the
BAND TAKES ON STATE
REPORTER Volume 69
A look back on band’s recent competition Page 5
Cy-Fair High School
Issue 2
November 20, 2015
CAREER
VS
ON POINTE
Students dance in The Nutcracker Page 8
SMALL TOWNS, BIG HISTORY Student reflects on the importance of Texas towns Page 18
COLLEGE
Whichever path we take, there is always an option Pg 10 &11
Left photos by Alaysa Lewis and right photo by Aya Rawashdeh
@cyfairpress
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www.cyfairreporter.com
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INTRO
To Our Readers
11. 20. 15
NEWS BRIEFS
Braden Mann (left) and fellow teammate Brandon Drews pose for a photo at the Under Armour All American Award ceremony. Photo by Vanessa Boyer
Over and over again the topic of our future is brought up, critiqued, discussed, frowned upon, doubted. Whether or not you cringe at the thought of where you will be in 10 years, the future is near. With the ever increasing emphasis on going to college in order to survive in today’s economy, the technical jobs that were once suitable to make a living on are seen as “not enough” in our society. But plumbers, electricians, mechanics and many other jobs are always neededand some pay fairly well. Either way, it is YOUR future, and your choice on whether or not to further your academic career, or to jump straight into the job world. As the saying goesIf you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.
Julia Ryza Co-Editor in Chief Emme Enojado Co-Editor in Chief
Photo courtesy MCTcampus.com
Career Options Fair
Dec. 1 Berry Center
Interested in learning about career and technical programs? Industry Certifications and opportunities available to you in high school? Then check out the Career Options Fair hosted at the Berry Center on Dec. 1, from 5:30-7:30. It will be presented by the College and Career Special-
ists Team and Office of Advanced Academics. There will be information about post secondary career programs available after high school, and the opportunity to talk to representatives from a variety of trade and technical schools.
National Merit Scholars EDWARD CATEN reporter
On Oct. 21, varsity kicker/ punter senior Braden Mann received something he had dreamed about since he started playing football: the opportunity to play in the The All-American Under Armour football game. He was awarded the honor during school among friends, teammates and family. Mann was selected and recognized from a camp in Wisconsin called Cole’s Scholarship Camp in July of this year. “That time at camp was the best I had ever done and now I’ve been honored to play this game,” Mann said. “This camp gave me great recognition to get my scholarship for Texas A&M and just getting my name out
there”. According to Mann, players who earn this award are the top recruitments in the nation. Mann’s ultimate goal is to make it into the National Football League. “I’ve always wanted to be in the NFL, but like if that opportunity doesn’t work out, I mean that’s OK. If I don’t make it I want to be a Personal Trainer,” Mann said. “I’m trying to be the best at what I do, not only in football, but in everything I do. There’s always room to improve and always trying to get to the next level.” Mann will attend Texas A&M University in the spring and play football.
BFND
Semi-Finalists: Anitha Aadireddy, Amogh Agnihotri, Isaiah Drummond, Megan Fang, Jessie Lyle, Christine Pham, Caroline Smith, Michelle Wist, Guanyi Yuan Commended Smriti Ashok ,Christopher Berry, Julia Bugos, Madison Campbell, Jessica Chauviere, Esha Dewan, Dat Dinh James Dvoracek, Sukriti Ghose, Connor Joyce, Grant Larson, Cameron McConway, Kathleen Mynatt, Otto Osterman, Vishal Patel, Hansen Qin, Rebecca Rigas, Travis Ross, Pooja Shankar, Samuel Tran, Jessica Ullrich, Raymond Van Herk, Tyler Whigham, Caroline Wong
Photo courtesy of Nationalmerit.org
TRAGEDY STRIKES FRANCE
Paris turned into a scene of terror as a concert venue, bars, restaurants and a stadium were attacked with gun fire and bombs last Friday evening by terrorists. At the Bataclan concert hall, an American band, “Eagles of Death Metal,” were playing when two men rushed into the theatre and opened fire with Ak-47’s, according to CNN. com. 80 were killed, the most people out of every area attacked that night.
French native teacher Eric Queriaud shows his support for France by displaying the Peace for Paris symbol on his classroom door. Photo by Julia Ryza
Photos by Melody Berryhill
Abby Harmon, 10
Jacob Patterson, 12
How do you feel about the attacks? “The true loss was the people who are no longer with us in the world, and the effects that they had on this world that will no longer occur from their loss.”
How do you feel about the attacks? “The Paris attacks and bombings happened because there is a huge cultural difference in France, it got to a boiling point because all of the Syrian refugees that have been passing through most of western Europe, most flocking towards France and Belgium, and a lot of them are jihadist, people who seek religious war, a lot of them are paired with ISIS. It got to a boiling point in which they wanted French people gone and wanted to strike fear into the western world, so they committed these atrocities to stir us up.”
How do you think the U.S. is going to be affected by this? “We need to focus our terrorist efforts (on) protecting the civilians We need to think about the people we are protecting, the lives we are saving, that’s our priority.”
11. 20. 15
CULTURE
Sandwiches for a cause
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KEY CLUB DONATES PB&J TO END HUNGER NICOLE SHAIR news editor
Peanut Butter and Jelly: A combination which could end hunger for hundreds of families in Houston. Key Club members recently donated 100 peanut butter and jelly jars to help end hunger in the greater-Houston area. Part of their district assignment was to donate to Cypress Assistance Ministries and the 50 members of Cy-Fair’s Key Club definitely delivered. Key Club president Meghana Thota said the PB&J drive benefited the community and Cy-Fair students. “It encourages school spirit and brings everyone together for a common goal,” Thota said. Along with helping out CAM, donating peanut butter and jelly could
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also aid in the war between Cy-Fair and Cypress Woods, a friendly battle to see who can bring the most PB&J to make the most sandwiches. Cypress Woods students donated more than 300 jars to the cause, resulting in more than 400 peanut butter and jelly jars between the two schools. “The purpose of the drive isn’t truly to just win, but to encourage friendly competition to collect the most PB&J cans,” Thota said. “It’s a win-win situation for both schools
‘IT ENCOURAGES SCHOOL SPIRIT AND BRINGS EVERYONE TOGETHER FOR A COMMON GOAL’ -Meghana Thota
as we are donating food and benefiting the community.” Key Club sponsor Lori Peña said she also benefited from the drive by seeing so many students donate to the cause to help those who are less fortunate moved her. “It was really inspiring for me to see the students take on this project and care about the cause,” Peña said. “It was also a special moment to be able to partner with Cypress Woods in our effort to fight hunger.” Thota said she was glad that she and the other members experienced this drive and looks forward to doing more projects to donate to CAM and help out the less fortunate citizens of Houston. “We definitely know we will do this again next year because it helps a lot of people,” Thota said. “It’s just given us [so much] experience and we’ve been able to meet new people through it.”
Illustration by Lauryn Walker
things you should know about Syrian refugee crisis
HANNAH HELGREN business manager
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Syria is in a civil war that began in March 2011. The conflict is very complex, but it is believed that the main problem is concerning the supporters of the Islamic President, Bashar al-Assad, and the rebel groups who want a secular form of government in Syria. This started as peaceful pro-democracy protests, but the situation quickly escalated once the government started using military violence against the rebels.
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Syrian citizens are currently caught in the crossfire of the Syrian regime and the pro-democracy rebels. Within these branches, there are different divisions of fighting that include radical groups like Isis and groups like the Free Syrian Army. Instead of backing down, the Syrian government has been battling the rebellion with astonishing violence and torture. 220,000 people have already been killed in this full-blown civil war.
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More than 11 million people are displaced and about 4 million have already fled the country. The three countries that are most greatly impacted by the sudden immigration are Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. This puts a tremendous economical and political strain on the countries that are taking in these refugees.
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The European Union is a major part of this crisis. Because of the regulations on the amount of refugees that can enter a country, smuggling has become an increasing problem. The smuggling routes taken by families in attempt to get out of Syria are often over water and very dangerous. Many deaths have occurred because of this desperate, unsafe method of bringing refugees to a safer place.
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Almost 2 million people are living in refugee camps located mostly in Syria’s neighboring countries of Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. A majority of these camps are funded by the UN. Refugee camps consist of makeshift homes made out of tents, where the refugees temporarily live.
Source: www.syrianrefugees.eu, www.worldvision.org, mercycorps.org
“The Syrian refugees are having a lot of issues right now because the European countries have closed their borders to them, and they don’t have anywhere to go. So, they are leaving their countries illegally and trying to cross the Mediterranean and having lots of issues, so it’s a very sad situation.”
“There is a war in Syria and that people are trying to escape and immigrate here to the United States so that they don’t get harmed or killed in any way.” Lindsey Dempster, 10
Mrs. Francis, English teacher Photo by Hannah Helgren
Photo by Hannah Helgren
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11. 20. 15
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11. 20. 15
NEWS
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BAND TAKES ON SUPER REGIONALS
BLAKE NALL reporter
The band competed in San Antonio at the Bands of America Super Regional from Oct. 30-31, and placed 17th out of 63 bands from across the region. Mark Veenstra, the band’s director, has been preparing for the competition with the band since August 2015. “This is the highest level of competition for high school band held in the United States in 2015,” Veenstra said. “[The competition] features the largest number of school bands anywhere in the country.” According to Veenstra, the band was placed in front of many bands that are typically thought of as the best in Texas. “I think the kids enjoy spending time with each other, and the competition drives our desire for excellence,” Veenstra said. “Band is
‘Band is a challenge and will be an experience in which you make lifelong friends and develop your passion for music and performing.’ -Mr. Veenstra, Band Director a challenge and will be an experience in which you make lifelong friends and develop your passion for music and performing.” The band performed “The Muse”, a performance that lasts approximately eight minutes. “The Muse” was originally made to be a source of inspiration or temptation. In the band’s show, “The Muse” (represented by the Color Guard), wakes up for the first time in
a century and takes over the band. The band expresses how they fight off the temptation and kick “The Muse” out, according to Akira Nakamura, junior drum major. Isaiah Drummond, senior drum major, has been in band since his freshman year. He has been a drum major and lead the band for two years. “This year was absolutely unforgettable,” Drummond said. “Surrounded by highly motivated drum majors, I was always encouraged to give 100 percent. At our last performance in San Antonio, I was in tears because I saw that everyone was giving their all despite the tremendous odds we were up against. In that moment, I knew I would never forget my experiences this year.”
Clockwise, from left. 1. Band begins movement 4 2. Movement 4 fflute section 3. Color guard and clarinet section 4. Brandon Morrison warms up before the performance. Photos courtesy of Ameet Agnihotri
Choir sings their way up to region BRI GONZALEZ life editor
A cold room, so quiet a dropped pin would inspire flinching. A tense atmosphere, the smell of coffee and competition flood the senses. A student’s name is called, and he or she puts on a professional smile as they step up to the panel, knowing that these next few moments will decide their fate. The student takes a deep breath, opens his mouth and wails. On key, of course. On Oct. 17, 26 choir students competed in the Region Choir audition, the second of four rounds on the road to the All-State choir competition. Ten students will advance to the Pre-Area auditions. More than 19,000 students from around the state competed in the All-State competition
Choir students prepare to perform at Tallowood United Methodist Church for the Region 27 Concert on Nov. 7. Photo by Evan Key Area and from there the top eight chairs finally and 1500 advance, according to the Texas make the All-State choir. Music Education Association. Freshman Mihn Tran, who received third Singers perform chosen music for a panel of chair in Region, said the preparation process is judges, often high school directors from their worth the nerves and stress. Region, to rank each voice part. The top 17 “I practice my music for two hours every chairs from each voice part will perform in the day, and I do voice lessons as well,” Tran said. Region concert. If a singer receives up to 12th “But it’s definitely worth it. I didn’t think I chair, they advance to Pre-Area to compete would come this far, especially at such a young against the other advancing students in their age.” own Region. The top five chairs advance to
‘You have to practice every day if you want a shot at getting a high enough chair to advance.’ -Alex Slaid The prestige and prowess that comes with the All-State experience carries weight, especially for choir students whose ambitions lie in music. Senior Alex Slaid, who took eighth chair in the Region auditions, said that participating and advancing in the competition demonstrates a student’s motivation and dedication to their craft. “You have to practice every day if you want a shot at getting a high enough chair to advance,” Slaid said. “So for colleges it’s a really good indicator of character and work ethic.”
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SPORTS
Running to state
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PLACE 10TH AT UIL COMPETITION HANNAH WILLINGHAM business manager
Serving up a win Susie Hawkins serves in a match against Jersey Village that they won 15-4
Mud Run Jessica Tan, Rebecca Bonta, Jordan Barnhart, Rachel Bonta, Kaitlynn Schwab, Carrie Detering and Tyra Luong ran the Photo by Ramneek Kalkat Regional meet through the mud Photo provided by Jessica Tan Kennedy bikes around the I was done and I was like, For the Bonta twins, ‘Shoot, it’s over’” Rebecca said. course. From the sidelines he running has always been a reminds them of their race Both girls have been breeze. script (what they’re thinking running together since These senior Bobcats run during the race at various seventh grade. This would be because they love it. Rebecca Rebecca’s third year on varsity, points. For example: mile 1 is Bonta said she runs for her “Feelin’ good”; mile 2 is “Now and Rachel’s first. While they team and for all those who move up”, etc.) and cheers for are competitive, they see it believe in her. Rachel Bonta them based on what they need as teaming up against other sees running as a way to get to hear. He parks his bike out schools rather than each other. away from life for a little while about 400 meters from the “She pushes me harder and completely focus on her finish line, and cheers them than I think I can go to make pace. home. “It’s relaxing. If I’m ever “We had a flawless last stressed out about school or mile. They’re really good late something it’s a way that I in the race,” Kennedy said don’t have to think about it. about the district race. With running I can just run The famous pasta party and only focus on my pace the night before the event and what I’m doing,” Rachel consists of the girls stocking said. up on carbs, deep breaths, and The twin’s parents, Lorri encouraging notes. Before and Christopher Bonta, were the party, Rebecca says she at the District 17-6A Cross was nervous and anxious, but Country Championships on being with the team helped Oct. 16. Both say they were me even better than I am,” said her to focus more on her excited because they knew excitement. Rachel about her sister. their girls placed in the top 10 “Sometimes when I’m by Placing first at districts overall runners. Rebecca said myself I worry a lot, but when brought them to third at that her mom was very proud regionals which then qualified you’re with people you’re to see both of her daughter’s them for the state competition able to just kinda take a deep cross the finish line as the 2nd breath, and talk about your on Nov 7th. and 8th place runners. goals and what you hope to “Coach tells us to look at “They have trained hard achieve” Rebecca said. the process, not the goal. Take in their 4 years of distance Rebecca said she was each day as it comes and do running at Cy-Fair. We proud of the team, and her as much as you can in that are very proud of their sister for all of their hard day to make yourself better. If accomplishments and are so work. you don’t do it that day, then happy for them." Lorri said. Running through Tomball with my woes “You look back on all the do it the next,” said Rebecca Rebecca snagged second Senior Rebecca Bonta runs through the finish line at the Tomball things you’ve done; all the talking about her coach, Tom place only about 69 seconds race on Sept. 18 hard work, all the races...it’s a Kennedy. behind the first place winner. Photo by Aya Rawashdeh pretty cool feeling to see it all While all the girls are “The race went by really come together and work out. ” running in a meet, Coach fast for me. All of a sudden
‘SHE PUSHES ME HARDER THAN I THINK I CAN GO TO MAKE ME BETTER THAN I AM’ -Rachel Bonta
Varsity Tennis District Record: 6-4 Fair vs Woods L 18-1 Fair vs Ranch L 17-2 Fair vs Springs W 17-2 Fair vs Lakes W 18-1 Fair vs Creek W 12-7 Fair vs Langham Creek L 10-9 Fair vs Jersey Village W 15-4 Fair vs Falls W 14-5 Fair vs Ridge W 17-2
Area
Fair vs Memorial L 0-19
Follow us on Twitter @cyfairpress for all the Bobcat sports updates.
SPORTS
11. 20. 15
Bobcats finishes in 3rd place
Photo by Edward Caten
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EDWARD CATEN reporter
The electricity flowing through the lights. The crowd roaring with excitement,. The pressure of winning the game for their school. This is what inspired the Bobcat Varsity football team when preparing for a game. The Bobcats season ended Nov. 14. They finished in third place in District 17-6A and were Region III-6A bi-district finalists. The Bobcats lost to Aldine Eisehower 36-28 on Nov. 14 at Thorne Stadium. A look back into the regular season: -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs. -vs.
Junior Blake Faecher runs the ball during the homecoming game against Cypress Falls
Cypress Creek Cougars: (W) 14-7 Cypress Springs Panthers: (W) 56-14 Cypress Lakes Spartans: (W) 38-0 Cypress Ridge Rams: (W) 19-10 Langham Creek Lobos: (L) 49-21 Cypress Falls Eagles: (W) 21-13 Cypress Woods Wildcats: (L) 44-7 Cypress Ranch Mustangs: (L) 26-10 Jersey Village Falcons: (W) 21-13 -Final District Record: 6-3
Braden Mann was the varsity kicker and will play for Texas A&M University in the spring of 2016. “I’m trying to be the best at what I do, not only in football, but in everything I do. There’s always room to improve and always trying to get to the next level,” Braden Mann said. Max Duque, a JV maroon kicker, was on varsity for two games. “When you’re on the field you hear the entire student section chanting cheers for your team. It gives you the energy you need and it really helps give motivation. It’s the highlight of the week because the student body bands together with so much school spirit and drum ine just makes it 1000 times better,” sophomore kicker Max Duque said. Sophomore Haley Gonzalez was one of the Bobcat trainers. “I prefer games because the air is just literally energized and being on the field with my favorite people while they do what they love is amazing,” Gonzales said.
Photo by Sabrina Sommer
Chat with Coach Smith EDWARD CATEN reporter
Coach Smith is one of the offensive coaches and focuses on quarterbacks. Q: How do you think the offense has done this season? A: Not as consistently good as we need to. Q: How has the defense contributed to the team? A: They have done a great job on turning the ball over, giving us the ball, and great field position. Q: There has been a few quarterback changes this season because of injuries, position change, and quitting, how do you think it’s affected the season and if you kept the same quarterback from the start would the record be any different? A: It Hasn’t had a huge impact on season, the QBs that came in did a great job so i would say that our record would be about the same.
Volleyball helps sophomore overcome insecurities LILY ADAM reporter
As a 5 year old, she was awkward and different. She was afraid of everything. “I remember being very sensitive to sound and light. I was nearly blind. I was shy, and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I was very drawn into myself.” said sophomore Natalie Sarbeck, who plays on the junior varsity volleyball team. She experienced a string of seizures that lasted about a year. “The seizures caused Natalie to become hypersensitive to everything. The doctors knew nothing about the seizures. Her senses were constantly on overload, so sound, taste, smell, light- everything scared her. She became very withdrawn.” said Natalie’s mother, Joye Sarbeck. Natalie was quiet, introverted and scared of many things, due to her hypersensitivity caused by her seizures. She feared fire alarms. Her heightened senses caused fire alarms to be a nearly deafening noise, and the bright flashing lights certainly didn’t add a calming effect. An inanimate object made for safety, in Natalie’s eyes, was a monster. “Every time she’d see a fire alarm she would freak out because they were so much louder to her, due to the hypersensitivity,” Joye said. It was small things like these that formed together to create a shell that a young Natalie found shelter.
In an attempt to help her daughter with these issues, Natalie’s mother enrolled Natalie in volleyball at the Y. She was 7 years old. “She went in there, big kneepads and all and just fell in love with the game.” Joye said. Natalie’s battle with shyness and timidity had not yet ended. “When I first started playing volleyball, I wouldn’t talk to anybody. I would play by myself. I never had a partner to pass with and I didn’t really have any friends,” Natalie said. Natalie’s skill level progressed rapidly and her mother moved her to Willowbrook (A Houston-Area Competitive Volleyball club). She made the top team, and there were three setters, Natalie sat on the bench. But her love of the game, pushed her to want to play. Being third string setter simply didn’t satisfy. The drive to play overwhelmed Natalie instantaneously. “She realized how badly she wanted to play, immediately. So she asked me if she could start taking private lessons. Coach Kayle (A coach at Willow brook Volleyball) started giving her lessons anytime she had an opening. Coach Kayle was an intricate part of Natalie’s volleyball skills.” Joye said. The talent was there. Natalie played on top teams and competed at an elite level, skill wise. However, being “the quiet one” wouldn’t suffice for much longer. Around eighth grade, she realized she
couldn’t be the quiet one anymore. “There were girls that were constantly bullying me and acting ugly towards me, but I didn’t let them bring me down. I let them know their words didn’t affect me on or off the court,” Natalie said. Natalie went through the normal trials and tribulations of a teenage girl. Volleyball helped her change. “Volleyball has taught her how to be a team player, how to come out of her shell, and not put up with being talked down to. It helped her to be happy, outgoing and it taught her how to lead a team. If it weren’t for volleyball, I don’t think she would’ve learned to step up and come out of her shell. Her love of the game helped her take so many hurdles, and just keep going.” Natalie’s mom said. Teammate Kacie Hunter describes Natalie as “loud, energetic, friendly and confident.” Natalie considers her teammates her best friends. “The girls I play volleyball with here at Cy-Fair are my best friends. I know that my past could never be a setback to me at this point,. They all accept me for who I am now, and I know they would have accepted me then. Volleyball has helped me grow into who I am today,” Natalie said. Sophomore Natalie Sarbeck sets the ball during one of her games at Junior Nation. Photo courtesy Natalie Sarbeck
08 LIFE
11. 20. 15
On pointe
TWO STUDENTS TO DANCE IN PRODUCTION OF The Nutcracker EMME ENOJADO co editor-in-chief
At 2 years old, ballet class meant 30 minutes of sky-high leaps, fluffy, pink tutus and playing princess. Now at 14 years old, ballet class is 1.5 hours of heart-stirring turns, aching feet and pushing past human limits for freshman Sofia Moyano. Moyano, along with senior Hannah Wilhelmsen, will perform in the Houston Repertoire Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker on Dec 4-6. It will be Moyano’s 5th and Wilhelmsen’s 4th and final dance in this company’s production. “Even though I’ve done it five times, it doesn’t get old,” Moyano said. “It’s great getting to see the production come together every year.” Wilhelmsen leapt into the world of ballet at Cypress Academy of Performing Arts at the age of 3, and never stopped since. At the age of 11, she began studying dance at Houston Repertoire Ballet. This year, she will play the roles of a snowflake, party mom, chinese dancer, and dance in the Waltz of the Flowers. Moyano will dance as an angel and a soldier. “Ever since I was young, I adored attention. With ballet, you get the whole stage and the whole audience, and I just love that,” Wilhelmsen said. Ballet gave Wilhelmsen more than just the
spotlight. It has gifted her with a passion, an escape from reality. “It’s really nice how when I go to class, I don’t have to think about anything else, and I can just focus on the movement,” Wilhelmsen said. “It’s a nice stress reliever and I don’t have to think about problems outside of ballet class. I love the people, I love the friends, I love the stage makeup. I love everything.” This fervent, burning passion for ballet doesn’t plan to cease any time soon. Wilhelmsen applied to University of Utah, renowned for its stellar Department of Ballet, and plans to double major in ballet and marketing. “After I graduate from college, ideally I would want to dance for Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah,” Wilhelmsen said. “Once I retire from dancing, I envision myself working on the marketing side for a ballet company.” Moyano does not plan to pursue dance as a professional career, but the what she considers the exquisite beauty of ballet is and always will be deep in her heart. “[Ballet] has shaped who I am and helps express myself through an artistic way,” Moyano said. “When I dance, I have to feel the music to express my movements.”
Houston Repertoire Ballet’s The Nutcracker... Debuts Dec. 4 and runs until Dec. 6 Performance times: *NEW* Dec 4 A&E abbreviated performance: 7PM Saturday Dec 5: 2 PM and 7 PM Sunday Dec 6: 1 PM and 4:30 PM Location:
Tomball High School Theatre, 30330 Quinn Rd, Tomball, TX 77375
Visit http://www.hrbdance.org/tickets.html to buy tickets
Leaps and bounds. Senior Hannah Wilhelmsen performs the splits with her arms in 5th position (left) and a C-jump (above) in Yellowstone National Park. Photos courtesy of Hannah Wilhelmsen.
LIFE
11. 20. 15
The world according to Tiffany FRESHMAN LIVES WITH BARDET-BIEDL SYNDROME
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JULIA RYZA co editor-in-chief
Tiffany Tran has been blind for the last 10 years of her life after being diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome at 4 years old. But that hasn’t stopped her from living the normal life of a 14-year-old teenager. The disease deteriorates the retinal cones that receive external light stimuli. Here are a few facts about her and a glimpse of life in her shoes.
Q & A with Tiffany Tran Q- If you could do anything in your life, what would it be? A- Travel to Paris. My grandmother was half-French. Q- Who has been the most important person in your life? A- My mom. If I’m in a bad mood, she consoles me. She’s caring. Q- Where were you born? A- California. Q- What are your favorite classes? A- geometry and biology. Q- What’s your personal motto? A- Live each day by day. Q- What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life? A- Always be kind to others, because you never know what people are going through.
A new point of view. Tiffany Tran speaks with counselor Lu Ann Bowman on White Cane Safety Day. Photo by Madison Murray.
Vegetarian Vow: SOPHOMORE ANIMAL LOVER GIVES UP MEAT AFTER PETA EDUCATION KAITLYN COATS assistant business manager
Photo by Hannah Woodrum.
Sophomore Emilee Hamilton has decided to give up a life of eating meat. Not for some new fad diet, but for her love of animals and informational pamphlets she got at a concert. Last year Hamilton and her cousin went to Ready Set where she met the animal rights activist group the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals branch for teens and young adults. “PETA2 was there and they were giving out handouts with the different companies that don’t test on animals and different ways to get vegetarian meals,” Hamilton said. “We thought it was pretty cool. We went on their website and checked it out.” After visiting their website, Hamilton decided to give up meat and become a vegetarian. A year later, she has still been devoted to living the meatless lifestyle. Because of her new dietary restrictions, Hamilton had to look for new meals to try. Hamilton went to her local Kroger and found vegetarian-friendly substitutes to meat.
“Most groceries store will have sections that are filled with different kinds of veggie burgers and veggie chicken nuggets,” Hamilton said. She also enjoys pasta, veggie spring rolls and fruits and vegetables. Hamilton also stopped using products that test on animals, another influence of PETA2. When shopping, she looks for the leaping bunny symbol or the “Not Tested on Animals” labels to know which products don’t test on animals. She also avoids clothes made from animals such as leather and fur. “I’ve been more aware of the different kinds of companies that would harm animals and do tests on them, so I watch out for that a lot.” Hamilton said. But Hamilton doesn’t plan on stopping there. She plans to take her diet one step further and become vegan. Vegans, like vegetarians, don’t eat meat, but what makes them different is that they also don’t eat dairy, eggs, or any other products derived from animals.
“It would be hard because everything has dairy products and eggs in it, but it’s worth it.” Hamilton said. She said that it would be like to less dependent on major corporations that harm animals. Hamilton has always loved animals, so this decision wasn’t hard for her. After seeing how animals are treated, she decided to get actively involved with PETA2, the company that originally convinced her to go vegetarian. She has completed several missions like handing out informational pamphlets and posting on social media about animals’ rights and joined campaigns against Sea World, fur-wearing and The Ringling Brothers. It works on a pointbased system for each animal rights mission she does she receives points and can get merchandise. “I think for me it’s more important doing what’s right for the animals than getting free merchandise. That’s just a bonus,” Hamilton said.
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CENTER
CAREER LIZZIE FARIA online editor
The question of “what are you going to do after school?” can quite possibly be the scariest question to answer for some students. Everything is all jumbled up and tangled together in one big mess of decision making. It’s not an easy choice in the slightest and having that pressure dangling over someone’s head is nerve wracking. It’s like when the counselor comes into the classroom to talk to everyone about college and how to apply. It’s the one thing some students have been putting off for years because the mere thought of it is deafening. For some, this can be linked to anxiety, a mental illness that makes a decision as big as college to ordering something at a restaurant become the hardest decisions to make, which can turn everything upside down. For those who don’t want to go to college but know what career path they want to take, these a couple things students can do while in high school to get themselves ready for the work force. Cosmetology and auto tech are a few options for those who want to get a head start on a career in these fields. The other options include welding, pharmacy tech, serve safe, culinary and ROTC. Students can earn a full license in either cosmetology or auto tech and they can get started right away. Here’s what’s required for each:
COSMETOLOGY AUTO TECH
Students take SP2 courses within the first month of the semester. By the end of the semester, students take one Automotive Service Excellence program. It’s a two-year program with nine courses. Each license is for a specific part of a vehicle (brakes, transmission) /The requirements for getting a license in auto tech go like this: “Basically, pass the test. It’s pretty involved with difficult tests. The automotive industry sets the standard for the test,” auto tech teacher Bruce Pittman said. Students who have earned up to 6 or 7 certificates and a person who is specialized and certified in all parts of the automobile earns the title of Master Tech. “You go to college for four years in a field with no demand. You get out of college and have tons of debt. The transportation industry will always be in demand, transportation is not going anywhere. The transportation industry is guaranteed, it’s a recession proof industry. Times get tough but we (mechanics) still work. It’s not for everybody however,” Pittman said. There are specific requirements asked of students in order to gain their license. “In the real world, the class (autotech) counts as one year, but you must have two years in the industry in order to get a job,” Pittman said. As for whether or not the students attend college, it’s all up to them if they want to further their career as an auto technician or if they are content with their license. “I’d say about half go to college. I have one student who goes to A&M. He works in a shop. They work in a shop for five weeks, go to college for five weeks, shop, then college. These kids get out of college without debt because they’re mechanics,” Pittman. said.
Students have to clock in 1000 hours to earn their cosmetology license. After they reach the required number of hours, they are qualified to take the Operator Written Exam. The exam is 100 questions and they must pass the written exam before they qualify to take the Operator Practical Exam. They have to pass both portions to earn their license. “Students are usually enrolled in cosmetology for two and a half years,” cosmetology teacher Laura Pickett said. “They reach the required 1000 hours in spring of their senior year.”
When it comes to the debate of whether or not it’s a good alternative for college, the answer is simple. “Yes, I think Cosmetology is a great alternative for students that don’t want to go to college. It’s my hope that my students consider enrolling in college. Many of my students work in a salon to help pay for college,” said Pickett. Some attend college to earn a business to help them start a business. Others work in salons to pay off debt and student loans while in college or start working after college.
ROTC
JROTC is another class that students can receive a certificate to enter the workforce. The certificate comes in two forms. The two-year certificate is something students get after completing two years of JROTC. The second is the three to four year certificate. The way to get these certificates is time in the program and passing the class. JROTC is not about recruiting students into the military. In fact, it’s about teaching leadership skills and teaching students to become better citizens. As an alternative to college, Captain Scott Thomas, teacher of JROTC I-IV, said that there’s not a clear answer. “A mixture. About 15 percent of students go into the military straight away,” Thomas said. But this all depends on the
student. Since it’s a mixture, a variety go all sorts of routes. Some go into the military, while others go to college to join that college’s ROTC program and learn how to be an officer in the military, The certificates come in handy since they allow students more money to pay for college with, they can take less classes and they have a higher military rank when they enter the army. The students also do community service projects that they organize and do themselves. “Last year, the students did a total of 1200 hours of community service,” Thomas said. ROTC is a program all its own that has its own requirements and qualifications needed.
CULINARY
Culinary is another class that offers a certificate for students who want to enter the workforce. The requirements are as follows: it takes 4 years to get a certificate. But, if they want to become a chef, it takes a 4-year degree or an associate’s degree or said certificate. “Most students benefit from working in the industry while they study, and some culinary schools offer a job board to help them match up with employers,” Michele Smith, Culinary Arts teacher said. As for whether or not this is a good alternative to college, the answer is yes. “Students who want a career working in restaurants benefit from earning a certificate postsecondary,” Smith said. But it doesn’t stop there. An internship is required for most programs that students would want to enter. Also experience in the field is good to have. “I think a person should get a feel for the industry, try getting work experience before entering culinary school,” Smith said. ROTC: Thomas Dragsbaek gets
his weekly inspection from Senior Master Sergeant Michael Claiborn Photo Aya Rawashdeh Culinary: Jonathan Escamilla stirs the mixture to make a pie in the culinary room. Photo by Karina Rodriguez
CARvs COLL
WHICH PATH YOU
“I want to be a nurse practitione I will take my pharmacy technic so I can have a job in college. I bachelor’s degree in nursing, th a registered nurse, and go back doctorate’s degree.”
“When I get out of high school I and then become an Aerspace college is essential to land a job Even though college is expensi be well worth it in the long run.”
“After high school, hopefully I’ll in a high end salon. For a back for a business degree since ev own salon. In the hair industry, it would be to the job rather than college.”
“I’m in the national guard, so I’m soldier and a full time student. I am going to get my training, w months, and then go to college are happening outside of our c do something, even if it’s in ou
11. 20. 15
REER s. LEGE
CENTER
SUZY VAZQUEZ opinion editor
DEGREES OF DEGREES ASSOCIATE’S
-Cayla Miller, 12
I would like to go to college e Engineer. Going to b in the engineering field. ive and a lot of work, it will ” -Connor Lard, 11
get a salon job, preferably kup, I would go to college ventually I want to run my better to devote your time -Asianna Jeter, 12
m going to be a part time Right after high school which takes about six e. Due to the events that country, I feel like I need to ur community.” -Alec DeLeon, 12
COLLEGE
As high school comes to a close and students start thinking about their futures. It’s important for them to know their options and to figure out their personal path to success. In 2014, 22 percent of Cy-Fair students didn’t attend either a two-year or four-year college. What these students might not have realized is the different advantages that furthering their education could have given them. “The most important and unique advantage of going to college is options. If one has increased options, they will have more opportunities to succeed.” Bennie Lambert, Interim Vice President of Student Success at Lone Star College - Cy-Fair said. When a student furthers their education, no matter their chosen profession, they increase the number of options they have in the future. “College can create different opportunities for students through study abroad programs that further cultural knowledge, it can expose a person to knew ideas, and even make a student completely change their major and aspirations. College is more than just a diploma, it’s a learning experience.” Erin Stockton, College and Careers Counselor, said. On the other hand, for students who aren’t yet college ready after graduation there are options for them as well at Lone Star College - Cy-Fair. “We immediately prepare all students for college and the workforce by training everyone in a particular skill, thus making students who weren’t college ready, now ready and with a certificate in a profession.” Lambert said.
IS BEST FOR U?
er. At the end of this year, cian exam to be certified I will attend SFA to get my hen receive certification as k to get my master’s and
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An associate’s degree is a twoyear degree earned at a two-year year college. It is usually offered at community colleges, technical schools and some universities. There are three types of associate’s degree - including an associate of art, associate of science and an associate of applied science. Some popular associate of applied science degree majors include customer relationship management, web design, entrepreneurship, human services and paralegal studies. Jobs with associate degree in arts include sales, management positions and education positions at the nonteacher level. AS degree subjects include nursing, business administration and criminal justice. Nursing and healthcare associate of science degree jobs include physical therapy, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, registered nurses and medical transcriptionists. Business administration associate degree jobs include administrative assistants, sales managers, accounting and auditing clerks and realtors. The technology and information technology-related jobs that require associate’s degrees include computer network support specialists, IT systems administrators, database coordinators and web developer.
BACHELOR’S A bachelor’s degree is four-year degree earned at a traditional fouryear college. The three most popular types are bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of fine arts. The bachelor of arts degree focuses on the liberal arts and the most common majors are education, theatre, art, communications and language. The bachelor of science is more career focused and less about exploration. Popular majors are nursing, computer science, economics and chemical engineering. A bachelor of fine arts is for students wishing to go into the creative arts. Many students go on to be professionals in dancing, singing, acting and painting.
MASTER’S A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study that takes about two years of study to complete the coursework. A master’s degree should be a goal for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree, students who know their career requires it, and students who hope for a higher salary. There are many options online to obtain master’s degrees and most universities offer programs. Popular jobs that require a master’s degree include education administrators at all levels of education, counselors (marriage, family, rehabilitation, and mental health), nurse practitioners and physician assistants, statisticians and mathematicians and political scientists.
DOCTORATE A doctorate degree is the highest level of education one can receive. Students can earn a doctorate in almost any subject and it takes about four years to complete. There aren’t many options for doctorate degrees offered online because there isn’t a high demand for this type of education. Typically psychologists, professors at universities, and doctors require a doctorate degree.
PhD PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy which is a degree that qualifies the person able to teach at a university level or work in a specialized position. The way to get a PhD is different for every university but usually takes four years and requires the student to complete original research and create a thesis. The requirements to apply for a PhD are to hold a bachelor’s degree and most likely a master’s degree with decent grades, a way to fund your research, and a supervisor who can be a professor at the university where you’re studying.
* College ready: In Mrs. Gill’s AP Biology class, seniors Dalton King and Jay De La Cerda measure the size of an ancestral skull for their lab Photo by Sabrina Sommer
Go to geteducated.com and topuniversities.com or more information about college and career options,
11. 20. 15 12 LIFE Diabetic Dynamos: THREE WOMEN SHARE HOW THEIR DISEASE HAS SHAPED THEIR LIVES AUDREY GRAY culture editor
Photo by Audrey Gray.
Photo by Edward Caten
Photo by Edward Caten
Courtney Mayes
Jocelin Jaynes
Sandra Mata
Wake up. Check blood sugar. Calculate carbs of breakfast and lunch. Check blood sugar. Insulin pump for carbs. Eat lunch. Check blood sugar in the afternoon. Check again right before dinner. Insulin pump. Eat dinner. Check blood sugar right before bed. This is the daily routine for junior Courtney Mayes. Mayes was diagnosed with Type One diabetes on Nov. 1, 2012. She had gone to her pediatrician for what she thought would be a regular check up, but the visit took a turn for the worse when the doctor found ketones in her urine sample. Ketones form in the urine when cells start to burn fat instead of glucose. Since ketones are one of the main signs of diabetes, the doctor immediately had her return for blood samples and soon after, she was diagnosed as a type one diabetic. “I freaked out because immediately I thought it was my fault,” Mayes said, “I thought it was because of something I was eating or doing.” Instantly, Mayes had to start a routine of keeping up with what she ate, remembering to pump the insulin, and just having to be more aware of her health. For every meal and drink, Mayes calculates the carbs and records them on a website that syncs with her insulin pump. Diabetes affects people in different ways. For Mayes it affected her ability to enjoy one of her favorite hobbies. “When I was first diagnosed, I was scared to do swim or any type of athletic activity,” Mayes said, “My blood sugar could get low and something tragic could have happened which scared me to think about.”
Like Mayes, sophomore Jocelin Jaynes was diagnosed with type one diabetes in middle school on Nov. 25, 2013. “I was peeing a lot and constantly drinking water, so my mom thought we should check my blood sugar since she recognized the signs,” Jaynes said. Although Jaynes was knowledgeable and aware of the disease, she never thought diabetes would impact her. Jayne’s older sister, Jaylin, was diagnosed when she was 9 along with her father who has suffered diabetes for 21 years. It’s usually uncommon for multiple children in a family to inherit diabetes from the parents, so when Jaynes family found out, it was a surprise to everyone. “If you’re a man with Type One diabetes, the odds of your child developing diabetes are 1 in 17,” Jocelin’s father, James Jaynes, said. Since Jaynes has grown up around diabetics, she is aware of what to do when something happens to someone else. But when she thinks about something happening to her, she becomes scared of feeling helpless. Jaynes spent her first year on the pump, but soon switched to the insulin shots. “I check my blood sugar five times a day, and take about five shots a day,” Jaynes said, “The pump was easier, but I didn’t like it so I switched to the shots.” Life hasn’t changed much for Jaynes. In fact, she is ironically thankful for diabetes. “Life is actually easier now. Before I never exercised or ate healthy,” says Jaynes, “but now it’s something that comes naturally in my lifestyle.”
Senior Sandra Mata was diagnosed with type one diabetes on June 1, 2011. “Both of my parents had diabetes, so when I first found out I wasn’t worried,” Mata said, “But after my doctor explained it all to me, I started to become scared.” Mata first realized something was wrong when she started to feel constantly weak and dizzy. “I was walking to lunch one day when I suddenly passed out and after I woke up in the nurse, we had a good idea of what was going on,” Maya said. Mata follows a strict daily routine for insulin injections, and visits the school nurse twice every week. The more Mata has learned about diabetes, the more she’s realizing how it’s affecting her life. “I always knew I wanted to drive something big like an airplane or bus,” Mata said, “But after learning more I’ve found out I’m not aloud to control large crowds for safety reasons.” Although she is still allowed to operate a car, Mata still takes multiple precautions before getting behind the wheel.
Infographic by Esmeralda Harvey
CULTURE
11. 20. 15
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American Horror Story actor Wes Bentley checks into the Hotel Cortez. Photo courtesy of FX
The Best of Me stars: 5/5
Clueless stars: 3/5
JUST ADD POPCORN, SWEATPANTS
If you enjoy a good romance movie and hate when the plots are lackluster, then you should watch this movie and be ready for a refreshing romance story that isn’t a total cliche.
Cher, a rich high school student, thinks she is the perfect matchmaker. When trying to boost the popularity of the new girl, Tai, she becomes more popular than Cher is. Cher is misguided by her decision and finds herself falling for her ex-stepbrother.
Your new Friday night HANNAH WOODRUM reporter
ALEX WHITE public relations
American Horror Story stars: 4/5 This Emmy-winning drama displays the power of supernatural fears and everyday horrors, exploring humankind’s unsettling capacity for evil. Each season has a different plot and a different story but each season is as gory and rough as the season before it. Starring: Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Lady Gaga
Young and Hungry stars: 4/5
A female food blogger is hired as a personal chef by a young tech millionaire and faces a new menu of challenges, both inside and outside of the kitchen. Gabi’s life is twisted around when millionaire Josh hires her to be a chef in his kitchen but one simple mistake turns Gabi’s life around. Starring: Emily Osment, Kym Whitley, Jonathan Sadowski Seasons: 2
Seasons: 5
How I Met Your Mother stars: 4/5
Rocky stars: 4/5
In this comedy, Ted’s epic search for his soul mate is told through flashbacks. As an adult Ted recounts to his kids on how he met their mother. When Ted meets Robin he believes it’s meant to be, but it’s not that easy when Ted gets friend-zoned. Through outrageous ideas trying to get Robin’s attention, with his best friend Barney on his side, destiny has its ways of showing its true colors.
Rocky Balboa steps back into the boxing ring after thirty years. Rocky comes out of retirement and puts his gloves on one last time to defeat heavyweight champ Mason “the line” Dixon. Rocky is a movie to watch to help seek motivation, Rocky shows determination and fallouts throughout the whole movie but he always gets back onto his feet to knock out whatever stands in his way.
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, Josh Radnor.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Talia Shire
Seasons: 9
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato
The Secret stars: 5/5 If you choose to watch documentaries, then check this out and prepare for your mind to be blown when you discover that the secret to happiness is actually a lot easier than most people believe. Starring: Bob Proctor, Joe Vitale, John Assaraf
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd
Tweet us at @cyfairpress and tell us what you binge watch on Netflix. Art by Esmeralda Harvey
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11. 20. 15
CULTURE
Life’s what you BAKE it WHERE TO FIND THE BEST CUPCAKES IN CYPRESS SWITCH BRILLO news editor
MELODY BERRYHILL reporter
Cupcake Cowgirls 10750 Barker Cypress Rd. Suite 112 Taking a turn from the usual “trendy” cupcakeries, the Cupcake Wars winning cupcakery doesn’t disappoint. The eclectic country themed cupcakery instantly greets you with a smile and is happy to help you out with the many flavors on display. The cupcakery feeds the classic soul with flavors ranging from Snickerdoodle to Samoa to Chocolate Raspberry. They also offer their Cupcake Wars winning flavors Irish chocolate and Caramel. The light and flavorful cake compliments
Gigi’s Cupcakes the perfectly whipped frosting. The taste is neither too bland or too sweet, but just right. This cupcakery is the home away from home for cupcake lovers alike.
12343 Barker Cypress Rd # 210 Gigi’s shows that you can never have too much frosting. The cupcakery has a different menu each day, offering over 20 different flavors. And just in time for fall, Gigi’s carries their seasonal fall flavors including Pumpkin Spice Latte, Mama’s Butterscotch Bacon, S’mores, and Butterscotch Cheesecake. But for those who stick with the usuals, Gigi’s doesn’t disappoint with their
Price: $3.25 The Reporter Recommendation: Grandma Love, a rich vanilla cake with a chocolate fudge center and topped with more chocolate fudge icing.
Scarlett’s Red Velvet and Birthday Surprise. The unique cupcakes are not only appealing to the eye, but are also sure to satisfy your cravings. Be warned, the cupcakes may be too sweet for some and the frosting might be an overload, but overall, their cupcakes are moist and delicious. Price: $3.25 The Reporter Recommendation: Triple Chocolate Torte, a rich, dark chocolate cake with a brownie texture, baked without flour, topped with a chocolate ganache rose and powdered sugar.
Smallcakes Treat! 12149 FM 1960 W, 126 Vintage Park Blvd, The exclamation point is an overstatement. The cupcakery is a solid 10 when it comes to decor but a solid 2 when it comes to cupcakes. Taking an overview of the entire cupcakery, everything has an exquisite aesthetic to it.The only letdown are the cupcakes. The look deceives the flavor. The frosting is far too rich, making it impossible to finish it without feeling the need to visit a dentist. The cake
isn’t sweet enough which makes the frosting to cake ratio awkward. Give Treat! a visit if you’re in the Vintage Park area to try it out, but otherwise, there are better options out there. Price: $3.25 The Reporter Recommendation: Doggie Cupcakes, a small muffin with a doggie treat on top.
Rating scale out of 5 cupcakes:
Gigis Cupcakes
Not even two seconds into Smallcakes and you’re already greeted by the enthusiastic workers. The inside looks comfortable enough to become your new study hangout. All the way from Strawberry to Hot Fudge Sundae, the cupcakery gives you a variety of options. Not only is the look of the cupcakes extravagant, so is the taste. The frosting is soft and savory while the cake adds an extra hint of sweetness. When you’re checking out, the cupcakes are put
into a cute pink box with the company’s logo on the print. Smallcakes were featured on the Today Show and once you give the cupcakery a try, you’ll see why. You won’t even have to look into finding another cupcakery once you get a bite of what this business is about. Price: $3.50 The Reporter Recommendation: Cookies-nCream, chocolate cake with their signature oreo vanilla buttercream topped with Oreo cookies
Photos by Melody Berryhill and Switch Brillo Artwork by Danyel’la Johnson
CULTURE
11. 20. 15
Surfing the apocalyptic wave WHEN ALIENS ATTACK, WHO WILL SURVIVE? JOHN SANCHEZ managing editor
No, this isn’t “The Hunger Games” or “Divergent.” This is just another teenage girl trying to save her family and survive in a future where nothing is right. Ten days after a picture is released showing the alien mothership passing Mars making its way toward earth, The Others arrive in earth’s atmosphere and start orbiting the planet. The Others send down four waves of attack, each more powerful and deadly than the last, with one goal: kill all humans. “The 5th Wave,” written by Rick Yancey. is a dystopian novel written so that each part of the book tells a different perspective of different characters. It confusingly switches back and forth between the characters’ journeys as you watch them develop and intertwine. The majority the book tells the story of 16-year-old Cassie (short for Cassiopeia) Sullivan trying to survive the invasion, all while looking for her brother, Sammy, who has been taken by the military. Along the way she meets Evan, a strong and burly farm boy who she inevitably falls in love with, but Cassie can tell that there is something Evan is hiding. The book also revolves around teenager Ben Parish who resided in Tent City, a name given to the mass of homeless and sick people trying to make refuge. When the aliens attack the cluster of makeshift shelters, Ben is rescued by the military and taken to a military base. There
he is trained to fight and win back earth. You also get a look into Sammy’s life. He is taken from the comforting protection of his family and gets placed into Camp Heaven, a military base where he will be safe from The Others. This book was written as if it were actually inside the mind of a teenager, or at least the stereotypical mind of a teenager. It includes loads of short fragmented sentences and quirky and relatable thoughts written in italics to show that those sentences were her thoughts. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast read. The 5th Wave is full of twists and turns, but they were pretty predictable if you pay attention to the small details. The majority of the story is such a cliche. It’s impossible not to know what is going to happen next. Overall, I would give this novel three-anda-half flying saucers out of five. Yancey also wrote “The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp” and “The Monstrumologist”, which received the Michael L. Printz Honor. “The Infinite Sea” and “The Last Star” are the sequels to “The 5th Wave”, and they are out now. “The 5th Wave is coming to the big screen in January of 2016.
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT CY-FAIR BOBCATS! Amber Nall
Owner and Realtor
832-283-5634
amber@echelonteamrealty.com 13602 Kluge Corner Ln. Cypress, TX 77429 www.echelonteamrealty.com
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16 OPINION Grade point over passion
11. 20. 15
SOPHOMORE TRASHES CLASS RANK SYSTEM
SUZY VAZQUEZ opinion editor
The vicious race for who can take the most advanced classes, give up the most of what they love, and ultimately fight for a high grade point average is known to most of us, as the class rank. Every year at high schools all around the United States, students throw themselves into the tumultuous world of the GPA game. A game where a winner is awarded with the title of valedictorian and everyone else fights to be in whatever percentage their college of choice requires for automatic acceptance. Most of us have taken classes that we honestly have no interest in and we take them because the course is advanced. We waste away, bored in what we’re doing, and for what? So a college can accept us for the fact that we’re good at not participating in anything that we’re actually passionate about? This mindset is exactly what class rank and college automatic acceptance light a fire under. They encourage students not to be intellectually curious or have any individuality, but instead to be a part of an equation. U.S. News did a national ranking of the top universities and all of the top 18 schools are private universities that don’t have an automatic acceptance. This correlation between top ranked schools, and admissions processes is hard to ignore. When looking at Princeton University, the
Art by Bri Gonzalez
top ranked school in the U.S., anyone can see that their admissions process goes beyond class rank. They state on their website “Princeton’s admissions process goes beyond simply looking for academically accomplished students. For each freshmen class, we bring together a varied mix of high-achieving, intellectually gifted students from diverse backgrounds to create an exceptional learning community.” When colleges look beyond the class rank and get a look at the applicant and their accomplishments outside the classroom they are more successful and that is clearly proven when looking at college rankings. The kids who participate in extracurriculars that cost them grade points like sports, band, and theatre are ultimately punished for it
when it comes to the rank and are put behind students who never participated in anything when applying to public universities in Texas. Yet, the kid who takes the advanced electives they could care less about, even though they have no interest in pursuing a career involving anything that class teaches, is deemed more intelligent when it comes down to the GPA. I’d rather have a college look at the classes I took, how well I did, and to actually read my essays rather than check my class rank and send me my acceptance letter. This method would foster kids to be intellectually curious, explore their passions, and to be more than just a number.
GPA can rarely give you insight to the intelligence of a student anymore because it’s just a game and the winners know how to manipulate it. I’m tired of looking good only on paper and that’s why I’m forfeiting this game. When I pick my classes I’m going to choose the classes that challenge me and interest me without regard for GPA. It’s time for an end to this competition and a beginning to a new era of learning where being smart is determined by how hard you work in the classes you’re passionate about and how challenging the curriculum is that you’re taking.
A rant about your rants
SENIOR CHALLENGES IGNORANCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA EMILY SCHULTE culture editor
According to a user on Tumblr, Rue was killed in The Hunger Games because of
her skin color. Forget the fact that she was put in an arena by a narcissistic government to fight to the death against 23 other kids, but apparently her downfall was her race. This is a prime example of a time when mixing social media with current social and political topics has made me openly cringe. Yet here I am, caught between a rock and a hard place because I strongly encourage people of my age to develop opinions on the things that go on in modern society and to use social media as a communicative tool. Many seniors - including me - and juniors,
will be 18 by the November 2016 election. It’s frightening to know that a portion of young voters have no clue about what’s going on in our nation, let alone our world. We are the technological generation. There’s no use denying that. But there are major perks of having a multitude of advanced sources around us. Though there’s an abundant amount of information about the world just waiting at our fingertips, but I’m starting to realize that it’s breaking news to some people that social media tools - namely Twitter and Facebook can be used for things other than daily rants about teenage injustice. First and foremost, before drafting a tweet or creating a post, we should be educated on the subject itself. Not talking about something without any prior knowledge seems like a no brainer, right? Sadly, Buzzfeed is still mistaken as an advanced new source and misconceptions on religion and morals are as frequent as the migraines they give me. Any owner of an active social media
account can remember the flood of posts the morning same sex marriage was legalized or the continuous debates over the current defunding of Planned Parenthood. These are such sensitive topics and if they are not discussed in a respectful and educated way, nothing good is going to come out of the rants. Though someone may feel very strongly about his or her opinion, it still remains to be an opinion. It is not a fact. The phrase “your opinion is wrong” is completely invalid. Do people fail to realize that by calling someone “closed minded”, it immediately means they are the closed minded one for not accepting that not everyone’s
‘Though someone may feel very strongly about his or her opinion, it still remains to be an opinion. It is not a fact.’
Art by Hannah Helgren
opinion is going to be the same? Social media, when used correctly, is the perfect outlet to express political and social ideas. Debate to learn about other people’s opinions and spread yours, not to have pointless arguments over the computer. Democrats. Republicans. Moderates. Whatever part of the political spectrum someone identifies as, we are all working toward a better nation. Being hateful toward someone who doesn’t have the same beliefs only separates us even more.
ADS
11. 20. 15
HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE!
Visit your College Connections Advisor Fridays at your high school or sign up for LSC-CyFair campus tours Tuesdays through Fridays! For information, call 281.290.3430. LoneStar.edu Three convenient locations! LSC-CyFair
9191 Barker Cypress at West Road
LSC-Fairbanks Center
14955 Northwest Freeway near Beltway 8
LSC-Cypress Center 19710 Clay Road at Fry Road
Open Doors
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11. 20. 15
OPINION
Small towns, big history
STUDENT REFLECTS ON APPRECIATING VALUE OF HISTORIC TEXAS SMALL TOWNS are now simply props for candid Instagram photos, or serve as aesthetic senior portrait locations. In reality, these seemingly unappealing towns that don’t even show up as dots on a map have much deeper, richer histories that posts on social media can’t even hope to appreciate. Take, for instance, Nacogdoches, a small town older than Texas itself that was home to some of Texas’ first immigrants back when the state was still a part of Mexico. However, most people will only recognize the name of this small town because of Stephen F. Austin University. Even more significant is the small gem of a town in the Texas Hill Country called Gruene. This small town once thrived as a cotton town, harvesting the cash crop well through the Dust Bowl. Unfortunately, as is with the case of Nacogdoches, people only know this community because of Gruene Hall, a local music hall and community attraction turned into a candid photo opportunity for travelers and high school students alike. Nobody, except for the oldest residents of Gruene, will ever remember that this music hall opened in 1878, nor will they remember that this scenic location is where famous country singer George Strait got his start back in 1975, or even the rich German culture passed down from the town’s earliest immigrants. These facets of history lose their merit with each new wave of tourists, and this leads me to my philosophy on the history of small towns. History is something that needs to be seen and experienced to be appreciated, not documented through a social media post. As a history lover myself, I take great pride in learning about the diverse history of places I visit because those stories come as fascinating to me. However, most high school students tend to turn a blind eye to history, remembering all the “useless” dates and facts they forced themselves to memorize for their geography and history classes and asking: “When am I going to use these in real life?” Believe me, they probably won’t. History is meant to enrich our lives and teach us who we are and where we come from. Knowing about the values and customs of the people that have come before us gives us something to be proud of. We don’t necessarily have to follow each and every tradition that our ancestors have set forth, but acknowledging them as a part of our unique identities shows how open-minded we can be. Whether our families all get together at an aunt’s house for Christmas, or whether we run down the street on New Year’s clutching suitcases, we all have different pieces of several unique cultures in all of us that, together, make us complete.
CODY BROWN life editor
My family comes from a small town about an hour outside of Waco called Bremond. Not even 1,000 people live there, but it’s the epicenter for everything about my family’s history. In the 1800s, my ancestors immigrated from Poland to this small farming community with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a dream of making their own lives, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that my great grandmother, Mary Kubiak, moved to Houston with two young boys to pursue her dreams as a post-World War II woman living her life in America. When she arrived, she promptly met my great-grandfather, Bruno Wilganowski, ran a bar in the Heights and gave birth to my grandfather, Bruno Jr. As for me, I came along about 58 years later. We, as Texans, take pride in the tradition and history of who we are and the state we live in. We flock by the thousands
“These seemingly unappealing towns that don’t even show up as dots on a map have much deeper, richer histories’
to events such as college football games and the Texas State Fair because everyone who attends them shares pride for their community. And we do it because we love our great state. But as Cy-Fair students, we take tradition to an entirely new level. Regardless of who we stand next to at our pep rallies or football games, be it a stranger or a lifelong friend, we lose ourselves in the BFND spirit that fills us all, and we always cheer on our boys in maroon. It’s that strong sense of unity that shows our passion for our school. However, I have to shake my head at how little my generation cares for the traditions and histories of the small towns that make Texas great. They’ve been reduced to passing scenery and tourist traps with the advent of social media. Once-bustling taverns and storefronts that have stood since the early 20th century have been replaced with antique stores appealing to travelers looking for a quaint artifact to take home, and symbolic landmarks in small towns like statues and homes
Artwork by Esmeralda Harvey
This is not ‘The Notebook’ STUDENTS SHOULD KISS AWAY PDA
LAURYN WALKER reporter
It’s in the hallways. It’s next to your classes. It’s. Directly. In. Your. Face. You know it. I know it. Even your teachers know all about it. PDA, public display of atrocity. I’m talking about the couple who tries to get to second base outside my class. The one that likes to have a friendly game of tonsil-tennis in the middle of Main Street, and the couple that blocks my
way to first period because who doesn’t need a quick make-out session to get the day going? No one knows when it began to get this bad. Though some have been subjected to it from the early years in sixth grade. What I do know is it is very much present now. It needs to be stopped. Immediately. I don’t come to school every day to see tongues and neither does any other student. I don’t want to be here in the first place. I don’t need people making this experience more painful. Some teachers try to stop PDA when they see it getting to an excessive point, but they can’t control it everywhere. Some don’t even bother anymore because they have to focus on actually educating.
Most couples keep it simple and appropriate. However, the ones that don’t make all the others look worse than they actually are. A few couples making everyone else uncomfortable brings a bad reputation for all of them. And this will inevitably result in the Appropriateness Police taking a trip to the student code of conduct and forcing stricter rules upon everyone. The million dollar question is: Where is the line? When does someone need to say knock it off? Is it holding hands or an arm around the waist? Is it a peck on the cheek or quick kiss on the lips? Is it before or after a Notebook-style kiss (rain optional)? How much tongue is too much tongue? My answer is that
Artwork by Bri Gonzalez
I shouldn’t feel like a background actor in a love story. I’m not getting paid to be forced to awkwardly watch, not even rehearsed nor calculated, make-out sessions. Everyone should remember their setting and their audience before
deciding that a pillar of this school is the perfect place for a snog. I get that kissing is the way one expresses affection and love for their significant other. And school is the only place where some couples get to see each other. I’m
not saying kissing should be banned or a 10-foot pole be stuck in between every couple. But there needs to be a point where couples realize that they are in school and not on the set of a bad, teen love movie.
OPINION
11. 20. 15
the REPORTER staff
Co-Editor in Chief JULIA RYZA Co-Editor in Chief EMME ENOJADO Managing Editor JOHN SANCHEZ Sports Editor CLAIRE MYNATT Opinion Editors MADI CHRISTIAN SUZY VAZQUEZ Culture Editors AUDREY GRAY EMILY SCHULTE News Editor NICOLE SHAIR SWITCH BRILLO Life Editors CODY BROWN BRI GONZALEZ Art Director ESMERALDA HARVEY Business Managers HANNAH HELGREN HANNA WILLINGHAM KAITLYN COATS Public Relations ALEX WHITE Copy Editor LAURYN WALKER Reporters, Artists EDWARD CATEN,, HANNAH WOODRUM, BLAKE NALL, MELODY BERRYHILL, LILY ADAM Online Editor LIZZIE FARIA SWITCH BRILLO
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 High School is located at 22602 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429. Please contct the journalism classroom at (281) 897-4658 to advertise in this publication or email Lillian.Harris@cfisd.net.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Black Thursday
PUT THE THANKS BACK IN THANKSGIVING Instead of planning Thanksgiving meals, people are planning out a day of shopping. Black Friday is traditionally celebrated on midnight Thanksgiving day. On this day, people hurry to a crowded mall to fight over the remaining pair of jeans that happen to be half off lying on an empty table. Thanksgiving seems to lose its meaning because rather than sitting around a table filled with delicious food with loved ones, people are spending their time wandering around stores looking for future Christmas presents. People don’t have to stop shopping completely, but bring it down a level. Go shopping on Friday, considering the fact that it is literally called Black Friday. Black Friday typically demands more hours from workers. Stores such as Staples, Costco, and Nordstrom have started to take notice of this. And now they are closed for this event. These corporations are encouraging their workers to celebrate. Recently REI shocked many dedicated Black Friday shoppers when they revealed that they are closing down for Thanksgiving and on Black Friday. REI encourages people to go outside instead of scrambling around a crowded store. Thanksgiving is one of the few times families are able to bond with their relatives who don’t live as close to them. By the time a person is finally in front of the line after
camping out all day, they’ll miss the whole Thanksgiving dinner. Deals will always be there whether it’s no tax day or Cyber Monday. By all means, participate. Try to prioritize what really matters. Thanksgiving has been celebrated since 1863 and Black Friday has been around since the 1950’s. Spending a day with family used to be more important than shopping. Where did all this go? Workers everywhere are separated from their families due to the hectic holiday. Their kids are home alone anxiously waiting upon their parents arrival only to be let down because by the time the parents get back they’re exhausted. Today’s society has been formed to focus on materialistic things. Be it a trendy pair of shoes that someone will eventually find ugly in the near future or a brand new playstation that someone will throw away as soon as the newest one releases, we tend to lean on unimportant things. These objects aren’t as important as being with your family. This season viral videos of two old ladies fighting over a 100-inch TV (although that would be kinda live) shouldn’t be spread around the Internet because that would be an irrelevant topic of discussion. So instead of going out shopping for late hours and early morning, think about staying in with family because new clothes can’t
Stores Closed Thanksgiving ~ Nordstorm ~ Pier 1 Imports ~ T.J.Max ~ Joann ~ Cabela’s ~ Petco ~ GameStop ~ Sam’s Club ~ REI ~ Staples ~ COSTCO
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PHOTO ESSAY
Cy-Fair’s got TALENT JOHN SANCHEZ managing editor
Clockwise from top left Leap of faith. Senior Noelle Yegge jumps during her dance performance. Photo by Aya Rawashdeh
Act it out. Seniors Chara Tatum and Arrington Level perform a comedy skit. Photo by Sabrina Sommer
Piano man. Senior Brennan Passon plays the piano while singing. Photo by Aya Rawashdeh
Girl power. The girls of YLPA pose before performing their routine. Photo by Aya Rawashdeh Sing us a song. Sophomore Zachary Johns sings a comedic song. Photo by Sabrina
Sommer
Disclaimer: These photos were taken during the dress reharsals for the talent show. The paper went to print prior to the talent show on Nov. 17.
11. 20. 15