Catamount
the
Vol. 1 No. 3 Friday, May 17, 2013
College Station High School
Taylor Kilpatrick utilizes dance to express herself. See story on page 9.
4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845
Windows to the World Access to a variety of technological resources offers new options to students and faculty by The Catamount Staff
To make learning easier and more engaging, CSHS
offers many new technologies, from adjustable Smartboards in every classroom and 120 iPads to 30 computers in each of the four flex labs and 395 HP thin client computers. “Being in the newest school in the district, we have the latest and greatest that is available to our district,” campus technology facilitator Randi Costenbader said.
photo illustration by Courtney Wellmann
As a new hub of technology, the library’s dynamics have changed dramatically. “We don’t have that many print books because we have so much available online. It allows for more computer space versus book space,” librarian Tina San Angelo said. These online resources provide advantages otherwise unreachable. “So much of nonfiction now is accessed online, so we really don’t need to spend the money on that. So, it actually saves us money,” San Angelo said.
Index News
pages 2-4
Opinions
pages 5-7
People
pages 8-12
Sports
pages 13-18
Entertainment
pages 19-20
The library provides both student and teacher support with the technological resources. “Students are learning how to use technology to do presentations in the classroom, and I think that teachers are requiring more collaboration with technology. Our school really supports that,” San Angelo said. These resources also allow for students without access to technology at home to complete assignments such as English essays in the flex labs or in the library.
“If I don’t have Internet functioning at home, I can come to school and access that,” sophomore Fiona Cohen said. However, as many of the students use internet sources instead of print books, they must learn how to judge credibility. “I think you need to be able to look at an Internet source and really determine whether it’s a good source, and I think you need to be savvy about that,” San Angelo said. “I think the information is easier to get, but the quality of the information is not always the best.” Teachers are becoming more savvy
Horticulture students nurture greenhouse plant life. See more on pages 10 and 11
at using technology resources in their instruction. “[Technology is] just communicating with students the way they communicate,” Costenbader said. “The more teachers can implement technology, the more students are going to respond to it.” Teachers are communicating with their students through programs such as Edmodo, Quizlet, ClassDojo, Google Earth, Blogger and Prezi. “[Technology] adds variety to what we do,” biology teacher Vanita Vance said. continued on page 3
Sophomore Aric Ziegelmann restores his 1971 Volkswagen vehicle, the Super Beetle. See more on page 12
2 News ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
CougarNews
Sophomore earns exchange scholarship Sophomore Megan Clark-Tchen won a scholarship to go to Japan for four to six weeks during the summer. This scholarship is worth over $7,000. Clark-Tchen is one of 14 students
across the country to receive this prestigious honor. In Japan, she will be going to a Japanese school and living with a host family there.●
French students participate in Symposium In Pasadena Texas, ten French students competed at the 49th Annual Texas French Symposium against 40 other schools and placed fifth for the Small School Sweepstake plaque. Some of the individual wins included Fio-
na Cohen, fifth place in Prose; Ann Jung, second place in Drama Solo; Peter Lui, third place for Pencil/Charcoal drawing; and Mariana Vizquerra, third place in Prose.●
Theatre production earns acting awards ▲After the citywide PTO food drive May 6-10, Tyler Johnson, Ryan Young, Sid Moehlmanm, Kasandra
Onderko and Tj Talley help pack the donated food. The classes of William Paul, Chris Kovacs and Britina Robinson-Pesak won Chick-fil-a lunches for donating the most per student. In total, the school collected over 600 pounds of cans and over $3,000 dollars. Photo by Rachel Grant●
College Station High School
Spring Final Exam Schedule DATE Tuesday, May 28th Wednesday, May 29th
Thursday, May 30th
st
Friday, May 31
2013 SPRING FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE TIME ALL STUDENTS Regular Schedule Review Day 8:20—10:15 5th Period Final 10:20—12:15 1st Period Final 12:15—1:45 Open Campus Lunch 1:50—3:45 7th Period Final 8:20—10:15 2nd Period Final 10:20—12:15 4th Period Final 12:15—1:45 Open Campus Lunch 1:50—3:45 6th Period Final 8:20—10:15 3rd Period Final 10:20—10:45 Advocate 10:45—12:45 Open Campus Lunch 12:45 Early Release
Members of Theatre One Act earned Alternate Advancing Play when they competed in the UIL Area 2, Class 3A One Act Play Contest. They are now considered one of the top 36 3A Theatre programs in the state. Individual awards were won by Peyton
McCutchen, Best Tech award; Dylan Flasowski, Honorable Mention All Star Cast; and Riley Quinn and Kailee Kema, All Star Cast. They competed against five other schools with all four classes and over 120 juniors and seniors.●
Band competes in UIL, names drum majors The band earned superior ratings in their respective events in the South Zone Concert and Sight-Reading Con-
test. They have also named Amber Macha as head drum major with Riley Park and Evan Maraist assisting. ●
Yearbook Distribution Party!
Tuesday, May 28 during advocate and lunch Across from the library Free slice of pizza
All students must attend the 8:20 and 10:20 a.m. finals each day, even if exempting. must verify exemptions. Teachers The teacher must all verify all exemptions. ALL STUDENTS MUST attend the 8:20 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. final each day, even if exempting that final. If a student exempts any final other than the 8:20 a.m. or 10:20 a.m. final, he/she does not report to that final exam. If you are planning to be absent during your Semester Exams for any reason, there are forms that need to be completed and returned by Wednesday, May 22 so that those absences can be noted and re-scheduling options can occur. These forms are available for pick-up before and after school from the AP office. Once those forms have been turned in, you will be given another form to re-schedule your exams during the Summer with your AP. This form will be due on Tuesday, May 28.
College Station High
2013 SPRING FINAL EXAM SCH DATE TIME th Tuesday, May 28 Regular Schedule 8:20—10:15 10:20—12:15 Wednesday, May 29th 12:15—1:45 1:50—3:45 Paint Contractor Serving the Brazos Valley 8:20—10:15 & Consultant since 1982 10:20—12:15 th Thursday, May 30 12:15—1:45 1:50—3:45 8:20—10:15 10:20—10:45 st Friday, May 31 Office 979-690-3063 Cell 979-412-5671 10:45—12:45 Fax 979-690-3065 12:45
Lacy York, Inc.
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
● News 3
continued from page 1
in technology policy influences learning A veteran to using technology in her instruction, Vance said she is able to interact with students outside the classroom through Edmodo, which helps students with homework and makeup work. Using iPads during a poetry unit, freshman English teacher and department head Tiffany Parkerson explained that the incorporation of new devices improves the students’ abilities to engage with the material. “It seems like this generation is plugged in all the time, so if we can deliver instructional material in a method that they are already familiar with, then we automatically have them hooked in a way that we wouldn’t if we just handed them a clunky and heavy textbook,” Parkerson said. Teachers are not the only individuals taking advantage of technology in school. Students have embraced the new district policy: Bring Your Own Device. “This has given students the ability to connect right then and there,” Costenbader said. Students can utilize programs on their personal devices, take photos of notes and read English novels on an electronic reader. Sophomore Kailee Kema said she uses her iPod touch frequently in classes such as geography, to look up definitions and maps. “It’s a good source of information when you don’t have a teacher around,” Kema said.
Sophomore Kinsey Rhome appreciates the fact that she can use her iPhone for learning purposes during school. “[It has improved my ability to learn] because I can get on apps like Edmodo to look at lesson plans and other things,” Kema said. World geography teacher Dwight Mincher is also in favor of the BYOD policy. He uses it by occasionally incorporating students’ personal devices into lesson plans.
However, Rhome and Mincher both agree the biggest issue with the BYOD policy occurs when students use their devices for non-educational purposes. “The biggest drawback is the students who have to check their Facebook or their Instagram 24/7,” Mincher said. Morris would agree. “[The BYOD policy] is a great idea, but a lot of people abuse it by using their devices to do things that the rule was probably not intended for,” Morris said.
“I can say, ‘Hey get your phone out and look up the definition of cartograms,’” Mincher said. However, sophomore Sam Morris does not own a smartphone. One of disadvantages of this is his inability to access the Internet on his phone. “I have to get on the computer if I want to do something online,” he said. “If I need to look something up in class, I have to ask someone else if I can borrow their smartphone.” Vance said that those students without access to technology at their homes must make arrangements before or after school to get their necessary work done.
So far, at CSHS 19 referrals have been written specifically for unauthorized use of a cell phone during class. That’s 22 percent of the total referrals written this year, according to assistant principal Justin Grimes. Distractions are not the only problems that come with technology. “The sustainability of technology is questionable,” Rutherford said. “Because we open a new school, we are able to buy these things, but five years from now these items break. Or the internet could shut down, and the student would lose everything they were working on.” In addition, access can also be a
challenge at school as some searches are limited due to their content. Although the school district did not create a list of words to censor in Internet searches, it does use a list from a federal program called E-Rates. The list of restricted words can change every day as E-Rates can add new words at any time. “Of all of the words that are and have been blocked all year, very few have been brought to my attention as being a problem for students or staff,” the district’s network coordinator Keith Slaughter said. “So, it would seem, at least at this point, that the words that we’re choosing to block are fairly on target. Of course, that could change at any point in time in the future.” Although technology has its occasional draw backs, Spanish teacher Michelle Vizquerra thinks that it is helpful in order for students to learn more in depth. “It has definitely improved, enhanced and made it more fun for the students,” Vizquerra said. “[It helps the students] learn the language effectively, quickly and in an interactive way.”●
Technology Survey Results Scan the QR code or enter the address for the results of our student survey. https://sites.google.com/a/ csisd.org/cshs-newspaper/ tech-survey
4 News ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Allergies to food, dairy impact relationships by Jamie Roberman The Catamount Staff Wary of his surroundings, sophomore Collin Littlefield cautiously sits down at the lunch table. He watches his fellow classmates for any signs of peanuts. The smell alone could send him into a severe allergic reaction that could kill him within minutes. Carrying an EpiPen concealed in her purse at all times, freshman Emma Ahmad has never tasted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and never will. She can not go anywhere without her EpiPen. Each time she eats any dairy products, sophomore Megan Clark-Tchen endures a painful reaction that could lead to missing out on numerous activities. These students, separated by their food allergies, have restrictions on the limitless variety of food that the majority of students take for granted. “I have to be really careful whenever I’m at school,” Littlefield said. “I have to watch everything, and know what is going on.” Littlefield is deathly allergic to all
nuts and crustaceans but also reacts to his EpiPen. Likewise, Ahmad has been constantmost plants, animals, pollens and beans. Because of the seriousness of the con- ly carrying around an EpiPen since middition, Littlefield was excluded from dle school to protect herself from allergic the other students and was n o t r e a c t i o n s to peanuts. Her allergies allowed to eat with have worsened with them until time. The reacmoving to Coltions started with lege Station in hives but have intermediate worsened to the school. point where her “I was jealthroat closes up. ous because I saw Because of my friends laughing her sensitivity to at a table, and I was dairy products, all alone,” Littlefield Clark-Tchen is said. grateful for her loyGrowing up with al friends. his allergies, Lit“They have tlefield has grown to love me a lot through different and not judge me,” types of medicaClark-Tchen said. tions to help protect art by Becky Nam Despite the inevitable himself from the danger of his allergies. When he w a s reaction, Clark-Tchen tries not to let her younger, Littlefield’s allergies subjected allergy limit her. “I scarf down anything I want, but I him to weekly injections of allergy shots, but now he trusts the saving abilities of pay for it later,” Clark-Tchen said.
Her reactions include hours of abdominal pains. However, as she endures more of these excruciating reactions, Clark-Tchen slowly increases the number of precautions she takes. For instance, she has started to buy lactose free yogurt. Despite each of their precautions, these students continue to have reactions that threaten their health. Sometimes these reactions lead to hospitalization. For instance, Littlefield had a severe reaction when his favorite restaurant began frying shrimp in the same oil as the french fries, and Ahmad accidently ate peanut butter M&Ms. A teacher and victim of numerous food sensitivities, social studies teacher April Falco offers advices to those struggling with diet limitations. “Find recipes. Find things that actually taste good,” Falco said. “You just have to get creative.” Even though battling the symptoms of these diet-limiting allergies demands a certain creativity, Littlefield, Ahmad and Clark-Tchen conquer these obstacles and lives life to the fullest regardless of the added regulations. ●
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
The Cat’s Eye View
New experiences gained in unexpected places
staff editorial
School should offer technology to students without access at home The advantages of technology clearly show in our daily lives.
Kayla Kurmaskie
In class, the Internet provides easy access to vast information from around the world, online documents improve group communication for projects and constant connectivity allows us to work at our own convenience. With increasing dependency on technology for school assignments, the unjust gap increases between those who can afford the modern necessity of the Internet and other communication technology and those who can’t. Technology allows for students to contact their teacher or fellow classmate to ask questions if they are confused with assignments. However, students without easy access to such devices struggle to find answers outside of the school day. Even though we are fortunate to have access to flex lab computers and library computers, the hour of operation for these resources limit the amount of time students have to complete assignments, especially those that require multiple hours of work. Even though teachers can create alternative assignments for students without access to necessary device, the assignments aren’t always equal creating a separation between the students. Those who can benefit from the moderation of learning are given an advantage over those who don’t have the resources available to use this technology. In some other school districts, the schools provide iPads to every student for classwork and homework to ensure that all students have equal opportunities with their assignments. Even without internet, these devices can still allow students to type assignments. While this action would be costly, the school district should take steps to limit the gap of accessibility by distributing devices to students without them at the beginning of each school year. ● 2012-2013 Newspaper Staff Staff Members: Rachel Grant Kayla Kurmaskie Lily Parsi Megan Paradowski Julie Potrykus Jamie Roberman Becky Nam, graphic artist David Rambo, cartoonist Faculty Adviser: Courtney Wellmann
● Opinions 5
I admit it! I am not an athlete! At all. In fact, I think I am part of a new sub-species of non-athletes who are worse than the average human at anything sporty, except maybe Badminton. P.E. has never been my favorite class. Some of my least favorite and most cringe-worthy moments have occurred in P.E. This ranges from getting kicked in my face, causing my lip to bust in first grade, to accidentally sliding to first base and having my shorts fly up to expose my pink-swirled underpants for the comical enjoyment of the entire seventh grade class. P.E would not have been as traumatic an experience had it not been for the incompetence of the coaches. One of the most memorable reassurances given to me by a coach includes the following: “I would jump in front of a bus for each and every one of you because I love you all.” Not
View of the Pride:
the number one sentiment I wanted to hear at the time, but it was one of the more positive nuggets of wisdom offered us. All of these factors made me dread the class even more. After moving here from Florida, I was expecting much of the same from the P.E. program. My game plan: to avoid contact with physical fitness of any kind for as long as humanly possible, a skill I had honed to near perfection in middle school. To my horror I soon realized that I would not be able to blend into the background as I had done so easily before. Now, I was actually being asked to do the unimaginable: participate. Mind you, I didn’t sign up for the most rigorous of P. E. classes, unless you think Outdoor Education and Individual Sports require a lot of skill. Nevertheless, I was still intimidated. To my surprise, the classes didn’t cause me the social mortification I had imagined. The small P.E. class sizes offered a non-judgmental environment where I wasn’t as afraid to try. Now that the year is coming to an end, I have gotten my P.E. credits and much more: a boating license, hunting license, and many new friends I wouldn’t have made otherwise. So this one time, I feel the need to thank the people that provided me with the one positive P.E. experience I have ever had. ● art by Becky Nam
Does the lack of access to technology influence class performance?
Yes
No
“While technology is good [and] can help students a lot, I think there are too many students at our school and in the United States who can’t afford the technology needed and that is a disadvantage to students who can’t afford it.” Samantha Villalobos, sophomore
“I feel like technology is becoming cheaper and cheaper and more readily available, so that even people in lower income brackets can afford the advantages of technology.” David Rambo, sophomore
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), the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services. Glynn Walker, 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. Catherine George, 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.
Catamount cat-a-mount a wild animal of the cat family, especially the cougar
6 Opinions ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Unknown plans for future create uncertainty
Julie Potrykus Close your eyes and imagine yourself in 10, 15, 20 years from now. Where do you see yourself? My imagination doesn’t work by thinking of “normal” futures. My imagination spins into a game show of how bad can my future be. Basically, I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life. Some of my friends know exactly what they want to do with their lives. I wish I had their assurance. I can barely figure out what type of cereal I want to eat. Yet, they have their whole futures planned. By this time next year, I’m supposed to have things “figured out”: what career I want to pursue, which programs facilitate those programs, which college has the best program. If I don’t know what
I want to do as a career, how am I supposed to know which college to apply to? Of course, I have ideas of what sound interesting, but nothing feels like something I would want to do for the rest of my life. What if once I decide on a career, I end up in one of those careers that don’t have any prospects? After spending thousands of dollars at college, all I will have is a diploma for a useless career and no job. What if I choose something that I like now, and in ten years from now, I’m stuck in a dull nothing? We’ve all seen it. A parent, family friend, maybe even a teacher who goes to work every day, and I can see in their face how bored they are with their life.
What if I never find something I am passionate about? A year isn’t enough time to plan the rest of my life. Sure, I’ve had 15 years to figure this stuff out, but a majority of that time, a career was one of those distant ideas that you know exists but is inconsequential. This isn’t kindergarten where I could s a y I want to work in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, and my teacher could give me the “you go do that” smile. I don’t know if I can do anything worthwhile. When I close m y eyes and imagine my future, I don’t see anything.●
art by Becky Nam
Technology connection brings distractions
Lily Parsi With the new Bring Your Own Device policy at our school, it is easier than ever for students to stay connected through multiple social media sites and/or texting. While this can be beneficial to teachers’ curriculum plans by integrating these devices, there needs to be a line drawn when the tweeting becomes too much. I often catch myself spending up to 50% of my class time on my phone without meaning to. Some days I come home and try to check my Facebook quickly but end up online for three hours. These sights are addicting and sometimes waste my whole evening. On many occasions, my parents have commented that I’m “addicted to my phone” and I “need help.” My usual reply is “at least I’m not addicted to drugs,” but thinking about it, I realize that my need to check Instagram every 15 minutes is a serious problem.
This problem does not affect teens only. As an attempt to have more face-to-face interaction, I’ve had to strangle the phones from the grasps of my whole family whenever we are eating dinner together. When did it become more important to check your email than to have a conversation with your family? Social media can not only be detrimental to your school grades. It becomes a barrier for social interaction. Recently, I went on a date with a guy and was shocked to find that every time I left to go to the bathroom, pay for my frozen yogurt etc., he was checking twitter or texting his friends. I understand the need to stay connected, but when you’re on a date with someone, it implies that you want to get to know the person better. How can you get to know someone when you are too busy texting your “bro”? Every day there are more engaging and captivating social sites being created. I downloaded a new app called “Path”, and within seconds it sent a text message to every contact in my phone, inviting them to download the app also. The fact that these applications have access to private information on your phone is astounding and can even be dangerous. With the many benefits of newer and faster technology, it can bring damaging effects. From a decrease in social interaction among friends and family to a distraction from school work, the amount of time spent on your phone has to be moderated. ●
“I realize that my need to
check Instagam every 15 minutes is a serious problem.”
Voices Students and staff share their special talents. “I have patience with ninth graders.” Jennifer Rinn, math teacher and cheer coach
“My special talent is being strong.” rum quidemp Kayez Momin, sophomore
“I have a photographic memory.” Joanna Chambers, freshmanharumqu idemporro explitio.
“I ride horses.”
Rustam Kaunas, sophomore
“I can sing with my mouth closed.” Diana Hajali, sophomore
“I can twist my arm all the way around!” Lauren Steines, freshman h
“Finding patterns in class work and teaching them to other students.” Will Chollet, sophomore
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
Height does not determine person’s worth
Rachel Grant The average height of a female high school freshman: five feet four inches. My height: five feet two inches. These two inches can make a big difference in someone’s life, and they impact me in a big way. I’ve been petite all my life and have never been able to say that I am average height. My mom’s height is 5’2”, and my dad’s height 5’10”. I come from a family of relatively short people. Because I was homeschooled the first few years of my life, I did not know any different. Coming to public school in sixth grade was a real eye opener for me. I was easily able to accept my size and learn to love it. I just hoped that others would accept me for who I am and how tall I was. Thankfully, after everyone finished teasing, things settled down for me, and life returned to normal. Until recently, I was at least four inches shorter than everyone else,
and it used to really bring me down. Now I realize that height is just a number. It may help to be six feet eleven inches in order to become a professional basketball player, but I am suited for my height. I wish I had realized that when I was younger. People would treat me differently, and I would let what they thought bug me. Now, I don’t care what others think of my size. Yes, it would be nice to not be teased so much, but there’s nothing I can do about it but to embrace it. Being shorter than everyone else does not make me any less of a person. It also doesn’t make me any less capable to work hard, make friends or have the knowledge that any other normal ninth grader would have. I am just like everyone else, only smaller. One thing that often happens to me is that people will talk to me as if I am ten years younger than I actually am. They talk to me in a tone that makes me feel that I am being looked down upon, or thought less of, like people talk to five year olds. My height doesn’t affect my brain or how I comprehend things. Although being short is a struggle, I think that being petite has improved my perspective on life and how I see things. This is because I
have learned not to judge people on how they look. I learned to get to know someone, and usually they are totally different than I thought they were. Even now, people will ask me how tall I am and then snicker when I answer five two or say ‘more like 4’2”’, but it doesn’t bother me bec a u s e this is who I am, how God made me, and I cannot change it. Even if I could, I would not change my height for anything in the world. ●
Daily Grind by David Rambo
● Opinions 7
Overheard What are your plans for summer?
“I’m going to New York City to see family.” Leah Towslee, freshman
“I’m going to drive to California and visit my old friends.” Kayla VanDeFlier, sophomore
“I’m going to Bonn, Germany.” Alana Batista, sophomore
“I’m going to basketball camp and maybe Ireland.” Sullivan Strohmeyer, freshman
“I am going to spend as much time in the water and with family as possible.” Scott Holder, coach
“I’m going to get a job.” Alex Sanchez, sophomore art by Becky Nam
“I am going to China.” Peter Lui, sophomore
Question of the Issue: Do you think the internet should be censored at school? 9%
Summer Edition
24%
Yes No No opinion
67%
226 students surveyed
8 People ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Student’s reflections on dark past bring realizations about future plan. Before this could be carried out, someone tipped the police off as to his location. Garcia said he was hiding in the shower while the police surrounded the apartment building. Despite his cousin’s protests, Garcia came out and hid behind the bed. On their initial search of the bedroom, the police missed Garcia, but upon re-inspection, they spotted him and took him into custody. “I told my cousins, ‘I’ll see you in six months,’” Garcia said. 10th Grade Garcia was put in a juvenile detention center for one and a half months then transferred to Placement for six months for violating his probation. “After that, I was like, ‘ya know what? I’m done with this,’” Garcia said. When Garcia returned to school, he said he decided to stay clean. He got involved with construction science class and started making all A’s and B’s. When he turns 17, Garcia said he plans to move out of his father’s house due to their poor relationship. He then plans to continue studying construction science and ultimately become a therapist for teens in rehab. “Now I care about myself,” Garcia said. “I want to succeed. I want to be like, ‘ya know I built that. I made those grades. Justin did that.’”●
http://go2girlphotography.shutterfly.com
Practically skipping down the halls, sophomore Justin Garcia walks with a certain gait only the most self-confident possess. He saunters down the stairs cantankerously greeting peers and teachers alike with a grin and booming “Hey!” or “Good morning sir.” Those who know him wave back, and those that don’t can’t help but smile. This young man full of self-assurance has not always been the picture of health and control that he is now. Garcia harbors a dark past he only nearly escaped. 8th Grade “I was always in trouble,” Garcia said. At the age of 14, Garcia got high for the first time. He said he had recently gone through a bad break-up and didn’t know how to handle the ensuing depression. “I was like ‘whatever,’” Garcia said. “I don’t care about anything anymore, so I’m gonna change the way I feel, and I’m going to smoke pot and be happy.” He began dealing pot at school, smoking in the boys’ bathroom and bringing alcohol to school. Garcia said he got high every day before and after school. Despite never getting caught
red-handed with the contraband, Garcia the different times he got arrested. said he was under constant suspicion Around this time, Garcia said he befrom the administration. Finally, after gan exploring more narcotics. He tried being sent to the principal’s office again, weed, Ecstasy, Xanex, Spice, Aderol, ViGarcia admitted to coming to school in- vance, hydrocodone, cocaine (once) and toxicated, but maintained that he never drank alcohol. got high on school grounds. For this ofGarcia said he tends to keep his emofense Garcia was sent to Venture Center. tions bottled up, and the drugs acted as a Upon returning type of therapy. home, Garcia said he “That was a release Do you or a friend stopped smoking for to get all my emotions have a drug or a while due to his parout,” Garcia said. alcohol addiction? ents finding out about Garcia was conDon’t be afraid his marijuana problem. stantly in and out of to get help! They did not react kindVenture for many subCall the Brazos Valley Area ly. stance-related crimes. “My dad tripped of Narcotics Anonymous help “After I got out of hotline! (979)822-9094 off,” Justin said. “He there, I was gonna try to Or try the Cocaine/Crack grabbed me by my hair stay sober,” Garcia said, hotline for 24 hour assistance “but I couldn’t.” and slammed my head 800-COCAINE against the wall.” After relapsing yet Justin took an emoagain, Garcia had to tional toll from his father’s reaction. wear an ankle bracelet that would mon“I was crying a little bit,” he said, itor him 24/7. eyes averted. “I was trying to sell, but of course, 9th Grade I’m a drug addict,” Garcia said. “I’m “The summer before 9th [grade] is gonna get high if I got stuff.” when it got really bad,” Garcia said. Getting high was in direct violation He said he started sneaking out to get of his probation. He said he was scared to high, causing his parents to call the po- fail his drug test, so he decided to remove lice to report a runaway, even though he the ankle bracelet and run. wasn’t planning on running away. Garcia said he went to his cousin’s “There have been so many different house to hide out until he had enough times,” Garcia said in reference to all of money to run to Beaumont as was his
Go2Girl Photography
by Kayla Kurmaskie The Catamount Staff
Friday, May 17, 2013
Strutting herStuff
The Catamount
● People 9
Freshman devotes her life to dancing by Rachel Grant The Catamount Staff Dancer, teacher and Strutter, freshman Taylor Kilpatrick has been dancing for over 11 years. “I do company, I take four ballet classes, I teach, take technique classes, dance all during the summer, and I compete in competitions,” Kilpatrick said. Although Kilpatrick takes all these classes, her dancing is more than a hobby and sport. It’s a part of her life. “[Dancing] is a sport but it’s also an art,” Kilpatrick said. “[I like] getting close relationships with friends who like doing the same thing I do.” Behind many athletes is an injury though, and Kilpatrick is no exception.
In sixth grade, she popped her knee out of its socket while dancing. Occasionally, it will still dislocate itself, but wearing a knee brace solves this problem. “Having a knee brace,” Kilpatrick said, “it’s hard to go on stage with confidence.” This injury does not stop her from dancing 15 to 20 hours a week, every week. Kilpatrick couldn’t do all of this hard work on her own. She said that Mrs. Cain, the former Miss Moreland, who is an 8th grade science teacher at CSMS, encourages and supports her throughout her decision making. “Taylor is a wonderful young lady with such an amazing and kind personality,” Cain said. “She is always willing to
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help anyone out and lend a helping hand. She is just a remarkable young person.” Kilpatrick’s parents have encouraged her from the beginning and help her with all of her dancing needs. One of those needs was helping her get a position as a teacher at the dance studio Expressions, in order to help with finances for her own lessons. “[My parents] are supportive and they help with my expenses,” Kilpatrick said. “They helped me get a job, so that’s helping me with expenses.”
Kilpatrick’s job is teaching at Expressions, her dance studio. Here she works with students whose ages range from five to sevem. “I teach level two ballet, our little babies, and technique classes,” Kilpatrick said. She said that developing close relationships with her students is a good way to make it more fun to teach. As Kilpatrick teaches these students, she too continues to learn and grow. Although she is not done learing, her dream is to become a professional dancer or a physical therapist when she grows up. “I want to be a dancer,” Kilpatrick said. “[I want to dance] until I can’t dance anymore.” ●
Grant artistry .com
▲ Freshman Taylor Kilpatrick plans to continue next year as a Strutter. She goes to a class for Strutters every day during seventh period. Photo by Rachel Grant●
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10 Student Life
The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
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News
11
Learning to Blossom Horticulture students flourish in plant program by Megan Paradowski The Catamount Staff Developing an understanding of plants goes beyond the walls of the biology classroom. “Horticulture is essentially plant science,” teacher Sheridan Clinkscales said. “We learn everything about growing plants and selling them.” Horticulture and floral design student Meghan Griggs can be described as a “plant nerd,” according to Clinkscales. Griggs described everything that she learns in horticulture. “We study different plants, their anatomy and soil types, when to
Jobs of a horticulture student Photos by Megan Paradowski
grow them and the advantages and disadvantages of certain plants,” she said. One major aspect of horticulture is getting to participate in what goes on inside the greenhouse, located outside of the school. “It’s full of plants, and we water them mostly every day, track their growth, transplant them and take care of them,” Griggs said. “There are flowers, a couple of trees and some tall plants.” The horticulture class recently teamed up with the construction classes to sell plants and planters available for the community to purchase. “In order to run a really good greenhouse and have a variety of plants, you have to have money,” Clinkscales
Transfer
said. “One of the important things [in horticulture] is teaching kids how to grow things from seeds, so we planted vegetable and herb seeds.” Clinkscales also said that it allowed them to incorporate business and marketing on a deadline as well. After taking horticulture, students have a plethora of job opportunities. “They can work in nurseries, the landscape industry, commercial or home industries, sports fields, floral design or plant science,” Clinkscales said. Griggs said that she thinks that horticulture could help her in the future. “If I want to pursue that kind of major, then I will already have a lot of experience,” she said. ●
Water Sophomores Keaton Schrank and Meghan Griggs transfer the plants from planting pots into growing pots.
Examine Sophomore Darby Merritt waters the plants.
Sell Schrank and Griggs observe a flower stem in a lab assignment.
Label Griggs sells a group of plants during the plant fundraiser.
Sophomore Mason Kaase labels a plant with a popsicle stick.
12 People
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
Student rebuilds classic Volkswagen
▲ Sophomore Aric Zieglemann examine wires in the hood of his car. In his Volkswagen, the roof of the car does not pop open. Instead, he must remove the entire hood. Photo by Julie Potrykus ●
the ground up,” Ziegelmann said. “You know all of the mechanics. Basically, you know you can build something that For some of us, refilling a gas tank wouldn’t be running, but now is.” can prove challenging enough, but for Accomplishments such as this consophomore Aric Ziegelmann, his vehicu- tribute to his experience with vehicles. lar accomplishments surpass this feat. In Despite the amount of knowledge and his free time, Ziegelmann rebuilds cars experience required to successfully resuch as Volkswagens, Porches, Mercedes build a vehicle, Ziegelmann appreciates the challenges as a fun stress releaser. and BMWs wherever they are parked. “It’s a pretty fun way, when you are “It’s dangerous. It’s fun. It’s a good really stressed, to waste a large chuck of way to waste time,” Ziegelmann said. Most of Ziegelmann’s knowledge your time without realizing it,” Ziegelon rebuilding cars roots from research, mann said. Along with the enjoyment of solving experience and his father’s teachings. From a young age, his father ensured his the puzzle of car mechanics, Ziegelmann son would learn the basics to return the faces certain challenges that add to the difficulty of a rebuild. beauty to vintage cars. Some of these complications force “My dad said I knew every single tool in the toolbox before I could walk,” Ziegelmann to invent new techniques for a part where there is little prior informaZiegelmann said. Today, the father and son duo re- tion available for a fix, Ziegelmann said. build their vintage 1971 Volkswagen The combination of knowledge, skill and Beetle named Windy by improving the experience benefit him as he cares for his engine and applying basic interior work. vehicle. “Maintain [your car]. It will last lonZiegelmann’s father bought the car from ger than you expect,” Ziegelmann said. a family friend, and this car has become a Ziegelmann plans to tinker with vefamily project for them to rebuild the car together. They then present the car at car hicles when he is older. He said he hopes shows such as the Mushroom Car Festi- to one day own a 1969 Stingray Corvette, which he may also be able to rebuild into val and at one at Veteran’s Park. “When you work on a car, you syn- the car of his dreams. He aspires to bechronize with patterns on how you do come a mechanical engineer for Audi or things,” Ziegelmann said. “You learn Volkswagen to allow his rebuilding skills how to work as a team as if you are one to flourish. This career path will allow Ziegelentity.” Through practice, Ziegelmann mann to pursue the adventures of regained the skills to rebuild a car engine building cars that he has enjoyed because they offer a new challenge with familiar without a basic body to work with. “You know you made it work from thrills. ●
▲ One of the improvements Zieglemann has made is the interior. Parts, such as the Volkswagen logo on the dashboard, have remained from the orginai interior. Photo by Julie Potrykus ●
▲One of the msot remarkable aspects of the vintage Volkswagen is the engine. The engine resides in the trunk of the car instead of in the hood where most modern car engines are found. This design leaves little stoarage space and forces the exhaust system to reside towards the back of the car. Photo by Julie Potrykus ●
by Julie Potrykus The Catamount Staff
▲ Zieglemann replaced the orginal Volkswagen wiring with wires from a Porsche. This is an example of one of the methods he created without prior knowledge. Photo by Julie Potrykus ●
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
● Sports 13
No Place Like Home Baseball brings family closer together by Julie Potrykus The Catamount Staff Sophomore Nick Kennedy has found a home with baseball. Baseball has allowed for Kennedy to bond with his brothers: Eric, a seventh grader, and Ben, a senior at A&M Consolidated High School. Kennedy has also found a family among the players on his team. Surronded by so
many talented players, Kennedy tries his best at everything he does. “His character is exactly what you want in a student athlete,” coach Scott Holder said. “He is a great student and is going to do the right thing when you turn the other direction or are not around. Nick also is one of the most intense competitors that I have ever seen or coached. His parents have done a tremendous job instilling the values that we view very important at CSHS: character, commitment, cacrifice, effort.” Besides connecting to other players, baseball has given Kennedy a fun outlet. “I love baseball because it’s a time to go out and just have and be loose,” Kennedy said. Kennedy has continued with baseball in each of the four towns he lived in before moving to College Station, and the moves forced him to leave be-
hind old friends and teammates. The continuous relocation has taught Kennedy to accept moving on and adjust to his new surroundings. “[Moving] was a hard adjustment at the time, but now I’m glad it happened,” Kennedy said. “It helped me grow up a little quicker and learn how to get to know and work with new people.” This adjustment time allowed Kennedy to grow as a player and a person. “Every time we moved, he had to try out for a new team, and he has always made the team, and he has always been successful,” his mother Julie Kennedy said. “I think it’s given him a lot of confidence and self-esteem, so I am proud that he has been able to manage that change and how to be successful.” Each town presented an opportunity for Kennedy to find his place with a new team and group of friends. In addition to all the new people who have entered Kennedy’s life in each new town, he has always had his two brothers: his lifelong teammates. Baseball facilitated a way for Kennedy to bond with his brothers who share Kennedy’s love for the game. “Baseball pretty much gives [my brothers and me] a means of connecting and a common topic for us to all come home and talk about,” Kennedy said. According to their mother, the brothers help each other improve in baseball by offering critiques after games and practicing together. Kennedy and his old-
er brother, Ben, pass their baseball expertise to their youngest brother, Eric, who plays many different types of positions. Ben teaches Eric how to catch, and Kennedy teaches Eric how to pitch. Despite benefiting from having a baseball family, the sport causes scheduling conflicts for the family since all three sons share the same playing season.This causes their practices and games to coincide with one another. “It’s crazy because somebody has a practice every day,” Mrs. Kennedy said. “A lot of times all three of them are playing at different places at the same time, sometimes in three different cities. In that way it’s kind of difficult trying to split up and figure out who’s going to what game and how we are going to get him there, but it is so much fun. There is nothing else I would rather do than follow them in baseball.” Kennedy hopes to have his family follow him in a long future filled with many more runs, hits and pitches as he continues with baseball. “For the future, I want to play baseball until I can’t anymore and then be a coach,” Kennedy said. Coaching will allow Kennedy to share his love for baseball with other athletes who enjoy the game as much as he does. “[Baseball] gives everyone a chance to go compete and just have fun doing what they love,” Kennedy said. ●
All-District Team Selections Co-Coach of the Year - Scott Holder Offensive MVP - Baylor Rowlett Newcomer - Kyle Richardson First Team All-District Pitcher - Macgregor Hines Infield - Matthew Bennett Outfield - Cole Whittlesey
Photo of Nick Kennedy by Julie Potrykus
Second Team All-District Infield - Walker Davis
14 Sports
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
Leaps and Bounds Track star advances to area meet in multiple events by Megan Paradowski The Catamount Staff Gliding through the air and landing in the pit, sophomore Jeremiah Booker sends sand flying all around him as he sets the school record for the longest triple jump. Booker also currently holds the school record for the 300 hurdles, which is his favorite track event. “I’m good at it, and it’s fun for me to jump over the hurdles,” Booker said. In addition to the 300 hurdles and triple jump, Booker also runs the 110 hurdles. He said he started in track when his middle school athletic coaches saw how fast he could run and asked him to try out for the track team. “It’s fun to go out there and compete against others,” he said. Booker was also inspired to compete in track by his father.
“My role model is my dad,” he said. “He talks to me a lot about athletics and sports b e cause he’s been through i t ,
and he knows what’s best for me.” Booker’s dad was a receiver for a college football team. Booker hopes to also become a college football player and maybe compete on a track team as well. Booker attended track practice every day after school during the season, and he played an important role in making sure that everyone was prepared for practice. “I go in the locker room and make sure that everyone is getting out there, and I start the warm ups,” Booker said. As a natural leader, Booker does not have to be told to help the team or lead warm ups. He does this on his own. “He is a great leader,” track coach Robert Jones said. “He comes out here every day and sets an example by leading the warm ups.” Jones also said that Booker is mainly a vocal leader, and he leads by example. Booker hopes this leadership and hard work will help him improve as an athlete. “I just want to keep getting better and breaking records,” he said.●
In the Books Jeremiah Booker’s Best Results
Triple Jump Height: 42’9” Location: Caldwell Meet Date: March 23
300 Hurdles Time: 40.50 Location: CSHS Area Meet Date: April 17-18
110 Hurdles Time: 14.76 Location: Humble Regional Meet Date: April 26-27
Photo of Jeremiah Booker by Megan Paradowski
The Catamount ● Sports 15
Friday, May 17, 2013
spr ng ng into act on
Gymnast works hard to acomplish her dreams by Rachel Grant The Catamount Staff Freshman Dominique Foght has grown up with gymnastics. It was not hard since her parents own a gymnastics gym. She said she has never regretted her choice. Through the past thirteen years, she has tried to be as good as her name. “I was named after Dominique Moceanu and Dominique Dawes, and they were Olympians,” Foght said. “I feel like sometimes I have to live up to my name.” Foght hopes that all her hard work will pay off and dreams that one day she will compete in college. “I really want to make it on to the Aggie gymnastics team,” Fought said. One person who has guided her to go for her dreams was her first coach. “Coach Brenda was one of my first coaches,” Foght said. “[She] was most definitely one of my bigger influences.” Foght said that she loves gymnastics because she thinks it’s a fun sport. “It’s a really fun sport if you are good or not; even if you are bad, it’s just fun,” Foght said. She also likes that she doesn’t
have to worry about other people or have to worry about letting them down. “The best thing about [gymnastics] is that there’s no pressure from a team because you are competing against people, but you can try to overdo your last score. It’s not all about first, second or third place,” Fought said. Although there are a lot of positives about gymnastics, Foght does practice about six hours a week on average, which takes up a lot of her time. “[The worst thing] is probably getting so many hours a week,” Foght said. “It’s hard because I have cheer, a lot of homework and responsibilities at home and pets I need to take care of. That’s kind of hard.” Through all her responsibilities, Foght always has found time to work on her best event; floor. “Floor [is my favorite event,]” Foght said. “It’s more fun, and the thing about floor is that I can go for whatever I want ,and I don’t have to be scared about getting hurt because it’s bouncy. Overall, Foght works hard and is always excited to be able to do things no one else can. “I think the most fun is being able to defy gravity for longer than anyone else,” Foght said.●
Mason Ouren
Favorite Event: “Parallel Bars because it is my strongest event and I have the most fun on [them].”
▲ Freshman Dominique Foght practices at her parents’ gymnastics gym, Brazos Valley Gymnastics. She practices here at least 6 hours a week. Photo by Kalin Warlick●
Dominique Foght Favorite Event:
“Floor because I do not have to be scared about getting hurt.”
Gabby Brooks Favorite Event: “My
favorite event is the floor because I can flip.”
Most inspiring person: “My grandfather George Winklepleck”
Most inspiring person: Dominique Moceanu and Dominique Dawes
Most inspiring person: Gabby Douglas
“My favorite part is the pride you get when you achieve your goals.”
“[Having] no pressure from a team is my favorite part.”
“My coach is my favorite part because she supports and encourages me.”
16 Sports ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Weight on his shoulders
Athlete advances to state powerlifting meet
by Lily Parsi The Catamount Staff
D
esmond Payton’s success in powerlifting started when his coach said to him, “I’ve noticed your strength has increased, you should try powerlifting.” Payton was not able to compete in powerlifting last year because it conflicted with track season, one of the many sports Payton is engaged in. He also plays football and is debating playing basketball next year. Even though it’s Payton’s first year in powerlifting, he advanced to state, an accomplishment some athletes who have been competing for years can’t say. Qualifying for the state powerlfting meet took many hours of hard work in the weight room, and powerlifting coach Gregg Frashure said Payton’s consistency contributes to his success. “Payton is a very hard worker,” Frashure said. “He never misses practice, always does what he’s supposed to do, and never cheats on his sets.” Payton enjoyed powerlifting because he liked the feeling of adrenaline when his muscles strain to lift the weight, he said. “I like powerlifting because I like to work out and show my strength,” Payton said. Each powerlifter is divided into one of several weight groups, where they compete in three events; squat, bench and deadlift. Payton said squatting is his favorite event. “I enjoy squats the most because that’s where most of my strength comes from, and that’s what I’m best at,” he said. To compete in powerlifting, Payton had to sacrifice basketball because it would have been too much strain on his body. He said giving up basketball was worth it because he made it to state. Payton’s parents encouraged powerlifting. They knew it would be beneficial to his athletic technique and help him improve in other sports, he said. “My parents know I’ll get stronger and better [for my position in football] as a running back, and the more I lift, the more it will influence me to do better in
football and other sports,” he explained. Frashure said he was not caught off guard when asked about his reaction to Payton making it to state. “Anytime someone has that much potential and ability, I expect them to fulfill their expectations,” Frashure said. “I was very pleased but not surprised.” Payton prepared himself physically and mentally for the state powerlifting meet. “I worked out a lot and did everything I could,” Payton said. “I listened to what coach told me and cleared my mind.” While Payton didn’t win first place, he is happy with this season because he believes he tried his hardest. “I feel really accomplished this season because I did what I focused on and made it to state,” Payton said ●
▲ Sophomore Desmond Payton sets the bar on his shoulders as he prepares to squat the weight. At the state power lifting meet, Payton squatted a total of 610 pounds. Photo by Lily Parsi ●
State Meet Results for Girls Powerlifting Ashley Troutman- First Cory Nutall- Third Jackie Tran- Eighth Hanna Polen- 11th Bri White- 11th Maddie Dudley-12th Hannah Welch- Qualifier Photo of Ashley Troutman by Laura Williford
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
● Sports 17
stepping up to the plate Team captain makes sport a family affair by Jamie Roberman The Catamount Staff Listening to her team chanting behind her, freshman Kristen Pursley concentrates on the ball heading her way. She hits the ball and sprints to first base. “I just love the game. I love everything about it,” Pursley said. As a freshman, Pursley is already a captain for the varsity team where she plays the position of pitcher and first base. “I have to lead by example and help my teammates throughout the season,” Pursley said. The Lady Cougar softball team coach Brandy Gibson is impressed by the qualities of Pursley. “Kristen has many leadership characteristics,” Gibson said. “She always keeps up her grades.” Under Gibson’s teachings, Pursley has learned more about the game and possible stressful situations In fact, Pursley describes a recent difficult game against Taylor as a “battle all the way around” that ended with a
win with a score 1-0. Pursley became interested in softball by seeing a game on television and deciding she wanted to try it. Participating in softball since she was 8 when she played with the Wimberly Allstars Softball league, Pursley plans to continue to play the sport throughout college and eventually play professionally on the Florida Pride or the Chicago Bandits. She also dreams of becoming an equine vet. Along the way, Pursley looks up to her father who inspires her to reach her full potential. “My dad helps me get where I want to be,” Pursley said. Pursley prepares for softball games by training every day and eating right. Before the game, she starts to focus on the mental preparation by thinking about what she has to do. Although she grows from any outcome of a game, Pursley sees value in losing. “I learn more from losses,” Pursley said. “I can see what I did wrong and get better.” With daily afternoon practices during the season,
softball consumes most of Pursley’s time affecting her family’s schedule who try to cheer her on at every game. “Between pitching lessons, hitting lessons, travel team practice and tournaments, high school team practices and games, it keeps us busy all year round,” father Kent Pursley said. “We spend a lot of quality time together with all the pitching practice and all of the travel. It’s just what we do.” Her passion for softball has transformed into a family activity. “It’s a great thing to do as a family,” mother Kay Pursley said. “Some people have movie nights or family game nights, but we have family softball weekends” In order to enhance her softball skills, Pursley also played on the school’s volleyball team in the fall, which strengthened her legs and improved jumping abilities. Pursley is especially grateful for her teammates. “We are all very close,” Pursley said. “They are all really funny. They help encourage everyone.” Pursley is looking forward to future games when the team will have more experience. “I want a district championship,” Pursley said. ●
Player Statistics Batting: .270 batting average .373 on base average 13 hits 7 doubles 12 runs batted in
▲ Freshman Kristen Pusley prepares to catch a ball while warming up for a game. Pursley plays the position of pitcher and first baseman for the varsity team. Photo by Julie Portrykus ●
Pitching: Total of 46 innings 3.93 earned runs average
E V R Hurdling O Obstacles
18 Sports ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Teammates bond to create cohesive unit by Kayla Kurmaskie The Catamount Staff
Photo by Courtney Wellmann●
▲Gabbi Orzabal competes in the four by four hurdles at UIL district competition on April 4, 2013. "Gabbi's got quite a bit of natural talent," Ondrasek said of Orzabal's role on the team. Photo by Courtney Wellmann●
Dedication. Strength. Endurance. Commitment. These are all of the qualities required to survive on the the track team. “Not many girls are willing to put themselves out in front of people and work that hard with the fear of failure,” head track coach Robert Ondrasek said. Ondrasek believes this very fear drives the girls to push themselves and work as hard as they can. Another motivating factor is the coaching methods of Ondrasek. “No matter what, he always has something to motivate you or advice on how to get better,” sophomore and varsity runner Gabbi Orzabal explained. Freshman and junior varsity runner Amra Nuhagic mentioned that Ondrasek doesn’t only focus on the team as a whole. “He worries about us individually,” Nuhagic said. Ondrasek concurred with the girls thoughts. "I try to teach them about life through sport,” Ondrasek added.
Nuhagic and Orzabal both agreed that his encouragement has contributed greatly to not only the growth of the team’s abilities, but also their emotional growth as a team. “We’re like a big family,” Nuhagic said. Orzabal recalled a time when the bus broke down and all the girls ended up spending three extra hours with each other. “That brought us much closer together,” Orzabal said. Both girls agreed that track is not without its hardships. “Your head starts throbbing, you start sweating and you just want to stop,” Orzabal said. Despite the heat and laborious nature of the practices, the girls won district in both the junior varsity and varsity divisions. Both girls agreed that track is worth the hardships. Though the season is over, the team said they will remain close and in contact. “Altogether as a team we’re really close, and we always understand what everyone is going through,” Orzabal concluded.●
The Road to Redemption: Kelsie Warren wins two state gold medals in track Sophomore Kelsie Warren finished with flying colors at the state track meet with first place victories in both the mile and two mile runs. "I was so overjoyed," Warren said. She said this win was particularly significant since it offered her some redemption to her collapse in the state cross country meet in November. "The win was a great end to the year," Warren said. Coach Robert Ondrasek agreed that this state win was of great significance for Warren and the team. Not only was it a personal win for Warren; it is also a huge accomplishment for the school. "[The win] quantifies the amount of work and dedication put into this year," Ondrasek said. Warren said this year was a great learning experience for her, failures and successes alike. "All the work was worth the payoff," Warren said. ●
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Catamount
● Entertainment 19
Frozen yogurt provides alternative to ice cream Review by Kayla Kurmaskie
The moment we walked into Project Yogurt in Bryan we were greeted by an elderly woman who walked us through the process of self-serve frozen yogurt. She gave us some sample cups to try a few of the 10 flavors offered. Despite the limited options, flavors such as espresso, tropical fruit medley sorbet and cake batter were still available. I chose to mix cake batter and chocolate yogurt. Each yogurt was given a sign that listed the ingredients and whether the flavor was permanent or on rotation. Moving on down the line to the toppings, I was disappointed to find that none of the toppings were chilled. This being the case I was hesitant to choose the “fresh” fruit that was offered. Instead I opted for chunks of Twix bars, cookies and chocolate syrup. The toppings were hard to access because they were in crammed candy jars with lids that had a tendency to close mid scoop. When we came to the end of the line to have our yogurt weighed and to pay at 39 cents per ounce, the store’s debit card machine was broken so our order had to be written down for the cashier to finalize later. We then took a seat in the dining area to enjoy our yogurt and take in the store’s atmosphere. The yogurt was satisfactory, despite its watery taste. I was annoyed to find that there was a sign on top of the toppings counter that said to ask the shop attendant for toppings such as cheesecake bits, brownies and mochi, toppings that I always have on my yogurt. While we sat and chatted, I took in the rest of the store. It was odd that there were some random toys for sale and mini T.V.s cycling a video on fibromyalgia medicine. Overall the store was clean and had okay customer service. This being said, I do not have a desire to return due to health worries and the fact that the quality of the product is not worth the trip.●
Review by Megan Paradowski
I arrived at the Spoons located in the Towerpoint shopping center on a Friday afternoon after school. I walked into the building and was immediately refreshed by the cool air and the smell of frozen yogurt. A college-aged girl standing at the counter smiled and greeted me. I grabbed a cup and went straight to the yogurt machines (no waiting in line necessary). I chose multiple yogurts including cake batter, Oreo and cheesecake. Some flavors are always available and others are rotated in frequently. Although self-served frozen yogurt in a cup is the most popular Spoons product, shakes and cakes are also available. You can even buy a pint of their frozen yogurt to take home for later. I approached the seemingly endless buffet of self-serve toppings and chose cheesecake bites and cookie dough. Fruits, candies, sprinkles and syrups are also available. My cup was almost full to the top, and it cost fewer than $3. Bottled water is also offered at the checkout counter. There are not many seating options if you go with a large group. However there are several small tables inside and even a few outside, too. I sat outside and enjoyed my cool, creamy frozen yogurt in the warmth of the sun. The frozen yogurt is perfectly smooth and tasty, and it has significantly fewer calories than regular ice cream. I highly recommend Spoons for anyone looking for a cold treat.●
Check out reviews on Red Mango and Yogurtland here by scanning this QR code with your smart device or go to https://sites.google.com/a/csisd.org/cshs-newspaper/additional-yogurt-reviews.
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20 Cougars ● The Catamount
Friday, May 17, 2013
Hitting the Right Notes Peers make music in the orchestra program by Lily Parsi The Catamount Staff Our students possess a wide range of talents from athleticism to artistic abilities, and the orchestra program is filled with gifted peers. Three unique students stand above the rest. Sophomore Katelyn Bailey, a cellist in our schools’ orchestra, has been in orchestra since 5th grade, said that she really enjoys classical and symphonic music, which influenced her choice to play. Bailey is enrolled in four Pre-AP classes and competes in French symposium, and said she sometimes doesn’t have time after school to practice her cello. But, playing is relaxi n g and a stress reliever for her, she said. “[Playing my cello] is a break for me, so rather than going on Facebook, I
play the cello for an hour and then go back to schoolwork,” Bailey said. While Bailey enjoys all types of music, symphony music is her favorite to play. “I like playing with an orchestra or parts of a band because the band gives it a full sound. Strings can’t hit all the ranges,” she said. Bailey’s talent doesn’t come without hard work. Whenever she gets a new piece or has a solo and ensemble competition coming up, she will practice every day for about 30 minutes. She also takes lessons once a week. Bailey’s purpose in practicing is not about getting better, she said. “I just like practicing, and I like the music,” Bailey said. “I never get tired of it because I can always play the piece differently.” Bailey’s favorite part about playing the cello is the personality she can bring to the music. “I can make the music my own and add whatever I want to it,” Bailey said. Sophomore Kelly Zhang also possesses musical capabilities that exceed the rest. Zhang has been playing the viola since 7th grade and has a passion for performing, she said. “[I really enjoy orchestra because] it’s really interesting hearing all of the parts come together,” Zhang said. Zhang is involved in many extracurricular activities such as
Leo Club and tennis. Finding the time to practice can be a struggle for her, but she plays her viola whenever she has free time. “I try to play as much as I can, but usually I only have time for about 30 minutes or so each day,” Zhang said. Zhang originally played the violin since third grade, but she said she decided to switch to viola because she enjoyed the deeper tones versus the more squeaky sounds of the violin. Practicing the viola in her free time can be relaxing as well as frustrating, she said. “It’s really relaxing when you can play a nice piece and you can play it well’ she said. “It’s challenging because it can be difficult to [make it sound good].” Freshman Woody Wang has been playing the violin for eight years now and is first chair in his section. His older sister played the violin, which inspired him to play also. Private lessons every Sunday in Houston and one to two hours of practice each day contribute to Wang’s success in Orchestra, such as his advancement to state UIL in solo ensemble. Wang also participates in multiple extracurricular activities such as science bowl, Leo Club and cross country. His passion for orchestra stems from the desire to portray himself in new ways. “I like being able to express myself through something other than words,” Wang said. ●
▲ Sophomore Kelly Zhang practices her lastest piece in the orchestra room. Zhang competed in the UIL solo ensemble regional competiton and recieved a one, which qualifies her for the state UIL competition on May 25. Photo by Lily Parsi ●
▲ Freshman
Woody Wang rehearses on his violin. Not only does he play an instrument, but he also runs cross country, competes in the science bowl and participates in the Leo Club. Photo by Lily Parsi●
Listen Up! Scan these QR codes with a smartphone or go to the website listed to hear a segment of the students playing their instruments Katelyn Bailey
Photo of Katelyn Bailey by Lily Parsi
https://sites.google.com/a/csisd.org/ cshs-newspaper/katelyn
Woody Wang
https://sites.google.com/a/csisd. org/cshs-newspaper/Woody
Kelly Zhang
https://sites.google.com/a/csisd. org/cshs-newspaper/kelly