Mr. Cy Creek, fresh and ‘Crisp’
NEWS
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Obama, China sign environmental pact Copy Editor
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ast month in a divisive midterm move, President Obama signed a landmark agreement with the Chinese government to reduce carbon emissions for both of these countries. The new agreement requires the U.S to cut emissions by 26 to 28 percent of their 2005 levels by the year 2025. China, meanwhile, pledged to put a limit on its emissions, which have grown steadily in recent years. “As the world’s two largest economies, energy consumers and
emitters of greenhouse gases, we have a special responsibility to lead the global effort against climate change,” the president said.
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Connor Seymour
We can get this done.
Obama administration officials said the China deal will help them pursue a worldwide agreement at the 2015 UN summit. Past global proposals have been subject to criticism because of China’s prior resistance to climate
change policies. On the homefront, leaders of Congress voiced concerns over the agreement. John Boehner, current Speaker of the House, spoke out. “This announcement is yet another sign that the president intends to double-down on his job-crushing policies no matter how devastating the impact for America’s heartland and the country as a whole,” Boehner said to reporters. Senator Mitch McConnell agreed with Boehner’s view and emphasized the negative impacts of Obama’s lateterm policies. “This unrealistic plan, that the president would
dump on his successor, would ensure higher utility rates and far fewer jobs,” McConnell said. Despite partisan divisions, the vast majority of Americans agree that climate change is a significant issue. According to a 2013 poll conducted by Stanford, 81 percent of Americans see global warming as a pertinent issue for the United States. At a press
conference announcing a $3 billion UN-climate change fund donation, the president voiced his optimism. “If China and the US can agree on this,” the president said, “then the world can agree on this. We can get this done.”
Photo courtesy of MCT campus.
Chloe Trejo
C
Sports Editor
haos fills the room. The Silverado directors, Christy Groschke and Ryan Garcia, with help from theater department students, run around to fix the lighting, sound and prepare the contestants. With little to no time left, Groschke and Garcia take care of all last-minute preparations. The lights drop and the spotlight shines. The show begins now. The Silverados presented the seventh annual Mr. Cy Creek male beauty pageant on Dec. 5. After competing against other juniors and seniors, senior James Crisp won the title of Mr. Cy Creek. “It’s weird. I feel like
they’re about to break me and say, ‘ha ha, joke’s on you, you didn’t actually win,’” Crisp said. The pageant began with an opening song and dance from the contestants along with their escorts. “It was fun. We all bonded and had a great time,” junior Amaya Garcia, who escorted Jordan Colglianese said. After the group performance, along with a special performance from the cheerleaders, the swimwear section of the competition began. “I [was] really excited, because [Harland Ashby and I dressed] up like a hula girl and a tiki guy,”
Best Pockets Colin Morris, 12 Photo by: Veronika Schiebler
James Crisp, 12 Photo by: Skylar Campbell
senior Amy Weinberg said. While the contestants changed and prepared for the next part of the competition, the Silverados performed their holiday dance.
Best Smile
Justin Hughey, 12 Photo by: Holly Hearn
“It’s exciting but nerve-wracking because we’ve practiced a lot but it’s different when you stand on stage in front of a whole bunch of people,” junior Silverado Jasmine Villarreal said. The contestants then competed in the talent portion of the pageant. “It felt great. I was a little nervous at first but once the crowd got into it I felt better and sang away,” senior Stephen Einkauf said. In the last portion of the pageant, the contestants competed showing off their best formal wear look with their escorts by their side. “[I was] really excited because all of the dresses [were] gorgeous and all the guys [looked] so
Best Eyes Brayden Artero, 12 Photo by: Hala Khan
good,” senior Chelsi Medrano said. At the end of the pageant, parent Wade Wendt, Groschke and Garcia announced the awards of the night. 2013 Mr. Cy Creek winner Tyler Huff crowned the winner this year. “Honestly, I can’t believe it,” Crisp said. “I just can’t contain it.” Best Swimwear: Stephen Einkauf, 12 Best Talent: Pablo Gonzales, 11 Best Formal wear: Harland Ashby, 12 Most Entertaining: Matt Cook, 12 Most Photogenic: Max Clarke, 12 Mr. Congeniality: Travis Johnson, 12 Mr. Metro: Daniel Jestes, 12
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Feature
Band demand rehearsal and leadership meetings on Tuesdays and Reporter Thursdays, until around unior Maria McEvoy 6:30 p.m. Depending on raises her trumpet the football schedule, she and steadies her practices and performs breathing, watching for at the varsity games on her conductor’s cue. She either Friday or Saturday. begins to play in harmony McEvoy stays flexible with the rest of her while trying to keep band bandmates then does it all balanced with the rest of again the next day. her life. McEvoy started band “I would say band is in the sixth grade and about 25 percent of my currently plays trumpet time, leaving about 50 in Symphonic band. She percent for school and spent last year making the last 25 percent for great progress and leisure,” McEvoy said. successfully auditioned “Our band schedule is for the highest level of subject to change a lot band at school. though, like sometimes “Concert two is the our off days will change lowest level; I worked or we get held over my way up from there during rehearsal.” through concert one to Band members see a this year,” McEvoy said. lot of activity, specifically “Your progress through during homecoming the year is monitored week. They pack extra too, [so] you can’t goof rehearsals in with their around and still make it normal schedules to into Symphonic.” prepare for multiple Students must school events. audition for placement in “I have band Symphonic band. Band practice every day of director Brian Drake homecoming week until only selects students who Saturday,” McEvoy said. will come out on top to The band plays a huge represent the school. part in the first spirit rally “They have to be of homecoming week, spectacular on their the Lighting of the CCs, personal instrument,” Friday afternoon pep Drake said. “Maria is rallies, and of course, one of the top trumpet the homecoming game players we have.” on Friday night. McEvoy During a normal also makes time for the week, McEvoy has band band’s area competition, The trumpets play on. Junior Maria McEvoy plays which has her trumpet at a varsity football game against Cy fallen on the
Rayya Gordon
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Ranch. Photo by Holly Hearn
Junior band members become closer while tackling active schedules
day of the dance for the band, which is just for past few years. fun,” McEvoy said. “I “Having a participated in that last competition the day of year, so that would be the homecoming dance another three pieces of doesn’t bother me, really,” music. The year usually McEvoy said. “We always wraps up with us getting have time to go to the our new marching show dance if we want.” for the next year and the Homecoming only process then contributes part of the repeats itself.” band’s calendar; they stay Despite the busy busy throughout the year. schedule and workload, Marching band begins McEvoy said she enjoys in August and continues being in band. She until November. Football spends a lot of her time in October brings improving her trumpet more performances to skills, and the rewards the calendar, then the more than make up for band focuses on region the hard work. competition and the “It’s taught me to Winter Concert. By be more outgoing and spring semester, McEvoy confident, which is prepares to march again. something I had a bit of “There’s a huge a hard time with prior to marching day at the end being a band member,” of second semester, so it she said. “Band also really all kind of revolves back helps instill the idea that around,” McEvoy said. with hard work comes Band students learn great rewards. This idea is several music pieces something that I learned for all the band events. there but can also apply The band’s marching to many other aspects of show consists of one my life.” routine on its own, plus Being part of such an any songs they play for organization allows band the Silvies each week students to meet many and a post-performance people, most of which formation. Outside of all become their closest the routines and music friends. Junior clarinet surrounding marching player Penelope Azocar band, McEvoy must also started band in the sixth learn her regional music grade as well, and made as well as three pieces of it into this school’s music for Winter Concert Symphonic band her and additional songs for freshman year. This is the second semester. “There’s also Practice makes perfect. Junior Maria McEvoy the optional jazz practices techniques to play for games and competitions. Photo by Rayya Gordon
first year Azocar has been in band with McEvoy, which means they spend even more time together. “We are best friends, so we spend a lot of time together inside and outside of band anyway,” Azocar said. Members from Symphonic band and students like McEvoy and Azocar, who have both been playing in band since middle school, all agree spending so much time around fellow band kids forms friendships lasting through all of the band’s schedule. “Band is a major part of my life; it’s hard for it not to be,” McEvoy said. “It can be overwhelming, and it takes up a lot of time, but I’m always willing to do it.”
Magic touch
Student magician performs for the first time Jimmy Pacheco
S
Reporter
tanding in front of hundreds of his peers, senior Alex Galdamez slowly loses his confidence. He tries to maintain his focus on magic, and just when he’s about to lose the last ounce of hope in himself, the crowd starts to praise him. Encouraged, he pulls out a deck of cards and wows the crowd. Galdamez performed at the Lighting of the
CCs for the first time this year and plans to pursue a career as a magician after he graduates. Galdamez plans to attend Jeff McBride & Magic Mystery School in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I got accepted to go to a magician school after graduation,” he said. “It’s going to be really fun. Criss Angel will be one of the teachers down there and I’m very excited to meet him.” Behind all of his
mysterious tricks, Galdamez’s family volunteers as guinea pigs and cheers him on. “My mom is the first person I would try every trick on. My little brothers are there to watch and spectate me and kind of support me,” he said. “My little brother is like behind me on YouTube tricks. He finds tricks for me to use.” Galdamez receives many of his tricks from magic books, but he said
using only books to learn is quite difficult. “I have a lot of books I read; it’s kind of hard,” he said. “Books get frustrating because the book doesn’t really have images, and it’s only words. So they try to explain it and got me to try to visualize it in [my] head.” Galdamez said he would like to start fresh when he leaves for Nevada. He believes he knows enough magic
to practice with the professionals in Las Vegas, but acknowledges it takes a lot of patience when it comes to learning a new trick. “It can take from hours to years to perfect a trick, depending on the time and how good you want to master it,” he said. “My favorite trick right now is called the ‘Ambitious Mystery Card’ trick.”
Photo by Holly Hearn
OPINION
6
The real disease: fear
Students overreact about Ebola virus’s threat level
Rosalind Williamson Copy Editor
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bola, a dangerous West African virus, has made its rounds throughout campus discussion lately. People are under the impression that since a Texas health care worker contracted the disease, it soon will run rampant around the school. Students need to stop sensationalizing a disease that seriously impacts people’s lives and understand it will almost certainly not affect the school. CNN describes Ebola as “extremely infectious but not extremely contagious.” Meaning: you can get it if you come in contact with it,
but not just out of thin air. The only ways to contract Ebola include close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, touching their contaminated things, or butchering the meat from an infected animal. Since the U.S. takes extreme care when dealing with infected patients, students at school almost certainly will not contract the virus. Though some people might argue the contraction of the disease by two nurses – in Texas, no less – means the disease poses more of a threat than before, both nurses worked closely with an Ebola patient, giving them plenty of opportunities
to come into contact with his bodily fluids. Two nurses getting infected has less to do with the contagiousness of the virus, and more to do with the safety standards in their hospitals. At least in the United States, cases of Ebola only occur in health care workers or in cases of unsafe health practices. Building up hype about Ebola and acting as if everyone at school will contract it also minimizes the effects it has on real people’s lives. Ebola is serious, not because it might infect anyone at school, but because it affects people in Africa. Making it all about the U.S. trivializes genuine tragedy that comes from
the virus, and leads to the need for campaigns like “I am a Liberian, not a virus.” Students need to understand Ebola does not pose a threat to them, but does cause serious strife in other parts of the world. As long as people keep exercising common sense - do
not share needles, make blood pacts, or pick each other’s noses, Ebola will not infect people here in America. Students should worry less about Ebola affecting them and instead try to understand its gravity to people who actually do need to worry about the disease.
“I think I’m sick”: Seniors Josh Patterson and Nick Salitros mock the paranoia by wearing medical masks during lunch. Photo by Rosalind Williamson
It’s not movies, it’s you Book-to-film adaptations fall short because of literary expectations Libby Sullivan
F
Reporter
inally the day
arrives when your favorite book hits the big screen. Excitement fills you as you take your seat, then you see the film. Now you’re filled with disappointment. That wasn’t what you wanted to see; not how you imagined the character, it was all wrong. Students should not compare the movie to the book but instead judge the film as a completely different form of media. Comparing movie adaptations to their books by only seeing what the
movie left out causes people to overlook the quality of the plot and film development the movie provides. A popular book adaptation, “The Hunger Games,” ran into some issues because of missing scenes from the book. Directors struggle to put every scene from a book into a movie due to rating and time restrictions. The film left out scenes like Haymitch falling off stage at the reaping and Katniss receiving bread from District 11, but leaving out those scenes did not interfere with the storyline. Despite
complaints from book fans, the movie got a rating of 7.3 on IMDB and an 80 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Scenes from a book left out of a movie does not truly impact the quality of the film, and a critique for a film should be based on the actors and screenplay. When people say, “This wasn’t like the book,” they contrast two completely different takes of one story: the director’s and the author’s. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Lightning Thief ” caused tension among fans of the book because the storyline
completely changed from the book. The direction the producers went with the film could have been interesting had fans not concerned themselves with the drastic changes made to the storyline. When people read books they get an idea in their heads of what they expect from the movie and therefore feel entitled to point out each aspect of the movie that does not parallel the novel. These two entirely different forms of media create burdens when trying to compare. Even though the book may go into detail about
what a character or setting looks like, some things will be left to the reader’s imagination. Stephen Chbosky, author of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” gave vague character descriptions, which left the director to decide who he thought best played Charlie. Instead of only rating a movie by how well it matches with a book, students need to judge a movie’s quality by looking at the screenplay and preformance. Then they can judge what the movie left out from the book.
For the full version go to cchspress.com.
15 people. . . just like me Caline Forward
Caline
Reporter
“What are you here for?” I watched his oval fingernails tap in a small, dull melody on his tin table. This was the only sound in the room. But in my head. . . well, that was a different story. The man with the oval nails and stubbled chin cleared his throat, impatiently waiting for me to answer his “simple” question. I’d be impatient too, if I were waiting for a teenager to answer a question at two in the morning. I felt guilty immediately now and embarrassed. “Suicidal,” my mom answered for me. “Significantly depressed,” she continued. It was as if the list of what was wrong with me never ended. Finally setting the pen down after minutes of scratching his pen against paper, the man stood up from his chair - the wood screeching against the tiled floors - and nodded his head towards the open door. “Come.”
Mom
They assumed she would harm others or herself. I just couldn’t wrap my head around
everything; she was harmless to everyone. But I unfortunately knew my sweet, harmless and caring daughter was in fact extremely harmful to herself, leaving marks she intended to end her life with. The nurse looked at me now and nodded, and I knew it was time for me to go. I didn’t want to. I hugged her and she whispered in my ear, “It’s okay, Momma. I’m going to get better. Don’t worry about me.” I couldn’t help the tears anymore. They would not stop. My daughter - who was at this terrible place because she was so weak inside - was telling me to be strong.
Caline
I stayed at the mental hospital for four days, and then discharged when my temporary psychiatrist decided I was “stable” enough to come home. Little did they know, I’d get worse than ever before.
Mom
She developed severe twitching within a day of taking the new medicine the doctor prescribed her. We were told for her to stop taking it; we were not given a plan to slowly taper off or anything. The side effects with her when she stopped the medicine
A true story were the most terrifying thing I had ever seen.
Caline
Times got hard. “Three months at the most,” my mom assured me two months later, petting my cropped hair in a way that was suppose to be comforting. But instead, I was stiff. I was in the car with my grandpa and mother on a silent joyride, to a place I asked to go to for the sake of my life. A “residential treatment center,” they called it, like I understood exactly what it was going to be like living away from everything I had ever known. The best part? One household full of 15 other girls I knew nothing about - 15 strangers; 15 people. . . just like me. “What are you here for?” one of the girls asked as I sat down in a pleated chair in the unit, moments after parting with the only familiar people within the gates of this place. I looked her straight in the eyes, and through a scratchy voice I whispered, “Suicide.” She smiled at me a sad smile, and nodded. Everyone nodded. “Me too.” I wasn’t alone. I was never alone.
h yes, the holiday season. A time of family, joy, seasonal delicacies and my plummeting bank account. What a time to be alive. Regardless, it’s hard not to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a treat every now and again and take in all there is to enjoy about the season. It seems as if the months of November through January are tied with the busiest times of
the year, and it’s easy to see this through our student body. From busy band students to clubindulged wonder-students to the sports prodigies at our school, no one takes a break despite the vacation time gifted to us, and that’s what readers will see here in this issue of the Cougar Connection. From our staff to you, enjoy this issue as our gift of the season.
Cougar Connection is published four times during the school year by the newspaper staff at Cypress Creek High School. The publication has been established as a designated public forum for students expression and the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. Student editors make all content decisions. The opinions expressed are those of students and
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do not necessarily re ect the views of the adviser, administration, Cypress Creek High School faculty or CypressFairbanks Independent School District employees. Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Cougar Connection staff. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be brought to the journalism room, 1446. To be printed, letters must be signed, legible, 300 words or less, and contain the author’s full name. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters will be edited for minor spelling and grammar mistakes. Should a letter be too long or contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors, or unprotected speech, it will be returned to the author for resubmission. Cougar Connection, an awardwinning student newspaper, is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
ADVERTISING POLICY The staff reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for a high school publication, including products or services that are illegal for minors. In cases involving political advertising, efforts will be made to solicit all points of view.
STAFF
Letter from the Editor
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Vol. 38, No. 2 • 2014-2015 Cypress Creek High School Attn: Journalism Dept. 9815 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 281-897-4246 Fax: 281-897-4193 EDITORIAL POLICY
Colin Morris
Editor-in-Chief: Colin Morris Print Editor: Hala Khan Online Editor: Rebekah Kish Business Manager: Kristin Russell News Editor: Jessica Bott Features Editor: Maci Smith Entertainment / Opinion Editor: Audrey Jones Sports Editor: Chloe Trejo Catwalk Editor: Tyler Hooks Copy Editors: Rosalind Williamson Connor Seymour Design Editor: Carlos Medina
Photo Editor: Holly Hearn Staff Artist: Taylor Trostle Staff: Alisha Balderramos Brianne McCollum Caline Forward Jackson Glenn Jimmy Pacheco Lance Losey Lauren Lambert Libby Sullivan Miranda Duncan Philip Ally Rayya Gordon Shane Stratton Trent St. Laurent Adviser: Samantha Berry
IN-DEPTH
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Santa Sells
Students, staff reflect on the truth of the holidays
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Tyler Hooks
Colin Morris
Catwalk Editor
Editor-in-Chief
ing, ding ding. The appearance of St. Nick impersonators appear in front of every local grocery store ringing a bell and the crowds of Black Friday shoppers fill major retail stores as soon as the clock strikes four on Thanksgiving afternoon. Almost immediately, the trees grown all year become “Christmas-ready,” with lights budding from branches around every American corner that scream “Happy Holidays!” And as these traditions emerge and the decorations come to life, some get lost in the sparkling traditions and holiday spirit that have become the norm in past years. Culinary Arts teacher Patrick Smith, who celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas with his family during the holiday season, said he feels the holidays provide a time to reflect with friends and family and to spend time with them. “It’s more about the festivities and remembrance and the time of atonement in getting your mind right,” Smith said. “A lot of the western world doesn’t think that way, so they just see it as eight days of gifts, but really it’s more about the eight days of partying and fellowship. A lot about culture and family.” With the holiday season extending from November through January, escaping the holiday bandwagon becomes almost impossible for those across the nation. Junior Colin Price, personally atheist, celebrates Christmas with his family. Price said geographical location impacts the perception of holidays. “It depends on where you are in the United States now, because you’ve got California, Washington, Oregon that are kind of turning more secular than normal,” he said. “But then you’ve got the ‘Bible Belt,’ with Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, who are just like ‘Christmas, yeah’ and they get all crazy about it.” Price said he feels although Christmas still promotes getting together with family, it has lost its sanctity through the years. “I mean, I guess it’s kind of being demoralized to a certain extent now because everybody is now forcing Black Friday into family time,” he said. “But that’s basically the whole value of Christmas - is spending time with family. I don’t like it, but that’s the whole deal and now everybody is just like ‘buy presents instead.’” With “Black Friday” starting times for stores such as Target and Wal-mart gradually creeping up earlier and earlier– some even opening on Thanksgiving Day – many students like Price believe the holidays have become commercialized. According to Brad’s
Black Friday website, Black Friday opening times has transtioned from opening six a.m. Friday morning to six p.m. Thursday night on average, a 12 hour difference. Price said buying gifts for one another poses as the new social norm. “It’s more commercial,” Price said. “I don’t celebrate the religious aspect of it at all, just because it’s historically inaccurate. Christmas has become a diluted attempt to enjoy family time, it’s all about exchanging presents for the good of nature and it’s just been incredibly demoralized, diluted ethically, morally, physically, mentally. It’s just been crazy.” Although some students believe the holiday season has lost its meaning, sophomore Sarah Halpin believes the original intentions of Christmas live on. “Christmas to me, it means that our savior came to us. God gave us the greatest gift of all, because he loves us,” she said. “It’s a time of optimism and happiness, and we should all take advantage of the optimism and happiness it gives us.” Senior Naren Makkapati, whose faith lies in Deism – the view that God is detached from humanity and simply set Earth’s systems in place – said he does not know a lot about the meanings behind Christmas, but he does get together with friends and family to celebrate. “I don’t celebrate any holidays, but I celebrate Christmas for fun. We have friends and family over to one of our houses. It’s usually a sleepover all together for Christmas Eve and have presents the next day but there’s no big dinners,” he said. “I don’t know a whole lot about the original intentions of Christmas but I do know they had to do with Jesus and his birth and now Christmas has become sort of a corporate holiday and about buying things to show people you love them instead of spending time with them.” Patrick Smith said he also considers the holidays to celebrate their original meanings, although he does see holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah becoming more marketable. “I’ve definitely seen it become more commercialized since I became a Jew,” he said. “I still wouldn’t say it’s fully commercialized the way that Christmas is. I don’t see a lot of, you know, after-Hanukkah sales, but there are - there is definitely a sense of, you know, ‘we’re trying to sell and kind of jazz up this holiday.’ It’s just about being grateful and reminded that I’ve got a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and that I’m being provided for.”
A special thanks to contributors Audrey Jones, Rebekah Kish, Connor Seymour and Hala Khan. Photos, illustrations and grahics by Carlos Medina, Taylor Trostle, Holly Hearn and Lance Losey.
What the Monk?
“Why do you celebrate the holiday season?”
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s the jingle bells rock and the nights grow silent, small children stay up to hear the light tread of reindeer and the sound of forced entry. They set out a plate of their favorite holiday gluten-free cookies, and a tall class of lactose-free milk. Picture perfect, right? Nah. The history of good ol’ St. Nick started from the monastery, now he’s here. No, but really, around 300 A.D., near present day Turkey the history of Santa Claus traces back to a generous monk by the name of St. Nicholas who gave up his inheritance in order to travel the countryside to assist those in need, talk about a good guy. As the children perspire by the fire, they wait for HIS arrival, but little do they know HE sees you when you’re sleeping, HE knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.
“It’s a way I can be with my family.” - Jordan Davis 9
Results based on newspaper staff’s opinion.
The many names of Santa?
Santa Baby (Not an actual baby) Kris Kringle (Not to be confused with Kris Jenner)
Saint Nicholas (No, really he was a saint) Father Christmas (Daddy Dearest) Sinter Klass (Dutch) Babouschka (I get so cold like I checked out Baboushka) Uncle Nick (Not the one who farts at the dinner table) Grandfather Frost (Cause he’s so white)
“Because it is an important day, a special thing happened that day.” - Ivan Sanchez 11 “Why not.” - Chloe Woolwine 9
“I celebrate it because I was raised to celebrate it.” - Gerald Meyer 10
‘Cause there’s good food.” - Matthew Gorman 11
“I get to see my family and friends.” -Hannah Freeman 11
“I celebrate the holidays because of religion.” Black Friday noun: (in the US) the day after Thanksgiving, noted as the first day of traditional Christmas shopping, during which crowds of consumers are drawn to special offers by retailers. Definition courtesy of Google.
- Jon Cruz 9
Feature
10
“She’s still preocupied with ‘1989’”
Taylor Swift moves forward with an old school sound
death
Audrey Jones Ent./Opinion Editor
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ack at it again, pop princess Taylor Swift has just released her latest album “1989.” Recently, we’ve watched the singer’s style slowly
Senior Reilly McGlamery overloads on clubs to get full high school experience
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ake up. School. Club meetings. Practice. Bible study. Homework. Sleep. Repeat. This is what Senior Reilly McGlamery’s schedule looks like. She involves herself in various clubs and activities to help her enjoy high school as much as possible. McGlamery participates in PALs, Varsity Soccer, National Honor Society, Blue Crew, Mu Alpha Theta and Student Council and holds or previously held positions in most of them. “I was freshman class president, sophomore class secretary and I was Junior Executive last year for Student Council,” she said. “This year, I’m vice president for Student Council and Blue Crew.” McGlamery engages herself not only in school
clubs but community clubs as well. “Outside of school, I’m a freshman YoungLife leader and an executive board member for National Charity League and Sugarplum Cotillion.” Although some may think “Who has time for a social life?”, McGlamery makes it work the best she can. “It [clubs] allow me to be friends with a lot of different people and I love that,” she said. “Plus, everyone that’s involved in the same clubs I’m involved in have some sort of same common interest as me, and I enjoy their company.” To add to the list of activities, McGlamery plays for the Varsity soccer team as the center/middle forward. “I’ve played soccer since the age of three and it’s always been a little escape for me,” she said.
Even though McGlamery said she can get stressed with all of her responsibilities, she follows through with her commitments.
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I’ve had people quit on me in the past and it’s not fair, and I believe no one deserves that, so I stand to that and always get my responsibilities done.
“
Maci Smith
Feature Editor
“My parents have alwayss told me that when you make a commitment, you can’t quit on it,” she said. “I’ve had people quit on me in the past and it’s not fair, and I believe no
Photo by Holly Hearn
Photo by Maci Smith
here and there,” she said. “I also put things on my calendar right when I get them so I do not schedule something over it.” McGlamery relies on many outlets to help her cope with the stress, such as her club sponsors like PALs teacher Amy King. “When she comes in, I try to help her out and pick her up a bit,” King said. “She is so inspirational to so many people, and I want her to see that.” McGlamery said she involves herself in so many clubs because she enjoys making an impact on people’s lives, whether they notice or not. “I love doing things to make high school somewhat bearable and memorable,” she said. “I think it’s important to give back to the community. It’s not hard to stay involved when you’re surrounded by such incredible people.”
Photo by Maci Smith
Photo by Holly Hearn
Club meetings
School
one deserves that, so I stand to that and always get my responsibilities done.” Along with keeping up with her responsibilities, McGlamery focuses on her school work and maintaining her class rank. “I’m in all AP, DC [dual-credit], and K level classes with the exception of PALs and Student Leadership,” she said. “I prioritize everything. My grades always come first because that is what’s going to help me in the future and with my career the most.” To make sure she does the best she can in everything, McGlamery keeps lists and schedules to remind herself of what she has coming up. “I’m very organized and borderline perfectionist, so that’s very easy for me, but in no way am I saying that I don’t forget some things
Photo by Maci Smith
Bible study Practice
Homework
transform into a more pop sound, but until “1989” she hasn’t released an album yet that doesn’t include country song. This time around, she’s taken
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a complete 180 degree turn from her country days and it is marvelous. It’s almost as if she’s keen to give her biggest critics a metaphorical smirk. Swift has managed to take the everchanging music market and adapt to it in a way that best benefits everyone, and it’s brilliant. “Welcome To New York” First listening to this track makes it difficult not to question if this is really Taylor Swift. Electric keyboard tunes and clapping ensue as the beat builds and Swift sings about walking through crowds. It’s evident right off the bat this is a big city anthem. “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you,” her voice echoes. More like “welcome to beautiful
bubblegum pop music”, and man is it good. We never expected this from Taylor, but the change is real and I don’t think many are complaining. “Style” This song opens almost like Daft Punk’s songs in “Tron Legacy”. Not quite as epic, but pretty close to it. The lyrics are so high school. “Midnight, you come and pick me up, no headlights,” Swift sings. This track keeps a steady beat as the lyrics go on to talk about a boy who slicks his hair back, wears white t-shirts and is comparable to James Dean… Harry Styles, maybe? Who knows. Either way, it’s catchy as ever. “Out Of The Woods” Like every song so far,
this one catches you from the start. Swift takes on a low and sultry voice. An echoing male singer can be heard in parts singing words comparable to M83’s nostalgic sounds. “Are we out of the woods yet? Are we in the clear yet?” Swift asks her lover. It’s a little bit heartwrenching; she sings about feeling alive with someone and how it was difficult for the couple to be themselves in public. “Bad Blood” The sound in this track is suspiciously similar Icona Pop’s hit single. It’s another anthem and a call-to-action set to a contagiously uplifting beat. “Don’t think it’s in the past, these kinds of wounds last,” Swift sings. She’s essentially slapping an ex in the face
on this track - telling him what he’s done can’t be taken back and she’s not forgetting any of this. Tell ’em, T-Swift. “I Know Places” Immediately the eerie and sinister piano of this song draws you in. What is Taylor going to sing about now? Something scandalous, presumably. The paparazzi have found Swift and her lover in this song. Swift is caught with her lover’s “hand on [her] waistline,” but knows places that will take them away from unwanted attention. The song takes on an almost detectivethemed sound, and we get an image of Swift and her latest man on the run from their public lives.
1989
Mockingjay: not just another action film
Rosalind Williamson on emotions and the Copy Editor
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he Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” hit theaters November 21. The film chronicles the events of a revolution against a dangerous, oppressive capitol state by protagonist Katniss Everdeen and her friends. Bold, brave, moving and fiery, this movie proves a strong addition to the “Hunger Games” series. Walking into the theater, one should remember “Mockingjay: Part 1” falls under the category of “dystopia,” not “superhero movie.” This movie focuses more
effects of war. Actionpacked scenes abound, of course, but they all have clear human motivations, instead of explosions for the sake of explosions. Rather than glorifying war, it presents war realistically. The movie shows Katniss as not only a heroine, but a human being, too: she has emotions and personal desires rather than being a war machine. A bold choice was made in showing Katniss clearly suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatized by her experiences in the previous movies.
She acts like a confused and disturbed teen, not a superhuman, god-like figure. Most importantly, the movie resonates with many because of its relevance to the modern world. Its allegorical implications about the modern world could possibly be connected by some to the recent grand jury decision about police officer Darren Wilson - like the Peacekeepers who attack Panem citizens at random without consequence. The disparity between the rich and the poor in Panem bears more than a strong resemblance to the wealth gap in American
society - definitely not a coincidence. Striking scenes in the movie illustrated this perfectly, cutting away from Katniss’s perspective to show Panem citizens rioting against the capitol. The movie showed the events in a more engaging light than the book because it could show how everyone felt, not just Katniss. This film should make everyone’s list of movies to see over the winter break. Both socially relevant and
entertaining, this movie makes two hours seem like two minutes. Though advertisements parade the movie as ‘just another teen dystopia,’ it addresses real issues and treats characters like people instead of caricatures.
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ColorEyeDefine, a double-ended pencil that unites slanted eyeliner and mineral powder shadow in six color combos. (Sam Granado/ Dallas Morning News/MCT)
Ted Baker clutch, $285, Sassanova (Al Drago/ Baltimore Sun/MCT)
A Catwalk
Christmas
“Marc” by Marc Jacobs phone case ( $38, Bloomingdale’s stores, bloomingdales.com). (MCT)
Tyler Hooks Catwalk Editor
“Tory Burch: In Color” brings readers into Burch’s world through 11 color-themed sections. (Photo courtesy Other Criteria/ Damien Hirst and Science Ltd./TNS)
Tory Burch Book Pick up the latest copy of one of fashion’s most notorious designers “Tory Burch: In Color.” Check out past designs, the best of the line and how Tory Burch started the famous fashion empire.
Perfume It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. Purchase some of the best smells this season from department stores Macy’s, Nordstrom and Dillard’s. Perfumes and colognes, both simple and practical gifts that go the farthest. Purchase something used on a daily basis to get more bang for that Christmas buck. Socks Purchase a toasty gift this holiday season by buying socks. A simple nice way to say ‘I love you’ and ‘sometimes your feet smell.’ Thank You Cards After all the great steals this holiday season has given don’t forget to say thank you to those a part of making the season one to remember. Say thank you for gifts received, to those who have traveled long and far to see family and to those that make the season filled with joy.
Photo by (Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)
Scarves Wrap up this winter with a nice scarf as a Christmas gift.
Tory Burch travel socks ($45) are available this holiday season. (Los Angeles Times/MCT)
Burberry glossedrubber rain boots, $375, net-a-porter. com. (Photo courtesy Net-aPorter/MCT)
booties With boot season upon us, now is the best time to purchase a new pair.
SPORTS
14
Cougars compete in alternative sports PLAY LIKE A GIRL
solo female ice hockey player skates for fair-creek team Feature Editor ith the score tied and little remaining energy, sophomore Gail Snyder pulled in all her focus for the last minute of the game. When the puck was passed to her, she noticed a clear path to the net. She skated across the ice and took her shot with everything she had left. The puck flew. It whizzed past the defense man and soared straight over the goalie’s shoulder. The buzzer went off and the team went wild. She disappeared under her team’s dog pile as they celebrated the win. Snyder participates on the Fair-Creek hockey team as the only female player and plays the left wing and centerman. “All of the guys are great friends and teammates,” she said. “They go a little easy on me when it comes to hitting, thank God. I’m about half their height.”
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Snyder started playing at the age of eight after getting inspiration in her hometown. “I used to live in Colorado where hockey was a big thing,” she said. “I remember going to my local rink and watching the Colorado Avalanche practice. I was so amazed at the way they skated and instantly signed up for skating classes the next day.” Pursuing her instant love of hockey, Snyder does not let her gender keep her from getting in the rink with the males. “Hockey is definitely not the most popular sport here, and being a girl and playing hockey is even more rare,” she said. “As for any girl out there hoping to someday play, I would tell them there is no reason to be held back or scared.” Even though the team accepts Snyder as a female player, she said it can still present some obstacles.
“Being a girl and playing in a male dominated sport is honestly hard,” she said. “The other teams don’t go easy on you just because you’re a girl, and sometimes they even think they can take advantage
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For any girl out there hoping to someday play, I would tell them there is no reason to be held back or scared.
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Maci Smith
of us.” Snyder said she plans on continuing to play hockey once she gets out of high school. “I hope to play in college,” she said. “As
long as I can walk, I’ll be skating.” Teammate and assistant captain, junior Thomas Troutman, said he completely supports having a girl play on the team with him. “I prefer having a girl on the team because it shows that the girls are just as tough as guys,” he said. “It makes guys step up a little more, especially with girls who can compete. And having a girl on the team makes the guys behave a little more and keeps them humble.” Troutman said Snyder is an essential player for their team. “Gail has the best positioning on the team,” he said. “She always knows where to be and when to be there. I can always count on her to be open for a pass, or cover me when I get out of position.” Not only does Snyder play for the Fair-Creek hockey team but also for the all girls Dallas Stars Elite team.
“We travel across the U.S. and Canada and play other Tier 1 [highest level] teams for a national title,” Snyder said. “So combined with high school hockey I’m at the rink probably six days a week.” Snyder said she enjoys how the game has become a part of her life. “It’s an exciting game, very physical and very fast paced,” she said. “There’s always so much adrenaline pumping whenever I play, from the puck drop to the final seconds of the game. Hockey is also one of the most competitive sports out there which is another reason why I love it so much.”
Photo courtesy of Thomas Troutman
“Ice ice baby” Jessica Bott News Editor Q: Why do you ice skate? A: I ice skate because it allows me to stay in shape while doing something I’m passionate about. Q: How does ice skating affect your social life? A: Skating has caused me to miss many school events, but at the same time I’ve made most of my
best friends through ice skating since I’m with them most often. Q: What are your plans after high school for ice skating? A: My plans for ice skating after high school would be to continue skating, but not as extensively, and to become a coach. Q: Why is ice skating a sport you love to do?
Javelin Jock Audrey Jones Ent./Opinion Editor Q: How did you get involved with javelin? A: Originally my sister did track in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania where I used to live, and they had a family track meet. I was interested, and I did javelin, and I won. But then we moved to Houston. And in Huntingdon, I was pretty fast ‘cause it was a pretty small town, so I’d joined a track team. Everyone else was a lot faster than me, and I was like “Oh, javelin,” and you know, I stuck with it. Q: Is it hard balancing your other activities and javelin competitions/practice? A: No, javelin
Senior Anna Tran’s ice skating career leads to passion for coaching A: I really do love ice skating because I’ve been doing it all my life and it’s become a part of who I am. Q: Do you ever get stressed out with all of your responsibilities? A: Most definitely, because sometimes I feel like I spread myself too thin and I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect.
Sophomore spears competition
practices and the tournaments - there’s lots of them I can go to, and the schedule is pretty flexible. Q: How is javelin like other field events in track? A: It’s similar to discus or shot put in the sense that you’re trying to throw it further than everybody else. Shot put’s really all about, you know, a strength comes into play. [In] javelin it helps to be strong, but you can only muscle a javelin so far. It’s like discus where it’s very technical, and you win based on form, not based on strength. Q: Do you want to continue competing in javelin throughout high school and college?
A: Through high school, definitely. [But it] depends on the college I go to, ‘cause, I mean, I wouldn’t want it to be too serious, but if it’s like a D3 school, [a] smaller D3 school, yeah.
Photo courtesy of Danny Lehmann
Flipping for gold Senior Levi Anderson continues quest for Olympic bid Chloe Trejo Sports Editor Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics? A: About 14 to 15 years. Q: How long have you been competing? A: I’ve been competing since I was six. I’ve really only been serious about it in eighth grade, so about four or five years now. Q: What titles do you currently have? A: I am the High Bar U.S. National Champion, Floor National Champion, I was High Bar Runnerup at nationals. I am a 2014 Men’s Junior National Team member. I’m tied for eighth in the nation, so technically ninth. Q: What’s the highest award or title you’ve received? A: The Men’s Junior National Team. I’m a team player and Team USA is the goal. It’s not just me winning something in the Olympics; it’s Team USA. Making the team is a huge step towards the Olympics, and in my opinion it’s the best title I’ve received. Q: How do you practice to compete? A: We have practice
every day for four hours on Monday through Friday. Then we have practice on Sunday for four hours. In the summer we train for new skills and we are not really risking anything. Throughout the season from August to the end of May we practice routines trying to get in routine shape. Right after that, depending on if we make it to championships or not, then we train from May to the beginning of August. It’s tons of routines and tons of hours in the gym.
Photo courtesy of Levi Anderson
16
SPORTS
Senior cheerleaders walk football field last time, move to post-season activities Colin Morris Editor-in-Chief The once roaring field now lays silent as the teams and crowds begin to clear out the stadium. Players grab their helmets, Silvies pick up their pom-poms and the cheerleaders grab their megaphones, some for the very last time. Although the football season comes to an end, the cheerleaders’ schedule does not end there. For them, there is always work to be done. “I think that’s when it hit, that senior year is all about the ‘lasts’, and that was actually the last time we would be there at [Berry Center] and walk on the field and be there as a team rather than individuals,” senior Chelsi Medrano said. “Knowing that it was my last season just to stand in front of the student section and have them
Let me hear your battle cry: Varsity cheerleaders dance with cheer alumni. Photo by Colin Morris
say cheers back to us and just hearing drumline for the last time, it really hit home.” Regardless of the expectations that the game would have an emotional toll on the girls, some of the cheerleaders found it surprising it did not dawn on them just yet. “It didn’t even seem like it was my last football game,” senior Lindsey Rau said. “Normally I would’ve thought that it would be really emotional and sad.” With the football season coming to a close, the cheerleaders grew accustomed to their performances and routines on the field. Senior Kayla Garcia said leaving this behind felt strange. “It was kind of surreal, because it doesn’t seem like the last [football game],” she said. “Every football game is
kind of routine, like we have to do the same exact thing, and it was kind of weird being with all the girls I’ve been cheering with for the past three years and being ‘this is it, this is the last one.’” Despite the last football game of the season falling on a Saturday afternoon, Medrano said the cheerleaders still knew their time on the field was coming to an end. “It was definitely different,” she said. “The day was so much fun but towards the end we could tell that like there was only two minutes left that we were going to be on the field.” The teams, student sections, drumline and coaches, Garcia said she will miss the special atmosphere the most from this season. “Definitely the Fridaynight football-feel, like being in front of the student section and seeing everyone get excited for the guys who were
actually playing and I guess just the community feel of everyone coming together for one thing,” she said. For others, they will miss the sisterhood that comes along with the program the most. “Those were 17 of my sisters that I won’t have with me at college next year, which will be difficult,” Medrano said. “That’s something I’ll never get back and definitely miss, just that bond.” As the season ends, the cheer program turns their sights upon other things, such as cheering at basketball games, wrestling matches, and performing a twominute routine at Mr. Cy Creek, the seniors’ last performance. With the end of the season comes some extra free time for the girls. While no longer on a strict weekly schedule, head coach Nicole LeClaire and junior varsity coach Allison Marz
hold the girls to the highest standards. “It’s not as much staying after school and doing the planning like streamers and making the big signs because we stay like two hours after making those big signs and all that, so we definitely have more free time but we still have to be ‘perfect’ as we were before,” Garcia said. The program has given the girls a second family. “It gave me more of something to lean on with the people who are in it, and I met most of my best friends through cheer,” Garcia said. And although the cheerleaders walked the field for the very last time, together as a team, regret does not stain their memories. “It was definitely a great way to leave Cy Creek, and I can’t imagine my high school career any other way than it did, and I have cheer to thank for that,” Medrano said.