May 22, 2013

Valedictorians pg. 9

The Year in Sports pg. 12

Photo by Gil Sanchez

Stratford High School

THE Volume 40, Issue 10

377

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Photo by Gil Sanchez

Graphic by Victoria Shin

14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079

RACLE

freshmen, 2010• Prom/Project Prom budget

pionships • 3 National Merit Scholars 375 in-state students • 24.5

Seniors pgs. 7-10

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

$75,000

•

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Photo by Katherine Kennedy

State Swimming Cham-

• 5.5 average GPA • 1620 average SAT • average ACT • 84 out-of-state students •

6250 service hours in NHS • 19 valedictorians • House of Blues Prom • 7 Tommy Tune awards • $4,507,000 SCHOLARHSIP MONEY •454 seniors graduating on JUne 1, 2013

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

A Tweet Success

2012-2013 the most record-breaking year in school history Justin Todes

Let’s take a moment to reflect on this past year. We have stood strong from the beginning, consistently excelling and making school history as the year has progressed.

In all areas, the Spartans truly are the best.

Massive achievements have been made in both athletics and academics.

For the first time in Stratford history, every athletic team made it into the playoffs, and boys’ swimming took home the State Champion title for the second year in a row.

In academics, Stratford won first place at district, and Journalism made it to the UIL Academics State meet.

Just recently, Stratford was ranked by U.S. News as the No. 500 high school in the nation, placing us in the top 1% of all high schools.

We have a lot to be proud of as Spartans. We truly are committed to excellence.

The Oracle

For a complete listing of the successes in sports, check out MAKES HISTORY on page 12.

Photo by Maddy Penarrieta

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle

The Oracle 2013-2014 Staff Editors-in-Chief: Kali Venable Elaine Parizot Assistant Editors: Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Stieber News Editor: Justin Todes Muse Editors: Aldo Martinez Ashley Karolys Opinions Editors: Claire Galbraith Maxine Tran Sports Editors: Scott Kennedy Kelly Hewitt Graphics editor: Victoria Shin Photo Editors: Katherine Kennedy Rebecca Williamson

Gil Sanchez Ads Editors: Katherine Mavergeorge Sarah Sturgis Allison Rice Emily Copeland Photographers: Will Klussmann Megan Klarrit Harper Jones Cassidy Menard Michael Martin Phillip Chen Alex McNees Reporters: Katelyn Darmond Hunter Baker Courtney James Natalie Raley Emily Fishman Ad Staff: Phoebe Lamay

Emily Brown Lindsey Jenkins Meredith Burch Brice Stevenson Erin Higginbotham Paige Barber Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Anne Hodges Magaret Hoffman Tara Breen Copy Editors: Amanda Sturm Natasha Eades Staff Artists: Molly Richter Claire Pena Advisor: Janice Cummons Visit shsoracle.com to see a complete list of the Stratford Oracle online staff!

INFO AND SHORTS

SPRING FOOTBALL

Stratford football will play their spring game on Tues., May 28. This is a great opportunity to see next year’s football players, cheerleaders, and Spartanaires. The game begins at 7 p.m. on the Stratford field.

STAY UP-TO-DATE The Stratford Oracle is your source for current SHS news. For daily updates, check out The Oracle online at shsoracle.com.

The Stratford Oracle Your news. Your way.

NEWS 3

The Yearbook 2013-2014 Staff Editors-in-Chief : Jackie John Andrea Sklar Design Editor: Christy Zhang Photo Editor : Kylen Chen-Troester Assistant Photo Editor: Gil Sanchez Sports Editors: Trevor Morris Haley Wilson Advertising Editor: Anna Powell Student Life Editor: Olivia Brady Clubs Editor: Elizabeth Jones Assistant Clubs Editor: Lucas Nash

People Editor : Julia MacDonald Academics Editor : Sarah Calhoun Reporters: Caroline Addison Sandra Castro Dana Denney Felix Hollaway Joscline Lara Meredith Magnuson Katie Newsom Laura Petruzzi Tori Pfeifer Jessica Romero Angella Son Erika Stephenson Dominique Thai Photographers: Darby Alexander

Rachel Allen Rebecca Biestek Essie Clayton Axel Garcia Ben Johnson Haley Mandy Maddy Penarrieta Jackie Pineda Sydney Slack Elizabeth Taber Nick Terrazas Romina Vaczian Josh Wright Ad Staffers: Jason Leon Devin New Katie Velez Advisor: Kim Lynch

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MUSE

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle

Hottest Festival of The Summer FPSF 2013

“Aside from the incredible line up, Summer Fest has an atmosphere that captures the essence of Houston, I think that is probably what I am most excited about.”

-Cara Dudley, 11

When: June 1-2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park

What: A two-day music festival

Who: The Postal Service, Basenectar, Iggy and the Stooges, Passion Pit, TV on the Radio, Calvin Harris, Alabama Shakes, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Of Monsters and Men, Arctic Monkeys, Social Distortion, Gogol Bordello, 2 Chainz, Cat Power, Geto Boys, and many more Houston and area artists How do I go: General admission is sold out, but see fpsf.com for available packages

“I am so excited about just being at Free Press, it has such a great atmosphere and everyone there shares the same love for the music and activities.”

-Carolyn Arthur, 12

For more info, visit fpsf.com

Graphic by Victoria Shin

Summer Vacation

What students do with three months of freedom Amy Brajenovich Kali Venable

As this year comes to an end, people are beginning to make plans for the soon-toarrive summer.

Each person has their own traditions, whether they are summer camps that they have visited since they were little, or vacations to weekend homes or foreign places.

Some students even take on jobs or venture out to do volunteer work; every person’s two-and-a-half month break is spent differently.

“I love summer vacation because every year my family and I go to Disney World.

Even my 19 year old sister still loves going,” junior Casey Sparks said.

Summer camps are very popular in and around Houston. Common camps in Texas are Cho Yeh, T Bar M, Olympia, Pine Cove, Mystic, Champions, and Longhorn.

Many students also vacation to tropical beaches in sunny paradises like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and other parts of Central America. “This summer I’m going to the Caribbean Islands

with my family and friends, I can’t wait,” junior Katy Gallion said.

If a student’s family is very active, hiking up some of the worlds prettiest elevations might be a good adventure.

California has some of the best hiking areas in the country, but nearly every U.S. state has some sort of hiking worth trying.

A large portion of students stay in Houston during the summer, a choice that can still lead to a wonderful and productive few weeks.

Students often take on jobs at local restaurants, retail stores, and donate their time to charity work at animal shelters or their place of worship.

There is a variety of places that hire teenagers during summer, as long as you beat the tons of broke and jobless college kids that return home in May. Working for an entire summer can give students a lot of experience and life skills that are useful as they began to grow up and take on more responsibilities.

“I like to have a summer

job so I have something to do during the week instead of being bored or not having any responsibilities,” junior Louis Birdsong said.

Teenagers also participate in mission work such as Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (MDUMC) Work Camp or the Amigos for Christ mission trip that quite a few Spartans attend with former Spanish teacher, Bill Dooley.

Both groups spend a week in communities (Work Camp travels to towns in Texas and Amigos for Christ heads to villages in Nicaragua) to help develop and work with the local people through building homes, water piping and catering to family needs.

High school students are excited to began their summers regardless if they are venturing to the other side of the world or only a few streets over.

No matter the destination, summer holds expectations for lasting memories, laughable moments and a chance to discover a the person you are or the person you wish to become.

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HOT SPOTS TO TRAVEL TO• (1) Carowinds, a theme park located in both North and South Carolina, is one of many theme parks in the US. These are popular venues for families with children. (2) Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado is snow-covered in the winter season, but has a more mild summer. Ski resorts are very populated throughout the year. (3) San Diego, CA is a popular hiking destination. Hiking is available throughout the U.S. (4) Laguna Beach, CA is one of the most iconic destinations along the California Coast. California is home to various vacation options ranging from beaches to lakes to deserts. All photos by Amy Brajenovich

The Oracle

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

ADS

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PUZZLE PAGE

Wednesday. May 22, 2013

The Oracle

The Oracle

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

ARIZONA

KANSAS

Arizona State- Metro Phoenix Jordon Gutierrez University of ArizonaTucson Jaime Hewitt- Broadcast Journalism

University of St. Mary’sLeavenworth Sebastian Arango- Physical Therapy

Management Allison Demiano - Business Michelle Evans - International Business Matthew Foster Tracee Greenwood - Business

Engineering Hannah Redfield- Communications Sarah Ross-Nursing Troy Rucker-Petroleum Engineering

SENIORS 7

Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater Amanda Escamilla- Psychology Taylor Friedman- Psychology Whitney Kilduff- Communications

CALIFORNIA

Mari Alex Littlefield- Modeling San Diego State UniversitySan Diego Jack Clark-Accounting Shadee Mozafari-Psychology University of California Berkeley-Berkeley Rachel Rapier-Mechanical Engineering

COLORADO

Colorado College- Colorado Springs David Candler Fort Lewis College-Durango Mireille Pinedo University of ColoradoBoulder Katelyn MacCrory-Dance/ Art Colorado School of MinesGolden Shogo Iwasaki Colorado State- Fort Collins Alexandra Baker-Zoology Breane Fuentez-Marine Biology

UTAH

Brigham Young UniversityProvo Jacob Cribbs- Business/Accounting

WEST BOUND WASHINGTON University of WashingtonSeattle Lydia Sweet-Microbiology

OKLAHOMA

University of OklahomaNorman Kaela Beasley - Marketing Grant Brann Camila Castaneda- PreVeterinary Avery Croley - Marketing Christian Daimler - Energy

Kelly Griffin Matthew Holland-Energy Management Steffi Humburg-Meaux- International Business Graham Jones-Energy Management Davis Mitcham- Energy Management David Radecki- Mechanical

ARMEDFORCES Air Force

FOREIGNLANDS Marines

Brian Baker Alexander Bugerenko Alex Hagen

Alex Newton- Sports Media Matthew Stein- Communica- Oklahoma City Universitytions Oklahoma City Evan Stone-Mechanical Hannah Goodearle- Dance Engineering

Performance Daniel Tomlinson-Energy Hayden Parsley- Dance PerManagement formance Samantha Vargas-Occupational Therapy

Robbie Boyd Deeter Rincon

MEXICO

Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Diego Calzoncit Universidad del Valle Mexico- Nuevo Leon Melanie Gil- Communications/International Relations

Navy

Isaiah Jackson Malik Gamble Jonathan Martinez Fermin Suero

JAPAN

Waseda University- Tokyo Ashley Yashino Mizuho Suzuki Graphics by Victoria Shin

8

SENIORS

Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo Hazel Hadebe- Pre- Nursing

Angelina College-Lufkin

Jordan Comparin-Journalism & Mass Communications

Austin Community College Alex Ayres- Film/Writing Dane Conge- Marine Biology

Baylor University- Waco

Nick Jones- Accounting Angela Meraz Dawson Morby- Mechanical Engineering Alexandra Napuri Emily Rucker- Secondary Education Othniel Tay- Pre-Medication in Nutrition Science Stacey Torres- Business Grace Touchstone- Elementary Education Samantha Vanston- Cellular Biology Khang Vo Gordon Walker- Chemistry

The Art Institute of Houston

Malik Bishop-Culinary Arts Jamia’ Cormier-Fashion Retail & Merchandising

Blinn College- Bryan

Victoria Bravo- Forensic Science Maggie Coleman- Education Tamara Ingram- Education Marshall Jackson- Sales and Marketing/ Business Sarah Johnston Ashley Keel-Biomedical Sciences Bobby Leach- Business Austin Nichols Karly Shimerka- Veterinary Medical Applications Pribodi Sulistyadi- Petroleum Engineering

Hardins-Simmons University - Abilene

Mallory Parker- History

Houston Baptist University

Steven Chettipally- Biology

Houston Community College

Gaby Cardenas- Accounting Kelly Carpenter- Hospitality Tiffany Decker- Culinary Farah Elmajzoub- Pre-Medical Kimberley Escobar Anthony Freeman Samuel Granda Andy Guardado- Medical Field Cristina Hernandez- Business Marcos Hernandez- Television/ Radio/Film Andrew Kim- Film Making Tae Won Kim- Biology Woosun Kim- Computer Programming Hyun Kyung You Diana LeeBusiness Communications Ara Luz- Biochemistry Carlos Mendieta- Dentistry Chan Moon- Engineering Sebastian Pestana- Business Zachary Perez- Fire Eng. Henry Salazar

The Oracle

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Milad Salehi- Biology Fayn Shmad- Petroleum Engineering Citalli Tobias- Business Teresa Velazquez- Criminal Justice Wahida Zoud

Lamar UniversityBeaumont

Chasity Barnes Yanaira Botello- Biology Khalia Hardwell- Social Work Patrick Kibble- Culinary Arts

LoneStar Community College- Houston

Cesar Avila Taylor Cash- Business Economics Ricardo Plancarte CoriaSports Medicine Dylon Laudat- Mechanical Engineering Michael Nicol- Psychology Maranda Wareham- Paleogenetics

Kyle Casanover-Telecommunications Campbell Craig-Geology Caroline Demeris- Education Katie Dickinson-Biochemistry Ivy Do- Biomedical Science Mallory Edwards-Mathematics Emily Frazelle- Parks & Rec Hayley Friedman Jordan Haynes-Finance Juan Hirsch-Business Jimmy Hodges-Industrial Distribution Taylor Hubbard-Business Trevor Jackson-Petroleum Engineering Patrick Janacek-Mech. Engineering

Kyle Schafer John Scott-Aerospace Engineering Ian Sharp-Civil Engineering Matthew Sibley-Petroleum Engineering Jake Soltis- Construction Science Anna Vickers-Nursing Daniel Yang-Biology

Texas A&M Kingsville

Dennis Gathungu- Petroleum Engineering

Texas A&M Prairie View Shardae Davis-Pre-Med

Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth Travis Hanes- Business/ Finance

Northwood UniversityDallas

Rice University-Houston

Isabel DeakinsBiology Amy Fox-Biomedical Engineering Jack Lynch-Engineering

Matthew Innes- Biology Katie Temple- Political Science

St. Edwards UniversityAustin Harris Foster- Interactive Games Business

Stephen F. AustinNacogdoches

Andrew Brillon- Exercise Science Kelly Ann Craig-Communications Gene Crocker-Forestry Mackenzie Wilson-Education

Texas A&M at College Station

Amy Baek- Communications Lizzy Bozeman-Business

Trinity University- San Antonio

Tyler Junior CollegeTyler Mildred PolancoAthletic Training

University of Houston

Mirko Ruiz-UrriloagoitiaSports Marketing

Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown

Desirae Bunch-Forensic Science Alex Eggert- Journalism Will Hammond-Education David Hatcher-M.I.S./3D Programming Brandon Lyne-Pre-Veterinary Emily Nguyen-Architecture Conner Parker Lacie Stevens-Pre-Veterinary Sciences Pribadi Sulistyawan- Chemical Engineering Rachel Whatley- Pre- Med

Class of 2013

Tyler Garcia- Political Science

Timothy Conner-Criminology Katherine Guzman-Medical Examiner Crystal Tobias-Criminal Justice

Texas Tech UniversityLubbock

Cullen Moore-Computer Science or Music Composition

Midwestern UniversityWichita Falls

Sam Houston State University-Huntsville

Caroline Suchman- Elementary Education

Taylor Johnson-Education and Dance John Kaminski-Business Melanie Klassen- Civil Engineering Eric Lee-Biology Hanna Lee-Linguistics Parker Lund-Business Jeff Mah Will Maham-Business Stephen Martinez Mackenzie Mayo Kyle McAndrews-Architecture Abby McMurtry-Business Kennedy Meek-Communications Abby Moore-Psychology Jennifer Morris-Sports Marketing Landon Neumann-Geology Lindsey Neumann-Education Katherine Noel-Communications Joseph Palughi- Chemical Engineering Machaela Pierce-Business Madison Raley- Business

Texas State UniversitySan Marcos

Josh Asch- Business Sylvie Burkholder Jasmine Decarlo- Business Emily Gonzales-Athletic Training Ali Hassanien Sioux Hazelwood- Nursing Keara LeDet- Kinesiology Kevin McAdams- Marketing/ Finance Meredith Park Taylor Salvatierra- Radiation Therapy Ashley Sherrard- Pre- Medicine- Neurology/Psychology

Betty AllenCriminal Justice Sidrah AzizPhysician Walter BakerPhysics Elizabeth Butler- Psychology Alex Carwile- Computer Engineering Trinh Doan- Biochemistry Francisco Elizondo-Psychology Shayan GharagozlouPre-Med Lianna Gregorian-Biomedical Engineering Omid Hadj- Biology Clyde Harvey- Criminal Justice Caitlin Hilton-Public Relations John Kim Jasmine Lee-Pre-Pharmacy Jared Lowrie Georgina Cipriani Sara Milic- Clinical Psychology Courtney Morales-Criminal Justice Fatima Mujahid- Forensic Science Cesar Muniz-Accounting Cori Rawlins- Mechanical Engineering Ashley Romero-Physical Therapy Armin Sarvi- Biology Hira Siddiaui- Psychology Yassmin Soudjani Bronte Ye- Business

University of North TexasDenton Anila Ademi- Communication Media Alexia Diaz-Photography Calli Martin Evan Moore-Psychology

University of Texas at Austin

Claire Aven-Business Jordan Bernstein-Business Hannah Bevers- Civil Engineering Sarah Bostick-Nursing Hannah Byatt-Communications Steven Cisneros-Engineering Anna Chong-Business Cathleen Evans-Nursing Catherine Frost-Communications & Business Katie Gregory-Visual Arts/ Communications Ashley Hess-Education Samantha Hicks-Public Relations Kathleen Higgins-Public Relations Kurt Kaiser-Business Christiana Kim-Nursing Elaine Lui- Mechanical Engineering Martha Mai-Nursing Andrew McCleary-Neuroscience Stephanie MontemayorBusiness Olivia Pope-Business Kyle Rathgeb- Biology Pre Med Mary Elizabeth SchnakeEducation William Strong Paige Tormey-Business Oscar Truong- Fine Arts & Biology Alec Willrodt Rosie Wu-Computer Science Sarah Zschappel- Public Relations/Communications

University of St.ThomasHouston Jason Brancato- Petroleum Engineering Jesus Ramos

University of Texas at Dallas

Qiaoyu Yang-Arts and Technology

University of Texas at El Paso Andrea Sojka- Nursing

University of Texas at San Antonio Nathan Byerly- Engineering Christy Koo- Education Joshua Lee-Computer Engineering Anthony Lee-Electrical Engineering

University of Texas at Tyler Sarah Makiyama- Public Relations

West Texas A&M University-Canyon

Erin Lindsay-Music Therapy

SENIORS CLASS OF 2013 VALEDICTORIANS Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle

9

To graduate a Valedictorian, students must earn an A average in every class, every semester, for all four years of their high school career. The 2013 Valedictorians share their thoughts on schoolwork and life in general.

Katie Dickinson

Esther Jeon

Advice to Underclassmen: When nothing’s right, go to sleep

Isabel Deakins

Song that Describes High School:Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

by Jump 5

Jack Lynch (right)

Steven Cisneros

Favorite Class: Creative Writing

Kyle Rathgeb (left)

Advice to Underclassmen: Do your best 1st and 4th six weeks so you can slack off the rest of the semester and still get the grade

What I will miss most: Getting to work on play with the Stratford Playhouse

Olivia Pope

Christiana Kim

Joseph Palughi

Hero: Dr. Michio Kaku

Anna Chong

KK Goss

Jordan Bernstein Hero: Jesus Christ

Elaine Lui

Hero: Eleanor Roosevelt

Matt Lastrapes

Favorite Class: Off-Campus Study Hall

Paige Tormey

Advice to Underclassmen: “Live every week like it’s Shark Week”- Tracy Jordan

Rosie Wu

Amy Fox

Timothee Flichy

Hero: Mr. Nakadate

Kurt Kaiser

Song that Describes High School:Checkin’ It Out by Van Morrison

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SENIORS

ALABAMA

Auburn University-Auburn Liz Hallmark-Communication Disorders Alison Sunderhaft- Chemical Engineering Jarrett Tang University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa Emma Koydemir- Education Amber Milan-Psychology Porter Thames

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hope Wiggins- Business University of Miami- Coral Gables Emily Davis-Theatre and Social Work University of TampaTampa Chandler CallahanJournalism

The Oracle Thea Fjerstad Fredericka Jordan- Environmental Analysis Risk MGT. Nicole Juneau Erica Lefaive Ali Pentecost- Marketing/Business Tiera Terrell

Maryland Institute College of ArtBaltimore Paige Yim- Painting/Ceramics Jackie Mask-Fine Arts

MASSACHUSETTS

Will Choice- Business Management

Mary Margaret Weaver-Business

Southern Arkansas UniversityMagnolia Ricardo Coria

FLORIDA

Florida State University-Tallahassee Connor Duffy-Finance Jessie Hall-Geology

MISSOURI

MARYLAND

University of Arkansas- Fayetteville

Disorders

Belhaven University - St. Jackson Alonso Acosta- Sports Medicine Mississippi College- St. Jackson Bonnie Slattery- Marketing

NEW YORK

ARKANSAS

Holly Heckmann- Communication

MISSISSIPPI

Kansas City Art Institute-Kansas City Zakeia Lloyd- Film Missouri Western State- St. Joseph Paige Brown

EAST BOUND Sophie Collins- Accounting

Macey Smith- Biology Mcneese State University- Lake Charles LaDarrius Nelson

Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Cambridge Fernando Trujano- Computer Engineering Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Harrison Vaporciyan-Robotics

INDIANA

Indiana University -Bloomington Sara Boyle-Journalism Purdue- West Lafayette Cai Rohleder- Engineering

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University- Baton Rouge Carolyn Arthur- Business

Carmen Vallecilla- Public Relations Hannah Vinyard- Business Denzell Williams- Journalism University of Louisiana- Lafayette

MICHIGAN

Michigan State University- East Lansing Mikya Boyd- Child Care

Cornell University- Ithaca Amy Penick- Civil Engineering Tian Yao- Electrical Engineering Johnson & Wales- New York City Precious Scott- Culinary Arts

NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill KK Goss- Astronomy Salem College- Winston- Salem Amanda Blount - Criminal Studies Duke University- Durham Matthew Lastrapes- Biomedical Engineering Michael Miller- Economics

TENNESSEE

Belmont University- Nashville Hayden McMordie- Music Business

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia University- Morgantown Nicholas Eades- Sport Marketing

FOREIGNLANDS

NEWFOUNDLAND (CANADA) Memorial University of Newfoundland- St. Johns Michael Newman- Sociology

QUEBEC (CANADA)

McGill University- Montreal Tim Flichy- Mechanical Engineering

Graphics by Victoria Shin

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

MUSE 11

Caitlin Hilton Co-Editor-in-Chief

I have yet to get sentimental about my time left in high school.

I’m sure it will hit me sometime soon, but I’m too excited about what is ahead of me to dwell on what I’m leaving behind.

Next year I will be attending the University of Houston, a school I didn’t apply to until February and one I hadn’t ever planned on attending. But the world moves in strange ways, and I am positive I have ended up where I am supposed to be.

My roommate next year is a friend I have known my entire life, someone who shares the same goals and aspirations as myself.

I am ready for my future to begin.

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Evolution of Beyonce

Queen B to Mrs. Carter, Beyonce “Knowles” how to Succeed Aldo Martinez

From Destiny’s Child to Mrs. Carter, Beyonce Knowles has become one of the most influential women in the music industry. Houston raised, Knowles first captured the public’s eye in a R&B group known as Destiny’s Child.

The group included Kelly Rolland, Michelle Williams, and Beyonce. The group was formerly known as Girl’s Tyme, but due to the departure of former co-workers, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, the group changed its name to Destiny’s Child which then became an world famous, all-girl R&B band.

After her time with Destiny’s Child, Beyonce then went on to begin her solo career, and released her first single “Crazy In Love”.

In the song, she collaborated with her future husband, Jay-Z. The debut of her album, “Dangerously in Love”, gave her a spot in one of the top billboard songs in

2003. But her career was just at the introduction of a long time line of success.

Collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga have earned Beyonce top chart singles that revolve around the theme of independent women. Beyonce is not only a musician, but she has also starred in a few movies. ‘‘Carmen: A Hip-Hop Era’’, was Beyonce’s first film.

In the film she plays a seductive aspiring actress, that causes trouble everywhere she goes. Not only does she want to be an actress, but she has a rough past that follows her.

She also landed a role in the hit musical film drama “Dreamgirls” and worked together with Steve Martin in “Pink

Panther”. In the upcoming film “Epic” she will be the voice over for Queen Tara .

“I Am... Sasha Fierce”, was Beyonce’s third studio album. Released in Novermber of 2008 the album dragged along great song such as “Diva”, “Halo”, “Video Phone”, “Sweet Dreams” and the top chart single “Single Ladies”.

The song “Single Ladies” peaked number one on the Billboard Top 100 for weeks and earned Knowles three

of the Year.

Beyonce’s third album “4”

Graphic by Victoria Shin

Gramm y ’ s for best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Song

came w i t h g re at songs, but also g r e a t

news. Beyonce and Jay-z’s marriage newly established also brought the announcement of their child , Blue Ivy Carter. Along with the great news, judgement on her newly r e leased t r a c k spurred quickly through the media.

Although her music seems to fascinate the minds of the younger generations the most, her new release for “The Mrs. Carter World Tour’’ , that kicked off last month, has caused a lot of commotion. Titled “Bow Down(I Been On), Beyonce uses the “B” word in which she refers to other females or men. “Mrs.

Carter World Tour” video was released also a few weeks ago, but in the video she is dressed as a diva queen, that is in synchronized movement and seems to be controlled by the jester. But the video is not the point of focus. What the point of focus is throughout the talk shows, media rooms, and news is the lyrics.

Overall the fans will always like her because “Beyonce is Queen B, and her voice is amazing. Who Run the World? Girls and Beyonce,” said sophomore Jasmine Wilson.

Through studios and film scenes, Beyonce Knowles has accomplished more than most of the music artist of today.

The near future awaits Beyonce with more upcoming great music and more movie roles. Ticket sales for the “Mrs. Carter World Tour” show at Toyota Center are now on sale for Houston. Beyonce will be at the Toyota Center July 13 this summer.

2013

12

SPORTS

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle

Makes History

For The First Time in The History of Stratford, Every Single Sport Has Made An Appearance in Playoffs or Post Season Meets

Boys Soccer Goes Undefeated in Regular Season Play and Makes A Great Run in Playoffs

Girls Basketball Travels to the Third Round of Playoffs

Stratford Football Takes on Reliant Stadium

Back to Back State Champions, Stratford Swimming Brings Back Another Gold

The Spartan Baseball Team Makes it to Round 3 Varsity Tennis Travels to Regionals

Boys Basketball Beats Memorial Shamajue Crockett Jumps in Austin for the State Meet

Girls Lacrosse Makes it to Second Round of Playoffs, First Time in History

Girls Soccer Makes School History Playing in the Regional Finals

Cross Country’s Austin Richards Qualifies for the State Meet

Spartan Football Spring Game Tuesday, May 28 @ 7:00 p.m.

Stratford Field

Christi, Words can’t explain how much I will miss you next year! I don’t know what I will do without you! Hope you continue to have an amazing time at Stratford! I am so blessed to have a sister like you! Love you!

KatieGregory

The Oracle

THE

O

Newspaper Staff Editors-in-Chief Sara Boyle Samantha Hicks Caitlin Hilton News Editors Hannah Bevers Samantha Vargas Samantha Vanston Muse Editors Chandler Callahan Layla Shahosseini Kali Venable Sports Editors Alex Newton Elaine Parizot Elyse Stieber Opinions Editors Michelle Evans Lydia Sweet Esther Jeon Reporters Andres Acosta Dua Mazhar Aldo Martinez Photo Editors Katie Gregory Stephen Martinez Katherine Kennedy Photographers Gil Sanchez Emily Copeland Sarah Sturgis Will Klussmann Maggie Vickers Harper Jones Bonnie Slattery Jordan Comparin

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

OPINIONS 13

Please RACLE Privacy The fine line between personal life and school life

Ads Editor Mary Margaret Weaver Ads Staff Emily Brown Jacob Cribbs Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Katherine Mavergeorge Allison Rice Design Staff Claire Galbraith Caroline Suchman Harrison Vaporciyan Ben Fairchild Staff Artists Molly Richter Claire Pena Natalie Yoo Victoria Shin Bronte Ye Online Staff Online Editors Janelle Blackwood Isabel Deakins Samantha Stazo Online Photography Editors Jackie Mask Ariyan Almassi Online Photographers Mark Coffman Michael Martin Claire Pena Rebecca Williamson Online Reporters Jackie Velarde Faith Figueroa

Staff Editorial

As technology continues to consume people’s everyday lives, some are wondering whether students can freely communicate.

Others even fear that the line between one’s personal life and one’s school life is gone forever.

In recent years student’s social media life has begun to be monitored by school staff and administrations.

A teen shouldn’t have to constrict their freedom of expression online because of the fear of what a teacher might think.

The school can’t censor all activities done by students outside its’ domain. These websites are where people go to share feelings, opinions, and events with their friends–they have nothing to do with school.

However, staff administrators, principals and teachers are not to blame, because students are using their social media sites to communicate with the school staff, neglecting the fact that their teachers can access the unrelated posts and comments made.

It is harder to keep an appropriate bond between teachers and students if they are trying to be friends outside of school.

“Any faculty member who checks one’s social media page can get the wrong impression from them posting statuses made under peer pressure,” senior Ricardo Coria said.

Though it may seem convenient to use Facebook, Twitter, or any other social site to communicate with a member of the staff, it becomes more difficult to separate the things that are

school appropriate and the things that are not.

Punishing students for the comments they make outside of the school’s walls is a gross violation of the separation between school and personal space. It isn’t the staff ’s place to criticize what students do outside of school, as long as it doesn’t affect the productivity of the classroom.

However, if a post is inappropriately directed toward the school, then yes, it is the staff ’s duty to step in.

High school students should be mature enough to take responsibility for the crude and alarming things they put on social networks, especially if they are hurtful towards not only the people who post them but their friends, family and peers as well.

Regardless, if students fail to take responsibility, the teach-

ers and staff have no place to step in, at all.

Other issues like cyberbullying, need to be watched and kept in the spotlight at schools in order to protect students from abuse and harm.

Teachers and staff can alert students about the dangers of bullying and advise them against such actions. Other than that, it is rather inappropriate to constantly monitor students.

It’s apparent that a clear boundary needs to be established between personal and educational matters.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to create a guideline of student social media rights in future state legislation.

Otherwise, it will be impossible for a professional relationship to be established between students and staff.

This might be the most narcissistic thing ever.

Chandler Callahan

Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons

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

The Oracle is open to any and all contributions submitted by the readers. Any material can be submitted by e-mail to thestratfordoracle@gmail.com, brought in person to Room 120, or placed in Janice Cummons’ mailbox.

The editorial board reserves the right to determine whether the submitted material will be published depending on the available space. The submitted material may also be edited to remove libelous or defamatory statements.

Any material that is submitted must be typewritten and accompanied with the writer’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual writer 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. They welcome freelance submissions and are eager to hear from their readers regarding story and photo opportunities.

The Oracle is also online at spartanoracle.blogspot.com.

Hannah Bevers

Sara Boyle

This was fun

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OPINIONS

SamanthaHicks

The Oracle

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

NEWTON’S LAST LAW Thank you Stratford America for making Newton’s Law what it is today.

Thanks for stopping by and stay classy.

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things, they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

-Steve Jobs

Things Esther Likes: -Doctor Who -kimchi -peace and quiet -sitting down -being passiveaggressive

Here’s to somehow still being friends!

(It turns out anything is possible, after all)

Things Bronte Disikes: -Doctor Who -kimchi -peace and quiet -sitting down -being passiveaggressive

You’re Welcome.

Alex Newton

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle

Check out stratfordoracle online and let us know what you would like to see next year.

Have a good summer Stratford!

I LOVE ANDRES AND SARA - La-Di-A Sour Mary Margaret Weaver

I honestly never thought I would make it this far. But I have. And that’s what counts. Thank You Stratford for these 4 life changing years and lasting memories. Thank You Mom and Dad, for bringing me in this world. Thank You Mrs. Briggs, Mr. Nakadate, Mr. Marquez, and Ms. Benefield, for being inspiring teachers and being a very resourceful and loving librarian. Thank You Kanza, Mohammad, Angela, Raven, Monica, and Desiree Rabie, Mrs. Lusk, Mrs. Polmeroy, and Ms. Franklin for being a part of my life.

- Dua Mazhar

Samantha Vanston “It’s funny how someone who was a stranger last year, can mean so much to you now. It’s terrible that someone who meant so much to you last year, can be a stranger now. It’s amazing what a year can do. “ -Unknown

Samantha Vargas

“Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19

Harrison Vaporciyan

OPINIONS 15

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

-John F. Kennedy

If you ever feel like you’re in over your head, just remember that Justin Bieber is being fined two thousand dollars for illegally tattooing a picture of a cartoon mouse and the word “swaggy” onto a man’s leg and also Jimmy Carter has seriously claimed to be attacked by a swimming rabbit during his (Carter’s) presidency.

Anyway, don’t do drugs, stay in school, and join newspaper.

Isabel Deakins Behind these hazel eyes is a tortured soul. I just love Isabel Deakins too much. I don’t know what I will do without her next year...

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ADS

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oracle