News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
February 2021
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
2021 Auction is moved online
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 35, Issue 7
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards EHS students receive prestigious regional honors
CRISTIAN MUÑOZ Staff Writer This year’s EHS Auction was held virtually on February 19, and the theme was Light Up the Knight. The event was originally planned to take place on campus and in person, but as has been the case in this school term with other events, the auction organizers had to come up with a Plan B, and they say that “Plan B means Plan Better!” The auction was enthusiastically moved forward with the planning of the Online Auction with desirable items and virtual entertainment. In the end, the two goals for the annual auction were, first, to gather and bond with the community and to celebrate EHS and its talented Knights. Secondly, the funds from the auction were once again dedicated to the operating budget of the school, which covers costs such as financial aid for students, expenses related to COVID-19 preparations, classroom supplies, and more. The event night featured an evening with a one-of-a-kind entertainment group, songwriting maestros SongDivision. With a “live band” of world-class musicians streaming virtually from their Nashville studio, auction guests were asked to write an original rock anthem, all while requesting live performance songs from their favorite playlist. All auction items were featured in the Online Auction which began February 8, and closed at 10:00 p.m. on event night. Auction Chairs Caren McKinnie and Michelle Juden, current EHS parents, had volunteer experience on the EHS auction as well as other fundraising activities before becoming chairs of the event. Their qualifications and love for EHS made them perfect to lead the event and give their time supporting the school’s mission and its students. The auction chairs put together the Auction Committee Team that conducted numerous meetings virtually as they gave of their time and selves in service to the community.
The winners of the Scholastic Art Awards gather in recognition of their achievements. Students entered the contest in categories that addressed a variety of arts skills. Photo by Lauren West. SYDNEY COWARD Business and Circulation Manager
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a prestigious, nationally-recognized program. Many students at Episcopal High School have excelled in these various visual arts disciplines. There is a total of three levels of awards distributed in both art and writing the Gold Key, the Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions. Learn more about Scholastic Awards on Page 3
Freshman Class begins its service experience CORY KARDESCH Copy Editor
Starting in January, the Freshman Class began its service experience, helping communities and organizations all over Houston. A calendar of 26 service projects, either off-campus or on-campus, was created, and each freshman is participating in either one off-campus project or two on-campus projects. Some of the organizations that freshTo Whom It May men could sign up for included AniMeals, Concern where food for pets is delivered; Interfaith New column debates Ministries; The Beacon, a non-profit that the greatest topics serves Houston’s homeless communities; of the twenty-first century The Houston Food Bank, which leads in PAGE 9 helping hunger relief; and even Methodist Hospital, where students write cards and Winter Sports create posters to offer encouragement and Winter sports finish support to both patients and health care their seasons on high workers. notes Along with the service experiences, there was an educational component included, PAGE 12 when “one day in chapel, we had a preFeatures ........................ 2-4 sentation on the significance of service Culture ......................... 5 from various perspectives: religious, menSpecial Feature ............. 6-7 tal health, and the school’s mission,” said Entertainment ............... 8 Mrs. Katherine Weigand, who, along with Knight Shift.................. 9 Mrs. Katie Samson and Mrs. Rebecca AlOpinion ........................ 10 cala-Dominguez, have been orchestrating, Sports ........................... 11-12 leading, and helping out with the Fresh-
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man Service experiences. Students then discussed within their advisories previous service experiences, the needs we have in the city of Houston, and what type of ser-
vice projects they were drawn to. “With so many offerings serving different organizations (and various needs in our community), the freshmen were able to rank their choices before being placed in a service project,” added Mrs. Weigand. The students have been and are continuing to serve these communities and organizations until Spring Break, when they will then reflect on their service experiences and contributions. For students to help communities in need, or assist with the helping of communities, is a great service experience with an educational component. Brady Reed, Jeb Zaleski, Alec Schaefer, and Parker Kotlarz work at the Nature Discovery Center. The students engaged in park maintenance, refreshing granite trails, building new picinic tables, and planting. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Weigand.
Features ∙ Page 2
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Charity: Water receives donations Dude Be Nice Week kicks off from girls soccer program efforts SARA FAULCONER Staff Writer
LEANA GREENE Staff Writer Episcopal High School’s girls soccer program went above and beyond this season, helping those outside of our Episcopal community. Many people must deal with murky and disease-filled water, and every day about 1,400 children die from the unsafe water and poor sanitation. To help resolve this ongoing issue, the girls soccer program is joining Charity: Water in raising money for drilled wells, spring protection, and BioSand filters. Charity: Water is an organization which helps places around the world that lack the luxury of on-demand water and supplies them with close, well-filtered water. “Many of us have no idea what it is like
to be thirsty,” said Head Coach Rachel Stelter in her email to the girls. Donations were made January 23-30, and during the last game of the girls JV soccer season against Awty International School, which ended in a 3-3 tie, monetary donations were made for each goal scored. The varsity girls soccer team played against St. John’s and was also awarded monetary donations for every 50 passes made. The initial goal for Charity: Water was $4,000, but with dedication and passion, the team was able to raise $4,230. One hundred percent of the money raised “will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, Charity: Water will send photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped,” said Coach Stelter.
Dude Be Nice Week is a beloved EHS tradition that STUCO and Student Senate puts on every year to spread kindness throughout the community. The week is filled with many activities, but this year will be a little bit different with socialdistancing concerns and general Covid-19 restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety. A week in early March has been designated for the special week of kindness. On Monday, STUCO and the Senate plans to chalk up the walkways and garage surfaces all around campus. On Tuesday, Knights have the opportunity to buy Dude Be Nice masks and get their names
entered in a raffle. A virtual activity is planned for Wednesday, and on Thursday, there will be the annual “You Lift Me Up” balloons, on which members of the community write on balloons and give them to a friend to lift up their day. Each year, finishing off the week, STUCO decorates and celebrates a different department at EHS, This year the celebration is planned to be for the Technology Department, to honor their hardwork in keeping the school up to date with technology throughout the pandemic. Gwen Rippeto, the Senior Class president, hopes the week brings excitement and fun onto campus while uniting the community with kindness and activities.
Photo courtesy of EHS STUCO.
The girls varsity soccer program raised money for Charity: Water, an organization which supports clean water around the world. Photo courtesy of Rachel Stelter.
Junior entrepreneur sells sweet deals online in personal business venture CONNOR SMITH Opinions Editor The Knight Times recently discovered an entrepreneur in its student body ranks, a Knight who made the most of his quarantine. EHS junior Wade Arntzen spent his quarantine creating an online business selling candy boxes through social media sites like Tik Tok and Instagram. From an early age, Wade has been creating many monetary opportunities in his life. From a successful eBay business to reselling on Amazon, Wade has always looked for ways to make a dollar. Using his previous experience in small online businesses, Wade created a successful online shop called Crazy Candy Store. For his business, Wade handpicks candy to send to buyers across the United States. To rapidly expand his business, Wade decided to take advantage of the popular
social media app Tik Tok. Over the last year, his account has gained thousands of followers through fun videos of him creating specialized candy boxes. With his online presence, Wade can send candy boxes around the country even with the Covid-19 pandemic. When asked what advice he would give to high school entrepreneurs, Wade said to “research, research, research.” He also recommends practicing with smaller business ideas like selling old clothes on eBay or babysitting and pet sitting in your local community. Wade plans to continue the Crazy Candy Store for the foreseeable future and through college while studying business. If you are in the mood for a wide variety of candy and want to support a local business, try out the Crazy Candy Store by visiting crazycandystore.com or searching Crazy Candy Store on TikTok or Instagram.
LEANA GREENE Staff Writer The NAIS, National Association of Independent Schools, holds a diversity conference each year for students - the SDLC, Student Diversity Leadership Conference as well as faculty and staff—the People of Color Conference. Several members of the EHS student-led organization Diversity in Action had the opportunity to participate in SDLC as well as faculty/staff participated in the POCC portion.
cluded, and be able to speak respectfully about sensible topics,” which is exactly what took place during this conference. A select group of faculty and staff participated in the People of Color Conference, including College Counselor Ms. Monica Lopez, who has “the honor and privilege to serve as a new Diversity, Community, and Inclusion ambassador.” Ms. Lopez hopes for students to “gain a stronger sense in their identities, respect one another’s experiences, perspectives, and differences, and that they will begin
DIA junior John Bruton took part in the virtual Student Diversity Leadership Conference connecting with other students nationwide. Photo by Lauren West.
Junior Wade Arntzen, has started his personal business venture through social platforms TikTok and Instagram as well as the website Cray Candy Store. Photo courtesy of Wade Arntzen.
This year’s participants in SDLC were the first to attend the three-day conference virtually, an event that allows students to speak about diversity inequalities and nationwide, racially-motivated events of last spring and summer and the treatment of the LBGTQIA community, as well as other aspects of the underrepresented population. Junior Sophia Nylon took part in this opportunity and felt “it was a real eye opener to listen to other people’s stories and experiences that have affected them.” As a member of DIA, Sophia feels it is important that students, regardless of who they are, should be “treated fairly, feel in-
working to find solutions that will change the systems that perpetuate oppression of any kind.” The students who were given the opportunity to participate in the conference were able to find a connection with others through their identity groups and quickly recognize the potential power in their voices in every conversation. These students will be able to help achieve the school’s mission “as an inclusive and joyful community where students discover and develop their individual talents through the Four Pillars – academic, arts, athletics, religion – preparing for meaningful lives in service to others.”
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Features ∙ Page 3
Students receive awards for Scholastic Art and Writing SYDNEY COWARD Business and Circulations Manager Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a nationally recognized program that gives students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Episcopal High School students excelled this year with three levels of awards in both art and writing. WRITING AWARDS Gold Key Sara Faulconer, “A Lady’s Reality”; Claire Fortney, Nights in Cairo; Alena Haney, American Voices Nominee Excerpt from “Hunt”; Jessica Horton, Honey Drip Whisper; Lucy Katz, Antique Chairs and Global Pandemics; Evelina Tcherniak, Red Against the Darkest Gray; Mimi Wilson, Newspaper Cutout Silver Key Andrew Archer, The Ones Who Guard the Gate; Mac Bechtol, The Art of Loneliness; Colin Crane, Street Racer; Alexa Hendricks Dreams; Caroline Holmes, Morning Anxiety; Lauren McGinnis, Alterations; Sophia Reed, The Things I See; Paris Riconte, Breaking Free; Connor Smith, Voter suppression stifles the voices of Americans / Why Colleges should embrace Affirmative Action for applicants / COVID-19’s positive impact and the environment and why it should last Honorable Mention Andrew Archer, Mention Waves / Oma; Mac Bechtol, Coward / Lament of the One Left Behind; Sydney Coward, Jordan would dominate LeBron on the court: Here is why / Why couldn’t the MLB get
it right from the beginning? / The widespread loss of respect for differing political opinions; Kate Donaldson, The Mirror; Zack Donovan, The Picking Sailor; Jazzmin Duncan, How and why dividing the police force is necessary and beneficial to communities; Jessica Horton, Maple Syrup; Ford Johnson, Summer Freedom; Chris Lahoti, Big tech companies require government intervention / Meritocracy: Hard work should be the key to success; Lauren McGinnis, unknowns; Cullen Montgomery, How important life is; Lilly Oren, Sea of Blue; Charlotte Pond, The Salty Sea Breeze; Kyra Rushing, Neighbor’s Fridge; Connor Smith, The United States ban on TikTok: Is it reasonable or hypocritical?; Lauren Standley, Waves; McKenna Whitney, Restoration; Margo Zenner, The Autumn Leaves
Madison McLemore, Photography; Amelia Novotny, Photography; Carter Peeler, Photography; Ellie Pratka, Photography; Kara Seade, Photography & Mixed Media; Cassie Stewart, Drawing; Mimi Wilson, Photography; Harrison Witcher, Photography
Honorable Mentions Keya Arora, Photography; Jake Berlin, Sculpture; Frieda Borden, Photography; Jackie Canfield, Drawing; Page Champion, Photography; Craig Choi, Photography; Hutch Coward, Photography; Karma Elbadawy, Photography; Mitchell Glotfelty, Photography; Ava Grove, Photography;
Alena Haney, Drawing; Lila Henningsen, Photography; Leah Kaldis, Photography; Chris Karohl, Photography; Sydney Kelso, Photography; Daniel Koch, Sculpture; Claire Lane, Photography; Caroline Nelson, Mixed Media; Amelia Novotny, Photography; Mattie Pincu, Drawing; Ellie Pratka, Photography; River ReinertsenForehand, Sculpture; Catherine Russell, Mixed Media; Cassie Stewart , Drawing; Elliott Theis, Mixed Media; Natalie Toups, Photography; Riley Underwood, Photography; Bella Vogiatzis, Painting; Logan Watts, Photography; Mimi Wilson, Photography ;Harrison Witcher, Photography; Sarah Yates, Photography
ARTS AWARDS Gold Key Gabriel Canfield, Sculpture; John Dameris, Sculpture; Jaimie DeGeorge, Photography; Jasmine Greene, Photography; Lila Henningsen, Photography; Sydney Kelso, Photography; George Traylor, Film & Animation; Cooper Vining, Photography; Layla Younis, Photography Silver Key Christina Amelio, Photography; Andrew Archer, Photography; Chandler Black, Mixed Media; Frieda Borden, Photography; Sophie Butler, Mixed Media; Nicole Citardi, Film & Animation; Tom Davis, Photography; Defne Deliormanli, Photography; Karma Elbadawy, Photography; Jasmine Greene, Photography; Allie Guerino, Photography; Alena Haney, Mixed Media; Sydney Kelso, Photography; Kennedy Mayberry, Photography;
Winners of the Scholastic Writing Awards gathered outside the Underwood Student Center following the announcement of their Gold and Silver Key and Honorable Mention recognitions. Photo by Ms. Kate Philbrick.
College Board changes the SAT Visual arts applications available CLAIRE FRANKFORT Staff Writer The SAT is making some big changes this year. Taking this infamous, dreaded test has been a given for years and years, dating all the way back to 1941. Sitting in a big room, listening to the clock ticking down the time, can be a nightmare for some. No matter, the SAT organization is possibly making the feared test maybe less feared in the future. As of January 2021, the SAT announced that they will be doing away with the optional essay section and subject tests. Subject tests are “college admission exams on specific subjects,” but to lower
the demand, and in return, lowering costs, they are both being scrapped. In addition, the organization was working toward making the test totally virtual. Though this has not totally worked out, they are still trying to find new ways for students to take the test from the comfort of their own homes. COVID has taken a toll on the college admissions process. All colleges determined that they would be “test optional” for the Class of 2021, and some schools have already announced that it will continue for the Class of 2022. Maybe in a couple of years students will not have to worry about the test, or maybe, these are the last changes to be made for many, many years.
LUCY HOWLEY Social Media Coordinator
As second semester comes to a close, students begin drafting their schedules for the next school year and figuring out which art credits they want to fill. With plentiful options and new branches of the Arts Pillar to explore, students may be wondering how to apply and what prerequisites are required to take part in some of the programs. To begin, the Episcopal Advanced Moviemaking application for ETV is due to Mr. Milani by February 26. Students must have taken Moviemaking 1 or have Mr. Milani’s approval to participate. The application also requires a video submission created and produced by that student along with a 200-word essay explaining their interest in ETV and how they plan to grow against challenges within the course. Finally, students must pitch an original story idea and answer some questions
a short questionnaire regarding student interests, dedication, and experience in photography. The Knight Times newspaper and The Hexagon yearbook applications are due on March 1 to Mr. Framel. Newspaper prospects must complete the application, an interview, and have two English teacher recommendations for the course. The application is a short questionnaire about student passion for journalism and what position on staff the student may be applying for. Additionally, students looking to join the yearbook staff must fill out an application, take part in an interview, have two teacher recommendations, and join in a Summer Workshop that takes place in the first eight days of June. The Hexagon application questions focus on student strengths while working on a team. Finally, the application for Portfolio Development is due to Ms. Cunningham by March 5. Students looking to improve
Image courtesy of princetonreview.com.
Image courtesy of wfla.com.
regarding their dedication. Next, the Photojournalism application is due to Mr. Storlie by March 1. Students must have taken Beginning and Advanced Photography (or have pre-approval from Mr. Storlie), complete the application, and participate in an interview to be accepted into this course. The application includes
their art skills must list the visual arts courses they have completed at EHS or off campus and include the letter grades they received in each class. The rest of the application asks about the student’s dedication and interests. Contact the program teachers for applications.
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The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Quill and Scroll charter at NHS holds annual sock drive EHS debuts for publications ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Staff Writer
SARA FAULCONER Staff Writer The Quill and Scroll Honor Society (QSHS) is an international organization dedicated to recognizing and serving high school journalists. The EHS Student Publications Department recently established a campus chapter and welcomed 14 students in Yearbook, Newspaper, Broadcast Journalism, and Photo Journalism to its membership. The honor society has been around for almost 100 years, recognizing those students who have made publications an integral part of their courses of study.
Members must have taken four semesters of publications with no less than an Aaverage in those classes. The idea of providing an honor society for EHS publications students was considered last year and ultimately finalized with the leadership of QSHS President and Yearbook Editor Jasmine Greene, Dean of Arts Dr. Jay Berkley, Visual Arts Chair Ms. Kate Philbrick, and Publications Coordinator Mr. David Framel. Since Quill and Scroll’s founding, school charters have been granted to around 11,300 high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 29 foreign countries.
The EHS National Honor Society organized its annual sock drive virtually this year to benefit The Beacon, a homeless day center in Houston. Students recently signed up to donate via a Google form, and even though it was virtual this year, the results were gratifying. Mrs. Katheryn Ray, the director of the NHS chapter, said, “This year’s NHS executive team assisted membership and taking this project to the next level allowing us to continue to give back even during these hard and difficult times which involve the coronavirus. Forward thinking and the use of technology and new digital graphics made this possible. There were a lot of moving parts. I’m thoroughly impressed.” About 730 socks were donated this
year, and since it was a virtual campaign, organizers were truly amazed. The class that donated the most socks for the cause received giant chocolate chip cookies that Episcopal is well known for. Director of Food Services Mrs. Susana Borges-Pasini provided the cookies with her team. Episcopal couldn’t have done it without National Honor Society President Camille Hanna and its many executive team members, including Vice President Megan Smith, Secretary Treasurer Mary Carol Ray, and Parliamentarian Cade Williams. Everyone affiliated with The Beacon continues to be thankful for the EHS community and its assistance. Socks are a basic necessity for warmth and health. Many homeless people around Houston and around the world wear socks until they are worn out. Socks are infrequently donated to homeless shelters and centers, though they are needed.
Episcopal introduced The Quill and Scroll Honor Society charter to recognize student involved in publications. Photo courtesy of quillandscroll.org.
Students get involved in yearly Light and Shadow
Students involved in the EHS National Honor Society run a sock drive in the USC, helping Houston’s homeless population. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Katheryn Ray.
EHS introduces new putting green to north side of campus LILY O’GORMAN Staff Writer If you have ever wanted to wind down after a long day of school with a fun game of golf, you’re in luck! This year, EHS has made a new addition to campus– a putting green. The putting green itself is a gracious gift from a family who felt that an on-campus training space for golfers was a necessary investment. With this new space, golfers and wellness classes have the ability to improve their golf skills without having to go off-campus.
Available for any student or faculty member who wants to take advantage of the nice weather and get some air after school, the new green is located on the south side of campus between the ellipse and the new field hockey field. Now that the spring sports preseason has begun, the golf teams have been utilizing the putting green in their practices. Athletic Director Jason Grove has expressed his excitement for this new outdoor element, stating that “our students will benefit greatly from this wonderful space” and that he is “very thankful to those whose gifts made this a reality.”
Mrs. Hillary Houle’s advanced creative writing class organized this year’s Light and Shadow magazine in class. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Hillary Houle.
BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief Light and Shadow is a student literary art magazine published by the Advanced Creative Writing class at EHS. The magazine, sponsored by Mrs. Hillary Houle, is created by students who partake in the Advanced Creative Writing class. This year the deadline to submit pieces to the magazine is Monday, March 1 by 4:00 p.m. The magazine is composed of various student artwork as well as all different forms of writing; for example, poetry, prose, screenplay, essays and any other types of submissions are allowed. This year, there are two production editors who helped create the theme of this
year’s book. Likewise, they will manage the submissions and oversee most of the publication process. This year the production editors are seniors Madeline Berckley and Carson Clingman. The rest of the class aiding in the magazine’s creation are Alexa Hendricks, Sara Faulconer, Jessica Horton, Kennedy Barton, Raffi Gross, and Kate Donaldson. The theme this year is, per usual, “top-secret until the day the literary magazine is released,” said Mrs. Houle. “We love that it’s something fun for the community to anticipate.” Similar to last year, the magazine will be finalized and released as the second ever ‘e-magazine,’ which will virtually be released in Chapel on May 4. This is to “help EHS honor efforts to help the environment,” stated Mrs. Houle.
A new putting green located on the south side of campus was added during the field hockey turf field construction. Photo by Bailey Junell.
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Culture ∙ Page 5
My Distraction Crib with Sydney Coward Curb Your Enthusiasm is not a movie but quite possibly one of the best TV shows out there. Larry David always gets himself in some mess without even trying. The best part about the show is the lack of a script. The actors are simply given a plot line and the rest is improvised. Many Hollywood faces are featured in this 10-season sitcom, like Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone on Cheers. Larry’s best buddy, Jeff Greene, manages to always get involved in Larry’s mess and faces the wrath of Larry’s squeaky wife Cheryl and Jeff’s own wife, thick with a Boston accent. Within each episode “The Larry David Complex” is introduced, a name I coined myself. Larry gets involved in everything, being too honest about his warped view of life, and makes every situation worse by trying to fix it. “The Complex” is the type of unthinkable situation he finds himself in by overthinking. I can’t even think of an example because it’s just so bizarre yet so comedic. Each episode is around 30 minutes and available on HBO. I highly recommend it if your family is endlessly scrolling and can’t figure out what to watch. Larry David is 100% consumer satisfaction if you are trying to laugh. If I’m not reading some weird si-fi book or the classics, I’m reading a sports biography. Since fifth or sixth grade, these have been my favorites: The Cubs Way by Tom Verducci gave me literal goosebumps. Hugggeeeee Cubs fan here by the way. Dean Colello, if you’re reading this, read the book! Verducci takes readers back all the way to the beginning of the new dynasty in 2011 when Theo Epstein first joined the franchise. Epstein went beyond what Billy Beane did for the A’s. The book gets its name from a manual President Epstein used to lead the organization. Describing each step taken to win in 2016, Verducci focuses on manager Joe Maddon and the key players brought in during the rebuilding. Rizzo. Bryant.
Spanish Corner Review of the film Volver
SYDNEY COWARD Business and Circulation Manager Pedro Almodóvar, cineasta Español conocido por su representación de mujeres, es un director muy creativo. La película Volver es una obra maestra del director. No quiero echar a perder el final, pero el resto de la película está llena de sorpresas y secretos. La película Volver sigue la vida de Raimunda (Penélope Cruz) después de que su hija Paula (Yohana Cabo) mata a su “padre.” Agustina, la amiga de Raimunda, tiene cáncer y piensa que el padre de Raimunda y su mamá tienen un romance y que sus muertes están conectadas con Irene (Carmen Maura), la madre de Raimunda. La mamá Irene está viviendo en secreto con
Larry David stars in new show. Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.
Pedro Almodovar blurs the boundaries between life and death in his film Volver. Photo courtesy of lisathatcher.com.
Up and coming spring fashion trends Tom Verducci’s best selling novel. Photo courtesy of Baseball Hall of Fame.
LUCY HOWLEY Social Media Coordinator
Lester. Russell. Arrieta. All of them. The most important, and my favorite, part of this book is not the manager’s focus on on-base percentage and maximum home runs that could potentially be hit but the club house culture. Maddon’s emphasis on good vibes and personality are the intangible components that most teams are missing. Verducci makes the reader feel the supernatural after repeated losses, yet the fans are still there and waiting 108 years.
Slice of π
CHRISTOPHE MERRIAM Guest Writer Hello Knights! My name is Christophe Merriam, and I am the External Vice President of Math Club at EHS. The Math Club leaders hope that you are starting the new semester strong and are staying safe. We continue to have monthly Math Club meetings on Microsoft Teams and take the Texas Math League contest in Canvas. We should congratulate outstanding mathletes who competed this past November in the 23rd Annual International High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling. We had four teams (16 juniors and seniors) compete. The students chose from two modeling problems offered and worked two weeks to construct their solutions. A total of 779 teams from 302 schools from 20 countries/regions around the world competed (EHS was the ONLY school in Texas to compete this year). One of our teams received Meritorious Recognition, two of our teams received Honorable Mention, and the fourth team
Sole, la hermana de Raimunda. Almodóvar recrea “un pueblo pequeño español” perfectamente porque todos se conocen. Por ejemplo, cuando Raimunda no tiene dinero y necesita preparar comida, los vecinos le prestan los ingredientes. También, cuando tía Paula muere, la gente del pueblo tiene un velatorio para ella. La película habla de temas controversiales como que Paula mata su padre. El padre abusó de Raimunda y ella no le dice la verdad sobre el padre de Paula pero lo hizo por su bien. Un otro ejemplo de secretos es que Irene “desaparece” por dos años y nadie sabe donde está. Recomiendo Volver porque Almodóvar es muy talentoso y los actores son asombrosos. También me gusta la película porque todas las protagonistas son mujeres.
was a successful participant. Along with this achievement, we have even more math students to celebrate. On Saturday, January 30, 17 Math Club members attended the University of Houston Mathematics Online Contest hosted by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Exams in the following subjects were offered: Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Calculator Usage, and Number Sense. With coronavirus not going away anytime soon, be sure to stay safe and wear a mask. We are still selling Math Club masks for $3. If you would like to purchase one, please come to Dr. P’s room and scan the QR code to purchase and pick up in the room. Along with the sale of masks, we are selling hoodies. All the proceeds from the masks and hoodies help us pay for the countless math competitions we participate in year-round. If you would like to get more involved with Math Club, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ehsmathclub and stay updated with everything we will be doing.
Prime example of spring patterns and accessories. Photo courtesy of Vogue. If you are looking to spice up your closet for the up-and-coming Spring 2021 season, I researched the new women’s clothing trends from fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Elle so you don’t have to. I compiled a list of reoccurring themes from these articles, and here are my results. The women’s fashion department had some predictable outcomes this runway season. As you would expect, the spring clothing trends featured pastel colors, colorful coats, tie-dye, and dainty floral pieces that you would associate with the light, breezy spring atmosphere. The trendy denim obsession has continued into this season as well with baggy jeans, mom jeans, and oversized denim everything. However, there was a new fabric trend I have not seen on runway very much - khaki. Vogue’s runway featured the fabric (often reserved for high school boys and suburban dads) quite a lot this
season. Khaki certainly got a high-fashion makeover as it took the form of oversized, slouchy pants and Bermuda-style shorts paired with feminine portrait tops, tailored blazers, sweater vests, and sequins. Following new runway trends, button down dresses are now very popular, along with waist cinching and the Y2k-esque fish net pattern. Finally, the bold shoulder trend is still alive and thriving, so don’t put away your puffy sleeves just yet. Onto accessories. This year had some unusual trends that, honestly, shocked me. I’ll get the boring themes out of the way first. Wraps/shawls were common this year as a light coverup for cool nights; slippers, totes, and straw bags were also featured often as accessory inspiration. Platform sandals and strappy, high-heeled sandals both made a comeback this year. However, I was awed by the crazy, angular purses that hit runways this spring. With sharp points and jutting corners, the purses seem to cut through the usual elegant, dainty spring clothing vibe. Many models also wore over-the-top, crazy, wide-brimmed sun hats to provide shade. And, lastly, face masks were obviously another huge trend this season.
Model of popular spring colors and platform sandals. Photo courtesy of Vogue.
Special Feature ∙ Page 6
Special Feature ∙ Page 7
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
EpiscaLife: A new way to experience high school through an interactive game
Miss deadlines: Move back two spaces
Attend a site visit with Mr. Bender: Move forward one space
Sing Sweet Caroline and school song: Move forward one space
Go to the wrong class: Move back one space
Pull Senior Prank: Move back four spaces Get interviewed for Publications: Move forward one space
CONGRATS! YOU GRADUATED
EPISCALIFE Take an extra turn
Object of EspicaLife Board Game:
After all students have graduated from Episcopal High School, they record and celebrate their accomplishments across all Four Pillars. Multiple winners of EpiscaLife are inevitable.
Contents of EpiscaLife:
Board with Educational Track and EpiscaLife Tiles Each tile carries a message with a scenario and instructions: Orange Tiles: Religion Blue Tiles: Athletics Green Tiles: Arts Red Tiles: Academics Yellow Tiles: Student Life EpiscaLife Wheel *Dice not included, but available at the campus store in place of the wheel.* Knight Playing Pieces EpiscaLife Cards
Game Preparation:
Shuffle and place the EpiscaLife Cards in a pile. Install wheel and place Knight playing pieces on the Freshman Orientation starting tile.
Disappointment Mr. Framel: Stay where you are
Get an A in physics: Move forward one space
If a player lands on a tile with a Knight logo, the player draws an EpiscaLife Card and follows its instructions. Plays continues until all students have reached graduation. Graduating offers post-high school options, but it takes effort to get there.
EHS E P I S C O PA L H I G H S C H O O L
Play putt-putt with Mr. Chastain and Mr. Matthews: Skip a turn
Walk on the grass: Move back one space
THE GAME OF
Avoid pep rally: Move back one space Perform in a production: Move forward one space
Do something kind: Move forward one space
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START: Freshman Orientation
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E P I SCAL I F E
Attend tutorials: Move forward two spaces
Game Play:
All students spin the wheel. Highest spinner takes the first turn. Play then continues clockwise for four years. Move the number of spaces indicated on the wheel and follow tile instructions.
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Entertainment∙ Page 8
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Celebrities in Super Bowl LV commercials take fans by surprise CLAIRE FRANKFORT Staff Writer Yes, America watches the Super Bowl, eager to find out which team triumphs and which accepts defeat. We also watch the Super Bowl for the creative commercials and wild halftime shows. But were this year’s commercials geared toward the year that we just lived through? Let’s find out. Here are some of the best Super Bowl commercials of 2021.
1. M & M’s: Featuring Dan Levy and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, this lighthearted commercial came out on the top for its message. As various people said, “Sorry” to others, they would pass out a bag of M&Ms, showing how M&Ms help people to come together. 2. Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade: As definitely one of the better commercials of the year, Bud Light took the saying, “When life gives you lemons” and turned it into laughable and very much relatable
flashback of 2020. 3. Scotts & Miracle-Grow: Ok, this sounds a little odd to be at on the list, but it is a given when there are that many celebrity cameos. These are the celebs that I sighted: John Travolta and daughter Ella, Martha Stewart, The Office’s Leslie David Baker, NASCAR drivers, and Peloton instructors. 4. State Farm: “Drake from State Farm” made a cameo alongside Patrick Mahomes and Paul Rudd to make this commercial.
Drake curse, anyone? 5. Doritos: This commercial did not just make the list because of Matthew McConaughey. The chip brand illustrated how it only takes a taste of Doritos to feel yourself again. So, maybe they weren’t all about Americans coming together (minus a few). I would say that all around, this year’s commercials did not disappoint. Until next year, Super Bowl!
WandaVision is latest story line from Marvel Universe BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief The new TV show available on Disney Plus, WandaVision, blends classic family-sitcoms with the superheroes of the Marvel Universe. This new show follows sorceress, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and previously dead android Vision (Paul Bettany) as they are trapped in an alternate reality where they are living an ideal suburban life as wife and husband in Westview, New Jersey. The show features incredible storytelling, incorporating details, shocks, and reveals that will directly influence the future of the Marvel Universe. Set directly after Avengers Endgame, the show is the first installment in Phase Four of the Marvel Universe and will lead directly into the upcoming movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in March 2022. The first season, which has been airing each Friday since January 15, will have a total of nine episodes. The finale will air March 5. Each episode is based on various sit-coms from the decades, each with an opening theme sequence and song. The set and costumes of Westview and its residents reflect the themes of the decade and continue to conform to whatever sitcom is inspiring each episode. Easily the most curious part about each episode is during the brief minute long commercial breaks packed with Marvel references, including callbacks to Stark Industries, Hydra, and references to the situation Wanda is in. The first episode, 1950s-themed and titled “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience,” was loosely based on The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Love Lucy. The second in the series, “Don’t Touch That Dial,” is based on 60’s TV show Bewitched. Both episodes were shown in black and white and introduced neighbor Agnes (Kathryn Hahn), who is widely speculated to become a secret villain.
The third installment, “Now in Color,” is loosely based on the 70’s The Brady Bunch. It’s in this episode when Wanda and Vision welcome their children, Billy (Julian Hilliard) and Tommy (Jett Klyne). Certain cues and hints allude to the artificiality of Westview and its residents who cannot leave the city. The fourth episode, “We Interrupt This Program,” diverges from the normal sitcom theme and shows an outside perspective on Westview, partly revealing the true situation. This episode re-introduces FBI Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) and Dr. Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and introduces Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), who in the first few episodes played Geraldine in the sitcoms. Episode 5 “On a Very Special Episode” is influenced by Family Ties and Full House, both well-known sitcoms from the 80s and 90s. This episode combines the previous sitcom themes and furthers the ‘outside’ look at Westview, or “the Hex” as Darcy Lewis calls it. “All-New Halloween Spooktacular” is based on the early 2000s TV show Malcolm in the Middle. In this sixth episode, the characters are celebrating Halloween and all wear costumes which nod to their original comic book characters. Reprising his feature character role is Evan Peters as Quicksilver from the X-Men films. But this is an entirely different universe and character than his past role. As of writing the last episode to come out is Episode 7, “Breaking the Fourth Wall,” heavily inspired by The Office, Happy Endings, and Modern Family, including sit-down interviews with most of the characters. Plus, if viewers sat through the seven-minute credits, they caught a glimpse of the first ‘mid-credit’ scene that Marvel is notorious for having. With only two episodes left, hopefully some answers to Wanda’s situation will be given. Nonetheless, WandaVision has opened the doors for the future of new Disney Plus Marvel TV shows.
One of the many top Super Bowl commercials included “Drake from State Farm,” as the insurance company’s advertiser continued to feature celebrities in its ads. Photo courtesy of usatoday.com
CONNOR SMITH
CHRIS LAHOTI When we think of classic video games, a few come to mind. Super Mario Bros, Galaga, and Pac-Man are all very popular games to this day, but in our opinion, no game has remained so popular throughout its existence more than Tetris. While many popular game titles over the years rise and fall, Tetris has remained popular and even grown its fan base with new ways to play. Created in the mid-1980s by Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris soon spread to the western world through Nintendo’s integration of the game with the 1989 Gameboy. With close to 80 variants of the classic block placing game spanning multiple generations of gaming, Tetris continues to grow and remain popular. If you don’t already know, Tetris is quite simplistic in nature - the only controls being to spin, move left or right, and drop. The goal is to survive for as long as possible by placing blocks to form rows of
10. Every time you complete a row, it will disappear and leave more space for new blocks. Over time the blocks will begin to fall faster, making it difficult to keep up. Recently Tetris has even expanded to letting players go against each other, with Tetris 99 becoming a widely popular multiplayer experience. The easy controls and an infinite number of strategies have made Tetris popular among all people, but the game has other benefits as well. Tetris has been proven to improve reasoning and critical thinking, with writer Jeffrey Goldsmith adding that “Tetris trains your brain to stop using inefficient gray matter, perhaps a key cognitive strategy for learning.” If you are looking for a fun way to improve brain function while having a good time or a way to show off to friends with double t-spins and combos, we highly recommend trying out Tetris.
Streaming services cashing in SARA FAULCONER Staff Writer Netflix and other streaming services have been realizing growth in subscribers lately with the decline of theater moviegoers. People feel it is not safe or economical to spend money to watch one movie in a theater when they can just wait a couple months for it to come out on a streaming app. More and more people are realizing that being able to watch thousands of movies and practicing patience regarding new releases through services like Netflix and Hulu is worth it if they only have to pay a small monthly cost. With that said, streaming subscription rates have increased due to high demand, most recently brought on because of the pandemic. HBO has taken the change in viewer demand a step further by taking
advantage of both viewing options. It released Wonder Woman on its service but also in theaters. Most families prefer to pay the cost of a subscription than risk going to a movie theater during a pandemic. Streaming apps releasing new movies earlier has also made it much more convenient and desirable for viewers, and the ability to pause a movie or watch it on their own time only increases the benefits. Overpriced refreshments and bathroom breaks, too, make home viewing a more logical choice. With a previous Netflix average of five to ten million new subscribers each year, 2020 saw an explosion of 15 million new subscribers for the service, in large part due to the pandemic. With these changes in the way movie watchers are enjoying films, there is no telling what will happen to movie theaters.
The game of Tetris is well known for being a great way to exercise your brain with a little bit of fun. Try it out for yourself. Photo courtesy of youtube.com.
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Knight Shift ∙ Page 9
To Whom It May Concern:
To Whom It May Concern:
It came to my attention that you value eating pancakes for breakfast more than waffles. This deeply concerns me, as this belief is incorrect. To articulate my side of the argument, I will focus on the three main categories: taste, texture, and experience. For starters, the ability for pancakes to retain toppings such as syrup and butter appears unparalleled to waffles. Due to their superior geometric shape, waffles are easily able to retain their toppings, making each bite satisfying. This design also keeps the waffle from becoming soggy. Pancakes have no way to hold syrup and generally become soggy and inedible after a few minutes, unlike a rigid waffle. Breakfast eaters everywhere can thank Cornelius Swartwout for the iconic design which he patented in 1869. It is this design that allowed waffles to outshine the boring and simplistic nature of pancakes. You don’t see pancake fries or pancake cones. No. You see waffle fries and waffle cones. While pancakes and waffles may seem similar at first glance, upon further inspection, one can understand how waffles are not only better than pancakes but the zenith of all breakfast items. I implore you to change your opinion, my good sir, and develop a correct taste in breakfast treats.
I beg you reconsider. Does it not appear foolish to side with a carbohydrate as fiendish as the so-called “waffle”? Pancakes quite simply present themselves in the more attractive light. Such delicate fluffiness in the perfect breakfast-plate shape provides the quintessence of food heaven. Your ridged monstrosity fails to hold a candle to it. Begone! But not before I make my case. Pancakes staked their claim upon humanity in the Roman Empire in the 1st Century CE. The Roman Empire, I tell you! An unparalleled governing structure with enough technological advancement to arouse jealousy from the gods themselves. It is no wonder they discovered the divineness of the pancake. It took over 1800 years later for the waffle to come into existence, and for good reason. Waffles fail to compare to this delicacy. On top of being softer and fluffier than their overly crunchy counterpart, pancakes are perfectly dense enough to leave one full for hours. Waffles, although filling for the moment, fail to last long enough to carry one over to their next meal. Additionally, the relative ease in pancakes’ preparation allows for more variations and easier experimentation. Please, see reason. There is no need to introduce ridges to an already perfect breakfast.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
A discontented individual
Another discontented individual
Cartoon by Lily O’Gorman
PhotoJ Photo of the Month
The varsity boys basketball team has worked hard to have a successful season amid unprecedented circumstances. Photo by Karma Elbadaway.
Speaks Out “What would you name your boat if you had one?”
Heather Schoen “Jenny”
Mr. Flood “Boaty McBoatface”
Bryce Butler “Unsinkable 2”
Naya Rhemtulla “Sink”
Beth Holden “Hope Floats”
Nolan Kelley “Response”
Opinion ∙ Page 10
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
Debate continues on whether to pay college athletes CHRIS LAHOTI Managing Editor College athletes devote countless hours of work toward their sport. Balancing both athletics and academics is not easy, especially when faced with a grueling schedule of training. As the college athletic scene continues to grow and commercialize, one question remains. Should these student athletes be paid for their success? Well known programs such as the University of Texas, Ohio State, the University of Alabama, and the University of Michigan have developed powerful athletic programs capitalizing on increased viewership, brand merchandise, and television contracts. These types of programs pocket millions of dollars every year, yet only 7-10 percent is handed back to the athletes via scholarships. Despite what people assume, athletic scholarships do not span all four years of college. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a nonprofit organization overseeing college athletes, dictates that colleges and universities may only hand out scholarships on a one-year, annually renewable basis. As per NCAA by-
laws, athletic scholarships and financial aid can be canceled if the individual becomes ineligible for competition, engages in misconduct, or withdraws from the sport for personal reasons. What happens to athletes who unfortunately get injured? If their scholarships can be canceled due to injury, shouldn’t they be compensated for the time they devote to their sport? The NCAA website states that it prioritizes the academic as well as the athletic success of each athlete. Unfortunately, it seems that these student athletes are exploited for the organization’s financial gain. The constant training and packed season schedules mean athletes lose out on opportunities like internships and extra academic courses. While academics may be a priority, the reality is that students aren’t given sufficient time to focus on this. On the other hand, why should athletes be paid for playing a sport when a majority of their tuition is covered? A 2019 survey by the Federal Reserve System found that the average student loan debt amounts to over $32,000. Colleges provide full or partial tuition coverage via scholarships as well as free or reduced housing and textbooks for
their athletes. Also, students would be more inclined to choose colleges based on potential earnings as an athlete rather than criteria like academic rigor or campus life. This in turn allows colleges with large funds and strong Division I sports programs to consistently overshadow Division II and III schools, which, despite not having as much money, might have better academics and extracurriculars. Furthermore, the burden on student athletes to maintain peak performance for their pay could hinder their ability to keep a strong enough academic GPA to even remain eligible to attend their college. The other question is should all athletes get paid the same amount? Not every ath-
lete has the same skill or level of contribution to the team’s success, so payment would have to be stratified according to a player’s assigned value. Would this not classify student athletes as employees of their colleges, allowing room for “salary” negotiation? A recent decision made by the NCAA’s board of governors approved a proposal to allow endorsements between college athletes and corporations. Despite this new development, the issue of paying college athletes remains debatable. The NCAA and colleges need to find a way to reward athletic skill while promoting each athlete’s academic advancement for long term success.
HOT TAK ES
with Jazzmin Duncan
Many of the current beauty standards perpetuate unrealistic expectations. This honestly could be said about any era in history; however, in the time of social media, these standards are much more prominent. These popular, and sometimes odd, trends in the world of beauty address both men and women. In a rather sexist approach, women are expected to adhere to their respective appearances more than men. To be more specific, the demand on women is greater to be below average height, relatively hairless, and submissive, and to possess a variety of other qualities. After examining society’s beauty standards, people must ask themselves: What does it take to fit into this rigid mold? A lot of work and sometimes surgery for some, not to mention that for many women, this “perfection” is completely unattainable. Women online and in real life are demonized when they happen to not fit the given beauty standards of today; they are often called “quirky” or are made fun of, and if
they should fit the standard, some are labeled “basic.” It’s a no-win situation. These reactions to women are a product of centuries of misogyny and holding women to unrealistic standards. Expectations and their intensity can lead to extremely unhealthy eating habits, and, honestly, bad habits in general. Similar things can be said about men. Male specifications aren’t as rigid, yet they have the potential to be just as toxic. There has been a recent uptick in the demand for “cigarette eating, skinny white boys” (user Tiger Harrison on Pinterest). There are obviously so many things wrong with this statement. Not only does it promote chemical abuse but also glorifies unhealthy eating habits. Both men and women face unrealistic appearance standards that promote unhealthy habits and decrease a person’s overall mental wellbeing. What’s important here is that the standards that both face have the potential to be harmful.
Military recruitment methods take advantage of lower-income groups JAZZMIN DUNCAN Staff Writer The United States military constantly targets low-income communities in its recruitment. The organization uses its “benefits,” like free college tuition and housing, as bargaining chips to grab the attention of the poor. Specifically, it markets itself to high schoolers in low-income communities as an option to post-secondary school through programs like JROTC. From 2011-12, a study was conducted monitoring the presence of recruitment officers in low- and high-income schools in Connecticut. In this study, it was found that, while the higher income schools experienced recruiting officers four times on average, the low-income schools saw them 40 times. There is nothing wrong with
scouting for new recruits; the problem arises when this arm of the government pushes for these individuals to join the Navy, Air Force, Army, or other military programs to gain these benefits instead of making them accessible in other ways. The government realizes there is a problem in lower-income communities when it comes to access to higher education, housing, and other opportunities, but instead of fixing this dilemma, it chooses to exploit young men and women, using them to “fight for our freedom.” This problem only helps to highlight the disparities among the upper, middle, and lower classes. It should not take a lower-income person potentially risking his or her life to have the same or similar opportunities as someone who is in a higher echelon of society.
For sports fans the debate continues on whether college athletes deserve to be paid. Photo courtesy of Penn State.
The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400
Head of School Ned Smith
Editor-in-Chief Bailey Junell
Associate Head of School Nancy Laufe Eisenberg
Managing Editor Chris Lahoti
Principal Kim Randolph
Copy Editor Cory Kardesch
Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley
Sports Editor Tinley Kane
Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick
Opinions Editor Connor Smith
Publications Coordinator David Framel
Business and Circulation Manager Sydney Coward
Photojournalism Instructor Japheth Storlie
Social Media Coordinator Lucy Howley
Photojournalism Co-Editors Sophie Martin and Karma Elbadawy
Staff Writers Jazzmin Duncan Claire Frankfort Lara Verstovsek Leana Greene Estefania Lopez-Salas Cristian Munoz Sara Faulconer Lily O’Gorman
Photographers Maya Basra Sophia Black Sydney Brooks Lila Henningsen Margrethe Jensen Sydney Kelso Jami Rassy Mimi Elizabeth Wilson
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 ∙ February 2021
Sports Brief
TENNIS
ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Staff Writer It’s that time of year again. Spring is approaching, and that means tennis season has officially begun. Athletes that have been interested in tennis have been hard at work perfecting their serves and volleys in preparation for tryouts and a demanding schedule. Practices continue to be from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Downtown Club at the Met. There are usually four coaches in attendance, including assistant coaches Mr. Harris and Ms. Succi, conducting organized drills with the team. Tryouts were held February 15-17 and were divided based on experience. The first day of tryouts were for new tennis players, returning junior varsity players attended the second day, and the third and final day was for last year’s varsity team. Roughly seventy boys and girls showed interest in tennis, but due to coronavirus protocols, thirty cuts had to be made to limit numbers. Like the fall and winter sports seasons, SPC is still a big question. Depending on the COVID-19 situation, the schools will soon decide whether having a big conference championship will be the best decision when the priority is keeping everyone healthy and safe.
GOLF CORY KARDESCH Copy Editor As spring season sports begin, each program is figuring out how the year will look. For golf, things are beginning to be as close to normal as possible. Boys golf tryouts took place on February 10, when players completed a full 18-hole round to make the teams, which consists of varsity, junior varsity, and a practice squad. Coach Wayne Jones knows that the “golf season will be as normal as ever” as “golf naturally has social distancing built into the game.” He also says that the team “will have a strong schedule as usual, and the season will finish with the SPC Championship.” Golfers have been preparing through off-season play in hopes for a strong showing in 2021. Daily practices and multiple tournaments have been the standard as spring kicks in gear.
Winter Sports ∙ Page 11
Baseball program institutes new approach CRISTIAN MUNOZ Staff Writer Baseball has taken a different approach in the 2021 preseason by spending time focusing on leadership as the coaches have put players in teams of 4-6 known as “boat crews.” The leaders in the program are captains of each boat crew, and everything they do hinges on competition and accountability. “You have to know that you can trust your team long before the hard times hit in a season,” says Head Coach Matt Fox. The team has spent a great deal of time developing and defining its culture, identifying who belongs and who can handle adversity before the rosters are ever formed. This year’s leaders - Raffi Gross, Bennett Hanks, James Taussig, Tanner Fox, Jacob Dixon, Paul Smith, Stephen Pena, Marco Gutierrez, and Gunnar Brown - have been phenomenal so far, according to the coaching staff. They set the tone for the baseball culture at EHS by living out who they are. They have also focused more on the younger players and their understanding of what it means to a Knight in the baseball program. Coach Fox acknowledged that the team is definitely talented, but baseball is a hard game, and the best team does not always
win. Consistency in the process is what the program aims for, and results with emphasis on the process and controlling what they can control. “I see a lot of guys competing with
Senior Raffi Gross slides in safely during varsity home game action at Jess Borg Field. Photo by Sydney Kelso.
Knights hungry to take diamond in 2021 lineup the Knights have over other SPC teams. The number one and number two pitchers, All-SPC LeAnn Dromgoole and Reese Barrett, create the perfect combination of speed and movement to throw off each and every batter. Only freshmen, Allie Williams and Townsen Thomas will be a driving force for this team and are going to be players to keep an eye on. Williams and Thomas are going to take over the outfield and the bases. Thomas, a triple-threat left-handed
batter, and Williams’ power from the right side are an unstoppable duo. The Knights were scheduled to have their first scrimmage against Second Baptist on February 4 and Oak Ridge on the 11. It’s all about getting ahead of the competition for this team as it even had its first tournament in Lexington, Texas recently. The chase to a four-peat has officially begun.
preseason, the boys lacrosse team commonly plays a pick-up game called Speedlax in order to develop specific skills. In addition, the team works on strength and conditioning, making sure their stamina is strong.
Despite common athletic goals usually consisting of winning SPC, for Coach Mike Donnelly, his focused aim this year is “to be healthy, complete our schedule, and play as well as [he] knows [the team] can.” T he way things are going, though, the Knights are not optimistic about SPC playoffs happening. However, lacrosse also competes for city and state titles if the boys do well enough in their matches, so the team is looking forward to the possible competition if they qualify. Although there are a number of talented seniors that Episcopal will be sadly saying goodbye to as they move on to college - Cameron Thornton, Jack Carpenter, Gannon Amendola, Keith Sill, Dylan Woo, Andrew Smith, Max Mifflin, Bennett Manley and Braden Guthrie - they are also the glue that holds the team together and are being counted on specifically this season.
Lacrosse players work on their ball handling skills during a recent practice. Photo by Bailey Junell.
Goalie Jackson Kincannon. Photo by Bailey Junell.
TINLEY KANE Sports Editor With the cancellation of spring sports SPC last year, the softball program is hungrier than ever. The team has a perfect balance of returners and new faces that are bound to make an impact. Key factors that will determine the Knights success this season will be the pitching dynamic and the versatile batting
Playing at a high level remains focus of boys LAX LARA VERSTOVSEK Staff Writer As winter sports at EHS slowly come to an end, spring sports are well on their way. Working through precautions during
GIRLS LACROSSE LUCY HOWLEY Social Media Coordinator The girls lacrosse program is ready to get back in season. After last year’s season was cut short by three months due to the pandemic and mandated quarantine, the returning varsity and JV players are eager for competition. Preseason began in the beginning of December with hour-long practices that focused on conditioning and building stick skills. On February 1 a week of tryouts divided the girls into JV and varsity. Coaches Jess Adams, Paige Moriarty, Emily Barron, and Emily White are looking forward to putting the girls’ hard work to the test at their upcoming games at the St. John’s play-day and against Bellaire. Seniors Gwen Rippeto, Lucy Howley, Helen Young, Izzy Ehrlich, and Mary Carol Ray are also excited for their chance to lead the team and leave their impact on the girls lacrosse program.
smiles on their faces. It’s hard work and a great sacrifice, but the love and trust on this team makes memories that will long outlast the championship we pursue,” added Fox.
Spring Sports∙ Page 12
The Knight Times ∙ February 2021
“What if” Winter SPC had happened Swim breaks TINLEY KANE Sports Editor Due to Winter SPC’s cancellation, it felt only right to have coaches and players make predictions as to how their respective sport would have performed in the tournament. Starting with girls basketball and senior Gwen Rippeto, she believed the team “would have for sure played in the championship game. We had an amazing season last year, and it still feels like we should have won the whole thing.” With each year Rippeto has been on the team, it has gotten better, and she further stated, “This year would have been our chance at a comeback” to bring an SPC trophy to EHS.
Another top contender for a championship would have been the girls soccer program. With a new set of coaches and new recruits, the team was projected to go far this season. Senior captain Mimi Wilson elaborated on the stacked roster, stating, “We definitely would’ve gone really far in the tournament and probably won because we have such a deep roster that was so committed to this team and the core values that we stand for.” For the boys soccer and boys basketball programs, the fight for the title would have definitely been a tough one. Nevertheless, there would be no reason to doubt these teams to perform well in the clutch for a title. Senior captain Oliver Alvarez spoke on the behalf of the soccer team, and he felt
confident “the team would’ve done super well and competed at a really high level if there would have been an SPC tournament.” Similarly, boys basketball head coach Wayne Jones felt his boys “would have been in the thick of things and competed as usual.” “Our team is scrappy and can play with a lot of confidence, and that is what you need at conference tournament time,” he reflected. Swimming and Diving coach Evan Chastain gave some insight into the swim and dive program and prior to the South Zone Championship stated he “plans to finish in the top 5 for both girls and boys teams”. The girls ended up in 3rd place and the boys took fifith place.
Boys basketball seizes big rivalry wins TINLEY KANE Sports Editor Wrapping up the basketball season, the Knights ended with a bang. The target in the last weeks focused on the SPC schools the boys would have faced in the annual Winter SPC Tournament. After a tough loss against St. Stephen’s in late January, the Knights flipped the switch and dominated the court. On January 29, the boys had a sweet, thrilling victory over rival the St. John’s Mavericks. Many had thought this would be one of the Knights’ easier games of the
season, but the Mavericks were relentless and did not stop until the buzzer. Leading scorers for the night were Brendon Mwamba with 10, Justin Begg with 9, and 7 points from Will Turlington and Dasean Brodie. With the crowd stomping their feet and distracting St. John’s on each free throw, Hildebrand Athletic Center was the place to be that Friday night during the 56-55 thriller. The next week the Knights continued the upbeat energy against the Kinkaid Falcons on February 2. Unlike the St. John’s game, this contest would not be close as the Knights dominated 63-40. Top scorers
for this game would be Gerard Edwards with 13, Jonathan Burroughs and Dasean Brodie with 12, and Justin Begg with 11. With the momentum the team had, it seemed as if nothing could stop them. Then came the game many called the “SPC Championship” versus Houston Christian on February 5. The long-awaited rivalry match proved to be a tough one for the Knights, and this would also be a night to honor its four seniors Will Turlington, Cullen Montgomery, Wyatt Leathers, and Gerard Edwards. The game was scrappy, and tensions were high as the Knights fell just short to the Mustangs 58-55.
against St. Stephen’s due to the weather. But nonetheless they had a memorable season, finishing with a record of 10-1. The program’s only loss came at the hands of rival St. John’s in late January. Although SPC did not have winter championship tournaments due to COVID-19, the conference did name champions and runners-up for each zone based on the past season’s records. Due to the team’s record, they were awarded the title of Runner-Up in the Southern SPC Conference, a first for the program in recent years.
CORY KARDESCH Copy Editor
school and SPC records
CLAIRE FRANKFORT Staff Writer The swimming season came to a close during SPC when girls swim took third place and broke four school records. Among the four records broken, sophomore Estefania Lopez-Salas broke the school record for the 100m breast stroke, and the 200m freestyle and 200m medley relay records were broken by Sydney Coward, Meredith Frasier, and Mya Broughton. The girls record was broken for the 200 meter medley 200 free relay were timed at 1:55.01 and 1:43.71. Boys swimmer junior, Sam Randall also managed to beat the school record for the 100m butterfly with an overall time of 52.48. He would end up placing third overall in the race. Recapping the overall season, “This year, the swim team got super close and we all really bonded,” said Sydney Coward, a senior. “Coach Chastain has always supported and encouraged me to maximize my athletic potential and excell in swimming.” EHS is excited to see the swim team compete again and break more school records next year under Head Coach Chastain next year!
Wrestling program stays ready Girls soccer ends season as runner up in South Zone SPC for potential start to matches BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief The varsity girls soccer team started February with its Senior Night game against Houston Christian. Six seniors were honored - Audrey Reed, Annie Powell, Heather Schoen, Bailey Junell and Mimi Wilson - and the team came out victorious 2-1. On February the girls competed against Duchesne and won 3-1, which would prove to be their last game of the year. Unfortunately, they had to cancel their game
With COVID-19 continuing to be an issue and wrestling being a close contact sport, preparations leading up and into the season are very different. Wrestler senior Paul McGarry says that “while waiting, we are lifting individually and as a team” in the weight room for training. “We are wrestling at private clubs to get in, and stay in, shape,” McGarry said, in hopes that the season will start as close to
normal. As of now, the program has received permission to independently compete in the spring but is still waiting for the school and its medical team at Houston Methodist to make a final call on the season. As of now, no SPC in the South has been granted, and national tournaments, such as one that is usually in February, have been postponed - in one example, for the last weekend in April. Although normal team practices have not taken place, the team and Head Coach Steve Leisz are still preparing and looking forward to a great season.
Challenging year Girls basketball concludes memorable season ends boys soccer CRISTIAN MUNOZ Staff Writer Boys soccer had quite the challenging season as the varsity team finished with an overall record of 5-2-1. Going a month without playing due to quarantine proved to be very difficult for the team’s momentum. Undoubtedly, this would be a factor that affected the team’s performance with lack of games. Additionally, there was not SPC championship to play and look forward to. Instead, the boys reevaluated what their season would be meant for and focused on doing the best they could to dominate in the South Zone conference. When at their healthiest, the boys feel they were still at the top of the conference; however, injuries had a big impact on the team this season and slightly lowered expectations. Nonetheless, the team pulled through and did well overall. As the Class of 2021 graduates this year, this marks the last players to contribute to the team’s four consecutive SPC championships with the last SPC Championship won back in 2019.
LARA VERSTOVSEK Staff Writer
With a current record of 12-5, the girls varsity basketball team made its way to the end of their season. This year, they are saying goodbye to six incredibly talented seniors: Gwen Rippeto, Lizzy Afseth, Courtney Davis, Eva Del Frate, Destinee Harris, and Bria Woodard. These players were all happily celebrated on the recent Senior Night at the beginning of February. When asked what her favorite moment was, Coach Kayla Rogers said that “by far, [her] favorite moment of the season was beating Houston Christian by one point on Senior Night. There [is] always a lot of emotions when [the girls] play Houston Christian, but this particular one was special because it was a team effort lead by our seniors.” She added regarding the game, “[The Knights] had the ball with 16 seconds left. As the clock was winding down, junior Taylor Cross drove to the basket, and the defense swarmed her, and Taylor made a beautiful pass to Gwen Rippeto to hit the game winning layup with 4 seconds left. [The girls] held them off defensively and the final score was 68-67.”
Similarly, senior Lizzy Afseth stated that her “favorite moment of the season was making a buzzer-beating three pointer.” It is quite notable that the team really loves and cares for each other. “Because they have a genuine love for each other, each time they step out on the court, they bring a fight and a tenacity that makes it so fun to coach,” said Rogers. “The fight and determination are what
our coaching staff wants to see year after year.” This particular season had a slow start, but once the basketball team found other teams who would compete with a mask mandate, the girls found their groove. The team was adaptive through coaching changes, practice changes, quarantines, and last-minute game additions. Whatever obstacle or change they faced, the girls took it and embraced it. The coaches were so incredibly proud of how the girls fought through adversity and adapted the entire season. Freshman Emrie Holt goes up for a jumpshot during the teams game against St. Johns on January 29th. They finished the game with a 5619 win. Photo by Jami Rassi.