News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
August 2021
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
Class of 2022 enjoys annual Senior Breakfast
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 37, Issue 1
Freshman Orientation
Freshmen and new students learn what it means to be a Knight
CORY KARDESCH Sports Editor On August 27, the annual Senior Breakfast took place in the Alumni Room in the Hildebrand Athletic Center. Senior Breakfast is what precedes the Senior Pin Ceremony and Senior Blessing. This event always involves a distinct theme with decorations and a special breakfast for all seniors to enjoy together. Advisories sat together cherishing this moment, as it has been four years since they first met. Throughout the years, each advisory has grown closer together, and they enjoyed each other’s company at this traditional event. The Class of 2022 is the largest graduating class in Episcopal High School history with 192 students. It was not just a breakfast that took place, but photos were taken to be put in the Senior Style Show later in the school year. This is a great opportunity for final year high schoolers to come together and celebrate how far they have come in their high school career. At this event, all students reminisced many memories they shared together as a group.
Freshmen Evan Bellinger-Spivey, Sophia Cormier, Marley Robbins, and Quinn Morgenroth gathered with their classmates for Student Orientation and Opening Knight. Photo by Leana Greene. LEANA GREENE Production Editor
The annual Freshman Orientation occurred on August 16-17. Students learned about their laptops, met their advisors, teachers, and other faculty and staff, and made new friends within their advisory. Students also learned the Episcopal High School hymn with the rest of the Class of 2025. Learn more about Freshman Orientation and Opening Knight on Page 2
New campus guidelines issued for Covid ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Social Media Coordinator This marks the beginning of the last year for the Class of 2022, with many more senior-specific events to follow this school year.
INSIDE Our Town Theater prepares for upcoming fall performance
PAGE 2 Fall sports underway Programs begin work toward full seasons
PAGE 8 Features ........................ 2-3 Culture ......................... 4 Entertainment ............... 5 Knight Shift ................ 6 Opinion ........................ 7 Sports ........................... 8
All faculty and staff at Episcopal High School had to make many changes to their curriculum and teaching methods due to Covid-19. Social distancing and remote classes were something that teachers, and students as well had to get used to. Luckily this 2021-2022 school year is looking much more promising. Masks are optional for both indoor and outdoor facilities, and EHS is asking for those without masks to continue to respect those students and adults who prefer to use a mask around campus. EHS is not making the vaccine mandatory to return to campus, but it is recommending that all who aren’t already vaccinated do so. Quarantine and isolation rules will continue to be used regarding close contact with the virus or actually getting the virus. The EHS community looked forward to returning to a typical classroom environment. Remote learning will be minimal, daily Chapel in Benetiz Chapel returns with masking required, and normal cafeteria service is available. If a student is quarantining, they will still be able to view the class remotely, but they will not be able to interact with their classmates during these online classess. Like many people within
our community requested, virtual class days will still occur. There will be three fully-virtual class days per semester. EHS is ready to welcome back its clas-
sic traditions within the Four Pillars, which are Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Religion, to make this school year as enjoyable as it can be.
Daily Chapel has always been a tradition at EHS. With Covid, changes have had to be made, including masking up. Other than Chapel, students and faculty have the option of wearing masks during the day. Photo by Lili Masterson.
Features ∙ Page 2
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Newly-renovated library will welcome students soon LILY O’GORMAN Copy Editor Whether to read a new book, cram during a free period right before a test, or wind down after a long day, the Underwood Library provides campus with a quiet and comfortable environment for students to enjoy. However, with the new school year came some exciting changes to the library. Most notably, EHS has welcomed a new head librarian, Mrs. Kate Hall. Along with new leadership, the library also underwent some major renovations. For example, the entire library has a fresh coat of paint and new carpet as well as new shelving and furniture that are en-
tirely mobile. This means that library will be able to be easily configured into varying layouts depending on presentations or other events. To help students and staff alike with their constant technology issues and questions, a permanent Help Desk has also been added to the library. Additionally, the glass-walled rooms in the back have been renovated and now each have different purposes, from a tech room and reading room to a game room. And finally, still in the process of construction, is another classroom that will be completed after students return to campus for the start of the first semester. The library and tech staff are very excited to share this new and improved space so make sure to stop by and visit.
Classic play begins rehearsal CONNOR SMITH Editor-in-Chief Even though the school year has just barely started, EHS Onstage has been hard at work preparing for this year’s theatre activities. After announcing the productions of Our Town, Eurydice, and Chicago High School Edition for the 2021-2022 year late last spring, the EHS community has eagerly awaited these timeless classics to perform in the Underwood Theater. With the Our Town production scheduled to be performed September 16-18, rehearsals got underway as soon as early August. Since auditions for the fall production occurred late last year, students have been working on their roles over the summer, with freshman Hannah Smith saying, “I’m excited about my first ever high school performance… especially when it is such a well-known play.” Written in 1938 by Thornton Wilder, Our Town has remained popular in today’s media and has even been described as the greatest American play ever written. The show is set in the early 20th century and centers around the daily lives of citizens in a small American town. What sets the show apart from other productions is how the story is told. In the show, actors forgo props and mime every action they make. Some actors even perform the role of stage managers, speaking directly to the
Construction of the new library started this summer and will be completed soon. Photo by Jazzmin Duncan.
Class of 2025 arrives on campus LEANA GREENE Production Editor
Senior David Andrews performs the role of Dr. Webb in the Underwood Theatre as reheasals begin for the upcoming Fall production of Our Town. Photo by Lauren West. audience, which is something not normally seen onstage. Each of these unique facets makes this play an instant classic, and something not to be missed when it hits the EHS stage this September.
With the EHS production of Our Town scheduled September 17 - 19, students across grade levels have been working hard on memorizing lines and staging. From left, freshman Taite Love, junior Julia Zichy and seniors Taylor Cross and David Andrews go over lines during after school rehearsals. Photo by Lauren West.
Episcopal High School hosted its first in-person Freshman Opening Day and Freshman Orientation since COVID – 19, and the new Knights were ecstatic to be on campus. The Class of 2025 and transfer students were invited for a meet and greet social, all while picking up their class t-shirts, laptops, fun sunglasses, and even some ice cream. Parents and students were seen in the Underwood Student Center interacting with old classmates as well as creating new friendships for the next four years. Mrs. Courtney Lindloff and the freshman advisory mentors, along with the Tech Team, were present guiding the families from one place to another all while answering questions for newcomers. Freshman Orientation then followed. This two-day event was led once again by the mentors and organized by Mrs. Lindloff and Dr. Neil Fullarton. Freshman Dean Mr. Eric Lerch did a tremendous amount of work for the New Student Ori-
entation for the freshmen, and Assistant Junior Dean Ms. Shelly Edmonds ran the transfer student portion of the event. FAM members showed the eager mass of new students the ins and outs of EHS Knight Life. The Class of 2025 met their advisories and spent the days discussing a variety of topics. The class level deans talked about the Student Honor Code and Discipline Council and procedures regarding marks, cheating, and absences. The Information Technology (IT) desk held a Laptop Tech Training session in the Underwood Theater showing new students how to use daily classroom sources such as Outlook, Canvas, and Teams. The junior and sophomore transfer students experienced a different two days. The students had a formal meeting with their advisors one on one, met with their class level deans as a whole, and discussed the importance of getting involved throughout the Four Pillars. The most exciting part of Orientation was, of course, seeing new faces, but especially, the fully running cafeteria and the wonderful EHS staff.
A group of boys from the Class of 2025 arrive on campus and pause in front of Brown Field during Freshman Orientation. Photo by Leana Greene.
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Features ∙ Page 3
Episcopal welcomes new members to faculty and staff Hailey Zipfel English Mrs. Zipfel is a new teacher at EHS coming from another YES Prep school. She studied in London where she got her Masters degree for painting and creative writing. She will be teaching AP Lit (Which she has taught for four years), as well as English II. Mrs. Zipfel loves to paint, write, read, as well as hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. She is excited about the opportunities available for students to dive into their unique interests, as well as talents.
Kylee Welch Science
Elizabeth Pitts Science
Please welcome new faculty member Ms. Kylee Welch. She is coming from Cypress Ranch High School and will be teaching Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. In her free time, she loves to bake, travel, run, and watch movies. Her favorite food is ice cream, favorite celebrity is Ben Rector, and favorite movie is The Holiday. Ms. Welch is so excited to be a part of the Knight family and bring her passion for teaching to the classroom.
Ms. Pitts will be joining Episcopal this year as a Biology and AP Chemistry teacher. Formerly, Ms. Pitts worked as a teacher for CY Fair ISD. She is looking forward to teaching at EHS and has made it clear that she is “excited to get to know all of her students” throughout the year. Outside of school, Ms. Pitts enjoys staying active through CrossFit and reading books in her free time. Ms. Pitts is eager to join the community and interact with her new students.
Tennessee Hill English
Ms. Tennessee Hill will be joining the faculty this year as an English 2 and 3 teacher. A native Houstonian, Ms. Hill taught as an adjunct English professor at Sam Houston University before joining the EHS community. Ms. Hill remarks that “EHS has such a vibrant positive energy sustained on all levels; I am most excited to join the community and fellowship with colleagues and students through Literature and spirituality.”Ms. Hill’s hobbies include Harry Potter movie marathons, paint-by-numbers, scenic walks, and reading. Most importantly, she loves spending quality time with friends and family. Tabish Virani English Tabish Virani will be teaching English I and II this year. He is a Houston native and was a student at EHS, where he made many great memories. He continued to live here until finishing undergrad at Rice, when he moved to London for 3 years before moving back to Houston at the end of 2019. He has many hobbies including juggling, League of Legends, and occasionally standup comedy. He hopes to provide his students with the same experience that his teachers gave him when he was a student.
James Moynahan English
Tiffany Thoman School Nurse
Maya Hoyer Health
Mrs. Tiffany Thoman will be joining our Episcopal community. She has lived in Houston for the last 18 years, but she is originally from Southeast Utah. For the past 20 years, she has worked in the Burn Trauma, Medical and Surgical ICU’s. In the last year, Ms. Thoman has worked as a school nurse in Alief. Excited to join the Episcopal Community, she states that she, “loves the energy and the commitment of students, faculty, and staff.”
A Rice grad in May of 2020, Ms. Hoyer is joining the EHS community as a Health teacher and a soccer coach. Cooking is a passion of hers. Most of her recipes come from Pinterest, but she adds her own twist to each and every recipe. “Having had teachers that left a great impact both in high school and at Rice, my goal is to do the same.” Ms. Hoyer looks forward to teaching at EHS so that she can have a positive influence on her students’ lives.
This year James Moynahan will be teaching Sophomore English, along with War Fiction and Short Fiction. Before coming to EHS, Mr. Moynahan worked at a boarding school from Hudson Ohio. In his free time he enjoys reading, spending time with his dog, and exploring Houston with his fiancé. He believes that the four pillars give teachers the opportunity to help students develop and find their passions at EHS
Mariana Alarcon English
Dr. Mariana Alarcon is part of Episcopal’s new and incoming staff. She earned her PhD from Cornell University in English and has taught multiple freshman classes in English. She will be teaching English I and English II Honors in Episcopal. Already feeling excited to work in Episcopal’s learning environment, Dr. Alarcon marks that she is, “excited to meet and work with EHS’s brilliant and passionate students.”Dr. Alarcon enjoys watching Korean and Chinese dramas, and also likes to bake and make DIY projects in her free time.
Kate Hall Head Librarian
Dan Casey History
Rachel Stelter Social Science
Dan Casey is a wonderful new addition to the EHS history department. He is joining the Episcopal team from Raleigh, North Carolina and is thrilled to be teaching United States History. He says he is very excited to be “joining a school community that is committed to excellence in all areas of student life such as academics, athletics, arts, and faith”. Some of his hobbies outside of teaching include traveling and hiking. The EHS faculty and students are eager for him to join the staff and cannot wait to see what he has to offer.
Coach Rachel Stelter isn’t entirely new to the EHS community, but the Knights are delighted to welcome her as a teacher at Episcopal. Last year, she worked as head coach of the girls’ varsity soccer team. As for this school year, she is excited to be teaching Psychology I and II and AP Psychology. She plans to continue her role as head soccer coach and cannot wait to lead the girls into another great season. She says she is looking forward to “forming relationships with her students and helping them learn to be successful”.
Neidin Hernandez English
Ms. Kate Hall will be joining the faculty this year as a new librarian. Having previously worked at the Bandung Independent School in Indonesia, Ms. Hall is eager for her transition to Episcopal High School. With the renovations for the Underwood Library under way, Ms. Hall, including the rest of the EHS community, is anxious see the final product. “I am excited to be working in the newly renovated Underwood Library!” she remarks. Ms. Hall’s hobbies include reading, writing, painting, swimming, kayaking, and listening to both music and podcasts.
Lauren Bostick Math
Scotty Johnson Math
Isaac Owoyemi Math
Mrs. Lauren Bostick, originally from San Antonio, will begin teaching Mathematics and coaching volleyball here at Episcopal this year. With her husband initiating the move to Houston from San Antonio as the new baseball pitching coach for Rice University, Mrs. Bostick is looking forward to what the year has to hold. This summer, Mrs. Bostick has been exploring her interest in scuba diving in California Kelp Forrest after becoming certified. She hopes to continue this hobby and would like to dive in Cancun next.
Mr. Scotty Johnson previously taught at Waller High School for 18 years. He will be teaching Computer Science and Algebra II, as well as the coach for the brand new EHS Academic Team. Some hobbies that keep Mr. Johnson busy are running marathons, 17 specifically, listening to any old music he can find, and his three kids, who especially keep him busy. Mr. Johnson is very excited to teach at EHS and is especially excited about bringing the brand new EHS Academic Team into fruition.
Mr. Owoyemi is a new teacher at EHS coming from KIPP Houston High School. Mr. Owoyemi is going to be teaching Algebra one and two. Mr. Owoyemi’s favorite hobbies include photography, running, as well as taking road trips. He is excited “about getting started to teach at EHS is the opportunity to serve in a Christian community, which has always been one of my dreams as an educator.”
Culture ∙ Page 4
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
u Yo rS
with CONNOR SMITH and CHRIS LAHOTI
Co rn
ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Social Media Coordinator Muchos países hispanohablantes compitieron en las Olimpiadas que se pospusieron del verano de 2020 al verano de 2021 debido al Covid-19. Y muchos de los atletas se ganaron medallas de oro, de plata, y de bronce. Por ejemplo, la venezolana, Yulimar Rojas, no solo ganó una medalla de bronce sino que también rompió un récord mundial en pista y campo. Cuba también tuvo mucho éxito con los atletas de la lucha libre. Roniel Iglesias, Arlen Lopez, y Julio La Cruz se ganaron medallas de oro. A pesar de que Ecuador es un país mucho más pequeño comparado
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toes, critics designated the movie as an entertainment and financial failure, with The Walt Disney Company losing around $6 million overall. It didn’t go up from there. For some reason, directors could never create movie narratives that fully incorporated video games into them. Whether it be the Resident Evil movie franchise or the Sonic movie that was released last year, it seemed videogame movies were stuck in an endless cycle of mediocrity. However, there is hope for the future. The movie Mortal Kombat which was released in April of this year received great ratings from fans and average moviegoers alike. And with Free Guy being a huge success in the box office, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, maybe the cycle is broken. While we will continue to be skeptical of new, video game-inspired movies, there’s hope that movies like Uncharted and Borderlands, which will be released next year, will be fun to watch, and maybe even become a cult classic.
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Welcome back to your monthly issue of Plugged In, the only column for discussing the latest in videogame entertainment and media. Instead of focusing on one videogame this month, we have decided to talk about videogame movies as a whole. With the hit movie Free Guy, starring Ryan Reynolds, being the latest video game-inspired movie, we want to look back and discuss why videogame movies have been hated by fans and have performed poorly in box offices across the world. For video games in general there is always one game that sets the trend for innovation. In the early days of gaming, it was Mario. The success Mario brought carried sales for the NES and pushed other companies to make better videogames. When Mario went 3D in Super Mario 64, it started the next level of quality for games. The same is true for movies, except in this case Mario set the lowest of bars. With a whopping 28% on Rotten Toma-
con otros en América Latina, el ciclista, Richard Carapaz, no decepcionó. Carapaz se fue de Tokyo con una medalla de oro en la final de la carrera de carretera. Otros países hispanohablantes también se ganaron muchísimas medallas. Cuba se ganó un total de 13 medallas, Colombia se ganó 5, Venezuela se ganó 4, La Republica Dominicana se ganó 4, México se ganó 4, Ecuador se ganó 3, Argentina se ganó 2, Puerto Rico se ganó 1, y España se ganó 17. En general, América Latina y España ganaron muchas medallas y los atletas todavía siguen celebrando su éxito.
While video game movies have been underperforming in the box office for the last 20 years, Free Guy unexpectedly finds success Photo courtesy of Hollywood Minds
The Lily Pad with Lily O’Gorman If you’re like me, you’ve probably turned on the news to find yourself listening to a guy in a suit in front of one too many confusing (but definitely not good) graphs and charts about the “state of the planet” and felt nothing but the compounding and inescapably soul crushing weight of the imminent end of the Earth as we know it. But, hey! Don’t give up yet! Congratulations! Now you have me, Lily, someone also just as confused about current environmental issues, here to answer some important questions including (but not limited to): What even is the Green New Deal and why do my parents keep talking about it? Why is California on fire (again)? Where does our recycling really go? Is it possible to live sustainably in our society? What is the Biden Administration doing about climate change? And some other equally pressing ques-
tions such as: Does it actually make a difference if I get paper or plastic at the grocery store? Why did Starbucks just give me a sippy cup instead of a straw? Does Greta Thunberg still live on that boat? Why did Lizzo just post on Instagram at a climate change march? Follow up: Is really Lizzo vegan? Follow up to the follow up: Does being vegan do anything at all? Welcome to The Lily Pad, where all of these questions and more will be answered monthly to (hopefully) help ease your fears about our planet’s environmental state, suggest ways you can make a difference, and maybe even give you some clever responses for the dinner table that will tell your parents- Hey! I am also an informed member of society who definitely knows what the Green New Deal is! See you next month with some real news. For now, stay curious.
Climate change continues to be a prevalent issue facing our generation and one that The Lily Pad will focus on in future issues. Photo courtesy of InHabitat.
Rojas, Peleteiro, y Mamona se felecitan después de la final del evento de triple salto. Photo courtesy of Just Women’s Sports.
F shion Sen¢e with Raigan Clay
Are you looking to change your style? Streetwear is taking the reins of the fashion Industry right now. It’s not a seasonal style and it can be very inexpensive if you know the ins and outs of the style. The Streetwear style lives up to its name, the style embodies making every piece your own and picking up different vibes, aesthetics and silhouettes from what’s around you. In a nutshell Streetwear today is heavily influenced by the look of a 90’s off-duty model. Oversized everything is in, trendy and neutral color shoes are in, and JEWELERY JEWLERY! Brands like Off White, Yeezy, and Cactus Jack are making real headway in the streetwear industry. These visionaries Virgil Abloh, Kanye West, and Travis Scott are making Streetwear reputable and evolving it into something anyone can pull off. A highlight of the style is that it seems streetwear is gradually moving away from materialism and encouraging thrifting and using what’s in your closet to create a seamless aesthetically pleasing look for yourself. If you have no clue where to start your streetwear journey, I suggest curating a Pinterest board for yourself and subscribing to Youtubers that can guide you on your streetwear journey. The idea of Streetwear is to not break the bank but to instead fake it until you make it! Most people starting out in the style think they need the newest Jordan Ones or the new Yeezys, but that is simply not the case. If
you have a neutral pair of Chuck Taylor’s, that can be overshadowed by your great graphic tee or your Jewelry and vice versa. Streetwear is fun and left up for your interpretation that’s what makes it amazing!
Elevated streetwear has taken the fashion industry by storm. Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar.
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Culture ∙ Page 5
The end of the 2021 Olympics ISABEL O’GORMAN Staff Writer After much anticipation and many roadblocks, the 2020 Olympic Games in 2021 was one for the books. Hosted in Tokyo, Japan, the 32nd Olympics was carried out with no live spectators as an unprecedented Covid protocol. Although there were no fans able to cheer on their countries, the athletes put on a show for millions of online spectators by smashing both Olympic and world records and setting many Olympic firsts. The United States, always a strong competitor in these games, pulled out the win for both number of metals and number of golds, but only by a small margin as just one day before the close of the 2020 Olympics, China was in the lead. Nevertheless, with a strong finish, the United States claimed victory to add to their past six consecutive Olympic wins in most overall medals. The American athletes did not disappoint from the track, pool, beach, and gym as they achieved many firsts in all corners of the Games. On the track, world record holder Ryan Crouser threw three Olympic records in shotput, and Allyson Felix
competed in her final Olympic Games to overtake Carl Lewis as the most decorated American athlete. In the water, Nevin Harrison and Carissa Moore made history by claiming the first gold medals awarded in the canoe 200 sprint and surfing. Americans dominated the pool as Katy Ledecky won the first Olympic women’s 1500 freestyle, and 17-year-old Lydia Jacoby took home gold for the 100m breaststroke as the first Alaskan swimmer selected for the Olympic team. Additionally, Caleb Dressel finished the games with five gold medals and two new world records. After the fan-favorite gymnast Simone Biles decided against competing, her teammate Sunisa (Sunni) Lee embraced the opportunity and stepped up to win the all-around gold. This title holds much importance, with Sunni claiming the first gold medal for Hmong American gymnasts. With a fantastic display of dedication, resilience, and all-around athleticism, the American athletes continued the United States’ sweep of the Olympic games and took home many firsts, set records, and metals.
Metals won by the United States at 2021 Tokyo Olympics
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Concerts are hitting the stage I’d never felt as much enthusiasm as there was on Day 1…” said an attendee to Complex magazine; this gives the concert goers hope for what is coming up in the Concerts have made a huge comeback near future. this summer, and people could not be Closely following was Lollapalooza, a more ecstatic about it. For all of you EHS four-day music festival on July 29 to Aumusic junkies, Austin City Limits, ACL, is gust 1, at Grant Park Stadium in Chicago, a festival many of you attend, but are you Illinois. Comaware of the napared to Rolltionwide festival ing Loud, these Rolling Loud? crowds were on Rolling Loud the smaller side, was considered and the majority to be the kickoff of the crowd was for concerts since masked up to see COVID-19, and top tier artists. they undoubtedly The concertgomade it unforers were able to gettable. Taking experience Miley place at the Hard Cyrus, Tyler the Rock Stadium in Creator, Jack Miami, Florida, Harlow, Megan this three-day Thee Stallion, (July 23-25) and BROCKrager hosted a ton HAMPTON. of big names and Again, the music up and coming industry did artists on three not disappoint, stages. Masks leaving fans like were optional for Ceasar Corondao fully vaccinated of Humboldt people but sugPark saying that gested for all dur‘it was worth it.’ ing the event, and As the sumas seen through mer has come social media, to an end, music masks were worn junkies look by many. forward to the Hip-hop rapper fall festivals and Travis Scott is what the future notorious for his mosh pits and ag- Travis Scott takes stage in Miami, Florida holds. What gressive crowds, during the 2022 Rolling Loud Festival. Photo exactly does the future for concerts and he gave his courtesy of RollingStone. hold? Houstonians fans a show leavcan look forward to seeing Machine Gun ing RollingStone no choice but to give Kelly, Rod Wave, Brad Paisley, Trippie him the title of “Best Rager.” Redd, The Weekend, and many more. “I’d been to Rolling Loud before, but LEANA GREENE Production Editor
The Summer 2021 Olympics come to an end with the traditional closing ceremony hosted in Tokyo, Japan. Photo courtesy of CNN.
New from Netflix: Outer Banks RAIGAN CLAY Staff Writer The long-awaited Netflix hit show Outer Banks is trending right now, sitting as the most streamed show in the United States. Outer Banks emulates the dreams of a teenager in 2021, (well, sort of). The Pogue life of leading actor Chase Stokes and the supporting cast is one filled with adventure and danger while appreciating the good times and the friends that became family along the way. In Season Two of Outer Banks, the Pogues have left the banks and at some point find themselves in the Bahamas hiding out from the police, Fan favorites John B and Sara Cameron, played by Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline, apparently have an endearing romance on and
off camera. According to Elle, the couple is and has been together since the end of Season One, around the time Covid erupted. The onscreen chemistry is inevitable, and this pair is one fans of the show can get behind. New and intriguing plots doesn’t seem to be an issue for the writers of the show. There are so many pathways that they can run with for next season’s storyline, making the show even better. Outer Banks does a great job of drawing a line between reality and fiction. The integration of the Pogue and Kook feud adds an element of realism that can be compared to unspoken beefs between groups in Gen Z. Adding only hints of realism leaves room for the cast to romanticize the highs of their mostly chaotic lives in the show.
The cast of Outer Banks films for the newly released Season Two. Photo courtesy of Teen Vouge.
Knight Shift ∙ Page 6
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Speaks Out
Resident Jester
“What are you most excited to experience during your time at Episcopal?”
by Lily O’Gorman.
PhotoJ Photo of the Month KENNAH BENT “Running track.”
JACK HARTMAN “Going to the football games.”
JAKE DAVIS “Basketball season.”
JULIA LANG “Meeting new people.”
The EHS community has come together once again in Benitez Chapel for daily worship and reflection. Photo by Isabella Goytia.
The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400
BROOKE CRABTREE “Theatre.”
JADEN HOLT “Playing on the basketball team.”
Head of School Ned Smith Associate Head of School Nancy Laufe Eisenberg Principal Kim Randolph Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick Publications Coordinator David Framel
EVAN BELLINGER “Lunch.”
VANESSA REID “Going to games.”
Photojournalism Instructor Japheth Storlie Photojournalism Editors Karma Elbadawy Lila Henningsen Photographers Wade Arntzen Syndey Brooks Mya Broughton Olivia Chapman Mckenna Foteh Isabella Goytia Lauren McGinnis Amelia Novotny Jules Weinstein
MIA TRIBBLE “Playing volleyball.”
GRIFF NIGHTHOUSE “Trying new classes and meeting new people.”
Co-Editors-in-Chief Chris Lahoti Connor Smith Production Editor Leana Greene Opinions Editor Jazzmin Duncan Copy Editor Lily O’Gorman Sports Editor Cory Kardesch Social Media Coordinator Estefania Lopez-Salas Staff Writers Gabriel Oderich Morgan Herod Jalynn Wooley Isabel O’Gorman Yana Sharma Jake Berlin Kate Freeman Campbell Richardson Raigan Clay
The Knight Times is a product of students in the Episcopal High School newspaper class, who are solely responsible for its creation and editorial content. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Episcopal Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff. Published ten times a year, The Knight Times is a non-profit educational tool. The staff encourages the submission of letters, editorials, and story ideas from the community, but reserves the right to edit and/or use said articles.
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Opinion ∙ Page 7
Anti-masking agenda foreshadows a repeat of the Spanish Flu CONNOR SMITH Editor-in-Chief As I scanned through the Internet trying to find senior quotes for my yearbook page, I stumbled upon a certain quote that I felt applied to the world we live in today. It comes from the writings of Chicago-based journalist Sydney Harris and says, “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” While the United States has seen this repetition throughout wars and politics alike, I
exact origins of the virus. It is only called the Spanish Flu because Spain’s neutrality in the war allowed unrestricted journalism, through which the first cases of the virus got reported. However, once the war ended, multiple countries reported massive spikes of influenza-related deaths. According to the National World War II Museum, the US Navy said that after the end of the war, 40% of servicemen had been affected by the virus. As the virus began to move across the globe, eventually killing at least 3% of the global population, cities across the US at-
Thousands of people continue to support the anti-masking movement. Photo courtesy of washingtonpost.com. felt this specific quote directly corresponds with the pandemic we continue to live in today. So, to understand the issues surrounding the pandemic, it may be worth looking back 100 years to the Spanish Flu. This pandemic began toward the end of World War I, as soldiers from the frontlines in Europe returned to their native countries. While this strain of influenza was called the Spanish Flu, it is important to understand that scientists don’t know the
tempted to control the pandemic. The most notable city was San Francisco, which was one of the first cities in the US to institute mask mandates and quarantine restrictions. After the flu killed 200,000 Americans in October alone, according to the New York Times, California mayor James Rolph signed a mask ordinance that required all citizens to wear face coverings of at least 4 layers of thickness. Sadly, as we all know too well, many Americans were angry at
the then-called “government overreach.” Called mask slackers by local media, many San Francisco citizens would tie masks around their dogs as “muzzles” in protest. Cigar shops even advertised for customers to cut holes in their masks so they could smoke during breaks. With police forced to arrest all those not wearing masks, county jails became filled with slackers. One railway worker named Frank Cocciniglia was sentenced to five days in prison for violating the mask mandate, to which he replied, “That suits me… I won’t have to wear a mask there.” As more and more people became upset with the mandates, discussions around mask wear slowly became political. In January of 1920, the Anti-Mask League was founded by none other than the political opponent to Mayor James Rolph, E.J. Harrington. In the months following the league’s founding, masks were used not as a medical device, but as medical historian Brian Dolan put it, the symbol of individual choice against universal compliance. Now, as you have seen, the events that occurred during the Spanish Flu pandemic are remarkably like what is happening now. As the school year begins and local governments enforce new mask mandates due to the Delta variant, many Americans have refused to “muzzle” their kids and see masks as a symbol of government control. These beliefs have also continued to fuel the anti-vax rhetoric that continues to prolong the pandemic by making herd immunity fundamentally impossible. So why do many Americans continue to fight against pandemic restrictions even though history has proven them wrong? In my opinion, this fight stems from the misinformation and misunderstanding of pandemics. Maybe people think COVID-19 will disappear just as quickly as it appeared. Maybe people compare the virus to the flu and believe they don’t need medical
protection. The Spanish Flu was seasonal and only lasted for around a year. It wasn’t that bad, was it? What these people don’t understand is that COVID-19 is different from anything we have encountered in modern history. This pandemic isn’t going to disappear in a month, nor is it going to
“ These beliefs have continued to fuel the antivax rhetoric.
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stop killing people. I hope that by understanding how history repeats itself we can learn to prevent these problems from occurring again in the future. After the Spanish Flu, nurses organized to create a strong nursing infrastructure to prepare for future diseases. Governments around the globe began to allocate more money to health infrastructure to prevent such a disaster in the future. However, as we have all discovered, this was not enough. While some of these improvements have helped decrease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it could have been better. By advancing education, maybe the average Americans will trust government health mandates and work together to end pandemics in the future. By increasing healthcare, maybe more lives could have been saved. For any of this to happen, it is important to understand how past events made us what we are today, and hopefully, through this understanding, we can ultimately stop future global disasters.
Simone Biles deserved to take a mental health break JAZZMIN DUNCAN Opinions Editor Simone Biles did nothing wrong. In fact, not competing was the best thing she could have done. While it is disappointing to not be able to see the best gymnast of all time compete, dropping out is the best thing that Simone could have done for her health. Stepping down is a very admirable act on Simone’s part; this sets a great example for younger athletes around the world. Simone Biles was expected to be the star of the 2021 Summer Olympics; however, these expectations were subverted when she withdrew from the competition. According to TIME Magazine, in a press conference, Biles expressed that her mentality “wasn’t all there” and that she needed to work on her “mindfulness.” It makes complete sense that she would withdraw from her events due to her mental health. It’s hard to imagine what it feels like to have the entire world watching you. People would analyze every millisecond of her performance and criticize her every move, and if they weren’t criticizing her, they were hyping her up. While having so many supporters doesn’t sound too bad at first glance, after a little consideration, it becomes very clear that all that support translates into pressure. Many people automatically expected Simone to outperform everyone else simply because she was THE Simone “$imoney” Biles. High expectations breed high-stress situations. Having billions of people expecting you to show up and show out can absolutely cause endless amounts of anxiety for
fear of failing to meet everyone’s expectations. Not only can a situation like this affect her mental health, but it can also potentially affect one’s physical health too. Gymnastics is one of those sports where every step you make needs to be exactly as planned and well thought out. If Simone isn’t able to focus and get into the right headspace to compete, she shouldn’t risk it. One wrong move and her life is changed forever. If Simone hadn’t pulled out and onto that floor, tried to perform, and hurt herself, it could very well have been a huge mistake that led to her being handicapped. The arguments comparing her to athletes like Lebron James and even Michael Phelps are not fair. If Lebron has an off day, he misses a few free throws and may end up losing a game. If Michael Phelps has an off day, he may end up swallowing some water and some bad cramps. While both of these hypothetical situations aren’t favorable, they’re both nothing more than maybe a day of pain or a lost trophy. If Simone Biles has an off day, however, and she tries to vault but lands on her neck, that’s sentencing her to a lifetime of doctor’s visits and likely preventing her from competing for the rest of her life. That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with Simone in her decision to not compete. Her withdrawing, while disappointing, was for the best. She is not a disappointment to the nation or anything of the sort. She is setting a wonderful example for young athletes to prioritize their mental health instead of competing themselves into insanity or injury.
HOT TAK ES with Jazzmin Duncan Sha’Carri Richardson should have been able to run in the 2021 Summer Olympics. Before I try and argue this, I want to make it clear that I understand that she broke a
Sha’Carri Richardson. Photo courtesy of wsj.com. rule. I just think it is a pretty dumb rule. That being said, Sha’Carri should have been able to run. After Sha’Carri qualified for the Olympics, finishing first in the trials for the
100-meter dash, she had to go through a series of drug tests. To many people’s dismay, she failed. However, this failure wasn’t for anything performance-enhancing like steroids. Rather, it was THC. Sha’Carri admitted to ingesting the substance a week before the trials after learning that her biological mother had died. It is notable to add that she was in Oregon at the time, a state where marijuana use is legal. She was subsequently placed under a temporary ban from competing and barred from running in Tokyo. According to the US National Library of Medicine, there is no direct evidence of THC being a performance-enhancing drug. Therefore, there isn’t much of a reason that it should have barred her from running, though I acknowledge the rule was in place and she broke it. While I understand that she was consciously aware of the rules governing her sport, it doesn’t make much sense for the rule to be there in the first place since THC isn’t performance-enhancing. This, along with the very emotional circumstances that Sha’Carri was going through, make me think that she should have been able to run in the Tokyo Olympics.
Sports∙ Page 8
The Knight Times ∙ August 2021
Varsity girls volleyball preseason work pays off in early tournaments LEANA GREENE Production Editor Walking onto the courts in the 20212022 fall season are the girls varsity volleyball players. The program has lost ten seniors, including Cimone and Bria Woodard, who now play at Howard University, and Sania Petties, now at Mississippi State; however, the Knights are still working hard and hoping to maintain their Southwest Preparatory CC]onfewrence title. They started the preseason hosting a tritournament against College Station High School and Fulsher High School. Quickly following was the Pearland Tournament, in which EHS went headto-head with some of the best public
programs in Texas. EHS managed to place second in the Bronze Bracket. The season opener was against Second Baptist, where new libero, sophomore Sammy Little, made remarkable saves and proving her dedication to the team. Leading the Knights this year is senior Morgan Perkins and juniors Ava Harrington, Emma Poirot, and Farah Farooq. These four athletes have shown true passion and dedication to the sport and have and will continue to represent Episcopal volleyball with bravery. “Kia Kaha,” meaning stand strong, is the phrase the volleyball program has chosen to follow, and with the exciting season ahead of them, the athletes look forward to showing their strength at this year’s SPC.
Culture of success remains in boys volleyball program
CHRIS LAHOTI Editor-in-Chief The boys volleyball team played several matches against St. John’s, Kinkaid, Awty, Fort Worth Country Day, and Trinity Valley this past month as part of a strong start to the 2021-2022 season. With tournaments and the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship opening up, Head Coach Kerry Hofmeister intends to take advantage of this critical season for both varsity and JV. Practices have been drill-intensive and heavily focused on fundamentals in order
to condition new players and help returning players adjust. The season began with passing, blocking, digging, and hitting, and is now transitioning to other key areas of focus, such as position and rotation knowledge. Each practice concludes with four-versus-four or six-versus-six games, allowing players to implement their new skills in a competition-based environment. Coach Hofmeister has also integrated weight training to improve players’ strength and agility. Upcoming matches include Awty (TBD), St. Andrew’s (9/17, 9/24), and St. Stephen’s (9/18, 9/25).
Junior Henry Kinzel races for the finish line during one of the team’s first meets. Photo by Lauren West.
Boys and girls cross country teams train for race-packed season ahead KATE FREEMAN Staff Writer The cross country team has been practicing all summer long to prepare for a strong season. The team has not had a real season race in quite some time. On the girls’ side, the team is looking forward to its first meet August 21 in Waxahachie, Texas, while the boys will compete at Woodlands Christian. The most challenging meets will be September 25, when the team travels to the McNeil Invitational in Austin to race the best public and private schools in Texas. The most exciting meet will be the Nike South Regional Championships (NXR) on November 20, where the best runners from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi race. The top ten runners as well as the top three teams in this race will go on to the Nike High
School Nationals in Oregon. SPC will take place November 6 on a hilly course at Norbuck Park in Dallas. Coach Julius Michael recognized on the boys’ side senior John Bruton, who has consistently been the top runner since his freshman year. On the girls’ side he named seniors Ella Newman, Kat Kwiatkowski, and Kate Freeman as leaving a winning legacy for the program. He is also excited about the summer training commitment of incoming freshmen Ben Seaworth, Madison Morgan, and Asher Luengas. The end goal of winning SPC will be achieved through consistency and dedication. If anyone is interested in running, let any of the coaches on campus know (Coach Michael, Coach Lauer, or Coach Sanders). “It’s not when or where you start, but where you finish,” added Coach Michael.
Multiple members of cheer and Field hockey aims for an SPC win pom teams recognized at camps MORGAN HEROD Staff Writer The field hockey program, led by Coach Shelly Edmonds, is excited to start its first full season playing on the new internationally certified turf field. Playing on this field will help the team improve and compete at the highest level. At the end of each season, the varsity team plays in the SPC tournament. During the season, each practice serves as preparation and a time of improvement before it begins. This year’s tournament is in Dallas from November 4-6. The new year brings many great changes. Coach Edmonds and the players are excited to have a season in which masks are no longer required. Additionally, St. Stephen’s is going to be visiting EHS to compete with both varsity and JV and will
return in September for a counter game that will be part of determining varsity’s seed in SPC. Coach Edmonds wants to specifically give thanks to her upperclass players. “We would like to recognize all of our seniors and juniors in the field hockey program. These upperclassmen led the team through a difficult tryout session and have led by example over these three or four years.” Notably, varsity goalie Audrey Post has a verbal commitment with UC-Berkley. “We are excited to have her out on the field with us,” stated Coach Edmonds. As this season continues, Coach Edmonds will strive to cultivate a program that encourages players to keep competing season after season. “To develop these girls into great field hockey players, leaders, and teammates” is her number one goal.
Football games allow 100% capacity
that role. Head Coach Steve Leisz believes that the class as a whole has the potential to lead the team in a positive direction; The Episcopal Knights have been prehe knows the group and its relatively new paring hard for the upcoming, hopefully coaching staff will work hard to protect its COVID-19-free, season. Having started SPC title. preseason during After a Covidthe summer and filled 2020, EHS ramping it up in has opened up the early August, the Simmons Field Knights have alfor maximum fan ready scrimmaged capacity, giving Second Baptist the athletes the and St. Thomas energy they will with commendneed to perform able results. at their best. The first official EHS scrimmages against Second Baptist. Pho- Episcopal will game of the sea- by Lauren West. host what could son was at home be the most excitagainst Episcopal Parish on August 28th. ing home game of the year on October When it comes to leadership on the field, 10th against one of its biggest rivals, the the Senior Class has been asked to assume Kinkaid Falcons.
JALYNN WOOLLEY Staff Writer The cheer and pom teams have been busy all summer, and their hard work seems to have paid off because the girls won an abundance of prestigious awards. At the NCA Speed Camp, Natalie Taylor and Emma Dabney were named All-Americans, and Sophia Neylon was named Top Jumper, with Emily Keenan qualifying as a finalist. The pom team attended UDA Camp in August where they won Superior Team Routine and Superior Overall. Five seniors were also named All-Americans, including Kristen Davis, Frieda Borden, Kendall Aldstadt, Eliza Thompson, and Zoe Meshberger. The cheer team attended the Woodlands Elite Camp where many of the girls were awarded for their excel-
lence, including Tasia Rushing, Sophia Neylon, Jillian Greely, Caterina Cruces, Caylon Mike, Louis Youtt, Mattie Pincu, Angelina Vella, Emily Keenan Audrey Black, Emma Kate Michael, Julia Sherman, Caroline Thomas, Emma Shoppa, Izzy Proler, Hollyn Hansilk, Scarlett DuBose, Porter Miller, Emmi Bailey, Natalie Taylor, and Allie Foutch. At the NCA Camp, Sophia Neylon, Caylon Mike, Emma Kate Michael, Emily Keenan, Jillian Greely, Reagan Gable, and Scarlett DuBose received the title of AllAmerican. In addition, Neylon and Mike were given an invitation to join the NCA staff next spring, which is only offered to the top cheerleaders around the country. The spirit program welcomes back Knight alum Katherine Kuntz to assist with the JV cheer team. All 86 girls are excited to perform at football games as well as girls and boys volleyball this fall.
LEANA GREENE Production Editor
The cheer team utilizes gym space to practice routines. Photo by Lauren West.
