News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
August 2018
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
New leadership changes mark start of year
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 33, Issue 1
Web-based gradebook enhances communication between teachers and parents
EHS adopts open gradebook policy
BAILEY JUNELL Staff Writer As is the case with most high schools nationwide, Episcopal experiences annual changes in administrative positions and responsibilities and in faculty and staff membership. Along with the many new teachers and staff members that we welcomed this year, some familiar leadership faces have taken on new positions and duties, all in the ongoing effort to ensure school effectiveness and maximize employee talents. One of those in a position of leadership that took on a new title and assignments is former Dean of Arts Mr. Jay Berckley, who was recently appointed the new Dean of Arts and Innovation. Mr. Berckley commented, “As the newly appointed Dean of Arts & Innovation, I am honored to help lead and support Episcopal High School’s ongoing efforts to excel in all of our artistic offerings and practices centered around innovation.” His new job calls for him to continue to oversee over 50 different arts courses offered at Episcopal while leading new programs that support the faculty in their pursuit of cultivating unique approaches to increasing and growth in student knowledge, especially through the new innovative spaces making their debut in the new student center later this school year. He is excited about his new position and added that “one of the aspects of this new position that most interests [him] is the growing number of conversations already happening around campus surrounding how current research might continue to guide our teachers as leaders of learning. “The body of evidence that we now have access to about the effects of teachers on learning and how to maximize the unique and wonderful research happening in the cognitive behaviors of adolescents has recently been referred to by some as a golden era for learning,” Mr. Berckley voiced. “EHS isn’t simply a part of this golden era; we’re helping to lead it. We’re aiming for extraordinary… by innovating!” Another senior staff member taking on a new role is Mr. Kim Randolph, who moves from his Dean of Students position to that of Principal. Throughout the year he will be heading the Academic Pillar while relinquishing some of his Dean of Students duties to the class deans installed last year.
INSIDE Freshman Retreat The Class of 2022 bond at Camp Allen before the beginning of school
PAGE 3 News ............................. 2 Features ........................ 3 Culture .......................... 4 Opinion ......................... 5 Sports ............................ 6 Entertainment ................ 7
Freshman Reid Turlington utilizes the new online gradebook feature to check his grades. Access to the grade book can be found in the “My Backpack” tab on the portal. Photo by David Framel. LAUREN PORTER Editor-in-Chief
One of the new changes for the 2018-2019 school year focuses on the gradebook. The new open gradebook policy will allow parents and students to access course gradebooks anytime. Students and parents will be able to log on to My Backpack and view performance for every assignment. The new policy is based on research that shows it will help students excel in the classroom and further their academic growth. Learn more about the EHS gradebook policy on Features Page 3
New Underwood Student Center nears completion ELLIOTT JONES Staff Writer The new Underwood Student Center continues to look amazing as construction has progressed over the summer. With the exterior of the building nearly complete, teams and crews are working diligently to complete the interior soon. According to Mr. Robert Buckelew, Director of Facilities, the student center should be finished sometime in the late fall or early spring semester. The USC will feature many new attributes that will benefit both students and faculty. The first, and most notable, is the dining hall. With twice as much seating as the original, both inside and outside, a more spacious server, and a small lounge area, everyone will be able to sit and eat comfortably. A coffee bar is also a highly anticipated and exciting part of the new Underwood. Named after 2017 alumnus Forest Pressler, the bar will offer a warm cup of coffee, tea, or other beverage. The coffee bar is located next to the main seating area as well as the art gallery, a unique feature of the Under-
The new Underwood Student Center is projected to open at the beginning of the second semseter. Photo by David Framel. wood Student Center. The art gallery will hold notable paintings, photographs, and sculptures created by students. This “active gallery” will change out the art work regularly to display current pieces. This will also be the main show area for future Fall and Spring Art Shows. The second floor of the USC will hold two innovation centers and additional of-
fice spaces. The innovation centers are new spaces where students can expand their creativity and continue to work on things that they might not be able to in a normal academic class, such as robots or a car. The Underwood Student Center is one of many things students and faculty members are looking forward to this year, and they cannot wait to start using it in the near future.
News ∙ Page 2
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
Episcopal welcomes new faces to faculty and staff ranks
JAPHETH STORLIE VISUAL ARTS If I won the lottery, I would take A LOT of vacations and build a nineteenth century style house with natural light and a portrait studio space. Something surprising about me is I grew up without running water. My favorite thing to do with free time is restore antique, wood, and brass cameras.
ANNA SAIKIN ENGLISH If I won the lottery, I would open a bookstore!
JOHNNY KWOK MATHMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
Something surprising about me is I hate the heat—but I’ve lived in Houston most of my life.
Something surprising about me is I went to school with students from countries that don’t exist anymore.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would hike the Appalachian Trail for a year.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would possibly be a sports missionary. I would tell myself at age 16 it is going to be fun.
ROBIN BOWMAN MATHMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES If I won the lottery, I would hire a private chauffeur and never drive in Houston again! I would tell myself at age 16 to just ask him out already! My favorite thing to do with free time is play PC games.
JACKIE MCCRAY SCIENCE NIKKI SUBLET PERFORMING ARTS Something surprising about me is that my husband has a bigger shoe collection than me. He loves his Jordans! If I weren’t a teacher, I would be an interior decorator or a really good secretary…I love being organized and making schedules. I couldn’t live without dance classes. No matter how old I get, it is such a gift and a great feeling to express myself through a dance class.
Something surprising about me is that I have 3 boys that are now 4 and under. If I weren’t a teacher, I would be an accountant. I would tell myself at age 16 that I can finally drive!!!
DEANDRE ESPREE WORLD LANGUAGES
CONNIE THOMAS SCHOOL NURSE
Something surprising about me is I do aerial fabric classes, like you see in Cirque Du Soleil. My favorite thing to do with free time is go see a dance performance or read a really good memoir.
If I won the lottery, I would travel the world
Something surprising about me is that I am from Scotland! (This is less surprising as soon as you hear me speak…)
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be a geophysicist, which I was for a long time.
CASEY QUEDENFELD HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
My favorite thing to do with my free time is play real footbol, aka soccer, aka futbol.
WORLD LANGUAGES
If I won the lottery, I would go to Spain. Something surprising about me is I have an adorable four month old Saint Bernard puppy named Bentley. If I weren’t a teacher, I would be a professional organizer.
KAYLA ROGERS HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES If I won the lottery, I would first, buy all shelter dogs and puppies and live on my dog farm. If I weren’t a teacher, I would work at Walt Disney World. I would tell myself at age 16 “Mom and Dad are always right”.
ALEX AYRIS RELIGION Something surprising about me is that I have had more than one uncomfortable encounter with an alligator. (both under 5’, thankfully) If I weren’t a teacher, I would probably try to find a job working in/with the outdoors. I couldn’t live without really good burgers.
JENN SUI WORLD LANGUAGES Something suprising about me is that I once jumped off a moving motorcycle becuase I thought I was being kidnappped. If I weren’t a teacher, I would be a physician. My favorite thing to do with free time is sing and play guitar.
Spirit lives on through new Gong Squad DUNCAN LAMME Staff Writer
ROBIN OWENS MATHMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
MURAT YILDRIM MATHMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
If I won the lottery, I would be very surprised.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be a zookeeper.
MIKE HODGSON WORLD LANGUAGES
If I won the lottery, I would pay off my house and car and any other family members’ debt. Then I would hire a decorator for my house and plan some awesome vacations!
NEIL FULLARTON MATHMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
REBECCA DOMINGUEZ
and dress the theme. This year’s Gong Squad team includes seniors Jack The Gong Squad has become an Episcopal Athletic Pil- Podsednik, Cole Aaronson, Daniel Davis, and Pierce Zylman. They will work with the school to choose the right lar tradition and is arguably the heart and soul of Knight theme for every game and be the leaders of the crowd, school spirit, alongside the cheerleaders. Each year encouraging underclassmen, especially new freshmen, to graduating senior members of the Squad, the principal, embrace the school spirit. and the Senior Class dean pass on this legacy to a chosen Podsednik said this year’s group is going to be “much few who are responsible for keeping the tradition alive and encouraging other students to cheer at football games better and more active,” adding that there will be “new themes” incorporated into this year. Students that come to games to cheer on the Knights will depend on the Gong Squad and cheerleaders, and together they play a large role in the team’s motivation. Aaronson said that he “hopes everyone will come out to all the games to support our team” and plans to make this year’s Gong Squad the best. All members of the Gong Squad plan to make this year’s season memorable for everyone Gong Squad of 2018 get spirits up at the rival game against the Kinkaid Falcons by in the crowd. Football games are a great way to passing out blow up noise makers. Photo by PhotoJ.
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
Features ∙ Page 3
EHS welcomes new open gradebook to the 2018 year LAUREN PORTER Editor-in-Chief While there are various changes happening around campus this year, such as the visible construction well underway, there are also some important changes happening in the Four Pillars. In addition to quarterly grade reports, a new open gradebook policy has been implemented for the 2018-2019 school year. EHS students and parents will now have access to an open gradebook, which will allow students to know their grade in a particular course at any time. The change was made to help parents and students track their academic progress and encourage students to achieve maximum classroom potential. The new gradebook will hold students accountable in their classes, as they and their parents can view each individual assignment in a
course. The new gradebook is designed to help students achieve more successful outcomes in the classroom, be more accountable, and be more aware of their progress. Access to the open gradebook is available through “My Backpack” in Senior Systems. All grades are available to view under “Academic Info”/“Daily Assignments and Comments.” Faculty will either mark grades for assignments as a letter grade or a numerical value, but the overall grade will appear as both a numerical grade and a letter grade. Report cards and transcripts will reflect on the letter grade. The new gradebook system will provide easy access for students and parents to track a student’s progress in all classes and strengthen student performance. This positive change allows for a way to check grades and will help students further excel in academics.
Knights stay proactive though the summer with jobs and internships SYDNEY HUTCHINS Managing Editor This summer many Episcopal students found ways to make good use of their time by taking on the responsible roles of a job or internship. Harlan Solsbery and Rohan Asthana did just that as they shared a little of what they did during their summer ROHAN ASTHANA Where did you intern this summer? And what made you decide you wanted to be an intern? I interned at Six Foot. I had a great Civil Engineering internship last year at MBCO engineering, and after that experience, I realized that I wanted to do another internship. All of my internships at Six Foot Gaming were done through a place called The Enrichery, and both were part of their Career Accelerator Program. They placed me into this internship. Did you enjoy your experience there? I really enjoyed my internship at Six Foot, and the people there were awesome. Their building had an arcade machine and a popcorn maker, which was really cool. What did you learn from being there? I learned a lot. My first day was a little weird because I didn’t know exactly what to do, but I quickly warmed up. I learned exactly how to file a bug, the information required to isolate the bug, and the background of video game production. You have to give as much information as possible because it makes it more efficient and easy for the developers to find and fix the game. You need information such as the exact version, patch, and location in the game for example. Could you see yourself in the future working there? I believe that I may pursue an internship there next year, and I may even pursue game design as a career. I’d love to bring my engineering and design to game production. Lastly, would you recommend this summer internship experience to another peer? Why or why not? I would definitely recommend this internship to someone else. Not only was it
really fun, I also leaned a lot about the behind-the-scenes of game companies and how they struggle to meet deadlines just because it’s so hard. There are a ton of bugs; some won’t even be found, and developers only have so much time to fix them. It is definitely an enlightening experience for me. HARLAN SOLSBERY Where did you intern this summer? And what made you decide you wanted to be an intern? I interned at Staging Solutions. I wanted to be an intern this summer to see what it is like working in a true office and adult setting. At the same time I was also interested in gaining valuable skills and knowledge that could potentially help me in the future. Did you enjoy your experience? I loved everyday of my 4-week internship. What did you learn from being there? I learned how to create and use motion graphics and animation inside After Effects, whcih I never knew how to use before the internship. But my co-workers and mentors were very supportive of me, helping me alng the way and giving me the skills and kowledge to create animatios that went on to be used in concerts, sports matches, and private events. Could you see yourself in the future working there? I could definitely see myself working there in the future. The office space was very modern and relaxed. There were ping-pong tables to use, free food and drinks, and even an arcade machine! Everyone was friendly, and it felt like being apart of one big family. Lastly, would you recommend this summer internship experience to another peer? Why or why not? I would definitely recommend this internship for anyone interested in graphics or animation. The internship allowed me to be much more than just someone getting coffee or copying papers. It gave me the opportunity to be able to create animations that went on to be used in professional events and concerts, which really helps you show your skills and potential to the real world.
Class of 2022 gets a warm welcome at Freshman Retreat OLIVIA HOPWOOD Staff Writer On August 19 the Class of 2022 visited Camp Allen for the annual overnight Freshman Retreat. The retreat is a great opportunity for incoming ninth graders to branch out and meet new people. It also gives the students a chance to introduce themselves to their advisors and advisories. The retreat consisted of many activities, including high rope courses, zip-lining, ice-breaker activities, and even an “Advisory Amazing Race.” During these activities, the freshmen learned communication, listening, and perseverance skills. Some of the activities stretched the incoming students to meet new people and get out of their comfort zones. Although the day started at a very early hour and lasted into the evening, many of the students enjoyed their time at camp and used it as an opportunity to bond with their classmates. Kate Teagarden commented, “I had a
really fun time at the Freshman Retreat getting to know my advisory and getting more familiar with EHS. It made me feel so excited for the school year!” Students were grouped by advisory, which was an effective way to start off their high school experience. By grouping in advisories, the ninth graders got to acclimate to their advisories for the next four years. A benefit of the trip is how close the students grew to each other. Cory Kardesch said, “My favorite part about the retreat is that everyone became closer to each other and became friends with each other during ice-breakers all the way to a zip-line, and sometimes they didn’t realize it until the very end.” The retreat would not have been possible without the amazing faculty advisors and Student Council who helped organize all of the activities and made sure everyone was having a good time. For the Freshman Class, the trip to Camp Allen provided a great chance to branch out and get a good head start on the new year.
FAM Club helps new Knights feel at home through mentoring BAILEY JUNELL Staff Writer This year at Episcopal High School there is a new group of students working to make sure that the incoming freshmen feel at home and comfortable with their new high school. The FAM Club (Freshman Advisory Mentors) consists of upperclassman who embody the school’s ideals. These students are mentors and exemplary students to the rest of their class. The goal of FAM is to create a positive environment filled with upperclassmen as models for the school so that incoming freshmen have access to familiar faces. The program can alleviate that familiar nervousness that comes with the first day of high school.
Each upperclassman who is a part of FAM was assigned a freshman advisory to chaperone and mentor. This group of upperclassmen travels with the freshmen on their retreat, engaging them in small conversations and teaching them games to help the new Knights adjust and feel more at home. The older students also lead icebreakers to help familiarize the new students with each other. In sharing their personal stories about their time at EHS, FAM mentors create new friendships, make themselves more approachable, and serve as a great resource for advice during the year. Throughout the year the mentors will consistently check in with their assigned advisory and help the freshmen become more acclimated.
Cruz brothers continue family legacy PRESTON WITT Staff Writer A pair of Episcopal Cruzes are continuing the family legacy established by their grandfather, Jose Sr., and father, Jose Jr. as they strive to leave their own marks on the family baseball tree. Trei, Class of 2017, and Antonio, Class of 2018, have always been around America’s pastime, gaining early exposure to the sport they love. Their close immediate family, including uncle Enrique Cruz, all played professional ball for numerous organizations, most notably the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. The family name has in many ways been anointed by fans worldwide, from the Caribbean to Canada to the U.S., for its ties to baseball and its multi-gener-
ational impact on the game. Trei was drafted in the 35th round two years ago by the Astros while Antonio went in the 37th round early this year, also with the Astros. The brothers have committed to Rice University and will pursue their plans to go to college. Trei and Antonio have led the Knights to SPC Championship titles in 2017 and 2018 and hope to continue their winning ways collegiately. The boys see the success of their relatives as inspiration to strive to be the best they can be. They call their grandfather their “role model” for the way he used doubts about his potential “as fuel” for his future. Trei and Antonio are excited to see what the future holds for them in the baseball world.
Trei and Antonio Cruz have kept the Cruz name in MLB discussions. Photo courtesy of Antonio Cruz.
Features ∙ Page 4
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
Field Knight brings spirit for the new school year ISABEL YOUNG Staff Writer A celebration in its eighteenth year, Field Knight took place on August 26 in Alkek Gym and has evolved into the biggest parent and student event of the school year, after graduation, at Episcopal High School. Field Knight celebrates the beginning of the EHS school year and welcomes
ated Field Knight with the help of Dinah and Hank Zaleski, EHS Alumni parents, in 2000. The event includes the cheerleaders leading the spirited community followed by the Impact Dance team whose members consistently wow audiences with their routines. The Pep Band also performs, and there are even student and parent relays. The student body president and senior
A Complete and Utter Lack of Witt PRESTON WITT Staff Writer Welcome back to a new school year and the first edition of Lack of Witt where there are no dumb questions. The point of Lack of Witt is to enrich you with questions that will simply make your mind boggle and question your intellect. I hope you find time out of your busy schedules to discuss/argue these questions with your peers. What’s so odd about odd numbers? What would a room made of mirrors look like if there was nothing in the room to reflect except other mirrors? If Buzz Lighter didn’t believe he was a
toy, why did he freeze whenever a human would walk by? Is the S or C silent in “Scent”? Why is there no pine or apple in pineapple? If a teacher were to teach a younger grade than they were teaching before, would they be “degraded”? Can you slam a revolving door?
Technology Department readies students with new laptops
Ms. Jennifer Succi oversees class competition during Field Knight. Photo by Sam Lee. back current students and parents as well as new students, parents, and transfer students and their parents. Field Knight is all about welcoming as new students and their families are encouraged to meet faculty, staff, and returning students. Dean John Colello cre-
class president speak and give an introduction to kick off the year. One of the highlights this year was the singing of “Sweet Caroline.” While the Senior Class took a class picture, dinner was provided by the EHS Dads Club and EHS Parents Association.
Theater program ready for new season of performances NICK HELD Staff Writer The Theater Department is jam packed with exciting and captivating performances this year, and with the Underwood Theater completing its construction projects in the spring, the EHS community can expect to return to exceptional, on-campus productions. Performances of Shakespearean classics occur every other year, and the casts approach these Elizabethan dramas very seriously. The first offering of the season is Shakespeare’s Othello. This is story of a black Moor named Othello, a general fighting against the Turks. Othello marries a white woman named Desdemona against her father’s wishes, who fought alongside Othello. Desdemona’s father has an officer named Iago who absolutely hates Othello. Iago is considered Shakespeare’s greatest
villain because he breaks the third wall by humorously talking to the audience, making them feel included in the play Iago hates Othello so much he plans to manipulate him into killing his wife Desdemona. Watch this fascinating play unfold November 2-4 at 7:30 at A.D. Players on Westheimer Rd. The second performance of the year is the play 12 Angry Jurors, a tense murder trial where all but a single juror wants a conviction of the young defendant. Find out this young man’s fate by attending this production January 17-19. The spring musical will be Fiddler on the Roof, the story of Russian Jews during a time of great anti-Semitism. Auditions for the musical will be held in September. Theater Coordinator Mr. George Brock recommends and highly encourages everybody who wishes to be on stage to try out. The musical owill run March 1-3.
Last year’s play Radium Girls met high expectations as EHS looks forward to more hits from the Theater Department. Photo by PhotoJ.
Mr. Greg Melius works with new students during laptop distribution. Photo by David Framel.
Track gets resurfacing
Soon to be completed in December, the track will be resurfaced in preparation for the upcoming track and field season. Photo by David Framel. OLIVIA HOPWOOD Staff Writer This year, Episcopal High School welcomes a new aspect to the athletic facilities on campus – a completely renovated running track at Simmons Field. Construction began early this May and is scheduled to be completed in two stages. The first stage is filling in the asphalt-like base of the track. The second stage is placing the rubber level on the track. The physical track was scheduled for completion on August 17, just in time for football season. The rubber level is supposed to be added right after the season ends. This stage takes longer because the rubber substance takes twenty-one days to solidify without any footprints or indentations. The EHS Athletic Pillar identified two primary reasons for building a new track. First, the track was over fifteen years old
and very worn down. Second, the track had split near the cement curbs due to the humid Houston weather. According to Mr. Jason Grove, EHS Athletic Director, the Episcopal blue came to mind as a possible new track color but was not possible due to the sun’s UV rays, which would eventually make the color a much lighter blue. In order to preserve a consistent color, the same color as before will be utilized. Prior to construction, the track was a clay-red - typical of many tracks. Episcopal was chosen as the venue of the 2019 SPC Track and Field Championships as a result of the newly installed track. A number of other track events will also be held at EHS this year and in years to come. The Dick Phillips Relays will also return after a three year hiatus. According to Grove, the completion of both stages of the new track is estimated to be early December.
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
Culture ∙ Page 5
CARSON SHERMAN Staff Writer Most of this fall, style is revolving around the style of the 1980s. From oversized looks to animal print, the fashion world continues to change drastically each season. Trends that are already appearing in magazines as summer draws to a close are leaning toward animal print pants, small sunglasses, lace up boots, and leather everything. Animal print has been in and out, but for the most part has been relevant for some people’s fashion. Lace up boots have been a hit for some time and have been very popular lately,
especially with fall approaching. Boots with super bright hues are trending as well. Statement bags and purses have slowly drifted away while small, simple, and dainty bags become more popular. One trend coming back that most would not expect would be plaids. Plaids have come and gone, and now the plaid trend is more colorful than ever. Some colors that will be dominating the fashion world this fall are bright red, hot pink, rust, silver, and bright yellow, which mimic many popular ‘80s looks. Want to be trendy this fall? Think animal prints, protective layers, exaggerated fringe, leather dressing, and Western detailed clothing to stay current.
Photos courtesy of nastygal.com, sheplers.com, pintrest.com, and glowsly.com
ELLIOTT JONES Staff Writer
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Fall’s hottest fashion trends
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Welcome back to school! In honor of the start of the 2018-2019 term, the first issue of Young and Hungry addresses… wait for it… cereal. Cereal you ask? Yes. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and though during the school year breakfast can get a little rushed or forgotten altogether, it can be made both quick and enjoyable with a nice bowl of cereal. And why not also make it healthy and fun by picking the right brand to please your taste buds! If you are feeling healthy, pick some whole grain flakes or a granola cereal and throw in your preferred fruit. I like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to complement my healthy choice. If you are feeling adventurous and want to mix it up
a bit, try the classic Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch - my favorites. These sugary cereals will wake you right up and give you a kick-start to the day. Other classics that you can also spice up with some fresh fruit are Honey Nut Cheerios and Frosted Flakes, I promise, they are GRRRReat! But don’t forget your favorite tucan! You can never go wrong with Froot Loops. Whatever cereal you decide on, always remember to pour the milk first. Haha… kidding. Cereal always goes first. I hope you start to give some thought to cereal-based breakfasts as we fall back into the hurried pace of the school year. With so many cereal options on the shelves, you can’t go wrong. Stay hungry (even at 7 a.m.). Remember, if you are not hungry until break, our cafeteria serves various cereals, so don’t miss out.
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ISABEL YOUNG Staff Writer
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Young and Hungry
El Rincón de español les dará información sobre los eventos latinos en nuestra comunidad cada mes. El 22 de agosto, Shakira interpretó al Toyota Center como una de sus paradas en su El Dorado World Tour. Ella tuvo que reprogramar su fecha del concierto original en 26 de enero debido a una lesión de la cuerda vocal. Sin embargo, ella cantaba maravillosamente y tenía un montón de diversión bailando con sus fans. El público se volvió loco cuando Shakira cantó sus canciones de éxito, incluyendo Hips Don’t Lie, Chantaje, y Waka Waka. ¡Ella era absolutamente increíble e insto a todos a verla en concierto!
Crazy Rich Asians is the romcom you never knew you needed ELLIE RAGIEL Staff Correspondant After Kevin Kwan’s debut novel Crazy Rich Asians captivated readers for the first time over five years ago, it’s no surprise that the novel’s adaptation for the big screen was one of the most anticipated of the summer. The novel, which is followed by two sequels, chronicles the extravagant and wildly entertaining lives of Singapore’s most elite families. The story has something for everyone, and though some may call it a love story – the main plot follows a young man from one of Singapore’s oldest and most regal families who brings his New York girlfriend home for the summer – it touches on themes of family responsibility and love, and the satirical commentary on the incredible personal wealth in
Asia is seriously funny. Truth be told, no matter where you are in life, you will find yourself hysterically laughing at one moment and wiping away tears the next (I personally sat between Emeline Birdwell and Will Nakfoor opening night, and they were sharing tissues). The movie serves as a fabulous adaptation of the book and meets expectations well, something that fans of the book series will tell you is no easy feat. Moviegoers saw famous regulars like beloved comedians Ken Jeong and Awkwafina, as well as many fresh faces in the movie industry. Constance Wu and Henry Golding lead the all-Asian cast, a feature of the movie that was heavily praised for breaking the age-old Hollywood system. And if you’ve already read all three books and seen the movie – don’t fret! A sequel is hinted at and expected!
This national bestseller, which has sold over a million copies, success has grown as it leads the box office for two consecutive weeks. Images courtesy of slate.com.
Opinion ∙ Page 6
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
Child detention centers violate basic human rights ELLIOTT JONES Staff Writer Immigration in this country is nothing if not a tumultuous process as millions each year try to become U.S. citizens. While it is easier for some to receive citizenship through financial means or because of their native country, others feel that the only way to escape a life of poverty or persecution is through entering the U.S. illegally. Illegal immigration has had daily coverage in the media over the past few years, especially during Donald Trump’s presidency. With constant tweets, interviews, and speeches about rejecting those who want to enter the country illegally, and in some cases, legally, the Trump administration passed a “zero tolerance” immigration policy on May 7. This policy states that upon crossing the border illegally, adults will be taken into custody and criminally prosecuted. This also means, though, that while they are awaiting trials and deportation, their children must be separated from them and held elsewhere. However, the places where the government houses these children is anything but loving. No matter what your stance is on immigration, people must realize that Presdent Trump’s policy is inhumane and a violation of human rights, according to the
United Nations Human Rights Office. From June 4 to June 20, 2018, roughly 2,300 children (that the government knows of) were separated from their families after crossing the Texas-Mexico border and placed in one of the 100 detention centers found in 17 different states. Many were taken without warning and without telling their parents goodbye, though protocol required it, and shipped away. From there, these children’s lives did not improve. The detention centers, housing hundreds, have been described by many as abandoned warehouses with “unsanitary conditions” where government officials “neglect” the children. Some are forced to sleep in cages with other children while others are given a worn-out cot and foil blanket. Most of the detention centers keep children inside for 22 hours a day. Lawyers and journalists who have been inside the centers claim that they even look like prisons. And with this “prison” comes very specific rules. According to The Independent, a British online magazine, children were told they cannot hug, even if it is a sibling; they cannot cry; they cannot sit on the floor; and those that were able must change younger children’s diapers. They are provided no comfort or love in an upsetting situation as the officials guarding the centers sit and watch them suffer. There have
even been claims that some of the children were abused, physically and sexually, by the government officials. Because of this abuse and neglect, the government now has the death of a child in the Dilley, Texas, detention center on its hands. The Independent goes on to say that one of the worst, if not the worst, aspect of this entire policy is the “tender age” detention centers. These are designed specifically for infants and toddlers ripped from their parents’ arms. Those who have been inside describe seeing screaming and crying children locked in playrooms, purely traumatized. At the moment, there are three of these centers in Texas—in Combes, Raymondville, and Brownsville. In June, The Houston Chronicle reported that President Trump pushed for one to be opened in Houston as well, but Mayor Turner rejected the plan, saying “…there comes a point in time we need to draw a line, and for me, the line is with these children.” According to lead psychologists, posttraumatic stress disorder is inevitable, not only from parent separation but also the threats from inside the centers as well. Already, doctors have noticed anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and behavioral problems in these children. Dr. Colleen Kraft, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, goes so far as calling this “government-sanctioned
child abuse.” “Our federal government is causing a situation that is creating a host of potential health consequences for an entire category of people,” adds Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, president of the American College of Physicians. At the moment, roughly 386 children still remain in these centers, having heard no word from their parents. The policy that ended on June 20 ensured that families would not be separated anymore. However, it did not initially provide any plans to help families already separated to reunite until July 10. No one knows how long it will take these remaining families to find each other, and with each day that passes that a family does not reunite, the more willing the American people should be to help. This is not just about illegal immigrants crossing the border. This is a matter of humanity and not having to watch children beg for their parents when the U.S. government does not know where they are. Our leadership must do what is morally correct. The best way to help these families is to speak out. Let your representatives hear what you have to say, talk about it on social media, form peaceful protests. Just make your opinions and voices heard. Consider if this happened to you and help these families.
American privacy laws need to prioritize consumers over corporations LAUREN PORTER Editor-in-Chief What is privacy worth to the average American? After Google received a $5 billion fine from the European Union this July, it is clear privacy has become a priority for individuals across the world. With privacy becoming nearly impossible to achieve in the new digital age, it is important for America to begin implementing new privacy policies and regulating the amount of data harvested on citizens. Recently, the European Union has been very effective with new privacy standards due to the new set of laws under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These laws will prevent companies from taking advantage of individuals and hiding their true agenda in a fine print end-user license agreement. The new regulation now forces corporations to clarify their data harvesting practices and lets users fully consent to the collection of personal information. Users within the EU will also now be able to access the data that the company has collected, and they will be able to change any information that may be incorrect. The new laws will also change the way data is collected. EU users will now have to opt-in for their data to be collected and will have full knowledge of where their personal data is going. However, there is a small loophole in the law, which allows corporations to collect and process
data without consent for direct marketing purposes, such as mail and ads. Although there is a small area where a user’s data will not be completely under their control, the new laws are massively more tailored to the individuals rather than current U.S. privacy laws. American privacy laws allow for much more confusion and unwanted data processing on citizens, which has led the Internet to become an unsafe place. An American citizen may never realize that their information is being harvested by a website and unknowingly publish information they may not want collected. The U.S. privacy laws are much more friendly toward corporations and allow for higher profits. For example, according to Facebook’s earnings statement from the first quarter, the tech company makes $23.59 from North Americans’ data, while they make $8.12 from European user data. The money made from North Americans is nearly triple the amount Facebook earns from European users, which is why privacy laws are not in Facebook’s best interest. The company may pretend to care about their users, as they claimed with the new announcement of a “privacy dashboard,” but the main goal of any major corporation is to generate cash flow. The new European privacy laws have positively affected the United States, as more people are becoming more aware of the data collection issue and companies have to start restricting their data process-
Many companies have had to alter their privacy policies after the EU privacy law changes. Image courtesy of 9to5Mac.com.
ing. Because of the difficulty required to form new websites and policies for several countries. This means that Americans will receive the same benefit as the EU in terms of privacy. However, there are some companies, such as Facebook, where it may not be in their best interest to regulate
their entire platform for the EU, based on how much they gain from selling user data. America’s privacy laws have become outdated and weak on regulating tech companies. It is time to start fighting back against the overwhelming data collection and protect fundamental civil liberties.
The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400
Head of School Ned Smith
Editor-in-Chief Lauren Porter
AssociateHead of School Nancy Laufe Eisenberg
Managing Editor Sydney Hutchins
Principal Kim Randolph
Social Media Coordinator Ellie Ragiel
Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley
Staff Writers Patrick Bayouth Daniel Davis Nick Held Olivia Hopwood Elliott Jones Bailey Junell Chris Lahoti Duncan Lamme Carson Sherman Preston Witt Isabel Young
Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick Publications Coordinator David Framel Photojournalism Instructor
Japheth Storlie
Photographers Teagan Ashworth, Chris Castro Janecki, Cara Kennedy, Lane McCool, Mason Morris, Parker Nickerson, Julia Toups, Trinity Watts, Hannah Windle, Rohan Asthana, Phoebe Crow, Layton Debes, Caroline Fertitta, Elliott Jones, Robert Mason, Taylor Ranucci, James Henry Ray, Stockton Shaffer, Madison Stanke, Sophie Thomas, Sasha Vermeil, Rachel Boeker, Sydney Bosarge, Kaveinga Davis, Will Davis, Spencer Donley, Cydne Harrell-Malveaux, Amber Hatfield, Alexandra Herrera, Sadie Jensen, Elliott Leathers, Chloe Masterson, Luke Pugh, Ethan Tuckwood, Luke White, Alan Ayanegui, Christina Betti, Isabel Frasier, Sophia Pamphilis, Margaret Runnels, Sophia Wayne, David Bebczuk, Sydney Cooper, Alex Deutsch, Elizabeth Anne Charbonnet, Sophia Haugh, Sadie Jensen, Lindsey Little, Anna McLauchlin, Julia Nasser, Chandler Onyekwelu, Kate Peterkin, Lexi Sagers, Madelyn Scholtes, Amelia Traylor, Celine Waxham 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 2018
Sports ∙ Page 7
Ready to Rumble
Fall programs putting in extra time during preseason preparation
Football starts in North Carolina Cheer excited to get season rolling PATRICK BAYOUTH Staff Writer With one win under its belt, the 2018 varsity football team is looking to continue to grow as a team and roll its way to another SPC title game. The Knights are returning eight seniors, including Jaylen Davis, Jordan Wells, CJ Williams, and Patrick Bayouth, who were named Houston Touchdown Club Pre-Season All-Houston players. Along with the returning seniors, the team has added some standout transfer athletes such as junior quarterback Nick Mayberry and sophomore offensive tackle Donavan Jackson. Off the field, the coaching staff has quite
a few new faces scheming in the film room. Most notably, the Knights were able to add Coach Casey Quedenfeld, or “Coach Q” as his players call him, as the defensive coordinator. Coach Q has not only brought a whole new playbook to the team but also a hardcore attitude that has spread throughout the defense. On Saturday, August 25, the Knights faced off against the Christ School Greenies in Asheville, North Carolina, and came away with a 28-21 win. It was a great all around team effort, but Jaylen Davis was a major factor on the offensive side of the ball, while Jordan Wells held it down on defense. Next up, the Knights look to extend their record to 2-0 in an away game against Navasota tonight at 7:00 PM.
Cross country off to fast start CHRIS LAHOTI Staff Writer It might surprise the EHS community to learn that cross country running is the second most commonly participated in Division I sport in college athletics. In fact, the NCAA gives the second largest number of athletic scholarships to cross country athletes. In high school, cross country involves running three miles over different terrains. The distance can increase to six miles in college. Coach Julius Michael is determined to establish the Episcopal Knights cross country team as a strong competitor for the 2018 fall season. He is concentrating on developing his athletes’ stamina and pacing. In addition to running, his training methods include agility drills and weight-
lifting to keep a constant workout rotation. After a less than optimal finish last year, Coach Michael is rebuilding his team for a top 5 placement at the Southwest Preparatory Conference final championship. He is also focused on every athlete’s improvement throughout the season. “The goal is individual progress. Each runner should be a better runner in November than they were in August.” If you are interested in developing mental and physical toughness, getting into shape, and developing good friendships, you should consider joining the EHS cross country team. No previous running experience is required. It will be a great opportunity to be a part of a rising sports team under the encouraging tutelage of a committed coach. Go Knights!
DANIEL DAVIS Staff Writer The cheerleaders had a record number of girls attend tryouts and were thrilled for the second year to have freshman, JV, and varsity teams. Seniors leading the varsity team are Captain Ashley Chandler and Co-Captains Lilly Cone and Sophia Haugh. In addition to cheering for football, the cheerleaders are excited to also cheer for the boys volleyball teams this fall. The Episcopal Cheerleaders got off to a great start this summer at the NCA Speed Camp in June which focuses on stunting, tumbling, and jumping. Three girls, junior Hayden Hanslik and sophomores Morgan Garrett and Elizabeth McLauchlin, made it to the finals in the Top Gun Jump competition. Elizabeth took home Top Jumper in the JV division and Morgan won in the varsity division. Several girls were nominated for All-American and competed through a cheer, jump, tumbling and stunting tryout.
Speed Camp All-Americans were JV cheerleaders Elise Branch, Lindsay Rorschach and Victoria Vella. Chosen from the varsity were Hannah Benstock, Avery Edens, and Morgan Garrett. Sub varsity captains are Elise Branch and Annelise Miller for the JV, and for the freshmen, Caterina Cruces, Caylon Mike, and Caroline Rootes. The cheerleaders hosted another NCA camp at EHS in early August where they learned new dances and also competed for All-American honors in a cheer, tumbling, and jumping competition. Freshman Caylon Mike was selected along with varsity members Annabelle Cokinos, Elena Cokinos, Avery Edens, Hayden Hanslik and Presley Zylman. Coach Leigh Ann Raymond added, “The cheerleaders were excited to get to travel with the football team to cheer them on in their season opener in Asheville, NC and look forward to cheering on the Knights and firing up the crowds with some fun new surprises to our pep rallies. Come early and cheer loud!”
Field hockey ready to bring the heat ELLIE RAGIEL Staff Writer Following a successful two-day stint at the annual Greenhill Play Day Tournament at the start of August, the girls field hockey program is looking optimistically toward games against big time SPC rivals
in September. Senior captains Ellie Ragiel, Sophie Thomas, and Sadie Jensen lead the varsity team this year, which already boasts a 10-0 win against Memorial. At press time, the girls face St Agnes and Houston Christian.
Boys volleyball set to rally LAUREN PORTER Editor-in-Chief The varsity boys volleyball team has been working hard this summer in preparation for the fall season. The team has grown significantly from last fall, with over thirty players now in the program. Boys volleyball has had other changes, including new uniform designs and the possibility of adding another team. In addition to the varsity team, there could possibly be two junior varsity teams or a dedicated freshman team. Summer practice for the team focuses on improving serving ability and attacking the ball. In addition to offensive improve-
ment, the team has also practiced blocking techniques and defensive skills. Other seniors that will provide examples of leadership to their younger teammates include Amiri Scrutchin, Jackson Kelso, and Alexander Haney. The varsity also has some new members on the team this year, including Zack Donovan, the only freshman currently playing at the varsity level. The boys have already started the season with a few exciting games, including a tri-match against St. John’s and Kinkaid. The match resulted in a tough loss against Kinkaid and a 2-0 win against St. John’s. Earlier this month the team travelled to compete in a tournament in Oklahoma where they placed 3rd. The boys continue to improve as SPC approaches.
Girls field hockey practices drills during the off season. Photo by David Framel.
Girls volleyball looks to repeat championship season CARSON SHERMAN Staff Writer
Freshman volleyball players put in work in Alkek Gymnasium. Photo by David Framel.
This season, the girls volleyball team, fresh off an SPC Championship in 2017, has expanded, adding transfer students and freshmen to an already healthy program. With a team returning some key starters from last year’s title winner, Coach Amanda Watts recognized new additions twin sophomores Bria and Simone Wood-
ard and Hailey Black and freshman Morgan Perkins as key contributors to the prospects of a successful season ahead. The team participated in the annual Pearland Tournament August 9-11, and finished 49th overall with 5 wins and 3 losses. Three of those victories came against Brazoswood, 5A Brennan, and Santa Fe. College Station High School was the next stop for the Knights where they took three out of four from the Cougars.
Entertainment ∙ Page 8
The Knight Times ∙ August 2018
TV takes on new level of comedy New hip-hop/R&B summer NICK HELD Staff Writer The Eric Andre Show is a late-night talk show/street skit program that is an absolute madhouse that overwhelms its audience with utter absurdity. The show on Adult Swim tortures its celebrity guests and creates public situations that are so uncomfortable and weird that all a viewer can do is laugh. Andre, who presents himself to be a complete nutcase, is gaining popularity because of his philosophy of “there are no rules.” It can totally be as surreal or absurd or nonlinear as it wants. If you hooked a tube up to my brain and fed it into a television, it would be the show for sure.” His namesake show is 100% unscripted, and Andre’s victims almost never know what they are in for. Andre’s goal is to make guests so uncomfortable and push
their limits until they leave, like Lauren Conrad and several other guests have done. This show is comparable to Borat, Between Two Ferns, and The Ali-g Show. Even celebrities that have seen the show before have made an appearance, like Howie Mandel, who is apparently a huge germaphobe. Andre, by doing his research, found this out and used it against Mandel, putting dead squids underneath his chair that Andre later pulled out. Andre went so far as to drop used dental floss on the America’s Got Talent comedian.
Andre takes pride in his absurdness. Image courtesy of www.pilerats.com.
Pat and Dan have a plan
Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell swiftly dodges an opposing defender on the Buffalo Bills, proving why he is a great asset for a fantasy football team. Image courtesy of Spokesman.com. PATRICK BAYOUTH AND DANIEL DAVIS
Staff Writers
With the 2018-2019 NFL season kicking off September 6, thousands of people around the world are frantically preparing for something even bigger: fantasy football season. As the past two champions of our own league, we have decided to help out some people less fortunate in acquired knowledge in order to prevent them from becoming the laughingstock of their league. Listed below are our reports on the top four ranked players in this year’s fantasy draft. 1. Le’Veon Bell - Running Back PIT Le’Veon Bell is without a doubt the top running back and player in this draft. It is Bell’s ability to dominate defenses by both rushing AND receiving that makes him such a valuable pick. With talented teammates Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, defenses will not be able to gameplay only for Le’Veon, making him even more difficult to stop. 2. Todd Gurley II - Running Back LAR Todd Gurley has been nothing short of
incredible since being drafted four years ago. Each year, Gurley seems to get better and better, and after the addition of new offensive weapons to the Rams, Gurley looks to embarrass NFL defenses once again. 3. David Johnson - Running Back ARI Had he not sustained a season ending wrist injury just a year ago, David Johnson could have easily been the number one player on this list heading into this season. At only 26 years old, Johnson is a workhorse for the Arizona Cardinals and seems to be their entire offense when he his healthy. His wrist injury is not one that should make fantasy owners worried about his durability in this upcoming season because he is a great player who should get over twenty touches every week.
albums break record numbers
One of the hottest Hip-Hop artists, Drake, released his much anticipated album Scorpion on June 23rd this year. Breaking recrords, it is still one of the hottest albums. Courtesy of consequenceofsund.net. SYDNEY HUTCHINS Managing Editor
Summer 2018 has definitely been one to remember in the Hip-Hop/R&B music industry. Whether you were participating in the #InMyFeelings Challenge or posing in front of the giant Travis Scott head, everyone nationwide heard the hype about these albums. Starting in the first month of summer, Kanye West released his album Ye. Impressively, Ye required only two weeks of production before Kanye dropped the album. This album served as Kanye’s record-tying eighth consecutive album to debut as number one on the US Billboard 200. And to no surprise, all seven songs on Ye entered the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100. “Yikes,” his lead single, reached number 8. Not long after Ye, Kanye and Kid Cudi dropped yet another hit album of the summer - KIDS SEE GHOSTS. This collaboration was an album that most had been waiting patiently for, considering the artists had been talking about dropping an album together since prior to 2013. KIDS SEE GHOSTS debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and sold 142,000 album-equivalent units in its first week of sales. To end the month of June with a bang, Drake released his successful album, Scorpion. This album blew his previous album, More Life, out of the water with all 25 songs listed on Billboard Hot 100 compared to 22 entries from More Life. His singles “God’s Plan,” “Nice
for What,” “I’m Upset,” “Don’t Matter to Me,” featuring Michael Jackson, and “Nonstop” carried Scorpion, with all six reaching the top ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” and “In My Feelings” ranked number one for a time. “Nice for What” even led the songs-of-summer charts. A must-listen-to album of the summer, about which many Houstonians would have to agree, was Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD. This hometown-dedicated album was supported by “Butterfly Effect” and “Sicko Mode” and received raving critical review, debuting as number one on the US Billboard 200, leading to the hype of the whole album. Scott also promoted the release of his album with sculptures of his head in various locations around the U.S., including Houston. ASTROWORLD had 537,000 album-equivalent units, of which 270,000 came from pure sales. Almost instantly the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Another album that has had America waiting since 2014’s The Pinkprint is Nicki Manaj’s Queen. While this album was released August 10, Manaj already had America’s attention with her latest feature “FEFE” with controversial rapper 6ix9ine, which released July 22, but it was later added to Queen’s bonus track. The album’s lead single “Chun-Li” released early April and peaked at number 10 on Billboard Hot 100. The album includes guest appearances from Eminem, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Future, Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, Foxy Brown, and Labrinth.
4. Ezekiel Elliot - Running Back DAL Ezekiel Elliot looks to be the go-to player for the Cowboys this year as long as he remains eligible to play. The third-year back out of Ohio State is another guy that can not only shred through defenses on the ground but also through the air. With his average touches per game steadily rising, Elliot will be a great addition to have on your fantasy team this year.
Famous Houstonian Hip-Hop artist Travis Scott debuted his new album “ASTROWORLD” on August 3rd of this year. His album cover depicts an amusement park similar to the former amusement park located in Houston. Image courtesy of consequenceofsound.net.