The Catamount - February 2022 Vol. 10 No. 4 by Cougar Media

College Station High School

4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845

Vol. 10 No. 4

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

the CATAMOUNT

Spend a “Day in the Life” with CSISD’s auxillary staff

Teenagers’ declining interest in earning license prompts discussion about anxiety, procrastination

Basketball players lead boys, girls teams to “Win the Day”

Rhyan Kalke and Sadie Rigby Opinions Editor and Staff Reporter

In the 1980s, 46.2% of American teens got their license when they turned sixteen. Now that number is 25.6%, according to the Green Car Congress. Such a distinct drop in statistics is rare, and this evidence suggests a cul-

“Seussical” brings the joy of possibility to stage

INDEX

News Opinions Student Life People Sports Entertainment Etc.

tural shift between teenagers and their parents in relation to driving.

2-4 5-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16

Senior Dane Simerley, who doesn’t have his license, offers what he thinks might be the reason for a decline in teens acquiring their licenses: complacency, an idea that modern teens do not think about the future because the consequences of procrastination are not right in front of them. “I feel like a lot of people are go-with-the-flow type people, and that’s not an issue per se, but some people will get to a point [where they think], ‘I don’t need this so I’m not going to do it, and I’ll spend time doing what I want to do,’” Simerley said.

Simerley also believes that the issue stems from “a mixture of increased anxiety,” he said. Junior Gracie Ward agrees. “[I haven’t gotten my license] because I am just a little bit scared of driving. It’s intimidating,” Ward said. “It’s like you’re commandeering this giant metal box that lines up on the road next to another person.” Alternatively, for junior Nessa Larson, procrastination, not anxiety of the road, is the reason she doesn’t have her license yet.

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News

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

The Catamount

Parental pressure, family responsibilities impact decision to drive continued from page 1 “I started really late just because it wasn’t really on my radar that I could learn how to drive when I turned [16],” Larson said. “I did my driver’s ed this past couple weeks, and I’m about to take my driver’s test. I just need to practice more behind the wheel.” Simerley describes driving as “multi-ton death machines driving next to each other at lethal speeds.” But that hasn’t stopped other teens from getting their licenses. Junior Nabeel Al-Doufas even has his motorcycle license. He describes driving as a relief to his daily schedule, a chance to relax from the hustle and bustle of life. He uses his motorcycle for joyrides “whenever [he’s] stressed, because the gas is so cheap.” Junior Truett Marrs agrees in this aspect, claiming that one of the biggest benefits of having his license is increased social opportunities.

“You’re more socially free,” Marrs said. “You’re able to make your own plans with people. You don’t have to rely on your parents to be making the social calls for you because you can hang out with your friends whenever.” However, having a license can also lead to many added responsibilities. Marrs uses his license to drive his brother to taekwondo lessons. “I pick up my siblings and take them places. I’ll do chores and tasks for my mom if she needs it, stuff like that,” Marrs said. Most every teenager who has their license agreed that they do the occasional chore for their family. “It benefits me because when I’m tired I can just tell Truett to go pick up dinner,” Truett’s mother, Judy Marrs said. “It’s very convenient to say ‘you go pick up the food.’”

In this way, teens with their driver’s licenses now have the ability to contribute to their parents’ shareable chores. Teens may be anxious to get their license, and procrastinating is not rare among teenagers of any generation. Judy Marrs shares that she procrastinated getting her license for as long as she could, knowing her parents would make her pay for gas. The reason for the difference between the rates of driver’s licenses acquired may not just relate to the attitude of the teen, but the pressure from their parents. No matter their motivations, most teenagers plan to learn how to drive in their future. “We’re all going to have to learn to drive eventually, so why not start earlier?” Larson said.•

TO WHAT EXTENT DO CSHS STUDENTS DRIVE? I DON’T DRIVE OR PLAN ON DRIVING SOON. “I’m too busy to learn, so I plan on focusing on that senior year.” - junior Sanni Saari “It’s a lot of work.” - junior Brendan Finke “I get nervous quickly and I am scared that I will crash.” - junior Arielka Jaretzzy-Paez

I HAVE MY PERMIT AND I’M LEARNING. “I got my license late because of COVID-19. There was a lot of push-back from the classes I needed to take.” - junior Liam O’Brien “I’m getting my license soon so I can go where I want, when I want.” - senior Kareem Akabani “I’ll need it eventually. I can’t just get rides forever.” - junior Shadan Alam

I HAVE MY LICENSE AND DRIVE FREQUENTLY. “I took my driver’s test on my birthday and got a perfect score. The instructor said I was too young because I only had six months of driving experience. In Hawaii, instructors fail most people below 17 because they don’t want young people driving on the streets.” - junior Durham Mach “I got my driver’s license so that my parents didn’t have to drive me around all the time.” - sophomore Eliza Davis Art by Elisabeth Stewart

The Catamount

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

News

New technical classes at BISD give insight on careers Calla Duffield and Amari Rutherford Editor in Chief and Staff Reporter With a weld in hand, shielded from sparks by a helmet and work boots, junior Madalyn Nave melds two slabs of metal together into a T-joint. Welding is one of many trades students have the chance to learn, and even earn certification in a two year program with the Career and Technical Education Complex, (CTEC), through Bryan ISD. The program first opened its doors to CSHS in 2019, and Nave started the program this year. “I started seeing welding videos on TikTok. I was like, People go to school for that and they make good money. I [wanted] to try it out,” Nave said. The complex is separate from the Bryan High School campus and students take free transportation to the center, said Kevin Ross, the district coordinator for the program. For CSHS students, the class takes up the first two periods, and students must arrive at school by 7:30 a.m. “You just have to show up. You end up getting certified if you want to. It’s a two-year program,” Nave said. The facility is equipped with close to $1 million worth of equipment, said John Gerzik, the engineering teacher for the center. Ross said that industry professionals work with students, and teachers like Gerzick instruct industrial engineering, robotics, auto mechanics, 3D-printing and design. Senior Gonzo Gonzales applied what he learned from the auto-mechanic program to fix and resell a 1998 GMC for $2,600. “The students are given a car or truck used by Bryan ISD or by someone else and need to diagnose and fix a problem,” Gonzales said. “Being hands-on and participating by myself and with a group has greatly impacted my learning.” But Nave warns that the class requires engaged and motivated students. “The school district has to spend $3,000 per student to go out there,” she said. “If you choose to do the program, it needs to be something you’re serious about, not something you’re gonna joke around [with].” CSHS Counselor Stacie LePage, who supervises trips, said that the classes are optimal for kids who “can excel with hands-on stuff better than just memorizing and being able to regurgitate information.” Ross concurred. “[Graduates of the program] make $15 to $20 an hour because we taught them a trade and a skill that will now pay off their college,” he said. “[The facility] was designed for industry professionals to very easily walk onto campus, work with kids and then hire them. It’s

▲ Senior Jacob McDonald wears a welding hood and welds a pipe joint in the Bryan CTEC facility on Jan. 26. The CTEC offers classes such as welding and automotive technology to CSISD students. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD good money. It’s hard to do that in a traditional school.” Ross found that CTE directors across the state are challenged with preparing kids for college, vocational schooling and careers. “I like to say I’m like Santa Claus and all I do is provide opportunities. But we do have to get the word out to parents because, especially in districts like ours, [they] are more concerned about [Grade Point Average] than they are [with] hands-on skills,” he said. While Gerzik admits it may seem daunting, the classes are designed for beginners. “If you’re creative, hands-on and like to work on your own projects, this is definitely a class you want to take,” Gerzik said. The class is important because, according to Ross, students convert knowledge into hands-on skill. “Sometimes people look down on CTE and they think ‘Oh, well, I don’t need CTE. My kids are gonna go to college and become rocket scientists.’ Rocket scientists need some hands-on experience too,” Ross said. “CTE is not a step down, It’s actually a step up.”

•

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News

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Auxiliary staff supply essential services, assisElisabeth Stewart and Sonya Lin Managing Editor and Staff Reporter When students are just waking up for school, the auxiliary staff members at CSHS have already started their day. Kevin Byrne checks the mechanics of school bus No. 203 and begins his route. Sairoj Sunesara bakes an industrial-sized pan of rolls in the cafeteria. Cerafina “Sophie” Quintero wheels the janitor cart into the main office. Throughout the day, while students are in class, these employees work behind-the-scenes to keep our school functioning. “Without support staff, things that many people take for granted that happen in our schools wouldn’t happen,” CSISD Director of Communications Chunk Glenewinkel said. “For the most part, they go unnoticed, but they are critical to the operations of CSISD.”

BUS DRIVER KEVIN BYRNE Every morning, Byrne basks in the peace of his drive down Koppe Bridge Road, free of traffic on his way to pick up students. “When kids meet the school bus driver, that’s the first person they see in the day,” Byrne said. “That represents the school district, so it’s important to be nice to the kids and have that common respect with each other.” Byrne began driving school busses for CSISD 11 years ago. “My mother always taught me to never live with regrets, and I always thought it would be cool to drive a school bus,” he said. To start his day, he wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and drives to the CSISD Transportation Department. “I go out to the bus and make sure that everything is road worthy and safe,” Byrne said. “Then I drive. Sometimes it’s kind of peaceful because I’m out on the road without all the traffic.” He talks with the younger kids about their weekends, but said that the older students immediately sit with their friends. “Each grade on the bus has a different personality. You quickly learn those personalities, and the way they like to spend their time,” he said. “They respect me and I respect them, so I’ve never really had any issue driving the bus in all the years that I’ve driven.” Byrne finishes his route and returns to the Transportation Department to inspect the bus’ lights, engine fluids and stop sign before driving to his day job. “I’m giving these kids on the bus safe transportation,” he said. “That’s an awesome responsibility on my part, to make sure that I do everything in my power to get the kids to and from school safely.”

CAFETERIA STAFFer SAIROJ SUNESARA After enduring a chaotic morning of students coming and going for breakfast, Sunesara has no time to rest before she starts preparing for another rush of students during lunch. “Working in a high school is pretty crazy, but I really like it,” she said. On a regular day, Sunesara starts work at 7:30 in the morning as the breakfast cashier. “I have to open the door and prepare the lines before the kids come in, so that I can start serving them,” she said. After the morning bell rings, Sunesara and her team start preparing for lunch. Each line takes 30 to 45 minutes of preparation, and then she starts her break at 2:30 p.m. Previously, Sunesara worked at her own supermarket, and said she had trouble transitioning to the fast pace of the cafeteria. “I was thinking about quitting because standing for seven to eight hours is a lot,” Sunesara said. “But I told myself I can do it.” During her five years at CSHS, she has developed strong bonds with her colleagues. “We work as a team,” Sunesara said. “We spend half our days together so we are all really close.” Sunesara said that the district’s cafeteria rules sometimes create tension between workers and students. “We are the main people facing all the kids and sometimes if I say, ‘You don’t have enough money, or you don’t have an ID,’ some of the kids act rude and judge us,” she said. “They don’t understand the school makes the rules, not us.” Sunesara plans to continue working at CSHS for many years to come. “If we don’t work, who’s going to feed all the kids? I don’t want any kids to be starving. I have kids, and I wouldn’t want them to be starving,” Sunesara said.

JANITOR CERAFINA “SOPHIE” QUINTERO After the morning breakfast rush, Quintero faces a sea of cafeteria tables ready for cleaning. “I like the school to be clean for the students and teachers,” Quintero said. “That makes me happy. I like my job. And that way, the work goes by faster.” In 2019, she won the Campus Auxiliary Employees of the Year Award for her efforts. “I’m happy because everyone sees my work, and I’m so happy that the teachers recognize my work,” she said. “That makes me want to continue working for many more years.” Previously, Quintero worked in food and custodial services for Texas A&M for 18 years, and has been at CSHS for the past eight years.

KEVIN BYRNE

SAIROJ SUNESARA

CERAFINA “SOPHIE” QUINTERO PHOTOS BY ELISABETH STEWART AND SONYA LIN “I want to clean the whole school, and I can’t,” Quintero said. “I want to do everything, but [the school] is too big.” Her workday begins at 6 a.m. in the cafeteria. From there, she makes her way to the front office, where she greets receptionist Rachel Tydlacka. “She always brings the best attitude every single day,” Tydlacka said. “There’s been times when I’ve had non-English speaking families at the reception desk, and she’s helped translate for me. She has an amazing spirit and wonderful work ethic.”•

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

5 Meditation provides solace for hectic lifestyle The Catamount

THE CAT’S EYE VIEW

staff editorial

New bathroom policy forces unfair restrictions on students Every student at CSHS has been affected by the new bathroom policies in one way or another, whether it’s waiting ten minutes from the start of class to use the restroom, or having to leave a phone on the teacher’s desk in exchange for the pass. Should using the restroom when needed be a privilege or a right? The newly implemented CSHS bathroom policy restricts students from taking electronic devices with them to the restroom and prevents them from using the restroom within the first and last ten minutes of class each period. This system, however, comes with its own problems. In an article published by Medical News Today, problems caused by not going to the bathroom when needed include things such as pain, urinary tract infections, bladder stretching, damage to pelvic floor muscles and, in more severe cases, kidney stones. In addition to the medical problems that can be caused by forcing teenagers to wait to use the restroom, the new CSHS policy results in bathroom breaks during instructional time, given the best opportunity to go is generally in the first or last ten minutes of class, when lessons are starting or ending. While trying to minimize bathroom time with the intent of enhancing students’ learning, CSHS has ultimately caused the disruption of learning to increase in classrooms. Even with limits, using the restroom is a right. The new rules are backed with the right intent, but are not executed in a way that benefits students. Instead, counterproductive rules such as the 10-minute rule should be eliminated from the system and students should be able to use the bathroom whenever needed.•

2021-2022 Newspaper Staff

I have a problem with overthinking. I can’t seem to keep a hold on my thoughts. My mind is a dog that got off its leash, and I’m the poor sap running after it, arms flailing, yelling “heel, HEEL!” In my situation, I was frantically searching for an antidote to my overworked brain. I tried using brute force and fighting my questions and worries back with “it doesn’t matter” or “I’ll think about it later,” but that just made my mind spin even faster. The dog was running rampant. Then I discovered meditation. When I was first introduced to this seemingly mystical practice, I felt like Doctor Strange, a serious scholar and surgeon looking for a cure for his shaking hands, when he walked into that zen room in Nepal with magicians and thick aromas and was told his spirit would heal his body. “I don’t believe in fairytales,” he exclaimed. I believed much the same about meditation. I thought it would be weird and

Allana Frost

Opinions

uncomfortable, but I found out that the concept is extremely practical and would have a very real impact on calming my thoughts. Learning how to meditate emphasizes mindfulness, calmness and openness. Three things that are often overlooked. Meditation is not just for monks on mountaintops or yoga gurus after pretzel-bending stretches. Now with technology, anyone can receive the benefits of meditation, anytime and anyplace. I take just five to ten minutes in the morning to meditate, before the chaos of classes, friends, homework, jobs and everything else that thunders in. I like to sit outside when the sun is just rising, sometimes with a blanket when it’s cold, open the Calm app, put in noise-canceling earbuds to tune out the cars growling by, and just get lost in the rhythm of my breath. It instantly clears my buzzing head, and I can walk into my day with confidence and clarity. From my perspective, I believe people are in need of peace lately, and I know that meditation can be a catalyst to finding it.•

View of the Pride: does the new bathroom policy cause distrust between teachers and students?

YES

“Not really, I think my teachers feel the same. It’s not the passes that caused the distrust, but the vandalism.” -Joyce Zheng, freshman

“As a senior, most of us are 17 to 18. If we have the right to enlist in the military, then why do we have to use a system like this?” -Madelyn Kasper, senior

“I think it’s a result of last semester’s pranks. I don’t think it’s terribly unfair. I think it’s reasonable.” -Claire Guo, junior

“It creates a rift between teacher and student through the act of holding belongings at ransom in order to maintain proper conduct.” -Jonah Speck, sophomore

The Catamount Newspaper

Editor-in-Chief

Calla Duffield

Managing Editor

Elisabeth Stewart

4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective

Senior Editor

Katherine Gulde

of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.

News Editor

Sophie Harkins

Opinions Editor

Rhyan Kalke

Features Editor

Allana Frost

Staff Reporters

Briceida Bellon, Lauren Byerly, Cheyenne Clark, Dean Crick, Rylan Dalton, Emily Ko, Sonya Lin, Sadie Rigby, Amari Rutherford, Joi Speck

Cartoonist

Zoe Taylor

Faculty Adviser

Courtney Wellmann

Assistant Adviser

Natalie Golden

The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station High School,

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.

Opinions

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

The Catamount

Daily troubles prepare staffer for future trials High school is not an easy or healthy place emotionally and mentally for someone with depression or anxiety. Every corner I turn has fake friends, toxic situations, drama and piles of homework. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it Cheyenne were not for my real friends who have always had my back and did not allow Clark me to get over everything. The “survival of the fittest” atmosphere that is high school tests which of our friendships are meant to be or not. Advice that I have taught myself is to not worry about homework if I am struggling mentally. I am the definition of a procrastinator, which really adds to that unhealthy situation. If I am going through difficult situations of my own, then I will not do my work. That is just how it is. Drama is just something I cannot avoid, especially if my friend group is big. A set of advice that I constantly hear from people is to “not let it affect you” or to “ignore it.” That advice does not help at all. For me, the truth of the matter is that I am much bet-

ter at stopping drama that my friends are in, but not my own, which obviously is not helpful whatsoever. Fake friends are unfortunately something that everyone is going to run across several times while in high school. People interpret these experiences differently. My personal opinion on fake friends is that they are either being my friend so they can use me, they can end our entire friendship in a snap of a finger, bait me into arguments or show their “true colors” several times in the friendship. A lot of the time these things go undetected, and we brush it off, but it is not until these things get pointed out from outside people, when our eyes are opened. I find myself binge watching Disney movies that take place in high school. They present high school and the drama that comes along with it as the easiest of experiences, which could not be farther from the truth. Ultimately, although high school prepares us for people we will run across when we experience “real life”, people we do not particularly like or get along with and people higher than us that we do not get along with, it is up to us to get through it.•

Every corner I turn has fake friends, toxic situations, drama and piles of homework.

??? QUESTION

OF THE

issue

Who played the best spider-man?

Tom holland 28.15% Graphics by Allana Frost

Tobey Maguire 25.74%

Andrew Garfield 46.11% 540 people polled

HUMANS of CSHS

Heidi Jones sophomore

“Something that makes me unique is my eye. My right eye is two colors. Half of it is brown and the other half is green. I’m not scared or ashamed of it. I’m proud of it, and I think it’s pretty. It makes me, me.” “Some people find it weird, but it doesn’t bother me because I have good friends who accept me. It’s sometimes useful as a conversation starter. It has helped me make some friends.”

Check out our Instagram to learn more about the Humans of CSHS @cshscatamountnewspaper

COUGAR UNVEILED by Zoe Taylor

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

The Catamount

Backpacking trip reminds staffer to change priorities I hadn’t showered in three days. My back ached under the 30-pound pack that held my tent, clothing and food. I was sunburnt, my head pounded with altitude sickness, my clothes smelled beyond sweat. I had no phone, no computer, no TV. Calla Duffield I was miserable, and I hadn’t felt so happy in a long time. My dad and I were halfway through a weeklong backpacking trip in colorado, 28-miles of craggy cliffs, hidden valleys and marshlands. If I was suffering, it was for something bigger, something I’d read about in Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden.” Spoiled by instant gratification, I wanted fulfillment—the kind I had to work for. At dusk, we’d pitch camp by creeks. Water had never tasted so good; I wanted to bottle it and label it ambrosia. Freezedried Pad Thai? Not so much. Every morning, I ached from my knees to my head. When we climbed above 10,000 feet, my headache worsened. Tree leaves fluttered in sunbeams overhead and branches rippled in the wind. We trudged through swamps that held tiny silver fish and rotting elk carcasses. We imagined shadowy faces in mountain peaks and soothed our blistered feet in streams. We crossed fields of fluorescent butterflies and wildflowers.

In the evenings, my senses calmed by the campfire, I felt the simple delight that Thoreau wrote of, the darkness alive with nature’s hum. Several mornings in, the humming reached my head. It wasn’t the wilderness’ overture, but blood racing between my ears. At some point, I stopped hiking. I continued my climb, but I focused solely on getting to the top in hopes that this aching would go away. I didn’t smell the summer pine blanket, or appreciate the cool breeze. I wanted to be done, but I didn’t want to disappoint my dad or the Thoreau in my mind. But exhaustion in pursuit of joy can only go so far. It’s a lesson I’ve learned when pulling all-nighters to transcribe quotes, balancing college applications with theatre and schoolwork, or even when spending time with my family or friends but wanting to curl up in bed. I’m tired of feeling useless for not shouldering an impossible load and for feeling burnout when I try to. So, I turned around. My dad was sympathetic to my altitude sickness, and I couldn’t hear Thoreau telling me to chase the pain over the pulsating pressure at my temples. When I got to the base camp, the fields of flowers were as beautiful from the ground as from the mountains. I won’t stop trying to reach the peak, but sometimes, an outcome isn’t worth the mental or physical toll, and that’s OK.•

Unhealthy relationships in books set unrealistic expectations With the emergence of a new addition to the Twilight Saga in the midst of a global crisis, Joi Speck it’s no surprise that Stephenie Meyer’s retelling, “Midnight Sun,” sold more than a million copies in its first week of publication. Though not a fan of the original source material “Twilight,” the new book’s sudden drop piqued my curiosity and I decided to give it a read. “Twilight” tells the story of Bella Swan, a teenage girl, and her vampiric lover Edward Cullen. Their romance is painted as something forbidden, as humans are prey to vampires. Still, both end up dating, and Bella’s association with Edward lands her in a number of dangers. “Midnight Sun” is told from Edward’s perspective, lacking in naivety as compared to Bella’s. His obsession with Bella is disturbingly evident; he follows her home, controls who she sees, and

even greases her squeaky bedroom winin cold blood. Multiple times, he reminds dow–in the middle of the night–so that it her of her “worthlessness” to him, even opens silently as she sleeps. as she’s recovering from the death of a Re-immersing myself in the Twifriend. Throughout the book series, lust light Saga has helped open my eyes to and power remain the key basis of their what has been irking me in modern YA relationship. fiction. At its core, the Twilight Saga Though these relationis a romance series. However, the ships in YA fiction might be attributes of the relationship just that–fictional–they can featured are not ones to be still influence young readromanticized. Even after Belers’ dating preferences in la learns of Edward’s jealous and reality. As toxic relationships possessive nature, she dismisses aren’t just bound to works of it “in the name of love.” This acfiction, the solution is not to ceptance of questionable behavior shield readers from books from love interests is prevalent such as these, but to discuss in other genres, too. Sarah J. Maas’ them. Continually consuming fantasy “Heir of Fire” also grapArt by Allana Frost content that passes off toxples with these themes. ic behaviors as “endearSent to train under the guidance of ing” desensitizes the reader as to what the warrior Rowan Whitethorn, Aelin a healthy one is; one with respect, trust Galathynius, heir of Terrasen, is given and good communication on both ends. the task of mastering her fae powers. Unhealthy portrayals of romance in litHowever, both Rowan and Aelin continue erature might seem trivial at first…until to fight and insult each other even off of the reader seeks out their own Edward training grounds, and Aelin’s attempt at Cullen, but ends up with someone much, making amends with Rowan gets rejected much worse.•

Opinions

Voices What are you looking

Isforward there anto interesting after the story behind your name? “It’sSasquatch a tradition to “A pass the names costume to scare down in my family. children.” It’s why Sam W, my parents decided to name me Luisa because my great grandmother was called Irma Luisa.” Luisa Ross, “A tiger because freshman it’s fierce and free in the wild. “My parentswho It describes Inamed am.” me [John] because Pope John Meghan Miles, died in 2005. My middle name is Benedict because Pope Benedict was “An I’ll the E-boy. new pope.” wear Johnchains, Tan, rings, a striped sophomore shirt with a long-sleeved black “My shirt mom and dad underneath.” were watching a Arden Duffield, baseball game and junior on [my decided name] because one of the players “The scariest was named Cody.” thing I can think Cody Joyner, of: a responsible junior adult.” Bre Wallen, senior “Bon means ‘root origin of everything’, since I’m the firstborn. My “Tigger, because siblings’ names all my group of start with Bon.” friends decided I Bon Koo, senior was high-key too energetic.” Paula Bernal, junior “My mother named me after her best friend when she was a teenager. It’s easy to explain to others that it’s just ‘Anita’ with a V in front of it. ” Vanita Vance, Biology Teacher

Student Life

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

The Catamount

A Leap of Faith

Dancers smash stereotypes, revel in self-expression Sophie Harkins and Emily Ko News Editor and Staff Reporter With the grace of a ballet dancer, the twang of a western dancer and the emotion of a contemporary dancer, the art of dance provides a sense of achievement and purpose for students involved. “In dance, I love being creative, especially with my movement,” freshman Chloe Norman said. “It’s hard to put emotion into words sometimes, so I put emotion into my dance.” Norman has been dancing since she was only two years old. “Dancing kinda runs in my family, since all the girls in my family have done competitive dancing,” Norman said. Senior Shelby Garner has a passion for dancing and believes that the activity brings her closer to her faith. “My studio is a Christian studio, so I get to worship the Lord through dance, which is really special,” Garner said. Dancers face all sorts of physical and mental challenges, some of which are personal. “In my studio, it’s like you’re c o m p e t ing with yourself more than others,” Garner said. “However, comparison is still really hard, especially when you’re competing with people who have been dancing since they were two.” Garner has been accepted into the Texas A&M Dance Program and is planning to pursue a career in dance.

Unlike Garner, who hasn’t been dancing for long, junior Elizabeth Morton has been in the dance studio since she was two at Suzanne’s School of Dance. “I love all the friendships and the community we have at the studio,” Morton said. “The girls are so sweet. It’s almost like you get automatic sisters at Suzanne’s.” Morton aspires to become a professional dancer in or beyond college. She uses her role models as an example of how to get there. “I love watching Tiler Peck, a dancer at NYC Ballet,” Morton said. “She’s so animated when she dances, and I aspire to be like her.” In polarity to ballet, sophomore Paden Cashion is involved in country western dance through the Elite Wranglers program. He learned dance from his family, which pushed him to work hard and become a dancer himself. “[My favorite part about dance is] escaping from reality,” Cashion said. “When you’re having a stressful day, just going to dance sets your mind free.” After dancing for six years, Cashion has experienced many different types of dance and performed in unique places. These experiences have led him to his enjoyment and view of dancing and offers advice to those who may pursue country and western dancing. “Just have fun, don’t be stressed over what you have to do and perform,” Cashion said. “Go out and make it your own.” Cashion has faced challenges in his time dancing, one of them being the stereotype that boys don’t dance. However, he has overcome the judgment and continued to perform. “At first I didn’t think I could do this because of the stereotype of boys not being able to dance,” Cashion said, “but now I know that anyone can dance. Seriously.” •

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DANCING Through Time dANCING 3300 B.C.E. Dancing is first recorded in Egyptian Cave Paintings.

bALLET 1400 a.d.

Ballet flourishes in Italy amid the Renaissance. It’s believed to be the core of every other dance style.

tAP 1800 a.d. Tap originates from African tribes.

mERENGUE 1890 a.d. Merengue originates in the Dominican Republic from laborers in sugar beet fields.

Jazz 1900 a.d.

I love being creative, especially with my movement. It’s hard to put emotion into words sometimes, so I put emotion into my dance. -Chloe Norman Freshman

▲ Senior Shelby Garner strikes a pose. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD

Student Life

Jazz comes from Africa. It’s famously seen in the Cirque du Soleil, and can be recognized through the Charleston!

Contemporary 1950 a.d. Contemporary combines jazz, ballet and modern dance.

▲Junior Elizabeth Morton (left) and senior Shelby Gardener (right) rehearse their choreography for ‘A Night of Worship,’ a showcase by Suzanne’s School of Dance, at Antioch Church in Bryan on Feb. 4. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD

Hip-hop 1970 a.d. Hip-hop makes a global entrance, and originates from the Bronx in New York City.

Source: History of Dance: Universal Elements and Types of Dance - 2022 - MasterClass

10 People

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Babysitters develop fundamental skills, opportunities through jobs Briceida Bellon and Rylan Dalton Staff Reporters From early hours to late in the afternoon, babysitters bring out their inner child through coloring books, nursery rhymes and of course, the children themselves. However, babysitting requires an enormous amount of responsibility and patience. These students know first hand the demanding role of babysitting. “I think it was probably hour four or five of babysitting, and I was so tired, the three year old had so much energy,” senior Lily Van Zandt said. “We played a game called Lily is a slide, which is basically where I lay off the side of the bed in a plank, and she just kind of climbs on the bed and slides.” Van Zandt and other babysitters spend hours outside of schools entertaining kids physically and mentally. From playing tag to reading bedtime stories, babysitters not only gain compensation for their work, but a unique experience as well. “[I genuinely love] playing with the kids,” freshman Kordelia Kostelnik said. “I also enjoy watching movies and exposing them to new movies and [ideas] they haven’t seen.”

Although babysitting primarily involves playtime, babysitters have a chance to grow and learn from the kids as well. “I was not very good at [interacting with kids] beforehand, which was the reason why I never babysat,” Van Zandt said. “I really feel like I’ve improved how I interact with different people.” Besides communication skills, babysitters also learn how to remain patient and be responsible. “To test my responsibility [for a phone], my parents gave me the task of babysitting my younger siblings a few nights a month,” junior Celia Cerfogli said. “After I had proven myself and got a phone, I started to babysit my neighbors kids, my mom’s friends’ kids, and more. It’s just stayed with me as I’ve grown up.” Responsibility is something that comes naturally to babysitters. Because of this, the job can have stressful moments.“There’s a lot of multitasking [involved], especially when one [child] wants your attention while you’re trying to balance [time] with the other one,” Van Zandt said. “Especially since the three year old can do things a one year old can’t, that causes conflict sometimes.” Despite minor difficulties, Van Zandt and other babysitters typically enjoy the flexibility and distraction from everyday life the job provides. However, some students are involved with children in other ways, like at school, where Human Growth and Development teacher Bailey Wilson gives them the opportunity to learn about children.

“We have the option for students to participate in The Real Care baby simulation project, [which for] many students is the highlight of the course,” Wilson said. “It is very fun to play pretend for a couple days. The students enjoy the project and learn a lot of things about themselves and their loved ones.” In The Real Care baby simulation project, students have the opportunity to care for a “smart baby” programmed to do all things a real baby would do. Students must feed, rock and change the baby, all tasks involved in baby care. Because of the project, students are able to gain perspective of mothers and other caretakers. “I think so many of us are impacted by a teacher, and we know how important that was in our life and our development, so it is only natural that we want to give that to someone else,” Wilson said. “Babysitting is a fun way to earn some extra cash on the weekends and a great way to advance your people skills that will absolutely be useful someday.” Although these students may have started babysitting for money or to have a stable job, they are grateful for the experience to work with kids. “[Babysitting has given me] the chance to change someone’s life,” Cerfogli said. “The babysitters from when I was a kid were so positive and friendly, so to hand down that experience to another kid is an amazing thing.”•

Ways To Get Started with Babysitting Start networking: • • • • •

nannylane.com bcssitters.com wecare.com sittercity.com babysitterbootcamp.com

On the job: • Play board games • Watch movies • Get crafty • Read • Explore the outdoors Graphics by Katherine Gulde

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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People

Art club provides creative outlet, supportive community Katherine Gulde and Dean Crick Senior Editor and Staff Reporter For the CSHS art club, art is a resource that all students have available to them as well as access to a community of people prepared to uplift each other through art. “Art club brings so many people from the high school into one room for a little period of time to chill and create art,” Club Historian Cedric Gonzales said. “The members are what make me love the club. I love the positivity and good energy that everyone radiates and creates in the room.” The club is incredibly inclusive to every person at every art level. The projects are designed so that students can express their style in their own way, without any experience required. “[The goal of art club is] to show everyone that anyone can do art,” member and junior Yaseen Rasheed said, “I’m not good at art personally, but I went there, I made stuff, I had fun.” The art club strives to bring art to school in a fun, interactive way that art class does not provide. And an assignment to spark creativity is provided at every meeting as well as snacks. “A lot of the time in art class people can get into their own bubble and not really talk to their peers or partners sitting next to them, but in the art club, what I see is a healthy exchange of ideas, as well as just good, fun conversation too,” art teacher and advisor

Realism

Styles Of Art

The artist portrays a realistic scene without exaggeration. The most famous artist of this style is Gustave Courbet.

Sara Jordan said. The club is a way for students to get involved in the school because of its constant community-based ideas and assignments. The art club also creates artwork that goes back to the community or school, rather than only to one’s self. “My favorite project has to be the pins we created,” Gonzales said. “It allowed for us to recycle bottle caps and create wonderful art people could wear on their lanyards, and seeing them in the hallway would always just bring me a little piece of joy!” Students in the club not only create art pieces, but also have the opportunity to learn about leadership and responsibility by being part of a student-led team. “I’ve gained more self confidence from being a leader in the art club,” president Penelope Morris said. “I’ve learned [that] maybe I’m better at [leading] than I thought. It’s low pressure, and the realization that my ideas are accepted by a group of people who support me is amazing.” The art club meets every other Wednesday after school from 4:00 to 4:45 in Dr. Rose Santos’ room (1121). “[Art club is] an outlet for students who may not be in art class or can’t take it right now,” Jordan said, “They can be in art club and create with other students and share art and look at other peoples’ artwork, but [it is] also an organized group, where the art is about [their own creativity, but] it’s made for other things too, to help our school or community.” •

▲Art club members Brayden Senkel (far right) Emma West (center) and Maggie Perry (far left) collaborate, collaborate on Feb. 2 after school. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE

Abstract The artist leaves interpretation to viewer to evoke emotion. The most famous artist is Vassily Kandinsky.

Surrealism

The artist portrays a bizarre, dreamlike scene to convey a deeper meaning. The most famous artist of this style is Salvador Dali

Graphics by Katherine Gulde

▲Sisters Da’Miyah and Hailey Lewis create artwork for the art club’s new Free Little Art Gallery on Feb. 2. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE

Impressionism The artist creates a realistic scene with a focus on light and movement. The most famous artist of this style is Claude Monet. Source: Artincontext.org

Sports

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Diverse boys soccer team forms brotherhood through play Calla Duffield and Lauren Byerly Editor-in-Chief and Staff Reporter Soccer is universally appreciated, or so it seems on the boys varsity team .According to captain and senior Luke Grismer, the team hosts players from Guatemala, Mexico, the Netherlands, Venezuela and even Dubai. “We’re probably one of the most diverse sports, and each style of soccer comes together. The American style is very big body, run fast, hit hard and kick big,” he said. For senior Rafael Paiva, the American style Grismer employs starkly contrasts with how he grew up playing in Venezuela. “We’re taught a more aggressive style,” he said. “You have to be more mentally in the game to try to get into your opponent’s head. That’s when they start messing up. It’s different in our countries. Here it’s more physical, and contact-based, and over there it’s more pass and move.” The differences extend past soccer

and into the environments that enable talent to grow. “There’s not a lot of wealth [in Venezuela]. Mostly you learn by playing in the streets with your friends,” he said. “Here, there’s every possibility to go[practice]. There’s soccer fields like Veterans Park. There’s a big advantage for people that have grown up here.” Junior Hendrik Knoops, a left wing player, also has experience playing soccer outside the Unites States. “I used to live in the Netherlands, [where] I was on two soccer teams. Then I went to Mexico and played pro for a club called ‘Santos Laguna’ for one year,” he said. “[In] the United States, I see a lot of people with different cultures and it’s like coming home, you know?” The diverse circumstances of players come together in a style unique to the Cougars, Grismer said. “Mexico is very physical and the Netherlands is very technical,” Knoops said. Soccer in the United States is a mixture of both, he added.

“All our athletes come from different backgrounds and home lives, but we are one big family, the Cougars,” varsity coach Chad Peevey said. Through loss and victory, Paiva said he thinks of his teammates as brothers, driven by Peevey’s straightforward coaching style. In addition to an array of players, the team has had a new coach almost every season. Peevey is the first returning coach in three years, according to Grismer. “We’ve had Mercer, Wellmann, Foxworth, DeBerry and Peevey. Each coach has a different playing style. Each year we pick up the best trace and keep it together to mold into the best team possible,” Grismer said. The team still uses passing drills crafted by Foxworth and combines DeBerry and Peevey’s weight room regimen, he added. “I think that’s part of the reason why we’re so close,” Grismer said. “Coaches have left, but we’ve stayed together.” •

▲Captain and senior Luke Grismer chases the ball in the game against Consol on Jan. 25, which was thought to be an easy win, but according to midfielder and senior Rafael Pavia, they underestimated Consol’s abilities. PHOTO BY LAUREN BYERLY

Girls socccer team creates lifetime bonds, lasting memories Calla Duffield and Lauren Byerly Editor-in-Chief and Staff Reporter

▲Seniors Simran Ghosh (left)

and Keira Herron (right) do their pre-game ritual ending with a chest bump before the soccer game against Consol on Jan. 25. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD

Dance choreography in hotel lobbies, cheering on a pro hockey game, dance parties on buses: the Lady Cougar soccer varsity team bonds beyond the game itself. Finding one’s “crowd” in high school can be hard, but for varsity girls soccer senior co-captains Sarah Del Rio, Simran Ghosh and Keira Herron, the friendships reinforced by years of soccer together made finding a group easier. “We had a tournament last weekend. The other team that we were playing against did a talent show,” Del Rio said. “We met at 7 o’clock, in the hotel lobby. All of us were [choreographing a dance] together.” All the fun memories don’t mean that this soccer season has been without hardship. “This season has brought some challenges, especially with some injuries and some illness. This forces the girls to bunker in and compete together, often in positions different from what they usually play,” girls varsity soccer coach Stoney Pryor said. “I have been proud of how they have risen to that occasion to meet the challenge of this year.”

A shortage of varsity players has enabled members of the junior varsity team to be brought up for games. Herron said the freshmen have added much to the team dynamic. “Right now we have ten girls out, so we can’t play two games because we don’t have enough players,” Ghosh said. “It’s definitely been an adjustment. We went into this season only missing three players from our backline, and now it’s like an entire [team].” As captains, the girls aimed to deal with the challenge by bringing the team closer together. “We wanted to make sure everyone felt included, that was one of our main goals for the new girlsl,” Ghosh said. Being captains enabled the girls to plan and coordinate bonding activities, like weekly dinners before Tuesday games. “I particularly love watching the older players bring the younger ones into the family,” Pryor said. When they graduate, the captains hope the team bonding continues so players years down the line can benefit from the school’s soccer community. With Herron graduating, the team will need more goalies. “Put out an ad; we need a goalie for next year,” Herron joked. “For the 2023 season, goalie wanted!” •

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Sports

Senior center, new coach lead boys basketball team to ‘win the day’ Elisabeth Stewart Managing Editor

Senior Josh Peil makes a jump shot in a game against Magnolia on Friday, Jan. 21. The Cougars won 53-41. Seniors will be celebrated at their last home game on Tuesday, Feb. 15. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART

▲

Win the Day: Printed on T-shirts and repeated at practice, the boys basketball team’s motto has set the pace for this season, along with the leadership of senior and center Josh Peil. “This is kind of cliché, but it’s true—Josh leads by example, both on the floor and off,” Head Coach Jerron Reese said. “He’s a good voice in the locker room. He’s won us a couple of games, either with some big plays or knocking down some free throws. That’s big. We need leadership like that, especially from a senior.” Peil began playing basketball 11 years ago, after watching the Houston Rockets. “All of my family has been super into sports my whole life,” Peil said. “I saw basketball on TV and thought it would be fun.” Peil played in a recreational league until he could join middle school and high school teams. “He is the most experienced guy

on our roster,” Reese said. “Josh plays a lot of minutes for us because of the position he plays.” Standing at six feet and four inches tall, Peil plays center, the player who is typically the tallest on the court and scores baskets “in the paint” near the goal. “[Center] is probably the most physical position in basketball, and I’m always banging up with other people,” he said. Peil describes basketball as a “fulltime job.” “You have to do all of the little things right in basketball,” he said. “You can’t not do something, or you’ll pay for it.” The team practices on school days from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. “At times, fatigue has been one of the challenges that I’ve seen Josh overcome, and he steps up in late ball games and knocks down some free throws to help us win,” Reese said. “Basketball’s a long season. He’s done a good job of staying ready mentally.”

Peil most enjoys playing defense, especially against players that he describes as “monster posts.” “Games are pretty intense,” he said. “I try to figure out what my opponent does well, and just take that away from him. If I do something wrong, I don’t beat myself up over it, I just try to get better as it goes.” While Peil has played with the program for four years, Coach Reese joined Cougar Hoops this year after six years at Bryan High School. “My first year’s been awesome,” he said. “I’m very familiar with the coaches and some of the kids, so that really helped my transition go a lot smoother.” Peil said that with Reese’s coaching, the team has increased their pace of play. “Each day, we just want to get better and better, and not necessarily be result-oriented in terms of wins and losses, but just make strides in getting better and making the ultimate goal as a team,” Reese said.•

Girls basketball captain dribbles through three varsity seasons Cheyenne Clark Staff Reporter Junior and team captain Jaeden McMillin has played a lot of basketball outside and inside school. She grew up in a basketball playing family, which has greatly influenced her life. “I was actually blessed to coach her in eighth grade,” Coach DeAnna Doles said. “From eighth grade to now she has just matured. She knows what she can and can’t do and is able to do what she needs to do in games,” Doles said. McMillin has been playing basketball since fourth grade and played on club teams in fourth grade through high school. “It was scary at first [making varsity my freshman year], “ McMillin said. “I was obviously the youngest one there with a bunch of veterans who have been returning, but they really helped me grow into a better person and made me more confident.” As team captain, McMillin leads the team by example, according to Doles. “She’s gonna get out here and she’s gonna work hard each and every day and then every one follows her lead,” Doles said. McMillin’s height is unique for her guard position. “She’s what we call a big guard, so normally your guard isn’t as tall as she is,” Doles said. “We all call her a ‘miss match’ so

they defend her. If they put a small one on her, she can post them up. If they put a big one on her she’s a little faster than them.” McMillin said the sport takes a great amount of strength mentally. “I definitely have become a tougher person and learned how to overcome tough situations,” she said. According to Doles, McMillin always finds something to improve her game, whether it be dribbling, shooting, offense or defense. “If she’s not making her shots or any of that she’s going to be in the gym shooting after practice and making sure she has that part of the game,” Doles said. In the eyes of Doles, McMillin takes practice seriously so she can use what she practiced during the game. “With my training I just focus on getting good reps, gaining speed so that when I’m in a game the practice will feel the same as the game,” McMillin said. McMillin finds effort important, believing she cannot control a lot of things in life, but she can control how hard she works and how much effort she puts in to be successful. “Cougar Athletics is like a family. The girls are my family, the coaches are my family and that’s why I’m proud to be a part of it,” McMillin said. •

▲ Junior and guard Jaeden McMillin calls a play in a game against Consol on Jan. 28. The Cougars won 68-62. PHOTO BY CHEYENNE CLARK

Entertainment

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Flavorful ramen and broth bring comfort in winter months tanaka ramen Briceida Bellon Staff Reporter

▲ Tanaka

Raman features the Spicy Chicken Ramen: traditional noodles and broth with a spicy sauce, egg, noodles, green onions and bean spouts. The soup, according to staff reporter sophomore Briceida Bellon, had a tangy yet salty taste and came in a large portion with ample amounts of noodles and broth. PHOTO BY BELLON Art by Allana Frost

aji sushi Emily Ko Staff Reporter As I stepped into Aji Sushi on the corner of Texas Ave on a windy day, I was greeted by the refined smell of sushi and a friendly waiter. He immediately escorted my dad and me to a corner in the main dining room, artfully decorated with wine bottles and classy paintings. Despite arriving on a weekday, the room was packed and filled with the laughter of groups of college girls. As I looked at the menu that included several different kinds of bento boxes to divergent noodles, I finally decided on pork ramen, which was $9.99, and

January typically consists of cold weather, some hot weather and more cold weather. In order to make the most of my recent weekend, my friends and I ventured across town to Tanaka Ramen hoping their variety of ramen choices would satisfy our need for warmth. Camouflaged behind other major stores on Texas Avenue, I don’t think it would be so far-fetched to call Tanaka somewhat of a hidden gem. The black tinted windows that greeted me validated my previous statement, leaving my flustered self under the impression that it was closed. However, the dangling yellow-tinted lamps I came across when I first entered brought life to the interior. The people did as well – I could spot a couple on a date and a group of friends sharing conversation.

my dad chose a shrimp tempura bento box, which was $13.99. There was also fried rice, including a chef’s special fried rice, as well as hot bowls each with its own unique flavor. As we waited for our meal, I had a full view of the sunset outside the window, the sky painted with the lightest shade of yellow and pink, but gently mixed in with a stunning hue of purple. Quickly, we received our meals, accompanied by two tall glasses of cold water. For the pork ramen, the noodles were boiled to taste and accompanied by pieces of pork cooked perfectly, as well as a boiled egg and small pieces of corn and celery that balanced the meat.

The waiter escorted my friends and me to a table and handed us menus and fresh glasses of water. To my surprise, Tanaka’s menu catered to diverse tastes. Along with traditional ramen flavors, spicy lovers can enjoy the “Spicy Chicken” or “Tanaka Spicy” all for $12.80, served at the spice level of their choice, while vegetarians/ vegans can savor the “Vegetarian Dan Dan Man” for $12.50. If you’re a picky eater, opt for the Tanaka’s build your bowl option that allows you to choose your noodle, meat and broth type along with any additional toppings starting at $6. I ordered the Spicy Chicken, a chicken broth with a chicken chashu, mixed vegetables and half egg served on top. The waiter asked how hot I’d like it, and I answered “mild.” My friend sitting across from me teased me for my low spice tolerance, then pulled out her Algebra homework. We had planned to catch up on procrastinated assignments, but solving trig func-

The overall flavor was definitely something different, something savory but fresh. While the taste was good, the appearance wasn’t exactly appetizing. The soup base was an unusual dark yellow compared to other types of ramen, while the noodles looked somewhat soggy. The shrimp tempura bento box included an assortment of different appetizers, ranging from pieces of carefully wrapped sushi to shrimp and onions fried to a crisp. Despite the small setback of the appearance, I enjoyed the meal, but more than that, I enjoyed the experience of trying a unique taste that can only come from Aji Sushi.•

tions proved to be difficult in Tanaka’s bustling environment. The waiters sat another group fairly close to us at long tables, replicating the feeling of a bar. Although we weren’t focused enough to study, I enjoyed the cozy environment and jokes shared among friends. When the food arrived, I was greeted with a large black bowl and the only utensils necessary to enjoy traditional ramen – chopsticks and a soup spoon. Digging in, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed by the lack of spiciness. However, the tangy broth flavor and large serving made up for the lack of spice. I was pleased to find that the broth wasn’t too salty, which is a problem I’ve encountered while trying other soups. The next time I’m craving warmth, I’ll most likely boil water and open an instant ramen package. But if you’re looking to enjoy some gourmet ramen, try Tanaka Ramen’s assorted menu anytime from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days of the week. •

Ohana korean grill Rhyan Kalke Opinions Editor When I walked into Ohana Korean Grill with my mom and younger brother, the first thing I noticed was the strong smell of Korean food. The next thing I noticed were the hanging lamps with designs on them and the authentic decorations on the wall that contributed to the authentic feel of the restaurant. At seven o’clock on a weeknight, there weren’t many other customers in the restaurant. With only a few other small families, we were seated fairly quickly. The menu at Ohana’s isn’t vast but includes a variety of op-

tions from ramen dishes to grill and stir-fry, along with appetizers. The Korean noodle soup I ordered for $12 came out quickly. Not entirely knowing what to expect, as I’m not a huge ramen eater, I was genuinely surprised. As someone who’s usually very picky about what I eat, I would choose all my selections again. The noodles in the ramen were perfectly cooked and all of the flavors added to the dish complimented the food amazingly. The broth wasn’t too thin or thick, and the beef wasn’t over-cooked like in other ramen restaurants. I will definitely go back, and I recommend Ohana Korean Grill to anyone who wants to try something new, even if they don’t necessarily like ramen. •

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

oh the things you can

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Think!

Entertainment

Tech crew works behind scenes in 70s-themed winter musical Allana Frost and Joi Speck Features Editor and Staff Reporter

▲ Costume crew sews outfits for the actresses playing the Bird Girls in “Seussical.” PHOTO BY ALLANA FROST

Senior Bianca Lasagna tapes props for the Circus McGurkus. PHOTO BY ALLANA FROST ▶

one prop, two prop, red prop, blue prop As the props head manager, senior Hannah Haliburton sometimes has to get creative with her resources. She features Horton’s egg, a paper mach egg molded around a balloon and painted with a 70s floral design, wherein sits a little fuzzy elephant that she ordered from Amazon with red tufts added and macaw wings sewn onto the back.

Art and photo by Allana Frost

Cats and elephants and Whos, oh my! This year’s musical “Seussical” was based on the famous childrens’ books written by Dr. Seuss and performed on Jan. 27-29 by a variety of talented actors and musicians. But behind the magic of the performance onstage, teams of people worked tirelessly to cast the spell. In order for a show to come together, time, work and love is invested from all departments. One such contributor was costume head senior Lucy Berger. “This show was 70s themed, and I got a lot of my inspiration from Pinterest and sitcoms like The Brady Bunch,” Berger said. “As costume head manager, I made a list of things we needed to buy [for the show], helped design ideas [and assigned] costumes to everybody.” One of the responsibilities of the makeup head manager, senior Eden Meritt, was also to design artsy styles for the characters. Meritt said she liked to reference a lot of source materials when designing makeup looks. She would examine the features of a character in Dr. Seuss’ books and add a twist. “You take the source material and then the added theme of the 70s,” Meritt said. “For example, Horton in the Dr. Suess’ book ‘Horton Hears a Who,’ has really red rosy cheeks and freckles, besides being an elephant. [Then] you have a character like Mayzie, who is Mayzie La Bird from Seuss, but she’s also based on Cher

from the 70s. I find it easiest to find a person from that decade to reference.” Along with designing, managers like props head manager senior Hannah Haliburton learned how to effectively multi-task and orchestrate a crew of students. “Delegation is just making a mental inventory of people and the tasks that we need to complete,” Haliburton said. “It got a lot easier when I knew what people liked to do, like paper mache or painting. It gets a little hard with all this crafting, [but whenever we] needed supplies, we’d just make a Lowe’s or Hobby Lobby run.” The actors onstage felt the influence of the tech working behind the scenes. Senior Junior Carreon, the actor behind The Cat in the Hat, said that the moment the character began to feel real was when he first put on the costume. “Having that aspect of it really makes me appreciate the costume people who made it as well as the props and how they put all of their work into it,” Carreon said. “We appreciate them because we couldn’t put [the show] on without them.” Amidst the flurry of casting, choreography and overseeing the departments of makeup, props, sets and costume production works Stacy Erskine, director and visionary of “Seussical.” “Musical theater is just so all-inclusive, and it’s amazing to have such an opportunity to showcase so much variety of talent,” Erskine said. “[This show] would not be able to come together without all of the people working on it behind the scenes.”•

It’s amazing to have such an opportunity to showcase so much variety of talent

stacy Erskine DIrector

Etc.

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

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Holiday celebrates all kinds of love, from friendship to romance

QUIZ: Does your crush like you? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY? Is there a special someone in your life?

YES

You have independence and a Netflix account. What else do you need?

Does he or she know you exist?

YES

Do you guys talk one-on-one?

YES

Does he or she flirt with you?

YES

Maybe he or she is just shy. Keep going; there are many paths to love!

Not everyone is the flirty type...

Last question... does he or she make an effort to spend time with you?

YES

Congrats! Your special someone adores you!

freshman Karsten Hoffman

“I am going to make chocolate-covered strawberries, watch rom-coms and spend the night with just me, myself and I.” freshman Ashley Harris “I’m going to sit on my couch with strawberry ice cream and my cat and cry about how single I am.” sophomore Lena Abdelwahed “I’m buying my history class candy and writing letters to them.” Ryan Marsh “My friends and I throw a small party to celebrate each other.” gail Tesfamichael

NO A Pinterest page full of Timothée Chalamet or Zendaya doesn’t count, but we all have that one unobtainable celebrity we are obsessed with.

We love a friendsto-lovers trope.

“I need to buy a Lego flower set for someone.”

This person might just want to be friends, but keep your head up!

sophomore sophomore Abi-

“I’m babysitting the neighborhood kids so their parents can go out. My boyfriend and I are having a picnic before.” junior Marcella Deer “I’m going to hang out with my best bro for the day.”

junior Grayson Fowler

“I have a long-distance girlfriend, so I’ll be watching movies with her.” Dylan Schroeder

junior

Need Ideas? Check these out: Treat yourself:

With a significant other:

Meal: Stay in and use DoorDash or Favor to bring your favorite meal to you. Then, experiment with fun Pinterest recipes like red velvet cinnamon rolls or strawberry pavlova.

Meal: Share a romantic meal from the “City of Love” at Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café. Enjoy a savory chicken Florentine crepe for dinner and stick around for Nutella crepes for dessert.

Activity: Cuddle up with a blanket and popcorn and catch up on some cheesy romances, like “Midnight in Paris” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

Activity: From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy the “Trail of Lights: Date Night” at Wolf Pen Creek, featuring food trucks, carriage rides, music, a dance floor and more!

With the girls:

With the guys:

Meal: Set up a scenic picnic on the green in Century Square or the park nearest you. Everyone can bring a dish or purchase from nearby restaurants.

Meal: Who needs a wing-man when you can have actual wings at Wings ‘N More or Buffalo Wild Wings?

Activity: Head to Star Cinema Grill to watch JLo and Owen Wilson fall in love in “Marry Me,” a newly-released romcom about two newlyweds navigating their unlikely relationship.

Activity: Go to Grand Station and enjoy a 45-minute session of axe-throwing at $15.95 per person. Get the “Sweethearts’ Special” for one hour of bowling, 30 minutes of axe throwing and two $5 game cards for two, all for $44.99.

Graphics by Elisabeth Stewart