBASTIAN DROZ “And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.” -Michael Scott Thank you for everything, Mrs. Cummons.

News

The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Teacher of the Year

4/23 National Honor Society Induction

Students who met the criteria of a 3.0 GPA, have excellent teacher recommendations, and showed hard work and dedication toward their school work were pinned during Spartan Time. For a complete list of new members, log on to shsoracle.org.

5/26 Senior Graduation

5/22 Senior Final Exams

5/29 9th-11th Graders Final Exams

Seniors are to report to the SHS Don Coleman Coliseum @ 10:00 a.m. auditorium at 1:30 p.m. for a practice Seniors report to the SHS auditorium at run through of graduation day 8:15 a.m.

Period 1 Exam: 7:45-9:19 Period 3 Class: 9:25-11:08 A Lunch: 11:08-11:38 Period 5 class (A Lunch): 11:45-1:18 B Lunch: 11:14-12:48 Period 5 class (B Lunch): 11:14-12:48 Period 7 Exam: 1:24-3:00

Journalism teacher Mrs. Janice Cummons was recently awarded Stratford’s Teacher of the Year .

5/23 Senior Final Exams

Deserving Students Juniors

John Paul Graham, Andrew Plant, and Elias Gelber are delighted with their recent induction into NHS. Every new member was pinned with a blue ribbon to represent their much deserved membership.

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5/21 Practice Senior Graduation

Period 4 Exam: 9:25-11:08 Period 6 Exam (B Lunch): 11:14-12:48 Period 6 Exam (A Lunch): 11:44-1:18

5/24 Senior Final Exams

Period 3 Exam: 9:25-11:08 Period 5 Exam (B Lunch): 11:14-12:48 Period 5 Exam (A Lunch): 11:44-1:18

5/25 Senior Final Exam

Period 2 Exam: 7:45-9:45 Period 8 Exam: 9:49-11:45

Spartanaire Spring Show

Period 1 Exam: 7:45-9:45 Period 7 Exam: 9:54-11:45 Period 5 class (A Lunch): 12:21-1:30 Period 5 class (B Lunch): 11:51-1:00 Period 3 class: 1:36-3:00

5/30 9th-11th Graders Final Exams Period 4 Exam: 7:45-9:45 Period 6 Exam: 9:51-11:50 Lunch: 11:50-12:05

5/31 9th-11th Graders Final Exams Period 3 Exam: 7:45-9:45 Period 5 Exam: 9:51-11:50 Lunch: 11:50-12:05

6/1 9th-11th Graders Final Exams Period 2 Exam: 7:45-9:45 Period 8 Exam: 9:51-11:50 Lunch: 11:50-12:05

6/1-8/16

SUMMER!

Have a fun and safe summer!

Every year the Spartaniares put on a recital to showcase their talent PHOTOS BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN

Go Out with a Bang

At the end of the show, all of the Spartanaires put on their famous uniform and danced with pride. All of the dance officers are in the front pulling their split, with the rest of their teammates behind them.

Juniors Unite All

of the junior Spartanaire girls get together to perform their special dance, Route 66. This dance was a jazz number, and they danced to the song Route 66. Each grade got their own number where all the girls from that grade were included.

Kick Lines

The JV team gets together to perform the famous kick line. These girls will try out for a spot on the Spartanaire team next year. The JV team was new last year, and is quickly becoming a tradition.

Jazz Hands

This dance, called Firework, was the jazz ensemble of the show. A group of the Spartanaire girls danced to this song in their costumes with a screen of fireworks going off in the background , setting the mood of the dance.

Spartie Leaders Junior Grace Mosby

dances in the final number of the show.

Mosby is a Dance Officer, Lieutenant, on the dance team, and works hard every day to represent that title.

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Valedictorians

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE UNIVERSE...

The Oracle / May 4, 2018

With 51 Valedictorians this year, the Class of 2018 is abundant with scholarly students. These 51 students have all maintained the high grade point average and rigorous course load that is required to be named a Valedictorian. These students have all risen to the challenge known as high school, and it is without a doubt that each of these students has earned the title of Valedictorian.

COMPILED BY RACHEL DIETERT AND ELIZABETH COLE

Avery Agosto “Money would grow on trees.”

Elizabeth Cole

“I would be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry”

Wilber Dominguez “It’d be easier to understand.”

Maddie Harms

“There would be no more mosquitoes”

Zach Angeles

“I would get rid of the school newspaper so I wouldn’t have to give quotes.”

Erin Collins “I would eat everything twice.”

Vika Dowdy

“I would allocate districts to each produce a certain good.”

Caroline Hastings “The Memorial construction would have been done a long time ago.”

Geoffrey Baring

“All that is would be clouds in the evening sky. All that is not would not.”

Sean Daly “I would organize intergalactic golf tournaments on different planets so the likes of Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods to finally have some good competition.”

Addi Barrett

“I’d bring back The Office for infinite seasons and leave it at that because it seems like too much responsibility.”

“I would make it a friendly and cohesive place for all of its inhabitants.”

Deepsikha Das

Amy Deaton

“I would bring back the dinosaurs.”

Grace Elphingstone

Maia Fageria

“I would go into a black hole.”

“High school would be over by now.”

Veronica HerreraVelarde “Roaches would not exist”

Madison Bigler

Emma Holland “I would take the Oracle worldwide.”

“Vine would inevitably still exist and Betty White and Ryan Gosling would be President and Vice President of the United States respectively.”

Ellie Gex “I would eat avocado toast everyday and make schoool start at 10AM”

Ben P. Howell “College tuition would be free”

Jasmine Choi “I would live fast die young bad girls do it well”

Jack Diamond

“No quote available.”

Kyle Goodson

“Whataburger would be as big as McDonalds across the world, and music would be free for everyone to enjoy

Thomas Howell “I’d create more tropical islands where I can grow more tropical fruit.”

9

Valedictorians The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Audrey Hudson “I would make Disney World the next wonder of the world.”

Azelia Lau

Andrea Humphries “I would get rid of all the existing constellations and make new ones.”

Sydney Lawrence

“I would make Bill Nye the Science Guy live forever.”

“All restaurants would be required to have free chips and queso. This would be in addition to free chips in salsa.”

Mary Mouton

Joyce Park

“I would ban avacados.

Why? It’s simple- the power trip.”

Perry Shepard “I would vacation a lot and establish world peace.”

“I would make all avocados free.”

Paul Kim

“I would blow up the universe and make a new one from scratch.”

Max Lee

“No quote available.”

Catherine Parnell “Right would be left, left would be right, and gravity would go up.”

Chris Song

Sanja Stojcic

“I’d create world peace.”

“I would make everyone have bowl cuts so we can all be equally as ugly.”

Lexi Kohnke “I would want to control the weather. Hopefully, I would be able to make it rain any food I wanted.”

Sung Lee “I would hyper-accelerate time and restart the universe.”

Ben Kuhn

Cassidy Kurita

Ellie Miller

Mark Murdock

“I would make portals so people could teleport to anywhere in said universe.”

“I would make sure that everyone was happy 100% of the time!”

“I would reveal the answers to our greatest scientific and philosophical questions”

Carolyn Zhang “I would probably take a nap.”

“No quote available.”

Caston Peter

Malia Reed

“No quote available.”

“I would be in control of the universe.”

“I would program people’s minds to encompass the cardinal virtues: justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude.”

Samantha Weed

Rachel Williamson

Brad Perkins

“Everyone would be a dog (except for a few select people), and there would be a lot of waterslides.”

“2+2 would equal 5.”

...the world would Gavin Young

“Chick-Fil-A would be open on Sundays”

Abby Work

“No quote available.”

never be the same.

10 GRAPHIC BY CHARLOTTE BENES

Features The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Dear Class of 2018!

If someone had told me that I would be a principal of Stratford High School when I was in high school

I would not have believed them. I graduated from Westchester and I was a Wildcat through and through!

Yet, here I am - having an amazing experience at Stratford America and loving being a Spartan!

I have been really fortunate to work in an elementary school, a middle school, and now a high school.

High school has been an eye opening experience- and I tell anyone who will listen that the young people of today are going to change the world! I see so much potential in you seniors - there really isn’t anything you can’t do!

I imagine many of you are beginning to feel a little bittersweet. There are only a few weeks left and before you know it you will have your last lunch at SHS, your last class at SHS, and the last bell will ring!

Truly - this is an amazing time in your life! It’s a little bit scary - but it is mostly so exciting, challenging, and it’s a time in your life that will be unlike any other. I urge each one of you to make this time count.

Whether you are going to a four year university, a two year college, a trade school, joining the military, or working first, you are setting off on your journey. Many of you won’t be living at home, for the first time ever, you will be living in a dorm, apartment, or a barrack. The adventures are beginning. It’s such a pivotal time in your life and I am so excited for you to get started!

Please remember a few words of wisdom that I have learned over time: • Be true to yourself while you make your way in the world.

• Always be the one who does what is right and stands by their own principles and values.

• Be joyful!

• It’s OK to fail - that is part of the learning process • Going to college, completing your work, making it in whatever you choose to do is not about how smart you are - it’s about how committed you are to doing the work and never giving up!

I will be looking for you out in the world to see what amazing feats you all accomplish! My expectations are high!

I have learned so much from you - I thank you for that! Every one of you is so important and every one of you has a place and purpose!

The words to this song written by Tim McGraw, sums up what I want to leave you with! I think you all are amazing and I have been proud to be your administrator!

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door Don’t forget the keys under the mat When childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind Go to church ‘cause your momma says to Visit grandpa every chance that you can It won’t be wasted time Always stay humble and kind Hold the door, say please, say thank you Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie I know you got mountains to climb but Always stay humble and kind When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you When the work you put in is realized Let yourself feel the pride but Always stay humble and kind Don’t expect a free ride from no one Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why

Bitterness keeps you from flying Always stay humble and kind Hold the door, say please, say thank you Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie I know you got mountains to climb but Always stay humble and kind When the dreams you’re dreamin’’’ come to you When the work you put in is realized Let yourself feel the pride but Always stay humble and kind When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle Shut off the AC and roll the windows down Let that summer sun shine Always stay humble and kind Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you When you get where you’re goin’’ Don’t forget turn back around And help the next one in line Always stay humble and kind

With love, Mrs. Johnson

11

Senior Pullout The Oracle / May 4, 2018

PHOTO BY PERRY SHEPARD

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLOTTE BENES

12 Senior Pullout The Oracle / May 4, 2018

COLORADO

University of Colorado Boulder

G P YEAR

Julia Gelber

Albert Ramirez Bayle Goldman Presley Graves Michelle Mustacchia Joanna Williams Alexia Duff Natalie Allender

Air Force Academy Ben Kuhn

WIS

University of Wisconsin

IDAHO

Brigham Young University

Victoria Gomez Luz Chaires

Sophia Slawso

M

University of

Gr

OREGON

University of Oregon Jai Francis II

CALIFORNIA

University of California Riverside Jaina Kiley

University of California, Los Angeles

Avery Agosto

Chapman University

Abby Haralson

Loyola Marymount University

Amanda Williams

NEVADA

University of Nevada

Zaina Ateyea

MONTREAL, CANADA Rubika

Marc Cudennec

TOKYO, JAPAN

ARIZONA

Grand Canyon University

Jade Velarde

Keio University Tashin Tojo

OKLAHOMA

University of Oklahoma

SERVICE

Coast Guard

Michael McFarland

United States Marine Corps Jack Davis

Navy

Alex Weaver

Caitlin Comfort Nathan Fishma Mariana Rinco Bruce Polloc Brandon Reich

Oklahoma Stat

Erin Newto

Southeastern Oklahoma Stat

Jay Arriag

SCONSIN

Senior Pullout 13

ILLINOIS

The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Illinois Institute of Technology Meredith Williams

n-Madison University of Chicago

PENNYSYLVANIA

MISSOURI

Wilber Dominguez

on-Villasmil

f Missouri

racie Smith

an on ck hle

te

on

te

ga

Mary Mouton Christopher Song

Northwestern

Sydney Simmons Joyce Park

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Swarthmore College

INDIANA

Dartmouth University

University of Pennsylvania

Catherine Parnell

Carolyn Zhang

NEW YORK

University of Notre Dame

Culinary Institute of America

Malia K. Reid

Emme Schneider

Purdue University Alex Parizot

NEW JERSEY

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Faith Berrigan

MARYLAND

John Hopkins University

Samantha Weed

TENNESSEE

Vanderbilt University Madison Bigler

Belmont University

Addi Barrett

University of Kentucky

Rhodes College

Elizabeth Greebon Gwyneth McMahon Lexi Kohnke

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

Brittany Willis

NORTH CAROLINA Duke University Ben P. Howell

University of Virginia College of William and Mary Ellie Miller Kyle Goodson

MISSISSIPPI LOUISIANA

Tulane University

Millsaps College Isabella Hutchins

University of Mississippi

Emma Parish Erin Walsh Ryan Wedel Louisiana State University Kade Klein Olivia Mosley Griffin Green Arnold Christiansen Julia Davis Cameron Cizik Kaelen Benefield Joseph Nesser Leyla Mamedov Allie Rincon Matthew Selzman

Louisiana Tech

Rosa Andrzejewski Anthony Hicks

Rachel Williamson

GEORGIA

Savannah College of Art and Design Sebastian Droz Alyssa Kalbus

University of Georgia

Jordan Kouns Marye Stuart Greer

Georgia Institute of Technology Gavin Young

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas Kylie Richard Sarah Lawlis Maddie Wylie Nathan Alexander Caitlin Lowry Lauren Dubner Maddie Weir

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Senior Pullout The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Texas A&M

Colin Lowe Reilly LaGrange Ellie Kight Maggie Vinyard Peyton Moak Camden Beck Nicole Leigh Brooke Fendley Caroline Evans Sarah Nicholas Claire Kamp Dillon Cockrum Caitlyn Demeris Nathan Wright Abby Work Scott Carrion Perry Shepard Ellie Pena Abby Hudson Kailie Henckel Sofia Del Aguila Max Heitmann McKenna Reid Hyun Woo Lee Luke Weitzel Kevin Brasher Grant Haney Connor Seo Clayton Bobo Sofia Colby Ben Bertram Sam Lee Sydney Loveless

Houston Community College Layal Yasin Reham Haj Khalil Natalia Juarez Katherine Mesa Samuel Fajardo Mary Ruff Muhammad Khalid Saeid Rezvan Seyedeh Zahra Hamidi Dayra QuiĂąonez Areli Padilla Yeon Kim Brendan Gray

Houston Baptist University Veronica Velarde Julia Barbo

Alec Belcher Desiree Garcia Camile Settegast Marie Lauderdale Austin Kallus David Williamson Neesha Muttulingasamy Cade Tucker Cassidy Storts

Concordia University Lauren Menard

Trinity University Morgen Reyna Mark Murdock Jared Zvara

Culinary Institute of America Jane Cluff

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Courtney Mink Sydney Parisian

Blinn College

Stephen F. Austin University

Gigi Meredeth Grant Richardson Malcom Stephens Brooke Maham Dylan Meyer

Claire Medina Will Ledbetter Iris Rios

San Jacinto College Chance Moberly

University of Texas Christian Bates Grace Elphingstone Erin Collins Lauren Byram Caston Peter Maia Fageria Thomas Howell Emma Holland Lauren Graham Audrey Hudson Elissa Hutchins Mason Lamberton Max Lee Sydney Lawrence Elizabeth Gex Andrea Humphries Madeline Harms Sean Daly Amy Deaton Brad Perkins Noura Daryani Sanja Stojcic Azelia Lau Jasmine Choi Caroline Hastings Robin Graves Zach Angeles Elizabeth Cole

Austin College Sophie Daniel

University of Houston

Baylor University Katherine Kaiser Janet Wong Allison Kay Kevin Manrique Andrew Nash Koby Chiou Maddie McKenzie Lindell Lewis Adam Kiker Caleb Touchstone Ben Touchstone Kaitlyn Kwon Raine Weber Sarah Hambly Colton Miller Casey Brooks Lindsey Iler Lexi Lanning Khris Money Pauline Yun

Texas State University

Rice University Cassidy Kurita Jack Diamond

Sam Houston State University Elaina Baden Mario Mendez Allison Nolasco Lyth Elkour Jocelyn Solano Kioya Abulimen

Texas Tech University Caroline Bucek Kelby Robinson Joseph Matta Philip Chretien Panayotis Christie Anahi Frutiz Jonathan Ziobrowski

Southwestern University Nicolas Guarin Max Schein Nina Elez

Texas Southern University Courtney Calloway

Midwestern State University Chaise Ellis

Texas State Technical College Jens Moen

Texas Women’s University Bayleigh Sangi

Texas A&M at Galveston Steven Bradshaw Alejandro Gonzalez Salinas

University of Texas Dallas Atisha Daya Liam Taggart Elissa Hutchins

The University of Texas Arlington Juan Carlos Estrada

Texas Christian University of Texas San Antonio University Daniela Trujillo

John Patrick McGinty Grayson Hart

Christopher Salek Tatyana Sokhina Ashley Prado Shahin Mokhtari Omar Akkad Yoon Lee Norman Bui Blake Flynn Isabel Acosta Hoang Nguyen Ozair Khan Ricky Chavez Gerard Dede Johanna Ardon Chase Zander Samuel Fajardo Victoria Nacinovich Jenus Sarvi Gene Kim Sergey Semenov Jacob Moyer Antonio Castro

Pima Medical Institute

Sterling Sutherland

Lamar University Giovanni Davis

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News

The Oracle / May 4, 2018

The Power of the Teenage Voice STORY BY: YASMIN TALBI PHOTOS BY: TUESDAY PEARS

Voicing Opposition

Students with different opinions on the issue participated in the walk-out for different reasons, some walking to protest against the values that the walk-out represented.

For too long the worries of the teenager have been cast aside and not listened to, because we were deemed too young to understand the world. Too young to have conversations about the future of our society.

The recent high school shootings that have occurred all over the country have awakened the frustration of teenagers everywhere, and in result a movement has emerged. This movement has swept the nation, finding its way into every high school with unstoppable ferocity.

The teenage voice is finally making itself heard, its words echo through the hallway of each high school, even if it exists in only one student’s voice.

“I believe this movement can make real change in the lives of many students and teachers. This movement has been a long time coming and quite frankly I am proud to be involved. This comes at a time that I am entering adulthood and finally have a small amount of power allowing me to take hold of my future. I want to encourage others to do the same because it has taken me too long to find my voice in this fight,” senior Elizabeth Greebon, one of the coordinators said.

Speeches were made by 5 students, each different, and each voicing a unique opinion. Equally, there were students with different opinions that walked out for their own reasons, even if those reasons were to protest the values that the walk-out represented.

Moments of Silence

Two students bow their heads during the moments of silence at the beginning of the walk-out. During the walk-out, there was 6 minutes and 20 seconds of silence to honor the victims of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

To view more photos from the walk out, visit SHSOracle.org

Little Women’s Last Week STORY AND PHOTOS BY: COLTER IVEY

Cast Bonding

The cast of Little Women gathered around a piano to perform the number “Off to Massachusetts.”

Tickets for the last week of shows are still available for purchase at www. stratfordplayhouse. org or at the ticket booth during either lunch.

New Direction Sophomore Sydni Moon and junior Catherine Richard performing the song “Some Things Are Meant To Be” under the direction of Marcie Baker. This is the first Playhouse production to be directed by Baker.

Seeing Double

Student-prepared Speeches

Students gathered in front of the bleachers and applauded as each speaker gave their speech. None of the speeches were politically infused or commanded one political view over another, but instead focused on the safety of students within schools.

Little Women is one of the only Stratford Playhouse productions to be double cast. The show features both junior Jaymie Jones and sophomore Sydni Moon in the lead role of Jo.

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Features The Oracle / May 4, 2018

So Long, Farewell...

Four beloved employees retire after years of dedication to the Spartan community PHOTOS BY: PERRY SHEPARD, REESE LEIF

Ms. Mary Moreno

as told by Foreign language department chair Mrs. Elaine Sorsby

1999-2018

Ms. Moreno has officially been teaching at Stratford for 18 years, but she took a circuitous route to get here! First Sergeant Moreno spent 24 years in both active and reserve military duty. My first year at Stratford, she wasn’t even here – she had been activated after 9/11 and was gone that whole school year. When she returned, I found I had a good friend and trusted colleague. Sra. Moreno is our “go to gal” when it comes to dependability and getting things done in the Foreign Language Department. She is a skilled instructor in the classroom and she cares greatly about her students. She has provided a great service over the years by administering and keeping the records for all the Credit by Exam language tests given here at Stratford. No one will be able to fill those shoes.

Ms. Moreno takes care of us all in more ways than we can count and now we’re happy that she’s going to have some fun and, maybe, put herself first for a while. We will miss her tremendously.

Mr. Gene Rutland

as told by freshman principal Dr. Laura Villaflor

1973-2018

The year is 1974. NASA launched its’ last Apollo mission to the moon and likewise and in that same year, Mr. Rutland’s last mission landed him on the steps of Stratford America.

Forty-four years ago when Stratford High School opened its doors for the 1973-1974 school year, Mr. Rutland was one of the first people to walk the campus. Since then, he has worked as a counselor, lead counselor, and registrar. Some refer to him as the face of Stratford High School as he has seen six principals, a state championship football team with a perfect 15-0 season, and the beginnings of arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has played a substantial role putting Stratford High School on the map.

Mr. Rutland helps with careful attention, compassion, and positive energy. You would be hard pressed to find a single person that does not have positive things to say about him. If you were to look at all of the students he has worked with during his time at Stratford High School, the number would easily exceed the capacity of the Toyota Center spanning over three generations. The impact that he has made on the Stratford community is nothing short of humbling.

As if that were not enough, there is more to the man who sits behind the desk in the main office. Mr. Rutland plays the organ at his church, loves dogs (especially his sweet Boxers), and has two children, Kelly and Brent, who attended Stratford High School. He is married to his wife Kathleen, who also works in Spring Branch ISD at Westchester High School. Mr. Rutland always has a smile on his face, tells a killer story, and has an unparalleled sense of humor. In fact, there is a picture from 15 years ago floating around somewhere where he is dressed up as Elvis at a teacher retreat. Imagine Mr. Rutland in a white jumpsuit swinging around singing “All Shook Up.” Please let us know if you find it.

Saying that we will miss Mr. Rutland does not begin to describe our fondness for him. His presence has created a culture of family amongst the students, staff, and community. He has modeled a sense of pride for being a Spartan and a love that can only be measured in an infinite amount of time. He is the real Mr. SHS; and our school, our lives, and our hearts will never be the same.

Thank you, Mr. Rutland, for being a constant in an ever-changing world, for impacting the lives of tens of thousands of people, and for being the man that you are. We are all better people having been in your presence where we experienced your brilliance and were touched by your kindness. We will miss you in ways that you will never know…our sweet Papa Bear.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and good night.

WE LOVE OUR SHS STAFF AND WISH HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL THE EMPLOYEES LEAVING

Mr. Juergen Mueller

as told by Foreign language department chair Mrs. Elaine Sorsby

2010-2018

Herr Mueller has been teaching in SBISD for 13 years and has shared his wonderful skills in the German classroom here at Stratford for 7 years.

He is one of the most talented teachers with whom I have ever worked. He has a wonderful rapport with his students while managing to elevate their German level way above the norm in a classroom setting. It will be tough to replace him in the classroom, but I think we’ll miss him most outside of the classroom. He is a runner, cyclist and hiker who travels the globe on a regular basis and is always quick to share his adventures with us.

Mr. Mueller is funny, smart, caring and absolutely knows what is going on in the world! Lunchtime will never be the same! We will miss him greatly.

Mrs. D’Ann Franklin

as told by former SHS counselor Mr. Greg Fore and counselor Ms. Crystal Arrington

1999-2018

When springtime erupts in Texas, people go crazy for the fields of bluebonnets as far as the eye can see.

They stop in awe and take picture after picture, seeking to become part of the beautiful scene. Stratford has been blessed with its very own beauty of nature--D’Ann Franklin.

To know her is to love her. To love her is to understand unequivocally that she loves you too. D’Ann Franklin is a breath of fresh air. An encounter with this amazing lady has one knowing that his or her life is better because of the experiences shared together. She invests not only her time, but her heart and ultimately her life into everyone with whom she encounters. I guess one could say that after working with Ms. Franklin, they have truly been touched by an angel.

It would be impossible to count the number of lives that have been positively impacted because of this lady. Her warm hug, melodic voice, or small token of love is often just what is needed to make the difference. In addition to students, Ms. Franklin has served as an encouragement and sound board of wisdom to her fellow counselors and colleagues. D’Ann Franklin is truly one of a kind.

With 22 years in SBISD, Ms. Franklin has no match or equal. She is counseling personified; a friend, a mother, a grandmother, and one of God’s sweetest creations.

17

Features

The Oracle / May 4, 2018

An Overview of the Year WRITTEN BY: MADDIE DAWSON

New Building Principal Chad Crowson arrives

August

World Series Win For The Houston Astros

Hurricane Harvey Closes Schools For Two Weeks

November November

January/ February

The Fifth Annual Big Day

February

Seniors enjoy the “city lights” at prom WRITTEN BY: BLAKE TODES

August

Stratford Beats Memorial, 31-7

Addams Family presented by the Stratford Playhouse

A Night to Remember

Shattered Dreams

February

Prom is by far the highlight of someone’s high school experience. This year’s prom theme will be City Lights. It will be held at the White Oak Music Hall on 2915 North Main Street, starting at 8 p.m. and ending at midnight. After prom ends, an after party called Project Prom will follow.

Project Prom is at Dave and Busters and lasts from 1 to 6 a.m. Seniors can play games such as blackjack, bowling, and other arcade games, or just hang out and have fun with their friends.

Many seniors, such as Elizabeth Greebon, are looking forward to prom. “I am looking forward to prom because it is sort of a last hurrah for all of the seniors. Despite the fact that there are people that we may not have connected with yet, we all get to share one last moment that everybody can talk about ten or twenty years from now. Yes, prom seems like a huge cliche from lots of high school movies, but it is important in the manner that it gives students a way to say goodbye in the best way we know how,” Greebon said.

Surprisingly, according to twelfth grade principal Mrs. Valerie Johnson, this year’s prom and its funding was not affected by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. This was mainly due to the fact that a large majority of the fund raising for the 2018 Prom came from freshman, sophomore and junior year. Stratford has spent $8,000 in deposits for the DJ, band, food, photo booth, and venue for this year’s prom as of March 2018.

Because a majority of prom fund raising comes from freshman, sophomore, and junior years, there is worry that the 2021 Prom will not be sufficiently funded as a result of the devastating and destructive flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey.

“Everyone has been very stressed with the shortage of time, so I did not stress the fund raising as much as I have done in the last couple of classes their freshman year,” ninth grade principal Dr. Laura Villaflor said. “We just feel that this was best for our kids since we concentrated so hard on returning to normalcy after Harvey hit first semester.”

Villafor said she has “no concerns” that the class of 2021 will not reach their fund raising goal for prom.

The class will be doing two fund raisers next year, one in the spring and one in the summer, to make up for the lack of fund raising this year.

After four years of working hard throughout high school, prom is a time for seniors to finally relax and just have fun. Prom is also the last memory, and possibly the best memory, of high school that a person will ever have.

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Seniors The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Mariana Michelle Rincon A big thank you to Mrs. Cummons for all that you do for the newspaper and good luck to next year’s staff!

Boomer Sooner!

Tuesday Pears

Enjoy your friends, enjoy your life, remember this is only the beginning.

New Beginnings Word Search Bloom Exploration Board Finals Business Financing Cap Flourish Degree Good Luck Diploma Gown Discovery Graduation Growth Job Lectures Room Pomp and Circumstance

Scholarship Summer Break

Sudoku

20

Sports The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Bowlers, Runs and Wickets Muhammad Khalid and the Cricket Life

WRITTEN BY: DAN TATULESCU PHOTO PROVIDED BY: SMARTCHOICE NATIONAL CRICKET ACADEMY Within the wide range of sports played in the United States, from soccer to football, baseball to basketball, there stands an unspoken one. That sport is cricket. Popular in countries in around the Indian subcontinent, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean, it once gained popularity in the United States, yet it lost face to baseball. Why should Stratford care about cricket? A cricket star can be found in our midst.

At the age of five, a young boy wakes up to find himself playing cricket for the first time. That boy is now seventeen year-old Muhammad Khalid, a senior at Stratford High School. A part of the United States Under 19 National team, he now has to balance his school life with the life of an upcoming professional cricket player. Cricket has always been a part of his life; his dad was once a professional cricket player himself. Hailing from Pakistan, Muhammad and his family live in Houston, Texas, which has proved to be a good thing for him. Houston, specifically the Pearland area is home to one of only two proper cricket grounds found in the United States: Moosa Stadium. Thus, Muhammad can remain in Houston and continue school at Stratford.

2018 is a particularly important year for the team because the ICC Under 19 World Cup Qualifiers will be held in the summer, the World Cup itself being held in 2020.

Not only is Muhammad playing for the United States

team, but he also plays as part of the Riders, a Division I cricket team of the Houston Cricket League. This means that the Riders play against the top teams in the Houston Cricket League.

Now, for the game itself. The goal of the game is to score as many runs as possible. Methods of scoring include hitting the ball over the boundary through the air, which provides six runs, and running back and forth to the wickets in a pair, the wickets being three wooden stumps placed on the pitch with two bails on top horizontally. The batter can be gotten out by the opposing team through catching the ball, knocking off the bails, and several other methods. The gear is just as important as the rules, too.

The cricket ball is very tough and can be bowled at speeds exceeding 90 mph. The protective gear varies with position. While bowlers and fielders wear relatively minimal clothing, the batsmen wears protective pads and clothing and a helmet. The bat is made of wood, curved, and varies in size and shape. Teams consist of sixteen players with eleven from each team playing at a time. With cricket matches lasting for days, at times, it will provide a fun experience for all to watch.

Muhammad says his team and coach are like a big family. Now, he can count on the Stratford community cheering him on, too.

Taking Advice

It is not everyday that a player from the men’s national team comes to provide advice. Senior Muhammad Khalid and the Under 19 team listen to Usman Rafique from the men’s national team. Usman stopped by around winter time to help out during practice.

Girls Lacrosse Heads to State The team beats Klein and preps for state PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: SCOTT ELMORE

Teamwork

The last time the girls played against Klein, they lost, making that their only loss of the season. This time, they were determined to avenge that one loss and did so by beating Klein 11 to 9 and earning themselves a spot at the Texas High School Girls Lacrosse League State championship.

MVP

Junior Hannah Harrington is awarded a plaque and crowned MVP. She is pictured with the team’s head coach, Scott Elmore, and a few of her teammates.

Pre-Game Rituals

The girls all gather together before the game to wish each other good luck. Coach Scott Elmore gives them last pieces of advice and words of encouragement.

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Sports The Oracle / May 4, 2018

Changing The Game The Seniors That Made a Difference WRITTEN BY: NICOLE WHITEFORD PHOTOS BY: THE ORACLE

S W I M M I N G F O O T B A L L B A S K E T B A L L C R O S S C O U N T R Y

Clayton Bobo

Senior Clayton Bobo set two school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle events at the 2018 State Championships. He also won those events making him state champion in the 50 and 100 freestyle.

“Clayton always comes to practice with a smile and encourages the team to try their hardest. He’s always so nice to everyone. He always make the team laugh.”

-Junior Kelsie Stephenson

Ben Kuhn

Senior Ben Kuhn was team captain of this years varsity football squad.

“He has been such an influence in football and more importantly, in life. I’m going to miss all the memories I made with him, all the extra workouts we had together, and always having a guy in my locker room that I knew had my back in the battle we were about to face.”

-Sophomore Drew Murdock

Abby Hudson

Senior Abby Hudson has played basketball for all four years of her high school career. She was on varsity her last two years and varsity captain her senior year.

She was awarded with 2nd team all district and Honorary Mention at this years Girls Basketball Banquet.

“Abby always made me laugh even when we were hustling during sprints” -Junior Samantha Green

Sydney Lawrence

Senior Sydney Lawrence has ran for Cross Country all four years of her high school career. Every year she has qualified for the State Championship Meet.

“She is extremely disciplined, motivated….she is what I would call an “Alpha Leader and Competitor”. Driven to succeed… holds herself and teammates to the highest standards.”

-Coach Tony Brillon

Georgia Clark

Senior Georgia Clark has played softball all four years of her high school career. She has committed to play softball at Louisiana State University for her college career.

“I am going to miss her leadership and friendship on the field. She changed my softball experience by helping me learn the ropes of varsity outfield and has challenged and pushed me to be a better player.” -Junior Logan Allwein

Lindsey Iler

Senior Lindsey Iler has played volleyball for all four years at SHS. She has been on varsity her junior and senior years.

“She comes in to practice and is always so kind and uplifting. She never has a frown on her face and she is so nice to everyone. She is one of the funniest people I have met and I’ll miss her constant jokes next year” -Junior Lindsay Winkler

Michael Von Blon

Senior Michael Von Blon is the number two player on the boys varsity tennis team. He placed second in the boys singles events at the Katy Invitational on Mar. 29th.

He was also a member of the team that got third in District and were Bi-District Champions.

“He was helpful when teaching us how to hit. He’s a very funny guy who created a humorous environment such as tripping on things and jumping over fences.”

-Junior Evan Chan

Brandon Reichle

Senior Brandon Reichle is the starting first baseman for the varsity Baseball team. He is hitting in the three or four hole of the line-up.

“He is our heartbeat... Personally, I truly believe that I would be lesser of a man/coach if I had not had the opportunity to be a part of Brandon’s career, as a student and a player, here at Stratford America.”

-Coach Christo Amarantos

S O F T B A L L V O L L E Y B A L L

T E N N I S B A S E B A L L

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Sports The Oracle / May 4, 2018

State Bound

The girls cross country team not only dominated in districts this year, but they also placed very well at the state meet back in December. The seven girls traveled to Round Rock where they competed against other 6A schools at a UIL competition. Their team’s average time rounded out to be 18 minutes and 54 seconds, with the girls finishing in 5th place out of 16. Senior Sydney Lawrence also placed very well, achieving a personal goal by traveling to the state meet a total of four times.

Crush the Ponies

Hitting for Panthers

Memorial High School suffered a loss after the Spartans triumphed over them, the score coming to a total of 31-13. The Spartans managed to successfully score four touchdowns and one field goal.

Varsity volleyball player, senior Chandler Gorman, plans to attend the University of Pittsburg and play volleyball there. This season, the Stratford volleyball team ended up placing 5th in district. The team played an overall successful season, great job Spartans!

Fore!

THE ORACLE’S

TOP 10 SPORTS MOMENTS

Serving Up Wins

The varsity tennis team traveled to districts where three players successfully placed in the top 3. Nico Guarin, Nina Elez, and Porsche Robinson all placed at 3rd place.

BY ISABELLA WALTZ AND MARIANA RINCON PHOTOS BY NATHAN WRIGHT, JAKE MAKIYAMA, GRACIE SMITH, AMAYA GONZALEZ, JASON FOCHTMAN, DAN TATULESCU, AND ZAINA ATEYEA

Rebound

Number 34, Noah Paradise, defends himself against two Spring Woods players. The first win of the season came from a game back in November against Cy Ridge, with the Spartans winning by 4 points.

Both the boys and girls team suffered losses by Memorial, but dominated over other teams in the district

Playoff Bound

The girls and boys soccer teams both advanced to the first round of playoffs. While the boys lost during the first round, the girls continued on through the second round. Students made sure to supports both teams by wearing green the day of both their games. The crowd was filled with students and teachers where the Spartans battled it on in our own backyard.

The golf team competes in many tournaments throughout our highly competitive district. At a recent tournament, both the boys teams finished in the top 3. One girls team placed 4th and another placed 5th. Both the girls teams beat their scores from last year and almost every girl significantly improved their score.

Play Ball!

The varsity baseball team opened their season with a 6-0 win over Rosenberg Terry. They went on to celebrate many more wins and beat some of the districts best, including Memorial.

State Champs

Senior Clayton Bobo and junior Emma Stephenson both competed at the state swim meet, along with the rest of the team, and came home with several wins. The girls came in 10th place and the boys came in 4th. Bobo placed first in 50 free and 100 free and Stephenson placed first in 50 free.

In the Circle

The softball ladies have been taking home wins all season, with Madison Morrow playing second base. In the circle, pitcher Valeria Smith, will continue to play in college.

24

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The Oracle / May 4, 2018

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Good luck class of 2018! You will be misseD! Love, The Oracle Staff