The Reporter, Cy-Fair HS, Issue 2, Nov. 14, 2014, Vol. 68 by Lil Harris

the

reporter Cy-Fair High School

Friday, November 14, 2014 Volume 68, Issue 2

Opportunity

CONNOR CRAWFORD REFLECTS ON 60 SECONDS OF FAME BECOMING THE STARTING QUARTERBACK FOR VARSITY FOOTBALL {pg. 8}

Beauty is a Beast

TWO SENIOR GIRLS FIND PASSION IN TRAINING FOR BIKINI FITNESS COMPETITIONS {pg. 10 & 11}

Photo by Will Davis

Twitter: @cf_reporter

22602 Hempstead Hwy Cypress, TX 77429

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letters from Harper Neitzey It is three months into my senior year of high school and I’m disappointed. No one has ever broken into song in the middle of the cafeteria about how much they love to bake, hip-hop dance or play the cello. No one has serenaded me in the middle of a basketball game. And no one has run around on a golf course jumping around and singing, telling us to “bet on” them (that we know of). Now I know the real world can never be as cool as “High School Musical”, but I have to admit besides all the singing and the dancing we do come pretty close. We have things that High School Musical doesn’t. We have a fantasitc football team. We have a rocking student section who always pack the stands no matter the score and we have an amazing drumline. We’re lucky enough to go to a school where cheerleaders and kids in band are friends. Where you can play football and sing in the choir. Where it is cool to follow traditions. Since our school was established in 1941, countless traditions have been formed. Marooning out for the Cypress Creek game, not stepping on the seal, sports teams singing the school song when their bus is coming back to school after a game. While we may not break into song every five seconds we do come pretty close to a movie-like high school experience. But I still think we should all sing a song together at graduation to end with a bang. I’m thinking “We’re All In This Together.”

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Natalie Berry So, I just quit my first job. I was a cashier in the front and the drive-thru at Panera Bread for the past six months. I remember being overjoyed when I first started. Everything was new and exciting. I was finally making money of my own. It was a gratifying feeling. But quickly my interest waned. I started realizing how hard the work actually was and how little I was paid or appreciated. I was treated incredibly poorly by customers over minute things like cream cheese and bread bowls. I came home exhausted at 10 p.m. or later to mounds of homework, while my friends were out having fun. I felt sorry for myself, and I dreaded work. I spent more time wishing I wasn’t working than I did actually working. When my parents finally consented to letting me quit, I was ecstatic. I didn’t think of anything other than how wonderful it would be to not work at Panera anymore. The night I am writing this happens to also be my last night of work. It is the first time that it has hit me that, while Panera may have been difficult and tiring and frustrating, it taught me many things. Because of Panera, my people skills and conflict-resolution skills are 10 times better. Because of Panera, I got some free food and great laughs with interesting people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I learned what real responsibility is like. Tonight, when I actually think about it, I don’t regret my time there at all. Sometimes in life it takes reaching the end to be able to appreciate what you had along the way.

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Will Davis There are many “hometowns” out there in America. The place that fosters young, High School spirits who will never forget the place where they created memories by night and learned more and more by day, loving and laughing, trying not to realize what was around the next corner. These are the streets, restaurants, parking lots, schools and fields where we grew up and lived almost unbound. Truly there are many hometowns, but Cypress is a good one. It usually starts with a driver’s license and a basic idea of the infrastructure and layout from highway 249 to highway 290, the loose boundaries that defines most of my hometown. Here, I learned to try and never miss an opportunity for the fun that always seems to come so easily for me and my closeknit yet large group of friends. Cypress seemed to always have what I was looking for whether it was a hot summer’s day lifeguarding at my local pool where I had the most classic first job, a night of bonding with my friends on a street light flooded hill when longboarding or a freezing winter soccer game where I exercised my school spirit. This is the place where I discovered my lifelong friends and established who I am as a person. I refuse to believe that this town had nothing to do with it. Though it may be unrecognizable in the future, my mind will always hold this school and these streets as places that shaped me in a way I can never forget. This is my hometown, where is yours?

STUDENT POLL

Sophomore Parking 100 students were polled on whether or not they think sophomores should be able to buy parking spots for the spring semester. The last three years they have been able to buy them.

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66 VOTED YES

Isaac Salas,11 “Yes, they should be able to drive, but if it comes down to enough parking it should be juniors and seniors only. They deserve it.”

Aracella Uriostegui, 10 “Yes, my bus is always late and crowded. I mean we have to sit three to a seat, which isn’t good. So I could just come in my car and be here already.”

Tess Welch, 9 “Yes, I want to be able to drive my sophomore year. Also some sophomores are the same age as Juniors and even older.”

Seniors Kendall Thurston, Kelley Wright and Shelby Waltz dressed up as “dunkin” donuts for Halloween.

44 VOTED NO

Tweet us @cf_reporter Junior Katelyn Mamaux shows her school spirit after the Cypress Ranch football game.

Want your photo or tweet to be in the next issue of The Reporter? Use the hashtag #cffeatures whenever you post. If your entry is chosen, you will be notified by a staff member

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Collin Moreau,12 “No, because it’s already clogged enough. There is no other spots to park and it should be a seniority privilege.”

“Ebola is overrated. What are the chances of you getting it with the three people infected? The only way you can get Ebola is by sharing open wounds. As long as no one licks a paper cut, everyone should be fine. Also don’t go to Africa and stay away from anyone from there.” -Roy Htike, 10

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4 questions you were VE afraid to ask about MB ER

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SCHOOL

Ebola bit { es

Emme Enojado Opinion Editor

Band places 14th at State UIL Brown { Cody Reporter When the band started marching season with Summer Band in August, they declared they would put their faith in the cards. That faith and team spirit took them far, all the way to San Antonio for the UIL State Marching Competition Tuesday Nov. 4 at the Alamodome. “We did a lot better than we expected,” junior Emslie Fumic said. “We didn’t make finals, but getting first in the Area and District was a big accomplishment.” Band placed 14th out of 37 bands competing at the Texas UIL State Marching Competition Tuesday Nov. 4 and placed first in their Area and in the District. To make the finals of the competition, the band would have had to place 10th or higher. “Four spots from finals may seem like a letdown, but in itself that’s a big deal,” Fumic said, “especially when you consider some of the bands we were up against. The band that won first place had won three years in a row, so it was easy to say our competition was tough.” The band’s theme this year for their show, “It’s in the Cards,” incorporating the four suites- spades, clubs, hearts and diamondsinto the band’s song choices and marching arrangements. The band even formed the shapes of the suites during some of their performances. “As a senior, I was super excited to get to perform at the Alamodome one last time,” senior Band President Guillermo Gonzales said. “This was not only a chance to see how our band did as a group, but it was also chance to show the state of Texas what we were made of.”

Q: WHAT IS EBOLA A:

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 along the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a severe virus disease and is often fatal in humans.

Q: WHY IS IT SUDDENLY A BIG DEAL? A:

Time to raid the village and express your love for turkey meat in the Turkey Leg eating contest.

Highland Fling Nov 22-23:

Enjoy the Scottish culture and bring out those festive kilts and bagpipes.

Celtic Christmas Nov 23-30:

Turn on the holiday magic with fun scavenger hunts, a visit from Santa and Christmas decorations galore.

There is no FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved vaccine or medicine for Ebola. Two possible vaccines for the virus are still under development for effectiveness.

Choir: All-State

STUDENT CHRIS WALKER SHARES WHAT CHOIR HAS BEEN UP TO SO FAR Amdal { Karmen Life Editor For senior Chris Walker, choir and football are his life. “Region has been a great experience,” said Walker, a senior on the varsity football team. “It’s stressful though because I have a busy life.” An average day for Walker is stretched for time. After school, he attends football practice and upon getting home, he’ll brush up on his choir music for a little while and then finally finishes his homework. “They all take time out of my day- all three together make for a hectic life,” said Walker. However much Walker might sometimes wish for a more relaxed life, he doesn’t regret what he’s chosen. “It’s worth it. It’s worth just taking a shot and doing it,” said Walker. “Even with so many different people in choir, we all become a family.” Twenty-eight out of 48 students who just auditioned for Region on Oct. 18 made it. Walker is among those who made it into Region this year and is also advancing into Pre-Area auditions. Walker practices daily for the state-wide choir competition TMEA Texas All-State, a competition against the students across the state to make it into a choir filled with the best singers around. Five steps make up All-State; Districts, Region, Pre-Area, Area, and finally, All-State. The goal is to audition successfully and move on at each stage until becoming part of one of four state choirs made up of students who have tried out from all parts of

Texas. Students start out auditioning on three pieces of music that change throughout the different stages. Only a few students have the honor of making the state choirs each year. Last year four students made it into All-State, one of which was Walker. “All-State was a great experience,” said Walker. “I’ve been working on my music since summer and I’ve practiced every single day,” said Samantha Haydel, a freshman who auditioned for (and made it into) Region choir. Choir doesn’t just prepare for Texas All-State, though. Right now, they’re focusing on improving the music for their winter concert on Dec. 15 at 7 pm at the Foundry. All of the 5 choirs have the opportunity to sing 3 songs each and the top choir, CyFair Singers, perform carols. The students aren’t the only ones working on the concert. The three choir directors, Jed Ragsdale, Michelle Capdau, and Even Key are the ones who help students prepare for these events. “Even though individuals get ready for competitions,” said Ragsdale, who is the head director, “the choir as a whole is getting ready for winter concert.”

NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT EARLY SIGNING Photos by Melissa Reinsch

* * *

Barbarian Invasion Nov 15-16:

Q: IS THERE A CURE? A: Q: HOW DOES IT SPREAD? A:

SCHOOL

Valerie Parker Assistant Copy-Editor

The Texas Renaissance Festival mixed things up a little by adding a specific theme for each of the eight weekends. Themes such as Pirate Adventure, All Hallows Eve and Celtic Christmas allow participants to dress up into intricate costumes and characters of their choosing.

news

This virus spreads through direct contact of body fluids such as blood, sweat and saliva of an infected person, objects contaminated with the disease, and from infected animals.

The 2014 West Africa outbreak is the first and largest outbreak in history. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others in the past combined, with 8,973 cases and 4,484 deaths in the countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone as of Oct 15, 2014.

REN-FEST THEME WEEKS {

“People shouldn’t be as worried as they are about it. It’s not extremely serious, but should be a priority of quarantine in some places.” -Vicky Luong, 12

Johnny Rizer

Bryson Lockley

Brynae Thompson

Boys Basketball Santa Clara Signed on: 11/12

Girls Basketball Northwestern State University Signed on: 11/12

Baseball Louisiana Lafayette Signed on: 11/13

Merris Schroeder

Softball Alabama Will sign on: 11/14 at 1:39 p.m. in the teaching theater

Ashlynn Peters

Girls Diving Virginia Tech Will sign on: 11/19 at 7:25 a.m. in the teaching theater

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Lattes Iced Coffee and Red Velvet Donuts are all available

CONGRATULATIONS TO BAND FOR MAKING A STATEMENT BY MAKING

STATE

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Get involved ANIME CLUB

news Kazmi {Wafa News Editor

ART CLUB

With 3,639 students at Cy-Fair, you’re bound to find people with the same interests as you. These are a few clubs that just might be what you’re looking for.

Paint face. Students Kelsey Nimtz, Victor Monzano, Ryan Kenney and Bena Lad prepare for Art Club’s Halloween party. Photo by Julia Ryza

Kawaii . Anime club gathers together for a meeting in room 8001. Photo by Wafa Kazmi

Students interested in Japanese culture may want to check out Anime Club which meets in room 8001 Mondays after school. "I joined the club freshmen year, and I loved it so much that I stayed all four years," Vice President Clara Valquez said. "I learned a lot about anime and just Japanese culture in general". Anime Club has something for all anime lovers- even avid watchers who feel like they’ve seen it all. "We try to show more underground anime so people who

are watching anime for the first time and people who have been watching for years can stay entertained," Valquez said. President Jonathan Sanchez plans to make Anime Club have an even more social vibe. "I'm hoping to have more parties and maybe we can even make bandannas for the club instead of T-shirts, to give it more of that anime edge," Sanchez said. For more information, visit sponsor Mr.Coulon in Room 8001.

YOUNG REPUBLICANS Young Republicans is preparing for the future of America. “Our main goal is to educate others about political happenings, not necessarily to make everyone believe in what we do. We want our generation to be alert and informed about the laws and decisions that affect their lives,” Co-President JJ Hayes said. The Young Republicans club will be significant to those wanting to pursue a career in politics. This year, the Young Republicans club plans to aid political campaigns of congressmen in Texas and to

volunteer. “We definitely want to make an impact on the community, not just politically. Right now, we are on board with writing letters to war veterans,” Hayes said. Though its views are mainly influenced by Republican ideals, Hayes said it’s not just for Republicans. This club is really for anyone interested in politics. Our main goal is to have people educated,” Hayes said. Young Republicans is sponsored by Ms. Boggs. Those who want to join can visit her in room 7009.

BOWLING Senior Victoria Romer has brought bowling back after a year of the club's hiatus. "I joined it sophomore year and loved it. It was honestly one of my favorite things about high school," Romer said. But Romer was disappointed last year when the club was discontinued because no teacher could sponsor them. This year they scored three teachers-Ms. Money, Mr.Lawyer, and Mr. Townley-who were eager to get on board with bringing back bowling club. Bowling club includes an eightmember varsity boys’ team and a 10-member varsity girls' team. They practice at Copperfield Bowl. The club bowls in competitions against five other district schools. "We're all really hoping that bowling will become a UIL sport," said freshman David Joe, who is a varsity member. "I think it becoming a UIL sport added on the competitions we participate in will really give bowling the respect it deserves." Bowling club held try outs in September and accepted students of all experience levels. Some had been playing competitively for years while others had only bowled with family and friends. "I think the best thing about bowling club is that it brings so many different kinds of people together," Romer said. "It's just a really unique experience overall."

Those searching for a place to express themselves will find a home in the Art Club. "It's open to everyone,” CoPresident Megan Fang said. “It’s such a positive environment too. Nobody ever judges your art." Art club provides an outlet for creative energy. They plan to renovate the school's patio by making wind chimes and a sculpture. They also hope to put creative tiles on the ground. "It's going to be really cool," Fang said. “Each student in the club will get a tile of their own to decorate." Art club also designs holiday cards

for the district, participates in an auction and holds parties and socials throughout the year. "Every year, we collect the art that the students have made and we action it off. The money made goes to organizations supporting breast cancer patients," Fang said. "You get to make beautiful art while knowing you're making a difference in society. What more could you want?" Last year, they took a trip to New York City to explore different art museums. They hope to do it again this year. Art Club is sponsored by Ms.Muster, and meets Thursdays .after school in Room 6018.

BOBCAT BUDDY CORP Bobcat Buddy Corp at their meeting. Photo by of Wafa Kazmi The Bobcat Buddy Corp which was founded by seniors Emily West, Hannah Phillips, Joe Agyen and Kensey Jhonas and Peyton Dilts, includes a group of students from all different backgrounds who volunteer in the community. Members of the Bobcat Buddy Corp do community service with Life Skills students. They often visit nursing homes and volunteer at food pantries.

They also have seasonal parties and social gatherings. "It's a really fun club," President Peyton Dilts said. "You get to have the satisfaction of making a difference while making new friends". People who want to join can see Miss Omirin in room 6008 for a permission slip. Bobcat Buddies meets Wednesdays after school in the Teaching Theatre.

06 sports Sanchez { John Assistant Sports Editor

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Running the races

CROSS COUNTRY PLACES SECOND IN REGIONALS, ADVANCES TO STATE

They wanted revenge, and they got it. The Cy-Fair high school cross country team went to districts in Spring Creek Park in Tomball on Oct. 24. The cross country team held the district title for four consecutive years, until last year. Last year, the team lost to Cy-Woods high school. The team then made it their goal to beat CyWoods and take back the district title, which they accomplished. Varsity has taken the district title five out of six years, and Junior Varsity six for six. At the meet, the events included Varsity running a 5K, and Junior Varsity running a 3700. Varsity and Junior Varsity placed five runners in the top 10. The fastest girl on Varsity was sophomore Tyra Luong who ran the 5K in 19 minutes and 20 seconds, and the fastest boy was sophomore Nikko Chazarreta who did it in 17 minutes and 14 seconds. Junior Rachel Bonta, who ran the 3700 in 12 minutes and 26 seconds, was the fastest girl, and sophomore Edgar Guevara who ran it in 19 minutes and 43 seconds was the fastest boy. “I’m really proud of the team for how far they’ve come.” Coach Kennedy said. “They really embraced working hard and they didn’t cede the district title a year out just because CyWoods returned all the scorers (top 5 girls) from their district & regional championship team that finished 4th at state last year. Our girls trained hard for 12 months and came back and

Preparation. The Cross Country team prepares to fight at District. Photo courtesy of Coach Tom Kennedy.

won. All the mileage during the winter, spring, and summer paid off.” “I am really proud of everyone.” Runner Jessica Ullrich said. “Everyone did good across the board.” When the team went to Regional on Nov. 1 they came in second place. The following runners qualify for state.

Sophomore Tyra Luong, sophomore Kaitlynn Schwab, senior Allison Hill, senior Kassandra Luna, junior Rebecca Bonta, junior Jessica Ullrich and junior Jessica Tan. When the team went to state on Nov. 8 the team placed tenth with an overall score of 235. The Luong was the fastest and she came in 29th place, with a time of 19 minutes and one

second. The other girls that competed in the competition were Hill who came in 68th place, Luna 81st place, Schwab 86th, Bonta 89th, Ullrich 116th, and Tan 133rd. The season ended with the team being District Champs, runner up at Regional, and 10th at state.

‘Dream and believe in the impossible’ SWIM TEAM HOPES TO CARRY ON LAST YEAR’S WINNING STREAK Faria { Lizzie News Reporter They weren’t supposed to win regionals with so little team members, and they weren’t supposed to get third in the district, but they did. Coming back from what they considered their best season yet, the swim team hopes to keep last year’s streak going. Varsity captains seniors Carina Patrick and Efrain Rovira have plans to keep up the streak. Their goals for the team are to improve and do better than last year. “We are doing some team bonding and doing some motivation exercises,” said Rovira. The swim team qualified for finals in the regional meet last year and placed third in the state with two girls that scored at regionals. Diver Ashlynn Peters became the best in the state. The swim team has plans to keep it up. The number of Junior Varsity members from last year’s 15 has exploded overall into 45 girls and 27 boys. Varsity placed second in their first meet on

Oct. 28 and Junior Varsity’s first meet, Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 25 which wasn’t scored but Junior Varsity donated canned goods which counted as their entry fee. “We did better than we expected,” Patrick said. Rovira and Patrick are returning members and being captain comes with responsibility for the team. Not only does the position of captain come with responsibility, they also have higher expectations. “You have to set an example,” said Patrick. Both captains said the team has progressed by becoming closer to each other since Patrick and Rovira’s freshman year. “Everyone came back this year and we have a lot of new freshman,” said head coach Robert Tidmore. This includes members who made it to Varsity this year and returning varsity members. The new freshman are at a total of 28 with

only five making Varsity and 23 made it on the junior varsity team. Varsity practices four weekday mornings and Saturday at 8:30. Sophomores Charles Beasley, Montana Grosch, Maria Chanquin, Pilar Rovira and juniors Ryan Martin, Chad Lisbeth, Jace Basford, Cory Blackburn, Angela Kelley, Brielle Adolph, Audrey Heafner, Jacy Phariss, and seniors Elizabeth Burke, Audrey Curry, Sarah Launikitis, Tiffany McFall, Carina Patrick, Efrain Rovira, Justin Spence, and Ashlynn Peters are all returning members. Linden Overbey, Angela Kelley, Bruce Bursiek, Montana Grosch, Ryan Martin, and Brett Parker are the newest Varsity members. Tidmore says his motto for the team is what keeps him going. “Our motto is Dream and Believe in the impossible.” Because of that motto, they were able to do the impossible.

Propelling forward. Junior Chad Lisbeth swims freestyle during an afternoon practice. Photo By John Sanchez

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sports

Must Ask Mascots

Harvey {Esmeralda Opinion Reporter

CHARA TATUM (BUFFY) 1) What is your favorite part about being a mascot? I’m going to have to say my favorite part about being mascot is being on the field with the crew and I also like drumline. It’s like the soul of the crew.

Do you have any crazy memories? Yes, it was actually my first year and I have a lot of friends who are trainers and the referee was by the table and I was joking around with him, acting all tough. When I backed up I accidentally tripped him and he called for a time out.

3) What inspired you to become a mascot? Drumline. Because freshman year I liked the drumline but I would look really weird being the only one dancing in the audience. So I would have to say drumline.

Q AND A WITH BIFF BUDDY & BUFFY

SIDNEY DUMARS (BUDDY) 1) What is your favorite

part about being mascot? My favorite part is the random stuff that happens, like when you don’t expect something to happen you just have to go with it.

Do you have any crazy memories? At the last game, me and Biff had a dance battle with Lobo.

The Three Mascoteers. Biff, Buddy, and Buffy,Cy-Fair’s favorite cats, pose with attitude. Photo

3) What inspired you to become a mascot? I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and what better way than to become a mascot.

4) Do you get nervous? Not anymore. I used to at first. I was like what am I supposed to do? But now it’s more routine , more easier.

by Julia Ryza.

5) Do you have any embarrassing

4) Do you get nervous? I never really get nervous, they don’t see me.

5) Do you have any embarrassing memories? The skirt for Buffy is a little too big and one time when I was dancing I didn’t know it was down halfway and it looked like Buffy’s butt was showing.

6) What is it like to walk around in a suit for a long period of time? It’s really hot and stinky, but I’m used to it so it’s not a problem.

7) Does it smell? It smells like really bad cheese and buckets of sweat.

BLAIN BLANCHARD (BIFF) 1) What is your favorite part about being a mascot? Every Bobcat function, Everyone comes together as a family.

2) Do you have any crazy memories?

4) Do you ever get nervous? Sometimes, yeah. Before every game or pep rally ,all three mascots do a pregame. We kind of act as weird as possible and get out of our comfort zones. 5) Do you have any embarrassing memories?

Yes, it was junior year at the end of a Creek game. We were tied and I was cheering too hard and I actually broke a prop. It was a little trash can lid that said ‘scream’.

I was putting on the jersey and they come with these boxer things, so instead of putting on the shorts I walked around in a jersey and underpants.

3) What inspired you to become a mascot? When I was in junior high going to a varsity football game, the mascot was always my favorite part. I was always interested at how they get to dance and act however they want and still be socially acceptable.

period of time? In the heat of the moment you don’t really notice how hot or sweaty you are.

6) What is it like to walk around in a suit for a long

memories? Sometimes I plan on tripping myself if I don’t have anything to do and I need a comical act I trip myself.

What’s it like to wear a suit for a long period of time? Honestly, it’s sweaty, but you get used to it. You have to just go with it, sway with it.

7) Does it smell? Yes, but you get used to it. I want to say it smells like old socks.

7) Does it smell? I wash mine every game.

Tennis season ends, training begins TENNIS BEGINS WORK ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH WITH NEW SKILLS Steppe {Ryan Graphics Editor They finished the fall season with a 3-6 record in district play, netting them a seventh place finish for the fall tennis season, with wins coming against Cy Lakes, Cy Ridge and Cy Springs Coach Ross Gehlhausen, now in his third year as head coach of the Bobcats after taking over the reins from longtime Cy-Fair tennis coach Sylvia McClure, is disappointed with the results. “I knew if we played our absolute best, we would get 4th in district this year, because the top 3 teams were exceptionally good,” Gehlhausen said. “We were very young this year, and some of our players did not step up in the close matches.” During the off season, the team will work on match play and physical fitness. “During the class period, I will introduce a skill I want them to work on,” Gehlhausen said. “We will work on this doing live ball tennis, where they will rally back and forth. After school, we break down the strokes a little more and I will toss or feed them balls to help them get into a rhythm.”

One of the team’s goals for the spring season is better maintaining composure. “My main goal for the kids is to be mentally tough in close matches,” Gehlhausen said. “This means staying positive and going for shots when the match is on the line.” Senior and varsity team manager Sunny Akarapu appreciates this development process. “I like that on the team, we develop strong bonds that carry with us throughout our entire high school career,” Akarapu said. Winning does have its advantages though. “We sign a ball if we win a match.” If everything goes according to plan, the tennis team may need to break out the sharpies a bit more often. “I want our seniors to go out playing their best tennis,” Gehlhausen said.

Aiming High. Freshman Daniela Gross hits back hard during a match against Cy Ranch. Photo by Melissa Reinsch.

08 sports

11.14.14 Grooving. Sophomore Coyt Palmer and junior Rudy Peña compete in a dance off at the step showcase on Nov. 1. Photo by Amalia Trevino

Stepping Up STEP TEAMS PREPARE FOR SUCCESSFUL YEAR Trevino { Amalia Assistant News Editor

Diamond Dynasty Talented, sassy, and classy. That’s how step master Courtney Peevy describes this year’s girls’ step team. “These girls definitely bring a lot to the table,” Peevy said. “They’re amazing.” After finishing last year off with only six members, the girls’ team welcomed 22 new steppers. Although the step masters are happy that the team has grown, Opal Prajapati, the other girls’ team step master, knows that controlling such a big group may be difficult. “The hardest part is maintaining all the girls and making sure they have their stuff together, because it is a big group this year so it’s changed a lot,” Prajapati said. “I’m glad it’s changed so much because I’m only going to be here for another two years and once I leave it want the step team to still be as big as it is this year.” The team is the biggest it’s been in a few years, and the step masters hope it will continue to grow. Being on the step team requires no prior experience, but it does require willingness to work and dedication. “The hardest part of stepping is being a newbie and coming in and trying out, but once you get past that you should be good,” Peevy said. Peevy sees the step team as a way for people to step out of their comfort zones and be confident. “I have learned courage and persistence and how to stay committed to things you join,” Peevy said. “Hopefully they learn confidence and how to believe in themselves.”

Fair Boys Step isn’t just percussion, beats, dance moves. To Rudy Peña, boys’ team step master, step is empowering. “It gives kids confidence, it gives them something to look forward to,” said Peña, who’s participated in the synchronized group routines since elementary school. Just like the girls’ team, the boys’ team finished last year with only six members but has welcomed more than 10 new boys to this year’s team. The team is still accepting new members. “If you approach me or Mrs. Franklin, our sponsor, she’ll work with you,” Peña said. “If you didn’t know about tryouts and you’re really motivated about coming in then she has no problem with working with you to get on the team, and I don’t either.” Although the step masters agree that being on the team is “a lot of fun,” everyone knows how to get serious when it’s time to perform. “The hardest part is knowing you can’t joke around with everyone and having to be serious with people regardless if they get mad at you or not,” said Coyt Palmer, the other boys’ team step master. Peña doesn’t think that stepping is as physically hard as some of the other sports the school has to offer, but he does think it requires a lot of mental strength and preparation. “Mentally, you have to be very strong to be on the step team because you have to come to school knowing that sometimes people will discriminate against you just because you step,” Peña said. “We are diverse. A lot of the team isn’t just white so they just think we’re a bunch of colored kids making beats.”

Seconds of

FAME

CONNOR CRAWFORD QUARTERBACK Davis { William Managing Editor

How did you feel about starting at the Woods game? I was excited to get my opportunity to play. I had been working hard and by the time the game started I was focused.

How did you feel when you scored your first touchdown? Scoring that first touchdown was kind of a rush. That kind of thing is what I live for and I had so many thoughts at once.

How has the transition into first string been for you? I am trying to execute my job and lead the team.

What is the biggest difference from first to second string? I get to be out there with my boys fighting and making my contribution.

Is there anything you think you are going to do different in the future? I’m comfortable now, I am just going to prepare during the week and show up ready to win.

Photo by Sabrina Sommer

11.14.14

life

Photo by Will Davis.

Sanchez { John Assistant Sports Editor

Coming clean

AFTER TRAGEDY IN HIS FAMILY, STUDENT MAKES A BETTER LIFE BY STOPPING ADDICTIONS

He wanted to escape. Stephen “Matt” Godfrey used drugs and drank alcohol during his late middle school and early high school career as an outlet to help him temporarily leave his life. When Godfrey was little, his life at home was not all that he wanted it to be. “My parents divorced when I was 9. I had a great family up until my parents started fighting.” Godfrey said. “Then I shunned my mom out and lived with my drunken dad and my mom also had a drinking problem.” His family life rubbed off on him. He struggled with addiction since he was 13. “I did cigarettes and drugs, mainly weed, pills and cocaine. I smoked a pack and a half of cigarettes a day and did every drug in the book, besides meth or heroin.” He even had a life threatening experience with alcohol. During a party at his friend’s house, Godfrey consumed at least 30 shots of alcohol, 12 of which ended up being whiskey. That same night, when he was on his way to another friend’s house, he tripped in the middle of a busy street, and almost got hit by a car. When he arrived, he passed out and started vomiting. “If my friends hadn’t rolled me over, I would have choked on my own vomit,” Godfrey said. Nearly four years ago, his mother Wendy was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Hearing the news about his mother completely changed his life, and he started getting closer to God. “I hated God for what he put me through. At first it was like God hated me and wanted me dead,” Godfrey said.

All of this caused his priorities to change, and he saw that his mother needed help. “It became my duty to take care of her and be her caretaker as she did for me as a kid.” Godfrey said. “It built our relationship more than I can even express; this cancer is now a blessing because it brings us closer and shows us that God never lets us go.” His newfound relationship faith gave him the strength he needed to quit his struggle with addiction. “I decided to quit Feb. 26, 2011, exactly one month after my mom was diagnosed,” Godfrey said. Even though he had the strength he needed, quitting was still a major struggle. “It was like swallowing a bottle of poison and dealing with the sickness for over two weeks, both mentally and physically.” Godfrey said. “It puts a permanent scar on your heart. I still have flashbacks.” His mom is still sick, but she continues to fight very day. “She is doing alright now,” Godfrey said. “My mom is my hero and my best friend, similar to if you were looking at a superhero on TV and were to think ‘I want powers like that!’ That is how I see my mom. She is the strongest person I know.” His life has improved. He uses his past and newly found faith to inspire and help others find Christ and to help them with their issues. He is a member of PALs. He weightlifts. “My faith helps me more now than it did back then. I wasn’t a firm believer, but now it strengthens my faith and shows me that there is nothing the cross can’t handle” Godfrey said.

Outdoors with a twist A TOTALLY NEW ELEMENT IS ADDED TO ENJOYING NATURE THROUGH HAMMOCKS

Peters { Ashlynn Culture Editor The best $100 sophomore Grace Miller ever spent was at summer camp on an Eno. “I love my Eno because they’re super comfortable and so much fun,” Miller said. “Eno” stands for Eagle Nest Outfitters, an adventuring hammock brand that is available at any outdoor store. A single nest Eno cost $60, a double nest Eno costs $70 and the necessary straps cost $25. Hammocking is taking over outdoor activities as students transform the classic way to relax by adding a twist using an Eno. Unlike hammocks, Enos can be stacked and comfortably fit two people in one with the double sizes.

“I love the double sized Enos because you can fit and cuddle with more people,” Miller said. “The best part about them is when you connect your arms together, flip upside down and then you feel like you are cocooning about to turn into a butterfly.” There are 15 different color combinations and each comes in a compact bag about the size of an umbrella. “Enos are convenient because they’re portable and you can take it and attach it between brick pillars, on trees, basically on anything and they’re just the best things ever,” Miller said. While Miller enjoys hanging out on her Eno, she is extra careful because of an experience she had. “My Eno wasn’t on the right loop and I fell on the ground which hurt really bad,” Miller

said. “So I would warn anyone using an Eno to be careful of that.” Senior Natalie Braun uses her Eno almost every weekend either alone or with groups of her friends whenever they have the time. “Enoing is a super fun way to spend time outside and just relax,” Braun said. “They’re versatile because you can go alone to read or sleep, or go with a bunch of friends and they’re also comfortable, colorful, and you can use them just about anywhere,” Braun said. Although originally used for camping outdoors, both Miller and Braun use their adventure hammocks to hang out with their friends. “Enoing with other people is a bonding experience because it allows you to literally ‘hangout’ and spend quality time with friends,” Braun said.

Hammocking together. Top: Grace Miller, Sarah McFarland, and Kennedy McGill hang out together. Bottom: Rachel Witmer and Grace Miller have fun and relax. Photos courtesy of Grace Miller.

diet

Codfish 189 calories 41 grams of protein

Asparagus 20 calories 18% of daily Vitamin A

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Sweet Potatoes 114 calories 4 grams of fiber

TWO SENIOR GIRLS FIND PASSION IN TRAINING FOR BIKINI FITNESS COMPETITIONS

Gray { Audrey Culture Reporter

hey have been friends since the second grade when they met in an ice cream parlor and instantly made a connection. Going from sleepovers and painting each other’s’ nails to pursuing a passion together, seniors Mckenzi Littlefield and Emily Geisler join team Reflex as bikini competitors. They competed in their first competition on Oct. 17-18 at the Stafford Centre in Stafford, TX. Geisler placed third in teen bikini and fifth in novice B. Littlefield placed second in open B and novice C and first in teen bikini. The contestants are broken up according to height

and judged in different categories. The competition is judged on their muscle tone and physique in custom made bikinis. “Being able to compete together is awesome because it’s good to have somebody by your side through all of it,” Geisler said. It all began when the girls started working out together at the LA fitness on Barker Cypress. Their trainers at the gym saw their dedication to working out and being healthy and asked if they were interested in being part of the Reflex team. “When our trainers asked us, we thought it sounded interesting and it was

something new so we decided to try it,” Littlefield said. The girls have enjoyed spending time together and working to become the best they can be. “Most people don’t understand all the hard work and dedication that goes into this when they see the pictures,” Littlefield said. The girls spend six days a week training. They train Monday through Friday with a personal trainer at LA fitness after school, and the girls work out a different muscle group each day of the week. They spend Saturday at a boot camp held at different high schools in the Cy-Fair district. They

Photos courtesy of McKenzi Littlefield and Emily Geisler.

Beauty is a beast relax on Sunday because the next day the process starts over. “Although it’s all very time consuming, our personal trainer is great about working around our schedules so were able to go to things like football games and young life,” Geisler said.

The girls also follow a strict food diet. They are required to eat six meals a day. The first meal is eaten upon awakening and every other meal two- three hours after. The diet consists of lean proteins including bison, cod, chicken, ground turkey and egg whites. They supplement

fitness

Step-ups Tones legs and glutes, while getting your heart rate up

Jump-roping Burn 200 calories in two, 10-minute sessions

Standing Kick-backs

Walking lunges Do two to three sets of 15 reps; use hand weights, if needed

Tones glutes and works hamstrings; use tension or weights attached to an ankle cuff to make the workout more intense

Crunches Isolates abdominal muscles; perform less repetitions more slowly for maximum effectiveness Photos courtesy of Jennifer Littlefield.

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the lean proteins with complex carbohydrates like oats and cream of rice. They’re also restricted to eating no fruits and limited to few vegetables including green beans and asparagus. November is their cheat month where they are allowed to eat whatever they want.

Both families have been completely supportive through everything which has helped them achieve their hard schedule and goals. “When Mckenzi first entered this sport, I had no idea the amount of self-discipline and dedication it took. Many hours of intense training, meal

prepping, five a.m. fasted cardio, posing lessons, and boot camps to prepare for a competition. We are so proud of her for leading a healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutrition.,

Mckenzi’s mom, Jennifer Littlefield. The girls believe that their friends didn’t quite understand what team Reflex was when they first joined. “I think after our friends came to the

competition and watched us compete they understand what we do and completely supported us,” Littlefield said.

12 life

11.14.14 Photo by Valerie Parker

Behind the mask

STUDENT GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL TO FIND OUT WHAT REALLY MAKES IT TICK

Lane { Gillian Reporter

Drake Eaton is a dragon. For the last three years, Drake, a junior, has spent each October and November weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival where he is known as “Drakael the Dragon.” Drake suits up at 9 a.m. in a dragon costume which stretches up to 12 feet high and weighs around 180lbs. The costume is securely attached to Drake so he can sustain the weight since he has to wear it for up to four hours at a time twice a day. Drakael is a large upright dragon dressed in mostly blue or black with a big scaly head and long blue wings. Certain parts of Drakael can be controlled with various rope, lever and pulley systems. Drakael’s arms can move and the cup in his hand can open. Drakael can waggle his tail and give off a loud roar. When Drakael’s

wings expand, the dragon goes from eight to 12 feet tall. Drakael typically stands toward the entrance of the festival where he makes his way up and down the front path looking for people interested in taking pictures with him. “The whole costume is like a cage made up of tubing and other mechanisms that completely surround me,” Drake said. “I wear it like you wear those big hiker backpacks.” Drakael the Dragon costume improves each year. Something is fixed or added. In 2004, Drake’s father, Scott Eaton designed and created the costume. The name Drakael came from the two brothers’ names, Drake and Michael. Drake’s parents held the role of the dragon for eight years until the Eatons acquired their own shop at the Renaissance Festival at the fork in

Costumes. Two women add culture by dressing up. (top) Enjoying the view. People enjoy the scenery and stroll around. (above) Drakael. Drakael the Dragon poses with a woman at RenFest. (middle) Jesting around. An entertainer sets the mood at the festival. (right) Photos by Valerie Parker.

the left-most path from the festival entrance. At their shop they make and sell fused glass art and lighted staffs. Drake and his brother Michael took turns being Drakael the Dragon for two seasons. Drake had the 2013 season all to himself. At first, Drake’s parents were worried that Drake and Michael wouldn’t be able to pull off the dragon, but later realized that they were wrong and that their children actually did very well. Once Drake has transformed into Drakael and the festival is about to open the gates, he and his brother Michael begin their job. Drake’s job is to control the dragon and get people’s attention. Michael’s job is to try and persuade people to come take pictures with “the Almighty Dragon, Drakael” and then accept their tips. Drake can’t see very well inside the dragon. His

back is totally blind and it’s dark and blurry in front of him when looking through the costume. Since Drake’s sight is hindered, Michael protects his brother from people who might get too excited and rough with the costume and also inform his brother on what is around him. “If someone is behind me while I decide to turn, I will totally sideswipe them with my tail” Drake said. And if there is a horse nearby, Drake can’t move until it passes so he doesn’t spook it. “I enjoy helping my little brother and plus there is the benefit of making money,” Michael said. At the end of an average day Drakael the Dragon makes about $200 in tips. “I really like taking part in the Renaissance Festival,” Drake said. “And I can save the money I get so I can buy more car stuff.”

11.14.14

life

Missing the moments

{

Kaylin Jones Copy Editor

Love loves hair

MONTHS AFTER HER MOTHER DIED OF BREAST CANCER, A SENIOR SHARES HER THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON WHAT HAPPENED.

Faria { Lizzie Reporter

Memories. Vanessa and her mother over the years. Photos courtesy of Vanessa Rodriguez.

Senior Vanessa Rodriguez has a lifetime of memories left to be made. Prom. Graduation. Her wedding. Life after. All of which she’ll have to experience without her mother, Elvira Rodriguez. Just days shy of her 17th birthday, her mother, her best friend and confidant would pass away from breast cancer at the age of 49. “There are so many memories of my mom. We would just laugh and play around,” Rodriguez said. “One of my favorite memories of her is how she was really into scary movies. I don’t know how she did it. I’m the type of person to cover my eyes with a blanket or a pillow, and she would always say ‘What’s the point of watching a scary movie and not watching it?’ Now when I watch them, I don’t hide anymore, because I know she wouldn’t want me to.” Rodriguez cherished the close bond she had with her mother. “I told her everything. I could always go to her about something serious, and of course, she’d give me serious advice and then we would joke around. It was perfect. It felt comfortable knowing that she would be there for me. Just her being there was enough,” Rodriguez said. Elvira was first diagnosed with the breast cancer in 2004, when Vanessa was seven years old. The cancer lasted just over a year. “I don’t remember it very well, but of course I remember going to chemo visits and I remember her mastectomy. I don’t want to say it was so hard on me since I was so young and I don’t really remember. It was a lot harder on my older sister,”

Rodriguez said. “But I’m thankful that she got to see a part of my childhood, because childhood is what makes a person. Those memories I have with her will stay with me forever, and I’m glad God didn’t take her away the first time and gave me 10 extra years with her.” Oct. 31, 2013, then a sophomore, Vanessa and her family found out that her mother’s breast cancer had returned. “I felt somewhat confused but mostly distraught, and it was hard. I couldn’t go on hoping everything would be okay when I knew it wasn’t. It angered me knowing things would never be the same,” Rodriguez said. Nearly five months after the diagnosis, Vanessa’s mom passed away on Mar. 23, 2014. “It really hit me hard. My mom, she spoiled me a lot, and the fact she was always there for me, it’s harder now because I have to grow up no matter what,” Rodriguez said. “I’m not an adult, I understand that, but now that she’s not here, I have to make my own decisions. I still have my dad and my sister, but I have to open up and start seeing things for my own future.” The days leading up to Elvira’s three-day funeral, the choir was making preparations for a competition in Colorado. Rodriguez knew her mom worked so hard for her daughter to go on the trip. Choir directors, Jed Ragsdale and Michelle Capdau went to the funeral home, along with other fellow choir students to pay their respects. The organization presented Rodriguez with a ‘We’re praying for you card’,

signed by the entire choir. She credits choir for helping her get through the difficult time. “I knew that they were there for me. They’re like my second family. I felt so loved knowing I had so much support. Every time, I’m feeling sad, I look at the card and I know that these people care about me. It makes me feel happy,” Rodriguez said. “I’m glad I have those friends, because good friends aren’t easy to find anymore, and without them I don’t know where I’d be. They were the ones who truly got me through it.” Though memories are a big part of what she has left of her mother, Vanessa is grateful for what her mom got to see. “I’m glad she got to see me transform into a woman, my quinceanera. I’m glad she got to see the person I’ve become, the person she raised me to be. I’m glad she got to see most of my high school years, because I don’t know what I would’ve done without her,” Rodriguez said. Vanessa knows she will have a lifetime of memories without her mother. “I’m also dreading my wedding day, even though I’m nowhere near getting married, it’s just so crazy knowing she’s not going to be there to see me walk down the aisle,” Rodriguez said. “It kills me to know she won’t be able to see her grandchildren, because she was so loving and she was so full of fun. I guess she knew she’d never get the chance, because she’d always bring up grandchildren to my sister. It’s the big moments, yeah, but every day it kills me not having her here. I just

What gave you the idea to wear wigs every day? There was a girl on Tumblr who wore wigs with her outfits. Dyeing and growing my hair out was too damaging.

How many wigs do you own? Six wigs in total for school and 30 for cosplay, or dressing up as any fictional character whether it be from a video game, anime, manga, comic book, or TV show mainly done at conventions or events that revolve around one of those things.

Do you mind the attention wearing wigs gives you? I love the attention and I’m trying to step up my game to get into the fashion section of the yearbook.

4 5

At the very end of her junior year, senior Brittany Love decided that she would wear wigs everyday instead of dyeing her hair. Her now blue hair is under a wig cap and covered by a wig that she wears to match her outfit or mood.

Why do you have so many? To have a wig for every mood I’m in. How much money do you spend on wigs? From a penny to $12.

What color wigs do you have? Normal colored wigs and wigs the color of the rainbow. My favorite wig is one with pigtails and it’s rainbow colored.

When did you started on wearing wigs that matched your mood? At the very end of junior year.

Where do you buy your wigs? Ebay. I pay for them by interning at Comic Con in San Diego.

When you pick a wig to wear, how do you make sure it reflects your mood? I choose wigs that match with what I’m wearing or what goes with my clothes or the outfit.

wish she could be here for everything. It’s not something like ‘oh I wish she could just be here for this one day’. I need her for everything.” Rodriguez wants people to know the type of person her mother was, that she wasn’t just another statistic. Cancer didn’t define her mother. “She’s my hero. She fought so hard, but she had a feeling that any day could be her last. I just want people to know that with her, she had cancer, but besides that she lived her

Photos by Lizzie Faria and Brittany Love.

life to the fullest. She never took no for an answer, even if we didn’t have the money, she’d find a way for us to do something as a family,” Rodriguez said. “She was so alive and funny and I’m pretty loud as a person, and she was louder than me. Both of us combined, we could feel up a room with nothing but laughter. She loved to laugh, and I’m thankful that even with the cancer, she continued to be who she was. I just know she’s watching me from wherever she’s at. ”

14 culture

11.14.14

ALBUM REVIEW

Throwin it back to the 80s She’s done it again. On Oct. 27, Taylor Swift released her fifth album, 1989, her “first” Pop album. Swift is trying to recreate her image as a “Pop” artist even though she hasn’t actually been thought of as a country artist since her first album in 2004. Swift led us into thinking that this album wasn’t boy centered when she released the only two songs that weren’t about a guy as the singles. But even with that said, Swift’s boy bashing days are over. Yes all of her songs are still about guys, but none have name dropping, picture burning or fake accents. This album sounds a lot more mature than her other four. In a way Swift pulled a Miley Cyrus except without all the sticking the tongue out and twerking. Swift completely changed her sound and style. This album is well worth the $12.99 on iTunes. It’s has something for everyone. If Swift was a brand new artist her album would be receiving way more hype, but since so many people see her as the whiny, love-obsessed teenager that she used to be, they aren’t giving it the attention it deserves.

Artwork by Emme Enojado

Neitzey {Harper Co-Editor-in-Chief

Shake it off

All You Had To Do Was Stay

Wildest Dreams

Every album has one. The song that you can’t get away from. It’s in every commercial, on every radio station and the lyrics are in every middle school girls Instagram bio. It’s a good song with a fantasic music video, it’s just been played to death.

On her last album people edited the song I Knew You Were Trouble to have a goat bleating instead of her saying “OH” and this song sounds like that. Whenever she sings the word “stay” it has a long “I” sound and sounds like an animal crying.

Swift was definitely influenced by fellow female pop star Lana Del Rey. The song has a slower beat and is kind of depressing, but it’;s still one of the best on the album. What is different about this song compared to Swift’s other songs is that it’s the boy who is the victim in the situation.

Style

Clean

Blank Space

Out of the Woods

What does a “James Dean Daydream” even look like? And how can someone have it in their eyes? But in all seriousness this song has a good beat and catchy lyrics that you can’t help but jam out to when ever you hear the Target commercial.

This song, Wildest Dream and Blank Space are my favorites on the album. The songs about addiction and about being in a bad relationship. It’s so personal and you can’t help but turn the volume all the way up and jam out while you’re driving.

The best song on the album by far. It has such a different sound from anything else Swift has ever sang. Swift mocks everyone who says she dates too many people saying she will “write [their] name.” and that they look like her “next mistake.”

This is a song about Swift getting lost in the woods and bugging the people she is with by constantly asking them if they are out yet. Just kidding. But really even though this song has a catchy beat, it’s a little too repetitive.

How You Get the Girl

This Love

Welcome To New York

Bad Blood

This song is confusing because it’s Swift singing to guys on how to get girls. It’s weird but at the same time it’s good. The lyrics sound like her old stuff but the music makes it sound more modern and less country.

Typical Taylor Swift song. This song could have been on any one of her albums. It’s good, its just not new, Swift has at least 50 other songs that sound exactly like this.

One of the two songs on the album not about a boy. It’s really upbeat and has a slight 80’s pop vibe to it. It’s the perfect song to just dance around your room to.

I guess this is Swift’s attempt at rapping? The whole song is just her talking to music. They lyrics are good and catchy and can easily get stuck in your head.

11.14.14

{

Jared Huffstetler Assistant Culture Editor

{

Natalie Berry Editor-in-Chief

FALL FASHION GIRLS

BOYS

Northern “Classic” Preppy

SARA LOPEZ, 12

ZACH SMITH, 12

The goal of dressing Northern Preppy is to appear as if you just returned from a weekend sailing trip in Nantucket: crisp, cozy and puttogether. Layers, luxurious materials and impeccable fits are all important aspects of this style. Since this style is mostly New England based, fall is the best time to experiment with its elements. Here in Houston, we don’t always get the opportunity to dress like we are going on an apple-picking excursion or relaxing at a ski-lodge in the Pyranees. So why not take full advantage right now?

The Northern frat style includes short shorts, Sperrys, and a few Polo’s here and there, but since it gets cold, it gives people more clothing options. In the North you will see more people wearing rolled up khaki chinos complemented by some sort of loafer with a slim cut button down and casual tie. You will see more sweaters as well, which is part of every northern fraternity boy’s closet. The staple of the northern Frat style would be the sweater over the button down look. A popular outfit would be some slim fit grey chinos complemented by a light blue button down oxford with a dark navy sweater over the button down.

Southern Preppy

GRANT HARMON, 12 CARSON BOUCKLEY, 12

“If it doesn’t move, monogram it,” am I right? The typical preppy style has now veered toward more casual, thanks to the collegiate origins. While a preppy girl still owns a sufficient amount of J.Crew (mostly 3” chino shorts), nowadays, and especially at our school, preppy usually means comfort color t-shirts from SEC schools with Jack Rogers or Tory Burch sandals, Kendra Scott jewelry and headbands. While this is an easy go-to outfit for lazy days, to embrace Southern Preppy in a truly stylish way (think Kentucky Derby) try mixing patterns, bright colors and textures, like glitter, with layers like collared shirts or cardigans.

Basically the staple of Cy- Fair’s demographic, the southern fraternity look has boomed in popularity. With the short shorts, the good ol’ Polo logo and last but not least the obligatory pair of brown leather Sperrys. In the south light wash wranglers, cowboy boots and polo button downs are a common occurrence, and by common occurrence I mean that everyone pretty much wears the southern frat uniform once a week. The frat style seems to reign supreme over the range of fashion at CyFair, which makes sense because we do live in the south, and everyone loves cowboy boots. If only they would wear cowboy hats.

Modern “Grunge” Style Usually the 1990s is known as the decade of grunge fashion. Grunge is coming back, though, especially with the advent of the “tumblr girl.” Tumblr girls dress casually and simply, yet they always look hip, like someone you’d want to visit concerts and coffee shops with. Girls no longer wear their father’s jeans or boyfriend’s flannels; rather, crop tops, dresses and high waisted jeans and shorts all fit close to the body. Layering, darker colors, band t-shirts and minimal prints are all elements of grunge that have persisted.

VIRGINIA ZECENA, 11

Originating in Seattle during the 1990’s, Grunge style has lately seen a surge in popularity once again. Skinny jeans and Flannel with a pair of Doc Martin’s, or any sort of beat up thrift shop boots will complete a grunge outfit. The idea of Grunge style is to come as close to looking homeless as possible while still maintaining classic fashion values. You can easily accomplish this by thrifting either downtown or just thrift shops in your area, or by shopping at Urban Outfitters and American Apparel.

JARED HUFFSTETLER, 12

culture OUTFIT SUGGESTIONS Northern Preppy: chunky knit sweater over full skirt with smoking slippers; fitted plaid button down with a tweed blazer, dark wash jeans, riding boots and a crushed-velvet headband; striped shirtdress with a statement necklace, colored tights and classic flats. Where to shop: J. Crew, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Madewell, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren. Southern Preppy: colored skinny jeans and a striped boater shirt with a contrast printed scarf; printed top and paper-bag skirt with bright, skinny belt and opaque tights; button down layered under a thin sweater with a fur vest, dark wash jeans, and leather boots. Where to shop: Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, J.Crew, Marley Lilly, Hope’s Boutique, Red Dress Boutique, Kendra Scott. Modern Style: skater dress, quirky high socks and platform oxfords; leather leggings and graphic tunic with combat boots; oversized flannel over a tight crop top with high-waisted jeans. Where to shop: American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, thrift stores, Urbanog, Nasty Gal, Brandy Melville.

Trendy “Street” Style

CAMILA CAMPUZANO, 12

JONATHON LUCKETT, 12

Photos by Will Davis and Jared Huffstetler

Defining street style is very difficult, because it’s such a broad category of fashion. The number one rule for dressing street style is: there are no rules. Mixing unexpected patterns, colors, volumes, shapes and fabrics is what street style is all about; the more eclectic, the better. Minimalism and clean, geometric lines comprise a large part of modern women’s street style. Ethnic- inspired prints, jewelry and clothing shapes also make significant appearances. Women that dress in street style know how to take the gems of each style-preppy, grunge, classic, boho-- and combine them into one fabulous fashion concoction.

From shoe game to rocking skinny jeans with no shame, street wear has raised hip-hop style to a whole new level. Mainly a collision of Prep wear and hip-hop style, street style fashion has proven to be one of the most popular styles in the United States, as well as at Cy-Fair. Whether it be the kid in the hall sporting slim cut sweat pants with a stylish pair of Nike Roshe shoes on his feet or the kid with rolled up skinny jeans with some Sperrys and a fully buttoned Ralph Lauren shirt, it’s considered street wear. Street Style has progressed from being perceived as tacky to being featured in GQ magazine on a regular basis. It has progressed, mainly because of the Prep influence. Many looks can fall into the street wear style. It isn’t about the clothes you’re wearing, but how you wear them.

Street Style: a graphic t-shirt with a voluminous midi skirt and chunky bib jewelry; boyfriend jeans and a structured blazer with animal print heels; a striped shirt with printed full-length overalls, a fedora, and suede booties. Where to shop: Zara, Asos, Topshop, Mango, Lulu’s, Nordstrom.

16 culture

11.14.14

BFND: bobcat food never disappoints Mattinson { Will Business Manager

Miracles don’t happen every day but you might believe otherwise when you go to put your student ID number in for the second meal of the day. It’s no surprise that high school students are picky and fickle when it comes to food. Luckily, the cafeteria offers three lunch lines that offer more variety than any other restaurant in all of Houston the food capital of the world. No other location offers the ability to get food that represents a different continent daily besides Costco’s free sample booths. This menu has gone through many changes during the past four years. At one time the most popular item was the slush. Now the students are supplied irresistible and healthier fruit cups. The addition of sandwiches every day meant that students could sleep at night not worrying if their taste buds would be up for the available flavors. The cafeteria also made an often forgotten move during the second term of last year by providing hummus and bread as a meal. This decision turned out to be outright genius. The lunch lines accomplished a feat that countries themselves have been debating for years. The school found a way to blend the old with the new that you would think Kanye West had just produced a new single in our very own community. There is the issue of choosing between sides drink and a dessert. To make the purchase easier for first time buyers or those who were never adventurous enough to order something new, The Reporter has created this guide to let you know what the best choices are.

STUDENT REVIEWS VERIETY CAFETERIA FOOD OPTION

Spicy Chicken Tenders Chocolate milk proves the genius and creative power the human mind has. This creation involved going from putting milk with cocoa and creating chocolate then taking that invention and putting it back into milk. This advancement in science is perfect for every meal on the menu. Here the chicken not only comes before the egg but every other option as well. Having a distinct color on the outside that captures the eye and reminds us of the joys we had during the summer months. The inclusion of spice on the tenders paired with the warmth means even after the meat passes through your esophagus you will be able to register a fever on your taste buds.

Photos by Will Mattinson

BBQ Beef On a Bun

Chicken teriyaki

There’s no place like home and no meal like a home cooked one. The BBQ Beef On a Bun is the closest thing you will get to that rich flavor outside of the kitchen and you may have you wishing for it to be part of your Wednesday night meal. Spices that dance on your tongue like John Travolta in the classic Grease. Commonly served with cobbler on the side you can feel part of the wild with this combination of berries and meat channeling your inner Tarzan. The only drink that can go with this combination is still chocolate milk though so you get the full experience of the cow.

One of the most laborious tasks you can have is having to dip your food into its sauce. French Fries in ketchup, wings in ranch all require precise techniques to avoid disaster. Luckily the school has wisely decided to premix the chicken in the sauce. This helps students who have just encountered 3 AP courses straight not feel the pressure of actually dunking in order to receive maximum pleasure. The chicken is served in bits and pieces which leaves you a craving of more of the same form of food. The rice that comes with the side perfectly performs this want and is only bested by having lego bricks swirl around between your cheeks. Hot and small that’s how I like it and the way they deliver it like the beads in the hand warmer. The drink that pairs well with this can come as a surprise due to it’s obscurity but if you are able to find it or even hear about it chocolate milk is a must.

A solid sphere of bread that is warm and wrapped individually. With presidents delivering empty promises and my mailbox untouched on Valentine’s Day having something that is full is a delight. What you see is what you get and what you taste you will never fret.

Mini Corn Dogs

Spicy chicken sandwich on a bun without the bun

This meal just in title alone is perfect for anyone who ever lacked a sibling, wanted to live in Idaho, or was a big fan of Mickey Mouse’s female counterpart. The flavor is what matters however and that receives great plaudits. Now I have never tasted gold but it is safe to assume that the shell of the dog is the exact flavor. The pure design bests the corn dogs well known rival the hotdog since its container if eaten properly will actually contain the meat. I am so confident that the construction is sound that I believe it is the only thing that could actually contain me. Ketchup works well with the meal but the liquid substance you really need is the chocolate milk which it is a true delicacy.

This is unlike any other food one can imagine. The chicken is always at exactly the correct temperature and you can pair it up with an equatorial themed dessert/ fruit serving. This only exists on a Tuesday and Thursday making this worth the wait. The only problem one may occur is if they are not very well trained with handling spices. No need to fear because there is a secret cure to any ailment for that specific individual in the form of chocolate milk. A very esoteric choice that doesn’t go with everything definitely enhances the flavor of the lunch here. Judging by the time spent in line these are popular choices.

11.14.14

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18 opinion Cody Brown My typical day constitutes at least three hours devoted to the Internet, my eyes locked onto my fifteen-inch laptop screen as I laugh at humorous text posts, .gifs and photo collections posted on my blog’s home, page and comment my opinion or own witty tidbits of nonsense. Afterwards I log in to YouTube and spend even more time watching nonsensically funny skits and vlogs. Even though for every amazing post and well-edited video there is a deluge of praise and acknowledgement, for every positive there is a negative as hate and negative opinions worm their way into the Comments section. The simple “lol this is stupid” and “omg why are people wasting their lives watching this” comments that plague any and every YouTube video are- well it’s not okay to write negative opinions period- a tad on the immature side, but opinions are opinions, no matter how distasteful. But when that hate descends into downright harassment and hazing, that’s when a line needs to be drawn. Online bullying is defined simply as bullying through electronic means such as social media and texting and constitutes anything from sending out embarrassing or possibly scandalous pictures to writing hateful posts about a particular person. Cyber-bullies use the Internet outlet as a strong facade to vent negative and hurtful opinions that can potentially lead to harmful consequences. Online bullying and hate have no point. They’re a complete waste of time and words. If someone has the time to write a paragraph marring the creator of a piece of content’s character or emotions, then they have the time to say something just as positive. Every world religion has a golden rule of “treat others how you want to be treated,” and that context should automatically be applied to the secular domain of the Internet. If I have nothing nice to say

Spread more cyberlove JUNIOR STANDS UP AGAINST CYBERBULLYING

Artwork by Esmeralda Harvey

More than fiction Pierce { Maddie Assistant Life Editor

Too often I hear how literature is unappreciated and of no use to today’s society. People seem to think that my generation is too consumed with technology to see the value that books have. To me, these people couldn’t be more wrong. In my eyes, books hold the most important values and lessons. Books have taught me about right from wrong. Love and loss. Reality from fantasy. Through these stories I have experienced a thousand lives that I would have otherwise not had a chance to live. In Sarah Dessen’s “Along for the Ride”, I related to Auden more than I had with any other character before. Her pain was familiar to me and helped me deal with my own problems in a mature way that I may not have considered befrore. I have looked through the eyes of many different types of people and I have learned from every one of them. “When it Happens” by Susane Colasanti provided me

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about a video or a post, I simply click out of it and search for something that I might find more appealing. The anonymous messaging system Tumblr offers is by far one of the worst offenders as a medium of displaying hate online and as a method of cyberbullying. Anyone can go anonymous and spout whatever they wish, whether it be love or complete degradation, without the message’s recipient ever knowing who wrote it. On the bright side of the spectrum, it’s pretty nice to receive a nice note from someone, even if I have no idea who wrote it (from the actual six of my 41 Tumblr followers who communicate with me it’s pretty easy to deduce who, though). But, even though I’ve never been subject to hate mail, no matter what I post on my blog, I’ve seen enough compilations of anonymous hate across my blog to fill a bucket, and it’s ridiculous that so much hate exists online. And it’s even more ridiculous that this unnecessary hate leads people to do irrational things. Ten years from now nobody will care what we say about a YouTube video or a Tumblr post that will be inundated and lost in the innumerable posts that will overshadow the present’s popular culture. I get it, opinions are opinions, they are meant to be shared and inevitably will be across such a large medium as the Internet. But that’s still no excuse to be condescending. In fact, I want to encourage people to do the opposite. In a world full of problems, dare to be a solution. Speak up about hate. Stand up against it. Defy it. Refuse its inevitability, and spread more “cyber-love.” Even if a positive message only consists of a simple smiley face emotion or even a “I hope you have a good day,” it still can make someone’s day that much better. The satisfaction of knowing that someone is looking out for them sometimes means the world. And shouldn’t that be something to smile about, too?

SENIOR EXPRESSES PASSION FOR READING

with not only Sara’s perspective in the love story, but also Tobey’s. I know now that there is never merely one side to the story and that often it helps to have an outside perspective on personal struggles. I have learned what it meant to truly love someone and I have felt real pain; pain that hundreds of people face every day, that I was previously in the dark about before I read “The Sky is Everywhere” by Jandy Nelson. I have experienced a wide variety of emotions from joy to despair without having to go through the actual moments myself. Books and stories have helped me move on and cope with things that I perhaps did not fully understand before, and for the times that I didn’t want to move on just yet, books helped me escape into a different world. Whenever life got too complicated, somewhere there was a character with issues that were so simple that fixing them was easy-peasy. If life got to be too

boring, behind a cover was another life with far more interesting issues and secrets to share. All the times that life got to be too much to handle, the easiest way to escape was into the cover of a book. When I think about the impact literature has had on my life, it’s hard to understand how some people can look at books and stories as a waste of space without ever seeing the beauty inside them. Even if you ignore the direct impact literature can have on a person when he or she reads something, what about the impact it has had on society? Or on what we watch? More movies and TV shows are based on books than people realize. A lot of things would change without the presence of literature. Our teachers and school administrators do their best to incorporate it into our everyday lives and show us the values and morals that can be picked up in so many works of classic literature. There’s also the simple fact that reading helps to

build a person’s vocabulary and keep their brain sharp. One of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice and believe me, the book requires a lot of attention. There’s something about the way Jane Austen develops the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth that gets me to fall in love with their story every time. The realistic way that their love develops and unfolds is nothing short of brilliant. After reading a few pages I can already feel my brain waking up. I get that I sound like a total dork. Believe me, I’ve been told by plenty of people. But whether or not I’m a dork does not change the fact that literature has had a positive effect on our lives for centuries.

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The Reporter

STAFF

opinion

STAFF EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief Natalie Berry Co-Editor in Chief Harper Neitzey Managing Editor Will Davis Culture Editor Ashlynn Peters News Editor Wafa Kazmi Copy Editor Kaylin Jones Life Editor Karman Amdal Sports EditorJulia Ryza Graphics Editor Ryan Steppe Opinion Editor Emme Enojado Business Manager Will Mattinson Assistant Section Editors Amalia Trevino, John Sanchez, Maddie Pierce, Jared Huffstetler, Valerie Parker Reporters , Artists Cody Brown, Lizzie Faria, Gillian Lane, Audrey Grey, Esmeralda Harvey Adviser Lillian Harris Our Policy The Reporter is a Cy-Fair High School student publication. Its purpose is to inform and entertain the student body and faculty, and also to serve as a lab for students enrolled in advanced journalism classes. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Reporter staff, the Cy-Fair High School faculty and staff, the Cy-Fair Independent School District or the school board. The Reporter maintains the right to refuse any goods or services that it deems inappropriate for teenagers. The Reporter is a Quill and Scroll, TAJE, NSPA, and JEA member. Cy-Fair is located at 22602 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429. The journalism office can be reached at (281) 897-4658 or Lillian.Harris@cfisd.net.

Under the Microscope

Artwork by Esmeralda Harvey.

THE DANGER ISN’T IN THE DISEASE: IT’S IN THE MEDIA There is a new crisis in America. The crisis is fear, and the media is causing much of the hype, drilling panic into the minds of Americans. But the big question is- should we be scared? And there might not be a true answer to that as of right now, since it’s the very beginning of the “epidemic”. But one thing is for sure; the media is not helping to lower the hysteria that is often brought on from biological threats. The current outbreak of Ebola, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, has been reported on since the beginning of summer of this year. This virus takes over the immune system by attacking dendritic cells. Dendritic cells alert the immune system that a virus has entered the body, therefore allowing cells to fight back. But that’s the trick with this virus. These alert cells are attacked, and make it easier for the virus cells to reproduce faster without a natural fight from your body. Symptoms appear 8-10 days after the virus enters your body, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and nausea, vomiting,

and hemorrhaging. The media’s job is to inform the public to their best ability of the straight facts. The issue is not necessarily what the news is saying; it’s how they’re saying it. Yes, the media is reporting the basics of Ebola, the opinions of scientists, information from health officials and recent cases reported in the United States. Along with the only reported death being of the late Thomas Duncan who passed away on Oct. 8 at the Texas Presbyterian Hospital located in Dallas. Reporters have exaggerated the epidemic in so many ways. Even reporting an “EXTREMELY LOW-RISK” patient who was recently checked into at North Cypress medical center, who felt sick after traveling (even though the hospital did not disclose where he traveled). Later the patient was released, after testing negative for Ebola, according to Olivia Pulsinelli of the Houston Business Journal. But it is understandable that hospitals take the most cautionary steps in order to prevent the spread of Ebola in America. As new cases spring up, big bold and obnoxious headlines appear, and all that is seen on TV screens is “BREAKING NEWS”

or “EBOLA ALERT”. The issue should be approached with professionalism while educating the public. The news has also neglected that thousands die every year in America from the flu, or how the new Enterovirus D68 has sent thousands of children to hospitals in 43 different states, and infected over 600 adolescents recently. “The public has always been interested in risks in proportion to how much fear or outrage they arouse, not in proportion to how much hazard they present,” according to Paul Farhi of the Washington Post. But a recent positive campaign #FactsNotFear has sprung up amongst small news stations, supporting positive education of the facts and truths about Ebola, hoping to lessen the panic that many media outlets have caused. Currently six vaccines are being tested, and Phase 1 of human testing has already begun. Millions of doses of experimental vaccines will be produced by the end of 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Fear can manifest itself into many things when a foreign virus creeps into America. But knowledge is the best weapon when battling a virus like fear- and Ebola.

20 photo essay

Game time

Davis { William Managing Editor

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5:53 p.m.

(Per)Crushing it. Senior Christien Lowe warms up alongside the rest of percussion “The energy from band and the drumline makes for a very supportive and pumped up crowd,” Lowe said. Photo by Will Davis

4:51 p.m. Send off. Ross Donelly and Jacory Aleem lead the team onto the bus before being driven to Pridgeon Stadium “It is so much fun playing in front of fans who have come to watch the game, its really awesome,” Donelly said. Photo by Will Davis

7:39 p.m.

Calm before the storm. Fans begin to fill the student section more than 30 minutes before kickoff. “I like to see all the students come together to cheer on the team and drumline is life,” Senior Caroline Willingham said. Photo by Will Davis

6:26 p.m.

At attention. Senior Morgan Derrick and Brigade performs a routine during halftime. “Perfoming is really fun because I get to dance with all of my friends,” Derrick said. Photo by Melissa Reinsch

8:48 p.m.

“We have fought our every battle.” Football, Cheer, Flag runners and mascots sing the fight song after the game ends. “BFND, I feel like whether we win or lose that we’re going to keep working, never give up and do what we are coached to do,” Senior Joe Nguyen (#6) said. Photo by Melissa Reinsch