Nov 15, 2013

Theft at School Pg. 3

TSTRATFORD HE Photo by Rebecca Williamson

Volume 41, Issue 4

,.

New York Performance Pg. 4

Drake Concert Pg. 6

R A C L E O Photo by Rebecca Williamson

shsoracle.com

Young adults share life-changing stories about their road to drug addiction recovery Kali Venable

Friday November 15, 2013

@spartanoracle

lead to a stable, happy, healthy and sober life.

The PDAP members were asked to visit as a result of various drug and alcohol related incidents that have o c c u r re d on campus this year.

“Like a n y high

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time anyone can walk in by themselves and be welcomed.

U n l i k e o t h e r programs, PDAP requires no paperwork or insurance and opens doors to anyone aspiring to lead a drugfree life,” Palmer Drug Abuse Program coordinator, Don Wilson said.

Teenagers have a tendency to believe they are invinhic

school in the country we have recreational drug users, and I hope that with this assembly those using or experimenting with drugs and alcohol realize that addiction is real and, and it can only end badly,” Building principal Juntti said.

Many teenagers who want help for their addictions are scared to confide in their parents because they don’t want to disappoint them with the unfortunate truth.

Since PDAP is a free recovery program, members are not required to have parent involvement, although it is highly encouraged.

“Most PDAP kids join with their parents’ knowledge, but at the same

ap Gr

Lexi* sits at the end of the conference table in the front office with her arms crossed and her eyes fixed on a stream of cars driving down Fern.

After sharing her tragic story of alcoholism and drug addiction to more than 2,000 Spartans in four different assemblies, this Archway Academy senior cannot help but notice how distant her past feels.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, two staff members of The Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) and four youngadult PDAP members walked onto campus with a single purpose — to prevent others from making the same mistakes they made.

“Drugs aren’t cool or pretty; they destroy your life and strip you of everything. If sharing my downward spiral will prevent you from falling into your own, then that is all I could ask for,” Houston Baptist University freshman, Katie* said.

The Palmer Drug Abuse Program is the only free-of-charge drug abuse recovery program in the Greater Houston area. It was founded in 1971, when Father Charles WyattBrown, rector of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, started hosting meetings to assist young adults with substance abuse.

More than 40 years later, PDAP continues to follow an adjusted version of the 12-step program used by Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). The 12-step program was developed to teach addicts that supporting one another in the road to recovery can

Photo Photo

by Rebecca

by Williamson

Crossing into Winner’s Territory Pg. 12 Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079

cible, as if none of the poor choices they make will ever catch up to them. These guest speakers reminded students that thinking, “that could never be me,” doesn’t guarantee anything.

In fact, it often just sets people up to live in an illu s i on where s u b stances cannot p h a s e them.

Drugs and alcohol don’t pick or choose their victims, but instead prey on anyone willing to try them — even if just once.

Katy Taylor High School graduate, Austin*, knows first hand what it is like to live inside this illusion and suffer from the consequences. Having never touched drugs or alcohol during high school, he entered a rigorous liberal arts college with no prior experience in illegal activities.

“I was in the band, did math triathlon and made straight As in high school. I was a complete nerd…

@stratfordoracle

partying was unheard of for me.”

When Austin started school at Trinity College in San Antonio he started smoking marijuana. Smoking for fun soon became a daily activity that he couldn’t cope without.

“It wasn’t like I got high for fun. It started out that way, it always does.

But within no time at all being high became a necessity; if I wasn’t high then I was miserable.”

During his sophomore year, Austin had to drop out because his substance abuse had completely absorbed him.

“I used to sit in drug assemblies during high school and totally ignore the speaker because I thought I could never be that person. Look at me now. I’ve been in college for five years and I still don’t have a degree,” Austin said during the senior assembly.

The Palmer Drug Abuse Program is one of the only drug and alcohol recovery programs that does not require drug testing in the Houston area, instead they rely on self trust.

Members recite the AA 12-steps at the beginning of each meeting, and also say “sober, to thy own self be true,” which means that if you’re not clean, then the only person you are hurting is yourself.

At the PDAP older group meeting Thursday night from 7:30-9 p.m. at Episcopal Emmanuel Church newcomers from Stratford were greeted with open arms and zero judgment.

“If anything, PDAP teaches you to be open minded. We don’t exclude people because they aren’t addicted to drugs or alcohol, instead we accept you and invite you to heal whatever wounds you might have,” Brian* said.

See Pg. 2 for PDAP Q&A *last names have been avoided for privacy

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NEWS

Q&A

With PDAP Young-adults

Kali Venable

Q: What was your ultimate rock bottom?

Lexi: I thought selling my body for cocaine, dropping out of high school and living on the streets was my rock bottom because I didn’t care about anything. But then I tried to get sober and it didn’t work. For me, my real bottom was the day that I woke up and realized the world had no color. It wasn’t too long before I understood that I was the one who had taken all the color away.

I had seven months sober at this point and I remember just thinking I had no reason to live so I could either do something about it or continue the way that I was.

I tried to kill myself with alcohol poisoning, when that didn’t work I decided I might as well change.

Bryan: Being homeless was a huge wake up call. Like sneaking into a garage and sleeping from noon to midnight then walking around with no purpose and no food for twelve hours was miserable. I was on a path to nowhere.

Waking up and realizing that you

Friday November 15, 2013

don’t have a future is the worst feeling in the world. Addiction is a seemingly hopeless disease…

You have to be completely broken down before you can put yourself back together.

Katie: I actually didn’t hit rock bottom until I had two years sober. I went on a full two week relapse following high school graduation and I almost lost everything; I wanted to die. I remember telling my mom that, and just seeing the pain in her face was too much. I decided I couldn’t throw away everything I’d work so hard to get.

Q: What did your parents think when you joined PDAP? Austin: My parents were so relieved. Whenever you are getting messed up all the time, you don’t realize it, but people stop wanting to hangout with you because you’re too much to handle. I think when I joined PDAP I started to be able to be around people like my parents again without constantly hurting them. My mom was just so for it, she offered me rides to every single PDAP event and did whatever she could to make sure I was really involved in the program.

Lexi: My parents were really happy that I joined because they knew something was wrong with

me. I know some kids feel uncomfortable telling their parents they want to do PDAP, if that was me. I would tell them I am going to youth group or something like Younglife. Although, eventually you probably will want to tell them so they can support you.

Q. Do you feel like substance abuse has affected any longstanding mental illnesses in your life, or perhaps even brought them upon you?

Bryan: Drugs and alcohol serve as a sort of catalyst for mental illnesses. I didn’t know I was bulimic before I was using, I just knew I hated myself and my body. Then when I started abusing substances bulimia became this issue I was dealing with everyday.

Katie: I have suffered with depression for a really long time and drugs made my depression a million times worse. A lot of people think that you can make depression more bearable with drugs, but that is only true when you’re high. When you come down from whatever drugs your on, the depression is so much worse. That is kind of the difference between addicts and regular people, a normal person knows they feel terrible and stop while addicts keep taking more and more and more so they don’t

have to feel the come down. It is a never ending cycle.

Lexi: It says in the AA book that alcoholics and addicts are usually self-medicating which means they are using drugs and alcohol to numb mental illnesses that either haven’t been diagnosed or have been diagnosed and just haven’t been properly treated.

Q: What do you think PDAP has taught you?

Austin: PDAP taught me humility and open-mindedness.

It took me PDAP to realize that other people weren’t my problem—me being selfish and selfcentered was. Once I flattened my ego and was humble enough to come to the program it taught me a better way to live.

Q: When you got sober, how were your friendships outside of PDAP and/or rehab affected?

Lexi: I actually had a group of really good friends that loved me and cared. They watched me lose myself so when it came time to get sober they knew they had to let me go.

Bryan: The people that I lost were not my friends. They were drug related acquittances who

had a price tag on their head and only were good for what I could get out of them.

Q: If you could go back and talk to yourself before you started using, what would you say?

Austin: I have alcoholism on both sides of my family and I thought I could use alcohol and drugs without getting addicted.

If I could go back I would just live by the facts rather than tell myself I can defy the norm.

Lexi: I would have said ‘Lexi you are worth more than you will ever know, and it is not worth it.’

That is the one thing that I didn’t understand--that I was worth something. There was a period of five or so years when I thought my only value was how I looked, and that is a miserable way to live.

Q: What do you think is the best part about this program?

Don: The kids have sober events on Saturday where they do things that they probably would have previously thought were stupid. Yet, then they do them and end up having a ton of fun. The thing about being sober is that you can see the beauty in things — nothing is altered or blurred.

Happy Thanksgiving

From the

Stratford Oracle

The Oracle

Layla’s Lines

An Opinions Column

Running into Senior Year

Layla Shahhosseini

My eyes lock on the man with the gun standing right before me. My spikes brush against the white frosted grass that clutch the soil. I’m ready. Or at least that’s what I debate within those few seconds before the gun goes off.

Sprinting through a maze of a 150 talented girls, I struggle to adjust myself next to my one partner in this race.

Our own individual strong points in a race are each other’s weakness which helps to create the perfect challenge of a race: ourselves.

She takes the lead for the first half while I mentally prepare myself for striding through the second half. In the end, it’s just her and me battling to the finish. The results are close, with a minuscule difference in times.

Sweaty bodies collide into each other trying to stay alive in a sea of struggle. At that moment we feel too accomplished for words, but our lungs are in desperate need to replenish themselves with oxygen that we can’t get a sentence out anyway.

Four years pass by and again it’s time to race. Things have changed, we’ve gotten taller, faster, and closer. It’s a new playing field, advancing to varsity level where the girls hold nothing back.

And yet we’re ready. We’ve competed through 10 weeks of the season and have suffered through a year’s worth of early morning practices.

And just like that, we’re done. After giving cross country such a big part of my life it’s hard to watch it all end. The bonds that we’ve shared as a team will compare to nothing else. Crossing the finish line for the final time we turn to each other and I exhale with relief, “It’s been a good four years.”

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NEWS

Friday November 15, 2013

Stealing from themselves

The Oracle

Increase in stolen goods a result of students’ failure to protect them

The s c i t s i t a St

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Have been victims of theft at Stratford*

Other

Clothing iPhones, iPods, and other electronics Backpacks

Written, and designed, by Justin Todes

September 23, 2013 The boy stealthily snakes around the Legally Blonde set that is in front of the doorway, and zeroes in on his target.

The air is cool. The scene shop is empty.

There is no Mr. Clayton, no sixth period theater class.

He can hear the class playing acting games in the theater. Their belongings are left behind in the scene shop.

The boy assumes that the class won’t be coming back any time soon.

One particular table in the scene shop stands out to the boy.

There they are. Like two apples on an apple tree are two iPhones sitting out on the table.

The boy picks the shiny, crisp Apples and peels away their black Otterboxes, throwing them away before he vanishes. …

Jackie Smith, ‘16, enters the theater to join her friend Rebecca Moore and the rest of her class in warm ups.

When the bell rings at the end of the pe-

*Data

riod, Smith grabs her backpack from the scene shop and heads off to her eighth period class.

Between classes, Smith usually checked her iPhone for new texts or updates, but she couldn’t remember where she left it.

Smith thought she had left her iPhone on top of her lunch kit on a table in the scene shop, but it wasn’t there when she was retrieving her belongings.

Did she leave it in the theater? Could it be in her backpack?

Smith decides that her iPhone is probably buried in her backpack, and doesn’t think much about it.

That afternoon, she empties out her backpack. No iPhone.

She calls Moore, who is also missing her iPhone.

There is only one conclusion for Smith: her iPhone had been stolen.

Smith’s heart sinks. She doesn’t know when she will see her phone again. …

September 24, 2013 Smith sits in the office of Carl Blaze, her grade level principal.

She is frustrated, but she is determined to find the thief that stole her iPhone.

The security camera videos are of no help, however. A Legally Blonde set piece blocked the view of the cameras, only making the search more of a challenge.

The percentage of stolen items that are actually recovered is extremely small; nevertheless, Blaze hands Smith an incident form for her to complete. …

September 26, 2013 Ms. Vessali hands her the note during Spartan Time.

Jackie Smith. Report to 10th Grade Assistant Principal. Immediately.

In the hallway, Smith wonders why she is wanted in Mr. Blaze’s office. It is possible that he needs more information.

“Is this your phone?,” Blaze asks.

In his hand, he holds an iPhone.

Impossible. It couldn’t be hers. It had only been three days since her phone had gone missing.

Smith powers on the device, hoping it is hers, but she finds that the thief had taken a bite out of the phone - all of the data on

it had been wiped. She hands the phone back over to Blaze.

“Call it,” Blaze tells her.

“Please let it ring,” Smith thinks.

“Please be mine.”

Riiiiing.

Just seconds later, the iPhone in Blaze’s hand rings.

“H-how?” Smith asks.

He couldn’t reveal the thief ’s name, but he tells Smith that the thief lived in a nearby apartment and was suspended.

Just three days after Smith’s iPhone was stolen, it was back in her hands. What a miracle.

Smith returns to Ms. Vessali’s Spartan Time with a huge grin on her face, ready to tell her story. …

Jackie Smith enters the scene shop at the beginning of sixth period. She talks with her friend Rebecca Moore, whose iPhone had been sold by the thief. Then the class heads to the theater for warm ups.

Smith takes her phone with her. There is no way she is having it stolen again.

was collected using cluster sampling. 195 students, in grades 9 to 12, were administered the same survey during randomly selected elective classes. The survey asked questions about school theft and types of items that had potentially been stolen from them. The data was then sorted by gender and grade level. Each group was well represented. 39.866% of students responded that they had been victims of theft at Stratford, while 60.134% responded that they had not been victims of theft at Stratford. A 95% confidence interval was calculated to be (25.764%, 53.836%). Therefore, we are 95% confident that the true percentage of Stratford students who have been victims of theft falls in the interval 25.764% to 53.836%. Compared to the national statistic of 3.5% of students having been victims of school theft (NCES, 2011), the percentage of theft at Stratford is significantly greater than the national mean percentage. For a copy of the survey questions, and to see more detailed results, go to shsoracle.com.

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Friday November 15, 2013

The Oracle

Spartanaires Take New York City Layla Shahhosseini

Saturday, Nov. 23 Arrival in New York City. All participants attend a meeting, at 7 p.m. to meet their assigned chaperone, followed by rehearsal.

Monday Nov. 25

The events for the day include a Statue of Liberty cruise, a ride on the subway, time to shop Times Square, and a performance rehearsal in Herald Square.

The girls will perform for parents in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton and will proceed to enjoy New York’s tourist activities.

Photo by Katherine Kennedy

Tuesday Nov. 26

LINE UP •

(Above, left) At the Willowridge game, the Spartanaires perform with their pink pom poms.

At the Thanksgiving parade they will be wearing outfits pre-made by Spirit of America.

SHAKIN’ IT •

(Above, right) Colonel Jae Barroga leads the Spartanaires at the MHS v. SHS game to rally up school spirit at one of the most anticipated and attended games of the year.

Wednesday Nov. 27

Photo by Katherine Kennedy

Photo by Kinsey Meek

Sunday Nov. 24

Participants eat lunch in Times Square before enjoying a Broadway Show. They later go to KEEPING IT TOGETHER • (Above) Prac- dinner in Times Square, followed ticing their dances during the 1st and 2nd periods, by evening rehearsal. the Spartanaires work hard every morning to perfect their routines for the parade.

The performers will attend the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, tour the Empire State Building, explore Fifth Avenue, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and ice skate in Rockefeller Plaza.

Thanksgiving morning. All the performers are up at 5 a.m. to start a quick rehearsal before a subway ride to the line-of-march. The 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving parade starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m.

Thursday Nov. 28

GREEN OUT •

(Right) Before the football game starts, the Spartanaires and cheerleaders are announced on the field. During the parade they will perform one dance in front of Macy’s and walk the rest of the way.

A Common Misconception

Librarian’s role extends past books and into coffee Layla Shahhosseini

Librarian Janis Benefield puts in a lot of hard work to maintain the overall structure of the Learning Commons.

Benefield’s schedule consists of more than just keeping up with books in the library, something of which many students are not aware.

“When you are busy with students and teachers, which is the most important thing, then you have to do all the behind-the-scenes work later,” Benefield said.

The amount of hours put into the life of the library is unexpected to most.

“When I get here in the morning, there are students waiting for me. I get the coffee going, turn on computers, and check out books and iPods,” Benefield said.

Benefield usually arrives at school at 7:15 and doesn’t

leave until 5:30 or 6.

“I usually shoot for 4, but there is just so much to do,” Benefield said.

Only two percent of students engage in non-related school reading.

“I teach students and teachers how to research using Destiny Quest,” Benefield said. “Students and teachers need to read.”

Benefield also sponsors many clubs such as the anime, strategic gaming, and faculty book clubs. One of her biggest projects she undertook was the coffee bar a few years ago.

Benefield started the coffee bar in 2010, and it was only open before school.

At the beginning of this year, the coffee bar was officially open before, during, and after school.

The coffee bar has just re-

cently been shut down due to multiple infractions with administration and staff.

“I can’t possibly run the coffee bar if we’re just open before and after school. The most I could sell is $30 worth and that’s not enough to run it,” Benefield said.

One reason for the shutdown was that students were late to classes because they were too busy getting coffee.

Another infraction of the rules was when students would get a pass to go to the rest room, but instead would stop by the coffee bar and come back to class with white foam cups.

Senior Maddy Allred started a petition to bring back the coffee bar and already has quite a few signatures in hopes that the coffee will be available during the day again.

To attract more students to the library and involve them in reading, Benefield has decided to start a bingo reading game.

“I’ve already started the plans and it has a lot of teacher support and it’s going to be fun,” Benefield said.

Benefield will ask teachers to give her their favorite genres, authors, and poems.

Then she will proceed to make bingo cards based on teacher selections.

“I’ll have clues on bingo spaces and you’ll be able to answer based on the number of books you know,” Benefield said.

She also insists on students and faculty providing suggestions, input and ideas to better the library.

Benefield enjoys and takes pride in the library and hopes that students can do the same.

Photo by Katherine Kennedy

News In 90 Seconds Band UIL Written by Ashley Garrett

The band departed for Area last month to show off all of their hard work and dedication in a crunch of eight minutes. Although the band did not score high enough to proceed to State (they placed 9th out of 10 bands), they are proud that they were the only Spring Branch ISD band to make it to Area, which in itself is an accomplishment to remember.

Debate Team Written by Maxine Tran

The debate team has been sponsored by Kristi Goemmer for eight years and has been more than successful. There are 25 members in advanced debate and about 40 in novice debate. Students participate in over ten tournaments a year, each costing $1,000. The cost is not the only shocking thing about debate, but also the extensive hours which are more than a high school student would normally spend working outside of school. The average advanced debate student spends up to ten hours a week outside of school preparing for each tournament. The debate team is one organization that puts in many hours of hard work to succeed.

Leadership Council Written by Layla Shahhosseini

For the first time, each club and organization chose one student to represent them in the first Leadership Council meeting. The council strives to bring together leaders from all areas if the school to promote unity, increase communication, share ideas, and provide a forum for ways to improve the school. All of the clubs were asked to donate cans for the canned food drive this year, and over 900 cans were brought in, a huge increase compared to last year’s 400.

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The Oracle

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Friday November 15, 2013

The Oracle

Started From the Bottom Now He’s Here Meredith Burch

Drake triumphantly returned to the Toyota Center at 7:30 this past Wednesday, Nov. 13. This concert was a stop on his tour entitled “Would You Like a Tour” which began on Oct. 26 in Connecticut.

On this tour, Drake sang many new songs off of his recent album “Nothing Was The Same” that was released in September. The album debuted at number one on the “US Billboard 200” chart. It sold 658,000 copies in its first week of release. Popular songs off of this new album included “Started From the Bottom” and

“Hold on, We’re Going Home”.

This tour also featured two opening acts, Miguel and Future. Drake has a large fan base in Houston, and there are many fans that have been looking forward to this concert since his last visit to the Toyota Center on May 17, 2012.

The price of the tickets to the latest concert shows how popular Drake is in the city of Houston. On average, upper level tickets were priced around $80 per ticket, lower level tickets were priced around $100-200 per ticket, and floor seats were priced around $200-300 for one ticket.

Many fans also anticipated rumored appearances from local famous Houstonians such as Houston Rocket James Harden, who was seen at a Kid Cudi concert that was recently held at the Reliant arena.

Drake often says Houston is one of his favorite cities and even mentions Houston in some of his lyrics and song titles. It is not a surprise that Drake didn’t disappoint his large sold-out Houston crowd that filled all 18,043 seats in the Toyota Center.

The thermometer might have said it was cold out but Drake got things heated up.

Catching Fire Sets to Burn Bright

Second installment of “The Hunger Games” sparks excitement love to gain fans and banding know what is going to happen Davianna Wylie

A lot of people have been waiting for one of the most anticipated movies of the year, “Catching Fire,” to make an appearance in theaters and now their wait is almost over. With the release of the long awaited movie trailer, excitement for the upcoming film caught on like wild fire.

The prequel, “Hunger Games,” brought to life people’s favorite in the first installment of the “Hunger Games” series. In the first book, Katniss Everdeen, a girl living in a dystopian society, volunteered to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, where citizens fight to the death in order to earn fame for their district.

Katniss leaves her family and long time friend to go fight in the Hunger Games with her district partner, Peeta Mellark. In the end, Katniss and Peeta are victorious by pretending they are in

together to defeat the other contestants.

Now in the second installment, we follow Katniss and Peeta back to a second hunger games. While having to fight for their lives, they also begin to fight against the corrupt government that

Graphic by Davianna Wylie

has taken over. And if that’s not too much to deal with already, Katniss must deal with the fake relationship her and Peeta are creating for the cameras which might be real.

Her conflicting love for her long time friend Gale Hawthorne is also apparent.

Through many already

in “Catching Fire,” they can’t resist watching the thrilling sequel to the “Hunger Games.” Fans of the book will be flocking to the theaters to see the beloved story brought to life again.

Many people of the “Hunger Games” fandom are very dedicated to seeing the new installment to the series. People are camping out for tickets, calling radio stations, and doing everything in their power to see the movie. A lot of people dress up as their favorite characters on the midnight premiere as a show of their dedication.

The cast held a “Victory Tour” that traveled nationwide, and asked their fans to bring canned goods to donate to Feeding America and World Food Program.

Midnight premiers for this greatly anticipated movie are on Thursday, Nov. 21st, and it is officially released to theaters the following day.

Graphic by Molly Richter

Tweets of the Week Katy Gallion @DaRealSlim_Katy If I could redo high school, I would be on the Stratford band drum line . . no doubt Knox Sides @KnoxSides The steppers never disappoint Alexis Frederick @fred_flinstone_ New show: The Real Housewives of Wilchester Bradley Bates @BradtriceBates Puppy party. My house. Now. Griffin Rathgeb @Grat42 Well I just wore tear away pants for our cardboard boat that sunk as soon as we started racing #disappointment

Natalie Raley @Nat_inthehat27 True life confession: I love selfies Tweets compiled by Katherine Kennedy and graphic by Victoria Shin

Follow @StratfordOracle for your chance to be featured in the next issue

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W O R D S E A R C H

Friday November 15, 2013

Fifty Years of Doctor Who

Popular show celebrates monumental anniversary

Emily Fishman

Casserole Celebrate Centerpiece Colonists Day Fall Family Feast Ham Harvest Holiday Home Pie Pilgrim Platter Plymouth Thanksgiving Vegetables Complied by Claire Pena For answers, go to shsoracle.com

Bathroom Flashback to the Past

Stratford bathrooms: freaking students out since 1981 Ashleigh Garrett

Over the past 40 years, many things have changed.

Luckily for us, the bathrooms have become a much cleaner environment to conduct our business. Students describe the Stratford rest rooms as “gross” because of overflowing toilets, messes left in the sink, and the occasional run-in with an insect or two.

If that is your idea of “gross,” then be glad you didn’t attend Stratford in 1981.

In a story that ran in the March 1981 issue of the Oracle, entitled “Bathroom problems: can’t just flush ’em away”, the trials students faced in the Stratford bathrooms were chronicled as one reporter went on a journey to discover the floating bathroom problems that just don’t go away.

The school bathrooms have been freaking students out since before 1981, and a look into the past shows current students just how bad it used to be.

As stated in the article written by then editor-in-chief Brad Todes, he and one of

The Oracle

the grade level principals at the time took an enlightening trip to the some of the bathrooms to get the whole story.

They first went to the second floor girls bathroom where one of the walls had just recently been defaced with graffiti, which hadn’t been there the night before. The unfortunate custodians had cleaned up other graffiti that was left the previous night.

Todes and the principal then went to the third floor bathrooms and found both bathrooms were mysteriously locked.

The reason for this was revealed when the principal explained that the bathroom was the sanctuary for the smokers to light-up in secret.

This was quickly discovered because the teacher in the adjoining room was allergic to the cigarette smoke that seeped through the vents.

As they continued they came to the boy’s bathroom on the third floor that had a sign hanging on the door saying “Closed for repairs.”

The principal and Todes opened the door to find wa-

ter covering the floor and as they looked around, the principal explained how someone had tried to rip the urinal from the wall and the result caused a leak.

As we look back on the experiences they had back in the day with the school’s old bathroom problems, it’s hard not to look at the bathrooms in a whole new light. Maybe, we can even begin to think of these bathrooms as decent.

Though we have had a recent incident last year when someone decided to place their own poop in the sink in the fine arts bathroom, our bathrooms stay relatively clean thanks to the hard work of the custodial staff.

Students must now have a pass to go in the fine arts hallway during lunch and other periods of the day to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.

We even have the stall street journal to keep up with school activities as a helpful reminder placed on the doors.

Compared to what the bathrooms used to be, they have come a long way.

A show about a time-traveling alien who roams the universe in a blue police-call box is not everyone’s idea of quality entertainment. But for the most dedicated fans of the show, referred to as Whovians, Doctor Who is their favorite show on television.

“It’s my favorite show because each episode could stand alone as its own story, but they all work together in the Doctor Who universe to create a really cool story,” said Junior, Cameron Munoz.

The science fiction adventure premiered in the United Kingdom on Nov. 23, 1963. It will soon celebrate its 50 year anniversary.

It was on air until 1989, with a television movie in 1996. The series was revived in 2005. Many parents of students who watch the new series will have been part of the original captive audience.

The longevity of the show is due to a brilliant plot device

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- the main character of the Doctor, a thousand-year-old man from the planet Galifrey, can regenerate. He changed his entire physical appearance and personality instead o f dying. In other words, the Doctor can continue to be recast and the show can keep going with someone new taking on the title role.

To date, 11 British actors have portrayed the quirky alien, with the Twelfth Doctor (as played by Peter Capaldi) set to make his debut in the show’s yearly Christmas special.

The Doctor is currently portrayed by Matt Smith, and fans will be sad to see him go.

The show is a favorite among British and American

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fanatics because of its unique characters, complex plot, and increasingly complicated and life-like special effects.

Doctor Who will have a huge anniversary special, broadcast simultaneously in eight countries around the world to celebrate the remarkable anniversary.

The episode will mark the return of characters since departed from the series, including Rose Tyler (played

by Billie Piper) and the Tenth Doctor (played by David Tennant), and many other fan favorites.

“I’m so excited for the 50th.

The Tenth Doctor is my favorite. The show is funny and super entertaining,” said senior Caroline Stone.

“I can’t wait to see some of the older doctors brought back and how they will interact with each other.”

BBC America will be broadcasting the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, called the “Day of the Doctor”, on Sat. Nov. 23.

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Complied by Claire Pena For answers, visit to shsoracle.com

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MUSE

Friday November 15, 2013

The Oracle

Time to Turn Off the Mic

Is America ready to say good bye to shows with which we’ve grown up?

Ashley Karolys

Admit it. We’ve all sat down with our families, watched the audition process, and have always dreamed of being on shows like American Idol, The Voice, or The X Factor.

Even sitting on the couch with pizza and a diet coke, we were dreaming of getting to stand on a stage, auditioning for celebrity judges.

We’ve all had our share of dreams of singing on a talent search show.

“My family and I would watch Idol every Tuesday,” junior Katie Moore said. But as most people have noticed, nobody really watches the shows anymore.

“It was a tradition. But now it’s not as entertaining,” Moore said.

For American Idol, the drop in show ratings could be because of the constant change of judges.

And let’s face it, the show is not the same without Simon Cowell’s harsh comments, Randy Jackson’s use of the term “dawg” and Paula Abdul’s kind rejections.

“I miss all of the original judges. The show was a lot bet-

1

ter when they were around,” sophomore Collins Rush said.

It also doesn’t help that Cowell has gone and created his own show, The X Factor.

“I tried watching The X factor, but I think I like it better when Simon, Paula, and Randy were together.

The solo Simon thing isn’t working for me,” said Rush.

“I think they’re failing because it’s obvious that they pick and choose, not because of their voice but because of their sob story,” junior Jack Goss said.

Sadly, it is rumored that we might be

saying good bye to Idol in the next year or so. But clearly, that doesn’t stop television networks from producing these types of shows.

With The Voice in the middle of its fifth season, the ratings are looking pretty good.

“I like how the judges actually help out the contestants one on one, as opposed to other shows where judges critique rather than assist,” junior David HumGraphic By: Molly Ricter Graphic by Molly Richter phrey said.

But some students disagree, saying that it’s still not as good as Idol.

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Or in this case, the old Idol.

“The Voice is not as fun to watch because you already know the singers are going to be good.

With idol, it was fun cause you could guess who was good or not and which auditions were going to be ridiculous,” Rush said.

Some students like the fact that Idol and The Voice are sort of combined in The X Factor.

“I like how you still get the element of surprise when someone walks on stage, and you get to decide whether you think they are good or not, kind of like American Idol,” said Moore.

“But I also like the fact that they make teams with the judges and get to have some coaching from them like The Voice does.”

As of right now, the future of television shows like American Idol are not looking so hot right now.

If the ratings keep going down like they are, we may only have a few more years of funny auditions, awesome performances, and heartbreaking vote-offs.

Show Times X Factor

Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

The Voice

Mondays at 7 p.m. & Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

American Idol

Returns Jan. 2014

Graphics by Molly Richter

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SPORTS

The Oracle

Friday November 15, 2013

Crossing into Winner’s Territory

The boys cross country team takes the gold at state with two runners finishing in the top ten Layla Shahhosseini

A MOMENT OF VICTORY • (Below) Coach

Photo by Rebecca Williamson

Tony Brillon experiences a moment of relief in knowing that he’s trained his team to win a state title and they were able to achieve it. In all his years of coaching, this is the first time he’s won a state title.

Coac h M a t t h ew s Q: What sport do you coach and how long have you been coaching it?

A: Girls’ basketball, and all 11 years of coaching have been here at Stratford.

Q: What is your background in basketball?

A: I started playing basketball when I was in the 2nd grade and played all the way through high school. I went to college as an athletic trainer and loved it.

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

A: Tomball. They are the only team in the district that we did not beat last year in district play.

Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

UIL GOLD• (Above) Never before achieving a state title, the boys cross country team won the state Class 4A UIL team title on Saturday Nov. 9 at the state meet held in Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock, Texas. This is the first time the boys have won district, regionals, and state all in one year. “After we finished the race, I had no idea where we stood [as a team]. But then after they announced us as first place, it was just a rush of emotion. Everyone was jumping up and screaming; it was crazy,” Richard said. In 2011, the boys cross country team came to state and placed 11th overall at the Class 4A state meet. In the 2012 season, they got fourth place in regionals, ruining their chances of making it to state. But, due to some major changes made by the coaches, the boys were able to reclaim their spot at the state meet.

Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

KEEP IT GOING• (Above) Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

Junior Douglas Baker finishes with a time of 17:41, adding to the winning total of 75 points. In cross country the team with the lowest points gets the highest place.

Q: What goals have you set for your team this year?

A: Our goals for this season are to make the playoffs and move on to the regional tournament.

Q: What practice routines do you use to push your players to their best potential?

Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

FIERCE COMPETITION•

(Above) Getting their bodies ready to sprint the next 3.1 miles, the boys do drills and sprints on the state course.

A: Our focus this year is details. The girls are good players but with a little extra attention to details, they can be great.

Q: What has been your best memory while being here at Stratford?

A: It would have to be last year when the girls soccer team played in the regional tournament and 500 students showed up to cheer them on. It was the biggest display of school spirit I have ever seen. I was so proud of our kids and administration for making that happen; it was a great day to be a Spartan!

Story by Elyse’ Stieber

Photo by LeeAnn Quinlan

DRIVEN DUO•

(Above) Junior Austin Richard and Senior Brian Quinlan work together to finish the most important race of the season, getting the second and eighth place titles individually.

Throughout the season, this duo has been working together to be the team’s first and second runners. Austin Richard finished with a time of 15:56 and Brian Quinlan finished with a time of 16:06, displaying the team work they use to stay together for most of the race.

Position: Lax Goalie Favorite Snack: Ben & Jerry’s “Phish Food” Best Game: 7 overtimes Lucky Number: 2 Future College: UNC Goal For Season: Make it deep into playoffs Favorite Quote: “I call this turf ‘n’ turf...I am going to consume all of this at the same time because I am a free American.”

-Ron Swanson

Ryan Balke Story by Elyse’ Stieber

Jae Barroga Position: Spartie Colonel Favorite Movie: Pearl Harbor Favorite Pep-Rally: Blackout Future College : Rice, UT, or Texas Tech Best Performance: Contest 2013 Most Looking Foward To: Last Spring Show Favorite Quote: “Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

- 1 Corinthians 13:13

Photos by Gil Sanchez and Rebecca Williamson

Graphic by Scott Kennedy

SPORTS Coach Allen’s Way or the Highway 10

The Oracle

Friday November 15, 2013

Strictly enforced drug and alcohol rules keep football players on a healthy path to victory Kelly Hewitt

Throughout his time as athletic director, head football coach Eliot Allen has emphasized the high expectations he has for his athletes on and off the field regarding drugs and alcohol. Allen expresses his desire to keep his athletes on track by frequently reminding them how seriously he views these subjects through group discussions, one-onone conversations, and by explaining consequences that will be taken into effect if any incident were to happen.

Though the rules may be

Photo by Lana Ferguson

stringent, the athletes respect Allen’s effort to keep them safe and healthy.

“I think Coach Allen values his athletes and wants the best for them on and off the field” sophomore Brice Hooper said.

The effects of substance abuse extend past the initial “buzz” or “high”. Drugs have long term effects that may prove especially harmful for teen athletes. A large component of what makes these substances so potentially harmful is their longevity. Side effects of drugs and alcohol may be

present in a student’s system for up two weeks. Throughout this time period, an athlete may experience sluggish reflexes, reaction time, and endurance, all of which can become permanent.

The high standards set by the athletic department are nothing new, and neither are the consequences if they are not met. First time violators will be forced to take an Alcohol Awareness class in place of Spartan Time. In addition, athletes will lose their eligibility to play in 20 percent of the year’s scheduled contests and

will be held accountable for running 45 miles over a predetermined period of time.

Allen’s views on substance abuse are not limited to illegal drugs, but also include the use of supplements such as Muscle Milk and protein powder. Allen encourages his athletes to get a sufficient amount of sleep, maintain healthy diets and exercise consistently rather than turning towards supplements to increase their performance.

Assistant Principal Jeff McCord is a firm believer in Allen’s views regarding perfor-

mance enhancers. “If kids will simply eat properly and maintain a stable workout schedule, they will naturally gain the muscle and strength they strive to have,” McCord said.

Coaches and faculty give athletes constant mentoring and guidance with the hopes their support will allow their students to be successful on and off the field. The rules mandated by the athletic department are put in place to encourage students to resist distractions that may stand in their way of being successful.

Athletes are often admired

by many as examples of excellent character and diligence, and Allen hopes to keep this reputation intact.

“When athletes step onto the playing field wearing a Stratford uniform, they are representing our school at a higher level, and held to a higher standard” Allen said.

Senior David Bartell appreciates Allen’s efforts to keep his athletes healthy. “We are lucky just to be able to play here at Stratford High School, and that comes with a certain set of standards that everyone has to abide by.”

SPORTS Sophomore Football: Scheduling Chaos 11

Friday November 15, 2013

The Oracle

Having no other sophomore teams in their district creates a sporadic but empowering schedule

Scott Kennedy

Varsity athletes. Those who get recognized at pep rallies, who get to play at the huge stadiums, and those who even get huge signs painted in their honor. It’s the dream of many young athletes, but there are years of preparation for this that often go unnoticed.

Before representing the football team at the Varsity level, many athletes play the sport for years, and for some players, sophomore year is

pivotal in their development as much as they can,” Head somebody else.”

18 years, but this is his first as an athlete.

Coach Eliot Allen said. With Allen says that he has kept year coaching the sophomore While many athletes get only a few games scheduled up with head coaches he has team, and he describes playmoved up to Junior Varsity or before the season begins, this competed against before, and ing a game as a “weekly test.” even Varsity their sophomore can be quite a challenge. if the team is missing an op- And often, one of the conseyear, the majority play for “I think there are ponent, he will reach out to quences of finding teams lastthe sophomore team. a lot of 5A these other coaches to see if minute is that the “test” is unFew schools have s c h o o l s they need one, too. Allen said like any other that they have AIRING IT OUT LONG• Quarterback Cameron Trahan enough playw h o that the officials will taken before. throws it deep as he gets some good ers to have a a r e sometimes send The completed blocks from his O-Line. Left Tackle Sophomore sophomore out a mass s o p h o m o r e John McGowan (61) shoves a det e a m , email to schedule in- fender on his back to protect the QB. which h e a d cludes teams pionship, as “a work in progm a k e s In-District Opponents coaches like 4A ress.” These athletes will Shared In-District Opponent Oppon c o n powerhouse continue to improve as they ents sistent P e a r l a n d play, and as Allen says, “often 4(out of 10) compeD a w s o n , players from the sophomore tition a and 5A team will start to mature and Graphic by challenge, teams like become really good players.”

Victoria Shin one that the College Park No matter how the team coaching staff and Memorial. ended the season, the extra has always met. even still hav- requesting an op“ I t ’s always great to lengths the coaching staff “We have large participation ing problems finding games ponent, too. play against a team that pro- went to in order to give more numbers, and the bottom line for their sophomore teams,” While this may seem like a vides a challenge,” Willis said. playing time to these athTAKIN’ IT IN FOR TWO• is that kids mature at differ- Allen said. “I think this year, lot of trouble to go to for any “It lets you know where you letes is greatly appreciated.

Fullback and placekick holder Jared ent times. The most critical probably well over half of team, especially for a team at are as a team, what you can “I think it shows the coaches Willis picks up a bad snap on the exour games had to be sched- the sophomore level, coaches do well, and what you need to care about us,” sophomore tra point and dives into the endzone thing for us is to make sure for a two point conversion. that everyone gets to play uled late, where we had to get and players agree that it is get better at.” tight end Keagan Lawrence All Photos by Rebecca Biestek necessary for future success.

Often, the sophomore ath- said. “And I think it will help “I definitely think having a letes aren’t sure who they are us a lot in the long run.” full schedule will help us in playing until soon before the For years coaches have been game. And because of this, adding games to the sophoit is harder to prepare, espe- more season, and Allen sees Graphics and Story by Scott Kennedy cially since they are the only results. “I think it has alteam playing that opponent, ready affected our program and practice is geared to- positively, because we have so wards preparing for the JV many kids who have the opand Varsity opponent. portunity to play at a younger Sophomore offensive line- level.” man Elijah Duncan actuOnly time will tell how these ally sees an advantage in this, athletes perform in the rest of however. “I think it’s good for their high school careers, but Packets: Gatorade donated tons of packLOOKING FOR THE PASS• us because it will help us in one thing’s for sure; the steps Willis goes out for a pass from his ets of energy chews as a part of Gatorade the long run to be ready for taken to ensure that the sophquarterback in the Sophomore DisWeek to be given to players of all sports anything, whatever is thrown omore football team always trict Championship. The Spartans played the Ridge Point Panthers, our way.” has a full schedule reflect the to help fuel their activities who they beat 12-6.

Willis describes the team, coaches’ commitment to preBottles: Gatorade also donated protein the long run,” sophomore re- which finished the season paring players to be the best recovery shakes, vanilla and chocolate ceiver Jackson Holland said. with three wins, four losses, that they can be in the near “It means that we get to play one tie, and a district cham- future. flavored, for athletes to drink after every week, which allows us working out to keep improving and not Hours: time golf players get to go off fall behind.”

While practice is important, campus during the week, with practice four game play provides some times a week and eight all-day unique opportunities for imtournaments throughout the year provement that practice can’t.

“There are many things that Championships: Number of state titles you can accomplish in pracwon by Stratford since the school tice, but there’s a huge differopened ence between practice speed and game speed,” sophomore FIGHTING FOR A FIRST DOWN TO SAVE THE DRIVE• coach Jason Willis said.

Quarterback Cameron Trahan fights for extra yardage on a pass play that Willis has been coaching for turned into a QB scramble. Trahan began the season as a wide receiver.

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SPORTS

Friday November 15, 2013

Owning the Outdoors Elyse’ Stieber

DID YOU KNOW...?

1. Has 45 members, both boys and girls.

2. Players are double-blocked, must attend 8 tournaments, and practice four days out of the week.

3. Season is 8 months of the year.

4. Boys’ score range is anywhere from 72 to 111, and girls’ scores range from 95 to 135.

5. Ben Riedel, Trevor Hennington, and Campbell Ross have been on varsity all 4 years and are the boys’ lead scorers.

an opinions column

Elaine Parizot

GOLF

1. Volunteer everywhere, all the time. Become the next Mother Teresa. Oh, and don’t forget to write down your hours.

TEAMWORK•

(Above) The girl’s varsity golf team waits for their final team score at a tournament at Lakeside Country Club.

FOUR PEAT•

(Above) Seniors Trevor Hennington, Ben Riedel, and Campbell Ross pose for their last first tournament of the year together.

THE

SCHEDULE Girls’ Basketball:

11/20 vs. Memorial @ SHS 5:30 p.m.

11/27 @ Pasadena Memorial 7:00 p.m.

12/4 vs. Langham Creek @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

12/11 vs. Spring Woods @ DCC 6:00 p.m.

12/14 vs. Tomball Memorial @ SHS 6:30 p.m.

Boys’ Basketball:

DOUBLE-UP• (Right) Senior Nick Butler waits

for his doubles’ partner senior Cameron Long to serve at Regional Finals against Montegomery on Oct. 26.

TENNIS

ELAINE EXPLAINED

12 Things I would tell my 14 year old self:

TOSS, SERVE, ACE• (Below) Senior Kaylin Kruseman serves the ball in her singles match during Regonal Finals against Montgomery.

The Oracle

1. Won a State Championship in 1979.

2. Has gone to playoffs every single year since 1984.

3. Senior Kaylin Kruseman is playing college tennis on scholarship at St. Mary’s in San Antonio, is a 4 year letterman, has gone to state for the past 3 years, and has won a medal the past 2 years.

4. Went to Regional Finals this fall season and lost against Montgomery.

5. Fall season is team tennis and spring season is individual tennis.

11/19 vs. Cy-Ridge @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

11/20 vs. Memorial @ DCC 7:00 p.m.

11/27 vs. Seven Lakes @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

12/11 @ Cy-Fair 7:00 p.m.

12/14 vs. Cy-Ranch @ DCC 7:00 p.m.

Volleyball:

Congratulations to the girls’ varsity volleyball team for becoming Bi-District Champions and Area Finalists Thursday, Nov. 7. Great season, ladies!

Scan code to see Football Dance-Off and Harlem Shake Videos

2. When you’re a senior, get an off-campus. Girl, you deserve it.

3. Get all of those annoying requirements out of the way as soon as possible so you don’t end up being the only girl in your tech theater class.

4. It’s okay to throw yourself a pity party every now and then. If you can summon tears in front of your dad you might even get something out of it.

5. Be nicer to Alex. He may play Minecraft 12 hours a day, but you only have one little brother.

6. A cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind. Same with your car (yes, you get a car.)

7. Go to homecoming this year and then never go again.

8. Invest in a good pair of yoga pants. Once you go spandex, you never go back.

9. Exemptions are a gift from God. Suck it up, that sniffly nose isn’t that bad.

10. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You won’t even remember that girl wearing the same Sweet Sixteen dress as you.

11. Participate in at least one play. It’s an underrated high school experience.

Vote for the Dance-Off winner at shsoracle.com- first and second place will dance off at a pep-rally

12. Add people on Facebook now before it gets weird.

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OPINIONS

THE

O

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

Friday November 15, 2013

RACLE STAFF

Photographers Rebecca Meek Will Klussmann Cassidy Menard Michael Martin Philip Chen Maggie Vickers Alex Milstead Managing Editor Aldo Martinez Graphics Editor Victoria Shin Reporters Courtney James Emily Adams Emily Fishman Natalie Raley Staff Artists Claire Pena Molly Richter Ads Editors Katherine Mavergeorge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Work Overload Internet homework is becoming excessive Elaine Parizot

Many students consider online homework assignments to be the bane of their existence.

In recent years, the amount of technology being encouraged by school districts has become extreme, reaching the point where online assignments are a part of nearly every class.

The reasoning behind this technological push is usually that “kids are doing it anyway” or “you’ll be using this much technology when you get a job.”

These are both true statements, but just because the Internet is part of our home lives doesn’t necessarily mean we need to incorporate it into

every part of our education.

Online homework is particularly irritating because it usually is done at 11:50 p.m. on Friday, ten minutes before it’s due. Obviously that is a fault of the students, but late night weekend due dates will inevitably lead to kids slapping together responses at the last minute.

With their homework loads already heavy, students are likely to view online assignments as an afterthought, slapdashing physics online reviews, Edmodo responses, and economics modules.

Online homework may be easily accessible, but it involves just as much effort, if not more.

Not all online assignments

feel frivolous. Math’s online wikis are usually just posting a homework problem from the book work, which allows students to compare answers and get help.

But this cannot be said for all subjects. In some classes, online assignments are being assigned just to check something off a list, not to add to the class’s content. Some of the online assignments are to fulfill state requirements, but it seems that there must be an alternate solution that does not involve adding more homework.

If online work is being assigned just to fill some technological quota, it is a waste of time for everyone in the classroom.

The Oracle

Why We’re Thankful

Taking a step back to appreciate all of the little things

Staff Editorial

There is a stereotype that today’s youth are part of the “Me” generation; that teenagers are completely self-involved and unappreciative... and we sort of are.

But while this stereotype may have some truth to it, it isn’t completely fair. These days, teens are bombarded with expectations, which can be make it hard to keep sight of what’s important.

Tests, homework, and standardized testing; all of this stress often blinds us and we don’t realize how lucky we are to even be a student on campus.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, what we all need is to take a step back from everything and just recognize all that we have to be thankful for.

Stratford is highly esteemed for its great teachers, rigorous courses, and plethora of electives to choose from.

Not only is Stratford ranked as one of the top high schools in Texas in terms of academics, but our student life, extracurricular, and campus exceed a majority of Houston high schools.

Stratford boasts state of the art technology. With a newly outfitted learning commons we have Macbooks, Mac Desktops, iPads, and smartboards al readily available in the classroom.

Not only is our equipment highly coveted but so are our excellent teachers and small class sizes.

Aside from our amazing academic opportunities, we should all take a second to appreciate what we have at home.

With family, no matter what kind of relationship you have with them or who it consists of, they will always be there for you.

Maybe we as teenagers aren’t as conscious as adults when it comes to appreciating the bigger picture, I mean who could blame us, but I’d like to think we notice a lot more of the little things.

Unlike our parents, we typically live in the present. This allows us to appreciate all of the little moments and small things we see everyday.

Some of the smaller things to appreciate are late starts, that extra time to do homework Spartan Time gives you, teachers who let you eat in class, and what student doesn’t love those class days where all you do is finish worksheets.

Keeping all of this in mind, when Thanksgiving comes around and someone inevitably asks “What are you thankful for”, instead of blurting out some generic answer, take some time to think about what you’re truly thankful for.

We need your letters to the Editors Submit to: thestratfordoracle@gmail.com or Room 120 or Mrs. Janice Cummons’ mailbox in the main office

*All letters must be signed and may be edited for space

Student Chat Why They’re Thankful

“I’m thankful for my amazing family and friends who have supported me through everything.”

-Carly Keusseyan, Freshman

“I’m thankful for my friends and family and the abilty to learn at such an awesome school.”

-Chris Nunn, Sophomore

“I’m thankful for the wonderful Stratford Playhouse that I am glad to be a part of.”

-Kate Snelling, Sophomore Story and photos by Cassidy Menard

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OPINIONS

Friday November 15, 2013

The Oracle

Welcome to the Museum of Modern Artlessness

21st Century modern art is losing touch with itself Claire Galbraith

Art has been changing throughout history, perhaps the most appreciable change is the modern art movement. Artist like Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse brought forth new and interesting art forms to the world. However, over the years people have speculated that modern art has become, in lack of a better word, artless.

What is art? The definition of art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Walking through the Museum of Modern Art, one can see magnificent works created by talented artists who’ve earned the praise and appreciation they deserve. But alongside these masterpieces are some confusing works that make visitors squint their eyes and say, “Is that art?”

Art is supposed to be something that receives admiration for its beauty or evokes a powerful emotional response, not something that befuddles art enthusiasts. Someone who can put four colors together doesn’t deserve the admiration of hundreds of art critics, let alone

How to

DEAL

I believe in gay marriage...I think?

Kali Venable

your parents because you share the same DNA. As I begin to mature into an adult, I’ve decided to dedicate more time to acknowledging which of the views and beliefs that I state as my own actually developed from my morals and not just the morals of someone else.

In a sense, this whole discussion has nothing to do with my beliefs on gay marriage, or even gay marriage at all.

Rather, I am attempting to shine light on the idea that when we look at laws and develop opinions on them we should consider all angles of the lens.

Now I am not saying to disregard everything your parents, friends, or other influential persons have told you.

I just feel like we believe what

people say way too often, and fail to take the time to look at the world with curious eyes.

When I found out my uncles got married, I was upset and couldn’t figure out why.

In fact, I started to feel guilty for my lack of enthusiasm.

Yet, the more I looked into the actual concept of same-sex marriage, the less ashamed I felt about being unsupportive.

When we indulge in curi-

osity and refuse to assume that the so called truth is true, we often reach a level of intelli-

gence and self-awareness that previously ceased to exist.

The more I acknowledge this world and question each and every crack in it, the more I find myself reaching a state of contentment with my opinions, ideas, morals and beliefs.

a Shin

and proud to hear about my uncle’s elopement, but watching my grandmother cry over something I thought she accepted long ago made me feel a little different.

Their marriage made me realize that the beliefs I have about gay marriage aren’t my own but instead a collection of things I assumed I was supposed think are right because of the environment I was raised in.

I think a lot of young kids are instilled from a very early age to believe one thing to be true and completely disregard the idea of another.

This reigns especially true when it comes to political beliefs.

I can’t count the number of students I know who call themselves Democratic or Republican, but have no support as to why they identify themselves with such a party except the simple fact that their parents do so that means they must too.

Political beliefs are not in your genes—you don’t have to believe the same thing as

something that looks like it belongs in the trash?

The quality of art is fading and it is caused by peoples lack of interest in stationary art. Art is transitioning from sculptures and paintings to moving art or performing art.

Younger artist are expressing themselves through technology rather than on a blank canvas. No one wants to look at a painting on a wall when they could watch a movie and see living art.

Artists no longer want to sculpt or draw, they want to design. The movie and design industry is where all the money and fame is, and that is where all the talent goes.

This leaves only a few people who are willing to stay behind in the dying art industry, bringing about the lag in the quality of art.

The future of modern art is too abstract to predict — even by its own standards.

Unless critics can recognize what authentic art is, or artists can step up their game and produce more quality work, minimalistic and baffling works will continue to hang in museums around the world.

ri by: Victo

have a gang of gay uncles — cool right?

Being in such close relation with gay people meant that when it came to gay marriage I hands down supported it.

As it became legal in more states and countries, I cheered alongside the thousands of people who support same-sex marriage.

I even spent time watching countless videos on Youtube of same-sex couple weddings — videos I couldn’t get through without crying.

They were so happy and in love. What could possibly be the problem with this seemingly fairy-tale ending for gays?

The problem was this: up until last Tuesday I didn’t know a single gay couple personally that had been legally married.

My uncle and his partner tied the knot in New York Tuesday morning without notifying any family members or getting permission from his mother (my grandmother).

I’d like to say I was excited

horrible; there are those who can t r u l y produce qu a l it y art, but the new form of modern art raises

many questions. For one, how refined does a piece of art have to be for it to be recognized by critics and the public?

What’s classified as art today? Four colors put together? A squiggle? A painting of a bag of peanuts?

It seems like anyone can become a famous artist by drawing some squares and slapping a price sticker on it for $50,000.

It is not the price that makes a work of art a masterpiece, it is the actual caliber of the piece.

Early modern artist hardly ever made money from their work and sometimes were rejected from society.

Vincent van Gogh sold only one painting in his whole life because people didn’t understand the progressiveness and the beauty behind his work.

When future generations look back on the art work produced today, will they see something of merit, or

Graphic

I used to think being gay meant a lot of things, but wrong was never one of them.

Then again, I didn’t develop my own opinion of samesex marriage based off my personal morals until quite recently.

I was raised in a colorful family with two uncles on my dad’s side and one deceased uncle on my mother’s side who all came out as homosexuals when they were in high school.

Once each of their partners are factored in, I practically

have their work in exhibit in a world renowned art museum.

The depreciation of art may be caused by artist who are trying too hard to be “original”.

For example, in the MoMA an artist tried to present her feministic point of view by putting sand in panty hose and hanging them up on the walls.

However, the piece didn’t come across as a view on feminism but more like an inconvenient way to get sand out of a lady’s undergarments.

Nailing panty-hose to a wall is not art and it doesn’t fit into any form of art seen over the years. There has been various forms of modern art in the past few centuries, such as cubism, existentialism, and fauvism, all of which have interesting works to offer. Recently, though, most artists are becoming sloppy or are overly opinionated whiners.

This is not to say all artist today are

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OPINIONS

Sibling Showdown Friday November 15, 2013

Saving the Best for Last Scott Kennedy

Toys, electronics, clothes, and bikes- all hand-medowns that the youngest child may get from the oldest. People often claim these as proof when crying of the atrocities of youngest-child life, but we often forget the positive effects of being younger, which outweigh the negatives.

I’m the youngest of two children, with an older sister, Katherine, two grades ahead of me. When I was younger, I often longed for my sister’s privileges, but now I realize that I’m actually glad to be the youngest.

All of my life I’ve had the benefit of the experiences of my older sister, who I’ve learned a lot from. While hand-me-downs are never fun, advice is one thing that I’m actually glad to have gotten passed down to me.

From tips about the first day of middle school to getting a first job, younger siblings have the unique benefit of learning from their older siblings’ mistakes and emulating their achievements.

Almost all of my good friends are the oldest kids in their families, and over the years I’ve been the go-to guy for information about the future. Whatever their questions, I have the answers.

While getting advice and general knowledge is one of the best things about having an older sibling, the rapid pace of society is also making being younger easier.

Who gets a phone in ninth grade anymore? Just a few years ago, this was normal.

But, with the way that society is moving, kids are getting phones, Facebooks, and all kinds of privileges earlier.

While it would make sense that a two year gap between siblings would mean a two year gap in receiving privileges, often this isn’t the case.

My own parents have been very consistent as far as awarding privileges, but the stereotype that the “baby” of

the family gets spoiled often isn’t too far off, with certain boons of childhood seeming to fall solely to the youngest.

The youngest child seems to always end up getting to go to bed later, see PG-13 movies earlier, and stay home alone when younger.

One of the other important benefits of being the youngest, or really anything but the oldest, is that parents are usually more relaxed. From even before birth, excessive preparations for the first child’s life are made in order to guarantee that he or she will thriveand with them comes the organic diet, educational toys, and complete “My Baby Can Read” DVD set.

These tendencies often continue into adolescence, with parents stressing more over the oldest’s first sleepover, first day of middle school, and first day of driving on their own. While worrying isn’t necessarily a bad thing, younger children get the benefit of more easygoing parents who realize the importance of giving them more responsibilities and freedoms.

Being the youngest has its downsides, though, for sure.

Younger kids can often get bossed around by older siblings, and they often get less attention for their achievements, as they’re often just repeating the oldest child’s actions.

Also, younger kids are often left with shoes to fill, whether good or bad. Teachers, coaches, and other adults will often have a preconceived idea of who you are going to be, based on what your sibling is like, which is especially difficult for those with high-achieving older siblings. (Thankfully my sis-

ter’s kind of a slacker- I mean, Student Body President, really? That’s the best you can do?)

While these negatives are not in any way to be discredited, I think it’s clear that, overall, the youngest has it best.

Even with an older sibling, youngest kids are still able, and often inspired to thrive.

Having an older sibling set a good example can lead you to follow in their footsteps, even avoiding some of their mistakes.

And if the example that is set isn’t so good, younger siblings have the advantage of learning from it and choosing a different path.

Whether it’s advice, certain privileges, or less stressed parents, younger children are better off than their older counterparts.

No Footsteps to Follow In

Elaine Parizot

I love being the oldest kid in my family. Back in the day, I’d be the next queen or inheriting the family farm.

There might not be a crown to be passed on, but at least I can use the argument “I’ve known mom longer” and “you weren’t even alive when that happened” with my younger brother.

First things first, I got to be an only child for almost five years. Being the primary consumer of my parents checking account is something my brother will never get to experience. My parents’ worlds revolved around me and for the record, it was great.

Sure, my parents were a little over-protective and germaphobic, but that wasn’t something I noticed as a toddler.

When my younger brother, Alex, came along, things changed and I was no longer the center of attention. I stopped being babied and doted on, because now my parents had a new infant to deal with.

The whole preconception that the eldest child gets scrutinized because they’re the first one to do everything became irrelevant as soon as Alex arrived.

With a brother came responsibilities, but that’s where all the statistical benefits of being the oldest

Graphic by Bronwyn Wismer

The Oracle

child come from. Dealing with younger siblings makes us usually more reliable and better students than our younger counterparts. Not only are the statistics in my favor, but I didn’t even know what hand-me-downs were until Alex started using my old stuff.

Everything from cribs to cars, I get it first and then Alex gets the left-overs. My first iPhone may have been the ancient 3G, but at least it’s not a two-year-old 4S that has a watermark under the screen.

One of the best parts of being the eldest child is that I’m almost always a fresh face to people I meet. On my first day of high school, none of my teachers recognized my last name.

There were no preconceptions of how I should act, what classes I should take, or what extracurriculars I should be in because no one knew anything about me.

When my brother gets to high school, teachers will likely expect him to act at least a little like I did, but he won’t because our personalities are polar opposites.

My brother will constantly be compared to me, and my old teachers will most likely call him “Elaine” on occasion.

Being the oldest has its downsides. There’s the pressure to be a leader and set a good example for our siblings. Sometimes I’m expected to suck it up and deal with things so Alex will have it easier.

It’s no surprise that my parents take things seriously with me, because it’s our first time for almost everything I do. My parents have never filled out FAFSA forms or designed a senior ad before, but everything always ends up fine in the end.

In the grand scheme of things, my responsibilities as the oldest kid are easily outweighed by the benefits of being born first.

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