The Reporter

the

REPORTER

Cy-Fair High School

22602 Hempstead Hwy

Cypress, TX 77429

Volume 65 Issue 4

Playing big leagues

February 3, 2012

Astros recruit Cy-Fair grad Rebeccah Barger Photo Editor

We shoot, we SCORE!!!

Basketball update, page 10

One percent.

Those were his chances - of making it onto a college team, and of breaking into the professional baseball world. Since Chris Wallace, a 2006 Cy-Fair graduate, began playing baseball at the age of 5, he worked hard to beat the odds and become catcher for the Houston Astros’ minor league.

Despite his success, Wallace still remembers what made him passionate about the game in the first place.

“I really just grew up loving the game,” Wallace said. “I used to watch my dad play, and it’s been fun since the start.”

It was clear to Wallace as he entered high school that the game started to become a little

more difficult. Despite the challenges he faced, Wallace recalls the Cy-Fair team and still carries with him the valuable lessons that it taught him.

“I really loved the team,” Wallace said.

“Cy-Fair was very fun. The competition at high school level was good. I was friends with all the guys. We had an amazing coach and we always went out and had a good time. I remember when we lost, we all looked at it as an opportunity to become stronger. I would just tell myself that it’s a learning process.”

Wallace and the team’s learning curve was quick, and they went to the state championship in 2006. Playing in high school began to show the true opportunities of molding into a college opportunity as scouts arrived to watch rising stars.

“When scouts started to recruit from the Cy-Fair, they began scouting the team my

A staffer’s adventure in paninis, page 13

Who’s still in the race? page 04 Trading up- Chris Wallace’s professional (signed) trading cards, collage.

Photo illustration by Allyson Burns.

Win: Wallace blocks home.

Photo courtesy of Rhonda Wallace.

sophomore year,” Wallace said. “I remember trying a lot of different things to get noticed.

They would attend high school games, and eventually I was able to play baseball for University of Houston.”

Wallace played catcher throughout his four years at the University of Houston and graduated in 2010. The higher level of competition brought Wallace and his teammates to the Conference Championship his sophomore year.

“The game gets faster at a college level. I mean, the competition is still good at college.

All of it has been a big learning curve, and I’ve enjoyed everything,” Wallace said.

However, during his junior year in college he encountered a setback when a baseball hit his face. Reconstructive surgery was required to fix it.

“It was hard, but I have really become a better player because of it,” Wallace said. “I’m more motivated to reach the goals that I set for myself. It never stopped me from wanting to keep playing.”

Wallace’s next big step was focusing on getting a chance to play professionally. He spent a year playing in Corpus Christi before returning to Houston when he was signed to the Astros minor league as a catcher. see Astros recruit Alumnus, page 7

‘There’s nothing better, baby, do you like my sweater?’

Sadie Hawkins, right around the corner Allyson Burns PR Manager

Barrel racing, competitions, and FFA, page 05

Soccer’s getting intense, page 10

Better break out your khaki pants because the Sadie Hawkins dance is your chance.

Student Council has been talking about a spring fling for a while, and now it is officially planned for Friday, Feb. 10 in our cafeteria.

This type of fling comes with a twist. The guys are free from the stress and worry of asking a girl, which gives the girls a chance to step up. Rumors about the actuality of the dance are now deemed true.

“Our freshmen year we tried to have a Sadie Hawkins dance but failed,” senior student council president Allie Ryan said. “It’s on student council’s calendar this semester.”

The theme for a traditional Sadie Hawkins dance is a western style atmosphere, meaning that hay stacks and cowboy hats will be evident.

Guests are advised to dress accordingly.

“This will be a ‘barn dance’ atmosphere, where we will play different genres of music than are typically played at Homecoming and Prom dances,” student council sponsor Rachel Mabry said. “Guys and gals throw on their

boots and dress in their best country-western wear and two-step around on the dance floor.”

The new idea seems striking because it’s something different to do. The last Sadie Hawkins dance happened four years ago, so no one really knows what to expect.

Get em’, girls! Sadie Hawkins is right around the corner. Photo by Sam Burdyl

“I think that it would be pretty neat,” junior Sarah McConaughey said. “It’s a new way to look at things and I want to see the reactions the guys will have. It should be cute.”

“I personally would love to have a Sadie Hawkins Dance,” Ryan said. “It raises school spirit and it’s something to add to the second semester.”

Student Council sponsor includes some notions as to why Cy-Fair should partake in a Sadie Hawkins Dance.

“Sadie Hawkins dances are interesting for a couple reasons,” Mabry said. “First, they reverse the standard roles we often associate with formal occasions. Girls ask the guys.

Secondly, Sadie Hawkins dances, traditionally are more casual or informal.”

The dance will help raise money for the Class of 2012’s Prom.

“The Sadie Hawkins dance has been a part of our school’s tradition in the past, but for one reason or another it has not occurred in the four years that I have been a teacher here,” Mabry said. “This dance can be a new tradition of Cy-Fair--one that will occur more than once every few years.”

2.3.12

News 02

Upcoming Events 02/03-05 Showstoppers Performance, 7-10 p.m.

02/08 NHS Meeting, Auditorium, 6:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

02/10 Sadie Hawkins Dance, 7-11 p.m.

02/11 ACT Testing 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

02/14 Valentine’s Day 02/16-17 Mr. Cy-Fair Performance, 5 p.m.

02/20 Holiday 02/24 Music Festival in Auditorium, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

02/29 NHS Induction Ceremony, 6:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

Bobcat briefs What you don’t know about science teachers Marianna Yoder Online/Graphics Editor Aquatic Science and AP Environmental Science teacher Stephanie Ziegler ran the Walt Disney Marathon, 26.6 miles, at Disney World on Jan 8. Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ziegler celebrated her personal defeat of cancer and the good health of thousands of fellow survivors as she joined 18,000 other marathon runners at the start line. After training for six months, Ziegler lends her last steps across the finish line to sheer determination. She intends to run the marathon again sometime in the future.

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Many dream of a small, quaint wedding with close family and friends, but for Physics teacher Bincy Raju, her sister’s wedding was so big the celebrations lasted a whole week.

With the date set for Jan 8, 2012, Raju stood by her little sister’s side through the engagement announcement, engagement party, wedding eve, wedding ceremony and reception. Starting as an intimate ceremony with immediate family, the number of guests grew with each party until it reached a total of about 1000.

Though more a marriage between two families than just two individuals, Raju watched with pride and happiness as her sister, Bini, walked down the aisle in her white dress and accepted her red wedding saree, a traditional Indian dress, from her new husband Joseph.

Blue, webbed feet were lifted towards the sky as love filled the warm August air over the summer on the Galapagos Islands when Chemistry and AP Biology teacher Anne Gill witnessed the Blue Footed Booby’s mating dance before her very eyes.

During her trip to the nearly untouched by humans island Gill endured nine nights on a boat and nine days under the constant watchful eyes of her government mandated tour guide to walk through the footsteps of Charles Darwin and to experience evolution in action. Gill also enjoyed snorkeling through the clear waters and visiting the Darwin Research Center where researchers are breeding the Galapagos tortoise.

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Weekly tests, heavy textbooks and PowerPoint lectures may sound like a student’s life but this is the nightlife of two science teachers striving for their Masters degrees. Anatomy and Physiology teacher Christy Dennis and Biology teacher Kimberly Morgan have started dual lives as teachers at Cy-Fair and students of Mississippi State University.

Specially designed for science teachers, the online masters program includes a quiz or test at the end of each week as well as a final class on campus to wrap up the program. Dennis and Morgan are set to graduate and receive their Biology Masters degree in the summer of 2013.

Introducing...

the STAAR test

Jacob Mansfield Business Manager While students have become familiar with the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skill since its introduction to public education in 2003, the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness exam may become the new standardized-test students will dread.

The Texas Education Agency said, “Beginning in spring 2012, the [STAAR] will replace the [TAKS}…At high school… gradespecific assessments will be replaced with 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments: Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world history, and U.S. history.”

In information released by the Texas Education Agency, the STAAR test will begin in spring of 2012 and eventually replace the TAKS test.

2.3.12

News 03

Arguing: an extreme sport Five debaters head to state

Jacob Mansfield Business Manager Three students state-qualified to compete in the Texas Forensics Association state competition at the Mayde Creek debate competition on Jan. 20-21.

In 2011 two students competed at the state tournament, becoming the first to qualify and compete at state for nearly five years. At the 2012 Texas Forensics Association state competition in Amarillo Cy-Fair will bring five competitors, three of which qualified at Mayde Creek.

Junior Samantha Burdyl won second place with her original oratory “If love is the answer, can you please rephrase the question?” earning the necessary eight state-points to reach a total of 11 points and surpass the necessary 10.

Burdyl is still looking towards state-qualifying with Public Forum debate partner junior Darcy

Caballero at the next competition.

Caballero not only looks forward to the state competition.

“What I’ve gained so far in my experience in debate is not just academic. The social aspect of debate is one that is often overlooked, but you spend entire weekends with your teammates and you become a family,” Caballero said.

Senior Fernando Ramirez reached doubleocto elimination rounds of Lincoln Douglas Debate to earn one state-point and now statequalify to compete with 10 points in total.

Junior Ajinkya Patwardhan reached octo elimination rounds of Lincoln Douglas Debate earning two state-points, now possessing the magic number of 10 points needed.

Burdyl, Ramirez and Patwardhan bring the total number of state-qualified competitors from Cy-Fair to five, including Caballero who is already qualified in oratory with eighteen state-points and senior Jacob Mansfield who is

Practice makes perfect: Senior Shivam Bhakta practices Lincoln-Douglas debate outside senior deck. Photo by Rebeccah Barger.

already qualified in oratory and domestic extemporaneous speaking.

Ramirez not only qualified but also won first place in impromptu speaking while sophomore Kyle Hillman became the runner-up to Ramirez and won second place.

Within oratory finals, Burdyl won second while senior Jacob Mansfield placed fourth receiving six state-points and bringing his total number of state-points in oratory to 16.

Mansfield also won second in Domestic Extemporaneous speaking answering the question “How should Mitt Romney deal with his Bain Capital record?” and earning an additional eight points to reach a total of 27.

In Lincoln Douglas, Mansfield and fellow senior Shivam Bhakta came closer to state-qualifying with Mansfield reaching quarter-final elimination rounds and earning three points for a total of nine and Bhakta reaching octo-rounds, earning two more points for a total of four.

The debate team will compete at Jersey Village Feb. 10-11. Ramirez hopes earn the additional two points needed to qualify for oratory. The Burdyl-Caballero pair is optimistic to state-qualify in Public Forum debate as well as Bhakta and Mansfield to state-qualify in Lincoln Douglas debate.

Ramirez has seen the team come a long way since he began freshman year.

“My brother did debate in high school and influenced me to do the same. I have done debate my whole time in high school and haven’t regretted a moment of it! I’ve seen the team grow and mature and I’m glad to have been there to see it,” Ramirez said.

District under new direction CFISD instills new police department and chief an easy transition.

Cy Fair has a contract with Harris County Constable Precinct Four through Dec. 31, and CFISD plans to be hiring this fall, according to Security has taken a whole new step within Bragg. the borders of Cypress-Fairbanks IDS. With all the excitement from the new The district has decided to begin building a department, some students feel safer. police department within district boundaries, “You can never have too many cops,” said and have selected the junior Matt Mills. chief of police to help “The schools will have “We’re looking for an a hybrid for a while,” Bragg build it.

Cypress-Fairbanks said. “A transition period, to overall atmosphere ISD named Alan ease the transfer.” and overall climate Bragg its first chief of Students like junior for the district.” police in December.

Colin King feel over Bragg began working protected with all the cops.

-Bragg in the district Jan. 17.

“I would feel like I’m He began his work by being over watched,” said visiting campuses over a two-week period, King. and met with all the principals Jan. 19 at a Bragg intends to use this plan as to not district leadership meeting to learn what their disrupt families with parents working in the expectations and concerns are. schools as a part of Precinct Four.

“I think it’s valuable to get their input,” “It’s the wrong time in the economy for Bragg said. people to be losing their jobs,” Bragg said.

Classes for the students who are interested The economy, student’s safety, families’ in studying criminal justice in the future are interest, and administration’s concerns will be also in consideration, according to Bragg. taken into account when it comes to the future When it comes to hiring, Bragg has a careful of the department. plan. With the average across the state being “We’re looking at the overall atmosphere one officer for every 1200 students, Bragg will and overall climate of the district,” Bragg said. continue to use resources available and make “Everything is on the table.

Justin Prieto Reporter

Watchful Eye: New chief of police Alan Bragg. CFISD File Photo.

Rising Stars: Senior Wassim Hage, senior Sahel Salam, and senior Andie Ray. Photo

by Justin Prieto.

On the road to

Justin Prieto Reporter

state

Three seniors made All-State recognitions in their respective electives. Two band students and one choir student have been through the long audition process, and made it to the top.

The Cy-Fair Band is proud to be the home of two students who won the All-State Band honors in San Antonio, Texas.

All-State Band is split into four groups, two orchestras and two bands. The bands are only wind instruments and percussion, while orchestras feature all of the musical families.

Senior Andie Ray, whom has went to the auditions 4 times now, made All-State Band for flute.

“When you go to audition four times, it’s not really nerve wracking anymore.” Ray said.

Returning to the auditions for the fourth time, Ray knows how to pass the time.

“I made a hat to pass the time,” Ray said.

“Normally I make friendship bracelets, but I decided to change it up this time.”

While others sat and listened to the other players, Ray decided to distract her mind as to not hear them.

“You don’t want to freak yourself out,” she said.

Not only did wood winds make a mark for All-State Band, as senior Wassim Hage, a trombone player, as too, made it.

“I was surprisingly happy when I found out,” Hage said. “I didn’t really invest a lot of emotion to it, but when I found out, it was a pleasant surprise.”

Both Ray and Hage will return to San Antonio to audition to find out which one of the four groups they will be a part of. Whoever makes first chair will choose to be part of either a band or orchestra, and chairs will be assigned based on that choice, according to Ray. “I’m hoping to be in one of the orchestra’s” Ray said.

As the instruments of the school play their way to the top, senior vocalist Sahel Salam sings his way to be a part of All-State Choir.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” said Salam.

The audition was intense, with the competition in front of him featuring kids intimidating each other, according to Salam, but he found friends on the trip.

“I spent time with seniors in our choir and others that I befriended,” said Salam.

Salam made friends, but still had a disappointing return.

“It was a disappointing bus ride back, just to look at the faces of those that should have been successful, but weren’t,” said Salam.

The students who gained All-State recognition will be given a patch to show their achievement. Colleges look at the students who made All-State for their music programs as well.

“In the past, one kid was even offered a full scholarship from participation in state,” said Cy-Fair band director Mark Veenstra.

04 Feature

2.3.12

Who will be on the ballot ?

Jacob Mansfield Business Manager With the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealing the official unemployment number for the month of Dec. 2011 to be 8.5 percent and a recent Gallup poll from January saying 44 percent of Americans agree with the Life Evaluation “Struggling”, Americans are beginning to shop around and view their other political options.

Legally, anyone who is at least 18 years old, an American citizen, and registered can vote.

With high school students who meet these requirements, a new requirement is revealed: voters should be reformed.

Below are close ups of each of the remaining four Republican Candidates with their performances in the primaries to date as well as their largest weaknesses that you may want to avoid.

Political experience:

-Governor of Massachusetts: 2003-2007

Foreign Policy:

Complete military objectives in war on Terror

Healthcare:

Repeal Health care law passed Mar. 22, 2010

Mitt Romney Political experience:

-Speaker of the United States House of Representatives: 1995-1999 -House Minority Whip: 1989-1995 -Member of House of Representatives from Georgia’s 6th District: 1979-1999

Foreign Policy:

Complete military objectives in War on Terror

Healthcare:

Repeal Health care law passed Mar. 22, 2010

Dropouts Tim Pawlenty: Dropped out Aug. 14, 2011

Source: Christian Science Monitor, National Public Radio, The Brookings Institute, CNN, Time, Gallup, Politico and RealClearPolitics

Most difficult obstacles to overcome:

Herman Cain: Dropped out Dec. 3, 2011

Romney may become the most viable candidate as protestant Republicans begin to overlook his Latter Day Saint-affiliation as indicated in a Gallup Poll (Jan. 10) where 59% of polled Conservatives approve of Romney as a candidate and 59% of polled Independents approve as well. Romney is now falling under criticism for his wealth from private investing.

Most difficult obstacle to overcome:

Michele Bachmann: Dropped out Jan. 4, 2012

Although perhaps the most politically experienced amongst the field of candidates, Gingrich’s most recent career as an unofficial-lobbyist that earned him over $ 1.6 million from Freddie Mac may portray him as bought by special interests or a career politician. To be fair, he didn’t register as a lobbyist.

Newt Gingrich Political experience:

-United States Senator from Pennsylvania: 1995-2007 -Member of House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 18th District: 1991-1995

Foreign Policy:

Complete military Objectives in War on Terror

Healthcare:

Repeal Health care law passed Mar. 22, 2010

Most difficult obstacle to overcome:

Jon Huntsman: Dropped out Jan. 16, 2012

Most difficult obstacle to overcome:

Rick Perry: Dropped out Jan. 19, 2012

A strong supporter of a constitutional amendment defining the “sanctity of marriage”, wanting to “repeal” the Griswold V. Connecticut ruling (a Supreme Court case that gave women the right to privacy and allowed use of contraceptives), and just as politically conservative, Santorum may have difficulty bringing independents and moderates into the fold of his supporters.

Rick Santorum Political experience:

-Member of House of Representatives from Texas’s 14th District: 1997-2011 -Member of House of Representatives from Texas’s 22nd District: 1976-1977; 1979-1985

Foreign Policy:

Reduce military-size and deconstruct US Embassies. Non-interventionalism

Healthcare:

Repeal Health care law passed Mar. 22, 2010

Ron Paul

Although highly favorable amongst libertarians, Paul does not garner support from the Republican establishment. Amongst his economic platform ideas are abolishing the Federal Reserve and going back to a largely gold-based currency.

Perhaps allowing Iran to keep a nuclear program is one of his most controversial platforms.

2.3.12

Features 05

‘This is your captain speaking’ Senior soars his first airplane with no regrets Kristin Waymire Op/Ed Editor The key was in the ignition. Steadily he turned it, but the engine did not take. He looked to his instructor then back at the controls. Again, he turned the key, the engine caught and roared at the two in the cockpit. Slowly, he took the controls and taxied the giant through the narrow path. He jerked the yoke up as the giant lifted off the runway. He finally had control.

The earth started to grow smaller underneath him as he reached an altitude of 1700 ft.

Senior James Allison was flying his first airplane.

Ever since he was 8, Allison dreamed of becoming a commercial airplane pilot, after he discovered being a weather man was boring.

In 2003, he went to his first air show where he discovered his passion.

Allison started with a simulator on the Internet, flying with a few friends in the spring of 2006. He found the science of aviation interesting.

“Aerodynamics, the study of fluid motion,” he said. “How it works when you have a wing, how it produces flight. That is what is interesting; just how it all comes together. The common theory of high pressure going to low pressure has been proven to not be the entire story multiple times, and just that fact alone makes me wonder how it could possibly work” For five years, Allison had been practicing on the Internet with a few friends until his mother received a groupon for The Flight School Inc., August 2011.

Four months later on Dec 21, he made his way

into the flight school building off to the north of Freeway 290, for the first time and walked into a well furbished classroom.

Allison sat in the room staring at the instructor, David Rodriguez, in factual boredom.

“It wasn’t that boring,” he said. “It’s just I knew 98 percent of the stuff he was saying.”

After an hour of instruction, Allison finally got to climb into the cockpit of a Cessna 152 II plane at Weiser airport, the school’s hangar.

“The first flight was stunning, actually,” Allison said. “The one thing I really feel that was memorable was the feeling of going airborne, and being completely in control of your own flight, instead of feeling as if your own life were in someone else’s hands.”

He remembers Rodriguez telling him that two people cannot control the airplane at the same time. Every time they switch controls, they had to say, “You have control,” and the other acknowledges by saying, “I have control.”

“Overall, it is fairly simple,” Allison said.

“When you know how everything works.”

Right now, Allison is wading through the end of his senior year, spending 4 to 5 hours a day on the simulator. He is hoping that in the next two years he will be able to earn enough money and attain his pilot’s license while going to Vancouver University for aeronautical engineering.

“Seeing how a pilot’s license is 5,000 dollars, it will take a while to produce the money for it and the cost of the 40 hours I need to have with the plane,” Allison said.

Allison headed out to Houston and circled the city only to return to Weiser. The plane made touch down on the runway only to pick

Flying high: Student journeys into the sky.

Photo courtesy of Allison family.

its speed back up and take off into the air once more, in a touch-and-go. Allison circled the airport a while longer and finally put the plane to rest, taxing it back into its parking hangar.

“The view up at the altitude is absolutely

Giddy up for the big times Student battles in rodeo, barrel racing off toward the first barrel.

Excitement spread through her as the horse and she rounded the first barrel. Thrill, that was the only thing that mattered: thrill of speed.

Senior Lindsey Grubbs was barrel racing for the first time at the Harris County Sheriff ’s Department Junior Mounted Posse rodeo in 2006.

“I was so nervous and panicking the first time, I didn’t know why I was so confused,” Grubbs said. “But it’s a major adrenaline rush. It’s the most fun thing Go cowgirl: Senior Lindsey Grubbs dashes around at last I’ve done and I just year’s state competition. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Grubbs. love the feeling of going fast.”

Ever since Grubbs was 12 years-old, she has been riding horses.

Justin Prieto But it wasn’t until 2006 she climbed upon her Reporter horse and took off around the Harris County The buzzer rang out into the audience. A foot rodeo arena for the first time.

Before she was able to ride in rodeos, Grubbs kicked back and connected with the horse’s side. The horse made a choked neigh and took had to do long and intensive trainings with her

horses.

“I have to practice every day, either at my house or at the arena in Magnolia,” Grubbs said. “It’s hard work and time consuming.”

The hard work gets harder when the horse doesn’t cooperate. When this happens, Grubbs is forced to discipline the beast.

“To discipline them, I run them and turn them in circles,” Grubbs said. “Just the work you put in to it, the challenges I mean, you’re working with another brain. The horse doesn’t always cooperate so you have to keep trying and don’t give up.”

All her practicing pays off in the end. She was granted the chance to ride at state, last year in Abilene.

“I ran my fastest pole-time at state,” Grubbs said. “I just felt really proud of myself for being able to improve.”

Even with training, there are still accidents.

The horse reared up with Grubbs on the back.

It flipped over, throwing her off onto the ground and landed on her foot, breaking two bones.

“Falling off the horse knocks the wind out of you,” said Grubbs. “It hurts but you have to get back on.”

Getting back on and continuing to ride has its rewards. Grubbs rides for buckles or saddles for series, which are rodeos that have multiple rides and count points, and sometimes money.

“This summer, I won a lot of money and buckles,” Grubbs said.

After she graduates high school, Grubbs is planning on riding in the college rodeos, and then later making it to the pros.

stunning,” Allison said. “Looking down at everything below you, and suddenly realizing that you are the one making that happen is the most remarkable feeling in the world. It’s absolutely worth it.”

06 Ad

2.3.12

It’s not too early to think about college!

Mark your calendars for free information sessions.

Feb. 12 - Need money for college?

Don’t miss College Goal Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Talk with financial aid professionals about how to pay for college.

March 31 – Want a sneak peek into college life?

Come to the LSC-CyFair Open House, 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Get a tour and information on programs, admissions, financial aid and more.

April 4 and April 10 – Want a jump start on college credits?

Attend a Dual Credit Information Session, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Find out how to save money as you earn high school and college credits this summer.

LoneStar.edu LSC-CyFair 9191 Barker Cypress Cypress, TX 77433

LSC-Fairbanks Center 14955 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77040

affirmative action/eeo college

2.3.12

Sports 07

Astros recruit Cy-Fair alumnus Continued from page 1 “It has been so much fun,” Wallace said. “I practice every day at Minute Maid park with the Astro strength coach. We’ve been training since October, and we only get one month after the season for a break before we’re right back into the training. It’s also cool because I have an Underarmour contract and they provide our clothes, shoes, and other products. It’s only my second year, and I still can’t believe that I’ve accomplished this.”

Despite the many steps it took to get to this point, Wallace is still driven to achieve more and continue playing baseball.

“My big goal is to make it into the major leagues,” Wallace said. “But it’s still so unreal to be playing for a team that you’ve grown up watching.”

While Wallace is working professionally doing what he loves, Cy-Fair’s influence runs deep.

He still comes back to visit his old friend and coach Woody Champagne who has watched him through Wallace’s process of becoming an Astro.

“He has really worked hard for this,” Champagne said. “It takes a unique kind of athlete to get drafted into the professional league. They have to know how to run, throw, hit, and have great character. They’re just a little bit different.”

Champagne recognized these qualities in Wallace, and also many characteristics that

set him apart from the team that helped him achieve his goals.

“Chris played football and baseball and was a hard worker. He was as quiet as a mouse. He had a good family, good folks. He would do anything for you,. He was an all around good kid,” Champagne said.

Cy-Fair has a legacy of turning out top notch players. Wallace wasn’t the only graduate to play professionally. Caleb Ramsey, CyFair graduate of 2007, was drafted for the Washington Nationals’ minor league. Robbie Grossman, 2008 Cy-Fair graduate, was drafted for the major league of the Pittsburg Pirates.

Woody Williams was also another superstar from Cy-Fair. He was a 1984 state finalist at CyFair before attending University of Houston.

Williams was then drafted to the Toronto Bluejays’ minor league before being traded to the Houston Astros. Williams received a world series ring after playing in the major leagues and his number three has now been retired and displayed on the Cy-Fair baseball field.

“Baseball is an individual sport with a team concept,” Champagne said. “In baseball you can’t come back from that because everyone sees you make a mistake. I try to test my players to see their work ethic and how mentally tough they are. The number one thing about Cy-Fair is team. It’s not what you do, it’s what the team does. We win together, we lose together.”

Mug Shot: Bat in hand, Wallace poses for his high school baseball photo at Cy-Fair. Photo courtesy of Rhonda

Wallace.

Ready for the throw: Wallace winds up for a throw-down during a game at the University of Houston. Photo

courtesy of Rhonda Wallace.

08 In-Depth Teenagers have problems. It’s an obvious and well known fact. But just because they’re “teenage problems” doesn’t mean they’re any less serious. Some of the things teens deal with are the exact issues adults deal with.

Depression. Sleep Deprivation. Smoking.

And here’s a guide to it all.

#realworld

Depression: The epidemic of the youth Darby Nevins Features Editor Being a teenager is tough. We have to grow up, experience many different things, learn about relationships, and so much more. It’s normal to be overwhelmed with it all and have a bad day every now and then. But when those down-in-the-dumps feelings don’t go away or they reach the point where it’s hard to handle them, there may be something else that’s going on.

It’s called depression.

It is difficult to put into words exactly how depression feels because people experience it differently. But most commonly it’s when you may feel sad, upset or hurt, that no one cares or understands, where laying in bed all day is what you’d like to do, and it seems like there are always tears running down your cheeks.

I know how it feels. It’s hard. There are times where I would walk around like everything was fine; rockin’ a smile on my face but under the mask I was hurting. At times I was clueless on why.

Why do I feel this way? I have everything…

I haven’t gone through a horrible and traumatic experience, yet I still feel hurt. What is wrong with me?

If any of these questions have crossed your mind, stop. Teenage depression can affect teens regardless of gender, social background, family income or other achievements. So don’t blame yourself or think that anything is wrong with

you, because it’s not that.

According to teendepression.org, between 10-15 percent of teens will experience the symptoms of depression at one time, and about 20 percent will have gone through depression before reaching adulthood.

Researchers have not been able to figure out the main cause of teenage depression because it is so specific to the person, but they have narrowed it down to some main risk factors.

These factors may or may not have a lasting impact on the individual, it all varies. They range from a family history of depression, background of substance abuse, physical factors, personalities and stressful life events.

All of it comes down to the two different types of depression: the one where the person experiences an “episode” or short term symptoms of teen depression and clinical depression, where the feeling can last for weeks to a time.

One of the worst parts of depression is turning to alcohol or other substances to cover up the feelings. Doing that might mask what you might be going through at the time but afterwards it can make it all worse. About 30 percent of teens with depression develop a substance abuse problem. All of that can just harm the body even more, and there are so many other ways to get and feel better.

It sounds cliché, but one of the biggest things you can do is to talk to your parents. I know, “parents just don’t understand” right? It might

The need for sleep Sleep deprivation. Everybody knows what it is, how horrible it feels and how much it affects daily life. And teens have some of the hardest time with not getting enough sleep.

Stress from tests, grades and college can cause teens to toss and turn at night.

Staying up too late finishing those last problems on Calculus homework may help your grade but in the long run may cause serious problems.

Getting no sleep can seem “fashionable” or “hardcore” but the reality is that a teenager needs about 8

1/2 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep each night.

Of course it isn’t always possible, but staying up until 4 a.m. every night and having to wake up two hours later and go to school isn’t healthy.

Getting enough sleep is critical to long term health and teens should realize that the sleep habits they are forming now will last the rest their lives.

So even if it’s difficult, and that extra chapter of Huckleberry Finn is calling your name, think about it. Get some sleep.

How many Mark Veenstra, Band Teacher “I get six or seven hours.”

seem that way because they’re always yelling at you or getting upset over little things. But, many parents don’t know the true facts about depression enough to be able to understand.

Letting your parents know what is going on will motivate them to get you the help you need.

But I understand that it might be hard to talk to them about something this serious.

Find an outlet for you to express your feelings, like an activity or club to join. Find that friend who will always listen and be there for you.

And if you don’t want to talk to someone you know, there are school and private counselors that are happy to listen. I’ve done it. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You get to chat away and they actually listen. No judgment, no bad opinions, they just helped.

If there are times where the feelings become so overwhelming and finding a solution just doesn’t seem to work out and the only way you see to be done with it is to harm yourself, get help right away. If it’s hard to open up to ones you know, talking to a stranger might be easier.

Call 1-800-273-TALK to speak in confidence to someone who can help you deal with your feelings.

Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, the third leading cause of death among teens. 90 percent of suicide victims suffer from a mental illness, and suffering from depression can make a teenager as much as 12 times more likely to attempt suicide.

Remember that there is always another solution, even if it might seem that way. It is always possible for things to get better. No matter how horrible you feel, these feelings will pass. Do not make a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is always help.

Statistics provided by teendepression.org

Is your friend depressed?

Your friend doesn’t want to do the things you guys used to love to do.

Your friend starts using alcohol or drugs or hanging with a bad crowd.

Your friend stops going to classes and after school activities.

Your friend talks about being bad, ugly, stupid or worthless.

Your friend starts talking about death or suicide.

Bobcat Poll: In a random survey of 145 students, The Reporter asked how many hours of sleep the average Cy-Fair student gets every night.

<3 hrs 4-6 hrs 7< hrs

do YOU get?

Danielle Longan, 12 “I get three to four hours of sleep.”

Sydney Boyenga, 10 “Five on an average day and six on a good day.”

Yann Gilbert, 12 “I get five hours on average.”

In-Depth 09

Each day in the United States, approximately

Inside Teens’ Minds Teenagers are interesting. They have a plethora of experiences and stories to share. The following short pieces are a peek into four anonymous teens’ lives.

1.

Teenager A wakes up in the morning, drives to school and walks toward the school from the parking lot. And the whole time he has a cigarette in his hand. Throughout the day he craves the nicotine he’s survived off of since the age of 15.

He knows it’s illegal but the allure is too much, the relief is too much.

See a doctor about taking the first steps of quitting.

Teenager B doesn’t sleep much. He practically doesn’t sleep at all. The coffee cups he carries around is his lifeline because the caffeine is the only thing keeping him going after 30 minutes of sleep. He tries to sleep. He lays in bed, tossing and turning and hoping, but it doesn’t happen. The stress is too much, his mind can’t be turned off.

See a counselor, a doctor, talk to parents or research stress relievers.

3.

2.

Teenager C stays out late every night. She spends her nights at any house but hers to escape the stress of her own family and the pressure of “growing up.” She doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do with her life and is scared.

Talk to a counselor or family member, or join a support group that will help with problems.

Teenager D studies six hours a night. She pushes herself to get the highest grades on every test, school is a competition. And not a friendly one.

The stress can get to be too much and when she gets fed up with it all she feels like she can’t handle it anymore.

Talk to friends, parents or a favorite teacher and realize all the pressure isn’t worth it.

4.

of adult smokers started when they were teens.

Smokers are more likely to have anxiety disorders

If you need a place to go in Houston: Contact The Council On Alcohol and Drugs Houston Call: 713-942-4100 Go to: 303 Jackson Hill Street, Houston, TX www.council-houston.org

90 %

More than

panic attacks

Need someone to talk to?

Call 1-800-273-TALK Visit reachout.com or call 1-800-448-3000

young people 12 -17 years of age smoke their first cigarette.

depression

School counselors are always available to listen in the counseling office or at Counselor’s Corner in the cafeteria.

an estimated

440,000 people die from smoking related illnesses each year

Texas teens illegally buy or smoke more than

Find your Counselor Angie Rhymes A-Cas: Stephanie Heefner Cat-For: Lanell Kelley Fos-H: Rebecca Hill I-Ma: Avery Peagler Mb-Pla: Kimberly Reed Ple-Sos: Kimberlee Guerrero Sot-Z: Ricca Meyers

3,450

67 million

packs of cigarettes

each year More than

80 %

Source: mctcampus.com

of adult smokers begin smoking years of age. before Source: cdc.gov

18

10 Sports

2.3.12

Communication is key

Boys soccer team prepares for upcoming season Danae Dinderman Reporter

On the field, the Boys Varsity Soccer players know they can pass the ball to someone and trust that it will stay on the journey to the goal.

When they leave the field, their bond does not go away. It is constantly there. Sophomore player Adonis Pinto, a forward on the team, describes having great communication as the team’s biggest strength.

This deep connection particularly shined in the team’s first playoff game last season. Down by one goal, the team was losing hope. It was their last chance to show that they deserved to keep moving ahead. With a huge amount of team work and determination, they were able to score two more goals, bringing in the victory. This year, the team plans to carry on the success of last season.

The varsity soccer players have practiced their running and passing skills since the beginning of the school year in preparation for their first district game on Feb. 3rd. Through playing against each other, running, and doing other drills, they are now fully prepared for the tough season ahead. Last year, the team attained the honorable title of district champions. This year’s team has big goals for the season. They would like to make the playoffs and earn their place as district champions again.

One challenge that the team faces is that many of last year’s key players have graduated, and their places are filled by new athletes that were on Junior Varsity last year.

“It’s a completely new team, so it’s hard to say how we’ll do compared to last year,” Coach Glen Waddell said.

“We had a lot of seniors last year. It’s going to be hard to replace that. We basically have a whole new team. It’s going to be a challenge for us, but we expect to do well.”

Even with the new players, the team continues to communicate and have a close bond.

“At team meetings, we normally just discuss the way we’re going to play the game and we have specific strategies that only soccer players would understand,” Co- Captain Tyler Anselmi, midfielder, said. “We’re a pretty close group. We’ll go out to eat afterward, and we get along well at practice and at games.”

The preseason games have already begun. Beating out opponents is the thing that brings Pinto the most joy from playing.

“The toughest school that we play is Langham Creek,” Pinto said. “They’re always good and they have a great team.”

The team is still getting the hang of things before the district games begin.

“We’re not too focused on the record and the

wins right now. We’re more focused on getting ourselves to a point where we can play together and win games later on,” Anselmi said.

According to Waddell, games are won by the whole team working together, not by individual players outshining others.

“If we’re going to be successful this year, its going to be because we play well as a team,” Waddell said. “For us to be successful, we’re going to have to have contributions from a lot of different people.”

My ball: Sophomore Adonis Pinto, a forward on varsity, steals the ball from the opposing team in the Alief varsity soccer tournament. Photo courtesy of ballcharts.com

Bobcats make a Underclassmen

splash

shine

Boys basketball team reach for District Championship Jacob Peroutek Reporter After playing and winning their first two district games against Cy-Ridge and CyRanch, the Bobcat Boys’ Basketball team is on the prowl.

This 13-man team - 10 underclassmen and 3 seniors - has gone 2-6 for district and 10-14 in all. Coach Barry Townley said this can be attributed to their vexing loss against Jersey Village with a score of 63-61. Townley is not at all worried, despite his team being made up of mostly underclassmen.

“I don’t want to wait ‘til next year. I want to win this year,” Townley said.

Team captain junior Ryan Bugai shares this aspiration.

“We have tons of talent,” he said, “And I can see us having a solid season, [both] this year and next year”.

Many of the players started playing Basketball during elementary school or even earlier.

“I started playing when I was 4. It has always been my strong suit,” Bugai said.

Although scoring goals is an important part of the game, team cohesion is almost just as important, according to Townley.

“Ryan Bugai is a real team player. While

Shot! Point guard Nate Nahirny, the only varsity freshman, practices his layups during warm-ups. Photo courtesy

of Mr. Eads.

he isn’t a lead scorer like Deione or Michael, without him, we wouldn’t be the team we are,” Townley said.

Freshman point guard Nate Nahirny, the only freshman on Varsity, has scored 144 points in total this season, third only to Michael Greene and Deione Dawson. This potent mix of skilled underclassmen and experienced seniors hopes to sweep this season.

Bugai noted that the game is not just about winning.

“After each huddle, we release with the word ‘Honor’, to remind us that we should bring honor to our school and families”, said Bugai.

“Twenty years from now, no one will remember the players’ names, but they will remember a District Championship, and that’s what we are working toward.”

- The JV girl’s swim team placed first and the boys placed second in the JV 5A District swim meet on Jan. 28.

- In the District Diving swim meet on Jan. 26 Ashlyn Peters received first and Sommer Meyers second.

- The Varsity District swim meet is this Saturday, Feb. 4. If the swimmers place in the top six of their event, they will advance to Regionals on Feb. 10-11.

Op/Ed 11

2.3.12

Be honest and speak out

The importance of honesty in high school and in life “If you have something to say to me, then come say it to my face.”

When we talk about drama -the typical rumors and secrets and going-behind-my-back-isms that pop up in a teen’s life, that seems to be a typical saying. We think it’s better to know whether someone is angry or annoyed by us than to sit there and stare at the person and guess at their opinion of us. Mark Twain did say, “It is wiser to find out than suppose.”

Openness is important for our sanity as human beings. We tend open up to our friends, our families and other people we trust. Almost everyone has some person to vent to (and other options would include some stranger at the bus stop or the

family pet or just the open air.) If we cannot trust anyone in our lives with our thoughts and feelings, then we basically feel trapped.

But the world these days seems to be going a little too fast for us to focus on personal issues. We get so caught up in webs of responsibility that the truth tends to get pushed to the bottom of our priorities. It’s understandable. Every one of us has such a long future ahead, we have to take every advantage we can to make the best of it. The swift waters of life carry us further and faster than we think we were ever supposed to go.

We struggle just to keep our heads up.

And -- this may sound ridiculous -- we need now more than ever to

speak out.

Lies, secrecy and unpleasant thoughts. Not a single one of us can say we haven’t experienced at least one of these things. That’s because it’s so easy. It’s easier to tell your friend you like her dress than it is to recommend she find one that matches her skin tone better. It’s easier to agree with the majority of the class and get on with your day than to raise your hand and ask a question.

Our friends and families and society are what we perceive to be the only stability in our quicklychanging lives. We think they give us strength.

In all honesty, though, they don’t.

We give ourselves strength. And if

Can’t miss another day Absences, why only three?

Madison Fumic News Editor

Nearing the end of a semester, the halls are transformed into a neverending stream of sick students hacking and sneezing with tissues in one hand and a mug of tea in the other.

Students are so scared about ruining their GPA by having to take their final that they will come to school with any kind of illness, contagious or not, to stay within the limit of only three days of absence in order to exempt.

I understand that there are some kids who only go to school to sit in the bathroom and skip classes, but for people like myself who pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe school work, having to take a final because we got sick or had a family emergency is not fair. If I happen to miss three days of the semester, which, by the way, is ridiculous due to the lack of strength of my immune system during the first bit of the year, I don’t want to have to go to the three periods in the middle of two

finals I’m exempting in which I sit and color princesses in my coloring book. I mean, I love coloring books just as much as the next person, but I can imagine a whole boatload of places that I’d rather be coloring in them.

T h i s system of scheduling finals is made to accommodate the people that take more than the two weeks we are given to finish the 50 question review, a.k.a. not me, or those that see school as strictly a

‘This absence rule could also make or break a student’s GPA.’

we keep lying about who we are, to others and to ourselves, then that leaves us with nothing.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, our own voices “are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world.” We focus too much on fitting into the world’s jigsaw puzzle to act on what we really think because we are afraid -- afraid of being unpopular, afraid of getting punished, afraid of the scrutiny.

Let us tell you something: if you’re being true to your convictions, true to yourself, there is nothing to be afraid of.

If you see a friend or family member who is making a bad life choice, like experimenting with drugs

or staying in an abusive relationship, tell that person how you feel and you could save their life. Next time you don’t catch an important bit of information during a lecture, raise your hand and get the teacher to tell you again -- maybe half the class missed it too and was just too shy to ask. If you have something to say to someone, don’t just complain about it to your other friends. Say it to that person’s face. Confront the issue instead of repressing it and letting it fester. (Just be sure to put it politely.)

When you speak out, you’re helping yourself and all those around you. If we are honest with ourselves, we can change the world for the better. Honesty is the best policy.

time for socialization, a.k.a. not me again. The time I spend staring out into space and coloring in one of the many coloring books I bring in my bag is wonderful, but could be much better spent elsewhere.

This absence rule could also make or break a student’s GPA. If I had not stayed within my attendance restrictions, the miraculous A that appeared as my semester grade in WHAP would most likely have been a bit lower because I would have had to take the final. I would have the world’s biggest breakdown if my GPA was pulled down all because I was absent for four days instead of three.

With the second semester’s number of absences staying at three, if the same schedule applies for finals, many children will yet again be stuck staring at the big white brick walls, sleeping, and chatting with friends. I think that while the absence rule is

a problem, a change in the schedule for finals could help this conundrum be less so.

To fix this problem, the finals schedule could either be made up of half days with two finals each day back to back or with more than two a day with a full day’s schedule.

The absence rule is pretty bad, but I think the worst part about this situation is the finals schedule. If we fix that problem, the rest of the problems will mostly fix themselves.

‘This is not Club Cy-Fair’ Student’s shocking revelation on dress code Hunter Fields Op/Ed Editor

Within the first five minutes I walk into school in the morning, I instantly feel like I’m not in school at all.

I feel like I’m somewhere I’m not even old enough to be. I see tight skirts, short shirts, high heels, and pounds of makeup. I ask myself how anyone is even remotely comfortable dressing like that this early in the morning or at all. Especially in this weather. I mean, people need to dress seasonally. If it’s cold, wear pants and a jacket and not dress like it’s the middle of summer.

And the sheer, extremely lowcut shirts have to go. This isn’t “The Jersey Shore”. We’re not people in our mid 20’s getting ready to go clubbing. Do parents really let their kids leave the house without half of their clothes? Do the students get attacked for their clothes on the way to school?

I tend to dress in a way that’s comfortable for me and things that are fast to put on if I wake up late. I

like being warm and comfortable in or a sweater dress look perfectly fine our freezing classrooms. And more but with a small shirt...please...spare importantly, I actually like following us. Leggings weren’t meant to be the dress code because school is not a worn with a short shirt or anything place to go to get noticed for looks. like that. They were probably made What ever happened to dressing to make a short skirt look less to be comfortable, yet cute at the inappropriate. But for school? same time? Most of the time, I’m too Let’s focus more on our classes, tired to get out of bed in the morning grades, and futures instead of to even eat breakfast let alone spend focusing on what we look like every two hours trying day of the week. to figure out what Honestly, every ‘School is not a incoming to wear. I honestly class just place to go to starts wearing less don’t believe it gives off the right signals. get noticed for and less clothes.

It just doesn’t Television has looks.’ give guys the best affected the view of impression. On the teens when it comes other hand, it’s also good at weeding to fashion. That’s the nonsense that’s out the guys that don’t have their... influencing our future generations. interests...in check.

Does anyone believe in being modest I don’t like to have a lot of skin anymore? Society’s view on modesty showing because I get cold easily and has progressively gotten to be more it’s just not the way I like to dress. I absent with women and younger like keeping it light on the makeup girls dressing in less clothes than to where people can actually tell I previous years. It makes me wonder have a face. I especially enjoy being what all of these girls are going to able to rub my eyes as much as I look like in the future. The thought want during the day. scares me.

Leggings as pants. Why? No one There are ways for girls to dress wants to see that and one cares to see casually and cute without looking that. Leggings under a long sweater like they just crawled out of a hole of

glitter. First, lighten up on the glitter.

It might cause car accidents in the sun. Or eye problems. Heels? Yeah, those will eventually cause massive foot problems in someone’s early 30’s.

Cy-Fair is NOT a club. It’s school.

We obviously come here to learn and get prepared for the future. We don’t come here to dress all skimpy and look like we’re partying instead. Save it for the weekend. This is not club Cy-Fair.

This includes Facebook and any other social networking website.

We don’t want to scroll down our news feed and see girls wearing a sports bra and super short shorts or anything that doesn’t cover them.

We don’t want to see them wearing super short skirts with heels that are meant to wear on a weekend.

Those outfits are not picture worthy.

All I see when I scroll down my news feed are girls saying “Oh my goooooshness im sooo uglyyy” with them and their random duck-face pictures. Is it really worth getting derrogatory comments or anything else offensive? I know not all people talk like that, but I’m just saying.

So please, buy a pair of pants and a sweater to prevent falling ill in our often changing climate.

Check out The Reporter online.

2.3.12

Op/Ed 12

The lovely four-letter word Alex Edwards Sports Editor It’s a simple, four-letter word.

On paper, it’s an easy concept.

But once you’ve really experienced the feeling, it becomes so much more.

It’s love.

Love is wanting to spend every second of every day with that special someone. Love is catching yourself thinking about them on a daily basis.

Love is laughing at a joke they told just because they make you smile, not because it was funny. Love is an emotion that’s too complex for our underdeveloped teenage minds to comprehend.

Can we actually experience love in high school?

These days, romance has flown out the window. Society is so obsessed with technology. In the old days, if you really liked someone, you brought them flowers or chocolates just to show your affection. Now, the big “romantic gesture” is liking someone’s picture on Facebook.

What ever happened to a good oldfashioned love story?

I want Noah from “The Notebook,” the most classic love story of all time. He wrote Allie 365

letters for every day they spent apart.

He begged her to come back and be his lifetime spouse.

Now, it’s just, “Hey, wanna go out?”

“Yup.” What does it even mean to “go out?” Where are you going? Does walking around the school hand in hand really count as boyfriend and girlfriend?

I don’t think so.

But not all boys are lacking romantic characteristics. There’s always those rare cases in high school when the boy has already matured into a man. Girls, when you do find that rare, special occurrence-- hold onto that boy and never let him go.

And in reality, boys are not the only ones guilty of lacking a sense of compassion. There are so many different types of teenage girls in the dating world. The girls who just want to have fun. The girls who want a serious relationship. The girls who have a different boyfriend every week. The girls who have a different crush everyday. The girls that are afraid to say two words to a male.

The list goes on and on.

Now I’m not saying any outlook on relationships is better than the other. Everyone is entitled to their own preferences. But if you want a relationship, posting a racy photo isn’t going to get you there. It’s just going to get you 55 likes and some strange foreign friend requests.

And then there’s those

relationships in high school that we all love to hate. It’s the couples that have an addiction to “I love you.”

They’re together for two weeks and already pouring their heart out in a Facebook status. After a few weeks of dating I highly doubt they even know what their “lover’s” favorite color is.

And even worse than the obsessive couples are the under aged couples. My nine-year-old brother comes home from fourth grade sometimes and talks about kissing girls on the playground. When I was in elementary school, boys had icky cooties (but not if they got the cootie shot). Kissing them was the last thing on my mind.

T h e n , I see sixth graders on social media sights talking about how much they love their girlfriend/boyfriend.

Sixth grade. I really don’t think someone that hasn’t even gone through puberty yet will know if they’re in love. Love is becoming such a casual term.

Of course you love your family and friends. But do you really love chocolate? Do you really, absolutely, positively, love that outfit? I admit, I am guilty of using the word as a lame description. But the dictionary defines love as a feeling of deep

How to make that special day spectacular Feb. 14.

For most girls in relationships that’s all it takes for their smiles to widen and their eyes to light up. Their minds quickly travel to that very special someone who they hope will be their Valentine on that very special day.

They think about the flowers they will get, and the heart-shaped candy boxes. They think about the outfit they’re going to wear for the perfect date that night. There are a billion and one things that girls think about on Valentine’s Day. But what do guys think about it?

Do they get the same warm tingling feeling when they see their Valentine

as girls do?

Well, of course the first person I thought to ask was my own boyfriend. I wanted to hear his true feelings about this holiday.

Surprisingly, his answer wasn’t what I thought it would have been. “It’s the day to show your girl that extra love you have for her. And to make sure she’s the happiest girl in the world.” C’mon, I don’t think many guys could do any better than that.

But I wanted to know other guys’ opinions, so I asked a couple guys who were in relationships what they really thought about on that day.

Most of the answers were “I’m mostly just trying to find a place she’ll like to eat or a gift she might want.”

The next question that I assume would enter any boys’ mind is how to actually pick the perfect romantic spot for your evening. Well don’t worry; this is going to be your guide

to have the perfect date with your valentine.

So, here we go. Valentine’s Day for Dummies. Chapter one.

First, you must know your date/ girlfriend well enough to know if she’s the head-over-heels romantic girl or just a girl you can chill with on Valentine’s Day. Next, you must think about what you think would mean the most to her. Is there a restaurant that has sentimental value to the two of you?

Or would she like it better if you made her a home-cooked meal?

Lastly, you need to consider what type of food she wants. Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, American, Chinese or even Bar-B-Q. Considering we are in Texas.

With those three simple steps, you’re already on your way to an amazing night.

But wait, there’s more.

The brown bags

Bringing lunch sounds tastier than buying Tyler Dang Reporter You know what I call people who bring their lunches to school? The Brown Bags: the students who bring their lunches to avoid the horrendous food in the cafeteria.

Being a young adult I could only imagine how it affects the rest of

school and my peers.

For four years, I am more than positive that my taste buds on the very tip of my tongue have been damaged in some way by the bland bulk that we put in our mouths.

Recently I ate ”Asian Chicken”, but there wasn’t anything that made it Asian, much less chicken except the name. Anyway, it was Asian chicken with the soggy grains that the students call “fried rice”, a block of bread, and ‘water’-milk (the nickname clearly speaks for itself).

And let me tell you, Mi estomago

who likes each other, and who’s breaking up.

And when it comes to breaking up, there’s no easy way to do it. Yes, as females, we are extremely sensitive.

No matter how many excuses you guys make, it’s still a stab in the heart. It’s crazy how much time we spend getting over a boy. I think that time should be spent going out and finding someone new. There’s always someone better.

Overall, there’s a wide range of relationships in high school. Due to hormones and puberty, our feelings are changing everyday.

Add in the influence of society and you’ve got a huge mess. For example, Jersey Shore. They bring home a different boy/girl from the club every single night. It’s providing a false image of “happiness.” That’s not happiness. All that’s going to bring you is diseases.

But how do you know when you’re in love? What does it feel like?

When dealing with love, there are no right or wrong answers. My version may differ from someone else’s.

Love to me is doing nothing with that boy all day long and still having the time of your life. It’s spending a week apart and still feeling the same way about each other. It’s uncontrollable laughter. True love in my eyes is when your boyfriend becomes your best friend.

Love is confusing. Some of us are in love without even realizing it. But stop using your brain to contemplate if we can truly love in high school.

The answer lies within your heart.

When shopping for a gift to give your sweetheart, make sure you weigh all your options. Is she one of those girls who would like to get a super nice necklace? Or would she prefer a nice picture of the two of you? Make sure your really considering what would make her the happiest.

Another thing you could do is set limits to how much you’re both going to spend. This way there’s an agreement between both of you. And remember, just because you spend more money doesn’t make it better.

Other alternatives to buying jewelry or something more expensive for her is buying a big bouquet of flowers. Or a huge stuffed animal and a box of chocolates. Honestly, there’s no girl in the world who would turn down chocolate.

Chapter two.

Now just to make something clear before I go into the rest of this chapter is I’m not saying that every single guy out there should go and buy a ton of presents for their Valentine. I think that the longer

you’ve been dating the more personal the gifts should be.

So my point in saying this is: I think it’s a little ‘over-the-top’ when guys that have been dating a girl for two weeks, goes out and buys her a $500 diamond necklace. (That’s strictly for after at least six months of dating) Gentlemen, please don’t be one of those guys.

Chapter three.

Remember, that this day is mostly about her. You’ll get your presents too I’m sure, don’t worry. But I personally think Valentine’s Day is more for girls than guys. You have an opportunity to be the most amazing boyfriend/date ever and to make this year’s Valentine’s Day extra special.

Also, don’t forget that all of these opinions are in fact personal opinions. Ask your girl what she wants to do and how she wants to spend her Valentine’s Day. P.S. If all else fails, you can always make up a poem to ‘roses are red, violets are blue’ and just add something special between you two.

to be some positives to the lunches.

The few of the fresh items that our lunch has to offer is the full flush greens that in the salad bar as well as a variety of fruit.

But, I’m sure I speak for most of my peers that this stuff that the Texas Board of Education calls food needs to raise the standards. If I brought my own “brown bag” it would be the occasional peanut butter and banana sandwich, a cereal snack bar and lastly the amazing cheap wanna-be brand Kroger water bottle everyday and all day. It might not be your kind of lunch, but anything from home is better than that unsavory taste that awaits in the lunch lines.

Nonetheless, when I look across the table you have your Subway fivedollar foot long, toasted bread slices coated with a light touch of butter and roast beef with pieces of swiss

cheese. And it doesn’t stop there, you got your non-bruised apples, fruit snacks (not from the vending machines), and my favorite...Oreo cookies; tell me that this isn’t your ideal lunch compared to the gluelike mashed potatoes that America’s tax payers supply us with.

I rest my case. Even with all those complaints, there has to be reasons why everybody doesn’t bring their own lunch. My real concern is actually time. I mean, having to take time out of Facebook and or doing absolutely doing nothing make myself a sandwich for school is a dilemma. Hmm. Sit and do nothing or make a sandwich? It’s a tough choice considering I have developed a hard case of “senoir-itis” Looks like the only choice for me is to turn into a brown bagger. What are you going to do?

Can we actually experience love in high school?

The Valentine’s Day guide Katie Ryan Reporter

attraction. And no matter how cute that outfit is, I’m just not deeply attracted to it.

Let’s put the meaning back into “love.” When you tell someone that you love them, it should make your insides feel all warm and fuzzy, and your heart should skip a beat. It’s not “ily” or “luv u.” I love you. Something so simple, but yet so complex.

But telling someone that you love them isn’t even the hardest part of a high school relationship. It’s that awkward crush stage that makes everyone feel queasy.

Don’t even deny it. Every single teenager has had a crush or two, where they whisper and giggle to their friends every time that hottie walks by. To be honest, it’s happened to me. It’s happened to all of us. Every girl has gone a little mental over a crush. Whether it’s staring at a text message for hours trying to find the underlying meaning, or staying up all night stalking that girl he said hi to in the hallway.

Then after weeks of casual stalking at a safe distance, catastrophe strikes when that person finds out that you’ve had your eye on them.

Then it’s just one problem after another.

In high school, having a conversation with a person of the opposite gender is like a death sentence. Rumors spread faster than diseases. Everyone in school knows

muy duele, I hope that means, “My stomach started to hurt really bad after eating that chicken”, but I’ll cover Spanish class in the next issue.

Maybe.

The next item on the menu is the “delicious” pizza. It is a delicate triangular piece of wheat bread with a light coat of tomato sauce, granted that too much can be un-healthy.

Not to mention the pizza is a little overboard with the grease. One dab with a napkin the grease covered the napkin instantaneously. But as there is a ying there is a yang. There has

2.3.12

Entertainment 13

Perfect prepared paninis

McAlister’s Deli does not take the cake asked good. They melt in your mouth, and leave As I searched the menu. I also found that there was a lot of variety and interesting ingredient yourself and your stomach wanting more.

McAllister’s Deli is a pretty strong choices that made me very surprised -competitor in the Cypress-Panini bout. This everything from basic turkey sandwiches to chain has sprouted up across locally in the BBQ Chicken pizzas lined the menu. This Guess who’s back? That’s right, it is me, Kyle Cypress area producing medium-quality definitely gave Newk’s some more flair.

Anderson, food connoisseur, who has returned sandwiches that And finally, when to tackle the extremely simple yet above all have outmatched I ate the panini, I was delicious sandwich. Well, the panini, rather. once again transported the “Sub ways” and “If you were to look up This amazing piece of culinary genius’ other fast-foodto another world. One name is not only a fun word to say, but an even like sandwich the word ‘panini’ in the that only made my better thing to eat. stomach (and wallet) places.

There’s dictionary you would find happy. The first and This little piece of Italian ingenuity dates no question that back to the 1970s and 80s when it became they have an the McAllister’s Deli Panini the last bites of my trendy in Milanese bars. Finally, it has made awesome-tasting Chicken Alfredo Pesto sitting right next to it.” its way to the states and fortunately to this bread that has a Panini were incredibly wonderful place we call Cypress, where it has nice crunch, but is enjoyable. So great -Kyle Anderson made its way onto the menus of some local still nice and soft that I now can’t go sandwich joints. The places that I will be enough to chew. to that restaurant without ordering one. judging will be: Panera Bread, McAllister’s Deli The ingredients, are and Newks. I will tell you where to go and find somewhat of a different story. Although they These three places are great restaurants. which local joint has did seem to have a small variety They produce and make great sandwiches and the best panini based sandwiches and ingredient even greater paninis. But one is the best.

“They melt in your of In the category of Best Bread, Panera Bread on 3 categories: choices, I couldn’t help but feel a 1. Best Bread, 2. mouth, and leave little unsatisfied. That feeling did wins with the greatest bread of the three..

Variety, 3. Overall though, when I took my It was, by far, the greatest bread of the three. yourself and your change, Awesomeness.

You could really notice the difference in taste first bite.

I love Panera The panini was what a panini that came with baking their bread fresh in the stomach wanting Bread. No, seriously. should be. If you were to look kitchen. more.”

If I could eat there up the word “panini” in the Regarding variety, I will have to choose all the time, I dictionary you would find the Newk’s. This place offers a wide selection of -Kyle Anderson would. And, when McAllister’s Deli Panini sitting different sandwiches and paninis. The diversity I go, I always get right next to it. on the Newk’s menu was not matched in a panini. First, the bread is amazing. If you Newk’s is, by far, the underdog in this McAllister’s Deli or Panera Bread. can practically see your bread cooking in the competition. Founded in Oxford, MS in 2004, Finally, the most overall greatest tasting kitchen, of course it’s going to be good. And this place has become a local favorite with its panini. I first want to say that all three of these looking at the menu, Panera Bread not only amazing sandwiches and even better prices. places paninis taste amazing, and I think highly has many different types of sandwiches but My mouth waters just thinking about it. First of all these places. But, there was a panini that also uses many different types of delicious of all, the panini’s presentation was superb. It was far greater and more superb than the ingredients. And I do mean delicious. Panera looked just as amazing as it tasted, which is others. That category would have to go to: Bread paninis are just flat-out, no-questions- really important in choosing the best panini. Newk’s. This panini was rockin’. From the first Kyle Anderson Reporter

Get down to the bread and butter Best Bread

1. Panera Bread 2. McAllister’s Deli 3. Newk’s

Variety

1. Newk’s 2. Panera Bread 3. McAllister’s Deli

Overall Awesomeness 1. Newk’s 2. Panera Bread 3. McAllister’s Deli

time it hit my tongue to the moment I felt the chewed up bits hit the pit of my stomach I felt satisfied. Its bread was spectacular, the cheese and meat was superb and the overall taste was just fantastic. I’d have to say it was one of the best paninis I’ve ever eaten.

14 Entertainment

2.3.12

The Bachelor: all is fair in love and war Danae Dinderman Reporter There is a far away land in Agoura Hills, California where 25 beautiful women fall in love with the man of their dreams while living in a luxurious mansion and traveling the world.

Except it’s actually not that wonderful. Only one woman can walk away happy.

The Bachelor is a reality TV show where 25 desperate women all compete to win the heart of one guy. About seven women are eliminated on the first night, then one or two are eliminated each night through a Rose Ceremony. I do admit, it’s a pretty cool process. This season, that lucky man (who all the girls are already fawning over) is Ben Flajnik. Ben was on the Bachelorette, and his heartfelt proposal to Ashley Hebert was rejected in a very emotional season finale. I was practically on the edge of the couch in suspenseful anticipation while awaiting Ashley’s decision. (Although, I was extremely happy that she chose J.P. He was always my favorite.)

Anyway, on the first episode this season, there was, like always, some drama. A notable crybaby, Jenna cried for no apparent reason.

She said something about being upset that the other girls weren’t in love with Ben. Well, girl, it’s the first night, they’re not supposed to love him yet. Two women isolated themselves

“Hey good-lookin’”: Ben Flajnik, “The Bachelor,” riding horseback on his reality show to find love. Photo courtesy of Allan Peters. on a couch as if they were in love. A grandma showed up to the mansion to introduce her daughter to Ben. One woman rode in on a horse. It was all pretty bizarre.

The second episode was better. The group date was fun and adorable, with all the women putting on a play that some elementary aged kids wrote. They auditioned for their part in front of the kids. The only annoying part was how some women were a little too “playful.”

They wanted to impress Ben. One woman,

Blakely, wore skimpy clothes and danced in a way that exaggerated her body. And she was in front of children for goodness sake!

Unacceptable. But that’s pretty much how the Bachelor works. I was relieved to see crybaby Jenna go home. If she’d been sent home any later, she would have had an even more catastrophic emotional meltdown.

I think the way the show eliminates the girls is a little unfair. The first night especially doesn’t do the girls justice. A few hours is not

enough time to really get to know 25 women.

All the girls fought for Ben’s attention and probably put on their fake, likable personality so that Ben would keep them around. The girls who were more mature, and maybe just a little more reserved than the others went home just because on the surface level, Ben didn’t see anything wonderful about them. He might have been so short on time that he gave some women a rose based only on their physical looks. Totally unfair. Some really worthy people probably went home that night.

Another thing that makes me mad is how rude some of the girls are to each other. I hate how they think they can walk in on someone else’s conversation with Ben and just steal him away. Come on, give everyone a chance to get to know the guy. When it’s a husband or no husband situation, women really let their selfishness get the best of them.

I may have given the wrong impression, because I actually think The Bachelor is a really good show. It’s super entertaining because there’s always drama. It’s fun to see how the girls evolve and how they mature (or become less mature through the process). I love picking my favorite girls, and then seeing what Ben thinks of them and how far along they get. Some parts are really funny, some are really sweet, and some are sad. There’s betrayal and love. It’s just fun to watch. Plus the rose ceremonies are so suspenseful. I can’t wait to see who Ben will propose to!

Don’t blink or you’ll miss it

Blink’s newest album ‘Neighborhoods’ arrives Kyle Anderson Reporter

The Reporter online @ cyfairreporter.com

I’m the type of person that takes a long time to listen to an entire album. And by long time, I really mean “long time.” It usually takes me a good 3 months to truly listen to and enjoy the music. “Neighborhoods,” the latest album of Blink-182, was no exception.

Released on Sept. 27, 2011, “Neighborhoods” debuted at #2 on the Billboard Charts, sold more than 350,000 copies in its first week, and has recently sold up to 2.2 million copies in the U.S. alone.

The first thing I noticed when I started the album was that this was a changed Blink-182.

The band had definitely done some growing up during their 6 year hiatus, and it shows in the way their music seems more mature and refined. That’s not to say that Blink-182 has lost their punk-rock attitude and style.

Tracks like “Natives” and “Wishing Well” are great examples of Blink staying true to their punk pace while also attempting to integrate a poppy attitude to makes their songs more radio-friendly and fan-accessible.

There were some things that seemed different to me, though. It seemed that as Blink-182’s attitude changed so did their musical style. For one thing, the music, while matured, was more tame, which can possibly turn off the listeners who enjoyed Blink’s early days. The lyrics are more about love and more mature material. So the CD really is a catch-22.

The raw energy of the early Blink days and even the days of 2003 seems to be kinda hidden behind a wall of techno-synths, weird loops, and effects that at times can make the song more confusing than actually contributing to the musicality of it all.

Not to say that “Neighborhoods” is completely bad. In the song “Hearts All Gone Interlude” there are some synthy parts at the beginning that are not only done tastefully, but lay down a nice atmospheric sound to create

anticipation.

One of the things of this album that I was looking forward to most was the great playing that is always displayed in Blink songs by the members of Blink.

And by “members” I mean drummer, Travis Barker.

Arguably one of the greatest drummers of the 21st centuries, this guy literally invented the idea of shred-drums.

“Neighborhoods” has only proven, if not heightened, his already legendary status.

Tracks like “After Midnight” and “Snake

that I listen to and think “maybe they should not have picked this song for the CD.” Each song has its place and fits with each other, almost like a well balanced concept album.

When looking at this album as a whole, I wouldn’t consider it a complete failure nor would I call it a complete success. Die-hard Blink fans probably see this as “selling-out” rather than a new shift in direction; while those like me, who are comfortable with seeing an old band come back with a new approach, will see it as something different, weird, even, but not bad. This new Blink style definitely will

Rock on: Travis Barker, drummer from Blink-182. Photo courtesy of mctcampus.com.

Charmer” show off Barker’s great skills at creating masterfully woven and complex beats.

And I’d have to say that his drumming alone is one of the main reasons that I even wanted to listen to this album. He truly is the master.

Another thing that I really like about this album is that the song-writing is consistently pretty good. I can’t find a song on this album

need some getting used to, but that doesn’t mean that this is a bad album.

It has great pop-catchy choruses that are easy to sing-along to, pretty decent lyrics and is a great showcase of how well the members of Blink can play (especially drummer Travis Barker). I highly recommend buying this album. Or having a Somalian pirate it for you.

2.3.12

Entertainment 15

War Horse: not for the faint of heart Horse story with a twist debuts on the silver screen Carly Wood Copy Editor When I think of horses, I think of majestic beasts running in a big group, their mane flying behind them, over endless grassy hills.

No saddles or riders; a clear sky above them.

Maybe a unicorn thrown in there. I certainly don’t think of tanks and barbed wire traps and gas masks. But that’s just what “War Horse” is: the beauty and resilience of a horse combined with the darkness of war. Somehow, the unity is perfection.

Though it was a little slow to start, I could appreciate the time taken to establish a background for the horse, Joey, and the main character, Albert Narracott (played by Jeremy Irvine, who is both rugged and cute, a perfect choice for a movie full of contradictions.

In my humble teenage-girl opinion.)

In the beginning, Albert’s father, Ted (Peter Mullan), purchases a thoroughbred colt at an auction. He spends more money on it than he has and he can’t even use it since it’s untrained and too weak to plow the fields of his struggling farm. His wife, Rose (Emily Watson), is obviously displeased. Albert, however, insists on keeping the horse. He names it Joey and trains it himself, learning its hopes and fears and deepest-horsey-self.

Albert and Joey form an unbreakable bond that transcends all. This relationship they

forge keeps them going through the tough times of World War I: unable to pay for his land, Ted ends up selling Joey to the British cavalry, and a distraught Albert vows to join the army someday to find that horse.

The movie follows Joey’s incredible journey through Europe and the war that ravages it. (I know I just used a lot of clichés in that sentence back there, but I really meant it.) He changes hands multiple times, from charging along with other British horses into an enemy campground to pulling heavy artillery for the Germans. He even gets a taste of innocence when a young French girl (Emilie, played

by Celine Buckens) finds him. Joey survives more than most other horses at the time could even experience.

I am not ashamed at all to say I cried by the end of this movie. There were many tear-jerking scenes, such as the German brothers in the windmill and the heated auction for Joey after the war ended. I had to take off my glasses, wad up a tissue and wait in the theater for a moment before I was collected enough to go back into the lobby.

As an animal-lover in general, I was a little disturbed by the dead horses lying in the ditches and some of the other cruelties -- but I had to be mature and get over it.

That had to be one of the hardest parts of the movie, especially since it’s one of those movies that gets you deeply emotionally involved from just the first few minutes.

Other moments had a more heartwarming effect. I loved the scene in which the German and British soldiers, though on opposite sides, worked together to get a horse out from an

entanglement of barbed wire in the no-man’s land between their trenches. Earlier into the movie, as well, the field-plowing scene invoked a lot of emotion, and I found myself mentally commanding the horse, “Go, go, go!”

In the end, determination can make any heartbreak end in triumph. And “War Horse” embodies this.

Horse Love: Owner Albert and his trusty steed Joey embrace in War Horse. Photo

courtesy of mctcampus. com.

Revitalizing a beloved restaurant JB’s Smoke House opening again Kristin Waymire Op/Ed Editor On the corner of Huffmeister and Fleur De Lis lies a landmark restaurant that has been there since 1984. The once blue tin roof and neon lights made the place pop. People were piling in cars and arriving from the Bear Creek area to have their bar-b-que, steak and Cajun fix for the week.

This little haven is called JB Steakhouse.

The long history of the place has turned it into a landmark. Most people, when I say, “Hey, I’m going to be at JB Steakhouse for dinner.”

They usually turn to me and say, “Oh, I know that place. It has excellent food.”

But the history of the place has been lost in the confusion of the ever changing owners.

Originally, the place was known as JB Smokehouse.

The original owner built the place up and made it into what it was known for (And I thank him for making it a good reputation).

But then he divorced his wife and handed her the business.

The now ex-wife did not really know what

to do with it, so in 2002 she handed power to the man who utterly destroyed the place. He bought the restaurant with the mind set that all the money was for him and no one else, my mom believes.

The man ran the business into the ground.

JB Steakhouse closed Aug. 29, 2011.

In November, my parents configured JB Smokehouse LLC. And on Dec. 21, 2011, they put down the down payment on the building.

We started working on the innards of the operation on New Year’s Eve, cleaning the place out so we could start painting and adding chairs and tables .

To my parents, the landmark meant everything Cypress was about: Tradition, good food and a great place to be.

My mother remembers driving out from Glenn Cairn in the Bear Creek area, just to have lunch with some friends at JB’s. This memory of hers was what made my parents decide to get the restaurant.

Ever since the business was put on the market, she had been trying to reason with the owner. But he was immovable. Finally the place was repossessed and that was how we ended up

Grab a bite: The front of JB’s Smoke House at corner of Huffmeister and Fleur de Lis. Photo by Kristin Waymire getting a loan and paying the down payment.

Since then, we have rounded up a general manager who is one of the best in the memorial city area (we are stealing him away from there) and he has had a few men and women follow him.

Applications have been coming out the ying-yang, and we are not even done getting everything done in the kitchen (which was

where we started).

For now, we are trying to hurry as fast as we can to put this landmark back on its feet so it can take off running down the road it was once on. And hopefully it will start running on Valentine’s Day. If not, we will be open by the end of the February.

This great Cypress landmark is going to come back better than ever.

16 Photo Essay

2.3.12

Spoiler Alert

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time again. Showstoppers is back for another year and the 2012 shows are bound to be the best yet. Check out The Reporterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside peek to the dress rehearsal and see some of the highlights from the upcoming shows this weekend.

1. Jeff Cimpson, Deborah Owolabi, Chanelle Lindor, Alex Silhanek 2. Madi King 3. Jack Vance 4. Therese Sanchez, Anoosha Moturu, Melissa Posada, Sarah Smith

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5. Anoosha Moturu and Jack Vance 6. Marissa Garcia 7. Jack Vance 8. Ryan Fields 9. Sally Simmons

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Photos by Lauren Rayburn.