The Catamount - October issue - Vol. 8 No. 2 by Cougar Media

College Station High School

4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

h e t h s i u q n a

the CATAMOUNT

Vol. 8 No. 2

Step dancers celebrate culture through dance.

rn on

Students experience the Renaissance Festival.

K Art by

ylie

Vaping harms teenage bodies, leads to serious health risks Erin Park Opinions Editor

Cougar Raggies encourage school spirit.

INDEX

News Opinions People Sports Health & Rec. Entertainment Etc.

2-5 6-8 9-12 13-16 17 18-19 20

Vaping has just recently taken its youngest victim, a 17-year-old teenager from Bronx, New York. He drew his last breath on Oct. 5, 2019, due to a vaping-related lung disease. With his passing, the death toll has risen to 23. Vape was initially introduced as a solution to cigarette-smoking, appealing to many smokers around the world. However, taking a quick turn, its popularity rose among another demographic: teenagers. Vaping-related fatalities, especially for teenagers, have erupted nationwide panic, increasing worries towards teenager exposure to vaping. “Vaping initially seemed harmless, but the more I research into it and the unknown chemicals that are going into the cartridges, it seems more dangerous,” school nurse Bri-

ana Dugan said. “It’s as or even more addictive than smoking a cigarette because it can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes in one small cartridge. I expect to see more hospitalizations and deaths until they can figure out what’s causing the illnesses and fatalities.” Dugan explained that vaping may affect memory, self-control, attention and mood. Also, it can cause teeth to rot and can lead to cancer even at a young age. “One major disease process is called bronchiolitis obliterans, or also known as ‘popcorn lung’,” Dugan said. “The substance in vaping commonly contains a chemical called diacetyl that can damage the smallest airways of your lungs, causing this symptom. Once [your lungs are] damaged, it’s untreatable, incurable and there’s no way to reverse.” Coming to know about its evident threats, many have refrained from vaping. However, other teenagers use vapes

@cshscatamountnewspaper

continued on page 3 @cshscatamountn1

2 News The Catamount Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

PAST PAST

Choir members selected for All Region

Senior Lauren Golmulka, junior Connor Mason and junior Josie Perkinson earned All Region honors and will compete again next month for state choir.

Teacher nominated for award

Construction Science teacher Jim Dawson has been nominated for the 2019 Safety Educator of the Year Award because of his passion for safety in the workplace. The winner is determined by online voting, which ends today at 5 p.m. Vote at careersafeonline. com/teacher-tools/safety-educator-of-the-year

More National Merit awards earned Seniors Jae Hong Hwang, Sniya Chirayath, Adriana Okonkwo, Shreya Majeti, Rachel Lee and Arnav Banerjee were recognized as Commended National Merit students. In addition, seniors Logan Caebo, Nina Castaneda, Maria Clara Braga and Naomi Doerr-Garcia recieved the Hispanic National Merit Award.

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

What's

NEW

Theater presents Dracula, Night of the Living Dead Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:00p.m. Nov. 2 at 2:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.

College Cafe

Students can recieve help with college appications, ACT and SAT studies and Financial Aid applications in room 1044 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CSHS food pantry The CSHS food pantry partners with the Brazos Valley Food Bank to provide students and staff in need with access to quality, nutritious food. Students can shop any time during school hours by setting up an appointment with an administrator or counselor.

Senior panoramic on Nov. 14 Seniors will take a group photo during the morning activity schedule.

Breakfast Lunch and Pie! 4344 State Highway 6 S Towerpoint

Text MAX to 484848 to participate in promotions and giveaways

4150 Hwy 6 at Barron Rd. 12677 FM 2154 at Rock Prairie 14725 FM in Wellborn

The Catamount

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

News

Deaths emphasize need for increase in vaping education continued from page 1 regardless of its risks. One student from College Station High School spoke to The Catamount about her previous experience with vaping, recognizing its issues among a community of teenagers, but she prefers to remain anonymous to readers. “Vape was something that I would do occasionally if needed,” the student said. “It was really helping me focus a little better and feel happier, especially on those late nights when I would get home from work late and had to try and stay awake.” Mentioning her first contact with vape, she brought up that peer pressure was a powerful factor contributing to her interest in vaping. She further explained that vaping is a common thread among teenagers, bringing them together and allowing many to fit into the community. However, when asked whether she viewed it as positive or negative, she stated that it was negative. “People are dying, and that’s not okay,” the student said. “I was taken aback by the fatalities because I thought, ‘Wow, that could have been me if I kept vaping.’ It’s not the way I would want to go.” As much as the fatalities scare teenagers, parents also tremble in fear when hearing about the detrimental consequences and wide exposure to teenagers. “As a parent of teenagers myself, knowing the potential damage to kids and having experienced the tobac-

co phases before, it’s scary,” assistant principal Patricia Ayala said. “We want kids to have the best opportunity and best life going forward, but vaping gets in the way of that.”

PREVALENCE OF NICOTINE VAPING

Vape store income

12th Grade 2017-11% 2018-20.9%

10th Grade

WE WANT KIDS TO HAVE THE BEST OPPORTUNITY AND BEST LIFE GOING FORWARD, BUT VAPING GETS IN THE WAY OF THAT. -PATRICIA AYALA ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL To facilitate these vaping-related issues of College Station High School, Ayala explained administrators execute strict discipline even on ‘straight vape,’ which is when a student is found to have any form of vaping-related device or component on him or her. When caught

The average vape shop reports around $26,000 in monthly sales, $312,000 per year.

with ‘straight vape,’ students are penalized with five days of ISS and are unable to attend their classes. If students are caught possessing any illegal piece or substance, the responsibility is automatically transferred to the school resource deputy. In the 2018 to 2019 school year at CSHS, administrators addressed roughly 142 code of conduct violations that pertained to the use or possession of any e-cigarette devices and/or vape ‘juice’ cartridges. “When we’re dealing with a student with a potential discipline situation, our ultimate goal is not to catch and punish them, but to educate them,” Ayala said. “But, unfortunately, vaping is a gamble going forward.” Now, this gamble has fired back 23 times. Doctors are finding difficulty in tracking the underlying reason for these illnesses, but they all know one thing for sure: 23 people have died because of vaping, and that is not normal. “You might think it’s cool. I get that; I’ve been there,” the student said. “But the consequences are going to catch up with you quickly, and you’re not going to know they’re coming, and you’re not going to be able to do anything about it. Reconsider what you are doing and try to find an alternative. There are better ways to focus, there are better ways to feel better. I’m really lucky that I caught it early.” •

HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN E-CIG VAPOR

Cadmium

2017-8.2%

Nickel

Lead

Nicotine

Toluene

2018-16.1% Source: a nationwide survey by npr.org of 13,850 high school students

Source: thestartupmag.com

Source: tobacco.ucsf.edu

Isoprene

News

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

Daunting college decisions require self-discipline, responsibility, pacing Kylie Vernon Senior Editor Throughout high school, many students are thinking ahead to college. Whether deciding what major or even what school, the pressure is on. However, a new stress, the financial factors, are added as high school graduation approaches. “You first have to ask ‘What do I want to do and what do I have to do to get to that point?’” economics teacher Gregg Frashure said. “Then you have to figure out the most efficient and cost-effective way to get there.” Deciding where to spend the next four years is a daunting decision that nearly 2.9 million freshmen students face every year according to nces.com. “A lot of people rush into college, but I’ve been really blessed knowing exactly what I want to do,” senior Abby Perryman said. “My dad has even said that if I wasn’t sure, I could take a gap year to figure it out because it’s such an important decision.” While nearly 80% of U.S. students change their major post enrollment, spending four years worth of college tuition can be a large and long lasting commitment. “There are a lot of people that get college degrees, and

then they end up going into a field that isn’t necessarily supported by it, and that’s a lot of time and a lot of money that’s spent that isn’t going to benefit you,” Frashure said. For many, it is paramount to make the most out of the expensive but critical time. However, many struggle under the weight of self-discipline. “People are about to reach an age where you are leaving parental supervision, it’s very hands off,” said former student Ethan Cohen, a freshman at Texas A&M in the Mays Business School, “Some people deal with it really well, and some people don’t deal with it well at all. Know your limits and know what’s important to you.” Maintaining self-discipline and responsibility is critical when making large financial decisions like taking out loans and deciding what to put them towards. “The mistake is when people think six months into the future when you really should be thinking five years in the future,” Frashure said. While saving money and spending wisely may seem minor, setting good practices helps for the future. “What we’re doing by getting an education may seem trivial in the moment, but it ends up being important in the long run,” Cohen said.•

Know your limits and know what’s important to you. -Ethan Cohen college freshman

Tips to Save in College •

Purchase a cheap meal plan

•

Don’t buy textbooks unless necessary

•

Plan a budget before spending

•

Apply for as many scholarships as possible

Information compiled by Kylie Vernon Graphics by Calla Duffield

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

News

SPARK: Students of various backgrounds share cultural beliefs Kylie Vernon and Erin Park Senior and Opinions Editor Because of the need to understand people from different cultures, The Catamount invited senior Sayuni Dharmasena, sophomores Boya Shia and Alex Ragsi and freshman Luqman Baghdad to discuss the differences between American culture as well as the misconceptions many Americans have towards other cultures.

What’s the biggest difference between American culture and your culture?

Sayuni: A lot of my friends that are from here, their parents express love a lot more freely than my parents would. They say it out loud or show physical affection. My parents are more like if I’m studying late at night, they’ll bring me food. I know that they love me the same amount, but the way they express it is more subdued or less obvious. Alex: The main difference between French culture and American culture is that French people don’t think highly of Americans. There are a lot of stereotypes. My uncle talks about how Americans eat hotdogs all the time. But it’s kind of the same here. Americans think the French eat baguettes all the time. Boya: The value on education is also different. In China, the kids’ entire lives revolve around school and the parents’ entire lives revolve around the children in order for them to be successful. In China there’s this thing called Gao Kao, which is a high school exam that can either make or break your life. China has a huge population, so only a certain amount of kids can get into college. There’s a lot of pressure put into it. In America it’s not as bad. My parents don’t put as much stress on me as I put on myself. It’s just an overall standard. Luqman: Contrary to what Alex said, Algerians think highly of Americans. They like the fact that it’s outside of their country, and they think it is much more rich. The money in Algeria is not worth as much as the American dollar.

How does the culture you were raised in affect how you relate to people in America?

Sayuni: There’s this saying with brown people that if I have fun today, then I can’t have fun the next few days. If I want to do something for fun, it takes 3 to 5 business days for me to first make a plan and then build up the courage to ask my parents. It’s harder for us to do the things that a lot of teenagers do on a whim or take for granted like going on a drive or going somewhere. It’s a lot harder for us to let loose or have a lot of fun. I can’t relate with the people who can just go to Houston on a random day. That’s not a thing. Boya: I relate to that. There are people who miss school, but if I miss school, then in my head there are so many things I have to do. My friend group is also so bad at planning stuff because we all have our own schedules, and everyone has their priorities on work. So, it’s very hard to get everyone on the same page. My parents even tell me that I need to take breaks, but I’m like no I need to get my stuff done, and when I have no work left, then I can take a break. That’s just a constant cycle. Alex: I never ask my dad for anything; he’s the French side. He grew up there, and he has the ideology that there’s always something I can do first whether it be homework or helping around the house. But I don’t want to do that all the time.

What is the most interesting part of typical American culture to you? Sayuni: My family is Buddhist and religion plays a pretty important role, but here in the South, religion is a religion. People center so much of their lives on their faith. Everyday I’m surprised how people find strength in their faith. I can’t relate as much, but I admire people here because they have such a steady source of strength in their lives. It’s something that’s not very present in a lot of other places. Luqman: My whole country is Muslim so it’s sort of natural for us to be religious. There are mosques everywhere over there. Here it feels like they are more laid back on their religion than over there.

What is a value that strongly differs here from your country?

Something that typical Americans maybe can’t understand? Sayuni: In our backyards in Sri Lanka, there was a war. In Sri Lanka any day, school could be cancelled because there is a terrorist attack. At every road there are checkpoints, tanks with soldiers. It gives you this harsh reality check that it is hard to get here just because we are not as exposed. I think we have more social stigmas here too, and different groups of people are expected to behave a certain way here more than in other places, perhaps because other places are more ethnically homogenous. Here, since there are many different groups, we would be expected to behave like our group behaves. Boya: People here are more expressive whereas China is more conservative, and it’s also reflected through the household. You listen to your parents, obey your parents, and if you fight back, they’re usually right. Here, everybody says whatever comes to mind. The way parents deal with children are also different. I know that people here get “grounded” or get their phone taken away, but my parents never did that. They gave me a lecture and told me to think and reflect about my actions. Luqman: I feel like it’s the opposite in Algeria. We don’t have “being grounded” either, but with people being not as social, it’s different. When a kid goes on a carnival ride and starts crying when other kids are with him, the parents of the other kids will all come up to the kid and give him a water bottle and wash his face. They all care about you, even though you don’t know who they are.

Is there anything you wish that a typical American could be sensitive to when considering people of other cultures? Boya: Stereotypes. All: Yes. Boya: For me personally, I deal with the “Asians are supposed to be smart.” It gives you the impression that Asians are supposed to be perfect overall. We already have pressure from ourselves and our families, but when other people put more pressure on me, it feels like not making the perfect score somehow de-

ducts from myself. Sayuni: I feel the same way. A lot of people know me and Asians as the “smart girl” or the “smart group.” That frustrates me. When people confine us to that one or a similar adjective, that’s disregarding any other quality that we may have. I know they don’t mean it in a demeaning way, -- I know they’re meaning it in an admiring way -- but we’re more than that. We like to have fun too. Also, people may see our successes, but what they don’t see is those nights studying until 3 or 4 a.m. because our mom wouldn’t let us go to sleep, or rewriting our college essays 20 or 30 times because we don’t feel confident about it. In order to get to where we are, we have to work so hard. People may only acknowledge the end result or expect us to be like that just because of our culture and not because of something that we created ourselves. Boya: I have a lot of people that when I don’t do as well will say “Look, she didn’t make the perfect score” or whenever a grade comes out, they would say “I bet you made whatever” or “the perfect score” or “you made this.” I already have expectations for myself. It really confines me in thinking that I have to be perfect, and that I have to make it, otherwise I’m somewhat of a disappointment of myself to others. Sayuni: Kudos. Luqman: People who know of Algeria often ask, “Why aren’t you Black?” But Algeria is in North Africa, so the population is white. I don’t take much offense to it, but something that does bother me is the fact that “you’re a Muslim, you’re a terrorist.” Sayuni: I think the misconceptions that a lot of people here may have of us is not due to the lack of empathy but education. I think rather than us complaining about it, I think it’s our duty to educate people here, and that’s what we’re doing now. In order for us to feel represented and comfortable in our living situation, I think it’s important to explain to people why we may be wanted to be or not be treated in a certain way.•

Opinions

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

THE CAT’S EYE VIEW

staff editorial

Awareness of vaping’s negative effects should change high school habits Advertised initially as a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking, vaping became a popular choice for those trying to escape nicotine use. As time passed, companies such as JUUL began to target a younger audience with fun flavors such as mango, watermelon and mint. We’re only finding out now of the effects that regular participation in vaping has on the human body. Being impressionable young adults, we trust when someone tells us that what we put into our bodies won’t harm us. We don’t do the deep digging. We don’t notice that the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t had any control over vaping products, until just recently when the cases of young people dying started popping up on news feeds. We don’t look at the label of all of the chemicals that we’re welcoming into our lungs. We trust that producers are not going to intentionally harm us, but the truth is that we are making their business profitable. It’s scary to know that kids our age are learning the hard way, that they’re getting injured from a trend that is socially a “cool” thing to do. Banning vapes is a step, but not necessarily a step that will ben-

Banned, challenged books are valuable teaching tools B o o k s have been challenged, b a n n e d and burned throughout the world for Aliza Ali centuries, and the American Library Association reports that approximately 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982. While disagreeing with something or not liking it is okay, it’s not a reason to remove content for everyone else. Censorship deliberately violates the right to freedom of speech guaranteed in the first amendment. A common reason for prohibiting a book is because people believe the content is “demoralizing.” This often includes content addressing religion, race,

disabilities, mental illnesses and sexuality. In the past “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was outlawed in the Confederacy for its abolitionist viewpoint, and the Ku Klux Klan found morality issues with “Of Mice and Men” for its pro-

Art by Sophia Amstalden fanity. Schools in Texas, South Carolina and New York prohibited “A Farewell to Arms” for its “sexual content.” Alabama also banned Anne Frank’s book, “The Diary of A Young Girl,” a book about a girl who hid from the Na-

zis for several years but who still believed in the goodness of mankind, for being too negative. And today, the Harry Potter series is one of the most banned books in America for “promoting witchcraft.” However, censoring this content is more harmful than helpful and only marginalizes people even more. Books are so much more than just a couple hundred pages with words printed on them. Books are some of the greatest learning tools out there, teaching readers more about life often more than school. Banning them does absolutely nothing to protect young minds. As Helen Keller said, “you may burn my books and the books of the best minds in Europe, but the ideas those books contain have passed through millions of channels and will go on.”•

View of the Pride: Should Vaping be banned?

efit our age range. Firstly, moving the smoking/vaping age to 21 rather than 18 causes a longer period of time for those of our age that want to vape, or may have unintentionally became addicted to nicotine to take illegal or dangerous routes to access those products. Secondly, we know that by banning, we are telling people our age not to do or want something, which makes us want it more. Vaping and smoking is a choice, our choice. Some may decide to obey a ban, but instead we should choose to not vape to protect our

AGREE

DISAGREE

“Yes, it’s not cool to JUUL.” -Uzair Ali, freshman

“I don’t believe that flavored pods of JUUL’s should be banned, but I would restrict advertising that may be directed toward underaged children.” - Wesley Fisher, teacher “No, but there should be an age limit. It’s like alcohol. It’s addictive.” -Jackson Wells, junior

bodies and physical health. And though we sometimes turn a blind eye to the number of students at our high school who do vape, we should spread the awareness

“Yes, you’re getting the same lung poisoning as [when you] smoke.” -Zoe Taylor, sophomore

that the long term effects are unknown and are showing severe and rapid damage to our bodies. It shouldn’t take young people’s lives for us to realize this. We have the power to change our own habits and to influence those of our peers.•

The Catamount Newspaper

2019-2020 Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Senior Editor News Editor Opinions Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Photography Editor Assistant Editor Staff Reporter Graphic Artist Cartoonist Faculty Adviser Assistant Adviser

Makayla Fox Catie Sikes Lauren Gomulka Kylie Vernon Jayci Tawney Erin Park Lauren Gomulka Ayden Woods Aliza Ali Calla Duffield Loredana Pearlstein Sophia Amstalden Jenny Langhoff Courtney Wellmann Teresa Laffin

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

School, 4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.

Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor

reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff.

The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their Bronze

Star award in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019, as well as their Silver Star Award in 2017 and 2018.

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.

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

Change in school environment provides insight into love, relationships People say that our surrounding environment has a considerable impact on us. Having lived in two countries with significant cultural differences, I cannot agree Art by Sophia more. However, that “surrounding environErin Park ment” is not restricted to describing just a geographical location; it can also describe school atmospheres. As a teenager, I am not an exception to curiosity. I am curious about the world, society, people around me and myself as well. Adding to that list, I’ve also shown interest in the idea of dating -- I mean, who hasn’t? Out of the four schools I have attended from first grade, I spent my high school career in two different schools -- one in Seoul and the other, here in College Station. One exceptional difference is the school atmosphere and its impact on the idea of dating. Back in my school in Seoul, dating was considered a trend and stunt for the public eye rather than a personal connection. Peer pressure was an evident factor prompting teenagers like me to “like” someone, ultimately leading to unnecessary drama among students. Why the quotation marks? Because those emotions weren’t true, but were rather a result of surrounding pressure. That was just how it was in my school. Rewinding my memories, I can remember the first

time I had a crush on somebody. Six years have passed since I have shelved my feelings away, but surprisingly, I can still recall the vivid colors of joy and gloom. Thinking about it now, I had liked him for who he was, and that was all there was to it. Peer pressure had Amstalden not played a part, but instead, my genuine interest in personal connection had sparked my strong feelings towards him. If anybody asks me how I am so certain about my answer, I will gladly flip to the next few pages of the book. All memories of the people I “liked” afterward are imprinted with a dull shade of black, and the ink has been smeared; peer pressure was the cup of water my school spilled on those pages. I had no interest in the people I “liked,” but in the brisk spark we shared - the common interest in the idea of dating. Since my first and last crush dating six years back, I almost feel like I have forgotten how to like someone. I have grown accustomed to liking the idea of someone that it has become a habit. I snapped out of my delusion only when I became a junior in CSHS, realizing my reluctance towards a shallow connection. So, I’ll wait. I’ll wait until I can develop true and genuine feelings towards someone so I won’t end up hurting that person or myself. I’ll wait to see whether my heart can paint those vivid colors again, just how I did six years ago. I may face challenges differentiating whether my feelings are true or not, but the best I can do right now is to maintain my posture and tend to my priorities without rushing into another reckless relationship. I’ll wait.•

??? QUESTION issue OF THE

How many single use plastics do you use Everyday? 8.6%

65.1%

0 Single use plastics

1-5 single use plastics

26.3%

6+ single use plastics 452 people polled

Opinions

HUMANS of CSHS

Ashton Brown junior

“I’ve dealt with a lot of mental health issues for quite a bit of my life. Being able to help others with that would make me really happy. I hate other people go through similar things because I hated going through it myself.” “Don’t be ashamed about your mental issues. Talk about it. That’s the first step to getting help.”

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

COUGAR UNVEILED by Jenny Langhoff

Opinions

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

Notion of unknown provokes fear, questions of future I look up to the stars regularly and en’t so tiny. I am nothing compared to them, we are nothing, do nothing but think. Now, sometimes it’s our problems are nothing. They remind me that in the bigger dangerous to let my thoughts just run, scheme of things, no one cares about my problems. Yes, my but sometimes it’s amazing to have a friends will care in the moment, but what about in conversation with myself. five years? What about when I die? Who will even Life is hard; there’s no dicare about my life when I die? rect path to follow, and it I wonder how those who don’t Jayci Tawney terrifies me. fear the unknown think. When they Recentlook up to the stars, do they receive ly my life has taken a drastic turn the answers, or are they just preabout something that I had no idea tending? I wonder if they ask as many was going to happen. Is it going to be questions as I do? a good thing, or will it completely break As I am writing this, I am looking at me? That is still unknown. I am not a the stars and question myself about fan of that. I want to have control of my the unknown. Am I thinking too far life, and with this situation, it’s out of my into things? How long will this feelhands. I can’t control the outcome. ing last? What would happen if things The unknown is like a drive. Havended badly? Do the stars even care ing nowhere to go, I just hop into the car about the questions I’m asking them? and let the road lead me. There are two Would they even answer them? outcomes of this situation: I make it home safeI know the answers to some of these quesArt by Sophia Amstalden tions. For one, I am too small for something as ly, or I don’t. The unknown gives me the type of fear that can not be big as a star to hear my questions or pay any mind to them. described by words. Therefore, I will receive no help other than the comfort that But then I look up at the stars, those tiny dots that arthere are bigger things out there that require my attention. •

Childhood memories with Halloween grow distant with age In the spirit of spooky season, I’d like to recount a childhood Halloween memory. It was the night of October 30th, 2012. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I could barely focus on my strenuous math homework. The next day was even bigger than Hannuka, even Calla Duffield grander than my birthday! I was to be Jiggly Puff (a Pokemon, for those who don’t know). I would walk around town the next day with my obnoxious orange-pumpkin basket while flaunting my bubble-gum pink felt dress, which is, to this day, the most beautiful thing I had ever donned (thanks mom!). I would stuff my face with as much candy as humanly possible before my mom donated it to troops in Afghanistan. But the most wonderful thing, the thing that kept me up all night, wasn’t my costume or the candy. It was walking around with my neighborhood friends, feeling the cool wind and rush of independence on my eightyear-old face and an air of mystery as I walked around greeting strangers at their doors after dark. It was the house that gave out full-sized candy bars and that one mansion that went all out by projecting Halloween Popeye onto the exterior and decking the lawn out in spiderwebs and strobe lights and smoke, complete with a haunted walkway. It was the plumbing supply shop that filled a bathtub with candy, the very definition of heaven to trick-or-treaters, and

placed it in their display window for all to see. It was the gardening store, that signaled the start of spooky season with its giant blow-up pumpkin on the roof. There were girl scout trips to corn mazes, and apple cider, and pumpkin picking. Every Halloween my dad would drive me and my brother to school with “Monster Mash” blasting through the moonroof. It was the pinnacle of everything fall. Nothing excited me more. And so I waited up all night, waited up all day, so I could be thrilled with that rush of the ghostly atmosphere. Now, I’m 15, and I don’t feel that way anymore. But not by choice. I just don’t fall into the autumn mood as easily. Perhaps it’s because unlike my hometown in New Jersey, Texas is warm practically year-round and the leaves don’t change color. But it’s something else. It’s the awareness I’ve grown to have, that the world is bigger than those innocent nights when time slowed, and it was so much more than just kids screaming in the streets. I guess it comes with growing up, but why can’t those nights be as fun as they were? I will never grow out of the costumes and trick-or-treating, but part of the reason Halloween isn’t the same is because I don’t believe in magic like I did when I was young. That ghosts and fairies and ghouls could appear at any moment, and if I was lucky, I’d catch a glimpse of a witch on her broomstick. But what I want to do, for one night, is pretend. To pretend that I am a little kid, with an obnoxious orange pumpkin basket, that can’t sleep because it’s the night before the most magical time of the year. •

Voices

How are you dressing up for halloween?

“A Sasquatch costume to scare children.” Calum Worthy, freshman

“A tiger because it’s fierce and free in the wild. It describes who I am.” Bon Koo, sophomore

“An E-boy. I’ll wear chains, rings, a striped shirt with a longsleeved black shirt underneath.” Arden Duffield, junior

“The scariest thing I can think of: a responsible adult.” Bre Wallen, senior

“Tigger, because my group of friends decided I was high-key too energetic.” Paula Bernal, junior

“A mean, old teacher.” Mrs. Rothrock, Astronomy teacher

Step UP up STEP

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

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People

Stepping offers diverse community with emphasis on culture Loredana Pearlstein Staff Reporter With their rhythmic movements and intricate routines--incorporating both modern and traditional step dancing--the College Station High School Steppers have consistently presented some of the most charismatic and interesting pep rally performances. “I think [the diversity of Stepping] goes back to the tradition and the root of stepping,” step coach Chineka Brooks said. “It’s more diverse: it’s not exactly cheer, it’s not exactly dance, it’s a rich history in African culture and it dates back forever, a way of celebration.” Yet modern Stepping-- although still heavily tied to its African roots-- is more than just celebratory; the Steppers offer an open space for students of all racial and ethnic groups to grow and connect with each other. “My overall goal in joining Steppers was to gain confidence because when I was a freshman, as most freshmen are, I didn’t know who I was,” senior Amaka Okonkwo said. “ I didn’t know my

identity, I wasn’t confident in myself, I didn’t know where I belonged culturally in the school. So, step was a community I could wrap myself in, to feel kinsmanship, to feel family.” Step also has the profound ability to connect people back to parts of their heritage that, without step, they may have never known. “In College Station I didn’t get a lot of exposure to African American and black culture,” Okonkwo said. “So, [step] was a way for me to go back to my roots and explore my cultural history.” Despite the incredible ability step has to reconnect people to their culture and provide a sense of community, step is an open community for all of those who wish to learn it or try something new. “We know that there are a lot of stereotypes around our group because there’s a majority of people of color,” junior Estela Riera-Vales said, “but we want people to know that everyone’s welcome, and that anyone can come and join and do [step] so they shouldn’t be scared of learning something new.” For many of the Steppers, step-ing encouraging its participants to

be unafraid to embrace the culture and self expression--allowed them to set themselves up for a better future. “Step taught me teamwork and patience,” junior Isha Pennygraph said. “It’s made me want to work harder.” And this sense of teamwork and hard work has created a deep bond between the Steppers, one of family and sisterhood. “What I like most about [step] is the expression in it,” junior Kierra Blue said, “ and how we’re like a family, a sisterhood, altogether.” Yet, more than anything, step is a way for all of the student body to celebrate culture, through dance, expression, and in our unification. “In this day and age we as people are very divided, so I feel like [step] is something that could bring different groups or people together,” Brooks said. “It’s not just black, white, Hispanic. It’s a group.”•

PHOTOS BY ERIN PARK AND LAUREN GOMULKA

Timeline of stepping • Early African slave communities • Underground railroad as a means of communication • Military themed sounds added during WWII • Black fraternities and sororities during the 1960’s • Adapted recently into teams at the high school level

Hannah Bethea

Cierra Robinson

Kierra blue

Isha Mennygraph

Source: ase.tufts.edu

Student Life

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

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Student Life

caring for our

Envir nment

Rise in environmental threats sparks reflection, action in relationship with Earth Aliza Ali Photography Editor

What you can do to help • Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room • Eliminate use of single use plastics • Try a vegan/vegetarian diet • Plant a tree to combat your carbon footprint Compiled by Makayla Fox Graphics by Makayla Fox

Urbanization and human activity is negatively impacting the planet, and several student groups are working to promote awareness and activism. “Yes, global warming is a natural process, but due to human intervention, it has become a sped-up process, creating climate change,” said senior Jace Cortez-Fields, Student Council’s Energy and Environment committee co-head. “We can see all these weather changes happening as well as the ecology of many different ecosystems changing because humans have been here for so long not knowing the consequences [of their actions].” The Student Council Energy and Environment committee educates and encourages protection and care for the environment through various projects. “We do different projects such as the Wands for Wildlife drive and now we are going to visit an elementary school to do recyclable crafts and talk about the environment,” said junior Jadynn Enriquez, Student Council’s Energy and Environment committee co-head. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air quality in the United States is significantly decreasing, largely caused by wildfires, climate change and increased usage of fossil fuels. “A lot of people just don’t take into account what they’re actually doing. I think if more people knew about what kind of impact they can make, like using plastic, that really accumulates. But I think if people really were informed about it and knew, it would help,” said junior Drew Adams, who is a vegan and orders specific compostable bags.

Impact of Pollution Pollution is also a major contributing factor in the change in environment. Millions of organisms, including humans, are killed or negatively affected by it every year. “Fossil fuels have been ingrained in our society to the point where people [pollute] unintentionally if not educated properly,” Enriquez said. The five types of pollution include air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, noise pollution and light pollution. The EPA also reports that 258 million tons of solid waste was produced in 2014 alone, and 136 million tons of that waste was left in landfills. A substantial amount of lakes and rivers are unsafe for fishing and swimming due to the contamination caused by water pollution. “In our near future I don’t see us just ‘ending’ pollution, but I do believe we have the ability to drastically decrease the amount of pollution by realistically slowing down our dependence on the fossil fuel industry and even having restrictions on the effects large companies can have in relation to greenhouse gases,” Enriquez said. Most of the air humans breathe is composed of nitrogen, inert gases, water vapor and oxygen, according to LiveScience. Air pollution adds foreign components to it and creates toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or greenhouse gases. Air pollution is highly deadly, increasing problems with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Environmental Research Letters report that it kills roughly 2 million people per year. “A reason for pollution is that it’s quick and easy,” Cortez-Fields said. “Starting back from when we started making machines, what was quick and easy

was steam, which is just water, but then we found how to use coal, fossil fuels, oil. That was quick and easy, and we kept doing these things that are quick and easy without worrying about the consequences because it’s working for us right now. We’re making money and today, it’s the same thing.” Noise pollution is caused by harmful sound levels from planes or industrial activities and is shown to increase blood pressure and illnesses, as well as interfere with speech and hearing. Light pollution is caused by artificial or unnatural lighting. It can cause birds to sing at weird times and impact their migration and can make it harder for astronomers to properly see stars. “I don’t know if we can really end [pollution], but we can help bring it down just by making little changes in everyday life,” Adams said.

Harm of Fracking Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as fracking, is another major contributor. Fracking is the forced extraction of oil or gas in rocks using highly pressurized liquid. “Fracking is fracturing the rock in which there is oil that is not easy to get to. And then they inject water and steam to strike the oil out,” AP biology teacher Vanita Vance said. “A lot of people think that it causes earthquakes, and there has been an increased incidence of earthquakes in places like Oklahoma, where they’re doing a lot of fracking.”

Eco-Friendly Solutions Several changes can positively impact the environment. These changes include reducing plastic and paper use, reducing red meat consumption, using reusable water bottles and conserving water. Large corporations can also help by adopting eco-friendly pol-

icies. “Changing your lifestyle is a big step. A lot of people think ‘Oh, I’m just one person, I don’t make a large affect,’ then everyone doesn’t make a large effect,” Cortez-Fields said. “But if we reverse that mindset and say ‘I’m one person, I can do this,’ and spread how that lifestyle has actually helped your health or how your waste reduction has improved, other people will catch on to that.” The class of 2020 used their senior class funds to buy a well to provide clean water and raise awareness about the global water crisis. “Buying the well is showing that the class of 2020 wants to do more than get something that other classes can look at and go ‘Wow, what a nice picture’ or ‘What a nice gadget.’ We want to make sure that we can make a lasting impact not only at our school but in the world,” Cortez-Fields said. “ By removing one pressing issue, we now can focus on the next one. But a more direct environmental impact is sustainability for the communities that receive these wells. Sustainability is a balance of sustaining a community economically, socially, and environmentally for the future.” World leaders and governments can also urge citizens to take care of the environment, as well as implement policies that regulate pollution and other environmentally damaging factors. Citizens can contact their local, state and federal elected leaders online or call them directly and urge them to take action. “[They can contribute] by believing science, not thinking that science is some kind of conspiracy that’s trying to get people to spend money on something that doesn’t need spending, [and] by accepting the fact that there are major changes that we can impact by making some changes,” Vance said. •

12 People

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

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HIP, HIP, HURRAH

Renaissance Festival provides learning experience, job opportunities Catie Sikes Managing Editor The Renaissance Festival is a traveling fair located in Plantersville from Oct. 5 to Dec. 1 that allows people to immerse themselves in the era of renaissance art, music and activities. The senior advanced English classes and the school choirs attend the festival to gain real-world experiences that directly correlate to the subjects they are studying during the festival’s school days Nov. 5-6. “We want to give the kids a real-life experience to help them connect to the setting and some of the theme, the dress, the characters, the whole feel of Shakespearean plays, and Ren Fest is a really unique opportunity for us to do that with our kids,” English teacher Virginia Babcock said. Similarly, the choir attends the festival for an opportunity to participate in an Early Music Contest where they perform four and five-part Renaissance songs, all sung acapella. “This year we’re singing two English songs: ‘Fyer, Fyer’ by Thomas Morley & ‘Weep, O Mine Eyes’ by John Bennett and one Spanish song, ‘Oy es dia de placer’ by Thomas Pascual,” Choir Director Kearby Etheredge said. According to Etheredge, the diversity of languages and musicality provide a motivational and challenging experience for the choir students. The Renaissance Festival is not only a place where one can experience another era, but it is also a community that grows every day. “I definitely think because I’ve been so many

years, I’ve started to recognize people and faces and activities, and one of the coolest things was, I went last year and a guy that worked at a candle shop, recognized me. So, it’s cool that you get to almost make relationships out of it on a recurring trip,” said senior Angelle Smith, who has attended the Renaissance Festival with the choir for five years. Because the Renaissance Festival is a traveling group, they do not always have enough people to help run the fair, so they reach out to local people in the community in order to put it all together. Senior Kylie Meyer, who has attended the festival since she was two years old, now works at the dragon pets booth. “It’s very worth the experience either going or working there,” she said. “It’s just a very fun environment. Everyone there is very fun and cheerful. You still get to talk to everyone and you get to meet a lot of new people that you wouldn’t meet or know otherwise.” While the school choirs will compete, the senior English students will complete a scavenger hunt in order to experience and see all aspects of the festival. “We want to give the kids rich life experiences that they can’t get in a classroom and because Ren Fest is going to be one of those rich life experiences that is memorable that may help them remember the Shakespearean play that they read and help them understand better setting, characterization or theme,” Babcock said. “When they are off in college or when they are a young adult years from now, maybe that is something that they can draw on.” •

▲Senior Kylie Meyer works at the Dragon Pets booth at the Texas Renaissance Festival on Oct. 13. She sells high quality pet dragons marketed to children. PHOTO BY CATIE SIKES

SCHOOL DAY COMPETITIONS COSTUME COMPETITION

JOURNALISM COMPETITION

ART COMPETITION

• Research and build a costume appropriate to the Renaissance or Elizabethan time period • OR create a fantasy based costume that is in keeping with the themes of the Festival • Pre-registration is required.

• Students write a story for the press based on their experience. • Photographers are invited to capture their experience. • Winners recieve opportunity to be published

• Students are encouraged to make their own masterpieces. • A select number of entries will be displayed on festival grounds.

For more information and to register online go to texrenfest.com/school-days/contests

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

People

The Catamount

A Grand old flag

Sophomore discovers passion for vexillology through fascination with flags Ayden Woods Sports Editor For the past few millennia, flags have been used to represent territories, kingdoms, countries and regions of the world. To most, flags are just a waving banner to look pretty, but to sophomore Wyatt Galbreath, they mean a lot more. “Flags are able to represent entire nations and people groups, without using any words,” Galbreath said. Galbreath describes himself as a vexillology lover and a person who is more interested in flags than the average high school student. “Vexillology is the study of flags,” Galbreath said. “Flag making is both a science and an art.” Galbreath’s love of flags has been strengthened as he has grown older and has been able to expand his vast knowledge of vexillology, but he said that he has loved flags from a young age. “When I was about eight, I bought a nice looking German flag from a festival,” Galbreath said. “I think that was probably the origin of my fascination with flags.” He was drawn to the various designs and colors of flags and started to collect them and then he began to buy the flags of his favorite countries and to study flags’ origins and histories. “I have more than 400 flags memorized and the nations that they belong to,” Galbreath said. Galbreath shares his knowledge of historical flags as well as unofficial and sub region flags at his meetings of Vexillology Club. “I usually make presentations about flags, their designs, symbolisms, colors and the meaning behind them,” Galbreath said. “I organize the meetings, keep attendance, and bring snacks to spice things up at the meetings.” As the president and founder of the Vexillol-

ogy Club, Galbreath seeks to share his passion for flags with other students. “Flag club is a place where people can come to learn about flags and just share our enjoyment of flags,” Vexillology Club Vice President Travis Quast said. Quast describes Galbreath as a great guy who is very traversed in vexilollogy and geography and that he thinks Galbreath has great leadership skills. “I really look up to Wyatt. He is great at leading each of our meetings, and he is really good at teaching us about flags,” Quast said. Galbreath hopes that his knowledge of flags and geography will be able to lead him to a career in the future. “I really hope to go into the political geography field of study.” Galbreath said. “I love to study the controversial regions of the world.” He said he also hopes to be a diplomat or ambassador someday. He likes how people can solve problems diplomatically rather than through war. “I recently went to the Hemisflag convention,” Galbreath said. “It’s basically a bunch of people who know a lot about flags sharing knowledge of flags.” Galbreath spoke to people who designed flags that we see every day. “I got to meet the man [Carlos Westendorp] who designed the flag of Bosnia, and I got to meet Graham Bartram, who designed the flag of Antarctica,” Galbreath said. Galbreath said he hopes that he can share his love of flags with more people and he hopes that in the future more people will join Vexillology Club. “People should try to learn more about flags,” Galbreath said. “I think if people took a moment to look more at flags, they could realize their significance and maybe even learn to enjoy them like art.” •

I have more than 400 flags memorized. -wyatt Galbreath sophomore

▲ Sophomore Wyatt Galbreath shows his love and passion for vexillology by displaying his flags. Galbreath has establised a fascinaction for flags since childhood. PHOTO BY AYDEN WOODS

Meet every Monday after school in room 2005 Discuss and learn about flags Sponsored by Mrs. Pruitt

Sports

Friday Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

Doubles team of seniors moves towards upcoming state tournament Calla Duffield Assistant Editor Approaching the sport as best-friends and beginners, seniors Johnathan Bratcher and Jacob Franke have climbed the ranks to varsity tennis in their four-year career on the tennis team. Now, they have joined forces by playing doubles. In doubles tennis, two players compete as a team challenging another team of two on opposite ends of the tennis court. “You have to be better at volleying. There’s a lot more to doubles strategically than there is to singles,” Brathcher said. Tennis coach Ed Stricker agrees and said that this match-up has been successful. “I think with every doubles team, it’s chemistry. You always start with the first question: do these kids want to play together? Can they blend their strengths well together? Can they hang together in tough situations?” Stricker said. “Their chemistry is really good playing together.” As well as being skilled and experienced varsity members, the players have important roles on the team. “Jacob is our team captain. Jacob is probably a little more verbal as far as encouraging the team during match play, but they both lead by example,” Stricker said. “You want players out there setting the work ethic, and Jonathan and Jacob are both those types of players.” Tennis has become a larger part of both player’s lives than they had anticipated. “I think that the decision I made to play tennis when I was younger seemed fairly insignificant at the time, [but] looking back it’s changed my whole high school career,” Brathcher said. “It’s drastically affected my life. I spent a lot of extra time working towards goals, and I think it’s made me a more passionate person in terms of pursuing [them].” While most of tennis is played individually, the relationships built on the team is just as strong as any other sport. “It’s given me a great friend group, and when I hang out with my tennis team, it’s like they’re my second

family,” Franke said. Tennis has taught both players that winning isn’t all that matters. “Really in seventh and eight grade I was so worried about winning, and that’s not what [tennis] is meant for,” Franke said. Tennis has required persistence and patience for both players. “Every year they’ve gotten better and better,” Stricker said. “Now they’re at the top of the varsity lineup.” In doubles tennis, players are not only taught to trust in their teammates, but in themselves as well. “[Tennis has] really given me some confidence and [it has] made me rely on myself a lot,” Franke said. Like all athletic activities, tennis calls for sportsmanship. “Your character will be tested at times,” Bratcher said. “[Tennis has] taught me to swallow my pride and just keep on playing.” The players have in fact developed not only their skills, but also their outlook on the sport overtime. “I would say to [my younger self] not take myself so seriously, to take time to enjoy the sport, but also to still play for myself,” Bratcher said. Bratcher and Franke agree that playing the sport as best friends has been a great experience. “Jonathan has been my best friend since eighth grade, and I was never able to play with him previously. This year has been so great. We both just compliment each other really well,” Franke said. Bratcher said that Franke has been very encouraging and has caused him to push himself. “My favorite thing about playing with Jacob is that he’s always upbeat and supportive,” said Bratcher. “When I’m playing with Jacob, I feel like I can just go for my shots. If I miss them, he’s gonna tell me good shot, and if I make my shots, he’s gonna tell me good shot. There’s always consistency when I play with him.” This season, the team hopes to close out district as runner-up and go as far as they can in the play-offs, which will wrap-up today. If the team advances, they will be playing at the state tournament held the following weekend at Texas A&M. “This is probably one of the best tennis teams this school has ever seen, all the way from the number one spot to the number eight spot,” Franke said. •

You want players out there setting the work ethic, and Jonathan and Jacob are both those types of players. -ed stricker head Tennis Coach

▲ Senior Jacob Franke (top) and senior Jonathan Bratcher (above) compete against A&M Consolidated High School. Bratcher and Franke are competing at the Regional Tournament in Katy today. PHOTO BY KYLIE VERNON

Sports

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

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HUSTLE AND HEART

Senior football player exhibits love for sport from childhood Jayci Tawney News Editor What started as football Sundays with the family turned into a life of Friday Night Lights for senior Michael Medlin. “I started watching football when I was about five,” Medlin said. “It was fun because I got to see the best players in the world play my favorite sport.” Medlin and his family have always had a passion for football. “He grew up on football,”Medlin’s mother Joey Medlin said. “I sat him down, and we watched the games, and it just became a family thing. With Michael, we always watched Sunday football together.” Medlin has been playing football since the beginning of 8th grade as an outside linebacker and continued to play that position until his sophomore year when he was moved to middle linebacker. “My mom showed me football, and she wanted me to play linebacker so I tried it out.” Medlin said. Medlin not only loves playing the sport, but also what the game provides for others. “I just enjoy the scenery of the student section and the band. I love it.” Medlin said. “I’ve watched football all of my life and I’m finally playing it and I’m enjoying it.” Football not only brings the feeling of enjoyment, but also a complete change in his attitude. “My emotions change very easily on the

field,” Medlin said. “There’s not many opportunities that you can get to hit someone as hard as you can for fun.” Joey Medlin relishes seeing Medlin play on the field because of the change in his attitude. “He’s always even with his emotions and to see him as a defensive player, this aggression comes out on the field that you don’t see any other time. It’s pretty amazing,” she said. Medlin has been viewed as a some one to look up to in his teammates lives. “Younger and older people see him as a good role model on and off the field,” senior Traveon Thompson said. His teammates see him as a dependable player to play beside on the field and led them to vote for him as a team captain. “We actually let the seniors vote for team captains and that was how he was selected,” defensive coach Chance Locklear said. “A leader has to be steady, not too high not too low, always where they are supposed to be, doing what they have been asked to do.” Medlin plays football for the good of the team, not just for himself. “He doesn’t play for himself out there. He plays for his team, and he doesn’t want any of the recognition,” Joey Medlin said. “ A lot of times he wants to be in the back making sure he is taking care of everybody and being a team captain is a very fitting position for him.” •

He doesn’t play for himself out there. He plays for his team, and he doesn’t want any of the recognition. -Joey Medlin mother of medlin

▲ Senior Michael Medlin plays at home against Waller High School on Oct. 4. The Cougars beat Waller 38-7. PHOTO BY MAKAYLA FOX

Upcoming Games: Oct. 25 at Willis Nov. 1 at Tomball Nov. 8 vs. Magnolia West Last Home Game

Sports

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

Fall Sports RoundUp

Cross country teams prepare for region as volleyball finishes district play

▲ Seniors Sid Jayaraman and Joseph Benn lead the pack at the district meet on Oct. 17 in Tomball. The duo finished first and second in 16:51.1 and 16:51.6, respectively. PHOTO PROVIDED BY COUGAR CROSS

▲ Sophomore Abby Peterek sets for senior Brionna Warren (right) as senior Kate Georgiades and sophomore Brielle Warren (left) prepare to help in the game against Waller on Oct. 22. The team won 25-12, 25-15, 25-9, and Peterek had six aces and nine assists. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN

▲ Freshman Maddie Jones races to the finish at the Nike South Invitational on Oct. 5. Jones was the top Cougar and finished in 19:57.9. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSH MUNSON

Cougar Cross swept the district competition last week on Thursday, Oct. 17, winning their seventh cahampionship in eight years. Senior Sid Jayaraman won the individual title in 16:51.1 with Joseph Benn only half a second behind him in 16:51.6. “It was really nice to not just win district, but to do so in dominant fashion,” Benn said. Sophomore Andrew Reichman took fifth overall in 18:18.8, and junior Chance Miller and freshman Ricardo Lopez were 11th and 12th in 18:03.9 and 18:10.8, respectively. “We knew that our team was capable so we’ve been training super hard all year long,” Benn said. The team will compete on Monday in Huntsville at the region meet. The top four teams there will advance to the state meet in Round Rock on Nov. 9. •

With only two games remaining in district play, the undefeated Lady Cougar volleyball team has locked in the first-place seed for the first round of playoffs that begin the week of Nov. 4. “We have a tough district, so we knew that by the time district play started, we needed to have a quick tempo for offense, a solid defense and just an overall attitude where players were not afraid of losing,” head coach Kacie Street said. “This team loves the grind, and if you watch them play in practice or in matches, you can see how much they love to compete.” The team plays at Rudder on Friday and then wraps up the season at home on Tuesday against Katy Paetow. “We have very talented athletes; however, as most know, talent will only get you so far,” Street said. “The players have shown an immense improvement over the course of the season and are never comfortable with their current situation. They are always working to be better and to take the next step.” Street noted that the team also has more experience this year. “We are still a young team with 7 sophomores, but there is a great balance with our juniors and seniors,” she said. •

The girls cross country team finished first at the district meet on Oct. 17 in Tomball and now will compete at the region meet on Monday in Huntsville. “I would attribute our district championship to the goals we set for ourselves in June,” head coach Josh Munson said. “The girls individually committed to the process, and that resulted in team success.” Freshman Maddie Jones led the team with an individual finish in third in 20:13.8, while senior Paola Calderon placed sixth with a time of 20:39.4 and senior Grace Wu earned seventh in 20:41.7. Sophomore Esther Tong crossed the line in tenth. “We’ve trained in tight packs, and that gives them the confidence to race in tight packs,” Munson said. •

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

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Health & Rec.

Student section brings enthusiasm to sporting events Makayla Fox Editor-in-Chief The College Station High School student section. They’re loud and they’re proud. They’re the Cougar Raggies. “I think what makes the student section so special is the fact that everyone is there to support and cheer on our teams because no one is there by authority. They are all there by choice,” co-leader of Cougar Raggies and senior Caleb Shulse said. “It’s cool to see the amount of people that are willing to dress in [theme] and scream their heads off.” The Cougar Raggies are known for garnering school spirit among the student section during football, volleyball, basketball and baseball games. “When I’m in the student section, I feel really hyped up and excited. It’s a space to just go crazy and have fun,” co-leader of Cougar Raggies and senior Cassie Brown said. Shulse describes the student section as not only a place, but an experience. “When you are in the student section, your main focus is getting inside of the other team’s head while cheering for [our] team and getting to be a part of it is like no other feeling,” Shulse said. With chants and cheers like the “Aye, aye captain” or the “I believe that we will win,” the Raggies’ presence is felt at any sporting event. “[When I’m in the student section], I feel super excited, and it’s one of my favorite things,” junior Macy Fouch said. “When we all scream super loud or we’re all yelling the same cheer and just getting into it, it makes me feel proud to be a Cougar.” Rather than just being a space designated for spectators, the Raggies and the student section find

purpose in radiating their support for Cougar athletes. “The purpose of the student section is to represent our school and our athletic programs and show how many kids care about the players and the sport,” Shulse said. Having a crowd full of cheering peers proves to help the player’s mindset during their games. “[The student section] really helps with the momentum of the game and brings a lot of energy to the court,” junior volleyball player Kate McKinney said. “It’s always so awesome to have a bunch of people there to support our team, and I really think [they] help us play our best.” You can find the Raggies at almost any sporting event, and Brown invites all students to participate. “Anyone can join and be as involved as they want,” Brown said. “The more people and voices [at the games], the louder we sound and that helps our teams we’re cheering for!”•

▲ Juniors Lana Tamborella, Macy Fouch, Abby Green and seniors Zoey Zimmerman and Olivia Fox cheer on the Cougars at the first varsity football game on Aug. 29 at Richmond Foster. Though the Cougars lost 52-14, the Raggies never lost their school spirit. PHOTO BY MAKAYLA FOX

▲ The Cougar Raggies dress out for the Waller game on Oct. 4 at the varsity football home game. The student section suited out in Hawaiian garb to “Wipe out Waller.” PHOTO BY MAKAYLA FOX

Entertainment

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

The Catamount

ICE CREAM REVIEWS Farmhouse Creamery Loredana Pearlstein Staff Reporter Next to the Towerpoint HEB, nestled between floral shops and salons, lies Farmhouse Creamery. My original assumptions about this Creamery, based on a brief passing, would be that it is a perfect place for anyone; from large families on a night out to a college student trying to finish up some work with a sweet, lactic treat. However, I could never truly say anything since I had never been inside: that is, until this weekend, when my family and I went for a visit.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream Lauren Gomulka Executive Editor Different from the average ice cream shop, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream combines a favorite sweet treat with science. Located in Century Square, the innovative ice cream shop has a chill, modern vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. Rather than simply choosing an ice cream flavor to be scooped out of a container, Sub Zero lets its customers customize how their ice cream is made with varying creams, flavors, and mix-ins, as well as offers multiple suggested combinations. They also have vegan and dairy-free options. I ordered the Peanut Butter Bonds, which includes peanut butter ice cream, fudge, Reese’s peanut butter cups and brownie bites,

and my dad ordered the Bernoulli Brulee, which consists of caramel and vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, dulce de leche, Twix and Heath. While the wait was a bit longer than it would have been at a scoop and go ice cream shop, we were entertained watching the cloud of nitrogen transform the cream into ice cream. As entertaining as the process was, we also learned from the many posters on the wall that explained the science behind the transformation. Both my dad and I agreed that the ice cream was delicious and much creamier than most ice creams that sit in containers for long periods of time. I would definitely recommend Sub Zero to anyone who is looking for a sweet treat with a twist. •

My assumptions, I found out, were completely correct, as a wide variety of people, both old and young, filled the store. With a clean interior design and colors, Farmhouse Creamery and its employees are incredibly welcoming and provide an excellent experience. Being plain as I am, I ordered a classic small mint-chocolate chip single scoop and a medium Bear Claw chocolate, which totaled only $6. Although they also sell milkshakes and other treats from $3 to $8. Overall, Farmhouse offers ice cream that is well-proportioned to the size and quality, incredibly delicious, and definitely worth a visit. •

Freezing Cow Ayden Woods Sports Editor Hiding below the Best Buy on Texas Avenue sits a little budding rolled ice cream shop called Freezing Cow. With the Thai ice cream trend, they bring all sorts of flavors and combos to the table. The first thing I noticed when walking inside was the vibrantly colored tables and walls that are covered in sticky notes with names, drawings, sayings and encouraging notes. Then there was the sound of metal chopping as the servers mixed toppings into the ice cream on the super chilled surface of -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing Cow offers 20 ice cream combinations or you can make your own with plain flavors. The base price for a cup of

rolled ice cream with two included toppings was $5.99, and $1 per extra topping. There was a small line, but due to the prep time of topping and refreezing of the ice cream, it can take a long time for an order to be completed. But wait times were well worth it, as the rolled ice cream was delicious. The ice cream seemed to just melt in my mouth. My overall experience at Freezing Cow was great, ending with me and my mother drawing on sticky notes on the wall and placing them for someone else to find. I give freezing cow an A+ for taste, experience and fun factor. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun treat or something new to try. •

Graphics by Lauren Gomulka

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

Soft

The Catamount

vsco

Entertainment

electronic

Teenagers express originality, individuality with newfound aesthetics Lauren Gomulka Executive Editor Along with the start of a new school year has come a whole new fashion era. Greasers, nerds, and jocks have now evolved into the electronic (or e), soft and vsco aesthetics. “Last year you wouldn’t see a lot of people dressing up like they are now,” junior and e boy Saul Canchola said. “A year ago, I didn’t think I would be like this. It’s really cool. Everyone eventually sparks some sort of individuality and figures out what they like to wear.” Each of the three aesthetics has their own distinguishing features and with these distinguishing features, people are finding new ways of self expression. “People are able to be more of themselves now,” junior and soft girl Tori Sa-

lyers said. “People used to not be able to dress how they wanted because they were afraid they would get made fun of.” While these aesthetics have made it easier for teenagers to express their individuality, they also have provided teenagers with new ways to meet people with similar interests. “[These aesthetics] are something that people reach out to to find a group,” junior Madalyn Stapp said. “Some people just do it to mess around, but other people do it to reach out and really try to be a part of something.” For some teenagers, these aesthetics are just a fashion statement. While Stapp owns a Hydroflask and wears scrunchies, she does not consider herself a vsco girl and sees the aesthetic as more of just a trend than a lifestyle. “I love my Hydroflask,” Stapp said.

“I really think Hydroflasks are good water bottles, but they were just normal water bottles before they were vsco bottles.” For other teenagers, however, these aesthetics represent their personality. Salyers considers herself a soft girl and uses the aesthetic to highlight her personality. “I do think that how I dress is reflected upon how I act and how people perceive me,” Salyers said. “I want people to see me and want to be friends with me, and I feel that the way I dress reflects that.” So, why the sudden spark of interest in these aesthetics? “I think the influence of TikTok on other social media platforms has really made these styles relevant and popular,” freshman and vsco girl Adelaide North said.

Similar to the Musical.ly app that was so popular a few years ago, TikTok has become an extremely popular platform on which people who consider themselves vsco, soft or e have really been able to express themselves through their aesthetics. “A lot of outfit trends come from TikTok and social media,” senior and soft boy Ricky Arellano said. “They’re kind of portrayed and used for entertainment.” While these aesthetics can be considered as simply a cute way to dress or a way to become TikTok famous, they are providing many teenagers with a positive outlet to express their originality and personality. “I like the individuality that comes from [the aesthetics],” Canchola said. “You can tell a lot by what someone wears and what they’re interested in.” •

Etc.

The Catamount

Fall Trends

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019

Here’s what to do during the fall season

What to do:

What to wear:

Attend Fright Nights in Downtown Bryan

Enter if you dare… to get a good scare at the 9th annual Fright Night Haunted House in Downtown Bryan. Dates: Oct. 25-26, 31 Time: 8 p.m. (no ticket sales after 11:30) Tickets: $10, purchase at the door

Layer Textures and Prints

Keep yourself cozy by layering a pullover sweater, cardigan, blazer or jean jacket over a basic outfit, like a t-shirt and jeans. Go the extra step by pairing staple prints like gingham with neutral compliments or branch out by pairing textures like denim and corduroy.

Choose Earth Tones

Visit a pumpkin patch

To compliment the weather, choose dark earth tones like burnt orange, maroon and navy to style your outfits. Use staple pieces in these colors and compliment them with neutrals.

Stop by to take pictures, pick a pumpkin to carve and support a good cause at the Aggie Habitat for Humanity pumpkin patch on Rock Prairie before it closes on Oct. 31.

Watch classic spooky movies at the Queen Theatre

Catch the double feature of “Friday the 13th” and “Nightmare on Elm Street” tonight at 8 p.m. Catch up with Michael Myers in “Halloween” on Halloween night at 7 and 9 p.m.

enjoy Comfy clothing

Prepare for autumn by taking out your fuzzy socks, sweatpants and oversized clothing to escape the cold in Texas’ cooler months.

Drive to P-6 Farms in Montgomery

Gather your family and friends for a mini road trip to P-6 Farms in Montgomery to enjoy activities like exploring a corn maze, catching a hay ride and visiting their new pumpkin house and flower patch installations.

What to eat /drink: Pumpkin Patch Latte and Witch’s Brew at Tipsy Bean

Treat yourself to Tipsy Bean’s seasonal drinks, which can be served hot, cold or blended. They offer Witch’s Brew, a pitch black latte with activated charcoal, cinnamon, hazelnut, milk and espresso and the Pumpkin Patch Latte, made with homemade pumpkin sauce, milk and espresso.

Fall treats on pinterest

Cook up some terrifyingly tasty treats with recipes found on Pinterest. Options include edible eyeballs, monster cupcakes or mummy pizzas.

Pumpkin Bread at Max Express Made from scratch, notes of cinnamon and pumpkin blend together to make a simple, autumnal bread. $1.29 per slice, $6.99 per loaf.

Pumpkin pie and cake balls at Pie in the Sky

Stop in and enjoy a slice of Harvest pumpkin pie containing pumpkin and cinnamon, served hot, cold or to your preference. Also, enjoy pumpkin spice cake balls for the season.

Graphics by Catie Sikes