Friday, May 1, 2017

ORACLE Friday, May 5, 2017 // Vol 43 // Issue 7

Stratford High School 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas // shsoracle.com

Waving Goodbye

Seniors say goodbye to all the good memories and fun times at SHS

@SpartanOracle @StratfordOracle

2 The Year in Five Words

Opinions “It went by fast.”-Sophomore Zach Smith

Students describe the past school year in five words or less WRITTEN BY: RACHEL DIETERT PHOTOS BY: ALLISON DELGADO AND SAMANTHA WAGNER

“Friends , grades, sleep, choose two.”

-Sophomore Julia Papapanagiotou

“Lots of work and running.”

-Junior Dylan Cockrum “Exuberant, exulting, and explorative.”

-Freshman Fay Gibb

“Too many math teachers.”

-Freshman Andrew Askounis 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.com.

The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

the readers. Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle.com.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives maintain professional standards

All letters to the editor 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.

“I learned what busy means.”

-Junior Sydney Lawrence

“Well this has been interesting.”

-Freshman Jack Hamilton

“Can I graduate already?”

-Senior Claire Lewis

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

ORACLE

“Does sleep exist?” -Sophomore Ruby Poonawala

Culture Editors Charlotte Benes Rachel Dietert

Associate Editor

Sports Editors Jacqui Comparin Haley Grace Francis Nicole Whiteford Assistant Sports Editor Louis Nucette

*

*Nazlee Khadjeheian *Emma Holland

*Maddie McKenzie Photo Editors

*Riley Timmreck *Presley Graves *Perry Shepard

Opinions Editors Lauren Byram Sebastian Droz News Editors Taylor Morris Elizabeth Cole

“It was fun, but I’m glad it’s done.”

-Senior Caroline Crawford

“I have no more will.”-Senior Braden Collins

Editors-in-Chief Cameron Henkel Olivia Siciliano

*

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Reporters Andrew Park Alex Parizot Photographers Arturo Benitez Jordyn Richards Kate McCord Grayson Hart

Cassie Wilson Mariana Rincon Tea Sharp Donovan Rixie Carol Gebhart Sam Wagner Claire Sanchez Zaina Ateyea Madison Harbison Allison Delgado Kaitlyn White Savanna Underwood J Ads Editors Katie Boatwright Lindell Lewis Alice Morse Ads Staff Maddie Rustam Jackson Fass

Erin Walsh Natalie Gaiser Lauren Perry Gigi Meredith Design Editor William Thiele Staff Artist Caroline Bucek Copy Editors Benjamin Burnham Maddie Suerth Building Principal Danny Gex Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

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Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Cameron Matthew Russell Henkel Nazlee Kristy Khadjeheian Thanks JC and everybody on newspaper for being such a friendly and inviting family over the past four years.

NYC & Puerto Rico are unforgettable, just like our friendships. Bon Accord!

Thank you to Mrs. Cummons and the rest of the staff for making my years at Stratford so much brighter!

Much love and hook ‘em,

Olivia Grace Siciliano Thank you to Mrs. Cummons and all my friends for making newspaper so much fun!

Best wishes to next year’s staff & hook’em!

Riley Katherine Timmreck Thank you Mrs. Cummons for all your support, and to everyone on staff for giving me so many fun memories.

Gig ‘Em!

4

Seniors

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

CASSIE WILSON

NATALIE GAISER

5

Opinions

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Sex Trafficking Is Closer Than You Think

It’s around every corner, and the Stratford area is no exception WRITTEN BY: LAUREN BYRAM Houston, we have a problem.

Its around every corner, yet we don’t know how to find it. It’s tearing apart families and ruining lives, yet our government isn’t doing much about it.

It is known that Houston is the sex trafficking capitol of the country, but do you really know how close it is? We often perceive sex trafficking as being done only in run down houses in the not-so-great parts of town. Did you know that it’s also probably happening where you’re getting your nails done? Or where you go to formal dances?

Where it’s happening According to Cat French of the organization Elijah Rising, a study done in 2014 on Memorial Drive between the Beltway and Highway 6 showed 32 new Asian brothels show up. These brothels are disguised as massage parlors.

You can find out which of these massage parlors are really brothels by googling their address or phone number. If any results for the website: backpage.com pop up, they’re almost certainly dealing in trafficking.

Backpage.com is an ad website, much like Craigslist, that holds the goal of becoming “the worlds largest online brothel,” French says.

French also calls out a pimp working out of the Omni at Eldridge and IH-10, where the popular Sweet Sixteen formal has been traditionally held.

Why it’s so popular Sex trafficking is the new drug dealing. You make more money off of selling a human multiple times than you do for selling a drug just once. Organizations such as drug cartels are taking notice and getting in to the business too.

The reason for its popularity in Houston is most widely believed to be due to it being such a large port city with international ships coming in and out, but in reality it is because there is such a large market. Arizona State University did a study of backpage. They studied 15 major cities in the U.S and Houston was #1 for the amount of men who had clicked through to purchase sex online. 21.4% of men in Houston had clicked through their study ad. That is 1 in 5 men.

“Yeah we’re close to the border, yeah we have a lot of immigrants, but the reason we’re number one is because we have the highest percentage of men purchasing sex online,” French said.

Women and men wouldn’t be sold for sex if there weren’t people willing to buy it. It is a supply and demand market, with a very high demand. Until people stop buying sex, sex will continue to be sold.

Who’s doing it Traffickers come in every different way shape and form. John Clark, a Houston area father, has experienced the danger and heartbreak sex trafficking poses after rescuing his teenage daughter when she was lured into the trade.

At one of his presentations speaking out about sex trafficking, he put up a slide that showed 6 different pictures of people who couldn’t look any more different.

There were the stereotypical pimps, there was a women who looked like your typical suburban mother, there was an elderly man, and there was even a high school student.

He asked us which of those people we thought was a pimp. He then told us that it

scary, nothing threatening, nothing a parent could really see at this point that could cause concern”, Clark said. The reason for this is to establish trust. Once trust has been established, it’s time for step two.

The next step is to intoxicate. “Introduce drugs and or alcohol. If they’ve already been introduced they just increase the frequency and access,” Clark said. “The purpose for this stage is to cause friction between the teen and the family, which is later leverage.

If your teenager comes home intoxicated and they don’t usually, then there’s going to be grounding, discussions and disciplining.

If it becomes more frequent, that’s the friction that the pimps are looking for,” Clark said. This stage is meant to start separating the teen from their family, otherwise known as the alienation step.

The isolate stage is to isolate kids from their existing friends. “Their old friends, their good friends, and the friends they grew up with. The new bestie starts to separate them from the existing friends, and slowly, over many months, introduce new friends.

A couple of months down the road you look around and you realize you don’t recognize any of your kids friends,” Clark said.

At this point the teen is in a tricky spot. “With the alienation and isolation stage, you take the whole support system that a teen is used to using. You break it so they’re no longer relying on their friends and family, they’re relying on these new friends,” Clark said.

The next part is to desensitize the teen. They start to make excuses for things that they used to see as wrong, such as dealing drugs or being a stripper. “After a while this new circle of friends start to reveal that they’re involved in things that your teen used to see as scary and dangerous. The purpose of this stage is to break the moral compass of your child,” Clark said.

After months and months of grooming, the only thing left to do is to officially draw the teen into sex trafficking. “At that point all that’s left is to do is capitalize. To completely separate the teen from their family.

It could happen after a fight at home, just a big explosion, and they child is like ‘that’s it, I’m done, I’m out of here’. Meanwhile, the entire time these friends have been telling them that their family is horrible, and that if they ever need a place to stay - they can stay with them. So the teenager knows they have a place to go when this happens,” Clark said.

It could also happen when the teen turns 18 and decides to leave, or when they just get in the car with the wrong person. “And let me tell you, the police will do nothing to help you of your child is 18,” Clark said.

28-20 mil. victims worldwide

80% are female

50% are children 600,000-800,000 domestic victims in our borders average age of entry is

12

14,500-17,500 victims brought in annually

was a trick question, and that they all were.

The suburban mom was pimping out her own daughters, the elderly man had been running a ring for so long that he passed it down to his son, and the high school student was pimping out her fellow cheer teammates.

“You can’t tell who the victims are or who’s recruiting them. They don’t wear furry hats and drive around in old Cadillacs,” Clark said.

Who are they recruiting, and how Sex traffickers look for girls and boys with low self esteem who will be easily drawn in to their trap. They go for the people sitting alone at lunch, or the person striving to find acceptance. Clark broke it down into a 6 step process that he had personally observed.

Step one is to befriend the prospective victim. “Befriend is a very innocent step. A target is identified and a person is assigned to be the new friend,” Clark said. “Nothing

Slavery still exists, And it’s closer than you know. Sex trafficking is a form of slavery that hits close to home. The red X is drawn on students hands to raise awarness on this subject and declare that we will not tolerate it!

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Opinions

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Teachers Get the Grade

Students should be able to grade teachers OPINION OF LIBBY GRIZZELL Teachers have always been graded by how well their students do on standardized tests and observations they receive from administrators, but those methods have never given enough insight into really how well the teacher teaches or connects with their students. Now with a new program students can easily and effectively grade their teachers like a teacher would grade them. We should be able to grade our teachers so we can improve how they teach and make sure we can connect with them.

A company called Panorama has created a survey that shows how well teachers are doing by giving students a scientifically valid questionnaire that collects data from a variety of factors that might affect a teacher’s performance. The questions range from asking how well the teacher teaches the material, to whether the students feel comfortable with them.

Panorama is run by two 23-year-old Yale grads who have a passion for computers and data crunching. The system has been adopted by more than 5,000 schools all looking to improve their teachers and help students learn better. Panoramas increasing popularity may help address problems in American education.

The survey allows the teach-

ers to monitor their performance by looking at charts and graphs created as results of the survey. The survey reports things like whether or not they’re connecting better with boys than girls or if students who don’t speak English are having more difficulty than those who do.

Leila Campbell, a teacher from high school in Oakland, California, where 96 percent of the students are Hispanic, received results from the Panorama survey her students took. Her results showed her that she wasn’t connecting with her students. “I wasn’t scoring where I wanted to with questions like ‘I feel comfortable asking my teacher for help’ or ‘My teacher really cares about me.’ I was below average and I don’t want to be below average.” She wasn’t connecting because she has a very different background with them. Having her students be able to grade will help her with her teaching and will help her connect with her students better.

“The surveys have been transformational in how I operate, I’ve grown tremendously from this data,” said Campbell.

Just from looking at data taken from a survey, Campbell has improved on better connecting with her students. Taking a survey like Panorama could be

the next step in what changes the way students learn and how teachers teach, it could be what all schools need.

We should be able to grade our teachers like they grade us because if we can give our opinion about something we want to change or don’t feel comfortable with, it will help us in the long run. If we were able to grade our teachers, we could learn better and feel more connected with our teachers.

Teachers Weigh In:

“I think it’s good to have

“There is always the pos-

feedback from students, so I

sibility of students giving

think it’d be a great idea.”

biased opinions.”

-Mary Jackson

-Mark Wallace

it has to portray what is

“There will always be some

“The process would need

actually happening in class,

negative comments because

good criteria for it to actu-

because if not then it has no

of students not liking the

ally work.”

purpose.”

teacher’s personality.”

-Jane Duke

-Karl Poetzl

-Apolinar Reyes

“There would need to be a way to make sure meaningful grades are given and

Construction on Memorial

With traffic worse than ever, is it fair that students have to pay the price?

OPINION OF RACHEL COLE Driving to school used to take only 10 minutes of one’s time, but with the construction on Memorial Drive, it now takes close to double the normal travel time.

The construction on this road should have waited until summer, but since it didn’t, the workers need to multiply and focus on one project at a time.

Until recently, students and teachers regularly took Memorial Drive to school. However with the project going on, you can only face traffic coming to school, as the freeway is backed up with morning jam, and the neighborhoods are packed with children

and school buses. Truly, there is no easy way to get to school, particularly for those coming from east of Kirkwood.

Every day, students face the risk of receiving of a detention.

Freshman Brooke Moore leaves 30 minutes early and has already received two, two-hour detentions. Since the construction has started, detention rates have blown up.

Starting in the spring of 2016, according to houstontx.gov, the project is planned to be finished by summer of 2018. The construction from Kirkwood Road to Dairy Ashford Road is planned to be

finished by the summer of 2017, but by the looks of it, it seems that it will take longer with the lack of workers at the site.

This isn’t cheap, either. The total cost of the entire plan is roughly $39,000,000, with the sources coming from three different funds, according to houstontx. gov. You would think that with all the money going in, that the project would actually be worked on regularly.

The construction is planned to reconstruct a vast 16,600 linear feet of roadway, 5,000 linear feet of storm sewer pipe, 8,725 linear feet of water lines, 9,400 linear

feet of sanitary sewer line, and seven new traffic lights, according to houstontx.gov. So, yes, it is understandable on how long the project will take, but how many times does one drive down Memorial and actually see workers working?

Say someone takes Memorial to and from school every day. On the way to school, they see three workers working on the road, one of which is directing traffic. On the way home from school, they see only two workers working.

This really happened on March 31. If we only have a couple of workers on duty every day, how

will we ever finish this construction?

With the major construction taking place on Memorial Drive, it seems that it is almost impossible getting to school without traffic.

If we put more workers out there every day, it will go much faster.

The faculty should realize that getting to school has been harder than ever due to the construction, and tardies should be passed out less frequently. At least people traveling between Kirkwood and Dairy Ashford won’t have this problem next school year. Traveling between Gessner and Kirkwood they will get to experience

News

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

National Honor Society Pinning

PHOTOS BY MARIANA RINCON

Celebrating

Newly e Induction le Park po cted NHS Pre sident J ses with oyc E the cere mony is lizabeth Cole a e fter conclud ed.

Pinning the

New Ind

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rem icers g before the ce to induct ff O S H N s is 2016-2017 cers sittin officer offi y as Senior heir last dut T . starts members. w the ne

For a complete list of spring inductees, go to shsoracle.org

Serving the State of Texas

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Wisdom from our Legislators regarding high school STORY AND PHOTO BY: MADDIE DAWSON Being on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives while they are in session is something not many people get to experience in their lifetime. An honorary page helps assist their representative in all of their daily activities and duties. As an honorary page, I got the chance to tour the capitol by a sergeant at arms and experience the legislature in session. When the legislature was in session I got to see how a normal day for a representative went.

I got the opportunity to ask Rep. Jim Murphy some questions about his work. “I want our high schools students to understand that their future is now,” he said.

“It is not some vague point in the future and it is completely within each young person’s ability to shape their future by the things they do today. Students can have a huge impact in volunteer organizations in the political world and don’t need to wait until they have grey hair or a degree. The person you are today can be well exceeded by the person you will become tomorrow, and the day after that, if you apply yourself now. So much of life is a process that sometimes we think only of the goal or the end, and not appreciate the very simple work and diligence things require along the way,” he added.

This process can start with something as simple as a plan. According to Legislative

Assistant Dominique Hawkins having a plan is the best preparation. However, she cautioned that if things don’t go as planned it is alright.

“Public service is important because it requires that you put the interests of others ahead of your own and provides the opportunities that we all need to practice the golden rule. My favorite aspect of my job as a legislator is that it is very difficult to do it well. It requires a great team of people, solid values, the ability to work with very different people, good judgement, intelligence, diligence, policy knowledge, process knowledge and so much more. When you accomplish something in this environment, you can be very proud of your work and the fact that so many other hard-working and intelligent people agree,” said Murphy.

All Smiles with Representative Murphy

Freshman Maddie Dawson enjoys a moment’s laugh with Representative Murphy.

8

Jacqueline Lauren Comparin

Taylor Morris

Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Claire Sanchez

CΛRSONΛLLRED

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Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Dear Class of 2017, I have wanted to be a teacher since birth. In elementary school, I held school in the back of my dad’s pick-up truck. I had folders for my friends, lessons, a chalkboard and I even gave out homework. Surprisingly or maybe not so surprisingly, my friends did not turn in their homework, nor did they return to “school.” Regardless, I believed with every fiber of my being that I was meant to teach. When I became a teacher at Stratford High School, I loved every second and it was everything I thought it would be. But then I was presented with a new opportunity, a job I had never dreamt about. I became a grade level principal because I asked myself one simple question: I wonder if I can do this?

it’s really just the prologue to the rest of your life. Congratulations Class of 2017.

With love, Dr. Laura Villaflor

Dear Class of 2017,

As I sit down to type this letter, using all three of my typing fingers, I reflect back over nearly four years of experiences with the Class of 2017. I think I realize that the life of a principal looks like a really glamorous job - I back to countless Remind messages that sometimes ended with “Don’t mean, everyone loves you - students are so excited to see you and parents forget the sunscreen.” I think back to the times when you were asked if you are even more excited to get your calls. But in all seriousness, I love what have Naviance, only to hear “What’s that?” I think about schedule changes I do because I get to be a part of your lives for four years. I get to see you and requests, but all that falls away like a distant fog when I think about the grow from silly, lost freshman to young adults stepping out into the world hearts and souls in this class. Hearts that learned and loved, lived and lost with endless possibilities. I get to meet people that are going to one day change the world and if I am lucky enough, I will have been part of their life and held together due to the strength of their friends holding them up and in a meaningful way. In my job, I am able to help students in different ways helping them through. I think about victories and I think about disappointthan I did in the classroom and this was something I could have never know ments. I think about those who have developed character. I think about those without testing my limits. I think what I love most is being able to share my who in dealing with disappointments will be even stronger for it and will be own life experiences and wisdom with students as they handle challenges in amazing going forward. their own life. Here are some nuggets of wisdom that I often share.

I started thinking about things I wanted you to learn and take with you and 1. Getting through some tasks, big or small, is not about how smart you are those things I hoped I had either told you,shown you, or taught you. I hope I taught you to ask for help when you need it. People aren’t mind readers but how committed you are to doing work and it is almost always hard. and you asking the question never hurts. I hoped I showed how to greet each 2. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. other while a smile and a nod, even when the day wasn’t always going the 3. Do not make everything about being right or wrong but instead, have a best. It may be the one thing in a day that someone can look back to as a mind-set on how to move forward. bright spot amongst troubling times. I hope you realize that you don’t have 4. Everyone has the same feelings. We all feel joy, sadness, love, stress, to know it all but you do need to know where to go to find the answers or frustration, etc. The difference between us is how well we cope with them.

5. Ask yourself “I wonder if I can do this?” And test your limits. You will be sometimes to whom. I hope you saw how to treat people with respect and kindness. I hope you saw how to encourage those around you to do better shocked at what you are able to accomplish.

6. It’s okay to fail. Understanding failure is truly the only way to understand and be better or at least try with all your might. I hope that you have learned that there is a place for everyone beyond high school. I hope you learned success.

7. Don’t just think about living life, actually live it. Choose you and have a that it doesn’t necessarily matter where you start as much as where you finish and most of all to finish the race. I hope you learned that you are not great time doing it.

8. Decide what part of your life you want to share with people based on who alone and that you never need to go through problems by yourself. I hope you learned the definition of Through... to go into and come out of regardyou are, not who you believe they can be.

9. Reflect often on how to become a better you knowing we are all a work in ing troubling times. I hope you saw that life should be enjoyed and you need nothing outside of your own merry heart to find the enjoyment. I hope you progress. have learned that you still have much to learn and that’s okay. And finally, I 10. Sometimes you are ahead and sometimes you are behind. Regardless, hope you will always remember my first rule in counseling, always rememyou will get through it, you always do. ber to breathe! It’s a pretty important rule.

As your senior year comes to a close, I imagine it feels bittersweet. All the And now in typical Fore fashion, I leave you with these words. As of your things you’ve dreaded for eighteen years is finally coming to an end. The graduation on May 27th, I will have been at Stratford for 16 years. You are good news is this feeling does not last long because it is replaced with a whole other world of new things to love. This new life will feel strange and my fourth class to take from freshman to seniors, so to me you will always be known as my four by Fore. It has been my honor and privilege to walk unfamiliar at first, but give it time. with you through.

The last four years have been an incredible journey and I hope you learned Always, something along the way. Although this may feel like an end of a chapter, G4

10

Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Bolin Mahaffey

Jordan Meza

Kate Moses

Alena Nederveld

Alec Norman

Heavin Oh

Hannah Pruitt

Jessica Sheldon

Olivia Siciliano

Morgan Thorton

Nathan Winn

Juwon Yoo

22. Nathan Winn 19. Caroline Crawford

15. Ernie Kohnke

Answers:

Sini Lehtinen

16. Kate Moses

12. Mark Duna

20. Bolin Mahaffey 17. Morgan Thorton

13. Hannah Pruitt

9. Nazlee Khadjeheian

5. Maddie Bryant

1. Matthew Hopper

Ernie Kohnke

Heavin Oh

Nazlee Khadjeheian

8. Alena Neerveld

Carly Keusseyan

Matthew Hopper

Jessica Sheldan

Mark Duna

Yoo

Caroline Crawford

Joshua Chan

18. Olivia Siciliana

Maddie Bryant

21. Madison Aycock

Madison Aycock

1. “I have successfully completed two buffalo wing challenges each in a different state.”

2. “I can eat half a jar of Nutella in one sitting.”

3. “My family owns Yao Ming’s couch.”

4. “I have traveled to six different countries.”

5. “I have a secret twin.”

6. “I can bench 350 lbs.”

7. “I still drink from sippy cups.”

8. “I like cows.”

9. “Only bone I’ve ever broken? My pinkie toe.”

10. “I decline to provide one.”

11. “One time I convinced my friend for one whole year that

there was such a thing as skydiving worms.”

12. “I can say the entire alphabet backwards in under three

seconds.”

13. “I was once bitten by a bat and now, I’m pretty sure I’m a vampire.”

14. “In my mother’s ultrasound, it shows me holding up a

peace sign.”

15. “My dream is to jump out of a helicopter and snowboard

the rest of the way down.”

16. “When I was two, I would eat chicken nuggets and carrots

for dinner.”

17. “I’m scared of Mayonnaise.”

18. “One time I was convinced for a whole year of my life that

skydiving worms were a real thing.”

19. “My favorite color is green because of the feeling of life

that fills the air when the sun shines through the translucent

leaves of spring.”

20. “I used to live in Austin.”

21. “I have a twin.”

22. “I once saw a video of Jimi Hendrix playing a guitar with

his teeth. After that, I decided I wanted to try. I can now play

guitar with my teeth.

6. Alec Norman

2. Carly Keusseyan

14. Juwon

10. Jordan Meza

11.

7. Sini Lehtinen

3. Joshua Chan

4.

11

Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

GRAPHIC BY: CAROLINE BUCEK

PICTURED FROM BACK TO FRONT: RANDALL ROYAL, LIZZIE RANGER, JALAN BECK, & HASIB HAMDI

12

Where Seniors are Going The Oracle / May 5, 2017

TAMU- Corpus Christi

Oriana Molleda Richard Sanchez Farrah Shahhosseini Jacob Sloan Cindy Tax

Texas Christian University

TAMU- Galveston

William Goolsby Virginia Herring

Jessica Devieger Roxanne Mason Zach Peters Turner Snelling

Austin Keel

Texas Southern University Jermisha Harper

Texas State University Averie Allwein Leah Bach

Omid Shirazi Kirby Purcell Deanna Zavala

Texas A&M

Madison Aycock Brittany Baerg John Blausen Maddie Bryant Carson Cassady Mason Cherry Durham Craig Andrew Dawson Andrew Demeris Darius Dixon

Emma Barden Michaela Barroga Caitlyn Boatwright John Flynn John Marrow TJ O’Brien

Texas State Technical College Jonathan Aguilar

Caleb Ginn Amin Hamiditabar Samantha Hanslip Henry Harrington Daniella Hirst

Sam Evetts Mia Fjerstad Kate Frenza Lexi Gervasio Rowan Gibb

Harlea Brown Xochitl Castillo Sofia Perez Laura Tolento

Austin Janousek Luke Kaminski Matthew Komitsky Kylie Lewis Bolin Mahaffey

Texas Tech

Justin Armour

Jacob Baerenstecher Belle Benton Jerome Eastwood Christian Gallegos Lexie Henckel Tucker Lively Michael Lewis

Stian Mantor Will Mikula Erin Miller Tyler Minton Joe Mohn William Mundy

Caleigh McLeod Carlos Mercado Taylor Morris Timilenin Olatunde Kyle Ortega Garrett Stones

Jim Nantz Colton Rogers Mackenzie Schlief Patrick Schulte Grace Shea-han Anna Skelly James Smith

START

Grace Sutton Jesus Pena Libby Popejoy Jordyn Richards Donovon Rixie Amy Tobias

Gracie Tarver Riley Timmrick Jackie White Nathan Winn Madeline Winter Jake Zander

Baylor University Carson Allred Josen Barbo Brittany Bryant Katelyn Hamilton

e

Dennis Ramirez Xariz Salas Kevin Xavier Webster Scott Winter

Rice University

HCC continued

Jessica Sheldon Randall Royall

LeTourneau University Justin Moore

Hannah Harper Zach Uthman Collin Whitby

Islam Tajibay Cameron Valka Te’Alvia Webber

Lamar University Elexis Thompson

Jeremy McMahon Yoselyn Mendez Nidia Ortiz Ana Palma Mena Levin Rosales Elvin Rovira

Blinn College Brandon Falls John Krell

Coastal Bend College Jacob Johnsonr

East Texas Baptist University

Jacqueline Comparin

Houston Baptist University Hani Ahmad

Houston Noralhuda Al-Shammari Community College Ana Bautista Issan Alkhateb Osama Alkhedr Zainab Alkhedr

Elly Ruff Alicia Scott Arianna Scott Regdrielle Scott Genesis Tacam Shaima Taheri

Yeslin Bonilla Frumencio Camacho Britney Caoagas

Mercury Cisneros Ziara Coston Kuinton Daniel Christine El Khoury Jacob Finklestein

Angl Garcia Cerrianjane Haley Virginia Hernadenz Youssef Hodroj Homan Jalai

Darius Johnson Nick Johnson Luis Juarez Theodore Kimana Dalton Kozak David Mbogo

13

Where Seniors are Going The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Muhammad Bangash Isabella Bengochea Lionel Brown Tia Bulliner Ivana Camarillo Sean Cooper

University of Houston University of TexasAbdiel Alberto Austin Mays Al-Maliki Brian Aranda Eugene Bahlinger

Zach Barnett Arturo Benitez Chandler Capshaw

Ashford Hastings Madeleine Hay Ashley Joyner Carly Keusseyan Nazalee Khadjeheian

Miguel Cavicchioni Kellan Cerveny Mark Duna Kyndall Dupre John Gahn Zachary Harkins

Heavin Oh Lauren Pfeifer Hannah Pruitt Phillip Salls

Michail Dedes Devin Fahey Uri Hernadenz Jerry Hui Dania Kahn Saad Kahn Urooj Mehtab Jacob Mitchell Baleigh Oakley Bailey Rockwell Santiago Rombado Hooman Sadeghi Muyhummad Tahir Mudassir Uddin Chalsea Valdes Paige Wright Jaetovian Toles Kate Moses

University of North Texas

Trinity University Barrette Banner Evelyn Bartling John Elena McInroe Camila Zapater

Evan Udsten Evan Vickery Katherine Von Blon Cassie Wilson

Elyce Skrivanek Rachel Stone Mia Trinh Grayson Whelen Ju won Yoo Olivia Siciliano Parmida Keshani Emily Lister Raul Mejia Toni Pavlovic Jayson Roberson Victoria Robles Shayli Chen-Troester

Tulane University

Celine Lassus Nestor Mejia Ezra Meyer Alec Milazzo Alena Nederveld Alec Norman

Jamie Enciso Grace Lovejoy Mary Schwabenland Patrick Westerfield

University of St. Thomas Sol Herrera

Kelsey Conroy Christian Fifi Culp Michelle Dias Miller Filla Savannah Gulliver Connor Hannigan

University of TexasSan Antonio Alejandra Alvarez Jairo Cano John Conroy

Ben Wharton Travis White New York University Emily Winter Northern Arizona Gabe Herrera

University of Montana

University

Kathryn Turrentine

University of Texas- Dallas Abdul Bughio Shahiq Memon Serene Qi Michael Martin

Joshua Friedman Reid Hillman Duncan Hilton Courtney McCord Clay Sullivan Parker Rogers

Keegan Bosco

University of Alabama Sarah Airola

University of Arkansas

Cameron Baccus Michael Balcezak Sydney Bates Caroline Crawford

University of Arizona Claire Lewis Lesley Amaro Matthew McPhillips

Arizona State University Abigail Bradley

Patrick Lewis Jake Robinson

Air Force

Andre Brugo

Abigail Klasing

University of Mississippi Luke Little Caroline Lydick Taylor Moise Gia Osso Elizabeth Ranger

Louisiana Tech University

Blake Machen Lake Pendergraft Megan Weaver

Brianna Garrett Alexander Rushing

Lousiana State University Fred Badger Caroline Carr Marley Cannaday Maddie Harbison

Auburn University Jackson Fass

Wesley Jones

Cash Hodges-Harper

Brigham Young University Anali Cervantes

Johnson and Whales University Alex Guedry

Highland Community College

Boston University Bowling Green State University

Tommy Mathais Hayle Thomas Katie Troutman

Tarik Milladge Jr.

Bryan Mawr College Taylor Gee

College of Charleston Blake Chapin

University of Chicago Matthew Hopper

Colorado School of Mines Max Dumler

Nicholas Summons Blair Vandervoort

Duquesne University

University of Colorado- Claire Sanchez East Central University Boulder Noah Rily

Embry-Riddle University Ernest Kohnke

Franklin University Noor Rajab

University of Georgia Hannah Broom Anna Glidewell Alice Morse Morgan Thorton Lizzy Wathen

14

Where Seniors are Going

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Virginia Tech University of South University of Tampa Emily Robinson Marian Guerrero Carolina University of Tulsa Western Colorado Will Manke Felipe Zapater University University of Noah Dexter Vanderbilt Southern Carolina

Wheaton College Samuel Kwak

Heream Yang

Mehmet Felek

Southern Arkansas University Bill-Allen Bouble

St. Peters University Liceide Romero

University of Pittsburg

Prom

Skyler Dockum Nicolas Latiolais

Pepperdine University Nicholas Karolys

May 19 @ The Astorian

Penn State Nicholas Marsico Ben Wharton Travis White Emily Winter

Oklahoma State University Sophia Whitewater

Senior Graduation

May 27 7 p.m. @DCC

8:00-12:00 No admit after 9:30

Project Prom May 20 @Main Event 1:00-5:00 a.m.

Final Exam Schedule for Seniors

May 23

7:50 - 9:23 Per 2 Exam 9:29 - 11:11 Per 4 Class 1:26 - 3:00 Per 8 Exam

May 24

9:29 - 11:11 Per 3 Exam 11:17 - 12:50 Per 5 Exam For B Lunch 11:47 - 1:20 Per 5 Exam For A Lunch

May 25

9:29 - 11:11 Per 4 Exam 11:17 - 12:50 Per 6 Exam For B Lunch 11:47 - 1:20 Per 6 Exam For A Lunch

May 26

7:50 - 9:950 Per 1 Exam 9:58 - 11:45 Per 7 Exam

15

Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Teachers Retiring

We say goodbye to our beloved teachers and faculty PHOTOS BY: SAMANTHA WAGNER & PRESLEY GRAVES

Cindy Owen “After 35 years as a teacher and 23 years spent at Stratford I really am going to retire.

I have loved all the years spent at Stratford America working with students and the amazing teachers & staff at SHS. Both of my daughters, two nieces and my nephew are all graduates. It was really fun shar-

ing their high school experiences with them.

My first teaching job was at Spring Woods High School teaching Marketing & Co-op & I worked with Gene Rutland & Frazier Dealy. I have also taught at the Spring Branch Education Center, Landrum Middle School, Spring Woods Middle School & Spring Forest Middle

School. While at Stratford I have taught Government, Economics, World Geography GT & Academic, Multimedia, Digital Graphics, Sports Marketing, Global Business, Business Law, Money Matters, Dollars & Sense, Keyboarding, Banking & Fundamental of Business. Its been a very rewarding profession. As far as

the future goes, I plan on doing lots of traveling. I want to spend time with my daughter in Los Angeles & go see lots of my oldest daughter’s shows. She is a Country Western singer and has shows all over the U.S. and the U.K. so there will be lots of fun places to go. I am really looking forward to the next

phase of my life but I will always cherish the time spent at SHS.”

Jane Duke

Valerie Martinez

“I have enjoyed the last 36 years teaching at Westchester and for the last (all in the same room 323) at Stratford.

Now that I am retiring all I can remember are the good times and the students who I have had the pleasure to have in class. Every year has been different and challenging and I would not change one thing. I will

“I can’t believe this is my 15th year at Stratford High School as a Grade Level Secretary! I have watched hundreds of students grow from their freshman year all the way to graduation, which

“I’m retiring this year after working as a nurse for 40 years! The last 25 years I’ve been a school nurse. I’ve worked in elementary, middle and for the past 6 years, I’ve been Stratford’s nurse.

It has been extremely rewarding and I am so grateful to finish my career here at Stratford and retire as a Spartan! I’ve

met amazing students and families and shared my “work life” with wonderful colleagues.

I’m excited about retiring and trying new things. My first order of business is to try life

miss coming here every day, I will miss seeing the Class of 2018 graduate, I will miss teaching history and the lifelong friends I have made here. I will NOT miss grading DBQs

has been a joy for me.

I especially love when students who have graduated come back to visit and reminisce about their days at Stratford. It always makes me proud to see how they have matured.

with no commitments and then when I’ve had enough of that I want to do some volunteering. And I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren.”

and essays. I wish the best of luck to all future Spartans and their teachers and hope they will enjoy their time at SHS like I have.”

I have also loved my job in the grade level office with my principals, counselorsandstaffIhave worked with. I know that during retirement I will miss spending time every day with my Stratford family, whom I love very much. One thing I definitely won’t miss is saying “NOPHONESINTHEOFFICE” all day long!!!!

Now, I will get to relax

at home, meet up with friends, travel to the east coast to visit my family more often and possibly take other trips. I hope to stay in touch with everyone at Stratford once this yearisthrough.Thankyou for the privilege of knowing all SHS students and faculty.”

Kim Lusk

16

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The Oracle / May 5, 2017

17

Feature The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Spartans In Action WRITTEN BY MADDIE SUERTH PHOTOS BY MARIANA RINCON, KATE MCCORD, AND CLAIRE JOHNSON

What happens when tons of students come together to serve the community? The Big Day of course! The Big Day is a day where students and parent volunteers come together to do work around the school and in the community.

Three years ago the first Big Day was held, proving to be a huge success. There were around 500 people participating in improving the community around Stratford and doing their part. It was such a success that even more people participated last year with about 700 people taking action in the event.

The Big Day is based around the Big Event at Texas A&M, an ongoing project in College Station.

With 33 years of students saying “thank you” to their community through one day of hard work, it is one of the largest service projects in the nation withthousandsofstudentsparticipating.Stratford noticed this and decided that maybe we should have a service project of our own to say thank you, and it has had a spectacular impact.

This day of service is put together by the Stratford leadership council. The leaders of the many groups, sports, and clubs on campus all are in charge of each group’s designated activity.

Big Day has had an impact on many people.

Think about how many people might need a care package, or how joyful someone would become just because someone took time out of their day to visit a retirement home to talk to them.

Many people work hard to make The Big Day the success that it is. Some of the work done includes, painting local shops, improving the

greenery by gardening, creating care packages for people in need, going to a retirement home to socialize with its occupants, washing store windows, and much more.

Even if an action may seem small, it can mean the world to people. Once you see how thankful people are to you for helping them, you won’t regret spending your Saturday giving back instead of binge watching Netflix.

Groups that participated: The Big Day Group Academy of Finance Academy of Science and Engineering Animation Club Athletic Trainers Band Baseball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Book Club BPA CERES CHAI Cheer Chemistry Choir Clothes2Give Cross Country Current Events

Meet the Artist Get the inside scoop on local artwork Cleaning Chick-FIl-A

Chick-Fil-A windows are washed by sophomore Amy Djuvik and junior Katherine Kaiser.

Dessert Club Dungeons and Dragons E-Sports Club FCA Fashion and Design Football Freshman Girls Future Teachers German Club Golf- Men’s and Women’s HOSA Junior Achievement Junior Girls Key Club Men’s Lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse Link Crew National Art Honor Society National Forensic League National Honor Society New Crew Newspaper

Orchestra Persian Club Politics & Philosophy Project Nice Robotics Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer SHS Team Softball Sophomore Girls Spanish Club Spartanaires Stratford Oaks Student Council Men’s Swimming Women’s Swimming Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis Thespians Track & Field Tri Theta UNICEF Club Volleyball Water Polo

ARTWORK BY JUWON YOO STORY BY: ELIZABETH COLE Last March senior artist Juwon Yoo submitted the piece pictured below for the National Scholastic Art Competition.

Amongst over 330,000 other artistic competitors, Yoo won the gold medal in the “drawing and illustration” category.

The piece, called “Spaghetti for Dinner” won Yoo recognition as one of only 2,500 students (grade 7-12 ) that received the highest award of the gold medal status. All art was judged based on three criteria: originality, skill, and voice.

There will be a National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall for Yoo and all of the winning participants on June 8. Congratulations to Juwon Yoo!

Big Day Photo Gallery PHOTOS BY MARIANA RINCON AND KATE MCCORD

Going Above And Beyond

After numerous organizations finished their service projects, many came back up to Stratford in order to help make blankets for cancer patients. Groups worked hard and did it together. Their team work showing everyone what Big Day is all about.

Lean On Me

Junior Ellie Miller helps junior Maggie Vinyard wash windows outside Blue Willow Bookshop.

Buds In Suds

Junior Nathalie Vandomselaar and junior Ellie Kight pose while cleaning up the community.

Wax On, Wax Off

The Spartanaires work together to wash windows at a local crepe shop.

18

Feature

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Time Flies When...

Making your extracurricular classes count WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE BENES

Dedicated. Involved. Committed. All of these adjectives can be found on various college admissions sites in the description of their ideal student.

How can you stand out in these ways on your resume? Extracurriculars.

It’s all you hear about when you start high school: “Sign up for extracurriculars!” “Join clubs!” and my personal favorite, “Get involved!” But why?

Colleges love commitment. They want to see that the students they are accepting are dedicated to the things they are passionate about and involved in the community on a larger scale. They want to be rest assured that they are making the right decision; that admitting you to their school will help enrich student life on campus in some way.

“When we’re evaluating students during the admissions process, we really place a good deal of emphasis on the amount of involvement a student exhibits in their community as well as in activities related to their field of study,” Admissions Representative from Florida Polytechnic University Matthew Wampler said.

“It essentially gives us a good feel for

who that student is and what they will add to our program.”

Dedication to a certain activity does more than help build up your resume,

“IT’S FUN TO BE PART OF A GROUP OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM; IT’S JUST A FUN PART OF LIFE TO BE INVOLVED IN ANY COMMUNITY ACTIVITY OR ORGANIZATION.” - Mr. McCord

it helps shape the person you will become by providing valuable experience in fields you are passionate about and building friendships that can last a

lifetime.

“My first thought about extracurriculars is that it’s just fun,” sophomore principal Jeff McCord said. “It’s fun to be part of a group outside of the classroom; it’s just a fun part of life to be involved in any community activity or organization. And, socially, these experiences will help you learn about working with people, being committed to a team, working for a bigger cause, putting others before yourself, and assuming different roles and responsibilities.

“Extracurriculars are often quite time consuming as well, so they teach time management skills and that’s huge for any student: learning what works for you, how you practice, go to school, study, and make time for yourself and your friends. These classes and clubs can teach you life skills that you really don’t get from sitting in a classroom,” he added.

All things considered, involvement in any extracurricular will provide you with valuable experiences, relationships, and skills that will carry you through your life. Finding one that is compatible with your interests is entirely up to you.

“My Favorite Place on Campus...”

PHOTOS BY ALLISON DELGADO, PHOTO ESSAY BY PRESLEY GRAVES AND CHARLOTTE BENES

Senior Madeline Winter

“My favorite place on campus is the Black Box, we have so much fun there during class.”

Senior Ezra Meyer “The fourth floor pool.” *winks*

Senior Deanna Zavala

“The door to the senior lot where I get to go home at the end of the day.””

Senior Luis Nucette “I love the weight room. Live to lift. #weight4it”

Seniors The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Jordyn Richards

Chalsea Marie Valdes

ARTURO JESUS BENITEZ FERRO

Nick Latiolais

19

20

Seniors

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

Te’a Sharp-Saldana

21

Sports The Oracle / May 5, 2017

A Year In Review

Looking Back On An Amazing Year of Sports PHOTOS BY PRESLEY GRAVES, JORDAN RICHARDS, BAYLE GOLDMAN, CLAIRE SANCHEZ, CASSIE WILSON

C.

A. D.

B.

F.

E.

A. Seniors Deangelo Thomas and Coach Cody Stiff share a talk at the last game of the season.

B. Freshman Miles Comparin starts the race off fast at the SBISD meet on Sept. 17.

C. Senior Allen Winter winds up the ball at the SHS vs. Lufkin Tournament.

D. The SHS wall lines up to defend the ball at the SHS vs. MHS game with a score of 31 to 13.

E. Sophomore Grace Looney lines up for the put at after school practice.

F. The girls Cross Country team holds up their state plaque with pride at the state meet.

22

Sports

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

S c h e d u le

Ready to Swing

Varsity Track and

Senior Lexie Henkel, lines up to bat at the SHS vs. Klein Oak game on 3/28.

Batter Up

Freshman Sarah Flynn, kno cks the ball ou t of park, at the the Klein Forest gam e on 3/31.

Varsity Boys Gol

f:

5/21-5/23 @TBA, Austin, TX State Champion ship

Jumping for th

Senior Oli e Gold ver Houston ju mps 6’4 inches in the high jump to win District C hhapinships on 4 /11.

ut , , You’re O 3 Strikesohnson, seniorll,

Jake J pitch the ba . s to waits orthbrook V N .

1 e 3 at th n 3/ ame o SHS g

Spartan Pride

Pitcher Perfect

Allen Winter, senior, pitches the ball at the Klein Vs. SHS game on 3/24.

PHOTOS BY PRESLEY GRAVES,, ALYSSA STANFORD

Fiel

d: 5/11-5/13 State Championship @UT stadium, Au stin At the regional m eet, Christyan Sampy placed 2n d in the pole vault and will be competing at state. James Smith placed 3rd in pole vault. Other top finishers were Ella Gibb w ith a 5th place finish in the 800m and Grace Custer placing 4t h in the 1 mile and 5th in the 2 mile. Colin Lowe set a new pe rsonal and school record at 45’ 6 1/2”

The Spartan track team posed for a picture to celebrate their victor y at the area tack meet. Th e boys won area and adva nced to regionals.

23

Sports The Oracle / May 5, 2017

S P A R T A N A I R E S

Senior Highlights WRITTEN BY; MARIANA RINCON, PHOTOS BY: PRESLEY GRAVES

Emma George Favorite thing about Spartanaires: That I get to be on a team with so many girls that are kind and caring.

How long have you been dancing: About sixteen years.

Plans after Stratford: I am going to Stephen F. Austin University.

T E N N I S

Jordan Meza

How long have you been playing tennis: Ten years.

What will you miss most about high school tennis: The competition.

Plans after Stratford: I am deciding between Rice and Vanderbilt.

T James Smith

Was there a coach that

R made an impact on your life: Probably Coach Gossett.

A How long have you been doing track:

Since my freshman year so about

C four years.

K Plans after Stratford: I am going to

F O O T B A L L

Texas A&M.

Justin B Moore Travis Jerry Favorite A Favorite thing about football: Probably the family thing about S aspect of the team. basketball: K

How long have you played football; I would say E

Since about first grade. practicing T

Plans after Stratford: I am undecided .

Madison Bryant V with the B sports: team.

O Favorite thing about high school A everyone How long have you been playing basketball: Since the third grade.

L The way that it brings S W I M together when everyone comes to the Plans after Stratford: I am going to Letourneau University. L L games and really gives L E everyone a taste of the high school Y experience.

S Gracie Jones B How long have you been playing volleyball: About twelve O Things you will miss from high A years. school sports: The pre-game warm up C time with my team mates.

L Plans after Stratford: I am going to be attending Texas L A&M. C Was there coach that Brittany Baerg made an impact on your life: Definitely Coach McGee Favorite thing about swimming: Competing, staying active, and being with my friends on the E because she has pushed me when I really needed it. team.

R Plans after Stratford: I will be going to Texas A&M. What impact has swimming made on your life: It has taught me to be super Madison Aycock dedicated and have time management.

G Favorite thing about golf: Plans after Stratford: I am going to

The fact that I get to Texas A&M. go outside and do something O C that is a stress reliever for my last period of school.

L H Things you will miss about high school sports: I will miss the memories that I have made and the people that I have met.

F E Plans after Stratford: S O F T B A L L I will be going to Texas A&M.

E

R Mackenzie Schief Favorite thing about cheer: Cheering at the pep rallies, football games and being with my friends.

Was there a coach that has made an impact on your life: Both Mrs. Livesay and Mrs. Glover because they really inspire me to be better at cheer.

Plans after Stratford: I am going to Texas A&M.

B A S E B A L L CROSS COUNTRY Sam Englund Favorite memory: Going really far in the playoffs because this is the farthest the team has gone in history.

What impact has sports made on your life: It has really prepared me for the real world, to work hard and to be tenacious.

Plans after Stratford: I am still deciding on what university I will be attending.

Devin Fahey

Jacob Sloan

What will you miss most about high school sports: All of the different friendships that I have made and competing.

Was there a coach who impacted your life: Coach A because he has always been there for me.

Plans after Stratford: I am going to Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

What will you miss about cross country: Probably meeting up in the summer and in the morning with all of your friends to go on a run before the sun comes up.

What impact did sports have on you: It made me more disciplined.

24

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Spot The Difference

The Oracle / May 5, 2017

school

spirit great tastes

Original

Changed

701 Town and Country Way #1700, 77024 4320 W. Sam Houston Parkway N, 77043 2020 Hwy 6 South 77077

coneyman.com

Differences: 1. Front left crown of Rosse Haenrundfahrt missing 2. Swiss Radar: Swiss Cheese 3. Bottom right building removed 4. Every other blue lightbulb removed 5. Red changed to pink

James Coney Island

supports the stratford spartans