The Catamount's Class of 2015 senior issue by Cougar Media

Photos by The Catamount Staff and BC Photography

we run th15 The Catamount senior issue, class of 2015

CLass of 2015 â&#x2014;? The Catamount

Friday, May 15, 2015

in the beginning, there was the class of 2015.

We created traditions, trends and triumphs for the CSHS legacy. We transitioned from small, powerhungry sophomores to successful, accomplished seniors. One thing hasn't changed since the beginning:

we run this.

The Catamount

Friday, May 15, 2015

senior survey We asked, and you FAVORITE YEAR OF answered. Here’s what HIGH SCHOOL the class of 2015 has to say about the past 17% four years. 12%

9 10

HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR? I’m deﬁnitely more attractive. - Riley Park Bigger, stronger, better beard. - Donny Hair I used to care about being popular. Now I am content with being who I really am. - Alex Bowden

The Great Gatsby

62%

To Kill a Mockingbird

Learn how to function on minimal sleep. - Jake Georgiades There’s a ﬁfth ﬂoor. - Rachel Nelson

The parking lot, because if I’m in the parking lot I’m probably leaving school. - Amanda Hickey The catwalk in the auditorium, because I like being up higher than everyone else. - Regina May

FAVORITE TEACHERS CASEY AKIN Pre-AP and AP Chemistry

FAVORITE DRESS-UP DAY WORST FASHION TREND SEEN DURING HIGH SCHOOL 18% 16%

STONEY PRYOR AP Statistics

CHAD LEHRMANN U.S. History and Psychology

3. Superhero 1. Disney

5% 5%

Sagging pants Oversized T-shirts Emoji clothes

Economics, because Coach Frashure would tell the funniest stories to relate to the lesson. I knew I would laugh every day. - Mason Kaase

ADVICE FOR NEXT YEAR’S FRESHMEN

FAVORITE LOCATION IN SCHOOL

Jandals

BC Calculus—Calculus is just constantly blowing my mind and is so useful to know and apply. It’s like no other math. - Will Chollett

Of Mice and Men

Chacos

FAVORITE CLASS

FAVORITE BOOK READ IN AN ENGLISH CLASS

● CLass of 2015 3

2. Pajama

4. Twin

2012 Aug. 27 CSHS opened its doors to 720 new students on the school’s first day of classes.

Sept. The football team scores their first touchdown 7 in their inaugural season.

4 CLass of 2015 ● The Catamount

Friday, May 15, 2015

Kathleen Finch

actress

BY MEGAN PARADOWSKI Lights. Camera. College! For Kathleen Finch, the University of Evansville in Indiana will be her stage for the next four years. “When I was eight, I went to a workshop where there were scouts, and one of them told me she would represent me in Los Angeles,” Finch said. “Until then, I had thought of [theatre] as a hobby, but after I heard I was good enough to pursue it, I thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?” Finch has participated in Brazos Valley Troupe since she was eight and high school theatre since junior year. “I didn’t do theatre at Consol, but when we came here and got a new director, I thought, ‘Here’s my chance to show him what I have,” she said. “I tried out, and that’s probably the best thing that I’ve ever done.” After good experience, Finch was ready to audition for a bigger stage. The college application process for theatre students is extremely different from that of other majors. After applying to the school, they must schedule an audition at Unifieds, which are auditions with representatives. “You have to schedule all of your schools so that all the times work, and then for three days, it’s nonstop auditioning and walking around Chicago,” Finch said. “And then you come home and wait.” Although she applied to a few larg-

Oct. 23 Chemistry students create moles in recognition of Avogadro’s number.

er schools, Finch really felt a connection with Evansville, and she had already built a relationship with them. “I really liked the program and the people who headed it,” she said. At Unifieds, Evansville took a huge interest in Finch. They even wanted to meet her parents. Getting into Evansville is a monumental accomplishment, as they only accept 10 boys and six girls into their theatre program each year. “I’m excited about moving to a different place and experiencing a whole different culture,” Finch said. Finch plans on rooming with someone from the theatre department. “I’m expecting a lot of time in class and not a lot of time off, but I’m excited about it because it’s something I’m passionate about,” she said. Finch’s plans would not be possible without the support of her family. “They believe in me, which I’m lucky to have. They know that I really want to do this and that I work hard to do this, so they’re on board with me,” Finch said. Although the chances of making it as a professional actress are slim, Finch is willing to do whatever it takes. “Even if I waitress for the rest of my life, if I’m auditioning and getting feedback from people about how to improve my craft, then that’s worth it to me,” she said.●

Ryan Johnson athlete

BY ALEX MILLER Next up to the plate for the Cougars, the centerfielder #32, Ryan Johnson. The whistle from the “Django Unchained” movie song blares in the Cougar Ballpark, and soon, Rick Ross’ lyrics from “100 Black Coffins” makes the opposing pitcher tremble as Johnson makes his way into the batter’s box. “There’s just a comforting vibe playing here at home, opposed to other places,” Johnson said. “We get great fan support, especially in the playoffs when all the Cougar Raggies come out.” Johnson was a major leader in beginning the baseball program here and has helped it evolve into a state powerhouse in just three years. “Being around the same guys for three years and seeing myself grow and my teammates grow, it’s been unbelievable,” Johnson said. “Just to look back to my sophomore year and look how much we’ve grown physically and mentally, it’s incredible.” From playing the Caldwell Hornets to the top high school teams in America this March in North Carolina, Johnson has been exposed to all sorts of levels and experiences. Winning their state championship last year, however, is the memory that stands above them all. “Just getting that sensation of going an entire season with one goal on your mind and then achieving that goal and

Oct. Mar. 26 16 Cougars celebrate the first Homecoming game and dance.

dog-piling on the field with your teammates, then getting the medal hung over you is a feeling you’ll never forget,” Johnson said. The chilly late-night practices in February and the 6:30 a.m. workouts have created bonds for Johnson that are unparalleled to others, ones that he cherishes and will never forget. “Every day practicing, you’re out there with the same guys. You get really close with your teammates,” Johnson said. “Once this season is over and we go our separate ways, that’s what I’m going to miss the most.” Johnson led the senior class to 83 career wins, three consecutive district championships and the 3A state championship. However, the legacy of Johnson is defined by what the team has accomplished. “I want to be known as a good teammate,” Johnson said. “Everything that we’ve achieved here has been because of everybody that we have.” As the team prepares for their area round matchup, Johnson still has one last goal to achieve during his final weeks playing for the Cougars. “State [is our goal] again,” Johnson said. “Winning it last year and moving up a classification, there’s nothing more that would make this season more of a success than winning another state championship.”●

Nov. 30 Thespians perform the first play to hit the school’s stage, “The Neverending Story.”

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Catamount

Matt Rogers chef

BY ANNA SOLCHER After a long day at school, senior Matt Rogers trades in his backpack and pencil for an apron and kitchen knife to go to one of his two afterschool jobs. “Cooking is one of the ﬁnest arts because you get to taste it, hear it and feel it. It might not last as long as a painting, but it is an experience you will remember and something people will come back for,” Rogers said. Rogers began his cooking career as a young boy, with two parents who enjoy cooking; he developed basic cooking skills that would soon help him in his developing dream of being an executive chef. Starting high school, Rogers signed up for Intro to Culinary, Culinary I and Problems and Solutions. “The classes I have taken at school have helped me with technical learning. It’s nice to learn without being under pressure and learning new techniques that I could use at work,” Rogers said. Rogers started to working as a busser at Café Eccell and working in the kitchen making salads at Napa Flats. He is training to be a server at Eccell and wants to continue to work at Napa Flats to work in the frying, dessert or pizza stations. “I’m trying to get as many different experiences as possible,” Rogers said. Working two part time jobs while still going to school is challenging for anyone.

Rogers says that the hardest part is scheduling so he has time off and coordinating the two different schedules between the two restaurants. This year, Rogers hopes to work at Messina Hof, which is a winery and resort outside of Bryan. He hopes to develop more advanced cooking skills by becoming the apprentice there. “I want to get into wineries, restaurants and hotels,” Rogers said. “I don’t want to just be in the kitchen. I want to be in the front of the house and back of the house and work with customers while still running the kitchen and make food because that is where my true passion is.” After high school, Rogers hopes to attend Escofﬁer, which is a trade school for culinary arts in Austin. This program is only 10 months, but he hopes to learn various French techniques and different ways food is grown and prepared. “I want to have a better understanding of food and where it comes from, how it gets there, how it’s grown, and the ways it’s grown,” Rogers said. Escofﬁer has a 95 percent post-graduation job placement rate; therefore, Rogers hopes to start working through their network of chefs in Austin. “I hope to gain enough experience in Austin and become an executive chef at my own restaurant one day.”●

● CLass of 2015 5

Becky Nam dancer

BY JULIE POTRYKUS Senior Becky Nam carries her passions everywhere from the canvas tucked below her arm to the paint speckling her wrists. Yet, the true testament of Nam’s passions is not what she carries but rather her simple movements. As she sits in class with her love for art on display, below her desk her feet rest in a perfect pointe as if her body craves to return to her love for dance. “I think it confuses a lot of people why I am choosing dance instead of art,” Nam said. “I am a better artist than a dancer, but it’s always been my life dream to be a dancer. Movement is the truest expression of myself. There is nothing more freeing than dance, and nothing more powerful than dance. I want to be a part of that.” Nam began dancing at Suzzane’s School of Dance where she united two of her loves—dance and her faith in God. Suzanne’s uplifted Nam’s devotion to both dance and her faith through the inspiration from her teachers and fellow dancers. Along with growing in her faith, Nam discovered the elegance of dance. Each foot movement crescendos into a routine into a performance. Each step further to express herself. Despite the freedoms dance grants, the technical perfection of each step limits the subjectivity of performing. “You have a deﬁnite technique, but I think the technique only enhances the freeing aspect of it,” Nam said. “If you are

accumulating all this technique and you are working hard on that, then that just provides a springboard for your emotional freedom and expressing yourself. It just enhances it.” Nam treasures her mistakes because the ﬂaws add depth to her work. The unintentional mistake makes the work real, maybe not in its accuracy but rather in its portrayal of the very real ﬂaws in reality. “I try not to live by a standard of perfection,” Nam said. “So, one really cheesy quote that I adore is that ‘I live by a standard of grace not perfection.’ I want to do things of excellence and I want to do things the best that I can do, but it’s okay if I’m not perfect. I am learning not to internalize my frustration and rather use my knowledge of my wanting to strive for perfection even though it’s not attainable. I guess it’s a good thing because it forces me to strive for a level of excellence.” Nam will pursue excellence at the University of Texas in the College of Liberal Arts where she will study dance and decide the next step in the performance of her life. “One of the things my mom always tells me is that ‘life just doesn’t go the way you want it,’” Nam said. “It is not predictable. It’s not controllable. I just want to do whatever I do with excellence and with a lot of passion.”●

2013 Dec. 14

The staff of four celebrates the first publication of the school newspaper “The Catamount.”

May 28

Aug. May 26 The yearbook staff distributes the first volume 28 of the “Cougar Pride.”

CLass of 2015 ● The Catamount

Friday, May 15, 2015

James Hayes civil engineer

BY KAYLA KURMASKIE April 13th 2013: a day forever engraved in senior James Hayes’s mind. He began the day like many other Saturdays by taking his dog outside and by preparing for a day of tending their backyard. However, the normal weekend took a turn for the tragic when Hayes found an unidentiﬁable mass laying under a tree. “I thought maybe he [my dad] put this fertilizer here under this tree so it doesn’t get hot, and I go up, start walking to it, and I realize it’s my dad,” Hayes said. This realization began a whirlwind of emotion and action for Hayes. Since he was the other person home at the time, Hayes made contact with 911 and received step-by-step instructions on how to do CPR on his father. Hayes said he is haunted by the sensation of his father’s sternum cracking under his hands as he attempted to resuscitate his father. Once medical professionals arrived, they took Hayes’s father to the hospital immediately. By that time, the reality of the situation was beginning to set in on Hayes. “At that point I still didn’t believe it. There’s a point when you face something like this you don’t want to believe it,” Hayes said. “You don’t want to think that something this bad can happen to you. You don’t think it’s possible.” By the time the remainder of Hayes’s family returned home, his father had been

pronounced dead of a massive heart attack due to a pre-existing heart condition. The next week was filled with funeral arrangements and consolation. Soon after, Hayes returned to school in order to try to reestablish normality. “What really got me through was being surrounded by good people and having a routine,” Hayes said. This routine included finding relief in daily football workouts, a passion Hayes had always shared with his father. Before every game Hayes writes his father’s name on the sports tape wrapped around his wrist. Hayes also became more academically focused. “I know part of his dream was for me to grow up and be successful, so I think I am fulfilling his dream,” Hayes said. As a future Aggie, Hayes is also currently enrolled in the engineering academy at Blinn in order to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming a civil engineer. Hayes has adapted to life without his father by stepping up with households needs and by being a source of emotional support for his mother. Despite the tragedy of two years ago, Hayes maintains his optimism. “It’s so much easier to be happy than to be sad. I’ve lived by those words quite a while,” Hayes said. “If you can keep a smile on your face, you’ll be happy. Think about good things. It will get better.” ●

Amber Macha musician

BY EMELIE GUILDE Senior Amber Macha loves her cur- to march, leading them in performances, rent role as the Cougar band head drum and forming myself into someone worth major. However, unlike most members of respecting,” Macha said. the band, she is a former viola player. Being responsible for the develop“I remember going to each Tiger ment of new marching band members Football home game to watch my brother and being a latecomer herself led Macha Anthony in the Mighty Band from Tiger- to discover the fact that while people may land. I enjoyed playing viola and being come from different backgrounds and in the CSMS varsity orchestra, but some- have different opinions, music can bring thing about that band every Friday seemed them together. to pull me away,” Ma“I see music as a powcha said. erful force, a universal lan“[Music] has the Macha signed up guage, which can speak to to be in orchestra in 5th power to transform, everyone. It has the power grade, despite the fact create and inspire.” to transform, create and inthat her parents thought Amber Macha, senior spire,” Macha said. she would be more inHowever, soon enough terested in band. Three Macha may be embarking years later, Macha made the decision to on another journey, as she hopes to bechange musical groups when she quickly come a member of the Fightin’ Aggie learned clarinet and joined band her eighth Band next year. grade year. “To join the Aggie Band, you have to “Immediately, I noticed a difference be in the corp, and that is a really tough between band and orchestra that made me program to be in. It is going to form me realize my decision was the right one,” into a more responsible and better person Macha said. as a whole,” Macha said. Macha’s sophomore year, after the While in just a couple of weeks, the move from Tigerland to Cougar Nation, drum major of the Cougar band will be she made the decision to try out for drum leaving her band family, she hopes to vismajor. Hesitant at ﬁrst, Macha was not it the place where she discovered the joy sure she was qualiﬁed for the job, but her of music, and made some of her strongest peers made it clear to her that she was. connections. “Suddenly, I was thrown into the job “The strength of our band was each of teaching inexperienced freshmen how and every person in it,” she said.●

2014 Mar. Nov. 15 13 Girls cross country claims the 3A State Championship title in Round Rock.

Nov. 23 In their playoff debut, the volleyball team

advances to the state tournament, finishing in third place.

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Catamount

Samantha Villalobos environmental engineer

BY RACHEL GRANT The bell rings for fifth period to begin. In the construction lab on level zero floor, senior Samantha Villalobos can be found working on robotics as part of RECD, a technology club, and Skills USA. “I’m really into robotics,” Villalobos said. “Robotics, the way we do it, doesn’t just involve building the robot. It involves a lot of other things like marketing, business procedures, public speaking, spirit and sportsmanship, but the really career and technology focus program we do is called Skills USA. ” Villalobos will be attending Duke next fall where she will study environmental engineering, as well as a major or minor in Latin American studies. “My hope is to travel to Latin American countries and help solve their environmental situations such as water sanitation, pollution, hunger and really promoting sustainability in those countries that need it,” Villalobos said. “The reason I chose Latin American countries is because I’m half Mexican. I’ve been around that culture most of my life, and I’m very familiar with it, but I’d like to connect and get closer to it with my studies.” Villalobos’ interest in robotics was first sparked when she took the robotics class in middle school and continued her involvement in high school.

“At Consol, I got to learn about the leadership behind it and how to actually run it. Having that, I came over to the new school and started the robotics program here,” she said. Although Villalobos is passionate about her future, she feels nostalgic about leaving this high school because of the history she is leaving behind. “I think it’s really cool to be the ﬁrst people leaving, because we got to say, this is what school is going to be like,” Villalobos said. “I think that being able to make our own traditions and creating our own legacy has been really cool. It’s also helped to foster my school spirit because at Consol, I had spirit, but not really. I really do feel the ‘Cougar Pride’ [here].” Villalobos was able to pick her dream college after narrowing it down because of its uniqueness and will spend the next four years there studying the thing she loves most. “Duke encourages very well rounded and disciplinary studies, and being a person who’s interested in all kinds of different things, going to Duke is the right choice for me,” Villalobos said. “They have so many opportunities and programs that will help me study pretty much anything I want there.”●

Jan. 31 English III AP students celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” with Gatsby Day.

● CLass of 2015 7

Jiatao Liang biochemist

BY CLARISSA PARULIAN As a boy, he sat sprawled among the clusters of science books, skipping over the difﬁcult words, and content in a world of capability. With a professor for a father and nurse for a mother, he grew up encouraged to wonder. Senior Jiatao Liang is easily associated with intelligence from various State UIL titles to leading the school in academics. High expectations often build pressure; however, Liang grew up in encouragement. “I don’t think I’ve really ever felt [pressured] like that,” Liang said. “My parents are more relaxed than the stories you hear of tiger moms.” With school full of different subjects and aspects, Liang views education with an eager eye and plenty of interest beyond mere curriculum. “It’s fun, learning, you know,” Liang said. Liang’s drive to know more roots his educational capacity. Chemistry teacher Casey Akin recognizes his motivation. “It’s not just learning for accolades.” Akin said. It’s learning because he truly loves the information. He is an entirely integrity-driven creature, has an incredible sense of honor, and I’ve never seen him shrink from being responsible.” Liang harbors a mix of learning abilities that work in harmony with his time management habits. Regardless of his in-

May 17 Juniors enjoy their first prom and After Prom Bash, held on the Texas A&M campus.

telligence, Liang holds a rare respect for others and a kindness in sharing information. “I plan to major in biochemistry at UC Berkeley. I kind of want to be a professor,” Liang said. “It’s exciting to see the same spark. Maybe [eventually] I’ll be working on a Ph.D., maybe I’ll be a doctor, and maybe I’ll be doing something completely different. I do want to make an impact on the world.” His drive is spurred on by curiosity, dedication and an eagerness to share without compromising fun in the world. “He’s a fun-loving person,” biology teacher Vanita Vance said. “When you’re as smart as Jiatao is and as accomplished as he is academically, to still be able to have that almost childlike sense of wonder about how things work and for learning new things is remarkable.” Though he excels far above the average, Liang still savors the unknown. “In some ways yes [the world can be explained by science], but some things can’t and some things shouldn’t be. Like people’s minds. There’s a lot of uncertainty when it gets to the really small levels, and some of that shouldn’t be explained. It’s sentimental, kind of. There should always be something that could be weird about the world,” Liang said.●

Ma May 15 UIL Academics and One-Act win awards at 21 the state meet, contributing points for the school’s second place Lone Star Cup finish.

8 CLass of 2015● The Catamount

Greetings from the

NEW YORK CALIFORNIA

Monterey Peninsula College Isaiah Goodman University of California in Berkley Jiatao Liang University of California in San Diego Peter Liu

COLORADO

University of Denver Chris Watson

FLORIDA

University of Florida MacGregor Hines

INDIANA

Indiana Institute of Technology Carter Clouston Tristin Manning University of Evansville Kathleen Finch

MASSACHUSETTS Wheaton College Keaton Schrank

KANSAS

University of Kansas Jeremiah Booker

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi Kiley Scott

MISSOURI

Missouri Valley College Bri White

NEBRASKA

University of Nebraska Hannah Childress

New York University Megan Paradowski Alexander Sanchez Courtney Sumlin Suﬀolk County Community College Stephanie Do Culinary Institute of America Sydney Cordero

NORTH CAROLINA Duke University Samantha Villalobos

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma State University Kinsey Rhome Baylor Rowlett University of Oklahoma Corbon Ogle

TENNESSEE

University of Tennessee Steele Fancher

TEXAS

Abilene Christian University Emmanuel Vazquez Kalin Warlick Austin College Dakota Stephens Baylor University Alana Batista Alexandra Pratt Daivd Rambo Jamie Roberman Blinn College Matt Albrecht Alfredo Banuelos Megan Barrett Daniel Barrientos

Jacob Beard Sandra Blair Bryan Bobadilla Jessica Brown Kaitlyn Brunson Aquila Carter Randy Cessna Rogelio Davila Jenna Davis Jesus De Leon Oriana Delgado Rene Devane Grayson Dikes Alex Fontes Billy Freeman JR Chloe French Donny Hair Morgan Hamilton Abbie Harris Ricky Harrison Hannah Hejl Christina Hendershot Corina James Noah Jean CJ Johnson Te'a Johnson Brittany Jurode Madison Kothmann Sierra Lamb Adam Lopez Teresa Malave Christina Manning Z'andria Marshall Luke Martinez Ray Matthews Larry Mendez Jr Ashlyn Miller Sid Moehlman Kayez Momin Mwape Mulenga Rebecca Mwarabu Rachel Nelson Kristina Nguyen Chase Nobles Zach Oden

The Catamount ● CLass of 2015

Friday, May 15, 2015

2015 Seniors

Caroline Orihuela Ariel Palmisano Kayla Penã Hanna Polen Logan Praytor Gabriel Rodriguez Soﬁa Rangel DeJa Richardson Larry Robinson Eric Robinson DeJanae Robinson Drew Rodriguez Johan Roman Gabriel Sabljic Kayla Salazar Daniel Schulien Chris Sheppard Lea Shoemake Kyle Smith Cullen Smith Maurice Stanley IV Rebecca Summer Travis Tate Kaneshla Thomas Edric Tran Hsu Tzu-Chun Kayla Van De Flier Kelvin Vela Becca Wade Ashlynn Williams Melissa Wood Dylan Wren Jey Baldobino Leah Blume Taner Bramson Noah Burns Teanna Church Jacob Francis Kayla Lamont Henok Moak Dusty Parlow Ariel Salas Scott Smith Peter Williams Jordan Yendrey Cody Yetter Taquashia Young

Blinn College in Brenham Rustam Kaunes Concordia University Alex Bowden Dallas Baptist University Alicia McCallay Hardin Simmons University Jonathan Cole Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts Ashley Ramirez Lone Star College Bailey Wooten Kilgore College Madison Cashion Midwestern State University Kazeem Weekes Northeast Texas Community College Alyssa Vega Prairie View A&M University Courtney Aleman Makya Campbell Kourtlen Freemann Ayshia Merchant Josh Moore Taydra Sanders Rice University Cody Staab Sam Houston State University Selvedina Cajic Drake Carnes Joseph Cohn Walker Davis Dakota Faucett Taylor Graves Jaxxon Grisham Amanda Hickey Kassidy Hopkins Sherrie Hutchins Derek Lemons Andrew Ling Samantha Mendez Darby Merritt

Jaclyn Miller Marshall Palmer Chandler Richard Courtnie Simpson South Plains College Kuevon Garrett Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kaleigh Syler St. Edward's University Hogan Daughters Shelby Wingard St. Mary's University Ross Shadparvar Stephen F Austin University Peyton Privett Chandler Martin Tarleton State University Jesse Dale Reed Gorzycki Christian Neal Cordis Parnell Texas A&M University Sam Morris Kristi Bangs Meghan Bauman Chris Bettiol Azhar Bhimji Fiona Cohen Natalie Colunga Ethan Desai Hannah Dombach Blake Dorsett Ryan Feigenbaum Emily Guerrieri Diana Hajali Jj Handy Judge Hansen Kourtney Harris Chris Hutcherson Tessa Johnson Connor Joseph Srujan Kancharla Brittany Kemp Kade Kennedy Mason Klemm Collin Lawson

Sophia Lee Sarah Lenox Collin Littleﬁeld Amber Macha Devyn McBride Michael McCord Ali Momin Kyle Nugent Ifeoma Okonkwo Gabbi Orzabal Samuel Park Bailey Payne Emanuel Quiros Connor Russell Zach Russell Alyssa Ryan Addie Seale Akshay Selvakumarraj Arrott Smith Steven Smith Taran Stupka Kaitlyn Terzian Haley Wagner Kelsie Warren Cole Whittlesey

Blaine Wootan Chase Zamulinski Ali Charara Will Chollett Cat Currens Bethany Dennis Sydni Freeman Abby Hagen James Hayes Jayme Holden Mason Kaase Savannah Lawrence Kaitlyn Ong Aly Sams Jordie Wells Kelsey Wentling Texas A&M University in Corpus Chrsiti Bailey Scherr Jackie Tran Alexis Vargas Texas A&M University in Galveston Jarrod Norwood Kyle Slack

Texas Christian University Meg Johnson Ryan Johnson Texas State University Lori Hoﬀmann Cory Nutall Larry Payton JR Thomas Torres Ashley Troutman Jillian Volkmar Paige Wiggins Carson Beckman Texas Tech University Bryanna Decker Universal Technical Institute Tommy Gray Chandler Coﬀman Mark Wallace University of Houston Alyssia Bostic University of Mary Hardin–Baylor Eylan Price Emily Sykes

University of North Texas Rachael Dungan Kierstin Fallon Meghan Griggs University of Texas Sebastian de Beurs Abigail Kellstedt Brynna Lekven Katherine McDougall Becky Nam Julie Potrykus Kelly Zhang Clarissa Parulian University of Texas in Arlington Regina May Katie Roderick University of Texas in Dallas Megan Clark-Tchen University of Texas in San Antonio Lamar Cole III Aidan Parsi Lily Parsi

Vista College Juan Arechar

UTAH

Brigham Young University Brianna Aguilar John Cassler Utah State University Jaylen Hinckley Riley Park Brooke Hanks Kailee Kema

ARMED SERVICES Army Catrina Tinker Derek Witzenman Marines Es Salazar

OTHER

Charles & Sue's School of Hair Design Bailey Welch Gap year Chloe Heiniluoma Dienza Williams

LDS Mission Nathan Liao Technical School Hunter Ziegelmann TEEX Fire Training Jacob Varner Undecided Corey Barron Lorena Bustos Brandon Dickerson Jake Georgiades Shelby Lancaster Matt Rogers Curtis Thompson III Brandon Trinh Work Kiahna Butterﬁeld Eric Leal Joshua Medina Ryan Young Information compiled from a survey completed by seniors

t s e e . h s

10CLass of 2015 ● The Catamount

Friday, May 15, 2015

Dear Kyle, Try not to procrastinate. You’ll regret it every time. Don’t let people and situations change who you are. You have a strong and powerful God on your side, never forget that. Have some [safe] fun, take some [safe] risks, and keep on keeping on [safely]! Love your favorite big sister, Jayme

Final Farewells

Seniors share advice with freshmen siblings Dear Jackson, The most important thing to realize is if you don’t get an A in every class you probably won’t get accepted into college... And if you’re more than 10 minutes tardy to your first period class you might as well go get breakfast because you’ll be counted absent either way. Also don’t ever date in high school because teenage girls are psychotic. I love you!

Jayme and Kyle Holden Dear Grayson, First of all, I want to say that I am so incredibly proud of the man you are becoming. I want you to know that with high school comes lots of change - some good and some bad. However, I want you to never let those changes, change you. Always keep God at the center of your life, and He will and can do remarkable things through you. I love you, G-man!

Katie and Jackson Roderick

Madison and Greyson Cashion Dear Hayley, Throughout high school you will face many big obstacles that can only be overcome with help from others. I wish I had been more open to others during high school instead of trying to face everything on my own. Listening to different advice is important, but in the end, always listen to yourself. Always take what others say into consideration, but never make a decision if any part of you feels wrong about it. You will always know what is best for yourself.

Dear Kalindi, As you transition into your sophomore year here at the purple palace, remember to remain true to your one-of-a-kind self. I’ve never met a person as unique as you and that’s something incredibly special that you should be proud of. Many people will come and go throughout the remainder of your high school years, but none of those friendships should cause you to change your extraordinary personality. All the love, E

Ethan and Kalindi Desai Dear Kate, High school goes so much better when you don’t care what people think about you. Do what you’re interested in and what makes you happy and if it’s not perceived as cool or popular who cares! Also, bring snacks for every class because you’re happiest when you’re eating, and when you’re happy you’ll do well on your work. And don’t worry if you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, that’s what advocate and lunch are for.

Kyle and Hayley Nugent

June The varsity baseball team celebrates their first 5 state championship victory over Argyle High School 5-2.

Jaylen and Kate Hinckley

June 29 SkillsUSA team members compete at the National Conference in Louisville, bringing home gold medals.

Kentucky,

July 5-10 Culinary team attends their first national competition.

Friday, May 15, 2015

U OTRYK P E I L U J ve executi

editor

All my life people have belittled my opinions. I admit not every opinion of mine was sunshine and rainbows, but the constant diminishment never allowed me to explore my own ideas. I was silenced before I spoke. No one understood that sometimes when I spoke, I just wanted to be heard. With speech and debate, I found a way to be heard. But the numerous medals and ribbons for my speaking and writing did not reverse the doubts cause by the belittlement. Instead the people I met through speech and debate changed me. The ﬁrst time I met Mr. Lehrmann I assumed he would be clueless. No man with that many Batman ﬁgurines could possess the maturity to lead a speech and debate team. With my debater’s arrogance, I set him straight about my expectation for the team. We were good, and we just needed him to sign the papers for us to dominate at tournaments. I never expected how instru-

mental he would be to me and this team. Mr. Lehrmann smiled politely at me and let me indulge in the false notion that I knew better than him. I’m sure he went home that night and told his wife about the obnoxious junior who was as disillusioned as Ted Cruz thinking he should be president. Over the past two years, Mr. Lehrmann has inspired me to achieve excellence in ever moment. Even when I wanted to throw my head in a furnace for my botchery, he just encouraged me because the last round doesn’t matter- what matters is how we learn from it. After each round no matter the place around my neck, he pushed me to do better. I see other debate teams with the same robotic carbon copies each performing with a technical perfection. Instead Mr. Lehrmann taught me to ﬁnd my own perfection. He endured multiple lunch interuptions to hear my choatic rants. He cared

In high school, our lives are characterized by moments. Some wards. I had a lot more free time since the grueling application/ are good, some are bad, some are longer than others and some audition process was over, but that meant that I had more time to last only for seconds. We all experience those moments where we sit and think about whether or not life would work out the way I feel like our lives are falling apart before our eyes. This year I wanted. experienced more of those moments than usual. I fell apart, and Finally, it happened. My life came together. It wasn’t back I couldn’t hide it. I was sad, stressed, anxious, broken, and life to normal by any means, but instead it was in a newer, better was ticking by slowly as if each minute were a place. Life’s ups and downs can be drastic, but year long. I also experienced one moment, howI’ve learned that I’m fully capable of handling “For me, dancing is ever, where my life worked out exactly the way them. I am strong enough, and I can and will do breathing. It’s my I wanted. great things. I will no longer let myself be brought For me, dancing is breathing. It’s my escape escape.” down by other people or groups of people. Some and ultimate comfort. It breaks me down, builds Megan Paradowski, things work out, and others don’t, and from now me up and tears me apart all at the same time. I on, that’s okay with me. gave up a lot for dance, hoping that it would all senior Unfortunately, I learned this lesson as high become worth it in one speciﬁc moment, the bigschool is coming to an end. I’m sad to leave CSHS gest moment of my life. I auditioned at my dream school, NYU, but excited to discover my new self in New York City. I’ll miss shooting for the stars and knowing they may very well be out of the newspaper late nights, studying for tests the period before, reach. I gave up movie nights, family time and many school danc- and running to third period because I can’t even wake up by 9:30 es preparing for this one moment. anymore. I’ll also miss sharing parts of my life through editorials And then I waited. as I’m doing now, which makes this farewell all the more difﬁI checked the mail twice a day, and my email more often than cult. This particular moment will not be forgotten, but treasured that. My life felt frozen in time. I couldn’t move forwards or back- forever.

Aug. 26 Seniors meet at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and the start of a new tradition, Senior Sunrise.

Oct. 17 CSHS names its first Homecoming King and Queen during the game against Huntsville.

Oct. 24

The Catamount ● CLass of 2015 11 enough to hear me. He never asked me to change who I am to fit some ideal debater mold. Instead he helped me take my strengthens and become stronger without sacrficing what makes my thoughts mine. Without the acceptance I found in speech and debate, I would never be pursuing a career in political public relations because I never believed I knew enough about politics or current issues to sound half way intelligent. I can never thank him enough for believing in me throughout these two years and giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Thank you for allowing me to invade your lunch breaks to give my chaotic speeches with microscopic notecards. Thank you for bringing your family to cheer us on during our Sunday work days and parties. Thank you for hearing me. It doesn’t matter how many people belittle my opinions when I have people who believe in me.

I DOWSK A R A P EGAN

n-chief

editor-i

The Cougars beat Consol 34-31 in the first meeting of the two football teams.

12 CLass of 2015 ● The Catamount

R AGUILA A N N BRIA itor

news ed

Friday, May 15, 2015 They say high school is the best time of your life. The times you look back on with your kids. The times where you changed from a small, naïve freshman to an (almost) ready-for-the-world senior. But, I would have to disagree. High school is one of the hardest times of your life. With a limited amount of real world experience, I’m sure there are many other times where it would be harder than high school. But high school, at least for me, is a place where the most crucial times of change happen—ﬁnding out who you really are, ﬁnding clubs and classes that suit you, relationships, failure. Yet, with my tendency to look at the bright side, I know these changing moments have been incredibly needed for me. I have grown immensely these past three years at College Station High School while learning life doesn’t always work how you want it to, failure is needed to become better, and just being me is always best. As it all comes to an end, I must thank this amazing school and all my teachers and friends for allowing me to learn who I am, to grow in the opportunities I have been blessed with, and to make it to the point I thought couldn’t come sooner and now wishing couldn’t come slower— graduation. But, never would I have realized that it would only take two moments to make me realize just how much I was going to miss all of this. This: the midnight runs to HEB for ice-cream with friends after a long, long week (the repetition is especially needed), staying

I catch myself frequently wondering how my life would be different if I knew the things I know now. Would I have missed out on opportunities I will never have again because I was too afraid of failure? Would I have pushed myself harder in classes so I wouldn’t have been rejected from my dream school? There are a million different lives I can imagine myself occupying in a perfect world without the existence of bad choices and mistakes. The reality is that without the biggest hardships I’ve been dealt as an adolescent and teenager, I wouldn’t have learned the difﬁcult, and usually painful, lessons that young people face. As cliché as this sounds, when I take a step back from the incessant day to day worries, I recognize that every single problem I have, or haven’t, handled the right way has molded me into the person I am today.

This thought has comfort in it. To know that I can stray miles from the path I want my life to take yet gain something so crucial to growing up through suffering, and know that I can push myself back in the right direction with a renewed conscience. With that being said, the smallest yet most impactful lessons I have learned and would want every person to absorb to get the most from their high school experience are these: no person is deﬁned by a single moment. It is inconceivable to condense all the limitless potential a person has to one bad mistake or one slip in judgment. Never inhibit any circumstance in your life because of someone’s insigniﬁcant opinion. And most importantly, never let fear of getting hurt or hurting others stop you from forming meaningful, lasting relationships. If you let this fear of feeling vulnerable or weak stop you from reveal-

in a teacher’s classroom for hours after school to learn all the information for an upcoming test, all-nighters (well, almost all-nighters) to ﬁnish an English essay, pride in publishing my ﬁrst newspaper on the Catamount staff, the last football game, the last pep rally— the “lasts” coming all too soon. First moment. I am at MugWalls with my best friend trying to study for a looming Anatomy and Physiology test. As we laugh at some unfunny thing, I look at the other students around us and realize I won’t be able to do this much longer. So, thank you. Thank you for always cheering me up by showing me some much needed corny jokes you found on Pinterest and sending close up photos of my face for your entertainment. Thanks for watching out for me whether it’s giving advice about what I need to do rather than want, when I have only one eye of mascara done, for always being there to give me honest feedback even when I don’t want to hear it, making me laugh in my real laugh, for only tackling extra-credit projects when together, for the equal amount of dedication and love for Hallmark Christmas movies and hot chocolate, and for being a best friend. Second moment. At the last home football game I was caught mid-moment realizing the reality of it being my last home football game, my last time to be surrounded by a sea of purple and the last time I would be able to chant the pride-invoking chants at a football game at my high school for the team I loved.

ing yourself to others, you will shut out the good ones too. It seemed like these lessons I’ve learned the hard way were jumbled amongst an eternity of late night study sessions and heartbreaks. It felt like my entire existence was built on my algebra grade or my next anatomy test. Now, with only a few weeks of school left, it feels like the past four years of my life happened in seconds. It’s as if I walked the school hallways for the first time at 14, turned around too fast, and in a quick moment of dizziness saw four years of memories pass by my eyes. I look around and notice that I’m not a freshman with a bell schedule in my hand, but a senior who will receive a diploma that says I’m officially not a kid anymore and I’m going to be alone for the first time in my life, in a world known as college where many other lessons are waiting to be learned.

2015 Nov. 8

Boys cross country takes second place at the 5A state meet in Round Rock.

Nov. 27 The Strutters perform in the Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

LILY PA s editor

feature

RSI

Friday, May 15, 2015

IA PARUL A S S I R CLA staff rep

orter

“Oh, you are a Parulian?” Throughout my schooling years I cherished hearing this recognition of my last name, knowing that it would equate myself to my older brother and cousins. I especially looked up to the two only two years apart from me: my brother Jeremy and cousin Esther. We grew up in the provision of our grandparents’ house, smashing mud against the bricks beneath the old wooden swing, selling lemonade to sympathetic construction workers across the road, completing secret missions and eventually crashing onto a giant puddle of pillows and pale colored blankets to watch our favorite VHS tapes. In high school I watched them go through AP classes, excel in sports, become leaders in youth group and mold into the coveted character of seniors. I vowed to myself that I, too, would become this senior that others looked to and recognized for kindness and spirit. Some process was supposed to occur between sophomore and junior year where my shy, timid core

I was shocked this year when, for the first time in my life, I heard the term “role model” applied to me. Those words sounded unusual attached to the end of my name. They gave the feeling of shoes a few sizes too big. I wasn’t sure how this title would fit me, or what loose strings I needed to tie up in order to truly deserve it. But this year I’ve had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time with two sarcastic fourteen-year-olds from whom I’ve learned a great deal about mentorship. In many ways Ethan and Grace are opposites. However, in reflecting on the year of growth that the three of us have had, I see that these two teenagers had a shared impact on my life by simply allowing me to be a part of theirs. I’ve gotten to know my younger brother and might-as-wellbe-sister this year as they took on the challenges of middle school with an excess of courage and occasional glimpses of maturity. I’ve shared midnight Netflix binges with one, sunset painting sessions with another, and late-night therapy sessions with each. I’ve seen them excel in their respective extracurriculars and have been a supporter at football games, dance competitions, and track meets. Each instance filled me with the unrivaled joy of big-sisterhood, to simply be present for them. While cheering unapologetically in the stands for the kids that meant so much to me, I realized I had become like many of my own role models. With each passing day I’ve only found more to admire and

Feb. Senior Tre Cole is named the first Mr. CSHS 5 in Student Council’s “Mangeant.”

would crack and leave behind an assertive upperclassman. I would have to not be anxious when talking to new people or shy from conversation. A magic transformation would filter all of that out. But it didn’t. Junior year, I fell back into my thick comfort of restraint, terrified to be judged for appearance or opinion. I confined myself to distrust of others and limited conversation. With the end of the year came the long summer sun, and I found myself amidst new opportunities: choir camp where I didn’t know anybody, a three week period spent entirely with almost my entire extended family and vacation Bible school music team. I realized that the confident character I saw in my brother and cousin were result of stretching comfort levels and being a leader. With new motivation I found confidence centered in faith. Spending time with others who built their goals around the same knowledge and faith in a Savior who died to save us from our wrongs and

respect. I marvel at their impeccable taste in music and their shared knack for guitar (a talent of which I am shamelessly envious). Both of them write with the honest language of authors beyond their years, constantly surprising me with the depth of their thoughts and the strength of their characters. Their unfailing senses of humor and brief lapses in coordination bring smiles to the faces of those around them, those lucky enough to call them friends. Ethan and Grace have proved to be equal parts hardheaded and softhearted, forgiving of everyone except for themselves. I’ve seen so much of myself reflected in their behavior, watching them make so many of my own mistakes and a few more of their own. Observing their transformation has been like looking into a distant mirror, forcing me to recognize the person staring back at me today. In this time of unpredictable transition, I’m filled with both sadness and good hope. As I leave behind the school that means so much to me, Ethan and Grace will only just be beginning their journey within its walls. The uncertainty I have entering college is the same uncertainty they’ll have starting high school in a place that I know holds endless opportunities for them. I’m grateful for the years they’ll spend growing here, and anxious to see the people they’ll become. And I cannot wait for the moment that each of them looks back to realize that they’ve filled these same shoes that they never expected to wear.

Mar. 16 The orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Catamount ● CLass of 2015 13 loves us enough to forgive through believing in Him helped me become bold. The more time I spent entrusting all my worries to God, the less I cared about judgment from others. New friendships solidified, and I moved away from hiding in situations that required me to get to know new people. Suddenly that character of confidence was realized, and opportunities that once scared me became exciting. Now, going into the last few weeks of high school, I feel ready and eager for what is in store. Equipped with the most patient parents supporting me, a purpose through faith, and great friendships formed along the way, I finally feel confident in me, not in labels. I am not the bold person that I thought I’d be, but I am becoming more than just the shadow of the people before me. Adventure awaits, undisturbed by the temptation of simply day dreaming. As time flutters past, I stand confident: Clarissa Parulian the Undefeatable, inscrutable to the last.

FIONA

COHEN

ent edit

inm enterta

April 9-10 The student body participates in the

Shattered Dreams educational program.

CLass of 2015 ● The Catamount

UMLIN

NEY S COURT staff rep

orter

As my final year of public education comes to a close, questions about my plans for the future are a constant aspect to my everyday routine. More often than not, people are surprised by my certainty in the decision to join the military. I would hear people say, “how are you sure it’s what you want?” or “how do you know you’ll like it?” I’ve grown up in a family of military heritage. My great-grandfather on my father’s side jumped out of a rickety C-47 on June 6 1944 (D-Day) into St. Mary Gliese, France as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. On my mother’s side my great-grandfather drove an amphibious vehicle on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day operation. And her great-uncle Bussie flew a P-51 mustang in a fighter squadron protecting allied bomb raids. My grandfather, father’s side, was awarded multiple purple hearts, and was an Army Cavalryman and door gunner to a Huey helicopter in Vietnam. My father, a second lieutenant (Enlisted) in the United States Army, has instilled in me an understanding in this choice and its con-

Eight minutes. That’s how long I had to prove to the college of my dreams that they needed me. Eight minutes to show them that I could thrive in their program. Eight minutes to mold myself into someone they would want to work with. Eight minutes that will then decide the next 2,103,795 minutes of my life. I am easily one of the most competitive people I know. I play to win and always make absolutely sure I know exactly what path to take to achieve this. Ironically, the course I have chosen for my life is extremely unique in that this holds almost no merit at all. Art, and more speciﬁcally theatre, is subjective. There is no formulaic way to “win” at college auditions. Obviously, the talented are separated from the rest, and star qualities cannot be ignored, but that is only half the battle. This isn’t baseball, where the task at hand is clear: score more than the other team. Or academics: study these things so that you can make the grade. Here, a choice as simple as wearing a bright colored lipstick could alter your impact on directors, and this subjectivity of theatre makes it frustratingly unpredictable. Oftentimes, I found myself dreaming of an easy way out. Taking the ACT, writing my essays, pulling together a few recommendation letters, and the sitting back to watch the acceptance letters roll in. Instead, the anxiety and stress induced by the countless monologues that needed to be memorized, interviews that needed sequences. When the third period bell rang and Sam asked us to stand, I never recited the pledge of allegiance, I announced it. Throughout my adolescent years, my father has challenged me to truly think about the decision to become an Armed Services member, and time and time again I have thought of nothing I would love more. As far as when I knew in my heart that it

“I realized that there is no other cause I could possibly devote myself to.” Derek Witzenman, senior was the life for me, I was 11. My father had taken me into his den and had shown me this heritage. He took down from the highest shelf my great-grandfather’s airborne jump wings. When I held those wings in my hand, I felt a storm inside my chest, a burning that would not cease. It felt as if my whole body swelled and something

April 16 The girls soccer team places third at the 5A state tournament in Georgetown.

Friday, May 15, 2015

to be prepared for, resumes and headshots that needed to be made were almost too much for me this fall semester. That combined with the fact that I could be the most talented person in the room, and a school could very well not even blink my way was more than a little unsettling. I had a less than average experience than most of my peers, the majority of whom had been on the stage most of their lives. While I had always held an awed fascination for theatre, I wasn’t given the opportunity to really achieve growth until my junior year. The holes in my resume ﬁlled me with a doubt that was hard to shake. I am one hundred percent sure that without the incomparable College Station drama department, the inspiring Mr.Stanley, and Mr.Martindale’s unwavering support, my dreams would not have been possible. College Station theatre taught me what it meant to be fearless. Throwing a plethora of diversely challenging roles my way, from requiring me to be suspended from the ceiling to being possessed, to being allowed access to commit myself to roles most highschoolers can only dream about. The support for the arts in this school and in our community is incredible. This is truly a special place, where you have the power to accomplish whatever you want and be whoever you want to be. Take advantage of the opportunities that have been laid out for you. And above all, be fearless. I will be attending the Meisner Studio at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

grew stronger in me, some unidentifiable feeling that manifested itself inside my chest. A powerful feeling that hasn’t left me yet. It was something so strong and surreal that in the rest of my seven years of searching no other career has given me. It was in that moment I realized that there is no other cause I could possibly devote myself to, no end that I would rather gain, no honor that I would hold such admiration for, than the Army. If nothing else could convince someone of why I’d choose this career then I hope this quote will suffice, “Born unto a different cloth, these men could have chosen a life of prosperity and chased every opportunity afforded by our great nation. Giving life as they live it, they chose to leave these pursuits behind and devote themselves instead to a higher calling, living with indomitable purpose - by simple truths - Brotherhood. Honor. Sacrifice. Words molded into their character, exemplified by their actions.” – unknown.

May Students from the classes of 2015 and 2016 9 attend the first junior and senior prom.

ENMAN

WITZ DEREK staff rep

orter

May 29 The class of 2015 will graduate at Reed Arena at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Catamount â&#x2014;? CLass of 2015

Fiona

Julie

late nights and pizza rolls and photoshop and illustrator and

brianna

senior staffers

clarissa

lily couch naps and text wrap and sonic runs and head phones and courtney derek

megan

c u t o u t s and editorials and valencia-bold and ctrl alt delete

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Catamountâ&#x2014;? CLass of 2015 16

a picture is worth 2015 words