News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
May 2019
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
L&S presents the latest community project Flip Over
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 33, Issue 10
Softball captures third straight SPC After a tough start to the season, the girls defeat rival St. John’s in the championship
ALEXA HENDRICKS Staff Writer Light & Shadow is the annual EHS literary magazine featuring the work of many talented student and faculty writers and poets and was presented to the student body in a special Chapel May 7. Mrs. Hillary Houle’s advanced writing class published the work under the editorship of Anna Moise (’20). Selections were made through a blind submission process; no names or grade levels were seen to ensure the works were selected based on merit and adherence to the guidelines. The theme was Flip Over, as in to flip over a new leaf, flip through the book, or flip a coin, representing the advanced writing class’s focus this year and reflection on their personal experiences. While there were many submissions, there was limited space. Mrs. Houle encourages everyone to either try again next year if he or she missed the cut or publish in college. During the Chapel presentation, readers included Ethan Knight (“I Hope Fish Go To Heaven”), Paris Riconte (“Breaking Free”), Shelby Thierry (“Byzantine”), Arisa Alaei (“Supplication”), Nico Zanotti (“Hesitat i o n ” ) , Chloe Song (“In Your Wo r l d ” ) , Image courtesy of Mrs. L i n d s e y Snider (“DeHillary Houle. ception”), and Mr. Alan Bradshaw (an excerpt from “The Experiment”). Every piece is paired with a correlating photo by or artwork of EHS students. Last year’s Eucatastrophe achieved the rank of Superior in the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest from the National Council of Teachers of English. Flip Over will be submitted at the end of May for competition.
INSIDE Senior Traditions Seniors celebrate moving forward
PAGE 2 Editor Transition Editor-in-Chief Lauren Porter passes the torch to Bailey Junell
PAGE 3 Seniors ....................... 2 Features ...................... 3 College Map ............... 4-5 Knight Shift ................. 6 Opinion ........................ 7 SPC Sports ................... 8
The varsity softball team ended the season with a third consecutive SPC title. A 6-1 victory over St. John’s in the championship secured the trophy for the Knights. Photo by Cookie Boeker. LARA VERTOSEK Staff Writer
After overcoming a seven-game losing streak to start the year, the softball team worked relentlessly to overcome adversity and went on to win fifteen games after Spring Break and the SPC title. Contributions from seasoned veterans and freshmen proved to be the formula for success. Learn more about the Softball SPC on Page 8
Senior traditions find their roots in EHS history NICK HELD Staff Writer Episcopal has senior traditions that reach back as far as the school’s founding in 1984-1985. Among some of the earliest members of the Episcopal community, Dean John Colello served as the Dean of Boys from 1987-89, Dean of Students from 1989-99, and currently serves as the Dean of Parent Programs and School Legacy. It would be fair to say Dean Colello has witnessed the birth and demise of many of these traditions. Before Leaving Trees were filled with the names of alumni and situated on the outside of the Dance Hall and Scurlock Gym, EHS’s graduating seniors left their legacy in cement. Wet cement was laid for the graduating class to write their names, leave their handprints, or even stick their entire face in the cool compound. Sadly, the school did not use the proper sealing agent to ensure the survival of these marks, so the commemorative blocks of cement were dug up for preservation elsewhere but crumbled in the process. These names were inscribed on plaques to ensure they would not be forgotten. This tradition was replaced by the trees in 1997. The first tree’s branches held four entire classes of names, which showing Episcopal High School’s growth over the years.
Senior Breakfast, held the first week of school, was first celebrated in 2005. Graduating seniors receive their Got Blue? tshirts, bumper stickers, keychains, and pins in the inaugural event of their final year as Knights. Another tradition seniors enjoy is the Senior Style Show. This event, established in 1987, is a fundraiser when seniors dress up in local store outfits and hit the runway with their friends in with their families in attendance. Senior Retreat gives soon-to-be graduates the opportunity to rekindle the bonds they might have lost through the years. This event is a bittersweet one as seniors recognize they might not see their classmates again after graduation. The Board of Trustees honors the graduating class with a silver coin and speeches filled with advice during one of the final traditional gatherings during the Trustees Breakfast, most recently held in the Alumni Center. The infamous tradition of “Senior Skip Day” was established many moons ago and was consistently observed by EHS seniors. Its single flaw was that there was no set day for seniors to skip, and this caused confusion and administrative concerns. In 1999, EHS established Dean’s Day, which is a conditional Senior Skip Day. During this day of freedom, seniors disperse to a vari-
ety of locations, though most recently, that majority spot has been Galveston. Baccalaureate allows seniors and their families to say goodbye to the Chapel they hold so dear with a parting ceremony the day before graduation. The Senior Banquet, which follows Baccalaureate, was started in 1987 by the school’s founding headmaster, the Rev. Jess Borg, and is a time for the final distribution of Senior Class honors, such as Valedictorian, Outstanding Male and Female, and the Citizenship Award. Traditions unify the Episcopal High School community and strengthen the bond between students. Traditions made Episcopal what it is today, and tradition is what is going to make Episcopal’s tomorrows.
Early EHS grads place their hands in fresh cement. Photo courtesy of Dean Collelo.
Seniors ∙ Page 2
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
Seniors advised at Trustee Breakfast in preparation for college adventures BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief Elect The Trustee Breakfast is an event that celebrates the seniors final days and reflects on their past achievements as well as their hopes for the future. The theme this year was “Oh, the Places I’ll Go” with Dr. Seuss inspired decorations. Occurring on May 3 in the Alumni Center, the breakfast had the seniors sit with their advisories. While the soon-tobe graduates ate, many members of the Board of Trustees gave their wisdom on the theme of mentoring. Mixing the whimsical accessories inspired by Dr. Seuss, such as colorful hats
and tablecloths, the advisors and board members helped commend the seniors on their accomplishments. A great breakfast of pancakes, fruit, bacon, and eggs was served during what would have been Chapel. One of the main lessons presented by board members was the idea of finding a good mentor. Focus on this theme meant instilling the message of finding someone in the seniors’ futures who has experience and a background in areas of their interest. Though the seniors are looking forward to their future, they were encouraged to enjoy their last few days and to finish strong before graduating and heading to college.
T-shirts signify next step CLAIRE FRANKFORT Staff Writer As the end of the school year gets closer, one day that is set aside in recognition of seniors and their personal accomplishments is College T-Shirt Day. A day that most seniors look forward to, College T-Shirt Day allows seniors to advertise through outerwear the institution where they will continue their education. While seniors enjoy talking about the prospects of a fresh start, new challenges, and new friends, it can also represent
months, sometimes years, of application, visitation, and decision-making, a nerveracking prospect. When the fog has cleared, though, it is fun to see where everyone is going next year. Spencer Donely, a Class of 2019 graduate headed to the University of South Carolina next fall, says that she was very excited for College T-Shirt Day because “you get to know where all of your classmates are going for college.” It is a great tradition for all the seniors, and it is an amazing way for them to show off their hard work and dedication at the end of their high school life.
The Class of 2019 gathers for the Trustees Breakfast in the Alumni Center. Photo courtesy of ehshouston.org.
Seniors celebrate their transition from Episcopal to higher learning by wearing their college t-shirts. Photos courtesy of Olivia Hopwood.
Houston weather dampens some of the scheduled senior events
CHRIS LAHOTI Staff Writer Heavy rain moved through the Houston and Bellaire area during the final week of regular classes for seniors, putting a damper on scheduled events and bringing to a close traditional activities centered around the graduating class. Seniors have Baccalaureate and Graduation remaining May 18-19. Powder Puff is an annual flag football competition pitting the senior and junior girls in a game traditionally coached and cheered by varsity football players. Past games have seen the senior girls winning in celebratory fashion.
Senior Tribute Chapel is a sentimental time for the seniors as they attend their last Chapel as Episcopal Knights. During this Chapel, there are multiple presentations by various teachers who have had a major impact on the Senior Class as they depart into the world of college. Teachers share their words of wisdom as well as share some funny memories they have of the graduates. Following the Chapel, Dean’s Day was an opportunity for the seniors to gather in a relaxing location of fellowship. This year the class had made arrangements for an escape to a Galveston country club as one of the final things they would do as a group.
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
Features ∙ Page 3
Outgoing and incoming editors reflect on the past and future LAUREN PORTER Editor-in-Chief As I reflect on my time at Episcopal, I have realized how influential The Knight Times has been in my high school experience. Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to write and serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the greatest publication at EHS, a gift that has undoubtedly shaped me into the person I am today. First, I must thank Mr. Framel for allowing me to lead the staff for two years and putting his trust in me to ensure deadlines have been met. Working in his classroom every day in broadcast journalism, newspaper, and even cryptozoology, is an experience I will never forget. I would also like to thank my staff from last year and this year, as they have supported all of my endeavors and unrealistic ideas, particularly making newspaper car stickers and t-shirts. Some of them have even supported my interests outside of the newspaper classroom, such as active participation in the
BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief Elect
Above, departing Editor-in-Chief of The Knight Times, senior Lauren Porter, and at right, Editor-in-Chief Elect Bailey Junell. Photos by David Framel. Freedom Club. The Knight Times staff are some of the nicest people on campus, and
NAHS MEMORY PROJECT
The Memory Project is a charitable nonprofit organization that invites art teachers, art students, and solo artists to help cultivate global kindness by creating portraits for children around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as violence, war, extreme poverty, neglect, and loss of parents. Each year Episcopal High School’s National Art Honor Society creates portraits to help children feel valued and important, to know that many people care about their well-being, and to provide a special childhood memory in the future. Since 2004 Memory Project participants have created more than 130,000 portraits for children in 47 countries. In the past two years National Art Honor Society students have offered up their talents creating portraits for orphans in Syria and Puerto Rico. This year they chose to support kids from New York City. Front row, left to right: Kate Peterkin, Rosalind Coates, and Sophia Pamphilis. Back row, left to right: Cameron Trainer, Mia Ayers, Sophie Thomas, Finty Milton, Teagan Ashworth, Natalie Peterson, Katy Davidson and Amiri Scrutchin. Not present: Rachel Koch and Ms. Willcutts.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with them. I also want to thank Managing Editor Sydney Hutchins for her help and dedication to The Knight Times for the past three years. Aside from granting me the opportunity to lead and share my writing with the EHS community, I have developed meaningful relationships with peers and teachers through The Knight Times. Interviewing teachers and students has allowed me to meet more people than I had ever anticipated, and I also became more involved on campus. These interactions have led to my personal development socially and emotionally, and I do not think my high school years would have been as meaningful without these experiences. The newspaper has developed my passion for leadership and has impacted many of the decisions I made in high school. Without The Knight Times, I do not know if I would have discovered my interest in management and business, a study that I will be continuing to pursue this fall at the University of Texas. To my successor, Bailey Junell, I have full confidence that you can manage and lead the new staff effectively. Just remember to trust your instincts to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. You have a much larger staff to manage than I did, but I am hopeful that it will be a successful year with more deadlines met than the past year. Good luck and enjoy the next two years in this amazing position.
With the year ending, I’d like to look to the promising future of The Knight Times as next year’s Editor-in-Chief. Before I go into the future of the program, I would like to thank Lauren Porter for her amazing work as this year’s editor. She managed to control a senior-heavy staff for the majority of the year and did a great job that will be hard to follow. As one of five returning staffers, I have used Lauren as a great role model, a leader who helped me learn everything to know about running a successful newspaper. Additionally, I would like to thank the awesome staff for being an amazing group of students who overexaggerate everything and were one of the reasons that this class was so fun. With the majority of them seniors, they created a legacy that the new staff will have a hard time meeting. I believe that the seniors’ leadership, including that of Sydney Hutchins, gave me the tools necessary to lead a high school paper. Last, I’d like to thank Mr. Framel for all the work he does for the class and for giving me this opportunity. Before I look ahead to next year, I would like to reflect on this year as a firstyear staff member. As one of two sophomores, and in my first year, I had no clue what to expect. Since I was the previous editor of my middle school yearbook, I understood the basics about publications and was able to quickly gain knowledge about The Knight Times. I learned to work efficiently and be proud of my efforts. Regarding the 2019-2020 school year, I am extremely excited for what is to come. With mostly new staff, I cannot wait to create a new dynamic and become more innovative. I hope to continue in the great legacy that was left me, but I also want to forge new paths, allowing for increased creativity and enjoyment while also showcasing writers’ opinions. I want to add more columns and diverse opinion topics. Some of new columns could mimic the great “Lack of Witt,” “Sydney Joe’s Jams,” and “Carson’s Closet,” but they also could deal with new interests. I want to continue Spanish Corner and have heard ideas about a Math Corner. I believe that the April Fool’s issue with The Radish is greatly appreciated, and many people have requested its continued return. Since the newspaper serves as a voice for the students, it is important to me to include the student body. I encourage people to reach out next year as guest contributors and let your voice be heard. As someone who originally didn’t enjoy writing, I feel like joining the newspaper really helped me become more comfortable with my own writing. All in all, I am ecstatic for the years to come and I can already sense the dedication of the new staff. I look forward to the success of the future Knight Times. I anticipate these next two years and can’t wait to see where it goes.
Page 4
Page 5
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
CLASS OF 2019: COLLEGEBOUND
Scholarship $ earned by the Class of 2019
TOO 1E9IT TO QUIT
$20,464,000 COLORADO (1) University of Denver - 1
NEBRASKA (1) University of Nebraska at Lincoln - 1
MISSOURI (1) St. Louis University - 1 ILLINOIS (2) Northwestern University - 1 Principia College - 1
OREGON (1) University of Oregon - 1
United Kingdom / Scotland (3) University of St. Andrew’s - 3
NEW YORK (5) Columbia University - 1 New York University - 3 United States Military Academy at West Point - 1
RHODE ISLAND (1) Brown University - 1
PENNSYLVANIA (3) Lafayette College - 1 University of Pennsylvania - 1 Villanova University - 1
MASSACHUSETTS (2) Brandeis University - 1 Northeastern University - 1
NEW HAMPSHIRE (2) Dartmouth College - 2 WASHINGTON D.C. (4) American University - 3 The George Washington University - 1
VIRGINIA (3) College of William and Mary - 1 Washington and Lee University - 2 NORTH CAROLINA (6) Duke University - 1 High Point University - 2 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 1 Wake Forest University - 2 CALIFORNIA (6) California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 1 Loyola Martmount University - 1 Pepperdine University - 1 Santa Clara University - 1 University of California, Los Angeles - 1 University of California, Santa Barbara - 1
TENNESSEE (5) Belmont University - 1 Rhodes College - 1 Sewanee: The University of the South - 1 Vanderbilt University - 2
ARIZONA (2) Arizona State University - 1 The University of Arizona - 1
NATIONAL RECOGNITION NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED: DANIEL CAI BRETT HAUSER CARTER KARDESCH CLAIRE KARDESCH
ANNA MCLAUCHLIN ELLIE RAGIEL JAMES HENRY RAY GABRIELLE SMALL
NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLAR ALEXANDRA HERRERA AMIRI SCRUTCHIN
SOUTH CAROLINA (3) College of Charleston - 1 Erskine College - 1 University of South Carolina - 1
TEXAS (82) Austin College - 1 Austin Community College - 5 Baylor University - 5 Concordia University Texas - 1 Houston Baptist University - 1 Houston Community College - 2 Southern Methodist University - 10 Southwestern University - 6 St. Edward’s University - 4 Stephen F. Austin State University - 1 Texas A&M University - 8 Texas A&M University, Commerce - 1 Texas Christian University - 17 Texas State University - 1 Texas Tech University - 1 Trinity University - 3 University of Houston - 5 University of St. Thomas - 2 University of Texas, Austin - 25 University of the Incarnate Word - 1 University of Texas, San Antonio - 2
LOUISIANA (6) Louisiana State University - 3 Southern University and A&M College - 1 Tulane University - 2
ARKANSAS (3) University of Arkansas - 3
MISSISSIPPI (8) University of Mississippi - 8
GEORGIA (3) Savannah College of Art and Design - 1 University of Georgia - 2
ALABAMA (3) Auburn University - 1 University of Alabama - 1 University of Alabama at Birmingham - 1
OKLAHOMA (2) University of Oklahoma - 2
OUT OF STATE UNDECIDED (4)
IN STATE
Knight Shift ∙ Page 6
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
Knight Times 2018-2019 Staff Breakdown
HOT
or
NOT
Messing with your friends
Spoiling Avengers: Endgame
Staff Member
Best Quote or Action
Class Attendance
Most Notable Contribution
Watching Game of Thrones
Lauren Porter
“Mr. Framel, when do we find out about the Pacemaker?”
Talking about Game of Thrones every 30 seconds
Visited 42 colleges during 18 planned absences
The Knight Times Instagram page
Leaving for school at a crisp 7:30
Still being late because of the train
Sydney Hutchins
“Mr. Framel, Let me play you this masterpiece by Lil Nas X”
Mandatory during editor’s college visits
Saving the May issue of Knight Shift
Special Break food
Not getting seconds
Senior Finals exemption
Taking Senior Finals
Preston Witt
(After 12 issues) “This is my first page to ever lay out!!!!”
Never tardy, never in class
Lack of Witt and the Epi Scopal Adventures
Softball winning SPC
Retrieving homerun balls in the high humidity
Elliott Jones
“I want a quote; give me a quote.”
If not in class, still meeting more deadlines than combined staff
National A&W winner; some KT recognition
Tanning in the sun
Senior Dean’s Day rained out
“But, Mr. Framel, I emailed them a week ago!”
Out chasing stories and contacts at any given moment
Seniors out of school on distribution day
Carson Sherman
Having Mr. Framel edit papers due in her next period.
Hexagon and Knight Times Senior Edition distribution End of school
End of school
Duncan Lamme
“Lauren, I read your and Mr. Framel’s text in the same voice in my head.”
100%. Video previewers never take a break
Emoji for the 2020 Knight Times GroupMe App
Bailey Junell
“I agree with Lauren.”
Late? Absent? Words not in her vocabulary
Making Lauren feel powerful
Nick Held
“I’m not going to take that from a freshman.”
Perfect attendance. Daniel Davis protege.
Placing a photo. Page saving will be for 2020
Alexa Hendricks
“For the last time. I’m not a freshman.”
Guaranteed
Meeting every deadline even if we didn’t have school
Olivia Hopwood
“I will just keep breathing and breathing like Ariana Grande.”
Only tennis could drag her away
Taking all the freshman-related articles
Chris Lahoti
“I don’t know.”
Only misses if Olivia misses. Tennis.
Signing up for the editorials others feared
Mr. Framel
“Your words are like paint. Stop smearing them on the canvas.”
Season ticket holder
Putting the Back Page on the inside so students open the paper
Patrick Bayouth, Daniel Davis, Isabel Young
(On day of deadline) “What articles do I have again?”
Missed the entire second semester; P.E. obligations
Redefined the term “ghost writer”
(Campus Look-Alike)
Long lost twins? Freshmen Jack Edwards (left) and Matt Harkness (right) look pretty much identical. The fact that they both attended St. Mark’s Episcopal is not lost on those who see a striking similarity. If you squint your eyes, you could hardly tell the difference. Photos by Alan Ross Photography.
ehsknighttimes Would You Rather? SYDNEY HUTCHINS Managing Editor, Retired Have the superpower of flying OR have super strength? Only be able to listen to Taylor Swift OR never listen to music again? Never use Snapchat again OR never use Instagram again? Repeat elementary school OR repeat middle school? Have no air conditioning OR have no WiFi? Throw a big birthday party and receive no presents OR only receive presents from family, but everyone else forgets it’s your birthday? Have a first floor parking spot in the garage OR be ensured your the first car out on Fridays?
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
Opinion ∙ Page 7
Battle of Winterfell introduces a new god of death ALEXA HENDRICKS Staff Writer Winter has finally come - and quickly ended - to the surprise of millions of viewers who watched in shock as Arya Stark killed the Night King with one quick stab. It seemed like an anticlimactic ending to the promised battle between the Living and the Dead, and some key characters found themselves sitting on the sidelines. Although there are conflicting opinions as to how this central story arc concluded, I found it to be a wonderfully foreshadowed ending to one of the principal Game of Thrones conflicts. The following will have spoilers; read at your own risk. The longest battle sequence in Game of Thrones history began with silence and darkness; many watchers actually strained to see the action throughout the dimly lit episode, but I think the gloom added to the dismal mood of the battle. Although starting out hopeful (the Dothraki horde screaming toward the army of the Dead) fans watched horrified as the riders’ flaming swords winked out one by one, leav-
ing the battlefield in darkness. One of my favorite scenes from this episode, it really set the tone as our heroes fought against unbeatable odds. Following the extinguishing of the Dothraki, the battle dissolved into fiery chaos; you get flashes of a lot of characters, each fighting their own battles. Echoing famous TV scenes like Lord of the Rings’ Helm’s Deep, the massive scale of the sequence was, at times, overwhelming. However, the episode managed to not be one long battle. Scenes like Arya’s foray into the abandoned library and Daenerys and Jon’s aerial dragon fight broke up the main conflict and gave the episode a pacing that kept the watchers’ interest. On the other hand, junior Blair Barineau thought that “the last third [of the episode] was unrealistic and dull, and more characters lived that shouldn’t have.” She specifically called out Daenerys, saying “There’s no way [Daenerys] survived that fall off her dragon.” But while Jaime and Grey Worm valiantly defended Winterfell against the never-ending masses of zombies, Bran hung
out under a tree all night and just kind of sat there. What was he waiting for? We thought the Night King, and yet even that interaction was sadly brief. For someone whose whole purpose as the three-eyed raven was to know everything, he didn’t seem inclined to share with the fans, many of whom were confused about the point of his character. The arrival of the Night King to the weirwood (RIP Theon) seemed to herald Bran’s death, and yet our trusty seer lives to see another day. Arya Stark, the real MVP of the Battle of Winterfell, took millions by surprise. No one was ready for the smallest Stark to come in clutch, and yet in hindsight, her whole character is built around killing Death, and what is the Night King but the King of the Dead? From the beginning, Syrio Forel (Arya’s sword master, Season 1) told Arya to defy the god of death. Her storyline continued with her literally training as an assassin in a temple of death; on her way there, Melisandre, a priestess to the Lord of Light, prophesied that Arya would close blue eyes forever - blue eyes being the defining feature of white walk-
ers. In one quick move, Arya stabbed the Night King with a blade of dragon bone and Valyrian steel; if you didn’t catch it, this is the same knife Bran gave Arya last season, the same knife that started the whole show when all the way back in season 1 Petyr Baelish gives it to an assassin to murder the crippled Bran. Now that’s a lot to take in, but the same knife that was to kill Bran being used to kill the Night King has a certain poetic ring to it. This begs the question: with Jon and Daenerys at odds after the recent revelation of Jon’s lineage (and frankly not helping that much in this crucial battle) and Cersei still posing a major problem farther South, who will sit on the Iron Throne? Some fans think Daenerys’ immaturity and vengeful nature make her a bad choice. However, after the developments of this episode, I vote Arya for Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, 2019. Who better to rule than one who has served, defied, and then killed Death itself? *Written prior to the release of Episodes 5 and 6..
Free college tuition creates more issues than it solves CHRIS LAHOTI Staff Writer What job am I going to get? Where am I going to live? How am I going to pay rent and bills and still have enough after I pay back my college loans?? Student debt is rising at a considerable rate. It has more than tripled from the 1990s and totals over $1.5 trillion, making it the largest category of consumer debt. Knowing this, politicians want to lower this burden by making public colleges free of tuition. But is it every American’s unalienable right to a free education? And is there such a thing as a “free” education?
I think every person, at some point, has learned that nothing in life comes for free. When politicians tout the words “free college tuition,” it means that someone other than the student is going to pay. The burden of the cost is placed squarely on taxpayers’ shoulders. If college tuition becomes free, it might follow that enrollment would increase, causing a snowball effect on cost. Increasing enrollment into a free college to churn out more graduates will not accomplish much if the quality of the teaching is poor. Recent articles have highlighted employers’ frustration with current graduates. They complain that college students are deficient in basic skills
like writing, problem solving, and most importantly, critical thinking. Colleges would require additional resources to keep pace with the demand, without compromising the quality of education. Guess where that money will come from? Maybe it would benefit students to pay for their own education because it would lead to a more purposeful major. Free college takes away the drive to work hard and makes it easier to pursue degrees that don’t require much effort. Graduates don’t realize that these random degrees are actually worthless when applying for jobs in the workplace. They end up with low-paying jobs that often don’t require a high-school diploma, much less a college degree. The U.S. Census Bureau states that a high percentage of college graduate millennials are earning notably less in their twenties than any other generation. One of the intents of making college free is to provide every student the chance to succeed, but does a college degree equal success? What if every student is not cut out for college? Saying that ev-
eryone should go to college is like saying everyone should play the piano: it sounds ideal but is not a realistic goal. There is no “one size fits all” system. Each person has different talents and strengths, and maybe some would be better suited in a trade school. They could be electricians, web developers, or even paramedics - jobs that require short vocational preparation. These are a few of the many skill-based jobs that can be found in different industries that do not require a college degree. Proponents argue that free colleges will promote a better-educated public, which will decrease labor shortages. However, as of 2016 less than 50% of all first-time, degree-seeking students who went to public colleges graduated. The natural assumption would be that if all public colleges were free, this statistic will only decrease. There are no financial repercussions for skipping or quitting class, so what is the incentive for students to work hard? There has to be a way to improve our capitalist school system without edging into socialism.
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
Staff Writers Nick Held Olivia Hopwood Bailey Junell Chris Lahoti Alexa Hendricks
Principal Kim Randolph Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick Publications Coordinator David Framel
Photo Editors Teagan Ashworth Julia Toups Photojournalism Instructor Japheth Storlie
Photographers Lyda Arnold, Teagan Ashworth, Allison Baker, Maya Basra, Harry Craig, Spencer Donley, Caroline Fertitta, Claire Frankfurt, Morgan Garret, Sophia Haugh, Chris Castro Janecki, Sadie Jensen, Hold Johnson, Sydney Kelso, Sam Lee, Caroline Miller, Nina Plemenos, Jamilee Rassy, Gwenyth Rippeto, Lindsay Rorschach, Julia Toups, Emma White, Mimi Wilson The Knight Times is a product of students in the Episcopal High School Newspaper Program, and staff members 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.
Sports ∙ Page 8
Sports Brief
The Knight Times ∙ May 2019
Softball three-peat highlights spring sports season
GOLF During the two-day SPC tournament hosted by Woodforest Country Club in Conroe, many student-athletes played some of their best rounds of golf, peaking at the right time as the year came to an end. The tournament occurred on April 29-30 and consisted of the best in SPC. The girls team finished third overall and the boys finished fifth with strong rounds for both teams. During the extremely competitive event, two athletes earned All-SPC recognition: junior Madelyn Scholtes and senior Jack Panus. Scholtes scored a total of 162, placing seventh overall, while Panus placed eighth with a two-day score of 159. Both teams have continued to improve and never had a brighter future to look forward to. LACROSSE Coming off an 8-7 victory over Friendswood with a spectacular behind-the-back goal from sophomore Jack Carpenter, assisted by sophomore Gannon Amendola in the final eight seconds, the boys lacrosse team was ready for the playoffs. Situated as the fourth seed for the SPC tournament hosted at ESD in Dallas, the Knights were up against Greenhill in their first match. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Donnelly and a strong group of seniors, the boys triumphed with an outstanding 13-8 victory over the Greenies. Advancing onto the next round, Houston Christian and EHS fought long and hard through all four quarters, but unfortunately the Knights lost 6-4. The boys lacrosse team had an amazing season in which many players improved their technique and knowledge of the game, earning themselves sixth place in the tournament. Let’s shift to the girls lacrosse team who entered the tournament situated as a third seed in the SPC South Zone. In the first round, the Knights faced strong opposition from Hockaday, ultimately resulting in a loss. In the second round of play, the team challenged St. Andrew’s from Austin in a battle of the ages. Trading goal for goal the whole match, the teams were tied with three seconds left when the Knights earned a free position shot and turned it into a pass and game winning goal. This win allowed the team to advance to play Greenhill on the second day of the tournament. In the final round of play, the Knights fell short in a competitive 14-11 match, earning sixth place in SPC. Both teams had an exciting season and tournament with many close games.
Left to right: Courtney Davis, Hannah Windle, and the rest of the varsity girls softball team captured the 2019 title against St. John’s. Photo courtesy of: Episcopal High School Instagram LARA VERTOSEK Staff Writer The Episcopal Knights have done it again. For the third consecutive year and counting, varsity softball fought its way to the top of the SPC, securing a back-toback-to-back title in front of a home field crowd against rival St. John’s during the conference’s spring tournament. The Knights set their path to victory with the top seed in the South Zone, earning a bye and first game in the quarterfinals against O.C. Casady. The contest was one-sided and ended in a convincing 15-0 shutout as the Knights served notice they were not relinquishing their title easily. Freshman phenom Sela Sanders earned the win on the mound as senior Amber Hatfield played at the top of her game and contributed to the dominant performance with a homerun and two RBIs. Junior Lexi
Sagers went 3-3 at the dish with four runs, and freshman Lily Tanner batted in three as part of an explosive offensive attack for the Knights Although the girls left the field confidently on Friday, the second day’s semifinal against Houston Christian tested the Knights. Nevertheless, the Knights played hard on the way to a 6-3 win, setting themselves up in the championship game with the Mavericks. The final lived up to its hype early on until Rachel Boeker opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo shot. The Mavericks evened the score in the top half of the fourth, but the Knights responded in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own and never looked back, winning in impressive fashion 6-1. “The best part of the whole journey were all the emotions everyone was feeling during the (championship) game” said sophomore Courtney Davis. “We fought together as a team throughout the whole
Knights capture individual track and field titles in record-breaking SPC BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief Elect Track and Field participated in SPC at Episcopal on May 3-4. Many athletes on both the girls and boys teams did exceptionally well in their events. The girls finished third overall while the boys finished sixth. Multiple student-athletes set personal records and broke various school records. Some athletes earned All-SPC, which is acquired by placing third or higher in each of their individual events or relays. Some of those who received All-SPC distinction included sophomore Morgan Garrett with her second place finish in the 100m dash and freshman Katarzyna (KitKat) Kwiatkowski, who placed first in the 800m and 1600m run and finished second in the 3200m run. Senior Julius Young also joined the group by winning the 200m
dash. In the team track events, two groups placed in the top three and received AllSPC honors. The 4x100m girls relay team, consisting of Lauren McGinnis, Jazzmin Duncan, Caylon Mike, and Garrett, finished runner-up with a time of 48.49. They actually beat the previous school record set back in 2012 by .45. The boys 4x100m relay team of Miles Jones, Cooper Corenblith, Jordan Wells, and Julius Young also took second place. In the field events, many team members did extremely well in their individual events. Junior Bryana Bazile too third place in the shot put and discus, while Jamie Tatum, a senior commit to Dartmouth, placed second in discus. Sophomore Donovan Jackson got first in both of his events, shot put and discus. Overall, the track and field teams performed exceptionally well, and the future of the program is clearly moving upward.
GIRLS TENNIS On May 3-5, the girls tennis team traveled to Houston Christian to compete in the annual SPC tournament. Despite rainy weather and wet courts, the girls persevered in their first matches against Trinity Valley School and their second match against Episcopal School of Dallas. Seniors Grace Lane and Carolyn Hammond finished their season strong. Winning tough matches against both schools in her final rounds of competition, Lane most enjoyed “how close the team grew during practice and matches as the season progressed.” The girls ended the season with consistent play and strong hope for the future of the program.
Left, Ivan Bastidas races around the track during one of the relays. Right, Julius Young streaks ahead of the competition in the 200m event. Photos by Maya Basra.
process and won together as a team, from happiness to sadness to happiness again.”
Baseball earns runner-up in SPC championship TINLEY KANE Staff Writer The standards were set high for Episcopal’s varsity baseball team this season following back-to-back SPC Championships, and in a memorable final against perennial rival Kinkaid, the Knights fell just short in a 1-0 thriller at St. John’s, bringing an end to a respectable 23-8-1 season and a solid foundation for next year. More than half of the 2019 team was comprised of new varsity players, but the program was able to put youth aside and fight its way back into the championship game. With great veterans, particularly its 10 seniors, the team managed some big wins against tough Houston area and SPC competition. Heading into post-season play, the team carried an SPC record of 6-1 and second seed into the South Zone portion of the SPC bracket. Following a first-round bye, the Knights met Houston Christian in the quarterfinals and shut them out 4-0 following a solid pitching performance from Marco Guiterriez and Ethan Tuckwood and homeruns for Jake Tanner and Max Madison. The St. John’s Mavericks awaited the team in the semifinals, and a come-frombehind 4-3 win on a Bennett Hanks’ walk-off single propelled the team into the championship against the Falcons for the third consecutive year. Junior ace Tanner Witt took the mound in the final and threw a masterful game, relinquishing only a third-inning unearned sacrifice fly for the lone run of the game. Knights hitters had some solid at-bats but couldn’t get anything to drop in the scoreless seven innings. Although this wasn’t the way they would have wanted to go out, the runner-up finish gave the youth corps valuable experience and only fuels the team’s desire to earn the title next year.
Marco Gutierrez at the SPC tournament. Photo by Madison Stanke.