May 13, 2016

RACLE O

TSTRATFORD HE

Friday, May 13, 2016 Volume 42, Issue 7

@stratfordoracle @spartanoracle

Mrs. Sorsby wins Teacher of the Year pg. 7

Senior Pull-Out pgs. 11-14

Varsity Baseball Turns it Around

shsoracle.com

Special Senior Issue

pg. 20

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See Ya’ Later, 2016!

We’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s been fun OPINION OF EMMA HOLLAND AND GIGI MEREDITH

Thumb’s Up for not having to make up the missed Tuesday due to the bad weather day.

Thumb’s Down for the construction on Memorial Drive that complicates getting to school for many students.

Thumb’s Up for SHS Playhouse winning seven Tommy Tune awards for their amazing production of Anything Goes! Also, Thumb’s Up for all their hard work and success on Leading Ladies and A Chorus Line!

Thumb’s Down for the so many hours of homework, essay writing, and studying that students have done.

[The Oracle]

STRATFORD ORACLE STAFF 2015-16

Editors-in-Chief *Scott Kennedy *Cameron Henkel Associate Editor *Olivia Siciliano

Photo Editors *Taylor Brittain *Riley Timmreck *Jordyn Richards Opinions Editors Tina Kang Emma Holland News Editors Taylor Morris Ellie Herrmann Culture Editors Nazlee Khadjeheian Maddie McKenzie Sports Editors Jacqui Comparin Haley Grace Francis Sebastian Droz Reporters

Alex Parizot Daniela Trujillo Gillian Meredith Lindell Lewis John McGowan Elizabeth Cole Ellie Pena

Photographers Robin Graves Arturo Benitez Rachel Hood Isabella Hutchins Perry Shepard Erin Walsh Lauren Perry Jaina Kiley Ethan Godinez Dayra Gamez Natalie Gaiser Caitlyn Boatwright Caroline Bucek Andrew Park Jackson Fass Madeline Rustam Belle Benton

Grayson Wilson Ads Editors Nathaly Cortez Matthew Martinez Ads Staff Cooper Lane David Quinlan Alice Morse Tea Sharp Saldana Kallie Henckel Design Editor Lauren Byram Staff Artist Rachel Torres Copy Editors Noelle Flores Katie Newsom

Building Principal Danny Gex Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

Front Page: Seniors from different clubs, sports, and organizations line up to form the number 16 to repersent the class of 2016. Photo Illustration by Riley Timmreck

Thumb’s Up for the successful and effective Shattered Dreams program that included many of Stratford’s own students and teachers.

Thumb’s Down for the end of the year testing, such as EOC’s, AP tests, and finals.

Thumb’s Up for Varsity football beating Memorial this fall for the first time in 9 years.

Parking Lot Frenzy

and Arturo Benitez The Oracle newspaper is the official, school-sponsored 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 Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by the readers.

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

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.

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives maintain professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness. The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published.

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

The dreaded end of the year traffic and how to avoid it OPINION OF EMMA HOLLAND I remember the day clearly - it was October of this school year, and I had just turned 16. I was sticking my newly received parking pass on my car. I could finally drive myself to and from school, and it was a great feeling.

The first semester of school was a breeze. The junior lot was nearly empty - just the juniors and a few other sophomores.

Memorial had little to no traffic, and I never had to worry about the possibility of lanes being closed or it taking ten minutes to make it down Tully. No matter what time I got to school, there were plenty of spots to choose from. At the end of the day, the lot was a little busy with cars trying to leave, but it was manageable.

Then it happened. More sophomores starting turning sixteen and Memorial Drive went under construction.

Now, anyone who parks in the junior lot can testify that parking is a nightmare. If you come too late, there’s a chance that there won’t be any spots left. Trying to leave school at the end

of the day is even worse, as the lines of cars to pull out of the exits are so backed up that it could take 15 minutes just to get your car onto the street.

The traffic and overcrowding are not just inconveniences, but also dangerous. There have been numerous reports of wrecks, mostly “fender-benders” that happen as cars try to be aggressive to make it out in good time.

Now of course, the junior lot is not the only parking lot in the school. The senior lot is also super busy with parents dropping off and picking up their kids, along with seniors and fine arts students. However, it’s not filled with as many new drivers like the junior lot, and it’s a lot bigger in size.

Regardless of which parking lot you use, not that much is changing between now and the end of the school year. As the school year continues, here are few tips on how to avoid and survive the parking-lot frenzy.

First, try to get to school early. That gives you the best

chance of finding a spot. Trying to wait until the last minute to get to school is risky, and if there’s traffic and you’re cutting it close, the spots may be limited.

When leaving school at the end of the day, it’s important to get to your car quickly. Walking slowly from class and talking with friends for a while, even if just for a few minutes, can set you back 10 or 15 minutes at times.

Finally, be careful. Being too pushy can sometimes cause a wreck. Keep your distance between cars, and if a car refuses to let you go, just deal with it. It’s not worth damaging your car!

I’m not sure how many more parking passes will be distributed to sophomores, but with the Memorial construction, I think it’s safe to say that the traffic is not going to get any better. It’s important to stay safe and alert during these last few weeks of the school year. With these small tips, we can do the best we can in the parking lot frenzy.

[The Oracle]

ads

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[The Oracle]

Crossfire: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Exemptions Is the exemption policy really beneficial to students?

Making Some Exemptions

OPINION OF JOHN MCGOWAN Finals are an instrumental event. They are more often than not the primary grades that college administrators look at to determine a student’s eligibility, even though there are countless other grades that could establish a student’s educational personality. It does seem odd how a student’s educational value should rest on the outcome of one test rather than the innumerable amount of grades he or she has garnered over the past 18 weeks.

However, if that is the course that our educational system wishes to follow influencing a student’s semester grade with the results of a singular exam; then it should be a priority that finals be handled with extreme caution.

That is where exemption policies come in, as they can either benefit or deter a student’s semester grade with a few signatures, either eradicating a student’s anxieties over his or her finals or sentencing them to certain apprehension. While the idea of having exemptions for final exams is advantageous in itself, there are some aspects that remain irrational and liable for amending.

The biggest offender of this is the factor of absences. While being a constant

We Love Exemptions

OPINION OF EMMA HOLLAND attendee is a sensible requisite for exam The exemption policy: every student knows exemption, the policy does not take into these rules by heart. At some point during finals account special circumstances that, when week, students who have displayed exemplary looked at in context, could constitute for- work- ethic and determination can chose to giveness. Events such leave during a few (or all) as the death of a famTHE EXEMPTION POLICY finals, and end the school ily member or a drastic -No more than two absences in the class you year on a positive note. wish to exempt health crisis could very Thanks to exemptions, -No more than five absences in ANY class well justify a student’s students have less stress-At least an 80% average in the class you wish absence from school, ful studying and review to exempt as these are signifipackets to complete. Stu-No truancy in any class cantly different than dents now have a chance -2 tardies=1 absence an absence based on -No ISS, U’s in conduct, or suspension to enjoy their last few simple reluctance to go days in school and look to class. Also, students If qualifications are met: forward to summer vaca-Freshmen: 1 exemption make up what they tion.

-Sophomores: 2 exemptions missed to catch up.

The exemption policy -Juniors: 3 exemptions And yet, when prinoffers so many benefits, -Seniors: all finals cipals and other adminsuch as giving a purpose istrators see absences for attendance. It gives Note: additional exemptions may be allowed resulting from drastic based on commending EOC Scores or if you students a reason to events, they label them take an AP test come to school, especialin the same classificaly second semester when tion as an absence resulting from sheer ir- no one feels like showing up. Thanks to this, responsibility. Those who have drastic per- students don’t feel very motivated to skip school sonal issues and require a leave of absence because they have a runny nose. The attendance should not be stripped of their exemptions requirements for exempting a final are strict, so due to something that could be described near-perfect attendance is required in order to as humane and rational. receive the reward.

Another benefit of the exemption policy for students is that it allows students to avoid taking the finals in their hardest classes. The exemption policy has saved students hanging on with a 90 or an 80 in the class from having to stay up late studying to keep their grades.

The exemption policy also motivates students to keep their grades up in order to exempt finals.

Students must have a least an 80% average in the class they want to exempt. It forces students to not blow off the end of the year and take school seriously.

The exemption policy not only benefits students, but also the faculty. It reflects positively on a school when they have high attendance rate. Not only that, teachers do their job for the students, and they really appreciate students coming to school to benefit from their teaching.

When students have a goal in mind, exemptions in this case, it brings more students to class each day. In addition, more exemptions means less finals that the teachers have to grade.

As it has been proven, there are so many benefits to the exemption policy. The exemption policy not only acts as a reward, it is beneficial to the grades of the students. The ability to exempt is taken so seriously, and it causes students to work hard and come to school, which in turn makes Stratford a better place.

When Grades Fail to Measure our Knowledge

Summer Birthdays: Gains and Losses

OPINION OF TINA KANG AND RILEY TIMMRECK Checking Skyward every minute is a sympReview sheets don’t always help either. tom of high school students who are eager Most teachers hand out a review of the to make better grades. We tend to get upset test, and we assume, sometimes wrongly, over bad test grades, even asking for extra that the test material is based solely on the credit to bump the grade a little higher. review. We study based on what is on the Even those who are academically gifted review, since the review does not include attend tutorials to ask questions and go unnecessary materials. over what they missed on a quiz/test. Our Another incident that can affect grades is knowledge of our classes is measured by when students poll their fellow classmates the grade on Skyward. about what is on the test.

However, sometimes the grading system These students are then at a distinct adfails to measure our true knowledge of vantage as they know exactly what to study the subject. The fault here is that we can for the test. Even teachers who create difbe lucky sometimes. We can guess on five ferent versions of the test can not totally questions and get all of them right. That obliterate this advantage for some. means we can get extra five points on the These students ask their classmates spetest that we truly do not deserve. cifically what material is and is not on the There are many students that are natural test. This strategy is deceitful and unfair test takers. They take good notes, review to those who take the test solely with their them the night before, breeze through own knowledge. the test, and end up with an A. However, The only way to avoid this unfair advanthere are some students who are not able tage is for every student to adopt the same to achieve the same high scores. They are response. That response should be, “I don’t just as smart as the other students, but if remember what is on the test, just study you base aptitude solely off of grades, the the chapter and the review sheet.” Only numbers say differently. Many of these stu- then will grades truly be fair through every dents suffer from test anxiety, or learn dif- class period. This won’t stop the obsessing ferently from their peers. But just because over checking Skyward but it might make their grades are not as high,does not mean the grades a more accurate representation. that their intelligence is diminished.

GRAPHIC BY RACHEL TORRES OPINIONS OF RACHEL HOOD AND GIGI MEREDITH In the three months we are free from our people are off doing their own thing too. All educational prison, there is a lot that goes your friends won’t be conveniently together in on. There are the always awaited family vaca- one place to party with you and you may have tions, the popular expensive summer camps family taking up your time too. You may get to and of course... summer jobs. But we can’t for- see some, but it won’t be quite the same. get, for others summer also means upcoming Summer is prime time for traveling and that birthdays! While I, myself do not means they may even be travelhave a summer birthday, I can acing to your city. If you do get to knowledge the advantages and disgo out, a restaurant or any othadvantages of having one. er public place, it’s going to be A major advantage in my opinpacked. Some of your favorite ion would be the fact that there is places might be overcrowded no school. The chances of having with people, making it hot, unto study for major exams and a ficomfortable, and just not worth nal essay on the same day are less it. Finally, and this could actulikely if you’re a summer baby. Enally go two ways, depending on joy these times of being a student if your social life, people tend to you’re a summer child. Once you get out there travel more in the summer, having less time to in the real working world, summer vacation send you presents, cards or even a text. Howdoesn’t exist. ever, people may have even more free time to Along with summer comes great weather! check social media. With school out and no And who doesn’t love the sun? Birthday kids classes or work, people may send you a more get to take full advantage of this by planning thoughtful message on your special day. birthday parties at places like the beach, a Whether you’re a summer, fall, spring, or park or even take a road trip to the lake. It’s winter baby, the whole point is to just have way better than being stuck inside because fun and celebrate with friends and family. So the weather stinks or because it’s a school Happy Birthday from me for those who should night. remember that it’s your day, so go out and do Now for a few cons of summer birthdays. what you want - have fun. You only turn this If you’re home for vacation, odds are, other age once so make it count.

Students obsessing about their grades

They sound fun, but are they really?

[The Oracle]

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Closing Out the Playhouse Season with A Chorus Line

news

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Moments captured during rehearsal for the final show of the year

PHOTOS BY PERRY SHEPARD, PRESLEY GRAVES, JAYMIE JONES

Dance Until You Drop

Seniors Philip Beavers, Griffin Sink, and junior Matt Hopper, rehearse the famous number, One, before the opening of the show. The show opened on April 28 and closed May 7.

A Singular Sensation

Senior Isobel Makin prepares for her final Playhouse musical.

Acting Out Seniors Griffin Sink and Phillip Beavers acting out a scene from A Chorus Line.

A Chorus line was the Stratford Playhouse’s last performance of the year. For a lot of the cast it was their last performance as a Spartan.

The show ran for 3 nights, April 28-30 and was a huge success.

Backstage Behind the scenes

Last Hoorah Dress rehearsal gives senior Cameron

view of the set for A Chorus Line

Saims time to prepare for his emotional monologue.

Spartan LAX Takes On Playoffs PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BRITTAIN AND GRAYSON WILSON

Best Student Section Senior Scott Kennedy was one of the many students that supported the team to their victory by cheering from the student section at The Emery Weiner School.

Senior Evan Goodearle played the entire game against Pearland helping his team win the THSLL South Division Championship game. The spartans have had a very successful season winning 16 of their 19 games.

In It To Win It

District to Regional Face Off Seniors Davis Beasley and Tanner Jones fight to make the shot at the game against Pearland, May 1st. The Spartans won the game 16-9.

On Saturday May 7 Stratford took on Mcneil at Grob Stadium in the first round of the DII Regionals, the Spartans took the win with a score of 19-11.

Senior Grayson LaGrange and Sophomore Thomas Howell help their teammates.

Team Spirit The season finished with the game against Rockwall, Sunday, May 8. The Spartans fought a hard game ending a very successful season that saw lots of wins.

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Spartan on His Way to Being a Trojan

news

[The Oracle]

Interview with senior Holton Hockaday on his future as a film student WRITTEN BY TAYLOR MORRIS The University of Southern California’s school of Film and Television production has been regarded as the most prestigious film school since its opening. The schools A-list alumni have gone on to dominate the film industry, with almost 500 nominations for Academy and Emmy awards between them and the top 17 highest grossing films of all time having a USC alumni in a key position. It’s no surprise that the acceptance rate is lower than Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, selecting only 50 students out of thousands of applicants. One of the 50 that was selected for the class of 2020 is senior Holton Hockaday.

What got you interested in film as a career path?

After I saw the films E.T. and Super 8, I was inspired to go out and start making my own movies. So I started saving up all of my money from birthdays and holidays to buy a video camera. I spent the past two summers taking film production classes at UCLA’s Film School which ultimately motivated me even more to continue this as a career. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked and gained valuable knowledge on several professional sets for CBS Network Television.

What’s the application process like for USC’s film school?

First, you have to do the basic USC application which includes the Common App essay and some USC-specific essays. Then, for the Film School, you have to make a separate portfolio including a 1,500 word personal statement, a feature film idea in great detail, a list of all your creative works, a five minute short film and three letters of recommendation. The process is VERY selective with only 2-5% (50 people out of thousands)

being accepted into the Film & Television Production program which I am in. I had a professor at the cinema school call me the day I got in, which was super exciting. He told me that he was impressed with my portfolio work and would like to catch a coffee and introduce me to his friends when I’m on campus. I won’t reveal his name but he was one of the previous presidents of Universal Studios and worked on ET, Star Wars and Alien just to name a few. He’s also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which means he votes on the Oscars.

What goals do you have for the future (once you’re out college)?

I have extremely high and clear goals for my career. Number one is to walk the red carpet and win an Academy Award. My other goal is to collaborate with my idols like Steven Spielberg, JJ Abrams and George Lucas to make blockbuster films that will revolutionize the industry and make iconic moments in film history. I want to make big movies that kids like me would wait all summer to watch them. Don’t be afraid to set your goals as high as you can, because you can achieve them if you work hard enough.

What are you most looking forward to at USC? The unbelievable Hollywood connections. Students in the Film School are known as the “Trojan Mafia” because the students stick together and dominate the industry. With famous alumni like George Lucas (Star Wars, Indiana Jones), Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Back to the Future Trilogy, Cast Away), Judd Apatow (Superbad, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old

Your Summer Reading Is Here 15% Off For all SHS Students

Virgin), Ron Howard (Apollo 13) and Will Ferrell, just to name a few, it’s impossible to turn down. It’s so hard to get in that even Steven Spielberg (Jaws, ET, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List) got rejected three times. I’m still pinching myself and can’t believe I got in! I’m really excited for these challenging next four years to see where it takes me. As engraved in the Spielberg and Lucas Buildings where I will be taking my classes, “Reality Ends Here”.

[The Oracle]

news

News in Brief

Summer School Dates

Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Session I - June 9 - June 27 Session II - June 28 - July 14 @ Northbrook High School, all dates

Graduation

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National Honor Society Induction

Prom

PHOTOS BY PRESLEY GRAVES

May 20, 8-12 p.m. @ the Chateau Cocomar

Dodgeball Tournament May 17, 6 p.m. @ the middle gym

On April 25, 136 juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society. This elite organization is dedicated to recognizing high school students who exemplify the Society’s four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character. The application for admittance is a tough one, including the requirement of having a 6.0 GPA or higher.

End of School

May 28, 4 p.m. @ the DCC

June 2, 11:50 a.m.

UIL Band Competition

Congratulations to Band and Orchestra! At the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, both the Symphonic and Honors Band earned sweepstakes (or all 1’s) on April 27 in Brenham. At Northbrook High School on the same day, all four Stratford Orchestras received identical perfect scores.

The Band and Orchestra received plaques for their sweepstake scores in UIL Competition on April 27.

You can see the awards in the main office; they are currently displayed on the front desk.

Teacher of the Year Finalist

Foreign language teacher Mrs. Sorsby advances as a finalist in the district-wide competition

WRITTEN BY ELLIE HERRMANN Every year, each campus in Spring Branch ISD selects a teacher to become their campus Teacher of the Year. This prestigious nomination is not to be taken lightly-those awarded have been chosen only through a lengthy process.

The 48 campuses that belong to our district are proud to nominate their best and brightest for the chance to be District Teacher of the Year.

The teachers come from all sorts of backgrounds, ranging from only a few years of experience to decades.

Stratford’s pick, Mrs. Elaine Sorsby, has been teaching for 29 years. She teaches in the foreign language department, where she works as the department chair. She currently teaches Spanish, but has also taught French in the past.

Mrs. Sorsby graduated from UT with a degree in education and double majors in

PHOTO BY CLAIRE SANCHEZ

both French and Spanish.

These educational qualifications are just a few of Mrs. Sorsby’sextraordinarytraitsthat makeheranoutstandingteacherinnotonlytheStratfordcommunity,buttheentiredistrict.In additiontoteachingMrs.Sorsby is club sponsor for the Anime Club and for Project Nice.

Mrs. Sorsby was chosen as one of the seven Teacher of the Year finalists, four being from secondary schools. One of these finalists were awarded as District Teacher of the Year at the annual SBISD Service Banquet ceremony on May 4.

Mrs. Sorsby helps out sophomore Avery Agosto during a Spanish III class.

Complete List of Inductees: Carson Allred Salma Almasri Madison Aycock Brittany Baerg Madeline Baker Emma Barden Michaela Barroga Arturo Benitez John Blausen Kyle Bradstrom Julia Brice Hannah Broom Brittany Bryant Madison Bryant Ian Campbell John Capshaw III Caroline Carr Carson Cassady Anali Cerantes Kellen Cerveny Joshua Chan Shayli Chen-Troester Noor Chreidi Charles Craig Caroline Crawford Andrew Dawson Andrew Demeris Michelle Dias Darius Dixon Mary Dodds Maxwell Dumler Mark Duna Kyndall Dupre Samantha Englund

Samuel Evetts Mehmet Felek Miller Filla Mia Fjerstad Katherine Frenza John Gahn Taylor Gee Emma George Alexis Gervasio Anna Glidewell Savannah Glidewell Hasib Hamdi Aminreza Hamiditabar Katelyn Hamilton Connor Hannigan Samantha Hanslip Zachary Harkins Sadaf Hashemian Madeleine Hay Cameron Henkel Sol Herrera Virginia Herring Duncan Hilton Daniella Hirst Matthew Hopper Austin Janousek Evelyn John Conner Johnson Grace Jones Gracie Jones Ashley Joyner Nicolas Karolys Carly Keusseyan Nazlee Khadjeheian

Dania Khan Abigail Klasing Ernest Kohnke Matthew Komitsky Samuel Kwak Sini Lehtinen Patrick Lewis Emily Lister Caroline Lydick Bolin Mahaffey William Manke Roxanne Mason Elena McInroe Ezra Meyer Jordan Meza Alec Milazzo Erin Miller Samdup Miller Alice Morse Kathryn Moses Shawyan Mozaffar William Mundy Ivy Mwaura James Nantz Jr. Alena Nederveld Alec Norman Heavin Oh Zachary Peters Lauren Pfeifer Hannah Pruitt Kirby Purcell Serene Qi Jordyn Richards James Robinson Jr.

Maria Rojas Garcia Randall Royal Philip Salls Kathleen Schageman MacKenzie Schlief Mary Schwabenland Farrah Shahhosseini Jessica Sheldon Omid Shirazi Olivia Siciliano Anna Skelly Jillian Skrivanek Miranda Slaton James Smith Ryan Smith Alyssa Stanford Rachel Stone Morgan Thornton Riley Timmreck Mia Trinh Katherine Troutman Blair Vadervoort Elizabeth Wathen Ben Wharton Grayson Whelen Travis White Nathan Winn Madeline Winter Paige Wright Heream Yang Ju Won Yoo Camila Zapater

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Class of 2016 Valedictorians

These are the senior students who maintained a perfect GPA throughout high school.

PHOTOS BY RILEY TIMMRECK AND JORDYN RICHARDS

Every year, a select number of seniors who have maintained a 6.5 GPA earn the special title of valedictorian.

The fight to gain this status was no easy task. These students survived with lots of caffeine, endured sleepless nights, overcame brutal tests, participated in extracurriculars, upholding other obligations, and sometimes balancing a job with school.

Unlike other schools where only one student is named valedictorian, the honor is

Caroline Addison

bestowed to anyone who achieves a perfect GPA during their high school careers.

This year’s class holds the most valedictorians in the school’s history, with a total of 41 seniors graduating with this honorable title. The class of 2016 has set a high bar for students in the years to come, and everyone knows they will go on to earn many achievements and make their alma maters proud.

Timothy Angeles

Henry Baring

Kiana Banafshay

Parker Barrett

Jessie Bernstein

Jennifer Brann

Clay Collins

Emily Gex

Julia Gex

Blake Grooms

Chris Hachtman

Nick Hasou

Will Henderson

Abigail Hirst

Dani Greene

Jackson Holland

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[The Oracle]

Emma Jackson

Scott Kennedy

CJ Kight

Kate Kopatic

Hannah Lee

Alan MacIvor

Taylor Meyer

Alyssa Plant

David Quinlan

Fischer Robinson

Alex Rubinstein

Filipe Rubinstein

Yoolim Seo

Jamie Song

Diana Sosa

Nicolas Terrazas

Jake Whelen

Haley Wilson

Jake Wright

Charlie Howell

Claire Koenig

Makenzie Kooken

David Mogilevsky

Alexander Plant

[The Oracle]

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The Past Four Years In A Few Words Seniors give their final say about their experience as a Spartan WRITTEN BY PRECIOUS AKPAN PHOTO BY: RILEY TIMMRECK

Freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior year: four years of our lives devoted to high school.

These four years have been challenging, eventful, torturous, drama-filled, amazing, fun, and above all, worth the while. A lot has been said, a lot has been done, mistakes have been made, and memories have been created. All that, has built up to the last moments of a phase in our lives as teenagers and young adults.

We are now at the end of a stage in life, ready to move on to the next with no clue what lies ahead.

The experience gained from the past four years has left us with few things to say. Some are about what we’ve thought high school has been or what we’ve learned.

On May 28, Don Coleman Coliseum will be filled with forest green caps and gowns as the seniors graduate.

Stratford is one big family, “I’ve onl y been a bl there is something for every- last four years wi e to bear the th help f friends, one.” rom my parents, and the - Taylor Brittain Ben & Jer pint of r ing for m y’s that’s alway s e in the “I enjoyed my time at Mefreezer.” wait- Matt M morial?..... or Stratford? ercier Ya that one, it was great.”

- Ken Shuff

“Hold fast to what you hold dear. Don’t think you need to change yourself for o thers, and don’t let anything pers uade you otherwise. There’s on ly you in the world, so embrace it.”

- Noelle Flores

N be A C t n e signm s a ight y n n A e “ h t done y l l a t to .” arrama before d a u G -Delia

“This school is 100% better than the school I’m zoned to.”

-Dustin Dompier

nto the o d l o h t st no ou to y e “Naps, procrastinatio “One mu s u a c y a n, and m t i r r i c g n i past fo g d o ofing around.” ever en n a n ” i . t l e n “A step in the right trav nger or resentme - Austin Wood r e a g f u o b e ar cl direction.”

- Myles M -Megyn Schrey “The last four years were filled with no regrets” “Don’t let society tric k you - Aimee Murillo into th inking you need to wear pants.” time e l b a t p “Anything is possible if e acc y l n n o r u t e - Katherine Curtis “Th u didn’t o you just Sparknote” y n e h w s i m o y r c . c n i o t - Eliza Masewicz o turnit t n i y a s s e r u yo sley on time” n i T e l c a - Mir

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[The Oracle]

Dear Seniors, A bittersweet goodbye from... Ms. Vanessa Croix- Senior Counselor I receive this question a lot after listening to people go on and on about all the feats their children have accomplished... So... do you have any children?

I say, why yes... I have 523 fabulous kiddos!

And let me tell you about them...

One of my children received a perfect score on the ACT, three of them are National Merit Scholars, ten are National Merit Commended, six are National Hispanic Recommended Scholars, and 41 are co-valedictorians.

Many of them are future Broadway stars, some are brilliant mathematicians (definitely not taking after me!), some are extraordinary musicians, many are prolific writers, a few are outstanding artists... all of these children have received awards for their talents. And two of my children have amazing talents in filmmaking and will undeniably be winning national accolades soon.

And... some of my children are future engineers, doctors, nurses, government leaders, and one will definitely be President of the United States #I’mwithSK2016. Some will be pioneering researchers, entrepreneurs, accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, pilots, teachers, and one will be a mortician. So many of my children have received prestigious scholarships and a few of them are going to college for free!

And I cannot forget my children who have the ultimate courage and will be serving our country in the military.

Furthermore, many of my children are astounding athletes who have received scholarships to play in college. Some of my talented kiddos will even make it to the pros one day.

Finally, some of my children have overcome monstrous challenges with astonishing poise, grit , and fortitude.

As a proud mama, I look forward to those front row seats on

Broadway and in NRG stadium. I hope to sit in the front row of the academy awards when one of my children wins his first Oscar. I will also look forward to those plane tickets to NYC just to visit my child who took the number one spot on the Forbes list of billionaires. And I wonder which one will be on the cover of Time magazine as Person of the Year...

So as you can see... ALL my children are absolutely amazing and undeniably outstanding!

Dear Seniors... I will continue bragging about all of you until I’m old and gray. You all have made the last two years a time I will never forget. I’m so very proud of all of you for everything you’ve accomplished.

Don’t ever forget that all of you have remarkable talents. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and will be sending you all of my positive spirit as you embark on your next journey.

Lots of love... your counselor (and part time mama),

Ms. Croix

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @v_croix (maybe I can beat Mr. Blaze’s number of followers!)

Best of luck on your new endeavor. You will be missed Ms. Croix!

12

[05/13/16]

Spartans Acr

MILITARY U.S. Navy

Precious Akpan

Where the Class of 2016 made t

Army Dustin Dompier

U.S. Marines Garbiel Diaz

INTERNATIONAL JAPAN Rika Maruyama Hiroki Murakami

Kansai University Hirone Sugiue

FRANCE

The American University of Paris Rachel Peterson

The U

CALIFORNIA

North

Biola University Grace Wu

The Art

University of California, Santa Cruz

OKLAHOMA

University of Tulsa

Diego Villanueva

University of Southern California

Emma Jackson Natalie Myers

The University of Oklahoma

Holton Hockaday

COLORADO

University of Colorado at Boulder Maddy Batiz Isobel Makin Ken Shuff Colton Slaughter

University of Denver Melanie LeaRussa

Colorado School of Mines Jordan Work

Davis Beasley Matthew Chavira McKenzie Cizik Michael Criswell Carsen Durham Evan Goodearle William Hendrickso Claire Koenig Jeannie Lowe Trevor Morris Ernie Reguera Cameron Saims Griffin Sink

Oklahoma State U

HAWAII

Hawaii Pacific University Megan Harris Ashlynn Wells

Kailani Bagley William Henderson Mary-Kate Scurlock

13

ross America

[The Oracle]

their college choices (out of state) OHIO

Miami University

MASSACHUSETTS

Seth Young

Amherst College

Xavier University Alex Dimario

Kate Kopatic

INDIANA

Northeastern University

The University of Notre Dame

Amanda Sturm

Chris Hachtman Nick Hasou

Sarah Anderson

Lesley University

NEW YORK

Fordham University Madison Shyer

ILLINOIS

Manhattan College

University of Chicago

Darwyn Bosco

Diana Sosa

New York University Maddie Dyer Baruch College

hwestern University Alex Miller

Shaheen Sadrialaei

Institute of Chicago

a

PENNSYLVANIA

Raul Mova

Bryn Mawr College

MISSOURI

University of Pennsylvania Jennifer Brann

Rebecca Biestek Mirella Brocklehurst

Chatham University William Tate

Stephens College Darian Julun

Yoolim Seo

The University of Arkansas Kalyn Barker Niko Gonzales Caroline Harger Addison Johnson Jake Roberts

GEORGIA

The University of Georgia Meredith Magnuson

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University Hunter Kottwitz Kirby Morris Fischer Robinson Chayse Sampy Sydney Slack Jake Whelen

University of New Orleans Kayla Johnson Kiarra Johnson

MARYLAND

Johns Hopkins University

ARKANSAS

University

Natasha Eades

Victoria Mundy

The University of Missouri

on

Hofstra University

ALABAMA

The University of Alabama

MISSISSIPPI

Sarah Kimball Stephenson

University of Mississippi Taylor Brittain Madeleine Capshaw Margaret Hunt Kristina Stilson

FLORIDA University of Florida Washington Irving

Key West Community College Cole Papageorge

Miami Dade College Camila Lopez

Ringling College of Art and Design Katrina Solomon

[05/13/16]

14

seniors

[The Oracle]

Congratulations to these students who have been accepted to: Alvin Community College Leslie Merchan The Art Institute of Houston Joseph Bonds Chardonnay Carrington Christopher Philio Austin Community College Isaac Asch Roy Gunter Baylor University Caroline Addison Ashton Bates Molly Bridges John Eyre Chris Nunn Kelsie Shoemake Gianna Smith Blinn College Niconna Chillis Annabelle Daniel Rudith David Delia Guaderrama Kustin Hamilton Kristian Johnson Lizzy Jones Clayton Lanier Myles Marburger Stephen Moreno Cameron Trahan Carter Trahan East Texas Baptist University Megan Gardner Houston Community College Nazor Alfuraiji Linah Al-maliki Hanadi Alzaza Paul Barron Jemarcus Dennson Elijah Duncan Ethan Godinez Clayton Lanier Ricardo Morales Dennis F. Nunez Sydney Powell Adam Plonum Marrium Raffat Abraham Salazar Mohammad Siddiqui Rachel Torres Marcus Wild Koran Wilkins Kilgore College Katherine Ham Lone Star College Casandra Lopez Destiny Furlow Maria Maa Dimitrina Radeva-Harelson

GRAPHIC BY: ROBIN GRAVES

Universities in Texas

San Jacinto College Jessica Rumero

Annie Hodges Mary Holloway Bryce Hooper Lara Hurst Kurt Alexander Jugo Grant Kay Amin Kazori Sungtaek Kim Samuel Kuhn Cooper Lane Kendall LeMeilleur Zach Levandoski Alan MacIvor Victoria Mancuso Matthew Martinez-Makowski Madison McCall John McGowan Michael Milstead Molly Murphy Marie Nantz Aaron Peters Natalie Raley Hugh Sharp Rebecca Tarver Parker Udstuen Jared Weyer Austin Wood Jake Wright Kyle Wright Jonas Yun

Schriener University Chris Collins

Texas A&M University, Commerce Kayla Smith

Southwestern University Hayley Schultz

Texas A&M University, Galveston Leoun Atesel Zachary Dexter Andrew Hinojos

Jaylen Wilburn

Navarro College TJ Slusher North Texas University Katherine Curtis Matt Mercier Kate Snelling Prairie View A&M University Christopher Moolchan Tracy Warren Rice University Julia Corteguera Nicolas Terrazas Sam Houston State University Lisa Chiu Isabela Cuadra Mark Gracia Andrew Kay Casey Lawrence Abby Montalbano Gerardo Noreiega Arnold Yoder

Stephen F. Austin State University Sean Hurst Tameka James Madeliene Prat St. Edwards University Rachel Allen Texas A&M University Parker Barret Seth Bartek Jordan Baugher Caroline Bergez Rakeem Boyd Gabi Brasher Ryan Brown Walt Bruce Brad Buth Justin Carlin Race Carter Matthew Elliot Chris Elston Sydney Foreman Suzy Frazelle Michael Goh Chris Griffin Blake Grooms Grace Heckmann Helen Hemphill

Texas A&M University, Kingsville Jared Willis Texas Christian University Austin Brown Sarah Calhoun Cameron Dorman Hayden Ferrari Georgia Ginn Texas Lutheran University Antonio Marin-Mendez Texas Southern University Marquise Fleeks Texas State University Kelcy Allen Mercedes Atkinson Jessica Cluff Haleigh Davis Dana Denney Kade Eitel Lindsey Grobelny Rachel Hood Jill Lapsley Kristina Lauritzen

Micah Montanez Miracle Tinsley Rachel Warwick Kaycee Wiedman

Texas State Technical College Cole Amyx Thomas Dilsworth Texas Tech University Nicholas Airola Brooke Benton Sarah Blackshear Henri Botha Jordyn Brooks Ethan Davidson Annie Messina Amanda Pinal Kendall Quackenbush Steven Schrantz Johnathan Schlief Georgia Smith Macy Tinkler Texas Women’s University Gabrielle Broussard The University of Texas at Arlington Sydney Miller Devin Mitchell The University of Texas, Austin Timothy Angeles Kate Balevic Kiana Banafshay Jessica Bernstein Thomas Birdsong Kian Boroujerd Hunter Brast Michael Foster Emily Gex Julia Gex Brandt Glidewell Griffin Henkel Abigail Hirst Jackson Holland Charlie Howell Scott Kennedy Bryan Kight CJ Kight Davis Lamberton Reilly Lawrence James Lewis Ben Moak Evie Morris Ravi Namudon Reed Rominger Filipe Rubinstein Connor Sands Clay Schrake Sammy Samman Jamie Song Ben Sullivan Kate Thomas Haley Wilson

The University of Texas, Dallas Elizabeth Brann Travis Ford-Fink Jazib Memon Juliana Parody Nicholas Phucas Joshua Sevcik Jacob Wilson The University of Texas, San Antonio Renna Neal Natalie Shigg Jess Thomas The University of Texas at Tyler Noia Washington Trinity University Scott Thomas Trinity Valley Community College Justin Hamilton Tyler Junior College Derrian Vivens University of Houston Virginia Adkins Amir Ashori Eric Benoit Igor Berranger Manan Bughio Carlos Bulnes Cristian Castellanos KayLynn Cloud Adriana Coffman Ruqsar Fatima Glenda Fruitz Owen Hebert Roberta Greta Ilesuk Tina Kang Gregory Laws Robert Martinez-Cross Matt Meraer Jessica Moore Natalya Pomeroy Husain Poonwala Daniel Sarto Sarah Standefer Arya HajiTaheri Jung Yang Seung Yu University of the Incarnate Word Erika Stephenson University of Mary-Hardin Baylor Keller Deal Cassidy Menard Victoria College Elijah Fields

culture

[The Oracle]

15

The Great Texas Getaway

[05/13/16]

The Lone Star State has more beautiful sites to offer than you think WRITTEN BY NAZLEE KHADJEHEIAN Between the sleep-away camps, summer jobs, and trips, there are days at home that we spend lamenting the same frustration: “There’s nothing to do in Texas!” We’ve all traveled to the Capitol, been to NASA, swam in Galveston’s murky but loved waters, and visited the Alamo. After you complete the short list of popular tourist destinations, it’s easy to believe that there’s not much else to explore. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

This summer vacation, you don’t have to be bored at all. Texas is truly a beautiful state, and there are many hidden spots that you can travel to and explore in a day.

ELENA’S CANYON BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK Located in the heart of Big Bend National Park, this canyon can be reached with a quick trip downstream the Rio Grande. The canyon’s limestone walls reach up to 1,500 feet and offer spectacular scenery. Paddle down the gorge in a kayak and enjoy the view, or even swim in the river!

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 9 HOURS 37 MINUTES

GORMAN FALLS

CADDO LAKE

LOST MAPLES

BEND, TX Found in Colorado Bend State Park, this wondrous attraction can be visited after an exhilarating hike with or without a guide. The falls are considered the treasure of the Hill Country. While visiting the 65-foot waterfall, be sure to also explore the underground caves in the park.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 4 HOURS 12 MINUTES

KARNACK, TX Named after the Caddo Indians, this lake is disputed to have been formed by an earthquake or a giant flood. It is the only natural lake in Texas. Known for its rugged beauty, visitors can explore the lush forestry. Take a trip and have the chance to swim, canoe, or fish in this mystic lake.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 4 HOURS

VANDERPOOL, TX Here in Texas, we’re not used to a full-fledged fall season. But with a visit to this park during its foliage season, you will see all of fall’s colors on the towering maple trees that line the hiking trails. It may not be that colorful this summer, but it’s too beautiful of a visit to miss out on!

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 4 HOURS 33 MINUTES

EXIT 2016

I- 45

HAMILTON POOL DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX Hamilton Pool is a historic swimming hole that is fed by Hamilton Creek and a 50-foot waterfall. Take a quick hike through the canyon to reach the pool, which has constant water levels that visitors are able to take dip in and can be found in the canyon.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 3 HOURS 17 MINUTES

ROAD

NORTH ADVENTURE

2 MILES AHEAD

BLUE LAGOON HUNTSVILLE, TX The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful lake with depths up to 25 feet. It is utilized as a diving facility, so if you’re SCUBA certified,enjoy exploring the lagoon’s clear waters. Non-divers are admitted, but on a restricted schedule, so make sure to check online before visiting.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 1 HOUR 16 MINUTES

PALO DURO CANYON CANYON, TX This “hard wood” canyon was formed by water erosion and stretches for 120 miles. Palo Duro is said to be the second largest canyon in the states. The canyon offers scenic views for hikers, bikers, horse-riders, and all other kinds of explorers.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 9 HOURS 50 MINUTES

JACOB’S WELL WIMBERLEY, TX This artisan spring, dubbed Jacob’s Well, appears almost as a hole in the ground of the lake in which visitors can swim, climb, and jump off of the limestone rocks surrounding the spring and into the well. The spring goes down about 30 feet and continues at an angle to reach a depth of 120 feet.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 3 HOURS 8 MINUTES

INNER SPACE CAVERN

TRIP

DEVIL’S RIVER

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS One of the numerous caverns found in Texas, this attraction is still breathtaking. Explore tight crawls and wide expanses that appear to be as large as rooms - like an underground maze. Hidden for 10,000 years, this cavern is one of the best-preserved in Texas.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 2 HOURS 51 MINUTES

MONOHANS SAND HILLS MONOHANS, TX Travel to this state park and stand in awe of the massive sand dunes that slope gracefully and imitate a sweeping desert. In addition to camping, hiking, and wildlife watching, this attraction offers a unique opportunity. Visitors can enjoy a wild ride “surfing” the sand.

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 8 HOURS 22 MINUTES

DEL RIO, TEXAS A pristine spring-fed river suited for kayaking, fishing, and even swimming, the Devi’s River is a hidden oasis. Travel up the stream to the Dolan Falls, a scenic rocky cliff that borders the river, and enjoy the sights of the water fall DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 6 HOURS 10 MINUTES

MARFA LIGHTS MARFA, TEXAS Deep in this little Texas ghost town, there is a light phenomenon that brightens up the night sky. People have claimed to see red, white, and orange spherical lights floating around throughout the year. Some people even speculate that the lights are really UFOs. DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 8 HOURS 14 MINUTES

EXPLORING AHEAD

SAN SOLOMON SPRINGS BALMORHEA STATE PARK A cool oasis found in the desert of Balmorhea State Park, this is the largest spring-fed swimming pool. Swimmers can enjoy the 25foot depth of the pool and observe the turtles and fish that live in it. This turquoise pool will captivate any of its visitors in the dusty desert!

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 7 HOURS 30 MINUTES

CATTAIL FALLS BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK Located in Big Bend Park National Park, the canyon is home to a hidden beauty. After a heavy rainfall, water cascades over the canyon, producing the Cattail Falls. The site can be reached after a breathtaking hike, so even if there isn’t a big waterfall, there will still be many beautiful sites to see!

DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 9 HOURS 37 MINUTES

So pack up your suitcases and load your cars, Spartans. When you find yourself wanting to get out of town for a little while this summer, check out some of these attractions and enjoy exploring. Texas is close to 270,000 square miles in size, and it’s time we got to know the beauty of our state!

WHEREVERYOU END UP THIS SUMMER...

THE ORACLE STAFF WISHES YOU SAFE TRAVELS!

[The Oracle]

culture

16

[05/13/16]

Throw back to the Past

Reminiscing old memories and celebrating the new WRITTEN BY MADDIE MCKENZIE

Sometimes the past does not come back to haunt us, but instead, it brings back memories of the good old days. These photos were inspired by 1977’s most iconic yearbook memories, with a few flashbacks of our favorite staff members.

Original 1977 photo of junior Robert King.

Principal Danny Gex sophomore year at SHS in Original photo from 1977’s varsity baseball team.

Original 1977 photo freshman Susan Hamilton and senior Chuck Johnson.

Cody Schwartz senior year at SHS in ‘07.

Karl Poetzl senior year at SHS in ‘92.

Original photo from 1977’s varsity cheer team.

Senior Cameron Trahan recreates a 1977 senior superlative.

Senior varsity baseball players strike a pose from a 1977 dugout Senior varsity cheerleaders stunt it out in scene. old school uniforms.

Seniors Maddie Dyer and Chris Nunn recreate a 1977 superlative.

[The Oracle]

culture

17

[05/13/16]

Blast to the Past-Then and Now

Seniors reflect on changes since freshmen year STORY BY NOELLE FLORES

Ice Cream Pie When thinking of pie, you typically picture the round desserts found at your Thanksgiving dinner. Well, now it’s been re-invented for the warm months to come. Ice cream pie has everything you look for in a dessert, with a cold edge to keep off the Houston heat.

DANI GREENE

CAMERON SAIMS

Q: How do you think you’ve changed since freshman year? What differences do you see in yourself?

A: What’s changed the most about me is how much I value the opinions of others. I care a lot less about what other people think of me and have become more comfortable in my own skin.

Q: How do you think Stratford impacted you and helped you become the person you are today?

A: I have made many lifelong friends at Stratford, and I am so thankful for every one of them because they are the core of my high school experience. They constantly challenge me and what I believe in and shape me into a better, more accepting person. My time in the theatre department has also had a big impact on my life. It’s a community that accepts me for who I am, has taught me unforgettable life lessons, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Q: How do you think you’ve changed since freshman year? What differences do you see in yourself?

A: I have become more confident in myself over the years and have gained a variety of friends.

I think that’s what really allowed me to have a unique high school experience. I’m more outgoing and friendly than I was freshman year, but I am also super sassy and straightforward.

Q: How do you think Stratford impacted you and helped you become the person you are today?

A: Stratford has impacted me through the friends I have made. I think meeting so many different and interesting people impacted me. It definitely helped expand my career as a student.

Saying Goodbye to Beloved Faculty Members

After many years of service, some of SHS’s best retire PHOTOS BY NATALIE GAISER, CHRISTINE DIAS AND ARTURO BENITEZ WRITTEN BY NAZLEE KHADJEHEIAN

DAVID TRAHAN

BECKY PALERMO

MARJORIE WILLIAMS

Ingredients

for crust: -8 oz. of graham crackers -8 oz. of Keebler’s Ice Cream Cones -1 stick of unsalted butter -1/4 cup of brown sugar for fudge: -1 can of Carnation Evaporated Milk -1 stick of unsalted butter -1 cup of sugar -2 oz. of Bakers unsweetened chocolate (half a 4 oz. package in the orange box) -1 tsp. of pure vanilla extract others: -1 half-gallon of coffee ice cream -1 8 oz. package of original cool whip -1/2 cup of crushed heath bars -1/4 cup of any chocolate chips -1 13x9 inch glass pan

Instructions

MARY ROUSE

Years at SHS: 34

Years at SHS: 38

Years at SHS: 29

Years at SHS: 10

Retirement plans: Mr. Trahan would like to spend time with his eight month old granddaughter. He also plans to travel up to Colorado and bike throughout the state’s beautiful sights.

Retirement plans: Mrs. Palermo is going to get , “new knees”. She plans on staying in her volleyball club and traveling. She will also be an active volunteer at her church.

Retirement plans: Ms. Williams is moving to a cabin in New Mexico after she retires. She plans on attending horse races, going fishing, hiking, and taking her grandkids skiing.

Retirement plans: After retirement, Ms. Rouse is going to travel on a European River Cruise. She also hopes to spend time with her seven grandchildren and participate in volunteer activities.

Start by making the fudge first. Mix the first four ingredients for the fudge in a pot over the stove for 15-20 minutes on medium heat until thick, stir often.

After it has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool off in the pot until it’s about room temperature.

Now start on the crust. Crush the graham crackers and ice cream cones with a mallet or the back of a soon separately in a large plastic bag. I usually don’t crush the cones quite as fine and leave some chunks for texture. After crushed, measure 8 oz. of each ingredients in a measuring cup. Add them together for total of 16 oz..

In a large mixing bowl mix the crushed crackers, cones, brown sugar, and a stick of unsalted melted butter. Once combined add to the pan and press the crust firmly down evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Bake the crust at 350° for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown. Take out of the oven and cool the crust completely. While waiting for the crust to cool take out the ice cream to let it soften.

Spread the ice cream evenly over the crust, but make sure to not break the crust. This is easier to do when the ice cream is partially melted. Set the pan into the freezer for about an hour for the ice cream to get solid again.

Take out the pan and spread the cool fudge over the top. Freeze for another hour.

Spread the cool whip across the top. To add extra flavor, add chocolate chips, a crushed heath bar, and some extra crushed waffle cone to the top. Freeze at least for another 30 minutes for good measure.

RECIPE AND PHOTO BY ROBIN GRAVES

[The Oracle]

18

ads

[05/13/16]

[The Oracle]

ads

19

[05/13/16]

[The Oracle]

sports

20

ONE ON ONE with...

Coach Amarantos PHOTO BY NATALIE GAISER

Senior Athletes Then and Now Looking back at how our senior athletes changed from when they were freshmen PHOTOS BY: MNEMOSYNE, RACHEL HOOD

Jill Lapsley

Freshman Year

Q: What experience do you have with coaching baseball?

A: I have been playing and coaching baseball for as long as I can remember. I was very fortunate to be able to play at the college level. I was a catcher, so I had to learn every aspect of the game to be fully prepared.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about coaching baseball?

A: I love the game within the game. The chess match that takes place between coaches. But more importantly, I love telling the players my knowledge of the game and about life.

Regardless of winning or losing, I am the leader of young men.

I use baseball to help produce greater men, sons, fathers, and husbands.

Q: What are your expectations for this season?

A: My expectation for this season is high because we are seniorheavy, and we should plan to compete for a playoff spot.

[05/13/16]

Senior Year

Senior Jill Lapsley is planning to attend Texas State University in the fall. Lapsley has played soccer all four years and plans to continue playing on an intramural team in college.

What she will miss most about soccer, Lapsley said, “Hanging out at team dinners.”

Alex Miller

Freshman Year

Zach Levandoski

Brooke Benton

Freshman Year

Freshman Year

Senior Year

Senior Year

Senior Alex Miller is planning to attend Northwestern in the fall, where he will be playing for the NCAA team. Miller has played football all four years, including being on Varsity for three years.

His favorite memories included “Getting to know everyone, team dinners, semifinals Sophomore year, beating Memorial, and more.”

Senior Brooke Benton is planning to attend Texas Tech University in the fall. Benton has played volleyball all four years and plans to continue playing on an intramural team in college. Her favorite thing about volleyball Benton said, “I love the team bond we have and the competition the game brings.”

Senior Year

Senior Zach Levandoski is planning on attending Texas A&M University in the fall. Levandoski has played football and baseball all four years. What he would tell his freshman self, Levandoski said “Enjoy your time at Stratford because it goes by pretty fast.”

Baseball Comeback The team does not give up and ends up winning STORY BY ELIZABETH COLE PHOTOS BY PERRY SHEPARD AND JORDYN RICHARDS The varsity baseball team celebrated a win against Magnolia High School on Friday, April 8 after a fantastic turnaround in the last inning, ending in a score of 5-4.

The varsity boys were down 2-3, but during the seventh and final inning, the team got two amazing comeback hits, securing victory over the Magnolia Bulldogs.

“Going into the last inning, we were losing by one run, but Connor Hannigan got a hit that counted as an error, so it turned out we were tied 3-3,” sophomore JP McGinty said. “It was Larry Coston who got the last hit that resulted in a run.”

Compared to the 7-10 average from the 2015 season, the 2016

season, with a district average of 9-5, has the baseball team making a successful breakthrough.

“The team chemistry this year is definitely better, which is leading to better games and a better season,” said junior Allen Winter.

In wake of this amazing win, the team is analyzing where they stand for the rest of the baseball season.

“We’re probably going to make it to playoffs and give the other teams a run for their money,” junior Connor Hannigan said, “We’re definitely going to fight.”

The baseball team is now at an impressive win-loss average of 17-10. Wish them luck on the rest of their season!

Refuse To Lose

Coach A congratulates senior Larry Coston on third base at the Magnolia game.

Every Game Is Game Seven

At the Magnolia game seniors Kyle Donaho and Jake Whelen celebrate after winning, with a score of 5-4.

Batter Up

Senior Tracy Warren pitches a fast ball to a Magnolia batter.

Three Strikes And You’re Out

Senior Austin Wood takes his place on the pitcher mound during the Ridge Point game on April 2.

[The Oracle]

seniors

21

High School in Reflection

[05/13/16]

Interviewing four Senior Spartans about their past, present, and future WRITTEN BY: JOHN MCGOWAN AND CAROLINE BUCEK Q: What will you miss the most about high school?

Q: What is your fondest memory from high school?

Scott Kennedy: I will mostly miss the people, just because Stratford is a place filled with a lot of special people, along with people who have become special to me as a result of forming relationships over time and experiences.

SK: There are a lot of fond memories, involving a lot of people, but I can think of football playoffs during sophomore year. Going and being a fan in the stands was an absolute blast, some of the most school spirit I have ever seen.

Noelle Flores: Honestly, my friends; the environment here has been awesome and supportive. All the friendships that I have with people here mean so much to me, and they helped me become the person I am today. I don’t know what it’s going to be like without them next year.

NF: Probably Anything Goes, pretty much the whole show. I would say the two or three big screenshot memories I have would be when we’re doing the last tap part to the number “Anything Goes,” and then in the bows when my back is to the audience, my arms are up, and a spotlight slowly moves onto me and I see my silhouette, and then I turn and I see everyone there.

MaKenzie Kooken: It’s really cliche, but I’m going to miss my friends the most, and those really good days that made all the other awful days in school seem not so bad. I also like the light that comes in through the third floor hallway.

Alex Miller: Nothing, next question. Just kidding… I don’t know, football, all of my friends, all of the people I’ve met, all of the cool teachers.

GOOD LUCK CLASS OF 2016!

MK: My favorite memory from high school is when I went to Hawaii with choir my junior year for spring break. I got to spend time with a lot of really good friends in a really beautiful place.

AM: I’d probably say football, especially sophomore year since we went pretty far in the playoffs.

Q: Do you have any advice to give to incoming seniors?

Q: What are you looking forward to/not looking forward to about college?

SK: My advice would be to decide what you want for your senior year, if you still want to keep up with grades, which I would suggest.

Just know that it’s not necessarily as easy as everyone might say it is, so it will take a lot of work, but also be really intentional about making the most of the fact that this is your last year here.

SK: I am looking forward to meeting new people, the opportunity to branch out and meet a lot more people than I have ever met before, meeting people that are very different than me, but also people that are very similar. Also being challenged with the ability to take different classes that are specific to things I’m interested in, as well as being away from home and living in a really cool city.

NF: Know that the worst is over. Unless you’re one of those people taking like eight AP classes, then senior year isn’t nearly as bad as junior year. And if you are one of those people, well, I’m going to just wish you the best of luck.

MK: It’s senior year, and while I don’t recommend putting absolutely no effort into your classes, have fun and make the most out of your last year.

AM: Don’t do drugs, drugs are bad, stay away from drugs. Get good grades so that you don’t struggle later on.

NF: I’m not looking forward to the ton of work that college entails, but honestly, does anyone? I am looking forward to more freedom, being able to go where I want, when I want - unless I have class, of course.

MK: I’m looking forward to new experiences and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I also really want to do a study abroad program.

AM: I’m looking forward to meeting new people, playing football, being in a new city, not being sweaty all the time in the summer.

[05/13/16]

22

Graduation Games Photos by Bayle Goldman

seniors

[The Oracle]

Taylor Brittain

“If you drive down Memorial long enough you will find yourself.”

- Riley Timmreck

Scott Kennedy Well, this is awkward.

First of al l, it looks l i ke Tay lor and I are just really into ourselves, since we’re the only ones who made senior ads.

Then there’s the fact that all of this is written in a font, one I made out of my own handwriting whi le procrastinating writing a college essay, that could “ be aptly named, ”Kindergarten Courier Semi bold .

And then there’s the fact that one of these pictures isn’t actual ly of me, but of Jordan Speith. And you didn’t even notice.

Anyways, it’s been a great four years, and I’m so thankful for all of my time here. Stratford is an incredible place fil ed with incred i b l e people, and even though I’m excited for college next year ( Hook em! ), I’m certainly going to miss this place.

Thank you to Mrs. Cummons and everyone on newspaper staff, y’all are great friends and I’ ve loved getting to know and getting to work with y’al l. Thanks to all of my teachers who have cared not just about my education but also about me. Thanks to StuCo and Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Yonkin, and everyone in that th ird period class.

Thanks to everyone in FCA . Thanks to Young Life and all of my friends who I’ve gotten to do that with .

Shout out to Academy for letting me franchise a store out of my car trunk, to the makers of the Penn 3 tennis bal l for keeping me entertained all year, to anyone who’s seen the incorrectly-colored flag made out of cups in the fence in the sen i o r lot and not taken it dow n because I’ve wanted to see if it would last al l year, to the Syndicate, and to Matt Chavira ( I can’t shout you out at graduation, so I hope this suffices ).

Peace out Stratford, it’s been real.

[The Oracle]

sports

23

[05/13/16]

Looking Back On the Year

Remembering some of the best moments of the past year

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BRITTAN, JORDYN RICHARDS, NATALIE GAISER, ARTURO BENITEZ AND PARENT’S

Step Up to the Plate

secThe student d for tion goes wil in the Spartans ame the playoff g ple against Tem l.

High Schoo

Varsity softball beat Waller 11-1 on Friday, April 22. The game was senior night. The team advances to the playoffs.

The footba ll team made head lines, beating Me morial High Schoo l after a 9-year los s with a score of 37-7 . #MONEYT EAM

Up in the Air

Senior Kyle Donaho dunks the ball on Jan. 19 against the Magnolia Bulldogs. The boys basketball team won 20 games out of the 29 they played this season.

Victory Formation

Running to State

On Oct. 16, the Spartans beat Spring Woods football 37-0. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the football players and Spartanaires wore pink.

Both Cross Country teams advance to the state meet in Austin, TX. The boys placed 6th, and the girls came in 5th place.

Holding Her Breath

ALIVE and Kicking At the SHS vs. SWHS game, junior Jessica Sheldon runs the ball down the field. The girls’ soccer team made it to the 3rd round of playoffs this year.

The First Serve In preparation for varsity tennis playoffs, junior Alyssa Stanford fine-tunes her forehand technique.

Junior Brittany Baerg swims her lap of the girls’ 200 freestyle relay at the state swim meet in Austin, TX.

[The Oracle]

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[05/13/16]