The Catamount - Class of 2022 Special Senior Issue by Cougar Media

The Catamount

Don’t Don’t Stop Stop the the Music Music “Hard Times” by Paramore

“The lyrics are relatable to the struggles of high school life, but the upbeat tempo and music really captured the fun of it all as well.”

- Haley Birdwell

“I Will Survive” by CAKE - Caleb Kimmel

“Francis Forever” by Mitski “It’s the song I most associate with my friends, heartbreak, joys and overall high school life.”

- Eden Merritt

“Vienna” by Billy Joel

“This song recently became very special to me because the Strutter seniors danced to it for our senior dance.”

- Mary Claire Simpson

“Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi Graphics by Calla Duffield

“Every kid who is nearing the end of their high school experience has to start thinking about the future and what they want to pursue for the rest of their lives.”

- Owen Green Class of 2022 Playlist

The Catamount asked seniors: “What song best describes your high school experience?” We compiled a playlist with their responses. Scan the code to listen.

“I wish I would have had the courage to approach upperclassmen who directly impacted my growth.” -Lauren Arnold

“I wish I would have spent more time exploring interests instead of things I thought would look good on a resume.” -Hayden Bennett “I wish I hadn’t complained about how much I wanted to hurry up and graduate.” -Camryn Lyons

o ki ng Ba c

“Listening to it helps keep me motivated and driven when times get tough, whether [it’s] school or personal issues.”

ss o f a l 202 C 2

Friday, May 13, 2022

“Enjoy every freakin’ moment, even the moments of stress and anger, because they prove you’ve fought to get to where you are as a senior.” -Zoe Taylor “I wouldn’t change a thing.” -Elijah Brigham “Getting paid for actually doing something everyday for the rest of my life and [being] happy.” -Jymiah Barclay

Looking Forwa rd

Class of 2022 Wrapped

“Becoming a better musician, and eventually performing for tons of people whom I can spread the joy of music to.” -Mary Creel

“Experiencing life outside of being a teenager under my parents’ house. I can’t wait to be on my own and be responsible.” -Kendra Joiner “I just want to be in a point of my life where I could look back and not feel bad about my past decisions. Peace!” -Jesús Martinez “Playing football at the next level and getting to experience a whole new world.” -Adian Porras “Being in the Corps of Cadets and getting in ridiculously good shape for at least those four years of college.” -Daniel Worley

Senior Senior Survey Survey

Friday, May 13, 2022

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By the Years

FAVORITE

Senior

LEAST FAVORITE

59.1%

8.3%

36.7%

Junior 12.1% Sophomore

20.5%

Favori Teachete rs

Freshman

Krystle Lopez

English

Graphics by Calla Duffield

Diane Gillum

English

29.9%

8.3%

25%

I, Skylar Ford, will leave Hunter Ford everything I’ve learned about how to be a better, sibling, friend and person.

Se n Wil ior ls

Class of 2022 Wrapped

I, Allana Frost, will leave Anna Kimber and Katey Pappas my undying love for Andrew Garfield. I, Keaton Hartsell, will leave Jonas Buckner my crazy awesome skills at literally everything because I am the best human alive. I, Anna Scarborough, will leave Emma Hagerman with my clumsy attributes and my cheer uniforms, with love. I, Emma Weatherford, will leave Kyleigh Weatherford my legacy to maintain as the next Weatherford. Don’t mess this up, sis.

I, Jacob Slater, will leave Tyler Chmelar my incredibly good looks.

Lara Leigh Ewing

English

Timothy Pierce

Substitute

I, Noelle Pierdolla, will leave Anamarie Walker my crusty color guard rifle. Catch her strong, girlie.

Favorite Favorite Memories Memories “The energy at the state football game was truly unreal. Even after we lost, watching everyone come together afterwards warmed my heart as I realized just how much the Cougars meant to me.” -Madeleine Renard “In band we performed in the rain at Area after many hours of delay due to lighting, and that was quite possibly the best we performed all year.” -Corbin Riley “The rainy playoff game my freshman year. I’m a Strutter and we got to cheer on the Cougars in the rain.” -Ainsley Vannaman

A.K.A. “Peppermint Guy”

“Going to pep rallies. I didn’t go to a single one this year and now I regret that. It’s honestly a good time, though it may [have seemed] lame.” -Trevor Yeager

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Friday, May 13, 2022

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Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief One muggy March morning in 2012, my mom left my brother and me to run errands, with nothing but a muffin recipe to keep us entertained. Half expecting to meet a fleet of firetrucks upon her return, much to her surprise (and relief), we greeted her at the door clad in muffin mits, holding a dozen perfectly golden oat muffins. More “muffin moments” followed: bonding with my mom over our first apple tart, the first lemon cheesecake with its yellow glaze, even a gluten-free clafoutis. For school and friends, I whipped up strawberry-glazed cupcakes for birthdays, dense matcha muffins just because, even a chocolate layer cake for a teacher. In this way, baking was my first declaration of independence. I could stew over the stove for an eternity and come out with a lemon curd, but also enjoy collaborating on a two-course dinner and dessert with my dad. The kitchen could be a domain entirely my own. As children, we often interpret our parents’ efforts to ensure our safety as attempts to crowd us. But in the kitchen and beyond, I cherish the ways in which my parents and I are tied together. For example, we regularly have spontaneous “jam sessions:” I play piano and sing, my dad plucks his electric guitar and my mom harmonizes and keeps rhythm with bongos (when my brother was still in Texas, he would take over the piano). My brother attends college on the East Coast, and I’ll soon be on the West.

Allana Frost Features Editor I want to say that distance from my parents is just what I need at this stage, that independence is best fostered through a sudden awakening to solo life. While this may be true, I don’t know if I’m ready to leave my parents yet. Perhaps not knowing is the best part, perhaps discomfort and uncertainty breeds opportunity and new connection, but perhaps I’ll find that I hate the mugginess of Northern California. Perhaps the humidity will deflate my french macaroons before they can rise. Perhaps, and this scares me the most, perhaps I will disappoint my parents and myself by not having the resilience to push through whatever comes my way. My future, and all of ours, is full of perhapses. I am in no way a recipe follower when I bake, and the same goes for my other artistic exploits. I love my parents for teaching me that although homecooked food is divine, creative stimulation can feed the soul just as much as any meal. The way to the heart is through the stomach, but, in a way, the way to the stomach is through the heart. Perhaps every uncertainty is an opportunity for fulfillment.•

Theme Song: “A World Alone” by Lorde

Lately, I’ve been listening to Roses by The Band CAMINO, a jazzy roll-downyour-windows kinda song with a twist on an extremely poignant adage: “We’re only human, but wе’ve got hands and hearts and noses so stop and smеll the … roses.” I’ve been so lucky to travel to over 16 countries during these past couple of years, and I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places and cool things, but it took seeing the world for me to realize that the most beautiful roses in life aren’t on another continent, they are the ones right under our noses. I get the same tickling butterflies when the cashier at Target with a beautiful smile glances up at me as I do walking down the street and catching the eye of a gorgeous person in Italy. The sheepdogs in Ireland are no match for my own sugar white labrador who loves to snuggle while we watch Downton Abbey. Michaelangelo’s David is pretty dang cool to walk around in circles and admire, but there is something about the little origami gum wrapper butterflies that I fold with my own fingers when I’m bored in class and set them on my friend’s knee to make them smile that has its own kind of magnificence. I’ve finally realized that I don’t need to cross oceans to live my life to the fullest because there are fields and fields of sweet scented moments right in my backyard. However, I’ve realized that roses have their thorns as well. Not every mo-

ment is going to be perfect. Coming into my senior year, I had so many expectations that I sometimes forgot to live it. I got caught up in the rush of AP classes and looming college applications and spent so much time pondering the past and fretting the future that I forgot that my best life is right in front of me. It was the moments I didn’t expect that made this year bloom. When I would be pouring over calculus problems with my friend, it was the breaks we would take watching Taylor Swift music videos and laughing at ridiculous schoology messages we sent our teachers at two in the morning. It was the little walks with friends between classes when I felt lost in the crowd. It was times like these that I will always remember when I look back to my years in high school. They were not big or dramatic, but like a gentle waft of a rose’s delicate scent, they made me smile, even if just for a moment. Like a Texas field in spring bursting with wildflowers, every single day of our lives are spilling over with these tiny, perfect moments, we just forget to look for them.•

Theme Song: “Beginning Middle End” by Leah Nobel

Closing Credits

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Class of 2022 Wrapped

Seniors reflect on how accurate high school movies are to reality Movie quotes Stats Accuracy? “HSM is accurate because we all came from different places and now we’re all creating unique paths with the memories we made together.” - Iris Choi “We don’t break into dance and sing on top of lunch tables, but I do sing in the hallways when they play Baby by Justin Bieber!” - Shelby Garner “Mean Girls reflects high school in the way that people talk about each other behind their back and gossip. But in the end we find our people and mature in the way we act towards other people as we grow older.” - Trinity Divin “Inaccurate because there wasn’t that big of a social hierarchy.” - Yiting Xu “It’s accurate because it’s about people coming out of their shell and embracing their weirdness.” - Thipurdee Mektrong “Napoleon Dynamite is pretty legit. Everyone is just socially awkward and screwing around but having a good time doing it.” - Andrew Batenhorst

“In my other schools, I was the freaky math girl. It’s cool coming here and being... whoever I wanna be.” - Gabriella Montez

“On Wednesdays we wear pink.” - Karen Smith “Get in loser, we’re going shopping.” - Regina George “Gosh.” - Napoleon Dynamite “Don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day.” - Kip

14 2006 3 41 11 2004 75% 1:37

Troy Bolton’s basketball number year of release

movies, 1, 2 and senior year total songs

grade the plastics are in year of release

average rotten tomato score run time

22 2004 1k 40M

days the movie took to film year of release

Jon Heder’s (Napoleon) salary U.S. movie grossings

Art and compilation by Allana Frost

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Friday, May 13, 2022

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FISH, YOU’VE GOT MAIL

Seniors write letters to freshman siblings to encourage growth, successful futures

ISABELLE AND AUDREY WONG

Dear Parker, I'm so glad we've been able to be in school together this year! I have loved seeing you grow throughout this year! You have already conquered so much throughout your hectic freshmen year, and I'm so proud of you! After multiple times getting COVID, and then the flu back to back, you worked hard and kept a good attitude even though it felt like you were drowning in makeup work. You did it! You made it through this insane year! As you go throughout the rest of high school, my main piece of advice is find your people. Stay active in school events and spend as much time as possible with your friends and family because it ends so quickly! I'm already so proud of what you've accomplished and can't wait to see all the amazing things you do in the future!

Dear Audrey, I am so grateful that we were able to go to CSHS together this year! I know you’re sick of my (allegedly) bad music taste for the car ride home, and you pretend like you won’t miss me, but I know you will. So, here are a couple of things that I’ve learned from my last couple of years that I want to share with you!! Be involved- some of my favorite memories come from my time in different organizations at different meetings, tournaments and social events, and I hope you get that same experience! Don’t be afraid to rest- you are very driven towards success, and I’ve seen you work hard and work long nights… don’t be afraid to rest and refresh when you really need it. Don’t procrastinate- Do not put homework off until 11:30 p.m. at night because you have been doing other stuff that’s not a priority. It’s easier to just do it first and give it over with. Keep running, and keep being yourself. I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to cheer you on in all that you do!! As my little sister, you mean more to me than you will ever know.

Dear Zoe, Wow, I cannot believe that you are basically done with freshman year! You are already growing into an amazing young woman and I cannot wait to see how far you will go! I love you so much and I'm super proud of you and your kind heart. I know that you are going to be an awesome cheerleader and make a great addition to the team! My advice to you going into your next three years of high school is to not take any of the time for granted! It is going to go by so fast and you will blink and be at graduation! The next thing is to make friends with your teachers, and thank them frequently! They sacrifice so much for us and a simple "thank you" can go a long way! And lastly, remember to keep smiling through all the stress and craziness! You are going to face many challenges throughout high school, but they are so much easier to overcome when you have a positive attitude! I love you so much and I'm going to miss you a lot when I go to college!

Love you forever, Isabelle

Love, Shelby :)

CAROLINE AND PARKER COYLE

Love you, Caroline

SHELBY AND ZOE GARNER

Dear Aubrey, So much has happened this year and I am proud of how far you have come. The last few years will fly by so make sure to enjoy them while they last. Some things to remember for the rest of high school: 1. Don’t procrastinate 2. Make as many fun memories as possible 3. Savor your time here at CSHS. It will only last so long I can’t wait to see how far high school will take you. Ryan

RYAN AND AUBREY LAKE

Friday, May 13, 2022

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Class of 2022 Wrapped

THE MORE THE MERRIER Senior twins, triplets reflect on high school experience, unique bond MADELEINE AND KATHERINE RENARD

EMMA AND ANNA SCARBOROUGH

SUMMER AND SAGE SCARMARDO

MADELEINE: “We have this thing that we call

EMMA: “[The best part of having a twin] is always having someone to do something with. I’ve never had to do anything alone, because Anna’s always [by my side]. We’re the same age and share most of the same interests. Now that we’ll be going to different colleges, [it dawned on me that] ‘I’m gonna have to become normal,’ and do stuff by myself or with someone else because she won’t be around.”

SUMMER: “Freshman year, a lot of people could

‘twin-stincts’ where we’ll do [stuff like] walk out of our rooms at the exact same time wearing the exact same thing, [or] we’ll say the same thing at the same time. It’s not that we’re ‘reading each other’s minds,’ but it’s like we are very similarly oriented.”

KATHERINE: “I feel like for the most part [being twins] has strengthened us as people. Being a twin, you do compare yourself to them all the time even if you don’t try to. You’ve gotta find your differences and work on what you’re good at... that will help you individualize.”

ARUF, AHAD AND AMIQ MAKNOJIYA

ANNA: “We get mixed up all the time. It’s

inherent since we’re twins, so we just have to kind of live with that. The majority of times that [teachers] do it, they say, ‘Oh hi Emma!’ and I’ll have to act like her for a moment.”

AHAD: “It never gets boring, [because we all live] in the same house, everything’s entertaining since there’s three of us. There’s just so much stuff to joke around with and knowing that we’re triplets we’ll always have each other.” ARUF: “We have our similarities. We share a lot of the same hobbies. I guess all three of us really enjoy learning about and using technology.” AMIQ: “What’s different about me is that they are

into technology and I’m into construction and business and stuff like that.”

Compiled by staff reporters Dean Crick, Emily Ko and Joi Speck. Photos provided by sources.

not tell us apart, but we kind of understood, and we thought it was funny.”

SAGE: “[Being a twin] is like having a built-in

best friend. She’s kind of stuck with you... because we literally do almost every single thing together, and we have a majority of the same friends.”

HAYDEN AND TURNER CLARKE

HAYDEN: “I had never really been around any other twins until we came to CSHS. We knew Sage and Summer, and when I realized that I couldn’t tell them apart, that’s when I started being more graceful about people who can’t tell us apart.” TURNER: “[My favorite thing about being a twin

is] the reaction on people’s faces when they find out that there’s someone else exactly like me. Nothing beats when they go like, ‘there’s two of you?!’”

Class of 2022 Wrapped

ALABAMA

Auburn University Auburn, AL Christopher Drumgoole | Engineering

The Catamount g

MASSACHUSETTS Harvard University Cambridge, MA Hayden Bennett | Molecular and Cellular Biology

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AK Ellie Hagen | Broadcast Journalism Karis Medlock | Architecture g

CALIFORNIA Laney College Oakland, CA Hannah Haliburton | Psychology

MICHIGAN

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI Areeba Momin | Biology, Health, and Society g

MISSOURI

Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO Simmy Ghosh | Business Administration and Computer Science

Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA Quentin Deming | Journalism

University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA

NEW JERSEY

Princeton University Princeton, NJ

Calla Duffield | Undeclared g

Boya Shi | Chemistry

COLORADO

Fort Collins, CO

Durham, NC

Colorado State University

NORTH CAROLINA Duke University

Abby Munoz | Fashion Design g

Srikrishna Darbha | Chemistry

IDAHO

Rexburg, ID

Cleveland, OH

Brigham Young University-Idaho Elise Wilson | Nutrition and Marketing

OHIO

Case Western Reserve University Eric Finberg | Aerospace Engineering

DePaul University

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

ILLINOIS Chicago, IL

Lily Van Zandt | Theatre Management

Illinois State University Normal, IL Kiley Smith | Undecided

Northwestern University

OKLAHOMA Goodwell, OK

Johnny Villalobos | Criminal Justice

Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Penelope Morris | Theatre Tyler Whileyman | Engineering

Evanston, IL Michael Elko | Economics g

INDIANA

Indiana University Bloomington, IN Garin Artzberger | Business and Finance

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Sage Scarmardo | Business Summer Scarmardo | Business Isabelle Wong | Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN Iris (Minseo) Choi | Undecided g

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA Madeline Arnold | Nursing

Quinn Buchanan | Finance

The University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Kylie Sink | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Friday, May 13, 2022

The University of Oklahoma Norman, OK Skylar Ford | Community Health

The University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK Nicole Womack | Sociology and Business g

OREGON

Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Keira Herron | International Affairs g

PENNSYLVANIA Lafayette College Easton, PA Byron Johnson, Jr. | Civil Engineering

Ursinus College Collegeville, PA Eden Merritt | Pre-Medicine g

SOUTH CAROLINA

Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC Claire Spiller | Sports Management g

Information compiled by Elisabeth Stewart from responses to a survey of seniors in May

TENNESSEE

Sewanee: The University of the South Sewanee, TN Fayth Ham | Environmental Science

TEXAS

Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX

OUR NEXT THE CLASS OF 2022 DEPARTS

Sam Trimble | Engineering

Baylor University Waco, TX Molly Fleener | Business and Language Disabilities Esther Tong | Linguistics Nathan Vernon | Business

BIG HIT The Catamount

Texas State University

Brigham Young University-Provo Provo, UT

Allana Frost | Psychology Kennedy Sharp | Nursing

Texas Tech University

Bryan, TX

Lubbock, TX Devon Lockhart | Agricultural Communication, Agricultural Business, and Animal Science Zoe Taylor | Nursing Kendra Lindsey | Sports Management

Trinity Valley Community College Athens, TX Valerey Contreras | Kinesiology

University of Houston Houston, TX Jett Huff | Undecided Caleb Kimmel | Biology Ved Patel | Computer Science

Blinn College District at RELLIS Bryan, TX Riley Pendleton | Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Collin College McKinney, TX Canyon Wood | Kinesiology

Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX Kendra Joiner | Exercise Science and Education

Lamar University Beaumont, TX Allura Bass | Nursing Ashton Burch | Chemical Engineering

Corbin Riley | Political Science

Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX Kale Jones | Ecospacial Science

Texas A&M University Dawson Schremp | Construction Management

Lone Star College-Tomball Tomball, TX Brooklynne Miller | Veterinary Technology

Rice University Houston, TX Ryland Urbanczyk | Economics

Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Lauren Arnold | Film Edward Johnson | Marketing Emma Weatherford | Interior Design

San Jacinto College Pasadena, TX Bradley Smith | Automotive Science

Schreiner University Kerrville, TX Jordan Hester | Cellular Biology

Southwestern University Georgetown, TX

Texas Christian University

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX Ellen Grisham | Education

University of North Texas Denton, TX Derek Dotson | Hospitality Management and Theatre

University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Noelle Pierdolla | Linguistics

University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX Houston Thomas | Kinesiology

West Texas A&M University Canyon, TX Jack Montgomery | Music Education Stormie Sigler | Agricultural Business

Fort Worth, TX Connor Lingren | Business and Ranch Management Kennedy Scott | Communications

San Marcos, TX

Wyatt Galbreath | International Studies

Class of 2022 Wrapped

UTAH

Utah State University Logan, UT Rand Boivie | Finance Landon Downs | Mechanical Engineering g

VIRGINIA

Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA Emery Goerig | Psychology gg

OTHER

Gap Year Robbie Byroad Michael Dunlap Laila Lenox Joshua Nolen Caity Reza Brooklyn Waldrop

Tess Corker Alana Holland Catherine Newton Brock O'Neal Hollis Watt

Trade School Cade Farrar | Texas State Technical College Gonzalo Gomez | Texas State Technical College Grant Harvey | Texas State Technical College Desmond Kokolis | Tulsa Welding School Sireiah Medrano | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Breanna Mcclung | Flight Attendant School Abraham Salazar | Universal Technical Institute Jacob Smart McKenzie Zunker | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Undecided Bridget Conkel Emily Hernandez Ella McClure

Work

Jymiah Barclay Christopher Gibson Emily Herrera Demarie Thomas Luis Toscano

Garrett Conner Elizabeth Hernandez Felicia Onate Vivas Ronel

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Keira Herron

Byron Johnson

ATHLETICS

Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief

Friday, May 13, 2022

The Catamount

oon after arriving at Oregon State University in early June, senior Keira Herron will embark on a trip to Europe with her future volleyball teammates to play against national teams. Not only “a great way to get to know the girls [on the team],” the trip aligns with her travel aspirations, Herron said. As an international affairs major, “I would love to work overseas,” Herron said. “Since I was younger, one of my biggest passions [has been ending] human trafficking,” which she hopes to do through the State Department. Beyond academics, Herron is an award-winning volleyball player, filling the libero position on the CSHS varsity team. Herron said she enjoys the “point for point grittiness” and high-stakes plays. “Every single point matters, and every play matters. You’re always focused, and every ball counts,” Herron said. “That’s my mentality when I play. You’re all in.” This constant effort also comes with an intrinsic need for excellence, Herron said. “I get very frustrated when I can’t be perfect all the time. I’m only a perfectionist in sports, but when I can’t [master a move], it’s the most frustrating thing to realize [I] have to keep practicing,” Herron said. “You have to fail [over and

ATHLETICS

over again] until you can succeed.” Herron is the volleyball team captain, a co-captain and goalie on the varsity soccer team and a discus thrower in track. Being “all in” for multiple sports and many years has, at times, left her “overworked and overwhelmed,” Herron said. “Sophomore year, I was glad for COVID-19. It gave me a break. Sometimes when a sport ends I’m sad, but also half relieved I don’t have that on my back anymore,” she said. “It’s very rewarding in the end. The good outweighs the bad because I love my teammates.” This year, Herron earned all-state volleyball honors on the second team, making her one of the two best liberos in the state. “Junior year I wasn’t all-state, and I wasn’t the district defensive player. I didn’t win all the awards,” she said. “So it was like, ‘wow, the hard work has paid off, I’m getting recognition for everything that I’ve been putting in for the last 18 years.’”•

Theme Song: “Themes” from Pirates of the Caribbean by Hans Zimmer

Elisabeth Stewart Managing Editor

ome athletes play for the glory of the win or the dream of a shiny State Championship ring; when he stands on Cougar Field preparing for the next down, senior Byron Johnson Jr. plays for his father. “Freshman year, I lost my dad. That inspired me to make him proud,” Johnson said. “Everything I do, he’s always on my mind. I don’t think I could ever not [make] an effort, or ever not be determined to be good at what I’m doing.” In February, Johnson committed to playing D1 football, tweeting, “This one is for my dad.” Next year, the two-sport athlete plans to study engineering while playing football at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He started playing football in the sixth grade through a Little League team in Bryan. “At one point, I considered playing basketball in college instead of football but I started seeing how good I was getting at football,” Johnson said. A home visit with Lafayette College Co-Defensive Coordinator Lewis Walker convinced Johnson that Lafayette College was the place for him. “[Coach Walker] sat in my house and talked to me,” Johnson said. “He really had a plan for me, and I felt like he can help me grow, not only as a football player, but as a man.”

In between games, Johnson said that the best part of his experience was spending time with his teammates. “You grow a bond that’s bigger than just being football teammates,” he said. “You grow a bond that turns them into your brothers.” Those bonds became especially important when Johnson’s father passed away in 2018. “The relationship with my dad was big,” Johnson said. “He was kind of like my best friend, especially because we have the same name. He really made me into the man I am today.” During that time, football Coach Steve Huff invited Johnson to stay with the Huff family. “I was going through so many things and he welcomed me into his home,” Johnson said. “Without him, I would not be where I am now.” As one of 67 students chosen for the CSISD Hall of Fame, Johnson honored Coach Huff this spring. “I’m determined to be great,” he said. “I’m gonna push myself every day, no matter what I’m going through. Everything that I’ve been through just pushes me to want to be good in life.”•

Theme Song: “Dreams 2 Reality” by Lil Baby

Friday, May 13, 2022

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Boya Shi T

he wonderous world of art embraced senior Boya Shi when her parents first enrolled her in painting and sketching classes. From those courses to countless hours of dissecting YouTube tutorials, Shi’s hands have perfected skills such as colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, acrylics, oils, pastels, clay and paper mâché. Shi’s art journey broadened when she enrolled in CSHS’ art courses. “I’m grateful to [the CSHS Art program] in many ways,” Shi said. “[Art at CSHS] has challenged me in numerous aspects like creativity. I feel like I wouldn’t have been able to branch out and try different art styles without taking the courses here.” Alongside art courses, freshman Shi pushed herself to join Cougar Speech and Debate to improve her public speaking skills. “I really enjoyed the [Speech and Debate team] and the importance of being able to speak [clearly] and present your ideas,” Shi said. “When you’re able to [communicate effectively], you can form connections with different types of people you haven’t before.” Sophomore Shi expanded her horizons joining LEO club. “Sometimes we get so caught up in our school work, lives, and extracurriculars and don’t take a look at the community around [us],” Shi said. “I think

Landon Downs MISSION

ART

Briceida Bellon Assistant Editor

Class of 2022 Wrapped

[service] was a wake up call for me to take a step back and see what’s happening around the community.” The service opportunities offered in LEO club inspired Shi to volunteer outside of the organization at the library and hospital, where her art and design skills were put to use. Although her involvement in volunteer work, extracurriculars and AP courses became stressful at times, because art was always something Shi could fall back to, Shi described high school as a “journey of growth.” “High school presented me with new challenges, and if I’m being completely honest, sometimes art became the root of my stress that day, but most of the time it has been a shoulder for me to lean on,” Shi said. “I think the best way to navigate life is to cherish things you’re passionate about.” Shi will attend Princeton University this fall with a plan to major in chemistry and minor in visual arts. “With chemistry, biology and art, there are crossovers,” Shi said. “When I’m reading textbooks and looking at diagrams, my art background has helped me visualize things and helped me figure out how to piece things together.”

•

Theme Song: “Coastline” by Hollow Coves

Sadie Rigby Staff Reporter

enior Landon Downs will be serving a proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints following his graduation. Downs explains that the worthy young men of his church are asked to serve missions because it is their priesthood duty. “Since I’ve turned 18, and am graduating high school, I figured it would be best to serve instead of going to college first because I’m transitioning to a new phase of life,” Downs said. “I’m leaving high school and having to start my life over, so this would be the best time to serve.” To prepare for his missions, Downs will be attending the Missionary Training Center (MTC), which prepares young men and women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on how to be appropriate missionaries. As part of this very formal training, Downs attends seminary provided by the church every morning before school Monday through Thursday. “Seminary is basically an early morning bible study. Class starts at 6:30, so I get up at 5:30 to get ready for the day,” Downs said. “We learn, we talk and it serves as another class. I’m committed to going to seminary because I know that I gain so much out of it.” Downs has spent his high school career involving himself in all sorts of school activities, many of which have

bloomed into accomplishments this year. Most notably, Downs was casted as Horton the Elephant, the lead in this year’s school musical, “Seussical.” This was a commitment as well as an achievement, Downs explains. “There was never a moment where I could just sit back and not pay attention,” he said. “The role required a lot of mental discipline and a lot of commitment too. It was rigorous, but I enjoyed the process so much because it was so fun to see the ideas and characters come to life.” On top of being in this year’s musical and play, Downs involved himself in SkillsUSA by competing as a carpenter and going to state. He plays the cello in orchestra and is on the golf team. Downs also acts as the fundraising chair for the College Station chapter of Young Americans for Freedom. “My high school experience was definitely stressful and difficult. At the same time I would also say it was very fun, very enjoyable,” he said. “Even though I’ve been stretched thin doing so many different things, it’s been so much fun because I’ve been so fulfilled doing it.”

•

Theme Song: “Secrets” by OneRepublic

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Abraham Salazar TECHNICAL Dean Crick Staff Reporter

technical career covers a wide variety of jobs whether that be a mechanic, biotechnician, or any of many other jobs. However, they do all have one characteristic in common. “It’s more like a hands on type of work,” future technician Abraham Salazar said. “You use other tools to do whatever work you need to do in order to get the solution.” Salazar’s interest in the technical field began when he was 5 and saw the movie “Cars.” Later when he was 7, his father allowed him to drive a Gator around the place where he worked. A few years later, Salazar started to fix an old rusty 1954 Jeep with his father, and he continued to work on vehicles for several years afterward, but by now he was nearing the end of Salazar’s senior year. “It finally hit me ‘Oh shoot, I’m about to graduate, I don’t know what exactly I want to do with my future,’” Salazar said. “Luckily, I saw this school called Universal Technical Institute.” Salazar realized that to become a successful technician, he would need additional training. And Salazar was fortunate to be somewhere where he could

Friday, May 13, 2022

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explore a future in technical skills. “Most scholars don’t pursue long goals and get to a technical school. It’s always about going to college, college, college,” Salazar said. “The thing is, I was not willing to spend a lot of money without knowing what career I wanted.” For Salazar, that future career would turn out to be a diesel technician, just like his father. “From what I see, if it’s a job knowing that you’re going do your entire life, you either have to look and say that ‘Oh I’m getting paid for something I love to do’ more than just working your life just to get the money,” Salazar said. And for Salazar, having a future as a technician has another, more personal attraction besides the money and his love of working with his hands. “More than anything, I just want to make my dad proud knowing that I succeeded in going to a tech school, following basically his steps and becoming a diesel technician,” Salazar said.•

Most scholars don’t pursue long goals and get to a technical school

-Abraham Salazar senior

Theme Song: “Kids” by MGMT

Elise Wilson

BUSINESS Allana Frost Features Editor

any people work to earn money, but senior Elise Wilson is hoping to learn how to make money work for her. Recently committed to BYU Idaho, Wilson pursued many options of majors and unearthed a deep interest in finance. Wilson grew up in a home where money was used for protection and opening doors of opportunity, rather than impulse buys and instant gratification, and thus sees a deeper value in green papers than simply monetary. Her dad, who grew up in poverty, spurred away from experiencing the same fate and trained to become a police officer, a certified pilot, an ER doctor and an entrepreneur of the Caprock ER. “[He] would just get bored of [the jobs], so he would pick up and decide it was time to move on and try a new thing,” Wilson said. “With my dad’s whole experience with fearing for his life basically every day and never knowing when they were going to get food and then his parents getting a divorce, [I realized that] so much bad stuff happens from poverty. You can’t afford to live in a safe place. You can’t afford to feed your kids. Basically I’m scared of all that happening because I’ve heard it happen to so many of my family members, and I’m not ok with that happening to me.” Wilson’s drive to not face the same fate as some of her extended relatives

has driven her to reevaluate society’s engrained perceptions of money. “I think people oversimplify it,” Wilson said. “So many people are saying that you can chase your dreams and [not] worry about the money, and that’s all great but money provides you with the means to chase your dreams. I’m all for chasing your dreams but nothing can happen without money and a lot of bad things happen when you don’t have money.” Witnessing the consequences of a lack of funds not only led Wilson to become extremely careful with her own earnings, but also to explore its complexities and efficient ways to earn it. “With money it’s more like knowing how to manage it than the making of it,” Wilson said. “I’m a very frugal person, but I really want to learn how to invest because it’s the easiest way to exponentially gain money.” Wilson seeks to funnel her frugality with funds into college classes or a major, and one day a secure future that allows her the freedom to do the things she loves with those she loves.•

Theme Song: “Happier than Ever” by Billie Eilish

Friday, May 13, 2022

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CORP BAND

PSYCHOLOGY

fter taking AP Psychology with teacher Jessica Kouba last year, senior Emily Hord gained a passion for psychology. “I just found it so interesting. I was engaged every day,” Hord said. “I just didn’t find that in any other classes, where I was super willing to learn about what was going on in that class.” Next fall, Hord will major in liberal arts at the University of Texas. “Psychology is the study of the human mind, and why we act the way we act,” Hord said. “There are many different fields that you can go into: human interaction, neuroscience, and there are so many different branches of it you can study.” With a focus on human interactions, Hord hopes to become a physical therapist after college. “I chose UT because I wanted to push myself. I didn’t want to just settle,” she said. Hord credits Kouba with initially challenging her to succeed, helping to discover her love for the human mind. “She really helped me push myself to do well and get grades on tests I didn’t know I could,” Hord said. “That also helped me choose my career path. She really inspired me to be successful.” In psychology, Hord made lasting memories with her classmates. “We would play a lot of games, which was fun,” Hord said. “There was this one

Ryan Lake

Emily Hord

Emily Borham Staff Reporter

Class of 2022 Wrapped

where you would get into multiple groups and solve puzzles, but then Mrs. Kouba would pick three people to secretly go around to other tables and steal pieces. Nobody knew who she picked, and so everyone would get really competitive. It was really funny and I just remember it getting intense every time we played.” Outside of psychology, Hord played goalie for the Lady Cougar soccer team this year and attended volleyball games with her friends. “Most of us are all going our separate ways, so I feel like that’s what I’ll miss the most,” Hord said. “We are used to seeing each other every day, so it’s going to be difficult going from seeing each other every day and hanging out all the time to seeing each other on holidays.” While she feels “bittersweet” about leaving high school, she’s excited to see “what the future holds.” “I’m excited to have some independence because I’m moving away from my hometown, so it will be kinda nice to be on my own and see how I can learn and grow as an individual,” Hord said. “I feel like I’ve been formed around other people, so it will be nice to see how I can do things on my own.”•

Theme Song: “Good Old Days” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Cheyenne Clark Staff Reporter

eating on his bass drum along with the Cougar drumline is senior Ryan Lake, the section leader of the group who has been a part of the Cougar Band since his freshman year. “It felt amazing to be section leader,” Lake said “I put so much hard work into being section leader this year and I hope I set an example for others.” Lake’s plans after high school include going to Texas A&M University and joining the Corps of Cadets where he can study business and join the famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. “I chose to major in business at Texas A&M because I want to stay close to my family while also having a fun time in college,” Lake said. “In the long term, I hope to accomplish many achievements such as getting my degree and following through with the Corps of Cadets, as it is known to be challenging to stay in.” He began playing percussion in the 7th grade. In high school, Lake said that his most valuable moments include playing the drums at football games and seeing the crowd’s reaction. “I love being in the drumline because of the great experiences you get out

of it,” Lake said. Lake said his most surprising moment in high school was whenever he made drumline captain his senior year. “I have learned that in order to be successful in high school and in life, you need to be efficient in planning ahead on things like homework and studying,” he said. Lake’s inspiration for attending Texas A&M is because of his dad attending and all of the fun experiences and stories he tells him. “I am interested in the field of business because I want to accelerate my knowledge on how products are bought and sold in the marketing industry,” Lake said. Lake said that he is “excited and nervous for college because of the unpredictable future.” As Lake wraps up his senior year, he offers advice to underclassmen: “High school flies by, so remember to enjoy every moment,” he said. “In the end, you will have wished it lasted longer.”•

I put so much hard work into being section leader -Ryan Lake senior

Theme Song: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Leilani Bell

Surya Sunkari

MEDICINE

Katherine Gulde Senior Editor

Friday, May 13, 2022

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hrough her involvement in CSHS volunteer oppurtunities, social settings, and family life, senior Leilani Bell discovered her love for caring for others, which led her to develop an interest in nursing as a career. “When I entered high school, I started to do a lot of volunteering, and I realized that working with other people is something I wanted to do in the future,” Bell said. “I further joined clubs such as HOSA, and eventually along the way came to the conclusion that nursing would be a good fit to further these interests because it presents me with the opportunity to continue helping others.” Not only did volunteer opportunities spark Bell’s heart when searching for her career path, but the classes she took at CSHS also insp. “The curriculum here has allowed me to pursue and expose myself to interests that specifically cater to a specialty in medicine, which has allowed me to prepare myself for my future career and better understand what I want to do after graduating,” she said. Although educational and social settings had a big role to play for Bell, what truly turned her head toward nursing was her family. “Two of the biggest role models in my life that led me towards this career

PROGRAMMING pathway are my parents. Since they are both nurses, I grew up being able to hear stories and their perspective and interactions in the healthcare field,” she said. “Over time, this exposure made me more acclimated toward a profession in medicine, so I followed down the same path.” Bell will begin her medical studies at The University of Houston this fall and, although she doesn’t know what field of nursing she wants to pursue, she is excited to be more hands-on in medical training than she could in high school. “I don’t have any specific specialties I am currently set on, mainly because I don’t have a strong grasp on the atmosphere associated with each,” Bell said. “I feel like I won’t be able to really understand what suits me best until I put myself in the medical setting and get a firsthand experience of the environment.” Overall, Bell longs to get into the medical field and care for others as she would care for her loved ones. “Personally, being a nurse means pursuing the opportunity to extend my hand out to others, and serving with the compassion and care I would exhibit for my own family,” she said.•

Theme Song: “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran

Sonya Lin Staff Reporter

enior Surya Sunkari has always had determination to study computer science to help enhance people’s lives and further advance the world. He has known the potential of computer science from a young age. Through his efforts and determination he has won himself a future at the University of Texas to study computer science. “You can use artificial intelligence and machine learning to figure out the most efficient ways to accomplish a task,” he said. “This could be translated to more important fields, like health, math, transportation, etc. If I become good at machine learning, I can impact the world by making operations as efficient as it could possibly be through the use of simulations.” Like all of us, Sunkari has had to overcome personal struggles stepping into high school. “In the beginning, freshman and sophomore year, I had a lot of trouble socializing with people,” he said. “I didn’t have a lot of close friendships. I didn’t really open up to a lot of people. Then I gradually started opening up and hanging out with friends a lot more and that made me a lot happier.” Sunkari’s interest in computer science has motivated him to strive for a spot in UT’s computer science program.

However, that is not the only reason he has chosen the University of Texas. Sunkari explains that UT offers the benefits he was looking for in a school. “I chose UT because it provides a mix of both prestige and accessibility. The UT Computer Science program is ranked among the top 10 in the nation, meaning it’s competitive to get into and provides a relatively high quality education,” he said. “Additionally, going to an in-state college that’s not in College Station gives me the independence that I really want as a college student, while staying somewhat close to my parents so that I can visit home often.” As he moves on to the next chapter in his life, Sunkari thinks back on his own high school experience and extracts a meaningful lesson he has learned to help assist incoming freshmen. “There’s one ideology that I came by which my friends don’t necessarily think is the best. It’s that ‘it always works out in the end’ and ‘if it isn’t working out, then you haven’t waited long enough,’” he said. “Don’t stress about things you have no control over, just stick through and eventually it will get better.”•

Theme Song: “Umbrella” by Rihanna

Top 22 Moments

Friday, May 13, 2022

Hoco

Big Art Day Jungle Jam

Powder Buff

18 19

20 21 22

Senior Trip Will Smith Oscar slap

Seussical Senior Skip Day Photo provided by Simmy Ghosh

Ice Days

BPA Nationals

Photo provided by Rylan Dalton

Football to State

Photo provided by Hunter Voitier

Winter Olympics

Photo provided by Isabelle Wong

Christmas Concerts

9 10

14 15

Class of 2022 Wrapped

Powder Puff

“Red” Taylor’s Version

Photo provided by Trinity Divin

Photo provided by Isabelle Wong

“As It Was” Harry Styles

12 13

Photo provided by Annie Sellers

Senior sunrise

Mr. CSHS

Photo provided by yearbook

Photo provided by Emily Hord

3 4

7 8

Midsummer Night’s Dream

Photo provided by Emily Hord

Senior Overalls Ove

Band goes to State

Photo provided by Sam Moder

Photo provided by Shelby Garner

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Prom