The Reporter, Cy-Fair HS, Issue 7, May 27, 2014, Vol. 67

news 6

life 19

culture 23

thereporter Volume 67

senior edition

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Issue 7

throwback to childhood fads and throwforward to planning for the future

Sports

Cy-Fair High School

3

22602 Hempstead Hwy

find out you r friends’ pla ns for the future o n the college ma p

Cypress, TX 77429

refl an ect o gra d me n ad du mo vic e ati ng ries fr sen om ior s

two sports

> Girls basketball team finished with 29 wins and 5 losses.

> Volleyball team finished with 45 wins and 4 losses.

Bobcat end-of-year recap Determined. Dillon Birden breaks a tackle in a game against Katy Taylor High School Photo by Casey Herring

Football Will Davis Sports Editor

Finishing with a regular season record of 9-1 after winning three

additional playoff games was bittersweet to the bobcat team and their supporters as each had gained another long, victorious season. The district title claimed by the football team this year has set the bar as spring training starts and the next

Waterpolo Katelyn Gehrt Reporter Water Polo Coach Monica Falk; Q: How did the teams do this year?

A: Boys and girls placed second in district. They both placed eighth in the region. The girls team got third at the HOLA tournament.

Q: What was the best game of the year?

A: For the girls, when they played Clear Creek at the Ben Garcia Memorial Tournament. The girls

Volleyball Amanda Heller Sports Editor The successful volleyball season started on August 13th against Cinco Ranch in the opener game and ended with a four-set loss to Clear Falls in the regional championship.

Not only was this team of 10 seniors, three juniors, and one sophomore undefeated district champions, but they went to four rounds in the playoffs, almost making it to state. Their final record was 45-4.

“The one thing I’m going to

played hard as a team. They were making outside shots and getting fast breaks. They were keeping up and gave a really hard team a run for their money.

For the boys, when they played Jersey Village at the region tournament. They played their hearts out and gave it 110 percent.

Q: What is the best moment you have had with the graduating seniors?

A: I asked the girls’ team who would be the least angry to defend a girl that kept pulling on them and playing dirty, and I said it would miss about Cy-fair volleyball are the friends that I’ve made and the excitement of having all your friends watch you play,” senior team captain and outside hitter Lila Palmer said. Palmer has committed to play volleyball at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and hopes that the underclassmen carry on the successful streak of the team.

“My favorite memory of this season was going to the regional championship because that was our goal at the beginning of the year. It was really sad when we lost and there were a lot of tears but we all know that we played the best we could for each other which was a good feeling,” Palmer said.

season approaches.

“The leaving seniors were mostly two year starters and displayed great leadership. They [the senior class] had a goal to be successful all season long and they did,” Athletic Director and Head Coach Ed Pustejovsky said.

Team captains Brady Wright, Drew Tobler, Dillon Birden, Pablo Salinez and Austin Keith were a few of the seniors who displayed leadership this season. When the senior class leaves, four out five starting offensive line athletes, plus the tight end will go with them, leaving junior Hunter Gonzales and new blood to fill the front ranks.

“The biggest thing we are working on now for next season is gaining strength, maturity and technical skills,” Coach Pustejovsky said.

Although this season held over a dozen games, a few stood out and were remembered as being special.

“North shore was the best game.

Our team went in as the major underdogs but winning was the greatest experience ever,” junior Quarterback Clayton Kopecky said.

probably be “Caroline Lefler.” The rest of the team thought I asked “Who is the least favorite?” From then on, Caroline has been known as “the least favorite.” Caroline was the only one listening that heard correctly. It is our inside joke.

The senior boys this year when they were younger spent time on the bench. They are the funniest group of benchwarmers I have ever had the pleasure of coaching.

The seniors this year have been excellent leaders and examples for all the underclassmen. I could only hope that all the seniors would be as amazing athletes and people as the seniors I had on the team this year.

VOLLEYBALL ALL-DISTRICT AWARDS MVP: Keely Hayes

DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Payton Harris

1ST TEAM:

Lila Palmer Kayla Brown Amanda Heller

2ND TEAM:

Nikki Robison

Basketball Girls Cy-Fair’s girl’s basketball team went undefeated in district with 13 wins. With a total of 29 wins and only 5 losses, head basketball coach Ann Roubique considers the season as a success.

“It was enjoyable and fun to be back in the league and back in the playoffs with an unbelievable group of young ladies,” Roubique said.

Senior Amber Lane, who played guard, recalls the intense practices as being the most difficult part of the season.

Boys Power forward junior Bryson Lockley; Q: What is the highlight of the season?

A: I think the highlight of the season was our last game against Langham Creek. It was absolutely the hardest game we’ve played together the whole year.

Q: Why was it the hardest game of the year?

A: It determined if we made the playoffs or not. We weren’t picked to win that game at all. Then we gave Creek a run for their money with a close game.

Q: What was your favorite part of this season?

A: My favorite part would be coming back from a home game on

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Madeleine Pierce Culture Editor

“My favorite part of the season was making it to playoffs after two years of not making it,” Lane said.

“I felt really good and accomplished [being undefeated in district] because we did what no one expected us to do.”

The impressive undefeated title isn’t the only thing Lane will remember.

“What I love about the team most was that we had no drama,” Lane said. “Everyone clicked with each other, which is rare for a girls basketball team.”

Friday nights to enjoy spending time as a team at safe houses (team house parties).

Q: What was the most challenging part for you?

A: The most challenging part for me was to accept the lessons learned from not making play offs this year and be able to use that as motivation in my work ethic next year to take my team to the playoffs.

Q: What was one of the lessons you learned from not making it to play offs?

A: The fact that we played so hard and lost was the hardest thing to bear. From that moment I realized the role I play for my team. I realized that as a leader of this team, I should have controlled that game. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way and will capitalize on next year.

Down the court. Josh Turner dribbles to the goal in a game against woods. Photo

by Nicie Flores.

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> Girls soccer team finished with 10 wins, 1 tie and 2 losses.

> The softball girls finished with 19 wins and 0 losses.

Soccer Will Davis Sports Editor Girls soccer overcame injuries and missing players to produce a solid season for the varsity team.

After losing to rival Cy-Woods the first time on Feb. 7, the Bobcats returned to take revenge and won the game 1-0 at the end of the season the girls finished with a record of 10-1-2 on April 3.

Injuries on the team included Kickin’ it. Lauren Gilbert kicks a pass to fellow teammates. Photo

by Melissa Reinsch

Baseball Tyler Whigham Reporter

From being looked at as the underdogs to advancing to playoffs, the varsity baseball team ended the district season with 18 wins and four losses, the team ranked third in the district, behind Cypress Ranch and Langham Creek, advancing into the playoffs.

Senior Kent Webster is glad that he got the opportunity to play on the Cy-Fair baseball team.

“It’s been fun, always fighting ‘til the end. Playing on the team, we’re

Tennis Madeleine Pierce Culture Editor

For the first time in what senior Sophia Newton says was at least four years, the tennis team beat Langham with a score of 10-9. The team played the Lobos early this October, in the beginning of the season.

For Newton, the game against Langham Creek was the most memorable and most challenging part of the whole season. This season was full of fun and amazing moments for Newton.

“I loved getting to play with my

like brothers,” said Webster.

The team performed better this season than they did in the two seasons prior to it, and senior Colby Martinez is very proud of how well they’ve done.

“We had a great season,” Martinez said. “The last two years we weren’t in the playoffs, and this we year we were. I’d say we had a really great year.”

Baseball coach Paul Orlando is very proud of how well the team has played and has high hopes for next year.

“The boys really fought their hearts out and just had fun playing the game,” Orlando said. friend Sharath on doubles, and the senior day my coach had for us,” Newton said.

Coach Gelhausen surprised the team with funny gifts on their own senior day. “I tried to get one gift that matches their personalities.”

Gelhausen showed his creativity when selecting gifts. One player got a bug zapper to help him practice off the court with flies instead of tennis balls. Sophia Newton received a Transformer for her amazing transformation from nice girl off the court to angry tennis player on it.

“It was a really great senior year I had really amazing teammates” Newton said.

Cross Country Jessica Ullrich Reporter

Coach Penwell’s Picks: Best overall team meet: Brenham Hillacious Invitational Best moment of the season: Elijah Moreno qualifying for Regionals MVP: Elijah Moreno Best Newcomer: Daniel Castillo Most Improved: Gentrie Fanini and Kaleb Rodriguez Most Spirited: N/A Most Dedicated: Elijah Moreno

Coach Kennedy’s Picks: Best overall team meet: District Best moment of the season: District runner-up MVP: Tyra Luong and Allison Hill Best Newcomer: Tyra Luong Most Improved: Allison Hill, Kaila Salomenson and Jessica Ullrich Most Spirited: the sophomore class Most dedicated: Rebecca Bonta and Jessica Ullrich

Softball Tyler Whigham Reporter One team, one dream. This is the motto the varsity softball team held onto as they raced through the district season undefeated, advancing to playoffs with a perfect record of 19 wins.

The team began the season with a goal in mind: to win and have fun playing the game. Senior Holly Kelley played hard, and has

Track Jessica Ullrich Reporter What was the highlight of your season?

Freshman Tyra Luong - “The highlight of track would have to be making it all the way to regionals my freshman year.”

Sophomore Maddi Falvey “Definitely medaling at Regionals.”

Junior Khyllia Barnes - “The

sports

three

Sara Hluza’s pulled quad, Kortney Descamp’s concussion, Cassidy concussion and Lindsey Perek’s concussion.

Holes in the roster were filled by players unfamiliar with that position and this caused some uncertainty on the field. “[the team] had a good and bad season, [we saw] people step up an play in different positions, but no one got comfortable on the field,” Head girls soccer coach Chad Onhaizer said.

Players such as junior Rachel Dozier played every position, but

goalie this season.

“Filling different positions was a large factor this season. What it came down to was cooperation with my teammates and using my basic skills to adapt to new positions., Dozier said.

Three three-year-varsity players among the leadership on the team were Kortney Descamp, Chandler Cooney and Lauren Gilbert.

“Next year we will lose a lot of aggression, but I look forward to the challenge of overcoming that by getting back to the basics,” Onhaizer said.

been trying to have fun despite the pressures of the playoffs.

“We’re less like a team and more like a family, and we have fun with each other,” said Kelley. “Even though the playoffs are really intense, we still try to have fun at practice and stay loose.”

Senior Cristina Alexander really took that goal to heart, and she and her teammates always had a good time.

“I think the best parts of the games were when we used

drumsticks to pump up our team and mess with the other one,” Alexander said.

Softball coach Marissa Stevens, named coach of the year, is very happy about how far the girls have come and really enjoyed coaching them.

“I’m proud of all the sacrifices they have made this year so the team can benefit,” said Stevens. “This is a special group of girls and their passion for the game and for their teammates is something to see.”

highlight of my season was being able to run in Regionals two years in a row.”

Junior Chase Rabel - “My highlight of this season was the first varsity meet, and I just focused on throwing my best at the discus and found out that I can compete with the guys much bigger than me.”

Junior Elijah Moreno - “I was racing at Cy-Ridge and Strake Jesuit was there, and that was probably the hardest race because the pack was together the whole time. I almost had

the win until the last 100 (meters). I got passed, but that was probably the best part because I PRed (achieved a personal record).”

Coach Tom Kennedy “The highlight was finishing 3rd at district and area with majority of sophomores and freshmen.

Individual highlight was placing 3 vaulters in the top 10 at region (and 2 in the top 6).”

Coach James Reese - “Elijah Moreno qualifying for the regional track meet.”

as well as the female diver of the year award. Peters is the first person from Cy-Fair to win these titles in one season.

Spread your wings. Krista Kroon swims butterfly during warm ups. Photo by Melissa

Swimming Katelyn Gehrt Reporter Cy-Fair swimmers had a successful season with 10 girls qualifying in 13 individual events and three relays at the District meet for Regionals. The boys had eight swimmers qualify in two relays and three individual events. At the Region swim meet, all girls and boys qualified in their events and participated in the finals.

Along with the swimmers doing well, junior diver Ashlynn Peters had a fantastic season. At the District and Region meet she was the champion of the One-Meter Springboard diving. Peters won state

Reinsch.

fight never dies

four sports

5.27.14

Exceptional Athletes Seniors sign with colleges to expand their athletic careers

Brady Wright Rice University

Luis Lopez

Incarnate Word University

Volleyball

Nichols State University

Kortney Descamp

Keely Hayes

Colorado School of Mines

University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Chandler Cooney

Lila Palmer

Texas State University

Sacred Heart University

Payton Harris

Mississippi State University

Softball

Golf

Andrew Reynolds University of Texas at Tyler

Hannah Moore

University of Texas at Tyler

Cristina Alexander Christina Biggerstaff El Paso Jr. College

Georgia Tech

Katelynn Christian Holly Kelley Ottawa University

Soccer

Football

Vincent Dale

Hutchinson Jr. College

Baseball Chris Hawkins

East Texas Baptist University

Alex Naiser

University of Texas at Tyler

5.27.14

ad

five

Yearbooks will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28, during 2nd period for seniors Advisory - 9, 10, 11 Questions? Room 2005

six news

Game-changing experiences Students create success as well as future connections Natalie Berry Managing Editor

Sophomore Brittney Aulbaugh experienced big success, along with the rest of the cheer team when they won Grand Champion in Disney World in February. In Disney, Aulbaugh saw several shows and met characters, like Mickey Mouse, who made an appearance at the girls’ competition. “I thought [winning] was cool, especially since half of the team was injured,” Aulbaugh said. “We weren’t expecting it at all.”

Senior Ashton Jones, starting in the beginning of May, invested his own money into creating a clothing company, Made Custom.

Jones takes requests for any kind of clothing and makes it himself in his house with his own sewing machine and materials. “I just had to come up with a concept, buy material and make a name [to get started],” Jones said. “The main reason I did it was to inspire others to do something great.” To see some of Jones’ work, check out his instagram Made_Custom_.

Junior Josephine Owolabi was accepted into a weeklong summer program called Camp Business, sponsored

by Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business. She received mail from Drexel University because she is applying there to major in Management Information Systems and International Business next fall. “I’m very excited to have gotten into the program because it’s hard to get into,” Owolabi said.

“I’m happy they thought I was a good match.”

Senior Bolora Munkhbold channeled her passion for photography into a paying job last December. For only $80 a session, Munkhbold takes photos, edits them and compiles a CD. Currently, Mukhbold has done nine senior picture shoots, with a tenth one in the near future.

“I had wanted to do it for a long time,” said Munkhbold.

“I thought I would get a good amount of business because I’m a lot cheaper than other photographers.”

Facebook.com/ BoloraMunkhboldPhotography

Top eight political moments: 2010-2014 Cody Brown Online Editor

1. Marijuana legalization

Colorado and California legalized the recreational use of marijuana in 2013, opening the public up to a once illegal drug that could only be used for medicinal purposes. Various “pot vendors” have since sprung up in these states, even going as far as marijuana vending machines, and the idea has spread to other states, including a proposition seen in Texas.

5. One-Year anniversary of Boston bombing

America wept for the three killed and more than 260 injured when Russian activists detonated a bomb during 2013’s Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. The advent of the company “Boston Strong” has made its way across the nation, spreading its message of survival and determination to even our school’s halls, with students donning wristbands and even shirts showing dedication to the cause.

According to CNN and BBC

2. Circle 8 and the Crimean annexation

The country of Crimea asked Russia in April of this year for annexation, because both the government and the citizens want to restore its status as part of the Eurasian superpower that was removed under Nikita Khrushchev during the Cold War and increase opportunities for its citizens.

Ukraine retaliated, with antiRussian forces encroaching on the border between Russia and the smaller nation. The US government approved military support for Crimea, but so far neither side has declared war.

6. Gay rights movements

Seventeen states have legalized same-sex marriages, with the issue being contested in Texas’ legislature. Though the reforms have been met with controversy, US citizens have shown an overall support for the movements, with rallies occurring even in highly conservative states like Alabama.

3. Malaysian Airlines Flight 370

World leaders have been flabbergasted, and families demand answers, as the world waits for search crews to turn up any evidence of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which vanished from radars as it passed over the Indian Ocean in March of this year. Investigators believe that the plane may have rerouted to Pakistan, but so far no evidence has been uncovered to prove this theory.

7. Sequester

Elementary school students were turned away from the White House, having been told their tour had been cancelled, and learned the meaning of the word “sequester” after the US government shut down for not being able to reach a spending settlement. Politicians and other government workers were unable to work, while national landmarks, such as the Supreme Court building, were restricted from tourists until it reopened. The most recent shutdown on Oct. 1, 2013 marked the eighteenth shutdown in US history.

4. The death of Nelson Mandela

South America and the world lost a leader, a revolutionary, and an inspiration Dec. 5, 2013 with the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at the age of 95. The entire world, including globally known senators and representatives, celebrated Mandela’s life with a funeral held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The choir department participated in a memorial celebration at the Reliant Center honoring Mandela on Dec. 14.

8. Syrian conflict

The world watched in horror as the Syrian Al-Assad regime retaliated to the pro-democracy protests of 2012 by murdering thousands of civilians and soldiers.

The US sent weapons and other aids to the nation, but other Middle Eastern nations have threatened to strike back if the US attempts military action. Protests and combat have died down as of late, but Syria is still a live bomb waiting to detonate in revolution.

5.27.14

What do you think was the biggest political moment?

“I think ObamaCare getting passed and actually being used was really important because it shows our government, even though it is in turmoil, is still functioning.”

Brandon Ross, 9 The government shutdown was a really big event because it caused national parks and businesses to temporarily close and that really hurt the economy.”

Jacob Kent, 11 “The Ukrainian Revolution was really important because it’s all been based around reactions from European countries and its destabilized international

relationships.”

Kyle Hillman, 12 “I think we should legalize marijuana because the government has no say in what you do with your body. “ Salek Rasool, 12

“The Boston Bombing was terrible. I would never wish that on anyone and I’m sorry for all the deaths.

Brandon Curley, 12

“Looking at the conflict in Syria, we can see that it has become more of a problem.

In order for the U.S. to take action it would be unilateral, which is an action that doesn’t involve the UN, which is against most policies involving the UN and global actions such as miliary provisions. In order for the government to provide for other nations we need to go through the UN. So, unilateral is bad, and that’s the only way the U.S. can act. We do not have the approval of the UN, although they’re doing things that are against democratic policies and morality.

Adam Cammack, 11

seven news

5.27.14

Involved students reflect on future, past Rebecca East Graphics Editor

When summer draws near, high school just becomes one vague memory.

School leaders Aili McLellan, Lindsay White, Clay Januhowski, Travis Bassett and Husaina Yusuf each share a special memory, while looking ahead to creating new memories.

Clay Januhowski: 12, Band “I have made most of my friends through band and band has really provided a solid base for me the past four years, and it’s going to be hard leaving for UT Austin next year. I will miss playing at the games and hyping the crowd up and hearing the cheering people.”

Photo by Sydney Hoffman

Lindsay White: 12, Band “This year I had the privilege of being the band president, and it will be one of the harder things to leave behind when I go to UT Austin next year. I will be playing saxophone in the band there, which will be my eighth year playing, but I will really miss planning the social activities and marching with all my friends.”

Photo by Sydney Hoffman.

Aili McLellan: 12, Choir “A lot of cool stuff happened this year, like meeting John Grisham and Barbara Bush at a performance downtown Choral did. I’m looking forward to going to the University of Wyoming in the fall where I will be getting my BFA in musical theatre, and I’m grateful for all the things choir has taught me that I will be able to apply in college.”

Travis Bassett: 11, Choir “In February, I competed in the solo and ensemble competition and received superiors in both. To prepare I met with a vocal coach, and he would help me with my weaknesses. Through this time I became close with my friend Josephine Owolabi because we were able to gossip together. I will really miss all the seniors when they graduate and am happy that this organization has been such an escape for me.”

Photo by Danica Sauter.

Photo by Sydney Hoffman

Husaina Yusuf: 12, Key Club “I’ve been a Key Club officer since sophomore year when I was social coordinator. Being vice president this year has been a lot of fun, and

I’m excited to continue volunteering in Austin where I will go to UT and join Circle K, which is basically the college version of Key Club. I’m sad to leave Key Club, but I’m even more

excited to continue my service on a larger scale and to find a cause I’m passionate about.”

Photo courtesy of Husaina Yusuf.

5.27.14

news

Key Club, NHS wrap up year

eight

Kestra Derise News Editor Key Club members participated in raising $5,000 for the Eliminate Project, which was started

by UNICEF and Kiwanas in order to raise $110,000,000 to eliminate neonatal tetanus from underdeveloped countries.

The Lock-In, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, car washes and club nights at froyo places and restaurants like Chili’s.

“I’ve been sponsoring Key Club for four years,” sponsor Lori Pena said. “I am extremely privileged to have started this incredibly large, but rewarding role with this group of kids. They have been the most passionate students I’ve ever had, and they care deeply about service. They have inspired me to serve my home, school, and community as they do. They’ve motivated me to push through hard times and have brought immense joy to my life. These are very special students that I work with day after day, and I am honored to be their sponsor. I am proud of serving a club that stands for integrity, selflessness, and service. We need more of that in our world.”

Key Club also placed 10 out of all the clubs in Texas and Oklahoma at the annual District Convention in April.

“That was a huge accomplishment,” new co-president and junior Naveen Singh said. “Next year our goal is to get our club to number five out of 308 clubs.”

Courtney Cernosek , the other co-president, has been in Key Club since her freshman year and has been dedicated ever since.

“It is very rewarding to volunteer in the community and by being president I get to help choose and plan events that will lead the club to success,” said Cernosek.

Naveen Singh and junior Courtney Cernosek will share the Key Club presidency next year, taking the place of senior Sahanna Krishnathasan.

“I feel honored to pass the reins to Courtney and Naveen because they are great leaders ready to make Key Club better than any other year,” Sahanna said. “I want all Key Club members to know that I thank them for their dedication and service, and I want to encourage even more people to join next year.”

National Honor Society was also involved with 40 different service projects this year. This was NHS’ first year to send care packages to local service men and women serving in Afghanistan and other areas. Key Club and NHS both participated in

April’s Relay for Life event to raise awareness for cancer. In early May, officers for next year were elected for NHS. Juniors Will Davis won president, Victoria Adams won vice president and Kayla Pachuco won webmaster.

Kimberly Garner has been the sponsor for NHS for the same amount of time as Pena has been for Key Club.

“I really enjoy what NHS stands for and as a freshman teacher it allows me the opportunity to work with my former students,” Garner said. “There are always items we change and tweak for the next year. In reality, NHS is a studentled organization and how it runs depends greatly on the members and the officers of any given year.”

With the year coming to an end former senior president Robyn Dyson watched the new NHS take their places as the leaders of NHS. “It was great to see the new officers get elected,” Dyson said. “I know that they will do a good job and I have full faith in all of them.”

Serving up Christmas cheer. NHS members Josh Rothfuchs, Katherine Keavney, Fernando Martinez , Wesley Bowden, Nam Tram, Sahanna Krisnathasan, Madison Majewski, Robyn Dyson and Dylan Nguyen take a break from serving at the annual Longwood Children’s Christmas Party 2013 to pose for a quick picture with Mrs. and Mr. Claus. Photo courtesy of Robyn Dyson.

Balloons for service. Key Club members junior Shreeti Sigdel, senior Husaina Yusuf and senior Sahanna Krisnathasan release balloons in the band parking lot for the Children’s Miracle Network event in March. Photo by Vicky Luong.

Success story. Lifeskills kids earn lettermen jackets through “Letters for Life,” a project sponsored by the girls’ basketball team. Freshman Aidan Mohr receives his lettermen at no cost thanks to all who donated to the project. Photo by Alexus Locke

it’2 0ur t1me bobc4ts

#throw back the childhood obsessions of the ‘90s kids

remember these?

CD player and headphones

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air You can’t resist finishing “In West Philadelphia born and raised...” (and you won’t miss a word, either)

This is what the real first iPod and Beats looked like.

Photo by Tim Van Ness/St. Paul Pioneer Press/MCT.

Disney movies were actually good

Tamagatchi They were everybody’s best friends, despite the constant attention they required. You know most of us accidentally killed our first few.

And so was Disney Channel. In the words of Zenon, Girl of the 21st century, Zetus Lapetus, those were the best days ever! And don’t forget LIzzie McGuire and everybody’s obsession with all things Hillary Duff.

Photo by Xavier ROSSI/Gamma-Rapho/MCT.

Rainbow parachutes

The best days in gym class were those spent playing with the giant rainbow parachutes.

Nintendo 64

Mario Kart was the best, even if it was on this clunky gaming console.

Then came the Playstation 1 that blew everyone’s minds...

Every cool kid had a Motorola Razr And if you were a girl, the pink razr was where it was at.

Photo by Rebeccah Barger.

Best candy ever Photo by HANDOUT/MCTCampus.

Crazy childhood stars Miley Cyrus looks tame compared to the other child traumas.

Britney shaved her head, Amanda Bynes entered a psychiatric hospital and then there’s Lindsay Lohan.

Photo by Plugin KRT via Sony/ MCT.

Ring Pops and Baby Bottle Pops were amazing. And anyone remember the obsession with bubble gum?

Nickelodeon

Floppy Disks When flash drives came out, it was like the clouds parted.

Drake and Josh.

Zoey 101. Full House. And everybody wanted to be slimed.

Photo by Nickelodeon/MCT.

throw forward and the current crazes of ‘14 seniors

don’t forget: dorm edition Phone alarm clock

Your phone will be fully charged in the morning and you’ll always be in class on time.

Photo by iLuv/MCT

Personal lighting

Christmas lights or lanterns will give your dorm a homey feeling with their soft lighting. You can even decorate them.

Closet Organizer Closets are tiny. This handy hanging storage works for shoes, jewelry and extra clothes.

.

Skydive

have to You only why o, be 18. S not?

Say

Extensions Cords

With all the tech nowadays, you’ll need extra outlets - and make sure to get a cord to connect your laptop to your TV. Photo by Rebeccah Barger.

Laundry basket Get the cheap pop up hampers in a bunch of different colors. Each color corresponds to the type of laundry (lights, darks, etc.)

Photo by Diversity/MCT

This QR code will take your straight to collegepackinglist.com It’s one of the niftiest, most useful websites to get you fully prepped with all the stuff for your dorm room, separated by category and including tips for each item on the list. It even provides awesome useful websites on the side.

You can also download the app by searching College Packing List.

Getdrive your friends and and drive around.

See what around. cool placesSee youwhat cool places you can find. can find.

me Of so eard and h t never he crazies k t g i n bri n th n ou ca y n g si Beach Day How m of. any of u .

Craft. s are goin Craft.for living g to be Make something by th Make something your dorm room for after gra e beach duation yourfriends. dorm room ? with Even if with friends.

Even if it’s bad, you’ll have a it’s bad, you’ll have a good memory. good memory.

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“I’m majoring in Biochemistry at BrighamYoungUniversity.I’mexcited tolearnhowthebodyfunctionsona molecular level.”

- Caroline Lefler Photo by Anastasia Brackett

Photo by Sarah East

Photo by Mireya Molina

hen arry Potter! W

Biology

Education

“I plan to share my love for music with students and hopefully influence them to follow their dreams whether they involve music or not.” - Marissa Garcia

“I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering because it’s something I’ve always been interested in.” - Mitchell Riley

Movie Marathon.

H da free 14 will you have a Atten rt. e ? ’v ge e u lle o hours in co conc one y

let’s take our caps off to learning

Engineering

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To ev es... e for a rything w With hole day. in of co reason, urse.

Roadtrip!

Road trip!

Get your friends

Photo by Bed Bath & Beyond/MCT

Photo by Disney FamilyFun magazine/MCT

your ultimate summer bucket list

Business “I’m majoring in accounting at the University of Houston.” Paul Larson

Photo by Bianca Limon

Nursing “Both my parents are in the medical field so they encourage me to be in it also.” - Ellesse Evans Photo by Bri Burns

based on a survey of 600 seniors, here are the top five majors

onward&upwar

Armed Forces US Air Force

Darryl Rosette

Morgan Knight US Army

Alejandra Coronado

Christian Hancy

David Sanchez

Elvia Loa

Patrick Rhodes

Tyler Greenwood US Marine Corps

Brandon Martinez

Brion Demps

Cody Moore

Jason Gutierrez

Jose Izquierdo

Logan Diaz US Navy

David Nelson

Jamesly Norvil

Juan Olea

Salek Rasool Trade School

Deanna Espino

Devin Grochoske

Mandi McManus

Jonathan Perez Trade School

Abigail Kearns

Allie Chappell

Ashley Vincent

Ashlyn Battaglia

Cody Osburn

Colton Gamel

Cornelio Palacios David Dudley Hector McNeill

Jessica Rodriguez

Josslynn Cardenas Kailee Hutson (Missionary Work)

Kelsey Garland Kenneth Horn Kyle Sleeman (Missionary Work) Lockey Foyt

Logan Fulkes

Nathan Garmon

Peyton Giles

Salvador Santana Thomas Girgenti

(Missionary Work) Will Evans Wyatt Crumpton

Zach Lawless Undecided

Alex Hill

Arlene Diaz

Erick Bock

Jiaxin Zhang

Pedro Palomares

Russell Rowland International Norway University of Oslo

Silje Lier Alabama Auburn University

Delaney Reynolds Samford University

Hailey O’Neal Spring Hill College

Amber Lane University of Alabama Payton Pieri Christa Doyle Arkansas John Brown University

Elizabeth Grumulaitis University of Arkansas Emily Rogers Jered Lewandowski Taylor Branham California California State University, Chico

Bonnie Brown New York Film Academy Los Angeles Ryan Adams Pepperdine University

Emily Sparks Stanford University Jordan Parker University of California Riverside Sydney Hoffman Colorado Colorado School of Mines Kortney DesCamp

Reel Rocks Community College

Colton Herring United State Air Force Academy Robyn Dyson

Connecticut Sacred Heart University

Lila Palmer United States Coast Guard Academy

Benson Errington Florida University of Miami

Lauren Brack Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology

Christina Biggerstaff Savannah College of Art and Design

Kallie McShane Hawaii University of Hawaii Britney Lagua Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Armando Gomez Indiana Indiana University Jorge Corona Iowa Iowa State University Sydney Trei Kansas Hutchinson College

Holly Kelley Kansas University Bobbie Ricks McPherson College

Amber Lane Ottawa Univesity

Katelynn Christian Louisiana Louisiana State University

Amir Joseph

Daniel Adam

Justin Prieto

Madison Sebera McNeese State Zoe Barrett University of Louisiana at Lafayette Keely Hayes Massachusetts Suffolk University

Sasha Mitchell Mississippi Mississippi State University

Payton Harris University of Mississippi Jocelyn Cropper Caroline Hill Missouri Missouri Baptist University McKenna Fisher University of Missouri Alex Edwards New Jersey Princeton University

Rebeccah Barger New York Iona College

Nicole Chacon St. John’s University

Miprincie Norvil United States Military Academy, Westpoint

Kristen McPeek Ohio Ohio State University Wesley Bowden Oklahoma Oklahoma State University

Bill Mynatt

Jimmy Meyer

Luke Huitt University of Oklahoma Bryan Quance

Caroline Bozyk

Lucas Kirkham

Will Lauterbach Patrick Martin Pennsylvania Duquesne University

Trong Do Tennessee Carson-Newman University Sophia Newton Texas

Alvin Community College Kent Webster Angellina College

Anthony Rodriguez Art Institute Brandon Barrett Joshua Raja Kelsey Rojas

Michael Martinez Shelby Kinkead Austin College

Cosmo Upton

Inez Robles

Laura McGee Baylor University Ashley Barrera Aspen Fisher Chris Ginger Emily Taylor Grace Sevier Haley Hassebrock Julie Yu Kate Brentlinger Katherine Keavney

Kylie Porter

Madi King

Mohammed Salman Blinn College Adan Flores Andrew Hallard Andrew Vossler Aniell Parrales Anthony Vogt

Aubreyia Wilson

David Nguyen Daniel Stacy Daylin Lewis Ebony Brantley Emily Placeres

Hannah Wainwright Jenni Nguyen Jessica Tyroch

Jocelyn Rodriguez

Marcus Richardson

Matthew Gaskins Matt Johnson Ninette Caicedo Riley Machacek Ryan Scarborough Sachory Gloner

Shaylor Andrew

Stephen Kerner

Quintin Aleman Blinn College at Bryan

April McGee

Blaine Powers

Giovanni Musachio

Lindsay Baker Sarah Eppley Spencer Downey Travis Janik Collin College Shannon Byrne East Texas Baptist University Charlotte Keifer Chris Hawkins Erin Hamilton El Paso Community College

Cristina Alexander Greystone Preparatory Academy at Schriener University

Esther Song Houston Baptist University

Corey Senegal

Houston Community College

Abigail Mata

Jane Ortiz

Nadia Luis Howard Payne University

Austin Scheaffer ITT Tech

Bryant Harvey

Jazmin Gonzalez Kilgore College

Chad Campodonico Lamar University Alexus Locke Lone Star College

Aaron Wolin

Abigail Guevara

Alessa Soriano

Alessandra Napieralski

Alexa Ortiz

Alexandria Martinez

Alexis Shepard

Ali Benitez

Amanda Emerson

Amena Ali

Amy Barco

Ana Alvarez

Andie Warren

Andrew Chen

Anthony Silva

Araceli Juarez

Ariele Jones

Arturo Moncivais

Ashleigh Reeves

Ashley Huskey

Bella Gomez

Ben Morones Bilal Saniora Brandon Allison Brett Carver Britney Garcia Brittany Garza Cameron Nienke Carlos Barrett Carter Adkins Cassidy Stumpf Chelsea Babino Chester Wells Cheyenne Rush Chris Avelino Christian Perez Christopher Zamora Cindy Flores Codie Feast Collin Hager Cristian Saenz Daisy Sims Danica Sauter David Sanchez Dayton Hatfield Deion Gholston Derik Padilla DeShawn Bullen Devin Mikulec Diana Sandoval Dora Covarrubias

rd

a look at the destinations of the graduating class of 2014

Duyen Vo Emely Gonzalez Emily Lawless Ernesto Lisuerros Esther Rangel Fernando Martinez France Prosper Genesis Hernandez Gera Carrillo Gregorio Zavary Heba Khalil Hector Rubiano Huyen Huqnh Irene Reyes Jennifer Shefferd Jennifer Zavala Jeremy Hill Jesse Walker Jireh Vasquez Joe Rothschild Jordan Snow Jordan Williams Jose Alvarado Joshuah Charney Julia Castillo Julian Nunez Karina Rodriguez Katie Usry Kierstin Berg Kylie Sutherland Laura Rodriguez Lauren Adamak Lauren Benavides Lauren Guillory Leah Perry Leonardo Villarreal Liliana Chuc Lionel Gangoye

Logan Renken Malik Doran Manda Nguyen Maia Washington Macie Machacek Maria Balli Marisa Torres Mayra Aguilera Maya Moawad Michelle Rios Mohammed Salibi Nahu Villalobos Nancy Orduna Nicie Flores Nick Cattagirone Nicole Hampton Nikki Goad Oscar Rodriguez Payton Hatfield Rachel Vandette Randy Smith Rebecca Smith Renee Hua Richard Mallory Richard Mayorga Romina Larramendi Rosa Reyes Ruben Deleon Ruben Zuno Ruth Harrison

Ryan Laughlin Sadie Camarillo Samantha Hacker Samar Ward Sean Forward Shaina Little Sierra Johnson Stormey Lacy Talara Braswell Taryn Barenscheer Taylor Stevens Taylore Rogers Thanh Vu

Tien Hoang Tiffany Bell Tiffany Chevallier Travis Blake Tyler Watson Ugo Nzeadibe Vanessa Guillory Vanessa Perez

Will Johnson

Zane Guerrero

Zoe Boyer Midwestern State University

Treigh Nelson Pima Medical Institute

Victoria Cooper Prairie View A&M University

Alecia Wilkes Alex Jackson Alyia Thomas Chris Chappell

Jenae Fields

Katelynn Jones

Kaylon Briggs

Lyrie Harris Nyia Skelton Rice University Brady Wright Veronica McLaren Sam Houston State University Alyssa Villanueva Anastasia Brackett Brooke Januhowski Cody Rogers David Michel Gatlin Garrett Hoelscher Gary Gutierrez Helen Beckman Holly Hadden Jacob Zimmerman

Jalisa Louis Kayla O’Brien Kyeonna Chyzinski Maria Crespo Matt Owens

Megan Gurney

Morgan Meyers

Morgan Plaster Sin Yan Wu Taylor Gurney Tyler Cervenka Zachary Thomson Stephen F. Austin State Univeristy Claire Cox Ellesse Evans Hailey Bernard Matt Ritch Megan Glosson Nick Shorter Riley Milburn St. Edward’s University

Alicia Torres

Austin Cathro Texas A&M University Alexa Parker Ashleigh Keeler Ashley Hormberg Nikki Robison Austin Keith Ayesha Siddiqui Blake Hayes Blake McDermott Blake Vance Brandon Curley Caitlyn Schoech Carly Lisbeth Caroline Hoffmann Casey Pillitere Chase LaChausse Chelsea Veselka Chris Galik Christa Kroon Clayton Bozyk

Cody Seyler

Cole Thompson

Colton Carter

Dakota King Denise Fano Destin Ray Dylan Deffner Dylan Nguyen Elizabeth Birdwell Elizabeth Teague Emily Tucker Eric Nguyen Gayle Guthrie Hayleigh Luza Ivy Laxton Jack Kane Jacob Fontenot Jardyn Howelton

Jarrod Welch

Jamie Wall

Jessica Jowett

Joey Otto Justin Nguyen Kate Thibodeaux Katie Trail Kesha Patel Kieren Tuff Kimberly Nguyen

Kirsten Williamson

Laura Fletcher

Lauren Gilbert

Lauren Kelley

Madison Fumic

Madison Majewski

Marc Hopper Mary Beth Rumfield Matt Smith Megan Jicha Megan Johnson

Melanie Vincitore Michael Clayton Michael Olivares

Mitchell Madry Mitchell Shockley

Morgan Magness Morgan O’Neill

Morgan Tyler Nam Tran Parker Winebrenner Preston Wallace

Ravi Lad

Richard Lin

Ryan Boyle

Ryan Mendizabal

Sahanna Krishnathasan

Samantha Jones

Sarah East

Sarah Rowell

Sharath Bhat

Shawn Breedlove

Shelby Dumaine

Stuart Wiseman

Tim Searby

Zach Herrod

Zach Thetford Texas A&M University at Commerce

Christian Price Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi

Nathan Fisher Texas A&M University at Galveston Amanda De La Fuente Austin Stiewert Jacob Austin

Katie Roach Peyton Madura Taylor Dion Texas Christian University

Connor Rodriguez Texas Lutheran University

Carly Miller Texas Southern University Keris Turley Texas State University

Adam Diehl

Alex Robbins

Alyssa Gibson

Amy Kubinski

Brandon Briggs

Brooke Hanley

Brooke Niederhaus

Carly Drapkin

Cassie Hilbun Chandler Cooney Charity Hamilton Chloe Reeves

Chrishna Lindor

Cole Hanson

Cole Kincaid Conner Fulks Drew Tobler

Eric Shaull

Gaelle Gilbert Grace Cirelli Haseeb Malik Hayley Christ Jacqueline Kaplan Jonathan Rogers Josh Rothfuchs Julia Byrne Kayla Brown

Kaylee Michels

Kelsey Christ

Megan Parra

Michael Omirin

Naerri Butler Reagan Hull Reid Kelly

Ruth Guerrier

Ryan Dinh Sam Castro Sarah Duncan Sophia Phillips Sydney Boyenga Taylor Hughes Terrell Rogers Travis White Tyler Eads Texas Tech University:

Antonio Gil

Austin Frank Daniel Tawose Ian Hendricks Katie Ordermann

Lauren Schoech

Leonardo Lanza

Maggie Dean

Marissa Garcia

Max Perisi

Meghan Wendler

Quinn Bond

Rachel Hamilton

Reid Orr

Samantha Doxey

Shannon Berg

Tyler Matthews Vickie Cockrell Wali Chaudhory Universal Technical Institute

Gabe Magno

Kenny Miller

Kevin Bryant University of Austin

Melissa Castillo University of Houston Adil Abbas Alex Bedrosian Apurva Patel Aleah Lance Amy Bun Andrew Vallhonrat Anthony Hajjar Brandon Baola Carolina Bonilla Carolina Salinas Cathy Howard Chris Meadoth Colt Burnham Connor Hendricks Dalton Sensky Damian Jellison Dhruv Parmar Diana Adames

Emilio Lucas

Gopi Patel Hayley Freeman Huong Nguyen Huzaifa Hirani Jack Le Jacob Willis Jonathan Randolph Jordan Camona Jordan San Jose Justin Nguyen

Kaila Salomonsen Kassandra Topete Khanh Vy Hoang Kiara Doyle

Kristen Bunch Lauren Velasquez Lucas Howell Luis Moyano Lynzee Soliz Mason Glidewell Miguel Galvan Muhammed Huq Nichole Bryant Nicole El-Khoury Nicole Nguyen Pablo Salinas

Paul Holstead

Paul Larson Quoc Bui Rana Shahin Ranya Zayid Robert Millar Ryan Russell Simraan Randhawa Sommer Luu Stephan Truong

Stephanie Bobak

Stephanie Lam Suzette Balderas Vivian Pan

Zuby Alikhan University of Incarnate Word

Brittney Williams

Luis Lorez University of North Texas Blake Tanguma Sidney DeBlanc Susanna Lightfoot University of St. Thomas

Abigail McMahan

Phu Nguyen University of Texas at Arlington Joshua Turner Nathan Sundamist University of Texas at Dallas

Bailey Turner

Mindy Chokpapone University of Mary Hardin - Baylor

Stephanie Alvarez University of Texas - Pan American

Daniyal Ahmed University of Texas at San Antonio Aaron Torres Amaka Obiajunwa Ayo Isola Helen Nguyen Isis Romero Jackie Gonzalez Kristina Guevara Lindsey White Marla Hoang Megan Clark Sean Simon Taylor Luu Vivian Nguyen University of Texas Bolora Munkhbold Chandler Brockman

Clay Januhowski

Danielle D’Aguilar

Daniel Mahoney

Erin Curby

Garrett Vandergriff

Husaina Yusuf

Inez Robles

Jacqueline Pham

Jeremy Martens

Karen Shang

Karla Chavez

Katherine Bui Katherine Van Herk Kevin Ocampo Kyle Hillman Matt Wargo McKenna Hubbard Mitchell Riley Qasim Ali Raj Ranganathan Ross Tuzin Ryan Wiedner Siddharth Kurwa Tristan Mayne University of Texas at Tyler Alex Naiser Andrew Reynolds Danae Dinderman Eric Serenil Hannah Moore Joshua Catungal West Texas A&M University

Carly Hurley Utah Brigham Young University Braely Pace Caroline Lefler Christine Thurber Wyoming University of Wyoming Aili McLellan Hannah Kipp

the final chapter senior advice “It’s alright to get knocked down, get knocked down as much as you want, but no matter what, always get up.” –Juan Olea “The heart may be weak, and sometimes it may even give in. But I’ve learned that deep down, there’s a light that never goes out.”

–Sora, Phu Nguyen “Paint your pictures. Only you have the tools to make an amazing art.” –Anthony Rodriguez “Stay focused.” –Michael Omirin “Have fun.” –Brady Wright “Keep it 3Hunna.” –Terrell Rogers “Don’t procrastinate.” – Rana Shahin “Try your hardest.” –Taylor Stevens “Never give up.” –Connor Rodriguez “Get smart.” –Reid Orr “Don’t forget to have fun!”

–Rachel Hamilton “Get a job.” –Zach Lawless “I have learned that high school is a small world.

In there, students live as adults live in the real world.

If they succeed in high school, that will help them in the future.” –Tien Hoang “Have fun, but don’t forget about school (: Cherish every moment you have.”

–Alexis Shepard “In the end, happiness is up to us, and to no one else.”

–Kristen Bunch “Everything happens for a reason.” –Emily Lawless “Be confident and be yourself. Don’t try to fit in to any clique that you don’t truly belong to. Follow your passions whether they be sports, gaming, etc.” –Ravi Lad “Don’t be afraid to express your individuality.” –Kylie Porter

can you find yourself?

“Don’t procrastinate.” – Mitchell Madry “Plans change. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away.” –Allie Chappell “Be strong in your faith for logical reasons, and enjoy the little things.” –Andie Warren “Stay alive.” –Manda Nguyen “Don’t die.” –Samar Ward “Stay classy.” Lindsay Baker “Always believe in yourself.” –Alecia Wilkes “Work hard. Player harder.”

–Alex Robbins “It’s okay to lose yourself for a little while. In books, in music, in art, let yourself get lost.” –Britney Garcia

“Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do what you love doing and have your mind set on doing.

Just keep achieving your goals and do what it takes to accomplish them. Never give up.” –Randy Smith “Stay golden, Ponyboy.”

–The Outsiders, Gregorie Zavary “Leave a legacy of ‘I made it.’” –Malik Doran “The only limits in life are the ones you make.” – Araceli Juarez “Never look back.” –Colton Herring “Don’t forget to take your shoes off before you pass out at a party.” –Tyler Greenwood

“Turtle races are the best.”

–Cassie Hilbun “Be you! And the bananas Song (Despicable Me).” – Kaylee Michels “Bring a jacket.” –Jarrod Welch “I want to leave a legacy of being yourself.” –Jalisa Louis “Don’t stress the small stuff.”

–Tiffany Bell “Don’t think about it too much.” –Anastasia Brackett “My advice is to always go to class, not to skip, and make sure they pass their classes.” –Ana Alvarez “My advice to all those who still have to be here is to enjoy high school.” – Abigail Guevara

“Don’t slack off. Enjoy senior year. Live in the moment.” –Gera Carrillo “Be true to yourself.” –Maria Balli “Don’t make a bad first impression. Have morals.”

–Laura Fletcher “Do what you do, at your best.” –Rebecca Smith “Don’t fret about what you’re going to do after high school. You have your whole life to choose.” – Bryant Harvey “Lean back and enjoy life. Don’t take things so seriously, it’s just high school. Treat others with respect. Don’t spread gossip and be yourself.” – Jonathan Perez

English IV AP Class.” – Joshuah Charney “Gratata. Yosa.” –Kallie McShane “Mrs. Colwell’s fifth period was the greatest class I’ve had all four years.”

–Armando Gomez “Favorite moments: accidentally turning on the siren of a megaphone and running around freaking out what’s going on and how to turn it off during a road clean-up for ROTC.” –Esther Song “Do what you enjoy and be around those that you love.” -Emily Sparks “Favorite moment: Reading a poem about birch trees.

“Stay focused.” –Cindy Flores “Get your butt to class.” – Bonnie Brown “Don’t rush through high school. Enjoy it. It will be over before you know it, and you will miss it.” – Nathan Garmon

“Do not catch senioritis too early.” –Talara Braswell “Stay focused and keep moving forward because life and circumstances only get harder.” –Brion Demps “Have as much fun as possible.” –Eric Shaull “No ragrets.” –Holly Kelley

“Stay golden. Never give up. Believe in yourself.” – Samantha Doxey “Live in the present.” – Aaron Torkes “Do not stand in the middle of the hallway and do not walk slow.” –Ryan Mendizabal

Birch please now being a thing.” –Gopi Patel “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. Be strong when you are weak. Be brave when you are afraid. Be humble when you are victorious. A good deal brightens a dark world.” – Samantha Hackes “Best memory: Bobcat spirit persevered in the third round of state football playoffs – getting a win in the win column by the margin of 9-7.” –Mitchell Riley “Sherry Reddington is the best teacher at Cy-Fair.”

-Patrick Martin “My favorite part of my senior year was being a part of the Cy-Fair FFA chapter.” –Brandon Allison “Stay strong. You’ll get through it.” –Lauren Benavides “Just have fun, don’t worry.

Focus! Be happy (:” – Deanna Espino “Stay focused and stay cute.” –Aubizeyla Wilson “Don’t be afraid to be yourself because in the end you’re all you will have.” – Sierra Johnson “Don’t take Aquatics Science. It is too hard for a L class.” –Blaine Powers “Join golf. You get to miss school.” –Ryan Laughlin

“To my sisters, Katie Jo and Julie Anne- Don’t give up just yet. Senior year will come faster than you think.

Make the most of your time here at Cy-Fair. I love you and am so proud of all your accomplishments.” –Mary Beth Rumfield “Take Calculus AB or BC, the teachers are awesome.” –Thomas Girgenti “High school has been the most magical and wonderful years of my life filled with nothing but pleasant and joyful experiences.” -Caroline Hill

“Be the best person you can be and everything else will fall into place.”

–Connor Hendricks “Don’t stress. Live life but live it well.” –Sam Castro “Try and enjoy all school events. Yes, that means wrestling too.” –Hayley Freeman “Embrace every moment.

It goes by quick.” –Kristen McPeek “Perseverance is key.”

–Darryl Rosette “Money does buy happiness.” –Austin Frank “Be your own man.”

–Morgan Magness “’Don’t worry about a thing…cause every little thing is gonna be alright…’”

–Cody Seyler “Don’t procrastinate longer than a week.” –Cole Thompson “Purr the cat is Gray.”

–Braely Pace “Enjoy your time here. It goes by much faster than you think.” –Daniel Tawose “Tradition, honor and integrity are some of the values Cy-Fair has taught me, and I couldn’t have picked a better high school experience! #noragrets” –Ayesha “Ash” Siddiqui “To all my fellow 6th period PALs – I cannot begin to thank you enough for all of the memories! I will really miss all of you!” –Maggie Dean “Do everything you can your senior year. It makes your year go by faster and you’ll have tons of fun in the process.” –Katherine Van Herk “Stay golden, Ponyboy.”

–Stephanie Bobak “It’s not your responsibility to make someone else happy. Your first love should be yourself. Learn about yourself, school doesn’t teach that subject. Make yourself happy.” –Inez Robles “huah, yay a ya, huah.”

–Ayo Isola “The best thing about senior year is Mrs. Colwell’s

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5.27.14

commentary

Senior wraps up four big years

In just a few days, high school will be over.

The thought of it is far more than overwhelming. Even a few months ago graduation seemed so far away. Now, it’s practically here.

I’m not one to get emotional and reminisce over the good (and bad) times of the past four years of school.

So, instead I’ll reminisce on the past four years outside of school.

2010, Where to begin? I’m sure we all remember the Tiger Woods scandal and the kickoff of

what really happens on Jersey Shore which looking back now seems like ages ago. Probably because (at least for me) when these things happened, I didn’t really care about golf or Snooki and JWOWW. However, things like the Social Network movie premiere, (which Justin Timberlake was in for some reason) feels like it just happened yesterday. To this day when someone mentions Mark Zuckerberg I think of Jesse Eisenberg. 2010 was also a year of music, not great music, but music nonetheless. Let us not forget that Airplanes by B.O.B Feat. Hayley Williams was played on repeat on every radio station for months on end. Or that Justin Bieber debuted Baby Feat. Ludacris beginning his “hip-hop” ‘career’ Sorry, 2010 but due to the lack of excitement that you

have contributed to these last four years, you have not been awarded my seal of approval.

2011 was definitely and exciting year. Just to name a few, Charlie Sheen was on magazine covers for a longer time than Kim Kardashian and Chris Humphries were married. Not to mention the $10 million dollars went right down the (probably solid gold) toilet.

Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted what was referred to as “The worst Oscars ever” I know we all kind of wanted to forget that so I won’t say any more about it. 2011, was also a pretty sad year, the aweinspiring Steve Jobs passed away at 56 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 premiered in July (Ravenclaws represent!). A very unique year in the world of music.

I’m sure we all love to listen to Friday

by Rebecca Black every now and then (No? Okay.) On the bright side, Adele topped the Billboard charts with Rolling in the Deep. 2011, my seal of approval has been awarded to you, congrats!

2012, Blue Ivy Carter was born and nothing else mattered.

2013, was , well, 2013. The VMAs and the whole Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke thing happened.

Which didn’t twerk out as well as they had hoped. (Bad puns also came back into fashion). Sharknado got an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, which, in my opinion, deserved way better than that.

Jennifer Lawrence even won an Oscar before Leonardo

Friends never leave us Growing up is scary “Dude,

don’t talk about graduation yet. That’s four years away and it makes me sad to think about us going separate ways.” -Shelby K. Friedsam, August 2010.

We dreamed high school would be fantastic. Even though she was going to Cy-Creek, we said we’d see each other every weekend, spend all of our summers in her pool, go camping during spring break, attempt to exercise at the gym together, go to prom, go to college and remain best friends until our lives wilted away like red sunflower petals in a summertime drought.

I still remember late nights fading into early mornings as we played Barbie Fashion Show on her computer--it was our secret obsession at age 14. In fact, during the summer of 2010 we threw a pool party, thinking we were hot stuff, and then snuck off in the midst of it to get our Barbie fix. I heard her laugh everywhere I went, even in my sleep. We laughed and giggled for years. In fact, I do not recall hearing my own secluded laugh.

Laughter was the sound track of our friendship. Laughter was tears as well as bliss.

At 3:20 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 the petals fell; the game broke; the pool drained. Some Hamilton students might remember this as the day Shelby Friedsam died in a house fire. It was definitely the worst day of my life and the biggest event of my high school experience, but I’m not sad anymore.

Yes, I miss my dearest friend. Yes, I think about her every single day. As graduation day approaches I long for her presence. I wish she could watch me walk across the stage.

I’m writing this to everyone who carries a heart-shaped “friend” charm in which the “best” charm is long gone. They have not truly left us, for they are in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our souls. When we walk across the stage to accept our hard-earned diplomas we will be thinking of them. And though we cannot see them, we will feel them cheering us on.

While at times I want to expel all memories of high school from my brain and move on, I will always cherish the relationships that I have built here with my friends and teachers. They have been with me through the best of times and the worst of times (particularly when I had to memorize that excerpt). I am glad to have them in my life, and I know that though I will be moving on they will be cheering me on from afar, just like Shelby.

In writing my very last article for The Reporter I’ve decided to go with my personal writing motto. Be willing. Be vulnerable. Be open.

I must be willing to be vulnerable to tell you the truth, that as senior year ending...I’m scared to death.

Please tell me that I’m not the only one who kind of wishes they could pause time, crawl in bed and binge on our childhood movies.

We, as seniors, are about to make one of the biggest changes of our lives. We are going to be college students, workers and...grown-ups.

I, like every child, used to play grown up. As kids we tend to associate adulthood with freedom and independence. As a result we think that being a grown-up is fun.

It’s not. I know we all say that we are ready, but are we really? Can we really be fully prepared for this?

It’s easy to think that we are ready when we’re sitting in our high school English class, but what about when we get there and reality hits us?

Because in reality adulthood for us new graduates will mean little money and too much work. All this freedom and glory we’ve been looking forward to is an illusion. We won’t be able afford it. Or have time to do it.

Or have the energy for it.

I’ve had at least one mini nervous breakdown every day of this month.

For me adulthood so far has been nothing but stressful, disappointing

and draining. I’ve discovered that the real struggle isn’t getting into college.

It’s paying for it. We were taught to work hard and get into a good college so we don’t end up broke. Yet we’ll go broke paying for one. We want to be independent, but we can’t do it alone. I’ve been running around praying for scholarships, hoping for financial aid and not trying to put me and my family in serious debt. I wanted to avoid student loans, but I have no choice.

It feels like a lose-lose situation.

It’s like I’m out before I even start the game. And the only thing I’ve learned in AP Economics is that I’m screwed. In fact, with the way the economy works ,we’re all probably screwed.

Maybe it’s just me and the madness inside my head. Maybe I’m just emotionally weak. Trust me, I’m not a spoiled little girl that relies on her parents for everything. That’s the last thing I want.

We can’t act like kids forever and growing up is a part of life. I’m thrilled to be going to college and starting my career, but I still think it’s okay to be a little scared. It’ would be inhuman if we weren’t nervous, worried or afraid of the future. Yes, we’ll be adults but we are still entitled to childish fears.

I now leave , a hot bipolar mess with Peter Pan syndrome. I won’t be cheesy enough to tearfully write, “Good-bye to Cy-Fair”. But I do have enough cheesy in me to write: Goodbye to The Reporter, I’ll miss you so.

Deuces, Hoover Out. And that’s all she wrote.

seventeen

DiCaprio (Never let go, Jack). It was a huge year for music. Beyoncé dropped a surprise album and the world stopped spinning. *NSYNC reunited for a glorious 110 seconds.

Blurred Lines was tragically certified 7x platinum. Not to mention Macklemore and Ryan Lewis saved money on T-shirts. Did I miss anything? Obviously, because 2013 was a year surprises and craziness, very deservedly earning my approval.

2014, the only important thing is June 7. (And of course June 23, the day Ed Sheeran debuts his second full album).

the reporter staff Co-Editors in Chief Alex Edwards Rebeccah Barger Managing Editor Natalie Berry News Editors Kestra Derise

Culture Editors Christina Moreno Ashlynn Peters Business Manager Danielle D’Aguilar

Sports Editors Will Davis Amanda Heller

Life Editors Harper Neitzey Maddie Pierce

Commentary Editors Desirae Hoover Matt Schneider Copy Editors Kaylin Jones Valerie Parker Online Editor Cody Brown Graphics Editors Rebecca East Reporters Tyler Whigham Katelyn Gehrt Jessica Ullrich Sydney Hoffman 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.

eighteen commentary

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5.27.14

Farewell from the editors Editor shares lessons learned in high school

Memories remain, but the best is yet to come

I’ve been waiting for this for the last four years. Eighteen. Graduation. College.

I used to watch the seniors, looking well into their 20s, walking with a nonchalant attitude, impatient to leave. Now that I’m here, I realize that it wasn’t really impatience or the ease of life that comes with senioritis that looked so exciting.

It’s this mind-blowing mixture of fear and elation - an exhilarating feeling of standing on the brink of a huge cliff, filled with a naive, idealistic view and far too few experiences to handle the world, but diving off anyway because, somehow, I know I’ll learn how to swim.

In my last year, I’ve tried to take a step back, breathe it all in and learn how to gracefully say goodbye. I can think of no better way to say a final farewell than to pass on the most important three pieces of advice that high school has taught me.

First: Learn to laugh. Really laugh.

My fatal flaw in high school was taking myself too seriously. I think it’s easy to get like that, too.

These four years begin with the wide-eyed view that comes with new experiences, but it slowly turns into a cringe-worthy tunnel vision. The school work and the stress can be overwhelming, and I think there were a lot of moments when I was faced with the fact that having time for myself came only at the expense of a bad grade on homework.

But every now and again, it’s crucial to come up for air. The best way I found of doing that was just appreciating the small moments I had with friends and the crazy, silly, hilarious inside jokes that we could come up with.

Those are the things I still remember most, even back from freshman year when my friend and I talked about fitting babies into our tennis lockers (not as gruesome as it sounds, I promise).

Second: Take a moment every day to do something that makes you happy. The type of happy that brings tears. And never, ever, settle on the path to find that happiness.

During the fall, one of my friends found out she was accepted into a very prestigious college.

When I asked her how she reacted, she said she cried. I nodded and smiled, but all I could think was ‘Seriously? You cried? That seems like a little much.’

“Text me later. Oh, and don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

Cue eye roll.

You’d think, that after 18 years, I’d remember basic hygiene, right?

Correct. I do, in fact, know how to properly groom myself.

But that doesn’t stop my mom from lovingly reminding me every time we leave the house.

It’s become a sort of ritual. She asks if I’ve brushed my teeth, I reply with some sarcastic, snarky remark about fresh breath and what not.

It’s one of those annoying things that makes teenagers the sassy beasts that we are. The whole concept really makes me want to never pick up a toothbrush ever again, just in spite of my mother.

But boy, am I going to miss it next year.

Living 820 miles from the people that gave me life is surreal. Not just because they rock for bringing me into this world and stuff, but because those crazy, immature, selfless, irreplaceable people I like to call my parents also happen to be my closest friends.

Because as a young adult, I take no shame in admitting that I rely on my parents for almost everything. Whether it’s washing my clothes, or making my lunch, or buying me anything I might need, or just being there when I need an ear to rant to or a shoulder to sob on, I can’t imagine living without them next year.

But move-in day is approaching--fast--and it’s starting to become very real that 12 hours will soon be separating me from the people I cherish the most. And the one’s that I’ve shared the last four years of my life with will soon be forgotten.

It seems as if not too long ago I was a curious, wide-eyed freshman wandering through the halls, terrified to go near the sacred

I didn’t fully understand why she was so overcome with emotion until I heard back from my own university. I skipped the last 15 minutes of seventh period (probably breaking a few laws on my way home) just to see if I had been accepted to my first choice, Princeton University. When I was, I cried, too. I was so insanely, amazingly happy.

And the thing is, for those who will be in my shoes in only a matter of a couple years or less, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t experience the same thing.

And last, but not least: Acknowledge that things are constantly changing.

The vast majority of people in the world hate change. But high school is merciless in that way; it doesn’t care whether you like change or not. Change is simply a fact of life here.

If my life depended on it, I would never be able to count all the ways that I have changed from my freshman year to my senior year.

For starters, you could start by looking at my school photo. But it’s more than that: my music tastes, my style, my interests in school. And I think that those changes are the thing I am most grateful for.

I know more about myself now. I no longer take tentative steps when making decisions, and I always have an opinion. That simply comes from growing up a little and understanding who I am and what I like. But getting to this point also requires recognizing those changes, and most importantly, feeling brave enough to make them, whether that means completely changing your friend group or simply coloring your hair.

I can’t say that my road through high school was perfect, but having the opportunity to learn these lessons, the ones that I stubbornly rallied against in the beginning, have made it all worthwhile.

bobcat seal and anxious to make as many friends as possible. In the beginning it was just a sea of 864 faces. We were all blind to who would make-up, breakup, become best friends, or have mental breakdowns in the years to come.

And now look how far we’ve come.

We claim high school is nothing compared to the road that lies ahead. That the best is yet to come. And I’m a firm believer in that. But there’s also simply no denying the fact that memories were made inside these halls. And although our legacy in time will fade away, those individual memories will always remain.

Whispering the latest and juiciest gossip while dodging the hundreds of people scattered across (and obnoxiously blocking) the main hallway. Squeezing together in the Crew under the blinding Friday night lights to cheer and screw it up until our voices gave out.

There was countless late night shenanigans, heart-to-heart’s, unpredictable adventures and of course, there was always something to laugh about.

Because no matter how bad our grades were, or how ruthlessly our “soul mate” broke our hearts, or how outrageous the latest rumor was, there was always a reason to smile.

High school is full of “firsts.” Full of experiences that will change you as a person so much that you’re a little different inside when it’s all over. And now that our “last” is finally here, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s time to let go of being bobcats and leap out into the world, to meet new people and make new memories.

For me, I’m ready to start over. A clean slate across the country, where I can pursue my dreams with people that don’t know anything about me. The real challenge is letting go of my parents, my biggest role models, and learning to stand on my own two feet, but always remembering everything they taught me.

Luckily, I’ll always have fresh breath.

5.27.14

life

nineteen

Legend comes to an end

Beloved baseball coach retires

Clockwise: The 2007 Bobcat baseball team after receives their State Champion medals.

Photo courtesy Cindy Pekkanen.

Coach Champagne gets Gatorade poured on his head after winning a game in 2013.

Photo courtesy Cindy Pekkanen.

Coach Woody Champagne lifts his hands in victory after sharing with the staff that the Bobcats were the State Champions in 2007. Photo

by Lil Harris. Maxx Chrest and Brandon Lewis celebrate their defeat against Cy-Ranch at Cy Woods baseball field, May 17. Photo by Michael Minasi/

Houston Community Newspapers.

Harper Neitzey Life Editor After 40 years of coaching and a state championship, head baseball coach Woody Champagne is retiring.

“I’m ready to spend time with my family, travel, fish and relax.”

Champagne said.

Champagne started coaching in 1974 at Aldine Eisenhower High School. Six years later he moved to Cy-Fair.

“When I was hired in 1980, it felt like I had died and gone to heaven,” Champagne said. “I knew Cy-Fair was a great school, and I had heard great things about it.”

In Champagne’s 34 years at Cy-Fair, he lead the Bobcats to a state championship, achieved 600 wins and was inducted into the Houston Area High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

“I have so many memories, but winning the state championship in 2007 is my favorite,” Champagne

said.

During that 2007 season, Cy-Fair won 27 straight games and achieved a playoff record of 12-0.

“It’s a feeling you will never forget,” Champagne said in the 2008 yearbook.

Champagne was inducted into the High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and was thrilled.

“When your peers honor you like that it’s always a great feeling inside,” he said.

Champagne celebrated his 600th win in 2013.

“It was a huge honor hitting 600 wins,” Champagne said. “At that point less than 10 high school coaches had reached that.”

This season the Bobcats are in the fourth round of playoffs with a 27-51 record (as of Thursday May 22). “[Champagne] was also my football coach I got to know him pretty well having him for both sports,” senior and pitcher Austin Keith said. “He is a great coach and that shows through how far he has

taken us every season.”

Athletic director Ed Pustejovsky got to work with Champagne for 33 of the years Champagne was at Cy-Fair.

“He has had a tremendous impact on both his athletes and his students,” Pustejovsky said. “He was a great baseball and football coach and a great teacher. He has touched so many kids in positive ways it is hard to imagine Cy-Fair without him, it will definitely be different.”

One of the lives Champagne has impacted is assistant varsity coach Paul Orlando who played for

Champagne at Cy-Fair from 19881991.

“He taught us how to work hard and how to compete,” Orlando said.

“Not too many people can say they had the opportunity to play for and come back to coach with one of the most successful coaches in all of high school baseball. There are so many things and so much knowledge that he passed on to me that will carry on.”

Champagne has always taught United States history. For the last 27 years his room has always been next to US history teacher Cindy

Not on the court, but still in the classroom

Matt Schneider Commentary Editor Students grace the halls of CyFair every day and year. Student’s graduate, come and go, but what about the teachers?

This year Cy-Fair is losing a coach. Coach Barry Townley is departing from his coaching career

and pursuing a more educated oriented field.

“I’m going to miss friends and stuff, but I’m 53. It’s time to relax, ya know” Townley said.

Coach Townley isn’t fully leaving coaching, but just as a coach at CyFair. His church missionary activity is going to be the focus and priority

next year.

“My main goal for the next two years is going to get to take a team to the Dominican Republic to help teach and play basketball with the kids there,” Townley said. “So far I’ve been to Venezuela, Hungary, China and Mongolia.”

Townley will be teaching a new

course.

“I’m going to be teaching a new class that is focused on getting students’ college credits,” Townley said. “The class is new, so this should be interesting. Along with this, I’m going to be teaching PACE.”

Pekkanen’s room.

“Coach is a wonderful family man who cares about his students’ success in life not just the classroom,” Pekkanen said. “He is fun to be around, and we have become close friends. [The US history] team will not be the same without Coach on it.”

Even though Champagne is leaving, Cy-Fair will always be in his heart.

“BFND will live on forever, Champagne said.”I will always be a Bobcat.”

twenty

life

5.27.14

Creative spirit knows no boundaries Voices In Ink gives students the chance to express themselves

Pen to paper. Voices In Ink staff members celebrate at an after-school reception held in the school’s library on May 8. From left: Taylor Thompson, Austin Kipp, Michaela Sandige, Rachel Schramm, Sierra Johnson, Katie VonDrehl, Mary-Patricia Hayton, Sarah Garner, Chloe Brown, Andy Warren, Eileen Campuzano, Reem Salibi, Katie Rodriguez and Nikki Small. Photo by Valerie

Parker.

Valerie Parker Copy Editor There’s no stopping them when they put their pens to the paper.

Creative Writing students published their annual literary magazine Voices in Ink May 1. The 150-page magazine is $5 each.

English teacher Mary Hayton and her third period Creative Writing class created the magazine for the second year of publication.

“Students from all walks of life and artistic persuasion submitted their work and were published. It is an excellent example of the fact that the creative spirit knows no boundaries,” Hayton said.

In 2013, Voices in Ink won Superior ranking at the National Council of Teachers of English’s Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines and hope to once again achieve it, if not higher.

“I am very proud of my staff as the students have been organizing school wide promotions, gathering submissions and refining itself since

January when we started,” Hayton said.

Sophomore Sarah Garner was the primary editor for Voices in Ink, and is pleased at its turn out. She supervised the layout and chose what submission went on each page.

“I think it’s well worth the amount of effort we put into it.

The magazine’s purpose is to make students feel more comfortable with sharing their writing and art.

Essentially, it will provide them an outlet to express themselves.

I’m really proud of it and feel like I actually did something right for once,” Garner said.

Senior Sierra Johnson was the submission editor. She chose the literary pieces to put in the magazine.

The first round of threading through the submissions dealt with checking to make sure they were school appropriate, while the second round decided which submissions were good enough to be published.

“I got to read about students personal lives and how they felt about stuff on a daily basis. It was interesting to learn about people through their writing,” Johnson said.

Students raised money for the magazine by selling candy and dipping into last year’s sales.

Around 300 submissions were published, which resulted in 150 pages.

“In the middle of the process we lost track of our vision for it, but in the end it turned out better than we ever expected,” Johnson said.

5.27.14

> “My favorite play is Wicked” -Julia Wallner, 10

culture

twenty-one

Senior Directs

Four seniors leave acting to be directors “Bleed for Chekhov” (below) Sophomore Rebecca East, senior Lexi Thomson, senior Desirae Hoover and senior Kallie McShane listens to senior Kenny Horn and senior Ronnie McLaren on stage during “Anton in Show Business” directed by senior Sydney Boyenga.

Silence, Satan. (top right) Senior Brion Demps acts along side senior Ronnie McLaren in ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’ directed by senior Nicole El-Khoury.

You’re Fired. (bottom right) The grim reaper, portrayed by senior Nathan Fisher, gets fired by God (Demps) , who replaces him with the grim reaper of insects, played by junior Ken Peterson in the show ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’.

Kaylin Jones Copy Editor Four seniors recently left the role of actor behind to take on a new part: director.

The twelfth graders in Candice Koern’s theater class volunteered to take on the task of picking a show and working with a cast of their own peers. If by chance more than three people wanted to direct, the participants have to state their case as to why they should be chosen. Once the directors are selected, they chose a one-act play and a cast to bring the script to life. They rehearsed everyday since the start of the second semester. On May 8, 9, 14 and 15, the students put on their show for audiences in the black box.

“Directing is super stressful, but it makes you realize how much passion you have for what you do.

Being on the other side of the stage is hard because I want to go perform with my cast,” senior Aili McLellan, who will attend the University of

Wyoming for musical theatre, said.

“Directing made me realize how much love I have for the art and instilled my motivation to continue what I’m doing and set higher goals for myself.”

“Who Dunnit and to Whom”, the show McLellan chose to direct, is a parody of Humphrey Bogaurd’s mystery style, while having a play within a play. The cast is made up of students from Matt Buchanan’s sixth period theater class.

“Working under a classmate has been very different. I have been in various plays before where the directors have been directing for quite some time, but with a senior, Aili, directing it is inspiring,” freshman Alyssa Andrichik. “I am able to watch her figure out along the way how to direct. I have learned, and so has my senior director, that directing is hard, which has created a new found respect for the job. I think with Aili and the cast we have made a pretty decent show.”

Senior Sydney Boyenga will

attend Texas State University for theater education. Her show, ‘Anton in Show Business’, is about three actresses from different backgrounds who fly out to San Antonio, Texas to be in the Russian play “The Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov.

“It was pretty nerve wracking at first because you’re basically the boss of your friends and you also have to figure out all the technical elements you want. So you want to keep things running smoothly and have your actors in line while still being able to be a director and your cast and crew learn how you function, basically,” Boyenga said. “I’m sure I was insanely annoying the week before the show because I was so nervous but on show day, my cast definitely proved to everyone just how good they are, and I can’t be any prouder.”

Though senior Kallie McShane did not direct, she played one of the main roles in Boyenga’s one act play.

“The one thing I’ll take away from the senior direct process is the ability to work with my peers better. Being

directed by someone your own age is definitely different and difficult at times but to be a part of someone’s vision and helping them being that vision to life is really great,” McShane said.

‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’, the show senior Nicole El-Khoury directed, is about the grim reaper, who is bad at his job. As a result, God decides to fire him and replace him with the ‘the grim reaper of insects.’ This leads to the grim reaper accepting that directing souls in the afterlife isn’t the job for him. El-Khoury will attend the University of Houston for theater arts.

“It was really interesting to be directing a show as opposed to being in a show because that is what I’m usually doing. I feel like because this experience is so different from what I’ve done, it will be very memorable.

It’s awesome to be ending the year with a production that I can call mine,” El-Khoury said.

Senior Brion Demps played the role of Robert, a man who gets

spooked when death literally knocks at his door. He later returns in the play to act as God. “It was interesting because I’ve worked with Nicole in other shows, but this was my first time working with her as a director,” Demps said.

Senior Ryan Adams directed ‘Canterbury Tales: Wife of Bath’, a comedy about a knight who has one day to find out what a woman wants most of all or else he will be executed. Adams plans to attend the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, Calif for filmmaking.

“I have learned it is very hard, but it has its moments once the show is done that make you feel accomplished,” Adams said.

The unfortunate knight was portrayed by junior Nelson Dragsbaek.

“It was different for sure, but it was fun, and I had a really good time,” Dragsbaek said. “I’d love to direct my senior year since I’ve never done it before. I’m looking forward to trying it out.”

> “I’m obsessed with Birkenstocks because they are so comfy” -Aishu Rao, 11

5.27.14

culture

Obsessions Christina Moreno Culture Editor

twenty-two

Ashlynn Peters Culture Editor

Photo by Christina Moreno Photo courtesy of Reece Brennan

Photo by Brian Finke

As the school year comes to a close, we can reflect on the past year’s latest and greatest obsessions. As teenagers, we tend to become addicted to a fad for a couple of weeks before moving on to the next big thing. The past year has been filled with trends ranging from over-sized t-shirts to Magic, an intellectual card game. After interviewing students, we gained a little insight as to why these obsessions captured the short attention spans of teens everywhere. See our responses below:

Chacos

“I’m obsessed with Chacos because they’re a gift from God to men’s feet to fit them comfortably,” Brian Finke, 11

Avalon

“It’s just a really fun, thought provoking game,” Chandler Brockman, 12

Fishing

Netflix Monograms “If it’s not monogrammed is it even yours?” Meredith Bancroft, 11

“I’m obsessed with Netflix because it has a wide variety of movies and selections for you to see. I watch “Switched at Birth”, “Pretty Little Liars”, “Supernatural” and “Vampire Diaries,” Maryann Sagaya Babu, 9

Photo by Christina Moreno

Photo by Christina Moreno

Photo by MCTcampus

“Fishing is a great way to blow off steam from the stresses of school,” Reece Brennan, 11

Magic “I love Magic because it’s a great way to get together with your friends and have a fun time playing, trading and collecting cards. It brings people together and has them do something other than sit looking at a screen,” Carly Miller, 12

twenty-three

of 2013-2014 > “I’m obsessed with volleyball” -Eliza Piccirillo, 10

Photo by Mindy Schauer/Orange County Register/MCTcampus

culture

Photo by Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/MCTcampus

Photo by Christina Moreno

Chipotle

“I like Chipotle because it has a variety of stuff where you can build your own burrito or bowl. It taste really good and I’m not a big person for Mexican food, but I like it,” Colette Spencer, 9

Beyonce

“Not only is she really talented but she is humble and a good person has a stale life. Unlike most Hollywood actors she upholds her image and keeps her private life private. Queen B is fierce,” William Metivier, 11

Photo by Christina Moreno

5.27.14

Dr. Who “Dr who is a combination of different genres other than sci-fi and everyone loves the actors like David Tennant and Matt Smith who play the role of the doctor,” Nicolai Lactaoen, 11

Tory Burch

T-shirt

“I like oversized T-shirts because you can look cute without showing effort,” Rachel Sorrels, 10

Frozen

“I thought Olaf was hilarious and I thought Elsa was attractive for a cartoon character,” Mohammed Yusuf, 10

Photo by Christina Moreno

Courtesy Disney/MCTcampus

Photo by Christina Moreno

“They’re classy and go with everything, and they can be dressed up or down plus comfy,” Kendall Thurston, 11

Socks

“Fun socks can add a little oomph to leggings and T-shirts and it’s a fun way to accessorize,” Monica Aguirre,11

Newspaper 2013-2014

“Make your own luck,” Rob Dyrdek

Business Manager

Dani D’Aguilar

Commentary Editor

Life Editor

Matt Schneider

Maddie Pierce

Online Editor Copy Editor

Valerie Parker

Copy Editor

Jessica Ullrich Reporter

“Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best.”

Jaspher Kantuna

Katelyn Gehrt

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,” Steve Prefontaine

Tyler Whigham

“I am God’s Vessel.

But my greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live.”- Kayne West

Reporter

Kaylin Jones

Natalie Berry

Managing Editor

“I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.”Eleventh Doctor, the Almost PeopleNed Thorne

Reporter

Commentary Editor

Christina Moreno

Desirae Hoover

Culture Editor

Kestra Derise

News Editor

“How can mirrors be real if our eyes aren’t real?” Jaden Smith

“You can judge the character of a man, not by how he treats his equals, but how he treats his inferiors.”- J.K. Rowling in the Prisoner of Azkaban

Rebeccah Barger

Reporter

“I got a lifetime of knowledge.” -She’s the Man

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Amanda Heller

Sydney Hoffman

Alex Edwards

“Shut up. Dance it out.” -Grey’s Anatomy

“I don’t know how to put this, but I’m kind of a big deal.” -Ron Burgandy

“I’m so clever that I can’t understand a single word I’m saying.” -Oscar Wilde

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Ashlynn Peters

Culture Editor

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...” George R.R. Martin

“Help me I’m poor.”

-Bridesmaids

Sports Editor

“I just want to say thank you so much, not only to God, but to Jesus,”- Justin Bieber

“That’s why her hair is so big, it’s full of secrets.”

-Damian from Mean Girls

“I’m on my couch and in that movie at the same time. Whoa.” Amanda Bynes

“I woke up like this.” -Beyonce

“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.”

Salvador Dali

Harper Neitzey

“I don’t know what’s happening in my life but I freaking love it.”anonymous

“ Ah, make the most of what we may yet spend/ Before we too into the Dust descent;/ Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie;/ Sans wine, sans Song, sans Singer, and-- sans End!“ -Omar Khayyam

staff

Life Editor

Cody Brown

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” - Marilyn Monroe

meet the

Graphics Editor

Sports Editor

Rebecca East

Will Davis