the Oracle
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MISSION
In the three years I’ve spent on the Oracle staff, district press conferences have been a daunting, if not simply unappealing, thought.
Each quarter, student journalists line up and ask Superintendent Blaine and other senior staff members questions on any and every topic they can think of. As someone who has had to stand and speak before crowds on multiple occasions, I was happy to stay behind while certain Oracle reporters boarded a bus to the administrative building. A few weeks ago, however, I attended the last conference of the school year, as it would be the last time I could attend one as a high schooler.
Some students pressed about the district’s stance on ICE raids. Others congratulated Blaine on SBISD reaching the final stages of a statewide education award. We discussed the bond. We reviewed the ongoing legislative session. And, at the end, we shared a goodbye.
What had once intimidated me felt then reassuring. The experience I had taken as optional now seemed crucial. Because, if I had stayed at school during that press conference, I would have missed Blaine’s parting advice to seniors.
“Take a bite out of life,” she told us.
The last issue that the Oracle publishes is unique in that it is not overseen by the incumbent editors, but by the rising Editorial Board. Over the past few weeks, I have had the joy of seeing our future editors take their bite. I’ve seen them start growing into their positions. I hope that, like me, they outgrow any fear of the experiences they have the opportunity to be a part of.
Because, just like that press conference, the best moments often come when we finally decide to show up.
Happy reading,
The Stratford High School Oracle works to develop student skills while following the standards of professional journalists. Our mission is as follows:
To provide a forum for student writing, photography and art: the Oracle creates a community of students who share a common passion through group learning, mentorship and fostering an atmosphere of creative collaboration.
To provide training in not only journalism, but in marketing and business: the Oracle is entirely self-funded. Students must sell ads to local businesses to pay for printing. Members of the ads staff practice business techniques by speaking to other companies to secure finances that allow paper production to continue.
To open dialogue and give students a voice: few other outlets allow students to inform and express themselves to a large audience. Whether an article is about Stratford’s newest teacher or nationwide change, student voices will always be heard.
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief*
Sophie Sagastume
Associate Editors*
Mawara Khan
Natalie Patranella
Online Editors*
Elizabeth Meadows
Bella Smith
Ads Editor*
Elizabeth Meadows
Photo Editors*
Bella Smith
Reese Spradling
Story Editors*
Alejandro Aponte
Melina Banan
Reporters
Foster Burton
Ryann Calvert
Jacob Cobb
Olivia Crider
Aleeya Davis
Katie Hamilton
Yahya Hasoon
Jackson Hiler
Ryan McDowell
Sebastian Mendoza
Molly Kate Minyard
Martie Montalbo
Nicholas Neumann
Brynn Pera
Brooke Sponsel
Caden Stone
Kendall Walters
Hailey Wisdom
Sophia Yarborough
Adviser
Sara Boyle
*Editorial Board
COVER PHOTO BY REESE SPRADLING (11)
04 - 05 FEATURE
Coast to Coast
Two students prepare for college on opposite sides of the country
Above and Beyond
Mrs. Terry reflects on winning teacher of the year
06 - 07 SPORTS
Sticking Together
Lacrosse players give their perspective on the sport
Sports Wrapped
The Oracle presents top sports moments of this year
08 - 10
SENIORS
Senior Travels
The out-of-state post-graduation plans of the Class of 2025
Taking on Texas
The in-state destinations of the Class of 2025
13 - 15
STUDENT LIFE
Open for Business
Three students discuss the evolution of their ventures
Senior Canon Events
Seniors recount their school-related canon events
Overheard
Hear what students are saying in the hallways
Crossword
Complete a graduation-themed crossword puzzle
Coast to Coast
Two students prepare for college on opposite sides of the country
WRITTEN
BY
OLIVIA CRIDER (11) AND KATIE HAMILTON (11)
ILLUSTRATED BY MELINA
BANAN
(11)
What
are you going
Neki Yazdi:
Neki:
Megan:
What most excites you about going to college?
“I am very excited for the extracurricular clubs. I’m really excited for the Penn Persian Society specifically, because I’ve never really been around a Persian community at Stratford. I think seeing one at a university will be a great community that will help me feel really represented and supported.”
Megan Grijalva: I’m most excited to meet new people, have memorable experiences and be independent in California.”
to miss most about home?
“I am definitely going to miss Buc-ee’s and the rodeo, of course. I will also miss my family a lot because I have family here in Houston, and I am very family-oriented.”
“I’m going to miss the rodeo. I will also miss having the freedom to go back home because I’m going to be so far away, so I won’t have the ability to just go home whenever I want.”
What advice would you give to underclassmen who are about to go through the college admissions process?
Neki: “I recommend doing everything as early as possible and being prepared so you can just click a few buttons and write a couple of essays when the applications open. That way, you can really focus on the important parts when the time comes.”
Megan:
“The college admissions decisions are so unpredictable, so don't ever doubt yourself or put yourself down because you really don't know what will be the outcome. Just be prepared and don't do anything last minute.”
Above and Beyond
Mrs. Terry reflects on winning teacher of the year
WRITTEN BY RYANN CALVERT (11) AND JACOB COBB (11)
PHOTOS BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (11)
ach year, every school in the district picks their teacher of the year. In previous years, Mrs. Russo, Coach Adcock and Mrs. Sharp have won the honor. This year, girls golf coach and special edu cation teacher Kendall Terry received the coveted award. What’s the path to becoming teacher of the year? And what can be learned in the process?
Terry has been teaching for seven years, but education wasn’t her original plan.
“My degree is in fashion merchandising business administration,” Terry said. “I’ve always loved volunteering, specifically with kids with spe cial needs; it was always a passion of mine.”
This passion led her to get an alternative teaching certification and a job at Stratford.
“I had an interview on one of my lunch breaks,” Terry said. “I came here and met everybody, loved it and I’ve never left. It was the best choice I ever made.”
Here on campus, Terry serves as the department chair of special ed ucation, teaches resource English and language arts, and coaches the girls golf team. How does she manage all of her responsibilities?
“An amazing team of teachers,” Terry said. “We delegate tasks and work very well together.”
When Terry was originally nominated for teacher of the year, she had no expectations of winning.
“As a community, you’d see the emails Mr. Barnes sent out about who was nominated, and then you could vote,” Terry said. “I saw my name and I was so ex cited, but I never would have thought in a million years that I would actually win.”
When the award was announced, it came as a complete surprise.
“Mr. Barry came into my classroom, and I was thinking it was for one of my students or something was going on, so I was absolutely shocked,” Terry said. “Mr. Dorsten, the other teacher in the room with me during Spartan Time, was staring and laughing at me. I still didn’t know what was going on; it was a huge surprise.”
Following her campus teacher of the year win, Terry became a nominee at the district level.
“I had to write some essays and get reference letters from a couple of people that I worked with,” Terry said. “A lot of the questions were very reflec tive, and I got to think about how I’m making a difference in my classroom and how I made a difference as the department chair.”
This was also a point of reflection on her influence.
“A lot of times, I feel like I’m over here kind of off the beaten path of my group,” Terry said. “I don’t always think people are watching. But to inspire my coworkers and students, especially regarding inclusion, I think that’s really important.”
Terry takes the lessons she received from her teachers growing up and applies them to her students.
“I was a cheerleader and played golf in high school, and I often think about my teachers and coaches,” Terry said. “The things that I remembered and learned [from them] encouraged me to come back and do the exact same thing that I’m doing. A lot of the stuff we do in high school, the sport or the specific class, you’re not going to do forever. So what are you taking away from it? How to be a kinder person, how to be a teammate, take direction, take criticism and learn from mistakes. I think those are lessons that will travel with you your whole entire life. Of course, what I’m teaching is English and science, but you’re also learning how to be a kind citizen. Those little things are super important.”
L A C R O S S E
STICKING
TOGETHER
Lacrosse players give their perspective on the sport
WRITTEN
BY
RYAN MCDOWELL (11), BELLA SMITH (11) AND KENDALL WALTERS (11)
OPHOTO BY BELLA SMITH (11)
n the surface, it may appear that Stratford is only known for its more traditional sports, like its winning volleyball, soccer or softball teams. However, the Spartans do have their own boys and girls lacrosse teams—one just has to squint to see them.
Because the lacrosse teams are not a University Interscholastic League (UIL) sport, both teams function as club programs, with all events and practices held outside of school.
This hasn’t seemed to phase players like junior defenseman Hunter Williams, who has played lacrosse for a large portion of his life.
“I have had a good time learning from great mentors and getting better every year,” Williams said.
Pre-game rituals are one of the many factors that contribute to the team’s bond. Often, the team can be found behind the goal saying a prayer before games. Sophomore Ryan Griffith also has his own ritual: snacking on a banana before stepping onto the field. These small reference points are signs as to why the team has been successful for so long.
In spite of long consistent success, the team seems to be having an off year compared to their usual, according to Williams.
“This year we haven’t been doing as well as usual, but our defense has stepped up and played great,” Williams said.
Despite this “off year”, the boys lacrosse team remains a powerhouse, entering the season as back-to-back district champions and aiming for a third straight title before going to city championships.
On the other side of the sport, the girls lacrosse team is having a stellar year.
“We’ve had a good season; we have won all of our district games except for one,” junior Maddie Box said. “I have loved being a part of the Stratford girls lacrosse team!”
While both Box and Williams share a deep love for the sport, they seem to disagree on whether lacrosse should remain a club sport or join UIL. The topic has sparked ongoing debate among players and supporters alike.
Box supports making lacrosse a UIL sport, while Williams prefers the club model, citing fewer restrictions and more diverse competition.
As the season wraps up, Williams and Box look back on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, proud of how far the team has come.
LEFT: Senior Jacob Colburn dodges his opponents
BY
Sports Wrapped presents top sports moments of this year
Made for Stratford High School
20h 25m + ...
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team made school history, reaching the UIL State Championships for the first time. The team was ranked No. 1 in Houston, No. 12 in Texas and No. 51 nationally. Junior Avery Rushing’s favorite part of the season was, “going to Dallas with the team [because] it allowed [her] to grow closer with [her] team and have very memorable experiences.”
Volleyball
The volleyball team went undefeated in districts for the third year straight and made it to the final playoff round. It was the team’s first trip to the UIL State Tournament in 20 years and its first fourth-round appearance since 2009. “We lost state, but I’m proud of how far we got,” said junior Gwen Koss.
Boys Waterpolo
The boys waterpolo team had a strong playoff run, reaching the fourth round and finishing among the top 16 in the state before falling to a team from Austin by just one goal. One of its biggest accomplishments was beating Memorial three times in a single season. “I think we’re just a really competitve team,” said junior Diego Oliver. “We always want to win, and we did a lot of that this year.”
WRITTEN
MARTIE MONTALBO (11), JACKSON HILER (11), CADEN STONE (10) AND YAHYA HASOON (11)
PHOTO BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (11)
LEFT: Junior Sara Benton moves ball down the field
PHOTO BY BELLA SMITH (11)
LEFT: Junior Audrey Cook sets up the ball for her teammates
PHOTO BY CHARLIE AMIS (10)
LEFT: Sophomore Luke Ickes passes the ball toward his teammate
PHOTO BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (11)
ABOVE: The student section cheers at the Turn It Gold football game
ALABAMA
Auburn University
Hannah Ryan
ARKANSAS
University of Arkansas
Charlotte Bell
James Cox
Linden D’Amico
Sierra George
Angelica Salva
Jonah Swoboda
CALIFORNIA
California Polytechnic State University
Anna Craig University of Southern California
Megan Grijalva
Anna Simonich
COLORADO
Colorado School of Mines
Danika Franckaerts
Ethan Shuck
University of Colorado
Elizabeth Byrd
Sydney Pera
FLORIDA
Florida Atlantic University
Kendall Barker
GEORGIA
Georgia Institute of Technology
Adam Teske
Savannah College of Art and Design
Lucy Nogueira
ILLINOIS
Northwestern University
Tyler Fargason
University of Illinois
Urbana Campaign
Griffin Ferguson
INDIANA
Purdue University
Bridget Hoffman
KANSAS
University of Kansas
Audrey Bermack
LOUISIANA
Louisiana State University
Emerson Hamlin
Cameron Kennedy
Dyllyn Scranton
Southern University and A&M College
Bayley Browhow
Tulane University
Lauren Baker
Sophia McDaniel
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston College
Whitney Bui
Alice Jiang
David Zelaya
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Julia Dumas
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Pablo Rojas
Tufts University
Natalie Elliott
University of Massachusetts
Naryah Ivory
MICHIGAN
University of Michigan
Trinity Rosas
Savera Karia
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi State University
Devon Beals
Noah Kassner
Morgan Swearer
University of Mississippi
Dawson Burgett
Senior
The out-of-state post-graduation COMPILED BY NATALIE MELINA
Travels
post-graduation plans of the Class of 2025
NATALIE PATRANELLA (11)
MISSOURI
University of Missouri
Kiera Cochran
NEW JERSEY
Princeton University
Lukas Silbernagel
NEW YORK
Manhattan University
Mia Resendiz
State University of New York
Ari Wingfield
United States
Military Academy at West Point
Elle Burke
NORTH CAROLINA
Johnson & Wales
University
Paloma Nitcholas
OHIO
Denison University
Izzy Glover
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma State University
Allison Hibbetts
University of Oklahoma
Arienna Calderon
Grant Dickey
Ella Joyner
Carleigh Nickel
Nicole Strohl
Tyler Yang
University of Tulsa
Paul Robinson
PENNSYLVANIA
Temple University
Eliana Geva
University of Pennsylvania
Neki Yazdi
OREGON
University of Oregon
Iona Vick
SOUTH CAROLINA
Clemson University
Kendall Parker
The Citadel
Evelyn Questell
TENNESSEE
University of Tennessee
Jenna James
Vanderbilt University
Alexis Alvarez
WASHINGTON
University of
Washington
Miranda Valle
Montero
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Georgetown University
Sophie Sagastume
MILITARY
Maisy Day
Gavin Gleason
Brayan Torres
GAP YEAR/WORK
Milton Guevara
Rylee McElmoyl
Michael Robinson
Omar Rodriguez
Nevaeh Smith
Taking on Texas
The in-state destinations of the Class of 2025
COMPILED BY NATALIE PATRANELLA (11)
Abilene Christian University
Austin Community College
Dallas
Houston
Nevaeh
Iba
Houston Community College
Priska
Prairie View A&M University
Southern Methodist University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Alqamoudi Texas Christian University
University of Houston
University
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CLASS OF 2026
SENIOR INFORMATION
Senior Ads: Senior Ads Reservations are now open! Sizes will sell out so be sure to reserve your space as soon as possible. Our Yearbook Ads Staff is excited to work with you to make a lasting memory for your graduating student. Check out our website for more information on pricing, deadlines, design inspiration, and more! www.stratfordybk.weebly.com/senior-ads
Senior Yearbook Portraits: Child Champ Photography will be taking our senior portraits this summer. In studio, you will take Yearbook Pose (tux/drape), Cap and Gown, plus one outfit. Appointments available all summer at your convenience! 10801 Hammerly Blvd, Suite 130 www.childchamp.com
Open for Business
Three students discuss the evolution of their ventures
In need of a fun banner for your next event? Sophomore Ingrid Rincon and junior Zoe Ju are both self-taught in calligraphy and have been making banners since 2023 as their creative outlet.
“We thought making banners would give us the perfect chance to showcase our talent,” Ju said. “Our goal is to eventually save up enough money to donate to a bigger cause because we value the community.”
Between the two of them, the girls spend one to three hours on a banner, charging $8 per foot.
“We typically receive a lot of orders around grad season and when school dances come around,” Rincon said. “HOCO, Sweet 16 and birthdays as well.”
While they’ve enjoyed the process and positive feedback, managing their growing business hasn’t been without its challenges.
“So far, everything has been pretty smooth sailing, but our biggest challenge is making sure we have enough supplies for painting beforehand, as well as finding enough time to work on them,” Ju said. “Although it can be hectic managing the business with schoolwork, we plan and organize to get everything done as efficiently as possible.”
For more information on Ju and Rincon’s business, you can visit their Instagram page: @zoe.ingrid.calligraphy
While most high school students spend their weekends relaxing and having fun, junior Tripp Mediamolle cleans neighborhood pools in order to grow his business.
“I have always had an interest in how things work and how people would fix things,” Mediamolle said.
Mediamolle started learning how to clean pools from his neighbor and gathered the skills necessary to start his business in order to make some money for himself.
“My neighbor had a pool, and I would always go over there and do some things to kind of help him out,” Mediamolle explained. “I really liked watching him do the pool stuff, so [I thought] ‘Oh, maybe I should kind of start doing that.’”
Mediamolle’s schedule keeps him pretty busy, having up to 10 clients at a time and spending five to six hours per weekend cleaning.
“[My business] passed a lot from word of mouth, but I started small with just a net and a brush,” Mediamolle recalled. “My dad lent me some money to help pay for everything, like a loan.”
Mediamolle has now expanded to using a variety of chemicals, equipment and employees, also paying his loan back completely. Due to his steady income, Mediamolle hopes to continue his business throughout high school and college.
WRITTEN BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (11) AND HAILEY WISDOM (11)
PHOTOS BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (11)
ABOVE: Junior Zoe Ju paints a sign for a customer’s birthday
ABOVE: Junior Tripp Mediamolle cleans a customer’s pool
Canon Events
Seniors recount their school-related “canon events” that have shaped their time on campus
COMPILED BY MAWARA KHAN (12), ALEEYA DAVIS (12) AND SOPHIA YARBOROUGH (10)
• Lengthy Lines During Food Truck Friday •
“Freshman year, I waited the full halfhour of lunch for my food. The food was good, but I paid too much for a quarter of a regular burger. It just made me way more competitive for Food Truck Friday afterwards.”
-Lucy Noguiera (12)
• A Car Accident on Campus •
“I was driving and my uncle goes, ‘Yo, try going through the front of the school loop thing.’ I didn’t think that was a good idea. But he says, ‘Just try out the turning radius.’ But the brake was way too high, my foot slipped off the brake and landed on the gas. The car surged forward and I popped the curb. The car kept going, I hit the brick pillars head on and they fell off. My car was completely totaled. My lip was torn and my uncle got a bunch of glass in his arm. And Mr. Barnes said that he was gonna put barricades up when I told him I got my car.”
-Maddison Kyser (12)
• Living in Fear During NERF Mafia •
“I don’t step outside without checking corners and every single mirror possible. Every car that slows down could be my potential downfall. I thought I was just being paranoid. Then, they were after me. A group waited outside my house in the morning, ready to “kill” me but I was already gone. Instead, they got my friend. The guilt haunts me. (No it doesn’t, I actually laugh about it all the time). The paranoia consumes me. I make my little sister leave the house to get something from the car if I forget it.”
-Karmina Lee Wortham (12)
• A Fire Drill to Remember •
“My junior year, I broke my foot at dance and couldn’t walk for a few weeks. We had a fire drill and I was on the third floor and couldn’t use the elevator so Mr. Marvin, Mrs. Russo, and Mr. Nakadate had to help me take the Stryker Evacuation Chair down the stairs. It was really embarrassing because it was in front of the whole school, but now it’s a funny memory to look back on!”
-Hadley Perego (12)
Overheard
Hear what Spartans are saying in the hallways
MEADOWS (11) AND BRYNN PERA (11)
1) “I’m getting a scoop of maggots and putting them in your pillow tonight.”
2) “I was trying to walk to physics and a part of the roof fell on my head.”
3) “I wiped my hands on the brick wall because there weren’t any paper towels left.”
4) “I got tardy swept first period because my Dunkin order took too long.”
5) “Why are you stashing your earrings on your shoelaces?”
Graduation Crossword
Down:
1. A disease running through the Class of 2025 right now.
2. _____ of 2025.
3. Typical step after high school.
7. Your ______ is bright.
Across: 4. What seniors will receive after walking the stage at graduation.
5. Offically done with high school.
6. Fashionable cloak worn on May 24. 7. To reach the end.
by the students. for the students. about the students.