College Station High School
4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845
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Vol. 9 No. 2
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Gen Z? That’s The Tea, Sis.
Creators exibit various art forms, commissions
10 Outdoor pep rally celebrates fall sports season
Graphics by Elisabeth Stewart
Generation Z welcomes diversity, progress through social media
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Aliza Ali Managing Editor
Local eateries serve breakfast feasts
INDEX
News Opinions People Sports Entertainment Etc.
2-4 5-7 8-11 12-13 14-15 16
Fairy comments. Vine energy. Meme culture. Pointing fingers. All these characteristics define the generation born between 1995 and 2012, also known as Generation Z. “Gen Z is a lot more accepting of mental health and welcomes diversity and is most aware of the injustices that are prominent in this world and choose to actively stand against them,” senior Meghan Reed said. “We don’t follow the same societal standards and rules that every generation passed down. Because we grew up with the internet, we are avidly aware of what’s wrong and what we can do to fix the unfairness and double standards in our society. We are different because we don’t choose to continuously ignore issues that need awareness simply because it doesn’t affect us personally like most generations before did.” However, Gen Z is more than memes and dark hu-
Social Media:
mor. This generation grew up with exceptionally different circumstances compared to previous generations. The increasing prevalence of technology and influence of social media has greatly influenced this. Popular social media apps among Gen Z include Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok. “We grew up during the early development of technology but also started out quite young having cell phones. We are very connected to one another and often interact and converse a lot through social media platforms,” senior Estela Riera-Vales said. “This connection helps us become more unified as one. I would say the Gen Z community on social media is the leading generation on all main platforms. And even if they aren’t, I’m sure whatever platform becomes our target will soon be overrun with fairy comments and our insider slang.” Many Gen Zers have utilized social media and technology to help spread
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News
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Climate change, social justice promotes action from young activists continued from page 1
awareness about social issues such as mental health, climate change, racial justice, gun violence and wealth inequality. “We’ve been through a lot and would never want our own children to go through what we go through,” senior Allysen Kimmel said. “We’re wanting to change the world for the better and help the next generation be what we couldn’t.” Being born into and growing up in a world with several threats to existence has prompted many Gen Zers to fight for change and strive to improve the world for future generations. “We want to take charge and be the change that we’re looking for. There’s so much that still needs to be done, not only to improve our society but our planet as a whole,” Riera-Vales said. “We are fearless when it comes to bashing corrupt politicians or participating in civil rights protests, but we are afraid of waiting in the checkout line for our parents to come back with a grocery they missed. Our humor is unmatched mostly because we use it to mask our insecurities and childhood trauma.” The amount of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which started in 2013, has been increasing over the past few years. This includes Gen Z, many of whom have used social media to help spread information and share petitions and donation websites relating to the movement. “There are two sides to Gen Z from what I’ve seen,” Reed said. “The ones who are privileged enough to ignore this issue that has been here for years and continuously choose to be ignorant and not listen to the people who are needing help. It didn’t impact that side because all they have to do is live their lives and ig-
nore the issues because it doesn’t affect them and that’s what makes them privileged. It’s impacted the ones who want to help and finally end this serious matter that should’ve been fixed a long time ago. Many Gen Zers who avidly support BLM have to go against their family members who don’t support it, many have to argue with their classmates on why they should have rights
We want to take charge and be the change that we’re looking for -Estela Riera-Vales senior and why they shouldn’t be condemned to death by cops simply because of their skin color.” In addition to racial justice, the effects of climate change have prompted many Gen Zers to take action, such as prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. “[Climate change] puts a lot of weight on our shoulders because of the previous generations’ incompetence in preventing it, and their decision to worsen it by ignoring it and spouting lies saying it’s a ‘myth,’” Reed said. “Gen Z are the only ones left to clean up the mess the previous generations left for us. Now we are trying to fix it before it’s too late and are using our voices to
spread awareness like what Greta Thunberg is doing. We grew up seeing our favorite animals slowly become endangered because their habitat is dwindling, and it’s sad to think that your favorite animal will cease to exist in a few short years if nothing changes.” Additionally, Gen Zers have the tendency to be more open-minded and accepting towards people of all races, genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, religions and economic backgrounds. “We will create a healthier society that accepts people’s differences and continue to create awareness for any issues that arise and prioritize them so the problems don’t further grow,” Reed said. Many Gen Zers also deal with issues stemming from family and economic problems, straining their mental health. As a result, Gen Z is also accepting of these issues. “Many different reasons bring certain situations like family issues, financial problems and dealing with stress and mental illnesses. Others can be very sensitive topics for specific events, which has caused us to perceive a different mindset than our parents,” Kimmel said. “[Gen Zers] know how upsetting and terrifying life can be, so we never want anybody to feel that they don’t have a voice.” Overall, Gen Z is the generation that will go down in history to bring about necessary change in the world. “I would define Gen Z as a powerful community. We’re not alone in this world. You need help on something, you’ll always have others just like you whether you know it or not,” Kimmel said. “Gen Z will change the world by completely flipping the script. Forget the rules you know, we’re constantly making our own.” •
How Gen Z differs from previous generations, as told by statistics More likely to be enrolled in college • % of 18-21 year olds in college:
Gen X (1987): 43%
Millennials (2003): 52%
Gen Z (2018): 57%
More likely to have college-educated parents • % of 7-17 year olds with a parent who has at least a bachelor’s degree: Baby Boomer (1969): 15% Gen X (1987): 24% Millennials (2003): 33%
Gen Z (2019): 44%
More likely to want more government action • % that believe the government should do more to help citizens Silent Gen: 39% Baby Boomer: 49% Gen X: 53%
Gen Z: 70%
More likely to say human activity is a factor in worsening climate change • % saying human activity leads to climate change: Silent Gen: 38% Baby Boomer: 45%
Millennials: 64%
Gen X: 48%
Gen Z: 54%
Millennials: 56%
Source: Pew Research Center
The Catamount
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
News
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SPARK: Supreme Court’s function re-evaluated since recent nomination Jo Naidu Executive Editor In response to the unprecedent nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, the role and future of the Supreme Court have been widely debated. The Catamount invited seniors Nico Brannstrom, Olivia Dohrman, Arden Duffield and Emma Finke and junior Noelle Pierdolla to discuss their opinions over the proceedings. To what extent do you support the confirmation of justices during an election? Olivia: I do not support it at all. We could have a different president right as this is happening who doesn’t believe in the same stuff. Also, I feel that the Supreme Court shouldn’t feel like one position. When they’re [confirming a justice during an election], they’re letting someone of a specific political party choose a Supreme Court candidate. It’s not checks and balances. It’s not keeping [political] parties accountable. Arden: I do believe that is the president’s duty to appoint a Supreme Court justice. But, the Republicans did set a precedent back in 2016 that no Supreme Court Justice should be appointed in an election year. If the [Republicans are] going to make that precedent, they should stick by it. I do not support the [confirmation] of Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court at this moment. Nico: I do support [confirmations] during election year because primarily, that’s the President’s job. If the President is stopped from doing his job during an election period, I think that undermines the idea of the presidency. By not [confirming] a Supreme Court Justice, that’s putting it more into the political spectrum than it should be because Joe Biden [could] suggest somebody different. That will • put the Supreme Court justice on the ballot, which it never intended to, and never should be. Noelle: I’m on the fence because I feel it should be [the] people’s choice because the government [should] govern the people and [follow] consent of the governed. Does the Supreme Court function as a political machine? Emma: I agree because everyone has their own political beliefs and that will get in the way, even though we would like to think it does not. On the other hand, I do think most judges try their best to just interpret the Constitution and put their personal beliefs to the side. I think they have done a good job of that so far, but not a perfect job. Olivia: Yes. The Supreme Court has done a fair job at trying their hardest to uphold the Constitution, but the process of becoming a Supreme Court judge is just very sketchy. The President can select a nominee and [is going to] want to nominate someone that shares the same beliefs as them. I feel like that is a very political thing to do. Do you favor textualism, a judicial interpretation based on the ordinary meaning of a legal text, or originalism,
a fixed interpretation of how the writers of the Constitution intended? Arden: [Textualism], because we are not the same nation as we were when we first started out and our [current] figures in office are not the same as the Founding Fathers. The Founding Fathers left the text to be interpreted by [future generations to allow for] the changing meaning over time. Olivia: It’s all very gray. There are times when you need to go more strictly by what the Constitution says, but it’s less [about] exactly what the people who wrote the Constitution now wanted [versus] what their intentions were with freedom and equality amongst all. I think we need a mix of both [by asking] is this giving equality to all like the Founding Fathers wanted and does it also follow this Constitution.
I look up to [rbg] and see her as an inspiration. -Emma Finke senior Nico: I believe that originalism is the way to go because the ordinary meaning of words change over time. The law [that] is determined now [will be] completely different than the law determined 200 years in the future. The ordinary meeting is quite subjective whereas the actual meaning or the intent of the Founding Fathers is well documented in texts. Emma: I agree that you have to take into account what the Founding Fathers wanted because you can’t read the words literally because the meaning of words change over time. We have to look back at what the Founding Fathers thought through other texts in order to determine what their vision was because we can’t get their vision just from the Constitution. Arden: But the Founding Fathers, for example, had no idea of the internet being invented. How would [texts] apply today? As situations change, the Constitution should change with them. If the presidential election is determined by the Supreme Court, with Barrett serving on the court, how would it play out? Arden: There would be a six three [majority] if Barrett was confirmed. From how it went in the Bush v. Gore situation only, I think the SCOTUS would probably be influenced [by partisan ties]. Nico: I don’t think it would be influenced as much by partisan politics because of Barrett’s ideology. [She is a]
pretty staunch Christian and emphasizes justice in pretty much every one of her actions. I don’t think she would necessarily agree with an unjust ruling of the election. I think she would take the side that is most just because it [would] be a landmark case in her career and of her personal ideology. In terms of her nomination, I don’t think she owes [Trump] anything. If Barrett is confirmed, what is the fate of Roe v. Wade and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is set to be discussed in the Supreme Court right after the election? Noelle: I don’t feel too much would change from what it was already going to be. I know one person is a lot [in the SCOTUS], but they all have [to] come to a conclusion together. Nico: I don’t think Roe v. Wade is necessarily going to be under attack [because] it’s on a pretty solid foundation, but the ACA is not on a strong constitutional foundation. If Barrett is on the Supreme Court, I think [the ACA] is up might be [overturned which] opens up new avenues for the Senate to push alternatives to the ACA. Olivia: I am concerned about Roe v. Wade [getting overturned] because a lot of states have been pushed to limit that ruling and a lot of people support it. Just because it is on a strong foundation, I do not think that guarantees that it’s not going to [be overturned]. You also have to ask yourself if [a ruling] is right in the first place and how accepting are people to turn a blind eye to it. What does the legacy of former Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) mean to you? Arden: She opened a lot of doors for women’s rights, like allowing women to apply for a mortgage or bank account without a male cosigner. I don’t believe that the confirmation of Barrett would cause all those doors to close. [RBG] was a powerful woman and left behind a great legacy. Olivia: A lot of people say that in the 1920’s once women got the right to vote, women’s inequality was solved. RBG opened all the doors that a lot of people didn’t even realize were closed, which is a very important thing. Emma: I respect RBG and I think she did a really good job despite making mistakes. [Even though] we are [ideologically different], I look up to [RBG} and see her as an inspiration to women because of her background. I look up to her work ethic. Nico: Her legacy had a really great effect on the world, [but it was not] too different than anybody else’s. I advise against forming a cultural personality around her. It sets a dangerous precedent for politics engaging with the Supreme Court. Noelle: RBG is definitely an inspiration to a lot of women across America because of what she has been able to accomplish and how far she’s come. There’s a lot of respect there. It’s not putting her up on a pedestal; it’s acknowledging what she has done.
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Graphics by Jo Naidu
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News
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Students shift between onsite, virtual in second six weeks Jenny Langhoff Entertainment Editor As school adjusts to the first semester of the 20202021 school year, students have experienced the pros and cons of completing their academic year online or onsite. However, CSISD understands situations can change for each student, which is why they offered students the option to switch to onsite or online schooling starting in the second six weeks. Students were instructed to request a change in the third week of school and planned to make it official on Sept. 28. However, students still find that each option comes with highs and lows even after choosing online or on-site learning. Most students who came back to on-site school after the start of the first six weeks were hopeful for socialization and the organization of the 8-hour school day. On-site students were also able to get in-person teaching and academic experiences, which helped create the typical learning environment. “I wanted to get to know my teachers in a more scheduled manner, and I felt that I needed a schedule to keep me motivated to do school work,” senior Sunshine Zéa Leeuwon said. “In person teaching was a more effective way [of learning] than teaching myself the material.” Nevertheless, even though students were back at school filled with people, socialization came at a cost. Some students felt uncomfortable with the social distancing regulations, but fulfilled by increased socialization with friends they haven’t seen in months. “I was hoping I could get better grades on-site,” sophomore Ariel Jaretzzy Páez said. “Even though I personally didn’t like onsite because I feel like we didn’t do much to keep social distancing, I loved seeing my friends again.” As for students who completed the first six weeks
online, the main hope was that completing academics from home would increase productivity, induce better grades, and lower the risk of getting coronavirus, as now the district is reporting a few cases each month. But with little socialization, students found more time to focus on academics, but also less contact with friends. “My experience doing online for the first six weeks was much more difficult than onsite school,” sophomore Joseph Alessandra-Smith said. “I can’t get help when I need it. I also have total isolation from others, which can degrade the mind a lot.” The decision whether to switch or not came easy to most students. Most who switched from on-site to online are hopeful that online school will give them more time to do activities outside of school, such as working a job, or more specially for seniors, college applications. “After this week of virtual school, I feel neutral about which one is more effective,” Leeuwon said. “I am a sufficient self learner, so understanding material is not an issue. However, virtual students do not get as many opportunities for credit back on assignments and tests, which makes me unconfident about my grades this six weeks; however now I can sleep in and get all my school work and get college essays done at the same time, so I am happy with my decision to switch.” Teachers have also found students switching to online to finish school earlier in the day and focus more on after school activities. However, while students are not limited to the typical learning environment this year, teachers have found that for particular classes, such as AP or Honors classes, some students learn and perform better academically in person. “Kid’s grades usually go up when they [return to school],” AB Calculus teacher Gregory MacAfee said. “[However], I’ve found some kids switch to online [to have more] time for extracurriculars, like jobs, or because of health conditions.”
▲William O’Brien and Ashley Watts eat lunch one seat apart in the cafeteria. This year’s schedule includes six lunches with only 4 students per table. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART Most students who switched from online to on-site are finding their schedules also filling up after = justing to the typical school day. But throughout the day, it is often easier to keep up with assignments rather than having all the responsibility on the student, not tomention, the plus of sociaction. “I stay on top of my classes by finishing tasks according to a planned schedule,” junior Seunghyun “Sarah” Lee said. “Although it’s tiring to wake up on time to go to school, it’s worth it to do onsite since it’s easier to get help from teachers and to talk to people other than just my family.” Even though each situation is different for each student, the option to switch to online or on-site learning has been helpful for most students. The next date to request a change is Oct. 23, with the switch scheduled to take place at the start of the third six weeks.•
CSISD Online vs. Onsite • Since Oct. 19, students are 80.2 % onsite and 19.8 % virtual, up from 67.9% students onsite in the first six weeks. •Between Aug. 18 and Oct. 16, 47 CSISD students have tested positive for COVID-19. 36 of those have recovered and are back at school.
Graphics by Erin Park
• Between Aug. 18 and Oct.16, 35 CSISD employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 27 of those have recovered and are back at work. Source: October 2020 School Board Meeting
The Catamount
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
staff editorial Nomination of new justice should occur after presidential election The late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, as she was dying last September, dictated a request to her granddaughter: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans nominated her replacement, Amy Coney Barrett, anyway. In usual times, this would be controversial only because Barrett’s beliefs likely conflict with most of what Ginsberg stood for: equal rights for men and women, marriage equality and a woman’s right to choose, among other principles. But this nomination is different because when Conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died in 2015, in the last nine months of Barack Obama’s presidency, Senate Republicans refused to give Obama’s nominee a hearing, saying the voters should decide. Now, less than a month before the presidential election, and while Americans already are voting, Republicans are rushing to confirm Barrett anyway. The very Republicans who were so against a hearing for a new judge in 2015 because an election was pending have suddenly turned a new leaf. After Scalia’s death, for example, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who now chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, told critics: “I want you to use my words against me. If there’s a Republican president in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term, you can say, ‘Lindsey Graham said let’s let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination.” Now he is among those who are pushing to confirm Barrett before the next president is confirmed. How can we have a functional and fair democracy if we can’t hold the people in charge of our wellbeing to their promises? As Republican senators insisted in 2015, when they held open the seat to which Neil Gorsuch was appointed by President Trump after he won the election, voters should decide the future of those laws since an appointment will have a lifetime of consequences.
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Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Senior Editor News Editor Opinions Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Graphic Artist Cartoonist Faculty Adviser Assistant Adviser
Erin Park Aliza Ali Jo Naidu Ayden Woods Elisabeth Stewart Calla Duffield Jenny Langhoff Saul Canchola Sophia Amstalden Zoe Taylor Courtney Wellmann Teresa Laffin
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Lasting friendships found in newspaper
THE CAT’S EYE VIEW
2020-2021 Newspaper Staff
Opinions
As I finish up my college application essays, I’ve taken time to reflect on the past 10 months of my life. A highlight of my application was my inJenny Langhoff volvement in the school newspaper. Being on staff, let alone now Entertainment Editor of The Catamount, was actually never a part of the plan for my high school career. I always adored the idea of joining the school newspaper staff- taking photos, writing articles, meeting new students and designing pages. But I never took the prerequisite Journalism I class because by the time I decided I wanted to join staff in my junior year, my schedule was full. It was through the help of the Editor-in-Chief at the time, Makayla Fox, and the gracious Dr. Wellmann that I am on staff today. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to submit an application piece without taking the prerequisite
class and I’ve now been on staff since Jan. 2020. Joining staff was the best decision I’ve made throughout high school. I joined staff just as a shy kid with a love for creative writing. I am typically a reserved person, but interviewing students and writing stories brought me out of my shell. Whether it be through interviews, taking photos at sports games, or just being in the newspaper room, I have met amazing people and built strong friendships through being on staff. I adore zooming with Erin, our Editor-in-Chief who’s across the world in Korea due to the pandemic, as she patiently teaches me to use Illustrator and Photoshop. I love distant messaging with Makayla through Instagram about her adventures in college. I am grateful to be a part of a group of people who are so talented and dedicated to the success of one paper. I’ve learned to appreciate every voice, connection, story, and background of each person. Because it is people that make the paper.•
View of the Pride: Should the current president Choose the new supreme court justice?
YES
“It is a constitutional right that the president gets to nominate the next justice, so there is absolutely no reason for him not to.” -Turner Clarke, junior “I believe that the president may nominate one since that is their job but that the rest of the senate may have a vote. This only seems fair to me.” -Penelope Morris, junior
NO
“The current president only has less than a month to be in office so it would not be suitable for him to choose the next Supreme Court justice.” -Alis Flores, senior: “Amy Barrett is way too underqualified. The other day she got asked what the first Five Amendments were; she struggled to list them and then even forgot one.” -Yash Singh, freshman
The Catamount Newspaper
The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station High School,
4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.
Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the
right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff.
The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their Bronze Star award
in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019 as well as their Silver Star Award in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing
education services. Monica James, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
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Opinions
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Desire to give people voice motivates staffer Before joining the Catamount pursue the direct form of journalism, art or media proNewspaper, I was the person who duction. Because of this passion, I eagerly bring to the taturned down a paper if I could, and ble what skills I already possess while striving to improve skipped over the writing for a glance those that I lack. As I embrace the growth within me, I at the pictures. I distanced myself from stride hand-in-hand with a phenomenal team that never what I regarded as an old-fashioned fails to empower me daily, supporting me from behind, school association. But look nevermind the circumstances. Passion, improvement and Erin Park where I am now -I’m empowerment, I learned, is what matters most in the Edithis production. tor-in-Chief of a production I No one joins us as the once thought was “not my thing.” perfect package. We do not expect Looking back, I think one to recruit a triple threat because of the reasons why I neglectwe ourselves have our weaknesses. ed this production was because However, The Catamount, like any I’m not much of a reader, nor other association, is a platform am I a writer. The blobs of text that helps us grow. Our pardidn’t interest me, and I couldn’t ticipation is an opportunity to imagine myself -- someone with take an intrapersonal journey, no talent in journalism -- writing discovering the beauty that with such complexity and grace like stems from our flaws. Applithe newspaper staff did. cations for this team, which Two years later and as leadyou can get through Dr. Weller of the team, I still don’t write mann (cwellmann@csisd.org), are with complexity or grace. I am opening soon. If you’re debating Art by Sophia Amstalden most definitely off the list of canwhether or not you should apply for The didates competing for the title of “best writer”. I also Catamount Newspaper, remind yourself that even I, the learned through my participation that I’m not an artist. Editor-in-Chief, was in your position just two years ago, Not a designer either. Also not a photographer. Howevdoubting the decision. Present day, I can confidently say er, I am propelled by my passion to give people a voice, that applying for this team was probably the best choice which is what I realized I loved doing without having to I’ve ever made.•
??? QUESTION
OF THE
issue
Which fall holidays do you celebrate?
96.8%
2.4%
5.6% Graphics by Calla Duffield
14.3%
Navratri
Sukkot
126 people polled
HUMANS of CSHS
Mayson Kalke Senior
“I’m really into studio art. I love being able to create pieces that allow me to express myself without using words.” “I just submitted my sustained investigation for the AP art program. We have to create something we plan on investigating throughout our pieces. I am investigating what makes eyes so expressive and how are they able to hold the amount of emotion they express.”
Check out our Instagram to learn more about the Humans of CSHS @cshscatamountnewspaper
COUGAR UNVEILED by Zoe Taylor
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Broken system calls for informed, active voters The world of politics is often seen as a dark and scary place by many people. For the most part, this is true. Politics can Aliza Ali be divisive and dirty. Nonetheless, it is not an excuse to not pay attention to the social and political issues facing the world. Political apathy, otherwise known as disinterest in the political process, is detrimental to the nation. The political system is broken and in desperate need of reform. There is a history of voter suppression in this country, which becomes more evident with long lines, gerrymandering, voter purging, restrictions and limitations for students and disabled people and other methods of voter disenfranchisement. These blatant attempts at voter suppression highlight the fact that those in higher positions of
power do not want the average person to vote. They are threatened by the power that average people hold by voting. Most groups of people had to fight for their right to vote. This is not something to take for granted. With politics being the way that they are, it’s easy to turn a blind eye to all of it a n d t h i n k “if it doesn’t affect me, why should I care?” However, this type o f
Art by Sophia Amstalden
mindset only harms others. Whether people realize it or not, politics affect everybody. The economy, law enforcement, freedom, social issues, immigration and healthcare are rooted in politics and the way you vote sways all of these issues. The idea that politics doesn’t mat-
ter unless they specifically affect you or the people important to you comes from a place of ignorance and privilege and only enables harm towards marginalized communities. Choosing to not care about politics is quite a luxury that the majority of people cannot afford. Many people also believe that their vote has no power, and therefore they choose to abstain from voting. But this idea is dangerous and misguided, especially when voter turnout in U.S. elections is roughly only half of eligible voters and much lower compared to other developed nations. Staying politically informed doesn’t take much. Educate yourself about candidates running for office in both local and federal positions and their policies. Determine the issues most important to you. Consider how elected officials will affect others. Your voice and vote matter. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a system in place that is designed to suppress it.•
Sacrificing happiness for good grades comes at cost I’m on the verge of tears. I’ve typed and retyped this editorial a thousand times already, dabbling in different ideas pulled Elisabeth Stewart from the list in my brain. I tried writing about my passion for learning Spanish, my experience taking Accutane and even the conflict prompted by family health problems. I couldn’t find the words to illustrate any of those topics. None of the words that I wrote were perfect enough for this editorial. Perfection, of course, is impossible. Yet every day, I strain my mind, heart and body to attain perfection. I sacrifice my sleep. I stay up long hours and rise early in the morning to make my assignments worthy of an A+. If my writing is crooked, I erase until my paper tears and start again. I skip meals because I can’t spare my dominant hand to hold a fork when I should be writing. I avoid volunteer work or trips to the mall that I once enjoyed. I spend my weekends locked in my room, trying to restore order to my Art by life, so that I can continue my chase for perfection
when Monday arrives. According to Psychol ogy Today, perfectionism is often driven by fear of failure or feelings of unworthiness. For me, it’s an issue of ensuring a perfect, successful future for myself. I want the prime pick of universities, to go anywhere my heart desires and earn a prestigious degree that will propel me through the future. I’ve hinged my success on attaining perfection in high school. In the past few weeks, I’ve finally begun to weigh the cost of perfectionism with my happiness. I miss spending weekends with my friends. I miss talking to my parents over a cup of coffee in the morning. I miss learning just for the sake of learning, and not to ensure a flawless test grade. Ideally, I would end this editorial by writing that I’m learning to accept imperfection. That would be the perfect conclusion, but it’s simply not the truth. At the very least, I now envision a future where I’m not perfect, but happy. Slowly, I’m pulling myself away from my impossible Jenny Langhoff standards, to achieve a life where I can be perfectly content with who I am.•
Opinions
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Voices What is your favorite breakfast meal?
“Omelets are amazing. Simple to make, but you can custmize them so much.” Andy Satterfield, senior “German pancakes because they’ve got a ridiculous amount of carbs.” Corbin Riley, junior “Bacon and pancakes!! It reminds me of my grandparents. Sophie Harkins, freshman “A protein shake or extra sleep.” Caden Aalbers, sophomore
“BREAKFAST TACOS!!! They’re just so good, especially if they have cheese, eggs, chicken, and bacon. Mwah!” Shreya Sunkari, senior “Something with lobster because it means I’m at a fancy restaurant.” Teresa Laffin, English teacher
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Student Life
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Blacksmithing: Mark Ling
P A S S I O N for E X P R E S S I O N
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ANIME AND MANGA: DAVID SILVeY Instagram @tyrone_silvey
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Instagram @claireroseliusmusic
e a
ART PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BOYA SHI, MARK LING AND DAVID SILVEY
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Art, music provides young artists with platform for creativity Calla Duffield Opinions Editor
Many people don’t realize that there’s a flourishing arts community at CSHS. Among the students working in the arts are blacksmith Mark Ling, classical composer Ben Roberts, painter Boya Shi, who is reimagining classic fairy tales, anime artist David Silvey, and pop musician Claire Roselius. Some are self-taught; others learn their techniques in CSHS classes. Some plan to pursue the arts professionally; others see it as a hobby. Here are their stories.
bLACKSMITHING Senior Mark Ling became interested in blacksmithing at age 11, when he took a wilderness survival course and wanted to make a similar knife to the one his instructor had. But he soon realized that he enjoyed the banging of blacksmithing “a lot more than sitting in front of a grinder” making knives, he said. Other than one formal class in tool making, Ling is self-taught, although he has “learned a lot just from being with other blacksmiths and working with them,” he said. Ling fashioned his own forge from a stainless-steel sink, concrete, a gutter pipe and a hairdryer, and has built a business selling tools on Instagram and various websites. He also teaches, which he said he enjoys the most. At CSHS, Ling incorporates “some of the metal working into [art] class” through an agreement with the teacher. Ling doesn’t think he will ever stop blacksmithing. “At the very least, [blacksmithing will be] a hobby, something I do for fun,” he said.
ART ON INSTAGRAM Junior Boya Shi’s parents signed her up for a variety of art classes when she was around six years old. Shi learned sketching and acrylic painting, but picked up other mediums on her own. “I would watch youtube videos ...or I just started following people and that made me want me to try out that medium,” Shi said. Sharing her art online has given Shi new appreciation for her own perspective. “[My art] is a reflection of the things that I like and
cherish. I think it’s like that for every artist. ” Shi said. In Art Pre-AP 3, she is in the sketching phase of reimagining classic fairy tales. “It’s a good practice for me because I do a lot of realism, where I have a subject or a photo, but it’s giving me the challenge of exploring the creative side,” she said. Shi also has an Instagram account for her pottery, which she sells. While Shi has done a few commissions, in the future, she sees art as more of a hobby than a profession. “I’ve thought about pursuing a career in it, but I’m still unsure about my future.”
My art is a reflection of things I like and cherish. i think it’s like that for every artist. -BOYA SHI JUNIOR A nime an d M anga Senior David Silvey has been drawing anime since his freshman year. Silvey just recently started to do commissions within the last month or so. As he’s gotten into drawing he’s been posting it more and people have been telling him to sell it. But still, he said his art is “just a hobby.” “I do either realism, portraits and stuff like that, or I do anime, manga type stuff,” Silvey said. But any medium apart from pencil and ink is off limits. “That’s it. I don’t like coloring,” Silvey said. Right now, he is working on a collage of characters from the Japanese manga “One Piece” for his best friend as well as a commision for a CSHS student.
POP MUSIC Claire Roselius, a senior at CSHS, plays tennis, participates in church activities and writes pop music with a sad flair, kind of “like Jeremy Zucker,” she said.
Roselius said she writes songs about anxiety and depression as well as relationships, from familial to romantic. She hopes that her songs will help listeners better understand their own emotions and feel less alone. “Too Late,” her latest release, for example, came from her own experiences, Roselius said. “Figuring out someone likes you after you’ve liked them for a while, and then down the road they’re like “oh yeah I used to like you” and you’re like is it too late?” Roselius said. While writing comes easily to her, some aspects of creating don’t emerge so naturally. “Producing for sure is the biggest struggle for me because I’m not really good with computers and software. I’ve had to look at countless YT videos,” she said. Roselius wants to go to college for music, although she realizes “it’s a hard job to get into to actual- ly make money at it, but that is definitely something that I want to do in the future,” Roselius said. Her music is on all streaming platforms-Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube, as well as her Instagram account.
The Catamount
Student Life
9
Music Composition: Ben Roberts
Youtube @Benula
musical composition Senior Ben Roberts composes orchestral music and can also be seen performing as a drum major in the CSHS band. Initially, he taught himself how to compose, but as he found himself more invested in the art form, Roberts took lessons in composing. This year, Roberts aims to work with the CSHS Audio Visual Production class, creating music for video, but said he is always open for other kinds of collaboration. “I want to let people know if they want some music... I’m here and… right now it’s free,” Roberts said. Roberts especially wants to compose music for the performing arts because it combines many arts into “one giant production.” Right now, Roberts has released music on his Youtube channel and aims to set up a website. “It is a wonderful art,” Roberts said of composing. “Where would we be without music?” As for prospective artists, these creatives all had one piece of advice: just go for it. You can find all artists through account usernames to arrange classes, purchase or interact with items. •
Art on Instagram: Boya Shi
Instagram for art @artboyashi Instagram for clay @best_of_clay GRAPHICS BY ERIN PARK PHOTOS BY CALLA DUFFIELD
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People
The Catamount
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
We’ve Got Spirit, Yes, We Do! First schoolwide outdoor pep rally creates community
▲To open the pep rally, the cheerleaders perform a pom ▲With more space on the field than the gym, the Cougar Band performs parts 1 and 2 of routine. The team cheers with pink poms in October for
their 2020 show, titled Beatlemania, on Friday, Oct. 16. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN Breast Cancer Awareness. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART
▲Running the flags, the Cou-
gar Crew leads the fall athletes from the field house to the track for the first schoolwide outdoor pep rally. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN ▶ Senior and starting running back Roderick Brown thanks fans for their support and encourages the crowd to attend the football game. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN
▲Led by captain Madelyn Stapp (pictured), the Strutters perform a hip-hop routine at the outdoor pep rally on Friday, Oct. 16. PHOTO BY COURTNEY WELLMANN ◄ A section of seniors cheer from the stadium stands during the class spirit contest. The Class of 2021 was selected as the most spirited at the outdoor pep rally, which allowed students to gather while following Covid-19 safety protocols. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
People
11
Building a resume Student further academic possibilitys with strong resume
Jo Naidu Executive Editor Students can discover and commit to their interests through extracurricular involvement in school and the community. “We encourage kids to get connected and try out different organizations to see which one fits their interests and needs best,” counselor Maria Cayton-Haliburton said. “Usually, if [students] have an interest, there’s probably an organization that will nurture that interest and help them grow in that particular area.” If not, students can form their own club by working with the counselors to develop a club proposal, get a club sponsor and present it to Principal Tiffany Parkerson for approval. In addition to joining school clubs, students can further their interests by connecting with opportunities outside of school. “As you take in new experiences and learn from them, you understand what you like and what drives you to learn,” senior Camille Chiu said. In Chiu’s case, she was inspired to pursue independent
astrophysics research after attending a summer camp at the Perry Astronomical Research Institute in North Carolina. To focus on astrophysics research, she put her involvement in ballet and piano in the backseat.
It is more valuable when colleges see your depth of involvement -Maria Crayton-Halliburton Counselor Prioritizing a few activities rather than “joining a 100 clubs” in Crayton-Halliburton’s experience in mentoring students organizations like theYouth Leadership Cabinet, AVID
and NHS has led to more meaningful commitment, she said. “It is more valuable when colleges see your depth of involvement,” Crayton-Halliburton said. “Students can give more of themselves and achieve leadership in that organization.” To other students, involvement in school organizations can provide community and balance. “Being a part of organizations helps because even if I don’t get to see people in person, I can still talk to them and grow closer with them,” senior Iris Huang said. “Creativity in Strutters and my [amigurumi] shop balances out the details and logic of school.” With help from a college counselor, she now focuses more on challenging herself academically by taking AP classes and maintaining her grades in hopes of pursuing medicine. Still, Huang and many others have been able to find their niche benefiting from a small school atmosphere with the resources of a large school. “We want to keep that community,” Crayton-Halliburton said. “It helps kids find a place where they belong in an organization and be able to contribute to the Cougar community.” •
in cations
• Speech and Debate Sponsor: Heather Strawn
SE
commu
Information about clubs connected to broad interests CE I V R
Sponsor: Jeremy Dockan
Sponsor: Teresa Laffin
• Student Council
• Book Club
Sponsor: Jonathan Brady and Joey Medlin
• Health Occupations Students of America Sponsor: Elizabeth Poprik
• Skills USA Sponsor: CTE Teachers
• Business Professionals of America
HO
PR E- P R O
Sponsor: Tina San Angelo
F
Sponsor: Valarie Reed
• LEO Club
• Yearbook
ONAL I S S E
• Cougar Mentors
S E I B B
• Anime Club
Sponsor: Jessica Walsh
• Photography Club Sponsor: Stephen Green
• Game Club
Sponsor: Ed Wetterman
Sponsor: Dennis Rhodes & Chenika Brooks
Graphics by Erin Park and Ayden woods
Sources: Staff Directory and CSHS Clubs and Organizations
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Sports
The Catamount
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Volleyball captain builds confidence, maturity through sport Erin Park Editor-in-Chief
▲Middle blocker and right side attacker Shreya
Sunkari (9) prepares to hit a ball on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The Cougars defeated the Bulldogs all three sets by 25-7, 25-14, 25-14. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART
Nine years ago, a young girl named Shreya Sunkari was playing a casual match of volleyball when a coach recommended that she play competitively. Today, that same girl is a senior and captain of the varsity volleyball team. To Sunkari, who believes she has low self-confidence, volleyball was a stepping stone to earning it. She began playing varsity as a freshman, but to her, her performance as a true player began shining her junior year when she no longer feared the court. “When I began playing with confidence my junior year, my skills didn’t improve compared to when I was a sophomore. I had always had that talent, but my mental game had been screwing with me,” Sunkari said. “Believing that I’m here for a reason has been a huge step for me in my high school career.” Apart from building confidence in her skills, Sunkari is working on bringing out her leadership qualities. For the past three years, she had looked up to the upperclassmen. Now, being in their shoes as a senior and captain, she understands the pressure and responsibility that comes with the title. Because of this, her goal is to mold herself into a better leader. “Being dependable is new to me,” Sunkari said. “I’m exploring that part and am trying to be there for my team, which I am doing by shifting the focus from myself to them.” Sunkari’s ability to be a selfless team player appealed to the head coach Kacie Street. “Shreya is versatile. That is why she is one of our captains,” Street said. “She is willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team, and has done so repeatedly. That takes a lot of maturity and character.”
Street, who has seen Sunkari grow over the past three years, acknowledges the amount of effort Sunkari puts into gaining confidence, growing her game and becoming a leader. This effort had allowed her to be successful both academically and athletically. Street believes that one of Sunkari’s admirable qualities is her humility when addressing these successes. “She is talented in so many areas. If you’ve ever been to a home match, you have heard her sing the national anthem, which is amazing,” Street said. “Even though she has found success in multiple areas, she remains humble. She’s always trying to do better, and that creates one strong work ethic. I think everyone can learn from the example she sets.” Sunkari continues to set an example for her teammates with her strong ambition, especially with this season being her last. Not only that, she maintains a positive outlook even with the Coronavirus pandemic keeping them from having a normal season. “Giving this season my all is one of my goals,” Sunkari said. “Whenever I’m on court, I don’t take it for granted because this is my last year, and I don’t know when our season can be cut because of the pandemic.” The finale of her journey is nearing, but the lessons she has learned prove that Sunkari has displayed tremendous growth through her participation. Although she will not continue to play volleyball in college, her achievements so far are milestones to treasure. “It hasn’t been easy, but she and the other leaders have really gone above and beyond at showing what it takes to be great,” Street said. “Shreya has really shown how committed she is to the team and the program. I am proud of her.” •
The team’s performance so far Block Leaders
Shreya Sunkari 12 (Solo) Emery Georig 11 (Solo) Emma Deegear 8 (Solo)
Dig Leaders
Kiera Herron 226 Ana De la Garza 142 Sources: Cougar Volleyball
Overall Record: 10-3 District: 5-2 (3-way tie for 2nd place)
Kill Leaders
Ana De la Garza 108 Shreya Sunkari 89 Kate McKinney 87 Emery Georig 83 Riley Newton 70
Ace Leaders Ana De la Garza 26 Kiera Herron 26 Macy Nugent 20
Assist Leaders Macy Nugent 221 Abby Peterek 167
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Sports
13
Senior football player finds passion in sport through hardwork Ayden Woods Senior Editor Braced against the line brandishing the number 12 stands senior Bubba Carter. He’s poised in position waiting for the play to be put in motion. “Hut!” As the offense moves, Carter charges out to meet the opposing line. “What makes Bubba a great player is his fearless and relentless approach to the game of football on the field,” football coach Chance Locklear said. “He is a very fast and strong young man with a tremendous punch on contact.” Carter, who currently plays linebacker on varsity, said that he started playing in the 7th grade and enjoyed the sport because of the rough game play. “Bubba has been a lot of fun to coach and work with. He always has a smile on his face and is quick to make people laugh with some silly comment,” Locklear said. Carter said he values his friendships in football and that the team has a strong sense of unity. “We have become closer and have built good team chemistry,” Carter said. “We play all together as one team instead of individuals.” Carter’s commitment to the team has been shown over the past years he has played for CSHS, Locklear said, as Carter has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year, when he played running back. “I think the biggest challenge Bubba has had to overcome is his size,” Locklear said. “He has worked
to make up for that by working extremely hard in the weight room to get stronger and running to improve his speed and footwork to make him difficult to block as well as one of the hardest hitters on our team.” Locklear said Carter has also filled roles on the field that normally would be played by larger people. “Bubba has been willing to play in a position that would usually be a much larger individual because it is what was best for the team and although he has seen tremendous personal success, it has been a sacrifice on his part, which shows his willingness to put the team first,” Locklear said. Carter says that he believes he must overcome mental hurdles. “My biggest challenge with football is having to be disciplined and listen to my coaches instead of just going to the ball and tackling,” Carter said. “ I realized that everyone has a job and if they get it done we work well as a team.” Locklear also said that Carter has improved since he joined the team “As a player, he has grown significantly in his knowledge of the game. He has gone from just running real fast and hoping I get there to a read first then run real fast and get to where I am supposed to be and make a tackle,” Locklear said. The biggest change this year has been COVID-19 Carter said. “The big change in football has been dealing with social distancing and always wearing a mask,” Carter said.
He has grown significantly in his knowledge of the game -chance locklear football coach
Defensive Tackles
▲Senior and linebacker Bubba Carter (12) plays at home against Porter High School on Friday, Oct. 16. The Cougars beat the Spartans 24-14. The next home game will be against Lufkin High School on Nov. 6. PHOTO BY AYDEN WOODS
•
2020 Football Stats Offensive Receiving
Offensive Rushing
Player
Tackles
Player
Receptions Yards
Player
Rushes
Yards
Jaxon Slanker Isaac Almaraz Harrison Robinson Bubba Carter Z Loftin Connor Lingren Byron Johnson Keshaun Cooper Lucas Sampson
44 38 36 30 28 23 20 17 16
Dalton Carnes
10
117
Roderick Brown
53
404
Traylen Suel
23
162
Terry Green
11
31
Houston Thomas
13
138 Bradley Jones
9
99
Kash Richter
5
59
Roderick Brown
10
249
Marquise Collins
37
352
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The Breakfast Club Entertainment
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Local businesses serving different ways to start the day
Mess Waffles Calla Duffield Opinions Editor After spilling nutella and syrup on my white shirt, I understood why College Station’s newest breakfast spot, founded as a food truck by a Texas A&M graduate, is called Mess Waffles (or maybe I’m just a messy eater). On Saturday, I was shocked to find the restaurant full of college students and families. This scared me off for the day, as college students are known vectors of COVID and I was not about to risk dying for a waffle, no matter how delicious. Sunday, my brother and I arrived at 9 a.m. and were pleasantly surprised to find vacant spaces in the adjacent parking lot. Upon entering, I was glad to see two signs mandating masks inside while not eating. As soon my brother and I sat down outside after ordering, college students and families started to pour into the place,
and soon Mess was almost as packed as the day before. The drinks were stunningly different from juice made from concentrate, being tangy and bright but not sour. A minute or so later, a server brought out our order of nutella waffles with strawberries and a snack-sized chicken and waffles, which we split. The nutella order came with a waffle sliced in four quarters and generously drizzled in luxurious hazelnut-chocolate spread. The chicken and waffles, snack size, came with a crispy chicken thigh and a half portion of a square waffle with a side of syrup. The strawberries were fresh and delicious, and as for the nutella, well, it was nutella. As for the chicken and waffles, the waffles weren’t dense, yet they were filling and had a wonderful crunch that comes with the perfect golden-brown hue. The chicken was perfectly cooked on the inside. I enjoyed the whole meal nonetheless. •
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Stella Southern Cafe Ayden Woods Senior Editor I arrived at the crack of dawn on a Saturday just before they opened their doors to the world. It was dark and somewhat cold as I waited to be allowed inside. As the doors were opened I was greeted by friendly staff and an even friendlier aroma. While it carries a modern southern vibe, Stellas has a tasteful classic rustic interior that made me feel as though I was sitting in a refurbished barn. Stella’s home cooked feel made me believe that any
breakfast I choose was going to be a great one. Stella’s menu had a variety of traditional southern breakfast options to choose from. With classic oats and hearty Benedicts, it was a tough decision, but in the end, I decided on the Southern Benedict and the Fresh Banana French Toast. After I ordered my meal I was handed a cup of coffee and a wooden spoon with my number seared into its wooden face. I took a seat outside facing the east just as the sun began to appear on the horizon. Stella’s staff was surpris-
Nutella Waffles at Mess Photo by Calla Duffield
ingly quick, and I was already being delivered my meal within 5 minutes of taking my seat. The Banana French Toast Presentation was neat and made my mouth water with anticipation. The french toast was delicious and was a great appetizer and built up anticipation for the main course, but when Benedict arrived I have to be honest and say I was disappointed. Maybe I ordered the wrong meal for me, but I would say that Stella’s cafe has some great menu items even if my meal was below par. •
Elisabeth Stewart News Editor
Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a feast for any breakfast enthusiast. There’s Peach Cobbler Pancakes, various veggie and meat-filled omelettes and seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Waffles. Another Broken Egg Cafe is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, at Jones Crossing in College Station. A waitress seated us in a room separated from the large dining room, paved with white bricks and decorated with rustic window frames. The restaurant was already filled with college students, families, older couples and Sunday churchgoers. I ordered the Mixed Berry Pancakes, and my mother ordered the Huevos Rancheros. Almost every entrée fits into the price range of $10 to $12, providing a large meal with enough for leftovers. As we waited for our meal, we sipped on strong, dark coffee, served in Another Broken Egg Cafe’s specialized ceramic mugs. The waiters offered us frequent coffee refills as we grew more awake with each sip. The two pancakes came with two eggs cooked to taste and a choice of bacon, sausage or ham. The dollop of mildly-sweet whipped cream balanced the tart, jam-like berries distributed inside the buttery pancakes. The Huevos Rancheros, a plate of eggs, beans and chorizo, were served on top of a crispy bed of fried tortillas. Visitors can avoid the wait time by scheduling their visit on Yelp beforehand or order out to avoid the crowds and still enjoy a classic stack of pancakes for breakfast. •
y
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
The Catamount
Entertainment
15
Fall Traditions
Students celebrate unique cultural holidays Elisabeth Stewart News Editor
As the spookiest night of the year approaches, stores fill with bags of bulk candy, Spirit Halloween advertises ghoulish masks and kids plan their trick-or-treating routes. Halloween “The idea of spookiness and death has to do with Halloween, so [we should think] about how we have limited time, and we should do what makes us happy and spend time with the people that we care about,” freshman Margaret Ferguson said. Though Halloween dominates the fall calender with sales, people also celebrate more religious holidays during the fall. Both religious and commercial holidays celebrate the season as a time of harvest to join together with friends and family. “I think teachers need to be very understanding about the diversity of cultures that they teach,” history teacher Katelyn Jones said. “There can always time for lessons, there’s always time for notes, but making students feel special as individuals, and knowing that you may not know their holidays, but that you care about their traditions, I think is very important.”
Sukkot
“[Sukkot] commemorates the years the Jews spent in the desert on the way to Israel,” senior Daniel Gildin said. “It’s great because I get to spend quality time with family and friends, while not having to be worried about outside factors.” Sophomore Nadav Lavy’s favorite part of the holiday is building the sukkah, or hut, under which the families eat and spend time during the holiday. “I love having people over and eating the good food that we would normally get [for Sukkot], junior Samuel Paul said.
Navaratri
Meanwhile, the Hindu community celebrates Navaratri, the triumph of the goddess Durga over demons to restore dharma, or balance. “There’s different ways to celebrate the different days of Navaratri, which spans nine nights,”
junior Surya Sunkari said. “Regardless of where you are in India, it’s always something related to good over evil.” Sunkari celebrates Navaratri surrounded by his Hindu community, specifically on the ninth night, which represents Durga’s victory. They gather at a temple to perform the dandiya, a line dance, and celebrate with food and rituals. Meanwhile, Senior Shruthi Garla celebrates through an exchange of gifts and food with family and friends, lighting lamps, and sometimes fasting. “People typically associate Hinduism with mystical [things], but it’s just a normal religion,” Sunkari said. “There’s nothing strange about it. It just showcases ideals, [like] good over evil, or good things lead to happiness.”
Día de los Muertos
“Día de los Muertos is an important celebration for the Hispanic community in that we remember and celebrate the lives of the loved ones we have lost,” Spanish teacher Jessica Delgado said. “We honor them by talking about the great things in their lives, what they did, how they made a difference, their favorite things like music, food, hobbies, talents [and] memories of them. We choose to make it a celebration of their lives and not focusing on their deaths.” Back home in Guatemala, sophomores Wendy and Glendy Barrera-Pelico visit a cemetery to honor their grandmother. Especially in Guatemala, they said, children celebrate by flying colorful kites over cemeteries. No matter the celebration--lighting lamps for Navarati, trick-or-treating or building the Sukkah-both secular and religious celebrations provide opportunities to enjoy fall with friends and family. •
Fall Traditon Guide Navaratri • Oct. 17 through Oct. 26, lasting nine nights and ten days • Each night commemorates a different phase of the goddess Durga, who defeats the demon Mahishasura • Celebrations include visiting a temple, lighting lamps, having feasts together and dancing
Sukkot • Sukkot commemorates the 40 years that the Jewish people spent in the desert on their way to the Promise Land • Families build a sukkah, or a hut, to eat and spend time underneath during the holiday
Halloween • Oct. 31, originally called All Hallows Eve • Began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain • Christianity influenced Samhain, creating All Saint’s Day, also called All-hallows
Día de los Muertos • Nov. 1 and 2 • Celebrates the lives of deceased family members with altars, food, music, memories and visits to the cemetery
Graphics by Jenny Langhoff
Sources: BBC Religions, The Indian Express, Jessica Delgado
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Etc.
The Catamount
power to the polls
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
Upcoming election prompts surge in political interest Presidential Ballots Cast
Early Voting Schedule
For Jo Jorgensen
Friday, Oct. 23
“I voted for Jo Jorgensen because while personally I do not identify with either of the major two parties, I didn’t like either candidate this year and I felt that neither had the right idea. I am not a large supporter of Dr. Jorgensen, but my vote was rather a protest of the main two candidates.”
-Tyler Sutton
For Joe Biden “For me the most important thing is character and how our leaders conduct themselves while in the most important role our country has. People look up to our president for strength and pride but also compassion, modesty and the willingness to unify us in times of crisis. Joe Biden isn’t without faults, but I believe he can bring us together and be a better role model to all Americans.”
-John Huber
For Donald Trump “I’ll be voting for Trump and Pence because they support the business and middle class people like me, and I’d love to keep that going for another four years.”
-Josh Marsh
Early Voting Locations College Station Utilities Meeting & Training Facility 1603 Graham Rd, College Station
Memorial Student Center (MSC) Texas A&M University Room L526
Brazos County Administration Building 200 S. Texas Ave, Bryan
Arena Hall
2906 Tabor Rd & N. Earl Rudder Freeway
Galilee Baptist Church 804 N. Logan, Bryan
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 26th - 30th 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Get Informed Why should we vote? It’s easy. It’s important. Our vote matters. Engage yourself and others in the local, state and national races by reading about candidate positions, encouraging all to vote and respectfully discussing the issues. The League of Women Voters publishes a voters guide at Vote411.org that features the unedited statements of candidates in response to LWV questions about major issues. You can even select your preferences and print out a “cheat sheet” to take with you to the voting booth! Scan the QR code for a sample ballot.