C
College Station High School
4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845
the CATAMOUNT
4
Vol. 10 No. 3
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
CROSS
Art by Elisabeth Stewart
CULTUrAL
Service organizations collect holiday donations
8
Art by Elisabeth Stewart
Political turmoil abroad affects family ties in other nations Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief
Fashion designers create innovative clothing
In the United States, polarizing politics have, at most, caused a riot
14
in the U.S. capitol building and conspiracy theories online. But what does conflict, old and new, look like in the rest of the world?
Coffee shops serve up festive beverages
INDEX
News Opinions Student Life People Sports Entertainment Etc.
2-4 5-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16
Senior Daniella Lombardo and her cousin, sophomore Eduardo Lombardo, came to the United States from Venezuela in the midst of socialist leader Nicolas Maduro’s regime. “Eduardo came three years ago in 2018 because they couldn’t live there anymore, but we stayed,” Lombardo said. “[But] my dad thought, ‘well, Daniella’s going to graduate,’ but won’t be able to find a good job and have a bright future” because of the quality of college education in Venezuela. Eventually, Lombardo and her family began seriously thinking about following in her cousin’s footsteps when her dad’s company was taken. “He is an engineer and he had his own company, but the [government] took his company, so he had to get a new job. He ended up selling cars,” she said. But in addition to coming here for education, Lombardo also said her family needed more money to support her grand-
Follow us on social media:
parents, who are retired in Venezuela. “Retirement in Venezuela used to work very well, [but] on my mom’s side, my grandparents are retired and they don’t receive money. Now the inflation makes [around 500,000] bolivares, [Venezualan currency], one dollar here,” she said. “We came here because we needed to help [my grandparents]. We needed to give them food and money. Who [else] is going to feed them?” Venezuela’s dire inflation is tied to political instability. But the socialist system is not necessarily the problem, she said: corruption is the source. “Some people call [Maduro] a dictator. There’s Republicans and Democrats here, but if you’re on the other side [in Venezuela] they can put you in jail. There’s no one against him now,” Lombardo said. Senior Munzir Sharif’s dad is currently in Sudan, where
@cshscatamountnewspaper
continued on page 2 @cshscatamountn1
2
News
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Parents pass down generational values, religious beliefs continued from page 1
What do you want CSHS students to know about your country?
“Venezuela is a very beautiful country and everyone who leaves wants to come back. We are a very loving people and very charismatic.”
“There is an extremely rich, multi-millenial history behind the contemporary view of China that most people have today. Chinese people are really not unlike Americans.”
“The media doesn’t show all of the stuff that is happening in Sudan, so we need to do our own research and try to help in any way possible.”
“Despite the fact that the culture in Hungary is different, a lot of our ideologies are similar. Even if we do things differently, that’s not something that should be judged.”
Daniella Lombardo, senior
Heyu Li, junior
Munzir Sharif, senior
Rita Szunyogh, junior
takeover by military leaders puts the country’s democratic transition in jeopardy. Sharif said that civil war has been ongoing, and the country is divided. “Our government in Sudan is pretty politically corrupt,” he said. “Religion plays a big role in that. The northern part of Sudan is mostly Muslim, and the southern part is mostly Christian.” Sharif himself experienced the consequences of the discord between the north and south when he was on vacation visiting relatives in Northern Sudan in 2016. “I was walking to the gas station and this dude was throwing fire poppers at me. I had a hard time speaking Arabic at the time, so he probably thought I was Christian, and Northern Sudan is mostly Muslim. He tried to come at me with a knife when I [confronted him]. That’s the first time I’ve ever witnessed violence in Sudan,” he said. When junior Rita Szunyogh asks her parents about their teenage years in Hungary under the “Iron Curtain,” a sociopolitical and military barrier set up by the Soviet Union after World War II, she said the main thing she hears about is socialism. “My parents say it was more equal. People had less but everybody had less,” Szunyogh said. “I’ve been in one of my mom’s apartments from the Soviet Union, my parents, [one] that they still own. It’s tiny, like one room. But that was the standard back then,” she added. According to Szunyogh, her grandparents had family members who died during World War II. “They were pretty close to where it was happening,” Szunyogh said. “When [my parents] were teenagers, Rus-
sia controlled everybody. You went to school and had to put an apron uniform on so everyone looked the same.” But one of the most striking differences between the United States and Hungary was religious expression, she said. Under Joseph Stalin, religion was considered “taboo” and atheism was widespread. This led to her family having complicated religious identities, Szunyogh said.
[My Parents] had good lives in china. They enjoy and are proud of their culture. -Heyu Li Junior “There wasn’t open conversation about religion, which is really different from here, where there’s Young Life, and everyone talks about church and spreads the word of God. That doesn’t happen in Hungary because you have to be a little bit more private about it,” she said. While she used to be more religious, Szunyogh said the way her parents were raised permeates their familial values.
“I was baptized in Hungary as a Catholic. But really, we never went to church or openly practiced. For me, that faith has kind of dwindled now,” Szunyogh said. “I think it’s the same with the rest of my family too. My dad’s views of the church are pretty negative just because of the way he grew up.” In China, where junior Heyu Li’s parents grew up, religion wasn’t very welcomed in the public sphere, he said. Even so, according to the Chinese Constitution, citizens are guaranteed “freedom of religious belief.” Li said his parents are the first Christians in his family, but added that they only converted when his parents moved to the United States. While Li said his parents aren’t staunch supporters of the Chinese government, which is currently controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, they are sympathetic. “If I say something about how we learned that the Chinese government is oppressive, they’ll roll their eyes,” he said. “They grew up there, had their childhoods there and they had good lives there. They enjoy and are proud of their culture. So a by-product of that is being sympathetic to the government in which they grew up under.” Lombardo has a different take on her native country’s leadership. “As long as the country remains in this situation, I don’t see myself [living] there,” she said. “Here, you can leave your car in a parking lot and it will be there the next day. That doesn’t happen in Venezuela,” she said. “We live in an apartment right now, and it’s just a door. We have one lock. In Venezuela we had five, [and a gate].” •
The Catamount
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
News
3
Cougar band makes state for first time, creates positive memories Cheyenne Clark Staff Reporter This year marked history for the Cougar Band: they went to State for the first time ever on Oct. 23 and finished 21st out of 250 5A bands. “Being a drum major for this season was definitely a wild ride, in a good way,” senior Jack Montgomery said. “The season started out very rough I’ll admit, and being a drum major helps us see the progress the band makes over the season.” Montgomery is one of the three assistant drum majors in the Cougar Band. “I was really drawn into the emotional side of conducting the music and I like to put that into being on the podium during the show and football games,” he said. A lot of the band members did not have much of an idea about their chances of qualifying for state, but that quickly changed after they performed at Area. “As soon as we finished performing in the rain, and I went and hugged all the members of the band, I knew we were going to make it, and even if we did not, I would still be proud of the work they had put into the program,” Montgomery said. Many of the band members say that the Area performance felt magical because of all of what was happening that day: the rain coming down, thunder occasionally rumbling in the night sky, the buzz from the cheering crowd and the feeling of hunger radiating through the band of wanting to win, head band director Jonathan Seale explained. “The performance in the rain at Area was easily one of my favorite memories from marching season. The band threw down like I’ve never seen and pulled off the most amazing performance experience that I’ll remember forever,” Seale said. Seale said he knew the Cougar Band had a shot when he looked back at how close they had come two years ago. But so
much had changed for everybody throughout the whole state during the COVID-19 pandemic, that it was hard to tell, he added. “You can never be overconfident in those types of situations, but I definitely knew we had all the right pieces in place to make it possible,” Seale said. Seale never doubted the groups’ ability to achieve it, but there were a few things out of their control that were stacked against the band: their first contest was canceled because of the weatherand they performed in the rain at Area. He said he knew they had a good production, but they did not compete against other bands until Area, and even then it was raining while other bands performed in clear conditions. “The greatest bands do everything great. It’s always all about the details and not just when it comes to the performance. There’s always something we can be getting better at. We can be happy with an achievement, but not Satisfied until we are finished,” explained Seale. During practice, Seale had the band do the same set after set for consistency so there would be no mistakes, and that paid off, he said. “I had a lot of doubts for sure. It’s almost terrifying to think about how much work you have put in [as a senior] and think about how you might not achieve the goal that the whole band has pushed for since the school opened,” senior and alto sax player Liam Buckner said. “But I think the incredible team that I was able to work with, and my amazing directors helped eliminate my doubts.” Buckner is a section leader, and like the other band members, he was nervous before everyone marched, he said. “I was definitely nervous before we ever got out on the practice field before summer band, but once we got out there, I could see the potential my section had,” Buckner said. “We always seemed to do a
The greatest bands do everything great. -jonathan seale director
▲ Assistant drum major Jack Montgomery leads the band in kickoff during the Magnolia game on Sept. 10. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE great job at correcting our mistakes and getting better from them.” Even new band members saw the potential. “I knew we were a good team and with how much time and effort we put into our practices, I knew we had to do well with our season,” freshman David Paull said. “I am not too surprised we made state. We worked really hard and did our best.” Paull learned saxophone in beginner band. He continued playing it in 8th grade for jazz band and decided to play saxophone for marching season. “State was a whole other level compared to Area: it was more serious and complex and competition was better,” Paull said. “[It] was nerve wracking, but I think we gave our best and did well and definitely learned from our experience.” The Cougar Band had a lot of ups and downs through their marching sea▲Sophomore Jack Chupp person but they did not let it get in their way forms at halftime on Sept. 3. The of their road of success. band presented a part of their “It is a joy to work with 200 of my show, Emotions of the Heart as favorite teenagers in College Station!” rethey prepared for the state commarked Seale. •
petition. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN
4
News
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Organizations serve community, school through volunteering Rylan Dalton Staff Reporter
As the holiday season approaches, the National Honor Society, Leo Club and Student Council have committed to service projects at CSHS. These organizations focus on hands-on service for the school and community. As part of their dedication to service, the NHS recently held a Thanksgiving food bag drive. “Each bag is delivered as it is assembled and placed directly in the hands of a family who needs it,” said Areeba Momin, NHS President. “Our resources at CSHS enable us to do this very successfully. Each bag is valued at around 10 to 12 dollars so the amount you may spend on fast food one night without thinking about it, could be a family of four’s Thanksgiving meal.” Throughout the year, Leo Club engages in acts of service in school. “Leo club provides for the community by going to different elementary schools and helping them, and we go to community wide events like pumpkin palooza and watch over stations,” club president Lelani Bell said. “We also do fundraisers like
kickball and cookies and cars.” The Leo Club has looked beyond the school--and country--to make an impact. “With all the money we collect from fundraisers we then donate to larger projects,” Bell said. Vice President Sarah Lee added
[leo club] helps people around the world. -Sarah lee leo club vice president that Leo Club is part of the Lion’s Club, “an international service industry where [Leo Club] helps people around the world.” Similarly, recycling reduces pollution, ultimately supporting our environment, according to the Unit-
ed States Environmental Protection Agency. Kiki Flynn, the co committee head of the energy and environment committee within Student Council recycles with Student council members every week. “Not only does recycling help our teachers but also our custodians. The less paper, plastic, and aluminum thrown away, the less trash the custodians have to deal with. As an additional benefit, it is an impact that we can make in our school that reduces the amount of trash in our schools landfills.” But the Student Council does more than just recycling, They plan and fundraise for different fun school events. “Student Council does everything from clothing drives to school dances and everything in between. We also do alot of teacher appreciation and school spirit events such as Mr. CSHS and PowderPuff. The Student Council’s main purpose is to help students make school a positive and inclusive place to learn. We all have to go to school, so why not make it fun for everyone?”•
▲Senior Kiki Flynn prepares bags on Nov. 19 for Thanksgiving. The bags were donated to families in the Brazos Valley. PHOTO BY ALLANA FROST
GO Center offers preparation to students for college Amari Rutherford Staff Reporter The GO Center is a new way for students to get ready for life after high school. GO Centers are located at middle and high school campuses across the state, where they serve as a point of coordination between students, counselors and institutions of higher education. At the GO Center, students will find a variety of resources to help them better prepare and plan for college. Jan Padilla is the advisor here at CSHS. “I’m the college advisor from Advise TX. I’m here to help all students, primarily seniors, with their college applications and college questions,” Padilla said. “I can assist with the transition from high school to college. I also help seniors find scholarships.” The GO Center is sponsored by Advise Texas, which is part of the College Advising Corps. “This organization places recent high school graduates
on high school campuses to help students navigate the complexities of the college application and financial aid process,” Padilla said. The Advise TX College Advising Corps is sponsored by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and private foundations and business. The program started in 2009 when The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Public School Initiatives placed fifteen recent graduates of UT Austin into service. Padilla worked with his high school’s Advise Texas group when he was a senior, he said, which was one of the reasons he chose to be an adviser now. The GO Center doesn’t just offer support for college, but it can help with going into the workforce and aid in enlistment into the U.S. military. “The most common issue that students face is just applying to a college itself,” Padilla said, and having a back up plan.” “Our goal is to create near-peer relationships that lead to higher [rates of] college applications, acceptance, comple-
tion rates, particularly for low-income and first generation students who may not know that going to college, technical school, or the military is possible,” Padilla said. Students can go to the GO Center before and after school or during advocate. •
GO CENTER HELPS WITH » » » » » » »
College related questions College applications Motivating you for college Military applications ACT/SAT Scholarships FAFSA/TASFA
The Catamount
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
THE CAT’S EYE VIEW
5
Undertanding of high school comes from courses The transition from middle school to high school can be a very stressful time. I already had trouble picking my classes for middle school, which had a significantly smaller array of choices.
foreign language. In the beginning I felt like they were taking up space for things I actually wanted to do, but I did need these classes to graduate, so all I could do was try and enjoy them. I wanted to have a productive but exciting high school experience. I wanted to try new things and meet new people. A lot of classes are niche. Amari Rutherford There’s usually a prerequisite that When I would lead you into the rest of the was picking my classes for my classes in that specific field. An exfreshman year, I was essentialample would be taking the principles of ly picking the next three years audio, visual, and tech then taking of my life, which brought me classes like audio visual producso much stress because there tion or animation. I felt like it gave was so much I wanted to do but not me a buffer of some kind to take enough time in the day. I only had the class and that I would find someseven spots, well three spots after core thing I enjoyed and stick with it. classes, which I turned into four by As a sophomore I’m far from being Art by Katherine Gulde taking all of the three years of history done with high school, but now I underclasses that I needed in the summer. This made stand that it’s not forever. These experiences are room for an extra elective. only a small part of my life and there’s going to be I wasn’t particularly fond of having to meet more for me to do after I graduate in 2024. • requirements like a year of fine arts and two of a
staff editorial
Bill passed to restrict books violates students rights Texas House Bill 3979, officially passed on June 15 of 2021, aimed to ban books in schools that could make students “feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of the individual’s race or sex.” This bill was effective on September 1st of this year, but violates students and teachers rights as it tries to dictate what books are in the curriculum. Following the passing of this bill, Texas lawmaker and Republican Matt Krause sent a letter to the Texas Education Agency demanding to know if schools in the state had any books listed on a 16-page spreadsheet on their shelves and demanding to know how much in funds the schools had spent on these books. Is banning this list of roughly 850 books going to benefit students in Texas, or is it for the furthering of politicians’ political agenda? Books included in this bill are boooks that deal with race, sex and LGBTQIA+ subjects. By deliberately removing crucial books from classrooms and libraries, Krause is ultimately causing more harm than good. Withholding books from students over the fear of causing students “discomfort” is withholding knowledge that kids may not be able to attain in another way. Banning books also has negative historical implications. In World War 2 Germany, works by Jewish people, political figures and leftist writers were publicly burned, as they were seen as “non-German” literature. Part of our responsibility as Texans is protecting rights that are taken away when students are told what they can or can not read. It should be left to students and teachers to decide what books should be allowed, as they are the only ones who can make an informed decision about what literature will best help them learn and grow in a school setting.•
2021-2022 Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief Calla Duffield Managing Editor Elisabeth Stewart Senior Editor Katherine Gulde News Editor Sophie Harkins Opinions Editor Rhyan Kalke Features Editor Allana Frost Staff Reporters Cheyenne Clark Briceida Bellon Rylan Dalton Amari Rutherford Zoe Taylor Cartoonist Courtney Wellmann Faculty Adviser Natalie Golden Assistant Adviser
Opinions
View of the Pride: Should parents be allowed to choose what their kids read in school?
YES
“Yes, because what students read at school can affect how they behave at home.” -Kevin Yu, junior
“Yes, as a parent you have the right to dictate what your child does and doesn’t read.” - Morgan Browning, junior
NO
“No, parents don’t know what reading material would benefit students and their education.” -Samikyshya Mahapatra, freshman “No, schools are choosing books with educational value. It’s important to learn about some issues.” -Sanjana Madhav, senior
The Catamount Newspaper
The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station High School,
4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.
Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the
right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff.
The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their Bronze Star award
in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019 as well as their Silver Star Award in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing
education services. Monica James, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
6
Opinions
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Depictions in novel offers insight to social issues I wanted to read a haunting, chilling ghost story, so I picked Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” for my freshman year English project. By the end of the novel, I was haunted, not by ghosts, but by the authentic, historical perspective that Morrison presents in her novel. Elisabeth Frequently banned in Southern schools for its depiction of racism Stewart and sexuality, “Beloved” follows the life of Sethe, a previously enslaved woman, who killed her daughter, Beloved, to save her from slavery. Throughout the novel, Sethe grapples with grief and guilt as Beloved’s spirit haunts her. She chronicles three generations of slavery and draws stories from the real-life of Margaret Garner and her grandfather’s recollections, and creates her unique style of prose. My two-sentence recollection of the novel cannot begin to explain Morrison’s masterpiece. The choice most important to me as a reader was that she did not shy away from the realities of Sethe’s situation. She passionately, unflinchingly writes about racism in America. I was constantly shocked by the horrors Morrison described. Reading “Beloved,” I realized the deficit of authentic perspectives on my bookshelf. “Beloved” was the
first time I had read about slavery from a non-white author and a non-middle-grade textbook. In one Southlake, Texas, school district, Morrison’s novels are among those that have been removed after teachers were asked to evaluate their classroom libraries and remove books that parents have frequently opposed for their lessons on racism and history. One of the evaluation requirements: “Does the writer have a neutral stance on the topic?” In an interview with NBC, one Southlake English teacher said, “Well, if you are Toni Morrison, how can you have a neutral stance toward racism? Now history is being depicted through this rose-colored lens, and all of this is creating a chilling effect that’s going to hurt our students.” “Beloved,” with its bloodred cover like a beacon on my bookshelf, was the first novel I read that omitted the rose-colored lens on history. As a white person living in the 21st century, in a world that doesn’t discriminate against me, I will never fully understand Sethe’s situation or Morrison’s perspective. I know that “Beloved” wasn’t written to amplify my voice. But I am extremely grateful to Morrison for being honest, and for ripping off the rose-colored lens previously imposed on my understanding of history and replacing it with the truth. •
I was haunted, not by ghosts, but by the authentic, historical perspective that Morrison presents
??? QUESTION
OF THE
issue
on average, how many hours a month do you serve the community?
0 hours 49.2% Graphics by Allana Frost
1-5 HOURS 38.9%
6+ HOURS 11.9% 429 people polled
HUMANS of CSHS
Leslie Lehrmann junior
“I always knew I wanted my first job to be at my gym. Preschoolers, that’s an age group I can handle. “There’s those kids who absolutely love the sport, and they are ready to come in and do anything they can. When they finally understand how to do a backward roll by themselves, they get so excited. I worked with that kid. I got them to where they are.”
Check out our Instagram to learn more about the Humans of CSHS @cshscatamountnewspaper
COUGAR UNVEILED by Zoe Taylor
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Time consuming mix-tapes express love for past My heart is expressed through a tape.) My mom described lots of starting and flipping and lisplethora of chords and crescendos on tening and stopping and starting again. The process took ages my diverse Spotify playlists, and playto finish, but then came the “fun part.” With a cassette tape ing my favorite songs for someone would came a sort of case that had a cover and an inside. If you were be equivalent to exposing my very soul making the mixtape for a friend, you would decorate the cover to them. That’s why I love when a friend with a title and maybe collages or stickers. On the inside you compliments my taste in music. would hand write the titles and artists of the songs on the tape, Katherine Gulde I’ve grown up with an array of muand if you wanted to, lyrics. sical genres fit to every season of my It was an incredible act of love for someone to give you a life, from my older sister’s 2013 electromixtape because everyone knew the time and efpop music and my dad’s fundamental fort involved. My mom and dad reminisced classical music to my most recent love of the mixtapes they were given and both of 80’s artists such as The Cranberries, remember them vividly, portraying the U2, The Cure, etc. This era was a highimpression given on them when they relight of our world. It’s notorious for its ceived such a gift. fashion and other trends that we can My mom once had a boy give her six see resurfacing today. The music of mixtapes in high school. She would give the time is no different. mixtapes to her friends at camp, and she I was listening to this 80’s type told me that the last time she ever made genre when my mother recalled her one was when she and her best friends love of mixtapes. Maybe it was the nosexchanged mixtapes before they all went talgia of the music, but my mom was their separate ways for college. My dad entranced by this idea of “mixtapes,” told me that his boss in high school gave and she spoke lovingly of them. Born in him a mixtape of “Study Tunes for Curt” 2006, I knew a mixtape was a type of cassette when he left for college. He still has it to this day. tape, but nothing more, so, after a brief exasperat- Art by Allana Frost To give someone a Spotify playlist of your favored sigh and an “Ahh… This generation,” my mom ite songs would be sweet, but absolutely not the same told me all about the unique and sentimental idea of a mixtape, as these beloved mixtapes. The personalization and care that specifically gifting one to a friend. went into these little music boxes cannot be replicated by any I learned that pretty much anyone in the 80’s made mixmeans today. I am saddened to learn about these things from tapes, although it was very tedious work. You needed a blank earlier eras that we won’t ever be able to experience. I love mucassette tape, a dual cassette boombox and tapes of your favorsic; it holds the door of my heart open for others to see. I hope ite songs. You’d gather the tapes your friend might like from that we might have a way to share our hearts with others today your collection and one by one record each song onto the blank as my parents and my classmates’ parents were able to through tape, creating a tape of mixed music (hence the name, mixsimple things like mixtapes. •
P3 system shouldn’t be students only gateway for help I’m out of breath by the time I reach the second floor. Although my previous Briceida Bellon seventh-grade class was only on the first floor, I sped through the crowded stairs in order to save time. I look up at the red numbers on the hallway clock: 9:18, Great. I seriously only have two minutes left to use the bathroom? As I rush into the stall, I’m left staring at a flyer I’ve never seen before, promoting a new club called P3 and wondered if the new resource would have helped my sit-
uation two years prior. According to their website, P3 Campus is “an anonymous tip report system where school community members can report about a wide range of concerns from mental health issues to threats of violence.” College Station ISD implemented the system back in 2018, and since then CSISD students have been given the opportunity to anonymously report students involved in inappropriate behavior, like bullying. As a victim of bullying in my intermediate-school days, I recognize how anonymous tip resources like P3 Campus are important in the fight against bullying, especially since most students don’t
want to involve themselves with the consequences of bullying. However, platforms like P3 Campus don’t take away the need for strong human relationships, specifically between student and faculty, so that students will report to an adult rather than a computer or online. Why would students prefer using anonymous tip lines instead of trusting a school counselor? The most common reports received through the P3 platform are sucide threats and bullying incidents. How can we efficiently prevent these incidents from reaching severe levels? Schools must come together and establish meaningful connections over any resource. •
Opinions
7
Voices What are you looking
what is your favorite holiday forward to and after the food or drink why? “Apple cider, because it’s not too sweet and I like the different flavors.” Yura Song, freshman
“A tiger because it’s fierce and free the wild. “Myin favorite It describes holiday foodwho is IKorean am.” rice cake Meghan Miles, Soup, tteokguk. It’s my favorite because every year my family “An I’ll eatsE-boy. it together!” wear Elia chains, Kim, rings, a striped sophomore shirt with a long-sleeved black shirt “Hot coco, it’s a underneath.” classic. It’s nice Arden and sweet and Duffield, good for cold junior weather..” Andy Kim, junior “The scariest thing I can think of: a responsible adult.” Bre Wallen, senior “Candy yams! They’re my favorite because they’re sweet and “Tigger, they tastebecause like my group of candy.” friendsHall, decided Jacob I was high-key senior too energetic.” Paula Bernal, junior
“My dad cooks really mean lobster and I love seafood. I get tired of caserole and turkey. It’s a nice change of pace.” Gregory MacAfee, math teacher
8
Student Life
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Fashion Forward
Student Life
Multi-dimensional fashion shapes future, influences trends, self-image Briceida Bellon Staff Reporter To most CSHS students, fashion has transformed into a versatile form of self-expression that’s always in a constant state of evolution and refinement. As students pour out of classrooms when the bell rings, hallways are flooded with different colors, sizes and shapes of clothing. “Clothing originally was a sense of protection or covering, and only over time have we been able to create it as a means of expression of personality, culture, status and so much more,” Fashion Design teacher Bailey Wilson said. “Now, fashion is more than just the person who draws it and the person who makes it. Somebody has to figure out the trends for the upcoming year, somebody has to [be in charge of] the marketing, and somebody has to design the store.” Through self-expression, fashion continues to influence the lives of numerous CSHS students.
Design Class
▲ Freshman Kiley Campos sewed this bag from her grandmother’s fabric. Bags like these can take from one to two hours. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD
The Catamount
Junior Clara Tipps is often recognized by her thrifted flowy dresses as she walks the hallways, but sometimes she’ll show off clothes she has altered herself. “Although I already know how to sew, I’m taking [the fashion design class] because I want to do something with those skills and learn something new,” Tipps said. “And so far, I have.” Altering clothes are one of many sewing skills students enrolled in the Fashion Design class learn. The year-long course covers the design, production and industry aspects of fashion. In the fall, students gain a better understanding of stylistic choices made by famous designers and begin to familiarize themselves with hand-sewing, later moving on to the sewing machine. Wilson also incorporates discussions about the global impact and design principles of the fashion industry. As the year progresses, the focus shifts to sewing when students begin working on multiple sewing projects from creating pajamas to tote bags. “If you join the fashion class and are new to sewing, I would [recommend] to take it very slow,” Tipps says. “Sewing requires focus and patience. Even [though I have] experience, I mess up a lot.” Learning how to sew requires effort, but proves to be rewarding. Freshman Kiley Campos with four years
▲ Junior Katey Pappas models vintage and second-hand clothing with alterations by junior Clara Tipps. Tipps adjusted the waist of the skirt and added an elastic band to the shirt sleeves. PHOTOS BY CALLA DUFFIELD of experience has sewn items such as jeans, shorts, shirts and tote bags. Sophomore Jose Zarraga-Hernandez enrolled in the fashion design class and has sewn items from scratch including dresses, vests and pajama shorts. “I love making things because you get to have the pleasure of knowing that you made something that you can wear or give to someone,” Campos said.
Industry However, sewing isn’t the only significant aspect of fashion. The study of the fashion industry and marketing often correlates with production. Junior Jeneen Hussein’s interest in fashion and sewing originated from her knowledge gained in the fashion marketing class. “Fashion is all down to expressing yourself and your personal taste. Even designers right now are not trying to appeal to consumers and coming out with new ideas,” Hussein said. “My perspective on fashion really changed when I saw what the fashion world is. [Fashion
marketing] also impacted my style and how I presented myself to others.” Along with designer brands creating unique pieces, the industry has also expanded to include a wide variety of people. As society has become increasingly more accepting, fashion has too. The rise of outfit fluidity, or gender-neutral fashion, has highlighted this fact. “I think [social] media is what mainly influences [outfit fluidity]. When [people] see others dressing however they want, [they’ll] want to try that as well,” junior Olive Wills said. Wills identifies as non-binary and often shops “all over the place,” finding clothes in both men’s and women’s sections due to the lack of androgynous shops. Some days they’ll dress more masculine or feminime, and other days neither. “I’ve definitely had people stare, but I’ve learned to find comfort in being stared at. It’s getting people to look at me and recognize I’m different,” Wills said. “I am presenting myself in a different light, and that’s what I want [others to recognize].” The general public’s perception of fashion has changed as well. Nowadays, people will not hesitate to call out popular brands for problematic behavior, like racism or lacking diversity. “[The Victoria Secret Angels] show was cancelled because it only showed skinny models or fit people wearing the clothes. They don’t have any plus sized people modeling for different sizes,” Hussein said. “I definitely think it’s a problem because it doesn’t matter what your body looks like, you should wear what you want. [The show] brings [people’s] self esteem down if they don’t see their body [type] being represented.”
$400 on Yeezy releases, sneakers designed by famous hip-hop artist Kanye West. “I had always loved shoes and wanted to be able to buy my own,” Buchanan said. “When I realized there was a business to be made in shoes I already had knowledge about it, so it wasn’t difficult to start up.” Like Buchanan and many others, fashion has evolved from a simple T-shirt and pair of jeans into a creative outlet. “Clothes really do define [people] and [their] personality,” Zarraga-Hernandez said.“Because [fashion] is a form of self-expression, it can show others who [they] are and give [people] confidence.” •
Shoe Retail Fashion has changed from an interest to a business for senior Quinn Buchanan. He has earned profit from reselling shoes from brands like Nike, Jordans, Supreme and New Balance. Now, Buchanan reflects on his experience as a shoe seller. “I wanted to be able to get the shoes I wanted so I got a bot to get ones,” Buchanan said. “I realized I could make money selling shoes I can get that others can’t.” With programs like Sneaker Bot, Buchanan has been able to order shoes that aren’t available to others and then post them on Instagram, OfferUp or take them to a local buyer at the Post Oak Mall. He’s gained around
▲ Junior Katey Pappas wears shorts altered by junior Clara Tipps. Tipps sewed cuffs and an elastic band in the back to adjust the size. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD
9
10 People
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Into the Wild
Hunting provides quality time, useful life skills for outdoor people Elisabeth Stewart Managing editor
door Education because I thought it was going to be an outdoor PE class, so I was pleasantly surprised that I could acquire In the chilled stillness of the mornmy Hunting and Boater Education Licensing, hunters rise early and make their way es,” said sophomore Brayden Bourne. to the deer stand. They watch for flashes Additionally, both courses teach of white-tailed deer scampering across hands-on skills related to the field and the field and listen for the crunch of leaves the effects of hunting on the environunder hooves. Patient and silent, they adment. Edward Stricker, the Outdoor Edmire the wildlife around them. ucation instructor, said that at the turn “Typically, hunters start with wantof the century from 1800 to 1900, deer, ing to harvest as many animals as legally duck and turkey populations were almost possible. As we progress and gain maturity extinct, but hunters revived their populaand experience, it becomes more about the tions through targeting predation. environment that we immerse ourselves “Hunting is a management tool to in,” said James Harlin, who teaches the keep animal populations in control and Wildlife, Fisheries & Ecology Management make sure they do not exceed the popuclass. “Hunting becomes more about who lation of which that particular habitat can you are with, where you are and enjoying sustain,” Harlin said. “If we have the adthe moment, instead of the harvest.” equate nutrition, shelter and water that November through January marks the every animal requires, at some point, the white-tailed deer hunting season in Texpopulation exceeds its ability to survive as. Through awareness and hunter educaand causes animals to have to travel and tion, two CSHS classes--Wildlife, Fishergo outside of their normal domain.” ies & Ecology Management and Outdoor As part of the hands-on interaction Education--transform the hours spent with wildlife, students learn “to identify inside the deer stand to more than recreanimals, understand what each ation, but a means to admire and sustain animal requires to wildlife. sustain its life and “We just finalized our Hunter Eduknow the propcation Course, which is a requirement for er and most effieveryone 17 years of age and older to be cient ways to manable to hunt game species in the state of age those species to Texas,” Harlin said. “Our stuensure a population’s dents at 16 and 17 years health,” Harlin said. old are obtaining a The class vencertificate that they tured to Hamilton, can use for the rest of Texas, to participate their lives.” in the Ducks Unlimited Both courses alField Day. In November, low students to they invited Travis Buell, complete the Texas owner of A-Team HelicopParks and Wild ter Capture Crew, to give a life Art by demonstration of helicopServices Hunter Katherine ter wildlife relocation. Education Course. Outside of the classGulde “I joined Outroom, Harlin and his stu-
Stages of Hunter Development 1. Shooting Stage - This hunter has an impulse to “get off a shot quickly” at the first animal seen. 2. Limiting Out Stage - This hunter wants to harvest as many animals as legally possible. 3. Trophy Stage - This hunter is patient and focused on the quality of the animal. 4. Method Stage - This hunter is focused on the challenge and process of hunting. 5. Sportsman Stage - This hunter is focused on appreciating the experience, the environment and his companions. Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department dents engage in hunting for recreation. “Spending time in nature was just the way I was raised,” sophomore and wildlife student Garrison Fortner said. “I went hunting and fishing a lot as a kid. Those are some of the best memories I have with my dad.” In Ravenna, South Dakota, junior Megan Miles’s family has made hunting into a family tradition. Her family’s lodge hosts hunters from across the United States for the opening of Pheasant Hunting Season. “It’s one of my favorite seasons because all of my family is there and we get to have fun,” Miles said. “The night before the hunters go out, we do barn dances and welcome the hunters to our family and show them our South Dakotan and family traditions.” According to Harlin, these experienc-
es are ones that “you can’t get sitting on your couch.” “In the hectic world that we live in, hunting allows me to spend time with my son in the great outdoors, see some beautiful things, and watch the interaction of animals,” he said. Harlin encourages youth to engage in wildlife by purchasing hunting and fishing licenses to contribute to conservation, to join preservation groups and to volunteer. “Without spreading the word and encouraging our urban youth, our future as an outdoor society might become endangered,” Harlin said. “Hunting is an opportunity to spend time with your family and to be outdoors. As someone who has lived in the country most of their life, I can go out and find some peace and relaxation by being in nature.” •
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
People
11
Medical volunteering provides students insight on self, future
Graphics by Katherine Gulde
Allana Frost Features Editor
Medical speciality
Additional training after residency
Anesthesiology
3 years
Dermatology
3 years
Emergency medicine
3-4 years
Family Practice
3 years
General Surgery
5 years
Internal Medicine
3 years
Neurology
3 years
Neurosurgery
7 years
Obstetrics/Gynecology
4 years
Ophthalmology
3 years
Orthopedic surgery
5 years
Otolaryngology
5 years Source: residency.wustl.edu
From meticulous yet delicate surgeries to split-second, life-saving CPR, the field of medicine has a wide range of opportunities. For those wishing to make a communal impact and willing to take up a challenge, medical volunteering offers a unique head start. Recently, students have found opportunities at local hospitals to dip their toes into the medical field and investigate the art of healing, and found even more than a glimpse of future career pathways. Senior Boya Shi worked for two hours every Friday during late September and November at CHI-St. Joseph in the steryl prep department. She spent time cleaning and sanitizing the tools for surgeons, and she reflected that it was a very autonomic yet therapeutic process. “Before I walked in, I had no idea what steryl prep was,” Shi said. “I didn’t realize that there are people behind the scenes who clean and work in the cafeteria, and it was kind of eye-opening to walk in there and be surrounded by these people who do this for a living and who are just as knowledgeable as the surgeons, doctors and nurses about their profession. It was fascinating to see them so specialized in their jobs.” The exposure to this new perspective on life inside a hospital also encouraged Shi to consider diving even further into the work and see if it was really an occupation she wished to pursue. “Since I was thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare, I wanted to immerse myself in the hospital environment just to see the atmosphere and how things run and what their lives are like, whether they’re busy or not, and just the general mechanics behind it all. I’ve learned a lot just from observing,” Shi said. For some, volunteering has given even deeper insight than a glance down a future path into medicine. When senior Sarah Lee volunteered at the St. Joseph clinic the fall semester of her sophomore year, she worked with older patients. “It was really impactful for me because my grandfather died of cancer, and I didn’t really get to visit him in the hospital, so I didn’t know what
happened in hospitals until I got there and saw people lying with huge bandages all around their neck and others had tubes or they couldn’t move,” Lee said. “It was a different feeling from watching all the movies with hospitals. You’d think it’s all amazing and cool because [the doctors’] know all of these facts, but in reality, [their] work is very tiring.” Other students have been able to identify the niche in the medical field that they wish to pursue through working at hospitals. Junior Debarghya Chaki got a head start: he began serving at hospitals when he was 14 with a teen volunteer program at CHI St. Joseph in Byran. “Medical volunteering is a really rewarding experience. The people I have met have probably been the best part of it,” he said. “Volunteering has definitely helped to narrow down which field I want to go into. Cardiac rehab was a lot more laid back, but I still think I want something more challenging. I want a more hands-on field.” Though the path to a career in the medical field can be challenging, nurses such as Briana Dugan who have made it through, show that there is a way. Dugan, who works both at Baylor Scott and White and at the school, began first as a nurse tech at St. Joseph and quickly learned to pick up the trade through daily immersion in the field. “Medical volunteering helps tremendously because of the exposure. Repetitive exposure helps so when you walk into a hospital. You’re used to it, and you can figure out what’s coming next,” Dugan said. “Even if all you’re doing is vital signs, you’re still hearing the triage over and over again, so you’re getting better at assessment and learning to tune in. Even if you don’t think it’s that big of a job, it’s just that exposure and repetition and seeing things that makes an impact.” Through volunteering, students are able to experience life in the medical field first hand. Not only do these experiences aid them in their decision of what niche they wish to pursue, but they also open new perspectives that could impact them for the rest of their lives. •
Volunteering has helped to narrow down which field I want to go into -Debarghya Chaki Junior
12
Sports
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Father, son duo lead football team in state semifinal game tonight Sophie Harkins News Editor After defeating Denton Ryan 26-21 on Dec. 3 in Waco, the Cougar football team will face Mansfield Summit tonight at a state semi-final matchup at Waco Midway Stadium. Senior quarterback Jett Huff will be leading the team on offense. “Being the quarterback is a big leadership role, especially over the offense,” Huff said. “You have a lot of input, and it’s fun knowing you have that responsibility.” Huff said he was excited about the opportunity to play so deep in the playoffs. “It is so special, especially in Texas, since football is so big here,” Huff said. “I especially love looking into the crowd and knowing how big of a moment [each game is].” While leadership plays a very important role in success, connection between players is also a big factor, according to head coach Steve Huff. “Having a big team, especially one that mixes classes, it’s important that they get along,” coach Huff said. “It makes a big difference in their performance. This year’s team has played together
for years and has used that connection in the playoffs. “They’re a very close-knit group,” coach Huff said. “They play for each other.” An added and unique connection is the parent-child relationship between coach Huff and his son Jett. “It’s a special experience. Anybody who gets to play for their parent understands, it’s once in a lifetime,” Jett Huff said. “[Football] is our whole life.” Likewise, Coach Huff said he is thankful for being able to share this experience with his son. “He’s been on the sideline with me since he could walk,” Coach Huff said. “It’s been a real blessing to be able to share this.” While it’s usually the coach that teaches the athlete a lesson, Coach Huff said he realizes that that is not always the case. “In a weird way, they’ve taught me to trust. Trust them in what’s going on in the locker room, on the field,” coach Huff said. “I know they’re always telling me what is right [for the team].” •
▲ Senior quarterback Jett Huff (3) hands the ball to senior running back
Marquise Collins (0) in the first home game against Fort Bend Bush on Sept. 3. Under the coaching of his father Steve Huff, Jett has completed 206 of 271 passes this year for 2,779 yards. The Cougars are undefeated and will play in the state semifinal game tonight in Waco against Mansfield Summit for a chance to compete in the state title game. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN
Cougars roll up season stats through 14 games Team Totals
Passing
14
Points
714
Points/Game
51
Plays
779
Plays/Game
55.6
Total Yards
6588
Yards/Game
470.6
Yards/Play
8.5
Rushes
495
Rushes/Game
35.4
Rush Yards
3769
Rush Yards/Game
269.2
Yards/Rush
7.6
Passes
284
Passes/Game
20
Pass Yards
2819
Pass Yards/Game
201.4
Attempts
Completions
Jett Huff
271
206
Completion % 76.00%
Yards 2779
Junior Marquise Collins rushes on Sept. 3. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN
▲
Games
Player
Defensive Player
Jaxson Slanker Harrison Robinson Kyle Walsh Byron Johnson Jaxxon Edwards Connor Lingren Caleb Skow Kolton Griswold Korbin Johnson Chantz Johnson Tony Hamilton Mason Cashion
Tackles TFL 143 107 78 73 71 68 66 57 52 37 35 34
9 13 4 1 8 19 12 12 24 4 1 1
QBP
Sack
INT
6 13 8 6 9 7
1 4 6 1 4 5
1
6 4
5 6
1 1
Rushing Player
1
Marquise Collins Nate Palmer Bradley Jones Rafael Yanez Jett Huff
Rushes
Yards
Yards/Ru sh
TDs
289
2395
8.3
34
112
868
7.8
10
16
187
11.7
3
45
277
6.2
2
30
48
1.6
1
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
Sports
Battle on the Ice
13
New College Station hockey team dominates home rink Rhyan Kalke Opinions Editor Along with new classes and new people, the 2021-22 school year at CSHS has also brought a new sport most Texans haven’t seen before. The co-ed College Station Thunder hockey team, a CSISD and Interscholastic Hockey League, or ISHL, affiliated team, started at CSHS and has a range of players from different schools within the district. “There’s a lot of schools that have teams. I don’t think a lot of people know about it,” said senior Cameron Boswell, a defense player on the hockey team. “My family has been trying to make a team for a while. We just didn’t have enough players or interest. This year we have enough players, which is why we were able to grab those numbers and say ‘hey, let’s do it.’” The new co-ed team has a full roster of 15 players and two goalies, a head coach, two assistant coaches and a team manager. “My dad is the coach,” sophomore Gage Boswell said. “It was our idea to make the team because all of my friends in Houston are on their high school teams, so we kind of just wanted to make one for CSISD. I can play with all of my high school friends that didn’t have the opportunity to play hockey.” Nearly all of the players on the hockey team have played on other teams before this year, generally traveling teams. “I’ve played hockey for nine
years,” said freshman and goalie Damian Clark. “My parents had me sign up, and I ended up liking it a lot. This is my second year on the travel team in Houston. Before that I played house hockey. A lot of that was being goalie on the College Station team for house.” Because on travel teams and the local team, most of the players on the CSISD team know and are comfortable with each other. “It’s a lot of joking around because we all know each other,” Clark said. “We’ve all been playing with each other for years now. Some of them five years, some of them six. We get along pretty well.” Unlike most extra-curricular CSISD activities, the hockey team is ISHL as opposed to UIL. “Hockey is a varsity sport that the kids can letter in.” said English teacher Joey Medlin, who is the [team’s] teacher sponsor. “How we got it affiliated with the district was making it so kids could letter in it. We wanted to make sure they get accreditation for playing this sport. This process took probably a year.” Although it took a year for the ISHL process to happen, [hockey is] already a popular sport that’s forming friendships and creating a family atmosphere. “Just come!” Boswell said. “When people see how fun it is they want to come again. It’s awesome. Hockey is so different from any other sport. I think it’s something people enjoy seeing.”•
Hockey is so different from any other sport -Cameron Boswell senior
▲ Junior Leo Abanov (98) speeds to take possesion of the puck. The College Station Thunder hockey team beat Cinco Ranch on Nov. 21 with a final score of 5-0. PHOTO BY RHYAN KALKE
Team Statistics Top Scorers
Goals
Goalies
Saves
#37 Andrew Elko
7
#33 Damian Clark
#98 Leo Abanov
6
#39 Istvan Szunyogh 103
#95 Gage Boswell
2
#43 Luke Weisman
6
#18 James Gimbert
3
Team Average Goals: 3.6 Source: Interscholastic Hockey League
99
14
Entertainment
Sip the Season The Catamount
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
Local cafes brew holiday spirit with seasonal winter drinks POV coffee house Elisabeth Stewart Managing Editor
▲ Carport Coffee Shop features a milk and honey drink. The delicate taste and foam art made a positive impression on staffer Katherine Gulde. PHOTO BY GULDE.
Gogh gogh Cheyenne Clark Staff Reporter The feelings of hospitality and relaxation greeted me first when I walked in the doors of Gogh Gogh Coffee at 4121 SH-6 S in College Station. Splattered across the modern light grey walls are paintings that instantly captured my attention as I waited for coffee. They showed bodies of water accompanied with a beautiful sunset, cars racing down highways and vases of flowers. As I looked through the coffeehouse I noticed students on their computers with a cup of coffee in their hands. Normally when we think of coffeehouses, we imagine them being loud and busy, but that was the opposite at Gogh Gogh. Gogh Gogh’s interior design helps with its relaxed atmosphere. A lot of the coffeehouse is modern: white tile floors, windows, medal tables and chairs. Gogh Gogh also has its rustic touches: shiny
When I braved the campus side of town last weekend, I had only one goal: find out how POV Coffee House could tend to my “Point of View” as a coffee snob and student in need of a weekend study place. I found out the coffee house creates an experience with enough variety to suit every “Point of View.” At 2 p.m. on a Sunday, POV was packed with college kids but completely silent--not a dull silence, but a productive silence, perfect for students like myself who prefer a quiet space to work. POV’s menu offers both richer-flavored coffees and teas like the Midnight Yell (espresso, caramel, mocha, hazelnut), and lighter, more floral options
light brown counters and dark wood table tops. All around are huge glass windows where I could see the gradient blue sky as it was setting, which put my mind at ease. The coffeehouse offers holiday flavors including Andes Mint, Hot Chocolate, Vin-Cinnamon and Mint Chocolate Chip. I ordered a medium Oreo Frappe for $6.01 and very much enjoyed it. I go to coffee houses a lot and tend to get caramel frappes, but something about Gogh Gogh made me want to get something new. The customer service was amazing as well. As I was standing beside my dad, the worker who was brewing our coffees sparked up a conversation, which I found surprising. A lot of times at a coffee house, we find no interaction between the employees and customers besides them quickly asking us what we want to order. Gogh Gogh is so different from the others. They take pride in all they do and always want their customers to walk out feeling relaxed. Gogh Gogh Coffee is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. •
like the Blooming Matcha Latte (rose and lavender). Currently, their seasonal menu offers fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice Latte and Caramel Crème Brûlée. The baristas took my order, asking if I wanted my Dulce De Leche Latte ($4.75) hot or cold, 12 oz or 14 oz, and asked me to take my pick from the selection of milk cartons lined up behind the counter: oat, almond, whole and skim, among others. The barista swirled a caramel heart on top of my drink and handed me the steaming cup and a receipt with the Wifi password. The dulce de leche flavor was not the shining star of the latte. I didn’t catch the expected caramelized flavor, but was pleasantly surprised by the strong, dark-roast underneath the milk foam. It tasted rich, like real coffee. Despite the variety of seating op-
Sweet Eugene’s Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief Sweet Eugene’s is the only place in town where one can buy a coffee as well as a Mona Lisa for just $230. With its range of modernist and dark academia decor, wandering through the labyrinth of rooms to sit on an olive satin grandfather chair or the benches on a deck outside, the coffee and baked goods shop, located on 1702 George Bush Dr. E in College Station, is never boring. One may wander to the expansive counter, be complemented by friendly staff, turn around after ordering, and spot a sculpted girl. What is even more bizarre is how the space makes this decor work. Where walls aren’t covered in Mona Lisa copies, classical paintings, silver prints or bedazzled clocks, they’re lined with books. This, paired with the brick wall and decorative light fixtures, makes the space an entertaining place to sip on holiday drinks. I ordered the red velvet latte, and
tions, there were only two free tables. Inside, there were small tables, hightop bars with outlets for computer chargers and comfy chairs tucked away in the corner. Additionally, there’s a outdoor patio, where students had brought their pets with them. I wandered from POV to a cluster of nearby picnic tables overlooking the lake and finished my coffee (and homework) there. If you are just craving a regular cup of coffee, stick to a more close-by option. If you are looking for a no-frills dark roast and don’t mind making the 20 minute trek across town, POV is the ideal place for a weekend study session. POV is open Mon. through Sat. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. From the drinks to the seats, POV Coffee House offers plenty of options to suit your point of view.•
while I’m not much of a coffee drinker, I am an avid red velvet connoisseur. The drink, colored deep red, tasted more like a mocha than anything red-velvety. Their holiday drinks include White Peppermint Mocha, White Pumpkin Latte, Mayan Mocha and Coconut Cream Latte, with prices ranging from $3.95 to $4.45. They also serve a plethora of smoothies and tea. My favorite spot to sip is through the main entry, left until the open room that used to be Daylight Donuts, past the bulky machinery, and right into a trapezoidal room. My friend and I plunked down in some comfy chairs next to an angel lamp and finished our art project in no time. I have never had their bagels, doughnuts, or their selection of sweet and savory crepes, but I know that their cakes are to die for. I am partial to carrot cake, but others may enjoy the rich black forest cake or the fluffy red velvet. With ambiance, soft seating and good coffee and cake, Sweet Eugene’s is perfect to get your holiday spirit and study on. •
The Catamount
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
Entertainment
Throwback to to the the Past Past Throwback Vintage pop culture makes strong return in modern trends Katherine Gulde Senior Editor “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it.” Marty McFly in “Back to the Future’’ purely sums up the transition from vintage styles and entertainment in older eras to our recurring fascination with them now. Older generations had the opportunity to experience vintage styles when they were first introduced, and their influences in the lives of younger generations have allowed Gen Z to relish in the fashion trends sought after years ago. “My love of vintage clothing came from my mom giving me old clothes,” junior Sophia Gharaibeh said. “Like sweaters and dresses and stuff. I liked how the clothes she gave me looked and felt. Also, my mom had stories to go with some of [them.]” Similarly, television programs and movies are subject to inspiration for adolescents. “Vintage clothing is so unique, and my passion for it came from seeing a lot of older TV shows, iconic outfits, like Marilyn Monroe’s classic pink dresses, or Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’” junior Cedric Gonzalez said. “Seeing that [these clothes] are still iconic today is so cool. Incorporating styles [in outfits allows] reminiscence from the past.”
Art by Allana Frost
Vintage video game consoles such as the Atari or Super Nintendo are rarely seen today, but that makes them even more special. Junior Nate Laffin owns two vintage video game consoles and also plays older games on his computer. Modern video games
my love of vintage clothing came from my mom -Sophia gharaibeh junior are typically graphics focused, he said, and Laffin still enjoys the stunning visuals, but how a game looks isn’t necessarily the most important thing, he said. “What I like about the older games is that they made do with less,” Laffin said. “The music is a lot more creative, the environments are more creative, and how they worked with the limited space on each game is really interesting. When you think about the amount of work it took to condense the creativity those game designers had, and make it recogniz-
able, [it’s really interesting].” Surprisingly, many students at CSHS have CD players, tape recorders and record players. The appeal to these alternative music sources is that the sound is different from a song coming from simply a speaker or a phone, Gonzalez said. It’s also separate from a phone, which can be stressful and distracting, he said. “Playing music on a record player is different from playing music on my phone since it isn’t distracting. I don’t particularly like my phone [so it’s a good escape],” junior Calista Hernandez said. Vintage entertainment finds its way to the modern age, but both are separate and sacred in their own ways. Finding ways to use vintage music, movies, styles and video games today can spark creativity. “I think that we shouldn’t hold [vintage entertainment] to the same standard as modern entertainment,” Laffin said. “The environment was different back then, but if we look at it through the lens of the limitations they worked with, I think it’s not that hard to appreciate vintage entertainment.” •
15
16
Etc.
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
The Catamount
HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE KITCHEN The best time of year returns with cooking, baking traditions Do you help with the holiday cooking?
YES
67%
NO
33%
240 responses collected
Jello Sandwich Salad Biology Teacher Vanita Vance “This was one of my mother’s favorite things to make at Christmas. It’s so Christmas-sy in appearance, with its stripes of red, white, and green, and it’s very tasty! I don’t often make it anymore--just now and then for a Christmas potluck--but when I do, it’s always pretty popular.”
Ingredients
1 large pkg. strawberry Jello 1 large pkg. lime Jello 1 small pkg. lemon Jello 20 large marshmallows or equivalent amount of small ones 1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped and sweetened 1 small pkg. cream cheese
Instructions
Make strawberry Jello as directed and pour into three quart Pyrex baking dish. Chill until firm. Melt marshmallows (in a double boiler) over hot water. Mix lemon Jello in 3/4 cup boiling water. Add marshmallows to lemon Jello, mix well. Add cream cheese and whipped cream, then mix well. Spread over strawberry Jello layer. Chill until firm. Mix lime Jello as directed. Pour over lemon Jello mixture. Chill until firm. Cut into squares and serve on lettuce leaves.
Scan the QR code for more recipes from your teachers!
Do you help clean-up the kitchen?
YES
66%
NO
34%
246 responses collected
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? “Shopping for others in the family, and wrapping the gifts, then putting them under the tree.” - junior Da’miyah Lewis “Playing charades with my family on Christmas Eve and eating my uncle’s tamales.” - senior Emily Hord “We bake a birthday breakfast cake for Jesus and gather around the table to sing happy birthday, then the younger children blow out the candles.” senior Jack Costenbader
What’s your favorite holiday food? “My grandma’s stained glass window cookies. They’re brownie-looking desserts with a bunch of different colored marshmallows inside and they taste awesome.” - freshman Joi Speck “A homemade warm vegetable stew that my parents always make. It warms you from the inside out.” - sophomore Hailey Lewis “Perogies because they are the best food currently in existence.” - sophomore Dean Crick